A/N: Edited
Chapter Four: Formal Introductions
The next morning, Hermione Granger woke with purpose. Had she been dreaming? It must have been a dream; after all who would name a witch Sabrina? She was determined to find answers to her questions.
She begged to be released from the infirmary; Poppy promptly refused. Threats of sticking charms wore Hermione down. She agreed to stay in exchange for answers. Poppy pulled out parchment and set her wand to transcribe Hermione's medical records as they ate breakfast.
They had reviewed the parchment and treatment attempts as Harry returned with Ginny and Ron in tow. Fresh tears, hugs, and more platitudes did not satisfy her.
"Your parents are on their way from holiday in Australia. They can't wait to see you." A very pregnant Ginny informed her.
Hermione could not keep her hands off of Ginny's belly. "I guess you and Harry are married now. How did he propose?"
Harry put his hand on Ginny's shoulder, "It was a bit of a somber affair but we couldn't be happier. And soon, Sabrina gets a cousin."
"When can I see Sabrina again? How does she handle not having a mother? When is her birthday? Where do they live? And where did the name Sabrina come from, Harry?" Hermione started firing off questions.
Ron laughed, "Our little know it all hasn't changed. Sabrina is fine, she visits you every day. And where do gits live? In the dungeons, of course!"
"Git, I would have thought you guys were over the name calling by now."
"Yeah right! We hang out with Sabrina and Snape just about every week and he still refers to us as Potter and Weasley. He still calls Ginny, 'Miss Weasley' no matter how many times we remind him she's married." Ron answered.
At this Hermione grinned, "At least some things have stayed the same in the four years I slept. Harry, where did the name Sabrina come from?"
Harry started to stifle his laugh. Hermione raised an eyebrow and schooled her face into a stern look. Unable to hold it in, she burst out laughing and Harry joined her loudly. Confused by the odd behavior, Ron and Ginny just stared at them.
"We won't have to worry until she's a teenager. It was in Snape's family and it's better than Septima or Octavia." Harry answered her.
With the arrival of the Headmistress, the group rearranged the chamber to accommodate a dining table and chairs. Poppy joined them as platters of meats, cheeses and breads filled the table.
Ginny left the table to call down to the kitchens through the floo. A moment later, a cheeseburger and a key lime pie popped up on the table. She made happy sounds as she ate.
"She never liked burgers before she was pregnant." Harry told them.
Minerva smiled at this, "When we are done with lunch, Hermione, I will be happy to take you to Severus' quarters. You could spend some time with Sabrina."
Hermione wiped her mouth with the napkin and stood, "I'm done!"
~~~~O-O~~~~
Finally discharged by Poppy, Hermione led the group to the dungeons. Harry and Ginny falling to the back of the line.
"Severus has a nice guest suite attached to his quarters. You will be comfortable there while you ease into this situation." said Minerva.
Expecting them, Sabrina couldn't wait until they reached the door. She ran down the hall and wrapped herself around Hermione's legs, "Mummy! Mummy! Mummy! Come see my room!"
"Hi Aunt Minnie! Hi Uncle Ron!" Sabrina yelled as she dragged Hermione into the warm and comfortable living quarters.
Hermione looked around surprised to see how the serious and snarky professor lived; not that she expected whips and chains but perhaps a green and silver color scheme with snake accents. Instead the quarters had a large open floor plan with living room and dining room decorated with neutral colors. There was a door that must have led to a kitchen and a long hallway towards the sleeping quarters.
Professor Snape stepped out of the study across from the living room. The French doors opened into a sizeable room with filled with bookcases and two desks, one for the professor and the other small desk (more of an art table really) sat below an enchanted window. He nodded at the group gathered in his home.
"Sir..." Hermione started but she was tugged down a long hall by a small yet very strong little person.
"Miss Weasley, I trust you are well." Snape inquired.
"Oh yes, Professor, just two more months to go." Ginny smiled as she sat in an armchair by the fireplace.
Harry and Ron settled themselves at a chess table as Snape excused himself to speak with Minerva in a quiet corner of the room.
~~~~O-O~~~~
Sitting on the carpet of the magical child's room, Sabrina introduced her mother to the some of most important people in her life. "And this is Dragon, his name is Dragon, Uncle Harry got me Dragon and Hippo, my Hippogriff. And Nanna got me this hippotamess and her name is Lucy NOT Hippo! And Nanna got me this mermaid, her name is Ariel just like the movie, and this is my unicorn and her name is Corny and NOT Uni like Uncle Ron says…"
Hermione was enchanted by this girl whom she had met for five minutes. How could she already feel a surge of love towards her? How is it possible that Sabrina was so comfortable with her? She studied the little girl as she spoke non stop and showed her around her room. Sabrina had chubby cheeks sprinkled with a few freckles, and a little tiny nose. Her brown hair was in braids again so she didn't know if Sabrina had inherited Hermione's curls. She definitely had her brown eyes. She was a miniature version of her mother.
Hermione looked around the room, the walls were light yellow with twinkling fairy lights hanging from the ceiling. The enchanted window displayed an ocean scene with tropical fish and a coral reef. The toddler sized furniture were in a cottage style with a crisp white finish.
On one side of the room, an old fashioned dollhouse was lined up against the wall next to a toy chest was filled with classic toys (similar to her own when she was a child). The opposite wall held a sturdy rocking chair and lined with short bookcases with photo frames and figurines on the top. The open closet revealed a cubby system that divided up the everyday and special occasion items; all neatly labeled (dress robes, play clothes, swimwear, dancewear, winter gear). The room was perfect for a little girl with room to play on the thick carpet while staying organized and uncluttered.
With introductions complete, Sabrina tucked in her stuffed friends into her tiny bed and went over to the bookcases, where she pulled out book after book.
Hermione noticed the picture frames. There were many photos of her as well as Harry, Ron, and her parents. A double frame held a muggle photo of a baby Sabrina in the arms of a serious looking Snape and on the opposite side, a wizarding photo of a smiling Snape throwing Sabrina up in the air as she howled with laughter.
Finding the perfect book, the three year old climbed into Hermione's lap and said "Read Madeline to the Rescue; it's my favorite."
"It was my favorite too when I was your age." Hermione told her daughter.
Opening the book, Hermione saw her own name written in a childish scrawl.
"Your mother thought Sabrina would enjoy having your old books." Snape said from the doorway of the room.
Shyly, Hermione looked up at the imposing man. "I didn't realize that you were acquainted with my parents, sir."
Ginny came into the room, side stepping the professor, "Your parents and the professor are great friends. They will arrive this evening and you can catch up."
"Sabrina, please join me in the dining room for lunch." Snape said to his daughter.
"Can Mummy and I finish this book first?" She asked with a little pout.
"Yes. And remember..."
His instructions were cut off by her, "And remember to wash hands and use SOAP this time."
Startled by the cheeky response, Hermione was shocked when she saw him looking at Sabrina with a stern look, his thinned lips quirking. He walked out before he broke into a smile.
Ginny sat in the rocking chair as mother and daughter resumed the story.
"Aunt Ginny, are you named after Genevieve in this story?" Sabrina asked.
"No, I wish I was but my full name is Ginerva."
"My full name is Sabrina Jane Snape. Maybe you should name the baby Genevieve or Madeline."
"Maybe I should name the baby: Lord Cucuface!"
Giggling, the little girl ran off to wash her hands.