32

"We're losing her! We're losing her!" A healer shouted over Hermione Snape's prone form. Around her healers frantically cast spells and reviewed the new mother and bride's stats which floated above her bed. There was a moment when an eerie beep sounded in the operating room; however, the patient was revived and a pulse was found once more. The healer's faces were all scrunched in concentration as they worked. This wasn't just any patient, but a war hero and a young woman who deserved a chance to live life as a happy wife and mother of three.

They had to save her.

But the blast had dealt a great deal of internal damage. It was more than just the deep wound in her chest, but also tissue damage and extreme blood loss. For a while it was unclear if all of their efforts would be in vain or not. However a miracle happened, Hermione finally began to show signs of recovery. Once she stabilized, the relieved team of healers brought her back to her private room. They found the rather exhausted looking father, passed out half slumped over the bed, covered by a tiny baby blanket that did little to cover him. They were tempted to wake him, but figured he deserved his rest. Besides, their news could wait. They transferred Hermione to the bed beside his chair.

********Hermione*********

Her body felt heavy and sore. And yet, too light at the same time. She felt like she slept for a week but was still tired. The lids of her eyes must have had weights on them, but she muscled through the pain and opened them. The bright light forced her to squint, but as she slowly turned her head, Seeing Severus by her side made her smile. With a shaking hand Hermione reached out to run her fingers through his hair. She had so many questions but right now she was just glad to see him alive and well. Hermione's hand drifted down towards his cheek and she stroked his strong jawline. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, a small cry rang out.

Her babies.

Just like that, Hermione's heart gave a sharp tug and her eyes welled with tears. She pressed her hand against his cheek, needing Severus's attention. "Wake up my love," she urged, as the infant's cries grew louder. "My….our babies need us. Oh God, I can't wait to see them. Please Severus wake up!"

Her husband jerked awake and bolted upright in his seat, blinking at the harsh light. When he finally registered her presence his eyes widened comically. "Hermione! Honey, you're awake!" He grasped her hand in both of his, tears in his eyes. "You have no idea how scary this has been for me. I thought…. I thought I…."

Fresh tears ran down Hermione's face as well, "Oh Severus I know exactly how you feel. You've given me quite a scare before, remember?"

Severus grinned, "Actually yes, yes I do. I remember everything and it has made me fall in love with you all the more. Even when I thought that was impossible. But I was also devastated that you might never know that my memory returned."

"I'm sorry for scaring you, but I'm here now and I'm not going anywhere. And while I was happy even when you didn't have your memory, I'm ecstatic to see it returned. I love you so much, Severus. My darling husband," Hermione shared his grin and their lips met in a soft kiss. Before the kiss could deepen, another cry interrupted them.

Severus chuckled, "Ah yes, my darling wife, I do believe our children are anxious to meet their brave mother. They are so strong and healthy. You saved them, you know? The healers told me how your magic protected them. I'm so proud of you, my love."

Hermione's heart felt warm and she wondered if it was possible for her to drown in her own tears. As sore as she was, she felt like leaping out into the bed and taking her family into her arms. "I am anxious to meet them as well. You know, I was so afraid of losing them, I was prepared to give my life for them. I didn't want to leave you, but I wasn't sure if I would survive. But I wanted to make sure you weren't alone and that my love for you could live on through them." Looking into his dark gaze, Severus was clearly overcome with emotion and they shared an embrace. Holding onto each other with a new appreciation for the breath and warm flesh they each held. They almost lost each other and now they had a second chance. "So, what have you named them?"

"Actually, I haven't. I've been waiting for you," Severus explained. "I hoped that you would pull through this and now," he smiled and brought the rolling bed that housed the triplets over to her bed. "Meet your two sons and your daughter," he prompted, carefully lifting each babe and placing them in her arms.

"Oh my God Severus," she whispered in awe, hugging them close to her bosom. "They're beautiful. Thank you so much for watching over them and me. You've been tested at an early stage in our marriage and I will never forget this. You and our little ones have been so strong and they need names that reflect that; don't you think?"

Severus nodded, "Absolutely. I know we mentioned Reynard for one of the boys…"

"Which one came out first?" Hermione asked and Severus checked their bracelets to find the birth order. It was boy, boy, and then their little girl. Hermione turned to the first boy. "Let's call him Reynard then. Reynard Severus Snape," she grinned, looking up at her husband for his approval.

He smirked, "Quite the moniker. I am honored, love. And I insist our daughter bears your name as well. How about…..Arabella Hermione Snape?"

"I think that sounds lovely. And for our other little one? He needs a strong name too." They thought for a while, with Hermione rocking the triplets gently. She couldn't help the sappy smile on her face as she looked down at them. "Perhaps something from Dumbledore? I've always liked Brian..."

Severus pondered that and added, "Well, I like Maximus…."

"Okay, Maximus Brian Snape it is," Hermione grinned. "I think they really fit. Reynard, Maximus, and Arabella, our beautiful triplets have such great names. God, I'm so grateful for you all."

Severus smirked and sank down onto the bed with her, drawing them all into his arms. "Me too. I never want to let go. This is my world, right here. I almost lost you all and I'm so grateful I didn't. I love you all."

"We love you too Severus," Hermione replied, tilting her head to kiss him gently before settling in his embrace and just basking in the love around her.