Chapter Ten
Just before curfew, Amelia, Teagan, Bailey, and Finn spend some time in the Slytherin common room. She paces back and forth, anxious about dueling Stone, while the fire crackles into life, taking the edge off the silence. There is a sense of concern written across the faces of the four friends as they gaze at each other.
"Why am I so stupid? I-I can't do this!" Amelia said, panicking. Her friends tried to reassure her, offering encouragement. They remind her of her skills and strengths and tell her that she will be fine if she just keeps her head and trusts her instincts.
"Then why did you accept the challenge?" Finn asked. Amelia was silent for a moment, thinking to herself: I guess I wanted to prove something to myself.
"Because I'm not a damned chicken!" Amelia was feeling the need to prove that she was capable of taking on a difficult task and seeing it through to the end, no matter the consequences. She wanted to prove to herself that she was brave and strong enough to accept the challenge.
"You're going to be fine Amelia; we have complete confidence in you!" Teagan comforted her friend. Although she doubted the outcome.
Amelia catches Scorpius coming down the stairs from the boy's dormitory. She stops in her tracks and smiles. His blue eyes stare into hers and he smiles. She can feel her heart racing and her cheeks flush as they stand there, locked in a moment of connection. She can sense the electricity between them, and she can't help but wonder where it will lead.
"Hey, Scorpius." Scorpius met the group and sat down next to Bailey.
"What's going on?" Scorpius inquired. Scorpius was being friendly and inquisitive, wanting to know what the group was talking about and showing interest in joining the conversation.
"Amelia is about to duel Stone on the Quidditch pitch," Bailey responded.
"And I'm bloody freaking out!" Amelia paces again. She was already feeling better, but the thought of the upcoming duel made her heart race and her palms sweat. She took a deep breath and paced again.
"You're creating a trench, if you keep that up." Teagan sneered. Amelia gave her one of her 'side-eye glares.'
"Why on earth would you do that?" Scorpius questioned as he grabbed some grapes from the table beside him.
"Because Stone is an arse, I wasn't the only one who laughed at his foolishness."
"What did he do exactly?" Scorpius asked.
"He blew up the matches, didn't use the right wand movements. To keep his ego from being bruised, he challenged Amelia because his pride was hurt."
"Typical Gryffindor." Scorpius rolled his eyes.
"Maybe he has a thing for Amelia," Finn suggested. Amelia snapped her head so fast that if looks could kill, Finn would be ashes.
"YOU EVER SAY THAT AGAIN Longbottom, YOUR ASS IS GLASS." Amelia barked. Finn buried himself further into the couch, attempting to hide from her sight.
"It's time to head down." Teagan looked up at the clock.
"I reckon so." Amelia sighed.
"Do you want us to come?" Scorpius asked.
"I can use all the support I can get." The five of them made their way to the Quidditch pitch.
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Once Severus finished his long overdue shower, he stood in the mirror and started to shave. He ran his hands over his face, feeling the rough stubble that had grown since the last time he had shaved. He took his time, running the razor over his chin and cheeks until his skin was smooth. Satisfied with his reflection, Severus stepped away from the mirror and finished getting ready. Looking in the mirror, he saw Hermione sitting in a chair reading a romance novel. He never looked away from his wife.
It's been almost a month since term started and already, he feels so much has happened. Watching his wife's belly grow with another life inside her. He can feel the love radiating off of her, and he knows he is blessed to have her in his life. The danger it entails, his fear of losing her. He can barely comprehend life without her. He knows this child will bring them closer together, but it adds an additional layer of worry for him. He knows that with this new life, there will be more danger and risk than before.
He worries that he might not be able to protect them both. The love he feels for his wife is so powerful that he cannot imagine life without her. The thought of losing her terrified him. He's doing his part to remain positive, for her sake. Even though he already loves this baby, he vowed to himself that if it came to choices between her and the baby, he would choose her. That may sound selfish, but it's true. Mentally, he hadn't imagined taking care of two, let alone three children all by himself. He needed her. Once he had finished shaving and putting on his pajamas, he moved over to her. Gently removing the book from her hand, he heard her gasp in slight irritation. He places the book down on a small round table next to her. Spreading her legs so he could inch closer, he kneels down and embraces her. Taking in her scent, he slowly exhales. Inching closer, he enjoys silence.
"Severus, are you okay?" She squeezed her hold on him. He had let his mind wander to the memories of the past, allowing himself to take in her scent again and appreciate the moment they had together. He hadn't realized that she had noticed his silence until she spoke, but her embrace and question snapped him back to the present.
'I'm just missing you,' Severus admitted. She smiled and looked into his eyes, her own filled with love and understanding. She held him close, and he finally let himself relax in her embrace. They stayed like that for a few moments, until she finally pulled away and kissed him on the cheek.
"Oh darling, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere." She kissed his forehead with her pointer and middle finger. She raised his chin so his eyes could meet hers.
"I know, this month has been taxing. More so for you, as you're adjusting to another role and a little one. I honestly don't know how you manage it all. I'm selfish. We only spend time together, maybe two—three hours in the evening. I barely see you during the day, except for meals." Severus confessed. He's feeling very sentimental and vulnerable at the moment. Severus is aware of the difficult situation his partner is in and feels guilty for not being able to give her the time and attention she needs. He is expressing his admiration for her strength and resilience in managing to balance multiple responsibilities.
"I know. This year will be challenging. But we will manage, I assure you." Hermione reassured him. She had unwavering confidence, assuring him that despite the challenges ahead, they could find a way to succeed.
"I'm trying to stay positive. Honestly, I am just worried about you, your mental and physical health. You're absolutely brilliant, talented, and I'm incredibly proud of all you've accomplished. I'm just concerned about how it's affecting your body, and the baby." Severus whispered as he moved his hand underneath her shirt to caress her stomach. Hermione lifted up her other hand and placed it over his head stroking his hair.
"I appreciate and love you for your concern for me. We have the most experienced medical team on site and on call. I'm mentally fine." She paused. Severus noticed that she didn't mention 'physically fine' either. Severus looked up, staring into her eyes. His eyes glisten with worry.
"Right now, I'm also physically fine, as well as the baby. I admit that I miss spending time together. Our time is precious. I've become somewhat complacent at home over the summer and having you all to myself has been marvelous." Hermione saw his face relax a little bit. She gently kissed him.
"Everything will be fine." I have a checkup with Poppy on the 1st. That is next Monday. I would love you to come with me. I have a planning period after lunch. Could you find a substitute?" Hermione asked.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Professor Knight should be fine for the period." Severus was adamant.
"Everything will be alright." She whispered to him.
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Quidditch Field
The Slytherin group arrived first. The stars were out and the moon's light reflected off the castle and the fireflies glided in the air. The Quidditch field is beautiful in the night. The cool September air helps cool the students down.
"Looks like we're the first one's here." Teagan noticed.
"Maybe they're the one's who chickened out." Amelia exclaimed.
"You wish Snape." Casey called as he appeared onto the field with Felix, Thomas, and Donna.
"You do realize that I wasn't the only one who was laughing at you, right?" Amelia scoffed. Her friends backed away on the side lines, as well as Casey's group.
"Do you even know how to duel?" Stone disregarded her comment.
"You do realize who my parents are, don't you? Use that Pee-size brain of yours. They're war heroes. Of course, I do." She spat back.
"Very well." Casey and Amelia stood with their backs facing together, each of them taking ten steps away from each other. Once they had enough space between them, they made an about face and bowed. Scorpius expurgated in before they started.
"Remember—no dark magic, or unforgivable's." Scorpius reminded. The two concurred and he took out a coin.
"Heads or tails Stone."
"Tails." Scorpius flipped the coin in the air, landing on the top of his hand.
"Heads."
"Of course, it is." Scorpius rolled his eyes at Stone's comment.
"On the count of three—One—two—THREE!"
"Rictusempra!" Amelia shouted.
"Protego!" Casey blocked the spell.
"Confringo!" Casey retorts, Amelia dodged just in time.
"Stupify!" Amelia responded. Her spell hits Casey, flinging him backwards, landing him on his bottom. Casey stood up after taking a moment to collect himself.
"Locomotor Mortis!" Amelia shouts. His legs locked up.
"Expelliarmus!" She screams again, his wand flew out of his hand.
"Game—set—match." Scorpius called.
"You messed with the wrong Snape, Stone." Amelia snarled. Once the spell wore off, he dusted off his trousers. His gaze towards her were nothing but pure hatred for the witch.
"This isn't over." Casey hissed as he and his group left the field, defeated.
Her friends ran up to her and patted her on the back.
"I knew you could do it!" Teagan expressed.
"I seriously doubted myself." Amelia exclaimed.
"Well, you did great, knocked him off on his ass." Bailey smiles.
"Since when do you curse?" Amelia veered to Bailey.
"I have my moments." She smirks.
"It's getting late, I'm going back to the common room. Anyone wanna come with before we're caught?" Finn suggested.
"Yeah—we have potions first thing, falling asleep in front of your dad is severely frowned upon. I'll meet you later?" Teagan smiles.
"See you." Said Bailey, the three of them headed off the field. Scorpius stayed behind, standing next to Amelia.
"You did remarkable." He whispered to her.
"Thanks Scorpius."
"Would you like me to escort you back?" Scorpius enquired. Amelia beamed at the offer. She leaned in to give him a hug.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'll be up in a bit. I think I'll stay out here a few more minutes and enjoy the peace and quiet, and the stars. I'll see you tomorrow." She patted him on the arm. He nods.
"Very well, good night." She watches him take his leave. Once she was alone, she laid down on the grass, and gazes up toward the sky. Her hands clasped together gently resting on her stomach. Focusing on the stars, she feels her stomach rise and fall. She had no idea that someone is watching her from a distance, a grey owl, perched on a bench near the entrance. After awhile she realized it was almost midnight. Amelia needed to get back, sighing, she stands up and whipped the grass off her uniform, she turns around and saw the shadow of the owl. She thought the owl peculiar, it wasn't one of the barn owls, or one she ever came to contact with. She steps toward and the bird is as still as a statue, with its eyes staring into hers.
"You are a funny little thing, aren't you? Who do you belong to?" She heard the owl screech.
"Hmm… you're the lone owl, no name tag on your foot. Just find me interesting, then?" She said to the owl. With one blink of the eye, the owl spread their wings, and flew.
"Guess not." Shrugging her shoulders, she made her way back to the Slytherin common room.
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Monday, October 1st, 2018
The first month of term for the most part, moved rather smoothly. With the exception of Hermione's fall. The morning of the appointment, Hermione woke up in Severus' arms. Her hand lays over Severus' stomach, watching it rise and fall. He smells of sandalwood and sage. She's tucked under his left side with his arm wrapped around her small frame. She doesn't notice that he's awake and watching her as well.
"Good morning, love." Severus whispered. Hermione smirked against his bare skin. Lifting up her head she kissed his jaw.
"Good morning, Sev." She whispered.
"How are you feeling?" He kissed the top of her head.
"I'm honestly feeling a little nervous about today." Severus pulled her closer to him.
"I am too. However, I will be there for you every step of the way." He reassured her.
"Thank you love. You have no idea how much that means to me." With her thumb, she caressed his bare skin, twirling some of his chest hairs with her pointer finger. Severus enclosed her hand with his, his thumb creating circular motions.
"We have to start getting ready. I'll meet you right after lunch, we'll walk together. How does that sound?" Severus asked.
"Sounds wonderful. Every moment spent with you is precious." She smiled. There is a twinge of pain that shot through his neck, he flinches as he covered his scar with his hand.
"You haven't taken your potion, have you?" Hermione questioned; concern written on her face.
"I haven't gotten the chance to." He flinches again. The couple detached themselves off the bed and Severus made his way to the bathroom. Taking the cork off the potion vile he drank till the last gulp. Hermione walked up behind him, enveloping her arms around her husband. Kissing his back.
"Everything is okay. While we are there, we can have Poppy check on that scar, and make sure the dosage is the right amount." Severus sighed, but he knew Hermione is right. Turning around in her arms, he kissed her lovingly on the lips.
"Very well. Two birds with one stone they say."
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Gryffindor Common Room
Alex is up and ready before the alarm, as he finished combing his hair, James walked up to him.
"How's Aunt 'Mione?" He asked.
"She's doing well, as far as I'm aware. Mum told me that she has an appointment with Madam Pompfry after lunch. Dad will not be in class today. Professor Knight will be taking over for the time being."
"Good mate, I'm glad everything is alright. Are you going to try out for the team? Quidditch tryouts are today after dinner. Even Arthur plans on trying out." James said.
"Nah, I'm good. I'm focusing on my music. I'd come and support you though. I'll cheer from the stands." James laughed.
"Alright, well, we gotta get going. Don't want to mis breakfast and all." Alex's stomach grumbled in response.
"I guess you're right." He chuckled and followed James down to the Great Hall.
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Over at the Hufflepuff table, Chase Longbottom is sitting with Rosie Weasley. Chase is placing some pancakes on her plate while Rosie is piling eggs and sausage. Julia Weasley comes in and sit next to Rosie.
"Hey Julia, how's it going?" Chase asked her. Chase is the second oldest from Neville and Luna Longbottom. Pale-grey eyes with black curly hair to her shoulders. She's a fourth year with Rosie. Julia is a first year Hufflepuff, and the youngest of Fred and Eloise Weasley.
"Its going, I'm still having trouble finding my way around the castle. It's so huge!" Julia explained.
"I get it, I got lost frequently my first year. You'll get use to it." Chase reassured her. Her eyes zoomed in on the Ravenclaw table. Watching Oliver Weasley chatting with her brother Sam.
"You're staring at Oliver again." Rosie nudged Chase. She observed her eyes glazing over, daydreaming.
"Why is she staring at my brother?" Julie asked.
"Because she has a crush on him." Rosie blurted out. Chase then came out of her dreamlike state and slapped Rosie on her arm.
"You have a crush on Alex. Just as bad." Chase retorts. Trying to get the attention off of her. Rosie blushed.
"What if I do? I'm not going to act on it."
"Didn't you tell me two weeks ago that you had a little private moment with Alex in the Room of Requirement?" Chase inquired. Julie is watching the two bickers. Chuckling as she sees Rosie blushing, turning red as a tomato.
"It was just friends enjoying similar taste in music." Rosie expressed. Averting her eyes to her plate of food. Chase and Julie smiled.
"So you say." Chase winked.
"So, I say." Rosie rolled her eyes. She doesn't think anything will come of her crush. Right now, she's just enjoying the little time she gets to spend with him.
A/N: Here's another! I'm making up for the lost time. I'm trying to make sure I get a little bit of everyone in this story. This is going to be a very long, multi-chapter (My plan is at least 100). I wanted to catch some of the side-characters' personalities. Of course, I will always add some spice with our favorite couple. Please read and review, as your thoughts fuel my motivation!