Chapter Twelve
Sunday, October 28, 2018
It has been two weeks since Amelia's duel, Quidditch tryouts, and Hermione's checkup. The school has been busy with both students and staff. This evening, the Snape family will have dinner together. It is, after all, a Sunday night. Hermione made homemade lasagna, meat with 5 layers of cheese. The family of four sat around the table as a family for the first time since the term began. The Snape family had not had the chance to have dinner together for some time, so this evening was a special occasion for them to reconnect and enjoy each other's company. The homemade lasagna was the perfect meal to bring them all together and create a warm and comforting atmosphere.
"How was everyone's first two months?" Hermione asked, taking a forkful of salad.
"Busy, Madam Diggory asked me if I was interested in trying out for Quidditch. We had our tryouts, and I made the team! I'm a seeker!" Amelia stated. Severus completely forgot to mention Diggory's request to Hermione. He felt her gaze burning toward him. Severus was embarrassed that he had failed to tell Hermione about the tryouts and the fact that Amelia had made the team. He could feel Hermione's disappointment in him and knew that he had let her down.
"Severus?" Hermione said through gritted teeth. He could feel her anger.
"I—I may have forgotten to mention this minor detail to you, my dear. Madam Diggory was impressed with her flying and hand-eye coordination and invited her to participate in the tryouts. I meant to discuss this with you, however, with everything else going on. It slipped my mind." Severus Snape was not one to ramble. Although, being under the intense gaze of his wife sometimes made him feel like a first year. His eyes remained fixed on the delicious dinner she made, ignoring eye contact.
"You know first years aren't allowed to try out, Severus!" Hermione exclaimed. His gaze never wavered, and he responded with a solemn, "I am fully aware of the rules, Hermione." He responded. A slight pause before continuing:
"I am aware. I am also aware of Mr. Potter playing Quidditch in his first year after Minerva caught him doing something he wasn't supposed to do. I figured it was fair. I believe, Hermione, that you were there as a witness." Severus chose his words wisely. Amelia's eyes bounced back and forth between her parents in amusement.
"Amelia, dear. When did you find out you were on the team?" Hermione turned her gaze to her daughter. For a moment, Amelia's mind went blank.
"Um—about two weeks ago?" she stuttered. Amelia was worried about her mother's reaction. She expected her to be angry, and she was right. Hermione's face fell and she sighed heavily.
"I can't believe you or your father didn't tell me. Two weeks ago, eh? And no one included me in the loop?" Hermione asked. Severus and Amelia stared at each other, struggling to find the right words to defend themselves against this interrogation.
"Can someone pass the ranch please?" Alex interrupted.
"Here you go." Severus passed the ranch. An awkward silence engulfed the family for a moment.
"Music is coming along nicely." Alex broke the silence.
"Really?" Severus asked. "What are you studying?" he asked.
"We're studying the Baroque era." Amelia sighed in boredom.
"Interesting…tell me more son." Severus encouraged.
Hermione glared at him and flinched slightly as he recognized 'We will discuss this later.' Look. He shuffled uncomfortably.
"Overlapping in time, the Baroque period is divided into three major phases. Early, middle, and late. Dated from 1580-1650, 1630-1700, and 1680-1750. Baroque music forms a major portion of "classical music," such as 'Canon,' and is widely studied, performed, and listened to today." He took a deep breath before continuing:
"The Baroque period is considered the transition between Renaissance and Classical periods and is characterized by a shift in musical styles. It was a period of musical expansion, with new forms, such as the concerto, and new musical instruments, such as the harpsichord, entering the scene. This allowed for a more expansive range of musical expression enjoyed by audiences around the world."
"How enthralling, who are you studying?" Severus asked.
"Claudio Monteurdo." Alex continued on with music history facts. Hermione kept glaring at Severus as he avoided her gaze.
"Alex, Amelia—we have something very significant to tell you both," Hermione announced as Alex finished his monologue. She grabbed Severus' hand, and he squeezed it back.
"Your mother is doing fine. The reason she had the accident at the beginning of the year, is for two reasons. One, she is anemic." Severus explained what anemia is, and Amelia and Alex listened intently.
"The second is, I hope—more exciting, we're having another baby." Severus paused. Mixed emotions flood his children.
"Mum?" Amelia turned, and Hermione nodded.
"I'm glad it wasn't too serious." Alex smiled. He stood up from the table bent down and embraced his mother. He squeezed her tight.
"I was so worried. When you fainted and hit your head on the desk, I—I" Alex stuttered. Hermione kissed his head.
"I'm so thankful for you and James' help. I'm going to be just fine." Hermione reassured. She smiled reassuringly at Alex, trying to ease his worries. She wanted him to know that she was going to be okay, and that she appreciated all of their help.
"Thanks for leaving me in the dark." Amelia huffed, acting jealous.
"It's not always about you." Alex retorted. Amelia smiled. Amelia realized that Alex wasn't trying to hurt her feelings.
"I'm going to be a big sister." she said excitedly. Severus tried to hold back his tears. He has to be strong for his family. It is possible for a pregnancy to fail. Alex noticed the sadness behind his father's eyes. He'll have to ask him later. Severus took a deep breath and smiled. He was determined to stay strong and supportive for his family, no matter what the outcome.
"Well, my love, it's getting late, I am feeling tired." Hermione yawned. The four helped clean the table. They know they could use magic, but sometimes spending a few extra minutes together as a family is more meaningful. Amelia hugged her parents' goodnight and headed back to Slytherin Tower.
"I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow. I love you." Hermione kissed Alex's cheek, and kissing Severus she smiled and headed up to their bedroom.
"Hey, Dad?" Alex turned to his father.
"What is it, son?"
"You looked like you were fighting back tears earlier. Were those tears of joy? Or did something happen? Please be honest with me." Alex inquired. Severus sighed. His strong hand grasped his son's shoulder.
"You are too smart for your own good. Something else happened."
"What?" His voice cracked. Once they knew Hermione was out of earshot, Severus sat him down.
"When your mother was delivering Amelia, there were complications." He told the story of Amelia's birth and how she almost died.
"S-she shouldn't be having a third baby, should she?" Alex had tears streaming down his face.
"No son, but she's adamant about keeping her. I fully support her decision. I'm just asking you to help me keep an extra eye out for her safety and don't tell Amelia. I don't need her to think she's at fault. Do you understand?" Alex processed what his father told him.
"Of course, I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe." He confirmed.
"Very well, Now, off to bed with you." Severus nodded. Alex, out of the blue, flung his arms around his father. His arms were wrapped around his neck. Shocked by this unexpected contact, he welcomed the embrace as he returned the sentiment.
"Thank you for telling me," Alex whispered.
"You deserve to know." Alex pulled away, smiling.
"Goodnight Dad. Give mum my love." Once he left, Severus went to his wife. When he entered, he found his wife sleeping. Throwing his robes off, wearing only boxers, he climbed into the bed. He gently gathered Hermione in his strong arms, and Hermione shifted to lean her head upon his bare chest. Severus kissed her head. Hermione felt safe and secure in Severus' arms. Even though she was sleeping, her body was keenly aware of his presence and the warmth of his embrace. It was a comforting gesture that spoke volumes without words.
"Love you." She muffled.
"I love you too." Severus had trouble sleeping. His mind flashed with possible outcomes from this pregnancy. In the darkness, he still watched her. Watching her sleep and cherishing each moment. He hates being uncertain about his family's future. Especially the uncertain future of the love of his life.
HGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSS
Monday, October 29, 2018
Hermione woke up the following morning, nestled in her husband's embrace. Taking in the herbal scent he exuded, she smiled. Observing his tranquil and consistent breaths, she couldn't help but feel fortunate to have him in her life. Lost in her musings, she didn't realize he was gazing at her with his dark eyes until he broke the silence.
"Good morning," he whispered. Hermione looked up and gently kissed him in return.
"Good morning to you too. What caused your delay last night?" Hermione inquired.
"Alex had a few queries," he replied vaguely.
"Regarding what?" Hermione probed. Severus sighed; he couldn't keep secrets from his wife.
"He noticed that I held back tears while you discussed the baby and wondered what was actually happening. I… I told him what occurred during Amelia's birth," he explained. Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Severus knew she was upset.
In a soft and regretful tone, Hermione expressed her concern that their children would not be informed about her current state alongside Severus. She stressed that the reason behind her reluctance was that she did not want them to worry, given their tender age. Severus, understanding her predicament, held her close and comforted her. However, he pointed out that their son, Alex, was an intelligent young lad, and he wouldn't want to deceive him if he ever inquired about Hermione's health. Hermione agreed but requested that all future discussions about Amelia and Quidditch must include her. Upon hearing this, Severus realized his oversight in omitting Quidditch mention earlier, which made him feel uneasy.
HGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSS
Gryffindor Boys Dormitory
Alex woke up jolted, as the alarm beeped louder and louder. With a grunt, he slapped the snooze button, allowing his hand to slide down to rest on his nightstand. He stayed for another moment, before getting up to prepare for classes. He had a hard time falling asleep last night with all the information his father gave him regarding his mother's pregnancy. His mind races with possible outcomes in the next few months. The information he received wasn't something he expected from his father. He couldn't imagine life without his mother. The thought of her dying trying to give birth greatly affected him. His father is a strong man, a man not used to express strong emotions in front of him, or anyone else. Swinging his legs over to the floor, he stretched and stood up.
"Good morning, mate," James said as he finished getting ready.
"Morning."
"How was family night supper?"
"It—it turned out well. Mum made homemade lasagna. My favorite."
"Good, good. How do you feel about a friendly duel later?" James asked.
"Sure, I can always use practice."
"Very well, I'll see you in the room of requirement?"
"Sounds like a plan James." The two boys headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast.
HGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSS
Entrance to the Great Hall 6:50am
Alex made his way to the great hall when he noticed Crystal Weasley, a fifth-year Ravenclaw, hiding in one of the alcoves. She appeared to be crying. Alex walked up to her, concerned about his friend.
"Crystal, is everything alright?" He asked. She glared at him.
"Obviously not, Snape." She seethed. 'That's odd, we're normally on friendly terms. We're technically family.' He thought to himself.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Alex asked. Crystal thought about it.
"Why would you care?" She spat, hiding her face so he would see her tears.
"Why would I care? Because you're family. I care about you." Alex replied.
"Fine, Ronald is being a jackass, that's what. He's an alcoholic son of a bitch. Who doesn't care about his daughter enough to wish her a happy birthday, or even check in with mum. She's alone most of the time while he's out doing Merlin knows what. I haven't heard from him since the term started." She confessed. Alex couldn't believe it. Trouble with Uncle Ron? He never realized her family was having issues.
"I'm—I'm sorry Crystal."
"There isn't anything you can do about it. This is the second birthday he has missed. It's like he doesn't even care about me at all."
"Of course, he does." Alex consoled her.
"He has a funny way of showing it." Crystal seethed. Alex sat next to Crystal, as she bawled her eyes out. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, she cried into the crease of his neck. Feeling her breath on his skin, he rubbed her arm, trying to soothe her.
"Hey there, everything will be okay. Here-" He took out some chocolate that he had in his pocket that he was saving for later.
"Happy Birthday Crystal! If it makes you feel any better, James and I are going to the room of requirement for a little duel. Would you like to join us? It'll be after dinner." Crystal looked up at Alex.
"That would help. Thanks, Alex." She dried her tears.
"Thank you for the chocolate."
"You're welcome, I'll see ya later?" Alex asked.
"Of course." The two walked into the Great Hall for breakfast.
Potions class
After breakfast, Severus waits for his first year of Gryffindor/Slytherin students to arrive. He likes to observe their reactions as they enter the Great Hall for the first time. He takes pride in his teaching and tries to make sure that all of his students have a positive experience with his class. Gradually they trickle in. Once everyone was seated, Severus spoke.
"Now that everyone is seated, turn to page 10 in 'Magical Drafts and Potions.' By: Arsenius Jiggar. We will brew the Herbicide potion. He walks up and down the aisle, keeping an eye on his students as he drawls, "Can anyone explain what it means?" Only one hand flies in the air.
"Ms. Snape?"
"The effect is to kill or damage the plants," she said. Severus approved.
"What are the characteristics?" A few hands shot up.
"Ms. Boyd?"
"Green in color and a disgusting taste," she answered.
"Herbicide potion or simply Herbicide kills or damages plants and is poisonous. It has a disgusting taste that is not fit for human consumption. Since it may have a negative effect on drinker health, it could be deadly. Today we will brew said potion. Do not let one single drop reach the greenhouses. Professor Longbottom would have my head. Watch very closely. A sharp right about-face led him to the front of the classroom. "The instructions are on the board." He explained.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Severus growled. The class scrambled to get their ingredients. Sitting at his desk, he watched as the class brewed their potion, periodically grading papers. It's been forty-five minutes when Severus looks up at the clock on the wall.
"You have twenty minutes left. Once you are finished, bottle it up and place it on my desk." He barked.
"Yes, Professor Snape." The class said.
As Casey finished bottling up his potion, he noticed Amelia was talking to Finn. He smirked, thinking this was his chance to get her back after that embarrassing duel. He grabbed a random ingredient, walking down as casually as he could, trying not to draw attention to himself, without anyone looking he threw the ingredient into her cauldron, quickly distancing himself, he placed the vial on Professor Snape's desk.
"Thank you, Mr. Stone." He didn't even look up.
"You're welcome." He cleared his throat and claimed his seat at the back of the class.
Suddenly, Amelia heard loud bubbling from her cauldron. Curiously, she turned and noticed that instead of turning green, it was purple. Without a second warning, the cauldron exploded. Shards of metal spread out, Finn dodged, as well as Bailey as a random shard flew by her head, she dodged like one of the characters from the movie "The Matrix" Some of the potion landed on Amelia's skin, and with her mouth open, agape, she ingested some of the potion, as well as shards of metal penetrating her skin, random cuts run along her arms, with sharp metal shards piercing not only her arms, but it managed to hit her face, luckily however, nothing did hit her eyes. The sheer shock, she fell to the floor, unconscious, random parts of her body bleeding. It felt like he was flying. Severus rushed over to his daughter, his panic-stricken expression etched across his face, he heard his daughter scream before she collapsed. In his arms, he scooped her up and cleared the tainted potion, while checking her pulse.
"EVERYONE OUT! NOW!" He screamed as he maneuvered himself through the crowd. As he rushed to the hospital wing, he never realized how much he hated the numerous staircases in the castle. His legs were throbbing from climbing so many stairs, but he couldn't stop.
"Hang on, Amelia. Hang on." He huffed as his legs felt so weak, he feared they might collapse under him. He has to find a better solution to get students to the infirmary quicker. By the time he reached the hospital wing, she is barely breathing.
"POPPY!" Severus howled. Placing Amelia on one of the empty beds. Poppy ran out of her office.
"Oh my, what in the world?" Poppy asked as she closed the gap between her and the patient. She pulled out her wand and chanted some diagnostic spells.
"Her…cauldron exploded." He said out of breath. His chest heaved, struggling to get oxygen. Every time he inhaled excruciating pain passed through his chest. He ignored it.
"What were you brewing?"
"Herbicide potion. Amelia brewed this potion before, so I've watched her do it." He gasped, and his left arm trembled.
"Have you taken your tonics?" Poppy asked, concerned for the Potions master.
"Not at the moment—I'm c—concerned about A—Amelia…" he struggled. Poppy always had extra tonics for Severus. Knowing everything he's been through since the war, Nagini's attack, and the venom that still lingers in his body, she's always prepared.
"Accio, Severus' tonic!" she shouted with a flick of her wrist. A small vial of green fluid flew in her hand. She gave it to Severus. Uncorking the vial, he chugged the potion. Poppy managed to get all the shards out of her skin and stopped the bleeding.
"When the potion exploded, she ingested some of the potion. However, do you remember what color the potion was?" Thinking back, trying to remember the color before he vanquished it.
"It was purple." It dawned on him that someone had deliberately tainted her potion. Anger crept in.
"That means someone sabotaged her potion," Poppy concluded. Severus nodded in confirmation. Grasping Amelia's clammy hands, gently stroking her knuckles.
"So, it seems." His nostrils flared. Wondering who on earth would purposely do this to his little girl. He will get to the bottom of this, and hell will pay. After a few moments of working on her, Poppy sighed.
"She is going to be okay, right?" Severus asked. Sitting next to her. His body was visibly shaking.
"All we can do right now is wait, she's in a coma, Severus. She's lucky she didn't ingest much of the tainted potion. All we can do now is pray that we've cleaned out her system of the poison." Poppy said sadly. Looking back on the first year of Slytherin. This has certainly not been an ideal start of the term for the Snape family. It's only October.
"I will notify Hermione." Poppy sighed. She cast her patronus; a white dove, and once the message was completed the dove flew to its destination. With a loving hand, she squeezed his shoulder. From the time he was a boy, she considered him to be her son. To see him like this is heartbreaking.
"I'll give you a moment my son." She said softly. He nodded in response. Once she left, he heard footsteps from a distance.
"SEVERUS!" He heard his name called. Turning around, she almost flung herself into his arms. He embraced her, enveloping her. His robe slung over her shoulders like a blanket. She pressed her forehead into his chest, crying, struggling to breathe.
"Wh—what happened?" She sobbed. Seeing her daughter lying there, she shivered. Taking a deep breath, he recalled his side of the event. He broke the news to her about her daughter being injured in a potions accident. He watched helplessly as she broke down in front of him, and he wanted to do anything to ease her pain. He hugged her tightly, trying to provide comfort in her time of need.
"Someone deliberately did this to her?" She couldn't fathom anyone doing this to their sweet girl.
"We must inform Alex," Severus said. Taking out his wand, he cast his Patronus. What used to be a doe, is now an Otter, like his wife but slightly taller than Hermione's.
A/N: Please Review! Just as things were settling, Amelia finds herself in this predicament. Poor Amelia. Things were going relatively well with her. For those who are guest and comment on my story, I thank you! I truly appreciate your excitement for this story.