Disclaimer:- I neither own nor own anything from this story. My plot is my own but the world of Harry Potter is the intellectual property of JK Rowling and associates.

oOo

A/N:- Thank you to everyone who left alerts and reviews on the last chapter, please know that I appreciate every one of them. I am currently posting without a beta because I wanted to strike while I had the opportunity, so any mistakes you may find are all mine. Thank you all for your patience for my extended absence from posting, and for the messages of support I've received over that time.

I know this is a HG/SS story, but I felt that people would want to know what happened to Ron's other family too, so the first half of this chapter explains some of the consequences for them, before heading back to the new Snape residence. Also, a word of warning, whilst no child comes to any actual harm in this chapter, some 'phantom' children do disappear, so I just thought I should say.

oOo

Chapter Seven – Discovering More Consequences

Harry Apparated himself and Ginny to the address he'd visited with Kingsley just this morning, but the house was dark, and their worst fears were confirmed as they got closer and saw the state of it.

"It's derelict," Ginny said softly, and she was right. The windows were all broken, the gables rotten, the door was ajar and only hanging by one hinge.

"That's not how it looked this morning," Harry said, and pushed the door open a bit. It creaked and scrapped almost painfully before it gave, and he looked into the gloom inside. "Hello!" he called.

A dog further up the street answered him, but then he was certain he heard a sort of scuffling and snivelling noise. "Did you hear that?" he asked his wife, and the noises made him want to investigate further, because they couldn't just assume that there was no one here. "Hello?"

He walked in with Ginny following closely behind him with her hand on his back for connection, and he lit his wand to see where they were going. Night had finally fallen on this most horrible but also extraordinary day, and with it came the promise of rain and a truly dreary evening.

Suddenly a frightened little girl's voice said, "Go away! Don't come near us."

"Meg," Harry said, unable to see where the girl was, but hoping that it was her. "Meg, it's Uncle Harry, love, where is everyone?" but then another sound, a painful groaning met their ears, and with it the cry of a frightened baby.

A girl suddenly lunched forward and grabbed Harry around the legs apparently finally realising that it was someone who had been kind to her, and as she did, Ginny saw past where she'd been sitting, and as her eyes adjusted to the gloom she saw the source of the other noises. She hurried forward towards a woman sprawled out on the floor against a broken kitchen cupboard. The woman was obviously in labour and she had a crying toddler clinging to her. "Are you Holly?" Ginny asked.

The woman nodded, but another pain took her, and Ginny waited for it to ease. "I'm Ginny, Ron's sister," she told her. "Are you booked into a hospital somewhere around here?" she asked.

Holly shook her head. "No, Ronnie takes care of everything… Nothing's right, and Ronnie hasn't come home," she cried, fear in her voice.

"Okay, well don't worry, we'll help you," Ginny said, wondering why after six children that this woman was so under prepared for the arrival of her seventh. She also wondered how help was going to arrive, but had felt the need to reassure the woman anyway. It was almost like this woman was a child, and having her first baby. This all confused Ginny very much, because while you may not really remember labour until you were experiencing it again, you sure remembered it once you were. Then another thought hit her, there did not appear to be six children here, only two… So, where were the others? However, she stifled her thoughts as another contraction took Holly, and she tried to help. "Do you think your little one would come to me?"

"Primrose, sweetie," she said to the baby. "Mummy's okay, but you go to this nice lady, there's a good girl."

The obviously terrified toddler buried her head further into her mother's shoulder.

"Its okay, Primrose, let's give your mummy a bit of room. Look, I've got a banana. Are you hungry?" Ginny tried, she was still wondering what had happened here, but there were more immediate problems. It also bothered her that she instinctively liked this woman, and she'd not been prepared to have that happen. She was Hermione's friend, and Ron—even though he was her brother—had been a right prick to Hermione cheating on her with this woman.

Finally, the little child looked up at Ginny with big blue eyes, as the lure of food seemed to overcome her terror, and she allowed Ginny to reach forward and lift her off her mother. "Harry, I think you need help here," she told her husband, as she saw him standing there with obvious shock rattling through his mind, and not really knowing what to do first.

Harry rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at the situation. Big and immediate threats he knew how to handle, but this situation wasn't threatening, it was confronting for sure, but otherwise it was just confusing. He instinctively knew that the grimoire had something to do with it, it had most likely built a world for Ron to live in that was his fantasy world… but why? What would have been in it for the book? There would have had to have been something in it for the grimoire, because the damn thing had been a predator.

Another thing that puzzled him too, was that there had been more kids this morning, and he wondered where they were now. That was when a very troubling thought came to him, hadn't he discussed this just this morning with the professor. He glanced at the witch on the floor, but she was in no state to tell him. God, what was he going to do about it all, he needed Kings and one of his evacuation teams. They needed to get this family to St. Mungos, and he needed to find more light.

Walking to the hallway again, he composed a message to Kingsley and sent it off, and then as his mind started to settle, he tried the light switch. Thankfully it turned on, he'd just assumed that the electricity had been gone because the house had appeared so different than it had this morning, but then he realised that it had just gotten dark and no one had been able to turn on the light.

Now he could see Ginny trying to placate the whimpering baby as she peeled the piece of fruit she'd had in her bag and offered pieces to both Primrose and Meg. Ginny always kept a piece of fruit or some biscuits, or something in her bag, because one of their own kids would often ask for something to eat when it was inconvenient to get anything, and she looked pleased that she'd been able to help.

The littlest girl seemed exhausted, and she also had a full nappy, but at the moment Ginny was more concerned about Holly, and the fact that Meg especially should not be witnessing what her mother was going through. Ginny shared the piece of fruit between the two girls, and took them around the other side of the kitchen table from their mother in an effort to shield them from her distress as Harry tried to make Holly more comfortable and calmer.

Mind you, calmer was not going to happen, as Ginny remembered being in the same pain that Holly was currently in, and there was nothing calming about it, it simply bloody hurt, even if it was well worth it for the baby at the end of it. She wondered again at Holly's statement that Ron 'took care' of everything. How did he do that, and why was the witch not booked into a hospital months ago for this day? Ginny had been to St. Mungos every month of all her pregnancies for check-ups on her and her baby, but that was when something took her thoughts away.

Now that there was a little light, and it was a weak light, but better than the gloom in the place before, Ginny suddenly saw another shadow laying further away out in the hallway they'd entered through. "Oh no, over there," she said to Harry, gesturing with her head as her hands were full.

Harry left Holly and scrambled over to where Ginny was pointing, and he found his name sake sprawled out and partially hidden under the stairs. They hadn't seen the boy's unconscious body in the dark before now because it was in the shadow of the stairs. He had a pool of blood under him, and carefully turning him, Harry saw a gash in the back of his head that matched the blood stain on the stairs next to him. He put him into the recovery position and took off his own coat and covered him with it in an attempt to try and keep him warm. He instinctively knew that using any magic might void any magical clues, and he did not want to do that.

"He's alive, but there's nothing I can do for him," he whispered to Ginny, as he glanced at Holly. "There were more kids this morning, I wonder what happened?" he pondered out loud, coming over to where Ginny was sitting at the kitchen table, and this was when little Meg answered his question.

"A bad lady came, she was really scary, our Harry tried to stop her, and she threw him into the stairs." A sob escaped her but she kept talking as fat tears rolled down her cheeks. "Then my other brothers disappeared, and that's when mummy got sick." The little girl seemed to be on a roll, because she continued in almost a wail. "The bad lady screamed at us… but then she was gone," and as she spoke more tears rolled down her cheeks. "Uncle Harry, can you bring my daddy back now?"

Harry didn't know how to answer the little girl in a way that she'd understand, so he answered, "You just cuddle up with Auntie Gin, sweetie, we'll get your daddy back as soon as we can, okay," and just as he said it, Kingsley called out from the front door.

"Harry!"

"In here, Kings," Harry said as he raced out into the hall to meet him.

Kingsley and his companions rushed up the hallway, just as Holly let out another groaning cry of pain. "Holly's having her baby, three of the kids have disappeared. The two smallest ones that remain seem fine, but the eldest boy is unconscious and has a nasty bash on the back of his head, apparently the book—as Harry had realised that it was the grimoire that Meg had been talking about when she said 'bad lady'—manifested here just before Severus finished it off. Apparently the boy tried to fight it off, and that's how he got injured," Harry reported.

"I see," Kingsley said, sending healers to Holly and the unconscious boy.

Ginny had little Primrose asleep on her shoulder now, and Meg cuddled into her side as she continued to try and shield the little girl from what her mother was enduring, because predictably, she thought her mother was sick, and it was very distressing for her. However, she didn't have to worry for long, because after only two more cries from Holly, there was an entirely different cry as her baby took its first breaths.

"It's a girl," the healer told Holly.

"Oh dear, Ronnie was hoping for another boy," she said, as the healer cut the cord and wrapped the baby before he handed it to her.

"Right, let's get everyone out of here and to St. Mungos," Kingsley commanded, his wand aloft as he swept the house for other life signs, even though he was fairly certain there would be none after what Harry had just told him. Obviously some of the children had been real and others had been manifestations of Ron's fantasy world, and he considered the ones who were no longer there. He had noticed that morning that three of the children had simply been following the ones who were still here. However, that could all be cleared up later, and on a more cheerful note he remembered being told that they could interview Ron whenever they liked because he'd regained consciousness. "Oh, and by the way, you'll all be pleased to know that Ron has woken up and seems to be fine," Kingsley told them all.

"What happened to Ronnie?" Holly asked, as she was put on a stretcher still holding her new baby. Now the baby had been born and her pain had receded she became more interested in what was going on around her, and smiled at Ginny caring her two little girls.

"It's a long story, Madam Weasley," Kingsley said, "but the important thing is that he's going to be fine. We'll explain everything once we have you settled. Okay?"

"As long as he's going to be fine," she answered, but just then her eldest, who was still unconscious, was levitated past on a stretcher. "Harry, oh no, what's wrong with Harry?"

"Apparently, according to what I've been told, he was very brave," Kingsley told her, and he looked to the healer following the stretcher. "Will the boy he all right?"

"Yes, I believe so," the healer answered without stopping, as they moved the stretcher further up the hall and blinked out of existence. It was a special type of transport like apparition, but for medical purposes, a more stabilised passage than normal apparition, and was only for the injured and their carer to get them to the hospital. Holly and her baby were next to leave, and poor little Meg gave a gasp of terror as more of her family simply vanished.

It was Harry who realised why she was so upset. "Its okay, Meg," he told her. "We're taking them to the hospital, we'll take you too now as well. Don't worry."

"We really need to find a clean nappy for this little one," Ginny said.

"Then let's get them all to St. Mungos and let the staff deal with it," Harry told her. He was feeling very confused at the moment, and while he wanted them all safe, he also wanted a bit of distance from the situation to think about it all too.

xox

By the time all parties arrived at St. Mungos, Ron was up and waiting for them, and was reunited with part of his family, but Harry wanted to get out of there before it was explained to Ron or Holly that some of their children were manifestations of a murderous book.

So, unlike this morning when he'd stupidly assumed the mediator role, and he did realise now that his idea had been incredibly short-sighted then. This time Harry walked out, he bid Kings good night and he left with his arm around Ginny. He would always do his best by everyone, but this whole incident had torn two families apart today. One had almost lost its mother, and the other had and almost had lost a great deal more, he was Hermione's friend, and he wanted time to consider it all, and to discuss it with Ginny.

It had been such a long day, and there was something else to. Today he'd seen dark magic used for the best of reasons, and even after almost a decade as an Auror, he still hadn't really understood that there were differences in intent. However, if it hadn't been for Severus' skill with curses and dark magic, both this morning and just recently as he'd effortlessly and calmly brought a dangerous grimoire under control like he was just going about his normal day, then Harry considered that he may well be sitting here now mourning Hermione's loss.

This made him think about the differences between those who practice dark magic, and those who understand it and how to control it. Oh, he had no doubt that Snape had been a dark wizard sometime in his past, but he now knew how to control the magic that people like Ron were taken in by, and that was the true skill. In fact, he was planning to recommend that Snape be offered a post at the Aurory academy, and also as their dark magic specialist. Someone who they could call in on cases such as this one that had caused them so much trouble today.

He sighed as he relaxed in his favourite chair and chugged back his beer while Ginny made them scrambled eggs for dinner.

"Love, could you set the table, please?" she asked. "The food's almost ready."

"Sure," he called, getting up and going to the drawer for cutlery. As he did so he reflected that things might never be the same again, but he was also very pleased that they'd made the effort and had gone up the Ballycastle tonight instead of tomorrow. However, he still wasn't really that sure about how to treat Ron, and worse still, on considering why he'd taken Ron to Hermione's cottage this morning he realised that he'd also been sucked in by the grimoire. Ron, who had obviously been deeply in the grimoire's control, had convinced him to do it.

There would still need to be some serious questions asked now that the book was not a factor. Perhaps they would eventually find out the truth of what had happened, but right now he was very pleased to be alone with Ginny and having a well-earned rest.

xox

When Hermione woke the next morning she found herself alone, but before she'd had time to even wonder where Severus had gone, he arrived back again carrying two mugs. "Ah, you're awake. Good morning, love," he said, setting the mugs on her bedside table and leaning down to kiss her. "How are you feeling this morning?"

She smiled brightly at him, and replied, "I'm feeling utterly wonderful," and she stretched, wondering if her stomach would tell her otherwise, but it didn't. "Why don't you hop back into bed," she said impishly, patting the spot beside her.

He chuckled. "We have six children downstairs currently devouring bacon and eggs and a veritable mountain of pancakes, and you think we can sneak some time to ourselves," he said incredulously, but smiled regardless. "I like your optimism, love," and he leant forward and kissed her, "but I can't see it happening."

Hermione giggled. "Yes, I guess you're right."

"I know I'm correct," he replied. "I tried to sneak down and get us coffee and they came out of their rooms at me like a swarm as I traversed the hallway. "I'm just lucky to have managed to get back up here with said coffee, as Portius took control and corralled them to the table for their breakfast. I figure we have about twenty minutes before they'll be back."

This time she laughed outright. "You make it sound like they will attack us mercilessly," she cackled.

"And they will," he asserted with his best poker-face in place.

This time she reached forward and kissed him. "You wanted a family," she reminded him, rubbing noses with him. "You got an augmented one, even if it is only until this afternoon."

He smiled at her, a smile without any uncertainty in it. "And I feel like this house has finally and truly come alive for you all being here, but I will be pleased to have some time alone with you when the extras have departed and our own are at school tomorrow."

She returned his smile. "Yes, that will be wonderful," she agreed. "Well, at least let's enjoy our coffee in peace before the onslaught," she said, patting the bed next to her once more.

"Very well," Severus conceded, and removing his dressing robe he climbed back in beside her. "I will admit to feeling a little under full strength today, it's a long time since I've faced a belligerent grimoire that had developed such a thrall over someone. Even with Narcissa and Andromeda assisting me, it took exceptional mental strength to best it, because even with my identity masked it recognised me as a threat… I'm assuming that was because of Weasley's hatred of me," and he added this so very casually that Hermione put down her mug and snuggled into his side.

"I no longer care about Ronald bloody Weasley," but then her lip slipped between her teeth, and she looked at him hesitantly. "Severus, would you ever… umm, would you consider adopting Rose, Hugo and Minnie when we marry?"

He put his own mug down and he twisted to change his grip on her so that they were looking straight on at one another, and once he'd done this his hand came up to cradle her cheek. "Yes," he answered. "Yes, I would."

"Of course, I'd like to discuss this with Molly and Arthur too, but I can't see that they'd object," Hermione added.

"Naturally," Severus agreed, but that was as far as they got with their discussion as little feet in the room beside theirs told them that Minnie and Lily at least, were finished their breakfast.

Leaning forward, Hermione kissed his lips. "Thank you for the coffee," she said, after placing the half consumed beverage down on her bedside table. "However, I best go and assist our smallest two to get ready for the day, and she reluctantly started out of bed.

xox

On the whole Severus and Hermione had a fairly restful day, all things considered, and it was now later in the afternoon. Amelia was being collected by a curious Hannah, who stayed and had a quick cuppa with Hermione while Severus supervised the rest of children out in the yard.

It had been a warm day, but the wind had just started to pick up, and Minnie and Lily had long ago gravitated back into the warm kitchen and were watching tele while Hermione chatted with Hannah at the kitchen table.

"I love this house," Hannah said, looking around. "I never dreamt that it had been Professor Snape who'd bought it. I'd seen it for sale, of course, but hadn't known who'd actually bought it," and she took a sip of her tea. "And I suppose that the four of you were really out growing the cottage. It's such a pity about the fire," she chattered on, "and I'm so happy that you and the professor have finally gotten together. Ron really had abandoned you… Hadn't he?"

Hermione sighed. "Mm," she conceded, she understood Hannah's curiosity, but she really didn't want to talk about this.

"He had another witch too," her friend ploughed on, ignoring all the signs that she should stop.

"Yes, Hannah, that's the way I understand it, but could we talk about something else, please?" Hermione finally asked.

Hannah gasped. "Oh, yes, of course, Hermione. I'm sorry, but natural curiosity… you know?"

"I understand, but it's all a bit fresh and raw at the moment, and I'll have to regurgitate it all for Draco Malfoy tomorrow, I suppose," Hermione continued.

Draco Malfoy was the most popular divorce lawyer in wizarding Britain, and his reputation was well deserved, but he was notoriously difficult to get to represent you, especially on short notice, and Hannah laughed softly.

"Oh! You've got him representing you… Wow!" she said. "Then you'll be fine," and she finished her cuppa as she added, "Well, I better make a move, the dinner prep at the pub won't do itself. Thank you for allowing Melia to stay, maybe we can try having Rose again next weekend," she said as she got up, but just as the witches made a move, Severus ushered the remaining children inside.

"Yes, we'll see what's going on," Hermione said, looked towards Severus as he came in with the kids.

"It's sprinkling," he said. "I fear we're in for another cold night," and he closed the door and whisked away any dampness off them all with his wand. "Oh, hello, Madam Longbottom," he added, seeing Hannah as he turned into the room.

"Hello, Professor," Hannah replied, as they all watched Rose and Amelia about to scrapper off upstairs. "I'm sorry, Melia, we need to get home, you can see Rose at school tomorrow," she stated.

"But, Mum," Amelia tried.

"No, I need to get to work, love," Hannah told her. "Go and collect your stuff, but come straight back down again," she warned.

"Yes, Mum," Amelia replied slightly exasperated by having to leave.

"You heard that too, Rose," Hermione put in. "Make sure you both come straight back down."

"Yes, Mother, come on Melia," Rose replied, dragging her friend away.

"Me 'n Albus are hungry," Hugo declared, as he watched his sister and her friend running up the stairs to Rose's room.

Hermione smiled. "Of course you are, love," she said, tousling his hair, but before she'd finished saying it, Portius was there telling the kids that there were snacks on the table by the strange picture thing, and that they were to wash their hands before they ate anything.

The elves were quite fascinated by the TV, and probably a little scared of it if the truth was known, but Severus had patiently explained to them last night that it was a Muggle form of entertainment, and they'd seemed to be quite accepting of that explanation. It was obvious to Hermione that they trusted Severus and as she'd sat watching the tele last night, she'd seen almost all of the elves coming to sneakily have a look too. No doubt one day they'd walk into the kitchen to find them all crowded around the set watching the daily soap operas, and she couldn't wait to hear what Severus had to say about that, and she smiled as she thought about it.

xox

As soon as the household settled down again following Hannah and Amelia's departure, Hermione started to wonder where Harry and Ginny were. Not that she minded having Albus and Lily here, but whenever they'd stayed before, their parents had been back to pick them up well before now.

Of course, she wasn't worried, per say, and she trusted that if there was anything really wrong that one of them would have contacted her. Therefore, seeing tomorrow was a school day she started to prepare the kid's evening routines like they would be staying another night, and she proceeded like normal and waited to hear what was happening.