The Sound Of Silence

Hermione went to the Burrow like normal the next morning. Steph was already there and eating. Hermione kissed her head. "Have a good night?" She nodded. Mommy sighed. "I'm sorry for last night. Your father and I talked. Everything is going to be different now." Steph looked at her. She signed. Hermione nodded. "Promise. Now, finish your breakfast." Steph winked at Harry and kept eating.

Later Ron, Hermione and Harry were watching Steph practicing her flying. Hermione didn't take her eyes off her. "Thanks for last night."

Ron looked at her. "You're not mad?"

She shrugged. "We deserved it. Severus and I decided to be civil."

Harry nodded. "Good. I'd rather Steph not have parents rather than have two that fight all the time."

She nodded. "I'm not saying there won't be fight, just not in front of Steph." She stood and brushed off her robe. "Steph, come on honey. Time to go."

Steph did a dive and pulled up right in front of her and grinned. Hermione let out a breath. "That was good baby. Just warn me next time ok?" Steph rolled her eyes and with a last look, handed Harry his broom. She pulled her cloak off the half door and draped it over her arm.

Ron ruffled her hair. "Give the old bat hell for me." She frowned.

Harry laughed. "We'll see you tomorrow. Have fun today." She smiled at him, took Mommy's hand and was gone.

***
Severus smiled at his daughter's enthusiasm. She pulled him along the hallway, out the doors, and over to the Quidditch pitch. She signed. He watched her closely. "Broom. Oh, you want to show me how you've learned to fly." She nodded. He opened the broom shed and picked out the best one. She took it and was gone before he could say anything. He laughed slightly, grabbed his own broom and took off after her.

***

Albus smiled as he watched the father and daughter play. Severus had changed in the last week. It was good for him. He hoped this change would stay even after his daughter returned home. He also hoped the contact would continue.

Minerva walked up beside him. "He loves her."

Albus nodded. "Very much."
They watched the game a while longer. "Ms. Granger will be coming from Hagrid's soon."

The Headmaster turned to the fire. "I'll start the tea."

***

Severus smiled as Steph flew around his head. He had to hand it to Potter. He had taught her well. "Accio Quidditch chest." The chest landed on the field. Steph stopped and watched him land and open the box. She grinned when he motioned her down. "I'm going to release the Snitch. I want you to wait about ten seconds before going after it." Steph nodded.

They both watched as the golden ball fluttered around their heads and took off. Steph counted to herself and then tore after it. Severus mounted his broom and hovered over the field to observe.

***

She was marvelous. Fearless too. He watched her disappear under the Observation towers to reappear closer to the Snitch than before. He watched their skyward accent and then, with no small amount of trepidation, the downward spiral. He felt his own adrenaline start rushing when her fingertips brushed the flying prize. Her face was set in concentration.

Finally, she grabbed the Snitch and tried to pull her broomstick level. Severus watched the catch with triumph before he set his own broom in motion to help her. He pulled up short, throwing his broom to the side and rushing over to the small body. A quick scan found nothing broken. He gently lifted her and headed for his chambers. With Pomfrey on holiday, he would have to care for her himself.

Steph stirred slightly as he walked. He looked down and saw her smiling at him. "Are you all right?" She shrugged and winced slightly. "What hurts?" She pointed to her right shoulder. He gently set her down. She held her arm close to the side. He nodded. "I'll fix a healing balm when we get to my lab." She smiled at him and held her left hand out to him. He opened his hand and watched her grin as she handed him the snitch. He put it in his pocket and laughed. "Impressive little one. Come. Let's get you fixed before your Mother finds out."

***

Hermione frowned as she came from the Dungeons. She wanted to make sure that Stephanie would be warm enough in her cloak. 'Yeah right, Hermione. You wanted to check up on them.'

As she turned the corner, Severus and Steph walked in the door. Hermione noticed Steph was holding her arm. She walked over. "Steph, I was just looking for you." She knelt in front of her. "Honey, what's wrong?"

Severus cleared his throat. "She was going after the snitch and her broom failed to cooperate. She fell off and onto her shoulder. I was just taking her down to my chambers to prepare a healing balm."

Hermione stood. "Why not take her to Madam Pomfrey?"

His eyebrow went north. "She is on holiday as are most of the Professors."

She looked at him. "I'll take her to St. Mungo's then."

Severus glared at her. "Hermione, I am perfectly capable of brewing a potion for her."

Hermione gritted her teeth. "I know that Severus, but I would feel better if a Medi-Wizard looked her over."

Snape glared at her. "Hermione, be reasonable." She glared back at him.

Steph rolled her eyes and tugged her Daddy's robes. When he looked at her, she signed the word "hurt" and pointed to her shoulder. He nodded. "Come along then." He took her good hand and started towards the Dungeons. Hermione cursed under her breath and followed along with them.

***

Stephanie sat on a stool watching Daddy work. She wondered if she would ever be able to do something like that. Mommy was sitting next to her, looking at the bruise that was covering her shoulder, arm and most of her shoulder blade. She shook her head. "It had to be Quidditch didn't it? Of all the things in the wizarding world you chose Quidditch." Steph smiled and nodded furiously.

Severus turned from his work. "She is very good. She'll make a fine seeker for her house team."

Hermione glared at him. "Are you quite finished? I was hoping that the potion would be done before we leave next week."

Severus pressed his lips into a line. "I'm working on it Hermione." He gave her his best fake smile. "I'm sure you remember that a bruise reducing salve takes time to thicken."

Hermione glared at him. "I'm sorry Sev. I've just worried about her." Steph rolled her eyes.

Severus's jaw tightened. "Well, Herm, I am worried about her as well. Else I wouldn't be brewing this potion."

There was a knock at the door. "Enter!"
Dumbledore walked in at Snape's command. "Severus, I was wondering..." He stopped when he saw Hermione. "Well, my question has been answered. Ms. Granger, Minerva and I were getting worried about you."

Hermione looked away from Steph. "I'm sorry Headmaster. I wanted to check on her once more before I left. I was coming up from the Dungeons when I saw Steph and Sev. She hurt her shoulder playing Quidditch and I was making sure she would be fine before I came for tea."

Albus smiled. "Completely understandable. I see Severus is taking care of her."

Snape smiled at Hermione. "See Herm, even the Headmaster has faith in my abilities." Steph frowned at both of them.

Albus couldn't help but notice the animosity with which each said the shortened versions of their names. He chuckled. "Well my dear, I'll see you after the matter is resolved." He nodded to all and left.

Severus turned from his work. "Stephanie, this may be cool against your skin. It will begin work immediately." She nodded. Hermione watched as he smoothed the salve over her shoulder. They all watched as the bruise disappeared.

Steph slowly moved her shoulder. She smiled and signed "All better." She bit her lip, looketweetween her parents and then pointed at her throat. They were confused for a moment, but Hermione shook her head. "No honey. onl only works on bruises."

Severus drew in a breath, and then ruffled her hair. "Come on. Get ready and we'll go for a walk. Maybe we can venture into the Forest." Steph grinned, pulled her shirt over her shoulder and ran from the room to find her cloak.

Severus stopped Hermione. "I want to speak with you this evening about her condition. I have several theories we could go over."

Hermione nodded. "I have theories of my own." Steph came back in, her cloak over her arm. Hermione kissed her forehead. "Have fun with Daddy today." She smiled at Severus before leaving.

***

That evening, Hermione sat nervously and waited for Steph to come home. Why was she so nervous? They had done this every evening this week. What was different? She took a breath. He wanted to talk to her. She looked at the k. Tk. They should be here soon. She smoothed her clothes and checked her hair in the mirror. What was she doing? They were just going to talk about Steph. He didn't even like her anyway.

She jumped at the knock. She opened the door and Steph ran in. Snape shook his head. "Albus was secretly giving her candy all evening. I did not see him or I would have prevented it."
Hermione shook her head. "I'll talk to Albus tomorrow. Come in. Would you like some tea or something?"

He shook his head. "No thank you." He sat in one of the chairs.

Hermione looked at Steph. "Honey, go get ready for bed. PJs and brush your teeth." Steph nodded and left the room.

Hermione sat opposite of Severus. "You wanted to talk about her condition?"

He nodded. "From what she told me, she was able to articulate sound when she was younger."

Hermione nodded. "Until she was one, she was as normal as any other child. Then, a few monthter ter her birthday, nothing. That's how it's remained since."

He nodded. "I'm sure you've researched this?"

She nodded. "Both muggle and wizarding text and methods."

Severus pulled a folder from his robes. "This is all the research I've done since she first visited us. She suggested to me a mandrake based potion." Hermione flipped through the papers as he continued. "As you can see, I do not think that would be powerful enough. I believe that a potion based on mandrake with other stable restoratives would yield more results."

Hermione pulled out a parchment. "Madam Pomfrey examined her?"

He nodded. "After her altercation with Malfoy."

Hermione was reading over the paper when Steph came back in. She crawled into Severus's lap and lay against his chest. Hermione glanced up and felt her heart constrict slightly. He looked so natural as he held her. There was still a hint of his discomfort at the contact, but uickuickly masked it. She looked at the clock. "Bedtime baby." Steph frowned and looked at her Daddy.

He nodded. "You heard your Mother." She climbed out of his lap.

Hermione smiled. "Go on hon. I'll be in to tuck you in." Steph pointed to Snape.

He nodded. "I as well." She grinned and skipped to her room.

Hermione put the papers back into the folder. She started to hand it to him, but he stopped her. "I made copies. I knew that I would not be able to keep you from helping."

She smiled and laid the folder on the table. "Thank you Severus." She stood. "Let's get her tucked in for the night. He nodded and followed her into the bedroom.

***

Steph closed her book and smiled. Mommy came and pulled the covers around her. "Did you brush your teeth?" Steph nodded. "Used the loo?" Steph frowned and nodded again. "Need anything before I turn off the lights?" Steph nodded. She signed. Hermione looked at Severus.

He stood and watched the bedtime rituals. Hermione was an amazing mother. Not that he would ever let her know that. Stephanie was a well-behaved child, unlike most. That was the difference. She was nothing like the dunderheads he taught. After all, she was his child. He was pulled out of his thoughts when he noticed both ladies looking at him. He frowned.

Hermione smiled. "She asked if we would mind staying until she fell asleep."

Severus's eyebrow went up. "Stay? If she wants." Steph grinned and snuggled down into the blankets. Hermione lay down on one side of her. Severus took off his robes and laid them over a chair. He lay on the other side of her.

Steph snuggled her back to Mommy and then reached for Daddy. He looked confused but moved closer. He smiled when she lay her head on his chest. He kissed the top of her head and then looked up...

And right into the most beautiful pair of eyes the gods ever had the audacity to create. His heart tightened in his chest and he drew in a breath. Hermione smiled and then whispered. "I think you're going to spoil her." Her breath was warm against his face.

He recovered slightly, nodded and then answered just as softly. "I would do anything for her."

Hermione drew her bottom lip between her teeth. He stifled a groan. She knew what that one particular gesture did to him. He fought the urge to lean over and bite that lip for her. She frowned at him and he schooled his face to hide his emotions again. Give it up old man. She doesn't feel like that about you anymore.

Hermione tore her eyes away from the man in front of her. His statement had thrown her for a loop and then that look he gave her. Wow. It was almost like when they were together. She looked down as Steph shifted.


Steph turned and lay her head against Hermione's chest. She brought Severus's arm across her body. He shifted closer and moved his hand to be comfortable. He brushed against something soft. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to become lost in the sensations.

Hermione felt the gentle touch against her side and then bit back a moan as his fingers stroked her. She felt her eyes close and soon she was as lost in the sensations as he was. She fought to contain her moans of pleasure.

Steph shifted again and they both jerked. Hermione looked down at their daughter and whispered, "She's asleep." She dared to glance at Severus. He looked as flustered as she was.

He nodded and slowly began to untangle himself from Stephanie. When he was standing, he bent down to kiss her head. He didn't notice how she was laying against Hermione and was greeted with the sight of her breast. Stephanie's head had pulled the fabric of her nightgown to the side slightly and exposed her soft skin. His mouth went dry and he stood up quickly.

Hermione extracted herself from Stephanie and stood. She pulled the covers over Steph and motioned for him to follow her out. She wanted to take the time to compose herself. She turned to him. "Thank you for staying."

Her jerked at her words. "Of course. As I said, anything for her." He started for the door.

Hermione followed to lock the door after him. "Thank you again."

He turned and stared down at her. "You are welcome. I look forward to the visit tomorrow." He pulled his robes around himself. Hermione stood in the doorway, framed by the light. He went against his better judgment and bent to gently brushed his lips against hers. With that gentle kiss, he was gone.

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Thanks again to my beta Lily!

Sorris tis took so long to update. I was in Virginia this weekend with my College Basketball team. No internet connection, but we did win both of our games. YAY!

A/N:

Deb: Thanks so much for your review! I love it when I hear that people are enjoying this story. I didn't know that Harry was going to come out that forceful. I do like him like that. Someone needed to step up. I was sick of them pussyfooting around!

Jenny: Thanks so much! Keep reading. I hope it'll get better as we go along.

Nesscafe: That was rather childish of them. Petty and all that. They've agreed, but can it stay that way? Tune in for the exciting conclusion.....sometime. I'm not real sure!

Alanfan: Five points to your house. Of course, Stephanie also shares her birthday with the author. Wait, that means I share my birthday with...oh yeah! I remember now. That's why we went to see CoS again on my 21st. I was drunk, but that didn't stop me from singing Happy Birthday to Alan when I saw him on the screen. As for Hermione and Severus, their sorting themselves out, I hope.

Daxi: I agree. Hermione was a little soft. On everyone. But blame it on having 12 years to get over her anger and bitterness. I think Harry has it in him to be a bastard. I love him and all, but I can just see it sometimes.

Ventrue66: Wow, thank you. I wasn't sure if this would be original or not. Thanks for the reassurance. It is going to take some time. I don't think I'm even halfway done and I've got almost 90 pages! Keep reading.

Franflutewitch: Thanks for reading. I like Steph too. I'm trying to keep her as Snape like as possible. I know she lived her whole life with Hermione, but she has to have some of his traits as well. Thanks for the review!

Red: I know your troubles with this site. I'll thank you anyway, even if you didn't review, just because you always read this story, no matter how much I pester you about it!