Child of New Beginnings

Chapter 13



As the days passed, Severus’s relationship with Sebastian quickly grew into the father and son relationship bond that he had wanted. He was constantly with his son, and never parted with him. The two did a lot together like playing, eating, talking, and to Severus’s horror, watching “Baby Einstein,” when the nursery had finished being built. After just watching the DVD once, Severus decided that it was best to just read colorful and popup books to Sebastian. Some were muggle and others were wizard.



Sebastian continued to surprise Severus almost every day. He could tell that his son portrayed strong Slytherin qualities. Not remembering Lucius’s warning about him peeing on people, that is exactly what Severus got doing Sebastian’s first nappy change. And every time Sebastian did it, he just laughed as his father scowled down at him.



Severus noticed that Sebastian’s magical abilities grew. There was a moment that he and Sebastian, who was lying tummy down on his chest were playing. And then it happened when the baby stuck his hand out. Slowly, Norbi slid towards his tiny hand. Amazingly, he accioed his toy, and Severus couldn’t be prouder of his son.



In the hospital wing, Hermione’s vital signs were improving. Poppy had given her all the potions and healing spells that she could the night she revived Hermione. From then on, it was all up to Hermione’s body to fight on its own. Lucius had never left her side unless he had to clean and change.



When Severus visited, it was every afternoon. He never sat too close to her and just remained seated on the nearby cot, distancing himself. In his eyes, he couldn’t help but notice how fragile she was. The more he would make himself feel guilty.



Of course, Severus always brought Sebastian with him. Sometimes Sebastian would sit on his lap and they would both play. Other times, Sebastian would be placed next to his mother by Lucius. When Lucius would talk to Hermione along with Sebastian, Severus couldn’t help but notice that the three of them were like family. Would he, Hermione and Sebastian ever be like that? He wished and hoped it, but thought it impossible after what he had done to her.



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Her body ached and felt like she had been crushed by a ton of bricks. Hermione tried to open her eyes, and blinked a few times. It took time for her to remember what had happened, which was being attacked in her house.



“Bastian…” she croaked. Her throat hurt to talk for it was too dry. “Bastian…”



“Hermione!” Lucius gasped as he cupped her face with a hand. He smiled at her when her eyes had met his. He then reached for a glass of water with a straw and let Hermione drink a few sips. “You are at Hogwarts, and have been in the infirmary for a week. Sebastian is safe.”



“Where?” Hermione said weakly as she pulled away from the glass.



“There,” Lucius said as he gazed to the other cot.



Hermione slowly turned her head. Her eyes widened at who she saw Sebastian with. It was none other than Severus Snape, potions master—Sebastian’s father. Sebastian was perched on his lap, and making his baby sounds.



Severus’s head jerked up and looked at Hermione’s form when he swore he heard her speak. He gulped and held his breath and worried about how she might react. Would she scream in fear? Would she try and run away far from him? Would she jump out of bed and grasp Sebastian away from him?



“Oh God,” Hermione said as she turned her head away. She shut her eyes tight and all she could remember was that night. It was too painful to think about. Her pain, his pain, it was all the same.



“Love?” Lucius said softly next to her ear as he wrapped an arm around her. “What’s wrong?” he asked even though he knew it was a stupid question. He didn’t know what else to ask.



“What is he doing here?” Hermione whimpered as she opened her eyes to look at Lucius.



“He’s visiting with Bastian,” Lucius replied only for her to hear.



Hermione shook her head. This couldn’t be happening. She was back in the wizarding world, and was close to the man that she couldn’t face. “I said I wasn’t ready,” she sobbed.



“Hermione, I had no choice. What did you want me to do? You were on the brink of death.”



“You could have just left me to die and take Sebastian, hiding him.” She then broke out into cries, and clutched at the sheets tightly to her chin.



Lucius pulled her into a tight embrace, letting her face bury into his chest. He started to whisper words of comfort to her, telling her that everything was going to be okay. Telling her that he was there for her.



Severus sighed and looked at Sebastian with sad eyes. He knew why she turned away from him, and wasn’t surprised by her reaction when she saw him. She hated and feared to face him. Why wouldn’t she be? If he was her, he would have probably reacted the same way.



“He knows,” Lucius spoke softly as she looked into Hermione’s teary eyes after she had calmed. “I had to tell him Love.”



Hermione gulped, unable to speak.



“He feels very bad for what he did. He hates himself all the more actually. But with Sebastian…” he gave a small smile. “He’s a wonderful father. He’s the one that’s been caring for him since I am here with you.”



“I want Sebastian,” Hermione said.



“Severus,” Lucius looked at him. “Bring Sebastian over will you please.”



Severus stood up without saying a word. He couldn’t bear to see Hermione’s face, like she couldn’t bear to see his. He handed the giggling infant to Lucius not taking a risk of looking at Hermione’s eyes.



“Bastian,” Hermione smiled as she kissed his head, after Lucius lay him down next to her on the pillow.



“I shall come back for him later,” Severus said, and then turned on his heel.



“Professor,” Hermione called at him as she raised her head up slightly.



Severus stopped in his tracks on the way to the door. She called him. Slowly, he turned back to face her.



“Thank you…” she said weakly, before turning her attention back to Sebastian.



Severus eyes blinked as he tried to register what had happened. With a nod from Lucius, he then left the infirmary, not feeling the rejection that he had expected.



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AN – The ending is so much like ‘Sense and Sensibility.’ Review!