Hold Me Close

Severus flopped down onto Hermione’s bed, his stomach in knots. He knew Voldemort was going to want him to report back, especially since Macnair was dead. He idly wondered how his former associates would receive him when Minerva presented his proof of innocence to him.


He wondered what Ron and Hermione were telling the Order members. His stomach soured at the thought of Molly’s reaction to the news. She would undoubtedly be excited, but her excitement would only fuel the charade that made him physically ill.


He thought about his tiny unborn daughter. He wondered for a moment what she would look like. Would she have his black hair or Hermione’s chestnut locks? Would she have his obsidian eyes, her mother’s amber hued ones? Whose features would she favor? Gods how he hoped she looked more like her beautiful mother.


He only hoped he would live to find out.


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Hermione was practically trembling as she descended the stairs on Ron’s arm. She had never felt more nervous in her entire life.


When they reached the landing, Ron put his arm around her shoulder to steady her.


“Let’s get this over with,” he said, a nervous smile on his lips, in an attempt to comfort Hermione.


Hermione reached into her pocket and withdrew one of the green vials. She sprinkled a few drops onto her tongue. She would definitely be needing it for this.


When they stepped into the dining room, Arthur and Molly looked up and smiled, acknowledging them.


“Now that everyone is here, I believe young Mr. Weasley has something to tell everyone before the meeting begins,” Minerva said, beckoning towards Ron.


Ron’s ears went pink as he led Hermione to the table.


“Hermione and I just wanted to tell everyone that,” he began, clearing his throat nervously. His palms were drenched with sweat, and his ears were as red as his hair. “Well, we wanted to let everyone know, that we are going to be having a baby,” Ron said, his voice cracking slightly.


The room went silent. Arthur’s jaw dropped open and Molly looked around, confused.


“What did he say, Dear?” she asked her husband, positive her ears had just deceived her.


“I- uh, well, I think he said, uh, oh boy, I- I-” Arthur stumbled, unable to form the words.


“Miss Granger is pregnant, Molly,” Minerva said for him.


“She’s what??“ Molly exclaimed, unable to believe her ears. “Pregnant?? I’m going to be a grandmother?”


Ron nodded sheepishly.


“Well that’s wonderful news!” she squealed, a large smile breaking on her lips.


She leapt up, enveloping her son and Hermione in a suffocating hug as the news sank in for the rest of the members.


“Oh, my little Ronniekins! Having a baby! This is so exciting!” she gushed, releasing them.


The other members offered their congratulations as well.


“Better stock up on the nappies,” Tonks joked.


“Another Weasley,” Lupin remarked.


“Really quite a surprise,” Kingsley noted.


After the murmuring and congratulations began to die down, Minerva cleared her throat.


“As exciting as Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger’s news is, it is not the reason I have called this meeting,” she said, as a means to switch focus.


The members looked at her with rapt attention.


“It seems that some evidence has come to light from our dearly departed friend, Albus,” she said quietly, eyes tearing up at the thought of her lover. “Albus’ last will and testament, as well as several memories have been brought to light. These documents show us that Severus Snape is in fact innocent.”


The room hushed instantly.


“How is that possible, Minerva? Harry told us himself what he saw,” Molly said, confused.


“It seems that Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix LeStrange coerced him into performing the Unbreakable Vow, which forfeit Albus’ life,” Minerva said softly as the room began to buzz with quieted whispers of incredulity. “Lord Voldemort assigned young Draco the task of murdering Albus as a means to punish Lucius.


“He knew full well the young wizard would be unable to kill Albus. Narcissa made Severus Vow to assist Draco, and complete his task for him if necessary. Albus ordered Severus to uphold the Vow, despite Severus’ pleas to die in his stead. Severus Snape is innocent,” she finished, looking around at the shocked Order members.


“Well, where is he now?” Lupin asked.


“He is upstairs, waiting for me to call him down here,” Minerva replied.

“Perhaps it is time he rejoined us, in light of this information,” Arthur said quietly.


The other Order members murmured in agreement. Minerva nodded and left the room to retrieve the Potions Master.


Hermione tried to look nonchalant as Minerva reentered with Severus, who was scowling blackly.


“Welcome back, Severus. I’m sorry we ever doubted you,” Molly said warmly.


“I assure you, apologies are unnecessary,” he said silkily. “Suffice it to say, I am aware of how my actions were perceived, and, given similar circumstances, I may have reacted likely.”


“When are you to return?” Lupin asked him.


“I think, given the circumstances, It would be best if I return before I am summoned,” he said darkly.


“The circumstances?” Tonks asked.


“Yes. Severus killed the Death Eater, Macnair, when he attacked Mr. Potter and his friends at Godric’s Hollow,” Minerva said.


Molly paled.


“You were attacked? In your condition?” she shrieked.


“Yes,” Hermione said, blushing furiously, “but I’m fine, the baby is fine. Sev-Professor Snape rescued us.”


No one else seemed to notice her slip of the tongue.


“Oh thank goodness,” Molly said, bringing her hand to her chest. “Severus, I assume you heard the wonderful news?”


Severus lip twitched imperceptibly.


“Yes, Mrs. Weasley. I believe congratulations are in order,” he said flatly, eyes burning into Ron venomously.


Molly beamed, oblivious to the exchange between her son and the spy.


“Shall we have a spot of supper then?” she asked.


Most of the members nodded in agreement, some needing to leave.


“I think it would be best if I go back to Voldemort,” Severus said, looking at Hermione.


“I understand, Dear,” Molly said, patting his arm warmly.


“Shall we return to the Burrow, then, after supper?” Molly asked Ron and Hermione.


“Actually, Molly, Poppy would prefer if Hermione stay here tonight,” Minerva interjected.


“Very well, we’ll all stay, then,” she replied, smiling.


I will return tonight. Ward your bedroom door to my signature, Severus said to Hermione silently, using Legilimency.


Hermione nodded subtly, and Severus bowed out of the Room to return to Voldemort and explain the death of Macnair.


A/N:Thank you for your reviews and well wishes. I am feeling much better now, so updates should be faster in coming! I want to thank L'Vanna for looking over this for me, and Please review! Feed my Muse!