A Secret Worth Keeping
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
48
Views:
62,418
Reviews:
787
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
2
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
48
Views:
62,418
Reviews:
787
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
2
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Plans and jealousy
A/N: More will be updated tomorrow. Thank for for your patience!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, only those that I created myself. Please do not harm me in any way. I only do this for fun.
Blessed Be.
RWH
~_~_~_~
A Secret worth Keeping
Chapter Seventeen: Plans and jealousy
Severus took this time to excuse himself in a bid to go speak with the headmaster over their plans. He leaned over and whispered something into Hermione’s ear and she smiled. He nodded to the boys and stood feeling her eyes watching him as he exited the room. Pausing at the door for a moment, he watched her get to her feet and approach Ron and the crying baby. She turned to smile at him again and he nodded to her before sweeping out of the room.
Hermione retrieved her son from Ron and disappeared behind the nursery’s door with an apologetic grin at them both.
“I’ll be right back.”
She closed the door and Ron and Harry waited patiently listening to the howling of Sebastian. The red head leaned back into his chair watching his friend as the sounds of crying echoed around the room. Harry seemed to be at peace, yet if it wasn’t for the fact that Ron could read his every emotion at any time, he could say that his friend was indeed relaxed and calm. However, right now the way Harry held his hands at his side with his fingers clutched into loose fists, he knew that something was on his friend’s mind.
“Are you sure this is a good idea, Harry?” Ron asked leaning forward and giving his best friend a curious look. “This could be a big risk for all four of you.”
“I know, I don’t mind the risk, Ron. I have to play a dad. I have never had a dad and I have no idea how to play one.”
“Do you think Snape did? Seems to me like he’s doing well enough. I think you would be a fine dad.”
“Not like you, Ron.” Harry blew upward blowing a fringe of bang away from his vision. “You looked like it was natural, holding Sebastian like you did. I have yet to touch him, let alone hold him. I don’t know how.”
“I can still take on the role, Harry. If you don’t think you can do it.” Ron offered.
“No, I already said I would do it. I have to do it. It makes sense that it would be me.” He glanced over at his buddy and grinned. “Besides, you will get your chance before to long, I don’t think you will make it far past schooling without a brood of your own.”
“I have to find a girlfriend first, Harry. “ Ron grinned leaning back again, glad to see the smile back on his friends face. “Then Mom will most likely start with the marriage and kids thing. I think she almost got to Fred and George. They are looking more beaten every time I see them.”
“Poor Jasmine and Claire.” Harry laughed.
“Poor George and Fred.” Ron laughed back.
“Poor kids. Can you imagine what kind of dads those two will be?”
Sebastian’s howling finally ceased and Harry and Ron grinned as a few minutes later Hermione reemerged minus the baby.
“Where’s Sebastian?” Harry inquired when she took a seat opposite from him.
“I laid him down for now, he’s happy watching the ravens and owls dancing on the ceiling. Severus cast a charm on it to keep him occupied when I’m too tired to hold him. It will keep him quiet for a few minutes. The room is also charmed to inform me is anything happens in there.” She frowned down at the floor. “Harry…about this plan.”
“I know there are sbugsbugs in it, Hermione. But for right now it’s the only plan we have.”
“I don’t like it. Draco isn’t going to be fooled one bit. And Sebastian isn’t…well…its not like you are well liked by either Malfoy either.”
“I know that, and that does worry me as well, but I still think Sebastian would be safer with me then with Snape. I mean…” He quickly reiterated seeing the look on her face. “…age wise and student’s thinking. They wouldn’t understand you and Snape. Draco is who’s going to be hard to maneuver around. He’s going to be curious about a few things.”
“Yeah, like why am I allowed back with a baby?”
“Yeah, that’s one, and why we aren’t married yet.”
“I’m not marrying you.” She crossed her arms across her chest causing him to chuckle.
“I’m not asking you to. I think Snape would have a little problem with that, but…by appearances…perhaps it should at least look like we are.”
She shook her head in disbelief. Never in her lifetime did she ever think that her world would have been turned upside down in such a short span of time. Here she was with a child, a man who loves her and another man willing to pretend to be married to her to save her child and father. It astounded her.
~_~_~_~_~
In the headmaster’s office for the second time that day.
~_~_~_~_~
“Are you sure that is wise Severus? Harry is just as much of a target as you are. The baby could be in just as much trouble with Harry as his father as you.”
“True, but then Lucius wouldn’t be able to use the baby against me with the Dark Lord. If he had proof that I had a child then he would be able to hold that over my head. And that is a very powerful hold to have over any man. With Harry claiming to be Sebastian’s father, neither Lucius nor Voldemort have that control. I will continue to have the options to not do as he commands without worry of retaliation on my son or Hermione.”
Dumbledore sat quietly for a moment contemplating the man’s words. It was true that Voldemort would use the baby to make Severus do as he wished. But he still didn’t like Harry being put into the middle of this fight.
“Harry is young…”
“I know, so is Hermione.”
“And he has agreed to this?”
“Yes. I don’t like it, but he did.” Severus growled out feeling his jealousy rising again.
“I’m sure he’s not about to steal her away from you, Severus, please do calm yourself down.”
“I’m not…” Severus sighed and crossed to take a seat across from his friend and mentor. “I’m not scared that he will steal her away, I’m… worried that she will prefer to be with him than with me.”
“Has she given you any reason to think so? Of late?” The elder man steepled his fingertips gazing over the man before him.
“No. I think….” Severus shook his head throwing away doubts. “I think she is starting to enjoy my company. At least she isn’t pulling away from me any more.”
“Good. I think you two suit each other. Just give her time to come around. What she went through was a very traumatic experience. Just don’t try to push her into anything right away. Give her time to adjust to everything.”
“I am, Albus. I will take all the time in the world. If I have to wait until the end of time to get her, then I shall.”
Albus grinned. “You were always a determined man, Severus don’t stop that now.”
“I don’t plan on it. I love her and I will be a devoted father to our child. I just hope that someday she will feel the same way about me that I do about her.”
“Time heals all wounds, Severus. Give her time.”
Severus’s head bobbed in agreement.
“Now, as for your request, I think we can have the nursery outfitted with another adjoining room to allow Harry to reside there as well. If this is to work they will have to make a showing of living together.”
“That is not a good thing completely, Hermione is an unmarried woman. The students, not to mention their parents, would balk at the two living together, specially under this roof.”
“Then they must be married.”
“I don’t think…” Severus was immediately on his feet with a fast reddening face.
“Only in name, Severus…” Albus raised a hand to halt Severus’s anger before it could turn into a tirade.
“I don’t want her married to him.”
“It won’t be a true marriage, Severus.”
“She won’t go for it, Albus. She is bound and determined that Sebastian has only ONE father.”
A loud sigh escaped Albus’s lips and he leaned forward to stare into the deep dark eyes of his friend.
“Listen to me, Severus…I am not talking about a real marriage. I am suggesting only a ring and a false ceremony memory. A few fake photos and that is all. There will be no actual wedding.”
Severus rubbed his brow with his fingertips. He still didn’t like it one bit yet he knew it had to be done. “Fine…Lets get this over with then. I would like to spend some time with my son before the evening draws too late.”
Albus nodded and rose to his feet. “Let me gather a few things and I will meet you down in your quarters in an hour.”
Severus left him and headed back to his chambers. He still didn’t like the idea. Hermione being Potter’s wife just made him madder than anything. He understood the actions and reasons as to why it was necessary, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. Okay, so he was jealous. He was jealous of the closeness of their friendships and he was jealous that his son would spend time with Potter, while he, the baby\'s father would again be put on the sideline. Forced to watch the woman he loves pretend to be in love with someone else. That tore at his heart. Not that anyone would believe that he had such an organ.
He paused at his door hearing shouts coming from inside. He took a deep breath before stepping inside. The site that met his eyes stopped him in his tracks as he stared wide-eyed at the spectacle before him.
“What is going on in here?” He moved to the center of the room the sight of Hermione standing ridged and confused. He glanced at the boys who stared up at her with a look of shock.
“I don’t know…” Harry whispered as he watched Hermione with open mouthed awe. “Something…”
“She conjured something…” Ron offered indicating a thumb over his shoulder. Severus turned to look and his mouth dropped in surprise.
“What…” Severus looked at the objects then turned to approach Hermione, reaching out to stroke her cheek. “How did you bring those here, Hermione? Who’s wand are you using?”
Her eyes darted from the objects to meet his dark ones. Her mouth working as silent words tried to force their way out.
He took her arms in his, shaking her out of her stupor and pulled her into his arms.
“It’s fine, love…it’s going to be all right, honey, don’t worry. We will deal with this. Calm down love…its not that bad.”
He swallowed as he looked back towards the wooden object that she had somehow conjured up and felt his insides freeze.
In the corner of the room stood two mahogany caskets. Empty and waiting for them.
It made him shudder. It was an omen.
~_~_~_~_~
Thank you all so much for your time and compassion.
Lozski: True. I will look forward to the punishment of Lucius. I think I have some good ideas of how to do that.
Andrian: Thanks. That is high praise indeed coming from one of my favorite writers.
Deb: As I have always felt, I think that Ron would be a great dad when he finds the right woman. He would like to practice with Sebastian but I think he would get a bit carried away with the role, don’t you?
LilyMalfoy: I know there was a bit of a jump, but I had to get a move on her emotions developing. I don’t think there is much left of this fic to go and I want that happy ending.
Ldf: hehe. I thought you would like that part.
Loraine: LOL, you don’t do sarcasm very well, Love. Thanks for reading, see you on the outside. Hehe
Michelline: Hope you are still reading, next chapter will be very…uh…interesting.
Nocturnus: Keep reading, things will work out in the end, with someone’s help.
Deblovesdragon: never critical, honey. I respect every word written in regards to reviews. I thank you for your honest thoughts. Sebastian wont be in any danger, I promise.
Daisy: Thank you, friendship is the most important thing in any person. Hermione is lucky to have such friends as I am to have mine. Friends are to be blessed and loved. Right? No reason for Severus to be ignored in that right.
Blessed Be
RWH
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, only those that I created myself. Please do not harm me in any way. I only do this for fun.
Blessed Be.
RWH
~_~_~_~
A Secret worth Keeping
Chapter Seventeen: Plans and jealousy
Severus took this time to excuse himself in a bid to go speak with the headmaster over their plans. He leaned over and whispered something into Hermione’s ear and she smiled. He nodded to the boys and stood feeling her eyes watching him as he exited the room. Pausing at the door for a moment, he watched her get to her feet and approach Ron and the crying baby. She turned to smile at him again and he nodded to her before sweeping out of the room.
Hermione retrieved her son from Ron and disappeared behind the nursery’s door with an apologetic grin at them both.
“I’ll be right back.”
She closed the door and Ron and Harry waited patiently listening to the howling of Sebastian. The red head leaned back into his chair watching his friend as the sounds of crying echoed around the room. Harry seemed to be at peace, yet if it wasn’t for the fact that Ron could read his every emotion at any time, he could say that his friend was indeed relaxed and calm. However, right now the way Harry held his hands at his side with his fingers clutched into loose fists, he knew that something was on his friend’s mind.
“Are you sure this is a good idea, Harry?” Ron asked leaning forward and giving his best friend a curious look. “This could be a big risk for all four of you.”
“I know, I don’t mind the risk, Ron. I have to play a dad. I have never had a dad and I have no idea how to play one.”
“Do you think Snape did? Seems to me like he’s doing well enough. I think you would be a fine dad.”
“Not like you, Ron.” Harry blew upward blowing a fringe of bang away from his vision. “You looked like it was natural, holding Sebastian like you did. I have yet to touch him, let alone hold him. I don’t know how.”
“I can still take on the role, Harry. If you don’t think you can do it.” Ron offered.
“No, I already said I would do it. I have to do it. It makes sense that it would be me.” He glanced over at his buddy and grinned. “Besides, you will get your chance before to long, I don’t think you will make it far past schooling without a brood of your own.”
“I have to find a girlfriend first, Harry. “ Ron grinned leaning back again, glad to see the smile back on his friends face. “Then Mom will most likely start with the marriage and kids thing. I think she almost got to Fred and George. They are looking more beaten every time I see them.”
“Poor Jasmine and Claire.” Harry laughed.
“Poor George and Fred.” Ron laughed back.
“Poor kids. Can you imagine what kind of dads those two will be?”
Sebastian’s howling finally ceased and Harry and Ron grinned as a few minutes later Hermione reemerged minus the baby.
“Where’s Sebastian?” Harry inquired when she took a seat opposite from him.
“I laid him down for now, he’s happy watching the ravens and owls dancing on the ceiling. Severus cast a charm on it to keep him occupied when I’m too tired to hold him. It will keep him quiet for a few minutes. The room is also charmed to inform me is anything happens in there.” She frowned down at the floor. “Harry…about this plan.”
“I know there are sbugsbugs in it, Hermione. But for right now it’s the only plan we have.”
“I don’t like it. Draco isn’t going to be fooled one bit. And Sebastian isn’t…well…its not like you are well liked by either Malfoy either.”
“I know that, and that does worry me as well, but I still think Sebastian would be safer with me then with Snape. I mean…” He quickly reiterated seeing the look on her face. “…age wise and student’s thinking. They wouldn’t understand you and Snape. Draco is who’s going to be hard to maneuver around. He’s going to be curious about a few things.”
“Yeah, like why am I allowed back with a baby?”
“Yeah, that’s one, and why we aren’t married yet.”
“I’m not marrying you.” She crossed her arms across her chest causing him to chuckle.
“I’m not asking you to. I think Snape would have a little problem with that, but…by appearances…perhaps it should at least look like we are.”
She shook her head in disbelief. Never in her lifetime did she ever think that her world would have been turned upside down in such a short span of time. Here she was with a child, a man who loves her and another man willing to pretend to be married to her to save her child and father. It astounded her.
~_~_~_~_~
In the headmaster’s office for the second time that day.
~_~_~_~_~
“Are you sure that is wise Severus? Harry is just as much of a target as you are. The baby could be in just as much trouble with Harry as his father as you.”
“True, but then Lucius wouldn’t be able to use the baby against me with the Dark Lord. If he had proof that I had a child then he would be able to hold that over my head. And that is a very powerful hold to have over any man. With Harry claiming to be Sebastian’s father, neither Lucius nor Voldemort have that control. I will continue to have the options to not do as he commands without worry of retaliation on my son or Hermione.”
Dumbledore sat quietly for a moment contemplating the man’s words. It was true that Voldemort would use the baby to make Severus do as he wished. But he still didn’t like Harry being put into the middle of this fight.
“Harry is young…”
“I know, so is Hermione.”
“And he has agreed to this?”
“Yes. I don’t like it, but he did.” Severus growled out feeling his jealousy rising again.
“I’m sure he’s not about to steal her away from you, Severus, please do calm yourself down.”
“I’m not…” Severus sighed and crossed to take a seat across from his friend and mentor. “I’m not scared that he will steal her away, I’m… worried that she will prefer to be with him than with me.”
“Has she given you any reason to think so? Of late?” The elder man steepled his fingertips gazing over the man before him.
“No. I think….” Severus shook his head throwing away doubts. “I think she is starting to enjoy my company. At least she isn’t pulling away from me any more.”
“Good. I think you two suit each other. Just give her time to come around. What she went through was a very traumatic experience. Just don’t try to push her into anything right away. Give her time to adjust to everything.”
“I am, Albus. I will take all the time in the world. If I have to wait until the end of time to get her, then I shall.”
Albus grinned. “You were always a determined man, Severus don’t stop that now.”
“I don’t plan on it. I love her and I will be a devoted father to our child. I just hope that someday she will feel the same way about me that I do about her.”
“Time heals all wounds, Severus. Give her time.”
Severus’s head bobbed in agreement.
“Now, as for your request, I think we can have the nursery outfitted with another adjoining room to allow Harry to reside there as well. If this is to work they will have to make a showing of living together.”
“That is not a good thing completely, Hermione is an unmarried woman. The students, not to mention their parents, would balk at the two living together, specially under this roof.”
“Then they must be married.”
“I don’t think…” Severus was immediately on his feet with a fast reddening face.
“Only in name, Severus…” Albus raised a hand to halt Severus’s anger before it could turn into a tirade.
“I don’t want her married to him.”
“It won’t be a true marriage, Severus.”
“She won’t go for it, Albus. She is bound and determined that Sebastian has only ONE father.”
A loud sigh escaped Albus’s lips and he leaned forward to stare into the deep dark eyes of his friend.
“Listen to me, Severus…I am not talking about a real marriage. I am suggesting only a ring and a false ceremony memory. A few fake photos and that is all. There will be no actual wedding.”
Severus rubbed his brow with his fingertips. He still didn’t like it one bit yet he knew it had to be done. “Fine…Lets get this over with then. I would like to spend some time with my son before the evening draws too late.”
Albus nodded and rose to his feet. “Let me gather a few things and I will meet you down in your quarters in an hour.”
Severus left him and headed back to his chambers. He still didn’t like the idea. Hermione being Potter’s wife just made him madder than anything. He understood the actions and reasons as to why it was necessary, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. Okay, so he was jealous. He was jealous of the closeness of their friendships and he was jealous that his son would spend time with Potter, while he, the baby\'s father would again be put on the sideline. Forced to watch the woman he loves pretend to be in love with someone else. That tore at his heart. Not that anyone would believe that he had such an organ.
He paused at his door hearing shouts coming from inside. He took a deep breath before stepping inside. The site that met his eyes stopped him in his tracks as he stared wide-eyed at the spectacle before him.
“What is going on in here?” He moved to the center of the room the sight of Hermione standing ridged and confused. He glanced at the boys who stared up at her with a look of shock.
“I don’t know…” Harry whispered as he watched Hermione with open mouthed awe. “Something…”
“She conjured something…” Ron offered indicating a thumb over his shoulder. Severus turned to look and his mouth dropped in surprise.
“What…” Severus looked at the objects then turned to approach Hermione, reaching out to stroke her cheek. “How did you bring those here, Hermione? Who’s wand are you using?”
Her eyes darted from the objects to meet his dark ones. Her mouth working as silent words tried to force their way out.
He took her arms in his, shaking her out of her stupor and pulled her into his arms.
“It’s fine, love…it’s going to be all right, honey, don’t worry. We will deal with this. Calm down love…its not that bad.”
He swallowed as he looked back towards the wooden object that she had somehow conjured up and felt his insides freeze.
In the corner of the room stood two mahogany caskets. Empty and waiting for them.
It made him shudder. It was an omen.
~_~_~_~_~
Thank you all so much for your time and compassion.
Lozski: True. I will look forward to the punishment of Lucius. I think I have some good ideas of how to do that.
Andrian: Thanks. That is high praise indeed coming from one of my favorite writers.
Deb: As I have always felt, I think that Ron would be a great dad when he finds the right woman. He would like to practice with Sebastian but I think he would get a bit carried away with the role, don’t you?
LilyMalfoy: I know there was a bit of a jump, but I had to get a move on her emotions developing. I don’t think there is much left of this fic to go and I want that happy ending.
Ldf: hehe. I thought you would like that part.
Loraine: LOL, you don’t do sarcasm very well, Love. Thanks for reading, see you on the outside. Hehe
Michelline: Hope you are still reading, next chapter will be very…uh…interesting.
Nocturnus: Keep reading, things will work out in the end, with someone’s help.
Deblovesdragon: never critical, honey. I respect every word written in regards to reviews. I thank you for your honest thoughts. Sebastian wont be in any danger, I promise.
Daisy: Thank you, friendship is the most important thing in any person. Hermione is lucky to have such friends as I am to have mine. Friends are to be blessed and loved. Right? No reason for Severus to be ignored in that right.
Blessed Be
RWH