A Secret Worth Keeping

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


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A Secret worth Keeping

Chapter Eighteen: A solution of sorts

The sudden appearance of the ominous caskets in the safe confines of her promised home hit Hermione like a herd of stampeding hippogriffs. The sight of the two wooden objects cast an unreasonable fear on her already weak psyche and quickly consumed her, drowning her in a lake of despair. An alarming tightness engulfed her chest, her breath came in short pants as she struggled to breathe. Her voice, as she was aching to scream, to yell or to do something, anything, adamantly refused to emerge from her closed throat. Something or someone was playing cruelly with her emotions and she couldn’t do anything about it. She was relieved to suddenly find herself in Severus’s embrace as tears once more began to fall from her eyes, barely hearing the words coming from his lips.

Severus held her tightly to his chest, holding her head against the fabric of his coat, effectively cutting off her view of the deplorable objects sitting solemnly in their living area. The very thought that she could have anything to do with conjuring them was unquestionable. Without a wand, it was virtually impossible for any witch or wizard to transport any person or thing within these hallowed halls. So, the question he had was that…. if she didn’t do it…. who did?

\"Someone cover those things up…. NOW!\" He bellowed and with a jump, both younger men immediately leaped forward and, with a swish and a flick had two blankets thrown over the deep mahogany coffins. It wasn’t the ideal solution but it would have to do for now, until he could get rid of the offending things.

Hermione’s sobs eventually died down and Severus led her over to a sofa and sat her down gently, keeping her hand in one of his. With his thumb tracing over the knuckles on the back of her hand, he tilted her chin up to gaze into her eyes, taking that opportunity to quietly question her again on what had happened. Like the boys, she had no idea why the caskets had appeared. Nor could she say how she was able to conjure them without a wand, if she did at all. She had no memory of doing anything so…. out of character. She couldn’t imagine why she would have conjured something so morbid. Severus continued to stroke her hand until she seemed to gather more control of her fear. His simple touch seemed to help, judging by the way the she gripped his hand.

\"I want you to get some rest, Hermione. Albus will be along in a little while. We have a plan that he will fill you in on when he gets here, something akin to a false wedding. Don’t ask…. \" He raised a hand to stop her questions \"In a nutshell, the plan is to implant a false wng mng memory into your subconscious. I don’t want you still upset when he comes. It wouldn’t do to confuse the caskets with a wedding, especially if someone later tried to delve into your memories.\" He smiled down at her reassuringly. \"It would be a rather confusing memory to the eavesdropper.\"

Hermione smiled slightly at that and didn’t even bother to ask about the wedding memory. It was strange that she and her friends, and Severus with the Headmaster had managed to come up with the same idea. Much as she loathed the idea, a wedding had to be done for the illusion to work. In order to make everyone believe that Harry and Sebastian were father and son. It further amazed her that they were ready to implement the plan at once. Funny how quickly Professor Dumbledore can work.

She nodded and allowed herself to be guided into the nursery where Sebastian was quietly giggling at the dancing birds on the ceiling, completely unaware of the drama taking place in the other room.

\"Get some rest, I will come get you when Albus arrives.\" Severus spoke softly, reaching out and stroking her cheek lovingly.

\"Yes dear…. \" Her voice was low and evidently still emotionally charged as she tried to attempt a bit of humor in the moment and was rewarded with a deep chuckle from him.

\"Cheek.\" Her leaned in to kiss her softly and was gratified when her lips returned the kiss just as gently.

\"Only with you.\" She returned and gazed at the crib.

\"Will you be all right alone?\" He followed her glance to their son.

\"I’m not alone, I have Sebastian. Don’t worry, we will be fine. Go, I’m sure you three want to check out those…. those…. things.\" She waved a hand towards the door.

\"All right. I will come and get you in a little while. Rest.\" He demanded once more before exiting the room, leaving Hermione and their son alone in the nursery with the dancing birds.

She approached hon aon and smiled down at him when his dark eyes found hers.

\"Don’t worry little one, Daddy will fix everything…\" She whispered pulling the blanket up over his tiny form. Making sure that everything was fine, and that there were no obvious reasons to worry about her son, she laid down on the sofa and drifted into a light, yet exhausted sleep listening to the soft cooing of her son.


~ Back in the living area ~


Severus closed the nursery’s door and looked worriedly over at the two younger men.

\"Albus has come up with a solution to our problems. Of sorts.\" Severus spoke, taking command of the conversation for now.

\"What? Something that obviously doesn’t make you happy, judging by the expression on your face.\" Harry retorted sitting back down doing as Snape did and ignored the caskets behind them.

\"I don’t like it at all. However, I am loath to admit it, but the suggestion is a valid answer to this…situation.\" Heteretered taking a seat across from the younger man. \"Unfortunately, in order for you to reside with Hermione, under the guise of being Sebastian’s father, Albus had deduced that you and she will be…. married.\"

\"Hermione and I had already hit on that idea a bit earlier.\" Harry returned with a shake of his dark head.

\"In what way?\" Severus sneered.

\"It didn’t get beyond the mentioning. Hermione simply refused to get into it.\" Harry grinned back, not at all alarmed by the black look from his professor. \"Besides, I don’t think Hermione would like that plan at all. Me pretending to be Sebastian’s dad is one thing, but living as husband and wife? No, I’m VERY sure that she won’t go for that.\"

\"She has no choice. This is for our son’s sake, and hers. I don’t like the idea myself, Potter. I’d just as soon take them both and high tail it out of Britain than let her live this lie. However, for the time being, I must bow to Albus’s greater judgement. As much as it pains me to leave the care and custody of my family to you, it is a relatively fair arrangement for now. At least I will still have them both in my dungeon and will be able to see them regularly. You two won\'t be sharing one room, however. We just want to give the illusion, so that everyone will be thinking you and she are…\" He choked off the words, not wanting to think of him and her sharing the same bed.

\"So they won’t have to sleep together right?\" Ron piped up, giving voice to the thoughts in the other’s heads.

\"They had better not.\" Came the gruff answer of Severus.

\"I wouldn’t do that, Professor, Hermione is my best friend, I wouldn’t compromise her in that way. I’m sure there will be a suitable solution to that particular problem. Professor Dumbledore will find a way to make this work out.\"

\"Indeed.\" Severus sighed and motioned to clocclock on the wall just as the knock arrived on the door. \"Enter.\"

Albus entered with a flourish, balancing a parcel in his hands. His grin was barely visible behind his long white beard. His eyes danced around the cool room. \"Ah, looks as if everyone is here, mostly. Where is Miss Granger?\"

\"Resting. I’m afraid that she had a bit of a shock recently.\" Severus pointed to the caskets and Albus tsked heavily as he wandered over and lifted the lid on one.

\"Has anyone taken a look at the contents?\" Albus glanced over at the three men.
onteontents? No. We assumed that they were empty.\" Ron gave the others a confused look. \"We were to worried about Hermione at the time to pay much attention to them.\"

Harry and Ron exchanged disbelieving looks before approaching the caskets. Advancing slowly as if they would in a funeral, not knowing what was inside and not all that eager to find out.

\"Uh…. I thought they were empty.\" Harry answered, walking over and, with a wary look, glanced inside while hoping against hope that there was no body within. Stepping up next to Albus, he glanced in and, in a breath of disbelief, he murmured. \"Whoa…. \"

\"What is it?\" Severus spoke as he too approached and looked. Inside, piled neatly and orderly, was everything that Hermione owned. Her magical wand lay perched on top of the pile of clothing and miscellaneous objects.

\"Unbelievable!\" Severus whispered, reaching for her wand. He held it up to the light, watching the light reflecting off of its smooth surface. After a moment, he replaced the wand, not wanting to risk anything happening to it now.

\"What the…. \" Ron whispered, reaching in to pick up a rag doll and shake it at the others. \"What? Who? I don’t understand this at all.\"

\"Neither do we, Mr. Weasley. Rest assured that we will get to the bottom of this.\" Albus returned, letting the lid fall back into place. \"At least Miss Granger has her belongings b inc including her wand. That will mean a great deal to her.\"

\"Yes.\" Severus agreed, casting a quick look at the closed nursery door. \"I should get her. She needs to be present for this charade to begin.\"

\"You do that, Severus, my boy and I will get things set up here.\" Albus agreed closing the lid and quickly transfigured the two morbid items into simple wooden crates, a much less formidable design. Retreating to the breakfast table, Albus placed the parcel he carried in onto the oak top and spread it open, revealing a few choice objects.

\"How does this work?\" Harry asked as he watched his headmaster preparing.

\"Simple, Mr. Potter. These…. \" Holding up a pair of simple gold rings. \"…. are to be your wedding rings, Minerva transfigured them for you both.\" He placed the rings inside of a burner, setting them aside and picking up a silver binding cord, which he passed over to the younger man. \"She also transfigured this for the false ceremony.\"

Harry frowned at the braided twine and sat it back onto the table. \"How are we going to do the memories?\"

\"With this.\" Albus grinned and produced a golden bowl. \"This pensieve belonged to Minerva and her first husband. She assures me that there are some very lovely images of her wedding and she would be honored to give them to you to use this evening.\"

\"That is…. that is lovely. Thank you.\"

Albus turned to look at the new voice and smiled warmly, reaching out a hand to the young woman. \"It was her idea and I thought it would be fitting.\"

\"Yes…\" Hermione smiled and approached the table, lng hng her hand roam over the golden bowl. \"I think that would be fine. Severus?\" She looked to him for his approval, his face still showing his distaste for the plan.

\"It works for me as well.\" He replied stiffly.

\"Good…. good…. then we shall begin.\" Albus nodded and turned to the table. \"Miss Granger, Mr. Potter, please stand over here. Let us begin.\"

Severus hung back, watching the activity while silently chanting, trying to curb his misgivings. ‘This was for their own good, this was for their own good, this was for their own good.


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A/N’s and Acknowledgements:

Jazzylady: The answer to the omen will be upcoming soon

Chantal9: Yeah, creepy, don’t know why I insist on the macabre sometimes…LOL

Romm: Hermione and Harry’s memories would be slightly altered to a wedding ceremony. Just in case someone wanted proof of their marriage.

spaz141: Aw, thanks hon. And you are one of my favorite reviewers.

ShinHee Tae: The next chapter should be out soon. Thanks.

AnnabelleElizabeth: Aww, it gets better…keep reading.

Piggie: Aww, it will be explained soon. Don’t worry.

Amethyst9: I take it you don’t like their plan? LOL. Aww…

AltoSaxyGal: The marriage won’t be real and they wont be sharing a room. Hermione will continue to sleep alone. Severus wouldn’t allow that at any rate. Right?

Claire Bear Blondie: Honestly, I had no idea that the caskets would appear like that sut surprised me as well. LOL

d-26: I think yo may like where I’m going to attempt to take this. Hopefully my muse will agree with me this time.

KES: LOL I like to keep it random

Isis-mystic: I love a jealous Snape, and the caskets will be explained shortly.

Maddy-Riddle: woo hoo! 500 Reviews. You are all fantastic. Thank you very much for your continued support and criticisms.

RebelRikki: I will explain it soon.

MetaJunkie: I know it got a bit confusing, didn’t it? But don’t worry it will be explained

Snapegirl51606: Thanks. I have more coming soon

PinkChubbyMonkey: I pondered about bringing Neville in to portray the dad, but everyone knows that I have a weakness for Neville all ready. I needed to use someone else. LOL

Caffeine: That question will be answered soon, promise

Spike Malfoy: The first chapter was called Letters of Intent. If you didn’t read the letters then you did start at a later time. The letters was the first chapter. Maybe I had better go in and check that out.

to be the undead: I love a new reviewer. M me me feel like I’m doing something right. Keep reading and please do let me know what you think.

Baboon: Who said anyone was dying? Don’t worry, there will be no deaths…yet…hehe

ChangJessica: I try, thanks for reading.

A.J.D\'Angelo: not yet, there will be a marriage. May not be a real marriage but there will be one.

Tanya: That answer is coming. Keeadinading.

Emma-Kitty: You are correct, there will be a lot of action in coming chapters. I’m glad you are enjoying my story and taking this time to let me know. hope the rest will be up to your satisfaction as well.

Fancy: LOL. I know you like the twins. You have always liked the twins. Don’t worry, there will be more on the twins at a later date, I’m sure.

Magdellin: Here’s another chapter, sorry for the delay. Hope you and Addy are well.

Sara D: as long as you read it, it’s fine with me. How about a vanilla latte? Send one over to me?

Lagaz: Thanks, I know its been a while, but with the holidays and my beta being extremely busy…well…you know how it is. Right? Thanks for continuing to read and letting me know you like this little story of mine.

aragornluver821: I will try to do more, in less time. Thanks

becka5: Aw, wow, thanks hon. I appreciate such kind words. I hope that the rest of this story is just as entertaining for in in future.

Severessa: I am going to finish it. I just got derailed during the holidays. But I’m back now muse ready.

callas-and-ivy: I love the name of Sebastian. I thought is went well with Snape. Flowed fairly well, I thought. There will be no harm to the baby, but there will come a problem soon. Watch for Draco to make an appearance.

Slytherinshonor: Thanks…things are coming and I appreciate your patience for this next chapter.

Dolores Jane Umbridge 2nd: Here it is, enjoy!

Lores: Molly, cant wait to let her know, that will be fun

Seraphina: the revenge will be wonderful. Thanks to all the wonderful readers that gave me some good ideas. Keep reading.

Stratyllis: She will soon, I’m sure, just give her some time to work it all out first. You know she isn’t one to take things with a grain of salt.

Deblovesdragon: I know, I love a jealous Snapy…just gets my blood a’boiling.

ladydeathfaerie: Sneak? Me? But my dear, YOU are my beta? How can I sneak? :D

Deb: Its hard for my Severus to show anything else but his jealousy. He loves her and to him that’s all that matters. He knows he needs to protect his family, but he hates the way it has to be done, so of course, he’s going to be a bit snarky at times. But then…that why we love the man, Right? Now, as for Ron, I think he would be the perfect father. Which is why he is NOT portraying Sebastian’s dad, red hair or not.

LilyMalfoy: Yeah, She had to let the cuddles progress or else this story had no where to go.

Higapox: It’s all right, as long as you are enjoying this fic. It makes me happy.

Pandora Nervosa: I’m glad you remembered to come back and read this little fic. Hope it was worth it.

LoupFemme: I love a story with twists and turns. Learned that from VC Andrews. Hehe. Thanks for continuing to read.

Tanya: Thank you so much. I am glad that you are enjoying this. Please continue to let me know what you think.

Alanfan: I will try to update more often now that the holidays are over.


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Blessed Be


RWH