Hurt

A/N: Wow, it's been a while, hasn't it? Sorry I haven't updated in so long but college has been a nightmare and there have been frequent trips to Tennessee to visit my mother and help my ailing stepfather. A messy breakup with the boyfriend took up quite some time too. The flu has struck my household three times over the course of two months so that did not help things. Everything is going better now though. If you remember from my last chapter, I mentioned there will be this chapter and then one more to follow. If anyone wishes to pick up where I leave off or write a spin off about Lucius' doings throughout this story, you are more than welcome to. If you do, drop me a line so that I can read your masterpiece or if you want to recommend a story to me, feel free as well.

There is a bit of a twist concerning Severus in this chapter. It was suggested by my sister considering she is a huge Snape fan. I hope you enjoy this one. Onward!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Remus frowns as he steps through the portal to his chambers. An unfamiliar sound reaches his ears so he follows it. “Hermione?” he inquires when he stops in the bedroom doorway. The young witch looks up at him then returns her attention to Eamon. She blows on the sole of his foot so he cackles. Remus chuckles and moves over to the bed. “Is mummy teasing you?” he asks and picks the boy up.

Eamon stares at Remus then grins at him. He giggles when the man starts bouncing him. “Professor McGonagall insisted that she watch the triplets today,” Hermione says as she stands from the bed and heads toward the restroom. “I’m sure the Headmaster has been enjoying them as well. That man never could be near an infant without having to hold him or her. Does he have any children?” she asks as she applies lip balm in the mirror.

“I don’t know. I’ve never thought to ask. He has a brother, that I know for sure.” Hermione returns to the bedroom and kisses the back of Eamon’s head. The little boy turns to look at her then grins. She takes him from Remus and lays him on the bed. Remus wraps his arms around her waist and presses his lips to her neck. “Think you could put him in one of the cribs?” he asks softly and nips her ear lobe. She bites her lip and whimpers softly as she presses closer to him.

A knock on the doorframe causes Remus’ head to shoot up and Hermione to step away from him. Harry raises an eyebrow at the pair while Ron averts his gaze. “Having fun I see. Sirius needs your help Remus and Mrs. Weasley wants to see you and the babies,” Harry says and nods to Eamon then Hermione. Ron glances at the window when an owl taps on it.

Remus opens the window and watches the owl flutter over and drop a letter next to Eamon then leave just as quickly as it came. Hermione picks up the missive and frowns at it slightly. “It’s addressed to us,” she murmurs. Remus quirks an eyebrow and moves over to her. She skims the print then swings her startled gaze to Remus. “Do you think this is true?”

“Think what is true?” Ron asks. He strides over to the couple and reads the letter over Hermione’s shoulder. “Maternal grandfather found. What? This can’t be real,” he says. He looks to Eamon as the infant stares at him. “He doesn’t look a thing like him aside from the hair,” he murmurs and lifts the baby from the bed.

“Remus, I need to speak with you,” Severus’ voice sounds from the sitting room. Hermione takes Eamon from Ron and pads out into the room.

Harry watches as Hermione frowns at Severus. “You had a daughter. Why did you never mention anything about a child to anyone?” she asks. Severus raises an eyebrow at her.

“I fail to see where the fact that I had a daughter was needed information. What remains is the fact that Eamon is my grandchild. I was unaware of where my daughter was living or the fact that she was married and pregnant. I did not attend that attack so I did not know that it was her that was murdered,” Severus whispers.

Remus rests his hand on Severus’ shoulder so the dark man looks at him. “I cannot even begin to imagine what you’re going through at this point. Would you like some time alone with Eamon?” he inquires.

Severus shakes his head and gives Hermione a brilliant smile. “No, he has loving parents again. I would like to be a bigger part of his life though.” Hermione nods slightly and carefully passes Eamon to him.

~~~~~~~~~~

Albus watches as Severus settles on the floor next to Eamon. “Is he walking yet?” he asks. Hermione sips at her tea as she watches the infant throw a block at Severus. She turns her attention to Albus and shakes her head slightly.

“No, he will in time. He definitely is his own person. He has his grandfather’s temper for sure,” Hermione murmurs. She giggles when Severus glares at her. The fire flares green and Alaric steps through it. He rushes over to Hermione and falls to his knees while burying his face in her lap. “What’s wrong? Alaric? What is it?” she asks.

The man sobs so she strokes his hair. “Grandfather’s gone! I returned from visiting mother’s grave and he wasn’t there!” he cries. Hermione raises an eyebrow at Albus so the man stands from the armchair and touches Alaric’s shoulder.

“Byron is away on business. We have taken care of things and you will stay here at the school until he returns. Have some tea and calm down.” Alaric curls up on the couch with Hermione so she continues stroking his hair.

“Alaric, you are the same age as her. Why are you behaving like a child?” Severus inquires then blinks at Eamon when the infant blows a raspberry at him and pinches his arm.

Hermione looks up when Remus enters the room with Sirius trailing him. Alaric glares at Severus so Remus frowns. “I care about my grandfather very much. It is distressing when he turns up missing considering his occupation,” the man growls. He takes the teacup from Albus and downs it in one gulp.

Eamon looks around then grins at Remus. “Daddy!” he laughs and holds his arms up. Everyone stares at the infant then Remus chuckles and picks him up.

“Yes I’m daddy. You’re such a smart boy,” Remus murmurs and nuzzles his stubble against Eamon’s cheek causing the baby to giggle.

Sirius blinks at Alaric then frowns. “I know you. You’re Tobias’ boy. I have not seen you since you were a little guy about the same age as Eamon. How are your parents?” he asks. Alaric stares at Sirius then looks away.

“His mother died ten years ago and his father was murdered by the Dark Lord,” Severus says. “He’s been living with Byron Aido for about two years now. I’m surprised you didn’t know Hermione’s cousin.”

Sirius glares at Severus then ruffles Alaric’s hair. “Your parents were good people. Some of the best,” he says.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ginny changes Isabella’s diaper as Hermione gathers clothing for the babies. “I can’t tell you two how much help you are to me. If I didn’t have you, I’m sure I’d have gone crazy,” Hermione murmurs and lays the outfits out.

An older woman smiles at the two then returns her attention Ian as he squirms. “I love babies and these three are the sweetest little darlings I’ve ever seen,” she says and tickles the boy. She carefully dresses him then puts him back in his crib before getting Isaac.

“Jess, why did Lucius choose you? I mean have you known him long?” Hermione asks. The woman nods as she changes the baby.

“I was Draco’s nanny. My family has been working with the Malfoys for generations,” Jess says and looks at Hermione. “I suspect that my daughters will be nanny to your grandchildren. If there is one thing I can say about Mr. Malfoy, it’s that he cares about his family. He may not show it but he truly does care.” Hermione nods slightly and picks Ian up from the crib.

Remus enters the room and raises an eyebrow at the three women. “Your graduation is in two hours and you’re not ready yet?” he asks. Hermione sticks her tongue out at him so he chuckles. “Well you really should start getting yourself ready. Albus wants the pictures done before the ceremony. Come on Jess, we’ll get the babies situated with Minerva,” he says and takes Eamon and Ian. The two walk out of the room so Ginny smiles at Hermione.

“Are you sure you want to graduate and leave the school to me?” she inquires with a grin. Hermione hums softly in thought then shakes her head.

“Maybe I should stay a few years longer. Merlin knows what you’d do to the school,” the older girl chuckles. Ginny giggles and swats at Hermione so they both laugh. Hermione moves over to the closet and pulls out a garment bag. “My mother bought this for me at the beginning of summer so that I could wear it to graduation. I’m not sure if I should wear it,” she whispers.

Ginny wraps her arms around Hermione and pats her back. “It would mean a lot to your mum if you wore it. Besides, it’s a sexy little number that Remus would love to get off of you,” she purrs. Hermione starts laughing so Ginny releases her. “Now come on, let’s get you ready!” Hermione heads into the bathroom to get a bath while Ginny gathers make-up and selects Hermione’s shoes.

“Hey Hermione? Where are you going to go after graduation? Are you going to stay here or are you going to go back to your house?” Ginny asks. Hermione stares at the wall across from her then lays her head on the edge of the tub.

“I suppose Remus and I will stay here. I haven’t really thought about what we’re going to do. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” Hermione murmurs then looks up when Ginny enters the bathroom. She quickly washes her hair then grabs a towel and gets out of the tub.

~~~~~~~~~~

Albus congratulates each student individually then signals the end of the ceremony. He moves over to Harry and Ron so they grin at him. “Are you surprised we made it?” Harry asks. Albus chuckles and pats his shoulder.

“I knew you would make it. Miss Granger has yet to point you in the wrong direction,” the older man chuckles as they walk over to Remus. “Molly, you have one child left in my care. I promise I will have her educated well.” The woman smiles at him before returning her attention to Isabella.

Harry takes Eamon from Remus then looks up when Severus clears his throat behind him. The man levels a glare at Harry and motions for the eight month old. Harry glares at Severus in return but allows him to take Eamon. Molly’s gasp makes the others look at her. Hermione blushes brilliantly as Ginny takes her robes from her.

“Wow ‘Mione,” Ron whispers. Hermione moves over to Remus and takes Ian from him.

“Remus, you’re staring,” she murmurs. The man blinks then flushes in embarrassment. Severus turns his gaze from Hermione to Lucius and Draco when they wander over.

Draco nods to Jess as she carefully cradles the baby. Lucius raises an eyebrow at Severus when he sees Eamon in the man’s arms. He turns his attention to Jess and extracts Isaac from her. “I wish to speak with you about the children’s living arrangements. Alone,” he says and looks at Hermione. Remus catches the slight widening of Lucius’ eyes and the minute drop of his jaw so he steps between the man and Hermione.

“You have no business with her that is not mine as well,” Remus growls.

Lucius sneers at him in response then returns his gaze to Hermione. “Fine then,” he hisses. “I will not have my children living in a school if they are not being educated there. I want you to bring the children and live at my familial manse with Draco and me.”

Hermione stares at Lucius for a moment then looks to Remus. The man clenches his fists in agitation. He relaxes when he feels Hermione take hold of his hand and entwine their fingers. “My children and I are going to my home along with Remus. You may visit but no more than that,” she says firmly. Severus and Molly frown at her.

“Surely you can’t be serious Hermione! That’s where… where… you were attacked,” Molly whispers with a sharp look at Severus and then Lucius. Hermione nods slightly and holds Ian closer.

“I know but I want to be closer to my mother and father. Returning to my home is the only way I feel I can do that.” Remus looks at Hermione then at Harry and Ron when the two move closer to them.

Harry rests his hand on Hermione’s shoulder so she glances at him. “You just tell us when you want your things moved and we will be more than willing to help,” he says.

Hermione smiles at him then the others when they nod in agreement. “Thank you all so much,” she whispers.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: So, Severus is Eamon's grandfather. Lucius hired Draco's old nanny and he wants the children and Hermione to live with him but Hermione won't have it. Graduation was over with before I put it in the story because I am horrible at portraying the ceremony. The epilogue awaits!