The Sound Of Silence

Stephanie climbed into the bed and curled against her Mother. Hermione felt her presence and turned to pull the small girl into her arms. \"Good morning sweetheart. Sleep well?\"

Steph nodded and leaned up to sign, \"Do we have to go home?\"

Hermione nodded, \"Yes honey we do. You only have five months of school left and then we can come back.\"

Steph frowned. She signed, \"Do you really want to come back? We don\'t have to. I\'ll just come visit Daddy from time to time.\"

Hermione pulled the blankets over their heads. She cuddled her daughter close. \"Honey, I know how much you love this world. I love it too. I think I just needed a break from everything. See, since I was eleven, I\'ve worried about my best friend being killed. As we grew up, the focus grew to include my family. That can be very trying on a child. It was worse for Harry but he was strong enough to deal with it. After the war, I was tired. I didn\'t want to have to worry about anyone anymorour our Father changed that for a while. After my fight with Harry and Ron, everything hit me all at once. I left so I could be yselyself. Then, I found out about you and I was so happy. You were a reminder of my past life, but you were something new and different. It was amazing. You were what I was looking for, what I needed. Now, it\'s time for me to be what you need. You are going to Hogwarts. I\'m going to deal with my past. Everything is going to be fine. No worries.\"

Steph kissed her cheek and signed, \"Doesn\'t one of your house mates own a magazine?\"

Hermione laughed. \"Now stop that. We\'ve got plenty of time to worry about that later. Right now, we both need to get ready to leave.\"

***

Later, Hermione was looking around the room to make sure nothing had been left behind. She had shrunk their things down and each was carrying their own items.

Hermione sighed. \"All right. I believe that we have everything. Are you ready?\"

Steph nodded and looked around the room. She sighed, then followed Hermione out to the bar area.

Rosmerta smiled as they walked in. \"Well, I guess this is it. It\'s going to be different without you around.\"

Hermione thanked her for everything and settled the bill. Then with a smile and a wave, she and Steph floo\'ed to the Burrow.

***
Severus shook his head as he looked at the house in front of him. He didn\'t know what possessed him to show up here. He sighed and knocked on the door of the Burrow.

Molly opened the door. \"Why Severus, what a surprise. What brings you here?\"

He nodded, \"Morning Molly. I\'ve come to see my daughter before she goes back to America.\"

She motioned him inside, \"Of course, of course. I believe that she and Hermione just arrived. They should be in the living room.\"

***
Steph saw him first and ran to hug him. He put a hand on the back of her head as she held him. \"Hello Little One.\" She signed. He nodded. \"Yes, I\'ll be here until you leave.\"

Hermione walked into the room. \"Severus? What are you doing here?\"

He raised an eyebrow. \"You did invite me.\"

She nodded. \"I did, but I never thought you would accept. I am glad you came.\"

He shrugged. \"Maybe I\'m not as predictable as you would have imagined.\"

She shook her head. \"Stephanie, I over heard the boys talkingey\'ey\'re planning a game of Quidditch after breakfast.\"

Her eyes lit up. She looked up at Severus and nodded. He shrugged. \"Maybe, if I\'m needed.\"

She grinned and ran into the kitchen for breakfast.

***
After everyone had finished eating and the dishes were cleared away, everyone went outside. Seeing as how it was the day after Christmas, all of the Weasley children were there. Steph talked Severus into playing and even Arthur got into the game, leaving Molly and Hermione to watch.

***
Soon it was time for Hermione and Steph to leave. Steph didn\'t want to leave. She kept close to her Father as everyone was telling her good-bye.

Finally, when all was said and done, Severus looked at her. \"Little one, it\'s time for you to go.\" She shook her head. He raised an eyebrow. \"Yes. You still have school. Go with your Mother. Remember, you can always get in touch with me.\" He touched the gem around her neck.

She nodded and then grasped the gem. He felt her enter his mind, \"I love you Daddy.\"

His mind answered hers, \"I love you too Stephanie.\"

She let the gem drop back to her chest and smiled. She hugged him tightly and then moved to stand by her Mother.

Hermione looked at Severus. \"Thank you. For everything.\"

He smiled slightly. \"Thank you Hermione. Be safe.\"

She nodded and Steph waved as thet ket key whisked them away.

***
Back in their apartment, Hermione was going through their luggage. Steph was laying on the couch, thumbing through one of her many books. She turned one of the pages and a folded piece of paper with her name on it, fell into her lap. She opened it and read:

Steph, I slid this note in one of your books while no one was looking. We all enjoyed your visit and we can\'t wait till you come back. I just wanted to let you know that Harry, Ron and I are on your side. We\'re going to help you get your parents back together. Promise. Have a great rest of the school year. Can\'t wait to hear from you. Love Ginny.

Steph folded the letter and slid it back into the book. She smiled. Her parents wouldn\'t know what hit them.

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Well, that\'s it. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Oh...I guess I forgot to mention that there will be a sequel!