Fighting for True Love

Disclaimers: I by no means own the characters of Harry Potter. They belong to the ever-talented J.K. Rowling. This story is strictly for entertainment purposes and not for profit.

Summary: This is in response to redsugg’s Snape challenge. Severus and Hermione have been in love for two years. Suddenly their lives are thrown for a loop. Will they make through together? Read and find out.

Fighting For True Love

Chapter 19- Battle and a Baby

All too soon the holidays were over. The students returned and the second day back the D.A met to plan out their strategies and practice. Hermione helped Lucius and Albus go over the plans. After two hours Harry called everyone to the center of the room.

“You have all done well. You are as ready as you are going to get. Just remember. Do not hesitate. The final battle will begin sometime this month. I’m very proud of the progress you all have made. Now, I want everyone to return to their rooms and rest” Albus said.

One by one the group headed back to their houses. Hermione, Severus, Lucius and Albus stayed behind.

“Are you sure they are ready Albus? After all, they are still children.” Severus asked.

“My dear boy. Children have fought war and built nations. We should not think any less of them just because they are young. They are ready.” Albus answered.

“I say we turn in for the night. The D.A. should meet again on Friday. Knowing Voldemort, he won’t wait much longer.” Lucius said.

“I agree. Well, let’s go to bed.” Hermione said as she wrapped her arm around Severus’s waist.

Hermione and Severus walked to their chambers in silence. Once safely inside they sat on the couch and held each other tight. Severus slowly rubbed his hand around his wife’s swelling belly.

“Soon my dear. Soon this will be over and we can raise our daughter in peace.” Severus whispered.

“I know. I can’t wait until...ohhh.” Hermione gasped as she held her stomach.

“Hermia? Are you all right?” Severus asked worriedly.

“Yes. Just a Braxton hicks contraction.” she answered.

“Are you sure? You’ve been having them a lot lately.” he replied.

“I’m fine. I promise. Now, let’s get some sleep. After all, we have classes in the morning.” Hermione said.

The first two weeks passed without incident. On the second Saturday of January the third years and above went out to enjoy their Hogsmeade weekend. Hermione declined to go, choosing to stay with Severus and Lucius.

“I’m worried about Hermione.” Draco said as they left Honeydukes.

“Me too. She’s been feeling more and more of those contractions.” Ginny added.

“What does that mean?” Ron asked.

“It means she’s getting close to having the baby.” Ginny answered.

“But she’s not due until the end of next month.” Harry said.

The four friends made their way through the snowy town. They had lunch in the Three Broomsticks, then decided to head back. As they were halfway back, Harry gasped, clutched his head then fell to his knees.

*Harry’s Vision*

“My followers! In one week we will attack Hogwarts. That muggle loving fool will be unprepared and Hogwarts will fall to me!” Voldemort cried to the group before him.

His minions cheered. His army was vast. There were Death Eaters, trolls, giants, Dementors and even goblins. Their number was easily around 500.

“What of Lucius my Lord?” Crabbe Sr. asked.

“He has betrayed us. He dies with those who defy us. We have no room for traitors in our world.” Voldemort replied.

“What time should we be ready to depart?” Bellatrix asked.

“We will attack at dawn! In one week! We fight and take what is ours and destroy all mudbloods and muggles! In one week we fight!” he continued.

The army cheered once more. They then began preparing for the final fight.

*End Harry’s Vision*

“Harry? Harry?” Draco called.

“One week.” Harry gasped.

“What?” Ginny and Ron asked.

“Voldemort is attacking in one week. We have to get to Dumbledore.” Harry answered.

The four ran toward the castle. They quickly made their way through the castle and up to Dumbledore’s office. Harry yelled the password, they ran up the stairs and barged into the office. Minerva, Lucius, Sirius, Remus and Albus looked up in surprise.

“What is the matter?” Albus asked.

“Voldemort. Attack. Dawn. One week.” Harry gasped.

“Then it has begun. Minerva. You and Remus gather the teachers for a staff meeting. Lucius. You and Sirius gather the Order. Tell them to prepare for war and call our allies. Move.” Albus ordered.

Minerva and Remus rushed out of the office while Lucius and Sirius flooed to the Order headquarters.

“What about us sir?” Ron asked.

“Harry, call the D.A members back. Set the meeting for 3 hours from now. I will address them. For now, you four go and rest before the meeting.” Albus answered.

They nodded and left. Five minutes later the staff were all either sitting or standing around the office. The only one missing was Hermione. Severus stood next to Remus near the window waiting for Sirius and Lucius to return.

“The Order is ready.” Lucius announced as he and Sirius exited the fireplace.

“Good. Harry has had yet another vision. Voldemort moves to attack at dawn in one week. The order is preparing and calling our allies. What I need from you is this. I want each Head of House to set up a port keys. The 1st and 2nd years will be sent to a safe location. The older students will then meet in the Great Hall one hour before dawn.” Albus explained.

“How many per port key?” Filius asked.

“Six at a time. Each Head of House will oversee the departures. I’m meeting with the D.A in two and half hours. Now, go and prepare for battle.” Albus answered.

Everyone left but Severus and Lucius.

“Where’s Hermione?” Albus asked.

“She wasn’t feeling well. She will remain in our chambers during the fighting. I was hoping you could ask Poppy to stay with her.” Severus answered.

“I will do so. Now, of the students in Slytherin, how many are on our side?” Albus asked.

“About 1/3. The rest have either all ready taken the mark or will.” Severus answered sadly.

“I see. You two will accompany me to address the D.A. For now rest. We have much to do and very little time.” Albus said.

The D.A gathered in the Room of Requirement twenty minutes early. Everyone knew there was only one reason why they were called. The final battle was near. The group waited impatiently for Albus. After twenty minutes Albus, Severus, Lucius and Hermione entered. Hermione sat in between Draco and Harry.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice. I gather you all know why this meeting was called?” Albus greeted.

“Voldemort is attacking soon. Isn’t he?” Seamus asked.

“Yes. He is going to attack at dawn one week from now. The Head of each House is setting up port keys for the 1st and 2nd years. The rest of the students will meet in the Great Hall one hour before dawn.” Albus answered.

“What about us?” a 4th year from Ravenclaw asked.

“I want all of you in the Great Hall two hours before dawn. The Order will be there waiting as well as the Aurors.” Albus answered.

“Remember your training. As long as you stay calm and keep your heads, you will do fine.” Severus said.

“And remember, a Death Eater’s weakness is his confidence. They are sure they will win. Use that against them. Make them fear you.” Lucius added.

“How?” Lavender asked.

“By showing them that they can be defeated and that they are weak, while you are strong.” Severus answered.

“Now, let us retire for dinner. I want us to meet tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. Friday night you will have to rest. Now, let’s go to dinner.” Albus instructed.

Dinner was kind of quiet. The staff and D.A members were quiet while the rest of the school was chatting about their day. Hermione stared at her husband. Her fear slowly creeping over her. She then faced her friends. Their faces mirroring hers. They were all scared. The week passed quickly. Soon it was the night before the battle. Hermione sat curled in her husband’s arms.

“I’m scared Severus. I fear you will die.” she whispered.

“I’m scared as well. I wish I could tell you everything will be fine, but I can’t. We don’t know what the outcome will be tomorrow. Come, let get some sleep.” he whispered back.

Severus swept her into his arms and carried her to bed. They quickly fell asleep. All too soon though they were awakened by Poppy knocking on their door.

“It’s time Severus.” Poppy said solemnly.

“Please Severus. Don’t go. Please.” Hermione begged as she threw herself into his arms, tears running down her face.

“Oh Hermione, my love. I don’t want to, but I must go. Remember, no matter what happens, I love you and Piper. I love you Hermione.” Severus whispered as he too began crying.

He pulled away and kissed her. The kiss was passionate and loving, both pouring their emotions into the kiss. He then quickly pulled away and left the room. Hermione collapsed onto the couch crying. Poppy rushed to her and hugged her as the young witch cried. Lucius and Draco met Severus outside his classroom.

“You all right?” Lucius asked as he saw the tears.

“I’m scared. Scared that I will never see my wife and raise my daughter.” Severus answered.

“You will. We promise.” Draco said.

The three hugged each other tightly and headed for the Great Hall. They entered and found The Order of the Phoenix, their allies, Aurors and staff ready and waiting. Time seemed to creep by. Soon it was time to send the younger students away and gather the older ones.

“Is everything ready?” Albus asked as the Heads of house returned with those older student who chose to stay and fight.

“Yes.” Severus answered as he re-entered the hall alone.

“Where are the students of Slytherin?” Minerva asked.

“There are none. That 1/3 that are on our side are 1st and 2nd years I’m afraid. The rest are either fighting or were taken by their parents.” Severus said sadly.

Lucius placed his hand on his friends shoulder. Down in the dungeons Poppy sat beside Hermione as she drank a cup of hot tea to calm her nerves. Suddenly Hermione gasped, dropping the cup and saucer in the process.

“Hermione! What is it?” Poppy asked.

“My...water just broke.” Hermione answered.

Before Poppy could help her to her feet the first contraction hit.

“AAHH!” Hermione screamed in pain.

*“SEVERUS!”* Hermione screamed mentally.

Up in the Great Hall Severus was pacing when he suddenly froze. Draco hurried to him.

“What is it?” Draco asked.

“It’s Hermione. Something’s...” Severus started.

Just then Winky appeared. She hurried to Severus and Draco.

“Mistress Poppy sent Winky to tell you that Miss Hermione is in labor sir.” Winky said.

“No. It can’t be.” Severus whispered.

“Thank you Wink. Tell Poppy that Severus will be right there.” Albus said.

Winky nodded and disappeared. Severus looked at Draco then Albus. Draco spoke up loudly.

“Professor, please. I have to stay here, would you please go and help Hermione? I know she would rather it be I but she will understand.” Draco said, acting as if he were the anxious father-to-be.

“Of Course. I will go and pass the message on.” Severus said.

Severus turned and walked quickly from the hall. Once outside he ran to their chambers. He quickly removed the wards and entered his classroom. He then reset the wards and rushed to his wife.

“Just breath Hermione. Everything is going to be okay.” Poppy whispered as she wiped Hermione’s forehead with a cool damp cloth.

“Severus.” Hermione moaned as the contraction faded.

“I’m right here love.” Severus said as he entered the room and rushed to her side.

Poppy closed and warded the door. The night before Albus added extra wards that would set themselves at dawn when the fighting began. Poppy walked over to the couple.

“Severus, she’s dilated to 3 almost 4 now.” Poppy said.

“What? That fast?” he asked in shock.

“Yes. It would appear that what she thought were Braxton hicks were the real thing.” Poppy answered.

“This can’t be! It’s too...AAAAHHHH!” Hermione screamed.

“Breath honey. It’s all right I’m right here.” Severus whispered as he held her hand.

“This isn’t suppose to happen. It’s too soon.” she cried as the contraction ended.

Back in the Great Hall everyone was preparing to fight. The large group made their way out of the castle and onto the grounds just as the sun began rising in the east. They didn’t wait long. Suddenly Voldemort and his forces were there ready for war.

“Well, well. It seems you were prepared. No matter. You will lose.” Voldemort said as he faced Albus, Harry and Draco.

“No Tom. It is you who will lose.” Albus said calmly.

“It’s time to finish this! ATTACK!” Voldemort yelled.

So the battle began. The side of the light rushed at the dark. Everywhere spells were being cast. Everyone taking on the trolls, Giants and Dementors first. Harry, Draco and Albus began making their way through the chaos toward Voldemort. Lucius was leading the D.A. The Deatheaters came in waves it seemed but they were no match for the D.A. They shot spell after spell. All around them Deatheaters fell. Lucius looked over and saw that Draco, Albus and Harry had reached Voldemort. He rushed to them.

“Albus, go and help the D.A. I’ll stay and help these two.” Lucius said.

Albus nodded and ran off. Lucius stood beside his son and Harry and together they faced Voldemort.

“Traitor. It seems fitting that you, your son and Harry Potter are fated to die together.” Voldemort hissed.

“Wrong. The only one that’s going to die is you.” Harry said evilly.

Back in the dungeons Hermione was crying and screaming in pain. Her contractions were now a minute apart.

“I can’t...do this! Severus! I...can’t!” she cried.

“Sshh. Yes you can. Be brave. Be strong.” he whispered.

All around them they could hear the sounds of the battle being fought. The screams of those that were dying. Severus looked at Poppy. Both the Medi-witch and the Potions Master were hoping for the best.

“Okay Hermione, I’m going to need you to get ready. Any time you feel the need to push, go ahead and push.” Poppy instructed.

Back at the battle Harry, Draco and Lucius raised their wands and pointed them at Voldemort.

“You can’t beat me. Only one of us is to live Potter.” Voldemort laughed.

“True. But the Prophecy didn’t say I had to kill you alone. Now did it?” Harry said with a sly smile.

“ARVADA KEDAVRA!” Harry, Draco and Lucius cried as they all they touched the tips of their wands together.

Before Voldemort could blink, the spell flew at him and slammed into him. He then exploded. No scream, no robes, no wand, nothing but a pile of ash. Voldemort was gone once and for all. The three smiled at each other then ran to help their friends. Draco and Lucius turned and found themselves face to face with the murderers of Narcissa. Back in the dungeons Poppy was ready for the birth of Severus and Hermione’s child.

“Okay. When I count to three, I want to hold your breath, hold it for ten then push. Okay?” Poppy instructed.

Hermione nodded wearily.

“One, two, three. Push.” Poppy said.

Hermione screamed as she began to push. After ten she collapsed against her husband.

“You’re doing fine honey. You’re almost done.” Severus whispered.

“I can’t. It hurts. I can’t.” Hermione sobbed.

“Yes you can. Now, one, two, three. Push.” Poppy said.

“Well, Bellatrix and Avery.” Lucius snarled.

“Lucius. Draco. Our friends. So good to see you.” Bellatrix said, the fear evident in her voice.

“You murdered my mother!” Draco screamed.

“He made us. We didn’t want to.” Avery pleaded.

“Then it’s time for you to die along with him.” Lucius snarled.

Lucius and Draco aimed their wands and yelled the killing curse. The jet of green light hit Avery and Bellatrix square in the chest. Both fell to the ground dead. Father and son embraced one another. Narcissa had been avenged.

After two hours of fighting, the war was over. The only people left standing were those with the light. The only ones hurt was a 4th year from Hufflepuff and a 6th year from Gryffindor. The Light had triumphed and once again the Wizarding world was free.

“We did it! We won!” Ron yelled.

Everyone began laughing, cheering, crying or all three. Meanwhile Hermione was at the end of her labor.

“That’s it. I have the head. One more big push Hermione. Push!” Poppy cried.

“AAAAHHHH!” Hermione screamed as she gave one more huge push.

A few seconds later the sounds of their daughter crying filled the room. Hermione sighed in relief as she sagged against Severus. Poppy, waved her wand over the baby. Instantly she was clean, dressed in a diaper, a baby gown and wrapped in a lilac colored baby blanket.

“Here’s your daughter. She’s in perfect health. Congratulations. Both of you.” Poppy said tearfully as she handed Piper to Hermione.

“Oh. She’s perfect. She beautiful.” Hermione cried as she held her daughter and Poppy waved her wand to clean her, removed the placenta and heal her.

“Yes she is. We have a daughter. Hello Piper Elaine Snape.” Severus said as he kissed Hermione then Piper.

T.B.C