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.

A personal thank you to my Beta reader, LadyDeathFaerie. Thanks LDF!


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A Secret worth Keeping


Chapter twenty-nine: Emergency Meeting


Severus strode into his chambers as if a tornado was on his tail. He stormed over to his cabinet, tore open the hinged door and poured himself a huge glass of brandy. He did not see the curious eyes watching him from the sofa until he turned and met said eyes. His breath hitched before he found his voice.

"Waited up did you?" He downed the brandy and quickly poured another glass.

"I was concerned."

"It was just dinner."

"I know that."

He poured yet another drink and gulped it just as fast as the other two. Finally, his nerves seemed to settle. Setting his glass onto the cabinet, he finally turned to look at her. He had to call an emergency meeting.

"I need to call together the DaRats."

"Is it that serious?"

"I wouldn’t need to call them other wise." He replied sarcastically.

Hermione’s eyes narrowed slightly as she stood to her feet. "No need to get snippy with me. I was just worried."

Severus sighed heavily and pressed the palm of his hand against the bridge of his nose. The pressure from the dinner had given him a headache and he seriously needed a potion to help get rid of it.

"I apologize, my love…I’m afraid that dinner tonight gave me a headache. I don’t mean to be snappy."

Hermione turned on her heels and disappeared into his personal rooms, only to reemerge shortly with the proper brown bottle, which she handed over.

"Here, Severus take this and I will summon the group. It’s late and it will take some time to gather them all together. Just take a moment to relax and let the potion work." She leaned over and kissed him, letting her lips linger on his before pulling away. His disappointment to her parting so quickly was so evident in his eyes she had to smile. "I will be right back."

Severus uncorked the potion as he watched Hermione leave the room. His eyes on her backside until she passed through the door. He gulped the vile solution and plopped himself down onto the sofa with a tired groan. It was bad enough to have to spend the whole evening with Lucius and Narcissa. But to do so and at the same time keep refusing sexual innuendoes was more than exhausting. He found the evening tedious and was glad it was over. He was equally glad that he hadn’t slipped up in his protection of his son and Hermione. He didn’t know for sure if Lucius believed him or not, but he would learn soon enough through Draco in the upcoming days. Perhaps things would all come to a head sooner than expected once all the members of the group approved of what he had came up with on his way bfromfrom dinner.

He was suddenly jolted as a voice spoke from above. He opened his eyes to see Hermione smiling down at him, her beautiful eyes filled with concern. To his embarrassment, he had managed to fall asleep sprawled out on the sofa.

"I got Harry and Ron up to gather the rest of the group. They all should be at the room of requirement in an hour. Perhaps you should try to get a bit more sleep first? You seem so very tired."

Severus tiredly reached up and took her hand, pulling her down to him. She didn’t struggle, but allowed herself to settle down next to his form. His arm wrapped around her as he pulled her into his embrace.

"Rest with me Hermione." His voice was low and seductive which caused a shiver to shoot down her spine. She found herself scooting down to lay beside him on the sofa, his right arm circling her waist, holding her close and not allowing her to fall to the ground. His front pressing against her back as she pressed into his warmth. She sighed and settled in, loving the way they feel together.

"Where’s Sebastian?" His voice drifted across her ear and she sighed happily.

"He’s sleeping. I kept him up as late as I could so perhaps he will sleep through the night."

Severus smiled and kissed the back of her neck. "Good, then perhaps after the meeting, you and I can have some time alone."

She tilted her head sideways to get a view of his dark eyes. "I’d like that, but for right now… rest. Harry said he would come to get us when they were all gathered."
She felt his grumble on her neck and smiled when his breathing smoothed out and steadied. He must have been very tired.

***

Before she knew it, a knock came on the door and jerked her from a pleasant snooze. She tried to move but found herself held in place by a strong arm.
ust ust a moment." She called out and tried to turn over. "Severus… Honey… wake up."

She gently ran a hand over his face, tracing the smile that formed on his soft lips. He was so darling when he was sleeping. So innocent looking.

"Say that again." His voice whispered.

"Say what?"

"Honey…you called me honey."

She finally managed to turn over and kiss him gently. "Wake up honey…its time for the meeting."

His eyes opened and dark ones met bright ones. "I like it when you call me honey."

A hand sneaked up and combed a stray lock of her hair away from her eyes.
Her heart leapt at his words and she ran her own hand over his face, feeling extremely grateful to have him in her life. "I’m glad. I’ll try to do it more often, but for now, we have to get up. Harry’s at the door. The meeting…."

Severus frowned and released her waist, allowing her to sit up. "And this was the only good part of this damned evening."

She stood up and reached out to assist him. "Need help?"

He glared halfheartedly at her and swatted her hand away. "I am not that decrepit that I cannot stand on my own."

She grinned and walked away. "I need to call a house elf to watch over Sebastian while you get yourself together. I will be back quickly."

Severus watched her move off.

***

The room of requirement seemed to be double its normal size when Hermione, Harry and Severus finally walked in. All eyes shifted to them as they made their way over to the long table where Dumbledore, Draco, Blaise and Ron were already seated. Ron and Blaise were in a disagreement that seemed to be intense until the trio got close enough and Hermione realized that they were discussing Quidditch. With a groan, she sat down on a chair between Harry and Severus.

She watched quietly as Severus and Dumbledore’s heads bent together.

Dumbledore’s expression never changed as he listened. After a short discussion, she saw the Headmaster nod curtly and Severus immediately rose to his feet and waited until the din lowered as everyone realized that Severus was waiting to be noticed.

When he had all’s attention, he cleared his throat. "We have a situation that I feel I need to bring to the attention of the DaRats. It mainly attains to Mr. Malfoy here. Her, er, it also has to do with the rest of the Slytherins. Lucius Malfoy has decided that Young Mr. Malfoy is to take on the mark of the Death Eaters in a few short weeks. I know that, after that, other fathers will be demanding the same thing. I propose a plan to counter balance this.

Draco’s face paled at this. "He didn’t mention this to me the other day."

"He may not tell you, Draco, until the day you are to take the mark."

"In case I run." His words were not a question.

"That is my guess. He wants to present you to the inner circle."

"I don’t want to take the mark." Draco erupted quite angrily. "There has to be a way to get out of this."

"Do not panic, Mr. Malfoy. You still have a few weeks before anything happens."

Hermione glanced at Severus. "Did he say anything about Sebastian?"

Severus’s expression slipped a little, but the mask was only gone for a split second before it was replaced. "Indeed he did. Lucius wants a paternity test done on the baby. For some reason, he thinks that the baby may not be Potter’s"

Harry and Severus engednged knowing looks as the younger man responded loudly. "And are you going to do this paternity test?"

"I am." Severus gave the boy a look that said not to worry about it and Harry simply nodded.

"He will then know who the father is and it will remove all doubts that Sebastian is my son. As if Hermione would have another's." Harry’s words carried over the group and Hermione watched as his words convinced them all. As they had to, if Sebastian was to survive at all.

Draco’s gaze slid over to Hermione, noticing the clenched set of her jaw. "I’m sure my father will acknowledge whatever proof that the Professor will give him."

Hermione swung her gaze to the blond and saw the sympathy in the boy’s face. She smiled slightly at him, grateful for his input.

"Is there anything else you need to tell us Professor?" Blaise brought the matter to hand back.

"Indeed there is, Mr. Zabini, The Dark Lord is seeking to set up a new Authority when, and if, he succeeds in taking over the wizarding world, especially here. We all know he wants to rid the world of non-purebloods, which includes all Muggleborns and half bloods. Unfortunately, that means more than half of the student population will be wiped out. His plan is to set up a new government and have this school re-established with a new staff. Malfoy Senior is under the illusion that, if he succeeds in giving the Dark Lord his only son, his own reward will be his being named as the new headmaster of Hogwart’s."

Gasps and murmurs could be heard from all around the room. Severus raised his hand for silence.

"Headmaster Dumbledore and I will not allow that to happen. I will not allow my home to become the haven for up and coming death eaters. You…all of you…are proof that the old, dark ways are failing. With the help of each and everyone of you…we have a chance."

"How?" Draco asked, completely captivated by the dark man.

"Simple…we wipe out the followers…at the party."

"An attack?" Draco’s eyes widened.

"Exactly." Severus grinned, causing a discontent around the room to such an odd occurrence from their potion master. "We strike first…this time."

Dumbledore, who was quiet through all this, finally spoke up as he produced a map and spread it out on the table.

"This is the map of Malfoy Manor…"

The topic turned to tactics while Hermione’s attention was turned to her son and his current situation. It was running very late and she could feel herself lactating. She knew that her son would be waking soon and would be very hungry. She really should go and make sure he was okay.

She started to make her excuse when a timid voice whispered into her left ear, startling her.

"Hermione?"

Hermione glanced over to a pair of worried blue eyes. The girl beckoned with a wave of her hand and quickly moved away from the table. Hermione quickly whispered an ‘excuse me’ to Severus and followed the small figure to a shady corner of the room.

The girl stood against the wall forcing Hermione to stand with her back to the group. The girl’s hands worried a green and silver handkerchief between her fingers. Hermione could tell that she was nervous as hell.

"What is it, Pansy?"

Pansy Parkinson ed ted to contemplate talking to her then seemed to change her mind about it. "Uh…no, never mind…. forget it."

Hermione reached out and laid nd ond on her arm, as she felt that the girl wanted to run. If she was to do her job then it was to start here and now. "I am here to talk to, Pansy…and whatever we discuss goes no further. I swear on the life of those I love…no one will know what we discuss unless you authorize it."

Pansy’s eyes darted around the group before settling back on the woman before her. Her eyes shone in worry and uncertainty. "Professor Snape…he said…he said that we could trust you. That we could…talk to you."

Hermione just barely nodded her head in agreement. "Professor Snape has included me in on his plans for my part of this group. I guess I do have the experience now to discuss certain things."

Pansy’s eyes widened slightly before narrowing again. "What do you know of it, Granger? True you had a child and you know of pregnancy and birth, but what and how can you help with…with…"

"I know more than you think I do, Pansy. However, now is not my time to discuss my personal experience. Do you wish to haounsounsel with me now? I’m sure the room can provide a private sanctuary for us to talk."

Hermione saw Pansy’s eyes dart over her shoulder and turned her head just enough to see Draco watching them. His gray eyes shadowed, but a slight nod to the blond caused Pansy to sigh heavily. "Yes…If Draco trusts you, then…then I guess I can too. I need to talk about this and I can't talk about it to my mother." The girl’s hand twisted nervously.

"Just a moment…" Hermione left her and swiftly crossed to talk to Severus. After a quick two-sided conversation, Severus nodded and pointed across the room to a door that wasn’t there a moment ago. Hermione whispered a thank you and approached the door, giving Pansy a nod indicating for her to follow.

Pansy gave Draco one more look of uncertainty and crossed to the door, following the other woman inside and closing it firmly. Hermione sat in the middle of the room on an enormously oversized down filled pillow. Another one sat across from her. Between them was a silver tray with tea waiting to be poured.

"Tea?"

Pansy stared down at the woman, the mother, sitting so calmly on the pillow that she felt a little more at ease. "Please…" Hermione poured the tea as Pansy settled across from her. "Odd way to assemble an counseling room." The girl spoke, looking around the otherwise bare room.

"I don’t suppose even the room of requirement knew what would be needed in this case. Counseling is new to it, I guess." Hermione smiled trying to put the other at ease.

"Where do we begin?"

"Perhaps you should tell me the first thing that come to your mind. I would think that would be the greatest worry you have at the moment."

Pansy closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to form some sort of order to her thoughts. "I am a jumble of confusion." She started, keeping her eyes closed as she spoke. "I d kno know how to feel, how to act. I want to love my family, my friends, but…I don’t have any, not really…not until now."

"What do you mean, not until now?"

Pansy placed her cup on the floor next to her and continued to stare down at her hands on her lap. "You are lucky…you have a husband to go along with your child…I…don’t…"

Hermione felt her face pale slightly. "You’re…"

"Pregnant…"

"Do you know who the father is?"

Pansy’s eyes filled with tears as she shook her head in the negative. "At the last revel…my father offered me up as…entertainment…I was used by many men that night…it could be any one of them."

"Does Draco know?"

Pansy nodded. "He…he thought you could help me…help me through this."

Hermione reached out and took the other woman’s hand in hers. "I will do what I can. What is it you would like me to do first
"H
"Help me get rid of it."

Hermione tried to cover her gasp, but failed. "Are you sure that is what you want?"

"I can’t have a bastard child. My father will kill me if he finds out. My mother would…accuse me of being a whore just like her. Draco… Hermione, I know he loves Susan…but he would marry me tonight in order to do right by me. I don’t want that. I don’t want to be forced to marry. I don’t want to have these decisions made for me. I do not want this child. I want to live my life under my own conditions, not…not someone else’s."

Hermione felt a deep compassion for her and nodded absently as she heard the words. "I didn’t want a child either, Pansy, but I couldn’t convince myself to rid my body of the invasion. I had originally planned on giving the child away when it was born, but.... then…" She paused as Pansy gave her an odd look.

"But Potter found you…"

"He didn’t know about the baby when I left." Hermione cut in quickly. "I took off when I found out I was pregnant. I didn’t want to bring him down with the burden of father hood, the responsibility of raising a child and ruining his budding career in the wizarding world. Having a child so young was…irresponsible. Don’t get me wrong, I am glad that…Harry…found me. I am glad that we…married…I wouldn’t give it up for the world now, Sebastian is my life." She paused as Pansy’s face darkened. "But ow tow this life isn’t for everyone. If you truly think that you do not want this baby, I can talk to Professor Snape and see if he can mix you up an abortant potion."

"I just cant do it, Hermione. I can't have a baby. Not a baby by some…evil…death eater. I don’t want that hanging over the baby’s head for the rest of its life."

Hermione nodded silently. "I will talk this over with Professor Snape and let you know in the morning."

"Thank you, Hermione."

Hermione smiled slightly and rose from the cushion. "Come, let’s see what the others are discussing."

Back in the larger room, Severus caught Hermione’s eyes and was relieved to see her nod to him. He felt a bit proud that she had already made herself useful to the other girls and felt that she would do well in her new role. He watched her in silence as she came over to sit between him and Harry once more. Leaning over, he whispered. "Everything all right?"

Hermione shook hea head. "Sadly…no. I need to talk to you after this meeting. It’s important."

Severus looked over to see Pansy watching them then quickly avert her gaze. His heart deadened just a bit at her look of defeat. "Of course. Just as soon as this meeting is over."

Hermione shifted just a bit and laid her hand on his lap, then felt a bit better when she felt his fingers twine with hers. Just the comfort in his grasp made her feel much better. To her left, Harry leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"You all right?" He whispered.

"Yes…Things will be fine."

"What did she tell you?" Harry’s eyes roamed over to Pansy as she sat quietly between Millicent and Morgan Fayette.

"I can’t tell you that, Harry…but things will be fine."

Harry nodded silently and let her alone to fend off more questions being tossed at him.

***

"Romance is dead…There is no such thing anymore."

The single statement caught Hermione’s ear and she turned to see Ginny Weasley and Virginia Ferris of Ravenclaw arguing among themselves.

"Then you are an imbecile." Ginny retorted hotly as she tossed her red mane.

"Romance will never die. It may lay in dormancy for a time, but…you will see…"

"As long as ‘You Know Who’ is still living, there can never be true love." Virginia scoffed haughtily. "Love falls before that…that…"

"Scum?" Ginny offered with a grin.

"Wanker?" Offered Ron

"Skank?" Millicent crowed out.

"All of the above." Ginny smiled. "Romais nis never dead. Just because one man, who is a complete prat, a dick or asshole jerkwad, is still living, it doesn't mean the ability to love is dead. I mean…just look at Hermione and Harry? They love each other. And Sebastian is their proof. What other kind of proof do you need for true love?"

Hermione felt her face flush at her friend’s words and felt Severus squeeze her hand under the table, whether in encouragement or anger she didn’t know. Harry on her other side sat up straighter, knowing that they had to show proof of love.

"I love Hermione…I love Sebastian…and I know deep down inside each and everyone of you…you all have a love for one other." He gave a side-glance to Snape and grinned widely. "As a matter of fact, I know you all do whether you want to admit it or not.’

Severus groaned loudly at that, pretending to be irked but inside, he knew what Potter meant. He did indeed love, and loved greatly.

After the meeting ended, Hermione decided to take a walk to think on how to approach Severus about Pansy and her predicament. She had to figure out a way to lay it on the line. To prove to him that, despite his thoughts on abortion, it was the better idea to help the girl to rid herself of the burden.

Turning up the hall towards their chamber, she opened the door to their connecting rooms and stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes took in the atmosphere of the room just beyond the threshold. The light ony cny candles flickered across her astonished face. Her chambers were transformed from dull to suddenly romantic. Once her eyes adjusted to the dimness, she noticed a presence, a figure standing alone amidst the candlelight. In his hand, he held a single tapered candle. Just close enough so she could make out his face.

"Severus."

"Welcome home, Hermione."


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A/N’s and acknowledgments:

Writerlady1031: I know what you mean. I’ve been having a lot of problems getting there as well. Hard to post when you cant get to the site. Thanks for keeping up the try.

Ancientgirl: Thanks for keeping up on this story. It has been a pain with the site being down, but hopefully It is fixed soon and I can post more. I’m glad you are still enjoying the story.

S.Grey: Thank you. I’m glad you like my Snape. I kinda like him too.

Spaz141: awwwww…man….three weeks? My good wishes are out to you and the upcoming birth. I hope you have all the lasagna you can handle. Good luck!!!

June Williams: Severus is aware of Narcissa and Lucius. Don’t worry. As for the three-somes…there wont be any in this fic…LOL

PotionsMistressM: Awww…and YOU ROCK too! Need more from you too…so hop to it! LOL

Deb: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I think things will proceed very quickly from here. There will be some classes and planning with the DaRats…but I do see an ending coming up in the near future. I think Lucius will hate the truth when it is all tossed up into his face. It will be well worth it!

CaT: I have been trying to update but with the site being down a lot lately, it’s difficult. However, here is the next part for you

June W: I do post at Ashwinder and also at FF.net under the same writing name. I’m a few chapters short on Ashwinder though, catching up there.