A Secret Worth Keeping

A/N’s: I apologize for the length of time it took me to get this chapter out. I had such a severe case of writer’s block. I am not completely happy with this chapter but I hope that it whets some people’s appetite for this story. More interesting parts are coming in the next chapter.

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 Thirty-one: The play begins


*BAM…BAM…BAM*

The loud banging on the bedroom door caused Severus to jerk awake rather abruptly. His movements were so sudden that the body lying next to him rolled and fell unceremoniously to the floor in a heap.

"Ow!"

With a curse on his lips Severus quickly crawled over the bed and looked down at the dark haired creature glaring up at him. Her hand rubbed at her upper arm where she must have encountered his quick, unexpected, jerking awake high karate chop. He tried to put on a concerned look and stifle a grin as he reached out to help her back onto the bed.

The look on her face turned from anger to an embarrassed smile as she settled back next to him. "Do you always wake up like that? If you do then I want full body gear from now on." She teased as he took her arm in his hand to examine the small bruise that was starting to form.

"I’m so sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to…"

The pounding came again and Severus gave Hermione a ‘I’m gonna kill someone’ look, causing her to chuckle. No matter what, he would never intimidate her again after last night.

However, she did cringe slightly when he bellowed out. "Who is it and how do you want to die?"

A familiar voice called from the other side. Harry.

"It’s me Professor. I can’t find Hermione and Sebastian is awake and, by his howling, I assume he is also hungry."

At the mention of her son’s name, Hermione started to scramble out of the bed to go to him but a restraining arm on hers kept her in place.

"You may bring him in here, Potter."

The door swung open and Harry’s ruffled head peered into the bedroom, his eyes widening at the sight of Severus and Hermione in the same bed. Instinctively, Hermione raised the sheets up to her neck although she was fully clothed. Just being caught in his bed was enough to cause a blush to form on her face.
.
Harry’s grin widened as he took a few steps inside.

"Looks like you two made up." He quipped.

Hermione gave him a flustered glare and held out her arms for her bawling son. "It’s not what you are thinking, Harry…we just…slept."

"Yeah, right…" Harry’s grin widened as he crossed the room.

"Not that we didn’t try." Severus smirked then quickly got out of bed before Hermione could punch him. He saw how her pummels affected her friends and he sure as hell didn’t want to be on the receiving end on one.

"Shut it, you two gits…" Hermione’s face blazed in embarrassment as she took Sebastian’s wailing body from Harry. The baby quieted down slightly at the familiar touch of his mother.

"How long has he been awake?"

"Not long. I was up early doing some flying practicing out on the pitch. I heard him waking up when I came in. As soon as I heard him whimpering, I knew he would be hungry." Harry took a seat on the edge of the bed. "I went to your room first but didn’t find you. I figured Snape would know where you were. I didn’t expect to find you here, though."

The shit-eating grin wouldn’t be wiped from the young man’s face and Hermione glared at him.

"You can quit smirking at me. Nothing happened in here last night, and if it did, you certainly wouldn’t be the first to hear of it…now scat, the both of you. Sebastian needs to be fed." She demanded as she started to unbutton the front of her gown. Thankful that she had the presence of mind to keep her gown on after what almost happened last night.

"You had best hurry though. The students will be arriving here today and we will need to be there when they come to the welcome back feast. We have a very busy day ahead of us." Severus spoke softy as he opened the wardrobe and began to gather up his work clothes.

Harry leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I’ll see you later then, Hermione. Bye, Professor." Severus grunted his goodbye as Harry headed for the exit.

Hermione looked up a dazed expression on her face. "It’s Sunday all ready? Where does the time go?"

She gazed down at her baby knowing that, in a few shoearsears, Sebastian would be arriving on the same train that she rode on the first years of her new life at Hogwart’s. Her heart broke just a little knowing that in time she would have to let her child go. She wondered if her own parents had felt that way for her at one time, before everything changed.

"Are you all right, Love?"

She glanced up at Severus’s gaze and she shook her head solemnly. "I’m fine Severus, just going over his future in my mind. You realize that in just eleven short years, we are going to have to let him go? He will be out of our house, out from under our watchful eye."

Severus’s heart flew at her words, ‘their house…their watchful eye’ Not just hers. Somehow, he knew that they would not be parted now, that somewhere along the way, Hermione excepted to bto be a permanent part of their lives.

"Things will be fine, my love. I’m sure that Albus will care for him when the time times. I don’t think we have any cause to worry. I may still be here. I do not intend to abandon my position here. Even after we are married and perhapve mve many more children, Hogwart’s will always be a part of my home."

Hermione felt her lips forming into a small smile. "Married?" She glanced up and saw the answering smile on his lips.

"I warn you now Hermione, that is my full intention." Severus stated leaning over her and the baby.

Hermione lifted a hand to cup his face and gently leaned over to kiss him while simultaneously trying not to disturb their child’s feeding. "You are a true and honorable man, Severus Snape."

"Do not accept just yet, my dear. I have a much more pleasant thought in mind for a decent proposal. Right now, I need to bathe and change then meet with Albus and the staff. I will meet you down at breakfast."

Hermione simply nodded, elated at the prospect of a marriage proposal. Perhaps it was a bit too soon, but she did want to spend the rest of her life with the father of her baby. The man she loved. She just hoped that he would leave off the need for more children for a few years yet. Sebastian was more than enough and she really didn’t want to go through that again, least not for a long time. Childbirth really wasn't for the weak minded.

She watched Severus open the door of the bathroom with his robes draped over his arm. He paused and leaned against the bathroom doorjamb and winked at her. "Call for Nanny!" He simply said before closing the door behind him, leaving her to stare at the closed door in bewilderment.

Not quite sure what the man had up his sleeves this time. But with the mind of a Gryffindor and the curiosity of a cat she called out

"Nanny!’

Immediately, an elf dressed only with a nurse’s cap and striped apron appeared. Hermione smothered a chuckle at the dress of the elf as she quickly scampered close to look at the baby.

"Oh…Nanny is ‘finally’ called to help? Master said that Nanny is to be helping Mistress during the day. Yes?"

Hermione cast a glance towards the closed door, wishing a hex on the man behind it. Normally she hated the usage of house elves, and those that she had used in the past had managed to acquiesce for a small wage of some sort. It made her feel better to pay them although they hated her for it.

Her eyes narrowed at the elf.

"What are your duties? And what are the agreements to which you were hired?" She pulled Sebastian from her breast and buttoned up the bodice of her gown. Sebastian’s eyes closed slightly, quite contented once more.

The elf bent her head, staring at the floor. Her huge ears tinged in a bright pink of embarrassment. "I’s to be at your beck and call. I’s to take care of baby Snape whiles you and the master are in classes."

"And the agreements?"

At this the elf sniffled and wiped her nose on her apron. "I’s to earn two sickles a week plus one day off every two months."

"Was that agreeable to you?" Hermione asked, watching the distressed elf.

Nanny glanced up with a rueful frown. "I’s not agreeable to the wages, but I’s agreeable to the baby. I’s wants to watch over the baby, so I’s agreed on the wage…and the day off."

Hermione smiled inwardly at the amount of work Severus had went into hiring the nanny elf. She knew that elves detested any form of earnings. But she still felt that they deserved some kind of recompense for all the work that they did. In time, she hoped that they would all see it that way.

"Nanny, please take Sebastian while I dress." She instructed the new nurse-elf. Nanny eagerly took the now wide-awake Sebastian into her arms.

"Oh, he’s a beautiful boy, Mistress…You’s and the Master must be very proud."

"We are, Nanny…but…" Hermione paused staring at the elf. "You are not to mention that Severus Snape is his father. It is very important that no one knows about that."

Nanny nodded her head eagerly, causing her ears to flop madly around her cap. "Nanny already knows Mistress. The Master already tolds me not to tell. Master Harry Potter is to be pretending to be the Mistress’s husband, not the Master."

Hermione smiled inwardly. She must remember to thank Severus later. It turned out that Nanny was a good idea after alle ree really hadn't given any thought as to how she would be attending classes without someone to watch over the baby. Leave it to Severus to come up with the perfect answer. Hermione had no idea there were such things as nurse-elves, but given due thought to it she admitted that it was a good idea. There were a massive amount of elves and not nearly as many residences to employ them all. Some, of course, had to find employment outside of domestic servitude.

For the most part, Nanny seemed competent and eager, so Hermione had no reason to not accept the gift from Severus.


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An hour later, freshly showered and sporting clean new clothes, Hermione left her room with instructions for Nanny just in case Sebastian needed anything. Quickly she made her way to the great hall for breakfast. She was starving and looked forward to something hot to eat. Inside she saw Severus sitting at his customary place at the head table. For a moment she wondered where she should sit was was relieved when he looked up to see her enter. He lifted a hand in the air to beckon her over to sit between himself and Albus.

"Good morning, Headmaster. Severus." She smiled at them as she took the proffered seat. "It appears to be a very nice day so far." She said softly, looking up at the morning sun shining through the enchanted ceiling.

"Yes. It should remain so all day, which will make for a lovely reception for the children’s arrival. Are you ready to begin your new classes, my dear?" Albus spoke as he dug into his porridge.

Hermione waited a beat as a plate arrived before her filled with a mush like oatmeal. She wrinkled her nose at it, which took the hint and banished the mush to be replaced with ham and eggs. Ah, much better. Quickly she scooped up a forkful while answering the headmaster’s question.

"I’m a bit scared, to tell you the truth, Headmaster, but I do think I am as prepared as I can be." She spoke between bites.

"And just what scares you, my dear?"

"People’s reactions to Sebastian." She heard Severus conjure up some juice and slide it over to her. She managed a quick smile and thank you to him and took a sip.

"Why should that scare you? You have done nothing wrong." Albus continued.

"They won’t know that, will they? They will just see a baby and a sudden marriage and assume the truth. Its nature to do so." She waved her fork at him, then around in a gesture to indicate the world.

"Let her eat, Albus." Severus voice drifted over them and she grinned at the look on Albus’s face.

"She is eating my boy." He chuckled in response, but continued to question her. "You are afraid what they might think?"

"I hate to admit it, but yes. I don’t want to be thought badly of." Hermione admitted with a tinge of sadness in her voice. She placed her fork down onto the table, the food now seeming inedible.

"Miss Granger." Albus sat his spoon down and gave her his undivided attention. "No one in their right mind could think badly of you. It is not all that uncommon for a marriage to take place at such times as these. Most will think kindly on you and Harry for doing the right thing."

At this, a rather loud protest came from Hermione’s other side, which caused Albus to bite back a laugh.

"Granted, it’s not an actual marriage by any standards, but in this play we will just have to act the part. Severus, I know your dislike for this charade, but this is for the good of your son and the good of the war. Keep that in mind as this play continues."

"This play is abysmal! I wouldn’t attend it if you paid me." Severus grumbled, causing a slight chuckle from both present.

"Then it’s a good thing that this particular play is free."

"I don’t like this particular part of this play, but if I must participate for the safety of my son, then I guess I will just have to endure it. As long as I can go back to my regular life after the end of the day."

Hermione watched them bickering back and forth, the food on her plate forgotten for the moment. Her hand sneaked out and covered his.

"Severus, I have to agree with the Headmaster. Outside of our chambers is the play. Inside of our rooms is real life. We just have to continue to play this one out. That’s all." Hermione’s hand squeezed his. "You are the one that I love. Soon this lie will be revealed and we can live as we should without fear. I will graduate from school and Voldemort will be defeated. Lucius will be dealt with as well. After all that, we both can be happy."

Severus’s glanced down at her with a tender smile. "As long as it isn’t too far into the future. I refuse to allow others to think you are ‘his’ wife for longer than they need to. I want all to know that you are to be bound to me."

Hermione smiled softly. "I have not agreed to marry you yet, Severus."

"Only because I have not asked you to yet, my dear." He teased back.

A chuckle came from Albus as he listened to their friendly bickering. "I take it that things are progressing nicely for you two then? I do hope that you will allow me to officiate at the wedding?" His eyes danced in his merriment.

Hermione grinned as Severus answered. "Of course, sir…"


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Later that day, Hermione stood at the main door of the great hall waiting for the arrival of the rest of the students. Severus had already passed her on his way to the long staff table. The noise of the approaching carriages caused her nerves to stand on end. Severus paused long enough to kiss her gently and murmur reassuring words to her. Her smile of gratitude made his lips tilt up only for a moment before he turned and followed the headmaster to the long table. Her eyes watched him until she felt a presence behind her and saw that Harry and Ron had both appeared to stand next to her. She sighed with relief when Harry took her hand, looking down at their fake wedding rings.

"Are you ready, Mrs. Potter?" He teased.

"As ready as I can be, Mr. Potter." She returned the grin as Ron’s hand quickly wrapped itself around her in a quick hug.

"Things will be fine. ‘Mione. Just keep smiling, no matter what." The redhead whispered into her ear just as the first student’s head appeared from around the corner. The students were arriving.

"I’ll try." She replied. Keeping her hand in Harry’s tight grip, she turned and followed the troop of students into the great hall. Some of the kids gave them questioning looks while others simply ignored them and passed them by. "I can do this…" She muttered slightly.

"Yes you can, come on, Herm…I’m starving."

Her laughter echoed Ron’s declaration as she followed them to their regular spot at the Gryffindor table. She cast a quick glance up at the head table to see Severus watching her silently. She gave him a slight nod to say that she was fine and was relieved to see an answering nod from him. Just his presence alone was reassuring enough for her to get through this.

"Oh My GODS…HERMIONE!"

Hermione glanced up at the screech and shivered as the brunette flopped herself down between her and Ron. The girl grabbed Hermione’s left hand and screeched again.

"IS THIS A WEDDING RING? DID YOU GET MARRIED? OH…ITS GORGEOUS. WHEN DID YOU GET MARRIED? WHO DID YOU MARRY?"

Hermione winced at the loud, carrying voice of Lavender’s. She could feel all eyes on her and she quickly took Harry’s hand in hers. Lavender’s lips parted in a silent exclamation as her eyes caught the matching ring on Harry’s finger. Her eyes bulged out as she screamed excitedly.

"HARRY POTTER? YOU SLY DOG YOU…"

"Miss Brown! If you would please. Do refrain yourself from such outbursts." Snape’s voice drifted over them, causing Lavender to bite her lips to quell her desires to get more information. Albus took this time to stand up and call for quiet.

"In lieu of my normal announcements, I have one that is much more exciting. This year we are pleased to announce the marriage of Miss Hermione Granger to Mr. Harry Potter." He paused when the murmuring rose slightly to his announcement. "I also wish to announce the arrival of a very young person that will staying with us for an undetermined amount of time." Albus gave the couple a nod and they both rose nervously, calling out for the nurse-elf. Harry’s hand clutched hers hard.

Nanny popped in with her arms laden with a deep blue blanket. Hermione took the baby from the elf, feeling Harry’s arm circling her waist in support. She glanced down at her son, then up at Harry. Her eyes scanned Severus’s outwardly impassive face but knew how he felt inside. She saw hies fes flicker a moment with understanding before she lowered her gaze to settle back to the dumbfounded students around her.

"This is Sebastian Samuel Potter. Our son." Harry spoke loudly and the murmurs increased in volume. Those from the DaRats tried to act surprised. Even a catcall from the Slytherin side caught Hermione and Harry’s ears as they both turned to see Draco and his goons miming a sex act with their hands. Hermione’s heart fell slightly at the vulgar movement, causing her to sigh deeply.

Her eyes caught Severus’s again as he sat back into his seat, folding his hands before him. He seemed to be taking this well enough if one didn’t count the dark frown on his face. Her eyes drifted to Harry, and then to Ron, who were both in deep conversation with others. She held onto Sebastian tightly, refusing to answer any questions right now. Even as the girls approached to see the baby, she refrained from answering questions that weren't aroune lie line of ‘How old is he? How much did he weigh?’ She wasn’t ready to go into details just yet. That particular partthisthis play wasn’t nearly as transcribed as she wished it to be.

It was all an act of course, just another act of this poorly written play. Soon the drama would be over and things would move on. They just had to get past this one scene. Inwardly, she prayed that this particular play wasn’t bound to end as a tragedy.


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A/N’s and acknowledgments:

June W: I have a feeling they are not going to be able to sleep without each other from now on. Things will progress slowly, but surely from now on between the two lovers.

Spaz141: Sebastian is sleeping right now, because I needed him to sleep at that time. He will wake up and let himself be known, don’t worry about him. CONGRATULATIONS on thw baw baby! I bet he’s a living doll! You are far braver than I can ever be.

Rainasnape: Hermione is starting to loosen up. Give her a bit more time and she will be under his full lust filled power.

Ancientgirl: Thank you. I know I didn’t want it to go too far so soon and I hope that this chapter didn’t push it too far to fast. I didn’t want Severus to seem too needy but I want him to help her to understand how much he needed her.

Davina Icaras: I know, I wish I had such a romantic man as well, unfortunately my boyfriend wouldn’t know what a candle is for other than to light a dark room. Sigh. Anyway, have a great vacation and hope I have more up when you get back.

PotionsMistressM: I am so pleased that you liked this last chapter. I am over-thrilled with the comparison to the Phantom of the Opera. Believe it or not, I have never seen the show, but I really think I will now. One thing is interesting however, I have never received a marriage proposal. GrrArrg is lucky to have you I’m sure. Love you back!

Quartz: Thank you, mis cis coming.

Vania: You are doing fine. I can understand you perfectly. Thank you for taking the time to tell me what you think about my story.

M: Thanks, I’m glad you found me again, I hope you continue to read.

moe sportgrl88: I hope this last chapter was up to standard. I had a bitch of a time getting it out.

Firestarter: Thank you so much. I hope you continue to e thi this fic.

pixi macropixi: Thanks, I’m glad you are enjoying the DaRats.

Davina Icaras: I happen to love lots of reviews so review away. Ah…Empra…she was a fun familiar to write. It was actually a variation of Empress of course. I always felt like the raven was a very l bil bird. What better name to give her than Empra. I look forward to reading your fic, boyfriend allowing. Of course. Heheh.

Ginny the slut: I apologize for the wait. I had a major brain freeze.