The Sound of Noise

Hermione was in the center of Hogsmeade, waiting for Severus and Stephanie. Harry and Ron were a few shops down, looking through the Quidditch shop window. She smiled slightly. Those were her boys; all grown up, but still boys none the less. She was still watching with Steph and Severus arrived.

Steph grabbed her around the waist in a hug. Hermione smiled at the girl and then at her Father. "Did you have a good night?"

Severus nodded. "I was able to mark all first year essays and Stephanie finished her book. It was a very productive evening."

Hermione nodded and motioned to the boTheyThey joined them and the group started towards the new home.

***

At the house, the wards dropped automatically and allowed Hermione to enter. She smiled. "It's really mine."

Steph ran forward and around the house. Hermione frowned and then shook her head. She glanced and saw that the forest was visible from the front of the house. She smiled. "I guess she's checking to see how close we are to the forest." She opened the door and went inside.

Several of her boxes were already sitting in the living room, open, with several items sitting around on the tables. Ron smiled. "It looks like that House Elf has been busy."

Severus frowned. "Hermione Granger is using the services of a House Elf?"

She looked at him. "Yes I am. That's one of the reasons I took the house." She shook her head at the expressions on Harry and Ron's faces. "The owner of the house has given his Elfs clothes, paid vacations and has even educated them. I have no problems in them working for me."

She smiled as Steph came into the room. She watched her daughter sign quickly, then ran down the hallway to look over the rest of the house.

Harry chuckled. "What was that about?"

Hermione shook her head. "She was telling me the backyard had trees that we could picnic under." She looked around the room. "All right. I guess we should get started. I'll go help Steph resize her trunk and boxes. You can start with the living room and we'll go from there. I charmed everything so that it will go in the order I want it. Now get to it." She walked down the hall to find Stephanie.

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Bossy chit isn't she?"

Ron nodded. "It's gotten worse since she's become a Mum." Harry didn't say anything, but he nodded as he opened on of the boxes and started to unpack.

***

Later that afternoon, everyone was sitting in the living room, eating a lunch that Covington had prepared for them. Hermione looked around the room. She smiled. "I think my bedroom is the only room left to unpack. Covington wouldn't even let me in the kitchen to work."

Harry looked at his watch. "Hermione, I told Ginny I'd meet her in Hogsmeade this afternoon to do wedding things. I need to go if I'm going to make it." He finished his drink, hugged her and winked at Steph. "I'll bring Ginny by tomorrow when everything is settled." He nodded to Ron and Severus and apperated away.

Ron stood shortly after Harry was gone. "I've got to get going as well. I've got to see a man about a broom." He grinned as he headed for the door.

Hermione smiled. "Hey Ron. Blonde or brunette?"

He stopped and gave her a grin. "Blonde and built." He winked as he walked out the door.

Hermione laughed as she stood to clear up the mess. Covington appeared and stopped her. "Covington will take care of this Madam. Please, continue with your other work." They watched as all the dirty plates were cleared away.

Stephanie looked from her Mother to her Father and bit her lip. Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Go on. See if you can satisfy your curiosity." Steph grinned and ran into the kitchen.

Severus chuckled. "She is very much like you."

Hermione nodded. "That she is. I do see much of you there as well. She's going to be tall and skinny, like you. Thankfully she inherited your hair."

He shrugged. "And your nose."

She nodded. "I was thankful for that as well." She smiled as she stood. "Right then. My room is next."

Severus frowned as he looked at her. Hermione laughed. "Oh dry up Severus. I'm not inviting you in so I can have my wicked way with you. I just need an extra set of hands to resize my furniture." She laughed again at his expression, then pulled him from his seat.

They walked down the hallway and into the room Hermione had claimed for her own. Several boxes littered the floor, a few opened. Hermione sighed and pulled the top of one box open. She looked at Severus. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

***

Severus had to admit, Hermione had been smart with her packing. Her dressers had been reduced, clothes inside. Her bed had been made up, then reduced, clean sheets already present. While she took care of the clothes that were to hang in the closet, he opened the remaining box to find it full of photos.

He took one of the framed out and looked at it. The photo was a muggle shot of her and her family. He lay that one aside and took out another picture. This was of Stephanie as a baby. He was so caught up in the picture, he didn't notice Hermione sit beside him.

She touched the edge of the frame. "She was only a few months old there. Still small, but very lively." She smiled at the memory. "We had just moved to New York. That was my first apartment. I was so excited about it. She was so fussy, but I wanted a picture of her in the apartment. It's one of my favorites because she just looked so alive. Look, her eyes were even open a bit."

Severus didn't take his eyes off the photo. "She...she was small."

Hermione nodded. "She was rather small. It was a bit scary at first. I remember in the hospital I wouldn't even hold her. Mum took her from the Doctor at first. The first time I actually held her was when the Nurse forced me to breast feed her. That in itself was the most horrifying, embarrassing, and wonderful experience in my life. The Nurse came in, lowered the top of my gown, handed me this small, wiggly bundle and then lifted my breast to help her latch on."

Severus frowned and looked at her. She shook her head. "Oh don't look like that. You've seen them before too." His eyes flashed to her and then back to the picture.

Hermione leaned down and picked up a large album. "Here. This is her baby book. It has pictures from every major milestone."

He opened the book and a ghost of a smile fluttered on his lips. He turned each page and listened to Hermione explain each moment.

***

When they finished the book, he looked at her. "Its amazing really." She frowned as he continued, "My whole life I worked to make up for all the horrible things I did as a Death Eater. All it took was one night and I helped to create something wonderful."

His fou found hers. She could only nod as she smiled. He couldn't help himself. He leaned forward and kissed her gently.

She was startled at first, but then found herself responding to him. She leaned in, putting her hands on his chest. He moaned slightly and pulled her closer. The album fell onto the bed beside them as they kissed.

Hermione could feel the beginnings of his beard and the harshness against her face made her want more. Her hands smoothed their way up over his shoulders and into his hair. She sighed at the familiar feel and texture.

His hands were busy as well. One lay flat on her back and held her to him. The other cradled the back of her head.

They tasted each others kisses for a few moments, reacquainting themselves to each other. The hand that held her head slowly moved down, over her shoulder, to cup one of her breasts. He wondered for a moment if he was to bold, but the feel of her pressing herself into his hand answered his question.

She knew it was wanton of her, but she hadn't had a man's touch in ages. She moaned against his mouth at the feel of him and gently caressed his face.

As she reached for the buttons on his trousers, there was a loud explosion. Severus quickly pulled his mouth from hers and searched for the source of the sound.

She groaned sliy aty at the loss of contact and then looked up at him through hooded eyes.

He was frowning. "That came from the kitchen." He looked down at her and quickly removed his hand from her chest. They both flushed slightly.

She sighed. "Well, let's go see what all the commotion is about." She stood and smoothed her hair back from her face. She started towards the door and then glanced back at him. He was still sitting on the bed. She gave him a look. "Well, aren't you going as well?"

He nodded slowly. "Yes, but give me a moment to...collect myself."

Hermione felt her face get hot. "Yes, well, of course. I'll...I'll be in the kitchen." She glanced at him and quickly left the room.

He took a deep breath and muttered a curse word. He slammed his fist into the mattress and stood. Straightening his robes, he shook his head and started to the kitchen.

***

Hermione looked at the scene. Several broken glasses and plates littered the floor. Steph was standing, biting her lip as she watched the House Elves cleaning up. She looked ar Mor Mother with tears in her eyes.

She held her arms and the girl rushed into her embrace. She held onto her Mother tightly, her frame shaking with sobs.

Severus came in and frowned. "What happened here?"

Covington stood in front of Severus. "Covington is sorry sir. Young Miss was watching our work. She began to make her gestures and Covington was unable to understand. Young Miss was upset and then there was the explosion."

Severus nodded. "I think I understand. Is anyone injured?"

The Elf shook his head. "No sir. Covington will fix the plates sir." He looked at Hermione. "Young Miss shouldn't be sad. Covington will punish himself for not understanding."

Hermione looked at him. "You'll do no such thing. I strictly forbid any self punishment in my house. It will take time before you learn sign language. And don't bother about the plates and glasses. I can buy more." She looked down at the girl. "Steph, come on. It's been a long day. We've all worked hard. Let's go to your room and you can rest before dinner." She gently led her daughter to her new room.

Severus looked at the Elf. "You heard her. I expect you to follow her every direction." He turned and walked after Hermione and Stephanie.

***

After Stephanie was calm and resting, Severus and Hermione walked out onto the back porch. She smiled as she saw the bench swing hanging there. She took a seat and looked at Severus. He took the space next to her. He started to speak, but she shook her head. She took his hand in hers and sat. He frowned, but took his cue from her.

They sat in silence for several moments. Hermione finally spoke. "She's had this happen before." He frowned and she explained. "Before we moved, she got upset at school during one of their science lessons. They were viewing slides under a microscope. She was upset with one of the other students for saying something about her condition and the slide exploded and cut her head."

He nodded and listened to her sigh. "This time, I think she was more upset about Covington not being able to understand her."

Severus nodded, then tilted his head to the side as if listening to something. He gently squeezed Hermione's hand and stood. "I'll return shortly." He turned and walked into the house. Hermione watched him, then shrugged and curled into the corner of the swing.

***

Severus knocked gently on the door. Steph was sitting up on the bed. He sat on the edge. "You needed me?"

She nodded and signed.

He sighed and shook his head. "Little One, yes, it is going to be difficult for you at Hogwarts. I'm sure that with time the other students will learn to understand." She frowned and looked at the bed. He covered her hand with his. "I do believe, however, that you will do well in every other aspect of school and of magic."

Steph nodded and then signed. Severus shook his head. "No, none of the elves were injured. Covington was upset that you were crying." She looked at the bed and frowned. He put a hand over hers. "Don't be upset. As I said, it will take time." She nodded, biting her lip.

He stood. "Your Mother and I are outside. Would you like to join us?" She shook her head and reached for a book on her bedside table. He nodded. "You know where to find us."

***

Hermione looked up as he walked back outside. "Everything ok?"

He nodded and took a seat again. "Stephanie wanted to check on the House Elves. She was worried they were injured."

She nodded and leaned back against him. She sighed. "What are we going to do?"

He put his arm around her shoulders. "About what?"

Hermione turned slightly to look at him. "You, me, us, Steph. There are so many questions that need to be answered."

Severus nodded. "I believe we should take care of the more important issues first. In my opinion, that would be your...our daughter. I have had several discussions with Albus. We are in agreement that a trip to Diagon Alley is in order."

She frowned. "What for?"

He raised an eyebrow in thought. "Well, Stephanie, as well as myself and Albus, has questioned her ability to use a wand. There is no question that she has magical ability, but can she use a wand without a voice. Albus has agreed that she should be allowed to purchase her wand early to test her abilities to see how much individual training she may need."

Hermione nodded. "That makes sense. Have you been able to come up with any more ideas for her voice?"

He shook his head. "With O.W.L.S and N.E.W.T.S I was unable to research. I planned on using the summer for that."

She nodded. "I can assist while I search for a job."

He took a breath. "I should leave."

Hermione sighed. "Will you be back?"

Severus looked down at her. "As if I could stay away."

She smiled and leaned against him slightly. "I guess we should plan a trip to Diagon Alley tomorrow?"

He nodded. "Then you need to find a job." He let one side of his mouth curl up into a smile.

She chuckled slightly. "Yes. I'll start looking tomorrow." A yawn followed her words.

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Someone else has had a long day. You have time to rest. Stephanie was reading in her room."

She nodded. "A nap would be great." They stood and walked towards their daughter's room.

***

Hermione smiled at her daughter. "Honey, I'm going to lay down for a few minutes. I'll be in the living room. Will you be all right?"

Steph nodded and pointed to her book and then signed. Hermione nodded. "Yes, call the House Elves if you need anything." She kissed her head and walked out to let Severus say his good-byes.

Severus sat on the bed. "Tomorrow, we're going to Diagon Alley. The Headmaster has decided that you should practice with your wand before school beings."

Her eyes lit up at this information. She grinned at him. He nodded. "I will see you tomorrow Little One." He stood and walked to the door. He stopped and looked back at her. "Look after you Mother. This is a rather...trying time for her."

Steph nodded. He inclined his head and then left the room. Hermione saw him out.
Steph snuggled into her bed to read, but frowned and got up.

Hermione smiled as she pulled the blanket over her shoulders. A nice nap would do wonders. She snuggled down onto the couch of her new house. She closed her eyes and let her body rest.

***

Steph grinned as she snuck by her Mother in the living room. She quietly went into the kitchen.

Covington bowed as she came in. "What does Young Miss need? Has Young Miss recovered?"

Stephanie nodded and lay a paper and pen on the counter. She sat and wrote quickly. Covington shook his head. "Covington has finished his chores for the day." Steph grinned and patted the chair next to her.

Covington nodded, sat and watched her write again. He read the paper and nodded. "Covington would like to learn how to understand Young Miss." Steph smiled and the lesson began.

***

Ginny smiled as she and Harry approached the house. "Harry, it's perfect! This is an amazing house."

Harry nodded. "Hermione did well. Wait until you see the rest of it. Steph was very excited about the backyard." He knocked on the door.

Another small House Elf opened the door. Ginny smiled. "We're here to see Hermione."

The Elf looked over her shoulder. "The Misses is sleeping."

Harry frowned. "Oh, we can always come back later."

The House Elf nodded. "Lana will let Misses know."

Ginny looked back into the house. "Is Stephanie sleeping as well?"

Lana shook her head. "Young Miss is with Covington. Would Mr. and Mrs. like to see her?"

Harry nodded. "Please."

Lana nodded and ushered them inside. She put her finger over her mouth as they passed the living room. Ginny grinned as she saw Hermione.

***

They entered the kitchen and found Stephanie and Covington signing to each other. She looked up when they came in and waved. They took seats as Covington jumped to his feet. "Is Mr. or Mrs. needing anything?"

Ginny shook her head. "No thank you." She watched as the Elf bowed and disappeared.

Harry looked at Steph. "What have you been doing?" She scribbled onto the paper. He read and smiled. "Did you teach him many words?" She shook her head.

Ginny smiled. "Do you like the house?" Steph nodded and got up. She grabbed Ginny's hand and pulled her up. Steph took then through each room and then outside. She made a flying motion with her hand.

Harry nodded. "Yes, this is a good place to practice, just be careful when you do." She nodded and grinned at him.

Ginny ruffled the young girl's hair. "We need to get going. We just wd tod to come by and check on everything. Tell Hermione we came by?" Steph nodded as they walked back into the house.

As they were making their way to the front door, they heard Hermione mumbling in her sleep. Steph frowned and glanced at her Mom. Hermione sighed deeply in her sleep and said "Severus, please..."

Harry clapped his hand over his mouth. They made it to the front door and outside before he started laughing. Steph hugged Ginny and then looked at him. He shook his head. "Looks like your Mum can't get Snape out of her mind." He sighed. "I'll never understand it."

Ginny pushed him gently. "Harry, let me talk to Stephanie for a moment. Alone." He nodded and walked out of the gate. Ginny looked at Steph. "I think it's time we started working on your parents."

Steph nodded and wrote on her paper. Ginny took it and smiled. "He said she was special to him? That's good. We know at least he wants her around." She looked at the house. "If those dreams your Mother were having are what I think they are, she's ready too. Tell you what, we'll get together and plan something later ok?"

Steph nodded and hugged her tightly. Ginny kissed her head and walked to meet Harry. They waved as they walked away. Steph sat down on the steps and thought for a few minutes.

She started to slowly smile as a plan started forming. She stood up and walked back into the house. Like Ginny had said in her letter last year, they wouldn't know what hit them.

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