A Secret Worth Keeping

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.


A Secret Worth Keeping

Chapter Forty-Two: Hush Little Babies

It was close to seven o’clock and Hermione was glad that the day was finally over. With being a mother, student and fiancée, her life was packed full to the extreme. As it was, her few hours in the library taxed what was left of her energy. Unfortunately she’d missed dinner and her stomach rumbled in protest. Instead of making a side trip to the kitchens, she decided to get some dinner sent to the nursery. What she wanted most at this very moment was to sit in her favorite rocking chair and hold her son, and perhaps eat a nice fat sandwich while Sebastian took his supper at the same time.

The hallways were practically empty as she walked down to the dungeons, taking every shortcut that she knew. The hour was late and students were more than likely interacting with each other in their own common rooms and comparing notes from today’s classes. Now was the time of day for serious studies for most of them. Homework was finally being assessed with despair and doom in an attempt to have it completed before the next school day started. It was a task that most students despised. Most, but not Hermione.

Hermione took the final left turn and allowed her heavy backpack to fall from her shoulder as the door to her chambers finally came into view. Home. With her hand clutched onto the pack’s strap, she approached the door to the nursery that led to their chambers.

Stopping in her tracks, she cocked her head as sounds of a soft, deep voice came through the heavy wood. A silky tenor that sounded sweeter than any bee’s hive. Stricken with a deep feeling of contentment, Hermione placed her hand on the wooden surface and felt her heart swell at the sweet melody that fell on her ears.

Severus was singing a lullaby.

"Hush, little wizard, don’t say a word, Daddy’s gonna buy you a mocking bird.
And if that mocking bird won't sing, Daddy’s gonna buy you a silver ring.
And if that silver ring turns to brass, Daddy’s gonna buy you a scrying glass.
And if that scrying glass won't smoke, Daddy’s gonna buy you a Billy goat."

The squeak of the rocker droned in time to his words.

"And if that Billy goat won’t pull, Daddy’s gonna buy you a cloak of wool.
And if that cloak of wool’s too thick, Daddy’s gonna buy you a new broomstick
And if that new broomstick’s too fast, Daddy’s gonna buy you wand to caste.
And if that wand to caste gets broken, Daddy’s gonna buy you a horn-tailed Dragon."

Here Hermione slowly opened the door to look inside. In the rocker she could see Severus rocking their son. The baby’s hands waved merrily in the air as his father crooned lovingly to him. Stepping silently, Hermione entered the room and sat her backpack onto a side table. She didn’t want to interrupt the father/son time and was content to just stand against the wall and watch and listen.

"And if that horn-tailed Dragon won't fly, Daddy’s gonna buy you a black magpie.
And if that black magpie lets you down, You’ll still be the best little wizard in town."

When the song ended, Severus finally looked up and smiled at Hermione. The love in his face shined with the brilliance of a thousand stars.

“I didn’t realize that that song was a favorite in the wizarding world,” Hermione spoke softly.

“Where do you think the Muggles got it in the first place?" Severus turned his eyes back to his nearly nodding son. "That particular song is from a long line of lullabies that the Muggles had adapted over the centuries. The words are nonsensical, but the tunes does wonders. It seems to have worked at calming him down.”

Hermione walked over and looked down into the sleepy eyes of their son. “Was he upset?”

“For a while. I think he would rather be with us than Nanny. Not that I blame him. We both have so much to do and don’t take enough time to spend with him.”

Hermione sighed heavily in agreement. “I know. I feel terrible about it. But if other families can do it, so can we. We’ll just have to figure it out.”

“How was your studying?” Severus spoke as he stood from the chair in a silent offering to her.

“Exhausting. Did you realize that there are over two thousand books that reference to anti-depression or close to it?”

“Anti-depression? I thought you were studying your schoolwork.”

“I was, but then I got to thinking about Pansy and how she has been acting of late. I have to admit that I’m a bit worried about her.” Hermione took the offered chair and held out her arms for Sebastian.

“What have you discovered so far?” Severus asked as he placed their son in his mother’s arms.

“Nothing that we don’t already know. There are Muggle medicines that could help, but the best thing for her is time and communication, and support from her friends. Thank God for Ron. If it weren’t for him and his new found friendship with Pansy…I think she would be a suicide candidate.”

“I hate to agree with you, but I think you are correct. Miss Parkinson has experienced a serious setback with everything else that has been going on. I’m glad you told Mr. Weasley about the other baby of hers. If he didn’t know, then he wouldn’t be as much help. I mean, he hasn’t had occasion to use too many brain cells in his life time.”

Hermione used a chiding tone in defense of her friend. “Now, Severus, you know that isn’t true. Ron is extremely intelligent, he just prefers to use his intellect in other…venues.”

Severus chuckled at that. “Too true. If only there were studies in Quidditch and women, then I’m sure he would graduate in top of his class.”

“Well, I think Pansy will have a bit of an influence on him with his studying in the future. I wouldn’t worry to much over them now. Like I said, Pansy and Ron will be a big help to each other.”

“I’m sure you're right.”

“I know I’m right. You haven’t seen Ron’s expressions when he talks about her. I think it could be the real thing with those two.”

Severus looked thoughtful. “As long as her father doesn’t get wind of their developing relationship. He would yank her out of school so fast all of our heads would spin.”

“I don’t think he will know. He doesn’t even know about the baby, does he? If he did I would think he would have made her get rid of it by now.”

“Miss Parkinson’s father is a sadist. He wouldn’t care one whit about a child, whether it’s his own or his daughter’s. All he cares about is that if she’s wanted at the revels, then he would willing bring her to be used. He thinks bringing her will elevate his station in the group. He’s not terribly smart. By bringing his own daughter to the gatherings, his actions have made him less likable by many of the others, the ladies and parents in particular.”

“What about Pansy’s mother then? Why doesn’t she stop him from taking her?”

“No female says 'no' to a direct order by her husband.” Severus sighed sadly with a shake of his head. “Especially a Death Eater husband. The consequences can be quite deadly.”

“You mean he would kill her?” There was a shocked note in Hermione's voice as she looked wide-eyed at Severus.

“It has been known to happen,” Severus replied solemnly.

Hermione looked down at the sleepy eyes of her son. “I’m glad we have a son instead of a daughter.”

Severus’ head snapped up at her words and growled. “I would never put my child…”

“No, Severus. I wasn’t insinuating you would.” Hermione interrupted quickly. “I was simply saying that if Sebastian were a girl and he was found out…you would most likely have to bring her before the Dark Lord eventually. I would be terrified what that horrid man would do to her.”

“I may still have to bring him before the Dark Lord if he is found out to be mine.”

“He won’t be. At least, not until it’s too late.” Her smile slid deep into his heart. “I have faith that our family will survive.”

Severus knelt down to run his hand over their son’s fuzzy black covered head. “I hope so, my love. I certainly hope so.”

~0~


A light tap on the door brought Harry from inside of his room and to the nursery. To his surprise, he opened the outer door to see Ron’s sister standing there, hesitantly wringing her hands together. Besides the DaRats meetings, Ginny kept her own counsel most times and didn't intermingle with her friends. No one knew why exactly but several people had faint ideas.

“Ginny.”

“Hi Harry, I…is Hermione here?”

“No, she’s out with Sebastian right now, taking him for a walk. Is there something I can do for you?”

Ginny shook her head. “No…no…I just wanted to talk to her.”

“I’m sure she will be back in a few minutes. You wanna come in and wait?”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Not at all.” Harry smiled and moved aside to allow the young woman inside.

Ginny stepped around him and allowed him to close the door behind her. For the first time, she looked around the nursery. In the few months that Hermione and her baby had been back at Hogwarts, Ginny had never stepped foot into the nursery. Her heart wouldn’t let her. But now she didn’t have a choice.

“Want some tea?” Harry asked.

“Yes, please,” Ginny answered softly, keeping her gaze averted from his.

“Take a seat, Gin. Make yourself at home. What do you need to talk to Hermione about?” Harry asked as he prepared the tea service.

“It’s…personal. I don’t think you’d be interested.” She smiled lightly as she settled on the sofa. The soft blue chenille fabric fitted the nursery beautifully. Her eyes darted around the room, noting all the pastel colors and mobile hangings. It was a place that any child would love. She felt her chest tightening again and took deep breaths to quell the feelings. Now was not the time to panic. Not yet.

“Ah, okay then.” Harry carried the tray over and sat it before her. “I’m sure she will be right back. They’ve been gone for nearly a half hour. They rarely take longer than that. Sebastian gets cranky if he’s out in the sun light for too long.”

Ginny chuckled at that. “Are you sure he’s your son? He’s going to have to get over that if he’s going follow your footsteps in Quidditch.”

“I don’t think he will have to worry about that. I’m sure he will more than likely follow Hermione’s footsteps. He’s most happy when she’s reading to him.”

“Ah, already an intellectual?” Ginny sipped at her tea, studying the man across from her.

“It appears that way.” Harry grinned. “Just like his mother.” And his father, he reminded himself mentally.

“I’m sure that he will be a bit athletic. He would have to be with you as his father.” Her face colored a bit.

“Perhaps.” Harry took a sip of his own tea, then glanced up as the main door opened and Hermione stepped inside pushing a pram.

“Surprise, Hermione. We have a guest.” Harry stood quickly and walked over to retrieve the baby from the buggy.

“Ginny! It’s good to see you.” Hermione left Sebastian in Harry’s capable hands and rushed over to hug her friend. “I haven’t seen you in so long. Why haven’t you come to visit us before now?”

“I…” Ginny glanced over at Harry. “I’ve been busy.”

“The only time we see each other is during a DaRats meeting.” Hermione spoke softly, noting Ginny’s nervous glace towards Harry.

“I know.” Ginny’s voice was soft, as if not wanting it to carry too far.

Hermione studied the young woman standing in front of her before turning to face Harry. “Harry, would you mind taking Sebastian into the bedroom for a while? I think Ginny and I need to talk privately and I think Sebastian needs his nap.”

“Oh, sure…Okay,” Harry replied and, without another word, pushed the pram into his room and closed the door. Hermione took Ginny’s hand and pulled her onto the sofa with her taking a seat next to her.

“Okay now…spill. What’s wrong?”

Ginny’s eyes filled with tears as she started to speak.

~0~

“Are you sure about this?” Severus sat up in bed as he watched his love pace the floor, Hermione’s shoulders hunched over in distress. “She said it herself?”

“Yes. And I believe her. She wouldn’t lie about something like this.” Hermione’s voice whispered with worry.

“Then we are in for some serious trouble.”

Hermione stopped and turned towards Severus, her eyes filled with fear. “I know. Oh, Severus. What are we gonna do?”

Severus reached out to her and pulled her into a tight, comforting hug to which she willingly went. “There’s only one thing we can do, of course. Talk to Albus.”

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AN: Hope you enjoyed my little version of 'Hush Little Baby'.