The Sound of Noise

Steph jumped out of bed and ran down to her mother's room. She opened the door gently, happy to see Hermione still sleeping. Steph snuck in to find the necklace.

She searched the floor around the bed. Nothing. She didn't want to move the blankets and wake her mother up. She was frowning in thought when shinghing touched her arm. She looked down and saw Lana. She smiled and motioned the elf to follow her.

***

Back in Steph's room, she quickly wrote a note for the small elf. Lana read it and nodded, "Yes Young Miss. Lana can do that." She disappeared and then reappeared, necklace in hand.

Stephanie hugged the Elf and put the necklace away. She wrote another note. Lana nodded. "Of course Young Miss, Lana will make sure the necklace come back every morning." After hugging Lana, Steph skipped out of the room to wake up her mother.

***

Hermione opened her eyes to a very happy Steph. She smiled and sleepily reached out her hand to wake Severus. When she found an empty pillow, reality hit and she shook away her dream. She pulled Steph close and kissed her head. "Are you excited about today?"

Steph nodded and quickly signed. Hermione shrugged. "I don't know honey. Just don't be upset if it's hard for you. A wand can only focus your natural ability. A lot of the power comes from the words."

Steph nodded lod looked sad for a moment. Then she signed again. Hermione nodded. "True. I have heard that when one sense is disabled the others are stronger. Maybe your magic will try to compensate." Steph nodded and smiled.

Hermione kissed her head again. "All right. Up. Your father will be here soon and I have got to find a job." Steph grinned and jumpet oft of bed.

***

They were sitting at the table with Covington brought Severus in. He thanked the elf and took a seat. Hermione blushed as she wished him good morning.

His eyes didn't meet hers when he spoke. He turned to Stephanie. "Your first lesson will be Charms. After lunch, Minerva, Professor McGonagall, will take you for Transfigurations. Albus assumes that after you master basic wand function, every other subject will fall into place."

Steph nodded. She finished eating, excused herself and went for her cloak and wand. Severus turned attention to Hermione. "Will you be joining us?"

She shook her head. "No. I have several errands to do. I'll be spending most of my day in Hogsmeade."

Severus nodded. "Very well. Do not over exert yourself." He frowned and shook his head slightly. That stupid dream. He mentally chided himself. "She is not pregnant. She does not love you. She is not your wife."

Hermione frowned slightly at his command. That sounded like her dream. He couldn't possibly know what she had been dreaming about, could She She shook her head. He was probably being sarcastic and subtly scolding her for not working. She sighed. Where could she work anyway?

***

After Severus had left with Stephanie, Hermione left for Hogsmeade. She made her way to the small office of The Dailopheophet. She shook her head as she entered the building. This is what she was down too. Working in this rag. She sighed and stopped at the receptionist desk.

A young witch greeted her half-heartly. Hermione frowned. The witch in question looked as if there were a million other places she wanted to be.

When Hermione asked to see the editor in charge, she was shown to a small dingy room. The chairs and the furniture were rotten and worn. She almost feared for her life and she sat down to wait.

Almost fifteen minutes later, a small, round Wizard came into the room. He had a vacant expression on his face. Hermione stood and offered her hand. He frowned and looked at her hand as if it might injure.

She shook her head. "Hello sir. My name is Hermione Granger. I've recently moved into the area and came to inquire about any openings at the paper or at any other media publication the company might own." She took her seat and looked at the man.

He looked over then smiled predatorily. "Anything like Skeeter?"

Hermione frowned. "That bug of a woman? No. I write facts. Never opinions, only facts."

The man leaned back in his chair. "I don't care what you write. Skeeter was very...shall we say 'accommodating'. Why else would anyone hire a woman as a reporter?"

Hermione frowned as the implications of that statement hit home. She stood and looked down at the man. "You are a disgusting, low life pervert. You and your paper should be put out of business."

The man laughed. "Not my paper. The HQ is in London. Diagon Alley. Anyway, we've got the market. What other competition do we have?"

Hermione stood straight and held out her hand again. "Meet your competition." He still refused her hand. She shrugged. "I thought it was only fair to warn you." She turned and walked out of the office and the building.

***

Outside, the consequences of her actions hit her. Competition for the Prophet? She sighed. Sometimes she really needed to think things through. With another sigh, she started towards the bookshop. Time to read up on Wizarding newspapers and printing.

***

At the Castle, Stephanie was listening in amazement as Flitwick lectured on the basics of Charms. She absorbed as much as she could while she scribbled notes. The theories were wonderful.

She watched as the tiny Professor levitatemselmself several feet from the floor. He looked at her. "Wingardium Leviosa is a simple but effective spell. Your mother was very skilled at it, but it was Ronald Weasley that used it to defeat a Mountain Troll. Now, I've explained the basics and the movement of the wand. Let's test your ability."

He placed a feather in front of her. "Focus on your target. In your case, think the words and swish and flick."

She took a deep breath and followed his instructions. Nothing happened. She frowned, refocused and tried again.

After a few attempts, Flitwick stopped her. "Yes well, we'll continue with the theories and leave the practice for later. Shall we?" He began to lecture again.

***

Hermione came out of the bookshop with several books on wizarding publishing in her cloak pocket. She was smiling as she walked down the street. She stopped short on the sidewalk. She needed a building. She needed a staff. She couldn't believe she was going to be running her own paper. She needed a lot of things. She smiled. Looks like she was going shopping. She pulled out a paper from her pocket and looked at her list. Hermione Granger was back!

***

Stephanie left the Transfigurations classroom. She ran down the hallway and into the girls bathroom. She leaned her head against the mirror and let her tears fall onto the sink. She was so stupid! Why did she think she could do magic? She was a freak, in both worlds, magic and muggle. She let her tears fall silently onto the porcelain.

***

Severus frowned as he walked out of Minerva's office. She said Stephanie had been finished with her lessons for a while. She also told him she hadn't been able to use her wand. He sighed. No doubt she was upset and crying. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Maybe he should call Hermione. He sighed and pulled his wand. "Show me."

The wand twirled and pointed. He followed and hoped he could deal with his daughter.

***

Hermione looked at the list. There would be a fair amount of things to occupy her time in the coming weeks. Still, she looked forward to the work. She looked at her watch. Severus and Stephanie should have been back by now. She frowned. Should she go? Severus would think she didn't trust him. She sighed. Why couldn't they get past this childish behavior. Her mind drifted to her dream. Did she want that? Could they be milymily? She smiled. It seemed nice. Steph attending Hogwart's, a new baby and Severus in bed with her every night. She thought back to the moment in her bedroom. He had wanted her. She wanted him. She frowned. Maybe it could happen. It would take a while to get over hurt feelings but she was sure they could do it. Stephanie would be so happy too. She couldn't wait to see her face.

She stood and grabbed her cloak and headed out towards Hogwarts. She didn't ree tie till later than her thoughts had changed from maybe to when.

***

Severus stood outside the bathroom, looking at the door. He was a teacher so technically, he was allowed anywhere in the Castle. He frowned. This is why he needed Hermione. He corrected himself. Stephanie needed Hermione.

He was getting ready to knock when she appeared. His saving grace, his avenging angel, his reason for not stepping even one toe into the girl's rest . "H. "Hermione. Stephanie has hidden away in the bathroom. Minerva said she was very upset.
S
She nodded. "I saw her on my way in. She told me none of Steph's incantations worked. Severus, she is going to be so upset."

He nodded and pointed to the door. "She's in there."

Hermione smiled. "Joining us?"

He shook his head. "Some places even an ex-Death Eater fears to tread."

She shook her head and pushed the door open.

***

Her baby girl sat in the darkest corner of the room with her cloak wrapped around her and her head on her knees. Hermione knelt in front of her. "Honey...."

Steph looked up and tears rolled down her face. She snuggled against her mommy. Hermione rocked and kissed her head. "Honey, you knew this might not work. I'm so sorry it didn't, but that's why you're starting earlier. I know it's a huge disappointment, but in time, your magic will come."

Steph cried against her mother. Hermione kissed her head. "Come on. Let's go home. Your father is waiting outside to see how you are."

Steph pulled back and signed quickly. She shook her head the whole time. Hermione frowned. "Now young lady, you know better than that. He loves you. He won't think you're a failure or a freak."

Steph shook her head and hid her face in her hands. Hermione looked towards the door. "Severus, would you come in here for a moment?" Steph looked at her and shook her head.

Severus came and knelt in front of her. "What is it Little One?" She hid her face in her hands again. He frowned and looked at Hermione.

She sighed and whispered. "She thinks you're going to be disappointed with her. She thinks you'll think she's a failure."

He rubbed his forehead with his fingertips. He looked at Hermione. "If this leaves this room, I will kill you." She frowned as he took Stephanie in his arms. She hid her face against him.

He tilted her face tile wae was looking at him. "Little One, not everyone is good at something in the beginning. It takes a lot of practice before you become good at something." He glance at Hermione and then back to her. "In my First Year at Hogwarts, I melted a cauldron almost everyday in Potions. My potions teacher threaten me with detentions, house points, even death if I tried to get into the higher level potions classes. Guess what? I practiced every day of the summer so I would be able to brew a perfect potion and show him I could do it. Now he lives in the Old Wizard's Home and I am Potions Master of Hogwarts." He smiled at her. "Practice does indeed make perfect." She grinned. He looked at Hermione and then back to her. "You practice, and in class I'll be calling you the insufferable know-it-all."

Hermione tried to hold the laugher inside. He looked from her back to Steph. "Now, let's go home and see what your mother has prepared for dinner. That is, unless you want to eat here."

Stephked ked at Hermione. She nodded. "That's fine. I was actually so busy, I didn't talk to Covington about dinner. If you want to eat here, I'll floo and let him know." Steph nodded and wiped her eyes.

Severus smiled and dried her tears with his cloak. "Run along now. Everything will be fine." She stood and helped him up as well.

As they were walking out, Hermione stopped him. Before she could speak he nodded. "Yes, they story is true. Not one word to anyone or I will know it was you."

Hermione smiled. "Nothing shall pass my lips. Really Severus, thank you. I know it took a lot for you to share."

He nodded. "As I've said before, I would do anything for her." He pulled his Potions Master persona around him like his cloak and lead Hermione into the Great Hall.

***

Stephanie was so full she thought she would burst. She pushed her plate away from her and leaned back in her chair. She smiled at the conversation around her. She decided she would just close her eyes for a moment.

***

Hermione nudged Severus. He frowned and then looked at Stephanie. A small smile flickered across his face. He finished up his dessert and pushed away from the table. Hermione stood and thanked everyone for their hospitality.

Severus nodded and lifted Stephanie and together they walked from the Great Hall. Albus nudged Minerva and smiled.

*** o.

Severus looked at Hermione. "She is welcome to stay here tonight. It would be easier as well."

She nodded. "That sounds fine." She followed him to his chambers.

***

In the study, Hermione transfigured the desk into a bed. She turned down the covers and smiled as Severus lay Stephanie down. With a kiss from each of them, she was tucked in for the night.

***

Severus closed the door behind him. "You are welcome to stay as well."

She shrugged. "I'll stay for a bit. I have a million things I need to do. There's a million more things to do tomorrow as well."

They took a seat. He looked at her. "What happened today?"

She smiled. "Well, I went to The Prophet office in Hogsmeade. The receptionist was rude, the place was a mess and the editor offered me a job on the condition I slept with him. Other than that, the day was great."

Severus frowned. "I trust they are still searching for a counter curse for the editor?"

Hermione laughed. "No. He is still intact. Actually, all that helped me make my decision. I'm going to start my own paper."

He looked shocked. "Well, that is one way to make an impression. Do you know anything about wizarding publishing?"

She sighed. "I did find some books on the topic today." She looked at him. "I know I can do this. Yes, it will be hard at first, but I think it'll be worth it."

He nodded. "I have no doubts as to your abilities. The thing I worry about is the community's acceptance."

Hermione shrugged. "I suppose I'll have to get a major story to start with." She laughed. "Harry and Ron should be helpful there."

Severus chuckled. "Finally, good for something."

They laughed for several minutes. Hermione frowned slightly and looked at him. "May I ask something?"

He nodded.

She bit her lip and gathered her thoughts. "Do you think there is any truth to dreams?"

His eyes widened and he looked at her. She knew. She had to know. He reigned in his emotions. "I suppose there could bee. Oe. Oftentimes not, but Trelawney believe there is truth in all dreams. Why do you ask?"

She frowned. "It's nothing really. Just wondering."

He shook his head. "Hermione, talk to me. Are the dreams bad or good?"

Hermione bit her lip. "Neither really. Just a bit strange."

Severus nodded. "I suppose you could speak with Trelawney."

She frowned as he chuckled. She shook her head. "I guess I should get home. Are you sure she'll be ok here? It's not a bother is it?"

He raised an eyebrow. "My daughter is most certainly not an imposition. I'll bring her home after her lessons tomorrow."

She smiled and stood. "Thank you Severus. I appreciate your help."

He smiled slightly as he stood. "I thank you for allowing me time with my daughter."

Hermione turned to walk out of the room. She didn't see the small table, but she felt it when her leg made contact. She cried out as she began to fall, but he was there.

Severus caught her arm and pulled her against him. She gripped his arms as she looked up at him. His eyes sparkled in the firelight. For a moment, she was twenty two again. She leaned up and pressed her lips gently to his.

***

He was shocked at first. His angel was kissing him. His arms held her tightly and he returned her kiss eagerly.

His brain registered two things. One, she was a but more grown up than the last time they has kissed. Two, she still fit against him perfectly.

***

He didn't know when they ended up on the couch, her settled in his lap, but they did. His hand tangled in her hair while it's twin caressed her hip. Her hands were on his shoulders, fingers gripping then soothing.

She turned to him, wanting more contact. He groaned. "Hermione."

She leaned her forehead against his and kissed his nose. "Mmm, Severus."

His hand tightened on her hip. "Hermione..."

She grinned at her name and looked at him. "Yes Severus?"

Both handhands went to her hips. "Hermione please, you're crushing me."

She blushed and stood quickly. He adjusted himself and then pulled her back into his lap. She chuckled. "I'm sorry."

He shook his head. "The problem is solved."

Hermione sighed and brushed his hair back from his face. "Severus, can we stop this?"
He frowned and looked at her. She sighed. "Not this, but the other things. Can we stop snarking at each other? Can we stop avoiding ouobleoblems? Can we?"

He sighed. "I've often wondered the same thing. Hermione, I want you to be happy. It's all I've ever wanted."

She looked at him. "Then why did you force me away? I was happy with you."

Severus smiled sadly. "I knew you would not be happy for long. You had your life in front of you. I had been to Uni, I had been around the world. You had your life in front of you. I wanted you to see the world. I wanted the world for you."

Hermione smiled at him. "Silly man. You were my life." She leaned forward and kissed him gently.

He returned the kiss, then pulled away. "My life was in the Dungeons. I didn't want that for you."

She smiled. "But I found my way back didn't I? Doesn't that mean something to you?"

Severus nodded. "I think it means we are being given another chance." He looked at the fire. "Hermione, I want to do this properly if we continue. Before, we rushed into everything." He looked at her. "I?" I?" She frowned as he caressed her face. "May I court you?"

Hermione smiled. "Yes you silly man. You may court me."

He smiled at her and kissed her quickly. "Then I must be a gentleman and see you home." He snapped his fingers and a House Elf appeared. He didn't take his eyes from Hermione. "My daughter is sleeping in the study. Please stay with her until I return."

The House Elf nodded and disappeared.

Hermione shook her head. "Well, you did say please."

Severuood ood and helped her with her cloak. "You realize this will be all over the Castle tomorrow don't you?"

She nodded. "Much like the first time." She put her hand on his offered arm. "Anyway, I didn't expect to be able to keep it a secret for long."

***

They arrived on her porch several minutes later. Severus kept finding reasons to stop. She smiled at the obvious tacit, but enjoyed it none the less.

***

For his part, Severus couldn't understand the change. He hadn't hated her before, but now it was if he couldn't be without her. He frowned slightly. It had to be the dreams. Her hand on his arm brought his focus back to her.

***

Hermione smiled. "What were you thinking about?"

He shook her head. "Nothing. I suppose I should say goodnight."

She frowned. "You could come in if you like."

Severus shook his head. "A gentleman knows when to stop on a first date." He kissed her gently. "Would you have dinner with me tomorrow? Just you and I."

Hermione laughed. "Wherever would I find someone to stay with my daughter?"

He smiled. "I'll take that as a yes. Until then." He bent and kissed her again then was gone.

She smiled. Things were looking up.