It's A

382 8 3
                                    

Severus sighed as he turned around to head back to the castle. After he spent the rest of the day yesterday searching the library for a way to help Weasley and came up empty, he decided to come early today to see if the people he trusted would be able to help. Alvin Yates wasn't at home, and he'd hoped that Bryan Porter would be. However, they both were away. Most likely out together searching for a book. 

They were rare book collectors, and if there was a chance that there was a way Weasley could be helped, they'd know a book. There was no telling when they were going to be back, either. He had an afternoon class to teach, so he hurried back. The whole afternoon went by in a blur. He couldn't wait until Hermione's appointment in the muggle world. It would be a nice distraction from the chaos. 

He wished he could skip dinner, but Minerva would think he was doing something with Hermione, even if she was at dinner. After he let out his last class, he went to his office to pace and think. Perhaps even ask the portraits if anything could be done. 

"Albus, you know what Weasley's been doing, any ideas?" Severus asked as soon as the door was closed. 

The portrait thought deeply. "There's no change in his demeanor after sleep?"

Severus went to get the letter he received yesterday from Potter. "Not much. He still won't leave the office or stop researching all the old criminals that all the aurors put away. He's even starting to research muggle crimes."

"A potion to cleanse the mind?" A random portrait suggested. 

Severus moaned in disagreement. "Not likely to work, his mind is clearly focused on all the criminals. Its why."

"Occlemency?"

He sneered at the thought. "I will never use Occlemency on Weasley. Plus, it will only show what's in his head, meaning most likely all the criminals and their crimes."

An owl hooted as it flew in through the window at the top of the room, dropping a letter on Severus' desk. It was Potter's handwriting. After seven years, he could tell. He quickly opened the letter and read it through. "Weasley is sleeping in his office now, which is good. He's muttering something about 'getting her'. 'Showing her'. "

"Could he possibly mean Miss Granger?" Albus asked in a concerned voice. 

"Yes, there very well could be a possibility that dunderhead means Hermione," he growled. He was worried now. If he didn't need to stay at the school, he'd go with Hermione to her muggle appointment. He only had the afternoon free for her. He'd begged Minerva to take the June twins punishment for that night for him. 

The worry was growing. Every night he spent away from Hermione, he worried that Weasley had gotten to her. Even though she was safely in her bed in the Griffyndor dormitory, it worried him that maybe Weasley could sneak back in here the same way that Sirius did. He worried not only for Hermione, but for their baby. What if Weasley could tell that she was pregnant? He'd have no choice but to defend himself, the baby, and Hermione. Even though it was very clear that Hermione could defend herself. 

The morning of her appointment, Severus paced his room, ready to leave for the house already. He actually might. "Bonks!" With a loud pop, Bonks appeared in the room. 

"Master Snape called," he squeaked with a smile. 

"Go find some candles, rose petals, and a nice bottle of muggle wine. Take it to the house and I will set everything up," Severus told the house elf. 

The house elf listened intently and nodded happily. He bowed low and popped himself out to start his search. Severus continued to pace the room for another hour before Bonks popped back to him and informed him the items were at the house. Severus thanked him and headed to the house, trying very hard not to run. 

Bonks found a nice 1900 bottle of Chateau Margaux, a very decent supply of rose petals, and a fair amount of candles. He did very well, Severus would have to thank him, which he never did before in his life. The fireplace was still roaring, kept up by magic. Severus decided to close the curtains that Bonks decided to open, to prevent peepers, and set up several candles around the couch. 

He then started setting the rest of the candles up on the way to the bedroom, spreading petals as he went. When he got to the bed, he dumped the rest of the petals on the bed, saving a small handful for a bath for Hermione later. When he heard the door open and close, he froze. No one knew of this house, he was sure. However, it didn't stop him from being paranoid. He slowly walked down the stairs, peeking down. 

It was Hermione, hands covering her mouth in shock. He sleeved his wand and came down with a smile. "Surprise," he said tenderly. 

She looked at him, tears threatening to fall. "Severus, its so beautiful." She walked towards him, one hand over her chest as she looked at the petals leading up. He moved aside so she could ascend the stairs and check the bedroom out. Once again, her hands flew to her mouth to cover her shock, badly. "Severus," she whispered, turning to him. 

"What are we having," he asked in the same whisper, wrapping his arms around her waist. 

The tears were falling now, very freely. "A boy," she breathed out, blinking back more tears. 

He sighed heavily and embraced her, kissing her hair. He was having a boy. A son. Hardly believing it, he cupped her face and kissed her deeply. He thought back to his own father. He was a bad man. He worried that he would be a bad father to his own son. 

0o0o

I hope this makes up for not being her for a moment.  

Headmaster's SecretWhere stories live. Discover now