Hermione woke some time later to the sounds of Sirius crying next to her. She looked at him, worried beyond belief, and squeezed his hand which was still in hers.
"Sirius, what's wrong? Do you need anything? Are you in too much pain? Do I need to get dad?" Hermione asked, almost panicking.
Sirius shook his head, "We forgot that Alice and Frank have already had a baby," he whined pitifully.
Her eyes widened in shock and understanding.
"Hey, Sirius, it's okay. We didn't forget, not really. We are just in pain and under the influence of a lot of potions at the moment. They can make it seem like you forget things sometimes, but you didn't, we didn't. We remember their baby, it is just that sometimes things don't process right in our minds right now because we are recovering. We remember their daughter, their little one, and she isn't any less special or important than any future baby any of us have just because she isn't with us, and we know that. We will always know that. And Alice and Frank know that we will always know that. We were talking about our future babies, and that is okay. It's okay, Sirius," Hermione said, trying to comfort her love.
"Their daughter didn't deserve to die. They didn't deserve to lose her," Sirius cried.
"I know, we all know. No one deserves to lose their child in any way. But… Unfortunately it is something that happens in life. Miscarriages are rather common, as much as I hate to say it, or even think it, that is why life is a miracle. Because you beat all the odds to be here, today, living and breathing. But they aren't alone, none of us are, and they will get through it, with our help. They will always love and remember their baby girl. But the pain will…" she didn't know what to say, did the pain get any lesser after time? She knew that if she were to have a miscarriage it would always be a painful thing for her to think about, to remember, but would it get better over time?
"I know it's selfish, but I hope it doesn't happen to us," Sirius said as he buried his head in her belly, kissing it gently, she smiled and ran her fingers through his hair.
"Same. I hope it doesn't happen to any of us again. But unfortunately there is nothing we can do to prevent it," Hermione whispered.
There was a knock on the door and Hermione called the person in. It was Severus, and he raised his eyebrow at them when he saw Sirius with his face in Hermione's belly, Hermione just grinned at their friend.
"Is there something you have to tell us?" Severus said, a smirk on his face as Hermione blushed at the insinuation.
"No, Severus. We were just having a talk about the future is all, and Sirius is a big softie," Hermione said.
Sirius looked up at her, his cheek on her belly, with shock in his eyes and his mouth agape.
"Am not. I am a strong, fierce, independent man," Sirius said.
"Of course you are, Sirius. But you are also a teddy bear," he pouted at her and she laughed.
"You alright, Sev?" Hermione said when she saw him standing there nervously.
"Mhm, I was just bringing the potion for the horcruxes for your father. Do you know where he is?"
"He has gone with some of the Order to grab another horcrux," Sirius said, slowly sitting up and resting against the headboard.
"Right," Severus nodded, "I will leave it with you two to give to him when he gets back, then. I have only made enough for one horcrux at the moment, but if it works I can make more," he put the potion on the bedside table and turned as if to leave but Hermione stopped him by taking his hand in hers, making him flinch slightly.
"Sev, what's wrong?" Hermione said gently, "You can spend time with us, you know. We are your friends, and I know that things between you and Sirius only got okay this school year, but we are here for you now,"
"I-I'm fine," Severus said quietly, his voice shaking even as he tried to hide it.
"No, you're not, Sev. What's going on?" she sat up and tugged Severus onto the bed with them.
The black eyed teen just looked at his knees and took shallow breaths as he tried not to show his emotions.
"Sev, what's wrong?" Sirius said gently.
"M-my… My mother's dying. I received a letter from her this morning, asking for me to go home until she… But I-I… I don't think I can go," she saw a tear drip from the end of his nose.
"Oh, Sev," she said as she gently pulled him into her arms and held him, "Why can't you go back?"
"If I g-go, then I won't be able to c-come back," Severus muttered.
"Why not?"
"M-My father,"
She looked at Sirius in shock at the words their friend spoke. Sirius was also in shock.
"Does your father hurt you, Sev?"
He nodded into her shoulder, "He hurts mum, too. But if she's not there, then he will kill me, or do whatever he can to ensure I can't come back here,"
"And your mum, does she do anything to you?" Hermione asked tentatively, squeezing her friend closer to her slightly and rubbing her hand on his back, she could now feel some ridges through his clothes which could only be from deep scars and a knot of anger formed in her stomach at the man who had hurt her friend.
"Not physically," he whispered so quietly that she almost missed it, but the pain in his voice twisted something in her heart.
"Do you want to go and see her, Sev? If you do we can speak with my parents to arrange some visits or something rather than you going and staying," she said gently.
"I d-don't know," he cried gently.
"That's okay. It's okay. Take your time to make your decision," she said gently, holding him a little closer as his cries got heavier.
"Is everything alright in here?" Minerva asked from the doorway after a few minutes of the two patients trying to comfort their friend, concern evident in her voice and face.
Severus jumped up, wiping his eyes with the back of his hands as he made to leave the room.
"Yes, Professor. I was just leaving," Severus said.
"No, Severus," Minerva said gently, walking over to him and placing her hands on his shoulders, "You don't need to leave just because I am here. Sit down, and tell me what is going on?"
She sat on the bed and gently tugged Severus down with her.
"What's going on, child?" she said gently, her full attention on him as he shook with tears and fear.
Severus just shook his head, glancing back at Hermione and Sirius who were watching their friend with sadness and concern, his eyes pleading for them to help him.
"Mum, he… His mother wrote to him, she-she's dying and wants Severus to go home to be with her until she passes. But… He can't go because… Because his father hurts him, and his mother. And if he goes and stays there, his father will either make him not come back to Hogwarts, or k-kill him," Hermione said gently, watching pain and understanding flash in her mother's eyes as she spoke.
"Oh, child," Minerva said as she gently pulled a shaking Severus into her arms and rocked him, rubbing circles into his back, "Why didn't you say anything? We would have helped get you out of there,"
"I-I…" Severus tried to speak, but he couldn't.
Hermione could feel the pain emanating from him and it twisted the knife deeper into her heart.
"Shh, child. It's okay. We'll help you. We'll protect you. You aren't alone anymore. We are your family now. Whether you want to see your mother or not, we will be with you through it all. And through everything else as well," she placed a gentle kiss on his hair and he melted into her as he let go of his pain and fear even more.
It was a while before his tears stopped, in which time they were all trying to comfort him, but they stopped rather suddenly with a gasp as he pulled back from Minerva slightly, looking at her pregnant belly with a look of awe as she smiled at him.
"Did… Did the baby just kick?" Severus whispered, awe in his voice.
"Indeed he did. He has been kicking away all week," Minerva said, smiling as she looked between Severus and her belly with awe and love in her eyes.
"That's amazing," Severus whispered.
"It is," Minerva nodded in agreement.
Severus looked down at his knees and dried his tears away with his hands.
"I'm sorry for crying all over you all. I don't normally lose control of my emotions like this…" Severus said, and Hermione reached out to hold his hand.
"Severus, child, it is okay to cry. You have every reason to cry. You are upset, and scared, and feel alone. But it is okay. You aren't alone anymore. We are all here to help. And we will do everything we can to help you through this, and to get you away from your father. I promise," Minerva said, her voice both stern, and gentle, somehow.
Severus nodded, though Hermione could tell that her friend found it hard to believe her mother.
He would, though, in time.
She was sure of it.
"I, erm, I have to go and meet Remus. I will see you all later," Severus said in a hurry before standing, "Thank you," he whispered, then he was out of the door and Minerva watched him go with sad, yet determined motherly eyes.
Minerva sighed and looked at her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend, "We'll help him, I promise," Minerva said to them both.
"We'd better," Sirius growled, Hermione looked at him in shock, "What?" he said, looking at her in confusion, "He's our friend. Our brother. He deserves better than to be abused by his parents,"
She smiled at him, "So do you, Sirius," Hermione whispered gently to him, twining their fingers together.
He just swallowed and looked away from her, though he squeezed her hand gently in thanks.
"Sev brought the potion for the horcruxes. He said he only made enough for one at the moment, but if it works he will make more," Hermione said, gesturing to the potion on the bedside table.
Minerva smiled, "I will give it to your father later and he can test it out with some of the Order. How are you both feeling?"
"A bit dead, to be honest, Professor," Sirius grinned as Minerva rolled her eyes.
"That isn't something to joke about, Sirius. Maybe you should be a bit more of the thing you keep claiming to be named after," Minerva said.
"I'm pretty sure I was named after the Dog Star, the brightest star in the sky, and I'm pretty sure it is impossible for me to become a ball of gas in the sky, but I can give it a go I suppose. I mean, with magic anything is possible, right?" Sirius said cockily.
Minerva sighed and shook her head at the boy, a grin was tugging at her lips, though. Hermione was smiling also.
"We are okay, mum. In pain, somewhat, and the potions are messing with our brains and emotions, but otherwise all good. Though this one was sobbing for a while when we woke up from our nap," Hermione said, "Then he got all sentimental and rested his head on my belly, he kept kissing it, too. And Severus asked if there was anything we needed to tell everyone when he arrived,"
"Is there?" Minerva raised her eyebrow, crossing her arms above her bump and looking at them both sternly.
Sirius gulped and Hermione just chuckled, shaking her head, "No, mum. Do you honestly think Sirius and I are physically up to doing anything at the moment? We were just talking about the future and the potions this one is on makes him really sentimental apparently,"
Minerva nodded but didn't lose her stern look as she looked at Sirius, who was rather nervous by that point.
"No grandbabies until Hermione is thirty, do you understand me, Mr Black?" she said.
"I, erm," Sirius gulped, "Okay," he said, nodding as she glared at him.
Minerva kept the sternness in her face for about a minute before she cracked and a small chuckle erupted from her.
"Obviously I won't love you any less if you have a child before then," Minerva said, kissing Hermione on her forehead.
"I know, mum," Hermione said, blushing slightly.
"Though maybe I should get Poppy to go through contraception with you both again, and get some potions in for you," Minerva said, as if she was speaking to herself.
"Mum, no. We'll be fine. No babies yet. I promise. We know what to do," Hermione said, blushing even brighter, especially as Minerva raised her eyebrow at her again.
"How do you know what to do? Have you two..?" Minerva said.
"No mum, we haven't. We only got together on Halloween, and we've been a bit busy, and… But anyway, we know what to do because we have already been taught, by Poppy, and we read," Hermione said.
She could see that Sirius was blushing next to her also, but he nodded in agreement.
"Okay. If you're sure," Minerva said, chuckling a little, "Do either of you need anything? I was just about to make dinner, would you like me to make some for you? Do you need anything to drink?"
"We would love some dinner, thank you. And can I have a glass of water please?"
"Water please," Sirius added.
"Of course. I will be back shortly with your drinks," Minerva stood, kissed them both on the forehead, picked up the potion, and walked out of the room.
Hermione looked at Sirius and laughed when she saw the look of horror and the blush on his face.
"Never talking to anyone about contraception, ever," Sirius said, shaking his head, and she just laughed more.
"Not even me?" she chuckled.
"Well, you, yes, but no one else. We are the only two who needs to know about our private lives,"
"Glad. I'm glad we agree," Hermione smiled before placing a gentle kiss on his lips.
"And we had best get Sev away from his bloody dad, too," Sirius growled protectively.
Hermione thought it was rather sweet, seeing him acting like that towards Severus even after their history.
"We will, don't worry," she said determinedly.
And they would. They needed to.
Whatever it took.
Hermione woke some time later to the sounds of Sirius crying next to her. She looked at him, worried beyond belief, and squeezed his hand which was still in hers.
"Sirius, what's wrong? Do you need anything? Are you in too much pain? Do I need to get dad?" Hermione asked, almost panicking.
Sirius shook his head, "We forgot that Alice and Frank have already had a baby," he whined pitifully.
Her eyes widened in shock and understanding.
"Hey, Sirius, it's okay. We didn't forget, not really. We are just in pain and under the influence of a lot of potions at the moment. They can make it seem like you forget things sometimes, but you didn't, we didn't. We remember their baby, it is just that sometimes things don't process right in our minds right now because we are recovering. We remember their daughter, their little one, and she isn't any less special or important than any future baby any of us have just because she isn't with us, and we know that. We will always know that. And Alice and Frank know that we will always know that. We were talking about our future babies, and that is okay. It's okay, Sirius," Hermione said, trying to comfort her love.
"Their daughter didn't deserve to die. They didn't deserve to lose her," Sirius cried.
"I know, we all know. No one deserves to lose their child in any way. But… Unfortunately it is something that happens in life. Miscarriages are rather common, as much as I hate to say it, or even think it, that is why life is a miracle. Because you beat all the odds to be here, today, living and breathing. But they aren't alone, none of us are, and they will get through it, with our help. They will always love and remember their baby girl. But the pain will…" she didn't know what to say, did the pain get any lesser after time? She knew that if she were to have a miscarriage it would always be a painful thing for her to think about, to remember, but would it get better over time?
"I know it's selfish, but I hope it doesn't happen to us," Sirius said as he buried his head in her belly, kissing it gently, she smiled and ran her fingers through his hair.
"Same. I hope it doesn't happen to any of us again. But unfortunately there is nothing we can do to prevent it," Hermione whispered.
There was a knock on the door and Hermione called the person in. It was Severus, and he raised his eyebrow at them when he saw Sirius with his face in Hermione's belly, Hermione just grinned at their friend.
"Is there something you have to tell us?" Severus said, a smirk on his face as Hermione blushed at the insinuation.
"No, Severus. We were just having a talk about the future is all, and Sirius is a big softie," Hermione said.
Sirius looked up at her, his cheek on her belly, with shock in his eyes and his mouth agape.
"Am not. I am a strong, fierce, independent man," Sirius said.
"Of course you are, Sirius. But you are also a teddy bear," he pouted at her and she laughed.
"You alright, Sev?" Hermione said when she saw him standing there nervously.
"Mhm, I was just bringing the potion for the horcruxes for your father. Do you know where he is?"
"He has gone with some of the Order to grab another horcrux," Sirius said, slowly sitting up and resting against the headboard.
"Right," Severus nodded, "I will leave it with you two to give to him when he gets back, then. I have only made enough for one horcrux at the moment, but if it works I can make more," he put the potion on the bedside table and turned as if to leave but Hermione stopped him by taking his hand in hers, making him flinch slightly.
"Sev, what's wrong?" Hermione said gently, "You can spend time with us, you know. We are your friends, and I know that things between you and Sirius only got okay this school year, but we are here for you now,"
"I-I'm fine," Severus said quietly, his voice shaking even as he tried to hide it.
"No, you're not, Sev. What's going on?" she sat up and tugged Severus onto the bed with them.
The black eyed teen just looked at his knees and took shallow breaths as he tried not to show his emotions.
"Sev, what's wrong?" Sirius said gently.
"M-my… My mother's dying. I received a letter from her this morning, asking for me to go home until she… But I-I… I don't think I can go," she saw a tear drip from the end of his nose.
"Oh, Sev," she said as she gently pulled him into her arms and held him, "Why can't you go back?"
"If I g-go, then I won't be able to c-come back," Severus muttered.
"Why not?"
"M-My father,"
She looked at Sirius in shock at the words their friend spoke. Sirius was also in shock.
"Does your father hurt you, Sev?"
He nodded into her shoulder, "He hurts mum, too. But if she's not there, then he will kill me, or do whatever he can to ensure I can't come back here,"
"And your mum, does she do anything to you?" Hermione asked tentatively, squeezing her friend closer to her slightly and rubbing her hand on his back, she could now feel some ridges through his clothes which could only be from deep scars and a knot of anger formed in her stomach at the man who had hurt her friend.
"Not physically," he whispered so quietly that she almost missed it, but the pain in his voice twisted something in her heart.
"Do you want to go and see her, Sev? If you do we can speak with my parents to arrange some visits or something rather than you going and staying," she said gently.
"I d-don't know," he cried gently.
"That's okay. It's okay. Take your time to make your decision," she said gently, holding him a little closer as his cries got heavier.
"Is everything alright in here?" Minerva asked from the doorway after a few minutes of the two patients trying to comfort their friend, concern evident in her voice and face.
Severus jumped up, wiping his eyes with the back of his hands as he made to leave the room.
"Yes, Professor. I was just leaving," Severus said.
"No, Severus," Minerva said gently, walking over to him and placing her hands on his shoulders, "You don't need to leave just because I am here. Sit down, and tell me what is going on?"
She sat on the bed and gently tugged Severus down with her.
"What's going on, child?" she said gently, her full attention on him as he shook with tears and fear.
Severus just shook his head, glancing back at Hermione and Sirius who were watching their friend with sadness and concern, his eyes pleading for them to help him.
"Mum, he… His mother wrote to him, she-she's dying and wants Severus to go home to be with her until she passes. But… He can't go because… Because his father hurts him, and his mother. And if he goes and stays there, his father will either make him not come back to Hogwarts, or k-kill him," Hermione said gently, watching pain and understanding flash in her mother's eyes as she spoke.
"Oh, child," Minerva said as she gently pulled a shaking Severus into her arms and rocked him, rubbing circles into his back, "Why didn't you say anything? We would have helped get you out of there,"
"I-I…" Severus tried to speak, but he couldn't.
Hermione could feel the pain emanating from him and it twisted the knife deeper into her heart.
"Shh, child. It's okay. We'll help you. We'll protect you. You aren't alone anymore. We are your family now. Whether you want to see your mother or not, we will be with you through it all. And through everything else as well," she placed a gentle kiss on his hair and he melted into her as he let go of his pain and fear even more.
It was a while before his tears stopped, in which time they were all trying to comfort him, but they stopped rather suddenly with a gasp as he pulled back from Minerva slightly, looking at her pregnant belly with a look of awe as she smiled at him.
"Did… Did the baby just kick?" Severus whispered, awe in his voice.
"Indeed he did. He has been kicking away all week," Minerva said, smiling as she looked between Severus and her belly with awe and love in her eyes.
"That's amazing," Severus whispered.
"It is," Minerva nodded in agreement.
Severus looked down at his knees and dried his tears away with his hands.
"I'm sorry for crying all over you all. I don't normally lose control of my emotions like this…" Severus said, and Hermione reached out to hold his hand.
"Severus, child, it is okay to cry. You have every reason to cry. You are upset, and scared, and feel alone. But it is okay. You aren't alone anymore. We are all here to help. And we will do everything we can to help you through this, and to get you away from your father. I promise," Minerva said, her voice both stern, and gentle, somehow.
Severus nodded, though Hermione could tell that her friend found it hard to believe her mother.
He would, though, in time.
She was sure of it.
"I, erm, I have to go and meet Remus. I will see you all later," Severus said in a hurry before standing, "Thank you," he whispered, then he was out of the door and Minerva watched him go with sad, yet determined motherly eyes.
Minerva sighed and looked at her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend, "We'll help him, I promise," Minerva said to them both.
"We'd better," Sirius growled, Hermione looked at him in shock, "What?" he said, looking at her in confusion, "He's our friend. Our brother. He deserves better than to be abused by his parents,"
She smiled at him, "So do you, Sirius," Hermione whispered gently to him, twining their fingers together.
He just swallowed and looked away from her, though he squeezed her hand gently in thanks.
"Sev brought the potion for the horcruxes. He said he only made enough for one at the moment, but if it works he will make more," Hermione said, gesturing to the potion on the bedside table.
Minerva smiled, "I will give it to your father later and he can test it out with some of the Order. How are you both feeling?"
"A bit dead, to be honest, Professor," Sirius grinned as Minerva rolled her eyes.
"That isn't something to joke about, Sirius. Maybe you should be a bit more of the thing you keep claiming to be named after," Minerva said.
"I'm pretty sure I was named after the Dog Star, the brightest star in the sky, and I'm pretty sure it is impossible for me to become a ball of gas in the sky, but I can give it a go I suppose. I mean, with magic anything is possible, right?" Sirius said cockily.
Minerva sighed and shook her head at the boy, a grin was tugging at her lips, though. Hermione was smiling also.
"We are okay, mum. In pain, somewhat, and the potions are messing with our brains and emotions, but otherwise all good. Though this one was sobbing for a while when we woke up from our nap," Hermione said, "Then he got all sentimental and rested his head on my belly, he kept kissing it, too. And Severus asked if there was anything we needed to tell everyone when he arrived,"
"Is there?" Minerva raised her eyebrow, crossing her arms above her bump and looking at them both sternly.
Sirius gulped and Hermione just chuckled, shaking her head, "No, mum. Do you honestly think Sirius and I are physically up to doing anything at the moment? We were just talking about the future and the potions this one is on makes him really sentimental apparently,"
Minerva nodded but didn't lose her stern look as she looked at Sirius, who was rather nervous by that point.
"No grandbabies until Hermione is thirty, do you understand me, Mr Black?" she said.
"I, erm," Sirius gulped, "Okay," he said, nodding as she glared at him.
Minerva kept the sternness in her face for about a minute before she cracked and a small chuckle erupted from her.
"Obviously I won't love you any less if you have a child before then," Minerva said, kissing Hermione on her forehead.
"I know, mum," Hermione said, blushing slightly.
"Though maybe I should get Poppy to go through contraception with you both again, and get some potions in for you," Minerva said, as if she was speaking to herself.
"Mum, no. We'll be fine. No babies yet. I promise. We know what to do," Hermione said, blushing even brighter, especially as Minerva raised her eyebrow at her again.
"How do you know what to do? Have you two..?" Minerva said.
"No mum, we haven't. We only got together on Halloween, and we've been a bit busy, and… But anyway, we know what to do because we have already been taught, by Poppy, and we read," Hermione said.
She could see that Sirius was blushing next to her also, but he nodded in agreement.
"Okay. If you're sure," Minerva said, chuckling a little, "Do either of you need anything? I was just about to make dinner, would you like me to make some for you? Do you need anything to drink?"
"We would love some dinner, thank you. And can I have a glass of water please?"
"Water please," Sirius added.
"Of course. I will be back shortly with your drinks," Minerva stood, kissed them both on the forehead, picked up the potion, and walked out of the room.
Hermione looked at Sirius and laughed when she saw the look of horror and the blush on his face.
"Never talking to anyone about contraception, ever," Sirius said, shaking his head, and she just laughed more.
"Not even me?" she chuckled.
"Well, you, yes, but no one else. We are the only two who needs to know about our private lives,"
"Glad. I'm glad we agree," Hermione smiled before placing a gentle kiss on his lips.
"And we had best get Sev away from his bloody dad, too," Sirius growled protectively.
Hermione thought it was rather sweet, seeing him acting like that towards Severus even after their history.
"We will, don't worry," she said determinedly.
And they would. They needed to.
Whatever it took.