Headmaster's Secret

Ten Years Later

Severus sighed as he watched the group of students walk towards the front of the Great Hall, half in awe, half in fear. Hermione was leading the students proudly, her smile wide as a young boy with black curls and a long hook nose followed immediately behind her, head held high. Samuel had grown up headstrong and smart with a sass that rivaled both parents together from time to time. 

Hermione held a scroll and pulled out the old sorting hat who started his new song for this year. Severus couldn't tell you what it was about, he's long since tuned out the yearly songs of the old hat. "When I call your name, come forth and I'll place the Sorting Hat on your head, and it will sort you into your houses," Hermione  called out. 

Four new Griffyndors, three Ravenclaws, a Hufflepuff, and two Slytherins came before Samuel's turn at the stool. He swallowed hard as he walked towards the stool where his mother and the hat waited. Severus could tell that he was nervous. His eyes were the only thing that portrayed his real emotions. He was more like his mother in that regard. Severus couldn't wait until he got to Hogwarts and sorted when he was younger. 

His little sister, Xena, (named after the muggle show Xena Warrior Princess) because she had to fight for her life for a couple days after birth, couldn't wait to get here in two years. Their cousin, Albus, at four years old, was already planning his grand debut into Hogwarts in another seven years, while Ron's daughter Patricia with Lavender would be going to Ivermorny in America for Ron's job change next year. 

As he turned to sit on the stool, he caught Severus' eye. Severus nodded once to let him know it was okay, he would be fine in whatever house. A deep breath later, his mother placed the hat on his his head. It was a long time before the hat finally decided on Slytherin. While Severus was proud, he had timed it at five minutes and two seconds. A hatstall. He glanced at Hermione as she took the stool and moved it away. 

She eyed him for a moment. She timed too. However, a hatstall didn't have to be a bad thing. It could just be a rare thing. 

That night in Severus' private chamber, Hermione was relaxing on the couch with Xena asleep. While children younger than 11 were not allowed on the grounds, the board allowed Severus' children to reside in his chambers only. They would have to use the floo network with Molly, who would watch 90 percent of the day. 

Severus watched as Hermione curled into the couch to cuddle Xena further as she slept, closing her eyes also. He would be on patrol tonight, so she would be able to sleep. He couldn't believe that his life had gotten to this point. Happy. 

0o0o

I know it wasn't a great epilogue, but it was something at least.