My Gift To You

Chapter 28

Hey my lovelys. I know this is super late and I apologise! When everything calms down again I will update more frequently.

For now I will probably only update about twice a week.

Love you all,
Nici.
♡♡♡

Hermione frowned as she walked through the hallways. Her mind was racing.

Dumbledore wanted to see her. Why? He hadn't let up on anything. Maybe he wanted to apologise for telling Harry about their situation?

She shook her head.

No, he would have sent an owl, she thought to herself.

"Anything I want to know?" Severus asked leaning towards her.

Hermione sighed.

"I guess not. I was just wondering why Dumbledore wanted to see us," she answered as her brows knit tightly in thought.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Severus answered as they rounded a corner.

Hermione gave him a bright smile, he returned a slight one of his own.

She had a point. Albus didn't usually call without a reason. Sure, the old man loved a chat, but he didn't do social calls. After all, he was the Headmaster.

They reached the staircase leading to Dumbledore's office, Severus said the password and they entered.

He knocked and entered.

"Ah, Severus. Hermione," Dumbledore said with a kind smile.

"Albus," Severus greeted with a curt nod.

"Professor, " Hermione said as she took a comfortable seat at his desk.

Dumbledore sat as he watched his two guests pensively.

"I have something to tell you," Dumbledore said as he crossed his fingers.

"I guessed that when you called us," Hermione said with irritation.

"Of course," Dumbledore said nervously.

"Go on, Albus," Severus said in an irritated voice.

"It's about Ms Lestrange," Dumbledore said sadly.

Hermione sat stiffly. She didn't like where this was going. Not. One. Bit.

Dumbledore sighed.

"She has been spotted amongst the foulest of characters," Dumbledore continued.

"This surprises you?" Severus asked boredly.

"Well no," Dumbledore said with a sigh,"but she has been planning to kidnap Miss Granger."

"And?" Hermione asked, now rather irritated.

"She wishes to torture you in order to lure Severus out," Dumbledore said as he played with his beard.

"It's Bellatrix. That's expected," Hermione insisted boredly.

Severus put a hand on her arm. He smiled at her sadly. She frowned in confusion.

"I do not wish that for you, my love," Severus said with a sad voice.

"I will do what it takes. She will not get to you," Hermione said confidently.

"I do not wish my family harm, Hermione. Please understand that," Severus pleaded with wet eyes.

Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"Perhaps we should hide Miss Granger? And the child?" He asked, looking at Severus.

"I do believe that to be the best," Severus answered with a nod.

"Hey! I am still here and I will decide what happens to me. We are stronger as a family, Sev. Please," she pleaded as she looked at him.

Severus sighed. The witch had a point. Perhaps...No.

"I see your point and your opinion is noted," Severus said with a sad smile,"however, as a family we are also an easier target."

Hermione shook her head in disbelief. He wasn't agreeing? She had such a good reason...

"I would be bait out there," she screeched as she pointed to the window,"and so would Bree! I will not endanger my daughter for that bitch! That is final."

Hermione was fuming. Severus doubted he had ever seen her that mad. He sighed as his shoulders slumped and he practically fell into his chair. He looked to the headmaster for help.

Dumbledore just shook his head amd backed away with his hands up in surrender. He looked at Severus.

"Severus, as much as I trust your judgement," he started, his gaze fleeting to Hermione then back,"I am rather afraid of Miss Granger's ability to...well...disintegrate me. Good luck, dear boy."

With that, Dumbledore Disapparated, leaving a pair of narrowed black eyes to stare into a pair of proud brown ones.

Hermione smiled at the outcome. Her headmaster sided with her, even if it was out of fear, and her love...well he sort of just gave in.

She didn't blame him. She could be scary when need be.

***

"It is not fair," Severus groaned as he paced in front of the fireplace.

"Oh, shut it," Hermione said, rolling her eyes as she rocked Bree to sleep.

Severus looked at her with wide eyes, then started pacing again.

Hermione sighed.

"Bree won't get peaceful if you insist on pacing. It will only agitate her further," she said as Severus dropped his gaze to their daughter.

He sat across from her, watching them intently. It was strange having Bree sleep there again, seeing how Minerva never wanted to give her back except for weekends.

Hermione smiled as Bree cooed softly while holding her finger tightly in her fist.

She had grown so much. Her hair had now started reaching past her ears, and sat halfway down her neck. Her eyes had kept their color, yet brightened slightly. As if allowing more light and love in.

Her body had become nicely chubby, healthy considering her weight. Her cheeks were more rounded and more scarlet than before.

She sure was a bouncing bundle of joy, although she had her days. And she looked so much like her mother. Her temper was definitely from her father, though.

Hermione smiled as Bree's grip loosened and her breathing evened out. She had finally fallen asleep. She lay her down in her crib and crawled into bed. Severus had beaten her there. He smiled down at her, kissed her forehead and said goodnight.

She snuggled into his arms, feeling the warmth, and lay her head on his shoulder.

He hugged her tightly as he waited for her to fall asleep. When she did, he felt his muscles relax as his body fought to do the same.

He struggled against it, but sleep overcame him as his eyes closed, darkness pulling him into a welcome abyss.

***

Hope you all enjoyed it. Sorry for it being so short and so very late. Lots of love,
Nici.
♡♡♡