Always Kiss Me Goodnight

Chapter Ten - Changed Ways

Severus stood in front of the headmasters door awaiting his questioning, or so he assumed. His fists were clenched and signs of frustration were written all over his face.

"Strawberry Shortcake," He said through gritted teeth. He hated Dumbledore's obsession with food and it irked him even more on this particular day. He stalked into the office as the door shut behind him with a soft close.

Dumbledore was sat at his desk tucking into a steaming apple pie slice.

"Ahh, Severus. Come and take a seat. We have a lot to discuss about Miss Granger," he said whilst chewing on a piece of pastry.

Severus sat down and crossed his arms in front of his chest and stared at the older wizard who was now removing the crumbs out of his beard.

"Now, I assume that you are aware of the events of today and I hope Miss Granger is happy in your private quarters," he said gently while looking at Severus over his half moon glasses.

"Yes, I thought it to be in her best interests to have her removed from the hospital to save unnecessary gossip. I take it the matron was not best pleased?" He said casually rolling his eyes.

"Poppy takes her vocation seriously and you didn't leave much room for negotiation. However, we have other matters to discuss. What has happened will need a through investigation which I am entrusting you with. I don't want to have to involve the ministry unless it's absolutely necessary," Dumbledore said and removed a timetable from his draw.

Severus was baffled as to why there was no confrontation so he began to relax a bit. He was happy to be involved with hunting down the perpetrator and had some serum which could come into good use. While his mind began to think, the office door opened again and Minerva McGonagall walked in and took a seat next to Severus. He put his hand through his hair and acknowledged her presence.

"Thank you for joining us Minerva. Severus, I wish for you to take over the classes for Defence against the Dark Arts from immediate effect while Miss Granger will move to Arithmancy. She will eventually have her old position back," he said still in his calm tone.

Severus tilted his head and looked at the two of them.

"Seems a bit hasty Headmaster. I mean, she is awake and is going to be back to her normal self soon,"

Minerva and Albus looked at eachother hesitantly. Severus became uneasy and stared piercingly at the two of them.

"Forgive me but I detect you are hiding something from me and I wish to know what exactly it is. I'm not one for foolish games,"

Dumbledore straightened himself in his seat and cleared his throat while Minerva looked out the window.

"Severus, Hermione cannot undertake any more Defence classes as she is with child. This also explains her reaction to the curse that was attempted on her,"

Silence blanketed the room while Severus comprehended what had just been relayed to him. He became whiter than what he usually was and lost his words. Dumbledore took this as a cue to continue.

"Poppy has assumed she is in the very early stages. So early in fact, she does not know herself. It would be best if you left it that way to save any stress at this time,"

"Pregnant?! She cannot be. We only...no I shall not discuss this with you both. There is no way this could of happened!" He rose from his chair and leaned again at the window with his hand to his head.
Oh Merlin! We didn't think to use anything. I can't be a father at this time of my life.

"Severus, it will be okay. You do have support from all of us here," Minerva said trying to console him from her seated position.

They both watched him turn and storm out of the office. His heart was racing and his mind was erratic. He opened a secret corridor and sat on the steps as his black robe settled around him. Thoughts of his childhood raced through his mind of how his father would beat him and his mother. Tears formed in his dark eyes as held his head in his hands.
How can I be a father when I never had one. This is all to much for me.