The Serpent and the Lioness

Chapter 34

"Bye bye Papa."

Harry kissed his son's cheek and gave him a big hug. They had stayed a lot longer than they had intended but the children had wanted to play outside. It was such a beautiful day and there was so much space, all of the adults decided to take a reprieve from the weight that had descended upon them.

"Be good, I'll be home tonight I promise." He ruffled his son's hair and leaned over to give Ginny a soft kiss.

"It'll be alright Harry." She gave him a brave smile. She was just as reluctant to leave but knew that she had to trust in him to keep his calm. She already knew he could do what was right, even if his methods weren't her own. "We'll be able to see and hear you in the amulet. We're going to Mom's so if you need me just call for me."

"I will," he touched the amulet that Esmeralda had given him, "I promise."

They shared one more kiss before Ginny joined Esmeralda who, to her great surprise, had agreed to let the children continue their play and was willing to accompany her to the burrow. Albus smiled to Seraphina from his mom's arms and the blond happily smiled back.

"One, Two, Three."

Crack.

Draco came to stand beside Harry, he didn't much care for him but seeing his daughter happily playing with someone her own age had softened his heart a little. He turned his hard blue eyes to him, "Who knew?"

Harry felt the same way, but he could share his former enemies resolve. "Yeah, who knew..."

They both turned back to the house. 8 am was quickly approaching and both of them were growing concerned. They shared a silent look and looked to the trees. Draco transformed first, swooping high into the air. Harry grew taller his steps lighter, he shook out his head feeling the weight of his antlers before trotting after him.

oOOo

"These clothes are too tight..." It was a sleepy mumble as Hermione shifted trying to get comfortable again.

Severus had chased her round and round before finally catching up to her. They had tumbled into the center of the clearing before he unleashed his devilish wrath upon her. It was only when she realized that he was extremely ticklish under his knee did the tables turn. She had made a mental note to check that spot on his adult body before they had given chase again.

They had exhausted their smaller bodies to the point where both of them had just splayed out in the soft grass panting and extremely happy. Nether one had realized they had taken a small nap, until the sun had come to rest on their eyelids.

"Mmm..." It was a groan of agreement as Severus lifted his head from the grass. His soft cheek imprinted by what he'd fallen asleep on. He could feel the shirt on the back of his thighs now and the underwear he'd been wearing was pinching most uncomfortably.

Hermione rolled her head toward him, blinking at the completely ruffled appearance. His hair had grown out again and was starting to curl at the ends. The ponytail that kept it back having slipped down giving his hair a rather amusing puff at the top.

She could tell her braid was just as useless if not more so. She pushed herself up onto her elbows and frowned. The dress was hardly a decent length, she could see her nobby knees and chubby thighs sticking out from under the hem, the chest and stomach area was tight but not unbearable.