Let It Be Forever

A Difficult Decision

Hermione wasn't sure how to feel anymore. Ryan could be quite persistant. He came to visit Hermione and Lexie a few times each week. He was affectionate to both of them, which caused Hermione's stomach to tighten uncomfortably. She didn't know how to take his attentions anymore.

One afternoon, she had allowed Ryan to accompany her for a walk on the grounds with Lexie. The baby's blue eyes gazed all around while Ryan held onto her. Several students were out lounging in the grass, some sending playful waves at the happy baby girl. Lexie seemed to enjoy the attention as she squealed loudly at a few passing Gryffindors that looked both startled and amused. Hermione smiled fondly at her little girl.

Nearing the lake, Hermione spotted Severus and Minerva strolling toward them. Minerva was prattling on about something, while Severus was making a great effort to look interested. His hands were clasped behind his back and he maintained the older woman's leisurely pace, a polite expression upon his stern features.

"Hello," Hermione called out to them. Severus narrowed his eyes when he looked up to see Ryan with Hermione, but followed Minerva anyway.

"Hello Hermione," Minerva greeted her, reaching out to stroke Lexie's cheek softly. Lexie gave a wide toothless grin, grabbing for Minerva's fingers. "Nice to see you Ryan," she added politely.

Ryan nodded in return, but he eyed Severus in obvious dislike. However, Lexie didn't seem to share her father's opinion of the surly professor. Smiling widely, she bounced excitedly in Ryan's arms upon seeing Severus. She flapped her arms enthusiastically, leaning toward the dark-haired man. Severus took Lexie into his arms, smiling slightly when she wrapped her little arms around his neck in a hug. Ryan frowned slightly as he watched his daughter, feeling a faint twinge of jealously. The feeling intensified when he saw the smiles exchanged by Hermione and Severus.

"What a sweet baby girl," Minerva said fondly, watching Lexie tug on the potions master's nose with a solemn expression. "I've never seen such a loving baby."

Hermione nodded, struggling not to laugh as Severus gently pried Lexie's fingers from the bridge of his hooked nose. "She is very affectionate," Hermione agreed.

"I have to leave soon," Ryan said, drawing the attention of the others with his irritable tone. Reaching for his daughter he said "Come see daddy." To his irritation, as he took the baby into his arms, she kept a tight grip on the front of Severus' robes, tugging him forward slightly. Severus carefully removed the baby's fists from his robes. His lips twitched slightly as she babbled "Da-da-da-da," in a sweet little voice. Ryan hastily jerked away from Severus, looking furious. "I want you to stay away from my baby," Ryan growled at the other man.

"What's gotten into you?" Hermione demanded.

"This is my little girl," Ryan said, turning to her. "But she seems to prefer this guy." He jerked his head at Severus.

"I can't imagine what you expect," Hermione snapped. "Lexie doesn't see you very often. She sees Severus everyday."

"Well, maybe you shouldn't spend so much time with him," he argued.

"That's none of your business," she replied tartly.

"Yes it is," he said furiously. "You married me. You're my wife. I want for us to be together as a family, but Snape is standing in the way of that."

Severus folded his arms indignantly while Minerva pursed her lips in disapproval. Hermione glared angrily at Ryan. "Severus hasn't done anything," she said furiously. "The only one who's been standing in the way is you. You were the one having an affair."

"And I apologized," Ryan said quickly. "I want to try again..."

"Just stop," Hermione interrupted him. "I will not be manipulated by you. You're only here when it's convenient for you. The only person that you take care of is yourself. When was the last time that you did something because it would benefit me or Lexie?" After a brief pause she continued. "Ryan, for once I want to be with someone that wants to care for me. You stopped being that man months ago." Without another word, she took Lexie and marched toward the castle.