Chapter 13

When the darkness lifted, Hermione looked around the room. She wasn't sure what she would see. She wasn't sure she wanted to see anything at all. The first thing she was able to focus on was Voldemort. His pale, twisted body was hanging over one of the student desks. His eyes were open, but he wasn't seeing anything. Voldemort was dead. It should have brought relief but only brought panic as she looked for the two men she loved the most.

Severus was lying on the floor to her left, and she sobbed in relief when she saw him move. He was struggling to sit up and looked like he was in pain. Harry was sitting up toward the back of the room, massaging his shoulder but very much alive. It was over, and the men she loved were alive.

"Harry? Severus?" she cried weakly.

Harry looked over at her with a smile on his face like she'd never seen before. The haunted look that always clouded his eyes was gone. His scar that had been so bright and noticeable these past years had faded to a dull shadow across his forehead.

"'Mione!" he called out. "It's over!" He rushed over to her and grasped her hand.

"What are you doing here?" Severus asked in a hoarse voice. "You were to stay home." Even as he scolded her, he was getting to his feet and moving toward her. He choked back a sob as he kneeled down to pull her into his arms. "You're alive."

"I'm alive. You're alive," Hermione said as she pulled him down for a light kiss. "I'm also in labor."

"What?" both men gasped in unison.

"The baby is coming soon. I need Molly or Madam Pomfrey. I need to get to the hospital wing."

"How long have you been in labor, love?" Severus asked.

"I don't know. My water broke about an hour ago, but I think the stress is making this go faster." Her voice cracked as another contraction started.

"Help me get her up; she can't have the baby here. With him." Harry gestured toward Voldemort's broken body.

With a nod, Severus stood up, and they pulled Hermione to her feet. Supporting her on each side, they practically carried her the rest of the way to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey looked up as they barged into the room. She had been treating Fred, who had sustained serious injuries after part of the castle fell on him. Molly was hovering over her son, but as soon as she saw Hermione, she went into mid-wife mode.

"Her water broke, Molly. She needs help," Harry explained.

"Get her on that bed over there," Madam Pomfrey called. "Molly, can you get her ready?"

"Of course!" Molly rushed to Hermione's side as the men helped her settle on the bed. "Now, both of you out. I need to get her changed." Molly closed the curtains around the bed and started removing Hermione's clothing, helping her into a light gown.

"Let's see how far along you are." She put a light blanket over Hermione to protect her modesty and checked on the progress of labor.

"Poppy! You'd better get in here; we don't have long!"

"What?" Hermione's voice was shaky. "Already?"

"Yes, dear, your daughter is coming. Do you want anyone with you, Hermione? Harry or Severus?"

"They can both be here, but only if they want to," she groaned in answer. "I don't want either to be uncomfortable."

Leaving Hermione with Poppy, Molly stepped out of the cubicle and went out to the hallway where the men were waiting. "The baby is coming quickly. She's under too much stress. I think she'd like one or both of you to be with her, but she wants you to be comfortable, so you decide and hurry in. Before I go back, I need to know something. Is it over?"

Harry smiled at Molly and pulled her into a hug. "He's gone. It's over." With a watery smile, she hurried back in the room, and both men stood there listening to Hermione groan as the door remained open.

A few more injured were brought in as Harry and Severus stood there. The reality of war would have to be faced, but not yet, not now. "You can go if you want, Harry," Severus told the young man. "You have every right to be there."

"Are you taking the job, Professor?" Harry asked. "Are you going to be more than just a name to that baby?"

"I plan to be her step-father. I'll help Hermione raise her, if you allow me."

"Then you should go too. Both of Callina's fathers should be there at her birth. Hermione needs you."

Harry walked into the infirmary, his head high and confidence in his step.

Severus watched Harry walk away, and at the sound of another scream, he ran into the infirmary and into the cubicle. He should have been slightly more prepared as he got a good look at more of Hermione than he had expected to see. Harry was standing at Hermione's side, holding her hand, so he made his way to the head of the bed and put his arms around her shoulders, letting her lean against him.

"You're doing great," he whispered as he massaged her neck.

"Thank you," she replied. "Thank you for being here with me."

"Always, my love, always." Severus turned toward Molly. "Why isn't Poppy here?"

"She's too busy with the others." She gave Severus a sharp look, urging him to not ask too many questions. "She'll come if needed. If everything goes smoothly, I'll be able to handle it."

"What should I do?" He felt helpless watching Hermione's face twist in pain.

"Just keep doing what you are doing, help her ride out the contraction, and encourage her. She's going to be pushing soon."

"What about me, Molly?" Harry asked nervously.

"The same. Just hold her hand, support her, and be her strength."

"Did you hear that, Hermione? You are going to be a mother soon. We'll be holding our daughter," Severus whispered.

"When can I push?" she asked through gritted teeth.

"How about now?" Molly answered.

The next half hour was a blur for Hermione. She felt like she was completely detached from her body. She felt the pain but never processed it. Her anchor was the firm body at her back, holding her, comforting her, and the strong hand that was holding hers tight. With one last effort, her body tensed, and all she heard was a cry. It wasn't her cry though; it was the cry of her daughter, the most beautiful sound in the world. When Molly placed her baby in her arms for the first time, she saw tears in her eyes as well. Three faces peered at the newborn baby. Little Callina was small but strong. She had jet black hair and Hermione's mouth and nose.

"She's beautiful. You did good," Severus said with awe in his voice.

"She's perfect," Hermione agreed.

Harry took one long look at his daughter, stroked her soft cheek and silently left the room.

"Let me take her and get her cleaned up. I promise I'll bring her right back." Molly stepped forward and cradled the baby in her arms, stepping out of the cubicle so that Madam Pomfrey could check her out. She knew what healthy babies looked like, and this one looked good.

Hermione already missed her daughter. "She's all right, isn't she?"

"She's fine. Molly just needed to clean her up," Severus assured.

Madam Pomfrey came in at that point, causing Hermione to stiffen in alarm. "You've got a healthy little girl. Congratulations to both of you. Severus, I never thought I'd see you a father; it warms the heart. And you made a beautiful child too! Who would have thought?"

"Thanks, Poppy," Severus said dryly as Hermione giggled lightly.

"You need to leave now, Severus." Madam Pomfrey pointed toward the open curtain. "Hermione has a bit more work to do, and you don't need to stick around. Go find Molly and hold your baby girl."

Severus leaned over to kiss Hermione lightly on the lips. "I'm so proud of you."

He did as he was told and stepped into the main room of the infirmary. It was full. He had no idea when he rushed in here that there were so many wounded. There were Healers here that he didn't recognize, and he realized that they must have been brought in from St. Mungo's. He stepped up to the first bed and saw one of the Patil twins. He couldn't figure out which one without house colors on. Her eyes were closed, but she looked like she was going to be all right. Next to her was Professor Flitwick, who had a nasty burn on his stomach. He gave Severus a slight wave before closing his eyes to rest. In the next bed over was Remus Lupin. Tonks was at his side holding his hand. She gave Severus a smile, and that told him that he'd live as well.

He couldn't see into the next few beds as curtains were drawn. Across on the other side was Fred Weasley, who was resting, although his breathing seemed ragged. He couldn't identify the person in the next bed. There was vague recognition, but he couldn't place him. Then his heart stopped as he saw Draco.

He hurried to his side. "Draco? What happened?"

"More broken bones. I got hit by a wall." He tried to chuckle but groaned. "I'll be fine. Father is dead though."

"I know. I saw him. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I can go home now, to be with Mother. She'll need me." He coughed. "I heard Granger screaming. Your kid come?"

"Yes, we have a daughter. You can see her in the morning. You rest." Severus smoothed the blanket over Draco's lap and stepped away from the bed. He was proud of his godson; he'd helped save the Wizarding world.

Avoiding the next two beds with their closed curtains, he found Molly in the back room. She was diapering the baby girl while singing a quiet song. "How is she?" he asked, startling her for a moment.

"She's perfect, healthy, and strong." Molly smiled. "I know she's not yours, Severus, but I'm glad you are going to make her yours."

"She's mine in every way that counts, Molly."

"Do you want to hold your daughter?"

"I... I think so, but I don't know how." He laughed nervously. "I held Draco as a child, but he was a bit older and more solid than she is."

"She's tougher than she looks. Cradle her in your arms, hold her close and support her head." She placed the baby in his waiting arms. "There, you look just like a proper father. Don't squeeze her, and don't drop her, otherwise you'll be fine."

"Thank you. How is Fred?"

Molly's shoulders drooped. "He's hurt badly, but they say he'll live. It's hard to see one of your own injured. They told me he was dead, you know. They brought me to see his body!" She gave a shudder and bit back tears. "It was the worst moment of my life, and then I saw him breathing. I'm going to go sit with him. The baby will need to eat soon. Poppy will come get you when she's done with Hermione."

Severus was left alone with a newborn baby. She opened her eyes and looked at him. He wasn't sure what she could see, but he saw wisdom in her eyes. "You stopped a dark wizard tonight. Did you know that? You fulfilled a prophecy, all because you were loved. Are loved." His words were soft, and he almost thought there was understanding in her gaze. Their moment ended as Poppy came up to them.

"Severus, Hermione is ready to try to feed the baby. Do you want to bring her in?"

"Of course." He followed Poppy into the curtained area. He smiled at the exhausted woman propped up on the bed. She beamed back at him. "How are you?"

"I've been given a clean bill of health." She reached out her arms for her daughter, and Severus placed the baby lightly into her arms. Hermione didn't seem to have any fear of holding the newborn and immediately pulled her close.

"Poppy told me what to do," she told him as she lowered the blanket, exposing her breast. Severus watched in fascination as she attempted to get the baby to latch on. After a few frustrating minutes, Poppy guided her, and before long, the baby was getting her fill of milk.

"I'll leave the happy family alone for a few minutes. When she's done eating, she will probably sleep. We'll move you to a private room off of my office. It will be safer for you while the castle is cleared." Poppy straightened her robes and swished out of the cubicle.

"I haven't even thought of the others. What's the damage?" Hermione asked, looking at Severus with a worried expression.

"From what I gather, there is extensive damage to the building, but nothing that can't be fixed."

"I meant the people."

"I don't know exactly. There were deaths, many of them Death Eaters, fortunately. I know some students didn't make it, but I don't have the names. The Order is intact. The school lost Professor Grubbly-Plank early in the battle before Harry went for Draco."

"The wounded? I know there are some; I could hear the confusion."

"Fred Weasley is hurt, very badly from what I can tell, but he should live. One of the Patil twins and Professor Flitwick have minor injuries. Draco was hurt again, but it's just a few more broken bones. His father is dead."

"I can't say I'm sorry about Lucius. Draco? Is he going to be all right?"

"He's going to be fine. He'll be moving around in no time."

"The rest of the Weasleys?"

"They are fine. I know Arthur was hexed, but he was up on his feet fighting again before I could blink."

"Good. I'm sorry I didn't stay home," she said as tears formed in her eyes.

"Oh, Hermione, I never really expected you to. You are a Gryffindor and a woman of great courage and ambition. The people you care about the most were in danger. I knew you wouldn't sit idly by. Besides, the prophecy foretold that much."

"Prophecy? What prophecy? What are you talking about?" Hermione shifted slightly trying to sit up without disturbing Callie.

"I'm not the one to explain it to you. It's not mine to tell. In the morning, we'll fill you in."

"You know I won't accept that. What are you talking about? Was there another prophecy?"

Madam Pomfrey came in at that point, interrupting their conversation. Looking down at the now sleeping baby, she declared that it was time to move. She gingerly took the sleeping girl, and Severus scooped up Hermione, doing his best to keep the blanket covering her. They went into the room used for quarantine so that the baby would be in a more sterile and safe environment. Severus held the baby while Madam Pomfrey helped Hermione into a clean nightgown and into bed.

"Poppy? Have you seen Ginny Weasley?" Severus asked.

"I believe she's with her mother and Fred. If she's not at his bedside, she's out in the hall with the rest of her family."

"I'll be back, love," he told Hermione, handing her back her daughter. He left the private room and went looking for the youngest Weasley. He found her in the hall, sitting against the wall, propped up by Harry.

As soon as the family saw him, they started to inquire about Hermione. "She's fine, great actually. The baby is beautiful and healthy. She'll want to see you all in the morning," he told them with a smile. Severus chanced a look at Harry, who gave a nod and a grateful smile.

"Miss Weasley, can you please come with me for a moment? I think it's time you talked to Hermione." He watched as Ginny nodded and climbed to her feet.

"Are you sure?" she whispered.

"Yes. It's time." He led her to the private room and then went back to the hallway to wait while Ginny went in to see Hermione.

"Hermione?" Ginny asked, peeking in the room.

"Ginny! Oh thank Merlin you're all right!"

"Is that her? Is that your little girl?" Ginny walked closer to the bed in awe of the tiny little bundle in Hermione's arms. "Oh, she's perfect, Hermione! You did well!"

"Thanks. Do you want to hold her?" Hermione offered.

"I'd love to, but I'm filthy and bloody. I need to talk to you though. Professor Snape says it's time."

"Time for what? Ginny, is this about the prophecy he muttered about? What's going on?"

"There was a prophecy. About tonight, about what would happen."

"Why do you know about it and I don't?"

"I made it," Ginny whispered, looking at her hands.

"You? How did you do that? What did it say?" Hermione held her daughter closer to her, not sure what all this meant.

"I don't know how. It just happened. I was in detention with Snape, and from what he says, I went rigid, standing straight up and then spoke in a voice that wasn't my own. He recognized it as a prophecy and wrote it down as fast as he could, using a pensieve to get the few words he missed. We looked over it together, but I didn't know what it meant. He seemed to and immediately went to McGonagall. They told me I couldn't tell anyone, and when I figured out it involved you, I was sworn to secrecy until given permission, which I just was."

"Oh, Ginny, what did it say? Do you remember?"

"As a new life begins, evil will fall. One will create. One will shield. And two must love. When evil gains power, the two protect. Only through love can they survive."

"Wow. Cryptic, but powerful."

"Exactly. I didn't understand everything until I found out you were pregnant. When you confirmed it, I knew, somehow, that it was about your baby. From what I hear, it all came true." Ginny fidgeted with her robe. "Harry should come in and spend time with his daughter."

"What? Don't be silly, Ginny. Severus is her father," Hermione said, her heart starting to thump.

"One will create. One will shield. It was obvious Snape wasn't the father as soon as the pieces clicked. He is her father now, of course, but he didn't give her life. I know it was Harry. She's even got his ears." Ginny reached out and brushed her fingers over the baby's soft head. "It took both of them and their intense love for you and their daughter to save you and save the world. She's a hero, this little one."

"Ginny, I'm so sorry. Harry loves you so much. It was just one night."

"I know. Trust me, if I wanted to rage and get mad, I would have months ago. I was hurt at first, but I understood. It was that night that we were saying goodbye, and Harry didn't want to lose focus by being with me, wasn't it? I'm glad he had you. It was right; it had to be."

"Ginny, I don't know what to say. You amaze me."

"You amaze me, so we're even. Will you let me visit her every once in a while?"

"Anytime. Ginny, will you be her godmother?"

"Really?" Ginny smiled wide.

"If you want the job, I don't want it to be awkward for you."

"I'd love the job. I'm going to go get Harry." Ginny bent down to lay a kiss on her goddaughter's head and then kissed Hermione's head as well. She left the room without another word, and Hermione sat stunned by the events.

She wasn't sure why the prophecy was kept from her, but she knew there was a reason, and she'd get it out of Severus soon enough. As her eyes started to drop, there was a light knock on the door.

"Come in," she called.

"Hi," Harry said as he stepped quietly in the room. "Oh, my." He came closer to the bed, and Hermione saw tears in his eyes.

"Come closer. I don't bite, and Callie doesn't have teeth."

Harry walked over to the chair beside the bed and looked at his daughter. "I didn't get a good look at her earlier. She's beautiful."

"You should hold her," Hermione said, and Harry held out his arms to receive the baby.

"We did this?" he asked, amazed at the tiny creature. "How did we manage something so perfect?"

"Did you talk to Ginny?" Hermione asked.

"Yes. She told me about the prophecy. I can't believe she knew this whole time."

"She's something special, Harry. Don't let go of her."

"I won't. As soon as she's out of school, I'll put a ring on her finger. Maybe sooner if Molly agrees not to kill me." He laughed. "So Snape wants the job, huh? He's going to raise little Callie as his own?"

"He wants to help me raise her, but I want you in her life. You know you do too. I've asked Ginny to be her godmother, and she seems to understand. I know there is still a threat out there, but within our little circle, you should be known as her father."

"You'll still let me? I've been a right arse about the whole thing. I was so caught up in the reasons to not be her father that I didn't give any consideration to the reasons to be around for her. How will we make it work?"

"It just will work. We just have to believe that. Severus and I are going to try to have a real relationship, Harry. I'm in love with him."

"He'll be good to you."

"Yes, he will. He'll be good to Callie, and he'll understand your relationship with her." Hermione watched Harry sitting in silence. He finally nodded and smiled. "Harry? She still needs a middle name. That's your job."

"I think her middle name needs to be Ginevra. Callina Ginevra Potter Snape. It's a big name for such a tiny thing."

"It's perfect."

"I agree," a voice called from the doorway. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but, Harry, you are needed. The new Minister of Magic, Kingsley of all people, wants to talk to you." Snape stepped into the room.

"Here, you hold your daughter." Harry handed the baby over to Snape. "Hermione needs to sleep." With a kiss for his baby and one for his best friend, he left the room to go face the future.

"He's right. You sleep while I admire this pretty little girl." Severus settled into the chair while Hermione smiled and closed her eyes. It was a new world that she would face tomorrow. The threat of Voldemort was gone, and she was a mother.

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Almost done. . . Just one more chapter! Thanks for hanging in there with me.