Thirty
Chapter 31 of 50
neelixA/N: I know people are confused about the letters. Please rest assured that I have not forgotten anything in the construction of this story, and all of the loose ends will be tied up.
Hermione walked down the stairs and smiled at Harry, who was ensconced on her new sofa and looked almost half asleep.
‘He’s sleeping,’ she said quietly.
‘So was I, almost.’ Harry grinned sheepishly and pushed his glasses back on his face. ‘I spoke to Ginny. She’s not expecting me back for another hour or so.’
‘Thanks. It’s good to catch up properly. I feel as if I’ve been away for a lifetime, and having Donovan has turned everything upside down. Let’s have some wine?’ Hermione suggested.
She felt immensely grateful for Harry’s presence in the house, because for the last few days she had only had Donovan for company. Much as she loved him, baby talk wasn’t very stimulating.
She grabbed a cold bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from the ‘fridge and poured two generous glasses. She felt the need for some Dutch courage, because the next part of the conversation wasn’t something she had been looking forward to.
She walked back into the lounge, handing a glass to Harry and sitting herself at the opposite end of the couch.
‘You want to know if I’ve seen Snape,’ he said calmly, sipping his wine as he watched Hermione blush.
‘Am I that transparent?’ she asked.
‘No, not really, but I’m guessing he doesn’t want to know about Donovan, right? It’s a shame you won’t be able to hide his parentage, Hermione. He’s the spit of him.’ Harry moved around to face her.
Hermione frowned. Severus had never responded to her letter, but she had sort of expected that. What had hurt her most was that she hadn’t heard from Minerva either, and she had felt devastated by what she had seen as her old mentor’s total rejection.
‘I wrote to him, Harry. I told him that he was going to be a father. He didn’t respond, so I think we can assume he’s not interested in his son,’ Hermione said sadly. ‘But Minerva has cut me off too, and that’s the worst of it. I wrote to her first, so she could perhaps encourage him to make contact, for Donovan’s sake, but she didn’t respond and I’ve heard nothing for over a year. She must be disgusted with me, I imagine. I know how the British wizarding society feels about single parents.’
‘But… You mean you don’t know?’ Harry’s face was pale.
‘Know what?’
‘Minerva’s sick, Hermione, she’s been in St. Mungo’s for over a year. Much as I hate the bloke, Snape has been trying to find a cure. They’re keeping her alive in the meantime, with some fancy potion or something.’ Harry took a sip of wine.
Hermione’s face fell. ‘Oh, my God,’ she whispered. ‘What’s wrong with her?’
‘That’s the thing. They don’t know. Something was attacking her immune system, they said, but whatever Snape’s giving her, it’s stopped it getting worse,’ said Harry sadly.
Hermione stood abruptly and walked to the kitchen, tipping her wine down the sink.
‘I have to go to St Mungo’s,’ she said hastily, grabbing her light denim jacket from the banister. ‘Please, would you stay, keep an eye on Donovan? I won’t be long, half an hour at most. I promise.’ She stared at Harry desperately.
‘Me? Stay here? What if he wakes up? I don’t know what to do with kids, Hermione,’ Harry said, panicked.
Hermione grinned at him. ‘Think of it as a trial run,’ she said, then took his hand in hers. ‘Please, Harry. I just have to see her. You understand?’
Harry sighed and his shoulders slumped in defeat. He flinched as Hermione pulled him to her and hugged him hard.
‘Thank you,’ she said emphatically, then immediately stepped into the Floo. With a determined look on her face, she said ‘St Mungo’s’ and disappeared in a flash of spiky green flames.
***
The long ward was bathed in half-light, a charm-made glow that was soothing and calming for the patients, but gave enough working light for the nursing staff. Hermione walked tentatively along the corridor to the nurses’ station, but there was no one there.
Looking around, she saw a chink of light coming from under a partly open door, and she walked quietly up to it and peered inside. A nurse was tending to the patient in the bed, the wand she was holding casting a yellow light as she passed it over the prone body. Hermione recognised it as a diagnostic spell, having seen Poppy Pomfrey use it on numerous occasions. Pulling back, she walked back to the nurses’ station and waited.
***
Severus tensed as he stepped into the ward. He had caught the faint aroma of something familiar, and he was trying hard to place it when he saw movement at the far end of the corridor, and his heart froze. He would have recognised her down a dark alley, but here, where he had never expected to see her, he felt unprepared and more than a little bit shaken.
Her hair was exactly as he remembered it, a bushy mop of curls that felt soft to touch and could get in the way at times. She seemed different in a way he couldn’t quite define, and his eyes scanned her frame. She had filled out, and her breasts were bigger, he was sure. Contentment probably suited her, he thought bitterly.
He paused, and then shrank back into the shadows as she looked into a room, and then turned back to the nurses’ station. Today was not the day he had chosen to come face to face with her, even though he knew it would be inevitable. Avoidance was the best policy, and his first thought was to leave immediately. Cursing slightly, he remembered he had brought the next batch of potions for Minerva, and he had no choice but to deliver them before he could go. He just had to work out how to do that without her seeing him.
***
Hermione turned, as the nurse walked out of the room behind her, and smiled widely as she realised it was Luna.
‘Luna,’ she said brightly.
‘Hi, Hermione. How are you?’ Luna walked up to her and they hugged gently.
‘Better for seeing you. How’s George?’ she asked.
‘Busy. But then, so am I, so I think it works for us,’ she replied, smiling.
‘I’m glad,’ she said sincerely.
Luna’s wedding to George Weasley was the last event she’d attended before leaving the Ministry all of those years previously, and it had been such a happy day. Smiling fondly at Luna, she squeezed her hand lightly.
Luna smiled knowingly, then moved to the nurses’ station and lifted a wad of papers.
‘You want to see Minerva, I think?’ she said, then handed the papers to Hermione, who eyed them suspiciously.
‘What is all this?’ Hermione said.
‘Her notes from the past year. You don’t have to read them all now, but I think if you want to help Severus with finding a cure, you’ll have to know the background.’ Luna ignored the puzzled look on Hermione’s face and followed as the witch beckoned her back to the room she had just come from.
‘She’s in here,’ she said quietly. ‘She’s changed quite a bit from the last time you saw her, I imagine. Don’t be too shocked. Just remember she’s better than she was.’
‘Luna, I’m not sure you understand. I’m not here to help; really, I just wanted to see Minerva. I’ve been away, I didn’t know…’ Hermione said quickly.
Luna stared back at her impassively for a moment. ‘He really could use your help, Hermione. It’s been over a year. What with helping Minerva and running the school, he’s doing too much,’ she said gently.
‘Running the school?’ Hermione said, shocked.
‘Well, yes. Someone had to look after the place for Minerva. He wouldn’t trust anyone else,’ she said.
Hermione was thrown. Not only had Severus left Spinner’s End to help find a cure for Minerva, he was also back at Hogwarts. After all that time spent in New Mills, avoiding the wizarding world and holing himself up like a hermit, he was back in the public eye in a way she would never have anticipated. She wondered what it all meant.
‘I’ll think about it,’ she murmured.
Luna nodded then ushered Hermione into the room, closing the door behind her.
Walking back to the nurses’ station, she paused and looked down the long corridor, then raised her hand in a small wave.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Hilltop Cottage
734 Reviews | 7.3/10 Average
This was such a great read, thanks for sharing! I was especially happy to see that Minerva recovered well enough to be able to attend Severus' and Hermione's wedding. It just wouldn't have been the same without her. And Donovan, you just know that boy is going to be such a heartbreaker. Well done!
God what a beautiful beginning. I got chills when I read the first few sentences of this chapter. It reminded me of a 19th century British novel.... something from Hardy. I love your writing. There are naughty bits that are fun to read, but you have a charming prose that just strikes me sometimes. So, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your writing. THANK YOU!
Response from neelix (Author of Hilltop Cottage)
To be compared to Hardy made me smile :) You're very kind,but more than that I'm so happy you like the,story :)
For such inteligent people, in the love department they really had lower grades...so quick to think badly of one another, especialy Severus, but Hermione had her moments, too.
I was so glad when they finally learned and began to trust each other!!!
It was an interesting journey. Thank you.
Great story :) Excellent job with the buildup, realistic angst scenes, and a happy ending. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
WTF!! Why is she letting Alicia plant stupid doubts in her mind? Alicia doesn't even know Severus! And Severus was obviously not too happy with Alicia. For Merlin's sake! What the hell is the matter with Hermione?? When did she become so gullible and wishy washy? This isn't the Hermione who stood up to Malfoy and punched him in the face! She needs to take a pill or something.
And there are a hell of a lot of worse things in the world than a man who stands by you as the mother of his child!!! Get over the Cinderella complex Herms. 
OK! What the Fuck is wrong with Severus now? These aren't weak minded individuals. Snape is a freaking spy who fooled Voldemort for like 20 year, for gods sake! He should be able to see a BSer from a mile away! These two are really getting on my freaking left nerve. Doesn't Mister Ligilimens remember being inside Hermone's head? I don't know how much more of their BS I can stand. Get over yourselves Hermione and Severus! You two are freaking making me want to poke my damned eyes out!!!
Oooooh, I never would have thought! Severus will put her in her place. There's a reason Hermione is his first and only relationship. I'm sure Alicia isn't the first woman to come on to the Potion's Master. 
Too bad for Hermione, though. Betrayed by a friend. Hopefully if Alicia realizes tonight that they are engaged to be married she will back off, for Hermione's sake. I can't imagine she would think she had a chance with Severus if he want's to brush her off. He's a master at putting people in their place.
I'm looking forward to that if it becomes necessary.
I just hope this doesn't interfere with Minerva's cure.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, neelix! 
It was about time these two became a family. I'm so glad Hermione realizes she should not have left him. I will forgive her for breaking Severus' heart because of her youth and immaturity.
Now that she's a grown woman, she hopefully has her priorities straight. She can still be Dr. Granger, but she should keep it in prospective. Now, what about dear Minerva?
Severus wouldn't be the first man to change his ways once a father. If I was Severus though, like you said in the story, he needs to be sure she is committed to making this work and not leaving again when she feels hurt. Obviously she has no idea how she nearly killed him the first time she left him. By the same token, Hermione wouldn't be the first woman to grow up and make a committment to see the rough spots through rather than leave when things got rocky after having a child together. Everything changes when a couple says, you are stuck with me for the rest of our lives. How do you want to do the next 60 years? The hard way or the easy way? Make your choice.
Hopefully, she has seen that if you leave, you just change the problems you have for new ones. Unless there is physical abuse, infedelity or addiction, I think most things can be worked out. The 4 things just mentioned would be deal breakers for me. I hope they are happy together now. That's what stories are for. The happily ever after.
Please!!! It's not my place to say???? For God's sake! Let drag out the pain as long as possible shall we? Intereasting the penny dropped and Severus knew why he hadn't got her letter. Luna had told her but I guess she wasn't listening. I give up! Snapes blaming himself for being a jerk but she isn't blaming herself for anything at all. She didn't do anything wrong.
"What- an- idiot!" Hermione. How long did it take you to realize he didn't know.
I'm going back to Hermione's visit to St. Mungo's. Is she that thick? Did she hear Luna say he didn't get her letter, or at least take the hint that he may not have gotten her letter, the same as Minerva, and that she was wrong? Now she has a chance to do something about it and it doesn't seemed to have crossed her mind.
Poor Severus. I don't remember reading any stories where I liked Severus and thought Hermione was the idiot. Good original plot, just uncomfortable.
She didn't want to give up the parties and her work for Severus, but she has because she had his baby. Now, she's just lonely while giving them up. And it was all unecessry. He jumping to the conclusion that she left him for someone else, and she to he conclusion that he couldn't change.
You never even gave him a second chance to know he was wrong. Was it worth it Hermione, in the scope of things?
Did you think you were going to find someone else who understood you better and loved you more?
You could have been pregnant while with Severus and had a baby together.
There needs to be a smiley for="Self Absorbed!"
I'll think about it????
I had written a novel sized review after the last chapter but I hit one wrong button and lost it. Damn!!! I think I spent an hour and a half going back and researching the story so that I could review all the chapters I'd missed at the same time.
She needed to put chapter 14 in a pensive.
As for this
"Hermione was thrown. Not only had Severus left Spinner’s End to help find a cure for Minerva, he was also back at Hogwarts. After all that time spent in New Mills, avoiding the wizarding world and holing himself up like a hermit, he was back in the public eye in a way she would never have anticipated. She wondered what it all meant." 
I'll tell you what it all means, little sister. It means you jumped the gun when you went off in a huff! You never worried about any one elses pain but your own, including the man you claimed to love.
I am sorry to be so bitter toward her for your sake. I don't blame the story or think the story is lame. I'm just pissed off at Hermione, still have a migrain and should be in bed, because I have to go to work tomorrow, but I can't stop reading your story.
Please forgive me for not spell checking.
Goodbye Severus???? Hermione stared up into his face. It shocked her to realise that she didn’t truly know the man before her. He was more complex and insecure than she had ever imagined, and he wouldn’t change, not ever.
She's his first relationship in his entire life and he is her first love. How does she know he won't change, ever.( 
Know-it- All) I will say, OK he is being a really big prick, a huge bastard and a fuck up. He has really hurt you with this.
However, he already has changed by having his first relationship this late in his life.
She knows she is the first person he has ever trusted like, this doesn't she?
I know she's hurt and doesn't think he really loves her right now, but I dont feel like she was ever really committed to a long term relationship with him. He was handy and helped her get over the war. I guess she was on a war just rebound.
She sure made up her mind rather abruptly!
Only a few momments ago she was declairing her deep love for him. Maybe what she should really say is, "he's just too complex and insecure for her to waste any more of her time on."
Is she sweet little Hermione who just accepts him as he is, loving him so unconditionally. Or, is she just not willing to take the time to work on a relationsip with Severus Snape. She doesn't seemed to have warned him that this, not going places with her, was becoming a deal breaker for her.
Has she ever brought up the fact that it bothers her that he never says he love her?
This is his first relationship in his entire life for a reason. Of course, she is young and after all he isn't her husband, he's just a "boyfriend".
I don't know what she means though, when she says she's shocked and doesn't know this man.
He's been a mean tempered git since the first time she met him when she was 11, and she just now realized he has a tendancy to jump to the worst possible conclusions when he's worreid or up set, and that he has serious anger management problems?
If she truly loves him as much as she says, I think she should have told him what the deal breakers were and given him a chance to prove himself.
He's already pissed off right now, as it is. So she can tell him what needs to happen if he wants to keep her then leave him to stew and think about how much he is willing to do to keep her.
I've been with the same man three times the number of years I was single or 3 times longer than I was alive when we first got together. You don't get to have a lifetime mate unless you give people a chance to work on their issues before you bail for good. I don't think Hermione had ever intended to spend her entire life with Severus.
After 5 years, I think she would have pressed him a little harder to work things out sooner.
Snape is being a real shit. Yes he just falsly accussed her. However, ‘I understand, witch,’ he whispered. ‘I wouldn’t want to stay with me either.’ Is this the hint of the century or what? He can't imagine why she had wanted to be with him in the first place. From chapt. 11-'I missed you, you know. After you “died.”’ Hermione made quotation marks with her free hand and looked into his face. ‘I had no idea you meant so much to me, until I thought you were gone forever.’
She was looking at him with expectation. Severus shrugged.
“I don’t know what you want me to say, Hermione,’ he sighed. ‘Whatever you see in me is misguided. I have nothing to offer.’
This is so sad.
I'm sorry for not keeping up on my reviews for each chapter, but I've had a migraine all weekend. I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about all that I've read so far. I hope they work this out.
about time! I should have been in bed two hours ago but I couldn't leave it on such a sad note.
This isn't a good sign guys.
Poor Severus. She didn't give him much of a choice without him rejecting her outright. But he doesn't have a chance in hell of coming away unscathed. Will it be worth it? I hope Hermione doesn't let me down. She on a war rebound which is worse than a Ronnald Weasely rebound. She says she needs him. Does she know what she's asking from him? I really don't think so. If he's in for a penny, he's in for a pound. Severus Snape does nothing in the middle. I hope Hermione see's that.
I'm very happy she has given Severus a garden. I hope she isn't leading him on. She seems very young here. I know that in a story this long there are usually some bumps in the road to love, but I never look forward to them. The story is sweet and filling me with anticipation of them becoming a couple.
I know Snape will keep her secret. And I think Snape is going to get a friend. Will it turn into a romance or will it bite him in the butt just like he probably expects it to?
I hope Hermione is trying to figure out how to get Snape back as much as he's trying to get her back.
I assume Severus will keep Hermione's secret. It's not Snepelike to gossip. But he'll think about what Minerva has said and will feel duty bound to check on "the girl". I wonder who will contact who first. I am also assuming that Hermione isn't using her wand so that she can't be traced back to this place by the Ministry knowing her wand has been used. When she uses it in Diagon Alley doing little insignificant spells, is just no one paying attention because of where the magic is being cast and mainly only notice it when it's in a Muggle area? Could the Ministry have found Hermione, Harry and Ron the last year of the war by following thier wands? 