Chapter Three

His face was pressed against her stomach, his body trembling. She could do nothing but hold him. Despite the circumstances, she relished the feel of him; it had been too long. Dropping her head, she gently kissed his temple, sighing when he flinched at the contact. As soon as his emotions were again in check, he immediately left her, rising before walking across the room to the window. Saddened, she rose to her feet and then moved toward the door.

“Where are you going?” he whispered, his voice hoarse with his despondency.

“To inform the others.”

He gave no reply.

*

She quietly made her way downstairs to the study. She was well aware that he would not be pleased with what she was about to do, but there was no other choice. They were out of options, and it was time—past time, in her opinion—to ask for help when help was needed.

Finding a quill and piece of parchment, she hastily scrawled a message, then replicated the missive several times.

The bird fell ill. The raven has broken. Come quickly. The fire is lit.

She watched from the window as the tawny owl took flight. “Godspeed,” she whispered.

*

The fireplace glowed a brilliant green several times that night, until Snape’s small sitting room was filled with people. Hermione’s heart swelled at the manifestation of such love and loyalty. Truer friends had never been than these.

The visitors whispered amongst themselves as they awaited the final two of their number. The fireplace burst into an emerald blaze, and from the flames emerged Harry, followed closely by Ron.

The ginger-haired wizard searched the crowded room with wild eyes. “Where is Rose? Is she all right?”

Though no one heard Snape enter, his voice was unmistakable. “My daughter’s name is Evelyn.”

*

Hermione’s heart quickened at the venomous glares that were being exchanged between the temperamental wizards.

“Does that mean you’re claiming her now?” Ron asked with a knowing smirk.

Snape merely scowled as he quickly glanced about the room.

Ron snorted, folding his arms across his chest. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

“You know nothing, Weasley,” Snape snarled, his expression thunderous. “I will do whatever it takes to protect what is mine.”

“Everything but fight for them,” Ron said dismissively.

“Stop it,” Hermione snapped, reining things in before they got out of hand. “I didn’t ask you here to bait Severus.”

*

“Why are we here… exactly?” Arthur asked quietly, his arm wrapped around the shoulders of a visibly shaken Molly.

Hermione glanced at Snape. “She’s had an allergic reaction to the potion.”

Minerva gasped, her hand covering her mouth.

“She’s fine,” Hermione assured. “It was frightening, but Severus took excellent care of her. However, she can no longer take the potion. We must decide what to do now.”

Snape’s dark eyes glittered dangerously as he spat, “There is nothing to discuss. There is only one option left available to us.”

“No!” Hermione shook with anger. “Dark magic is not an option.”

*

“Dark magic?” Ginny asked, worry etched across her face.

“He wants to use a spell, one that would alter Evelyn’s DNA… permanently,” Hermione answered flatly, casting a withering glance at Snape. “I won’t allow it.”

“Damn it, Hermione!” Snape roared as he spun to face her. “We must do something! This is the only way…”

Her eyes softened, and she walked to him, placing a hand on his arm. “Not the only way.”

Snape fisted his hands in his hair. “I must protect her. If we do this, she’ll be safe.”

“She needs more than your protection—she needs you.”

*

Harry cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should put out the call to Dumbledore’s Army. They’d all be willing to help, and we know they’re well-trained. They’d do anything for Hermione… and you, as well, sir.”

But Snape was already shaking his head. “No. It’s too dangerous for that many people to know.”

“Severus,” Molly said gently, pulling something from her ever-present knitting bag. “You of all people should know that people see what they choose to see. You’re making this more complicated than it needs to be.” With a knowing look, she pressed a small, knitted cap into his hand.

*

Snape stared at the tiny pink hat, his face blank.

“We are stronger together than apart,” Hermione pressed. “If you continue to push us away, you let him destroy us. Please, we miss you, and Evelyn needs her father. I need you.” She wiped away an errant tear.

For the first time in months, Snape reached for her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

Minerva’s soft brogue broke the silence. “It was a good plan, but none of us expected it to go on for so long. This situation is intolerable… for all three of you. Let us help you.”

*

“You must decide quickly, Severus,” Arthur urged. “We must act tonight.”

Hermione felt him stiffen at the reminder. She whispered so only he could hear, “I agreed to your plan because I trust you. Isn’t it time you afforded me the same courtesy?” His arms tightened, and she swore she could almost hear him thinking. “We can protect Evelyn… together. Will you let them help?”

After a long moment, she felt the slight jerk of his head.

She looked to Harry. “Do it. Contact Dumbledore’s Army.”

A whimpering cry was suddenly heard from upstairs, and Severus rushed from the room.

*

Ron was immediately at Hermione’s side. “What’s he doing? What if he casts the spell?”

“Hush now. Listen,” Molly said, her mouth curving into a slow smile as she trained her gaze at the ceiling. All talking ceased as they strained to hear the gentle singing drifting down from above them.

…Oh, fear not the bugle,

Thy sire was a knight…

A/N: More pieces fall into place. All the answers will be in the final installment, which I will post tomorrow.

Thank you to DeeMichelle and Subversa for looking this set over!