Choices: Chapters 41 to 46

Summary: He was a fool to hold Hermione to her original promise. It was time to rectify that mistake. But it seemed fate, and Hermione had other plans. Can Severus learn to live with the choices he’s made, even at the cost of his own happiness?

A/N: The story is written in drabble form, one hundred words per chapter. The brevity of the chapters forces the emotions to stand out sharply against the action. The first forty chapters were posted in the drabble collections – Round Nine through Fourteen. Since so many have asked me to post these as their own story, I’ve decided to compile them here.

Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc., of the Harry Potter series are not mine; they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.

Chapter 41 – And So It Begins

Hedwig appeared at breakfast, two days later, bearing a note from Hermione. Severus glared at the owl before removing the scroll attached to its’ leg and sending it on its way.

“Shoo! I’ll take care of this myself.”

Abruptly, Severus left the Great Hall and headed to his office. He only had a few minutes before classes started.

Severus,

Hermione

It was as he expected, with one exception – she’d always signed her missives ‘Love, Hermione’ in the past.

Chapter 42 – Lateral Moves

The remainder of the week passed in a haze. Friday found him saddled with the boy who continued to live and make his life a living hell. The situation was strained, at best.

“Potter and I will do all the heavy work. You just need to direct.”

“Severus, I’m pregnant, not infirm. I appreciate your concern, but there’s no reason I can’t do this myself. How do you expect me to manage after the baby’s born?”

“I’m hoping you’ll be back at Hogwarts before that happens.”

“Severus…”

“I’m not pushing you. But you asked a question and I answered it.”

Chapter 43 – A Cold Day In…

“For both your sakes, I hope you work things out. A kid needs both his parents.”

“Even if I’m the father?”

Harry shrugged. “Too late now,” he said with a smile.

Thirty years of loathing rose to the forefront, with an effort, Severus refrained from verbally flaying the young man. If he was going to get Hermione back, he might as well start with Potter. “A child needs both parents, preferably, living in the same home. Perhaps you can convince Hermione of that notion?”

Harry looked out the window.

“What are you doing?”

“Checking to see if Hell froze over.”

Chapter 44 – Looks Can be Deceiving

“Harry! Severus!”

Harry grinned sheepishly. “Why don’t I set the protection wards and you can reinforce them when I’m done?”

Severus nodded. He pulled a small package from his pocket and handed it to Hermione. “If you’re going to be living here alone, I want you to have this.”

“What is it?” Hermione removed the paper to reveal a small pocket mirror.

“It’s a two-way mirror. I have the other one. If you need me, for any reason, just say my name into it; you'll appear in my mirror and I'll be able to talk in yours.”

“Thank you, Severus.”

Chapter 45 – Warding His Heart

“You seem to be handling this better than I thought. Are you okay?”

“No I’m not okay, but you don’t seem to be giving me much choice.”

Hermione sighed. “Why don’t you check the wards? I’ll make tea.”

Severus stood in the doorway watching her move. He’d never taken the time to just watch her before; it was something he would always regret.

“Severus, you startled me. Where’s Harry? Tea’s ready.”

“He left. Said to tell you he’d owl you later. You look tired, maybe I should go.”

“I could use a good night’s sleep.

“Are you…? I‘d like to…”

Chapter 46 – Beginnings?

“Severus?

“Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night?”

Hermione smiled. “I’d like that.”

“I’ll be round at six-thirty to pick you up, if that’s okay?”

“That’s fine.”

He closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms. Where his previous kisses had been tentative, this one left no doubt as to his intentions.

“Severus, it’s too soon…”

“Don’t worry, I’m going.” She could protest all she liked; he’d felt her respond to him. Maybe all was not lost. “If you need me, use the mirror. Until tomorrow, goodnight.”

Stepping out the front door, he Disapparated to Hogwarts.

TBC

A/N: To all that have reviewed and encouraged this series – thank you! More soon.