Defying the Fates

Defying the Fates

Chapter 4

****

Cold wind whipped through the crowd gathered on the Quidditch Pitch. It was the first game of the season, Slytherin versus Gryffindor. Harry made his way through heavily bundled students as he spotted Hermione near the top of the Gryffindor stands. After several apologies for stepping on toes, he finally made his way through and sat down next to her.

"Adrien is very anxious about the game isn't he?" she said, offering him a thermos of hot coffee.

Harry poured the steaming liquid into a mug. "Yes, but he will do fine. After all, he had the best teacher." He grinned at her.

"Being a bit modest, aren't we?" she teased as they stood with the crowd and clapped as the Gryffindor team was announced.

The game progressed and they watched in anticipation as Adrien caught the Quaffle for the first time. He flew towards the rings, his black hair whipping around his face. The Slytherin Keeper hovered ominously in front of the rings making Adrien seem much smaller than he was. Harry crossed his fingers as Adrien threw the Quaffle. The Keeper caught it and passed it to Tom Flint, one of the Slytherin Chasers.

A half hour later the game was tied and Adrien had not yet scored though Harry thought he was doing well. Adrien was following close to Flint now, and when a Bludger came flying at Flint, who swerved and dropped the Quaffle, Adrien quickly captured it. Like an arrow he sped towards the Gryffindor goals and put the Quaffle through the right hoop. Harry and Hermione were on their feet, clapping and cheering loudly.

"Bloody brilliant!" Harry yelled as Adrien passed neared the stands where they were sitting. A Slytherin player came speeding towards Adrien's back, his course unwavering. Harry shouted at Adrien knowing he couldn't hear him as Flint drove the end of his broom into Adrien. With a cry, Adrien lurched backwards, his broom flipping over. Harry watched in horror as the boy fell to the ground with a sickening thud.

There was a strangled cry beside him and before Harry could turn to reassure her that Adrien would be fine, Hermione was a flash of robes and wild hair pushing her way through the crowd. He leapt down the stairs knocking students aside as he followed her.

Madam Hooch and most of the Gryffindor team was crowded around the still form on the ground. "Let me through!" screamed Hermione, pushing through them, Harry on her heels. "Adrien! Are you all right?" Hermione was on her knees beside him.

"He is fine," assured Madame Hooch, helping Adrien to his feet. "Just a dislocated shoulder. Madame Pomfrey will patch him right up."

The Gryffindor team sighed and several clapped, glad their teammate was all right. Many of the Slytherins had landed now and were snickering and making mocking motions. Thomas Flint was grinning from ear to ear as Professor McGonagell led Adrien off the field. Hermione turned her head slowly to look at him, a dark rage on her features.

"You...you...Rolanda, I want this boy banned from playing!" Hermione snapped, her eyes blazing at the smirking Flint.

"Hermione," Harry said softly, his hand on her arm. "You know how rough Quidditch is..."

"Rough my arse. He deliberately hit him!"

"Professor Snape," Rolanda placated. You know things like this happen in the game. Gryffindor has been awarded a penalty..."

"Penalty be damned. That boy is evil just like his father."

"Hermione, don't say anything else. Adrien is in good hands but he would probably appreciate you being there," Harry urged, pulling on her arm.

In the hospital wing, Adrien had already been set to rights by Madame Pomfrey and was eating a bar of chocolate to warm himself up. He blushed when Hermione hugged him tightly and ran her hands over him. "Mum," he protested, looking at Harry for help.

"Good as new," Poppy said with a smile. "I don't want him to exert the arm for 24 hours to allow the muscles to readjust."

"See, mum. I'm fine," Adrien said with a small grin.

After they had escorted him to Gryffindor, Hermione turned to Harry. "I made a spectacle of myself, didn't I?"

Harry smiled broadly. "You sure did. However, you are forgiven. After all, it was your son that was the victim of foul play." He sniffed. "Not that I wouldn't have minded you getting so upset when I was hurt."

"Oh you," she punched his ribs. "You know I couldn't stand to see you hurt. I just wish Adrien would give up the silly game." She held up her hand to stop Harry's protest. "But I understand. I guess I must face the music and apologize to Flint now."

"I wouldn't," Harry said soberly. "But then again you were always nobler than I was. How else could you ever fall in love with the greasy git?"

"Harry," she warned, pulling her wand out of her robes. The students in the hall gaped as Professor Snape chased Professor Potter around the corner in a hail of laughter.

****

Later that week, Adrien was heading up the stairs towards Gryffindor as a group of Slytherins, led by Flint, was coming down, moving to block him. He moved to the side and they mimicked him.

"Something wrong, mama's boy?" one asked in a mocking tone.

"Let me pass."

What? What was that?" Tom asked nastily. "Did the baby say something?"

"I said let me by," Adrien said keeping his voice steady.

"Are you going to cry if we don't?" asked another boy.

"No. He'll just run to his mum," said another.

Tom pointed his wand at Adrien's book bag and the seams split spilling the contents over the stairs. His cheeks flaming, Adrien bent and tried to pick up his books when a foot came down on his fingers

"Oops. How clumsy of me," said Tom, as the others snickered. Adrien had tears in his eyes as he tried to pull Tom's foot off his hand.

"Now listen and listen hard," Tom said in a low voice as students stopped on the stairs to watch. "Your mum" he hissed, "got Vector to ban me from the next game. If you want to ever use your fingers again you will get you mum to change her mind."

"Leave him alone!" shouted a petite girl with flaming red braids who was pushing her way through the crowd.

"Look what we have here," sneered Tom. "A redheaded squib. Your little girlfriend is here to save you Snape."

"Stay out of it Allie," Adrien said through clenched teeth, finally jerking his hand free.

"Fine," Allison Longbottom snapped. "I just thought you could use a little help."

The Slytherins laughed. "What are you going to do to us, Bottomfeeder? Knock us over with your smell?" asked one of them.

"Bugger off," Allie snarled, pulling out her wand.

"Allie," Adrien started, moving to stand in front of her. "Just leave..."

"Is there something wrong, boys?" asked a squeaky voice. Professor Flitwick was coming down the stairs, the students parting to let the diminutive Charms teacher by.

"Nothing Professor," Tom said, smiling. "Snape here just dropped his bag and we were helping him gather his things." Professor Flitwick snorted softly. Flicking his wand, Adrien's supplies flew into a pile and into his bag.. With another flick the seams were quickly mended.

"There you are," he said kindly, handing Adrien his bag. "Now then, move along."

The Slytherins pushed past Adrien and Allie and disappeared down the stairs. "Thanks," Adrien said weakly, cradling his throbbing hand.

Allie frowned at him. "Didn't act like you appreciated it. And you." Adrien looked around wondering who she was addressing and saw Alex at the top of the stairs staring at them. "Why didn't you help your brother?" she snapped bounding up the remaining stairs, Adrien following her.

Alex shrugged. "Figured he could take care of himself or at least he should have."

"Oh, right," Allie said sarcastically, flipping one of her long braids over her shoulder. "He was only outnumbered six to one. I suppose you could have handled all of them alone?"

"I could," Alex said confidently.

Adrien's cheeks flamed. "Thanks, Alex, for making me feel like a failure.."

"You said it, I didn't," Alex said coolly, heading done the stairs.

"Don't expect anything but coal in your stocking at Christmas," Allie shouted at his retreating back. "Nana will hear about this."

"Allie," Alex said shaking his head, a smile starting. "Nana Molly knows brothers don't always get along. After all, she had to raise Uncles Fred and George."

Allie laughed. "Guess you're right. Though Alex should have helped you."

"He's a Slytherin," Alex said as if this explained it all. Allie nodded.

****

The term progressed as each one does and the Christmas holidays brought with them the thrill of family and no school. Wrapped warmly in thick cloaks, Harry, Adrien and Alex flew the long distance to the Burrow, the boys relishing in the long, cold broom flight. The Burrow was overrunning with warmth, delicious smells and children. Molly Weasley greeted them at the door, wrapping the boys in bone crunching hugs. After kissing each one soundly, she embraced Harry tightly. "How are you?" she asked, fussing with his muffler and coat.

"Just fine, Molly."

"Don't smother him, Mum," said a familiar voice. Ron Weasley was beaming at Harry.

"Good to see you mate," Ron said, clasping Harry's hand in a firm shake. "Where's Hermione?"

"Being too serious as usual. She will join us later," Harry said, grinning at the tall red head.

"The two bachelors," George said putting an arm around each of them. "Tell me, little brother, when are you going to see the error of your ways and settle down?"

"What, and deny the ladies the joy of my company?" Ron said with a wink. Ron played Keeper for the Chuddley Cannons and his rambunctious love life often found its way into the gossip columns of the Daily Prophet. "Besides, you and Fred have already replenished the earth as it is. When is Joann due?"

"February," George said proudly. "We are hoping for a girl this time." George was the proud papa of three boys and Fred had four girls. It had surprised everyone after Arthur's death that it had been Fred and George that had stepped in and taken care of Molly. They had promptly moved back to the Burrow, lending her their strength and financial means. When each of them married, they built a small house on either side of the Burrow and, as over the years, they added rooms for their expanding families, the houses were now all interconnected.

"Can you imagine in a couple of years when all these Weasleys hit Hogwarts?" Harry said in mock dismay. "I suppose we will have to give them their own house."

"That means we need to get busy, dear," said Bill Weasley, who was sitting in a corner with a dark haired woman in his lap.

"Katie, Bill, good to see you again," Harry said, his smile warm.

Bill had lost his left leg during a skirmish with Death Eaters. By the time they had gotten him to the healers the nerves were gone and they could not reattach the limb. Fleur Delacour, who had married Bill during Harry's seventh year at school, had not been sympathetic and after several months had taken their young daughter and left. Katie Bell, who often visited her friend Angelina, who was Fred's wife, had healed and stolen Bill's heart after the divorce. The Weasley clan was very glad that she and Bill had found each other.

"Where are Ginny and Neville?" Harry asked Ron as Allie ran past him followed by two of Fred's daughters.

"They are spending the evening with Neville's parents and grandmother," Ron said solemnly, handing him a glass of eggnog. Harry nodded.

A knock on the door stopped Molly in her tracks, holding a pitcher of warm apple cider. "Who on earth?" she muttered, going to the door.

There was a strangled cry and the sound of shattering earthenware as the pitcher slipped from her hand. "What is it Mum?" Ron asked, alarmed, as he, Harry and Bill headed for Molly who was hidden from vision by the open door. They saw her hugging someone in a snow-covered cloak as she sobbed. Ron grinned. "Let them breathe, Mum," he echoed again, nudging Harry. Molly stepped back, using her apron to wipe her eyes.

"Remus!" Harry said in disbelief finding himself in a tight hug from his old friend he hadn't seen in almost a decade. He looked into the smiling face, the warm gray eyes bright with affection.

"Good to see you, Harry," Remus said, shaking hands with Ron and Bill.

"When did you get back?" Harry asked as Molly took Remus' cloak, hugging him once more.

"A couple of hours ago," Remus said, taking a seat at the table. Remus had left England a couple of years after the war had ended on a quest to find a cure for Lycanthropy. He had heard rumors of Healers in the United States that may have found a solution. Over the years his search had led him to many countries. He had found a measure of success in a more advanced formula of the Wolfsbane Potion. Though it did not stop the transformation, it allowed the Lycanthropic person to not suffer the effects of fatigue and disorientation associated during the full moon phase. It was not a cure but Remus was optimistic about the new potions ability.

Remus was sitting by the fire with Harry as Ron herded children into the room to introduce them to him. "Amazing," Remus chuckled as the last Weasley child left. "How does Molly keep all the names straight?"

"Don't know," Harry laughed. "It doesn't help that ninety percent of them have red hair. Here comes Adrien."

Harry introduced a nervous Adrien to Remus. "I hear you are an excellent Quidditch player," Remus said. "You father would be proud." Adrien beamed at this and hastily retreated to find Alex.

"Dear Merlin," Remus said quietly watching Adrien disappear through the door leading to Fred's house, "he is Severus reborn. For a moment I thought I was once again a lad seeing a school chum."

"Not really a chum, was he, Remus?"

Looking ashamed, Remus shook his head. "I am afraid I allowed the need to belong take over. Severus was not a chum of the others and even if he wanted a friend, I couldn't be one. Believe me, it is something I regret," he said soberly.

"Ah, here comes Alex," Harry said quickly, wanting to change the subject.. He too had never been kind to Severus and now, well, he didn't want to think of it. "Alex definitely takes after Hermione's side."

Harry glanced at Remus who was sitting very still, his face ashen, the pale gray eyes staring intently at the boy coming towards them. "Alex, this is Remus Lupin. You may not remember him for he has been away for a long time."

"Hi," Alex said, sticking out his hand that was red from playing Exploding Snap.

Slowly Remus took his hand and shook it. "Good to see you again," he said solemnly.

"You were in the Order with my dad," Alex said, his eyes lighting up.

"Yes I was."

"He was very brave being a spy and all, wasn't he?"

"Severus Snape was, is, a very brave man, Alex," Remus said quietly, his eyes searching the boy in front of him.

"Hey, Alex, it's your turn," yelled one of Fred's children from the other room.

After Alex had left, Harry stared at Remus who picked up his tea with shaking hands. "What is it?" he asked quietly.

Remus took a sip of tea and shook his head. "Just a fanciful thought," he said softly, setting the tea down and running a hand through his hair. Harry waited. "Alex, he reminds me of someone."

"Who?"

Looking Harry in the eye, Remus grinned wryly. "You may think I am a bit daft, but as much as Adrien reminds me of Severus, Alex reminds me of his namesake."

Startled, Harry took a deep breath. "Really?"

"Yes. I know that is an impossibility but he looks so much like Sirius when he was that age," Remus said sheepishly. "Just the season, I suppose."

Harry relaxed and smiled sympathetically, feeling the twinge of melancholy he often did when he thought of his godfather. "Hermione says Alex looks just like her cousin's child, except for the dark hair."

Remus nodded. "Like I said, just memories. Of course, if Severus knew I had even suggested his son looked like Sirius..."

Making a gesture of slashing his throat, Harry rolled his eyes as they both laughed.

Dinner at the Burrow was an event worthy of a general's most advanced war tactics. The younger children were sitting in corners at small tables, an adult positioned strategically nearby. Molly refused to allow any of her brood to dine anywhere but in her kitchen on Christmas Eve and the room was so packed that no one could leave their spot once seated. Food was passed by magic and if any child needed to go to the loo, they were at the mercy of an adult to levitate them to an exit.

Ginny, Neville, and Hermione had arrived in time for dinner and like Molly, Hermione had wept when she had seen Remus. Dinner went smoothly until Fred, who was levitating a plum pudding over to his youngest daughter, sneezed and dropped the dessert on Ron's head. A food fight had quickly erupted between the two and only Molly's loud no nonsense voice had stopped it before the children had decided to join in.

****

It was near midnight when Hermione, unable to sleep, entered the kitchen.. Molly and Remus were talking quietly at the table. "Come join us, Hermione," Molly invited. "I was just finishing putting gifts under the tree."

"A cup of cocoa?" Remus asked, rising and heading to the stove.

"Do have a cup," Molly urged. "Remus makes the best cocoa."

"Yes, please," Hermione said, her eyes sparkling at Remus who gave her a wink as he pulled a flask from his pocket and pouring a liberal amount into the cup. Hermione always enjoyed Remus' cocoa that he heavily laced with Irish crème.

"Thank you." Hermione sipped the cocoa feeling the warmth flood through her. "Delicious."

"Well, I do believe I will call it a night," Molly said with a yawn. "The children will be up before dawn."

"Night, Molly," Remus said. Stretching, Remus leaned back in his chair and smiled warmly at Hermione. "I suppose Harry has told you about my comment about Alex," he said nonchalantly.

Hermione smiled. "Yes. And I am surprised at you, Remus Lupin. Accusing me of being unfaithful," she teased, her smile fading. "Of course, at least you suggested someone who no longer is with us."

Remus shook his head, smiling sadly. "Just an old man's mind playing tricks."

"You aren't old," Hermione contradicted. "You and Severus are the same age."

Remus gray eyes bore into hers. "I am sorry that I didn't have better news..." he started.

"It's okay, Remus."

"I sought advice from every Healer and Potions Master I encountered and they said the same thing."

"I know."

"There is no one alive that is able to break the curse..."

"Remus," Hermione said sharply, setting the mug on the table. "Get to the point."

"I just want you to face the truth."

"The truth that my husband will never get better?" she said sarcastically. "I have heard it all before, Remus. 'Get on with your life, find a new husband'."

"Listen, love, we are just concerned. You are still young and the boys need a father."

"You are a good one to talk, Remus Lupin. Fifty three and never married."

"It is not the same. I am a werewolf..."

"Bollocks. You are a handsome, intelligent man and have much to offer. You are hiding behind that excuse."

"Touché," he said with a grin. "Maybe I have never married because the one I fancied was already taken." He gave her a meaningful look.

"Please," she said with a laugh. "Tell me another one. If you had shown the least bit of interest I would have known."

"Oh? Pray tell, why is that, Mrs. Snape?"

"Because, Mr. Lupin, I had a horrible crush on you since third year. Had you given me the slightest indication you were interested I would have made an idiot of myself."

"Oh, what a fool I have been," Remus said in mock dismay, clutching at his chest. "And how would you have behaved?"

"Horrid man. All right, I probably would have followed you around like a lost sheep."

"Don't you know it's not safe to allow sheep in the same area as a wolf?"

They laughed together. "It's good to see you smile."

"I do smile. I am not so maudlin, Remus. Really. I have my work, the boys. I am very blessed."

"Yes you are," Remus agreed.

"Enough on me. What are your plans?"

Remus ran a hand through his shoulder length light brown hair. "Well, Harry has generously given me the deed to number Twelve Grimmauld Place. I would like to open it up to any person suffering from Lycanthropy, sort of a safe haven."

"That sounds wonderful. I have the notes you sent on the advanced Wolfsbane Potion and I do believe I can make it. Of course, Severus would have not have a problem..."

"And neither will you," Remus said confidently. "I have faith in your ability."

Hermione laughed softly. "You are a dear man," she said fondly, leaning over to kiss his cheek. "And I think your idea is solid."

"Can you imagine the Ministry's shock to learn of a home for werewolves resides within blocks?" Remus said with a sly grin. "Let's see what kind of law they will enact for this."

"Probably something like that you cannot go out without a leash," Hermione teased.

Remus wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Didn't know you were into that," he said with a grin. Again their soft laughter filled the warm kitchen.

****

The winter break brought an abundant amount of snow to the Hogwarts grounds. Harry, Hermione and the boys spent several days outside ice skating, sledding and having snowball fights.

"Watch it," Adrien said sharply when Alex pushed the coal into the snowman's head so hard that it almost slipped off the larger ball that was its middle. Alex's attention was directed at Harry and his Mum, who were sitting on a log in front of a fire, talking and laughing. Harry had put his arm around her shoulders.

"Doesn't that get to you?" Alex said angrily, poking the carrot they were using for the nose in the snowman.

"What?"

Alex nodded toward the couple. Adrien shrugged his shoulders. "What's wrong with Mum and Uncle Harry having a good time?"

"Don't you think they get a little too friendly at times?"

Adrien stared at his brother before he laughed. "Mum and Uncle Harry have been friends forever, that's all."

Alex didn't say anything. He frowned at them. "Come on," he said. "Let's go see Hagrid."

"But we haven't finished," Adrien protested. Alex gave him a sly grin and shoved hard on the snowman toppling the head off. "Hey," Adrien said with a grin. Alex took off running.

****

"Another?" Harry asked Hermione later in his private rooms. He was fixing hot toddies for them.

"I think I have had one too many now," Hermione said with a small giggle.. "But they did warm me up." She sighed, curling her feet under her as she took the offered drink.

"That was the idea," Harry teased, sitting down beside her. They sipped their drinks and stared into the crackling fire.

"It was a nice day, wasn't it?" Hermione said with a smile. "The boys had fun."

"I hope their mother did too."

"I did. I had forgotten how much I love to ice skate."

Leaning over slowly, Harry brushed his lips against her, softly and tentatively. When she did not pull away he increased the kiss. Her arms slipped around his neck and he responded by pulling her closer, kissing her deeply.

"Harry, I should be going," she said pulling away from him.

"Stay."

She looked at him sorrowfully. "I can't, you know I ..." He kissed her again and she melted into his embrace. Breaking the kiss, Harry looked into her eyes.

"I...we shouldn't do this," Hermione said, her cheeks flushed.

"Hermione," Harry said huskily, his hand caressing the back of her neck. "You are a healthy young woman. It isn't wrong to want to be touched, kissed," he lowered his voice as his hand traced across her shoulder and down the front of her jumper until it rested against her breast, "or made love to."

She looked away, biting on her lower lip. "I can't, Severus..."

"I know. But you are a young, passionate woman, Hermione. You have needs, desires," he murmured tracing his fingers across her jaw and down her neck. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back. "You need to feel alive," he whispered, kissing her neck.

"I think he would understand." Harry stood and offered her his hand. Looking at him with bright eyes, Hermione hesitated a moment before placing her hand in his.

****

Alex woke with a start and looked around the room until his eyes rested on the mantel clock. The hands showed that it was a little after two. Rubbing his eyes, Alex felt the anger rise in him. He had fallen asleep in the chair reading a book. If his Mum was back she would have woken him and told him to go to bed. 'She is still with him,' he thought, scowling at the door. "How could you..." A loud ringing sound made him jump.

"What is that?" asked Adrien sleepily, emerging from the bedroom in his flannel pajamas.

Alex's face paled. "It's coming from dad's room!" He ran passed Adrien and skidded into the room. The ringing noise was much louder now, the sound definitely coming from the bed where his father lay. Adrien was at his shoulder.

"Run! Go get Madam Pomfrey!" Alex shouted to his brother as his eyes searched desperately for the cause of the alarm going off. Adrien stared at Alex for a moment before he took off.

"What's wrong dad?" Alex asked in a frightened voice, silently cursing his Mum for not being there. In horror he saw Severus' mouth turning blue.