Defying the Fates

Snow was falling thickly as Harry and Remus exited Gringotts. People bustled by them in the crowded alleyway.

"I must thank you once more, Harry," Remus said patting his pocket.

Harry laughed softly. "It was my pleasure. I am glad Grimmauld Place will be put to good use and I think Sirius would have thought it marvelous to have a house full of werewolves to trouble the Ministry."

"Yes, I believe he would have," Remus said soberly. "Well, then. Where do you suppose young Severus has gotten to?"

"Adrien," Harry corrected. "No one ever calls the boys by their first names."

Remus gave him a wry smile. "Severus and Sirius suits them better if you ask me. Nevertheless, I will remember to call him Adrien." He blew on his hands, warming them in the cold air. "Now then, where do you suppose 'Adrien' has gotten to?"

"He is probably driving the owners of Quality Quidditch nutters."

"How is Hermione?" Remus asked as they made their way up the narrow street.

Harry sighed, telling him of the fright they had over Severus. Remus looked at him sympathetically.

"Harry," he began hesitantly, "I am afraid she is waiting for something that is never going to happen." Remus stopped walking and Harry turned to look at him "As are you," Remus said softly.

Harry looked away from the piercing gray eyes. "I don't know what you mean."

Remus began walking once more. "You have been a true friend, Harry, helping Hermione all these years. I dare say you are the closest thing to a father the boys have..."

"I love them," Harry said abruptly.

"I know, but you aren't being fair to yourself or Hermione. She knows you are always there, always a shoulder to lean on. Maybe if you got on with your own life she could make the decision..."

"We are just fine, Remus," Harry snapped.

"Are you?"

They walked in silence the rest of the way to the Quidditch store.

****

Alex stood by his father's bed, the glowing crystal in his hand. "Are you sure that's all, Mum?"

"Yes," Hermione assured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "The difficult part was activating the crystal."

Taking a deep breath, Alex pointed his wand at the crystal. It levitated over to hover above Severus. "Infinite. "

A beam of white light shot out from the stone, striking Severus in the chest. It lingered for a few moments and then disappeared, the crystal falling to the bed, gray and dull once more.

"Did it work?" Alex asked breathlessly, shaking as he lowered his wand.

"I don't know," Hermione said, her eyes searching her husband looking for a sign. "We just wait."

They stood in silence watching him intently.

"Did you see that?" Alex asked excitedly.

"I did," Hermione said hoarsely, her throat constricting with emotion. It was subtle but sure. Severus had moved his right hand.

****

Harry and Adrien were trudging through the thick snow towards the castle, their arms full of packages. Adrien was talking excitedly about the new Aerostar 5000 and how fast it was supposed to go. Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw Hagrid approaching them and something gave him pause. His heart sank as he saw the big man pull out a large spotted handkerchief and blow his nose loudly.

"Hagrid," Harry yelled hurrying towards him. "Alright?"

"Harry, Adrien," Hagrid sniffed. "Yeh are to go ter the Hospital Wing as fast as yeh can."

Adrien paled. "Is it Dad?"

Hagrid nodded. "Aye."

Before Hagrid could say anything else, they both dropped their packages and sprinted into the castle. Hagrid blew his nose once more. "A miracle, a bloody miracle."

****

"What happened?" Harry asked breathlessly, seeing Minerva and Albus sitting on an empty bed as he and Adrien skidded into the Hospital wing. "Hagrid ...said it was Severus." Harry bent over as his side pulled.

"Adrien," Albus said kindly, noticing the boy's frightened face. "Your father is just fine. However, I do believe your Mum is the one to inform you of what happened."

Alex and Hermione appeared from behind the curtains drawn around the bed across from them. Hermione's face was shining with tears and happiness. "Adrien." Adrien ran over to his mum. She hugged him tightly. "It's a miracle, son," she said breathlessly. "Your father is awake."

"What?" Harry was shocked. "He is awake? Are you sure?"

Albus chuckled. "I believe Minerva reacted the same way. Yes, it appears to be true."

Alex seemed pale and very quiet but his eyes were shining as he nodded when his brother mouthed, 'Dad's really awake?'

"Poppy tried to convince me that it was only a reaction when Severus opened his eyes," Hermione said quickly, her happiness barely contained. "But she couldn't deny it when he started trying to talk. She is in there now giving him a good once over. She thought it best that he be brought here in case he had a relapse, but he won't, I just know he won't."

Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtain, a large smile on her face. "He is fine and seems to be fully functioning. His kidneys, lungs, everything." Harry sat down weakly as the words sunk in.

"Now it will be a slow recovery," she said mostly to Hermione. "He will need rehabilitation to strengthen his muscles and it may take awhile before he regains the full use of his voice, but I am positive he will make a complete recovery. In fact, if he makes it through the night without any problems I will send him back home tomorrow."

Adrien let out a whoop as Hermione hugged Alex tightly.

"Poppy, how did this happen?" Minerva asked in a shaky voice. "The curse was irreversible."

"Perhaps I can shed some light on this," Albus said. Everyone looked at him expectantly as Hermione gripped Alex's shoulder. "The spell simply wore off."

"Albus," Minerva laughed. "That is the best you can do?"

"Actually I came to the same the conclusion," Poppy said. "Given the circumstances there is no other explanation."

"I don't care how it happened," Hermione said softly.

"Me neither," agreed Adrien. "Can we see Dad?"

"You all may go in but only for a minute. I don't want him to get over stimulated so soon."

"Albus, Minerva," Hermione said wiping at her eyes, "You go in first."

"Mum," protested Adrien.

"We wont be long," Albus assured him, patting him on the shoulder. Minerva hugged Hermione before disappearing behind the curtain.

"Harry? Are you all right?"

Harry lifted his head and gave Hermione a small smile. "It's just amazing, isn't it?" He gave a shuddering sigh. She walked over and sat beside him taking his hand.

"He won't blame you," she said brightly. "I never did."

He nodded and squeezed her hand. Albus and Minerva came out of the curtain. "Come on, Harry," Hermione said, trying to pull him off the bed.

"No, you and the boys need to be alone with him. I will see him soon."

"Come on, Mum," Adrien said anxiously tugging on her other hand.

Hermione, Adrien and Alex walked through the curtains. Severus' eyes surveyed each of them as the walked close to his bed. "Severus," Hermione said, her eyes tearing. "I want to introduce you to your sons. This is Adrien, your first born." Adrien stepped forward his shy smile bright. "And this is Alex. Alex was born after...after the incident. We are so glad to have you back."

The dark eyes looked at the boy carefully. Hermione saw surprise and concern in the black orbs. "Poppy wants us to keep it short," she said. "We will be back every day until you can come home."

"Hope that's soon, Dad," Alex said quietly.

"Yes," Adrien agreed.

"Time to go, boys," Hermione urged. After they had left, Hermione leaned over Severus, smoothing his hair back. "I don't have to tell you how much I do love you," she whispered, kissing him gently. "I always knew you would come back to me."

****

Term began two days later and the school was abuzz with the news. Some students became apprehensive, wondering if Severus was going to be teaching soon.

Several students approached Harry in the Hall that night after dinner. "Professor Potter, will Professor Snape be teaching Potions or DADA?" asked a nervous Ravenclaw. "My mum had him when she was at school and well, let's just say, I don't want him for a teacher."

"Professor Snape may want to teach again," he said with a small smile. "The DADA position is rightfully his. I was only a substitute."

There were loud protests.

"But you are a great teacher."

"No one knows more about Defense Against the Dark Arts, you defeated You-Know-Who."

Harry smiled at all the encouragement and assured the students he would still be with them the rest of the year.

****

"Is it true, Snape?" Flint asked that night in the Slytherin Common Room. "I heard that your traitorous father has regained consciousness."

"He is not a traitor," Alex said coldly, "and yes, he is awake and will soon make a full recovery. He will be Head of Slytherin again, so you had better watch your step, Flint."

"That will never happen," Rose said angrily. "My father said that he would never be allowed to teach at Hogwarts again. My father will see to it."

"Rose, shut up," her brother growled.

"Listen to him," Alex said, his wand in his hand now. "Just let your father try. Didn't know a lowly clerk had that much influence anyway."

"My father is worth a hundred of yours," Tom said angrily. "Severus Snape is just a Mudblood loving scum."

"Enough!" said a sixth year Prefect. "I will not have us losing any more House points over this silly squabbling."

Alex lowered his wand and the two boys glared at each other.

****

Hermione took the first week of term off to stay with Severus. His physical recovery was remarkable. "All due to the excellent care you gave him," Poppy had gushed.

Poppy had enlisted Hagrid's assistance with Severus. The big man put him through the paces, often goading him when Severus started to falter. After an afternoon of working out, Hagrid massaged Severus from head to foot. Hermione was careful to hide her smiles at her husband's dark looks directed at Hagrid.

Severus' speech was not coming back as quickly as his physical abilities. The only sounds he made came out like grunts and guttural moans. Hermione knew that this was a source of concern for him. Until he could speak he wouldn't be able to use magic.

One afternoon after she had returned to teaching, she had dismissed class early due to a cauldron explosion and had slipped into their rooms unnoticed. She found him standing in the loo, staring at the mirror, his mouth working furiously. The pain in his dark eyes was almost unbearable for her and she had left without him knowing she had seen him.

****

The Snape family was gathered in the sitting room Sunday afternoon, three weeks after Severus had returned. Minerva and Emma had given the boys permission to spend the weekends with their family. Alex was sitting next to Severus, chatting animatedly about Quidditch. "We play Hufflepuff in two weeks. I sure hope you will be there, Dad." Severus nodded, putting his hand on Adrien's cheek.

Alex sat quietly on the other side of the room, watching them.

"Something wrong?" Hermione asked gently. Alex shrugged his shoulders. "Why don't you join them?" Again he shrugged.

"Alex, your father loves you..."

"He doesn't act like he knows me," Alex said abruptly.

"That's true. He doesn't, but he doesn't know Adrien either." Hermione put a hand on Alex's. "Get to know him," she urged.

Alex swallowed hard looking wistfully at Adrien and Severus.

"Adrien," Hermione said. "Have you finished your homework?"

Adrien turned to look at her. "No, Mum," he said with a faint blush.

"Then perhaps you should see to it."

"Yes, Mum." Adrien got to his feet and gave Severus a hug. "See you tomorrow, Dad. Are you ready to go, Alex?"

"I will come in a few minutes. You go on," Alex said. After Adrien had left, Hermione nudged Alex in the back. Slowly he got up and walked over to Severus. "Hi," he said shyly. Severus nodded, the dark eyes surveying him as they stared at each other.

"I'm glad you are going to get better and I know you're my Dad and I want to get to know you 'cause I really don't, except for what Mum has told me and I hope you want to get to know me too, 'cause I would really like that," Alex said in a rush.

A faint smile appeared on Severus' face. He opened his mouth. "Al..Alex."

Alex beamed. "Did you hear that, Mum?" he asked excitedly.

"I did," Hermione assured him, smiling.

****

In bed they lay facing each other, Hermione cuddling close to him. She stroked his hair and face, smiling.

"Her..Herm..ione."

"Yes, love?"

"All...these...ye..years...you waited."

"Of course I waited," Hermione sniffed, emotions overwhelming her as she snuggled closer. "I would have waited forever."

The dark eyes bore into hers. "I love...you."

"And I you," she whispered pressing her lips to his. She breathed deeply, her heart full of joy as she felt him kiss her back.

****

The sun shone bright, warming the February morning. The Quidditch stands were full, the crowds noisy as they waited for the game to start.

"Albus," Minerva gasped, clutching his arm.

Dumbledore looked and saw Hermione helping Severus climb the stairs leading to the staff box. Leaning heavily on a cane, Severus held his head high as he slowly made his way up. When they were seated many of the teachers stood and shook hands with Severus. Many had not visited, wanting to give the Snape family their privacy until Severus recovered.

Harry was coming up the stairs and he paled when he saw Severus. "Harry," Hermione called. "Come join us." Reluctantly it seemed, Harry made his way over and sat down beside her. "Why haven't you come to visit?" she teased.

"I have been busy," he mumbled. "Severus, good to see you made it today."

Severus stared at him a moment a small sneer appearing on his face. "My son requested that I be here and I didn't want to disappoint him."

Harry nodded. "Adrien will be very happy."

The game started and their attention was drawn to the flying players. It was a close game and the crowds were very enthusiastic as Gryffindor managed to win. Adrien flew close to the staff box, his smile wide as he waved at Severus.

As the staff rose to leave, Harry felt a hand on his arm. He turned and looked into Snape's face.

"Potter, if you can spare a moment from your busy schedule, I would like to speak to you privately," Severus said softly.

"All right," Harry said, "I have a free period Monday afternoon."

"I will speak to you then."

****

Entering the room, Harry took a deep breath. "Severus."

"Potter."

Harry took a seat across from Snape. "It was a very good game, wasn't it? Adrien played well. In a few years he will be one of the best Chasers the school ever had."

Severus looked sharply at Harry. "Potter, I did not ask you here to discuss Quidditch." Harry nodded. "My wife has told me a little of what happened that night I was cursed. She explained to me how you blamed yourself and carried a lot of guilt. She suggested that I put your mind at ease."

A small wry smile graced his face. "The fact is you are guilty."

Blanching, Harry swallowed hard. "Yes, I agree. Had I not been distracted you would not have been hexed. I am truly sorry, Severus."

"Really, Potter, how can I forgive you? It is your lack of discipline that made you such a poor student and how you managed to become an Auror is beyond me."

"I deserve anything you have to say," Harry said dejectedly.

"Then listen," Severus said, his tone reminded Harry that Snape was a formidable teacher. "You became distracted, something that often proves disastrous when dealing with magic. Had you Apparated when we had planned, perhaps Hermione and the children would have had a better life." Harry closed his eyes in remorse. "Then again, perhaps the results would have been the same.

Opening his eyes quickly, Harry looked at Severus.

"Feel guilty over being incompetent, if you must. I am not the one to discharge you of that guilt. Could you have changed my fate had you arrived in time? I seriously doubt it. Bella spoke only one word when I arrived. I cast the Protego Charm but evidently I did not succeed or the charm had no effect. Either way, I was her target, and though she was mad, she was still a clever enemy. I suspect she knew I would not come alone."

"So," Harry said slowly, "you are not blaming me?"

"Potter, I do not."

Shaking his head, Harry managed a small smile. "Thank you."

"And my gratitude is extended to you and the rest of the staff for taking care of Hermione and the boys. I realize that she needed her friends during this time," Severus said quietly.

"It was the least I could do," Harry grinned. "And Severus, when you are ready, I will give you back your class."

"Indeed." Severus looked at him thoughtfully. "For now my attention will be directed at getting to know Adrien and Alex and reclaiming my wife."

Harry felt the color rise to his cheeks. "I understand."

****

"How did it go with Harry?" Hermione asked that evening as they snuggled close in bed.

"I spoke truthfully."

Hermione raised on her elbow to look at him. "And what exactly was the truth?"

"That he was incompetent and incapable of doing anything right."

"Severus, why did you..." she saw the sly smile on his face. "Oh, you Slytherin."

"I told him I did not blame him. Bella would have hexed me regardless had Potter been there or not."

"Are you ever going to call him by his name?" Hermione teased, brushing her lips against his.

He didn't answer but wrapped his arms tightly around her and pulled her closer as his tongue slipped into her mouth. They kissed passionately and longingly, nipping at each other's lips. A small groan escaped Severus. Encouraged, Hermione moved to kiss her way down his neck, stopping to nibble at a sensitive spot. His hands roamed over her back and down to her buttocks, caressing each fleshy mound.

Hermione ran her hand down his chest until it rested on his thigh. Slowly she slid it under his nightshirt.

"Don't," Severus commanded sharply.

She looked at him and saw the anger on his face. "You will find nothing to please you down there," he said bitterly.

Removing her hand from his thigh she reached up to stroke his cheek. He flinched and turned away.

"Severus," she said gently, "your body is still recovering. Give it time."

He cupped her chin and stared into her eyes. "Do you know how desperately I want to make love to you?" he asked hoarsely.

"As much as I want to make love to you, but love, it will happen."

His eyes bright, he kissed her tenderly. "You have waited so long. If you wanted to find a lover..."

"Don't be ridiculous," Hermione chided. "You were my first and only lover. I can wait."

"I never deserved you," he whispered, kissing her again. His kisses grew more passionate once more.

"Severus," Hermione gasped, as he pulled on her nightgown. "Maybe we should stop."

"I think I can pleasure my wife in more than one way," he growled, pushing her gown up as he positioned himself between her legs. He lowered his head and showed her.

****

It was the end of February and the March winds had already blown in the hint of an early spring. Hermione found it difficult to teach, wanting to be outside. She and Severus had fallen into a routine of taking long walks during her free period.

The fourth years had finished bringing her the samples they had brewed and were waiting for Hermione to announce the homework, when the door to the classroom opened. Severus stepped into the classroom.

"Class dismissed," he said authoritatively.

Hermione opened her mouth to protest but the students had already gathered their things and were hurrying out the door. Severus walked to the front his eyes sparkling at her.

"Severus," she said crossly, "This is my class."

"I needed to speak to you privately," he said silkily.

"Is it one of the boys?"

"No, just one man." He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to him, his lips capturing hers.

Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck as he parted her lips and plundered her mouth. His hands slid down to her buttocks and he pressed her tightly against him. She gasped into his mouth as she felt his hardness rubbing against her stomach. Pulling back, he gave her a devilish grin.

"Severus," she said breathlessly, running a hand down his body to touch his erection. Even through his clothes, she could feel it pulsing.

"I wouldn't dream of suggesting you skip your next class," he whispered huskily while caressing her breasts through her robes, "but I will not complain if you do."

Hermione moaned, her hand stroking him. "I would but it is Seventh years and with NEWTS coming up..."

Severus chuckled and kissed her heartily. "I expected no less from my little Gryffindor. I just wanted to give you a small taste to look forward to this evening."

"Oh, yes," she agreed quickly causing him to chuckle once more.

"I trust the boys won't be joining us tonight."

"I will make sure they don't," she laughed. The sound of students gathering outside the door interrupted them.

"Till tonight," he said suggestively, kissing her again.

She straightened her robes and grinned. "Severus, I plan to make this an evening you will never forget."

"I am counting on it."

****

Severus felt nervous as he waited for Hermione. It had been almost twelve years since he had made love to her. "I feel like a bloody virgin," he chuckled aloud.

He had taken a long shower and had put on his best robes. Searching the bookshelves he took down "The Inferno". It was the last book she had been reading to him. Sitting down he opened it to the place she had marked, still marveling that she had waited for him so long.

How fortunate he was, he thought. Still, he was filled with regret that he had not been there for her or the boys. His children were half grown and he really didn't know them. Adrien was so like him yet he had managed get pass his shyness and excel. Alex was more like Hermione, he thought, confident and more outgoing. Yet the arrogance he had glimpsed briefly in the boy must have came from his side of the family.

Severus tried to concentrate on the book but his thoughts kept turning to the night. He planned on loving Hermione all night. Smiling, he thought of her face in the classroom.

Something tugged on his mind. He had heard her say something similar to him once before about making it a night he would never forget. When was it?

"I have to go out for awhile," Severus said. Hermione had just finished nursing Adrien and her breast was still exposed. He felt a stirring and tried to squelch it.

"Don't be long," Hermione said in a sultry voice. He raised an eyebrow. "Remember what today is?" she asked.

He thought a moment. Adrien was five weeks old today and Hermione's purification was over. "The day I can reclaim my wife," he said smiling, his hand cupping her breast. "Sorry son, but you have had her long enough," he said lovingly, kissing Adrien's forehead. The baby blinked and made a small cooing sound.

Hermione walked him to the door. "Come back soon, love, and Severus," he turned to look into her shining eyes, "I want to make sure that this will be a night you will never forget."

Never forget...Never forget...

That night...

The night he had been cursed by Bellatrix...

He had never came home.

A cold fury appeared on Severus' face as he heard the words echoing in his mind.