A Different Kind of Magic--UNDERGOING EDIT

I was feeling restless so here's another chapter to make up for missing an update yesterday. Haven't had any more reviews :( . Are you guys all working? God forbid people have lives! LOL. Okay enough joking. Enjoy this is another turning point in the story. Oh heck, which chapter isn't?


Chapter 62- Godspeed into the Unknown

“By your leave, I must make my report, Professor,” Rabastan said simply to the Headmistress. She nodded her assent, watching him go with worry framed on her brow, causing the lines there to settle a bit deeper than they had before.

Each passing day brought worry as the silence of the past few weeks worried her more than when reports of Ministry run Manor houses were destroyed and everyone killed, or innocents being dragged off to the Inquisitor prison, never to be heard from again. It was all very vexing. They were no closer to gaining access to Snape Manor now than they had been before. Her only hope of getting to the second part of the Prophecy was to let Malfoy’s goons figure it out first. It was imperative that the knowledge of it be kept secret.

She hoped that when the discovery of the second part of it was found they would be able to extend their search to include a wider surrounding area. They might get lucky and stumble on more than one piece, thwarting Malfoy’s progress. It was only assumed that each piece of the puzzle was a parchment. There was supposed to be a bit of the final incantation on each part, but for all they knew it could be engraved on an object or buried somewhere long forgotten.

It was such a gamble. They had nearly been beaten by the Dark Lord, and now this greater threat was sapping the remaining strength from their bones. Malfoy’s rise to power had amazed and frightened her. It was as if the mantle of the Dark Lord had shifted to settle upon his shoulders with alarming speed and efficiency. Everything had turned corrupt despite their hard-won victory.

Minerva shrugged her shoulders, doing small circles to crack the vertebrae that were aching in between her shoulder blades. She stuck her head into the Floo, trying to rouse Professor Lupin.

In his quarters, Remus hopped off the bed, abandoning the latest Defense Against the Dark Arts publication he had been engrossed in. Professor McGonagall’s face was calling for him from the fireplace.

“Yes, Minerva?”

“Am I disturbing you?”

“Of course not. What can I do for you?”

“I need you to pay a visit to Hermione and tell her we may have some news in the near future regarding her assignment. I’d also like you to double check the wards on the cottage and make sure they have everything they need. Severus may need more potions ingredients. He’s been working overtime to re-stock the infirmary shelves. I have a feeling I may need him to collect some of the rarer ingredients for Rabastan while he is occupied with our mission.”

“Understood, I’ll get right on it.”

“Thank you Professor Lupin.”

Remus pulled on his worn cloak and was about to step into the Headmistress’ office to get to Cotswold cottage when someone rapped on his door.

Pulling the door open revealed the lovely Miss Ava. He always had time for her. “How can I help you Ava?” he smiled gently.

“Can I come in, Remus?” she inquired shyly. “It is time for our chess lesson.” Her eyes told the story of something else she’d rather be doing.

He past her into the hallway and scratched his head. “I’m, uh, actually on the way out Ava. This will have to wait for another time.”

Just then she noticed his cloak and the manner in which he held himself, looking a bit anxious to get going. “I’m sorry to have interrupted,” she managed, trying not to sound disappointed.

Remus pulled her in the room and shut the door momentarily. He could hear her breath catch as he moved in close, pressing his firm body against her soft bosom. “I promise, if you come back later, we can continue our lesson uninterrupted.” He planted a very firm, chaste kiss on her lips, running his fingers through her hair in the process.

“Oh Remus, do hurry back,” she breathed.

“I’ll do my best.”

He saw her out, kissing her hand goodbye before shutting the door behind them. She waved and smiled as she disappeared down the corridor.

Every time he saw her, his heart skipped a beat and sent a stampede of birds fluttering in his stomach. He felt like a schoolboy again with a secret crush.

And he didn’t mind feeling that way at all, he realized. His hesitation over betraying his deceased beloved had finally faded. With a silent acknowledgement to the powers that be, thanking them for bringing love back into his life, he finished his jaunt to the Headmistress’ office and stepped into the Floo to pay a visit to his friends.

--

“You can’t go into the village and that’s final!”

Hermione planted both hands on her hips, chin thrust out and teeth set in the manner that told anyone looking at her there would be no arguing with her. Anyone except Severus Snape, that is.

He ignored her. “Teddy, please run upstairs and get my cuff links off the dresser. The black ones.”

“Okay Mister Snape! Vroooommmm!!” Everything was a broom ride to Teddy now.

“Would you quit ignoring me! I said you are not going anywhere!” The infuriated former Gryffindor witch stomped over and planted herself between him and the front door of the cottage.

“What do you think this is going to accomplish, Hermione?” he asked in an infuriatingly calm tone.

“You heard Minerva; we’re not supposed to leave the cottage! It’s not safe!”

“That was before my magic was restored. You don’t honestly think I’m going to rot in this house with a harpy and an infantile whelp while Rabastan fucking Lestrange goes on about his business taking over my life, my job, and my woman?”

That last bit came out as a bit of a roar and Teddy skidded to a halt, eyeballing him uncertainly. “Here ya go Mister Snape,” he said quickly, dumping the cuff links into his hands before trotting off, looking over his shoulder as he went.

Hermione crossed her arms, raising her brow in imitation of Snape.

Severus slumped his shoulders. “It’s difficult for me to come back here and see someone I used to love and hate take over my life. Surely you understand that.”

“Yes, I do,” she said softly, moving in to run her fingers through his hair. “But it helps to hear you say it.” Then, more slowly, “What kind of relationship did you have with Rabastan Lestrange?”

Snape ran calloused fingers through his hair which was slowly getting longer by the day. Good food and rest seemed to make it grow faster than normal. He was not surprised, considering the return of his magic, which also seemed stronger than it had been before the loss.

“Rabastan was always an odd man. For a long time, he ran with his brother Rodolphus and Bellatrix. I thought he was just as crazy as those two. He was one of the Dark Lord’s favorites besides Malfoy and I.” He met her eyes, studying the way she was looking at him. “It might seem twisted, but I came to see him as a comrade in arms after awhile. He did his fair share of raping and killing, but never seemed to take joy in it as the others did. In some ways he was a better actor than I was. Now I see why.”

“Because he was also Dumbledore’s man,” she finished softly, resting a hand on his shoulder.

He nodded. “I knew Dumbledore had other spies within the ranks of the Dark Lord, but was never privy to that information. I should have figured it out, but I was too preoccupied with the own web of lies I was forced to keep secret.” A frustrated snort erupted from his beaky nose. “It would have saved me a lot of trouble if Albus had just told me about his role. There wouldn’t be quite as much animosity between us.”

“What happened between you two?”

Severus jerked away from her as if burned by a sudden flame. “There are some things I do not wish to share with anyone, even you Hermione. You will not ask me to explain again about this matter.”

He said it with such finality there was no mistaking the resolution in his voice. Hermione decided to try a different tack. “So why are you so determined to go into Cotswold village anyway?”

“I need some supplies. Lupin hasn’t seen fit to bring me a fresh supply of potions ingredients. I do not have enough on hand to keep Poppy supplied in perpetuity, and I am sick of sitting in this cursed house, however pleasant the company may be.” A half smile made the corner of his lip curl up just a bit, rakishly pursing his lips as his gaze swept over her figure.

“You’re such a tease Severus Snape!” She reached out to grab the front of his shirt, pulling him to her. He let her do it, feigning a mock disdain. “Wipe that look off your face and kiss me you fool,” she growled in her best imitation of his own.

For a long moment they let their lips press together. His tongue sought entry to her mouth and then tasted her, running the tip along her bottom lip before she sucked on it just a little. His cock jumped at the chance it sensed was coming, making a very prominent impression against her belly. “Hermione, you have to stop this. I’m never going to get out the door if you keep this up.”

“That’s the idea,” she murmured, reaching her hand around to grasp his arse. “Let’s go upstairs for a bit.”

“What about Teddy?”

“He’ll be fine, he’s playing, see?” They chanced a peek into the adjoining room, and sure enough, he was engrossed with a popup book complete with tiny fire breathing dragons.

Not needing any more prompting, they finally made their way up the stairs, tripping and kissing the entire way. A few more stumbling steps brought them into Hermione’s bedroom where they shut and silenced the door. Hermione already had her hands fumbling at the front of his trousers and his hands were under her shirt and over her bra, pinching her nipples.

“Oh gods Hermione, you drive me crazy, woman,” came the genuine growl against her throat.

She barely heard him above her own moan with his hands working miracles on her breasts and a very distinct love bite being marked on her throat. The treasured prize sprang free and she twirled him around to land on top of him on the bed. “When your leg is better you can take me against the wall.”

“Oh yes, I’d like that. And on the stairs, the kitchen table, in my potions lab, in front of the fireplace, in the back garden…”

“So, pretty much everywhere.”

“Yes.”

“Less talk, more sex.”

“Right.”

Hermione slithered out of the bottom portion of her clothing and planted herself firmly on his grand erection. Already wet with arousal, it was a simple thing to start with a brisk pace while adroitly rubbing her clit to maximize a quick climax.

The sight of the brazen witch commandeering his cock was the biggest turn on for Snape. It was such an act of possession to take him like that, and he valued and wanted her to want him that way. It spoke volumes of how she thought of him; obviously in a sexy, explicit manner on a regular basis.

Oh god she’s so fucking wet! Almost immediately that familiar tightening and burn took hold of his chest and balls simultaneously. What am I, sixteen? Oh fuck what is she doing?

Hermione was rotating her hips on the downward stroke so he hit her G spot every time. Within two minutes she was whimpering, the sound growing to a stifled moan when her entire body shivered and shook, her pussy clenching relentlessly around his cock.

“Holy shit Hermione! Aaahhh!” And he lost it under the tight sheath that quavered and spasmed all around his throbbing lust. Powerful hands jerked her hips onto his cock, burying deep inside her as spurt after spurt of hot come poured from his eager prick. She was still gasping the tail end of her sudden completion as he came down from the intense high.

Her mouth crushed into his with a soul-searing kiss. Hermione poured all of her passion into the kiss, and he could feel her magic mingling with his own on the surface. It was so good to have that back! Life had lost its zest without it, and now he could share it with her as things were meant to be. As they were meant to be; together.

He looked into her eyes after breaking the breathtaking kiss, panting into her flushed space, foreheads touching, nose to nose.

“I love you Hermione.” He meant it. He meant every word, and he knew she could feel it just as much as he was projecting it.

“I love you too Severus Snape, and I’m never letting you go.”

“That’s my line!”

“Too bad.”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

Their second post coital kiss was interrupted by a knock on the door. “Miss Hermione, Mister Snape, my Daddy is here!”

“Oh, bloody shite. Just what the doctor ordered. A visit from the werewolf,” he groaned, closing his eyes in frustration.

Hermione grinned wryly. “I suppose we better go downstairs and see what he wants. Maybe he brought you more supplies so you won’t have to go into town after all.”

“I’m still going to town, and you are not going to say anything to Lupin about it!”

“Yes, oh Master,” she mocked, fishing for her clothes and hastily pulling on her knickers and bottoms.

He tried to poke her with his cane but she grabbed it out of his hand, sending him sprawling.

“Are you always this dignified after a hot shag?” she teased and squealed when he grabbed her ankle, pulling her down on top of him.

A sharp knock at the door brought them out of their little interlude. That knock was definitely not Teddy. “Uh, I hate to bother you, but could you two come downstairs please? I have some business to discuss.”

“Uh, yeah Remus, be right down!” Hermione managed to choke out, right before she broke into a fit of hysterics.

“Quit your antics and get off of me, witch!”

After getting themselves sussed out, a sheepish Hermione and tousled Potions master unsuccessfully sauntered into the living room. Hermione looked at the floor while Severus stared pointedly at the intruder in his favorite spot on the long sofa.

“Well, Lupin, what do you want?”

The attempt to remain cool and aloof was comical in light of what Professor Lupin knew had just happened. He made a barely concealed attempt to hide a smile, but it was not lost on any of the adults. “Sorry to interrupt you, but I’m here on business from Minerva. My first message is for Hermione, but I did need to speak with both of you.”

The chill coming from Severus could have frosted the windows. Hermione ignored his rudeness and gladly clasped both of her hands in Lupin’s. “It’s so good to see you Remus.” She gave him a tight squeeze before releasing his shoulders.

The sharp aroma of sex was rolling off her in waves, making him crazy. He could usually ignore most witches’ arousal but when one was fresh from a shag it was hard not to notice.

He flushed pink and did his best to maintain a polite tone. “Nice to see you again. I trust our gloom and doom professor has been civil?” He winked at her, squeezing her hands in a teasing way.

“You could say that we’ve been a bit preoccupied.”

“Enough of the trivialities. Do you mind, Lupin?”

“Right, yes, well then. Hermione, there may be some developments regarding the advancement of the project coming your way, so be ready at any time to dive into something new.”

If she hadn’t of been an adult, Hermione would have clapped her hands with glee. She had been totally thrilled with the work on the Prophecy. Getting more was going to be a real treat.

“I was also sent to check the wards on the cottage.”

“The wards are fine. I checked them this morning.”

Remus was trying hard not to look annoyed, so he continued instead. “Alright, but I also came to see what supplies you need for potions. I am sure your stock is running low.”

Snape pulled out a list from the pocket of his waistcoat and handed it to Remus.

“Is that all, or was there some other reason for this droll visit?”

“Such a way with words, Severus. It’s a wonder anyone can stand you for more than five minutes.”

“Sticks and stones, Lupin.”

The two wizards gasped in unison as their vow of civility was violated and they each received a warning zap of electricity for their trouble from the powers that be.

“Can’t you two just get along for once without stooping to insults?” Hermione rounded on both of them, clearly irritated. “Now let’s just stick to business. It’s clear you two don’t like each other, but there’s no point having it out every time you’re in the same room.”

Severus turned on heel to enter the kitchen but Remus stopped him. “There’s just one more thing.”

“Speak!” he thundered without looking behind him.

“I wanted to know how my boy’s lessons were going. What you are teaching him.”

“Miss Granger has taken on the task of starting with the boy. I have been far too busy to deal with the mundane.” The last bit was said with a sneer evident in his voice, clearly meant to annoy Remus.

It worked. He let a bit of his frustration show in his words to Hermione. “What’s his problem? I am trying to be civil to the man and he’s like the never ending glacier. There’s no getting through to him.”

“It’s nothing personal I’m sure,” she said, moving into a gentle hug with her dear friend and giving him a peck on the cheek. “He’s had a heck of a lot of adjusting to do. You remember the pressure he was under before. It’s not just that his purpose in life of twenty years that has come to an end, it’s the role he was in has vanished. Hogwarts, teaching, spying; it was his life. It’s not enough to just give him a few odd jobs and expect him to find his place in the world overnight.”

He sighed, scratching his head. “I suppose your right. When I lost Tonks, I thought my life was over, but I still had Teddy. When I thought I’d lost Teddy, well, you know how that went,” he finished lamely.

“So you have a taste of what it feels to lose everything, and now you know what he faces every single day. He lost his magic, too. It’s going to take time for him to figure things out now that he has it back.”

“But he’s got you, doesn’t he, Hermione?”

She was silent, wandering over to the bookcases to run her fingers along the worn gilded spines. “Yes he does. And I’m going to help him find his place again.”

“You love him.”

“Yes.” Her eyes were shining with tears of joy when she turned back to face him, the love clearly written there. “I love him very much. He’s a good man.”

“I know,” Lupin said softly. “I know.” He turned to the fireplace, gazing at the various baubles on the mantelpiece. “So did he really push all the teaching off on you? He promised to do a fair bit of it himself.”

Hermione smiled to herself. It was just like Severus to keep everyone on edge. It might take him a long time to soften the sharp edge of the spy of old. “No. He’s done a fantastic job so far with Teddy. My job is to help him focus on Elemental magic. I am still learning more about it myself. It serves a dual purpose. My hunch is that Teddy not only has a natural ability with it that we don’t understand the depth of, but the Prophecy might have roots in the old ways as well, seeing how old it dates back.”

“You’re one smart woman,” he grinned, flashing his teeth at her almost wolfishly. Then his countenance softened. “Thank you for putting my mind at ease. I’m glad he’s being nice to Teddy. I know he’s the reason Teddy is alive, but it’s hard to imagine him being nice to anyone when he treats other people like dirt.”

“You aren’t exactly innocent, the way you tormented him in the dungeon while he was confined.”

“Well he had it coming, didn’t he?”

“I don’t know. Did he, Remus?” Hermione’s gaze grew a tad cold. “I don’t quite understand this weird animosity you two have for one another. You were both Order members, teachers, even friends at one point.”

“We were never friends. It was only a feeble truce on behalf of the greater good.” He jammed his hands into his pockets, casting his eyes down to the floor.

“So why not try and put that all behind you? I mean, the war is over. What is left to keep you two from making an effort at being civil to one another?”

Remus muttered under his breath, tracing imaginary circles on the floor with the end of his boot.

“What was that?”

“I said you wouldn’t understand. If he hasn’t told you his reasons for hating me, I am not able to fill you in on the details.”

“Severus doesn’t hate you!”

“Yes he does Hermione!” The pointless line of questioning made his jaw set into a stubborn line.“ Snape will always hate me no matter how much he pretends not to!” The annoying rise of temper and heat in his blood was coming on and he felt the sudden need to get away from the brilliant but extremely swotty young witch in front of him, who also happened to smell like Sunday dinner.

Hermione simply looked at him then, her mouth open in shock. She closed it, bowing her head slightly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. Seems I have a knack for digging around where I’m not wanted.”

Remus adeptly pushed the distractions to the back of his mind and quickly closed the gap and hugged her fiercely. “You’re my friend. Don’t ever be sorry for being a Gryffindor. It’s exactly that fighting spirit that helped us win the war, and I never want you to push away the part of you that keeps the rest of us strong.”

Hermione nodded into his chest and returned his friendly squeeze.

As they pulled away, he kept both hands on her shoulders and looked her squarely in the eyes. “In time, if Snape wants to tell you what happened a long time ago, I’ll leave it up to him. Trust me. It wasn’t anything he did, and until he is ready to forgive me, I have no power to stop him from hating me.”

“I understand.”

“Good.” Nodding firmly, he brushed his index finger across the tip of her nose and gave her that winning, gentle smile that was the Remus she knew. “I’ve got to get going. Stay strong and let me know if you three need anything.”

“I will.”

“Hey Teddy! Come give your Papa a big hug and a kiss! Rawr!” He growled as the little boy jumped into his father’s arms.

“I love you Daddy, please come back and visit me soon!”

“I will Tiger. You be good for Hermione and Severus.”

“I will Daddy. Say hi to Miss Ava for me.!”

“I will. Bye now!” He gave his son a swat on the tush and disappeared into the fireplace. Hermione sent Teddy upstairs to wash for the next meal and wandered into the kitchen to look for Severus. She continued to his laboratory door and knocked hesitantly.

“Severus?”

“Is he gone?”

“Yes, he’s gone,” she huffed, indignant at the immaturity of a grown man.

The door opened and she slipped inside past him. “Are you staying now that Remus is getting you the supplies you need?” She secretly hoped he would stay and help her with the meal. Their earlier adventure hadn’t satisfied her taste for more of him.

“No, there is other business I have to attend to.”

“What?”

He sighed, irritated at having to explain himself. “Hermione, has it occurred to you that I do not have a wand?”

“You can borrow mine.”

He glared at her.

“Fine! But what else could you possibly need?”

He looked at her, incredulous. “Are you really that thick? My life has not been my own for many years. I was incapacitated, held hostage, forced to undergo Legilimency by the Boy Wonder, taken hostage again and finally I get my magic back, my strength and the love of a beautiful woman. Such a transformation has made me hunger for more of the world, Hermione, not less.” He grabbed her then and kissed her thoroughly, desperately trying to convey his passion for her through heat and lips and pressure.

She gasped a little when he pulled back, the love shining clearly in his eyes, but… something more. Her traitorous lower lip trembled a little bit when she realized what he was saying. “Are you leaving me?”

He drew in a breath and held it before releasing it in a gusty rush. “For a little while, it is necessary for me to tie up some loose ends from the war, gather some personal items and see what I can do on my own for the Order.”

“But Minerva told us to stay here!”

“When have I ever done exactly as I am told?” he smirked, letting the corner of his mouth twist just a bit with humor.

“I’m not leaving for good, Hermione. I need to do this just as much as you crave the security of this cottage and the routine that goes with it. I need to figure out who I am, where I belong and what I want to do with myself.” He held her tightly, trying to shake the meaning into her. “I treasure you more than I do my own life. Please realize I am not trying to hurt you. You are my world.”

“What about your wand oath about teaching Teddy, or helping the Order with the Prophecy?”

He considered her for a moment. “I have not forgotten, not do I intend to shirk either duty. I will resume the responsibility of teaching upon my return. For now, I have taught the boy all that is safe for him to know. Continue to have him practice his breathing and visualization exercises. I hardly think Minerva is going to make note of my absence. She will have you all to herself.” He held up his hands as her mouth opened to retort. “I will do what I can along the way to aid the Order against Lucius Malfoy. In the meantime, please do not speak of my departure to anyone unless absolutely necessary. I need you to trust me, Hermione. I can do more for the Order on my own than just sitting her brewing potions for Poppy and waiting for instructions from Minerva.”

He rolled his eyes at the thought of being under the Headmistress’s thumb and shuddered. “I suffered Dumbledore’s lunacy long enough. Will you trust me?”

Biting her lip, she closed her eyes and embraced him again, whispering, “Yes.”

When she pushed off from him, she worried suddenly, “What will you do about money?”

He chuckled appreciatively. “Always the worrier! Have no worries. When my demise was upon me, I made a contingency plan for my wealth and secured it from Gringott’s to a hidden location. There is more than enough for my travels.”

Hermione was relieved. “Is there anything I can do for you while I am here?”

“Just be available if I need your assistance. I am not sure, but at some point I might need to take advantage of your keen intellect.”

She blushed furiously when he said take advantage, but he paid no heed of the misnomer.

“One last thing.”

Curiously, she watched as he took something tiny from the pocket of his travelling cloak. “Your wand please?”

She handed it to him and was amazed when he enlarged it into the book of Shakespeare she had meant to give him but thought lost in the depths of the Weasley’s enormous house.

“Where did you find it?”

“Next to the sick bed at the Weasley’s, right after the huge row we had.” He frowned, his face like thunder at the memory.

“I’m so glad you found it! I couldn’t wait to give it to you. It was a token of my love for you, long before I was able to tell you. I thought at least you could think of me when you read the sonnets and remember the closeness we shared through all the horror.” She closed her eyes, feeling the thick tears slip from her lids as the rough pad of his thumb brushed them away.

“Thank you, it was a most thoughtful gift, and I shall treasure it always.” His voice was raspy, coarse with emotion. He peppered her face with kisses, wanting nothing more than to wish away her tears. “When I read it, I shall think of you and your love and the time when I will return to you, make sweet love to you, and have your precious body pressed into mine. My sweet Hermione.”

“I love you Severus Snape.”

“And I, you, Miss Granger.” She smiled at the endearment, sniffling once more. Hermione pushed him away, willing him to just be done with it.

“Go. Just go. I hate to say goodbye.”

He inclined his head and turned on heel. Severus’ breath hitched as a pair of little eyes peered up at him from the door when he opened it. He towered over Teddy, knowing damn well the effect would do nothing to the boy, but trying nonetheless.

“Teddy Lupin!”

“Yah Mister Snape?”

“Why are you eavesdropping on a private conversation?”

“Cause you were trying to keep a secret from me and it’s not nice. I’m telling my Daddy you’re leaving me. It’s making Hermione sad, look, you made her cry.”

Hermione was crying again. Gods, is that all women ever do is whinge and cry? Bloody hell!

Ignoring Hermione, Severus bended down on one knee before Teddy and gave him the sternest, gravest look he could manage. He took the child’s hands in his own and lowered his voice so only the two could hear. “Teddy, I have a very important job for you.”

The boy nodded eagerly, his eyes shining at being given an important task.

“You have to take care of Hermione for me while I’m gone. I have some very important business to take care of and you’re the man of the house while I’m away. No one can know unless Hermione tells them because it means you won’t be as safe if people know I am gone. Will you promise not to say anything, be good for Hermione and protect her?”

“I promise Mister Snape. Honest.” The little boy solemnly put a hand over his heart and shook on it, very much the miniature adult in the moment.

“Good boy.”

He was surprised when Teddy hugged him vigorously. “I know Hermione loves you Mister Snape, and I love you too. Bye!” The child ran off to play, unaware of the profound upheaval of emotion he had caused in the man that children everywhere hated.

Hermione looked on in wonder, shaking her head slowly. “I don’t know what you said to him, but I think he looks at you like a second father. You may not realize it yet, but I do think there is hope for you yet.”

He snorted ungraciously and muttered darkly to cover up the glee in his heart at the happiness he had imparted on behalf of the child.

“Goodbye Hermione.”

“Goodbye.”

With a whirl of his cloak and tap of the cane twice on the floor, he walked out the door of Cotswold Cottage, taking a piece of Hermione’s heart with him, while leaving all of his behind with the woman and child that were all he cared about in the world.