Chapter 48: Epilogue
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Hermione gently removed the tiny fingers away from her binding bracelet, as the baby had twisted it, pinching her skin. She held her daughter's hand, bending her head down to kiss the soft skin.
Swaying and singing, Hermione rocked her infant daughter, Serena, as sounds of children playing filtered into the nursery. Sabrina was nine now, and Sebastian coming up on his fourth birthday. They were getting along today; a blessing truly, as the baby hadn't slept the night before.
Serena finally fell asleep, and Hermione didn't want to set her down in the crib. She sat in the rocking chair, and closed her eyes. Recalling the last six years, she thought about waking up from a coma only to find out she had a baby, a toddler really. She had fell in love with her potions professor; married him and had two more children with him.
Their lives were happy; busy but happy. Hermione had worked hard after their wedding to finish up her masteries in Spells and Charms. She had taught a few advanced workshops and tutored struggling students but her true passion was merging the muggle and wizarding worlds.
Severus still taught; not just Owl and Newt students, but he accepted two apprentices each year. He still grumbled and pretended to be frustrated with the numerous Weasley and Potter children but Hermione could see through him. His big heart, his kindness, his passion. She sighed and ran a finger down Serena's sleeping face.
He had been so devoted during her pregnancy with Sebastian; helping her through the crazy emotions of the first pregnancy she actually remembered. This time, with Serena, had been easier. She knew what to expect but poor Severus was on edge, waiting for the crying jags to start again.
"Love, is she asleep?" Severus asked from the doorway.
"Finally! I couldn't bear to put her down." She told him.
He stepped into the room, "The kids would like to say good night."
Hermione nodded and he waved to the two heads sticking in the doorway.
"Mummy, may I kiss Serena?" Sabrina asked, her long curls bouncing around, loose and free.
"Gently, please. We don't wish to wake her."
Sabrina approached the rocking chair, and kissed Hermione on the cheek. She lightly caressed the soft dark hair on Serena's head before bending down and kissing her forehead.
Their eldest daughter backed away and stood near Severus. "Did you clean up?"
"Of course, Daddy." Sabrina leaned against him, muttering under her breath about appreciating the art and not focusing on the process and mess.
Hermione scolded her husband, "You always ask the questions in a way so she can skirt the truth. Sabrina, did you clean up the mess you made and put the art supplies back in their place?"
Sabrina's smile faltered, "Of course, Mummy. Everything is back in place. It didn't take long to clean up."
"That's cause you used magic when you weren't 'posed to," Sebastian tattled on his sister.
She reached out to smack him but he scurried to Hermione. Severus tried to hide a smirk but his wife caught him.
Sebastian tried to climb into Hermione's lap, so she adjusted the baby to make room. Hermione pulled him into a tight embrace, and rubbed his dark black curls. His black eyes focused on Serena, and he announced "She should have brown hair like you and Sabrina. Only us, Snape men, can have black hair."
Severus chuckled, "Say good night, Sebastian."
The mama's boy huffed, "But we're cuddling, Daddy!"
Hermione gazed at her family; Severus with his arm around Sabrina, Serena and Sebastian in her lap; together. Family.
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A/N: Thank you all for reading my story, I truly appreciate it.