“And?”
“The Ministry has refused to make you Grainne’s legal guardian.”
“WHAT?!” after that outburst it took several minutes for Morgan to calm Viviane down and go back to nursing. “Why? What am I going to do Severus? She’s my sister, I just can’t…”
“I have taken care of it.”
Morgan looked up at him expectantly.
Severus sighed, “they refused to make you her legal guardian. Specifically because you are too young and most likely because you are a woman.” He held up a hand to stop the torrent of outraged words he knew would follow that statement, “however, they had no problem letting me sign the papers to assume legal guardianship.” He frowned, “you’re rather more attractive when your mouth isn’t gaping open.”
Morgan snapped her mouth shut. “So… you basically adopted my sister?”
“Merlin’s balls, don’t try to subject your sister on me like that! I merely ensured that she will be able to remain with you during the holidays and that she will be provided for. There was precious little left to your father’s estate.”
“Thank you, Severus, it means a lot to me that you would do that.”
Severus barely inclined his head in acknowledgement of her thanks. “She is two weeks old today,” he commented as he took a seat next to Morgan.
Morgan smiled, “I know, its gone fast.”
“I will be infinitely happier when she is six weeks old.”
“You just want to be able to sleep with me again.”
Severus smirked at her, “you’re starting to become very perceptive.”
Morgan rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help but smile in return. “It’s nice to know where my true value lies…”
“Stop being impertinent.”
“You like it when I’m impertinent.” She smiled at him and leaned in for a kiss. “Thank you for straightening out the situation with Grainne. I know the two of you are not fond of each other.” She knew that was rather an understatement, but continued on, “it really means a lot to me that you took care of the whole matter.”
“I believe your sister’s hatred of me is only matched by Potter’s,” Severus remarked dryly. “Nevertheless, she is family now and I am well aware of societal expectations. I am sure she will be somewhat content, although violently angry at being confined to Order headquarters with you.”
“Yes… well, I’m sure we’ll make do,” Morgan tried to be optimistic.
“Morgan, you will tell me if looking after her gets to be too much.”
“It’s not as though I’m going to have a choice in the matter…”
“I can be rather… persuasive… when necessary, and I will not tolerate anyone, your sister included, treating you with the insolence she so likes to display.”
Morgan measured out her next words carefully, “as much as I appreciate that, Severus, it might be best if you didn’t try to get too involved. She’s more receptive to me than she is to anyone else. She might even listen to me on occasion.”
That sat in silence after that while Morgan finished feeding Viviane and then put her to bed.
“I wish you didn’t have to spy,” Morgan said as she returned.
Severus reached for her and pulled her down into his lap, “it is necessary.”
“I know… but when I think of the danger you’re putting yourself in,” her voice shook. “I don’t want to think of you getting hurt or even dying just because Dumbledore asked you to.”
Severus held her close to him, “I owe Albus more than you can possibly imagine. But, that is not the reason I agreed to his request. I will do everything in my power to bring the dark lord down.”
“I’ll just keep reminding myself that you’re too mean to die easily.”
“Insufferable brat,” but he still kissed her. “I don’t want you overtiring yourself this summer. You will let me know if Grainne gives you too much trouble, and you will let Molly Weasley help look after Viviane.”
“But Molly has other duties that she needs to see to,” Morgan tried to protest.
“She is getting rather impatient for grandchildren of her own. And, she hasn’t forgotten that you could have had either Bill or Charlie if you wished. She will jump at the chance to watch Viviane for at least a few hours everyday.”
Morgan sighed, as much as she wanted to argue with him she knew he wouldn’t listen.