Regrouping

A/N: I do not own anything you recognize. I, sadly, do not make any money off of this story. Also, this story is AU.

Chapter 5 – Regrouping

Severus knew it was a very cowardly thing to do, leaving Hermione sitting there after revealing to him that he had most likely fathered a child, but his mind was racing, and he needed air. Besides, she was the Gryffindor, not he.

As a student, and even into his teaching days, he had retreated to the Astronomy Tower to seclude himself. But Dumbledore had ruined that place for him, so his legs carried him to the Owlery instead.

His breath came in labored pants as he paced back and forth. This cannot be happening, his mind said over and over again. He walked over to the window and, leaning out over the edge, started taking in great gulps of air. The wizarding world was less forgiving of children born out of wedlock than the Muggle world. Hermione would bear the brunt of it. She would become a social pariah. She would possibly lose her job, if he knew the Board of Governors.

He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. He had never formed an opinion on termination, but his mind considered it. No, he thought. It wasn't his choice. It was Hermione's. He would support her if she chose that route, but he would not bring up the option. He started pacing again.

Perhaps this would be a good thing. Growing up, he had always wanted a child so that he could be the father Tobias never was. But all those dreams had gone up in flames once he'd begun spying for the Light. Now, those hopes were rising from the ashes, like a phoenix being reborn. He and Hermione were getting along well enough. There was no doubt in his mind that he was attracted to the young witch. It wouldn't be improper now to have a relationship with her as she was no longer his student or apprentice. But would she see it as such? Or would she assume he was just doing it out of honor? Was he considering it out of sheer honor?

The heavy wooden door scraped along the stone floor, pulling Severus from his thoughts. He straightened and set his face into the iconic glare.

"Oh, relax your face, Severus. You know it never worked on me." Minerva stood in the doorway with a look that meant nothing good was coming his way.

"What is it, Minerva? I'm not in the mood for any of your lectures today," Severus said with a sigh. The Headmistress took a step into the Owlery and huffed.

"Well, isn't that a 'good day'! I was actually just curious. I asked Hermione at lunch if you were going to be joining us, and the poor thing burst into tears and left the Great Hall! Do you know anything about this? I would hate for two of my professors to start the new school year off in the midst of a disagreement."

He had reduced her to tears. He had felt murderous hate for Weasley when he had made Hermione cry twice and had even envisioned ways of repaying such an injustice. Now he was the culprit. He hung his head in shame, but kept his face as blank as stone.

"I acted in a cowardly fashion earlier after receiving some distressing news." Severus didn't know what else to say. He couldn't very well tell the Headmistress he'd likely knocked up her prized Gryffindor cub, especially without Hermione's permission.

"I see. And just what was this distressing news?"

"I cannot disclose that information. You would do best to ask Hermione," Severus said, his voice flat.

"Yes, I assumed you would say that, so I followed Hermione before looking for you. She explained the situation."

Severus took a step back and instinctively fingered his wand. She knew. She had him cornered. Minerva was nothing if not a mother bear to her cubs, even after they had graduated.

"Oh, stop it, Severus. I'm not going to hex you. Give you a tongue lashing, yes, but I'm not going to injure anything more than possibly your pride."

He relaxed, but kept his hand close to his wand.

"First off, I'm very disappointed that the two of you, both intelligent beyond your years, did not have the foresight to avoid a situation like this. Really, Severus, bottling a headache relief and a contraceptive potion in similar bottles? And then storing them next to each other? You of all people should have known better."

"Yes, Minerva. I am aware of my mistake. I have many faults," he replied in a stony tone.

"Hm, yes. Well, I'm also very surprised at your reaction today. Just leaving her there in her rooms? Honestly, Severus. You've faced Voldemort and the contempt of most of the wizarding community. Is Hermione that frightening to you?" She paused, obviously expecting an answer from him.

"It is not Hermione that is frightening." Although, she can be if the situation warrants it, his mind added. "It is the situation in which we find ourselves. You know what will happen to her when the general public finds out she's having a child out of wedlock! And what will the Board of Governors say when they catch wind of the story? Not even you can save her then." Severus felt a tightening in his chest. He wanted nothing but the best for Hermione. It pained him to think what her life would be as a single mother. He had to make sure that did not happen.

"Well, I believe she's had a taste of what it might be like this morning. She believes that you will never speak to her again. Do you know she attempted to put in her notice? I, of course, refused, but I suggest that you find that girl and calm her down. Unless, of course, she was correct in her assumption that you wish to no longer speak to her?" Minerva fixed him with a pointed look over the rims of her glasses.

The tight feeling in his chest grew stronger, making it difficult to breathe, let alone speak. "She was incorrect in that assumption. I am..." He stopped. What was he? He was not in love with the girl, but it was more than just a feeling one had for a friend, even a good friend. He started again. "I am fond of Hermione. She is an amazing young woman, whom I admire."

Minerva sighed in finality. "Good. You still have a week before a pregnancy can be detected magically. I suggest the two of you remain calm until you know for sure that Hermione is expecting. I will expect the results from the detection as soon as you know them." Minerva gave Severus a look of exasperation. "Now, kindly grow a pair and go straighten out the situation with Hermione." With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the Owlery.

Severus sighed heavily and slumped against the wall. Minerva was right, of course. He needed to speak with Hermione. He needed to apologize for leaving her the way he had. Perhaps they were getting ahead of themselves. It wasn't guaranteed that Hermione had conceived. They should attempt to act normally and not decide anything until the pregnancy was confirmed. Severus straightened his form and purposefully walked out of the Owlery in search of Hermione.

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Hermione had not answered when Severus had knocked on her door. When he did not find her in the Great Hall, the teacher's lounge, or her classroom and office, Severus had begun to think she had really left, despite Minerva refusing her resignation. He stood in the Entrance Hall, a scowl etched onto his face.

The library. Of course. He and Hermione were alike in that they both felt secure around books. He quickly set his path to the school's library, hoping to find Hermione.

It didn't take him long to find her tucked away in a back corner, her nose buried in a book almost half her size. She was so engrossed he had to call her name twice before she registered his presence. She looked up at him, an unreadable expression on her face.

"Hi," she said softly. There were still some salt lines on her face from tears that she hadn't wiped away. He stepped forward slightly and gestured to an adjoining chair.

"May I?" he asked quietly. Hermione consented with a nod. Severus took the seat next her. "I apologize for my behavior earlier today. It was very childish and unfair to you. It will not happen again. I beg for your forgiveness." He looked at her with pleading in his eyes.

Hermione reached over her now closed book and took his hand. With a smile she said, "Oh, Severus. Of course I forgive you. I'm just so relieved that you aren't upset with me."

"I could never be upset with you for something I did." That smile, Merlin help him. He was very glad he was sitting. "I believe both of us have overreacted to our current situation. Yes, there is a very good chance that we indeed did conceive a child, but there is also a chance that we did not. So, it is my opinion that we not let the possibility of something define our decisions until that possibility turns into reality."

Hermione sighed. "Agreed. " As if on cue, her stomach growled.

Severus raised his eyebrow. "Did you eat lunch?" Severus asked, standing up.

"Uh, no. I didn't," she answered in a sheepish voice.

Severus offered her his arm. "Well then, please allow me to escort you to dinner."

Hermione smiled and stood to take the proffered arm. "Thank you, Severus." She reached up and lightly kissed his cheek. He turned his head and stared at her in wonder. She smiled back him.

"Now, are we going to dinner or not? I'm starving." Hermione was back to her bossy self it seemed. Severus smiled, tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, and guided her out of the room.

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A/N: Hopefully I wrapped this chapter up a little neater than some of my previous ones. I will be taking a hiatus for a few months to participate in my first ever sshg exchange! Check out my LJ account for updates and such. And keep reading and reviewing!