Deliberation

Disclaimer: If I were smart enough, I would have thought of it first. Unfortunately, Jo did first.

Author's Note: I am SO incredibly sorry for how long this has taken. I promise to be quicker from now on. I do have a decent excuse, though. I'm currently working two jobs AND taking summer school.

Chapter 3: Deliberation

Severus smirked arrogantly as Miss Granger left his office. Oh, how well played that was. Her youth and desperation for his approval, as well as her Gryffindor stupidity, had made her easy to manipulate. He felt very confident she would sign the contract. He had balanced just the right amount of his usual surly demeanour and sarcasm with compliments and praise to keep her off balance. He could not allow her to control the situation or to have time to analyse his motives for appearing civil.

He returned to his seat at the desk, leant back, and propped his feet up on the desk. The thing that worried him was having allowed her to leave without actually signing the contract. His original intent had been to ensure she signed the contract before leaving, but he had sensed that if he pushed too far she would have run from their meeting without considering the apprenticeship. Well, he thought, if giving her a few days to think things over gets her to sign the contract, then so be it.

A small niggling in the back of his brain worried that her friends and family could talk her out of signing the contract. He was confident, due to the secrecy clause, that she would not reveal the exact details of the contract, especially her being the child's biological mother. He may not have said it plainly, but he knew the girl was smart enough to figure out that telling anyone that she was anything more than just a surrogate was unacceptable. It seemed unavoidable, however, that her two infuriating friends, Potter and Weasley, would find out about her being a surrogate for him. He knew she would refuse to go almost a year without seeing those two blighters, and it would be difficult to hide her condition once the visible evidence of her pregnancy became apparent.

Out of nowhere, an image of Ms. Granger round with child...his child...came to mind. He immediately shook that thought out of his head as he continued to ponder the dilemma posed by the two imbeciles. If she chose to tell them now, it could be quite dangerous for him. Those two undoubtedly held sway over her, and if they pled with her not to sign the contract, she may listen to them. No. She will sign the contract. Mentally continuing this assuring mantra, he stood, then headed back to his private lab to check on the burn salve he had brewing for the infirmary.

****** ****** ******

Hermione approached Professor McGonagall's door with a renewed sense of confidence. She was always the type of person who was most confident when she had a plan. Now, she had a plan to deal with Professor Snape. Well, not a plan really. She just had a plan...to make a plan. However, for now, that was good enough.

At the moment, she needed to focus on what she would say to Professor McGonagall. Hermione realised Professor Snape would not be pleased if she told anyone, especially one of his colleagues, that he wanted her to be the biological mother of his desired heir. However, she assumed saying that she would be a surrogate for Professor Snape was safe enough as she would be living at Hogwarts throughout the pregnancy, and she did not intend to allow herself to be locked away in a dungeon for nine months. They would have to know, if they did not already know of the pending situation.

Hermione realised that she needed to discuss the proposition with someone who knew Professor Snape better than she did. While positive that her plan would work, she firmly believed it best to have all available information readily available. Professor McGonagall's opinion would be vital in her research and would help tremendously in ensuring Hermione made the correct decision. Plus, it would provide some comfort, putting her mind at ease over the whole situation.

As she reached the door to Professor McGonagall's office, she pushed all thoughts aside before knocking softly on the door. She heard a swishing of robes, and then the door opened. Hermione smiled at her mentor as Professor McGonagall gave a soft gasp of surprise upon seeing one of her favourite former students standing there.

"Miss Granger! What brings you here?"

Hermione's smile widened. "Hello, Professor. I'm no longer your student, so please call me Hermione."

"Well then, Hermione, come in please, and you may call me Minerva." Professor McGonagall stood back from the doorway to let Hermione pass, and Hermione took one of the chairs sitting in front of her desk.

"Biscuit? Tea?" Professor McGonagall offered, gesturing towards the tea service sitting in the corner of the office.

"Yes, please. Both."

Professor McGonagall bustled about for a minute preparing a cup of tea and a plate of lemon biscuits for both Hermione and herself. When she finally handed Hermione her cup and plate, she settled herself in the chair next to Hermione.

"What have you been up to these last few years, Hermione? Last I had heard, you went home to spend some time with your parents?"

"Yes, I did. Mum and Dad needed some help with the dental office they run, and I really missed them," Hermione answered before taking another sip of tea.

"Well, do you plan on continuing your education and starting a career in the wizarding world, or will you be staying with your parents?"

"Well," Hermione began somewhat hesitantly, "I just met with Professor Snape about becoming his apprentice this year."

"Oh? Well, Severus never mentioned this," Minerva said with a questioning look on her face. "He has always stated he would never take an apprentice. How in Merlin's name did you manage to persuade him?" she asked with a slightly incredulous look.

"Well...I'm not completely sure yet if I'll accept. He wants me to do...something for him in return. I'm not sure I can do all he asks."

Minerva's face suddenly seemed to lose a little colour, and she set her plate and cup on the edge of her desk. "This thing he wishes you to do. What is it, Hermione?"

"Well," Hermione began, uncomfortably shifting in her seat, "I'm not sure how much I should say, really. He was very clear he wished for...discretion."

Minerva's face lost more colour at this. Her knuckles became white as she clutched at her dark blue robes. "Hermione, tell me, does this favour have anything to do with Professor Snape's recent desire for an heir?"

Hermione dropped her plate and cup, which had been teetering precariously on her knee, at this question. The china smashed loudly against the stone of the floor. "Oh, I'm sorry, Pro-Minerva. I'll clean it up."

"Oh, don't worry, dear. Reparo!" The cup and plate immediately righted themselves, and Hermione set them on the desk next to Minerva's. "Now," Minerva continued, "I gather from your reaction that I was correct in assuming Professor Snape asked you to assist him in his quest for an heir?"

"Yes," Hermione answered. Her eyes were steadfastly focused on her shoes... all of her earlier bravado having vanished in the presence of her mentor. "Wait!" she said suddenly. "How did you know about this, Minerva? Has Professor Snape told you about any of this?"

"Well, since he plans on the woman he selects staying in the quarters directly across from his own, he naturally had to get Albus' approval. As Deputy Headmistress, I was consulted on the matter."

"Oh, of course. I didn't even think of that," Hermione said, looking down.

"Are you considering this, Hermione?" Minerva asked, worry in her voice.

"Well, I really do want this apprenticeship. I love my parents, but I'm tired of putting my education and my life on hold for them. Apprenticing with Professor Snape is such a unique opportunity and..."

"Hermione," Minerva interrupted, gently placing her hand on Hermione's knee to silence her, "I understand all of that. What I was asking was whether or not you were considering accepting the terms Professor Snape is asking of you."

"I'm not sure. He has made a very tempting offer, and I do really want this apprenticeship. I also completely understand his desire to have an heir as well. He is the last of his line, you know. However, what I'm not sure about is whether I can agree to this. I think it may be too hard, but I just don't know if I can turn down this opportunity. No one else is even giving me an opportunity to prove myself. I know it will be difficult, but I would also gain quite a lot in return." Hermione finally brought her gaze up to meet with Minerva's. The older witch's lips were pursed in a thin line, but Hermione could see the softness in her gaze as she listened to her.

"Prof-Minerva," Hermione continued, "what I really came up to talk to you about...what I really need to know...is whether or not you believe Professor Snape is capable of caring for and loving a child. I tried to talk to him about this. Although he assured me he is capable of raising a child, I get the impression he hasn't properly thought this through. He wants an heir, but he doesn't seem to have fully considered what raising a child means. It is so much more than changing nappies and providing food. What about love, acceptance, and affection? A child needs those things, and I just don't know him well enough to know if he is even capable of giving such things. He was always so cold and closed off in class, but I know I can't base my decision on that alone. You've known him for a long time and have spent time with him outside of class. What kind of a father do you think he will make?"

Minerva leant back in her chair and crossed her legs. She took a deep breath, expression pensive. After a few moments reflection, she looked back to Hermione before speaking. "I have known Severus since his first year at Hogwarts." Minerva's gaze softened, and a soft smile tugged at her lips as she became caught up in her memories. "He was a very small boy when he first arrived. He seemed so fragile. He kept looking around as if he wanted to commit every speck of dust to memory. I admit I was quite astonished when the Sorting Hat saw fit to place him in Slytherin. Of course, any doubts I had about what House he belonged in were quickly allayed when I saw how well he dealt with his fellow students, especially his Housemates," she added with a chuckle.

Her face suddenly became sombre as she continued. "I have always felt horrible about turning a blind eye to the way James Potter and Sirius Black tormented him. I brushed off their cruel treatment as the ordinary foolishness of young boys. However, as he came into his last year at Hogwarts, it became painfully clear how wrong I had been." She spoke with sorrow in her voice. "He had lost all traces of the wide-eyed boy who sat on that stool in front of everyone. All that was left was a bitter, harsh young man...perfect for Lord Voldemort to prey upon."

Hermione fidgeted as she listened to Minerva. She had the very distinct feeling Professor Snape would not appreciate his colleague sharing all of this with her. He certainly would never understand why, but she had to know. She needed this information about her enigmatic professor before she could make the hard decision he presented to her.

She also felt a deep sense of loss for the small, wide-eyed boy she heard Minerva describe. What kind of man would he now be if people like James and Sirius hadn't picked on him in school? Would he have been different had people befriended him instead of teasing and tormenting him?

Oddly enough, this reminded her of her first few months at Hogwarts before the incident with the troll that brought her, Harry, and Ron together as friends. Before she came to Hogwarts, she hadn't had many friends. She was constantly teased for her big teeth and bushy hair, as well as for being "bossy" and a "teacher's pet." She had, at first, been thrilled to be going to a place like Hogwarts. When she received her letter, she thought that at a wonderful, magical place like Hogwarts she could finally be accepted for who she was.

When she first arrived, she had been so excited, and this new world seemed so full of promise. She wanted to learn everything she could, experiencing this new and wonderful world in every way possible. However, she had been treated the same as at the Muggle primary school. It was only her friendship with Harry and Ron that had allowed her to open up to people and gain the confidence to make more friends.

What would Professor Snape be like today if he had had his own Harry and Ron? The thought caused her to give a soft, derisive laugh. However, she couldn't help but think that perhaps she and Professor Snape were more alike than she ever realised. Suddenly, she remembered where she was and looked over at Minerva. She, too, had been caught up in her own thoughts. Hermione lightly cleared her throat, and Minerva gave a slight jump at the sudden sound.

"I'm so sorry, Hermione. Now, where was I? Ah, yes. Severus was a very gifted student. He always excelled above the others in his year, but he lacked the confidence to succeed socially. Of course, that wasn't surprising considering the home in which he was raised. Tobias Snape was a cruel man who firmly believed that demonstrating emotion made one weak. He never had a kind word to say to anyone, including his son, and I dare say his demeanour transferred itself to Severus." Minerva paused to look at Hermione and gave a small, reassuring smile at the wide-eyed look on Hermione's face. "Don't worry, dear. He never has to know I shared all of this with you. Normally, I would never talk about Severus behind his back like this. However, he has put you in an exceedingly difficult position, and I feel you need to have all the information that you feel is necessary before making your decision."

"Thank you, Minerva. I feel the same way. Before I left his office, I promised Professor Snape that I would give his offer due consideration, and I don't think I could do that without knowing all relevant information about him. Thank you for sharing."

"You're welcome. Now, as I was saying, Severus did not have the most pleasant of childhoods. He always separated himself from his peers. After the incident in the Shrieking Shack with Remus, Sirius and James, he seemed to withdraw from the world even more. He continued to get top marks, of course, but he didn't socialise with the other students, even his fellow Slytherins. Then, not long before he graduated, his mother was murdered. Her murderer was never found. He became even more subdued and unsociable than before. Of course, during his last year as a student, Voldemort was gaining power. I'm not sure of when he took the Dark Mark, but it was around this same time. I don't know much of the details of his time as a Death Eater, as he has only shared those details with Albus, but I'm sure it was not pleasant."

Hermione felt tears prickling her eyes. She couldn't imagine all he had endured. Nearly dying because of a stupid, cruel schoolboy prank was bad enough, but then, to get sucked into the Death Eaters and also have his mother die would have destroyed a lesser man. Taking a deep breath, she reined in her emotions to staunchly return her professor's piercing gaze.

"Minerva, do you believe that someone with such a horrible background could make a good father? Would he even be capable of giving the love and affection a child needs despite not having experienced it as a child?"

With contemplation on her face, Minerva considered the question. "That is a very difficult question to answer, Hermione." At Hermione's dismayed expression, she continued, "However, I will try. Severus has always held others at arms length. His background, as I'm sure you can understand, makes him wary of letting his walls drop. However, I do believe that becoming a father may be exactly what he needs to overcome the dreariness of his past."

When Minerva paused here, Hermione spoke up. "So, are you saying that I should do this?"

"No, no. Not necessarily," Minerva responded. "It is a wonderful opportunity as far as your education goes. Nevertheless, you must consider this very carefully, dear. Trust me when I tell you that bearing a child and leaving it...even if it would not biologically be yours...will not be easy. You must be sure you will come out of this with no regrets. Don't let your desire for knowledge, the need to rejoin the wizarding world, or your compassion for Professor Snape lead you to make a decision you'll regret."

Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She wanted desperately to tell Minerva that the child would be hers, but she knew she couldn't. She didn't even want to think about what Professor Snape's reaction to that would be. Instead, she settled on asking, "Do you think I'll regret it?"

Minerva sighed as her expression turned soft and motherly. "I think that with a heart like yours, Hermione, you will find doing what Professor Snape asks to be exceedingly difficult. I have watched you since the day you arrived at Hogwarts, and I know you always look for the good in people. It is an admirable trait, but occasionally, it can lead you astray."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, obviously perplexed.

"I only mean that sometimes looking at the good in people can give a false impression. Professor Snape is a good man underneath his surly demeanour, but that doesn't mean that the surly demeanour isn't also who he is. He has had a difficult life, and it has taken a toll on him. I don't think he will ever completely change. Almost forty years of habit is very difficult to break. However, it should be said that he always does what is right in the end."

At these last words, hope bloomed in Hermione. He always does what is right in the end. She felt herself smiling softly as she thought, Then perhaps he'll do what's right in the end and not keep me from the baby! With this last, hopeful thought, she rose from her seat and extended her hand to Minerva.

"Thank you, Minerva. You've told me enough to help make my decision easier, and the tea and biscuits were wonderful." Hermione smiled broadly. Minerva stood, accepting her outstretched hand.

"Well, I'm glad I could help you, dear. It was so good to see you again." Minerva suddenly clutched both of Hermione's hands firmly in her own. "Promise me, though, Hermione, that you will think this through thoroughly. As dear as Severus is to me, I just don't know if this is such a good idea. You are one of the best students I have ever had the privilege to teach, and I would hate to see you heartbroken. I'm not going to tell you what to do, but I would urge you to be sure you are prepared for how trying this will be."

Hermione's smile faltered as she listened to Minerva's impassioned plea. "I-I will. I promise," she stuttered.

Minerva released her grip on Hermione's hands and smiled at the young witch. "Good. Well, it was good to see you. I'm so glad you came by to see me."

"It was good to see you too, Professor. Have a good day." Minerva held the door open, and Hermione exited the room.

After saying their final goodbyes, Hermione headed back out the front doors and climbed into the carriage, which was waiting to take her back to Hogsmeade station. On the ride back to town, her mind was still reeling. She was still trying to process everything that had happened over the last few hours. She had been completely bewildered when she first left Professor Snape's office. She certainly didn't expect his particular stipulation. She had been sure that visiting with Minerva would help her make her decision. When she had said that Professor Snape always did what was right in the end, Hermione had felt sure of her decision, but she felt doubt creeping in again with Minerva's final plea. Instead of clearing up her confusion, her visit with Minerva had added to it.

As she descended from the carriage, another thought crossed her mind. What am I going to tell Mum and Dad? Panic began to settle in at this thought. She couldn't tell them what Professor Snape had asked her to do. They simply wouldn't understand. Her father would come unglued, wanting to kill the wizard. Plus, she just couldn't bring herself to tell them that she was actually considering his offer. She would just have to tell them that Professor Snape had indeed made an offer of apprenticeship, but that there were certain terms she wasn't sure she was comfortable with. She had the rest of the afternoon to come up with the details of what she would tell them before they returned home from work. Having made her decision and realizing she was getting some rather strange stares from the villagers in Hogsmeade, she shook her head and Apparated home.

****** ****** ******

Dinner with her parents had, indeed, been stressful. They had wanted to know everything about her meeting with Professor Snape. When she told them she was uncomfortable with some of the terms being asked of her, her mother had pressed her for details. She managed to evade their questions by explaining that Professor Snape had explained that he would not tolerate disobedience in the slightest. He had also made it clear that he would completely control all aspects of her life for the year, and she likely would not be allowed to return home for the duration of the apprenticeship.

Her mother had blanched at this news, but then surprised Hermione by stating that 'it was only a year' and Hermione was 'surely strong enough to handle whatever Professor Snape could throw her way.' Hermione had convinced herself that her parents, especially her mother, would try to talk her into staying. Instead, they told her that they were happy she was getting such a wonderful offer, and they knew how excited she was to get her life back on track.

In the end, they had advised her to sign the contract and do whatever she felt necessary to survive the year with her difficult professor. As she crawled into bed that night, all of the events of the day rolled in her head. She decided her parents had no idea how difficult Professor Snape was really being, and it would stay that way.

****** ****** ******

On Saturday, Hermione Apparated to the Burrow for the combined birthday dinner for Ginny and Percy. With their birthdays being only eleven days apart, Mrs. Weasley usually preferred having one get-together. As she approached the house, watching all of the conversations going on, she couldn't help but smile.

Bill and Fleur happened to be in London, so they were able to attend. They had been married now for over a year and were in the process of being interrogated by Mrs. Weasley as to when they were going to give her a grandchild when Hermione arrived. Meanwhile, Mr. Weasley was arguing with Percy over a new law that the Ministry had passed, and Charlie, Ron, and Harry were in an intense conversation about the Quidditch World Cup, which had been about a month before in France. Charlie had attended and was regaling the boys with the details of the match. Ginny was the first to see her approach.

"Hermione! Oh, I'm so glad you're here!" Ginny squealed and ran up to hug her. At hearing Ginny's outburst, the conversations stopped, and the boys came to greet her as well.

Once all the greetings had been exchanged, Mrs. Weasley declared that dinner could now be served. "About bloody time, too. I'm starving, and Mum made us wait 'til you got here to eat," Ron said, glaring facetiously at Hermione.

Once everyone, including Ron, had been stuffed to the brim with roasted chicken, vegetables, mashed potatoes, kidney pie, and a delicious chocolate treacle tart for dessert, Percy and Ginny were allowed to open their presents. After presents, everyone moved inside. Hermione and Ginny found themselves in a corner watching Harry and Ron battle in an intense game of wizard's chess while the rest of the men sat at the dining table talking. Mrs. Weasley had Fleur looking at baby photos of all her children, unabashedly dropping more hints about grandchildren.

"So, Hermione, how did your meeting with Professor Snape go?" Ginny asked. Concerned, the boys abruptly put down their chess pieces and turned towards Hermione curiously, ignoring their chess pieces that were creating mayhem on the board.

Hermione shifted in her seat and steeled herself. It had been difficult to lie to her parents, but this could prove even harder. She wanted to tell them that Professor Snape had asked her to be a surrogate for him, but she knew their reactions were likely to get volatile. "Well," she began uncomfortably, "he offered me the apprenticeship."

Ginny gasped excitedly and grasped Hermione's hands. "Oh, that's wonderful! I mean, I know he was cruel during school, and I'm sure that hasn't changed, but if anyone can handle him, Hermione, it's you. This is such a great opportunity for you. When are you starting?" Ginny finished excitedly. The boys just glowered at Ginny, but they kept silent. Hermione knew exactly what was going through both of their minds, however, and she desperately tried to ignore them.

"Well, yes, I'm very excited," Hermione began, "but I haven't really decided yet. I really want to sign the contract he gave me, but I really want to think this through before I agree."

Puzzlement showed on Ginny's face while the boys looked at Hermione with hopeful expressions. "So, you're not gonna do it, eh, Hermione?" Ron said with a grin on his face. "I'm so glad to hear that. I can't imagine how awful spending an entire year with that ruddy man would be." Ron shivered and looked down at the floor.

Hermione's lips thinned, and her cheeks reddened. "Were you listening, Ron? I didn't say I wasn't going to do it. I just said that I haven't made up my mind yet. Honestly, I'm actually leaning towards accepting."

Ron and Harry looked at her sheepishly as Harry said, "Sorry, Hermione. Ron didn't mean to upset you. We're just concerned about what Snape might do to you while you're his apprentice. He was pretty awful to you at school, so it just seems strange that he would want to spend a year with you, that's all."

Hermione's expression softened a bit, and she said, "Yes, I was surprised, too. I expected to have to practically beg him to take me on, but he was actually quite receptive. In fact, I would almost say he was...civil when I met with him." At the startled looks of her three friends, she added, "Well, civil for Professor Snape. I mean, he was still his usual curt self. However, he did compliment my intelligence, and he even said that he would help me get a job at the Department of Mysteries once I completed my apprenticeship," she finished smugly.

Ron, Ginny, and Harry all looked at her, shocked. "Wow, Hermione," Ron said, in a dazed tone. "The Department of Mysteries? It's really hard to get a job there. How did he say he could manage that?"

"His cousin is the head of the department, and he said that if he vouched for me I would be sure to get the job."

All three of her friends muttered "oh" in response.

"Wait a minute," Harry said, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Something isn't right here. This isn't like Snape to be so...nice. What gives? Did he say what he wanted in return?"

Hermione swallowed nervously. Here goes nothing, she thought. I just hope there isn't anything really valuable around here for them to break. "Well," she began carefully, "there is one thing. He wants me to...well, you see, he...the thing is..."

"It's okay, Hermione. Just tell us," Ginny said with a reassuring pat on Hermione's knee.

Hermione gave a grateful smile to her and took a deep breath. "Well, Professor Snape is the last in his family, and, when he dies, his family name will have died out."

"Good riddance to the lot of them...probably all just as greasy and horrible as he is," Ron spat venomously. He immediately muttered an apology when he saw the icy stare Hermione was giving him.

"As I was saying," she bit out, trying to ignore his interruption, "Professor Snape is the last of his line. Now that it's been a couple of years since Voldemort was defeated..." She paused to glance at Harry, who was suddenly shifting nervously in his seat. It had been two years since Harry fought Voldemort for the last time, but he was still haunted by the memories. Shaking her head, she continued, "Yes, since it's been two years since...then, he has decided that he needs to do something to keep his family name from dying out. He has been looking for a woman to be a surrogate for him, but he hasn't had much luck, apparently. So, when I wrote to him and expressed my interest in an apprenticeship, he..."

"Wait a second," Harry interrupted, with a look of horrified understanding on his face. "You aren't going to say what I think you are, are you?" She nervously glanced around and saw a matching expression of dawning comprehension on Ginny and Ron's faces.

"Well...er, you see," she began.

"No bloody way, Hermione. I can't believe he would even ask that of you! I mean, you can't honestly be considering having his baby, can you?" Ron said with a mix of anger and horror on his face.

Hermione sighed. "I know it seems strange, but it really is a great opportunity. Plus, I talked to Professor McGonagall. She told me some things about Professor Snape's past, and she also said that he always does what is right in the end, so..."

"What do you mean he always does what's right in the end? Since when has he ever done what's right, Hermione?" Harry hissed. Hermione's face immediately contorted with rage, but when she saw the palpable energy crackling off Harry and the furious expression on his face, she swallowed the angry retort that had been on her tongue.

"Calm down, Harry," she said as she laid a calming hand on his arm. Harry visibly relaxed; the aura around him cooled. "I know you never really forgave Professor Snape for what happened to...Sirius," she glanced at Harry nervously as she saw the fiery expression return to his face, "but that was a long time ago. A lot has happened since then. He was there for you in end. In spite of how he treated us in school, he stood by you and Dumbledore in the end, and he helped destroy Voldemort. He even saved our lives. I know that doesn't excuse the horrible things he did, but he did do the right thing in the end. It's just like Professor McGonagall said. I have to believe that it will be the same in this situation. No matter what he says now, he will do the right thing in the end," Hermione said with more conviction than she was sure she felt.

"Hermione," Ginny chipped in, "what exactly do you mean by that?"

"Well, like I said, I would only be the surrogate for the baby. The baby would belong to Professor Snape. So, he made it clear that once the baby was born, my apprenticeship would be over, and I would be expected...required to leave." Hermione suddenly found a string on the hem of her robes very interesting. She couldn't bear to look any of her friends in the eye.

"Hermione," Ginny began softly, "are you saying that he wouldn't let you see the baby at all?"

"Well, it would be his child, so...no." Hermione still didn't meet any of their eyes.

"So, he wouldn't use your...er...egg for the...er...conception?" Ginny asked, nervously glancing at the boys.

"Well, we would use the fertility clinic in St. Mungo's, so we wouldn't have to you...er...you know. He said it would just be a simple procedure. You don't have to use the surrogate's egg if you don't want to," Hermione replied evasively. She would take the same approach here as she had with Minerva. She would tell them the circumstances and let them conclude that the baby wouldn't be hers biologically. That way she wouldn't be breaking Professor Snape's rules, and she wouldn't have to lie.

"I see. Well, I have heard of this procedure before, but I've never actually done one or seen one done. They work on the opposite side of the hospital from me. I haven't ever had to go to the fertility clinic," Ginny offered. She was in her first year of Healer training and still had two years left.

"Really? What all have you heard about this procedure? Professor Snape really didn't tell me much about it," Hermione asked, her curiosity giving her the courage to meet Ginny's eyes.

"Well, I haven't heard a whole lot, except that it's relatively simple. We learnt a bit about it in one of my classes. The way they described it, it seemed simple enough. I didn't pay too close attention at the time they talked about it. It's not like I'll ever need to use the procedure. Plus, I'm not interested in that aspect of Healing. The only thing I actually remember is that it doesn't always work the first time," Ginny replied with a shrug.

"Really? Well, then he must have been telling the truth. He said that most women recover after a day of rest. Do you think there could be any lasting effects? Would I still be able to have children afterwards? I mean, I..."

"Hermione! You can't be serious! How can you even consider this? This isn't like you. You can't do this! It's ridiculous!" Harry stated irritably.

Hermione snapped an icy glare on him and retorted, "Don't tell me what I can and cannot do, Harry James Potter! It's my life! I was only asking Ginny for information about the procedure since she knows more about it than I do. I want to have ALL of the facts before I make my final decision."

Before Harry could come back with his own hot retort, Ginny interrupted. "Actually, I think I can understand why he wants to do this. I mean, so many of the pure-blood families are dying out. If he is the last of his line, he'd be expected to have a child to carry the family name on. Since he doesn't have Voldemort to worry about anymore, it would seem a good time to do it."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione all looked at her, astonished. She rolled her eyes at them and said, "What? I didn't say that she should do it. I just said I can understand why he wants to do it."

"That's practically the same thing, Ginny." Ron spat accusingly.

Ginny looked at him and said incredulously, "No it isn't, Ron! I don't think she should do it. I was just adding to the conversation by trying to play Devil's Advocate. There are, after all, two sides to this. Not just your prejudiced point of view." She turned towards Hermione. "Hermione, it is your life. You have to do what's best for you, but I don't think you should do it. There are plenty of smart, powerful witches out there for Professor Snape to find. Let him find one of them. I know the apprenticeship means a lot to you, but is it really worth this? I know the baby wouldn't biologically be yours, but you would still become very attached to it. It will be very difficult to just leave."

"I know. That's what I mean about him doing the right thing in the end. A baby needs two parents. I just can't help but think that in the end he'll make the best decision for the baby, although he says now that he doesn't want me around. Plus, I just can't see him raising a child all on his own. I think I could get him to change his mind. We'll be spending so much time together, after all, what with the apprenticeship and checkups and such. Surely I'll be able to change his mind," Hermione said in the most confident voice she could muster. It was the first time she voiced these thoughts aloud, and she couldn't help but think how ridiculous they sounded.

"That's a very big chance you'll be taking, Hermione," Ginny said warningly. "Professor Snape seems like a stubborn person. I don't know if changing his mind will be all that easy."

"But, I have to believe it, Gin," Hermione said, pleading for understanding. "I want this apprenticeship so much, and the job at the Department of Mysteries sounds so interesting. It's exactly the type of job I was looking for. How can I pass this opportunity up?"

"Sounds like you are looking to play house with the git after the baby is born. Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed, looking to Harry in horror.

"You can't do it, Hermione," Harry said firmly. "It's absurd. I know you want the apprenticeship, but you can apprentice with someone else. There are other great jobs out there. You'll find something else to do or maybe get the job at the Department of Mysteries on your own. You don't have to have Snape for that. You're smart enough. You can't do it."

Hermione once again felt her ire flaring up. She hated it when people tried to tell her she couldn't do something. Nothing made her angrier than that. This is my life! she thought. No one will tell me what to do with it! "Harry," she began in a warning tone, "I told you, it's my life. If I decide it is best for me to accept Professor Snape's offer, I will do so. Nothing you, or anyone, says will change my mind. Is that clear?"

Harry scowled deeply while Ginny and Ron just gaped at the scene unfolding. "Hermione," Harry hissed, "you can't do this. You won't. It's completely unacceptable. I won't let you ruin your life like this. Not for that greasy bastard!"

Hermione rose from her spot on the couch, glaring down at Harry. "You will not tell me what to do! I know you don't understand this. I also know you don't like Professor Snape, but that isn't the point! I knew I shouldn't have told you. I knew you and Ron would react like this. Well, guess what? This isn't your decision to make. It's mine! So, if you don't like the decision I make, then that's your problem." She marched over to the coat rack by the door and grabbed her cloak.

Hermione paused after she put her cloak on and looked over at Ginny. Her friend had drawn away from them, trying to avoid the row between Harry and Hermione. "Ginny, tell your mother thanks for a lovely dinner. It was wonderful as always, despite this recent turn of events. I hope you have a happy birthday regardless, and I'll write you later, all right? Good night."

"Hermione, wait!" Ginny pleaded, but it was too late. With a pop, Hermione quickly Disapparated.

She reappeared in her parent's living room. Hermione ignored her mother's greeting from the kitchen and marched straight to her room. She slammed the door shut and threw her cloak on her bed. She opened her desk drawer, rummaging around until she found the rolled up parchment she was looking for. She snatched it out and plucked a pen off the top of her desk. With a determined expression on her face, Hermione unrolled the parchment and gave it a quick once over before signing her name at the bottom. As soon as she finished the last letter in her name, the parchment rolled up and disappeared with a slight pop.

The sound jolted Hermione out of her anger-induced trance, and she blinked. She sat down heavily on her bed and stared down at the pen in her hand. Well, I guess I've made my decision.

Suddenly, Professor McGonagall's words from two days ago echoed in her mind. He always does what is right in the end. Hermione swallowed nervously. As she mechanically performed her nightly ablutions, all she could think of was how desperately she hoped Professor McGonagall was right.

---

Insanely long Author's Notes:

1. I know, I know. She uses a pen. Remember that she is at her parent's house, and they are Muggles. I adamantly believe that pens are easier than ink and quills and that Hermione would take advantage of that convenience when at home. Once she's at Hogwarts, no more pens.

2. The final battle: I am not of the opinion that there is going to be some grand General Patton type war to bring an end to Voldemort. I imagine something more like the end of OotP. Just Voldemort, Harry and, of course, the Order and a few Death Eaters. No World War II type epic battle here, though. Of course, I am trying to stick to canon as much as possible here, so I probably won't be going into detail. Just imagine whatever you like for Voldiebutt's demise and then skip ahead two years.

3. There will be more on Severus' childhood as well as what happened to his mother. All in good time...

4. As far as McGonagall, I had something completely different planned, but Minerva refused to cooperate. I tried to reason with her, and I told her this was my story, but she threatened to permanently transfigure me into a chair for her office if I didn't write the scene the way she wanted. In the end she got what she wanted. *sigh* Oh, well. I think it turned out better her way. I wasn't very comfortable with her sharing so much about Severus with Hermione, but she insisted the circumstances called for it, and she said she would take the heat for it with Severus if she had to. I may still work in the story I had for Minerva at a later date, but it just ended up not working here.

5. Each chapter is getting longer and longer. I'm starting to fear that I've unintentionally started a novel length fic. That isn't what I wanted, so I will try to stick to the original plan of 20 chapters and an Epilogue. If the next chapter ends up being longer than this, however, I may split it up.

6. Ginny's birthday is August 11th and Percy's is the 22nd. The party at the Burrow takes place on Saturday the 18th, two days after her meeting with Professor Snape.

7. Sorry for the lack of much Snapeage in this chapter. All forthcoming chapters will make up for it, promise.

8. A HUGE round of applause to my Beta's and muses, queenp and Southern_Witch_69. Ladies, I could NOT do it without you. Your endless supply of commas and comments are invaluable. And thanks especially to queenp for giving me a kick in the butt when I wasn't writing. Without her this chapter may have sat on my hard drive half done till Doomsday. :-D

9. Now, feed the hungry author: REVIEW...please. *gives readers puppy dog eyes*

Southern's Notes: I happily accepted the chance to join Candace's beta team. It's a lovely story. The thing I like about this chapter is Hermione's talk with Minerva. It would be something that I would expect from McGonagall. I do hope Hermione's funky anger didn't lead her down the wrong path by blindly signing the contract.