Making Love Out Of Nothing At All

A/N: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. I make no money from this.

Many thanks to my awesome beta, Southern_Witch_69! Sun, you're the greatest!

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Chapter Two

Making Love Out of Nothing at All

Hermione awoke groggily in an unfamiliar bed. She looked around the room in confusion and tried to wake her addled brain. Where am I?

When she started to rise, she felt her body start to ache all over. This must be from the effects of the curse. Still not knowing exactly where she could be, she decided first things first and looked around the room for a door that would lead her to the loo. She had to go desperately.

Sighing in relief when she found it, Hermione hurriedly used the toilet and washed her hands. Without her bladder distracting her, her foggy mind was able to take in her surroundings and remember the events of yesterday and last night.

The last thing that she remembered was... No! No, I couldn't have possibly... fainted! Oh, what a fine kettle of fish this is. Closing her eyes, she grabbed the sink tightly with both hands, lowered her head, and prayed she would just disappear. When the gods didn't see fit to grant her request, she sighed and wondered where her former professor was. Now that she knew she was not going to die, she felt more sure-footed if still a little scared.

Leaving the loo, she straightened up his bed and started to leave the bedroom when an odd thought struck her. This is his bed! Will we share this bed after we have our binding...oh, God, binding...today, or will he allow me a room of my own? Rubbing her hand over the duvet, she thought, This is where we will conceive our baby. A baby...with Snape!

Feeling overwhelmed again, she had to sit on the edge of the bed for a moment to gather herself. It just wouldn't sink in. Not only the curse and the ramifications of that but also the fact that Severus Snape had turned out to be her soul mate! More confusing, he actually wanted them to marry. It was very hard for her to wrap her mind around that, considering she knew that he hated her. Or she thought he did. After their talk last night, Hermione wasn't so sure of anything now.

She did understand...somewhat...his reasoning of wanting them to marry. Sure, it was hard for a child in any world, but especially the wizarding one, to be born out of wedlock, but Hermione didn't see why they couldn't get to know one another first to see if they would at least be compatible.

But because he was actually going to save her life, she didn't feel like she should argue with him, much less flat out refuse. She was so scared and confused! Because the pain was slightly increasing, she decided to seek out Professor Snape and see if he had a potion that would take the edge off the pain. She could bear it, but with everything else she had to face, Hermione didn't see why she should have to. I hope Ginny isn't in much pain. Perhaps I should get some for her, too.

Once she stepped out of the bedroom, the first thing that registered was the loud breathing. Not snoring...thank God!...but the breathing was louder than normal. Walking over to the couch, Hermione was startled at the sight before her.

There was Snape, lying on the couch, one arm flung over his head, one sock clad foot on the floor and one hanging over the arm of the couch, as he was too long to completely fit. Hermione took the time to study him while she could do so unobserved.

How would they get along? Would he ignore her or talk to her? She bet he could be very interesting if talking about a subject that interested him. What would their life be like? Would he argue if she wanted to work after the baby came? Does he want more than one child? Where would they live in the summer months away from Hogwarts? So many things they still needed to discuss!

He wasn't the most attractive man, she thought, still gazing at his sleep-ridden face, but then, she had never been one to merit people by their looks. She proved that by dating Viktor Krum. Oh, sure, girls wanted and followed him everywhere he went, but it was because he was famous, not because of his looks. Then there was Ronald. Hermione knew that most didn't think him good-looking, but he was to her in his own way. She admired his loyalty and bravery most. She suddenly thought, Oh, God, Ron! He doesn't even know yet. How will I tell him?

"It won't get any better, you know," Snape mumbled from the couch, eyes still closed.

"What?" Hermione asked, his voice startling her from her thoughts. Is he reading my mind?

"My face. No matter how long you stare, it stays the same," he said.

"Oh, no, I wasn't... I mean... There isn't anything wrong with your face, sir. I just didn't want to wake you."

He snorted. "Really, stop calling me 'sir.' It reminds me that not too long ago you were a student in my care. And I know very well what my face looks like, Miss Granger. Is there something you needed? I can't believe you were staring at me for the pleasure of watching me sleep."

Hermione blushed at having him know she'd been watching him. "I was wondering if I could have some Pain Potion, Severus?" There. That shouldn't make me seem like a student!

Raising an eyebrow at her forwardness, he asked, "Are you in a lot of pain, or is it mild?"

"I can handle it if I have to."

"Well, I think that would be best. You have to take the Conception Potion tonight, and I don't think it would be a good idea to mix the two," he explained. "I do not want to take any unnecessary risks of the conception not happening tonight."

"I see. You're right," she agreed. "I can deal with it. Um, I wanted to thank you for last night and apologize for, well, for passing out on you." She averted her gaze from his, too embarrassed to look him in the eye.

"It was understandable with everything you've had to deal with lately. I have no illusions, Miss Granger. I know that I am not your pick."

"Well, really! That is not why I passed out!" she said indignantly, putting her hands on her hips in a way that all of her friends would have recognized as her temper rising. "How shallow do you think I am? Besides, I know that I am no raving beauty myself. You accused me of judging you last night and of making wrong assumptions about your thoughts. Now this morning, you are doing the same to me."

Sitting up and twisting his head from side to side to try and work the kinks out of his neck, he told her, "True enough. Still, I know some of what you must be feeling."

"I suppose because you're feeling much of the same. Look, if you want to just conceive tonight and take some time to get to know one another before we get..."

"No, I don't. I do not wish to conceive a child out of marriage and have him labeled a bastard. Besides, it doesn't matter how well we get to know each other, Miss Granger, the fact remains that we will in fact be having a child together; therefore, we will need to be married. I... must insist."

Closing her eyes and lifting her face towards the ceiling, she gave in. "All right. If we're going to be married today, then at least call me Hermione." She lowered her gaze and looked at her affianced husband. "What time do you want to have the binding ceremony?"

"I know that Draco had planned on a ceremony of some sort to Miss Weasley. Perhaps we could have them at the same time?" She nodded that it would be fine with her. "Then I will speak to Draco and Minerva. She and Molly can escort you and Miss Weasley this morning for the appropriate attire, and then we can wed early this afternoon."

"Could we do it a little later? I really need to speak with Ron."

"I thought I made it clear that I wished for you to cut all liaisons with that boy!"

She stumbled back a couple of steps before she could stop herself. "It's not like that! I have to tell him, face to face, that I will be marrying you! And like it or not, he is a major part of my life. I won't be unfaithful to you, but I have to do this."

"I see," was his only reply.

"What about you?" she demanded.

"What about me?"

"Well, is there anyone... special that you need to inform of our... situation?" She was suddenly having trouble forming the words as the reality was sinking in. She was not only going to be married to Severus Snape, but she could also possibly lose Ron's friendship for good.

He threw his head back and laughed. "Oh, yes, dear. I have them lined up for me, don't you know? The witches can't keep their hands off of me." Sobering, he looked into her tired, brown eyes. She seemed sad and weary. "No," he said quietly, "there is no one. And you needn't worry. I won't put any kind of marital restrictions on you that I wouldn't keep myself."

"Okay." She nodded. Hermione knew it in her heart, but felt better hearing him say the words aloud. "I am going to go back to the hospital wing to shower and change. Would you ask Professor McGonagall to let me know when they're ready to leave?"

"Yes, and I will have a house-elf bring your belongings to my chambers as well."

"Oh. Yes, all right. I hadn't thought about that, but yes, I will need my things I suppose..."

He looked amused at her expression. "Very well. Just have someone come and get me after you and Miss Weasley have finished shopping and readying yourselves. Draco will likely be with me."

"Fine. I will see you later today." She turned and started to the door. Before she opened it to go, she looked over her shoulder and into his eyes. "I really don't know how I will ever repay you for saving my life, but for now let me just say, thank you."

She went though the door before he had a chance to reply. He wondered how long she would be grateful to him after they'd lived together.

*** *** ***

Ginny lay in her bed in the hospital wing and woke slowly. She instinctively knew that Harry was sitting in the chair by her bed without having to open her eyes. She rubbed her forehead with her hands, not really wanting to speak with Harry just now.

Noticing that she was awake, Harry started, "Ginny..."

Holding up her hand, she simply said, "Don't." She looked over to him and noticed his pained expression. "It's not you're fault, Harry."

"I know that I didn't cause the situation, love, but I feel like I've let you down."

"That's just rubbish though. There was nothing about the situation that you could've controlled!" Ginny told him exasperatedly. She didn't feel like comforting him. It was her life on the line, damnit! "Harry, you just can't save everyone, no matter how much you wish that you could. It wasn't for you to do this time."

"No, apparently it was for Draco bloody Malfoy!" Taking her hand in his, he said, "You don't have to have anything more to do with him after you conceive, Ginny. I-I-I'll be here for you and the baby. I would do that for you. I can be a father to this baby..."

"No. Harry, you're not in love with me, and I have known this for a long time. I don't want you to feel guilty that you were relieved when the spell didn't name you as my soul mate." She laughed at his shocked expression. "I looked at you, you see. I saw your expression. Part relief it wasn't you and part shock that it was Draco. Besides, that wouldn't really be fair to you or Draco...not to mention the fact that he'd never allow you to raise his child. Anyway, I thought you liked him some now?"

"I can be in the same room with him without wanting to hex him, Gin, but that doesn't mean I want you to have to deal with him, even if it is only for the child." His face was screwed up in anger.

"Oh, that's right. I haven't told you. Harry..." She didn't know quite how to tell him. "Do you remember yesterday when Draco explained that a child born out of wedlock would not be considered a true Malfoy heir?"

"No, Ginny! Don't do it!"

In a soft voice, Ginny told him, "It wouldn't be fair to my child to deny him his inheritance, Harry."

"But to marry Malfoy? You don't love him...hell, you don't even like him! You don't have to do this! You can..."

"Harry! Stop, okay?" Tears started to gather in her eyes, and she blinked them back. "Don't you get that without this baby, I will die? And I don't think Draco would even conceive a baby with me if I don't marry him. For some strange reason, he wants this. It's going to save me, don't you see?"

"So, you're feeling indebted to him, I get that. I just want you to be happy, love. That's all I have ever wanted for you," he whispered, feeling defeated.

"Yes and filled with guilt because you don't love me the way that I've loved you. You know, last week, or hell, yesterday morning, I would have hated you for this." Smiling, she added, "For a little while, at least. But now, it's just not important to me. Well, that's putting it in the wrong way. I mean, YOU are important to me, and you always will be. But, Harry, I've accepted the fact that you're never going to love me, and I've moved on. Believe it or not, I started moving on before you even ended things. I felt it, you see. Besides, I can't afford the luxury of being mad at you right now."

"He doesn't deserve you. But then, neither did I." He shook his head. "I dunno. Maybe because he is your soul mate, whatever that's supposed to mean, it will work out for you. I really want it to, you know."

"Yes, I know."

Just then Ron came bursting into the room. He looked at his sister and best mate. Misreading the situation, he smiled and nodded at the both of them. "You two going to give it a go?"

"What are you on about, Ron? You know that the spell named Draco Malfoy!" Ginny told him.

"But, Gin, you can't seriously be considering having a baby..."

Ginny put a hand on either side of her head and pulled her hair, irritated. "Yes, I can, and I am! Didn't you understand, brother dear? I have to get pregnant by my soul mate...who just happens to be Draco Malfoy. Now don't say another word about it because it's just going to piss me off."

"And so it's true what I've heard? You're going to marry him then?"

"Yes, I am. Our parents agree that I should, Ron. I don't want to deny my child his rightful birthright. Mum will be here in a bit to take Hermione and me shopping." She realized her mistake as soon as she'd said it.

Ron looked up sharply and asked, "Why would Hermione go? Oh, to help you pick out your wedding robes, of course." He looked relieved. "Yes, of course. Say, where is she?"

"Here," Hermione said from the doorway, having heard the last part of the conversation. Her stomach was tied up in knots. She did not want to have this discussion with Ron.

He beamed a smile at her and said, "There you are, baby." Holding his arms open, he told her, "Come here."

She gratefully went into his arms, laid her head on his chest, and surprised herself by bursting into tears.

"Ssh, it's going to be okay. I'm here for you. I love you."

The declaration only made her cry a little harder. "Ron, there's something I need to tell you..."

"Where were you last night? I looked all over for you," he told her as he gently wiped her tears off her cheek.

Taking a deep breath, she blurted, "IspentthenightinProfessorSnape'schambers!"

"Huh? Could you run that by me one more time, babe? I didn't get that."

Backing out of his arms so that she could look into his eyes, Hermione sniffed and explained, "I spent the night in Professor Snape's chambers."

"So," Ron started, looking at her tummy, "you're now pregnant?"

"No, not yet."

"Then why on earth did you stay..."

"I fainted. Everything was just too much and..."

"Um," Harry interrupted. "I think I will just go and let the two of you hash this out..."

"No, Harry. You need to hear this. You, too, Ginny."

"I already know." She shrugged when Hermione looked at her. "Professor McGonagall told me last night after I talked to Draco that she thought you would agree, and I can see that you have."

"Agree to what exactly?" Ron demanded.

"Well, as you already know, I have to have Professor Snape's baby to live." When the boys nodded, she continued, "Well, it turns out he doesn't want to have a baby outside of marriage."

Stiffening, Ron wanted to know, "What did he say when you told him you wouldn't marry him?"

"I didn't tell him I wouldn't marry him, exactly."

"Well, what exactly did you tell him, Hermione?" Harry asked as he rose from the chair.

"That I would marry him?" Hermione answered Harry but never took her eyes off of Ron.

"Why? You know I want to marry you, Mione! Why would you accept him?"

"Because, Ronald! I want to live!"

"You don't love him! Don't do this! I know that you have to have that bastard's baby, but damnit, marry me! I'll take care of your baby, I swear it."

"No," she agreed, "you're right. I don't love Professor Snape. But, Ron, I can't marry you. Don't you see? You would resent the baby and, in time, me. I don't want you to hate me...I don't think I could take that." Turning to Harry, she started to plead her case to him until she noticed his expression. "Harry?"

"You would do this? Knowing what all he's done, you would actually do this?" He balled his hands into fists without thinking. "I can't believe you, Hermione!" he yelled as he started towards her.

"Now, hold on, mate!" Ron said to Harry as he stepped between him and Hermione, surprised at the venom Harry was spewing at her. "That'll do."

"Are you mad, Ron? She is going to marry Snape!" Turning to Hermione, Harry told her, "If you do this, I don't think I could be around you anymore. I hate him... with everything in me."

"Of course she's not going to marry him. Calm down." Taking Hermione's hand in his, Ron told her, "It will be just fine. I wouldn't ever resent you or an innocent baby. You know me better than that."

"Ron," Hermione pleaded, "you and Harry have to understand. It's not about you two. It's about an ancient curse and Ginny's and my will to live."

"I do understand why you need to have a baby, Mione. Just like I understand why Ginny has to have the Ferret's. I don't get why the two of you say you have to marry those arses! You don't because you have me. Ginny doesn't either."

"It's what he wants, and after giving it a lot of thought, I agree. He pointed out how single mothers are looked down upon...as are their children. I have to think of this baby now, guys," she said, imploring them both. "He won't abandon this baby or stand back while another man plays father. It's not just going to be me anymore. And in order for her child to be considered a true heir, Ginny has to marry Malfoy. How many times do we have to tell you that?" She turned to Ginny. "Gin? Are you okay?"

"Yes," her friend told her quietly. "I am. Harry, Snape is not the man we thought he was," Ginny told him on Hermione's behalf. "You know it's true!" she exclaimed when he turned his furious green eyes on her.

"It's not right," Ron said. Turning his imploring eyes to Hermione, Ron asked her, "Why do you have to marry him? Why can't you just marry me? You wouldn't be a single mum then."

"BECAUSE IT'S HIS BABY, RONALD! It's the one request he's asked of me in exchange for doing his part." Getting mad, she asked, "What if I told him no to the marriage, angering him, and he told me no to the baby? I would die. A painful death, mind you!" Calming, she continued, "I know this hurts. It hurts me as well. But I don't really have a choice, and I don't want to talk about it anymore. My body hurts enough already from this curse."

"Oh, is that what's causing these pains?" When Hermione nodded, Ginny asked, "Can't we take a bit of Pain Potion?"

"No, the professor said he didn't want anything interfering with the Conception Potion."

"Hermione," Harry said to get her attention. "You are my family, and I love you. I would never abandon you or our friendship, but I can't be around you for a while. It still hurts me to see Snape."

"Harry..." she began, but then stopped when Ron started talking.

"Yeah, it'll take a while." He turned his head then because he didn't want anyone to see the tears running down his face. It was humiliating. He couldn't fool his sister though.

Rising, Ginny went to run and put her arms around his waist and her head on his back. "Hey, I love you. It's going to be okay..." She started tearing herself. "Look, it's not something we want to do; it's something that we have to do."

"Yeah, I get it, Gin. Let me go now." When she squeezed tighter, he sighed and said, "Really...let go. I don't want to be here just now. I can't do this."

She reluctantly released him, and he walked out the door without another word to anyone. Turning to Harry, she asked, "All right?"

"No, but then, that's my problem, isn't it?" Saying nothing else, he turned to follow Ron out the door.

Hermione held a hand up before Ginny could speak. "I am going to shower and get ready. I just don't have the energy to talk about this anymore."

As Hermione was walking towards the bathroom, Ginny sat in the chair that Harry had abandoned, put her face in her hands, and cried the tears she'd been holding since she'd woken up.

*** *** ***

Minerva had watched her two former students brooding for the last thirty minutes, and she was getting rather tired of it. "Miss Granger! Miss Weasley! Enough of this nonsense now. Let's start trying on some robes!"

Taking pity on the two girls, Molly told them, "Look, girls, I realize that right now these are not bindings of love. However, the spell named those two your soul mates." She didn't tell them that she'd done the spell herself while she was behind them today. She'd sighed as she'd gotten the same results that Minerva did. "One day, you could very well be in love, and you really don't want to ruin this day by refusing to select the robes that you want."

"You're right, Mum. I know you are. It's just hard. This is not how I pictured my binding." She realized she was close to whinging and closed her mouth tightly.

"No, nor me, love." Turning to Hermione, Molly whispered, "I always thought that you'd be my daughter, you know."

Tearing up yet again, Hermione said, "I know. Me, too. But I'm not destined for Ronald anymore it seems. I do, however, consider you a second mother to me, Mrs. Weasley. Especially when my parents were killed..."

"Hush now, no talk of that today." Molly's heart was breaking. "Here, Ginny dear, try this," she instructed as she took a set of beautiful ivory silk robes from the rack. "And Hermione, you try these white."

"Mum! We can't afford this!"

"Well, Draco insisted he wanted to pay for the entire thing, so I say let him. Only, don't tell your father. I'm not sure what he'd say to that. I just want you to have all you want."

"Mum, this is not exactly a happy day for me or Hermione. We're not happy, nervous brides, you know."

"It doesn't matter. Now, try these on; we haven't got all day!"

It took only three different tries for Hermione and five for Ginny, but they both had new wedding robes. Hermione tried to refuse Professor McGonagall when she insisted that Severus wanted to pay for them, but the professor won out in the end.

When they passed a jewelry store, Hermione told them to stop. "What about wedding rings?"

"Oh, I'm sure Severus will take care of that, dear," Molly assured her.

"Well, I don't want him buying his own wedding band! I want to go look."

"I don't think it's necessary, Hermione, really," McGonagall assured her.

"It's necessary to me. Ginny, what about you?"

"For some reason, I agree. It's the least we could do, I say."

"Fine, go! But don't dawdle!" the impatient headmistress instructed.

They both nodded and walked into the shop, walking directly to the bands. "May I help you?" the sales clerk inquired.

"Yes," Hermione answered. "We'd like to see some wedding bands please."

If the clerk was surprised, he didn't show it. Taking out the tray of wedding bands, he placed them on the counter for the girls to inspect. "No," Ginny told him, "men's wedding bands."

"Pardon me," he told them as he took out the correct bands.

"Hmm," Hermione said as she looked the bands over. "I don't think anything with a stone... Gold wouldn't do... This one," she said as she picked up the platinum band up to inspect it. It was a plain band. It was perfect. Turning to the clerk she asked, "How long would it take for you to engrave the symbol for a Potions master on this band?"

"Ten minutes, I'd say. It costs fifty Galleons extra to do that, however."

"That won't be a problem. I'll take it."

"And you, young miss?" he asked Ginny.

Looking to Hermione, she said, "Well, I think this one would suit." She pulled out a white gold band with a square cut emerald in the center. It just screamed Draco to her. "With maybe an M monogrammed into the stone?"

"Yes, it can be done as well. Payment first, ladies."

"Ginny!" Hermione hissed quietly. "Can you afford that?"

Lifting her chin as Hermione had seen Ron do countless times when his back was up about money, Ginny told her, "I've some money put by."

"You mean the money you've been saving for that new broom?" When Ginny nodded, Hermione said, "Oh, Ginny, are you sure you want to spend this much?"

"Well, he is sacrificing a lot to save me. It's the least I can do. It just feels right to me, Mione." She didn't add that she felt guilty because she was dreading...to the point of sickness...the thought of sleeping with him. Ginny felt she owed him this much at least.

"Okay, let's do it then."

After they'd paid and were assured that the rings would magically alter themselves to fit the finger, both girls left happy.

*** *** ***

The binding ceremony took less than thirty minutes. They'd married on Hogwarts grounds by the lake, surrounded by friends and family, with the exception of Ron and Harry. Their absence put a heavy weight around Hermione's and Ginny's hearts. They were greatly missed.

The brides' looked lovely in their silk robes. Both Severus and Draco wore black dress robes. One had a scowl and one was smiling.

When they'd realized that the girls had actually bought wedding bands for them, the Potions professor and the DADA professor were both dumbfounded, not having expected that.

They had a small supper in the Room of Requirement, and then each couple went separately to their chambers.

Ginny nervously looked around Draco's rooms, as she'd never been in them before. She was stiff and aching and just wanted to sleep for a week. She was so emotionally drained that she felt like crying one moment and like this was all a dream the next.

Her shoulders tightened when she felt Draco's hands on them. "Relax, Ginny. I won't hurt you."

"I'm not worried that you'll hurt me. Why would I be?"

Raising both his eyebrows, he said, "No reason, you just seem a little anxious."

"I'm not. I am starting to hurt from this curse, though, so maybe that's why I seem so anxious to you."

"Okay, honey," her husband said, gently taking her arm and leading her to his sitting room, "just sit on the couch. Let me get you some champagne. Then you can take the Conception Potion that Severus gave us, and we'll get started. I think the pain stops once you conceive."

She jerked her arm from his grasp. "I can walk in here by myself. And to be honest, I'm not really sure I should have alcohol with this potion."

He looked slightly disappointed, then shrugged. "It's not a problem; we'll just have mimosas for breakfast! Now you just sit right here, and I'll be back for you in a second."

Ginny nodded and watched the fire as she swallowed her potion. This day felt surreal to her. She couldn't get the image of Ron crying out of her mind. Not only was her body hurting, but her heart ached as well. She knew she'd acted more nonchalantly with Harry than she'd felt, but what was she supposed to do? Neither Harry nor Ron could fix this for her or Hermione, so why should they all suffer? She shook her head and absently swatted the tears away. She was so tired of crying.

Draco walked into the room and held a hand out for her. "I'm ready. Come with me, Ginevra." She trembled at the intense look he was giving her. Why is he looking at me like that? He acts like he actually... wants me.

She frowned when she walked into the bedroom. He'd turned the bedding down and revealed cream-colored silk sheets that he'd strewn red rose petals all over.

There were scented candles everywhere, some floating and some sitting on the dresser and nightstand. She saw an elegant green negligee lying across the back of a chair.

When Ginny cast her eyes to Draco, she noticed it was as if he were holding his breath, waiting for her approval. "What's all this, Draco?"

"Well," he started, "it's your first time. Your first time should be special."

"There was no need for all of this. No need for the trouble."

"Ginevra, it was no trouble. Believe it or not, I do want you to be happy."

She felt guilty and turned away from him. "I need the loo."

Pointing to a door, he told her, "Sure, right though there. Don't forget your gown!"

Exasperated, Ginny bit out, "I don't want to put that gown on. I'll be right back."

She shut the door firmly behind her as she entered the loo. Her stomach was in knots, and she was, yet again, fighting tears. This was going to be her first time making love, and it was going to be with Draco Malfoy. She felt bad feeling this way because he had gone to a lot of trouble, but her heart wasn't in it.

Why couldn't Harry have loved me and taken care of my pesky virginity? she wondered, not for the first time. Well, he didn't, and there's no use thinking on that now. I just need to buck up, get out there, and do this.

Sighing, she ran cold water over her face for her puffy eyes. She used the loo, washed her hands, and did a quick Scourgify on her body. That was all she felt up for. Gathering her courage, she opened the door and stepped out.

Draco stood there in a pair of silk pajama pants the same color as the negligee she'd seen on the chair. Her eyes rounded, and she just said, "Um..."

"There you are," he said softly, as if he was trying not to frighten her. "Come here," he requested and held his arms out for her.

She walked to him and looked up into his gray eyes. Draco cupped her face with his hands and bent to kiss her. When she instinctively turned her head and scrunched her eyes tightly, he took it in stride and started with her neck.

As he began backing her to the bed, her stomach started rolling with nerves. Ginny's brain was screaming, No! This is not right! You don't love this man!

He mistook her tremble of queasiness for a tremble of passion. "Turn around, love. I need to get these buttons." His hands were shaking with nerves. He'd wanted everything to be perfect for her, his wife, on her first time. No other man would ever touch what was his, and Draco felt a sense of pride knowing that, so he'd wanted to reward her.

He gently slipped the robes from her body and carefully laid them on the chair so they wouldn't wrinkle. She wouldn't look at him. "Turn around, Ginny. I want to see your eyes."

She slowly turned and looked up at him. She was shaking and very pale.

"What is it? Are you having terrible pain?"

"No. No, that's not it. Do you think we could just do this? Get it over with?"

"Yes, it's time we got started. Here," he said as he knelt before her, "just let me get these for you." He removed her knickers and left them on the floor. As she hadn't been wearing a bra, she was standing before him naked while he still had his pajama pants on.

She brought a hand up to cover herself, and he told her, "There's no need for that. You're very lovely. I've thought so since my sixth year actually."

Her eyes widened and her mouth flew open. "I don't believe that. You were with Pansy Parkinson then."

"So? That doesn't mean I can't admire other beauties. And you, my dear, are beautiful."

She turned her face from him and said nothing. Deciding she wanted to get on with it, she got into the bed and waited. Suddenly, he started pushing his pants down and walked to the bed.

"I want you so much. I can't remember wanting another woman so much."

She turned away and took a shuddering breath. She didn't want to hear his praises of her. She had hated him since her first year when his father had put that blasted diary in her cauldron. Draco'd always been so nasty to her and her friends, and she couldn't turn years of loathing into lust in the blink of an eye. If she could have, she would've taken a dose of Lust Potion to get through it.

He tried to kiss her again, and she turned away. Not discouraged, he began to kiss down her body. Her stomach knotted more with each kiss. When he stopped at her curls, she quickly sat up and demanded, "Oi! What are you playing at down there?"

"Trust me; you're going to love this."

"No, don't." When he bent his head as if to continue, she said, "I mean it, Draco. Stop."

"What is it, baby? You all right? What can I do to make you more comfortable? I only want to make this special for you."

"It's just... Listen, there's no need for all of this; really there's not. Because nothing will make it special for me...not really. I don't love you, Draco, so I don't feel like I'm making love. I've always thought my first time would be with the man I loved, you know? I know we have to have sex to create this baby, so we can just skip all this romantic stuff and just get to it."

"Excuse me? Skip this? I don't think I want to. You know, there are two of us here, woman. Maybe I needed all of this stuff. I'm not daft, Ginevra. I know that we're not in love. But you are my wife, and I wanted to do this for you. What do you do in return? Slap me in the face."

"Oh, my God," Ginny said more harshly than she'd intended because she felt guilty. Guilt was not an emotion she cared for. "Honestly! I don't want all this! You want me to feel something I don't!"

"You're wrong about that. I didn't expect you to fall at my feet, but I didn't expect a cold, unfeeling bitch either. Conceive this baby by yourself...I don't need this, and I don't need you."

He grabbed his trousers and a shirt and threw them on while Ginny sat on the bed, watching him wordlessly. Everything he'd just said was true. How could she have been so uncaring? He had gone to a lot of trouble, and she scoffed at every attempt he made.

She just couldn't help it; all of this felt wrong to her. It was wrong...everything was all wrong. But it was time to grow up and stop feeling sorry for herself. She was being ridiculous, and she knew it!

Still, she said nothing as he put on his shoes, picked up his wand, and stormed out of the room. She stayed where she was when she heard the door to his chambers slam.

Giving in to the pain of her body, mind, and spirit, Ginny curled herself into a ball on his bed and wept herself to sleep.

*** *** ***

Hermione followed Severus to the dungeons, nervous and unsure. She wasn't a virgin, and she was glad of that, but before, she'd been with a boy. Severus Snape was all man.

He unwarded his door and moved to the side so that Hermione could step into the room. He still didn't speak as he walked directly into his bedroom. His silence was too unnerving for Hermione.

"Severus?" she called out.

"Yes, what is it?"

Hermione looked around the room, searching her brain for something to say. She hated that he'd just left her alone like this.

When a few moments passed and she still hadn't said anything, Severus moved to the bedroom doorway. She was standing in the middle of his sitting room, still wearing her wedding robes, frantically looking around as if something was about to jump out and attack her.

"Did you need something, Miss...er...Hermione?"

"Well, I was just wondering..." She moved her arms in a circle. "You know, when?"

"When?" he asked.

Snarky bastard! "Yes. When! Should I come into the bedroom? I've taken the Potion."

"I was going to grab a shower. Feel free to come in here or wait in the sitting room. This is your home now, too; you don't need my permission to move about."

When he walked back into his room, she decided to sit and wait. She wasn't comfortable enough to 'move about' just yet. When she heard the shower, she suddenly had the urge to go to the loo.

Absolutely refusing to go while he was in the shower, she went to the loo the students used. She was very happy school was not in yet. Still a couple more weeks before that.

After she was finished, her hands washed, and a Cleansing Charm cast, she left to go back to Severus' chambers. Hers now, too, she supposed. When she walked back in and re-warded his door the best she could, she noticed the shower was no longer running.

Risking a peek, she was happy to see that he was still in the bathroom. Quickly, she used her wand to get her wedding robes off, took off her knickers, and jumped into bed. She pulled the covers up to her chin and made sure all of the candles and been extinguished.

She was so nervous, her teeth were chattering. When the bathroom door opened, she sucked in a breath. It was time.

In a rough voice, Severus said, "Lumos!" Turning to look at his bride, he told her, "I understand that you wish total darkness, but please allow me to get into the bed without breaking my neck."

"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking about that. I only thought to..."

"Keep it dark so that you can't actually see my face?"

"No! That thought never even entered my mind! It's just that I am nervous, and I thought having the lights off would help me."

"What are you nervous about? You told me you're not a virgin."

"I'm not! But I've never been with you, have I?" She didn't bother to tell him she'd only been with Ron two times.

Eyeing her intently, he conceded. "Too right. You haven't." Without saying another word, he walked to the bed. Smirking at the blanket pulled to her chin, he asked, "Do you wish to turn out the lights now?"

She nodded, and he complied. After a few moments, she felt the bed dip and knew he'd gotten in beside her. They lay side by side nearly a minute, neither of them moving or speaking.

"We have to do this, Hermione. It cannot be avoided."

"I know that! I'm not trying to avoid it; I'm just waiting for you to... do something!"

Taking the lead, Severus leaned over and gently kissed Hermione, sucking her bottom lip into his mouth teasingly. She let out a small gasp of pleasure that encouraged him.

He nibbled his fill of her mouth and then moved to her throat. Severus had a sudden urge to mark her, but fought it back. He didn't want to give the gossips more to talk about.

"Mmm," she hummed when he moved his lips and tongue to her breast. She hadn't meant to make a noise, but that just felt so good.

"Do you like that, Hermione?" he wanted to know.

"Yes, it feels good." Hermione didn't feel as shy in the darkness, though she'd had a bad moment or two thinking about just whom she was shagging. It was hard for her to separate Severus Snape the dreaded Potions professor with Severus Snape her husband, but she was determined to make this good for the both of them.

Feeling emboldened by her positive responses, he moved a hand down her belly and very gently brushed her curls. He wished he could see her eyes.

He began slowly rubbing her outer lips, enjoying teasing her. It'd been a while since he'd had a woman, and he was going to make the best of this. He wasn't sure when she'd want to have sex again.

She began to move against his hand without realizing it. She shuddered with need, wanting him to use his fingers and relieve some of the pressure building in her center. She grasped his shoulders and slightly raised her hips.

He chuckled. "Want something?" Damn, he was enjoying this.

She opened her eyes, but realized he couldn't see her. She didn't know it would be so dark in the dungeons, but of course it was. Suddenly, she wanted to watch her husband's face, but was too afraid to say it.

"Tell me," he demanded. Knowing he was doing this to her was extremely erotic to him. Getting frustrated because she was suddenly silent, he said, "Say it, Hermione. Tell me what you need, and I will give it to you."

"I need relief," she whispered, embarrassed. "From this ache."

"Where? Where do you want me to touch you?"

Rather than speak, she grabbed his hand and placed it where she needed it. After that, she rubbed against him, unknowingly provocatively.

With a small growl, he inserted a finger and felt her body hum from the pleasure.

"Yes," she said. "More!"

He inserted another, then pressed his palm to her clitoris. She tightened her grasp on his shoulders and threw her head back.

"Severus," she said quietly.

"Yes, I'm right here with you. Touch me, Hermione."

She blindly placed one hand on his chest and slowly moved down, happy to make him shudder for once. When she found his erection and stroked it, he kissed her hungrily.

"Yes," he hissed. "Just like that!"

Knowing that if he didn't stop her soon, it would be over, so he whispered in her ear, "Place me inside of you. I want inside, Hermione."

Saying nothing, she put the tip of him at her entrance and steadied herself. Pausing for the anticipation, he leaned down and kissed her once more.

As he ended the kiss, he slid home, groaning at the sensation of being inside of a hot, wet, tight woman. It thrilled him when she matched his pace, both moving in a steady, quick pace and chasing the pending orgasms that were already upon them, thanks to their caresses, and when he finally felt her tighten around him, Severus grabbed her hips to steady her.

After a few more thrusts, he emptied himself into her. Breathing hard, he immediately rolled off so that he wouldn't collapse on her.

She mistook his gesture, though, and rolled to her side, facing away from him. He frowned at the back that he could not see and decided to just sleep. He was sure she would not tell him what was bothering her, and he was too tired to try.

Hermione was thoroughly confused. During their... coupling, Severus acted as if he was completely into her. Then right after, he just rolled off like it was nothing. Hurt, she closed her eyes and let herself drift. The last thought before she succumbed to sleep was, I'm pregnant...

---

Christy's Notes: Whew! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I feel bad for Ron; he really does love Hermione. Ginny really hurt Draco, but it was hard for her. Harry was confused, too, but he won't give Hermione and Ginny up.

The title of this chapter is a song by Air Supply from the year 1983.

Southern_Witch_69's Notes: Very good chapter. I think the reactions were believable, especially Ginny's, the poor thing. I also understand why the "boys" are upset and sympathize with them.