Counterblow!

Disclaimer: Not my characters (sigh), but I would love to own them.

A big thanks to my beta, Charmed Nay!

******** SS ********* HG ********

Hermione could see that the sky was still mostly a deep blue with only a few rays of sunlight peeking from behind some mountains in the distance. It cast her room in eerie shadows, but she could distinctly make out the body lying half under her. Her head was resting on Severus' chest, and one of her legs had snaked between both of his at some point.

The virus that had inflicted her the day before had fled, and she felt vibrantly renewed. In fact, she wanted nothing more than to make love to her lover. While she had on a long nightgown with warm socks and a pair of comfortable knickers, Severus had slept completely naked. From his even breathing, she knew without having to look into his face that he was still sleeping. The hand that currently rested on his chest slid down to nearly the knee of his left leg. Ever so softly, she allowed it to trail back to where it had been. Her fingernails played with the smattering of dark hair while she moved her head slightly. Her tongue darted out to lick the flat nipple that was in reach. After only a few circles with her tongue, it hardened, luring her to give it a slight suck. She felt the arm around her back tighten. Damn! I've disturbed his sleep and my exploration.

"I trust you are feeling better?" he asked, voice rough with sleep.

"Yes," she said, bringing her mouth back to his chest. Not having to worry about waking him, she moved to straddle his thighs, still exploring every inch of his chest. One hand slid down to fondle his morning erection. She felt his hands pulling at her nightgown. Hermione pulled back to allow it passage over her head. He looked down to her cotton knickers and raised an eyebrow. "What? I was sick. I wasn't feeling very sexy."

"I think that even in the plainest of knickers, Hermione, you do them justice," he murmured while sitting up to slide the knickers down. She partially stood to grant him access, putting her hands on his shoulders. Severus cupped her arse and pulled her body to his mouth and began nibbling on her stomach. She giggled and toed off her forgotten knickers. "I want you. Are you well enough to...?"

Her heart leapt at the sincerity in his question. The urge to show how much his caring meant to her overwhelmed her. She moved to straddle him again and lowered herself onto him. Since he was sitting straight up, she wrapped her arms around him, trapping his head on her shoulder. Her mouth was near his ear. When she wasn't distracted nibbling on his lobe, she was breathing heavily and whispering to him. Each time she would say something or breathe loudly, he would thrust upward more deeply and rapidly while kissing her neck. She easily found a rhythm that suited them both. Hermione loved the feeling of being in control, as it wasn't often that he allowed her to be completely. "It's...coming. I feel it," she whispered loudly. Her moans and whimpers were becoming louder with each stroke. His hands dropped to her waist to help her ride out her orgasm. She always had trouble keeping steady once the waves washed over her.

"Good girl," he said smugly as her body limply leant into him. He enjoyed when she had an orgasm. The way her inner walls would tremble and convulse around him, the way her legs would tighten and flex, the way her lusty voice would entice him, and the way she appeared so drained after she'd spent herself bucking erratically against him always led to his own release. As if on cue, he flooded her heat as he reached his own culmination. He held her that way for a moment before laying back and keeping her firmly on top of him.

Waking up to a willing woman is most pleasing. Perhaps I could have her spend the entire summer with me. There would be no others around to interfere with anything. Then, we could end things before we returned to the castle. It wouldn't be amiss for us to remain friends of sorts after. She is nice to talk to now that I actually do so. Severus realized that he was smiling and quickly moved her to his side. "I think I shall have a shower. I've some things to do today."

"All right," she said sleepily.

He left her without looking back and made his way to her bathroom. The burning need to relieve himself overtook him the moment he neared the toilet. He was surprised he'd been able to make lov...no, have sex with her. He supposed that having his arousal satiated had more bearing than urinating. There was only a few days left before the students would go home for term. They would stay behind for nearly a week or so tidying for the summer, and then they all went to their own homes, leaving Filch and Hagrid behind to look after things.

Severus got into the shower and inspected her shampoo. Muggles had made it. He truly detested the things they came up with sometimes. They were more worried about making things smell and taste good than they were with making them work properly. Nevertheless, he applied a generous amount to his hair and worked it in. As he rinsed the suds out, he was surprised to find that he didn't mind the scent. It reminded him of his Hermione. Your Hermione? You need no woman, Severus. He pushed the voice away as he began to wash and rinse his body. Most men his age had already been married and had heirs. What was wrong with having a companion? Perhaps they could continue their association next year as well. It had been nice these past few months. He'd started spending both Friday and Saturday nights in her chambers over the past couple of weeks. It wasn't all that bad. Could he handle her being with him for longer periods of time?

He decided to talk to her after his shower. He turned the water off and dried off his body with one of her towels. He spelled his hair dry, did a quick charm for his teeth, and wrapped the towel about his waist to go in search of his clothes. He heard her laughing in the next room and crept to the door to listen as he pulled on his clothes.

"Dobby is glad to be seeing Miss happy. Miss is looking nice and is eating what Dobby is bringing to her," the house-elf was saying.

Severus had a twinge of jealousy for a moment. Why is it that an inane creature such as this could have a pleasant conversation with her without worrying about repercussions? What repercussions? His eyes narrowed. The ones where people believe you to be daft or in love or henpecked! How ridiculous he was being! He shrugged the thoughts away. He could pay her compliments in public and private. The private conversations could be more explicit and more detailed, as they were alone with no gossipmongers about to overhear. The public conversations where he would praise her were all reasonable. He strode into the room and enjoyed the way Dobby's eyes widened.

"I was not knowing that you was here, Professor Snape. I is leaving you to eat in peace." With a pop, he was gone.

"What's all this?" he asked. His lover smiled and pulled him to sit at her table.

"I decided we needed breakfast. Do you mind eating here with me?" She gave him a lovely smile, and he felt a jolt in his lower regions.

"I could use a bite to eat. This will save me a trip to the hall before I go back to my quarters," he said, reaching out to unravel his napkin.

"Here," she said, handing him a glass of coffee. "One sugar, a little milk." Yes, things were falling into a too comfortable pattern. Why not enjoy this for now? I'll never have anyone like this again. He watched as she scooped eggs into a plate along with sliced tomatoes. She gave the plate to him before doing the same for herself. "Oh, and here. I was in more of a toast mood than a biddy mood this morning. Take these." She piled a small stack of toast onto his plate.

"That's kind of you. I don't mind the toast."

"Mmmm. These are fresh tomatoes!" She looked up at him. "Tuck in, Severus."

His lips quirked up slightly as he spread some jam on a slice of toast. "What are you doing this summer?" he asked suddenly.

She paused in the midst of chewing to look at him. She swallowed, took a sip of her drink, and answered uncertainly. "I was going to do a bit of visiting with Harry, Ron's family, and my parents. Er...what are you going to do?"

"I am going to spend my summer at my estate house. I have a few projects that I'd like to work on, and I suppose an extra pair of hands would be of some help." He sipped his coffee. "However, if you have plans..." He let the suggestion dangle betwixt them. If she was interested, she would ask him to go. If she wasn't, well, it wasn't like he'd come right out and asked her, was it?

"Well, I wouldn't mind helping you, Severus. I can narrow my visiting time down," she said excitedly.

"It's nothing serious," he said quickly. "I have been developing a potion for temporary familiar sterilization in males only. One dose so far lasts only a few months. I would like to get it to stretch to six. I'm sure I have it narrowed down, but there will be plenty of testing that needs to be done. That would be only two required doses per year. Good for any male household familiar, such as cats and dogs."

"That's interesting, Severus. I didn't know you dallied in potions for pets. What made you decide to do that?" she asked.

"Some places that I've been to are overrun with animals. I just think that unwanted offspring should never see the light of day. This would prevent the problem before it started. Mind, these are usually alleys or poor villages. I think I can make something that even they can afford and still make a few Galleons." He could see the approval shining in her eyes. For some reason, this pleased him. He wanted her to think well of him.

"When would you like for me to meet you at your house? How long would you like for me to stay?"

He smiled inwardly. Ah, yes, so easy to manipulate, wasn't she? It's easy. She always wants to please me. "I don't see why you couldn't come with me directly, unless you'd like to do some visiting. If you do come, I would ask that you stay indefinitely. I wouldn't want to disrupt the testing stages."

"I could put that off until after." She drank the last of her juice and set the cup down. "I am glad that you are letting me do this." He nodded in reply. "I would have missed you." He nearly choked on his bite of eggs. She kissed his cheek. "I'm off for a shower. If you aren't here when I get back, have a good day, and I'll see you at the noon meal."

Severus simply nodded again and watched her walk away. Damn it! Now she was reading things into his request. Well, that's the price he'd have to pay. Surely she hadn't thought that things had changed all that much. I would have missed you. Damn! Fuck! Would he have missed her? Yes. What? No. He would have missed the sex, but he'd not have missed anything else. Liar. "I know," he admitted aloud. He fled her chambers as quickly as he could. He needed to put distance betwixt them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You don't say," Rolanda said with a laugh. "Trust me, I've had enough of this to know. I don't see how you tricked me that last time. I should have known better. This here is enough for three different doses." She rubbed her hands together, grinning wickedly. "I can't wait."

"Be glad that I am giving you the entire lot," Severus said sardonically. "Be glad you are getting anything at all." He watched as the woman dismissed his words with a huff.

"You owed it to me. I did what I set out to do."

"Yes, I suppose," he relented. "You did what you were supposed to do and then some. Still, I got a bit more than I bargained for. The extra is of no use to me. You may as well have it."

"Why, Severus, if I didn't know better, I would think that you were doing a good deed," she ventured. "What's gotten into you? Been getting the goods every night? Keeping you satisfied, is she?"

Severus sneered at the woman. "What I do is none of your concern. I just have no need for it. Trust me, had I needed it or could make a profit of it elsewhere, you would only get the one cup. As it is, you-"

"Yes, yes. Whatever you say, old boy. I'll be off now. I've plans to make for this evening." Her yellow eyes sparkled mischievously. "I wonder what Hermione is up to."

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Are you still on about bedding her?"

"Not really. Just trying to get a rise out of you. Cheers! I'm off now," she said, grabbing up the small container holding the Polyjuice Potion.

He watched her leave and made a mental note that he'd better be careful whilst still at the castle. There was no telling what she'd try, thanks to the potion. Severus shook his head. He should never have been so generous. He settled back into his chair at his desk to grade some last minute extra-credit essays. It took nearly two hours, but he got them graded. He decided to stretch his legs before dinner and have a walk. He decided to walk along the third floor corridor to see if any students were out of bounds.

Before he rounded a corner, he heard a slight giggle. He knew that little laugh. Severus paused for a moment to try to place it. Who laughs that way? Hermione usually does when she's caught off guard from one of my kisses. But, surely Hermione was still in the library. He listened to a few smacking sounds, a whimper, and another giggle.

"That feels good," she said. He'd recognize that tone anywhere. That was the tone she used when she was getting aroused, her need building. Someone had his hands upon her. He pulled his wand. Someone was about to be disfigured. He took one step and stopped. He'd heard the reply.

"You like that, do you?" the person said. To his horror, it was his own voice. Rolanda! She'd used the Polyjuice to become him, and now she was seducing an unknowing Hermione. The bitch had gone too far this time. She must have taken a hair somehow. His fists clenched tightly; luckily his wand was strongly made.

"Merlin, yes. Maybe we could help each other masturbate. I am curious as to how it would be. Does your offer still stand?"

"Yes," the fake Severus answered. "My chambers." There was a disgusting kissing noise again and some heavy breathing. "I wish you would let me fuck you."

"No," Hermione replied firmly. "I've told you that already."

Severus' brow furrowed. Something was odd. She never refused him outright. He stepped into view, but neither noticed him. He was shocked with what he saw. Hermione's ill fitting robes were partially lifted as the imposter Severus had one hand beneath them, apparently caressing her breasts. "They are more than a handful. I want to see them."

"No. No peeking by either of us. That would be wrong," Hermione said. "Just touch. Don't look."

"All right then."

Severus had seen and heard enough. "What the fuck is going on here?" he demanded roughly, pointing his wand at both of them.

"Shite!" the imposter said.

"Snape," Hermione moaned. She looked to the other and said, "You promised he would be occupied. You said that he wouldn't know."

The fake Severus shrugged. "Sorry. My mistake. Looked busy enough to me."

"You knew?" Severus asked Hermione incredulously. "You KNEW? You came here to meet someone that looked like me?"

"Er...see, what happened was-"

"Silence! You are acting just like a little whore, Hermione. How dare you make plans such as these? Has this been the plan all along? Hmmm?" he asked harshly. His glare turned to pierce what he assumed to be Rolanda. "You shall pay for this, Rolanda. If you want the filthy whore, take her." He turned on his heel and ran right into...Hermione! "What the...?"

"Severus, I could hear you shouting from the stairs. They shifted and brought me this way. Who are you...? Oh! It's me! It's you, too." She backed away a few feet. "Which you, are you?" she asked uncertainly.

Severus spun around to eye their counterparts. The imposter Hermione was adjusting her crotch whilst the Rolanda-Severus was laughing. "It's just a bit of fun, old boy."

"You are touching my woman, and you dare say it's only a bit of fun?" He turned to the fake Hermione. "Potter, no doubt!"

"Harry?" the real Hermione questioned, moving past Severus. "Is that you?"

"I swear, Mione. I didn't look. I didn't even change clothes. See?" He nodded to Rolanda. "She dared me that I couldn't be a woman for an hour. She told me I was going to be her, but then I saw you in the mirror. Honest. I told her no looking."

Rolanda nodded. "So, I accidentally added the wrong hair. Whoops."

"Accidentally-on-purpose maybe!" Hermione said angrily to the fake Severus. She looked to the real Severus. "You called me... Why?"

"Your good friend, Potter, didn't care to divulge that he was an imposter! I was led to believe that you knew Rolanda had Polyjuiced herself into my body. That is the same as cheating," he said indignantly. "I should think that it is Potter whom you should be questioning, but once again, I see that he escapes your endless questioning and wrath unscathed." He put away his wand, turned on his heel again, and left the three of them standing there. He had better things to do than to play child games with the likes of them.

"Severus, stop," Hermione hissed from behind after he'd gone to the end of the corridor.

He spun around to face her. "Potter? Is that you? Come to see how a real man makes you feel? The experience with Draco must have you wondering about wizards now."

"It's me, Severus."

He smirked. "Prove it." He was about to say that she could follow him down to his chambers when she spoke to him. He was taken aback by what she said.

"I'll not prove anything. What they did had nothing to do with me at all! I heard your voice, and when I got closer, you were talking in disgust about someone. When I found out it was I, I had every right to question why. If you are going to act like an arse about it, you go right ahead." Her chest was heaving rapidly. "It's not Harry's fault, Severus. She tricked him."

"And, he was allowing her to touch your breasts. I heard them, Hermione. He suggested that they go help each other masturbate," he growled angrily. "You simply dismissed his part in it after he muttered only a few words. There was no questioning for Potter, but you have the nerve to question me."

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, but I-"

"Hurt my feelings? Are you insinuating that I have feelings to hurt?" He shook his head. "Maybe my pride was bruised, I'll admit that much, but I don't really care enough to have my feelings hurt."

"Then, I think, Severus," she said through gritted teeth, "that you should not come to see me tonight if you care so little." She turned away and spoke as she walked. "It's not Harry that I love. I don't care what he does."

He watched her walk away and was stunned. When had she become so vocal? He toyed with the possibility that it might have been Potter, but it hadn't been. That was his Hermione that had told him those things. He looked at her appraisingly. There might be more to her than meets the eye. A less passive Hermione was appealing. Her breasts had been rising in her anger, and he had been able to make out a slight flush. Her pupils had been dilated, her eyes wild, her cheeks flushed, and her mouth slanting angrily. There was fire in her, and he had to have part of that. His feet quickly moved towards her retreating back.

"Hermione," he said in a roughened voice. She turned around slowly. He stepped up to her closely and wiped the sole tear that was on her cheek. He wasn't quite sure what to say. He said the first thing that came to mind. "Fuck them," he said with distaste. She nodded. "And, me?" he questioned hopefully.

"Yes."

He nodded, took her hand, and led her down to his chambers. "I'll be right with you," he purred in her ear, directing her to his bed.

She stripped her clothing off and sat in the middle of the bed, waiting for her lover. Why do I let him get away with things? Why do I have to love him so much? There were no more tears. She'd pretty much told him to sod off, and he'd come running after her. She'd told him that she loved him, sort of, and he'd come running after her. He hadn't exactly proclaimed his undying love, but that was likely to be as close as she would get to it. She knew why he wanted to make love to her. He wanted to express himself in the only way he felt acceptable. That had to be it. She smirked slightly, feeling that she'd figured her lover out at long last.

Severus came towards her brilliantly naked and laid her back as he crawled on top of her. She wasn't all that surprised to see that he was growing erect already. He was such a randy and ready wizard. She loved that about him. She loved so much about him. Things were changing between them. They were getting better with each passing day. He brushed his lips against hers for a moment as a finger delved into her. He quirked his lips upwards slightly as he brought the finger to his mouth and licked. A loud rumbling sounded in his throat, and without moving his eyes from hers, he expertly pushed into her. "You are mine, you know."

"I know."

He drew all the way out and slammed in again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~~~

ONE WEEK LATER

"Yes, Linden, I'll allow you to help me more next year," Hermione said, patting the young boy affectionately on the shoulder. "You'd better be off, or the train will leave without you."

"Thanks, Miss Granger," he said, flashing a toothy grin and running his fingers through his dark hair.

"I think someone has a crush on you," Harry said. "Is that the one that is always in the library hosting study groups and doing assignments?"

"The same," she said fondly. "It's not a crush on me though. It's a love for books and learning."

"Whatever you say," Harry said, waving to a group of giggling students that were approaching. "Shit," he said under his breath; his smile never faltered. "Hi."

They all acted at once.

"Professor Potter, could we exchange letters now that I will no longer be a student here?"

"Here is my address."

"Want to go for a drink in London sometime?"

One didn't bother with the pretenses. She simply kissed his cheek and placed a folded piece of parchment into his hand. Harry backed away from them all.

"Get on the train," he barked. "Now." The pack of girls fled, giggling and waving. Despite his annoyance, he waved back.

"Potter," came a silky voice from behind them. "Picking out the students you'd like to molest for next year? I thought you wanted to play on the other side of the pitch for a while? Or, were you simply saying goodbye to those you will no longer have following you about next year?"

Hermione couldn't believe it. Not again! For the past week, no matter how many times Harry had apologized or tried to explain, Severus had been harassing him. She didn't want to say anything though because he would accuse her of choosing sides.

Harry looked around, and after he was satisfied that no students were about, he spoke in a low voice. "You know, Snape, I'm getting pretty fucking tired of your shit. Have you not noticed that I am no longer a student here? I'm your colleague. In fact, I have the job that you've always wanted. If you don't want to have a working relationship with me, I don't care, but keep your ruddy comments to yourself." Harry turned away from the man and stormed towards Hogsmeade.

"Severus, why do you have to get him so riled up?" she asked.

"Because I can," he answered arrogantly. "What are your plans for today? Are you quite done with your flirting?"

"My flirting? Severus, how many times do I have to tell you, Harry and I are not l-"

"I'm talking about the students. I saw the exchanges that you've had with a few of them," he said snidely. "I wonder what gives them the idea that they can be so blatantly disrespectful and get away with it?"

Hermione shook her head. "I have work to do." She didn't want to get caught up in his little jealousy game. For the past week, it seemed as though he'd been purposely trying to get a rise out of her. The make up sex had been great, but she didn't want to always be arguing about something.

Severus grabbed her arm to stop her as she passed by him. "What is going on with you as of late?" He lowered his voice. "Would you like to end things, Hermione? If so, just let me know."

Damn. He'd turned the tables on her. "I don't want to end things, Severus, but I would like for them to be better. All week you've been having a go at me for one thing or another. It feels as though you try to find ways to purposely back me into a corner. I've done nothing wrong here, and I don't feel as though I should always have to defend myself." She looked down at his hand. "If you will release me, I have work to do."

"I think we should end things," Severus said walking away from her. "You can go ahead with your plans for the summer."

Hermione couldn't believe it. He'd just broken things off. What had she done wrong? He'd be back. Right? Should she go after him? No. This was a test. But, what kind? What did he want? Did he expect her to be strong and not follow him? Did he expect her to go after him, and make things right? She was confused. Ah, well, she'd feel him out at the noon meal to see how he was doing. She made her way back to the library to find Minerva there.

"Oh, Hermione, there you are," her mentor said. "The staff will be gathering in the staff room in about an hour to have a few drinks and lunch. We want everyone there. You can...Hermione? What's wrong?" Minerva asked, concern etching her voice.

"I'm feeling just a bit run down. I don't know if I should cry, sleep, or scream. I guess it's the whole end of year thing. It shouldn't take me too long to do what I have to do. I still have a week to do what needs to be done. I'll be there." She tried to give her friend a reassuring smile.

"I'll see you then."

~~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~~

Harry could almost feel the emotions radiating from Snape. The bastard had come in and sat down right next to him. What the hell was he playing at? He usually sat across the room, and Hermione had started sitting next to him. Maybe they'd had a row after he'd left. The brooding git would look at him every few minutes and seem to want to say something.

"What?" Harry finally asked.

"You smell like Firewhisky."

"So? Nobody asked you to come sit over here and have a sniff." The git needn't know he'd spilt his first glass on himself.

"I just wanted to tell you that you have finally gotten your-"

"I wonder where Hermione has gotten?" Minerva asked, interrupting Snape.

"Dunno," Harry said. "Haven't seen her since before I went to have one glass of whisky."

"Severus?" she asked when the man remained quiet.

"She is likely still in the library overexerting herself."

"She promised to be here," Minerva said, sounding worried. "She looked horrible earlier. Said she was quite tired. Seemed emotional as well."

Harry turned to eye Snape. His yellowish skin seemed to turn an odd colored white. So the git had something to do with it then. It was apparent that he wasn't going to go check on her. "I'll go and find her," Harry said finally. Something must have happened between the two after he'd left them. It was the only explanation. He checked the library first and found it dark and locked. He trekked over to her chambers, and her ruddy portrait started taunting him.

"You know, you really should make a portrait of yourself," she sniffed. "It would only be fair to have you here for us as well as the living."

"Look, I just need to see her. Open up."

"Sorry. No password, no entrance."

"Oh, but if I were Severus Snape, you'd let me in, eh?"

"Blast," the witch said, irritated. The portrait swung open.

"That's more like it," Harry said. It was about time she stopped worrying about the ruddy password and worried about his concern for Hermione. A quick glance told him that she was not in her sitting room. Her bed was also empty, but he heard water running. "Mione?"

No reply. "Hermione? I don't want to walk in on you. I just want to make sure that you are all right." Silence. "Mione? I'm coming in," he said loudly after more silence. He put his hands over his eyes before stepping in. "Can you see me? Hear me?" Nothing. He opened his eyes. The steaming shower was wide open, but she wasn't in it. He turned to his left and saw her near the toilet. She appeared to be sleeping and...naked. Bloody hell!

Harry quickly went to her. He could see that she had retched. "Mione?" He shook her, and her eyes opened slightly.

"Harry," she mumbled. "I'm sick."

"Hang on. I'll take care of you." He grabbed a clean washcloth from the shelf near the sink and dipped it under some cold water. He then summoned a large towel to cover her body with. "Here." He placed the cool cloth on her forehead while he put the towel over her. "I'm going to carry you to bed."

"I'll try to walk," she said weakly.

"No, Mione, you look horrible. You can barely talk. I don't think you'll be able to walk." Without waiting for her reply, he reached under her body, picked her up, and carried her to the bed. "What happened?" he asked, as he took the cloth from her to wipe her face.

"I came back to shower. Right after I got in, I felt so sick. I ended up where you found me. I think I retched until I was weak. I don't know what is wrong. I started crying and then sort of passed out."

"There is only one thing for me to do," he said firmly. "I'm going to get Madame Pomfrey.

"All right," she said, not arguing.

Harry quickly left and went to the staff room. He found Poppy talking to Minerva. "I need you to come with me. Hermione was sick and passed out. She looks horrible."

Minerva gasped. "Go with him, Poppy."

"Let's go."

Harry could see the odd look on the woman's face, but he didn't say anything. He followed her towards the door. A voice stopped him momentarily.

"Potter, what's happened?"

Snape. Harry sighed. "Well, come on then." He didn't bother to give the arse an explanation. She would probably want him to be there even though they'd obviously had a row. They followed Poppy to Hermione's portrait. "Open up," Harry commanded.

"I told you. No password, no entry."

"WHAT? You let me in without it last time!"

"You must have made a lucky guess, but you did say the password."

"I can't believe this."

Poppy looked to them. "I do not know it."

Snape spoke. "Severus."

The portrait opened with a, "Humph."

"Well, of course," Harry said sarcastically. He made to enter, but Snape held him back.

"Allow Poppy in first, Potter."

Harry pulled away from Snape, but he did allow the Mediwitch to go in. They found Hermione just as he'd left her. "I brought her in here from the loo. She was sleeping in there."

"You didn't think to dry her hair?" Poppy asked indignantly.

"Uh, no, I was too worried about getting to you," he said sarcastically.

"You could only cover her with a towel?"

"Oh, come off it," Harry said impatiently. "What's wrong with her?"

Poppy scoffed slightly but turned to her newest patient. She muttered under her breath for a little while. Her wand tip would eject certain colors of light and vibrate. For a moment, the woman's mouth gaped open. She looked to Harry and then to Snape. "Leave us," she said suddenly.

"What?" both men questioned at once.

Hermione moved and opened her eyes. "Bloody hell," she said sitting up. The towel fell slightly to reveal one breast.

Harry turned away. Damn! Hermione sure has grown. "Er, we'll be in there." He fled to the sitting room. The door slammed, and he turned to see Snape staring at him. "What?"

"You were ogling her! What else did you do whilst she was in that state?"

"Oh, I got in a quick shag. I figured she wouldn't know the difference." Harry enjoyed the glare Snape directed at him. He was tired of the man always having something to say or accuse him of. "You forget, Snape, that I've been in her body before. It's nothing new to me."

"Why you little-"

"Oh my God!" Hermione's voice shrieked.

Both men looked at each other, wondering what was going on. Harry pulled Extendible Ears from his pocket, slid one end under the door and brought a piece to his ear.

"Are you eavesdropping?"

"Shush," he said, handing Snape one of the ear pieces. The man shoved it into his ear.

Harry heard Poppy talking.

"I'm afraid so, Hermione. My wand doesn't lie. Seven weeks, I'd say. About the size of your thumbnail right about now. Don't cry, girl."

Harry looked to Severus. The dark wizard shrugged. Hermione spoke next.

"I can't help it, Poppy. I don't understand how this has happened."

"Which one is it? Do you know? Will I have to do another test?" the Mediwitch asked.

"Which one what?" Hermione asked, sniffing loudly.

"Severus or Harry?"

"Only Severus," Hermione said. "Poppy, are you sure? I mean, maybe I'm just sick, you know?"

The old woman replied sternly. "I'm positive, but you can go off to St. Mungo's if you want a second opinion. I won't stop you. I'm getting something extra in my tests anyway. I would need you to come down at your convenience if you'd like me to look into it farther. If not, then I would say you should see someone else."

"I didn't mean to offend you. I'm just shocked. I didn't expect to get pregnant." Harry jumped back, throwing the device down. He looked to Snape who had turned completely white. Harry pulled the piece from the man and shoved the rest of it in his pocket. "Come on." He beckoned the man to get away from the door. When he didn't move, Harry pulled him to a chair. This is not good. Snape is in shock. Good Lord! Hermione is pregnant.. "Look, Snape, this isn't my business. I'm going to leave now. You need to talk to Hermione, but tell her to be sure to come to me when you two have finished talking. I'm sure she'll need someone else to talk to."

Severus nodded and watched the boy go, barely registering what he'd said. "She is pregnant," he said to himself. She'd planned this. What a fool he'd been to trust her with the contraceptives. It was a trap. She was trying to trick him into marriage. Well, she would be the one that was tricked. He didn't want marriage or a child, and he sure as hell wouldn't be saddled with one. See what happens when you trust someone, Severus. She's betrayed you. She's done this on purpose! He nodded. "She knew that things wouldn't last, and even though I told her I would never commit to her, she decided to try to force my hand." She loves me. This is an accident. He snorted. She wants to control you. She wants you to change your life. Don't let her get away with this. Be strong, Severus.

A click on a door broke into his thoughts. He turned to see Poppy. Her stony expression lingered on him for a moment before her expression softened. She walked to him. "Severus, I trust that you've heard, and by Harry's absence, I suppose you'd like to have a talk with her. She's very worried. I would like to see her soon to check her over more completely. She needs to start with the correct prenatal potions as well."

Severus nodded. The witch smiled, patted him on the shoulder, and left him alone to think. What could he do? He would not give in. He'd told her from the beginning that he would never marry or have children. He simply wouldn't marry her. He had a fair amount of funds that he'd accumulated over the years, and his mother's family had left him a good portion. He could give her money to help support her. Perhaps she would want to terminate the pregnancy? For some reason, that didn't sit well with him. It was his child, and he wouldn't want it to be killed.

He was partially responsible for the unwanted fetus. He should give her all of the options. There was adoption, termination, and raising it alone. He would not be bullied into marrying her. He didn't love her or the child. The line of Snape would end with him, as it should have ended already. It's what was meant to be. He stood to face her. He decided to give her the options, and he would try to persuade her to raise the child herself. He could give her financial support and see that she and the child were taken care of. That's a boy. Throw some money to her, and she'll be fine. That's what most witches want anyway, his father's voice whispered in his mind. She's not like other witches, his own voice replied.

Hermione couldn't believe it. She'd never missed a pill. Not one. How could she tell Severus? He would surely hate her. Perhaps she could hide it for a few months. He'd broken things off with her, right? There would be no sex any longer. She could buy bigger robes, take a small amount of time off of work to go to her parents' home, have the baby, and let her mum help to raise her. She could get her house attached to the Floo network to be home some weekends and most nights. She could do this. Severus need never know. She began crying slightly. Fucking hell! How'd this happen to me? I have never missed one damn pill.

She looked up when her door clicked. Severus had come in, and bloody hell, he looked as if he knew. How? Poppy said she would tell no one, not even Harry. "Sev," shudder, "erus?"

"We need to discuss the options for this...child," he said sourly. "There are a few different things that you can do. One," he said, holding up a finger. "You can terminate the pregnancy. I wou-"

"WHAT?"

"Let me finish," he hissed. "I would not suggest this, as we are at fault for being irresponsible."

"Severus, we were not irresponsible. I didn't miss any pills. I took them every single day. They are normally 99% effective. I've not had any other medicines that would have interfered with them." He smirked at her and looked into her eyes. She noted that his eyes seemed so dark and cold. "Look," she bounded up from the bed, holding her towel over her body. She went to her armoire, opened it, and pulled out a small box. From the box, she extracted the oddly shaped pill container. "See." She thrust it into his hand. "That is this month." She thrust another into his hand. "That is last month. Shall I continue? I've not missed a pill. I was not irresponsible."

His lip curled hatefully as he looked at the second package. "What is this row of pills here? Didn't miss any? It looks like you've missed a few." He threw it into her hands. "Explain, or I shall be forced to believe that this was done deliberately."

"You should know better," she whispered furiously. "I would never have done this!"

"EXPLAIN!"

"Those are sugar pills. If the woman wants to keep up the daily ritual of taking pills, then she can take those while she is having her menses to just stay in routine. They aren't required."

"If I were a suspicious man, I would wonder if you'd been clever enough to get rid of the evidence."

"Get out!"

"Not until we've had this discussion," he said coldly. "Your next option is adoption. I don't know that I like this one either."

"I will not!" Hermione said angrily. "I didn't ask for this, but I won't abandon my child. I will find a way to make things work."

"How so? You are planning to marry me then?" he asked snidely, raising an eyebrow and crossing his arms. "Well?"

She remained silent. Was this a trick question? "Is that an option?" she asked timidly. She saw an emotion pass over his face before his cool mask returned.

"No, it is not. I told you how I felt about that," he stated firmly.

"Your other option is, of course, to raise the child. It appears that this is something we both agree on. I shall give you a monthly salary to help with expenses starting now and until the child reaches adulthood. We can negotiate a sum," he said.

He was trying to pay her off. "I don't need a fucking thing from you," she yelled. "Get out!"

"You can't expect to raise a child on your own on the salary you have here? It's my responsibility to help you, as I've had a part in making this mistake," he said, moving to stand in front of her.

Hermione bit her lip to hold in a sob, but the tears fell from her eyes. She tried to breathe deeply to calm herself. Finally, she spoke with a hoarse, emotional voice. "I think that my mum and dad are able to help, thanks. I'm not from a poor family, you know. I can still work, and they will gladly help me. Get out."

"You would take the child from the Wizarding world?" he asked incredulously.

"Only until he or she is ready to come to Hogwarts," she said firmly. "Same as me."

"Ha!"

"Ha? Ha, what?" Her lover remained silent. "What?"

"I have to think about this."

"There is nothing to think about. I know you don't," her voice cracked, "want us."

"I don't want to be TRAPPED!" he said, suddenly exploding.

"Severus, you are no more trapped than I am. You don't have to marry me or be a part of our lives."

"Muggle contraceptives! You should have known better!" he said.

"I had to take them, Severus. Poppy's potions didn't help me. It's the only thing that could. I have terrible experiences with pain once per month. These helped to clear me up, and as you know, that time of the month only lasted a couple of days. They help to reduce the risk of cancer, and they are 99% effective. I don't know what went wrong. It's almost as if it was meant to be."

"Oh, good Lord! Don't tell me I have a ruddy Trelawny on my hands! You should have reinforced the Muggle contraceptive by taking the Pregnancy Potion that Poppy keeps. There is one that lasts for three months at a time."

"Why do you keep saying Muggle like it's something filthy?" If he had something against Muggles or Muggle-borns she needed to know before things went any further.

"I just can't believe that I trusted..." Severus took a deep breath. "I trusted you enough to agree with your decision. Muggle contraceptives!" he said angrily. "Just as useful as their makers, as we now know. Well, I have no use for either." His uneven teeth bared in a twisted hiss before closing to reveal his angry, thin lips.

"How dare you talk about all Muggles as if they are worthless, Severus! My parents-"

"I know full well what both they and you are," he interrupted. "A pureblood witch would never have stooped to using something made by Muggles. Now look where you've landed us!"

"So, I am only good enough to fuck? Is that it? No place for a Muggle-born witch in your life besides beneath you in bed?" She couldn't believe what he was saying! She'd never seen him look so livid or speak so hatefully to her.

"Well, well, well," he said quietly, stepping close to look into her eyes. "I guess you truly are a know-it-all."

Hermione reacted like a mad woman. She slapped him soundly in the face and began screaming at the top of her lungs about him being a bastard. Her body was shaking with adrenaline. She missed the enraged expression on his face and pushed him towards her door.

Hands of steel grabbed her roughly by the arms and lifted her off of the ground until she was eye level with him. She calmed immediately, gasping with surprise and pain from the fingers digging into her skin. His voice was icy as he spoke. "Never touch me in such a manner again, Hermione. I am not so great a man, like your two friends seem to be, that I can allow such behavior without retaliation. No person, wizard or witch, will handle me in such a fashion." He pulled her closer, whispering angrily, "Is that clear?"

"Y-yes."

He lowered her to the ground and released the grip on her. "I have to leave."

"Wait, Severus," she said, rubbing her arms. She'd likely have bruises.

"What is it?" He sighed. "If I stay, I might not be able to contain myself. I don't wish to harm you."

"I thought you cared about me a little. Did something not change for us?"

"We became too comfortable with each other. I should have not let it go so far."

"I see." Hermione turned away from him. So, she had been wrong. He thought her to be nothing more than a Muggle-born witch worthy of a few shags. He never cared. A pair of hands on her shoulders startled her. She was pulled back against his chest.

"I don't want this," he stated.

It sounded as if he was trying to convince himself that he didn't want her. "I know."

He squeezed her shoulders. "I do care."

I was right. Her body began shaking with uncontrollable sobs. "I'm so confused," she wailed.

"Sshh," he murmured. When her sobbing stopped, she felt a small kiss on the back of her head. "I am glad that you won't kill or give up the child. I must go."

She felt the coldness hit her bare skin as soon as he moved away from her. The towel she was wearing did nothing to help the cold that had crept into her body. He cared about her, but he didn't care enough. She wished that she would know what to do. Should she consider terminating the pregnancy? Poppy had said that she was about seven weeks along. How had she not noticed her missed period? She thought that she'd had one. How could she still have one, yet still be pregnant? It didn't make sense. Hermione walked into the bathroom and stepped under the shower spray. She already felt numb inside. The now icy cold water did nothing to affect her. She had a big decision to make. Could she live with him nearby while raising his child? Would she resent the child?

Faint red marks on her arms caught her attention. The beginnings of bruises! She supposed that she was lucky that he didn't strike her back. He'd contained himself. To be honest, the coldness in his voice, eyes, and mannerisms had scared her more than the grip he had on her arms. She'd told him that she loved his eyes the second night he'd been with her, pretending to be Darach. She'd said that she felt like she could get lost in them. Those eyes made her feel lost. She'd lost herself in them, and she needed to find her way back. A chill swept through her body as she remembered something Severus had told her.

I just think that unwanted offspring should never see the light of day.

He'd been talking about the potion he was working on as a form of contraceptive. It sterilized the male user for a certain amount of time. Would he feel this way about his own child? Did he secretly hope that she would terminate her pregnancy?

I just think that unwanted offspring should never see the light of day.

"Oh..." Hermione wept openly. How could she have fallen in love with such a man? Why couldn't she have had an interest in someone else? She needed to talk to Harry.

---

A/N: Sorry this took so long to get out. I knew what I wanted to write, but it was hard to put it into words. More up in a few days or so. I have two chapters left of the Succubus, and I want to finish that up. Cheers.

If some of you haven't guessed, Severus will never be a 'sweet' man in this story. I'm sorry about that, but I just wanted to try something along the lines of how I perceive him in canon. I do believe that he can be flexible, and as we've seen, he can be nice to get along with.

So, there will be a love match just for those of you who are anxious to know. Hermione is getting some of her fire back. Yes, there were tears here, but what woman wouldn't be emotional in this instance?