Taking Action!

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

A big thanks to my beta, Charmed Nay!

---

"Pregnant!" he roared, lifting the table and throwing it over. All of the containers shattered, the slimy contents leaking onto the stone floor. "A brat!" He kicked his chair, slamming it into the wall. "Muggle contraceptives...of all the...DAMN it!"

He summoned a bottle of Firewhisky to him, opened it, and took a large gulp from the bottle. "I should have known." He took another drink from the bottle before throwing it against his wall. He smirked with satisfaction as he thought of the mess that the house-elves would have to clean up. He'd wanted to leave a mess in Hermione's room as well. After the initial shock had worn off, his first instinct was to be hateful to her. Coldness was the most effective way to deal with things. If people thought you to be indifferent, they had nothing to hold over you.

She had been very lucky indeed. When she'd slapped him, he'd wanted to slap her back, just as soundly, but something wouldn't allow it. Yes, he'd probably left bruises on her, but she came off easy. He could not allow her to beat on him. She could never think that she was stronger than he was. She would always try to push him around if that was the case. He couldn't hit her either. He was above beating his lover, unlike his father. I couldn't hurt her.

His father had often had rows with his mother. Most of the time they would argue in front of him. When he was younger, he would cry for his mother and try to help her, but then he would be punished as well. His mother made him stay away until his father would leave. He'd still cry when his father was exceptionally angry and thought his mother to be in trouble. Eventually the tears stopped. His father would lecture him about women, about life, about being a Snape, about disgusting Muggles, and filthy Mudbloods. He always aspired to please his father. He'd thought that if he could project the image of a worthy son, things would be all right at home. His mother would not have been seen as a failure at raising children. She'd lost a child that would have been born whilst he was still at home. After she'd lost the child, she'd lost all hope for living, and she'd let herself drift away. Severus later found out that his father had been the cause for the miscarriage.

Once his mother had died, a part of Severus went with her. His father was all he'd had left, so he'd been determined to please him. None of what he did mattered in the end. His father had died completely disappointed in him. He shook his head to break away from the memory of his father's dying words. And, now look! You're landed with idiotic, Mudblood filth, and you have something akin to a little half-breed on the way. Severus leant against a wall and slid down slowly. She was not dirty nor would their child be considered anything like a half-breed. Times had changed. She was one of the cleverest witches of the age.

"So, what's she doing running after me?" he asked quietly. That was a good question. It didn't matter though. Things would be over. He had a responsibility to take care of the child...and her. He would see that they had a comfortable amount of money to see them through hard times. The thought of a magical child with two magical parents having to grow up in a Muggle world didn't sit well with him. That child would be behind all of the other children. It would have to work extra hard to fit in, and it would likely end up being an overachiever just like its annoying mother. "Hermione," he whispered.

She would have agreed to marry him even though she knew that he didn't love her. He'd seen that in her eyes and heard it in her voice when he'd asked if that was what she'd been expecting. He hadn't meant to blurt that out. It just happened, but once he'd said it, he couldn't take it back. For a moment, he'd almost told her that it was an option, but he'd suddenly realized what he'd been about to say. Why was that? He'd never wanted a wife. Ever. He'd never wanted a child. Ever. Both would likely turn out as miserable as he had been and as his mother had been.

"I will not be trapped," he whispered. What could he do? The staff would look upon him with distaste. He really didn't care what they thought though. Well, Albus' opinion mattered to him. He'd always had faith in him. Undeserving faith, yes, but it was there nonetheless. Minerva would be very disappointed in him for not owning up to his responsibilities. Hell, he'd be giving her money. Wasn't that good enough? I'm not giving the child a name. I'm making it a bastard. He sighed. "Being a bastard is probably better than being a Snape." He sneered at his reflection in the glass door of the cabinet. "I've always been described as a bastard even though my parents were married. What's the difference?" He needed to get out. He didn't like being this close to her. As he stood up, he heard his grate come to life.

"Severus?" Albus called.

With a resigned sigh, he stood, squared his shoulders, and made his way into the next room. "Yes?" he asked calmly. He saw that the headmaster was looking around the room as best as he could. "I am alone. What do you need?"

"You never came back. I was wondering if everything is all right with Hermione."

"She's...in her chambers."

"I'm coming through," Albus said.

"No, really-" Before he could finish, Albus' head disappeared. Severus had a seat in a chair near the fire just as Albus came back in completely. He didn't wait for an invitation. He simply sat across from Severus, looking at the disaster in the open doorway of the next room.

"Tell me everything."

"I'm sure you already know," Severus said blandly.

"Poppy wouldn't say. I can only assume that Hermione isn't doing well at all, or she's...with child." Albus' twinkling eyes met his. He could tell the instant that Albus saw the truth. His eyes lit with surprise and then hope. "Severus, maybe this has happened for a reason."

"I am surrounded by peers attempting to follow in Trelawney's footsteps! Merlin save us all!"

A stern expression came over his mentor's face. "What do you intend to do about it?"

"I shall see to it that should she keep the burden, she and it will be provided for financially," he said defiantly, meeting his friend's eyes squarely. "I know what you are thinking, Albus, and I refuse to be forced into a marriage that I do not want. I told her from the beginning how I felt. Had she been more careful, we wouldn't be in this situation."

Albus held up a hand. "Stop right there, Severus. You both should have been more careful. Don't lay the blame solely on her. As far as your decision, who has tried to force you into marriage? I've not said anything about it. Has she?"

"Well, no, but..." Severus looked away.

"So...you are the only one talking about marriage. Why would that be?" Albus asked with a grin.

"You can stop that smiling! I mentioned it because I know it's what everyone will think! They are going to say that I should have done the right thing and married her," Severus said indignantly.

"Who says that marriage is the honorable thing?"

"Well, I know that it is," Severus spat furiously. He leant forward and put his fingers to his temples. "I just can't see myself as a married person. I was trapped once, Albus. I won't be forced back into living for someone else or trying to meet their expectations."

"Yes, I can understand that. It's a pity that Hermione has high expectations then," Albus said, pulling a small bag of sweets from his pocket. "Would you like one?"

Severus shook his head. "She never said that she expected anything. She knew that I would never commit to her. I've been honest with my feelings."

"Too right," Albus agreed.

"Why are you being so agreeable? Nothing to add? No guilt to lay at my feet?" Severus asked suspiciously.

The old wizard looked thoughtful. "No guilt, Severus. However, I do wish for you to be happy. If you can both move on happily, I am glad to hear it, but I should wonder what it would do to her if you would ever have another companion here." He sighed. "You are colleagues. I would think that would be uncomfortable for all of you." He chuckled. "I suppose it's a good thing that you wouldn't be abashed by a man taking your place in her chambers and in your child's life."

"What are you on about?"

"Nothing." He sighed. "I guess I should go."

"What do you mean another man?"

"Severus, just because you plan on living the life of a misogamist doesn't mean that Hermione will live the life of a spinster. There will be other men willing to take in her and her child and treat them as they deserve to be treated." He shrugged. "I suppose you really do have nothing to worry about. Well, I'm glad we've had this talk. I know I certainly feel better. Don't you?"

"Hardly," Severus said gruffly. "See yourself out." He slammed into his bedchambers, leaving Albus watching him sadly.

Albus went through the Floo back to his quarters. He hated to push Severus' buttons, but he knew he had to do it. It was the only way to set things right. Severus had marriage on his mind whether he wanted to admit it or not. It was almost as if he wanted someone to push him into it so that he could protest and claim subjection. He'd made sure to mention the fact that he would have to live in the castle amicably with Hermione and the next companion she would find. That one sentence would no doubt set off a chain reaction in Severus' mind. He would come to the conclusion that he had to do the honorable thing and marry her. His possessiveness was far too great to allow another to take away what was his. Albus put his head in his hands for a moment, feeling older than he'd felt in a long time. He wished that he could call on his old friend, Nicholas, for a chat. He and his wife had succumbed to death after destroying his stone and using the last of their elixir. The man always had a brilliant, unbiased opinion. He only hoped that he'd made a logical decision when pointing Severus where to go.

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

"That git!" Harry exclaimed. "That's exactly why I didn't want you to be with him! I should have never gone along with this!"

"Calm down, Harry. I don't need this."

He pulled her to him, crushing her tightly. "Mione, I want you to think about what you are going to do before you do anything. Please." He pulled back to look into her eyes. "I think you should keep the baby, Hermione. I'll help you. We'll hire a nanny for when we can't be about."

"Harry, I can't impose on you that way. I am sure my parents won't turn me away," she said thoughtfully. "I hope."

"What will they say? What will you tell them?"

"What can I say?" She shook her head. "The truth is that my friends and I tricked a man into sleeping with me. I agreed to have a sexual relationship with him. He told me he'd never commit to me, and my ruddy contraceptives failed. Now we're landed with this problem." She moved to sit on his couch. "I'll have to tell them who, and they may want to have a go at him. But, it's really not his fault. Any of this."

"Oh, right. He didn't mean to have sex with you. That was an accident. Get a grip!" Harry said.

"Honestly! I am not that thick. Yes, we should have taken more precaution, but I reassured him that we were safe. He told me from the beginning what he wanted, and I was foolish enough to hope for something else. I love him, Harry. I thought that was enough. Ridiculous, isn't it?"

"It is."

She laughed bitterly. "I knew that I was stupid to wish for something more, but there was this hope that things would change. Just as I would have enough, he would do something incredible, and my hope would be renewed."

"And, after I'd gone to Hogsmeade today, he broke things off with you," Harry said dryly. "How incredulous, I say!"

"Well, I'm not certain that he truly broke things off with me. I think he was just trying to test me."

"Hermione, what kind of man gives his girlfriend a test like that?" Harry moved to sit with her and took her hands in his. "Do you know how hard things will be for you both? The staff will be looking at you oddly, the students will be whispering, and the Wizarding world will look down upon you. I can't believe he didn't at least try to marry you."

"Severus doesn't want to be trapped, and I don't want to trap him. Things would never change for certain. I would rather be alone with my child and show her nothing but love than to raise her in a cold home with resentful parents." She smiled. "I've been ridiculed before. It's nothing new."

"Give it to me," Harry said suddenly. "I'll adopt the baby."

"Harry, I..." Hermione looked away. "No, Harry. I want to keep it. Really. I just couldn't see you with my child and not be able to acknowledge her."

"Remember when we talked about having families one day?" Harry asked quietly.

"Yes," she said with a sigh. "Those days seem so long ago."

"Well, marry me, Mione. Here's our chance."

"Harry, no, I can't do that to you," she said, tears of appreciation shining in her eyes. "If I wouldn't want to trap Severus, I certainly wouldn't want to trap you."

"We've been friends for a long time, and we love each other. We are comfortable with each other, and maybe one day things would develop between us." He smiled. "Your child would have a complete home, and neither of us would have to be alone."

"I don't think so," she said. "I do appreciate it, but I cannot accept."

"Wait." He pulled her back next to him as she tried to rise. "Just..." He moved closer, kissing her on the lips softly. When she tried to protest, he brought his hands to her face and darted his tongue into her mouth. She allowed him to continue and kissed him back. When they finally pulled away, neither could meet the other's eyes. Harry spoke first. "It wasn't all that bad, Mione. We can work on this together. Just please think about it."

Hermione put her head on Harry's shoulder and hugged him tightly. "I'll let you know something this evening. Meet me out by the lake in a couple of hours," she said, kissing his cheek softly. "No matter what we decide, Harry, thanks." Their eyes met briefly before she walked out. She made her way quickly to her chambers.

After nearly an hour of deliberation, she'd come to a decision. Things would have to be broken off with Severus. Things would never change no matter how much she loved him. If he refused to commit to her even though they were to have a child together, then she had no choice but to move on. Being a single parent really didn't appeal to her now that she'd thought about it. Her child would be looked down upon for its parentage already. Children could be cruel. She well remembered the days when she was ridiculed. She would marry Harry. Her parents need never know the truth. They'd always hoped she would marry Harry or Ron. How could they cope at the castle together? The three of them? Harry and she would have to steer clear of Severus.

Severus. How could she ever hope to be happy again knowing that he would never be the one that she woke up to in the mornings? He would never be within her again. The last time they'd been together had been a quick, fervent session. If she had known it would have been their last time together, she would have tried to go slower to make it last, to have something more to cherish. Something occurred to Hermione. There was no reason why she couldn't go to him now. She'd never gone to his chambers and asked to be made love to. There was nothing to lose. If he refused her, she'd understand. If he accepted, well, she would proceed. She quickly readied herself, washing and dressing.

She knocked on his chambers a few minutes later. No response. She knocked again. She heard a few clicks and felt the thick tenseness in the air disperse. He must have released the wards. The door opened, and she saw his wary expression immediately.

"What is it?"

"I need to come in."

"I told you I needed time to think."

"Please, Severus. Let me come in."

He growled in exasperation and opened the door for her. She entered and paused, waiting for him to lead the way to his sitting room. Hermione tried to calm her nerves as she followed him. Once he sat down, she noticed that he looked disturbed. The room was a mess, as was the other room. It was apparent that he'd had a tantrum. "Hermione, say what you have to say, and then leave. I do not wish to be disturbed right now. I have a lot on my mind."

"And, I don't?" she asked, untying her outer robe.

"What do you think you are doing?" he asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

"I want to make love to you," she said, meeting his gaze firmly. The outer robe fell to her feet. She began unfastening the clasps on her long nightdress.

"You came down here in that?" he asked incredulously.

"Yes."

"Stop right there. Do you think that this will change anything?"

"I know it won't," she admitted. "I need you to give me this moment right now if never anything else again. I need this and you, Severus."

He watched her intently as she slipped off the garment, leaving her completely naked and waiting for his approval. He seemed to sigh resolutely, stood, and nodded to her. She took this to mean that her offer was acceptable. She pulled her wand and a bundle of small scarves from her discarded clothing, followed him to his bedchamber, and watched as he slowly undressed. "Well, come here then," he said, sounding annoyed that he'd given in to her request.

"Lay down. I want to please you." She saw the glint in his eyes as he lay in the center of the bed. She pulled her hands from behind her back to reveal the scarves and her wand. With a few quick incantations, the silky scarves bound his hands.

"What do you think you are doing?" he asked dangerously. "Untie me now, or you shall regret it."

"I will, Severus. I promise. I only want to pleasure you." She smiled as he seemed to accept this. "I want to take my time. I will untie you." She said another incantation, and his feet were bound as well.

"Hermione," he said warningly.

"Trust me, Severus."

"I have before, and look where it's landed us," he said bitingly.

She chose not to answer. She simply said two more incantations. One scarf covered his eyes while the other covered his mouth. "I'm sorry about that, Severus, but I can't have you sputtering your usual hurtful comments. I need this to be perfect." She could see that he was angry by the way he was muttering and pulling against his bounds.

Hermione moved to the bed easily. She'd never felt so confident before. She was in charge. She was in control. She would give him pleasure while finding her own. A tentative hand reached out to cup his jaw. He stilled his movements and seemed to be concentrating on her touch. Emboldened, she traced his entire jaw line softly. "I've always admired your strong jaw." She looked at his chest and noticed his breathing was slow and rhythmic. He didn't seem to mind.

She would take this last chance to tell him everything that she truly felt for him. Hermione brought her lips down to place soft kisses along his throat. She circled around his collarbones with her tongue before moving back up to suck on his neck possessively. She pulled away with a popping sound and smiled, pleased with her accomplishment. "I've always wanted to mark you."

Severus emitted a large breath that sounded like a frustrated groan. She didn't pay attention to it as she brought her lips up to first one earlobe and then the other. "You know, when you do this to me, Severus, you drive me crazy. I feel gooseflesh all along my skin the moment your breath hits my ear, and I feel your tongue taste my skin." There was a slight twitch in his cheek, and she wondered if he'd meant to smile. The scarf was hiding his lips effectively.

Shrugging, she lowered her lips to his chest to taste his flesh there. She breathed in deeply and inhaled Severus' scent. She would never forget the intoxicating mix of his personal scent blended with the, no doubt, self-made fragrant cologne he wore. It was a brew made of greens, rosewood, sage, basil, and crisp jasmine from what she could tell. She'd remember it perfectly for eternity. Her hands had minds of their own as they glided over every inch of available flesh, except for his groin of course. Each time her hands passed by during their exploration his stiff bulge would twitch upward hopefully.

She smirked to herself and felt a surge of power flow through her. He was at her mercy, wasn't he? She laved at one of his flat nipples and then the other, eliciting moans from her lover. Elated with his positive response, she began nipping her way down to his groin area. She bypassed his now angrily colored erection to nibble on the insides of his thighs. He began mumbling immediately, and she could see that his breathing had quickened.

"Severus," she said softly, running her fingernails through the thick patch of hair before her. "I'm going to lick you. Is that all right?"

He arched upward and moaned what seemed to be an affirmative. She used both hands to grope his dangly bits for a moment and leaned down to give one a small swipe with her tongue. A loud, appreciative groan sounded. "Like that, eh?" She gave its mate a timid lick as well and was rewarded with him bucking up into. She giggled, wrapped one hand around his hard cock while still fondling his testicles with the other. Her tongue darted out to lick away the small droplet of moisture on the very tip and lazily encircled the entire head. She cautiously made her way down as far as she could while sucking and licking her way back up. At Severus' grunt and arch, she began working her hand, fingers, and mouth in a casual-paced rhythm. When she felt him getting overly excited and trying to rush her, she left the area all together, kissing her way back up to his earlobe.

"You know, Severus, you are the only man that I've ever longed for like this." One hand reached down to begin stroking him slowly again. "I wish that I could change things, but it's too late for that. What's done is done." She noted that he seemed to be holding his breath. "I wish that I could have had longer with you. Just knowing that this will be the last time that we ever make love is hard for me. I'll get over it...eventually." She kissed his jaw. "Can I kiss you?" No reply. "I want to take off the scarf that's on your mouth. Will you allow me to kiss you?"

He grunted. She untied the scarf and moved it away from his mouth. With one finger, she gently traced his lower lip. "I used to love when you would lecture in class. The way your lips moved would mesmerize me, and your voice seemed to flow through my bones." She lowered her lips to his for a soft kiss. Hermione applied very little pressure and opened her lips slightly. In an instant, Severus parted his to encourage her. She took advantage and allowed her tongue to mingle with his slowly. She could feel him moving in time with the strokes of her hand.

The feeling of being in control and knowing that she was making him feel good gave her a heady sensation. As if in a fog, she moved to straddle him, guided his hard length to her opening, and slid down upon him. They each sucked in a slow breath. Without moving much, she brought her lips back to his. She placed her hands on his shoulders and began grinding against him slowly. She was glad that he couldn't see her expression. She had tears of sadness in her eyes. This was beautiful. Her lover tied and vulnerable beneath her, wanting her, needing her. She could have lived her life making love to him everyday. Why couldn't he love her? Why couldn't he want her?

"Untie my hands," he said suddenly.

"No."

"I want to touch you," he said, voice hoarse.

She obliged after a moment's trepidation and was rewarded with hands on her arse and lips on her breasts. He hadn't tried to increase her speed, but she could feel the beginning sensations of that lovely feeling coming to take her away to a better place albeit only briefly. At least it was a place where she could forget the cold reality. He increased speed the moment she began riding him with purpose. "I'm almost there."

Severus growled and moved a hand down to pebble her crux as she rode his length and ground down onto his magical fingers. "Severus! Oh my God! Ooh, I love you, Severus!" The mind-blowing peak slammed through her body and weakened her, sending multiple tremors through her body, but she maintained her rhythm until she knew he was spent.

"Hermione," he whispered. A series of heavy breathing, deep grunts, and wild upward thrusts signaled his release. She knew it was safe to collapse onto his chest. His arms came up to hold her to him. She reveled in the feel and scent of him for what she knew to be the last time.

Her tears overflowed and spilled upon his chest and shudders ran through her body. This was it. "I will miss you," she whispered. His arms tightened in response. She dared to hope for something for a few happy seconds, but she realized that hoping all along had been her mistake. Now her future lay with Harry and an unplanned child that would never know his or her father. "You were right. I can't terminate the pregnancy, I can't give the baby away, but I have something to tell you. I can't be a single mum. It will be too hard for my baby. I had to endure enough when I was growing up, so I've made a decision." She paused to see if he had anything to say, thankful that she didn't have to meet his eyes. "I've worked out an arrangement that I know can work for us. You won't feel obligated to be involved, and we'll be taken care of. I just need..." Her voice broke slightly. "I need you to know that as of right now, I will always love you. I know that time passes and feelings fade, but I wonder if that time will ever come for me. Our child will be a constant reminder...no, my child will remind me of you. I just...oh, Severus, I'm sorry. Have a good life."

She moved off of him and ran to the next room to throw on her clothing and dashed to her chambers, warding her rooms to keep him out if he came after her. She threw herself onto the bed and cried. As she was crying, she decided to shed no more tears for a man that didn't love her, could never love her. Harry. When they'd kissed earlier, it hadn't been repulsive, but it lacked a spark. It held a promise of maybe something one day. However, that day wouldn't likely be any day soon. They would likely have to down a good portion of drinks to get up the nerve to consummate their marriage. Blast! I can't drink!

She would try to care for him in that way one day, but she doubted that she ever would. Her child would have a name that was respected in their world. Harry would be good to her and treat her child as his own. It would be better than being alone. It would be better than forcing Severus to marry her. A loveless marriage would harm her child. She'd never do it, no matter how much she loved him. This was a mess that she made. It was time she began cleaning it up. She cleaned off and changed into appropriate clothing. After she washed her face and brushed her teeth, she made her way out to meet Harry by the lake.

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

Severus was in shock. It took a few minutes to realize that she had truly left. He pulled the scarf away from his eyes and reached down to untie his ankles. She'd come to seduce him. She'd wanted one last time with him in a way that she would deem worthy of remembering. He needed only to close his eyes to feel her tears upon his naked chest, to feel her body wracking with sobs against him, or to hear her pitiable voice trying to explain to him what she'd decided. "What are you planning, Hermione?"

He went to clean himself off and remembered all that she'd said. She didn't plan to try to force him into anything, she agreed that all sexual relations should cease, and she'd found a way to relieve him of all responsibilities to her and their...her child. Why did he not feel content with this? It was what he'd wanted, wasn't it? What decision could she have come to? Let her go, Severus. A warm witch's bed is a sickle a dozen. Severus nodded slightly, but then realized that a feeling of loss had entered his heart. She was gone. He would never watch her sleep again. He would never fuck her until she screamed his name again.

Albus' words came back to slap him in the face.

I suppose it's a good thing that you wouldn't be abashed by a man taking your place in her chambers and in your child's life.

That was it. She was going to get married. Albus' voice echoed through his mind again.

Severus, just because you plan on living the life of a misogamist doesn't mean that Hermione will live the life of a spinster. There will be other men willing to take in her and her child and treat them as they deserve to be treated.

Who? Who was this man that was willing to marry someone that he didn't love? Who had she...FUCKING HARRY BLOODY POTTER! "Bastard!" Of course! What other bastard would be willing to put aside his feelings and raise his enemy's child as his own? "We shall see about this," Severus said. As he moved to his wardrobe, he noticed the large, dark love bite that she'd left on his neck. A sign of possession. She wanted to possess him. Shaking his head, he said, "I am the possessor, little one." He pulled on some fresh clothes, tidied himself, and made his way to her chambers.

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

"Hi," Harry said shyly.

"Hi," she murmured. "Harry, are you still sure...?"

"Yes." He nodded.

"I don't love you that way."

"Me either, but at least I do love you," he said softly. "Who knows? Maybe...er...one day we will feel something. I mean to say...have you decided to marry me?"

"I hate to use you this way, Harry. You should find someone that can treat you the way you deserve."

"Mione, I told you. Women seem to shy away from me. You're the only one that can be around me and not go on about the past. I am comfortable with you. I've always wanted a family. You need someone to help you out. I don't see this as using me. It's what we both need," he said softly.

Hermione bit her lip. "But, Harry, how can we...you know? It was a bit awkward to simply kiss."

Harry swallowed hard, took a step closer, and pulled her into an embrace. "We're honest enough to talk things through and say what we truly want. We'll work through somehow."

"When should we do it?"

"I'm sure that Albus would do it for us. I'll talk to him, and we can have it done as early as tomorrow. It will give you all night to think about it. I want you to be sure." Harry searched her sad eyes. "I will try to make you happy, Hermione."

She simply nodded. "Talk to him."

After a long silence settled between them, Harry said, "Let me touch you."

"All right."

"Er...where?"

"Kiss me first." She closed her eyes and moved her face up to meet his. The kiss was gentle, too soft. Harry's lips were full, not like Severus' thin yet sexy lips. Harry took his time and moved a hand to the small of her back to gather her closer. His hand feels smaller than Severus' hand. Ever so slowly, they pulled away to stare at each other.

Harry cleared his throat, opened his mouth to speak, but clamped it shut again. He moved to place a kiss on her throat. Hermione sensed that he was a little nervous. As his tongue came out to taste her flesh, a sudden feeling of wrongness overcame her. The hand that had been on her back moved to her arse, and the other one was resting on her side.

"Stop."

He moved away immediately. "Did I hurt you?"

"I'm just not ready." Her hands were shaking profusely.

"I just need time to prepare myself for this, mentally and physically. It seems wrong to be with someone that I do not love," Hermione said. "If we are to be married tomorrow, I think we can wait until then. I also think that you will have to have many cups to get the courage for both of us. Don't you?"

"Yes," admitted Harry, relieved that he wasn't the only one to feel that way. "To be honest, I don't feel right either. No offense to you, but I don't know...I mean to say..." He sighed, trying to find the right words.

"I know what you mean. Maybe this is a sign that this is wrong." She looked into his eyes and found acceptance. He nodded slightly and smiled as if to say all would work out for the best. At the same time, they embraced each other. "I am going to my chambers. I'll send for a meal. I don't want to face him yet."

"Want me to join you?"

"No. Have a talk with Dumbledore, and if you don't mind, could you Floo Ron? I don't want anyone else to know the truth though," she said.

"I will. I'll go on down to Hogsmeade to pick up something. See you in the morning?"

"Okay." Hermione stood there in silence as he fled. What was she doing? Could she ever feel things for Harry? She sighed. "Not bloody likely," she whispered, "but I'm going to try like hell." She walked slowly back to her chambers. She lay down on her bed to think and drifted off to sleep.

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

Where the hell was she? She wasn't in the library, the infirmary, or her chambers. He decided to try the grounds. It didn't take long to find her, and he didn't like what he saw. Potter was with her. "So," he whispered to himself, "I was right." He got as close as he could to spy on them from behind a large tree. He could hear them well enough even though he'd missed the first part of their conversation. He almost thought for a second that she'd told Potter to kiss her. Bloody hell!

What the fuck was she doing? How could she let that arsehole touch her? Did he know where her mouth had been not an hour earlier? Severus knew that if he didn't turn away he would kill one or both of them. He wanted to turn away from the sight, but he couldn't. He was disgusted and intrigued at the same time. He was also insanely jealous. Unconsciously, his fists clenched tightly, and he began walking forward. Albus was right. Seeing her with someone else will destroy me, but how does one tell someone that they've changed their mind without appearing weak? She is mine. I want her with me.

He ducked behind a large amount of shrubbery when he heard her tell the brat to stop. He had to listen to what she had to say. He silently prayed to whatever Deity that might be listening that she spoke the words that he wanted to hear. If she didn't, he wouldn't be held responsible for what he had to do to the bastard who was trying to have his woman.

Hermione told the boy, "I'm not ready."

Severus breathed an unwanted sigh of relief. She's still loyal to me even after I reacted the way I did about the unborn brat...er...child, even after the way I treated her in my chambers. His heart uncharacteristically tightened when he heard the next sentence.

"I just need time to prepare myself for this, mentally and physically. It seems wrong to be with someone that I do not love," Hermione said. "If we are to be married tomorrow, I think we can wait until then. I also think that you will have to have many cups to get the courage for both of us. Don't you?"

"Yes," the boy said. "To be honest, I don't feel right either. No offense to you, but I don't know...I mean to say..." The boy sighed.

At least the bastard doesn't appear too eager. Being forced to do the right thing isn't that easy, eh, Potter?

"I know what you mean. Maybe this is a sign that this is wrong," Hermione said sadly.

It is wrong. All of it. Nobody should be forced to marry anyone else, but I will not have anyone thinking that a Potter is more honorable than I am.

Severus watched them as they silently exchanged words with their eyes, and he felt a sudden pang of loss as they each put their arms around the other. She was determined to forget about him and go off with Potter. He'd really lost her. How? She was supposed to always be loyal to him. She wasn't supposed to be the one to end things. That was his job. He'd not have it. He might not love her or want a family, but by God, no other bastard would move in on his territory. He nodded to himself.

He would form a plan. He had one day to change things between them, or she would be lost to him forever. Good riddance. "Sod off, you meddling bastard," he hissed lowly. "You'll not be interfering with my decisions any longer, father. I never was the man you wanted me to be though I tried. You were right. I am not worthy of the name Snape. I should have taken my mother's name. Didn't you say I was a disappointment, and you hoped the line would end before my offspring could taint it further?"

He glanced back at the couple. She was being held softly, as if she was precious cargo. She seemed to like being held that way. He smirked. The boy looked like a fool handling a woman in such a way in a public place. He would never be one of those overly affectionate men, but he would be married nonetheless. They would just have to set a few ground rules. The first thing he had to do was prepare himself, and then he would have to let her know what he'd decided. If she didn't agree, he would see to it that she did. He slipped away quickly before the couple realized that they'd been spied upon.

From a distance, he watched...and waited, plotting all the while. If they went to a room together, he would barge in and put a stop to things. That's right. He'd not told her that he wanted to end things. He'd only said that he needed time. That would be a way to turn things around to have her feel like the guilty party. He could feign being wounded about her running off to the first brat that she saw just because he'd said a few hurtful words.

Damn. He'd toyed with her before they'd found out about the pregnancy, saying he wanted to end things after he saw the pitiful young student trying to win her favor. It had been a test to see how she'd handle it. He wanted to know if she was strong enough to stand up to him about something serious. Fucking an angry Hermione was unlike anything he'd ever experienced. That wasn't quite true either.

The best lay he'd ever had was the one they'd just shared when she'd waylaid him in his own chambers. She'd never been so demanding, and she hadn't only taken pleasure. She'd given it. She'd wanted to give him pleasure on her own terms. Her words passed through his mind.

I need you to give me this moment right now if never anything else again. I need this and you, Severus.

She would listen to whatever he decided. He would tell her that it would be in the child's and her best interest to have a semblance of marriage. He had the rules formed in his mind already. She, being completely in love with him, would agree and tell Potter to bugger off. In the unlikely event that didn't work, he had a backup plan ready. Movement caught his attention as Potter scurried away. Hermione stared after him for a moment and made her way back inside. He'd give her some time, and then he would go to her. He would tell her what he wanted. She belonged to him, not Potter.

His thoughts darkened as he remembered the filthy little bastard's hands upon her and his mouth pressed to hers. They would pay for that. Each in their own way.

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

When Hermione awoke, she screamed. Severus was standing at the side of her bed staring at her menacingly with his arms crossed in front of him. "S-Severus, what are you doing here?" she stammered, scooting back. "If this is about earlier..." She let the words die between them. Dear God! Was he here seeking retribution? He had consented. Even before she'd put the scarves on him, he'd led her to the bedroom.

"It's about a lot of things, Hermione." He paced for a few minutes as she watched him warily.

This was not good if he was pacing and looking sour. Finally, the deafening silence drove her mad. "Out with it! Why are you here?"

"I am here to say that I've taken the time to get my thoughts in order, and after the initial shock passed, I've decided that you will marry me."

Hermione's heart dropped. She would have wanted those words at any moment, but it was too late. "Severus..." She was unsure of what to say. He'd likely have a go at Harry and think that they'd planned it somehow. He was a very suspicious man and seemed to not believe that anyone truly wanted him as he was.

"I know. It's a complete change in attitude." He held up a hand. "I assure you, Hermione, that my feelings have not changed. I am not in love with you. I would rather not be tied down to a wife or child. As it is, I have no choice in the matter. I do...care about what happens," he said, sounding as if he'd nearly choked. "It is the honorable thing to do, and I'm sure we can reach some sort of agreement."

Hermione couldn't believe this load of rubbish. What kind of fucking proposal was that? She sprung up from the bed and walked to her sitting room. She poured a glass of water and had a large gulp. A confused Severus followed her.

"I was not finished."

"Well, I am. I cannot believe you would come in here and propose to me like that!"

"Propose? I am simply trying to reach an agreement betwixt us. It's the best thing for our," he shuddered slightly, "child, Hermione. I'll not have you scraping by or sending him off to the Muggle world or marrying Harry Bloody Potter!"

"Aha! The truth comes out! You found out, didn't you?"

"I may have witnessed something," he admitted. "Nevertheless, you will marry me. Do you not remember what I told you? You are mine. He will not have you."

"Severus," Hermione said softly. "Listen to me. I love you, and I wo-"

"Stop saying that!"

She continued through this interruption. "I won't force you into marrying me."

"You can force Potter with a clear conscience?"

"It was his idea."

"You are my woman. You are carrying my child." His voice had lowered to a dangerous whisper. "I will not allow it."

"I'm not in love with Harry, Severus, but he and I will provide a friendlier atmosphere for my child. I won't have you miserable. I love you so much that I am willing to let you go." She reached out to place a hand on his chest. "I don't want to burden you. You don't want us."

"I do," he spat bitterly.

"Do you love me?"

Silence.

"Will you ever love me?"

More silence.

"Would you love our child?"

Still nothing.

"That's what I thought. Severus, you will thank me for releasing you from what you feel as an obligation to do the honorable thing. I'll not have you resent our child or me. It wouldn't work. I know you don't really want this. In fact, you probably didn't want me until you found out that Harry would have me," she said bitterly. "We have nothing more to say. I would like for you to leave."

"So...that's it?"

"Yes." She was taken aback by the suddenly lost expression on his face. She nearly moved to hug him, but she'd seen the calculating gleam come into his eyes. The bastard! He probably hoped I would turn him away. I'll show him that I don't need him. "I hope we can get along amicably, the three of us."

He leaned in closely and sneered hatefully. "We shall see about this, Hermione. Mark my words; Potter will not have you." He smirked. "And, that's the bottom line." He turned on his heel and strode away from her with his robes billowing behind him.

Hermione sank to her knees. That was the hardest thing she'd ever had to do, but it was the right decision. Harry would never leave bruises on her arms that she would have to charm away. Harry would never look at her with loathing. Harry wouldn't consider her or her child as being of dirty blood. Harry would love her child. That was what mattered. She didn't care if he ever loved her. Severus would own her heart anyway, but her child would have two loving parents.

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

The next morning came upon him quickly. Severus walked down to the Apparition point just beyond the gates of Hogwarts. He'd been up most of the night finalizing his backup plan. He'd been surprised that she'd resisted him. He liked that she'd regained most of her old fire. The last look of grim determination that she'd given him had spoke volumes to him. She was adamant about making the right decision. If he continued to pressure her, she would continue to rebel. Hermione thought that Potter was the better choice just because he was weaker.

You see, Severus, her malicious side is showing. This may have been a game all along. Every Potter always gets the girl, doesn't he? Stop sniffing after the witch. You don't need her. Severus paused. "She simply believes she is doing the right thing. Potter will not have her." His plan guaranteed that. He'd not been a double spy for years without knowing how to be very convincing. There were two people who could help him get what he wanted.

Minutes later he was standing in front of a familiar Muggle home. He'd secretly followed Hermione and her parents' home once as a mission of protection from the Order. Albus had feared that she might have been in danger. He knocked on the door. A tall, balding man answered. "Yes?"

"Good morning, Mr. Granger. I am Severus Snape. I am from Hogwarts, and I am a colleague of your daughter's."

"Is everything all right?" the man asked quickly.

"Well, I will be honest, sir. This is a matter of utmost importance," he said, taking care to look slightly disturbed. The man moved aside and gestured for him to enter.

"Honey, we have a visitor from Hermione's school," the man called out. To Severus, he extended a hand and said, "I'm John Granger."

Severus nodded politely.

"Coming," his wife called from another room of the house.

"Here. Have a seat. Can I get you anything?"

"No, thank you," Severus said politely.

Hermione's mother entered the room. Mr. Granger and Severus both stood respectfully. "Dear, this is-"

"Professor Snape," the woman finished for him. "Hello. I'm Jane Granger."

Severus was pleased that she had recognized him. "Mrs. Granger." He nodded, and when they sat, he took his seat again. "I'm here with an important yet delicate matter to discuss."

"Go on, Professor," Mr. Granger said. "Is something going on with Hermione?"

"I've come to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage." He looked at each to gauge their reactions. They looked to each other and seemed shocked. "I see you did not know that we were in a relationship?"

Hermione's mother spoke. "Well, our daughter has been speaking of you for the past couple of years since she's gone to work, but we were under the impression that you weren't interested in her." She looked to her husband. "Are you two serious?"

Severus had sized them up very quickly. Hermione's father would explode angrily if he blurted out the information on the pregnancy whilst her mother would be slightly disappointed. He decided to tell them the truth slowly. It would be the best thing to do in this instance. However, there was no reason why he couldn't tell things in his favor. He needed them to be on his side if he was going to get Hermione to marry him. Part of him wondered why he even bothered. Another part of him wanted him to claim what was his.

"Your daughter is in love with me," he said bluntly. Mrs. Granger nodded, and her father looked between the two of them uncomfortably. "I did not know this until a few months back. To be quite honest, I am a man that is set in his ways. I've never been married, I've never had children, and I never desired to do these things. Once I learnt of your daughter's affections, I had a talk with her. I told her that I was not looking for a serious relationship. Neither would I make any commitments to her. She accepted, and we formed a companionship. As time passed, I realized that I have come to care for her."

Mr. Granger spoke when Severus paused. "How serious have things gotten?"

Severus looked down for a brief moment. "I am ashamed to say, sir, that we allowed our passion to guide us to places we ought not have traveled." He let that sink in for a moment. "It was a mutually satisfying arrangement, as we live and work together most of the year. We had our differences, but we were able to work through them." This was technically all true. He was just polishing everything up a bit. "Up until recently, we'd thought that we'd been very careful." He hoped that he wouldn't have to spell things out.

"Oh, no," her mother said.

"Good Lord," her father said. Both of her parents looked to each other and held hands before returning their attention back to Severus.

"In good conscience, I have to tell you that your daughter is a respectable witch. She has never been in this type of relationship before, and unfortunately, that is where I have failed her." He shook his head slowly. "Being of Muggle birth, she is used to using products from your world. I am afraid that contraceptive pills are what she was using. I pointed out that she should have also used a Wizarding method of prevention since it is always effective, and I'm afraid we had a terrible row."

"Well, why?" her father asked.

"You know how things happen. Words are exchanged. Both parties say hurtful things. Each assume that they know what the other is thinking." He leant forward. "I asked your daughter for time to think, as this is all a shock to me. I'd never planned to have a family." He sighed. "I had a talk with Headmaster Dumbledore, and he gave me some sound advice." He paused for a slightly dramatic effect.

"Go on, Professor," her mother urged.

"I went back to have another talk with her only to find out that she'd decided to break things off. She didn't want me to feel trapped because she knew how I felt about commitment. She fears that I will resent our child, so she did something that still shocks me. She and Harry Potter have decided to enter a marriage of convenience. I've tried to change her mind, but she feels that since she loves me, she wants me to be happy. She won't alter her decision. They are to be married today."

"Harry!" her mother exclaimed. "But, why would he marry her? They're only friends, aren't they?"

"Trying to be honorable," her father pointed out. "Have you tried to talk to her again?"

"Yes, but she won't answer when I call on her at her chambers. I had no place else to turn. I thought that maybe you could get her to see reason. Surely you agree that the child should be raised by its natural parents? She believes that she is releasing me from my responsibilities by allowing another man to raise my child as his own."

Hermione's father stood and fixed himself a stiff drink. "Would you like one?"

"No, thanks," Severus said.

Mrs. Granger had her head in her hands, but she still spoke clearly. "She is willing to let you go because she loves you. That is what one heroine does in a book we used to read together. Tell me, Professor. How do you feel about our daughter?"

Severus' lips quirked slightly. "We've grown quite close, and I can honestly say that I've never felt this way about another woman. I am not in love with her, at this moment, but I would see that she is taken care of for the rest of my life. I can readily provide for a family. My worry is not being given the chance. She is only marrying Potter to keep you from finding out about her promiscuity. She wanted to save you from being disappointed in her, and she wanted to keep me from resenting her for trapping me. I say that you can't trap the willing."

"Well, you can't have made a very good try to win her over if she's still going to marry Harry," her father pointed out. "Why didn't she change her mind?"

"As I am sure you know, Hermione is a very headstrong woman. Once she is determined to do something, well, she does it. She thinks that she is doing the right thing, and she refuses to believe in my sincerity. I had hoped to prove that to her by coming here. In all honestly, I should have come here first."

"Too right," her father said, taking a long drink from his cup.

"John," his wife admonished. The pair exchanged words, trying to keep what they were saying from Severus. A few words reached his ears: loves him, seems to care, help him. Mr. Granger still looked hesitant, but his wife was eager to help. "What would you have us do, Professor?"

"Would you be willing to ask her to hold off on her pending nuptials? She's rushing into this, and I'm afraid that once she enters into a marriage with him she'll have a hard time getting out of it should she regret it later. I will not ask you to force her into marrying me, but if I have gained your trust and permission, I would like to know I have your support whilst I attempt to make her see reason." He looked Hermione's father directly in the eyes. "I could not fathom another man raising my child." That should make him see things Severus' way.

The man nodded in silent agreement. Severus knew that they would help him in anyway possible. "Tell us what to do, Severus," the man said, testing his given name awkwardly.

Taking a page out of his book, he replied, "Well, John, I would like for you to come with me. Maybe you could have a talk with her immediately."

Hermione's mother spoke. "We can't access the castle's grounds. We were told that its charmed to keep people like us away. Can't you just bring her here?"

"I would like to invite you to spend the day at my estate. It will give you a chance to get to know me a little better. We could be there in one minute if you'd like. Once I have you settled in there, I would leave to fetch her. Would this be acceptable?"

"Let's do it."

Feeling smug, Severus pulled out a small box. He opened it to reveal a dainty wedding ring. "This was my mother's ring. I would like for Hermione to have it," he said softly. He closed the box. He'd taken the liberty to prepare an illegal Portkey for them to use. All it needed was the activation code. "Both of you place a finger on this. We will be moved from this location to my home. It will leave you feeling slightly disoriented, but it's completely safe."

Hermione's parents were seated comfortably in his sitting area minutes later. They were drinking tea prepared by one of the two house-elves that he had to keep the home running whilst he was at the castle.

He bid them farewell and Apparated back to the Hogwarts Apparition sight. As soon as he took a step towards the castle, he saw Minerva approaching swiftly.

"Severus! Albus said to tell you that they are in his office, and you would know what was going on!" she said excitedly. "He said to tell you to hurry, as he could only stall for so long."

The headmaster must have figured out that he'd had a plan to stop his lover's nuptials. Nothing ever got by him, did it? The entrance to Dumbledore's office seemed to be expecting him. It sprang open as soon as he neared it and lifted him to the main door. He barged in without bothering to knock.

"Ah, Severus," Albus greeted. "I was just about to begin a ceremony for these two. Have you come to be a witness?"

"Certainly not," he barked.

Potter stepped in front of a shocked Hermione. "What do you think you're doing, Snape?"

"I'll take care of this for you, Potter." Severus pushed the boy aside roughly. "Come with me," he said to Hermione, snatching her hand.

"No, Severus. I will not. I gave you my decision yesterday," she said firmly, moving towards Potter. "Are you all right, Harry?" The clumsy boy had tripped over a small footstool.

"I have no time for this," Severus said, pulling her into his arms bodily, lifting her, and walking with her to Albus' grate.

"Severus! Let go of me," she screeched. "I told you...HARRY!"

Severus grabbed a bit of powder, threw it into the grate, and said, "Potions office!" The fire burned green, and he moved them in. The last thing Severus saw before Albus' office swirled away was an amused headmaster and an angry Potter running for the Floo. Once his office came into view, he pulled his struggling bundle out. "Stop moving about! Do you want to cause harm to our child?"

She stopped moving and looked at him. "Severus, please. This is the only way."

He reached for another handful of Floo powder and threw it into the grate. "Snape Estate, sitting room." This was the only grate connected to his home via the Floo network.

"I WILL NOT GO WITH YOU! YOU CAN'T DO THIS!"

"Come along, my dear. We have guests awaiting our arrival," he said acridly.

"Guests?"

"Yes, I've invited your parents over. They'd like a word with you."

"Severus, no...you didn't. Did you?" She tried to pull away from him. "I'll never speak to you again! You are a bastard! How dare you involve my parents?"

He simply smirked and pulled her into the green flames. The moment they were gone. Harry Potter Flooed into the office and was followed closely by the headmaster. "You see," the old wizard said. "I didn't think he'd stay here. They must have Flooed to another room."

"I'll find his arse!" Harry said angrily. "He had no right to storm in like he did. She made her choice."

"She rushed into what she assumed was a good choice," Albus said. "If she truly wants no part of him, there is nothing that he can say that will change her mind. I'm afraid that we must wait, Harry. If you go after him, you'll just cause her more distress."

Harry nodded, but said, "I'm still going to kick his arse."

---

A/N: There was a good bit happening in two days, but at least we've finally seen a determined Hermione come out to play. She's going to stick around. I wonder if Snape knows what he's getting into?

Who would you chose? Harry or Severus. Do you think that Severus' act for her parents was sneaky? He didn't really lie about things, but he did portray himself as the wounded party. I wonder what Mum and Dad Granger are going to have to say on this.

If you are wondering where I got the description from for Severus' cologne's scent, well, I looked it up online. It's how they describe my very favorite male cologne (I always sniff this out in a crowd). It's called Eternity for Men and is simply delicious.

As far as I know, Hermione's parents' names are not given to us in canon, so I gave them simple names (John and Jane Doe...sorry...Granger).

I post snippets and update information at the following:

Live Journal http://www.livejournal.com/users/southernwitch69/

Potter_Place http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Potter_Place/