Chapter Twenty Two

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling's stuff. I own nothing here except the plot. Alas, no money is being made. This is for entertainment purposes only. Happy reading!

A big thanks goes to my beta, Charmed Nay, and I would also like to thank GinnyW for helping me go through this a second time and dusting it off.

Harry watched as the large jar made its way across the grounds to the side of the building. He tapped Severus once on the shoulder, indicating that Bella had been just there when he'd come the day before. The potent substance that Severus had concocted slid easily along the surface. After a couple of moments, a faint smoke began to rise. They could hear a small sizzling noise. Severus placed one finger on Harry, then a second, and when he placed his third finger, they both silently sent a Blasting Curse towards the weak wall. It imploded immediately though there was no loud noise, only crumbling stone.

Severus moved in first to be ready to Stun any guards entering. Harry went in after. Bella was sitting on her bed, grinning broadly. Apparently she had been unfazed by the sudden bursting of her wall. He stunned her deftly and hovered her out behind him. Just as he made his way out, he heard her door opening and a loud thud. Other voices were coming, but he couldn't wait for Severus. He pulled her to him, and they Disapparated to their first location, an alley in London. Immediately, Harry took a few steps, and he Disapparated them again. This time they appeared in a park just down from Number 4, Privet Drive. Luckily, it was dark, and no Muggles saw a woman hovering strangely in the air for the few brief seconds he was there. The next stop was Little Hangleton, and finally, he Disapparated them out near the Shrieking Shack where Percy died.

Harry waited for only a few seconds before moving to some shrubbery. "Come on, Severus. Where are you?" he whispered to himself. Harry looked down into Bella's Stunned face. "What secrets do you hold?" Suddenly a vision came to him.

"Master, please, I want to do this. Take me," she whinged.

"Yes, Master," the man said, quickly moving forward. He watched silently as the two began coupling. With a smirk, he wiped himself off with her discarded robes and happened to see himself in the mirror. He was Harry Potter.

Harry shook his head and stumbled back. "What the fuck?" He had felt what it was like to be within Bellatrix. He'd liked it. Or, at least, he remembered how it felt and how he felt about it at the time. There had to be something more to this than what Dumbledore thought. He hated these visions, memories, or whatever the hell they were. He wanted them gone. If he had to pretend to be a Dark Lord for a short while, well, so be it.

"What is it?" Severus' voice asked. He hadn't even heard him Apparate in.

"Nobody is following?"

"No," Severus said. "Be still for a bit more though. Just to be sure. Now, tell me. What happened just now?"

"I had a memory. I think anyway," Harry said. "I saw what I thought to be Voldemort rutting with Bella. When he was done, he told her husband to finish her off, and he began to watch. Then, he looked into a mirror. I saw that it was me that had been doing it. It all felt so real. It was as if I could feel the memory as if it had really been me."

"Don't worry, Harry. It's just your mind playing games with you right now. You probably just fed off Bella's thoughts for a minute, and being stressed, you imagined you were there. We'll learn all we can soon enough," Severus said confidently. He hated that Harry was going through this, but the sooner they got everything they could from Bella, the better off they would all be. He thought about his lover, no, wife. She was waiting patiently for his return. Would their lives ever be peaceful? The visit of the Incubus had bothered him more than he allowed her to believe. He thought back to the conversation he'd had with Albus that morning.

"Severus, this does not bode well. What is it about you and Hermione that it doesn't like? Why would he return to seek retribution against your children? Wouldn't he still fear the Wizard of the Snakes?" Albus asked thoughtfully. "Assuming that Hermione keeps the scent, any child born to her would likely have it as well."

"Thank you, Albus," he said.

Even Albus didn't want to make any guesses as to what might be going on. Too bad they couldn't have brought Harry into their dreams when they first came. It would have saved them all the trouble. Then I wouldn't be married to her. No. Thank Merlin the Succubus came to me. He shook his head to clear away his thoughts. "It appears that nobody will be coming after us. I think that Erasure Spell you found has helped to hide our Apparition trail."

"On to Hogwarts then?"

"Yes, but we'll have to go by foot. I won't risk another Apparation there. Just in case." He looked at the woman's body hovering just behind them. "I think we should keep her like that until she is safely stowed in the castle, and we should keep our cloaks on for now as well."

"Right. I do agree." Harry giggled. "Think Madam Hooch will be able to behave herself?"

"Rolanda? What does she have to do with this?" Severus asked, puzzled.

"She helped Minerva and Albus with Bella's room. I only found out today, as well, when I went to close up the doors within, but I've never seen her eyes glowing so brightly. I wonder if she has some sort of trick up her robes?" Harry asked suspiciously.

"I didn't know she was involved either, but I would trust her to do what is right. At least, until we have our information, that is," replied Severus thoughtfully. Albus must have had a reason for involving Rolanda with this. He knew how the woman felt about Bellatrix. Thinking about Rolanda and Stuart, they'd been scarce lately. If he didn't know better, he would think they were up to something. Something more than friendship. Interesting, as he'd never thought a person like Stuart to be Rolanda's type. Of course, he had been cleaning himself up some since he'd been released from St. Mungo's, and he always let Rolanda lead him about. Yes, that was it. She was enjoying the hen pecking. Ah well. What did he care? It was their business.

Quickly and cautiously, they made their way to the castle. They both made sure that any tracks or evidence of their passage had been obliterated. Once at the castle, they cast a Disillusionment Spell on Bella and crept towards Moaning Myrtle's bathroom where they would bring their captive witch down to the Chamber of Secrets. Making their way there was easy enough. Harry muttered a bit of Parseltongue to open the Chamber, and after taking off their cloaks, the pair slid down the tunnel with Bella.

"Looks like someone has done a bit of cleaning," Harry said, looking around. "Used to be lots of small rodent skeletons down here. It was clear that someone had banished all the carcasses elsewhere, as he could now see the stone floor. "Ennervate," he said, pointing his wand to Bella. "Welcome back, Bella," he said with a smirk.

Severus had one of her arms while Harry had the other. They steadied her as she got her bearings. "Thank you, my Lord," she said foggily. "Where are we?"

Harry let go of her, not wanting to touch her, fearing another memory. He beckoned for them to follow him as he led the way. Severus answered her question. "We are in Lord Potter's Chamber of Secrets."

"Oh," Bella squealed. "Long have I wanted to see our old Master's sanctuary! Isn't it just marvelous that our new Master feels so comfortable here?"

"Our new Lord was twelve when he defeated our old Lord for the second time, and he defeated his Basilisk. He did that in these very chambers," Severus said, sounding proud.

"I'd heard rumors of it, but I dared never to ask," she said in awe.

"Shush," Harry said, annoyed. They reached another small, circular door. This one was sealed and guarded by a small stone snake. Parseltongue had the small snake appearing to come to life as it made its way around the sealed door, unwarding it as it went. "Just through there." He directed them in. After climbing down, he led them along the walkway towards the head of Salazar Slytherin. "The rooms are just over this way to the left. See that, do you?" Harry asked sarcastically. Bella and Severus had both stopped to stare at the long dead Basilisk. It had decayed mostly, but it still had some flesh upon its bones. Apparently, the magical creature took long to leave the world completely. At least the smell was no longer foul. Harry had requested that it be left as it was, as a triumphant reminder of when all hope seemed to have fled.

"My Lord, how did you manage it?" she asked. "It's so large."

"Sword of Gryffindor," he replied, watching her reaction.

"But... you are a Parselmouth," she commented.

"Yes, but this one would only obey Tom at the time, Heir of Slytherin and all that. Come on. Let's see where you will be staying," Harry said.

"Wait. Down here? This is where I am hiding? In Hogwarts?"

"This is the safest place. Nobody will think about our little secret chamber, and if they did, they would need a Parselmouth to get in." Harry smirked. "Don't worry. You'll have company. Loony and Nagini have kindly accepted my request that they stay with you. They will be off to hunt for food at times, but they'll always be about. You will be able to work in peace."

"I wouldn't go wandering about either," Severus said dryly. "There is no telling what else is lurking in the shadows of secret corridors. We've not been able to check it thoroughly." The trio moved forward, but Severus looked back at the behemoth lying lifeless. How could have such a small boy defeat such a monster? For so long, he'd thought Harry to be a little brat, gloating in his lucky triumphs, but that was not the case. Pity it had taken so long to really start to appreciate him.

"These rooms are very nice my Lord. Will I be allowed to have a wand?" she asked.

"No, sorry. Dumbledore doesn't think it to be a good idea," Harry said honestly.

"He knows that I am here?"

"Of course, we thought this would be the perfect place for you. Now, I'll be about each day to check with you when I can. House-elves will come in to clean up for you, bring your food, get anything you'd like, and make you as comfortable as possible." Harry led her to a chair before the fire. "Here. You look cold." The woman was trembling slightly. Harry met her eyes, and moments later, he saw into her mind. It was a bit foggy, as if a fantasy. He saw himself and Bella coupling in her little cell at Azkaban. He hardened upon feeling her waves of arousal. Had she been frigging herself as she thought of this? Feelings of complete loyalty, trust, lust, and pleasure flowed through him. A growl released in his throat. How would he be able to pull this off?

"All right?" Severus asked, breaking the connection.

Harry looked up for a moment to nod. His eyes sought Bella's dark eyes out again. "Oh, brilliant," he commented. "Bella, we stole all the things that were seized as you were taken into Azkaban. Your books are on the shelves, your parchments, and your files are all just there on the work desk. I must stress upon you the importance of returning Lovegood to her normal state." Harry tilted her head up and moved closer. Instead of brushing his lips to hers, at the last minute he moved to her ear for a quick whisper. "I would be most pleased, Bella, if you would work with her after on my research."

"Yes, my Lord," she said. "I shall."

Harry straightened and called out in Parseltongue. A few moments later, his two serpent friends made their way over. Both Bella and Severus watched the exchange curiously. Severus longed to understand what they were saying out of curiosity. He wondered if Hermione had found anything about Parselmouth wizards yet. "We're going to go on now," Harry told Bella. "We have to be up in everyone's plain sight for an alibi of sorts. Relax, take a bath, or have a read," he said, nodding to her.

"My Lord? I would like to repay your kindness," she said, looking shyly towards Severus. "If you will allow it."

"Not just yet, Bella," Harry said. "Come along, Severus."

"Am I to be locked in?"

"Yes," he said briskly walking away. As they passed by the Basilisk, both paused to look at the creature.

"You must have been frightened," Severus commented.

"Frightened. All out of hope. It was horrible," he said. "I was dying when I thought about passing its tooth through the journal. If Fawkes hadn't come to me, you would have had me out of your hair."

A look of need passed through the boy's face, touching Severus deeply. The boy was just as starved for fatherly affection as he had been in his youth. He reached over to put a hand on his shoulder. "I am glad Fawkes was there, Harry. You've... done well."

Harry beamed brightly. "Let's hurry up. We should put our cloaks on again."

"Right." They made their way towards the entryway. Sure enough there were Aurors that had just arrived to speak to Dumbledore. The old wizard turned and seemingly looked in their direction, as if seeing them. Harry would have to remember to ask the headmaster how he could do that.

They heard the conversation clearly when they got a bit closer. "I am quite glad that you came over to warn us," he said dottily.

"Oh, it's not just to warn you," the stouter wizard said. "We want to talk to Potter, Snape, Granger, and Malfoy. We want to be sure they are here, as well as yourself."

The willowy witch next to him gave him a rough elbow in the side. "It's not how it sounds, Headmaster," she said quickly.

"Oh, I am sure he wouldn't think that anyone responsible for her capture would dare want her released again," Dumbledore said, motioning to them with a hand behind his back. They took their cue and scurried off to warn Draco and Hermione of their company. After they rounded the corner, they threw off their cloaks. Harry pulled out his map again. "Look, Mione and Ginny are together in your chambers. Fill them in. I'll go to... good Lord!" He looked up to Severus horrified. "What do you suppose this means? Mighty close, those two." He showed Severus the map. The dots for Ron and Draco were very close. It nearly looked as if their names were melded together. RonDracoWeasleyMalfoy.

For once Severus was speechless. He had an idea, but it couldn't be right. "Get them to my chambers. I'll set up a chess game to pretend Weasley and I have been playing. Let him know. Bring Draco."

Harry quickly made his way to the Astronomy Tower. This was where Draco had been when he and Severus had left. He knew that Draco fancied Ron. He could feel it. He stopped dry. So, this is the gift that Voldemort had given him. Why not take advantage of it? He would be able to read people so easily. It had to be how he'd picked up on Malfoy's feelings for his best mate. He just wondered what Ron was doing. He hadn't thought that he was interested in anyone but Luna.

The exit at the top of the tower was warded. Harry quickly broke the wards and made his way out onto the rooftop. He looked down at his map, and he could see the dots moving apart. Breathing a breath of deep relief, he moved towards them. "Come on, mates. We'll have to talk on the way." He saw that neither looked guilty about anything. They were both fully dressed as well. Harry shrugged. He had other things to think about. "Ron, you and Severus have been playing a mean game of chess for the past couple of hours. Draco, you've been down there hanging out with us as well. We're just enjoying a Saturday night together. Severus is filling in Ginny and Hermione right now. Bella is sprung, and the Aurors are here to 'check' on us."

The trio made their way to the Dungeons quickly where Severus and the girls were waiting. "They are on the way," Harry said. "We heard Dumbledore down the corridor explaining a couple of paintings to them. Obviously, he was buying some time for us."

Ron ran to the table and sat across from Severus. "Oi! Give me the losing side, eh?"

Severus smirked. "Of course. You don't think you'd win against me, do you?"

"I could pull this one out. I see it now," Weasley said, looking at the pieces. One of his knights grumbled as he touched him. "Settle down," he told it with a grin. Draco came over to sit next to them to watch. "Who are you betting on, mate?"

"Undecided," the boy replied with a smirk.

Hermione, Ginny, and Harry began playing a game of Exploding Snap. Hermione had spent the past couple of hours with Ginny, and what she had learned had shocked her. The girl had odd thoughts floating around in her mind. First, she'd become very possessive of Harry. Second, she resented her family for 'pushing' Percy away in the first place. Third, she was thinking about quitting school to go with Harry wherever he would be going after graduation. She felt that he could teach her whatever else she needed to learn. Fourth, she had begun to dislike Luna for living while Percy had died. She seemed to privately hope that Luna wouldn't recover as punishment for living in the first place. Hermione shuddered. The girl really needed someone to talk to. She'd have to let Severus know. Maybe he could get the headmaster to talk to her parents. A knock at the door had Hermione up quickly. She nodded to everyone.

"Albus," she said cheerfully. "Come on in. Oh! Who are these fellows?"

"Aurors, my dear. I'm afraid we have some bad news," he said, sounding grave. The twinkle in his eyes didn't go unnoticed by Hermione. She stepped aside.

"Of course! Please, come in," she said, trying to sound worried.

"Well, hello there," the stout male Auror said. "What might your name be?" He flashed her a toothy grin. Her parents would have loved his pearly whites.

"I'm Hermione Snape." She held out her hand to allow him to shake hers. She saw him blink dumbly at her statement.

"I had heard that Snape had taken a young bride, but I didn't know she would be so lovely." He cleared his throat and looked to his partner. "Or so young." The witch simply ushered him forward. Hermione took her place next to Ginny again. They all sat expectantly, except for Severus who stood to make his way over to the Aurors.

"You've met my wife," he said quietly. "What might your names be?"

"My name is Roddy Potner. This here is Doris Purkiss," he said, sneering slightly.

The witch moved forward to shake Severus' hand. "We're here to bring disappointing news. It seems that Bellatrix Lestrange has been broken out of Azkaban... again. We wanted to give you all fair warning, as you were the last in contact with her and aided in her capture."

"Yeah," Potner said in a sarcastic voice. "Odd thing is that some complex potion was used to get her out. Being that you're the only Potions master with direct connections to her, we thought we'd have a look around."

Severus narrowed his eyes. "Do you dare imply something?" He raised one eyebrow when the wizard swallowed deeply and looked to his associate.

"Not yet," he finally said. "Let's see then. Show us your lab."

Hermione came forward. "Here, I'll show you around. Severus is in the midst of a game of Wizarding Chess." Harry stood up.

"I'll go with you, Mione." He smiled at the two Aurors. He didn't like the man, but the witch didn't seem too bad. "So, Doris Purkiss, eh? You the one they interviewed about being with Sirius Black on the night my parents were murdered?"

"I am," she said proudly, winking slightly. They went off after Hermione and the Potner bloke, leaving the others to look around conspiratorially.

Severus prayed that Hermione had double-checked everything. He didn't want to give them any more reason to be suspicious. Albus nodded reassuringly, as if reading his thoughts. A couple of minutes later saw the group back. "Sorry to have disturbed you," Purkiss said sweetly. "Just needed to look about. Take care, and watch your backs." Potner just grunted, flashing Hermione one last toothy leer before leaving.

"Disgusting," she muttered after they had gone off with the headmaster. Severus was in a much darker mood than he had been. She could guess that the reason was because of the man's poor taste with words and expression. She moved to his side, and he seemed slightly appeased.

"Well?" he asked Harry.

"They bought it. Both of them. Hermione showed them some Pepperup Potion for Poppy that she started earlier. I could see that they bought it. Think we've been here all night," he said happily.

"And we will continue to be," came a cheerful voice. Hermione looked up to see Rolanda and Stuart. "Brought along a bit of firewhisky to get things going. Who is up for a few games?"

"Hell, yes," Ron said, standing up. "I could use a drink. Draco could as well." He pulled up his friend and made their way forward.

Severus looked to Hermione. She could see that he didn't really like the intrusion, but he would go along with it if it were what she wished. "Oh, come on, you lot," Rolanda said jovially. "You've not had a proper celebration for your binding. We'll just do a bit of that now."

"All right," Hermione agreed, grinning madly. Her friends would finally see how the staff had fun. Too bad the others weren't about. As if they'd read her mind, Ginny opened the door again. Filius, Pomona, and Minerva were there. Pomona gave Hermione a small bouquet of flowers, Filius had charmed an old phonograph to play different songs from one record, and Minerva had a cake.

Her mentor smiled warmly. "We thought it would be appropriate to have a bit of light in such dark times." She eyed the students warily. "I suppose they can stay so long as they don't speak of this to anyone."

"Thanks," Ron said quickly, eyeing the cake.

Ginny didn't seem overly enthused about being a part of things. She looked as if she wanted to get Harry alone. She'd come up to stand next to him, and she had planted her arm around his waist.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Come on. Clear us a table," Rolanda said, pulling a smiling Stuart behind her. The game began shortly after.

During the entire game, Hermione watched her friends, old and new. They'd all been lucky to be honest. They'd lived while others had died during the war. They still had each other. Albus had come back to join them after he saw the Aurors away. Things would finally start looking up again. For them all. With Harry muddling Bella's mind, she would show him how to save Luna and perhaps a bit of himself. She wondered what they would do with her after? Would they leave her there? Exterminate her? Obliviate and return her?

"Hermione," Stuart said with a smile. "I'm glad that you've found your happiness. I cannot say how it warms me to see you smiling happily."

"Thanks," she said to her friend easily. "It looks as though maybe you've found a bit of happiness here as well. Will you stay on now?" she asked, nodding towards Rolanda who was having a small argument with Minerva about the rules.

"I am," he said grinning broadly.

Severus pulled his wife to his side, and whispered, "Always trying to steal your attention, that one."

Hermione kissed her husband on the cheek, and she was glad to see it didn't bother him in front of their friends. "I may have been talking to him, but I was thinking of you."

"What were you thinking?" he asked. His voice dropped to a low, velvety octave.

"I was thinking about what I would like to do with you as soon as everyone leaves," she whispered into his ear. She smiled faintly when she heard the low rumble of approval in his voice. "First thing I'll do is undress you slowly. I'll make sure that my hands don't miss a spot when they glide over your smooth flesh. Then, I will undress myself just as slowly and let you have a look. You won't be able to touch though. Not until I can lead you into the bathroom for a nice, warm bath."

Severus felt his prick twitch at her proclamation. Little minx! Two can fly on that pitch. He moved to whisper seductively, "Once I get you into the tub, I am going to kiss all the sensitive spots on your flesh. Behind the ear, along the collarbone, down in between your breasts." Her breath caught. "Like that, do you? After I nibble on both luscious nipples, I am going to trail my way lower, lift you near the surface of the water, and lap at your feminine juices. Once you cry out to me, I'll lower you back down, look into your eyes to see how I have made you feel, and I'll plunge into your welcoming depths, bringing myself and you back to a climax."

Hermione bit her lip. Wetness had begun to pool in her knickers. Blast! Why did she start something that neither could finish until later? She looked up to find that most everyone was involved in their own conversations around the table, all except Ginny and Harry. They had been watching their interaction. They couldn't hear what they'd been saying, but she could see they got the gist of it. Ginny leaned over to whisper to Harry. In a few moments, they were bidding their farewells. Minerva and Albus were the next to leave. Draco had passed out in his chair, so Ron levitated him to the davenport. "Can't hold his liquor, that one," he slurred merrily.

Pomona and Filius stumbled out, and Hermione had the distinct impression that something was going on between the pair. She'd seen a few open gropes. There was definitely something going on between Rolanda and Stuart. Ron was talking to Severus about their fake chess game, trying to explain how he would have beaten him; meanwhile, Hermione began to feel oddly. The firewhisky wasn't sitting well with her. "Severus," she said softly, patting him on the leg. "I've had a bit much. I think I need to go to the loo, if you know what I mean."

"Shall I come?"

"No, I'll be fine, love. Have your drinks. I'll be back," she said, leaning to kiss his lips lightly. She excused herself from the table and with shaky legs, went to the bathroom. The moment she walked in, her stomach rumbled warningly. She needed to hurl. Hermione pulled her hair back and leaned over. "Severus, leave," she said, feeling embarrassed when she noticed he'd kneeled next to her.

"No. Let me help you," he said, pulling her hair back. Suddenly not caring if he was there or not, she let things go. He had her hair, and she steadied herself. After a few moments of dry heaving, he handed her a cup of water. "Rinse your mouth, love." As she did that, he tied her hair back with a small elastic hair band. He picked her up easily and brought her to the bed. "I think you've had your limit, Little One."

"Only had a small amount. Perhaps a bit too quickly. Doesn't matter now. I'll not drink that stuff again. It's too rough," she said through shaky breaths. He went to the bathroom for a moment and came back to place a cool washcloth on her face.

"Feel better?" he asked a few moments later. No reply. Her breathing was even. She had fallen asleep. Come to think of it, she did look a tad pale. He kissed her lips before leaving to attend their guests. What he found wasn't surprising. Weasley was sleeping already, on the floor next to the davenport no less. Rolanda and Stuart had disappeared. Severus only debated for a moment on whether or not to remove the students from his chambers, but he decided to allow them to stay. He'd be able to get back to his wife sooner that way. As he crawled in next to her, he smiled slightly. So much for their romp after the guests had left.

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

The next two weeks were hard for Hermione. It almost felt as if she were still feeling the after effects of the ruddy celebration they'd had. She took to her next set of classes easily, much to Minerva's approval. After her days teaching, she would go to the library to search for information on a Wizard of the Snakes or still yet, a Succubus or Incubus. As before, facts were scarce, and the little that was found was a bit vague. There were still a few tomes to go through, so she'd made sure that Irma wouldn't mind if she kept them until she'd scanned them thoroughly. Each night now, she'd been reading until she was exhausted. Her husband would usually whisk her away to force her to eat, bathe, or make love with him, not that she minded, but she felt like something wasn't right.

She had been exchanging owls with Viktor since she had run into him at St. Mungo's that day. He and his friend, Poliakoff, had seen that their old headmaster had a proper burial, and he'd met a woman. He seemed most pleased that she resembled Hermione greatly. They had been meeting each night in a pub. Hermione secretly wished him well in his new relationship, and she felt a little special that she still meant a great deal to him.

Harry had been making great progress with Bellatrix, even though he'd never gone down alone. Most of the time, to Hermione's surprise, Ginny went with him. She even came back claiming that she and the witch had become quite friendly. Harry had been finding out more about what Voldemort had done to himself before the battle, and Bella was nearly finished with the creation of Luna's counter hex. Harry had secretly confided in Hermione and Severus that Bella felt that Luna would never regain use of her magic. They advised him not to tell Ron or Ginny anything until the healers said something. Both Ron and Ginny were emotional as of late. It seemed that Ron and Draco had grown closer. Harry and Ginny seemed consumed with each other outside of classes as well. Severus seemed to be getting along a little better with Ron. They'd had two fierce chess matches over the last two weekends.

"I love Saturday evenings," she said, opening her tome.

"Not tonight, Hermione." He closed the large book. "You've had your nose in those books far too long. You've not heard anything else from the demon. Maybe it's given up."

"Maybe, but I don't think it would say that without just cause. I know if I keep reading, I will be able to find something. Oh," she said softly. "I feel a bit light headed."

"Hermione, you did have lunch today, didn't you?"

She made a face. "Well, to be honest, Severus, I looked down into the plate, and the beef seemed to make me feel nauseated. The smell even offended me. I took an apple and had that."

"Hermione! You skipped breakfast claiming that you'd have a healthy lunch. Come on. Let's go to the Great Hall for our meal. We'll go early and have a walk to the lake after. The night is clear and quite nice," he said, hoping to interest her. She nodded and allowed him to lead her away. As they neared the hall, she saw Poppy striding towards them.

"Severus, I'd like a word with Poppy. I'll be right there," she said softly. He nodded, but she could see that he didn't like the dismissal. He was genuinely worried. "Good evening, Poppy. I was wondering if I could have a word."

"Are you feeling all right?" Poppy asked, summing up her appearance. "You look a bit worn, dear. Classes stressing you?"

"I don't know. I've been sleepy, tired, and grumpy for just over a week now. Now, for the past few days, I've had no appetite at all. Lunch nearly made me sick today. What do you suggest that I take?" Hermione asked, mentally thinking of everything possible.

The older witch smiled softly when she took out her wand. Hermione could hear her muttering a few small chants. Suddenly, the tip of Poppy's wand glowed red. "Come along, Hermione. I know just what to give you."

"Is it serious?" she asked quickly. The witch's face seemed so somber.

"You'll see," she said mysteriously. She led Hermione to a small bed, covered partially by screens for privacy. "Lie down for me. You can keep your garments on." Hermione did so as the witch began groping, caressing, and prodding her stomach.

"Ouch," Hermione grumbled. The mediwitch went off to her personal storeroom for a moment and came back.

"You can sit up, Hermione. In this box, I have two large bottles of potions. Take one dropper full each morning." She pointed to the bottle with the red label. "This is for your sickness, and the other here," she pointed to the green-labeled bottle, "is your prenatal vitamins. You still need to try to eat something, even if it tries to come back up."

"For how long do I take these?" she asked. She looked up sharply. "Prenatal? What?"

"You and Severus are expecting, Hermione. You are roughly five weeks along. Congratulations."

"But, how is that possible?"

"Conjugal acts, of course," the older witch said tartly.

"I know that, but you gave me a potion. It was to be good for another two weeks or so. I have it marked down when I need my next dose," Hermione said, shock filling her. A baby. Severus' baby. They were going to have a child.

The mediwitch sighed, obviously irritated. "Do you not remember what I told you when I healed you after your attack?"

"You said that any potions... oh," Hermione said, realizing what the witch had tried to tell her. When had she conceived? Where? Was it that night? "But that was only three weeks ago," she said, biting her lip.

"You didn't conceive five weeks ago, but only three. Your time starts from the first day of your last cycle. I would suggest you head to the library," Poppy said, giving her a small smile. New mothers were always nervous and curious about all the details.

"Oh," Hermione replied.

"Nothing more happened at Higgs' Manor than you are letting on, right?" Poppy asked, paling slightly.

"No. Honestly. Harry got there in time. Thank God," she said, smiling softly. "How do I tell him, Poppy? What if he doesn't want this? I imagined later on, but this is too soon for us."

"You have other options, but I don't think Severus will be exploring them. Just take some private time to yourselves. Be straightforward with him. He seemed worried about you when I saw you together earlier. Tell him soon," Poppy advised. "Let's go to dinner. Take a sip of each now. Before lunch tomorrow, take them again. It won't be as close to this dose if you wait a little longer. Each day after that, take your dose right when you awaken. I'll need to do an exam on you in a couple of weeks."

"All right," she said, taking her potions. "I'm a bit nervous."

"You'll be fine, dear."

They walked back towards the Great Hall. Hermione was silent as the older witch began telling tales about her own children and her grandchildren. She was relieved when she saw that Severus didn't look upset that she had taken longer than she'd planned. He had been talking with Rolanda and Stuart until she sat between them. "Hermione," he said, searching her face. "What's happened?"

"Poppy has given me some medicine. I am a bit sick, but it's nothing to worry on," she said softly. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Eat."

The chicken didn't appeal to her, but as always, mashed potatoes called to her. She put a healthy portion on her plate. She then spied some cherry jam next to Stuart's bread. "Mind if I have some of that?" she asked him.

"Certainly not, little lady," he said, handing it to her. She added some to her plate. Before she could dig in, she noticed some sprouts. She loaded some of those on her plate as well.

She mixed the three things together and began to eat. After she had eaten half of it, she pushed her plate away. "I'm full," she said, bringing her hand to her stomach. Severus scoffed and drew her attention away from her body where his child lay nestled within her womb. "What?"

"I don't see how you could have eaten those three things mixed together in the first place. Let alone allow it to fill you up. Cherry jam?" He shook his head before he wiped his mouth. "I am done as well. Would you like to have a walk?"

"Yes," she said quickly. She followed him out of the side exit from the hall. The evening air was cool, but it was no longer bitterly cold. It was pleasant. Spring would be coming soon. "I love this place," she murmured. Tears sprang to her eyes as emotions overflowed her body. Severus paused to pull her to him. She immediately began wailing.

What the bloody hell is wrong with her? What did Poppy tell her? Please don't let her be deathly ill. I couldn't bear to lose her now. "Hermione, please tell me what Poppy said. What is the medicine for, Little One? Don't keep anything from me." Or I shall be forced to invade your mind to find out.

"Well, there are so many ways that I could tell you. I'm not sure where would be the perfect time, place, or mood. I'm not sure how you will feel about it either, but here is my attempt," she said softly, looking up into his eyes. "Severus, do you see how beautiful everything is? The castle, the grounds, the lake, our love?"

"Your love for me is beautiful," he said, not sure where she was going with this. "I couldn't be without you, Hermione."

"Oh, it's nothing like that," she said softly. She pulled the hand that was holding hers to her stomach. "Severus, you and I created something more beautiful than all of this combined. I'm pregnant." He blinked in surprise. She felt the arm around her waist tighten, and the palm on her stomach applied a bit more pressure, as if trying to feel the child within. She could hear his ragged breaths. Hermione wanted him to look at her, but his eyes were gazing at her soft belly as if envisioning his little one. A tear dropped from her cheek onto his hand at her stomach. She was not sad. No. This was beautiful. She was going to be a mum. She was going to bring life into the world. Life that she'd created with her husband.

Her thoughts were dampened for only a moment as she realized she'd have two things to tell her parents now. One was her marriage, and the other was her pregnancy. She hoped they wouldn't think they'd gotten married because of the child. It was far too important that they honestly know that she loved Severus with all of her heart, body, and soul. He was meant for her and she for him.

Southern's Notes: Hope you've enjoyed this chapter. Many have guessed already about Hermione's pregnancy. Hope it all looks okay. It's been over six years since I was pregnant, but I remember feeling that way a bit. I found out at five weeks as well. Big Grin.

Next chapter: We will find out Severus' reaction, learn more about Harry's curse, and Luna will awaken. Yay! Thanks so much, all. I appreciate you sticking with me on this.