Chapter Twenty Nine

Disclaimer: Not mine, alas, but I do wish they were. I just want to point out that I have been influenced by many fics and appreciate the talents of many writers.

A big thanks to my brilliant beta, Charmed Nay. Thanks for my friendly muses over at Potter Place!

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April had come and May was creeping up on Hogwarts, leaving Hermione looking forward to the summer holidays. "I'm going to plant flowers and make a garden. What say you?"

"Mmmm?" Severus asked sleepily. "It's not even daylight yet. What are you on about so early?"

"I can't sleep. I felt you move, so I know you are awake. You can listen to me." She kissed his shoulder. "I've never felt as good as I have for the past week. I've not felt sick or dizzy at all lately, and I don't seem to need as much sleep."

"I, on the other hand," Severus began sourly, "would enjoy having a lie in on a Saturday morning."

"So cheeky!"

"Speaking of cheek," he said slyly, reaching over to pinch her arse, "I happen to enjoy these."

"Oh! Scamp!" she shrieked. "Come on, Severus. Talk to me! Will you help me with my projects?"

"What?"

"This summer? I want to take some time to do some things to make the house pretty," she said.

"Hermione, we still have over two months before we are going to go there. Aren't you being just a little eager? I can think of more appealing things to do on an early morning such as this," he said easily, touching her breast. "I can tell the difference in these."

She slapped at his hand reflexively. "Oh, sorry. Habit. Go on." He didn't move. She sighed, took his hand, and put it back upon her breast. "They aren't as tender, Severus." She closed her eyes and laid back to enjoy his tender kneading. They'd had a bit of a row the week before when he'd been a bit rough. She'd snapped and accused him of trying to test her limits. It was really ridiculous once one looked back on it. She smiled softly as she felt his wet tongue find her nipple. "I love what you do to me, you know."

"Mmmm."

And she truly did. In fact, the little jolts that he was sending through her were nothing like the fluttering in her stomach. Soft waves rolled over inside her, feeling more like a group of butterflies taking flight. Her eyes opened wide. "I can feel it!"

"Good," he said, nibbling away at her bosom. "You know, they are getting a bit darker, your peaks, not much though. Instead of rosy pink, they are more tan."

"No, not feel that. The baby! I can feel... something! It has to be the baby."

"Oh," he said sitting up. "Where?"

"Just here," she said placing a hand on her rounded belly.

Severus placed his hand where hers had been, and he frowned. "I don't feel anything."

Hermione giggled. "Don't look so put out. It's not strong enough to be felt by us like this yet without the use of magic. It felt like a few twitches. OH! There it is again!"

Severus watched his wife's face light up with delight. He felt happy and sad at the same time. On one hand, he was glad that she could feel their little one moving, but he felt a bit left out. He wanted to feel it as well. When he'd found out that she'd gone to see Poppy a couple of weeks earlier to talk about her iron intake, he'd been upset that Poppy had done a charm that allowed Hermione to hear the heartbeat. They'd gone back to Poppy directly and insisted that she do it again so that he could hear. She'd laughed, done it, and then taken the time to teach the charm to Severus.

Not wanting to feel left out again, he grabbed his wand from the nightstand. "Sensus Maximus!" His wife simply smiled and moved her hands to allow him access. It was a moment, and then he felt it: the wriggling beneath her flesh, the shifting about, and the sensation of floating amidst water. It was glorious.

After the sensation slowly etched away, he brought his eyes to meet those of his wife. "What's wrong, Little One?"

"I just get overwhelmed at times. I love the way you love me. Does that make sense?"

He nodded. "I suppose I could say it more."

"No," she said, bringing a finger to his lips. "You are good as you are."

"I am good, aren't I?" he asked arrogantly.

"Oh, brother," she said, moving away from him.

"Where do you think you are going, witch? Get back over here."

"I have to go the loo to have a pee."

"Bath?" he asked hopefully.

"Come along."

Severus didn't have to be told twice. He followed her into the bathroom and began filling the tub. After only a moment's deliberation, he tipped a bit of oil into the water. Who cared if he smelled like his wife? Her scent would be on his skin all day long.

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"What?" he asked, annoyed that she was grumbling again. For nearly the past month, it was something different every few days. Two weeks ago she'd looked in the mirror and had talked for thirty minutes, mostly to herself, about a dark line that had begun to form just below her navel. She'd also been hinting to him about her size. He didn't know what to say. She was bigger, breasts and stomach. Hell, thighs too. For being as sick as she had been at first, she'd certainly begun making up for it at mealtime. He'd always loved her plump legs, and he certainly didn't mind the extra weight. She wore it well. But how does one explain this to an emotional wife?

"My gums are so damn sensitive!" she groused.

He sighed with relief. It wasn't about her weight again. "Ha! I told you that! I read that in one of my books," he said smugly.

"Well, you've read a lot of incorrect things as well!" She glared at him for a moment. "Your book said that I would gain an enormous amount of weight, and I've not gained that much, thanks."

The damn weight gain talk had found its way into conversation again! What could he say without really commenting? "You are not even five months pregnant yet! It will come... eventually."

"You can say that I am five months pregnant! What's a few days?" She finished brushing her teeth and faced him squarely. "Am I still attractive?"

"Yes."

"Do you want me?"

"Always."

"For two nights you've not touched me!"

Bloody fucking hell. "Do you not remember, Hermione, that you've had me working on writing out the steps of the potion that we used to allow you to enter my dream? I've been piecing together everything from Paracelsus for our book. When I finally get to bed, you are sleeping. I have been a little tired, I admit, but would you rather that I wake you up from your much needed rest to fumble with you for a bit of quick sex?"

"Well, I see your point. I guess I'm just unsatisfied with my body, so I assumed that you would be. Do you know that I can feel a difference now? It's like I'm carrying around this whole other person," she said.

"You are," he pointed out.

She narrowed her eyes. "Severus, if you think that's fun...Oh! Feel this!" She grabbed his hand and placed it over. "Just wait." A couple of minutes passed with Hermione shifting his hand about before they were finally awarded with a small movement beneath her skin. "There!"

"Sshh."

"Why do I have to be quiet for you to sense something?"

"Maybe because I could probably sharpen my sense of touch if I wasn't trying to use my sense of hearing," he said impatiently, trying to remove his hand.

"No! Just wait."

A moment later, he felt a small twitch under his hand. "Was that you?" he asked. He couldn't really feel anything much. It could have been her breathing for all he knew. It wasn't like when they used the charm.

"It was our son." She pressed his hand more firmly against her.

"Or daughter." He truly believed that they would have a daughter. He hoped anyway. Ever since he'd had that little vision of a baby girl at his home, he'd thought of having nothing else first.

"Severus, why do you insist that we'll have a girl? I thought men always went on about male heirs to carry on their names?"

"I just feel as though I know what to expect. I've clearly imagined what a daughter would look like." He felt no further movement, so he removed his hand. "I'll call on a house-elf for a light breakfast. I want to go over what I added to our notes last night."

"You've put in the tale of Paracelsus' ancestor then?"

"Yes, I elaborated a little, but he gave me permission to embellish it as I saw fit. I just made it a little more interesting." He'd put in a lot of time on the book lately. She was adamant about warning others that Succubus and Incubus visits still occurred. She'd been working hard to put together the large puzzle of how to defeat one. She'd begun with the origin of the first Wizard of the Snakes, the exchange between he and his wife, and the effect it had on generations to come.

"I still need to find out what happened to the Incubus that impregnated Merlin's mum. The exact thing that destroyed it." She grinned. "That would be worth knowing as well."

"Legend says that Merlin destroyed it."

"Where?"

"I shall have to go through the many books we've accumulated. I'm certain that I've read that though." He chuckled. "I'm surprised that Irma hasn't come beating down the doors to get them returned."

"No, I've been going back every two weeks to sign them out again. I've promised that should anyone need them, we would be willing to relinquish them for a certain amount of time." She smiled. "I also promised that we would mention her in our credits."

"Of course! You know that old crow reminds..."

"Severus!"

"Right then. I'm going to see if an owl is fluttering about, hoping to get our attention for the morning post. I shall have breakfast waiting for you." He quickly left while she began to undress. If he remained in there, two possible things could happen. She would mention something about her stretching belly, or he'd have to have her. She didn't know how truly alluring she was becoming. Her swollen with his child was a sight to behold. It would only get better as their child grew. He shook away the thoughts. There were two owls waiting for him. He quickly took their burdens, and feeling generous, he gave them each an owl treat.

His expression soured. Krum. He'd not written in a couple of months. Why now? He thought about opening her mail and sealing it back, but he didn't. He placed it on the table and opened the other letter that had been addressed to him. Before reading, he called for breakfast. The letter was from Molly Weasley. She didn't want Hermione to know that she'd written, so she'd hired an owl to send the letter. No wonder I didn't recognize the owl. The read was interesting.

Severus,

I've had a visit with Hermione's parents, and it seems that there are still quite a bit of mixed feelings concerning Hermione's decision to marry you without including them or getting their opinion. Able to hold a grudge, them. I may have gotten involved where I shouldn't have, but I told them that they were not good parents if they'd turn their backs on their daughter for falling in love and marrying.

They didn't like that much, mind. I thought I'd have to hex the blighters for a moment, but then I told them that I wished that I had this chance with Percy. I would love to be able to moan about his choice of a wife, but that won't happen. I told them that anything could go wrong, and if their daughter died suddenly from complications, they would regret not saying all the things that they truly felt. Love, for one.

Well, her mum broke down, and she said that she'd exchanged letters and sent a couple of books. Her father said that he reads all the letters that Hermione sends, but he's a proud man. Says his disappointment was so great that he couldn't believe that a daughter of his would be so sneaky about things. He had wondered if there was anything that you might have done to lure her to your bed. I may have let a bit slip about the Succubus. Not all I know, mind, but some.

I apologize, really. They just made me so angry! I should have never gone to see them, but Arthur insisted. He wanted some information about their fellytones and how they work. He's trying to invent something similar to Floo communication, but it wouldn't tie up your grate or fill you with ash. The Ministry is backing him on this. They just need the information. Can you believe they are going to call it Piw communication? Do you know where they got the letters for that name? Percy's initials!

Oh, I digress. Sorry. Anyway, I couldn't have those folks thinking ill of you, so I out and told them what a good man you are. Told them all you've done for us and are still doing. Told them about the prophecy bit and the dual visits. They weren't as shocked as I'd thought they would be. Said they'd have liked the truth in the first place and not much about the Wizarding world surprises them any longer. I quite agree with them on this point. I told them that I would let you know that I let the Kneazle out of the sack! They do understand why she wouldn't want to tell them the truth, but they feel that you two rushed into marriage. I told them all about Arthur and I, how we fell in love and married in a matter of weeks as well. Anyway, they agree that you should know before Hermione.

You should be the one to tell her and decide when a good time would be to go and have a talk with them about things. I slipped and told them that she was very moody according to Ron, Ginny, and Harry. I also did a bit of bragging about her teaching. Told them that Minerva says she handles all of the classes now and that even her mates give her no lip while she's teaching.

Well, all right then. I've gone on long enough.

Molly

Damn! How could he tell her about Molly's blunder? He'd wait until she was in a perfectly good mood. Right after sex seemed to be when she was most pleasant. He chuckled, slipping the letter into his pocket. She wasn't as bad as all that. She just had her moments. As she entered, he stood to pull her chair out for her. He'd never noticed when the house-elf had brought in the breakfast, as he'd been reading Molly's letter.

"What's that?"

"A letter from Krum. I put it there for you to read... after you've eaten," he said nonchalantly. He eyed her as she tore open the letter. After a moment, she gasped. "What is it?"

"His girlfriend is pregnant! She's only two months behind me. Says he's been feeling a bit ill lately and BLOODY HELL! I didn't hear about this!"

"What?"

"He had an accident in the last Quidditch match! He caught the Snitch, winning the match for the team, but one of the Beaters from the opposing team hit him on the back with his bat! He fell fifteen feet and broke his arm. Poor Viktor," Hermione said, continuing to read.

"Pity," Severus said happily, gaining a small glare from his wife. He simply shrugged.

"Well, that's out of the question," she murmured.

"What is?"

"He wishes that we could go for a visit. It seems that his girlfriend is now bedridden, as the pregnancy is making her a bit ill. He says it's hard to tend to her and his own injuries as well. Poor bloke! That's early in a pregnancy to be tied to a bed. I wonder how they are getting on without extra help," she pondered aloud.

"Out of the question is right. We'll not do any visiting, as we have school to teach, and after the term is over, we are going to our home to spend time together and prepare it for our new addition."

"Severus, haven't you been saying that I shouldn't worry about doing things to the house?" She tried to raise an eyebrow to imitate him, but laughter overtook her. "Don't look that way. You know that I truly don't care to visit him, but I do feel sorry for him."

He grinned despite the urge to scowl at her. "I suppose you'll want our child to have play dates with theirs?" He certainly hoped not!

"Of course, along with Harry and Ginny's child if they had one."

"Don't forget about the Weasley, Lovegood, and Malfoy brood. We may as well invite them," he said sourly. "Lucius is suspicious, you know. He told me that he caught them...Weasley and Draco...talking in an alley, and he wondered if they were lovers. I told him that he'd have to ask his son that, as I am a professor here, not a student!"

"Oh, Severus! You told an outright lie?"

"I did not lie," he said, feigning being affronted. "I stated that I was not a student. That is true. I stated that I teach here. That is true also. As far as asking his son, yes, there is nothing wrong with me pointing him in that direction."

Hermione howled with laughter suddenly. "You are just too much Severus!"

Hell, now was a time as good as any. She was in a good mood. He pulled the letter out of his pocket. "Read this after you've eaten." When she began to open it, he put his hand over hers. "After you've eaten." He stared at her until she began to eat. He didn't want the letter to ruin her appetite.

"Severus," she said thickly, chewing her toast. "How have things been going with Harry? You and Dumbledore have both been meeting with him a lot."

"He is progressing greatly. I've gone over all things possible with him. We mostly just meet now to talk about Bella, Nagini, and other issues. I am not sure what all Albus is going over with him."

Hermione smiled. "He's not mentioned it."

Severus often wondered exactly what his mentor was teaching the boy. Harry had changed over the last couple of months. He'd been studying more and really trying to do well in his subjects. He'd turned down a full position with one professional Quidditch team but was supposedly considering joining another as an alternate player. "I'll get the things that I've written for our book. You seem to be nearly done."

He went to get the parchments that he'd been working on, and when he finally made his way back to the table, he saw that she had read the letter and had a few tears in her eyes. "Molly... damn."

Severus nodded. "She meant well. What do you think?"

"I think I want to see my mum," she said softly. "Do you think after we get settled in this summer that we could Portkey them over?"

He nodded. "Yes, I do. They could come to spend a few days with us. Maybe then they'd see that we are good together and that I can provide for you and our child."

"I would really like that," she said appreciatively. "I'll send a note to mum. I'll explain that we are a bit busy with the end of term coming up on us."

"Very well. Here, have a read, and please, hold nothing back. Let me know what you think. If I have need to change something around or add something, I won't mind."

He hoped she would truly appreciate the time that he'd spent on it. The book about the Succubus and Incubus experience meant so much to her that he wanted to be a part of it as well. He wanted to impress her and help her make it great.

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"Drink this," the Succubus hissed to Viktor. "It comes from my mistress. She said that it should help to strengthen you. She is pleased that you have been donating so much of your magic to make the child grow and to give me this temporary body."

"No vorries," Viktor said tiredly before drinking the foul tasting concoction.

"I will have to drain a little more magic this night, but you will be fine. Our child is already growing strong. She says that we shall have a male. She has foreseen our child interacting with your beloved's child. We do not know if the interference will be enough to ensure that your beloved's child will not stop the new Dark Lord, but I have faith that we shall be victorious."

"I vill keep my promise," he said weakly.

"Good boy. You take care of that blasted man, and you shall have your lover. We reward those who aid us. We will rise and walk the ground in our own bodies once again," the Succubus said firmly. Her offspring would see to it that her mistress' instructions would be done. They would train him to do their bidding. He would one day come between the Wizard of the Snakes' son and the Snape child, causing them to go astray. It was foretold that those two would stop the new Dark Lord. After they stopped this prophecy from being fulfilled, her mistress planned to offer to aid the new Lord with only a single request. The child that she would bear would need to be under the Lord's tutelage, gaining his confidence, trust, and loyalty. They would get him to help find a way to reunite the lost spirits with new bodies or destroy him, leaving their new heir in his place as Dark Lord.

They'd tried to aid the last Dark Lord, but he'd been a Wizard of the Snakes. He'd destroyed a good portion of their number before they'd given up finally. What were the chances of the next Dark Lord being a Wizard of the Snakes? It wasn't something that happened often, and only the most powerful witches or wizards ever reached the status of Dark Lord or Lady. The entire Succubi and Incubi nation of the dream realm depended on it. They deserved to walk the daylight as well as the moonlight. The land of the awake and living had always called to them since they had been banished to the dream world by one cursed soul or another.

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"I will not stop," Severus said angrily. "You are running yourself ragged by hosting these ongoing study groups, Hermione. You are no longer a student. You don't have to study for anything. You've taken your N.E.W.T.s already!"

"My friends need my help even though I am their teacher. I have taken mine, and I can give them pointers on how to prepare and make false tests for them."

"Absolutely not! They can study on their own just as you had to," he said firmly.

"But, Severus..."

"Hermione," he said warningly. "You are trying to do too much."

"Fine!" she said. "Only twice per week then."

"Once," he said.

"Fine! I'll tell them that even though I am a grown, married, pregnant woman, my husband feels that he can boss me about and make my decisions for me!"

"Do that," he said tiredly, "and be sure to tell them that I would be glad to explain it to them in person should they require further explanation."

"Good Lord!" Hermione said. "I feel as though you think I'm going to break. I'm pregnant, Severus, not dying. I can still do all of the same things that I used to do!"

"Is that so?"

"Yes, everything!"

"Stand up straight. There you are. Now glance down. Can you see your feet?" he asked with a smirk.

"You... arse!" she said, throwing a glass at him. He caught it, set it down on the table, and advanced on her. "Stay back," she squealed. He quickly scooped her up and carted her off to their bed.

"I shall have to smother my fiery wife's flaming temper with affection," he murmured before kissing her.

Pulling away for a breath, she replied, "That's not fair, Severus. You know I... Oh, come here." She pulled his head back down to press her lips back to his. "Mmmm," she moaned. With a quick smack, she said, "Make love to me."

"What of Albus' staff meeting?" he asked, voice rough with need.

"Sod him," she said.

"No, thanks. Hmmm... sod? Not with him anyway. I would prefer to..."

"Ewww, Severus."

"What?"

"You were going to say something dirty, weren't you?"

"Don't you like it?"

She bit her lip. "Yes," she said. They quickly clawed away each other's clothes.

"You are beautiful," he said, placing one hand on her rounded stomach. "I can't explain to you what seeing you like this makes me feel."

She put her hand over his and smiled. "I thank you for saying that, Severus. I think you are beautiful as well."

"What?" he asked incredulously. "Hermione, I c..."

"Can't accept a compliment? Why not?" He looked away. "Severus, do you see these four stretch marks just here and here?"

"Yes."

"Do you still love me anyway?"

"Of course."

"Well, then you see, it's the same. We each have imperfections, yet those imperfections are part of us. They are loved as well. I love everything about you," she said.

"I... love you," he said, kissing her stomach and trailing kisses up to her face. Once he was eye level with her, he watched her expression as he slid in. He sucked in a ragged breath. "You feel so good."

She nodded. "Yes."

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"I have a few announcements to make in this staff meeting before I turn it over to Minerva," Albus said in his softest voice. "These will be difficult for me. The end of term is nearly upon us. There are only two weeks left. With the end of term comes my end of reign as the Headmaster of Hogwarts. The next in line, as you all know, is Minerva. I have reserved the right to name the next Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." He chuckled. "I must say that not having one for most of this year has been bothersome."

Severus snorted. What berk would the old man put up this time? He hadn't applied for the position. In fact, he hadn't thought about applying for it. If it were some soft idiot like that Steward fellow, Albus would hear from him personally.

Albus spoke again. "It's my decision that our newest professor will be our very own, Harry Potter."

A stunned silence swept through the room. Severus noticed that even Hermione's mouth gaped open. Her eyes met Severus' for a moment before she looked away. He knew that she hadn't known, but she probably thought that he'd be upset about not getting the position. Was he? Not really. He was satisfied in the dungeons with his potions, wife, and pending addition to his family. It would do well to have Harry around to keep an eye on him. He would have liked the position at one point, but things had changed. He loved the beauty of a simmering cauldron, and it was very rare that others truly appreciated it. When Hermione and he had first succumbed to the inevitable, they'd both shared the same beliefs about potions. She had mentioned about the lovely display of color that the potion had emitted. It had prompted them to share the moment, and they'd made love right there in the laboratory.

"No one has a comment?" Albus asked, feeling shocked.

Most eyes turned to Severus. He smirked before speaking. "I think you've made a good decision, Headmaster. We shall accept this and guide him correctly."

"I am pleased," the old wizard said. Something passed between him and Severus at that moment, and Severus suddenly felt a sense of loss.

It was time, wasn't it? Albus was retiring to live out the rest of his days as he saw fit. How many years would Albus have left? Would he get to know all of his and Hermione's children? All? It's not like we are the Weasleys! We may have one other. Albus will know our children as they grow. It saddened him that his daughter or son would not have Albus to turn to when they were older.

A voice broke into his mind. Albus' voice. "But she or he will have you, Severus. They will have your wife and Harry as well. It's a never ending circle." Severus looked around to see if anyone else had heard! Why that sneaky, old codger! He could read minds and project his thoughts into them! Nobody seemed the wiser about what had exchanged between the pair, but Albus did look at him knowingly over his glasses.

The old wizard continued. "I will still be about the castle when term resumes. I have plans of traveling for the summer holiday, but I will be here staying in a spare set of rooms just down from the ones I have now."

"Ha," chuckled Rolanda. "Keeping close to the new boss, eh? Wanting to make sure that things run smoothly, are you? Or, could it be that..." Loud coughing from her husband broke her sentence up, and nobody could hear the rest of it. She simply smiled and grabbed Stuart's hand.

Albus didn't seem fazed. "Too right. I want to be sure to keep an eye on Minerva." Everyone began chuckling.

An irritated and embarrassed Minerva stood up and let Albus have her chair. "Professor Stuart Steward has, of course, decided to stay on with us. Potter will be the new Defense professor. Hermione, who has already taken over my classes, will be in complete charge of the Transfiguration classes. Her office will be where her old chambers were located before her marriage, as we are moving the class near there." She cleared her throat to get everyone's attention again. Poppy and Pomona had been whispering. "I will stand in for her for three months when she has her child. Severus has been appointed as the new Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts. Does anyone have questions?" She looked around. "Let's go over the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. schedules, and I will need the final agreements on the end of year feast turned in after this meeting."

Severus and Hermione chatted with their colleagues for another hour before finally being able to break away. They found Harry waiting for them outside of their chambers. "Harry! Congratulations," Hermione said, running forward to hug her friend! She could tell that Severus was comfortable with Dumbledore's decision even though he used to long for the position. They would have to talk about it later.

"So, you know," Harry said. "Thanks." He looked to Severus. "All right?"

"It is," Severus said. "I... think it will be good to have you about. There is one thing I want to know. Why didn't you tell us?"

"He told me he wanted to be the one. He said that if I worked hard and put my priorities right, then I would prove to him that I could be dedicated. Hogwarts really has been the only home I've ever really had. I want to be here," he said. "We've been working really hard, and he figured that all of my extra spells that I know would be an asset."

"Fair enough," Severus said. "What of your pets? Surely they won't be about the castle like regular familiars?"

"I'm undecided where my chambers will be," Harry said. "I may stay in the Chamber of Secrets...redecorated of course, or I may reopen Quirrel's old quarters. If I decide to stay there, there is a really large side chamber that they can have." Harry smiled. "They are getting on well. Nagini lays down the law though. She said that I had to stop sneaking food to Bella that was already killed. Said Bella was nearly starving for a while, but she finally broke down and made a fresh kill. Good thing she doesn't have to eat often, eh?"

"Let her starve," Severus said blandly.

Harry laughed. "I suppose if that's what she chooses. She's really not that bad anymore. Dumbledore has been coming down with me to have a talk with her through me. We've been narrowing down things, and I think it comes down to a few spells. We're going to get you two and Flitwick to work with us on reversing them."

"Excellent," Hermione said. "I'm glad, Harry."

"As am I. We will be happy to help. Are you still going to let Hermione interview you for our book?" Severus asked, trying to break the silence that had settled over them.

"Yes," he said. "Actually, she wants me to write a foreword. Would you mind?"

"I think that would be good," Hermione piped up. "Him being famous and all."

"Yes, our very own celebrity having a hand in things would promote the book," Severus said cheekily. "I look forward to reading what you write up."

"Don't worry. Mione is going to help with that bit," said Harry with a smile. "I'll need to go. We're having a group study. Will you be coming?"

"No," Hermione said sourly, looking at Severus. "I can really only do one this week and another next week. I have my class assignments to critique, and we're trying to get some things squared away for the summer." She smiled. "I think that with the improvements you've made, Harry, you can run the session on your own."

"He should have always been trying to study instead of sleuthing about," Severus said. "Off with you now."

"Yes, sir," Harry said with a grin.

Once he was gone, Severus turned to Hermione. "I really don't resent that he got that position. I think he is a tad young, but with Albus' continued guidance, and me here, I believe that things will sort themselves out. Besides, I think having at least one of your ruddy little friends here at the castle will make you feel less alone after they've all gone."

"Hadn't thought about that," Hermione said thoughtfully. A moment later, she smiled. "Things have changed, haven't they? They'll be going off. All of them. I wonder what Ron is going to do now?"

"I suppose he'll have to make his own way. Didn't he get contacted by a professional team as well?" Severus asked, trying to lighten her mood.

"For reserves only," she said darkly. "I'll have a talk with him. He's a lot to look forward to now that Luna is gaining her magic back steadily. She's about where she was when she was hit by Bella's hex."

"Weasley never did say anything whilst we had our chess game this past weekend." Severus was wondering exactly what their plans were and how it included Draco. He had plans for lunch with Lucius the next day, and he wanted to be prepared for any questions that might be asked.

"Harry, as far as I know, is going to Grimmauld Place. He's got the room, so Ron is moving in with him. They've asked Draco to stay as well. He's agreed." Hermione turned red. "Separate rooms, I'm sure. As far as Ron says, nothing has happened since that last round when Minerva and I found them. They act the same to me."

"What of Miss Lovegood?" Severus asked curiously.

"I believe she has been invited to stay for the summer as well, but I am not sure if she accepted the invitation or not. She is still with her dad and working to get better. I think he's a bit protective after what happened."

"What of you? Are you wanting to have a break to visit your friends?" he asked cautiously.

"Only if you would come and only after everyone is settled in. I really want to plant a garden at your home, Severus. It will be beautiful. I want to sit and watch the Aethonon herd while you read a book. I want to lie around in bed all day if I feel like it. We need this time," she said softly. "After the baby comes, well, things will be different."

"Our home. You are thinking my way now, Hermione. Sometimes I can't wait for our little one to come, but then I think about things that will change. Less sleep according to the books, less everything really."

"We'll manage."

"Why are you holding your hands on your lower back?"

"It just smarts a bit. No big deal."

"Let me give you a massage," Severus suggested. "I wouldn't mind getting my hands on you."

"Again? Merlin, you're insatiable today, aren't you?"

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

"Lucius, it's been a while," Severus said with a nod. "Have you ordered?"

"I have and have taken the liberty to order for you as well," he said, offering his hand to Severus for a shake. "Here. He's just brought a fresh bottle." He handed Severus a goblet.

Sniffing first, Severus took a sip. "Aged."

"The best. Severus, what do you know about my son's plans when term ends?"

Severus smirked. "Going through a lot to find out what you could ask in a letter, aren't you?"

"Just want your opinion. Is my son gay?"

"No," Severus said honestly. He hadn't any proof that the boy had been sexually interested in Weasley only. He seemed to like Weasley as a package deal. So I hope.

"He wants to live in Muggle London, of all places, with Potter," Lucius said bitterly. "I don't mind, but I'll not have him skiving off his duties. I figure I'll not push him until the fall season. Then, I'll insist that he begins coming in with me to learn things."

"That sounds like a reasonable solution then," Severus said.

"I don't really care if he plays with the Weasley boy on the side so long as he does right by the Malfoy name. Have you seen him with Greengrass?"

"Yes," Severus said honestly. "They eat meals together at times, and they are also in a study group."

"Look," Lucius said suddenly. "I need a spot of advice. Narcissa has been thinking, and she would like to have another child. At her age!" Lucius tsked and shook his head. "I've tried talking to her, but she won't listen. How do you feel at your age having an heir?"

Severus shrugged. "I was surprised at first, but I am actually looking forward to it."

Lucius nodded. "Do you not feel tied down?"

"No."

"I have a few years on you, Severus. Would it not be odd for us to have another since our first is finally finished with his schooling? We should be handing some duties over to him and start enjoying ourselves more."

"You're not that much older, Lucius, and I think that Narcissa would do better this time."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Lucius asked in a furious whisper. "I'll have you know that my wi..."

"Lucius, you both would do better this time around. There is no Dark Lord hovering about threatening our families. If you have another child, you could do the things that you never got to do with Draco," Severus pointed out. "You might even get a daughter."

"The Dark Lord was gone most of Draco's life," Lucius said, clearly annoyed. "I do not think that we've done Draco wrong."

"You are offended. I apologize, friend." Lucius nodded acceptance. "We both knew it was a matter of time before he came back, and well, to be honest, you were not as you are now. Your views have changed somewhat. I think that you and she ought to have another child."

"Perhaps," Lucius relented. "It would give us something else in common. Our wives would have something more to talk about. Our children could be friends as we are."

"Good luck to you both," Severus said. A waiter came over with their food. They chatted amicably while eating. By the time Severus left, he was sure that Lucius had decided to give in to Narcissa. Things truly had changed, hadn't they?

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

Hermione had tears in her eyes as she watched her friends get on the Hogwarts Express to leave school for the last time. Ron, Harry, and she had hugged each other for a long time before their other mates had come to them and began saying their good-byes as well. She didn't move until the train was out of sight. Severus handed her a handkerchief.

"Wipe your eyes, Madame Snape. It's just us now," he said softly. "You'll see them again. Harry is coming back. Ginevra will be here next year. If you're lucky, Miss Lovegood will be able to return as well." He took her hand and led her back towards the lake. "Fancy a walk?"

"I do." She squeezed his hand. "Where do we go from here?"

"Wherever the future may lead us." He pulled the hand to his mouth and placed a kiss on the inside of her wrist. "We have the summer to finish our book, visit your parents, visit your friends, visit my friends, prepare lessons for next term, research, or work on our home. Anything you'd like, Hermione. Please don't feel alone. I..." He swallowed. "I am still here."

"Oh, Severus, never doubt that I am happy with the path I have taken. I am just a bit overwhelmed. An era of my life is over. It's like the third part of my life is beginning."

"I felt the same when I first truly realized that I loved you and had hope for a real future. The dreams I once had long ago are finally being realized." He gave her a small smile. "I thank you."

"I love you, Severus." He nodded. She smiled. "Speaking of dreams, I had another odd one last night."

"I told you that the books say that women begin having odd dreams in this stage of the pregnancy. Don't dwell on these all that much. Agreed?"

"Okay," she said. "It was just... odd."

He sighed. "Go on."

"I was holding a small boy's hand and was trying to help him find his father when I finally saw the man walking behind a large column, something like we saw at Rolanda's wedding. Anyway, we got there, and he was gone. Suddenly a hand comes out of the darkness and closes over my mouth. I look down to tell the child to run, and it's a little girl. She's calling for me, and she's asking where her daddy is. I know in my heart that this is my child, and I am so afraid to fight the person holding me. I knew that if I went quietly, the person wouldn't harm my daughter." She looked over to Severus with a sly smile. "That's when I heard a loud rumbling. I knew the sound, but I couldn't place it at first. I woke up, realizing that you were snoring. Your noise was the loud sound from my dream!"

He snorted in disbelief. "It's some sort of anxiety about the future. Clearly you are still worried about the things in our past, and you are worried about doing the right things to be sure that our child is safe. You helping the first child just shows what you do in your everyday job. You work with children, dunderheads mostly, but children all the same."

"Well, thank you, Sibyll," Hermione said cheekily. "You are probably right."

"I usually am," he said smugly.

---

Southern's Notes: We have one more long chapter to go. I'll take you through the last few months of the pregnancy and just past the birth. Thanks so much for staying with me.

Remember, as mentioned before, the charm they use was originally thought of by Ramos in "Hinge of Fate." I simply gave it a name.

I do have a sequel planned. We need to find out if the Succubus is successful after all. I also have a short prequel planned (SS/LE) because I want to explore Dark!Severus and why he turned.