Chapter 5

Disclaimer: The wonderful world of Harry Potter belongs to JKR.

A/N: Thanks so much to my exceptional betas Southern_witch_69 and Meredith. Chocolate Frogs to you both!!

Chapter 5

After a fitful sleep, Hermione decided to rise early. It was only five in the morning, but she decided she would go ahead and shower to get ready for the day. By doing so, she reasoned that her moody roommate would not have to sit around and wait for her, which would only annoy him.

She turned the water on and let it get as hot as she could stand it before she got in. She hoped the heat of the water would relax her tired muscles, but she had no such luck. After she had been in the shower for nearly twenty minutes, she turned the water off and opened the door to grab her towel. Just as she did so, she looked up into the eyes of a very surprised Severus Snape.

He briefly looked her up and down, thinking, Any man would look. He then turned and made a hasty exit from the bathroom.

Hermione was mortified. I can't believe I forgot to lock the door! I didn't think he would be up this early, but still, I should have locked the door! She finished dressing and grooming quickly. Afterward, she went to her room and stayed about thirty minutes, trying to calm herself.

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Severus Snape had always been a very light sleeper and had gotten used to even less sleep during his days as a spy. After a solid four hours of sleep, he knew he was up for the day. He had decided to go ahead and shower so that his young surrogate to be would not feel she had to rush in the bathroom. He wanted to make sure she was comfortable during her stay with him.

When he opened the door, however, he immediately realized his mistake. There in all her naked glory stood Hermione Granger reaching for a towel. The word Goddess sounded through his mind repeatedly since seeing her. After looking her up and down, he realized what he was doing and made a quick exit from the bathroom to steady himself. Merlin, help me! This is going to be a long nine months!

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When she left her room, Hermione found the dark wizard eating breakfast. "You should eat something," he said. "I don't know how long we will be with the medical staff at the agency's clinic. They want to give you a physical today as well as the ovulation potion."

"Maybe just some toast then. My stomach is too nervous right now for anything else. Professor, I apologize for forgetting to lock the bathroom door this morning--" Hermione began cautiously, cheeks reddening.

He held up a hand to stop her. "Miss Granger, it is quite understandable that you would forget," Thank Merlin you did forget, temptress! "you are not used to these living arrangements. Just remember to lock the door in the future," he added, in case she'd noticed that he'd gazed longer than he should have. If you happen to forget again and a repeat incident occurs, I would not hold it against you, my dear.

She hadn't felt the need to reply to that and instead finished her tea. She only looked up from her cup when he told her it was time to go. You can do this, Hermione! You can do this.

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They arrived at the agency's clinic with ten minutes to spare. Hermione was surprised that the nurse took her right to the back anyway. Well, this certainly is not a Muggle clinic, or I would have been waiting half an hour at least in a sitting room, she mused. After she was shown to her examination room, she put on the standard gown. She only had to wait a few minutes before the Healer and Professor Snape entered the room.

Hermione was a little disconcerted that he was there. She wondered why he would want to be with her during the procedure. The professor seemed to notice her questioning glance.

"I want to be present for the entire process of the creation of my child, Miss Granger." She still felt somewhat uneasy, but she merely nodded acceptance.

The Healer started the examination by telling her everything looked fine. After a few moments though, the already nervous witch noted an unreadable expression on his face. "Miss Granger, you are a virgin, correct?" the man asked. Hearing that, Snape jerked his head around to look at her so fast she was surprised he didn't get whiplash.

Hermione felt uncomfortable answering this question with him in the room, but she murmured a quick, "Yes." The Healer nodded knowingly. So she decided to ask, "Will that cause a problem with the insemination?"

"No," he assured her, "it will still be possible for the semen to reach the egg. If menstrual blood can get out, then the semen can get in. I just did not expect to see a virgin agree to become a surrogate mother." He eyed the professor shrewdly.

Well, Hermione certainly understood that. She had not been expecting to become a surrogate mother or any kind of mother, for that matter, anytime soon.

After the exam was completed, he stepped out of the room, leaving them in an uncomfortable silence. Finally, the professor spoke. "Miss Granger, I apologize. I did not realize you were still a...virgin. That is very uncommon for a witch your age." Good Lord, I've tainted an innocent witch.

"Well, excuse me if I saw the need to put my studies before boys," Hermione snapped, feeling defensive. "Would it have made a difference if you knew?"

Snape thought for a moment, and then confessed, "No, it would not have. The need for me to have an heir is a great one, and I want you and only you to be the surrogate. So no, it would not have changed anything had I known."

"Lovely," she bit out sarcastically before sighing in defeat. She had known the answer before she had even asked the question. There was one thing she desperately wanted to know, though, that she didn't know the answer to. "Why did it have to be only me, Professor? I mean, I realize you think I have above average intelligence, and yes, I owe you a Wizard's debt, but there has to be more to it than that."

Insufferable, little know-it-all! Severus thought. He hadn't expected that question, or he may have had a ready response. What am I suppose to tell you? Hermione, it is because I am desperately in love with you and long to have you as my own. Since I know that is not possible, I want to always have a part of you with me.

The Healer's return saved him from having to reply. Damn, thought Hermione. "Well, Miss Granger," the man said, not noticing the tension in the room, "everything seems to be in order. You are in excellent health. Now, you will take the ovulation potion and go home. You will return here at eight in the morning, and we will insert the semen and cast a Conception Spell that normally guarantees you will become pregnant with the first attempt. Do you have any questions?"

"Will it be painful?" she wanted to know.

"No, you will experience only a slight discomfort similar to menstrual cramps," the Healer explained.

"Is there anything I should not do today?"

"Just get plenty of rest, and you will be fine. There is nothing at all to worry about," the wizened wizard answered. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"No," Hermione replied.

"Professor Snape?" he asked.

"No, I believe you have covered it all," Snape replied.

"Good," the Healer said. "Then I will see you both in the morning." With that, he left the room. Snape excused himself also, giving Hermione privacy to dress before they Apparated back to Hogwarts.

It was around 10:30 when they arrived back at the castle. Hermione decided to have a nap, as she had not slept well the night before and had woken rather early. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

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Severus woke Hermione up shortly after noon to have lunch. After her nap, she felt better and was over her embarrassment of the morning. Just as they finished eating, there was a knock at the door. Severus smirked. The old man couldn't even go half a day without prying into his business.

"Enter," Severus called. However, it was not Albus who entered. It was Lucius Malfoy. Severus rose to greet him. "Hello, Lucius. I must say I am surprised to see you here," Severus said. He only barely managed to keep his surprise from being evident.

"Good afternoon, Severus, Miss Granger. I came to bring good news. Draco and Ginevra have decided to get married, and I wanted to tell you personally before you read it in the Daily Prophet tomorrow. Also, Draco has told me of your...project, and I was wondering how that was coming along."

Just as Draco had suspected, Lucius also suspected Severus' feelings for the girl were deeper than he would let on. Having known him for years, Lucius was certain that Severus would not have been so determined to have her, in particular, bear his child otherwise. What Lucius wanted to find out, however, was if the girl reciprocated his friend's feelings, as Draco believed. It had been many years since Lucius had been able to get a rise out of Severus. He could think of no better way to do so now than to start with Miss Granger.

"Everything is coming along, Lucius," Severus replied.

"Is it now? That is good news indeed. Before I forget, Narcissa asked that I invite you, and, of course, you, Miss Granger, for dinner some time very soon. She said it has been too long since she has had the...pleasure...of your company." Lucius said it with a smirk, glancing sideways to see if Hermione took the bait.

Hermione had been reading quietly up until then, but snapped her head up upon hearing Lucius' words. Something about the way he had said pleasure unnerved her. Had something gone on with Professor Snape and Narcissa Malfoy? Is she the type of woman he likes? Oh Merlin, if she is his type, then I will have to pack it in right now. There is no way I can compete with someone like her! For starters, she is a pureblood. Second, she is absolutely gorgeous, and she is closer to his bloody age. She knew, of course, that she didn't have to worry about Narcissa herself, but there were plenty witches out there just like her.

Severus wondered what Lucius was playing at. He almost sounded like he was...up to something. "Miss Granger and I will be busy for the next couple of weeks, but perhaps sometime after that," Severus answered noncommittally.

"Of course, of course. And, how are you doing, Miss Granger? I trust Severus is treating you well," Lucius asked.

"Yes, of course, Mr. Malfoy. I am doing well, thanks," she answered cautiously.

"Please, call me Lucius. I hope I may call you Hermione?" Lucius asked.

"I..." Hermione didn't know what to make of this nice, polite Lucius. Uncertain, she looked to Professor Snape, who had his eyes narrowed. He began to speak before she could say anything further.

"Lucius, we appreciate your letting us know about the upcoming binding between Draco and Miss Weasley. Now if you would excuse us, we have a very busy day ahead of us tomorrow," Severus all but snapped.

Inwardly, Lucius chuckled. He could see it as plain as day. Those two definitely desired each other! The sparks flying in that room had been as blatant as the sun in the sky. What fun this would be! He wanted Severus happy and settled down, and he was going to do his best to ensure it happened. He knew Severus had been a spy but didn't hold it against him. They were still friends after all that had happened. He had done what he had to do at the end of the battle himself. No, he wanted his mate to be happy, and if he had a little fun helping him get there, all the better.

"Certainly, Severus. I must take my leave anyway. Narcissa and I have a dinner date this evening that I must prepare for." Lucius stepped to Hermione, lifted her hand, and kissed it, inwardly laughing at the narrowed eyes of his long time friend and godfather to his son. Yes, this will be much fun, indeed!

After Lucius's visit, Hermione found herself very confused. In all the time she had known the Potions master, she had never once seen him with a woman. Or, with a man, for that matter. And, why would you, you were only his student. His personal life would have been none of your business. She found herself wondering, not for the first time, what kind of woman Severus Snape would fancy.

She had always believed he would be attracted to a woman with some degree of intelligence. But, until today, she honestly didn't think appearance would matter much to someone like him. Not because everyone thought he was an ugly man, due mostly to his attitude, she just thought that maybe he would be different from all the other men and be above that. Apparently not. Hermione sighed, feeling depression taking over. Finally, she excused herself to have a long soak in the tub, remembering to lock the door this time.

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What the hell was Lucius playing at, asking Miss Granger to call him Lucius? Kissing her hand! Inviting her to his Manor for dinner! Something is not right here, and I will find out what he is up to. Severus paced back and forth in his room, a feeling of unease settling into his system.

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The next morning came all too soon for Hermione. She sat on the bed in the clinic and adjusted the gown around her knees. Today was the day. When she returned to the castle that day, she would be pregnant. Pregnant with the love of her life's baby, a baby she would have to relinquish in nine months.

Stop it, Hermione! Don't go there! You can still change his mind.

Yeah, right. Have you SEEN Narcissa Malfoy?

STOP IT!

Severus watched Hermione's face intently as she held this inner dialogue with herself. "You know, we could try this the old fashioned way."

Her head jerked up, and she searched his eyes. A bit of hope shot through her. Could he want her like that? She quickly searched his eyes, but she caught his small grin and realized he was only teasing her, trying to lighten her mood. She smiled weakly at him, feeling rejected again, even though she knew he had not really rejected her.

Finally, the Healer came in the room with a Mediwitch. "Is everyone ready?" he asked.

"Yes, we are ready," Snape answered for the both of them. Hermione only nodded, closed her eyes, and laid back.

The Healer raised her gown and lowered the blanket to cover her before handing her a potion. "Drink this, Miss Granger. It will help settle your nerves and is perfectly safe. It may cause you to feel strange for a little while after you get home. Therefore, you will have to rest on your back for a while. When you wake up, you should be fine." Hermione sat up and drank the potion while closing her eyes again, as if that would ease the bitter taste. She eased back down after polishing off the last bit.

A feeling of peace swept over her, but it didn't keep her from stiffening when she felt the Healer begin his task. A large hand wrapped around hers, and she heard Professor Snape's voice in a low purr near her ear. "Just relax, Hermione." Taking a few deep breaths, she gripped his hand tightly and felt his other hand reach to brush a stray lock from her forehead.

Next, she sensed a wand over her belly and heard the Healer say, "Ualeo Uber Consipio." A whisper of magic centered over her abdomen as the Healer waved his wand in what felt like four tiny circles over the flesh of her stomach. Hermione opened her eyes and found herself staring into Professor Snape's own dark eyes. For a moment, she saw something flicker there, something...but before she could name it, he removed his hands from hers and sat back in his chair.

As the insemination finished, the Healer gave her some instructions. "I want you to drink plenty of pumpkin juice, as it is loaded with folic acid. You may also drink orange juice, if you wish. You should limit your activities this week and make an appointment to see me again next Wednesday to confirm conception. Everything should be fine, but we do like to be certain." He smiled at them both. "Do either of you have any questions for me?" When they indicated that they did not, he left the room with the professor following closely on his heels.

Hermione dressed and found him waiting for her in the reception area. He asked her if she would like to have lunch, and she agreed. She hadn't been able to eat much in the past few days. Anticipation of the procedure had left her with little appetite over the past week. She was surprised when he actually made an effort to converse with her over lunch. When they arrived back at the castle, Hermione told him she was feeling light-headed from the potion and went to lie down.

She walked in her room and was standing by the fireplace when the thought struck her that she could be pregnant right at that moment. Overcome with a feeling of what she could only describe as awe, she rested one hand on her belly and smiled. She looked at her stomach and tried to envision herself round with child, with Severus' child. A feeling of warmth burst from her heart and spread throughout her body, causing her to nearly gasp with the joy of it. She closed her eyes and savored the feeling for a moment, before opening them again to look back at her still flat stomach.

"I know you are already in there, my love. I am your mummy. No matter what daddy tells you, please always know that I love you with all of my heart, and I never wanted to leave you or your daddy. I will let you in on a secret, my baby. I love your daddy, too. I wish so much for him to love me and to want me with you both, but that is just not possible." Feeling tears well in her eyes, Hermione went to lie on the bed, still fully dressed, and fell fast asleep.

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Severus backed away from the door. He couldn't believe what he just heard. Could it be true? Could Hermione really love me? That would make my life so complete. No, it had to be that Calming Draught the Healer gave her. He said it would make her feel odd. She must merely be confused. There is no way she would ever love me. Rubbing his fingers along his chin, he began to wonder how he should treat what he'd heard. It wouldn't hurt to keep a close eye on her and see how she acts around me, though. After all those years as a spy, I know how to judge people's reactions. This is definitely worth looking into!

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One week later, Hermione again found herself waiting at the clinic to be led to the Healer's office. Professor Snape was by her side. She'd already taken the necessary test to see if she was indeed pregnant. They simply needed the Healer's verification. Their wait was over when he escorted them to his office and told them congratulations. The Conception Spell had worked. Severus was beside himself with joy, and before he knew what he was doing, he had grabbed Hermione and hugged her tightly. As soon as he realized what he had done, he released her, a tinge of embarrassment coloring his face. He cleared his throat and resumed his stern demeanor.

Hermione was taken aback by the hug but secretly thrilled at being in his arms, however momentarily. When they got back to Hogwarts, they had a celebratory lunch with Albus and Minerva. All in all, it was a very pleasant day.

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The next morning, Hermione and Snape both received owls. Hermione's was from Ginny, Snape's was from Draco. Draco and Ginny each asked of them to be a part of their binding ceremony. Hermione looked up to see her cohort scowl.

"Is that from Draco, Professor?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, he is asking me to be a part of his ceremony," Severus sighed.

"You don't wish to?" Hermione asked.

"I am not a person who enjoys these sorts of things, Miss Granger," Snape replied.

"Well, not until it is your turn, of course," Hermione joked.

"If I thought I would ever be married, I would have never seen the need for a surrogate mother!" Snape had not intended to be so snappish with her, but her reminder of something that would never be had hit a raw spot.

"I'm sorry, sir," she said, stressing his authoritative status. "I didn't mean anything by that."

Snape sighed. "It is quite all right."

"What is that list you are going over?"

"I am reviewing my syllabus to determine what new ingredients I will need to buy for the upcoming semester."

"If you let me, I can do years one through three to help you out. All I need are the syllabi for those grades."

"I would not wish to burden you."

"Oh, it's no burden, Professor. I would be happy to help. I am already ahead in my reading for the upcoming semester."

"Very well then. I would be happy for your assistance," Snape replied and handed his new helper the syllabi she needed. This is cozy, Hermione and I sitting by the fire working together. I could get used to her company, especially when she is quiet like this.

Only the scratching of quills, as they each scribbled out their lists, broke the comfortable silence.

Wow, this is nice, sitting here with Professor Snape like this. I could get used to spending all my evenings like this, especially with a little baby crawling around. Hermione was brought out of her musings when a large, solid white owl tapped at the window. At first she thought it was Hedwig, but she soon realized it was the Malfoy owl. Snape took the parchment it held, rewarding it with a small treat before it left to return home.

"It seems we have been invited to a small celebration for Draco and Miss Weasley. The party is two weeks from this Saturday at Malfoy Manor. Do you wish to attend, Miss Granger?"

"Oh, yes, I have to be there for Ginny's party! It will be fun!" Hermione was beaming at him as she said this.

He rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Then," he said with a resigned sigh, " I suppose we will go."

Up Next: Slice of Lemon!