Chapter 7

Disclaimer: The magical world of Harry Potter belongs to JKR

A/N: As always, thanks to my wonderful beta's southern_witch_69 and Meredith who take time out of their busy schedules to help me and also for the ideas they give!

Chapter 7

Severus made sure that Hermione was asleep before carefully getting out of the bed and putting on his dressing gown. He looked at her longingly for a moment, enjoying a sight he'd longed to see for awhile, and then made his way out of her room. He went to the liquor cabinet, took out his Ogden's Old Firewhisky, and sat down in front of the fire, taking a drink straight from the bottle.

Severus felt as if he'd made a mistake...one that was likely to haunt him the rest of his life. He was positive that Hermione had only let him touch her because her hormones were unbalanced, causing her to be emotional when she normally wouldn't be, so he decided to put her little declaration of love out of his mind. He knew that the particular Calming Potion the doctor had given her that day made a person's mind foggy. No, he would have to end their trysting immediately. No more intimate relations.

With a heavy sigh, Severus got up to shower and prepare for the day. He had much weighing on his mind. The students would be returning that evening, and classes would start the next day. Plus, he had to attend the checkup at seven the following morning with Hermione...no...Miss Granger.

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Hermione woke feeling very happy. She wasn't surprised to find that she was in bed alone. Severus was an early riser. Severus. She liked the way his name rolled off her lips. She liked everything to do with Severus at that moment.

Her plan was working! During the past five weeks she had integrated herself into every part of his life. She'd helped list and buy his needed ingredients, even going to the Forbidden Forest with him. She'd worked on his syllabi for the younger grades, and she'd helped him brew the potions needed to restock the school infirmary. She made sure he had his tea and biscuits on time and even reminded him to eat and to go to meals. Now she'd gotten him in her bed! Well, they hadn't actually made love, per se, but she was positive that would happen soon. She was doing the things a wife would do, hoping he would realize how much he needed her. She allowed herself one more contented sigh before a wave of sickness hit her. She jumped up and dashed for the bathroom.

Severus heard her in the loo. He held an internal debate about whether or not he should go in there. If he didn't, this would be the first time since she'd started getting sick that he didn't help her. While he was debating, she sounded as if she'd finished. He sighed heavily.

He had gotten used to her being around. She seemed to want to help him at every turn, even going so far as to ensure he had his tea and favorite biscuits on time. He'd never worried much about tea before, but now that she had been fixing it, he was getting used to having it. He enjoyed her company more than he wished to admit, nor would he ever admit it, but her help over the last month had been most welcome.

Severus spent some time whilst he was alone contemplating why she would do these things for him. She was not happy about the contract that she had signed, and to be honest, he thought she would be very difficult to deal with indeed. However, she had pleasantly surprised him and had been quite a joy to have around. She must not have discovered the legal rights to surrogate mothers, he mused.

That was the reason the previous night had been both heaven and hell for him. It was heaven because he had dreamt of her in his arms like that for a very long time, and it was hell because it had to end. When he told her that it had been a mistake, the nice little living arrangement they had made for themselves would end. Unfortunately, he knew they would never touch like that again. No matter. He had to end it; there was nothing else to be done. When all this was over, she would go off to start a new life, and he would make a life together with his heir. Well, the best life I can make without her in it. Yes, ending it was for the best.

Severus was so caught up in his thoughts he didn't hear Hermione approach him until he felt her arms around his middle. He stiffened at the contact. "Good morning, Severus."

"Miss Granger," he replied coolly. She raised her eyebrows at that. He turned to face her and immediately closed his eyes. She was wearing a dark blue dressing gown, and he couldn't help but notice it was very loosely belted. Merlin, have mercy!

"When you are appropriately dressed, Miss Granger, I would like a word." He made a note to keep calling her Miss Granger. He wanted to get the professional decorum back in their relationship, such as it was.

What the fuck is this all about? 'Miss Granger,' is it? Oh no! Did I do something wrong? Is he repulsed by me? That has to be it; I am no Lucinda or Narcissa Malfoy.

"Certainly, Professor, I will be right back." Hermione was determined she would get through this, whatever this was. Whatever happens, he will not see me cry, she promised herself.

As she walked away, Severus was glad for the moment to compose himself. She had looked too delectable standing there like that. This is going to be harder than I thought.

She walked back in appropriately dressed with her chin lifted defiantly and asked in a cool tone, "What is it you wished to speak with me about?"

"First of all, Miss Granger, I would like to apologize for my behavior last night and tell you that it can never happen again." Will this ache EVER leave my chest?

"But why? We are both consenting adults." Don't panic! Just calm down. Maybe when you hear his reasons, you can change his mind.

"Miss Granger, you and I have nothing but a professional relationship, and I think it best to keep it that way. By doing so, certain lines will not be crossed, and when our...business transaction...comes to an end, it will be easier on all parties involved." Did I really just speak so coldly to her? Just stay firm, Severus. You have faced the Dark Lord, and you can face this slip of a girl. No matter how much you want to take her here and now.

"I see. I suppose I don't get a say in the matter?" Don't cry, Hermione, don't cry.

"I am sorry, but no, you do not. My mind is made up."

Hermione didn't trust herself to speak. She wanted to be as far away from him as possible at that moment. She turned around to leave.

"Where do you think you are going?" Severus asked.

"None of your damn business, Professor Snape," Hermione snapped. With that she strode out of his chambers, slamming the door behind her.

That damnable Slytherin!! Why did he have to mess this up? Things were going so perfectly! I need Ginny and some chocolate ice cream, in that order.

Quickly, she walked to the front gates in hopes that she could find Ginny. She first Apparated to The Burrow but had no luck. Mrs. Weasley told her to try at Malfoy Manor. Hermione sighed. She certainly didn't want to run into any Malfoys on such a horrible day. Not wanting to go back to Hogwarts either, she decided to go to Diagon Alley.

She first went to the bookstore, Flourish & Blotts, to see if there were any new Charms books. As she was browsing, she lost track of time and ended up spending a good three hours there. When she left, she had two new Charms books and her own copy of Moste Potente Potions.

As she walked down the cobbled street, she decided to have that chocolate ice cream after all, so she stopped at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. She got a double scoop and sat down at an inside table. She read a few pages from one of her new Charms books. She was so engrossed in her book that she didn't even think of lunch until her stomach reminded her. Knowing that if she didn't eat soon, she would feel sick. She left in search of a nosh, being too late for lunch and too early for supper.

She ended up at the Leaky Cauldron with a bowl of soup and a sandwich. Instead of pumpkin juice, she decided to have some hot chocolate, which always seemed to make her feel better. When she finished eating, she decided to stop by Grimmauld Place and see if maybe Ginny was there. She really needed her best girl friend at the moment.

When she walked in, she found the whole gang seated around the table: Ginny, Draco, Ron, Luna, Harry, and Tonks. They were laughing, eating junk food, and having a great time. Her heart fell. She felt like the only kid in class who hadn't been invited to a birthday party. They hadn't even noticed her.

She smiled a little too broadly and said, "What's the occasion?"

All eyes turned to Hermione. "Hi, Hermione! It's great to see you!" Ginny exclaimed. "What brings you here?"

Hermione debated. She really wanted to talk to Ginny, but not with everyone around. She decided to act like nothing was amiss. "Nothing. I just wanted to see what you guys were up to."

"Well," Tonks said, "we were just going to hang out, play some cards and chess...things like that. Want to join us? We're pulling an all-nighter!"

Why not? It's not as if I have anything better to do. "Yes, I think I would, but I need to get some things from home. You know, pajamas, toothbrush, and things like that."

"We could go with you," Harry replied. "I don't like you traveling so much by yourself."

"No, it won't take me long. I will be right back."

"Sounds good," Ron told her.

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Severus was fuming. How dare she walk out on me like that? Who does she think she is? And where has she been all this time? Severus heard a knock on the door. "Enter."

"Hello, Severus darling. It's so good to see you," Lucinda Malfoy all but sang to Severus.

"Lucinda. To what do I owe the...pleasure?"

"It's been too long since we have gotten together, Severus. Let's go to dinner, and then we can see where that takes us."

"I think not," was his answer.

"Why? Do you have better plans?" Lucinda inquired. "Where is your little Mudblood?"

"Lucinda, I told you not to call her that. I will not have it. I am not going to go eat with you or do anything else. We have been finished for years, and I would like to keep it that way. Now, if that is all..." Suddenly, there was a loud explosion in the Potions classroom. Severus jumped up and ran to see what was wrong. He called over his shoulder as he was leaving, "Please see yourself out."

How dare he dismiss me? Who does he think he is? Who does he think I am? Surely this is not because of that little Mudblood bitch. I think it is time she found out who she is dealing with.

Just then Hermione came into the room. "Professor? Oh, excuse me, Miss Malfoy. I was looking for the professor. Do you know where I can find him?"

"Miss Granger, he should be back shortly. We have plans soon, and I detest being late."

"Plans?"

"Yes, didn't Severus tell you? He may not even be back tonight, but I am sure he wouldn't see the need to run everything by you."

"That's fine, Miss Malfoy. I was just on my way out myself."

I have got to be the most stupid witch of my age. Cleverest indeed! Again, I prove to myself that when it comes to that man I don't think straight. First, not doing research on surrogates and now this. Of course he wants nothing to do with me; he has her chasing after him like a dog in heat! Why would he even consider me? I have got to get out of here! A night at Grimmauld Place is just what I need. I will just have to be back here in time for my appointment.

Hermione quickly gathered her things and left, missing the very smug look on Lucinda's face.

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When she returned to Harry's, she noticed that Neville and Susan Bones had arrived. She always thought Susan could've been a Weasley with that ginger hair and often wondered if that was why Neville wanted her. Perhaps she reminded him of Ginny. Well, that could be a reason, but her love for Herbology was certainly another. They both worked together in the Exotic Plants and Flowers greenhouse in Diagon Alley. Hermione was starting to get extremely depressed. Everyone was paired with someone, even Professor Snape. Well, baby, it looks like it's just you and me tonight.

"Glad you're back, Hermione," Luna greeted her.

"Thanks. I am just going to put my things in my room, and I will be right back." She hoped Ginny would follow her, but she was too caught up in drinking and playing a truth or dare game. My goodness, playing that at our age! She went back downstairs a half-hour later. She had waited, futilely hoping Ginny would come up. She noticed they were all well on their way to being very drunk. She sighed. Here we go!

"Your turn, Hermione," Susan giggled. "Truth or dare?"

Oh, good grief! "Truth, I guess."

Suddenly, Harry blurted out, "Why did you agree to have Professor Snape's baby?" Harry was very drunk and wasn't thinking about the three people in the room who didn't know. Hermione turned beet red.

"WHAT is he talking about, Hermione?" Neville yelled.

Hermione didn't say a word; she was not allowed to talk about the contract to anyone.

"Potter, you great prat! This was supposed to be in secret," Draco exclaimed. "Hermione has signed a contract with a confidentiality clause."

Everyone's eyes were on Hermione. She couldn't speak of it, however, so she just remained silent.

Luna, who was the least drunk and had already been told of the situation by Ron due to their closeness, sighed and explained. "Okay, Professor Snape wanted an heir. Hermione owed him a Wizard's debt, and now she is the surrogate. He made her sign a contract, however, and she can't talk about it."

"Right," Hermione said, "so could we please just change the subject? It's done, and I am pregnant. That is all I care to say or have said on this subject."

"Okay, Hermione," Ron said, "it's your go."

"Fine. Harry, truth or dare?"

"Truth. I'm getting too drunk for the dare."

"Are you in love with Tonks?" Hermione knew she was acting like a child, but she could not believe Harry had put her in that position. She had hoped to embarrass him and put him in an awkward position.

"Yes," Harry replied.

Tonks looked at him, her eyes beginning to glisten with tears. "Really, Harry?"

Harry told her, "Yes, but this is not how I wanted to tell you." Harry then cupped Tonks' face gently and kissed her passionately. All the couples seemed to slowly pair off after that, leaving Hermione to read her Charms book. She had to start her university work the following Monday, and as always, she wanted to be prepared. What else am I going to do?

She couldn't concentrate, however. Her mind kept drifting back to Severus and Miss Malfoy. The thought of those two together made her stomach knot. Suddenly, she realized the room was very smoky.

Looking up, she noticed every man there was puffing on a cigar. What happened to all the snogging couples? Her stomach, already roiling with worry, could not take the smell of the smoke. It was all too much, and she ran to the bathroom, where she was violently ill. She kept on retching and couldn't stop. She glanced up to see Draco Malfoy staring at her. Great! Just the person I need.

"Is it normal to get that ill, Granger?" Draco wanted to know.

"Well, usually it stops at night, but with all that smoke and everything, I guess it just all got to me," she told him. That and worrying about your godfather and slutty aunt!

"Is there not something you can take for that?" he asked.

"There is a potion, but I didn't bring it with me. Why do you care? You hate me."

Draco sighed. "I don't hate you, Granger; I just don't care for you. There is a difference. I do, however, care for my godfather, and that is his baby you are carrying. We are going to take you back to the castle. Get your things."

"Why bother? He won't be there. He is out for the night with your Auntie Lucinda." She knew she sounded petty, but she couldn't help it.

"I highly doubt that. He doesn't care much for her any longer, not since their breakup. It ended badly for those two." If Draco hadn't been so drunk, he would've taken this opportunity to get a rise out of Hermione and find out just how jealous she was. "In any case, that is where the potion you need is, and you need to go to bed. You can't rest here; there is too much going on."

"Fine, then. I'll go get my things and leave." She started to rise and got sick again. Draco wet a wash cloth and placed it on the back of her neck.

"I am going to escort you, Granger. You obviously can't go alone. You are too sick, and if Severus is not there, I want to make sure you get the potion you need and get to bed." If I don't make sure you are okay, Uncle will kill me.

Hermione sighed. She really did not want Draco Malfoy helping her in any way. "Maybe Ron could? Not Harry since he is being such a prat about the whole surrogate thing, but I think Ron would be okay."

"We both will," Draco told her. "Ron and I, I mean."

Hermione unsteadily got to her feet and went to gather her things. She was still very dizzy from retching so much, and she just wanted to get to bed. When she came out of her room, Draco and Ron were both waiting for her.

"I'm sorry, Hermione," Ron apologized. "We all have been very inconsiderate tonight."

"Don't worry about it, Ron; I was the one who showed up uninvited. You shouldn't have had to change your plans for me anyway."

Suddenly, Hermione felt the urge to vomit again; thankfully, there was nothing left, even though her body was inclined to think so. When she was finished heaving, Draco told Ron, "Let's go. I want to get her home before this gets worse." He didn't want to admit it, but he was getting worried.

"Can you Apparate, Hermione?" Ron wanted to know.

"Yes, let's just get this over with." Hermione didn't want to say that she was scared to go back and find that Severus was in his bed with Lucinda. She knew her worry over that was a big part of her problem. However, Hermione didn't need to worry about Severus being in bed with Lucinda. He was sitting in front of the fireplace in a mild fury when they entered.

"Where in the bloody hell have you been?" Severus bellowed.

"I was at Grimmauld Place with the gang. What do you care? Where is your little date?"

"Hermione, it is one in the morning. You have an appointment with Poppy at seven. Why aren't you in bed? And, what are Draco and Weasley doing bringing you home?" Severus' voice rose with every sentence. He hadn't realized that he'd called her by her given name until Draco answered him.

"Calm down, Uncle. Hermione was just hanging out with us, and she got a little sick from the cigar smoke. That's all," Draco explained.

"Do not tell me to calm down, Draco! Miss Granger, you will not forget you have a signed contract with me! What were you doing around cigar smoke?"

"Yes, Professor, I remember all about that bloody contract! How can I forget I had to sign my first born over to the devil himself, or should I call you Rumpelstiltskin?" She growled in exasperation. "I didn't even realize they were smoking cigars until I started feeling sick. Plus, I am not showing as yet, so nobody would have known by simply looking at me that I am pregnant. I will come and go as I please; the contract only states I have to live here!" Hermione was getting very upset and was on the verge of a panic attack. She was still not over the fact he had made plans with Lucinda Malfoy the day after he had been with her, placed his hands upon her, his lips upon her. It was just too much.

"Oh, and Professor," Ron's drinks had made him a little brave. "About that contract, Harry let it slip in front of Tonks, Neville, and Susan Bones that Hermione is pregnant with your baby, but don't worry; they know not to say anything."

"Merlin's balls! Why the hell don't we just take out an ad in the Daily Prophet? Miss Granger, you knew I didn't want anyone to know. You have been most irresponsible tonight. I am highly displeased with your behavior. You may not care about yourself, but you WILL NOT put my child at risk! Am I making myself clear?"

Severus was very frightening when angered that much. Ron and Draco were starting to get a little worried. Not for Hermione, really, but for themselves. Whatever comment Hermione was going to make never came out as she rushed to the loo to heave uselessly. It was starting to hurt her, as her stomach was empty of food.

"Umm, Uncle? That is another problem," Draco explained. "Hermione has been getting very sick like that for the last hour or so. She didn't have any Nausea Potion with her." Draco and Ron both braced themselves for the professor's explosion. It never came. Instead, in calm, quiet tones, he simply said, "Leave now."

They didn't have to be told twice. They bolted.

Severus sighed heavily. What the devil is wrong with her? I know she has better sense than this. And, what little date was she referring to? And, just who the hell is this Rumpelstiltskin? I have to go help her and then make her talk to me.

He went to get the potion and entered the loo. He gently laid a cool wash cloth on her neck, gave her the potion, and held up the glass of water. At this point, she was too weak to stand on her own, so he walked her into his bedroom and helped her onto his bed gently. "I don't know what you were referring to, but I had no date this evening."

"Whatever you say, Professor. I ran into Lucinda Malfoy in your chambers earlier. She even told me not to expect you home tonight."

That almost sounds like jealously in her voice. "I don't know what Lucinda told you, but let me assure you that we had no plans this evening, nor will we have any in the future."

She rose up on her elbows and looked at him. "Really, what you do with your personal life is none of my business anyway. You made that perfectly clear this morning. Just as what I do with mine is none of yours, as we only have a business agreement, remember?" There! Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Like bloody hell it's not! "Nevertheless, Miss Granger, I don't want you to get the wrong idea where Lucinda is concerned. Now, if you are able to walk, you may go to your own chambers and get some rest. We have an early start in the morning."

"Fine."

"Before you go, I would like to point out something. You should have known I would have never spent the night away from the castle on the day the students are due to return."

He's right! How could I have forgotten the students were coming back today? Of course he would stay here. Damn that Lucinda Malfoy to hell! Hermione went to her room to get what sleep she could. The early hour of six would be upon her too soon.

The next morning, both Hermione and Severus were ready to go well before seven. Just as they were walking out the door, Hermione ran to the loo. Snape was by her side this morning with everything she needed. After she finished, they hurried to see Poppy.

"Good morning, Severus, Hermione," Poppy greeted. "How are things going?"

"Other than me staying sick most of the time, Madame Pomfrey, I think things are okay," Hermione answered.

"Yes, Poppy, she is sick rather often," Snape told her.

"That is perfectly normal for some witches. Hermione, here is what I want you to make sure you are doing. Before you even get out of bed in the morning, take the Nausea Potion, and eat some crackers. This may be of some help. I want you do drink your Vitamin Potion when you eat lunch, as this should be taken with food. Even if you only eat a couple of crackers until your sickness passes, it'll help. And, please, be sure to drink plenty of pumpkin juice or orange juice when you can keep it down. They are full of folic acid. Now, let's get your weight charted."

Hermione obediently walked over to the scales.

"Hmm, you have lost three pounds, but with all this sickness, that is also to be expected. When are you the least sick?"

Hermione answered, "Usually at night."

"Then try at least one good meal in the evening if you are not feeling sick. You may take the Nausea Potion once in the morning and once in the evening, but please try not to take it any more than that. Well, I'd say that other than that, things are progressing quite nicely. So far, so good."

"Thank you, Poppy," Severus said. "When do we return?"

"In another month. Right now, she will only have monthly visits."

"All right. We shall see you then. Good day, Poppy."

"Good day, Severus, Hermione."

When they reached their quarters, Hermione informed Severus that she was going to go lie back down. She was extremely tired. He readily agreed with her and told her he would wake her in time for lunch. The moment Severus left to prepare his first class of the semester, Hermione slipped into his room to lie in his bed. She wanted to feel close to him. I'll be awake before he gets back anyway. As Hermione drifted off, she had thoughts of Severus' bewitching the mind and ensnaring the senses speech that he reserved for first years. She dreamt of him doing exactly that to her.

Southern's Notes: Bloody hell! Why can't they just realize that they truly care for each other. Sigh. Anyone else feels like smacking Lucinda about? I know I do.

A/N: I feel like smacking her myself! I am afraid that feeling will just get worse as the story continues...

Up Next: Meddling visitors show up for tea, something interesting makes the paper, and that pesky Moaning Myrtle pays a visit to the dungeons.