chapter 8

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter world belongs to JKR, not me. Only the plot and the challenge are mine.

A/N: Many, many thanks to southern_witch_69 and Meredith for all the work they put into my story. Their help is priceless! Smooches to you both.

Chapter 8

Severus came back to his chambers in a foul mood and with a terrible headache. He sat in his favorite chair by the fire and pinched the bridge of his nose. Why does it happen every ruddy year? I do not know why Albus Bloody Dumbledore insists on continually putting Gryffindor and Slytherin together, unless it is to torture me! Even though the Dark Lord had been defeated, there was still much rivalry between those two houses.

And besides that, he had at least two Neville Longbottoms so far this year. He had seriously considered changing the classroom supplies requirement to two cauldrons instead of one. With a heavy sigh, he went to wake Miss Granger. She needed to eat and get started on her own work. But, as he stepped into her chambers, he noticed she was not there, nor had her bed been slept in. That is odd. She was obviously tired when I left earlier. She had better not be neglecting her rest!

He turned to go to his own bedchambers, and that was where he found her. She was lying on his bed with her curly hair spread all around his pillow and a dreamy smile on her face. She looked very edible at the moment. Damn. There is that ache in my chest again. Merlin, she becomes more beautiful to me every day! It is getting harder and harder to deny myself what she seems to be offering willingly.

Severus walked to the bed and gently shook her. "Miss Granger, wake up."

"Severus," she said softly. It was barely a whisper, but he got the gist.

Clearing his throat rather loudly, he tried again. "Miss Granger! It is time for lunch. Wake up now."

She rolled to her side, slowly opened her eyes as she sighed and smiled lazily. When she finally had her eyes completely open, she realized she was staring into the black eyes of Professor Snape. Quickly, she jumped to her feet, but the action made her dizzy, and she had to grab the Professor to steady herself. She was utterly mortified to have been caught sleeping in his bed.

"Is there something wrong with your bed?" Severus arched an eyebrow.

"No, sir, nothing is wrong with my bed. I was so tired. I just went to the closest one." She blushed, knowing her excuse sounded lame, even to her own ears. She looked down at the floor, unable to meet his eyes any longer.

"Be that as it may, I would prefer it if you slept in your own bed from now on and stayed out of my personal space. Remember, you are not some friend or family member coming to visit, you are here to pay off a debt, and as I have said, this is merely a business transaction." Am I reminding her or myself?

Hermione's face turned red again, but this time it was from anger. Oh, that man can be such a ruddy bastard when he wants to be, which is most of the time lately. Business transaction, indeed! Why can't he treat me the way he did when we were working on that potion together? That is the man I fell in love with! She looked at him through narrowed eyes and coldly replied, "Fine, Professor Snape, if you want this to be some cold and impersonal business transaction, then that is exactly what this will be."

With that, she swept out of the room and headed to his personal dining area for lunch, while he grumpily went to the Great Hall.

The next few weeks were stressful for both Hermione and Severus. Between her university work and his preparing and grading of class work, they barely had time to speak. It truly was becoming a business arrangement. They both secretly hated it, but each was too stubborn to make the first move to change things.

The only good thing for Hermione at the moment was that her sickness was not nearly as bad as it had been. She was nearing the eight-week mark, and she only got sick in the mornings. For that, she was grateful. It left her an afternoon and evening of peace. Most evenings found Hermione and Severus in the same room, but they would quietly ignore each other. Their silence was interrupted one evening by a knock at the door. Severus sighed and went to answer it. As he opened the door, Hermione looked up from her essay.

To Severus' utter shock, there stood Albus in his ridiculous lavender robes with neon yellow stars and moons. Behind him stood Minerva, Draco and Ginevra. What the bloody hell are they doing here? "To what, pray tell, do I owe the pleasure of this visit? Did I forget I was hosting some sort of party?"

Albus twinkled at Severus. "Severus, my boy! Draco and the lovely Ginevra were meeting with me to discuss the binding arrangements, and since they were here, we all thought we would come down to the dungeons and see how the two of you were faring."

Severus let out a long suffering sigh. "Well, are you just going to stand there? Come in."

They all entered the sitting area, and Hermione cleaned up her parchment, quills and books. "Shall I call for tea, Professor?" She looked at her disgruntled roommate as she asked. Finally, some friendly conversation! Professor Snape certainly does not look pleased. Who cares? I am happy for the company; it has been too long since I have visited with my friends.

Hermione had thrown herself into her university studies to mask her hurt feelings over the way Severus had been treating her , and as a result, she had gotten out of the castle very little in recent weeks. Her professors at university told her she was so far ahead in her work that she could finish and graduate by the first of the new year. This pleased her, and that was what she intended to do.

Before Severus could answer, Albus replied, "Please do, Hermione. We have come here to discuss the roles that you and Severus will play in the upcoming binding ceremony."

As Hermione called for tea, everyone seated themselves to wait for the house-elf. In just a few minutes, a tray was delivered; it held tea, cream, sugar, biscuits, and cakes. Aside from Severus, everyone dug in.

"Well, get on with it then," Severus snapped. "I don't have all night!"

"Uncle," Draco began, "we wanted to know if you would represent the air element and if Hermione would represent the earth element." He was a bit nervous as he took his tea and stuffed a cake down. The last time he had seen his godfather was when Hermione had been violently ill. Severus didn't look too pleased with him or anything else for that matter. I hope these three know what they are doing, meddling in Severus and Hermione's business like this! If word gets back that I had anything to do with it, he will have my head!

Hermione squealed. "Oh, I would love to, Ginny! It is so hard to believe in just a little over two months you will be getting married!" Suddenly, Hermione burst into tears. When everyone, especially Severus, looked at her in alarm, she said, "Don't worry about me; it's just these stupid hormones."

"How are things going with the pregnancy, Hermione?" Minerva wanted to know. "Is everything working out like you planned?" She stared at Hermione as she nibbled on a biscuit.

Hermione knew that Minerva was really asking her if she had been able to change Severus' mind about letting her see the baby. The question depressed her because of the wall Severus had put up between them.

"Things are going slowly, Minerva." Hermione eyed her intently. "But, at least the sickness seems to be subsiding." She sighed as she sipped her Earl Grey.

Albus asked, "When will you see Poppy again, my dear?"

"Next week, actually. I will be eight weeks then and will start seeing her once a month."

"This is so exciting, Hermione! I am getting married, and you are having a baby!" Ginny bounced with glee.

"Miss Weasley!" Severus barked. "Miss Granger is NOT having a baby! She is providing me with an heir and nothing more. I think her friends would do well to remember that." Severus was becoming angrier by the moment. Miss Weasley was talking as though he and Hermione had been married and planned the whole thing and that they were going to be one big happy family. It really bothered him. It bothers you, old man, because you can see that in your mind so clearly.

All eyes glared at Severus for his choice of words. He seemed not to notice. Hermione cleared her throat while she blinked the tears out of her eyes and shakily asked, "Wh-who will represent fire and water, Ginny?" Her voice cracked, and it was painfully obvious to all that she was near tears. She tried to swallow the emotion that was creeping up her throat and begging for release. I refuse to cry! I am beginning to wonder if there is any of the man left that I fell in love with. Lately, he has been so cold and unfeeling towards me, like I am no better than a house-elf in his eyes.

Before Ginny could rebut his cold statement, there was a loud commotion in the bathroom, and suddenly, water was flooding from underneath Hermione's door.

"Oh, goodness! What has happened?" Minerva exclaimed, sounding suspiciously false.

Severus dropped his teacup and ran into Hermione's room with Hermione hot on his heels. The room was a disaster. One of the pipes between her room and the bathroom was poking out from the wall, water pouring forth onto her bed, rapidly filling the room. Hermione's bedroom was utterly destroyed. Just above the protruding pipe floated Moaning Myrtle.

"Oops," Myrtle laughed. "Dear me, what a mess! Hermione, you have not been to see me once! You always promised me that Harry would visit, but I haven't seen him in ages!" Myrtle was pouting as much as a ghost could. Suddenly, with a loud moan, Myrtle disappeared down the toilet.

"She's mad at me that Harry hasn't visited her, even though I've asked him loads of times, and she floods my room?" yelled Hermione incredulously. She drew out her wand and pointed it at the broken pipe, and said, "Reparo!" Sparks leapt from her wand, but nothing happened. "What is going on?" she asked, a puzzled look on her face as she examined her wand.

"Allow me, Miss Granger," Snape said, smirking at Hermione, as he took his own wand in hand. "Reparo!" Sparks flew again, but there was still no change. Severus turned to glare at his four guests; the only sparks visible at that point were the ones shooting from his eyes.

"What is going on here?" he demanded of the four. The sound of gushing water continued as the six of them stared at each other.

"No idea!" replied Ginny, looking mystified.

"Very odd," answered Minerva, her eyebrows raised to her hairline.

Draco stood behind Ginny. If Severus hadn't known better, he'd say the boy was hiding. In fact, he did know better. Just as he began to say something to Draco, Severus was stopped.

"Here, let me take care of this, Severus," said Dumbledore, as he withdrew a very old and well-worn wand from his robe pocket. "Reparo!" he stated firmly, pointing his wand at the pipe. Sparks again, but no repair was to be had.

"Hmm. Myrtle must have somehow damaged the magical integrity of the room. Let me try one more thing," Dumbledore said, giving his wand a quick polish on his robes. Pointing the wand at the gushing pipe once more, his voice boomed, "Finia Cataracta!"

As commanded, the water ceased gushing, but the damage had been done. Severus muttered several obscenities under his breath. The room had a layer of water upon the floor, and the bed was soaked. If his suspicions were correct, they wouldn't be able to magic the liquid away, thanks to that pesky Moaning Myrtle.

"Ah, much better!" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily. "Must not be too much damage then. I'll likely have to recast some charms and spells to return the infrastructure to normal. Might take a bit of time, though; perhaps Filch can do something to repair it in the meantime."

"Here, let me clean it up for you, Hermione. At any rate, you should have a bed to sleep in tonight," said Minerva. She took out her wand, pointed it at the bed, and said, "Scourgify!" Nothing happened. "Oh, very odd, indeed!" Minerva stated in a seemingly befuddled manner.

"I guess I will ask the house-elves to bring a cot down," Hermione sighed. "You will be able to repair it soon, won't you, Albus?"

"Certainly! It's no trouble at all." He brought his hand up to his chin as if in thought, making a humming sound. "I've never actually had to do it. I'll have to go look up exactly how it's done in the Headmaster's Book of Procedures," Albus replied.

"Albus, you can't possibly have never done this before!" Severus' said in a very annoyed tone. "This can't have been the only time the magical integrity of a castle has been breached!"

"If there has been another time, I cannot remember it at the moment," Albus replied, trying desperately not to twinkle.

The four guests looked at each other and shared a brief, secret smile. "Well, Severus, Hermione, it looks as though you have a mess to attend to, so we will leave you to it. It might take a month or two to clean up!" Albus could contain himself no longer, and his eyes began twinkling so brightly Severus thought they were glowing.

What are those four on about? "A month or two? Ridiculous, Albus," Severus replied sardonically. "If you would be so kind as to send Filch up here, I'm sure he will be able to handle this mess."

"Certainly, my boy. I will do that directly." Directly in the morning, that is. Albus and the others took their leave of Severus and Hermione, walking as quickly as they could away from Severus' chambers.

Once they were out of earshot, Ginny started laughing with glee. "It worked! I told you guys I could get Myrtle to do that!"

Albus twinkled and replied, "Yes, that all worked very well. She will have to stay in his rooms now, even if he puts her in a cot. Which, I very seriously doubt that he will." Minerva and Draco looked less convinced.

"I am not so sure. Those two looked very tense, I'd say." Draco looked to Minerva to confirm his thoughts.

"Yes," Minerva replied. "I have to agree. I think I will have Hermione over for tea sometime within the next month. I want to wait awhile and see how our little plan works."

"It will work perfectly." Ginny beamed at them.

"I do have to say, Albus, that was an excellent Magic-Repelling Charm you managed back there. If I hadn't known you were going to do it, I would be just as confused as those two!" stated Minerva.

"Why, thank you, Minerva!" replied Albus. "And, may I say that your acting skills are extraordinary?"

Ginny laughed while Draco just shook his head in resignation.

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After their guests had left the dungeons, Hermione stared at her room in disbelief. With a heavy sigh, she told Severus, "Well, it looks like you will have to share your bed until this mess is cleaned up. That is to say, unless you'll truly force me to sleep on a cot." Well, this is one way of getting in his bed, she thought with glee.

"Absolutely not, Miss Granger!" Merlin! Where am I going to put her?

"Well, I am the pregnant one with your heir as you continually remind me and everyone else, and I refuse to sleep on the couch or a cot! Really, Professor, it's not like I am going to attack you in your sleep!" Maybe. "So, unless you want to be run out of your own bed..."

Yes, but I may attack YOU! Severus sighed and pinched his nose again to fight his ever growing headache. "You stay on your side, Miss Granger, and I will stay on mine!"

"Piece of cake, Professor." Hermione turned and walked into the bathroom to see if there was any damage in there. She looked around, but she couldn't see anything. How did Myrtle do that? She decided she needed a long soak. After Severus provided her with something to sleep in for the night, she went into the bathroom for her bath, and in a spot of rebellion, she purposely left the door unlocked.

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The first week Severus shared a bed with Hermione was pure torture for him. He'd always started out right on the edge of his side and Hermione on the edge of hers, but they'd always wake up in each other's arms. On four occasions, he'd had to relieve himself in the shower. This is insane! It's like I am a ruddy fifth year with a crush!

The morning of Hermione's appointment with Poppy came, and she was looking forward to this visit. At only eight weeks, she still wasn't showing, but she was looking forward to each month and the changes each would bring. Who am I kidding? I have to keep reminding myself this is not my baby! But...it is my baby. My baby with Severus.

"Miss Granger, are you ready to go?"

"Yes, I am. Just let me get my robes on." Luckily, they were able to save most of Hermione's personal belongings. It was mainly the bed and the floors that were ruined. No matter what magic they tried, nothing seemed to fix her bed or the floors.

Poppy was waiting when they arrived. "Hello," she greeted. "Hermione, I want you to put this gown on and get up on that bed right there. I want to run some tests that are normally run during this stage. I will also be doing a pelvic exam, but after this one, I won't need to do that again until you are closer to delivering. Severus, you may wait outside until that part is complete."

As Severus was stepping out of the room, he heard Poppy tell Hermione to step up on the scales.

"I thought for sure I would gain this time!" Hermione was just a little disappointed she hadn't gained any weight.

"That will all come soon enough, child, and then you will be wishing you weren't gaining!"

After she stepped off the scales, she had to go to the loo to pee in a cup. She learned that was to check the protein in her urine and a few other things. Next, Poppy did a series of tests with her wand...one being a blood pressure test. The last thing before the pelvic exam she had to do was have some blood taken. It was interesting to watch Poppy wave her wand over the small tube of blood and cup of urine. Only a few swishes gave answers in seconds to the questions that took Muggles hours to retrieve.

When she was finished, Poppy called Severus back in. "Everything looks fine so far. I will let you know if I find anything wrong, but I don't foresee any problems. Soon, Hermione, you will feel slight movements, like butterflies taking flight."

Despite the situation and herself, Hermione was getting excited. A life was growing inside her, and it was hard not to get carried away with the excitement of it all.

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They returned to their chambers for breakfast. Severus always ate breakfast in his quarters, but he ate the other meals in the main hall. He picked up the Daily Prophet and began reading. "Well," he said, "it looks like this marriage law will be passed within the next two to four years."

Hermione couldn't believe it. How dare they treat Muggle-born and half-blood witches this way? "I have a hard time believing Fudge will get that law passed, Professor. What say you?"

"Oh, it will be passed. Something has got to be done about the stillborn babies and the number of Squibs being produced. Our world cannot stand much more of the idiotic wizards' inbreeding because they believe in the purity of blood."

"Do you not believe in the purity of blood, as well? After all, you were once a Death Eater." Hermione held her breath at the personal question. She couldn't help but ask; she was curious.

"Miss Granger, that was many years ago. People do change and realize everything is not always in black and white. So, to answer your question, no, I do not believe in the purity of blood. Since the Dark Lord's demise, I seriously doubt there are many who still do."

This was a surprise to Hermione. In all the time they worked on that potion, they never discussed things like this, and she found herself fascinated as she talked to the Professor.

"What will you do if it is passed, Professor? Do you have any Muggle-born witches in mind to petition for?" Like me? She thought the teasing was worth it just to see the look on his face. However, when he answered her question, her good mood faded quickly.

"I will not have to marry. You see, this law is being passed to ensure the population of witches and wizards by forcing those who have not procured offspring into doing so. I am producing my heir right now, so this law will not affect me. You, however, will be affected. Do you have any prospects lined up?" Severus smirked at her as he watched all the color drain from her face. He knew she had been teasing him, and he despised it. It felt as if she were mocking him and his love for her, even though she was doing no such thing. He felt rejected somehow.

So silently that Severus almost didn't catch what she was saying, Hermione murmured, "I thought I had." Then suddenly, she realized something. Oh no! He's right! What am I going to do, really? In two to four years I may have to marry and produce another baby. A baby with someone other than Severus...Oh my! I may have two children attending Hogwarts at the same time who won't even know they are siblings. This is too much to handle. I need to go to my room...Oh, right, I can't.

Severus started to feel slightly guilty as he watched the play of emotions on Hermione's face. Her face was always so full of expressions, especially in those warm, brown eyes. He wondered what was going through her mind when suddenly she spoke, voice cracking.

"May I have use of your study today, Professor? I need to get started on my essays. I have three to write, and my room is still unusable, as you know." When he just looked at her with his eyebrow raised, she continued, "I promise not to touch anything of yours." Please let him say yes. I have got to get away from him for a bit before I start crying in front of him!

"Very well, you may use my study, but I expect it in the same condition it is in now when I return to it this evening, and remember to not touch my things. You may read my books, however, if you have the time or see anything you like."

"Thank you very much." Her voice had started to sound strained from trying to hold back her sobs. Hermione quickly went to gather her things and head on to the study to start her essays and relieve her private agony.

Severus watched her leave with an unreadable expression on his face and then went to his first class of the day.

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Over the next several hours, Hermione had completed two essays and had lunch. When she finished eating, she decided to take Professor Snape up on his offer and read something for pleasure for awhile. The third essay could wait, as it was not due for another month anyway.

She was surprised to find Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen on his shelves. That had always been one of her favorites. She thought Colonel Brandon somewhat of a hero in that story, and had it been her, she would have chosen him immediately.

After reading awhile, she started to get cold and went in search of a blanket. Where would the Professor keep his extra blankets? She remembered an old trunk at the end of his bed, and went to investigate. As she opened it, however, she realized it didn't hold linens. She smiled at the treasure she had found.

The first thing she came across a small picture of a beautiful, black-haired, black-eyed baby being held by a stern looking witch. Upon closer inspection, she could see the witch gazing at the baby lovingly. This must be Professor Snape and his mother!

She put the picture back and found a small, black velvet jewel box. She opened it and found a beautiful, oval-shaped diamond of about one karat on a thin band of platinum surrounded by small baget emeralds. On either side of the diamond, between it and the emeralds, there were two entwining S letters, resembling two snakes. It was the same SS pattern she'd seen on the clasp of his cloak. A plain platinum band was in the box with the ring as well. Could these be his mother's wedding rings?

Unable to resist, she tried the rings on, and they magically altered in size to fit her finger. She admired them for a bit, then carefully removed them, put them back in the box, and returned it to the trunk. Searching a bit further, she found an old, green, threadbare, baby blanket. It had the initials SS embroidered in the corner. Severus' baby blanket! He was holding it in the picture.

She put the blanket to her nose and sniffed. Suddenly, an idea came to her. Christmas is coming soon, and it will be a perfect gift! I know I still have some of my baby things in storage. I am almost positive they weren't in the house when the Death Eaters burned it. I will go check first thing in the morning!

Carefully, she put everything back except the baby blanket and left the room, taking it with her. She was getting excited about her idea, but thinking about her baby things led to thinking about her parents, which usually caused her to get extremely depressed. Adding to her worries was the idea that the marriage law would likely be passed in a few years, and Hermione was soon very worked up.

She decided to have an early supper and a long bath, then go to bed and read until she fell asleep. She filled the tub with very warm water, added the soothing scent of lavender, and got in. She laid her head on the back of the tub, closed her eyes, and relaxed. After about forty-five minutes, she got out when she found herself falling asleep. She dried off and slipped on the green silk pajama top the Professor had given her the week before. It was very big on her, hanging nearly to her knees. She had worn it every night since. When the house-elves washed it, she made sure they put it with her things.

She couldn't believe she could be so tired when it was barely eight o'clock. She climbed into the bed and continued with her book. She knew the Professor had likely gone to his study to grade papers before supper and would then do a few rounds. Since the night they had...been intimate...he had avoided her, and true to his word, he kept this a business arrangement, even though he slept in the same bed with her. I swear that man can run so hot and cold even though he is extremely passionate! I have got to find a way to get through the wall he has put up between us!

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Two hours later found Severus sitting in front of the fire with a tumbler of Ogden's Old Firewhisky in hand. After his discussion with Hermione over breakfast that morning, he had been thinking. If this marriage law is passed, she will have to marry if someone petitions for her. And, make no mistake, someone will petition for her. Besides the many Death Eaters and their sons who see it as a chance for revenge, others would see that she would be a great catch. I could always petition for her, but I refuse to force a woman into marriage that does not love me. I simply refuse! He chose to ignore the voice in his head that questioned, "Yet, you would force her to have your baby and then leave it without ever knowing it?"

He sighed heavily and went to prepare for bed. The sight that greeted him stopped him in his tracks. Hermione lay on the bed, wearing his green silk pajama top, her hair flowing over the pillows, and a book on her chest. It looked so domestic. It looked so right.

I could really get used to coming home to this sight every night. Merlin, but she is beautiful! And, she is in MY bed. Give me strength.

Severus went to take a very cold shower and prepare for bed. He heard the first whimper as he was coming out of the bathroom. Ignoring it, he laid his wand on the night table on his side of the bed. Just as he went to lie down, he heard an ear splitting scream. He jumped up and looked at Hermione, who was writhing on the bed and shaking her head from side to side.

"NOOO! MUM! DAD!"

"Miss Granger! Wake up!"

Suddenly, Hermione sat completely upright and began to shake all over. She was screaming and crying so loudly that Severus thought she might wake the castle. He did the only thing he could think of; he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. She fought him at first, but she relaxed soon after. Once she calmed a bit, she gently pulled out of his embrace, embarrassed.

"I apologize, Professor. It seems I am more stressed than I thought. That is when the nightmares usually come." She couldn't even look him in the eyes.

"It is quite all right. How long have you had them?" As soon as he asked, he knew it was a stupid question. Of course she has nightmares! Why had he never thought of that before?

"Ever since I found my house burned to the ground with my parents and Crookshanks inside."

Crookshanks? Ah yes, her familiar. I remember now.

"I will be okay, Professor. I just need a moment to calm myself."

When Severus looked at her though, her bottom lip started to tremble. He asked, "Have you been taking Dreamless Sleep Draught?"

"Only when I have them for at least three nights in a row, but I can't take it now, not with the pregnancy and all."

When he saw the first silent tear fall down her cheek, he held his arms open. "Come here. I will help you fight your demons this night."

Gratefully, she snuggled in his arms, and after a while, she drifted off to sleep. Severus lay there staring at the ceiling, wondering to himself, Who is going to help me fight my demons?

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The weeks thereafter passed quickly, and Hermione and Severus got into a routine. He always rose and showered first and left their chambers completely for her to do her morning things.

Soon, it was time for her twelve-week appointment. They were both looking forward to this one, as Poppy had told Severus they would get to hear the heartbeat this time. Just as they started to leave, however, a frantic knock sounded on his office door. Bloody hell! Severus thought.

"Enter!" Severus bellowed, obviously angry.

When the door opened, a very nervous second year slowly entered the room. "Professor Snape, you need to come to the common room, sir. Those Everly twins are at it again, and this time I think Bryan broke Ryan's nose."

Severus looked ready to kill. He turned to an amused looking Hermione. "You may as well go on ahead; I will be there as soon as I get this mess straightened out."

"Are you sure? I would be happy to wait."

"No, go on. I really don't like keeping Poppy waiting. Hopefully, I won't miss the entire appointment." If the Potions master ever pouted, this was how he would have looked. Hermione felt amused at his expression and sorry he was going to miss the appointment all at the same time.

"If you are sure, sir, I will go then."

Severus sighed. "Yes, go on. I need to get to the common room before those two dunderheads destroy it and themselves to boot."

Hermione and Severus both left, each heading in different directions.

Once she got to the infirmary, Poppy was waiting for her. "Where is Severus?"

"Oh, he had to take care of some students this morning, but hopefully, he will be here shortly. He asked that we not wait."

"Very well, hop up on the scales. Hmmm, still the same, but that is fine. Today, we get to hear the heartbeat." Poppy took out her wand and took Hermione's blood pressure, which was normal, and then cast the spell to hear the heartbeat.

Hermione heard the wush, wush, wush and tears came to her eyes. She smiled at Poppy and sniffed some, caught up in the moment. It was soon obvious that Severus was not going to be able to make it.

"Poppy, may I cast this spell for the Professor later? He will be disappointed that he didn't get to hear this."

"I don't see why not. Here, let me teach it to you."

After Hermione learned the spell, she went back to their chambers to finish up some university work. She certainly didn't want to fall behind at this point. She was looking forward to graduating early and not having to worry about that during the last months of her pregnancy.

As she was walking back, she saw the Professor talking with Mr. Filch. The Professor looked very upset about something. Hermione guessed he was inquiring as to when her room would be ready. She didn't stick around to listen, as they were both becoming very loud.

Severus entered their chambers with ten minutes to spare before classes started. "How did your appointment go? Were you able to hear the heartbeat?"

"Yes, but before we get into all that, can you tell me what Mr. Filch said about my room? I assume that is what you were talking to him about."

"Yes," Severus sighed. "He claims he has not been able to get to it as yet. He told me he has a list of things to repair, and they have to be repaired in order of importance, and apparently your room does not rate as important. So, how did the appointment go?"

"Everything went well and all is good. I did hear the heartbeat. Poppy taught me the spell; would you like to hear it?" She looked at him with those warm brown eyes and smiled.

"Indeed? Yes, I would like that very much." He couldn't help but slightly smile back in return.

Hermione very deliberately moved her wand and said the words that Poppy taught her. Suddenly, a loud wush, wush, wush could be heard through out the room. That is my baby! Her little heartbeat! Oh gods, Severus, you can't shut me out now!

When she looked up, she had tears in her eyes. The dark professor had an expression on his face that she couldn't interpret. He almost looked...in awe of the sound. Suddenly, he cleared his throat and told her he had to get to class, leaving abruptly.

Once he closed the door to his office, he leant back on it and took a deep breath. Things were getting too emotional in there. He had seen the expressions playing on Hermione's face and was able to pinpoint the main one, love. She was beginning to love this child, and he didn't know how he felt about that.

He did know one thing, though. He had some serious thinking to do about this contract.

A/N: Snape can be tiresome, I know, but I think everyone will start to feel better about our favorite couple soon! As you will find, Snape is not the one you need to be worrying about...

Up Next: Hermione will have tea with Minerva, attend a lingerie shower, and have a disturbing conversation. Severus will attend a bachelor party. LEMONS will be up next as well.

Southern's Notes: Sometimes I'd like to jump into this fic and kick Snape's arse...really. I think it's horrible that he can see that she wants her little one, and his pride won't allow it. Let's hope his thinking allots for this.

Meredith's Notes: All I can say is that I'm glad I already know the ending.