Chapter 10

Disclaimer:All these lovely characters belong to JKR!

A/N:I really want to thank my wonderful betas, southern_witch_69 and Meredith. They put a lot of time and effort into my story, and I could never really thank them enough! Smooches to you ladies!

---

Chapter 10

Hermione had been awake for nearly twenty minutes. It was fairly early still, only around 7:30 or so. She was hesitantly happy as she lay spooning with Severus. He had his arm draped over her waist possessively with his hand resting gently on her stomach. She sighed contentedly, wondering what would take place when he woke. Besides him needing a Hangover Potion, that is, she thought wryly. As she started to snuggle closer to him, she felt him shifting and knew he was waking up.

Severus groaned. He felt like a giant had clubbed him in the head. I knew that last bottle of Ogden's was a bad idea! He cracked one eye open and looked down at the bushy hair resting on his chest. He wasn't alarmed at first; it was not unusual for them to awaken in each other's arms. That was when reality hit him. They were both naked, and her delicious little bottom was snuggled right up against his aching crotch. I hate these morning erections! Thinking that she was still asleep, he allowed himself several moments to enjoy the feel of her nestled in his arms. What could he do to soothe things between them? Their coupling had been pleasing, all he'd hoped for.

He couldn't understand why she'd been so accepting of his advances. Well, that was utter rubbish. He understood completely. She must actually care for me. I was right to start questioning her true feelings. Severus kissed her bare shoulder and squeezed her once affectionately. Things were confusing. Dare he try to have a true relationship with her? Would it be worth the heartache if she changed her mind after she had the child? What if she would be up to trickery? She may only want me to change the contract to gain rights to the child. He sighed. She would never do that. My Hermione is not that type of person.

He started to ease himself away from her when she reached back and grabbed his leg. "Don't go." He gently took her hand and laid it on the bed beside her and eased away. He got out of the bed and quickly put on his dressing gown. When he felt he had some control, he turned to face her and realized that was a mistake, as she looked like a true goddess wrapped up in his sheets after a night of lovemaking. Lovemaking with him. Her lips were still swollen from his passionate kisses; those were his love bites on her person. It looked as if he had marked her as his territory.

"Hermione," Severus began hesitantly, "we need to talk about last night." He would gage her feelings for him through her reaction to his words. If she wanted something more with him, she would become indignant and upset.

Hermione sighed and crossed her arms under her chest, the sheet barely covering her. She knew he was going to do this! "Okay, so talk." She wasn't in the mood to be nice. After that incredible night, he was going to tell her it was a mistake, and she didn't think she could take it. She could just feel it. The tone of his voice was laced with regret and uncertainty.

Severus cleared his throat. He might as well start from the beginning. "Last night, I got highly intoxicated at Draco's party and..."

She very quickly cut him off. "OH, YOU DAMN SLYTHERIN! Don't you dare blame last night on alcohol! Don't you dare say you did not want me!"

Shocked by her abrupt outburst, he decided for once to just be completely honest with her. It wouldn't do to draw his tale out any longer. "If you will refrain from shouting, I shall continue." He could see her chest rising and falling in emotional heaves. "I will not lie to you, Hermione. I did want you, and I have wanted you that way for some time. While I will not blame the entire incident on the alcohol, I will say that if I had not been drunk, I would have never have come to you like I did." He held up his hand to keep her from interrupting. "I imagined our first time in such a different way, no liquor, just us. Of course, I never believed you would be so accepting. You have to understand that this type of relationship cannot continue. Not right now." No matter how much I wish it to.

Hermione's heart lurched. "I am sorry, but I do not understand at all. We are both consenting adults who happen to want each other in this way. I won't have you acting like...like loving me was some sort of mistake you wish you could take back!" She was desperately fighting the tears that wanted to spill from her eyes. "I care about you deeply. This hurts," she admitted.

"Not a mistake, Hermione. Never that." Severus sighed and pinched the bridge of his hooked nose. "I am not saying I wish I could take it back! I shall never forget our night together no matter what occurs. I won't allow myself to be taken advantage of, nor will I allow myself to take advantage of you." He sat next to her on the bed and took one hand in both of his. "What I am trying to tell you is that in the end, if we continue in this direction, it will be harder on both of us if things wouldn't work out between us." He met her eyes. "It will be that much harder for me when you have to leave us."

Hermione stopped trying to keep her tears from falling, allowing their escape. "But, Severus, if you would want me to stay, I would not go. We can carry on as we wish."

He shook his head. "No, Hermione. We can't carry on like last night. It wouldn't be right."

"I see. So, you get drunk and randy from watching a bunch of witches dance around naked, come to me then for a bit of playtime with Hermione, and that's okay? That is acceptable to you? Now, you decide our relationship cannot continue in this direction without even asking how I feel about it? Well, this is the second time you have done this to me, and I am tired of it!" Don't you see? I don't want to leave. Ever! I want to make love to you.

"It was very wrong of me to take advantage of the situation. That's all I'm saying here."

"No, I do not see that you are right. You are making it sound...cheap and sordid when to me it was anything but. So, no worries, Professor, I will be out of your bed tonight."

He wanted to shake her, wanted her to read between the lines. "I can see that you are feeling used and that was not my intention. I apologize for that. I am trying to tell you that I care for you."

"C-care for me?" she stuttered, searching his eyes.

Severus sighed. "If things progress for us, I would like it to be at a leisurely pace. We shouldn't rush in. I want you to be certain before I will commit to it completely."

"You want a relationship with me?"

"I would like some time to get used to the idea. Also, I would like for you to think hard about what I am saying. It's not a decision that can be made lightly." He squeezed her hand once. "Do you understand what I am saying?" He hoped that she did. There was only so much he could say without telling her that he loved her. It was too soon to voice that. He would never speak those words to her until he was certain she returned the sentiment.

"I do. No sex. No intimacies." She smiled shakily. "It's a lot to think on. You're right."

"Last night..." His words abandoned him. He moved away, not daring to look at her. Instead, he went to the bathroom to relieve himself and drink some Hangover Potion. He also needed to collect himself. The conversation had gone better than he'd expected. They'd each established that they did have feelings. He almost wanted to go back and tell her that they shouldn't wait...that they could continue to make love at will. Do not give in! If you continue this way, if she leaves you, and she may leave you, it will break you!

When he returned to the bedroom, he noticed she was dressed in the pajama top and gathering her books and parchments that had accumulated in these past few months. "Where are you going with that?"

"Under the circumstances, I thought I should just go back to my own room. It would ensure that things didn't progress too quickly. Well, that, and I don't wish to burden you with my presence any more than necessary." Can't you see how much I love you and never wish to leave you? I don't want our relationship to come to an end, you stubborn man! She knew that she would bide her time. She could prove to him that she truly returned his feelings. She would prove to him that she would never abandon their child or him.

"Hermione, I still think you should sleep in here throughout the holidays at least. I do not want you to have to face those nightmares alone. I am sure they cannot be good for you. I can promise that last night's activity won't be repeated...until we decide together that it should be, that is." Please stay! I didn't mean for you to go back to your room.

Now, this is interesting. He still wants me in his bed, thinking we can keep out of each other's arms. If I am smart, which I think I have been known to be at times, I will use this to my advantage. I simply need to approach this differently. "So, no going back to the stiff business arrangement like we had before, right? You still wish to maintain the friendship we have started, hoping, as I do, that it develops into something more?"

Severus sighed with relief instead of tension this time. "Yes, if it would be acceptable to you."

She smiled brightly at him, and it must have unnerved him some, as color suffused his face. "Of course, I think that would be just fine." You are not going to know what hit you! I am tired of playing by your rules. Now, we play by mine. There won't be much more of this waiting, Severus.

Severus cleared his throat. "Right then. I will just shower, and if you like, you can call for our breakfast." What is that woman up to? She had a mischievous glint in her eyes and an impish grin!

"That sounds fine."

While Severus was in the shower, Hermione went to get a dressing gown. She didn't want to dress until she had her shower, which would probably be after breakfast. She Flooed the kitchens to ask the house-elves to bring them some breakfast. Just as she was sitting down to eat, Severus arrived freshly showered.

"You seem to be feeling better lately. No more morning sickness?" He picked up a piece of toast and buttered it.

"No, none at all. I am very grateful for that," Hermione said, shoving an orange slice in her mouth.

"How was Miss Weasley's party? Did you enjoy yourself with that lot of gossiping witches?"

"You can just wipe that smirk off your face, Severus Snape! I had a lovely time. I never realized how charming Narcissa Malfoy could be. She seems quite taken with Ginny as well, and I am happy about that."

"Yes," Severus agreed. "Narcissa can be very loving and sweet to those she considers worthy, but heaven help you if you are considered an enemy. I feel very fortunate to be able to call her friend."

Hermione's heart lurched at these words. She could hear the fondness in his voice. Not once did she think to equate his relationship with Narcissa to hers with Harry and Ron. "Not to mention," she said, "she is quite beautiful."

"Indeed, she is."

He didn't notice the sad look in Hermione's eyes. She knew she would never be that beautiful in his eyes, and it pained her. No matter how much he cared for her, she'd still be as plain as ever. Abruptly, Hermione changed the subject before she became too saddened by these thoughts. "How was the stag party? Did everyone have a good time?"

Severus raised an eyebrow. "It was tolerable. I cannot speak for everyone else, although it seemed they were all enjoying themselves."

"I bet they were." She didn't mean to sound so sarcastic, but just the thoughts of witches dancing around naked in front of a bunch of drunken wizards just didn't set right with her. Then again, both friends and enemies had accused her of being a prude more than once in her life.

"Problem with the stag party, Hermione?" Severus was really enjoying the jealously Hermione was portraying.

"Not really. I just don't see the point; that's all. If a wizard wants to see a naked witch dancing around, why can't he ask his wife or girlfriend to do it? Why would someone with a partner choose to go watch another person for pleasure when he or she could just as easily be pleasured at home?"

Chuckling, he asked, "In other words, if Arthur Weasley asked, you truly believe that Molly Weasley would dance around the Burrow naked? How about Minerva? Susan Bones? Would you?"

I think Susan Bones would surprise you,she thought with a mental snort. She decided that this was a good to begin with her plans of seduction. She would show him that there was nothing wrong with a relationship between them. Okay, sweetheart, let the games begin! Looking him right in the eyes, as seductively as she could, she told him, "If my husband or lover asked me? I certainly would. I would rather he look at me and get turned on than by looking at another woman. The real question is, Severus, would he ask?" Now, what say you to that, eh? "Better yet, will you ask me when we are a couple?"

Now, that surprised him. Would she, indeed? I would love to put that to the test. Raising an eyebrow, he just smirked at her momentarily, weighing his words. "I suppose if you were the one doing the dancing, he, that is to say, I, would ask." Was she purposely trying to tempt him...even after their talk? He could see that his statement made her blush, and she appeared to be rethinking her strategy. He decided to save her from herself...and save himself in the process. "I was surprised that Filch came by and fixed your room yesterday. He seemed in no big hurry to complete the task any time I asked him to do so."

Hermione smirked. "Yes, well, I may have had something to do with that. I had a theory I wanted to test, you see. I had a talk with Minerva. I fibbed a little. I said that if my rooms were not fixed by Christmas, then you were going to find me somewhere else to stay until they were repaired. As I guessed, she went straight to Albus, and here we are."

"I am impressed. That was very...Slytherin of you, I dare say. What theory were you testing?"

"I have been suspecting, as I am sure you have, that those two, in addition to Ginny and Draco, had something to do with the accident anyway. I have searched thoroughly, and I can see no reason as to why the pipe would have suddenly busted and shifted to pour water into my room on its own. Magic had to have been used. This proves that they planned it somehow. My only question is, why would they do that?"

"Yes, why would they? Meddlesome fools!"

Laughing, Hermione said, "It wasn't all that bad. I think it's funny now that I look back on it, and at least it got us to share a room. I really like that. I guess they deserve some credit." Severus just folded his arms and "humphed" loudly. This made her laugh even harder.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Time went by quickly, and on the Monday before the wedding, Hermione left for university to take her final exams. She knew she was as prepared as she was going to be, but she was still nervous nonetheless. It didn't help that her mind periodically wandered to the affectionate squeeze Severus had given her or the soft smile he bestowed upon her.

After eight exhausting hours of sitting in very uncomfortable chairs, she returned to the castle just in time for tea. Severus looked up as she walked in. "How did it go? Would you care for some tea?"

"It went well, I think. My professor said I should know by this Friday since I took my exams before everyone else. He said he would be able to go ahead and grade them. As for tea, no, thank you. What I want right now is a long soak in the tub to ease these aching muscles of mine."

As she left for the bathroom, she decided to play with her lover and see just how indifferent he could remain with her. Ever since that wonderful night with him, she had wanted more. She just didn't know how to approach the subject without making him think she didn't have regard for his feelings. He wanted her, wanted a relationship, but he also wanted them to be sure before moving on. They'd been getting along well, and aside from the fact that they had not made love or kissed, it seemed as though things were developing nicely. She knew he would not come to her again in such a way until he thought they were ready. The fear of rejection kept her advances down to a minimum. She respected him all the more simply because he was guarding his emotions. It must have taken a lot for him to admit that to her. She shrugged and formulated a plan. A small test would not be amiss.

After she filled the tub with warm water and vanilla scented bubbles, she quickly lathered her body, and it was then that she called out to him. "OH, SEVERUS! Could you come here please? I need your help!"

Hearing her scream for him, he immediately ran into the bathroom and stopped right in his tracks. He had not expected her to already be in the tub, but there she lay in a tub full of bubbles looking like she needed to be devoured. Devoured by me, that is. Keeping his tone as neutral as possible, he asked, "You needed something?"

Sliding one long leg out of the water and resting her dainty foot on the wall of the bath, she told him, "Yes. My calf has been aching all day, and I can't comfortably reach it. Would you be willing to massage it like you did my back?"

He stood there mesmerized as he watched the bubbles slide down her leg. She cleared her throat to get his attention, and when he looked up into her eyes, he remembered himself. "Yes, of course. If you can wait until you finish your bath, I have some muscle cream I can apply." OH, NO! Here we go again! I very well remember what happened last time I applied a cream to Hermione.

"Oh, no problem. I am finished now." She rose from the bath watching him intently. He never took his eyes off her. It was like he was in a trance. "Could you hand me that towel please, Severus?"

He snatched the towel up quickly and all but shoved it at her. "I will leave and give you some privacy." He abruptly left and stalked to the bedroom.

She inwardly smirked, calling out, "Its nothing you haven't seen before!" She was surprised at her own brazenness, but if she planned to seduce this man, she was going to have to be a little bold. He needed to see that she wanted to remain with him and their child always, that she wanted him. After drying, she entered the bedroom wearing his pajama top, like always. However, as her chest and belly started to grow, she knew she would not be able to wear the top much longer. That thought saddened her.

A happy sigh escaped her lips as she saw the cream. For one thing, she really was having cramps in her leg. Poppy had told her to try to eat more foods filled with potassium, but it was quite common for pregnant women to get cramps in their legs anyway. Secondly, she remembered what happened the last time Severus rubbed cream on her. He had made her a cream for stretch marks and had insisted she start applying it right away. When she'd tried to insist it was too early, he'd told her it was not too early, and it only needed to be applied for two weeks, claiming it could be too late if she waited. However, she really wanted and needed a repeat of what happened the last time he rubbed cream on her, as her hormones were going all over the place.

She lay on her back at the head of the bed surrounded by pillows. Severus sat at the foot of the bed and just as he started to apply the cream and massage her calf for her, she put her foot on his chest. "For easier access," she told him as she raised her arms and put them behind her head, causing the top to ride higher on her thighs.

Swallowing hard, he dipped his hand in the cream and started applying it to her calf, massaging as he did so. Hermione almost forgot her seduction plans, as it felt so good. When she remembered, she started to softly moan knowing he liked to hear those sounds from her. "Mmmm, Severus! That feels so good! Please don't stop!"

What the bloody hell is this little witch playing at? She should know that this is torture for me, yet here she is, appearing to want to seduce me! Testing his theory, he all but purred in his best silky voice, "Oh, don't worry. I have no intentions of stopping. Is there anywhere else you wish to have...massaged?"

Opening her eyes, she looked right at him. So, he wants to play, does he? Well, this is one game I intend to win. "I ache just about everywhere after today, so take your pick of which body part you'd like to caress, and start rubbing."

He smirked as he picked up her other leg and started to massage it as well. He slowly moved up her leg and started rubbing her thigh. After a bit though, the events of the day, in combination with the massage Severus was giving her, became too much, and she drifted off to a much-needed sleep. All plans of seduction forgotten.

He just watched her sleep for awhile, then put the jar of cream away. Perhaps he'd been wrong. Maybe she hadn't meant to seduce him. He smirked. No, she wanted me, but her taxing day simply took hold of her. I wonder what she has in store for me next? In a few weeks, she would be over the halfway mark in the pregnancy. It excited and saddened him at the same time. He knew people thought he hated children, and he supposed he did hate some dunderheads. Most of his loathing came from his days spent spying, however, as he'd always had a role to play. After pretending so long, his role became real. But, he was actually looking forward to his role as a father. He was looking forward to doing a better job than his father had done. He would make sure his son or daughter knew they were loved, first and foremost. Would she truly want to stay and be a family? Could he learn to trust in her words and actions?

The only thing that would be missing is the role of the mother...unless I agree to renegotiate the contract, that is...or if she and I truly become a couple. Feeling equally knackered, Severus got into bed, covered Hermione and himself with the duvet, kissed her forehead, and drifted off to sleep.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Draco and Ginny could not have picked a more perfect day for their binding if they'd tried. Although it was December and rather chilly, the sky was a beautiful blue, according to the magical window Severus had installed for her benefit. It reflected what she would see if she'd be looking outside. She smiled to herself as she lay in Severus' arms, where she woke every morning, and felt a great peace wash over her.

She had gotten her university results the day before and had made one hundred percent on all of her exams. Even though she'd known that she'd been as prepared as possible, she'd been pleasantly surprised nonetheless. Severus had taken her out to dinner to celebrate, and then they'd made it an early night, knowing they had a busy day ahead of them the next day. Before they'd let sleep overtake them, she'd whispered cheekily that she'd enjoyed their date. He'd seemed startled that she'd seen their outing as such, but he'd merely agreed with her.

She felt Severus stirring and knew he was waking. He gently rubbed her belly as he did each morning as part of some waking ritual. He said grumpily, "Good morning. I trust you slept well." Removing his hands, arms, and legs from her, he moved to get out of bed.

"Good morning to you. I slept fine, thanks." It really amazed her that sleeping in the bed with Severus had kept away her nightmares. "You go have your shower while I Floo the kitchens for breakfast. I want to eat and shower; you have to leave for Malfoy Manor soon, and I need to get to the Wandless Magic Salon."

"Yes, don't remind me. Order something more than fruit and toast, if you don't mind. I am not sure when we will be eating again."

"Okay, love." With that, Hermione left him standing with his mouth agape. It wasn't until she'd gone to Floo the kitchens and read the Daily Prophet that she'd realized what she'd called him. Love. She smiled and wondered if he'd noticed and heard how right the word sounded. She slid the paper over near his plate. Severus always liked to read the paper while he ate. Therefore, she usually tried to have it finished before breakfast was served. She decided not to mention the escaped word in case he hadn't noticed.

The full-page photo of Ginny and Draco that was smiling up at her from the front page made her smile. She would save this for her scrapbook, along with many other items she'd been accumulating. She noticed Photo by Colin Creevey at the bottom of the picture and smiled again. Ginny had insisted he take the photos for the wedding, much to Lucius' dismay. They'd even had a small row over it, but Ginny had gotten her way in the end.

She heard Severus coming into the room and was just handing him the paper as their breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, and toast arrived. She poured Severus his coffee and tea for herself. While he sipped his coffee and glanced at the Prophet, she piled food upon a plate and handed it to him. After, she did the same for herself, and they began to eat with each vaguely realizing how like a true couple they had become.

When she finished eating, Hermione got in the shower and didn't linger as she usually did. She was meeting Ginny, Narcissa, Molly...who had insisted she use her first name...Luna, Tonks, and Susan at the Wandless Magic Salon in Diagon Alley to get their hair and make-up done, as well as pedicures and manicures. She dressed casually, donning a Muggle sweat suit and her heavy cloak. She gratefully accepted when Severus offered to take her gown to Malfoy Manor for her, blowing him a kiss as she left.

Rushing through the doors of the salon, Hermione greeted everyone. "Sorry I'm late!"

Laughing, Ginny told her, "You are right on time! Stop rushing so! Oh, no! Hermione," Ginny cried, "where are your dress robes? Please don't tell me you've forgotten them?"

"No, don't worry, Gin. Severus is taking them for me. This way I wouldn't have to bother with them. He is going early to be with Lucius and Draco...something about pre-wedding things that the guys do."

"Well, isn't that sweet," Lucinda drawled. "Isn't our Severus the attentive one?"

Hermione cringed. She hadn't known Lucy was going to be there. "Yes, I thought it was rather sweet of him. He is always anticipating my needs." She turned to Lucinda with an eyebrow cocked as if to ask if there was anything else she wanted to add.

"Everyone ready to get started?" The stylist asked. She could see the claws drawn a mile away. If she knew anything besides hair, it was when two witches wanted the same wizard. She made up her mind to keep those two on separate ends of the salon.

"Yes, thank you, Marci," Narcissa said. "We really don't want to get behind schedule. Please start with Ginevra and send your girls for the rest of us."

"Yes, Mrs. Malfoy, will do. Come this way, Miss Weasley. Did you bring your veil?"

As they were walking off, the other ladies began talking among themselves and meeting their stylists for the morning. Despite Lucinda being there, Hermione was starting to relax and have a fun time. She did, however, decline the wine that was being offered to her. Even though she had read a glass of wine occasionally was okay, she wasn't going to take any chances with Severus' baby. Our baby.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Severus arrived at the manor with his and Hermione's robes. Lucius himself answered the door, much to Severus' surprise. "Lucius," Severus greeted with a nod. "Is Draco ready for the big day?"

"Yes, I suppose so. I thought you were Professor Flitwick. The warming charms Narcissa put on the rose garden are wearing off already, and I contacted him to come and add some longer lasting ones. I was so hoping he would arrive before Narcissa returned. Ah, there he is now."

"Lucius, Severus," Flitwick greeted the men. "Show me to the garden." Flitwick also wanted to get this done before Narcissa returned.

"Dippy!" Lucius called. When the house-elf arrived, Lucius told him to show the tiny professor to the garden while they went back upstairs to see to Draco. The others present were Ron, Harry and Neville Longbottom...of all people.

"What have you got there, Severus?" Lucius asked, wondering why the dark man had two sets of robes.

"Oh, I have my and Hermione's robes. I didn't want her worrying about hers whilst at the salon."

Lucius chuckled. "Taking care of your little Gryffindor, are you? How...husbandly."

"Oh, for Merlin's sake, man! I just didn't want the girl worrying about her robes whilst she was getting her hair done, that is all! There is nothing husbandly about it!" It wouldn't do to let Lucius goad him about his personal life...and feelings...in front of the present company.

"Well, I am very sure she appreciates you, old man."

Severus just rolled his eyes and moved past Lucius to place their things on the side.

When the women arrived back, looking lovely, they had a little over an hour to get dressed. Keeping with the Christmas theme, most of Ginny's side wore some shade of red while those on Draco's chose some shade of green to wear.

Ginny had chosen an ivory robe rather than white, much to her mother's dismay. Molly felt Ginny should wear traditional white, but Ginny explained that ivory looked better with her complexion, and that was the color she was wearing, no matter what.

Before long, it was time for those representing the elements to cast the circle. Hermione kissed Ginny on the cheek and wished her luck before they moved forward. As she was making her way outside, she noticed Lucinda talking to some man who looked to be in his early twenties. The man looked a lot like Draco. He must be related somehow.

As soon as she walked into the garden, Severus' breath caught. She had on rose-red, crushed velvet robes that looked wonderful on her. Her stomach was only protruding slightly, but her cleavage was more than noticeable with the low neckline. When she looked up at him and smiled brilliantly, he nearly forgot to breathe. He quirked his lips up in approval. I don't believe I have ever seen anyone more beautiful in my life.

Hermione's first thought as she walked into the garden was that she'd entered Eden. As she looked around at all the beautiful roses of different colors and sizes, she thought there couldn't have been a more perfect place for Ginny to bind with Draco. There was an arbor where Ginny and Draco would stand set right in the front, and the circle was to be cast around that. The arbor had small baby roses of red with lots of greenery wrapped all the way around it.

When she saw Severus, she couldn't help but smile at the sexy man before her. He had his hair tied back like he had it the night of the stag party, but that was the only similarity. Instead of the usual black she had expected to see him in, he was wearing dark green. He looked very handsome in that color, and her mouth watered some at the sight. He nodded to her, smiling slightly, and she took her place.

She knew Ron was going to represent fire in the binding and was curious who was going to represent water. As it turned out, the young man Lucinda Malfoy had been speaking to held that honor. He looked very much like a Malfoy, and she simply knew that he had to be related somehow.

As soon as the music started, Draco walked in. Hermione smiled as she watched him. Even though they had never gotten along, she could appreciate his appearance. He really wasn't her type, but he was very good looking nonetheless. As she was looking at Draco, she suddenly noticed his sharp intake of breath. She turned slightly to see Ginny walking towards them. Hermione thought she truly looked like an angel.

When Hermione looked back towards the circle, she noticed Severus studying her. I swear I could get lost in his eyes. I wish I knew what he was thinking right now. She was so intent on watching him watching her that she barely noticed when Albus came in, wearing only a set of white robes and matching hat. When he started the ceremony, Hermione almost missed when she was supposed to say her part. Severus, however, spoke his words clearly and precisely.

When she noticed the bright, white light binding Ginny and Draco together signaling the ceremony was complete, Hermione was dazed. She couldn't have told anybody one word that had been spoken. The only thing she noticed the whole time was her dark-eyed Severus Snape.

Severus could not take his eyes off Hermione. She practically glowed with her pregnancy. When he watched her, she was surrounded by dozens of roses, and it truly made her look like a goddess. I want you. I want you to be mine. I want you to have a binding ceremony with me. Most of all, I want you to stay with me, and help me raise our baby. Severus had never been so happy to see a ceremony end. He was very happy for his godson, but he desperately needed a drink. Right! Remember where drinking got you last time, old fool!

When Ginny and Draco turned to the crowd and started to greet their guests, Severus went straight to Hermione. He extended his arm, and she gratefully accepted it. Just as she looked up and smiled at him, there was a bright flash. They both looked to see where it came from and noticed that Colin had taken their picture.

"Ginny wanted me to make sure I got at least one picture of everyone here," Colin explained.

They went to their table, and Hermione readily took her seat. She was more than ready for something to eat. She was happy to note they were sitting with Harry, Tonks, Ron, Luna, Susan and Neville. Severus was not so pleased with the seating arrangement, but he knew Miss Weasley...no, Mrs. Malfoy...had done it for Hermione. As they were just about to start eating their Beef Wellington, Lucinda came to sit next to Severus.

"There you are, darling," Lucinda purred. "I have been looking everywhere for you!" The woman looked around distastefully. "I never thought I would find you here." At that moment, her eyes raked into Hermione.

Hermione gritted her teeth while Severus sighed. It never ends! "Whatever for, Lucinda? What could you possibly need with me?"

"Why, Jean-Paul is here! I want you to come and say hello!"

Severus noted that Hermione raised an inquisitive eyebrow. Jean-Paul was the son of Lucinda Malfoy and Maurice Bedeaux, a very wealthy pureblooded French wizard from old money. Jean-Paul was only a year older than Draco was. Maurice took him to France when he was eleven and whispers about Harry Potter starting Hogwarts the next year whirled about. While Maurice tried to remain neutral, Lucinda openly ran with the Death Eater crowd, even though she never took the Dark Mark herself, and Maurice wanted his son away from all that.

He had made an arrangement with Lucinda, and she agreed to let the boy move to France and attend Beauxbatons Academy. After all, he would start school the next year anyway, living most of the year at school rather than at home. They visited one another often, and she never regretted her decisions of not marrying and of letting Maurice raise the boy.

She thought he had turned out perfect. He was currently engaged to Vivienne Delacour, a distant cousin of Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour. Vivienne was also part Veela. Lucinda didn't care much for that part, she had wanted her son to marry a fellow pureblood, but for the most part, she was pleased.

"I will stop by to greet Jean-Paul after my meal, Lucinda. I would like to catch up with him, as well." Severus looked to Hermione and saw the look of pure loathing she was directing at Lucinda and doubted she even knew she was looking at the witch that way. Though he hated for her to be uncomfortable, he knew it only meant that she cared.

"That's fine, love. We shall be waiting. He is most anxious to speak with you, as it has been years. See you in a bit then." She kissed his cheek and was off.

Hermione was seething. Love? Where does she get off calling him love? She can bloody well take her love and... She looked away. Love is my word. I'm the only one that should call him that. She ate in silence, not wanting to look at anyone. It would be likely that they'd notice her anger. After she polished off her slice of cake, she leant back in her chair and began fantasizing about Lucinda tripping in the midst of everyone. That would have made things much more entertaining.

"Would you care to dance, Hermione?" Harry stood there with his hand outstretched in offering.

It took her a few moments to realize Harry was asking her to dance. When she came back to focus, she smiled warmly at Harry, causing Severus to scowl. "Yes, thank you, Harry. I would love to."

As they moved to the dance floor, Hermione realized that Jean-Paul must be the person who represented the water element in the ceremony. She decided to scan the room for him. Harry interrupted her musings once again.

"How long, Hermione?"

"Sorry? How long what?" What is he on about now?

"Well, I never noticed it before tonight, but it's obvious you are in love with that greasy git! What is going on? How long have you had these feelings? And please, don't lie to me."

Hermione took a deep breath. She looked Harry right in the eyes and told him, "I have been in love with Severus since we worked on that potion together that helped defeat Voldemort."

To her surprise, Harry remained calm. "I see. Does he feel the same?"

Exasperated, she told him, "I don't know if he feels as deeply as I do, but I do know he feels something. I mean, he cares and has said as much, but why would he love me? Does it truly matter if he doesn't feel the same at this point...deeply in love, I mean?"

"Well, he looks at you like he loves you," Harry grumbled. "From the moment you entered the garden, throughout the ceremony, and even now, he hasn't taken his eyes off you."

Hermione looked at Harry. "Why are you being so calm at a potential relationship between Severus and me, Harry? That is not like you." Inwardly, she hoped that what he'd seen was true.

"I guess because I've had time to think about it. Dating Tonks has made me realize many things. I realized it is your life to do with as you wish. I will never lie to you about my feelings, though, and I will never like Snape. We both know he will never like me, but I am finished fighting with you. Life is too short to be fighting with our loved ones."

Hermione beamed at him. Thank you, Tonks! Wow, Harry is in love, truly in love. I hope he doesn't mess things up with her! She'd been a positive influence on him. "I love you, too, Harry. Thanks for saying that!"

When the next song started, Harry felt a tap on his shoulder. Expecting it to be Ron, he turned. Instead of smiling, he smirked when he realized it was the Draco look-a-like. After all, smirking is the proper way to greet any Malfoy. "Yes?"

"May I cut in? I would like to dance with this lovely lady."

Harry raised his eyebrow in question to Hermione, and she nodded her acceptance. "Hello, Miss Granger. I am Jean-Paul Bedeaux, first cousin to the groom. Nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you as well, Jean-Paul, but you have me at a disadvantage. How do you know who I am?"

"Are you kidding me? Everyone knows exactly who any of you three...Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, and Ronald Weasley...are. You have made quite the names for yourselves. Not to mention that my fiancée, Vivienne, is a cousin of Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour. Both of them spoke of nothing but Hogwarts and of the great Harry Potter and his friends all during Fleur's last year when they returned to France."

Hermione laughed deep and rich. "Well, I don't know what to say to that, but I will say it's nice to meet you. Were you and Draco close growing up?"

"Yes, very. Even after I moved to France, mother often brought Draco to visit me, or I would come here to the manor for a week or so to visit. Father never liked me to stay in England long while there was a war going on here."

"Oh, I can imagine. So, your father raised you?"

"Yes, for the most part, but that's enough about me. How far along are you?"Are you carrying Severus Snape's child? I'd be willing to bet half my inheritance mum doesn't know that.

"What? You think I am pregnant?" Oh no! I didn't think you could really tell in this dress! Well, he is holding me rather closely.

He smirked. "Yes, I can tell you are, but don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Until after this dance and I find mum, anyway.

The song ended then, and he offered his arm to lead her back to her table.

Severus had watched Hermione the whole time she was dancing with Potter. He really disliked Potter, even though Hermione loved him. If he were going to be a part of her life, in any way, he would have to accept that Potter was going to be around. What? If I am going to be a part of her life? Perhaps it was time to start thinking on terms of when not if. Nothing could keep me from having some type of relationship with her. The urge to make love to her and make her my own for all time is becoming even more powerful with each passing day.

When the song ended, he'd watched Jean-Paul cut in for the next one. What is he playing at? Why would he ask Hermione to dance? He doesn't even know her! Why is he holding her so tightly? The previous desire to speak to the boy was replaced with the desire to strike him.

As Severus was seething, Lucinda noted his distress and walked over to him. Let's see just what this Mudblood means to Severus. "She looks happy in Jean-Paul's arms, doesn't she? Too bad she is a Mud...um, Muggle-born witch. They make quite a couple."

Scowling, Severus told her, "I think she looks as if she is making polite conversation with a stranger who has asked her to dance, and she has no idea what to say. I wonder about the dance itself," he said dryly. "Why would he do that?"

So, he is bothered by someone else showing that Mudblood attention? This is beyond ridiculous! She has got to be taken care of! "Why, Severus, he is just performing his duties as a Malfoy, and, if I may add, doing so quite admirably."

"He is not a Malfoy. He is a Bedeaux."

"Part Malfoy, then, darling. How have you been? I really would like for us to get together real soon, love. I wish to mend old grievances and settle down. I miss you."

Severus sighed at her dramatics. "No. I have no wish to get together with you or mend anything with you. I am certainly not your love and have not been for quite some time, if I ever truly really was. You need to look ahead, and not back, for there is nothing for you here, Lucinda." He enjoyed the shocked expression upon her face. Nobody, save his Hermione, would speak to him so familiarly.

I will have you back, Severus Snape. I refuse to be bested by a Mudblood! You will see!

Just then, Jean-Paul and Hermione returned to the table. Jean-Paul bowed slightly to Hermione and looked at Severus. "Professor," he nodded. "It has been a long time. How have you been?"

"I have been well, Jean-Paul, and yourself? How is Maurice?"

"Father is fine. He is sorry he missed the wedding, but he had a business meeting he could not get away from. I don't know if mother told you or not, but I am engaged to Vivienne Delacour. We plan to get married in three months. I would love to have you there, and of course, you are welcome to bring Hermione." He smiled down at Hermione who had sat back down and was sipping from a glass of pumpkin juice while glaring at Lucinda.

"We will see," Severus said noncommittally. Turning back to Hermione, he asked, "Would you care to dance?"

Hermione set down her drink and smiled warmly at Severus. "Yes, I would love to, but could we wait until the next song? I want to rest just a bit."

"Certainly. I do not wish to tire you."

Jean-Paul turned to Lucinda. "Mother, care to take a turn with your son on the dance floor?"

"That would be lovely." With a nod to Severus and completely ignoring Hermione, Lucinda swept to the dance floor with her son.

"Well," Lucinda demanded. "Did you find out anything of use to me?"

Jean-Paul smirked. "Is the fact that she is pregnant useful to you?"

"What are you on about? Pregnant? Surely Severus would not impregnate a Mudblood?"

"Don't know if it is his baby, but she all but admitted to me she's pregnant. If it is not the professor's, why is she living with him?"

"Oh, Merlin! What has that bloody fool gone and done now? This ruins everything! He will never leave her if she is pregnant. I need to think about this."

Hermione was enjoying watching the couples dance while sitting peacefully with Severus. She smiled to herself as she watched Draco scowl because Harry was twirling Ginny around the dance floor dramatically. Tonks seemed to be enjoying Draco's distress just as much. As if he just couldn't take another minute of it, he went to take Ginny from Harry's arms.

"Go get your own woman, Potter, and leave mine alone."

Harry smirked. "No worries, Draco. If I want a bit of a slap and tickle with Ginny, Tonks is more than capable of making that happen." He really loved to rile Draco. As with Hermione, Ginny was like a sister to him, but Draco still could not believe Harry did not see Ginny the way he did. Ginny just shook her head and rolled her eyes.

Draco paled at those words. He had almost forgotten his cousin was a Metamorphmagus! "You wouldn't dare, Potter! Tonks would never allow that!"

"Wouldn't she though?" Harry asked cheekily before he burst with laughter and left a very red-faced Draco in his wake.

Hermione shook her head at the boys and their juvenile ways. She looked over at Severus to see him watching her. She smiled and before he could stop himself, he smiled back. She told him, "I am going to the ladies' room, and when I return, I would like that dance."

"As the lady wishes."

As Hermione was finishing up in the ladies room, washing her hands, Lucinda walked in. "Miss Granger, I have received some news, quite distressing, mind. I demand you tell me at once if you are carrying Severus Snape's baby!"

Hermione paled. She wished that she'd have thought to lock the outer door. The bathroom had been altered to resemble public toilets, many stalls and sinks added in. She simply hadn't thought of Lucinda following her in. Shite! Her ruddy son had to have told her! Couldn't wait until everyone had left for the night, could he? The wanker! It hardly matters who told her. It only matters that she knows. What do I say?

"Miss Malfoy, who are you to make demands of me? My affairs are none of your business. And, as far as I'm concerned, Severus Snape is none of your business either!" Hermione turned to storm out of the bathroom only to be stopped by the parting sentence behind her.

"Do be careful, Miss Granger. We wouldn't want you to have an... accident, now would we?"

Not falling for the bait, Hermione left silently with an air of confidence, although she was truly quite shaken. After a few moments, Lucinda left as well. Neither woman realized that there was a petite blonde in the last stall, taking in everything.

When Hermione got back to the table, Severus could tell something was the matter. "Are you all right, Hermione?"

"No, I am not. Would you mind terribly if we said our good-byes and went home?" She regretted missing the chance to be in his arms, but she felt too uncomfortable to remain there.

"Not at all. Are you ill? Do we need to go to Poppy when we return?"

"No, it's nothing like that. I am just very tired, as it's been a long day. I want to take a warm bath and go to bed. My back and legs are starting to ache as well. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. Lets go." After saying their good-byes, Hermione and Severus went back to the castle. The first thing she did was take off her shoes and head straight for their bedroom to get ready for the bath. Severus walked in behind her. "I would be happy to rub your back and legs for you, Hermione. You have been on your feet a lot today. It will ease your pain."

Now that she was back home, she was starting to feel safe again. Lucinda Malfoy and her vague threat were slowly heading to the back of her mind. Hermione raised an eyebrow. "In the tub?" She was starting to vastly enjoy her little flirting sessions with Severus, and she suspected he was as well.

"I don't think I would be able to apply the cream in the water. I will wait for you in bed." She is so sweet, innocent, and extremely sexy all at the same time.

"Sure I can't tempt you with a back washing? I am quite good, you know."

Yes, my temptress, you are quite good. Smirking, he just pointed at the bathroom door.

She sighed in defeat and went to bathe. Once done, he massaged her aching limbs and back, rubbing in the salve as he did so. Before long, she became drowsy. The last thing she remembered before dosing off was his lips on her brow, and the sensation of being pulled against his body.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

The next morning at breakfast Hermione asked, "Severus, what are your plans for Christmas? It is only four days away."

"I usually stay here for Christmas. I have no family to speak of for visiting. Do you have any special plans?"

"I go to the Burrow every year for Christmas dinner. I would love it if you would join me." Please come with me! I don't want to spend one minute of Christmas day without you.

"I'm sorry, but I do not wish to go to the Burrow on Christmas or any other time, really. Whilst I greatly enjoy Arthur and Molly's company, I do not wish to be surrounded by their brood."

Hermione's face fell. It really hurt her that he would not even consider going with her. It seemed that he didn't even care she wouldn't be there with him at Christmas. Well, she'd only be gone part of the day, but still! He wasn't even trying to change her mind. "Oh, I see. Well, that's okay. I will just send your best then."

Hermione went to her room and shut the door. She was upset that he wasn't going, and she didn't want him to know that. She also didn't want to seem to be nagging after the easygoing relationship they'd had for the last few weeks. She wanted time alone to finish his present anyway.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

On Christmas morning, Hermione woke to the oddest noise. Why, that almost sounds like Crookshanks! What is that? Sitting up and trying to orient herself, she noticed right away that Severus was not in the bed beside her. "Severus?"

"Over here, Hermione." She looked at the foot of the bed, ignoring the Christmas packages there, and saw Severus holding a small ball of orange fur. What on earth? Smiling slightly, Severus held out his bundle and said, "Happy Christmas!"

She laughed out loud at the miniature version of her beloved Crookshanks. "Oh, thank you so much! He looks so like my Crooks! I love him!"

"I am happy you are pleased. I wanted you to have a new familiar as you seem to miss the other one so much." He was surprised as she placed two quick kisses upon his cheeks before continuing her inspection of the pet. Part of him wished that he'd been ready for her affectionate assault. He might have returned her kisses.

Gently setting the Kneazle on the bed, she picked up a wrapped package from the pile on the foot of the bed and handed it to Severus. "Happy Christmas to you, too." Severus took the gift and opened it. Inside was a beautiful, hand-made baby blanket of green and white. As he took it out of the box to get a closer look, he noticed the SS in the corner.

"Where did you get this? I had a baby blanket myself with this same embroidery in the corner and this same shade of green, although mine was a solid green."

"Well, I hope you don't mind, but I was looking through your trunk one day for a blanket and found it. I wanted you to have a special gift this year, so I got some white yarn and decided to create something for you with it. I made that myself." What she didn't tell him was the white part of the blanket came from her own baby blanket.

"I don't mind at all. This is very beautiful, Hermione; I like it very much." Severus gently rubbed the blanket between his fingers, enjoying the feel of the soft yarn.

"It looks like all that time I spent knitting scarves and hats trying to free the house-elves has finally paid off," Hermione joked.

"Indeed it has," Severus agreed, a slight smile playing upon his lips. "Are you going to open your other gifts?"

Hermione smiled at the small pile of gifts. "No, I have to be at the Burrow soon, so I want to get ready. Yours is the only gift that mattered." She grinned sheepishly, and reached down to gently pet the new Kneazle. "I will open them when I return. Are you sure you won't come? We only have to stay a couple of hours."

"No, but I do appreciate the invite. I will wait for your return to open my gifts." Damn those Weasleys for taking my Hermione away today, even if it is only a couple of hours! He'd privately decided to give her a treat. He hadn't wanted a tree in their quarters for the holiday season, but a small one might not be amiss. As soon as he could, he would summon a house-elf to snatch one from the entryway, as there were many there that some of the younger students had decorated. Once that was done, he'd place their wrapped gifts under it. She'd be pleased with it and with him. His plans were to kiss her after she opened her other things. It would prove to be a nice setting.

"Right then." Hermione went to shower and dress. When she came out, there was a letter waiting for her on the dining table near the plate of fresh fruit and toast that Severus obviously prepared for her. "What is that?"

"I don't know, as it is for you. It has the Malfoy seal on the back though."

Hermione's heart sank as she remembered the threat of Lucinda Malfoy. When she opened the envelope, however, she realized it was an invitation for tea with Narcissa for the next day. She smiled and wrote her acceptance and borrowed Severus' owl to send her reply.

After breakfast, Hermione went to finish getting ready and make sure her Kneazle was settled in. When she began to gather the gifts she'd bought for her friends, she realized how much she had to lug around. She wished she'd have sent them by magic like everyone else had done, like she normally did. She shrugged the thought away, knowing the pregnancy was allowing her to feel a bit lazy at times. Hell, I'm not weak, only pregnant. When she found Severus, he was sitting in front of the fire reading. "Well, I am off. I should be back around three if not sooner."

"Take your time and enjoy yourself." I want you to stay here with me, but I'll not let you know that. I won't make you choose.

"I will." As much as I can without you, that is. She Flooed from his quarters to the Weasleys.

Once she was gone, he made arrangements with Dobby to bring an already decorated tree in. After that was done, he summoned all of their gifts and placed them around the little tree. Who would have thought that he'd ever allow a tree in his quarters? He had to admit that it didn't look that bad. Part of him wished he'd have allowed it before, only to see her smile each time she gazed upon it if nothing else. Just as Severus was settling back into his book, there was a knock on his door. Now, who in the devil could that be?

---

A/N: Yes, things are looking up for the couple! What could possibly go wrong now?

Also, I would like to say a special thanks to southern_witch_69 and Meredith for the additional efforts they put in this chapter. Honeyduke's finest to you both!

Southern's Notes: I'm so glad that things are looking up for the pair. I wonder who is behind the door. I hope it's not that ruddy Lucinda, the biatch.

Meredith's Notes: Finally, requited love! Can they get back to shagging now?