The snow was falling down over Hogwarts. It was white and pure in contrast to the dark, grey and dirty castle. Students were leaving the castle to go to Hogsmeade for Christmas presents and a cup of warm butterbeer. I smiled through the window and looked down at them. So young and so happy. The war did not leave enough scars for them. A pair of long, thin arms came from behind and I found myself buried in the most scarred persons arms, who I loved deeply.

"Are you alright, love?" Severus mumbled into my hair.

"I'm fine," I sighed and felt my heavy heart. I buried myself even closer into his upper body and inhaled the smell of him. Fresh grass and sandalwood with a mix of potions. He rested his head on mine and I could feel him breathe deeply.

"Are you fine?" I raised my head and looked in his eyes. Black eyes starred right back at me. His mouth twisted a bit, trying not to smile. I raised my hand and touched the scar around his mouth. His mouth twisted when I touched it and he moved slightly away from me.

I lowered my hand, "I'm sorry. It's just different touching you now, when I can see all the scars. Before they were all on the inside." During the war, Severus had gotten so many scars that his whole face were covered in the along with his upper body.

His mouth twisted again and he moved away from me. He turned around and started walking out of the room. "Severus Snape!" I yelled. He promptly stopped and turned around, choked by my tone. "You stop that right now! The scars have never bothered me, not before and certainly not now! Stop having a hissy fit. I thought that you knew that I didn't care," I said with a small voice. The tears were streaming down my face.

He swallowed a few time before answering, "I know it doesn't bother you, but it bothers me. It bothers me that I look this hideous with no way of ever getting free from it. I hate that you to be with a person who looks like this."

I smiled a tired smile, "I don't have to be with you, but I choose to. So stop talking about it and enjoy having me nearby."

"I know," he said with a weak voice, "And I indeed do."

"Good," I said, "Let's go and have dinner now. With the remaining students," I laughed and took his hand. We walked together down the stairs to the dining hall and went up to the staffs table. All the younger students, who weren't allowed to go to Hogsmeade looked at us with big eyes. The whispering and gossiping started, but it always did, so there was no news in that. We sat down and started eating with the few teachers left.

"So, Hermione," Professor McGonagall started, "How are the baby?" she smiled and asked.

Next to me Severus, choked on his food. He drank a glass of water quickly and looked at me, "Baby?" he whispered.

Professor McGonagall's face froze in shock, "Oh my! You haven't told him yet? My bad, Mrs. Snape".

I turned to Severus and his hands were shaking, "Severus, I think we need to talk about this alone. Come with me?" I asked and took his hand. He followed after me in shock and didn't say a word all the way up to our rooms.

I sat on the bed with him and he asked again, "Baby?". I smiled and nodded, "I found out last week that I am pregnant. I just hadn't had the chance to tell you. I'm sorry I didn't say anything before, but I didn't know how you were going to react."

He reached out and touched my stomach, "A child. My child. Our child."

"Yes, Severus. Do you now believe that I could never leave you?" I asked and stroked his long hair. He nodded and swooped me into his arms. "I am so happy. I never thought that it could happen."

I hold onto him as tight as I could, "And we would both love you, with and without all your scars."