Cause and Effect

by Bonnie S

SSHG After being put down by Snape and assigned Hermione Granger as a tutor, Draco Malfoy is out for revenge. Will he destroy the pair, or has fate have a plan to counter his plots? R&R HERE'S CH. 7 & 8!

4. Beltane Eve

                                                      Cause and Effect

                                                         Chapter Four:

                                                          Beltane Eve

Rita shook her head thinking that this was crazy. She stood there at the gates to Hogwarts on the unusually cool April night shivering, without a scoop, her empty stomach growling, and a party staring inside the nice warm castle. With the new wards set specifically for her, how was her source going to get her inside for the story of the century?

From behind her, Rita heard the snow crunching under swiftly moving feet. Two familiar forms came up to the gates. "You said that you could get me in, and that it would be well worth my while."

The elder one smiled as evilly as the young one beside him. "Oh, it will be. Follow us."

The gates opened! And she found nothing stopping her from following the pair in. How did he do that?

They got up to the school and the two of them plowed through the doors. The kid vanished, but the father started a confrontation with Dumbledore. Rita tried to sneak in, but four students – one from each house she noticed – stood against her. In the commotion, she was pleased to see Snape and Granger appear from the dungeons.

"Any plans for tonight's Beltane, Mr. and Mrs. Snape?"

Hmm, Snape tries to get his student wife to go back to their little love nest in the dungeons. Interesting. "So when is the big day? And will the media be present?"

Little teen looks up to strong teacher. This just keeps getting better! "Mrs. Snape! Is there any truth to the rumors that you used a time-turner device to add a year to your age so you two could be wed last year, but the final battles with you-know-who made you cancel the original wedding plans?"

A stunned look from the girl! Hit a nerve! "So, have you two tied the knot yet or are you just going to elope? How does your family feel about this, Mrs. Snape? How are they going to like it when they read about it in tomorrow's Daily Prophet?"

The girl goes pale, the lover/teacher growls, the Headmaster yells and … and … Rita found herself flung back on her rear and the door shut! Thank goodness she had another way in … now that she was on the school grounds that is.

***

Hermione and Severus returned to the classroom, and Severus was barely keeping his anger in check. The feeling and look of him in this state spooked Hermione somewhat. "Severus?"

He turned a little harsher than he had wanted, making her jump in fear. But when he took her face into his hands, the look in his eyes told Hermione how worried he was. "I will not let her destroy the woman I love."

"I don't care about Rita Skeeter. Everyone knows that she is a liar. Even if she slanders us, the entire school will fight to right it. All of them are behind us in this. I just regret that she busted in on our first Beltane as a couple." Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck, laid her head on his shoulder, and sighed.

Severus managed a slight smile as he pulled his love tighter to himself. "As do I, Hermione. I love you."

She looked up into his dark eyes and smiled. "I think that I love you more, Severus. I got you a present."

"It would seem we are of the same mind, my dearest." He smirked with delight when she looked at him in surprise. "I have a gift for you as well."

Hermione's eyes lit up and quickly had his gift opened and was delighted to find a small box of expensive muggle chocolates with a beautiful Celtic love knot pendent on a long chain. She fought off the urge to cry as her love clasped it on her and planted a kiss on top of her head. "I love it all! How did you know I was craving muggle chocolates?"

Severus smirked as he sat down and leaned back in his chair. "Potter and both Weasleys."

Hermione had to chuckle at that. "That was why this past week those three have had dirty grins on their faces! I have to thank them later. Open yours now, and we can share at least one chocolate before we finish dinner."

Taking one of the chocolates, she slipped it part way into his mouth before quickly kissing him to retrieve her share. Severus smirked at that. "Interesting way of sharing, my dearest. Is that the way you share with only me?"

"You know that it is. Now open your present." She chuckled after swallowing her even sweeter treat.

Severus found a potion book he had eyed the last time he had 'escorted' a group of Slytherin and Gryffindors to Hogsmeade. Hermione had to have been watching for any ideas of what to get him. Atop the book was a chain with a Snake pendent. "The snake is the symbol of transformation."

Her voice had been so soft, and she was visibly unsure of how to react. Severus gave her a warm and genuine smile. "Like you have transformed me. Will you help me put it on?"

That grew a smile on her face that he loved to see. She locked it around his neck, and when he looked up at her she passionately kissed him. Hermione ended that sweet kiss with the look in her eyes. Yet they both knew they had another month to wait to be together. He caressed her cheek and smiled. "Happy Beltane, my Hermione."

"Happy Beltane, my Severus." She sighed as she settled back in her seat. She took up her goblet of juice and smiled at him, "to us?"

Severus smiled and took up his own goblet and saluted her, "to us."

They linked their arms and drank deeply. Slowly they finished their dinners, eyeing one another hotly. Once their dinners were gone, both drank up about half of the jug of pumpkin juice and ate four more pieces of chocolate. The classroom was quickly growling intensely hot.

Hermione panted and slid out of her robes. "I never thought the dungeons would be so hot."

"Normally they aren't. But I'm feeling the heat as well. That dress is beautiful on you, love." Severus couldn't help but want her so much. Hermione was ravishing.

She was wearing a violet gothic gown that showed off all of her curves. As Hermione fanned herself for a moment and leaned back in her chair with her eyes closed. It was hard to fight off his longing to make her his own.

'Hermione is eighteen going on nineteen after all … but she is still my student … she has already proclaimed her love for me … we only have a month to wait before we can wed legally … her parents have already accepted we will be married soon … but her father said to let her move the relationship … he also said to show her how I feel …'

Severus stopped battling himself mentally and watched her sigh and lazily smile over at him. "Severus, I love you."

"And I love you Hermione." He loved when she smiled at him like that.

Above them the dance began and they heard the music start playing, a slow song that she loved. Hermione started humming and stood to dance by herself – that is until she stopped and looked at him with a joy in her eyes. "Please dance with me Severus."

Who was he to deny his one and only? He stood and pulled her close as they both swayed to the music. Even if they could not dance like this in public until after she graduated, they were happy just to be together. The words to the song wrapped around them as Harry himself sang the words.

The world's been spinning 'round since time began
An' when it stops, it's out of my hands

Severus looked at his love. "You asked him too?"

"I didn't know that Harry would do it first song, but yes. I love this song and it feels like us. Are you angry?" For a moment she couldn't look into his eyes. Slowly she did when Severus pulled her even closer to himself.

So I could swear forever for all it's worth
Or give you every day I have on earth

"I cannot be angry with you. I have never heard this song before … muggle?"

Hermione's smile returned as she nodded. "Country music. Harry has been practicing this since a couple days after I woke up."

Severus relaxed and danced with his love as they moved to the song.

Long as I live
Long as I breathe
With every heartbeat
I'll need you near me
I won't leave you behind
'til the lord says it's time to go with him
I'm yours long as I live

"That is my vow to you, my Hermione." Severus whispered into her ear. Hermione snuggled tighter to him. He listened to the words.

No matter if there's mountains you can't move
Or harder times then you thought you'd go through

That was certainly them and how he felt towards this ravishing young woman. He had nearly lost her because of one selfish and ignorant brat, but that blow made Severus realize how deeply this woman was a part of himself. How close he had come to losing her made him bring Hermione closer to himself. The admitting of their love set them free of the spell that would have ended their lives if he had followed the rules and refused her admission.

Now they faced the often blind by peer pressure and lies Wizarding world, but he refused to let any of them tear her from his side. Even if he would have to give up his career and his honor, he would marry this beautiful young woman.

And the weight of your world's too much to bear
Just remember I'll always be there

That was exactly what Hermione was determined to do. She would stand at this wonderful man's side until her last breath. Severus had been through so much in the years, both good and bad, and had suffered through it alone. She loved and adored him for his wit and courage and spirit. If only …

Long as I live
Long as I breathe
With every heartbeat
I'll need you near me
I won't leave you behind
'til the lord says it's time to go with him
I'm yours long as I live

"I swear the same to you Severus. I'm yours." There were tears in her eyes and a haunted look of longing.

He should have known right then that something wasn't right. He just didn't care. Hermione was in his arms and they were deeply in love with one another. It was as if everything that had held him back from being more intimate with this woman before him was losing its powers over his mind and will.

Hermione looked in his eyes and knew that this night would change them forever. Her desires were beginning to gain more control over her reason. There was a fluttering sensation in her veins that was settling in her stomach … no lower. She knew it meant something, but her mind was refusing to process anything but hungry look in his midnight eyes. It equaled and fueled the fires in her body and soul.

The moon and stars aren't mine to give
Neither is eternity
 

By this time they had stopped moving and were only looking in one another's eyes. Both had made a decision. They refused to be held apart by others ever again.

But I'll give you a promise tonight
That I can keep

This was Beltane eve. By the old laws, if he took her willingly into his bed and got her with his child, they would be deemed husband and wife. He didn't have to say it, Hermione simply nodded. They both quietly sang with Harry as they vowed themselves, each to the other.

Long as I live (Long as I live)
Long as I breathe (Long as I breath)
With every heartbeat (With every heartbeat)
I'll need you near me (I'll need you near me)
I won't leave you behind (I won't leave you behind)
'til the lord says it's time to go with him ('til the Lord says it's time to go with him)
I'm yours long as I live (I'm yours long as I live)
I'm yours long as I live (I'm yours long as I live)

Severus took Hermione, who grabbed a hold of the jug of pumpkin juice (in case they got thirsty she giggled), into his arms and closed the door – enchanting it and the door to his chambers with both a locking and a silencing spell. Draco Malfoy and Rita Skeeter entered the classroom just after that with dirty grins on their faces.

"Now, you are sure they will come out here?"

Draco rolled his eyes. "They have no reason to suspect a thing. Of course they will come out through the classroom. Just be ready to get them."

***

Hermione groaned as she opened her eyes and snuggled closer to the warmth beside her. What happened? The last thing she remembered … oh, did that really happen? After she and Severus promised to wait for after her graduation? Why had she let that happen? How could she have done that to him? What did Severus think of her now?

Almost as if he read her thoughts, Severus wrapped her in his arms after pulling the bedclothes around her body and tucking her in securely to his embrace. Hermione felt so safe and was scared to speak and destroy what she had. So, Severus spoke first. "Do you regret last night?"

Looking up at his eyes, she saw how worried he was. That calmed Hermione's nerves. She smiled and brushed her fingers across his cheek. "No. I was afraid that you would."

"Regret making you my wife? If that were true I would be ready for a permanent stay at St. Mungo's Psychiatric Ward. I was worried that you wished we hadn't. Did I hurt you? How are you feeling?"

Hermione smiled. Even with all the problems they were about to face for the previous night, Severus was worried about her more. "I'm supposed to be a little sore right now. In case you forgot, you are my first … and I hope my only. Besides that I'm just a little lightheaded and nauseous."

That worried Severus. He got out of the bed and looked in the jug to confirm his worse fear. Hermione looked at him. "Love, what is it?"

The shuttering sigh she heard from his body terrified Hermione. "Severus." She got out of the bed and nearly hit the ground. Luckily he heard her moving and rushed to her side before she fell far. "Am I always going to feel so dizzy after … well …"

"You shouldn't be at all. We were hexed by potion last night." He showed her that the juice had turned a bright shade of green, which made her shut her eyes before she lost what remaining dinner and chocolate was in her stomach. "What kind of potion would make me this sick? And who would do this?"

"Lucius Malfoy was here last night."

Hermione's eyes snapped open. "God, when we were in the hall … if Draco had come with his father … with all of the commotion that Skeeter caused … I'll kill that brat!"

Severus went to his wardrobe and pulled out one of his robes and transfigured it into a comfortable lady's nightgown. "Here. I need you to get dressed, but stay on the bed. You are going to feel the effects of one of the potions longer than I."

"What one?" Hermione groaned as she forced herself to sit up and pull the soft flannel gown around her, thankful for the warmth she knew her new husband had charmed into the garment.

Lying back on the bed, Hermione was still finding it hard to believe what they had done the night before. Her husband … it still felt strange to think it. Yet, by the old laws that was exactly what this man was to her.

Severus saw the smile on her face and smirked before sitting on the edge of the bed beside his wife. How many days and nights had he called her that in his dreams and fantasies? He lost count long before that night he nearly lost her. Now she was his … if he was right about one of the potions. Slowly he opened the gown where it covered her belly, gaining a hotter smile from Hermione that made him want to take her again. "I have to check something, love."

Hermione's steamy look turned worried. "What?"

"If one of the potions used against us last night does what I believe it does." Taking his wand, Severus pointed to her exposed belly – hoping and dreading at the same time. "Acclaroare."

Hermione felt her lower belly warm and almost tickle with a soft pink light. Severus' face held a wonder she fell in love with. "What does this mean?"

"It means, my love, that you have not only made our Beltane bed marriage last night legal, but that you have also made me a father." Severus barely got out.

She was stunned. A baby? The first time? She was going to be a mother? "The light is pink … does that mean the baby is a girl?"

Severus smiled and nodded as he released his revealing spell. The light left and he closed her gown again, undoing the warming spell he had enchanted into the garment. And then he covered them with the sheet and blankets. He was going to be a father!

Looking at his new wife, he could see how tired Hermione was. "I have some errands to run. You sleep and I'll be back as soon as I can. Alright?"

Hermione obviously had barely heard him because all she did was nod and slip off into dreams with a soft smile on her face. For a few minutes he sat there watching her smile in her doze, she was happy to be his wife and a mother.

He sealed the room with every protection ward he could think of. It was still very early, as the sun had yet to rise, but he wanted to get all of this done … and he needed to face her parents.

He first flooed to his family's home.

With it being Beltane, Severus was sure that someone had to still be awake at this early hour. He remembered how long those long passed celebrations went on in his childhood. After removing the soot, he was rewarded with the sight of his mother and sister sitting before him. Bowing as he had been taught, "a happy Beltane mother, Helena."

"Bubby! I didn't think I would get to see you!" Helena giggled as she rushed over and embraced her elder brother. Seeing the jug in his hand, "bringing a gift or a puzzle?"

"Puzzle. My love and I were put under the effects of at least three potions last night."

While Helena began divining what was in the tainted juice, their mother, Rhainnon, stood and walked over to her son with stiffness that he often showed in his classes. "Does she accept you and is she carrying my grandchild?"

"Hermione does accept me as her husband. And yes, she is carrying your granddaughter."

A smile grew over the elder woman's face. She took a ring off of her hand and laid it in her son's hand. "When do I get to meet my new daughter?"

Severus smiled. He hadn't been sure how his mother would react, but this was better than his best hopes. "As soon as that fertility potion we were drugged with last night wears off. Mother, you should know that Hermione is muggle born."

That grabbed Helena's attentions. "Muggle born? Oh, now I know why that name sounds so familiar! Is that the girl who has helped Harry Potter so much over the past few years?"

Severus nodded. "Yes, since their first year."

"Then she is your student? What were you thinking, boy?" Came a gruff voice.

Turning, they all saw a stern older and bearded version of Severus stalk into the room and shut the doors. Dylan Snape was not pleased to see his son. "We only recently got our family's honor back! You bed wed a student and she is muggle born?"

Helena was the first to speak. "Father! Severus and Hermione were drugged, and it was four potions brother dear. One of them hid the rest. That was why you didn't detect any of them before they took full effect – not even great-grandfather would have detected the difference with the base being this pumpkin juice."

"Four?" Severus was only sure of the cover, fertility, and passion potions. "What was the fourth?"

"An inhibition blocker. Someone had this planned well. Who do you suspect?" Helena finally set the jug down and walked over to her brother.

Severus was angry, and all of them saw it. "Malfoy and his son."

Dylan sighed a moment. "Is it because of your wife's family?"

"Not in total. You remember the discussion we had about Draco's lessons and attitude? Hermione is the student he nearly killed twice. It was admitting my love for her and her love for me that freed us both of the spell he hit us with. We were going to wait until after her graduation …" Severus still felt like a child before this man.

For a long few minutes there was nothing said in the room. Dylan shook his head. "Well, at least she has you changing. You did remember to guard my new daughter and granddaughter I hope."

"Of course I did." Severus fought not snap at his father.

His mother thankfully saw this. "Dylan enough. Are you going to treat our son like this in front of his little girl?"

With a hard sigh, Dylan shook his head. "You had better treat this girl right, son. And we want to meet her as soon as she is feeling well enough."

Severus nodded. "Now if you will all excuse me, I have to speak to her parents."

"Good luck dear brother." Helena said softly as she hugged him.

"Thank you Helena. Take care of them." Severus returned the hug – a first in a very long time.

***

Severus flooed next to the Granger home fully ready to be attacked for the previous night, only to receive a shock. The Grangers were fully awake so close to dawn – talking with Albus! "Why am I only partially stunned by seeing you here, Albus?"

"Ah, I see that the potions have worn off."

That nearly floored Severus. He had left the jug of juice at his parents' home! Albus once again read his mind, or was it the Potion Master's expression? "The goblets my dear boy. That is where we got the truth, after throwing out Rita Skeeter once again and sealing the portal she used to get into the castle."

"And you have told them?" Severus was more nervous than before.

Tom and Heather's expressions were carefully guarded. That fact did nothing to ease Severus. He only hoped that the previous night would not tear the couple from his beloved wife and unborn daughter.

Albus only nodded.

Looking at his wife's parents, Severus sighed. This was going to be difficult. "You realize that Hermione and I had originally planned to wait until after her graduation to wed properly rather than by the old laws?"

After a few moments Tom got up and went to stand beside the nearby window. Heather sighed. "Is she okay?"

Severus nodded, "she is still feeling the effect of the fertility potion, so I had her rest."

"Am I going to be a grandfather?" Tom had his back to the Potions Master, so Severus had no idea how his wife's father was taking this news. "Yes, a little girl. I came here to tell you what happened, and to ask you honorably for Hermione's hand in marriage once she is feeling better."

Tom's head dropped. This did not look good for the couple's future. With a heavy sigh, Hermione's father turned to look Severus in the eye. "A little less than two decades from now you will be in my place, son. Can you imagine how I am feeling right now?"

"I am trying hard to not think about that day. I already love this little girl too much to give her up." Severus knew that honesty was the best policy when it came to his now father-in-law.

Tom smiled at that. "The same way I have felt since the day Hermione was born."

For another few tense seconds none spoke. Heather finally sighed. "You two men are insufferable when it comes to this! Tom say it already, so I can start planning to spoil this little girl from the start!"

Albus chuckled heartily at that. Even Severus and Tom couldn't hide their smirks. Tom winked at him, "you realize that Hermione is her mother made over?"

Severus blanched for a moment. Albus chuckled even harder. Then the wily Potions Master smiled as his father-in-law got a playful slap on the arm from his wife. The thought he decided on was that his life would never be dull with his own beautiful wife. "Of that I am glad of."

"Nice buttering up on the old mother-in-law, son." Heather grinned as she hugged Severus close.

This was happening better than his dearest hopes. "Thank you mother."

"Mom is fine enough with me. Now tell my baby that I'll floo in later to check on her and see what planning we can do to get this wedding underway. Where should I say?" Heather was already making plans in the back of her mind.

Severus was expecting this fully. "Albus, how about your office?"

The headmaster nodded with a grin. After a few more minutes talking, Severus flooed back to what he now considered his and Hermione's chambers.

Hermione was awake and crying. That tore his heart out. "Hermione? What's wrong my love?"

She gave him the morning copy of the Daily Prophet. The headline read: HOGWARTS HEAD GIRL GIVE HOUSE HEAD ALL. The sub line went on saying: Gryffindor Head Girl Bed Weds School Potion Master – Is she the wonderful student all have proclaimed, or did she really 'work' for her high marks?

Hermione broke into harsher sobs, and wouldn't look Severus in the face. "It's awful! All the lies! I wish I had just stepped on her when I had the chance!"

"Love, you don't mean that."

"YES I DO!"

Severus forced her into his arms as she wept. Their first day as husband and wife, and already the evil started. "Hermione. Listen to me. That would not have been you. That was why you let her go. And that is why she is so determined to shame us. The truth will come out. We just have to remain strong in this storm and hold tight to one another."

"But, I've shamed you!" Hermione cried, as she held tight to him.

Severus made her look into his eyes. "Look at me. You have not shamed me! We were tricked into the hallway, drugged, and deposited into this situation by that preposterous would be wizard, Draco Malfoy. All because he knew I have adored you since your first year and that he had no chance of conquering you in the end at anything. What better way to defeat you than to have you eliminated completely? And what better way to have his grades fixed than to have me removed in shame?"

"And he has won." She sighed as more tears filled her eyes and split down her cheeks.

Severus kissed her forehead and wiped away her tears. "Not yet, and we will not let him. For now, we have a few guests coming to visit us. And I have a question for you."

That got Hermione's attention. "What?"

Severus knelt before her and took both of Hermione's hands into his own. "I love you. And though I wanted to wait until after your graduation, now is when I will have to ask this. Not just because of last night, or because of our daughter either. Hermione, will you marry me?"

When he pulled out the ring his mother had given him, Hermione beamed. "After all that is happened and all we are going to have to deal with … you still want me as your wife?"

"By the old laws you already are, my love. But, even if that were not so, yes I want you as my wife. No matter what other closed minded people might say." Severus said as he slid the ring onto his love's hand. A silver band, with a heart shaped diamond in the center that had a ruby accent stone on either side. His mother had no idea how perfect the ring was. Silver from his house, and red from Hermione's house.

It was an enchanted ring, and only needed her agreement to fit to her finger. Hermione was stunned. He loved her still? She had wept in fear that he would set her aside and denounce their unborn daughter because of the shame and scandal. Now he went and calmed those fears by asking for her hand. "I have to talk to mom and dad."

"That was the last place I went to before coming home."

Hermione was stunned. "You asked them for my hand? What did they say?"

Severus smiled up at her. He hoped with all of his heart that she hadn't changed her mind or heart. "Depending on your answer, yes. And mom is anxious to plan this with you and spoil our daughter from the start."

Hermione laughed. Severus cherished the sound. She smiled at him as the tears dried up. "That would be exactly what mom would say. And yes, I'll marry you!"

The ring fitted itself to her finger and Hermione glowed with happiness.

After some deep kisses, Hermione resolved that it was time for her to get a shower. Severus smirked at the idea of joining his wife, but he knew they would spend the day under the water making love rather than getting ready for company.

Before she opened the door to the bathroom, she turned to him and sighed. "All of my clothes are up in my room."

"Not anymore." Severus indicated the wardrobe beside her. Opening it Hermione saw that the left side was full of his things, and the right had all of her clothes! "Your other things we can pack and bring down later, or I can have the house elves do it for you."

"While I was asleep? Do you really want me to start living with you full time now?" She had wonder what they would do about living arrangements before looking at the paper and seeing the filth that was splattered across his name and her own.

Severus went over to her pulled Hermione into his embrace. To think he would now be able to do this from that day on without worrying about someone walking in on them. "Does this upset you, love?"

Hermione shook her head as tears came down her cheeks. "I think it's my hormones. But I shouldn't be dealing with them yet. I'm what a day pregnant at most?"

"Witches feel the effects of pregnancy from the start. But, at the least the worse symptoms clear up in only a few weeks – excluding back pain that is."

Hermione groaned as she snuggle closer to his body heat, "lucky me."

With a few hushed words, Severus cast a new warmth charm around his new wife. She smiled up at him as he softly rubbed her belly with the most intensive look of peace on his face that Hermione could ever remember seeing him wear. He truly loved her. He truly wanted both her and their daughter. And he truly did not regret their first night together. All that Hermione was suddenly so certain of now. The look in his eyes and on his face made her see the truth for what it was, this was now her husband and the father of her unborn daughter.

Severus felt whole. It had been so many years since he could honestly believe that would ever happen, but now he was. This one woman had given him so much, and he was more than ready to give her equal and more back. "Better for the two of you?"

Hermione smiled and nodded before relaxing in his embrace. "I like waking up in your arms, Severus."

"As do I. And now we will be doing just that for the rest of our lives, my wife … my Hermione."

After a few moments, she finally slid into the bathroom (grinning at the thought of coming out of the bathroom with nothing on to get dressed) and then saw how different the room looked. "Wow."

Severus' snickering could be heard from the bed. "Hermione, forget the shower. You deserve a long bath."

"Do I have time?" Hermione called out. She couldn't get over the size of the tub! It had to be big enough for at least her, him, and a couple of kids! "And how big is this thing?"

Severus grinned. He had changed it for her. He was willing to change anything to surprise or make his new wife happy. "You can make time, love. And to the size of our tub, as I believe you are asking about, I believe that it is nine by five by four. Though the depth might be a little more.

Hermione loved it! A metallic silver like gray color that was in the shape of a diamond was sunk into the opening in the corner. Red tiles with green speckles and gray tiles with gold speckles edged it on top. The floor was a dark gray with gold and green flecks of metal glimmering in it.

In the middle of the far corner behind her was the mirrored medicine cabinet right above the dual sink vanity that reminded her of the dark wood closet her clothes now resided in. And across from that was the toilet.

The walls were a dark green with silver, red, and gold designs twisting, moving, and weaving through the main color. The floor and ceiling trims were a soft gray. The ceiling above was like the ceiling in the Great Hall. The scene was of a starry night sky that was being warmed by the dawn!

"Severus, you have spoiled me beyond rotten with this! But, how do I fill the tub?" She yelled out after stripping down. She couldn't see any taps or water spouts.

Smiling he set the paper down, needing the distraction from the garbage he saw that the trash reporter had written. "On my way. Climb into the tub."

He saw the wonder and adoration in his bride's eyes and hoped to never lose that look from his life or his memory. "Now, use your hand to show where on you or the tub that you want the water to stop."

With a grin, Hermione leaned back, showing her new husband the full view of her body, and rested her hand just above her breasts. "What to do now?"

Her sultry voice was doing nothing to help Severus. Gods, she was beautiful! He barely remembered the previous night because of the influence of the four potions, but now he saw her full body and it was beautiful. "So beautiful."

"Glad you think so, my love. Hope you think the same when I am as big a this entire tub." Hermione feared the day that happened. He'd stop loving her for sure.

Severus shook his head. "You, my love, are beautiful. And you will remain just as beautiful, if not become even more ravishing, as our daughter grows within you. Aquosusaum calescoere."

Hermione was suddenly surrounded by water that was slowly warming around her. "And when it is a the right temperature?"

"Command it to stop."

After a few moments it was just the right temperature. "Strigoare."

Then she noticed the oils, bath beads, salts, bubble baths, shampoos, conditioners, and other bath things. Obviously the majority Severus had made himself. Hermione had to fight the urge to cry at the thought of all her new husband had done to please her. "How long have you been working on this?"

"Since you awoke after telling me that you love me. I wanted this to be a special place where we could relax from the day and spend time together."

She smiled up at him. "I think that you are too good for a stupid mudblood like me."

"For the last time, you are not a stupid mudblood. You are a beautiful, smart, powerful, and talented witch. And I am honored that now you are also my wife and the mother of our daughter." Severus rubbed his thumb across her lips.

"I'm lucky I have you and our baby. I just hope that I'll be as good a mom as mine has been to me."

Seeing that Hermione was really upset at the idea of not being the wonderful mother he knew she would be, Severus pulled out a ruby red vile from the concoctions he had made for her. The scent of berries and cinnamon filled the tub with bubbles, and the room with a pleasant smell. He knew that it was her favorite scent, and the look of joy it put on her face made his heart lighter.

After leaving a kiss on her lips, Severus returned to the bedroom. He had to move away before he gave in and climbed into that tub to remind Hermione how she became his wife and the mother of the babe that was growing within her belly.

He relaxed on his side of the bed and returned his attentions to the trash that had upset his bride. And every sentence made his blood boil.

                        HOGWARTS HEAD GIRL GIVES HOUSE HEAD ALL
                       Gryffindor Head Girl Bed Weds School's Potion Master

                    Is she really the wonderful student that all have proclaimed?

                               Or did she really 'work' for her high marks?

Last night was Beltane eve. As many readers will remember, by the old laws of the Wizarding World if a wizard takes a woman to his bed willingly and is successful in breeding his progeny in her womb the couple is seen as a legally married couple.

This is an old law, and most have either forgotten it or given little heed to it. Yet last night at the famous, or better called infamous, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that old law was put into practice with the full knowledge of Albus Dumbledore, the school's dull-minded Headmaster.

In the dungeon potions classroom, a long time questionable teacher and a seventh year student willing agreed to bed wed. However this should all start back at the beginning – seven years ago.

Now exonerated former death eater – on word of this Headmaster, who has been replaced and reinstated many times in the past seven years – Professor Severus Snape was still a 'spy' for the light. Details are sketchy at best, but this reporter has her doubts of his fidelity in the years he was supposedly working for the light. He was surveying the new first years for possible new additions to his Slytherin house, when he saw one he wanted to add to not just his house – but also his bed.

Her name is Hermione Granger. The young witch, who is also the school's current Head Girl, is the only daughter of muggle dentists, and who would be sorted into Gryffindor.

Still he had his eyes on her, even after she made a friendship with the celebrated Harry Potter – who the Professor is reported to hate. The first day she was in his class he ignored her frantically waving hand as the filthy mudblood tried desperately to get his attentions, choosing to let her mature somewhat before bedding her.

When Mr. Potter and his friends stopped Lord Voldemort from claiming the Sorcerers' Stone in their first year, Professor Snape saw that this little mudblood had spunk and wisdom.

In her second year, when she helped Mr. Potter and their friend, a Ronald Weasley, even in the state of being petrified, Snape saw that her male friends admired her for her mind rather than her body. That gave him a way in.

Compliments on her appearance, and a treat now and then gave her admiration to him. And such is what has happened all through the past seven years.

Over the years he gave this girl special assignments and special attentions to ease any future suspicion she might have developed as to his own motives later down the road. In class he would brutally cut her and her friends down, but at night it was a different story.

They would spend much time in the potions classroom with the door shut and warded, sometimes in the company of others, in what was supposed to be 'detention' for Miss. Granger. Yet the pair were acting like a couple, cuddling and kissing passionately.

From an inside source, Snape and Granger have been carrying on their 'secret' romance since at least her second year, making the young woman twelve years old at the time. It has also been suggested that their Beltane bed wedding had been planned for last year. But the final battle with you-know-who got in their way. Yet the act still would have been perfectly legal last year as well.

One would ask how that could be as Miss. Granger would have only been seventeen at best last year. Yet, she was in truth eighteen and is now soon to be nineteen.

My inside source, who was wrongly expelled for life because of his talking to yours truly, told me that Miss. Granger willingly used a time-turner (an illegal device for students) to add one year to her true physical age. This so the couple would not have to wait to marry.

It has been suggested that there was a need for the couple to wed quickly that was removed during the final battles with you-know-who – as during the battles, Professor Snape carried the young Miss. Granger back to the medi-wizards and witches with a severe stomach trauma.

The next year Miss. Granger (or could it be that she was by then already Mrs. Snape?) was given the honor of being named Hogwarts' Head Girl. My source believes that Professor Snape pushed for his lover to have the title and obviously won.

And during that unexpected week long holiday the school had not long ago, Miss. Granger was spending the entire time in the bed of Professor Snape. This mind you was with her parents' knowledge and full consent. There is even the rumor that it was against the girl's will.

What shocks this reporter is that all of the staff and students not only know full well of the pair's relationship and the perks that Miss. Granger has been given for it, but they all remain supportive of the couple. Neither family's answered my requests for interviews, which leaves to wonder if they know and condone this pair's acts.

To make said matters worse, one must doubt Miss. Granger's part in this relationship. Samples from the goblets the couple left in the classroom when Snape took and carried the giddy girl into his private rooms – locking and casting a silencing charm on the room – prove that there were at the least three potions in the girl's cup – a fertility potion, a lust potion, and a masking potion so the brilliant Miss. Granger would not have known by taste, smell, or texture that she was drugged.

 This reporter was unceremoniously thrown out of Hogwarts before she could retrieve a sample from the professor's cup. Now will we never know if it was the Potion Master's doing to the student, or if both were plotted against by another. Still, potions in a students' drink that was poured by the school's potion master? Leaves little room for doubt in my view.

Rita Skeeter

Severus was livid at this trash. Now he understood why his Hermione was in such a state as she had been that morning. He threw the entire paper into the fire in his fury. How could any slander his wife so?

Rita was only out to repay Hermione for the year's loss of work. Well, that would end soon. Severus refused to let anyone upset his beloved wife, especially with Hermione carrying their first child.

That calmed him down slightly and helped him relax bit-by-bit. He was going to be a father. It was still a shock to his system. In nine months there was going to be a small girl gurgling and crying and stealing away any of his heart that her stunning mother did not already have a hold on. Severus went and laid back on the bed, closed his eyes, and tried hard to picture what that little angel was going to look like.

Hermione smiled as she quietly got dressed. He was so handsome lying there. And to be honest, she knew that he hadn't gotten much sleep. Thankfully Professor Dumbledore always gave the school the day off on May first. She wanted to just let him sleep as he had for her when he went to talk to her parents and run his other errands. She wondered where else he had gone.

Once dressed she carefully climbed into their bed, and softly rested her head on his shoulder. This was what she wanted for her life, spending their free time with this man. She sighed and smiled as she relaxed against him.

"Did that help you, my love?"

Hermione was startled at that. "I didn't mean to wake you."

Severus smiled as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling his young wife closer. "I wasn't sleeping angel. I was trying to picture our daughter standing with the other first years the day that she is sorted into whichever house she will be placed in."

Hermione smiled. "What do you see?"

"I keep picturing you with dark hair. I'll bet that she will have read the updated history of this school, because I know she is going to be as stubborn and tenacious as my beautiful wife." Severus grinned and chuckled as she slapped him on the chest.

Hermione glared at him. "I. Am. Not. Tenacious."

"Yes, you are. That was one of the many things about you that grabbed my attention that first year." Severus looked at her with such pride in his eyes.

Hermione broke down into tears. Severus remembered how his mother and sisters had been with their early pregnancies, and he was thankful for the experiences. "I knew from the start that you may have been muggle born, but you were here to truly learn and prove that you belonged here. That was why I gave you harder assignments, higher expectations of your work, and nagged you about helping the others. Love, I knew that you were only helping them, but they have to learn – after all you couldn't help them on their tests or in real life."

"I was trying to help you too." Hermione wept into his chest.

That stunned Severus. "Me?"

Hermione coughed slightly and nodded without looking up at him. "Yes. I thought if I helped them that you would not be as nasty all the time. I thought it was them making obvious mistakes that made you not want to be there, even if that is my favorite class."

"Your favorite class? I never knew you felt that way, my angel. No, I only do that so that my students are always focused and understand that my class is not playtime. My first couple of years I tried being friendly, and there were way too many accidents for my liking because none of the students were serious and thought I wouldn't do anything to them if they made a mistake. They didn't know that one mistake could literally kill us all. After that I went to being cruel. And the accidents have been few, haven't they?"

Hermione nodded. "Forgive me?"

"If you hadn't helped them you wouldn't have held my focus as soundly as you have these past seven years. I want you to have your dreams my love." Severus knew it would be hard, but somehow he was going to make sure that she would become whatever she wanted to be outside of their new family.

"I want to be a teacher."

Severus smiled. "We'll make that dream come true. But now I have to get a shower so we can get up to Albus' office." Severus hugged her for a moment and started to get up.

"Why are we going to Professor Dumbledore's office?"

Kissing his wife softly. "Your parents are coming soon, and so are my parents at least. Maybe some of my other family too."

Hermione paled. "All of them?"

"Love, we can put it off."

"No." Hermione swallowed. "I have to meet them someday. It's better to do it now. I just wonder what your family is going to think of me. After all …"

"They will love you, Hermione. You already have made my mother and sister happy." Severus smiled and rubbed her back. He felt his heart lighten when she smiled and her eyes lit up. "Now, I'm going to take a shower."

"I'll be talking to this little one." Hermione smiled up at him while she rubbed her belly.

Severus winked and smiled at the giggle it pulled from his wife. He pulled off his clothes and stepped into the tub, still warm from his wife's bath. "Imberbrism"

That closed the shower screen. He couldn't wait for Hermione and him to share this shower. He could hear her talking to their unborn daughter. It made him feel complete for the first time in so very long. He chuckled as he called out to start the shower, "citoare."

***

Hermione heard the water start. She couldn't believe how lucky she was. "Baby girl. I'm going to say sorry now for all the mistakes I might make in your life. Mommy is going to do all she can to make your life the best it can be. And you are going to have so many people who will love you from the start. Everyone loves you already."

She was happy to have this angel growing in her belly. She laid back and softly rubbed on her belly. She was a wife and mother already; she wasn't even a graduate yet. Things were going so fast, but Hermione refused to have her life any other way. She was finally with the only man she would ever love. She was carrying his child. And she was whole.

She smiled and just started to sing.

***

In the shower, Severus was rushing through his wash. But he slowed when he heard that beautiful voice drift in from the bedroom.

I can't imagine any greater fear
Than waking up without you here

Severus thought how true those words were to himself. Now he was a husband and a father, and he didn't want to lose either lady from his life. It hadn't been a day yet, and his world had completely changed.

And though the sun would still shine on
My whole world would all be gone

He remembered how cold and empty his life had been. Since the moment she first kissed him … she first smiled at him … Severus knew that she was the only woman he wanted at his side. She had made him remember why he fought against the dark, why he taught, why he should live.

But not for long

If I had to run
If I had to crawl
If I had to swim a hundred rivers
Just to climb a thousand walls
Always know that I would find a way
To get to where you are
There's no place that far

Her voice was so beautiful. Severus had no idea what the song was, but he knew that each word struck a cord in him. He had done just that. He had traveled miles to his love's hometown to rescue her from a certain death. He had to get past the walls of his fears and doubts to tell her how he felt. He had to face that their love was not going to be as easily accepted in either of the outside worlds as it was at Hogwarts. After all she was his student and he was her teacher. There would be those in the wizarding and in the muggle worlds who would overlook all but those facts.

It wouldn't matter why we're apart
Lonely miles or two stubborn hearts

Severus remembered how when they first started on this strange relationship, they had their arguments. Several times they would go for days, once even a couple of weeks, not speaking to each other outside of class. It physically hurt him, and now he knew that it was the thought of losing her love the spell Draco had bound them with that had caused the physical pain.

Every time he had to leave for one meeting or another, he knew it hurt them both. Hermione and her two friends would escort him to the edge of the school's protective barriers. It was the only way Severus would let her walk with him, that someone was there to guard her on the way back to the school.

She would hold him close at the edge while Weasley and Potter discreetly looked in another direction. It was on one of those partings they first kissed.

Hermione's eyes were full of tears, because he was called to the Board of Governors offices. They both feared he would be sacked and sent away. He saw a plead in her eyes, a plead that was echoed in his heart.

Very tenderly he kissed her lips, surprising them both. Thankfully she returned his kiss and gave him more.

Looking into her eyes, Severus saw that there was a faint hope burning there along with her love for him. "I'll give you another one when I come home tonight."

"Promise?"

He nodded. Either way, he would come back here and kiss her again. It was sweet, tender, and he was now completely addicted to it.

Then she hungrily kissed him. Oh, how he loved this angel. That was the hardest departure ever. He remembered hearing her whimpering into a cry, knowing that she had Potter and Weasley to lean on while she wept in fear.

Severus was shocked at all of the parents who were there, especially with how he ran his classroom. All of those from Hogsmeade were there in support of the cold Potions Master. And, of course, Albus and Minerva were both there.

Lucius was questioning the former Death Eater's suitability to teach, now that he was safe from he-who-must-not-be-named was gone forever. The parents argued that their children were far ahead in Potions than in any other school. A few who transferred their children to Hogwarts admitted it was partially because of the Potions program. Albus and Minerva both argued that Severus was still in danger from the Death Eaters who would all want him dead – Minerva making a point to glare hard at Lucius. Those from Hogsmeade argued that he often created the potions they use when they get sick.

Severus won without much of a fight personally. He left with a rare smile on his face, stunning all.

When he apparated he was happy to see Hermione running towards him with the Weasley children and Potter running to catch up to her. She launched herself into his arms and both were deeply breathing in one another.

"Severus …"

He rested his forehead on hers and let his happiness glitter in his eyes. "I believe that I owe you something, Miss. Granger."

"You won!" She shouted with glee.

He nodded and kissed her with all the joy and love he had in him. She kissed him back! Gods, he was afraid that she would have pulled away. Then he heard an amused chuckle and a groan.

The groan had come from Ron Weasley. "Does that mean that essay is still due tomorrow after lunch?"

"I would say no, but you will have plenty of time between Minerva's class and mine to get it done, Mr. Weasley." Severus snapped as he would in class.

Albus had an even brighter twinkle in his eyes as he and the previously mentioned professor walked up to the gate – arm in arm. "Looks as if some things will never change, Minerva."

"Severus change? That will take a few more weeks yet, Albus." She had a twinkle in her own eyes at the sight.

Severus gently squeezed his love. "I will never completely change. I am simply making sure I have room to make Hermione comfortable for the rest of our lives."

He returned to the real world to the sweet sound of that young woman's voice – his wife's voice.

 
Nothing short of God above
Could turn me away from your love
I need you that much

Yes, that was how he felt. Draco and Lucius both had tried and failed to tear Hermione from him. Severus fought and kept her beside him. Now Rita Skeeter was out to take away his wife. Severus would never let that happen. He got out of the shower and dried off.

Wrapping a towel around his waist, Severus stood in the doorway looking at his wife.

If I had to run
If I had to crawl

Hermione was laid back on the bed, brushing her hand over her lower belly. Her eyes were shut, but the look on her face was one of pure determination as she sung out the words louder, stronger, and with full feeling behind each word.

If I had to swim a hundred rivers
Just to climb a thousand walls
Always know that I would find a way
To get to where you are
There's no place that far

Baby, there's no place that far

Severus smiled as her face settled into one of peace, like Hermione had settled her mind on whatever was troubling her before. He grinned and applauded, starling his wife. "That my dear was beautiful."

"And you scared me! That's not good for our daughter you know!" Tears welled up in her eyes.

He hated it when she cried, and unfortunately he knew that he was stuck with this for a while. "I'm sorry love. Hermione, I just wanted you to know how wonderful a voice you have. And I know that our daughter enjoyed the song as much as I did. Was that a muggle song again?"

She nodded as he kissed her on the head. "Sara Evans. It's called 'No Place That Far'. It's one of my favorites. Did you really like it?"

"I meant exactly what I said. The song was beautiful because it was your voice giving it life."

Hermione smiled and climbed onto his lap as soon as Severus sat on their bed beside her. She had taken an inventory of her new husband as he moved with a grace she never thought could be in a man.

He was thin, but she could see his muscles just beneath his pale skin. His chest had a very light sprinkling of dark hairs. She couldn't see beneath his towel, and hadn't looked the night before, but she knew that he knew what he was doing when it came to that. After all, she had woke up happy and carrying his baby … their baby.

His scent was spicy and warm. And his hair wasn't greasy at all. To be honest it was fine, looked soft, and so silky. She tentatively brushed her fingers down it where the strands framed his face. It was still wet, but as silky as she had suspected. She was afraid to do anything to make him change his mind about her, so she held herself back from going any further.

Almost as if he felt that, Severus took her hand into his own and kissed her palm. "I am yours now and always, Hermione. You can touch me, and I won't take away points from Gryffindor for it."

That made her chuckle and blush a little. This time her hand was a little more bolder. The fingers combed through the strands and then went on to explore his face.

She loved how his deep-set eyes twinkled at her. His skin was soft and clean where he had shaved in the shower. Her finger traced down his nose before she left a kiss on the tip of it, making him chuckle. It was a sound she loved to hear.

Her thumb went across his lips and his eye went serious with longing. Without a hesitation, Hermione kissed him full and passionately. Severus held her tight to his body. The world was right for them, because they were together. Then a knock at the door broke into their peace.

He groaned and she sighed. They would be together tonight at the least. "It's probably my mom. Why don't you get dressed, while I let her into our office?"

Severus growled. "Just our luck."

"Tonight love. Remember, I'm sleeping here with you tonight." Hermione softly kissed his lips. Severus held her tight for a moment while he kissed her back. "And every night for the rest of our lives, Mrs. Snape."

Hermione couldn't hold back her chuckle. "You love calling me that."

"Now that I can without worry, because that is who you are now." Reluctantly, Severus let her go – instantly craving that warmth against his skin when she left and closed the door to their private chambers. Their private chambers, he enjoyed the sound of that sentence. No longer was he alone and miserable.

He listened and heard that it was Weasley and Potter! Those two interrupted his time with his new wife! No, he had to step back. The two of them had done much for both he and Hermione. And they accepted him as her love. Besides, he really did have to get ready for that meeting. Any more time alone and the pair of them would have had to clean up again and they would have been very late – not that anyone could blame him.

Such a beautiful, witty, charming, intelligent, and loyal wife. Severus knew that he was the lucky one – that Hermione wanted anything to do with him was a miracle and a blessing he would forever be grateful for.

***

Hermione opened the door to be surprised by two worried friendly faces. "Ron! Harry! Come in!"

They smiled that she was smiling and seemed to be okay. She was obviously happy with the way things had turned out. "Sit down you two and tell me what's the buzz around school."

"Well," Ron started as they all sat down in the office. "Everyone's talking about the report in the Daily Prophet. Is it true? Are you and Snape really?"

Hermione sighed. She knew that it would come up, but she hadn't thought that it would be this soon. "Yes. We think Draco tampered with the pumpkin juice that we had been drinking last night. There were four potions mixed in it that we didn't notice until this morning."

"Are you two okay, Hermione?" Harry asked quietly.

Sighing with a smile soft on her lips she looked at her friends, "I am, guys. Severus and I were going to wait until after I graduated from Hogwarts in June, but Draco changed our plans."

"What did he put in that juice anyway?" Ron asked, eyes darting around looking for her new husband.

Hermione couldn't help but giggle. "Severus is getting dressed, Ron. And as to what Draco drugged us with, one was a lust enhancer. Then there was an inhibition blocker. Then there was a potion to mask all of the others so that even Severus couldn't notice them."

Harry looked at her with that look that told her he wouldn't give up until she finished telling them. "What was the fourth, Hermione?"

"A fertility potion."

"WHAT?!" Both boys shouted.

Hermione was worried and Ron growled, "that slime ball is going to get it this time! He … he … he doesn't deserve to be a wizard!"

Harry saw how upset this was making Hermione. "Calm down Ron! Done is done! We can't go upsetting Hermione because of what Draco did. We are her friends and have to be here to support her and Professor Snape. How are you feeling, Hermione?"

"I'm okay. Just very emotional right now."

Her trembling words calm Ron down a little. "Um, so … are you?"

She smiled and nodded. "A little girl."

"Well, we all know that you are going to be a great mom. Congratulations Hermione." Harry said as her hugged her.

Ron smiled and hugged her. "If anyone deserves to get a little happiness out of all the grief Malfoy has put you through these past seven years, then it is you. Mom is going to love hearing about the new baby!"

That alone meant the world to her. That her friends were still sticking by her. And she could just imagine all of the knitted baby things that Molly Weasley would be sending in no time at all. Hermione smiled again before hugging the guys again.

Once the two sat back down, Hermione felt calm again. "I'm wondering how the rest of the school is going to react."

"Well, all of Gryffindor is livid!" Ron said.

Harry went on explaining. "Everyone read the article, but we all see what Skeeter had made up and what she ignored. So everyone is writing their folks to explain the real story, get them to cancel subscriptions, and to write letters to the editor. From what Cho told me, Ravenclaw is doing the same thing. I wouldn't be surprised if all the houses are."

That made Hermione smile brighter. "The truth is going out?"

"Yeah," Ron said. "And my dad is ticked by this too. He's calling for an investigation into Draco and his dad! They claim that they weren't even here!"

Hermione shook her head. "I just hope this straightens out before graduation."

"If it doesn't you have the entire school behind you and Professor Snape, Hermione." Harry promised.

"That is very reassuring, Mr. Potter." Came a silky dark voice from behind Hermione.

Severus had come into the room.

Hermione turned and smiled. She loved how he looked in his black robes. He had his class face on, but she saw the twinkling in his eyes. Without missing a beat, she went him and was happy when he pulled her into his embrace. He whispered through the link to her spirit he kept on her outside of classes now, ~did they upset you?~

~No, it's just my hormones. I love you.~

~Not as much as I love you.~ Looking at the boys in his office, Severus noted how firm Potter seemed to be. He really was turning out to be like his father, as much as that thought annoyed the Potions Master, it was better than losing the boy to the Dark Lord.

Weasley on the other hand was nervous. He too was his father made over. What the boy never knew (and doubtful the father had any idea of) was Severus respected Arthur Weasley. The man never hypocrite himself or his ideas, and even when disrespected he was always there to help … even a Slytherin.

Harry took a breath, "Professor Dumbledore asked us to come down and remind you about some meeting today."

"Thank you Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley. And thank you for the information as well. Ready Hermione?" Severus looked on her, with such worry in his eyes.

She had to smile. Her once dreaded and loved from afar Potion Master waiting for her to be ready. She loved it, and him. "As ready as I can be."

"Gentlemen?" Severus indicated the door, which opened by itself. The happy couple left behind the bride's friends.

They were quiet, and Hermione was grateful for it. Her stomach was twisting from the idea of meeting her in-laws and from morning sickness. It wasn't until they made it to the Entry Hall that a commotion broke their peace.

With a nod from his new wife, Severus went to see what was going on. "What is the racket about?"

Amy Hill, a second year Hufflepuff, looked up and swallowed before answering. "I saw Rita Skeeter sir. She's coming this way, so I told my friends to go get some others for plan A, sir."

"Plan A, Miss. Hill?" Severus glared as he did at her in class. This young woman was to the Ravenclaws what Hermione was to Gryffindor – minus the drive, courage, and marriage to him.

"Yes, sir. We get a big group of students together and block the doorway. None of us say a word – well one tells her to contact Professor Dumbledore by owl post, but that's all." Amy stuttered out.

Severus then saw a large group of his house, Ravenclaws, and Gryffindors coming from the Great Hall. From the library were some Hufflepuffs and the other houses. He never knew how important his wife was to them. Until Amy was joined by Grace Durling, one of his Slytherins. "Good morning Professor Snape. We'll keep Skeeter busy while you and House Mom get out of sight."

Pansy Parkinson, the one who hated the Gryffindors the most, especially Hermione suddenly ran up to Harry.

"Harry! Please be our speaker to Skeeter! We know among those who hate her most is you! Do it, please for everyone's sake. We all hate her horribly, but you'd be the best for the job Harry!" Pansy said, excited to help out her Head of House and House Mom (along with ridding herself of the shadow of being the girlfriend of Draco Malfoy), but irritated that Skeeter was trying to blemish the couple.

Like the rest in Slytherin, she disliked the idea that Hermione was a Gryffindor, but she had to admit that if the know-it-all was good enough to become Professor Snape's wife, then she was good enough for her.

Harry was flabbergasted. Him … speak for all four Hogwarts houses? Looking over at his friends, he saw Ron give his thumbs up with a smile. Hermione looked proud when she smiled and nodded. They were behind him.

"Well, Mr. Potter?" Severus asked. He agreed with his wife. This was something Potter was good at, standing up for others.

"Looks like we all have a job to do. See you at lunch later, Professor Snape?" Harry never felt so proud of himself. Obviously, Snape was going to trust him to not make any more problems by saying the wrong thing.

Severus nodded and then left the students to their plans. Hermione was beaming. All of them were doing this for her and her husband. "Thanks everyone."

"No problem Mrs. Snape." Came back in one voice.

The couple rushed up the stairs. Once out of sight they smiled at the turn of events. They were married, had a baby on the way, and had caused the four houses to unite a second time!

He held her close as they made it to the Gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's office. Smiling he brushed his thumb across her cheek. "Snickers bars."

The Gargoyle moved, and the couple rode the moving stairs to the landing that led to the office door. Knocking, they were united in their future. "Come in Severus and Hermione."

Inside, her parents were already there. Heather smiled and pulled Hermione into her arms. "How are you feeling baby?"

"A little morning sickness, but I'm okay." She smiled.

The truth was that Hermione felt better than okay. She felt like she was in heaven. She had a husband she loved with all of her heart, and she was also going to be a mother before long. This was the happiest she had been in her entire life.

Tom was able to see easily that his baby was already shimmering with the beauty only expecting mothers held. "Well you do look beautiful and very happy. She better stay that way son."

Albus chuckled at that. Severus had been silently watching his new bride hug her family. Knowing the man as long as he had, Albus knew that Severus was starting to feel left out and forgotten. Tom too must have seen that, and pulled the man into the scene.

A moment after four people flooed into the room, or at least that was what it seemed. A high-pitched giggle filled the room, and Severus crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Anastasia Snape, get out here this instant."

"Uncie Sevie!" A squeal brought a smile to all of the faces of the adults. A tiny dark haired bundle of energy ran out from behind one of the women and wrapped herself around the dreaded Potion Master's leg. "You no say hi or hug me this morning!"

Hermione couldn't hold back her chuckle. That lit up Severus' heart. He saw this tiny child and knew that in a few years his own daughter would be doing the same. It was a feeling he feared he would never experience himself. He owed so much to his beloved wife.

"Well, I suppose that we should tend to that travesty of justice."

The girl giggled and squealed when Severus grabbed her up and twisted her just above his head. She brought out a side of the teacher that only a very few ever saw. "Huggie!"

At her command, Severus dropped her to his chest and clutched her close. Hermione smiled at the pair and subconsciously touched her lower belly. She clearly saw that her heart was right; her husband was going to be a wonderful father.

"Much better. Momma said you are getting married!"

Severus glanced over at Hermione and smiled. "Well, technically I already am. Are you ready to meet your new aunt?"

Anastasia nodded her head firmly. Severus carried her over towards Hermione while the rest of their families got acquainted. The look in her husband's eyes told her of how proud he was at that moment. "Anastasia, this is your new aunt Hermione. Hermione, may I present our little niece, Anastasia."

For a moment, the little girl looked afraid, and that about tore Hermione's heart out. That is until Anastasia grinned and reached out with both hands clawing at the air. "Huggie, huggie, huggie!"

Everyone chuckled hard at that, except Hermione. She was surprised, and struggled to keep from breaking down into tears as she accepted the little girl into her arms. Severus had a strange look in his eyes. ~Love, what is it?~

~Stasia has never accepted anyone new into our family so easily ever. She obviously adores you as much as I do.~

That sent Hermione's heart soaring as she hugged the little girl close and enjoyed the tight squeeze she received back. She smiled and rubbed the child's back, trying to imagine just how it would feel when her own daughter would get to that age. She was even more surprised when the little girl sat up in her arms and gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek.

"You give very good huggies. You get an A and can be my Aunie Minee."

Everyone else broke down into laughter at that. Hermione smiled as she saw the proud and glassy-eyed look her husband was giving her. She looked back at her new niece and gave the little girl an Eskimo kiss – noses rubbing against one another. Anastasia giggled and rubbed her little nose. "That tickled! I love you bunches Aunie Minee!"

"And I love you too, Stasia."

A deep throat cleared. "May your grandmother and I have a turn saying our hellos now, Anastasia?"

"Yes papaw. I like Aunie Minee. She's so nice!" Anastasia beamed as she ran over to the women behind the older man.

Hermione was startled by how much father and son looked alike. The only difference was the gray in the father's hair and the handsomely trimmed dark beard and mustache the father wore that had light highlights of gray. An image of the future Severus, and she liked it.

His eyes were dark and expressionless, very much like her husband when she first met him. Hermione was nervous as the older man looked her up and down and then gave a sigh. "No wonder you grabbed my son's attention. You are a rarity – that I can sense easily. Muggle born my son told us."

"Yes sir." Hermione spoke with the same strength she had always used when questioned before.

Slowly a grin spread across his face. "I believe it is dad being used in the muggle world these days."

She grinned as her heart raced and he opened his arms to her. Hermione rushed over to his embrace. Severus felt the weight of the universe lift off of his shoulders at that moment. His father had accepted his wife; that had been the hardest obstacle to their public marriage he saw before them.

"Dylan, do I have to treat you as you did our granddaughter? Let me hug my new daughter as well. And Severus, why don't you act like I raised you and introduce everyone?" Rhainnon admonished as she smiled with a tear in her eye and embraced Hermione.

Albus grinned as he saw the phobia causing Potions Master blushing and nervously straightening himself before the group. It had been too long since Severus was knocked down a peg.

Severus waited for his mother to finish hugging her newest daughter. This was happening better than he had dared to hope. "Everyone, obviously you know that this is my new wife, Hermione. Dear, this is my mother, Rhainnon. The gentleman who hugged you first is my father …"

"Dylan. Strange way to gain such a beautiful daughter, but I can see that you are going to be very good for my son." The older man winked at Hermione who chuckled.

Rhainnon shook her head. "Dylan, I scolded you to allow Severus to introduce Hermione to us. Now please let him do so."

Hermione couldn't hold back her chuckles. Anastasia beamed. "These are my mommy and daddy Aunie Minee!"

Severus rubbed his wife's arms as she looked up at him. "That is my younger sister, Helena, and her husband, Llyr."

Both nodded at their name, but only Helena smiled sweetly. Llyr had a look of contempt in his eyes when he looked at Hermione. Severus and Dylan both saw it, but she refuse to let it upset her. "And these are my parents, Heather and Tom."

Llyr again had airs about him. "Unfortunately, I have to leave. Helena, do you wish Anastasia to remain?"

The look in his eye held a grave warning, but hers held a strength that Hermione knew that Severus shared. "Stasia will behave and should get to know her new aunt a little better, Llyr. Can this business not wait?"

"No, it cannot. I will see you at home then." With only a nod, he flooed away.

Anastasia shook her head. "Daddy's being mean."

Helena gave the rest an apologetic look. "Llyr has his opinions, and sometimes it takes a while for him to get over them. Looks like this will be one of the tougher ones. I'm sorry he's wreaking your day sissy … bro."

"He is not. And believe me, I have gone through worse in the past seven years. He either accepts me or he doesn't, all that matters to me right now is how the rest of you feel." Hermione sighed. She was scared half to death, woozy, and lightheaded.

In fact she ended up falling into her husband's arms partially. Severus got her into a chair, and Hermione half noticed that Anastasia had climbed into her lap. "Ok, Aunie Minee?"

"I'll be alright. Just dizzy."

Heather rushed to her daughter's side, "you're feeling symptoms this soon?"

Hermione nodded as Rhainnon explained. "Witches feel the symptoms earlier and worse than muggles I fear. How bad is it dear?"

"Pretty bad. Plus, I really need to get out of the high altitude. It's not doing anything to help. Sorry professor." Hermione felt so bad for complaining about one of the many rooms she loved in the castle.

Albus smiled and shook his head. "No need to apologize my dear. Shall we all retire to the great hall?"

Everyone agreed, and somehow the young mother-to-be made it back down the ride down the spiral staircase. Hermione was leaning heavily on her husband, but feeling much better for being closer to the ground floor of the castle. Not eating that morning and only having little sleep was not helping – with the added problem of the pregnancy symptoms aggravating her system.

The group was slowly making their way to the Great Hall when they came upon an amazing sight. Every student was in the Main Entrance Hall – blocking out the hated figure in the doorway … Rita Skeeter.

Unfortunately, the student body was not able to block the sight of them from her. Skeeter smiled with a false sweetness. "Ah, the couple is awake after all. Up for some questions for my next article? Maybe why a teacher would have to drug his student to get what he wants? Or maybe it was the student doing the drugging?"

Her voice might have been as sweet as honey, but everyone knew it to be the bitterest of poisons in truth. The entire school by this time was in the hallway keeping her outside, with Harry face to face with her. The-boy-who-lived was on the verge of murder, and knew that none would speak against him if he did. "I believe that you should back off now, Skeeter. You will find none to help you lie here at Hogwarts."

Rita glared at Harry. "You would be surprised how good I am at persuasion, Mr. Potter. One wrong word and who knows what position in this you will find yourself in?"

"Lowing yourself further by threatening heroes, you would-be journalist?" Came a deep voice. No student stood in his way as the older version of their feared Potions Master made his way down to the doors. "Everyone please step back. Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Potter."

"And you as well, sir." Harry was in shock. This guy seemed to be exactly like Snape, but there were minute differences between the two. Harry backed up and let the older man take up the lead in the block, but stood ready to help if Rita tried anything.

"Well, well, well. The father of the groom comes forward. Care to comment, Lord Snape?" Rita's eyes twinkled and her ears hummed with expectation.

Dylan fought the urge to strangle the woman where she stood. That would not help the public case that his son's marriage was certainly going to become. "You are going to find that trying to bring down a Snape is more detrimental to your career than every lie you have ever published, Skeeter."

"I simply write them as I see them, Lord Snape. Now about your eldest son's unusual marriage …" Rita smirked.

"That is none of your concern." Dylan spat out as he made to shut the doors. But an apparation stopped that. Damn they couldn't be here for it already? Not in front of this trash writer?

Walking up to them with the sickest of smug grins on his face was none other than Lucius Malfoy. Could this day get any worse? Oh, it could. Beside Malfoy was Fudge, looking all official and not pleased. Dylan knew that there would be a fight over this all, but he had hoped that it wouldn't come so soon.

"Ah, Lord Snape! I can see that you have arrived for the meeting." Lucius' grin did not change, though his eyes twinkled even more than at first. Then Malfoy smiled graciously to Skeeter. "Ms. Skeeter. Adore your charming articles in the Daily Prophet. Shame you were missing over that year."

"Well, times change and events hastened me from my imposed hiatus." Rita smirked as if this had all been planned.

Thankfully Dumbledore by then was shielding Harry from sight and standing behind Dylan. "What is it that you want, Lucius?"

"Why, this is not conversation for before the entire school, Headmaster. I am merely accompanying Cornelius on his duty today, as a concerned parent of course." Lucius' attempt at an innocent face was laughable to say the least.

Harry was fighting the urge to scream, but it was a difficult battle. Hermione clutched her husband's hand desperately in the fear of losing him or their child. The school closed ranks to guard the couple, unfortunately focusing Lucius' attention on them. "Hello Professor and Mrs. Snape. I do hope that morning sickness hasn't been to much of a bother."

"Why have you come to Hogwarts, Cornelius?" Albus interceded, noticing the parchment and pen that Rita had on the ready to scribble anything of use down.

Fudge looked somber and bureaucratic as he spoke. "We need to have a meeting, Albus. Now."

Dumbledore nodded and moved Harry back to let in Fudge, and regrettably Malfoy. But when Skeeter tried to get in an invisible wall blocked her entrance. "You, Ms. Skeeter, need to make an appointment. I am sure you are familiar in the ways of posting by owl?"

There were many who snickered at the Headmaster's joke. Even Severus smirked a bit more at it. Rita on the other hand was furious! "Freedom of the press, Dumbledore! You have no right to shut me out of this! The public has the right to know what you let go on here!"

"The public has the right to know the truth, Ms. Skeeter, rather than the ludicrousness that you deem to call news. Good day, Ms. Skeeter." And with that the Headmaster shut the doors on Rita's stuttering face with a smile on his own and a twinkle in his eyes.

Rita started to go for the doorknob only to be knocked to the ground by magic. She growled and scrambled back to her feet. "That old obsolete dingbat will not keep me from this!"

Spotting a crack at the top of the doors, she transformed into a beetle and started to go for it. With a loud crackling she was knocked back to the ground and into her human form. Then she was startled when an image of Dumbledore's grinning head appeared before her. "Entrance by appointment only for you, Ms. Skeeter."

"We will just see about that old man!" Skeeter whipped out her wand and pointed it at the door. "Alohomora!"

The spell blasted back and knocked Rita back onto her rear once again. Dumbledore's image chuckled. Once she was on her feet and glaring at it again, his eyes became serious. "NO ENTERANCE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT FOR … YOU!"

With that last word Skeeter was blown away from the castle and through the main gates, which promptly shut tight and refused her access. There were many students watching all of this as the Headmaster lead Malfoy and Fudge to one of the nearby empty classrooms.

Dumbledore turned and smiled at all of the students below him. "I believe an early lunch would not be spoiling any of you. Off to the Great Hall with you all. I believe that lunch is awaiting you."

Obediently the students left to go to the one place where news spread like a wildfire and twice as fast. Helena had Ron and Harry take Anastasia with them to lunch, she could easily see that this meeting was one she did not want her daughter to be part of.

Severus held his wife close to both help and guard her. Lucius' appearance did nothing to help his nerves. It was obvious that he was eyeing her for a reason. And when Fudge shook his head after looking at her, Severus got a very bad feeling. He had to protect his true love and unborn daughter; he was not ready to lose either of them.

In the classroom, Dumbledore sat behind the professor's desk with the same ease as if it were his own. The look on his face told Severus that the Headmaster was in support of both he and Hermione. That was support that the Potions Master and his young wife were both grateful for. Severus helped Hermione sit near Dumbledore, and her parents as well as Rhiannon and Helena sat beside her. Dylan stood beside his son, showing his support for his eldest son more so than at any other time in Severus' life.

Lucius and Fudge simply stood near Dumbledore as they both looked at Severus and Hermione with different expressions. Lucius' being one of triumph; Fudge's was one of disgust and irritation. This was not going to be an easy meeting.

"Now Minister, what is it we all need to meet about?" Dumbledore gently spoke. But his eyes were without the twinkle that often told Severus that all was going to be well.

Fudge grumbled as he slapped his hat on the desk. "You know full well why I'm here, Albus. How could you let those two carry on a relationship when she is his student? What were you thinking, man?"

"She and he are in the room. I doubt that Severus enjoys being spoke of as if we are not here in the room any more than I do!" Hermione shouted as she glared at both men.

Lucius raised an eyebrow and glanced at Severus with exasperated look on his face. "Severus can you not control your baby mudblood wife?"

"Why you!" Hermione growled as she started to go for him, but Severus took a firm hold on her as he shot the dirtiest of looks at the school governor. "My wife is not to be controlled by me or anyone else, Lucius. Hermione is giving her opinion. One that I agree with fully."

Fudge shook his head. "That is enough. You two should have never been in the position for this to happen! You two are lucky that no letters have come into the Ministry or board of governors of the school."

"We were drugged, Minister!" Hermione snapped.

"How are we to know that one of you didn't drug the juice to trick the other into this mockery of a marriage?" Lucius looked innocent as pointed out the worse of lies from the article.

Helena glared as she got nose to nose with Malfoy. "I sent that juice to the Ministry and found that my divination of the juice was exact. Most of the ingredients needed for the potions are not found in my brother's storage. So neither had access to what was needed."

"Owl … post?" Lucius suggested with a shrug.

Fudge nodded slightly. "Very good point, Lucius. The point is …"

"The point is Minister is that the juice was indeed drugged. Last night was not planned to happen, but what is done is done." Dumbledore tried to calm the situation before it got too far out of hand.

"Why were they even eating alone in the dungeons?" Fudge groaned out.

Severus glared at Fudge, which made the smaller man shrink back slightly "We were doing just that, eating. We were only out of the room when Lucius appeared with Skeeter."

"I was not here last night, Severus." Lucius waved the previous comment away with his hand like a bothersome fly.

Dumbledore relaxed back with an unworried look on his face. "Then why is it you are on the security spell that I had erected to capture Rita trying to get into the school despite being told to not come back without an appointment; the same footage that clearly shows both you and your son here in the hall last night. Especially when your son was expelled for his attacks on both Professor and Mrs. Snape?"

Fudge got a stunned look in his eyes. "You are going to allow this to remain as is? Dumbledore you cannot … this cannot be allowed to stand! The marriage must be annulled before it gets out anymore than it has!"

"It can't be annulled, Minister. Severus' parents and my parents have agreed to the match and I am pregnant." Hermione snapped with a glare that was worthy of her husband.

Fudge looked like he was on the verge of fainting. "The four of you accept this marriage? What kind of parents are you? Especially you muggles! She is only of age because of a time turner that was supposed to only be for her studies … not to get herself bed wed!"

"I did use it for my studies! The aging was an after effect! Severus and I were going to wait before going into a serious relationship until after I graduated Hogwarts! Now, we are only moving things a little faster so that our baby will not be a bastard!"

"It would not be a difficult matter to remove the child from the equation." Lucius added.

Hermione felt the tears run down her cheek as fear welled up in her heart. "What did you say, Malfoy?"

"A simple potion would end the pregnancy and there would be no need of any ceremonies. I'm sure that Severus could manage that." Lucius smiled sweetly at the Potions Master, who was having a harder time holding Hermione away from the blonde slime before them.

"BACK OFF MY DAUGHTER RIGHT NOW!" Heather growled.

Lucius looked unimpressed. "Did you say something?"

Heather was panting in her rage. "You will leave my daughter alone. She is a good girl, and your insurgent malicious scrap of a son is the one who moved everything faster. If Hermione wants to remain Severus' wife, that is her choice – not yours! From what I understand this marriage is legal for one year and one day. You two cannot say anything to end it, only the couple can."

"You are a muggle, stay out of matters that are not your business." Lucius snapped.

Dumbledore's voice was cold at that. "Lucius, this is Mr. and Mrs. Granger's business."

Dylan's face eerily mimicked the face Severus' wore the first day Hermione met him as he glared coldly at Malfoy. "What becomes of this marriage, by laws that know nothing of money, is up to Severus and Hermione."

"She is a minor, Dylan." Lucius pointed out. "Unless she admits to using the time turner to this end?"

"You are wrong, Malfoy."

That paled the cold blonde. "What do you mean?"

Tom grinned. It was a nice look when the enemy pales. "Hermione has her parents' blessings – whatever choice she makes."

Hermione looked up at her husband. ~I wouldn't blame you if you want your freedom, Severus. Marriage to me will shame you more than the war ever did.~

~Being married to you is the greatest blessing I have ever been given, my love. I fear that marrying me will shame you.~ Severus wanted her to stay with him, but he could not condemn the woman he so dearly loved.

~This is my sweetest dream come true, Severus. I have loved you for so long. If you still want me to be your wife, I want to remain with you for the rest of my days.~ Hermione smiled softly as she laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes.

Severus saw that the twinkle had returned to Dumbledore's eyes. Things would be hard, but he would stand behind and help the couple. Severus rubbed his young wife's back. "Hermione is my wife, and I will not change my mind on that. Nor will I give her any potions that would endanger the health and well being of our child."

"And I am not going to change my mind either. Severus is my husband and will be for the rest of our days." Hermione smiled up at her love. It felt so good to let that out.

Fudge pulled out a length of parchment and glared at the happy couple. "Then I must demand your termination and wand, Severus Snape – along with the expulsion and wand of your wife."

"WHAT?!" Both mothers screamed with rage.

"School charter says clearly that any relationship between a student and their teacher calls for both parties' dismissal from Hogwarts and the loss of their wands." Lucius smiled as he glanced at Severus and Hermione. "But, if the child was rid of and perhaps then the then Miss. Granger was transferred to another school, there would be no danger to the reputation of the school."

Dumbledore looked pensive for a moment. Right then he was the families' only remaining hope. "However, there is the matter of the notice I received just before the Grangers arrived in my office that says due to the circumstances, the choice is up to Severus and Hermione without risk or reprimand."

Lucius looked incensed at that moment. "What notice?"

"The one that Minister Fudge obviously did not receive in time. The board has agreed that there are mediating circumstances, and given the letters they have receive from concerned parents who feel that Severus and Hermione are being toyed with and tormented, and so the board have suspended the normal rules." Dumbledore winked just slightly as his glittering eyes turned back to the couple.

Fudge looked as if he was about to faint. "We will see about this. The two of them will face punishment for last night!"

Heather smirked, "only by way of mood swings, morning sickness, and all the lovely things that comes with a first pregnancy."

"I will clean this off of my record as head of the Ministry of Magic, muggle!" Fudge growled.

Dumbledore showed no fear as he stood. "Please do, Minister. For now I believe that we are all expected at lunch, and the ladies have wedding plans to make of course. Will the two of you be staying for lunch?"

Lucius looked good with a sneer of defeat on his face. "I think not. But, do not doubt that this is not over. Come Cornelius!"