A/N: Thanks to everyone that continues to read along! And a great thanks to everyone who has sent in a review! They're what keeps me writing. Hope you enjoy this one guys! And the next one shall be up next weekend.
Visit with Albus
Over the next few days, Hermione stayed in their chambers or sat in Severus' office researching a new theory, marking essays or simply reading, that is, if Severus wasn't distracting her.
"Are you okay, petal?"
"I'm fine Severus."
"I was just making sure. I worry about you, you know." Severus walked behind Hermione who was stood looking out the window in her study.
"I know Sev," Hermione sighed. "Are you okay?"
"Me? I'm fine." Hermione raised an eyebrow, much the same way that he did. "Okay," Severus sighed. "I'm tired, didn't sleep too well last night."
"I know." Hermione turned 'round and hugged him close. "Do you mind if I go and pay Dad a visit?"
"Of course not, petal." Severus brushed her lips with his. "I'll be waiting," Severus whispered in her ear.
"I should hope so," Hermione whispered back. Turning, Hermione swayed her hips as she headed out of the office. Ten minutes later, she gave the password to the stone gargoyle and headed up to her father's office. Hermione quietly opened the door and stuck her head around the door. "Hi Dad."
"Hello kitten. To what do I own the pleasure of this visit?"
"I just want to see my dad." Hermione smiled and walked up to Albus, wrapping her arms around his waist when he stood up.
"It's good to see you kitten. How are you feeling?"
"Better thanks Dad."
"Something's bothering you."
"I'm worried about Mom ... and Severus."
Albus sat Hermione down on the sofa in front of the blazing fire. He sat down next to her and gently held her in his arms. "Talk to me kitten."
"How's Mom?"
"She's okay. A little tired, but she's getting there. Talk to me about Severus."
"He's changed. I know he's worried about me, but he's not sleeping and he's eating very little. We used to share our showers every morning, but now he's up before the sun."
"Are you sleeping?"
"I guess. A little. I'm so used to Severus holding me, not the other way around. The last time he was like this, was just before the war when we first got together."
"You were together when you were at school?"
"That doesn't matter Dad. The point is, I'm worried for him."
"Have you spoken to him?"
"I want to, I just don't know what to say."
Albus held his daughter close and gently rubbed her back. "Would you like me to say something?"
"No. Can you leave your floo open just in case I need to come through though?"
"Of course I can kitten." Standing, Albus hugged Hermione and wiped away the stray tear that had slipped down her cheek. "Go speak to him sweetheart, come through the floo if you need me."
"Send my love to Mom."
"Of course kitten. No, go see your man."
"Thanks Dad."
"Anytime Kitten."
Hermione made a slow walk from her father's office to their chambers.
"Hermione, are you okay?" Severus brought his wife into his arms and held her close.
"I'm fine Severus." Hermione looked up at her husband. "How are you?"
"I'm fine."
"Truthfully Severus."
"I'm tired, worried about you, scared about becoming a father."
Hermione led Severus over to the sofa and sat down. She lent her head on his shoulder and his arms went around her waist, holding her to him.
"I'm scared to Sev."
"But, I'm scared of becoming my father. Of losing you."
"I'm not going anywhere, Sev, you know that."
"It just feels like the war all over again."
"I'm not going anywhere, and you're going to be a great dad, I know you are."
"How can you know that?"
"Because I know you Severus." Hermione kissed his cheek. "We've both got months to be ready for our child. You know, you could always speak to Albus."
"He wasn't around you –"
"They raised me for the first two years of life and then carried on when I was twelve."
"Perhaps."
"Now, let's go to bed Sev, we could both do with a good nights sleep."
Nodding Severus stood and followed Hermione into the bedroom. As Hermione joined him under the sheets, he pulled her close and engaged her in a heated kiss that soon turned into gentle love making, which then led into them both having the best sleep in weeks.
TBC ...
