J.K. Rowling owns Harry and all his friends. I just use them for my own amusement.

Chapter 12:

Severus awoke early in the morning to find Hermione still clinging to him. He was sitting against the wall at head of her bed, his arm still wrapped around her. Her head was buried in his chest, her arms inside his cape holding his waist. He decided against trying to move, at least for a little while. She needed her sleep. His eyes wandered down to her stomach and he thought about the baby. Last night Hermione had referred to it as a girl. She had said he was trying to protect her, his daughter. HIS daughter. He tried to picture what kind of father he would be. Severus had never planned on being a father, and he didn't even know how involved Hermione would want him to be. Still, he actually found himself looking forward to having the child. His musings were interrupted when Hermione's breathing pattern changed. She was awake. He gently pulled his arm away, giving her room to sit up. When she did not, he gave her a gentle nudge. She groaned, sat up, then lay back down on the bed beside him. When he tried to get up to leave, she put her hand on his knee to stop him.

"Miss G-Hermione?"

"The sun is barely rising. Take your cape off and come back to bed."

"Umm, Her-"

"Please? Just come lay here with me. It's nice."

"I think you're still mostly asleep."

"Mhmm. You come sleep now."

Severus almost laughed. Instead, he removed her hand and stood up to leave. Before he could even straighten his robes, Hermione was standing on her knees on the bed, unhooking the clasp of his cape. Before he could make much of a protest, it dropped to floor, and Hermione was pulling him back on the bed. She still looked half asleep, but held him with a pretty firm grip. He was too tired to argue. Instead of going back to his bed, he complied with Hermione's request and lay in the bed beside her. She put her hand on his chest and immediately fell back to sleep.


Hermione was making breakfast. She woke up at nearly ten in the morning, comfortably snuggling against her not-so-comfortable potions professor/husband. When she remembered how she practically forced him into bed with her, she blushed. She hadn't meant to, but she was a snuggler. And a mostly asleep snuggler cannot be held accountable for their actions. And he was really comfortable. But she woke up to feel him tugging on her night shirt. She nearly leapt out of her spot, then realized that while she had been sleeping she had shifted, causing her shirt to rise up, revealing her knickers. He was merely trying to keep her decent by pulling her shirt back down. She set the table and knocked on the study door to inform him that breakfast was ready. As soon as he finally made it to the dining area, Hermione blushed. 'Oh, bloody hell! He's seen you more naked than that.'

"I see you are feeling better this morning." Severus seemed completely recovered from Hermione almost smacking him first thing in the morning. He hadn't said anything to her before he left for his morning shower, aside from explaining that he was trying to cover her.

"Yes, thank you. It's good to see you back from your meeting without damages."

"Yes, I do like when that happens. I just received a floo from Dumbldore, he and Minerva are back from their vacation. I will be heading up to see him in a few minutes, if you'd like to go along and see Minerva."

"Are you sure I should travel that far alone?" she teased, "Minerva's quarters are in Gryffindor tower and Dumbledore's are all the way in the other corner."

"She is likely still in his quarters. She spends a good measure of time there."

"Really? So are they, you know?"

Severus gave her one his annoyed, yet somehow bored looks. "No. They are very close friends, that is all."

"Are you sure? Cuz I know very close friends who turned out to be-"

"Are you coming or not?"

"Of course I'm coming. As titillating as our conversations can get, I would love some other kind of contact."

"Indeed. Well, be prepared to leave in five minutes. I need to speak with the headmaster as soon as possible."

Hermione was ready to leave fifteen minutes later. She had deliberately taken extra time simply because she didn't like his tone. He stood looking quite irritated in the hallway, working himself up to irate. Hermione almost shuddered when he turned his gaze on her. Those eyes could kill.

"Let's go!"

"Yes, dear." Hermione enjoyed saying that, mostly because it annoyed him so, but partly because it was something her mom had always said to her dad when he said something that slightly annoyed her.

They walked silently up to Dumbledore's quarters, Hermione counting each block from her new home in the dungeons to the headmaster's. It was a long, dreary walk, and Hermione was reminded of her first week back to Hogwarts this year. She remembered admiring his features in the candlelight and, being so caught up looking at him and not where she was going, embarrassed herself by tripping over her own shoe. She let out a little chuckle at the memory. If only she had known. Severus gave her a curious glance, but didn't ask. He was still annoyed that she had deliberately taken so long. They finally reached the headmaster's quarters and, after three guesses at the password, were granted entry with "nougat".

"Severus, my dear boy! And Hermione, how good to see you."

"Hello Headmaster. How was your vacation?"

"Wonderful! You know you're just in time. I believe Minerva is still here, she can tell you all about it. Go on up the stairs, there is a room just to the left, she should be in there."

"Thank you." Hermione took the hint that she was dismissed, and headed up the stairs to find McGonagall. She knocked at the door and heard Minerva say to enter.

"Hermione! Oh, my dear, how are you?"

"I'm good. I heard your vacation was good."

"Maybe for the old man. I was a little bored. But you just can't beat the warmth. Now then, how's your new home?"

"It's okay. I put up decorations for Christmas and he didn't kill me, so that's good."

"Yes, that's a very good sign. How has he been otherwise?"

Hermione was slightly embarrassed, but she told Minerva about the last ten days (leaving out that he had hurt her a few days ago, and that she had pulled him into bed this morning) including, very uncomfortably, that they were definitely married now. Minerva almost coughed at this, but restrained her reaction well. For a moment her eyes flared, then turned to an affectionate gaze.

"Hermione, what do you say we make a date for tea this week? I really enjoy talking with you, and it sounds like you can use time from under Severus' guard. But I think we ought to go break the tension downstairs. It feels like Severus is about to start yelling."

Hermione hadn't noticed any tension, but as she and Minerva made their way downstairs she could hear Severus start to raise his voice.

"I can't find it anywhere! I've looked. And how can you vacation? Why aren't you more concerned with this?"

"Calm down, I can assure you I am giving the matter due attention. You will have to trust me, Severus. In the meantime, you can't forbid her from going anywhere, you'll smother her. Try to-"

"Hello boys."

"Minerva, good to see you girls looking so well. I was just finishing up with Severus here. Perhaps the four of us should have tea."

"That sounds all right. Severus, Hermione, would you two like to join us for tea?"

Severus looked pissed, but said nothing. "Thanks so much, you two. But I'm working on a new recipe and it will take a few hours to prepare. And if I remember correctly, Severus was working on a project." She hoped she overstepped, but he just stoop up and gave Minerva slight bow. He nodded at Albus and motioned for his wife to walk with him. As soon as they were out of earshot, Minerva turned to Albus.

"You bastard! Why did you tell that elf to put a negligee in her suitcase?! As if they weren't going through enough already!"

"What are you talking about? I wouldn't have-"

"Now we both know you are perfectly capable! All for the greater good! Is this part of your precious prophecy? I'm telling you to let it go! You can't just play with people's lives because you think a prophecy that makes no specific claim towards them is going to change the world. Doesn't your prophecy say 'The focus of his love will be the undoing of his enemies?' Can you really expect him to love when he has been thrown in like this? I told you, I hate that he is a tool in this war, and now you've pulled her into it, too! Albus, I swear if they cannot recover from this, I will—"

"Kill me yourself, I know. Minerva, my love, trust me. My methods may be…different. But I have their best interests at heart. You know that don't you? And I promise you, I did not put a negligee in her suitcase. Minerva, I have made mistakes, but I would never deliberately harm them."

"Just be warned, Albus. I will not tolerate any more harm to them. If I feel you've crossed the line again, greater good be damned!"

"I know." Albus put his head down for a moment, to show his submission, then lifted it with a bright smile, as if they hadn't been arguing. "So, is the tea ready?"


Hermione decided that since she had told Minerva she was working in a recipe, she would. She was looking through all of her possible ingredients when she heard a knock at the door. 'Odd. How did someone find the door?' She left the kitchen to see Severus already talking to the guest. It was Argile Rithben.

"No need for concern Mr. Snape. I've just come to deliver your marriage certificate."

"You couldn't have delivered it by owl?"

"I could have, but I enjoy making these deliveries myself. May I come in? And where is the Mrs.?"

"I'm right here. How are you, Mr. Rithben?"

"Good to see you here. I'm well. And how is the happy couple getting along?"

"We're good. Severus, why don't you give Mr. Rithben a tour, while I straighten up the nursery." By which she meant to transfigure the bed into a baby changing table.

"Of course."

"Wait, what do you mean straighten it up? Has the baby made a mess already?"

Hermione faltered. Snape spoke up. "It's a work in progress."

"Don't worry about that. Come on the tour with us. It's always better when both parties are there."

"Okay."

The tour was short. Severus opened the door to his room, then shut it before the man could step inside. Argile looked in the study and the potions lab, the kitchen, then finally Hermione's room. Hermione tried to work her best wandless magic to make that bed transform, but it didn't work. Argile made a note in his notepad, and turned to Hermione.

"The gold and red, isn't that the Gryffindor colors?"

"Yes. I like to have the extra bed available in case Severus decides to mention my weight gain."

Argile was not amused. "Ah, and does that happen often?"

"No." Hermione did not like this man. Why was he so negative?

"Mr. Rithben, if you are done invading our home, I ask that you please leave."

"Of course, Mr. Snape. I hope you two have a wonderful evening. Oh, but first, I need to make our first appointment. I know school starts again in three weeks so if you'd like sometime before then, that will be fine. If not, would a Friday afternoon be appropriate?"

"That's fine. The Friday before school starts. Three in the afternoon. Now get out."

"Okay, gotcha down. Cheer up Mr. Snape. Newlyweds shouldn't be so grumpy."

Severus growled as he watched the man walk down the hallway. When he turned, he looked even more pissed than he had in Albus' office. "How the bloody hell did my wards not go off before he got here?" The question was not directed at Hermione, but the only thought that crossed her mind was 'Run Away!' She eased back into the kitchen and heard him storm off to his study. She'd leave him alone for a few hours.


In the middle of the night, Hermione woke from another bad dream. She needed to kick this habit. The stress from these dreams couldn't be good for the baby. She tried to go back to sleep, but just kept tossing around in bed. So she made a cup of tea. She cozied up on the couch, admiring her Christmas tree and drinking Lemon Echinacea. Severus' door eased open, and nearly charged into the living room. Hermione almost dropped her cup.

"Hermione, what are you doing?"

"I'm drinking tea. What were you doing, you giant scary beast?"

"You've not gotten up in the night since you've been here. I didn't assume it was you wandering my house in the middle of the night."

"Well, if I was an intruder, I can assure you would have scared me out."

"What are you doing up? It's almost two."

"I was just drinking tea. I'd had a nightmare and couldn't sleep."

Severus seemed to realize he was just wearing his boxers. He left the room and returned a moment later in night pants and a black t-shirt. Hermione almost smiled when she realized it was his honeymoon attire. Memories of their night together made her blush It had been necessary, but it had been enjoyable too.

"What's wrong?" Severus had sat down on the couch beside her. She tried to immediately erase those thoughts from her mind.

"Nothing, I was just, um, remembering." She laid her head against the couch. "You're a light sleeper, I hardly made any noise."

"I am spy. Light sleeping is a job requirement."

"Right."

The two sat talking few minutes, and Hermione let the low tones of Severus' voice lull her to sleep. She woke to feeling him lift her and carry her to bed. When he laid her down, she held onto his hand. She mumbled something about pajama pants and decency, and tried to pull him closer. He gently removed his hand, pulled the covers up to her shoulders and said good night.


Severus woke Hermione early the next morning. He wasn't rude, but he seemed slightly cold.

"You have a visitor."

"Me? Who?"

"In the living room. Be quick, I don't her in my house for longer than necessary."

Hermione dragged herself out of bed and made her way to the living room. Her guest was wandering around, touching this and that. If Severus hadn't stormed off to his room, he would have been pissed. "Ginny!"

"Hermione! You look good! I thought for sure your bat was keeping you in a cell, feeding you bits of bread. He's got a cute place here. Don't tell him I said this, but he has good taste in decorating. Could stand to work on his wardrobe."

Hermione couldn't help but giggle. "Let me get dressed and we'll go out. What are you doing here?"

"Well, as much fun as I thought you'd have on Christmas with your, I'm sure, sweet, thoughtful, and affectionate husband, I figured I'd come spend it with you."

"Aww…Ginny you're so thoughtful. But please don't miss your family Christmas on my account. I'm can promise that I'm going to have a perfectly fine Christmas. I even got the baby a present."

"You crazy. You are family. You see, we even think alike, cuz I got the baby a present, too. Well, made. But I think you'll like it. Wow, the last two weeks you went from barely noticeable bump to kind of a noticeable bump. Still little though. And you look great in that shirt. Okay, let's go woman! I have a surprise for you…"

Hermione silently begged Merlin that it wasn't mother-to-be clothes. As good as a seamstress as Ginevra Weasley was, she tended to go over the top like her mother. He fears eased when, instead of going to Gryffindor tower, they headed for the great hall.

"I thought breakfast first would be a good thing. Mommies shouldn't go hungry," she said on almost a coo while reaching to pet Hermione's belly.

"Ginny, I don't want the whole school to know…" Hermione was batting her friend away with a little more force than she would generally use on Ron.

"Ow, `Mione. Sorry, I didn't mean to overdo it. Okay, so ready for your surprise?"

"Sorry, didn't mean to be too rough. Okay ready."

"Tada!"

"Ron!"

"Oi `Mione, don't look that surprised. We haven't even let Harry spend Christmas alone since second year. You really think I'd leave you alone?"

"Oh. Well, where's Harry? You didn't just leave him with your parents?" Hermione looked almost grief stricken that they would leave him behind.

"That's the real surprise." Ginny was positively beaming.

A pair of hands came to cover Hermione's eyes. "Guess who?"

"Harry?!" Hermione couldn't decide if she should hug him or hit him or…but she so happy he was there. And playing.

Before she regained her mentality enough to respond, Harry swing her around and threw his arms around her, squeezing her tightly. "Hermione, I'm sorry. I was wrong to treat you that way. I love you. I was angry because, well, you know how I feel about Snape, and I felt betrayed. But I trust your judgment, mostly, except that. But never mind. You're my best friend and I want to be here to support you. And if he ever does anything to hurt you," Harry eyes went really dark at this point and he glanced at Ginny for a moment before returning to Hermione, "I am here for you. You can always turn to me. I am so sorry, please, please, forgive me."

Hermione burst into tears. She was shaking, and Harry held onto her, rocking her gently. She pulled abruptly away from him, stared at him, then threw her arms around him. "Harry Potter, don't ever leave me again!"

"I promise."

"Hey, hey now. As much as I hate to break up this joyful reunion, the woman's husband is here."

Harry practically snarled. "Snape's here?"

"Yeah, he just walked up to the teacher's table." Ginny started giggling uncontrollably. "What is it going to be like with your husband being your potions teacher?"

"He's going to take points away from Gryffindor if I don't make my bedtime." The group started laughing, quieting down only when they realized they had attracted the whole room's attention.

"Come one guys, let's eat." Hermione was starved, and was happier now that she had been since this whole ordeal started.

Breakfast was filled with her friends' chatter, telling her everything they had done for the last two weeks.

"Mr. Ron here, kept disappearing for hours at a time, he'd suddenly show up in his bed and have no explanation for his disappearances. So Harry, George, and Fred kept casting spells on his bed. Once he got tired of it snapping shut on him, he started apparating into the bathroom. Once, Bill's wife was in there, and he came out screaming for his life. It was so funny!"

"Oh, by the way, Mum says that you did a stupid thing, but that's no reason for us, your family, to abandon you. So she wants you to know that you are still welcome at the burrow anytime. Oh, and she says she loves you."

Hermione was on the verge of another bout of tears when McGonagall approached. She said hello to everyone, reserving a special glare for Harry. Then she asked Hermione to follow her. Hermione did as she was told, but was exceptionally worried. As soon as they were out of the great hall, Minerva turned to Hermione.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, actually they're great. Harry's back and we're all together again."

"Stay with your friends today, Hermione. I'm not sure what's going on, but Severus was just ran up to Poppy's to collect several potions and left in a hurry. He didn't say where he was going, just that he needed to help her. At first I thought it might be you, but you're obviously fine. I thought maybe you'd know who it was."

"I have no idea. I hadn't even noticed that he left the great hall." Hermione's brow creased with worry. "I hope, whoever she is, she's alright."

"Return to your friends dear. I'm sure everything is all right."

"If it got him upset, it's probably not."