Disclaimer - I own nothing.

Hey all! Well, I hope you will be pleased to know that I should be updating more often now that my exams are finally over. I'm glad you liked the last chapter, I put that one up because I wanted everyone to know that I would be continuing with this and now I finally can! I would also like to thank everyone for being so patient and I hope that you continue to enjoy the story! Plus, I will try to make the chapters slightly longer now that I have more time on my hands. Thanks again for not giving up on me :p

Chapter 13

The next couple of weeks went by surprisingly fast for Hermione. The pregnancy was becoming difficult, but she felt much better knowing that her friends and, more importantly, Severus were there for her. However, she noted that her severe mood swings were becoming more frequent and they were often directed at an unsuspecting Ron, who apparently, never knew quite what to say to her. She felt bad about it, but she couldn't help it - the slightest thing tended to set her off. Things she could usually push to the back of her mind just seemed to be impossible for her to ignore.

Everyone noticed her mood swings and nearly everyone had been at the receiving end of her anger. But to Hermione's surprise, everyone shied away from her, instead of arguing back. She was grateful for this because even while she was shouting and screaming at them, she couldn't help but feel guilty about it. Everyone understood what she was going through, Molly especially and they tried their best to help her through it.

Hermione was completely overwhelmed with her change in hormones - one minute she would be laughing with Ginny, then the next she would burst into tears for nothing. Then Ginny would try to calm her down, only to have Hermione scream at her to leave her alone.

Another thing that had become a problem was her cravings. She had developed a taste for peanut butter, jam and pickles on toast. She also had cravings for pizza with sardines as the topping - something she would never eat if she wasn't pregnant.

Hermione was sitting in her room, looking through books, trying to find the necessary information she needed to know for her apprenticeship. As always, she wanted to have some knowledge of what would be required from her and she wanted to make an early start. She couldn't really concentrate, however, as her mind wondered to Severus. She looked at the rose in the vase, that still glowed a beautiful gold colour and smiled. The day after her visit to the garden with Severus, Ginny asked about the rose and was surprised when Hermione told her what it meant. She told her she was happy for her and they were soon discussing Ginny's feelings for Harry. From what Hermione saw in her old life, Harry and Ginny were perfect for each other. She just hoped that she could save Ginny this time around and hopefully everyone else as well.

"What's up, Mione?"

Hermione looked up and smiled at Ginny, who had just walked into the room.

"Hey, Ginny. I'm just looking through these books. I want to know as much as I can for this apprenticeship. I just don't want to fall behind because of my pregnancy."

"That's understandable, just try not to do too much. You could damage the baby if you get stressed out,"

"I know, but I just need something to take my mind off things. Malfoy still wants to kill me, if you remember."

"Don't worry about him, Mione. You'll be at Hogwarts in a few weeks and he wouldn't dare get you there. Plus he doesn't know where you are now."

"True, but I still can't help but worry. You know what he's like. He's a slytherin, he'll have a plan and while I don't know what he's got planned, I have to worry, I'll have no idea what to expect."

Ginny sat down next to Hermione. "I know you're worried, I would be too. But you've got friends who are willing to protect you, not to mention, Severus as well. There are too many people here that care about you to allow anything to happen."

Hermione nodded. "You're right. I'm just being stupid, I guess."

"No, Hermione. You're not being stupid. It's ok to be worried about this, just know, that you're not alone. We will do all we can to help you through this."

"Thanks, Gin, I appreciate it."

"Don't worry about it! Now, tell me. Have you thought of any names yet?"

"Not yet. I have an appointment at St Mungos for a scan tomorrow. Severus is going with me and we both want to know the sex, so it will be easier to shop for things for it and to think of a name."

"Can they find out that soon?"

"Apparently they can. As much as I hate hospitals, I'm actually looking forward to going. I haven't saw Severus for days. I miss him."

"You must really love him." Ginny noted the look of longing in Hermione's eyes when she mentioned his name.

"Yeah, I do. I know that's probably hard for you to understand that, but it's true."

"Actually, I do understand. I know that you probably think I don't because I see him as the "mean potions professor" but I can see that you really care about him and I am happy for you."

"Thanks Ginny. I just hope that I can say the same about you, when you finally get with Harry!"

Ginny went red before saying, "I don't think so, Mione, Harry just doesn't seem interested."

"That's because he's a guy! I think he has feelings for you, but he just doesn't realise it yet. Don't worry, he'll come around."

"You think?"

"I know."

They were interrupted by Molly, who was shouting to everyone that dinner was ready.

Hermione sighed and closed the book she had failed to read and made her way downstairs with Ginny.

As they entered the kitchen, Molly turned to Hermione and said, "Oh, this letter came for you before by the way."

Hermione took the letter, thanking Molly and instantly felt warmth spread through her body as she recognised the handwriting. She opened the envelope and read its contents.

Hermione,

I will meet you tomorrow at half past eleven for the appointment. I must say, I am looking forward to seeing you and I hope you don't mind if we make a day of it, I just don't want leave you so soon.

Love, Severus.

Hermione smiled as she read it through again. She couldn't wait until tomorrow! She filled her plate and managed to go through a whole meal without shouting at someone. Ron, for one was more than happy with her mood and was able to have a conversation with her without worrying what he was saying.

Well I hope that was an ok update, nothing much going on yet, but I hope to change that when I get back into it - it has been a while! Let me know what you think, please review!