****Still don't own Harry Potter…just so you know.****

I'm still an epic failure when it comes to updates…however, I truly do appreciate all of you that have kept up with my story on author alert or story alert. You all are truly amazing!

I've gone through each chapter and done some editing. After rereading my story, I wasn't happy with some of it…I just didn't like my writing and some of my choices that I had made…so I changed it. I didn't change anything that was vital to the story, so no worries there, just a few small details to make the story fit into JKR's world better. I hope you will take the time to reread the earlier chapters to reacquaint yourself with the story before reading this chapter.

I'm really hoping to get into the groove with my writing again, despite school starting up again soon. I definitely don't want to go so long without an update! Although, I will admit, I'm more likely to update if I have reviews urging me on ;)

Madame Pomfrey released me from the hospital wing a few days after I woke up with stern reminders to stay stress free. Severus and I were truly lucky that despite the attack by Ron Weasley, our baby was safe and healthy. We would be able to find out the sex of the baby in a few weeks, which is much sooner than in the muggle world.

Life and classes passed slowly, winding down to the Christmas holidays. It seemed as the days dragged on even more so because Severus barely let me out of his sight. I understood he was worried about me as well as the baby, but I felt like he may have been going too far with the overprotection. The only time I was ever allowed to be alone was when I was in the bathroom or the shower…and even then, Severus was always nearby. I felt like I was going to go crazy and if I didn't say something to him, I would blow up, which would just cause problems within our marriage.

I was standing in the shower when I made up my mind to sit down with Severus and discuss my frustrations. I finished my shower and got dressed before leaving the bathroom. I opened the door to find Severus as usual. Giving a small sigh, I took hold of his hand and pulled him along with me to the living area and sat us down on the couch. I could tell Severus knew something was up, but nothing could have prepared me for the words I heard.

"You're leaving, aren't you?" He asked quietly.

I was stunned. I definitely had not expected that. Severus seemed to take my lack of response as an affirmation.

"Right. Well, I suppose you should get packing then," he said coldly as he stood up to face away from me.

That response seemed to knock me from my shock. I stood quickly and grabbed his shoulder to turn him to face me.

"Absolutely not! I'm not that kind of person. I'm not going to leave you. I can't leave you. And I don't mean because of the marriage law. I mean I can't leave you because you mean so much to me. I need you." I grabbed his hand and placed it on my stomach as I continued, "Our baby needs you. I wouldn't take your child from you like that," I finished quietly.

"Then what's going on? I can tell something is wrong. You're upset and frustrated. If you're not leaving me, what's happening with you…with us?" He asked without emotion.

My heart broke for him in that moment. I couldn't imagine the things he had to go through during his spying days. I had known he hadn't had an easy life and had few friends.

"Oh, Severus. I know you care about the baby and me. I know you're worried for my health…our health, but you need to let me breathe. I haven't had a moment to myself aside from inside the bathroom since before Hermione and I went to Hogsmeade. I know you're only being careful and that you don't want anything to happen. I understand that, I truly do, but you need to let me breathe.

I care about you so much, and it hurts me to see you in pain right now. I'm not going to leave you. Even without the marriage law, the only thing that could take me away from you would be for you to abuse our children or me or for you to cheat on me. I know that you're too good of a man to do either, so I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I would never, could never leave you. I understand you're new to all of this, but please, just back off a little with the protection. I can guarantee you that I will be careful. I won't let anything else happen to me or the baby," I finished quietly.

Severus just sat there for a moment before responding, "Ok."

"Ok?" I asked, surprised.

"Ok. I see what you mean. Since Weasley attacked you, I put protecting you as first priority. I've never had to look out for someone other than myself. Well, aside from Potter, but I didn't care what he thought about me. As long as you can promise that you'll be careful and that you will go to Poppy if anything, and I mean anything is wrong, then I will back off. You may have your breathing room. I just worry about you both so much and I feel helpless," Severus admitted.

I smiled widely at him. "I can promise you that if anything feels out of sync, I will go to Poppy right away."

"You better," he muttered half-heartedly.

I felt like I was starting to get my husband back and I was relieved. I couldn't wait for Christmas Holidays to begin so that I could just enjoy my time with my husband before our baby came screaming into the world.

Well...what do you think? I'm thinking they will start discussing baby names and whatnot...and I want your input...I need help coming up with "S" names for boys and girls. Please either review or send me a message with your thoughts! Also, check out my profile. I may put up a poll on there about baby stuff.

Thanks!

nwdani