A/N: Thanks for all the favs and reviews! It's good to know that some people actually like my story, more In My Mind coming your way….
When she woke up she did not expect to find both Severus and Harry in the room. "How are you feeling?" she heard her love's voice question quietly. She turned to him, taking in his dark eyes and handsome, patrician face.
"I'm fine. Well, as fine as I can be given the circumstances. I'm sorry for barging in like this, but well, I just needed to see you," she answered.
"It's alright Hermione, I'm just glad that you'll alright, that you both are," he said placing a hand on her belly. Smiling, she placed her hands on top of his.
"I hate to interrupt this moment, but the fact still remains that tomorrow morning, Hermione's going to be front page news," Harry stated bluntly.
"But what about the council meeting? You'd think that would be more important than me being pregnant."
"Council meeting?" Severus inquired, causing Hermione to grin.
"Yep. It was today and you, my dear, are officially exonerated," she told him scanning his face for a reaction. She wasn't disappointed.
"I am?" he asked breathily. His voice was softer, tinged with disbelief, and hope.
"Mmm hmm," she affirmed squeezing his hand, "how does it feel?"
"Like I can do anything. Be anything. Thank you," he whispered and she could hear the pent up emotion in his tone.
"Don't just thank me. Harry, Luna, Minerva, and Albus all had a hand in it," she said holding back tears. Severus squeezed her hand before turning to her best friend.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter. I am in your debt," he said soberly. Harry shook his head.
"You owe me nothing Severus, and what's with the 'Mr. Potter' business? Shouldn't you be calling me Harry?" he answered with a grin. Severus smirked.
"Who would have thought of you two getting along?" she stated teasingly.
"Yes, heaven forbid we actually become friends," Snape added with a sneer although there was mirth in his eyes. She nudged his shoulder and he kissed her hand.
"Speaking of friends, they're bound to be wondering where we are right now," Harry prompted. Hermione frowned.
"You're right, but I don't Severus would want them to know where he lives…" she commented, trailing off looking up at the man in question.
"Very true. However, I could go with you both back to Grimmauld. It's about time I alerted the Order of my presence," he drawled. Hermione's eyes widened, this was a big step. Especially for someone who liked anonymity. Still, there was something she had to know…
"Does this mean you want to tell everyone about us?" she asked biting her lip as she awaited his answer.
"I distinctly remember saying something about no more pretending," he answered with a tiny smile.
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Having escaped from the chaos that had ensued at the Wizengamot meeting, most of the Order assembled at Grimmauld Place. Namely, the Weasley's, the Lupin's, Luna, and Minerva. Molly was busy fixing dinner for everyone. Teddy was crying, much to the new parents chagrin. They were trying to wean him from breast-feeding and it was proving to be extremely difficult. Meanwhile, Ron, Luna, and Ginny were all in the lounge. Fred, (who was finally out of the hospital) and George were showcasing some new items for the shop. It was fun, but not enough to distract them from the fact that Harry and Hermione were still missing. "Where is he?" Ginny grouched, arms folded.
"I'm sure wherever he is, he and Hermione are safe," Luna added gently. Ginny sighed.
"I know," she agreed, "but I just wish he'd spend more time with me. I love 'mione too, but I'm his girlfriend." Luna was going to respond, but the sound of the bell alerted them of someone entering. "I bet it's Harry!" Ginny exclaimed racing out the door. Luna and Ron followed.
It wasn't just Harry Potter at the door, but Hermione Granger and...Professor Snape?! "Severus? You're alive," Professor McGonagall gasped walked towards Snape. He looked a little uncomfortable about all the attention, but withstood it just the same.
"Indeed I am," he let out and the room filled with his baritone voice. "I am told that thanks are in order," he swiveled his gaze from McGonagall to her? Luna was shocked to see his sincere acknowledgement and blushed. "Hermione told me you helped to absolve me of my crimes. Thank you."
"You're welcome," she responded simply; however, Minerva pulled him into a hug. It was awkward, but beautiful. At this point the others began to recover from shock and a round of hellos were sent forth. Remus, shuffled forward and forced the Ex-Death Eater into another awkward hug.
"Will you be joining us for dinner, Severus?" Molly questioned wiping her hands on her apron.
"Well, that depends," he answered cryptically, but Luna could already tell where this was headed.
"On what?"
"On how you handle this next bit of information," he drawled and Hermione stepped forward.
"Severus is the father of my baby," she announced and Luna was impressed by how sure of herself she sounded. Scanning the room she the faces of each adult. Mr. Weasley looked completely bewildered, Minerva confused, and Mrs. Weasley was gob smacked. The wrackspurts were still dancing around her head. However, the Lupins seemed only contemplative she noted and decided to store that for later.
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"Severus, how could you?" McGonagall raged. "I mean, she was your student!"
"Astute observation, Minerva," Severus sneered and Hermione pressed a calming hand on his forearm.
"Perhaps, it'd be best to let them explain before jumping to conclusions," Remus added as everyone in the room turned to him.
"Thank you Remus," Hermione said nodding her head in the werewolf's direction. "Now, isn't dinner ready? Maybe we can discuss things over dinner." The room stayed tense and silent, but the Order members did begin to walk towards the dining room. Once they were all seated (sans Molly who had begun to place the dishes on the table) the table was filled with a stony silence. All eyes were on them. Hermione could see how Minerva pursed her lips as Severus helped her to her seat.
"Ok," Minerva said, "explain."
"Understand this first," Severus replied sneeringly, "we don't owe you, any of you an explanation, but I will provide one nonetheless. As you may be aware of, when working with Voldemort, there are times when one has to commit unsavory acts usually during a revel. Simply put, Hermione found herself victim to one of these revels."
"Are we you understand that you raped Hermione?!" Arthur shouted.
"Of course not! He saved me," Hermione countered. She couldn't have them thinking ill of Severus, not after all he did for her.
"That aside, how could you have been so irresponsible Severus?" Minerva questioned, "You of all people should have access to a contraceptive potion." Uh oh, that part would be a little...sticky explaining. She looked to Severus worry sketched in her features. He returned her gaze and squeezed her hand. It'll be alright love. And just like that, her worry was gone.
"You're right Minerva. It was irresponsible. And irrational. And stupid. And reckless. And so many other things. But it was also the best decision I have ever made. Hermione is a gorgeous, brilliant, and talented woman. And also incredibly strong. I could ask for no better person to be the mother of my child."