A/N: We're nearing the end…..Just want to thank all of those that have continued to support JOK. I really appreciate your patience, reviews, and well wishes. As such, I'll likely be tying this up in about one or two chapters.

They brewed side by side silently for hours until both elixirs were finished brewing and left to cool. The next step was combining them. They would need to get the proportions right which would take some trial and error, but beyond that they were a third of the way through. They paused to take a break, both retiring noiselessly for a seat on the sofa. "I want to know for sure," Hermione blurted out while troubling her lip as she was want to do in these situations.

"Know what?"

"If I'm really pregnant. I can feel it, but I'd like confirmation just the same."

Severus nodded, "You're right, of course. Lay down," he instructed. "you'll be more comfortable that way."

She did as he directed, stretching out on the couch and lifting her shirt up to reveal her stomach. He placed his left hand on top of her stomach, and waved his wand. There was a moment when Hermione felt as if she had just gotten off a rollercoaster and then he gasped. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

"No. It's just…..we're really having a baby," he explained and Hermione smiled. She stroke the hand that lay on her stomach. "God, I wish…."

"I know," she said sitting up and curling into his side. "But think of it this way, we're securing a better world for our child."

"And what a world this is," Severus grumbled. "But it's at least nearing the end. Once you take the potion its power will be flowing through your veins. You need only touch him."

Something about his sickly expression made her worry. "What kind of touch?"

"A kiss. Just one kiss and Lord Voldemort will fall."

Hermione recoiled. Sitting up she asked, "Why does it have to be a kiss?"

Severus grasped both of her shoulders, a rueful look in his eyes. "Part of Materno's brilliance is that it can only be activated by an act of love, a kiss. I'm assuming our variation won't be any different and unfortunately, this is something we don't have the time to change."

Hermione gulped. "Kiss Voldemort and save the world. Sounds easy enough." He rewarded her with a bitter smile, gathering her into his arms.

"If you don't want to go through with it, you don't have to," He informed, brushing her hair with his fingers and drawing comfort from her scent. In all honesty he was hoping she would. He didn't want her anywhere near Tom. "I will not think any less of you. It was I who made the oath-not you."

"I know that Severus," Hermione replied and when her hand came to rest on his cheek, he closed his eyes knowing what she was going to say next. "But I love you and that is the strongest oath. Besides, I'm going to be a mother soon. And I wouldn't want my son or daughter to back away from something just because it's hard or unpleasant. I want them to know that their mother is brave like their father." Beautiful, stubborn, little woman. He kissed her, passionately, and with all the fervor the situation called for. Their tears mingled on their lips, flavoring their embrace with a salty angst. Their kiss voiced something that they otherwise couldn't say. Not that they had the words anyway. A shrill cling announced that it was time to combine their brews and the couple parted solemnly.

The next day had Hermione on edge for two reasons: One, today was the last day before break and two, Severus had been summoned. It was the first time she had physically been around to see it. To see her mate slide on the mask of a Death Eater. His black robes had been ominous and menacing, but the pain in his eyes hurt her more. Fear seized her heart and it had not let go all day. Dumbledore had assured her that Severus would be fine, but what assurances could you have when it came to a megalomaniac?

However, Hermione knew that Dumbledore was pleased. Severus was more than likely summoned to reveal what he knew about Harry's whereabouts during the holiday. Severus would then let slip about the big ice skating event nearly all the seventh years were attending. It was their hope that the prospect of having both Harry-his nemesis, and Hermione-his would be vessel in one location too tempting for the Dark Lord to stay put.

Hermione only saw it as being one step closer to kissing Voldemort. No, Tom. It was much easier to think of him like that. And less…..icky. Speaking of icky, she pushed aside the too sugary fruit juice the elves served with lunch this afternoon. "Hermione. Earth, to ''mione," Harry called waving his hand in her face. She started, nearly knocking over her cup. "You've stared into space for a solid ten minutes," he informed. "What's going on?"

Should she tell him about the Headmaster's plan? She couldn't decide. After all, he was the Chosen One. The one meant to have the inevitable showdown with Lord Voldemort. It somehow seemed wrong to keep him in the dark. "Not here," she hissed, grabbing his hand and hauling him out of the Great Hall. She dragged him to a dark, secluded corridor casting the muffliato charm to prevent people from overhearing.

"This is about Remus isn't?" Harry demanded.

That certainly threw her in for a loop. "Remus?"

"Yes. The two of you have something going on don't you?" Harry asked. "Please don't try to tell me I'm wrong. I've seen you gaze wistfully up at the Head table enough to know."

Hermione grimaced, wrapping her arms about her waist protectively. The accusing glare in her best friend's eyes unsettled her. "Wrong professor. It's Severus. Its always been."

Harry stumbled back, "You're in love with him aren't you?"

"Yes. But it goes much deeper than that, Harry."

"How deep?"

And that's when she told him. About everything. About falling in love with Severus. About the misunderstanding with Remus. About Tom. About Professor Dumbledore and his plans. The baby. Everything. And in the end, Hermione felt like a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Harry, the loyal friend that he is, pulled his trembling friend into his arms. "I'm sorry you had to deal with all this for so long by yourself."

"You're not mad-about me and Severus?"

Harry shook his head. "No. And even if I were it doesn't matter. As long as your happy, I'm happy. I'm glad you let me in on what's been going on."

"Me too, Harry."

Their little meeting; however, came to an abrupt end when the Headmaster came stalking towards them. "Harry, Hermione, I'd like for you to step into my office. Severus Snape has returned and we have much to discuss."