At this point I'm just googling big words and their meanings in hopes I'll find a good chapter title.

Chapter 29. Acrimonious

Severus had come to terms with the fact that he would never have sex in his life. He had thought, for a while in his youth, that he might marry Lily and they might consummate that marriage and start a family. But since her death, working as a double agent and his persistent love for the witch from his childhood kept him from having sex with any other witch. And he was okay with that. He had accepted that he would not marry, would not have sex, would never have a family, and that was something that he believed would persist for the rest of his life. Then in came Hermione. The little insufferable-know-it-all who became a witty, incredibly bright and talented witch. He fell in love with her, gradually and unexpectedly. But he had. The way her hair crackled when she was stressed, her passionate nature when it came to absolutely everything in her life. Hermione's laugh, her smile, her stunningly beautiful eyes. Everything about her consumed him. And as he knelt beside her with his hand on her stomach, knowing that inside her was growing the one thing he was certain he would never have, Severus had never been more in love in his entire life. Hermione Jean Granger was carrying his child and he would protect them at all costs, from anyone, for the rest of his life.

The two sat there as she sobbed, laying on the couch and staring up at the ceiling. He kept his eyes on his hand, admiring her perfect stomach and picturing how it would round out. He imagined taking his child to Diagon Alley for their first wand, getting them textbooks, and robes and sending them off for their first day of Hogwarts. Even if they didn't have any more, even if she was satisfied with the one child, he would be okay with that since it was more than he ever expected. But the hope in his heart was growing, and he was letting it. Maybe three children, if she didn't mind the idea. Three perfect mixtures of himself and his Hermione. With the thought, he sighed contently and rested his head lightly on her abdomen.

Her hands slowly entwined in his hair and he closed his eyes as she noticeably stopped sobbing. Everything was okay. At that moment, everything was safe and happy. They were to be parents, and no one could tell them otherwise.

"I can't keep it," she whispered. Except, perhaps, her. He sat back on his feet and looked at her. The witch's brown eyes were still fixated on the ceiling, her face swollen from crying, but still firm and upset. Severus wanted to protest, to ask her what on earth she was talking about. The foetus was just as much his as it was hers and he had never thought he could even have a child and now she wanted to take the hope away from him? He slowly let his logical mind take over, hiding the emotions behind his shields and leaning over to kiss her cheek.

"I understand, my dear," he replied evenly, hiding his disappoint as he stood up beside her. Hermione refused to look at him and was obviously swallowing back tears. He hesitated a moment, before speaking, considering whether or not it would be appropriate for him to comment. It was her body, and her choice and he would respect whatever she chose. Squaring his jaw, he decided that it was now or never and if she lived believing that he didn't want the child, he would have made a grave mistake. "I support you, Hermione, in whatever you choose, but-" he inhaled sharply. "I need you to know that I would love that child with every fibre of my being, protect both of you with everything I am," he declared, not daring to watch her expression as he did. "I want this, more than anything, I promise you." His last words sent her over the edge and she began crying again, hiding her face behind her forearms and curling into herself.

Severus bent down and lifted her from the couch, cradling her in his arms and kissing her forehead. "But the war," she croaked, gripping his robes tightly and shaking as she attempted to catch her breath. He held her closer, closing his eyes and taking the time to breathe her in.

"We will figure this out."

-x-

While shaken, Hermione had genuinely come to be as excited as he over the prospect of becoming parents. It took some conversing, but she was finally smiling and convinced he could make it work. That they could make it work. He had sent Hermione back to her room, once she had deflated from her tears, and made it back to his office disillusioned to not chance them being seen. When he arrived in his office, he sat down and powered through as many first-year essays as he could, working his best to distract himself. He had come up with a plan to save her from Voldemort's Easter Holidays but it involved a significant risk. He saw no other way of his love and child coming out of it alive and so it was the risk he was willing to take to save their lives.

"Severus?" Minerva called his name from the floo before stepping through when he wordlessly allowed her to. She made her way into his office and sat across from him. He didn't say anything, knowing exactly what it was she had come to share with him, and simply waited for her to do so. "Alastor said that he had been sworn to secrecy, that nothing that had been said could leave those who had sworn in. So I may have done something not particularly... ethical," the witch explained, sneaking in a cheeky smirk.

"Which was?" He encouraged.

"I gave our Miss Granger a Time-Turner in her third year so she could manage more classes. I never asked for it back, since I trusted she might be able to use it in other situations to help keep Harry around. I found it in her trunk and may have used it to return to the time before they had begun their meeting and hid in my feline form to listen in," she explained.

"And? What is the plan?" He insisted, becoming irritated with the sheer amount of information the witch always deemed necessary to provide.

"There is no plan, he didn't even mention it to them." Severus wasn't shocked at the revelation, in fact, he had been expecting it since he left the Headmaster. The only logical reason he would have left out the two members who knew anything of the plot would be if he didn't want them sharing it at all. Not objective my arse, Severus spat internally, nearly fuming at this point. "He is leaving Hermione to die, Severus. We are the only two that can save her."

"I have a plan," he rebuffed, standing from the desk and clenching his fists, determined to remain calm. "I will speak with Draco, as he is one of the key ingredients in this entire mess. He's the reason she's on Riddle's radar at all. Do you have somewhere she can stay?" He demanded as he began pacing in front of his bookshelves. Ideas were forming, swirling around his head as to how they would exactly execute his plan.

"Somewhere she can stay?" Minerva echoed, only frustrating the wizard more. It wasn't her fault, she's not in my head, I just have to use words, he grumbled internally before spinning to face her.

"Hermione needs somewhere to go once Draco rescues her. I need to play my part, make it seem like I'm setting her up to be captured by the Dark Lord but Draco will free her. Riddle already know he loves her, it won't be surprising to him that Draco will try to save her. I just have to put Hermione in a binding curse that Draco will undo and apparate her away. He needs somewhere to go, to leave her so she is safe. Nowhere I know of is safe," he ranted, thinking through his plan and finding issues to stumble over.

"My brother's cottage. He lives there with his wife. It's heavily warded because my sister in law was a friend of Tom's when they were in school. She never followed him though, but she was paranoid he would find her. Draco would need a direct Portkey in, however. There's no apparating within the wards and they are very vast," Minerva explained.

"Good, there. Create the Portkey, but don't register it. I know it takes a bit longer to do that when you're not going through official channels, but the ministry is infiltrated and if I found out about a direct Portkey, it would be the first place I would look," Severus commanded, chewing his lip and wishing he had someone to give him more advice. He was not the planner in these schemes. Dumbledore and Voldemort came up with their plots and set him to do their bidding, always. He offered suggestions when he thought things could be done a bit better, but he never directly came up with a full plan.

"So Draco will save Hermione- When? Once they've reached Tom? Before they get there? How do you know he won't kill her on sight and simply play with her until Draco got there?" Minerva questioned.

"I don't," Severus hissed through gritted teeth. He didn't know anything. He didn't know how long it would take to get Draco to his parent's manor for the holiday. He didn't know when it was that Hermione was to be kidnapped or who was going to do it. He was determined it would be him to take her, so he could at least know she wouldn't be tortured on the way to the manor, but when would he? Would he follow her onto the train and sit patiently and steal her away before she even got to her parents? Would he take her from their home?

"Severus, let me know when you do," she warned before turning and leaving him to his scheming. I need to know more, I need to know what Voldemort wants. What am I going to do? With that thought, he stood straighter, realizing exactly what it was he needed to do. The wizard turned around and stormed to the floo, barking his intended destination before disappearing into the flames. He strolled out into the Malfoy Manor, banishing some soot from his robes before walking into the ballroom. It was empty and the entire place seemed to be asleep so he pressed the tip of his wand to his mark and summoned the Dark Lord.

The silence was followed by a bit of stirring, wood creaking underfoot before the Dark Lord appeared before him. Severus took to his knee immediately, the burning still pricking at his forearm's nerves, but remained stoic. "My Lord," he greeted, before regaining his full height.

"What is it, Severus? News?" Voldemort coaxed. The resurrection of the Lord he once willingly joined stared at his follower impatiently, making Severus feel as though his move to inform the wizard of his plan might have been a bit hasty.

"I have a plan to get Miss Granger here for the beginning of Easter Holidays," Severus responded, deciding it was far too late to do anything but follow through with his mission that evening.

"Excellent my spy! And coming directly to me with the news! You are learning, good boy," Voldemort hissed with glee, Bellatrix coming out of the shadows behind him like a lovesick puppy. A few more Death Eaters without their robes began to gather, Lucius begrudgingly sitting in his assigned chair as he regarded the scene. Severus was shocked that he would be allowed to witness the plot to bring his son to the dark side but understood the reasoning behind it. Lucius would want to save his good name if Voldemort were to rise to power once again, and his son would need to complete his mission to do so. He would support whatever it took to arrange that. "Tell me, now," he commanded, and Severus obliged.

"Miss Granger will arrive home in London in the evening of March 22. I will bring her here at midnight and the festivities shall begin, my Lord," Severus explained. He may not have been a planner, but he knew that if he gave something to the dark wizard before he could come up with his own, he would have better luck at his being chosen. There had been no time to wait and he was glad to see the twisted grin developing on the serpent-like expression of the Dark Lord.

"Draco will be none the wiser, at home with his mummy and daddy, thinking everything was alright. When he comes down to the party and the mudblood is floating above the dance floor, writhing in pain, he will know exactly what he is being punished for. Excellent, my spy. Bella and Dolohov will accompany you on your mission to take her from her filthy bed, of course."

"Of course," Severus repeated, squaring his jaw and biting on his tongue to keep from protesting. It was simply another thing he would have to plan for, another obstacle to run over. If Bellatrix and Dolohov come, her parents will not survive, he noted, remaining strong as he stared into the glowing red eyes of his master. They spoke a bit more, ironing out details and letting Severus drink as a celebration for his ingenious thinking.

He went back to the castle before anyone could suggest a raid on a muggle village as a further reward for the plot. Severus rubbed his head as it began to pound with all the thoughts running through and crushing his will to keep his cover. The wizard drank a headache reliever and a sleep aid before undressing and getting into his bed. He knew his dreams would be horrible that night, he knew he wouldn't sleep very well. Had he any dreamless sleep left in his collection, he would have opted for that potion, but he had run out and never bothered to brew any more. He was grateful, however, that sleep found him quickly.

-x-

It's a boy!" A wizarding doctor exclaimed, holding Severus' son in her arms as she approached the couple. Hermione was sweaty but smiling widely as he brushed her hair from her face. The doctor placed their son in her arms and she pushed the soft fabric encasing him away from his face and he stared up at the two of them. He had Severus' horribly hooked nose, even as a newborn, but Hermione's stunning eyes that blinked up at them.

What should we name him?" She asked softly, never peeling her gaze from their child. His finger was massive compared to the small infant's face and he nearly chuckled at how comical it was to have a miniature Severus cooing in the arms of his love.

"How about Tom?" A deep voice offered from the room's entrance. Severus stood swiftly, drawing his wand and stepping in front of his family. Tom Riddle, back when he was charismatic and handsome, strolled into the room, wielding no weapon but his horrific smirk. "I hear it's the name of all very powerful wizard's and he seems like he will be quite a powerful one." Tom eyed the couple, but Severus held his defensive stance firmly. "Although, he is the product of a half-breed and a mudblood, so he might not be all that powerful after all."

Severus?" Dumbledore's voice spoke from the door and drew his attention for a split second. He spun around just as Tom drew his wand and pointed it at Hermione. He heard the evil wizard command the killing curse, once then twice. Severus lurched to stop them, but it was too late. Hermione and his son were dead.

It felt as though his heart were being ripped from his chest as he awoke, gasping for air and feeling tears prick at his eyes. It was a nightmare, only a nightmare. Hermione's okay. She is safe. Your child is safe. He bit his lip and clutched his heart as flashes of the dream repeated in his mind, forcing him from his bed to grab his wand. Lighting the room, the wizard made his way to the bathroom, pouring himself a glass of water and staring himself in the mirror. He was hot, sweat beading on his forehead, and dark bags developing under his eyes. He cast a tempus charm and found that even though it was still horribly dark outside, it was half-past six in the morning, so he could get dressed and head down for breakfast.

He opted for a shower, hoping it would help him wake up and wash away some of the doubts that were lingering in his mind. When he got dressed, he couldn't keep his thoughts from wandering to Hermione and their child. He wanted to find her, bring her down to breakfast and make sure she ate properly. He wanted to brew her prenatal potions and check on her as much as possible. Is she drinking enough? Is she sleeping enough? How is her morning sickness? Severus considered concocting an anti-nausea for her, but Crookshanks may not be the right mode of transportation for that particular potion. And what if she was caught drinking it? Or any prenatal potions for that matter? She doesn't exactly have the most respectful roommates in all of Hogwarts... He grumbled, forcing himself to set aside his thoughts and head down to the Great Hall.

The wizard took his spot beside Minerva and greeted her calmly before pouring himself a hefty cup of coffee. He may have slept the recommended allotment of hours but he felt terribly unrested. Likely due to the reoccurring nightmares that littered his slumber. On top of that, he was worried about how he would go about letting Draco know about the plot. He would surely hate him for letting it get this far, or for not saving Hermione himself. I am the adult, after all, he acknowledged.

The blond entered the room, looking a little more triumphant than he normally did which concerned Severus even further. What on earth could make this boy so bloody pleased with himself at a time like this? The anger bubbled up in him for a moment. How someone who is charged with killing someone, could be eating breakfast and smirking as if he hadn't a care in the world? He didn't dare mention anything to Minerva though, knowing he would find out soon enough as he had resolved to meet with the blond that afternoon.

-x-

Severus found Draco in the library with enough books that he could rival Hermione's usual study habits. "Mister Malfoy," Severus spoke evenly but loud enough he would have received a glare from Madame Pince had she not had a crush on him. He could only believe that the reason she even considered him was their similar hooked noses. He actively detested her and he knew she knew it, but it didn't stop her. "Come with me," he commanded when the blond shot up to look at him. The boy moved to clean up his books but patience was not something overflowing in Severus at the particular moment. "Now," he barked, making Draco nod his head and scurry after him.

"What is this about, sir?" Draco asked as they rushed through the halls and down to his office. He didn't respond until he ushered him into his office and slammed the door behind them. Casting a silencing spell for good measure.

"Miss Granger will be dead by the end of next month if you do not help me, understood?" Draco's eyes widened but he nodded eagerly and sat down across from Severus. "The Dark Lord knows of your continued romantic intentions with the girl and is planning on using her to demonstrate how easily one's emotions can be used against them. He wants to harden you, strengthen your resolve to his cause. I am to kidnap Miss Granger from her home in London before bringing her to your parent's Manor. There is to a be party and you must act completely unaware that your girlfriend," he nearly shuddered at the word. "Is to be the main event. When we arrive, she will be bound and in stasis, but not in any pain I promise you. I will provide you with a Portkey and you must do whatever it takes to get to her and get the hell out of there. I will teach you the unbinding charm and how to care for her after her stasis has worn off-" Severus explained.

"He'll kill my mother, and my father-" Draco interrupted, a look of sheer panic on his face. "It's her or them, isn't it? He'll kill them if I choose her and he'll kill her if I choose them. There's no winning," he continued, clenching his jaw.

"I will keep your parents safe," Severus added immediately. He had to convince him, to make him believe in Snape's mission. He had to save Hermione, he loved her, they both did. How can he not see that Hermione's life could very well end right there? My child could die if he doesn't help, he griped internally, growing ever more desperate and angry.

"I can't do it- I won't put them at risk." Severus wanted to scream, to punch the boy in the face. Draco was his last hope of keeping Hermione safe and he was thoroughly out of ideas it's not like he could get someone on his side and equally working on the inside to rescue her and he had already offered his plan to the Dark Lord. If he changed it now, he would surely break cover. He should have known Draco would fear for his parents' lives and he should have taken them into consideration frankly, but he didn't. He was only concerned with the life of Hermione Granger.

Severus took a breath, realising that he had been blinded by his love for the girl. That if he saved her, other lives would be at risk besides his own. Even Draco in the moment had thought about someone besides himself and it was beginning to worry him. "Miss Granger will die if something is not done," he reiterated, knowing it would do nothing to sway his godson.

"My parents will die if something is done," the blond retorted, fiddling with the ring on his finger.

"I can keep them safe," Severus lied again, mostly out of desperation.

"How?" Draco challenged, his voice shaking.

"They can travel with you using the Portkey. Grab them as you move to get Hermione and they will be safe away from him.

"I will not force my parents into hiding because of my feelings for some mudblood," Draco spat, standing suddenly. His eyes were fat and red, his nose gross from holding back tears. Severus wanted to wince at the words as he felt his godson moving away from the progress he had seen him make.

"Draco," Severus whispered, attempting to calm him.

"No, I have to do this. You know I do. Dumbledore will die by my hand and Hermione will die too. It is how it is meant to go, I can never be happy," the blond stepped back, nearly tripping over his chair and inhaled a jagged breath. "Why do you keep calling her Hermione? She's your bloody student!" Draco accused, making Severus quickly think back over his words.

"I call her Miss Granger, Draco, I never use her first name," he denied, though he honestly couldn't remember if he had used her name. He had become used to it. It was a beautiful name and sat well on his tongue when he spoke it. Severus hadn't meant to repeat it in front of Draco, but since he had become comfortable with saying it, he may have slipped up. How did he catch that?

"You just called her Hermione. You said I can take my parents and Hermione away by the Portkey and they would be safe. Why are you doing this? You're his supporter, you should be just as excited we're going to be ridding the world of that filth!" Draco protested, stepping towards his professor. The older wizard blinked. He had been accused of betraying the Dark Lord countless times by Bellatrix and had always been able to brush it off as her madness and paranoia. But Draco was of sound mind. If he made any accusations about him to Tom, Severus would not be able to get out of it.

"You're my Godson, I care about protecting you. Your mother asked me to protect you and I will," Severus insisted, beginning to feel the desperation build in his heart. He was lying, and poorly. His mental shields were failing and his emotions were shining through. Hermione was going to die. His child was going to die and it was his fault. His failure. I am going to be the cause of my only living family's death, he feared.

"Don't fucking lie to me," Draco shot, nearly spitting in Severus' face.

Severus attempted to sway him, hoping that if he could make the boy doubt himself that perhaps he would end his crusade. "Draco you're not thinking straight. I am only trying to protect you and I know for a fact you care for Miss Granger-"

"Oh shut up you liar. There have been too many goddamn rumours about you shagging Hermione for me to not believe them. I know she likes you. She told me, she moaned your fucking name when we were snogging. But fuck you- She likes me too and I'm not going to watch her fucking die for me," Draco interrupted. "Stop fucking your students you prick." With that, the blond spun on his heel and stormed out the door. Severus was left, dumbfounded and panicked over his godson. Is he going to tell Voldemort of my actions? Dumbledore? I have fucked up royally.