Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 48

Hermione turned from the bathroom door to give Severus a hard look before making a comment. "Yes Severus. Lots of things have changed. Nothing sinister. I do not plan to disclose our condition to anyone else until after the wedding. Harry will find out soon enough. By the way, I have an appointment with an Obstetrics Healer Thursday at 10:00. I know you have a lot going on with the house, but I'm hoping you'll find time to accompany me."

Giving Hermione an incredulous look, Severus sat straight up in bed. "Is it your hope to try my patience? It's my child too Hermione. Do you even need to ask that question? I'm upset you didn't advise me long before this. Of course I'll accompany you. For future visits, you may assume I will be at your side."

Before stepping into the bathroom, Hermione apologized to Severus. "Calm down love. The appointment confirmation landed on my desk earlier today. I apologize. We were so busy studying ingredients, the appointment slipped my mind until this minute."

Severus laid back so forcefully the pillow on Hermione's side flew into the air and landed on the floor. With a quick swish and flick, he lifted the pillow back onto the bed before turning on his side and pulling the blanket up over his shoulder. "Slipped her mind…. If I would accompany her…. Sometimes that witch makes my blood boil.

Just as Severus' eyes were closing, Hermione leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. Still a bit irritated, he offered a stilted thank you. However, when Hermione slid herself into bed in front of him, Severus quickly made room for the witch he adored.

/

Making The First Move: Chapter 49

Debra Randall had used the last of Tuesday evening to go over minute details of the three upcoming weddings on 11/26, 11/27 and 12/4. Although she would be extremely busy for the next few weeks, Debra was grateful for the business. Luckily, there hadn't been any complaints, additions or frivolous requests from any of the brides, or where applicable, bride's mothers.

The only issue had been with the Snape ceremony. Hermione Granger's Maid of Honor, Ginevra Weasley had been lax responding to her requests for fittings. However, as of the previous day, Debra had received confirmation that the Weasley garment was finished and fitted.

Ginevra's dress and fitting had been the last loose end regarding the wedding party unless one counted Hermione's stubborn refusal to have a wedding rehearsal and dinner. It seemed Hermione had lost all reasoning when she and the mister decided to move up their wedding. It wasn't up to Debra to challenge the wishes of the bride, but she hadn't been comfortable not pressing the issue. Wedding rehearsals were a must to insure the nuptials went off without a hitch. However, it was also a bit of a risk to harass the bride about her choices. After a definitive no as an answer to her last Owl, Debra knew she would just have to move on with the orders at hand which meant complying with the bride's wishes.

Now, her only concern was getting the venues in order. In order wasn't quite the correct wording. Everything was technically in order, but needed to be applied. Debra's Venue Setting company had all the details and would set up the chosen location two days before the weddings in order to give the couples time to examine their site. If, by chance, there needed to be adjustments, two days was enough time to get it done.

Closing the folders in front of her, Debra kicked off her shoes and reached for her now cold cup of tea. With a quick swish of her wand, the tea was back to hot. Debra sipped slowly as the heat of the tea and the lateness of the hour pulled at her in different ways. She was tired. Her next stop was bed, without a shower. A shower could wait until morning.

/**/

Neville was in early on Wednesday morning. He had stopped by the Ministry on his way home the previous evening to secure the necessary forms and applications for Noah and Ethan. To no one's surprise, as early as he was, Neville was fourth man in. Noah, Ethan and David were already there chatting in the back room.

Neville greeted the men but refrained from mentioning the forms. He planned to go over everything with Hermione and Severus before sitting down with the two men.

Heading for his office, Neville was greeted by Allen who had just come through from Florae. Another early riser, thought Neville as he hung his cloak and jumper. SL&G couldn't ask for better, or earlier staff.

/*/

Hermione and Severus arrived twenty minutes later stopping by Neville's office to say good morning.

"Good morning. I was able to secure the forms and applications for Noah and Ethan last evening. When you get settled, I'd like us to review them before we sit down with the lads."

Severus nodded while Hermione remained at the door speaking with Neville for a bit and only headed for her office when Severus passed back by on his way to walk the front.

/*/

Severus didn't walk the front as much as he had in the past. Noah, Ethan and Allen were as particular as himself about the premises. Severus trusted them to do what was right for the shop.

As always, the front was in impeccable condition. Severus didn't have to compliment the men. They knew how the front of their premises should look. All three men took pride in their positions as well as their shop, and it was a given that the doors would never open to disarray.

Severus decided this was as good a time as any to inform Noah and Ethan there would be a short meeting during the late afternoon or after close of business.

Nodding in Allen's direction, Severus asked him to take the floor for a few minutes so he could speak to Noah and Ethan.

The shop wasn't even open for business yet. Allen didn't have any problem being in charge for those few minutes.

"Certainly Severus," he replied.

Noah and Ethan headed over to Severus. Each man excited that the discussion was probably relative to what had been discussed the previous day. Both men knew this was a big step up for them. They were being given the opportunity to acquire credentials which normally required several years of study and plenty of Galleons. They were both chuffed.

Severus didn't bandy words. He simply passed on information about the meeting at the same time advising that they should plan on staying fairly late.

Noah and Ethan glanced at each other each with basically the same thoughts passing through their minds. Fairly late! Fairly late? They were being given a gift. Time had no bearing on anything. They would stay overnight for the next two weeks if that was what was called for.

To Severus, each man simply answered along the lines of, we appreciate the opportunity. We're ready.

The entire conversation had taken less than five minutes. With one last look around the front, Severus nodded before heading to the back.

/*/

Their good fortune wasn't news to be bandied about, but it wasn't a secret among the three staff members. Noah and Ethan had shared the news with their mate Allen who was happy for them, but, at the same time, hopeful David would do something like that for him. What he wouldn't give for a leg up toward becoming a Certified Herbalist. Allen hadn't spoken his goals out loud to anyone except David, and for the time being, that's how it would remain. Front staff at SL&G was an enviable position, but he'd rather be Assistant Manager in Florae with David.

Since the shop hadn't yet opened for the day, Noah, Ethan and Allen thoroughly discussed the news before moving away to take their places as Noah raised his wand to unlock the doors.

Their day was about to start.

/*/

Instead of going downstairs to Brewing or R&D, Hermione was studying the last Owl she'd received from Debra. She had replied with a resounding no, but was now having second thoughts on the matter. While a wedding rehearsal and dinner were part of the original plan, Hermione felt their simple ceremony should remain just that, simple. Even so, as she read Debra's admonishment that she might regret her decision down the road, a slight feeling of missing out ran through Hermione's body. She was waffling. However, neither she nor Severus was a wild eyed teenager looking to have the pomp and circumstance normally reserved for grand weddings. She and Severus had already committed themselves. A simple ceremony with their few close friends would suffice.

Hermione's resolve to have the small wedding plans remain as is returned. There wouldn't be a wedding dinner or rehearsal. There would be a ceremony, a honeymoon and a new home.

Then the sobs came. Sobs so loud they carried over to Neville's office before Hermione had the chance to swing the door closed with her wand.

Neville had heard what he heard and hadn't hesitated to rush downstairs to inform Severus. As Severus rushed upstairs to check on Hermione, Neville remained behind wondering if he'd done the right thing. Hermione was sobbing, but he didn't know why. He'd never been around a pregnant witch and worried that something was going awry in that area. Returning to the office floor, Neville slipped quietly into his office closing the door behind him silently hoping he hadn't done the wrong thing by notifying Severus.

Neville nervously shuffled his notes around his desk as Hermione and Severus' muffled voices came through the wall. Neville couldn't make out what was being said. He did however, recognize the back and forth of two voices. Feeling as though he was eavesdropping, Neville decided he needed to be anywhere except in the office next to Hermione. Deciding Florae was far enough away, he hurriedly made his way through the back and into the peaceful area of flora, fauna and fresh, medicinal herbs.

/*/

Neville had been correct. When Severus opened the door to Hermione's office, she was sitting behind her desk sobbing as though she'd received the most heartbreaking news. Severus' first thought had been that pregnancy hormones kicked in at the most inopportune times. However, after pulling up a chair beside Hermione and asking a few questions, he realized she was stressing over a simple matter. In a voice choked with tears, Hermione explained how she had declined to have a wedding rehearsal dinner.

Severus sighed as he summoned tissues from the cabinet in the far corner of the room. He thought this discussion had been sorted. They had already discussed the details of their wedding, ad nauseam. Why this particular idea had emerged once again was beyond him.

Pushing a few stray hairs away from Hermione's face then sliding his hand down her arm to take her hand, Severus spoke softly but firmly. "Wipe your face please. What thing or person has gotten you to this state? You're in here sobbing over something which has already been decided. You are not depriving me of anything. What you are doing is giving me two of the greatest gifts I'll ever receive. You have consented to be my wife and are carrying my child. If it was at all possible, I would have made us husband and wife by waving my wand. If you keep this up, I'll drag you, and your lovely, white dress in front of an official and have him marry us on the spot."

Hermione squeezed Severus' hand rewarding him with a smile. "I'm being silly, aren't I? I was stupidly second guessing my, our, decision as I read Debra's letter and suddenly became overly emotional. I'm sorry love. I'm fine now."

Placing a quick kiss on Hermione's forehead, Severus stood. "Everything is in place love. Please do not revisit our decisions if it upsets you. We have agreed to an abbreviated ceremony and that is how it stands. I suggest a quick wash up of that lovely face, a spot of tea then we sit down with Neville to go over Noah and Ethan's forms and applications. I've already advised them there will be a meeting today. I'd like to get them started by this evening."

Hermione rose from her chair and headed to the ladies. "Have Neville come down as well. We can hold a discussion over tea. I'll meet you both downstairs."

"Fine. See you in a bit."

/*/

Neville and David were discussing growth rates of the seedlings David had planted less than a month ago when Severus entered Florae.

"Good morning Severus. I have made a few changes. Tell me what you think."

Severus glanced around the shop taking stock of David's enhancements and renovations especially noticing the wolfsbane plants which had been moved to a secluded stall. Florae looked as good as some of the top shops in this field. Extending his hand to David, Severus gave a well deserved compliment.

"Well done moving the wolfsbane. You've outdone yourself Mr. Reese. I would chance to say your endeavor here is on par with your former shop. In fact, the enhancements lead me to believe that Florae would take top honors if put side by side with other shops. With your improvements, I believe Florae can be run by a single wizard."

As he pumped Severus' hand, David replied with a grateful smile. "Thank you for your kind words Severus, but don't let Allen hear that as he hopes to become an integral part of this shop somewhere down the road."

If David expected Severus to be surprised by his words, he was mistaken. There hadn't been any conversation yet, but Allen had made his choice clear. If there was ever an opportunity for him in Florae, he would take it.

It wasn't something up for discussion at the moment, so Severus had simply nodded and revealed the reason he was there. "I've come to fetch Neville. Hermione and I would like a word. Perhaps you would like to have a cup of tea with us David. I believe there is something you might want to run by Hermione, even at this early date."

David knew Severus was referring to Allen taking a permanent position in Florae. He had spoken a bit out of turn and wasn't ready to discuss it any further until he had a proper conversation with Allen.

"Thank you for the invitation Severus, however, it's a bit premature to discuss the matter with Hermione. Besides, I have set aside time today to pamper my snowdrops, germander and gillyweed which are almost as sensitive as the mandrakes and wolfsbane. A herbalist's job is never done."

"Fair enough David," replied Severus. "Hermione's waiting. Neville and I will see you later."

/*/

Neville was a bit hesitant about this upcoming discussion. He heartily hoped it wasn't about what had gone on in Hermione's office. He didn't want to know. As long as Hermione wasn't ill or the baby in distress, he didn't need to know.

As he and Severus walked side by side down the stairs, Severus cleared up Neville's anxiety by telling his partner they were simply meeting over a cup of tea to discuss how they would proceed with Noah and Ethan.

A suddenly expansive Neville remarked that he looked forward to getting the lads up and running as soon as possible.

"As do Hermione and I," answered Severus as he led the way to the lunch area where Hermione was waiting.

"What kept you? I was beginning to think I would be holding a discussion with myself. I took the kettle off boil, but the water should still be piping," she advised, summoning the tea ingredients along with cups and saucers. "We'll make this quick as we'll be sitting with Noah and Ethan later this afternoon. Shall we plan to see them during the lunch hour, or straight after work?"

Neville spoke up. "I won't be available this afternoon. David and I need to visit the docks to pick up a few live shipments. However, if the lunch hour is better suited to a meeting, please feel free to meet without me. I'll catch up later in the day."

"Very well Neville. Hermione and I will meet with the men during lunch as I have a bit of business to see to directly after work and would like to see them set up before I leave."

The three partners quickly went over what was to be done and were back in their offices within fifteen minutes. It was left to Severus to inform Noah and Ethan about the meeting time.

/*/

With the meeting time established, Noah told Allen he should take an early lunch also explaining there would only be one queue open while he and Ethan were off the floor.

"No problem Noah. Happy to help. Traffic shouldn't be too heavy at that hour."

It was settled. Allen would be in charge of the floor for at least an hour.

The three men returned to their stations ready to assist any customer who came through the door.

/*/

Hermione was once again alone in her office. However, this time she was in better spirits. Even though she'd been an emotional witch all her life, she'd always been strong enough to hide her feelings. Not recently though. Baby Snape was wreaking havoc on her emotions as well as her digestive system. If she wasn't sobbing, she was vomiting. Severus had insisted she refrain from mixing any potions relating to morning sickness, so she was stuck with that, but the weeping and sobbing made her feel like a mewling weakling. The books she'd read gave generalities regarding morning sickness and the first months of pregnancy. Some women cried all the time. Some women vomited all the time. Just her luck she'd been saddled with both. To top everything off, her metabolism would suddenly go into hyper drive leaving her hot and irritable. Then, as if Hermione had wished it, a very strong hot flash shot through her body leaving her limp and sweaty.

She conjured a small hand fan before waving her wand to summon a calendar. As the calendar floated in the air in front of her, Hermione counted off the weeks. According to her calculations, she was eleven weeks along. Waving the calendar away, Hermione sighed. She would be so glad to get to that point where she could enjoy her pregnancy.

The last of Hermione's sigh had just left her mouth when Severus, Noah and Ethan appeared at her door.

Severus noticed Hermione's slightly frazzled demeanor but chose not to mention it while in the presence of his staff.

"We're ready to go over this information," Severus remarked, holding the documents up in the air. "We'll meet you in the conference room."

Hermione nodded as she lifted her long mane to give air to the slightly damp tendrils at the back of her neck. As she opened her drawer to put away the fan, her eyes fell upon The Silver Book of Potion Masters Extraordinaire and a brief thought passed through her mind. The book was the greatest piece of source material for potions in the wizarding world and she hadn't thought to consult it. Making a mental note as she headed to the conference room, Hermione decided to browse the book for any remedies for morning sickness and non-stop crying.

/*/

The meeting with Noah and Ethan was only thirty minutes in length. Severus had gone over the requirements, applications and examinations. Once it was decided that both men met the requirements, they were on to the applications, after which, each man took his set of study materials and headed off to have a bit of lunch before returning to the shop floor.

Over lunch, they went through the course materials. Hubris or not, each man was sure he knew most of the content and could pass the test with only a bit of brushing up. Ethan volunteered to take the completed applications back to the Ministry and set up a testing date as well.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," suggested Noah. "Check with Severus to see what he wants us to do. We may think we're ready, but he may not. If he gives the go-ahead, you may turn in the applications. Allen and I will watch the floor. Be sure to make copies. Let's get back upstairs."

"I'll speak to Severus straightaway. He's probably in the brewing room."

Noah headed upstairs while Ethan headed towards the brewing room.

/*/

After the meeting, Hermione got up from the chair to go back to her office, but Severus caught her by the arm.

"Are you ill?"

"I'm fine love."

"If I thought you were fine, I wouldn't have asked the question," replied Severus running his wand up and down Hermione's body then quietly speaking a cooling charm. "You have a temperature. Why is it a fight to get a straight answer out of you? You are unwell. You should go home to rest."

Hermione gave Severus a cold stare. "I'm not going home. It was a hot flash Severus. They come and go. I'm not unwell. I'm just hot, sweaty and a bit parched. I'll have a drink of water and all will be well, and I would appreciate it if you didn't speak to me in that tone" she added crankily. "I believe baby Snape is having the run of my body. There is nothing to be done until our little darling settles down. We have an appointment tomorrow morning with Obstetrics Healer Smythe. Perhaps she'll have something which will control my little episodes. Until then, I'm as fine as I can be. I'll Accio a few bottles of cold water as soon as I get to my desk, so be a love and finish your work so you can go check on the contractor. I want to know how your project is coming along as well."

"The contractor can wait," replied Severus stubbornly. "I'd rather accompany you home…"

Hermione cut him off in mid sentence. "Do not try me Severus Snape. Although I appreciate your concern, I do not need you to hold my hand. Go finish your work then get on your way to Great Warley. I'll see you when you get to the cottage."

"Fine," huffed Severus turning to go downstairs.

Before he could clear the doorway, Hermione softly called out that she and the baby loved him. Turning back to face Hermione, Severus remarked that the feeling was mutual before heading to the stairs.

Clasping her hands across her stomach, Hermione whispered a word of advice to their child. "You are unaware as of yet, but your father is a git. He is the git I love, but a git all the same. Remember that for the future. Now mummy has to get some work done, but first. Accio bottle of cold water. Accio bottle of cold water. Accio bottle of cold water."

Hermione had the first bottle opened and was gulping it down before the third bottle had settled on her desk. Once again, Hermione lifted her hair off her neck. However, this time, it was only to splash on a few drops of cool water.

"Ah!" She sighed, pulling a few documents across the desk. "That makes me feel so much better."

Downstairs, Severus was growling under his breath as he moved from cauldron to cauldron. His witch certainly knew how to get on his last nerve. He would make a stop at Great Warley to check in with the contractor as planned, but it would be an abbreviated visit. He planned to be home in time to help Hermione out of her work clothes, and, he added ominously, to hold her hand.