AN – I own nothing!
-----
Chapter 49
Severus walked out of the bathroom as he buttoned the front of his button-down shirt. It was light blue in color, which matched Hermione's simple summer spaghetti strap dress. The meeting with everyone was about to commence downstairs in a few minutes. He and Hermione weren't dressed formally for the occasion, but rather casually. He knew that the others might have been dressed in a more proper manner; he also knew a few would probably be petrified, dropping to the floor if they saw him in casual attire of a blue shirt and dark grey jeans. It was Hermione's idea however, she was the one that picked her dress first, and he decided that he would try to match her as best as he could so as to look more couple-like.
He saw Hermione seated on the edge of the bed, just staring out the window. She had barely said a few words since they had awakened. Severus knew why since he could still feel her guilt and sadness. He wanted her to talk, but couldn't force it out of her even if she didn't want to.
"How do I look?" he asked as he stood in front of Hermione, buttoning the top button of his shirt.
Hermione turned her head and looked up at him. He looked handsome as always in her eyes. Even though it was rare to see him smile, it still took her breath away.
"Leave it tucked in, or tucked out?" Severus asked.
Hermione didn't answer and just lowered her head a bit. Sadness was very evident in her expression.
"I'll wear it just how you like it. Tucked out with the first two top buttons open," Severus then said as he unbuttoned the top two buttons. "Better?"
Hermione looked up at Severus, and this time, she did reply with a single nod.
Severus sighed and knelt on the floor, moving between her legs. His arms wrapped around her waist as he pulled her close. "Will you not speak to me?" He didn't get an answer, just silence as she looked away. "Little One, there is no need to feel guilty about yesterday. It is in the past, and like I said, we're alright."
Hermione gave slumped against Severus and gave out a few short coughs.
Severus patted Hermione's back gently and then asked, "Are you alright? Still feeling cold?" The cough did not sound good, and sounded like Hermione might be coming down with a flu or cold. He felt her shudder as she coughed again. "Is it morning sickness, Little One?"
Hermione shook her head. She closed her eyes and inhaled and exhaled deeply. Then, she felt herself being carried, settled back into the bed, and tucked in beneath the warm sheets. When she had opened her eyes, she saw Severus looking down at her as he sat on the edge of the bed.
"Perhaps you should stay in bed. I on the other hand have to go down and attend the meeting," he said.
"No…" she said softly, and took hold of one of his hands. She didn't want to be left alone.
"I won't be long Little One." An idea hit him. "I will talk to Ginerva Weasley and tell her to stay with you for the time being." Severus kissed Hermione's brow softly and walked out.
---
Severus walked swiftly down the corridors towards the grand ballroom, for it was the place in which the meeting was to be held, since it was rarely used. As far as he knew by the plans, a small stage and a number of chairs were to be placed in the empty room.
When he entered the ballroom, he was greeted by Alfred. He then told Alfred to have a hot ginger with honey drink sent up for Hermione. As he looked around, he noticed that not everyone had arrived. There were a few pairs of eyes that looked at him in confusion as if they couldn't believe what they just saw. He knew that it was because of what he was wearing, but couldn't be bothered by their reactions. As soon as he saw who he was looking for, he headed to her direction.
"Arthur, Miss Weasley," Severus greeted them as he sat next to them.
"Professor Snape," Ginny greeted. She was a little shocked to see her Potions professor wear such attire.
"Severus," Arthur said as he shook his hand. "Nice attire you are wearing. Never thought I'd see you wear such casual clothing."
Severus scowled at the grin that Arthur gave him. Before he was able to speak, Harry, who was seated in front of them next to Draco, interrupted him.
"Where's Hermione?" Harry asked.
"She still isn't feeling too well and upstairs in the room," Severus replied.
"Hermione?" Ginny asked in confusion. Why was she in the here in Wellington Castle and upstairs and what did Professor Snape have anything to do with her? First she was surprised to find out that the Malfoys were the spies for the King. Second, she then found out that Harry and Draco had become friends. What more surprises were there?
"You two stay here," Severus ordered Draco and Harry. Then he turned to Ginny. "Miss Weasley, please follow me."
"Go on Ginny," Arthur said as his daughter looked at her. He had a hunch that Hermione was King Richard's heir as soon as her name was mentioned seconds ago. The questions that he had were about to be answered soon enough.
---
"Sir, I have a few questions that I would like to ask," Ginny said nervously as she walked along Severus's side.
"Go on Miss Weasley," Severus told her.
"Well, why is Hermione here? And what is she ill of? Why are you the one taking care of her and not Poppy?" she asked.
Severus stopped in his tracks, and looked down at the Ginny, who looked up at him impatiently. With a hand on her hip, she looked as if she was demanding answers right away. "Hermione…" Severus trailed off. Where was he going to begin so that she wouldn't ask too much questions?
Ginny was very surprised to hear Severus address Hermione by her first name, and not 'Miss Granger.'
"Hermione is here because she lives here. Her illness is nothing fatal, but there are circumstances in which things have to be approached in with caution since…she is…with a child."
"What?!" Ginny's eyes widened with saucers. "She's pregnant!"
Severus nodded.
"Is it… Brandon's?" she asked. Would he know who Brandon was?
Severus smirked to himself. How would she react next? "Yes it is… mine."
"Yours?" Ginny gasped in shock. "How in the bloody hell could it be yours?" She was mortified and didn't care if she was talking to her evil Potions professor. He couldn't take off House points now. She wasn't afraid of him, and when it concerned Hermione, she was protective of her.
"I am Brandon, Ginerva," Severus admitted as he leaned against the wall behind him and crossed his arms over his chest. He called her by her first name like he addressed her last week when they met. "Why do you think Hermione is here? Who do you think her grandfather is?"
Ginny's eyes widened. "King Richard is her grandfather?!" she asked in disbelief.
"And I am her husband," Severus added. When he saw her mouth gape open, with no words coming out, he decided to continue. "As next in line to the throne, and with her being female, she had to marry. Believe me or not, but I am her soul mate. Since the Dark Lord is still at large, her identity has to still remain a secret. Surely you understand."
"Yes sir."
"Other than that, our relationship also has to be kept secret. The Dark Lord will wonder why I am with a student if he ever found out. That is the reason why I had to wear a glamour charm during the Quidditch World Cup."
Ginny nodded. It all made sense. "What about Italy?"
"It was our honeymoon trip. Also, it served as an escape for Hermione. She has been through a lot since her parents died. That is why she needs friends like you and not your brother. Have no doubts Ginerva, I do love Hermione, very much."
"That is all I need to hear Professor," Ginny smiled at him. she was happy to hear those words come out of his mouth. Brandon really showed how much he loved Hermione, and this time, Severus admitted it. Truly, they were the same man.
"Call me Severus, please," Severus said as he started to lead the way.
-----
AN – Wow, I've reached over a thousand reviews. Thanks to all of you wonderful fans and readers. So, it's just Arthur and Ginny that will know from the Weasleys. Review!
