Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 49

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.

/

Making The First Move: Chapter 50

After a short discussion with Severus, Ethan hurried upstairs to share the outcome with Noah. It wasn't what they hoped, but it was what they had expected. Although Severus had made allowances, he had been adamant that Ethan and Noah study the course materials for the rest of the week adding that he would ask Hermione to test them Friday during the lunch hour. If she was satisfied with the testing, the applications could be turned in Friday afternoon for a Saturday morning testing date at the Ministry.

Confident he was ready for testing that very minute, a chuffed Ethan was happy with an anticipated Saturday testing date even though it meant he might have to have someone stand in for him at the Saturday Quidditch game.

Noah took slight offense with Ethan's reasoning and snapped out a curt reply. "We've been given a golden opportunity and you're whining about possibly missing a Quidditch game. A fucking Quidditch game? Get your head on straight Ethan or step back. Way to piss off the partners. As your superior, I'll tell you what's going to happen. We'll study our arses off tonight and tomorrow night then present ourselves to Hermione Friday afternoon. If Hermione is satisfied, you will turn our applications in to the Ministry Testing Offices and schedule a testing date for Saturday, November 19 as early as possible. If you have to miss one Quidditch game, so be it. However, if we can get on the 8:00 am schedule, the testing will be over long before 2:00 pm."

As much as he wanted to return a curt reply, Ethan thought better of it. Missing a Quidditch game should not have been the first words out of his mouth. Instead, he offered words of agreement. "Understood Noah. I'll just get back to my queue."

Noah wouldn't take his words back, but realized, as he watched Ethan's stiff back that he could have been a bit more sensitive. He was becoming too much like Severus. He'd only said what needed to be said, but could have done it in a better way.

/*/

Allen had heard some of the conversation. While he agreed with the bit he'd heard, he certainly didn't agree with Noah's tone. He wished both his chums well in their endeavor hoping this sudden perk wasn't turning Noah into a tyrant.

Ethan serviced the clients who appeared at his queue in his normal pleasant manner, but he too was thinking along the same lines as Allen.

Later that evening when they were studying, Noah did offer an apology which Ethan gladly accepted. Ethan had then spoken his piece on the subject clearing the air between he and Noah and the matter was put behind them.

/*/

Neville and David returned to the shop after 3:00 looking tired and bedraggled. The trip to the docks had been worthwhile, but very complicated. They shared a cup of tea as well as some thoughts about the dolt who worked the dock office before suiting up to sort out their procured items.

Normally one to let things pass, Neville was still fuming inside. "Thank Merlin I've never run into that bloody, little….. I keep telling myself I should report the arrogant, impossible bloke, but I don't want to see anyone lose his position over having a bad day. Even that bastard."

David offered his thoughts. "He really was awful. I suppose you're right about him having a bad day. However, bad day behavior should be kept to oneself. I honestly thought you were about to draw your wand when he asked for the name of the shop for the third time."

"Don't feel badly David. Before good sense prevailed, I thought I was going to draw my wand as well. Anyway, this lot was worth it."

Reaching across the table to pick up the large, enclosed cage of Flobberworms, David broke out in a big smile. "I'll have to order in a case of lettuce for these boys. These Flobberworms along with the Asphodel and African Red Pepper plants are great additions to the shop. I believe Hermione and Severus will be pleased."

Neville looked up from the inventory sheet he was updating to return David's smile. "Great additions to the shop, or great additions to Florae?" He asked, now brimming with laughter. "Somehow, I think Hermione, Severus and I will have to arm wrestle you in order to get any part of the newest additions."

"You cut me to the quick Neville. I'll gladly share our finds as soon as I get them settled. I'm kind that way."

Gathering his inventory sheets, Neville clapped David on the back as he headed out the door. "After a quick wash up, I'll turn in the inventory sheet while you get your beasts and plants settled. I need to catch up with Hermione or Severus anyway to find out how it went with Noah and Ethan. I'll stop by Florae on my way out this evening to see how you're getting along. I'll speak to you then."

"Alright Neville. I'll see you then. It's almost 5:00. Please put a quiet word in Allen's ear to come down here before he leaves for the night. Thank you."

"Will do David," replied Neville as he headed for the stairs.

/*/

Severus' office was empty, but Hermione was at her desk. Hermione beckoned Neville in to fill him in on what transpired at the lunch meeting.

Neville stepped in and handed the inventory page to Hermione as she began to relay what had gone on.

"Noah and Ethan are chomping at the bit, so to speak. I think they were ready to test this afternoon. Severus had to slow them down. They will be studying tonight and tomorrow evening. I plan to run them through some of the expected exam questions. If they do well, which I think they will, their proper test will be scheduled for this weekend."

"Sounds good. If I can be of assistance, don't hesitate to ask. I'll be around."

"Thanks Neville, but I think everything is settled. I'll be leaving shortly. I promised Severus I'd see Noah and Ethan settled in before I left. One other thing. Severus and I have an appointment tomorrow at 10:00 am. We shall leave from here. Have a good evening."

"Alright then. I'll see you and Severus in the morning."

Neville headed to the men's before going to his office to look over the outstanding work on his desk, after which, he intended to check in with David. It had been a tiring afternoon, but as he'd told David, one that had been well worth it.

/*/

Severus had planned to be through with the contractor before Hermione arrived home from work, but business had intervened. Severus had seen an opportunity to add benefit to his workspace which had added an unexpected hour to the visit. When Severus realized it was almost 7:00 pm, he hurriedly signed off on the changes and bid the contractor good evening.

Getting home before Hermione had been his choice, but Severus still worried about her hot flashes. He'd read several books on pregnancy, but hadn't come across hot flashes, or perhaps he had without paying attention. He was more than glad some questions would be answered at the OB visit in the morning. His emotions would remain in flux until they got proper answers.

/*/

As expected, with the lateness of the hour, Hermione was already home. What was unexpected was her attire, or lack of it. She was dressed in the skimpiest of tops and a pair of his boxer shorts which hung loosely from her body but fell below her knees.

Hermione turned from the stove, wand in hand, to grin at Severus. "Hello love. Dinner is almost ready. Roast chicken and vegetables. Go change into something more comfortable then come back and tell me how it went with the contractor."

Severus just stood there looking at Hermione.

Turning around again, Hermione hunched her shoulders. "What?"

"I imagine your odd outfit means you've had another hot flash."

"Odd outfit? I think it's a perfectly acceptable outfit if you allow for the fact I had to use a tightening spell on the boxers for a better fit."

Severus sighed, wondering why Hermione couldn't just give a direct answer. "Alright," he conceded. "The outfit will do. However, my question remains the same. Have you had another episode of fever?"

Waggling her finger at Severus, Hermione had some choice words. "If you must know, I did experience another hot flash. I'm dressed this way because even after a shower I continued to feel heat running through my body."

Ignoring the explanation about the choice of outfit, Severus honed in on Hermione's first sentence. "If I must know? You're talking nonsense. Of course I should know. Hot flashes could signal something amiss with the pregnancy or your body. Am I supposed to stand by and allow you or our child to be in distress? Just because my wand couldn't pinpoint a problem in your body, doesn't mean there isn't one."

Striding across the kitchen, Severus placed the back of his hand against Hermione's forehead, cheek and chest. "Merlin Hermione. You're burning up."

Drawing his wand, Severus ran it up and down Hermione's body and came away with the same result as last time. Her body was functioning properly.

Severus didn't want to panic, but all sorts of ideas shot through his head. If it wasn't Hermione, it had to be the baby who was in distress. "I'm beginning to feel that my child is in distress. Dinner can wait. I'd like us to go see an Emergency Healer at St Mungo's. Please go get dressed."

Hermione put down her wand and pushed past a startled Severus who thought she was actually going to the bedroom to do as he'd asked. However, she was back in ten seconds carrying The Silver Book. Thrusting the book at Severus, Hermione growled at him. "Turn to page three hundred-ninety-four."

Not taking Hermione's fierce demeanor lightly, Severus turned to page three hundred- ninety-four and quickly scanned the page. Giving Hermione a quick glance, Severus sat down in a chair to study the page more closely while she glared at him with her arms folded across her chest.

Severus heard her call him a git under her breath, but continued to study the page as though he hadn't.

/*/

Severus read over the page twice before sheepishly looking at Hermione. "I'm wrong."

"Yes Severus, you're wrong," answered Hermione, picking her wand up from the table. "Now may I get back to my dinner preparations? The baby and I are starving."

"I may have been wrong, but it was only out of concern. I wasn't being malicious. According to The Silver Book," continued Severus reading directly from the page. "Hot flashes while rare in most pregnant witches do appear, and as uncomfortable as they can be, are not a cause for alarm. The key word being rare. Hot flashes are not something I would have run across by chance."

"Really, Mr. Snape? Are you conceding that there are things in the magical world which exist even though you have no knowledge of them?"

Keeping his eye on page three hundred-ninety-four, Severus allowed himself a small smile as he fell on his sword. "Yes love. I am conceding that fact. However, you must admit that pregnancy is an area in which I'm not well versed."

"Too late. Don't try to step back now." A giggling Hermione taunted as she wrapped her arms around Severus' neck. "You've already conceded."

"That I have." He said leaning back to reach Hermione's lips. "Whoever would think a prestigious tome such as The Silver Book would contain information about pregnancy. I have been schooled. Since the book advises the pregnant witch who has the misfortune to experience hot flashes what to do, I now understand your choice of outfits. You should take a cool shower when the episodes are at their worst then dress in your most loosely fitting garments."

"And there you have it love. Shall we eat our dinner in peace?"

"Of course. I'll just get out of these work clothes and be back in a quick minute."

After Severus left the kitchen, Hermione burst into soft laughter. Good old Silver Book and good old page three hundred-ninety-four.

When Severus returned to the kitchen, his first words were to let Hermione know he'd heard her laughing, which set her off again.

"I'm sorry love. I couldn't help myself, but I do want to thank you for being so solicitous. From here, if something seems wrong, we'll refer to the chapter in The Book called Witches Ailments. Ailments indeed," she muttered, placing a plate in front of Severus. "Wizards make pregnancy sound like a disease."

Severus wanted to argue the point. Instead, he pointed out they might not need The Book after their visit to the OB Healer. Hermione relented a bit and nodded in agreement.

/*/

Julian had prepared dinner and he and Rouge were waiting patiently for Ethan to get home. Julian had received an Owl from Ethan outlining what had happened between him and Noah, and was prepared to soothe his partner. Julian liked and respected Noah. However, what hurt his partner hurt him, and he'd been on an internal rampage ever since he'd received Ethan's Owl. What he wouldn't give to have Noah in front of him. People took him for a kept boy, but he was much more than that. He was a strong wizard who happened to be in a relationship with another wizard. Julian dared anyone to test him. There would never be a time when he stood by and let someone denigrate Ethan without going to his aid. Ever.

He and Rouge were still sitting in a living room chair when Ethan Apparated in. Julian rushed to Ethan's side but was rebuffed.

"It's been settled J. Let's not talk about it. I sent off the Owl before Noah and I had a chance to talk. He realizes his mistake and I am satisfied with that."

Julian watched Ethan head to the bedroom with slumped shoulders knowing what had transpired had hurt Ethan more than he would let on. Following Ethan to the bedroom, Julian helped his lover out of his cloak and robes wrapping him in his arms before he could walk away. Julian kissed him on the forehead before asking if he wanted him to kill Noah. Ethan laughed as he wrapped his arms around Julian and kissed him back.

"I'm fine. Stop being a git. Noah and I have settled things. We move forward from here."

Neither Julian nor Rouge believed the words coming out of Ethan's mouth and had smothered him with the love he could count on.

"I'm hungry. Have you and Rouge done nothing all day other than sit around plotting. The plotting is over. I want to eat."

Julian grinned. "We'll have dinner then you may eat."

Ethan howled at the audacity of his lover. Rouge also added his purr-bark to the conversation.

/**/

Millie's replacement furniture had arrived on Wednesday, but she was working a double shift and had asked Lee to sort everything out after work.

Lee was the one who had been responsible for Vanishing a good portion of Millie's home furnishings, so he didn't have a problem putting the house back in order. His problem stemmed from the fact that over the past two days he'd become accustomed to Millie being at his flat and in his bed when he went to sleep and when he woke up. The truth be told, Lee didn't want Millie to return to her flat. It wasn't that he thought Corner would make another appearance. Corner was gone for good and for all. He just wanted Millie with him. He wanted to watch her eat, sleep, and even pee, among other things. He was that smitten.

After setting up the flat, Lee sat down on the new couch to reflect on how he'd become boyfriend material. He was MOTU. The wizard who was used to interacting with the gaggle of witches who vied for his attentions. One moment he'd been sitting there joking with Randy. The next he'd found himself staring into those eyes and listening to that laugh. How had that happened?

Lee Accio'd a Butterbeer from the fridge as visions of Millie doing various things slid through his mind. A word came unbidden to his mind. Love. He sat up so fast the Butterbeer nearly spilled onto the couch. Taking two quick swigs, Lee set the bottle down then began to argue with himself.

Love didn't happen in a matter of weeks,

…..but there wasn't any rule specifying how long it took a person to fall in love.

Great sex could be found in a number of places,

…..but sex with Millie was indescribable.

And on and on.

He and Millie meshed and melded when they were together, when they made love, even when they were only sitting side by side. They were like two pieces of a puzzle meant to interlock to become a finished piece. Lee wondered how long he could hold his words. How long would it be before he came right out with it? Taking a few more sips of Butterbeer, Lee was lost in thought when he felt lips on his neck. He jumped up like he'd been scalded to find Millie taking a step back and giving him a strange look.

"Damn Lee. What's gotten into you? You're sitting on a couch in my flat. Don't tell me you didn't expect me to come through sooner or later?"

Turning off his thoughts and turning on the charm, Lee reached around and pulled Millie over the back of the couch into his lap.

"You've caught me," Lee replied with a shaky laugh. "I was sitting here thinking about my lovely witch then you showed up. I suppose you'll have to do until the correct witch arrives."

Millie gave Lee two quick kisses before hopping off his lap. "I want to change out of these robes, then I have a few notes to make. Hopefully, I'll get my work done before I have to come out here to confront the witch who will be dead if she comes through those doors looking for you."

With a wink, Millie left the living room.

/*/

Unless Millie put him out, Lee didn't have any intention of going back to his flat, so he looked over the magical menus in Millie's kitchen drawer and decided to order their dinner. He settled on Thai food which they both liked. After placing the order, Lee poured two drinks then headed to Millie's small study.

When Millie looked up at him as he stood in the doorway, Lee knew. There was no need for discussion. It was as clear as the nose on his face. He was in love with this witch, and it was going to be extremely hard for him to keep his feelings to himself for any reasonable amount of time.

"I'm almost done in here. Did you get so lonely you had to seek me out?"

Lee laughed and lied. "No, sweet love of mine. I only came to hurry you up. I ordered Thai food which should arrive at any moment. Get your beautiful arse in gear because I don't want to eat alone."

"I'm just about done love. I'll be out there before the delivery Owl arrives. Does this late dinner mean you'll be spending the night at Casa Millie? If so, I'm glad, because I'm a bit tired and don't feel like chasing you to your flat just to feel you near me. Go. I think I hear the delivery Owl."

Lee hadn't planned on going home, but it was so much more pleasing to have his witch ask him to stay.

/*/

From the time he and Hermione arrived at the shop Thursday morning, Severus had been in a state of anticipation wishing the time away as he waited for 10:00 am. Today was the day they would find out details about their child. Their child. Severus felt the knot forming in his chest. Never in his life had he expected to be this lucky. Oh, he had dreamed of such things when he and Hermione first started a relationship, but his hopes had been dashed when their relationship disintegrated. Now, he had received more than he could ever hope for. There wouldn't be any more hurting. He and Hermione were together and expecting a child. The gods, or Merlin had been good to him, and for that he was thankful. Reformed Death Eater and Voldemort hanger-on Severus Snape was excited and happy. The life he never thought possible was directly in front of him.

Severus looked up to find Hermione at his door. "It's 9:30 Severus. Time for us to go. Healer Smythe suggested we get there a few minutes before time to fill out our information sheets. I've reminded Neville, David and the lads we'll be out of the office for a few hours. Please get your cloak so we can go."

Nervous as all hell, Severus rose slowly not wanting Hermione to see he was experiencing a case of nerves. "Alright love. I'll just use the men's and be right with you. It'll just take me a moment."

Hermione watched her fiancé move toward the lavatory. He is as nervous as I am she thought. We'll each have to hold the other up.

/*/

Hermione and Severus were called for their appointment within five minutes of sitting down. Healer Smythe was a genial, older witch who, when asked, assured Hermione and Severus that their information would remain confidential until such a time they wanted to make it public. She was also understanding of their current non-married status.

Tapping the side of her nose, Lauren, which was what she insisted on being called, told Hermione she could register as Granger-Snape if she so wished. "You are Granger, and will be Snape in a matter of weeks which is long before the child is born, so we won't haggle over the small details."

"Thanks so much for your candor and discretion Lauren. I think you've reduced my anxiety level by half."

"Very good. We're ready to move on to the next step. Do you plan to stay in the room during the exam Mr. Snape?"

"Please call me Severus," Severus responded as he and Hermione glanced at each other. However, it was Lauren to the rescue with an explanation.

"Alright, Severus it is. Let me add a bit of clarification. I suggest you have a seat in the waiting area. Whether you remain in the room or not, Hermione will undress behind a privacy curtain and the exam will be done behind that same privacy curtain. I may have to ask Hermione questions during the examination. Even though most couples share everything between them, the questions might embarrass you more than they would Hermione. Rest assured, I'll call you right back in to go over the results as soon as the exam is complete. Subsequent exams will be much more simple and I definitely recommend you sit in then."

Severus leaned over Hermione and whispered good luck before excusing himself from the room.

Hermione gave Lauren a nervous smile before thanking her for being so astute.

"No need to thank me Hermione. Being astute is part of my job, especially with first time parents. Let's get started."

/*/

Lauren was very quick with her wand, for which Hermione was grateful. It was a bit unnerving to have a witch touching and feeling around her private areas. The thorough exam with questions and answers had taken only fifteen minutes. After Hermione had redressed, Lauren called Severus back in to hear the results.

Before sitting down, Severus gave Hermione's face a quick scan trying to gauge her demeanor. She appeared to be relaxed and in good spirits, so he took a seat, letting out a soft sigh of relief as he did.

/*/

After shuffling a few documents, Lauren got right into it. "Everything is fine with your child and your wife to be Severus. They are both healthy. Hermione has explained that you don't want to know the sex of your child until he or she arrives. That's fine. If you change your minds in the future, I'll be happy to perform the necessary test during the appointment. Hermione also mentioned your concern over her attacks of what OB Healers call hot flushes. While common in Muggle women, hot flushes are rare in witches. The flushes are uncomfortable but not dangerous, unless they are accompanied by fever. If you do become feverish, I suggest Severus cast a light, fever reducing spell. There are several remedies and suggestions which will help combat the flushes contained in the packet I'll give you before you leave.

"Hermione also mentioned using a Glamour Charm. As a OB/GYN Healer, it is my opinion that Glamour Charms may be used until week sixteen without harm. After that, any charm might make the baby uncomfortable to the extent he or she stops gaining weight. Please use caution."

Severus was glad Lauren had given her opinion because he thought Glamour Charms a waste of time. Now he also knew them to be potentially dangerous. He and Hermione would have to have a chat about them.

"Now for the surprise," continued Lauren. "According to Hermione's calculations, she is eleven weeks along. However, my examination puts her at fourteen weeks, which means she is now in her second trimester. The vomiting she has been experiencing should decrease and disappear altogether within the next two weeks. The second trimester also means Hermione is past most early pregnancy dangers. Everything should go swimmingly from here forward. Hermione just has to remember not to exert herself, and all will be fine. I'll have my assistant Owl you with the date of your next appointment. Feel free to Owl me with any concerns. Do either of you have any questions?"

For several seconds, neither Hermione nor Severus could find their voice having relegated all but the fact Hermione was in the second trimester to the back of their minds.

A huge grin broke out on Severus' face as he reached out for Hermione's hand before making a comment. "The second trimester love. Our child is healthy and we have passed the danger point."

Hermione squeezed Severus' hand as she returned his grin. With the squeeze of his hand, Severus cleared his throat and straightened himself up in the chair. It was not in his nature to show this much emotion in front of a stranger. He and Hermione would celebrate when they were alone.

/*/

Packet in hand, Hermione landed at the shop seconds before Severus. They'd had a splendid appointment, and had tons to discuss, but right then they were back at work. Any discussions would have to wait.

Severus made a quick stop at Hermione's office door to mouth the words, I love you before heading to his office to bask in the glow of coming fatherhood.

Hermione gazed at the now empty doorway while whispering to herself. "I love you more Severus Snape."