Chapter 5

Kingsley had chosen two very competent assistants for her. They did the leg work visiting the clinics, getting the reports and taking notes. It seemed to be going very well even without her. Then they would meet with Hermione and she could do paperwork for an hour or so before Severus would stand over them and growl. He told her what Kingsley said, that she hadn't asked for help as she had told him. Hermione blushed at her lie to explain. She didn't want to take away the galleons that would go to a clinic, just for her convenience. Severus growled and shook his head.

Hermione had time now to take stock and decide on the direction she wanted to go with her career. Just how devoted did she need to be to the ministry? She had told Severus that she was going to continue working, but the more she considered the life inside her, the more she wanted to just be a mum. First steps, first words, first day at school. She didn't want to miss any of it. Her parents had both been professionals and were great role models. She'd learned to take care of herself from a very early age. It made her strong and independent, but it was also lonely to come home to an empty house at age 10. She didn't want her child to go through that.

At the same time she knew that Severus would be brewing at home and he would be there for their child. An ideal situation. She needed to talk it over with Ginny. She'd had one of her own and Hermione wondered how she did it and still managed a career. The party would start in a few hours. Maybe she could get some advice then.

oopOqoo

Severus had everything planned to the last detail. The guests began to arrive. No one dared be late when it came to Severus. He insisted that she remain in her room. He felt it would build the suspense and get their curiosity going. He wasn't wrong. By the time everyone arrived the words, 'Where's Hermione', would have great meaning. He had everyone sitting comfortably in the family room, all on pins and needles.

"All right. You've all been wondering where she is. The truth is she's here in her room. I want to give you a bit of instruction before she comes out. As some of you may know, Hermione has been off work for several days. She was ill, very ill, and I want you all to be on your best behavior before I bring her out. There will be no yelling or rough physical contact, or I'll throw you all out. Is that understood? This party is set for two hours. I expect you to leave as punctually as you arrived." The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Severus left the room to bring her out. When they appeared and stood before the crowd they were all silently looking at her for the apparent signs of sickness or disease. It was true she was pale and thin, but not so much that it was alarming. Finally Harry got up and stepped forward. "Hermione, we're all worried about you. Are you okay?"

Hermione gave Severus the stink eye, knowing he must have said something to scare the daylights out of them. "Yes Harry, I'm more than okay…I'm pregnant.

Everyone stood to cheer and offer congratulations, when Severus stepped in front of her. They immediately curbed their enthusiasm. She pushed him aside to grab Harry for a big hug. "Don't let him scare you, He's really a pussy cat."

Harry pulled her into a bear hug. "I'm so happy for you Mione!"

She broke away and walked into the middle of the crowd, grabbed Ginny into a hug, and the whole room joined in. Lucius was grinning at Severus from the back corner. He could tell his old friend was still concerned for his wife's health and didn't like a bunch of germy people touching her. He was just as overprotective when Draco was announced. Of course his friends had emotional restraint and it wasn't such an issue. Still, he went over to him and held out a hand in congratulations. "Well done old boy. I'm very happy for you both."

Severus looked at him with distain. "Old boy? Do I need to remind you, that you are several years older than me?"

Lucius grinned, "Not at all, but then I'm not a new father, am I."

"You're not fooling me Lucius. Don't tell me you wouldn't like to see Narcissa with a ripe belly no matter hold old you are."

Lucius smirked, "Are you trying to become a godfather again?"

Severus smirked back, "No thanks, Once is enough. Besides, I think I'll have my hands full."

Hermione was the center of attention and Severus stood behind her so proud. He had insisted that she sit on the couch. The usual questions followed from the excited and giggling women in the room. How far along are you? When are you due? Do you know the sex yet? Have you thought of baby names? Do you still have morning sickness? Then Ginny announced, "We need to give you a baby shower!" Hugs and belly rubs then began in earnest. The men took a back seat as expected. Going to Severus to congratulate him one by one. Drinks were passed out and toasts to the new parents began.

Hermione then announced that Severus had decorated the nursery himself so that he could do a gender reveal to everyone. The crowd followed them to the back of the house to an undecorated door. He pulled Hermione close and kissed her passionately to the cat calls of all involved, and one yuck, from an unknown source, (probably Ron). Then he opened the door to the most adorable room any child could have. "Severus, It's so beautiful." Hemione whispered.

The room was painted in a light violet, with puffy fabric wall hangings of muggle nursery rhymes, which were really stories from the magical world misinterpreted by muggles. The man in the moon was watching protectively above the crib. The window that looked out over the back yard had baby pink curtains with moons and stars on them. There was a white crib with a pink sheet and tan teddy bear. A white dresser and changing table, stocked with all the things necessary to keep a baby happy and healthy. And of course a fully stocked bookcase from floor to ceiling, for every story time and bedtime to come. A low table next to the comfortable rocking chair had a musical lamp with little Bo Peep and the correct number of sheep. It could be switched on to either bring light to the room or reflect light to the ceiling where a galaxy of stars would be projected. Lastly a four-foot bear sat in the corner with big pink satin bow and a lap to comfort a tired head.

Everyone was talking at once at how sweet it was. Hermione was touched by how much effort had gone into the room. His love for them was in everything there. She looked at him adoringly and say, "I love you too."

oopOqoo

Monday came too quickly for Severus. Hermione was herself again and was excited to get back to work. He made her have a full breakfast and promise at least a dozen times to take it slow. "You know what the doctor said. If you feel tired or are in any pain you are to stop and rest and then call me. Strike that, I want you to report in every hour. In fact I'd feel better if you just came home early."

After a week of this Hermione was done with his worrying. "SEVERUS! Stop it. I'm not the first woman to have a baby and I am the brightest witch of my age. You don't have to fuss so much. I know what to do."

His annoyance was clear on his face. "You were the brightest witch of your age when you passed out and scared the life out of me! I warn you, if I don't hear from you, I'll come looking."

"OH! Impossible wizard. Very well, I'll send my patronis when I can, but don't expect it to be on time all day. I do actually work when I'm at work. Ross and Scott are still doing my legwork, so I'll be at a desk all day. Ginny is even taking me to lunch." Her voice softened as she smoothed the line between his eyebrows with her thumb. "I love that you are so protective of me, really I do. But you must trust me. This baby means the world to me and I'm going to take very good care of her. I love you sweetheart."

She was gone out the door with a kiss to his cheek and sweet words.