A/N: I always feel pressured to put something up here XD

—

She didn't know how much longer it was that she lay there. Tea gone, and a small litter of tissues surrounded her on the bed. Sometimes she cried for the baby. Sometimes she cried for Severus. Other times she cried for herself. At this point her eyes felt sore and she was completely exhausted and overwhelmed. The last thing she needed was another visitor. "Please, just leave me alone…. I can't handle—" Her breath caught in her throat when she looked up to see Severus's imposing form looming in the doorway. "W-Wh-What are you doing here? Why would they let you in here?!" Hermione snapped, sitting up in the bed, her eyes narrowed at the dark wizard.

He flinched but stood resolute, closing the door behind him, but making no further moves towards her which suited Hermione just fine. "I practically begged them. Potter was reluctant, but my godson was able to persuade him," he answered succinctly. There were dark shadows under his eyes and if Hermione wasn't mistaken she thought he looked like he'd been crying. That alone made her more amenable to hearing him out. "Please, come home love. I'm sorry that I didn't react when...when we heard...the news…" Severus sighed heavily, and suddenly his face became consumed with grief. "I never… I never even imagined that I would have children. And then to lose one just as quickly as I learned of their existence…. I was lost. I went with my natural defenses. I occluded and I realize now just how unfair that is to you."

Hermione frowned, looking away lest she lose her resolve. "I felt alone, Severus. I still do. I needed you. I still need you. But I…. I know you don't want a broken witch," she rasped, tears welling in her eyes before spilling over. She was shocked that she even had tears left. She held herself, shaking with her grief.

"What are you talking about?" Severus questioned sharply. Much to her surprise he marched towards the bed and grasped her shoulders tightly. "YOU ARE NOT BROKEN." His tone stunned her. It was simultaneously cold and warm, stern and loving all at the same time. "I never want to hear you refer to yourself that way again."

Hermione struggled to free herself from his grasp, but the raven haired wizard was much stronger than her. Still she tried, ranting, "How else can I describe it?! It's my fault that the baby is dead! It's my fault that my womb is misshapen! Didn't you hear the Healer?! I'll never be able to give you a child, Severus!"

Here she broke down into sobs, and allowed herself to be cradled in his arms. Contrary to the unfeeling man he was before, this version of Snape was rocking her gently, rubbing her back and murmuring softly to ease her cries. "Hermione, you must realize that you give me so much more than I ever imagined," Severus began softly. "I love you, Hermione. And that's no matter what. With or without children I need you in my life. You are not broken. Yes, this situation hurts, but we will get through this together. You're so strong. Powerful. Brilliant. And yet you can be sweet and compassionate. A witch like that, a woman like that is NEVER broken. Remember that."

Hermione hugged him tighter, drawing strength from the muscular arms around her waist. She shifted in his grasp, tilting her head up so she could look into his deep ebony irises. "So you're not going to leave me? Even if...if I can't give you a baby?"

"I will never leave you. I love you with my every breath and my entire being," Severus confessed, stroking her cheek tenderly.

Hermione found herself nuzzling the hand on her cheek. "I love you too," she replied, the coldness seeping from her heart. She wasn't alone. "Still, I'm sorry," she whispered. "It's crazy but, I miss them," she admitted. "I wish I would've known Severus. And now...now I'll never…"

"Shhhh pet, you'll just make yourself more upset," Severus admonished but inwardly he felt the same. It was quite the blow to know that fatherhood in the traditional sense of the word wouldn't be an option for him. Especially since it was Hermione who was robbed of this chance. And she was so young. Hadn't she suffered enough? It wasn't fair. But he knew that life was rarely ever fair. "This wasn't your fault. You shouldn't feel responsible. Now please, can I take you home?"

"Yes Severus, let's go home."

—

They did not return to work. While the full details for Hermione's collapse were not shared, everyone knew that it would be at least a week before either Hermione or their boss, Master Snape, came back to work. And they were all sympathetic for her loss. In fact, they sent a bouquet along with a card filled with well wishes. Both were very moved. Lola in particular was coddling them both and normally Severus would not have the patience for such antics, but he withstood it because he knew this was how she was showing her love. Plus Hermione thought it was funny and he wouldn't dare put a stop to something that was making her smile. They were in short supply these days. Most of the time if she wasn't weeping, then she simply wanted to be held as they lounged in bed all day. Other days she was up to do more like reading or watching something on television. Those were the best.

Today was a quiet day. But at least she felt like reading by herself. She was nestled in his arms, a book propped up on her knees. Severus was idly twisting a brassy curl around his long, tapered fingers when she said, "Would you ever want a family? I mean, I know I can't...but there's adoption and surrogates…"

"Hermione, love I don't think—"

"I know now is too soon," Hermione interrupted, turning slightly to look at him. "But we've never discussed this. Or any real future plans…"

Severus didn't think it was a good time, but it was obviously troubling Hermione and it was something that they eventually needed to discuss if they planned on being together for the foreseeable future. "I suppose we needed to discuss this sooner or later," he conceded, holding his girlfriend a little tighter. "As you know I never imagined that I'd have a family. But being with you, makes me...more agreeable to that idea," he answered carefully. "I do know that I love you and that I've always imagined that we'd….well you know. Seal the deal as it were."

Hermione smiled, arching a brow at him before saying, "You mean get married?" He nodded. "Yes, I would like to do that one day."

"I'm glad we agree," He added, smirking at how much she brightened up. Sometimes it shocked him whenever she showed her more starry eyed female side. But Severus found it rather adorable. "As for children. I think, when we're in a better place, emotionally, mentally, physically and such, I'd be happy to explore our options. Or if you change your mind and you don't want to then that's fine too. You, Salome, and Lola are all the family I need."

Another smile. He was on a roll. "You, my dear Severus Snape, are a witch's dream come true. Thank you for being so good to me," Hermione replied, reaching up to caress his cheek. Her lips landed on his in a sweet, lingering kiss. "I love you."

"And I love you too."