Disclaimer: See chapter 1.


Chapter 14

The next morning was the leaving ceremony for the 7th years. The parents arrived on the Hogwarts Express train for the ceremony and then everyone would leave including the other classes. Hermione was at the station waiting for her parents along with Harry, Ron, and Ginny. Harry had Sirius Black and Remus Lupin coming, while Ron had his parents and brothers coming. Most of the other 7th years also waited to greet their parents and siblings and whoever else was coming to the ceremony.

Harry, Ron and Ginny forced Hermione to sit down and wait while everyone was pushing and trying to find each other. Ginny stayed next to her to keep her company. Hermione owled her parents to just wait a little bit until the crowd cleared so it would be easier for her to locate them. When it cleared enough Hermione was still sitting with Ginny. Harry and Ron still haven't been back from the swarm.

"Hermione!"

Hermione looked up and saw her mother and father waving to her. She immediately got up and embraced them as well as she could with her invisible protruding tummy.

"Mum, dad it's so good to see you guys!"

"You too sweetie!" her dad beamed.

"You guys remember Ginny right?" Hermione pulled Ginny closer.

"Of course we do," Diane Granger hugged Ginny.

"Hermione! Ginny! We found everyone!" Ron hollered from behind them.

Hermione looked back and saw they did indeed find everyone. Molly, Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Fred, Sirius and Remus all accompanied Harry and Ron. Hermione pulled her parents with Ginny over to the crowd.

"Everyone, these are my parents. Diane and Christopher Granger," Hermione introduced simply.

A round of handshakes hellos and everyone telling each other to call their first names instead of being so formal was followed. Hermione got away with not having to hug everyone because her mother kept her close. She knew she had to be discreet about her tummy. They worked it out beforehand so no chances were taken. Severus and Hermione agreed to let everyone know of the marriage but the pregnancy would wait until after school let out completely.

The group walked to the carriages that were left and each got in. Ginny rode with Hermione and her parents, while the others got into theirs. It was a fast trip up and everyone disembarked. The ceremony was to begin almost immediately.

It was simple with names and awards being called out with a very few speeches from Dumbledore and McGonagall. After the official ceremony, the area was cleared of most of the chairs to make room for mingling and talking. This was enjoyable for most, because the teachers would walk around among the students and parents. Hermione was slightly nervous because this is where they others would discover her marriage to Severus.

During the ceremony, Severus and Hermione would keep glancing at each other, knowing the truth was about to come and were both anxious and excited. Hermione was most nervous about Sirius Black though. Severus knew that he would be within the crowd and he promised her to be on his best behavior (he only made this promise because he didn't want her too stressed).

The group that left the train station was once again together, each talking and enjoying their time. The older boys were talking with the adults while Fred and George were trying to get unsuspecting people to eat the treats they brought along with them. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione stayed close to their parents while they talked.

Eventually some of the professors approached them with Dumbledore being the first. It was pleasant as expected, followed by a few other professors along with McGonagall. Soon though Severus was coming up to them. Sirius was the first to notice him unfortunately and brought it to everyone's attention.

"What do you want Snape?" Sirius sneered.

Severus bit back his sarcastic remark that was on the tip of his tongue, ignoring Sirius, "Hermione may I speak to you?"

Hermione looked at Severus nodded as she stepped away from the group with him. Before she knew it, Severus pulled her into his arms and kissed her fully. Her arms automatically went around his shoulders and she subconsciously heard gasps, gagging and shrieks around her. She knew her pregnant stomach stopped them from completely being together but his robes hid this. Whenever she kissed him, her world was focused only on him. She felt his tongue mating with hers, along with his masculine taste. His strong arms were around her body, holding her tight to him. His silky hair falling against her cheeks as they kissed. When they both pulled up for air he smirked, "I love you Hermione Snape."

Hermione smiled, "And I love you Severus Snape," she stated proudly.

Severus took her right hand, removed her rings and transferred them to her left hand ring finger. Hermione knew where he hid his own ring so she went into his robe pocket, extracted the ring and put it on his left hand ring finger also, letting everyone know they were married, (in case they missed any of the clues.)

Severus walked Hermione back to her friends and family and looked to his in-laws. "Diane, Chris, it's good to see you again. I hope the trip here was pleasant enough?" he asked genuinely while offering his hand.

"It was, I can see why Hermione loved riding the train each year," Chris said shaking Severus' hand and completely ignoring the incident that took place.

Diane repeated the motion, "It's good to see you too again Severus."

The Weasley family along with Sirius and a few surrounding families were in shock over the 'nice' Severus and how Hermione's parents easily greeted him.

"Remus, good to see you again," Severus actually meant it also.

Remus shook Severus' hand, "The same here, Severus," and he smiled.

"You two are married?" Molly Weasley asked.

"Yes," Hermione said smiling.

"Professor Snape, Hermione let me say congratulations first but also give you a warning, sir. If you hurt Hermione you will have to answer to me!" scolded Molly.

Severus smirked, "Yes, ma'am."

Diane and Chris were laughing by now and everyone turned their attention to them with questioning faces. Chris was the first to answer, knowing why they were all giving them weird faces, "Sorry, it's just that I think Severus has been warned of not hurting Hermione so many times by now."

Mr. Weasley looked to Severus, "How many times have you been threatened, Professor Snape?"

Severus smiled, "At least 5 times and please call me Severus."

Hermione grinned, "That's not going to include everyone else when they all find out."

"Better make it 6 Snape," Sirius said seriously.

"I don't think there would be enough left for you Black," Severus grinned.

At this everyone laughed. The tension was completely eased by now and congratulations were soon followed by all. The surrounding families kept watch, as if they were in seeing Voldemort dance around in a pink tutu. With the time that passed, Severus knew Hermione's feet had to be hurting her because she was leaning more and more on him. He didn't mind, but he knew she was ready to rest.

"I reserved a place at a restaurant in Hogsmeade. There is enough room for all of us. Please join us?" Severus offered to the entire group.

They all agreed and took carriages down to Hogsmeade and walked to an upscale restaurant that had the back room reserved for this party alone. Everyone was seated except Hermione and Severus. He pulled her to the side and whispered to her. "Love do you want to take off the concealment charm? These are your friends and they seem to have accepted me well enough."

Hermione looked at Severus closely, "I think I will. I'm tired of having to do the charm repeatedly anyways," and she smiled after taking off the charm.

The first to notice Hermione's new look was Molly. "Hermione!"

This brought everyone's attention to her and she grinned sheepishly with Severus standing behind her. "Surprise?" Hermione said.

A new round of congratulations was in order and Severus and Hermione sat down and enjoyed the afternoon with family and friends. Severus still hated Sirius but he was willing to push it aside for Hermione.

......

After lunch, the students and parents got back onto the train to head back to London. Hermione told everyone she was staying which surprised no one. When they left the restaurant, Hermione put the concealment charm back on while other families and students were around. After the train left, she once again took it off knowing only the professors and staff remained at the school and since they already knew she was pregnant, she had nothing to hide. The professors each offered their congratulations to the couple upon hearing about their marriage. Hagrid, of course threatened Severus if any harm was to come to Hermione. She had to keep herself from laughing out, while Severus took it with practiced eased.

......

Currently, Severus and Hermione lay in bed in their chambers until they found a house. Her stuff was moved from the Head Girl room to his already, thanks to the house-elves.

"Thank you Severus," Hermione whispered against his lips.

Severus knew what she was thanking him for. He had been 'nice' as he could be for the day and from now on he could be himself again. He didn't verbally respond to her thanks but just deepened the kiss. Hermione greedily accepted it. The two lovers carefully made love with Hermione's expanded stomach.

When they both came back down to earth Hermione was spread lazily next him in exhaustion.

"I love you Severus," she whispered.

Severus moved his head to tenderly kiss her lips and repeat his words of love.

......

The following couple of weeks, Hermione and Severus viewed different houses, searching for the perfect one. They were having a hard time trying to find one that they both agreed on. They knew they had time so they were not rushing and were not going to buy a house that neither of them wanted.

During this time they were also talking about hiring a nanny. They didn't know who to ask. Hermione knew that in the muggle world you could call a service for such persons but in the wizarding world she had no idea. Severus didn't have a clue because he never had the need or want to find such a person.

Though they did get lucky during one of Hermione's physical exams.

"Have you two found a nanny yet?" Pomfrey asked.

"No. I've looked in the paper but... I don't know where else to look." Hermione said disheartened.

"If you want I can suggest a few perhaps and Minerva can also do the same," Pomfrey suggested.

"Thank you Poppy! Any help would be appreciated." Hermione said smiling. Since school was out, she had been calling the staff by their first names or at least the ones that told her to, which were all her teachers of course.

Their good luck for finding a nanny also transferred to looking for a house.

They found a two-story house with a numerous bedrooms. They planned on future children though the number was not yet determined. They wanted extra guest rooms and knew they would need a suite in the house for the nanny. The library, office and labs were also a must.

The two loved the place on first sight. It was an older house, dark on the outside with ivies growing along the walls. The entrance had a beautiful foyer which led to the sitting room, library, dining room and upstairs. Down a hall was the kitchen that was connected to the dining room. Severus insisted they would at least get one house elf but agree they would pay and offer him or her days off.

The upstairs had all the bedrooms. On one side was the master bedroom and at the other end of the house was the suite. In the middle were all the extra bedrooms. Hermione insisted the closest one would be the nursery until Athena was old enough to be moved down the hall into one of the bigger rooms.

The nanny they found was one of McGonagall suggestions. She knew of a family that had a nanny who was not needed anymore because the children were old enough to take care of themselves. The witch was a few years older than Severus and was pretty, though this did not disturb Hermione. She knew of her husbands taste and this one didn't fall into that category.

Rose Grisham was the new nanny. She was thrilled for the new family and agreed to move in before the child was even born. Hermione and Severus wanted to get to know her better before their daughter was arrived, just to make certain she was the right person. After all, they were intending to be over protective parents for a bit and they were first time parents. Rose loved the suite and it included a small kitchenette, sitting room and her own bedroom. It was close enough to the nursery and she knew spells to allow her to hear and see into the nursery whenever she would need to. Hermione and Severus trusted McGonagall, knowing she would never recommend some one she didn't trust. Severus, Hermione and Rose were on first name basis. They didn't want formality in their home since they got enough of that at school. They wanted Athena to be comfortable at home along with themselves and they felt that using first names would help achieve that.