*~* Disclaimer- I don't own anything you recognize…It all belongs to the goddess J. K. Rowling. I'm just letting them play on my playground. *~*

A/N: It's been a few days but I finally got the chance to go over this chapter so I could send it out. Sorry for the delay!

~ Chapter 4 ~

That night Hermione lay in bed unable to sleep.

How am I supposed to take care of a baby by myself? I'm not old enough to be a mother. I had plans of going to college and becoming a teacher. I had my life all set up. And even if I still get to do what I planned there are other complications. I have no clue how to raise a child. Heck, I'm still a child. What will my parents say? They'll be devastated. Their perfect little girl pregnant…. Then there still the threat of Voldemort (somehow, now that I've met the bastard, I don't fear him as much). How can I protect this baby from the evils in this world?

She sat up and decided to go see Professor McGonagall. Carefully she made her way to the head of Gryffindor's room. She knocked softly and waited for the door to open. Minerva, who was up grading papers, opened it and ushered the young girl inside.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" McGonagall asked. Tears started trickling down her face and the professor pulled her into a hug. She stroked the back of her head and said "It's all right dear, let it all out." They sat there for a few minutes while Hermione tried to pull herself together enough to speak.

"I don't know what to do. How am I supposed to raise a kid alone right now? Everything's falling apart," she told Professor McGonagall.

"Miss Granger, Hermione, you're not alone in this. If your parents won't help you then the Headmaster and I will. And don't forget about Harry and Ron. We won't desert you now."

"I know you won't but I'm not so sure about Harry and Ron once they find out the father is…"

"They may be quite hard-headed but they are your friends. They will come around eventually," McGonagall reassured her.

"I still feel so alone and vulnerable. What if there is another attack? I won't be able to apperate away like last time," Hermione asked.

"We'll deal with it as it comes. Have you thought more about telling him?" she questioned.

"I don't know…I'm so scared right now. I…I need him. But it's better this way. The less people who know the better."

"Hermione, I can't say I agree with your decisions but I will support you. But right now I think it would be best for you to go back to bed. You need your sleep."

"Good night, Professor" Hermione said.

"Pleasant dreams, Hermione." Hermione closed the door behind her and hurried back to her room.

Good, she thought, Lavender and Parvati haven't stirred.

She climbed into bed and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Severus Snape patrolled the corridors.

For Merlin's sake! Why can't I get that girl out of my head? If I had never joined the Death Eaters then none of this would have happened. I took away her innocence. I shall never be able to forgive myself even if she can. She is my student…she should be able to trust me. I wish I knew how to help her. I wonder what happened after class today.

He heard whispers ahead. A Ravenclaw and a Hufflepuff, both seventh years, were sneaking up to the astronomy tower. "Ten points from both your houses. Now get back to your dorms," he sneered. "Don't let me catch you out here again."

Insufferable little brats. Don't they know how dangerous it is at night? Or during the day for that matter?

His eyelids started to droop and he yawned.

I guess it's time for bed. Maybe now I can actually sleep…

A/N: Poor Sev & Mione!!!! We really are horrible to them sometimes. Now I must go get Sev away from my kitchen before all my pots and pans become cauldrons. Thanks for the wonderful reviews!

Aras: I'm glad you're reading it now too! I try to get chapters out as soon as possible. Although I'm a little sad that I've been neglecting my other story to get this one out so there might have to be a little break while I catch up with that one.

becka: Interesting places? Like New York and Disney World? Yea field trip! Whoopee! LOL! Thanks for the review.

Military-Brat: Actually when I first started this, way back when, there was only two or three and now there is a bit more but not as many as the whole potions project plot. Sorry if it seems overused but with this pairing it's very hard to believe they would be broadcasting for the whole wizarding world to see. Well I hope to never take two years to update and if I do then you have my permission to avada me.

SemiCharmed: Thanks! Now do you really think I'd answer that? Hmmm, let's see, "'child' throws the plastic rattle at Voldie's head and he falls off a cliff, **poof!** no more Moldie Voldie!" LOL!

arcee: Hmmm, now where do I know that name from **thinks hard** ah yes! I do believe you have read this before. Nice to see a familiar "face". I also believe this chapter has answered your question for me (:

Potions Mistress: Ahhh! You evil evil person! I'm sending you to Durmstrang, away from Sev, because you stole my pen name! LOL! j/k I don't mind at all. They are totally different, see the space? Hee hee hee. Glad you like the story!