"THE DIFFERENCE"
You could hear her name when she was warm and tender
And you held her arms around you
There was nothing but her love and affection
She was crazy for you
Now she's part of something that you lost
Yeah, for all you know
This could be
The difference between what you need
And what you want to be
Night swimming in her diamond dress
Making small circles move across the surface
Stand watching from the steady shore
Feeling wide open and waiting for
Something warm and tender
Now she's moving further from you
There was nothing that could make it easy on you
Every step you take reminds you that she's walking wrong
Yeah, for all you know
This could be
The difference between what you need
And what you want
Every word you never said
Echoes down your empty hallway
And everything that was your world
Just came down
Day breaking on the boulevard
Feel the sun warming up your second hand heart
Light swimming right across your face
And you think maybe someday, yeah
Maybe someday
~Lyrics by Matchbox Twenty
THIS IS A REPOST ----- FIXED AN ERROR WITH THE END OF THE CHAPTER
Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, listening once again to the outraged
voices of his Professors. They all were furious with the way Severus had
been treating their students. Ever since Hermione had left, he had been in
an even fouler mood and treated each student horribly. Minerva had just
finished counseling yet another first year that had come to her, sobbing
uncontrollably.
"Please, please. One at a time. Minerva, what has he done now?" Albus
knew that he would have to speak to Severus. He was lashing out his anger
and depression against innocent bystanders. It had gone on too long. It
was nearly time for the Christmas break. Perhaps he could convince Severus
to go and visit with Hermione during the break.
"Miss Appleton came to me crying uncontrollably. I had to give her a
calming potion. It appears that Severus gave her detention for dripping
ink from her quill onto the worktable. Can you believe this?" Yes, Albus
could. Nothing about Severus surprised him anymore.
"Filius?"
"Well Sir, he was yelling so loudly in the corridor that I heard him in my
classroom. There were several seventh year Ravenclaw boys in his way. He
threatened to hex each one if they didn't move immediately."
"Professor Sprout?"
"He sent three Slytherin students into my Greenhouse to retrieve
ingredients for potions. Unfortunately, they were not very careful and
managed to get injured by the nettles from one of the plants. He knows
that those can only be gathered by wearing Dragon hide gloves. Those poor
students have boils on their hands. And I have ruined plants."
Albus wished he could tell the Professors that it would get easier, but he
knew it wouldn't. "I will speak with him."
"Albus, hasn't he even considered Harry's request?" Minerva wanted for
Severus to become happy. He had become a surrogate son to her over the
years that he had been at Hogwarts. "Have they had any contact?"
"I am afraid not Minerva. Whenever I approach the subject, he turns rigid
and cold. He will not discuss anything with me. I do know that she gave
him an ultimatum at least that is what Remus has told me. She told him to
leave Hogwarts if he wanted to be with her. He was too afraid."
"Severus, afraid?" Professor Sprout let out a hardy laugh. "The man that
betrayed Voldemort has discovered he is afraid of love?"
"It appears so, I am afraid. I will speak with him as soon as he is
finished with today's classes. Perhaps I can convince him to visit her
during the holiday break, but I am not hopeful." They left Albus' office
just as a tawny brown owl entered, an envelope tied to her claw. Albus
recognized the handwriting immediately. He was hesitant as he opened the
envelope.
"Albus,
I have received the final gift. Thank you.
Hermione" The entire letter was one line, but those words spoke volumes. They held the key to Hermione's future, and it would be up to Severus Snape to decide if he wanted to be a part of it. Albus penned a quick reply, wishing her the best of luck. With the arrival of that letter, Albus came to an abrupt decision. As the owl flew out of sight, Albus made his way to the dungeons. He had to see a Potion's Master about his termination. ~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~~ "You are what?" Severus' voice boomed throughout the dungeon classroom. "I am letting you go." Albus was calm and collected. He would make Severus realize that this was best for him. "You can't fire me. On what grounds am I being terminated?" "I feel that you have lost the ability to effectively teach the students. You take your anger and frustration out on them each day. It is not fair for them. And, it is not fair to make you stay if you do not want to be here." "I do want to be here." Although he spoke those words, Albus could tell Severus' heart wasn't in agreement with them. "Perhaps you do, perhaps you don't. But, as of right now, you no longer have a choice in the matter. You will finish out this term, and after the Christmas break, you will be replaced." Albus stood, indicating the conversation was over. "And what am I expected to do? I can't stay here, the Governors won't allow that." "No you cannot. It seems to me that you need to return home to collect on your inheritance, now that you need a place to live and money to survive." "I have money. I can rent a flat somewhere. I WILL NOT return to France. I cannot." Albus patted Severus on the shoulder. "Yes you can, all you need to do is put the past behind you and live for the future. I daresay that Miss Granger may be needing some support and companionship in the upcoming months." With no more explanation than that, Albus left Severus to ponder his thoughts. ~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~ "Hermione busied herself over the next few months. During the first week of December, she began feeling rather ill and went to a mediwitch. It seemed that Harry had left her more than a little present. She found out that she was expecting a child in early June. Since it had been in November when she and Severus made love, there was no way he could be the father of her child. After the initial shock wore off, Hermione became ecstatic about becoming a mother. She had written to Tonks and told her of the baby, but swore her and Remus to secrecy. She didn't want to take any chances with anyone hurting her or her baby. And, she didn't want to deal with the complications that Severus could cause right now. She hadn't heard a word from him since she left him that afternoon, and although she was saddened by it, she knew that she made the right decision. If Severus wanted to be with her, he would come for her. It was that simple. She had decided to return to Grimmauld Place during the Christmas Hols. It would be the last time she could visit before she began showing signs of her pregnancy. Tonks and Remus were true to their word and never told anyone. However, during her visit, Molly said that Hermione looked changed somehow. She couldn't pinpoint the change, thank Merlin. She just told Hermione that France was agreeing with her. She had gained about ten pounds and her face looked a bit fuller. Other than that, she could hide her pregnancy with a baggy jumper and loose fitting jeans. She tried to avoid a private conversation with Tonks and Remus, but on her last night there, the inevitable happened. She had just fixed herself a cup of warm tea and was heading up to bed when they ambushed her. Remus led her into their room and placed wards on the door. Remus was the first to question her. "Okay Hermione, you have avoided us long enough. Tell us what's going on." She sat down in a chair by the window and told them all that she knew. "I began feeling ill in December. I hadn't had my, well you know." Hermione blushed. "But that isn't uncommon when dealing with stressful situations." Tonks nodded in agreement, and Remus just shrugged. "Well, anyway. She told me that I was pregnant but she had to run a few more tests to confirm when I got pregnant. At first, I thought I had gotten pregnant when Severus and I." "You and Severus slept together?" Two identical voices boomed throughout the room. "Will you keep it down? Yes, we slept together. The day I left to go home. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced before in my entire life." Hermione's cheeks flushed once again at remembering the passion they had shared. "Anyway, you know we had an argument that day." They both nodded in agreement. "Okay, well, like I said, at first I thought I was pregnant with Severus' child. I was a little apprehensive about it until the witch returned and informed me that I became pregnant in September. When I realized that I was carrying Harry's child, I became ecstatic. I finally realized what the last gift was that Harry had given me, a child; created from our love for each other. We almost always used protection, but he always performed the charm. The last night we were together, something had startled us and he didn't perform the charm. I wasn't really concerned. We had forgotten the charm several times before and never got pregnant. So I forgot about it. Boy, was I wrong." Hermione smiled. She truly was happy that she was carrying Harry's child. "So it appears that there is yet another Potter that will need protecting, eh?" Remus hugged her tightly. "I will be there for you and this child. As long as I am still alive." Hermione should have hugged him tightly, but she couldn't. Remus' words rang throughout her mind. "Another Potter needs protecting." "Oh, Merlin. Please tell me that a wizard's debt isn't transferable." Hermione knew it was though. That was how Severus had become Harry's protector. By James saving his life, he was indebted to Harry after James died. "What's going on?" Tonks didn't understand, but Remus did. And he knew Hermione would not be able to hide this child from Severus much longer. "Tonks, Severus was indebted to James for saving his life the night Sirius played the trick on him that nearly got him killed. When James died, Severus became Harry's protector. Now that Harry is gone, that debt is transferred to his child. A wizard's debt is binding until the debtor dies." "So once Severus finds out about you being pregnant, he'll either think you are pregnant with his child, or he will assume the role as the protector once again?" Remus and Hermione nodded. "You'll have to let him into your life now, Hermione." "I know that, and I want him in my life. If he could only leave Hogwarts then we could be together. Just because I am pregnant with Harry's child doesn't mean that I do not want to be with Severus. If he could accept me and my child, I think that we could live a happy life together." Tonks looked at Remus and he nodded. "Hermione, there is something we need to tell you. Severus is leaving Hogwarts. Albus has forced him." "Albus made him take a hiatus?" Remus frowned, and shook his head. "He fired him?" Now she was the one being loud. Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing. She never dreamed in a million years that Albus would fire Severus. "I don't believe it." "Yes, Remus is going to be accepting the Potion's position until the end of the year. After that, he can decide if he wants to stay on or not." "Congratulations, Remus. I am sure the students will be happy that you are teaching them." She hugged him. "I wonder where he will go?" Hermione was in shock. She wondered what would happen to Severus. She wondered how long it would take him to come and see her, if he ever did. "I don't know. But, once he learns of your pregnancy, you'll have to deal with him." Tonks gave her a reassuring smile. "I know, I know." ~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~~ Hermione was bustling around the shop, grabbing ingredients from here and there. It was early February now and the shop was in its busiest season. She had taken her licensing and now bore the title of Potion's Mistress, Hermione Granger. Once she had passed her tests, Philippe decided that he was ready to retire. He sold the shop to Hermione for very little money. She had hired two assistants, Blaise Zabini and his wife, Chloe. They currently were on a brief vacation, celebrating Valentine's Day, thus leaving her to deal with the crowd alone. The shop was busy for a Tuesday but it didn't matter to her. She waited on each customer with the same amount of respect. The mid afternoon rush was the worst. After she had finished, she sat down and propped her feet upon a stool beneath the counter. There were a few customers in the shop, but no one required assistance. The thumping in her belly began once again, and she rested her hand upon her swollen abdomen. She was showing her pregnancy now, and she was a very proud mother to be. She wished she could shout to the world that she was carrying Harry Potter's child, but she couldn't. She would not risk her child. There were still a few scorned death eaters out there and she didn't want to take any chances. Several busybodies in the town were discussing her being pregnant with no husband or fiancé. Hermione ignored them and continued to live her life how she saw fit. As far as she knew, Severus still hadn't learned of her pregnancy nor had he been in to visit her. She received weekly owls from Tonks letting her know of the news at Hogwarts and in London. But none mentioned Severus or his whereabouts. All that she had been told was that he was gone. He had packed his things quietly and left during the break. No one had seen him since. Not even Albus. Hermione would keep them informed of her pregnancy and the news in her life. So far, there had been little to write about in that department. Her life consisted of running the shop, ordering supplies, eating, bathing, and sleeping. That was it. She had visited several operas and museums in her free time before she acquired the shop, but now, she didn't have free time. Recently, she had moved from the Villa into town. She wanted to be closer to work and she didn't like apparating. She purchased a modest home, and decorated it with both muggle and magical items. There were three extra bedrooms, and one became a nursery. She transformed one into an office and library, and the other she set up as a guest room. One evening, she was finishing up in the storeroom when she heard the bell ringing on the door, signaling that someone had entered. "I'll be right out. Just finishing up in here." She climbed atop the ladder, and reached for the jar of boomslang skin when she lost her footing. She reached for the shelf, dropping the glass jar. It shattered when it hit the floor and the customer rushed in to see what was happening. Just as she began to fall, he reached out his arms, and cushioned her fall. Hermione closed her eyes as she began to fall, praying that the impact of the floor didn't hurt her child. However, when she landed, it was into warm, strong arms. Not onto the cold, hard floor. She breathed a sigh of relief, and in doing so, she breathed in his scent. She didn't have to open her eyes to see who had rescued her. She already knew. "Will you always be around to save me?" Her breath hitched in her throat. "For as long as you need saving." His voice still had the same effect on her as it always had. She opened her eyes and took in a sight that she had long wanted to see. Severus stood before her. He had cut his hair a bit shorter, and he had the faintest hint of a beard upon his face. In her mind, he was dead sexy. There was no other way to describe it. "Is this your new profession? Rescuing witches in distress?" He leaned his head towards her, his lips merely millimeters from hers. "Only the one that I love." The words escaped his lips before his brain could register what he was saying. Hermione wanted to reply coldly to him. She wanted to yell at him, to scream at him for making her worry about him. But she couldn't. She tilted her head up toward him. If she moved her head, slightly to the right, she could kiss the lips she had dreamed about for months. Neither one knew who moved first, but their lips met, and their broken hearts were mended. ~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Hermione" The entire letter was one line, but those words spoke volumes. They held the key to Hermione's future, and it would be up to Severus Snape to decide if he wanted to be a part of it. Albus penned a quick reply, wishing her the best of luck. With the arrival of that letter, Albus came to an abrupt decision. As the owl flew out of sight, Albus made his way to the dungeons. He had to see a Potion's Master about his termination. ~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~~ "You are what?" Severus' voice boomed throughout the dungeon classroom. "I am letting you go." Albus was calm and collected. He would make Severus realize that this was best for him. "You can't fire me. On what grounds am I being terminated?" "I feel that you have lost the ability to effectively teach the students. You take your anger and frustration out on them each day. It is not fair for them. And, it is not fair to make you stay if you do not want to be here." "I do want to be here." Although he spoke those words, Albus could tell Severus' heart wasn't in agreement with them. "Perhaps you do, perhaps you don't. But, as of right now, you no longer have a choice in the matter. You will finish out this term, and after the Christmas break, you will be replaced." Albus stood, indicating the conversation was over. "And what am I expected to do? I can't stay here, the Governors won't allow that." "No you cannot. It seems to me that you need to return home to collect on your inheritance, now that you need a place to live and money to survive." "I have money. I can rent a flat somewhere. I WILL NOT return to France. I cannot." Albus patted Severus on the shoulder. "Yes you can, all you need to do is put the past behind you and live for the future. I daresay that Miss Granger may be needing some support and companionship in the upcoming months." With no more explanation than that, Albus left Severus to ponder his thoughts. ~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~ "Hermione busied herself over the next few months. During the first week of December, she began feeling rather ill and went to a mediwitch. It seemed that Harry had left her more than a little present. She found out that she was expecting a child in early June. Since it had been in November when she and Severus made love, there was no way he could be the father of her child. After the initial shock wore off, Hermione became ecstatic about becoming a mother. She had written to Tonks and told her of the baby, but swore her and Remus to secrecy. She didn't want to take any chances with anyone hurting her or her baby. And, she didn't want to deal with the complications that Severus could cause right now. She hadn't heard a word from him since she left him that afternoon, and although she was saddened by it, she knew that she made the right decision. If Severus wanted to be with her, he would come for her. It was that simple. She had decided to return to Grimmauld Place during the Christmas Hols. It would be the last time she could visit before she began showing signs of her pregnancy. Tonks and Remus were true to their word and never told anyone. However, during her visit, Molly said that Hermione looked changed somehow. She couldn't pinpoint the change, thank Merlin. She just told Hermione that France was agreeing with her. She had gained about ten pounds and her face looked a bit fuller. Other than that, she could hide her pregnancy with a baggy jumper and loose fitting jeans. She tried to avoid a private conversation with Tonks and Remus, but on her last night there, the inevitable happened. She had just fixed herself a cup of warm tea and was heading up to bed when they ambushed her. Remus led her into their room and placed wards on the door. Remus was the first to question her. "Okay Hermione, you have avoided us long enough. Tell us what's going on." She sat down in a chair by the window and told them all that she knew. "I began feeling ill in December. I hadn't had my, well you know." Hermione blushed. "But that isn't uncommon when dealing with stressful situations." Tonks nodded in agreement, and Remus just shrugged. "Well, anyway. She told me that I was pregnant but she had to run a few more tests to confirm when I got pregnant. At first, I thought I had gotten pregnant when Severus and I." "You and Severus slept together?" Two identical voices boomed throughout the room. "Will you keep it down? Yes, we slept together. The day I left to go home. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced before in my entire life." Hermione's cheeks flushed once again at remembering the passion they had shared. "Anyway, you know we had an argument that day." They both nodded in agreement. "Okay, well, like I said, at first I thought I was pregnant with Severus' child. I was a little apprehensive about it until the witch returned and informed me that I became pregnant in September. When I realized that I was carrying Harry's child, I became ecstatic. I finally realized what the last gift was that Harry had given me, a child; created from our love for each other. We almost always used protection, but he always performed the charm. The last night we were together, something had startled us and he didn't perform the charm. I wasn't really concerned. We had forgotten the charm several times before and never got pregnant. So I forgot about it. Boy, was I wrong." Hermione smiled. She truly was happy that she was carrying Harry's child. "So it appears that there is yet another Potter that will need protecting, eh?" Remus hugged her tightly. "I will be there for you and this child. As long as I am still alive." Hermione should have hugged him tightly, but she couldn't. Remus' words rang throughout her mind. "Another Potter needs protecting." "Oh, Merlin. Please tell me that a wizard's debt isn't transferable." Hermione knew it was though. That was how Severus had become Harry's protector. By James saving his life, he was indebted to Harry after James died. "What's going on?" Tonks didn't understand, but Remus did. And he knew Hermione would not be able to hide this child from Severus much longer. "Tonks, Severus was indebted to James for saving his life the night Sirius played the trick on him that nearly got him killed. When James died, Severus became Harry's protector. Now that Harry is gone, that debt is transferred to his child. A wizard's debt is binding until the debtor dies." "So once Severus finds out about you being pregnant, he'll either think you are pregnant with his child, or he will assume the role as the protector once again?" Remus and Hermione nodded. "You'll have to let him into your life now, Hermione." "I know that, and I want him in my life. If he could only leave Hogwarts then we could be together. Just because I am pregnant with Harry's child doesn't mean that I do not want to be with Severus. If he could accept me and my child, I think that we could live a happy life together." Tonks looked at Remus and he nodded. "Hermione, there is something we need to tell you. Severus is leaving Hogwarts. Albus has forced him." "Albus made him take a hiatus?" Remus frowned, and shook his head. "He fired him?" Now she was the one being loud. Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing. She never dreamed in a million years that Albus would fire Severus. "I don't believe it." "Yes, Remus is going to be accepting the Potion's position until the end of the year. After that, he can decide if he wants to stay on or not." "Congratulations, Remus. I am sure the students will be happy that you are teaching them." She hugged him. "I wonder where he will go?" Hermione was in shock. She wondered what would happen to Severus. She wondered how long it would take him to come and see her, if he ever did. "I don't know. But, once he learns of your pregnancy, you'll have to deal with him." Tonks gave her a reassuring smile. "I know, I know." ~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~~ Hermione was bustling around the shop, grabbing ingredients from here and there. It was early February now and the shop was in its busiest season. She had taken her licensing and now bore the title of Potion's Mistress, Hermione Granger. Once she had passed her tests, Philippe decided that he was ready to retire. He sold the shop to Hermione for very little money. She had hired two assistants, Blaise Zabini and his wife, Chloe. They currently were on a brief vacation, celebrating Valentine's Day, thus leaving her to deal with the crowd alone. The shop was busy for a Tuesday but it didn't matter to her. She waited on each customer with the same amount of respect. The mid afternoon rush was the worst. After she had finished, she sat down and propped her feet upon a stool beneath the counter. There were a few customers in the shop, but no one required assistance. The thumping in her belly began once again, and she rested her hand upon her swollen abdomen. She was showing her pregnancy now, and she was a very proud mother to be. She wished she could shout to the world that she was carrying Harry Potter's child, but she couldn't. She would not risk her child. There were still a few scorned death eaters out there and she didn't want to take any chances. Several busybodies in the town were discussing her being pregnant with no husband or fiancé. Hermione ignored them and continued to live her life how she saw fit. As far as she knew, Severus still hadn't learned of her pregnancy nor had he been in to visit her. She received weekly owls from Tonks letting her know of the news at Hogwarts and in London. But none mentioned Severus or his whereabouts. All that she had been told was that he was gone. He had packed his things quietly and left during the break. No one had seen him since. Not even Albus. Hermione would keep them informed of her pregnancy and the news in her life. So far, there had been little to write about in that department. Her life consisted of running the shop, ordering supplies, eating, bathing, and sleeping. That was it. She had visited several operas and museums in her free time before she acquired the shop, but now, she didn't have free time. Recently, she had moved from the Villa into town. She wanted to be closer to work and she didn't like apparating. She purchased a modest home, and decorated it with both muggle and magical items. There were three extra bedrooms, and one became a nursery. She transformed one into an office and library, and the other she set up as a guest room. One evening, she was finishing up in the storeroom when she heard the bell ringing on the door, signaling that someone had entered. "I'll be right out. Just finishing up in here." She climbed atop the ladder, and reached for the jar of boomslang skin when she lost her footing. She reached for the shelf, dropping the glass jar. It shattered when it hit the floor and the customer rushed in to see what was happening. Just as she began to fall, he reached out his arms, and cushioned her fall. Hermione closed her eyes as she began to fall, praying that the impact of the floor didn't hurt her child. However, when she landed, it was into warm, strong arms. Not onto the cold, hard floor. She breathed a sigh of relief, and in doing so, she breathed in his scent. She didn't have to open her eyes to see who had rescued her. She already knew. "Will you always be around to save me?" Her breath hitched in her throat. "For as long as you need saving." His voice still had the same effect on her as it always had. She opened her eyes and took in a sight that she had long wanted to see. Severus stood before her. He had cut his hair a bit shorter, and he had the faintest hint of a beard upon his face. In her mind, he was dead sexy. There was no other way to describe it. "Is this your new profession? Rescuing witches in distress?" He leaned his head towards her, his lips merely millimeters from hers. "Only the one that I love." The words escaped his lips before his brain could register what he was saying. Hermione wanted to reply coldly to him. She wanted to yell at him, to scream at him for making her worry about him. But she couldn't. She tilted her head up toward him. If she moved her head, slightly to the right, she could kiss the lips she had dreamed about for months. Neither one knew who moved first, but their lips met, and their broken hearts were mended. ~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
