A/N: Sorry for the delay…

***

But the feeling just got worst. Her nausea was especially bad in the mornings. The smell of pancakes, eggs, and even coffee would send her running out of the Great Hall. So much so that she had to perform a simple charm spell so that she wouldn't be able to inhale any of the food vapors. And to add insult to injury, her growing appetite was making things any better at all. She was shocked one morning to see that she had eaten three eggs, five buttered toast, countless French pastries, and equal amounts of coffee. Even Dumbledore was surprise at her sudden hunger burst.

"Minerva, are you smuggling food out of the hall? You couldn't have possibly eaten all that in one sitting," Dumbledore had commented one morning, three weeks later. He noted she had put on considerable amount of weight and which wasn't surprising since she ate enough for an Olympic team.

"Well, Albus, it seems so. My appetite has returned and is obviously making up for lost time," she replied, trying to laugh it off. She may be eating a lot, but she didn't feel it. Maybe because she seemed to throw everything out several hours later.

"Minerva, how do you feel?" Poppy asked her several days later. She was walking towards her sixth year transfiguration class when she was stopped by the mediwitch. Minerva was quite surprise to see her friend out of her usual environment.

"Of course, Poppy. Why shouldn't I be?" she asked, thanking her stars that on this fine day she could answer truthfully. She had woken up that morning, and for the first time in ages, felt nausea free. So today, she hadn't performed the charm spell on herself. Good thing too. Poppy had a knack for figuring things like this.

"I'm not convinced, Minerva. I think you should let me examine you," said Poppy, not looking satisfied. Minerva laughed a little.

"Poppy, honestly, you're making a troll out of a gnome. I'm fine," she said, and quickly excused herself. The mediwitch just shook her head at the deputy's stubbornness and returned to the hospital wing.

However, Minerva didn't get far before bumping into a second person. Without the dream suppressor potion, memories came rushing back to her, causing her to flush scarlet.

"Minerva, are you alright?" Severus asked alarmed at her red face. He almost couldn't recognize the concern tone in his voice. He watched Minerva bristle.

"For the hundredth time, I'm fine. Why is everyone asking me this?" she said hotly. He just blinked at her.

"Do I look sick?" she asked again. He looked at her. As his eyes roamed her body, his mind was trying to remember something. There was something about her he couldn't seem to put his finger on. Paw print? Water? What does it mean? He sighed and returned his gaze to her flushed face.

"No, you look very healthy," he answered truthfully. Her once thin frame had filled up with nicely, the robes showing hints of curves. Her blue eyes were bright, even as she glared angrily at him. Her cheeks rosy and her hair, let loose and slightly longer now was black velvet. She was practically glowing. To him, she looked beautiful. That thought caused him to blink again. He cleared his throat and thought of something to say. She beat him to it.

"Excellent. Do me a favor and spread the word that I'm healthy and very well, thank you very much," she said. He nodded. They waited a little more, for the first time not knowing what to say in each other's presence. Finally Minerva sighed.

"Severus, please move. I am late as it is. Why on earth are you standing in the middle of the corridor anyway?" she snapped, rolling her eyes. He quickly moved aside to let her pass. With a sidelong glance at him, wondering at his uncharacteristic behavior and if his brain wasn't scrambled that night, she glided pass him, her robes billowing behind her, leaving a soft scent of sweet citrus in his nose.

When she entered the class, everyone was silent. Mentally she commended herself on her ability to instill respect in her students even when she wasn't in the room. Briskly she placed her books on the table and faced her class. Nothing much had changed since first year. Ms. Granger was ever ready, quill poised, notebook open, Mr. Potter trying to look attentive and Mr. Weasley not bothering at all. Mr. Malfoy still had the annoying Malfoy smirk, Mr. Crabbe and Goyle blank as ever. She inhaled deeply, a habit she had acquired. Bad move. The smells of the perfumes, aftershaves and wood all mixed together did not agree with her. The familiar feeling returned and she could feel bile rising up her throat.

Without an excuse, she ran out of the room and dashed into the nearest girl's bathroom. Barely closing the door behind her, she threw up the contents of her breakfast into the toilet bowl. Convulsion after convulsion took over her body. Finally, it passed. Sighing deeply, she rested her head against the cold bathroom walls. She didn't understand. She was well rested; she had resumed a normal appetite. Actually more than normal, to be honest. Why, it was only the night before where she had gone to the school kitchen, some time in the middle of the night and had a huge pickled sandwich. Come to think of it, she had unusual cravings for pickles. She never did like the salty taste before. When had she started liking it? And her weight. Ugh, if she didn't watch herself, she's going to turn into a butterball.

She closed her eyes, knowing full well that she had just left her class hanging but unable to bring herself to move. Suddenly her thoughts went back to her sister. Mallena had given birth to a bouncing baby boy several months ago. Minerva laughed softly, thinking how much her brother in law had to go through. The morning sickness, the food cravings... Minerva sat upright.  Morning sickness? Food cravings? Why did that sound horribly familiar? Oh Merlin. It's not possible. She couldn't be. Could she? Her hands flew to her stomach. Bigger than usual, but it had to be because of the food she had been taking in. Moving fast, Minerva got to her feet and left the bathroom. Instead of heading to her class, she went the other way. There was only one person who could help her.