Hermione who was in front quickly held up her hand, to stop the two boys, for luckily Professor McGonagall hadn't seen them yet. In fact, she seemed to be preoccupied with something in her billowing robes. The three stood quieter than stone, partially in shock at seeing her with her hair down literally and totally at eased and hoping to not catch the attention of the Deputy headmistress. Three pairs of eyes watched her silently in the shadow. They watched Professor McGonagall smile down into her robes, making little noises. The same three pairs of eyes suddenly widen in shock, when their transfiguration teacher held up an adorable baby girl to her face, softly kissing its little nose, at the same time cooing.

"Oh, aren't you the sweetest little baby in the world?" they heard her say in the most unMcGonagall like tone.

"And whose little baby are you? You're mummy's little baby, you are," she continued to the laughing baby.

They watched her grab a lock of the older woman's hair and put in her mouth. They heard their teacher laugh, a sweet maternal laugh, as she pulled her hair away. A thought forming in each of their heads, but neither willing to believe it. But her next words confirmed their thoughts.

"You're my little darling aren't you? My sweet little daughter," Minerva cooed to her daughter.

Hermione didn't realize it till Minerva McGonagall turned to look at the three, shock registering all over her face.

In that moment of disbelief, Hermione had let out an incredibly loud gasp.

"What are you three doing so late out of bed," she cried, her motherly face turning to an angry look. The three looked guiltily at each other. Athena looked at them curiously, having grabbed hold of her mother's hair again and sucking it.

"We couldn't sleep and decided to go for a stroll," said Harry softly. He didn't want to irate the Professor anymore that she already was. Professor McGonagall's lips formed a thin, thin line. The baby in her arms was momentarily forgotten.

"On the school grounds? In the middle of the night? I realize that the Dark Lord is gone, but there are still all types of dangers lurking in the woods. You three could've been harmed," she said her tone angry and stern. The three didn't say anything.

"Honestly, Ms. Granger, I would've expected more from you, what on earth were you three thinking?" she continued, her voice rising.

Athena obviously didn't care much for her mother's raised and angry voice as she began to cry. Immediately, Minerva began soothing her daughter, her tone soft and gentle again. The baby stopped crying. She glared at the three. Hermione decided to risk it.

"Is that your daughter, Professor?" she asked softly.

Ron looked at Hermione in disbelief and Harry cringed waiting for Professor McGonagall to take 100 points each from them. But those words never came.

"Yes, she is," said Minerva, her tone more than proud. She smiled at her little girl, who now was busy trying to catch something only she can see.

"That's why you've been charming yourself, to hide your pregnancy," said Harry suddenly. It all made sense now. She wasn't over tired from that night, she was pregnant. Minerva looked at him in surprise. She didn't think anyone had noticed.

"Well, yes, that's right," said the Professor.

"What her name, miss?" asked Ron, who had remained quiet till then.

"Athena,"

"Athena what?"

"Just Athena,"

"Can we see her?" asked Hermione.

Minerva nodded before she could think about what she just had done. By then, it was too late. The three had stepped up and taken a good look at the little girl, who now seemed to watch the three with her dark eyes. Eyes that the three recognized.

"Oh my god," Hermione gasped softly, holding a hand to her mouth. Ron was staring unblinking at the baby and Harry was looking at Minerva's red, horror struck face.

"Professor, she looks like... I mean..." stammered Ron.

He blinked continuously, hoping he was mistaken. Nope, that child looked remarkably like Professor Snape. Professor McGonagall sighed. There was no point denying it. Her silence caused even more gasping from Hermione.

"I didn't even know you two were... ma...ma... err, together," stammered Ron some more.

He couldn't bring himself to say married. Snape with a wife went against all his logic. Minerva still didn't say anything, but she clutched Athena closer to her chest, her face pained.

"They're not together. You're not married to Snape are you, Professor? Snape doesn't know about Athena," said Harry, looking straight at Professor McGonagall.

The pain intensified. If she hadn't disciplined her self so well, she would've burst out crying.

"It's Professor Snape, Harry and no he doesn't know. And I'd appreciate it if you three didn't tell him... or anyone else for that matter," she said instead.

Athena let out a huge yawn and her eyes began drifting shut. The three nodded and she knew she could trust them.

"Not even Professor Dumbledore?" asked Hermione. Minerva shook her head.

"And you've been taking care of a baby and teaching as well as looking after an entire house of unruly students all this while?" asked Hermione. Minerva nodded and had to smile at the awe in her voice.

"I had help Ms. Granger. Madam Pomfrey knows and so does my sister," she answered, then wondered why she was telling these children all this. Maybe it was because she wanted to scream out loud to the world about her beautiful daughter. Well, these three would have to do.

"Professor can I ask why?" Harry asked softly. He couldn't believe it. He didn't mind she has a child that really wasn't any of his business but with Snape?? Slytherin Head House?? Although, he had proven to be a not that bad of a person after all. Minerva sighed.

"Why? I don't know. It was a wretched night and emotions were high where else common sense were at an all time low... things happen," she said, her tone sad.

"But why the secret, Professor?" asked Harry again.

"She isn't something he would want to happen. Ignorance is bliss," she answered vaguely. How can she tell them that she had forced herself onto him, that this baby was her fault and not his? To burden him with it would be unfair.

"What rubbish?! He should take responsibility for his actions. Why he should get down on his knees and beg you to marry him!" cried Ron vehemently. What a lousy git! He thought. But Professor McGonagall shook her head.

"No, it's a little more complicated than that," she said. Suddenly she felt tired and looking down, she saw that Athena was fast asleep.

"I should put her to sleep. She'll catch a cold in the night air. Please, don't tell a soul about tonight, or Athena. Please," she begged them. They nodded, each of them hating to see her beg for their silence. And they hated Snape even more for doing this to her. Quickly she said her good night and disappeared into the castle.

"What a bastard!" said Hermione. Ron nodded with agreement.

"I dunno, guys. There's something she's not telling us," said Harry, looking thoughtful, he had his previous questions all answered now, but in the process new ones had formed.

"What do you mean Harry?" asked Ron.

"How does she know Snape doesn't want the baby, if she hasn't told him about it?"