~Author's Note~

Sorry that it has taken so long. School has been busy, and I got writer's block… *anyways, on with the story*

Ch8: New Beginnings

Hermione paced back and forth. Her heels clicking on the tile, and her black dress swishing with her hips.

How am I going to tell him? Her mind wondered. She had never told anyone that she was pregnant before, and she didn't even have a clue how to DO so now. She had begun pacing again, then turned to leave, when the door opened.

Snape had been watching her pace for about five minutes.

She is gorgeous! He mused. When she turned to leave he immediately opened the door.

"Where are you going?" he asked. Startled that he had opened the door, she gaped at him.

"N-no where."

"Well let's eat then," he said as he took her hand and led her into his rooms. Hermione looked around in wonderment. She had never seen his rooms before. Instead of the usual green garb that she would expect from a Slytherin, there was an aura of sensibility. It looked more like a library than an actual room. There were leather chairs and a couch to match it around a lit fireplace, and bookshelves adorned the living room. He led her into a small room with just a sink, table and two chairs. This, she guessed, was the kitchen.

"Bon apetit!" she smiled at him as they sat down. She noticed that there were candles on the table, and dinner was already set. They sat in silence, still holding hands, as they began their meal. Hermione felt herself drift into a feeling of peace.

The atmosphere is just so comforting, I could spend the rest of my life just sitting here…

"Going on a side trip?" he asked, and sent her a grin that made her heart melt.

"Yeah, I was just thinking how peaceful it is here."

"It is, isn't it?" he said,

"Let's dance." And he pulled her out of her chair. With a flick of his wrist, there was soft music flowing into the air. And before Hermione knew it, she was waltzing with him.

"Severus, look, I have to tell you-"

"Shh! Just dance." he commanded, and she did just that. Might as well let him have his moment… she thought to herself. After five minutes or so, Hermione realized that it was getting late.

"Severus, we really need to talk."

"Ok, let's go into the living room." She followed him, and sat down on the couch. She let herself be warmed by the fire before saying anything. Snape, well accustomed to the ways of women, seeing as he had two sisters, just sat there, waiting for her to make her move.

"Do you remember what happened the day you-umm- tried to rape me?" she asked, slightly blushing. Snape, cursing himself, replied: "Yeah, what about it?"

"Well, remember how that potion fell on us?" she stopped, waiting for him to answer, but when He didn't she continued,

"Well, I think that I have figured out the potion…"

"Well, what is it?" he asked, surprised that he was anticipating her answer.

"It said: Mix love, hate, and power to make a life and get a shower. Well, when you tried to rape me-when the potion fell into my lap- you hated me, and you wanted to be more powerful than me. And ever since then, ever since you explained to me why you couldn't I have come to realize how much I love you…"

"Well-"

"I'm not finished. And on Valentines Day, we slept together. And I have recently discovered that I am pregnant. Hence the "make a life and get a shower." It's a baby shower." She explained. When she was done, there was complete silence for a moment.

"Well?" "I don't know what to say… I mean, you are carrying my child, and you have admitted that you love me." After another minute of silence passed then, Hermione said:

"I think I should go," and she got up to leave, only to be stopped by Snape's hand.

"Don't." was all he said. So she sat there, trapped by Snape's arm, while he just sat there.

"Ok," he said after what seemed like hours, "It has finally sunk in" "What has?"

"That I am going to be a father."

"Oh…."

"It's a scary thought, you know?"

"Yeah, just think, I'm gonna give birth…"

"You know Hermione, if you don't want to-"

"Don't even say it," she told him, her voice sharp.

"I have thought about it, and we are going to be parents." And instead of just sitting there, as Hermione would have expected, he grabbed her by the arm and planted his lips on hers.

He tasted like long, hot, greedy nights, and temptations that she should never want, but had to have. She had told him she loved him, but he had not returned the sentiment. So what? Her mind wondered, if this is enough for him for now, then let it be enough…

Snape felt emotions flow from her as soon as her lips touched his, but there was something else. It was… understanding, he thought. Yes, understanding… he thought, and then he could think no more.

His hands soon became greedy, and found themselves beneath her dress. But this only tantalized him more. He wanted to feel her skin against his, moving over his… When he began to take off her dress, she broke their contact.

"No, don't…" she cried, helplessly.

"Why?" he asked, annoyed that his voice was rough.

"Because, I'm, I'm pregnant!" she cried, shock running through her voice. He could have laughed at her comment. Oh how naive you are! "Hermione, we can sleep together, even if you are pregnant. Some say that it even helps the baby come along…"

"Oh," was all she said, but Snape could tell that she was extremely embarrassed.

"Hermione," he said, lifting her into his arms, "I want to make long, tender love with you." She said nothing to his comment as he dropped her gently onto the bed. His bed… she thought. She just lay there, feeling like liquid, as he kissed her from head to toe. Then she gently took off his clothes. And she felt him shudder when she did the same to him. I didn't know it could be this way… she mused, as he dipped into her. Then it began. That slow and steady rhythm. But it did not last that way for long. Soon greed took over, and they were both lost to each other.