~Author's Note~

Sorry it's been so long. But here is the long awaited chapter…

Ch9: Death Awaits

Hermione looked up at Snape, waiting for his approval. She was in Dumbledore's compartments, explaining her plan to Snape, who just stood there facing her. After another moment of silence, she asked,

"Did you hear me?"

"Yes," Snape responded,

"I heard you, but it is quite a shock. I would never imagine that you would give up your life that willingly for mine…"

"I told you, I loved you and I meant it. I don't want to see you hurt, especially because you won't kill me…"

"I understand that, but what about your studies?"

"That is where I come in," Dumbledore said, coming down the stairs and towards the two.

"I can give her a copy of each lesson, and have her do the homework and grade it myself. Or you could."

"But won't she be sacrificing her life, and her friends…"

"Yes, but I can suffice. I don't want you hurt because of me." she repeated.

"And Dumbledore thinks it is a good idea, and when Voldemort is defeated I can take my place in society…" she smiled. Snape just stood there for a minute.

She was actually going to pretend she was dead! For me! his mind screamed, and she would do it with or without my approval…

"I wish it didn't come to this, but I see that there is no choice, you have made up your mind…" Snape told her as he turned to leave. Sensing his anger, Hermione said a brief good-bye to the Headmaster, and ran off to meet him.

"Wait!" she cried as he quickened his pace.

"What!" he snapped back then, reining in his temper he smoothly continued,

"What is it now, Miss Granger?" Shocked by his coldness Hermione gapped at him.

"You bastard! How can you be so cold! I did this for you!" She cried and she felt tears start to flood from her eyes, so she turned to go. But it was too late, Snape had seen them and cursed himself for making her cry.

"Come inside!" he cried and led her inside his apartments.

"Sit!" he barked, she obeyed and he left the room. He came back with a Kleenex and handed it to her.

"You need to be careful with those…" he muttered.

"I don't use them against men!" she stated.

"That's makes it worse…" he responded. There was silence for a few seconds, then he said,

"How can you give up your life for me? Me! Of all people! Why?"

"Because I love you," she said in a voice that was barely above a whisper.

"And that's enough?" Emotions were swirling inside of him. He wanted to laugh, he wanted to cry, but most of all he wanted to tell her how he felt.

If I could even tell what I feel… I thought it was love, but there is also admiration, annoyance, and many others. If she loves me and is willing to give up her life, would I be willing to give up mine? Do I love her?

Snapping him back to reality she said,

"Yes, it has always been enough. You did not see yourself, lying there, unconscious, day after day… It took you two whole days to recover! Those two days were hell for me…"

"I didn't realize…" he said.

No he hadn't realized how hard it would be for her to see him like that. He imagined his feelings if the positions would have been reversed.

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. I will get to see Dumbledore at least twice a day. House elves will bring me food… It's all figured out."

"What about me. Do you want to see me?"

"Only if you want to see me…" she frowned,

"...You do want to see me?" At this, Snape laughed.

"Oh, Hermione, you still amaze me! Of course I want to see you. Obviously, I haven't shown you…" His voice trailed off as he pressed his mouth to hers. As he kissed her, she felt all his emotions swim to the surface. Confused by the many things that they were both feeling, Snape pulled her closer. He didn't know what he was feeling, but he did know that he needed her.

His hand trailed over her breasts, and then to her stomach. He stopped dead in his tracks.

The baby! How could I forget?! He pulled away so abruptly that it startled Hermione.

"What?" she asked him.

"The baby…"

"What about her?"

"How will you take care of the baby?"

"Well, I will take the potion and have her five months early, and I can take care of her needs. This way, no one will know I am pregnant…"

"Oh," Snape said, shocked.

Well, she does have everything worked out… Wait did she say her? Seeing the look on his face, Hermione knew that he had understood her statement.

"Yes," she answered,

"I had Madame Pomfrey make a potion, telling her it was for your class, and then took it in my dorm. We are having a girl." She smiled.