Chapter 15: Bump in the Road?

The remaining six weeks passed slowly. Despite increased studying, Hermione felt so worried that she was sure she'd failed all her N.E.W.T.S. And Severus? Severus was surlier than ever to Potter, Weasly, anyone really; even Draco was incurring his Wrath these days.

Albus had been busy trying to decipher Harry's dreams and Sybil's Prophecies while still sorting out little matters, like house rivalries and the last Quittich game of the year. Not to mention the graduation ceremony that had taken place. In a moment that startled everyone Ron Weasley had announced that he was going to marry Nevil Longbottom the two had a good long laugh and retracted the statement several moments later... Ron's mother was still furious weeks later.

Classes had let out and Hermione went home for only 2 weeks of her vacation. There she spent time with her parents discussion her new position at Hogwarts, which she had used as an excuse for going back so soon.

When, at last, she had returned she walked slowly down the familiar steps to his dungeon. She smiled slightly, but not without her worries creeping in. Would he still want her? Would he be cross with her for staying away even longer than advised? Would he love her? She knocked tentatively at his door, something she'd had little cause to do, and jumped when he shouted, "Get lost!"

Indignation fueled her brave venture into the room, and as she marched in Snape turned to yell again, suddenly stopping and making a chocking sound. "Severus Snap, how dare you tell me to get lost!" She stopped shouting when she was very close, noting he hadn't shaved for days and his clothes smelled as if he'd done naught but brew stinky potions.

"It's you he mumbled," and then catching sight of himself in a cauldron, turned away. "I... I lost track of time, I didn't realize you were back already."

"I'll be in my new rooms, you know where to find them," she stomped away. Upon entering her rooms she regretted it. "That could have gone much better... didn't but could have." She felt and overwhelming urge to cry but instead busied herself with making her rooms presentable. Somewhere near an hour had passed when she heard a light rap on her door. "Enter," she replied noncommittally.

A clean and pressed Severus strode into her rooms, head high but not quite meeting her eyes. "I am sorry I did not better present myself. I'd gotten very caught up in my potion... experiment." His eyes wandered her room cooly, his lip curling in a sneer. "I see that even here you cannot have enough books."

"Yes, Professor, I have acquired quite a few for my new classes." It was small talk, she realized painfully. There was silence for several minutes before she got up the nerve to whisper, "Did you even miss me at all." It was instant, Severus was back, hiding the professor quite in place, away for his love. But he was very sad, and very cold.

"I did eventually." His eyes flickered to hers for only a moment before asking, "and have you been taking care of my son?"

Fire shot up in her eyes and she stalked toward him kicking him, quite childishly, in the shin. "You're child? Your child? This is OUR child you great giant of a buffoon!"

He winced slightly as she made contact but her words cut deeper than her toes. "Well..."

"Well what?" She demanded.

"You're absolutely, amazingly beautiful when you're angry." He grabbed her pulling her close and kissing her feverishly, but she was having none of it.

"No, you want to take him from me," she sobbed backing away. "You hate me and you want to take him away!"

It struck him then, what he had said, what it must have sounded like to her. He hung his head and wondered how he was going to make this up.

"Hermione," he began, "I have missed you. I've done almost nothing but miss you, truth be told. Miss you and work on the potion with Albus. We accidentally turned a mouse into a ... well a rather large bowling ball... it was rather amusing... until I pictured you as the bowling ball, that is." He collapsed on her yet to be made up bed and sighed. "it was not very amusing then. We've made very little progress and I'm afraid that if we take up a relationship now... I will not be able to hide our secret. It is hard enough... Tell me, is he ok?"

Hermione had been rather taken aback by his change in character, without being near his moodswings for so long. She approached him and carefully removed her robes, and under those her shirt. She took his hand and, although he flinched, led it to her stomach where a small mound had at last began to appear. He even smiled slightly. She bent over to kiss him, but he shied away. Settling for the top of his head she kissed it and hugged him to her. Again he jumped. "Look at me," she demanded. When he did not she forcibly took his chin in her hand and turned his head. "What are you keeping from me?"

"Nothing he replied, it is only..."

"Only what?" She demanded again.

"I wish you a life of safety. This is not something I can offer."

Tears filled her eyes and she turned to put her shirt back on, stalling for time. When she turned back she smiled. "I gave up on a safe life when I met Harry, and since this child came into my life, I have not thought a moment of my own safety."

Severus stood, wrapping his arms around her in a tender hug. "I would like you to come to Alabaster with me," he whispered softly. There is something I wish to show you.

A/N I AM SOOOOO SORRY FOR THE WAIT! but here it is!

I know it's short, but it's about 3am and I have got to get some sleep, but I promise I'll try to keep the updates regular. How's at least once a week sound?

Disclaimer: These charachters, this world? Not mine.