A/N: Sorry for the wait. I got really busy this last week and have had trouble writing this chapter as it is. If it completely sucks, I apologize, but my muse seems to have taken a vacation of late. That said, please leave feedback.

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Hermione was decidedly having a much easier time in Arithmacy than Snape was having with Madam Pomfry at the present moment. While Hermione received a knowing nod from Sinastra, Snape was having a very roundabout conversation with the medi-witch.

"Poppy, I need a word with you about this 'condition' Miss Granger has." He furrowed his brow at the word "condition."

"Severus, you know I am unable to divulge private information to uninvolved parties."

"What if I told you that I know what this supposed 'condition' is and that I'm involved?"

"And how could you be? Besides, I doubt it's something she would announce willy-nilly to anyone, especially you. I don't think even you could weasel it out of her, Severus," she informed him.

"Poppy, she explicitly stated you wished to speak to me." His agitation was beginning to show.

"I did no such thing," she scolded.

"Ah, but you did. I believe you wanted to have a word with the other person involved," he stated with cocked eyebrow.

Madam Pomfrey covered her mouth in surprise finally realizing what he was getting at. Regaining her composure seconds later, she stated in a hushed voice, "Severus, what are you doing sleeping with students?"

His eyes darkened as he glared at her. "I don't appreciate the accusation," he stated in a quiet and menacing tone. "It was one student. No more than that. And it was unavoidable."

"Unavoidable? Severus, how is that unavoidable" she asked irately. "You had sex with a student for Merlin's sake! That student is now pregnant with your child! How could you be so irresponsible?"

"Because Lucius Malfoy and his bloody curse forced Miss Granger and myself to behave like dogs in heat!" he spat back acidly. He took a moment to calm himself realizing his anger would not help the situation. "Poppy neither of us intended for this to happen. Malfoy surprised us that night and he managed one last curse that caused us to succumb to overwhelming lust. I remember nothing of what happened between the two of us that night, as the curse is meant to do just that. What I do know is that I will do whatever is in my power to help Miss Granger through this difficult situation for which my lack of responsibility has created. Now have your say and be done with it. I don't need more of your chastising. I needn't remind you I'm not some irresponsible student, nor am I in need of your pity," he finished sharply.

In much softer tones than his, Madam Pomfry replied, "Severus, this is just too much." She found a place to sit. "I don't know what I expected, but this certainly wasn't it. When Miss Granger came to me, I thought she was joking. However, when I realized the gravity of the situation, I thought another student was at fault. This is much worse."

Snape snorted in response to the obviousness of the statement. He knew the implications that would go along with the information becoming public. "Just don't tell anyone the reason for everything that's going to happen in the next few weeks. This must not get out. It is imperative to the well being of all involved." He was thinking mostly of himself, but some part of him was considering Hermione.

"I understand, Severus. However, the Headmaster and Headmistress should be informed."

"Albus has already been informed. I believe he is seeing to it that Minerva is told. Good day, Poppy." With that, he turned on his heels and left. His black robes billowed behind him as he left.

Madam Pomfry smiled briefly. While Snape may not be pleased with the present situation, he was at least taking some responsibility. Perhaps becoming a father was the catalyst he needed o be happy.

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Hermione looked for Snape to leave the head table during dinner. That was her cue to leave shortly after. Ron inquired why she was leaving so early and she shrugged it off as homework, which it was in a way. Several minutes later, Hermione found herself in her fiancé's office.

Snape and Hermione had ironed out the kinks in their story after several hours of debating what they should tell people. Everyone would, of course, be shocked to find out the dour bat-like Potions Master of Hogwarts and the school's star student were to be married shortly. As such, they needed an airtight story that would not cause suspicion. So, they put their minds together and logically worked through the problem. The first real test would come the next evening when they would be having dinner with Hermione's parents. They needed to be prepared.

Once everything was sorted out, Snape said, "We need a word with your head of house."

"Why? I thought Dumbledore was taking care of it."

"He is," Snape responded shortly. "However, it's best we get her inquiries out of the way. Now come along."

Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head. She followed as he led her to McGonagall's office.

"Severus, Hermione, I did not expect you. Is there something you needed?" the Transfigurations Professor inquired.

Hermione and Snape shared a look. "Minerva, has Albus spoken with you?" Snape asked.

"Yes, he has. I suppose you wish to have a word about the matter."

Hermione took a seat. Snape stood while McGonagall remained seated behind her desk. Snape placed a silencing charm on the room.

"Minerva, make your accusations," he suddenly spoke.

"Severus, I don't know what you mean," she responded defensively.

Snape snorted his response. "Come now, Minerva. I know you want to say it. Let's just get what you really think out in the open so we can all move on."

"Severus, really, this is a bit absurd, especially from you!"

Hermione had remained silent, but something about McGonagall's tone had stirred her to a response. "Professor, if you have something to say and you're holding back because of me, don't. If you can say it to Severus, you can say it to me." A very slight smile crossed Snape's features. Hermione was sticking up for him, and a small part of him took pride in it.

"Hermione, are you sure about this?" She nodded. "Very well. Severus, how could you have let this happen? She's a student for Merlin's sake. Hermione has her whole life ahead of her, and now this! What do you think is going to happen to her when this gets out? And marriage, well, that will only encourage her classmates. Honestly, Severus, there has to be another way."

Snape's visage only got darker, firmer, as McGonagall had her say. "Are you done, Minerva?"

"I believe I've clearly stated how I feel about the situation. We have time to find another alternative."

"There are no other feasible alternatives, Minvera!" Glaring at the other professor, he continued. "For the record, I did not 'let this happen.' How can you even blame me for this! And don't think for a second I don't know how this affects Hermione. I know damn well what's happened! I may not remember the specifics of that night, but I know where I woke in the morning and who with. And for the record, Minerva, the marriage was not my decision to be made. I am simply keeping a promise. Good evening!" Once finished, Snape purposefully strode from the room slamming the door behind his retreating frame.

Hermione wished dearly that she could have followed him. The silence was deafening. Finally, deciding she could not take anymore of the silence, she spoke. "He's right, Professor. It wasn't his decision to make. It was mine." She began to leave herself.

"Hermione?"

Turning to face her head of house, she responded, "Yes, Professor?"

"Are you sure about this?"

"Professor, I'm sure. Really. I know Severus will take care of me. Besides, I'm a Gryffindor, right? If I can survive a war, I can survive this."

"Just remember the marriage is for life, Hermione."

"I know." She sadly followed the path her husband-to-be had taken minutes before leaving Professor McGonagall alone once again.

Hermione nervously wandered to bed fortunate to not meet any of her friends along the way. She did not sleep well at all, the day's events whirling through her head. She knew she needed to get a good rest as she was already worn out from all that had happened and what would happen in the very near future. However, sleep was not very forthcoming with all her worries. As slumber finally did begin to reach her, her thoughts turned to her parents as she hoped they would have a bit of understanding.

End Part 3