Disclaimer: I don't own anything, though I wish I did. The Characters, Location, and everything belong to JK Rowling.
Author's Note: This is not compliant with HBP. I love the book, but it makes Hermione/Snape romances too hard to write, and I don't like challenges that great.
A Lesson on Life and Love
Chapter Three
The awkward silence at the dinner table was suddenly interrupted by a cry from William.
Hermione sighed while getting up to comfort William. She picked up the baby and began to pat its back while searching for the kitchen.
Severus got up, "Miss Granger, I believe the room you are searching for is over here." he said while leading the way into the kitchen. "The professor's rooms are designed by this same format so I am fairly certain of the layout."
"Thank you, Severus. I think we need to talk about something." Hermione said while opening the fridge and pulling out a bottle, putting it gently in William's mouth.
Severus crossed his arms and leaned against the counter opposite her. "What do you wish to discuss?"
"While we are in our quarters, you must call me Hermione, and I must call you Severus. If there is any chance of this working, we must put forth our best effort."
"Fine, but outside of our rooms it is back to the normal for of address."
"There are a couple of other things that I think we should talk about. It is better that we get everything cleared up right away then to let miscommunication get in the way later."
"Why don't we talk about it in the living room? Sitting down is far more comfortable then standing up." Severus said while taking Hermione's arm.
As soon as they had sat down, Hermione began, "Okay, I think that we should divide the work up now. Let's start with William."
"I can't take Will to my classes." Severus interrupted at that point.
"I understand that. I mean, I have been in Potions class with you for six years. William would be in danger in your Potions class. I will take him with me to classes."
"I can care for him when you are busy, and in the evenings."
"Thank you. I can cook the meals, but you will have to do a decent amount of the cleaning."
"Fine, that works for me. Hermione, there is something I should tell you. Something that Dumbledore didn't plan on mentioning until after you fainted."
"Yes, what is it"
"I fear you won't be pleased with it."
"Profes...I mean, Severus, just tell me what it is!"
"For this school year, you have given up your name."
"Yeah, so?"
"No, I don't think you understand. For this year you are no longer 'Hermione Granger' but you are 'Hermione Snape.'" Severus said looking her in the eyes to make sure she understood what he said.
"Tell me you are joking."
"I wish I was."
"'Hermione Snape.' Well, I guess it could be worse." Hermione said, looking doubtful.
"How so?"
"Well, I could be 'Hermione Malfoy.' Or you could be as much of a jerk to me in private as you are in the classroom."
"Miss Granger, I must protest. I treat all my students fairly." Severus said looking offended.
"Its Hermione, Severus, and you know you don't treat your students nicely or fairly. And while we are on the topic of potions, I have a request."
"What is it?" Severus said, sounding less then happy.
"I think that for the well-being of William, I need a change of Potions partners."
"'Neville Longbottom'" Severus said with a snort of disgust. "I think, my dear, you may be correct. Wouldn't want Longbottom to accidentally blow up William. I will change your partner."
"Thank you."
"And, Hermione, I have a request to make of you. Comply with this and I will try my hardest to make this year easier on you."
"What is it, Severus."
"Please don't invite Potter and Weasley to come here. You may go and visit them as much as you please, but they can't come here."
"Of course, but why, Severus?"
"Hermione, I can hardly be civil to them during class. After class it would be impossible."
"I understand. I would be saying the same thing if I thought that Draco and you visited often. Okay, Harry and Ron won't come here, I promise."
"Thank you. I will try to refrain from yelling at you, or belittling you in public, as well as in private."
Hermione looked down at William who was now asleep. "I am going to put Will to bed and then I am going to go to bed myself. Are you coming?"
"I have to finish my lesson plans for tomorrow. Good night, Hermione."
Hermione walked into the bedroom and saw the large bed that dominated most of the room. 'Oh, well.' she thought. 'Might as well get used to it now; Severus and I will be sleeping in the same bed for nine months.'
Hermione put William in the cradle and then went to take a shower, changing into the most conservative pair of pajamas that she owned, which wasn't saying much since her total make over during the summer.
Hermione climbed into bed, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Hermione was so sound asleep that she didn't wake up when Severus came to bed. And later that night, when William woke up crying, it was Severus who put him back to sleep.
As Severus crawled back into bed, he heard Hermione let out a contented sight.
Severus' last thought before he went to sleep were, 'I got myself such a pretty wife and baby, if even only for a year.'