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Unlikely Partners

Chapter 18

Hermione sat on the edge of Severus's bed and stared out the open bedroom door.

You knew this was coming. Before you even set foot in this place, when Nymphadora told you the truth about what happened, she made a point of informing you that Severus Snape was unable to feel normal emotions. You should have taken that as your hint to avoid getting close to him.

Hermione let out a snort at the thought.

How could I have let myself think there was more to that man than what meets the eye?

Hermione thought about everything that had happened in the past two days. They had certainly been the strangest and most complicated forty eight hours of her life.

If someone had told her two months ago that she'd be engaging in sexual activity with Severus Snape she would have personally taken them to the mental ward at St. Mungos.

Even now, a part of her could barely believe what had happened.

I suppose the best thing I can do is forget it.

But can you forget it, Hermione? a voice in the back of her head asked her.

I sure as hell can try.

She let out a sigh and ran a hand through her hair.

Unfortunately, it would be a lot easier to do that if I didn't have to stay in this bloody suite with the man!

Of course he'll undoubtedly remind me to forget what happened.

Perhaps he'll even Obliviate me.

Hermione let out a mirthless laugh.

Maybe that's exactly what I need.

I bet he'd do it if I asked. And there's a chance he'd even do it if I didn't.

But would that really solve the problem?

No. It really wouldn't.

Because in the end you'd still be attracted to him.

Hermione wanted very much to just let out a scream of frustration.

If I hadn't needed that stupid Occlumency lesson things would have been different.

Are you really so sure about that, Hermione?

Can you honestly say that even without what happened during that lesson you would never have developed a sexual interest in Severus?

Hermione didn't want to think about the answer to that question right now.

There's something seriously wrong with me, she thought ruefully.

What woman in her right mind would be attracted to a man as ill suitable for her as Severus Snape? He's just shown you that he's really nothing but a Gryffindor hating misogynistic prick.

Because if he deserved to be called anything better he would have shown some regard for your feelings.

And since he turned away from you without so much as an "I'm sorry", he obviously doesn't care what your opinion of him is.

He's not interested in you anymore.

After how he treated you, you shouldn't even be thinking about him!

He made it crystal clear that what happened was because of a big mistake on his part and doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of ever happening again.

So don't try to overanalyse things because it's simply not worth it!

His being nice to you was only an act. With you being in his care he felt obliged to help you.

He couldn't have you suffering with Remus and Tonks being obsessed with your safety, could he?

By that point he was willing to do anything to keep you from becoming severely unhinged.

It had nothing to do with him caring about you in any way past his obligation to keep you free from harm.

Though it would seem he certainly deems it acceptable to stray from that obligation when he's the one inflicting the harm.

Hermione decided that she would be perfectly happy if she never had to talk to Severus Snape again.

It was unfortunate that that was next to impossible. Though she could try to stay silent for the rest of her stay with him, Hermione knew she wouldn't be able to keep it up for more than a few days.

But I'm sure he doesn't want to talk to me either.

Also, Hermione still had the last part of Shield Occlumency to learn and she'd certainly have to talk to Severus then!

Knowing that Severus would have to leave her on her own soon, Hermione knew she'd have to complete the lesson sometime tomorrow or the morning of the day after that at the very latest. Probably tomorrow.

And just what was she going to do when that magically induced attraction affected her again?

Would it be different for her, now that she and Severus had kissed?

Would it be better?

Or would it be worse?

Hermione didn't want to dwell on that right now.

Thinking about it wouldn't change its inevitable outcome.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Remus looked at the front page ofyesterday's copy of the Daily Prophet that had been sitting on the night stand next to his bed. With everything he had been doing in the past day and a half he hadn't had time to read it.

Nymphadora still lay nestled against him and he was careful not to disturb her, though when he saw the page's headline he narrowly suppressed an exclamatory snort.

The headline read: Most Wanted Man Still At Large

And there, on the lefthand side of the page was a remarkably accurate black and white sketch of The Order's most valued spy.

Remus quickly read the article.

Rufus Scrimgeour announced yesterday that he has personally appointed a task force of top notch Aurors to hunt and capture the murderer of the great Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape. Though it's been nearly six weeks since Dumbledore's death Ministry officials have yet to obtain a lead on this man's whereabouts.

"This situation must change. We must focus our energies now so that Severus Snape can be apprehended and brought before the law for this most heinous crime he has committed," Scrimgeour told reporters from the prophet early Saturday.

"Aurors will be employing all that they can to ensure that this manhunt is a success. Snape may think he's safe under He Who Must Not Be Named's protection, but if he so much as sets one foot in any major city, any minor city, or any village, be it for money, supplies, or what have you, I guarantee that my team will arrest him quick as a wink. He cannot possibly stay hidden forever. Mark my words, Severus Snape's days of freedom are numbered."

When asked if Snape once caught would likely be sentenced to death, Scimgeour answered,

"Most certainly, most certainly. He will be given a quick trial and I hardly think he'll spend more than twenty four hours in a jail cell. There's no sense in letting the likes of him take up space in Azkaban when there are so many more who need to be imprisoned for much lesser crimes."

"Rufus, old boy, you haven't got a clue," Remus said softly.

He wondered what the minister would have to say when his aurors came no closer to accomplishing the task a few weeks from now than they had in the previous six.

By then, surely the minister wouldn't be so eloquent in his speech about the forthcoming capture of wizarding Britain's most wanted fugitive.

Remus looked up from the paper at the sound of someone knocking at his front door.

Perhaps Poppy returned early, he hoped.

"My dear, I'm sorry but you need to move. Someone's at the door," Remus said gently.

Nymphadora opened her eyes and sat up. She let out a faint groan and curled into a ball in the space Remus had vacated.

"Let's hope that's Poppy Pomfrey," he told her before he left.

Remus opened the flat's door and to his relief, he was greeted by the cheery Hogwarts mediwitch. Outside it was just after dusk.

"Hullo Remus, may I come in?"

"Of course," he told her, holding the door open and motioning for her to step inside.

"I told Minerva I'd get back here tomorrow, but it was a rather generous estimate on my part in case I was delayed due to something unforseen. Is Nymphadora feeling any better?"

"Not much, I'm afraid."

"Where is she now?" Poppy asked looking at the empty sofa in the parlor.

"She's in the bedroom," Remus told her, coloring slightly at the knowing look that immediately came to the mediwitch's face.

It was an old unspoken rule that a wizard didn't take a witch to his bed unless they were in an intimate relationship.

As if she couldn't bloody guess that already, Remus thought drily

"Oh so the two of you are living together now?" she asked innocently.

Remus gave her a level stare.

"Not precisely. She still has her own place."

"Ah."

"Would you like to follow me so I can take you to her?"

"Certainly,"

Remus brought Poppy into his bedchamber just as Nymphadora was coming back from using the loo. She gave Poppy a wansmile.

The mediwitch turned to Remus.

"Out." she told him, taking his arm and gently pushing him out the door.

"What?" he asked as he allowed her to steer him out of the room.

"You heard me. Out!"

"Yes, I heard you, but why do I have to leave?"

Poppy looked positively scandalised.

"Why? Why? Because you're a man and men can't be present when a female patient is examined. It's improper and I won't have it!"

Remus threw Nymphadora a look that was a mix between utter bewilderment and plain disbelief.

"Just do as she says," Nymphadora told Remus. "There's no use trying to put up a fight with her, because with Poppy you won't win,"

"But–

"Out!" Poppy told him clearly, prodding him backwards until she had enough room to shut the door. She heard Remus give a defeated sigh from behind the door and then turned back to Nymphadora.

"Now," she said. "Sit down and let me have a look at you,"

Nymphadora obediently sat on the edge of the bed and Poppy approached her to feel her forehead.

"Well you haven't got a fever,"

"No."

"What exactly are your symptoms?"

"Extreme nausea and vomiting, and an unusual lack of strength and energy."

"Have you been eating well?"

"Well enough,"

Poppy felt Nymphadora's forehead a second time, as if to be sure that a fever was out of the question. Poppy sighed and gave Nymphadora a serious look.

"Have you . . . have you been using protection?"

"Yes, Poppy." Nymphadora stated evenly.

"Every time?"

"Yes, Poppy."

"You're sure there wasn't a time where you might have . . . forgot?" the mediwitch pressed.

"I really don't think so,"

Poppy muttered something under her breath.

"What was that?" Nymphadora asked. "I couldn't quite hear you,"

"I said he is a werewolf after all,"

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"I think you ought to do a magical pregnancy test," Poppy told her.

"Now?"

The mediwitch nodded. "Are you aware of how its done? I'll use a sheet of parchment and a needle."

"My mother told me about it once,"

"Good. The needle I can transfigure from something like a sheet of toilet tissue. Have you a plain sheet of parchment around?"

"There should be some in that drawer beneath the night stand." Nymphadora told her.

Poppy went over and after rummaging through the drawer a bit found a half sheet of white paper that was primarily used to make short notes or lists. It would suit her purposes just fine.

She withdrew her wand from a bag she had been carrying and touched its tip to the paper. The mediwitch did a silent spell that caused the paper to brighten with an unusual brilliant glow.

Once satisfied she handed the sheet of parchment to Nymphadora and then went into the toilet chamber to collect a square of paper that could be easily transfigured into a sewing needle.

With a quick swish of her wand the desired needle came into existence in between Poppy's left thumb and index finger.

"Give me one of your hands," Poppy instructed her.

Nymphadora did as she was told. She stretched out her right hand and Poppy took it. The mediwitch then pricked the center of Nymphadora's index finger with the needle. Nymphadora flinched.

"Sorry, dear," Poppy said with a smile.

A drop of glistening blood welled up in the center of the young auror's upturned finger.

"Now hold the parchment below your hand and let the blood drop onto its surface,"

Nymphadora took a steadying breath and followed Poppy's instructions.

The drop of blood fell to the parchment and as soon as it touched its surface and seeped into the parchment's pores, the paper lit up with a pure white light.

Another drop of blood joined the first and where it touched the paper a thin streak of red trailed across the length of the paper, forming letters that looked to be written a rich crimson ink.

Nymphadora sat transfixed, her heart practically in her mouth as two words formed from the blood that had soaked into the charmed parchment.

Pregnant, Twins

"Let me see your hand again, dear."

Poppy waved her wand across Nymphadora's index finger and the wound magically closed, as if it had never been there at all.

"Congratulations," the mediwitch told her warmly. "Now you know what this means, don't you?"

Nymphadora turned to look at her.

"That I'm not going to be much use to The Order from now on?" she asked with a bit wry humorin her tone.

"You won't be able to use your Metamorph powers at all until after the children are born,"

"I figured as much. Moody will have a fit when he hears."

"I'll bring you some tea tomorrow morning to help take away your sickness. It'll help a lot, though next time you see Severus, if you can pluck up the courage to ask him, request that he brew you a morning sickness potion."

"Why does my morning sickness seem to be lasting all day?" Nymphadora asked.

"It's different for witches than it is for Muggle women. When we're pregnant our magical strength is diminished while the baby is developing. And for those women like you who are used to having such strong powers like those of a Metamorph, the reduction of magical strength takes a harder toll on you physically. If you drink the tea I give you twice a day, you should be feeling better in time to make it to Bill and Fleur's wedding. You can return to your job -though deskwork only for you- after two or three days with the tea."

Nymphadora nodded.

"How far along do you think I am?" she asked.

"It's hard to say. In witches morning sickness usually comes earlier than it does for Muggle women, so it could be as little as ten days to two weeks. Not much more than three I should think. Though, legend has it that male werewolves are at their most potent on the eve before the full moon. Also, because the sire of your children is a werewolf, there's almost no chance of you having a miscarriage."

"If what you said is true than I have a pretty good idea about the date of conception,"

"Nymphadora, I know I shouldn't be asking this, but has Remus been taking his wolfsbane? If he has, I have to say that I'm surprised you conceived while you took precautions. The potion should prevent him from siring children. Another thing that makes me wonder is the fact that your having twins. Werewolves are notoriously known for siring twins and triplets, but only if they aren't receiving the wolfsbane that suppresses the werewolf magic in their blood. I mean it is entirely possible that it's just pure chance he sired twins, but considering the circumstances..."

"Should I be taking special vitamins or something?" Nymphadora asked, wanting desperately to change the subject.

Thankfully, Poppy took the hint to not press the subject of wolfsbane any further.

"The tea I'll be giving you includes some ingredients that will be beneficial to your unborn babies."

"And you'll be bringing that by here tomorrow?"

"Yes. What time do you want me to drop by?"

"Anytime that's convenient for you is fine. Though the sooner the better, I suppose."

"All right then, I'll leave you and Remus to discuss things."

"Thanks, Poppy,"

"You're welcome, dear."

Nymphadora stood up with the mediwitch and slowly walked with her to the bedroom door. The two women entered the parlor to find Remus stretched out on the couch flipping through one of Arthur Weasley's old Muggle science magazines.

"Was she able to diagnose you?" he asked, throwing the magazine to the side and standing up.

"I'll come by in the morning and bring her some tea to help alleviate her illness," Poppy told him as she moved to let herself out of the flat.

"Why were you sick?" Remus asked Nymphadora.

"I'm sorry to have to leave so quickly, but I have some things to do before it gets too terribly late," Poppy told them.

"Good night, Poppy." Nymphadora told her.

"Good night," the mediwitch told her before making her exit.

A few seconds after she had left Remus asked, "Are you all right love?"

Nymphadora came forward and Remus gently encircled his arms around her waist.

For several long seconds Nymphadora didn't say anything.

"You are all right, aren't you?" Remus asked quickly, his deep concern for her apparent in his voice.

Nymphadora looked up into Remus's green eyes.

"I'mpregnant," she muttered hurriedly, knowing how acute a werewolf's hearing was.

"What did you say?" he asked her.

Nymphadora stared into his eyes forcing herself to enunciate unmistakably clearly.

"I said I'm pregnant. You're going to be the father of twins."

A/N: Sorry for the two week wait! Just to let all of you know, updates should never take longer than that. And from now on my chapters should all be fairly long. Truthfully, this story's just beginning. I know there wasn't any Severus/Hermione dialogue in this chapter, but it's coming up in the next!

Please review! Your opinions matter to me.

And your author's 19th birthday was on Tuesday, won't you show your appreciation for her by leaving some comments?