Over the next twenty-four hours, Hermione and Severus neither spoke to each other nor made any attempt to see one another. Finally, the moment came that she had been dreading: the classes for the day had come to an end. She was to meet with Professor Dumbledore in a matter of minutes. And Professor Snape. Severus. Taking a deep breath, she went to her fireplace and took a handful of Floo Powder from the pot on her mantle. Stepping into the hearth, she threw down the powder and called out, "Severus Snape's office!"

When she arrived, she was startled to see Severus sitting behind his desk, staring at the fireplace, as if waiting for her.

"Are you prepared to visit Dumbledore's office?" he asked, standing at once.

She nodded, keeping her lips pressed tightly together, fearing that if she opened them, she may very likely wretch on his floor. He went to his office door and held it open for her, and again with the classroom door, the same as always. He feared it may be a bit discourteous to simply appear in Albus' fireplace using the Floo Network, as he did not know if Hermione had notified the Headmaster prior to their visit of their arrival. They walked in silence beside each other to his office, both dreading what would come next. When they reached the stone gargoyle that guarded the entrance, they both stopped as each realized that neither knew the required password.

"Sherbet lemon," Severus tried. The gargoyle did not move.

"Snickers," said Hermione, but again, the gargoyle made no movement. Beginning to get frustrated, she said, "Reese's," and was astonished to see the gargoyle step aside to reveal the long, winding staircase. The couple began climbing it slowly, neither of them speaking. When they reached the door to Albus' office, Hermione reached over and grasped Severus' hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. However, she noticed that he became rigid when she touched him, and she then raised her hand to knock one, two, three times.

"Please enter," came Dumbledore's kind voice from inside.

Hermione swung the door open gently, peering inside at the Headmaster seated behind his desk.

"Headmaster? Might we speak with you?" Severus asked, taking a step in the door.

"Of course. Sit, please," Albus said, gesturing to the two chairs before him.

"Thank you," said Hermione, walking through the door, following just behind Severus. As they took their seats, Dumbledore reached underneath his desk and pulled out two small candies.

"Lemon drop?" he asked, offering them the sweets.

"No, thank you," Hermione replied, while Severus merely sneered and shook his head. He had never accepted one of Albus' candies in all the twenty years he had been here; why the foolish old man thought that he might begin now was beyond Severus.

"Very well," said Albus, setting the sweets down on his desk. "Now then, what was it that you wished to speak with me about?"

"You see, sir, two days ago, I found out by visiting Madam Pomfrey in the infirmary that I am now expecting a child."

An elated smile appeared on Albus' face. "Splendid! And you are the father, of course, Severus?"

"Indeed," the younger man nodded.

"Delightful!" After seeing the somber expressions on their faces, however, Dumbledore's smile faltered. "Isn't it?" he asked.

"It will be lovely, I'm sure, but…" Hermione hesitated.

"Are you planning to abort the pregnancy?" Albus asked, very serious indeed.

"I don't think so."

"Are you quite sure?"

"I…"

Was she? Yesterday, and that day in the Hospital Wing, one week ago, she had thought that she was, but now, she was hesitant.

"You need not rush into a decision, Hermione," Albus said.

Staring at the surface of the desk, Severus uttered, "The Aborting Potion cannot be used after the third month of pregnancy."

"There you are, Hermione; you have three months to decide for certain," said the Headmaster.

"If I did choose to keep it, then what is your policy on me being a professor here with child?" Hermione asked.

"Would you still like to teach?"

"Yes, of course."

"Then you may take as much time off as you feel is necessary."

"Yes, sir."

"I imagine you won't want to tell the rest of the staff just yet?"

"No, not yet. When we have made a final decision, we shall inform the staff ourselves."

At this, Severus looked up. Scowling, he asked, "Can they not simply observe for themselves?"

Not entirely sure if he was joking, she replied, "No, of course not, Severus. Do you not believe that we owe them the simple courtesy of informing them that we are expecting a child?"

He sneered and looked away from her, back at the desk.

"As you wish," said Albus. "Did you have any further questions, Hermione?"

"Well…the students, Professor… What would you like for me to tell them?"

"I believe that is for you both to decide."

She nodded. "Very well."

"Did you have any questions, Severus?" Albus asked him.

Severus, who, though he had not spoken often, had been listening intently to every word, looked up when he heard his name.

"No, Headmaster," he replied.

"Very well, then. If there is nothing further…?" Both professors shook their heads. "Congratulations to you both, and you both know, I am sure, that I could not be happier for you, truly."

The Headmaster stood and, followed by Hermione and Severus, walked to his office door.

Just before they stepped through, Albus said gently, "You have three months to make a choice concerning the abortion. Please do not rush, as it is a decision of great consequence."

As Severus only nodded, Hermione replied quietly, "I understand. Yes, Headmaster."

"That is all, then, I think. Oh, and before I forget: You might consider sharing your quarters with each other for the time being."

"Excuse me?" Severus sputtered.

"Hermione could move in with you, Severus. That way, she would have constant support during her pregnancy with your child. Again, however, it is entirely up to you. I merely thought you may want to consider the option."

"Yes, of course," Severus replied, more just for the chance to leave than for anything else.

"Well, good day, then. Good luck to you both." Albus smiled warmly at the pair as they descended the staircase.

"I think we need to discuss some very pressing matters," Severus muttered.

"Yes," replied Hermione simply. "Your chambers?" He nodded.

When they had reached his living room, neither moved toward the empty sofa, but instead headed to the two chairs that were placed facing each other.

"Hermione…" Severus began, but then he stopped, hesitant, unsure.

"Yes?" she prodded gently.

"Yesterday, you seemed quite positive that you wished the keep this child, but now, you appear unsure," he said finally.

"Do you- Severus, have you ever wanted a child of your own?"

"When I was younger, perhaps. When I was younger, I admit that I did, but I was terribly fearful that my position as a spy in the wars would affect them greatly in a negative way."

"The wars are over, Severus."

"Yes. The Dark Lord has fallen."

"You said that when you were younger, you wanted children. Do you still?"

"Despite what most people believe, I do enjoy teaching as Potions professor here at Hogwarts."

"You enjoy the students, then?"

"Yes, in the event that they do not possess the names 'Weasley' or 'Potter'."

"You did not directly answer my first question, Severus."

Frowning, he considered the options he had been presented with: Abortion, have the child, or have nothing to do with the child. The third was absolutely out of the question for Severus, and had been from the start, so he was now left with two choices.

If he aborted the child, then fine, he would be over and done with it. He'd never have to think about it again. Except that he would. He knew that the thought would eternally torment him. Forever would he be left to wonder about the child he had lost, that he'd destroyed. He was already plagued by so many regrets in his life, to add another would be madness.

But to have a child of his own… A tiny son or daughter whom he could watch and help to grow…

Suddenly, a feeling of want overcame him, enveloping him in a pleasant feeling of warmth. Perhaps this was just what his life needed. Or perhaps not… What to do? What responsibility that having a child entailed. However, he was forty-years-old. Surely he could handle the responsibility of a child. Of course he could. There was certainly no question about that; that was not a problem. That had never been the problem. That had never been the question. The question was: Did he want this child?

He stood and began to pace back and forth beside the two chairs.

He had surrounded by children for most of his life. In fact, he had been with them almost constantly since he was eleven-years-old and had first boarded the Hogwarts Express alone. However, these had always been teenagers, not young children. Not babies, not toddlers. Which, again, brought Severus back to the original question: Did he want a child?His child…

Again, that same warm, compassionate sensation overwhelmed him, and he found the corners of his lips twitching.

"Yes," he heard someone answer. All of a sudden, he realized that it had been his voice. He had said it.

"Really?" asked Hermione, her eyes suddenly brightening.

"I believe so. However, clearly, I do not have the right to the ultimate decision, as you are the one who is carrying the baby."

"Yes, of course," she nodded.

"Do you wish to keep the child as well, or-?" he asked her.

"I…don't know. If I aborted the child, then I -we- are off the hook; I won't have to endure nine months of pregnancy. However, I do want children eventually, but I expected it to be at least one or two years from now. Of course, I've already completed my education and secured a steady job, so it's not as if I would lose anything by having this baby, is it?"

"You would only have everything to gain."

Did I honestly just say that? Severus asked himself. What the hell has come over me in the last two minutes?

"Besides the extra expenses," replied Hermione. "However, food would be provided by the school, as well as a home."

"There would be two incomes to support the child."

"And my parents would help, I think."

"Therefore, by having this child, you are only gaining something, quite valuable," Severus said.

"But if I abort it, then I lose something. I lose a baby."

Hermione looked up to Severus, realizing that the truth had been with her all along. Ever since she had lain down on that bed beside Madam Pomfrey in the infirmary, and she had seen that wonderful blue glow surrounding her stomach.

"I want to keep it," she whispered.

He stared at her. "What did you say?" he asked carefully.

"I wish to keep the baby."

Suddenly, shocking Hermione, a grin like she had never seen spread across Severus' face. "Are you quite sure?" he asked.

"Yes."

Beaming, she stood and threw herself into his arms.

She exclaimed, laughing, "We're having a baby!"

"In just nine months-"

"You, Severus Snape, will be a father."

"Right. A…father." Hermione stepped out of his arms as he became serious once more. Severus did not yet want to think of himself as a "father". It only proved to remind him of his own father.

"Are you all right?" she asked him.

"I will only need a bit of time to get used to the idea, is all," he replied. Then, changing the subject, he said suddenly, "Dumbledore's comment just as we were leaving his office-"

"Are you talking about what he said regarding us moving in together?"

He nodded.

"Of course, we won't. Unless you want to, but…" she said. "Now that we have chosen to keep the baby, we are free to make that decision."

"Yes, of course. Well…" He tried to come up with just one legitimate reason to object to their moving in together, but he could not.

As Hermione was thinking the same thing, the only reason she could think of was this:

Things are moving so fast! In just one week, I have discovered I am pregnant, informed the father, and then suggested to him that we move in together. Well, I didn't suggest it, but… And we only said "I love you" to each other 3 weeks ago! But we did say it, and yes, I do love him. And he loves me. Perhaps I could move in with him.

"Why don't we?" she heard herself ask.

"Pardon me?"

"Why don't I move in with you? You would be with me at all times if I needed you for pregnancy-related happenings, and you could support me. You would be guaranteed to bear witness to your child's birth, because I could alert you straight away, the moment I went into labor."

"That is nine months from now, Hermione," Severus stated, still not entirely convinced.

"It's nothing like an engagement or anything." When she saw his eyes widen slightly, she said quickly, "Gods, I'm sorry. I'm only making things worse, aren't I?"

"No, you're…not. I…"

"What?" she asked. He shook his head, looking away from her, but she pressed on, "Severus, what is it?"

"My life has changed so drastically in the past week. It is unbelievable."

"My life has been changed as much as yours. Actually," she said, smiling, "I think mine may have been changed more."

"Indeed."

They were silent for several long seconds. Then Hermione spoke, "Do you want this baby, Severus? Do you really?"

He looked up at her. "Yes, of course. Do not doubt that for a moment, Hermione. Never." He paused, unsure of himself. "You do not wish to move in with me, do you?"

"I wouldn't mind it."

"You would be in my presence at all hours of the day."

"Is that such a problem?"

"No, but you-"

"Don't doubt yourself, Severus. I love you, and I enjoy your company. Besides, I'll be pregnant; if anything, I'd say it will be me who will drive you mad."

Laughing, she looked into his eyes.

"If you are sure…"

"I am positive," she said quietly, smiling at him.

"Then…"

"Would you like for me to move in with you?"

"Would you?"

"I would."

"Then…"

"Say it, Severus. Stop fearing that I will reject you. I have already given you my opinion on the matter, and it was not offensive to you at all. Say what you are thinking."

"Then…I would like…for you...to…" He stared at her, and she could see that he was struggling.

"That was good enough," she grinned at him, snaking her arms around his waist.

"Does this mean that we are-?"

"It would seem that way," she said.

"When?"

She shrugged. "In a week or two, I suppose."

Beaming, tears in her eyes, Hermione hugged Severus close to her and rested her head on his shoulder. When she sniffled, he pulled away, and when he looked down at her, he saw that she was crying.

"What's the matter?" he asked her.

Wiping her eyes, Hermione replied, "Nothing. I'm fine, honestly. I just… I'm so happy."

"Pregnancy hormones are acting up already," Severus muttered teasingly.

She laughed and rested her head on his shoulder again. Pressing her wet lips to his ear, she whispered, "I love you."

OoooOoooOoooOoooOoooOoooOoooOoooOoooOooo

It seemed like only yesterday that Hermione had been here with Severus, both unaware that she had, at the time, been carrying their child. However, that staff meeting had been over two weeks ago by now. Currently, they were both sitting back at the long table, in their usual seats beside each other, both of them nervous as hell.

Hermione's breaths were coming in short gasps as she sat beside the father of her child. Today was the day they were planning to inform the rest of the staff about their situation, and Hermione was more than just a little anxious. Underneath the table, her hand reached over and took Severus' hand in hers, stroking the back of it gently with her thumb. He squeezed her hand back reassuringly.

"Take a deep breath," he murmured, smirking.

She nodded, following his instructions and wondering why in the world she was so apprehensive.

"Don't be nervous," he said.

"You're right. I shouldn't be," she replied, "because you are the one who will tell them."

Severus opened his mouth to protest, but shut it immediately when the Headmaster called to the teachers, "If I may have your attention please… Thank you. Now then, I have several announcements to make…"

At this, Severus' thoughts drifted away from Albus for a while. Surely Hermione hadn't really meant her last comment? She wasn't going to force him to tell their colleagues, was she? He had maintained a set image for so long; to picture him as a father figure might be something of a difficulty for these people. Albus Dumbledore as a father, even Remus Lupin, yes… But Severus Snape… Mentally, he shook his head. He doubted if they would view him as weak for this reason. In fact, he quite suspected that most would find it rather endearing.

Cringing at this notion, one thought sprang to his mind: How utterly sickening.

I know what they will think when we tell them the news: Severus Snape is having a child? A baby of his own to corrupt. Whose life he can screw up so bad, it'll be scarred for life. They won't accept the idea. Not all of them, at least. They are so very foolish.

This was his last thought before Dumbledore addressed him, "Severus, Hermione, I believe you had discussed a topic with me earlier that you wish to share here?"

"Yes, Headmaster," he said, while Hermione nodded, grasping his hand underneath the table.

Both stood, as all members of staff were required to do when addressing their colleagues at meetings, and their hands separated. When all remained silent, however, Hermione brought her foot down hard on Severus' boot, and he let out an involuntary grunt of pain before he cleared his throat and began, scowling, "Hermione and I have news that we believe must be shared before mild confusion arises several months from now."

Merlin, I must sound like anidiot, he thought.

A gasp was heard to Hermione's left, and all heads turned slightly to look. Minerva had taken hold of Hermione's hand, pulling it toward her. The older woman's eyes scanned her hand, but then they turned back up to meet Hermione's face.

Her brow furrowed, she said, confused, "I don't see a ring."

"That is because there isn't one," said Severus through clenched teeth, shooting her a fierce glare.

Immediately, Minerva dropped her hand, scowling. "Well, then, what news could you possibly have for us, Severus?"

At the head of the table, Dumbledore was sitting with his hands folded neatly before him, with Remus Lupin on his right-hand side, both men with small smiles painted on their faces. Slowly, all around the room, comprehension began dawning on the teachers.

"'Mione," said Hagrid, his black eyes bright, "are you-?"

Smiling, she nodded. Another gasp was heard from Minerva, but Hermione barely heard it as Hagrid leapt from his chair and fumbled toward her, enveloping her in a gigantic hug. Severus stepped back to avoid being pushed backwards by Hagrid's bulk. After several seconds of Hermione's feet dangling inches off the ground, they pulled away and she sucked in a deep breath. Then she watched in amusement as Hagrid turned to wrap his long arms around Severus' body and pulled him into an enormous, friendly hug. Severus' eyes widened slightly as his arms hung limply at his sides, and then he sneered at Hermione over Hagrid's shoulder. Several stifled chuckles came from around the room, and as Hermione clapped a hand over her mouth, her shoulders began to shake in uncontrollable laughter.

When Hagrid eventually pulled away from Severus, there was a stunned expression on the sallow face under the curtains of black hair, but he straightened his robes and his most deathly glare returned to his face as he and Hermione took their seats.

"In nine months, there will be a baby here. One or more of you may be asked by Professor Dumbledore, Severus, or myself to cover the classes that I'm going to miss due to my pregnancy. In about three months, I will begin to 'show' beneath my robes. We haven't decided what we will tell the students, but I believe that, should any of them care to ask, they will be told the truth."

"Oh, how exciting!" cried Sinistra, clapping her hands together.

"To think, our little 'Mione is havin' a baby!" said Hagrid, wiping away a tear that had leaked from his eye.

Although Severus' posture was perfect, as he sat tall against the back of his chair, Hermione could see the soft redness in his cheeks as he stared at the gleaming surface of the polished wood table, and she sensed that he desired nothing more than to avert the attention from their situation to another matter that did not involve them.

Therefore, quickly, she said loudly, over the sudden outbreak of boisterous chattering among their colleagues, "Anyways, that is all that pertains to that subject. I am sure the Headmaster had intentions of discussing other matters?" She looked to Dumbledore.

"Yes, thank you, Professor Granger," he said, smiling, his eyes twinkling in their familiar way. "But was there not one last bit of information for us?" He turned to the staff. "Hermione will be moving in with Severus, and so, as of next Monday, her quarters will have been transferred to the dungeons. Her office, however, will remain in its original location. Now then, what other matters have we to discuss?"

Relieved that the focus was no longer on them, Severus relaxed a little as Hermione placed a hand on his knee.

When the meeting had come to an end, the teachers began to stand from their seats. Remus approached Hermione and gazed at her stomach joyfully.

"Congratulations, to you both," he said, leaning over to kiss Hermione quickly on his cheek. Then he held out a hand to Severus, who, in turn, slowly extended his own hand and shook it. He pulled away again rather quickly, though this did not seem to faze Remus. The grin remained on his face as he said, "Well, Severus, you are going to be a father."

"Thank you, Lupin, for stating the obvious."

"You must be proud."

"Indeed."

Remus' smile seemed to widen.

"We are very happy about it," Hermione beamed.

"I will be returning to my-" Severus paused, and his features seemed to soften as he continued, "-our chambers now. Would you like to join me?" he asked Hermione.

"No, I think I will stay here for a while."

Severus nodded curtly, and then turned to leave. He was thankful not to be bombarded by irritating colleagues with questions concerning the baby as he left.

Back at the table, Hermione took her seat and Remus took Severus', just beside her.

"Was the baby quite a surprise?" he asked.

"I should certainly say so. We were both quite shocked."

"I would imagine so."

Minerva joined in the conversation, "But you are happy about the child, of course? Both of you?"

"Yes, Severus is excited, I think, as odd as that may sound. At least, as excited as Severus Snape can get about anything."

"That much is obvious," said Remus.

"Yes, of course; you could almost see his heart bursting with pride. And how enthusiastic he appeared about the whole idea," Minerva said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

Hermione smiled. "He is," she said simply.

Minerva sighed. "I would never have thought that he wanted children. Did he actually say it, that he wanted the child?"

"Yes."

"This will be good for him, I believe."

"I agree."

"You have worked wonders with him, Hermione," said Remus. "You've changed him."

"We have been attempting that for over twenty years, and have never accomplished it, or even come anywhere near it. You, Hermione, have done it in less than six months. How did you do it?"

"I don't know."

"He's different. And he certainly appears to be happy."

Minerva nodded, agreeing with Remus.

"I should be getting back to my chambers now."

As Hermione stood from her chair, she suddenly remembered something and stopped. "Oh, and Minerva, I got pregnant on Christmas."

"What does that have to do with this?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

"You win the bet."

Minerva grinned suddenly at the younger woman and then turned to Remus and held out a hand.

"Unbelievable," she heard him mutter as she walked away.

Chuckling quietly to herself, Hermione left them. Just as she reached the doorway, someone appeared at her side, and when she turned to see who it was, a smile graced her lips.

"Neville," she said, "it's been a long time. I don't believe that we've spoken these past few months, have we?"

"No. I'm sorry about that, by the way. I have just been really busy-"

"Yes, me too."

"Well, I just wanted to say congratulations. You both seem to be very happy about it."

"Yes, we are." Hermione was beaming. "Very much so."

"Well, that's good to hear."

"Yes," she nodded.

"Well, I had better be getting back to my chambers," Neville said.

Smiling, she nodded again. "Likewise," she said. Then she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, Neville."

"Of course," he replied, nodding.

At this, both professors exited the Staff Room through the doorway and turned to walk in different directions down the hallway.

When Hermione reached the dungeons, she had to fight the urge to knock, instead of simply walking into Severus', and now her, chambers.

"Finally decided to join me, did you?" he asked, not glancing up from his book.

"I haven't been gone that much longer than you," she replied, taking the book from his hands and sitting on his lap in its place.

"Must you always be the center of my attention?" he asked, beginning to smile as her arms snaked around his neck.

She laughed and replied, "Why, of course. Didn't you know?"

"I suppose so."

"When is dinner?" she asked curiously.

"How is it possible that you are hungry already?"

"It's not my fault; I'm eating for two now, remember?"

"Ah. Of course." He gently laid a hand on her stomach. Then he smiled as he felt the vibration of her heartbeat.

"I can still hardly believe that I am going to be a father."

"Severus, I have no doubts that you will be a wonderful dad."

"My father…was no example."

"You are not your father. You are not Tobias. You are Severus Snape, the man I love, the father of my child. I don't condemn you for what your father may have done. I have complete faith in you."

"Now you sound like Albus," murmured Severus, pulling her closer to him.

"That isn't such a bad thing," she said, looking over at him and grinning. "After all, I could sound like you."

"Oh, you are despicable," he said, the corners of lips turned just slightly upward. Then he kissed the top of her head and rested his chin gently on it as she buried her face in his chest.

Holding her against him, he murmured, "I swear to you, I will never let you go."

Okay, that's the end of this chapter.

Thanks to everyone who reads and reviews!

Again: Happy Holidays to everyone! And for those who don't celebrate the holidays: Happy Winter! (Or Happy Snow Days!)

Disclaimer- I do not own any of the characters or anything else in this story. J.K. Rowling owns it all.

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