Chapter re-vamped 2/3/2015
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Disclaimer: None of the characters or the world created by JK Rowling belongs to me nor do I make any money off this story.
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Severus leaned back in his leather armchair, bare feet on the ottoman, tumbler of whiskey in hand. A low fire crackled in the hearth, warming the air within Severus's rooms. Normally he didn't mind the cool air that came along with the dungeons, he rather liked it. But it was nights like these when his bones ached from years of abuse and old scars started to hurt in earnest, that he needed some warmth.
Setting his whiskey aside, Severus grabbed a lighter and lit the cigarette that dangled from his lips. It was well after midnight and his mind was still replaying the evening over and over. Taking a lengthy inhale, he held the cigarette aloft, slowly easing the smoke from his lungs and into the air.
He hadn't really thought much about Hermione Granger since that night at Grimmauld Place. His life had been chaotic enough and these past weeks had been spent fighting the Ministry tooth and nail. That fighting had paid off however and the verdict had come down from the Wizengamot just a few days earlier. Severus Tobias Snape was cleared of all charges.
Severus couldn't say it had been a surprise seeing Ms. Granger tonight. He had known she would be there, but he hadn't anticipated the odd feeling in his stomach when he saw her. She looked tired almost sickly and her smiles had been strained. She had kept to herself most of the night, sticking close to her bodyguards and humoring them from what he could tell.
At one point during his conversation with Minerva, he had felt her eyes upon him. He couldn't say how he knew it was her but when he glanced her way, she had been looking back at him, a dazed expression on her face. Severus had given into temptation, giving her mind a once over. He got a quick picture of her fingers wrapped up in his hair before he broke away, unable process all her mixed emotions and the exhaustion that consumed her mind. Most of all her worry, which seemed to blanket everything else.
Ms. Granger's attention was then pulled away by Ms. Lovegood and even though her eyes were not upon him, he knew he wasn't forgotten. Severus wasn't too sure why he cared, but it was almost as if the chaotic feelings she was enduring, were inside him now as well.
Taking another drag from the cigarette he closed his eyes, holding the noxious smoke in as long as he could before slowly releasing it. Ms. Granger's worries were more than likely no concern of his, but he couldn't shake the sick feeling in his gut. Looking at his roster a few days ago, he had noticed that she was not in his NEWT potions class.
Severus was loathe to admit it but Ms. Granger was his best student aside from Draco. Potions was not a requirement for her Transfiguration Apprenticeship but it was highly encouraged and could benefit her in the future.
She was always looking to go above and beyond so why had she dropped his class? Was it because of their night together?
In truth he hadn't been thinking straight when he had pulled her onto his lap. All his frustration and anger had taken over, driving him to do things that were highly unusual and clearly unacceptable but at that time it had appeared his ticket was being punched and time had run out for Severus Snape. He had only been thinking of himself in those moments and that had been wrong of him; Severus was man enough to admit it.
Shaking his head he immediately threw the thought out. It was nonsense. She cared too much about her education to let anyone stand in her way. In all actuality it probably had nothing to do with him. So why couldn't he shake that feeling that it did?
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The next few days went by languidly, as the students acquainted themselves with the school. Hermione had volunteered to lead a tour group for the first years, showing them the castle and the areas they would need right off the bat. She had already settled into her room nicely and wasn't quite ready to hit the library yet. So to kill time before her appointment on Saturday she had stepped up and taken a third of the first years off of Blaize's and Padma's hands.
It really was sort of therapeutic. More than once, Hermione caught herself watching the first years wander and wondering if in eleven years, her son or daughter would come to Hogwarts. There was a huge chance, considering she and Severus were both magical but even if her child was a squib, she would love it just the same. Besides, who said her child would attend Hogwarts? There was also Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, The Salem Witches Institute or even The Durmstrang Institute.
Hermione had gotten a letter from Viktor Krum a few weeks ago informing her he had been offered the Quidditch coaching position at Durmstrang during his off seasons from the Quidditch League. Hermione had broken down and told the quiet man everything. Viktor had taken it in stride and asked if one day he would be teaching her child to fly. Hermione's tears of relieffe had dotted the parchment as she replied, asking about the curriculum about Durmstrang and if her baby would be safe there. Viktor's acceptance was something she hadn't been aware she needed.
The touring around the school was eventful to say the least. The first day, just after lunch, Hermione took them to the Astronomy tower and as they were leaving a set of stairs, suddenly the staircase broke away from the landing; two terrified first years still on them. Hermione had endeavored to hold back her laughter as she shouted to the students, telling them to stay where they were and not to panic. The frightened kids hopped off the stairs and onto the fourth floor landing, still shaking.
Hermione then led the students with her another way down, and they quickly picked up the two lost ducklings. Hermione was shocked, as the little blonde Hufflepuff girl grabbed her around the waist, crying into her sweater. The Slytherin boy with her put on a brave face but Hermione could tell that he was just as shaken.
Prying the blonde girl off her, Hermione crouched in front of her and began wiping away the little girl's tears.
"Oh it's alright Moira, everything is fine. The stairs are finicky and do that all the time. They even got Harry, Ron and I when we were first years."
Soon the little girls crying lessened and she looked at Hermione with watery eyes. "Really?"
Hermione nodded as she stood. "All the time. Now, let's get keep going shall we?"
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The rest of the day was quite uneventful, as Hermione continued her tour with the Owlery, the Qudditch Pitch and her favorite place, the Library; ending just in time for dinner. Hermione watched with a contented smile as the students led the way back down to the hall, working together to make sure they went the right way and that none got left behind on any of the staircases.
Hermione could barely conceal her yawns throughout dinner as she talked amiably with Ginny, Lavender and Pavarti. Luna had come and gone, her hunt for something or other pulling her away once again.
Hermione couldn't help herself as she snuck another glance up at the head table. Professor Snape was once again in deep conversation with Headmistress McGonagall, his face as relaxed as she had ever seen it. Serene by no means but there was no longer any evidence of the stress that had plagued him most of his life. He looked almost content.
Hermione shook herself out of her musings, and turned back to her dinner. The plate was still mostly full and she finally gave up pushing around the food that remained. A few seats away, Harry looked at her in concern. "You alright Hermione?"
Hermione nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. "Just feeling a tad peeky is all. I think I'll go to bed."
As she stood, Harry stood with her. "I'll take you."
Shaking her head, Hermione pushed him back into his seat and shook her hand at Ron when he made to rise.
"I'm fine, really. The first years just wore me out. I'll see you for breakfast tomorrow."
Leaving the Great Hall Hermione headed up the main staircase and toward Gryffindor tower, taking the time to berate herself. What was she thinking, sneaking glances at the Potions Master? If she kept it up, someone was bound to notice and raise questions Hermione didn't want to answer. This nonsense had to stop before she made anyone suspicious.
Rubbing her stomach idly, Hermione grimaced as a burp made its way up her throat. She really did feel sick and couldn't understand why. Truth be told, she was downright queasy. A few times she had to stop and breathe, afraid she was going to vomit on the floor.
Stopping on the fourth floor, Hermione leaned against the banister, her eyes falling shut. Breathe. In, out, in, out. Hermione hoped to Merlin this wasn't morning sickness rearing its ugly head, she'd been so lucky to avoid the majority of it.
"Granger?"
Shocked out of her stupor, Hermione turned, her eyes landing on Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy. It was like time slowed as her eyes slipped closed again, her breathing coming in short gasps. Dear Merlin, she did not want to be sick in front of these two. Without warning she shot off like a rocket, into the unused classroom the pair had just vacated.
Leaning heavily on a desk, Hermione vomited on the floor. Tears formed in her eyes from the acid in her throat and the horrible dry heaves that followed, wracking her body. Her stomach continued to rebel, long after it was empty, the dry heaving causing waves of pain throughout her stomach and chest.
"Granger? Are you alright?"
Hermione nodded and she shakily straightened, brushing her bangs out of her eyes. Pulling her wand, she vanished the vomit before turning to the Slytherins.
"I'm fine, thank you."
Zabini's eyebrows furrowed, he was unconvinced.
"Are you sure? I can get someone to take you to the hospital wing. You look terrible."
Shaking her head Hermione made to move past them, her steps slowly becoming steadier.
"I'm sure. I appreciate the offer."
"Feel better Granger."
Hermione paused, looking back at the speaker. Taking in his appearance, Hermione decided Draco Malfoy looked as haggard as she felt. "Thanks."
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Later that night, Hermione once again found herself vomiting, only this time there was nothing in her stomach to purge. After fifteen minutes, Hermione found herself calling for a house elf, who promptly brought her tea and saltine crackers. After another half hour of retching, Hermione crawled back into bed, exhausted.
What seemed like minutes later, she was being awoken by an insistent house elf, telling her she was late. Stumbling from her bed, Hermione shoved on a pair of jeans and an old jersey emblazoned with Bulgaria's colors. Hopping into her shoes, Hermione rushed out the door throwing her hair into a knot as she went. A quick trip to the bathroom and she was holstering her wand, walking briskly toward the great hall.
The first years stood just outside the hall, listening as Padma outlined the course of the day. Ginny stood off to the side with Luna and Blaise Zabini close by. Walking over to Ginny, Hermione gratefully took the napkin full of toast she held out.
"You're late Granger."
There was no reprimand in that voice but Hermione felt bad nonetheless. After all, he had seen her throwing up pathetically in an empty classroom the previous evening.
Hermione nodded and swallowed the toast in her mouth. "I know, I'm sorry. "
Blaise just nodded and within minutes, they were retrieving their groups and showing off the castle once more.
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Saturday morning found Hermione in the shower, running her fingers through her hair. Water rushed down her body in rivulets, reflecting the dim light in the room. It was early and Hermione had chosen not to turn on all the lights.
Turning the water off she grabbed a towel, stepping from the shower. Another towel was wrapped around her hair, before the mirror above the sink was wiped clean of fog. Patting herself down, Hermione let the towel fall, exposing herself to the mirror. Turning to the side she examined her stomach, poking at the small but firm bump in her abdomen. Nothing much about her appearance was different. Her breasts looked a little fuller, and her abdomen a little firmer. Her skin however was just as pale, long brown locks dangling around her back and chest.
Quickly she dressed in whitewashed jeans and a soft green sweater before padding barefoot back to her room. Tossing the dirty towels into a vanishing hamper Hermione stood in front of her mirror, running a brush through her hair. Tying the chaotic mess into a ponytail, she dug some shoes from her trunk and slipped them on before heading toward the Hospital Wing and her meeting with Madame Pomfrey.
It was seven in the morning on a Saturday so it came as no surprise that the castle was almost eerily quiet. Hermione greeted the awoken portraits as she went and had to resist the urge to detour into the library.
Inside the Hospital Wing, two rows of beds lined the walls, neatly made up with pristine white sheets and fluffy white pillows. Hermione's sneakers squeaked as she strode toward the matron's office, excited and nervous all at once.
Madame Pomfrey sat at her desk, flicking through papers, as if searching for something. She looked to be compiling medical files for all the new first years, adding known allergies and issues before filing said folders away.
Hermione cleared her throat, not wanting to scare the woman. As Madame Pomfrey looked up, a smile broke across her face.
"Hermione! How wonderful to see you. Right on time I see."
Hermione smiled back, some of the tension leaving her muscles. She had hoped the woman wouldn't think any less of her for her precarious position and it looked like at least one prayer had been answered.
"Please, come in. Have a seat. Let me file this away and we'll get started."
Hermione took the offered seat, unsure of how to situate herself. Finally she stopped fidgeting, and gripped her hands tightly, looking at the awards and certificates that covered the small office's walls. A few pictures in frames rested on the walls, the occupants both moving and still. One particular photo caught her eye, three young women inside it, all wearing apprenticing Healer robes and bright gold sashes, denoting their graduation with outstanding honors. Shiny gold badges stamped with the Healer's Guild crest gleamed brightly in the sun.
One of the girls stood out over the rest, her waist length inky tresses, billowing in the wind, her matrons cap long gone with the breeze. She stood between her friends, laughing and cheering.
"That was the day we graduated the Healer program. We were the first of many women to finally be allowed into the career field. It was absolutely exhilarating."
Hermione started, turning to the gray haired woman. True pride showed on her face, the age lines softening at the wistful and aged milestone. Blinking, she pulled herself out of her reverie and said, "Shall we?"
Hermione nodded her consent and the examination began.
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Thirty minutes later, Madame Pomfrey seemed satisfied with her examination. Flicking her wand, the makeshift screen with her readings disappeared.
"Well dear you look to be about nine and a half weeks, give or take a day or two. By my estimate, you should be due in late March, early April timeframe. You and baby both appear to be healthy, although you do look a little thin. We'll keep an eye on that, many mothers have trouble gaining weight with their first pregnancy. Meanwhile I'm going to give you some potions that will give you the proper prenatal vitamins you need. Take it three times daily, once at each meal. We'll have a good stock of it so don't skimp, Severus will be making it so we can always get more if need be."
Hermione balked at the last, opening her mouth to protest before the matron cut her off.
"He won't know who it's for, that I promise. Now in another nine weeks or so we should be able to tell your little one's gender so you had best decide if you want to know or not. I'll give you your first supply of vitamins, plus something to help suppress the sickness. It was pretty violent was it not?"
Hermione nodded, her hand on her stomach.
"It was so sudden and I had it most of the night. It sort of scared me to be honest."
Madame Pomfrey nodded, as she took down notes for Hermione's file.
"Well this potion should suppress the worst of it. I'm not saying it will eliminate it but hopefully it should temper it a bit. I'll have the elves bring the vials to you later on tonight. One vial of vitamins per meal and only one vial of the suppressant per day. No more, you hear?"
Hermione nodded and hopped off the conjured exam table as it morphed back into a chair.
"Thank you for this Madame."
Madame Pomfrey shook her head.
"No trouble dear. It's why I'm here. If you have any pain, discomfort or bleeding, come to me immediately. All your teachers have been informed of your state and will not hinder your use of the bathroom and necessary breaks. Do not abuse this privilege however."
Hermione chuckled and shook her head. "I won't, I swear. Thank you again."
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The walk back to Gryffindor tower seemed like a long one that Hermione wasn't sure she wanted to make so instead she headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast, not expecting much company this early. To her surprise however a sleepy eyed Harry and half asleep Ron greeted her. Upon her arrival they perked up, smiles on their faces. Plopping herself between them, Hermione grabbed a plate and filled it with fruit and toast.
Silence reigned for all of a minute before Ron said, "Well? Don't keep us in suspense."
Hermione laughed, setting down her fork. Clasping their hands under the table she noticed hers were clammy and excitement was coursing through her all of a sudden.
"I'm almost ten weeks along and the baby should be born late March, early April. I won't know the gender for another nine weeks or so and I'm not sure I want to."
Harry squeezed her hand under the table, before pulling her into a hug. When he let go, Ron did the same. Not a soul in the hall found it odd, though there weren't many in there to begin with.
After finishing her light meal, Hermione stood.
"Why don't you two go back to bed? I want to hit the library."
From the looks on the pair's faces, they were planning to do just that. Hermione would nap later but first she needed to go somewhere familiar and relax. A book sounded pretty good right then.
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The rest of the weekend went by with ease, Hermione's morning sickness was still present but nothing compared to what it had been that first night. Sunday afternoon she sat in the bleachers of the pitch, watching Harry and Ron zip around on their new brooms. The book in her lap lay forgotten as she watched them contentedly, hoping her child could enjoy flying more than she ever did.
Now more than ever, Hermione was convinced that things were going to work themselves out. If it was one thing she knew, her trials and tribulations had made her stronger than she had ever dreamed of becoming. The best part was, she was never alone.
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