It's been nine months since my last update, I'm alive! I want you all to know that I've appreciated the messages of encouragement, the reviews; and I hope you'll have patience with me in the future. I'll update when I can and try not to take as long as I did this time but I cannot make any promises. Good news is I graduate from college with my Bachelor's in Criminal Justice, in March 2017 (fingers crossed), so that won't get in my way of writing for much longer.

I know I've ranted on about having only a few chapters left, but honestly I'm not so sure anymore. It's not going to be a very long fic but I think it might be getting away from me, just a little.

This chapter is EXTRA long, simply because I could not find a good stopping point and almost everyone had to make an appearance. You guys deserve it anyway for being so patient.

Enjoy, please review and tell me what you think. Please forgive any typos : )

Disclaimer: None of the characters or the world created by JK Rowling belongs to me, nor do I make any money off this story.

*****************HP******************

When the train pulled into Hogsmeade station Draco couldn't detangle himself fast enough from the mess of legs that occupied the compartment floor. With a nod to Hermione, the blonde grabbed Blaise by the collar and followed Daphne out the door, her fingers trailing the doorway as she went and a saucy smile tossed in Ron's baffled direction. Harry stood and reached a hand out to Hermione, helping her to her feet. Hermione's hands gravitated to her stomach, sudden nervousness making her feet feel as if they were cast in iron and her stomach full of one baby and many butterflies. Heart beating a mile a minute she pulled her winter robe about her, obscuring her belly, and followed Ron out the door, Harry's hand on her lower back.

The crowd of students jostled them back and forth, Ron and Harry keeping Hermione between them and away from the crush of bodies. Students were laughing, running, and joking, excited to get to the carriages and back to Hogwarts. Hermione wanted to stay toward the middle of the crowd; being in the front or back would give her away too quickly and she was delaying as long as possible. They ended up sharing a carriage with a couple of second and third years, and were more than ready to exit the carriage and get away from the unabashed staring.

The trek up the staircases had Hermione panting from exertion. She tugged on Ron's sleeve as Harry carefully eased her out of the crowd and against the wall, allowing crowds of students to pass unhindered. They stood there for a few minutes, Ron and Harry curved around her, while Hermione rested her forehead on the cools stone walls. At Hermione's nod they rejoined the crowd and continued up the last flight of stairs and into the Great Hall, seating themselves towards the end of the table; Ron at Hermione's side and Harry across.

As usual the students were loud, hungry and not interested in speeches; but no one dared speak when Headmistress McGonagall spoke.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Hogwarts. I hope your breaks were full of good cheer and your families are all in good health. As you may know, preparations for your final exams are quickly approaching, and many of you have midterm projects due this week, so I hope your winter breaks were used wisely and not wasted."

Headmistress McGonagall's gaze covered the room at the last bit, coming to rest on the Gryffindor table in particular. Gryffindors would always be her favorite, but the woman was no idiot and knew many of them were the very worst of procrastinators. People around the room laughed at the dramatics looks some of the more troublesome students put on, as if hurt by the woman's accusing stare. With a clap of her hands the tables filled with food and drink piled high and wide.

"Dig in."

Students throughout the room exploded into noise once more, and plates filling with food carefully prepared by the house elves. Hermione eased her cloak off and placed it on the bench beside her, face warm and hands sweaty. It was nerve wracking to be sitting so close to so many people who had no idea there was a life growing inside her; simply hidden under the table with the way she sat. Looking down the table she grimaced, spotting Ginny laughing with her year mates. The red haired girl turned toward her, met Hermione's gaze and looked away. Hermione shook her head and sighed, refusing to give in.

Ron nudged her arm and gestured toward her plate.

"Eat something Hermione, you haven't since before lunch."

Hermione nodded and reached for the nearest thing that wouldn't make her queasy, all the while scanning the head table for a certain professor who gave her the oddest but most delicious reactions. What exactly had he meant that night at the Burrow, telling her they would discuss things when she came back to school? Did he change his mind about participating in the child's life, or did he plan to charm her into getting rid of it one way or another? Mentally shaking herself, Hermione grimaced. The Gryffindor highly doubted he would have waited this long to try and get rid of the child; let alone try to 'charm' her into it.

Severus sat at the end of the head table, furthest from her and seemingly stuck in what had to be a very strange conversation with Professor Trelawney. He nodded his head every few minutes and spoke a word or two but didn't seem to be paying any attention to the second-rate seer. Hermione hadn't realized she was staring until he raised his head and locked eyes with her; the chaos of the room simply became background noise, and the world came to a halt on its axis. They stared across the room at each other for what felt like hours but could have only been seconds; and when his eyes took on that heat Hermione had grown addicted to, and his lips twisted into the smirk she loved, her heart fluttered. As if sensing the tension, sexual or otherwise, the infant inside her squirmed, lashing out at any internal organs she could reach.

Hermione hunched over quickly, dropping her fork and reaching for her stomach. Ron stopped his conversation beside her and shifted, blocking her from the view of others.

"Are you alright?"

Harry grimaced across the table, unable to do anything without looking out of place and drawing attention to her. Hermione nodded, rubbing her stomach and panting, eyes watering from the pain.

"I'm okay but I think my baby is waging war on my insides."

Ron chuckled and the tension eased from his frame.

"She's been very active lately. Anything that might have set her off?"

Harry chuckled lowly.

"A certain professor taking Hermione's attention might have."

Hermione kicked out her foot under the table, unable to get anywhere Harry despite his long legs.

"That's enough out of you."

*****************HP******************

When the witch locked eyes with Severus, it was all he could do to keep still in his seat. Her face was practically glowing, long hair falling around her shoulders and down her back. Hermione's hands were as dainty as ever and he had watched them remove her cloak earlier on baited breath. The way she sat it was impossible to see the growth of her stomach, but anyone with eyes could see she had easily gone up two cup sizes in her chest.

When she flinched, dropped her fork and hunched over her stomach, it took every ounce of self-control he had not to jump out of his chair. The Weasley boy noticed almost immediately and tended to her while Severus watched with something that could only be described as a fierce jealousy. It had begun shortly before Christmas break, watching Hermione with those two lunkheads she called friends had him ready to draw blood. They were with her nearly every waking moment of the day and if he didn't know the relationship was strictly platonic, he would have also thought they were in her bed every moment of the night. Severus himself had noticed a definite nastiness in his classes, even when dealing with his own house but couldn't bring himself to care.

New Year's had finalized his decision, he had found himself on the edges of Weasley property before he knew exactly what he was doing. With suspicion still abundant in the Wizarding World, he had been lucky it was Hermione who had approached him, though she was stupid to have done it. If it had been one of the Weasley men to notice someone lurking, they would have drawn their wands first and asked questions later; and even if they knew it was him, they still might have reacted the same. Severus wasn't sure how much Hermione had told them concerning the paternity of her child and was man enough to admit the older Weasley men had turned into fine fighters, even those pains in the asses; Bill, Charlie, and George.

Severus decided that night Hermione would be his, if she'd have him; and if she wouldn't he'd convince her. The witch was young, stubborn and certainly a know-it-all but Severus loved a challenge and couldn't imagine himself with anyone else. They were going to have a child, be tied together for the rest of their lives; so why waste it being alone? It might not work out, the chances were slim, but he was determined to exhaust every avenue before giving up. McGonagall would not interfere if they were discreet and he couldn't care less about public opinion; fuck them all.

Hermione Granger would be the prize at the end of his long and ugly life, it was just a matter of getting her in the right position; preferably over his desk, body straining under his touch.

*****************HP******************

Hermione idly rubbed her stomach, her eyes watching the room in its entirety but always drifting back to the Potions Master at the head table. He too looked back at her, no longer putting up a pretense of conversation with Trelawney, and instead eyeing the Gryffindor like a piece of meat. Dinner was over, random students leaving in small groups, with Headmistress McGonagall having given her closing speech and left to tend to matters at hand. Most of teachers had retired as well; Snape, Trelawney and Sprout being the only ones left.

Letting out a tense breath Hermione grabbed her cloak and shifted to stand, sliding one leg over the bench and then the other, in what her mother would have called a most un-ladylike manner. She gripped Ron's hand and he pulled her up, facing away from the rest of the room. Carefully she adjusted her skirt and sweater, hands hot and shaking. How long would it take people to notice the obviously pregnant girl in their midst?

They started walking toward the end of the table to meet Harry, who took her cloak from her hands and smiled, trying to ease the tension. Nobody had noticed so far but more and more people were getting up from their tables and leaving the Great Hall. Putting one foot in front of the other, Hermione kept her eyes on the prize; getting out the doors without a fuss but sadly that wasn't meant to be.

A sudden jostling to her left from a small set of bodies wearing Hufflepuff yellow, made her stumble, her right arm reaching for Ron as she fell backwards. Time slowed and all she could see were Ron and Harry's shocked faces, bodies too slow to catch her. Tensing up Hermione waited for a hard impact that never came. Two warm appendages gripped her around the chest and stomach, large hands digging into the material of her sweater.

"Careful Hermione, are you alright?"

Hermione sighed in relief at Neville's voice and nodded, working to get her feet under her. Neville lifted her from behind, bringing his arms around her back and releasing her when she appeared steady. Hermione ran a hand through her loose curls and watched Neville's face morph, shouting at the two Hufflepuff first years and stopping them in their tracks.

"You lot need to be careful, you can't be running around and nocking people over!"

The two students nodded but remained frozen in place and Hermione was pretty sure she knew why. Other people were stopping as well, blinking and shaking their heads like they weren't sure what they were seeing; Neville's shout had certainly gotten their attention. Hermione tried not to shuffle her feet nervously as the Longbottom heir turned back toward her, a smile on his face. That smile quickly dropped from his face and he too looked confused.

"Uh, Hermione? I don't want to be rude but have you gained a little weight?"

Hermione wanted to laugh, apparently it was gut reaction to ask if she'd gotten fat, but was barely holding back her tears.

"Yes Neville."

Neville looked her up and down, and then glanced between her, Ron and Harry.

"Is that what I think it is?"

The student body was nearly silent around them, people crowding and looking with a rabid curiosity that was beginning to scare her. Whispers had started, some not even bothering to be quiet about it and Hermione wasn't nearly as emotionally ready to hear what they were saying as she had thought.

Hermione looked Neville in the face, and nodded, not wanting to lie to her friend anymore.

"It's a baby Neville, I'm pregnant."

There was an audible gasp in the crowd and Neville tensed, remembering they weren't alone. Stepping closer to Hermione he grabbed her by the arm and nudged her toward Ron and Harry. Turning to the onlookers he waved his arm at them in a shooing manner.

"Never seen a pregnant girl before?! Ain't nothing to see here, go back to your houses!"

A boy in the middle of the crowd spoke up, his Slytherin colors already a bad sign.

"Never though Know-It-All Granger would get herself knocked up, honestly didn't think anyone would get near that cunt! Is it yours Longbottom?!"

Ron surged forward into the crowd and grabbed the boy by his collar, lifting him off his feet and dragging the smaller boy into his chest. Ron ignored Hermione's shout and stared in the kid's eyes, a snarl on his face.

"Who the fuck are you to say anything? Some nasty little fourth year wanting to make himself some friends? I'll be your best fucking friend you son of a –"

Hermione cringed but cheered a little on the inside when Ron didn't bring the boy's house affiliation into the mess.

"Ten points from Gryffindor for such an ugly display Weasley. I don't know how things are handled in Gryffindor tower but we don't threaten those smaller than us in public."

Hermione's whole body vibrated when she heard Severus, his voice so close behind her she could smell his musky cologne. Students parted like the Red Sea and Hermione was almost positive he brushed her on purpose as he passed. Ron let go of the other boy and shoved him back a bit, before turning and heading back her way. Hermione was proud of the redhead when he walked past Severus without a word; a younger and less mature Ron wouldn't have been able to resist mouthing off.

Severus came to a stop in front of the fourth year Slytherin and stared at him, eyes cold.

"Mr. Rodham, in the future keep your opinions of another student's cunt and what should be in it to yourself; I have no room for such blatant vulgarity and peasantry in my house, you bring shame to the name of Salazar Slytherin. Twenty points from Slytherin Mr. Rodham, and we will continue this in my office tomorrow morning, return to your dorm."

Turning he glared at the students surrounding them, robes billowing at the sudden movement. Some students were shocked into silence at his use of the word cunt, while others grinned deviously.

"Now that the show is over, return to your dorms."

People scattered, rushing away from the irked professor. A few braver ones lurked by the doors to the Great Hall but ran when he looked in their direction. Severus turned back to Hermione and looked her over, gaze coming to rest on her face and the tears she had been wiping away.

"Longbottom you may go."

Neville jerked, but didn't move right away. Hermione had never seen a more serious look on his face when he ignored Severus and stared at the Golden Trio.

"You guys going to be okay?"

Hermione nodded and Harry murmured something intelligible; Ron shrugged.

"We'll be okay man, meet you in the common room."

Neville waited a few seconds to be sure, before turning and walking away. Severus stared at his back while he walked away, both slightly impressed and pissed that he was no longer a pushover; instead the Longbottom matriarch could be proud of. Severus turned back to the trio of Gryffindor students; Ron glared at him, Harry looked bored, and Hermione's face was curious but guarded, the desire he had sensed from her earlier having dimmed.

"Potter, Weasley, if you don't mind I'd like to speak with Ms. Granger for a moment. Alone."

Harry raised an eyebrow, while Ron snorted.

"Is that wise Professor? We are in public after all, wouldn't want to make any ugly displays."

Severus snarled under his breath.

"I'm a professor talking to a wayward student, which is the only display anyone will see."

Ron mumbled something under his breath and walked away, Harry on his heels.

"We'll be by the door when you're ready Hermione."

Hermione nodded.

"Be there in a minute."

*****************HP******************

Severus waited until Harry and Ron were out of earshot before stepping closer to Hermione, maneuvering them so his back was to the door and effectively blocking anyone from seeing her.

"Are you alright?"

Hermione's smile was tight but warm, she was getting tired of people asking if she was 'okay'.

"I'm fine, Neville was there in the nick of time. My balance has been a little off lately, Madame Pomfrey says it's because my center of gravity has shifted pretty drastically in such a short time."

Severus looked Hermione over once more, finally seeing the obvious changes to her body in normal light. Her stomach was heavy with their child, and the evidence of that made him shiver with a possessiveness he was becoming much too acquainted with recently. Large, messy curls were draped around her head and down her shoulders; framing a face that looked the same as ever. Hermione's sweater was stretched taut over her stomach and was almost concealing when looking at her head on; while her skirt was puffed out around the bottom and a little shorter than it should have been. Long legs encased in black tights led to slightly swollen ankles and a pair of cushioned flats, the Gryffindor's Mary Jane pumps long gone.

Severus was so busy looking her over that he jerked when her smaller hand grabbed his large, calloused one and pulled it close. His body went rigid when Hermione lifted her sweater ever so slightly and placed his hand on her stomach, the cold from his fingertips seeping through her button down blouse and making her shiver. It only took a moment for the infant inside to start up with her somersaults for the third time that day and Hermione could tell when Severus felt it. His faced morphed, losing it's hard edge and gaining a softness she had never seen before. The baby was kicking, closer and closer to his hand, and when the little girl actually hit right under is hand, Hermione noticed trembling in his hand and arm.

"Madame Pomfrey said she's a little lethargic with her movements, I have to stimulate her every couple days to keep her active, but you wouldn't know it with how she's been today; I think she'd be quite the little gymnast."

A line of worry appeared in Severus's brow.

"Lethargy? Is it dangerous?"

Hermione shook her head, squeezing his hand.

"It can be but she's been more active lately and I only have to nudge her every couple days when she doesn't move enough."

Severus removed his hand from hers and adjusted the hem of her sweater. Glancing over his shoulder he could see Harry and Ron standing at the door to the Great Hall. Lifting a hand he cupped Hermione's neck and titled her head, rubbing his thumb back and forth over her smooth skin and driving his fingers into the bottom of her hair.

"I'd like to see you tomorrow after dinner, in my rooms and away from prying eyes."

Hermione wasn't sure she should be alone with the Potion's Master, not after the last time, but knew they needed to talk and she really wanted to know what was going on in his head.

"Is seven good for you?"

Severus nodded and leaned down, brushing his lips over hers quickly.

"Go to bed Ms. Granger."

Hermione watched him leave, exiting the hall into the antechamber. Quickly she pulled herself together and tried to ignore the tingling on her neck as she headed for Ron and Harry at the door.

*****************HP******************

The next morning Hermione tried to be early to breakfast but couldn't seem to get moving, especially after Harry had to help her off her bed. Walking into the Great Hall she ignored the stares and whispers, choosing to sit right next to Neville. Neville was momentarily surprised but smiled easily at her.

"Where are Harry and Ron?"

Hermione didn't look up from digging in her bag, pulling out her rough draft Charms project.

"They'll be along, as soon as they stop arguing about Quidditch."

This was one of the rare times Hermione Granger would be found wrong, Harry and Ron were still in fact arguing when they sat down across from Hermione and Neville.

"I'm telling you Ron, the Falcons have nothing on the Harpies this year, their lineup sucks since Mattson transferred and Thorn got hurt."

Ron shook his head and looked around conspiratorially before leaning in.

"Mate, they're girls."

Hermione laughed loudly, before muffling it with her hand. She couldn't help laughing over the absurdity of that statement and wished Angelina, Alicia and Katie were there to hear it.

"Ron, I wouldn't say that in front of your sister."

Ron jerked his head up, ears red before looking around quickly for the youngest Weasley. When he didn't spot her his posture relaxed and he stuck his tongue out at Hermione. Hermione laughed once more and let the boys go back to their argument. Turning to Neville she poked him with her finger, grabbing his attention.

"I wanted to say thank you Neville, you really helped me out last night. Thanks for sticking up for me."

Neville put one arm around her shoulders and squeezed carefully, before pulling back.

"Glad to Hermione. Personally the way our conversation went, it sounded like you were telling me about our baby. I'm waiting on a letter from Gran sometime today, someone will have told her what happened."

Hermione giggled.

"I hope she doesn't freak out."

Neville shook his head.

"No, she'd be ecstatic actually; she'd probably want us to get married right away, but Gran thinks you're great."

Hermione blushed.

"I'm glad someone does."

Breakfast was short; Hermione wasn't very hungry and she needed to get a head start because Charms was on the third floor. The baby had started pushing up into her diaphragm that morning and it made breathing a little harder so all those stairs would take longer. Neville offered to carry her bag, which she accepted gratefully; and despite having to stop after every flight of stairs, the foursome made it to Charms with a few minutes to spare.

The classroom was quiet when Hermione walked in, every student focused on her, more precisely on her belly. Hermione ignored the whispers and took her usual seat. The big surprise however was that Gunny chose to sit across the room with Padma and Pavarti. Hermione arched an eyebrow in question to Harry but he just shrugged. Hermione knew the girl had no desire to be around her at the moment but the fact she passed up sitting next to Harry was odd.

Professor Flitwick entered the classroom and attention turned to him.

"If you'll please pass your rough drafts to the front, we can get started."

*****************HP******************

Transfiguration followed the same script as Charms, whispers and slanted looks but Hermione ignored them; however she was slightly confused by the finger wave she received from Daphne Greengrass on the other side of the aisle, and not so surprised by the fact Blaise slid gracefully into the seat next to her. Headmistress McGonagall had them pass their project drafts to the front as well, before passing out small black booklets with no markings on the covers.

"These are highly regulated Animagus instruction manuals that have belonged to this school for centuries. They're considered outdated to the newer Transfiguration Masters however I have found them extremely useful and easy to follow. We'll be using these and each of you will have a copy personally registered to you. It is your responsibility to make sure the book does not fall into hands it should not, nor should it incur any damage that it did not already have when given to you. Are we clear?"

The small group of students acknowledged her quietly, afraid to piss off a very scary woman. Headmistress McGonagall stared at them all sternly, before adjusting her glasses and softening her voice.

"The Animagus transformation can be extremely dangerous and that is why you will only practice the early stages in this classroom, with myself or Madame Pomfrey to supervise. You do not want to find yourself stuck as some cat-human hybrid for the rest of yours lives; some of these mistakes can be permanent if not treated immediately."

Hermione ducked her head at the mention of a cat-human hybrid, memories of her own furry problem from second year making her blush. Blaise elbowed her lightly and glanced at her red face with a smirk. Hermione reached over and pinched his leg under the desk, taking perverse pride in his muffled yelp.

The rest of the class went on as expected, mainly the discussion of passages and instructions from the book, along with theory discussion and notes from the Headmistress McGonagall's own experience.

Ron and Harry were waiting for her outside the Transfiguration classroom and walked her to the Great Hall for lunch; later walking her back to the Transfiguration classroom for her TA period. Hermione tried asking Harry how DADA had gone with Ginny but he shook his head and said they'd talk about it later.

The first years who had gotten over their mystification at the beginning of the year were once again stunned to silence in front of her. Hermione tried to act normal but the silence was driving her crazy. Turning she looked at the students and sighed.

"What do you want to know?"

The classroom erupted into chaos and for the first twenty-five minutes of class Hermione answered all their questions. Yes she was having a baby, it was a girl, no she hadn't picked a name, no she wasn't telling them who the father was, at the moment she wasn't getting married; and she was absolutely sure she wasn't having twins. She finally cut them off and closed the topic, before directing them to the lesson at hand. After class was over the first years took off like a rocket and Hermione began packing up her things. Hefting her bag on her shoulder Hermione winced, before pulling her wand and adding a Feather-light charm on her bag. Turning she stumbled, almost bumping into Headmistress McGonagall but the older woman gripped her elbow tightly to steady her.

"I'm sorry Ms. Granger, I didn't mean to startle you, especially after hearing about your close call last night. I trust you're well?"

Hermione smile.

"I'm fine, really. I wish people would stop asking."

Headmistress McGonagall chuckled.

"I just wanted to let you know that you're going to need to see Madame Pomfrey sometime before class on Friday, just to make sure you have the right magical reserves to proceed with the first steps; mainly the meditation and attempt at magic manifestation."

Hermione gripped the strap on her bag tightly.

"Alright, I'll go see her during my free period either tomorrow or Wednesday."

Headmistress McGonagall squeezed her elbow once before letting go and walking behind her desk.

"Don't look so apprehensive Ms. Granger, everything will be fine."

Fourth year students began filing into the room for the final class of the day, effectively cutting off Hermione's reply. Hermione smiled at Headmistress McGonagall with a quiet goodbye and headed toward Gryffindor tower.

Several times during her walk Hermione had to stop and sit down, rubbing her upper stomach and trying to convince the little girl to stop pressing on her diaphragm. She was glad when sixth period started and the student cleared the halls, their looks were no longer hurting her feelings but starting to make her mad. Hermione finally reached the seventh floor and the portrait of the Fat lady; out of breath and very tired. She gave the password and headed up to her room, dropping her bag on the floor, robes beside them, and kicking her shoes off wherever they ended up. Carefully she crawled up onto her bed, ignoring Crookshanks grumbling. Within minutes she was asleep, emotional and physical exhaustion taking over.

*****************HP******************

Nearly three hours later Hermione was nudged out of her sleep, a persistent hand running up and down one of her legs on fingertips, while Crookshanks hissed from somewhere near her head. Opening her eyes it took a minute for everything to come into focus and when it did she wanted to go right back to sleep. Harry was muttering to himself, sitting near her legs and playing with his hands on her calf. It felt sort of nice, and Hermione wouldn't have minded so much if didn't look so out of it. Ron on the other hand had crawled up her bed and sat near Crookshanks, making weird faces and attempting to aggravate the orange monster. Licking her lips she swallowed, her throat painfully dry.

"Ron, when he scratches your face off, you'll have deserved it."

Ron grinned at her shamelessly. Harry perked up and smiled brightly.

"Sleeping beauty has awoken!"

Hermione grunted and tried to roll over to her stomach, before remembering she physically couldn't. The next few minutes were spent keeping her from falling back asleep, and then getting her changed. Hermione was no longer embarrassed by the fact she had trouble with her pants sometimes and that she was hopeless when it came to socks or shoes. Harry helped her pull a thigh length, grey dress sweater over her head, while Ron hunted down a pair of leggings from her dresser. Hermione tied her hair up messily, strands escaping the loose bun and falling around her face. After putting her feet into slippers that had been a present from Fleur, she left the boys escort her down to dinner.

There weren't quite so many stares, some people having found her predicament boring already. She noticed the fourth year from the night before was sitting apart from most of his housemates and seemed to be in temporary exile. It wasn't often the Head of Slytherin House took double the points off his own student during an inter-house altercation. Settling in at the far end of the table Hermione's gaze immediately went to the head table, looking for a certain dark haired man but he was nowhere to be found. She nibbled her lip slightly, nervousness creeping in. Were they no longer meeting?

"Stop it Hermione."

Hermione looked at Harry and blushed, realizing how obvious she had been.

"He said he wanted to talk after dinner, he's probably torturing some first year right now in preparation."

Hermione frowned.

"Harry, that's stupid."

Harry just grinned. They fell into idle chatter for a while, but when Ginny walked by with some of her friends, not even glancing at The-Boy-Who-Lived, a lightbulb went off in her head.

"Harry, what happened in DADA?"

Ron grunted.

"Ginny wouldn't say a thing to me in Potions."

Harry set his fork down and ran a hand over his face.

"I don't know mate, she's acting strange. Professor Savage looked like he was going to partner us up again for the second half of the year but she asked him if she could partner with one of the Hufflepuffs instead. Its fine with me, I'm paired off with Seamus who's a whole lot more fun to work with."

Ron swallowed what he was chewing and picked up his pumpkin juice.

"She didn't say a thing to you?"

Harry shook his head.

"I asked her if everything was okay and she said she wanted a new partner, and that she was finished pretending. I didn't want to hurt her, I just wanted her to understand that I'm not interested in getting back together."

Hermione sighed.

"I think this is partly because we didn't let her in on the big secret. She's my closest female friend and I didn't tell her, I know I hurt her feelings, but I couldn't afford for anyone to know."

Ron spoke up, his voice harder than Hermione had expected.

"Ginny doesn't exactly keep gossip well and we know how persistent she can be. She's my sister and I love her but she's a big girl. If she wants to stay mad, there isn't a damn thing we can do about; she's just like mum."

The rest of their dinner was sort of melancholy in nature. Hermione knew why she kept glancing at the head table, but she couldn't figure out why Ron kept peeking over his shoulder toward the Slytherin table, a very mystified look on his face. In between discreet glances at Draco, who was ignoring the fact he even existed, Harry was snickering at Ron. Hermione looked over at the table and wanted to laugh at the sight. Daphne Greegrass sat facing the Gryffindor table, twirling a long strand of hair around her finger over and over again, and smiling at Ron; however her smile was more of something you'd see on hungry predator, all teeth.

"I think she likes you Ron, or at least she doesn't hate you."

Ron turned bright red and mumbled into his dinner plate.

Hermione really did laugh this time, unable to control it.

A small tug on her sleeve grabbed Hermione's attention and she looked down, two large eyes belonging to Winky stared up at her.

"Miss has a meeting at seven, Winky was sent to bring you."

Harry and Ron looked at each other before Harry chuckled darkly.

"We know when we're not wanted."

Holding up his hand he brandished his ring finger and the brand that encased it almost lovingly.

"You need us, you call. I've got the map, he can't hide you from me."

Hermione sighed.

"Don't be so dramatic Harry."

Gripping Harry's arm the bookworm steadied herself and swung her legs over the bench before standing. Adjusting her sweater Hermione leaned down and kissed Harry's cheek.

"I'll be fine but thanks for worrying."

With a small wave at Ron, Hermione followed Winky out of the Great Hall.

*****************HP******************

Daphne's steps were light as she walked through the dungeons toward the common room, her ponytail swinging with the sway of her hips. It had been interesting watching Weasley's reactions to her, it was obvious that he was painfully shy about girls, especially aggressive ones like herself. He really was turning out to be the perfect candidate to solve all her messy problems, if she didn't scare him off. She'd just have to be careful and step lightly, until he was hopelessly enamored with her.

A pale hand shot out of the darkness and grabbed her blonde locks, yanking harshly and pulled her backward.

"What the hell was that Daphne?"

Daphne swung around with her wand raised, knocking her attacker's wand out of her small hand and pushing her against the nearest wall. Daphne stared at her younger sister's bright blue eyes, many shades lighter than her own dark inky tone.

"What in Merlin's name do you think you're doing Astoria?"

The younger girl stiffened in her arms, before shoving off her hold.

"Me? What was that shit with Weasley at dinner? Are you joking? He's your choice?"

Daphne took a step back and stowed her wand away.

"If everything goes as planned, yes, he's my choice."

Astoria threw her hands up it the air and stared incredulously at her sister.

"Why in Merlin's name would you pick him? He's a blood traitor and his family hasn't a single galleon to their name. True his mother was a Prewitt but she soiled herself and what was left of her family name when she married into the Weasley name."

Daphne shook her head and turned away.

"He's as good as any other, better than most."

Astoria reached out and grabbed her sister's arm, only to be thrown backward into the cold stone wall once more. Daphne's face was no longer blank, but twisted with a rage that suddenly scare Astoria, sending a chill all the way to her bones.

"What do you think this is Astoria, a fairytale? That we'll both marry rich pureblood men and live happily ever after on our family estates, the envy of every girl we know? You're delusional if you think we could ever have anything close to that again."

Astoria shivered at the venom in her sister's voice and winced when the arm across her chest pressed down slightly.

"Father is dead, our cousin is breathing down my neck, and you want me to be picky? I have less than a year to secure my position, our position, or face losing everything to that pompous ass we call cousin; and the first thing he wants is you. "

Astoria's eyes went wide at the last bit of information.

"What?"

Daphne laughed dryly.

"You heard me. If I don't figure this out we lose our home, the estate, the money, heirlooms; EVERYTHING! And you dear sister, would lose your life to him and there would be nothing I could do about it."

Daphne eased back, gripping her ponytail tightly and wrapping a strand of hair round her finger, over and over in a calming gesture. Astoria was quiet and as she stared at the floor, her shoulders hunched in on herself.

"Don't let him take me, I couldn't bear it."

Daphne stepped forward and grimaced as Astoria flinched, before pulling her into her tight embrace.

"I won't, he'll have to fight me for you Astoria and I'd kill him the first chance I got. I can't afford to waste time and I need to be smart. Weasley may not be the richest, but his blood is purer than many, he's loyal and kind with Granger. If I can get him to love me even half as much as he does that bookworm, I know he'll never mistreat me, or you. He'll protect us and not just him but his whole damn clan; we'd be untouchable. He's grown like all those damn Weasley men, into a strong fighter; and if the rumors are true about them, a capable lover. He is my best chance at saving our lives and I will not throw this away because you want a prince in shining armor."

Astoria sniffed and Daphne suddenly felt terrible, scaring her sister this way, but Astoria was sixteen and no longer a child; and Daphne would not be able to protect her forever. Cursing their father she pulled away from the younger girl and wiped at her eyes with her sleeve, before lightly tapping some pink into her cheeks.

"I need you to trust me."

Astoria sniffed again and nodded slightly, refusing to look Daphne in the face. Daphne gripped Astoria's chin and tipped her head, forcing the younger blonde to look her in the face.

"Say it."

Astoria licked her lips and whispered.

"I trust you."

Daphne smiled, her lips trembling for a second before she tightened her jaw. She couldn't afford to cry, not in front of Astoria. Light step echoed down the hallway and Daphne's body went rigid, moving in front of her sister and pushing the girl behind her as they backed into the shadows. Daphne's eyes widened when she saw a House-elf leading a very pregnant Gryffindor past their hiding spot, past the entrance to the Slytherin common room, before taking a small hall off to the left that only led one place, to the Head of House's personal quarters.

*****************HP******************

Hermione glanced around the main sitting area nervously as the portrait shut behind her and Winky left her alone. A long dark robe that could only belong to Severus was laid across the back of a large wingback chair, while a pair of shoes were discarded on the ground just behind it.

"Professor?"

Hermione's small voice echoed in the room and she was startled at the silky reply that came from one of the adjoining rooms.

"In my office Ms. Granger."

Hermione followed the voice, and stopped in the open doorway, her mouth going dry at the picture Severus made behind his desk. His shirt was mostly unbuttoned, exposing a wide expanse of alabaster skin. Dark hair hung around his face as he read something, his sleeves rolled up his arms, exposing the dark mark that had never faded. The Potions Master set his papers down and looked up, the look on his face stealing her breath away.

Lithely Severus stood from his chair and came around the desk, bare feet silent on the cold stone floor. He came to a stop just in front of her, reach out to run his hand along her cheek and tangling it up I her hair; Hermione shivered in response.

"I'm glad you made it."

Hermione's heart stuttered as she grinned.

"Winky made the trip very easy."

Easing his hand out of her hair and down her back, Severus guided Hermione back into the living area and toward the small leather couch than sat angled in front of the fireplace.

"Would you like something to drink?"

Hermione's throat has certainly gone dry, although he had a way of making other places on her body wet with the same mannerisms. The Gryffindor nodded and accepted the glass of water Severus held out to her.

"What did you want to talk about?"

Severus sat next to her and leaned back against the couch, stretching his legs out as far as they would go. His arm went around her over the back of the couch and Hermione thought she was going to explode with the tension.

"On New Year's Eve I decided something, and somehow found myself on the Weasley's doorstep. I'm done denying myself something that could be very, very sweet and I'm hoping you will agree."

Hermione fidgeted under his stare but sat up straighter.

"Go on."

Severus raised an eyebrow at her tone but continued.

"I want to be there for our daughter, as much as you'll let me. I'm not a good man, I'm cold to almost everyone around me and I can't promise it will be easy; but I want to try with you, with her."

Hermione let out a breath and stood on shaky legs. Long cool fingers brushed her thigh as she walked over to the fireplace. Staring into the flames Hermione gripped the glass of water tightly, the electric shock of Severus's touch doing things to her nervous system that were close to shutting down her brain. A silent shadow fell over her and two arms wrapped around her from behind, one large hand splayed over her stomach and the other on her upper thigh, drifting steadily north.

"I don't just want our daughter, I want whole the package; I'm feeling gluttonous. I've discovered recently that I'm a very jealous man, and the animal inside wants so badly to possess you; body and soul. It has been hell watching you with Weasley and Potter, watching them care for you like I crave to."

Hermione shuddered in Severus's embrace.

"I'm not something you can just keep, I'm not a toy and neither is our baby."

Severus let out a breath that tickled her neck, his tongue grazing Hermione's warm flesh and leaving a trail of fire behind. The hand on her thigh stopped at the juncture, cool fingers touching the heat encased there ever so carefully.

"I know you can't be kept, you're not that kind of woman; but I'd like to try."

Hermione's breathing was shallow and her heart was ready to beat out of her chest. The hand under her sweater may have stopped but the nimble fingers had begun a stroking pattern, barely ghosting over her covered pussy but starting a raging wildfire in her belly.

"Professor, I-"

"Severus."

Hermione licked her lips and tried again but this time Severus nipped her neck as he repeated his order.

"Call me Severus."

Hermione opened and closed her mouth, not once but twice and when the Potion's Master pressed down firmly on her clothe covered clit she was unable to stop the moan that escaped her; and her fingers convulsed, the glass slipping and shattering into a thousand pieces on the stone floor. Hermione's voice was rough when she found it, barely discernable over the heartbeat pounding in her ears.

"If I agree to try, what then?"

Severus's lips curved against her neck and his hand tightened almost painfully against her center, waves of pleasure making her knees weak. Severus chuckled darkly and he pulled her body tightly to him; his hard cock making a very big impression against Hermione's ass.

"Stay the night Hermione."

*****************HP******************