I graduated in June guys! (A few months late, let's not talk about that.) I'm excited to get back to my true passion, writing! Along with writing new chapters, I want to go back and edit inconsistencies or things that just don't fit and were written in the heat of the moment.
I'm having a hard time getting into Severus Snape's mindset, if you have any suggestions or constructive criticism, feel free to share. I think however, that I have come up with an explanation that will fit his behavior. This wasn't originally intended but it came to me, and the more I thought about it, the more I liked it.
Enjoy, please review and tell me what you think. Forgive any typos! I've also come up with a new update schedules for my stories now that I no longer have school to distract me; this means there should be an update once every few weeks and this story should be done in the next 6 months-ish.
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******************
Hermione's tongue felt like lead and she found herself struggling to form words. Severus's large hands had not moved from their positions, one teasing her almost mockingly between her legs, and the other resting on the curve of her stomach. Letting out a deep breath the witch blinked quickly; and in an effort to clear her head she forced her body to move, stepping away from Severus's embrace.
Turning to face the potions master, Hermione was surprised to see a flicker of hesitation in his stance as he straightened to his full height.
"I don't know much about you Severus, but this behavior is the opposite of everything I've ever seen out of you. You've made no secret of the way you feel toward people, especially students, Gryffindors in particular. In the last few months you've been angry, aggressive, and eerily calm. The most confusing part is what appears to be your sexual attraction to me. Why?"
Severus's facial expression darkened a bit, he could feel the snarl on his lips. The young woman in front of him wasn't wrong; this behavior was nothing like him, nothing like the ugly tempered man he showed the world on a day to day basis. However, that man wasn't the only thing inhabiting his body, the animal inside had awoken after many years of slumber and there was no way he could force it back to sleep.
Stepping back the potions master turned and walked over to the inlaid bar, bare feet silent on the floor. The silence stretched between them as he poured a drink, buying time before he was forced to look Hermione in the face. Severus's body practically vibrated from the brief contact with Hermione; like he'd gotten a shock from one of the Weasley's new toys. This had been a stupid idea to begin with, giving in to his desire to make the Gryffindor princess his, a moment of drunken weakness. At first Severus had ignored it, cut out the thought before it could take root, but eventually the burning in his chest had become unbearable and the thought of another man near his child and her mother; it made his vision red and his hands cramp.
There was no avoiding the largest Prince family skeleton anymore, but Severus was at a loss how to explain it; he'd never even revealed it to Lily and he had hoped to spend his life with her.
*****************HP******************
Hermione stared at Severus's taunt shoulders, eyes roving down across his lower back and coming to rest on what appeared to be a well disguised, fine ass. Lithe muscles moved under the material of his shirt, and Hermione was almost positive the Slytherin's frame had filled out some since she last saw him. Hermione watched silently as he downed another glass of scotch, no idea what to say. Severus was playing with her, teasing her, and pulling her in; she'd be stupid to believe something positive could come of a relationship with the man. The brunette couldn't understand why she was so drawn to him; watching his muscles, dreaming of his touch, and so easily lured into touching him at the most inopportune times. She'd be the first to admit her strange attraction, but she was just as wary.
"Severus, what's going on?"
The dark haired man jerked ever so slightly, almost like he'd forgotten her presence. When he finally turned toward her, his face was once again a mask of calm, but his hands were clenched tightly at his sides, body nearly vibrating. Letting out a breath Severus gestured toward the couch.
"Please sit."
Hermione raised a brow.
"Is it safe?"
Severus couldn't stop the chuckle that forced its way from his chest. Hair fell forward across his face as he nodded.
"Sitting is safe, and probably best. When I'm done, if you want to leave I will not stop you."
Hermione sat, more than a little intrigued.
Severus ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands. He stood before the fireplace for a moment before meeting Hermione's gaze.
"A little while ago I made mention of an 'animal inside', and though it sounds like a bad euphemism for my ugly disposition, it isn't. How much do you know about creature inheritances?"
Hermione tilted her head in thought, one hand resting on her stomach and the other adjusting a pillow behind the small of her back. Creature inheritances occurred in wizarding families that had a magical creature in their family tree. The closer someone was generationally to that creature blood, the stronger it would manifest in said person. Some developed full abilities, while others something as simple as sharper senses. Fleur had her grandmother's allure, her temper, and when angry or cornered, developed her claws and a few feathers.
"I know the basics of creature inheritances, and I'm acutely aware how unfavorably they are looked upon; dirty creature blood sullying a wizard's veins."
Severus inclined his head slightly before continuing, not denying the statement Hermione had spit out softly.
"My mother was the last of the Prince line, an older pureblood family with deep magical roots. Four generations ago, my great, great, great grandfather Victus Prince and his third wife were struggling to bear a healthy child to continue on the line. His previous wives had died in childbirth, none of the children surviving either, and so far his current wife had only produced three sickly girls, who died hours later. Victus was unwilling to admit the fault laid with him, instead deciding the best option was an ancient and forbidden spell that hadn't even been proven to work and always ended in disaster. It was a stupid idea, but he was a pompous man, and if he could get away with it with no one being the wiser, he figured our family would climb the echelon quickly."
Hermione's hands were mindlessly rubbing small circles on her stomach as she listened to Severus retell an obviously hidden part of his lineage. It wasn't uncommon for man to detest something, but secretly use it for his own benefit; denying any involvement if later found out. Strong children were important to carrying on a bloodline, male children were desired above all else; it had been that way since the beginning of time and was still that way in many areas of the world; including the wizarding one.
Severus's face was shadowed by his hair, waning light from the simmering fire creating an almost mysterious air about his features. The potions master walked back toward the couch, his movements almost reminiscent of a large cat on the prowl. Before reaching the brunette he chose to settle himself on the furthest arm of the chair that was perpendicular to the couch. Locking eyes with Hermione, Severus held her attention, dark eyes evaluating every facial twitch.
"My many times great grandfather wanted numerous healthy children, a strong line, and above all else the power and influence he felt was rightfully his."
Hermione licked her lips.
"And you Severus? Do you want a son, power?"
Severus continued to hold her gaze, eyes taking in every aspect of her face. Finally he shook his head minutely.
"I wouldn't trade our daughter for a son; she alone is a miracle I never thought I'd have."
Warmth bloomed in Hermione's chest, creeping up her neck and spreading a pleasant pink tinge across her cheeks. She could hear the vow, the promise in his tone.
Severus was pleased by the blush that stole across the young woman's face, her lips tilted in a smile. After this was over, he aimed to erase any doubt she had concerning his dedication to their daughter; even if he lost her, his daughter would want for nothing. The man was loath to continue this story, not because of Hermione's opinions on creatures but instead the opinion she would no doubt develop about him and the influence his blood would carry on their child.
"Victus never told his wife what he was up to, he never wanted anyone to know. He waited until Samhain, abstaining from his wife for several months in preparation. That night he completed the ritual in secret, summoning a beast that he had no business being anywhere near; an ancient species of dragon that had been assumed long dead. They were few in number, blending in among regular witches and wizards with ease; vicious and cunning for the sake of their survival. The deal was simple; the dragon would take on a nearly identical genetic form of Victus using the man's blood, fuck and impregnate his wife, and in return Victus would give the beast every treasure he hid in his coffers."
Hermione couldn't help the small intake of breath at Severus's obvious vehemence, her lower body seemingly coming back to life as the word fuck dripped like venom from his tongue. Severus's lips twisted into an ugly smirk, the burn in his chest growing at Hermione's obvious sign of arousal. His head was cloudy from a darker influence, one that was more than enough animal for the Gryffindor to handle. If the dark haired man was lucky, there'd be plenty of time to test the waters.
"Once a month, on the new moon, until the next Samhain; that was the contract. Victus would disappear and the beast would emerge, a spitting image of my grandfather. He'd go to Victus's wife, pretending to be my ancestor and fuck her senseless for hours. This is how the unsuspecting woman bore a set of triplets for Victus within nine months, and by the end of the contract she was pregnant again with a set of twins. The dragon's ability made these children genetically Victus's, but magical blood always wills out."
Severus's face had taken on a darker edge, lips twisted into a snarl that would have scared anyone else, tip of his tongue wetting his lips. Instead, Hermione found her heartbeat traveling south, legs restlessly rubbing together. Her hands were paused in their ministrations, one resting over her swollen stomach and the other subconsciously clenching into a fist.
"For his reward the dragon claimed nearly every treasure from the catacombs beneath my ancestor's manor; coin, gems, and ancient artifacts. He also took great pleasure in stripping Victus of items that held more than just monetary value; family secrets, legendary items of power lost to time, even his pride."
Hermione didn't know much about dragons, all her information came from muggle fairytales and a small, banned book lent to her by Charlie last year. Some wizards believed in more sentient breeds of dragons, while others believed they were all once this way; losing their humanity over the years until only pure animal instinct remained. Dragon's blood contained many magical properties, and some dragons had chameleon like abilities that prevented their discovery by muggles. The idea of anyone being able to change not just their appearance but their genetic code at will was astounding.
"That's not all the Dragon took, is it?"
Severus grimaced.
"After the dragon took everything it desired, books, heirlooms, bolts of material; it decided that still wasn't enough. In the end, the dragon took Victus's life as final payment. Rumor is the dragon ate Victus, and took his place permanently, at least until the children were grown enough to care for themselves. Some of the children had more talents than others, but they all suffered from the dragon's jealousy and possessiveness. It's almost like a burning fire in your chest, and no matter what you do it won't be dissuaded until you have what it desires in your possession. Dragons are collectors of treasure, in all forms, and hoard it."
Hermione's gaze was drawn to the hand that rubbed back and forth along Severus's sternum, pale fingers caressing the flesh rhythmically. She wasn't sure how long he had been doing it, but his comments now drew her attention.
"Does your chest hurt Severus?"
The hand stopped its movement before dropping into the man's lap
"Victus's wife obviously knew something wasn't right with her husband, and when her children starting showing odd abilities, she knew what he had done. The dragon felt the secret was no longer necessary and almost in spite of herself the wife grew to care about the creature who bore her husband's visage, choosing to be his wife in every way. She in turn became one of the dragon's many treasures, honored above all else. When the children had enough control, the dragon bestowed an onyx gem upon each of them, bearing his blood and a promise. When they wanted to leave this life, they need only call him and he would bring them home where they belonged. Soon after the dragon and his wife disappeared form history."
Hermione's brow scrunched in confusion.
"Bring them home?"
Carefully Severus reached into his shirt, pulling out a chain that hadn't been there before. Attached to the length of gold lay a black stone a tad smaller than Hermione's palm. The dark haired man held the chain up, firelight glinting off the stone. The gem had a glow all its own, a reddish orange tint reflecting from the middle.
"This is proof of our heritage, something I must wear at all times. The dragon's blood solidified into this, an eternal fire in the middle. After a couple centuries my ancestors discovered they did not fit into society well; their traits constantly needing to be hidden and controlled. Some developed scales harder than any armor when needed, while rumor has it one of them even breathed fire on occasion. Eventually they all called for the dragon to take them away, to the world or plane he called home. I don't know where it is, or if it even exists any longer, and I have no desire to go there. My great, great grandfather was the youngest of all the siblings, and despite his twin's urgings decided to remain. This stone has been passed from him, all the way down to me. Abilities have always varied and naturally have gotten weaker through the generations but some traits will never go away."
Hermione fought to keep her face neutral, thoughts racing. Severus hadn't said it yet, but the witch wasn't stupid; she knew what the potions master was alluding to. Dragon's blood, no matter how little, ran through his veins; the magic would not be deterred.
"The pervasive jealousy, hunger, and outright possessiveness in our blood is what made my mother stay with my father all those years; despite the fact he physically and mentally abused her. The dragon, however weak, had chosen him long ago as its treasure and would not let her leave."
There was a hard look in the potion master's eyes, almost daring her to get up and leave.
"That possessiveness has been passed down to me, though my mother always said I held twice her curse, and it has settled on you; every fiber of my being wants to keep you and would kill all that threaten my claim. It makes me irrational and so unlike my normal self that some days I'm not sure which way is up and I loathe the feeling with every fiber of my being."
Silence stretched between them, the low crackling of the fire the only sound. Hermione was sure her heartbeat was echoing throughout the castle, bouncing off the walls and drawing attention to the dungeons. Drawing in a breath she tried to calm herself, unsure if she was excited or nervous at the revelation. No matter how shocking, this new information really didn't change anything; there was no erasing the past and soon enough there'd be a baby to cement it.
"I'm not afraid, disgusted, or anything else you can come up with, but I'm not going to just jump into this with you, live as some possession to be put on a shelf somewhere."
Severus shook his head, hand clenching the stone tightly.
"That's not what I want."
Hermione tried to stand, struggling to sit up from the plush cushions, bemoaning her inability to look Severus in the face, on his level. With a huff she blew an errant curl out of her face and gave up. Pointing at the ground near her feet she tried to appear authoritative despite her inability to even get off the damn couch.
"Come down here."
Severus's eyebrows rose, his lips quirking slightly.
"Please."
Severus's movements were fluid and precise as he slipped from the arm of the chair and to the floor on one knee. He slipped his hands onto the edge of the couch cushions, boxing Hermione's legs in. Hermione's mouth felt dry and her body shook slightly, almost as if reacting to Severus's close proximity.
"What do you want Severus? Before I agree to anything I need to know."
Severus's gaze met Hermione's and he tilted his head. His pupils were narrowed and had taken on a vertical shape, iris's glittering in the dim firelight.
"I want you to try, with me. I want to wake up with you, go to bed with you, raise our daughter with you, and spend my life with you; if you'll let me. Above it all, I want you to try."
Hermione didn't know what to say, couldn't think over the heart threatening to beat out of her chest. This was certainly one of the best answers the potions master could have given but she wasn't really sure if a relationship was what she was seeking, at least not in such a serious manner. Hearing the words made her stomach flip, they certainly weren't in character for the man before her. No sound came out when she tried to speak the first time, the second was a hiss of pain, hands going to the front of her stomach.
Severus moved forward raising a hand as if to touch her but pulling it back at the last second.
"Are you alright?"
Hermione nodded rubbing the spot and trying to breathe. For the last few days the baby had been kicking the front of her stomach in the same spot, nonstop. There was no visible bruising from the outside but the spot was the size of her fist and ached when she got anywhere near it. Madame Pomfrey gave her a salve to rub over her skin, taking away most of the pain and helping ease the muscle strain. According to older witch, the infant had found a comfortable position and once they did, it was hard to convince them to move.
Grabbing the edge of her sweater Hermione wiggled, hiking it up over her hips and just under her bra line to expose her stomach. Barely visible on the lower left of her stomach was an imprint of a tiny foot, straining against her skin. Severus stared at the expanse of skin, nearly breathless in awe of the life growing there, a life he helped create.
"Go on."
Severus raised his hand again and laid it right over the area where the foot was located, marveling when it moved under his palm. Running his hand lightly over the skin caused more movement, almost like the infant was greeting him.
"Daddy."
Severus snorted, raising his head, studying Hermione's small smile.
"Papa?"
A laugh escaped Severus.
"Father?"
The potions master shook his head and Hermione sighed.
"We have time. Help me up"
Severus nodded and stood, joints protesting after spending so long on his knees. Holding out his hands he waited for Hermione to slip her own dainty fingers into them before gripping them lightly and pulling her towards him. The witch stumbled, reaching out to grab at Severus's shirt as his arms came around her. They paused, separated by mere inches and unsure what to do. Hermione cleared her throat and turned her head up at Severus, licking her lips nervously.
"I'll try."
Severus's reaction was delayed, his brain trying to process her answer.
"You're sure?"
Hermione nodded, leaning her body into his and tilting her head for a better view of his shock widened eyes.
"I'm sure."
There was no hesitation this time, the roar in the back of his mind accompanied by the grumble that emanated from his chest. One arm wrapped around Hermione's waist, the other gripped the back of her neck and pulled her flat to his chest. Severus took possession of the Gryffindor's lips in a hungry kiss, grounding himself and at the same time pulling the air from Hermione's lungs. The kiss ended almost as quickly as it began, the witch pulling away with a gasp for air. Severus grinned down at her, enjoying the feel of her in his arms; the burn in his chest aching a little less.
"I'm still not staying the night."
*****************HP******************
Hermione's eyes flashed open and a small gasp left her lips as she hurriedly raised her hands in front of her face. Elation and disappointment surged through her; her hands were not paws and there was no fur; though she could smell something in the air. Hermione hadn't seriously meditated over Christmas break, too busy being lazy and almost uncomfortably pregnant, never mind trying to finish her midterm project. The few times she'd tried meditating it had been more of the same heaviness swamping her mind. This morning had been an amazing breakthrough, feeling earth under her admittedly tiny paws and wind blowing through the fur on her face, the fog lifting just a bit to reveal her animal had quite a small stature.
Hermione glanced at her watch and looked around the room. Most everyone had started cleaning up after themselves, replacing pillows and blankets in a cupboard at the back of the room. When they'd moved on from the theory stage as a group and into actual meditation at the end of November, Professor McGonagall had provided blankets and pillows for their comfort. A few students had been inventive and transfigured their pillows into other items. There were a few bean bag chairs, two hammocks, and the Hufflepuff had even created a recliner you'd find in almost every muggle home. Hermione had found enlarging the pillow to be most comfortable but it had proved harder and harder to get out of on her own without looking stupid.
Leaning forward Hermione stretched her legs out, reaching for the floor with her hands. A kick to her ribs contested the position and she leaned back, frustrated. Curling her legs to the side and bending them at the knee she tried to roll her body to her hands and knees, this method failing as well.
"Need a hand?"
Daphne stood over Hermione with her hands outstretched, a smile on her face. The rest of the class had slowed in their cleanup, looking at the odd pair from the corners of their eyes. Hermione hesitated but reached up, gripping the other girl's hands firmly. Daphne stepped back and pulled, a tinkling laugh escaping her as Hermione got her feet underneath her, straightening to her full height.
"Thank you."
Daphne smiled again, tilting her head in appraisal.
"Looked like you were having some trouble. How far along are you?"
Hermione laughed, rubbing her stomach over her sweater. Her uniforms fit much better since Mrs. Weasley made the necessary alterations; the witch more than familiar with the charms having passed uniforms from son to son as needed. With a flick of her wand and a muttered incantation the overly large pillow she'd been resting on shrunk back to size and flew back to the cupboard it came from. Turning back to Daphne, Hermione nodded.
"Almost seven and a half months. Moving around is getting a little difficult at this stage, Harry and Ron spent most of winter break helping me up and down things."
Daphne reached adjusted the strap on her bag before bending over and grabbing Hermione's off the floor, holding it out to the brunette. The Slytherin was surprised by the featherlight charm at first, it was like the bag weighed nothing. Most didn't have the precision to perform the spell perfectly and usually spelled things became much lighter; they never actually met the definition of 'featherlight'.
"Great spell work Granger."
Hermione took the bag and settled it on her shoulder turning toward the classroom door.
"Thank you."
There was a moment of awkward silence before Hermione made her decision.
"Would you like to walk to the Great Hall with me?"
Daphne suppressed the thrill of excitement that ran through her.
"I'd love to."
*****************HP******************
The walk to the Great Hall with Daphne was pleasant, not something Hermione had ever imagined herself saying. Daphne appeared genuinely interested in her pregnancy, though whether she was just being a gossip and gathering information was still an option. Daphne had been hesitant at the start of the year when McGonagall had introduced their animagus curriculum; apparently a cousin had a bad experience trying to learn several years ago, ending up in St. Mungos for an extended stay. So far she was pleasantly surprised by how easy McGonagall was making it, and over the winter break she'd had a breakthrough; Daphne was pretty sure she had wings.
The pair said goodbye and went to their separate tables, Hermione trying not to smile when Harry asked about her new friend. Seating herself beside Harry, Hermione looked at Ron mischievously. The redhead paused chewing and her with a grimace.
"What?"
Hermione laughed.
"Daphne says 'hello' Ron. She seems quite taken with you."
Ron scowled, swallowing.
"What would a princess like her want with a 'blood traitor' like me?"
Hermione shrugged, reaching for the pumpkin juice. Harry waved her off and poured her a glass, setting the pitcher off to the side, careful of the third year girl sitting not two feet from him. There were more people sitting nearer to the golden trio today than there had been all year long, and if this was any indication, privacy was about to become a rare commodity. Harry cleared his throat, looking at the blonde who quickly turned her attention elsewhere. Turning back to the other two he let out a noise of irritation.
"People change Ron. Greengrass senior never picked a side, rumors said he was killed for it. Who knows mate, she could be the one."
Ron continued to stare at Harry, his face blank until the raven haired boy couldn't hold his laughter, raising his hands in defeat. The rest of lunch was spent talking amongst themselves and ignoring the curious stares around them. Most of the whispers had died down as their first week back came and went. Many students were already anticipating the weekend despite having just come back from winter break. Professors had dropped the proverbial hammer on the fifth and seventh years, loading them up with test prep materials and review work in preparation for their O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. examinations.
Hermione mumbled her thanks when Harry helped her up from the bench, ignoring the quiet laughs around her. Taking her bag from the Potter heir the witch turned to walk out, stopping when she saw McGonagall approaching. The woman's normally stern face look more severe than usual, obvious strain showing around her eyes and mouth. Harry and Ron turned toward the Headmistress, unease showing on their faces.
"I need a moment with you three."
The Gryffindors nodded mutely, stepping aside as others walked past, heeding the call of the bell tower and going to their next class. A few lingered until they caught the eye of the older woman, quickly departing. When their immediate vicinity cleared out McGonagall cleared her throat.
"Mr. Potter, you will continue to your regular scheduled lesson, Professor Savage will be covering my students until I can return. Ms. Granger, there are some people who would like to speak to you in my office, and as much as I wish to turn them out without a word, I cannot."
Hermione's eyebrows furrowed.
"I don't understand."
McGonagall pressed her lips together and glanced down at Hermione's stomach before meeting the young woman's eyes and repeating her actions. The younger woman's confusion quickly turned to anger.
"Ministry?"
McGonagall didn't reply.
The brunette cursed under her breath.
"Mr. Weasley, you will continue to your scheduled lesson, I'll send someone to fetch yourself and Mr. Potter when Ms. Granger is finished in my office. I'm sure she'll appreciate your escort back to the common room."
Ron nodded.
"Where's Kingsley?"
McGonagall pursed her lips.
"If I had my way, he'd have grass stains on his arse."
*****************HP******************
Stepping into the Headmistress's office was always an interesting comparison to years beforehand. The clutter and chaos that had been Headmaster Dumbledore's office was nothing compared to the neat and tidy filing of Headmistress McGonagall. Gone were most of the items that had cluttered every surface, many of them having been broken or quite unnecessary from the first day they had been put there. A select few devices such as the sneakscope were displayed in a glass case off to the side. There was no mess of papers and every book had a shelf. Fawkes's stand sat in a corner in case the bird ever returned, thought the odds were not likely.
Kinglsey Shacklebolt, the current Minister for Magic, stood in front of a book shelf and appeared to be examining the titles; an appearance was all it was. Madam Pomfrey sat in a plush chair beside McGonagall's desk, a look of mutiny on her face. Spotting Hermione she smiled and tilted her head, winking at the young woman. Five older wizards and one elderly witch sat in various transfigured chairs, in a semicircle at the front of the desk. Hearing McGonagall's shoes clicking along the stone floor they all turned, each one with a haughty look upon their shriveling faces; Hermione was sure the youngest of them had to be well into his seventies.
An empty chair sat on the other side of the desk, back to the glass cases where Kingsley stood, and facing the rest of the occupants of the room on even ground. McGonagall gestured for Hermione to take a seat, moving around her desk and standing behind it near Madam Pomfrey before making introductions, gesturing to each person as needed.
"Governers, this is Ms. Hermione Granger, the student in question. Ms. Granger, these are the members of the Hogwarts Board of Governors; Lord Macmillan, Dowager Flint, Mr. Shafiq, Mr. Foley, Mr. Hawkins, and Mr. Noel."
Hermione set her bag down, trying not to flop into the chair. Going up all those stairs had tired her out, though she was definitely closer to the common room when finished here; it didn't sound at all like this was going to be a pleasant conversation.
"Good afternoon."
The Governors were silent at Hermione's greeting, staring at her almost owlishly, before looking at each other and exchanging words that Hermione couldn't hear; muffliato being her first guess. Kingsley came around the back of her chair and smiled in greeting.
"Hello Hermione, how are you feeling?"
Hermione eyed Kingsley skeptically, and gestured to her enlarged stomach.
"How do you think I feel Minister?"
Kingsley chuckled but the sound was forced and the Gryffindor could tell his body language was off; he clearly didn't want to be here anymore than she did. The Governors were watching their conversation quietly.
"What exactly is this about?"
McGonagall's face was impassive as she settled into her chair, lacing her fingers together on the desktop. Mr. Foley was the first to speak up, adjusting his glasses.
"Do you know Minister Shacklebolt well enough Ms. Granger, to be speaking to him in such a manner?"
Hermione paused before replying, catching the slight shake of Madam Pomfrey's head. Looking at McGonagall Hermione ignored the Governors.
"What's going on Headmistress?"
Before McGonagall could reply, another voice broke in, cold and reedy.
"Who is the father of your child?"
Hermione turned toward Dowager Flint, eyeing the woman.
"Excuse me?"
Lord Macmillan spoke up.
"It's a simple question Ms. Granger. We've been told you're a very bright witch, possibly the smartest Hogwarts has seen in thirty years. This does not require a complicated answer."
Hermione's mild irritation rose a bit. She had expected some questions certainly, from teachers and other students; but never imaged the Board of Governors would concern themselves with her pregnancy.
"I understand the question Lord Macmillan, but I fail to see what business this is of yours."
The governors exchanged a few horrified looks at her curt reply.
"Ms. Granger, everything that happens within the walls of Hogwarts is our business."
Dowager Flint clutched her gem handled cane tightly, no doubt it hid her wand as Lucius Malfoy's had. Adjusting the folds of her skirt, Hermione settled her hands together, refusing to look away from the older woman's calculating gaze.
"I am nineteen years old madam, well above the legal age to make my own choices. Contrary to what you believe, what I do within these walls short of criminal, is none of your business. You are not my mother, my Headmistress, or even my Head of House."
Dowager Flint was silent but Hermione could tell by the strain on her face and the whiteness of her knuckles she was not pleased by Hermione's response.
Mr. Shafiq cleared his throat lightly, drawing the young Gryffindor's attention.
"Ms. Granger, I'm sure you understand that your situation is attention grabbing, not just because of your status as a student, but also because of your role within our most recent conflicts against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Eyes are upon you and everyone around you; we are simply trying to make sure nothing untoward has occurred."
Hermione made a noise of derision.
"Your current predicament is highly inappropriate and must be handled accordingly. A young woman in your condition should not remain in a school setting."
Mr. Hawkins had removed his glasses and was cleaning the lenses as he evaluated her from head to toe.
"Pregnancy is not contagious sir, the rest of the student body is more than safe around me."
Dowager Flint found her voice again, filling it with censure and derision.
"We are not going to debate with you young lady. We demand the name of the student who fathered your child and request your resignation from the student body. You'll be free to take your N.E.W.T.S at the ministry whenever you please, if your grades are earned then you need no further instruction."
Hermione fisted her hands, face turning pink with anger.
"No."
"I beg your pardon?"
"You heard me, I said no."
Dowager Flint turned to Kinglsey but was cut off by McGonagall.
"The Minister has no say here. Need I remind you the debt our world owes not only Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, but Ms. Granger as well?"
The silver haired woman glared a McGonagall, lips pursed with rage.
"I have entertained this long enough, you're interrupting not only my classes but Ms. Granger's teaching as well; it is time for you to leave."
Mr. Noel had remained silent until now, watching the exchange with a calculating eye.
"You realize Minerva, that you sit in this office at our discretion?"
McGonagall's face was impassive, her posture straight and impressive.
"Do not make threats you cannot follow through with Alexander, we both know you're no match for me. This meeting is over, it is time for you to leave."
Hermione watched the exchange, anger burning through her veins like poison. The Governor's left with a haste she had no thought them capable of and McGonagall locked the floo behind them. Madam Pomfrey rushed over, gripping Hermione's arm as she struggled to stand.
"I am so sorry Ms. Granger, so very sorry. They came to my office demanding information and I refused; they insisted on questioning you."
Hermione shook her head.
"It's alright, I've been waiting for something like this to happen though I didn't expect to see the Governor's in person. Kingsley, why are you here?"
Kingsley ran a hand over his face, grimacing.
"I received a summons from the Governors, they led me to believe that something bad had happened, that you'd been raped."
Hermione was surprised and somehow not.
"I'm fine, really. There was no crime, just a lack of forethought. I had hoped you'd think more of my abilities Minister."
McGonagall's face had lost some of its severity and her voice had gone soft.
"I did not want to fight with them unless I had to Ms. Granger, I'm sorry."
Hermione smiled despite her frustration.
"It's not your fault, I knew there would be some sort of backlash. I hope you're not in any hot water defending me like that."
McGonagall chuckled.
"Though they can made my live a little difficult, I dare them to try and remove me from my position. I went to school with more than a few of them and they'd do well to remember that. I'm not so easily displaced, the school makes sure of that. "
Hermione collected her bag from Madam Pomfrey who offered to walk her out and wait with her until one of the boys arrived. Hermione nodded at McGonagall in goodbye, barely giving Kingsley a glance. When the pair left, McGonagall slumped in her chair, removing her glasses and closing her eyes.
"The girl hasn't lost any of her fighting spirit."
Opening her eyes McGonagall cut Kingsley a glare, letting out a small hiss.
"You'd do well to follow her example; those old goats live to cause trouble. Do get some backbone Minister."
Kingsley balked and McGonagall ignored him, waving a hand in dismissal. The man grunted before leaving, mumbling under his breath. The room was silent except for the snoring of a few portraits and the ticking of a clock.
"Satisfied?"
Severus stepped from the hidden door in the wall, one hand gripping the wood tightly, fingers digging in.
"She is an adult, they have no right."
McGonagall sighed, sitting back up and replacing her glasses.
"We know that, and they know that but they still choose to instigate. Unfortunately Severus, this is how the game works."
The man growled.
"Her life isn't a game and mine will never be again."
The silver haired woman watched him with a hawk-like gaze.
"I've arranged for Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley to have the rest of the afternoon off. They'll get her back to the tower and calm her down. When the child's paternity gets out, and it will sooner or later, this will be the tamest of reactions. I know you're interested in claiming her, but do keep this in mind; it will not be easy for either of you. Now if you'll excuse me, I must get back to my class."
*****************HP******************
