Disclaimer – I do not own anything to do with the Harry Potter series, it all belongs to J.K. Rowling, nor do I make any money off of this fanfiction.
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, added W.A.R.B. to their favorites or communities, alerts, and everyone who has added me to their favorite authors. I am deeply flattered. All reviews are highly appreciated and inspiring to say the least.
As always, a thank you to my boyfriend/BETA reader, Dave, for simply being wonderful and patient.
Warning – Mild nudity and sexual situations.
The last thing that passed through his sleepy brain was this was going to be a very interesting lunch tomorrow….
They woke up early that morning, the alarm beside the bed blaring the same beeping noise as usual. Severus groaned and shifted to press the 'off' button, trying not to disturb the beautiful witch draped across him. As he did every morning, he took those quiet moments before Hermione woke up to just stare at her. He took in her beautiful sleeping face, memorizing every feature. But all too soon she woke up, stretching languidly. She smiled at him and kissed his cheek before hopping up for her morning routine.
He smiled after her as she padded quickly to the bathroom, her arms wrapped around herself for warmth. It took her less than a half an hour to shower and dress, so he decided to throw on a robe and pop in to check the potion. He smirked at the shiny emerald green liquid in the cauldron. Perfect, he thought before turning the heat off and bottling it. He was walking in just in time to see Hermione walking out from the bathroom with nothing but a towel on her head.
"Don't get any ideas," she mumbled, walking to the dresser that Severus had bought for her, opening the drawers and rummaging through them.
Hermione gave a squeal of surprise and nearly dropped her jeans as she felt his arms wrap around her bare midsection. "Love," he purred into her ear, "there is no way I could not have any ideas with you running around in the nude, you little minx."
She couldn't help but shudder at his deep baritone voice stroking her eardrums. "If you're good at lunch today, Severus, than maybe you will get to play out those ideas."
He growled into her ear and pressed her body flush against his. "I shall be on my best behavior," he promised in a low, sultry voice.
He kissed her neck and ran his hand over one of her exposed breasts before stepping away. She shot him a look as he sauntered into the bathroom before getting back to task of dressing. She pulled on a pair of knickers, jeans, bra, and a blue sweater. She couldn't keep the noise of approval from coming out when she saw Severus walk out of the bathroom in a black, long sleeved button up with his usual black trousers.
"You look very handsome," she complimented.
He smirked at the slight huskiness leaking into her voice. "And you look simply lovely, Hermione."
She smiled at him widely. "Ready to go?" she asked, removing the towel from her head, her now-dry hair falling in soft curls around her shoulder. "I really do love this charmed towel."
Severus chuckled. "I'm glad you like it, love, I did charm it just for you." He sighed. "Yes, I suppose I am ready to go," he said, grabbing both of their cloaks from the closet near the door.
Hermione smiled again and, as she was walking past him to the door, grasped his outstretched hand and dragged him through to castle to the Apparation Point. Once they reached it, she turned to Severus to place a gentle kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you," she whispered, grinning up at him.
Severus' lips pursed slightly. "Anything for you," he sighed.
Hermione swatted his arm. "Oh, don't act like it's a chore, Severus, it's just lunch."
"It may be just lunch for you, love, but it's digging up the past for me."
She smiled at him reassuringly. "Don't worry; they'll be on their best behavior."
"Yes, well, they had better not be getting the same reward I was promise," he growled, pulling on her arm so she was held flush against him.
"You," she gasped, "are insatiable."
"Yes, but that is only because you, my dear, are too beautiful to resist."
He kissed her lightly on the forehead, the cheek, and finally gently on the lips. "You are so sweet sometimes, Severus."
His face turned into a scowl. "Don't you dare mention that or I will have to punish you."
Hermione's eyes lit up. "Is that a promise?"
Severus almost rolled his eyes. "Let's just go and get this over with."
She rolled her eyes and returned to his side, gripping his hand a bit more firmly. She looked up at him and smiled once more before being thrown into impending darkness. Hermione took in a deep breath as her feet once again hit solid ground. Severus simply smiled at her and released her hand in order to drape her cloak over her shoulders.
"Thank you," she said, smiling up at him.
"Anything for you," he said again with a smirk, putting on his own cloak before wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
Hermione slipped her arm around his back and they walked down the familiar street of Diagon Alley in comfortable silence. She still couldn't get over the fact that the snarky Potions professor would make such public displays of affection, but then again, since he had agreed to meet her nearly two months ago, he seemed almost like a completely different person. Not different in the way he thought or how he worked, but more in personality. Hermione always had to remind herself that she never actually knew him personally, but she was sure he was only like this with her, and she felt blessed.
Although Hermione noticed the looks they were getting from passerbies, Severus seemed completely oblivious. It's probably because he's used to the stares, she thought sadly to herself. She gazed up at him, watching his impassive face as people openly gawked, pointing the couple out to anyone within viewing range. She took in his stoic face that was set into a hard look. A hard, protective shell, she thought with a small smile. He almost looked proud to have her at his side, and she felt like she was on top of the world, walking through a crowded place, people staring, and still feeling nothing but love and protectiveness leaking from him.
Severus may have looked composed, but his heart was pounding nervously as they reached the restaurant they were meeting the Potters at. It wasn't that he didn't want to see Hermione's friends, but he simply did not always do well in normal social situations. For most of his adult life, it was meetings for the Order or Voldemort, staff meetings, teaching, detentions, but mostly he found solace in a good book or grading papers. He rarely ever "went to lunch" with anyone, let alone to meet up with Harry Potter.
As per usual, Hermione seemed to notice Severus' trepidation and squeezed him a little. He looked down to her with a nervous smile before removing his arm, and opening the door for her to a small restaurant called On The Pitch; which is the equivalent of a Muggle sports bar, just Quidditch instead. He placed his hand on the small of her back as she walked past him, and followed her in.
They both quickly surveyed the small place and did not see the Potters anywhere. Severus once again ignored the stares and whispers, and applied a bit of pressure to Hermione's back with his hand, guiding her forward. He was just gesturing her to slide into a booth near the door when the door swung open again, letting in the cold air. The first thing he saw was a very large protruding stomach followed by blazing red hair and behind that was Harry Potter himself. The place nearly went completely silent, only low whispers passing back and forth between people.
"Hermione!" Ginny squealed, trotting to the woman and embracing her as much as her stomach would allow.
"Hi, Ginny, how are you?" Hermione asked, squeezing Ginny back.
"Oh, absolutely starving. My feet hurt a bit, too, but that's natural," Ginny replied, pulling out of the embrace. "How are you?"
"Wonderful, thanks," she said with a smile.
Ginny appraised her face and was pleased with the results. Suddenly, she noticed Severus standing quite close to Hermione, his hand once more finding its protective spot on her lower back. This time Hermione didn't move forward to hug Harry, but allowed him to smile his genuine smile and embrace her tightly. Unlike Ginny, Harry had actually first noticed Severus, and then Hermione, but quickly prioritized and went to her first.
Ginny stood watching Severus watch the exchange, gauging his expression. She was surprised to see the corners of his mouth turn up slightly as Harry pulled back to place a kiss on the other woman's cheek. Once Harry stepped back, his eyes instantly swept roughly a head above Hermione's to meet the dark eyes of the man behind her.
"Professor," Harry said politely, but hesitantly, extending his hand.
Severus appraised him for only a moment before sidestepping to Hermione's right, never taking his left hand from her back, to grasp Harry's hand firmly. "It's been too long, Harry, for formalities."
"Severus, then," Harry said, smiling. "How have you been?"
Severus gripped Harry's hand firmer before releasing it. "Very well, actually, thank you, and yourself?"
"Busy," Harry said with a chuckle.
Severus' eyes adverted to Ginny's stomach before meeting Harry's again. "I can only imagine."
The men smiled at each other for a moment, and they were both surprised at how easy it was to see each other again. Harry thought he'd have some pent up resentment that would flow from every pore, but it never came. Severus, on the other hand, thought he would feel humiliation from the memories he had given the younger man, but was pleasantly surprised he felt nothing but relief.
"Is a booth okay for you, Gin?" Hermione asked.
"I would hope so," Ginny said with a laugh.
"Shall we?" Severus inquired, gesturing to the booth.
Ginny smiled widely at him. "Gentlemen first," she said. At this, Severus quirked an eyebrow, causing Ginny to laugh. "Just in case I need to use the loo, sir – er – Severus. It's a pregnancy thing, and I wouldn't want to inconvenience my husband."
Severus gave her a slight head nod, mentally saying touché to the redhead. He followed Harry's lead by sliding into the booth first, allowing the women to take the ends. There was a moment of awkward silence, all four just glancing at each other, but they were saved by an older waiter coming to take their drink orders. Hermione hid her smile as Severus ordered a butterbeer instead of mead, just as Ginny did.
"So, Hermione, how's the apprenticeship going?" Harry asked.
She side-glanced at Severus before answering. "Very well, actually," she said with a smile. "I'm learning quite a bit more than what I expected, and the classes are a bit difficult to get through some days, but I'm enjoying it."
"I bet," Ginny said, throwing her a wink.
"Ginny," Harry said lowly, with a tinge of warning to it.
Severus quirked an eyebrow Harry's way but Harry just shook his head. "It's nothing," he mumbled.
"Oh, hush, Harry, I didn't mean anything by it," Ginny said playfully, a wide smile on her face. "So, Severus, how are classes this year?"
Severus was still trying to catch up, not quite getting the joke. "The fifth years are giving me a run for my patience, but otherwise they are not too terrible. I've had worse years," he said, his eyes on Harry.
Ginny giggled and sipped her butterbeer. "I can only imagine," she said, placing her hand on Harry's.
"Indeed," Severus said with a chuckle. "So, Harry, Hermione tells me that your career as an Auror is going well."
Harry smiled at Hermione before turning back to Severus. "Yes, it is actually, thanks. We haven't been too busy, thankfully, so I've had more time to spend with Ginny, picking out baby things. Ginny was an Auror too, but she's on leave right now."
"Just until the babies are big enough for someone else to be able to take care of them while we're at work," Ginny added.
"Oh, Gin," Hermione said with a laugh. "Are you really that ready to be back at work?"
Ginny sighed deeply. "It's been three months, Hermione, and I'm going out of my mind. Not to mention it'll be probably about four or five months before I go back, so yes, I am ready to be back at work."
Hermione rolled her eyes and brushed a stray curl behind her ear. She barely had her hand away from her face when Ginny seized her wrist. Hermione had a sudden feeling of déjà vu as Ginny gasped.
"You're engaged?!" Ginny squealed.
"You didn't tell them?" Severus asked.
"When?" Harry asked, a smile showing through the shocked look on his face.
"Why didn't you tell us?" asked Ginny.
"You were supposed to tell them," Severus muttered.
"You're engaged?" Harry said.
"OKAY!" Hermione shouted, silencing them. She huffed in a breath and removed her wrist from Ginny's grasp. "One, yes we are engaged, two, no I did not tell them; I told you I would, Severus, I just didn't find the right time to. Three," Hermione said, not allowing the words to leave Severus' opening mouth, "it was about two months ago. I know it's soon, but don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Four, I didn't tell you two because you guys have been so busy that I didn't want to disrupt the baby shopping or get Ginny too excited."
They all sat in silence for a few moments before Harry began laughing; it started as a low chuckle, but quickly became a hysteric kind of giggle. "What are you on about?" Ginny asked.
"I guess I'll be writing that speech sooner rather than later!" he choked out through laughs.
Hermione and Ginny stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter as well. Severus was too afraid to ask, so he just stared as the three laughed until their sides hurt.
"Congratulations, Severus," Harry said after catching his breath.
Severus smiled slightly at the younger man, and once again accepted his outstretched hand. "Thank you," he said, releasing Harry's hand.
Ginny simply smiled widely at him. "I'm glad it's you, Professor."
"Why is that?" Severus asked incredulously.
"Well, for one, no one could keep up intellectually with our little bookworm here. Not to mention she's only been in love with you since probably first year."
"Yes, well," Severus said, clearing his throat, "I am very glad you two approve. I am one very lucky man."
He reached under the table and grabbed Hermione's hand. Harry and Ginny watched as the other couple turned their heads toward each other and smiled, the love in their eyes beyond obvious.
"It's a very beautiful ring," Ginny pointed out. "Did you pick it out?"
"Indeed. How far along are you?" Severus asked, looking to her large stomach, trying to change the subject.
"Just over eight months," she said, unconsciously running a hand over her stomach.
"Hermione told me you were having a boy and a girl?" he asked, directing the question at Harry.
"Yes," Harry said, but hesitated for a moment. "Actually… I was meaning to talk to you about something."
Severus eyed Harry, sensing his trepidation. "And what exactly, Harry, would that be about?"
"I know I don't necessarily need your permission, but I would like it."
Severus noticed Ginny smile encouragingly and squeeze Harry's hand. He started slightly as Hermione placed her hand on his leg. "Is it really that terrible?" he asked.
"No," Hermione said, smiling up at him.
"You know about whatever this is?" he asked, mildly surprised.
"Uh… somewhat, yes, dear," she said with a meek smile. "Harry just asked my advice about how to ask you."
"Ah," Severus said, unsure what else to say. "So, Harry, please proceed. I am not one to enjoy being in the dark."
Harry took a deep breath. "Would it be acceptable to use your name as a middle name for our child?"
Harry had said all it so fast, Severus barely caught what he said. He stared at the younger man for a moment, completely shocked. "Why?" he heard himself ask.
Harry didn't seem to expect that, so he stared back for a moment before answering. "Well, Severus, you saved my life quite a few times, and although most of the time you were a complete bastard to me, you did it for my mother. I don't," Harry said, cutting off the older man before he could speak, "need an explanation, nor do I want to cause you the grief and pain of talking about the memories you gave me. I just need you to know that I appreciate everything you've done for me, and I would be honored if you allowed me to do so."
Severus' eyes widened slightly, but he didn't say anything. He mulled this over, trying to let what Harry said really sink in. Just as he was getting his bearings, Ginny spoke before he could. "Severus, could you think a little quicker please?"
Suddenly, things moved very quickly in his mind; Ginny had tightened her grip considerably on Harry's hand, her breathing was increasing, and she looked as though she were in pain. Harry seemed to be a bit more prepared than anyone else, as he quickly took inventory over Ginny's body before sliding her out of the booth. He stood with her, his arm around her waist for support.
"It's time!" Harry said, looking at Hermione.
Severus was glad to see Hermione was just as confused and shocked as he was. "The baby," he said to her, somewhat unnecessarily.
Hermione quickly scooted out of the booth, followed very swiftly by Severus. Harry seemed to be in a kind of frenzy, taking small packages out of his pockets. He apparently had all the things they would need in case of this happening in a public place. Ginny was calmly breathing, her face letting in a small smile through the pain at her husband.
"Harry, perhaps we should get her to St. Mungo's first," Severus said in a much calmer voice than what he had expected.
Harry's head shot up and his eyes were wild with uncertainty. "Can you Apparate her there, Severus? I don't want to accidentally splinch her or do harm to the babies. If that's okay with you two of course."
Severus stepped forward, offering his hand to Ginny as she nodded to Harry. She groaned in pain as she took Severus' hand. Hermione walked hurriedly to the front door, opening it for Severus, who was assisting Ginny as best he could without really touching her. However, all awkwardness was thrown to the side as Ginny cried out in pain again, doubling over her stomach. Severus swiftly leaned down and scooped the woman into his arms with what looked like great ease.
He turned back to the shocked faces of Harry and Hermione and said, "Love, you should probably Apparate Harry, he seems too hysterical to do so himself. We'll meet you there."
He gave her a terse smile before disappearing with a 'pop'. Harry frantically looked at Hermione, silently asking her what the hell was going on. She took a deep sigh and calmed herself before taking a hold of Harry's arm. She blocked out his frenzied breathing and focused on St. Mungo's. She finally got her bearings and spun on the spot.
Harry panicked the moment he took a deep breath. Hermione grabbed his arms before he ran into the building. "Harry Potter, you need to calm down, now. Your wife is going into labor and she is already stressed out enough, and you need to keep your cool and be her support system, okay?"
He took a few deep breaths and nodded his head silently. He continued his breathing as they walked into the building at a brisk pace. A short, fat woman with short dark hair was manning the front desk. She started slightly as Harry's hands slapped the countertop.
"Where's my wife? Ginny Potter, she came in with Severus Snape," he asked with a strangled voice.
"Oh, Mr. Potter," the woman said, rising from her seat. "Please stay calm, there's been a complication."
"A complication?" Hermione asked before she could stop herself. "They came in less than five minutes ago!"
"Yes," the woman said, her face paling. "Maybe you should take a seat and I'll get a doctor."
"No!" Harry said, slamming his hands on the countertop again. "Are my wife and children okay?"
"No," she said in a whisper. "No, Mr. Potter, they are not okay."
A/N – I cannot apologize enough for this taking so long. Over 40 hours a week at work + too many other ideas + FFN not letting me upload for the past two weeks = no update. If you forgive me, leave a review!