A/N: I'm gonna be jumping a lot in this one lol

******Hermione*******

Hiding a pregnancy was difficult, especially when you're trying to seduce someone. She was gaining weight. That was the crux of it. Now that she wasn't wasting away, and with the help of the prenatal potions, Hermione's body was finally showing signs of her expecting. At nearly four months she was still on the small side, but it was noticeably a bit more than just looking way too full. She rubbed her bump fondly, enjoying her few free moments before it was time to place the charms that hid her belly from the world and from Severus Snape in particular.

She knew she should tell him, but with his memory loss, it didn't seem like a good idea. Severus freaked out when he learned about their romantic involvement. How much more would knowledge of his impending fatherhood scare him off? And what about his deadline? One month. It was already day 13 and she was running out of ideas. All the lingerie and grapes in the world couldn't force him to remember. But she refused to lose hope.

There were times when she thought she saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes, but when she questioned him about it his replies had been inconclusive. So either he really couldn't remember, or he was lying. Either option was distressing to Hermione. She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the pangs of heartburn flare up again. It was an all too familiar symptom of her pregnancy.

"Is everything alright?" Harry's voice clipped through her jumbled thoughts.

Hermione chewed her bottom lip, staring at Harry as she debated on whether or not she should tell him her secret. She cast her gaze around, verifying that it was just them in this particular corridor of Hogwarts castle. She didn't want everyone in her business, but the need to unload some of her feelings was a dire one. "Harry," she breathed, her eyes wet.

He reached for her, abandoning his current task in order to see-to his teary-eyed friend. "What is it, Hermione? You know you can tell me anything, right? You're not just my best friend; you're my sister. I'm here for you."

Hermione sucked in a breath, before letting it out slowly. "I'm sure you know about me and Severus…. His confessions during the final battle revealed...a lot. But, there is something you don't know: I uh, I'm pregnant."

"What?! And does Snape know?"

She shook her head. "I just found out not too long ago and anyway, Severus just woke up from a coma. And worse still he's experiencing some memory loss. How can I tell him we're expecting a child if he doesn't even remember being with me?"

And then she broke down and Potter drew the crying witch into his arms. "I'm so sorry 'mione. I know this must be very hard on you, but have faith. We all know Snape to be a very private, closed off and coarse individual. But he opened up to you. He was soft. He loved you, I am sure of it. And even if he doesn't remember it, I am certain he will fall in love with you all over again."

"I hope you're right Harry."

********Severus*******

His day had been a long one, chasing after fugitives part of the day and then reorganizing a dysfunctional band of witches and wizards too fearful, too tired, too old or too young to be effective in their current positions. Rewriting laws, debating over new policies and procedures. It was all so much, and yet, nothing could cast a shadow on what he had planned this evening. The sound of the door slamming shut signaled Severus to Hermione's arrival. "Oh, I see you've beat me home," She greeted with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just give me a moment and I'll get started on dinner," she announced, intending to rush past him.

"Actually-" Severus started, reaching out and grasping her shoulders, "I thought we could switch things up tonight. You've been pampering me nonstop these last few days. It's only right that I return the favor."

Hermione's brows shot up and the smile she gave him was a lot more genuine. "Okay Severus, lead the way."

He smiled and took her hand, guiding her towards the dining room table. Hearing her gasp in shock made his smile morph into a smirk. While it was true that he couldn't exactly traipse around in skimpy lingerie, he could definitely surprise her with roses and a candlelit dinner. "I take it, you are pleased? I just hope my cooking is up to your standards. I'm a bit out of practice."

Hermione shook her head, "Oh I'm sure it's fine. This is so lovely, and thoroughly unexpected. Thank you for this."

Severus nodded, pulling out her chair. Once she was seated, he guided her hand to his lips. "No, thank you Hermione. You've made this transition nearly painless. It was so disconcerting to lose time, but I have had you to lean on. You're a very special woman, Hermione. Even if I can't remember how much you've meant to me, I can definitely tell that any man would be beyond blessed to have you." Severus dropped her hand, and took the seat on her left. "Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your dinner. I have a full night of pampering in store for you Miss Granger."

Whiskey colored eyes beamed at him. "I can't wait."