A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed two chapters in about a week. I felt very good about myself. But anyway. So here we are. Another new chapter. And George has some major explaining to do. Hey, I've seen some authors give a recap of their last chapter. Would you guys like me to do that? Especially since we all know my update times are…..scattered. Also. Soon I will be needing your help. I also have a fictionpress account. I will be editing a book I have completed and posting it there. When I share the link, would you guys please please read and give me as much feed back as possible. I'll give more details later. For now, here's your well deserved chapter.

Chapter 20

After wiping the vomit from her mouth, Hermione avoided meeting George's gaze.

"Please tell me that was morning sickness," George pleaded, the fear of rejection strong in his voice.

"You know very well what it was George," Hermione said, her voice raised just below a yell or a scream, "It's the fidelity charm. It doesn't distinguish what I'm doing. It noticed a kiss was taking place, and made it stop."

He only nodded, holding his head down.

"George. Why? Why did you do that? And why now?"

"Isn't it obvious, Hermione? I love you. I have for, probably since that night we became friends. I know it's weird. But there was something magical there. I was happy when you broke up with Ron. But, I was heartbroken that you were marrying Severus. But then you told me why, and I felt a new hope in me that something could happen. Sometimes, I even thought that the feeling was mutual."

He thought she loved him. She had never given it any thought. Sure, she had thought many times that she was happier in his presence than in Ron's. And maybe she had thought about what it would be like to kiss him. But love him? That thought had never entered her mind. Admittedly she was probably too loyal to notice if it ever did.

"George, I never realized. I'm sorry. But it's too late now."

"Why? Because you've fallen in love with Snape already?"

"What? No. Because I have to be loyal to him. Because I have to do everything I can to make sure that this child has a home that feels safe."

And with that she left. It was cold, but she had some thinking do. She wouldn't admit it, but she felt butterflies in her stomach when George asked if she was in love with Severus. The truth was, she wasn't. But she felt herself seeing what could make them great. And after seeing how protective he was, she couldn't help but trust him.

Severus waited at home. He had noticed earlier that morning that a grocery trip was desperately needed. But he wanted to wait on Hermione so they could figure out what to stock up with together. Instead he apparated to a small quaint restaurant with a French café theme. Tonight he was surprising her. She deserved what she thought she had with Ron, a man who cared enough to try.

So He made plans to get the private room. And then went to a small clothing store. He looked around, keeping her measurements, that he stole from Narcissa, in mind so he could find the perfect dress. She was very much like Lily. Smart, with a beauty that only certain people seemed to notice.

"She's beautiful isn't she?"

Severus heard students gasp and question this supposed beauty. Simply in hopes of ruining their evening, He looked to where the students were. And there she stood. But it couldn't possibly be the bucktoothed know-it-all from his classes. But her hair was done beautifully. He could only imagine how much product it took to get it that way, but unlike most girls, her hair didn't look like it was chalk full of hair killing products. And her gown, it fit her perfectly. Everything about her was beautiful. And seeing her looking happy and confident, reminded him of Lily. And he began to imagine her at the Yule ball.

Severus shook the memory from his head. Yes, she was beautiful, but she was still his student. And he already found it hard to keep feelings from developing. Living together, the fact that she was carrying his child, how smart she was, all of it reminded him of Lily. But she wasn't replacing Lily. She was creating a new place in his heart. And he didn't want that for either of them. He expected to die. And he didn't want her to suffer the heartbreak. He only wanted her to be happy and strong. He only wanted her to survive and raise their child.

Severus had barely noticed any of the dresses. Nothing screamed out at him, "This is Hermione." He was beginning to think he would have to try else where. And then he saw it. A beautiful red dress. It was simple, and knee length with a ruffled flower and edging at the waist and the same ruffle for the sleeves. She would look beautiful. Immediately he grabbed it and took it over to the register.

"For your daughter," The cashier asked harmlessly and understandably.

"No. This is for my wife. I'm planning a special surprise dinner for her."

"Well, we have a section that may be more appropriate."

And once again, someone at the store was trying to judge him. He was furious. "Ma'am. It is not your place to decide who I am married to, or what she should wear. I think I know her a bit better than you. And your job does not include this rude service. If it continues, I will have words with your manager. Is that clear?"

The woman was shocked and immediately rang up the dress. Severus left the store and went into the jewelry store next door. There he found a beautiful matching necklace. Gold with rubies placed in the shape of a flower. He remembered seeing a red dress among her clothing. But this one would take the cake. And her red heels that he had seen hiding in her wardrobe would go perfectly.

He apparted home and lay them gently on her bed before going to the library to pick up the mess from a few nights ago. He placed each book carefully on the shelves in as many empty spaces as he could and grabbed a few to take to his bedroom. Sooner or later they would have to rearrange their sleeping arrangements. Her room was the only spare room in the house, and they'd need it for their child. It was still a scary concept to him. Being a father. As he placed those books on his nightstand, he heard the familiar crack of apparition downstairs.

"Severus!"

He rushed down stairs, wanting to make sure everything was ok. And when she saw him, Hermione threw herself against him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace.

"Thank you, Severus."

"For what, Hermione."

"I've been a bitch. I know it. I've been scared, and a total bitch. Not realizing that you really were doing a good thing. I am so sorry."

Se still hadn't looked at him, but he felt her. She really thought she was awful. And he thought she was justified. He only hugged her back and pulled away.

"Hermione, I layed something out on your bed. I'd like you to go change and meet back down here."

A/N: I hope you guys liked it. I know, still a little short. But I am trying. I promise.