A/N: I was told about how I totally misspelled Minerva's name and so I went back and fixed that, sorry for the totally uneventful chapter. We're skipping ahead here, and will probably run into Ron again. I know I'm evil. I'm debating killing him. I was never a huge fan of his and honestly don't think he has much use (Of course I still love every thing J. K Rowling has written, and firmly believe she puts life into every single character, including those briefly mentioned). OH! So if you guys ever want to try to guess my REAL name, it's actually in one of the Harry Potter books. It's a single mention, but it quickly became my favorite page in the books for that one reason alone. My name isn't very often used, and when it is, it's usually spoiled brats, or bitches. I share a middle name with Hermione too. Also, since you guys have had so many short chapters, this one will be a bit longer. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 38

"Severus, they are, at this moment, the only family I have other than you and our child that currently still makes its home inside of me. I cannot, and will not stay cooped up here in the castle or at Malfoy manor," Hermione said, exasperated at his lack of understanding.

Hermione had still been offered an invitation to join the Weasley's at home for Christmas. She knew that Ron had abandoned Harry and Luna, and Luna seemed only slightly worried. However, with Harry, they were able to focus a little more on the mission at hand. Hermione had tried to help where she could but unfortunately, she was finding herself quite useless. She and Severus had bonded quite a lot, and she was happy that they both refused to paint the nursery traditional pink for their daughter. So in the mean time, they instead tried to think of a theme, she wanted Fairy Tales, but Severus refused and wanted Slytherin, in order to keep up appearances. She argued that their daughter had just as much a chance of ending up in any of the other houses as well, and he made a Professor Snape like comment, "No child of mine will be a Hufflepuff or Gryffindor."

Things in the castle were going dreadfully. Ginny, Neville, and most of her friends were hiding out in the Room of Requirement to avoid the Carrows, who fortunately left her alone. But despite the troubles, her friends were still happy, and still training to fight, though they had all agreed that she was no longer allowed to join in. Hannah had actually gotten that date with Fred that she wanted back in summer, and just before Christmas, he had officially asked her to be exclusive. So not only was Hermione invited to the Weasley's for Christmas, but so was Hannah, and Hermione had made sure to make this point to Severus, so that he knew exactly how many people there would be on her side.

Hermione had spent a lot of time behind Severus' back, brewing potions that might be deemed unhealthy. However she had discovered an old charm that basically created a gas mask, thereby protecting her and her daughter from any unhealthy fumes caused by potions. She had been experimenting, and finally found an antidote for Nagini's venom, something she had actually been working on since Arthur had been attacked in her fifth year. She was brewing enough for a war, knowing that Nagini would be a very useful weapon in the battle to come, and made sure she gave plenty to Poppy, who seemed shocked at the young witch's skill and intuition. She had plenty of time given that she had managed to finish her school year, minus the N.E.W.T.s she was going to have to take eventually.

Severus was more frequently away at summons, and sometimes came back extremely bruised and tortured. She spent those nights taking care of him, despite his protests. She rubbed salves on him, brought him potions, and even bathed him on occasion. She had to admit, even now, she owed George those 20 galleons. Severus had proven that he cared about her on more than one occasion, and had even kissed her gently and caringly several times. And she cared for him. Seeing him tortured, because she was forced to watch more than once, was enough to eat her up inside. And not only her, but their daughter. The few times he had actually cried out in pain, Hermione could feel her child move more frequently, as if she could stop what was going on outside. In those moments, Hermione could feel her own magic surge, and it took a lot of willpower to hold it back, knowing that if anything interrupted the torture, it could be turned on her.

"Hermione, if I let you go-"

"Severus, if you let me go, then you tell him that it's because they know I am your wife, and it will help make sure that they don't try anything. He trusts me more than either of us thought possible, and you know it's true."

Severus had to admit she was right. It was proven one night back in November.

"Hermione, step forward," Voldemort hissed shortly after she, Severus, and the rest of the death eaters had been summoned, "Bellatix has displeased me, she told me that she knew where Potter was and there was no trace of him. When I asked her where she got the information, she had no answer. She has displeased me."

"My lord," Hermione questioned as she curtsied

"Bellatrix needs to be punished. She falsely informed me; she had nothing to back her up. I want you, Hermione, to punish her.

Hermione stared for a moment, in complete shock that she was chosen for this moment.

"My Lord, surely you do not mean to give the Mudblood such power, she has been hiding Potter this whole time! She must know his location!"

"ENOUGH! Bella, do you dare speak against me?"

"No, My Lord, but surely-"

"I have made my choice. She has proven several times that she doesn't know where the boy is. And I find it only fitting that you be on the receiving end of a punishment of her choice."

Hermione was still in shock. She was being trusted with such a monumental task.

After seeing Bella torture her husband, her professor, father to her child, she could easily mean an unforgivable curse. But she had been avoiding them for a reason.

Hermione met eyes with Bellatrix, who had originally intended to cackle at the fact that the worthless mudblood was going to "torture" her. But then she saw the look in Hermione's eyes, and almost paled.

"Fregerunt eius crura," Hermione shouted, using the same first spell she had used on Wormtail, shattering most of Bella's bones, "SectumSempra.

Hermione didn't need to cast anymore than that, as the wicked witch lay bleeding and broken, but she wanted to, she wanted to make sure that Bellatrix never forgot this day for as long as she lived, "Memento semper."

Severus had been both proud and shocked by Hermione that day. And even he could not have thought a more appropriate punishment for Bellatrix.

"Severus, please. You could come join us. Arthur actually requested that you do."

"And why would he ask that?"

"Because I am still like a daughter to him and you are my husband. I honestly don't know, but that's my best guess."

"I will not be bound again."

Hermione wanted to bite her tongue, but they had promised to have open communication, "I never said that they asked that, but even if they did, it's the least you could given how long I was bound and how often."

"Hermione that was for-"

"It doesn't matter what it was for. I was bound for longer than you were, with no shot at freedom until I demanded it. But they didn't ask you to be bound. You were simply asked to join."

Severus looked down, she made a valid point. He had been bound once with the stipulation that his powers be returned should there be an attack.

"Severus, please, it's hard enough knowing I can't see my own parents, the Weasley's have always been a second family to me, a home away from home."

Severus sighed. He didn't like the idea, he had overheard what George had told her about his mother actually attempting to poison her, and he didn't want that to happen again. But the look in her eyes, as she pleaded with him for this, it was too difficult to continue to deny her.

"I will agree, only if you agree to paint the nurseries in a Slytherin color scheme."

Hermione was waiting for him to strike a deal like this. They had the furniture, and most everything they needed, except a color scheme. And she was already considering agreeing so that they would be ready in a few months time when their little girl came. She was now obviously showing, and spent most days wearing her robes to even attempt to hide that. She didn't feel comfortable in her skin sometimes, and never thought she'd see the day she actually wished she hadn't grown too big for one of Molly's sweaters. They were bulky enough to hide away her baby bump. She wasn't really ashamed, just embarrassed. She was so used to being thin in a healthy way, and between the gained weight (which she had gained fifteen pounds which made Poppy very happy) and the stretch marks, she didn't feel as confident with herself as she used to.

"If it gets me what I want, then I agree. Thank you, Severus," she said as she hugged him and even gave him a quick kiss, something she hadn't actually done since the night she tried to seduce him, "I'll see you later."

"Where do you think you're going just now?"

"To find Hannah and Ginny, as I have some Christmas shopping to do."

"I'd rather-

"Severus, I can't very well buy you a present with you there, now can I?"

Severus shook his head, rather wishing that she wouldn't bother at all with getting him a present, but knowing at this point it was best not to upset her. She had only had a couple of emotional break downs so far, and he was hoping to keep it that way.

Hermione had her sack of presents, one for each and every single person she knew would be there including Hannah, Remus and Tonks. She was looking forward to seeing Tonks and how she was faring with her pregnancy, and had her memories of torturing Wormtail and Bellatrix in a vial wrapped up nice and pretty along with a penseive for Remus, hoping he would be pleased that they were punished for their actions against his friends.

She was very excited when Severus told her to go ahead and take the train with Ginny and Hannah, as he would be convincing Voldemort that this was a good idea. And when she walked through the door at the Burrow, she was overwhelmed with delicious aromas.

"Ginny, Hermione," Mrs. Weasley greeted, swooping up the girls into a big hug, "And you must be Hannah. Oh Fred just won't stop talking about you," And she hugged her too.

"Yes," Hannah managed to get out through being suffocated, "It's very nice to meet you too."

Mrs. Weasley released the girls and looked at the three of them, then gave Hermione another, softer hug, "Oh, Hermione, can you ever forgive me? I treated you horribly."

Hermione melted at the warm embrace and hugged the woman back, "Don't worry, Molly, I think even if my daughter did what I've done I might have reacted similarly."

"You look radiant, by the way."

Hermione blushed but thanked the witch anyway.

"Oh, and Ron had been warned that speaking against you or Severus will not be tolerated and we will throw him out."

"Thank you."

Hermione was so happy that time had managed to change so much.

"Now Ginny, your room has been prepared for the three of you, I'm sure you girls are exhausted. Dinner won't be ready until about seven."

"Thanks, Mum," Ginny called as she half dragged Hannah up the stairs.

"Oh, Hermione, when can we expect Severus?"

Hermione paused, She wasn't exactly sure, he had promised to try to be there shortly after they would have, but given the circumstances, that might not happen.

"He said he would try to be here soon."

The witch gave a nod, which Hermione took as a way of understanding.

Hermione walked up the stairs to the best of her ability. When she reached their room, Ginny was holding a note for her.

Hermione,

I am unable to join you as early as I wished. He is not pleased that I let you go so easily, although he understands that part of you cooperating is in being kept happy. I will be joining you on Christmas eve and Christmas day, and then we must leave for the Malfoy's in the afternoon. Stay safe.

Severus

He might not be here right when she wanted, but he was coming, and that is what mattered.