A/N- On with the story!

Chapter 2- Prospective Parent

Severus was, thankfully, not in the first place that Le-Annette had gone to look for him, which had been the infirmary. This was excellent because it gave her more time to think on how to tell Snape that he was going to be a father. To a vampire's child.

Shaking her head, Le-Annette began her descent into the dungeons, making her way toward Severus's office. Her thoughts were clouded by a great many things. Most of which had to do with telling the father of her child that he was such. How would the Potions Master react? Would he deny their child? Would he be angry? And how would she feel about all of it?

Her thoughts were cut short by the fact that Snape's office door suddenly appeared in front of her, or rather, she had walked all the way there without really noticing. If she breathed, she would've have taken a deep breath. However, she did not, so she simply knocked on the door. Using her preternatural hearing, she already knew that Severus was inside. Sitting comfortably and quietly too. All that was sure to change.

He cleared his throat and said, "Enter."

Le-Annette slowly turned the door knob and did so. When she entered, she plastered a smile on her face. It felt huge, but she was certain that it was not as large as she thought it was. Then, upon seeing the bewildered look on Severus's face, she simply turned her face toward the ground. Successfully changing her expression to that of normality, she looked back up at him.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"I'm fine," he said, gesturing her to sit in the seat across the desk. "It was just a small little wound. I've had worse. Hell, Potter has had worse."

He seemed to growl out that last sentence. Le-Annette gave a small smile. "You seem frustrated that I asked."

He sighed and shook his head dismissively. "I'm sorry. It just seems like everyone has asked me that. It's like they think I can't handle a small wound or two."

"They're just concerned, I'm sure. I know I was. It has nothing to do with your…endurance of pain."

"I sure you're right," he said. Then, he looked at her rather sheepishly, which was a funny look for the normally-cold-hearted Potions Master. Sighing, he added, "And…about earlier…before Hermione was taken. I must really apologize for that. I did not mean to be so callous. It just seems to come naturally to me."

Le-Annette gave a short laugh. If only he knew what she had in store for him! She waved her hand superficially.

"I thought we were past that? Well, it doesn't matter anyway. I understand. There's nothing to apologize for, or to forgive for that matter. In fact, now that I look back on it, I think I acted as though I were a young girl again," she said.

"No. You had a right to demand those answers from me," he said as she stood and turned from him. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "What's wrong?"

"Severus…there is…something new. New to me…new to you…new to everything everyone thought they knew," she said, turning back.

With a watery smile, for she greatly feared this mortal's rejection, she took both his hands in both of hers. Squeezing them tightly, but not as tightly as she could, she stared at him for a moment.

"Le-Annette, what's wrong? You look scared to death," he said, coming out from around the desk to hold her.

"There's…something I must tell you. It will not be easy. Nothing will be anymore," she said, whispering it into his shoulder.

"Shh, just tell me, dearest," he said, stroking her hair.

Le-Annette pulled back to stare her beloved in the eye. Then, taking but a moment more to compose herself, she said it.

"I'm pregnant. We're going to be parents."

Thankfully, he did not let her go. He merely stared in shock at her. Then, his eyes began to search restlessly around the room. Apparently finding nothing good to focus on, he looked back to her.

"That's…not possible," he said.

She rested her hand up against his cheek. "What are you feeling?" she asked. "Please tell me."

Still, he did not let go of her. She would be forever grateful for this. This at least let her know that she was not to be rejected. Severus gulped--another funny action for this man--and squeezed her arms lightly.

"I don't know. Everything I have ever studied about vampires and the dark arts tells me that your pregnancy isn't possible. That makes a part of me believe that this is some dream. But…"

"But?" Le-Annette asked. All this talk about impossibilities was making her antsy.

However, Severus's next move made her forget this feeling. With a smile, he pulled her closer to him and kissed her. Then, lifting her and spinning, he said, "I'm going to be a father! I don't deserve this wonder!"

Laughing as he sat her down, she said, "I think you do. And obviously, whatever Fate is behind this believes so as well."

"Who else knows? Have you told anyone else?" Severus asked, uncharacteristically excited.

"Well, Hermione, Ron, and Madame Pomfrey know, but that's only because they were there when I found out. Who do you wish to tell next or do you wish to tell anyone at all?"

Severus gave her a confused look. "Why wouldn't I want to tell anyone?"

"Well, dear, this is something previously unheard of. Maybe we should keep it under wraps."

"Not a chance. I think everyone will be happy. And Merlin knows, people need good news nowadays."

Le-Annette considered his point. Then, smiling, she said, "Very well. Let's tell everyone!"

End Notes: Okay, so, what did everyone think of that chapter? Nothing really big, but it was one of those transition chapters. Dreaded things. Please review!