AN - I own nothing! I'm just borrowing from J.K. Rowling!

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Chapter 24

Hermione was sobbing softly into Severus's chest as she held onto him from the side. She was in tears and fear thinking about the Michaels. Since Severus's arrival, she felt safe and secure, not thinking much about them. But when she saw them on live television, the pain came back at her. Even though she was thousands of miles away from them, she felt like she was being run after. They were haunting her down until they really did get what they want, and that was to destroy her.

Severus had his arms wrapped around Hermione tightly. With his mouth against her brow, he whispered sweet nothings to her. He knew about hormones during pregnancy. Her being angry at him and their arguments with each other which almost occurred daily, he didn't mind. Now though, he did mind, knowing her tears were painful ones and had cause for reason. The Michaels family was one problem that he wished he could just vanish away, but make Hermione forget, but no. All he could do was show her support, protect her, and be her strength when needed.

"I hate him. I hate them," Hermione sobbed for the nth time.

"Hush Hermione," Severus said rubbing his hand along her back. "Everything's alright, I'm right here. There's no need to be scared."

"What if they ruin everything? My career… my life?"

"They won't do that. You have my word." His tone, he couldn't control as he thought about the Michaels.' It was low, and harsh.

Hermione didn't miss the way it sounded. She knew that voice all too well, from the first days when she was in Hogwarts, most especially when she became a member of the Order. "Something tells me you're up to something," she said worriedly looking up at him.

"Perhaps," Severus said. "But like I said earlier, you shouldn't worry about anything."

Sitting up as she pushed herself off his chest, Hermione shook her head. "No. I'm afraid something bad will happen to you. I know what you're capable of, and I don't want you to go to end up going to Azkaban please. I can lose everything else, but you. I need you…" Thinking about their unborn child, she then added, "We need you."

Severus sat up and frowned. "What makes you think you're going to lose me?" He pulled her into his arms and held her shaking form. "Lucius and I already came up with a plan, and it won't risk me going to Azkaban. I'm not going to leave you Hermione, never."

Hermione nodded as tears continued to roll down her cheeks. She felt relieved.

Severus placed his brow against hers and kissed her softly. "Stop worrying, please."

After being embraced for minutes, Hermione's tears finally stopped. She sniffled against Severus's skin, feeling her stomach growl and the baby kick. "I'm hungry," she grumbled.

"You're always hungry," Severus sneered back. He got himself a little shove, a small slap on his arm, and a very angry look from Hermione. "Come now woman," he said offering her his hand. "With everyone downstairs, I'm not so sure you'll have any food. You know how much the Weasley clan tends to eat.

Hermione grabbed Severus's hand, and pulled him towards and out the door. She was starving, and a family clan wasn't going to get in her way.

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Harry was seated right next to Ginny in the media room along with the original group of people that were still in the room, with the addition of a few; Sirius, Remus, and Tonks.

Earlier, Lucius had told everyone exactly what the details were with Hermione's case. It was a more important subject matter than how she and Severus got together. That story on the other hand wasn't told and what best if they heard it from her directly. Anyway, no one was happy, and wanted to rip Adam's head off, including Harry himself.

At first Harry questioned himself why Hermione didn't tell him. Then it occurred to him that she needed to escape from her life, not wanting to talk about him. Firstly, he thought about the day when he and her talked, remembering that things were complicated. Of course, Snape was complicated. When was he not? But things were more complex with her rape case, and with how he saw Snape treat Hermione earlier, he wasn't a problem. In fact, it looked like they were in love, but wasn't so sure.

"No more baseball Hermione, we can watch whatever you want," Draco smiled as he saw her and Severus walk in. He was happily holding a pizza box on his lap, and eating a slice.

"No chick flicks," Severus drawled as he walked passed Hermione, who was looking through the pizza boxes as she grabbed a handful of popcorn, and shoved it in her mouth. He glared at the three other adults as their eyes met, and settle himself down against one wall, stretching his legs out.

"Is she okay now Professor?" Harry asked as he leaned close to him.

"Food makes her happy. So yes, she is fine Potter," Severus replied as he placed his hands behind his head and relaxed.

"Where is it?" Hermione asked herself. She could smell it, and she was craving for it. Seeing what she finally wanted, she grabbed the box of Draco's lap.

"What the— that's my pizza!" Draco said in protest as he watched her to Severus.

"Mine now," Hermione said. She then sat herself down heavily on Severus's lap, ignoring his grunt. She set the pizza box on his stomach and started to eat at one slice.

"Now I'm some bloody piece of furniture," Severus scoffed. When he heard Sirius start to chuckled, he snapped his head at his direction. "Shut up Mutt!"

"You never liked anchovies before!" Draco exclaimed. "That's my pizza!"

Hermione only shook her head as she finished the slice quickly and went for another. True, she never did like anchovies before, and always thought them to taste awful. Pregnancy did make her crave oddly for a many things she thought she'd never eat again.

"Welcome to the club Draco," Severus spoke. "Now you know how I feel."

Later on, much to the men's dismay, the DVD that they were watching was 'Legally Blonde.' Even though they outnumbered the three women in the room, no one dared to go against Hermione longer than needed, not with her temperament. It was bad before, but it seemed to have gotten worse since she was pregnant.

As movie played on, Harry would often catch a glance at Hermione, who was lying on top of Severus. He was surprised to see more tenderness come from the Severus Snape. They looked perfect together, he thought to himself. From the corner of his eye, he could see her snuggle into him, and he would hold and kiss her brow. Without a doubt, he knew that they were in love.

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AN – Sorry for the long update. Plot bunnies and muses don't always cooperate. Are you still with me on this story? If so, please review.