All Hermione could do was stare blankly at Madame Pomfrey as shock permeated throughout her body. She didn't know what to think, she was lost and confused. On top of everything that had happened she couldn't imagine herself being with child. Pregnant? No, it wasn't possible. She still considered herself a child, even though she was mature beyond her years. How could she possibly raise someone else?
Hermione took and steadying breath, her face shining with fear. "How can this be Madame Pomfrey? I mean I know how…but I….I just don't understand…." She trailed off softly.
Madame Pomfrey peered down at her sympathetically, compassion burning in the old witches eyes. "It is a miracle to even me Hermione. I am a fool to not have checked for this before but it never crossed my mind that you could be pregnant. You were so weak, frail and underweight when you came to us that I did not even think it possible for you to bear a child. It truly is a wonder."
Madame Pomfrey's facial expression then suddenly changed from wondrous sorrow to shining joy "Oh, but Hermione you mustn't fret about this, a child is a gift to the world! They bring joy and happiness to all those around them." She then smiled fondly at Hermione.
Hermione couldn't share in the old witch's happiness. She still could not even register the fact in her mind that she was pregnant. It seemed so far fetched and alien to her. She had never even considered the thought of having children, getting married, the normal things that witches do. She had always thought she would grow up independent, with a high paying job of her choosing and then after that she maybe could settle down with someone. She had never imagined that she would become pregnant at age sixteen, in her seventh year at Hogwarts and by none other than Lucius Malfoy. It was absurd.
Severus looked at her slight form and was filled with pity, he longed to wrap his arms around her and hold her close and tell her how sorry he was. But he felt that she didn't need to know how sorry he was, being sorry could change nothing. So he did not speak but instead sat down gently beside her and took her limp hand in his. Her hand was ice cold, and so small and delicate. He squeezed it reassuringly and slowly felt her squeeze back.
She turned and looked at him with a mixture of indiscernible emotions flickering behind her coffee colored orbs.
"I want to go home." She whispered. "I want to go back to your chambers, I don't want to be here any longer."
Severus was touched that he had called her sleeping quarters with him "home". He did not dwell on this long though. He stepped away from Hermione and asked Madame Pomfrey if he could speak to her in private.
Madame Pomfrey and Severus stepped into the shadows of the corner of the infirmary. Severus looked down his hooked nose at Madame Pomfrey.
"I know you will not approve of it Poppy but she does not wish to stay here." He said strongly. "Her mind is in turmoil with this new burden she must carry, she needs to be somewhere familiar where she feels warm and comforted."
Madame Pomfrey pursed her lips primly "I agree with you Severus, she has suffered so much. There is really nothing I can provide for here that you wouldn't be able to give her. You have cared for her well and I can tell she can trust you. Just let me talk to her in private for a little while."
Severus nodded his head. He was a little disquieted by how much Madame Pomfrey had gleaned of his feelings for Hermione just by watching him. He didn't like for people to be able to read him, being mysterious and forbidden what was he was known for and he would to keep it that way. He watched from afar as Madame Pomfrey talked to Hermione.
"Well as far as I can tell you are in perfect condition." Said Madame Pomfrey. "It seems your abuses have not harmed the baby in the least. From what I can tell he or she seems to be just about two months old. It's far too early to tell the babies sex yet. I have made these three potions for you to take. The first one (she held up a vial of a translucent looking violet potion) you are to take every morning, now don't forget (she added sternly), it will give you essential vitamins needed for you and your baby's growth. The second two are for your headaches and morning sickness, take them only as needed."
Hermione nodded and wordlessly took the three potions, the cold weight of the glass vials was the only thing that felt real at the moment. Severus walked back over to her and gently took her hand again, he didn't let go until they had reached his chambers. Hermione immediately went and sank down onto his couch with a groan, holding her head in her hands.
"What am I going to do Severus?…umm I mean Professor Snape?" She didn't know where it had come from but she had called him by his first name, she guessed it was because she had grown to care for him so much and regard him as a close friend. She trusted him so immensely, he was always there for her.
"No Hermione, you may call me Severus." He said kindly, his face was glowing with happiness with that one simple word Severus. His name had never sounded as sweet as when it came from her ripe, berry red lips. Without even thinking he sat down beside her and placed his arms around her. She didn't wince at his touch but reveled in it. In that moment she finally realized the true intensity of how she felt about him and it scared her more than anything. She enjoyed his company, his sarcasm, his wit, she even enjoyed his embrace, but she was just so afraid. She felt as if she could never truly enjoy a man's touch again, all she had ever known of a relationship was abuse, torture and pain. She didn't know if she would ever be able to sleep with someone, or form a relationship with anyone again. But her body burned with feeling for Severus, she had only been staying with him for six weeks and she felt as if she had known him a lifetime. They had spent every minute together. Talking, laughing (a rarity for the stoic potions master) and getting to know one another. The bitter man she had known before this was a thing of the past, he showed his old side to others, but in her presence she saw a different side to him. A kindness she never though imaginable.
Severus felt her leaning into him and his body was responding. He wanted to run his fingers through her soft hair that was tickling his arms. He longed to kiss her playful mouth, her pale face and her warm inviting neck, but he held himself back. He knew if he gave into his body, he might lose her trust forever. He restrained himself and allowed her to gently rest her head on his chest. He looked down as her heard her sniff and saw that there were silent tears running down her face.
"I am so scared Severus" She whispered. "I don't know how to care for a child, how could this have happened to me."
He held her close and talked into her ear. "Shhh Hermione, you needn't worry. You will not have to care for this child alone. I will help you in any way possible. Like I told you before, I will always be there for you if you need me."
Hermione nodded her head and nestled closer to him, she did not want to leave the safety of his comforting arms. After several hours Severus looked down and saw that Hermione had fallen asleep in his arms, he gently shook her awake.
"Hermione dear, you feel asleep." He said smilingly at her. "I believe it's nearly one in the morning. Would you like to go sleep in your room now."
Hermione looked at him and apprehensively and tentatively voiced her question. "I was wondering if I could sleep in your bed tonight. I mean…not because…it's just that you make me feel so safe. I can't imagine another night of being besieged by nightmares. Especially after what has just happened. If you don't think it would be appropriate then I understand.
Severus was shocked and thoroughly pleased at the same time by her question. "Of course you can. Lucius will have no chance to invade you mind tonight."
Hermione looked very relieved as she smiled at him. She then went to go get her pajamas and headed to the bathroom to shower quickly, brush her teeth and change. She emerged from the showers feeling awkward at Severus seeing her in her pajamas but look on his face reassured her. He had already gotten into bed, and he pulled up the edge of the blanket to show that she should do the same.
She awkwardly clambered into his bed. It was warm and wonderfully soft, his black sheets felt like liquid silk against her pale skin. She turned and studied Severus' form. Severus was not exactly what you would call a good looking man, but there was something enticing about him. His black eyes gleamed with intensity, fierce intelligence and strength. His thin face was darkly handsome to her, with angled cheekbones and a thin sly mouth. She liked how his inky black hair fell around his shoulders and face, it wasn't really greasy like everyone claimed. She seemed to realize that he must sense her staring at him and quickly averted her eyes.
Severus had indeed caught her staring and wondered what was going through her mind. He had never wanted her as badly as he did now. He could smell the tantalizing scent of her freshly washed hair, it smelled of fresh rain and strawberries. Her pure skin seemed to glow with life and beauty. She was so angelic. He then turned to fully look at her and whispered goodnight. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as she touched the magical lamp and all went black.
There was a gap between him and Hermione on the bed, both of them keeping to their separate sides. He could feel her company though, and she could feel his as well. She was asleep within seconds, exhausted from the troubles of the day. It took Severus a while longer to fall asleep, his mind swam in memories of the girl, no woman lying next to him. When he finally drifted off, her face was the last image to cross his mind.
That night Hermione did dream, but her dream was no nightmare like usual. She dreamed she was walking along a moonlit path to the edge of lake at Hogwarts. The air was sweet and warm, permeated with magic. She came to a halt at the edge of the lake and looked across its ripping expanse. As she watched in peaceful bliss, someone tapped her gently on the shoulder. She looked around to see the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She was tall and slender with shining raven hair that fell to her waist. She had large deep blue, almond shaped eyes, beneath clean angled brows. Her skin was so flawless and fair, it seemed to cast an ethereal light about her body and into the night. She was garbed in midnight blue robes, simple but of the finest material. Upon her brow rested a silver circlet, which held her hair in place. She looked at Hermione with intense kindness and touched her cheek. Her hand was cool and smooth against Hermione's skin. She then spoke in the most enchanting, ethereal voice Hermione had ever heard. Her voice seemed to carry the very origins of magic itself.
"My sweet child" She trilled. "My name is Alena Fulgencia-Latrice. You have been given a blessing Hermione Donum-Unus. The gift of a child. This miracle was bestowed upon you in joy and happiness. Take care to make sure you appreciate this as a blessing and not a curse."
She placed a pale hand upon Hermione's stomach and closed her eyes and said in a voice that was clear as a song "May pacis quod gaudium incubo is parvulus." She took Hermione's face in her hands and kissed her once on each cheek. She then took out of her robes a long sparkling silver chain, at the end was a small half moon that danced in the starlight, seeming to have a life of its own. Without reason as to why she did this, she clasped the necklace about Hermione's open neck. She smiled at her and then walked away, her back held upright and her robes flowing behind her. Hermione tried to watch her as she retreated into the darkness, but the mysterious woman was gone as soon as she blinked.
Hermione awoke the next morning to the feeling of wonderful contentment. She stretched languidly and then remembered her dream. She quickly reached up to her neck and to her utter amazement felt the cool graze of metal against her fingertips. It was real, she thought. Alena Fulgencia-Latrice was a real woman. This thought filled her with joy. The woman had been so beautiful and kind, she had consoled her about her child. Now Hermione truly saw her unborn child as a blessing. It did not matter if this baby had Lucius' blood, this child was not him and would never be him. It was not her innocent baby's fault that he or she had been conceived in torment, she would not blame her baby for Lucius' terrible deeds. Hermione placed a hand on her flat abdomen and then turned to look at Severus' sleeping form. This was the first time she had ever seen him look so peaceful, there was not a single worry line on his face, she liked how he looked when he slept. Hermione then looked down at her stomach and thought about how it would soon be round and full of the life of a child. This thought actually made her smile.
Author's Notes: Yay, Hermione is pregnant! For some reason I find this adorable. :) Oh and don't forget to REVIEW.