Pure Girl: Yeah I know what you mean about Snape being OOC, but he is only like this around Hermione. She is the only one who is privileged enough to see this soft side of him. Everyone else gets the bitter, snappy venomous Snape that we all love. Hehe.
Two months had passed since Hermione started going back to her classes. She was no longer afraid and nervous around her class mates like she used to be. Severus had helped her slowly overcome her fears and realize that not everyone was like Lucius. She had started to show slightly, a small round bump that protruded every so slightly. This was easily covered under robes and Hermione made sure to take them off in front of no one but Severus. Her feelings for him grew more intense with each passing day but she didn't dare tell him. The kiss he had given her had not been mentioned as they were both afraid to bring it up. They had grown even closer to each, however. It seemed sometimes she could read his mind, and him hers. They would sit for hours outside under the Weeping Willow and just talk (Severus would cast an invisibility marquee about them so no one could see them). She enjoyed his company immensely and wondered if they could ever be anything more than just friends.
Severus of course felt the same way but did not want to pressure her. He knew the horrors she had survived and did not want to have them resurface by advancing too quickly on her. He would wait for her as long as she needed and have her come to him when she was ready. He didn't dare hope that she felt the same burning passion for him as he did for her though, he was too afraid of being let down. He had never truly loved someone as he did her. Sure, there had been women in his life, but they were no more than fleeting moments in his mind. There one minute and gone the next, bringing no true happiness.
Meanwhile in these two months that had passed, Ginny Weasly had started dating Neville Longbottom, much to the delight of Hermione. She had become good friends with Ginny lately and was happy that she had found someone. Neville had grown up a lot over the summer. He had lost some weight and gained some confidence. They were adorable. It was also rumored that Harry was pursuing none other that Luna Lovegood. Hermione thought this was strange, but hey, to each his own. She of course couldn't talk, she was in love with a snarky potions master.
Severus had been awake for at least an hour, waiting for Hermione to rise. He didn't mind it though. He loved staring at her and her small round stomach. He could almost visibly see the small life form growing within that was his child, their child.
Hermione woke up and rolled over sleepily. For once, she was not looking forward to a day of school. She turned her head and looked over at Severus who was staring at her with a wan smile.
"How about we skip school today and go to Diagon Alley?" He said with a mischievous look on his slender face.
Hermione looked sternly at him "Severus we cant, you have classes to teach, and what would Harry and Ron say?"
He laughed at her expression and said "Don't worry about it Hermione, I already have it planned out. I talked with Dumbledore and Professor What's-His-Name is taking over my classes. As for you, I have already explained away your absence to the teachers. I will tell them you fell dreadfully ill last night and didn't think you could make it class and I was having to take care of you."
She then turned and looked at him with pleasurable shock upon her face as she said "You planned all of this didn't you?"
"Well I wanted to surprise you, and it looks like I did" He said. "I wanted to buy you some new robes and treat you to lunch. I can imagine you will soon outgrow those. I also thought it would be good for you to get away from here as well. We can spend the whole day there if you liked."
"I'd love to" She said happily. "You don't have to buy my new maternity robes though. I have money from my parents, I can buy my own." As she mentioned her parents she remembered that she had not told them either. She would tell them in time but right now she would save that unhappy moment for later. There would be much to explain.
"Hermione, it would make me happy to buy them for you and you don't have to worry about money." He said, wanting to convey in his voice how much he would enjoy providing for her. "I have plenty. Teaching is a good paying job and I haven't allowed myself many luxuries. I have been saving for years and have a vast amount of money stored up."
Hermione still felt uncomfortable with the thought of him spending his money on her but she knew it was no good to argue right now. "Okay, well let me go and get ready. I won't take long." She said with a small smile.
Severus was ready in five minutes, having just put on a pair of black robes and combed his hair into place. He waited rather impatiently for Hermione to come out of the bathroom. She had said she would be "quick" but it was taking her a rather long time. He rapped on the door after a while but all he got was a huffy "I'm coming!" Hermione was getting ready carefully today. She didn't feel like wizard robes but couldn't wear her normal shirts because of her slight pregnancy. She decided on a pair of jeans, an oversize grey cardigan to hide her stomach and a pair of black flats with cute bows on the top. She tied the front part of her back and let the rest hang in loose curls down her back. She surveyed herself in the mirror. Hermione didn't consider herself beautiful, but she didn't think she was ugly either, she considered herself to have plain Jane looks. Today however, she thought that everything seemed to be wrong with her face. Her nose looked too wide, her forehead to large, her skin too blotchy, etc, etc. What she missed about herself was that she was beautiful in a different way, on the inside and outside. Her beauty lay in the gleam of intelligence of her eyes, the coy way that her lips smirked at something and the gentle planes of her face. She tucked a loose curl behind her ear and applied some chapstick. She never wore makeup, the only time she ever had was the time she attended the Yule Ball. To her, make up was pointless, she didn't have anyone to impress. Severus saw her everyday without make up so she didn't see the point of troubling to put it on, actually she didn't even own any make up. Well, that would have to do she thought, and walked out to a waiting Severus.
"About time.." Severus muttered to her as she walked out.
Hermione snorted at him and said "I took 15 minutes at the most. You are living with a woman now and it's about time you learned some patience." She slapped his arm in mock anger and he couldn't help but let out a reluctant grin.
They set out together for the gates of Hogwarts, Severus had cast a disillusionment charm on both of them so people wouldn't see them and question Hermione being "sick". Hermione couldn't apparate because of her baby, there were too many risk, so they used a portkey that Dumbledore had authorized for them. They both touched the bag of M&M's (typical Dumbledore) and felt the hooked sensation behind their navels as they soared toward Diagon Alley. The journey upset Hermione's sensitive stomach slightly but she settled herself once they landed.
As usual, Diagon Alley was teeming with activity. Woman laden with shopping bags and holding young children's hands, men with busy looks on their faces bustling through the streets. If not for Severus, Hermione would have felt nervous at all the activity. With here there though, she felt safe and secure and excited about being someplace new. Hermione immediately made to set out for Madame Malkin's but Severus took her hand and steered her in a different direction. She looked quizzically at him.
"I know of another place we can go" He said secretively.
They walked for a short distance until they came upon a small fancy looking Shoppe called Madame Millie's Maiden Maternity. They stepped inside the glass doors with gold handles. Hermione gasped as she walked in, everything was so beautiful! There were robes of every color and style imaginable for a young mother. Everything looked to be of the finest make and extremely expensive.
"Severus you don't have to do this." She said quietly, awake of the Shoppe keepers eyes on her. "We can go to Madame Malkin's. I am sure it will be cheaper."
"Nonsense" He said. "This is a specialty shoppe for mothers and this is where we will get your robes." He seemed to have made up his mind, so Hermione said no more. She knew how he could get when agitated.
The woman who looked like she owned the shoppe came up to them. She looked to be about forty and was very proud and haughty looking, her blonde hair pinned up into a tight bun. She was wearing beautiful cream colored robes. "How may I help you?" She said imperiously. "Is there anything in particular that you are looking for?"
"No, but thank you, I was just looking" She said.
"Very well" Said the arrogant woman.
Hermione took her time browsing through the various robes. She just couldn't decide what she liked best. Everything was so fine looking and beautiful. She finally picked out three new sets of robes. The first were deep berry red crimson made of a very soft, fine material. The second ones she picked out were slightly thicker and made for much colder weather, these were a rich plum colored purple. Thirdly, she got a large black coat that fastened down the front with big shiny black buttons.. At first she had only picked out one set of robes, but Severus had pestered her until he got her to get the other two. Severus also placed an order to have her two new pairs of custom made Hogwarts robes made and sent to Hogwarts as soon as they were finished. The woman looked down at Hermione from her long thin nose as Severus paid for their items, she then smirked at her and placed the robes in a fancy white bag with a gold handle.
Shopping bag in place, they left Madame Millie's. It was nearing twelve o'clock by then and Hermione's stomach had started to growl with hunger. She was in the mood for something sweet. Her pregnancy had made her crave chocolate, and she knew just the place to go.
Hermione took Severus' hand and led him to a small sweet shoppe across the street. She could smell the enticing scents from all the outside. As she opened the doors, the smell of home made candy overwhelmed her. Mmm, I am in heaven she thought. This shoppe was even larger than Honeydukes and held the largest array of candy she had ever seen, but Hermione quickly found the chocolate and began picking some out. She got chocolate fudge with peanut butter swirls and some double chocolate molten swirls. Severus didn't seem as interested in the candy as she did, he sneered at the cheery people and entertained himself by browsing through the vast assortment of trick candy. Hermione smiled to herself as she tried to imagine Severus eating an Acid Pop or a Fizzing Whizbee. As she went up to the counter to pay, she got the money out of her pocket, but Severus grabbed her hand and put it back down. He withdrew the exact amount that would pay for her treats out of his pocket and gave it to the clerk.
"Thank you so much Severus" Hermione said as she took a huge bite of the chocolate-peanut butter fudge. "I have been dying for some chocolate."
"I don't see why you eat that stuff" He said looking at distastefully. "It has no nutritional value, its nothing but sugar."
Hermione rolled her eyes at him and said "Who cares if it's got sugar in it! It tastes so darn good."
Severus chuckled a bit at this "Well if you must eat it, then so be it."
They strolled through Diagon Alley together, talking and enjoying each others company until they decided to eat a late lunch at the Three Broomsticks.
They walked into the dim smoky old restaurant and took a seat at a table near the back where they would be less likely to be seen. As soon as they sat down, menus popped into place before them.
"Hmm, I don't know what to get" Said Hermione indecisively. Her stomach told her to get everything and eat everything. "Well I guess I will get the broccoli cheddar soup with bread."
"Mmm that sounds good" Said Severus, studying the menu. Hermione loved how he looked when he concentrated on something. "I think I will get the same."
They both placed their orders with their waiter and waited for their food to come. They were just starting to talk about an interesting potion they had been working on when someone unexpected walked up.
"Severus? Hermione?" Said a deep voice she recognized. She turned and looked and saw none other than Kingsley Shacklebolt. " What are you two doing here together. Shouldn't you be at Hogwarts Hermione?" He had put a certain emphasis on the word together, that told Hermione he was suspicious.
Severus answered for her. "We are having lunch Shacklebolt, what does it look like we are doing sitting here at a table in the Three Broomsticks?" He spoke harshly and there was an angry spark in his eyes.
Shacklebolt bristled and said "Well I was just wondering why a Professor and a student would be off having lunch together while school is in session. Surely this isn't normal behavior?"
"Well go wonder somewhere else and leave us be" Severus snarled at him.
Kingsley looked at Severus' angry face and walked away, but not before giving Hermione a suspicious look. In his eyes Hermione saw disapproval and reprimand. She grew angry at the thought. Who was he, someone she barely knew, to interfere in her personal affairs.
The atmosphere was rather tense after Kingsley walked away and Hermione asked "Is that why the woman at Madame Millie's was so rude to me? Does she think it inappropriate for us to just spend a day together too?"
Severus' features were taut with rage as he said waspishly "You have nothing to be ashamed of Hermione. Others may scorn at me being here with you, but believe me, I would be no where else if given the choice. People will always judge but you should pay them no attention. And they would do better to mind their own business or someone is going to have to reply to me."
Hermione sighed at his reply. She hadn't liked the look she had seen on Kingsley's face. Was she to face this everywhere now? And what would happen when she actually told Severus of her feelings? That is if she ever did, which she doubted it. Oh, and how was she going to explain this pregnancy? She couldn't lie and say that it was Lucius', because when it was born it wouldn't look a thing like him. It would also be difficult explaining to everyone about how she truly got the child. Who would believe that when she had been staying in Severus' sleeping quarters for nearly three months? There were so many unanswered questions.
Severus read the worry on her face and felt slightly guilty. It was his idea to bring her here and now she seemed upset. Why cant people just leave her be! He thought angrily.
"I think we should be getting back now." He said abruptly. "Its getting late and I don't want anyone to notice that you might be missing."
He got up and strode over the counter to pay for both their meals and then they both left in silence, tension between them. Hermione didn't know why his mood hand changed so much. It must have been Kingsley, she cursed him in her mind for ruining things.
Severus activated the portkey and they were back at the Hogwarts gates in seconds, where Severus again muttered a few choice words to disable the wards. They then both disillusioned themselves and walked back to his chambers.
When they arrived Severus lit a fire and then went to the bathroom to shower without a word. This left Hermione to think. She was so confused about things. She was bearing Severus' child and yet she didn't know if they could ever have a romantic relationship. Her feelings for him were so strong though, and had only grown in intensity when she realized that the child was his. She sometimes caught him watching her and she wondered what he was thinking at those times. Did he possibly have feelings for her as well? Or did he just think of her as a friend and a student who he cared about? She guessed that it would all work itself out in time.
She looked up as he walked about of the shower, his black hair hanging in damp tendrils around his neck. The air was permeated with the spicy scent of his body wash. Without thinking she got up and walked over to him, putting her arms around him in a gentle embrace. H seemed surprised for a second but then responded, pulling her warm body into him. He could feel her pregnancy pressing up against his muscled chest, and it definitely felt good. Severus felt emboldened by her embrace and decided it was time to finally divulge his feelings for her, maybe not his true feelings, more like a bit of the truth. He didn't want to tell he loved her yet and scare her away. He wasn't quite sure how she would react.
"I care for you, Hermione" He started out tentatively. "I care for you so much it hurts me sometimes. I know I am old, bitter, resentful, cruel and sarcastic, but when I am with you, all of those foul things are lifted away. You make me feel free and complete. You are the only person that allows me to forget my horrible past, you allow me the courage to truly feel something for another person. I know you may not feel the same way for me, but I just wanted to be truthful with you and tell you of my feelings."
Hermione looked up at him in disbelief. Had he just said what she thought he had? Had he just confessed his true feelings for you? Yes she thought in ecstasy. He did feeling something for her that was more than just a student-teacher relationship and she would not let this moment slip from her grasp.
"Oh Severus I care for you too" She said. "All those things that you think you are, I don't see them. You are perfect to me just the way you are." She then leaned up and kissed him. At first gently and then with a release of pent up passion that had been longing to escape her. She clung to his back, her knees growing weak. He responded to her kisses by opening his mouth and slipping in his tongue, running it over her bottom lip. He then pulled away leaving her breathless and gasping for air.
"You don't know how long I have waited to hear those words from you Hermione." He said with yearning in his voice. It had taken everything he had to pull away from her kisses but he knew that he had to or else he would have let his passion overtake his senses.
He smiled at her and led her to the bed where they lay down together. Severus rested his hand on Hermione's protruding stomach.
"Our baby.." He whispered. He then kissed her on her soft pink mouth and they fell asleep together, still wearing their robes.
Author's Notes: Please review and tell me what you think.