The rest of the school was all back from Christmas break and they were all happily anticipating the New Years Eve Ball which would take place that night. Hermione had kicked out Severus, much to his grumbling and griping displeasure, out of his chambers because she had something important to tell Ginny, Ron and Harry. Hermione knew that it was now time to tell them about the baby, she couldn't hide it any longer and they were her best friends. They would understand and Hermione trusted that they wouldn't judge her and blab to anyone. She was sitting on Severus' bed and all three of them were gathered around her staring at her quizzically, wondering why she was looking so serious.

Hermione looked up at them and took a deep breath saying "I have something really important to tell you. If I tell you this, you have to promise me that you won't tell anyone else, not matter what. It's very important so lease promise me this."

Ginny sat down beside Hermione on the bed and looking at her curiously "Sure Hermione, I won't tell anyone."

"Yeah, were not gonna tell anyone" Ron said and Harry nodded agreeingly.

Hermione slowly lifted up her robes to reveal her slightly protruding, five months pregnant stomach. Ginny gasped "When did this happen Hermione? How many months pregnant are you? Who is the father?" The questions pored out of her mouth and she took Hermione's hand in hers.

Ron looked at her in complete and total shock with a slightly accusing look in his eye "How come you didn't tell us this before. How long have you known? Were you best friends, we could have helped you?"

Harry turned to Ron with a look that said now is not the time and then said to Hermione "Well, who is the father? Is it Lucius?"

Hermione explained the whole story, even the part about her feelings for Severus, which took a quite a while and all three's eyes were growing wider the whole time.

"Wait a second. So you're telling me that Snape is the father and not Lucius, you never slept with Snape, and some woman blessed you with a child in you're dreams? And you want me to believe love Professor Snape?" Ron finished with disbelief.

Hermione nodded "I know it's hard to believe but I really do love him. I love him so much and I am actually glad he is the father of my child"

Hermione said these words with such truth in her voice that Ginny knew she wasn't lying or joking. Hermione was not one that could be tricked and befuddled into falling in love with someone, she was too smart for that. Ginny nodded but Ron looked furious and Harry just looked disappointed.

"So you're telling me you are in love with slimy, greasy Professor Snape? And he is the father of your child? I'm gonna kill that bastard!" He growled angrily.

Now it was Hermione's turn to be angry. "He isn't a bastard Ron, and it's not his fault that I am pregnant! He had been nothing but kind to me and I love him!"

Harry shook his head and said "I don't want to believe you love him but it's not my choice that you are with. I just expected you to choose someone better."

Hermione eyes were swimming with tears. "There is no one better for me Harry. I know you don't believe it but he is a different person around me. He is sweet, caring, and incredibly kind."

"I just wish you had told us sooner Hermione."

"This" Hermione threw her arms in the air "is exactly why I didn't tell you. Ron looks ready to strangle someone and you are looking at me as if you don't know me."

Ron looked a bit guilty at this and said "I don't like it one bit, but there's nothing I can do about it. So…..good luck."

Hermione looked up and threw her arms around him. "Oh Ron, you don't know how much that means to me to hear you say that. I was so scared you wouldn't want to be my friend anymore."

Harry gently hugged her next. "Hermione, were you best friends. We would never abandon you."

Hermione then broke down in tears and Ginny shooed them out so she and Hermione could get ready for the ball. She then looked at Hermione and grinned.

"Oh my gosh I can't believe this! Are you excited about the baby? I just couldn't imagine being pregnant now."

"I actually I am, to tell you the truth. At first I was so scared I could hardly breathe every time I thought about it, but now I accept it and am happy. It feels really good to know that life is growing inside of me"

"Well, I'm happy for you. I'm glad the father is someone you can trust and someone who is going to stick around. I am really glad it's not Lucius"

"Me too Ginny…..me too"

The girls gossiped about Severus, the baby and Neville (Ginny's boyfriend) for a while until it was time to start preparing for the ball.

Ginny clucked at Hermione's hair sounding uncannily like Mrs. Weasley she began the task of taming Hermione's wild curls. Ginny sat her down on the bed and began pulling her hair on top of her head.

"Ouch!" Hermione said grumpily as Ginny pulled her hair particularly hard.

"Well" Said Ginny not sounding sorry at all. "It's a bit hard to pull of your hair back. It wants to go everywhere!"

After thirty minutes of hard work, Ginny hard Hermione's hair piled on top of her head in soft curls, with a tendril hanging down to frame her face.

Hermione went to admire it in the mirror. "It looks really good Ginny!"

"Of course it does." Ginny said not-so-modestly.

Ginny then went to the bathroom and fixed her own hair. She came out with her fiery red hair falling down her back in long soft curls that glowed and danced in the light. Hermione looked at Ginny and appreciated just how beautiful the younger girl had become. She had flawlessly pale skin with a scattering of freckles across her small nose and deep green eyes that gleamed with mischief. She also had quite a figure, she was still small and slight but had developed womanly curves that complemented her well.

"Okay" Said Ginny. "Now for the make up."

"Make up?" Hermione questioned.

"Yes make up silly. You can't go to a ball with a bare face." Ginny grabbed Hermione's are dragged her to the bathroom. Opening a rather large cause packed full with dangerous looking make up items. She then smartly sat Hermione down on a chair and looked at her as if sizing her up. "I know just what to do" She said happily.

Ginny put no foundation on Hermione's face because she didn't need it. She applied a peach cream blush, mascara and thin layer brown eyeliner that had a slight shimmer to it, and also perfectly complemented the flecks of gold in Hermione's coffee brown eyes. She then spun Hermione around in the chair so she could see for herself. "No one is going to be able to take there eyes off of you tonight!"

Hermione had to admit that Ginny did do a good job. The mascara made her eyes look pop and the blush made her look fresh and lively. "Thanks Ginny, it looks really good. I'm just not used to wearing make up." She laughed.

Ginny then did her own make up, using the same blush and mascara but different eyeliner. She used a golden colored eyeshadow that she dipped a brush into and dusted a thin line right next to her upper and lower lashes. The golden hue made her green eyes shine with intensity. She looked gorgeous.

"Our men are going to be drooling!" She said excitedly.

"Oh I forgot to ask you, what are you going to do about Severus since no one else knows about the two of you besides me, Harry and Ron?"

Hermione had thought about this but had no definite solution. She was going to be with Severus tonight and enjoy it even she had to endure that wrath of everyone tomorrow. She felt so much better about it now that her best friends knew and accepted it (even if they weren't too happy). Everything just seemed easier with friends on your side.

"Well, I haven't really thought about that. I mean they are bound to find out sometime. I can't hide a pregnancy forever. I'm just going to go and have a good time."

Ginny looked at her and smiled. "Good for you. I'm glad you told us. I think both Harry and Ron already knew something was up. They kept telling me that you seemed different lately. I just don't think they will be expecting this."

Hermione smiled. "I'm glad I told you too."

"Okay enough talk" Ginny said. "It's time to get dressed, has Severus seen you in your new robes yet?"

Hermione grinned mischievously "No I was saving it for tonight"

Ginny laughed. "Where are they? Even I haven't seen them yet!"

Hermione went to her close where she had carefully hung up her new dress robes and showed them to Ginny. Ginny eyed them greedily and said "I am so jealous! These are beautiful. He must really love you Hermione to spend all of this money. Come on lets get them on." She made Hermione strip right there in front of her and carefully slipped the dress robes over her hair.

"Oh he really won't be able to take his eyes off of you tonight. You look like a goddess!" Ginny exclaimed. And it was true; Hermione really did look like a goddess. The lavender shade complemented her creamy complexion perfectly. The silky robes had a plunging neckline that showed a little peak of her cleavage and the robes hung perfectly around her so that her pregnancy was just covered. Hermione was glowing.

Ginny then changed into her deep green dress robes, that matched her eyes perfectly. She looked just as beautiful, with her molten red tresses dancing down her back. Ginny took her hand. "Were ready!"

Severus was waiting impatiently to get back into his chambers. He had been forced to change in the teacher's room. He also looked ravishing as well in his plain black dress robes that complemented his lean form. He couldn't wait to lay eyes on Hermione.

He knocked on the door and to his pleasure heard from Hermione "Were ready, you can come in now."

He opened the door and the sight he beheld took his breath away. Hermione looked gorgeous. He had never seen anything more beautiful in his life and he told her so. Ginny stood back a little awkwardly and averted her eyes as Severus kissed Hermione (Hermione had already told Severus that she was going to tell Ginny, Ron and Harry about them.)

Hermione giggled and playfully swatted him "Severus not in front of Ginny!"

Severus rolled his eyes and took her arm in his. "Ready to leave now?"

"Yes"

She, Severus and Ginny walked out together and towards the Great Hall that had been set up as a ball room. Ginny parted from them before they reached it, going to get Neville and she and Severus were left to walk together, arm in arm alone.

When they reached the Great Hall, Hermione gasped in delight. They Great Hall looked beautiful. There were huge ice sculptors carved into a lion, a badger, a snake and an eagle that represented each house. They glittered and sparkled in the light cast by the enchanted ceiling. The house tables had all been moved so that everyone would have room to dance. There were also gigantic beautiful flowers everywhere and tables set up with a vast array of food.

She spotted Harry and Luna and waved, then grabbed Severus by the hand and pulled them over. People were pointing and whispering when they saw Hermione walking, hand in hand with Severus, but she didn't even notice. Luna looked lovely, Hermione noticed. She was wearing pale blue robes and had her dark blond hair half up with the rest handing down in shining curls. Harry was looking handsome as well in navy blue robes and had his arm around Luna.

"Hey Harry!" Hermione said enthusiastically. Severus' only acknowledgement was a sinister glare in Harry's directions and a curt nod towards Luna.

"Hey Hermione, wow you look beautiful" Harry said, ignoring Snape as well.

Luna looked vaguely at Snape and Hermione being together and holding hands and it didn't seem to faze her at all. She just looked up at and said dreamily "Hello"

Just then, the music starting playing softly. There was no live band; the music just seemed to emanate from everywhere. Hermione recognized the song immediately. She gently grabbed Severus' arm and pulled him onto the dance floor where other couples had already started swaying to the music. She put her arm around his waist and started moving to the song. She was surprised at what a good dancer he was. He had a subtle grace unlike Viktor or Ron and she found she was easily lost to the music in his arms.

We'll bathe in rose petals, red
And lie in violet lilac beds
And through the darkness of the night
We'll watch our future shining bright
And out of everyone I've met
It's you I can't forget

And there was a time my heart was aching
Yes there was the day I swore it was breaking
Under a lucky star our love was born brand new

And in the shadows of the night
I'll trace your silhouette in candlelight
And if you fall asleep when you rise
I'll be there to kiss your eyes

And now my heart is in your hand
So baby, understand

And there was a time my heart was aching
Yes there was the day I swore it was breaking
Under a lucky star our love was born brand new

So don't cry, Angel
I will stay the whole night through
Forevermore, I'll be loving you

As she listened to the lyrics she felt her heart contract. "I love you so much you know." She said softly.

Severus shivered as he felt her warm breath tickle his ear. He wanted nothing more than to stay here, wrapped in her arms forever. "I love you too."

Severus looked up and saw the whispering students. They were not being discreet about it all. Several of them were openly pointing and shouting it across the room at each other. He could also see Dumbledore too who had a huge smile on his face. But he was the only teacher who was smiling, the rest of them were muttering too each other with grim faces. Severus could care less though. He had Hermione.

When the song ended they left the dance floor to go get food and some punch. Everyone was avoiding Hermione and Severus except for Ginny, Luna and Ron.

Ron came over holding the hand of Andreas Bruselle who was wearing silver robes that made her large violet eyes look even eerier. She still made Hermione feel very uneasy but she tried to ignore it and talk to Ron.

"Hey there." Enjoying the dance?" He too pointedly ignored Severus.

"Yeah I am and the foods really good!" Hermione's plate was piled high with every food in sight that contained chocolate. She was constantly craving it now.

Ron looked at her place and laughed. "Yeah I can tell you are. Well I'll talk to you later. Were going to go dance some more." He then walked off with the new girl staring strangely back at Hermione, as if she knew a secret.

Hermione spotted Lavender across the room and walked over to her, Severus lingering quite a bit behind her.

"Hey!" Hermione said happily.

Lavender looked at her coldly and said "What are you doing here with him Hermione?"

Hermione was taken aback by her rudeness and said "Umm what do you mean? We were just dancing?"

"Don't lie Hermione. You know that you and he are together and it's disgusting. He is worse than a Slytherin"

Hermione was stung by her words and replied angrily "So what if I am here with him! It's none of your business." She then stormed out of the Great Hall with a puzzled Severus right behind her.

Hermione walked right outside of the front doors of the castle into the fresh air and stood taking deep breaths and trying to stop the tears from spilling down her cheeks. She hadn't expected that from Lavender who was one of her good friends. She had turned on her in an instant just because she was there with Severus. What would happen when she found she was carrying Severus' baby. It was no use. The tears started poring.

Severus watched her not knowing what to do and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. He didn't know what was wrong, as he hadn't been near enough to hear her conversation with Lavender "Hermione what's wrong?"

Hermione wiped her tears on her hand and muttered "Its nothing, I just……I don't know. Why do people have to be so judgmental?"

Severus then guessed what had happened and took her in his arms. He was angry at Lavender for having upset her and if he had had his way, he would have stormed backing to the Great Hall and told that bloody Gryffindor what was on his mind. But he knew Hermione needed him. "Some people are just like that. She isn't your true friend if she can't accept you."

She knew his words were true and gave him a watery smile. "Okay, let's go back in there and have a few more dances"

Severus said something incoherently but Hermione caught a few words like "too bright" and "bloody cheerfulness".

She laughed. "Severus Snape you are going back in there and dancing with me whether you like it or not!"

He conceded and she dragged him back into the Great Hall. They danced a few more songs and Hermione at a lot more chocolate until it was nearly midnight and time to go. Her and Severus walked back out onto the grounds and stopped arms around each other by the lake. She breathed into his neck "I don't know what I would do without you. I love you more than anything in the world."

His heart was beating so fast he could barely breathe as he took a velvet box out of the pocket of his robes. He opened it up and presented it to her. It was a beautiful ring with an intricately carved silver band and a large perfect square sparkling diamond inset in the center. He took her hand, slipped the ring on and said "Hermione Jane Granger will you marry me?"

She was floored. She had no idea what to say. She had never expected this and just stared at him.

He wasn't to be deterred though since he had expected this. "Hermione I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you so much it kills everyday to think that I might not be able to do that. I want us to raise our child together. I know I am years older than you and you might want someone younger and fresher, but please consider my offer."

Hermione still had no idea what to say. So she said exactly what she was thinking. "Severus I cant decide this now. I just don't know. I mean getting married. That's big, that's really really big and I need some time to think about that. You know I still feel the same way about you. I'll tell you when I'm ready."

She then kissed him on the cheek and walked away, looking down at the gorgeous ring, the moonlight dancing off her back

Severus watched her go with mixed feelings. He was glad she had at least considered his offer but he was also scared that she might refuse it. He would just have to wait on her, and he was willing to wait as long as it took.

Author's Notes: Please Review!