Disclaimer: Still don't own Harry Potter.

Life For Rent

Chapter 20

Hermione waited for Severus to speak for a full minute before cleaning her plate and fixing his cup with her wand. She felt strangely calm and Severus' lack of a reaction and lingering silence were not bothering her at all. Telling him had lifted a huge weight from her shoulder that she didn't even realize was there until she'd said the words 'I'm pregnant.' Now that he knew she could start thinking about the baby and the longer she sat at the table and thought about it the happier she became. She knew Severus well enough to not read anything too negative in his lack of response. Severus really didn't like surprises and that one was about as big as they got.

Severus continued to remain silent and staring as Hermione put the dishes in the cabinet. His eyes were trained on the table but they were expressionless. Hermione could see the muscles in his face working as he registered the news but he didn't look angry. Out of all the things that could go wrong with him being angry about it would have been the worst thing. Not being ready, apprehension, fear, all those things could be fixed with time but anger would send her packing. Hermione waved a hand in front of his eyes, finally getting his attention.

"Well, that certainly is a surprise." Severus said as if he hadn't just spent the last two minutes in a stupor.

Hermione sighed with relief. He didn't sound angry at all. "It's a good surprise though, right? I mean we weren't planning on a child so soon but…"

"How did this happen? I was so careful with spell." Severus said more to himself than to Hermione.

"Who cares how it happened. Those spells are sometimes faulty when cast in the heat of the moment. I was shocked too, and I realize it is sudden but it is a child, Severus. I am going to love it with all my heart no matter what and I will do so with or without your support." Hermione said slightly testily. If they were planning for a child she would have told him, and they would have rushed into each other's arms, joyful. As it was they weren't planning it just like they weren't the Marriage Contract to bring them together but it had all worked out despite the unromantic beginnings. She had faith and she would be damned it Severus Snape was going to take away her happiness.

"I never said I wasn't going to support you!" Severus said loudly. "I am just surprised. It's going to be difficult with starting Hogwarts. I never really considered what it would be like living in the castle and raising children at the same time."

Hermione furrowed her brow. "I never thought about it either."

Severus walked toward Hermione and wrapped her in a hug. That was the last thing he was expecting to hear from her. The words tumbled around inside his otherwise empty brain for what felt like an eternity. He was terrified at the thought of being a father. After all, his father was not exactly the best example of how to be a good one. It was Hermione saying that she was going to love the child no matter what he thought that finally made his head clear so that he could actually think. He remembered telling Harry that he often wondered what Hermione would look like pregnant and what kind of mother she would be. The timing might have been a little imperfect but he knew if there was anyone on this earth that would make sure he didn't repeat his father's mistakes it was the witch in his arms.

"It's going to be great, Hermione. We will make it work." Severus said kissing the top of her head.

Hermione sighed with relief and Severus felt her slump against him a little before standing tall and taking a step back.

"I know. I was just a little afraid of how you were going to react. I was fully expecting to have to give you a few days to register the news." Hermione said before yawning hugely.

Severus wrapped his hand around hers to lead her up to bed. Now that he knew she was pregnant he was going to have to watch her more carefully to make sure she ate and slept enough. "I don't think it's really sunk in yet. The only thing I know for sure is that you will make a wonderful mother so you have nothing to fear."

"You will be a good father, Severus." Hermione said sternly.

Severus shrugged his shoulders slightly unwilling to say anything either way. They settled into bed rather silently both lost in their own thoughts. Hermione was exhausted but she was beginning to feel giddy with excitement at the same time. Severus' practical mind was making a list of all the potions and things that Hermione might need and what potions she would avoid making toward the end of her pregnancy. He also began to consider what adjustments they would have to make to the house and what kinds of arrangements would have to be made for them at Hogwarts. A trip to visit Minerva was definitely in order. Depending on how far along she was they would have plenty of time to prepare themselves, he hoped.

"Hermione, how far along would you guess you are?"

Hermione chewed on her lip thoughtfully. She had missed two periods in a row but had ignored the first one because she had skipped periods before on occasion. The Muggle birth control pills she took when she was with David caused that sometimes so it didn't really bother her. When she missed her second one in a row it had caused more alarm because she had swollen tender breasts and nausea.

"Um, I think I could be anywhere from six to ten weeks." Hermione said thoughtfully rubbing her stomach wondering if it was any indicator. She had no idea when she would start to show.

"Six to ten weeks?" Severus voice cracked and he cleared it deeply. "Don't you keep track of your monthlies?"

Hermione was too tired to get in that argument with him. "I understand that my estimation is less than adequate for your tastes but I will just have to visit with a doctor and have an ultrasound to be sure. I will also visit with a Healer tomorrow."

"Muggle doctor?"

"Of course, Severus. My mother will want me to. Speaking of which I am going to tell my parents tomorrow, you don't have to come if you don't want to." Hermione yawned again and Severus pulled her close to his chest. "I don't know how they are going to take it."

Severus really didn't want to go with her because avoiding parents was very high on his list of priorities but he wouldn't make her do something like that alone. This child was his and even if they weren't getting married already he would do the honorable thing. "Don't be ridiculous, Hermione. I am going to go with you."

"Good." Hermione snuggled close to Severus and finally fell asleep. He, on the other hand, was awake most of the night unable to calm his mind.

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Narcissa smiled pleasantly at Hermione as she let her in the front door. Severus had invited her over for tea to tell her about the baby and also just to visit. Two weeks had gone by since they had told Hermione's parents and it had actually gone well. Her father mentioned that nothing could surprise him anymore and had made peace with it rather gracefully. Hermione's mother gushed over her daughter and completely ignored Severus as if Hermione had conceived all by her lonesome. Severus shed his last sliver of dignity when Hermione's father asked if he was marrying his daughter because she was up the duff. He practically had to prostrate at the man's feet to convince him that Hermione was indeed the love of his life. So, aside from that humiliating little bit, the encounter went rather well.

Their wedding was in two weeks and Narcissa had insisted that Hermione use one of her clothiers to have her wedding robes done. She was going to be twelve weeks along exactly on their wedding day and her normally flat stomach was beginning to show the hint of a curve so she was praying the dress wouldn't have to be altered.

"I love what you have done with the place Severus, or should I say, Hermione? And you look radiant by the way." Narcissa commented eyeing her surroundings and Hermione appreciatively. Narcissa was as fastidious as they came but she thought that Severus' house was charming with all the changes. "It certainly is an improvement over the stark white walls and books."

Severus and Hermione both laughed. "You're right, Cissy. It is all Hermione's doing as she picked most of the colors and decorations."

Hermione linked her arm in her fiancé's and smiled at him warmly. "But Severus did all the work and of course I never objected to the books."

"Oh, you two are just adorable together. I never thought I would live to see my dear friend so well matched." Narcissa said as she settled herself into Severus' favorite chair. Even in his old armchair she maintained a queenly posture. Hermione found herself staring at the elegant woman wondering if she was ever a love interest of Severus'. She was so beautiful and poised. Hermione felt like a frumpy, klutzy librarian next to her.

"What kind of bonding are you going to do at your wedding ceremony?"

Severus settled down with Hermione on the sofa and wrapped an arm around her. "We were just going to do a traditional bonding ceremony with rings and vows. We aren't going to have fidelity charms or anything."

Narcissa twisted her wedding ring around her finger a slight frown on her face. "Yes, I don't blame you. Some of the more magical rituals can be quite cumbersome."

Hermione opened her mouth to speak but Severus squeezed her shoulder and shook his head slightly. Hermione returned a look that clearly said, 'Fine, but you will have to explain later.' Hermione wondered what kind of ceremony Narcissa had and imagined that Purebloods probably had some ancient traditions that were akin to enslaving the woman to the man. Severus never even considered doing anything more than exchanging rings and professing their love. That much was going to be hard enough for him to do publicly.

"Anyway Hermione," Narcissa said recovering your gown is done and will be delivered later today along with Mrs. Potter's Matron of Honor dress. I must say your taste is very elegant. I got to see the creation myself just this morning."

Hermione nearly squealed but she didn't want to appear immature to either her fiancé or his friend. "I really can't wait to see it. Ginny has spent the last two weeks using a combination of magic and exercise to shrink her stomach after having the babies. She's afraid she still looks fat."

Narcissa laughed. "I remember those days well. If you ever have children Hermione, I can show you the best spells to hide the bump for quite some time."

Hermione looked at Severus encouraging him to tell her that she was already pregnant. "Actually, Narcissa that is why I invited you over today, to tell you that Hermione is ten weeks along. She is due in April."

"So I might need a bump hiding spell for the wedding." Hermione patted her stomach. She used to tease Ginny for rubbing her belly all the time while she was pregnant and now Ginny was teasing her for doing the same thing.

Narcissa clapped her hands together sharply twice and leapt out of her seat. Severus, ever the gentleman, rose as well so that Narcissa could give him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. She then bent over and gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek as well. Hermione felt herself blushing at the attention. "Didn't I say you looked radiant? I should have known why you were glowing. This is such exciting news! Hermione, Severus is wonderful with children. He was so great with Draco when he was a baby."

That was news to Hermione so she quirked an eyebrow at Severus.

"I am the boys Godfather, Hermione. I had to be around him at some point or another." Severus mumbled.

"Oh, stop it. You doted on him whenever you got the chance and you know it." Narcissa was walking around the room waving her hands in the air. "You'll have to let me throw you a baby shower. Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Actually, we aren't going to find out until the baby is born." Hermione answered. She could only imagine what kind of extravagant baby shower Narcissa would throw.

Narcissa stopped her pacing and faced Hermione directly. "Whatever do you mean? It's a simple spell."

Hermione looked to Severus for help. "We are aware of that; we both agreed that we want the child's sex to be a surprise."

Narcissa looked slightly put out by the news but she shrugged it off quickly. "No matter, no matter, you can always charm clothes to the colors you like."

"I would like to just get through the wedding party before I start thinking about baby showers and nursery colors." Hermione admitted.

"Oh yes, of course, one step at a time. Have you both written your vows yet?"

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"Oh my goodness Hermione, you look stunning!"

Hermione was modeling her wedding gown for Ginny at Grimmauld Place while Severus and Harry sat in the library drinking whiskey and talked Quidditch. The babies were both asleep in bassinettes by Harry and Ginny's bed.

"I really do feel like a princess in this thing. I am going to have to have it altered in the chest area though." Hermione examined herself in the full length mirror. The dress was satin halter A line gown with a chapel train. Hermione didn't want a train at first but when she saw how it looked on her she really liked it. She wasn't going to use veils of any sort so the train on her dress would be her only embellishment. It was simple, yet elegant and Hermione loved it.

"I felt like a princess on my wedding day. I love this color on me." Ginny was modeling her dress in the mirror behind Hermione. Since Ginny was the only member in her wedding party it was quite easy to pick out a dress that would go with her red hair. Of course she chose an emerald green and it did look lovely.

"Ginny, do you think we should write our own vows?" Hermione asked biting her lip nervously. Ever since Narcissa had brought it up Hermione couldn't stop thinking about it. Severus had said that it wasn't really necessary to shut Narcissa up but Hermione wasn't sure. She thought the idea was lovely but she knew that she was asking a lot of Severus just by having the ceremony in the first place.

Ginny cocked her head and stared at her reflection in the mirror for a few more moments. "Harry and I wrote ours."

"I know but this is Severus we are talking about. He isn't exactly loquacious when it comes to expressing love and feelings and I think he might think it would be like admitting secrets not only to me but to everyone present. I just don't know if I should drop it and just say the traditional vows." Hermione said frowning slightly.

"That's a tough call Hermione," Ginny said shrugging off her dress so that she could pick up one of the babies who were starting to gristle.

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Severus looked at his watch for what felt like the millionth time in an hour. Hermione and Ginny were taking forever with the dresses and Harry and Severus had already talked through all the current weeks Quidditch predictions. Severus had selected a book from the library shelves and was flipping through it when Harry broke the silence.

"Are you nervous about the wedding?" Harry asked.

Severus rolled his eyes heavenward as if praying for patience. "Are you going to give me a pep talk?"

"No. I wouldn't encourage someone who wasn't quite sure to marry Hermione."

"No, Potter. I am not nervous. Did I pass your little test?" Severus asked sarcastically.

This time Harry rolled his eyes. "You don't have to be so sarcastic. I was just asking."

"Just because I allowed you to wear me down long enough to confess my feelings for Hermione once does not mean I will let it happen again."

"Oh fine. I give up." Harry made a big show of stretching out his newspaper and snapping it.

Severus looked at his watch one more time. "Potter."

"Hmm?" Harry said without looking away from his paper. Severus sighed in exasperation.

"I could use your advice on something."

Harry was definitely intrigued. This time he lowered his paper carefully and raised an eyebrow at Severus. "Yes?"

"Yes, Potter. I am asking you for advice regarding Hermione and only Hermione since you know her so well. Did you have any difficulties writing your wedding vows?" Severus asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean was it easy for you to decide what you wanted to say?" Severus snapped.

Harry laughed loudly, Severus was asking him for help? Oh, how the tables have turned. "I can't believe the illustrious potions master is asking me for advice on his wedding vows. Do you feel uncomfortable right now, Professor?"

"Decidedly so. I am sorry I brought it up. Go ahead and gloat Potter. Just remember I will be headmaster when those babies of yours attend Hogwarts."

Harry scowled. "You wouldn't dare. But I still don't understand what your problem is. With Hermione there is only thing you can tell her that she will want to hear, especially from you on her wedding day."

"And what, I am afraid to ask, is that?" Severus asked quickly losing his patience.

"I can't believe you don't know. I always believed that you were one of the most intelligent people I ever met; now I'm not so sure." Harry stated. He was just teasing Severus though. He understood his old teacher's concern about writing your own vows. He had been very nervous and actually had to read them from a piece of paper to make sure he didn't mess them up on the actual day.

"Fine Potter. I think I have humiliated myself in front of you long enough. I truly regret bringing it up at all." Severus looked at his watch one more time and then picked up the book again.

"Severus, I apologize. I admit I enjoy the feeling that I know something you don't know. But the answer really is quite simple. Just tell her the truth."

"The truth?" Severus spat, well duh, Potter. "I wasn't planning on lying to her, you dolt."

"Welcome back to first year." Harry said sarcastically. "I just mean that you can tell her you love her and can't live without her or you can tell her you like the shape of her right foot over her left and she will be happy because you will be telling her the truth about how you feel."

Severus knitted his brows together in thought. Harry was being a right pain in the arse but he was right. Severus knew that Hermione would want the truth but what Severus was trying to ask Harry was would she want something basically cliché or something else altogether. Based on Harry's response it would have to be something else altogether.

Severus scowled at Harry. "You are no help at all."

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A/N: So there you go, next chapter. For any of you who might be confused about what time of the year it is… They are having an early October wedding, the baby is due in April and they are starting Hogwarts the following September, I don't know if anyone remembers but McGonagall offered him the position during the last school year so that there would be a full year and then some for Hermione's apprenticeship.

Whoopsydaisy rules, a couple of you told me you went to her story so thanks for that too! Thanks for the reviews and keep them coming. I don't live for reviews but I do love them!