(Feeling much better, thank GOD. I would ask you all to enjoy this chapter, please review, and thank you all for reading this far :) Oh, and if you have suggestions, questions, or comments, please leave them in your review. I'll answer them promptly. Hermione Granger-Weasley, I hope your dogs are doing better!)

Chapter 23

Crisp, night air filled Hermione's lungs as she walked along the lakeside, gazing out over the darkened water. Her arms wrapped around her thin body, keeping her feeling warm and secure.

It had been two years since she'd started her work as Potions Mistress at Hogwarts, and now that she felt established, almost as if she were home again, things had begun to fall into place naturally. Her classroom was like her escape. Whenever her six year old, four year old, and husband were beginning to edge on her nerves, she could find release in teaching.

Hermione loved her family dearly, but she had been feeling tired as of late. She wanted a vacation by herself, although she knew that wasn't possible for the moment. School wouldn't be out until that May, and it was now only the beginning of February.

Her hand floated down to caress her swollen belly, feeling a baby kick right beneath the surface. She was due any day now, and somehow she'd wanted her pregnancy to last longer. It wasn't that she was unready for a new baby, but she'd enjoyed this pregnancy. It had been quite short and pleasant, with no complications to speak of.

Aariya desperately wanted a baby sister while Liam wanted a brother. Remus wasn't really particular. He honestly could have cared less which gender their third child would be. Hermione wanted another little girl. There was something special about daughters, not that she didn't love Liam just the same.

The sun was beginning to rise now, signaling to Hermione that she had been standing outside for nearly six hours now. Ever since her ninth month began she couldn't sleep. During the day she would take a dreamless sleeping draught in order to nap, but if she took the potion after dark it would have no effect. Poppy reasoned that the baby was more active in the evening, which burned up the potion before it had chance to really help.

"What are you doing out here?" Severus Snape wandered up behind a restless Hermione, his hands tucked in his pockets.

He had been so helpful with the children, keeping them every day for the couple. He was more than happy to take on an infant once Hermione gave birth, seeing as he'd be named godfather. Harry was godfather of both Aariya and Liam, however.

"Couldn't sleep," she murmured, not turning away from the sun-sparkled water.

He nodded curtly, "Do you mind if I join you?" He took the few steps to stand beside her.

"Of course not," she forced a smile and took a seat on the grass.

Severus returned the polite smile as he kneeled beside her, "You aren't happy."

"I am," Hermione frowned in confusion, "Why do you say that?"

"I know you," he smirked, "I've known you since you were just under eleven years old."

She sighed deeply, "I'm just not sure that I want to keep expanding this family. Aariya is not a wolf, but Liam is. I'm terrified that this baby will be as well. I don't think it's fair to keep bringing werewolves into the world."

"That isn't why you don't want this baby," Severus frowned, "There's a more selfish reason."

She rolled her eyes, "Not everyone is selfish, Severus. No, I don't really want another baby. I don't want to be up all night long, rocking a screaming child with colic. No, that doesn't sound appealing."

"Doesn't Remus help?" He leaned back on his elbows as they watched the sun rise.

"Yes. Well, some," she tilted her head a bit, "Not as much as he did with Aariya. With her he was so helpful, so attentive. It was a different story with Liam," she licked her lips, "So I'm concerned that it will be the same way with this one."

"Just tell him to help you," Severus suggested, leaning toward her a bit, "He doesn't know you need more help unless you tell him."

"Thank you for everything," Hermione reached over and hugged her former professor tightly.

"I... Erm... Okay," Severus laughed nervously, not used to physical contact of any sort.

She giggled, "It's just a hug."

"Yeah," he nodded, a warm smile dancing on his lips.

The two sat in silence for a while, staring out at the sun rising so beautifully. Hermione knew that her children would be up in no less than an hour, and the thought of chasing them around all day just made her tired. Severus seemed to pick up on this.

"I can watch the kids today if you'd like," he suggested casually.

Hermione seemed to light up, "Really?"

"Yeah, yeah! Of course," he smiled warmly.

She leaned over and placed a quick kiss on his cheek, "Thank you so much!"

Severus went white, definitely not used to this kind of physical contact. He met Hermione's eyes, locking them with his. They stared at one another for a few moments, not really sure what to say.

"There you are," Remus beamed, breaking the awkward moment between his wife and his friend.

The two separated instantly and adjusted their expressions, "Hello, love."

"Have you been up all night?" Remus inquired.

"I'll be in my room. Drop the kids by when they get up," Severus stood, flashed a strained smile, and headed back into the castle.

"We really need to get him a girl," Remus chuckled.

"Yeah," Hermione nodded, laughing nervously.

BBBB

The strange moment between Severus and Hermione loomed over the two for days. While Severus was perplexed by Hermione's actions toward him, she was concerned for her marriage. She wasn't sure as to why she was feeling the way she was. Did she have a crush on another man?

Hermione chose to stay as far away from the man in question as humanly possible. Time was standing still now for her, seeing as every second of the day seemed more like an hour or two. Life without Snape was proving to be rather mundane.

"Are you avoiding me?" Severus spun Hermione around, finally having caught her in the Great Hall that evening.

"What? No!" Hermione shook her head stubbornly.

"It sure as hell seems like it. You know, you may have been an insufferable prat throughout your schooling, but I've come to rather like you. As a friend of course," he added quickly, clearing his throat.

She blinked, "I... I haven't been avoiding you. I've just been busy. And right now I have something to attend to."

Severus caught her again as she turned to walk away, "Listen. Stop. What is the issue?"

Hermione growled and stomped her foot angrily before dragging the confused man out into the corridor, away from prying eyes and ears. She turned to him in one swift motion, "I think I'm developing a bit of a... Erm... Crush on you," her cheeks flushed a brilliant red.

Severus let out a bit of a laugh, "What? Me?"

"Yes. Don't laugh! It isn't funny," she turned her eyes away, embarrassed now.

"Merlin, this is rich. I wonder what Lupin would think of that," Severus snorted.

"You won't say a bloody word!" Hermione wore a most threatening expression as she took a few steps toward him.

"I wouldn't dare," he smirked.

"Somehow I don't believe you," she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Would I hang myself? Honestly?" He quirked a brow inquisitively.

She thought on it for a moment before smiling nervously and shaking her head, "I suppose not."

"It's innocent. As long as you don't act on the impulse you have no worries," he assured her.

"I hope not," Hermione chewed her lower lip.

BBBB

"What's the matter with you?" Remus took a seat next to his weary wife.

"Oh, nothing, just the fact that I'm a giant, fat cow," she groaned.

"You are not," he rolled his eyes.

"I'm so tired of being pregnant," she growled.

"I know this. You should give birth any day now. Then you'll be all done with babies," he kissed her forehead.

Relief flooded over Hermione at that moment, "So you mean we don't have to keep having kids?"

Remus frowned, "I think three are plenty."

"Do you know how very much I love you?" Hermione leaned in and enveloped her husband in a warm embrace.

"Yes, love."

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