Hi everyone

Here it is the long awaited chapter. I am sorry this took so long but I have been ridculously busy. Hope you enjoy it

Love kalegirl xxxxxx

Chapter 3: Explanations

The door to the Infirmary opened slowly. Severus Snape stepped in feeling nervous for the first time he could remember. Hermione had reacted so badly to him in the headmaster's office and he didn't know how she would react to him now. He had always admired her intelligence but lately he couldn't help but notice that she had grown up over the summer. He shook his head to stop his thoughts from wandering.

He walked over to Hermione's bed where she was sleeping deeply. He sighed. 'She looks so innocent,' he thought. 'She can't possibly be old enough to have a baby. My baby.'

He stopped walking and sighed once more. He then gently started to wake her. "Miss Granger, Miss Granger, wake up."

She slowly came to and sat up. "Professor Snape," she asked, suprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Miss-...um... Hermione, I am sure Professor Dumbledore told you about the er.. law," he started rather awkwardly. When she gave a nod of confirmation he continued, "So , I... er... have come to... um... give you this." He finished rather hurried.

Hermione found it difficult to stifle a laugh. It was the first time in her life that she had seen her potions professor stumble with his words.

He then carefully pulled a small box out of his pocket, sat on the side of her bed and opened it. She couldn't help but gasp. Inside was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen: the band was platinum with small diamonds going up the sides then a big diamond in the middle. He spoke while taking it out of the box and placing it on her left finger, "It was my grandmother's. I hope you like it."

Hermione was stunned by the beauty of the ring and touched that her would give her his family heirloom. She couldn't help but start crying again.

"Hermione, please, I'm sorry." he said very confused as to why she was crying. To his immense surprise, she started to laugh.

"I am sorry too," she said while trying to stifle her giggles. "It is these stupid hormones of mine. I can't control my emotions. I am just so shocked. I never thought I would get married at 17 let alone to my professor and be having his baby. It is surreal. But also you just look so funny when you are confused." He looked outraged and then began tickling her.

At that moment the headmaster walked in. He was shocked to see the man,who Albus felt like a father to, looking completely relaxed and happy.

He made his way over to them and made his presence known to the couple by clearing his throat.

Severus quickly sat up looking embarrassed at being found in such a position whereas Hermione was tyring to catch her breath after being tickled so vigarously.

Once they had both recovered, Albus said "Madame Pomphrey has checked out all the other students in your potions class and no one else is pregnant. I have also checked the potion and books petaining to this matter and have come up with a theory as to what might have happened?" he paused and smiled.

Severus spoke impatiently, "What is this theory then?"

Albus laughed and said, "Right. To test my theory I will need you two to join hands." Which they did quickly albeit reluctantly.

Albus took out his wand and silently waved it over the couple's joined hands. All of a sudden, a stream of light attached itself around their hands. Albus smiled and spoke softly, "I was right then."

Severus and Hermione looked at each other then him and asked what that meant.

Albus said "You are soul mates. (they gasped) Mr Longbottom created a potion which, as the fumes of the potion surrounded both of you, managed to find the deep connection between the two of you. And as it contained most of the ingredients found in a fertility potion it created an embryo from both of your genetic material and placed it inside your womb, Miss Granger. Incredibly clever if you ask me. Now I must get going, carry on with whatever you were doing before I arrived."

He walked over to the door of the infirmary but just before he opened it he turned back and added, "Just so you know I have taken the liberty of planning your wedding for you. It will be tommorow afternoon with the whole school. Miss Granger, you will be going shopping with Mrs and Miss Weasley in an hour. Meet them at the entrance to the Great Hall. That will be all." And he hurried out the door.

Please review xxxx