The next few days passed in a blur. Aurors came and took statements from Hermione, Snape, Harry and other members of the assault team who had went to try and save Ron. Classes were cancelled for the rest of the week as the school mourned the loss of a beloved student, everyone except the Slytherins who looked almost gleeful that their side had accomplished this. Every night before bed, Severus gave Hermione dreamless sleep so she could rest. He would hold her until she fell asleep and she would awoke safe in his arms, his vigil never wavering. Hermione sought comfort in her love with Severus. Telling him of stories of her and Ron. Hermione suspected that he didn't want to hear stories about him, but he never failed to listen to her and even ask follow up questions. "In a sense, I'm just trying to help you understand my friend. Even if we fought and we often did, Ron was still my friend." Hermione mumbled as she fought sleep one evening. Severus kissed her forehead and stroked her hair "I know love, but rest now."

The funeral was heartbreaking, as she was an adult Hermione purchased witch robes in black, the black dress clung to her body and the sheer robe that covered it tapered at her waist; the overall look was beautiful, had it not been for the horribly sad occasion. The Weasleys were there front row; mourning the loss of a brother, a son and a best friend. Harry sat with them, trying to console Mrs Weasley and Ginny, his girlfriend, while fighting the tears that threatened to spill. Hermione sat in the next row behind the family, clutching the arm of her husband, who was tracing delicate patterns on the back of her hand, muttering comforting words. As the procession left the grave site, Hermione excused herself and went back to the coffin. "I'm so sorry Ron. I tried to protect you, as did Severus. And we all came for you, but we were a moment too late. I'll never forget you, you'll always be my friend." With trembling hands Hermione pulled her wand out of her pocket and drew a circle in the air; a large wreath appeared with white flowers and ample greenery. Catching it, she placed it on the headstone, bowed her head one last time and walked back to Severus. Placing her arm in the crook of his elbow, they said they're goodbyes and appeared away.

Hermione and Severus reappeared in their private quarters. They both went to change out of their dress robes; Hermione in an oversized hoodie and leggings, Severus in jeans and a button down shirt. Together they sat on the couch, no words were spoken but Hermione was drawing on his strength. "I'm sorry Hermione, I've failed you." Hermione shook her head and scooted as close as she could to him "You did not fail me. There was nothing more we could've done to protect him, Voldemort would've known had we done something else." Snape let out a breath he didn't know he was holding "To know you don't blame me, brings me peace. I was worried." Hermione leaned up to kiss her husband, who sweetly returned the kiss "I'll never blame you." Almost indiscreetly Snape twitched and Hermione sighed. Snape stood and transfigured his jeans into his black robes and fastened his traveling cloak "I'm sorry love,you know I have to go." Snape kissed her and hugged her tight before appearing away.

Almost as soon as he was gone a wave of nausea hit her. Hermione ran to the loo and only just made it. "Of course I would come down with the flu after this week." Hermione muttered as another wave hit her and she reached for a towel. Severus returned hours later, much later than he had returned before; Hermione was waiting for him with his usual cup of tea. He accepted it gratefully, giving her a strong hug first and pulling her down on the couch with him. The couple sat in silence for a few moments before she spoke "He wanted to gloat and reward those who killed him didn't he?" She asked quietly. Snape nodded in affirmation after sipping his tea "Yes, I am sorry. The deed was seen as a victory, as the Dark weakening the Light. The Death Eater who did the killing was rewarded." Hermione looked at him pointedly, waiting for her husband to continue; he sighed "It was Avery. Not a high ranking death eater, but certainly not in the lower ranks anymore." Hermione nodded "Avery? I'll remember that." Severus looked over at her with a strange look, before setting his tea down and taking her hands in his "We will make him pay for what he has done my love. But it may have to wait until the final battle. I promise."

The next month passed uneventfully, Christmas Holidays were upon them. After School was let out of session, Snape whisked Hermione away to the Snape Estate in the French country side. She was astounded by the huge whitewashed manor, the impressive gardens and the beautiful views of the landscape that surrounded them. In one word it was peace. Hermione lost herself in the library and potions lab. Her nausea had continued for the past three weeks, getting progressively worse. "Severus please there's no reason to call the medi-witch." Hermione protested as her husband helped her back to bed after another visit to the loo. Severus dismissed her worries as she got under the covers "You've been throwing up since before the Holidays, over three weeks. We need to make sure that this isn't serious." And so the medi-witch came. Pleasant conversation was had as she performed spell after spell, trying to come up with a diagnosis. After an hour or so she put her wand away and smiled "Well it's not the flu. You're pregnant Madame Snape." Both Hermione and Snape looked at her in shock "Pregnant?" He whispered in a guarded tone. She shook her head in delight "Yes, indeed. I'd say about a month along. Now here is a pamphlet on the dos and don'ts. Schedule your next appt in about two months." And with that the medi-witch left, shown out by a house elf.

Hermione looked at her husband, unable to read him, his face void of emotion. "I'm sorry Severus. I know this is a shock, I'm not even sure if you wanted children this early." She said quietly. Severus snapped his head towards her, his eyes soft with tender emotion. He knelt beside the bed, took one of her hands and cradled her face with the other "I'm over joyed my love. Truly, I never thought I would have kids. I love you so much and I love our child. I promise I will do everything in my power to protect you both." Hermione started to cry tears of joy as she leaned into the comfort of her husband, who held her as his own heart was over spilling with emotion. The rest of Christmas holidays passed in a haze of happiness and relaxation; both thinking that perhaps some good had come from the marriage law after all.