"You're with me tonight, little wolf," Hermione smirked as she sat down, kissing Teddy's head.

"Will we have hot chocolate?"

"Of course. I would never deprive a Lupin of his chocolate." Teddy returned to his food and she winked at Remus. Severus took his seat beside Hermione and passed Remus a small vial without looking at him.

Remus took it with a grimace and shivered. He shook himself before facing her, "You sure you're alright with this, Mione?"

"Yes Remus, I've been doing it since he was a babe, you know I don't mind," she waved him off. "We'll have our cocoa, read a bit, play a game, the usual stuff before passing out in bed. I'll keep him with me until you are out of the infirmary and able." She fixed him with a serious stare, "And don't think about trying to rush it because you feel like you're imposing. If you show up before I think you're ready, I will petrify you."

"You wouldn't!" He sounded amused even as he looked affronted.

"Oh, you know I will. I recall doing such a thing when Teddy was about a year old if I'm not mistaken." Remus threw his head back in laughter, but it ended in a low howl, and Hermione smiled. "You better get going." She noticed his golden eyes look down at Teddy, "He'll be fine, Moony." His eyes touched her and he nodded. When he stood, he kissed his son's head and turned to face Hermione. She let out a slight squeak as he pulled her from her chair and pinned her to him before it turned to laughter.

Remus pulled away, looking sheepish, his eyes still gold, "Sorry, Mione, you know how he is with you."

"I do," she smoothed out his robes, "think nothing of it." She reached on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

When he kissed his cheek, his nostrils flared, and he grabbed her again, "Wait-" he pulled her closer and burrowed his face in her hair and took a deep breath, "Mione...you smell..," he took another breath, "You smell different."

"I will try not to take offense to that," she frowned, and he blushed, making her laugh. "I've got your cub. Now go."

Hermione watched him stalk off and grinned seeing Moony in his stance. When she sat back down Teddy climbed out of his chair into her lap.

"He'll be okay right Mini?"

"Yes, he'll be fine. He took his potion, and Uncle Sev made it for him, so you know it will work perfectly," she smiled down at him. He tucked himself into her robes, trying to hide his tears. Hermione tightened her hold on him and huffed as she tried to spin her pasta onto her fork. She struggled but it worked. Eventually Teddy was snoring softly against her chest. "Of course," she mumbled.

"Do you need assistance?"

Hermione looked at Severus beside her and saw the amusement in his eyes. "No, I've got him. Sometimes I just forget that he's not a baby anymore." She tightened her hold on him, and he adjusted to her, making her smile.

"You watch him often?"

"When I lived in Grimmuald with them, I watched him on moons for Remus. Even after I...moved, I watched him. Sirius was still in a bad place then but I never minded." She smiled brightly, "I love getting to cuddle up with Teddy, Scorpius too." He saw pain flash behind her eyes but she continued, "I've really been looking forward to these evenings, which sounds horrible considering the circumstances."

Severus nodded. After taking a deep breath, he sighed, "I find that taking a nap with Scorpius is much more relaxing than an average nap."

Hermione smiled, recalling his disheveled look the first time she'd been in his chambers. "I agree. I always sleep soundlessly with one of them. Even when they were babies and would wake me every few hours."

"You helped with Scorpius?" Severus looked confused.

"I did," Hermione nodded, "Drake was struggling after Astoria, and Narcissa was sick." Hermione shrugged, "I didn't mind, and I'd already done so with Teddy and he was much harder, especially during the moon. Lycanthrope, he isn't, but he still gets agitated quicker on these evenings."

Severus's jaw was slightly ajar but he pulled himself together quickly. "So you've essentially helped two friends raise their sons and acted as their mother?"

Hermione frowned, "I guess so." She began shaking her head furiously, "But I never aimed to replace Dora or Astoria. I only wanted to help and Drake and Remus both needed it."

He placed a hand on her forearm, "I didn't mean to imply that. You've done something not many would do. No wonder Scorpius takes so easily to you at his young age. I didn't realize you were so close until Draco brought you to my rooms and I saw you with Scorpius. You looked...effortless." Hermione blushed and he coughed. "Motherhood suits you." Hermione felt her stomach drop, and she turned away from him. Severus regretted the words the moment they left his lips, and seeing the pain in her eyes made his chest hurt. "Hermione, I did not mean-"

"It's alright, Severus. I like to think it does too. I need to get him to bed, though. Hopefully, he'll stay out of it so I can mark my papers. I'll see you in the morning."

Severus stood up, nodding, easing back her chair. He helped her stand. She huffed with effort as she shifted Teddy to her hip. The boy remained asleep and Severus watched her sigh with relief. "Let me escort you."

"You don't need to do that," she motioned back to his plate, "You haven't finished your dinner."

Severus scoffed and held out his arm. Hermione took it with a small smirk and let him help her through the castle towards her rooms. They stopped outside an empty portrait, and Hermione grinned, "He has callers." Mumbling her password, the empty frame swung open, and she stepped inside, "Would you like some tea? I have your book." Severus considered it for a moment before giving her a slight nod and following her through the portrait whole.

Dotty appeared as they came into the room with a bright smile, her ears perked high, "Mistress! Master! Dotty make tea." She scurried toward the kitchenette, and Severus watched as a soft smile touched Hermione's lips, and she started towards her room.

"Make yourself comfortable, I'll just be a moment."

When she disappeared, Severus took a moment to stare at the door to her bedroom before shaking himself and stepping further into her chambers. It was no surprise that the layout of her rooms mimicked his, but her color choices shocked him. He expected reds and golds and instead was confronted instead with rich blues and gold. The mantle to her fireplace was littered with pictures and trinkets, he found himself studying the moving pictures. There were three in total. The first was one of her, Potter and Weasley, she was pinned between the two laughing helplessly at some silent joke. The next was her and Teddy, she was hunched over the boy as he fumbled in attempts to walk. He took three steps before stumbling, and Hermione picked him up, smiling brightly as his hair changed color and began to curl to mimic her own. The final photo was a muggle one, unmoving. The people in the photo were clearly Hermione's parents.

"My mum and dad," her voice spooked him and he cursed himself for not paying attention. She moved to stand beside him by the mantle, "I took it just before I sent them away." Hermione shivered and moved away from him. As she walked towards the small kitchenette he noticed her attire, she'd taken off her teaching robes and changed into a old tattered t-shirt that was two sizes two big and a pair of jeans. Her feet were bare and the sight made him smirk a bit. Suddenly she raised her hands and walked backwards before facing him again with a wicked grin. She sat down on one of her armchairs as Dotty came over.

"Mistress, Dotty doesn't need assistance. You'll get used to it."

Hermione rolled her eyes but nodded as she accepted the teacup from Dotty. Severus smiled and sat down, also accepting a cup from Dotty, when he faced Hermione he saw her shock and frowned.

"I'm sorry, I don't think I've ever seen you smile. Not so freely." His jaw clenched, and his frown deepened. "It's not a bad thing, Severus; it is quite becoming."

His frown slowly disappeared as her blush grew. She broke their eye contact and stared into the fire.

"You don't have any books, I'm surprised." He stated conversationally.

Hermione chuckled, "They're in my room but they're there. Although I don't have nearly as many as you do."

"I have no doubt you'll get there," he chucked into his tea.

"Speaking of," she uncurled her legs from under her and once more entered her room only to return moments later with his tome. "Thank you for letting me borrow it." She handed it back to him and took her seat while he flipped it open. "I assure you I didn't harm it."

He smirked behind the pages and set it down, "It would seem so."

"Mini?"

She turned in her chair and faced the rumpled 4-year-old in her bedroom doorway. "Little wolf," she sprung over the arm of the chair effortlessly and padded up to him, "why are you out of bed?"

Teddy yawned and stretched onto his toes before answering her. "You said we could have hot chocolate," he said with pleading eyes.

"I did, didn't I?" Hermione scooped him up, "Dotty." She appeared at Hermione's side, "Can you make some hot cocoa for Teddy, please?"

"Yes, Mistress," Dotty smiled before disapperating.

Hermione took her seat again with Teddy on her lap when the boy finally took notice of Severus in the opposing chair, "Uncle Sev? What are you doing here?"

"Your Aunt Mini had a book of mine," he held it up. "And she offered me some tea."

Teddy nodded absently as he rested his head back on Hermione's shoulder. Severus watched as Dotty reappeared and passed a small steaming cup to Teddy before grabbing the tea tray and leaving once more. He and Hermione discussed the book until Teddy finished his cocoa, and Hermione pushed him towards the bedroom.

"I'll be there shortly, little wolf." He disappeared behind the door with a mumble. Hermione started to turn back forward but snapped around to face the door, "And brush your teeth!"

Severus heard a faint "Fine" and smiled when Hermione rolled her eyes and sank into her seat. "Boys," he mumbled as he looked at her.

Hermione laughed openly. "Yes, boys."

He watched her laugh, but when it turned into a long yawn, he set down his cup and stood up. "Thank you for the tea. If you need another," he lifted his book, "feel free to stop by. You are welcome to my shelves."

"Thank you, Severus," she stood and followed him to the portrait hole, "I may take you up on that soon enough." She watched as he stepped out and wordlessly disappeared down the hall towards the dungeons. Her heart was racing as she watched his retreating form. "Hermione Granger, stop that," she scolded herself as she closed the portrait and retreated back into her rooms.

That night, she lay in her bed, Teddy curled to her side, and thought about how strangely comfortable it had been to have Severus in her rooms, talking about his book. His smile had set her off-kilter, he was handsome, and without his scowl, it was clear. It was also clear that she quite liked it. As they'd spoken, she'd taken the chance to observe him, his eyes showed more than he probably wished to convey, but she enjoyed seeing them light up, adding to their depth. His features were still sharp, but his face had lost its hollowed appearance that it had taken during the war. His hair was something else that seemed to fascinate her. She remembered it as greasy and limp, but she had begun to assume that was something he aimed for as a part of his persona during the war. Now, while still long, it was silky and sometimes pulled back for class, and she found herself wondering what it would feel like if she ran her fingers through it.

He'd think I was mad, Hermione chuckled to herself.

Banishing her thoughts, she willed herself to succumb to sleep.

Hermione smiled as she leaned against the counter, listening to Teddy sing off-key from the bathroom. He'd woken up in good spirits and for that she was grateful, he's usually a bit moody the morning after moon.

"Dotty," she waited for the happy elf to appear beside her, "Good morning Dotty. Could you make sure Teddy gets chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast when we reach the Great Hall?"

"Yes, Mistress Mia," Dotty nodded eagerly.

"'Mistress Mia'?" Hermione asked and Dotty's ears drooped, "I like it Dotty, in fact I think I prefer it to just 'Mistress'. I also like that you call Severus Master Severus."

"Dotty is glad. Does Mistress Mia want anything specific for breakfast?"

"Whatever you think will be fine with me, Dotty. Oh, and could you check on how Professor Lupin is doing in the infirmary? If he's able to eat, could you bring him a large helping of chocolate pancakes?"

"Yes, yes!" Then she was gone. Leaving Hermione smiling in her wake.

Teddy came out of her room just after Dotty left, his hair wild turquoise winglets, his eyes the same hazel as his father's. "You ready, little wolf?" He nodded eagerly and started towards the portrait hole expecting Hermione to follow him. In the hallway, she watched as he pranced through the halls a few paces ahead of her, smiling and waving to anyone who looked his way. When they reached the great hall, he bounded down the isles high fiving every Gryffindor that reached out to him before scrambling into his father's seat at the head table. Hermione was still smirking at his antics when she moved to take her seat.

"You look like you slept well," Severus commented as she sat down.

"As do you," Hermione chuckled, "Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever seen you miss breakfast. Do you ever sleep in?"

"Do you?" he countered, his lips curling slightly.

Hermione chuckled again, "It's been ages since I last slept in."

They ate in comfortable silence until Dotty appeared between Severus and Hermione, "Mistress Mia, Professor Lupin asks that you and Mister Teddy come see him in the infirmary after you eat."

"That can be arranged," Hermione smiled. "How does he look, Dotty? And did he like his pancakes?"

"Oh yes, Mistress, Dotty gave them to him and they were gone very quickly! Professor has a few scratches and his leg is hurt but Dotty thinks he be okay."

"Thank you, Dotty."

The elf disappeared, and Teddy was practically pulling Hermione from her seat, "Come on, Auntie Mini! You heard Dotty!"

Hermione laughed light-heartedly and let him pull her up. "Have a good day Severus," she barely got it out before Teddy had her hand and was dragging her from the hall. For a four-year-old, he was rather strong. She let him tow her along all the way to the infirmary, but once they were through the door, he dropped her hand and raced to the only bed that was screened. "Teddy, wait!" Hermione tried to call, but he was already through the curtain. She heard a low rumble that she knew to be Remus and smirked.

She stepped through the privacy curtain and her smirk grew seeing father and son on the bed, although Remus looked worse for wear. "How are you feeling, Remus?"

He shrugged, "The usual."

"Then he'll stay with me another night so you can catch up on sleep." He started to protest, "It's the weekend, Remus, we don't have classes."

"If you say so, Mione. Poppy is releasing me soon, so I'll be in my rooms for most of the day. You're welcome to camp out in our rooms for the day to keep him occupied."

Hermione shook her head, "I don't think that's necessary, but if you're alright with it, we'll go to your rooms with you, and I can get him a change of clothes."

"Of course," he smirked, "Now, where is Poppy? I am ready to sleep in my own bed."

Over the next few weeks Hermione settled completely into her new routine. She went to the Great Hall for each meal, after two weeks Harry showed up to take her to the Burrow where Ron had yet to show up, and she tended to have tea with Severus each Saturday, Draco and Scorpius joining them every so often. Hermione found she rather liked her routine, especially Saturday evenings in Severus's chambers. Dotty seemed to reveal in the time they spent together and always tried to get Hermione to stay when she was ready to leave for the evening. Severus always shook his head and hid his grin.

Hermione glanced up from her desk and watched her students while her mind wondered. They were her second years, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, and they were attempting to change their animal into a goblet. Hermione smirked at the nostalgia of it.

She stood to make rounds through the desks and was overcome with pain that almost brought her to her knees. Grabbing the side of her desk, Hermione dismissed her class and tried to steady her breathing. When the pain in her abdomen subsided, she hurried out of her classroom, trying to breathe through the waves of pain that hit her and towards the infirmary.

Poppy met her as she came in through the door, "Professor Granger, what's wrong?"

"My stomach Madam Pomfrey, somethings wrong. Ah!" She stumbled as another wave of pain hit her.

Hermione felt the medwitch behind her rubbing small circles into her lower back. "Describe the pain."

"It's like the cruciatus but isolated to my stomach." Her eyes widened as realization hit, "No. No. No..." Withdrawing her wand, she cast a simple charm, and a pink ball of light appeared above her abdomen. She immediately turned to the gaping medwitch beside her, "Poppy, please, tell me it's not happening again!"

The matron tucked her arm under the young professor and guided her to a bed. "I take it you didn't know you were pregnant?"

"No.."

"Lay down, let's see what's happening to you," Madam Pomfrey drew the curtains around the bed, and Hermione felt her robes leave her body. "Oh dear.."

Hermione looked down at herself and saw red. "No!" She sat up, grabbing her stomach, "No, no, not again..." While she cried she barely noticed the matron coax her to take a potion.

When the young professor in her care was asleep, Madam Pomfrey cleaned her and dressed her in a gown before sending her patronus to Minerva and walking to the storeroom for a pain potion, but when she couldn't find an infection prevention potion, she conjured her patronus again and requested a batch from Severus as soon as possible. Minerva arrived as Pomfrey was sending Hermione's robes off with an elf.

"Poppy, where are you? What's so urgent?"

Coming out from behind the privacy curtains, she approached the Headmistress and spoke in hushed tones, "It's Hermione. She came in not long ago complaining of abdominal pain but it looked like the beginning of a miscarriage. She didn't know she was pregnant. I gave her a calming drought and a mild sleeping aid. I have also already requested Severus make me another batch of infection prevention potion as it seems I'm out. Hopefully, it will be done before she wakes."

Minerva took a deep breath and nodded absently while Poppy led her towards Hermione's bed.

"I'll cover her classes for the next few days." She drew back the curtain and let out a tiny gasp while Madam Pomfrey rushed to the unconscious woman's side and vanished her blood that had begun to soak through Hermione's sheets again. "Will it survive?"

Severus choose that moment to enter the infirmary. "Poppy? I have your potions. You're lucky I had some in my priv-," his words died in his mouth as he took in Hermione on the bed. "What happened?" his voice was suddenly laced with concern.

"It's too soon to tell. This will help fight it, though." She took the potion as Severus offered it to her and administered the potion directly into Hermione's stomach with a spell before summoning a blood-replenishing potion and doing the same. "She started to miscarry," she answered Severus with her back turned to him.

Minerva grabbed his forearm and squeezed and Severus found himself gripping it back in reassurance.

"She's pregnant?"