So the funny thing about schedules is that everyone's is different, and trying to reschedule the members of the Order was proving quite difficult.

After I canceled back in December, they tried to rebook for January, but Arthur and Molly were off to Egypt to visit Fleur and Bill and the children. Then, in February, Harry was doing a book signing, so they couldn't all meet up without "the boy who lived." Now it's March, and we still haven't confirmed a date for the big meetup. I'm secretly pleased; the delay is fine by me.

Now that I was nearly 6 months along, I couldn't as easily hide my ever-growing bump.

After I left Severus that Saturday morning, I'd seen him a couple of times. He'd come to the house the next day; it was still hard going, but he tried, and that's what counts.

He wanted to know what was said in the hospital and asked to be included in the important appointments going forward, but urine samples and blood pressure checks do not fall into that category.

So here we are today, going in for my final scan. He said he would be there, but he's already cutting it a bit fine.

I sent a quick message to him saying I couldn't wait any longer and if he was coming to meet me there.

I flew to the hospital and after letting the front desk know I was there, I took a seat.

I flick through the magazine selection, and just like the "muggle" doctor's office, the ones in the magical world are out of date too.

I keep looking over to the door, thinking, come on, Severus.

"Madam Snape," a young witch calls. I gather up my coat and handbag and follow her into a side room.

"Hello, Mrs. Snape. My name is Melanie, and I will get you ready for your scan today."

You've had one before, I understand. "Yes, when I was nearly 12 weeks."

"Good, good. So just like last time, we'll get you onto the bed, and it's the cold jelly, and the doctor will be in to perform the exam momentarily."

I nod in understanding.

"My husband is running a bit late. Would it be possible to get images like last time if he's not here in time?"

"Of course. Is he on his way now?"

"Yes, I lied. He's been caught up at work."

She looks at me sadly. "Well, let's get you ready, and if he turns up, I'll get him straight in."

I lay on the bed, with a paper towel protecting my clothing. She put a blanket over my bottom half to keep me warm.

"Doctor Theodore will be a moment. I'll go and check at the reception for Mr. Snape."

I lay there, looking at the ceiling, my baby bean protesting at my position and kicking the shit out of my kidneys.

The door opens roughly, and in comes a breathless Severus.

"Have I missed it?"

"No, I thought you were the doctor. They haven't started yet."

He stood awkwardly off to the side.

Dr. Theodore came in moments later. "Hi, Mrs. Snape," he nodded to Severus, Professor.

Thomas Theodore had been a couple of years older than me in my second time at Hogwarts, and Severus had definitely been his professor.

I looked over at Severus, who at this moment looked like he wanted to crawl up his own backside.

"Let's see what baby Snape is up to, shall we? I hide my smirk behind my hand, and as the doctors start scanning, Severus inches closer."

"I'm just taking some measurements. This is just a procedure. I'm checking the length of the baby and the head circumference. While I'm doing this, I've zoomed in so you can't really see the baby, but just give me a moment, and there."

He turns the screen, and a beautiful side view of our little baby bean appears. "Looks like baby is sucking her thumb."

"Her?" Severus questioned.

Flustered, realizing his blunder, he says, "We can't always tell, but we can try if you would like to know."

I look over to Severus, who is silently pleading with me with his eyes. I wasn't really interested in finding out, as I was happy to keep it a surprise until birth, but seeing him like that, almost excited, I nod, "Yes, please."

"Okay, let's try," the doctor says.

After a few minutes, the doctor readjusts the probe on my womb and proudly announces.

"I'm almost 100% sure it's a baby girl," he beams.

Congratulations, it looks like you're having a daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Snape, he says smiling.

Severus had inched closer and closer to the screen, reaching out and touching my hand.

"A girl, Hermione," he whispered in awe.

The doctor did a final check-up, but we hadn't taken our eyes off the screen. Severus had automatically cupped my hand in both of his.

The doctor wipes the gel off my skin and moves to assist me. Severus bats his hands away and offers his instead. I take it, and he helps me into a sitting position.

"Here you go. Baby is doing really well. Everything is looking absolutely perfect. You might start feeling a bit more fatigue and out of breath. Baby will now start packing on the pounds. However, we are really pleased. We will see you in a couple of weeks for routine blood tests, etc." But take it easy, make sure to rest and take care of yourself. Still keep with moderate exercise and keep doing what you're doing.

I thanked him as I took hold of the pictures he had just offered me. "Do you have any questions for me?"

I looked at Severus and then back to the doctor. "No, thank you." "Oh, thank you for these," I say, indicating the pictures.

"You're welcome. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to come to us. I'll leave you to put your shoes back on, and we'll see you soon."

He left the room.

Severus helps me stand. Realizing it's difficult for me to get my shoes on, he bends down to help. I hold onto his shoulder as he ties my shoes.

"Thank you"

As he rises to stand right in front of me, he cups my face and gently kisses me.