Ch. 7— The Cards You're Dealt

.

.

.

Hermione awoke to find her husband staring at her as he held her cocooned in his embrace.

She smiled gently. "Good morning, husband."

"Good morning, wife" he echoed, just as gently. "How do you feel?"

She took a moment to check in with her body, and she settled for "pleasantly sore."

"Would you like a potion to ease your discomfort?"

She shook her head, moving to kiss his cheek before rising from the bed.

He followed her and stared at her intently. "Would you like a contraceptive potion, Hermione?"

She looked at him in surprise, and suddenly, she knew he knew what Ron, she, and Ginny were planning for later today.

Biting her lip, she dispelled the uncertainty she felt and followed through with the decision she made last night. Shaking her head, she said, "No, husband. I do not. Come what may, I am yours… just as you are mine. And I am going to stay right here tucked to your side… always."

He visibly relaxed, and his eyes, oh his eyes burned for her as he stated, "I will try my best, Hermione, to make certain you never regret your choice." So saying, he drew her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Now, are you ready to start your day, wife? Among other things, you have double potions with a hard task-master of a professor who intends to drive you to the brink so you may succeed."

She tried not to smirk. "Oh, you drove me to the brink several times last night, professor."

"Saucy wench," he said approvingly, "go get dressed while I get breakfast. You'll need your strength today." He patted her on her bottom and sent her on her way to the bathroom with a smile a mile wide on her face. Gods, to be loved by this man was heady stuff, heady stuff indeed!

She finished dressing and came out to see he was in his teaching robes seated at the table. Upon seeing her, he gained his feet and went to her chair, pulling it out for her. As she sat, he kissed her cheek.

"Tell me something I do not know about you, Hermione," he entreated as they began to eat.

Not expecting his question, she answered haltingly, "I am… terrible at cooking charms."

"We have elves to cook for us, witch. Tell me another."

"I errm… enjoy taking long baths, sometimes if the book is good, for two hours at a stretch."

"Then we shall make time for it," he said definitively. "What's your favorite genre of reading for enjoyment?" he asked serving her some potatoes.

"Mystery. Specifically romantic mystery."

His eyes sparkled at that. "If you have fantasies, I will try to fulfill them. Tell me one," he ordered.

She shook her head. "Too much too soon, professor. My turn. Tell me something I don't know about you."

He looked at her wickedly. "I enjoy footrubs."

She giggled, "Oh, I think I can accommodate that. Another?"

"I appreciate muggle cinema. Action-adventure specifically."

Her eyebrows rose. "James Bond?"

"Never miss a film."

She snorted, "If you have fantasies, I will try to fulfill them." She saluted him with her pumpkin juice, "Pussy Galore, indeed."

He looked over his coffee mug at her, his eyes crinkling. "Indeed, wife. Indeed."

.

.

.

Severus watched his wife as she completed the strength enhancement solution he had assigned the seventh years.

He had made a point to treat her as he always had in class, and she had followed suit. Only once had he approached her to survey her potion, and with his back to the class, he had cupped her shapely arse in his hand and squeezed.

The contact had set her to blushing beautifully.

"Now," he addressed them all once their potions had been decanted and awaited sampling on his desk, "I do not know if you are aware, but over the weekend two of Hogwarts' students were set upon by their classmates and attacked."

He watched as several eyes went wide with surprise save for his Slytherins. Many of them looked scared. Severus studied Ginevra Weasley, her expression was pale and thin-lipped.

He continued, "In fact, one of your classmates was killed due to his behavior." Gasps were heard all around the room. Severus nodded and met the eyes of each and every one of his snakes. "The rest involved have been sent to the Ministry for trial and sentencing."

A hand shot up from a fifth year Gryffindor girl.

Severus tried not to get annoyed, "Yes, Miss Ternvlad."

"What happened, sir?" the girl asked.

Instead of answering her question, Severus stated, "These are dangerous times for every witch in our society be they inside Hogwarts school or not. Gentlemen, I expect you to treat your female classmates with reverence, respect, politeness, and courtesy. If I see you being uncourteous, there will be hell to pay, and let me tell you a loss of house points and cauldron scrubbing are child's play for what I have in store. Let it be known from here forward, there will be a zero-tolerance policy where bullying, and that does mean any bullying, is concerned. Now, class dismissed."

Severus watched them go and was pleased to see the young men letting their female counterparts leave first. Yes, this was a first step, and an important one to seeing the tide turn regarding feminine treatment in this new wizarding world.

As his wife prepared to leave, Severus stated, "Madam Snape, a word."

.

.

.

Hermione hung back and waited for the rest of the class to exit before she approached his desk.

Severus advised her, "You will be vigilant, yes? And careful as pertains to your classmates' behavior?"

She nodded, her eyes crinkling, "Of course, professor. As Mad Eye would have said, 'Constant Vigilance'."

"Yes, you just keep that bushy head of yours on a swivel alright? I don't know what I'd do if I…" lost you. his eyes said.

Her heart skipped time as she saw his concern for her writ plainly on his face, and she reached for his hand, bringing it up to her cheek. "I can protect myself, Severus. I won't be caught off guard again. Now, I must go. Arithmancy class waits for no man… or woman. By the way, do you know where Ron was today? I need to speak with him."

His expression closed off. "I am not Mr. Weasley's keeper, Madam Snape. I suggest you go find the red-headed menace if you need him."

Tsk'ing at his coldness, Hermione squeezed his hand once before releasing it and grabbing her things to go.

"Oh, and Madam Snape," he stopped her, and she looked over her shoulder.

He smirked, "Three points to Slytherin for an expertly crafted potion."

She laughed as she shook her head. Potions bastard.

Ron caught up with her at lunch and drew her aside.

"Here is the Maurader's map, Hermione. George and Charlie are ready to meet us tonight, and Ginny and I will come meet you—"

"Ron," she interrupted gently, her eyes meeting his. "I can't go."

He looked at her incredulous. "Of course you're going! We're leaving tonight, the three of us…."

She shook her head, "Professor Snape and I…."

His face turned green.

She pushed through, "We're married fully now, Ron, and I refuse to leave him."

"But you don't want to have children," he voiced softly.

"No, but I don't want to leave my—" husband. She bit her lip. "I have chosen to stay and work through the problems I shall face, but you… you need to take Ginny and go."

He looked torn. "I don't want to go without you, Hermione." And that's when it clicked into place, and she saw his love for her—his longing for her—shining in his eyes.

"Oh, Ron," she said, dismayed. "Why didn't you tell—"

"Tell you?" he asked, "I asked you to marry me, Hermione. I've wanted you for myself for so long…."

She closed her eyes, unable to hear any more. "We're friends, Ron. The best of friends."

He reached for her and touched her cheek, "I will settle for that, Hermione. I will, but it's a bitter pill to swallow that you've chosen… well, who you've chosen."

Nodding, she said softly, "I'll miss you."

"And I you. I'm going to keep the map, and we'll still go tonight. If for any reason, any reason at all, you change your mind, then contact me by the galleon you enchanted for our fifth year, and I'll be here. Yeah?"

"Yes."

Pulling her close, he hugged her. "I'll always love you, you know that, right?"

A tear fell before she could help it. "And I you."

"Goodbye." He kissed her on the cheek and turned to go.

Feeling bereft, Hermione watched him go, seeing her husband watching her as she did so.

Her smile wobbly, she met Severus's eyes, and he nodded in understanding.

One chapter of her life had closed, another set to begin.

.

.

.

Severus studied her as she sat at her desk, quill poised at her lip as she read through her transfiguration text. She had been preoccupied all evening, and it was with little wonder why. The Weasley whelp and Ginevra were set to leave tonight.

It would be a small matter to catch them as they crept out of the Gryffindor Common Room, map or no, but he wished his wife would come to him with this problem of hers, so they could discuss it together.

He watched as she put down the quill and scrubbed at her face tiredly.

"What has you so bothered, witch?"

Startled, she looked over at him and gave him a lopsided grin. "Am I as transparent as all that?"

He nodded, "In the few weeks I have been observing you, wife, I have gathered a baseline of your emotions, and I can tell something is bothering you. Out with it."

She opened her mouth and then closed it again.

Severus thought to help her out, "If this is about Weasley's plan to leave tonight, I am fully aware of it."

Nodding her head, she whispered, "I thought as much."

Severus' heart lurched. "Are you upset you are not going with them?"

Smiling reluctantly, she said, "No. Nothing like that. I just… I hate to see them go. They are my family now, and I'll miss them terribly."

"You forget the cards you have been dealt, Hermione," he stated simply.

She looked at him, not seeing the correlation.

He gave her a level stare. "You need to hone your gifts. Once the Ministry of Magic learns you can do Kindare, the world will be yours for the asking, and as I've said before, you can name your price. For example, you can bargain for the freedom of one Ginevra Weasley from a certain marriage contract should you wish it."

She smiled widely, but then her smile faltered. "But I'm lightyears away from completing my training, professor, and I still have the better part of seventh year to get through, and—"

"I was giving thought to that as well," Severus interrupted, "and I had wanted to bring this up when I was certain you were with child."

She looked at him expectant.

"Hogwarts has an accelerated program for those seventh-year witches and wizards who wish to complete their N.E.W.T.s and get out into the workforce as soon as possible. It involves taking your classes in specialization one at a time, working through your coursework for that class all at once over the span of six weeks to complete the requirement and move on to the next. You would take your N.E.W.T.s as you go and complete the required coursework you have remaining sometime in March by my calculation. Once completed, you could begin your internship with St. Mungo's and begin to hone your craft. What say you, witch?"

She smiled, "It sounds wonderful actually, but how will this help Ginny?"

"If you can persuade Miss Weasley to stay at the school through the end of the week, I will schedule a meeting with St. Mungo's head healer Dimitri Knollwood. Once he finds out what you can do, he will want you to be finished with your secondary schooling as soon as possible and will push for this to be the case. It is then at this meeting, you will bring up your list of demands. Knollwood and the Minister of Magic are on friendly terms. He will not disappoint you."

She bit her lip. "It sounds like a lot of effort, but if it works, then Ginny can stay to complete her schooling and not have to worry about Lucius Malfoy's advances."

Severus gave a mental shake of his head. Even if the girl's bride price is given back in full, there was no way his friend was going to give up on pledging his suit. In fact, this would ensure Lucius would almost double his efforts to win the girl. But of this Severus said nothing.

"Well, what say you, madam wife?"

She nodded, "I need to go to the Gryffindor Common Room now before it's too late."

"Then I shall escort you. It would not do to have a student caught out of bounds. Why I might be compelled to take house points," he stated gleefully.

She laughed.

.

.

.

Hermione walked with her husband as he escorted them through the halls. His robes, far from being in full billow, were solicitously at his side as he shortened his stride to keep pace with her. Still, she hurried as fast as she could not knowing if she had missed her chance with her friends or not.

If she could stop them from leaving, then it meant Ron and Ginny would not be in trouble with the Ministry. It meant Ginny would not need to go in hiding at all.

She was sure Ron's eyebrows were at his hairline when he was looking at the map by now, and she gulped hoping he didn't think she was a traitor.

Suddenly, Severus drew them up short and motioned they should be quiet.

It wasn't long before Hermione heard what he did: quiet, shushing footfalls coming around the corner. The sounds stopped and then slowly began to recede. Rolling her eyes, Hermione broke away from her husband and made for the sound, calling out "Ron", Ginny! It's okay, it's me."

She rounded the corner and looked to the side of her vision to see two disillusioned shapes. Pointing her wand, she sub-voiced 'finite incantatem' and watched as their two forms materialized into view.

Clutching the map, Ron looked at her furiously and pointed. "You told him our plan, Hermione!" he accused, and she could see betrayal written all over his face. "How could you?"

Shaking her head, she said, "I have a plan that doesn't involve either of you going to Azkaban if you're caught."

She saw Ginny was intrigued, but Ron stubbornly shook his head.

He pointed his wand, and Hermione realized he was pointing it at Severus.

She moved to stand in front of him. "Ron!"

As quick as a flash, she was being forcibly shoved behind Severus, and Ron's wand went flying into her husband's outstretched palm. "For that you could be expelled, boy," he hissed acidly. "You might yet still be at that."

Ron's countenance darkened. "I don't give a damn. Give me back my wand, professor. We are leaving. Tonight."

"Ron, please," Hermione entreated softly as she ducked under her husband's arm and came to stand beside her friend. "Just… please hear me out before you go off on this madcap scheme. There's a better way," she insisted.

"As charming as this conversation is, I am going to suggest we move it to a more private venue than the hallway. The portraits have ears, and the headmistress need not be made aware of this. We shall go to the Room of Requirement, and then after you listen to what my wife has said, and the two of you still want to leave, I will not stand in your way. In fact, Weasley, I'll be the first to see you off."

Giving Severus a measured look, Ron said, "Yeah, alright," and turned to lead the way with Hermione and Ginny following, Severus at their backs.

"This feels so odd," Ginny stated lowly, "to have him treat us this way."

"I am treating you like the adults you are soon to become, Miss Weasley," Severus broke in, proving his ears were perfect. "Now, Room reveal yourself."

At his words, the Room materialized in front of them: a cozy little door opening to reveal a space very much appointed like the Snape's study with a roaring fireplace, a sofa, and two wingback chairs. Ginny and Hermione took the sofa, leaving the chairs for Severus and Ron.

Hermione watched as tea for four was served on the table between, and Severus wandless passed the cups to the three of them, leaving his own untouched on the table. Ron sat his down as well, and stood.

"What's this plan, Hermione? George's waiting for us."

She bit her lip and prayed for patience as she stated, "I have discovered I have a very useful skill the Ministry of Magic will want to use very badly, St. Mungo's in particular. It's called 'Kindare magic', and it's used to sort out magical maladies and help heal and limit curse damage. It is rare, exceedingly so, and Severus—Professor Snape seems to think this will give me bargaining power with the Ministry when I reveal what I can do."

"Yeah, alright," he grumbled. "Good on you. How does this help us?"

"Weasley, you will address my wife with respect. I will not tell you again."

Ron's eyes flared with anger. "Look, you wanker. I've had just about enough of you. She was my friend first before she was your wife, and I'll talk to her as I bloody well please."

Hermione's face grew red, and she stated primly, "Well, I do hope you'll want to give me some respect, Ronald. After all, I'm trying to keep the two of you from exile from the wizarding world and Azkaban if you're caught."

Ginny interrupted softly, "Please, Hermione. Tell us how this will help. I don't want to go into hiding if I don't absolutely have to."

Hermione nodded, "Professor Snape is going to have us meet with the head healer of St. Mungo's later this week, and it's at this time I will give him the list of demands I have for choosing to intern there. Professor Snape thinks I could take this skill anywhere, and since it is exceedingly rare, it gives me quite a bit of bargaining power."

She smiled at the younger witch, "I will ask for St. Mungo's to buy out your bride price, Ginny, so you don't have to marry." She shook her head, "You won't have to marry at all if you don't wish it. I'll insure it."

The girl's eyes lit up, shining bright. "Oh, Hermione!" She hugged Hermione tightly to her. "But what if the Ministry insists?"

Her husband shook his head. "They will not, especially when they see what my wife can do."

"And just what can you do, Hermione?" Ron asked skeptically.

"She can apply precision focus, Weasley, targeting a person's magic from within, and with practice, she will be able to help heal it should something be amiss."

At his words, Ron's eyes widened. "That means you can heal…"

"Almost anything concerning a person's magic," Severus finished. "She just needs to locate the damage and remove the taint."

Ron looked at her with newfound respect, and she blushed. "I always knew you were special, but gods, Hermione!"

Ginny smiled, but then her smile faltered, "But what about George and Charlie? They'll be waiting for us. And the portkey. If this doesn't go according to plan…"

"Then you can go, and again, I will not stand in your way," Severus stated. "Now, where is your brother Charlie?"

"Waiting for us at the Burrow. We were going to port tonight."

Severus nodded, and drawing his wand, summoned his patronus. It was a hawk.

"Go tell both Mr. Weasleys their brother and sister will not be joining them this night, and they, the two brothers, shall be expected to appear at Hogwarts this Friday after dinner to talk about their siblings' futures." The hawk nodded his head regally, and with a 'swoosh' was gone.

Severus gave the red-headed girl a level look, "If I wasn't certain of the outcome, Miss Weasley, I would let you go. As it is, I want to help guard your future as much as possible."

Ron snorted, and Hermione looked at him curiously.

"Her future. But you couldn't give a damn about mine."

Her husband smiled cruelly. "Hmm, no. I couldn't."

Hermione swallowed, clearly seeing something amiss. "Ron what—"

Ron turned on her, anger mottling his face. "He's kicked me out of both Defense and Potions, Hermione. It happened when I first approached you about running away."

"He did what?" Hermione screeched, giving Severus a sharp look. "You did?"

Far from being ashamed, Severus straightened in his chair and looked down his nose at them all. "I did what I had to do, madam wife. Otherwise there would have been blood drawn, and it would not have been mine."

"Like hell!" Hermione rounded on him, rising from her seat and coming to stand before him. She narrowed her eyes, "It's his dream of becoming an Auror, Severus! You will not steal his future from him due to a fit of pique. It's beneath you."

She watched her husband grit his jaw as he stared her down.

Hermione didn't back down, standing taller, knowing she had the higher ground.

At length, he huffed, "Fine, wife. Weasley will resume his classes with me tomorrow. However, it's on his own merit whether or not he passes them." His tone was doubtful on that score.

Hermione lifted her nose and sniffed. "I will be checking all of his work, husband, and if the marks he gets back are not fair, then you and I will have more than words between us."

Ginny cleared her throat, and with a start, Hermione looked over her shoulder. The red-headed girl was a beat away from laughing.

Blushing, Hermione sat down again, and pursing her lips, tried to school her expression to calm once more.

Suddenly a streak of light passed under the doorway, and a silver dragon could be seen forming before them all. "Professor Snape," the patronus greeted, and Charlie Weasley's voice advised, "You can expect George and I at Hogwarts this Friday. Good evening." The patronus dissolved, and silence reigned.

After a moment, Severus spoke, "Now, I would like the two of you to return to your beds. I will send word via my wife when the meeting is scheduled."

Hermione heard the words 'bloody wanker' uttered sotto voce from Ron and closed her eyes. If Severus didn't kill him, she would.

She looked over at her husband to see his hand was hovering at his wand, but he didn't reach for it, and this, Hermione thought, was to his credit.

Clearing her throat, she said, "Right then. To bed with us all. Ginny, I'll see you in Arithmancy tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you in Defense, Ron." Hermione made a point to look at her husband at that. His expression was blank-faced, but she could tell he wanted to smirk.

"Good night," Hermione bid them once Severus had escorted the two back to Gryffindor Tower.

Leaning in, Ginny kissed her cheek and whispered, "Thank you, Hermione. You truly are a wonderful friend."

With a sigh of relief at seeing the portrait closed, Hermione rounded on her husband and gave him a scathing stare. "Honestly!"

He smiled wryly and shrugged, "I wasn't about to lose you to that whelp, witch. He is unworthy of you."

"He is my best friend," she grit stubbornly.

"Which is why I didn't hex him to oblivion tonight. Now, come. The hour grows late, and I would have you moaning my name while I plunge into your depths if you'll permit it?"

Blushing, Hermione nodded and together they strode through the hall, Severus's robes in full billow, and Hermione keeping up most admirably.

And yes she did, indeed, moan his name.

.

.

.

Straightening the collar of the blouse she wore and the seam at the back of her skirt, Severus watched as his wife once more checked herself in the mirror. Rolling her eyes, she pulled a face at her reflection. She had made an attempt to look the part of 'competent professional', but her youth shown through even though she hid behind a set of 'adult' witch's dressrobes and a bun for her unruly curls.

Severus shook his head as he came up behind her, meeting her eyes through the glass. "If only you could see yourself the way I see you, witch. You would never doubt yourself. You are stunning, Hermione."

She shook her head not believing a word.

Sighing, Severus kissed her on the cheek and with a 'quit fussing', he all but dragged her out of the bathroom to the floo.

"What are our plans again tonight?" she asked, grabbing her cloak.

Severus explained, "We are meeting with Healer Knollwood in a half hour. I do not anticipate the lasting more than an hour at most. From there, you and I will have dinner, and then go to Knocturn Alley for my ingredients."

He saw her look of dismay. "But what about my homework, Severus?" she asked in a small voice.

Severus shook his head. "This Friday I have scheduled a meeting with your professors and the Headmistress. We are going to get you on the accelerated path, wife. By this coming Monday, your head will be so filled with Charms' work, you will quite forget any other subject exists."

His words setting her at ease, she nodded, and taking a handful of 'floo' powder, stepped through the grate. With that assurance she announced 'St. Mungo's' and spun away.

.

.

.

The meeting with Healer Knollwood went better than Hermione expected; the healer asking to view the memory of her performing Kindare magic.

Once the memory was completed, the healer exited the Pensieve, his eyebrows raised. "That was… quite impressive, young lady, and I would count St. Mungo's blessed to have one such as you in our rank. That is, of course, when you're trained up a bit first. It will take you approximately seven years to master your apprenticeship and complete your residency, but we could have you doing preliminary work with Kindare as soon as this summer if you'll permit it, Severus?"

Her husband shook his head. "That is for Mrs. Snape to decide, Knollwood, not myself. As you can expect, my wife has a list of requirements to be met at Hogwarts before she is able to begin work with you."

"Naturally," the healer acknowledged, "And as such, you will want her to complete any side projects you may have as well."

Hermione narrowed her eyes, not liking being talked over. "Gentlemen, the lady in question is sitting right here, and she does have a few things to say."

Healer Knollwood's attention snapped to her, and he looked chagrined. Severus, however, looked amused.

She continued, "I have a rather large request, sir, and I hope you'll be good enough to fulfill it. One of my friends has been slated to be married. She is an underage witch who was given clemency to finish her education before she would be compelled to… reproduce." Hermione pushed through, watching the healer's expression turn to one of sympathy.

"You should know, Mrs. Snape, I do not condone the direction the Ministry has decided to take the Wizarding World and its treatment, especially, of its witches. In fact, I know very few wizards that do."

"And yet," her husband said softly, "The law remains in effect, and every day more and more witches' lives are ruined because of it."

"Yes," the healer nodded, "it is a sad state we live in at present, but there is hope. Temperence Birewood is campaigning to be lead Mugwamp this year, and she is well-respected. Her platform is the abolishment of this law. Also, you should know the Minister of Magic is sympathetic to a witch's plight, but he can do nothing once the Wizangamut have decided their course." He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Alas, politics."

"Yes," Hermione said disapprovingly, "My friend's plight being what it is, I want to know if you can speak to the Minister of Magic and get a dissolution of her marriage contract regarding one Lucius Malfoy. I want it stated in writing that my friend does not have to get married unless she wants to, and to whomever she wants, and I want this contract to be ironclad. It is then and only then I will agree to intern at St. Mungo's and complete my certification as a Healer to train in the way of Kindare magic."

Once more, the healer's eyebrows shot up. "My, but you are a bit of an extortionist are you not?"

She shook her head, "No, but I am sincerely concerned about the welfare of my friend."

Healer Knollwood nodded his head. "I'll see what I can do, Mrs. Snape, and since Minister Vespasian and I are on such good terms, I see no reason for this to be an issue. I am meeting with him tonight as luck may have it, and so, I should have an answer for you tomorrow."

Smiling, Hermione and Severus stood, their meeting at an end. Healer Knollwood did stop them before they left, however, by saying, "By the way, my dear, what are your marks on your O.W.L.'s and in your classes."

Severus snorted, and said, "She is the brightest witch of her age, Dimitri. You'll be lucky to have one such as her on your staff."

So saying, they left, Hermione's smile a beacon to all who came across it. Those who saw it, more often than not, gave an echoing smile in return, brightened by the happy, young witch.

.

.

.

Severus watched his wife as she finished her meal, marveling at the turn his life had taken.

Never had he thought he would be dining with a beautiful witch, let alone married to one, and feeling so at ease as they discussed plans for their future together.

"Naturally, you will 'floo' from St. Mungo's to our quarters each day once your apprenticeship begins. You do not suffer any ill effects from that, do you?"

She shook her head, and he was relieved.

Their errand to Knockturn Alley completed, Severus escorted his wife through Diagon Alley back to the Leaky to catch a 'floo' to home, when she stopped and stared around, looking sad.

"It's so quiet here, Severus."

He, too, looked around, seeing the barren street where once there was the hustle and bustle of commerce, many shopfronts having closed due to death and lack of business.

"It will thrive again one day, wife. The wizarding world shall recover, and Diagon Alley will be its unbearably crowded and ungodly oppressive self once more."

She laughed and rolled her eyes at him. "May you never change, Severus Snape."

.

.

.

Hermione did, in the end, get Ginny's bride price returned to one Lucius Malfoy and Ginny's marriage contract dissolved. And too, Hermione was granted permission to attain her N.E.W.T.'s one at a time at an accelerated pace. Severus had been right, her head was so filled with schoolwork, she quite forgot anything else existed.

Which was why on the morning of her sixth week of marriage, the nausea she felt caught her off guard, and with a rush, she made it the bathroom just in time.

Severus made it to the basin a beat later, holding her hair and helping to banish the sick. She looked up at him, her eyes wide, and her heart in her throat.

Her husband said softly, "I think we may need to visit Madam Badouin, wife."

Shakily, Hermione nodded her head, and with Severus' help, got off the floor.

"Do you think I could be…" she asked hesitantly.

"I think it highly likely. It was your peak ovulation, and fertility potion or no, we are very compatible with one another. Not to mention, you haven't had your menses since we've married. I've been keeping track."

"Of course you have," she shook her head fondly, and then regretted it. "Hold on! Hold—" Hermione broke free of his arms and made it to the bowl just in time. "Go," she said weakly a moment later. "Just go. I'll make my home here." She patted the porcelain bowl.

"Nonsense," he said, and reached for her again. "If you're expecting, then I have potions you will take, witch. You'll not feel this way again."

"Promises, promises," she said shakily, and once more tried to gain her feet with his help.

"Guarantees, Madam Snape. Come on, let's get you dressed and up to the hospital wing."

"You sound eager, Severus," she smiled wanly at him.

He looked at her seriously. "If this is not something you want, Hermione, and I know it is not, the zygote is still just that. There are things that can be do—"

"Severus Snape, you hold on right there," she all but shrieked. "Don't you dare think of aborting our child!" She cradled her stomach protectively.

"Possible child, madam wife," he said, trying not to smirk. "So, I take it if you are, then you want her to be a reality for us then, hmm?"

"Yes, I would want him, husband mine," she sniffed. "I just… I thought I'd have more time to get used to the idea is all. Oh, what a mess! I just started my Transfiguration coursework, and I've yet to find out the results from my Charms N.E.W.T., and oh, how am I going to fit everything I've got to do in and juggle a baby on top?" She looked up at him forlorn.

He smiled, his eyes full of gentleness for her. "Oh, we'll manage, wife. We'll manage just fine."

.

.

.

Epilogue

.

.

.

Hermione looked over at her son as he toddled down the slide in the Hogwarts nursery while Turney the house elf kept careful watch of the two-year-old boy. She looked over at her husband as she absently massaged the away the twinges of pain she'd been experiencing all day.

He came up behind her and hugged her, his hands barely reaching around her protruding middle. "Are you certain you don't want to cancel with Lucius and Ginevra? It would be a simple matter, and I know how tired you'll be after your clinicals this afternoon."

She shook her head. "No, I'd love to see them. After all, their wedding was last week, and they're leaving tomorrow and will be gone for a few months at least. Leave it to Lucius to want to take Ginny on a tour of the Continent. Ah," Hermione hissed.

Severus was instantly alert. "What is it, witch? Out with it."

"It's Braxton Hicks contractions, nothing to worry about, husband." She rubbed the pain away.

"Hmm, if you're certain, Hermione. I want to be sure. I know your time isn't until next month, but I don't want you to travel if this continues. Remember what happed with Damien. You almost had him in the floo."

"Oh, worry wart," she tutted, "Ah, Severus, isn't our son beautiful?" she asked her husband as they looked upon their child at play with the other professors' children. Hogwarts now had an influx of babies to tend due to the Marriage Law, and while it wasn't yet rescinded, the Ministry no longer demanded a bride price be paid for each couple to be matched leading to more marriages than ever. And too, the majority of them were happy ones.

"The lad has a certain… charm, yes," her husband said.

"With that hair as black as a raven's wing," she went on.

"And," Severus stated morosely, "he inherited my nose."

"Your nose has character," she said, turning and kissing said proboscis under discussion.

"My nose is an abomination, and I am sorry to have passed it on."

She gasped, "Severus Snape, don't you say that! What will our Clara think?" She clutched her belly protectively.

"That her father hopes for her sake she inherits her mother's bushy curls, button nose, and beautiful smile."

Hermione's heart skipped a beat. "You're a charmer, Severus Snape."

He drew her in his arms and kissed her soundly, saying, "I am yours, madam wife. Yours. Just as you are mine."

.

.

.

The End.

A/N: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR READING MY STORY! I would love to hear what you think, so if you'd be so kind as to leave a review in the kitty on your way out the door, I would be very grateful. Also, if you have a moment, and it's your thang, feel free to read my other stories featuring Severus Snape and Hermione Granger… and a Mr. Lucius Malfoy as well. *wink.

Until next time, my dears,

-k