A Matter of Circumstance

Chapter 25 ~ The Examination

A few days later Hermione tried to make an appointment to visit St. Mungo’s for prenatal care. She walked into the hospital and up to the counter. A number of people with various ailments were waiting to be treated. There was a witch with a rather large pair of what appeared to be chicken feet sticking out from beneath the hem of her robes, a wizard whose face was a bright and vivid florescent green and another wizard who looked as if he’d gotten hold of one of Fred and George Weasley Ton Tongue candies. His tongue was about three feet long and lashing about rather lewdly.

The medi-witch at the desk looked over her glasses at the pregnant witch. She was a matronly woman, stout and rounded, her gray hair neatly tucked under her cap.

”May I help you?” she asked Hermione pleasantly.

”Yes, I’d like to make an appointment for a check-up,” Hermione said, her hand reflexively covering her belly.

The medi-witch smiled.

”Ah yes. You have a little one on the way. How wonderful,” she said.

She reached under the counter and produced a clipboard with some forms on it and a muggle pen. She handed these to Hermione.

”Just fill out the information and we will make an appointment for you. We have plenty of openings,” the witch said.

”Thank you,” Hermione replied, taking the clipboard and finding a seat.

She quickly filled out the forms and returned them to the medi-witch, who looked it over.

”Mrs. Granger, you forgot to put down your spouse’s information,” the medi-witch said, offering the clipboard back to her.

Hermione colored slightly.

“I don’t have a spouse. I’m single,” she said.

”Single?” the medi-witch replied, her eyes dropping to Hermione’s rounded belly. When she looked up again, her brown eyes were decidedly cool and her pleasant demeanor all but gone.

”Please take a seat, Miss Granger. I’ll see what I can do about your appointment,” the medi-witch said.

Hermione noticed the chill coming off the woman and returned to her seat. She waited over an hour for the medi-witch to get back to her. Finally, Hermione walked back up to the counter. The medi-witch was filling out some forms and looked up.

“Yes?” she said to Hermione as if she’d never seen her before.

”I’ve been waiting for you to give me an appointment date and time for over an hour,” Hermione said with a bit of irritation.

The medi-witch shuffled through her paperwork and found Hermione’s at the very bottom. Then she opened a big book and ran her finger down it. Hermione could see all the open slots she passed over.

“I have an opening in six weeks,” the medi-witch said stiffly.

”Six weeks?” Hermione exclaimed, “But you said there were plenty of openings!”

The witch’s cool eyes said it all.

”I’m afraid I was mistaken, MISS Granger,” she said pointedly, “I’m afraid married mothers have all the openings filled. I would suggest you find a private healer to tend to your…child…if the wait is too long for you. Otherwise it will be six weeks at the earliest.”

Hermione stared at her for several moments.

”I see,” she said, “I’ll find treatment elsewhere.”

The medi-witch made an ugly little face.

”I suggest you use one of the healers in Knockturn Alley. They aren’t too picky about their clientele and handle cases like yours all the time,” she said nastily, “I am sure you can get the name of one of them at Madam Yummy’s House of Good Times…if you didn’t already know that.”

Hermione fought not to pull out her wand and hex the medi-witch. How could such a horrible woman work in a hospital? She had implied Hermione was a whore. Hermione turned and left St. Mungo’s without saying another word. If she had, more than likely it would have been “Expelliamus!”

*******************************************

Poppy showed Albus the owl message she had received from Hermione asking if she could come in for an examination.

”Certainly Hermione may come in, Poppy. She is only on a leave of absence…she is still on the staff,” the Headmaster replied, “Give her an appointment as soon as possible.”

Poppy didn’t mind examining Hermione, but wanted to be sure it was acceptable especially since all the hubbub about her being an unwed mother. She had heard the rumors that Professor Snape was the child’s father but wasn’t sure she believed it. She had known Severus for years and Hermione didn’t seem to be the kind of witch he would gravitate to. But obviously someone had done some “gravitating.” She sent an owl back to Hermione immediately, giving her an appointment for tomorrow around lunch time.

**********************************************

Hermione was nearly six and a half months pregnant now and had a bit of a rolling gait. She apparated to the gates of Hogwarts, unwarded it and started across the grounds. She stopped a few times, feeling a bit winded but finally made it to the main doors. She let herself in and headed for the main stairwell.

Severus was on his way up the dungeon corridor. Albus had summoned him, asking if he would come to his office immediately. Class was almost over, so the Professor let the students out several minutes early. The young witches and wizards disappeared so fast, one would have thought they’d apparated.

“What in the world could be so important it couldn’t wait until class finished,” the dark wizard muttered to himself as he strode up the corridor.

He saw someone short roll by the exit, and both his eyebrows rose.

That was Hermione! The wizard quickened his stride.

Albus, that meddling old devil, had been watching the grounds for Hermione out of his office window which faced the main gates. He had checked back with Poppy to find out when her appointment was. The Headmaster knew Severus hadn’t seen the witch for several weeks and felt it was time that he did. So he meddled and timed Severus’ summons with Hermione’s arrival, hoping they would meet in the lower castle. He was a sly old fox.

Hermione stopped at the bottom of the stairs looked up the long staircase. Gods, this was going to take forever. She had just started up them when a silky voice called to her.

“Miss Granger!”

Hermione felt her stomach drop as she turned to see Severus striding toward her. He was frowning.

Severus stopped in front of her, his eyes hard as they took Hermione in. She was heavier and her face rounder. Still, the sight of her made his nether regions throb powerfully. He missed the witch.

”What are you doing here?” he demanded.

Hermione scowled at him.

”I’m still employed here. I have just as much right to be here as you do,” she snapped back at the wizard.

”That’s not what I mean and you know it, you little minx. Why are you here?” he asked her again, his voice a bit dangerous.

”If you must know, I am going to see Poppy for an examination to see how the baby is doing,” Hermione said to him, her chin thrust out defiantly.

Severus blinked and his voice lost some of its hard edge as his eyes dropped back down to her belly.

“Why didn’t you go to St. Mungo’s? They have…better facilities,” the Potions Master asked.

”Apparently all the “married mothers” had all the appointment slots. They told me I’d have to wait six weeks to see a healer, and…well no reputable private healer would see me…and I didn’t want to use anyone in Knockturn Alley, so I owled Poppy and she gave me an appointment.”

Severus scowled at this. No one would give Hermione medical treatment in her condition? Not even St. Mungo’s?

The Potions Master’s wand hand flexed spasmodically as he felt a rush of anger at the institutions of a society that prided itself for its open-mindedness. Yes, there were no issues concerning race, color, same sex marriage, prostitution, or a woman’s right to choose in the wizarding world, but the intolerance practiced and extended toward single mothers was nothing more than bigotry of the worst kind. Did a woman’s “right to choose” only extend to those who were married? Or was the only “choice” offered a single mother was either choosing termination of her unborn child or living a life of humiliation and shame?

It appeared so.

Hermione was a brilliant witch who had much to offer the wizarding world. Would all that potential be eclipsed simply because she chose to raise her child?

”Severus? Is there anything else?” she asked him.

The wizard started out of his thoughts and looked down at the witch.

”Yes. I’m coming with you. I am interested in the state of my child’s health,” he said darkly as if daring her to think there was any other reason for him to accompany her to the infirmary.

Hermione looked surprised.

”All right,” she said, then hesitated because students were appearing, heading for lunch and looking at them curiously, whispering among themselves as Hermione’s rounded belly protruded slightly beneath her robes.

”Severus, maybe you should wait to follow me,” she said to him in a soft whisper, “The rumors are bad enough as it is.”

Severus looked at her.

“But they aren’t rumors, Hermione. Either way, I’ve never been concerned about what people have thought about me. I am not going to begin to care now,” he said, taking her arm.

This really got the tongues wagging. Professor Snape actually escorting the pregnant witch through the halls of Hogwarts arm in arm. No one could remember the dark wizard ever purposely coming into contact with anyone unless it was to menace them.

The Professor HAD to be the baby’s father. There was no other explanation.

**************************************

Severus held Hermione’s arm firmly and slowed his walk when he saw what an effort it was for the witch to take the stairs. On the way back, he would apparate with her directly to his rooms. The wizard looked straight ahead as if he didn’t see the curious, shocked students staring at them as they passed on the shifting staircases. Professor McGonagall appeared on a landing, looking scandalized as she watched the couple heading for the infirmary floor.

”Oh my word,” she breathed, then hurried down the stairs anxious to get to the Great Hall and start a rousing round of new gossip.

Severus and Hermione finally made it to the infirmary floor, the Potions Master pausing to give the witch time to catch her breath. There were no students on this floor. It seemed during lunch hour the health of every student improved dramatically. Sudden illness only befell them during classes. Severus studied Hermione, who was a little bent, holding her stomach and catching her breath.

“Is it always this way?” he asked her.

”Is what this way?” Hermione panted.

“Your condition. The shortness of breath, the slowness?” the Potions Master asked.

Hermione straightened.

”Well, more now than before. I’m approaching my end of term so I’m heavier. But I manage all right,” the witch said.

Severus said nothing, but imagined Hermione trying to shop and clean in her condition. Did she live far from the stores? Was she close to someone who would give her assistance? Where did she live?

They began to walk down the corridor toward the infirmary. Severus looked at her sidelong. He couldn’t help thinking about how she might be living. It must be a struggle.

”Hermione, where is your flat? You never gave me your address,” the wizard said, “Is it close to shops?”

Hermione thought about the Sex Symposium.

”Yes. Pretty close,” she replied obliquely.

Severus frowned.

”Where is your flat, witch? You’re avoiding answering me,” he said sharply, “And you’re avoiding…me.”

His dark eyes washed over her and Hermione could see that despite her weight gain and rounded condition, he still desired her. She felt a pulse in her belly at the look in his eyes. She didn’t want to tell Severus she lived in Knockturn Alley. He’d think she couldn’t take care of herself if that was the best she could do in locating a place to live.

”I…I want to keep my location a secret,” she said, not looking at him.

Severus knew something was very wrong. Very wrong.

“I bet your Mr. Weasley has been there,” he said, his voice full of displeasure.

Hermione didn’t say anything as they entered the infirmary. This did nothing to improve the Potions Master’s mood. Was Ronald Weasley laying pipe to the witch and was that the reason she didn’t want him coming to her flat?

The Potions Master’s nostrils flared as Poppy walked out of her office, a surprised look on her face as she saw the pale wizard with Hermione.

”It appears the rumors are true,” Poppy thought as she greeted them.

”Hello Hermione,” the medi-witch said, embracing her gently, then pulling back and looking her up and down a bit critically.

”My, you are developing nicely,” she said to the witch, then looked at Severus.

”Hello Severus,” she said, her eyes twinkling.

Severus scowled at that twinkle. It was just as annoying as Albus’ aggravating glitter.

”Poppy,” he replied in greeting, following as she led Hermione behind a privacy curtain.

He was stopped when Poppy suddenly reappeared, blocking his way.

“And where do you suppose you’re going?” she asked him with an arched eyebrow.

”I wish to see the examination,” the Potions Master replied.

Poppy hid a smirk. The only way he was getting into this examination was by admitting the truth to her.

“The only people permitted to attend examinations of this type due to the intimacies involved are either the immediate family…” Poppy said, pausing for dramatic effect, “Or…the father.”

Severus scowled at the witch for a full thirty seconds, then said, “Obviously, I am NOT part of Miss Granger’s immediate family, Poppy.”

She shook her head.

“No. I don’t see any resemblance at all, Severus,” she quipped.

They continued to look at each other. Finally Poppy crossed her arms and said, “Well?”

Severus sighed and rolled his eyes.

”I am the father of the child, Poppy,” he admitted.

”Fancy that. Now come in, sit down and don’t say a word,” she said, parting the curtain and letting the dark wizard pass.

She smiled behind his back as he folded his tall frame into one of the small, uncomfortable folding chairs designed to make visits short.

Severus watched as Hermione disrobed, the sight of her rounded breasts and belly causing a definite reaction in him. He found her even more desirable this way for some reason. Particularly her swollen breasts, the areoles enlarged. He shifted uncomfortably as he watched Poppy exam her by touch first, asking about breast soreness and the like, then pressing around her abdomen gently. The medi-witch then pulled out her wand and passed it over Hermione’s belly, adjusting the magic as she first checked the witch’s health, then the health of her unborn child. She put the wand away.

”You need to drink more water,” the medi-witch said, “But you and the baby are doing just fine. You can get dressed now. I’ll be right back.”

The medi-witch exited the area.

Severus watched as Hermione pulled on her knickers with some effort, then tucked her huge bosom into her bra.

“I need to come see you witch,” the Potions Master said silkily, a bit of rawness in his voice as he looked at Hermione in her underthings, “I have gone without you long enough.”

Hermione looked at him, flushing slightly as his hungry eyes rested on her body. She could hardly believe he found her attractive like this. Possibly he didn’t care what she looked like, only what she felt like. Hermione felt herself flare up a little…the gods knew how good he felt. She missed him as well. Still, she didn’t want him to know where she lived. Not that he’d do anything about it…but she didn’t want him to know she couldn’t find a nice place to live.

“I told you I wanted to keep my location a secret, Severus,” she said to the wizard as she slid her feet into the slipper-like shoes she had taken to wearing because she didn’t have to bend to put them on. She pulled on her robes.

”Yes, but you didn’t tell me why. I suspect you are trying to keep yourself from me…maybe even escape me. You won’t do it,” the wizard said darkly, “I warned you from the very beginning, Hermione. You will not take back what you’ve freely given me.”

The possessiveness in the wizard’s voice gave Hermione a thrill, though she hid it admirably.

”I’m just trying to have a place of my own, Severus,” she said to him, fastening her buttons.

”It will be your own. I don’t want to move in, witch. I just want to fuck you,” he snapped at her.

Hermione stared at him.

”So that’s all you want, Severus? To fuck? If that’s the case, you can go to Madam Yummy’s and get pussy. Plus, the women would be more shapely…not fat cows like I am,” she snapped at the wizard, who narrowed his eyes.

”I don’t want a used woman. I want you,” he said in a low voice.

Hermione snorted.

”Severus, look at me. I’m as used as used can be,” she retorted.

Yes, she missed the wizard, but his callousness irked her. It was only about the sex for him.

“Not to me,” he replied shortly, his eyes once again drifting over her rounded figure.

She looked the way she did because his child was growing inside her. He found her very appealing because of this.

“Severus, if you insist on seeing me, I’ll meet you at a motel. I’ll owl you when,” Hermione said, trying to defuse the situation.

“Fine,” the wizard growled as Poppy pulled aside the black curtain and entered.

“All right, Hermione…I’m going to give you a few instructions,” the medi-witch began.

As the two witches talked, Severus quietly removed his wand from his pocket, muttered a spell and flicked it at Hermione, her robes shifting slightly as the magic hit her. But she was so involved in her conversation with Poppy she never noticed it.

Severus put his wand back in his pocket. So the witch wanted to play hardball did she? A motel room? Where was she living that she didn’t want him to visit…and why? Was she actually shacked up with Weasley in his flat and using the money he was providing to spiff up their little love shack?

That better not be the case, or someone’s redheaded ass was going to be kicked.

This was the final straw. He’d find out where Hermione lived and find out tonight.

He had cast a nearly undetectable tracking spell on her.

Hermione Granger’s privacy was not only going to be invaded…but taken by storm.

*****************************************
A/N: Thanks for reading. ****