All I Want For Christmas

Disclaimer:: I don't own any of this, JKR has all claims to Harry Potter and it's characters, and I am unfortunately not getting paid; not that I write well enough to receive money for this story or any others I happen to write.
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Hermione had a silencing charm placed around her as she slept on. Severus's curtained area, too, was silenced. Madame Pomfrey stood behind the headmaster, whose electric blue eyes were looking over Hermione's information paper. "So, you obviously did do something with her." Severus nodded slowly but not ashamed. He couldn't be ashamed. "I should fire you for this."
"I know."
"Your termination will be questioned and you will be sent to Azkaban."
"Yes," he whispered with a flinch.
"I, however, will give you a choice in the matter." Snape slowly looked up; his dark eyes glimmering with what only could be tears. "I first would like to say, with what we thought was permanent damage from so many years of the crutatious curse, this child is a miracle and though I do not approve of it." There was a small shadow of a smile. "I must, as a friend, say congratulations if Miss Granger decides to go through with the pregnancy. Now then, down to business. You may choose to send yourself away to another school_though; I would like to remind you that your chances of being hired to work near children of any age are slim. You may choose, though I would not quite recommend, sending yourself to Azkaban." Severus shivered at the mere thought. "You may quit and leave with a year's worth of pay_in which case a restraining order will be brought against you from all students of this school. Or, "Severus looked into the headmaster's eyes and saw a slight change.”I can allow you a week, beginning this Sunday, today being Thursday if you have forgotten, to let you prepare wedding arrangements for yourself and Miss Granger and find a suitable home. A safe home for the summer."
"Albus!" Pomfrey gasped at this suggestion. The two men ignored her.
"Does Miss Granger know of this?"
"Not yet."
"Am I to ask her myself or will this be arranged with out the poor woman's permission?"
"Depending on your answer, you may see the girl."
Snape sighed," Well, of course, I want to marry her."
Madame Pomfrey glared at him, "I can't believe that even you would sink this low, Severus. Using marriage to save your hide."
"Pardon me, but I have wanted to ask her since Valentine's Day."
"That's about the date of conseption....You planned all of this, didn't you!" Pomfrey's eyes were blazing.
"Oh yes, I so wanted to lose my job and possibly go to prison. Yes, right along with being sodomized and stabbed repeatedly trying to save her parents. Please woman! Even I wouldn't go that far."
"Severus, Poppy, please." They fell silent immediately. "Madame Pomfrey, if you would please go check on Miss Granger. Alert us when she wakes." She wanted to protest but didn't dare. When she had gone, the headmaster turned to Snape. "Now then-"
"Sir, I do have one question. It’s about Hermione."
"Yes?" Dumbledore didn't look happy, but Snape could tell he most definitely wasn't quite so...angry.
"What of her education. It is the most important thing in the world to her. More so than I, I dare say. You won't...won't take it away from her, will you?"
"I will leave it up to her as to what she will do. She may or may not wish to continue her studies; just as she may or may not wish to keep this child. Really these decisions are completely her's. If she decides that marriage is not what she wants, you will still have the other options to choose from."
Snape closed his eyes and swallowed. "Sir, have you informed her of her mother, yet?"
The headmaster shook his head and explained that he had asked her to come see him after breakfast. A moment later, Madame Pomfrey came in with a deep frown. "Headmaster, Miss Granger has just woken and wishes to know the results of her testing. What should I do?"
"Severus, it is your turn to realize the consequences of your actions, as I'm sure Miss Granger already has." The Potions master nodded and made for Hermione's bed.
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"Hermione?" came a hoarse whisper to her ears.
"Professor Snape."
"Severus will do." He managed to smile, hoping it was reassuring. She nodded and he could see the question forming in her brain.
"What are you doing here? Won't you get in trouble?"
"Under the circumstance, no. I was sent to give you news."
"Good or bad?"
"Really, it can be both. Now, Hermione, I want to tell you a few things and I must insist that you not let anything I say completely make your decision. You will have time to think it over."
She nodded, her eyes full of concern, "what is it, Severus?"
He pulled a chair closer to her bed and closed his eyes, collecting his thoughts. Hermione remained quiet, recognizing this and smiled remembering the first time he did this directly to her. "The first time he told me he loved me," she thought and was suddenly brought back to him as he cleared his throat. She mouthed her apology and looked him in the eye. "Hermione, I first would like to begin by telling you what occurred the other night." He watched her eyes water and took hold of her hand, kissing it before continuing. "I was forced to watch your parents being tortured at the hands of Lucius Malfoy. I'm sorry, but I have reason to believe that either your mother is being kept alive to continue her torture or..." he sighed, "she's dead." Hermione let her tears fall silently as he continued. "I had thought your father to be dead until last night when I remembered exactly what happened, my dreams, somehow, becoming completely separated from the memories. I will leave out the gruesome details of what happened to us all." She opened her mouth but he held up a hand. "Please, let me finish?" She nodded. "Thank you,” he again kissed her hand. "As for your testing_yes, I know your results. Your tests results came back, and well, my dear..." he took a deep breath and frowned. "You're pregnant."
"I'm what! Oh, Severus, this is great news! But..." She frowned at his facial expression. "Well, aren't you happy? We can be together!"
"Hermione, you have to think about your future. I want you to forget us for just a moment and think. You were wanting to continue school after Hogwarts and if you have this child that dream will have to wait if you can even fulfill it at all."
"You make it sound as if you don't want to be with me at all."
"Hermione, forget about me. Be selfish, for once, and think about yourself. Please!"
"We will make it work. Trust me. If need be, I can hire a baby-sitter when I want to go back to school."
"You're sure of this. No need to think it over?"
"You told me to think about my future and forget us. I can only see us in the future, Severus."
"I had wanted to ask this under better, happier circumstances, but what with this getting out of hand lately, I don't suppose I really have a choice. Hermione, my love, my life, will you do me the honor of being my wife? Will you marry me?"
Hermione's eyes grew wide and immediately began leaking tears of happiness, "Happier circumstances? We just found out we're going to have a child and you want happier?" She threw her arms around his neck as he sat on her bed, wrapping his arms around her waist, they kissed.
"So is that a yes?" he smirked as she sighed.
"Gods! Severus. Yes, of course." They shared a silent kiss before sobbing outside of the curtains reminded Snape that the headmaster was waiting. "Wha-?"
"Come on in, Albus," Snape said, not bothering to wipe the few tears from his eyes.
"We heard everything," Pomfrey was saying. "I am so sorry I doubted you, Severus. To think you would have given up your life if she decided that she didn't want to be with you." She and Dumbledore were both supporting a wide smile.
"Severus? What is she talking about?" Hermione asked. "Given your life, what?"
"It’s not important. I'll tell you later," He added when she tried to say something else on it. "Now, Albus. We have things to discuss."
"Such as...?"
"What are we to do about our arrangements? I mean, I'm not quite sure I'm ready to tell the whole school of our relationship and soon-to-be marriage. And living arrangements, I'd bet anything that Hermione would like to stay with her father while he is healing."
"Yes, I see. As for the marriage, we won't report it until the summer, the end of term being just around the corner and if this is the case, I must say it would be better for Miss Granger to stay in her own rooms as well. Though you two are to be married, I can not have this relationship continue within the school walls." Hermione and Snape nodded. "For the night, in order to make arrangements, she may stay with you in your quarters. Only tonight. We'll work on it from there." Snape kissed the top of Hermione's head, his hands holding her stomach.
"Would you like to know the sex of the child?" Madame Pomfrey asked hopefully.
"Yes."
"No."
"Severus, why not?"
"You don't want to be surprised?"
"It would help pick out a name, wouldn't it?"
"Well, I suppose."
"Oh, come on. Please?" She stuck her lip out in a pout. She could tell from the look in his eyes that he wanted to kiss her but refrained and merely nodded.
"Okay, dear. If you would just lie back, this will be quite quick. Remember: Pink for Girl, Blue for Boy. Okay?" Hermione nodded as she laid back, Severus holding her hand in his own. Madame Pomfrey muttered something and pointed her wand at the young woman. Hermione felt something move through out her body and suddenly a light appeared around her. A pink light. She gasped and smiled at Severus who at first had been reluctant to know the sex, now beamed with pride. He was to have a baby girl. They were to have a baby girl.
Severus had thought this week to be the worst of his life merely hours ago. Now, it was the best. He was soon to be married, and nine months from now, he was going to be caring for the fruit of their love. The happiest week of his life.
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Over the rest of the day, Hermione asked questions of the medi-witch. It had been unusual to hear that she was actually allergic to the fetus growing within her and that she would have to take medication for the duration of the pregnancy. If she decided that she didn't want the potion, Hermione was told that she would continue being sick, just as she had that morning. "Is it unusual to show signs of pregnancy so close to the conception?"
Madame Pomfrey shook her head, a kind smile in place; how she loved babies! "No. No. Not unusual at all. Women are different, you see. Some never show signs other than a slight weight gain around the middle. Others can show signs the very next day. It’s really all quite amazing."
Hermione nodded with a sigh, "it’s all so exhausting. Madame Pomfrey, I'm not sure I'm ready for this. I mean, I want this child, but..." she sighed again, looking around the room, as if she would find the right wording on the curtains. "I'm afraid that I'm not old enough to have her."
"I think that you'll do just fine, Miss Granger. Half of having the child is wanting it. Many people don't realize how trialing actually having the baby around constantly can be."
"That's not helping..." she said paling.
"Hermione?" Snape said stepping next to the bed. "Not feeling well?"
"Fine, luv." Hermione blushed.
"You sure? I'm sure Poppy wouldn't mind letting you rest for a while." Hermione shook her head. "Alright. Well, I'm being sent back to my prison." He smirked. "Albus says I need to have a fitful rest before we talk this evening."
Hermione laughed softly, "I'm sure he knows what's best." Snape rolled his eyes before kissing her on her head and retreating. Pomfrey watched the exchange with extreme interest and almost chuckled at the loving endearments that passed between them.
"Amazing," the medi-witch whispered.
"What's that?" Hermione asked.
"I've never seen him so...human." Pomfrey chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "Absolutely amazing. Before today I would have pitied anyone who decided to love that man. Now, I think it’s safe to say I'm positively giddy for you, dear."
"As am I," came Dumbledore's soft voice. His anger was apparently gone now, replaced by an unwavering smile. "Now then, Miss Granger, though you may not agree, I must insist you get some rest before this evening. Tonight will be the only chance that you will be able to talk this over with Severus; the rest of the arrangements will be made through messages and such. You will not be allowed to see him, as I informed you of earlier." Hermione nodded. "Madame Pomfrey, if you would please administer the Dreamless Sleep Drought, I'm sure Miss Granger would much appreciate it."
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The night came quicker than the couple had anticipated, but were quite eager to see each other. Severus was sitting by the fire when a quiet knock interrupted his reading. He sat the book in his chair as he stood and went to the door, his hands shaking. Earlier in the day, after sleeping for what seemed only minutes, Snape took a shower and ate a light dinner. Reading was the only thing that could actually keep him occupied for the time that stood between him and his future wife. He opened the door, letting Hermione take in the scene within the room slowly. There weren't the usual torches in this room, but candles. The mantle had delicate ivy trailed along it, which carefully twirled around a set of candles. This same look covered the table in front of the fire, the light flickering on the sofa and chairs surrounding it. The four poster bed had ivy wrapped around each post. Snape's new room, like his other, was decked out in green and silver but there was an added color of blood crimson blended quite nicely with the other colors. Hermione gasped as she caught sight of the room, then her fiancé. He, for once, was dressed rather relaxed in a loose, white long sleeved, button-up shirt; black slacks; and a pair of black combat boots. The top two buttons of the shirt were left open, revealing his pale chest; a small dusting of black hair covering all that was visible. Severus held the door open as Hermione continued looking at her surroundings. She jumped when he spoke. "Would you like to come in?" he asked holding out his hand to her. She took it and was led to a chair, at which Snape kissed her softly before taking his own seat across from her.
"Severus, this is beautiful."
He nodded, looking around with a small smile on his lips. "I didn't think I could feel at home here. It not being the cold dungeon and all, but..." He sighed, "I don't really mind it now that I've fixed it up a bit."
"Where are your books?" She asked looking around the room.
"Still in the dungeon. If I want something, I have to ask the house elf to attain it for me. Really quite annoying, not having it there. I feel like I spend all of my time calling for the little pest."
She raised a brow at him, "Pest? Um, would you happen to know the elf's name?"
"He's the Malfoy's old elf, Dobby." Hermione began giggling. "What's so funny?"
"Dobby is nearly obsessed with Harry."
Snape frowned at this, "so I noticed, right before he told me I was a bad, bad man and I should be nicer to Mister Harry Potter."
Hermione snorted into her hand. "He did not."
"He did. You don't think he would tell Mister Potter any of this, do you?"
"Not if he's been sworn to secrecy. Otherwise, yeah, I'm pretty sure of it. He visits Harry all the time." Snape nodded with a slight roll of his eyes. "So, um. What are we supposed to be doing? I mean, I have an idea. Actually, I have a couple." Snape marked the glisten in his lover's eyes as she said this. "But where do we begin?"
"Well, I suppose I should start by telling you that we must have this in order by next week."
Hermione nodded, "I kinda figured that we would have to hurry, with the way Dumbledore's been talking about it. Speaking of him, what did they mean by you giving your life or...whatever?"
Snape cleared his throat and stood, staring into the fire. "If you had not agreed to marry me, I would have been sent away; either to another school or Azkaban. I didn't want to tell you in case you wanted to be with me out of pity." Hermione stared wide-eyed at him.
"I can't believe that. Dumbledore would do that to you?"
"He had little choice."
From there, Severus quickly changed the subject and they spoke until the late hours of the night. So far they had (barely) agreed on whom would be invited to marriage ceremony and also the colors. When they ran out of things to discuss on the wedding, the conversation quickly turned to their daughter and they thought of names and fun times that were possibilities of the future. The only problem that Severus found with every single one of Hermione's scenarios was that the Dark Lord was not even a problem. "Hermione, it is illogical to believe that the Dark Lord will be gone so near in the future. I trust that Albus or Harry or whoever is supposed to vanquish him will, but within the year? That's quite impossible."
Hermione scoffed, "how can you say that? I mean, if everyone thinks like that, it’s no wonder that Voldemort is still around and reigning supreme." Severus growled to himself. "What!"
"I was just wondering how we're ever going to live through marriage if we can't talk without arguing."
Hermione's face fell and Snape could see the tears in her eyes. "You're unbelievable, Severus." He rolled his eyes. "First of all, it isn't as if we're arguing over something serious. Yes, Voldemort is a serious subject as is that of our child, but it’s not something to lose faith in us over." She cuddled up close to him, "Severus?"
"Yes?" She flinched at the anger in his voice, but nonetheless smiled.
"Don't forget, half the fun of fighting is making up." He looked down at her in time to see her eyes shimmer. He smirked and leaned over her, kissing her passionately.
"Hermione."
"Yes."
"I love you."
"I love you, Severus." He picked her up and carried her to his bed, where they spent a passionate night together, it ending with her leaving early in the morning; but not before hearing Severus's promise being whispered so lovingly in her ear. "Hermione, my love, I swear. No matter what it takes. You will get the life you've always dreamed of. I promise, love. Our child will be brought into this world with as normal of a life as we are capable of." When he looked into her chocolate eyes, he found that she was crying. He wiped the tears away before he actually escorted her arm-in-arm back to her room where they kissed goodnight. Hermione slipped quietly into the room and sighed, leaning against the door. She looked at the extra bed in her room, her father resting safely and peacefully within the walls of her home of nearly seven years. She dressed for bed and placed a kiss on her father's head before getting some much needed sleep she had been without since the night she had almost lost her love.
Severus as well went to his room and changed for bed. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. Though he didn't believe he deserved it, he was happy to know that even with so much wrong in his past, he was indeed getting a second chance.