Severus left Albus' office abruptly, he was beside himself. He wanted to know what he meant by 'consequences', was something wrong? He was so frustrated with Albus and his constant riddles. Severus was a broken man, he missed Hermione and he hated himself for messing it up. Severus went to the great hall for dinner, he spent most of the time pushing his food around with his fork. "Why aren't you eating Severus?, you didn't eat much at lunch either.." Minerva asked with concern.
"I don't want to talk about it, but thank you for your concern. I appreciate it." Severus sighed. Minerva could not believe how tolerant he was being, he didn't bite her head off.
"Is it Miss Granger?" Minerva enquired cautiously, Severus was not one to back into a corner. He only knew how to deal with that in one way, loosing his temper.

"I was a fool Minerva, I hurt her. And now she cannot bare the sight of me, and it's all because of my own insecurities. I was planning to marry her as soon as she graduates, we had it all planned out.... And I ruined it." Severus sighed, Minerva could see his eyes were full of pain and anguish. "Why do you destroy everything that's good in your life Severus? I don't like seeing a student in my house suffering. If you love the girl you need to man up and show her!" Minerva sounded exasperated as she spoke.
"I'm not going to give up until I have her in my arms again, she is my true love. I will fight for her with every bit of energy I have. I cannot live without her Minerva."
Minerva placed a caring hand on Severus' arm. "You really love her don't you?" She smiled sadly. "And I always will." Was his reply.

He looked over to the Gryffindor table and she was still not there, she had skipped 2 meals in one day. This wasn't healthy, and it was his fault! He looked at Harry who shrugged as if to say 'I tried'. I slumped back into my seat and looked at Minerva.
"Severus, shall I have a word with Miss Granger?" Minerva offered uncomfortably.
"No, I need to win her back for myself." He explained.

Harry left the great hall and went to find Hermione, he found her sat on the bank near the black lake. "Herms?" He asked delicately, "Harry!" She smiled sadly. "Are you ok? You didn't come to dinner.." Harry asked concerned for her welfare. "I'm not hungry. How can I eat? I miss him so much." She sighed. "He has barely touched his food too, his eyes look strained, as if he has cried for years. I'm not taking his side, but you should hear him out. He is devastated." He explained hoping she would listen.

"Harry, I can't be with someone who is up and down all the time, you don't understand." She moaned. "Why? He is damaged, you know that. You need to support each other!" "Funny you should say that Harry, but sadly I'm too concerned about other things right now." "What on earth has your full attention that's more important than your engagement to the guy you love?!" Harry sighed in frustration. He felt like he just could not get through to her, she was so stubborn. Just like Severus, a match made in heaven.

"I'm pregnant Harry, I haven't had.. You know, in weeks. I thought it was just exam stress but after the fight this morning my mind went all over the place, so I used a test and..... Shit! I was drinking last night at The Magic Kitchen too..." She cried. "This makes so much sense now, you're proper hormonal! I'm sure the few glasses of wine you had won't do any damage. As long as you stop now... And you must eat! It's even more imperative now." Harry smiled taking her hand. "No, Harry I can't eat because I miss Sev. And I don't want a baby I have to raise alone!" She burst into tears.

"Tell him, he will look after you I promise!" "I don't want his up and down personality bringing me down anymore, I can't keep putting myself through the hurt." Hermione snapped. Harry nodded. "Well, what are you going to do Herms?" He asked.
"I just don't know..." Hermione told him getting up from the ground. Harry followed her back to the castle. "Do not tell anyone, especially Severus." Harry agreed, but was not sure he could keep quiet on this.... Severus had a right to know. Hermione couldn't make that kind of decision

Harry told Hermione he would follow her on a little later, he ran down into the dungeons and saw Severus sat at his desk with his eyes moistened by tears, he was a shell of himself. "Severus, Hermione does not want to see you. However I will insist on taking her to the astronomy tower for a walk tomorrow night at 8pm, if you want o get her back... You might want to accidentally turn up." Harry told Severus looking into his sad eyes intently. "Thank you! Thank you Harry I don't know what to say!" Severus beamed. "She needs you, she might not realise it right now but she does. And she's going to need you to stand by her, before she makes a very bad decision."

"What do you mean? You and the headmaster know something I do not!" Severus pleaded desperately. "I was sworn to secrecy. I shouldn't tell you but... She really stressed at the moment." Harry changed his mind and kept the secret.
"Harry! Please?" Severus spat becoming annoyed. "Tomorrow night, 8pm." Harry sighed and left.