3 Months Later 

"'ermione!" A small voice squealed in joy, the moment Hermione walked through the garden gate. 

A small, flaming haired figure came barreling up the lawn in the direction of The Burrow's latest arrivals. Hermione bent down immediately, snatching the little girl up into her arms and hugging her close. 

"Well, hello." Hermione said, planting a kiss on her God-daughter's cheek. "How are you, Miss Sybil?

"I have a secret!" The little girl announced loudly with a conspiratorial giggle. 

Hermione glanced at Severus, who stood behind her watching the whole interaction. Molly Weasley had sent the Snape's an open invite to sunday dinner, ever since the night of their wedding. Severus had put up an argument, of course, stating that he had no desire to spend a day a week with the rapidly multiplying, busybody family. He and Hermione had compromised, agreeing that he would attend at least once a month. Molly and Arthur were the closest thing that Hermione had to parents. No matter how overbearing or nosy they were, Hermione still loved the Weasley's.

The end of summer was nearing, and the nights drew to a close. It was still temperate enough for the family to eat outside in the garden, which was fortuitous. The Burrow was bursting at the seams, now that all six siblings were happily married, some of them with children. Hermione, like Harry, had been an honorary Weasley for years. Despite the fact that she hadn't married into the family, having turned down two opportunities to do so, she was still welcomed to family events with open arms. 

"What is it?" Hermione said excitedly, walking in the direction of the large, mismatched table that seated most of the Weasley's with Sybbie in her arms. 

"Aunt Ginny ate a baby." She said, squirming in Hermione's arms. 

Hermione gasped dramatically. "What do you mean she ate a baby?!" 

"Mummy says she has a baby in her belly." Sybil reasoned, and Hermione understood immediately. She heard Severus's snort of laughter behind her. 

Hermione squeezed the little girl in her arms. "Aunt Ginny didn't eat a baby!" She said, tickling the toddler. 

"Well how did the baby get in there?" Sybbie asked, her expression was a mixture of concern and curiosity. 

Severus stopped Hermione abruptly, taking Sybil out of her arms. Almost immediately, her pale little fist clamped tightly around a strand of silky black hair, making him wince. "Why don't you run and find your mummy and daddy, and ask them where babies come from?" 

He placed the little girl on the ground, and she darted off immediately in the direction of the kitchen, where Hermione assumed Ron and Lavender were currently helping Molly serve dinner. As soon as Sybil was out of earshot, Hermione burst into laughter. She slapped Severus lightly on the arm. 

"That was mean!" Hermione cried, wiping a few stray tears. "Lavender and Ron are going to be mortified." 

Severus shrugged. "Parenting is full of awkward questions." 

In a rare moment of self preservation, Hermione chose not to reply. She didn't trust herself to comment on the complexities of parenting at this moment in time, without giving away the panic she had been fighting to conceal from her husband for a number of days, now. If she was correct in her assumptions, Hermione and Severus would be forced to face the possibility of parenthood far sooner than either of them were prepared for. 

Luckily enough, there was a whole clan of Weasley's present to form a distraction between Hermione and her thoughts. 

"Hi," Hermione called out in greeting as she and Severus approached the mismatched dining table, flanked either side by Weasley children and their partners. They received a chorus of greetings in return. As usual, there was an array of cutlery, glasses and plates set out along the table. The odd selection appeared as though Molly had raided a second-hand charity shop, her kitchenware was well loved and none of it matched. The whole set up would have looked rather odd had it not been for the peculiar shaped house that stood next to them. The Burrow was quaint and homely, and it held a special place in Hermione's heart.

She took her seat next to Ginny who certainly looked as though she had consumed a child. Of course, she looked radiant as always, despite her swollen tummy. Katie and Charlie were a few seats down, apparently engaged in Quidditch talk with George and Angie. At the end of the table, Bill and Percy were sat in silence, studying a chess board that was set up on the table in between them. Fleur, Ron and Lavender were rushing in and out of the kitchen, carrying various vessels filled to the brim with different kinds of food and drink. Hermione's nose was delighted by the smells that were currently emanating from the kitchen. Her stomach however, seemed a little unsure. 

"That time of the month again, is it?" Harry said, shaking Severus's hand. 

"What?" Hermione hardly contained her outburst. 

Harry lowered his voice to conceal his next words from Molly, despite the fact she was still currently out of sight in the kitchen. "I thought you guys agreed Severus would only have to come to Sunday dinner once a month?" 

"Oh!" Hermione said, with an exaggerated laugh. "Yes, it has come around rather quickly. I suppose we've all been rather busy." 

Severus gave Hermione a brief look owing to her unusual behaviour. He continued the conversation, politely. "I suspect you have been busy, preparing for the baby?" 

Ginny rubbed her belly, gladly launching into enough description of her recent baby-planning activities to make Severus regret ever asking the question. Hermione couldn't help but smile as he nodded as though he was actually listening to her. She knew her husband well enough to know when he was actaully engaged in a conversation, and when he was pretending to, just to be polite. Hermione realised that he was doing it for her. If he truly didn't care, he wouldn't bother to give a false display of interest. But, in favor of making his wife happy he engaged in inane (and sometimes horrific) pregnancy talk with her best friend. 

"Have Ron and Lavender had any luck yet?" Hermione asked Harry, quietly. It was common knowledge amongst the adults, but she didn't want any little ears hearing their discussion. Or asking any uncomfortable questions, for that matter. 

Behind his glasses, Hermione could see the pity in her friend's eyes. "No. They're going to see a specialist next week, at St Mungoes."

Hermione frowned. "They fell pregnant so quickly the first time around. Maybe it's just taking a little longer this time. Are they suspecting that something is wrong?" 

"I don't know." Harry shrugged. "Ron hasn't told me much, but I think they want to get checked out to be on the safe side." 

"I hope everything is alright." Hermione looked over at the kitchen door, just as Ron and Lavender emerged wearing bright smiles. Sybil was snuggled contently into her mother's arms, and Hermione cringed, recalling the awkward conversation that Severus had just prompted them to have. 

She turned around and caught her husband's eye, clearly sharing a similar thought. She smiled broadly at him, receiving a private up-turn of his lips in return. It was the little moments of domesticity that Hermione loved the most. She enjoyed seeing Severus fit in amongst her family. Although he was clearly uncomfortable, he was making an effort and she really appreciated that. 

A jug of homemade lemonade landed on the table in front of Hermione, the ice clinking against the glass rather violently indeed. Hermione startled, turning around to see Molly was behind her. 

"Look at you two! You can hardly take your eyes off of each other!" Molly exclaimed, opening her arms wide and expecting a hug from Hermione. 

She obliged, standing from her seat and twisting around awkwardly to return the embrace. Hermione asked. "Hi Molly, how are you?" 

 "All the better for seeing you, Dear." She said, pinching Hermione's cheek. The matriarch turned to Severus. "I'm so happy that you could come, Severus! Hermione's always telling us how hard working you are. It can't be healthy working every weekend as well! You must be glad to have some time off."

He gave her a curt nod, clearly having no intention to stand and accept Molly's offer of a welcome-hug. "I enjoy my work. It would seem that time certainly does fly when you are having fun." 

Molly tutted at him, in the way only a mother could. "You know, George is exactly the same! He spends more time at that jokeshop than he does with Angelina. No wonder they haven't given me any grandchildren yet." 

Hermione happened to know that Angie was still on the fence about having children. They hadn't told Molly yet. It would likely break her heart. Hermione could see why Angie might be skeptical, George did spend a lot of time at the jokeshop. He loved his job, and Hermione imagined it made him feel closer to Fred when he was there. She knew that George would be a great father, but would it be too painful, to raise a child without Uncle Fred? There was a lot more to unpack, and it was really none of Hermione's business. In situations like this, the only thing she could do was try to be the most supportive friend she could. 

"It won't be long before Ginny gives birth." Hermione reassured. "One at a time Molly, or you'll wear yourself out." 

"Theres no such thing as too many grandchildren." The elder witch didn't seem to take any notice. "Excuse me, I ought to go check on the pies." 

With Molly hurrying off into the distance, Hermione relaxed back into her chair. Severus leaned closer to her, speaking softly into her ear. "How long do you think it'll be before she starts pestering us to have children?" 

Hermione shrugged, hoping she would appear casual. "I think shes frightened of you." 

"She should be." Severus warned.

In reality, the situation was anything but casual. Of course, Severus had no clue. He had no idea that Hermione had only just realised that she skipped her period last month. He hadn't noticed that she no longer ate breakfast in the morning, to avoid vomiting at work. Most of all, he had no inclination that Hermione was riddled with panic about this whole situation. She hadn't plucked up the courage to tell him about her symptoms, she hadn't been brave enough to consult a healer, and she hadn't even considered telling anyone else. 

Casual was certainly not a word that could be used to describe Hermione that this time.

____

Dinner was lovely. Steak and kidney pie with crispy duck-fat potatoes, mashed carrots, leeks and cabbage. Hermione had indulged herself, not entirely caring whether she would vomit-up the entire meal within the hour. The jam-roly-poly and hot custard for dessert had been divine. Even Severus couldn't deny that their meal had been better than anything either of them had been able to cook at home. 

The conversation at dinner had been mundane and polite. Harry, Ron and Hermione had managed to catch up with the ins and outs of their worklife. Although, their stories were infinitely more interesting and dramatic than her's, Hermione's friends still listened to her tales of her awful boss. Severus sat quietly, only really engaging in conversation when he was directly invited to contribute. Hermione was just grateful that he was present. 

The sun was beginning to set, and candles had been lit along the length of the table. The cool night air was welcome and refreshing after their meal. Bellies full, and eyes heavy, Hermione felt relaxed. Just like old times, Hermione was leaning heavily into her chair, a sleeping toddler curled up on her lap. She ran her fingers through Sybil's hair absent mindedly. She couldn't recall at what point exactly the over-tired, screaming child had been deposited in her lap. Mercifully, Sybil had settled quickly. She was a sweet girl when she wanted to be. 

Severus reached over and ran his fingers through Hermione's hair, scratching her scalp in the way that he knew she loved. She sighed, only feeling minutely guilty that she was keeping Severus in the dark about her new discovery. Things were so good at the moment. They were comfortable with each other, content with married life. They were entirely enamoured with each other, despite the fact that they definitely weren't in love. They just had passionate sex and enjoyed each other's company, was that so hard to understand?

Hermione didn't want to overwhelm him. She had no idea how Severus would cope with her news. Quite honestly, she was worried he would leave her. There was nothing to tie her to him other than the Ministry-enforced marriage contract that legally binded them. It wasn't as though there were feelings involved. At least not on his behalf. 

Severus continued to fiddle with her hair, as though he was the one who was avoiding making an announcement. He commented. "You seem distracted." 

Hermione caught his eye. "I'm fine. I'm just worried about work tomorrow. I have a big meeting."  

Not entirely a lie, she did have a rather important meeting to attend in the morning. 

"Do you want to go home?" Severus offered. 

The clinking of a fork against a glass a little further down the table interrupted any further thoughts that Hermione might have had. All heads turned in the direction of Charlie who was stood, as if to make an announcement. George whooped enthusiastically as the chatter began to quieten down. 

"Katie and I have some news we would like to share." Charlie said, looking at his siblings, friends and parents with a wide smile on his face. 

"Not another bloody pregnancy announcement." Severus muttered into Hermione's ear sarcastically, earning a snigger from Ron across the table. 

"We're moving back to Romania!" Charlie said, with a wide smile on his face. Katie too, was smiling. However, they were the only people at the table who appeared to be pleased. 

The general expression was one of shock. Molly was staring at her second son with her mouth hanging open. Ginny was looking at the couple with watery eyes, blinking rapidly to fight off her tears. Arthur was rubbing his forehead, looking as though he would rather spontaneously combust rather than get between his wife and his son. George's face had fallen into something that resembled a smile and a frown. 

Everyone seemed unable to speak.  

Charlie continued, trying desperately to explain himself. "Katie will be playing as Chaser for the Bucharest Barracuda's, and I'll be taking a managerial role at the dragon reserve I worked at before the war. Were going to rent a flat close to the capital, and maybe consider buying something more permanent once we were settled."

Hermione was really glad for the pair, but didn't want to be the first person to say it. Charlie was never going to stay in the UK for very long - it was obvious. He was a nomad, and Katie had agreed to share his lifestyle the moment she married him. While Hermione was sad that her friends were leaving the country, she was also really happy that they had decided to follow their dreams. Besides, neither of them were the type to settle down into an office job, and pop out babies just for the sake of it. Hermione could hardly believe that Charlie's mother hadn't seen it coming.

Decidedly, Hermione had absolutely no doubt that an argument was brewing. Molly Weasley was a force to be reckoned with, and there was no convincing her otherwise when she got an idea in her head. Charlie and Katie were going to have to weather the storm if they had any hope of walking out of The Burrow alive.

Bill was the first person to regain his sensibilities. "Congratulations, guys." He said in a weak voice, clapping despite the fact that no one else was. The whole situation was rather awkward. 

Molly stood. "The house. Now. Both of you." 

Neither of them argued. They followed Molly into the kitchen, their heads hanging low, as though they had just been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. The rest of the table looked on feeling powerless. Most were sympathetic to Charlie and Katie's cause. None of them wanted to get on the bad side of Molly Weasley, especially not when she had a face like thunder.

Hermione looked at the sleeping girl in her arms, wondering whether it was safe enough in the house for her to sneak inside and put Sybil to bed. Blissfully unaware of the disagreement that was currently occurring between her aunt, uncle, and her grandmother, the toddler continued to sleep. Ron and Lavender were looking equally as sheepish at the thought of having to cross the threshold into the house, from which high-pitched shrieks could now be heard. 

Arthur clapped his hands together. "Perhaps we should call it a night?" 

There was a murmur of general agreement, as those who did not live at The Burrow began to leave. Hermione remained seated until Lavender walked around the table and extracted her sleeping daughter from her arms. 

In that moment, Hermione sympathised with Molly. After losing one son, it must have been incredibly difficult for her to watch her grown-up children leave their childhood home. Especially with her having such a large family, it must be lonely living without the constant noise of seven children causing havoc. She supposed that was why Molly was so upset to have Charlie leave the country. 

"Poor Sybbie." Hermione said, pressing one last kiss to the little girl's forehead before handing her over.

Lavender held her daughter close. "Shes lucky that she has no idea what's happening." 

"Let's hope that Molly lets them off easily." Hermione said, giving Ron a rueful smile. 

He scoffed. "Not bloody likely. Knowing mum, they'll be up all night." 

_____

"Are families always this complicated?" Severus asked Hermione later that night.

Within an hour of leaving The Burrow, they were both settled comfortably in bed. Severus was laid against soft, plump pillows that Hermione had replaced his old flat ones with. His hair was still damp from the shower, but he didn't seem to mind as he attempted to focus on this week's crossword in The Sunday Prophet. Hermione had a book in her lap, she too couldn't concentrate. 

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked. 

"Charlie and Katie had clearly been planning this for a while, why not just tell Molly and Arthur straight away? " Severus observed. 

Placing her bookmark, Hermione snapped the pages of her novel shut. "If you think that telling people that they were planning on emigrating sooner would have spared a few feelings, then you're wrong. I don't think it matters when they made the announcement, Molly would have been equally as distraught." 

Severus considered it. "Perhaps Molly sees it as though she is losing another son."

"That's definitely how she sees it." Hermione pointed out. "As far as Molly is concerned, none of her children need her anymore, and that upsets her. Shes devoted her whole life to her children, and now she feels lonely and useless because all of them are independent, functioning adults." 

It wasn't common for Severus to want to dissect someone's feelings in such a manner, but Hermione was more than happy to entertain him. The events of the day were playing on her mind, perhaps for the same reason that was leaving Severus feeling so curious. From the little he had talked about his past, Hermione knew that Severus's parents hadn't exactly been stellar role models. In fact, Hermione had managed to pick apart the small hints that he had given her, and fill in the blanks enough to understand that he was abused as a child. That made sense - no wonder he didn't want to talk about it. 

"That's ridiculous." Severus said, filling in some of his crosswords. 

Hermione frowned. "Not really. I can kind of understand where she is coming from." 

"Really?" 

"Don't get me wrong. I fully support Charlie and Katie's decision, and I do think that Molly's reaction was a little much, but she's already lost one son. She probably wants to keep her remaining children close to home so that she doesn't miss out on anything. She's already missed Fred's wedding, and she will never get to meet the children he might have had. Molly is probably frightening of missing those moments with Charlie and Katie."

"I thought they didn't want children?" 

"They don't." Hermione replied. "But that's besides the point." 

There was an odd expression on Severus's face, as though he was considering someone else's feelings for the first time in his life. He looked confused, but oddly sympathetic. Hermione would have given anything to look into his brain right about now. For an intelligent man, he was rather socially inept, owing to his meagre experience with amiable relationships. 

His gaze swept over to Hermione. His face suddenly was a lot closer to hers than it had been before. "You're incredibly perceptive, you know?" 

She blushed, feeling his warm breath against her face. "One of us has to be."

"I've never had a family. I've never really wanted one, either." Severus pressed a gentle kiss to Hermione's lips. "Hopefully, by the time you've convinced me otherwise, I'll be a little more emotionally literate."

And just like that, Hermione's heart sunk.