Within and Without

Twenty-Four

A/N: No long note, just trying to wrap up the story finally, apologies for the wait. Thanks to all who vote and/or leave comments! I appreciate it!

*********Hermione********

The next day the volunteers working to restore Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were in for quite the shock. Hermione arrived sporting a pretty prominent baby bump; along with a pretty large rock on her ring finger (she had taken to hiding the ring when out in public). Congratulations were tossed around and then there was a bit of a hoopla over whether or not she was fit to work. Especially from Harry. He was becoming just as overprotective as Remus. It was annoying, but sweet. She was just glad that everyone was taking her and Severus' relationship in stride. Just a few months ago and everyone would've been up in arms, but in the aftermath of the final battle, things changed. Severus had continuously shown his bravery, loyalty and exemplary leadership skills throughout this whole period. No one could deny that he was a reformed man. A truly good man when it came down to it. And certainly someone many were indebted to. Hermione included. And she was so proud to be his fiancé and mother of his child. "Harry, you're sweet, but I can handle my half of this just fine," Hermione reassured, a slight smile on her lips.

"So you say, but I don't want Snape coming after me if you wind up hurting yourself," Potter replied. They were currently working on the dorms for Gryffindor. Not only were they reconstructing some areas, but adding more wards to further secure them. The strong protection wards that Hogwarts' once boasted had been compromised and it was decided that a combined from the trusted few would more than compensate for that loss.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Fine. I promise to be extra careful and to take frequent breaks."

"That's better," Harry grinned, knowing how stubborn she was and that this was killing her. As helpful and supportive as Hermione was, she was still a bossy control freak who was also a perfectionist. Taking things easy must be like torture for her. They continued to work well into the afternoon and Hermione took breaks more often than she anticipated. Now that her pregnancy was out in the open; it seems her symptoms were making themselves known. They were just finishing up their current section when they met up with a few of the other volunteers, namely: Ginny, Luna, Draco, Blaise and Vonn Tage. The latter surprised her since last Hermione heard she was helping out at the Ministry.

"Vonn! What are you doing here?" She asked, smirking when the brown skinned witch's eyes bulged at her stomach.

"So what Snape told us is true," Vonn replied with a smile as she reached Hermione. "Well, congratulations! I bet you're excited. And...as for why I'm here, it's to help spread the good news."

"Good news?"

Vonn nodded, "We've managed to round up all the Death Eaters on our list! They are currently either dead or awaiting trial. Snape and Remus are in the office with McGonagall seeing how we can help here. I came to find you and I ran into these guys," she answered, gesturing towards the small group that were now chatting up Harry.

Hermione was elated to learn all of this. It meant Severus wouldn't be gone as long as he had been these days. It was also good to know they could finally put the war and Voldemort completely behind them. And it meant her baby would be safe. At this thought, she rubbed her stomach fondly. "Well Vonn, that is good news. And I see that you're still here. It's great of you to be so willing to help us, but I suspect there's some other reason you wish to stay....A certain...single dad...." She finished with a wink.

Vonn looked visibly bashful. She glanced around before moving closer to Hermione. "Is it that obvious?" She whispered, her tone expressing mortification.

Hermione giggled. "Only if you know what to look for. Plus, most of your American comrades went home after the final battle. And now that you've rounded up the last of the Death Eaters, I suspect the rest will follow. You staying sort of stands out," she explained.

Vonn sighed, "Yeah....I suppose it does. And it's hopeless isn't it? Remus is....well, he's wonderful actually. A great dad, and an expert in defense against the dark arts. He's funny, and very kind. Handsome too..."

Hermione nodded for her to continue, "I sense a 'but' coming."

"But....I don't think he's ready to let anyone in yet. It's only been a little over a year since his wife died. And I would never push him or seek to take her place of course. I just can't help but to feel this fondness for him-- and Teddy," Vonn admitted.

Hermione's heart went out to her of course, she knew what it was like to deal with emotionally unavailable men. There were times she was certain Severus would push her away, but luckily they made it through. "The only advice I have is give it time. Men are stubborn, especially at his age, and like my Severus, it will probably take some time for him to open up. I'm not saying to wait for him forever," she clarified, "but a few more months of simply supporting Remus and being his friend could go a long way."

Vonn was moved. "Thank you so much Hermione," she said while pulling the other girl in for a hug. "You know, I never expected to find a friend over here, but I'm glad I met you. Now, tell me more about you and Severus. Have you learned the baby's gender yet?"

The gender. Oh. Funny, she hadn't really thought about that. Well, at least not as much as one would expect. But then again, she'd been more concerned with making sure the baby was healthy, dealing with Severus and keeping the pregnancy hidden. "No. Actually, I haven't had the time to worry about that yet. With everything that's happened I'm still adjusting. But I'm overdue for a check up, I'm betting Severus and I can find out then."

"Find out what, love?" Severus questioned as he curled his arm around Hermione. She only jumped slightly in surprise but melted into his arms readily. He brushed a kiss to her brow very briefly, but nevertheless Hermione was pleased by his outward display.

Hermione leaned in close, resting her head on his arm. She looked at Remus (who had come down along with Severus and was now standing next to Vonn) and smiled in acknowledgement. "We were just discussing the baby. It's about time we found out what the gender is and more importantly ensure that we're both healthy, don't you think?"

Severus just smirked and gave a gentle nod. "Yes, I think so."