The Mating Game

Chapter Eight

Letters Again

2 September 2000

Severus,

Unfortunately it looks like our first attempt at conception was unsuccessful. We’ll have to try again.

The Muggle literature I’ve been reading seems to indicate that ovulation generally occurs fourteen days following the beginning of the menstrual period; conception is most likely if intercourse occurs between days twelve and fourteen of the cycle. What are you doing on the fourteenth and fifteenth? The sixteenth is a Monday, and I have three lectures on that day.

Let me know what works for you.

Hermione

***

3 September 2000

Hermione,

The fourteenth and fifteenth are open for me. Your place or mine?

Severus

***

4 September 2000

Severus,

Since we spent our honeymoon at Hogwarts, how about visiting my cottage this time? Dover is nice in September.

Hermione

***

1 October 2000

Severus,

Seems like another round of trying is in order. This time, optimum days will be in the middle of the week. I think I will visit Hogwarts this time.

Hermione

***

2 October 2000

Hermione,

Shall I expect you on the fifteenth then? I find that spending time with you is infinitely more enjoyable than marking essays.

I shall ask Albus to release me from patrol duty on the fifteenth.

Yours,

Severus

***

31 October 2000

Severus,

Aren’t young women supposed to conceive quickly? What is wrong with me? At my checkup the other day the mediwitch said that all my parts were in perfect working order.

Peak conception time is in the middle of the week this time. My place or yours?

Hermione

***

1 November 2000

Dear Hermione,

First of all, I do hope that you are not using a time turner again, as that has been shown to adversely affect conception and pregnancy.

Second, studies have shown that women under stress are much less likely to conceive. Could you cut back the number of classes you are taking? I forget Oxford’s policies on dropping classes mid-term.

Attached is an anti-stress potion. Take one tablespoon daily.

I will meet you at your cottage on the fifteenth.

Yours truly,

Severus

***

2 November 2000

Severus,

Took the potion as soon as I received it. Have specially charmed a Remembrall to activate if I forget morning potion dosage.

No, I am not using a time turner. One year of that was enough. Oxford does not allow drops after 15 October (oops!) so I am stuck with these classes until winter break.

See you in two weeks.

H.

***

2 December 2000

Severus,

I’m officially three days late. Whoopee! Due date will be 9 August 2001. (This is, of course, an approximation of the actual date of birth, but I’m sure you already knew that.)

H.

***

5 December 2000

Severus,

Spoke too soon. Period begins just in time for me to have serious cramps during finals week.

H.

***

6 December 2000

Dear Hermione,

Literature indicates that excessive stress can wreak havoc with women’s menstrual cycles. Are you taking your anti-stress potion as indicated? You should probably increase the dosage to two tablespoons daily. I have enclosed another vial for your convenience. I have also enclosed anti-cramp potion (purple concoction). Haven’t you heard of this before?

I look forward to Christmas with you at Hogwarts. Let me know the exact day and hour of your arrival, and I will meet you in Hogsmeade.

Yours Truly,

Severus