The next morning, the school was buzzing with excitement. Karina woke with a start as light was shed directly in her face. Momentarily disoriented, she sat up and took in her surroundings. Seeing the other four-poster beds around her, she remembered that she had slept in the dorm room just to be safe. Getting up, she pulled on her robe and grabbed the potion and spoon from her bedside table. Sneaking to the bathroom, she poured her morning spoonful and downed it. Glancing around to make sure no one was looking, she pulled the scale out from underneath the sink and stepped on it. She almost fell off the scale in amazement. Since finding out that she was pregnant, she had gained 12 pounds. Karina returned to the room and got dressed. Entering the Great Hall, she spotted Snape and flashed a smile at him. He returned it with an almost imperceptive nod.
�After breakfast, all students attending the Hogsmeade trip will meet in the Entrance Hall,� Dumbledore announced.
With that, breakfast commenced with a hurried air about it. Karina devoured two plates of eggs and grits and three glasses of orange juice in record time. She rushed to the Entrance Hall and Snape was waiting for her.
�Happy Birthday darling,� he said, giving her a hug.
�Thank you,� Karina answered with a grin that seemed to stretch from ear to ear.
�So what do we have planned for today?� Karina asked, intertwining her fingers in his.
�Whatever you want my love,� he answered.
�But I do have one request,� he added, taking her other hand in his.
�Yes?� she inquired.
�You let me buy you dinner,� he stated simply.
�Of course,� she replied with a smirk.
Just then, students began filtering out of the Great Hall. McGonagall spotted the two lovers and rapidly walked over to them. She had a determined look in her eye that would have frightened any wizard.
�What is going on here,� she asked shrewdly.
�You just never give up do you?� Karina muttered facing the woman.
�No,� McGonagall said, narrowing her eyes.
�Just leave us alone. It�s her birthday and I have a right to spend it with her if I wish,� Snape snarled defensively.
With that Karina and Snape strode away, hand in hand. During the short walk to Hogsmeade the couple discussed the prospect of parenthood in depth.
�So do you think it will be a boy or a girl?� Karina inquired, resting her head on his shoulder.
�Girl,� Severus responded after a moment�s contemplation.
�Me too,� his young lover confirmed.
�Have you started to think of names?� he asked smiling at her.
�Yes a few. What do you think of the name Elizabeth Marie?� She sighed meeting his gaze.
�It�s absolutely gorgeous,� he said.
�What about Kassandra Elise?� Karina continued.
�Equally as radiant,� Snape murmured gently.
�Those were my two favorites,� Karina said with a smile.
�But how will we choose?� Snape inquired.
�Since I found out I was pregnant, I�ve gained 12 pounds. I don�t think that�s normal,� Karina whispered.
Snape�s eyes bulged in shock and his usually pursed mouth dropped in awe. He quickly regained composure and cleared his throat.
�Well that was a bit unexpected,� he stated.
Before she could respond, they reached Hogsmeade. A few third year Hufflepuffs gave the couple an odd glance but moved on when Snape glared at them. Taking Severus by the hand, Karina led him towards Flourish and Blots Bookstore.
�Why are we going here?� Snape questioned.
�Baby books,� she said simply.
�Of course,� he replied hitting his head with the palm of his free hand.
They searched through the multitudes of assorted books that lined the dusty shelves until they found two baby books that they could both agree on. Being the gentleman, Snape paid for them, Karina protesting all the while.
�You don�t have to pay for them, I have money,� Karina said as the cashier rang up the total.
�I don�t mind honestly,� Snape replied handing over some galleons.
�Besides, it�s my treat,� he added taking her by the hand as they walked into the sunshine.
They spent the rest of the day wandering from shop to shop, enjoying the freedom of spending an entire day together. At noon, they grabbed a bite to eat and upon Karina�s firm bull-headedness, Severus allowed her to pay.
�You are such a gentleman,� she said as they began walking down the main street towards some antique shops around 5:00.
�Why thank you,� he responded, his hand in the pocket of his robes.
�Shall we go to dinner now?� He asked, halting suddenly and turning to face Karina.
�Sure. Where are we eating?� she inquired.
�It�s a surprise,� he answered with a smile.
�A surprise huh?� Karina snickered.
He reached out and took both of her hands, pulling her close to him. He leaned down and gently kissed her. She returned it with a deeper one. Passion consumed them, wrapped them in an invisible layer of mirth and joy.
�That felt so good,� Karina murmured as the pulled apart.
�Yes it did,� Severus replied, breathing quickly.
He took her hand once more but this time did not pull her close. He merely told her to close her eyes and hold on tight. Karina felt the odd sensation of Apparating and when she opened her eyes, she was astounded. He�d taken her to her favorite restaurant, El Palacio Magn�fico.
�Oh my god!� Karina squealed.
�I thought you�d like this,� he said, following one of the waiters to a table in the corner.
�Yes thank you so much!� she replied in utter disbelief.
The two shared an amazing candle-lit dinner of the best Spanish cuisine in all of Spain. Severus even ordered a bottle of wine, white zinfandel. While they waited for dessert, Severus reached into his pocket and extracted a small silk wrapped object. He caressed it for a few moments before speaking.
�Happy Birthday Karina,� he said, handing her the gift.
She unwrapped it slowly, careful not to tear the silk. As she opened the small box, Severus held his breath. Inside was a small ring, 18 karat gold with a round sapphire in the center, flagged by two triangular shaped diamonds.
�Oh Severus it�s gorgeous!� Karina exclaimed teary-eyed.
Suddenly, her face brightened and she met her lover�s gaze.
�Is it what I think it is?� she questioned.
�Yes. Karina, will you marry me?� Severus asked hopefully, reaching out to grasp her hand.
�Oh of course!� she cried with pure delight.
She placed the engagement ring on her right ring finger and admired it. As they finished their dessert, her eyes wandered to the gift. It was the best gift he could have given her.