A/n: Well guys and gals we're getting close to the end of our tale! Whats gonna happen this time? Guess you better read and find out! :P

December Part One

The next Saturday, Ginny dragged Hermione out of bed bright and early.

"Ginny, what the bloody hell are you doing?" Hermione growled as she was awoken.

"Come on! We're sneaking out! Got some shopping to do!" Ginny was far too cheerful... it was already annoying Hermione.

"Shopping? Why do we need to go shopping?" She asked as she grudgingly got dressed.

"Because you need baby stuff!" Ginny said gleefully. Hermione couldn't stop her small smile at the thought of needing baby stuff. After Hermione had all of her glamours in place, they snuck down the stairs and out of the common room.

"Gin? How are we getting out of the castle?" Hermione asked.

"Easy. Madam Pomfrey is letting us use the Floo in hospital wing." Ginny answered as they turned and headed towards the Hospital wing. Hermione rolled her eyes. Poppy and Ginny plotting together was a rather scary thought.

"We are flooing to the Leaky Cauldron and then heading into Muggle London." Ginny stated. They slipped into the Hospital wing where Poppy was waiting.

"Here is the Floo powder. And do not wear her out Ginevra. She has had far too much stress and she only has a few weeks to go so I expect you both to be back by supper." Poppy said in a no nonsense tone.

"Yeah yeah I'll have her back before anyone knows she's gone." Ginny said as they stepped into the Floo. Ginny dropped the Floo powder and in a clear voice stated. "The Leaky Cauldron." and with a burst of green flame they were gone. Poppy shook her head.

"These girls will be the death of me." She muttered.

OOOoooOOoOOOOoooOOoooo

Hermione and Ginny stepped out of the Floo and into The Leaky Cauldron. They banished the soot from their clothing and stepped out into the cold London air. They stopped at several shops loading up on little outfits and blankets and such they even picked out a cradle. They very quickly became thankful for both feather light and shrinking charms.

They stopped to eat lunch at a small cafe. Hermione of course was starving having missed breakfast... and she was eating for two thank you very much. She ate not only her large cheeseburger but some of Ginny's as well. She was in the middle of inhaling the rest of Ginny's burger when Ginny told her of a rumor that caused her to choke.

"I heard a rumor the other day that Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall are secretly married. Do you think it could be true? I mean they do spend a lot of time together."

"No, they are just friends. Trust me. Poppy and I have become friends over the last few months and she is definitely not involved with Professor McGonagall or any other female for that matter. She is strictly men." Hermione tried not to snicker when she thought of Albus.

"What about McGonagall? Do you think she has a secret love life?" Ginny mused. Hermione chewed her lip. Was Ginny fishing or just making conversation?

"It's quite possible I suppose. I mean she was married once there's no reason she would stay single unless it was by choice." Hermione tread carefully around the question. If Ginny had figured out about her and Minerva's relationship she didn't want to lie... but she didn't want to come right out and tell Ginny at least not here.

"You shouldn't pay much attention to rumors, Ginny. I heard on the other day that you were in a very scandalous relationship with Madam Hooch." Hermione teased.

"She wishes." Ginny scoffed that caused Hermione to giggle. They decided to stop at one more shop on the way back to The Leaky Cauldron. It was a small hole in the wall but it was very cozy looking to Hermione. It was a bright shop full of color and wonderful things.

They browsed around for a bit, both picking out several cute things. Hermione was just about to suggest they make their way back to Hogwarts when something in the corner caught her eye. It was the most beautiful rocking chair she had ever seen. It was made of dark cherry wood with Celtic knots engraved in lovely patterns. It reminded her very much of Minerva. It was dark and full of history yet sturdy and steadfast. Hermione had to have it.

The elderly woman who owned the shop smiled softly and the entranced Hermione.

"It was my mother's and her mother's before." She took Hermione's hands in hers.

"I have no children of my own and therefore no one to pass it down to. I want you to have it. Many a young mother has come into my shop offering to buy it from me some offered quite a bit for it but, it cannot be bought it has to be given. Not one of those girls ever looked at it the way you just did." Hermione's mouth opened to protest but the woman stopped her.

"No. I don't want to hear it, dear. Just take it and use it well. Rock your babies and pass it down to them when they're grown." Hermione hesitated a moment before nodding and thanking the woman. They paid for the rest of their items and Hermione carefully shrunk the rocking chair and packed it away, once no one was looking of course. They made their way back to The Leaky Cauldron and then on to Hogwarts.

OOOOooooooOOOoooooOOOOOooooOOO

When they stepped out into the Hospital Wing they were greeted by Poppy as expected... and Molly... which was not expected.

"Mum? What are you doing here? Is everyone okay?" Ginny asked in a worried tone.

"Everything is fine, dear. I'm here to discuss something with Hermione and Madam Pomfrey." Said giving Hermione a look that meant they were to discuss baby business. Hermione nodded.

"Ginny is coming too." Hermione stated. It was time she knew the full truth. They all sat down to discuss things in Poppy's office.

"First off, I want to thank all three of you. I could never have made it this far without you. Secondly... Ginny... I have something to tell you." Hermione looked into the eyes of one of her best friends.

"The father of my baby is Minerva McGonagall." She finished. Ginny sat for a moment before speaking.

"You know, if you don't want to tell me that's fine but you don't have to spin some bull about McGonagall being the father! How would that even happen?! You're both female!" She yelled.

"Ginny. I'm not lying to you. After the battle of Hogwarts, Minerva and I slept together. The baby is a product of that night. As for how... well she is a Transfiguration Mistress." Hermione said blushing slightly.

"McGonagall, Hermione?! Honestly! She's like sixty years older than you! This isn't normal, Hermione!" Ginny raged as she started pacing back and forth. "You would think you would have more sense than this! If you were going to shack up with someone it should have at least been someone your own bloody age!" That was the last straw for Molly.

"Ginevra Molly Weasley. That is enough. Hermione has enough stressful things in her life right now without her best friend deciding to be a total bitch." Ginny stood slack jawed at her mother's words. "How dare you judge Hermione on who she loves?! If I had listened to people like you when I was your age your father and I would have never been married and you would have never been born! Now, apologize to Hermione, sit down, and keep your mouth shut." The cold fury of Molly's tone left no room for argument.

"I'm sorry Hermione. I was just shocked is all." Ginny muttered and she sat back down.

"Well now that you know. What is it you two what to talk to me about?" Hermione asked Molly and Poppy.

"We've discussed it, and we think you need to tell Minerva, Dear." Molly said softly. "She needs to know about her child and you need the support of your son's mother." She finished.

"You told me once you were being selfish keeping him all to yourself. Well the time for being selfish is over. Time to be an adult and tell Minerva you're having her baby." Poppy added.

"I have already decided to tell Minerva. On Christmas." Hermione said simply, smiling at the look of relief on Poppy's face.

"Well thank Merlin! You two better go and put your things away. I suspect Minerva will be looking for you soon Hermione. She was concerned when you missed breakfast and lunch." Poppy said shooing them from her office.

Hermione and Ginny parted ways in the Gryffindor common room, Ginny deciding to stay and hang out, and Hermione heading up to unpack the day's spoils. When she opened the door to her room, she knew something wasn't right. Not a book was moved or a bit of parchment misplaced and yet... something was different. A soft clearing of a throat made her jump.

"If you are looking for what is new, I believe that would be us, dear." Said a sweet voice. Hermione turned to see a very large portrait behind her door.

"You're..." She stared wide eyed.

"The Founders of course." Said Salazar Slytherin in a silken voice spoiled by the tone of disdain.

"Get over it, Sal." Godric said shooting Salazar a look.

"I don't wish to be rude but might I ask why your portrait is here and also how it got here?" Hermione asked.

"We were brought here by a house elf. It was decided it should be we who watched over your child since we are the only paintings who would keep your secret and we also are not bound to the Headmistress so she cannot force us to reveal anything we know." Rowena said.

"Wait watch over my child? How do you even know about my child?" Hermione questioned.

"Don't panic, dear. We were informed months ago by Hogwarts itself." Helga said reassuringly. She reminded Hermione very much of Molly.

"As for watching over your child, Little Lioness, Hogwarts has a few secrets as you have come to find over your years here... this is one only used for those deemed truly worthy." Godric said. He was quite proud the gift had been given to one of his cubs.

"Oh quit being dramatic, Godric! Just open the portrait and see for yourself!" Salazar said rolling his eyes. Hermione pulled open the portrait door and, to her surprise, found an entire new room. Each wall was painted in a house color and each held a single portrait, one for each of the Founders.

"It is a nursery. As we are unable to know which house your child will be placed in, Hogwarts has decorated accordingly with a wall for each." Rowena informed her from her portrait on the Ravenclaw wall. Hermione wiped her tears away and started unpacking the baby furniture she had purchased that morning. The cradle she placed in the middle of the room, the dresser in one corner, a changing table in another and finally, the rocking chair which she placed next to the window.

When she was done, she sat down in the rocking chair and rested. Lately her feet and back were protesting quite a bit by the end of the day. As she sat she took in the room. It was smaller than her room but it was perfect just the same.

"How did Hogwarts just add a room?" She asked as she rocked slowly.

"It uses several of the same enchantments as the Come and Go room. Whereas technically the space exists all of the time it is only available when Hogwarts allows and it adjusts the space according to the need." Rowena informed her. Hermione nodded and mulled it over a bit.

"You talk about Hogwarts as if it is alive how can that be?" Hermione was trying to contain the flood of questions that came to mind asking only the ones that seemed most important.

"Are you sure she's not a Ravenclaw?" Salazar sneered. Everyone rolled their eyes.

"Hogwarts is alive to a certain degree. Deep within the castle sits a magical core, much like your magical core. It's what keeps our enchantments, such as the moving stairs, going even though we have passed through the veil." Helga answered.

"The core was made from a part of each of our own magical cores. It is essentially a Horcrux housing a quarter of our souls. Unlike a Horcrux however we cannot use the core to come back. The core keeps our magic alive but not ourselves. Without the core, Hogwarts would just be another Scottish castle." Rowena added. Hermione was fascinated! This was definitely not in Hogwarts, A History.

"Why would Hogwarts choose me to give this gift to?" She asked.

"Because, Little Lioness, You are special, as is the child you carry. You have helped this castle more than most and Hogwarts has deemed you worthy of its appreciation." Godric said beaming with pride. Hermione nodded, she was once again wiping tears from her eyes.

"It's almost time for dinner. Best get washed up, dear." Helga said with a warm smile.

"Thank you all for being so informative and for taking the role you have as his guardians." She said resting her hands on her belly.

"'Tis our pleasure." Godric said with a bow which earned a smile from Hermione and another eye roll from Salazar.

She changed clothes and made her way downstairs which was something she had noticed was taking her longer to do lately. When she reached the common room it was empty... except for Ginny. Hermione wasn't sure what to expect when Ginny stood up and made her way over to where Hermione was standing.

"I've thought about it a bit, and I've decided that even though I may not necessarily approve, it is still your decision who you are involved with." Ginny said.

"Thanks, Gin." Hermione said softly.

"Come on lets go eat." Ginny said grabbing Hermione's hand. As they turned a corner they ran right into Minerva. Hermione's face lit up at the sight of her. Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Oh! Excuse me Miss. Weasley, Miss. Granger." She said. "I was actually on my way to find you Miss. Granger. Might I have a word?" She asked.

"Of Course, Professor." Hermione replied. Ginny mumbled something that sounded like "see you in the Great hall." and took off, leaving the two alone.

Minerva pulled Hermione into an empty classroom and the moment the door was shut, pulled her into a passionate kiss. It took half a second for Hermione's body to be engulfed in flames of desire she moaned and kissed Minerva back. It was difficult to properly snog when you were hiding a baby under your robes. Luckily Minerva was too devoted to the task of kissing Hermione to notice Hermione's hands were not pulling her closer but keeping them from getting too close. It was when Minerva's hands made their way lower that Hermione panicked and pulled away.

"Too much." Hermione said in a shaky voice, taking a step back. She groaned at the loss of contact between them when every fiber of her being was screaming for a quick tumble against the wall... or a desk... on the floor? Sexually frustrated was an understatement for an almost eight month pregnant witch who wasn't getting any. These bloody hormones were going to kill her!

"I'm sorry..." Minerva said trying to calm her breathing. She had only meant to kiss Hermione not snog her senseless.

"There is no need to be sorry, Minerva. We just needed to stop before it went too far." Hermione said as she tried to get a hold of herself and calm her body.

"The reason I wanted to talk to you is I would like to ask you to dinner with me... in London on Christmas Eve." Minerva asked. Hermione grinned

"I would love to, Minerva!"

"Great! Meet me at the gate at seven and we can apparate from there." Hermione's face fell. Crap what was she going to do?! She couldn't tell Minerva why she couldn't apparate... she had to make something up.

"Um... Minerva? Could we possibly use the Floo instead?" She asked hesitantly.

"I suppose we could but why would you rather Floo?" Minerva questioned. Hermione quickly thought of something.

"Ah... well... When we were on the run... I-I splinched Ron and well... after that it makes me more nauseous than I would care to be on a date." It wasn't a total lie; she really did get nauseated and she really did splinch Ron.

"I see. Then we shall use the Floo. I'll meet you in my quarters at 7 Christmas Eve." Minerva said smiling.

"Perfect. See you then." Hermione said with a wink and she left to go join Ginny in the Great Hall leaving a smirking Minerva behind her.

OOOoooooOOOOooooooooooooooOOOOoooooooooo

Hermione had chosen to wear her dress robes. They were close enough to the current Muggle fashion and she hadn't had any enchantments added to it so really it was just another dress. But it was beautiful. It was a single strap gown that fell gently around her curves yet clung to her figure with a black beaded waist that sat just above her ever-growing belly. She had fixed her hair a million

different ways in the last few hours only to finally settle on leaving it down in loose curls. She had felt completely elegant... until she had to have Ginny help her put her shoes on.

"I don't understand how you can walk in these normally let alone while eight months pregnant!" Ginny said as she tried to shove Hermione's foot into the first shoe.

"Ouch! Hold on! That doesn't fit there! That one goes on the other foot, Ginny!" Hermione hollered yanking her foot from Ginny.

"Wait it does?" Ginny asked looking the shoe over. "How can you tell?"

"Trust me, when the wrong one is being shoved on your foot you know." Hermione assured and offered Ginny her other foot. Once Ginny figured the shoes out, she took one last look at herself in the mirror and added her glamours. The spell slipped over her like an invisibility cloak and she watched as her baby disappeared under them.

"That's it then. Wish me luck." Hermione said as she left the room.

"Good luck." Ginny whispered to the closed door.

Hermione made her way quickly to Minerva's quarters. Thankfully, all but a handful of students had gone home for the holidays so she didn't run into anyone. She whispered the password to the Gargoyle and rode the stairs past the Headmistress' office and to Minerva's rooms. She knocked on the door at exactly seven. Minerva must have been waiting for her because the door opened almost before she had even knocked.

Time stopped. Both women stared at the picture of perfect beauty that stood before them. Hermione drank in the sight of Minerva. Her dress clung to her like a second skin, seductively ensnaring her every curve. The sleeves fell delicately over her shoulders, crisscrossing across her back, and a simple black sash accented her shapely waist.

"You look divine, Hermione." Minerva said, her husky voice revealing her desire.

"As do you." Hermione murmured as Minerva's lips met hers. They parted only when the need for air demanded it.

"We'd best get going, I have a car waiting to take us to the restaurant." Minerva explained. Hermione nodded and allowed herself to be led into the fireplace.

"Ready?" Minerva asked and, at Hermione's nod, threw a handful of Floo powder and stated 'Number 12, Grimmauld Place!' and with a flash of green they were standing in the kitchen fireplace. Minerva helped Hermione out of the fireplace and banished the soot from their clothing.

"What happened to this place?" Hermione asked in awe.

"We've been fixing it up for the last six months." Came a voice from the hallway. Harry stepped out of the shadows.

"You look beautiful, 'Mione. You too, Professor." He grinned. "You two best be off. Don't want to be late for dinner." He said winking at Hermione.

"Thank you for letting us use your Floo, Harry." Minerva said as he ushered them down the hall.

"Anytime, Professor. You two don't get into too much trouble." He said with a smirk. Hermione shot him a glare. As promised there was a sleek black car waiting outside for them.

"Evening, Madams." The driver said, opening the back door for them. They both gave him a murmured 'thank you' as they slid into the backseat. It was a rather short drive to the restaurant but it seemed like an eternity to Hermione, not only because she was excited about the dinner, but because all she wanted to do was snog Minerva senseless but she made-do with just holding Minerva's hand.

Minerva was relieved when they stopped in front of the restaurant. While she loved Hermione holding her hand, the soft strokes Hermione's thumb was making on the back of her hand was driving her crazy.

"This is it." She said smiling.

"I came here once with my parents. It was one of the only private functions I was allowed to go to. I loved it!" Minerva inwardly high-fived herself for picking the right restaurant.

They handed their cloaks to the attendant at the door and followed the MaƮtre d' to a quiet table in the corner. Hermione ordered a sparkling water in lieu of the red wine Minerva had ordered.

"Not a wine drinker?" Minerva questioned.

"No, not really." Hermione said simply. After a quick glance at the menu, Hermione chose the Stuffed Eggplant while Minerva chose the Roasted Duck.

"So, Hermione..." Minerva started after the waiter had left. "You mentioned your parents earlier. How are they enjoying Australia?"

"They're enjoying it quite well. They don't write too often but I got a letter just last week giving me an update." It was actually a letter congratulating her on her pregnancy and demanding all the details but she wasn't going to mention that part.

"Poppy informed me that they left their house here in London to you. That will make things easier while you're going for your Mastery."

"I won't be going for my Mastery for a while." Hermione said before she thought.

"What? Why not? Surely you've had offers from several Masters." Minerva was shocked. She wondered what on Earth would keep Hermione from going for her Mastery. Bloody hell me and my mouth. Hermione thought to herself.

"Yes there have been a few, I have been considering my options and I have come to the conclusion that I will need to work for a few years to pay for them." Hermione explained.

"Them? You're going for more than one?" This didn't surprise Minerva one bit.

"Yes..."Hermione paused as the waiter returned with their food, continuing once he was out of earshot.

"Charms and Potions most likely." she finished.

"Of course, two of the most difficult." Minerva smirked. Hermione blushed. Conversation was kept light and minimal while they ate sticking mostly to the topic of Minerva's years of study under Albus for her Mastery and who Hermione was considering to study her Masteries under. It all seemed to pass so swiftly, a blink of an eye and, though it had been hours since they'd arrived, it was over.

Minerva paid for their dinner and helped Hermione into her cloak silently casting a warming charm on it. As they approached the car, Minerva had an idea.

"Hermione, would you care to go for a walk in the park? They have the Christmas lights out." She asked nodding to the small park across the street.

"I'd love to." Hermione grinned. Minerva took her arm and led her across the street. It was a cozy little plot with a fountain in the middle. Once they were out of sight, Minerva figured her dress into some warmer clothes. She moved to do the same for Hermione but Hermione was already doing it herself! Of course once Hermione had seen what Minerva was going to do she couldn't let her. The clothes she would have transfigured would have been several sizes too small. All she had to do was make it through today and tomorrow, she would tell Minerva about the baby, and she wouldn't have to hide him so much.

"Thank you for dinner, Minerva. It was wonderful." Hermione said, taking Minerva's hand in hers as they strolled through the park.

"Thank you for coming. I'm glad you enjoyed it." She hesitated a moment before continuing.

"Hermione, once you have graduated, I would like to... well... to court you." Minerva said fumbling a bit with the words. Hermione grinned at her nervousness.

"I would like that."

"Well now, isn't this sweet. The Headmistress and her Mudblood pet." Minerva whipped around with her wand drawn blocking Hermione from any incoming danger.

"Show yourself!" Minerva demanded. A large man stepped out of the shadows. He was tall and thickset and his condescending sneer caused the hair on Hermione's neck to stand up.

"Rodolphus Lestrange." Minerva growled. "Thought you would be rotting a cell by now."

"Mmm not quite, McGonagall. The Aurors have come close a few times but no cigar I'm afraid." His silky voice did not fit the man. While he was unkempt and dirty, his voice was pureblood aristocracy.

"What do you want, Lestrange." Minerva kept her wand on him and Hermione behind her.

"We want your pet, Minerva. You see, she belonged to my wife and now that my lovely Bella is gone, her things are all I have of her." His smile caused Minerva to shiver.

"We?" She asked, wanting to look around but not daring to take her eyes off him.

"Ah yes. You remember my brother?" Hermione yelped as her wand was yanked from her hand and she was grabbed from behind and pulled away from Minerva. Hermione stopped struggling when she felt cold metal against her neck.

"She's pretty for a Mudblood." Rabastan leered. Minerva tried her best not to panic. If it had been only herself, she would have no problem besting the Lestrange boys but now she had to get Hermione out too. Hermione refused to let her tears fall. She couldn't let them hurt her baby. She needed to think of something fast.

"It's really rather sad about Bellatrix, isn't it?" Hermione said staring Rodolphus down.

"To have escaped Azkaban only to be killed by little Molly Weasley... the simple house wife of a blood traitor. What shame you must feel... having been married to such a weak witch." Minerva had the good sense to realize Hermione was buying her time to come up with a plan.

"My wife was not weak. After all she got the best of you didn't she, Mudblood? You who they call the brightest Witch of her age" He scoffed. "I pity your generation."

A sudden car door slamming was the trigger. That split second Rodolphus had turned his gaze from Minerva she attacked, stunning him, Rabastan threw Hermione to the ground, hurling curses at Minerva. Hermione who had fallen on her hip was struggling to get up. Another Death Eater stepped out of the shadows and started attacking Minerva, throwing curses and hexes. Hermione made it to her feet, and was desperately searching for her wand when a stray body bind curse hit her in the chest, knocking her back down this time unable to move.

Minerva panicked when she saw Hermione get hit. She threw several stuns in a row, blinding her attackers with the red sparks, and dropped into her Animagus form rushing to Hermione's side. She morphed back in mid-air and the moment she had a hold of Hermione's hand, Minerva apparated them to Hogwarts.

A/N: Noooooo! Not a cliff hanger! lol What happens when they arrive back at Hogwarts? Find out next week on December pt2!

P.S. I love reviews... just sayin'...