Chapter 10
Three months later and it was almost Christmas. Severus was doing much better as a parent, and his relationship with Hermione was growing. They saw each other as often as possible now and left the castle on rare opportunities. The students had gotten used to seeing the two professors together, but there was one shocked student who was wandering back from the library after curfew and ran into the two of them snogging in the corridor.
Hermione had snuck out of the castle and headed to Diagon Alley one afternoon to purchase a Christmas present for Severus. She ordered a lot of gifts for Lil and Zora through the mail, but she had no idea what to get for Severus. He wasn't one for anything impractical, but everything she could think of was so impersonal. She couldn't get just anything for the wizard with whom she was involved. She went into the apothecary to ask if they had anything unusual. She ordered him a small silver cauldron that was perfect for brewing the delicate potions that he loved to experiment with so much. She had his initials engraved on it as well. She also got a set of monogrammed potions vials in a carrying case for him.
Two days earlier, Severus had been browsing in Diagon Alley looking for Hermione's Christmas present. He wanted to find her something she would love; something that is as beautiful and unique as she. He wandered through almost all the stores before he arrived at the jewelers. Jewelry! Severus mentally kicked himself for not having thought of that an hour ago. He walked into the store and perused the displays while the shopkeeper was helping another wizard with a display of rings. Finally, the older wizard came over to him.
"Are you looking for anything special?" he asked.
"Actually, I'm looking for something very special. I need a Christmas gift for my, for lack of a better term, girlfriend." he said.
"Any ideas what she might like?" he asked.
"She wears necklaces more than anything else. Nothing ostentatious. It needs to be beautiful, but understated." he rattled off.
"Ahh, just a moment. I think I have something you'll like to see." the jeweler said before disappearing into the back.
After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few minutes, the jeweler returned with a black jewelry box.
"I don't keep this out on the floor, because it's one-of-a-kind. I made this myself, and it's my pride and joy." he explained, setting the box on the counter. He slowly opened it to reveal a pendant made of crystal, diamonds, and white gold on a white gold chain. It was all one color and simply designed, but the gems were of high quality and the whole thing seemed to sparkle when the light hit it.
"That's perfect. I'll take it," he said, staring in awe at the necklace. The jeweler smiled at him and closed the box.
"How would you like to pay for it, sir?" he asked. Severus gave him his vault number at Gringotts so that he could be billed. A few minutes later Severus was walking out of the store to a designated Apparation point with the necklace wrapped up in its box and tucked into his cloak. He stowed the necklace safely in one of his dresser drawers.
The Headmaster decided that they would have a Yule Ball for all students aged 4th year and above and all faculty members. The ball was set for December 22nd, as the students would be departing on the 23rd. Severus wasted no time in asking Hermione to accompany him, even though he didn't really need to ask. Hermione was delighted to choose a beautiful dress for the ball and have a night with Severus. Even though students would surround them, childcare had been arranged for the night. They would all be leaving for Severus' family home after the students were seen safely off.
The night of the ball, it was Hermione's turn to get ready with children underfoot. It wasn't as difficult for her as the girls were intent on watching her get ready. They sat on her bed with a host of plush animals playing while she showered, dressed, and fixed her hair and make-up. She wore a teal halter gown that had a jeweled pattern at the waist that made it look belted. She had a bracelet that matched the jeweled beading on her dress and paired the ensemble with strappy brown heels. She fixed her hair so that it hung down her back in waves but was pulled away from her face. The girls had gone out to the living room a few minutes earlier, so she walked out her bedroom door for final approval.
"Well, how do I look?" she asked, spinning around without really looking into the room.
"Beautiful!" Lil cheered.
"Wow!" was Zora's response.
"Utterly ravishing. You'll make all the other women there jealous." Severus said. Hermione stopped suddenly; she hadn't realized that he had already arrived.
"Severus, I didn't know you were here yet," she said, looking at him. He was wearing a new set of dress robes and looked very distinguished.
"I arrived just a few minutes ago. The girls have been keeping me entertained," he explained. "Winky is here as well. Are you ready to go?"
"Yes. Girls, you behave for Winky. We'll be back really late, so she's going to help you get ready for bed and stay here until we get back." Hermione explained. The girls nodded; they already knew all of this.
Hermione and Severus danced all night at the ball. They had a fabulous time and were barely aware of the fact that they were doubling as chaperones. After the Headmaster sent the students back to their dormitories, Hermione and Severus walked slowly back to Hermione's rooms. She asked him to come in and stay for a while after she relieved Winky. They peeked in at the girls who were fast asleep in Lil's bed, which had been enlarged slightly. Severus took off his outer robes and loosened his tie while Hermione took off her shoes and uncorked a bottle of champagne.
A few minutes later, they were sitting together on the couch with glasses of champagne. Neither one was feeling very sleepy. They sat together enjoying private time to themselves and drinking from the bottle of champagne. A couple of hours after that they had nearly finished the bottle and were becoming very friendly with each other. When the bottle was empty, Hermione grabbed Severus by the hand and led him back to her bedroom.
AN: Yeah, I know it's short, but I wanted to jumpstart their relationship without having to up the rating or write soft-core porn. Thus, this is the logical place to stop. Let them have some privacy, folks.