Hi! OMG how long has it been since I've updated! I'm so sorry! Actually i had been contemplating whether to stop the fic there but it was really because i had major witers block AND i've had exams and other stuff going on. It's crap but a gals gotta live with it.
Well here you go guys the next chapter...hope you like this.

Chapter 11 - New years unexpectance

Hermione slowly opened her eyes and blinked tiredly

Hermione slowly opened her eyes and blinked tiredly. Her bed was warm and she felt the chill of the room around her as she slowly began to push the covers back. Gasping she quickly tugged them back over her body as the cold hit her. Curling up she snuggle further into her covers and closed her eyes and smiled to herself. She was always the type who loved her bed, the warm feel of the covers against her skin warming her up, lulling her back into sleep.

"Auntie Mia! Wake up! Mummy says it's Eve New year!" a small voice rang from her lounge making her eyes snap open in surprise. She sat up slowly, reaching to grab her fluffy dressing gown and her fluffy slippers.

"James? Is that you?" she asked. His little face popped around her bedroom door, his little hands covering his eyes. Hermione grinned. "Honey, why are you covering you eyes?" she asked, giving a quick look around the room. He split his fingers and gave a small smile.

"Daddy says that I should always make sure mummy's "decent" when I go into their room…I don't know what he means but he said I should just cover my eyes when I walk in…" he explained, Hermione chuckled.

"Well you have no worries James darling, I'm decent," she told him. He grinned and nodded, removing his hands and running to jump on his bed.

"You in bed late Auntie Mia," he commented. She smiled.

"Auntie Mia has been up all night catching people trying to smuggle nasty beer into the school…" she told him, stroking his head as he sat in her lap. He frowned.

"What's nasty beer Auntie Mia?" He asked. She chuckled again.

"Well James love, it makes even the best of people turn into complete morons," she explained. He nodded.

"So is you had nasty beer, would you not like me?" he asked hesitantly. Hermione shook her head.

"No James because I would never drink nasty beer around you," she told him. He smiled and nodded, but then suddenly frowned again.

"So why is mummy and daddy getting Jayne from up the road to baby-sit me tonight?" he asked. Hermione smiled.

"Because Mummy and Daddy are going out tonight," she said. He sighed and nodded.

"Like last time?" he asked, Hermione frowned.

"When your mummy and daddy went to Uncle George's house warming party?" she asked. He nodded,

"Mummy wouldn't let me go, she said that I wouldn't want to see my Uncle Fred and Uncle George…prance around like complete…drunks," he explained. She smiled.

"Then there you go, obviously someone is going to get mindlessly drunk honey and your mummy doesn't want you to see them acting stupid," she told him. He sighed and nodded.

"Are you and Professor Snape going out tonight? Because I could stay with you and we can play and…" Hermione sighed.

"James honey why don't you tell your mummy you don't want to be with your babysitter tonight," she told him. He looked down.

"Because mummy will just make me anyway," he told her. Hermione looked down sadly at her Godson. She knew what it was like to be left with a babysitter most of the time. Her parent's were always at conventions in America for weekends at a time and Hermione was always left with the woman next-door who always smelled on sweaty feet. The only good thing that the elderly woman had was a small library in her house. That was how Hermione got into reading. She wanted to stay as far away from the woman as possible and the only way to do that was to stay in the library.

"I'll tell you what James, I'll speak to your parents and see what I can do," she told him. His little head snapped up and he wrapped his arms around her neck planting a loud wet kiss on her cheek. She laughed and hugged him back.

Suddenly, the door of her chambers opened and another voice rang from the lounge.

"Hermione? Aren't you up yet?" Hermione smiled softly as James' little face brightened up as he recognised who it was.

"Professor Snape!!" he yelled, leaping from her bed she watched as he ran from her room. Then, she heard another cry and a thud. Standing quickly she looked from her door and laughed.

It looked like James had jumped into Severus' arms and Severus had lost balance, falling onto his arse.

"Morning Hermione," he said from the floor. Hermione laughed.

"Good morning Severus," she said softly, walking over to pick her Godson off of his lap.

"James, does your mother know that you're here?" she asked. James looked up and nodded.

"Yeah, she said that she was going to come and pull you from the bed if you didn't get your laze arse up," he said with a grin.

"Lazy what young man?" a stern voice asked from behind him. He cringed and slowly turned around with a little innocent smile on his face.

"Hi Mummy," he said. Ginny has her arms crossed and was tapping her foot. James sighed and looked down "Sorry Mummy," he said quietly.

"Thank you…I don't want Jayne telling me that you have been swearing all night young man," she told him. James sighed again and nodded. Hermione frowned.

"Gin, I'm sure my parents won't mind if James goes tonight, it is New Year's Eve after all," she told her friend. Ginny's eyes snapped up to her.

"Herms you know what happens on new years. People drink…nasty beer… and do crazy things…and I don't want my son around all that," she told her. Hermione smiled.

"Charlotte's going to be there, and she can't wait to meet James," she said. Ginny sighed and looked at her son's pleading face then at her friends then groaned.

"Ok! Fine! But if any of my brother's cause a scene and he gets any ideas of them, then it is on your head," she said, picking James up in her arms. Hermione nodded.

"I'll make sure nothing bad happens to my Godson Ginny," she said. Ginny nodded.

"Ok…now hurry up you have missed breakfast you lazy bones so get changed and get down to that Hospital Wing!" Hermione laughed and stood. Ginny turned to Severus who had stood also. "And you don't even think about making her even later because I know what you have in mind…" she said to a wide eyed Severus.

"Of course not Mrs Potter," he said. Ginny gave a sly grin then nodded before leaving Hermione's chambers with a happy James.

Hermione shook her head then looked slyly at Severus. They had been meeting like this for the week. He would always make his way to her chambers everyday, just to see her.

Ever since that night they had been spending a lot of time together. When Severus wasn't too busy making potions and speaking to Dumbledore about important things, he was always found in the Hospital wing talking to Hermione about one thing or another.

The students noticed a change in their potion's master as well, he wasn't as strict. He was a little calmer and when he caught Simone and Jade out after curfew he just told them off, he never took points or gave them detention.

Hermione loved the way they had connected ever since Christmas. It had been a week of connection and closeness and she had enjoyed every second of it.

"Hermione? Are you ok?" his voice echoed through her thoughts. She shook her head then smiled.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I can't wait until tonight. Mum and dad told me that Charlotte can't wait for us to show her more magic." She told him. He smiled.

"Are you sure you want me to go? I could stay and you could go have fun with your friends and-" Hermione shook her head,

"Don't start Severus…what makes you think you won't be welcome?" she asked. He sighed and sat on the sofa.

"The fact that your parents and I will be the same age." He confessed. Hermione gave a small smile and sat beside him.

"If it makes things any easier, there is 20 years between my parents. My mum is 47 and my dad's 67, so there's nothing wrong with our age gap," she told him. His eyes widened as he thought about the age gap between her parents. That meant that when Charlotte turned 20 years of age her father would be 80!

"But most of your…younger friends…will be there. I feel like I will just be in the way," he told her. She shook her head and sighed.

"Severus! Do you think they will care when they are absolutely pissed out their minds?! If they don't like it then it is their problem…it wouldn't stop you wanting to be with me would it?" she asked. He sighed and shook s head.

"Nothing could Hermione, but every time I think about how harshly I treated your friends when they were in school, I really feel like I don't deserve you," he whispered. Hermione smiled and pulled him into a hug.

"You will always deserve me Severus," she told him. He smiled back and brushed her hair from her face.

"You need to get out of bed…Minerva is wondering where you are and wondering whether you are ill….she treats you like her own daughter you know?" he asked. She smiled warmly and nodded.

"Don't worry, I know." Stretching she stood and made her way to her bedroom. Noticing he was following her she swiftly turned at her door and smiled shyly.

I know we have been seeing each other for a week Severus, but I don't know how comfortable you are with seeing me unchanged for the first time…" she said to him. His eyes widened and he cleared his throat.

"I…see…ugh…I shall just wait in the lounge for you," she said uncomfortably. She smirked.

"You can come in if you like Severus…you never know I may just give you a small dance whilst I get unchanged…" she said slyly. Severus spluttered and turned away making his way to her kitchen, causing her giggle as she went to change.

As she and Severus entered the Great Hall at lunch Hermione had to smile widely at the people who were sat at the head table. James was sat on the Headmaster's knee talking animatedly to him and Minerva who were nodding and listening to every word that came out the little boy's mouth. Harry and Ginny were discussing about what was going to happen that night.

Hermione sighed happily and leaned into the man who she was beginning to fall for. This was turning into real family that she felt so close to.

James looked up from his discussion with the two professors and waved joyfully at Hermione. Hermione grinned and waved back at her Godson. As she reached the table Harry looked up and rolled his eyes.

"You know what, you're the only person who I'd least expect to stay in bed till dinner Hermione," he told her. She rolled her eyes.

"And I thought you were at work Harry," she said. He grinned.

"Well, after telling them all that if it weren't for me a lot of people wouldn't even have family there they soon gave me new years off," he explained. Hermione shook her head.

"Emotional blackmail…can't get any better," she said, he laughed.

"You can't blame a man for wanting to spend new years with his family!" he exclaimed. Hermione laughed and turned to her best girlfriend.

"Are you stressed Ginny dear?" she asked. Ginny sighed.

"Oh no Hermione honey….the fact that I'm almost ready to have my baby since I'm almost 9 months and I'm starting to get nervous hasn't had any effect on my feelings…so no herms I'm nowhere near stressed," she said quietly. Hermione frowned and sat down beside her.

"Do you want to go upstairs Gin and I'll examine you…it's been a few weeks but if you're feeling any discomfort then we'll have to have a look," she said. Ginny sighed and rubbed her eyes.

"I'm fine Herms, just a bit nervous…" Harry put an arm around her.

"I'll get another two weeks off work Gin honey, if you feel like you're almost ready then I'll be there for you…" he said. Hermione nodded.

"And James can come and stay with me," she said. Ginny's eyes snapped up.

"I can't but that burden on you Hermione…you're busy in the Hospital Wing and…" Hermione shook her head.

"No Ginny after tonight he can spend tomorrow with you and Harry and then on the 2nd of January you can bring him here with some of his things. He'll be out of your way so you can relax until the baby comes," she told her friend. Ginny sighed and nodded, placing a hand on her large stomach then taking a glance at her son she smiled at her friend.

"Ok Herms…I'll tell him tomorrow though…let him have fun tonight he can't worry about me," she told her. Hermione nodded and pulled her friend into a hug.

"Hermione? What time are we actually going to your parent's then?" Harry asked. Hermione thought for a second.

"Mum told me to be at hers for about 6pm..If that's ok?" she asked. Ginny nodded then looked at her watch.

"So that gives us about 3 and a half hours to get ready," she said. Hermione's eyes widened and she looked at her own watch.

"How long did I sleep in!" she exclaimed. Severus chuckled.

"It was 1pm when I decided to come looking for you," he told her. She stared at him for a second then looked back her watch.

"But…I don't even know what I'm going to wear!" she exclaimed. Everyone laughed.

"I think Herms and I'm sure people will agree with me, that you look good in anything you wear," Harry said, "Anyway, I'm sure you'll find something. And I've got news for you, Luna had the baby." Hermione's eyes widened, he smiled "Ron was overjoyed, He was the first person she flooed when she went to the hospital and apparently as soon as he got there she pulled him into a massive kiss telling him that she loved him. They had another girl, she's called Molly Anne Weasley," he explained. Hermione smiled for her other best friend and his family.

"I'm happy for them…are they at home?" she asked.

"I heard there was a little bit of complication so she'll be staying there for a week," she nodded.

"Right, I'll go see her," she said.

When 6pm rang, Hermione, Severus, Harry, Ginny and James apperated to the alleyway right next to the Granger household. Knocking on the door Hermione walked in to music being played and all her family chatting.

"Hermione love!" a voice yelled from the kitchen doorway. Emily Granger was a short woman with short curly blond hair. She had warm brown eyes and small laugh lines by her mouth. She rushed passed her sisters and brothers and pulled her daughter into a hug.

"I've missed you mum!" Hermione yelled over the music being played. Emily smiled with perfect white teeth and moved aside so the group could walk into the lounge.

"I've missed you too darling. Charlotte enjoyed Christmas and all those magical gifts you gave her. Oh Ginny dear look how glowing you are! You look ready to push your little one out darling!" Ginny paled at the thought and Hermione cringed.

"Er mum…"

"And Harry! How much taller you've gotten! Who would have thought Harry Potter a family man by the age of 25!" she exclaimed again. Harry laughed nervously glancing at Hermione who mouthed 'I'm sorry'

"Mum I think you should –"

"And little James! You look just like your father indeed it's too bad you look nothing like Hermione and instead like your mother," she said, James frowned confused and Ginny frowned. Hermione glared at her mother.

"So Mum! Where's dad?" she asked. Emily looked back up at her daughter and smiled.

"I'll tell you what dear, I'll go fetch him…and when I come back you must introduce this strapping gentleman you've brought with you," she said, winking at her daughter before toddling away through the group of family in the lounge. Hermione turned to her friends with a small smile on.

"I'm sorry guys, it's obvious she's had a bit to drink and she's just like me, we tend to speak out loud when she's had a drink," she explained. Harry nodded and put an arm around his wife's shoulder and took his sons hand. Hermione felt that spike of jealousy hit her again. She longed to have a family like Ginny had. Suddenly she felt a hand take her own and she smiled at Severus. Who knew, maybe she would have a family someday.

"Pumpkin!!" a merry voice yelled. Hermione looked and grinned.

"Daddy!" she exclaimed, running into her father's open arms. John Granger had short brown hair with streaks of grey running through. His green eyes shone in the low light as he held his eldest daughter.

"How are you my little girl?" he asked. She laughed.

"Daddy! I'm not a little girl anymore! But I'm ok Daddy," she said, hugging him again.

Severus watched with a daunting feel in his gut. Father's were always the most protective when it came to their daughters dating and Hermione looked like a big Daddy's girl.

"Harry my boy! And Ginny! And this must be young James!" he exclaimed, patting James on the head and giving Ginny a hug and shaking Harry's hand.

"It's good to see you again John." Harry said. Ginny smiled and turned to Hermione.

"I defiantly prefer your Dad," she said. Hermione laughed.

John turned to Severus,

"And who is this?" he asked. Hermione took a deep breath.

"This is Severus Daddy…we've been seeing each other for the last week," she said nervously. John looked cuttingly at him.

"If you don't mind me asking Severus…how old are you?" Hermione frowned.

"You know best Daddy that age doesn't matter," she told him. John nodded but shrugged.

"I'm just curious Hermione love…Severus?" he asked. Severus sighed.

"45 Mr Granger." He answered. John's eyes became darker with protectiveness.

"So that makes you 20 years older than my little Hermione…" he said. Hermione sighed.

"Yes Daddy, like there's 20 years between you and Mum," she said. John sighed.

"Hermione I…"

"Yes Daddy well don't, I know you are protective and you really care about me but Severus looks after me and you have nothing to worry about. I've known him since I was 11 and he has saved my life on more than one occasion. He was very brave to come tonight to meet you and Mum. Todd wouldn't even come to the street because he was scared of you. And Daddy, I'm warning you, I like this one so don't you dare scare him away. I'm going to get a drink, so please don't let me come back to see you two throwing punches." She said, kissing Severus on the cheek, smiling at her Father then took Harry and Ginny to get a drink.

Severus glanced at her then slowly turned back to Hermione's father.

"I mean no harm to your Daughter Mr Granger. I have admired her for many years. She is very intelligent and I would never take advantage of her. I know how special she is to you and your wife and I understand how protective parents can be. I know the age difference is quite big but I think it will have no effect to our relationship." He explained to the staring man. John looked up and down at the man his daughter was with and sighed.

"Severus, Hermione has had quite a few men in her life, and each one has broken her heart. I shall give you one warning now, ever hurt Hermione in anyway and I shall hunt you down…wizard or not. She is my first child and has always been a Daddies girl. Understand?" Severus nodded quickly and shook the mans hand.

Thank you sir," he said. John finally smiled.

"Please Severus, call me John."

On the other side of the room, Hermione watched as James introduced himself to her little sister. Charlotte was very cute. She had long luscious black curls that her mother had pulled back into pigtails. She wore a little violet dress that matched her eye colour. Her eyes were a strange colour, small violet eyes that she must have gotten from her parents.

James had run straight to her and smiled.

"Hi! I'm James! Auntie Mia has told me lots and lots about you!" he exclaimed.

Charlotte smiled softly and shook his hand.

"I'm Charlotte…Hermy told me 'bout you to," she said shyly.

They hit it off straight away. They played some of her muggle games and talked to each other. Ginny's eyes sparkled as she watched her son play with the little girl.

"Ok, if that isn't love at first sight then I don't know what is…10 galleons on them getting married as soon as she graduates from Hogwarts," Ginny whispered to her.

Hermione laughed and watched her little sister and her Godson.

"What are you drinking Herms?" Harry asked a couple of hours later. Hermione sighed.

"Vodka and coke…I've only had a couple though," she said. Harry nodded and took another sip of his coke.

"I promised Ginny I wouldn't drink tonight," he said. Hermione laughed.

"You can have one…what do you want?" she asked. Harry smirked.

"I can't Herms..."

"Yes you can, what do you want? Beer? Jack Daniels? What?" she asked. He laughed.

"Fine! I'll have a Jack Daniels and coke. But if I get drunk and Ginny goes mad then it'll be on your head," he said, taking the offered drink.

Taking another sip of her own she smiled at Ginny as she came back to sit on the couch next to Harry, a look of discomfort on her face.

"You ok Gin?" Hermione asked. Ginny smiled and nodded.

"Yeah Herms, just got a bit of stomach ache," she said,

"Are you sure? Do you want me to-"

"No Herms I'm fine," she protested, but Hermione stood and sat next to her friend. But she seemed fine, until she grabbed Harry's hand again about 10 minutes later.

"Ow!" she exclaimed. Hermione stood again and looked at her with concern.

"Ginny maybe we should get you to St Mungos and-"

"No Hermione! It's New years eve I'm fine!" she exclaimed. Hermione sighed with frustration at her stubborn friend.

"Ginny what if there's something wrong with the-"

"I know there isn't Hermione now stop mothering me…I'm fi-ow!" she exclaimed again, squeezing Harry's hand. Harry looked from his wife to his friend worry etched onto his face.

"Hermione…what-"

"Oh no…Herms…" Hermione looked down and found a puddle of water at her friend's feet. Hermione gasped and grabbed Ginny's hand.

"Harry, we need to get Ginny up to my old bedroom. Severus, will you grab my bag please my wand's in there," she said. Severus nodded and went to the cloakroom to grab Hermione's bag. Harry grabbed his wife's hand and pulled her up.

Ginny turned to Hermione worry on her own face.

"James-" she gasped. Hermione turned to her father who had just walked up to them.

"Dad, can you watch James for me please. Just tell him his mother is having his little sister," she explained. John nodded and smiled at Harry and Ginny before sitting by the children talking quietly to James. James looked up with wide green eyes and moved to his mum.

"Good luck mummy, I'll see you later." Hermione smiled at how grown up James was acting.

"I'll see you later baby," she whispered, kissing her son on the head. Hermione nodded and took her friends hand, pulling her towards the stairs.

"C'mon Gin, let's bring that little girl to the world."