23 May 1999 - Nanelle's First Birthday

Nanelle responded well to the potion-expulsion of Gregon's DNA. She was now, magically so, a biological daughter of Severus Snape and Hermione Granger.

At first the change had looked like nothing at all but as the months passed Severus was able to see Hermione in her daughter, and how wonderfully strange it was to see himself in the little girl as well.

Nanelle's eyes which had turned a startlingly blue that were not the soft amber that were her mother's, were now black as ink. Her nose had lengthened, a little, but not by much. Severus declared, and everyone agreed, that Nanelle's new nose complimented her gentle features. Her hair was deep black - blue in the highlights - and it had become lustrous with curls that were a clear combining of Severus' fine black hair, and Hermione's deep brown curls. The unfortunate change that was most prominent was a change to her jawline that gave her the Potions Master's crooked teeth. A consultation with a Dental Healer had assured Severus that the problem could be corrected after Nanelle's permanent teeth came in.

Draco Malfoy, the apprentice wandmaker of Diagon Alley, was now a regular visitor to Severus' home in Flitwick Creek. Harry and Draco had been finally wed and they had spoken to Ginny's parents about becoming their wife after she completed her seventh year and NEWTs at Hogwarts. Ginny signed a Chastity Vow which insured she would not become pregnant before she was bound. It was a very strict Vow that kept Ginny from seeing and speaking to her husbands-to-be.

The new house behind Malfoy Manor, dubbed the 'Hobbit House' by Harry for its eerie resemblance to the quaint, garden-roofed homes from The Hobbit, had been built for the newlyweds and they were moved in. The roof truly did accommodate grass and flowers, and after consulting with Neville, Harry (who rather liked to garden) soon had the entire garden-roof of Hobbit House flourishing under his touch.

Remus was deeded the ownership of #12 Grimmauld Place and it was showing a much cheerier interior than it once had due to Remus' work. Mostly it was hard clean-up which Severus sometimes helped with while Nanelle cooed and watched. Minerva found furniture in the attics that had escaped damage and this she gave to Remus to re-furnish his house so he could get rid of all the dusty, old Black furniture.

Severus then had to go and shock the wizarding world when he named Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy as godparents to Nanelle. He intended to ask Ginny Weasley to be godmother but not until the triumvirate was formed.


At the moment, while Severus examined the potions sitting upon a shelf in his Apothecary, Remus was doing his best, from the counter, to convince the Potions Master of his wisdom.

"Nanelle is a baby, Lupin," huffed Severus as he lifted the lid of his line of Arthritis Balm and sniffed it. "As intelligent as I believe her to be she will have no idea what a celebration is."

"Even though she will not remember it, Severus, it is her first birthday. You should mark it in some way," Remus glanced down at a page of arithmantic formulae he was working on for the Potions Master.

"I will mark it, Lupin. I will take Nanelle on my visit to her mother." He picked up another tin of the Arthritis Balm, opened it, and wrinkled his nose at the disagreeable odour. Closing the lid he ran the pad of his finger over a date stamped into the tin container. With a tap he Vanished the contents and sent the container to his lab. All remaining tins (3) with the same date suffered the same fate.

"In no way do I mean to deprive Hermione your visits, Severus, but you should do something just for Nanelle," he smiled and tapped his chin with the end of his quill. "Perhaps not a party but just a gathering of your friends for a dinner."

Severus glowered at the man (who kept his mustache shaved, and lengthened his hair to his shoulders, trimmed it neatly, and tied it back during work) and Remus chuckled. "Admit it, Severus. You have friends. Granted, not many, but hold a dinner party and invite them."

The Potions Master chose to ignore him and continue his inspection of the potions on the shelf. "Consider this, then, Severus. You have a fondness for the Old Ways. At one time magical folk would gather family and friends to bestow a blessing upon their baby upon his or her first year. The blessing could be for health, love, or wealth. A blessing could also be for wishes upon her majority."

Severus stopped his inspection. "Many of the old traditions have merit," he mused. "I do recall that a Blessing was held by Lucius and Narcissa on Draco's first birthday." He frowned slightly. "Bellatrix and her husband Rodolphus were there. I was rather surprised that they brought a blessing of health rather than… well, anything else."

"Then it shall be done," Remus said decisively just as a small cry came from Severus' office in the back.

The Potions Master's lips thinned but he nodded. "Lupin, send invitations to the Potter-Malfoys, the Malfoys, Minerva, and the Weasleys for… hm, dinner on the 25th at 6 in the evening."

He vanished to his office where Nanelle lay in her cradle waving her fists in the air. Severus smiled softly as he bent over to pick the child up. His nose wrinkled at the tell-tale odour. "Winky!" As quick as he spoke the elf's name she arrived with a small satchel on her shoulder with the required items to freshen his daughter.

Winky wrinkled her nose. "Ohhh stinky, Missy," she grinned. "I is here, Master Snapes," Winky bobbed her head and smiled at Nanelle. Severus brushed his lips to his daughter's forehead and then bent to hand her over to Winky. "Winky is going to make Missy smell nice, then feed Missy Nanelle, then puts her to bed."

"Thank you, Winky." He watched as the elf vanished with his daughter. He then left his office to return to where Remus was sealing the last of the invitations.

"I'll just take these to Owl Post Office, Severus." Remus handed the parchment he had been working on earlier to the Potions Master. "I verified your calculations for the Lycanthropy Tincture, Severus."

Severus took the page and reviewed the aritmantic figures. "Very good, Lupin. I shall begin the brewing when you return and then you can begin taking it."

Remus smiled. "It's promising, Severus. To retain my mind during the change…" he shook his head. "This could be what is needed to assist the change in the law regarding werewolves here."

"It is my sincere hope that is so, Lupin. Since the new Minister of Magic was appointed after the War he at least has managed to abolish the immediate destruction of individual werewolves without an inquiry."

Remus' lips thinned. "Considering everything else that has been going on it was remarkable that Kingsley managed that change in the law." Remus then held up the invitations. Severus nodded to him that he should go so Remus opened the door of the Apothecary, and slipped out.


25 May 1998 - Blessing Day

Severus had done research into the old tradition of "The Blessing Day". A ritual derived from so old a time the origin was unknown. What was known was that The Blessing Day was a time to imbue a baby's still developing magical core with gifts to enhance the child physically and magically. Those invited to give blessings would craft their blessing from their own magical energy thus creating a "spirit" - a tangible gift.

It was a tradition that was slowly falling out of disuse as the more Muggle tradition of "christening parties" were gaining popularity. Severus did not have a prejudice against Muggles but many of their holidays and traditions being adopted into the wizarding world were pageants of beauty but without magic. It was why Severus himself did not care for Halloween or Christmas. Neither celebrated the magic that was so inherent to the wizarding world.

Following the invitations and his research Severus had sent a monograph explaining The Blessing Day and what they would each need to do to prepare their blessings.

Severus decided that his growing gardens ought to be the perfect place for his daughter's Blessing Day so he created a large gazebo in the backyard. Neville (the official Snape gardener as long as he went nowhere near the "ingredients" garden) had directed flowering wisteria vines to crawl all over the structure. The scent of cedarwood combined with the heady scent of wisteria and lavender. Winky had prepared a buffet of lunch foods and small desserts that she had set up in the gazebo and put all of it under a Preservation Charm.

As Severus was inspecting the gazebo, the vines, the food, and his gardens Winky appeared to announce the arrival of his first guests.

"Master and Mistress Malfoy, and Masters Potter-Malfoy are here, Master Snapes," bowed Winky and vanished.

Neville, wearing overalls and mud boots, piped up. "I'll get re-dressed, Master Snape. I want to look my best for Nanelle."

Severus turned to regard the young man who had been just a roly-poly Gryffindor who did not pay attention in his class. Neville's hair was a burnished brown with a lock over one eye, the rest he kept cut. As tall now as the teacher who once terrified him, Neville brushed back that errant lock of hair, and smiled.

"Mr. Longbottom," asked Severus with sudden curiosity, "do you still live with your grandmother?"

Neville shook his head. "Oh no, Sir! Once I began my apprenticeship with Professor Sprout I moved out. I'm living in Hagrid's old hut on Hogwarts grounds. I think I might just stay there once I end my apprenticeship and take over the Herbology position." Neville lifted his dirt-stained apron. "I'll be back before the ceremony starts, Sir." Trotting to just past the Anti-Apparition wards, Neville turned on a dime, and was gone.

Severus left the backyard and moved into his house to the front parlour (he had renamed what had been the living room after adding more welcoming decor).

Lucius was inspecting all the interior decorating while Narcissa was settled on a green velvet tapestry chair of white pine. Draco and Harry were seated together on the sofa.

"Greetings, my friends," bowed Severus formally.

Lucius was nearest and went to his friend, taking his hand warmly into his own. "We are family, Severus," he smirked good naturedly.

Narcissa had risen when the Potions Master came to her. She embraced him with warmth she'd never had for her sister Bellatrix. "I am delighted you have chosen to honour The Blessing Day for Nanelle, Severus."

"I just wish Hermione could be here," sighed Harry with melancholy. He stood and bowed slightly to his ex-teacher. "Thanks for inviting us, Severus."

"As I feel the same, Mr. Potter-Malfoy," nodded Severus.

Draco smiled at the Potions Master, "Thank you, Severus. Will we be able to visit with Nanelle before the ceremony?"

"You will, Draco," assured Severus.

Harry chuckled, "Draco's been through the roof since you named us Nanelle's godfathers, Severus."

Narcissa smiled conspiratorially, "You both have honourable wizarding names to perpetuate."

Draco rolled his eyes in exasperation, "Please, Mother! Harry and I have just moved in. We'd like time to ourselves a bit, first."

"Draco, you and Harry have had "time to yourselves" since the end of the war," reminded Lucius.

"Fine, Father," huffed Draco. "I have an apprenticeship I would like to finish and Harry has just begun his own work at Uncle Severus' Apothecary."

Harry glared at his father-in-law. "It may escape you, Sir, but Draco and I rather miss Ginny since we are not allowed ANY contact with her until she finishes her seventh year."

"Which is why, dear Harry," said Lucius strolling over to touch the young wizard's head. "I have arranged an escort for the young lady so that at least you may visit with her before and after the Blessing Ceremony."

Harry grinned at Draco who smiled serenely in return. "Thank you… Father," said Harry with a nod of respect to his father-in-law.

The flames in the fireplace whooshed into green activating the Floo. Moments later, emerging with a new-found grace, was Remus Lupin. He was welcomed by everyone present, and Severus handed him a small measure of brandy; he had discovered that the wizard did not drink much.

"Thank you, Severus," nodded Remus. "It appears we are awaiting Poppy and Minerva with Ginevra Weasley, and her family."

Draco spoke up, "Harry and I would like to wait in here?" He glanced hopefully at his parents.

Narcissa had almost walked out the door with her husband. "I shall wait with them, Lucius." She went to sit back down, and smiled at her sons.

Lucius turned towards his wife. "Perhaps we shall all wait here, then adjourn to the gazebo."

Winky brought the freshly washed and dressed Nanelle to her father. The babe had been dressed in a beautiful gown of Spider-Thorn lace and Irish Selkie Silk. The colour was like quaintly stained coffee. It was an antique that Eileen Snape had always wanted her baby son to wear for his Blessing Day but he had not had such a day since it was not a Muggle tradition. Severus had given the gown to Narcissa for Draco but she had not used it. She had preserved the precious gown with the hope that someday Severus could dress his own child in it.

"She is beautiful, Severus!" Narcissa exclaimed. "May I hold her?" Severus carefully handed his daughter to the Malfoy matriarch. For a moment the witch cooed over Nanelle, and giggled when the small girl grabbed a long curl of Narcissa's blonde hair. Lucius leaned over and loosed his wife's hair. He took the opportunity to kiss her cheek as he stroked Nanelle's forehead.

He moved to Severus' side and whispered, "La Pere has worked a miracle, my brother. She is clearly your child."

"Indeed," nodded Severus.

Narcissa stood and walked the baby over to Draco and Harry. "You two need practise if you are serious about having children someday."

Draco was reticent, "But Ginny will bear our children, Mother!"

Harry held out his arms eagerly for the baby. "Ginny will bear our children, Draco, but we will also get to hold them, feed them, and even change their nappies."

Draco grimaced. "No one, not even our wife, will change nappies, Harry. We're getting a house elf."

At that moment Minerva, Poppy, and Ginevra Weasley came through the Floo. Ginny froze when she saw Harry with Nanelle in his arms.

"A year?" Ginny moaned, "It's going to be forever!" She felt Poppy nudge her towards the two young wizards she would marry after her seventh year. Emboldened by the permission, she moved over to Draco and Harry and knelt in front of them. Lucius quickly moved next to Draco and caught his son's hand just as he reached for the redhead.

"I am sorry, Draco," murmured Lucius.

Draco, who had wanted to pull Ginny into an embrace deflated at the admonition. Minerva moved closer. "A year is not forever," Harry said softly to both Draco and Ginny.

"Miss Weasley, we are straining the Chastity Vow," Minerva spoke quietly as she curled her hand around the young witch's arm. "Come."

The Floo whooshed admitting the Weasley family which included Ron who wore a support on his right leg that was Charmed so that the limp was completely erased. Molly headed swiftly for her daughter and yanked her away from the two young wizards.

"Ginny, dear, you mustn't tempt yourself." Molly turned to Arthur and handed his daughter to him. "Say your congratulations to Severus, love, and then take your daughter outside."

Arthur looped his arm through his daughter's and he patted her hand. "Daddy, this is going to kill me," Ginny looked back and Draco and Harry. Draco now held Nanelle with his mother's help. She felt so jealous that it hurt her heart.

Ron slid to the other side of his sister and kissed her forehead. Nearly as tall as Neville, he stood about two feet taller than his only female sibling. "Hey, I waited forever for Hermione but she never thought me more than a redheaded boy, Gin."

Ginny glared at her brother as her father steered them outside to the backyard. "What has that got to do with my situation, Ron?"

Ron shrugged. "Nothing, really. I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm courting Milli Bulstrode." He grinned as Ginny's mouth dropped.

"A Slytherin, Ron? And, Millicent? She'll sit on you and crush you, Ron!" chortled Ginny.

Ron nudged his sister sharply. "Don't be mean, Gin. Milli's just a big girl but she's a sweetheart…" he frowned in warning, "... my sweetheart."

Inside the cottage Adytum Severus has barely borne it as Nanelle was passed to everyone in his parlour. He kept his hands clasped tightly at his back since he felt the desire to rip his daughter from the arms of whoever had her. Finally, he relaxed. Narcissa, sensing the new father's unease, had captured Nanelle and returned her to Severus. The younger wizard took his daughter gently and possessively, and gave a thought to his idiocy for listening to Lupin.

"Everyone be here!" announced Winky as she popped into the parlour. "Is all wizards be going outside now! Go, go! Go, go!" Winky grinned at her master and waved to her Missy before popping back out.

Severus quietly led all of his… friends… to the gazebo in the backyard.


The gazebo had been set up with a white lace draped cradle for the babe in the front of a half-circle of chairs for all the guests. Two chairs were to the right of the cradle: one to honour Hermione who could not come, and the other for Severus. On the left were two chairs for the godfather, and Arthur brought Ginny up to a third chair between the godfathers' chairs.

"Daddy?" asked Ginny in a whisper. To her puzzlement Arthur just smiled and left her to sit in the chair.

Severus lay his daughter in the cradle at the center of the gazebo and walked over to Ginny. He bowed just as Harry and Draco were directed to their chairs by Remus.

Ginny's eyes quickly darted to her soon-to-be husbands in question.

"Miss Weasley," began Severus as he casually placed his hands loosely behind his back. "The Charity Vow aside… are you truly in love with the Messrs Potter-Malfoy?"

"Uhm… Professor?" again her eyes darted to Harry then to Draco. "I love Harry and Draco with all of my heart, Sir. Why do you ask?"

"The Charity Vows values the verity of a commitment not the depth of the love behind it," explained the Potions Master. "I simply needed to be certain that your commitment was based in love. I will tolerate nothing less in the godmother of my daughter."

Ginny blushed then smiled nervously as she gently reminded, "Professor, you don't have a godmother for Nanelle."

Severus smirked and one black eye actually had a glimmering twinkle in it as he spoke, "I shall have a godmother for my daughter if you accept."

"Me?" she grinned. "Godmother? Oh yes! Very! I accept, Sir. Thank you!" To her surprise Severus leaned forward and very lightly kissed her cheek.

"Thank you, Ginevra." Severus bowed then turned to face his guests. Neville was just settling in beside Remus so he nodded to Minerva.

Minerva, as eldest and at the Potions Master's request, began the ceremony. She rose and stood behind Hermione's empty chair.

"A child, in and of herself, is a blessing in our world," began Minerva. "It pleases me to see that The Blessing is not one of our traditions that has entirely been forgotten." For a moment she bent her head, and the action was mimicked by all present. She then raised her head and raised her eyes skyward as she spread her arms. "Mother Gaia, we thank thee for this beautiful little girl, Nanelle Eliza Granger Snape. We ask that you smile down upon all of us who have brought our Blessings to her." Minerva brought her hands together, bowed her head and then the volume of her voice lowered, "Before we begin, all of us shall think of Hermione. Let us send the spirit of this day to her and Severus will hold the memory until she returns to us." For a moment all was silent. Minerva then nodded to Harry, Draco and Ginevra. "I ask that Nanelle's Honoured Godfathers and Godmother come forward. Draco Malfoy, begin."

Draco smiled at Minerva, kissed Harry's hand that he held, and stood. He stepped over to the babe's crib. He then held his hand over her forehead, and he smiled as she waved her hand at his. "Nanelle, I give to you the Blessing of Joy. May you always have within your smile the ability to bring light to those around you." Very lightly he touched his index finger to her forehead and Nanelle burbled as a glow of gold grew between her and her godfather.

Harry took Draco's place and doing the same with his hand, he spoke, "Nanelle, I give to you the Blessing of Compassion so that you may listen to your family and friends with your heart." He touched his finger to her forehead and felt the magic blossom as a gold emanation.

Ginny rose and took Harry's place. She leaned over, gave Nanelle a kiss then held her hand over the babe's forehead. "Nanelle, I give to you the Blessing of Wisdom so you will know when to speak and when to listen." She touched her finger to the child's forehead and Nanelle giggled as the magic danced around her.

Minerva then asked for each of the guests to give their blessings to Nanelle. Narcissa Blessed her with Beauty, Lucius with a Seeking of Knowledge, Remus with a Sense of Wonder. Minerva Blessed Nanelle with Obedience and Poppy Blessed her with Health. Bill and Charlie were invited but could not come. In their stead each of the eldest Weasleys sent toys to fascinate her in her crib. Percy was also absent, and since he had still not reconciled with his family, he did not reply to the invitation. Fred Weasley, still mourning the loss of his brother George in the Final Battle had been silent until he rose to give Nanelle the Blessing of Laughter. He kissed the babe, bowed to Severus and seated himself. Molly gave Nanelle the Blessing of the Hearth, and Arthur bestowed the little one with the Blessing of Fortitude so that she might weather the inevitable hardships of life. Neville was the last in the ceremony and he blessed Nanelle with Cleverness.


A/N: The Blessing Day is a combination of the old Catholic tradition called Naming Day which has been changed for stories and movies through the ages. I do not know if I am the creator of Blessing Day but at least it was a neat idea.

The Triumvirate or 3-person marriage for the wizarding world has some basis in fact in the Muggle world. Ancient Sumeria allowed a marriage of two men and a woman for the express purpose of procreation. Ancient Sumeria, and cultures such as Greek, Roman, and Egyptian were all very forward thinking as regards to same sex relationships or marriages. It was important to all of those cultures that the bloodline was carried forth. It was the Indian of North America and Canada that believed it was possible for two men or two women to love each other. I did further research on the Hopi and the Sioux and found that both tribes did not have a strong belief in bloodline - children were raised by the tribe whether born to a chief or a leather tanner.

I want Harry, Draco, and Ginny's marriage to represent this open belief.