On Christmas eve they'd arranged for a number of people to come around for a short lunch at Spinner's end.
It was only going to be a couple of hours, but Severus was encouraging her to rebuild her bridges with people , now she was out from under the shadow of Ronald.
Minerva was going to be there and they were going to talk more about the arithmancy position , along with Draco, Luna and Neville and to his surprise she'd invited Viktor Krum , who she'd remained friends with.
He tried not to be jealous at that.
Lucius and Narcissa weren't attending , because they had plans to spend boxing day with them at Malfoy manor.
She'd cooked all the party food of course , as he was still absolutely helpless when it came to food, other than eating it of course.
He'd gotten very good at eating it , since she started cooking for him and he wondered if she'd noticed that he'd gone up a notch on his belt.
When the morning paper came she'd cried in relief , and held him tightly. When he went to stand she placed a kiss on his cheek , and whispered in his ear.
"Thank You."
He simply smirked at her and asked , "Whatever for ?"
The lunch had gone really well. It was the first time he'd ever hosted a 'party' or 'gathering' and he couldn't help but be a little amazed at how well everyone seemed to accept him, not just as himself but also as Hermione's partner.
He'd been a bit wary of spending the day surrounded by her friends, though it was he who'd suggested it , though he was taken by complete surprise when all the guests after hugging her , greeted him just as warmly.
Draco hugged him , Neville shook his hand, and Luna an Minerva kissed his cheek. Which caused him to fight a blush. Even the Bulgarian Krum bowed to him and with a warm smile , which made it difficult to hate him.
However when he walked in the room and shouted "Her my oh ninny" Hermione squealed when she saw him and kissed his cheek , and started to converse in rapid Bulgarian with him, the jealousy rose it's ugly head.
She grabbed Krum by the hand dragged him over to Draco, who's eyes had lit up at the sight of the quidditch star and properly introduced the pair of them, leaving them to 'get to know each other' in her words as she came over to him.
When Hermione came to stand by him and kissed his cheek , he pulled her into his side and kissed her hair.
"I have to admit a certain amount of jealousy when you invited your Bulgarian here..." He admitted softly.
She snorted then and he glared at her , until she spoke. "The first thing Viktor said to me when I told him I was with you , was 'Good , because it's a shame that fine arse was going unappreciated "
He felt his face heat up when she said that , as she chuckled by his side and snuck a hand behind his back and squeezed his arse."To be fair, it is a very nice arse"
He scowled at her, face still flaming, and she laughed pressing her face into his ribs.
Then her words clicked in his head.
"So Mr Krum...?"
"Doesn't just like to play with quidditch balls?" She asked with a wink and he chuckled.
"Indeed" he murmured
She smiled when cub kicked and he placed his hand on her belly.
"I think him and Draco will really get along "
"I'll bet " He said dryly , looking at the two boys who were doing very little to hide the bedroom eyes they were giving each other.
And she laughed brightly.
The day was a success , even if Draco andKrum left early.
"What do you want to bet he's going to show him his broom" He whispered in her ear when the two made a hasty departure.
"Hell Yeah he is " she snorted.
But in all seriousness, they were both happy for the two.
The Bulgarians were a lot more laid back about that sort of thing. Not to be said they'd be thrown any parades any time soon, but they wouldn't get the negative reception Draco received from the wizarding community in England.
"I hope they work out , I think they could make each other happy" She said softly.
"As do I , he deserves some happiness"
Hermione spent a lot of time talking with Minerva and Luna , and Severus was surprised to find himself having very amicable conversation with Longbottom.
The boy truly had grown up , and was an absolutely formidable Herbologist , even Severus could admit.
They parted on a handshake and with a new business proposal , whereby Neville got the best quality potions when he needed them , and Severus got the best quality plants , including some plans to test out some hybrids for specific potions.
All in all , as they waved off their guests , Severus found that much to his suprise he'd actually enjoyed the day.
Surrounded by what he now realised was not her friends, but their friends.
Christmas day was spent together, mostly in bed until Severus had to quickly apparate and grab Matthias when they thought she was going into labour a week early.
Fortunately in turned out to be more Braxton Hicks , which just felt more severe because Cub had engaged that night.
"Not long now mum , you're baby's head's down and engaged so it shouldn't be too long"
They'd thanked Matthias and apologised for disturbing his Christmas, but all in all with Severus apparating him ,they hadn't taken him away for more than an hour.
It was the first time Severus could remember having a proper Christmas dinner at home.
He couldn't put into words the way he felt.
As they sat that night, having eaten , drank and exchanged gifts... he couldn't help the emotions that overhwelmed him.
They were sat together on the sofa. Or he was sat and Hermione was laid on her side , with her head in his lap.
The fire was burning, and they had a blanket thrown over them, it was tartan and very christmassy looking in both gryffindor red and slytherin green.
A present from Minerva.
They'd been simply reading by the firelight , and the fairy lights from the Christmas tree.
It didn't take long for Hermione to fall asleep, and he heard the soft thud as her book fell to the floor.
He placed his book down gently, and took in the sight of his beautiful wife.
She was laid so trustingly with her head in his lap , and the christmas lights danced over her skin.
Her breathing was soft and regular as she slept deeply, and she smelled of cloves, cinnamon and other christmassy spices.
She had a hand fisted in the blanket Minerva had brought them , and the other rested under her belly.
He ran a hand through her hair , and then gently down to cub when the baby stirred.
"Shhh don't wake your mother little one" He whispered as he stroked her round belly , and the baby calmed within.
He couldn't wait to hold them both in his arms, couldn't wait to meet this little person.
As he held Hermione and ran hands through her hair , he couldn't ever remember being as happy as he was in that moment.
And he was surprised when he felt the moisture running down his face.
Closing his eyes , he slept.
For he had everything he would ever need , right here in his arms.