AN: So New Year is taking a long butt time to get here but we're getting there. I'm really looking forward to midnight ;) ^_^ I hope you guys enjoy the chapter.


Chapter 54: No More Beautiful a Sight


"New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights."

~ Hamilton Wright Mabie ~


George Weasley was turning out to be full of surprises as he spun Hermione around that New Year's Eve. They laughed, both flushed, as they danced to some of the muggle music that Hermione had insisted on.

"You've grown, so grown/ Now I must say more than ever/ (COME ON EILEEN)/ Toora-loorah-toora-loorye-aye/ And we can sing just like our fathers!"

"I must agree, Mrs. Snape. You have grown quite a lot in the past year. Are you quite sure that you're the same girl who dogged Fred and I constantly about our skeeving snack boxes?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes, it's me, flesh blood and brain," she said with a slightly exasperated laugh. He had been like this ever since she made her way over to say hello. Still, although she wasn't one of those witches, she couldn't help but admit enjoying the attention she gained from walking through the door. Even Fleur had come and complimented her, the part veela sounding genuine, although rude, as she held the arm of Bill, her white gold hair swept up elegantly in light of the evening.

"Hermion'ze, zis, iz, zee, best, 'ou haf' looked since zee 'ule Ball!"

Hermione had smiled and bit back any harsh words. "Thank you, Fleur. Ginny gave me a bit of help." And Molly Weasley was like wise surprised. It wasn't long after such sentiments were expressed that George offered his hand in a dance and Hermione charmed the radio.

"So how's our dear old snarky bat treating the beauty and brains of the Golden Trio?" George teased.

Hermione blushed. "He's treating me just fine George. Better than fine."

"Better than fine? That wouldn't be because of two different lip incidents between the two of you, would it?" George's eyes sparkled teasingly.

"George Weasley! How many times do I have to tell you to stop eavesdropping with your extendable ears?!" Hermione's cheeks turned bright pink.

"Now don't get your wand in a knot. I'm not here to discourage you from Snape. I'm sure if he was getting a little sugar lips from time to time, he wouldn't be such an arse."

"He's not an arse, George," she said as he spun her around, ending her sentence in a giggle.

"You in that dress/ Oh, my thoughts, I confessed/ Verge on the dirty/ Ah, come on Eileen."

"You know, he's been watching you since you walked out here." The redheaded man nodded to a corner of the tent where stood the esteemed Potions Master. His arms were crossed and seemed to be examining the whole room with the exception of Hermione.

"George, he's not even looking over here."

"I'm just telling you what I've seen."


Severus had followed Hermione out to the festivities but only watch from a distance as the Delacour girl gave her a tactless and almost backhanded compliment. George Weasley continued his meddlesome acts as he swept Hermione up for a dance to muggle music. Jealousy pulled at him until their dance finished. He let his attention waver from her though as Andromeda Tonks made her way over to him.

"Well, well, well Severus. How does it feel to leave your demons behind this year?"

"Andromeda, I will never be able to schluff off some demons."

She placed her glass of wine down and studied him for a moment. "Severus, there IS something different about you. I've heard about you and the Granger girl. She's changed you. I'd be will to bet that by the time my grandson attends Hogwarts, you won't even be the bat of the dungeons," she teased and nodded over at the party. Snape followed her line of sight. The image before his eyes was one of his young wife holding the giggling eight month old, Teddy Tonks who was playing with her hair and switching his from black to curly brown to neon blue. The sight was just enough to stop Severus Snape in his tracks, his heart to jump to his throat, and realize that was his wife...holding a baby...who's hair was now settled to look just like theirs...coal black and curly. And there she was, coming toward him in that dress, with a look of joy on her face, and a baby in her arms.

Mrs. Snape.

"Teddy is just like his mummy. Mrs. Tonks, he is possibly the happiest baby I've ever seen," Hermione said, bouncing the babe and eliciting bubbly laughter.

"Thank you Hermione. That dress suits you, by the way. You look lovely."

Hermione blushed and handed off Teddy Lupin is his grandmother. "Thank you, Mrs. Tonks."

"Please, call me Andromeda," she said, taking her grandson with a smile as he yawned and reached for his 'nana'. "And I'm going to lay this one down. You two enjoy the rest of your night."

"We will," Hermione said and smiled up at her husband.


So there it is :)

Next chapter, midnight ^_^

~Lilly Rae~