Severus was beyond just ordinary discomfort. He had two men, Hermione's age, assisting with his wardrobe. It was odd, dysfunctional, and ill-favored for him to get out of the predicament.
Harry held up a t-shirt with a design. "No, not really you, I think," he sighed. "Severus, help us out a bit. Just a bit of a change, you don't even have to wear them all the time."
Severus exhaled and glanced at a snake t-shirt. "I like this one," he hummed.
Harry snorted and snagged it. "Figured as much."
"Oi, Potter, these are nice," Draco declared as he held up a green sweater.
"That, I like," Severus responded and paced over.
He touched the wooly texture of the jumper and nodded with approval.
Draco was grinning. "Potter wants you to dress too casually, Severus. You've never liked casual."
"A couple of t-shirts, Hermione could borrow around the house were my thoughts. She always loved to borrow mine and Ron's at the Burrow after the war. It gave her comfort," Harry insisted.
Severus scowled at the Potter browsing. "Harry, has she spoken about me?"
"Daily," Harry groaned. "You two are so bloody stubborn. It's exhausting."
Severus glanced at Draco, who was collecting more items. "Draco, how is the surrogacy going?"
"It's a pregnancy, Severus. She's voiding her stomach, apologizing for nodding off at lunch and crying," Draco mumbled and set down a black pair of sweats with disgust.
"Why is she crying still?"
"It's a pregnancy. Witches cry. Her and Astoria will be looking over baby clothing, and she'll start blubbering. It's very typical," Draco responded.
Severus ran his tongue over his teeth and twitched his nose. He wandered over to the shirts where Harry had collected some and thumbed a black one. Harry glanced over twice and moaned.
"Severus, just ask," he spat.
"Why won't she do what is best for her? I released her from this mess," Snape sighed.
"Because she loves you, and Hermione doesn't do things halfway. When she loves you, it's with her entire being, and nothing you do will ever change that," Harry responded and handed Severus the stack of shirts.
"I would hurt her and any future children," Severus mumbled, his eyes downcast to the floor.
"Honestly? No, you truly wouldn't. You'd chop off your toes before every abusing her. I know it, Draco knows it, and everyone else does. You would rather go to a party and explain that you didn't have fantasies about the witch before your relationship. Or hide your fears to keep her happy if you didn't love her that much," Harry finished and shook his head. "You have little faith in your own capacity to love."
Severus hummed. "I'll take your observations into consideration."
Harry rolled his eyes and walked over to Draco. "What do you have there, Malfoy?"
Draco was caressing a leather jacket and sighed. "This is nice. I might get this for myself."
"Maybe it would go well with your white hair," Harry snickered and nudged him.
Draco rolled his eyes. "Laugh all you like, but it has proven that I will age well due to my genetics."
"You're not as of now," Harry grumbled.
"I require this as well," Severus said as he picked up a long coat.
"Well, it's not black," Draco hummed.
Harry sighed and nodded. "Yes, alright. Shall we go see about getting your hair fixed?"
"Potter, you realize you're not setting him up on a date," Draco huffed.
"No, I'm attempting to push him in the right direction. He has to have a decent appearance at Christmas," Harry announced as he took the jacket from Severus and marched toward the register.
"Christmas?" Severus asked. "Is he proposing I go to that hovel for Christmas?"
Draco exhaled and waved a finger in the air. "Yes, because Astoria and I are taking Hermione and Scorpius there as well."
The weeks skirted by, and Hermione was fussing with her sweater. Molly had knitted it for her before this mess, and she would have to have her alter the sizing when she got to the Burrow. Lifting the ribbing, she glanced at the subtle bump that was her child.
Was she euphoric? Absolutely. To top great timing, she could engorge herself on anything she wanted and could keep down today. The thought of the cream-filled pastries was enough to make her mouth water.
"Time to get going," Draco called from the hall.
Hermione put down her maroon jumper and skipped from her bedroom. Christmas was so magical, and she felt so happy! Oh, life was just going to be fantastic. She stopped and swallowed a bout of nausea down and prayed that the potion would work this time.
Draco smiled as she wandered down the staircase. "You look happy."
"You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to eating all the chocolate I can stuff in my face today, Malfoy."
"As long as if you need to nap, you don't fall asleep in soup," he teased and patted her shoulder.
"That was one time, and I don't want to hear about it again," Hermione mumbled with a blush across her cheeks.
"Oh, Hermione, don't you look charming," Narcissa declared as she walked into the hall from the dining room. "I have a few more things for you, darling."
Hermione took the offered potions, and she drank them. Narcissa sighed and stroked her hair. It was a complete change in reaction of months ago. The witch had turned from steely and aloft, to very doting and kind.
"Thank you, Narcissa," Hermione smiled as she handed back the empty vials.
"If you get sick, tell Molly to make you some tea," she nodded.
"Sorry, we were struggling to get the jumper on," Astoria declared from the staircase.
Scorpius skipped down in his Weasley sweater and rubbed Hermione's stomach. It was becoming a norm, and Hermione lifted her sweater for him to reach while she bent closer for him.
"Dis a baby! Cousin," he cooed and rubbed.
Astoria laughed as she approached and puffed. "Well, it seems he understands a little."
"Scorpius is our smart boy. Of course, he knows," Hermione smiled and ruffled his hair.
"Off to the Burrow," Draco hummed and waved. "Tell father we'll be back in a few hours."
"Of course, Draco. You know how he is at Christmas," Narcissa tutted and waved.
The strange group shuffled to the sitting room to use the floo. Astoria went through with Scorpius first. Then Hermione went through and breathed in the redolent smells of Christmas at the Burrow. Thank Merlin for potions! She enjoyed the scent with a deep breath and closed eyes. It all was so potent and lovely. Likely the best smells her sensitive nose had encountered.
"Hermione!" George's voice announced over the conversations taking place in the room.
Hermione opened her eyes in time to see him scoop her up. "Happy Christmas! Oh, look at you!" He exclaimed before kneeling down. "Little Malfoy bump is here!"
"Hermione, is she here?" Molly questioned as she bustled into the room. "Oh, my dear! You look so beautiful!" Molly cried as she approached.
Hermione was soon crowded with Weasleys, all touching her and complimenting her shiny curls or her decent-sized bump. Molly had mended her jumper for her in the chaos, and she finally had the chance to breathe.
"Okay, okay, give her some room," Draco chuckled as he came through.
"Malfoy!" George laughed and walked over to him.
Hermione found her way over to Astoria, sitting on the sofa with Ginny. "Merlin, I've never had so many hands on me in my life," Hermione huffed as she sat.
"Get used to it," Ginny smirked. "Especially when you out yourself."
Hermione rubbed her stomach and groaned. She suddenly felt too tired to climb from the sofa. "Where's," she couldn't finish.
"Happy Christmas, darlin'," a voice murmured, and a plate of sweets appeared in front of her.
"Oh, Charlie, you're remarkable," Hermione sighed and bent to his cheek to kiss it before taking the plate.
"You need some tea?" He asked and caressed her hair.
"I could use a cup," Hermione smiled. "We likely all could after the chaos," she added.
Ginny pouted. "You're never that nice to me."
"That's because, darling sister," he paused and pulled out another plate from behind his back. "I had already planned for you to say that."
Ginny grinned and dug into the sweets without ceremony.
"When do you leave for Romania?" Hermione asked after swallowing a mouthful.
"After the turn of the year. I'll be back in six months to make my first donation," Charlie snorted and sat down on the arm next to Hermione. "Hogwarts has been quiet without you."
"Sorry, Charlie. I had to get things settled here," Hermione murmured.
"And avoid the sulking sod, I'm sure," Charlie grumbled. "He's lucky I don't punch his face to his arsehole."
"Please don't do that," Hermione sighed.
"It isn't right what he did to you," Charlie spat.
"I know, but he's suffering his own inner hell," Hermione declared. "Let him sulk. It always has taken him a bit longer to realize what's good for him."
The front door opened and Harry stepped through with a large sack. "Happy Christmas, everyone," he declared.
"Bout time you showed up, Potter," Malfoy shouted and walked over to him.
Hermione and Astoria smiled at each other as Draco assisted Harry to bring the gifts to the tree. Charlie hummed and nudged Hermione as she glanced in the direction he was looking to see something rather cute. Teddy was shushing the little children surrounding him as he handed them cookies from the counter. It was adorable, and even Scorpius was waiting patiently next to Albus for his.
"Oi, what is he doing here?" George asked.
That drew attention from the whole room to the doorway. There was Severus Snape, in a green wooly jumper, a long charcoal coat, and a subtle expression of nervousness. Hermione stood up and exhaled as she set down her plate. Walking over, she stood at the door while the room was deadly silent behind her.
"Happy Christmas, Severus. Did you want a drink?" She asked and waved him inside and out of the snow.
He took her offered hand, and she brought him through the sea of red hair and disgusted faces to a chair near the couch. Hermione sat down, and Charlie ran his fingers over her curls.
"I'm going to get you that tea, darlin'," Charlie said before moving toward the kitchen.
Hermione lifted her plate and turned to Astoria. "It's quite adorable how well Scorpius is fitting in."
Just like that, it seemed the room took a deep breath. Conversation resumed, and Astoria smiled. "Yes, it is. It will be nice for him to experience a busy Christmas."
Ginny glanced over at the uncomfortable Potion Master. "How was Christmas eve at Hogwarts, Snape?"
"Standard," he hummed and manipulated in his seat.
"I'm positive the Great Hall looks beautiful," Hermione sighed. "I do love Christmas at Hogwarts."
"Mr. Longbottom announced last night that his soon to be wife is with child," Severus said.
Hermione gasped and clapped, nearly knocking the plate off her lap. "Oh, that's so wonderful!"
"Good for him! Oh, he and Hannah are going to make beautiful children," Ginny sighed.
Severus moved again as Charlie returned with the tea tray. He stood up and clapped Snape rough on the shoulder. "Fancy seeing you here, Snape. Did you kill any children on the way over? Break someone's heart and leave her for destitute?"
"Merlin, Charlie! Completely out of line," Hermione growled. "I'm pregnant, and I'm allowed to say I don't want any bickering around this baby!"
Charlie pulled from Severus and nodded. "Okay, darlin', I won't."
"Good, now go make sure the children aren't stealing all the sweets," Hermione ordered and waved him off toward the kitchen. "Your sweater looks very nice, Severus," Hermione noted as she bent to the tray.
He waved her off and began making her tea as the other witches near her, glanced at each other. They were dressing their teacups as Severus handed Hermione one. "I apologize if my presence makes you uncomfortable."
"It doesn't," Hermione sighed before sipping her tea. "I'm sorry that my family is so protective."
"That's an amiable quality to have in a family," he noted.
Molly walked by and twitched her nose before huffing. "Severus, dear, I have your sweater. I didn't have time to send it out this morning."
He glanced at the witch and nodded. "Thank you, Molly."
"Where are Bill and Fleur? I had a question for her," Hermione asked Molly.
"Oh, dear, they'll be here soon. Ron and Padma are at her parents' house for the morning as well. Everyone will arrive closer to dinner," Molly shuffled off. "Charles! Don't you dare give them more of my biscuits!"
Hermione smiled and glanced at Astoria. "A bit loud, isn't it?" she asked.
Astoria nodded and licked her lips. "I've never witnessed a Christmas like this."
"Now, just stop!" Draco chuckled, and the Weasleys and Harry picked him up.
"Malfoy is our king, he can't catch anything," they droned in response.
Hermione burst into laughter and nearly spilled her plate. Severus took it from her in her fit of laughter that turned into crying, and she pressed her cheek against Astoria's shoulder. "Why didn't we do this sooner?" Hermione huffed as her giggling subsided.
"Oh, I don't know, maybe because you never told us how fun Draco turned out to be," Ginny snickered.
"Oh, I have to get up," Hermione huffed and set her teacup down.
Severus jumped from his chair and offered his hand.
"Thank you, Severus," Hermione smiled and hoisted herself up with his grip.
"You're welcome, Hermione," he murmured and sat back down as she wandered toward the kitchen.
"Dressing up, being polite and attentive. My, Ginny, doesn't that seem quite interesting," Astoria smirked and nudged the witch next to her.
Severus ran a hand over his chest and hummed before moving to make himself tea. "I'm only here because Harry pushed me to come."
"Oh, I thought it was because you needed an excuse to see her, pity," Astoria sighed.
"Don't you bait me, Mrs. Malfoy," Severus hissed.
"Why don't you go talk to her? It's clear you need to say something," Ginny offered.
Severus grunted and sipped his teacup. "I'm only here out of courtesy."
"She's in the loo," Ginny pressed. "The hallway is a safe spot to at least talk."
Severus glared and set down his cup. "Will it stop this incessant need to tell me what to do?"
"Yes," Astoria agreed.
Snape groaned and climbed to his feet before stepping toward the kitchen. When he stepped inside, Molly glared at him but continued her work at the stove. "Severus."
"I've gotten each and every howler, and I understand you're upset. I will sit and listen to you berate me in a future moment. I must head to the restroom."
"Second floor," Molly huffed and waved a spoon at him.
Severus twitched his nose as his feet carried him up the staircase. He wasn't positive what he was walking into. A firing squad? A vicious tempered pregnant witch with an urge to gut him? Her mood had been docile, but she was excellent at saving face when needed.
He approached the door he could assume was the bathroom and heard struggling. "Blasted, damn thing," Hermione growled.
Snape knocked, and she groaned. "Just a moment, I'm struggling."
"Hermione, can I help you?" He asked.
Silence.
The door unlatched, and she poked her head out. "Yes, come in," she whispered with a frown.
Severus scrunched his brow but complied as the barrier opened. Hermione huffed and turned around, peeling her t-shirt from her back. "It's twisted, and I don't have the energy to grapple with it."
Oh, he could cry with how lovely her flesh looked after so long from not viewing it. Severus ran his fingers over the latch of her bra, unhooking it. His hands gracefully mended the twist and reconnected the hooks, but his fingers lingered, tracing her spine.
"Severus, please, don't," she breathed.
"I'm sorry," he cleared his throat.
"No, it's not that. I'm just randier than a fourth-year boy," she puffed and rolled her neck.
He shouldn't. This would be confusing. His hands didn't obey as they traced her waist and over the distended bump, she now had. "I could offer assistance," he whispered.
Hermione's posture faltered as she moaned. "You could?"
"I could."
She whimpered as a hand plunged into her pants and knickers, caressing the garden he prayed to so often. "Please?" She murmured.
He pivoted her form and, with urgency, placed her on the counter. Oh, how he craved his Venus. Severus's mouth smashed against hers as his hands went to removing her barriers. Hermione moaned and sighed as she coiled her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist once they were freed.
A zipper, a moment, then a moan in unison. He kissed her with vim while plunging into what he wanted most. She felt extraordinary and somehow new territory as she clawed at his sweater and sounded in his mouth. His hand went to her cheek as they battled in each others' mouths.
Every push and thrust was closer to Eden. Then, with a beautiful muffled symphony, she cried and spasmed through his lips. Severus was gone, and he finished moments later before pulling from her mouth and pressing his damp forehead to her shoulder.
"I can't escape you," he breathed.
"If you don't believe you could ever be a father, you're going to have to try," she huffed while running her fingers through his hair.
He touched her cheek and raised enough to see her. They were still connected, and she made no motion to pull from him. He stared at her and knitted his brows in anguish.
Hermione moved a hand to his cheek and grazed her fingertips to his forehead. Her thumb worked against his creases, and she smiled. "You've been worrying too much, Severus. You're looking tired."
He gingerly pulled from her, and they winced and sighed. "Why did you agree to surrogate for them?"
"Because," she said. "It was better than attempting to do this alone. We made promises to each other, Severus, and I intend to keep mine. I always will."
He adjusted himself and puffed. "Hermione, you deserve to be a mother."
"And I will be, with or without you, Severus," Hermione mumbled and shifted off the counter. "Even if I have to do it on my own. Thank you for the Christmas gift. It was just what I needed," she smiled and slid on her clothing.
Severus watched her move to the door after sliding on her flats. He felt utterly baffled at her tenacity to love him even through all of this mess. Hermione smiled and waved before leaving the bathroom and shutting the door behind her.