Hermione read Neville and Severus' owl several times, sighing. She wasn't entirely sure what to do about it, as much as she had no urge to have Lia dragged through the paper, she had no leverage with Rita any more. She began contemplating legal if unethical ways to curtail the witch when the door went, revealing Kingsley. Hermione blinked in surprise.

"Kings? It's not like you to drop by unannounced."

"Uncle Kings!" Lia squealed, barreling into the man's legs.

"Why hello, Princess!"

"You pway Uncle Kings? You bring my Sev'us?"

Kingsley choked slightly, "Of course I'll play Princess, right after I've had a chat with your mummy. Maybe after a cup of tea? And I'm afraid I left your Severus at home today."
Lia pouted,"You go get him Uncle Kings?"

"Not today, Princess. Severus is very busy but I'm sure he'll come and see you soon."

Lia nodded solemnly. "He come for sleepover, Uncle Kings!"
Kingsley turned to gape at Hermione who blushed, ushering her daughter back into the livingroom and putting on Cinderella.

"He's staying for a sleepover, Hermione?" Kingsley asked, amusement clear on his face. "Do I need to give him the big brother talk?"

"Kings! No!"

"Oh, my Gods!" he breathed, "I do! How serious is this, Hermione?"

"I…. pretty serious I suppose. Lia adores him."

"So I gathered. And you?"

Hermione shrugged, looking uncomfortable. "It would be very easy to fall in love with him." she said softly.

"And that scares you."

"Yes. I know its stupid, Jesus, I trust him with Lia which should be a pretty good indication of things but it still scares me."

Kingsley smiled softly at her, pulling her into a hug. "It's ok to be scared, I'd be worried if you weren't. Just don't sabotage whatever's happening because of it. Now. I've had my big brother speech prepared for years. Since you were seventeen and you saved my arse on the back of that thestral really. I never thought for a moment I'd be using it on Severus Snape but there you go." He grinned wickedly, "Would it be too much to do it in the Great Hall when the students are having dinner, do you think?"

Hermione buried her face in his chest and groaned, "Kings! No!"

Kingsley snorted, "It's my duty, Hermione! And Gods, I so want to see his face!"

Hermione whacked him on the chest. "Kings!" she whined, "Please no!"
Kingsley grinned back at her, saying nothing. Huffing, she turned to make tea.

"I assume there is a reason you're here, other than attempting to embarrass me?"
"Yes." he began hesitantly. "I assume you saw yesterday's Prophet?"
"Yes." she sighed, "I got an owl from Neville and Severus too. I know she used to be unregistered, but she's fixed that. I can't let her drag Lia through the media though. Just out of curiosity how illegal is too illegal?"

Kingsly choked on a laugh, "For you, love, I'll turn a blind eye. Depending on what it is I may even help you hide the evidence. However, in this instance, there is no need. Harry sorted it."
"Harry? Harry Potter Harry?"
"That's the one."
"Why?" she asked bluntly.

"Honestly love, because I think he's sorry. He told me that he didn't need you to know it was him, but I know you, you'd be forever curious if the problem just went away. He threatened Barnabas Cuffe. Told him he'd buy the Prophet and sack them all."
Hermione laughed, "Seriously?"

"Oh yes. It was rather amusing. Look, you don't need to do anything with this information, Merlin knows you owe that man nothing. I just wanted you to know that Skeeter won't be an issue any longer."
Hermione looked at him contemplating her own feelings on the matter. "What do you think I should do?"

"About Harry?"
She nodded, pouring tea while she composed her face.

"I think that's up to you. You have every right to do nothing."
She nodded again, as she handed him a mug. "Come on, Cinderella will only keep Lia entertained for so long."

Hermione contemplated Harry long after Kingsley left, wondering what she should do. She wanted to speak to Severus but couldn't bring herself to. She'd been alone for years, she didn't need someone else to help her make her decisions, it was absurd. In the end she decided to sleep on it, hoping the morning would bring clarity.

While Lia was occupied with her dolls house Hermione began her letter, sending it before she could change her mind.

Two days later, on Hogmanay, on the front page of the Prophet, there was a letter of apology directed at Hermione from the editor himself. He claimed both he and Rita were sorry for the distress caused, they stated that Harry Potter and the Weasleys mentioned were all in happy relationships and that Hermione's daughter appeared to be a delightful little girl on the rare sightings her mother allowed. It ended with a promise not to breach the privacy of a child again.

Severus' eyebrows rose as he read it, wondering how exactly Hermione had managed it. Next to him, Neville choked.

"I think we need an explanation." he murmured quietly.

"Indeed." Severus drawled. He hadn't heard from her since the story broke and he had to admit it concerned him. Was she having second thoughts?

In a move most unlike him he decided to throw caution to the wind, and just visit the witch. He began to second guess himself as he stood on her doorstep. Helen opened the door beaming.

"She'll be back in an hour, come in and make yourself at home. I'm glad you're here. Stubborn girl was determined to spend the entire day alone. Shes been quiet this last week, any ideas why?"
Severus shook his head, wondering if this had been a terrible idea. "Other than the nonsense in The Prophet, I have no idea."
Helen frowned at him, "The nonsense in the Prophet?"

"Yes, there was speculation on Lia's father."

Helen's face turned hard, "Was there now?"

"Yes. There was an apology printed this morning."
"Hmmm. I see." She paused, "Forgive me, I know it's none of my business, but you're not just a friend, are you?"
Severus stilled, unsure what to say to the woman when Hermione clearly hadn't told her anything. "Thought so." Helen murmured.

"I didn't say anything!"
"You didn't have to! Your face did it for you. Don't worry, this isn't a lecture, I approve. Hermione has been much happier since you started coming around and I swear you're all Lia talks about. I hope I don't need to warn you not to hurt them,"

"No," he replied softly.

"Good. Then I'll just say this. That girl is as stubborn as they come and when she's hurting, she shuts everyone out, it's like she can't cope with needing someone in case they disappear. That idiot boy hurt her more than I think anyone ever imagined. So, when she pushes you away, because God knows she will, please don't let her."

"I shall try." Severus responded, wondering what the hell he was meant to do with that information,

"Good. Now I'm off to get ready, I'm being taken to a party!" And with that she bounced out of the room, leaving him to his thoughts.

Hermione and Lia returned an hour and a half later, bundled up against the cold.

"My Sev'us!" Lia screamed, spotting him. Hermione froze.

"I wasn't expecting you." she said softly, her face unreadable.

"I thought I would make the most of the castle being empty," he replied with a shrug, hugging Lia close. "You're frozen Miss Lia! What were you up to?"
"Went for a walk my Sev'us."
"I see, did you enjoy it?"

"Yes! Fed the ducks!"

Severus laughed at her enthusiasm, glancing at Hermione who had come back into the room after removing her outer layers. He held out an arm, arching a brow questioningly, hiding his relief when she didn't hesitate to come to him for a hug, burrowing herself into his side.

"Is everything alright, Hermione?" he asked quietly after he put Lia down.

"Yes. No. I don't know." she laughed slightly, shaking her head. He placed a finger under her chin, forcing her to lift her head.

"I cannot help if you do not speak to me."

"That's the problem!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "I wanted to speak to you!"
He frowned, "I do not follow."
"I've done this on my own for so long, surely I shouldn't need to speak to you to make a decision." she said in a small voice before she sighed. "But I wanted to, and it scared me."

Severus contemplated how to deal with that, pulling her down onto the sofa next to him, grateful when she didn't protest at him pulling her close.

"You are not alone now. I am not well versed in relationships, but I am led to believe that is the entire point of one."

"Yes but…. Severus, surely I should still be able to make decisions without needing to speak to you?"

"And I'm sure you can," he said softly, "There is nothing wrong with wanting to talk that decision through with someone else first though."
Hermione sighed, dropping her head onto his shoulder. "I don't know how to do this."

Severus snorted, "And I do?" he replied pointedly, making her smile slightly.

"I'm being ridiculous."
"Yes," he said bluntly, "I like you all the same."

She huffed a laugh into his shoulder as Lia came running back into the room with dolls in hand. "You pway, my Sev'us?"

"In a moment Miss Lia, I have to talk to your Mummy."

Lia sighed, "ok, my Sev'us."

"Hermione?"

"Severus?"
"Please don't ever feel like you cannot talk something through with me." He felt her nod as he pulled her in closer, relieved beyond measure that she wasn't having second thoughts. "Do I want to ask what decision you wished to talk through?"

"Harry got the apology printed in the Prophet. Kings says he threatened the editor. I wasn't sure what to do with it."

"I see. What did you decide?"

"I wrote to him. Thanking him, asking if we could manage civility for the sake of the children."

He nodded, not entirely sure how he felt about Potter coming to the rescue before accepting that if it meant Lia and Hermione were safe from that ridiculous woman, he should probably just be grateful.

"How long have we got you for?" Hermione asked, disrupting his thoughts.

He smirked down at her, shifting so he was speaking directly into her ear "How long do you want me for Hermione?"

She shivered "I'm sure I've warned you about that!" she groaned, making him smirk before she threw him back off balance. "We did promise Lia a sleepover, how early do you need to be back at the castle?"
He almost choked on his tongue as he processed the implications of that. "I don't," he replied softly.

She glanced up at him through her lashes, "Sleepover then?"

"I can't think of anything I'd like more. However, it involves a return trip to Hogwarts, I refuse to sleep in my coat."

Hermione laughed at him before leaning close. "By all means, pack a bag. But Severus, I had not intended that you'd be sleeping in anything at all."

He closed his eyes briefly, before he caught her for a kiss. "Lia is still awake, witch. Do not start something you cannot finish."

She smirked up at him, her hand slowly moving up his thigh until he was forced to still it. "I hear the anticipation is half the fun." she replied with a low chuckle.

"You're going to be the death of me, witch!" he groaned into her hair.
"Hopefully not tonight," she quipped, "I have far more interesting plans for you."

He stood abruptly before she could distract him further, "I shall be back momentarily."

"You go home my Sev'us?" Lia asked with a small petted lip.

"No, Miss Lia. I'm coming back but I need my bag for a sleepover."
"You stay sleepover, My Sev'us!" she squealed. "I come pack bag!"

Severus' eyes widened as Hermione laughed. "Don't take too long then Lia."

"You're letting me take her?"
"Do you not want to, Severus?" Hermione asked, frowning.

"What, no! Of course, I want to."
"I trust you." She said softly, understanding in her eyes.

He nodded before turning to the little girl. "Shoes and coat then Miss Lia."

Harry Potter noticed the strange owl coming through the window, wondering who it was from as it made a beeline for him. Untying the letter, he noticed the familiar writing on the front that caused his heart rate to increase. He opened it slowly, dreading what was inside.

Dear Harry,

This wasn't a letter I ever thought I would write, but lately I've found myself doing an awful lot of things I never saw myself doing so perhaps this is just in keeping with the theme.

I wanted to thank you for handling Rita. Not for my sake, but for Lia's. Whatever choices I've made in my life, she's innocent and doesn't deserve to be caught up in Rita's delusions. And I am uncomfortably aware that you didn't have to do it.

I'll admit to not knowing entirely what I expect to achieve from this letter, civility perhaps? We were friends once, and I cannot imagine a time when I will not miss you. But while I forgave you a long time ago, I struggle to see a world where we will ever be close. Even now I'm struggling to forget. Life may be far too short to spend the time hating you, but the hurt refuses to go away. Your actions led me to some of the best things in my life, but the fact is, they almost cost me everything. I've spent many years building myself back up and learning how to trust people again. It's a work in progress.

Ginny tells me that you're both happy, and I'm glad. I'm glad you made yourself the family you craved; you of all people deserved at least that.

I hope that for the sakes of our children we can call a truce, I don't want them caught in the mess we created. They deserve a clean slate.

Hermione.

Harry re-read it twice. It wasn't exactly what he had hoped for but it was better than her refusing to see him completely. He could manage civil. And maybe, just maybe, if they managed that for a time, she'd consider friendship again. It was ultimately more hope than he'd had in years. He'd take whatever he could get.

He scribbled a quick letter back, informing her that it was the least he could do, that James had adored Lia and with her permission he'd like to invite them both either to the house or out, if she wasn't comfortable, to allow the children to spend time together, promising that Ginny would be there as a buffer but agreeing that they could manage civility. He sent it off before he could second guess himself. Praying to whomever might be listening that she agreed.

Severus apparated with Lia in his arms, putting her down once he was sure she wouldn't vomit as he took her small hand in his to walk back up to the castle. The few students milling around the grounds gaped slightly at the sight of Professor Snape having his ear talked off by a tiny creature dressed in pastels. He wasn't sure he blamed them, not entirely unaware of the image they projected.

Harry Potter was leaving the Great Hall, James' hand in his as they entered the castle.

"LIA!" Severus heard someone high-pitched scream, feeling Lia let go of his hand as she ran forward.

"Jamie!"

Fuck. Was his only coherent thought as he came face to face with a stunned looking Potter.

"She's Hermione's daughter." The boy blurted.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Yes, I am aware."

"Why do you have her?"
"My Sev'us stay for a sleepover!" Lia announced, making Harry choke before he turned to gape at his former Professor. He was saved by the Lia tugging on Harry's sleeve.

"Who you?"

"I…I'm Jamies, Daddy." Harry replied, looking down at the miniature version of Hermione, trying to corral his thoughts into some semblance of order.

"Oh. Hi Jamie's Daddy. I Lia!"

"Hello Lia. You look exactly like your Mummy."

The girl frowned, "You know Mumma?"
"Yes, I went to school with your mummy."

"Oh. I pway Jamie, my Sev'us?" She turned wide eyes towards him, making him sigh. He wasn't sure he could say no to this girl, but Hermione might murder him.

"Perhaps not today, Miss Lia." he hedged, making her pout. Beside him Harry smothered a grin seeing the usually recalcitrant Professor brought to his knees by the tiny girl. He could feel the man's struggle as he tried to extract himself from the situation while refusing to say no outright to her.

"But my Sev'us. I no seen Jamie in ages!"

"Yes, but your mummy is expecting us back, Miss Lia."
"Five minutes, my Sev'us?" she pleaded, her lower lip petted.

Severus sighed, "Cordelia!" he all but whined.

"Why don't I take Lia back to my rooms for five minutes to play with Jamie while you get what you came for?" He offered, struggling not to laugh.

"Yes, my Sev'us! I go with Jamie's daddy, five minutes!"

Harry snorted as Severus closed his eyes and groaned. "Miss Lia if your mother is cross with me, I shall be most displeased."
Lia grinned up at him, knowing she'd got exactly what she wanted. "See you soon, my Sev'us! Love oo!"

Severus felt his heart constrict painfully as he gazed down at the small girl who had no idea what she'd done to him.

"I love you too, my Lia." he said softly, running a hand over her curls, not registering what he said, before turning back to a stunned Potter. "Five minutes, Mr Potter!" with that he stalked off down the hallway leaving Harry to usher two overly excited children back to his rooms.