Disclaimor: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.

Thank you Corazon for all your help and advice with this story and beta reading it!

Hidden Truths

Chapter 18

In the sitting room in a corner was a Christmas tree decorated divinely, the house elves set it up at night and placed all the presents under the tree. The Grangers were sitting on a couch that now faced the tree. Harry and Ginny were sitting next to each other closer while Ron was next to them sitting on the floor in front of the tree. There was a place left for Hermione. Hermione walked over and started to sit down with her hand still enclosed in Severus' when she felt his hesitance, but she squeezed his hand and smiled.

Severus didn't feel comfortable sitting on the floor with the others around, it reminded him acting like a first year. But the look in Hermione's eye made him give in. Severus even consented to acting cordial to her friends for the day and it appeared they were trying the same - even Weasley.

"Hermione, this one is for you," Ginny offered the package.

Hermione took the package and sat back down between Severus' bent legs, "Thank Ginny."

"Professor Snape, this one has your name on it," Ginny offered with a bit of hesitancy.

Severus took the present, "Thank you Ms. Weasley."

Ginny blinked at the professor and she soon handed everyone a present. Once opening them, the four Gryffindors each had a sweater, different colors with their initial on front. All were from Mrs. Weasley. Severus received a silver/green scarf courtesy of the staff - like he did every year. Reed received a new watch from his wife and he loved it. Candace's present was a necklace with a charm and a pair of diamond earrings. To say she loved them would be perfect.

The next round of presents were presented. The Gryffindors put their money together to each buy one present for the others. Hermione received a gift certificate to the new bookstore in Hogsmeade from her three friends. Harry got a new and improved racing broom kit from his friends. Ron was stocked up for months with sweets and Ginny got a book that Hermione convinced Harry and Ron to get - it was a wise move. Ginny also was discreetly given a poem book from Harry. Severus opened a book that he had been looking for from Dumbledore. Reed received several new books, all muggle thrillers and Candace got new candles in different scents. The Gryffindors each got rock cakes from Hagrid.

Severus gave Hermione a necklace and charm. He explained, "It will bring you good luck. The charm is known among the Leprechauns."

Hermione kissed his cheek in thanks. Hermione gave Severus vials that were hand blown in different shapes and colors. They were non-breakable and sealed potions better than regular vials and helped make the potions last longer.

"Thank you Hermione, they're great. I've always wanted a set, but never indulged myself," Severus said.

Hermione was glad he liked them; she planned on indulging him with things he wanted from now on.

When all the presents were gone, Ginny noticed an envelope. She picked it up and held it out to the receiver, "Professor Snape."

Severus took the card and distain on his face as he looked at the envelope; he simply sat it down beside his presents not even opening it.

"Aren't you going to open it?" Hermione asked.

"No, it's from my parents."

"All the more reason to open it," Hermione urged.

"It's the same every year."

"Sourpuss. Fine, I'll open it," Hermione grabbed the letter.

"Hermione, don't, you won't like it," Severus tried to grab it.

By now everyone was staring at the two, but they were oblivious to it or at least Hermione was but Severus was more concerned about her opening the letter. Hermione kept it out of his reach and opened it, "Calm down Severus. I'm just going to look."

"That's the problem," Severus gave up though; the truth would need to come out eventually. Not that he wanted everyone to know, but he wasn't about to fight with Hermione over a letter. Hermione quickly read the letter and gasped. When she was done she turned her head to look at Severus. She was still sitting between his legs, "This is a joke right?"

"Who am I suppose to meet this time?"

"Lara Simons."

"I've heard of her. It appears my parents tastes have gotten worse."

"You're serious?" Hermione was getting angry.

"Very. I warned you, you wouldn't like it." Severus tried to keep the 'I told you so,' tone out of his voice, but only exceeded a little bit.

Hermione started to get up and Severus stopped her by wrapping his arms tighter around her waist. "Severus, are you to marry her?" Hermione asked indignantly.

"I haven't married the other ten women they tried. This one is no different."

"They do this each year?" Hermione was still upset.

"Yes, I don't even meet the women; my parents and I have different tastes."

"Am I going to ever meet them?"

"Probably."

"Won't they get mad your involved with a Mudblood?" Hermione spat the word.

"Hermione you are not a Mudblood!" Severus growled.

"I'm not telling anybody I'm a pureblood witch. If people only accept me because of my blood lines I don't need them in my life."

"I'm not talking about your parentage. Even if you were muggleborn you would never be a Mudblood."

"That's not what the Malfoys think."

"And since when did you care what the Malfoys think?"

"I don't care."

"Then don't care about what my parents would think. They have the wrong priority of values. And besides, could you see me with a witch worse at magic than Longbottom and dumber than Parkinson?"

"Dumber than Parkinson? That's possible?" Hermione laughed, feeling better.

"Yes, that's what I've heard about Lara Simons."

"Your mother describes her as radiant," Hermione couldn't get rid of her jealousy though.

Severus, feeling a bit foolish in front of everyone watching, but wanting to reassure Hermione whispered, "Love, your beauty far reaches those of Veelas. I will never have another woman in my bed because all others compared to you are just mortals when you are an Angel. The only two things that turn me on more than your body is your intelligence and soul."

Hermione looked at Severus with skepticism.

"I give my wizard's oath, Hermione no one ever again but you." Severus said for all to hear, but only Hermione knew what he meant, though Reed, Candace and Ginny speculated.

Hermione was reassured, "Sorry, I'll stop acting foolish."

"Severus, are your parents Brent and Victoria Snape?" Reed asked.

"Yes do you know them?"

"Years ago, they would have no reason to remember me, but when they found out who my parents were and they disliked me because of it."

"Who were your parents?"

"Christopher and Abagail Grange. We changed it to Granger when we lived as Muggles."

Severus smirked, "Oh this is great."

"What?" Hermione asked.

"The only person, a witch, who defeated my father at dueling was Abagail P.. Grange. I've heard for years that Abagail Grange cheated, but when I looked in my father's Pensieve, I could tell she did not. If my father ever found out who was your grandmother he would challenge you." Severus smiled telling the story and referring to the woman in his arms.

Severus looked to Reed, "Did you plan on telling him?"

Reed understood what Severus meant, "Yes."

"May I?" Severus asked.

"Please do."

"When Abagail defeated my father, her maiden name was Potter," Severus looked to Harry Potter seeing if he got the meaning.



To Be Continued...