Bad author, bad author! I haven't updated in awhile, I'm so sorry, but finals have been this week, and I'm pretty busy studying. Thank everyone for those wonderful reviews, I really love them. Seriously, though, I'll try to do better on updating. This chapter is unbeta-ed as well, though I've had a couple of people offer to, no one has replied to me. Oh, well, just email me, it's in my profile. Well, till later!
Own nothing. In fact, I'm broke. If I originally thought of this, I wouldn't be, would I?
Ch. 5- Potions and Mistletoe
Part One: Presents under the Tree
About 4 months along . . .
Christmas holidays were almost upon the school. Hermione, for one, was looking forward to having some time to relax. With her flagging energy and slowly expanding stomach, she was in desperate need of it. To top it off, Ron was going home, so she was relieved of that stress for the moment. She loved him, but things were still strained between the once inseparable trio. Harry was staying (no surprise there) and she was glad to have his company.
Severus was actually anticipating this holiday for the first time in longer than he could remember. Just having Hermione with him to share it with gave him the patience to put up with everyone else.
They had never really talked about the night they had slept in the same bed, but had never felt the need. Since neither seemed to have a problem with it, they didn't need to discuss it.
Finally, a week before Christmas, the majority of the school was gone. Hermione decided to split her time between Harry and Severus. This was gong to be a great Christmas!
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of tapping on the window. Since Hermione seemed oblivious, he got up and opened it. A ordinary- looking brown owl flew in. Hermione saw it and the smile on her face slipped a notch.
"That's my parents' owl," she told him, eyeing the letter it carried nervously. She had owled her parents shortly after she had found out about her pregnancy, and it was an understatement to say that they hadn't taken the news well. No matter how many times she and the Headmaster and even Professor McGonagall had written them saying that it wasn't Hermione's fault, they still thought that she'd been stupid and ruined her future. She hadn't told her friends or Severus about it.
"Well, are you going to read it?" Harry asked. He held the letter out to her.
She took it and slowly unsealed the Muggle envelope. Taking out the letter, she read it and paled a little. "They want me to visit them the day after Christmas."
"So? What's wrong with that?" Harry was curious. She normally had a very good relationship with her parents.
"They're not exactly pleased with this." She gestured at her stomach, which was now readily apparent under the T-shirt. "They seem to think I've made a terrible mistake."
"But it's not you fault!" he protested.
"We've told them that, time and again," Hermione said, anger and the sting of held back tears apparent in her voice.
Harry put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "You should probably talk to Professor Dumbledore about this. Or would you rather go to Professor Snape first?"
"No, the Headmaster is fine, but thank you for offering, Harry. I know it's not easy to accept that he's part of my life. He'll probably be called up there anyway."
"You know, it isn't as hard as I thought it would be. He's a good man, he just hides it well." Harry knew that there was more between the two than Hermione told him but he believed what he said. He felt that they were perfect for each other, and that the Potions Master would never let any harm come to her or her baby. Harry also thought that Snape would make a decent father. He knew exactly what not to do, since he'd seen so many children and their parents come through and the man's own childhood.
Harry accompanied his friend to Dumbledore's domain. Hermione was thinking that she'd seen more of the office than she ever wanted to. She grabbed Harry's hand when he would have left.
"How may I help you, Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked, gesturing them to be seated.
Taking one gladly (her back was aching after all of those stairs), she answered him, "My parents wish for me to visit them the day after Christmas."
"I thought as much. I also received the request from them, not an hour ago." His voice sounded sad. "I think you should go."
"I suppose I agree," she said reluctantly. "But I don't want to go alone."
"I believe I have the perfect escort for you," Dumbledore was twinkling as he walked over to the fireplace. Throwing in a pinch of Floo powder, he called, "Severus, come up to my office, please."
A moment later Severus stepped out of the fireplace, dressed in casual black pants and a white Muggle T-shirt. Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You called, headmaster?" he commented, voice dry. He saw Hermione and Harry sitting there. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Hermione hastened to reassure him. "Well, nothing much, anyway," she amended when he gave her a scrutinizing look.
"Sit down, Severus," Dumbledore indicated the chair next to Hermione. "Miss Granger is merely in need of an escort to her parents house the day after Christmas, and I was wondering if you would oblige?"
"Certainly, Albus. I will gladly accompany my Apprentice anywhere she needs to go," Severus replied.
"Great!" Dumbledore clapped his hands in delight. "Since that is settled, I will see you all at dinner tonight."
The group rose at this gentle dismissal and bid him good afternoon. Hermione descended the stairs first, while the two men hovered behind her, ready to grab her if she should slip. "Honestly, you two," she laughed. "I'm not fragile. I may break out in tears for no reason but it doesn't mean I'm going to literally break. I'm just pregnant."
Harry and Severus shared a quick amused glance and continued to hover until she was safely down the stairs. Who knew that they would be agreeing with eachother, let alone about Hermione Granger. They walked in silence together until they reached the point that Severus would turn at to take him to the dungeons.
Severus turned to Hermione and said, "I'll see you later, luv," and laid a gentle hand on her tummy. "Good day, Mr. Potter," he added before striding away.
Harry was suitably shocked; he believed the Professor's behavior indicated that he trusted Harry. His surprise must have shown, because Hermione had a smile on her face. "He does trust you," she told him. "The way you've stuck by me and treated me has impressed him. Don't tell him I told you that. Plus the way you've acted towards him recently. He never really hated you anyway."
"Could have fooled me, but I'm glad not to have trouble from him."
"He knows you're a brother to me, and a friend, nothing more."
"You mean, he knows I'm not after you," Harry teased.
She looked at him and agreed, startled that he didn't seem at all upset at the thought of her and Severus as a couple. "He loves you," Harry told her. "Something I never would have expected."
"You really think so?" Harry could hear the insecurity in her voice.
"Yes, I do." His tone was so adamant that Hermione believed him.
"Hey, I want some hot chocolate. You go on up to the common room and I'll be up there in a moment."
"I guess." He looked dubious, obviously wondering if he should let her go alone.
"I. Am. Not. Going. To. Break," she said, her voice exasperated but not angry.
"Fine, fine. I'll be there waiting, Oh-She-That-Commands-Upmost- Obedience-In-Her-Men."
She left, muttering something about "men" and "smart asses." She tickled the pear and twisted the knob that appeared. Once inside, she was accosted by elves from all sides, all of whom were still ready to give her her heart's desire. Hermione smiled wryly; it was that they couldn't provide.
She was quickly given her hot chocolate and the butter beer she requested for Harry, and was about to leave when something in one corner caught her eye. There were two elves with a small pile of Christmas decorations in one corner. She wandered over there and asked, "What are these for?"
"Theses for Professor Snape's rooms. Master's tolds us to, every year," one elf replied.
She giggled with surprise. It's just like the Headmaster to do that to Severus she thought. Then a devious plot hit her. "Be sure to put up plenty of mistletoe," she advised the duo.
"Yes Miss," the elf answered, looking startled.
Oh, yes, Severus was in for it. He had yet to kiss her properly, just a little brush on the lips every now and then, like friends shared. She wanted to be more than that.
Her self appointed mission accomplished, she went to join Harry in the common room.
Hermione decided to wait until the next day to visit Severus in his quarters, giving the elves enough time to hang the decorations but not let Severus have long enough to take them down.
Hermione snickered at the sight presented to her: the most feared teacher in the school was wrestling a strand of gold garland from a doorway. Apparently, the house elves had used some of their magic to fix it on.
Hearing her repressed laughter, Severus turned with a scowl. "He does this every year, and every year I have to take it down," he vented, frustrated.
"Then why not leave it up?" she giggled, unable to help herself.
Severus walked towards her. Perfect, just a little more she thought. "Because it's ridiculous!" he told her, stopping a foot or so away.
Hermione made a big deal of looking around. "I suppose it is rather much, but some of it's nice." She reached up and plucked at the silver garland outlining the doorway she was standing in. It shifted slightly, revealing a sprig of mistletoe. "Oooh, look, mistletoe!" she exclaimed. "You know what that means!"
When Severus just stood there looking at her, she sighed. If you want something done, you have to do it yourself. Reaching up, Hermione put a hand on his neck and pulled his face down to hers. First she just brushed her lips against his, their normal friendly kiss, but then pressed more firmly.
Severus stiffened momentarily, then sank into the kiss. Daringly, he ran his tongue around her lips, and gasped when they parted. Her tongue suddenly stroked his, causing them both to groan. Hermione twined her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his.
Severus skimmed his hand down her side, causing her to shiver with pleasure. He wasn't thinking anymore, just feeling, and it felt so good.
"Oh Lord, Severus," Hermione groaned when he cupped her breast.
His mind was suddenly jump started by those words. He jumped back and said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I never should have-"
Hermione cut him off. "Don't you dare apologize. I kissed you, not the other way around. We have feelings for each other, Severus, this was bound to happen sooner or later. I just happened to have wanted it sooner!"
Severus was speechless. What is it about her that gives her the ability to do this to me? he wondered. He let out a shaky breath. He didn't want to admit it, but did anyway. "You're right. I'm sorry for not realizing it," he apologized sincerely. He held out a hand to her.
Hermione debated with herself, but decided to forgive him now. She took his had and said, "You're forgiven. Now, I'll help you take most of this down, but let's keep part of it, please?"
One look at her face and his heart melted. "As you wish. But only a little bit. Can't let Albus count too big a coup."
"The mistletoe stays, though, right?"
He chuckled. "If you really want it to, luv, it can stay all year round."
On Christmas Eve, Severus told Hermione that Harry was welcome to come down and share their Christmas. She stared at him in shock. "What?" Severus queried, his voice full of innocence.
Her eyes narrowed slightly. Since when did Severus Snape do innocent? "You. Harry Potter. Same room. Willingly."
He just shrugged noncommitally. She eyed him skeptically, but finally agreed to ask. She knew something was up when Harry accepted without so much as blinking. Hermione relayed Harry's response to Severus, who then said that he would have the presents that everyone sent them delivered to his tree (it had taken much begging and pleading on her part, but Hermione had finally convinced him to keep the small Christmas tree the elves had set up).
The next morning Hermione woke up excited. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and this Christmas she was spending the day with her two favorite people. Even if she received nothing, she would be happy.
She pulled on her dressing gown over her simple flannel pajama pants and matching shirt. Shoving her feet into her slippers, she scooped up the presents she had for Harry and Severus and went to Harry's room.
"Wake up, wake up, wake up," she chanted, bouncing up and down on Harry's bed.
"Ugh, Hermione, it's only seven," Harry groaned, looking at his watch.
"Come on, Harry, it's Christmas. Let's go open presents. Please . . ." she whined.
"Fine, fine. Just let me get changed."
"You don't have to get dressed. Just put on your robe and slippers and let's go," Hermione pleaded.
Harry sighed and submitted, but not without a parting jibe. "You're way too cheerful on Christmas, 'Mione. It's unnatural."
She stuck her tongue out at him, tapping her foot impatiently while Harry dug around under his bed. He came up holding a present and motioned for her to precede him out the door. "After you, my Lady."
Harry nearly had to jog to keep up with Hermione, and he was still taller than her, if only by a little. It didn't take long to reach the dungeon as the halls were empty. A flick of the wand and a word and they were inside.
"Severus!" she called. "We're here, get your arse in here too! I want to open presents!"
"Slave driver," Severus grumbled as he came out of his room, but there was a small smile on his face. He wasn't wearing his sleepwear, but he was in his most casual pants and T-shirt. "Go at it, luv."
Hermione grinned, a bit deviously, Severus thought. He had no time to react when she grabbed him and kissed him thoroughly. Just as quickly she released him and he stumbled backwards.
"Ahhh! I'm scarred for life!" Harry held his hands over his eyes, laughing.
Severus, once his mind cleared, was surprised that Harry hadn't run screaming in the other direction. He wanted to ask him why he didn't have a problem, but settled for saying, "Smart ass," sarcastically.
"Proud of it," Harry replied.
"Presents, please?" Hermione's voice was soft; she didn't want to interrupt the semi-camaraderie her two friends were sharing, but she wanted them to open her presents. She loved to give people things, and Christmas was the perfect time to.
Harry looked at her where she was kneeling by the tree, the presents she had carried down still on her lap. "Give me your present, love, I know you won't shut up until I do." He turned to address Severus. "She can't enjoy her own presents until we've opened ours from her. I have to admit that her birthday presents are wonderful, after fifth year, her Christmas ones have been the best as well."
Hermione blushed but handed Harry two packages anyway. "Sit down, you two." She gestured to the rug.
"As you wish, luv," Severus bowed and gracefully sank down so he was sitting cross-legged.
Harry ripped open the bigger of the two and grinned when he saw a pair of high quality Seeker's gloves. "Thanks, 'Mione, these are great. Just what I've needed."
"Open the other one." Hermione was anxious.
Harry picked up the significantly smaller gift. Sensing that this was more important, he peeled the tape back rather than tearing it. He pulled out a card with a wizarding picture of him and Hermione sitting together laughing. He opened it and read:
Dear Harry,
You are the oldest and best of my friends, and I consider you the
brother I never had. I would ask of you a great favor and honor. I ask
you that, besides being an uncle to my child, would you be its Godfather
as well? It would make me so very happy.
All my love,
Hermione
Harry looked up at her. He had tears in his eyes. "Of course I'll be it's Godfather," he whispered, pulling her into a fierce hug. "It will be my honor."
Severus felt a stab of envy that she had asked Harry and not him, but banished it quickly. Harry deserved it. He would be an uncle to the child. Or . . . the idea came to him suddenly. Maybe he could be a father figure, even though he didn't think he deserved to be. He filed away the thought for later.
"Now you open yours, Severus," Hermione ordered him.
He took the proffered packages. One was heavier than the other. He decided to open it first. It was a set of six potions vials. They were green glass with silver filigree, and a very strong UnBreakable Charm. "Thank you, luv, they're wonderful."
"The next one. Go on," she urged. Severus did so and revealed a silver wrought picture frame. "I didn't know what to put in it."
"I have the perfect picture, thank you," Severus said, thinking of one of the ones he had taken of her to document her pregnancy. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Now it's your turn." He handed her a small box.
Hermione surprised him by ripping the paper off. She lifted the box's lid and gasped. Inside was a delicate gold chain with a heart-shaped locket. "Oooh, Sev, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed, hugging him around the neck.
"Glad you like it," Severus wheezed, sounding choked.
"Sorry, Sev."
"There's more," Harry announced, anticipation swirling around him. He produced several large packages towards her. "They're from us."
"You bought them together?" She was gape jawed with astonishment. Well, at least now I know why they were so congenial about getting together for presents.
"Well, we were in the store at the same time, it made sense to get stuff that matched," Harry explained.
"Mind you, we didn't let on that we even knew each other," Severus added drolly. "Now open them."
She tore open the wrapping to discover a lovely crib blanket set that was patterned like grass. Looking at it for a moment, she saw that there were horses, birds, and foxes walking across it. "Oh my God! This is fantastic!" They urged her to continue. Each present further revealed other baby things, including a few stuffed animals, baby clothes, and a few books on parenting. "Oh, my men, you're so wonderful!" She kissed both of them on the cheeks.
"I have something else, just from me." Harry dangled another gift in front of her. It's shape was suspiciously familiar.
She rid it of it's wrapping and gave a sigh of pure pleasure. "Cloud puffs," she breathed. Her morning sickness had finally passed, and now she had taken to craving this candy. Cloud puffs were the wizarding version of cotton candy. She couldn't get enough of it. "My hero!"
They shared a laugh and then eyed the presents still under the tree. Harry reached out and snagged a few, then handed them out according to the labels.
After a moment, it became apparent that they'd all received a gift from Mrs. Weasley. For Harry, it was his normal sweater and tin of mince pies. For Severus, it was just a tin of fudge and a thank you note for taking care of Hermione. Hermione herself received a sweater with "Mom" on it, a thing of pies and of fudge, and a hand knitted baby blanket.
She also had a note, saying that Molly would be there for her the instant she wanted her and she was working on more baby things for her. "That's nice to know," Hermione murmured. When Severus raised an enquiring eyebrow, she handed him the letter. Skimming it, he gave her a half smile and gave it back.
Hermione had a few more baby thing, but finally there was only one gift left under the tree. She picked it up and read the label; it was for Severus. "Here you go, last one," she told him.
Severus eyed the silver-wrapped package warily and made no move to take it. "Go on," Hermione pressed it into his hands.
He tore the paper slowly and opened the box, drawing out a vial of putrid-looking green liquid. A look of anger infused his face. He rose to his feet in one quick movement and strode over to the fire place. He threw the vial in, smashing it. The fire flared up in a minor explosion. He then whirled around and gripped the kitchen door jamb tightly.
Hermione pulled herself up using the couch and walked over to Severus. She laid a hand on his forearm. "That was a poison, wasn't it?"
"The bitch, the bloody bitch, she always ruins everything!" Severus pounded a fist against the wall in rage.
Hermione grabbed his elbow to keep him from injuring himself. "Who, Severus?"
"My sister, Melantha."
"Why would your sister send you poison?" Harry asked.
"So I can end my life and the shame she believes I've brought to her by being a Death Eater. She . . . doesn't know my current role."
"She will someday," Hermione consoled.
"Everything I manage to find a measure of joy in she ruins."
"Sounds like the Dursleys," Harry commented.
Severus just shook his head slightly. "Well, I'm not letting her ruin today. Tomorrow's the time for troubles," Hermione said this firmly, leaving no room for argument. "Right now, Harry and I are going to get dressed and come back here for lunch."
Severus somehow managed to smile at her, but it was strained.
The rest of the day passed quickly, and Hermione managed to pull Severus out of his depression while struggling not to fall into her own.
Hermione was woken the next morning by an insistent voice calling her name. She pulled a pillow over her head and mumbled, "Go 'way."
Severus stepped out of the fireplace. "Hermione, you have to get up now."
She peeked out at him from under the pillow. "I don't want to go, Sev." Her voice was small with trepidation.
Severus sat on her bed and let her hold his hand. "It will be all right, luv. If they give you too much trouble, I'll hex them for you."
"Promise?"
"Promise," he said solemnly. "Now get up, sleepy head. I can't keep my word if you don't."
"Fine, fine. Come back in half an hour and I'll be ready." She drug herself out of bed as Severus Floo-ed back to his own quarters.
She dressed in one of the few nice Muggle outfits she had that still fit. The skirt had an elastic waist and reached to her ankles, and the shirt was tunic-length, ensuring her stomach would be fully covered.
Hermione was just touching up her makeup when Severus came back. "Ready, luv?" he asked.
"No," she replied. "But let's go before I lose what little courage I have at the moment."
"A Gryffindor without courage?!" Severus pretended to be shocked, but managed to tease a smile onto her face, albeit a small one. "Your parents' house has been put on the Floo network for the day. It's time to go," he said, holding out a hand.
When she grabbed it, he pulled her close to his body and threw in some Floo powder. "Granger residence," he called, and they whirled through a maze of fireplaces.
Hermione clutched at Severus for support as they stepped into her living room; she did not have her balance at the moment. Immediately across from them stood her parents, who were glaring at them. She realized how it must look, suddenly her holding onto a strange man intimately, four months pregnant.
"Umm, hi, Mum, Dad," she said weakly.