I apologize for taking so long to update. I hope you can all forgive me. I have been exceptionally busy lately and I am getting busier by the minute at this point. I will do my best to udpate next week but I have an A.P. test Monday and I have been unwell lately. Sorry for everything!

To Snake - I apologize that your B-day present being late. I really did try last night, but I failed miserably. Kind of pathetic when you look at the length of it. Well anyway. I hope you enjoy and this chapter in 60 percent for you!

-December 24, 1998 -

-Hermione Granger -

I flicked my wand at the stereo and it started playing a sprightly, merry Christmas tune. I danced over to the mirror and looked myself over. I was wearing a dress I'd made myself. It was red with a silver lion on one side and silver serpent on the other side. I'd woven red ribbons trough my hair and, of course, I was wearing my favorite Christmas present that I'd received this year and my gloves that Remus had made for me twenty-one years ago.

About five minutes later everyone started to arrive. Some came by floo and others arrived by carriage.

"Severus," I called as I spotted him standing in a corner scowling at anyone who dared to approach him. I moved quickly and gave him a soft hug and I kissed his cheek. "You came!"

"I told you I would. What was the kiss for?" he asked as he leaned forward and pressed his lips softly to my forehead.

"Mistletoe," I answered pointing up as it floated away to cast the spell on someone else. "I assumed you would prefer it to be me as opposed to one of them." At this point I nodded to a group of giggling women.

Severus scowled at them nastily. "Quite."

"Hermione!" I heard an excited voice call. I turned to see Sirius bound to me. "Baby Doll!"

I felt repulsed. I glanced to Severus. He openly showed the disgust that I couldn't.

Sirius seized my waist and pressed his lips firmly down.

"Sirius," I gasped pushing him off and pulling away.

He smirked devilishly and took my hands kissing each softly. I glared at him as I pulled my hands back. His smirk faded a bit.

"Professor Black!" a group of giggling girls who had been in my graduating class came bounding up.

"Ladies," he said lasciviously.

Did this man have no shame? I was his fiancée and he openly flirts with anything in a skirt at my Christmas Party, and, yet, I was not as upset as I should have been by this. I really was starting to hate Sirius. He did not love me and I did not love him.

Both of his arms were snatched quickly as they lead him away. Severus placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I lifted my hand placing it on his briefly.

"I'm going to step outside for a minute and let the cold air clear my head," I moaned softly before leaving.

I moved softly and cast a spell on the curtains so I could see through from the outside, but not be seen from the inside.

I apologize for the shortness of this chapter but I do not have the energy to make it through more of this story right now. I hope to see you soon.