Hermione woke up much later than her usual at almost noon, certain that Harry must've slipped something in her tea. When she padded down the stairs in her flannel sausage-dog pajamas and robe, having really adhered to the dog-owning idea, the cat was asleep on her armchair and the puppy on the red velvet cloth under their Christmas tree with Harry's sock. She would've missed little Daisy there entirely had the tree not been full of immaculately wrapped gift boxes and bags in assorted Christmas colors, patterns and bows.

Harry had been busy, she reckoned.

When she walked into the conservatory, subdued grey light courtesy of weather this time of year in London there were fresh baked scones with homemade strawberry jam on the table, as well as a thermos full of her favorite tea.

She took a seat at the head of the table and noticed the paper snowflake decorations and chains of colored paper hanging about.

Suddenly, the glass door that led to the garden opened, a blast of cold air rushing in and chilling her spine. Hermione turned around to see Teddy Lupin in all his muggle winter apparel, the electric blue of his coat contrasting with the bright magenta of his hair.

"Hello!" He greeted with a grin. "We were beginning to think you were dead up there," he teased.

Hermione jumped out of her chair and wrapped the boy in one of her tight bear hugs, covering him with kisses. Teddy grumbled because that's what grown-up little boys did but she paid him no mind.

"When did you get here?"

"About seven?" Her eyes widened. That was a bit too early for a boy on holiday. "Granny had important errands to run, also known as my Christmas surprise to buy."

"Hmm, and where's that godfather of yours?"

"Shoveling up the snow, silly. It was on that scary list following him around."

"It snowed?"

Teddy nodded vigorously.

Hermione forgot all about scones and tea and ran to fetch her coat, gloves, scarf and boots.

Teddy chuckled, amused. Sometimes Aunt Hermione forgot she had a wand and could just summon things.

That evening, Teddy Lupin was granted permission from his grandmother to sleep over, which meant occupying the single bed in Harry's room. With no room left for the godfather to sleep, Harry found himself forced , the poor sod, to seek refuge in the bed of the lady of the house. After all, the sofa hurt his back quite badly.

Unlike his room which was on the smaller side, and equipped with a bed better suited for little boys, Hermione's was large and cosy, with pops of color that were all her. Baby blue built-in shelves surrounded a fireplace and were cramped with volumes and volumes of books.

The comforter on her queen size was of a soft, patchwork quilt over layers of heavenly-soft white duvet and a small mountain of pillows and cushions, some goose-feathered, which Harry was very appreciative of.

Harry slipped under the covers right after making a fire, the room becoming nice and toasty, just what he needed after a day in the snow. He snuggled into the pillows with her delicious scent, thanking the heavens for Teddy Lupin.

When Hermione came in from her office carrying a mug of chamomile tea, about an hour later, she was still yet to change into her pajamas. That's when she saw Harry, sprawled underneath the covers, slightly snoring, hugging her favorite pillow, while Leon the cat slept rolled into a ginger ball of fur across his back. Daisy had likely fallen asleep with Teddy, her new best friend and all was still and quiet at home.

Hermione tiptoed across the room and opened her drawer of sleeping clothes, pulling out the first item her hands touched without seeing. She slipped into the bathroom and stripped out of her sweater and jeans, dipping into the soft ivory silk of her nightgown. The thing had thin straps and elegant lace at the bust, falling effortlessly over her body, just below her knees.

Without much thought she slipped beneath the covers, careful not to wake Harry or the cat and found herself staring at the flames, tired but unable to sleep.

"I can't hear you snoring or mumbling in your sleep yet…" She heard him whisper after a while, feeling his hand boldly travel to her thigh, grazing her skin upwards until it rested over her waist. He somehow ditched the pillow in her favor, her back glued to him.

"Haven't slept with anyone in a while…"

"Don't you like it?"

"Just used to it being different, as in, not with my best friend."

"Ah, boyfriends and lovers is that it?" She could tell he was teasing her.

" Precisely. "

"Let's not let it be the thing holding you back." Before Hermione could even think, his hand found its way up to her breast, cupping it and giving it a squeeze. The dress was loose enough that his fingers easily slipped beneath the silk, caressing and kneading.

" Harry… " She sighed in pleasure, pressing herself backwards, further into him, "Lips too next time, yeah?" She mumbled, already half asleep.

He chuckled at how utterly easy it was.