Chapter 30- Christmas Eve

For the next couple of days, Severus who wouldn't let her do a thing placed Hermione on bed rest. Ginny and Harry visited, the Malfoy's had written to check on Hermione and Baby Snape and Draco and his new wife had sent flowers.

'Please…Severus.' Hermione said as she pulled on his black dressing gown. 'I need to prepare for tomorrow.'

'There is nothing for you to do.' Severus replied. 'I have accepted the invitation to the Weasley's for Christmas day.'

'You what?' Hermione said in shock.

'We're going to the Weasley's.' He replied.

'Severus.' She said as she launched herself at him. 'Thank you!'

'I know you miss them and next year…well, I thought, next year will be different. We'll have a family of our own.' He said, as he looked deep into her eyes.

'We will.' Hermione said smiling. 'A nearly 4 month old.'

'Crazy.' Severus replied placing a kiss on Hermione's lips. 'So today, you don't have to do anything. You've wrapped all the presents already, decorations are up and we have no food to prepare so rest.'

'Can we go for a walk?' Hermione pouted at Severus. 'Please…I'm so bored and I need exercise.'

'If we must.' Severus replied giving in.

After a short walk and a stop off at the local shop for some food supplies, Hermione found herself curled up on Severus' armchair watching him brew.

'Tell me about your family.' Hermione said as she looked up at Severus.

'There's nothing to tell.' He replied.

'I'm sure there is.' She replied. 'You lived here with your mother and father?'

'Yes' he replied.

'No brothers or sisters?' She asked.

'No.' He replied.

'Severus.' Hermione huffed.

'Hermione, my childhood wasn't a happy one. My Father…he wasn't a nice man, a muggle.' He replied. 'He beat my mother and when I got in the way, he beat me as well.'

Hermione stared at Severus who was still concentrating on his potion.

'Severus…'She started.

'Don't.' He replied. 'I don't like to talk about. I don't tend to.'

'I understand.' She replied. 'Sorry, I shouldn't have pressed.'

'It's fine.' He replied looking up at her. 'My mother, she was a lovely woman, she'd have liked you.'

'When did she pass away?' Hermione asked.

'She died when I was 22.' He replied. 'She became unwell. Him…. my Father, Tobias…he died when I was 19.'

'You were very young to loose both your parents.' She replied as she stood up and walked towards him.

'So are you.' He replied as he placed a charm on the potion and wrapped his arms around her.

Hermione nodded and looked up at Severus.

'One day, one day soon, we will go get your parents Hermione.' Severus said to her.

Hermione nodded. 'They will be shocked to find out about the baby.'

'I'm sure they will as they will be about us.' Severus said. 'I met your parents years ago.'

'You did?' Hermione said surprised.

'Before you got your letter.' He replied. 'We meet all the muggle parents before the letters go out to explain the process and what to expect. You're mother...just like you asked many questions.' He said smirking.

'I'm sure she did.' Hermione said smiling fondly. 'I suppose we are alike in some ways.'

'I can see that.' He replied. 'I'm sure this baby will be a know-it-all as well.'

'Of course!' Hermione laughed.

Later in the evening, after sharing a picnic in the living room, Hermione and Severus laid on the sofa curled around one another.

'Severus?' Hermione said as she looked at him.

'Mmm' He said opening his eyes to meet her own.

'Ginny was telling me that after 8 weeks, the father can perform a spell and can find out the gender of the baby.'

'Apparently so.' Severus said as he arched his eyebrow. 'What are you asking?'

'Do you want to know what the baby is?' Hermione asked.

'Do you?' Severus asked.

'I wouldn't mind. I think I already know.' Hermione replied.

'You do?' Severus asked.

'I'm sure it's a boy.' She replied smiling.

'I think it's a girl.' He replied.

'Well then we should find out.' Hermione said sitting up.

'Are you sure?' Severus said.

'Wouldn't it be nice to know. A little Christmas present to ourselves.' Hermione replied.

Severus nodded and got up off the sofa. 'Lay down.' He said.

Hermione lay down on the sofa and lifted up her black top bearing her stomach.

Severus took out his wand and pointed it at Hermione's stomach. 'Ready?' he asked.

Hermione nodded and stared down at her stomach.

Severus muttered the spell and watched as Hermione's stomach glowed….