It was Christmas Eve, and Hermione was getting ready to go to Weasley's She packed her beaded bag, she ran to Severus's door, and hugged and kissed him goodbye.

"It's not that I don't want to go, but I'll miss you," Hermione said.

She squeezed Severus as hard as she could. She felt awkward leaving him and felt terrible but knew he was used to this. So she smiled and walked away knowing Christmas night they would be together again.

At the burrow, she nervously thought about the ways she was going to let her friends know. She knew the most straightforward approach was at the dinner table, but she wasn't sure she could handle all those eyes on her at once. So she figured she would tell her friends that night and announce to the rest of the family right before she left. She knew it was an easy out, but she also had to face her parents too.

Hermione was greeted by Ron, and then quickly Harry and Ginny. She was excited to see them, and for a second the dread went away. They immediately began talking about anything and everything, it wasn't until after dinner that Hermione realized how late it was. Hermione sat between Ron and Harry looking at the spread of Christmas Eve dinner. George was there but the rest of "children" were not to arrive until the morning. The table was merry, and everyone was talking it was relaxing. It was rough without Fred, but somehow the family carried on, everyone could see it in each other's, yes but never said anything, not wanting to ruin the spirit in the air.

Molly topped the evening off with a large sticky bun a tradition that Hermione never felt she had the room in her stomach for, but she always ended up eating her whole piece. They sat around the table drinking warmed butterbeer. Molly set the dishes to scrub themselves, and they all talked about the hope of things to come.

That night after everyone else went to bed Hermione, Harry and Ron were still up sitting on the couch leaning on each other just happy to feel each other again. Glad to be eye to eye. Hermione knew it was now or never.

"I have something significant to tell you, and I need you to remember its Christmas, and you can't be mad," Hermione said very seriously. Both boys picked their heads up the plastered grins on both of their faces fell, and they looked at Hermione like she had just sucked the life out of the party. They were intensively waiting for the next words to come.

"I want to let you know Severus, Professor Snape and I, are seeing each other," Hermione said quickly but evenly.

The boys looked at her, looked back at each other and belly laughed. Through the chuckles, Hermione could hear Ron say, "You scared me there for a second I thought you were serious." Hermione turned red with a mix of anger and embarrassment. When the boys saw she had not moved, was not laughing and turned the shade of crimson, they stopped and stared at her and then back at each other and then to her again.

"You're serious?" Harry said with a sobered tone.

"Very much so," Hermione replied.

The boys looked at each other again and looked back at Hermione, both their eyes filled with curiosity, wonder, and at the same time, their eyes looked like those of a child who was just told Santa Clause isn't real. The boys remained quiet for a long time not sure what to say, and Hermione was at a loss of words as well. It wasn't until several minutes later she asked

"Are we okay."

The boys looked back at her Harry smiled and shook his head frantically, Ron, on the other hand, looked at her and shook his head slowly unsure what to think. Hermione hated that Ron wasn't okay with it but knew it had to do for now.

The 3 of them laid on the couch no longer talking about their lives but moving on to the guesses of what color Jumper they would receive and if it would be pancakes or tarts for breakfast. It was late they all were tired, but like little kids on Christmas eve, they huddled next to the fireplace blankets in tow and laid on the ground next to each other. The closeness of their bodies reminded them how close they were and that they had a bond that wouldn't break. Hermione drifted off to sleep feeling the warmth of the fire, hearing Ron's snoring, a feeling off Harry's hair as she turned over once more before falling asleep.

The next morning Hermione awoke to Molly coming down the stairs, the fire had gone out, and she felt a slight chill in the air. She smiled up at Molly stretching and following her to the kitchen where it seemed like Molly was already 1/2 way done with breakfast. It was pancakes Hermione had guessed right. Molly insisted she sit and have tea while she made them. Hermione smiled and rummaged through her beaded bag, all her Christmas gifts were tucked away, and even though everyone would be opening presents soon enough, she couldn't help but want to give her to Molly's before anyone else was up.

Molly loved tea, always interested in different types, Hermione had found a loose leaf tea set of 12 different tea blends. When Hermione gave it to her, she insisted on brewing Hermione a 2nd cup so they could try one together. Just as Molly sipped the last drop, Ginny walked into the kitchen, excited for the day to come.

It was still early about 8 am, but the Weasley's were all shuffling in ready to open gifts, Hermione told her parents that she would be there by 10 am, and she hoped she was right. She loves Ron and Ginny, but the rest of the clan piled in and reminded her how big her adoptive family was and being an only child she wasn't used to all the commotion all the time.

The family sat in the living area as Molly said a spell and everyone's gifts came towards them. Hermione got a very elegant jumper that Molly made, something she could very easily wear under her teaching robes it was black. Harry got her a new quill set, Ron got her, everything she loved at Honey Dukes, and Ginny got her spa set. Hermione smiled at everything very excited to have the friends that she had. She knew it wasn't right or fair, but she had asked Ginny to share the news with her family that Hermione was seeing someone. Hermione didn't feel right saying something then running to her parents. Ginny agreed to help her out and said she would bring it up to her mother, who of course would let the whole Weasley clan know quickly.

Severus was sitting at the head table of Hogwarts, he was 100% sure that they shouldn't be having elf wine at breakfast, and with the small group1/

of students staying and sitting at a table seeing the whole thing takes place he was entirely sure he was the only sane one on staff, and that was saying a lot. Everybody was cheerful, laughing and smiling as they delved into the sugary breakfast before them.

Severus looked around as the owls swooped down giving kids presents from home. The staff had always pitched in to make sure every child at Hogwarts had a Christmas and even if their parents didn't send something they would get a gift. Severus looked down at the children excited to open their gifts, but it seemed they all agreed to wait for some other time, as they set them down beside them and continued eating the cinnamon rolls, ham, and pumpkin juice before them.

Hermione walked into her parents home at exactly 9:59 am with her beaded bag in tow. She smiled as she looked around her childhood home, she forgot how beautiful it looked with all the Christmas décor. She felt as if she was dreaming until her mother wrapped her arms around her. Hermione had to admit it wasn't the warm hug she remembered from her mother, but she knew that it would take time. Hermione knew they were still very upset with the situation she put them in. Her parents had told her in several of the letters they had sent, that they knew she was saving their loft but they miss Australia and have had a hard time explaining to other family members and neighbors why they disappeared without a trace.

Hermione pulled the gifts from her bag has her parents were surprised by how big the boxes were coming out of her tiny bag. They sat around the fireplace drinking tea and listening to Christmas Carols as well as catching up on everything. Hermione had that nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach, that got more and achier as they day drew on. She knew she would have to talk to them about Severus. She promised she would, but she didn't even know how to bring it up. How did she tell her parents she was dating a man that was closer in age to them than her. How did she tell her parents without them jumping to conclusions?

She was sitting there taking dangerously small bites, and pushing back nausea, wondering why she was so scared about this of all things. She didn't have the heart to tell her mother she had already ate at the Wesleys but this was almost lunch time since she last ate at 8 am. Hermione took a deep breath and calmly but rapidly said: "I just wanted to let you know I am seeing professor Snape." As soon as she heard the words come out, she knew she should have said Severus why on earth did she say, professor.

Hermione's parents looked at her she could hear her heart pounding her rapid breathing, but over it all, she heard her mother say "that's nice dear." Hermione looked up at her mother who looked to be smiling back at her, they didn't push the topic, and her father quickly started talking about the dentistry. Hermione wasn't sure what to think. She smiled back listening to everything they had to say.

Hermione couldn't believe everything that they gave her, she was given some excellent jumpers things she could wear under her robes and still be nice after work. They gave her some new books and of course her favorite perfume. She most of all enjoyed the company of her parents. Seeing them light up talking about the neighbors, their friends. The business. She was glad that at this moment in time all was right with her world. She had great friends, her family was still there, and She had the best man she could ever hope for by her side. Life at this very moment was the best it had been since she was a young girl before she knew the magical world.

Severus looked up at the headmaster's office he only had a short time to catch Minerva alone on a day like today. Christmas was a time when the staff who stayed usually spent all day together drinking, telling stories, talking about the past and the future. Severus hoped that he could get her alone after breakfast he followed her back towards her chambers. He didn't know what to say, so he kept walking with her until she noticed he was going the opposite direction of his chambers.

"Severus, do you need something," Minerva asked.

"I wish to talk to you about something," Severus responded.

Minerva simply shook her head, knowing he was expecting a private conversation in her chamber, she quickly stalked down the hall to the headmaster's rooms and allowed Severus to enter. They sat by the fire Minerva had an elf bring tea.

"I have to think this is more than just a Christmas visit Severus." Minerva started.

"It is more than that, and quite honestly, I don't know how you're going to take this." Severus trailed off. This was the first time he felt nervous in a long time around Minerva. He didn't want her to think he had been seeing her when she was a child. Call in to question everything he has done, but he had to say something. They were not sneaking around, but they were not open to others about the relationship and Severus thought it felt wrong keeping them a secret.

"Minerva I wanted to let you know that Hermione and I are courting."

Minerva looked surprised and smiled widely and then frowned then grinned again."You know I have to ask, how long has this been going on for?" Minerva said flatly.

"Not seriously until the start of the term not even then really, but nothing before she became staff here, nothing like that," Severus explained.

"I didn't think so, but I had to ask, you know she is good for you Severus, you both are some of the smartest people I have ever known. I thought you would clash with each other a bit too much. I can't say I am not happy yet, I have to see where this goes, but you know you are like a son to me, and Hermione, Hermione is like no women I have ever met. You are good to her Severus. I am warning you."

Severus didn't know what to say, or how to feel with so many emotions going through his body he was afraid he would say the wrong thing he just nodded at her, he enjoyed the tea and warmth of the fire. For now, it will have to do, the important people knew, and that is all that matters.

Hermione loved spending time with her parents, but the staff party was starting soon, and even though not all the staff would be there, Hermione felt it essential to attend. She felt the day slip by faster than she expected, wanting so much to stay in her familiar home but also scratching at the door to see Severus. The staff Christmas party wouldn't happen until dinner at Hogwarts which was served around 6 pm. Staff would be expected to dress up, and given time to freshen up, so she figures she will take her apperate to the gates at 7:30 just be safe.

She hugged her parent's goodbye when she heard a shocking sentence from her mother's mouth. "You are coming for new years, Yes?"

"Of course I told you I would be here to ring in the new year."

"Well bring him with you then, have a good luck kiss, you know what they say, what your doing at midnight is what you will be doing the rest of the year."

Hermione blushed at her mother's statement.

"I'll talk to Severus about it; I will see you guys soon I love you," Hermione said as she walked out the backdoor deciding to apperate in the fenced in yard. She waved, and with a pop, she was off to the gates of Hogwarts.

Hermione was glad she had bundled up, even with her warming charm the wind seemed to flow through hitting her like pins and needles. She made it the castle doors and walked down the hall passing the entrance to see everyone still at Christmas Feast. She smiled to herself quickening her pace to get ready. She went through the building undetected. When she made it to her rooms, she immediately cuddled Crookshanks as he had been without her.

"Happy Christmas," she said to her fat orange cat and pulled some toys and catnip out of her beaded bag. Crookshanks went after the toys sniffing and rubbing them with the scent he couldn't resist. Hermione giggled at him as she went to get ready for the evening.

Hermione grabbed a dress she had bought for such an occasion. It was dark green so dark in low lighting it looked black. It was silk, with long sleeves, it was fitted and flared out it was knee length, she had dark red tights and pair of silver heels to finish her look. Quickly dressed, she applied her "special occasion" make up and put on her shoes.

She walked down the hallway unsure if Severus would be there yet, she knocked and was surprised to see him with his shirt still unbuttoned. Her heart raced at the sight, one she hadn't seen in months, since Australia. She wanted to touch him to rub his chest, his stomach, kiss him and bed him. She knew that they hadn't discussed any of that though and in a flash, the thought was over, but her smile still stuck and she said "Happy Christmas" as she came in hugged him, kissing him on the cheek as he attempted to button up his shirt.

He smiled at her, and replied "Happy Christmas Hermione."

Hermione wasn't sure when the best time to give his present was, she thought maybe at the party, that is when everyone else exchanged gifts, but then again, the presents weren't that personal. She was told by other staff that every year Minerva usually gets them something for their classroom. Severus makes various potions, Hagrid makes some ale someone would always give socks, and even some gag gifts from the joke shop were put into play.

Hermione had seen he had put up a small tree and she placed the gifts they're hoping he would take the hint. He said nothing as she pulled the gifts out to him one by one and turned back to see him fully dressed and ready to go. Hermione locked arms with him, and they headed to the staff room where the party was to be held.

Hermione walked into most of the staff already drunk and giggling. She smiled and rolled her eyes at Severus. Minerva greeted them happily as other staff continued to flow in. Once everyone was in and had an unhealthy amount of alcohol was consumed gifts were passed out, stories were told of years past, and everyone seemed happy. This was the first Christmas that they had enough time heal, decompress and heal. The magical community was rebuilding, and everything seemed to be in a peaceful state for the time being.

Hermione had not realized how late the party would last it, was 2am and her and Severus were half asleep before making it to his room. Hermione had come off her buzz from all the alcohol and Severus had seemed to never have one despite drinking much more than Hermione had even thought to. She looked at presents still under his tree with a curiosity that woke her back up. She didn't want to seem overly eager, so she didn't say anything but sat in the armchair closest to the tree and looking its direction, looking at the ornaments on the tree. For the most part, it was bulbs, but there were some homemade muggle decorations Hermione assumed some were from his childhood, but there were apparently some given to him by some muggle students.

Hermione sat admiring the tree and the gifts that were at its trunk. She looked up at Severus hopeful he was in the mood to open the gifts.

Severus glanced at her, and back at the tree and smirked, walking over to hand her a gift. Wordlessly Hermione took one of the gifts in silver paper. She carefully unwrapped as she opened a new quill set, not just any set but one that would change color with her mood. Most useful for writing letters. Hermione reached down and grabbed a gift wrapped in candy cane print. Severus looked, and it opened it, it was the book "Return to Oz" Severus stared at the book and smiled. The next gift he handed her looked to be a book itself, when she opened it, it was an older rare spellbook full of useful spells and charms. She had heard of it, but the Library at Hogwarts didn't seem to have the title, and the bookshop was overly priced. The next gift she handed to Severus was a new pair of Dragon Hide boots. His were wearing, and she doubted he noticed. This was the first time in a long time he has had time, to really care for himself, and indulge, Hermione wasn't quite sure he knew how. The last gift Severus handed Hermione Small box, Hermione smiled and opened the box to see a beautiful gold bracelet with green, red, yellow and blue stones. Hermione smiled at the 4 houses colors. A stunning symbol of house unity she so deeply wanted. Hermione smiled at him.

"Severus this is beautiful, I love it!" She kissed him and clasped it on to her wrist admiring the new colors against her skin. She hugged him and let her body melt into his holding him for a long time. She was breathing in his scent and relaxed even further into his frame.

She handed him his last gift, she wasn't sure what he would think of it Severus was never one for anything extravagant, even if he could afford to do so. It was a Fire Crab cauldron, an old one, of course, considering they were protected now. It was a very special cauldron, and very rare. Hermione had come across one in a shop and just knew it should belong to someone who would use it for its properties, not just to show off. She grabbed it off the shelf and made the purchase not thinking too much of the price. When Severus realized what it was, he stared at it for a long time and then back at Hermione and then looked back one more time at the rubies lining the shell.

"I have been looking for one of these for a long time now, the damn war got in the way, but I wanted one so much, how on earth?" Severus rattled off.

Hermione was grinning ear to ear happy to make his day. It was his turn to come and hug her tightly not wanting to let go. The excitement wore down, and Hermione left her beaded bag on the couch. She did some charm work turning her dark green velvet dress into a nightgown. The sleeves were nothing more than straps now, the flare was gone, and it landed mid-thigh. The silky texture stayed, and she dropped the neckline to allow Severus a peek at her chest, the one he rarely gets to see.

When Hermione came to the bed, Severus looked at her handy work eyeing her body as Hermione lightly blushed and crawled in bed with him. Severus wrapped his arm protectively around Hermione as he did every night. He felt the silky material in contrast to his rough hands rubbing the nightgown liking its texture. Hermione smiled at the gesture trying to pull him in more and get the needed sleep they both deserved.