AN: Yay it's Christmas now, just this one chapter of Hogwarts then back to Snape Manor… I can't wait lol.

Ron sat in potions with a scowl, he still didn't like the fact Hermione was married, and to Snape at that. But he was starting to realize it was true that she didn't do it because she wanted to, or because he was the father. She did it to survive, that was Hermione for you. She did things that other people never would think of doing. Looking up at the board he re-read the directions for the eighth time. He still wasn't quite sure what they were making and he sure as hell wasn't going to ask Snape.

"Ron, are you alright?" Harry asked, putting another ingredient into his caldron. "You haven't even been to the store room yet. I would get to work before"

"Weasley, what are you still doing reading the instructions? Class started almost twenty minutes ago. 20 points for not following directions. If I come back and still haven't started it will be more. I am sure you don't want any detentions waiting for you after the break do you?" Severus glared down at Ron, "Because I can make sure you do. NOW GET TO WORK!"

Ron nodded, Snape had the right to yell at him. He did call his wife a whore in front of him. And he did say some horrid things to Hermione. Getting up from his desk he took the list of ingredients to the store room and began to gather them. Coming back he placed them all down and prepared them. He had a potion to make, and he sure as hell was going to get it done.

"As this is the last class of the day and the last one before the Holidays lets have some fun." Professor Kat began to unbutton her robe. The class got silent. "We are going to duel today. Now I need one person to volunteer. Mr. Malfoy come to the front please." Kat placed her teaching robes on the back of her chair. Standing in front of the class in black slacks and a dark blue blouse she waited for Malfoy.

"Yes Professor," Draco smiled. "What would you like me to do?"

"Nothing your going to be the test subject. Please take off your top robe, I want everyone to be able to move freely while we do this. So everyone just in your uniform, if you are cold you won't be as soon as you are up moving around." Kat turned to Draco, "Come on you too. I won't wait that long."

Draco's eyes widened, his sleeves were rolled up inside of his robe. If anyone saw the mark he would be in trouble. Reaching into his sleeves he pulled them back down, and took his outer robe off before buttoning up the cuff of his shirt. "Alright Professor, what do you want me to do now?"

"In order to get out of here today you have to be able to defend your self against seven out of ten spells that I or your partner shoots at you. If by the time the class is over you are a few short I want a half parchment on every spell that you missed." Kat aimed her wand at Draco, "Lets start with something easy. Stupify."

Harry had defended himself against all the spells they used. He was the only one. Ron missed two and Neville missed three. He was happy he didn't have to write a paper over Christmas. "So where are you headed Neville?" Harry asked, he never really knew where Neville was going for Christmas.

"I'm headed to Grams, I'll spend the day there on Christmas and meet up with Ginny at the Burrow for dinner. I believe Grams is bringing some kind of pudding. That's all she makes by her self anymore." Neville pulled out a little box, "Harry I have to go soon would you put this at Hermione's grave for me please. It's a little something that I got for her. I wouldn't like it even in death if no one remembered me, just put a little spell on it when you put it down. I'll see you guys later. Thank you Harry." Neville took off towards the common room.

"Are you going to give it to her?" Ron asked, stopping in front to the Fat Lady. "You can always bring the box back and spell that."

"Yeah, I think he would like it better if she actually had it instead of it sitting in front of an empty grave. 'Polyjuice Potion'" Harry spoke to the Fat Lady. "I have to hurry up. I'm going with Professor Snape in about an hour. And I have a few things left to pack." Walking into the common room, Ron stopped him.

"I have a gift for Hermione too, would you give it to her for me?" Ron looked a little embarrassed. "I am not sure if she will like it or even accept it, but I saw it and thought of her."

"I will give it to her, but you have to let me get upstairs. I can't be late Ron, if I don't go with Snape I have to wait until tonight to go with Dumbledore." Harry began up the stairs. "I will drop the stuff off on my way out tonight." Ron looked up to see Dean standing at the door to the boy's dorm.

"Your stopping by Hermione's grave? Could you drop something off for me? My mum is already here to get me." Dean held out a long red box, it looked like a bracelet box Harry had seen at a jewelers. "Alright Dean I will drop it off for you too, but I think it would be better if you did it."

"I know mate, but I didn't know my mum was coming to get me. Normally I would just take the train. That's what I thought was going to happen this time, so I thought I would have time to take it to her." Dean picked up his suit case. "Thank you again Harry and have a Happy Christmas both of you."

Ron and Harry closed the door to the room. "Here Harry, this is the gift."

Harry turned and looked at Ron. "Where did you learn how to wrap?" Harry looked down at the weirdly wrapped, soft gift. "Looks like you need more practice."

"I would never let mum teach me. It's nothing much but I thought maybe she would like it. I don't want you to be late so I will put it on the bed. I have an extra store bag you can put all the gifts in if you want so they don't get squished in your suitcase." Ron dove under his bed. Pulling out a few large sizes department store bags he looked at them closely and put the biggest one on Harry's bed. "You always seem to have a lot of gifts for people. I still don't understand why you think Percy or Fleur or Snape needs a present, but if that is where you wanted to waste your money go for it. Do you want me to put them into the bag for you?" Ron was really trying to help, he still felt bad for what he said.

"Yes would you please, I am almost done here. But I still need to get down to the dungeons before three and that in fifth teen minutes. I am never going to make it." Harry threw his pj's in his suit case and zipped it shut quickly. "Damnit I am not going to make it."

Ron handed him his wand and the bag of gifts. "Go now, I'll make your bed for you. Hurry or Snape will leave you and you know he will he might even try to leave early. Happy Christmas and I will see you in three days."

Harry smiled at Ron, he could tell this was hard on him. "Thanks, tell your mum I said hi and that I am sorry for getting pulled away a few days before Christmas for an Order assignment." Throwing on his cloak he made his way down to Snape's office.

"Your late Potter, I was getting ready to leave." Severus had the floo going and was about to step through it. "Here is the address, please go through first. I still don't see why I agreed to let you stay for three days. Your just going to be a pain in the ass, come on we don't have all day."

Harry looked at the piece of parchment, grabbing some floo powder he said the address before dropping the paper. Throwing in the powder he was gone.

Severus looked at the piece of paper on the floor. He is getting smarter, I didn't even tell him he had to leave the address. Of course if I went first and he dropped it then, my house would be open to anyone. Grabbing some powder he throw it in "Snape Manor".

Hermione was waiting on the other side to greet both of them. Krispie had just told her that the nursery was finished and the two guest rooms were ready for the next few days. Harry's was a dark blue and Dumbledore's was almost black, but had twinkling stars everywhere. Krispie had told her this is what his room at the school looks like. Picking up her hot chocolate she saw the floo flash green and out spilled Harry.

"Harry are you alright?" Hermione put her cup down and got up from the couch. But before she could get to Harry Severus came through. Tripped over Harry and fell down. Hermione looked at the both of them and started laughing.

"Potter get off the floor, this is no way to act when in someone's house." Severus tried to get up, tripping over the tail end of his cloak he fell down on Harry again.

"I will get off, when you get off of me first Professor. You are laying on top of me." Harry pushed him self up, pushing the bag of gifts off to the side he got up leaving Severus on the floor. He waited a moment before dropping his hand down by Severus. "Come on Professor I won't tell anyone if you grab my hand so I can help you up. I am not like my father and once I help you up and then push you down again. It's alright."

Severus looked up at Harry. Had they been in school six years ago it would have scared the boy but now it didn't. Sighing Severus took Harry's hand and pushed up as he pulled. "Not one word boy." Looking over he saw Hermione holding her stomach with a pained look on her face. "Hermione what's wrong?" Moving so he was by her side he helped her down on the couch.

"I can't stop laughing…oh it hurts." Hermione took a deep breath and continued to laugh. "I thought it was bloody funny, you and Harry all tangled up. I wish I had my camera."

Harry picked up his suitcase and the bag of gifts. "Is it alright if I put a few of these under the tree?" Harry fixed his glasses and walked over towards them. "If not I will keep them in my room."

"Of course you can.." Hermione finally was able to breath. "I'll show you your room when you are ready, then all of us can go and see the nursery because it was just finished today." Hermione put her hand on Severus' knee. "Are you alright?"

"I am fine, I think I may have landed wrong on my back. I am not eighteen anymore, falling like that did hurt, more then my pride is hurt. Mind if I wait here while you show Harry his room. We can do have tea, then I should be ready to get up and look at the nursery." Severus' hand made it's way on top of Hermione's, kissing her forehead he let her go.

"Come on Harry, the elves worked for a good week on this room. I think you will like it for the next few days." Hermione stood next to Harry as he finished putting some of the presents under the tree. "Harry who is that from?" She looked at the odd bundle of what looked like just paper.

"Ron, he said he saw it and even though you are mad at him he thought you would like it. I have no idea what it is." Harry put the bag behind the tree, "That's for the Burrow, please remind me that it's there." Standing up he stretched his back and looked at Hermione. "Alright I'm ready, I would like to get out of my uniform. We were dueling in DADA today and I feel gross. Show me to my room madam." Harry held his arm out and waited for Hermione to take it. Looking at Snape he waited for permission.

Severus nodded, he really didn't care what Potter did right now. His back really hurt and it was all the boy's fault. Who doesn't know how to land when going through the floo. Severus winced, pulling up his left sleeve he rolled his eyes. Pulling off his wedding band he put it on the table. Grabbing a piece of parchment from the floor he scribbled a note. Swishing his wand he was in his robes, placing his mask on he apparated out.

"What was that?" Harry asked when they had closed his bedroom door. "I'll be right back." Harry rushed out of the room with Hermione right behind him. Hermione was the first to notice it.

"He's been called, look there is his ring. He is going to be in such pain when he gets back." Hermione walked over to the table and picked up the note.

-H

Did not leave, be back tonight. Eat dinner.

-S

"What a wonderful note," Harry said reading over her shoulder.

"Yeah but it gets right to the point. He knew I would think something happened if he just left his ring there. Go get unpacked, I'll floo Albus. Your bathroom is connected to Albus' room so don't forget to lock the door. Dinner will be at six, I'll send Pop to find you then." Hermione picked up some floo powder. "Professor are you busy?" Hermione waited for his answer.

"No I am not madam Snape" Dumbledore's head appeared in the fire. "How can I help you?"

"I am coming through." Hermione picked up more floo powder "Headmaster's Office."

Hermione landed on her feet, taking a minute she stood there breathing. "I really hate flooing." Hermione opened her eyes and sat down in front of Albus' desk. "Severus got called, there was an accident when he flooed over and he hurt his back. I don't know how well he is going to be. Do you think you can come over early?" Hermione went for a lemon drop, grabbing a few she threw them into her mouth. "Where do you get these Albus I must get some?"

Albus laughed, "We will get to that later, I'll send a floo to Minerva and ask if she can take over earlier then she expected. I will let her know that Severus has been called and that is why I need to leave. Will you excuse me for a minute?" Albus got up, walking over to the floo he picked up some powder. "Minerva, are you busy?"

"Not at the moment Albus, what do you need?" Minerva's head came through the floo.

"Severus got called, and it might be a nasty night. I want to wait for him at his house, could you take over so that I can leave early?" Albus asked, looking around the room. "I wouldn't ask you unless it was of real importance."

"Albus you know I'll do it, I always do. Go get your stuff and I'll be up in a few minutes." Minerva's head disappeared.

"Lets get you out of here before she shows up, just write out your address and I'll be there as soon as I can. Keep me posted if he shows up before I get there." Albus held out a quill and parchment. "We must hurry."

Hermione nodded, grabbing both from Albus she scribbled the address down, going to the floo she grabbed some powder. Throwing it in she stated her destination, with green flames she was gone.

"Where were you?" Harry asked, as soon as Hermione made it through the floo. "You can't just leave. I didn't know you left until after I got out of the shower."

"I went to tell Albus that Severus got called, he hurt his back when he fell. And it's right before the holiday's. I hope they don't do anything too horrible. I only hope he comes back tonight, sometimes he gets called for the weekend." Hermione sat down on the love seat. "Albus is on his way over."

Harry looked at his best friend. In the last four months she changed, she was stronger now. She could be a nineteen year old girl one moment, the next a thirty year old house wife who does this stuff every day. "Hermione you going to be okay."

"Yeah, I am just a little worried. The last time he got called he was gone all weekend. It's almost Christmas Harry I hope he's not going to miss it." Hermione looked around. "Krispie can you come here please?"

Krispie popped in, "Yes Mistress?"

"Could I get two hot chocolates and a cup of tea. The Headmaster's favorite please." Hermione leaned back on the sofa. She really hated using the elves, but she didn't have the energy to go and get the stuff for herself. "And some lemon drops, like the ones in his office I would really like some."

"It seems, Hermione you have your craving food." Albus stepped through the floo. "I can't wait for Severus to find out what it is."

Krispie popped in with a tray of goodies along with the hot drinks. "Krispie has brought the items Mistress wanted." Placing the tray on the table she popped out again.

"When I finish my drink Albus I will show you to your room. The elves did a great job on it." Hermione picked up her cup, pulling the spoon out she began to drink it. "I hope he's alright."

Albus added sugar to his tea before taking a sip. "Ah perfect. Severus will put up a hard front, he won't let anything out that he doesn't want to. I am sure he will come back in one piece. Quite sore most likely, but in one piece."

Harry picked up his cup, taking a sip he realized it was just like at school. It was made the way the drinker liked it. Grabbing a Madeline he ate it quickly, he hadn't seen the Headmaster's room yet and he was interested in what the elves did to it.

"Albus are you done? I would like to show you to your room, incase you want to freshen up for dinner or unpack or something." Hermione got up off the sofa. Picking up the Headmaster's suitcase she waited for Albus to get up.

"Hermione I can carry my own suitcase." Albus put his cup down and stood up. "Lead the way Madam."

Hermione smiled, "I need to be a good hostess, plus it's not that heavy." Hermione walked down the hall, stopping in front of Albus' room. "If this is too much please let me know. I had no idea what they were doing until it was too late." Opening the door she waited for Albus to enter.

"This is just like at the castle, how did they know?" Albus sat on his bed, "Ah even down to the water bed. Severus has some great elves."

Hermione smiled, she never knew it was a water bed, "Do you need anything? I am going to have a lie down before dinner. If I stay up I'll just be more worried, I know I probably won't sleep but my back kind of hurts. Harry is in the library, if you need him. Other then that just ask for one of the elves. Snap, Crackle, Pop, and Krispie are their names." Hermione turned to leave.

"Hermione wait, I wanted to talk to you first. How are you doing with all of this?" Albus went back to grandfather mode, "I know this is a lot to take in and Severus isn't the nicest guy in the world. And that having a baby probably isn't helping anything. But how are you doing emotionally?"

"It was hard at the beginning, waking up with someone who taught you for six years. But since I do it everyday I am use to it, he's not as bad at home as he was at school. And since I only see him in the mornings and evenings it doesn't take much to get along with him." Hermione turned and looked at Albus. "The only other thing I am kind of worked up about is that this is the first Christmas without my mum. But for some reason it's not bothering me that much. I know it I should be, but she never would have understood what I am going through. Severus does, he listens when I complain about my robes not fitting or that I am hungry at three in the morning. He helped me with the tree, it meant so much to me. Strange isn't it, I am happy with Severus. I don't think right now I would have it any other way."

"That's all I wanted to know, I wanted to make sure you were doing alright. Go lay down, I'll put the presents under the tree and roam around a little. I didn't get much time to do so while I was here for the wedding." Albus opened his suitcase and pulled out an armful of gifts. "I didn't know what to get the baby so I get him everything. And I only say him because I don't like saying It about a baby." Smiling he walked into the living room humming Carole of the Bells to himself.