A/N: Yay, Christmas morning if finally here in the story. The top question from everyone is what Severus gives Hermione for Christmas, if he gives her anything at all. Just wait and see, it gets answered very quickly, personally I think it's something amazing. We will learn more about it too in the coming chapters.

Thank you every who is still with me reading my story and reviewing it. Thank you too for everyone still adding me to their alerts and faves, I'm still blown away at the amount of people who are really liking my story. There are a few reviews I couldn't respond to. I still don't know why it does this on occasion, but if you didn't get a reply from me that's why. I'm sorry for it too, because I like responding to everyone's reviews so they know they are appreciated. As Always Read and Review. Take Care Everyone.

Chapter 13

The next morning, Hermione woke up first. Stretching and smiling as she realized it was Christmas Day. Last night Hedwig had tapped at Snape's window again. She had let the owl in, retrieved the letter and sent her up to the owlery. Telling her she wasn't sending a reply tonight.

The owl had left and she had opened it, not knowing what to expect. Severus had asked again if she wanted to be alone. She had shook her head, and went over to sit with again as she read it to him. Figuring she might as well since her heard both howlers yesterday.

"Dearest Mione. I'm so sorry. I was angry when I sent the howler and you were right I was angry at Ginny and took it out on you. Please forgive me. I am so very, very sorry. Since I was already at the Burrow the entire household heard every word. I don't know how you managed to make it so loud. Maybe you can teach me how to do it."

She snorted. "Right, like there is a chance in hell of that happening." Causing Snape to smirk at her, and chuckle softly.

"Anyway, Molly came rushing into the living room and heard every word, not that she needed to come any closer to it. I think I may be a bit deaf for a few days now. She then proceeded to rant at me for sending you a howler to begin with, smacking me in the head to add to her point. Then she started in on me and Ginny both for what happened, she didn't know about it yet. After yelling at Ginny for what she did, and smacking her upside the head. She turned to me for blaming you at all, smacking me upside the head again. Then gave us both an extra smack for dragging you into it at all. So I have not only a headache from your howler, which I don't blame you for, but its worse now at the head smacks."

Hermione started laughing at the images of Molly yelling and slapping both kids. Severus shook his head, but had a small smirk at the image in Hermione's head he was viewing.

"The twin are here too and as soon as Molly left the room, they each gave us a smack too and called us both dumb-asses for what we did. So after all the head smacks I got, I think that totaled five for me, Ginny by the way started shooting hexes at both boys earning another smack from Molly making her total five too, I have a killer headache. I don't know how any of Molly's kids didn't end up with brain damage by all the smacks they had to have received over the years. Maybe Ron does. It would explain a lot. Again I'm sorry. I hope to see you tomorrow. Your dear and loving friend hopefully always, Harry James Potter. PS...Please don't hex my bits and pieces off. Ginny and I would love kids one day. Oh we made up if you didn't know. HP."

Hermione was fully laughing by the end of it all. Snape was chuckling himself again seeing the images flashing thru her mind as she imagined the whole thing. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to spend one day with them if this was what it was like. He thought to himself.

They had gone to bed shortly after that, where Severus took great pains in wearing Hermione out and making her slightly horse from all her screams of pleasure. They then had fallen asleep wrapped together.

Now, she slipped out of bed, her bladder full and screaming for relief. Afterward, she went into the living room where she found Severus waiting for her with a cup of coffee for her. She did wonder how he knew how she took it.

She didn't think he had seen her make it up or order it. Maybe she had. She took the cup, giving him a soft kiss. "Good morning, thanks for the coffee." She took her first sip, and sighed. She saw him drinking his own tea and smiled at him. "Merry Christmas."

She saw him flush just a bit, and was glad to have spent her morning with him. She wondered if he ever spent it with anyone before.

He smiled back at her. "Merry Christmas."

She noticed he seemed a bit nervousness so she sat down on the sofa, motioning for him to join her. She sat her cup down on the table beside the couch, taking his and placing it next to hers. She saw him frowning at her so she smiled at him.

She reached into the robe she was wearing, the one he kept shrunk to fit her. She pulled out one of the presents she had for him, the ones she had gotten from her room the night before and left shrunk in her bag. Transferring them later to her borrowed robe while he wasn't looking last night.

He smirked at the wrapping, it was in Gryffindor colors. The burgundy and gold paper glinting in the light. He couldn't remember the last time someone gave him a present before.

He opened it up slowly and his jaw dropped. "I hope you don't expect me to wear this." He said, looking down at the delicate teddy in emerald green and trimmed in silver, Slytherin colors, with matching silver shimmering stockings and green high heels. His eyes meeting hers in a horrified look at the thought of her expecting him to wear it.

She giggled. "No silly, I'm going to wear it for you. You may do what you want to me in it." At his raised eyebrow and glinting eyes she decided to amend her statement. "Within reason of course." He smirked at her.

She pulled out another present. "This is for you though. Merry Christmas."

He frowned in confusion. "You got me two presents?"

She smiled. "Well the first one was for both of us. I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much as you will."

He nodded and glanced down at the paper in Slytherin green and silver. He opened it slowly, inhaling sharply as his eyes widened. Inside was a rare book that he had been wanting to find a copy of for so long. His eyes met hers, his eyes filled with something she couldn't understand.

"How did you find this? I've been wanting a copy for ages." His voice gruff with emotion.

She smiled at him, happy that he liked his gift. She cupped his cheek, her thumb stroking the pale skin. "I just did. I've been going thru your books, trying to figure out what I could get that you didn't have. I'm glad you like it." She leaned over and gave him a kiss, his arms snaking around her and pulling her tightly against him. Though he kept the kiss soft and gentle.

When she pulled back, her eyes were hot and she was smiling at him. "Okay, I have to get ready if I'm going to go to the Burrow." She stood but he caught her hand, stopping her and pulling her back down.

He smiled shyly at her, his voice uncertain. "Don't you want my present to you?"

She smiled softly. "You got me a present?" She hadn't expected one from him.

He nodded as he handed her a long box wrapped in a combination of both house colors. Burgundy and Green paper with silver and gold ribbons. She took it in her hand, her thumb caressing the paper gingerly. She slowly unwrapped it and found a long black velvet box inside.

Her eyes jumped to his, as she swallowed. His eyes were piercing hers but didn't reveal anything. She looked back at the velvet box and slowly opened it. She gasped at what was inside. A silver pendant with a lion and serpent curled together peacefully, almost looking like they were embracing softly, on a matching long silver chain. The lion had ruby eyes and snake had emerald eyes. Her initials were engraved under the lion and his were under the snake. The G of hers and the first S of his tilted a bit so they entwined.

She stared at him speechless. She never expected him to do anything like this for her. She couldn't even form the words past the lump in her throat at his gesture.

When she didn't speak, he started to get nervous. He was afraid to peek into her thoughts for fear of what he would see. When she still didn't speak or move after several moments he looked away before she saw the hurt in his eyes.

He stood up and walked back into the bedroom. Seeing him go, she realized he didn't understand. She quickly stood and ran after him. He turned when he heard her quick steps towards him and barely had time to brace himself as she jumped into his arms. As it was, he almost stumbled from the force of her impact on him.

Her mouth covering his as her hands cupped his cheeks, she let her feelings pour into her kiss as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He relaxed, realizing she really liked his gift. His arms wrapping around her to mold her against him.

He laid her down on the bed, as she ran kisses all over his face. Pulling back just enough to look up at him. "I loved it, thank you so much Severus." Shes said, her voice soft and full of emotions she couldn't name just yet.

He smiled down at her and kissed her again. Not breaking the kiss she flicked her wand, making both of their clothes disappear. He started making love to her gently. He didn't just have sex with her, he actually made love to her. Letting all the love he felt for her show in his strokes and kisses.

She noticed the change in him and welcomed it, giving back just as much as he gave to her. She on the other hand still didn't realize she was making love to him. She tried to tell herself it was just sex, but in her heart she knew better, but still she tried to deny it.

The emotions flowing thru her was the evidence of it. She wouldn't have had such powerful emotions if it was just sex. Nor would her orgasm had been as strong and fulfilling without them. He knew what it was and was amazed at the difference in how he felt with her during and afterward.

She refused to accept that they made love because it would mean she loved him, and she couldn't have that. She wasn't looking for love. She doubted he would accept her love for him either. So it couldn't be love. It was just very strong like. She liked him. She cared about him sure, but it wasn't love.

She lay with him afterward, snuggled against him as she blocked the thoughts in her mind. Again blocking him, and not even knowing it. He wasn't worried about her blocking him from her mind this time. He knew she still didn't know he looked at her thoughts.

She wasn't fully keeping herself from him so he didn't care about her thoughts being blocked. Maybe she just didn't want to think right now. He knew his brain was like liquid mush after what they had just shared.

He felt her sit up after a bit and stretch as she smiled at him. Her thoughts now open to him and now on needing to get dressed before she was late. He never delved deep into her thoughts, he only scanned what was at the surface. Anything deeper would have been a major violation and he didn't want to do that to her. Not to mention that she would know if he delved deeper. She would see what he saw in her mind.

He smiled at her. "Is that invitation still open to join you at the Burrow?"

She looked at him a bit surprised as she nodded happily at him. "It is if you want to join me."

He wasn't really sure, but he knew she wanted him too. It might not be so bad. "I do."

She went back to the dorms, where she found her pile of Christmas presents and leaving them for later she grabbed her clothes. She ran back to the dungeon so he wouldn't have a chance to change his mind.

She got dressed in a soft purple dress for the holidays. She saw him in his usual garb of black slacks and soft white button down shirt. He left off his robes and though. She smiled at him, as she fixed her hair and put on her new necklace. He hadn't expected her to wear it, but she did, slipping the pendant under collar of the dress. The chain the only evidence that it was there.

He was just happy she was wearing it at all. Just before they left she sent a note to Harry saying that she accepted his apology but suggested he wear a cup just in case she felt the need to follow thru on her threat. Severus asked what a cup was, never having heard of one before.

She giggled as she explained that muggles used them to protect their...bits and pieces while playing sports. He had chuckled saying again she really did had a bit of Slytherin in her. She had given him a cheeky grin and a wink as told him that he was right, at times she sure did. More than a bit too. He had chuckled at her, swatting her on the bottom as she walked away to give the note to Hedwig.

When they were ready to go, she had shrank her presents for them down into her pocket, and he apparated them outside the gates of the school. Since he wasn't sure where the Burrow was, never having been there himself, she apparated them just outside the front door to the Burrow. Not even bothering to knock, she walked right inside, her hand tucked into his to keep him from trying to bolt.

She was immediately pounced on by Ginny who hugged her fiercely saying she was sorry for dragging her into her fight with Harry and to please not hex off his bits and pieces. Severus tried to pull away, but she didn't let him.

Hermione used her other hand to pat her friend on the back as she giggled. Pulling back she smirked as she said she'd think about it. Ginny had frowned at her friend then noticed who came with her. Her eyes widened at seeing her potions professor standing there staring down at her.

Ginny swallowed as she stuttered. "H..Hello Professor Snape." She couldn't keep eye contact so she dropped her eyes and saw he had his hand inside Hermione's. Her eyes jumped to Hermione who just smiled at her.

"Hello Ms. Weasley." He said stiffly in his silken voice, a smirk on his face as he saw her eyes widen at his hand holding her friends.

"Ginny were is everyone?" Hermione asked, as she walked farther into the empty room, dragging Snape with her. Dropping the presents off under the tree.

"Outside playing Quidditch. I heard the pop of your arrival so I came inside." She eyed the couples hands together again. Keeping her questions to herself for the time being. She would wait until Hermione and her were alone before bombarding her with them.

Hermione slipped her free arm around Ginny. "Well, lets go then."

Severus pulled his hand free before they stepped into the backyard, making Hermione smirk up at him. Everyone saw them and called out a greeting. Molly enveloping Hermione in a hug that almost crushed her lungs.

"You are too skinny dear, you're working way too hard at school. You're not getting enough fresh air and exercise. Why haven't you been by to see us sooner?" On and on it went until Molly released her death grip on her. Dragging in air again, she saw Snape smirking at her while chuckling at Hermione's pained look before he too was almost squashed to death next.

She bit her lips to hold back a giggle at the look of shock on his face as Molly started on him as she hugged him too. "You Severus, are I bet not eating properly either. Locking yourself away in your dungeons and not getting any sun. It isn't healthy I tell you."

Both Ginny Hermione fought more giggles as he had looked ready to roar at the woman to leave him be before she finally let go. Seeing the girls fight a laugh, he glared at them, making Ginny instantly sober. When Molly walked away, Hermione let her giggle escape, no longer able to contain it.

"Don't be upset Severus, she does it to everyone. Besides, serves you right, you thought it was funny when she almost crushed me." He stopped glaring at Hermione, realizing he had laughed at her first so he couldn't really be upset.

Ginny kept her face blank at the use of his first name. She was shocked, but no more than by seeing her friend holding his hand. Something was definitely going on here.

He did smirk again as they walked on and he saw Molly do it to one of the other guests. They walked up to the small group at the edge of the patio watching the game playing overhead. Hermione had asked Ginny why she wasn't playing and the red head explained that with her, there was an odd number of players so she didn't join in. Saying she got to play enough at school anyway being the new captain of her team this year.

Arthur gave Hermione a big fatherly hug and shook Severus's hand. Telling Snape he was glad he could come. Severus didn't sneer but nodded to the man, stumbling over his thanks at Arthur letting him join his family.

If Arthur was surprised at Severus saying thank you, he didn't show it. Instead he clapped the man on the back and offered him a drink. The men went inside for drinks as Hermione smiled and watched them go. Molly went over to the table set up outside to check on the rest of her guests. Leaving the two girls alone.

Ginny turned to her. "Spill it, quick before they come back."

Hermione turned back to her friend still smiling but only shrugged. Ginny spotting the chain that glinted in the light with her movement frowned. Hermione didn't wear jewelry, or at least she never had before today anyway.

Moving quickly, Ginny pulled the chain out of its hiding place and looked at it. Gasping at what she saw. "Mione. Are you two..." She couldn't even say it.

Hermione grinned again, nodding. "Yes. You had a very good idea with him, thanks for that by the way."

Ginny grinned back at her friend still looking at the beautiful necklace. She never would have believed it if she didn't see it in her friends eyes. What she did see in Hermione's eyes shocked her even more. She would swear she saw love in her friend's eyes as Hermione glanced back at the man who gave her the necklace.

Severus saw Ginny holding the necklace as she stared opened mouthed at her friend, but what surprised him was Hermione's smile as she nodded. Obviously confirming their relationship to her friend. It warmed him to see her do it. Maybe they did have a chance.

When Hermione's eyes met his, he gave her a small smile. He watched as Ginny carefully hid her necklace again before walking off to sit with her mother and the rest of the guests. Hermione stood at the edge of the patio, watching the game when it was called to a stop.

Severus came over handing her a drink as Arthur joined his wife and daughter, a smirk on his face as he remembered the last time she drank fire whiskey. She blushed at the memory too but took the drink, reminding herself to go slowly with it.

Harry and Ron came down first. Ron came over and hugged her, and she smacked him in the back of the head. Glaring at him when he pulled back. "That was for not writing me, you jerk."

Severus smirked as Ron blushed while mumbling. "Sorry Mione. I was busy." She reached over and smacked him again. "Okay, not too busy to write. I'm sorry. I'll make sure I write you from now on." She reached out and hugged him again.

Severus coughed to cover a laugh. Ron looked over at him, pulling out of Hermione's arms. Fear from all the years of terror the man caused filled his eyes. "H..Hello Professor Snape." Stumbling like his sister did though his voice actually squeaked in his nervousness of the dark man.

"Hello Mr. Weasley." He said stiffly while fighting another chuckle at the boy. Ron quickly took off away from the man he feared.

She saw Harry coming towards her. Approaching her slowly, unsure of his welcome. She fought a smile, not wanting him to know yet that he was safe. He stopped in front of her, searching her eyes. "Hi Mione." He said softly.

She felt her face slipping from the annoyed look she was trying to give him. "Did you wear your cup?" She asked, a giggle clawing at her throat. Severus did smirked, not caring if the young man saw it or not. He was enjoying Harry's discomfort.

Harry's eyes widened at her question. "Oh come on Mione. You wouldn't really do that, would you?" His voice cracking a bit, showing his uncertainty on whether she really would or not.

Severus fought a laugh of his own. His Mione had a mean streak and he found he liked it. He didn't even care that he thought of her as 'his Mione' anymore either. As far as he was concerned, she was his, until she told him otherwise.

Hermione smiled sweetly at him, pulling out her wand, making Harry sweat a bit more. Her finger stroking the soft wood. "You ever send me a howler like that again and I sure will."

Harry visibly relaxed and hugged her. "I'm sorry Mione. I promise I wont. If I do, I'll personally get them ready for you to hex off, I swear." She let her laugh loose now that the game was over. Hugging him tightly against him. She had missed him, being a jerk and all.

Harry pulled back smiling at her. He glanced at Snape, holding out a hand for a shake. "Hello Severus."

Severus stared at the boy for a moment before accepting it and feeling Hermione sigh in relief. "Hello Harry." Using the boys first name since Harry had done so himself. "I hear you're training to be an Auror."

Harry grinned. "Yes sir, I am. How are the students this year?"

Severus quirked an eyebrow at him. "Empty headed as always." Making Harry laugh.

Hermione looked up at Severus and smiled sweetly, Severus gave her a small smile in return. Making Harry pause and really look at the two in front of him. Hmm, isn't that interesting. He thought, before excusing himself to join Ginny and the rest of the group here for the party.

Hermione started to walk over to join the group, Severus a few steps behind her, when there were two distinct pops next to her, and two arms slipped around her waist. She realized instantly she had forgotten to explain to Severus about the twins.

"Hey there Mione." George or Fred said.

"Hey there Gorgeous." The other one said, then both kissed her cheeks making Severus raise an eyebrow at her as he stopped next to the three people hugging.

She flushed and muttered her normal greeting. "Hello boys." She hoped Severus wouldn't make a big fuss about this. She turned and kissed the cheek of the one that said her name, and then turned to kiss the cheek of the one that called her Gorgeous, since they both took turns swapping she never knew who did it at the time.

Paying attention to Severus's face as she kissed the first one she forgot and didn't pay attention when Fred turned his head and she kissed him on lips. Making her wince and then groan in annoyance as Fred took off shouting he finally got his kiss.

"Dammit Fred. I am going to hex you into next week." She said taking off after him. Luckily for him he snagged his broom and was off into the air before she could catch him. Knowing she wouldn't follow him on a broom since she was petrified of flying.

"Fred I'm going to kill you. You have to come down some time today." She yelled after him as he continued to shout that he finally got his kiss.

The others smiling and laughing at the sight of Hermione yelling after him and Fred yelling his triumph over his kiss while flying in circles as George came over the to rest of the group laughing as much as the others. Only one person saw the look of anger on Snape's face, she nudged her fiancée who instantly sobered.

Oh crap. Harry thought. He quickly got up, seeing Hermione still trying to aim her wand at the flying redhead. He walked over to Snape, seeing he had a death grip on his glass of fire whiskey. Harry wasn't sure how the glass didn't break, but was glad it didn't. It would draw unnecessary attention to them both and the situation.

"Bloody git. Maybe now he'll stop this stupid game he's played with Mione for years. It's harmless, he just tries to get a quick kiss on the lips when she goes to kiss her cheek. He's been doing it for years." Harry said, trying to sound mildly annoyed over it.

Harry saw Severus look over at him. "Game?" It hadn't looked like a game to him. Severus thought.

Harry nodded while still frowning and trying to seem calm about it. "Yep. Mione always dodges him, but I guess she was distracted today. She looks at the twins like her big brothers and they look at her like a little sister. But the twins like their pranks and this is just another one."

Severus tried to peek into his thoughts but found his way blocked. It looked like Harry finally learned Occlumency. He relaxed a little at Harry's words but totally relaxed after scanning Hermione thoughts instead and seeing her dark thoughts of revenge on the twin. Seeing her mentally calling Fred several dirty names that made him smile.

"You care about her." Harry said, making Severus glare at him. "Don't glare. I'm not your student any longer, so it doesn't really work. If you do, then I'm glad. She needs someone who cares about her in her life that she lets in. I know she has us, but its not the same anymore. She's changed since the war, more so than the rest of us."

At Severus's curious frown he went on. "Ginny was telling me how different she is at school now. She doesn't raise her hand much in class for one thing. That isn't her, as you well know. She always used to have her hand up to any and all questions in class, it annoyed everyone, even me at times. Plus, she didn't want to come back to see us during her Christmas break which is another thing. She always spent Christmas with us before the war. I don't know why she didn't want to this year. The only answer she gave us is that she needed to study and figure out what she wants to do after school."

Harry sighed. "That's another thing. She always has a plan of action before any of us. Now she can't seem to figure it out. I'm hoping she just stayed behind to see you this year, and not to keep us away from her." Harry said before he walked away again.

The rest of the day Severus pondered Harry's words. He had noticed her not actively participating in his class like before. She had only raised her hand a few times before she took her exam. He thought it was due to her thoughts of him that distracted her, but maybe he was wrong. He knew war changed people, but had the horror of it all been to much for her handle? Had she really changed that much in such a short amount of time? If she had, why? These thoughts flickered around in his mind as he watched her with her friends. Noticing that she did seem a bit reserved with them. Not joining in on the fun of the day as much as she should have, standing back and watching more than actually participating.

Dinner went well all and all. Other than Hermione catching Fred and smacking him several times in the head. All while threatening to hex him with the stinging jinx if he didn't stop yelling about getting his kiss. Promising him to hit him too with the slug-vomiting charm if he ever kissed her like that again.

Fred remembered seeing Ron suffer thru it, and Ron remembered the horrible taste, causing both to shudder. Fred promised to behave, though by the teasing glint in his eyes she doubted he meant it. Severus smiled slightly while watching his lover and her friend interact, making those around him pause for a fraction of a second in shock at seeing him actually smile, before continuing on like nothing happened.

After dinner, the twins got Ron with a classic prank. They turned his dessert into a slug at Hermione's reminder of the horrible curse that back fired on him all those years ago. Ron took one bite and spit it out, making every one chuckle as he started to chase the twins who ran thru the house laughing hysterically.

Severus chuckled, as he checked his own dessert before taking a bite, missing everyone's pause again at hearing him laugh. In the distraction of the twins, he never noticed the pause before chatter resumed again.

Molly called for the boys to stop, smacking all three involved for good measure, and made them all sit down again. Next up was Ginny who got pranked starting the whole thing over again, they had turned her whipped cream into a foul tasting shaving cream that turned her lips a strange blue color that wouldn't wash off.

Hermione was smart enough to trade out her dessert, silverware, and drink with a flick of her wand with a combination of both twins while they were running from Ginny since they hadn't eaten anything yet. She doubted either boy would dare prank Snape, though she did notice him checking extra carefully before eating or drinking anything.

Nothing happened to him, but Harry found his fork kept dropping his bites of his dessert into his lap. He shrugged and Accio'd a new fork deciding that it could have been worse. The twins grabbed their forks, and George broke out in pimples from head to toe, making Hermione glare at him. Knowing it had been meant for her.

Everyone laughed at George getting his own prank back, and Fred took a drink from his glass and developed instant flatulence that quickly cleared the room with the horrid smells coming out every ten to twenty seconds. Hermione didn't stick around to glare at him, again knowing it was meant for her.

As everyone ran outside for fresh, untainted air, Hermione muttered curses at both boys. "Damn, bloody prats meant those for me." Severus heard her and couldn't help himself. He started laughing, the sound starting off soft but building until he was laughing so hard he grabbed his sides and almost fell over. Actually he did but only because Hermione growled and shoved him.

All shocked eyes turned to the couple. None of them sure if they were shocked more at his laughing so hard, or at her pushing him to the ground and him letting her do it. She tried to walk away but he pulled her down to the ground with him still laughing.

She glared and raised her wand, ready to hex him, but he raised his first and hit her with a spell. The burst of silver light, made everyone draw their wands on him until they realized what he hit her with since they hadn't heard him mutter the word, "Rictusempra".

They all lowered their wands in confusion as the tickling charm went into full force and she started to squirm and giggle all over the ground as it felt like hundreds of fingers attacking her at once. He stood up smirking down at her, as she begged for mercy between bouts of laughter He let her squirm for a moment more then sent the counter spell.

Tears running down her face, gasping for air, she glared at him. He reached down and helped her back onto her feet, still smirking. Slipping his arm around her waist as they walked back to the stunned group. George was standing there covered in pimples that seemed to be growing bigger and bigger, making her glare at him again.

"What did I ever do to you two to make you hit me with both of those awful curses?" She asked George.

He smiled sheepishly. "This wasn't suppose to happen. I think we grabbed the wrong vials before we left the shop. I thought we grabbed a potion that was suppose to make you laugh like a hyena but only last for two or three minutes. The other potion we smeared on your dessert fork was suppose to turn your hair bubble gum pink and look like a fluffy poodle only for about five minutes."

She smiled at him, thinking that would have been a bit funny. "Still, why did I get two pranks?"

Fred showed up, making everyone hold their noses and breathe thru their mouths. "We missed you Mione. We haven't been able to prank you while you were gone."

George nodded and added. "We all missed you, but you haven't been around at all lately."

She smiled sadly, ducking her head. "I'm sorry guys. I should have come back to see you all more. I would hug you both, but George looks like he is about to spew puss on everyone and Fred you stink." She said giggling a bit. "It is fitting that this happened with all the pranks you've pulled on everyone over the years."

It was getting late. Hermione said her goodbyes, promising to visit again soon. All of them wondering if she really would since she had been absent from the lives so much since the war. Severus said his goodbyes too. Everyone shouted out invitations for him to come again next year and to visit again soon. He was surprised at all of them wanting to be around him again, but he said he would try and he meant it.

He apparated both him and Hermione back to his private office. There they quickly showered to get the smell of Fred's gas that seemed to linger off them both and went to bed exhausted.