Disclaimer: See the first story…

Characters: Hermione Snape (nee Granger), Severus Snape and Julius Snape (OC).

Song: "Sleigh Ride" by Johnny Mathis.

Word prompt: Stargazing with a friend/partner/family member.

"A Magical Sleigh Ride."

"Giddy up, Giddy up!" Little Julius shouted as he bounced up and down near the one Pegasus drawn sleigh before him and his parents.

"Julius, I have told you -" Severus began his rebuff when his wife of five years silenced him by placing her hand on his arm.

"'Tis the Season, Severus, and he is only three." Hermione gently reminded him giving him one of her warm smiles designed to melt the iciest of hearts. She slightly winked her nose as her eyes danced merrily. "Besides I think he isn't paying you any mind."

"Hmf."

Hermione smirked. "You are not a winged horse decked out in Christmas Cheer... Although, a good Santa hat might give you some added authority."

"Don't you even think it Madame Snape." Severus warned, but the slight curl to his lips betrayed his true mood.

Hermione chuckled and shook her head. They joined their son in the sleigh and Severus took the reins. Hermione quickly cast several safety charms and wards about them. Then she covered their laps with the red fleece blanket she crafted for this occasion.

With a shot Severus steered the sleigh into the night's sky. Hermione dared not to look down or to open her eyes. She nervously played with the hem of the throw. She had never been one for flying. Not on brooms, hippogriffs, dragons nor Pegasus drawn carriages. She could feel Julius bouncing excitedly beside her, and every so hundred yards would exclaimed, "Mummy look! Isn't flying magical?"

She voiced her agreement, but she dared not open her eyes.

Severus sighed and leaned over to whisper into his beloved's ear, "Where is that Gryffindor courage, Hmm? Open your eyes woman."

Hermione's retort died on her lips when she turned her attention to her lover and saw a very big green Santa hat on his head. She laughed and kissed him quick on his check. "You will be the death of me someday. You and your Slytherin wiles."

"No, you and your Gryffindor tendencies will be the death of me." He corrected her and pulled on the reins bringing them over a bank of clouds.

"Look mummy, father its Oreo's Belt." Julius exclaimed standing on the bench seat bouncing and pointing to a constellation that had three celestial bodies lined in a row.

"Julius sit down," Hermione scorned grabbing his hand and pulling him onto her lap. "What have I told you about standing in a flying carriage?"

"Not to?"

"Yes."

"Okay, sorry mummy."

"You're forgiven," she whispered kissing his head softly. "And, it's Orion's belt not Oreo's Belt. Oreos are a cookie not a constellation."

"Oh-ron-on's" Julius repeated carefully. After a moment of quiet consideration he added, "You sure mummy?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"I think I like it better as Oreo's Belt. I mean, isn't in the Milky Way?"

Severus' laughter rang out in the peaceful night air. Hermione cut him a look that did little to dampen his good mood. It was Christmastime he was alive with his family; a concept he had long thought impossible; and he was sure he would win his bet with Lucius that Julius would be sorted into Gryffindor. He was very much like his mother. Thank Merlin.

Fini

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A/N: Hopefully you enjoyed this little bit of family fluff for the Snapes. I usually don't see many of these moments in fanfiction for Severus and Hermione, but then again I am new to both the fandom and the Severus/Hermione ship, so there might be more out there then I know about. I did have to replay the song to finish.

Written for both the iPod Shuffle Challenge and the Every Letter Has A Story Challenge (under week one, the E in HERMIONE is for Evil.)