Severus leaned over his cauldron, adding in the last of dung beetles the potion called for. Abby was across the room cleaning a few cauldrons without magic, fulfilling one of her many punishments.
Hermione stepped in classroom, chewing on her bottle lip. Severus looked up and watched Hermione nervously walk toward him.
"What's wrong?" Severus asked as he cast a stasis spell over the cauldron.
"I just got an owl from my parents."
"Is everything alright", Severus asked making his way to her.
"Well yes, they want us to come to dinner."
"Then why do you seem flustered about something, shouldn't I be the one that is on edge? Do you not want me to come?" Severus asked confusedly as he sat down on his desk in front of her.
"No, no, that's not it at all. I love you Severus, you know that. I've told my mum and dad all about you and Abby, they are dying to meet you. It's just that they don't know I'm pregnant."
"Ahh, I see. Will they be upset that you became pregnant before marriage?"
"No, they will actually be thrilled. My mum and dad having been wanting a grandchild for a while now."
"Then why are you so nervous?"
"I don't know Severus, I just am!" Hermione said playfully swatting at Severus' chest.
Severus pulled Hermione into his chest and placed his chin on top of her head, "I think the hormones are getting the better of you."
Hermione smiled and buried her face into Severus' chest, inhaling his musky scent and the scent of the potion he was just brewing.
"Erm, is your father protective of you?" Severus asked after a moment of thought.
"Very much, why?"
"Now you're making me nervous. I know you said your parents would be thrilled about the baby, but it's different when you come between a man and his daughter."
Hermione smiled, "Severus, it will be fine. You have honorable intentions, and hopefully have no intentions of leaving me."
"I would never leave you", Severus said tightening his arm around Hermione, but still obviously nervous.
Severus looked up, and saw Abby smirking at him.
"What are smirking at? You will have to meet them one day too."
"Oh, they want Abby to come too, I've told them so much about the both of you", Hermione said turning her head in Abby's direction.
Severus smirked as Abby's face dropped.
"Is tomorrow night around six alright? I would schedule it for this weekend, but there is the Halloween ball. With the quidditch match on Wednesday, I thought tomorrow would be good."
"Perfect", Severus said smirking at Abby's now nervous face.
The following evening Abby and Hermione sat on Severus' couch, waiting for Severus to finish a few things before they left for Hermione's parents house.
"Maybe I shouldn't I go. I can just wait in here and do a few more chores for dad while you're gone", Abby suggested.
"Abby, why don't you want to go?"
Ever since Harry had caught Abby under the influence and brought her to Severus, she hadn't spoken much. She did everything Severus had told her perfectly, without complaining. But, she hadn't really spoken to Severus or Hermione, or any of the adults for that matter. Severus figured it was a combination of her being embarrassed and trying to stay out of trouble.
"It's just; I don't want to mess anything up. Dad really loves you and wants to make a good impression, I'm afraid I'm going to get there and your parent's aren't' going to like me or I'm going to do something and mess everything up", Abby said rubbing her face.
"Abby, they're going to love you. I've told them so much about you and they're anxious to meet you."
"Yeah that's what I'm worried about, they know everything about me."
Hermione scouted closer and put an arm around Abby, "You're such a great kid. Everyone gets into some trouble when they're a teenager. You're getting back on the right track. Besides, my dad is just as mischievous as any kid I know, that's where I learned it from."
Abby smiled and leaned into Hermione's shoulder. Muggle jumped up on the couch and laid his head in Abby's lap.
Severus rushed in a few moments later, consciously registering Abby leaning on Hermione, but decided he'd ask Hermione about it when they went to bed later.
"Sorry I'm late, just let me change and we can leave", Severus said gliding into the bedroom.
Fifteen minutes later, Hermione, Severus, and Abby had walked to the outside of Hogwarts gates and apparated to Hermione's parents house. Hermione entered the house, hanging onto Severus' hand who was trailing behind her. Abby was doing her best to stay behind Severus and not touch anything.
Severus peered around and saw the makings of a muggle home. When they entered the house, they walked through a small foyer and then reached the sitting room, where they were standing now.
The sitting room was a soft white color, with green carpeting. There was a tan couch and matching recliner to Severus' left and a television to his right, along with a fireplace. Severus noticed the mantel was covered with pictures of the Granger family over the years. He was now following Hermione toward a door on the other side of the room.
A tall slender man appeared in the door way. Other than his blonde hair and green eyes, Hermione was the spitting image of him.
"Hermione!" Edward Granger exclaimed as he pulled Hermione into an embrace. "Jane get out here, they're here."
Jane Granger exited the kitchen, pulling Hermione away from Edward and into her own arms.
"It's been too long, Hermione", Jane said squishing Hermione to her chest.
"And you must be Severus", Edward said sticking his hand out for Severus to shake.
"It's a pleasure to meet you", Severus said nodding and shaking Edward's hand.
"Where's Abby? We have heard some much about the two of you and were looking forward to meeting the both of you", Edward said to Severus.
"She's here", Severus said reaching behind him and pulling Abby to his side.
Abby stood next to Severus and looked sheepishly toward Edward.
"I don't know why she's acting shy, she's usually very outgoing", Severus said to Edward.
"That's alright. I was actually hoping Abby would want to come take a look at my quidditch collection."
"You like quidditch, but you're a muggle", Abby finally said.
"Once Harry and Ron introduced me to the sport I was hooked. I actually have two golden snitches that belonged to Puddlemere United; both are from two different world cups."
"Really", Abby breathed excitedly, "They're my favorite team! Can I see the snitches?"
"I knew you weren't shy", Edward said smiling, putting his hand on Abby's shoulder and guiding her to his quidditch room.
"Well, they are going to be occupied for a while, why don't we have a seat in the kitchen while dinner cooks", Jane said to Hermione and Severus.
After dinner and Jane pulling Abby and Edward from the quidditch room, the five sat in the sitting room talking. Hermione, Severus, and Abby were sitting on the couch, while Jane sat in the recliner with Edward sitting in front her.
"I remember when Hermione use to do that", Edward said, nodding his head in Abby's direction, she was falling asleep on Severus arm.
"Yes, Abby does have a tendency to use me as a pillow", Severus said smiling.
"That just makes me want to have another child. Do you think you will have anymore", Jane said curiously.
Severus froze and gave Hermione a sideways glance.
"Well mum, there is something we need to discuss with you two."
"You're pregnant aren't you?!" Jane said excitedly.
Hermione smiled and nodded.
"I knew it! You were just glowing when you walked in!" Jane squealed, hoping up and hugging Hermione, kicking Edward in the process.
Edward stood up, Severus stood up nervously, he couldn't read Edwards demeanor.
"Congratulations", Edward said, finally smiling and pulling Severus into a hug.
Severus let out a sigh and hugged the man back.
After another twenty minutes of Jane fussing over Hermione, the three set out to leave.
"Abby, I want you to have this", Edward said handing her one of the golden snitches.
"No, I can't take that."
"Yes, it's yours. I want you to have it", Edward said putting the snitch in her hand and closing her fingers around it, "Besides, what am I going to do with two golden snitches."
"Take it Abby, my dad won't take no for an answer", Hermione said pulling Edward into a hug.
"Well that went rather smoothly", Severus said entering his bedroom, after escorting Abby back to the Gryffindor common room.
"Yes, although, I think it's the first time I've ever seen you scared", Hermione said smiling.
Severus raised an eyebrow.
"I saw your face when my dad was approaching you. You didn't know whether he was going to hug you or kill you."
Severus smirked and laid on the bed, "So, what was it like growing up in your home. Your parents seemed very loving."
"They are. My childhood was actually wonderful. My mum and dad encouraged academics but also a little mischief. They thought kids should be kids and get into a little bit of trouble. That's why I was so drawn to Harry and Ron when I entered Hogwarts and we became best friends."
Severus smirked, "Yes, I thought I saw your dad and Abby snickering a few times tonight. So, I take it you have an excellent relationship with your parents."
"Mmm hmm. My relationship with my father is similar to yours and Abby's, although we don't have the banter that you an Abby do", Hermione said smiling.
"Abby does like to get me going."
"And you love it."
Severus smiled and cuddle into Hermione's neck.
"I almost forgot, what were you and Abby discussing when I walked in earlier, before leaving for your parents."
"She was just nervous about tonight. Abby was afraid my parents weren't going to like her because of the things she has done. She didn't want to mess any of this up for you because she knew it was important to you."
"Abby was wonderful tonight. I think she hit it off better with your dad then I did. She's starting to get herself back together and I'm proud of her for that."
"You should tell Abby that, it will help."
Abby walked from Gryffindor tower, toward the quidditch pitch. She was running behind, due to the fact that she had to gather her books for her homework. Severus was still making her spend evenings and weekends in his chambers.
"Long time, no see", came the voice of Graham Greyback.
About looked at Graham, rolled her eyes and continued walking. Graham reached out and pulled Abby into him, then forced her up against the wall.
"What, no hello kiss", Graham said pushing his hips into hers.
"Get off me!" Abby bellowed.
"You want me and you know it", Graham whispered seductively in her ear.
Abby kneed him in the growing and pushed him away from her.
"What the hell's wrong with you?! You're disgusting and I loathe you, I'd rather die before touching you in any sexual manor!" Abby yelled at him.
Graham just looked at her grinning.
"I don't get you. I'm a half blood remember, well I'm not even a half blood, my dad's a half blood and my mum's a muggle, so that makes me a quarter blood. I'm filth remember! You and your idiotic family would rather see someone like me dead than anything else."
"I can think of a few things I'd like to do with you. And I will have you", Graham said still grinning.
Abby throw a hex at Graham, sending him whirling down the other end of the hall. Then she made her way to the quidditch pitch.
Severus stood outside Gryffindor tower, waiting for Abby to emerge. He allowed her to partake in the Gryffindor celebration for winning the quidditch match, but only for an hour. He had told Abby to just come down to his chambers when she was done, but she insisted that he escort her back down.
The portrait swung open and Abby emerged scowling.
"What's wrong", Severus asked.
"Nothing, I was just arguing with Jordan. Can we go now?"
Severus nodded and they walked in silence towards his chambers. All of a sudden, Abby was as close as she could possibly get to Severus, almost pushing him into the wall. Before Severus could say anything, he saw Graham Greyback and a few of his friends approaching them.
"Professor, Abby", Graham said with a smirk on his face as they walked by. Severus nodded and Abby scowled.
Abby was clutching onto Severus' shirt, nearly dragging him down the hallway.
"Slow down Abby, what's wrong?"
"I just want to get to your chambers."
"Did Greyback do something to you?"
"No", Abby said after a moment of hesitation.
"You're lying", Severus stated.
They reached the entrance to Severus' chambers; Abby mumbled the password and walked in. Severus was still trailing behind her.
"Tell me now, Abby", Severus said grabbing Abby by the shoulder and pushing her to the couch.
"Nothing happened, dad."
Hermione, who was sitting on the other end of the couch reading a book, was now watching them with her eyebrows raised.
"Damn it, Abby! Stop lying to me!" Severus said firmly.
"Why do you always think I'm lying? No matter what I say you assume it's a lie."
"Right now I know you're lying. I could tell by your hesitation."
Abby huffed and stood up. She stalked to her bedroom and slammed the door.
"What was all that about", Hermione asked putting her book down.
"That damned boy has done something to Abby and she's covering it up. Abby nearly pushed me into a wall trying to get away from him in the hallway", Severus said scowling as he sat next to Hermione.
"Abby's probably just nervous about telling you. She knows you didn't believe her before."
Severus huffed.
"Besides, you accusing her of lying again isn't good for your relationship. Abby's starting to come around again; you don't want to push her away. We can all keep an eye on Graham and Abby. Besides, weren't you supposed to be telling her how proud you are of her recent behavior and academic and quidditch skills?"
Severus scowled and crossed his arms over his chest. Hermione smiled; when she was younger she would have been frightened of that face he was making, now she thought it was adorable.
"You are just too cute", Hermione said pulling his face to hers and capturing his lips.
When Hermione pulled back, Severus was smiling.
"Why don't we cook dinner, instead of going to the Great Hall? That way Abby can have some time to cool down and you two can talk later", Hermione said pulling Severus up.
When dinner was ready Severus went to get Abby from her room, but she was asleep. He left her alone, figuring she had had a long day and needed to rest. It was now midnight; Severus had just stirred awake from hearing a sound in the sitting room.
He made his way into the sitting room, Abby and Muggle were sitting in front of the fireplace with a fire lit.
"What are you doing awake", Severus inquired softly.
"I woke up because I was cold and couldn't get back to sleep."
"Oh, can I sit with you?"
"Yes, but you don't have to. I can tell you tired."
Severus sat down and was quiet for a moment. "Would you like something to eat? Hermione and I cooked; you were asleep when I came to get you. I thought you needed the rest so I didn't wake you."
"Yeah, I could eat something."
Severus went and retrieved some food from the kitchen. When he returned he handed Abby the plate and then sat down behind her. He had himself so both his legs were on both sides of Abby and he pulled her back so she was leaning on his chest.
"I have a few things I'd like to speak with you about."
"Ok", Abby said before taking a bit of food.
"I figured since you were eating your mouth would be occupied and there would be less chance of you arguing with me", Severus said lightheartedly.
The corners of Abby's mouth switched up into a smile as she continued eating.
"I'm very proud of you Abby. You are doing excellent in you academics and in quidditch. I've talked with all your teachers and they all have such wonderful things to say about you. I don't know how you do it, everything you've been through and you still manage to get top marks."
Abby smiled as Severus twirled some of her hair in his finger as he continued talking.
"And I love shoving it in Potters face that you are so much better than him at quidditch. You threw yourself a loop when you started experimenting with muggle drugs and drinking, but your pulling it back together. I'm always here for you Abby, no matter how mad you may think I am you can still talk to me. I'm sorry about before, I shouldn't have gotten angry, I just don't like the thought of anyone harming you."
By now, Abby was finished eating and had sat her plate on the floor. She was leaning on Severus' chest, wrapped around his arm. She nodded in response to Severus' statement.
"Has Greyback done something else to you?"
"It doesn't matter dad. I can't prove any of it anyway. I'm hoping if I ignore him he will leave me alone."
"Abby it does matter; if he's doing something to you I want to know. I love you Abby, I'm not going to let anyone harm you."
"I know you love me dad. I'm getting tired, can I sleep in here, it's much warmer than my room."
Severus noted that Abby deliberately avoided answering whether Greyback had done something to her, but he decided to leave it alone for now.
"You can sleep in my room with me and Hermione", Severus said standing and lifting Abby into his arms.
The next morning, Severus opened his eyes and all he saw were fingers. He could feel Hermione laying half on his chest, but could also feel another set of legs lying across his and the mysterious hand sprawled out across his face.
Severus removed the hand and looked over, Abby was sprawled out, half on him and half on the bed. Hermione was doing the same thing, but she was cuddled into his chest. There was no chance of him moving.
"I was wondering how long it would take for you to wake up", Hermione said opening her eyes.
"I'm surprised I slept this long with you two laying all over me."
"It's a nice change from you with your death grip on me. When did Abby come into the room?"
"She woke up last night and was in the sitting room because she was cold. I heard a noise, went out to investigate and found her. We had a little chat and I brought her back in here."
"A good chat I hope."
Severus smiled and nodded.
"We should probably get up and ready, breakfast is in half an hour."
"Yes. I guess we should."
Severus woke Abby up and the three made their way to the Great Hall together.
"Good morning", Albus said cheerfully from one side of Severus, at the high table.
"Good morning Albus", Hermione said, Severus nodded.
"Harry said Abby had stayed with you two last night, I hope all is well."
"Yes, she just fell asleep after the quidditch match", Severus said.
"Severus, who won the hex war?" Remus said cutting into the conversation.
Severus grinned widely, he had forgotten all about the hex war, and he assumed Abby had too.
"It's not over yet", Severus said taking out his wand and aiming at the Gryffindor table, in Abby's direction.
Most of the hall went silent when they saw Severus whip his wand out. Abby was oblivious to what was going on, being wrapped up in a conversation with Jordan and Shelly.
Severus sent a hex at Abby, catching her off guard. She flew off the bench and into the isle between the Gryffindor and the Ravenclaw table. Abby looked down at her cloak, it was now green and silver, with the letters S.S. swirling around it. The Syltherin emblem was tattooed to her forehead.
Abby looked up at Severus and grinned, he was grinning back.
Abby flicked her wand and then quickly barrel rolled under the Gryffindor table. The hex hit Severus, tipping his chair backwards and spilling him into the floor. He looked down at himself, but couldn't immediately see anything. Hermione started giggling.
"What!" Severus said anxiously, standing up.
The words "I love to cuddle" were flashing on Severus' forehead. When Severus turned around, Hermione giggled some more. The Gryffindor emblem and a scene of Hermione and Severus snogging were etched there.
-sorry for the delay, I've been really busy. Review please!