Severus lay on his bend, left arm behind his hand and the right wrapped around Abby. She was cuddled to his chest, asleep.
"Severus, what time is it?" Hermione said sleepily, from Severus' left.
"Nine."
"What! We're late for our classes!" Hermione said wide eyed.
"Shh, I spoke with Albus earlier. He is going to cover our classes and Abby is excused from her lessons today."
"Oh, well ok." Hermione cuddled back into the blanket. "Has Abby woken up yet?"
"No."
"Have you slept?" Hermione asked, after noticing the dark circles under Severus' eyes.
"I slept for an hour or so, I was up most the night testing the poison around Muggle's mouth", Severus said sighing.
"What did you find out."
"It had traces of sulfur and ingredients used in a few dark arts potions."
"Dark arts? Who do you think poisoned him?"
Severus turned his head, looking at Hermione, "Do I really need to answer that."
"You think Graham did it?"
"I'm positive he did it, I just can't prove it right now. The ingredients I found, his father was notorious for using them."
"Are you going to tell Abby that Muggle was poisoned?"
"I'm not sure. I'm afraid if I tell her, she may do something drastic to Greyback. Which I wouldn't oppose her doing, but I don't want her thrown in Azkaban or having her rash actions weigh on her conscious for the rest of her life."
"Yes, I agree with that. But, if Graham did poison Muggle, he will taunt her with it. Perhaps if you let her know soon, defiantly not today, you can somewhat control her actions. Winter break is just two weeks away, she should have time to think things over before returning for the new semester."
"Yes, I suppose I should tell her."
"Severus why don't you sleep, you look exhausted. If Abby wakes and needs you, I will wake you up."
The next two weeks had seemed to drag out to be the longest weeks ever. Abby had become very clingy to Severus, she spent most of her time in his or Albus' chambers.
It was now the last day before term ended, and Christmas break started. Most of the students had left for the Hogwarts express, but there were still a few stragglers. Abby was assisting Severus in cleaning up his classroom and store room.
"Where's Hermione?" Abby asked.
"Napping in my chambers. We cleaned up her classroom an hour or so ago and it tired her out."
Abby nodded.
"Why don't you come take a seat", Severus said as he transfigured a couch from one of the work benches. "I need to speak with you."
Severus watched as Abby's tired face dropped and she reluctantly walked over and sat down. Abby peered into Severus' face, waiting for him to continue.
"We need to talk about what happened to Muggle."
"Dad, I told you I don't want to talk about it", Abby said tensing up.
Severus wrapped an arm around her, pulling her to his chest. "We need to discuss this before you hear it from somewhere else."
"What", Abby responded sighing.
"Love, Muggle didn't just die from old age."
Abby's eyes raised, in interest.
"I found a white substance around Muggle's nose and mouth. Someone poisoned him."
Abby sat still for a moment, then her face turned beat red. She bite her lip and was fighting back tears.
"I know it was Graham, dad. Who else would do that!" Abby said in a shaky voice.
"Love I know, but I can't prove it at the moment. Give me time."
"No! I hate that bastard, I'm going to kill him!" Abby said jumping up.
Severus seized her arm and pulled her back into his lap. He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and the other around her stomach, pinning her arms down and her body to him.
"Please Abby, I know this is hard, but you can't do anything drastic to Greyback. Just let me work on trying to find a way to prove he is the one who harmed Muggle. You don't need to worry about any of this."
"How can I not!" Abby said starting to sob.
Severus released Abby and turned her around, pulling her into a tight embrace.
"Abby", Severus said after her sobs subsided. "If you do something to Greyback, you will end up in Azkaban. He's not worth it, just let me deal with this. It's the start of your holiday, so just relax."
"Ok", Abby said quietly and pushed herself off of Severus and wiping the tears from her face. "I going to go finish cleaning your store room."
"Ok, love", Severus said trailing his hand through her red locks.
A half hour after Abby went into Severus' store room, there was a loud knock on the classroom door.
"Enter", Severus called from a work bench. He looked up as the door opened and Matty Pierson stepped in.
"Hello, sir", Matty said a little nervously.
"Mr. Pierson", Severus said in greeting. "What can I do for you?"
"I was hoping you could tell me where Abby is. I haven't seen her all day and I just wanted to say bye before I departed for holiday."
"She's over there in my store room", Severus said pointing in the rooms direction, suppressing a grin.
Matty walked over to the store room and stepped in. Abby was standing with her back to the door, rearranging Severus' stock.
"Hi Abby", Matty said.
Abby jumped and spun around.
"Sorry I didn't mean to startle you."
"No, it's alright. I thought you left to go home already."
"I'm leaving now, I just wanted say bye and bring you this", Matty said pulling a package out of his robes and handing it to Abby. "Merry Christmas."
"Thanks", Abby said surprised. "I didn't you know were getting me a,anything or I would have gotten you something as well."
"No, you don't need to buy me anything. I didn't want to tell you I was buying you a gift so Jordan wouldn't find out, I figured he'd be angry at me for buying his girlfriend a Christmas present. Open it, I want to make sure your you like it."
Abby smiled and tore open the gift. It was a signed jersey from the Puddlemere United's seeker.
"This must have cost you a fortune! How did you get it!" Abby said excitedly.
"My father is friends with the teams manager."
"Thank you!" Abby said grinning and then hugging him.
"Well, I better be going", Matty said grabbing Abby's hand , bringing it to his lips and kissing it. "If you would like to get together over Holiday or if you need anything just owl me. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas", Abby said blushing and nodded as Matty made his way out of the room.
"So?", Severus said leaning up against the door frame of the store room door, a few minutes later.
"So...what?", Abby said still smiling.
Severus grinned, "What did Matty give you?"
"You were listening?!" Abby said scowling.
"Of course, you are in my store room. Now wipe that scowl off your face and show me what he got you."
Abby couldn't help but grin and show Severus the jersey.
"I imagine if Jordan wouldn't have been an issue, he would have gotten you some type of jewelry."
"Shut up, dad!" Abby said swatting at him and grinning.
"I believe it's about time to get rid of that dunderhead boyfriend of yours and replace him with Matty."
Christmas eve had approached rather quickly at the Snape house. Hermione was lounged on the bed, while Severus was changing into his night clothes. Every few minutes Severus would gaze up Hermione, smiling.
"What?" Hermione asked, smiling back.
"Nothing, I just love that you're caring my child. And now, your starting to show."
"I know, I'm huge!"
"Oh you are not", Severus said walking over to the bed and laying down with her, running his hands over her stomach. "You're beautiful my love."
Hermione smiled and wrapped her hands in his hair.
"Oh, Severus I almost forgot. Why was Abby setting a tent up in her room?"
"Shit! I nearly forgot. It has been a tradition since she was little, for her, her mother, and myself to sleep in the tent on Christmas eve."
"Severus go sleep in there with her tonight, I know she needs you."
Abby had been really quiet that last couple of days. Severus could tell she was fully trying to get through things, but the holiday depression was starting to kick in. This would be the first Christmas Abby would spend without her mother, best friend, and Muggle since she was five years old. Severus had gotten Abby Muggle for Christmas whens he was five.
"Let's both go. Abby loves you Hermione, you're a big part of her life now. I think she could use the both of us", Severus said standing and reaching down to help her up.
"Alright, as long as you think that's what she wants", Hermione replied, taking Severus' hand.
Abby was already wrapped in a blanket, laying in the tent, when Severus and Hermione entered her room.
"Abby, are you sleeping?" Severus said as he and Hermione started to lay down beside her.
"No", Abby said opening her eyes. "You don't have to sleep in here with me this year. I know you and Hermione probably want to start your own traditions. It's ok."
"Abby, you love this tradition and so do I. Hermione and I will start our own traditions, but they would never take place of anything we already have. Besides, we can add Hermione to this tradition and the baby when he is born, and any other children we decide and whatever family you make when you're older."
"Abby, if you want to just spend this time with your dad, I understand. I will gladly go back to mine and your dads room", Hermione said reaching over Severus and rubbing Abby's arm.
"No, I want you to stay", Abby said edging closer to Hermione and Severus.
Hermione woke up the next morning to Severus whispering her name. She opened her eyes realizing she was half on Severus' chest, with Abby on the other half.
"Merry Christmas", Severus said smiling.
"Merry Christmas, Love."
"I'm about to bring one of Abby's gifts in here. It should be just about ready."
"The one Albus helped you with?"
"Yes, I'll be right back", Severus said helping Hermione sit up and then gently pushing Abby off to the side.
Abby groaned slightly and rolled over, but didn't wake up. Severus walked quietly out of the tent and the room, reemerging minutes later with an egg in hand. Abby was laying on her side, turned away from Severus. So, he and Hermione sat behind Abby's back, placing the egg in front of her.
"Abby, Abby wake up", Severus whispered into her.
Abby groaned and opened her eyes. It took a moment for the sleepy haze to subside and her eyes to focus. The egg started to jolt.
"What's...", Abby started but Severus cut her off.
"Shhh, just watch. It's something Hermione and I got you for Christmas."
Abby blinked and remained quiet as the egg continued jolting and started to crack at the top. It took a moment but the crack traveled down from the top of the egg to the bottom. A baby bird hopped out of the shell and started squeaking.
"Is that a Phoenix!", Abby breathed excitedly, almost to low for Severus to hear.
"Yes", Severus replied running his hands through Abby's hair.
"and, He's mine?"
"Yes, Love."
"But I thought the Phoenix picked his owner."
"They do. But your grandfather said he will know he is meant for you. Phoenix's are very smart creatures."
"But how?"
"I'm not sure", Severus said smiling, still playing with her hair.
By this point the Phoenix had waddled up to Abby and started rubbing the top of his head on Abby's cheek.
"What's his name?"
"He will tell you."
"But how.....Talon! His name is Talon! How did he do that!" Abby said becoming really excited, but trying to remain still so she wouldn't frightened the bird.
"I'm not sure, but from what your grandfather says he can only communicate with you, as Fawks does with him. Pick him up and bring him out here", Severus said standing and pulling Hermione up.
Abby carefully picked the Phoenix up and followed Severus and Hermione out of the tent. They were standing inside Abby's room.
"I got a stand for Talon to perch on", Severus said taking Abby to the stand that was beside her bed and helping her put Talon on it. Talon pulled his wing over his head and fell into a deep sleep.
"Since he's a baby he will sleep a lot at first", Hermione added smiling.
"Abby, I just want you to be aware the process of a Phoenix. Talon will live for hundreds of years, but he will rebirth numerous times. You've seen Fawks when he burst into flames, when it is time for him to be reborn from the ashes, Talon will do the same. I just don't want you to be startled or upset when this happens", Severus said softly.
"Yes, I know what happens. Will Talon be the same color as Fawks?" Abby asked turning toward Severus and Hermione.
"I don't know, your grandfather wasn't sure", Severus replied smiling.
Abby beamed at him and hugged him and Hermione tightly.
"Thanks, Talon is so cool!", Abby replied.
After opening presents and eating breakfast, Abby decided to take a nap on the couch. Severus had brought Talon and the perch downstairs, but Talon had taken to sleeping on Abby's chest. Severus transfigured the recliner into another couch and him and Hermione were cuddling on it.
"This necklace you got me is just lovely", Hermione said smiling and kissing Severus' lips.
"Mmmm, that kiss was lovely too."
Hermione giggled. "So, do you and Abby have any Christmas night traditions?"
"Nope. After we come home from dinner with the Malfoy's, My mother and Albus, and now the Weasley's this year, Abby goes to bed and I am free to do what I please."
"Oh really, maybe we can start one of our own traditions for Christmas night", Hermione said grinning and rubbing her hand up Severus' thigh.
"Stop that!" Severus hissed quietly, grinning.
Hermione's grin widened and she pulled Severus into a loving kiss. Just then, the floo turned green and Albus and Eileen stepped through.
"Ah, I see you two are still celebrating Christmas morning", Albus said with twinkling eyes.
Severus looked up at him and smirked, then moved to sit up on the couch.
"Severus, don't get up. You and Hermione relax on the couch, we just came to see how everyone was doing", Eileen said, moving toward the couch that Abby was still asleep on.
"How did she like the Phoenix", Albus asked as he looked over at Abby and saw Talon rubbing his head on Abby's cheek and cooing.
"She loved it. But why does he keep nudging his head on Abby's face, Talons been doing that practically since he hatched", Severus said as he settled back into a laying position with Hermione.
"Ah, I see he has told Abby his name. As you know, Phoenix's are very smart creatures and are more aware of their environment then we are. Talon can sense Abby's sadness and is trying to sooth her", Albus responded.
"I have noticed that Abby's face seems less tense then it did last night", Hermione said.
"Yes, Talon may still be a baby but he is very powerful", Albus said smiling.
Eileen bent down beside Abby and stroked her hair. Talon let out a squawk and Abby opened her eyes.
"Grandmum", Abby said smiling.
"How are you my love", Eileen said kissing her check.
Talon starting bouncing up and down, letting out squawks every now and then.
"Now what is he doing", Severus said sitting up slightly and watching the bird.
"Now he's playing", Albus said watching Talon.
"Why don't you two go up to your room and spend some time together. Albus and I will stay down here with Abby and get acquainted with Talon", Eileen said turning to Severus and Hermione.
Severus and Hermione made their way upstairs and into the bedroom. Hermione propped herself up on the bed as Severus started a fire.
"Are you sure your parents are ok that we are coming to dinner tomorrow night and not tonight?" Severus asked Hermione.
"Yes love. They know we have a rather large family dinner planned tonight."
"And you're sure they can't make it for the dinner? I just don't want them to feel excluded or like I'm trying to take you away from them."
"Severus it's fine", Hermione said smiling. "They are having dinner with a few other family members and friends tonight."
Severus got on to the bed and pulled Hermione into him.
"So how have you spent Christmas in the past", Severus asked entwining his body with hers.
"Well, Christmas eve and Christmas day I would spend at my parents house and then the night of Christmas day I would go to the Weasley's. We would all stay there for a few days and then usually once everyone left I would stay at Harry and Ginny's until New Years Eve."
"What do you lot usually do on New Years Eve?"
"We have a party and stay at the Burrow. Which I'm sure is happening this year, but if you want us to do something else I'm ok with that."
"No, the Burrow sounds good. I'm sure we will have a great time and I know Abby would as well, so I wouldn't have to stress over if she is ok or not."
Hermione nodded, "So what did you and Abby usually do on Christmas and New Years Eve?"
"Well Christmas eve was spending the night in the tent, which you just experienced. I'm glad Abby decided to spend part of yesterday with her mothers parents, I know she misses them. But, on Christmas day we would have a family dinner, me, Abby, Abby's mum and grandparents, my mother, and Albus. Then, a couple of days before New Years Eve, Abby's best friend Megan would come over and spend the remaining of break with us. New Years Eve was usually spent the same as Christmas day."
"That's nice."
"Yes, but I'm glad I have you now. I could get rather lonely."
Hermione smiled, "I know what you mean. You may be around loads of people, but none of them are the one you are meant to be with. I was always jealous watching Harry and Ginny snogging all the time."
Severus tightened his grip on her, "Oh I'm sure we can give them a run for their money this year."
Hermione laughed.
"Well, I guess we should get up and start getting ready to go to the Weasley's", Severus said as he stood and helped Hermione up.
-Review!!! What does everyone think of Talon? He's not just some random phoenix for the story, he does has a purpose later on.