A/N: Thanks to everyone who is reading along and a great many thanks to those of you who continue to send your thoughts and comments in. They bring a smile to my face.
Enjoy!!


Christmas

The first week of the holiday past quickly. Hermione spent most of her time browsing the part of the library that was directly above her rooms with Minerva, brewing simple potions with Severus and having picnics down a Loch Ness.

It was the night of Christmas Eve and the trio were cuddled on the sofa together, gazing at the Christmas tree that they had decorated together a few days earlier.

Hermione sighed and snuggled closer to Minerva. "This is already the best Christmas I've ever had."

Minerva giggled and Severus chuckled at their daughter. It was wonderful to see her happy. Hermione was starting to feel loved. Truly loved.

The clock chimed midnight and Minerva gasped. "Merlin, I didn't realise the time. Let's get you off to bed, kitten."

Hermione yawned and nodded as Severus picked her up and carried her to her room. Minerva followed and smiled as she watched Severus tuck Hermione in. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and brought the covers to her chin. Minerva pressed a kiss to Hermione's cheek, brushed a lock of hair behind her ear and wished her goodnight.

Minerva snuggled up to Severus and sighed as she closed her eyes and allowed sleep to take her. Severus held her close, one arm wrapped around her waist holding her securely to him as she rested her head on his chest to sleep, while his other hand was entwined with hers, resting on her stomach. Severus pressed a light kiss to the top of his wife's head, whispered 'I love you' and drifted of to sleep.

The next morning Hermione awoke with the sun and waited by the Christmas tree for Minerva Severus to join her. She hadn't woken them up because the Granger's had always told her off, every time she woke them too early, even on Christmas. Fortunately, she didn't have to wait long, because ten minutes late, Severus and Minerva walked down the stairs. Severus had an arm wrapped around Minerva's waist and whispering sweet nothings in her ear.

"Merry Christmas, my special little kitten." Minerva said as she sat next to Hermione and warmly embraced her.

"Merry Christmas, Minerva."

"Merry Christmas, 'Mione." Severus said as he joined his girls on the floor. He embraced Hermione and kissed her cheek, before letting her crawl back to Minerva where she settled in her lap.

Hermione gazed at the many presents that lay under the tree.

"Which one do you want to open first, dear?" Minerva asked sweetly.

Hermione reached for the closest on. She carefully peeled the green and gold paper off the small box and gasped at the locket inside. "I love it."

"That locket has been passed down through the McGonagall women for Merlin knows how long. And now I'm passing it down to you, so you can pass it to your first daughter." Minerva smiled at her daughter as she ran her fingers over the beautiful red rose that shone on the front. There was a perfect white lily on the back and Minerva said that she could wear either flower at the front and it would change colour depending on how she was feeling. "Why don't you open it, kitten?"

Carefully, Hermione open the precious locket and read the inscription;

My dearest Kitten,

I never thought I'd get to hold you in my arms and cherish you as my own. I thought you'd never accept me for your mother and know that having you accept me is the best thing that has ever happened in my entire life. Never think for a second that I ever stopped loving you. There wasn't a day that passed that I regretted giving you away, but I knew if I ever wanted to see you again, it is what I had to do.

Remember that I have always loved you and always will. Know that nothing can ever come between us and that you are my life, Hermione.

All my love,

Mom x

Hermione threw her arms around Minerva's neck and hugged her tight. "I love it Mommy, thank you."

A few silent tears of joy slipped down Minerva's cheeks at hearing her little girl call her 'mommy'. Minerva wiped away her tears and kissed Hermione's forehead. "It's my pleasure, sweetheart." Minerva put the locket on with the rose showing. It stayed a vibrant red showing how happy Hermione truly was. "Beautiful, kitten."

"It's gorgeous, 'Mione."

"Thanks." Hermione blushed as she picked up the next gift that was wrapped in red with blue stars. Hermione pulled off the offending paper and starred at the large basket of sweets. "Dumbledore!"

"Yes. He insisted on getting you something."

Hermione smiled and popped a Jelly Baby into her mouth before pushing the basket to one side and opening the present that Severus handed her. Hermione again pulled the green and red paper off the small box and starred at what was inside with wide eyes.

"The mirror is two way. Both Minerva and I have one so you can contact us whenever you wish, and we can contact you. And if you attach the phoenix to your locket chain, Minerva and I will always know what you're feeling and where you are, the same goes for you."

Minerva showed Hermione the happy tabby cat that was on her necklace and Severus showed her the happy green serpent that sat on a ring. Hermione smiled and hugged Severus.

"Thank you, Daddy."

"It's okay, kitten. And remember, I'll always love you."

"And we'll both be here for you." Minerva added as Severus pulled her into the embrace with their daughter.

"I love you both.

"We love you too baby."