A/N This story is my own plot but using the characters of J K Rowling.
This story is going to contain some OOC moments but its how I'm imagining it.
Also, the first couple of chapters have been tweaked and updated to fit with the new plot that the bunny brought to me with the help of my new Beta Gingerzrule so please give the first 4 chapters a reread.
Chapter 3:
After a successful shopping trip, Hermione's room was now complete with furniture. A new bed and desk and chair had been bought and Severus had encouraged Hermione to pick out her own duvet designs as well as desk and chair styles. They had spent a considerable amount of time clothes shopping. She had teared up slightly when Severus told her she could pick whatever she wanted, cost was not an issue. Hermione tried to argue but Severus simply shook his head.
"You deserve it little one. Please allow me to buy you clothes that actually fit you." Hermione sniffled her tears back and nodded nervously, she took one of Severus' hands in her own. He held it protectively understanding she was nervous in a new situation. Severus leads her around the shop with a confidence that he is faking but Hermione believes is a true confidence. They stop every time Hermione's eyes light up with amazement or excitement. Hermione picked up clothes of all colours and designs however Severus was pleased to see they were mainly darker shades.
The pair unpacked in pleasant conversation and hours later Hermione had taken a nap, shopping had exhausted her. Severus checked the time and decided to wake the young girl. He entered Mione's bedroom and shook her softly.
"Hermione… little one. It's time to wake up" he says trying to project a soothing tone. Hermione stretches as she wakes, she looks round the room and frowns. A slight fearful expression crosses her face for seconds, almost as if she can't remember where she was.
"Little one… your safe, your with me, it's Severus." He says tenderly.
"Dadd…Hello Severus." Hermione whispers, she teared up as she realised, she nearly called him daddy. She wipes the tears quickly, praying he didn't see.
"Are you feeling better after your little nap?" Severus asks cautiously, he had noticed the tears and the slip up but didn't want to push her just yet. Hermione nodded.
"Yes, thank you." She replied. "Can I use the bathroom first please?" she asked slightly embarrassed. Severus frowned.
"Of course, little one. You don't have to ask; this is your home now as well." He tells the young girl. "Do you need me to show you where it is or can you remember from the tour I gave you?" He asks. She squirms and quickly climbs out of bed.
"I think I remember." She says as she scampers off in the direction of the bathroom. Severus decided now is a good time to introduce Hermione to his house elf, Laney. Laney had served the prince family for years and was the only thing Severus had left from his prince side.
"Laney." Severus calls. The house elf pops into the rooms.
"Hello Mr. Severus." Laney says in her soft house elf voice, one of her first commands Severus ever gave her, was to not call him master. "How may Laney help?"
"I want to introduce you to someone Laney." Severus tells the elf who nods excitedly. Hermione enters her bedroom again. "Laney… this is my adoptive daughter, Hermione. I expect you to treat her as if she was my own blood" Severus starts and Laney nods excitedly.
"Yes Mr. Severus." Laney replied.
"Hermione, this is Laney, she is the house elf who serves our family. We will discuss the roles of a house elf later but for now all I ask of you is that you treat her with the respect she deserves. Do you understand?" Severus says seriously.
"Yes…" Hermione says anxiously. "It's nice to meet you Laney."
Hermione adds holding her hand out to the elf.
"Is nice to meet you Miss. Hermione." Laney replied. "Does Mr. Severus need anything? Dinner?"
"Yes please Laney, Dinner would be lovely. Something homely, maybe chicken and rice?" Severus asked. Laney nodded and popped away to start preparing the pair's evening meal. That evening Severus encouraged Hermione to relax in their quarters, trying to help the young girl settle.
The next three days followed suit. After spending two days trying to unpack all of Hermione's new clothes and possessions. Severus made the pair breakfast and they spent the day settling in with each other, Hermione naturally inquisitive asked all sorts of questions about Hogwarts, the wizarding world and his own life. Some of which he answered comfortably. Severus filled Hermione in on all of the classes that would be available to her once she started Hogwarts and had begun to give the young girl small tours around the massive castle.
Hermione was 10 and a half and had roughly 6 months before she started her first year at the magical school and Severus wanted to ensure the young witch was ready.
The next day Severus had asked Hermione if she felt ready to meet his mom, and he fully understood if she wasn't. There had been a lot of big changes and he didn't want to unsettle her. Hermione agreed that while she was nervous she was ready to start meeting some of the important people in his life.
The previous day Severus had shown Hermione pictures of whom he regarded as his family, so mainly Minerva and the Malfoys. Hermione was eager to have an extended family but also on edge to put herself out there.
Laney popped into the potions masters suite late into the afternoon. "Mr Severus, Do you require Laney to prepare dinner this evening?" The house elf asked as was part of her routine. On occasion Severus enjoyed cooking and did so for himself, Laney got into the habit of checking Severus' plans before she started to prepare any meal.
"Not tonight thank you Laney. Hermione and I are going out for dinner with Professor McGonagall. However, breakfast at 9am tomorrow would be most appreciated." Severus says kindly and respectfully to the elf.
"Yes Mr. Severus. Laney will bring breakfast in the morning." Laney says before popping out of the room. Severus turns his attention to Hermione.
"Are you ready to get changed for dinner?" He asks and Hermione nods.
"I've read about house elves." Hermione says as she heads over to her wardrobe. "Aren't they like slaves?" she asks as she searches through her new clothes.
"They are but they also aren't. I'll explain later little one." He replies.
"Ok. What should I wear?" she asks frustrated.
"Whatever you want little one. Maybe one of your new dresses?" Severus suggested. Hermione pulls out a plain green dress with a gold cardigan.
"Will this be ok?" She asks and Severus nods.
"You will look lovely in it. Once you've changed can you meet me in the living room?"
Hermione nods. "I can do that." She says.
"Try not to be longer than 15 minutes and if you need any help just call for Laney. She will be more then pleased to help you." Severus said, Hermione nodded.
"Ok. I won't be long." She replies and Severus leaves the room to get ready himself. He shuts Hermione's door to give her some privacy.
15 minutes later, Hermione entered the living room, Severus was already sat waiting.
"Do…I look ok? Will I impress your mom?" she asks very nervously. Severus gives the nervous girl a hug.
"She will love you, no matter how you look. She is excited to meet you." He reassures his daughter. "However, if it is worth it. I think you look beautiful little one. Are you ready to leave?" he asks.
"Thank you for saying I look beautiful." Hermione replies with a blush on her face. "I'm ready." She adds.
"We're going to apparate. Hold on tight" he says, and Hermione does as he asks.
They appeared outside the Three Broomsticks. Minerva was already waiting. Severus embraces Minerva tightly.
"Hello mum…" he says softly.
"Hello laddie." She replied.
"Hello Professor Snape." Lia says, her nose buried in a charms textbook.
"Good evening Amelia." Severus says tersely. "Mum… this is Hermione." He adds noticing Hermione was attempting to shy away from the new people.
"Hello lassie." Minerva says, she smiles as she kneels to Hermione's level.
"H….Hi" Hermione replies gripping onto Severus tightly.
"My name is Minerva. This man here is my son in all but blood. I would be honoured to call you my grandchild." She says delicately. Hermione slowly untangles herself from how she had wrapped herself round Severus.
"W…what should I call you ma'am?" She asks.
"Whatever you wish Hermione. Some of my kids call me Minnie. Some Minerva, or if you wish you can call me grandma or some variation of the term. Is that ok?" she tells the younger witch who nods.
"Thank you." She whispers, debating in her head. She wants to make her new family happy, but she really wasn't used to having a family so wasn't sure how to make them happy.
"I remember going to Italy as a child before my parents died. It's one of the happiest memories I have. They call grandmas nonna." Hermione whispers.
"I'd be honoured lassie." Minerva says.
"That's lovely little one." Severus adds. "Shall we go and find a table?" he adds. Minerva nods and then looks at her own daughter whose nose is still in her textbook.
"Lia, lass... Can you put the book away until we get home please? You are being rather rude." Minerva asks her daughter and Lia responds by rolling her eyes but closing the book. Minerva sighs after spotting the eye roll and banishes the book.
"What… where did it go?" Lia complains as the book disappears from her hands.
"Ye don't roll your eyes at me lassie. You'll get your book back later. If ye deserve it" Minerva says sternly.
"Sorry ma." Lia responds meekly. "Sorry Professor Snape and Hermione. It was rude of me." Minerva nods in response before leading the group to a side booth.
"What have you been up to this week?" Lia asks Hermione realising how rude it was to ignore the younger muggleborn witch. Lia remembered how awkward and uncomfortable the first few days of living with a full wizard or witch could be.
"Severus took me shopping." Hermione answers quietly, feeling uncomfortable with the attention on her.
"Are you ok little one?" Severus asks, spotting her nervousness.
Hermione simply nods in return and Severus frowns. He knows there is a problem but doesn't want to push the young girl, especially not in public on their first meal out. The four ordered dinner and drinks and light conversation was flowing all evening. An hour or so once they had eaten, Severus notices Hermione yawn discretely.
"I think it's time to head home little one." Severus says and Hermione nods tiredly. After settling the bill, Severus wishes Minerva goodnight, Hermione makes the decision to give her a soft gentle hug.
"N…Night Nonna." She whispers. Minerva gives her a squeeze of a hug back.
"Night lassie." Severus apparates them home and Hermione heads straight to bed, all her emotions surrounding the entire situation continually tiring her out.