Back in the guest room, she adorned a pair of jeans after transfiguring a belly band on them and a loose-fit dark blue top. Looking down at herself, she smiled, seeing her belly pressing against the fabric, and charmed her hair into a braid. In the kitchen, she was working on breakfast when Severus came down the stairs. Flipping a piece of toast, she looked at him and tried not to drool as she took in his paint-splattered shirt and jeans, his hair pulled back from his face. The effect on her was instant.

"Breakfast?" she whispered, passing him a plate.

He took it with a smile but ate without talking. When they were done she began to clean up while he moved towards the bathroom and began pulling up tile. She retreated up the stairs to the study and lost herself in his books while he worked. Occasionally, she'd lift her head from her book and listen to Severus still working diligently. When her stomach growled, she made them sandwiches and put a stasis charm on his, not wanting to disturb him. Dotty reappeared with dinner when Severus extracted himself from the completely gutted bathroom and moved up the stairs for a shower.

Hermione barely noticed his steps on the stairs and she didn't notice when he reemerged from his room and stood in the doorway of the study watching her. She had her legs folded under her with a book in her lap and a hand on her small stomach, with her tea cup floating beside her.

"You look comfortable."

"You're observant," she replied, amusement in her tone as she closed her book and sat up. Turning to face him he saw her smile, "You look...clean."

He smirked.

"Dotty's making dinner." As if it heard him, her stomach growled loudly and his eyebrows hit his hairline. "Are you not feeding baby Snape?" he asked with mirth.

Hermione laughed like he hoped she would but when her hand cradled around her stomach and she walked closer to him his heart skipped a beat.

"We've eaten plenty today. Did you get your sandwich?"

"I did, thank you."

"Well someone has to make sure you eat," she pocked his flat abdomen as she passed him. He chuckled but followed her down the stairs with a hand at her back. They had dinner with comfortable conversation, talking about all matter of topics and they cleaned the dishes together before going up to the study once more. This time he sat across from her, her feet propped up on a conjured ottoman. When her eyes started to droop Severus watched her shift to the side, a pained look pinching her beautiful face as she tired to get comfortable before he got up sending their books back to the shelves and offered her his hand.

She watched him carefully for a moment, her eyes meeting his before taking his hand and letting him guide her to his room. But she stopped him in the hallway.

"Just let me change."

His lips quirked up and he nodded. In her room she stripped down and redressed in an old tattered t-shirt of Harry's and her favorite cotton sleeping shorts. Severus had left his door open and she slipped inside quietly. She could hear him in the bathroom and walked over to the shelves, once more gawking at the sheer number of books the man had.

"That shirt has seen better days," he chuckled coming into the bedroom.

"Yes it has but I can't find it in myself to throw it out," she shrugged walking over to her side of the bed.

My side? she thought as she pulled her feet under the sheets. Two nights in his bed and she'd already claimed a side.

Severus crawled into his beside her and she tuned to face him. He looked absolutely relaxed before turning his head to face her and stretching out his arm, smirking as she pulled herself into him without thinking about it, a small smile on her lips seeing him bare chested again.

"Goodnight, Severus," she whispered into his chest.

"Goodnight little witch," his arms tightened around her and she felt his lips on her hair as she drifted off.

The next few days continued in a similar manner apart from a few afternoons where she left to finish her Christmas shopping, she gave him a kiss on the cheek each time she left and again when she returned. Severus had even indulged her when she asked about a small tree. She'd brought one home and they're spent the evening decorating it after dinner with silver tinsel and red and gold bulbs. They both knew they were beginning to dip into uncharted waters with one another but they were both comfortable and enjoying their time together.

On Christmas Eve the floo activated and Severus emerged from the kitchen wiping his hands on an old rag to find Draco in the living room.

"Draco? What are you doing here?"

"I'm here for Mia, it's Christmas eve and I've been sent to collect her for mother."

"Ah, the ball, we forgot," Draco lifted an eyebrow, but Severus didn't notice it as he was already turning back to his work, "She's upstairs."

Draco watched him disappear with a smirk on his face before taking the stairs two at a time in search of Hermione. Something was definitely different with Severus and he'd noticed the Christmas tree. Hos godfather didn't decorate. Draco had a hunch but he just needed to confirm it. Making short work of the stairs he first checked the guest room but found it bare. Frowning he tried the study but when he found it empty as well his frown only deepened.

"Mia?"

"Drake?"

His eyes hit his hairline as he turned slowly and saw her through the crack in the doors to Severus's room.

"What in the world are you doing in Severus's room?" he asked as he opened the door. She was splayed out on the floor, surrounded by presents and various wrapping paper.

Hermione shrugged, not looking up from her task, "Wrapping presents. What are you doing here?"

"I've come to grab you for mother. The ball is tonight and you agreed to let her pamper you."

"Ugh," she groaned getting up with his help and walking to her side of the bed. Picking up her wand she started wrapping the remaining presents magically and moved into the bathroom, "Is there no way out of it?"

"Nope," he chuckled surveying the room as he leaned against the doorframe. His eyebrow arched seeing her beaded bag on top the bedside table and a pair of shoes by the closet. When she resurfaced from the bathroom he grinned, "So how long have you been sleeping with my godfather?"

Hermione froze looking up at him slowly, his grin spreading wider each second she was stunned quiet. "W-we're not-"

"Mia, you're far too comfortable in his room. Plus your stuff is in here and not the guest room."

"We're not sleeping together," a blush crept into her cheeks. "I sleep next to him. It's different."

"For how long?"

She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, "About a week.."

Draco somehow grinned wider and held his hand out to her, "Let's go, mothers waiting. She has your gown ready, you're going to look stunning."

Slipping on her flats she groaned before pushing away his arm, "You set me up for this." She started down the stairs.

"I did not!"

"Oh yes, you did! Don't even try to deny it. You're a horrible liar."

Severus snorted as he re-emerged from the bathroom. "She's right."

"Oi, you don't gang up on me because you're shacking up together."

Hermione blushed furiously but rolled her eyes. Severus only smirked. "I'll see you soon," he leaned down and kissed her forehead.

Momentarily forgetting Draco was watching their every move she reached up and wiped the dry mortar off his forehead.

"You're doing amazing work but you're a bit helpless." He chuckled watching her dust the clay off her fingers with his dust covered shirt. "I'll be the one in..." she frowned and looked at Draco.

"Dark grey," he supplied.

She smiled, turning back to Severus, "Slytherins. I'll be the one in dark grey."

"I'll find you little witch," he kissed her temple and pushed her towards the living room with Draco. "Draco, try not to embarrass her too much."

"Oh, I'm just getting started," he promised, making her groan again.

Severus was unable to concentrate for the remainder of the afternoon. He'd finished placing tiles and spacers, and time just seemed to drag on as he wandered through the house, taking in the subtle hints of Hermione. The flowers on the kitchen table, the Christmas tree in the living room, her potions and soaps in the bathroom, the scent of her shampoo lingering in the bedroom. She was already imbedded in his house. Even with her slightly growing belly, she fit into him easily. He loved it. Just as he loved having her in his bed and in his arms each night.

The impact of seeing her leave his bed at Hogwarts had shocked him. He'd had to fight the urge to grab her hips, bring her back into the safety of the bed, and forget their responsibilities and plans for the holidays. At that moment, he knew he would do anything to have her back in that position. It's what had driven him to stand at the portrait hole to her rooms for a solid five minutes before working up the courage to invite her to his home. She was like a magnet, drawing his eye every time she entered a room. He did his best to hide it, wanting her to feel comfortable, but he couldn't help the things he envisioned with her when he saw her working in the kitchen, lounging in the study, or brushing her teeth.

When the time finally came, he put on his best dress robes and prepared for the evening at an agonizingly slow pace before deciding it was time to leave.

The Manor was lively and decorated in silver, gold, and red, with garland and lights tactfully covering every surface. He'd just started towards the ballroom when a voice stopped him.

"Severus!" He turned and watched his godson finish descend the grand staircase, a smirk plastered on his face. "You look dashing. Mia won't know what hit her."

"How does she look?"

"I don't know yet," Draco's smirk spread, "Mother has had her locked up in her room since she got out of the bath, and I was shooed away once her hair was tamed. I'll escort her down soon enough. But first I needed to see you and do this," extracting his wand from his sleeve he charmed Severus's tie to match Hermione's dress. "There you are." Severus perfected the knot nervously, "So can we talk about how perfectly the two of you are melding together in your house?"

Severus snorted, "She's been there a week, and she's everywhere."

A smile touched his lips, and Draco smirked, "You love her." Severus stilled, "She loves you."

"Don't be absurd," he scoffed.

"She came on holiday with you over her closest friends and family and sleeps in your bed every night. Do you honestly think she doesn't feel something for you?" Severus looked disbelieving with a raised eyebrow, "You're who she thought was unattainable," Draco smirked when Severus's jaw dropped, "Oh yes, I found out at the wedding."

Sighing heavily, he looked his grandson in the eye, "She fits perfectly."

"Yes, she does. Do you enjoy it?"

"I love it," he sighed resignedly.

Draco smirked but it fell slightly as he remembered her other words at the wedding, "Is the baby a...problem?"

"No."

He smiled absently as he thought of her the morning before, bent over the toilet. She'd woken up after him and ran in while he was showering. He'd gotten out and held her hair then let her lean against him for thirty minutes while she dozed off before she realized their position and blushed. Afterward, she'd brushed her teeth while he'd gotten dressed and waited for her downstairs, where she padded in barefoot in her usual jeans and a jumper that accentuated her bump. It wasn't the first time he'd seen her around his home and envisioned them together with children at the island bent over breakfast or playing in the tub.

Shaking himself, he refocused. "Not for me."

An elf appeared next to them, "Master Malfoy, Mistress says Misses Hermione is ready." Draco nodded and told the elf he'd be right there before turning back to Severus, "It's time for me to go get your witch."

A small smile played on his lips as he watched his godson take the stairs elegantly with perfect posture and let his imagination wonder to what his witch looked like. It didn't take long before the hair on the back of his neck stood up and he looked at the stairs, his breath catching in his throat at the magnificent beauty on his godsons arm.

Draco began her interrogation the moment they left the fireplace and wouldn't stop grinning at her. Much to her dismay, it continued even as Narcissa appeared and began pocking and prodding at her. Her only solace was the bath she was ordered to take. When she reemerged, she sat at the vanity in a purple silk dressing gown as she was directed into and answered their questions, trying to be as vague as possible, knowing Severus valued his privacy. After Draco mentioned how comfortable they'd both looked interacting this morning, she couldn't keep the smile off her face, and she missed the amused look mother and son had shared behind her back.

An elf appeared just after Narcissa finished her hair and told them the guests were beginning to arrive. Narcissa dismissed Draco to play proper host while she finished with Hermione. He bowed out quickly, giving them each a kiss on the cheek, leaving Hermione alone with Narcissa for the first time all evening.

"There you are dove," Narcissa sighed taking a step back having finished her makeup. "Now we need to get you into your gown." She started towards the closet and Hermione stood.

"I can do it Narcissa, you need to finish getting ready too."

"Oh my dear, I won't take but a moment for myself." Hermione giggled as the older witch winked at her, "Now come on, let's get you in your gown."

She stepped back out of the closet with a gorgeous silk dark grey gown draped over her arms.

"That is beautiful..."

"It will look even more so on you," she smiled beautifully at Hermione, "Now here," she passed her a pair of lace knickers, her smile growing as Hermione blushed but slipped them on without protest. "The robe, dove."

Hermione froze momentarily but looked down and untied the sash to her robe, wrapping her arm over her breasts. Turning back Hermione stifled her courage and looked at Narcissa who momentarily frozen looking up and seeing Hermione's abdomen.

Overly self-conscious, she started to raise her other hand and did her best to cover her abdomen and the scars across it from Narcissa's view.

"You don't need to do that, dear. I understand," she gave her a small smile.

Hermione returned her smile and stepped into the gown, allowing Narcissa to help her shimmy it up her body and magically tailor it to her. She sat back down when prompted and Narcissa finished her hair, pinning it back with a silver vine-like wisps that weaved in and out of her tamed curls that were hanging down her back. After she stepped into her shoes Narcissa summoned an elf to retrieve Draco after accepting a small box from its grasp.

Hermione had just turned to look at herself in a conjured mirror and gasped. The gown they had picked for her was a silk masterpiece that had a sweetheart neckline with straps that hung off her shoulders and dangled on her upper arms, effectively leaving her shoulders and collarbones bare. The entire thing was fitted to her body, loosening and draping once it was past her belly, creating a small train behind her. Turning to the side, she felt her eyes well up when Narcissa came up to her and vanished her tears.

"None of that," Narcissa smiled.

"I.." Hermione couldn't find the words.

A knock at the door stopped her from trying to formulate the right words, "Is she decent?"

"Yes, Draco," Narcissa chuckled, "come in love."

Hermione turned as he stepped in the door and smirked as he stalled in the doorway.

"Sweet Salazar Mia, you look beautiful."

"Thank you," she flushed. "This gown is more than I ever imagined." She turned back to Narcissa, "Thank you."

"I'm not done just yet, dove," she held up a box and stepped closer. "This is something I hoped to give my daughter one day, and I never got the chance with Astoria," Hermione sent a questioning look to Draco, but he only smiled and nodded. Looking back at Narcissa she gasped seeing her extract a necklace from the small box, it was a simple chain with a tear drop emerald on it. "It's been passed down through the Black family for generations," she said as gently pushed Hermione's hair out of the way and clasped it to her neck.

Hermione looked at herself in the mirror once more, her hand on the pendent resting just under the hollow of her collarbone. It was gorgeous. "Narcissa...I can't accept this. This should stay in the family.."

"It is," Narcissa came to her side. "You look absolutely lovely. Severus is going to love you," Hermione's blush returned, "more than it seems he already does."

"Don't say that.."

Narcissa only smiled, "I'll let Draco explain while I go get ready." She looked Hermione over once more, put her hand on her distended belly, and winked at her before leaving for her own rooms.

"Drake.." Hermione breathed, looking at him with wide doe eyes.

"Do you really need me to say it?" his eyebrow arched. When she nodded slightly, he sighed, "The man is clearly smitten, Mia. He's never invited anyone but me and Scorp to that house. Let alone to sleep in his bed. Or touch him. And by Gods, I've never seen him kiss someone except on the cheek or hand as proper etiquette." Hermione frowned. "I know you love him too." She paled slightly, "You two fit perfectly together. You've been there a whole week. Have you felt out of place once?" She shook her head, "Exactly, and on top of that, you sleep in his bed voluntarily on both sides. He enjoys having you in his bed just as much as you enjoy being in it with him."

She shook her head and took a step away, "No, he only does it because it is hard for me to get comfortable."

"Did you ask him?"

"Well, no.."

"He invited you?"

"Yes."

"Exactly," he chuckled. "Let's go down to the party. This," he pointed down at her, "can't be wasted on just me and mother. Your beloved should see you too."

Her cheeks flushed, but a small smile touched her lips, and she took his arm. At the top of the stairs she paused seeing Severus at the bottom and pulled Draco to a stop, whipping them back around the corner.

"He can't love me, Drake," one hand on her necklace, the other on her belly. "He deserves so much more than me."

"Are you completely mad? You are the brightest witch of our age. You were instrumental in the defeat of the Dark Lord and-"

"And I'm pregnant with another man's child," her voice wavered as she looked down at her belly.

Draco suddenly smiled at her as he pulled her chin up and vanished her fresh tears, "You should have seen his face when I asked him about it," her eyes widened, and her lip quivered. "No, no, that's not what I meant," he amended, putting her face in his hands, "He looked contented when I asked. Think about it, Mia, think about how he reacts to you and the baby, then think of how he would react in that way to anyone else. You'll see."

Hermione took a deep breath and closed her eyes, immediately thinking of catching his glances every time she entered the kitchen while he was working. The slight tint was his cheek when she caught him looking, her own smile touching her lips. Or going to bed each night, his hand hovering over her stomach in silent question. Each time, she'd push it down to connect with her skin, and she'd watch his creased brow soften before she would snuggle into him as he wrapped around her. His care with her each morning or whenever a wave of sudden nausea hit her.

Opening her eyes, she smiled.

"See," Draco reaffirmed with a bright smile. Reoffering her his arm, he guided her back to the stairs, adjusting himself with one hand on her back and the other on her elbow. When she gave him a curious look he shrugged, "Astoria's center of gravity was off the moment she reached her second trimester and it was worse on the stairs, add heels and it was a recipe for disaster." Hermione giggled and swayed slightly, "I think the same can be said for you."

"Where is my little serpent this evening?"

"In his nursery, his elf is keeping an eye on him for the evening, and should Scorp need me, they'll come get me."

"I wish I could have seen him," she sighed, "If they come get you, come get me. Please?"

"Of course. Now..." he gave her a light push, and she found herself in front of Severus, who looked at her, his mouth slightly ajar.

Hermione looked at him, suddenly laden with desire. He was in black dress robes with a tie that matched her gown. His hair was pulled back like it had been at Harry and Ginny's wedding months before. Her mouth almost watered seeing him.

"Severus, you look wonderful," her hands wound into his robes before she thought about it.

His lips quirked up as he watched her, his hands coming to rest on her hips, "You look breathtaking, little witch." She smiled up at him and suddenly realized their proximity and tried to take a step back, blush reaching up her neck. But his grip tightened on her.

"I think I owe you a dance."

"I will dance with you whenever you ask Severus," she said just as she had the night of the wedding. He smirked and turned to Draco, who was watching them with a wide grin of his own.

"Excuse us."

"Oh, by all means," Draco motioned to the ballroom with a bow.

Severus tucked Hermione into his side as he effortlessly guided her to the ballroom. They danced closely, Severus with his arms around her waist, Hermione with hers around his neck. She was pressed as closely to him as she could get, and neither of them made any move to fix it.