Chapter 17

Last Chapter…

"Oh Harry, come here you idiot" she said pulling him into a hug. He sat beside her on the padded bench in the coach, hugging his sister finally.

To both of them it felt like a new beginning. It seems that for now that life is giving them a new turn in life, one that will be filled with love for both the teenagers, and one certain patriarch of their newly found family.

Chapter 17

Harry and Hermione made their way to their father's chambers, after arriving back at the castle from Hogsmeade. Hermione said the password to the portrait and stepped inside.

"Ah Hermione, I just ordered tea. I thought you would be along soon." Severus said getting up from his armchair, where he was reading. Harry then stepped into the room as well. "Oh, Harry, it's nice to see you. Please join us for some tea."

"Thank you" Harry replied shyly. Since finding out that Snape was his father, they hadn't really interacted together outside of class, so Harry was having trouble figuring how to act around his new-found parent.

The three of them took seats around the fireplace, the two students on the couch and their father in his armchair. The house elf popped in then, bringing tea and some biscuits. There was already a third cup added, as if the house elf instinctively knew that Harry was staying too.

After serving them all, Hermione looked to her father. "So, Harry told me that you are his father as well. Why didn't you tell me when you found out? How did Lily become pregnant so soon after my birth? Was it a potion? Did you know she was pregnant? Wh-" She stopped when her father held up his hand.

"Hermione, slow down please. No, I did not know that Lily was pregnant when she left; I doubt she even did, until later. I was just as surprised as Harry here. I did not tell you as I believed that it was up to Harry to decide to tell you, though I was going to talk to him, if he hadn't told you soon. I am glad he has decided to tell you." He smiled lightly at them both. Harry blushed slightly and looked down. He felt awkward seeing Snape be so… so unSnape-ish. "As for your mother being able to get pregnant so soon, well it was a potion. Most new magical mothers use this potion to heal after giving birth. It helps the body get back to normal… well at least down there." At this, it was Severus' turn to blush slightly. This was not necessarily what he wanted to discuss with his children; or any teenager, ever.

There was silence for a while, as they all sipped their tea.

"I am sorry for reacting the way I did, to both of you. I… I think I was jealous."

Hermione looked confused at Harry. "Jealous? Why would you be jealous?"

"I… um well you lost your parent's, but then you found out that you actually have another parent who was alive. You got to grow up with loving parents, and then even when they have gone, you found another one who loves you. All I had growing up were the strict Dursley's who bullied and belittled me all my life. All I ever wished for was someone to come and take me away, for a parent to love me…" Harry trailed off, looking into the flames of the fire.

"And I got that when you didn't…" Hermione sniffled. She felt so sad that this happened this way. "I'm sorry Harry. I wish that your life had been spent in a loving home like mine. But you have me now, and you have Dad. We are a family now, and no-one can tear us apart again." She hugged her brother, who began to cry into her shoulder.

Severus got up from his chair and sat beside Harry. He pulled both his children closer, so that he and Hermione were hugging Harry from both sides.

"I am so happy to have found you both. I… I am so amazed to have been gifted you both, by your mother. I wish I had found you both years ago, but now that I have you, you aren't going anywhere." He said into Harry's hair, where he was resting his head. Harry turned and snuggled into Severus' side. Hermione got up and squished herself between the arm of the couch and her father to snuggle into his other side. Severus snorted lightly in slight amusement and hugged them closer. He may not have had the chance to do this with Harry, and not long with Hermione, but he was just going to let this moment happen and hold onto it as long as possible.

The three ended up falling asleep shortly after, as they were all emotionally drained, and comforted by the presence of each other.

After two hours or so, Hermione woke up. She was comfy, lying mostly on top of her father, who was still mostly sitting on the couch. Harry was lying across most of the couch with his head resting on Severus' lap. Hermione smiled softly at the sight. It was then that she realized that Harry had changed. He look more like Severus now than James, though he must have had a bit more of Lily's facial structure than was thought before, as he still looked like Harry, just more like he had matured out of James' features. Harry's hair had gotten softer and wavier, making it easier to tame. His nose had grown a bit longer, he looked like a young Severus, that Hermione had seen photos of. The only difference being that their father's nose had been broken a few times, giving it that hooked look. He was a good blend of both Lily and Severus.

Soon she noticed her father waking up. He groaned a bit from his position under the two teen, but didn't complain. He opened his eyes to see Hermione smiling at him. He smiled gently back. Hermione decided to spare him further pain and get up so that he wasn't so squished.

"I'm going to the loo, I will be right back" she said quietly. He nodded, and then looked down at Harry. His son… He has a son! He started running his fingers through Harry's soft hair. He couldn't believe his Lily had gifted him with two beautiful children. He decided to make sure that Harry had a happy life from now on. He felt guilty for bullying Harry in the past, but he had to focus on the future, not the past.

Harry started to wake up to the feel of hands running through his hair. It felt good. He had always imagined his mother doing this to him. He snuggled further into the comforting warmth that he knew was Severus, his father. He still couldn't believe that James was not his real father, but he was happy that he now had a living father, who actually wanted him. Harry had been surprised by this meeting today. Since Halloween, he had avoided Snape to the point of being good in class to avoid detention.

But he was glad that he had had the courage to tell Hermione. He felt so guilty for the way he had treated his best friend, his sister. She had always been a sister to him, but now he was so grateful that she is his real sister.

Hermione took that moment to come back into the room. She smiled at her men as she noticed that Harry was consciously snuggling into his, before dreaded potions master. "Comfy?" She asked sitting in the armchair, her father had vacated earlier.

"Mmmhmm" Harry replied, almost purring at the attention his hair was getting.

Severus smirked at her. "If I had known that this was all it took to get him to be quiet I would have tried it years ago." He teased.

"Yes, once I discovered that trick, I used it all the time." Hermione replied, matching his smirk

Harry opened his eyes and sent a mock glare at her. He ruined it by sticking his tongue out, making Hermione laugh. "I can't help it okay?"

"Now, now children" Severus said in his best motherly voice. This caused them all to laugh. Harry soon sat up once they settled down into a comfortable silence. "So how was your trip to Hogsmeade? Did you both find outfits that suited you?"

"Yes, and thank you for the money. You… you didn't have to" Harry said gently.

"I decided to make up for lost time, and since this is your last year, this ball is important to both of you. And I wanted to make sure you know that I am always here for you" Severus replied, smiling gently at Harry.

Harry nodded smiling back at his father. He then turned to Hermione. "I bet your dress is beautiful!"

Hermione blushed slightly. "I think it is. You will have to wait and see it." She winked at them.

Harry mock pouted. "That's no fair!"

"Live with it" Hermione stuck her tongue out.

Severus snorted in amusement. They spent the rest of the afternoon getting to know each other better. He knows that his and Harry's relationship will take time, just as Hermione and Harry's will to mend the tear in their friendship, but he can't wait for Christmas this year. The first they would all have as a family together.

After a few days had passed since that Saturday, and true to his word, Harry had talked to Gryffindor house, and made them all apologize to Hermione. Hermione had thanked them for the apology, but let them know that that did not make her fully forgive them for their treatment of her. Especially Ron and Ginny, who besides Harry, had hurt her the most.

A week later, Hermione was now busy studying for Christmas exams, helping younger students prepare for their exams, organizing the ball, and deciding on Christmas presents for everyone, especially Harry and Severus. She wanted to get something special for both of them as this was their first Christmas as a family.

She made a mental note to ask Dumbledore for any ideas for the both of them, since he knew them both very well, Severus even more so.

Due to all the stress, she had been wearing herself a little thin. Draco found her most mornings passed out on the couch, with her studying all around her. He would wake her up, in the guise that as head girl, she was not allowed to be late to classes, as that would set a bad example for the younger years.

Draco wondered if maybe he should apologize. But every time he would freeze up and then sneer at her while insulting her.

He could tell that this was hurting her further but he couldn't help it. He would have to come up with a plan to talk to her.

During the week, Harry approached Severus's office after dinner one night. He knocked on the door, and then opened it when he was told to enter. "Hey, do you have a minute?"

Severus looked up at his son and nodded, putting his quill down and capping his ink. "Of course, come in and sit down."

"Thanks." Harry sat in the chair across from his father.

"What brings you here Harry? How's the studying for your exams going?"

"Well I think they are going okay. I guess the only good thing that came from Hermione and I not talking, is that I learned to study and do my homework properly by myself." He smirked at that. "Anyways, the reason I came to visit was because I was wondering what we were doing for the holidays… I mean that's if you want us to have Christmas with you. I-I could always just stay in my dorm or whatever, or maybe go to Ron's if it's a problem or something." He rambled, suddenly unsure of himself. He hadn't thought until now that maybe this was all too soon for the lonesome Slytherin, who wasn't used to sharing his space with people, let alone two teenagers.

"Shh Harry. Of course I was expecting us to celebrate together. I should have expressed this sooner, and I apologize if you may have thought otherwise. It is after all our first Christmas all together. I was hoping you and Hermione will come and stay in my quarters after the yule ball until the end of the holidays. I am having a room added on that will be yours, just as Hermione has one." Severus said smiling gently. He felt a pang in his heart thinking of how Harry's muggle relatives must have treat him, to make him doubt that family would want him.

Harry looked up at his father and smiled brightly. His father wanted him around for Christmas. He was still trying to get used to having Severus caring for him; wanting him to be a part of his family.

"Well, um, do you think that maybe for Christmas morning, we could have Tonks and Teddy over? This is the first Christmas without Remus, and Teddy's first Christmas and I would like to make it special for him and Tonks. I'm his godfather and I know that this would help Tonks to not be completely lonely. I just want them to have a good Christmas."

"I don't see why not. Perhaps, Nymphadora and young Theodore, would like to join us for the whole holiday? I know that she has been invited to the ball, with the rest of the order. It would make sense for her and the child to come earlier in the day, and have an elf watch Theodore while we attend the ball."

Harry's eyes lit up, making his eyes dance like Lily's used to. He got up and hugged Severus. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Severus hugged his son back. "I will contact her tonight and propose that she would join us. I assume her mother will want to join us Christmas morning as well, seeing as her husband also passed away. I will extend an invitation to her as well."

They both moved to Severus' quarter for the rest of the evening to play a game of chess, and have some male bonding time between father and son.

December 20, 1997

2pm

Exams finished yesterday morning, giving everyone the chance to relax and get ready for the ball this evening.

Hermione spent her morning in the Great Hall, making sure that it looked like a perfect winter wonderland. The whole room looked like it was made of ice (which it wasn't, as that would be a hazard to everyone), and with blue lighting, it made it feel as if they were in an ice castle. The ceiling was snowing and showing a beautiful moon. The centre pieces of the dining tables were tree branches covered in ice, with crystal snowflakes hanging off them. And the Giant Christmas tree took up the place where the Professors table usually was. It was a beautiful tall and full fir pine tree, which had ornaments that were icy blue and silver in colour.

Soon enough it was time for her to go get ready. She was grateful that her hair was a lot more manageable than before. It would make her preparation time lessen greatly.

Three hours later.

The first guests were arriving, and Severus being a member of staff, was required to be there to 'greet' the guests. Most tended to side pass him, which was fine by him. Only former Slytherin's or Order members would stop and chat with him.

His attention was drawn to the entrance to the dungeons. A beautiful young woman dressed in a golden gown was entering the room. Her hair was a golden brown colour, and her skin a flawless pale colour. For a moment Severus, didn't recognize her, as he was distracted by her presence. Suddenly he realized who he was staring at; Nymphadora. She looked up and caught his gaze and made her way over to him.

"Wotcher Sev'" She said smiling slightly.

Snape nodded at her. "Nymphadora, you look… pleasant." Pleasant Severus? Bloody hell my vocabulary is astounding at the moment.

"Thank you. But honestly, how many times must I tell you not to call me Nymphadora?" She scowled at him.

Severus raised his eyebrow. "You ask me to not call you by your name, yet you insist on calling me Sev. Therefore I shall call you by your given name."

Tonks rolled her eyes, but they had amusement written all over them.

"I suppose you and young Theodore are settled in your room?" Severus asked, deciding to change subjects.

"Yes, Teddy and I are all set up. Thank you Severus for inviting us to stay, I just hope we don't overstep our welcome. Having a baby in your quarters may not be want you will want over your holiday." She looked down, not acting like the usual Tonks.

"Not to worry. It's been awhile, however, I have had a child in my quarters before. I admit it will be nice to experience it again." Snape said gently. He wasn't entirely sure how to deal with an insecure Tonks.

She smiled lightly and looked up. "Well I will still put up silencing charms on my room in case he decides to wake during the night."

They were silent for a while, greeting other Order members, and having small conversations with a few of them.

Soon enough the room was filled and Dumbledore stepped forward on one of the bottom steps of the staircase. He was high enough that he was able to quickly gather everyone's attention.

"Good evening ladies, gentlemen, and students. Thank you all for attending this evening for a night of dancing and holiday cheer. I would like for you all, if you get a chance, to thank our head girl and boy, as well as the prefects, who planned and decorated tonight's event. Now before we begin the dancing, it is an old tradition for the head girl and boy to lead us with the first dance. Without further ado, I ask you to please welcome Head boy Draco Malfoy and Head girl Hermione Snape to open up the dance floor."

The room erupted into applause as the two made their way down the staircase.

Hermione made it to the room near the staircase, with ten minutes to spare. She saw Draco was already in the room, lounging on the couch, drink in hand. He glanced up as she came into the room. Hermione blushed slightly under his stare.

"Good evening Draco" Hermione said softly, then walked over to the enchanted window that showed into the room below, where the students and guests were mingling.

While Hermione could still feel Draco's stare, she tried not to let it fill her with hope. 'He's only staring because there is nothing else to do in here' she tried reasoning with herself.

Meanwhile, Draco couldn't help but stare at the beautiful vision in front of him.

He had gotten to the room ten minutes before Hermione had, and had instantly brought out a hidden bottle of Firewhiskey that he had placed in the room earlier that day, imagining he would need some liquid courage to get him through the evening. He had been on his third glass when Hermione had walked in.

She was gorgeous. Her hair was done up at the side so that her curled hair hung over her shoulder. Her dress was a beautiful icy blue with crystals on the bodice that flared out and further apart towards the bottom of her dress. Her sleeves were sheer and had more crystals the closer they got to her hands. He was compelled at the sight of her collarbones and long neck, which were shown off with the off the shoulder neckline. What he would love to do to that neck…

Draco shook his head to clear those thoughts from his head, and looked away from her. This was not the time to be thinking about her in that way. He tossed back the rest of his drink, before refilling his glass.

Hermione turned to see him pouring another glass of his drink. Noticing the label, she decided to say something. "Are you sure it is wise to drink alcohol before a school ball? Especially since you are Head boy?" She quirked an eyebrow.

"You only care because you don't want to be seen with a drunk" Draco replied, as he stood up and drained his glass. He set his glass down and stalked towards Hermione. Stopping right before her, he leaned close. "I assure you that I can hold my liquor."

Hermione shivered slightly as his breath ghosted over her exposed shoulder and neck.

She glanced up into Draco's face, wishing that things had work out for them; that Draco could see that she is the same person as before, just with a different exterior.

Draco scanned her face, so different than the one he fell in love with, yet beautiful all the same. Something caught his eye over her shoulder. Dumbledore was gathering everyone. So Draco stepped away from Hermione, and turned around.

"We should get into our positions at the top of the staircase."

It took Hermione a second to gather what he was saying. "Right."

Together they walked silently to the stairs.

TBC…

I decided to post this now, so that you all know that I haven't given up. I have just been super busy and had a bit of writer's block! But I think I see which direction I want to take this now.

Also if you want to see what Hermione and Draco look like at the Yule ball, I won a contest on DeviantArt, to which I got a drawing of them dancing at the ball. Please visit favourites/64264482/Prizes! A BIG thank you to Morloth88 from DA for making this for me! I also have the sketch of her yule ball dress that I drew, and posted to give Morloth88 an example of how I envisioned it. I know it kinda is Elsa looking, but I honestly didn't even think about it until someone mentioned it when it was done :P