AN: I have many names... JK Rowling isn't one of them.

I'm so glad people have enjoyed the story thus far! Hope you enjoy this chapter as well!

And thank you so much for all follows, favs and reviews! ^3^

Chapter 3

Moving into the family suite took no time at all thanks to the houseelves who were thrilled to have a baby to care for. Minerva soon found a group of elves who would care for Hermione while she had classes to teach. At least until she was old enough to attend the magical preschool in Hogsmeade.

The family suite was much larger than her old quarters, it had two bedrooms, a large bathroom with a bathtub similar to the one in the prefects baths. There was an attached study, a luxury her old quarters didn't have, with large bookshelves and a window that faced the black lake. It was quite close to both the Gryffindor and the Ravenclaw tower, on the same floor as her office.

Everything was decorated in warm colours, the living area had large and comfortable furniture, the room got natural light from its large window, and a large chandelier lit up the room when darkness fell. The elves had done an excellent job of decorating the place and there wasn't a speck of dust to be seen anywhere.

The master bedroom had a queen size bed with a heavy velvet canopy, a regal looking wooden wardrobe in cherry with two leaping lions carved into the doors and a small seating area. The walls were an elaborate cream and gold pattern, and her furniture a deep red. There was a door that led to the other bedroom, a one way silencing charm cast on it, so that she would be able to hear Hermione should she wake in the night.

The child's bedroom was painted in a light blue colour, clouds drifted by on the walls. Every now and then a silent bird would flit across the wall, sometimes even regal eagles would appear. There was a bookshelf, filled to the brim with children's books both muggle and magical. Next to it was a comfy looking rocking chair with a quilt thrown over the back. The floor was carpeted and had a simple cushioning charm integrated to protect Hermione should she fall. There were toys spread around the room, it was hard to believe they were just moving in, the room looked like a child was already living there.

The jewel of the room, and what caught Minerva's attention the most was the cradle. It was a beautiful polished wood, obviously handmade. The Hogwarts crest was painted in great detail at the foot of the cradle and raven figurine was perched on the head. It held in it's beak a mobile that played a soothing lullaby once it was turned. Small badgers, ravens, lions and snaked chased each other around the cradle as it spun, never catching each other. She'd asked the elves where they found such a masterpiece, they'd simply smiled and answered that 'Hogwarts takes care of their own'.

The room was marvellous. It was everything she had imagined in a child's room and more. She was already looking forward to reading to Hermione in the rocking chair. Minerva laid Hermione down in the bed, tucked her in and spun the mobile. The girl giggled and reached for the animals that leapt around while the cradle gently rocked her. Soon she was yawning, and fell asleep fast. Minerva smiled at the sleeping child, her daughter hadn't been with her for long, but she'd already changed her life so much. She couldn't wait to see what other changes she'd bring.

She let the girl sleep, and returned to the living room, she grabbed a pinch of floo powder and leaned into the fireplace. She had one last request to make before going to bed.

Flitwick bounced the little girl on his knee, it was difficult, seeing as she was almost half his size, but a small charm cast on her onesie made it work. It must have been a gift from Albus, he mused, as it had several small phoenixes on it. The birds flew around on the girl, before going up in silent blazes. Their ashes fell to the bottom of the suit and new birds rose again, ready to continue the pattern.

One of the regrets the half-goblin had in his life, was that he never got to have children of his own. Certainly, he considered every member of his house to be part of his family, but he'd always wanted the pitter patter of small feet in his life. Unfortunately his hybrid heritage had made him sterile, and most witches he'd met turned their noses when they learned of his goblin blood.

That's why he'd been so thrilled when Minerva had asked him to be the godfather of little Hermione, and he's accepted at once! He was surprised she hadn't asked Albus, but he supposed she had her reasons, and he wouldn't question them. Especially when the reasons gave him benefits such as this! Filius was certain the girl would be in his house as she grew up, she was simply delightful and had such a smart look in her eyes.

Pomona Sprout was thrilled on Minerva's behalf. Her own children were already grown and had left their nest. Now she'd be there for her closest friend as she got to explore motherhood.

Minnie had always been great with her own two boys, Pomona wasn't going to be anything less with the newest addition to the family. The girl was adorable, her tiny curls bouncing as she turned her head to look around. She seemed very interested in the various plants and flowers in the greenhouse.

Professor Sprout smiled, as she started making plans in her head. Teaching the girl everything she knew was the least she could do as her Godmother. And who knew, perhaps the girl would like to follow in her footsteps, she could see herself with an apprentice in a couple of years.

Albus looked at the collection of children's clothing in front of him. Muggle transportations, brooms, magical and muggle creatures dotted the various clothes. He hadn't intended to buy quite so much, or to enchant all of them, however, he'd found that once he started he simply couldn't stop!

He was looking forward to watching young Hermione grow up. He'd always known that raising a child wasn't in the cards for him, but Albus thought that the role of Grandfather would fit him perfectly. He'd have to defeat Tom soon, he refused to let the girl grow up in fear. War had already taken too much from her.

He picked up a sock and studied it closely. Maybe he'd decorate this one with snitches, that would be quite nice.

In case you were wondering, Minerva didn't chose Albus as godfather, as she felt he already had too much on his plate to begin with. :)

Hope you enjoyed this chapter! ^3^