A/N: Mascara warning. Lyrics from "Christmas 1915" by Celtic Thunder which you can listen to here-without spaces: http:/ www. youtube. com/watch? v=8qXQx6gD47I&feature=channel_video_title
Christmas 2015
Hermione quietly walked into her son's bedroom. Severus had gone in a while ago to check on him. She glanced towards the bed and noticed he was sound asleep. Hermione was a little surprised; she was fully prepared for him to be too excited for Christmas Day to sleep. But then she noticed a soft lullaby coming from near the window.
Severus was looking out upon the snowy backyard, softly singing, not a lullaby but a Christmas carol. Hermione smiled; she hadn't sung Sebastian to sleep for a few years now. But then her smile faded as she heard the lyrics Severus was singing.
"And in the morning all the guns boomed in the rain. And we killed them and they killed us again. At night they charged- we fought them hand... to hand."
Hermione took a step closer when she heard his voice breaking.
"And I killed the boy that sang in No Man's Land."
The haunting tune trailed off as Severus hung his head. Hermione's heart broke. She quietly stood beside him. His head snapped up and Hermione found herself being regarded though tear-filled, sorrowful eyes. Hermione gently took his hand in hers and continued the song.
"Silent night. No cannons roar. A king is born of peace for evermore." She squeezed his hand. "All's calm. All's bright. All brothers hand in hand."
Hermione closed her eyes and sung from her heart, acknowledging the suffering her husband continued to bear, the loss of innocents, and their own missing friends.
"And that young soldier sings and the song of peace still rings-" She opened her eyes and caught Severus' gaze.
Feeling her comfort and support, Severus squeezed her hand in return and joined in, determinedly singing, "-though the captains and all the kings built No Man's Land."
They finished together. Hermione hugged Severus and sung the last line over his shoulder to her son.
"Sleep in heavenly peace."