Archive of Our Own

The whole faculty was in attendance when Hagrid brought in the first Christmas tree to be placed in the Entrance Hall. Everyone clapped, some more enthusiastically than others. Hermione looked over at Headmaster Snape, who was glaring at her as she smiled and cheered. Her face fell, and she put her hands down and stood still. His eyes moved away from her and to Hagrid.

“Thank you, Hagrid,” Severus offered as the half-giant righted the tree and stood it in place.

“I’ll have the others assembled by noon, Headmaster,” he answered. “Then Hermione can do her magic and decorate them.”

Severus’ eyes went back to the Arithmancy professor. “Indeed,” he muttered. “Well then, I suppose you all can enjoy this little spectacle on your own.” He turned and disappeared up the stairs.

“Grumpy as always,” Minerva muttered.

“I wish he’d find some happiness. He’s a fine leader of the school,” Hermione mused.

“It’s not leading the school that makes him grumpy. It’s simply existing,” Flitwick advised.

“I’ve seen him happy,” Hermione said.

“When?” Minerva asked with an arched brow.

“Well, there was that time… Erm, when he…” She paused. “You’re right. Satisfied with things, yes. Actually happy? I can’t say I’ve ever seen that. I wish we could make him happy.”

“Oosh, give up on that, lass. He revels in his grumpiness,” Minerva said as she turned and headed for the stairs. “I’ll see you all at dinner.”

Everyone told her goodbye and continued to watch Hagrid finish securing the tree.

XXX

Severus stormed into his quarters and threw his cloak onto the sofa. “Bloody traditions,” he growled.

A gronking sound came from the corner of the room. Severus looked over to see his Raven familiar blinking at him with his head cocked.

“They put up the first tree. We all have to see it and oooh and ahh as Hagrid does it. It’s pathetic.”

The bird cawed at him and flapped its wings.

“Yes, of course she was there. She’s always there, isn’t she? With her eager smile and need to be a part of everything.”

The raven blinked at him.

“Yes, she looked lovely as always. It just made me grumpier. She’d never want to have anything to do with me like that, so just drop it,” he told the bird as he pointed a finger at him.

The bird gronked and flapped some more before flying over to him and settling on his shoulder. Severus gave him a small smirk and patted the bird's head. “I guess it will always be just you and me, huh?’

The bird bobbed and enjoyed the affection he was getting.

“Maybe you can get her to notice me?” He sighed. “It’s a hopeless case, just ignore me.” He pet the bird’s back before addressing him again. “Now off with you. I need to get the roster for the holidays written up.”

The bird flew back to the back of the sofa where he’d been before and cawed at Severus again.

“No, it shouldn't take much time,” Severus offered as he moved to his desk and started reviewing the list.

XXX

Hermione was correcting homework when there was a tap at her window. She rose and went over to it and opened it up. A raven with something in its beak flew through and landed on her desk.

“Oh!” she exclaimed. “Who are you?” She made her way to her desk as the bird dropped a bag of her favorite crisps onto it. Hermione lifted it.

“Why, this is so thoughtful!” She turned the small bag over, looking for a note. “Hmmm, who is this from?” she said as she looked at the raven.

The bird cawed at her, and she patted it on the head. “Sorry, I don’t speak Raven. Well, tell your owner thank you. I was just feeling a bit peckish.” She went over to a little box on her desk and lifted the lid. “I only have owl treats, but you’re more than welcome to have one.”

The bird hopped over to her and pecked at the treats in her hand. He grabbed one and flew back out the window. 

“Goodbye!” Hermione called after him and closed up the window. Returning to her desk, she shook her head, wondering who had been so sweet as to send her a treat. Opening the bag, she began to pop crisps into her mouth as she continued her grading.

XXX

“Headmaster?” Hermione called as she knocked on his door.

Severus looked up sharply. “Yes?”

She entered his office. “All the decorations are finished for the holidays.”

“Thank you, Professor.” She paused. “Are you looking forward to the Yule ball, sir?”

His eyes strayed up to hers, and his quill stilled. “I am neither looking forward to nor dreading it. It is just another duty for me to perform at.”

“Well, yes, but… surely you enjoy it just a little bit.”

He put down his quill and huffed.

“Why would I enjoy it? I simply stand before the punch bowl year after year, making sure that no one spikes the punch.”

Hermione tittered. “I don’t know, I’ve seen you enjoying some treats, and didn’t I see you dancing with Minerva last year? You seemed to be having fun.”

He glowered at her. “I am just there because I have to be, Professor Granger. No other reason.”

She frowned. “I see. Well, hopefully you can enjoy it this year.” She leaned in toward him. “You have a week to get ready.”

“Are you done?” he asked drolly.

She shook her head at him. “Will you save me a dance, at least?”

“Professor…”

“It’s Hermione.”

He cleared his throat. “Hermione. Let me just say, don’t hold your breath.”

She felt disappointed with his brush off, but just nodded. “We’ll see.”

Turning from him, she left and headed back to her office. She had a lot of grading to catch up on. She chastised herself for assigning so much homework right before the holidays, but they had to be at a certain point by the hols, or they’d fall behind in the New Year.

XXX

Severus got up from his desk and went through his invisible doorway to his quarters. He walked back to his bedroom and to his raven, who was preening himself.

“Odin, she asked me to dance with her at the ball next week. Does she not realize she’s going to be the death of me?” He frowned and looked away. “She’s always so perky and enthusiastic…. Perhaps that’s what I enjoy about her; she’s so very different from myself.”

He sighed and moved over to the window, gazing out at the clouds that were floating by. 

“I’m a fool.”

Odin gronked at him, causing him to look towards the large black bird.

“She could never be interested in me. I am too sour.”

The raven flapped his wings and screeched.

“Yes, change… that would be good, but I can’t seem to get out of this funk, and it’s mostly because of her. It’s like a vicious circle. I find myself attracted to her; I see her and realize that someone as lovely as she would never be interested in me, and then I’m grumpy for the rest of the day. Every morning it’s the same.” He huffed. “As I said, I’m a fool.”

The bird flew over and landed on his shoulder, giving his cheek a head butt. Severus looked over at him.

“At least you like me, Odin.”

The bird butted his cheek again. Severus sighed. “I should get back to my paperwork. Thank you for listening.” Moving over to the bird’s perch, he drew him over to it and headed back into his office. It seemed that his work never really ended. There was always something to do.

XXX

The bird returned to her window that evening. It carried a red rose in its beak this time. She gasped as she saw him enter. Moving over to him, she took the rose and sniffed it.

“Have you been in Professor Sprout’s greenhouse?” she asked him slyly.

“Caw!”

“Hmm, fine, keep your secrets. But who is this from, my fine feathered friend?”

“Gronk, gronk,” quoth the raven.

She got the bird some treats and took the time to pet his back as he gobbled them up. “You are a beautiful bird. I just wish I knew who you belonged to, and who gave me this rose.”

The bird looked up and tilted his head at her, blinking a couple of times. 

“Measuring me up, eh? I hope I pass your test. I suppose you wouldn’t be bringing me things if you didn’t like me, though.” She paused. “Maybe next time you can bring me something with your owner’s name on it, hmm?”

He clicked at her before taking flight and exiting again through her window. She closed it behind him and went back to her rose. She smelled it again and smiled. It seemed like she may have a secret admirer.

She transfigured a vase from one of her quills and placed the rose in it, settling it on her coffee table. Sitting down, she looked at it.

“Who are you?” she mused.

XXX

Hermione sat at breakfast, pouring some tea. Severus brushed past her and sat down in his seat. She looked over at him.

“Good morning, Headmaster,” she greeted.

“Mpph,” he said with a clipped nod. He quickly poured himself some coffee and took a sip. Closing his eyes, he sighed in relief.

“Wait until you’ve had some coffee before addressing you, sir?”

He gave her the side eye. “If you know what’s good for you, Professor.”

Giving him a mock salute, she smirked at him. “Yes, sir! Did you have a good evening yesterday?”

He gave her a sideways glare. “Professor, I have not yet finished my coffee. When the cup is empty, you may address me.”

She frowned and looked disappointed. Turning from him, she was silent as she took a couple more bites of her breakfast. She didn’t feel hungry anymore, so she pushed her plate forward, rose, and left without another word to Severus.

XXX

“Professor Granger?”

“Hermione,” she directed as she finished placing the last ornament on the trees that surrounded the Great Hall.

“Her… Hermione.  I thought you finished these decorations days ago.”

She turned to him. “I did. However, when I was in Hogsmeade today, I found the most beautiful ornaments!” 

She motioned to the glass ball she had just placed on the tree. It had a winterscape filled with snow-covered evergreen trees. Snow fell gently on the trees, and the entire ball was bathed in a blue light. She had fallen in love with it the minute she saw it and knew they had to be part of the decorations in the Great Hall.

Severus arched a brow at her. He cleared his throat. “Well, they are… nice.”

“Thank you, Severus!”

He looked a bit tongue-tied. She watched as he wheeled around and hurried out of the Hall. She watched him curiously. He’d been acting so odd lately. Grumpy as usual, but then unable to have a decent conversation with her. He usually wound up fleeing like he had this time.

She shook her head and went back to the tree. Stepping back, she looked at the hall and reviewed all the trees with their new decorations.

“Perfect!” she said before leaving the Hall herself.

Severus stood in the shadows, watching her climb the stairs. He kicked himself for not being able to say more than two words to Hermione Granger. He frowned as she disappeared, and he made his way up the stairs himself.

Maybe one day he’d have the guts to have a decent conversation with her. Yes, and maybe someday Dumbledore would rise from the dead and grant him forgiveness.

XXX

The faculty stood at the head of the Great Hall and watched the students dance. It wasn’t long before Minerva and Flitwick headed out to enjoy themselves. Hermione looked over at Severus.

“Shall we?” she asked with an arched eyebrow.

“No.”

She frowned. “Oh, come on, Severus, it’s just a dance.”

He turned toward her. “I have a persona to keep up. Severus Snape doesn’t dance.”

“Nonsense! Severus Snape is just as much of a human as the rest of us, and he deserves to have some fun.”

Severus frowned at her. 

“Besides, I’ve seen you dance during the Yule Ball before.”

He rolled his eyes at her and looked away.

She ignored him, grabbed his hand, and tried to yank him onto the dance floor. He held his ground, and she was pulled back toward him. Turning, she gave him a plaintive look. “Please?”

He huffed, but allowed himself to be dragged onto the dance floor by her. Soon they were arm in arm, twirling around the dance floor.

“See, nobody fainted dead away. They expect everyone to dance. It's fun, right?”

Severus rolled his eyes at her. “I suppose.”

She smirked at him. “That’s almost a glowing review from you!”

“Hmmph.” He stared over her shoulder as they danced closely together.

xxx

Severus stared at the far wall, trying to control his breathing. Hermione was so close. He was actually touching her. Merlin, he could die a happy man now. He snuck a glance at her. She was looking at him… it was so intense… he almost lost his breath.

If only this could last forever. He sighed internally to himself. He knew this was just a fantasy, but he was going to enjoy every single minute of their dance together. He pulled her slightly closer to him. Not enough to mean anything, but enough to feel her close to him. He broke eye contact and looked at the nearest Christmas tree. He couldn’t keep staring at her. He’d break and kiss her senseless if he did. Then she’d slap him and stalk off and never speak to him again.

Before he knew it, their dance had ended. Hermione grinned up at him. She leaned up and whispered in her ear. “Thank you, Severus. That was lovely.”

“My pleasure,” he said, and truly meant it. 

Before he could say anything more, Jason Bightly–a seventh year–pulled Hermione away from him and began to dance. Severus skulked back to his spot at the head of the room. He wouldn’t dance again tonight. His eyes followed the only woman he wanted to dance with as she glided along with Bightly. Her red sequined dress flowed around her as they danced. She was magnificent.

He frowned as reality settled back in. She was not for him. She would never be for him. He scowled as he continued to watch her. Turning to Minerva, he frowned.

“I have a headache. Are you all right running the show?”

Miercac looked at him with concern. “Yes, of course. Is there anything you need?”

“Just a good potion and my bed, I think.”

“Well, at least you got to dance before you had to go.”

He gave a wan smile. “Yes.” He gave her a grateful look. “Thank you, Min.”

“Go. Feel better.”

He gave a quick nod and headed out of the Great Hall. He was in his room before he knew it. He headed back to his bedroom. Odin chattered at him. He frowned.

“She danced with me, Odin. It was perfection.” He sat on the edge of his bed facing the raven. “I couldn’t stay and watch her have fun with everyone else. Not when I know she’ll never feel anything but friendship for me.”

The bird gronked at him and tilted his head, blinking at him.

“No, she can’t.”

The bird extended his wings and flapped them.

“Yes, well, you can believe what you want. I know her. She is too good for the likes of me.”

Odin flew to Severus’ shoulder and tapped the top of his head with his beak.

“Hey! What was that for?” 

The bird said nothing.  Severus reached up and patted him on his back. “Off you go. I just want to go to bed right now.”

Odin gronked at him before flying back to his perch.

Severus took his cloak off and stripped down. Pulling his nightshirt over his head, he crawled under the covers. With a wave of his wand, he extinguished the lights and closed the curtains. He was buried in pitch black–just what he deserved. Closing his eyes, he gave an exasperated huff. All he wanted to do was mourn the fact that he could never have Hermione Granger for himself.

XXX

At breakfast the next morning, Hermione flashed a grin at Severus as he came into the Great Hall. He ignored her, and she was wise enough not to say anything until he’d downed his coffee.

“Minerva said you had a headache last night,” she began. “Are you feeling better?”

He gave her a quick nod and continued with his breakfast, spooning porridge into his mouth and doing his best to ignore her.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better. That was fun last night.”

He stopped eating and looked out at the students. “I’m sure your dance card was full the rest of the night. I know how much the student body adores you.”

She blushed. “I danced almost every dance, you’re right.” She paused. “But I had the best time dancing with you,” she admitted quietly so only he could hear.

His head turned toward her, and he tried to read her mind. “You don’t have to say that,” he muttered.

“I meant it.”

He nodded. Pushing back from the table, he rose. “I have to go,” he said simply and stalked out of the Hall.

Hermione watched him leave, a sad look on her face. He’d been cold and distant again. She’d hoped that their dance last night would loosen up his mood around her, but evidently it hadn’t.

XXX

She’d received gifts from the raven for the last two weeks. So far, the raven had brought her different candies, a paper clip, a quill, several more roses, a green Christmas ornament, and a shiny ring. Unfortunately, this last gift was something she just couldn’t ignore.

Most of the students had now left to be with their families, but there were still several in the castle. She wondered which of them had been robbed of the lovely ring. She looked at the bird as she held the ring it between her fingers. It was silver with a green stone in it. It looked old, and was probably a family heirloom. 

“Who do you belong to?” she asked for the millionth time. “Someone is going to be very upset when they realize you’ve nicked their ring!” she scolded.

The bird gronked at her.

“Don’t make excuses. You shouldn’t have taken this.”

The bird ignored her and took flight out of her window. She huffed as she watched it leave. Looking back down at the ring, she admired its beauty. The silver metal that surrounded the stone was engraved with the bell-like flowers of foxglove surrounding it. It was lovely.

She grasped the ring in her hand and went to her bedroom, removing a small box from her bedside table. It held all the other items the bird had brought to her, minus the roses. It was time to figure out just who this person was who owned the raven so she could return his ring.

Making her way to the Headmaster’s office, she knocked lightly on his door. Severus opened it soon afterward.

“Professor,” he greeted drolly.

“Severus, may I come in?”

He stepped back and opened the door wider so she could pass through into his sitting room. 

“Take a seat,” he offered as he closed the door behind her. He made his way to the sofa across from hers and sat down. “What can I do for you, Miss Granger?”

“Hermione.”

He looked disgruntled. “Hermione, then.”

She set the box down on the coffee table between them and opened it up, showing him what was in it.

“Someone’s raven has been bringing me trinkets for the past couple of weeks.”

He arched a brow at her. 

She opened her hand and showed him the ring. “He brought this to me today.”

Severus’ eyes grew wide.

“I need your help to figure out who this may belong to. It’s one thing to bring me innocuous items, but this looks like a family heirloom."

“It is,” he said in a whisper.

“You know who it belongs to?” she asked hopefully.

“I do.” 

He frowned at her. She could tell he was debating what to say.

“I promise, Severus, I won’t tell anyone. I just want it returned to its rightful owner.”

“The ring is mine.” He looked into the box. “I was wondering where my quill had gone, but these other things I hadn’t missed.”

“The raven is yours?”

He closed his eyes and nodded. “Odin!” he called out. 

The bird came out of the bedroom and flew onto his shoulder. Hermione’s mouth gaped open.

“Odin! That’s a lovely name.”

The bird chattered at her. 

“Don’t encourage him,” Severus said with a frown. Directing his comments to the bird, he continued. “Have you been nicking my things?”

The bird gronked.

“That’s unacceptable. Apologize to Miss Granger for bothering her.”

Hermione stood and moved next to Severus, patting the bird and stroking his feathers. “It’s been no bother,” she advised. “I’ve enjoyed his company. I was just at a loss as to who he could belong to, and why he was bringing me trinkets. He brought several roses as well. It was as if he was trying to court me.”

Severus stiffened. Hermione looked at him curiously. “Was he trying to court me?”

Severus rose quickly. “Thank you, Miss Granger, for returning my things. I am very busy, so if you wouldn’t mind, I have much to do.”

She rose and came up to him. The bird was still on his shoulder. She looked at him, ignoring the raven temporarily.

“It’s Hermione, and you didn’t answer my question.”

The man had the gall to back up from her and stalk to his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. She huffed. She assumed the answer to her question was yes, but she wanted to hear it from Severus, not make assumptions.

She went up to the bedroom door and knocked.

Silence.

“Severus, please open the door.”

More silence.

“Fine. I’ll be here on the sofa waiting for you to come out. I’ve got nothing to do, so I can wait all day if that’s what it takes.”

She frowned as she moved away from the bedroom door and threw herself onto the sofa. He was so difficult. Granted, he may be embarrassed, but…

She sighed. Of course, he was embarrassed. He was attracted to one of his employees. He must be mortified. Perhaps he didn’t even think she would be interested in him either. Well, that was a big mistake, but she could understand why he was hiding.

Her eyes moved to the door and then roved around his sitting room. It was quite lovely. She smiled at the black leather sofas. The walls were also made of rich, dark mahogany wood paneling, and there were bookshelves dotting the room. She could spend the day perusing his library. That idea sounded absolutely fascinating. Rising, she made her way to the closest bookshelf and found a book on Arithmancy that looked to be over one hundred years old. Her eyes lit up as she removed it from the shelf, settled back onto the sofa, and began to read.

An hour later, the bedroom door cracked open. She looked up to see Severus glaring out at her.

“I told you I had all day,” she muttered as she went back to her book.

He opened the door and moved over to the sofa. Holding his hand up, he spoke.

“I will explain this, then you can leave and never speak of it again.”

She put the book to the side and gave him her full attention.

“Odin is a very intelligent bird. He has been my familiar for years now, and we have a good relationship. I speak to him often, and I swear he understands me.”

She nodded, urging him to go on.

“Lately, I have been speaking about you.”

He was silent, and Hermione didn’t know whether to acknowledge what he said or just wait for him to continue. She decided silence was golden in this scenario.

His eyes closed. “You are… an amazing witch, Miss… Hermione. Over the years that you have taught here, I have come to admire not just your teaching abilities and brilliance, but everything about you.”

She smiled at him. He frowned.

“Yes, I fancy you. Yes, my bloody bird thinks he’s clever in getting you to notice that you had an admirer and eventually to come to me about it. He’s a damned menace.” Severus glanced back to his bedroom and glared. Turning back to Hermione, he continued. “I know that you have no interest in me. I assure you, I had no intention to ever bring this up to you, but Odin got his way, and now you know.”

He stood. “I would prefer if we never speak of this again.”

He turned to go back into her room, but Hermione’s voice made him still. “Severus, wait.”

She rose from her seat and came up behind him. “Would it be okay if I made a confession of my own?”

He turned around and looked at her. Finally, he shrugged and looked away, his cheeks reddening as he did so.

“I fancy you too. You’re just so gruff, I never expected you to return those feelings.”

“Don’t! Don’t say things you think I want to hear. I’m not a fool.”

She huffed before pulling him down to her and kissing him provocatively. He was so astounded, he just froze, not returning her kiss at all. She pulled back and looked at him in exasperation.

“I fancy you! You’re bloody sexy as all get out, and I’ve wanted to do that for the longest time. It would have been nicer, though, if you had reciprocated.”

She released him and headed for the door. “Let me know if you want to pursue this,” she muttered as her hand rested on the doorknob.

He was at her side in seconds. He slowly turned her back toward him and looked at her as if he was trying to read her mind. She was thankful he had the wherewithal not to use Legilimency on her.

“You care for me?”

She nodded.

“Enough to want to… to have a relationship?”

“That would be the best Christmas gift I could receive,” she confessed.

“How can this be? You’re–you deserve so much more than me.”

Her hands came up and surrounded his face. “You don’t understand, Severus. You’re all I’ve wanted for a while now.”

“Really?”

She nodded.

He wasted no more time and pulled her into him. His lips descended on hers, no longer afraid to move. He kissed her and kissed her, and begged entrance to her mouth. She opened readily, and he worshipped her. At long last, he broke off his ministrations and pulled her head into his chest.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so nasty. Every time I tried to speak with you, I could never say more than a sentence or two. I was angry with myself for being such an idiot. I took it out on everyone, unfortunately.”

She pulled back and smiled at him. “Maybe you can do a Scrooge turnaround for Christmas.”

He arched a brow at her. “Perhaps, but the House Elves make the best turkey, so I won’t be giving one away.”

She laughed at him and pulled him close again, kissing him wildly.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” she murmured between kisses.

“Mmmm, me neither,” Severus admitted. “I would have never thought it possible.”

She pulled back and ran her fingers through his hair. “Well, I’m very invested in this… us… working out.”

He smirked at her. “Brilliant.”

“And in making you actually smile.”

His smirk turned into a grin.

“There you go. I want to see that all the time. You deserve to be happy, Severus.”

His grin was brilliant. “And you make me happy, Hermione.”

XXX

It was Christmas Day, and the Christmas Feast was about to begin. The faculty usually gathered before the students who had stayed over the holidays were allowed into the Great Hall to join them. Severus came in and noted that everyone but Hermione was assembled at the table. He knew she was going to be a couple minutes late. He stopped at his chair, but didn’t sit.

Clearing his throat, he began to speak with them.

“I wanted to wish you all a Happy Christmas.” He paused. “I also wanted to apologize.”

Minerva turned toward him. “For what, Severus?”

He huffed. “You know for what. I have been unbearable the last few weeks.”

“Oh, you noticed?” Minerva said drolly.

His lips thinned. “As I said, I was not at my best, and I know that I was sharp with every one of you. I wanted to apologize and advise you that I am beyond the funk that was surrounding me. I promise you I will be better at controlling myself in the future.”

Filius sat back. “Severus, we know it’s a stressful time.”

“Yes, but I was outlandishly absurd.”

“Well, you’ll get no argument from me on that,” Filius muttered.

“Nor me,” said Sprout and Hooch in unison.

“None of us, really,” Poppy agreed. Everyone else nodded their heads along with her.

“Yes, I understand. As I said, it won’t happen again.”

At that moment, Hermione came in. She walked up to Severus. He turned to her and smiled. He kissed her on the cheek. Looking up, she smiled at him.

“Auch, that explains everything!” Minerva exclaimed.

There was a scream from the end of the table. “I can’t believe it!” Sybill cried out. She pulled a bottle of sherry from inside her robes, popped the cork, and took a large swig of it. “Life is so unfair!” she wailed.

Hermione looked at her curiously. Severus rolled his eyes.

“She’s always had a thing for me.”

Hermione turned back to him. “Do I need to worry?” she asked with a grin.

“Never.”

Pulling her chair out, he had her settle in, then sat down himself.

“Are you not going to say anything?” Minerva asked haughtily.

He turned toward her. “Hermione and I are now together.”

“And?”

He arched his brow.

“Doesn’t this fit in with your sudden niceness?”

He gave her a bored look. “Perhaps.”

Hermione leaned forward. “You know it does, Minerva.”

McGonagall laughed. “Well, thank heavens, and it is a wonderful Christmas present for the both of you.”

“Indeed,” Severus agreed.

All of the faculty, save Sybil, gave their congratulations. Severus gave them all a quick nod and called out to Mr. Filtch, who was at the doors to the Hall.

“Argus, let them in, please.”

“Right away, Headmaster!” Filch declared, opening the doors so the students could stream in and take their seats. 

After a few minutes, everyone was settled. Severus stood and cast a Sonorus charm so everyone who had gathered could hear him without him moving to the podium.

“Students and faculty, the Happiest of Christmases to all of you. The faculty and I want to express our contentment at having you here with us for the holidays. It is often difficult to be away from your families and your friends who have headed home at this time of year. I hope all of you received the gifts you were hoping for and have felt the peace of the season. Now, enjoy the feast and the rest of your Christmas night. There will be a reading of The Night Before Christmas in each common room by your Heads of House an hour after dinner.” 

He clapped his hands, and the feast appeared on the tables. Everyone dug in, and they all had a splendid time.

XXX

Severus and Hermione had waited until all the students and most of the faculty had left before they departed the Great Hall hand in hand.

“That was lovely, Severus,” Hermione said as they walked down the hall toward the staircase.

“I enjoyed myself as well. I believe the students had a good time. I sometimes feel bad for them as they aren’t with their family, but if they seem to enjoy their Christmas here, I am always pleased.”

Hermione leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. “And you pretend not to care about the students.”

“I never said I didn’t care for them. I just don’t want to teach them or be in a classroom with thirty of them at any time.”

Hermione chuckled. Deciding to change the subject, she continued. “Most of our friends seemed to be happy for us. Except for Sybil.”

“Mmm, yes, well, she’ll get over it. Or drown herself in her sherry.”

“It was nice, though, don’t you think?”

Severus looked down at her. “That Trelawney went straight to the bottle?”

Hermione shook her head at Severus and chuckled. “No! I meant that everyone was happy for us.”

“I’m surprised they didn’t start hexing me for taking advantage of your virtue.”

“They care about you! And they are happy that you are happy.” She paused. “Besides, they weren't thinking about that.”

He gave her a sideways glance. “Hooch was thinking about that. All she ever thinks about is who’s hooking up with whom.”

Hermione snorted. “I found that out when I went to lunch with Pomona and her. Those two never shut up about doing it.”

Severus cleared his throat. “Can we change the subject? I’m getting an upset stomach just thinking about that.”

She stopped and grasped his arm. Leaning up she whispered in his ear, “How about we show each other how we feel?”

Pulling back, she smirked and waggled her eyebrows at him. 

He blushed. “I guess that’s what tonight is for.”

She molded herself to him and threw her arm around his waist. “Yeah?”

“If you want to.”

She leaned up and kissed him. “Of course I want to.”

He smiled softly at her. “Brilliant. Your quarters or mine?”

“Yours. I’m covetous of that giant bed you have.”

He smirked at her. “Excellent.” He offered her his arm. “Shall we, then?”

“Absolutely!”

She wrapped her arm around his, and they proceeded to his quarters. Once ensconced in his bedroom, they enjoyed unwrapping one another and celebrating their newfound relationship to its fullest.