The Final Curtain Call

Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. I make no money from this.

A/N: Many thanks to my wonderful beta, the one and only, Southern_Witch_69.

Chapter 4

The Final Curtain Call

As Hermione sat reading the Daily Prophet, a familiar owl swept in the window. She smiled because she knew what was in the letter from her daughter.

"Severus, we have an owl from Tabby!" she called. "You know what she will ask."

Coming into the sitting room from his lab, Severus told her, "Yes, I do, and the answer still remains no. I will not have my daughter spend the Christmas holidays away from home. I want her here with us."

"Yes," she agreed. "As do I. Besides, I know that Draco, Harry, and Ron will insist their children go home as well." Hermione still could not believe that Tabby had been sorted into Slytherin with Serpens, although he was in his seventh year while Tabby was in her fifth. Hermione knew, as Severus had not a clue, that Tabby and Serpens were a couple. Lily and Charlie had both been sorted into Gryffindor and were both sixth years. Phillip Potter was currently in Auror training.

"They shall see each other enough during the holiday. It will not kill her to spend time with her parents." Severus hated the fact that his baby girl was no longer a baby. As of late, he had been wishing for another child. He doubted Hermione would have another, as their daughter was fifteen now.

"I agree, love." Hermione smiled at her husband. "How about a trip to Muggle London before she returns?"

Severus sighed. "Hermione, you have gone back to that place every year since that year we saw our futures. Neither the building nor the ticket man have ever reappeared. What makes you think either will do so now?"

"I just don't want to miss it if it does! Besides, there was that one year I found the photograph."

"Ah, yes, the year you were contemplating my marriage proposal. I had given you a ring a year to the day that we were at that blasted theater, and you said you needed time. Broke my heart, you did."

Rolling her eyes, she said, "Oh, please! You were so smug! 'Take all the time you need, my dear. I shall be here when you return.' You knew exactly what my answer would be. But had I not gone to think, I would not have found that photograph. I treasure it." She'd had the picture framed and put up in their bedroom. It was of the two of them, after many Decembers had passed, sitting on their porch in matching rockers. Her shockingly long, white hair was worn loose, as she suspected Severus preferred, and his salt and pepper locks were still about the same length and style as he wore them now. They held hands as they rocked, still looking at each other every so often with obvious love in their eyes.

"I treasure it also," he admitted. "More so, because I believe it helped you to make your mind up fast and quell any doubts you might have had."

"Quite," she admitted. "Not that I had many," she quickly said. He chuckled. "So," she asked again, "are you coming with me?"

"No, I have not in the past seventeen years, and I won't start now. Besides, I think you like the time alone." He raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

"I suppose I do," she allowed. She walked over to him and kissed him goodbye. "I won't be long. I may do a bit of shopping while out."

"Okay, I want to finish up my potion. I shall have dinner ready when you return."

"Thank you, Severus."

** ** ** ** **

As Hermione walked the path she knew the theater to be, she sighed. Severus was right. She would never see that theater again. The only other time she'd seen anything after that night when they'd viewed their futures was when she'd had been mulling over whether to accept his proposal or not. She had nothing on her mind now. Except the fact that you know Severus wants to have another baby.

Hermione had been thinking about that for a while. Fifteen years was a long time to wait to have another baby. Well, I am not dead set against it. I just need to weigh all the pros and cons. My age would not matter. I am barely forty, not even close to middle aged. Even Muggles have babies at this age.

As she was pondering, she suddenly spotted another photograph on the ground. This one had her in a hospital bed in St. Mungo's, holding an infant son. Tabby and Severus were on either side of her, both grinning like fools. Oh! A son! I wonder if having a son is important to Severus. He never mentioned a son specifically before, she mused. Of course it is! Most wizards would like a son. Smiling, she decided to Apparate home and give her husband the good news: She did want one more child.

** ** ** ** **

Tabby grinned at her parents when she spotted them waiting for her on the platform. Her father stood so stiff and proud while her mother was grinning and waving madly. She spotted Draco and Gabrielle Malfoy, Serpens' parents, standing by her parents. She didn't immediately see Charlie or Lily's parents.

She turned to her boyfriend. "Serpens, promise you will owl me everyday! I will miss you so much!"

With his grey eyes smiling down into her dark chocolate ones, he promised, "Everyday. I will miss you, too. Thank God you will be over tomorrow!" he said, laughing as he kissed the tip of her slightly large nose.

She smacked his chest lightly. "Don't tease me, or I shall not give you your Christmas gift!"

This time, he kissed her lips softly. "I am not teasing. I am very happy you will be at the manor tomorrow."

When the train stopped, they got off to greet their parents. "Hi, Mum! Hi, Dad!" she called as she walked towards her parents.

Raising an eyebrow, Severus said, "Is that the best greeting you have for your father?"

Laughing, Tabby stood on her toes and kissed her father's cheek. "Is that better?"

"Much," he confirmed, turning to the platinum-haired boy at his daughters side. "Hello, Mr. Malfoy."

"Hello." Turning to Tabby, he lightly kissed her lips and told her, "Until tomorrow." Then, he walked off with his parents after they had said their goodbyes to Tabby and her parents.

After she watched him walk away, she turned towards her parents to see her dad eyeing her speculatively. "What?" she asked.

"Is there something you wish to inform me of, my daughter?"

"Oh, you mean that kiss Serpens gave me? Well, he is my boyfriend!"

"I see," was the only answer she got. Tabby smiled because she could tell he was not upset by the news, just surprised.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Hermione was happy to be back home from the Burrow and Malfoy Manor. She just wanted to spend time alone with her family.

She remembered how happy Severus was when she told him she wanted to have another baby. He suggested they start right away, to which she agreed.

As they sat in front of the fire, each perusing their own thing, Hermione looked to Severus. He was reading the newest Potions Today magazine while having a brandy. Suddenly, he looked up and into her eyes. She smiled. He'd felt her eyes on him.

I am so happy I ran into him all those years ago in Diagon Alley. My life could have been so empty now but for him and Tabby. Thank you, Albus Dumbledore, wherever you are, for I know it was you who showed us the way.

As Severus looked to his wife and then his daughter, he thought of his life and how fulfilling it was now. Not a day went by that he did not thank whatever deity there was for this gift. Instead of ending up bitter, he was now blissfully happy. He often wondered about Albus and his part in things. The old, meddling fool still pointed him in the right direction... even in death! Severus chuckled. Well done, Albus. Well done.

Christy's Notes: Well, there you have it! The end to my little tale! Happy Christmas, belatedly, to all and Happy New Year! Thanks for the reviews!

Southern's Notes: What a very sweet ending! I suppose it could have been worse for Snape. His little girl could have gone home and announced that in a couple of years she'd be Mrs. Phillip Potter...or a future Weasley! HaHaHa!