Hermione's Response

Thanks to SnapesBeatrice for doing the beta!

When Severus Floo’ed home from the Malfoys, he was a little surprised to see Hermione sipping tea on a couch in front of the fireplace with a completely serene expression on her face.

Deeming that he no longer needed Lucilla to act as his personal human shield, Severus handed his fiancée the baby with all alacrity, hoping to regain some points in her estimation.

After cooing at the baby for a few minutes while Severus sat and poured himself a cup, Hermione turned to her troublesome partner.

‘So,’ she began idly, reaching for a piece of expensive-looking parchment, ‘would you care to explain why I just received this note from Narcissa Malfoy complimenting me on my magnanimity? Apparently I named my daughter for her husband even though Lucius lost the bet.’

‘Cissy knew about the bet?’ Severus blurted out. He silently cursed himself for such a want of attention. It was no good silencing Lucius but not Narcissa.

Ah well. I can murder the Malfoys later. It is not as if anyone besides me will miss them.

While Severus was thus mentally occupied, Hermione decided it would be better for her health to ignore him.

She continued, ‘Narcissa also offered us the Manor rose garden for Lucy’s naming ceremony. Is it appropriate to accept, given that neither of them is going to be a godparent?’

He frowned.

‘I wasn’t aware that we had chosen godparents.’

When Hermione’s usually bright, warm eyes turned icy, Severus decided it time for a tactical withdrawal.

‘But since I chose Lucy’s name, of course you can choose her godparents,’ he added smoothly.

When Hermione’s countenance immediately lifted and she started to smile sweetly, Severus knew that he had not yet been granted a reprieve.

‘Would you like to know who they are?’

Funny, until recently I would never have picked her as one to play with her food…

‘I sincerely hope you didn’t choose Potter,’ he drawled, trying to sound bored. Actually, he had never been more interested. Naming the child was one thing, but saddling her with utter fools for godparents was quite another.

‘Of course I did! Ginny is my best friend!’ she exclaimed.

Severus narrowed his eyes. He was willing to count Ginny Potter as a win, but was quite suspicious that his little minx had not chosen Harry. She knew that would have irritated him no end.

‘Ginevra is a fine choice,’ he conceded. There was no harm in a little flattery.

A large warning bell went off in Severus’ mind when Hermione did not accept the praise.

She’s a know-it all, she lives for adulation!

‘I did think of Harry for godfather, but he always goes away on such dangerous missions. In the end, I decided on someone much closer to home.’

Home meant Hogwarts. Please be Flitwick, please be Flitwick, chanted Severus internally, praying to the Gods above that she had not chosen Hagrid.

‘Would you like to guess again, or shall I tell you?’ asked Hermione mildly.

‘Tell me,’ Severus growled, tired of her games. Though he usually found her teasing most amusing, he had a great dislike of being backed into a corner. He would not strain their relationship any further by refusing her, no matter who she picked.

‘Neville Longbottom. He’s coming to teach here next term.’

The teacup he was holding promptly exploded.