**Okay loves. I meant to finish this chapter yesterday, but my day went up in flames. I was able to finish it this morning. I'll try and have Chapter 19 up no later than tomorrow. Have a good day, lovelies.**

Hermione couldn't sleep that night, so she carefully got out of bed, trying not to wake Severus, but to no avail. He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to his chest. "What's are your mind, my dear?" She sighed, and relaxed into his embrace, laying her head on his chest. "Just thinking about the baby. We haven't picked a name, yet." Severus hummed in agreement. "What names are you thinking of?" "I'm not sure yet. The tops ones I like are Jamie Marie, Sophie Minerva-Ann, and Chloe Renee." She said, "Have you thought of any?" She asked. He let out a breath, "I like Scarlett Ann and Cherie Rae." Hermione thought for a bit. "I like those, love." She murmurs. Severus breath caught in his throat at the word 'love'. He lifts his head to look at her, she turns to look at him when she feels the movement. He brought his free hand to her cheek and softly caressed her cheek as he looked at her beautiful eyes, "I love you, too, Hermione." He says as he pulls her int for a sweet, passionate, but gentle kiss.

When they pulled back to catch their breath, Hermione couldn't help but smile. "I want her to have your last name," she tells him. "I would be honored for her to take my last name. How does Sophie Minerva-Ann Snape sound, love?" He asked her. "I love it!" She said as she leaned up to kiss him again. Severus chuckled. "Minerva will like it, too." Hermione laughed, "Well, she has been my mother for me since my first year. She has played such a big role in my life that I wanted to somehow incorporate her name into our daughter's name, and Minerva-Ann was perfect." "Well, let's try and get some sleep, love. We have classes tomorrow." Severus said as he kissed her forehead and pulled the covers up.

The next week went by faster than Hermione could say 'Timeturner', and Christmas was creeping closer. And the closer to Christmas is got, the sadder Hermione was, and everyone could see. They were getting worried. Friday, after lunch, Ginny and Harry asked Hermione if he wanted to go for a walk by the Black Lake. She nodded her head, and slowly got up. On their way out of the Great Hall, they ran into Severus. Hermione walked up to him until her forehead was resting on his chest. Severus wrapped her in his arm a kissed the top of her head, ignoring the fawning looks and coos coming from some of the female students.

"Is everything alright, my love?" he asked her, to which she just shrugged her shoulders. Severus looked over to Harry and Ginny with a questionable look. "We were going to go for a walk so we could ask her what's wrong." Ginny explained. Severus thought the walk with her friends would be good for her, he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her from his chest. He put a finger under her chin and lifted her head so he could look her in the eyes. "Go with them, it will do you some good. And then we'll talk tonight." Hermione nodded her head, she stepped up and chastely kissed him, "I love you." She says. "I love you, too."

When they got to the Black Lake, they walked over to the big birch tree and sat down, Hermione in between Ginny and Harry. "What's wrong, 'Mione?" Harry asked her. Hermione sighed, "Christmas is next week and I don't know where I'm going to go or who I'll be with. Will I go to the Burrow, will I go with Severus, or am I staying here while everyone else leaves me to go be with their families? I don't want to be here for Christmas. And I haven't gotten any presents for anyone because I haven't had the chance to go shopping." Hermione rambled on. Harry pulled her into a hug while Ginny rubbed her back.

"I highly doubt Severus is going to be letting you out of his sight until your daughter is born. Have you asked him what he's doing for Christmas?" Harry asked her. Hermione shook her head no, "Then ask him, tonight. He loves Hermione, he'll do anything for you, if you ask him." He told her. "As for shopping," Ginny piped up, "Maybe ask McGonagall to take you shopping, it can be a mother-daughter day. I'm sure she'd love it." Ginny told her. Hermione sighed, "You guys are the best. I don't know why I'm acting the way I am. Maybe the hormones.." she said. "We love you, 'Mione. We'll always be here for you." Harry comforted her. "Now, go see your beau and make some Christmas plans. Mrs. Weasley said you're both invited to come over for Christmas. And don't worry about Ron. He's learned his lesson." Harry reassures her.

Hermione hurries off to find Severus. She finds him in his chambers, reading in the bed. He looks up when he feels the bed dip under her weight. "You seem to be in a better mood. Are you alright?" He asked as he puts his book down and pats the empty space next to him for her to come sit. She walks over and sits next to him. "Sev, what are we doing for Christmas?" She asks him. "Whatever you want to do, my love. I don't care as long as I spend it with you." She smiled at this. "Can we go to your home for the holidays, then? I don't want to stay here." He raised a brow at her, "And what of your friends? Surely you would want to see them on Christmas." He asked her. She thought for a second. "We spend Christmas morning at your house, and then we can visit the Burrow in the afternoon." "We? I have no desire to be with the entire redhead clan. I get along with Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley because they're friends. Arthur and Molly I've known for years." Hermione looked up at him with puppy dog eyes, "Please?" she asked. "Alright," he huffed, knowing there was no use to argue.

**Yay!! We have a baby name!!**