Whiskey Colored Eyes

Severus rolled over and reached for Hermione. He blinked his eyes in confusion when he found her side of the bed empty. It had been 6 months since he had shared his memories with her and since that night she had been sharing his bed. He had become accustomed to waking up with her in his arms. Running his hand through his sleep mused hair, he reflected on all the changes she had brought to his life.

True to her word, Hermione had set out to prove to him that she would always want him and that she would always be there for him.

There had been many times that his fears and insecurities had caused him to lash out at her, pushing her away in an attempt to protect himself. He smiled to himself as he thought about her tenaciousness and peaceful demeanor. No matter how hard he tried to push her away, she held true to the promise she had made that night so long ago. She had told him that she would always want him and fortunately for him, she had meant it.

With much kicking and screaming she had dragged him by the hand down the terrifying and unfamiliar path towards happiness. He knew it wasn't an easy path and his fear and distrust hadn't made it any easier, not for him and certainly not for her. But with every kiss, every touch, every smile she had shown him that he was worthy of love and that he was entitled to happiness.

Looking around the room he wondered why she would let him wake up alone this morning. His birthday.

"Mrrrrwwww." He was startled when she jumped to the bed in her animagus form.

"What is this." He asked, reaching out to stroke her head.

She crawled onto his chest and batted at his eyes with her soft paws.

"Close my eyes?" He frowned in confusion but did what she requested. He was surprised when he felt her leap off the bed. He heard her purr softly and then felt her jump back to the mattress.

"Mrrrrppp." She purred, nuzzling her head against his side.

"I can open my eyes?"

"Mew."

Opening his eyes, he turned to look at her. A shy smile spread over his face as he watched the Abyssinian cat nudge a tiny black kitten towards him. Unable to speak he picked up the little kitten and sat her on his chest. He was so engrossed he didn't notice that Hermione had returned to her human form.

"Happy Birthday Severus." She whispered, watching as he gently rubbed the kitten's tiny head.

Sitting up, he carefully cradled the kitten in one hand and pulled Hermione to him with the other. "Thank you." He whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I love you so much."

"I love you too Severus."

"What should we name her." He asked, turning to look at Hermione.

"That up to you. She's all yours."

"No Hermione." He said, reaching over to grasp her hand. "She's ours. Now what should we name her?"

THE END.