A Knock at the Door

A Knock at the Door by Pearle

Summary: The war is over and Hogwarts is about to start a new school year. A knock at the door of Severus Snape's office is about to change his life and the lives of those around him. HG/SS


Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc. of the Harry Potter series are not mine they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.


~~~~~~ A Knock at the Door ~~~~~~

15. Celebrations and Christmas Wishes

They fell into a comfortable routine over the next three weeks. Silenus and Severus still played chess on Saturday afternoon but Hermione had taken to dropping by around the time their match was ending to share a cup of tea and kibitz with the two of them.

Sunday and Wednesday nights were spent in the lab. Silenus continued to work on the integration of information they received from Maceo. The man was beyond enthusiastic in sending them research. Two owls bearing packets of papers had arrived this week alone. Severus and Hermione had started to discuss the theories they were each pursuing. Each had an idea of how to improve the other's work and some loud and vigorous discussions followed. On a few occasions Silenus would join in with a comment on one of her parents' remarks. She was advanced for her age and could follow most of the logic her parents were using to support the arguments that were flying back and forth as they worked, but she knew they were miles above her. She suspected they were probably top in their field if not in a few others too. All in all, the days passed pleasantly.

It was Thursday night and Severus was in his office once again trying to catch up on his paperwork. The students would be leaving tomorrow for the Christmas holid The The annual celebration would be held on Sunday but the castle would start to fill up tomorrow night with witches and wizards from far away. Severus felt a restlessness that he hadn't felt in a long time. He decided to patrol the halls. Walking sometimes dispelled the pent up energy. It was without conscious thought that he found himself in the hospital wing. The corridors were quiet tonight. He hadn't come across a single student out of bed. He glanced though the swinging doors and noticed Poppy behind her desk. Hermione was not on duty tonight. He thought of knocking on her door but then thought better of it. He wanted to tread lightly where she was concerned. Though he thought she would be happy to see him, he did not want to say or do anything to disturb the fragile friendship that was developing between them. They had returned to an amicable working relationship and the start of a new friendship. It was enough for now. Actually it was more than he thought he had the right to hope for. He turned and silently returned to his dungeons lost in thought.

XXXXXXXXXXX

"Jessie, you don't have to shrink your trunks. We're just moving them to my mom's quarters. Just float them down the hall. Come on already." Silenus was waiting impatiently with Kelly and Benita for Jessie to get her act together.

They were staying with Hermione for the weekend so they could attend the party on Sunday night. The girls were heading home on Monday and planned on meeting up at Jessie's on Christmas Day. They could have the unencumbered run of the castle for the next two days as the festivities wound into high gear.

Uncle Harry was coming by with Ginny late that afternoon. Hermione had told Silenus the adults were planning on going into Hogsmeade after dinner but the girls could hang out where ever as long as they didn't leave the castle. Silenus had overheard her mother talking about someone named Ron with Uncle Harry. She had read the account of the final battle and knew he had been a part of the Order of the Phoenix. But she couldn't understand why her mother became so annoyed when she heard his name.

The girls finally made it to Hermione's quarters and were getting settled into the guest room Hermione had magically enlarged. Her mother appeared in the doorway. "Okay honey. Uncle Harry and Gin are here. Are you all ready to go down to the Great Hall?"

The girls stood in awe of Harry as he and Ginny hugged and greeted Silenus. She introduced her friends and the group left for dinner. Harry still drew stares and comments where ever he went. While never happy with the attention, he was more accepting of the notoriety since finally defeating Voldemort. Young and old would come up to him to thank him and touch him even after all this time, though thankfully not as many as in the months following the final battle. To his friends he was just Harry. And to Ginny he was some one special because she loved him. But special or not he was careful not to cross her, Voldemort or no Voldemort.

This year the attention seemed to increase. People wanted to see Hermione and Silenus. Her part in the creation of the Debilitating Potion was well known and taught as part of the history of the battle. She was even more of an enigma since she had disappeared for twelve years and had a child with the mysterious Severus Snape.

Harry was grinning as he turned to Hermione. They could hear whispers as they walked down the corridor. "You know Hermione, it might be nice not to be the center of attention this year. You seem to be of more interest than me for a change." They had finally reached the Great Hall. Albus had eliminated the long house tables in the Great Hall in favor of smaller intimate tables for the guests who were already gathering.

Hermione was walking on Harry's left and Ginny was on his right. They both hit him in the arm at the same time as he laughed. Severus appeared at Hermione's side as if by magic. "I have told you Hermione, if you are going to hit Potter it would be appreciated if you would at least inflict some real damage." In as much as he would rather not have to suffer Potters presence, Severus very much wanted to enjoy Hermione's and his daughter's company. So it would seem he was stuck with Potter.

"Good evening Professor." Ginny said brightly.

Severus gave a shallow bow. "Miss Weasley."

Remus and Sheila walked over to join the assorted group to a chorus of hellos. They were ten in all so they made their way to stake out one of the tables. Just as they were taking their seats a voice rang out through the hall.

"Hermione Granger." Molly Weasley had spotted Hermione. Hermione had not seen the Weasleys since she had returned. She supposed they kept up through Ginny. She knew from Harry that Ron would not show up until Sunday. Hermione was immediately engulfed in an overpowering hug.

"Hermione." It seemed to be all Molly could say as she kept hugging her. "Are you really back? Why haven't you been out to the Burrow yet? Where is this daughter of yours I’ve heard so much about?"

Silenus was standing with her friends just behind her father. Hermione turned in the direction of her daughter, "Silenus, come here honey." The girl walked forward to stand next to ioneione. "Molly, this is my daughter Silenus. Silenus, this is Molly Weasley, a friend of mine and Ginny's mum."

Severus felt an odd twinge of resentment hearing Hermione calling Silenus her daughter without reference to him but he was thrown off kilter a second later by Molly proclaiming, "Dear Gods, you look so much like your father. Severus she has your eyes! Hermione. Severus. You must be so proud of her. Come here dear girl." And she proceeded to hug Silenus to her.

Hermione gave Severus an amused glance before turning back to Molly. "Thank you. We are very proud of her."

Molly let go of Silenus as she turned back to Hermione. "I know you have been talking to Ginny, but you must tell me what you have been doing these last twelve years. Shame on you for not coming home sooner." Molly looked around the table and with a wave of her wand the table grew large enough to accommodate everyone.

Hermione looked to Ginny for help but all Ginny could do was shrug her shoulders and grin. Molly Weasley was a force of nature all her own. The rest of the dinner was spent in pleasant conversation as they brought each other up on their lives. It had already been decided that the group would head to the Three Broomsticks for a nightcap. Molly and Arthur declined, deciding to stay at the castle and the girls were heading back to Hermione's quarters to try different hairstyles for the party on Sunday.

Snape was about to leave when Remus brought him up short. "Aren't you going with us Severus?"

"I believe I shall return to my quarters. Thank you for the offer." Snape was a solitary man. He was not one to associate with a group.

"Come with us." Remus still thought of Snape as a friend. He thought the man spent entirely too much time in his own company. Remus laughed at the thought that spending time with himself could be what was making Snape so irritable.

"Severus." Hermione said quietly. "Come have a drink." Their eyes met as thoughts of the last time they had all gone to the Three Broomsticks crossed their minds. Cammdon had been with them.

His voice held an edge of annoyance as he said, "Fine. I shall join you." Hermione smiled as she noticed the slight smirk to his lips negating the annoyance in his voice. He told himself he was just going with to make sure she was safe. That was all.

The evening passed rather agreeably and none too quickly as it was rather late when the group returned. Good nights were said and they disbanded to go in search of their rooms. Severus noted Hermione walking off with Ginny as he swiftly returned to his quarters. He shrugged out of his cloak, robes and frock coat and spelled them to hang in their appropriate places. He poured himself a small sifter of apricot brandy and sat in his chair in front of the banked fire. A wave of his wand and a simple incendio brought the fire to life. The flames were reflected in the brandy he was swirling in his glass. He was looking at the chair across from him. This was now his daughter's chair. He could picture her sitting there as they played chess and talked about a myriad of topics. He looked to the end of the couch and imagined Hermione sitting with her feet tucked under her and talking to them as he and Silenus finished their chess match.

By all outward appearances Severus Snape had not changed. The lines in his face were a little softer now knowing the Dark Lord would not bring him down. His mind rested a little easier not being subjected to countless Cruciatus curses. He felt life was a little easier after Voldemort's demise and he was now able to get full nights sleep. But the real changes had occurred only recently and only on the inside. The rooms where he sought quiet and solitude for so long only recently seemed a little too quiet some times. He thought he heard Silenus youthful laughter or Hermione calling to one of them to check something or grab something for her. He kept an ear out for noises in the lab meaning one or both had decided to do some work. The realization that he enjoyed having them in his quarters hit him abruptly as a foreign emotion. Somehow Silenus had battered through his defenses. He was still a difficult and complex man who did not openly seek out the company of others. While his sarcasm could be teasing to some he was not known to be nice. That would never change. It would always be hard for him to express his emotions but his daughter had understood that and accepted him as is. She knew he cared about her. He had even allowed Hermione to step back into his life to some degree, though he continued to keep her at arms length, too afraid of where that could lead and what could happen if things went wrong again. He had changed in ways he hadn't known over the last four months. He may have looked the same on the outside, but inside he was a changed man.

Severus sighed as he set his brandy down on the side table and reached for the book he was currently reading. He felt a chill wind pass through the room as he thought it seemed too quiet tonight. He opened his book let let the words take him away.


XXXXXXXX

Saturday saw the castle gearing up for the Sunday's gala fete. Severus and Silenus had decided to postpone Saturday's game until sometime during the week after the others had left. He spent the day working quietly in his lab, not even venturing out for breakfast or lunch. The house elves were accustomed to sending meals to his quarters during the school breaks. The headmaster requested everyone's presence during dinners and Saturday's dinner was no exception. Dinner went much as the night before. Saturday merged into Sunday and the day of the anniversary celebration was upon them.

XXXXXXXXX

Severus stood before the mirror checking his reflection. The mirror had been spelled or rather dispelled not to speak. Having inanimate objects offer their opinion of him was not his idea of a good time. The mirror was as sarcastic as he was and insisted on having the last word. Albus had laughed and said it was from being in his presence so long when rus rus complained to him about it. Severus paid special attention to hitiretire. He wanted to look his best. This would be the first formal party his daughter had ever attended. Every year Albus insisted on honoring the Order members and the heroes of the final battle. Tonight Hermione would join them as one of the key people in the battle. He took his Order of Merlin out of a black velvet lined case and put it on. Hermione was to be aed hed hedaledal tonight in a ceremony at the party. Albus had asked Severus if he would like to present the medal to her since he had worked with her in the creation of the Debilitating Potion. Severus brushed a nonexistent piece of lint from the front of his robes. He was wearing black of course, but these were velvet and embroidered with interlocking S's at the cuffs. Silver snakes wound through his initials and were spaced at the hem of the garment. With a last look in the mirror, he decided he looked presentable. He left his quarters and proceeded to the Great Hall.

XXXXXXXXXX

Hermione and the girls were not quite as deliberate in their actions as Severus. The rooms were a mess as five women tried to get ready at once. Eventually, they were all dressed, hair and makeup done. A light touch at the cheeks and a bit of color at the lips was all she would allow the girls as Hermione reminded them they were not that old yet. She was nervous and her palms were moist as they waited for Harry and Ginny to arrive. Harry had told her what past celebrations had been like. The order members always stepped forward to take a bow and be acknowledge for their part in the battle. The main wizards responsible, this meant Ron for planning the final assault, Severus for both the potion and his defense of Harry along with Albus and all three for casting the final curse, were center spotlight as the assembled applauded them. Hermione was always mentioned in memorial for her part in the potion. This would be the first year she was present to partake in the celebration. Then again there was the matter of Ron. The portrait interrupted her thoughts as her friends arrived. They were meant to be moral support for her. It had been twelve years since she had been an active part of this group and her nerves were on edge.

Harry was grinning from ear to ear. "Ready to face the masses?"

"Thanks a lot. With friendke yke you I definitely don't need enemies." Hermione gave him a mock glare.

"Hermione, you look great. You'll be fine. Let's go." Harry realized she was really nervous. He meant it when he said she would be fine, nothing to it.

XXXXXXXXXXX

The Great Hall had been transformed to resemble a giant ballroom. A raiseds sts stood where the head table usually was and a formal dance floor graced the space in front of it. The ceiling was still enchanted to reflect the overhead sky but hundreds of candle filled crystal chandeliers floated in the air. The light caught and reflected the dangling crystals. Tables were scattered along the remaining walls of the room. Hermione saw Severusndinnding to the side speaking with Remus. Sheila was still at his side. Evidently her personality didn't seem to bother Remus in the least. She had a chance to watch Severus unobserved for a moment. He looked well rested and not quite as thin or as peaked as he had when he had been her teacher. She admired the cut of his robes knowing they hid a well-toned body beneath them. Twenty years of hauling and lifting cauldrons combined with a high metabolism helped to keep him in shape. She caught his eye and smiled as they nodded to one another.

Severus breath caught as he noticed Hermione. She was dressed in robes that appeared to be made out of real gold. They flowed and draped over her curves and the neckline dipped dangerously low in the front. Her figure was fuller then he remembered. Her hips and bust were more curvaceous. This was definitely the body of a woman, no longer the girl he had known. Her hair was pulled back from her face in the front but cascaded down her back as if by magic. It reminded him of a waterfall as she moved. Heads turned as she started walking towards him.

Remus chuckled next to Severus, noting his reaction. "She looks great doesn't she?"

Severus gaze remained locked on the woman walking towards him. His eyes seemed to glow with the intensity of his stare. All he could think to say was, "Indeed."

"Hello. My god, this is some party. Is it always like this?" Hermione was overwhelmed. Harry, Ginny and the girls were trailing behind her.

Severus noticed his daughter was dressed up. She was wearing formal robes with her hair up. ‘Was she wearing makeup? At her age?’ He thought.

"Hi dad. Remus. Umm, Miss Barclay."

"You ladies all look great. We poor wizards don't stand a chance. Can I get someone a drink?" Remus was smiling at the group. Drink orders were given and Harry and Remus went to get the drinks. Hermione was talking to Severus while Sheila was giving the girls advise on their hair.

"I don't believe it." The comment was loud and was meant to draw attention. Ron had arrived. Luna was standing to the side looking at her husband. "You've been gone twelve years. Don't you ever learn? It's because of the git you had to leave in the first place and now your standing talking to him? Where’s this kid you got stuck with?"

There had never been any love lost between Ron and Severus. Ron blamed Snape for Hermione's lack of interest in a relationship with him. No matter how many times Hermione had told him she wasn't interested in him, Severus or no Severus, he refused to listen. Ron could be more childish than Harry at times.

Harry had hurried back to help Hermione. He was resolved to Snape being around. Ginny was relentless in driving home the fact that it was Hermione's life, not his, that it was Hermione's choice, not his, that Snape was Silenus's father and she thought very highly of him, and the fact that he would lose Hermione's friendship if he didn't back off. In the end he decided she was right. "Ron..." He started to say until he looked at Hermione.

The room had gone quiet as the others watched the scene unfold. Severus was reaching for his wand but Hermione was faster. Her wand was pointed directly at Ron's heart as she said in a deadly voice that matched the look in her eyes. "Hello Ron. I'm only going to tell you this once so I suggest you listen. I never want to hear you mention my daughter in that tone again. You want to take a shot at Severus or me, fine but you make one comment about Silenus and that hex I placed on you last time will seem like a walk in the park. Do you understand me?"

Severus was greatly impressed with Hermione's threat. He was about to hex the man himself. Ron had threatened the Lioness's cub and she was ready to rip him apart. He idly wondered what the hex was she had placed on him previously. No one had ever been able to find out.

"Do you understand me?" Hermione's voice was cold steel. "Come to think of it, I'm not too sure I want you making comments about Severus or me either."

Dumbledore chose that moment to intervene. "Mister Weasley, Madame Granger and Professor Snape work and reside here at Hogwarts. While you are a guest, in effect you are a guest in their home. If you can not conduct yourself in a respectful manner I would suggest you leave."

The hall was quiet for a moment. Molly Weasley had walked into the hall just a minute before but had witnessed enough of the scene to know what was going on. She came up behind Ron and cuffed him hard across the back of the head. "RONALD WEASLEY. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? I KNOW I RAISED YOU BETTER THAN THIS. YOU APOLOGIZE TO HERMIONE AND SEVERUS THIS MINUTE. AND IF YOU INSULT THAT DEAR CHILD YOU WILL HAVE ME TO ANSWER TO." Her voice carried in the quiet hall.

"Mum, I'm 33 already. Would you stop it?" His face had gone redder than his hair.

"Then act it. Hermione dear, my son is an idiot. Don't mind him." Molly turned to Ron and said. "Apologize now or else so help me..."

The end was rather anti climactic. Ron turned white and his freckles stood out against his skin in stark contrast. "Fine. I'm sorry. Alright?" No one was sure what 'or else' was but Ron decided it was in his best interest to apologize.

Hermione and Severus said nothing as Dumbledore clapped his hand together and said brightly. "Well now that that is done and over, let's continue shall we?" The Weird Sisters were on the stage and with a nod from the Headmaster, the music started.

Harry had pulled Ron and Luna to the side. Severus turned to Hermione. He bowed formally over her hand as he asked, "Would you like to dance?" His voice was low and silky.

Silenus's mouth was hanging open. This was her dad? "You know how to dance?" She asked in astonishment.

Severus started to lead Hermione to the dance floor as he turned to answer his daughter, "All well bred wizards know how to dance." Severus snaked his hand around Hermione's waist and she lightly placed her hon hon his shoulder. He took her other hand in his, reveling in the feel of holding her close. He moved into a turn as they joined the other couples on the dance floor. Some stopped to look at the couple as they danced gracefully around the floor.

The girls giggled as they watched. Silenus could only look on in astonishment as her mother and father waltzed together. Jessie turned to Silenus and said, "Your parents are something else. I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Your right you know. Your dad is really different when he's not teaching." Silenus had often said her dad was different when they were together but her friends had found that hard to believe. But dinner the last two nights and now this had changed their opinions. They still didn't want to cross the Potions Master but they understood Silenus's feeling a little bit more.

As the song ended Dumbledore took the stage. After casting Sonorus on him self he said. "I would like to thank you all for coming from far and near to celebrate the 8th anniversary of the defeat of Voldemort." Several witches and wizards shuddered at the mention of the Dark Lords name. "Would the Order of the Phoenix members step forward so that they can be recognized for their most valuable contribution to our freedom? We must never forget the evil that threatened to end our world. It is these witches and wizards before you that have help to ensure our freedom."

Several people stepped forward and smiled as the crowd applauded. "I would like to ask Ronald Weasley, Severus Snape, and Harry Potter to step up here with me. And this year I am delighted to ask Hermione Granger to join us as well." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he said Hermione's name and the applause from the crowd grew in volume. Hermione was blushing as she walked up on the stage. Silenus was applauding lou pro proud of both her parents.

The crowd quieted as the Headmaster continued. "As you know, we have honored Miss Granger in the past in memorial. I am happy to say that she is alive and well." A quiet chuckle ran through the crowd at Albus' remark. The Headmaster produced a black box that he handed to Severus. "We would like to take this occasion to present Miss Hermione Granger with the Order of Merlin first class for her service in helping to create the Debilitating Potion with Professor Snape that was responsible for the final defeat of Voldemort. Miss Granger, we are honored to have you here tonight. We are in your debt for the service you have performed in helping to free our world." The applause was thunderous as Severus placed the medal around Hermione's neck.

She leaned forward to hug him as he whispered in her ear. "Congratulations Hermione."

Hermione had tears in her eyes as she caught sight of her daughter applauding. The group on the stage as well as those in front of it waved one last time to the crowd as the band started to play again.

Silenus rushed over to her parents as they walked off the stage. She looked in awe at the medals her mother and father were wearing. "I can't believe it. This is so awesome!"

Hermione was smiling broadly.n Sen Severus had to smile at his daughter's enthusiasm. "Did they teach you to dance at that school in America?s eys eyebrow was raised in question.

"You want to dance with me?"

"Yes. I believe that was the question." Severus held out his hand toward his daughter.

"I'm not as good as mom." She said as she stepped forward.

"I should hope not. You will be much lighter when you step on my toes. She tends to crush my foot." Silenus laughed as her father lead her away.

"He dances." Harry was looking at Snape dancing with Silenus. Severus looked relaxed, the scowl was missing and his eyes were alive with mirth. The barest hint of a grin graced his lips.

"He does a lot of things Harry." Hermione was watching father and daughter out on the dance floor. She was amazed her self that Severus would dance with her or Silenus so willingly in such a large gathering. He was still the same complex man she had known, but he was changing in small ways. Relaxing a bit, opening up just a little.

Harry hugged Hermione as he said. "I still don't agree but if he's what you want, just be happy. Have I told you how happy I am to have you back? And with the kid too? I have to say, she seems happy these days." The kid was Harry's nickname for Silenus. He could be heard calling to her, 'Hey kid come here' or 'Is the kid coming with us' whenever he had visited them. It was Harry's term of endearment for Silenus.

"It's not that I want Severus Harry. We're friends. That's all. We both want what is best for our daughter." Hermione was still watching the dance floor. A gentle smile lit her face.

"Hermione." Harry knew she felt something for Snape. Who was she kidding?

He was interrupted by Ginny as she pulled him away to dance. "Let it be Harry. They have to figure things out for themselves. Either they'll get together or they won't. Either way, Silenus has two parents who care. Hermione seems relatively happy, and I don't think I've ever seen Professor Snape dance before."

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "Fine. Whatever. I just hope she knows what she's doing."

In the end, Severus and Hermione decided not to make an issue of Ronald Weasley. Their daughter was, with out question, walking on air. Everything impressed the girls and Silenus was thrilled just be attending the celebration. The rest of the party passed in a pleasant haze as the wizarding world celebrated another year of freedom from the evil that had stalked it for so long.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Severus lay in bed reviewing the day ahead when he noticed the sun seemed to be at an odd angle. He was normally an early riser. He must have been more tired then he thought to have slept so late. Silenus's friends had left late yesterday afternoon. The girls had been so excited he doubted they had any sleep the nightore.ore. He and Silenus were going to play their weekly game of chess before dinner tonight. Normally he despised Christmas, but this year was different. Tonight they would have a traditional Christmas Eve dinner in the Great Hall and afterward he would join Silenus and Hermione in her quarters for eggnog and to exchange presents. He had asked Hermione's advice on what to get Silenus. He was not comfortable buying gifts, let alone something for a twelve-year-old girl. Her sugionsions ranged from money (always the right size and color) to actual articles of clothing and hair and make up items. She laughed at the thought of Severus trying to buy the right size and color jumper, as if twoulwould actually happen. He finally decided on a new broom. Hermione had always been terrible at flying but Silenus showed a natural aptitude. Hermione had told him that she started to fly at a young age. He would have to take Silenus out on the Quidditch pitch and show her a few tricks.

XXXXXXXXXXX

"You're not at your desk!" For the first time she could remr, hr, her father was not sitting grading papers when she arrived. He was in his chair in front of the fire reading a book, waiting for her.

Severus chuckled as he marked his place and put his book on the side table. "Occasionally Albus will unchain me from the desk. But only during Christmas break."

"It's just that whenever I come, you're sitting grading papers. It seems strange to see you sitting there reading."

"In case you haven't noticed, school is not in session. I am temporarily caught up on what seem to be an endless stream of paperwork, hence the book. I read for pleasure as much as for information and research." Snape found it amusing that his daughter was so surprised to see him engage in anrydaryday activity such as reading a book.

Silenus was curious, "What are you reading?"

Severus had and evil smile on his face as he held up his book. The cover read, 'The Dark Tower VII by Stephen King. "I don't believe it. Have you read the other books? You didn't tell me you read Muggle literature."

Severus was laughing, "I told yKingKing is not a Muggle and yes I have read the other books. This series mixes magic and a distorted reality with an interesting twist. Have you read the other books as well?"

"I'm only through book three. Maybe you can lend them to me?" Silenus took her seat opposite her father and was setting up her side of the chess set.

"I have copies of the books, you may borrow them if you like. Perhaps there are some other books you would like to borrow." Severus was sure his daughter would be careful with his books. Hermione had always taken great care with hers and would have instilled the same respect in Silenus.

They settled in to play as they continued to talk on a variety of topics.

They were in the middle of the last game when Hermione showed up. She sat on thfa tfa to the side and shucked her shoes off, tucking her feet under her. Severus served her from the tea service at his side before returning to the game. scorscore stood one to one as they played the final game Her Hermione was pleasantly tired. The celebration last night had lasted into the early hours of the morning. The girls had been too excited to sleep when they had returned to her chambers. Tomorrow was Christmas Day and Silenus would be going to stay with Jessie until the end of break and ride the Hogwarts Express back with her friends. It would be awfully quiet without her around. They had never been separated before. She couldn't help but feel a little maudlin but kept telling herself that this was good for both of them. She smiled as she listened to Silenus and Severus.

Silenus exclaim"I d"I don't believe it."

"Odd. But it seems to be the case." The final game of the match ended in a draw.

"So. No one wins? What about the password?"

"I suppose it shall remain as it was or we will have to draw straws to see who will win. Or possibly I, as Head of your House shall choose the password. I do not believe I have been so fortunate as to have Albus relieve me of my post as yet. Unless you have news I am not aware of?" Severus was taken aback by his daughters concern over something so trivial as the password. He shook his head. "Mmmm. I thought not."

"You know dad, you could give it to me as an early Christmas gift." Silenus eyes held a glint of playfulness.

"Silenus." Hermione scolded her.

Severus looked at his daughter. "Or you could be generous and offer the choice to me. The horns of a dilemma, what ever will you do?"

Silenus sighed. "I should know better then to try and out smart you right?"

"So it would seem."

"Fine. Your Head of the House, you pick something disgusting." This was where her father was supposed to say no, it's fine, you go ahead and choose.

Instead her mother spoke up. "How about I choose the password since you two can't decide?"

"You." The single word said volumes on Severus's behalf.

Silenus looked at her dad. "I vote for mom to choose."

Hermione was smiling as she said, "Great that's two votes for. I'll pick the next password."

Severus voice was dripping with sarcasm. "I do not believe you were given a vote considering it is the password for Slytherin. And regardless, this is not a democracy. I run a strict dictatorship. Neither of you actually have any say in the matter. Not to mention the fact that this entire discussion has gone on long enough." He sat back rather smugly.

Hermione completely ignored him. "I choose, ‘Gryffindor rules’."

Severus and Silenus looked at each other and groaned simultaneously. The clock over the desk chimed. All three hands moved to, "Ho. Ho. Ho. Happy Xmas. Go have dinner."

Silenus and Hermione broke out laughing. Severus shook his head as he muttered under his breath. "Ruddy clock must be hexed. There's no other explanation for it."

The three left to have Christmas Eve dinner in the Great Hall.


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It was late when Severus returned to his chambers. He had gone to Hermione's quarters after the meal. The usual people were in attendance; even Potter and Miss Weasley had flooed in for eggnog. Albus and given him socks again. 'The man gets odder and odder every year.' Thought Severus. This year's pair was something else. They were day glow yellow and charmed to play 'Puff the magic dragon' every the she sat down or stood up. Severus was sure they would make a nice addition to his fire.

Minerva had bought him excellent bottle of wine. He had always enjoyed a good burgundy and this one appeared to be froe ofe of the better vineyards. Hermione had given him a set of finely crafted silver potions bottles. They had appeared to be pleased with gifts he gave them as well.

He sat in front of the fire contemplating Silenus's gift. She had been thrilled with the broom and the galleons he had given her. But it was her gift to him that touched him the most. She had given him a silver triplicate picture frame. The center photo was a shot of the two of them together. She told him she had gotten Uncle Harry to take it when he wasn't looking. The left outside shot was a picture of her as an infant. The right side was a shot of her as a toddler. He had seen the two photos before in an album Hermione had shown him. Silenus had written him a note with the gift. He sat now rereading the note.

"Dear Dad,

Thank you for finally making my Christmas wish come true. Every year for as long as I can remember I wished I could meet my father. And now I have you. I wouldn't trade you for anything. Thank you. Thank you for being my dad.

Love always,
Silenus"

He had a smile on his face as he sat looking at the note, tracing over the words with his finger. He sat looking at the note for a very long time.

TBC

A/N: I find it interesting that someone mentioned in a review that Silenus should give Severus a photo album for Christmas. I had originally planned on having her buy him a new chess set but Severus ruined my plans by buying himself one in Rome so I changed it to a photo of them together. Actually several reviews seem to guess the events before they appeared. Either I’m predictable or great minds think alike. I chose to think it’s the latter. We are heading into the home stretch. Lemons abound in the final chapter and then only an epilogue to go. Since FFN is touchy about content, an abbreviated version of the chapter will appear on that web site. The story line will still be intact but the material will be altered. A complete chapter can be found at Ashwinder, AFF, and Whisper. Just look for my name under the or’sor’s section and follow the links if you’re interested. Thank you to all who have reviewed. As always thoughts, comments, reviews, whatever are always welcome. A thank you to Casandra, the Goddess, my beta.

Regards, Pearle