Taking Sides
By Yolanda

This is a line from a song called "Cheer Down", by the late George Harrison, and included in the soundtrack for Lethal Weapon II.  Thanks again to Christina Teresa for beta-reading and being a sounding board!

When Michael returned to his sister's hospital room in St. Mungo's the next afternoon, he found her cradled in her husband's arms.  She was smiling slightly as he whispered something in her ear.  Michael looked at his chief of staff, Roland Jeffries.  Roland, who tended to be somewhat sentimental, was smiling too.  "Perhaps I should leave them alone for a bit.  They've been through so much."  At least there's something to smile about, poor Lexy. 

Jeffries nodded.  "Dumbledore is waiting to see you anyway, Michael."  The two men turned and left. 

*  *  *

Later, Michael returned to speak to Severus.  Alexandra had been examined and pronounced healthy enough to leave the next morning.  After the exam, she had fallen asleep.

"Severus," said Michael extending his hand to his brother-in-law, "thank you for taking care of her."

"She'll recover physically.  All she really has left are the bruises, but I'm concerned about her, Michael."

"I am too," said Michael with a sad look on his face. "Have you told her about Colin yet?"

"No, I'm afraid I didn't have the stomach for it.  She seems so tired still.  What happened with Christina is difficult enough."

Michael nodded.  "I hear you've been released to go back to the castle.  Colin's memorial service is tomorrow, but I completely understand if you think she's not-"

"Michael, I know her," Severus said interrupting Michael.  "She will want to be there.  She will want to say something."

"Yes, of course, Severus, you're right." 

Severus looked at his brother-in-law, not quite knowing how to ask the question he wanted to ask.  As if he knew what was on Severus' mind, Michael looked at him wearily and said, "We're going through Christina's papers right now.  I can't tell you exactly what was going on in her head yet, but I had suspected for a long time that she was unbalanced."

How will he survive this politically I wonder? His own sister!  Severus gave him a sympathetic look.  "I'm sorry, Michael.  I'm sorry for you and for Alexandra.  Though Christina had alienated herself from Alexandra, I know this has broken her heart."

"I'll never understand it, Severus," said Michael with some amount of bitterness in his voice.  "It's such a cliché I can hardly even bring myself to say it.  She had money, position, beauty, intelligence, and this is what she did with it?"  Michael began pacing around the hallway, his fists clenched. 

"Why didn't I press her to get some help?" Michael was very distraught.  "She seemed to have us all figured out, but we couldn't see what she needed.  Do you know what she said to me about Alexandra?"  Michael's voice quavered.  Severus looked at him and shook his head.  "The last time I saw her she told me that Lexy's biggest flaw is her unwavering loyalty to those she loves.  She didn't just mean you either.  She was talking about the two years they spent working together.  She was giving me a hint, and if it hadn't been for Colin . . . ."

Michael turned his back to Severus, who could see that he was struggling to control his emotions.  "Colin was the only one who saw anything.  I didn't even want to see it myself," Michael said in a low voice.  "I suppose love is truly blind."

"I'd say that's a rather good thing in my case, Michael."

Michael turned to face Severus.  "Listen, you keep taking care of my sister the way you have until now.  You've earned the right to be happy, Severus.  You have a chance to start over again.  Take it and don't look back.  In my book, you've undone the past several times over."

Severus was a bit overwhelmed by his brother-in-law's frankness.  No man, except for Dumbledore, had ever spoken to him in such a personal way.  Michael put a hand on Severus' shoulder.  "Congratulations, by the way, on earning the Order of Merlin and becoming a Keeper of the Light. There's going to be a special ceremony at Hogwarts the day after tomorrow.  Dumbledore's made all the arrangements."

Snape smirked, remembering the time when he had come close to earning the Order of Merlin before. "If I'd lost her, it would have meant nothing to me."

"But you haven't lost her, and you have your whole lives ahead of you.  I'll only ask that you both visit us soon."

Severus gave him a small smile. "Yes, I suppose I am one of you now.  I've never been to the United States.  It will be the best thing for Alexandra to be with her family."

"Severus, I was wondering . . . is the Mark gone now?" Michael asked.

"Yes, Michael.  It disappeared as soon what was left of Voldemort was imprisoned in the box."  Severus closed his eyes for a second giving thanks that he was free of the Mark at last.

"Then it's really over, Severus.  It's really over."

* * *

The next morning, Alex was getting ready to attend the memorial service for Colin.  She knew that saying good-bye to her friend and former partner would be the most difficult thing she had ever done as a Keeper.  Except maybe for getting these awful bruises! Luckily, Roland was able to send for her uniform and everything else she needed to be part of the Honor Guard.  He had delivered her bagpipes and uniform himself.

She looked at her husband's puzzled face as she came out of the private bath in their hotel room in London.  "I guess you've never seen me in the Lennox tartan.  I decided that since I bothered to learn the bagpipes I should go whole hog and wear the right clothes.  She was wearing a short uniform jacket and kilt in a red plaid. Severus seemed to look her over approvingly, but he still looked puzzled.

"Why did you never tell me your dark secret?"

"Dark secret?"  Alex gave him a surprised look.

"You never mentioned it to me.  You don't keep them in our rooms, and I never would have known it until Jeffries delivered them."

"Oh, you mean that I play the bagpipes. Is that a big deal?  I just never wanted to play them at home because they do a make a racket.  Our music classroom in the castle is soundproofed."  She looked at him with a twinkle in her eye.  "I took them up in the first place because I had to find something to fill those long, lonely nights before you came back into my life."

He seemed to want to play along. "I will definitely be certain to keep your nights well occupied from now on."

Alexandra laughed.  "Come on, it's not that bad.  They're really hard to play and it will hurt like hell today, but every Auror wants the pipes at his funeral. It's tradition.  Even the Muggles do it."

Severus put his arms around her very gently and kissed her. 

Alexandra laughed again.  "You are the epitome of subtlety.  Either you really hate the bagpipes or you really love ­"

Severus kissed her again and the subject was dropped.  For the moment, Alex forgot the sad day ahead.

*  *  *

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny sat together at breakfast two days later.  It had been a very eventful few days.  Classes had been suspended for the rest of the week. The ceremony honoring everyone who played a part in Voldemort's defeat had taken place the day before.  Some people had even left the school to be with their families to celebrate.

Harry had returned to Hogwarts three days ago.  He was allowed to see Alex once before he was brought back, but she was not awake when he saw her.  Professor Snape was very protective and would hardly allow anyone any closer than the door, nor would he allow him to stay and wait for her to wake up.  At least Harry knew that Professor Snape was not picking on him personally.  He had seen him turn Professor Lupin and Sirius away as well. 

"Harry," Hermione began, "you must be so proud.  I mean Alex got the Order of Merlin, first class."

Harry nodded.  "She deserved it. You should have seen how hurt she was."  

"My Dad said she slept for a long time, but that the doctors fixed her up pretty well. She looked bruised but not like she was in pain at least," Ron said trying to comfort Harry.

"Yes, and wasn't it wonderful that Fred and George were invited back just to play the drums with the Honor Guard?" asked Ginny.  "I mean when they got up together and did that opening drum roll for the American national anthem, I got goose bumps."  Everyone nodded. 

"Mum and Dad were sure pleased.  But did you see poor old Snape?  He'll never get used to being in that family.  The look on his face during that ceremony!  I'm just glad that Colin Creevey took lots of pictures," Ron said in an amused tone.

"He did look like he'd just swallowed a beaker of armadillo bile, but I pity the reporter who had to deal with him later," said Harry.

"No, it wasn't like that, Harry.  Didn't you hear Sirius tell us last night that the American press only interviewed Alex and Mr. Lennox?  They tried to talk to Professor Snape, but Alex steered him off."

"Then they got a look at Sirius and talked to him instead," Ginny finished the story.

"Well, they got me too, but they didn't ask a lot of questions.  I think the reporter was anxious to have her afternoon outing with Sirius," said Harry smiling.  "I'm glad he was there."

"Nothing wrong with being on telly, Harry.  You should be used to all that by now."

"Look, there's Mr. Lennox and Alex!" Hermione pointed at the door.  Alex and Professor Snape entered the Great Hall with Michael Lennox, Sirius, and Professor Lupin.  They went up to the Head Table.  The students applauded, although it was nothing like the noise they made the day before.  The students seemed unruffled by the security officers following the group.

"Come on, Hermione, quit staring.  It's not polite," Ron teased.

"Oh, and I suppose it was polite of you to push your way to the front of the receiving queue yesterday?  Trying to shake his hand first, were you?"

"Well, I just tried to catch up with my dad, Hermione.  I noticed you didn't mind when I pulled you with me."

Harry and Ginny looked at each other and shook their heads. 

*  *  *

Sirius was sitting next to Severus.  How wonderful, Severus thought.

"That was quite a day," Sirius said eyeing Lupin and Alex.

"And quite an afternoon I suspect, Sirius.  That reporter from WNN really liked you," Alex teased.

"And why shouldn't she?  At least I was willing to talk to her and I am unattached," Sirius replied in a very self-satisfied tone.

Snape snorted.  "You'd have to hit the woman over the head and drag her into your kennel to get her, I should think."

"Oh, well, Severus, that explains how you got yours," Sirius winked at Alexandra.  "But now that you have the Order of Merlin and you've become a Keeper of the Light, you might actually stand a chance of keeping her.  Tell me, did you wear you Order of Merlin to bed last night?"

Michael gave Alexandra a startled look.  Remus Lupin was shaking with laughter, and Alexandra looked as if she was warming up for a bit of a fight. 

"Sirius, there's just not enough room in bed for all the medals we have between the two of us.  So, I'd say he was wearing decidedly less." Alex squeezed her husband's hand and smiled innocently.

"That's quite enough, my dear, we don't want to cause an explosion in his little pea brain with too much information."    

"Of course, Severus, you're right as always," Alexandra said, smiling at her husband mischievously as Sirius pretended to gag.  Then she turned to her brother with a more serious look on her face.  "Have you heard if Colin's mother has gone back to the U.S.?"

"Yes, Roland spoke to her early this morning.  She was going back right away.  She said to mention how much it meant to her that you were there and able to say a few words," Michael said in a subdued tone.

"Oh, Michael, it's going to be hard, isn't it?" Alexandra sighed.  Severus had to hand it to her, she was trying very hard to keep it together.

"I wish I could stay longer, Lex, but I've got to get home.  You know you can come whenever you want.  And, I understand about your decision."

Severus saw Lupin and Black give each other curious looks.

"Well, I might as well tell you, Remus and Sirius.  I resigned this morning from the FBM.  Severus and I talked about it with Michael last night.  I want to continue my new life here, and I really have had enough of it to last me for a while."

"I'm happy for you, Alex.  I know you've made the right decision for the both of you," Remus smiled at her.  Does Lupin always have to be so damned nice? Severus thought.

"Just remember what I said," Michael looked at his sister earnestly.  "Anytime you want to stay with us, if Severus can spare you, just let me know.  But I really would love for the two of you to visit soon."

"We will be there at Christmas, Michael," Severus said in a matter of fact tone.

*  *  *

Later, Remus came to speak to Alex in their rooms, after they had all said good-bye to Alex's brother and the other Americans.  Severus was there, but went into his study to leave them alone. 

"Oh dear, Remus, I hope you aren't being stupid and blaming yourself for any of this," Alex began.

"I don't know, Alex.  I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry."

"Look, when I saw Christina the day after my miscarriage I knew that there was something wrong.  I mean, she was ranting for no reason and I could tell she'd been drinking.  I'd seen little hints before and I didn't do anything but make remarks about the drinking."  Alex got up and walked to the fireplace.  "Isn't your family supposed to help you?"  She began to cry.

"Now who's taking the blame?" He got up and put his arm gently on her shoulder.  "Sit down, Lexy.  Don't do this to yourself.  She was so brilliant that she was able to fool us all.  I looked back at the letters I'd gotten from her over the years, and she always seemed just fine- a little obsessed with my problem, but fine, even happy."

"Remus, I just want to stop feeling like this.  I know it will take time.  I know all the things that everyone says are right—Christina was spared the humiliation of a trial and she didn't suffer, but it makes me want to scream!  Believe me, being beaten was easier than feeling this way."

"Poor Lexy.  Severus will help you.  He will.  You just have to accept that you're going to feel bad for a time.  It's the only way."

"Dear Remus, you should know what it feels like to lose people you love."  She gave Remus a hug.

"Listen, I heard that you have a job with the Ministry now, Remus.  Congratulations.  I hope you're happy and that you'll let us in on your little secret soon."

"Secret?"  Remus looked at her and raised an eyebrow.

"Well, I won't say anymore.  When you're ready to bring her up for a visit, let me know."

"I will.  Alex, I must say good-bye, I'm afraid. I've got to get home and do a few things before I start my new position.  Take care of yourself, Alex."

Severus appeared at the door.  "Lupin, I'm pleased about your new appointment at the Ministry.  Shame you won't be teaching here."

Remus shook his head a little.  "I'm a bit disoriented here. Did you really just say that to me?"

Severus gave an exasperated sigh. "Why on earth does everyone act as if I eat dogs and orphans for breakfast?  Can't a fellow change his mind?"

"Of course, Severus.  Thank you.  Take care of yourselves." They heard Remus laugh as he shut the door. 

"Severus," Alex turned to her husband and put her arms around him.  "You are the most incredible person.  How can I stay sad and upset with you around?"

"I'll do whatever I can to amuse you," he replied.

"You will?" Alex said expectantly.  "This day is shaping up to be all right after all."

*  *  *

Severus had not one, but two worries on his mind.  His wife was getting along as well as could be expected for someone who had lost a baby, a friend, and her sister, but she had plenty of support.  It was Draco Malfoy who worried Severus at the moment.  His performance in school was at an all-time low.  As his Head of House, as well as his teacher, it was his duty to have yet another conference with him.  He summoned Draco to his office one Friday evening in early November.

"Mr. Malfoy, I'm sure you understand why I asked you to come to my office.  I know that you have had a very difficult time over the last year.  I want you to know that I am available to help you in any way that I can.  I have offered you help with your schoolwork before, but I will now insist that you allow me to tutor you.  You are now in your sixth year, Mr. Malfoy, but you will not pass to your seventh year if you do not apply yourself."

"Why should I care?  I have my family's fortune, enough to live well on for the rest of my life.  I know all the magic I need to know, especially magic of a certain kind. I don't need anything else."  

"Draco, that's not enough to survive in the Wizarding world and you know that.  If you do not complete your education at Hogwarts, you will not be a full-fledged wizard and you might as well go and live as a Muggle.  You will not be welcomed into the society you have been accustomed to."

"What do you care? I should think you're too busy with your little wife to care about any of the students in your charge," Draco drawled sarcastically.

"Enough!"  Snape shouted.  "Not that it means anything to you, but you should know that it is my wife who has always encouraged me to spend more time with the Slytherin students.  She is especially concerned about you, but does not feel that you wish to be approached by her.  She doesn't even blame you at that."

"How very generous of her.  Is her brother concerned about me? What about the Headmaster?"

"You are here to listen to me and listen to me you will, boy.  Your father chose the path he took.  No one accuses you of having taken the same path, at least not for now."

"Did you not also choose that path for a time, Professor?  What makes you so special that you should be acceptable to your new family as well as the Headmaster while someone like me is not?"

Snape got up and stood right in front of Draco, towering over him menacingly.  "You are not a prudent person, Mr. Malfoy, and you are definitely not a good listener. I will say it again.  No one believes you to be connected to your parents' activities.  No one finds you unacceptable, except through your own behavior and attitude.  Mr. Lennox spoke with you in earnest when he was here, whether you accept what he had to say or not.  It is your actions that will determine how you are perceived from now on, not those of your parents."  He released Draco, who looked at him with a mixture of anger and surprise on his face.

"That's easy for you to say, I'd wager your Dark Mark is gone now.  I suppose you believe that all the taint has left you as well.  I wouldn't be so sure.  My taint will always be with me, even though I have no Mark.  I hear everyone talking about the boy whose father was killed in prison and whose mother was murdered.  The only reason you don't get the same treatment is that they are all afraid of you."

"Whatever mark is left on me is my affair, Mr. Malfoy.  The true question for you to answer is what will you do with your life?  You needn't turn yourself into Potter to lead the right kind of life if that's what you're afraid of.  I did not exactly become a different person when I changed my allegiance.  I simply had a different goal.  I don't mean to belabor the point, but you force me to do so by your inattentiveness. If you choose the wrong path, it will destroy you in the end, perhaps not as your parents were destroyed, but in other ways."  Severus stopped and looked at the boy to see if anything was registering.  Was he imagining it or had the boy's body language become slightly less hostile?

"It is late now, Mr. Malfoy, but I want you here at nine o'clock tomorrow to begin reviewing Transfiguration with me.  I want your first improvement to be in McGonagall's class.  We will also review Charms."

"But tomorrow is Saturday.  I don't get up that early on a Saturday," Snape heard the characteristic whine of the spoiled boy he had known now for six years.

"Be here, or you will receive detention," Snape said in a quiet but serious tone.

Draco said nothing, but got up and left.  Snape wondered if he had done the right thing.  It was impossible to talk to this boy without meeting resistance.  It was his hope to make Draco see by example that a Slytherin could be a Slytherin and not be a Dark wizard.  Alexandra is right.  These House labels can do a lot of damage.

*  *  *

Alex was sitting in her office one day in late November wondering what Christmas music to start on with the students, when Professor Dumbledore came in. 

"Ah, I thought you would be here now, Alexandra.  I was wondering if I could ask for your assistance."

"Of course, Professor, what can I do for you?"

"Well, it is my feeling that we should have a very special Christmas celebration this year.  After all, it's not every year that Voldemort is defeated.  I was hoping to have a ball or some sort of event to close out the term right before we send the students home to their families.  I would like for you to make the arrangements, if I may ask you to do so."

"Me turn down the opportunity to throw a party?  That will never happen," Alex replied with a smile. 

"Good!  I just wanted to be certain that you were up to it."

"I know I haven't been myself exactly, but I'm starting to feel better now.  Remus told me the day he left for home that I would just have to accept the fact that I would feel bad for a time, and he was right."

"I am glad that you feel better, my dear.  This was extraordinarily difficult for you, but it appears that you and Severus are happy."

"Oh, yes, Albus.  He's been wonderful, although the poor dear tiptoed around me with a lost look on his face at the beginning."

"I don't need to tell you this, Alexandra, but Severus has never really lived his life for another person in quite this way before.  He has been extremely worried about you, and has only seemed to relax over the past week."

"That's because I woke up one morning and decided that I was through wallowing.  I told him so, too.  I mean, I can't change what Christina did.  I wish I had done something to push her to get help, but I didn't and I'll have to live with that fact.  Ultimately, she chose to do what she did, and I can't change it now.  I just want to take the lessons I've learned and move on.  I do miss Colin, but he did what he had to do.  That was how he wanted to live his life and I admire him greatly for it."

"Alexandra, we never know what will come our way.  I try to live one foot in the present and one foot in the future, but the past does seem to want to hang on.  I see a bright future ahead for the two of you or whatever number of Snapes there may be eventually.  I'll see you later at dinner then."

"Good-bye, Professor," she said looking into his twinkling blue eyes.  How is it you aren't attached? she thought.

*  *  *

Time had passed quickly and Christmas was approaching.  Severus wanted to buy just the right Christmas gift for Alexandra.  It had to be something that symbolized his feelings about the future.  He was shopping in Hogsmeade and found several nice gifts, but he still wanted something special.  He wasn't given to grand gestures.  The most dramatic statement he had ever made was to send twelve roses by owl to Alexandra, but that hadn't been his idea.  He had read something about owls delivering roses in a magazine one of the female teachers had left in the staff room once.  If that's what women wanted in general, why should she be any different? And it had produced a rather pleasant result. 

He walked up the street deep in thought.  Then, he spotted the toy store.  He had a flash of inspiration and knew exactly what to buy.

A few minutes later, Severus came out of the toy store and walked to the Three Broomsticks.  He had finished his shopping, and hoped to see Sirius Black.  Black had taken a house in Hogsmeade in order to spend time with Harry.  He had been very solicitous to Alexandra, visiting her often to be sure she was all right.  Sure enough, there he sat in all his boyish glory next to the angelic Remus Lupin.  I wonder what he's doing here? Severus thought.

"Severus, I didn't expect to run into you here.  Shouldn't you be at home with your wife?"

"I was out doing a bit of shopping and I thought I might find you here."

"To what do I owe this pleasure?  Tired of picking on students?  Ready to move on to bigger and better things?"  Lupin was smiling and shaking his head. 

"You do make everything difficult, don't you, Black?  I wanted to thank you for helping Alexandra while she recovers.  I saw you together this morning. I haven't seen her laugh like that in a long time.  I've also noticed that you've made an effort to see her at other times."

By the look on his face, he could see that Black was very surprised.  He was quiet for a moment and then looked at him mischievously. "So, you aren't the least bit unhappy with me for trying to entertain her?  You're not at all jealous?"  Severus shook his head. Sirius replied in mock indignation, "I'm not sure whether I should be insulted or not, but I know what it cost you to say anything remotely cordial to me, so I'll try not to torment you too much."

Snape looked over at Lupin who was shaking with suppressed laughter.  "Don't look at me. I'm not with the International Confederation of Wizards.  This is between the two of you."  Lupin said.

Black looked at Snape more earnestly.  "Look mate, she'll get over it eventually.  I'm happy to do whatever small thing I can do, but for some reason, you've managed to make her very happy, so you really don't need me.  It just proves that miracles do happen.  One thing though, maybe it's time, well . . . you know, time to try again."

Once more Severus was amazed at the brazenness of people.  The idea that anyone should try to comment on whether they were going to have children was beyond his comprehension.  

"I'm glad we have your permission," Severus growled.  "Perhaps you'd like to spread it all over the school for me and save Dumbledore having to make an announcement."

Black laughed.  "Point taken."  Black looked toward the bar where an attractive witch was talking with Rosmerta.  "Hang on, I need a refill.  I'll be right back."

Lupin raised an eyebrow.  "I don't know what he's going to do with himself now.  He doesn't seem to be able to focus on anything, well, except that."

"Perhaps another miracle will occur and he'll outgrow it or better yet some poor unsuspecting witch will take him out of circulation," said Severus in a sarcastic tone.

Lupin frowned a little, as if trying to find the right words to say.  "You know, I don't usually discuss your wife with you, and I hope you don't put something in my potion for saying this, but perhaps Sirius is right."

"I suppose you think I'm too insensitive to know what is right for her myself?" Severus began in an annoyed tone, but then stopped himself.  "Perhaps I've given you reason to think that in the past, in all fairness to you.  Let's just say that my mind is made up on the subject and leave it at that. Now, I must get back to my wife.  Do keep your friend out of trouble, Lupin," Severus said with the slightest hint of a smile

"Good-bye then.  See you at your Christmas party next week."  Remus gave him a bemused smile and went back to his drink. 

*  *  *

Harry and his friends had been invited to a Christmas gathering in Professor Snape's quarters.  Alex had been very excited about hosting her first real party.  She told them that Professor Snape was getting some paperwork done in his office since they would be leaving the following day.  The Christmas Ball had come and gone already, so there had been a great deal of celebration this year.

Harry watched Professor Snape after he had joined them and couldn't believe how happy he seemed.  Snape was not one to show his feelings much, but he appeared to be in a good mood. No one, least of all Harry, believed he would ever see Severus Snape in this frame of mind. 

"Well, old boy, off to meet the whole family tomorrow then?" Sirius looked at Severus with a mischievous smile. 

"Yes", Snape replied in an offhand tone, "we will be with Michael and his family for part of the time.  Alexandra, where else did you say we were going?"

"Oh, we'll be in Washington until your Boxing Day, and then we're going to Colorado.  I've booked this wonderful cabin in a place just outside of Durango.  We'll stay there until New Year's Day, and then come home.  I'm looking forward to a nice relaxing vacation—I mean holiday," she said smiling innocently.

Harry looked at Sirius, whose expression was positively devilish.  Hermione broke in and said, "That sounds wonderful, Alex.  I've never been to Colorado, but my parents' friends showed us pictures.  They had a lovely time skiing."

"I've heard the mountains are absolutely breathtaking, Severus," said Lupin.

"I doubt those two will even stick their noses out of the cabin once," said Sirius.

"Sirius!" Alex looked at him with big eyes. "I'm wondering if you're a suitable influence on my godson."

"He should be fine, Alexandra," said Snape, "They are going to Lupin's.  He won't allow them to come to harm."  Professor Lupin smiled. 

Harry thought it was rather nice to see the adults getting along.  He also looked over at Ron and Hermione, who were no longer keeping their own relationship a secret.  As for Ginny, well, I think we can have a little time alone at Professor Lupin's house, but I don't want Sirius to find out!

* * *

Severus had never enjoyed any Christmas gathering as much as he had this first gathering at his own home.  After they finished decorating the tree, they had all the delicious food that Alexandra and the house-elves had made together.  He felt some measure of pride in her for this.  Black, who apparently lived to tease his wife, remarked that she had lined up her retirement career in catering, and got punched in the arm by Alexandra when he called her "the little woman."

He also watched the students as they played games and teased each other.  He spotted the subtle way in which Potter stole glances at Miss Weasley.  It makes some sense. Of course it took him long enough to realize it!

He slipped out of the room for a bit to place something on Alexandra's pillow.  It was the gift from the toy store, the small surprise that might actually make Black's notion of their holiday come true.  He was a bit nervous about it, but that added to the overall excitement of the evening.

When it was time to say good night, Alexandra loaded up everyone's gifts.  They stood at the door of their home together and wished everyone a happy Christmas.  This year there was no doubt that Christmas would be happy.  They were free of the shadow that had been with them for so long.

Severus and Alex cleaned up their sitting room together.  The trays disappeared to the kitchens as she tapped them with her wand.  He watched her as she stood for a moment looking at the tree.  "It really was a fun party, don't you think?"

"If you ignore all of Black's teasing, it couldn't have been better."

"Oh, you know Sirius, he'll always tease me.  I'm the little sister he never had."

She turned around to look at him.  "Everything is packed and ready.  I guess all we have to do now is get some rest now."

"That sounds like a good idea. Why don't you get ready for bed, and I'll join you in a bit.  I want to read the card you gave me."

"Oh," she said, "I hope you know I meant every word, Severus."  She turned and left for the bedroom.

He sat down and started to read what she had written.  He was particularly touched when he read that she believed he had already given her the greatest gift of all, his deepest friendship.  Well, perhaps that is better than an emerald bracelet, but I'm sure she won't complain about getting that too.  Alexandra would never hold anything back.  This note was no different and he smiled at her last sentence. 

"Severus!" he heard her calling from the next room. He got up and left the card on the table.  He walked into the bedroom, knowing that she had found what he had left on her pillow. 

She looked at him with an amazed statement on her face as she held up a small stuffed dragon.  "Severus," she said, her eyes shiny with tears, "where did you find this?"

"I have my sources.  What do you think?"

She laughed and said, "He's the ugliest little dragon I've ever seen, but I love him."

"No, I mean what do you think of the message on his collar?"

At this, she came toward him, threw her arms around him, and held him very tightly.  "What do you think I think?" she asked, pulling him toward her to kiss him.

"That's about the reaction I expected," he said, raising an eyebrow.  Then he pulled two bottles out of his pockets.  "Shall I throw these away, then?"

Her eyes got big.  "Yes, yes, I think you should. I've always hated taking that stupid potion."

When Severus returned, she was already in bed waiting for him.  She was holding the ugly little Hungarian Horntail as if it were the greatest treasure on earth.  As he climbed into bed, he said, "Lexy, you can put it down now.  We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, I think we need the rest."

"You," she said, pulling him close. "You give me something like this and then you tell me that we should just get to sleep?  Don't you want to discuss it?"

"There isn't anything to discuss, is there?  I've made a simple statement.  I think you are in agreement.  That's all we need to know, isn't it?"

She shook her head and pulled him toward her.  She kissed him.  "You really can be quite wonderful, you know that?"

"So I've been told."

She put the dragon on the table and lay back down, snuggling up to him as he put his arm around her.  Here I am again in a situation I believed I would never be in.  That will be nothing compared to what may happen next.

* * *

Alex looked over at the tag on the dragon's neck and felt two little tears of happiness running from her eyes.  It was the ugliest little stuffed dragon she had ever seen in her life and she wondered at the parent who would buy it as a toy for their child, but there was something sweet about it at the same time.  The tag said, "I am ready if you are."  She knew it was his way of saying that he wanted to start their family.

Severus extinguished the lights.  "Good night, my dear," he said.

"Good night, Severus."