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Chapter 7 I'll be home for Christmas!

The clanging noise of the silverware was not uncommon but the sound Snape made with his caused McGonagall to move her seat next to his.

"Good evening Severus," McGonagall said taking note of the food still on his plate.

"What do you want Minerva," Snape asked angerily.

"Oh to wish you a happy Christmas and-" McGonagall said

"What is so happy about it," Snape asked plopping a potato in his mouth.

"Well you have your health, a job and-" McGonagall said

"And nothing more. What is your point? Or did you come to bother me?" Snape asked with annoyance.

"No I was wondering what your plans were for the holidays," McGonagall asked watching as Snape stood, glared & went close

to her face.

"Same as it always has been year after year of my life, alone & alone I shall be," Snape said & quickly left the table.

McGonagall sighed, shock her head & looked at the now empty seat beside her.

"It is the first of many firsts for Severus," Dumbledore said placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Is there something we can do? Something to help him? He shouldn't be alone especially at Christmas," McGonagall said with shimmering eyes.

S&S

The fireplace roared & the candles lights sparkled aganist the ornaments in Snape's private chambers. Yes that's right ornaments on the Christmas tree in the corner with several presents underneath.

He stared at the wrapped presents & smiled at the work he had done without magic. Then he frowned realizing that no one would come to appreciate it. All those presents & bows would go untouch for eternity.

S&S

McGonagall approached Dumbledore's office & heard voicing coming from inside.

Who could it be? Someone from the Ministry? A parent? No it sounded like a female student. From what house? Knocking on the door she heard the voices from inside stop & the shuffling occuring.

"Minerva enter, there is much to discuss," Dumbledore said as the Phoniex moved & allowed her entrance.

S&S

Neville sat on his luggage waiting to go home. In his hands he held the last picture where all his friends were together. Glancing down he sighed & remembered all the memories they had. The fun times they had playing wizards chess or mixing Flavor Beans together to make interesting flavors. And the sad times of break ups or frustration for comprehending materials.

"Watch are you looking at Neville," Hermione asked placing her trunk next to his.

"A picture of us at the Yule Ball," Neville said handing the picture to Hermione.

"Oh yeah," Hermione said with a sigh.

"She looked so pretty. You never would have guessed she was close to death," Neville said.

"Yeah, she was so brave," Hermione said smiling at the memories.

"How do you think Snape is going to handle it," Neville asked.

"How any parent would handle the first Christmas without their only child," Hermione said wiping away her tears.

"ATTENTION YOU LOT! Train is leaving," Filch said as students began moving toward the trains.

"Happy Christmas Hermione," Neville said hugging her tightly.

"You too! Don't forget we are all getting together for News Years at Ron's come on by," Hermione said as Neville nodded & entered the train.

S&S

"Albus, how is this possible," McGonagall asked & cautiously approaching the moving portrait.

"Auntie Mini, do you have any idea who you are talking too," Sophia asked trying to stiffle a laugh.

"I'm sorry Little dancer but oh Merlin. Albus how long have you been in this portrait," McGonagall asked.

"Just a couple of days. How's daddy Auntie Mini," Sophia asked as her eyes shimmered at the saying of the word daddy.

"Miserable," McGonagall said.

"He's always miserable around Christmas," Sophia said with a scoff.

"Not when you were around. You gave him purpose & happiness. And now, he's alone again," McGonagall said with tears in her eyes.

With a heavy sigh, Sophia looked at Dumbledore who only nodded in agreement with McGonagall.

"I have to admit I miss daddy too. I miss his class, the way he would yell at Neville and his meatloaf," Sophia said

"Meatloaf? Your father never cooked," McGonagall said arching an eyebrow.

"No one knew. In fact he would only cook it three times a year. My birthday, Easter & Christmas. Its the 1 thing I miss," Sophia said tears falling rapidly.

S&S

The clattering in the kitchen had awaken Snape from his nap. Glancing at the clock he saw it was 8pm.

"Who the bloody hell could be making that noise," Snape wondered & quickly marched to the kitchen. There standing ob stool was his house elf, Ruby.

"Master Snape, Ruby was getting the ingredients ready for dinner," Ruby said.

"Ingredients? What dinner," Snape asked.

"Why the meatloaf dinner master makes every year," Ruby exclaimed.

"Not this year Ruby," Snape sadily said.

"What! No meatloaf, but Master always made meatloaf for Christmas," Ruby said with concern.

"This year is different Ruby. In fact from now on every year, month, day & holiday will never be the same," Snape said beginning to put away the ingredients.

"Master, if Ruby may speak, perhaps the memories will continue if Master keeps them alive," Ruby said.

Snape looked down at the house elf & realized that wiser words could not have been spoken. Slowly Snape rolled up his sleeves & began pounding the meat.

Ruby watched as her Master began pounding the meat & adding ingredients. She knew he had done something right. And as each step took place Snape didn't say a word but only focus his attention on the meatloaf.

After 1 hour the oven bell dinged & Snape slowly pulled out the meatloaf.

"Mmmmm," Ruby said inhaling the aroma. "it smells delicious Master Snape, the best you have made."

"Thank you Ruby," Snape said cutting into the loaf & placing on his plate.

"Here Master," The house elf said handing Snape the proper silverware.

With a nod in thanks Snape cut into the meatloaf but soon stopped suddenly.

"Master," Ruby said as Snape dropped the silverware, pushed the plate away & cried on the table.

Ruby approached the Potions Master & rubbed his back.

"It's ok Master Snape, Ruby misses Mistress too," The house elf said as Snape cried until his robes became soaked with tears.