Severus scooped up Serena and held her in his arms. Immediately the little girl wrapped her arms around his neck and sobbed her heart out.

She was so frightened about what was going to happen to her. Serena had done the worst thing. She had harmed a human even though she hadn't meant to harm Poppy.

Severus held onto Serena not knowing what to do.

Never before had he had to deal with a crying child, but now he had one in his arms. He could feel her trembling in his embrace.

Hoping it would work, Severus began to gently rub the little girls back. Her crying seemed to quiet down as he rubbed.

Severus glanced up at Poppy and Dumbledore to see what their reaction was, but they were not paying any attention to him, but to Poppy's hands which were severely burned.

As much as he wanted to smirk at what had happened, but holding the crying child, and sensing her fear, he couldn't help but feel compassion for the women.

"Poppy I am truly sorry that you were injured, I'm sure Serena didn't mean it" he held onto the child tightly.

The healer smiled at the man and little girl. "Don't worry about it, I'll be fine as soon as Dumbledore heals me"

Dumbledore took his wand and touched Poppy's hands. Instantly they were back to normal.

"No lasting harm done" Dumbledore said cheerfully as he put his wand away.

Poppy reached out and touched Serena's arm. "I'm alright little one. It's okay" she spoke gently.

Serena turned her tear streaked face towards Poppy, and the healer showed her that she was fully healed.

Knowing that it wasn't going to be an accurate diagnosis's Poppy decided to let Severus hold Serena as she ran her tests.

When she was finished she gave the grim news.

"Serena is extremely malnourished and anemic. She was several cuts and welts none are known to me on how they happened. It must be something that muggles use" she paused "Several of her ribs are cracked and she has a badly broken ankle. Now because of her age, I cannot use any spells to heal her"

Severus sighed, this wasn't what he was hoping to hear. He was hoping that it wasn't anything to serious so Dumbledore could place her in a home with a family that would care for her. If she was as bad as Poppy told him and too young for multiple healing spells, then she would need several potions for a few weeks.

"This is a complete list of her injuries and the potions which she will need to take along with the dosages" Poppy said kindly and handed the parchment to Severus

As she turned to go Severus called her back

Poppy turned and waited. She hoped that with Serena in his care for the time being at least they could put their differences aside and get along

"Thank you" Severus gave Poppy a smile "and Merry Christmas"

Poppy smiled back "Same to you Professor Snape"

She left and Severus was left with Serena and Dumbledore

"Well Severus I think that we should put off our visit to the Ministry until after the New Year and Serena in better shape than she is in now"

Severus nodded "Alright Dumbledore and thank you"

"My pleasure my boy" Dumbledore tousled Serena's hair "Aberforth and I are getting together for a Christmas tea and I must get going." He turned and headed towards the door "Oh and enjoy your presents".

He left and Severus and Serena were once again left alone.

They headed into the living room and Serena's eyes lit up at the sight of the tree all decorated and all of the presents surrounding it.

"Pretty" she said so quietly that Severus almost didn't hear her.

Serena sat on the floor and just stared at all the presents. She didn't seem to want to go anywhere near the tree.

Severus watched the little girl for a few moments before deciding to speak

"Don't you want to open your presents?"

The little girl looked at Severus and he could see a glimmer of hope behind the fear in her eyes.

"I'm not allowed to have presents" she whispered

He raised an eyebrow "What makes you think that you are not allowed?"

Serena bent her head and mumbled something

Severus knelt beside her and lifted her chin. Tears were streaming down her face

"I didn't hear you the first time, please repeat yourself"

"I'm a freak. My existence goes against nature"

Severus took the child in his arms and hugged her. He didn't want to keep her, but she was still a child and she deserved to have a good life.

"You are not a freak and your existence does not go against nature. You are a sweet and wonderful little girl and you deserve a loving family and these presents"

This seemed to comfort the little girl a bit.

Severus held Serena in his lap as she opened each and every gift that was for her under the tree.

She got many gifts and new clothes and snuggly blankets, but her favorite gift by far was a stuffed white tiger whom she promptly named Lily.

They had a nice Christmas together and as Severus got Serena ready for bed he felt a tug at his heart, but chose to ignore it.

Serena smiled happily as she fell asleep.

Even though she knew she couldn't be loved she felt safe with Severus and made herself a Christmas wish.

Wishes never came true for Serena, but this wish was special.

She wished that by the next time Christmas came around she would be living with Severus and that he would love her and be her Daddy.