Thank you for those of who reviewed, favored, or are now following the story. Severus' point of view:
"I got an interesting letter today," I said, trying to keep my voice in check. "You don't want me to be a part of Karina's life anymore?"
Annie looked surprised for a moment before a thunderous look covered her face.
"Let me see the letter," she said, looking as angry as I felt.
From the pocket of my trousers, I pulled out the offensive letter and handed it to her. She scanned it quickly, her brows furrowing.
"I cannot believe that woman," she said while crumpling the paper in her hand. "I don't know who she thinks she is. Karina is my daughter, and I'll care for her how I see fit."
My eye brows rose as she threw the crumpled letter into the fire.
"Honestly, Severus." Karina folded her arms over her chest and turned towards me. "I hope you don't listen to that witch. You're a valuable part of our family, and I will not be bullied into letting you out of our lives."
"Who was that letter from?" I asked. "It wasn't marked."
"From Alex's mother," she said through her teeth. "We had Alex's parents over last night. That woman told me that she wouldn't allow me to let you be a part of our lives, which is totally ridiculous, especially considering our strong feelings for you."
Annie's entire face turned red at her words. What could she mean?
"You mean how strongly Karina feels for me?" I asked. I had to know.
"No, not just her," Annie said, looking into my eyes.
My brows furrowed as hope blossomed in my chest, despite my efforts to stop it. There was no way she meant it in the way that I hoped she did. Annie was young, beautiful, and could have any man she wanted. I was old, ugly, and unlovable.
All of these thought flew from my mind as Annie stepped closer to me.
"Karina's not the only one with strong feelings for you, Severus," Annie said, her hands coming to rest on my chest. "I care for you, Severus, more than just friends."
My mouth fell open as the meaning of her words hit me. Surely she couldn't mean … My hands came up to clasp both of hers. My eyes bore into hers, and I sensed she was telling the truth. She did care for me and wanted me as a lover.
"I don't deserve you," I whispered.
"I deserve you," she replied. "A man who cares for me and my daughter, something that I thought was impossible after we lost Alex. Please don't push us away."
One of her hands stayed clasped in my while the other hand came to cup my cheek.
"You're an amazing man, Severus." Annie gave me a gentle smile as I leaned into her hand.
"You're amazing yourself."
Annie laughed as she hugged me. I allowed to be drawn into the warmth of her embrace and rested my cheek against her head. I closed my eyes as I accepted the rare human contact that I got.
"Will you allow me to court you?" I asked.
"Court me?" Annie's head shot up. "It's that a little old fashioned?"
"Yes, but I want to do this properly," I told her.
"You may court me then."
I accepted another hug from her, cradling the most precious gift in my arms.
"Oh my goodness, Severus. I want to give you your present," Annie exclaimed, pulling away from me.
"I think you agreeing to court me was enough," I murmured.
Annie's cheeks turned red as she got her present. She handed it to me with a gentle smile on her face.
Merlin, she's beautiful. I thought. And she's agreed to court me.
"Open it, Severus," Annie said after I stared at her for too long.
I cleared my throat as my fingers started to open the package. My mouth fell open when I saw the title.
"Where did you find this?" I asked.
"It took me awhile, but I knew you'd appreciate it," Annie explained. "Do you like it?"
"It's amazing, my dear." I said, taking her hand in mine.
Not letting go of her hand, I put down my new book, and reached into my pocket to pull out a black box.
Good thing I did not get rid of it in my anger I thought.
"This is for you," I told her.
Regrettably, she let go of my hand to open the box. A gasp escaped her lips when she opened it.
"Oh, Severus," she said in awe. "It's perfect."
A smile light up her whole face because of me.
"Will you put it on me?" she asked.
I nodded as I carefully took the locket out of the case. Annie turned around and moved her voluptuous hair out of the way. I couldn't help but breathing in her scent as I placed the locket around her neck. My arms wound their way around her waist as she studied the locket with one hand the other rested on my arm.
"I love it," she whispered. "Thank you, Severus."
Annie turned in my arms, her eyes met mine. Her blazing look shot straight to my heart, and I looked down at her lips. Just as I started to lean my head down, there was a knock at the door, and Annie and I jumped apart. Annie went toward the door to open it while I grumbled under my breath, causing her to giggle. She opened the door to Minerva, who received an icy glare from me. She carried a large stack of presents.
"Good evening, Annie," Minerva said, hugging Annie with one arm. "I see that you're spending time with Severus, who is always in a cheery mood."
I rolled my eyes as Annie accepted the gifts from her; no doubt they were for Karina.
"I hoped that I could have desert with you and open presents with you, since I had to be with the students earlier," Minerva explained as she sat on the chair closest to the fire.
I sat in the love seat, and was surprised when Annie sat next to me, placing her hand on my knee. Minerva's eyebrows rose when I put my arm on the back of seat. I couldn't resist touching Annie's curly hair. I loved the feel of in between my fingers.
What would happen if Minerva wasn't here I thought.
An image of Annie and I intertwined blossomed in my mind. A few moments later, a beady eyed Karina came out of her room and sat on my lap. She snuggled into my chest as she woke up. I met Annie's eye as she watched me with our daughter. The warmth in her eyes hit me like a ton of bricks. This woman really did care about me.
After Karina was fully awake, she opened a few gifts from Minerva, including some candy that we had to keep until a later date. Karina wasn't happy. I was surprised when Minerva gave me another book along with some gloves. I thanked her before ordering pie from the house elves. After eating pie, I took Karina to take a bath and to put her to bed. Since I had Karina's essentials, it was agreed that she'd stay the night.
When I had placed Karina into her bed and warded the sides, keeping her from falling out, I went out to the living room. Annie had built the fire and turned on some Christmas music.
"Will you dance with me, Severus?" she asked, from her place by the fire.
I nodded as I moved by her side. It had been years since I danced, but with Annie the skill returned naturally as I took her in my arms. She leaned her head against my shoulder as I held her close.
"Thank you for making this Christmas special, Severus," she said softly.
"You're welcome," I told her.
We gently swayed for awhile, enjoying each other's company.
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