Christmas Break came with the first ever loss of points in Slytherin by their current Head of House. Malfoy, who Severus had to admit had made some effort towards ignoring Gryffindors, had failed spectacularly two days prior to the start of the holiday. Potter and Granger had been waiting with the rest of Severus' Seventh Year Potions class, and had been discussing their grades on their recent exam. Potter had been happily telling his friends that he'd actually passed with an E, in spite of his own expectations. Granger had been congratulating him when Malfoy (who had barely achieved an A on his exam) had lost what little control he had mustered. He'd shouted loudly that it was 'easy to pass when you were screwing the professor'.

Severus had chosen that moment to open the door. The look on Potter's face had spelled out clearly what he thought of the accusation, but it had been the look on Malfoy's face that was truly priceless. The Slytherin had looked caught between terrified and constipated. Severus, who had not relished taking twenty points from his own House, was looking forward to reading the Malfoy heir's essay on the 'noble House of Gryffindor'. He had already spoken to Malfoy senior, and Lucius had assured him that the essay would be at least three feet, and he would personally have a talk with his son about showing respect for his elders and betters.

One thing Severus had been pleasantly surprised to find during the Holiday was that his ritual with Potter was not to be brought to an end. Two days into the Break, Potter appeared at his door with a shy blush, asking if he could possibly bother him further. Severus had immediately assured him he was welcome, even with the Holiday. After that, Potter had made a point of coming down every day of the Break following dinner. Severus understood, as Potter's friends had thoughtlessly left him at Hogwarts during their last Christmas as students. Potter, when Severus brought this up, had merely laughed and insisted he didn't mind staying behind in the least.

On Christmas morning, Severus awoke to a surprising number of presents at the end of his bed. Only the reminder that he was viewed as a war hero now prevented him banishing the entire pile for fear they were pranks. Even so, he cast several spells on each package and envelope, just in case. And this was not an entirely wasted effort, as he did find two unmarked gifts with concealed Dark Magic, likely from Death Eater sympathizers. He immediately forwarded the gifts to Kingsley Shacklebolt, who would investigate them properly.

Most of the gifts Severus received he found to be utterly useless. Mostly sweets, or potions equipment he already had or which any Master would say were trash. He did, however, get a few new books and useful equipment from those who knew him. Albus had even given him a voucher for ten galleons worth of ingredients at the Apothecary in Diagon Alley. The most surprising gift, however, was a familiarly-shaped parcel, sparsely wrapped in brown paper and twine.

Severus pulled the envelope from under the twine and immediately recognized the untidy scrawl which had addressed it to him. He opened the letter and read the short note curiously.

Professor,

I found this in one of the Black vaults when you took me shopping for my school things. I wasn't sure, but Hermione assured me it was very rare, and that I should be extra careful who I share it with. I could think of no one better than you. I know you'll give it the respect it deserves.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

Curiosity piqued, Severus tore off the paper and twine to reveal a very ancient looking book. He read the title. Moste Potente Potions by Phineas Bourne. He opened the top cover, and his eyes widened as he realized it was a first edition, published in 1627. The book was indeed rare, and held some of the greatest potions for the time. In fact, the first edition had been rumored among the Potions community to contain Potions that had been 'too dangerous' for the later editions. Severus looked forward to finding out if this was true, and definitely looked forward to lording his brand new ownership over the heads of the stuffed shirt Potions Guild at the next Quadrennial Conference.

For now, however, Severus set the gift aside and sat back in his chair to ponder this fresh conundrum presented by Potter's continually giving spirit. He had not planned on giving the young man any gift for the holiday, in large part because he had never expected to receive one. Now, however, much as he had been over the summer, he was faced with a desire to vindicate Potter's generosity and faith. It took only a few moments for him to decide how best to respond. As he stood to dress for breakfast, he was left with the hope that Potter would come down sometime today so the gift could be presented. Severus found himself impatient to return Potter's show of faith.

-Break-

Potter did indeed come down not long after lunch. He had actually been in Severus' office for more than hour, but Severus still hadn't presented his gift. He was uncertain about how to proceed. At Spinner's End it had been a simple matter of answering a question, when he'd presented the key to his home. He did not have this lucky circumstance to fall back on now, however.

Severus looked up at his student, who was curled into a tight ball in his chair, warding off the worst of the cold that pervaded the dungeons as he read from a text he'd been given for the holiday. Thoughtfully, Severus wondered why he hadn't noticed Potter's aversion to the cold before, and he cast a spell to light the fireplace behind him, as well as a mild warming charm on the room in general. Potter smiled at him gratefully and began to slowly uncurl and stretch, a bit like a cat after a nap.

"I received your gift this morning," Severus said gently.

Potter blushed adorably. "Did you? I hope you like it. I wasn't sure if you didn't already own a copy, but Hermione swore it was rare, so…"

Severus nodded. "Yes, you mentioned as much in your note. I doubt you understood the significance of a first edition, but I appreciate the thought behind it. And I am doubly appreciative of the gift's significance, whether or not you are aware of it."

Potter grinned. "I did actually know it was a first edition. Hermione nearly had a heart attack when I showed her the inside cover. But you're probably right, there's probably some level of significance I'm not getting." He chuckled. "You'd be surprised how often that's happened over the years."

Severus smirked and pulled the small roll of parchment from his pocket. "I am afraid I had no way of wrapping your gift."

Potter's smile slipped. "Oh, you didn't have to-"

"It is done," Severus interrupted him in frustration. He held out the parchment, and Potter hesitantly took it from him. "Though you may not have understood the significance of your gift to me, I hope you will understand the significance of the one I'm giving to you."

Potter frowned and unrolled the parchment. He stared without understanding at the Latin phrases, obviously spells, before looking up in confusion. Severus smirked again, and purposefully looked away from that piercing green gaze.

"You should find on that parchment three different spells," He began softly, pretending as if he were in any way returning to his Holiday grading. "These are the wards I use on my classroom and office. Should you ever be seeking solace while I am away, you now have access."

Potter gaped for a long moment. Severus glanced up, and the open maw slowly grew into a grin of Gryffindor proportions. The brat chuckled. "You realize that's happened, like, once."

Severus smirked. "Then we can be assured it won't happen again."

Potter nodded. "I suppose that's true. Thank you, really."

"It is a trifle," Severus said, knowing it was no such thing.