Chapter: Letter from Home.

Dear Severus

How are things at Hogwarts? I hope you're studies are coming along well, although you have never disappointed me with your results. You're always such a wonderful academic. I received your first of term report card. Your professors had nothing bad to say about you. They mentioned that you were tutoring a fellow classmate in Potions. Well done! Using your talent to help others. Remus Lupin was the name they said. I know nothing about the Lupin family. Nevertheless, I'm sure your doing your very best with him.

Things at home are the same as ever. Your father has been feeling a bit moody since you've left; he probably just misses you, is all. Last week he actually asked how you were doing. He still hasn't come to terms with the fact that you're a Wizard. It probably unsettles him a bit, but he'll soon come around to the idea. Your football is gathering cobwebs in your room, maybe I should have allowed you to bring it to Hogwarts with you. Shall I Owl it onto you? I've also tried to venture into your room to clean it up a bit, but the sight of something green and gooey under the bed changed my mind. You really should get around to clearing out the bedroom, Severus. That cupboard of yours is beginning to smell very bad. What are you keeping in there?

I suppose I've been beating around the bush. My reason for writing to you so soon, is that your father has requested that you return home for the holidays. I know you don't like the idea of leaving your magic and freedom behind for a week, but he really misses you. We'll be at the Platform to collect you, don't fret. Let us try to make the best of this Christmas. I think your Cousin Joséline is coming to stay. You like him, don't you?

All my love

Mum.

Severus violently threw the letter into his school trunk and slammed a heavy Herbology book on top of it. Home! He had to go home for a week. Back to the horrible behaviour of his father, and the cowering way of his mother. Restless nights etched with fear. Hours of cowering in the fields behind his home, waiting for the sound of his front door closing and the sight of his father leaving for the pub. No more magic, warm meals, welcomes, friendship. No more Remus. That last one hurt. Things were finally how they should be between the boys. They were in love. It was romance at it's finest. Severus was hoping to have spent a nice Christmas with Remus. Instead, he would be spending his Christmas behind a locked door.

"He misses me!" Severus spat, kicking a book from beneath his bed.

"Maybe you can talk to Dumbledore," Lucius suggested, neatly folding socks and popping them into the open trunk, "he could perhaps write a letter home and request that you stay behind for extra study and magical practice."

"No, father would only make up for lost time when I come home for summer. I think its best I confront him now, rather then delay it and make it worse."

Lucius paused; he looked up at Severus and bit his lip. "Just keep out of his way. Avoid him at all costs, even stay close to your mother, if you have to."

"That's about all I can do." Severus whispered.

"Oh." Remus replied lamely.

He was sitting on the table in an empty classroom, Severus stood before him with a letter in his hands.

"I'm sorry, Remus," he said quietly. "Believe me, Id rather I spent my Christmas here with you, then with my family."

Remus smiled up at the enormous boy before him. "It's ok, Sev," he assured, placing a hand on the boy's cheek. "It's just for a week. Seven days isn't that long."

Yes. Seven days is not long when you know you are safe.

"Well, I suppose your right. I'll write you everyday. That way, you can keep my seven Christmas letters, and I can keep yours."

"Very romantic, Mr Snape." Remus grinned, wrapping his arms around Severus' neck and pulling him into a kiss.

The steam billowed from the scarlet train, emitting a foggy dew across the platform. At the very end of the platform, Severus stood amongst a crowd of his friends.

"Remus, listen," Severus panted, as he heaved his trunk, with the help of Avery onto the train, "Have you ever played football?"

"No," Remus sniffed, huffily crossing his arms. He was in a foul mood at Severus' sudden departure. "Why?"

"Well, I promise to teach you how to play when I get back, ok?"

Remus nodded and allowed himself to be wrapped up in Severus long arms. He felt Severus nuzzle his lips against his own amber hair, and he smiled. Seven days would fly by.

"I'll see you in a few days." Severus said, climbing onto the steaming train. "Bye guys!"

A response of bye's and see you later rang in his ears as the train pulled away, and Severus settled into his seat.

All he had to do was survive Seven days, and he would be back to where he belonged.

Just seven days.

-- Seven. --

Woo. I updated twice in one day...again! I'm doing great! And now I am starving and i think i'm going to go and buy a chicken wrap.

Don't forget, I still want to know would you guys read a well thought out "Harry is Snape's Son" story. Let me know, ok?

Thanks for everything!

ValidHacker