Severus' assumptions on Malfoy had been correct, however.
'I will not have anyone attack my family, new Dark Lord or not. Whoever is behind this will pay.'
'A commendable notion, Malfoy. But did you hear anything of use? Any rumors at all?'
Malfoy looked at him suspiciously.
'Malfoy, if you think it is a clever idea to take on this new Dark Lord all on your own, be my guest. I will just lean back and watch how you draw them out of their burrow. And once they got rid of you, which is what they will do undoubtedly if you do this alone, I will know who they are and take them out myself.'
'Oh, and you think you can take them on alone when you tell me I couldn't? Don't you think your getting ahead of yourself a bit here, Snape?'
'Not at all, Lucius. Of the two of us I was always the better wizard, and you know it.'
Malfoy looked ready for a verbal match now, but Harry interjected.
'Well, how about none of you is doing this alone? I mean, after all my son was attacked too. And Ron and I are Aurors...so…'
'No,' came the reply from both man in unison.
'I can perfectly well handle this, Potter. And I certainly don't want an Auror present when I get my hands on them.'
'I agree. This matter should be taken care of in a discreet manner. And as far as I remember discretion has never been your forte, Potter.' Malfoy waved his blond hair back and strode over to the door.
'I will make some enquiries. I will get in touch as soon as I have news. Will I find you here?'
Severus sneered.
'Looks like I'm stuck here for the time being, so yes.'
'But, maybe you should really let Harry help,' Hermione tried to interject.
Unexpectedly Sophie took Hermione's side as well.
'Severus, I expect you to work with Harry and his friends.'
'You what? Excuse me? Maybe you should leave this in my hands.'
'I think..'
'You have been here for all of a few hours, Sophie. You know nothing of this world or of the underlying …'
'You listen to me now, Severus Snape: I don't give a damn about anything underlying. It was your choice to keep these things from me and as a result I and my family spent a night watching you being nailed to a wall and fearing for our own lives as well. So don't you tell me I know nothing about this. You will do this together with Harry and his friends and you will enlist any other help that is offered to you because I have absolutely no desire for our next meeting to take place in a morgue. You are my husband, you are no longer free to waste your life as you please. Do you get that? And besides, Harry is right. His son was cursed as well and he has every right to want to find out who did this to him. Or would you let anyone stop you from bringing the person to justice that attacked your child? I think not, or I should be very much mistaken.'
Severus could positively feel Malfoy sneering at him behind his back. But Sophie had displayed a new kind of resolute determination, that made it hard for him to argue. Especially because she was right.
'Fine then,' he said reluctantly, 'Malfoy, Mr. Potter is on the team.'
Malfoy sighed dramatically.
'Maybe you should leave your wife at home next time you come visit. Might make you seem more like a man again.'
'That from the man who has his clothes selected by his wife every morning?'
While Harry and Ron exchanged incredulous and sniggering glances, Malfoy turned a bright shade of pink before turning to the door and slamming it behind himself.
'Right, what next? Any damn figure of my past you still want to expose me to? Why did you not invite Rita Skeeter while you were at it?'
Severus had rounded on Hermione and was looming over her with the very same expression she had had to endure for so many years in his classroom all that time ago. He was angry that Sophie had embarrassed him in front of Malfoy but since her reasoning was sound he needed to let his anger out on someone else. And since it was Hermione who had brought Malfoy here he felt justified in letting her know what he thought of her meddling. Involuntarily Hermione shrunk back and for a moment she was lost for words. He still managed to do that with people, she thought. He still had that presence and that superior behaviour that made you feel like a stupid little child. Ron was coming up beside them.
'Hey, Snape, she was only trying to help. You could be a little more thankful, you know.'
'It is Mr. Snape to you… Mister Weasley.'
Severus was staring hard at him.
'Severus, I'm sure Hermione meant well. And, if it's true and Mr. Malfoy can help us to find out who's behind this, isn't it for the best?'
'Yes, but as I said, I would like to know what else she has in store. Is there anyone else whom you have told about me?'
'No. Really. No one. Except…'
'Yes?..'
'Well, Minerva, she ...uhm… she organised a little Christmas party for you all. And ..uhm… she invited some people,' Hermione finished lamely.
Before anyone could say anything else, Severus was crossing the room to get to the door. But he never needed to head out in search for Minerva, for by the time he reached it, the flames of the fireplace turned green and the very woman in question stepped out dressed all in tartan christmas colours.
'Merry Christmas everybody. I have taken the liberty to arrange a little Christmas Dinner for you all, seeing as your own celebration was somewhat frustrated by that Death Eater filth. So if you would like to follow me I will lead you to a cosy room that has been perfectly set by our house elves.'
'Liberty indeed.'
'Pardon? Was there anything you wanted to say, Severus?'
'Who did you invite to attend this little christmas do of yours, apart from the people here present?'
'Only a few people who would benefit from knowing you are still alive.'
'And who exactly is that?'
Severus was just about to launch into a long tirade about how she dared to reveal him to people that don't matter to him at all, but he didn't get a chance, as Minervy quickly continued.
'Severus, it has not been an easy time right after the war. We have lost many and many suffered greatly. Yes, we won and yes, the Dark Lord was defeated. But for many it all came at a very high price. To know that you are still alive, that you survived...someone of whom we learned was such a great and unknown hero, it would help them to get over it, don't you see? Scars in their souls that will itch a little less and wounds that will close a little tighter. Isn't that worth it?'
'Have I not been selfless enough?' retorted Severus angrily.
'Have I not suffered enough for others to survive? And now, again, you demand that I should make others feel better when it is my life and the lives of my family that you are putting at risk here. Don't you see? The more people know I am alive, the more ex-Death Eaters will feel that their time for revenge has come. We will not be safe anymore!'
'But Severus, if those people were indeed Death Eaters, then their entire network will already know that you are still alive. Wouldn't it be better that the people you can rely on to help you should know as well?'
'Rely on to help me? As if…'
'Of course we will help you,' Potter chimed in happily from the side, 'after all that you have done it is the least we can do to help protect you and your family. And besides, I could have been a target for Ex-Death Eaters revenge fantasies as well, but my popularity made it as good as impossible for them to reach me. So there is a certain protection in fame.'
'Oh yes, Potter, very clever. It's just that they attacked your little son instead.'
Potter looked down for a moment.
'There will never be a 100 percent certainty. But you could also cross the road and get run over by a lorry. Will you stop walking on a street because of that?'
'Potter:..'
'Enough now. Severus, your survival is no longer a secret, whether you like it or not. With the appearance of these Death Eaters at your home your secret is out. It would be a smart move to activate old contacts and networks to ensure support and you know that. So stop grumbling now, put on a brave face and follow me downstairs. The evening won't last forever and surely you can manage to say "Hello" to a few familiar faces.'
The headmistress put an effective end to the argument and marched to the door.
'Come along everybody, the feast is waiting!'
She took them on a short route to a circular room, which looked to Sophie to be located in one of the towers. A fire was burning merrily in a fireplace, a large table had been placed in the centre and decorated with silver wine goblets, shiny white china plates and silver cutlery. Candlesticks were holding white, green and red candles, holy was draped along the table and a christmas tree stood at the far side of the entrance by one of the windows, it's light giving off a soft glow and contrasting with the fading light of the white and grey winter landscape beyond the window.
Sophie felt enchanted as a huge smile started to spread on her face. Christmas time was one of her favourite times of the year and this setting was just like out of a christmas fairy tale. Severus saw her face bright and happy. Oh what the hell. He would meet the devil personally and celebrate christmas with him if that's what made her happy. He could deal with whomever Minerva had invited. A small house elf with very flappy ears appeared beside the fireplace which was located to the right of the big table.
'May Slinky serve some eggnog to anyone?'
It showed a huge toothy grin, obviously hoping it would increase the interest in the eggnog. While Sophie went forward enthusiastically, her aunt wrinkled her nose and went to the other side of the room to look out the window where she soon was joined by her husband, her son and his wife. Sophie couldn't help but notice the rift that had been caused in her family. She knew her parents would stand by her but she felt too tired and exhausted to try and win over her aunt and her family. They had never liked Severus much, his acerbic, no nonsense way to say what he thought sometimes had that effect on people. Sophie decided if they wanted the family to remain a family, they should show it somehow. She would leave them to their own musings for now and see if in time they would warm to this world or not.
Eggnog went round and soon the door opened and a swarm of little children came rushing in and went straight for the christmas tree. Harry and his wife, whom he had introduced earlier as Ginny, chased their sons and daughter away from the tree and admonished them for not wishing Minerva a Merry Christmas before descending on the presents she had arranged under the tree for them.
They were followed by Hermione who was telling off her daughter for the same reason when the door opened again and an elderly woman in knitted garments came bustling in followed soon after by a tall, lanky and largely bald man.
'Minerva! It is so good to see you, thank you so much for the invitation. What a treat to celebrate christmas here in the castle. Merry Christmas!'
The two women hugged and the tall man was standing behind her beaming when his eyes went round the room. He stopped smiling however when his eyes fell on the tall black figure with the slightly curled long black hair and the black beard. For a moment he starred hard his eyes narrowing down to slits until recognition set in and they opened wide in disbelief and surprise.
'By the wand of merlin, is it possible? Is it really possible?'
He went over and stood right before the man he had believed dead for nearly twenty years.
'Arthur? Arthur, what is it? Oh, he is getting on in years, you know. Just a bit strange at times.'
Molly turned apologetically back to Minerva before seeing how her husband hugged a completely bewildered stranger, clapping his back continuously while saying:
'Good man… good to see you, old chap! Good man!', with tears in his eyes.
Harry and Ron were grinning at each other while Hermione was trying to control her tears.
'Arthur, whatever are you doing? This poor man, you can't…'
She went over to free the man from Arthur's obviously unwelcome attentions when she took a first closer look at him.
'You can't… I mean, you can't just… Merlin help us!'
She gave a shriek to accompany her exclamation and then quickly covered her mouth with both her hands before throwing herself about the midriff of the man that had just been released by Arthur Weasley.
'Oh… oh you live! You live! Oh Merlin, you live!'
She was crying in earnest now. Severus was being even more uncomfortable with the stout Weasley matriarch around him than he had been with Arthur. At least Arthur's hug had not been quite so tearful. He shot a menacing look over to Minerva who stood there beaming in her best imitation of Albus Dumbledore's maddening grin. Oh, he would get back at her for this.
When Molly had calmed down a little everybody seated themselves and more eggnog was served. Severus helped himself generously, he had a feeling this evening would only be bearable with a lot of alcohol.
The next time the door opened a whole crowd of people entered. There was George, Percy and his wife Penelope with their children, Bill and Fleur with their beautiful daughter, Charlie with his wife and children, Teddy Lupin and last to enter was Hagrid, who had some difficulties making it through the door.
'Goodness me, did you agree to all come at once?'
Minerva had raised herself from her seat and went over to greet everybody. She was quickly followed by Molly who was doing her best to hug all her grandchildren without leaving anyone out. There was quite a lot of noise when Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione joined in while Arthur was trying to find out from Severus where he had been all these years. He had turned to Arthur to better hear him so his back was turned to the newcomers at the door. Nobody noticed him at first until Hagrid gave a roar.
'You? You! You are dead! Harry said so. He saw ya die! What are ya doin' 'ere?'
Everybody had gone silent and were staring at Hagrid. Harry gingerly stepped forward.
'Uhm, Hagrid…don't forget he was told to do what he did. Alright? He only followed Dumbledore's orders.'
'Dumbledore's orders my arse! 'e murdered 'im!'
'No Hagrid, he did not. And now sit down and celebrate Christmas with us.'
'But headmistress…'
'I will have no argument on this here. Tonight we have the great fortune to see one of our heros of the great war risen from the dead. It is a reason to celebrate and be merry, not to argue over the finer points. Do you understand?'
Hagrid glowered in Severus' direction who had risen to not be caught unawares.
'What is all this about, anyway? Who are we talking about here?' George asked into the room at large.
'See for yourself, little brother,' Charlie said smiling and stepping to the side so George had a clear view of Severus. George's jaw dropped on the sight.
'Holy shit…'
'George Weasley, don't you dare use such language in front of your nieces and nephews!'
'Snape!'
They looked at each other for a moment. Severus wasn't quite sure what to make of this reaction. Would he attack him? Would he try to hug him as his father had done? None of it was a very appealing reaction in Severus' view. And why was nobody else moving?
'So you survived?'
It was more a rhetorical question which obviously did not require an answer so Severus just shrugged his shoulders as he had done before and kept quiet.
'You… was there anyone else that survived? Anyone else we know nothing about or we believe dead?'
There was a terrible desperation in his voice. For a second it surprised Severus until he remembered that Harry had told him about Fred while he had attended little Albus.
'Dear, no. You know he is gone. You saw him. We all saw him. He is dead, George.'
Severus was grateful that Molly tried to remind George, he wasn't sure how he should handle the situation. But George was not so easily put off.
'Yes...yes of course. I'm sorry. I was just thinking… maybe if there was a secret survivalist group or something...but no. You are right. We ...we all saw him…'
Another pause in which everybody was looking around in an embarrassed manner.
Finally George went over to Severus and held out his hand.
'Well… It's good to know you made it. Welcome back.'
Severus was rather relieved by this reaction.
'Thank you.'
He wasn't sure what he should say. It was almost twenty years ago. But he if anyone understood that loss was a wound which needed its own time to heal, than it was him.
'I was sorry to hear about your brother. I…,' he was searching for something to say that would be credible coming from him but at the same time demonstrate his understanding of George's pain.
'You two were a right menace as students. I cannot recount the detentions I gave you. But I was impressed by your creative approach to magic and I heard many Death Eaters complain about your skills.'
This was high praise coming from Snape. An George knew it. He rapidly blinked a few times before continuing the conversation.
'So,uh…, how did you manage to survive?'
'To tell you the truth, I have no idea. I awoke in a small cottage and decided I had enough of the wizard world. I withdrew into the muggle world.'
'You? An Ex-Death Eater? You left the magical world?'
George sounded so incredulous that it almost made Severus smile.
'Where better to hide for an Ex-Death Eater as you called me?'
'But… but why did you hide at all? I mean… why… you had nothing to fear. Harry gave evidence of your innocence. Of how you acted only on Dumbledore's orders.'
'Which not everybody is takin' at face value…' grumbled Hagrid from behind.
Severus shrugged again.
'I was wounded and had no way of finding out how the tides stood. I left and realised that I had no desire to return.'
It was short but still more than he had been willing to disclose. His sympathy for George was undoubtedly responsible for this uncharacteristic frankness.
'Well, I guess we all had our own ways of dealing with what we went through. I'm sorry if you felt you didn't want to be part of our community anymore. I guess the chicks would have thrown themselves at you left and right had you been here after Harry revealed your story,' George said with a wicked grin and clapped him on the shoulder. And with that it seemed the dam had been broken. The remaining members of the Weasley clan gathered around and shock his hand while Hagrid still kept back and stood by the door, obviously not certain whether he should try and strangle Snape or just leave.
Harry went over to his giant friend.
'You still don't believe he did it on orders?'
Hagrid harumped but made no further comment.
'Hagrid, he really didn't want to do it. He was on our side all along. And … you know somebody tried to poison little Albus, don't you?'
'What?' roared the half-giant.
'Yeah, some lunatics calling themselves the new Death Eaters poisoned him. Snape came out of hiding to cure him. He revealed himself to save my son. They found him then and tortured him, threatened to kill his entire family. All because he wouldn't let little Albus die. You see, he is really not an evil man.'
Hagrid looked down at Harry thoughtfully. He wasn't sure how he should feel about all this. It had been easy when he had believed Snape to be dead. He did not have to think about how much had actually been show and how much was real when it came to Snape. But now that was different. Here he was, standing right in the middle of the room being applauded as a hero when it had been his wand that had sent Dumbledore over the battlements into his death. How should he feel about such a man? He knew he wasn't the smartest or cleverest of people, but he had always had an unfailable sense of what was right and what was wrong. Severus Snape blurred these lines and for now that was too much for him to consider. He decided to change the subject.
'What do you mean by new Death Eaters, Harry?'
Harry explained in detail what had happened while everybody else was taking their seats around the long table.
When Harry had finished and the feast was being served they too took their seats and joined in the delicious meal. Although Hagrid made sure to sit as far away from Snape as possible.
