A/N: mmmm Lindor chocolates for all of you lovely reviewers, chocolate not only tastes great but is also good for warding off dementors (you know in case there are any around).

Next chapter will be some holiday fun as the witches and wizards get to open their presents and relax a bit.

Snapefan51: thanks for all the lovely long reviews, LOVE them. And mmmm yum yum thanx for the virtual fudge and cookies they'll go straight to my virtual hips (girns)

Rubberduckie: Why is your head hurting? And um (grins) keep a fire extinguisher handy if you're near flammable objects.

Honey Bear: Eventually Snape and Harry but Dumbledore first.

Foxy wolf: you are absolutely right about Lupin and there's a bit of him in this chapter but for storyline purposes I'm concentrating on Snape.

JKH: Awwww thanks my feet appreciate the roses and chocolate. You are right Dumbledore has no idea yet of the extent of Lucius' escalation of violence, which won't be revealed to him until after the occlumency lesson. Oh and yes you may have Lucius for comparison (just make sure he doesn't bring the staff, or if he does keep some mace handy) You inspired me, the teddy bear idea is cute I'm just modifying it a little (grins broadly, you'll see in the next chapter).

Nana Hedwig: If JKR explored the characters, especially Snape and Draco in more details in her upcoming books, I'd be THRILLED. Yes there will be more Harry Snape comforting. Rona and Hermione realize that Harry and Snape have grown closer because of the occlumency. Ron being very suspicious still has his doubts about Snape of course.

Xikum: I swear sometimes I think you are performing legilimens on me (LOL) yes, the 'love' speech will happen before I'm done - it comes from Snape of course and Harry then reinforces it. You are most welcome and I'm glad you liked it.

Catmint: Bellatrix won't be in the rest of this story but perhaps in the sequel sometimes late spring/early summer.

Galadreial: hope you're having fun and things have gotten better! Hermione and Draco will just be friends, look for a sweet scene in the next chapter between them. She leads the way for Ron and Harry to befriend him.

Helga: You so made me laugh! I hope you got to pee.

Ckatt44: There is a good chance I'll do a sequel but it likely won't be for the next 3 months.

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Chapter 52 - Bittersweet

They all awoke Christmas morning to a raging blizzard. The winds howled and a mass of white swirled around the 2-story log chalet. Harry stood at the window in awe. He had never seen a snowstorm before. He got dressed and went downstairs. The fire in the great floor to ceiling stone fireplace was roaring. Hermione was sitting in front of it stoking it and throwing in pinecones. When she saw him a huge smile lit her face and she jumped up "Happy Christmas Harry!"

He hugged her tightly "Happy Christmas Hermione." Soon Ron joined them and more hugs were shared. Ron looked under the massive tree. "Bloody Hell look at all the stuff."

"Professor Dumbledore said we couldn't open them till after breakfast. So we'll have to wait awhile." Hermione explained.

"Harry, dear boy might I have a word with you?" Dumbledore asked coming out of the kitchen.

Harry nodded and followed Dumbledore as he headed up the stairs and led him to Professor Snape's room. Harry frowned wondering what was about to happen.

As they entered the room Harry was startled to see Lupin, and McGonagall in addition to Snape.

He turned in confusion to Dumbledore.

He put his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry we have a present for you. It is something we have been working on for two years now however all the problems I was having with the Ministry of Magic prevented it from happening earlier. After the end of last school year Fudge came around and we were finally able to make this happen. It's long overdue and I'm sorry it comes too late."

Lupin's soft voice added. "Even though it comes after his death, we think it is something that Sirius would have wanted and since you are his godson, we wanted you to have it."

Snape added. "We hope it brings you a little peace."

Dumbledore gave him an envelope. Harry's heart had clenched at the mention of Sirius' name. With shaking hands he pulled the paper out of the envelope. With his throat closing, he realized it was the official announcement of Sirius' innocence and a full pardon from the Ministry of Magic.

He managed to choke out. "Thank you, all of you."

His eyes lifted as he looked at Lupin.

Lupin's eyes were watering. He went over to Harry and hugged him, sighing deeply. They looked at each other, too choked up to speak. Then Lupin smiled softly, "At least now he can rest in peace." A soft sob escaped Harry's lips upon those words. Lupin held him close, fighting back his own tears. Then with a quick kiss on Harry's head, Lupin pulled back and left the room along with Dumbledore and McGonagall. Harry wiped his face as Snape watched him.

"Potter, are you ok."

Not trusting himself to speak, Harry nodded.

Snape went over to him and put his hands on his shoulders.

Harry's head dropped. "All those years he spent in Azkaban and then later hiding." He managed to choke out.

"I'm sorry Harry, I wish this could have at least been arranged while he was still alive."

Harry nodded again wiping at his face.

"Ready to eat a little breakfast?" Snape asked softly.

"Yes." Came the shaky response.

As he headed into the kitchen, McGonagall stopped him and hugged him warmly. "Happy Christmas." She said.

He hugged her back, seeing the sympathy in her eyes. "Happy Christmas Professor McGonagall."

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Draco stood by the window watching the swirling snow. Last year at Christmas he was at the Malfoy manor and his father had hit him with the staff for the first time. He squeezed his eyes shut trying to obliterate the memory. His stomach felt queasy again.

"Draco?" came Professor Snape's voice from the door.

"Yes."

"We have a special Christmas surprise for you."

Snape entered joined by McGonagall, Lupin and Dumbledore.

Draco looked at them suspiciously.

Snape started to explain. "Draco before I went after Lucius, I told the headmaster that I wanted to appeal to the Ministry of Magic young wizard abuse committee to have you removed from your parent's custody. Professor Dumbledore had Cornelius Fudge examine you while you were unconscious. With Lucius as an escaped prisoner, there was no problem revoking his rights, the only problem was if your mother challenged it. She didn't. I'm assuming she's overwhelmed by Lucius getting caught. Which means you never have to worry about Lucius again. You are under my custody and that of Hogwarts and every professor in this room will look out for your welfare. You are safe now Draco."

He handed him an envelope with the appropriate papers.

Draco took the paper out of the envelope. He looked down at it, seeing Professor Snape's name on it as well as the Professors who stood in the room with him. His mother had signed it along with Cornelius Fudge. His body tensed. He fought back the tightness in his throat and the moisture in his eyes by releasing a shaky breath. He was overwhelmingly grateful that the people in this room had done this for him yet at the same time an incredible sense of despair descended on him.

The Professors in the room regarded Draco with shock as suddenly a tear fell onto the paper.

Before anyone could say anything Minerva went over to him, and hugged him close. Much to everyone's surprise Draco didn't pull away as expected, instead he wrapped an arm tightly around her neck as his head fell to her shoulder.

Minerva felt the hot silent tears against her neck as she whispered in his ear. "It will be all right."

His mother had signed the papers without so much of a second thought; she was obviously overjoyed to not have to pretend anymore. He knew his father wouldn't have signed but not because he loved him. He thought back to the Shrieking Shack again and how he practically left him there to die. His whole life had meant nothing. As if reading his mind. Professor McGonagall whispered, "It's a new beginning Draco."

Professor Snape, out of all the professors was the most stunned. His usually controlled voice sounded a bit shaky. "Should we not have done this?"

"I think it's ok Severus, I think he's just a little sad that it had to come to this. And bit overwhelmed by everything that's happened to him. Am I right Draco?" Dumbledore asked.

Draco pulled back from McGonagall and before turning wiped his face. He looked at Snape with red rimmed eyes. "Yes, it's what I wanted." He stated trying to clear his throat.

Snape frowned. "Are you sure? You know that you can visit either of your parents but the visits will be supervised."

Draco responded. "I don't want to see them."

Dumbledore stood up, "I think we should head back into the living room. Draco feel free to join us when you are ready." He glanced at Snape over his half moon glasses.

He nodded his dark eyes worried.

Minerva stood up, gently stroking Draco's blond hair. He looked up as she smiled at him warmly. "Don't take too long, it's Christmas, a day meant for having fun and you have presents to open."

He couldn't speak and couldn't tell her how grateful he was that she was there and that she kept reaching out to him. He watched her go wondering why he had never realized in all his years at Hogwarts how caring she really was. Strict and a stickler for rules but she made him feel special. His gaze went over to Snape.

In a low voice he spoke. "I'm so sorry Draco, I should have talked to you first. When I went after Lucius I wasn't sure if I was coming back so I spoke to Dumbledore who in turn spoke to the others to ensure you would never have to go back to Lucius. I don't regret that I have done this because it ensures that you will never again be a victim of Lucius' wrath but I am sorry it was not discussed with you first."

Draco shook his head. "I don't want to go back. Not anymore."

"The headmaster and I had a chat last night. He thought you might want to know the details of what happened when I went after your father and that you might be feeling confused over his saving my life."

Draco nodded. "Why did he almost kill me and then save you?"

"When I went after him I wanted to kill him but settled instead for casting a gaugario spell over him. Are you familiar with that one?"

Draco shook his head.

"It is used by the Dark Lord sometimes instead of the cruciatus curse on the Death Eaters when he is displeased. It's like using a horsewhip it cuts deeply into the flesh and is very painful. I wanted to remind Lucius how it felt to be beaten and what he did to you. He was in a lot of pain and he lashed out against me with the cruciatus curse. However he was losing blood and feeling rather weak, he lifted it quickly. I pointed my wand at him and Bellatrix Lestrange must have thought I was about to kill him. She is the one that fired the Lightnarius spell at me. Lucius had just wanted to punish you; he did not realize how seriously you were hurt. He heard voices, which I assume belonged to Potter and his entourage, and knew someone would find you and fix you up, that's why he left. The only reason I believe he gave me the stopper in death potion was because I told him that you were on the brink of death and I was trying to save you. He didn't want his only heir to die."

Draco silently stared at the wall across the room. "That's all I've ever been to him. The heir, the one who had to be just like him but always ended up being just not quite good enough."

"Not today because it is meant to be a fun day but on another day you and I will sit down and have a discussion about the past. There are things you don't know about me and also things you should know about your father. Although there is no excuse for what he has done."

"When will you teach me Occlumency?" Draco asked unexpectedly.

Snape's brow furrowed. He was going to resume lessons tomorrow with Potter. He wondered if perhaps as a first lesson for Draco he should combine it with Harry. He would need Potter's permission. This was one way that Draco perhaps could finally deal with his jealousy of Potter if he understood his world. Perhaps the boys could form a sort of truce. But then again, Draco was far from healed and Occlumency was physically and emotionally draining. He wasn't well enough yet.

"I think you need to heal more first."

Draco shook his head. "It would help distract me. I want you to teach me."

Snape sighed. He'd been through so much he didn't want to deny him. "I'll think about it. But Draco you have to realize Occlumency is very difficult and you will relive some of the worst and painful moments in your life."

Draco nodded. "I lived through them in person, I can handle a replay."

"You don't understand how draining it can be."

"If Potter can do it, so can I." He stated defiantly.

Snape shook his head. "I fear you are in for a rough ride. Get it out of your head for the moment. Let's go out now and join in the festivities."