Happy newyear everyone!

I hope you are celebrating with someone – but not too many people – and have a great evening.

Thanks again to mochiface for being such a loyal reader.

HP POV

The students walked back in silence. The fact that they had been caught and Professor Snape had deducted points, had left them feeling awkward around each other. Harry was still walking hand in hand with Draco and he squeezed it tightly.

"Well, it was fun while it lasted." Jason tried to lift the mood. "Maybe next time-"

"No, no 'next time'." Blaise sneered angrily. "We almost lost a hundred point in one afternoon!" he pulled away and took off.

"Wait, Blaise sweetie, come on!" Jason half-heartily ran after him.

Soon everyone split up into smaller groups and left Draco and Harry to be the only ones standing back. Harry couldn't help but look back, wondering if Remus and Snape were fighting. He hadn't seen the closest person he had to a family, in almost 8 months. Was it so terrible he wanted to spend some time alone with him?

"Go back."

"Huh?" he looked back at the smiling teen.

"You should go back to see him. You obviously want to." Draco let go of his hand.

"Thank you." Harry leaned up to peck him on the lips. "Do you want to come along?"

Grimacing slightly, Draco declined. "I think one time outside is more than enough for now."

Chuckling, Harry just said goodbye before heading back to the path leading him towards the Quidditch pitch. As he almost had left the long narrow stone hall, he heard the sound of footsteps coming from outside. The loud and blundering sound could only be Snape marching this way. Quickly, Harry hid behind the stature of 'Winnie the whiny'. Thankfully, he could slide in behind it and push up against the freezing wall.

Looking out through the small hole between the stature's arm and side, Harry watched as Snape marched past him and down the corridor. Harry was painfully aware of the fact that he had stopped breathing and he soundlessly gasped for air. Snape had really been helpful this year and saved his life on multiple occasions during the war, but he was still probably the scariest man, Harry had ever been alone with.

He waited until he could no longer hear the potion Professor and then slid out. Making sure Snape wasn't going to jump out from somewhere and surprise him, Harry continued outside. The sun had lowered over the land and was shining its last rays of the day. Harry jumped a few times trying to catch up with Remus. What if he had already apparated? Hurrying even faster, Harry ran the last way to the Quidditch pitch, almost running straight into it, but the gates were securely locked.

Remus was probably already heading for the school gates and Harry quickly ran towards the entrance. His lungs burned from the frosty wind blowing through his body; heart beating and legs starting to hurt, he at last saw the small sight of a man heading west.

"Remus!"

The man made no indication of hearing him.

"Remus! Please wait!" He continued yelling while he ran towards him.

He took a final deep breath and yelled for the last time. "REMUS!"

Thankfully, the wolf heard him and Remus turned around to see him stumbling down the hill. Close enough, Harry stopped and desperately tried to catch his breath. His pulse was drumming in his ears.

"Harry, you should have stayed in the castle with your friends."

"I know." Harry was still heaving for air, trying to ignore the hurt of Remus' comment. "But I wanted to talk to you in private. Why do you have to leave so soon?"

The man seemed very uncomfortable, hearing the need in Harry's voice. "Actually, I'm only heading back to gather the rest of my stuff."

"What?"

Remus smiled, truly looking happy.

"I have gotten the opportunity to once again, join the faculty and I have gratefully accepted."

"You're kidding!" Harry felt the grin on his face split. "You're coming back to Hogwarts? For real?" Remus laughed at the childlike wonder.

"Yes, I'm really going to be staying here."

"I can't believe this!" Harry's chest was soaring with happiness and he found himself hugging the unexpected man. Laughing mildly, the wolf hugged him back.

"I really missed you." Harry felt himself blush at the statement but it truly felt right to say aloud. The man simply hugged him tighter for another second before releasing him.

"Where have you been?"

"Ah, that is a conversation for another day." Remus replied. "For now, tell me, are you planning on going to the burrow this year?"

"No, I-" Harry began. "Ron and I are heading in a difficult direction right now, so I thought I would give him some space."

Nodding understandingly, the wolf didn't pry. "Well then, why don't you and I celebrate together, just us, after the dinner in the great hall?"

"Yes, definitely! Sounds great!" Harry controlled his need to jump up and down in happiness. But now, that he could take a good look at the new Professor, Harry noticed how tired he truly looked. Dark circles underneath his eyes and, newly healed scars running across his nose and eyebrow, decorated his face. Distracted at the idea of Christmas, Harry had almost forgotten about Snape. Leaving the two together had always been a sensitive issue. He knew Remus could control his temper when Snape jabbed him. Unlike… Sirius, whom had always headed straight into danger without thinking first.

"Did Snape do something to you?" he questioned carefully.

"No, Professor Snape and I simply talked for a minute longer, then he stormed off." Remus explained. Harry would have to ask at some point how he had acquired such deep tissue scars, but for now, he would let it go. It was after all Remus' story to tell.

"Harry, I…" Remus seemed suddenly saddened. Making a deep sigh the wolf continued; "You should head back for the castle before it gets late."

Saying goodbye with a pat on the shoulder, the older man left through the gates and apparated only a few steps further away. Looking at the empty spot now, Harry couldn't help but feel that saying 'goodbye' wasn't what Remus had intended to tell him. Slowly, he turned back.

SS POV

Back in his own quarters, Severus still felt miserable and tired. He had poured himself a double scotch into a crystal glass and was slowly sipping the horrible drink. Normally he loved a good scotch but since he had been on a teacher's salary and Lucius and him were barely speaking anymore, he hadn't really been drinking from the good life for long.

Lucius was still upset about the Dark lords falling. Of course, he was pleased that his family hadn't suffered from his own selfish mistakes, but anyone who knew Lucius even a bit knew his pleasure and greed for power. His involvement in the war had left his indulgence for dark arts common knowledge, leaving the Malfoy's with slightly harder options for trading and gathering favors. Even worse had it become when Lucius learned the truth about Severus own matters in the war. The fact that he openly sought pardon in the Ministry was more than enough for Lucius to turn away from him. Believing it was beneath them to seek any sort of forgiveness for their 'own legal opinion' was ludicrous in Lucius' mind.

But being Draco's god father and a good friend of Narcissa, they were bound to see each other often. Lucius stubbornly stuck to his view and refused to speak to Severus for a few weeks. It didn't last as long as Severus actually believed it would, considering Lucius' nature. Unfortunately, Lucius would quickly learn that there were not so many people from their proud Slytherin pureblood society, whom he could tolerate for more than a few hours at a time. Therefor Severus once more found himself invited back into the luxurious library sipping whiskey and elfmade win. Now sipping, what could only be described as 'old slug water' he could actually missed the Malfoy Manor.

Trying to relax, the potion Professor found his mind concentrating on the smiling face of Lupin. Annoyed by the presence, he opened his eyes again. He refused to be sucked into that catastrophic event once more. Remus had once again left and he weren't even sure if he had truly understood what had happened the second time before he left. No, the werewolf was already bound to another human being and Severus would never be a priority. He had his own priority now. Teaching the students had been a mediocre task but after years of believing he was alone, he had found out about his son.

The smile and the striking uneven hair should have given him a clue long before he was told. But what could possibly had left him, thinking 'I have a son from a barely real relationship?'. No. No matter how much pain it had caused him to see Lupin leave and to leave his own lover unexpected, he would never regret it, because the most wonderful person had been led right to him. Severus thanked the stars that his son had only inherited his intelligence and barely any part of his appearance. The tall build was certainly his, as well as the slightly narrowed lips but the rest was pure Lauris.

A quiet knock on his front door pulled him out of thoughts. Knocking back the rest of the disgusting drink, he left the empty glass on his coffee table and went to investigate who had dared to interrupt his evening. Opening the door however was a moot point, because before the he had had the chance to open the door, his son entered looking sheepishly around.

"Sorry, the portrait said he knew who I was." Snape sent the front door a disapproving glance before nodding the boy inside. Sitting down on the black older couch, Jason tried to give him a careful smile.

"You called for me?"

"Yes, indeed." Severus poured himself another glass, only doing so, because it was still considered alcohol despite the awful taste. "We must regard the subject of your behavior around school."

The boy stopped smiling and gave him a darkened look. It was very rare to see such calm yet angry emotion flicking across the boy's face, but it wouldn't surprise if the boy possessed a few other of his traits, such as temper.

"You must realize soon that I cannot keep protecting you." Severus chastised and started pacing. "You have already proved yourself capable of deliberately hurting another student violently-"

"It wasn't on purpose!" Jason chipped in.

"Which can only be proven if you willingly take a stand in the court and register yourself under their Creature Value and Protection law, meaning you will be under sharp measuring and detection constantly."

For a long time neither men said anything. Jason looked to the ground but Severus knew he had been heard. The boy clenched his fist for a moment before letting go, his shoulder slumping down.

"…Is this really about today?"

"What?" usually, Severus wouldn't dignify with such a foolish answer but he was most surprised by the chance of subject. Figuring the boy would be angry with him for snooping, he hadn't expected such a dejected tone. Looking him straight in the eyes, blue and brown clashing black, Jason elaborated.

"Is this really about me making trouble for myself or you worried about you?"

"Nonsense." Severus huffed. "You are to set a good example as-"

"As you! Why do you even care? No one knows about me!" The boy got up on his feet.

"-As a Slytherin, you will show yourself from your best behavior, not tumbling around like a foolish Hufflepuff!"

"Oh please! You have been after me constantly since the day I told you who I was! You never talk to me unless it's about school or to point out how unhappy you are with me!"

Snape paced back and forth, scattering his brain for examples. The veela was too distraught and he would have to be prepared for an emergency spell, in case Jason lost control.

"Because no one can know! If anyone found out about our relation it could have horrible conse-"

"Bullshit. Who would care?! It wouldn't even matter! No matter what, I will have to take my exam with another examiner and everyone already knows you're favoring your own house." Jason interrupted. "Face it! You are ashamed of me! That's it, isn't it? You are ashamed to admit you might have a son whom isn't completely human!"

"Why on earth would that matter now? Beside if you keep fooling around like a child it won't be long before you're not a student anymore!" Severus sneered at the childish argument.

"It matters!" Jason fist hit the coffeetable so hard the empthy glass on it feel to the floor with a loud crash. The sound of glass busting into tiny pieces filled the room with silence. The two males watched the other as they tried to regain control. After a long pause, where neither knew what to say, Jason finally spoke again with a strained voice.

"I know who you are. Or who you were." Jason mumbled. "I had barely been here one day before the others told me. They told me how you had been a double-crossed spy. Had helped Dumbledore but for years before that you had taken the mark. You willingly followed him, believing his pureblood nonsense, thinking all creatures were beneath you, of course you would be ashamed of having me as a son."

In that moment, Severus should have said so many things, explained his life of poor choices, answered all his son's questions honestly, yet he did nothing. He only watched as Jason left for the door, before turning back to look at him a last time. Severus could remark the strong exterior he had, but his emotional eyes he had inherited from Lauris, shone through him, showing the hurt he had kept inside for so long. Before leaving, Jason simply looked at him, and whispered;

"Weird how it never occurred to me to be ashamed of a father whom may have followed a lonely mad man into servantship. Not once."

Then he quietly exited and closed the door behind him.

Practically falling into his armchair, Severus massaged his temple, trying to relief the tension he felt building up. When it didn't work after what he assumed was minutes, he grabbed his wand and repaired the glass still lying on the floor. Although when he couldn't find the energy to refill the glass, he simply held it. The only heard noise was the kindling fire slowly dying out.

How could his son possibly believe he was ashamed of him, when in fact the truth was quite the opposite? Jason was not only rather remarkable in schoolwork, no he also had an astounding easy way of gaining friends as well. Something Severus had envied people through most of his childhood. Every conversation with new people had left him stumped and shy, after his own father had beaten the shit out of him at every chance he got. After this continued for years, Severus had learned quickly to remain unheard.

Nonetheless, the more important topic was the fact that his son knew of his corrupted youth, following Lucius and his father Abramax, whom had taken him in after Severus left his own family behind. The ruthless man was certainly as charming as the dark lord had been in his younger years and it was hard not to get involved with the only people who looked out for you. Or left you with the fake feeling of being wanted and cared for. Being the only real family Severus had ever known, the Slytherins became his family and unfortunately left them to drag him down with them. It was only after his cowardly nature killed his best friend, he had truly meet people who cared for him for no other reason than being himself. While he knew he would never be good company or the kind you asked to join for a party, Severus wished to believe he would fight and stand by Albus and his colleagues, no matter the consequences.

But now, his son knew the part of his youth that was becoming common knowledge around Great Britain.

Severus looked down at his forearm, placebo taking place by imagining that the cold tattoo was burning as brightly as it used to months ago. Out of habit, he clutched his left arm, wishing the dark scar to vanish.

"Severus?" A gentle voice irrupted in the otherwise quiet living room. Quickly removing his hand from his arm, he pulled the sleeve a little further down before answering the floo. Albus' face shone brightly in the kindles from the last burning coal. "I wish to discuss something of rather important news. May I come through?"

Could this possibly have something to do with their newest member of the faculty? Severus knew it wasn't his place to decide whom the position should be delegated to, but he couldn't help the feeling off betrayal, looking at Albus face. He could at least have given him a notice that the werewolf was coming back.

"Yes, Headmaster."

Barely a second passed before Albus had entered his living room's fire pit, gently dusting the soot from his purple robe.

"Thank you, my boy."

Severus simply nodded his consent and sat down once again, after making sure the headmaster had settled in the couch.

"Some tea, perhaps?" Albus suggested. Not even waiting for his potion Professor to answer he called upon an elf from the kitchen.

"Yes, some jasmine tea with milk and sugar on the side. Oh, and ideally some Jaffa Cakes, please." Albus delightfully asked.

"Mist apologies, sir, but no such cakes in kitchen." The house elf flattened his ear against his baldhead and his eyes became even bigger as he had to disappoint his only master. Even though the elves in the kitchen knew they had no true master, simply an employee, the elves continued to behave as if they abided the Headmaster's every wish.

"Oh, what a shame." The old man sighed, nearly pouting. "Well then, whatever biscuits you have." He smiled and sent the elf on his way. Severus still hadn't said a word but it didn't stop the twinkling old man from converting.

"I have only tasted these Jaffa Cakes once on my last trip to London by muggle train. They were truly delightful, my boy. Have you ever had any?"

"No, Albus, I don't indulge in sweet things, besides the occasional rich dark chocolate from HoneyDukes."

"Ah yes, did I get the right one for your birthday?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, good." He said with childish glee. "And there was the tea, thank you, Mist." He reached to take the tray from the smaller creature holding it over his head. When the elf was certain the headmaster wouldn't spill anything, he bowed and vanished once more.

Handing Severus, a cup of black tea, Albus took his time filling his own with sugar and what appeared to be half a carton of milk. Severus involuntarily suppressed a shudder at this creation, as if it had anything to do with real tea.

He took a small sip from the scolding drink, enjoying the slight burn and bitter taste across his tongue. Beside him the joyful headmaster blew his own drink before slurping a taste.

"Oh still too hot." The man chuckled and put it down on the table. "While I do like the taste of these cookies, I-"

"Albus please, why have you come?" Severus patience had run out and he couldn't stand the small talk any further.

"I wanted you to know, that Remus Lupin was here today. I have asked him to replace Professor Bjorkfire after Christmas vacation, although he will probably settle in his personal quarters beforehand."

"Yes, Albus, I know. I saw him at the Quidditch Pitch."

Albus hummed to show he was still listening.

"He was playing make-believe battle with a few of the students."

"Whom?"

"What? It doesn't- A few Slytherins and Gryffindors." Severus said, not wishing to go into further detail.

"Well that is wonderful news. I'm happy to see the two houses interact beyond schoolwork." The older man chuckled, grabbing another biscuit.

Severus could feel another headache coming, as he tried to explain the situation.

"That is beside the point, sir. They broke into the Quidditch Pitch, unlocked the firmly placed spell on the gate and could have gotten injured."

"Did they use magic?"

"No, but-"

"Then I should say we can let them go with a warning this time and I am most confident you did a furrow job." He continued to munch on the cookie, once dipping it into his tea.

"Getting back on the important topic, why didn't you tell me you have hired a new Professor?" Severus tried to keep his voice calm, hoping to keep Albus from seeing him as a stubborn child.

"Well, it happened rather quickly. You see Professor Bjorkfire and I had discussed his retirement at the end of last year, but at that time he was certain he could handle one more year. Unfortunately, his energy has decreased rapidly, and he simply cannot keep up. Therefor I suddenly had to find another teacher this late into the year. Thankfully, Remus had just finished his last mission and was ready to get back to teaching."

"Thankfully." Severus huffed, sipping his tea.

"My boy, I understand that the past can be a painful memory, but this is the time to make new ones. Every time a painful memory stores up, it only means it can be replaced by a happier one."

"I don't know if I can simply 'let go' Headmaster." He mumbled.

"I know. It will take the time it requires."

"-Beside I have more important things to worry about now."

"Really? May a curious old man ask what?"

Believing it was time to tell Albus the truth about his youth; Severus took a dep breath before leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"Albus, do you remember the year before I came to you?"

"Yes, you told me Voldemort had sent you on a mission in another part of the world."

"Yes, Australia. Well it appears someone I once knew had been withholding a secret from me for very long. It wasn't until recently I discovered… I have a son." Severus was looking down into the half-empty cup, not really sure what to expect from the Headmaster whom he considered his best friend, mentor and the closest thing he had ever had to a father figure.

A friendly warm hand was laid on his knee.

"My boy that is truly wonderful news. A new member of our small family here. If you wish Severus, I'm most willing to ask the schoolboard for permission to have your son live here." The headmaster squeezed his knee in joy.

"I… thank you Albus." Severus hurried to swallow the heavy lump in his throat. "But as it turns out, he is already here."

"A student?" Albus pondered, mostly to himself probably. Severus ignored the rhetoric question and filled up his cup.

"I can almost guess for certainly that this student must be our new exchange student from Australia, Mr. Melck."

Severus took a deep breath before confirming the Headmaster's theory. He told the Headmaster shortly, without too many details of his relationship with Jason's father. However short-lasted, he had truly come to care for the man.

The old man smoothed down his long white beard, the deep wrinkles on his forehead furthering, as he was lost in thoughts.

"And he knows of you?"

"Yes, he was in fact the one who told me." Severus whispered, holding on to his cup a little too tightly.

"I see. It seems painful for you to discuss this matter, Severus. Can I assume you knew his deceased father well?"

"Lauris. His name was Lauris and no, I don't wish to discuss it further." Severus intervened, feeling it necessary to use the man's real name.

"Understandable my boy, but may I give you a single piece of advice?"

Snorting the potion professor said; "You will undoubtedly even if I say no."

Chuckling slightly the man leaned closer to look Severus straight in the eyes, his icy blue owns twinkling with booth sadness and warmth.

"What tore you and Jason apart, is also something that can bind you together. Use that painful, yet happy memory to bond with your son."

Severus didn't answer him, but simply picked up his cup of tea blowing slightly before mumbling;

"You should really stop meddling in my life, Albus."

Laughing deeply the old man picked up another cookie welcoming the hint to lighten the mood.

"My boy, the day parents stop meddling in their children's life is the day they die." He stuffed his mouth with a second cookie.

Severus tried to ignore the warmth flowing feeling spreading across his body at the way Albus dictated himself as a parent. The rest of the evening went by slowly as they focused on his year so far, discussing students, the curriculum and Albus ideas for this year's Christmas.

…

Enchanted snow was falling from the ceiling and spreading out across the Great Hall at breakfast. Harry was sitting and trying his best not to fall back to sleep. Yawning for what seemed like the hundredth time, he grabbed the nearest pot of coffee, pouring it up to the rime of the cup.

"Harry, why are you so tired? You went to bed long before any of us." Neville asked worried. Harry smiled after he finished grimacing at the bitter taste of black coffee.

"Yeah… I just couldn't sleep." Harry lied. "Really." He said, trying to assure his good friend.

The truth was in fact quite different. Harry and Draco hadn't really been able to get much time alone since they started dating. Beside classes, homework and hanging out with their separate friend groups, the two boys had rarely had time to be alone. While talking and being out was great, sometimes they required meetings that were a bit more… discreet. They were after all two teen boys and Harry couldn't help but think about sex every single time Draco smiled at him.

Making out had been amazing every time, but Harry had gotten the feeling lately that Draco was ready for more. No matter how much he tried to leave it be, he knew for certainty that the blonde had already lost his virginity a long time ago, while Harry never really had the time to truly consider doing it with anyone, let alone someone he cared about.

So coming back to last night; Harry had gone to bed early, or that was at least what he had told the others. In reality, he had simply grabbed his invisibility cloak and the map he had inherited from his father and his friends. He snuck out of the Gryffindor tower, and went to the Room of Requirement where he was meeting Draco. He had arrived a little late, since he almost fell over Madam Norris whom had probably smelled him and practically chased him for two floors. The second he entered the magical room, he had ripped off his cloak and been thrown against the door. Draco's lips had found his inhumanly fast, gathering him in his arms and pushed him upwards. He had tangled his finger in the blonde locks and panted as Draco had pushed their erection against the denim pants. When Harry felt like they were heading for point of no return, he stopped Draco. He could see the disappointment and frustration in the icy grey eyes, but it meant the world to him that Draco stopped when he asked him too. He wasn't sure why he didn't feel ready yet. He had imagined having sex with Draco, basically every night before sleep and sometimes in the shower before breakfast. But when they were making out and Draco started reaching under his shirt, it was as if a silent alarm set off and tore the pleasant moment apart.

Anyway, Harry hadn't returned to the tower before four o'clock. By then he wasn't really that tired and it took forever to fall asleep.

"Maybe you should wait up half an hour more, you know, to make sure you fall to sleep as soon as you get in bed." Seamus suggested, eating the other half of his bagel.

"Maybe." Harry yawned again.

"Oh great, the mail is coming! My grandmother promised to send me more parchment."

"What, again?" Dean snickered and pointed his fork at Neville. "You just bought another 2 feet last weekend."

"Yeah, but I used them up on notes." Seeing the derisive look on all his friends faces, the slightly buffed boy blushed and mumbled. "I spilt ink and sat on it, okay."

Laughing Harry was surprised as a brown owl almost landed in his pumpkin juice. A small note was attached to the leg and it impatiently stretched it out for him to gather. Harry took the note after giving the owl a single cornflake to munch on.

Harry it is time. Hurry if you want to see.

Hagrid

In his sleep deprived state it took a few minutes before Harry realized what Hagrid was trying to tell him. Looking towards the teachers' table, he noticed Hagrid's absent. Quickly he swung his feet over the bench, ready to leave.

"Where are you going?" Ron asked rather suspiciously.

"Hagrid." Harry didn't have time to think of a lie even though it was nobody's else business.

"Why?"

Merlin sake. "I have to talk to him about Christmas."

Ron didn't seem convinced but given the nature of their relationship right now, he raised no further questions and continued to eat his scrambled eggs. Still feeling slightly hungry, Harry grabbed an apple before leaving. His heart was pumping in excitement and he felt butterflies in his stomach, while he tried not to run out of the hall.