By 1pm Severus was in his office. It was a pretty well match to the weary potions classroom except for the illusioned window that peered out over the lake and the slightly smaller size. He had attempted time and time again to put curtains up to close the invading light but Albus had been reluctant to allow that. Stating that the potions master needed to have

'Some form of light in his life'.

He rolled his eyes at the miserable thought.

Things definitely hadn't been any better off since he renounced himself as a death eater post the fall of Voldemort when the boy-who-lived killed him. But to be fair, he was worse off being back with the Death-Eaters where he didn't exactly fit in. Despite his thirst for the Darts Arts, he had never truly believed in Voldemort's cause. Especially after the man had threatened to kill...well...did kill Lilly.

He took a gulp of his Firewhisky. No, he had been devoid of any happiness since Lilly had left. Nothing bought him joy anymore except from insulting students, researching potions and perhaps socialising with Minerva, Poppy, Hooch, Septima and Vector. Other times he didn't mind socialising with the males.

Despite Hagrid's their lack of formal education, he was still an extremely intelligent man when it came to caring for magical creatures, Filius was an expert dueler who had been more than happy to spar with Severus from time to time. Other then that, he supposed he only really spoke to Lucius Malfoy but he now had a five year old son and was set on being dad of the year by practically spoiling the boy and teaching him the pure-blooded aristrocrat way.

He sighed, actually now that he thought about it, he had been getting along with Lucius' wife since she had finally attempted to let down her hair when her son was born. Narcissa was actually good company from time to time when she wasn't in the company of others. He thought that was mainly because much like Albus and Minerva, Narcissa and Lucius had had their own struggles with having children. They had had two stillbirths before they had been blessed with Draco. Severus had instantly become the child's godfather.

He sloshed his cup as he thought more about his current personal life and who he kept as company. More so on the fact that he enjoyed the company of women compared to men. Perhaps it was due to the fact that Severus had had a complex childhood in which all male role models were either sly Slytherines who had never taken an interest in Severus' emotional turmoil or the fact that his father was an abusive alcoholic who despised women. Compared to the fact that both his mother, Minerva and Poppy had been the main figures in his life.

He remembered his first coming to Hogwarts and being examined by Poppy where she found the belt marks on his back, his scrawny, bedraggled figure hiding under loose fitting robes due to the poverty he had endured. Next to that, his long list of illnesses as a result of the beatings and malnourishment.

He remembered when she had finished assessing him for injuries. She put up a silencing charm and pulled him into a tight embrace comforting him as much as possible. Though by that stage, Severus had already been broken. Some where along the lines, Severus knew Poppy couldn't help herself and blabbed to Minerva who had of course informed his head of house; Slughorn. Of course, he only found out years later that Slughorn had been informed of his state and did nothing about it. As well as Albus.

Minerva and Poppy though, they were practically like mothers to him. Constantly checking up on him, making sure he was eating well and was studying though it didn't help his mental state as much as they tried. Severus was a broken boy and was infatuated with causing pain to those that did him wrong. He began to hate everyone and everything, especially after he called Lilly (the love of his life) a mudblood.

He had firmly pushed everyone away after that with only Lucius and the other Slytherine's whispering in his ear. Much to the older women's distaste, Severus even began to ignore them.

In fact, Severus wanted revenge for what his father had done. He had of course, ultimately ended up torturing the bastard and almost killing him. Almost but he was stopped by the fact that he would have to face a life sentence in Azkaban for it. Meaning, the abusive man who had ruined Severus' life in childhood would ultimately ruin his life as an adult if he ended up delivering the final blow.

After he had attacked his father, at 22, he had allowed Minerva and eventually Poppy back into his life. He slowly built more friendships with the other staff up from there. However, he always kept Albus at an arms length after everything that had happened. He admitted his ignorance during his school years in which the headmaster never made an attempt to reprimend the Marauders and their severe bullying towards Severus. Not even a loss of points nor detentions. In the end, it had been Minerva's stern attitude towards a no bullying policy and punished the Maraunders but it never seemed to stop them. In fact, Sirius had spent most of his time in detention trying to charm Minerva into going easy on them. Severus didn't think it worked based on the fact that a teenager was hitting on a somewhat 50-60 year old woman. In any case,

Severus trusted Albus as far as he could throw him. And due to Albus' weakness towards muggle lollies, it wasn't that bloody far. The man belonged in Slytherin for his inability to be transparent and his constant meddling in the lives of pretty much everyone.

Perhaps not his wife as such, considering the fact that she was as stubborn as an Ox and set in her ways though they were married and he supposed they had to make sacrifices.

In any case, getting back to Severus' set-up. Behind Severus' Ebony table sat at least four bookshelves stacked with books on the Dark Arts, Charms, Arthimacy, Transfigurations, Alchemy and of course, Potions. All shelves were a matching colour as his desk. He had a small lounge set up next to the fireplace. They were two black leather sofas and an ebony coffee table in the centre, opposite the fire place. Two chair opposite his desk in case any parents were needed to speak to the teachers or students needed to sit in. Severus hated both.

The large window was placed just to the right of Severus and to his left was the door to his private potions supplies where Severus usually brewed medical potions for Poppy or did his own research. All in all, it was a good set-up despite Minervas' and Albus' constant bickering of the fact it should be made lighter. More appealing for student's to feel comfortable. He had always argued that that wasn't the point. The only time he ever had students in his office was to reprimand them on their repugnant work ethic.

He rubbed his face with his hands, exhausted and reluctant to mark anyone's work. After Slughorn had asked for him to attend his Slug Club fancy get together before the Christmas break, Severus had adjourned to teaching the blunder heads for the rest of the morning before Minerva had popped her head in through the door and told him to watch over Bear. She had placed her down by his office door, kissing her head and telling her to be 'good for Severus' before leaving.

So, that's where Severus had ended up, eyeing the cat curiously as it dragged it teddy by it's ear towards his desk. He rolled his eyes at her slow movement, not knowing why the animal thought it so necessary to take the stuffed toy everywhere.

"Honestly" He stood up and grabbed the kitten by the tuft of it neck and placed it onto his table as it continued to hold it's toy in it's teeth.

He tapped his index against the table and leaned on his elbow as he watched the kitten gently meow and lean it's body over its teddy bear.

"It's no wonder Minerva decided to call you Bear" He rolled his eyes muttering to himself.

He scruntinised the cat, noticing it's bedraggled long fur that covered it's whole body. He watched as the kitten dragged the toy closer to him likely wanting company. He sighed, running a hand over it's back and watching the animal shudder. He decided against patting it's back after the third attempt feeling some strange lines on it's back. Instead, he settled for rubbing it's head and chin. She didn't seem to mind rather chirping in happiness.

He could tell that the cat was going to be massive when she grew up. Why Minerva decided to keep it he had no idea. Though it was quiet soft and seemed to relish his company which he thought weird for anyone let alone a creature.

"She should have named you Beast with that ungodly fur of yours"

He watched as the kitten purred into his hand not caring what he said. So this was what Minerva was talking about when she suggested he get a familiar. Unconditional love and affection. He thought that it didn't count for him. Growing up in a horrible household with a domestic violence case mother and an abusive father. He wondered if the kitten was the same. Likely a family bought it from a pet shop not knowing it was magical. Small family, likely children seeming how the animal is so social and then somewhere along the line it was abandoned or abused. Or maybe the other way around.

He watched as it leaned closer to him wanting his touch. He snickered. His eyes widened. He snickered? His lips flickered. He was smirking at the cat.

"Hmm...Maybe Tabby wouldn't mind letting me keep you for a while since she's obviously so infatuated with having a child wreaking havoc on Hogwarts" He muttered to himself.

Hermione couldn't help but silently agree with him. She felt as though she was being kicked out of another home. Though, as her daddy had told her: 'Third times the charm' and Severus didn't look like he was wishing to adopt any more ... what was it he called the student's 'Blunder heads'.

Severus scratched the top of her head again trying to alert her from her moping until he noticed something particular. The cat had not yet been collared. He could at least give it that. That way the students would at least know it was owned and not to annoy it. Even more so if his claim to the cat embedded into the collar.

He smirked thinking of getting Minerva back. The cat liked him more, she would have to deal with it. He stood up, walking over to one of his transfiguration books and opening a page. The kitten watched as his read over a few pages before grabbing a beaker off the side of the shelf and transfiguring it into a black collar with a bit of elastic at the end just in case she got caught in a tree and it was able to be released. He inscribed his initials 'SS' before the word 'BEAST' into the collar before gently popping the collar over the furballs head.

He watched as the kitten stared down at the black collar in wonder. He smiled at the kitten's reaction not quiet used to the new attire.

"Judging by how quickly you are growing I suppose it will need to grow as you get bigger" He flicked his wand at the collar sending magic tingling through her neck. She meowed at him before rubbing her head on his knuckles, thankful of his gift. He chuckled. He couldn't wait to see Minerva's face when he finds the collar on her favourite cub.

"Turned to the dark side" He picked the kitten up and stared into it's brown and gold flecked innocent eyes. They stared in adoration into his and he couldn't help the smile that curved his lips. He had never in his life had something look at him like the cat did. For some reason he felt a warmth perpetuate in his stomach that he had not felt since his mother. God rest her soul.

But seeing this kitten now. The fact that her live practically revolved around Severus and Minerva was amazing. He knew in time the kitten would eventually become his with the curve ball of Albus and Minerva but that was a later problem. Right now, the kitten was all his. Making sure that no one was skulking around in his office. He quickly pulled the cat up to his chest hugging her as much as he could without harming her. He heard the kitten purring back at his behaviour informing Severus that she welcomed him. After a few seconds, he put the cat down on his desk and sat up straight and stern.

"I have to return to my marking. You are however welcome to stay, so long as you do not pester me"

The cat nodded and returned to laying on it's teddy bear as Severus closed another beast transformation book and placing it on the side to return to his marking.


He sat with her for just over four hours marking in a quiet contempt silence. Every now and then he would notice her watching him from the corner of her eyes. He would every now and again rub her belly or side careful to avoid her back unless he wanted another unfriendly shudder to hit his fingers. He wondered if Minerva noticed the strange reaction.

Likely. Though, the woman could be blind to somethings. Typical Gryffindores had a one tracked mind and Minerva was no exception to that rule.

He stood up from his desk, knowing he needed break and called to one of the elves for a warm bottle of milk. He knew the cat was no longer in ill health and exhausted that she didn't require a bottle any longer but there was something methodical and calming about feeding a baby kitten which he enjoyed. Perhaps it was the fact that someone was dependent on him and in return he wanted to be her sole carer.

He awoke the kitten from her nap before shaking the bottle in front of her knowing she'd be excited about food. Severus had never met any one who loved food as much as this cat did. It seemed to be the easiest thing to win her over.

She chirped, walking over to him in approval. He put his feet on the desk as he picked the kitten up into the nook of his elbow and began feeding her. He was surprised at how quickly she gulped down the milk considering her tiny frame but then again. He knew for a fact that the cat had been malnourished and was meant to grow in the size of a Kneazle. An animal that's ears would be able to reach his knee despite his 6.1ft figure. He watched as her brightened eyes stared up at him again in utter devotion.

If it was something Severus relished, it was loyalty. Loyalty which he knew a Kneazle possessed; which he knew Bear possessed. Yes, she was definitely going to be his familiar whether Minerva liked it or not. He wasn't the greatest at sharing but doing a trial run for a week and a half had taught him that he was extremely aware of her absence when she was with Minerva. And to him, it felt like something was missing when she wasn't around.

She finished the bottle rather quickly and Severus quickly refilled it, watching as her fluffy paws, pawed the container. He chuckled deeply, a smile plastered on his lips as he watched the kitten's ministrations. After a few more minutes he watched as the kitten finished the bottle and yawned.

"I suppose you've had a rather taxing lunch" He chuckled sarcastically as he placed her onto the pillow Minerva had left on his desk for Bear. He observed as her head hit the pillow and she was instantly lulled off to sleep. Severus grabbed one of his pens, transfiguring it into a blanket before placing it over her along with placing her teddy bear in between her front paws.

"Sweet dreams, little kitten" He mumbled, gently caressing the tufts of fur on her head as she purred.

Another hour passed by and the cat finally stretched itself out. It signalled Severus to look at the time. Yes, I suppose it is dinner. He stood up and moved away from his desk towards his door. That was until he heard the pitter patter of feet. He turned back and noticed the kitten was following him, it's stuffed toy clasped within it's teeth. He rolled his eyes, knowing it was going to be a long walk if the beast decided it was to drag it's toy the whole way to Minerva. He settled with flicking it's wand at the animals toy making it weightless before bending down and transfiguring a strap to the teddy's back so she wouldn't be dragging it around on the dirty floor by the ear.

"And if you tell anyone about this, I will deny it and you will find yourself potions ingredients"

He watched as the kitten chirped happily rubbing its head against his leg before picking up it's toy. He rolled his eyes walking away from the animal as it followed behind suite.


Minerva had set herself down next to her husband as she watched the students eating their dinner in the Great Hall. She engaged in polite chatter with him, saving a spot for her friend. He did seem to be running late. Not that she figured he cared. The hollow calculated footsteps brought her attention back to the staff entrance. Albus and her turned their heads to see her rival walking to his seat at the table. Both arched their eyebrows seeing the kitten at his heel. They both chuckled as he pulled his chair out and sat down as the cat came to rub itself against her shin.

"Ooch Bear, what are ye wearing?" She pushed her chair out grabbing hold of her cat just under her front legs and holding her out.

Hermione stared at her happily her paws extending trying to paw the woman. Minerva smiled warmly at the overjoyed look of the cat. She pulled the cat close placing the kitten on her lap before staring down at the collar.

"Beast?" Minerva arched her eyebrow at Severus as he took a bite of food from his folk. He shrugged his shoulders.

"I thought it a better name compared to that of 'Bear' " He rolled his eyes, putting his fork down and sipping his coffee.

She glared at him.

"Besides, once you get your new 'cub' whose to say I won't get mine" He smiled wickedly at her, his Slytherin traits on show.

Minerva wiped her lips on her napkin.

"I'm still looking up a spell for that Severus. Turning a bleedin' kitten into a furious tiger isn't my specialty"

"Ah but transfigurations is...supposedly" He muttered the last remark knowing he'd hear her.

"Excuse me?" She looked offended.

"Of course if the task of turning such a creature into another is too hard for the transfigurations professor well.." He shrugged baiting the proud lionness.

Minerva not liking what he was insinuating gritted her teeth in fury.

"Unless you think you can do a better job, Severus then I suggest you cease your blundering"

Severus tried fruitlessly to hide his growing smirk. If he could incentivise Minerva to find the spell sooner then he wouldn't have to wait two-three months for a pet tiger"

"Actually Minerva I bet I can find the spell quicker than you can and I'll put a wager on it"

She arched her eyebrow. His smiled even wider knowing his long-term colleague couldn't help herself when it came to their bets. Whether it be Quittage, other teachers/students affairs or how long the DADA professor would last, Minerva couldn't help herself.

"Oh? Do go on Severus!"

"How about this Min, whoever finds the spell first doesn't have to do any more Hogsmead weekends for the rest of the year"

Minerva felt pretty confident about her chances considering she had a Masters in Transfiguration.

"How about we up the anti, my dear boy. The loser also has to take on at least two of the winners patrols per week for the rest of the year and they have to wear their rivals house colours, everyday for the remainder of the year"

Severus held back a groan in pain but agreed to her rules.

They shook hands and Minerva smiled.

"Personally Severus, I think red and gold would be suiting to your puppy dog eyes"

He scowled at her as she sipped her wine, chuckling at she saw a small blush hit his cheeks.

"Well, personally Minerva. I believe you'd look rather stunning in Slytherine colours. I can imagine you now wearing the house snake draped around your neck" He retorted.

She chuckled at his banter.

"As brilliant as you are Severus. I believe you've met your match at this game"

I hope so. Severus smirked. He knew he'd have the rest of the year to be miserable but New Years was only a couple of months away, so the suffering would be in the least; A short duration.


Muhahah

Place your bets. Whose going to figure out the spell first?