The last Saturday in November found Marya correcting parchment rolls in her quarters. With a small laugh, she ruefully shook her head as she read over one of her third-year student's translations. Swiftly, her quill moved over the paper, correcting his work.

A tapping sound from the window interrupted her concentration. Sitting outside the window was an owl, impatiently hooting and rapping the window pane with its beak.

Marya opened the window and took the note, passing a treat to the owl and caressing its head before turning to open her mail.

"Dearest Marya," she read, "It has been too long. Tea today at four, in my quarters?" The note was signed 'Albus Dumbledore'. Reaching for her quill, Marya quickly penned a reply on the back of the note. "I wouldn't miss it; see you then!"

Come four o'clock, Marya sat curled up in one of the overstuffed armchairs in Dumbledore's sitting room, cradling an enormous mug of hot, sweetened tea in her hands. She loved being in this room – everything was large, and soft, and comfortable.

For a while they just sat contentedly, making small talk. Finally Dumbledore cleared his throat and asked, "So how is our little project going?"

Marya chuckled. "Well at last it is going. You know how for two months I tried to just be sweetness and light, and slay him with kindness? And all I got was a cold shoulder? Then in the course of one night I tell him where to get off, and shortly thereafter have a nervous breakdown in his presence. Then he finally decides he can acknowledge I exist. Go figure." She shook her head in exasperation.

Now it was Dumbledore's turn to smile. "I told you he would be a hard nut to crack, didn't I?" he said.

"Well, he isn't cracking yet." Marya's face turned serious.

"You know, these last four weeks have been strange." Marya blushed a little. "Do you know that he told me to call him Severus? He has been 'Professor Snape' or 'Sir' for so long, I just can't think of him as Severus – every time I try, the name gets stuck in my throat. He can be so irritating and sarcastic - I still feel like a First-year most of the time!

But then there are times – Uncle Albus, he can be so interesting! When he is in the right mood, it is a joy to talk to him – he is so knowledgeable, interested in a lot of the same things I am. And that will last five minutes, and I am ready to clobber him again.... He grows on you though, doesn't he?" she said thoughtfully. Snapping out of her thoughts, she straightened up. "That aside though – every interaction is on a strictly professional level. I don't think I am making much headway."

"I don't know about that." Dumbledore answered with a twinkle. "He does look like he has gained a bit of weight back. Instead of skipping meals or eating who-knows-what in his quarters, he is showing up at mealtimes much more often these last few weeks... can you think of a reason why that would be?" He winked at her.

Marya blushed furiously. "Really, Uncle Albus... !!" She gazed down and appeared to intensely study her toes.

Dumbledore got up with a laugh, "Well, Marya, whatever the case may be, keep at it. What are your plans for Christmas, by the way?"

"I am going to visit Aunt Hannah – she would be all alone for Christmas otherwise. And I miss seeing her. I hope to be back on the 26th though."

Aunt Hannah was her only blood relative, an elderly great-aunt that had lovingly cared for her from the time her parents had died. Marya was quite fond of her.

The Headmaster nodded as he walked her to the door and hugged her good-bye. "I hope so. By the way, on December 28th is Severus' birthday." He winked again. "Just in case you would like to know..."