Chapter 8: Christmas

"Well, I think you should pass your Charms Finals," Faith commented as she pocketed her wand. She and Severus had spent a few hours studying for their finals in one of the Charms classroom. It was now well pass midnight and finals were tomorrow. She went to turn the lights off of the classroom and headed for the door.

"Spooky," she joked as she grabbed the door handle. She opened the door a crack and turned fully around to see where Severus was. He was directly behind her and her eyes met his and stayed there.

Severus's body was acting by itself as he brought his face closer to Faith's. She also moved closer and Severus's heart skipped a beat when he kissed her. Although the kiss was gentle and simple he still felt like he had died and gone to heaven.

Severus leaned back in his usual armchair and stared at the fire before him. Snow was falling heavily outside and there were shouts outside as people celebrated Christmas Eve. A light scurrying could be heard below as Peter moved about. Another noise suddenly could be heard. Someone was knocking on the door.

Severus slowly rose and ventured over to the door. He opened it was a loud creak and stared breathlessly at the person who stood there. Faith stared back at him as she lowered the hood to her blue cloak. Snow fell into her hair and Severus opened the door wider, allowing her to come inside.

"Can I get you something?" he asked finding his voice. She shook her head and looked around. She walked over to the fireplace and stared down into it. Severus stood behind her, wondering why she was here.

"Do you always spend Christmas Eve alone?"

"Yes," he answered shifting his feet. She turned around and was about to speak when a loud thud could be heard from beneath. She instantly reached for her wand.

"What was that?" she asked. Severus had hoped she wouldn't have heard the loud bang. There was another loud thud and a muttered "Ow!" Faith reached out and clutched Severus's arm. Slowly a small part of the floor opened up and Peter Pettigrew stepped out from underneath. Severus moved quickly in front of Faith who had tightened her grip considerably on his arm.

"Go Back!" Severus growled with venom in his voice. Peter looked stunned for a minute and then went back down into the floor reluctantly.

"Severus," Faith called stiffly. He turned around to face her, not wanting to see the anger on her face.

"What," she started slowly trying to keep her voice steady, "is Peter Pettigrew doing here!"

"He…"Severus trailed off looking down at the ground. He looked back up and into her eyes; she was angry. It was obvious she was trying not to look angry but she was failing miserably. "He lives here," he stated simply. Before she could respond he spoke first, "I have something to tell you," she looked at him with a 'tell-me' glance, "You might want to sit down," he added.

She walked over to Severus's chair and sat down. He paced in front of the fireplace as he began, "Do you remember that there was a prophecy made about Harry?"

"Yes,"

"Well, Peter told Voldemort about this prophecy, which made him want to kill Lily and James. He then as you already know sent Voldemort to Godric's Hollow."

"Yes, I know,"

"I-I-I…told Voldemort about the prophecy. I was the one that sent him after Lily and James," he finished grimly. Faith didn't utter a word, she sat there letting the words sink in. Severus went over to her and murmured, "Faith," as he reached out a hand to grab hers. She jerked away from him and stood up abruptly. With a loud pop she was gone.

One week later, Severus sat alone in his armchair. He had sent Faith a dozen owls telling her how sorry he was but she didn't respond to a one of them. He sighed as he stared at his fireplace. He had to be returning to Hogwarts shortly. Classes would be starting again in two days. He groaned sadly as he gathered a collection of green powder into his hand. He threw it into the blazing fire and shouted "Hogwarts!"

He found himself in the fireplace to his own room at Hogwarts. Everything was exactly as he had left it. There was no doubt in Severus's mind that Dumbeldore would be having a small "get together" for the teachers to celebrate the coming of the new year. 'New Years Eve, what a pointless holiday,' he thought bitterly.

Severus left his room after spending several hours there. He walked past the teacher's lounge where there was much commotion. He sneaked a peak and his gaze fell onto Faith. He didn't know she was going to be here. She looked pale and tired. Dumbeldore was talking with her seriously about something.

Severus wandered upstairs and onto the Astronomy tower. He stood outside and leaned forward against the cold stone, staring up at the sky.

"Severus…" a voice said from behind. He turned and saw Faith standing there.

"I-I---" she stuttered. He stopped her and grabbed her around the shoulders gently.

"You have to understand something," he started, "I never intended for James or Lily to die. I never knew Voldemort would go after them. I was just doing my job. I would have never—" he cut himself off.

"I know," she said softly looking down at her feet. "Dumbeldore told me…but…don't blame me for being angry…Lily was my best friend---" her voice cracked.

"I understand," he breathed. His body then acted on its own. He tucked a finger underneath her chin and brought her face up to look at him. Then he leaned forward and kissed her softly.