Chapter 16:

November was going well, for the most part. The children who had been kidnapped had adapted back to living with their parents. The parents were relieved that the captivity didn't do too much lasting damage, even if the children had been disoriented the first weeks back and hadn't wanted to be separated. It was Giachi's first year of proper schooling, handled by some of Hogwarts' teachers. He now sat in the back of Minerva's transfiguration's classroom with Jamie and Lily, working on arithmetic as she watched them. The Blacks were spending the night in the castle since Alida's birthday was soon and the Lupins wanted to celebrate it on the weekend. Minerva released the children and they went running down the hall, careful to bypass Filch.

The next day, the children ran around the Quidditch pitch under the supervision of their Grandpa Albus. The Lupins and the Blacks sat in the bleachers, quietly conversing. Minerva and Kiki, however, were taunting Severus on the spectacular loss of Slytherin to Gryffindor. He probably would've attacked them if Garret wasn't sleeping in his arms. Eventually, though, the taunting stopped and Minerva moved to stand next to her husband. Sirius and Remus had run out onto the field to play with their children, so Albus turned his attentions to the stands. Kiki had taken Garret from his father and was now talking with Bianca and Harmony. Severus just sat there, head resting on his hands, elbows on his knees, leaning forward to watch the children.

But Albus knew the man well enough to know Severus wasn't watching them. His mind was far away and his eyes were clouded over, he knew. Kiki had rejoiced with their friends when the other children were returned, safe and without much harm. Severus had shown up at each kidnapper's trial, smirking each time they were sentenced to solitary confinement in Azkaban. But Albus saw the sorrow in the man's eyes as each kidnapper always responded to "I don't know" to the question: "What happened to Samantha Snape?" Madison and Garret were loved deeply by their father and he was devoted to them completely, but everyone knew there was some connection between him and Samantha. That connection was blatantly obvious even if the other connections only Albus could see. He turned and saw one such connection as Lily grasped onto her father's leg. He smiled before turning back to his potion's master.

Severus was slipping back into the personality he had before Kiki returned and gave birth to Sam. Few students remembered the horror stories of Snape, the evil greasy bat of the dungeons, and those that knew were told by older siblings who had had him. Many of the students were shocked by their potion professor's change of temperament. He was snapping back at them more, deducting unreasonable amount of points for very trivial things, among other things. Students were now often heard conversing over what they had done wrong to cause such a change. Albus knew Kiki was unaware of her husband reverting back to his old self in the classroom because at home, he was still the gentle father and husband she had known these past seven years. As far as the Dumbledores and Lupins were concerned, that was how it was going to stay.

But it didn't. Two days later, that Monday, Severus Snape did something he hadn't done in eight years. He made a student cry. The third year Ravenclaw ran out of the room (with Professor Snape drawling, "That'll be twenty points from Ravenclaw, Miss Munch!") and right past Kiki, tears clearly streaming down her face. The Auror was coming home for some lunch and was quite surprised. She immediately tracked down her best friend—the Defense professor has some 'splaining to do.

Severus walked into his personal quarters and collapsed on the nearest chair. He felt Madison crawl up on to his lap and clutch his robes. He ran a hand through her black curls and smiled. Within seconds, the two were out like lights. That's how Kiki, who had just returned from work, found them. She smiled a little as she lifted Madison out of her husband's lax arms. She knew the girl would be more comfortable in her own crib. Kiki returned to the living room, now debating whether to let her husband sleep or wake him up to discuss what Harmony had told her during the Spanish Inquisition at lunchtime. She decided and walked over to the fireplace…

An hour later, Severus woke up to see his wife sitting on their coffee table, right in front of him. "Good morning," he said, a smile tugging at his lips. She didn't reply. "What's the matter?" he asked.

"We need to talk."

"About?"

"About you."

Damn! How did she find out about his classroom persona? "Then there's nothing to discuss," he snapped, getting up.

"Oh no, Severus Snape! Sit!" she said, wielding something white and plastic at him. He paled though and sat down promptly. Damn Bianca, she gave Kiki the Spatula of Death! "Good boy," Kiki said, returning to her own seat. "Now, about your recent behavior in the classroom…"

"Who told you?" Severus asked, eyes narrowed.

Kiki sighed. "I pulled it out of Harmony after a crying Ravenclaw passed me when I came home for lunch," she explained. "Now, care to explain why you feel the need to go back to the evil greasy git I thought I had gotten rid of eight years ago?" Severus didn't respond, but dropped his gaze into his lap. "Severus, we'll find Sam. But taking out your frustrations about Malfoy on your poor, unsuspecting classes won't help. You hear me?"

Severus didn't respond, but pulled in and kissed her gently, before gaining more passion. The Spatula of Death dropped from her hands as she went lax in his arms. He picked her up and carried her to their bedroom.

"Kiki made me tell her," Harmony said, flatly, later that night. She and Remus were in bed, both with lesson plans open. He stopped making notes and looked at her, silently motioning for her to continue. "Apparently, Severus made a student cry today and Kiki saw the girl run from the room. She came up and wouldn't let me go anywhere until I told her that Severus had slipped back into his old personality in the classroom."

"She must not have been happy, I take it?"

"She borrowed the Spatula of Death from Bianca."

"Oh dear Merlin!" Remus said, dropping the book. "I do not want to be in the dungeons right now."

"Neither do I," Harmony said, closing her book. She moved closer to her husband and laid her head on his chest. He dimmed the candles as the couple tried to get any sleep. "Though I know it must be tough for them. Imagine if we found out Lucius had disappeared with Jamie? Or Lily? Or even Rawlins…I don't know."

"Shh," Remus replied, kissing the top of her head. "They'll be fine. If those two could get through Severus' days as a spy, they can get through this."

Bianca leaned back at her desk, deciding to watch her sleeping husband. He looked absolutely adorable. He had kicked off the top blankets and the main sheet was twisted about his legs. One arm dangled off the bed while the other rested above his head. His mouth was opening and she could see the start of drool hanging out. She smiled; all in all, he was rather cute in bed. As much as she wished to go over there and join him, she needed to finish her latest column.

After getting her boys back, Bianca contacted the new paper her mother was telling her about, The Wizarding Times. A reporter there was given the exclusive story about the return of the kidnapped children. The Daily Prophet received quite a slap from that, especially as the other newspaper mentioned all the fallacies their competition had printed. People, naturally, were outraged that the newspaper would take advantage of the war heroes during a trying time. The Wizarding Times also printed up little stories every so often asking for information about Samantha Snape, which unfortunately had yet to turn up leads. To add to the Prophet's shame, Bianca handed in her last column and resignation the same day the editors were gathering information to print a retraction of all of Evelyn Wita's stories. She was dismissed and, from what Bianca heard, was told to change her field of study since her journalistic reputation was now shot to hell. Bianca's column now resided in The Wizarding Times, which enjoyed a boost in readers thanks to her.

She penned the last word and set it aside. Bianca stretched and extinguished the candles. She was grateful that Sirius had encouraged her to change into pajamas so she could just slip right into bed. She did so and recovered the blankets Sirius pushed to the end of the bed. As she closed her eyes, she felt her husband shift and his arm come around her, pulling her closer. She smiled as he mumbled something incoherent and drifted off to sleep.

It had obviously snowed during the time the play had run. Luke Malon looked down at his little daughter, who clutched his hand tightly while holding a signed program in the other. He remembered how her eyes had lit up when he and Nora led her to the stage door after one of the previews of the new musical "Little Women," and how Sutton Foster (Jo March) had met her. He and Nora had chosen this specifically for their little daughter since she had just finished reading Little Women and loved the character of Jo. Her teachers at school had been impressed that the little first grader could read so well and the principal had put her into a fourth grade reading class. Actually, she didn't belong in first grade at all—it was way below her capabilities. But Luke and Nora wanted her to have some same-age "social connections."

Now, however, Serena Malon was an excited six-years-old who was trying to take in all the sights of the city. She wore a black coat over a navy blue velvet dress, black stockings and black shoes. Blue gloves covered her hands, a blue and black scarf was wrapped around her neck and a blue hat kept her warm. Luke had to give his wife credit, she certainly knew how to dress their daughter. The light turned green and Luke began to walk with Serena, Nora traveling a bit behind, just in case. One never knew in New York City. "Daddy," Serena said, "where are we going?"

"I have a little surprise for you and your mother, sweetheart," Luke responded, making sure not to lose the little girl and her mother in the Manhattan crowd. She smiled and let her father continue leading her down the Manhattan streets. They reached Fifth Avenue and Luke pointed towards a large, Gothic cathedral across the street. "What's that?" he quizzed his little girl.

"Saint Patrick's Cathedral," Serena responded. As always, whenever they passed the Cathedral, she always tried to look to the top of the spires. And as always, she never succeeded.

"One day, little one," her father chuckled. "One day." From St. Patrick's, it was just a short trek to their final destination. People were everywhere this time, and Luke picked his daughter up. Serena sat on her father's shoulders, holding his head for support. She gasped when she saw what Luke had brought her and Nora to see.

"Oh, Luke, the Christmas tree," Nora breathed beside them, winding her arm through her husband's. Indeed, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a long standing tradition in New York City, stood before them in glowing radiance. Many different colored lights illuminated the crowds and cast a glow on the skaters below. The golden angels trumpeted as people laughed and whirled on the ice. "Luke, tomorrow's Saturday, maybe we can teach Serena how to ice skate tomorrow?" Nora asked, smiling at her husband.

"Oh, please, Daddy? Please, can you and Mummy teach me how to skate?" Serena begged, looking down on her father. Luke laughed. It was his daughter's first Christmas in New York City and she wanted to do everything.

"Certainly. But we also have tickets for the 'Nutcracker' tomorrow as well," Luke replied. "And we still have to plan a day to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Rena, honey, can you show Daddy where the Radio City Music Hall is?"

"It's across the street, silly," Serena answered before yawning.

"Uh oh, it looks like I'm going to have to call Lars to come pick us up," Nora replied, pulling out her cell phone. "We don't want to take this sleepy head onto the subway. Not this late, anyway."

Lars loved picking up the Malons; they were his favorite clients. Lars' company was the official drivers of a fancy Wall Street firm, for which Mr. Malon was high up in the company. Mrs. Malon, he knew, was involved in the fashion world, free lancing at many of New York's fashion businesses. He saw many rich families of businessmen and women sit in his limo, but few showed the love Luke and Nora had for each other and for little Serena. Lars smiled at the memory of the bouncy, vivacious blonde who loved to sit up front with him as he drove. She asked many questions about New York City, having grown up in the English countryside until her father was promoted. Tonight was not going to be one of those nights as he opened the door for Mr. Malon, who was carrying a drowsy Serena. "Hi, Lars," she said, before closing her eyes. Mrs. Malon got into the limo and Lars shut the door. He got into the driver's seat and checked the family in the back. Luke and Nora sat close together, allowing Serena to stretch out and sleep on both their laps. With a chuckle, he raised the partisan and drove off. The traffic, despite the city being even more so crowded than usual due to the holiday crowd, wasn't bad and Lars soon found himself dropping the family off at their house on Third Avenue between East 67th and East 72nd Streets.

Lars was not a wizard. Fortunately, many of the people the Malons came in contact with were muggles. Not something the magical couple was happy about, but it kept them safe. That way no one suspected that Luke and Nora Malon were really Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Fudge nor that little Serena was really the twice kidnapped Samantha Snape. Lucius had wanted to raise Sam as Serena into a proper Slytherin witch, but found it highly difficult to do so with all their friends being muggles. He had to admit (with a growing reluctance) that the muggles were not half as bad as they seemed and he submersed his little family into the arts of the culture. He also found that as he awoke each day to Narcissa laying out one of his suits before rushing to dress Sam, he was realizing what a marriage really was—an equal partnership built on love. As for Sam, well, Serena, she was showing him how his relationship with Draco soured. He found himself being tenderer (surely, his parents must be rolling in their graves!) with the girl, patting her head or carrying her or just letting her sit on his lap as he corrected her homework. He had never tucked in Draco as a child, feeling the boy should learn some independence, but now would always call from the office if he had to work late to hear Serena's sweet voice say, "Night, Daddy. Love you."

That night was no exception. Even half asleep, Serena managed to mumble out those words. Lucius kissed her forehead before letting Narcissa change her. He stood in the doorway for a bit, watching his wife coddle and fuss over the child. She should've had a girl to dress up, he realized, they should've had more children after Draco. He walked into their bedroom and sat down on the bed. He realized he was changing and wondered if it were the same things that caused his former old friend and son's godfather to melt his cold exterior. Did that Gryffindor whore and sweet Samantha break him down into the kind man Severus Snape was today? The kind of man no one in the Slytherin class of 1978 (or Lucius, who was 1971) would've imagined the loner to become?

The thought of Severus Snape drew Lucius back into the reality of the situation. He and Narcissa had kidnapped Snape's little girl and made her their own. She didn't remember she was ever Samantha Kristin Snape, she was always Serena Narcissa Malon. When Lucius first became conscious of his rather non-Slytherin displays of affection, he used to tell himself he was trying not to cause too much of a change. Sam was used to a different type of home. But then reason won out, reminded him Sam no longer existed and that he was becoming an old softie. Well, as long as no one said it aloud, nothing was to be feared. Okay, maybe Narcissa could say it…He shook his head, changed and laid down as his wife entered the room and prepared for bed. She lay down, wrapped an arm around his body and fell asleep. Lucius smiled. All their days looked happy at this rate. But it wouldn't last.

A/N: I got tickets to see "Avenue Q"! I'm so excited…I was one of the last people to get a place holder from College Activities (once those go, the show's sold out). Anyway, I hope everyone had a happy Halloween cause I know I did. I got to see "The Rocky Horror Show" twice—the last time was a sold-out midnight showing with the audience getting really into it. Especially the director who was shouting everything from the back of the theatre. Thanks to all my reviewers:

Magnificent the Destroyer Lord: Hope you got my e-mail. Your address didn't make it, but I got it off your profile page.

SarahtheBardess: I've always differentiated between wolf!Remus and human!Remus by calling the werewolf "Moony." I don't know why people don't…but it's how they see it. It's a stern warning in the "I'll know if you don't and then you'll be really sorry, mister" type of way. Bianca didn't want something else to think about…she wanted her boys back! I was like "Neville hasn't been a major player yet…he should find the children!" I found the name Rawlins from the online name dictionary at Which is also an awesome resource for women in general. It means "Son of a little wise wolf"—appropriate, no? I liked your idea, but that's not what happens, as you can see. I don't think anyone but Dumbledore cares for lemon drops. Thanks for the offer. I may take you up on it…sometime.

cerzee: Rawlins is remarkably brave. And all the children are happy to be home. And Sam's fine.

blindbella: Thanks. I will.

Okay…well, 15 days till "Goblet of Fire," 22 till "Rent," and 54 till Christmas! Just so you know…Mac