DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER

Dec 20th, 1981

Life in Woodland Drive was certainly beautiful. Harry and Susan seemed to love the backyard, and when Lily had once carried each one on a hip to play outside, they had literally screamed in joy.

The Grangers had gotten closer to the family. Hermione in particular had become very close to Harry and Susan. Just a few days ago, Narcissa, Molly, Alice and Andrew had brought their kids over for a play date. Hermione had been there, and everyone had cooed all over her. Molly in fact, had taken quite a liking to her, describing her as a very sweet girl. Hermione had made friends that day with Ron, Draco, Daphne and Neville.

Just the previous day, Eliza had given birth to a baby girl, and she had been named Astoria. The entire family had been happy to see the baby girl in St. Mungo's and Daphne, Harry and Susan had all stared at Astoria with wide open eyes.

Currently, it was 12:30 pm. Lily was sitting in the living room watching Harry and Susan as they played with some toys. It was always lovely to see them, so happy and carefree.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Lily went and opened it after checking through the peephole and was surprised to see a very familiar professor.

Lily gasped in surprise, "Professor Slughorn! It's been ages since we last met!"

Professor Slughorn beamed and moved forward to hug Lily saying, "The last time we saw each other was at Potter Manor a few years ago! And please, just call me Horace."

Suddenly, there was a shout, "Professor, is it really you?! It's been so long! And it's a pleasure to have you here!" and Sirius came down the stairs followed by James and Severus.

"My boys," Horace exclaimed, "I'm so glad to see you all safe and happy!"

After a series of hugs, Sirius lifted Harry and Susan in his arms and said, "Harry, Susie, this is your uncle Horace Slughorn. Say hello."

Harry stared at the old professor for a few moments before shouting, "Slug!"

Susan started laughing and yelled, "Slug!"

Horace beamed and hugged the toddlers exclaiming, "They said my name! Close enough for now you little ones! You must be Harry and Susan! Such sweet children you are!"

Sirius couldn't help chuckling at the two kids calling him 'Slug' but stopped when he noticed Lily giving him a stern look.

Slughorn placed Harry and Susan down on a sofa nearby before turning to Severus and asking, "So how's being an auror these days for you Severus?"

Severus answered, "It's been good so far, but before, I wanted to become a potioneer, perhaps teach. Now that the war's over, I feel the call towards teaching returning to my heart. How have the years been for you Professor?"

Slughorn's expression turned into that of sorrow and stress and he slowly said, "So much war, so many deaths, and several students that graduate either join You-Know-Who or eventually die fighting him and his Death Eaters. In fact, I was so horrified when I heard that the Potters had been attacked; same with the Bones and McKinnons. Poor children! It's just all getting to my head. I've just decided that I can't take it all anymore. I don't know how Albus manages it, but I've decided I can't. In fact, I'm planning to retire soon after this academic year."

The adults looked at Horace in shock. Amelia and Marlene who had just entered the living room were holding Harry and Susan. Amelia slowly said, "It was wonderful to have you as our potions professor."

Horace smiled slightly and replied, "Thank you very much. And by the way, please call me Horace."

That afternoon, just after lunch, Harry and Susan were having a nap, fast asleep in Amelia's lap in the back living room. Just outside in the backyard, Horace was standing with Lily and Severus.

Just then, James stepped into the backyard and walked over to them saying, "Lily, Severus, Horace, Dumbledore's here."

Sure enough, just at that moment, Dumbledore stepped out through the glass door.

Dumbledore waved to them and smiled as he approached them.

Lily spoke, "Good afternoon Dumbledore. How are you?"

Dumbledore replied, "Good afternoon to you too. I'm alright, but there is something of importance regarding Hogwarts that needs to be discussed."

Horace looked at Dumbledore, and said, slightly exasperated, "I've already told you, I don't know how you do it, but I can't. I need to retire."

Dumbledore smiled and said, "I understand. I'm not going to try to force you not to. But it is important that a new potions master is found."

Turning to Severus, he continued, "Severus my boy, you are skilled in potions, and Hogwarts is in need of a potions master. I would like to offer you that position, as well as that of the Head of Slytherin House. If however, you are not interested, I will understand."

Severus' eyes widened. First, the war was over and he felt the desire to teach. Second, Horace Slughorn was retiring. Third, Dumbledore had just offered him the post of potions master in Hogwarts.

On one hand, he wanted to accept Dumbledore's offer. On the other hand, he had already become a renowned auror and wanted to keep the post. He would need time to think about this.

He said, "I will need some time to think about this."

Dumbledore replied, "As much time as you need. But of course, please do let me know soon."

At 4 pm, the kids were wide awake and in the backyard playing. Horace and Dumbledore had left.

Harry and Susan were currently being pulled on a sled by Sirius who was circling some of the trees. Sirius laughed as Harry and Susan screamed in delight. A few minutes later, Harry and Susan got off and together with Sirius, made a tiny snowman.

Just as they had finished, they heard footsteps in the snow and turned to see Amelia advancing towards Harry and Susan, her arms raised and her fingers pointed towards them. As she approached them, she glared playfully and said, "I am your evil auntie, and I'm going to devour you."

Suddenly, Harry and Susan found themselves in the arms of Marlene, who picked them up and said, "Don't worry, I'll save you from evil Auntie Amelia."

Marlene began to run around here and there in the backyard, laughing all the while. Amelia chased them declaring, "They are mine! If you won't let me eat them, then I'll eat you! Harry, Susie, I am going to eat you! And if Aunt Marlene tries to stop me, I'll eat her too!"

Marlene ran to a nearby tree which had a large hollow at the bottom and sat in the hollow whispering, "She won't be able to find us now."

Suddenly, an all too familiar face entered the hollow and looked evilly at them saying, "Now you are in real trouble!"

Marlene gasped as Amelia came in and sat right opposite to her saying, "Now, just give them to me. What if I let you eat one of them?"

Marlene then closed her eyes and moved her head in a circle. She then opened her eyes, smiled at Amelia and bowed dramatically saying, "I am yours to command, Lady Amelia."

Amelia smiled wickedly at Susan and Harry and pulled Susan into her lap saying, "Now, I am going to gobble you up! You are just too cute and I need to be warm just like you."

"Ha ha ha," Marlene pretended to laugh evilly and held Harry in her arms saying, "Now you are mine, and your Aunt Marlene will eat you up! Before that, will you please give me a kiss?"

She moved her face closer to Harry's and kissed his cheek. Harry kissed her back on the cheek.

A few minutes later, two toddlers were being carried back inside by their 'evil aunties' after being 'eaten' with a lot of squealing and laughing.