Disclaimer: Don't own it, unfortunately…..

Thanks Mak for being such an awesome beta

So, I did get ten reviews. Maybe not ten for one chapter…but hey I didn't specify so, yeah. PLEASE review, you know you want to.

A/N: Thoughts are in italics

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Chapter Twenty-One

Discussions and Disagreements

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Once Alex finished cleaning up the wrapping paper and sorted the presents under the tree, he went to his room to open the presents he received from his friends. As with the previous years, he collected the same items. CD's, posters of his favorite Quidditch players, vintage t-shirts, and wizard trading cards. His favorite present, a gift from Hermione, was a potions book entitled Rare and Revolutionary Results: A Potions Text. Alex had never heard of it before, but, skimming the pages quickly he thought it would be an excellent book. He hoped Hermione liked the gift he gave her. Well, time will tell, he thought as he threw the wrapping paper away.

He walked back into the living room to see his father and grandmother reading books. His grandfather was playing with the television trying to get the sound to work. Alex chuckled as he came around to sit beside his grandfather on the floor. "You have to use this remote to turn on the speakers," Alex said as he handed the small black remote to him.

"Well, that doesn't seem logical," Albus quipped as he started to flip through the stations.

"Not many muggle inventions make sense," Severus chimed in after a snort.

Alex rolled his eyes at his father and settle down on the couch beside him to read his new potions book. It wasn't long before he was fast asleep.

Alex woke a little before lunch to the aroma of chicken soup emanating from the kitchen. He yawned and sat up to find his father still seated in the same position. "You haven't moved yet?" Alex asked.

Severus never took his eyes off the page as he replied, "No, I haven't had the need to."

"Who is cooking soup?"

"That would be your grandfather. Minerva has claimed dinner so Albus took over the kitchen."

"Is he a good cook?" Alex asked raising an eyebrow, much like his father.

Severus laughed, "And spoil the surprise for you? Never."

Alex shook his head and went downstairs to see how Albus and Minerva were doing in the kitchen.

Albus was whistling while stirring the pot of soup and Minerva was preparing a turkey for baking.

"It smells good in here," Alex said with a laugh as he sat down at the small table.

"Well, of course, I would never prepare anything ghastly, would I?" Albus questioned merrily.

"I suppose not," Alex said as he winked at his grandmother. She grinned knowing Alex knew, already, when to humor his grandfather.

"Oh, Alex, of course he would. He has fixed some horrid meals in his days," Minerva said, loving the affronted look on Albus's face.

Alex smiled and clapped his hands together, "What has been the worst?" he questioned anxiously.

"I honestly don't know what horrid meals you are referring to, my dear," Albus was still stirring the pot, adding some seasoning every now and then. "I have enjoyed every meal I have ever cooked, well, minus that one time when I was a young lad."

"Albus you can't lie to me. I certainly know plenty of meals that made me and Aurora flee from the dinner table. For instance, that time you tried to make spaghetti sauce out of salsa." Minerva scrunched up her face, "Ugh, bloody awful."

The old man chucked to himself as he kept his eyes on the pot. That incident had been quite hysterical. He had made a bet with himself as to how long it would take his wife and daughter to become disgusted with the meal and go elsewhere. Needless to say, he won; they left in less than five minutes. Albus ended up owing himself a bag of lemon drops.

Lunch was light and afterwards they decided to go for a stroll in the city. They walked by Rockafeller Center and looked at the huge Christmas tree. Alex smiled as he was reminded of how much his mother had loved that tree; it was her favorite thing to go ice skating out there.

In memory of his mother he took some time to skate around the rink a few times. Severus, Minerva, and Albus watched him for some time; all of them thinking of Aurora. Albus and Minerva were thinking of their little girl and how they would have loved dearly to been there when Alex was growing up. They had mourned their daughter so much and it was difficult for them to let go. It was hard on them to have to bury their daughter at such a young age. Severus was watching his son as he skated around thinking of his beloved wife and how much he missed her. He always loved her carefree spirit and he would give almost anything to see her smile and hear her laugh one more time. Alex was his only link to Aurora and he swore to himself in that instant that he would never let Alex meet the same fate his mother had. I promise Aurora; and as soon as he said that a gust of wind blew right by him ruffling his hair.

Alex had also been thinking of his mother. His thoughts were of their vacations and occasional rows they had during school. He never thought that one day he would miss those confrontations, but now, he wished he had his mother to fight with. I have Dad now, he thought, as he gazed up at his father. Alex smiled as he skated around one more time before taking his skates off.

Severus had walked down to where Alex had exited. Severus noticed the far away look on his son's face and knew that they were thinking about the same person. As Alex stood up with his skates in hand, Severus put his hand on Alex's shoulder and pulled him into a quick, reassuring hug. It was exactly what Alex had needed and as he pulled away from his father he said, "Thanks, Dad."

Severus simply nodded and shrunk Alex's skates. Severus knew that once they were back at Hogwarts he would not be able to comfort his son publicly. He hoped his son would understand.

The new family walked around the city for a few more hours before they headed back for dinner, Minerva still needed more time in the kitchen to prepare her meal.

XXX

Two days later, Albus was sitting on the couch looking out the window in deep concentration. He had been continuously thinking about Tom Riddle and what to do about Harry. The boy needed to learn to occlude his mind, even more so because he wanted to be informed about Order business. Albus knew that the best person to teach Harry to occlude his mind was Severus. Which led to another problem; trying to persuade Severus into teaching Harry Occlumency. Severus could be unbearably stubborn when he didn't want to do something; especially if it involved the Boy-Who-Lived.

Albus knew he had to discuss this with Severus, and he absolutely dreaded it. He hated putting Severus in this kind of position. There was no secret as to how much he detested the boy. However, Severus would have to swallow his pride and help the boy learn Occlumency.

How many times will I have to ask Severus to do these things? I know he won't want to do this. Not at all. But he must, I don't have time to teach Harry myself and Severus is truly skilled in this subject. Gods how I hate doing this to him. I'm so sorry Aurora that I put him through all this.

Albus was not even aware of Alex joining him on the couch and shaking his arm to rouse him from his musings. "Grandpa? Are you alright?" he asked concerned.

"Hm?" Albus replied airily, before jolting from his thoughts. "Oh, yes, I'm fine my boy. Perfectly fine."

"You looked out of it. Are you sure you're alright?" Alex didn't believe him and Albus still looked lost in thought.

"If you could fetch your father, I would be grateful," Albus said rising from the couch, starting to pace in front of the television.

"Ok." Alex got up and went to his father's bedroom. He knocked on the door and waited for his father to give him the affirmative to enter. Alex found his father sitting in his bed reading a book. He looked very relaxed in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shit, black, of course. "Hi, Dad," Alex said as he flopped down on the bed beside his father.

Severus simply grunted and nodded his head as he continued to read his book. "Grandpa wanted to talk to you about something."

"Mmmm, how surprising," Severus answered as he closed the book and looked down at his son. "Do you know what the crazy old man wants from me?"

Alex laughed and answered in the negative. "Sorry, Dad, I can't help you there."

"Well then, what good are you?" Severus said jokingly.

"I dunno. I can waste space pretty well."

"Why exactly do I keep you around then?" Severus quipped as he rose from the bed.

"Not too sure. Maybe because I'm your son and you love me?" Alex answered innocently.

"Perhaps," was all Severus said as he stretched and started to head for the door. "Are you coming?"

"Nah, I think I might take a nap." Severus closed the door, but not before he noticed his son slipping between the sheets to go to sleep. He sighed contentedly as he walked down the hall. He was still unfamiliar with the normalcy of his life as of late. At times he had a hard time figuring it all out, but now, when he was content he didn't care. All that mattered was that boy sleeping in the other room.

As he walked into the living room he immediately noticed Albus pacing. It wasn't unusual for Albus to pace, but, when he asked for Severus and was pacing, it meant trouble for him. He sighed loudly as he sat in the arm chair. "You wanted to speak with me Albus?"

"Yes, I did," Albus started as he looked at Severus. "I don't think you will be very happy to discuss this, but it is a matter of grave importance."

"I am listening," Severus responded as he leaned back and waited for the proverbial shit to hit the fan.

"I have been pondering this problem for some time and I am in a bit of a conundrum." At this, Albus paused to look at the young man sitting before him.

"Please, continue," Severus said with a wave of his hand.

"Very well. This concerns Harry. I fear that Tom might be trying to influence Harry through his dreams."

Severus's brow furrowed in thought. "His dreams?" he asked.

"With their connection I feel that Tom can sense Harry and while he is asleep, project dreams that will make Harry do his bidding." Albus kept pacing, moving a little slower as he contemplated his next statement. "I believe that Harry needs to learn Occlumency in order to stop these dreams."

"Hmm," was all Severus could do. He knew what was coming next and he didn't want to hear it. Not one word of it. However, Severus wanted the Headmaster to come right out and say it before they started their inevitable argument about this.

"I know you will not want to do this, but Severus, I need your help. I need you to teach him Occlumency." Albus waited for Severus to react.

And react he did. "Absolutely not!" Severus yelled as he stood up. "I refuse. You can teach that blasted boy Occlumency. I am not wasting my time with him. He doesn't pay attention to anything I say in Potions. How do you expect him to learn Occlumency. He is too dunderheaded to grasp it."

"Severus give the boy a little bit of credit. He's not a complete dunderhead, as you like to say."

"Ha! Don't insult me. You know he will not take it seriously. No, Albus, I will not do it. There is no way you can make me do it," Severus was livid. There was nothing the old man could say to make him do it.

"Please, Severus. I am asking this as a favor," Albus looked at him pleadingly. "I unfortunately do not have time, what with Order business and other escapades you are well aware of."

"Absolutely not!" Severus maintained his resistance.

"Severus! I need you to do this for me!"

"This will take away my time with my son. I will not have that brat disrupting my time with Sebastian."

"You can schedule the lessons whenever you like. Perhaps on days you aren't making Potions with him." Albus knew this was going to be a hard sell and Severus was not relenting.

"Why do you do this to me Albus?" Severus questioned.

"I am truly sorry Severus. I know of your strong dislike for Harry, but he really is not all that bad. If you just gave him a chance…" Albus left off as he sat down in the couch.

"He is just like his father. There is nothing to disprove otherwise," Severus said crossing his arms.

"Severus I am going to ask you one more time to do this for me." His patience was running thin now. Still, he didn't want to make Severus do this.

"I say again, no."

"Severus you will do this. This is just as important for you as it is for him."

"And how exactly do you reason that?"

"Harry knows that you are a spy for the Order. If Tom ever got that bit of information out of him then it would mean grave danger for you." Albus knew it was a bit of a low shot but he had to do it.

"Why me? Why can't any other professor teach him this?"

"There are not as talented as you are with this skill," was Albus's reply.

"He will not want to do this. And I still refuse."

"Mr. Potter will do this. He has to. You must teach him Severus."

Severus leaned forward. "No."

"Severus! Stop being so difficult." Albus was getting annoyed now. "Bloody hell! Severus I am giving you no choice. You will do this."

"What! You have no right to demand this of me," Severus stood glaring down at the headmaster.

Albus stood now and looked him in the eye. "Your job depends on it Severus."

"Now you threaten my job? After I inform you of your grandson and invite you into our home! This is entirely unfair and I do not appreciate you taking advantage of me like this! I never expected this from you," he said with a sneer. In a deadly whisper he added, "And I'm sure Aurora would be just as astounded, and angry, as I am."

"You do not need to bring her into this. It was never my intention to make you do this Severus. You must see how important this is."

"Fine," he growled as he started to stalk from the room.

"I am sorry, my boy," Albus said.

"You most certainly are not," he added, not looking back.

Albus sighed as he addressed Severus once more. "We can tell Harry about all of this on Monday at Grimmauld Place."

"Very well," Severus said as he continued out of the room disgusted. He needed to relax and get his mind off of having to deal with the Boy-Who-Lived outside of class.

XXX

He burst into his room and was about to slam the door when he remembered that Alex was still sleeping. Catching the door he closed it silently as to not disturb his son. He stood over his son watching him sleep peacefully. Severus ran a hand through his long black locks thinking about his conversation with Albus.

The old man had some nerve demanding that Severus teach the great Harry Potter Occlumency. Deep down he knew that the boy needed to learn this skill. If the headmaster was correct in his assumption that Voldemort was influencing his dreams then it was logical to assume that he could also get information from Harry. It would be disastrous if Severus was found out. Voldemort would have no qualms about killing him. Before, Severus never truly cared about whether he lived or died through this war. He always thought he wouldn't make it, but, now that he had a son, he wanted to live. He wanted to watch his son grow up.

If he had to do this, he would do it for his son. He couldn't let Alex down and if Severus was killed he didn't know how Alex would react. The boy had been through enough as it was.

Severus sat on the side of the bed and put his hand on Alex's cheek. As he was watching the rising and falling of his son's chest he knew he would do anything to keep him safe and happy. If teaching Harry bloody Potter Occlumency was what needed to be done to keep him safe, then so be it. Though, it didn't mean he had to be thrilled about it.

He kissed his son on the forehead, before he stood up and walked to the other side, grabbing his book from the bedside table. He settled back into the bed and continued to read. Thoughts of Occlumency and Potter flew from his mind.

XXX

Sunday was rather tense, due to the fact that Severus was blatantly ignoring Albus. If he could avoid it he wouldn't even be in the same room with the old wizard for more than five minutes. Albus took it well; he certainly knew Severus' moods well enough to know that he needed time to be angry. He also knew that Severus would eventually let go of his anger. He wouldn't forgive Albus but he wouldn't be as snarky.

Alex didn't understand why his father was in a bad mood or why that mood always seemed to grow whenever his grandfather was in the room. Deciding to not ask either man he resorted to his grandmother. She had to know what was wrong with them. He just hoped she told him. "Grandma, what is wrong with them?" he asked anxiously as he flopped down beside her on the couch.

"They had a disagreement. Don't worry yourself about it, your father will come to terms with it soon enough," Minerva replied as she flipped a page in her book.

"How can you be so calm about it? They won't even talk to each other. Er, well, Dad won't talk to Grandpa," Alex said before he put a throw pillow over his face and let out a disgusted, "Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr."

Minerva chuckled lightly at her grandson. He just didn't understand his father's relationship with Albus. She had tons of experience with their arguments and how it was best to simply not get involved. She always liked to think of it as a game. Albus would ask Severus to do something he knew the young man would hate and, in turn, Severus would disagree and they would both be at odds for some time. Over time they would be alright and have a hearty chat over tea.

Minerva thought her husband was incorrigible. He never seemed to be able to let Severus live without making him unhappy every now and then. It bothered her sometimes because over the years she thought of Severus as the son she never had. She and Albus had rows about how he treated Severus at times. Albus never let up and always shrugged his shoulders, ate a lemon drop, and changed the subject. She thought it had to do with Albus's need to be in control of situations, and people.

Severus just could not say "no" enough. He tried as hard as he could and she laughed at how many times that word came out of his mouth. It seemed, at times, that word was the only one he knew to say to Albus.

She was happy that they had gone this long without an argument. But, Albus had horrible timing and Minerva wished that he could have waited until break was over before angering Severus. It wasn't helping Alex to see his father and grandfather quarrelling.

She said as much last night when Albus came into the room after their one-sided discussion. "Why do you continually do this to him, Albus?" she asked as she laid her book down on her lap.

"Minerva dear, I don't do it on purpose, but, things need to be done to insure the safety of Mr. Potter, and consequently the Order. He desperately needs Occlumency lessons," he sighed as he started to change for bed.

"You could have asked another professor. Any other professors would have gladly assisted Harry in that endeavor. You know it too," she said narrowing her eyes at her husband.

"Minnie, please do not lecture an old man at such an hour. I am in desperate need of a good nights rest." Albus had stretched out in bed and was fluffing the pillow behind his head.

"One day, I hope Severus gets you good. It's the least you deserve. And you are wrong about making Severus do this. I know how skilled he is in Occlumency, but he has enough on his plate to worry about. You always seem to add more weight to his burden than is necessary. I hope you don't break him because I won't stand by and let you get away with it," Minerva declared honestly. She meant every word of that. There was no way Albus was going to hurt her grandson's father. She shuddered to think what it would do to Alex if something happened to Severus.

Minerva was brought of her musings when Alex laid down, perpendicular to her so his head was near her lap. "There is no need to worry yourself over the insignificant arguments between your father and grandfather. They eventually work things out. It is how they do things."

"It's just, I don't know, I don't want them arguing. That's all," Alex said as he played with the buttons on his shirt.

"I understand completely, as I feel the same way you do."

"Do they fight a lot?" Alex questioned.

"Well it depends. Sometimes a lot and other times not at all. It just depends on what is happening in the wizarding world." Minerva knew he would ask more questions and prepared herself for it.

"Why do they argue about that? Is it because of Dad's involvement with Voldemort?" Minerva slightly winced at the name, but she was getting better with that.

"Yes and no. I'm afraid if you want these answers you might as well go ask the two feuding males in the house," Minerva said hoping that effectively stopped his inquisition.

"Ok," Alex said sleepily as he nodded off for a nap.

XXX

Some time later, Minerva rose from her seat on the couch to find the brooding potions master. He was, as she assumed, in his room. He was grading papers as he sat on top of his bed. "You know, it's not good to do work on the place you rest," she quipped as she walked toward the bed.

"Minerva you have told me this more times than I have heard 'brush your teeth before you go to bed,'" he sneered half-heartedly. "I am well aware of that fact, but it is nonetheless relaxing. I find I can be just as vile and evil grading papers here as I can at my desk. I might as well be comfortable," Severus answered as he wrote a scathing remark in the margin of a second year Hufflepuff's essay.

She couldn't help but laugh; Severus's dry wit was always amusing and never boring. "Well, I wanted to let you know that I am in complete disagreement with Albus on these Occlumency lessons." Severus raised his head and looked at Minerva. "Your son also does not realize that this argument between you two is short lived. It pains him to know you two are fighting."

Severus sighed as he put the essays on the table, turning all of his attention to the elderly Gryffindor in front of him. "I gathered as much. I did not mean for Alex to be in anguish over our argument, but, I suppose I should talk with him about these normal occurrences."

"I believe that would be a wise decision Severus." Minerva had noticed the slight change in Severus already, and she was pleased. "I do believe Alex is a good influence on you," she said with a smile.

Severus grumbled before replying, "Yes, I suppose. I just hope he understands things will unfortunately have to change when we get back to Hogwarts. I can't let my cover slip."

"Talk to him. He will understand."

"I certainly hope so. And no matter what Albus bloody Dumbledore says I am not letting these Occlumency with Boy Wonder ruin my time with Sebastian."

"If it becomes too much let me know and I will deal with Albus blood Dumbledore," she said smiling. "Talk to your son and goodnight."

Severus sat on his bed for a few minutes thinking about his conversation with Minerva and how he should approach this topic with Sebastian. Sighing, he stood up and made his way to see his son.

XXX

Alex was laying in bed trying to fall asleep. He found sleep difficult because he had a lot on his mind. Deep down he knew the fight between his father and grandfather was trivial, but it still bothered him to know that they didn't get along. He had just found his family and he did not want them fighting all the time. Alex just hoped that things would get better and the two would fight less. Somehow he didn't imagine that happening.

Before he could think more on it, there came a knock on his door, followed by the entrance of his father. "Hey, Dad," he said as he folded his hands behind his head.

"Sebastian," Severus said as he walked into the room. "Do you mind if we have a little chat?"

"No. What's up?" Alex questioned. Severus sat down on the edge of the bed facing Alex.

"I wanted to discuss a few things with you." He waited until his son nodded in understanding. "I know that you are aware of my argument with Albus." Again Alex nodded and Severus continued, "You must not let these trouble you. They are merely disagreements; nothing more."

"What was the fight about?" Alex asked.

"That, young man, is between your grandfather and me. Like I said, it is not something you should worry about."

"Easier said than done," Alex replied.

"Indeed," Severus smirked at his son. That was something he would say in a situation similar to this. "I want you to know that this does happen, but most adults argue. Most adults just need time to come to terms with things as well." Severus realized it was getting easier to talk to his son. In a few days time, he was able to open up to his son and not worry that Sebastian would dislike him. "There is something else we need to discuss as well. Tomorrow, your grandfather and I will be going to London for a quick trip. We will not be gone long, but if you wish to accompany us you are more than welcome."

"Yeah, definitely! Who's in London that we are visiting?" he asked in excitement.

"Just business," Severus said slyly. He wanted his son to be surprised. Severus knew he wasn't expecting to be able to see Hermione tomorrow. He just hoped Albus didn't open his big mouth and ruin the surprise. "Now, when we are settling our business you know you will not be able to address me as Dad. We need to act like we know nothing of our relationship. I don't want to put you in any danger."

"I understand. It's just like last term right?"

"Yes, just like last term. Don't take it personally if I just brush you off. I must keep up appearances you know."

Alex laughed, "Alright Dad, I'll take your attitude with a grain of salt."

"Good. Well then," Severus said standing, "goodnight son."

Alex yawned, "Goodnight Dad."

Severus watched his son drift into sleep amazed at how comfortable and trusting Sebastian was around him. The corners of his lips turned up in a quick smile before he became stoic once again. He could not allow himself to smile too much. It could be a deadly act for him. They would have to have another talk about returning to Hogwarts before they left. Severus wanted to make a few more things clear about how they should act in public.

Before Severus left he ran his hand over Sebastian's forehead, using his thumb to smooth the wrinkle that had appeared on his son's brow.