Christmas Break came with blizzard-like snowfall, but without the blistering winds. Rather, the snow fell almost entirely overnight, nearly knee-deep. Harry joined Severus the first morning of the Holiday, and shared a good laugh with the man over the whispers he was now much more privy to in his new role. The students, with apparently little else to do, were speculating wildly over who two had left the footprints in the snow that crossed the grounds. The very same prints, the gossiping students assured the interested First Years, which had graced the castle grounds the year before. Some brave few from each House claimed to either know or be the mysterious print-makers.

Harry grinned slyly at his companion. "So, what're you getting me for Christmas?" He asked, half-joking. They had not yet discussed an exchange of gifts, but Harry had already bought the man an expensive crystal stirring rod, inlaid with gold filigree specific to dragon ingredients.

"What would you like?" Severus asked seriously, looking down at him with a small half-smile.

Harry sighed wistfully as he stared up into the dark sky above. "To know if I'm advancing properly in my apprenticeship," He said a little gloomily.

"I am afraid I would have no way of gaining such knowledge," Severus admitted, rubbing his thumb soothingly over the back of Harry's hand.

Harry smiled, looking over at the Potions Master. "True, but you could give me the next best thing."

"And what would that be?"

Harry chuckled. "A kiss on New Year's," He joked. "I've never been able to partake in the tradition."

"What of your relationship with Longbottom?" Severus queried, frowning.

"It would hardly have been the same thing," Harry argued lightly. "Even if he hadn't gone home for the holidays."

Severus smirked and lifted Harry's hand to his lips for a light kiss. "No promises."

Harry snickered, nodding. "Fair enough."

-Break-

Despite his misgivings about celebrating any holiday with the people he still sometimes thought of as his professor's, Harry found he enjoyed his first Christmas Break as a member of Hogwarts' staff immensely. He'd received gifts or cards from all of the staff, including a lovely note from the resident Potions Master, and it had eased some of his nervousness over sending them each their own gift, big or small; especially since he hadn't expected anything from any of them besides Hagrid.

On New Year's Eve, Harry joined his colleagues in the teacher's lounge for their festive party. His major concern was of being the odd man out, being new and so recently a student, but the professors of Hogwarts were as welcoming as they had been all year. He was delighted to learn that even the professors whose classes he'd never participated in were very friendly after a few drinks. When the time neared the final countdown to New Years, Harry realized for the umpteenth time that Severus was notably absent. With only fifteen minutes to spare, he screwed his courage down and approached his former Head of House.

"I noticed that Severus hasn't come," He said, hoping he sounded casual.

Minerva giggled, slightly tipsy. "Oh, that stick in the mud never comes to the staff parties unless Albus demands it," She informed Harry. "He's probably down on the fourth floor, making sure the students aren't raiding the kitchens. He always has detentions to hand out."

Harry struggled not to let his disappointment show. "Oh, really?" He asked.

Minerva nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid so. Sometimes I fear for that young man, and how anti-social he can be."

"No kidding," Harry said.

He excused himself and moved away from the major passel of teachers. The Gryffindor leaned against the wall of a dark corner, his hands in his pocket. So, Severus wasn't coming. It explained the 'no promises' reply to his request. At the time, Harry had thought the man was teasing, but now he realized that this time it had apparently actually meant 'no'. With a sigh, Harry decided he was no longer enjoying the party, and moved towards the door. He no longer cared if Minerva connected the dots between his query about Severus' absence and his own leaving, either. Harry just wanted to go to his rooms for a proper sulk.

Most of the way to his rooms, Harry looked up from his feet to find himself in familiar surroundings. Somehow, he'd detoured to his old, semi-hidden corridor from the year before. And halfway down there was a dark figure, vaguely illuminated by moonlight through the single clean window, and backlit by some sort of flickering firelight. Curious, Harry moved down the corridor, approaching the Potions Master. As he drew closer, he saw that the man was smirking, and his special ledge had been made up with a few small pillows, several flickering candles, and a bouquet of black roses.

Harry frowned. "How could you possibly have known I would come here?" He asked in exasperation. "I didn't even know I would come here until I did."

Severus only shrugged and held out his hand in invitation. Harry took the warm hand in his and allowed himself to be pulled against the firm, thin chest. He still really wanted to know how the man seemed to know him better than he knew himself, but it was clear he would get no answer. Severus reached up with his wand and spelled the time to be projected on the wall opposite them. It showed that they had only a few minutes left before the final countdown. A second flick of his wand had soft music filling the air, and Harry chuckled as he was led in a slow dance.

"You do realize that tradition only dictates that you kiss me at midnight," Harry pointed out, fumbling slightly over the simple steps.

"I am aware," Severus answered.

He said nothing else, and Harry decided to let that go as well. They danced together, and Harry slowly picked up the rhythm, forgetting time as they swept together back and forth in front of his special window. Eventually, Severus spoke again.

"Professor Achesan informs me that you're advancing phenomenally well in your apprenticeship," Severus said casually.

Harry froze and gaped at the Potions Master. Before he could speak, in gratitude or amaze he wasn't sure, the giant clock tower of Hogwarts began to chime the hour, echoing distantly off the walls of the school. Severus took the opportunity of Harry's surprise to place a tender kiss on his lips, which he deepened minutely before pulling away.

"Happy New Year, Harry."

Harry grinned as the clock continued to chime. "Happy New Year, Severus."