Thank you for the reviews. From Severus' point of view:

"I got an interesting letter today," I said, trying to keep my voice in check. "You don't want me to be a part of Karina's life anymore?"

Anna looked surprised for a moment before a thunderous look covered her face.

"Let me see the letter," she said, looking and sounding as angry as I felt.

From the pocket of my trousers, I pulled out the offensive letter and handed it to her. She scanned it quickly, her brows furrowing.

"I cannot believe that woman," she said while crumpling the paper in her hand. "I don't know who she thinks she is. Karina is my daughter, and I'll care for her how I see fit."

My eye brows rose as she threw the crumpled letter into the fire.

"Honestly, Severus." Karina folder her arms over her chest and turned toward me. "I hope you don't listen to that witch. You're a valuable part of our family, and I will not be bullied into letter you out of our lives."

"Who was that letter from?" I asked. "It wasn't marked."

"From Alex's, my late husband's mother," she said through her teeth. "We had them over for dinner last night. That woman told me that she wouldn't allow me to let you be a part of our lives, which is totally ridiculous, especially considering our strong feelings for you."

Anna's entire face turned red at her words. What could she mean?

"You mean, how strongly Karina feels for me?" I asked; I had to know.

"No, not just her," Anna said, looking into my eyes.

My brows furrowed as hope blossomed in my chest, despite my efforts to stop it. There was no way she meant it in the way that I hoped she did. Anna was young, beautiful, and could have any man she wanted. I was old, ugly, crabby, and unlovable.

All of these thoughts flew from my mind as Anna stepped closer to me.

"Karina's not the only one with strong feelings for you, Severus," Anna said her hands coming to rest on my chest. "I care for you, Severus, more than just friends."

My mouth fell open as the meaning of her words hit me. Surely she couldn't mean … My hands came up to clasp both of hers. My eyes bore into hers, and I sensed she was telling the truth. She did care for me and wanted me as something more.

"I don't deserve you," I whispered.

"I deserve you," she replied. "A man who cares for me and my daughter, something that I thought was impossible after we lost Alex. Please don't push us away."

One of her hands stayed clasped in mine while the other hand came to cup my cheek.

"You're an amazing man, Severus." Anna gave me a gentle smile as I leaned into her touch.

"You're amazing yourself."

Anna laughed as she hugged me. I allowed to be drawn into the warmth of her embrace and rested my cheek against her head. I closed my eyes as I accepted the rare human contact that I got.

"Will you allow me to court you?" I asked.

"Court me?" Anna's head shot up. "It's that a little old fashioned?"

"Yes, but I want to do this properly," I told her.

"You may court me then."

I accepted another hug from her, cradling the most precious gift in my arms.

"Oh my goodness, Severus. I want to give you your present," Anna exclaimed, pulling away from me.

Merlin, she's beautiful, I thought. And she's agreed to court me.

"Open it, Severus," Anna said, holding up a wrapped box, and I realized that I'd been staring at her for too long.

I cleared my throat as I accepted the package. I tore open the wrapping and lifted the lid off the box. My mouth fell open when I saw the title of the book.

"Where did you find this?" I asked.

"It took me awhile, but I knew you appreciate it," Anna explained. "Do you like it?"

"It's amazing, my dear," I said, taking her hand in mine and kissed the top of it.

Not letting go of her hand, I put down my new book and reached into my pocket to pull out a black box.

Good thing I didn't get rid of it in my anger, I thought.

"This is for you," I told her.

Regrettably, she let go of my hand to open the box. A gasp escaped her lips when she opened it.

"Oh, Severus," she said in awe. "It's perfect."

A smile lit up her whole face because of me.

"Will you put it on me?" she asked.

I nodded as I carefully took the locket out of the case. Anna turned around and moved her voluptuous hair out of the way. I couldn't help but breathing in her sent as I placed the locket around her neck. My arms wound their way around her waist as she studied the locket with one hand while the other rested on my arm.

"I love it," she whispered. "Thank you, Severus."

Anna turned in my arms, her eyes met mine. Her blazing look shot straight to my heart, and I looked down at her lips. Just as I started to lean my head down, there was a knock at the door, causing us to jump apart. Anna went toward the door to open it, and my arms were left cold and lonely. I grumbled under my breath, causing Anna to giggle. She opened the door to Minerva, who received an ice glare from me. A large amount of presents were floating in the air behind her.

"Good evening, Anna," Minerva said, hugging her. "I see that you're spending time with Severus, who is always in a cheery mood."

I rolled my eyes as Anna and I took the gifts to put them under the small tree I put in my room; no doubt they were for Karina.

"I hoped that I could eat dinner with you, then open presents with you. I had to be with the students earlier," Minerva explained as she sat on the chair closest to the fire.

I sat in the love seat, and was surprised when Anna sat next to me, putting her hand on mine. Minerva's eyebrows rose when I threaded my fingers through Anna's.

What would happen if Minerva wasn't here? I thought.

An image of Anna and I intertwined blossomed in my mind, and I pushed the thoughts out of my mind. A few moments later, a beady eyed Karina came out of her room and sat on my lap. She snuggled into my chest as she woke up. I met Anna's eyes as she watched me with our daughter. The warmth in her eyes hit me like a ton of bricks. This woman really did care about me.

After Karina was fully awake, she opened a few gifts from Minerva, including some candy that we had had to keep until a later date. We'd have plenty of sweets tonight, and Karina wasn't happy. I was surprised when Minerva gave me another book along with some gloves. I thanked her before ordering our large dinner from the house elves.

We ate for an hour until we couldn't eat anymore. Everyone earned a hug from Minerva after desert. Since Karina was going to stay in my rooms for the night, I gave her a bath and put her to bed. She fell asleep on the bed with Snow White curled up together. It looked like they'd be lifelong friends.

Walking back into the living room, Anna had Christmas music playing on the wireless. She stood by the fire, and looked at me as I walked into the rooms. Her eyes held mine as my strong feelings for her pounded through my chest. These feelings I had for Lily hadn't compared in comparison to the ones I had for Anna.

"Will you dance with me, Severus?" she asked by the fire.

I nodded as I moved by her side. It had been years since I danced, but with Anna the skill returned naturally as I took her in my arms. She leaned her head against my shoulder as I held her close.

"Thank you for making this Christmas special, Severus," she said softly.

"You're welcome," I told her.

We gently swayed in silence, enjoying each other's company.

I love reviews!