"How was your summer, my boy?" Filius asked, placing a hand on Severus's knee.

Severus looked down at him. "It was nice, thank you. And yours?"

"Oh, it was nice to be home for a few months. I got in some good reading, took some time with my family, I always enjoy it." The staff were all seated around the table in the staff room, waiting for the Headmaster and Deputy to arrive for the first meeting of the year. Filius had taken it upon himself to sit down next to Severus, wanting to see how he was. The last time they had spoken at length was at Robert McGonagall's funeral. "How was the castle?"

"Quiet. I prefer it that way."

"There is something nice about the castle during the summer, isn't there?"

Severus nodded. All heads turned as the sound of a door opening garnered their attention, Albus and Minerva entered the room. Albus had a huge smile on his face, carrying a tray of cookies that immediately filled the room with a delicious scent. Minerva was in her usual attire, but there was a glow about her that made her look more relaxed than usual. "You two have a nice time?" he whispered to Severus.

Severus widened his eyes. "Excuse me?"

"You and Minerva."
"I'm not putting up with this gossip again this year."

Filius squeezed his knee. "I had rather hoped this summer you two would have worked out whatever it is that's going on. All I meant to imply is that she looks happy."

Severus sighed and looked closely at him, as if he were searching for the honesty in Filius's voice- that he wasn't trying to push because he was nosey. Filius knew it clicked when Severus said, "We did."

"And?"

"Why should I tell you?"
Filius chuckled to lighten the mood and nodded towards the trio seated across the table. "Because I love all of them, but I'm not a gossiper. And…Minerva has a lot of support. Who do you have?"

Severus looked touched. For the first time, Filius could finally read the emotion in his dark eyes. "I…"

"Oh, I know you have Minerva. I would assume, that's how your discussion went" Severus opened his mouth to protest, but Filius talked over him. "I can see the difference in the way she's glowing. She's happy. But I hope you can see I want to be your friend…" He had never said it out loud before, but he meant it. Severus seemed to need to hear it. "You deserve a friend."
"I hope you're all enjoying the cookies!" Albus exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention from their own conversations. "Are we ready to start?"

Filius saw a small smile cross Minerva's face, her eyes clearly on Severus. "I'm glad you're happy, Severus," he whispered as Albus began the meeting.

The meeting went as all beginning of term meetings went. They discussed changes that had come from the ministry over the summer, plans for the incoming first years, students with special circumstances, and a slew of other things. Filius always enjoyed hearing what his colleagues had been up to over the summer. By the time the meeting was over, Minerva and Albus had a huge to-do list to accomplish before the students arrived. Minerva was unable to talk much, following behind Albus as they went for what Filius knew would be a late night of planning. Her friends had learned not to make plans with her after the first staff meeting- their Deputy was always far too busy. Before Filius had a chance to make his way over to Rolanda and the girls to catch up, Severus had grabbed his shoulder.

"Filius?"

"Yes?"

"Would you like a drink?"

Taken back by the usually solitary man's offer, Filius stared at him for a moment. "Sure…of course. Would you like to come to my rooms? I just want to make my rounds with the girls, and then I'd be happy to have you by."

Severus nodded, looking as awkward as Filius felt. "10 o-clock?"

Filius smiled. "I'll see you then."

Severus was gone in a matter of moments, paying no attention to anyone else aside from a brisk, "Hello." Filius was glad to see his friends and hear about their summers, especially Poppy's niece who was expecting. Everyone seemed tired, and Filius was glad to pull away, curious as to what his evening with Severus was going to be like.

Severus knocked at his door at ten o-clock exactly. Filius hadn't expected anything different. He was like Minerva in that way- a man with attention to detail. Filius opened the door, and Severus looked more uncomfortable than he had looked since his first few weeks at Hogwarts. "Come in, Severus," Filius said, motioning for him to sit down. Severus took a chair by the fire, his back straight and stiff. It was almost sad how hard it was to have a normal conversation with the man. Filius knew the time in which he should have been growing socially, he had been being recruited into the Death Eaters which was anything but a socially conducive group. "Scotch?"

He nodded, rubbing his palms on his thighs. "Yes."

Filius poured two drinks and settled in a chair across from him, sliding the glass down the coffee table. "Here you go."

Severus thanked him quietly, his eyes scanning the room. Filius knew it was starkly different than his own or Minerva's. Filius had Ravenclaw colored decorations around the room, with stacks of books coming from every shelf and table. He was always reading what he could, and it was rare that he borrowed from the library, preferring his own copies. After fifty years of teaching, his collection had built up over the years. His books were among his most prized positions. His quarters were much more cluttered than most professors, but he didn't mind it. To him, it made it feel homier. "Much different from your own rooms, judging from your classroom."

Severus snorted. "My rooms are not the prime example of what one's home should look like."

"Why are you here, Severus?"
"Surprised by my offer?"

"Of course," Filius replied, leaning back into the cushion of his chair. He cursed to himself how he became so buried in the fabric when he did so. "What can I do for you, Severus?"

Severus sighed, downing his drink in one sip. He was fidgeting, and it suddenly dawned on Filius how young he was. He had lived more of a life than most of them, seen more horrors and war than them, but he was still so much a young man. Despite his ability to scare students, old and young, and intimidate their colleagues with his nasty sarcasm, he was still as awkward as a teenager. Filius realized that Severus was letting him see a side of him that few people saw. Perhaps only Minerva had seen him so vulnerable. "It's about Minerva…and myself…" Filius nodded, encouraging him to continue. The way he struggled to articulate his relationship with their friend was endearing. It was clear he had never had a friend. Every word seemed to be a struggle, as if he were afraid to let Filius into any part of his mind. "People know."

"They do."

"And…Minerva…she doesn't seem phased." There was a worry in Severus's eyes. His voice was shaking slightly.

"Minerva is not easily distressed."

Severus nodded. "Yes…but this…it's a scandal. She's so…reserved…"

Filius couldn't help but laugh. "She's quite a surprising person, isn't she?"

"It strikes me as odd she would be so comfortable having an affair with a former student, but then to be so open about it…"

"Minerva is a teacher first. What her students see is of the upmost importance to her, and she will do nothing to tarnish that reputation, no matter how much she cares for someone. Even you." Severus nodded. He wasn't offended; he seemed to understand. "But Minerva is fiercely independent. She's never cared much what people think about her outside her students."

"How do we move forward in all this?"

Filius tried to search the man's eyes for clarification. He knew Severus was nervous, and the slight pink to his abnormally pale cheeks showed his embarrassment. Filius wasn't sure what he could do to comfort him. These questions were for Minerva, not for him. Severus was pouring himself another glass of scotch, looking down at the contents of the glass. "What does Minerva say?"

Severus sighed. "That this…whatever this is…is ours."

"She's right."

"Yes…but it's not private."

"I know you're a private person. This must be hard for you." Severus downed his glass in one swig, leaning his head on his hand. It seemed affirmation enough. "You two don't have to go around passionately kissing in staff meetings or advertising your relationship at all."

"What do people expect of us?" he asked quickly. "It seems to be what everyone around here expects! Like we are some sort of act there for their entertainment!" The Potion's Master threw his hands up, distress clearly written across his face. Severus poured himself another glass, and Filius gave him a minute to calm down before speaking.

"Minerva is adored, and you are a mystery to everyone aside from her. Naturally, people are curious as to what exactly is going on between the two of you. As things normalize, the pressure will calm down. I promise you that."

Severus looked closely at him, taking another drink from his glass. "I hope you're right," he said quietly.

"Something new will come around. It always does," he assured him. "Now!" Filius said, trying desperately to change to subject both to try and enjoy the evening and to relax Severus as best he could. "I know tonight will be a late evening for Minerva. Why don't we try and enjoy ourselves a bit?"

He stood, resting his glass on the table, and walked towards a dusty and crowded shelf in the corner. Pulling a few books off it, Filius grabbed the box that held his favorite chess set. It had been a gift from his brother when Filius first began teaching at Hogwarts. You'll need something to do in that old castle, he had said to Filius. Something other than books. His brother's voice, although long in the past, rang clear in his head. As he set the game down in front of Severus, he suddenly felt himself to be the "fun" one for one of the few times in his life. Ravenclaw at heart, his head was usually stuck in the books, needing someone to pull him out. The sullen man seated across from him needed a bit of fun in his life. "Let's play, Severus."

Severus nodded, finished off his drink, leaned forward, and said, "Your move first." He looked pleased at the change of pace.

Quiet as it was, Filius found spending the evening with Severus far more enjoyable than he would have imagined. The Potion's Master was a man of few words, but those he said were either insightful or witty. The longer they played, the more relaxed he seemed to become. It made Filius feel good. The boy deserved a friend. He imagined being surrounded by Minerva's whole hoard of friends could become tiresome and lonely, even if they had each other.

A soft knock came on his door hours later, as it neared two in the morning. Both drunk, Filius and Severus looked at each other and chuckled. "Expecting a late-night caller?" Severus smirked.
"I wasn't, but, alas, I may take them up on it." He stood from his chair, his ability to walk more inhibited than he thought. Opening the door, he came face to face with a very exhausted Deputy. "Minnie!"
Minerva smiled, the dark lines under her eyes becoming more apparent. A dark green shawl was wrapped around her shoulders. "I heard rumors Severus was here."

"Min?" Filius jumped as the deep voice came from right behind him. He hadn't even heard Severus move from the chair. "Did you just finish with Albus?"

She didn't come any further into the room, looking like she wanted to leave. Filius took no offense to it; he knew she was simply exhausted. "I did. I thought I'd stop by before...heading to bed." Her cheeks pinkened slightly.

"Would you like a drink, my dear?" Filius offered.

She waved her hand. "No, thank you. I do appreciate the offer. I'm afraid I wouldn't be much fun this evening."

Severus stepped past Filius, putting a hand on her arm. "I'll walk you back," he said softly.

"You're drunk," she commented, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm afraid Severus and I got a little carried away with the scotch tonight."

Her eyes scanned the room. "Ah, and you got in a few games of chess I see?" Even through her apparent exhaustion, she looked amused.

"Filius is quite the competition. Makes for a much more interesting game than my usual company." His eyes became lighter with her around, a hint of playfulness behind his words when he spoke. Filius smiled to himself.

Minerva's head fell to his shoulder. If her face didn't already show her exhaustion, that action sure did. Severus put a hand on the small of her back. "Shall I get you back to your rooms before Filius has two guests overnight?"

Minerva nodded, pulling her head up. "I'm sorry I couldn't stay."

"It's no problem. I best be getting off to bed anyways."

"Good night, Filius," Severus said, nodding. His hand still on Minerva's back, he led her out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

Looking around at the chess pieces scattered among his usual clutter, Filius smiled. For the first time since the man began working at Hogwarts, he had looked comfortable around someone other than Minerva. He deserved it just as the two of them deserved every happiness that they could steal away in such dark times.

Severus's worries would fade as Severus and Minerva became less of a novelty pairing and more a normal part of the staff.