A/N: A bit out of season, but alas, this was next in chronological order! I hope everyone is staying safe with the virus going around 3

It has become tradition- an odd tradition, but a tradition nevertheless. Filius scurried along the hallway towards the front doors of the castle, knowing Severus would be waiting for him. He was always prompt, just like Minerva, Filius thought to himself. The two men always took time on a Saturday near Christmas to go shopping. Filius bought for his brother and nephews, Severus buying for Minerva. The first time it had happened had been by accident, Filius running into Severus looking lost as he wandered around Hogsmeade. He and Minerva had been together a few years, and Severus had slowly allowed himself to become part of their Christmas drinks ritual. Filius remembered the comedic look that had spread across Severus's face when he expressed to Filius his struggles with finding a gift for his lover. His cheeks had been red, and he looked utterly embarrassed. Filius had laughed at him, took him to the Three Broomsticks for lunch and a drink, and eventually helped him find something small for Minerva.

The Potion's Master must have enjoyed that Christmas shopping years ago, for the two men had continued it since. Adjusting the loud Christmas sweater he was wearing, Filius smiled as he saw Severus standing by the castle's main doors. Unlike his own red and green sweater, Severus was dressed in his usual black robes, just a heavier material for the cold weather. "Hello, my boy!" Filius exclaimed, patting him on the arm. "Shall we begin our usual adventures?"

Severus snorted. "I suppose so."

"Off to buy me a gift?" a voice came from behind them. Turning, Filius smiled as Minerva stood, her arms crossed over her chest. "I know what time of year it is."

"It's become a good tradition, Severus and I!" Filius said.

"Don't get your head in the clouds," Severus replied. "Assuming it's you I'm buying for."

"Mmm," Minerva hummed. "And who else would you be buying for? Argus?"

"Come on, Filius," Severus groaned, a small smile passing his lips. Minerva moved towards them, kissing Severus on the cheek.

"Have fun," she said.

The two men said their goodbyes and began down the road to Hogsmeade. Walking with Severus, no matter how much Filius prided himself on getting to know the man over the years, was awkward. Beginning a conversation was always hard, and the walk to Hogsmeade required a great deal of walking. "So, are you joining us for drinks again this Christmas?" Filius asked after they had passed the sign pointing towards Hogsmeade. "It's been nice having you around the last few years."
"Minerva likes to go," Severus said. "If she wants the company, I'll go. I find the girls mostly insufferable when they're drunk."

"Rolanda can hold her liquor," Filius pointed out.

Severus nodded. "I suppose. But, she's a gossip no matter how intoxicated she is."

"Minerva can hold herself pretty well, I must say," Filius said.

Severus smiled, a small smile, as if he were trying not to let on that he was. "She can."

"Thoughts on a gift for her this year? I know for one, I want to get the nephews something especially nice this year. After all, they've both got a family of their own now! I was thinking something for their home?"

Severus shrugged. "I say we split up when we get there and meet back up for drinks in two hours?"

Filius nodded. "Good idea!"

And that was what they did. When they reached Hogsmeade, Filius headed first towards Scrivenshafts Quill Shop to look at some of the nice stationary for his nephews. They were both avid writers, and he knew they could always use a new quill or parchment.

When the two hours he had was almost up, Filius looked down at the bags in his hand, satisfied with his purchases. For his brother, he had bought an updated joke book from Zonko's. Filius had always been the more academic of the two. For both of his nephews, he had bought a new quill and parchment, hoping both still found time to write with their new jobs and lives. As he rounded the corner to the Three Broomsticks, he saw Severus standing outside. "Another successful year, I'd say! How about for you, Severus?"

Severus nodded. "I think so. Let's head in, it's freezing out here." Severus opened the door for him, and they settled in at a table towards the back of the bar. Madame Rosmerta came over, cheerful as usual.

"Professors! Snape, strange to see you without the lady."

Severus rolled his eyes. "I'll have a Firewhisky," he said.

Filius reached out and shook her hand, hoping to keep the spirit up even with Severus's sour mood. "Good afternoon, Rosmerta. How's business today?"

"Always busy this time of year," she replied, her quill writing down Severus's order. "Everyone's out shopping! Looks like you two were doing some yourself?"

"Indeed! I stay at the castle for the holiday, but I always send something to the family."

Rosmerta smiled. "That's lovely!" She turned to Severus, clearly determined to push him. "Did you get Minerva something nice for Christmas, Severus?" the bartender asked. Filius tried not to laugh as Severus was clearly holding back a comment.

"Yes. Filius, what would you like to drink? I'd really rather get this moving along."
"A firewhisky for me as well," he said, placing an apologetic hand on Rosmerta's arm. She was clearly unaffected by Severus's moodiness as she left to get them their drinks. "She's not all that bad," Filius tried.

"She's infuriating," Severus replied.

"What did you get Minerva?" Filius asked, genuinely curious.

Without a word, Severus pulled a small box out of his coat pocket. "This," he said quietly, opening it. Inside sat a small necklace with two stones- one red, one green, intertwined. The outside had small, what looked like real diamonds, lining it. The necklace looked expensive; it was stunning. It took a minute, but it dawned on Filius that the red and green stones were not just Christmas colors, they were the colors of the lovers' houses.

"Minerva will love this, Severus," he said, tears welling in his eyes. Severus nodded awkwardly. Filius stared at the man for a moment. His heart was full. "She's going to be so happy."

Severus shut the box and awkwardly shoved it back in his pocket. "It's been a rough few months," he said quietly.

Rosmerta came to the table, handing them both their drinks. "Enjoy, professors."

Once she was out of ear shot, Filius raised his glass. "To Christmas!"

"To Christmas," Severus muttered, taking a large drink from his glass.