When the announcement came during the staff meeting, it was not a surprise to Filius that Severus would get the drunkest he'd ever seen him later in the evening.

"Some change of staffing is an important note to start our meeting on," Albus said in his normal, cheerful tone. "You'll see a new, but familiar face seated at the table." Albus motioned to Horace who waved. Filius had to admit, the man was fairly useless, but he'd always liked him. They'd overlapped on staff for a few years, and he'd always been warm and loved to entertain. Filius looked forward to the dinner parties Horace was sure to throw this year. They could use some warm entertainment. And, for the first time in years, the Defense teacher would be someone that they actually enjoyed and didn't have to worry about. "Horace will be our Potions Professor this year. And, Severus will be moving to a new post as Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor."

Filius was startled at the change and glanced towards Minerva who sat beside Albus, her face sheet white, but with her normal, pleasant expression. Filius could see through it. She was terrified, and when Filius let the news sink in, he knew why. Severus would only last the year. What would happen to him at the end of the year? A sudden anger overtook Filius as Albus chipperly explained the classroom logistics with the new positions. How could the man let Severus leave? Where would he go?

The rest of the meeting was a blur-most of it was the same thing. There were some new safety initiatives with the rising Dark Lord and parents pulling their students out of Hogwarts. By the end of the meeting, Minerva had quickly risen from her seat and practically ran out the door behind Albus. Normally, Minerva at least stayed around to talk to their group, but this year, she was gone. Pomona kept glancing to Filius, and he knew both of them wanted to speak on the situation, but couldn't in front of Severus. "So, Severus and Filius, are you slated for your usual post-meeting drinking session?" Rolanda asked, clearly trying to put on a friendly face. She was always the one to bring personality and joy. For that, they were all thankful.

"If Severus is in, I'm in," Filius said.

Severus nodded. "I'll see you in twenty. Your rooms."

"Severus, my boy, how are you?" Horace said. Filius had almost forgotten he was there until he'd come up behind Severus and clamped a hand on his shoulder. Looking disgusted, Severus practically peeled Horace's hand off of his shoulder.

"What do you want, Professor?"

"Please, call me, Horace," the older man said.

"I'd rather not be on a first name basis," Severus smirked. "See you soon, Filius." With that, he too was gone.

"It's nice to have you back, Horace," Poppy said warmly, hugging the man.

"It's good to be back," Horace replied. "Though, I'm not used to these long days. I'm off to bed!" As he left and a few of the other professors left, the usual four were left in the staff room.

"Always down to us," Rolanda said, sitting back down in a chair. "Are we going to talk about the elephant in the room?"

Poppy sat down next to her, holding her head in her hands. "What's going to happen to him?" she asked quietly.

"We can't think the worst," Filius said. "Perhaps, he will only last 1 year because Horace only agreed to 1 year. The curse doesn't mean death."

"Did you see the look on Minerva's face?" Poppy asked, her voice slightly hysterical. "And we all now she's been avoiding us the last few weeks."

"Her face was very pale," Filius quietly added. "I feel like if there was some explanation, she'd tell us rather than leaving us to worry."

"You should see some of the injuries he used to come back with," Poppy said. "Not as much anymore, but right after the Dark Lord returned…"

"Well, let's not jump to conclusions," Filius said, more to himself. "I'm going to have our usual evening with him. I'll let you all know if I hear anything helpful from him."

And, Filius kept his word to Severus. Twenty minutes later, Filius was back at his rooms and Severus was there promptly, a bottle of scotch in his hands. "Filius," he nodded as Filius opened the door to let him in.

Filius used his wand to summon the chess board and two glasses. Severus took his usual place on the sofa, pouring them each a glass. They played in their usual silence for a few turns and a few drinks, until Severus broke the silence. "Filius?" he asked, his voice giving away that the alcohol had slowly set in.

"Yes?"

"You've made me many promises over the years," Severus said, putting down his pawn and leaning into the cushions on the sofa. "I want you to keep them."

"I'll always watch out for Minerva."

"Yes," Severus said quietly, finishing off his glass and pouring another. Silence fell over them again.

By Severus's slightly dazed expression, Filius could tell the chess game was over. Every few years, Severus would drink enough that he lost interest in the game. "Does this have something to do with your appointment to Dark Arts Professor?"

Severus looked closely at him. "You're asking what happens after this year?"

"We all want to know," Filius admitted. "We're worried." He straightened up his posture in his armchair, trying to work out a slight pain in his lower back. Severus was scrunched up into his sofa, back slouched and eyes tired.

"If you're looking to see if I have some sort of plan, I don't," Severus said. "I don't know what happens next."

"How did Minerva take it?" Filius asked. She looked absolutely white in the face when Albus announced it.

"She took it as well as you'd expect," Severus said, staring blankly into the carpet. "She's scared."

"We all are."

"Not as scared as her," Severus added lightly. A smirk crossed his lips. "She went to see Sybil."

Filius let a chuckle escape him at the thought. "What?" he asked, practically spilling his drink out of his mouth.

"She went to see Sybil to get a prediction."

"And did she get one?" Filius asked. "Severus, I shouldn't be laughing, this is your life we're talking about."

"Oh it is absolutely rich. I would think you knew nothing about Minerva if you didn't laugh."

Filius smiled. "I suppose you're right. I'm just picturing it. Minerva on the little cushion in Sybil's classroom, tea leaves?"

"Precisely."

The two men chuckled together. Filius knew this moment was one to be cherished. He'd been incredibly lucky that Severus allowed him into his life on such a personal level. "I'm thankful for you," Filius said, raising his glass.

Severus raised his too. "For what, may I ask?"

"For this friendship."

"I think you're my only friend, Filius." His tone darkened. "Probably ever."

"I'm even more thankful then."

The two continued to drink, and Filius enjoyed the company. The chess game was long over, and they turned their attention towards gossiping about the staff and discussing one of the academic publications they both read. Severus sometimes felt like his only intellectual equal. His colleagues and friends were all smart, but Severus loved to debate and discuss, something Filius loved too. A few hours into their discussions, Filius asked, "Did you ever think perhaps you were supposed to be in Ravenclaw?"

"Over the years, I have," Severus replied. "Would have saved me many bad choices," he muttered. The bottle in front of them was empty. "Another?" Severus got up and headed towards the cabinet Filius kept his liquor. Filius smiled at the Potions Master's lack of coordination as he plopped ungracefully back on the couch.

Almost on schedule, the door to Filius's rooms opened gently and the Deputy stepped in. "Minnie!" Severus shouted, lifting his cup towards her.

A clearly tired Minerva smiled and sat beside Severus on the couch. "Good evening, Filius."

Filius reached out and squeezed her hand. "Hello, dear. I do apologize for our state."

For the first time in all the years Filius and Severus had had their first night drinks, Minerva grabbed the bottle and Severus's glass and took a swig herself. She'd never stayed with them. "Merlin, I need this."

Severus leaned over and kissed her cheek. "That's sexy," he said in her ear, clearly thinking he was whispering. Filius loved his lack of clarity.

"Hush, Severus," she said quietly. "So what is it you two do during these evenings?"

"Chess, debate," Severus replied.

"We discuss our favorite academic articles," Filius added.

"You two are the only ones here that read those," Minerva laughed. "I'm glad you get it out of your systems together."

After an hour, Severus and Minerva had both fallen asleep. Severus had an arm around her, and her face was buried in his chest. Filius smiled. He'd never seen them this relaxed. He threw a blanket over them and began towards his rooms when he heard them stir. He peaked from around the corner to see Severus had stood. "Hey, Min," Severus whispered, this time an actual whisper. Filius could hear he'd sobered up. Severus leaned in and kissed her. "We fell asleep here. I think Filius went to bed." Filius smiled. "Minerva, we have to go." No response. Severus shoved her slightly. "Come on, Min."

Slowly, Filius saw their Deputy sit up. "Merlin, I was exhausted."

Severus bent down in front of her, kissing her head. "Let's leave Filius be."

He reached out a hand and helped Minerva stand. He wrapped his arms around her waist. "I don't want the night to end," she said softly. "Once we go to bed, the year countdown starts." A sob escaped her.

"You're drunk, Min," he said. "Let's just go back to sleep."

"I don't want to go," she replied.

"How about a nice bath then? And wine? Make the night last?"

"Yes." Minerva kissed him. They made their way out the door, and Filius would later grieve the evening with Severus as his last post-staff meeting drinking session.