#slaywrite

On Christmas Eve, Severus and Kanara were busy preparing for tomorrow. This year, there would be –  hopefully – six of them spending Christmas together. Kanara’s immediate family planned to come over. The Crawfords, all three, hadn’t spent the holidays together in a while, so she was extremely excited.

The dishes were finished in the morning. Now, it was afternoon and time for them to make gingerbread cookies with their two children. The single-wall kitchen was lined with appliances, wood top counters on the left wall, and a small wood island in the middle of the room. At the end of the kitchen was a casement window and a small round table with four chairs in front of it. Currently, the kitchen was warm from the oven, baking the cookies.

Everyone was comfortable in sweaters or shirts and sweatpants. The aroma was a mix of sweet cinnamon, baked dough, and vanilla. Jasper’s wavy hair bounced on top of his head, and Severus watched him while leaning against the wall next to the doorway. Kanara and their oldest, Kendi, were sitting at the table. Her legs and thighs rested as she ran her hands through her dark braids. With the winter sun shining through the window, it was lively.

Eventually, Kendi changed her chant to “Cookies! Cookies!” Her dark, straight hair swung with her arms. Then Jasper switched to a disco move from before his time, making Kanara snort at their teamwork and Severus cover his face.

Actually, Severus’ stress level decreased on holidays, weekends… any time he got to leave Hogwarts. He was thankful for the time away from that school, that boy. The current DADA professor. He always took advantage of his breaks to see his family—two cute, smiling faces who seemed to love and adore him. And a woman who cared about him, heard and saw him, and wanted him as much as he wanted her. They came with a different set of challenges, yes. But he willingly took them on.

Suddenly, from the living room, there was a pop.

“It’s me,” a familiar voice sang. There were light steps, a rhythmic ruffling of polyester. Then, a short woman poked her head into the doorway at the front of the kitchen.

“Aunt Ti!” The small children exclaimed. Their little feet made the floor tremble as they ran to the doorway and hugged Tatiana – Kanara’s little sister.

“Get out,” Severus shot, showing his face again. For once, one corner of his mouth curved up at her.

Ti sucked her teeth. “Oh hush, Snape,” she shot back with a bright smile. “How was the term?”

“…Alright.”

She usually picked both children up. But today, she struggled. “Merlin, both of y’all are getting so big! I should take another family picture today.”

So far, Ti spent every Christmas with the family. Her niece and nephew also saw her throughout the year, as she visited whenever she wasn’t traveling. The children found their aunt to be entertaining and funny. And their faces lit up whenever she visited.

Kanara smiled at the scene of her kids crowding Ti. “Y’all, at least let her take her coat off.”

“Hey, girl,” Ti perked at her sister. The children finally released their aunt, who exhaled in relief. She took her hat off and shook out her tight, golden-brown curls.

“Hey, Tati. You’re just in time to decorate.”

“Ooh, okay.” Ti quickly went to the right, back into the living room to hang her coat.

Five minutes later, Severus took out the cookies and set them on the island. He waved his wand over them to cast a cooling charm, the children applauding. For what, he didn’t know – but it made him snort anyway. Kendi and Jasper were already sitting on the two stools, claiming a few cookies.

There were two pans of cookies in different shapes – the typical gingerbread person and snowflakes. That was all, because the couple liked to personalize the rest of the dough. Kanara had some shaped like cats. Severus made some cookies that were shaped like potion bottles, too. As the cookies cooled, he smiled at the success – he’d carved them out of the dough himself.

Ti stood at the doorway. She jerked her head back as she put her curls in a bun. “Why did y’all make two pans?”

“Because, your sister is dangerous with her spices,” Severus drawled as he folded his arms.

"Ah, you've tasted the Crawford recipe."

“I planned on eating the cookies… so I made a second batch.”

Kanara agreed from the fridge. “They’re on the brown pan; mine are on the black pan. His taste more like… warm cinnamon? Something like that,” she projected, pulling out the colorful icing. “You know mine are pretty good with some milk, though, Tati.”

Ti nodded. “Yeah, I like a kick.”

“I like the hot cookies, too, Aunt Ti,” Jasper perked.

Kanara chuckled sweetly. “As for the extra cookies… I can always give them to my coworkers.”

“Their tongues will burn off, Kanara,” Severus said as he watched her set the icing on the island.

Then suddenly, he smirked and mumbled, “…Can I take some back to Hogwarts?”

Ti widened her eyes in shock, but Kanara just burst out laughing with a nod.

“Yeah, but when you leave, they’re your cookies. I ain’t going down with you.” She discreetly squeezed his elbow.

With the charm, the cookies were completely cool and ready for icing in twenty minutes. There were tubes of icing in various colors, at least as many in a standard crayon box. Kanara laid them out on the island, along with extra pans so everyone wasn’t reaching over one another. Kendi and Jasper sat on the right end, and Ti was on the short end, closer to the doorway. The parents stood across from the children.

Kendi grabbed a gingerbread person. “I’m making a Daddy cookie,” she stated quickly.

“But I was gonna make one,” Jasper whined.

“Now you can’t. Too bad, so sad –“

“Aht – I told you to stop that,” Kanara warned sternly. A cookie began to float seemingly on its own, and Severus grabbed it.

She continued. “Jas, look at me, honey. Both of you can make Daddy cookies. The more, the merrier.”

“But Mum, he’s gonna make it the same,” Kendi whined.

Severus stepped in. “Then don’t make a Daddy cookie. Or try to understand that your brother thinks you have great ideas.” He softened his voice. “It’s your choice, Ken.”

Kendi sighed deeply – or dramatically – and seemed to weigh her options. She ran her hands through her hair.

“Fine,” she said. “We can make Daddy cookies.”

Everyone then got to work. On the counter behind them, the radio played quietly in the background. Unfortunately for Kanara, everyone else had voted on Christmas music.

She tried not to roll her eyes but sighed at the jolly sounds filling her kitchen. The children sang off-key to Jingle Bells, forgetting whatever happened earlier. Ti added some beatboxing to the old song. And Severus just had to be annoying by subtly nudging his knee into his fiancée’s thigh to the beat. She stared up at him unamused, but he focused on decorating his potion cookies with folded lips.

“All done,” Kendi perked. “Look, Daddy, I made you!” One of the gingerbread people was dressed in black icing. Black hair, with randomly placed dots around the mouth, too. But she gave him a bright smile.

As always, his daughter drew him adorably. Severus chuckled under his breath. “Good job, Kendi. I want to eat that one.”

Kendi gasped and shielded the gingerbread man. “I’m keeping him. Forever and ever.”

“He won’t survive ‘forever and ever.’ One bite.”

“No, Daddy,” she giggled. She tucked her cookie behind a cat that she started to work on.

“You can eat mine, there’s love in it,” Jasper beamed. He held his cookie up, which looked similar to his sister’s. With Ti’s help, the difference was Severus’ eyes were closed and U-shaped. He looked even happier.

And Kanara, as always, squealed at the art. “Aw, Ken, Jas, they’re so cute! They look just like Daddy.”

A small smile finally broke through as Severus moved the boy’s cookie to his stack of potions. “Thank you, son. I’m sure it’ll be delicious.”

After finishing most of the potion cookies, Severus gave the rest to whoever wanted to decorate one. He also set three gingerbread people aside. No one had touched the snowflakes yet. He took some and made one group different from the other – red décor for his fiancée’s spicy batch and green for his.

Sometime before dinner, they finished decorating the cookies. The icing decor between the five of them was a mix of detailed, fun, and wild.

"Can I eat one?" Jasper asked.

"You two can have half of one," Severus nodded. "You haven't eaten dinner."

Everyone took their pick and indulged for a short time. Kanara took a potion cookie and broke it in half. She offered one piece to Severus. He turned away from Ti and the children to bite a piece off with his teeth. As expected, it was sweet with a slight tease of spice.

“Mm,” Kanara nodded. “I don’t know about you. But this is the best potion I’ve ever tasted.”

“Ah – !“ All of a sudden, Kendi exclaimed. The parents turned around to see that their daughter had chosen half of a cat cookie.

“Mum, it’s spicy.”

“I’m so sorry, hon,” Kanara soothed. She pointed her wand at the island, conjured two glasses of cold milk, and floated them to the kids’ side. When she looked back up at Severus, his eyes briefly squinted at her. She wasn’t sure if it was out of disappointment or suspicion. But he didn’t have to say anything. She just smirked and looked away.

~~~

Now, it was nighttime; the drapes hung over the kitchen window, and the lamps were bright. Kanara sighed and listened to the magical scrubbing of the last pan. She sat at the dining table, her legs stretched on the chair next to hers. Ti had stayed for dinner, then left with some cookies. The children were tucked into bed.

But her sister did take a new family picture for them, as she mentioned when she arrived. It was now propped in a smooth green frame on the table. Kanara looked over it, humming sweetly at her beautiful family.

It was taken at the table where she was sitting now. Some cookies were moved to a large floral glass plate and set on the table. The plate was magically tilted, so the cookies were seen well in the picture.

Kanara sat on the left side, a thumb pointing to the plate. Kendi stood in front of the table, to the side so she didn’t block the cookies, with a grin on one side of her face. She held her arms over to one of her sides as if she were advertising the cookies. Jasper sat in his father’s lap, holding up his Daddy cookie. He had a big smile, identical to his mother. And Severus pointed at the cookies too, though his cheek slightly laid on their son’s wavy head. He had a tiny smile.

Suddenly, the picture was blocked by a gingerbread person floating in front of it. She smiled and took the cookie out of the air. It had a perfect afro, an orange shirt with blue jeans, and a pretty smile.

She looked to her left to see Severus leaning his elbow against the island. His wand was pointed in her direction, and he put his arm down. He was already in sleepwear, his hair wet and strands sticking to his cheeks.

“Aw, is this me?”

“Yes. And I used part of a potion cookie for your hair.”

“You’re so cute...” Her eyebrows were raised, and he tried not to scoff. “You know, this means you’ve made your first portrait of me.”

“Sorry she’s stiff,” he smiled shyly. He grabbed a small plate from the island and glided to the table.

She shook her head. “Stiff or not, she’s perfect, Sev.” She grabbed his hand and kissed it, which made his stomach flip.

Then he put the plate down to pull out the chair she had her legs in. She took them down, but he sat and put her legs back up to rest on his thighs. His plate had the Daddy cookie that his son made for him. As he picked it up, Kanara tapped her cookie with his as if they were glasses of wine. Then Severus bit off most of the head.

But then he started coughing. He might have cursed too, but it was barely a whisper.

She gasped as he quickly conjured a tall glass of milk. “Oh goodness, he grabbed one of mine.”

“Apparently,” he sniffled with a grimace. But then he took another bite, and she cocked her head in disbelief.

“Baby, you don’t have to…”

“Jasper made it with love, Nara. I’ll eat all of it.”

His pale skin was a soft pink, and his face was the usual look of nonchalance. She watched as one of his hands smoothed back his shoulder-length hair. As quickly as he could, he consumed the spicy gingerbread cookie. Then he washed it all down with the milk.

She slightly pouted at his discomfort. “I bet you could taste the love, too.”

“Of course,” he shook his head with a lip curl. “Still feel it in my throat.”

“Sorry,” she folded her lips, but he gently patted one of her legs. She stared back at his Kanara cookie in her hand. “You used one of mine for her body, then.”

"I might have," he shrugged. “Perhaps you should take a bite.”

“...You trying to set me up?”

“Didn’t say that.” He sat back and watched her, absentmindedly sprinkling the crumbs on the plate with his thumb and two fingers.

Kanara slowly nodded skeptically at him. Then quickly bit off the cookie’s leg. Like the potion cookies, it was buttery and mild.

“Hm… cinnamon too. She’s warm and sweet.”

“…I tried to be as realistic as possible.”

Her heart skipped a beat once she worked out his response, not to mention his soft gaze, and she softly hummed. She took her propped legs down and stood up. Then, she leaned down to hold his chin, his stubble scratching her fingertips. He felt her firmly kiss his cheek, still flushed from the heat. And as always, his cheek rose by itself.

“Thank you,” she said softly, wiping the few crumbs she left. He quickly turned his head to peck her lips.

“Shit.” You groaned as you heard a familiar pop downstairs. You resumed pulling the blanket up your legs and quickly and quietly laid down.

It was the evening, and Severus arrived in Spinner’s End, excited to spend the weekend with you. He had come home in the early morning to make you breakfast – now he was in the kitchen, frowning at the untouched food still sitting where he left it. He also left a sweet note next to it, which you hadn’t read.

 You were burnt out from work. To make matters worse, you requested time off some weeks ago – only to find out today that it was denied.

(“We’re swamped right now, Y/L/N. We need all hands on deck.”)

They took a few weeks to respond, despite you checking in a few times, just to tell you “No.” Though you were beyond stressed, you worked your ass off to make sure everything was completed by today because you hoped you would be off next week.

It took everything in you to peacefully leave your boss’ office. You had some choice words you wanted to spit at them.

 So, you groaned as Severus arrived because you promised yourself that you would eat the now-cold breakfast once you came home from work. But you were too angry to, and you went straight to bed. You felt like you were rejecting him – and you hated rejecting him when he was trying to help.

You heard him making his way up the stairs and closed your eyes. There was no way you were going to explain yourself.

Severus opened the bedroom door and looked at you, pretending to sleep in the bed. He walked over to your side and knelt down.

“Y/N.” He said gently.

You didn’t answer.

“You aren’t asleep.” He touched your cheek.

“I wish I was.” You mumbled.

“Did you have a bad day?”

“More like a bad fucking week.”

“What happened?”

“The same thing that happens every time. They fucking drown me in work.”

“Have they looked at your request yet?”

You opened your eyes. “Yes. And that idiot denied it. Some ‘all hands on deck’ bullshit they always pull.”

Severus shook his head – the nerve of some people. “I’m sorry. Can I cook something for you?”

“No.” You pulled the blanket up to your nose. “I’m fine.”

“…Y/N, have you eaten at all?”

You looked away and didn’t answer. No, you hadn’t – not today, nor yesterday.

“Y/N.” He kept speaking softly. However, he was becoming worried about you.

You sighed. “I won’t eat, Severus. I’m sick and tired of everything. What’s the point anymore?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…” You paused, deciding whether or not you should say what you’ve been thinking for a while. “I’m not leaving this bed ever again. And whatever happens to me because of my choices… then so be it.”

It was quiet as he realized what you were hinting at. He had dealt with similar feelings before and knew them well. But seeing you have similar thoughts bothered him. What should he say?

And you dealt with your problems alone. You always have. Letting someone in, accepting someone’s help – what did that even look like?

He stood up and laid down on his side of the bed. He wrapped an arm around you, not to cuddle but for a sense of comfort.

“Will you let me know what you’re thinking, Y/N?”

“…I –“ You sighed and your nose had stuffed up. A small whimper escaped your lips. “I don’t know how to explain it.”

“It doesn’t need to make sense. I will understand.”

You opened your mouth, and only a few sounds came out first. “I… I-I hate everything. This job is so damn miserable, and they don’t care.” You continued rambling about how everyone liked to dote on you for being smart and attentive – you were tired of being those things every day. Was it so bad that for once you wanted to slack, to not have to worry about tasks and deadlines for a week?

Severus nodded constantly – he leaned his head on the headboard, and you could hear a shuffle every few words you spoke.

You whimpered loudly and continued. “And now they say, ‘Y/N works so hard all the time.’ Well, when the fuck will Y/N get a well-deserved break for all of their hard work!? Damn it; I’m not a robot. Just fuck off. I should just quit and never work again – none of this shit matters.”

Severus rubbed your back as you started sobbing. “I’m sorry, love… it sounds frustrating.”

“It’s been shitty for weeks, but today I felt like I was going to lose it. I hate it, Severus. I hate it. I hate it…” You gasped.

You cried as long as you needed to, and Severus continued to comfort you.

Once you were only sniffling, he sat up and leaned over. He pulled the blanket down a little to see your face. “What do you need from me, Y/N?”

You folded your lips and shrugged. “…Nothing, Severus. I want to sleep the rest of the evening away.”

“No bath? No tea?” He offered quietly.

You shook your head. “Just let me sleep. Please. I’ll let you help me tomorrow… I promise.”

Some people would have called you stubborn, stuck in your ways, and disrespectful. Luckily, you had a partner who knew none of those were true, and he didn’t treat you as such.

He sat for a minute. Then he kissed your temple and stood up. “Alright.”

As he came around to your side, you shut your eyes again. You didn’t even want to meet his eyes. You tried not to care how he felt – you were fed up.

Severus found something to do anyway, without disturbing you. He took the shoes you kicked off before climbing in bed and put them in the closet. He grabbed your work clothes from the floor and set them aside for cleaning on Sunday. Then he walked to the light and looked at you again.

You patiently waited for him to leave, so you could be alone with your negative thoughts.

[December 1999 – Christmas Afternoon].

The stockings, some black, and others green, were taken from the fireplace and handed to each family member. They contained candy, Wizard crackers, socks, random framed pictures, and one of Kanara’s figurines.

“Oh, this is beautiful, Kanara.” Eileen held her figurine up, admiring the small brown bird.

“Thank you.” A small smile formed on Kanara’s face.

Kendi opened her stocking to pull her own out. “They look better than the pictures you sent, Mum. I know where I’ll pu–“ She stopped and looked into her stocking again.

The extra candy canes were missing.

“Jasper.”

“Yes?” Jasper stared at his sister.

“Where are my candy canes? I have one.”

“You’re supposed to have one – everyone else does.” Then he gasped and widened his eyes in amusement. “Don’t tell me you stole from Rane?”

“What!?” Rane widened her eyes.

“No, no, Raney. You have one.” Kendi frowned at her brother. “There were two extras. So where are they?”

“Look, here’s my stocking. I have one too.” He opened it to show her the one candy cane. She twisted her mouth as she checked his – he did have one.

But that was because the extras were in his stomach.

Afterward, it was time to open the presents. A radio played Christmas music at a low volume as everyone settled in the living room. Daylight lit the room, making the Christmas tree lights appear dim. The three children sat on the floor in front of the fireplace while Ti and the grandparents sat on the sofa. Severus sat in the chair by the fireplace, and Kanara sat on the arm. A faint smoky smell was in the air, though the fireplace had been turned off for the time being.

“Dad, can I start first?” Jasper held the interestingly-wrapped present. It was from his aunt.

“Yes, we will start with the most concealed gift. You can unwrap…” Severus smirked. “The broom.”

Ti made a disapproving noise. “Severus, stop. You’re spoiling it.”

“I can’t spoil what’s already clear, Tatiana.”

Kanara’s lip twitched. “It… Ti, it looks like a broom.”

“Look, I tried my best. You all try wrapping one.” She crossed one leg over the other as her nephew unwrapped the present.

Jasper gasped dramatically when he held up the broom as if he hadn't heard a thing. “A broom? I would never have guessed! Thanks, Aunt Ti!” Kendi snorted at his reaction.

“You’re welcome, honey.” Ti had a smug expression, though she knew he was joking. “Now you can have fun flying even when you’re home.”

Rane had received a toy Puffskein from her grandmother. After Jasper opened the box for her, she quickly picked it up and hugged it tightly. Another creature to add to her growing collection.

Then Kendi unwrapped her gift from Severus and gasped. “Oh, no. Dad…”

“Your father really loves you.” Kanara rubbed her fiancée’s back as he sighed heavily, his elbows on his knees.

Kendi blinked back tears and pulled out the Gryffindor scarf. She didn’t have her own anymore – she didn’t remember leaving with it. Plus, it reminded her of what had happened that year.

“Aw, you didn’t have to. Was it painful?” She smirked.

Severus closed his eyes. “Ken. You don’t even know.” Though she went to a different school now, he wanted her to have something from the first. That was even if the item couldn’t be green or at least blue.

“Well, I’m glad you survived the gift wrapping.” She stood up and hugged her father. “Thank you for your sacrifice.” For good measure, she kissed him on the cheek.

He softly smiled. “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

Jasper grabbed whatever present was closest to him. “Mom, this is for you.”

“Ooh.” Kanara pointed her wand, and the present flew from his hand to hers. It was from her sister. She opened the small box – inside was a beautiful flower hair clip. A familiar clip, actually.

Her hair clip that she hadn’t seen in years.

“Wait – Ti, I’ve been looking for this.” She stared at her sister in disbelief.

Ti gasped. “Oh! Well, that’s perfect, because I had it all this time. Consider it as… what the Muggles call ‘something borrowed,’ you know. For the wedding.”

Did she think that made it right? Kanara blinked. “…If it’s mine, it isn’t borrowed. That’s not how –”

“Shh…” Ti reached over and took the clip out of the box. She put it in Kanara’s hands and closed her fingers as if she had given her treasure. “Just say thank you. It’s Christmas,” she flashed a grin. Next to her, Jeremiah chuckled at his daughters.

Finally, Kanara sighed and reluctantly smiled. “I can’t believe you.”

“And…” Ti pointed her wand at another present with gold wrapping, and it flew from the floor. “This is ‘something new.’ But you should open it later.”

“Later?”

“Only for your eyes. Trust me.” Ti nodded.

Then Jasper held up two presents that sat next to each other. “These are for Dad.”

Once they were passed to Kendi, Severus took them. Inside the first present were seed packets from his mother – plants native to the Forbidden Forest. A small gasp escaped his lips. “Is this all of the plants?”

“Quite a bit of them.” Eileen beamed. “More than enough for brewing. And you know you can regrow them.”

“Perfect. Thank you, Mum.”

He opened the second gift, which was from Kanara. Inside were jars, but she had painted the names of different ingredients he would put in them.

“No buttons?” He smirked.

“Hey, that was once.” Kanara smiled. “If you want any jars that you have painted, let me know.”

“Yes.” He turned one jar in his hand—she painted simple, clean grey writing. Nothing extravagant. “I’m letting you know now. Thank you, Nara.”

“You’re welcome, babe.” She leaned over as he lifted to kiss her cheek.

Ti had received a set of shades, Muggle sunglasses, from Kanara. The grandparents also received a small photo album of their grandchildren from the parents. Eileen received a new cookbook from her son, and Jeremiah received dress shoes from Ti.

There were a few more presents for everyone, and they went through the rest. The living room was full of laughter and cheerfulness in the afternoon.

~~~

Soon enough, it was the early evening. The sun had set outside, and inside, the dining room table was set for eight people. Lamps were lit, giving the room a warm glow. On the back wall was a buffet topped with a few family photos and a vase with colorful columbine flowers.

There was a savory aroma in the air as everyone sat down. The dark cherry rectangular table contained familiar dishes, including roast chicken, potatoes, stuffing, and red cabbage. The parents sat at the ends of the rectangular table while everyone else sat where they wanted. On Kanara’s left were Rane and the grandparents. On Severus’ were Ti and the two older children.

After a few bites and sips, the table started to bustle with conversation.

“So…” Eileen looked across the table at her oldest grandchildren. “How is the school?”

“Hogwarts zero-point-five,” Ti offered.

Jasper laughed. “Ilvermorny is good. It does seem like another, smaller Hogwarts.”

“Yeah,” Kendi slowly nodded. “I’ve liked it so far. Even joined the art club.”

Kendi and Jasper were in the middle of their first year at Ilvermorny. It was Jasper’s first magic school, and though it was Kendi’s second, they didn’t have much bias against either school.

Jeremiah was slowly getting to know his daughter’s partner. Always the one to initiate conversation, he easily turned to the table’s end next to him. “So, Severus… what are you up to?”

“More potion-making, of course.” Severus looked up at him.

“Surely, you must have made every potion you could by now.”

“Of course not. I’ll always have more to discover. It’s a never-ending area of exploration.”

Jeremiah smiled warmly and nodded. “I see.”

“And… I am up to something else. But it’s a secret.” Severus offered a smirk.

While he was busy with his interests, Kanara had just gotten a new opportunity. Ti sipped her drink, then turned to her end of the table. “Did you hear back yet, Kanara? From MACUSA.”

Kanara shook her head. “No, not yet. Though it sounded like my old boss left a great recommendation before we lost him.”

Jeremiah looked at his daughter on the other end. “The position seems like a promotion, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it’s definitely a higher position than my last. I will probably hear back next year since it’s the holidays.” She looked down at her plate and picked at the scraps. “I’m surprised they sent me an owl to start with.”

Severus gazed at her from across the table. “They sent you an owl because you’re brilliant, Nara. You know that.”

She smiled shyly at him. “Yeah. I am, aren’t I?”

Everyone continued eating and chatting. After waving wands to clean plates, dessert was served. It included Eileen’s trifle and the sweet buñuelos that Ti had brought. There was now a sweet aroma in the air. Eileen’s dessert, as always, was complimented multiple times. With her eyes closed, Rane consumed the trifle, savoring each bite, which caused everyone to laugh.

Eileen took the last bite of her slice. Also on her plate was half of a buñuelo she had split with Jasper. She took a sip of her drink, then looked around the table. “I want to let everyone know that I’m traveling to Spain with a friend. For the New Year.”

Ti gasped. “Ooh, I loved Spain! What city?”

“No particular city. Wherever we land.”

“I knew it,” Severus said. She had been living life for a while and started traveling more this year. He blinked at his mother. “Is this your third trip?”

“Well, no. It would be my first for the year.” She pointed at her son with a smirk.

He sighed dramatically. “You never take me anywhere,” he mumbled, causing Kanara to snort and the children to laugh.

Eileen let out a laugh louder than usual. “I’ll take all of you somewhere one day. How does that sound, son?”

“I’ll remember you said that.”

Ti started sharing facts and suggested areas to visit in pure travel agent style. As someone who had been to many places, it came naturally.

Jeremiah nodded in approval at the sweet fried dough he consumed. “What else needs to be done for the wedding?”

Kanara chuckled. “Oh, nothing.”

“Everything has been set up?”

“Yes. There were no bookings ahead of us, so everything was set up yesterday. Finished before Christmas – it was perfect. I bet any magical families here had already been married years ago.”

“Or,” – Severus shrugged – “we’re the only couple who decided to get married right after Christmas.”

“Maybe so. I guess we’re different,” She winked across the table.

“Well, that’s convenient.” Jeremiah slowly grabbed another buñuelo. “Tati… I need this recipe.”

“I got you. I’m glad you like it – this was only my first attempt at making them,” Ti grinned, then turned to her sister. “And Kanara, I perfected the hairstyle you showed me.”

“Perfect,” Kanara beamed.

“You know…” Ti turned to the far end of the table. “I could do your hair for the wedding too, Severus. No pressure.” She smirked.

“No.” Severus side-eyed her. “…I’ll be wearing my hair like Ken’s.”

Kendi gasped, putting her fork on her plate with a clink. “Yes! Can I please put it up for you, Dad?”

“…That was a joke.”

“Oh, but you would look so cute! Please, Dad? At least half up? I promise it’ll look perfect.” She widened her eyes with excitement.

What did he get himself into? He closed his eyes. “…Fine.”

Kendi hummed cheerfully. “I can’t wait. Both of you will be gorgeous.”

After dessert, the table was cleaned up. Everyone returned to the living room and spent a few more hours together, playing games and opening the crackers. The Christmas evening was enjoyable for everyone – it had been a while since they were together.

Finally, Ti and the grandparents gathered their gifts and hugged the family goodbye. They left via Floo, taking leftovers with them.

[December, 1999 – Christmas Morning].

“Why are we so busy this year?” Kendi put her long dark hair in a ponytail and rolled up the sleeves of her wool sweater. It was good that she hadn’t put her dress on yet, as it would have been uncomfortable.

“’We?’” Kanara cocked her head. “Was wrapping presents that difficult, Ken?”

“Well, yes, since I couldn’t use my wand. I bet it was harder than wedding planning.”

Kanara blinked at her daughter. “…Now you’re exaggerating.”

It was December 1999, and the past two years were a transition for the Snape family. Kendi’s first year at Hogwarts was horrible – but the war was won, and everyone safely made it to Mexico. Severus turned out to be alive and received the Order of Merlin. And finally, the family decided to move to start over – start something new.

Two countries later, they finally settled in their new place in the United States. This would be their first Christmas in the home, and everyone planned to come. Even more exciting was that Severus and Kanara were getting married in two days.

Almost everything was ready, from food to decorations. It was late morning, and the mother and daughter wore loungewear while they filled the stockings over the red-brick fireplace. The tall Christmas tree was to the left of the fireplace, dressed with green, black, and silver ornaments and a star on top.

Kendi, the oldest child, quickly helped her mother finish them. “Who gets the extra candy canes? I know Grandma and Grandpa aren’t fond of them.”

“Split them between you and Jasper.” Kanara sat on the sofa and opened a small wooden box on the side table. Inside were tiny figurines she molded and painted herself – one for each stocking.

Kendi thought about her mother’s words; she pretended to, at least. “…No. He wouldn’t mind.”

“Wouldn’t mind what?” A boy said on the upper level. To the right of the living room were stairs leading upstairs, and quick footsteps were now coming down them. Jasper landed on the floor and stopped behind the sofa. “I heard my name.”

“Really? I didn’t hear anything.” Kendi quickly put the two canes in her stocking and folded her lips.

“Ah – perfect,” Kanara stood up. “You can help your sister finish these.”

“Sure, Mum.” Jasper fixed his shirt. He was the only one already dressed, wearing a dark blue button-down shirt and black pants.

“Aw – and you look handsome.”

Though he was one year younger than Kendi, he grew faster than she. Kanara went behind the sofa and ran a hand through her son’s wavy hair.

Then she whispered, “Ken has two extra candy canes.” Jasper smirked; she patted his shoulder and went down the stairs leading to the basement.

~~~

As colorful smoke emerged from the cauldron, two round, black eyes widened in excitement. Rane cooed with awe as she watched her father finish brewing the potion. “It’s pretty!”

“I know, sweetheart, this is my favorite part.” Severus had the six-year-old on his hip. Her curly black hair tickled his neck.

Somewhere above, a door opened, letting daylight on the basement stairs, then closed. A pair of feet slowly made their way down the stairs. Kanara then stepped off onto the floor and watched the scene.

She had three children with Severus. The oldest two were probably negotiating over the candy canes right about now. But their third child was clinging to her father as she always liked to do, still in her sleepwear.

A few lamps and daylight from the egress windows lit the basement. It was full of Severus’ belongings on the left wall, and Kanara’s art supplies on the right next to the stairs.

Slowly but surely, the shelves on the left wall were becoming stocked with jars of all kinds of things. There was a standing-height table in the corner below the shelves for potion-making. And in the other corner was a desk, full of books and sheets of parchment with handwritten and typed words. Severus and Rane were at the table.

His hair was in a messy bun, and he had on a simple shirt with sweatpants. “Raney… I think we’re being watched,” he murmured.

After hearing that, Rane snapped her head to the basement stairs with an intense expression. “We are,” she whispered. “It’s Mummy again.” Her widened eyes made her look less intimidating and more adorable. Out of all of the children, she looked the most like her father.

“Well, don’t look too long,” he whispered back. “We must act natural.”

Kanara snorted. “You know I can hear the both of you.”

He gasped dramatically. “Oh no, Rane, what have you done?”

Rane shook her head. “Act natural, Dad!”

Kanara giggled. “I can’t believe you taught her that look.” She padded to the two of them. The floor was cold under her socks. A chill started in her head, and she closed her cardigan.

“You knew I would eventually teach one of them; fortunately, she learned it quickly.” Severus effortlessly used one hand to move the potion to a jar, then waved his wand to clean the table. “It’s something she could use when she goes back to school. Perfect for scaring her enemies.”

“And this?” She inspected the jar.

“A surprise.” He brought his free hand to his daughter’s side, then slowly put her on the ground. As soon as her feet were on the floor, Rane dashed to the stairs.

“Take your time, Rane,” he said firmly.

“Sorry.” Rane instantly slowed down and went up the stairs, step by step. Daylight came from the top of the stairs again, and the small child slammed the basement door.

Kanara shook her head. “Heavy-handed. She’s six, you know. Too big to be held.”

“You’re forty-one, Nara –“ he put his hands on her hips and lifted her to sit on the table. “Yet you like when I pick you up.”

“Hey – that’s different, and you know it.” She folded her lips to hide her smile.

He chuckled and stood between her legs to wrap his arms around her waist. They were now at eye level with each other. Her tight curly hair was tied back for now, but a lock had broken free.

He twirled the lock between his fingers and gazed at his fiancée with soft, dark eyes. “You’re beautiful, love.”

“Thank you – so are you.” She smoothed down any loose strands on his head.

A small smile formed on his face from the compliment.

The children upstairs were doing alright; it was quiet for the most part, and it sounded like they were chatting. He moved the curly lock to the side and kissed above Kanara’s eyebrow, then slowly continued kissing across her forehead. It was gentle and pleasant, and he took his time kissing all over her face. Despite how long they had been together, butterflies always grew in her stomach from his touch.

Once he kissed the corner of her mouth, she covered his mouth before he could kiss her lips.

“Are you trying to break the rules, Sev?” She said quietly.

“Then, I won’t tell the mistletoe if you won’t,” he mumbled behind her fingers, turning his eyes upwards.

She smiled – he was starting to sound like Jasper. Somewhere upstairs, it sounded like Kendi had said she would change her clothes. Then footsteps began moving across the floor above.

Kanara put her hand down. “Alright. One kiss. Then we should get dressed.”

Severus swiftly leaned in again and planted a long, firm kiss on her lips. The wind almost sent her backward – she chuckled against his mouth as she steadied herself on the table with her hands.

These days, Severus was still Severus, but different in some ways. His children wouldn’t have been able to tell that something had changed. He was always calm, likable, and more patient around them – for the most part. But Kanara knew him more than they did, and she saw someone who could finally breathe. Who was ready to move on with his life and do what he wanted. Someone who could just be.

~~~

Everyone arrived by use of the International Floo Network in the mid-afternoon. First was the children’s aunt Ti, Kanara’s sister, who emerged from the living room fireplace. She had been living in Mexico for about five years and made space for the family after the war for one. Jasper and Rane hugged her, and then she went into the kitchen with a Mexican dessert.

Minutes later, Severus and Kanara came out of their bedroom, dressed in black. Severus headed to the kitchen. He wore a button-down shirt and pants, and his hair was parted on the side.

Kanara had freed her curly hair and wore a long-sleeve dress with a scoop neck. She went forward to sit with Jasper and Rane in the living room. Rane was now in a white dress, and the two children had started pulling wrapped presents from under the tree.

“Ah!” Severus’ deep voice echoed through the main level. He then popped his head out of the kitchen, eyes wide. “Kanara, there’s something in the kitchen.”

Kanara shot up from the sofa. “What, what is it?”

“Don’t even, Severus.” Another woman’s voice – deeper than Kanara’s but similar – spoke from the kitchen. The children’s aunt walked out into the living room. Ti wore a blue sweater dress and black tights, and she had honey-blonde braids in her hair.

“Tati!” Kanara jumped up and hugged her little sister. “When did you get here?”

“Seven minutes ago, maybe. Jasper said you were getting dressed.”

“Oh – it’s just you, Tatiana,” Severus smirked.

She cut her eyes at him. “I can’t believe I’ll have a brother in two days.”

“Please, you already do,” Kanara raised an eyebrow. Ti and Severus have acted like siblings since Jasper was born. Their relationship mainly consisted of jokes and annoyance, but they didn’t dislike each other.

Kanara hummed happily as the flames in the fireplace turned green. “And last but not least…”

Eileen Prince emerged from the fireplace. Quickly stepping aside, Jeremiah emerged right after – Kanara and Ti’s father.

“Mum and Dad.”

Eileen was holding her homemade trifle that everyone loved. She had curled her long hair and wore a simple dark red dress. Once she had spotted Ti, she laughed. “Are we the last to arrive again?”

“Every year, Grandma,” Jasper stated. “Every year.”

Jeremiah looked sharp, as always. He tussled his grandson’s hair. “Well, that’s how it’ll be every year, Jas. Because now we meet first. Where’s your sister?”

“Getting dressed. I don’t know what’s taking so long.”

While the house became louder with the new voices, Eileen went to the kitchen to find a space to put the dessert on the countertops.

She found a small spot, then turned to see Kanara standing in the kitchen. Still small and sweet as when they first met. “Hello, Kanara.”

“Hey, Eileen. You look beautiful.” Kanara hugged her. Though the dish had berries, Eileen had a familiar pumpkin scent – no doubt from her house.

“Mum –” Severus walked in and kissed his mother’s forehead. “How have you been?”

“Well. I’ve been well.” She hugged her son, then pulled back to hold his face in her hands. “And I’m so excited for you, Severus. Both of you.” She grabbed his hand and Kanara’s, blinking hard.

“Oh, no,” Kanara looked at her fiancé, who started to mirror his mother, then covered her face. “Don’t, or I’ll start.”

“It’s Christmas.” Jeremiah was now leaning on the counter in the kitchen, and the three of them looked behind. “Let’s save our tears for the wedding, shall we?”

“Mm, I’ll try.” Kanara looked up and blinked rapidly, then hugged her father. “Hey, Dad.”

“Hi, sweetheart.” They pulled apart, and then he turned to Severus. “All right, Severus?”

A warm feeling spread over Severus’ body. “I’m alright, Jeremiah,” he said quietly.

Jeremiah waited for Severus to step forward, then wrapped his arms around him. He was about average height, but Severus felt short when they hugged. The men had only started a positive relationship a few months ago, and Jeremiah seemed to warm up quicker. While Severus felt awkward but cordial, he liked that they were in a better place now.

As everyone returned to the living room, light footsteps were heard coming down the wooden stairs.

Jasper let out an exasperated sigh. “Took you long enough.” He grabbed a present with his name on it.

Kendi stopped at the sofa and looked at everyone. She wore a dark green lace dress, and her hair was now in a bun. “Oh. Everyone’s here,” she grinned.