A/N: Thank you for waiting. I wrote this quite awhile back and have been editing it a lot. I appreciate anyone who has waited and who has private messaged me regarding this story. I know it is not quite as long as some chapters but it felt like a good space to cover. Since the stuff to follow is going to be heavy as hell. Please review to let me know your thoughts.

Chapter Twenty: Sister Janet

Winter of Fifth Year

"You see the problem was: she had a little black book. And my name was written on every page."

-Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, "Jubilee Street"

"OH…MY…GOODNESS…NOOOO!" Petunia screamed, and then she proceeded to let out a high-pitched wail as Severus stood naked in front of her. It would have been hysterically funny if the situation weren't so very frightening. Lily stared at the scene in terror, unable to decide what action to take. Trying to think fast, she rolled over and searched the side of the bed for his clothing. Desperately, she shook the sheets and his underpants and trousers rolled out.

Wordlessly, Severus dressed quicker than she'd ever seen in her life. Unfortunately but naturally, his penis shook as he did so and Petunia continued to scream, pointing at the flaccid, long thing dangling between Severus' legs. He pulled his shirt and coat on, sent Lily a wild-eyed look, and then made to run past Petunia. She ceased in screaming, but stood firm in the doorway, shock engraved on her thin face. They did a sort of mad dance. Finally, Severus shoved past her, clattered down the stairs and the front door opened and slammed shut. His feet pounded on the gravel path. From outside, Lily heard a car honk, and the sound of Severus' footsteps going fast down the street until it was silent.

Lily covered herself with her blankets. She looked back at Petunia, biting her lip. Her face grew hotter and hotter as her sister continued to stare.

"Lily," Petunia finally said, her voice high and breathy, "Lily, you weren't… You didn't do what I think you did, did you? Why was he here? Why was he naked?"

There was a long silence during which Lily's eyes wandered around the room. Even Petunia couldn't be enough of a prude for her to lie and get away with it. Her heart was pounded in her chest and she nearly felt sicker than yesterday. She was surely going to be tossed out from the house when their parents arrived home. Either that, or Petunia was going to hang her. Finally, she met her sister's eyes again. "Tuney," she begged, surprised that she was using her sister's old nickname, "please—please don't tell Mother and Dad—please—"

Petunia's eyebrows rose so far up her forehead that they looked in danger of shooting off the top of her head. "No," she moaned and covered her face in her hands. "You can't be serious? With him? You didn't—"

"Tuney, please—calm down!" Lily urged, but she sounded just as distressed as her sister. "Don't look like that! It's not so bad—I didn't really even think about it. But he's not what you think! And it was sort of an accident!" The last part was a lie obviously, but she figured it didn't really matter. Petunia had seen Severus in her bed, and she'd also seen him naked. Petunia began to pace back and forth in Lily's room, wringing her hands. Lily had never seen her proper sister look so damaged.

"Lily…" Petunia tapped her foot, clearly struggling with what to say. Finally she decided on: "YUCK!"

Lily went beet red, her hair hanging in front of her face. Really, it was no good arguing. The embarrassment she'd been hiding at school deepened under her sister's piercing gaze.

"I should have paid extra attention—I knew he was up to no good! I should have told him to go away the other night! Oh, Lily—how could you?" she asked, looking like she was on the verge of tears. "Why would you do something like that? Lily, he's just awful! He's not nice! He's from Spinner's End!"

Her reaction befuddled Lily. Rather than spiteful or upset about Lily breaking the rules, she seemed genuinely concerned. Lily figured since her sister didrather abhor Severus, that was most likely the reason why. "It's not so bad," Lily tried to say, but Petunia cut her off:

"I should have been watching you," she continued fretfully. "I don't believe myself. I knew he was after you. I knew it from the beginning. From the first day! When you were little. The way he's always watched you! That time I walked in on him wrestling you! Lily, how could you be so stupid? You'll never be rid of him now!"

"You remember all that?" Lily asked, her own eyebrows matching Petunia's in position.

Petunia shot her a strange look and nodded vigorously. Her voice was strangely composed and quiet. "Of course I do. It was so obvious he fancied you. Now you've gone and given him exactly what he wants." Her tone was not harsh. On the contrary, she sounded crestfallen. She collapsed on Lily's bed and buried her face in her hands. Suddenly, she sat upright and stared at Lily unblinkingly. "Were you careful?"

"What do you mean, was I careful?"

Petunia scrunched her eyebrows. "Were you… Did you… Did you make sure you couldn't be…" She paused dramatically. "Pregnant?"

Lily's heart momentarily started racing again. She hadn't even considered that, or thought much about it. How could she be so stupid as to not even think about that? She tried to retrace what she'd learned so many years ago from that damned health book their mother had forced her to read. Ejaculation caused pregnancy, and once he'd gone on her leg and last night, he'd gone in his hand. "Not possible," she said. "He didn't… You know…"

"Things happen, Lily! You're completely sure?"

"I think so," Lily nodded. At Petunia's stare, she nodded more vigorously. "Absolutely." She swallowed nervously.

"Why weren't you more careful? Why did you do it?" Petunia asked, throwing up her hands dramatically. "I can't believe this…I'd tell him off but I know he wouldn't care. He's the absolute worst person, Lily. If you were going to do it, you could have at least picked someone better! He's like a shabby sort of dog that you've tossed a biscuit at."

"That's not nice!" Lily said, but her face reddened as though Petunia had insulted her instead of Severus. It was just like she'd feared: Severus was an enormous embarrassment to most everyone she knew. And what did that make her?

"Lily! Snap out of it!" Petunia continued, slapping the bed and making Lily jump. "I would have thought you more concerned with your looks than this. He's from a horrible family, he's ugly, he's poor, he's mean and he got you into that magical mess!"

Lily felt herself turning even redder. "He's not so bad!" she said, but her tone was weak. It was difficult fighting with everyone all the time about how Severus was actually a decent person. "And besides, he didn't get me into anything. I'm a witch—" Petunia set her jaw at this utterance—"he didn't do anything besides help me. He's smart, and I fancy him back—"

"I just can't believe you… you… slept with him," Petunia whispered.

Lily shrugged. "It was weird, but it wasn't so bad, actually."

Petunia stared at her like she was from another planet. "But Lily. Why?"

"Don't you ever think about it?" Lily asked seriously, sitting up and pulling her blanket over her shoulders. Come to think of it, she didn't know much about Petunia anymore at all. For all she knew, Petunia could have been frisking loads of boys by now, though Lily highly doubted it judging by this reaction. Her sister was a stranger to her.

It was Petunia's turn to blush. She shrugged her shoulders. "I suppose so. Sometimes. But I go to a girl's school," she replied solemnly. "Unfortunately, he's one of the only boys I've ever met since our move."

Lily had never really thought about that. Boys were commonplace at Hogwarts and not only that, but with Mary as a best friend sex had always been a topic of conversation.

"In fact," Petunia went on, lowering her voice, "that's the first time I've ever seen one naked. I can't say I'm very thrilled about it. I'd like to take it back, actually."

Despite the situation, Lily giggled, covering her hand with her mouth. "Sorry, but that's a funny way to put it. I think you scared him to pieces—"

"I really don't care," Petunia responded. "He shouldn't have been here—"

"Are you going to tell?" Lily pressed, staring at her sister with wide, innocent eyes.

Petunia looked away. "I should tell," she said.

Lily's back went rigid, and she continued to stare at her sister. "Tuney—"

"It'd stop you from getting into any more trouble with him," Petunia said. "And I certainly don't approve of you seeing him. In any fashion, but especially… this. And you know Daddy doesn't like him and Mother feels the same way."

"Please Petunia!" Lily exclaimed, suddenly realizing the severity of the situation in full. "If you told, you have no idea what would happen!"

"I think I have some idea," said Petunia crisply. "And it might do you good."

Lily crawled closer to her sister, her hair spilling over her shoulders. "Please!" she exclaimed, hugging Petunia tightly. "I'll clean the entire house! I'll even clean your room! I've got wizard money, but I can change it and give you—"

"Pay me off? How cold do you think I am?" Petunia asked, pushing Lily away gently. "Anyway, I can't stand to hear you beg, and I hate it when you make those big eyes. It's rather sad."

Lily's lips puffed out. "You won't tell?"

"Don't pout," Petunia instructed seriously. "I'm not going to tell—"

"THANK YOU!" Lily cried out, clapping, and went to hug her sister but Petunia held her back, staring her in the face.

"But," Petunia snapped, making it clear she was not quite finished, "I want you to know I think you're far better than him. Look at you, Lily. Everyone says it. You're perfect. What on earth do you want with him?"

"I'm not perfect. And besides, I see the real him," Lily said quickly. After all, it had always been that way.

Petunia sighed. "I suppose I knew that, but I still don't get it. I think you're being too generous myself. If he does anything to hurt you—"

"He won't," Lily said firmly. "He always sticks up for me—he's been my best friend since...forever."

"You don't love him, do you?" asked Petunia disdainfully.

Lily paused. It was not her tone that caught Lily off guard. It was actually the question. Lily bit her lip again, and flipped her hair back. Do I? she thought, and suddenly felt a pang of guilt for not knowing the answer. She certainly cared deeply for him as a friend, but she had no idea what she felt otherwise. Despite all the awkwardness, she enjoyed being close to him and she very much enjoyed his mind. Romantic love was not something Lily had thought much about. And so she shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. "I don't think so," she replied honestly.

"Well, at least you're not completely insane," Petunia said, but her tone was pleasant. She called her friend and cancelled. The sisters spent the day watching holiday movies on television. Lily didn't hear from Severus that day, and she didn't write to him. It had been too intense, this week. She figured he was recovering from embarrassment, and in all actuality, she was happy to have her sister back instead.

Severus hadn't spent much time at all in Cokeworth after the humiliating incident with Lily's sister Petunia. He'd gone home to find his father passed out on the couch, and as had been the trend for this holiday, his mother out. In this situation, Lily certainly could not help. He felt he'd told her too much, that she'd seen enough, and now she was probably laughing at the thought of him. Either that or she was just as mortified as he was. He couldn't tell which was worse. Severus had only just gotten Lily to see him in a sexual way. And now he'd gone and ruined everything by being part of an utterly ridiculous display. He had Petunia to thank for that. The bitch. In desperation, Severus had sent an owl to the only person he could think of that might be able to rescue him from his own embarrassment. But even that was a generous stretch. In more realistic terms, he'd contacted the only friend he had who was mature (or vain?) enough not to ask him too many questions.

"What in Merlin's beard happened to you?" Lucius Malfoy asked, striding toward Severus, who was standing in front of the Leaky Cauldron. "Are you well? Honestly, I didn't know what to think when you wrote me!"

"If this was inconvenient, you could have said so," Severus replied, his teeth rattling from the cold. Who was he fooling? He probably looked like an idiot. "I can go home—"

"Don't be foolish," said Lucius loudly and hugged Severus over the shoulder. Even this usually awkward gesture seemed normal by the comparison to what had transpired earlier. "I was worried about you."

Severus rolled his eyes and pushed Lucius off of him, but grinned. "Don't be. That's unnecessary." He quickly realized that he and Lucius were now the same height. In fact, Severus may have surpassed him, given that Lucius consistently wore very high, shiny boots.

"Unnecessary?" Lucius clucked, and his icy eyes became slits. "I haven't heard from you in ages. I thought you'd dropped off the earth—"

"Oh? I've been busy with class," Severus said at once as they walked together through the lightly falling snow. "I'm in fifth year, you know." The truth was, he hadn't spoken to Lucius because he was guilty about officially seeing Lily. Lately, his first actual conversation with the boy had come to his memory, when Lucius had advised him to steer clear of being seen with Mudbloods. He'd likely be booted out of the circle, and he couldn't afford that. Not to mention, Lucius was one of the only people who he felt actually respected him.

"Not too busy wishing you were Prefect, still?" Lucius chided, but his smirk faded at Severus' glare. "Well, anyway, we've loads of catching up to do. And Tom will be glad to know you will not be bowing out of his party invitation. We'd all wondered if you were having second thoughts." His grey narrowed eyes shined.

"The party," Severus voiced, and couldn't believe he'd forgotten. "Of course I'll be coming. I've been looking forward to it—"

"Oh good. It's taking place Christmas eve," Lucius said, and before they took off he gave a sinister smile. "You'll be staying here for the last of the holidays then, I presume? Christmas with my family is always a sight to behold."

He was right. When the boys arrived at Malfoy Manor, Severus was overwhelmed by how full of Christmas cheer it was. At least in a very Malfoy way, that is. Gaudy black decorations were strung up wherever possible, and plates of sweeties lined every tabletop. It was unclear who was indulging in those sweets because as far as Severus could see the only things in the hands of the Malfoys were wine glasses. Abraxus was busy with work papers and had shut himself in his office for the day, occasionally yelling at house elves that brought him his tea. Diana was out shopping, so Lucius and Severus had the entirety of the manor to themselves. They spent the day throwing daggers at a tree in Lucius' garden to scare the wood nymphs, and demanded the house elves deliver them decadent foods. They spent most of their time on their specialty: making fun of everyone they knew. They definitely had a lot to catch up on. Severus talked about the spells on the owls, and how Avery had acted like a squeamish first year girl. He explained how he'd spied on James and company, omitting the detail about Lupin being a werewolf. He very much wanted to tell, but he wouldn't be surprised if Headmaster Dumbledore were to pop up in the fireplace to tell him off, the daft old codger. Instead, he told Lucius that Remus was deathly ill which seemed to delight his friend a great deal. "I wonder when he'll die. I'd love to crash that funeral," said Lucius with a big grin.

In exchange, Lucius told Severus about his brothers' awful son who had developed into an angry toddler and also his deepening connection to Narcissa and the Black family. Sneering, he told Severus how their families were getting closer and how Narcissa's parents had really warmed up to Abraxus and Diana. "They were skeptical at first. We're not quite as old fashioned as some of the Blacks can be," he explained, stretching out on the chaise. "But being that Father's become such an important public figure, their opinion of us is entirely positive. Especially with the way things are going in their family." At Severus' expression, Lucius straightened up. "You do not know? Bellatrix has not been married off yet. She does not seem to be bothered, but her parents are nearly giving up hope. I always knew she was psychotic. And I saw that little ignoramus Sirius Black just last week—"

Severus cringed. "Please," he urged, rolling his eyes. "I just escaped them, I don't want to hear about their lives—"

Lucius waved his hand. "Severus, you're going to love this. I promise. So, apparently, Black has been booted out of the Black family home."

"Booted out?" Severus repeated, cocking an eyebrow. "You mean he was—"

"Kicked out. Abolished. Written off!" Lucius said dramatically, nodding as though his life depended on it.

"I know what it means," Severus scowled, "but why?"

Lucius lay back, getting comfortable again. "Because his parents are displeased with him. They do not want him ruining the Black family name. His mother was enraged when she received a report from school that he's been up to all those stupid pranks, not to mention that he's apparently seeing some Mudblood girl currently."

"I thought he was seeing Cleo Sparks," Severus said, envisioning the good looking Slytherin girl. He'd heard nasty rumors about the two from Rosier, but Cleo was cool enough to still do well enough popularity-wise.

"Ancient history," said Lucius, rolling his eyes. It was pathetic to Severus that his mate was out of school and still more hip to the gossip than him, though Severus supposed this had much to do with dating the socially affluent Narcissa. "Now he's with a Hufflepuff. Banks? Some tired Muggle name like that—"

"Christine Banks," said Severus instantly, and reddened slightly at Lucius' raised brow. She was a full-figured girl in his year with whom he usually ended up working with in Potions if Lily was occupied with someone else. She was quiet enough that he hadn't cared much about her (and in all actuality, his opinion had been somewhat positive), but now he was thinking differently. If Lucius thought poorly of someone or something, it was difficult for Severus to feel the opposite. Severus instantly tried to tell himself that if he'd have known she was a dirty blood, he'd have hated her since he met her. Yet he just was not certain, and that scared him a little.

Lucius kept his brow raised. "Yes, that was it. Anyway, Sirirus' mother was enraged. Not to mention she absolutely despises the Potters, being the ridiculous blood traitors that they are, not to mention James' father being the happy nutter that he is, and she forbade him from seeing the Potter boy. According to Reg, Sirius snapped. He went more than a bit mad, and told everyone in the family off. Made a big, bad show of himself. Nearly physically assaulted his very own father. Imagine. And his mother told him she never wanted to see him again." Lucius covered his mouth and yawned as though it was the most boring story ever, but Severus was fascinated.

"So was he completely kicked out?" he pressed. "Where did he go?"

"Potter's, of course," said Lucius lazily, obviously proud he'd gotten Severus' attention so quickly. "Isn't that precious? Now they can all love Mudbloods together in harmony."

Severus swallowed hard and frowned intensely, thinking momentarily of Lily. Lucius raised his eyebrow. Again. Panic shot through Severus' veins as he recalled having sex with her. Severus wished he could tell Lucius what had been going on, but that would never do. Still, Lucius was someone who would be able to give advice—good, solid advice on girls and sexual escapades. And not only that, Lucius seemed to also be a professional at that elusive thing called "romance". Though it still made Severus a bit sick, he'd like to learn exactly how to be charming when the right sort of situation arose. But the fact that Lily was a Mudblood ruined everything. Lucius and Severus would never be able to relate on the subject of Lily, and Severus was not willing to lose his friend over this matter.

Lucius blinked at the awkward silence. "What on earth is wrong with you lately? You appear to be ill."

"I'm always ill," Severus said quickly and hung his head, completely humiliated.

"I shall make you a tonic tomorrow," Lucius said. "But for now, I think we should write your good friend Sirius a nice Christmas letter. Send him our best wishes for the season—"

"You're joking," Severus sneered.

"Clearly," Lucius smiled wickedly. "But don't you think he'd appreciate hearing how his mother and father are ever so sorry they kicked him out, and that they'd love to meet him in Diagon Alley tomorrow to work their issues back and take him home?"

"Oh, right. Yes, of course he'd like that," Severus grinned. The two boys spent nearly an hour writing a hilariously sappy letter, and then sent it off to the Potters' estate.

With visions of hopeful Sirius Black waiting ages for his family in chilly Diagon Alley, Severus fell into a deep sleep in one of the manor's guest rooms. It was a very nice diversion from the embarrassment earlier with Lily.

In the morning, he discovered Christmas Eve was one day away. Severus had no idea that time had passed so quickly this break and although being separate from Lily was difficult he was overjoyed that he was very far away from his parents. He hadn't seen his mum enough to miss her for the holiday and it seems she didn't miss him much either, or else she might care to be around a bit more often. He'd gotten no post from Lily (though he supposed she had no idea where he'd gone) and his family hadn't cared to look for him either.

Severus really didn't care much about Mum and Dad, for spending the holiday with the Malfoy family was a pleasant and intriguing change of pace. He always got enough to eat, he was included (as much as he wanted to be) in family affairs, and he got to hang around Lucius while getting to use all of the fancy brooms and items he wanted. Whereas his own family made him half sick with their drunk and obnoxious ways, he found the Malfoys posh, quirky and endearing, even while intoxicated.

Diana had the house elves wrapping mountains of gifts under her watch (screaming all the time for them not to break or steal anything) and Abraxus had an infuriating habit of recounting all of the progress he'd had working on Mr. Riddle's project. Because Severus had a fresh pair of ears, Abraxus spent the better part of two hours following him and Lucius from room to room, updating Severus on all of the connections he'd made for Tom. Severus had no idea who or what he was talking about half the time but because he had to stick to the lie of being Pureblood he nodded at every name mentioned as though he'd known the people for his entire life. Luckily, the names were familiar enough he could picture who the family was, given who he knew at school. Severus was beginning to discover how excellent he was at subterfuge.

Surprisingly, Lucius was getting along with his family swimmingly. He talked loudly about his Ministry internship and seemed to adore discussing Tom Riddle with his father. Whereas in the past Lucius had stood apart from his family, it was now fairly simple to see how like his parents he was. Had Lucius changed in the months since moving back home, or was Severus simply viewing him differently? He could not tell. Diana and Lucius got along best, but Abraxus seemed to respect Lucius more than in the earlier days.

And then Hagawthe came along, once again making Lucius the black sheep of the family, although in a very inconspicuous way. The dark-haired, chiseled man greeted Severus rudely upon arriving at the manor (a well-timed "Not you," under his breath, but a grin to mask his animosity). He still seemed to be hanging on to his original opinion of Severus despite all the time that had passed. His wife was a bit plumper which Lucius pointed out loudly as soon as possible, causing all of the other family members to laugh.

The family now shouted, bickered, and Hagawthe's son howled endlessly. "ME! MINE! NOW!" seemed to be Mephstoph Malfoy's favorite phrase. Lucius kept encouraging him to play in the fire, and no one really seemed to pay attention or care about what Mephstoph got up to. He rode the dogs, grabbed abandoned wands, and knocked art off the walls. Severus wanted to give him a hard kick. It was so disorderly in the manor, making Severus wonder if anyone knew the truth behind the Malfoy family's socialite public demeanor. Still, it was better than home and far more interesting.

Fed up with Hagawthe's antics, Severus began to analyze him. Hagawthe often feigned interest in what Severus was saying, asking open-ended questions about his opinions on wizard politics or Quidditch and then cutting over Severus with his own opinions. He clicked his tongue and cleared his throat annoyingly while waiting for someone else to speak, and he smiled no matter what—his glittering white teeth reminding Severus begrudgingly of that blasted idiot Gilderoy Lockhart. Based on the way Hagawthe ignored his own son and any gibes against Aurelia, it was clear that the only person he cared for in the manor was himself. Still, there was something strange about Hagawthe in regard to Lucius. He was especially cruel, but his eyes followed Lucius' every move, as though waiting for him to slip up in some way.

Diana badgered Hagawthe and Aurelia about when they were having more children, because she "wanted the bloodline to be extended as much as possible". This went into a very strange story about Lucius' brother who'd died as a baby, and how he probably would be hard at work having tons of pureblood children by now. Lucius caught Severus' eyes as if to say I told you so. Hagawthe assured her that they'd be having more, and then pointedly asked Lucius when he was planning to get married.

"Mind your own business," Lucius said icily, and poured himself a second cup of eggnog. Severus followed suit because the eggnog was cut with brandy and rum, which would surely help him deal with Hagawthe's annoying questions. Besides, ever since the first night with Lily he'd been itching to drink more alcohol. It helped him act so much more gracefully in social situations.

"I mean it," drawled Hagawthe dully, propping one hand under his chiseled chin and stroking it in a mock-concerned way. "You have been seeing that Narcissa for quite a long time now—do you not think it is just about time to wed, Lucius? Not pulling a Bellatrix Cracked, now are we?"

Aurelia simpered, obviously not forgetting the joke Lucius had made about her appearance earlier. "Yes, Lucius, you are still seeing Narcissa. Aren't you?"

Severus hadn't ever heard her speak much but he decided right then and there that she was an ice cold bitch. And fat, too.

Lucius began folding and re-folding a cloth napkin on the table. Abraxus stared at him. "I cannot stand when people leave questions unanswered. Lucius?"

"Yes," Lucius said angrily, "yes, I'm seeing her. I'm seeing her, all right?"

"You do not have to argue with me," Hagawthe said. "Just answer the question like a normal person."

"Who says I'm not a normal person?" Lucius asked testily. Maybe he hasn't changed, Severus thought to himself, watching the exchange in interest. Or perhaps it is fully correlated to Hagawthe being home. "Anyway, you were two years older than I am now when YOU got married, so maybe you should just leave me be—"

"I wasn't seeing someone for as long," Hagawthe retorted calmly.

"So what are you implying?" said Lucius through gritted teeth.

"Lucius, stop overreacting," said Diana, motioning one of the house elves to fill her glass of brandy. "Anyway, we will see Narcissa at Tom's function. Perhaps by then, you will figure out your life's work."

The family roared with laughter apparently at the thought of Lucius' "life's work". Severus waited for a blow-out, avoiding Lucius' eyes and wincing.

Lucius opened his mouth to speak but then surprisingly seemed to think better of it. He knocked back his glass of eggnog and smiled thinly. "You'll see, won't you?" His eyes glittered.

Oh blazes, thought Severus. Whether or not he'd changed, there was something strange going on with Lucius.

"Are you quite all right?" Severus asked later. Lucius was accompanying him outside while he smoked, although he'd given his opinion that it was a vile pastime.

Lucius' eyes flickered again, which was yet another dangerous sign. "Of course I'm all right. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Come off it," said Severus strongly. "You can say you're annoyed with your family if you want to—"

"They're right, though," Lucius said, which was yet another surprise. "It is odd that Narcissa and I are not yet engaged—"

"What's wrong with you?" Severus scoffed, thoroughly annoyed and confused.

"What do you mean, what's wrong with me?" Lucius repeated, his tone snappish and sharp. "You know what I think is odd? You never talk about your parents pressuring you. Don't they care who you marry? Don't they care about keeping blood pure?"

Severus looked down at the snowy ground and shrugged his shoulders, trying to lie as quickly as possible. "I just don't like to talk about it… besides, I don't like the idea of marriage, no matter what they say."

Lucius looked impressed. Severus had to hand it to himself—he was the best liar he knew. Perhaps it was the books on Legilimency.

"I wish I didn't care like I do," was all Lucius said, and then he changed the subject to Tom Riddle's party: what he'd be wearing, who'd be there. Severus couldn't help but notice that Lucius did not exactly meet his eyes while they spoke.

On Christmas Eve, Severus and the entire Malfoy clan traveled to Riddle's abode by way of a glove near the labyrinth behind the manor that was moonlighting as a portkey. Tom Riddle lived in a rather swanky flat several miles out of London, above an antique store. As soon as they arrived, their coats were taken by a house elf and Tom Riddle greeted them with a grin. His apartment was positively filled with bookshelves that were packed with books, trinkets and awards. Paintings shimmered and moved on the walls. It was a modest turn out. Severus did not see Professor Slughorn, but instead several familiar faces (students he'd never spoken to from school, and professors of subjects he hadn't yet enrolled in perhaps). Bellatrix stuck her tongue out at him, and Narcissa ran across the room to wrap Lucius in a hug. Lucius patted her shoulder.

"Hello, Severus," she greeted politely.

Severus winced at her. "'lo," he said, wandering toward one of the large displays in Riddle's parlor. Sure enough, there were important collectibles, just as he'd heard. Several Quidditch cups from the 1930s were placed in a row, as with elaborate jewelry and cufflinks, all serpent-themed. Severus wondered if they were Salazar Slytherin's but he hardly thought it wise to have them out in the open.

"Belonged to a member of my family," Riddle's voice came from behind him. Despite himself, Severus jumped a bit. "Just in case you were wondering."

"Cool," said Severus, nodding. It was funny. It was as though the strange man could read his mind sometimes.

Professionally, Riddle shook his hand with a smile. "How are you? Enjoying your winter?" His eyes flashed.

Severus coughed slightly and released his hand. "Definitely. I like the cold," he replied lamely. He wasn't certain why his having sex with Lily was springing to mind now, but he felt weird all the same. Changed. It wasn't like Tom was asking whether he'd finally gotten laid or anything.

Riddle smirked. "As do I," he said with a merry wink. "Anyhow, I am glad you could make it. It's a carefree evening for my new friends to get to know each other. I'm hoping this will not be the last time I'll see you at one of my events?"

"I plan to go to all of them!" said Severus quickly, and then flushed. "I mean… if I'm invited."

"Nothing would please me more. As long as you continue to hone in on your skills, I'm absolutely certain you will be a most valuable asset to me," Riddle replied. "Ah, Bellatrix."

"Good evening," said the dark-haired girl in a deep voice, her eyes excited. "Tell me, how is it that you came to own this photo album? Isn't this from the Dippet family personal collection?" She held up a very old leather-bound photo book.

Delicately, Riddle snatched it out of her hands. "If you would, my dear Bellatrix, please do not touch anything in my collection," he said coolly but it was apparent he was bothered. Severus watched her smirk somewhat flirtatiously. "But do touch as much of my brandy collection as you would like," he said, grinning tightly as though all was forgiven but Severus noticed the careful way he gripped the album as he placed it back on one of the many shelves.

"Bellatrix! Such unpleasant manners in the company of Master Riddle," exclaimed a very dangerous looking woman with large, angry eyes. Regulus stood by her side, waving at Severus over a cup of eggnog.

"Oh, keep your knickers on, aunty!" Bellatrix said good-naturedly.

"Severus! Happy Christmas!" greeted Rosier, giving him a boxy hug. She seemed to have grown slightly bigger breasts, which made her appear like a small boy with pillows in his shirt.

He nodded his head at her and lightly pushed her away. "Happy… Christmas," he said unconvincingly. "What's new?"

Tom Riddle smiled and moved onto a group of adults nearby as Rosier described in great detail all of the expensive outfits her mother had bought for her over the holiday. Luckily, this conversation died away when the two began to discuss their Defense Against the Dark Arts homework. Avery and Mulciber joined them not too long after that. It was nice to be among peers again, but Severus looked around longingly for Lucius who had been out of sight for some time. Things were changing, and not slowly either. It seemed like only yesterday when Lucius was his only friend in Slytherin, and now it seemed Lucius had aged by leaps and bounds. Avery, Rosier and Mulciber were actually true friends—not just people Severus got money from sometimes for homework answers. And whereas Lily was his best friend… Well… Now she was something entirely different. He no longer felt like he could risk telling her his deepest secrets. Mostly because she was now his deepest secret.

A rush of cold air entered the flat, and Lucius and Narcissa rushed in. Both of their long, pale faces were flushed and Narcissa was laughing in her soft way. Severus' gaze fell upon their intertwined hands.

"Ahem!" Lucius called out, a large sneer of great accomplishment on his lips. "I have an announcement so please listen in! Since we are among friends and allies, I find it suitable to let all of you be the first to know that Miss Narcissa Black and myself are engaged to be married!"

Abraxus and Diana applauded loudly. A couple who appeared to be the Black sisters' parents joined in the applause and kissed Lucius on both his cheeks. Bellatrix kissed Lucius on the lips and was pulled away by the large bloke named McNair. In the past, Severus would have been sick with jealousy and moodiness, but this just flustered him. Lucius? Getting married? Is it only because he was pressured by his parents? Either way, it makes me feel like a little baby… Severus really could not believe how everyone was evolving…

"The house looks quite superb," marveled Mother, running a finger along the wooden banister. "Did you girls dust?"

Lily and Petunia looked at each other and grinned. "That was Lily," Petunia said. "We both cleaned earlier, though. We wanted it to look nice for your return."

Mother put her hand to her heart, and Daddy grinned. "This is the best Christmas gift ever," Mother laughed, "I don't even have to clean after my trip!" She grabbed the girls and squeezed them.

"We're glad to have you back," said Lily with a smile.

Their parents stared at them, before putting several gift bags down around the tree. "It looks like you gave the tree fresh water," said Daddy. "And threw in a few gifts of your own."

"Nothing special," said Petunia, "just a few things we made."

Their parents exchanged glances. "You're getting along, and cleaning? And you made us gifts?" Daddy clarified.

"Yes," Lily nodded, and slung an arm around Petunia. "We had a good time here, too, you're not the only ones—"

"And you're not hiding anything?" he continued.

The girls looked at each other and then burst into manic giggles.

"Us?" Petunia asked.

"What would we possibly hide?" Lily asked in a high voice.

Their parents laughed richly along with them before relaxing on the couches to tell their daughters more about the trip. Lily and Petunia made eye contact, both of them showing off plastered-on smiles. They'd hidden Lily's secret, but as soon as Severus wanted to come round, Lily would be completely without a plan again. Still, Lily was wholly grateful for Petunia actually acting like a cool older sister for once.

The Evans family had the best Christmas Lily had remembered in years. She and Petunia exchanged presents, baked cookies, and got along so well that it was difficult to believe it was actually happening. Lily had absolutely no idea that this would be the last Christmas holiday she would actually enjoy with her sister. After all, how could she? Even those with crystal balls and talents in Divinations could not predict the horrors to come.