Authors: Nienna Ciryatan and Tigerlily

Rating: PG-13 just to be safe

Pairing: HP/SS

Fandom: Harry Potter

Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter, and everything in it belongs to J.K Rowlings, not us. Only thing in this story we own is the plot and Esterine Snape. You wanna borrow her, fine, just let us know so we can see where she ends up.

Summary: The first Christmas after Harry and Severus were married, Severus brings his husband home to meet the woman in his life, his mother.

Warning: Mush ahead

A/N: This is an interlude story in the Tides ‘verse.

Information about the Wiccan Yule celebrations was found at http://witchonthego.com/yule.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The carriages taking the other students to the Hogwarts Express were barely out of sight when Harry turned away from the doors, and fairly ran to the dungeons and his husband. By some miracle, Harry was the only student staying at the school during the Christmas holidays this year, and Severus had planned some kind of surprise for him.

Severus had refused to give even the slightest hint about the surprise, saying that Harry had to wait until the other students had left. As a result, Harry was bursting with curiosity, hence his current breaking of school rules by running through the halls to his destination.

Harry slammed open the door to Severus' room, panting. "Everyone's gone. Can I have my surprise now?"

“And hello to you, too,” Severus said sarcastically as he rose from his desk, then continued without the sarcasm, “You need to learn patience.”

Harry pouted slightly, but walked over to his husband and slid his arms around the other man’s waist. “You’re right. I’m sorry,” he said, then pulled the dark head down for a gentle kiss. When he broke it a moment later, he smiled softly. “Hello, Severus. How was your morning?”

"My morning? It was as it usually is, an all too quiet awakening followed by the incessant noise of breakfast. Then I had a few things that needed to be taken care of, that led to more cackling at lunch. Now I'm here, finishing up a potion that Poppy needs. How was your morning?"

"Lonely, boring, the usual when I'm not with you." Harry sighed, then turned green puppy eyes at his husband. “*Now* can I have my surprise?”

"Pest," Severus snorted. "You just refuse to wait, don't you?" Harry gave him a small smile. "Oh, all right. I'll tell you this much. We're going away for the holidays. I'm going to show you where I grew up."

Harry's eyes grew large with excitement. Severus wanted to share his past with him. This was going to be wonderful. To get away from.… "Severus, what about me not being able to leave the school?"

"You needn't worry. It’s perfectly safe where we're going."

"You're not going to tell me where, are you?"

"No, you still have to learn patience. You will know soon enough. Now, why don't you go and pack. I'd like to leave in an hour."

"I'll be back in twenty minutes!" Harry shouted as he ran out of the room. Severus just shook his head. Most days, his husband just had too much energy for him.

Severus spent the time waiting for Harry cleaning up his office. True to the young man's word, Harry was back twenty minutes later, bag in hand and panting to catch his breath. "I'm ready!"

"Of course you are. Did you remember everything? Clean shirts, underwear?"

"I packed enough clothes for a week and as for underwear, well you'll just have to wait and see, won't you?"

Severus snorted. "Very well. Let me get my bag, then we can go."

*~*~*~*~*

They arrived at the Headmaster's door and knocked. Albus called for them to enter and when he saw their bags, he beamed. "Off for your adventure, Harry?"

"Yes, Headmaster. Severus said he has a surprise for me," Harry answered with a huge smile.

"Of course. Enjoy," Albus said. He then turned to Severus. "I set up an extra ward or two, Severus, just to be on the safe side," he whispered.

"Thank you, Albus. We shall return in a week's time."

Severus and Harry stepped up to the fireplace. Severus grabbed some powder from the box on the mantle, tossed it into the fire and called out "Snape Manor". Taking a surprised Harry's hand, he stepped in and they were gone. Albus shook his head and smiled. {Leave it to Severus to *not* tell Harry their destination until the last possible moment.}

*~*~*~*~*

They fell out of the fireplace, stood and brushed themselves off, only to hear, "It's about time you got home."

"Patrino. Hello to you also," Severus snipped.

"And who is this young man with you?"

Harry looked up to see an exact female version of his husband. Well, almost exact; the nose wasn't the same.

"Patrino, this is my... husband, Harry. Harry, I'd like to introduce you to my mother, Esterine Snape."

Harry could do nothing but stand there, surprised. Oh, he knew Severus had a mother somewhere, he just didn't think he'd ever meet her. "Hello, Mrs. Snape," he finally stuttered.

Esterine said nothing, but walked around the younger man, inspecting him. That's how Harry felt, like he was being 'checked out', perhaps the same way a horse would be by a stud farmer.

When she was again in front of the two of them, she said, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Harry." Then she turned to her son and said, "Korligita, you have done quite well for yourself. He's handsome, well built and young enough to help you remember to live."

Severus let out the breath he was holding. Not having his mother's approval would have been devastating to him. Not that he'd ever tell anyone that. Of course, he didn’t need to. His mother knew already, and he suspected that his husband did too, and those two were the only people he was concerned about. Normally, Albus would be on that short list too, but since ‘The Lie’, well....

"Patrino, I need no help in remembering to breathe every day."

"Then perhaps young Harry could help you remember to inform your mother when there are major occurrences in your life. Like getting married," came Esterine’s immediate rejoinder. She turned to Harry. "So young man, how is it that you were able to persuade my only son to decide to get married? I thought for sure he'd end up old, gray and alone."

"I... umm...." Harry stammered. He really didn't know whether he should explain everything or not.

Severus quickly came to his husband’s rescue. "Patrino, Harry and I weren't given much of a choice, at the time. But, regardless of the circumstances surrounding our marital beginning, we are, and will remain so."

Esterine, sensing that there was far more to the story than either of them were willing to say at this time, decided all of that could wait. She had a son-in-law to make feel welcome, and she would do everything in her power to make sure that happened. "No matter the beginning. Come and sit down. Have you eaten? How long will you be staying?"

“Yes, patrino, we’ve had lunch,” Severus answered, as he and Harry followed his mother into the living room. He sat down on the couch and tugged his husband down beside him.

Esterine sat down in an armchair on the other side of the coffee table. “Very well. How about some tea, then?” she asked. When her son nodded, she summoned one of the house elves and ordered tea for three. When the elf had left, she turned back to her son and son-in-law. “So, how long are the two of you staying?”

"I thought we'd stay a week. That is, if you don't have any other plans, patrino."

Esterine smiled. “You know you’re always welcome here, korligita. This is your home too,” she said, then looked at Harry and added, “That goes for you too, kara.”

"Thank you, Mrs. Snape," Harry answered in a quiet voice.

"None of that, Harry. My name is Esterine, and that's what you'll call me."

“All right, Esterine.” Harry’s voice was still quiet, as he tried not to show how overwhelmed he was. In a way, he was glad that Severus hadn’t told him that he was going to meet his mother-in-law, because if he’d known that, he would’ve been a nervous wreck. But Esterine had welcomed him into the family with open arms. Well, that was how he’d interpreted her words and actions.

"So, do I get to hear the story of your whirlwind romance from you? Or do I have to read it in the Daily Prophet?" Esterine asked.

Severus groaned inwardly. He wouldn't lie to his mother, but at the same time he didn't want to admit to her that he had been tricked.

Harry took the choice from his husband. "Professor Dumbledore told us that we needed to get married to save me from Voldemort," he told his mother-in-law.

Esterine snorted at the mention of the Dark Lord. He was someone most everyone feared, but all she felt for him was contempt. "What do you mean, save you from Voldemort?"

Harry proceeded to explain what the headmaster had told them at the beginning, before they knew of the lie. He had no idea what his mother-in-law thought of Professor Dumbledore, but he wouldn't be responsible for her loss of respect for the old wizard.

Severus sat and listened to Harry's explanation of events, relieved that the younger man felt comfortable enough to tell the story. Finally, he decided to add his two knuts. "Patrino, you recall when I owled you for the flowers?" Esterine nodded, and Severus continued, "I had made an error that caused Harry pain. I needed to make things right."

"What? What did you do? How could you ever do that to him?" Esterine demanded.

Severus sighed. "I didn't do it intentionally. We found out that Albus had withheld a few things from us, and I got angry. I left Albus’ office in anger. I was so mad that I didn’t think to take Harry with me. As a result, he believed it was him I was angry with, so he was hurt. The flowers were both an apology, and to let him know that I regretted nothing about us."

"I see. Well, I won't ask what Albus kept from you. I'd prefer not to have to have a chat with him, now." There was a slight snarl in Esterine’s voice. She would be speaking to the headmaster soon enough. Severus had dealt with a father who demanded things from him, without the benefit of knowing why until it was over, if then. More often than not it had caused her son a great deal of pain. He shouldn't have to handle the same kind of manipulation from the older wizard.

At that moment, the house elf appeared with their tea. Esterine poured for the three of them, and offered scones. That done, it was time to get to know her son-in-law. Oh, she knew of him: his name, and why he was famous. But she wanted… *needed* to know the young man who had put that slight smile on her son's face. She could see it even if others couldn’t; his eyes gave his peace away. "So, Harry, tell me, are you enjoying school? I'm sure it's different from the muggle schools you went to when you were younger."

"I like it well enough. Some classes are harder than others, or should I say, some teachers are more difficult to please than others," Harry said with a smirk.

Severus snorted. "It would appear that my husband believes that just because we're married, I should go easy on him."

Harry looked at Severus. "No, your husband doesn't think you should go easy on *just* him." He turned back to Esterine and leaned a bit towards her, lowering his voice as if revealing a great secret. "Your son really is the harshest teacher at Hogwarts."

Esterine lifted an eyebrow. "Really? I would have never guessed. It must be a trait he picked up from his father," she commented, deadpan.

"Harsh!" Severus snorted. "Those brats need discipline."

"And you've decided that you're the one to give it to them, I assume," Esterine snipped.

Severus gave his mother a cool look. “Of course, patrino. Who else will give the brats the discipline they need?” he asked. “Certainly not any of the other teachers, or even Albus Dumbledore, who coddles and spoils the students, especially his Gryffindors.”

"Well, Albus has always had a soft spot for his own house, just as I'm sure you do for yours," Esterine pointed out.

"Soft spot doesn't cover it. He lets Draco get away with far too much," Harry added his two knuts.

Esterine stiffened when she heard young Malfoy's name. She had never liked Lucius, and knew that his son was probably no better. "Enough about my son's teaching. Tell me about your other classes. Any special friends?"

"I suppose I like all my classes, though I find History of Magic a bit boring," Harry replied.

Severus gave another snort. "I think that's the fault of the teacher."

Harry ignored him. "My best friends are Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley."

“Ron Weasley? Arthur and Molly Weasley’s youngest son?” Esterine asked.

“Yes,” Harry replied.

Esterine smiled. “I’m sure you have a good and loyal friend in him,” she said. “The Weasleys are good people.”

Harry returned the smile. “Yes, he is and they are,” he agreed. He didn’t bother to mention Ron’s reaction during the Triwizard Tournament in their fourth year. They’d made up, and in his mind, that was ancient history. Instead, he recounted his first meeting with Molly Weasley. “In fact, I can thank Mrs. Weasley for getting onto platform 9 ¾ the first time. I had no idea how to get there, and while I was trying to figure it out, I overheard her mention it, so I asked her how to get there.” He smiled at the memory. “Mrs. Weasley was very kind and helpful. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done if she hadn’t been there.”

Esterine smiled again, and nodded. “That’s Molly. Kind and helpful. Not to mention very mothering.”

Harry grinned. “I discovered that the first time I stayed at the Burrow during the summer holiday.”

"Before I forget. I am expecting a visit from Molly this holiday. She usually comes by for an overnight stay, just something to give her a break from all the children," Esterine said.

Harry and Severus exchanged a glance. "When will Mrs. Weasley be here?" Harry asked.

"I expect her Thursday."

"We'll leave Wednesday then," Severus said.

"You don't have to,” Esterine protested. “I'm sure Molly won't mind."

"Patrino, no one knows about our marriage,” Severus revealed. “They can't. And Molly would be suspicious if she saw us here together."

"Or she might say something to Ron, and then I'll have come up with some story. I'd prefer not to do that," Harry added.

"I see. Well, I could owl her and ask that she not come until the middle of next week. I really want you two to stay for as long as you can." Esterine decided to ask her son about *that* later, when they were alone. She really wanted to know why the marriage was a secret.

"No, really Esterine, don't do that. I'm sure Mrs. Weasley really needs the time away. We'll be back," Harry said.

"All right, as long as you promise me that you'll come back this summer," Esterine finally conceded.

“We will, patrino," Severus assured his mother.

*~*~*~*~*

When they’d finished their tea, Severus turned to Harry. "Would you mind if my mother and I spoke privately for a few minutes? You could go and take a look at her flowers. She has quite a collection."

"Of course. Just point me in the right direction," Harry said.

Esterine called to the house elf to show Harry to her hot house. Once he was gone, she turned to her son. "Explain everything."

Severus started the story with what happened in the beginning of the summer, only leaving out the details of their sex life, and ending it with him deciding she should meet Harry.

"So, Albus made the entire story up? You know, as much as I like that wizard, sometimes I want to shake him for his wild ideas."

*~*~*~*~*

Sunset, December 24th 1996

With the leftovers from tea cleared away, Esterine retrieved the various items that would be placed on the Yule tree that Severus and Harry went to cut down.

She had just finished putting everything on the coffee table in the living room when her son and son-in-law came in, carrying a big evergreen. The two men carefully maneuvered the tree into the middle of the room and put it down.

"Severus, you hold the tree upright, while Harry and I place the stand underneath it," Esterine directed. Once the tree was secured, she handed Severus a string of berries. "We'll begin with these, I think, this year."

"Berries? Why are you using berries as ornaments?" Harry asked.

"You know this time of year as Christmas. Wiccans call it the Winter Solstice,” Severus began his explanation. “There are a number of common factors in each, such as the tree. A sturdy evergreen, to us it represents life surviving in the darkest time of the year. The ornaments we use are berries, like this strand, rosebuds and cinnamon. Candies are also placed on the tree, like candy canes, to represent the light of the sun."

While Severus spoke, Esterine continued to hand each of them different pieces to be hung on the tree, and letting them know where she wanted each placed.

"When we're finished, I'll light a Yule log in the fireplace and it will burn throughout the night. That symbolizes hope and a belief that the sun will return. Yule is a time for rebirth, as the light of The God once again is reborn and shines within our lives. It's also a ritual to guide us on our spiritual path," Severus finished.

"I've never helped in any Christmas celebrations at home, except to cook the meal and clean up after Dudley opened his presents," Harry admitted shyly to his mother-in-law. "I hope I don't do anything wrong here."

"Harry, there is no right or wrong way to observe the solstice. This is how the Snapes have celebrated for generations. Just enjoy the sights and smells of the day, and remember that we are now family," Esterine said, as she gave him a hug. She released the young wizard, then continued, "With Severus teaching, we have adjusted our celebrating slightly. Normally it is done after sundown on the first day of winter. I decided that we would do it on the eve of the Christmas holiday. That way I could guarantee that my son is here with me."

"So, it's okay to give Severus and you presents? I know that's a Christmas tradition." Harry was very interested in his husband's family's beliefs, but he also wanted to keep some of the traditions he was used to. Giving and receiving gifts was one thing he didn't want to let go of.

"Of course. We exchange small gifts. Generally nothing overly fancy, more in line with the tradition of the time of year. Candies, incense, things like that," Severus answered. "But whatever you wish to give is fine."

"I stopped giving Severus frankincense and myrrh. He kept using it for potions," Esterine added with a slight snarl.

Severus snorted at his mother's comment. "Once. I did it *once*, and only because Poppy needed a potion made and my supply of myrrh hadn't come in yet," he grumbled, as he placed the last cinnamon stick on the tree. He then went to the fireplace, and lit the log that one of the house elves had supplied them with earlier.

"When do you exchange gifts?" Harry asked, expectantly. "The Dursleys usually waited until after they came home from church. The Christmases I've spent at Hogwarts, I woke on Christmas morning to find presents under the tree in the common room."

"Tradition in the Snape household has always been to open the presents after the tree has been decorated, the Yule log lit, and mulled cider served," Esterine offered.

"So now would be a good time for you to retrieve your stash, Harry," Severus directed. He’d noticed the younger wizard fidgeting in his chair.

"I'll be right back," Harry said, as he jumped out of his seat and ran towards the door of the living room.

Esterine laughed. "Eager, isn't he?"

“Yes,” Severus replied with a smile, which soon faded. “But it’s not surprising, really.”

“No. I don’t suppose it is,” Esterine agreed. “He’s still young enough to be exuberant about presents.”

“Mm. Yes, but that’s not what I meant,” Severus said quietly. Seeing the quizzical look on his mother’s face, he explained. “I think it has more to do with the fact that he never got anything, either for Christmas *or* his birthday, when he was growing up.”

“*Never*?” Esterine repeated, her voice clearly conveying her shock.

“Not until Hagrid took him to Diagon Alley on his eleventh birthday. Hagrid got him his first birthday present. Actually,” Severus added thoughtfully. “Hagrid also gave Harry his first birthday cake. He’d brought one with him when he went to pick Harry up.”

“Well, Hagrid’s a good man,” Esterine commented. “So, what did he get Harry for his birthday?”

“He gave me Hedwig,” Harry answered from the doorway. Unnoticed by his husband and mother-in-law, he’d returned to the living room while they were talking.

Esterine looked a bit puzzled, as if to say 'What's a hedwig'.

"My owl," Harry's explained.

Esterine nodded at the clarification. "Come, sit down. I'll have the mulled cider brought in and we can get on with the rest of our tradition," she said. She called to Kampy, and instructed him to bring them drinks, but first to go to her room and bring the packages on her bed.

"While we wait, I shall go and collect my own parcels," Severus said, as he rose from his seat. He quickly left the room.

Harry looked around the room, nervously. He wasn't sure if he should put his gifts under the tree, or just hold them until Severus came back.

Esterine noticed the young man's discomfort, and decided to help him. "Harry, why don't you place your offerings near the tree for now. And *please* sit, you're making *me* nervous," she said, chuckling softly.

Harry heard the laugh, and instantly relaxed. His mother-in-law was doing whatever she could to make him feel comfortable. He did as she instructed. When he sat, an audible sigh left him.

"I promise, I don't bite... much. Severus has that particular chore down nicely," Esterine said when she heard the sigh. “Or so I’m told.”

Harry blushed, then laughed. He was almost positive Esterine knew about her son's ability to 'bite' with words, especially considering that he seemed to have gotten it from her. As for anything else, there was no way he was going to confirm or deny her suspicions. He nodded to her. "He has been known to bite off a head or two." As soon as the words left his mouth, he wanted to bite his own tongue. Talk about your double meanings. "He... I mean, he can be quite sharp-tongued when the mood strikes him." Another pause, while he felt his face glow even more red. Harry noticed Esterine was trying very hard not to laugh. "I... he... oh! I'll just be quiet now," he said, and dropped his head into his hands. She was going to think he was a pervert, and Severus was going to kill him.

Esterine couldn't hold back her laughter any longer, so she didn't. She hadn't meant to embarrass the young man, just make him feel more at ease.

Severus returned at the moment. Upon seeing his mother laughing and Harry's beet red face, he knew what had happened. He shook his head. Harry had no idea that his mother was just as sadistic as he was, and at times, maybe more so. "Patrino, what did you do to my husband?" He accused.

Harry's head shot up. "Nothing. She didn't do anything. I just put my foot in my mouth, as usual."

"Somehow, Harry, I believe my mother not only opened your mouth, but lifted your foot for you as well."

"Korligita, I did no such thing!" Esterine protested, although her tone said differently.

"I'm quite sure, patrino," Severus said with a glare.

"Well, let's have some cider and see about finding out if there any more surprises in store for us this evening." Esterine decided to put an end to Harry's suffering, and her son's accusations.

Severus nodded, placed his own gifts by Harry's, and poured three glasses of cider from the pitcher that Kampy had left. He handed one to each of the others, raised his own glass, then spoke a traditional offering to the God and Goddess. "On this Solstice night, we share each other's hearts and warmth, and celebrate the light. But there were those who came before to turn the dark to light. In ancient times, the Celts did come to celebrate as one, the end of dark, the end of night. The rebirth of the sun. They gathered wood, the oak and ash. A Yule log for the fire. They came with hope and with fear. On a Solstice night. Blessed Be."(1)

Esterine replied, "Blessed Be." Harry followed suit, somewhat reluctantly.

"Happy Christmas, Harry," Severus added, not wanting to completely deprive his husband of his own tradition.

Harry looked stunned for a moment. "Happy Christmas, Severus," he then replied with a smile.

Esterine smiled to herself. She was quite proud of her son for not excluding Harry's own beliefs. She had taught him well, despite her late husband's attempts to ambush those teachings. "Now then, I believe I have some gifts for both of you," Esterine said. "Severus, the silver wrapped one is for you, the other for Harry. Would you do the honors?"

Severus handed Harry not only his mother's gift, but his own as well.

Harry thanked him quietly, then handed Severus a tall package wrapped in red cellophane with a green and silver bow on it. "This is for your mother," he whispered. "And this is for you." The other package was wrapped in green paper, with silver pinstripes.

Severus gathered his gift for his mother and handed her both, then kissed her cheek. "Blessed be, patrino."

"Harry, tradition has it that guests open their bounty first. So, as this is your first time in my home, even if you aren’t exactly a guest, you have that honor," Esterine said.

Harry blushed and opened the gift from Esterine, figuring that was the proper thing to do. The box contained sweets: cinnamon sticks and jellied candies shaped like holly berries and pinecones. He smiled. "Thank you, Esterine." He took one of the hollies out, and bit into it. "Oh, orange. That's wonderful." His face radiated pleasure.

"I'm glad you like them, Harry. You're welcome," she answered smiling. "Now let's see what Severus gave you."

Harry nodded, put the candies aside, and opened the other gift. He was taken slightly aback when he read the title of the book. 'Charms, Chants and Runes' by Cheri Mainstay. "Thank you, Severus," he said, his tone of voice clearly indicating his puzzlement of the gift.

"You're welcome, Harry,” Severus answered, then explained his reason for picking that book. “I thought you'd like to see what held your mother's interest so well when she was younger."

"Now, patrino, I believe it is your turn," Severus said.

"Yes, yes, it is," Esterine answered with great enthusiasm. She proceeded to open Harry's gift first. The height and shape of it had her more than idly curious. What was revealed was a beautiful plant. A Sweet Violet to be exact. She let out a small gasp, then looked at her son-in-law. "Harry, this is wonderful. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Severus mentioned that you enjoyed sweet violet tea," Harry said. "I didn't know if it would okay or not. I mean... I wasn't sure if...."

"Harry, it's truly lovely. I do enjoy tea made from the flowers. But there are many other uses. Perhaps before you leave, I can tell you about some of them," Esterine offered.

"I'd like that, thank you."

"Now, shall we see just what my son has given me? I'm sure it's something like an old hat or the like. He does enjoy giving me the odd things now and then," she teased, hoping to once again relieve Harry of his discomfort. {Poor boy. He seems constantly worried that he'll misstep.}

Esterine unwrapped the small box from her son, then opened it. Once again she gasped in surprise. Inside was a bright gold pendant sun, hanging on a chain. Her eyes filled with tears at the truly personal gift. She was only half kidding about receiving odd things from her son. But this… this was exquisite. The fine detail, each ray etched out, and in the center was a lone amethyst. The meaning was clear, to her at least. Her son was telling her that she was his healing light. She took the pendant out of the box and held it to her chest. "Oh, korligita. Thank you," she whispered through her tears.

Severus went over to his mother and knelt in front of her, placing a hand on her knee. #Patrino, I love you. Thank you for all your patience, love and caring over the years. Most of all, thank you for helping me hold onto the one thing that has made me the happiest in my life. If not for you and the flowers you sent me, I believe I would have lost Harry forever,# he whispered to her in her native tongue.

Harry sat back and watched the exchange. He was surprised, not only by the reaction Severus' gift caused, but also at how the older man spoke to his mother. He didn't understand a word of it, but the tone made it clear that Severus loved his mother deeply. He remained silent, not wishing to disturb the rare moment of watching Severus interact with someone on such a personal level. Of course, he had known that his husband would be loving and kind to his own mother, but to actually witness it, was awe-inspiring.

Esterine reached out and stroked her son's face. #You are my heart. I love you.# She then wiped her tears away, patted Severus' shoulder, and smiled. "Now, korligita, open your presents."

Severus got up and gathered his own gifts. Deciding to open Harry's first, he carefully removed the paper and found two boxes. He opened one and found it was filled with belladonna. The other contained daisy roots. He looked up at Harry, only to find his husband blushing once again.

"I didn't know what to get you, so I thought something useful would do,” Harry said. “I'm sorry. If you don't like it, I'll get you something else."

"No, Harry. It's fine. Practical gifts are something I always appreciate. I'm just surprised at the choices," Severus offered.

"Well, I noticed that those two were among the ones you use most often," Harry explained.

"You're right, of course. I do use them both more than others. Thank you, it was a very thoughtful gift." Severus went over to the younger man, and kissed him gently.

"You're welcome," Harry whispered.

Once Severus was satisfied that Harry knew his gift was appropriate and appreciated, he opened his final gift. It was a small statue of hawk, carved out in pine. The detailed work allowed for the deception that the hawk would fly away at any moment. "Thank you, patrino," he said softly.

"You're welcome, korligita," Esterine said. "Now, I believe it's time for another glass of cider, and then I must owl Molly."

*~*~*~*~*

Later that night, while Severus and Harry lay in bed, Harry again remembered that he had a question for the older wizard. "Severus, that language you spoke to your mother in…. What was it? And will you teach me?"

Severus let out a low chuckle. "My mother's native language is Esperanto. While she grew up in England, her parents were immigrants. We used to speak to each other in Esperanto when my father wasn't around. He disapproved of my learning any language other than Latin." Even after all these years, Severus couldn't keep the sneer out of his voice when he spoke of his father. "As for teaching you, of course I will. Although I was thinking that perhaps you'd like to learn your mother's native language. She was Welsh."

Harry rested his head on Severus' chest. "I think I'd like that a lot, thank you. But I'd still like to be able to understand what you and your mother are saying."

"Ah, yet another way to know secrets I keep. Once you've finished with your Welsh heritage, we'll discuss my Esperanto." He bent his head, allowing his lips to brush Harry's hair. "Go to sleep, mia amo. We have to get up early to leave for Hogwarts."

"I hope we can come back here during the summer. I really like your mother." Harry placed a kiss on his husband's chest. "Good night, Severus."

The End

(1): The toast is actually part of "The Story of the Celts." found at witchonthego.com