Sitting cross-legged under the tree, he stared up at the beautiful lights, completely mesmerised.

Memories of many unhappy Christmases flashed before his eyes, hinting at loneliness and the longing for something more...

Not this year.

For the first time ever, he had a real family. This year, he would have a real Christmas.

Somebody walked into the room and paused behind him...

“Dad?” a bewildered voice asked. “What’re you doing on the floor?”

“Working on the tree! What did you think I was doing?” Severus snapped, hurriedly scrambling to his feet, and trying to hide the blush colouring his face.