As you walked through the gates, sadness sunk on your shoulders, almost as if being back was a bad thing.

You hopped on your broom and flew up to the courtyard- knowing that Dumbledore would want to see you as soon as possible.

When you finally figured out the password to the office staircase, you stepped on and rode the staircase until it stopped in front of the big wooden door.

As you knocked, you stashed Alec's gift inside the pocket of your cloak and straightened your robes.

"Come in, Miss (l/n)." Dumbledore called from inside.

You entered the office and set down your trunks and broom as Dumbledore gestured for you to sit.

"Unfortunately, this year you will not be taking up the security post."

"Then why did you call me here, sir?"

"I want you to go undercover as a 5th year student."

"Why a 5th year? I would be a 7th year if I had been attending these past years."

"Because Harry Potter is a 5th year. And with Umbridge, I don't know what may happen behind the scenes, and I'll need you to report to me if anything happens."

"Alright, I'll do it. I'll be in Hufflepuff I presume?"

"Same dorm. I'll be sending you a list of supplies you will need before the year begins. I believe you have a house to get back to."

"Thank you, sir. I'll see you at the beginning of term." With that, you picked up your belongings and left, once outside you hopped on your broom and flew to your Hogsmede residence.

Opening the dusty door, you entered and took off your travelling cloak, hanging it on the coat rack, as well as abandoning your shoes.

The place was dark, incredibly dusty, and in need of some maintenance.

With a flick of your Jackalope antler wand, the dust cleared off and the lights turned on. Not bad for not being occupied for 7 years.

You entered your room and set your two trunks on top of your bed and your broom in the far corner.

Finally, you pulled out Alec's gift and set it on your wand handle, using your Ollivanders wand to seal it on.

Time to get some food for the kitchen.

As you entered your living room, you almost didn't see the man wearing all black sitting in your armchair, staring right at you.

"Well, hello Severus."

"(F/n). It's been 7 years. Not one letter!"

"Well, Severus. If I had known you cared so much about getting mail I'd pay for a subscription to the Quibbler for you."

He growled, obviously frustrated. "You know what I mean! What have you been doing all this time, might I ask?" Severus' voice kept on getting louder by the sentence, so naturally you decided to annoy him more.

"Oh you know, just learning about magic over at Ilvermourny with their amazing headmaster Alec Boot."

"And what did you study when you were there, hmm?"

"Oh, the headmaster said I was far too advanced for my regular classes so I learned from him, all 7 years. I even learned wand making." You pulled out your Jackalope antler wand, making sure the engraving was facing Severus- granted he was probably too far away to read it.

"You made a wand, what else?" He was starting to sound irritated but uninterested at the same time.

"Oh yeah, in my third year there he accidentally spilled some love potion in my tea-"

"HE DID WHAT?!"

"You heard what I said. He accidentally spilled some love potion in my tea one day. It's perfectly normal for two people to get together and have some tea, right? Besides- that's the only time it happened. Not that you care of course, since you obviously don't need me since you're such a man."

"Stop it, I know what you're doing."

"Doing what? Having a better time at Ilvermourny with Alec than here with you."

"No! You-"

"You what? You're jealous that I spent so much time with him instead of you? It was an assignment. I quite enjoyed it too. I even stayed a couple of summers with him."

"STOP IT. NOW."

"Calm down cranky pants. If I had known that you were going to start breaking into my house again I would've moved, but I suppose it's too late now."

"Fine! I'm sorry, ok! I do need you, (f/n)!"

"That's what I've been waiting to hear." You stashed your wand, strode over to where he was now standing, and hugged him. "Good to be back."

Severus finally relaxed a bit and hugged you briefly before letting go.

"You were kidding about that potion, right?"

"Uhhhh.........not really, no."

"What happened after?"

"I drank an antidote, what else?"

You showed him your many vials concealed in your inner pockets.

"Smart. So why are you back?"

"I'm going undercover. As a student, Dumbledore has already told you Umbridge is coming, right?"

"Yes..."

"Alright. Well I need to go grocery shopping so-"

"I'll come with you."

"Ok, if you insist."

~before the year began~

Dumbledore had sent you the letter with your supplies and you were currently sitting in Diagon Alley getting new quills- seeing as you already had everything else in your study.

You pulled a blood pop out of your pocket and stuck it in your mouth, now strolling along the busy streets of Diagon Alley.

That's when you bumped into Bosco and Asher in front of Ollivanders.

"(F/n)! Is that really you??" Asher exclaimed.

"Yeah, who else looks like me?"

"It's been 7 years since we've seen you! Where've you been?"

"Dumbledore sent me out to look for new potions ingredients. Took a bit longer than I thought."

"How can you eat those things? They taste like pure blood." Bosco asked.

"I dunno, I just like 'em."

"Hey, B. We've gotta do the thing before he gets back, remember?" Asher told Bosco.

"Oh yeah! See you soon, (f/n)!" The two ran away, seemingly out of Diagon Alley. You didn't think much of it.

You entered a store and realised that it was the owl emporium. Seeing as your owl was getting too old to deliver anything (you wouldn't be surprised if he were dead the next day) you started to look at the owls.

You finally picked out a barn owl, paid for him, and perched him on your shoulder as you continued to walk through Diagon Alley.

A name....what can I name this owl?

Well, he does sorta look like Alec.

Alec! That's it!

"Alrighty, Alec. You're rolling with me now." The owl hooted in response and leaned against your head as you continued to stroll through Diagon Alley.

"I'm sure owls don't really like to apparate, but I have to apparate to get back home, Alec."

So, you bought some potions ingredients you were going to need and apparated with Alec (the owl) back to St. Raven.

"You know, I should probably write to Alec. Tell him how things are going here. What do you think?"

Alec hooted in response as he was swivelling his head around to look at his new home.

You sat at your desk in your study and got out a piece of parchment and one of your new quills.

Dear, Alec

I hope everything is doing alright at Ilvermourny since I wasn't able to fully help you prepare for this years students. I'm soon to be attending Hogwarts for my 7th year, funny how my first and last years are here. Maybe sometime you could visit during Christmas!

Take care

- (f/n)

You sealed the letter in an envelope and handed it to Alec to deliver. The owl flew off and you sat back in your chair. Usually letters to and from North America- specifically Ilvermourny took at least 2 days to get a response. One day flying there, one day flying back. Unless owls could apparate or they had jet packs, there was no way you were going to get a quick response.

So, as you expected, Alec flew back to your study window about 2 days later carrying an envelope with Alec's response in it.

Dear, (f/n)

Everything is ready for the beginning of term, but I still miss having you here with me to help. I also miss the days we'd fly on our brooms and have tea afterwards. I would love to come over around Christmas, just tell me before the holidays start. Remember, if you ever need help, I'll be here for you.

- Alec

You grinned at the letter and ran downstairs to stick it to your refrigerator, Alec flying right behind.

~time skip~

It was before the holidays and you were glad they were soon- Umbridge was worse then you'd imagined.

The first day when you and Harry asked if you'd be doing magic in DADA, she gave the both of you detention. Umbridge had made you write 'I shall not speak out in class' until there was blood dripping all over your hand and you could hardly bear the pain. (You almost got yourself another detention but you stopped yourself from slapping her in the face).

You couldn't wait for the holidays and to see Alec again. Granted Severus would probably be jealous, but he'd just have to deal with it for the time being.

Your plans were to have Severus, Remus and Alec over for Christmas at your house- what were you going to get them?!

The thought had only now occurred to you and you panicked. Christmas Eve was only a week away and you had no idea as to what you should get for them.

Ok, uh...uhh...Remus...chocolate! He could use that on hand... Ok.....Alec...maybe.....his favourite tea! He told me it was hard for him to afford....now Severus.....shoot...what would he want? A new cauldron? Shampoo? Maybe I should follow him when he's shopping? Nah, not enough time...say....isn't Acromantula venom really rare? What if I could get him some of that?

~ to the forest~

Granted you shouldn't be there, you're in the Dark Forest. You walked around for at least an hour before dark and got lucky enough to find a dead Acromantula laying upside down on the ground. You extracted a couple of vials of the venom and started to head back.

~the day before Christmas Eve~

You were out in town buying Remus' chocolate and Alec's tea when you looked behind you and saw Severus- following far behind you.

"Hey! Severus!" You called. Severus' eyes seemed to widen as he'd realised that you'd seen him. He casually walked over to you and somewhat smiled- that was rare.

"So, you're still coming over tomorrow for Christmas Eve, Severus?"

"Yes. I need to see who this Alec guy is."

That made you laugh and Severus look at you in question.

"Just remember, 3:00 tomorrow at St. Raven, ok?"

"Yeah, yeah. 3:00, tomorrow, your house."

"See you tomorrow, Severus."

Once Severus walked away you apparated back to your house to put up final decorations, get food ready, and to wrap everyone's gifts.

The next day, you dressed in a (f/c) jumper (that you made- might I add) with your first initial on it along with a long sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans and fuzzy socks. You started a fire in your fire place and set the now wrapped gifts under your Charlie Brown tree.

About 3:05 your doorbell rang and you opened the door to see Moony. You gave him a hug and invited him in to warm up since it had started to snow.

"How are you, (f/n)? It's been 7 years."

"I'm doing great. Granted Umbridge is a nightmare to deal with, I'm sure she'll be out by the end of the year."

"Hey, (f/n). Does your friend Alec know about you being...you know."

"No, I'm debating whether or not to tell him."

"You should, I'm sure it'll be alright."

"Thanks, Remus."

Then, only 5 minutes later, Severus showed up. Naturally, he let himself in.

"You do realise that people usually knock or ring the doorbell instead of just walking into someone's house, right Severus?" Remus asked.

"By now, I don't even bother with him, Remus. That's pretty much every time he comes over." You replied.

"I'm not going to deny it." Severus said as he sat on the couch beside you.

You heard the sound of someone apparating and went to the front door to find Alec there, about to ring the doorbell.

Without any words, you wrapped him in a hug. "Hello, (f/n). Merry Christmas!"

You let go of him and let him come in. "You too, Alec."

Severus kept on eyeing Alec throughout the entire night but they seemingly got along- granted Alec was probably a bit too cheery for Severus' taste.

You eventually got to gifts and as you handed your friends their gifts you couldn't help but feel pure joy.

As they each opened theirs you smiled as they thanked you- you could tell that Severus and Alec were having a competition to try and thank you more.

Remus had gotten you a copy of Frankenstein (one of the many books you didn't own). Alec had made you a Wampus figurine that kept on running on the tabletops.

Finally, Severus got you a green and silver locket which was empty. The locket was different than any other you'd ever seen. Instead of your typical locket that has two spots for photos, there were four- two that folded out from the others.

Four days before Christmas Eve you felt as though you hadn't gotten enough for the guys. That being said, you knitted them each a jumper- Alec's being cranberry coloured with a golden letter A, Remus's being olive green with a gold R, and Severus's being black with a gold S.

Towards the end of the night, Remus bid you farewell and had left, leaving Alec and Severus with you.

"So, you're the headmaster of Ilvermourny."

"Yes, and you teach (f/n) potions at Hogwarts?"

"Indeed."

You could tell that Severus was trying to wait until Alec left- probably jealous.

Mustering up your courage, you decided to break the silence.

"Hey, Alec. I need to tell you something."

"Ok, what is it?"

Severus looked at you in question and you returned it with a reassuring look.

"I'm not 17."

Alec's face was a look of confusion, so you clarified.

"Have you ever heard of the Half Lord?"

"Yes, but what does that have to do with...no, you can't possibly be..."

You moved the collar of your jumper and shirt to reveal your left collar bone and very clearly- the mark.

"Yes, I am."

"So all this time you've been...that's how you..."

"Uh huh. I'm 117. Yes, this is my house. Please promise to not tell anyone, Alec. If you do they'll come hunt me down, thinking I'm some sort of danger. Either that or they'll think you're a nutter."

"Yes, yes....but how come you didn't tell me sooner?"

"Because I didn't know how you'd react. For all I knew you'd think I was insane."

Severus cleared his throat, making both you and Alec look over in question.

"Yes, Severus?" You asked.

"Oh...nothing, you two continue. It's just that it's nearly midnight and it is a long trip from here to North America."

Alec chimed in. "Oh, it's no problem, I usually apparate so it takes no time at all."

Grumbling, Severus crossed his arms as he watched the two of you on the couch, talking away as he sat sipping hot chocolate in the chair opposite of you.