Chapter 1:

"My dear boy," Dumbledore said with a smile and a smirk in his eye "are you excited for the 12 days of Christmas to begin?"

Snape looked up at his mentor with a look that, if looks could kill, would have laid the elder man on his back. "I don't know why you decided on a task that forces us to interact with the students in a way that may cause us harm."

"Harm, my dear boy!" Dumbledore laughed at this as if it was most amusing. "It is no harm. Besides, most professors will get other professors to gift. I am only including the professors among the students because there is no reason that we should exclude each other in these circumstances. It is all unity my dear boy. We don't want students believing they are below professors in a time when everyone is fighting the same battle. Since the names will be chosen based on compatibility, which takes age into thought as well, will mean that no one below 5th years will be able to get professors and so forth."

Snape shrugged. "As long as I don't get some bratty Gryffindor or Hufflepuff to gift, things will be fine."

Snape looked down to the table and his food as Dumbledore walked over to his spot. The next 12 days were the days before the students would go home for Christmas. They'd have fun in between classes and enjoy goods and foods that the school provided. Dumbledore decided that this year he wanted to do a '12 days of Christmas' based on the muggle song that he'd found interest in. Of course Dumbledore found interest in something that talked about random things like maids a milkin and whatever else that song talked about.

The kids were all laughing and joyful. It was a horrid time of the year to be a teacher. At least in Snape's opinion. He hated watching the students having a wondrous time despite what was happening in the world. Everyone knew that Voldemort was getting stronger and times of festivity were clouded in darkness because no one knew when their last day would be. But all Dumbledore could think of was making people happy. Snape sighed, annoyed. It doesn't make sense to try to make people think that they have a chance with whoever they were compatible with. But then again, perhaps Snape's paper would come out blank, since Snape was pretty sure he wasn't compatible with a human being, let alone anyone at Hogwarts. If he got someone like Dumbledore, he would likely not participate.

Dumbledore wasn't giving much notice for the drawing, since it was already supper time and everyone was waiting at their tables, rather than going back to their dorms, waiting for the announcement that they knew was going to come today. Finally Dumbledore finished a treacle tart and stood up, looking at everyone in the great hall.

"Good evening everyone. Today I announced that we would be doing a 12 days of Christmas gifting event. For those of you who don't celebrate Christmas, we still want you to participate because it's all about fun and unity. No one knows who they will get, which house they will be from, or even what year. And we even have the professors taking part as well! Don't worry, it's more about being kind and making someone happy. So if you don't know your person well, watch them. Take notes. You have 12 days to come up with something that will make them happy and will make them smile. I believe that miracles can happen, and perhaps friends will be made from this. Maybe even more. This is the most amazing time of year for anyone and everyone. And now, to get your names!"

A loud amount of cheering erupted from the crowd as Houselves came out from the halls with magic parchments, enchanted to show the name of the person who was most compatible to them. Each student would have someone different. And everyone's name would be used. Meaning that if Draco Malfoy got stuck with some first year Hufflepuff girl, well, Snape actually felt sorry for that person. Still, based on the enthusiasm, it seemed like people were excited for the event, no matter who they got. A houself handed Snape his paper, which he decided not to look at yet.

After the names were handed out, Dumbledore stood up again, hushing the crowd. "Now, I want you all to remember the rules I put in place. There is to be no hinting at who you have to anyone. You must give a gift each of the 12 days. It doesn't have to be 8 of something for the eighth day, but I do believe that would be the most fun. If your person figures you out from your gifts, then you may reveal yourself, however you still must gift them through day 12. Other than that, no rules. Have fun!"

Snape noted a disappointed look on a few students faces who obviously either wanted to gloat about their person or scoff at them. Snape decided while students were filing out to check the name on his parchment. It would only show once and then be blank after. He opened it and then closed his eyes, frowning. He would rather it had been blank. He didn't want to see the name that was on the parchment. He'd made a point to not show any affection towards his giftee.

'Harry Potter'

Snape lowered his head onto the table and noticed a couple of teachers watching him. Obviously they thought he had gotten a blank parchment based on his reaction.

Harry made his way back to his rooms quietly. Hermione and Ron were very quiet as well. They didn't know if they'd gotten each other or not and that was the issue between them. Now that they were dating, Hermione was very strict about making sure they showed each other how they felt. If they hadn't gotten each other, hadn't shown the compatibility that she was sure they had, she'd probably burst a vein since she thought herself smart enough to know who she was most compatible with. But Harry hadn't been so sure and had warned her before they went down to the Great Hall about the possibility that she'd get someone else. She'd scoffed, but the look when she looked at her paper spoke more than if she'd said anything. She hadn't gotten Ron. That didn't mean Ron hadn't gotten her, but it didn't matter in this case, because until day 12, they wouldn't know for sure who had gotten them either.

Harry was quiet for a different reason. He hadn't wanted to guess who he's get, but he had been hoping and praying for one person. The person he'd begun to like since the beginning of last year. Someone who knew probably more about him than anyone else. But also someone Harry was scared to get, because he wasn't sure that his giftee would like his gifts. Not that he had all of them yet, but at least he had ideas. The next few days would be more than interesting. In his mind Harry remembered looking at his paper and then smiling. Hermione was curious who he'd gotten, but in no way would he be able to tell her why he was so happy when he looked down at his paper and saw 'Severus Snape'. Snape had been a pain in the ass to him all these years, but something remained constant. He never took it easy on Harry. And he actually cared about Harry's sanity, despite his rude and hateful demeanor. He'd helped Harry more than once to find his place in the world. And Harry could not be more pleased that even in a small way he could repay him. The thing that scared Harry most was the fact that he'd have to reveal himself. He couldn't let the professor know his true feelings. Besides, what would his friends think if he ever did reveal his true feelings for their professor.

"Ugh!" Harry found himself frustrated, which caused his friends to look at him. Harry found himself looking at them, not sure what to say. "Either of you want to play wizards chess?" Harry asked, deciding not to let the emotions and thoughts get to him.

"Sounds good mate!" Ron said with a smile. It was decided, which meant Harry could think about his gifts for Snape over a game that would hopefully be more than just Ron beating him easily.

"Well, I think we should think about what to give our giftees." Hermione said in her know-it-all voice.

"Think while we play Mione." Ron said with a smirk. "We can think later. Besides, I already have ideas for all my days."

"Seriously Ronald, it cannot be that easy."

"Or it can." Ron said, rolling his eyes. He turned to Harry. "Do you need time to think about your giftee mate?"

"I figured I'd think while we played." Harry said honestly. Ron smiled and put an arm around Harry's shoulder. "See Mione, someone who has real priorities."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'm going to go get my first gift prepared."

Nearly all first day gifts would be handmade or something prepared before a trip to Hogsmeade which would happen for all years tomorrow. The professors had decided that they would give all students the day to prepare their gifts the following day. It was a risk, bringing all the students together, but it worked. And Harry knew how he was going to spend it for the most part. There were a few gifts that needed the kinks worked out. His day 1 gift was one of them.

Ron made his way over to a table, taking over it as quickly as he could, making room for him, Harry and the game. The others were talking in hushed tones around them as if the gifting game made everything different. And maybe it had. Until day 12, no one was going to be sure.

The game went by and by the time it was over, Ron had made the room boisterous and happy again. He was always so animated with Wizards chess, especially when he was winning. "Gotcha Harry!" He yelled as he took Harry's king. "Whose next?"

Harry grinned and shook his head, standing and letting a 3rd year boy take his spot. Little chance that he'd be able to beat Ron, but still, it was his battle.

Harry had a sudden idea of what he wanted to do for his first gift, but he needed help. He needed some of his connections to make things happen. He made his way up the stairs and to his room. Sitting on his bed, he formed a letter and then made his way to the owlery to send his request off.

Snape made a run out of the castle. He had a distinct advantage of being a professor while getting his gifts together. He'd already had a few ideas of what to get Potter, but when it came to a boy who had so much going for him, Snape knew he'd have to be creative. So he would be. He quickly made his way to his destination.