Severus Snape was out in the bitterly cold weather on Christmas Eve and was heading home. A parent with a young child passed by him wishing him a Merry Christmas 'bah, humbugs.' Thought Severus Snape.
Severus Snape had no Christmas cheer or good will towards his fellow man. He stepped up towards his house which was just as cold as the weather outside. His house was as bleak as his clothing dull and lifeless. No Christmas cheer could be found within the house of one Severus Tobias Snape.
It seemed that if the events of this night had not come to pass. It would have stayed that way until the death of Severus Snape.
***9.30 pm***
Severus Snape had just sat down to his supper of watery soup when a wind blasted down his chimney and the light went out the sound of rattling chains filled the room in which Severus Snape resided.
"Severus," called a familiar voice from his living room. "Severus," it called again.
"Who disturbs my house this December Eve?" sneered Severus Snape standing and entering the room where the voice came from.
"Severus," called the voice again from behind him. Severus whipped around and came face to face with Albus Dumbledore.
"Headmaster?" Severus asked taking in the chains that connected rooks, chessboards and money bags to Albus Dumbledore. "You're dead."
"That I am. Dear boy that I am" replied the former headmaster. "I have come to warn you, you have become hard and cold as ice, so this year you are to be given a second chance, this year you will receive three ghosts of Christmas past, present and future heed what they say, Severus. First shall come when the clock strikes one." Severus watched as Dumbledore began to fade. "Be ready for coming."
Severus shook himself and the candles and fireplace were once again were lit. Severus looked at the remains of his supper. And took it to the sink "it's probably gone bad." He said to himself. Forgetting the words Albus Dumbledore had said to him. He got ready for bed and slept for a while at least.
The night was silent until the clock struck one.