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Severus Snape was not usually a happy man. Although many would disagree I'm sure, he would say, if asked, that he didn't have much to be happy about. And on this day in mid-December, Severus was very unhappy indeed. Worse than when Neville Longbottom made his boggart wear a dress. Worse than when Sirius Black tried to get him eaten by a werewolf. Even worse than when he unknowingly relayed the Prophecy to the Dark Lord and accidentally caused the death of the love of his life. Okay, probably not worse than that.
But today was special. Today was the day that Albus Dumbledore had announced the beginning of a 'Secret Santa' gift exchange for all the staff of Hogwarts to participate in. Minerva and Filius were happy to draw names on paper out of the large gold goblet Albus had placed in the center of the staff room table. Even Sybill Trelawney came down from her smoky tower room to take part in the fun. Remus Lupin was of course overly happy about it. But Severus hated it. He knew he didn't want to buy anything for anyone, and he absolutely hated Christmas presents. Even when he was young his parents would buy him things, and although he never told them directly, he would have rather not been forced to make his way through the shiny paper and pretty bows.
And what was so bad about this special evening on this special day? Severus had chosen out of the goblet, none other than Remus Lupin's name. Of course, Albus had probably enchanted the cup to make him choose that paper, simply because it would make them interact with each other, something that Albus had been trying to get them to do for the past few months. The Headmaster was convinced that if they just talked it out, all their problems would disappear. This is the reason Severus Snape was currently stomping up the stairs to the Headmaster's office, angry and also a bit confused. What do you buy a werewolf anyway? A dog toy?
As the grey door swung open to reveal the Headmaster reading a book at his desk, Severus marched in, determined.
"Albus, why do you do this to me?"
Albus looked confused. After thinking for a moment, he caught on.
"Look, Severus I know you're not a fan of games, but I think a gift exchange is a wonderful idea, everyone gets a gift and it will be very fun also. It will give us something to do at the annual staff Christmas party instead of just staring at each other and drinking fire-whiskey, like always."
"Albus," Severus started, "I don't care about the silly game! What I care about is for whom I am expected to buy a gift." He said the last three words as if it was the most outrageous thing he had ever had to say.
"Severus, no need to complain! You've known every one of the staff members, most for many years! How hard could it be to conjure up a present that suits them, or go to Hogsmeade and buy one, and place a bow on it? "
Severus was about to speak when he was suddenly interrupted,
"-you know, I knew you would complain about this Severus! No matter whose name you took out of that goblet. Why can't you just calm down and be an adult about it? You've always been stubborn, but this is a bit out of hand."
Snape didn't know what to say to that remark, so he just held his breath.
"Now I don't care whose name is in your hand right now on that paper, I expect you to go out and find them a gift they will like. And no jokes, now. Not like a few years ago when you gave Minerva catnip. If you give him dog biscuits I will fire you. That is not acceptable behavior for someone your age. "
Severus knew that was the queue to leave. He agreed with the headmaster and turned towards the door.
"And make sure to wrap it nicely. We have paper in the supply room, I suggest the one with snowmen on it!" the Headmaster called kindly, as though the entire previous conversation had not happened.
"Of course, Albus." Severus said through gritted teeth.
The rest of the week, thoughts of gifts and werewolves crossed Severus' mind now and then. He still had no idea what to buy as a present, and if he didn't get something nice that Lupin would enjoy, Albus would be angry. But how angry would he be? Maybe Severus would get fired. No, it couldn't be that bad. Maybe house points would be taken away from Slytherin and given to Gryffindor? No, too childish. No matter, Severus was sure that he did not want to find out. And that was why he was currently pacing his study trying to think of what to get Lupin for Christmas.
If someone would have told him in his Hogwarts years that he would one day be buying Christmas presents for Remus John Lupin, he would have called them crazy. But now it seemed normal, and also quite frightening. What if he bought something that he thought was nice, but Lupin hated? Albus would think he did it on purpose. He had to find something sure.
Then it came to him, Remus Lupin was always eating chocolate, he loved it, even Severus Snape knew that much about the man. If he could just buy some of Honeyduke's Finest Chocolate, and put a nice bow on it, Albus would be very impressed, and Severus would avoid any possible trouble or arguments.
And Lupin would be happy as well. But that was the least of his worries.
December twenty-fourth arrived with a heavy snowfall, covering the bare trees and fogging up the windows of Hogwarts. Hagrid could be seen dragging in last-minute pine trees and Peeves could be seen propping doors open to let in bursts of cold air and snow. Everyone wore scarves where ever they walked, and even to some classes, mainly Potions, as it was in the dungeons and Snape could have put the heat on, but he liked to see them suffer.
It was eight o' clock at night, and the staff Christmas party was almost starting. Severus arrived a few minutes late, and immediately poured a large glass of brandy.
However, Severus did admit that the house elves and Flitwick had outdone themselves this year. The staff room was normally decorated for the holidays, but this day was something amazing. Red and gold and green tinsel and streamers from the ceiling, pine trees covered in ornaments and fairy lights. There was real snow in some places, although the room was a comfortable temperature, and even mistletoe above the entrance which Severus avoided at all costs. Not to mention all the food that was laid out. Candy, mainly. Severus wondered if it was customary for adults to eat candy. He figured he didn't want to take a chance, so he decided not to eat any. You never know who could be watching, just waiting to catch you doing something childish. He did have some cake though; it was too pretty to pass by.
"There you are, Severus!" came a cheerful call from the far end of the room, by the fireplace. The flames were enchanted to dance red and green.
Remus Lupin ran up to the Potions Master, a little too joyfully, and looked very excited. Did he know he was about to get a gift? Had he planned this? Stupid werewolf, cheating at the game!
"Severus, there you are, I've been looking for you all evening! I have your present. Go ahead, open it."
Remus handed a large box to Severus. It was green and silver and had a white bow on it. It was a bit large but wrapped nicely.
Severus accepted the box, and set it on the table next to him. Oh goodness, this couldn't go over well. Of everyone in the room to choose his name, it had to be Lupin? This couldn't have been a coincidence, Albus must have done it. Severus glanced over towards the Headmaster, who was currently eating sugar covered cake of a nice pink color. Albus noticed him glaring and just smiled guiltily when he saw Snape point at Lupin and give a confused look.
So Albus had planned this.
Snape shoved his present for Lupin into the unsuspecting hands of its recipient. Lupin just stared at it like it was dangerous. Or fragile. Severus couldn't tell which.
Remus slowly tore open the gold wrapping paper, and removed the purple bow to reveal a large bar of chocolate. Honeyduke's Finest, but not just the ordinary kind, Severus wanted to make sure Albus was satisfied with his gift so he went above and beyond. So he had bought the cherry flavored chocolate, much nicer, (and unfortunately more expensive) than plain chocolate.
Remus looked like his eyes would burst from his face if he opened them any wider.
"Thank you so much, Severus." Remus said truthfully.
Severus was just about to feel proud of his accomplishment, when one sudden hug made him immediately regret everything he'd done.
"I was forced into this! Don't think we're friends now because I bought you chocolate!"
His remark was ignored.
"Open yours now, Severus, go on! I know you'll like it." Remus drawled, anxious, and cuddling his chocolate which caused it to melt somewhat.
"Well, how about I just do that later, I really need some more brandy, and-"
"I highly suggest you open it right away, though."
With this, the box rattled slightly. Oh, God.
By now, almost all the teachers were watching Severus attempt to open the gift. They were crowded around the wooden table, some in poufy chairs, some standing or leaning, all curious to know what was in this box, currently emitting shuffling sounds.
Many thoughts crossed Snape's mind as he slowly tore away the ribbons. A monster of some sort? One of Hagrid's beloved creatures? A baby dragon? A baby werewolf? Maybe just a regular baby. Wait, that wouldn't make sense.
The box was unwrapped and fortunately had stopped moving. Severus tentatively opened the lid, but first glanced at Lupin, who was smiling and gave a slight nod, as a go-ahead.
Inside was indeed a live creature. Snape stared at it for a few moments, and then looked up at Remus, nonplussed.
"Isn't she wonderful? She likes lettuce and when you pet her chin!"
It was a small black bunny. Severus didn't know what to say.
One angry, warning glance from Albus Dumbledore, however, and suddenly Severus knew exactly what to say.
"Oh, it's nice. I like it."
Remus beamed. Albus gave an approving look.
The rest of the party went by fast. Although enjoyable, Snape's happiness was somewhat diminished by the multitude of questions that faced him once he had accepted his gift.
Throughout the night, Remus asked Severus four different times what he was going to do with his new pet. Where will it sleep? On the table. What will you feed it? Rabbit things. What will you name it? I will name it Rabbit. Do you know how to care for a rabbit, Severus? I teach first years, it's the same thing right?
Constant harassment from that werewolf. He must have thought Severus was going to forget to feed it or something.
The rest of the party had gone by quickly, and Severus enjoyed himself for once. They all enjoyed watching Sybill try to predict things, and placed bets on if she'd be correct, and Minerva had a bit too much fire-whiskey and accidentally set a tree on fire.
Towards the end, Severus picked up the box with the rabbit in it and walked towards the door. He looked down into the box to see the creature staring up at him, with its paws on the side of the cardboard. Its paws were tan, conflicting with the black everywhere else.
"What."
The rabbit looked away, the same thing any student would do when confronted with an angry Snape.
Albus approached slowly from the far recesses of the room, as everyone was leaving and filtering through the doorway. It was one in the morning, and although not all of the staff had stayed over break, there were still enough to crowd the small room. Remus exited with one last bright smile and a caring glance in the direction of the box.
"I'm impressed." Albus started, standing next to Severus watching everyone leave, yet not meeting his eyes as he spoke. He was wearing a red and grey hat that was embroidered with what looked like real snowflakes.
"Impressed about what, exactly, sir?"
"You gave Remus a gift that made him happy, and accepted a live animal in return. I'm very proud of you for that, I know it was very difficult. You must have been practicing." he added jokingly.
"Yes, people give me rabbits all the time."
"Just-" here Albus paused, "-try to get along with him? I know it's not easy, but he does mean well."
"Well when he and his friends stop trying to kill me, then maybe I will consider it." and with that Severus left the room, sweeping his long black robes behind him. It would have been intimidating if he had not been holding a bunny.
Albus considered how amazing it was for a person to hold a grudge for so long.
Down in Severus' chambers, he was getting ready to go to bed for the night. After all, it was already Christmas and he wanted to get a good night's sleep so that he wouldn't be tired in the morning for lunch, or for that matter, dinner. The house elves usually made a very good dinner on this holiday night, and no one except him, the Headmaster, and a few other teachers joined in for it. The children would never come to this. That meant no children in the Great Hall during mealtime. It should be like that every day.
He walked over to the table on his way to the closet and glanced down at the rabbit. At least Remus Lupin was sensible at choosing color. He did like the way the rabbit looked very soft, and found himself desiring to pet it. He was worried that he would get attached to the creature, however, so he withheld. The rabbit was sitting on a small bed of- of what? Severus didn't know what it was called, he was not familiar with rabbit words. Bedding? That must be it. However, he realized that it had no food. He reached down to pet it, just as a very unwelcome knock came on the door.
Severus assumed Lupin would be by eventually to tell him how to take care of this pet. To give him a supply of food and teach him which cleaning spell was best for the box. But this soon? Although, honestly, the visit was not completely unwelcome. Severus realized that he did need to know these things and the sooner the better.
"Good evening, I just thought I'd drop by some food for your gift." Remus said with a calm smile. He was carrying an armful of carrots and lettuce which he no doubt had stolen from the kitchens. What a jerk.
"Can I just throw this on the table, then?" He asked in a polite voice. Severus nodded, but before that even happened Remus was on his way towards the bunny box.
His visitor started sorting out the food, from the toys he had brought. Severus stood there watching this display and wondered how many pets Remus had had before this; he seemed quite experienced. Why would pets even like him? Severus wondered vaguely to himself. Then he realized Lupin probably went through many pets. One every month in fact, since he most likely ate them during each full moon. Why did he bring so much rabbit food? That animal can't fit all that inside it! Those carrots alone are larger than the rabbit. What's he playing at?
"-and then you just feed her, like this, and you just put the food by her and you'll be fine-"
Severus was drawn out of his reverie. Remus grimaced.
"Severus? Have you been paying attention?"
"What?"
A raised eyebrow.
"Of course I have. Feed it. I understand."
Just then then box gave a frantic lurch towards the edge of the table it was sitting on. The rabbit had apparently tried to jump over the side. She had caught one foot on the box though. As she struggled, trying to regain her footing, Remus helped her up.
Severus posed the strange question that had been on his mind for a while.
"You eat this sort of thing, right?"
"Beg pardon?"
"During the full moon, you eat these. Do you want to eat it now?" Severus questioned, with a slightly evil smirk.
Remus made a face. "Why on earth would you ask that? Of course I don't want to eat this rabbit! But yes, there was one time that a rabbit wandered into the Shrieking Shack and I may have accidentally eaten it in my younger days. But that is none of your concern!"
"I was just asking."
A minute or two passed where Remus just stared at the rabbit, petting it. Not wanting to leave it, Severus supposed. Remus broke his concentration and offered one last bit of advice.
"Oh, and one last thing…don't forget, you need to actually care for her. Not just feed her and clean the box now and then, but actually give her attention. I won't go as far as to say 'love' because I don't really know if you're capable of extreme emotions like that, but at least don't ignore her, please. Here, hold her!"
A fluffy item was shoved into Severus' hands. It felt weird. Warm and soft and fragile and Severus didn't think he liked it. Then it became not-so-fluffy and it bit him, on his finger.
He dropped it immediately, but remembered it was alive in time to catch it before it touched the floor. Near miss, though.
As Remus Lupin made to leave, he had a fearful look on his face. Remus was normally a rather trustworthy fellow, but this made him feel uneasy. A live animal in the care of Severus Snape. Poor thing.
With one last, "Take care," Lupin was out the door, and Snape was left holding the little black rabbit which was writhing trying to escape. Strange, when Remus held it, there was no movement at all, it was content and motionless in his arms. He put it back in its box.
As he watched it, he wondered it if had any magical properties. After all, they were in the wizarding world, where practically everything was enchanted. He performed some customary spells on it but they revealed it to be a plain boring rabbit.
Severus put a carrot in the box, leaning it upright against the side of the rabbit, and went to bed.
Next chapter up very soon :) Please review to tell me what you think.
