Written for the 2006 Drabble Meme on LiveJournal for Larilee, who asked for Snape/OFC, Clerk wishes Snape a "Merry/Happy Christmas"
NOT EXACTLY SANTA
"I'm telling you he's strange."
She shrugged. You had to be strange to live here, scant miles from the magnetic North Pole.
Roger's face blanched, and he hurried away.
She turned. "Hello, Severin. So, latest theory is you're a vampire. I guess 'cause any who'd move to where it's night six months a year … " She quickly rang up his purchases, wishing just once she could get him to smile.
"Actually, I'm exiled for having killed Santa Claus."
"And you're sentenced here to replace him?"
His scowl did not suggest Saint Nick.
"Merry Christmas," she called wistfully to his retreating back.
