Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related characters are copyright of J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros. This story has no intention of making money and all credit goes to J. K. Rowling's hard work and ideals. I'm just a fan that wants to write about other Defense Against the Dark Arts Teachers who taught at Hogwarts.
Chapter 12 - Christmas Holiday
It was the evening of Christmas and only a small table could be found in the Great Hall as only 4 students stayed at the school for the Holidays. They all sat around the table, the students were enjoying the gifts they found in their Wizard Crackers. Clara was sitting in between Albus and Severus as they began eating their delicious meal that the house elves had prepared. Albus's piercing blue eyes were looking at Clara before he spoke, "Clara, thank you for that advice you gave me the other day. It was quite useful."
Clara nodded and smiled. "You're welcome Albus." Although, mentally she couldn't ignore her recent conversation with Albus's brother and decided to keep her guard up whenever she was around him, in case he was trying to use her for his own selfish gain. In some ways she admired Albus though, she herself wanted to be known as the greatest witch of all time and suspected that she herself may not be so different from him. Clara directed her attention back towards her food. However, this vague chat between Clara and Albus made Severus wonder what they were up to.
Clara came back to her room happy to finally get out of her robes and into something more comfortable. She decided to put on gray sweatpants and a plain black t-shirt. She returned to her sofa in her office and sat in the chair pretzel style. She didn't want to have her feet touch the stone cold floor. She conjured up a wine glasses and a bottle of wine flew to her hand for her to catch. This bottle of wine was a Christmas gift given to her by her sister. She laid her head back against the sofa and closed her eyes for a moment before she heard a knock at her door. She flicked her wand to allow the person entry.
"You know you should really ask who is there before you open the door." Severus said, his voice was smooth as he stepped inside.
Clara sighed and responded "Do you suspect someone is trying to kill me Severus." She lifted her hand and pointed it towards her other sofa near the fireplace. "Well, fell free to sit down."
Severus glared at the back of her head but walked over and sat down.
"I apologize for my attire, but I wasn't expecting any company this evening. Would you care for some wine?" Clara said and took a sip of her own. She had a strange feeling of Deja-vu.
"I suppose," Severus said slowly and Clara conjured another wine glasses, poured some wine into it, and handed it over to Severus.
"Well, what is with the surprise visit Severus?" Clara readjusted in her chair and crossed her legs, patiently waiting for a response, her eyes never moving from the fireplace.
"What are you and Albus up to; clearly Albus has you doing something for him." Severus took a sip of the wine.
"I'm sorry Severus, but if Albus does not wish to include you in my particular affairs with him, then I think it would be wise to drop this subject. I know you are quite skilled at Legilimency and I know you're trying to get inside my head. I'm not foolish." Clara closed her eyes and tilted her head to each side of her shoulder. She was trying to stretch out the knot forming on the back of her neck.
"Well I figured that since we are friends, I thought you would be willing enough to share like you did before. Perhaps I could be of some assistance." Severus was staring down Clara, hoping she would tell him her secret.
"If it makes you feel better, it has nothing to do with you. But I'm afraid that you will need to discuss this matter with Albus. Maybe he will be willing to include you in," Clara responded.
"Fine!" Severus stood up, set the glass of wine on the mantle place, and stormed out of room slamming the door behind him.
Clara winced at the sound of the door slamming and she closed her eyes once more.
Albus heard a knock on his door and let the person inside. "Aw, Severus, and what do I owe the pleasure this evening." Albus was sitting behind his desk and his piercing blue eyes met his black ones.
Severus sneered "What have you and that American witch been up to. I demand to know! Possibly I could even be of some assistance." Severus walked over and sat down at a chair next to his desk.
Albus tilted his head down a bit and said "Professor Clara Cummins, Severus. And I don't think I want to let you on what she is doing for me."
"I'm just as skilled as she is, why her Albus. Don't you trust me?" Severus was beginning to sound frustrated.
"Severus, Clara's ability to do research is one of the reasons I hired her." Albus looked grave at the frustrated Severus.
"But why can't I have the same information, haven't I proven to you my allegiance. Are you going to at least let me in on the other reasons you hired her." Severus voice was smooth but cold when he spoke.
Albus smiled for a moment as if he was happy about something. "Well naturally we needed another person for the job." He raised his hand to indicate that he didn't wish to be interpreted. "And no, I'm not letting you teach it either. We have already discussed the reasons why I don't want you to teach that position Severus. Is there anything else you wanted to discuss?"
Severus's eyes were like slits before he spoke. "That is seriously all you're going to tell me. Well then no, I have nothing else to discuss." This was infuriating him; he got up and quickly showed himself out the door. His billowing black robes following behind him before the door closed on its own accord. By the time he got back to his office door, he was surprised to see a little note by his door and bottle of elf-made red wine with a beautiful bow placed on the bottle. He picked up the note and read.
Severus,
My deepest apology; I did not mean to anger you or make you feel left out. I suppose Albus is just taking advantage of my muggle researching skills. I am sorry if Albus does not wish for you to be included in my assignment but I assure you that it really isn't that important. Please know that as your friend, if I did need any help, I would most likely seek your assistance first.
Sincerely,
Clara Cummins
P.S. Merry Christmas Severus, hope you enjoy this bottle of wine.
Severus smirked after reading the letter. He oddly did feel a little better after reading Clara's note. He picked up the bottle of wine and went inside his office to retire for the evening.
