A/N: The Christmas story at the end was written by Catherine Johnson. Thank you for such hilarious words that had tears in my eyes! However, I altered it to fit my story, so I do apologize.
Detention with Professor Lupin was fine, though I did miss Professor Snape dearly. Professor Lupin - well, Remus... often let me do my homework while he provided me with whatever I wanted to drink or eat while I was there. Sometimes he would help me with some of my work, or encourage me to pursue the long and grueling training to become an Animagus. One evening when I was serving my detention, I noticed a wardrobe shaking about in the corner of his office.
"Remus, you've got a Boggart," I mumbled as I read through my Potions book without looking up at him.
"I'm aware," he said with a sigh. "I've been a bit on the paranoid side to banish it when I knew you were coming for detention. The effect it could have on me is... unpredictable."
"Would you like me to get rid of it for you?" I closed my book and looked up at him, smiling so sweetly I could have given someone cavities.
He rolled his green eyes, though he did look a little relieved.
"Be my guest," he said as he waved his hand toward the wardrobe.
I got up from my seat at his desk and look at the wardrobe, then turned back to Remus.
"Don't forget what it feels like to be happy, Lucy," he said kindly.
"I haven't forgotten! It's just been a few days," I said quietly, lowering my gaze to the floor.
"Try a couple of weeks. We'll have this discussion in a bit - you just focus on that Boggart."
I already knew what to make it do when it came out - I'd faced numerous over the years (the worst one was when Harlot managed to sneak one in under Sam's bed in our Fifth year), and usually made them do the same goofy thing so it'd be laughed into shame.
I turned back towards the wardrobe and watched the door open. Out stepped Alex, blood pouring from his mouth, as he clutched his stomach and collapsed to the floor. He was pale, and looked cold as ice. I felt it - I never wanted to think about losing my baby brother, and seeing the sight of "him" dead in front of me made me want to cry. I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting back the tears, and pictured Alex in a tutu, doing the crazy dance the Muggle actor Jim Carrey did in the Muggle film called "Ace Ventura."
Riddikulus.
I opened my eyes and saw Alex doing the silly dance with the pink tutu on. I heard Remus laugh behind me, which caused me to laugh as I wiped back a couple of loose tears. The Boggart went into a puff of smoke, though I wouldn't have minded to keep watching Alex mimick Jim Carrey some more.
"Not a wand or an incantation. It's been such a pleasure to watch you grow into the brilliant young witch you are today," Remus said as I returned to his desk.
He reached across and cupped my hands in his, a gentle smile on his face.
"I often with your father went through with making me your Godfather. Not that I wish anything bad on Ember and Saveria - but to godfather such a wonderful young witch would have been an honor."
I smiled back at him. Such a mother hen.
"Remus," I said after a short pause, "I don't even have a godparent. Why?"
"Your mother's doing, I'm afraid," he said as he released my hands and poured himself a goblet of pumpkin juice. "Her side of the family thinks the idea of godparents as ridiculous."
"Naturally my dad didn't fight her on it," I muttered bitterly.
"Your mother is quite hot-headed. Trait you received from her, I'm guessing." He chuckled.
"She can be a bloody nightmare." I sat back in my seat and watched him sip on his juice. "Has Professor Snape been by to give you your potion?"
He stopped half-way towards putting his goblet down, and merely stared at it.
"He was here about half an hour before you came in," he said quietly. "McGonagall wishes to keep you two a part for a while, due to the... closeness you two have had as of late."
"I overheard them talking during my last night of detention with him." Remus looked up at me with raised eyebrows. " She said she knew he 'felt something deep down,' then threatened to sack him if he did anything."
Remus laughed. "Minerva would never sack Severus. It's in Dumbledore's Will."
It was my turn to raise my eyebrows at him.
"Explain, Moony," I said, knowing that his boyhood nickname could annoy him at times.
He rolled his eyes.
"Must you, Lucy..." He sighed. "Albus stated that Severus is to remain a Professor at Hogwarts as long as he pleases. If any Headmaster or Headmistress broke this vow, they would lose their title. Albus had a great deal of faith in Severus, but given that we know his memories... I would say he at least owed him that."
"Lily Potter..." I said quietly, feeling jealousy wash over me. "What was she like, Remus?"
"Kind," he said with a smile. "Very talented and smart. Accepting of others. She was the first to find out about me... she treated me no differently than before. It was a very dark time for me, and to have someone like her in my life made things a little easier."
There was silence then. Remus drank from his goblet once more, before he locked his eyes onto me.
"You remind me of her sometimes," he said quietly. "Out of your year, you've always picked up on spells faster than your peers, and your thirst for knowledge... Kindness is in you, Lucy," he said as he leaned over his desk to grab the front of my robe, drawing my attention to the Slytherin crest. "Regardless of the stereotype set by this symbol."
The following day, students were able to leave for Christmas break. Some of us (well, Seventh Years who were already licensed to Apparate) could even leave on Christmas if we wanted to. Sam left without a goodbye that morning, and I didn't see head or tail of the Harlot, either. It was rather nice to be away from their madness.
I shrunk down some of my clothing and put it in my regular school bag. I figured there was no sense in bringing my trunk home for only a few days. Break didn't end until the first week of January, when our new term began, but I wanted to get back as soon as possible so I could do plenty of studying (and maybe stalk Professor Snape, but who knows the outcome of these things).
Alex planned to stay at home for the entirety of break, which was fine. I assumed his crush was away for the holiday too, so maybe he felt a little lonely and just wanted Mum to coddle him like she anticipated. Alex was as much of a mummy's boy as I was a daddy's girl.
Mmmm... calling Professor Snape 'daddy.' So dirty.
That might be gross.
I've dealt with weeks of sexual frustration, along with the anxiety from my exams. Go suck a turnip, you swine.
As I walked through the corridors on the day of Christmas Eve, I looked around the very quiet Castle and felt a sense of sadness. It was decorated beautifully, and yet so few stuck around to appreciate it. Professors Flitwick and Hagrid did a wonderful job on making Hogwarts into a Winter Wonderland.
As I rounded a corner near the Room of Requirement, I collided with Professor Snape, who looked ready to murder someone and wear their skin to a ball.
Until he saw me, anyway.
"Lu-" he stopped himself quickly as my name slip softly from his lips, and corrected himself, "Ms. Geller! I suggest you watch where you're going."
His voice turned stern. Sexual.
We picked ourselves up, and I felt incredibly thankful that the halls were empty (along with Headmistress being gone on holiday. Could she just stay gone?). He stared at me, his eyes fiery with desire.
"My apologies, sir. My head was in the clouds again," I responded in a respectful voice while I stared at his crotch.
What? I couldn't help it. It was just there. In need of use.
Professor Snape closed in on me, backing me against the wall. I felt his cloak go around me, and a sudden jolt go through my body.
"Wha-" was all I could say before I realized where we were.
In his office. He Apparated us into his office. In Hogwarts. What in the holy hell?
"Privileges of being deputy Headmaster when the Headmistress is away," he said as he sat me on his desk, quickly spreading my legs apart and going between them.
"I've missed your company, Lucy," he said as he brushed my hair away from my face, his beautiful eyes softening. "I do have some horrid Doxy venom needing bottling, but Headmistress deems it unfit for you to do, let alone be near me. She assumes I will harm you in some way."
"Because you're so dark and scary," I taunted, wrapping my arms around his shoulders.
Severus Snape, bitter and angry at everything in the entire world, actually smiled at me.
"You would do well to remember that, young one," he said as he lowered his lips onto mine.
Our kiss was heated immediately; I felt him tugging at the Muggle jeans I wore (though I still wore a cloak because Muggle coats were just boring), groaning in frustration as he attempted to work them off me.
"Why do you wear these silly things? Muggles are too complicated with their clothing," he complained as he dared to try taking them off with magic.
"Sorry, Professor. I didn't plan on a tryst when I dressed this morning."
He looked up at me with a raised brow before the bells and alarms chimed in his office.
"Dammit!" he exclaimed as he yanked me off his desk. "Always some bloody git having to interrupt everything."
He grabbed me by the arm and sent me to his fireplace, and shoved the pot of Floo Powder in my face.
"Go home," he said, "and speak to no one of this."
I nodded at him, quickly leaning forward to kiss his lips, before taking a pinch of the powder.
"Your detention with resume with me after the holidays. Come back as soon as you can," he said quickly.
I nodded in response.
"Geller Manor," I said clearly before throwing the powder into the fireplace, and watched Professor Snape through the green flames.
I felt myself slide into my family's sitting room on my back, quite uncomfortable from the ride. My bag swung around and smacked me in the face, which earned a hearty laugh from my father. I moved my bag out of the way and saw my dad and brother standing over me, both looking amused.
"New favorite form of transportation, my daughter?" Dad asked as he helped me to my feet.
"No. Just a bit unexpected," I muttered as I brushed the soot from my clothes.
"Y'know, my mum has a pair of trousers similar to those," came a voice I hadn't heard in quite a long time.
"Bane!" I exclaimed as I saw the mocha-skinned, overly handsome young man enter the room.
I hurried past Dad and Alex, which I apologized for on my way through, and wrapped my arms tightly around my older cousin. I felt him grinning against me, his unruly black hair getting in my face.
"Hello, dear cousin," he said in his mixed accent - Cockney like his father's (my uncle Artemus), and Monacan like his mother's, Nouvel (who was a Muggle). "How has school been treating you?"
"Oh, fine. Just stressful." I released him and stared into his eyes, which mirrored my own. The Geller genes were strong.
"Lucy!" came Hermione's voice, who was one of the last people I expected to show up.
I grunted as she wrapped me into a tight hug. I hugged her back, enjoying the scent of her rosy shampoo.
"Hi, Hermione! When'd you get here?"
"Oh, just this morning. Bane invited me for dinner." I saw her cheeks turn pink as she looked up at him with an adoring smile. "I've been helping him research with his book."
"And she has offered me some very helpful tips to include in my book," he said as he smiled and put his arm around her.
Squee! This is my calling - Matchmaker!
"How's all the detention been, Lucy?" Alex teased as he took his seat in his favorite arm chair near the fire place. "I've heard you've been serving it with Remus now."
I rolled my eyes, only to find my dad grinning like an idiot at me.
"Does everyone know who I serve detention with?"
"Nah. Remus told me." He helped himself to the plate of biscuits Dad made (what? He liked to bake) and relaxed in his chair.
Bane and Hermione made themselves scarce when Dad approached me, wrapping his arm around me tight.
"I've missed you, gorgeous," he said as he left a kiss on my forehead.
He paused for a moment, then looked down at my dirty cloak.
"Oh dear, your mother won't be happy to see this," he said, motioning towards the Slytherin crest on my cloak. "To this day she still has a fit about you not being sorted into Hufflepuff."
I rolled my eyes, and waved my hand over the Crest, transfiguring it into the Hogwarts crest.
"Much better." He grinned at me, and led me over to the sofa, where Jax was sitting next to Dimitri, who looked like he didn't want to be anywhere near my father's insane bird.
"Aren't they sweet? Think they'll be the best of mates and have little fwooper-owl babies?" He grinned at me as we sat down.
"Sure," I responded, used to my dad's strange ideas.
"Ember! For the last time, I don't want that bloody bird sitting on the sofa!" my mom shrieked. Her eyes landed on me before she grinned. "Lucy. It's so nice to see you, dear."
"Same to you, Mum," I said politely, feeling Dimitri hop down onto my lap.
"Ember, do something with that blasted bird, would you?" She stood there with her hands on her hips, looking impatient.
"Blasted bird, bah, bah, bah," he mocked before he motioned Jax to get on his shoulder. "Come on, Jax. Let's go watch When Harry Met Sally."
My mum rolled her eyes. "Him and those rubbish Muggle films..."
She sat next to me on the couch and motioned for Alex to come next to her, which he obliged immediately.
"Well? How's school been? Besides you, Lucy - I know what you've been up to," she said in a sour voice.
"I'm doing really well in Herbology," Alex said with a smile. "Neville Longbottom is Professor Sprout's assistant this year, and he's helped me loads."
"My darling Alexander," she said as she cupped his face with her hands, "a possible Healer some day."
Gag.
Mum turned to me, looking more stern (as usual).
"What do you plan on doing after Hogwarts, Lucy?"
"Oh, uh... I dunno. I was thinking about becoming a Potions Mistress, or open an Apothecary shop."
Mum rolled her eyes. "Why not come work for the Ministry, dear? You're so bright and talented - you could do anything there."
I refused to comment. Luckily, Dad ran into the room, Jax flying behind him.
"'Baby talk'? That's not a saying," my dad quoted. "Oh, but 'baby fish mouth' is sweeping the nation? I hear them talking!"
My dad is insane.
"Oh for Merlin's sake, Ember. Will you stop with that ridiculous movie?" my mother snapped. "What happened to the Ember I married, who was so witty and not immature?"
"I am not your consolation prize, Saveria," he responded, mimicking the Muggle character.
My mother groaned loudly, looking ready to Obliviate everyone (except Alex, of course) in the room.
"I'll have what she's having," my father said with a grin.
My mom pointed her wand at him, making him (and Jax) take off up the stairs.
"That damned father of yours is mental. Mental! Check him into St. Mungo's, I will," Mum grumbled.
Later on, dinner was served. I sat next to Dad (who had Jax sitting on the table next to him, his own plate of food prepared for him), and on the other side of me was Hermione. She was seated next to Bane, who was at one end of the table. Mum sat at the other end, next to Jax (looking disgusted), and Alex was on her other side.
"Have you put any more thought into the Department of Mysteries, Alex?" Bane asked as he cut into his piece of turkey.
"Yes, but obviously I can't discuss. I look forward to working for the Ministry." Alex smiled.
"That's my boy," our mum said as she cradled his face and left a kiss on his head, causing Alex to blush.
The kitchen door opened, revealing Remus.
"Sorry I'm late. I had dinner with Tonks and Teddy before coming here." He sat next to Alex and grinned at me.
"Hi, Remus." I smiled.
"Lucy Selena Geller, you are to address your Professors by their titles," Mum snapped.
"Professor Lupin..." I said quietly.
"You've known me nearly all your life. In privacy, you know we are on a first-name basis." Remus smiled kindly at me.
"Remy! How's Teddydore?" my dad asked through a mouthful of potatoes, causing my mum to scowl.
I glanced at Hermione, who looked downright repulsed by my father's table manners. Remus, on the other hand, didn't even seemed fazed.
"Growing like crazy. His hair was a fetching shade of green today." Remus chuckled.
"He's a festive tyke!" Dad exclaimed as he shoved a whole piece of turkey breast in his mouth. "How's Severus?"
"Brooding. I think he's missing his favorite student." Remus winked at me. "I stopped by his office earlier to discuss Lucy's detentions."
"Are you two being firm with her?" Mum snipped at Remus.
"Very much so. I've had her banish Boggarts around the school, and examine dark artifacts. Severus has her pickling eel eyes and bottling Doxy venom," he lied.
I smiled at him. Such a mother hen.
"Good," mother said as she took a spoonful of cranberries. "An embarrassment to this family - being in Slytherin."
Well excuse the fuck out of me.
"At least my sweet boy made it into Ravenclaw." She grabbed Alex's cheeks, which were stuffed with food, and gave them a squeeze.
Alex looked bright red from Mum's coddling.
"Actually, Lucy is the brightest witch in her Year," Remus defended me. "An honor it would be, to have a daughter like her."
Remus, you are too sweet on me.
In that moment, my father decided to break out into Christmas carols...
"Leroy the Redneck Reindeer, hooked to the front of the sleigh!" my father began to sing, making everyone at the table stare at him. "Delivering toys to all the good ol' boys and girls along the way! He's just a down home party animal. Two Steppin' all across the sky!
"He mixes Jingle Bells with the Rebel Yell and he made history that night!"
"Ember! Stop it! We have company," my mum warned.
"God rest ye gloomy Severus, let nothing you dismay," my father broke out into a gloomy tone, "remember Potter's potions class is scheduled today! You'll have three hours to give him hell, and for his father to pay. With chidings and taunts from Malfoy... Taunts from Malfoy... With chidings and taunts from Malfoy..."
Remus was barking with laughter from that one. I stared at my father, feeling deeply sorry for Professor Snape. My mother looked ready to kill everyone.
"O Remus Lupin, O Remus Lupin, how gorgeous are your green eyes! O Remus Lupin, O Remus Lupin! How he changes every full moon!" my father continued to sing.
Remus was actually laughing.
"Not only changing when summer's here, but also when it's cold and drear. O Remus Lupin, O Remus Lupin, how gorgeous are your green eyes! Such a pleasure you do bring here - bring to us such joy and glee! Just remember not to wolf out, because I cannot have my children run about."
Remus clapped at my dad's song.
"Ember, I am warning you..." my mother seethed.
"Yeah, yeah, alright..." He spoon-fed Jax, who happily took the potatoes from him.
After dinner, Alex and I were gathered around the fireplace, my father ready to tell us a Christmas story. Mum was busy tidying the kitchen; Remus, Hermione and Bane had left.
"'Tis the night before Christmas, and here in the Castle I'm still wrapping presents - egad! What a hassle. I plan to give presents to all the kids, and the teachers and Filch, and yes... even Hagrid. I'll even wrap one for myself - aren't I clever? Then they'll never guess it was me - no, not ever!
"I don't know what's caused this odd holiday cheer, but it keeps getting stronger as Christmas draws near. So gifts I will give, of books, candies, and toys for all Hogwarts boys and all Hogwarts girls - especially Lucy." Dad winked. I could kill him.
"I shall use a charm to make the gifts small - how else do you think I could carry them all? Then I'll take them up, just as quick as can be, and sneak out and put them all under the tree. Ah yes, there it is, what a beautiful sight! And no one will know what I've done here tonight.
"For quiet I'll be, and clever and sly, I'll be less than shadow as I slither by and place the gifts hither and thither and yon - especially for Lucy," Dad added.
Oh my gods.
"And then, like memory, I'll simply be gone. For Slytherin! Ravenclaw! Both these and more! For Hufflepuff!
"Yes! And even Gryffindor! I'll slip under the tree! They will never know! And then, and then, and then I will go!
"But wait, what is this; is some else here? I get this odd feeling, like someone is near. It's Lucy, of course; why'd it have to be her? She snuck out, I suppose, on some silly whim. Perhaps if I'm quiet, and don't make a sound, she'll stay where she is, and she won't be around.
"Yes, stay here I will, until that gorgeous girl leaves -"
I will kill him.
Alex was howling with laughter while my face was as scarlet as the Gryffindor robes.
" - Now what was that sound? Oh, pro'bly just Peeves. But then Lucy turns, and looks me right in the eyes. 'Oh damn!' I exclaimed. 'Lover?!' she cries."
I WILL MURDER YOU FATHER, EVEN THOUGH I LOVE YOU.
"'What are you doing?' Lucy asks with admiration. 'I could ask you the same; you shouldn't be here! You're out after curfew, you know that's not right! Do you want detention on Christmas Eve night?'
"'Yes, lover," she replies, sounding filled with desire."
"Dad!" I exclaimed, ready to Apparate out of the house from humiliated. Alex was laughing so hard his face was turning purple.
"Hush, gorgeous! I'm not done with my story," Dad responded.
"Oh, Merlin..." I muttered, burying my face in my hands.
"Could it be she'll obey for me for just this one night? She looks at the bag I've slung over my shoulder, and takes a step forward, looking a bit bolder. 'Those are presents, aren't they? Who are they for?' ' That's none of your business, Lucy, don't be a boor.
"Just leave me alone here and go back to bed, and get thoughts of this night right straight out of your head!' At this, she shrugs and heads out of the hall. Well, now that that's over - presents for all!
"Christmas day dawns, so clear and so bright, and mysterious presents showed up in the night. All the kids are so happy, they can't wait to see - and oh look, some new Potion books all just for me! So they eat and they play, and they can't help ask, 'Who?'
"But they never will know - well, perhaps one or two. Before I depart, I must not fail to mention: 'Happy Christmas to all, and to Lucy - DETENTION!'"
Alex was laying on the sofa, laughing to the point of tears. I scowled at my father, who was smiling sweetly at me while he was petting Jax in front of the fire place.
Sometimes I really loathe my family.
