A/N: Took advantage of the long weekend the snow provided to write more. Here is a longer chapter, because I am unsure of what my schedule will look like for the rest of the week (given the time off from the storm). I hope you all enjoy, and please don't hurt me for the ending *hides behind Snape* At least it's not a cliffhanger ;)
Come winter the pair had settled into an average routine, average in the sense that there was a sense of normality, in comparison to their first few hectic months together. Lavinia no longer felt like a prisoner, and she had a substantial degree of freedom. Even Snape had not anticipated keeping her on such a long leash, but it was a better alternative than having her recklessly escape if cabin fever ever got the best of her. She frequently accompanied Snape to class under the guise of Ms. Belmont. They now sat together during meals at the Great Hall, chatted amicably as they walked side by side in the halls, and often times students could find her in Snape's office helping with the paperwork.
She was earning her keep at Hogwarts while maintaining her sanity as she slowly integrated back into society. She was well liked by the other professors, and whenever Dumbledore spotted the two she could not help but notice the small coy smile that would tug the corners of his mouth. All the looming fears of Voldemort and Bellatrix had seemed to melt away creating this false sense of bliss similar to the security lovers felt in their honeymoon stage. They had not spoken about any Death Eater business or any of Voldemort's associates, and Snape had not been summoned to a meeting since that fateful night.
Lavinia was especially in a jovial mood, because Christmas was quickly approaching. The holiday provided a proper distraction to the horrendous year she had experienced. Twelve Christmas trees had already been erected in the Great Hall earlier in the month, which was in the courtesy of Hagrid, because he made sure of it that it was a tradition. They were spectacularly decorated with either silver or gold metallic tinsel, ornaments and baubles that reflected each house's respective colors, fairy lights that glowed yellow, and a large blue-white twinkling star was placed at the top. There were also garlands of tinsel and holly twisted around the banister of the stairs. Some everlasting candles were placed inside the suits of armor to give them a merry glow. Bundles of mistletoe were hung around the castle some discreetly and some less so.
She would not be able to give Harry a gift this year, and she was afraid it would raise the boy's suspicion if she did not send any kind of correspondence at such an important time of the year. She was also unsure if it would be appropriate to give Snape a present, because she was more so afraid of his reaction to the gesture. There was little to do to begin with, because she lacked the funds to do so.
The brooding potions master was on his way off of the Hogwarts grounds accompanied by his enthusiastic companion. Her jovial mood could hardly be contained inside of her, and he had to take longer strides to keep up with Lavinia. Truth be told under normal circumstances he would just turn around, refusing to associate himself with such gaiety, but it was much better than seeing her in a desolate state.
"I haven't been to Hogsmeade since my seventh year." She was beaming at the prospective of returning. "Do they still have all the same shops?" Her mood shifted a bit, arching up a brow, allowing the smallest window for disappointment to enter.
"It is as if you never left." He replied reassuring her gently. Snape was considerate as he maintained his snarkiness and bah humbug attitude at an all time low. Lavinia was unable to catch the small smirk that formed on his lips as he watched her beam once more at the prospect of returning to Hogsmeade.
The snowflakes were fluttering about them, twirling around in circular motions, eventually dusting onto the evergreens or contributing more to the white blanket beneath their feet. It was rather cold as they were both considerably bundled up, and Lavinia was wearing the winter coat with a fur collar Snape recently had to purchase for her.
When they finally arrived they would see the village was swarmed with students in their thicker Hogwarts robes. Gryffindors, Slytherins, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs alike were all rampaging through the white powdered streets, hopping from store to store, because they were all doing their last minute Christmas shopping trips. The village was respectively decorated as well with a large Christmas tree in the middle of the plaza decked with a large glowing yellow star, red and green metallic tinsel, pine cones with holly, and yellow fairy lights. There were garlands twisted around the old fashioned black lamp posts, and some even had a reef with a large red bow nestled in the middle of the pole. Mistletoe was also discreetly hidden around the village in hopes of couples or prospective lovers off guard.
"No sign of the Golden Trio around," he mused stiffly.
The swarm of students around them were mostly the third years who were all experiencing the magic of Hogsmeade for the first time. They were all laughing gleefully holding their purchases from Zonko's Joke Shop and Honeydukes tightly as they ran about the square.
"I doubt we need to surveillance them, Severus. Harry is not completely a loss cause, and he does not attract trouble everywhere. Let him live with the decent amount of normality while he can," she sighed, scanning the plaza of the village one last time for the Golden Trio.
"I suppose at the very least you should purchase a small gift and card for him...he may grow suspicious if he receives absolutely no correspondence from you." He reached over into the pockets of his robes and procured a small pouch full of galleons. He nudged Lavinia's hand with the bag until she offered her hand to him openly, and he placed it into her palm.
"Severus you really don't…"
"I insist," he said earnestly. He tore his eyes away from her quickly as he looked into them as he handed her the money...He could not let his emotions get the best of him and have her think more of the small gesture.
"I suppose I'll buy his some of his favorite sweets from Honeydukes and a jumper with a few pairs of socks from Gladrags Wizardware. The boy was never really mindful of his clothes," she chuckled.
"Lead the way," he said, rolling his eyes. He hoped that she would not go overboard like the women who spent hours on end shopping, but only walked out of the shop with either nothing or with only one item.
"I know exactly what needs to be purchased. Don't worry. We can grab a bite to eat afterwards," she reassured him, sensing his fear as they entered the first shop.
As they exited Gladrags Wizardware Lavinia held two bags with one hand while Snape held the door open for her.
"Thank you again...for the funds to buy Harry some presents."
"Think nothing of it. They are gifts from you not me let us make that very distinctively clear," he said grumbling a bit. He was hoping that she did not see the technicality, because technically he had just bought presents for bloody Potter. Lavinia had merely picked them out.
"Consider it part of the funds that I owe you when we get out of this mess," she said sheepishly, thinking of the considerable wardrobe Snape had purchased for her.
He merely nodded, looking side to side at the surrounding shops and streets around them, because he was wondering where they would have their lunch.
"Would you prefer The Three Broomsticks or Hog's Head Inn," he asked nervously, praying she did not pick the first option.
"Madame Puddifoot's Tea Shop is not an option for you, Severus," she asked innocently, batting the snow off her eyelashes as she feigned her naivety.
"Very funny. The last thing I need is to see several of my hormonal charged teenaged students snogging each other's faces off in that horrid tea shop among pink frills, bows, and lace. I also do not need malicious rumors spreading around that I am interested in, the much younger, Defense Against the Dark Arts assistant professor. Knowing those gremlins...by the time the news of us is spread around...and it circulates to the last person it would a disgusting rumor that we're having heated shagging sessions in my office," he snarled. His annoyance escalated as he noted all the reasons her suggestion (whether sincere or not) was a horrible idea.
His companion started giggling and her laughter resembled wind chimes. He was thankful that the cold weather had already made both of their cheeks a pinkish red tint, because as he reflected upon what he said it had reflected some of his desire for her.
"I suppose for you sanity and public image...we should go to the Three Broomsticks then...the Hog's Head Inn is rather dingy," she said with finality, turning left towards the Three Broomsticks.
His composure was grave as she finalized her decision, because he had sincerely hoped she would choose the latter option he provided.
"I haven't had a Butterbeer in ages," she said, stressing her voice at 'ages' to convey her yearning.
She grabbed him by the wrist steering him towards the establishment, which was decorated with a giant reef with a red bow on top of the doorframe, and the moment they entered they were hit with warmth. The Three Broomsticks as usual was a bit smoky and he could see many familiar students crowded about. It was a cosy atmosphere and despite the smoke, warmth, and proximity to other people it was even comforting to introverted individuals like Snape.
"Table for two," chimed Lavinia, as she was greeted by Madame Rosmerta.
They were allowed their pick in terms of seating, and Snape opted for the seats towards the back.
"Ms. Belmont!"
Lavinia turned around, shuddering a bit, because she had almost forgotten she was in her disguised form.
"Hiya Harry. Fancy seeing you and your friends here," she smiled, changing her voice a bit to disguise her own. She often times spoke in a more shrill and light voice when she was posing as the younger Ms. Belmont.
Ron and Hermione also waved warmly, and she could see the Trio had also purchased Butterbeers themselves.
"You're here with Professor Snape," he asked darkly, his brows furrowing as he saw the former potion's master.
"Professor Snape was kind enough to offer me a tour of the village. I had to run some errands and purchase some gifts for my family back in America," she explained kindly.
"We should settle at our table now, Ms. Belmont. You are rather chilled from the cold," said Snape in his usual brooding baritone. He was hoping to distract her and end the conversation earlier in case she slipped any information of her true identity to her godson.
She nodded bidding Harry and his friends a quick good-bye, and noted that she would see them in class soon.
After taking off their coats, Snape pulled out Lavinia's chair for her, and she thanked him as she sat down. They sat in silence pondering on what they would order to fill their bellies taking into consideration which meals would compliment their drink choices the best.
"Are you two ready to order," asked a friendly voice, whomever the server was she seemed cheery and energetic.
Snape looked up from his menu and was greeted with a familiar pair of emerald green eyes. His mouth hung open, forming a small 'o', and he was struggling to speak. The woman before him had aged a bit since he had last saw her, and should have been around the same age that he was. She had aged with grace and beauty though as her fine lines were barely visible. She had her red fiery locks tied up in a messy bun and she was dressed modestly in a green dress. The dress complimented her eyes and hugged her curves ever so slightly. She had her red manicured fingers clutching onto the white quill hovering above her notepad at the ready.
"I'll have a Butterbeer along with a side of Fish and Chips," said Lavinia gently, hoping to break the trance Snape was in. She could feel his anxiety and stress from across the table, and she gently used her leg to poke his from underneath the table.
"I'll have a Firewhiskey and a Bubble and Squeak," he croaked. Lavinia took the menu from his hands, and surrendered both of them to the server.
Their server seemed to be unaware of Snape's ashen expression, and merely gave them a huge smile before sauntering over towards the kitchens to submit their order.
"That's her...isn't it," asked Lavinia gently, reaching over to touch the sleeve of Snape's robes in hopes of providing some sort of comfort.
"Yes-I do sometimes come to the Three Broomsticks for a drink or lunch...but I tried to find out her schedule so that I would never run into her again," he said rather dazed.
Little did they know Harry was still observing them from his table. He took sips of his Butterbeer and his eyes found themselves naturally gravitating towards Lavinia and Snape's table.
"I think he fancies her," he said in a disgusted tone, wiping away the foam on his upper lip with a napkin as he did so.
"I think it's rather nice that Professor Snape has found somebody. You should not be so harsh Harry," interjected Hermione a bit disdainfully.
"If he's shagging her that might put him in a better mood. Perhaps he'll stop bullying us in hopes of impressing her. Funny how a woman that attractive finds him shag-able," laughed Ron, snorting out a bit of Butterbeer as he did so.
"Ronald Weasley," shrieked Hermione, rather scandalized by his brazen statement, her face turning red.
"I think it is best if we stop looking before he notices that we are watching them. They are consensual adults, and we should not be contributing to the rumor mill," she said icily with finality, punching the boys on their arms.
"OW that actually hurt Mione!" shouted Ron, rubbing his arm vigorously in hopes of subsiding the pain.
By the time the Golden Trio had stopped spying on their former potions master and Ms. Belmont the food had arrived at their table.
"Thank you," Lavinia thanked Rose, smiling a bit weakly as she did so.
"Enjoy your meal! If you two need anything just let me know," she winked, sauntering over to the next table to check up on her other customers.
"She seems to be doing well, and your spell obviously worked. I don't think she even knows who you are," murmured Lavinia as picked up a chip from the newspaper. She popped in into her mouth and began to chew.
"That does not excuse the actions that I made her forget in cowardice," snarled Snape through gritted teeth. He began to violently cut into his own dish, shoving the hot food into his mouth, wincing as it burned his tongue.
"At the very least you were remorseful after your actions. Do you think Bellatrix, Dolohov, and Rodolphus were remorseful of their actions after what they did to me?! As you know Bellatrix was scheming with Dolohov so he could have another go at me," she said shrilly, losing her patience with the man. Her heart ached a bit, because the self deprecating thoughts that Snape had was beginning to hurt her too.
"Just finish your meal quickly so that we can get out of here," he barked, shoving another forkful of food into his mouth.
They finished the rest of their meal in silence, and eventually Rose came to collect the dirty dishes. She placed their tab onto the table, and Snape snatched it away before Lavinia could get a good look at it. Snape had realized throughout their meal that Lavinia was rather hurt by the fact that he had pushed her away. He had noticed the pain in her voice as she tried reasoning with him, and he could tell very well that Lavinia did not see him as villainous. She seemed to have been hurt by the fact that he often times punished himself for this perception he had of himself. On the contrary he thought of himself as being unable to ever fully earn the redemption that he had so craved. No matter how many selfless and generous actions he performed it could never bring back the dignities and the lives of people that he had taken away from his victims.
He watched as Lavinia's eyes bulged wide open as she watched him throw three hundred galleons down onto the table. She had estimated judging from the prices she saw on the menu that their meal could not have even reached over a hundred galleons, and their meal was more so closer to perhaps fifty galleons. Snape had left a substantial tip, and without a word took off Lavinia's coat from the chair so that he could help her bundle up.
Perhaps from now on whenever he frequented the Three Broomsticks he would make sure to it that Rose would be his server. He could start leaving substantial tips for her, and although he knew that a monetary value could never make up for the damage he had done...the least he could do was help her livelihood. When they reached outside as they were met with the frigid air he began to explain to his companion his reasoning.
"I know that no amount of money I give her could ever rectify the situation...regardless if she remembers it or not, but the very least I can do is be a proper patron. I'll start leaving generous tips for her so that it helps with her livelihood," he explained, breaking the silence.
"I think that's a wonderful gesture, Severus," she agreed, nodding as she said her piece. She hid her hesitation over how Snape would be able to financially handle it if he handed out hundreds of galleons out every weekend. He seemed to detect her hesitancy and concern.
"I'm making a sizable income as I am approaching tenure at Hogwarts, I also have the decent Prince fortune that my grandparents left me, and I have my fingers in several pies since I do have patents for various concoctions and spells. I won't lose house and home and be a beggar on the streets from this. I hide my economic status from my comrades obviously and others of course...though it is about time to give back. There is only so much that one man can spend on himself," he reassured her. He was a bit shocked though, because he had never revealed his financial circumstances to anyone...not even Dumbledore. It had just slipped out, not in the means of impressing her, but just so that she would not spend time and energy worrying over him. She should keep her concerns for people who are more deserving of it...
"You don't ever intend on finding somebody or starting a family after this bloody war ends? A small amount of happiness is well deserved after all the turmoils and hardships you have faced," her voice was filled with a bit of woe as she asked her question.
"So I take it that you would be open minded in finding somebody else and starting your own family then? A partnership and children does not guarantee happiness. It still requires effort and tremendous amount of work on both ends. I cannot bring myself to love another if I cannot love myself first. I see now...that might have been my flaw...I was a lost boy when I was infatuated with Lily. Now my main conflict is I cannot find the heart to forgive myself for the things I've done as a Death Eater," he admitted upon deep reflection.
They continue to trudge along the path of snow, but they suddenly heard a noise. It was as if somebody had apparated near them, but as they looked up they realized they had fallen upon a trap. The noise had not been loud enough to have been an apparition though it sounded very similar given the wooshing sound. The people responsible for decorating the village of Hogsmeade must have hidden some mistletoe on the trail back to Hogwarts as well. Above their heads hanging from the lamp post was bundle of curling green stalks wrapped with a red bow with waxen berries hanging from them.
"This is preposterous," breathed Snape, feigning great irritation, though he was relieved that the cold had already made his cheeks red.
In the corner of his eye he could see Lavinia's lips curl into a small bashful smile.
Why is she making that face? Bloody hell…
He loosened his cravat a bit, because he felt like he was choking from the damn thing. He was relieved once he gulped down some of the saliva that he did not swallow after he had made his previous statement. They were still standing under the bloody thing, and Lavinia did not seem like she was in a hurry to be going anywhere else. There were snowflakes collecting on top of her eyelashes and her cheeks were equally as red from the cold. Her lips seemed to have turned a bit red from the chill as well, but she gently bit her lower lip down to warm it up with some saliva. She also discreetly licked the top a bit, and it left a glossy shiny film on her rosebud lips.
Perhaps there was a small chance that she was expecting him to act upon tradition. They had never shared an actual consensual chaste kiss before only his lustful hungry forced upon kisses which he had done for show. He somehow found the Gryffindor bravery to reach over, and his arm curled around her waist propelling her a bit closer to him. He imagined that the sapphire blue eyes were her natural hazel ones as she looked up at his expectantly, and he could feel her intrigue.
Perhaps it was out of sheer curiosity on what it would be like to share a kiss with somebody who had been the source of her frustration many times over. Perhaps after all the back and forth bantering and arguing she found herself oddly attracted to him. Or perhaps she was as lonely as he was and wanted him to act upon it out of want and need. The only way he could possibly ask her these questions was if he acted upon his desires to find out too.
He closed his eyes and began to lean in towards her, tilting his head right as he did so, and his hand cupped the left side of her face. He could feel the warmth of her breath as she kept her mouth slightly open so that he could make an entrance with his tongue. The warmth tickled his cold nose a bit, but the promise of warmth made him lean forward even more. Their lips were perhaps half a millimeter apart before they were interrupted.
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
The scream rang out, and they could hear birds madly flying about and cawing in panic. The scream repeated a few more times in great anguish. Snape's eyes flew open, backing away from Lavinia, and she had regained her normal composure as well. The scream seemed to have belonged to a female. They could hear voices from several feet away, but the figures were hidden away by the evergreen trees covered in snow.
"We should investigate. It may more than likely be students," urged Lavinia, taking Snape's arm.
He merely nodded. They both made mad dash towards the direction of where the voices were coming from. The first thing they noticed were the red and gold scarves that hung from the three figures in front of them. The frizzy brunette, redhead, and jet black hair of the figure in the center gave away their identities. They turned around upon hearing the slushy footsteps of their professor as they were running towards them. Snape nearly dropped his wand as he looked past the Golden Trio.
Katie Bell was suspended by the ankle six feet above the ground, but in an almost hauntingly graceful manner her arms were outstretched. It was eerie how the wind kept on whipping her hair, covering her face as it did so, and her hair flipped back it revealed a face empty without any expression.
"Dark Magic," murmured Snape forebodingly, trudging forward to levitate the girl back to the ground.
"Get some help back at the castle, and alert the staff once you reach there. Professor Snape and I will handle transporting Katie," shouted Lavinia, instructing the Trio on what to do.
She watched as the Trio disappear behind the flurries of snow. She watched pitifully as Snape had to turn Katie's body at a one hundred and eighty degree angle so that it appeared that she was lying flat on her back. He nodded solemnly, levitating her body slightly off the ground once more, and they began their funeral like procession back to Hogwarts.
A/N: Also special shoutout Jaded Baby Blues, Marloweee1856, and pennypotter128 for their thoughtful reviews and encouragement! The love is much appreciated :)