Chapter 25

It was finally Christmas Eve. Claire had been waiting for weeks; she had been so excited she just couldn't wait. Normally only children could possibly get that excited at Christmas time, and usually, Claire really didn't like that holiday. She had spent most her life at an orphanage, her Christmas' were normally small, quiet and with few gifts. She had learnt at a young age not to expect a lot of presence because her parents didn't receive a generous pay check but those numbers diminished even more when Claire was sent to the orphanage. Every other Christmas after that one was spent pretty much alone except for the few friends that she had made threw out school who would send her chocolate and such things.

She had told Severus not to buy her anything because she was so used to not receiving things that she didn't feel it was right that he spend money on her. Of course he had argued the fact over and over but eventually he gave in…the only thing was that he never said she couldn't buy him anything. She had taken that to her full advantage and gone out many times but couldn't seem to find that one special thing she wanted to get him. She had gotten him something as more of a joke but it actually turned out to be something incredibly useful. She had gotten him a small bat pin.

The owner of the shop had told her it was silver with black stones embedded in the wings and head. It had cost her a pretty penny but he was worth it after all. Once the bat pin was settled against your hair it would magically pull all the strands of hair in your face back underneath its wings so they won't get in the way. She thought that could be very useful for when he was brewing potions. The best part was he would wear it on the outside of his robes to and it would clasp his cloak together without actually putting a whole through it. She hoped he liked it but she still wanted to get him something else but she didn't know what!

She was wandering around in Hogsmeade alone, Severus had offered to come with her but she respectfully declined…it wouldn't do for him to see his present now would it? Claire walked along crowded streets, her wand pointed in many directions trying to figure out which shop she wanted to go into…

"Hi Professor." Said a rather high pitched voice.

"Hello Miss Granger, I completely forgot that it was Hogsmeade weekend for the students who are remaining here for Christmas."

"If you're not here to escort the students, what are you doing here?" Ron asked.

"I…I came here to by some Christmas gifts." She decided telling the truth wouldn't be so bad.

"Presents for who Professor?" Neville asked, he had gotten out of the hospital wing only a week before.

"Well, I can't tell you that, you'll have to wait until Christmas comes around." She winked at them but realized that Harry still hadn't spoken to her, it seemed as though he was having a hard time forgiving her.

"Well, were off to Zonko's, see you later Professor." Ron said and started walking away when he noticed that none of his friends were following.

"Professor?"

"Yes Harry?"

"I…I just wanted to apologize for what I said to you before, I didn't mean what I said—"

"Of course you meant what you said, or you wouldn't have said it. But it's alright Harry, your words were justified therefore there is no apology necessary. You were sticking by your friend and I respect that."

"If you're sure Professor…"

"Of course now run along, young Mr. Weasley is waiting for you." Harry walked away and joined Ron as they walk down to the joke store but she noticed that Hermione and Neville were still standing in front of her.

"Umm, Professor?"

"Yes?"

"May we shop with you?"

She thought about that for a moment, why would they want to shop with her?

"What is it that you need?"

"Nothing really, we just don't feel like going to the joke store."

"I suppose you can." She didn't have to say who she was shopping for right? So that couldn't be a problem.

"I'm surprised at you Neville, why don't you want to shop with Harry or Ronald?" She asked him and continued walking along the streets still in search for the perfect present.

"Neville, isn't like other boys, he doesn't enjoy things like that." Hermione piped up.

"Well then I'm sure you will have very many girls chasing after you." She could feel the boy blush and patted his shoulder lightly.

"Who are you shopping for Professor?" Hermione asked her as she stopped in front of a shop and studied what was behind the glass with her wand.

"Hmmm… How about we get something to eat first." She said trying to avoid the subject, she didn't want to lie to them but she didn't think Severus would be impressed if she told them. She knew she could trust the pair seeing as Neville probably already suspected it, but Hermione…she needed to know whether the girl would tell her two best friends or not…no offense to them she just didn't believe they could keep a secret as well.

"Sounds good to me, are you paying Professor?"

"What was that? A joke? Coming from Mr. Longbottom? I don't believe it." The boy smiled slightly and she pushed the two children along until they reached a small eatery.

Once they arrived in the shop they took off their travelling cloaks, set them against the wall and sat down in a booth near the back of the restaurant.

They chatted a while about their Defence classes as well as Neville's private ones. He had only told the trio that he was taking them so it came to no surprise to Hermione when they began discussing it.

"How many new spells have you learnt Neville?" Hermione asked him.

"A couple new ones, I'm not that much more advanced than the rest of the class."

"That's only because you got out of the hospital wing last week. I bet you'll learn loads more than us in only a couple more weeks." Hermione said tapping his hand lightly.

"She's right Neville; I have quite a few plans for you." Claire said sipping some of her butterbeer.

Their food arrived shortly and they ate in silence, but after a while she could tell Hermione still hadn't given up questioning her about the mysterious person she was trying to find a present for.

"So Professor, are you buying for a teacher, a student or someone else?"

"Hmm…"

"Oh come on Professor! Answer the question please?" Hermione asked setting her cup back on the table.

"I'll make you two a deal ok?" Both of them set their food down and gave her their complete attention.

"I admit I'm having trouble finding the perfect present…for my special someone. I think you two may be able to help me but I must insist that you keep it a secret." The two students nodded their heads quickly.

"What's the catch?" Asked Hermione.

"You are very perceptive Miss Granger." She felt heat rise to the young girl's cheeks as she answered.

"You can call me Hermione."

Ok Hermione, Neville. I will give you two hints and you must guess right on your first try, then you may come with me to find a gift for my special someone. Agreed?"

"Agreed." They both said at the same time.

"Your first hint, probably won't be very much help but the second will be a little more specific, any questions?"

"Do we each get to answer?"

"Yes."

"Say, if I get it wrong on my first try and Neville gets it right, do I still get to come or is only Neville allowed?" Hermione asked, leaning her head on the palm of her hand.

"You are both considered as one team, therefore if you get it wrong and Neville gets it right you are both still allowed to come. Ok?"

"Ok." They both said again.

"Alright your first hint: He is a boy."

"That didn't help very much Professor." Neville pointed out.

"I warned you the first hint would be of no help to you." She could tell the boy rolled his eyes but she continued ignoring him.

"The second hint…Hmmm…He's very intelligent, I suppose you both know that my score is still the highest record the school has?" They both nodded their heads. "Well, he is a close second; he used to be first before I came to school."

"Oh I know this! Oh no, I can't remember it's in one of my books!" Hermione said racking her brains.

"Sorry Hermione, you have to guess now, you don't have time to fetch your book."

"That's alright I know who it is anyway." The girl said confidently.

Both Neville and Claire looked at her with surprise, how did she know?

"It's quite simply actually so I'll let Neville guess first."

"No it's ok Hermione I'd rather not, I really have no idea."

There was no way Hermione knew who it was, Claire felt pretty confident and simply looked at Hermione with a smug smile.

"Go on Hermione; give it your best shot."

"That's an easy one; it's a present for Professor Snape."

Claire didn't move, she stayed stock still and then she started to laugh, who knew the girl was so observant?

Hermione simply looked at her in complete confusion…was it possible she had said the wrong answer?

"Very well done Hermione…you truly are the brightest witch of your age, how did you know?"

Neville still wasn't talking; he was still gaping at her. She thought Neville would have figured it out by now but apparently she was wrong.

"Well, the other day I read a book on body language, Professor Snape's body language towards you says it all." The girl winked at her and Claire laughed again.

"Brilliantly played Hermione! Wonderful, so, any ideas for me?"

"Wait, you're going out with Professor Snape?" The boy said in horror.

"Shh." Both girls said at the same time.

"Sorry." He murmured and stuffed his face back into his drink.

"So what's he like really?" Hermione asked eagerly.

"I'm not sure he would like me very much if I told you…"

"Oh please Professor? I won't tell anyone I swear!"

"Hmm, just between girls…" She glanced in Neville's direction and smiled at him.

"And Neville." Hermione added, smiling at the boy still drinking his butterbeer and trying to digest what he was hearing.

"Well, I won't say much because it's really not my place to tell, but I will say that he is very old fashioned…quite the gentleman."

"Wow, really? Professor Snape?" The girl was beaming at her; she smiled and felt her face heat up. Neville looked at her in complete bewilderment.

"Gentleman?" He squeaked, the boy definitely wasn't coming to terms with it.

"I told you he wasn't all that scary all the time, Neville. You just have to look past appearances that's all, right Professor?"

"You're absolutely right, I think that if I give him a little more time to get used to liking someone…he might come out and be comfortable with it in public…just maybe. But then you'll see Neville, he isn't as brutal as he appears." Neville didn't seem convinced but she let it drop.

"So what do you think I should get him?"

They spent the next few minutes discussing possible presents to get their potions master. Hermione started off suggesting things such as rare plants or potions ingredients. Claire thought those seemed a little too typical and wanted something unusual that he would like. After a couple of moments Neville started to participate and suggest other types of things such as magic quills and was even bold enough to suggest chocolate. Suddenly Hermione's head shot up and she smiled.

"I have the perfect idea!"

"What?" Both Neville and Claire asked at the same time.

"Does Professor Snape have a familiar?"

"I don't think so."

"So he doesn't already have a bird or anything?"

"Not that I know of…"

"Perfect."

Hermione bounced up and ran over to Claire, pulling her hand.

"Follow me; I know exactly what to get him."

Claire lifted herself off her seat and paid for their meal, she followed Hermione out onto the street until the girl came to a stop in front of a store she had never gone in before. Neville trailed behind them uncertainly…it was obvious he wasn't comfortable looking for a present for his most feared Professor.

As soon as Claire walked into the store she covered her ears quickly, there were screeches, howls and screams from all kinds of different animals. She continued along with Hermione pulling her hand until they reached the very back of the store.

"Hermione, where are we going?"

"You'll see, oh I just think this is perfect! He'll love it…he does…love things doesn't he?"

"He hasn't said he's loved anything…actually I've never heard the word from his lips but I'm pretty sure he does."

"Good, then this'll be perfect."

Hermione let go of her sleeve and Claire heard her talking to a clerk somewhere nearby. Claire walked along the isles and felt the glass where the animals were residing. The glass was cool and she shivered, she didn't like knowing animals were in cages or otherwise held 'captive.' Suddenly someone gripped her hand and pulled her towards the other side of the store.

"They have what I was looking for Professor!"

"Where's Neville?"

"I think he's looking at the kittens."

"Ok." Hermione pulled her until she heard the low voice of the clerk. Claire listened carefully but didn't hear anything. Suddenly she felt a tickling against her arm and something heavy wrap itself around it. Suddenly a hissing sound was heard quite loudly and Claire jumped at the unexpected sound.

"She's a boa constrictor, she's only about two feet long now but she'll grow to be about nine to ten feet." The low voiced clerk informed them.

"Oh wow." Claire breathed as the snake wound herself up her arm.

"She's meant to be a familiar but this one seems to be very picky…no one's been able to claim her so far because she seems to be waiting for someone special…she seems to like you, Miss..?"

"This is Professor Laurel." Hermione piped up. "So what do you think Professor? He'll love her won't he?"

"I certainly think he will." Something tickled her face and she put her finger in front of the snake so it could 'smell' her finger instead of her face. She smiled, maybe having a snake wouldn't be so bad…She seemed friendly enough…

"Is she poisonous?"

"No, she's very calm and likes people. Many have tried to take her home but brought her back because she simply would not take to them."

"You need a piece of Professor Snape so she can smell it, she'll decide whether she likes him or not from that." Hermione said. At that moment, Neville walked over to them and she could tell he had paled from seeing the snake in her hand.

"It's alright Neville, she's a good girl." She could tell Neville was feeling a little better because he cautiously approached the snake and held his fingers out to her. She flicked her tongue across him cautiously but seemed to be bored for she returned her attention to Claire. She flickered her tongue at Claire cautiously and continued to wind her way up her arm.

"Actually, I just happen to be wearing some of Professor Snape's robes, that's why I think she likes me."

"Why are you wearing his robes? I didn't think he wore blue and brown." Hermione said.

"I transfigured them myself; they of course didn't look like this when I got them." Claire waved her wand over her sleeves and found a hair caught around a button.

"Hermione is this a black hair or a brown one?"

"Black."

"Good, then it's his, maybe we can tell if she likes him if she smells this?"

"That's a good idea Miss." The clerk said and took the hair from her. He put the hair in front of the snakes mouth and it flickered its tongue over and around the hair. The clerk slowly pulled it away from her but she bent her head and followed the hair as it got farther and farther away from her.

"I think she likes it." Claire sighed in relief.

"I know how we can find out." Neville spoke up.

"How's that?"

"Harry." Claire had heard that Harry spoke parseltongue and brightened at the idea.

"Alright go and get him please Neville."

After five minutes or so Neville returned with Harry and Ron in tow.

"Hello Harry, I was wondering if you could do me a favour."

"Sure thing Professor, whatever you need."

"I need you to ask her," She pointed at the snake slithering up her arm, "If she likes the scent of the hair we put in front of her."

Suddenly a fluent hissing noise slid through Harry's mouth.

"Hello, what'ss your name?"

"You sspeak?"

"Yess."

"I haven't met a human who sspeakss to me."

"What iss your name?"

"I don't have one." The snake hissed back at him.

"I wass wondering whether or not you like the scent of the persson who'ss holding you?"

"I like the sssmell of her fabric but the human herssself sssmellsss funny."

"Would you bind yourself to the person who has that scent?"

"Yess, it iss quite interessting actually."

"She said she likes the smell of your robes but not your scent Professor, sorry. But she will bind herself to the person who smells like your robes."

"That's quite alright Harry, that's all I needed to know, thank you." Both Harry and Ron ran from the store quickly in hopes that they would find somewhere else to go before they had to return to the castle.

"I think we've found our familiar." Claire said smiling.

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Claire hid the Boa in her rooms, it was odd when she talked to the snake it seemed she could understand her but when she hissed back that's when Claire got lost. She had told the snake every detail about Severus, she really hoped he liked her gift, the snake would nod every once in a while so she explained to her that she would have to stay in her rooms until the next day. She was petting the snake on the head, her scales were rough but they had a polished quality to them that Claire enjoyed immensely. She had asked Hermione what color the snake was and she had told her she was a mix of three different greens with small scales of black scattered everywhere. Apparently she was a very beautiful snake…not that Claire would ever know.

She was petting the snake's scales when a knock came at the door. She hurriedly put her back in her closet and whispered for her to stay there and be quiet. She tickled the snake under her chin before shutting the door.

"Yes?" She inquired when she opened her quarter's door.

"Forgive me for interrupting but I believe I have a date tonight?"

"Oh really? And who is this incredibly lucky witch?"

"That depends if the beautiful lady in front of me is the one who accepted my invitation."

"Nope, sorry wrong quarters." She meant to close the door in his face but he clapped his hand on the on it and held it open. She felt a cold hand touch her face and he leaned in and kissed her sweetly.

"Forgive me; I believe I have found myself at the wrong location." With that he turned around swiftly and started walking away.

"Severus." She whined, she didn't want to play games anymore she wanted to go out!

He turned around and headed back towards her.

"Yes?" he said quietly in her ear. He brushed the hair from around her ear and tucked it out of his way. He leaned his lips right behind her ear and trailed a few slow kisses down her neck.

"Mmm, I thought you were taking me out to dinner?" She said quietly.

"And I thought I was at the wrong quarters…"

"Well it seems I was mistaken…I believe you have found yourself at the right location" He grabbed her hand gently and kissed her softly on the lips. The small contact left her shivering and wanting more but he leaned away from her.

"Dinner is getting cold." He chuckled when she tried to kiss him back.

"That's ok…" She tried to kiss him again but he but his fingers up to her lips to stop her.

"That's insulting…I made it myself." He said quietly.

"Really?" she asked him seriously.

"Yes." He whispered into her ear and pulled her into a hug.

"That's so sweet of you Severus." She smiled against his shoulder.

He growled and she laughed.

"I know, I know…you're not sweet."

"Or?"

"Or nice, or generous, or thoughtful and your definitely not a gentleman…I know." She smiled and brushed his ear with her lips.

"It's ok I'll keep your secret."

He grabbed her hand and pulled her gently along the rows of empty desks. Her heart swelled knowing he was so eager to show her what he had made for her himself.

They finally reached his quarters and she smiled when she waved her wand over everything on the table. It was set for two, he had candles on the table and he had indeed cooked everything himself, it smelt delicious. She turned around and kissed him full on the lips. He inhaled sharply and stumbled backwards from the unexpected attack.

"It's beautiful, thank you Severus, who knew you would set up candles for me?"

He kissed her back gently and whispered against her lips.

"You weren't supposed to know that, can you at least act like a normal blind woman?"

"But then I wouldn't know all the sweet things you do for me."

"Exactly." He growled against her ear. She smiled and sat herself down at the table.

They started their meal in silence, Claire couldn't speak…the food was delicious! She wondered where he had learnt to cook so well… it really was extraordinary! He had made her chicken, vegetables, mash potatoes that were her new favourite (they were even better than the ones the house elves made!) and a small salad.

"This is delicious Severus, where did you learn to cook so well?" She asked him in between bites.

"My mother used to cook for my father and I was expected to…help." She could tell there was much more to that story but let it pass, it was Christmas Eve and she wanted it to be perfect. She continued eating until her plate was clean, "That was truly wonderful Severus, you should cook for me more often!" She joked, she picked herself up off the chair and walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. She felt his mouth twitch up into a smile and kissed his lips.

"I love it when you smile you should do it more often." She whispered to him.

"That's because you can't see my teeth."

"What's wrong with your teeth?"

"They're crooked." He said quietly, she could tell he didn't like admitting his flaws.

"Let me see."

"I would rather you didn't put your hands in my mouth, thank you." He scowled.

"Fine, But if you open your mouth when you're sleeping then I'll be checking."

"I suggest you don't if you still want your fingers." She sighed and kissed him again.

"We're going out so you might want to put something warm on." He said to her as she went to sit back down.

"Oh? Where are we going?"

"No where special, but it's cold outside."

"Anywhere you take me is special." She said quietly, she could tell he was just looking at her without saying a word…had she offended him? She felt a small pang in her heart when he didn't say anything…She wished he would believe her when she told him how special he was, how much he meant to her. He never said these things to her, but she gave him a break… she supposed it was just hard for him to open up after all these years of being alone…

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Had he heard that right? He could feel his cheeks heating up but he pushed it back down, there was no way he was going to blush because of a silly comment, she probably didn't mean it anyway…not really. He watched her as she sipped at her wine and looked somewhat hurt…why did she look like that?

"Claire?"

"Hmm?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Claire, I know when something is bothering you…"

"It's nothing alright!" She snapped at him. He didn't say a word and she sighed.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to snap… Can we go now?"

"As you wish." He said slowly, he wanted to find out what was bothering her but let it drop for now.

He went around the table and held her close.

"I'm sorry." He said

"For what?" He didn't answer right away.

"Severus…it's nothing really, I'm sorry I snapped at you…can we just enjoy the evening?"

"Of course." He said and draped a large warm cloak over her shoulders. He carefully tucked a scarf around her neck and transformed her shoes into boots. He didn't know it but she was enjoying the attention he was giving her. He was still very hesitant when it came to their affection but she was working on him.

Once they were ready they walked out onto the grounds and she shivered as they walked into the freezing air. He quickly wrapped his arms around her shoulders and rubbed them slightly to warm her up. She realized they were headed for their tree and she smiled…he was always taking her there and she didn't mind one bit. But he didn't sit down or conjure a blanket, she turned to look at him but he simply turned away from her and summoned something. Severus turned back around with two pairs of skates in his hand, he flicked his wand at his boots and they were magically replaced with one of the pairs of skates in his hand. By the look on Claire's face he could tell she had no idea what he was doing. He smirked at her and flicked his wand at her boots as well. As soon as the skates were in place she wobbled were she stood and he quickly walked forward so she could grab onto his shoulder.

"Severus, what are you doing?" She asked with a higher pitch to her voice than usual, he could tell she still hadn't figured it out.

"We are going ice skating my dear."

"I can't skate!" She said fearfully but he grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently.

"I'll show you then." He looked into her face and saw blue eyes gazing up at him with complete trust; he felt his heart contract and an overwhelming feeling rushed into his chest rendering him speechless. He cleared his throat and put one foot on the frozen lake. It was very thick just as he had suspected, he slowly pulled Claire onto the ice and she gripped his shirt tightly. He chuckled deeply into her ear and he watched as visible tremors racked her whole body.

"Is that from the cold or from fear of skating?"

"Neither." She breathed into his ear as she put her other foot on the ice. Just as he had suspected she wobbled and fell. He quickly grasped her around the waist and pulled her up while she breathed heavily, still too terrified to speak.

"You have to stand straight, don't move just yet." He whispered in her ear. She stopped trying to move her feet and stayed still awaiting further instructions. Once she was standing straight he pulled his arms away from her middle and grabbed her arms, he lifted them so they were strait and pointing outwards at her sides. She was standing with her arms out and her feet together in a cross stance. He grabbed the back of her hands and placed his chin on her shoulder.

"Move one foot forward slowly, let it glide don't try and take a step." He whispered to her. She moved her foot forward and didn't fall, he watched as a smile crossed her face. He kissed her cheek and continued.

"Well, done. Now the other one." He watched as she slide her other foot forwards and didn't fall once again.

"Good now try and skate."

"But I can't—"

"Just try. I'm right behind you." She moved one foot at a time and eventually she started gliding along in front of him, his hands on her waist.

"I'm going to let you go now; I think you can do it."

"No Severus, don't—"It was too late, he had let go and she was skating fine on her own. She started to scream but it turned into a laugh as she realized that it really wasn't that complicated. She started to skate wobbly around the lake and she heard Severus not too far off behind her. She turned on her heel but didn't expect the movement to be so sudden she started to fall and landed on her butt.

"Ow." She breathed rubbing the bruised area.

"Sorry, love, didn't see that one coming." He watched as her face went from a pout to a smile bigger than he had ever seen…had he said something? Her eyes were darting back and forth as she searched blindly for him. He bent down carefully and hulled her to her feet. He expected her to start skating again but instead she hugged him tight and kissed him on the cheek.

"What was that for?" He asked her.

"For being a sweetheart." She said but skated away faster then he thought she was capable of. He wanted to yell after her that he wasn't a sweetheart but just smiled at her instead…There was no point in spoiling her evening.

They skated around for an hour or two until Severus declared that he was tired. She skated back over to him and hugged him tightly. He held her waist and spun them in circles. She gripped him tightly, obviously afraid of falling again but he kept her close and whispered nonsense in her ear. Her grip slackened a little and she worked her feet to add to their speed. After a while they slowed down and he leaned his head against hers.

"It's Christmas in thirty seconds." He said quietly to her. She looked up at him and he gazed deep into her dark blue eyes. Suddenly a movement caught his eye and he noticed that the branches from the willow tree above them were growing slightly… He watched in amazement as the tip of the branch only about a foot above their heads started to grow three small leaves and tiny white berry's.

"Three." She breathed at him.

"Two." He whispered back, their lips only centimetres away

"One." They said together.

"Mistletoe" He breathed just above a whisper and then their lips connected. It was thrilling; his heart was beating faster than it should have as he responded quickly to her warm lips.

She was in heaven; his lips were cold but incredibly soft. He was definitely more active when they kissed and he was incredible. Shock after shock wave washed over her body as they continued to move their lips over each other and then he did the one thing she thought he would never do. His tongue traced the outside of her bottom lip asking for entrance she opened her mouth just the slightest bit and he slipped it inside. She had always thought that kissing with tongue was disgusting…until that moment. Her world exploded and she weaved her tongue around his gently. He reached his hands up and entwined them in her hair, pulling her closer to him. She inhaled sharply through her nose and kissed him back roughly. After several more moments of complete bliss they broke apart breathing heavily.

He leaned his chin on the top of her head and kissed her hair gently.

"Happy Christmas, love." He breathed next to her ear and held her tight.

A/N- Hey guys! This chapter took me all day to wright so I hope you enjoyed it! I want to thank LetsTwistAnotherFairyTale, debjunk and His Half Blood Princess for reviewing and sticking with me for the past I don't even know how many chapters lol anyway, thanks a whole lot guys it means so much to me!