A/N: people keep asking how many more chapters there will be, quite
honestly I do not know. Likely around 10-12 more (lol but don't hold me to
that) and it will finish early in the New Year.
So I'm writing this morning while being blasted by Christmas music, sigh
might make this more mushy than normal but being me it will still have some
angst interspersed between the fluffiness.
Chapter 50 - Twas the night before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, 40 below
When Snoopy went up in search of his foe
He spied the Red Baron, fiercely they fought
With ice on his wings Snoopy knew he was caught.
Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ring out from the land
Asking peace of all the world
And good will to man
The Baron had Snoopy dead in his sights
He reached for the trigger to pull it up tight
Why he didn't shoot, well, we'll never know
Or was it the bells from the village below.
Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ringing through the land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to man
Snoopy versus the Red Baron
Copyright, the Royal Guardsmen, from the album "Snoopy's Christmas"
Harry stretched; he had just had one of the best sleeps in a long time. He opened his eyes and sat up quickly. He wasn't at Hogwarts, he was in a beautiful room, the walls made of logs and a rustic stone fireplace was emitting warmth from the corner. A floor to ceiling window was to his right.
He got up and went over to it. The house was high on a snowy hill with forests around and a small village below. Puzzled he glanced down realizing he was wearing the same PJ's that he had gone to bed in. His robe was lying on a chair beside the bed. He put it on and ventured cautiously out the door.
"Harry!" Hermione stood there beaming. "Isn't this wonderful!"
"Yah but where are we and how did we get here?"
"Professor Dumbledore decided we all needed to get out of Hogwarts so as a Christmas present, he brought us here. While we were sleeping he cast a spell over us and then via a special port key brought us out here. We are just outside of the village of yuletown at the far end of the forbidden forest deep in the mountains."
"Harry, Hermione?" Came Ron's voice as he came out of a room next to Harry's. Hermione once again explained what had happened.
***************************************************************
Snape bolted up once he opened his eyes and found himself in semi familiar surroundings.
"Severus, relax. This is my doing. Minerva, Remus, Hagrid and I decided to surprise you all so we whisked you here last night for 2 days of relaxation. I thought Harry and you and Draco especially could use it after what you've been through. Plus it gives Minerva, Remus and I a chance to relax after some very tense times.
"I appreciate it. Where's Draco?"
"Still asleep in the room next to you. If you feeling well enough you can go over to him."
Severus got up putting on a robe. He looked out of the window. "This is where you brought me all those years ago? He stated in wonder.
"Yes Severus, this is where you recovered from that terrible night and where we discussed how you could best serve the light."
Snape nodded in amazement. "I loved it here."
Dumbledore smiled. "Good we'll all be spending Christmas here."
"I'm going to see Draco." Snape stated.
"Yes, I'm sure seeing you will be the best Christmas present for him. Perhaps we should tie a big red bow around you?" Dumbledore teased. Snape's look was not amused.
"Just remember Severus, it will be a bit of shock for him albeit a happy one."
Snape nodded as he entered the room next door. Remus got up smiling at him. "Good to see you on your feet." He whispered.
Snape nodded. "Thank you. Thank you also for taking care of Draco."
Lupin grinned wryly. "He reminds me a lot of you."
Snape sat beside the sleeping teen. He noted that the terrible bruises on his jaw were fading. He still looked very pale and his breathing still didn't sound quite right but overall he looked a lot better without the fever flush from the last time he saw him.
Draco moaned contentedly as he stretched on the warm flannel sheets. His eyes slowly opened. The breath caught in his throat as he looked up through sleepy eyes. He blinked clearing the fog. Professor Snape sat on the bed in front of him.
"How are you feeling?" Came Snape's low voice.
Draco sat up staring at Snape wideyed, doubting that this was real.
In a halting voice he quietly said. "I'm sorry."
Snape frowned. Draco wasn't reacting at all as he expected him to. "What are you sorry about?"
"I almost got you killed." He said hoarsely.
Snape could see the incredible guilt Draco was carrying around.
"First of all I'm fine, secondly this was my decision not yours." Snape responded impatiently. He regarded Draco, there was pain in the grey blue eyes and he looked down at the sheets.
"It was my father wasn't it."
"No it was Bellatrix Black. Lucius likely saved my life by giving me the stopper in death potion and sending me back here."
Draco looked up startled.
"Will you stop being an idiot and blaming yourself for my actions. I'm fine and we'll make sure that you are also." He said softly.
A small smile formed on Draco's face. "Are you really ok?"
Snape nodded.
An incredible relief washed over Draco along with a surge of unequaled happiness. He threw his arms around Snape who hugged him tightly.
***************************************************************
Christmas carols played loudly in the background as Hagrid brought in a huge fir tree and plunked it down in the living room with its soaring ceilings. He placed it near the windows.
Harry stood by the window, despite the beautiful surroundings and all the festiveness, he felt so detached. Memories of the best Christmas he had ever had came flooding back to him. Sirius singing and acting like a little excited kid. He was lost in his thoughts when Hermione came up beside him and nudged his elbow.
"Hagrid wants us to go outside and help him build a big snowman."
Harry didn't respond at first.
"Sirius would want you to build a snowman."
Harry snorted then softly grinned at Hermione. "You just don't give up do you."
She grinned back mischievously. "No, never."
They went outside, as soon as they got near to Hagrid he started hitting them with a barrage of snowballs. They fought back. Laughing and falling into the soft sticky snow.
****************************************************************
Professor Snape got dressed and walked into the living room.
"How's Draco?" Dumbledore asked.
"Sleeping again, I think the last few days took a lot out of him."
"That's to be expected. Put on your cloak Severus, I need you to bring this carrot out to our snowman builders."
Snape's eyes narrowed. "They can get it themselves."
"A little fresh air will do you good." Dumbledore insisted.
"Fine." Snape put on his cloak and boots and snatched the carrot out of Dumbledore's hand.
As he walked towards the sounds of laughter he suddenly got a snowball in the face. He froze glaring in the direction of where it had come from.
"Potter! What do you think you are doing!!!"
Hagrid burst out in a boisterous laugh. "Professor Snape it looks good on you, a dash of white with all that black you wear."
Snape threw Hagrid a disgruntled look but when looking at Hagrid's glowing smile, he felt his mood lighten a bit.
He looked back at Potter who had frozen but had a small twinkle in his green eyes.
"All right Potter, have it your way." With a menacing grin Snape waved his wand causing a stream of snow to hit Harry right in the nose.
He fell into the snow and came up gasping. "No fair, no wands!" As he grabbed another handful of snow and hurled it at Snape this time hitting his shoulder.
The snowball fight between all of them continued for awhile, then they got busy building the snowman. Once the head was on Snape inserted the carrot.
As Snape went back inside, he realized he had had fun. Dumbledore waited for him at the door and handed him a large fluffy towel. His light blue eyes were twinkling with mirth.
"Not a word!" Snape snapped at him.
When he finished drying off he entered the living room to find Draco sitting on the sofa with a sullen look on his face. Minerva and Remus were there also.
"Well you certainly give as good as you get." Minerva laughed. "We watched all the fun from here."
Draco looked up at him resentment burning in his eyes.
"Yes well I was forced into it." Snape replied grumpily.
The others came in later, laughing and flushed from the cold.
They went to warm themselves by the fireplace. Hermione got up and started hanging ornaments on the tree. "Draco do you feel well enough to help me."
He didn't answer, just shook his head.
Ron had set up a chess set. "Do you want to see if you can beat me at chess?"
"No!" He stood up angrily, the classic Malfoy sneer in place. "I don't want to be here with Potty, Weasel and the Mudblood!" His temper exploded. Then realizing what he had just said in front of all the professors, he paled and wavered on his feet.
Dumbledore walked over to him after lifting a restraining hand against Snape. Without a word he took Draco's arm and led him out of the room.
"Oh dear." Minerva sighed. "Children you have to realize he's been through a lot and I think that was just some pent up feelings that exploded. I really don't think he meant it."
"Sounded like he meant it to me." Ron growled.
****************************************************************
Draco's anger wasn't quite done when Dumbledore led him into the room. He took his wand of the nightstand and with it sliced a hole into one of the logs in the wall.
Before he could do it again, Dumbledore had snatched it out of his hand and steered him over to the bed.
"Sit down!"
He sat and looked up at Dumbledore. He had never seen the headmaster look so stern and so angry.
He closed his eyes and meekly said. "I'm sorry."
"I should hope so. Your little temper tantrum is inexcusable. Every single person here has worked tirelessly to save your life and to ensure that you are taken care off. I had hoped you had learned a little something in the last while. You have dissapointed me greatly! Stay in this room until you have a change of attitude." Dumbledore headed for the door. "I expect you to apologize to everyone when you come back out."
Draco lay back on his pillows in misery. Tears welled up in his eyes. Why did he always ruin everything? Stupid golden trio made him do it, he was overwhelmed with jealousy because they had seemed so happy and then when Snape joined them an uncontrollable anger welled up in him. The little voice of reason in the back of his head reminded him how they had helped him and how Potter and Granger had let him help with the potion. He sat with his hands over his face for a long time.
The mood in the living room had lightened again when Dumbledore entered. Everyone was busy drinking butterbeers, munching on snacks and decorating the tree.
Hagrid noisily and not with the best voice started loudly singing 'God rest ye merry hippogriffs' and everyone else joined in.
Half an hour later as darkness descended and a soft snow started to fall, Draco came into the living room. Hagrid stopped singing. Dumbledore looked at him and softly said. "Draco?"
He cleared his throat, he felt dizzy and his stomach churned. Then he quietly said. "I'm sorry." He looked at everyone.
Dumbledore gave him a quick warm smile. "You are forgiven, come and have a bowl of oatmeal, I heated some up for you with a bit of cinnamon and cream." He also handed him a vial of the anti nausea potion.
Draco went and sat beside him, feeling very awkward and embarrassed.
Hermione went over to him and handed him an ornament. "Maybe when you finish eating you could hang this, you're taller than me and I can't quite reach that branch." He nodded and smiled at her gratefully. Then in a whisper only she could hear, "Sorry."
She smiled back at him.
Hagrid resumed singing as the fire crackled and a warmth descended on the room and it's occupants.
Chapter 50 - Twas the night before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, 40 below
When Snoopy went up in search of his foe
He spied the Red Baron, fiercely they fought
With ice on his wings Snoopy knew he was caught.
Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ring out from the land
Asking peace of all the world
And good will to man
The Baron had Snoopy dead in his sights
He reached for the trigger to pull it up tight
Why he didn't shoot, well, we'll never know
Or was it the bells from the village below.
Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ringing through the land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to man
Snoopy versus the Red Baron
Copyright, the Royal Guardsmen, from the album "Snoopy's Christmas"
Harry stretched; he had just had one of the best sleeps in a long time. He opened his eyes and sat up quickly. He wasn't at Hogwarts, he was in a beautiful room, the walls made of logs and a rustic stone fireplace was emitting warmth from the corner. A floor to ceiling window was to his right.
He got up and went over to it. The house was high on a snowy hill with forests around and a small village below. Puzzled he glanced down realizing he was wearing the same PJ's that he had gone to bed in. His robe was lying on a chair beside the bed. He put it on and ventured cautiously out the door.
"Harry!" Hermione stood there beaming. "Isn't this wonderful!"
"Yah but where are we and how did we get here?"
"Professor Dumbledore decided we all needed to get out of Hogwarts so as a Christmas present, he brought us here. While we were sleeping he cast a spell over us and then via a special port key brought us out here. We are just outside of the village of yuletown at the far end of the forbidden forest deep in the mountains."
"Harry, Hermione?" Came Ron's voice as he came out of a room next to Harry's. Hermione once again explained what had happened.
***************************************************************
Snape bolted up once he opened his eyes and found himself in semi familiar surroundings.
"Severus, relax. This is my doing. Minerva, Remus, Hagrid and I decided to surprise you all so we whisked you here last night for 2 days of relaxation. I thought Harry and you and Draco especially could use it after what you've been through. Plus it gives Minerva, Remus and I a chance to relax after some very tense times.
"I appreciate it. Where's Draco?"
"Still asleep in the room next to you. If you feeling well enough you can go over to him."
Severus got up putting on a robe. He looked out of the window. "This is where you brought me all those years ago? He stated in wonder.
"Yes Severus, this is where you recovered from that terrible night and where we discussed how you could best serve the light."
Snape nodded in amazement. "I loved it here."
Dumbledore smiled. "Good we'll all be spending Christmas here."
"I'm going to see Draco." Snape stated.
"Yes, I'm sure seeing you will be the best Christmas present for him. Perhaps we should tie a big red bow around you?" Dumbledore teased. Snape's look was not amused.
"Just remember Severus, it will be a bit of shock for him albeit a happy one."
Snape nodded as he entered the room next door. Remus got up smiling at him. "Good to see you on your feet." He whispered.
Snape nodded. "Thank you. Thank you also for taking care of Draco."
Lupin grinned wryly. "He reminds me a lot of you."
Snape sat beside the sleeping teen. He noted that the terrible bruises on his jaw were fading. He still looked very pale and his breathing still didn't sound quite right but overall he looked a lot better without the fever flush from the last time he saw him.
Draco moaned contentedly as he stretched on the warm flannel sheets. His eyes slowly opened. The breath caught in his throat as he looked up through sleepy eyes. He blinked clearing the fog. Professor Snape sat on the bed in front of him.
"How are you feeling?" Came Snape's low voice.
Draco sat up staring at Snape wideyed, doubting that this was real.
In a halting voice he quietly said. "I'm sorry."
Snape frowned. Draco wasn't reacting at all as he expected him to. "What are you sorry about?"
"I almost got you killed." He said hoarsely.
Snape could see the incredible guilt Draco was carrying around.
"First of all I'm fine, secondly this was my decision not yours." Snape responded impatiently. He regarded Draco, there was pain in the grey blue eyes and he looked down at the sheets.
"It was my father wasn't it."
"No it was Bellatrix Black. Lucius likely saved my life by giving me the stopper in death potion and sending me back here."
Draco looked up startled.
"Will you stop being an idiot and blaming yourself for my actions. I'm fine and we'll make sure that you are also." He said softly.
A small smile formed on Draco's face. "Are you really ok?"
Snape nodded.
An incredible relief washed over Draco along with a surge of unequaled happiness. He threw his arms around Snape who hugged him tightly.
***************************************************************
Christmas carols played loudly in the background as Hagrid brought in a huge fir tree and plunked it down in the living room with its soaring ceilings. He placed it near the windows.
Harry stood by the window, despite the beautiful surroundings and all the festiveness, he felt so detached. Memories of the best Christmas he had ever had came flooding back to him. Sirius singing and acting like a little excited kid. He was lost in his thoughts when Hermione came up beside him and nudged his elbow.
"Hagrid wants us to go outside and help him build a big snowman."
Harry didn't respond at first.
"Sirius would want you to build a snowman."
Harry snorted then softly grinned at Hermione. "You just don't give up do you."
She grinned back mischievously. "No, never."
They went outside, as soon as they got near to Hagrid he started hitting them with a barrage of snowballs. They fought back. Laughing and falling into the soft sticky snow.
****************************************************************
Professor Snape got dressed and walked into the living room.
"How's Draco?" Dumbledore asked.
"Sleeping again, I think the last few days took a lot out of him."
"That's to be expected. Put on your cloak Severus, I need you to bring this carrot out to our snowman builders."
Snape's eyes narrowed. "They can get it themselves."
"A little fresh air will do you good." Dumbledore insisted.
"Fine." Snape put on his cloak and boots and snatched the carrot out of Dumbledore's hand.
As he walked towards the sounds of laughter he suddenly got a snowball in the face. He froze glaring in the direction of where it had come from.
"Potter! What do you think you are doing!!!"
Hagrid burst out in a boisterous laugh. "Professor Snape it looks good on you, a dash of white with all that black you wear."
Snape threw Hagrid a disgruntled look but when looking at Hagrid's glowing smile, he felt his mood lighten a bit.
He looked back at Potter who had frozen but had a small twinkle in his green eyes.
"All right Potter, have it your way." With a menacing grin Snape waved his wand causing a stream of snow to hit Harry right in the nose.
He fell into the snow and came up gasping. "No fair, no wands!" As he grabbed another handful of snow and hurled it at Snape this time hitting his shoulder.
The snowball fight between all of them continued for awhile, then they got busy building the snowman. Once the head was on Snape inserted the carrot.
As Snape went back inside, he realized he had had fun. Dumbledore waited for him at the door and handed him a large fluffy towel. His light blue eyes were twinkling with mirth.
"Not a word!" Snape snapped at him.
When he finished drying off he entered the living room to find Draco sitting on the sofa with a sullen look on his face. Minerva and Remus were there also.
"Well you certainly give as good as you get." Minerva laughed. "We watched all the fun from here."
Draco looked up at him resentment burning in his eyes.
"Yes well I was forced into it." Snape replied grumpily.
The others came in later, laughing and flushed from the cold.
They went to warm themselves by the fireplace. Hermione got up and started hanging ornaments on the tree. "Draco do you feel well enough to help me."
He didn't answer, just shook his head.
Ron had set up a chess set. "Do you want to see if you can beat me at chess?"
"No!" He stood up angrily, the classic Malfoy sneer in place. "I don't want to be here with Potty, Weasel and the Mudblood!" His temper exploded. Then realizing what he had just said in front of all the professors, he paled and wavered on his feet.
Dumbledore walked over to him after lifting a restraining hand against Snape. Without a word he took Draco's arm and led him out of the room.
"Oh dear." Minerva sighed. "Children you have to realize he's been through a lot and I think that was just some pent up feelings that exploded. I really don't think he meant it."
"Sounded like he meant it to me." Ron growled.
****************************************************************
Draco's anger wasn't quite done when Dumbledore led him into the room. He took his wand of the nightstand and with it sliced a hole into one of the logs in the wall.
Before he could do it again, Dumbledore had snatched it out of his hand and steered him over to the bed.
"Sit down!"
He sat and looked up at Dumbledore. He had never seen the headmaster look so stern and so angry.
He closed his eyes and meekly said. "I'm sorry."
"I should hope so. Your little temper tantrum is inexcusable. Every single person here has worked tirelessly to save your life and to ensure that you are taken care off. I had hoped you had learned a little something in the last while. You have dissapointed me greatly! Stay in this room until you have a change of attitude." Dumbledore headed for the door. "I expect you to apologize to everyone when you come back out."
Draco lay back on his pillows in misery. Tears welled up in his eyes. Why did he always ruin everything? Stupid golden trio made him do it, he was overwhelmed with jealousy because they had seemed so happy and then when Snape joined them an uncontrollable anger welled up in him. The little voice of reason in the back of his head reminded him how they had helped him and how Potter and Granger had let him help with the potion. He sat with his hands over his face for a long time.
The mood in the living room had lightened again when Dumbledore entered. Everyone was busy drinking butterbeers, munching on snacks and decorating the tree.
Hagrid noisily and not with the best voice started loudly singing 'God rest ye merry hippogriffs' and everyone else joined in.
Half an hour later as darkness descended and a soft snow started to fall, Draco came into the living room. Hagrid stopped singing. Dumbledore looked at him and softly said. "Draco?"
He cleared his throat, he felt dizzy and his stomach churned. Then he quietly said. "I'm sorry." He looked at everyone.
Dumbledore gave him a quick warm smile. "You are forgiven, come and have a bowl of oatmeal, I heated some up for you with a bit of cinnamon and cream." He also handed him a vial of the anti nausea potion.
Draco went and sat beside him, feeling very awkward and embarrassed.
Hermione went over to him and handed him an ornament. "Maybe when you finish eating you could hang this, you're taller than me and I can't quite reach that branch." He nodded and smiled at her gratefully. Then in a whisper only she could hear, "Sorry."
She smiled back at him.
Hagrid resumed singing as the fire crackled and a warmth descended on the room and it's occupants.
