Being the only child of a middle to upper class family in Manhattan, Lucia had a surplus of gifts as a child. Her father, who was rather insistent on her being a quidpot player like he was, seemed to purchase her whatever age appropriate top of the line gear that was available, even after Lucia made it clear she did not enjoy the sport. Her mother on the other hand was much more interested in cultivating the characteristics Lucia was lacking, such as grace and punctuality and therefore gifted her a myriad of planners and ballet classes. Between the two of them there was never a shortage of gifts for her Christmas morning. However after they passed away it was only her and her grandmother.
Having come to age during the depression era, nonna was not very comfortable or even familiar with spending money. She would often opt to enlarge food instead of purchasing more of it, even if it left an odd aftertaste as magic often did and insisted that gifts should not cost more than a few dollars. Lucia was perfectly fond of that because it meant she got nonna's hand me down books, all ear marked and annotated.
After Nonna passed it was her and Ryan. He knew her well enough to know she enjoyed experiences more than things and would plan extravagant days for her, often ending up somewhere near the ocean so Lucia could dart at the receding water like a child and race back to him grinning.
Emily bought her music. It was especially natural, considering they met through music. Occasionally it was a concert, or after Emily received an especially large commission even a Taylor guitar.
It always struck Lucia that all the people she was surrounded with were incredibly good gift givers but she was as tone deaf as her parents. For their third anniversary she purchased Ryan luggage "for all the trips we are going to take". Emily had traditionally gotten a bottle of wine which she shared with Lucia and a gift certificate somewhere, and her grandparents and parents almost always got the only gift she could offer as a broke student: a song.
So when Christmas eve rolled around and she had three gifts in her quarters, Lucia could have curcio'd herself.
She had hoped that an ocean between her and Emily would curtail her friend's desire to show affection by gifting her with something, but indeed the lavishly decorated gift with ribbons was from her dear friend across the pond. Another was from Aurora in conspicuous constellation wrapping paper, and the plain brown paper with a black ribbon was clearly from Severus, though it was unmarked. Leave it to her to be the shitty friend who hadn't gotten anything for anyone.
It was because of this discovery that she found herself in Diagon Alley, having asked to use Severus' floo connection and shooting him a scathing look when he inquired why she needed to go there.
He was rather confused when she bustled into his rooms unannounced in the early morning. Typically they spent their evenings together. He was about to go work on a handful of ongoing potions when she burst through the door and asked to use his floo network.
"What in Merlin's name would require you to venture out on Christmas Eve?" He asked
"It's none of your business." She said haughtily, grabbing a handful of powder. "By the way, would you describe yourself as a person who would rather have a pocket watch or a wrist watch?" She hesitated before stepping into the fire.
"I hardly need a-" Severus started.
Lucia cut him off with a huff. "Never mind I will figure it out on my own." She said, stepping into the flames and saying "Diagon Alley" in a clear tone.
It was clear that Lucia was not the only person who had put holiday shopping off to the very last minute. Though not crowded persay, there were a healthy amount of people bustling about that Lucia didn't feel so much like she was the only irresponsible friend. She was, however, likely the only irresponsible friend to be sending a package via international floo.
The first shop that she visited was Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions for Emily. She had been complaining as of late about her sore back and her need to be pampered and Lucia had read in Witch Weekly about a bath salt that would turn your home bathroom into a full spa experience, massage included. She added a bottle of Toe Turning nailpolish which apparently made high heels comfortable to wear as long as the nail polish was intact. Emily was notorious for her high heels despite already being quite tall and very pregnant.
Aurora was the next on her list and admittedly she had no idea what the witch might enjoy. She seemed very much niche in her interests and Lucia was concerned that anything she purchased relating to astronomy would be either redundant or offensively inexpensive and low quality. Lucia ended up settling on an ornately decorated hair clip that would hold and disguise her wand. She felt rather cliche purchasing that for her friend but was unsure what else to buy the witch. Aurora did often have her hair in a clip, she rationalized.
Now Severus was the real challenge. He seemed to be both a man who had few interests that were simple but would either be highly offended, disgusted, or some combination of the two, by anything that wasn't up to his high caliber of taste.
She had considered buying him some new robes, noting that he either had one set or had numerous versions of the same attire. Somehow she thought the regimented Severus would not appreciate this gift and it would either go unused or he would just flatly reject it.
Her second idea was a new cauldron, but upon entering Potage's Lucia realized she had no concept of the best kinds of cauldrons to purchase or even what Severus had. The salesperson was all too eager to sell her a copper cauldron, claiming it heated the potion more evenly but Lucia was suspicious of his pushy sales tactics and left the shop empty handed.
Running quickly out of ideas Lucia decided to pace the alley, wondering if a window display would perhaps spark some inspiration. It was upon approaching Twilfitt and Tatting's that her deep concentration was ruined.
"Lucia! Darling, what a wonder to see you again here of all places." The voice sounded from behind her.
Lucia turned around slowly, fixing her face into a smile her mother would have been very proud of. "Narcissa, how lovely to see you again." She eyed the bags levitating around Narcissa. It was no wonder that she ran into her in Diagon Alley again. It seemed shopping was a favorite hobby of hers.
"Don't tell me you are finishing up Christmas shopping?" Narcissa asked. She was wearing a tightfitting set of robes in brilliant red with black accents. It might have been festive if the color were more like blood than that of Jolly Saint Nick's cheeks.
"Well I-" Lucia started.
"Or perhaps you are shopping for a dress for New Years. Twilfitt does have the best selection in London, though nothing compared to Paris. I was just there last week getting the finishing touches on my gown." Narcissa interrupted.
"I haven't-"
"Oh dear you haven't gotten a dress yet? Why it's only a week away. How will they make it in time?" Narcissa asked, aghast.
Lucia thought for a moment that the witch didn't need to breathe the way that she kept prattling on and on about dresses. "I was planning on transfiguring a dress I already own, actually." She said, keeping her chin high.
"Oh that's… charming. I suppose on a professor's salary that can only be expected." Narcissa waved her hand. "I could get you a discount at Twilfitt though. The owner is more than happy to help a friend of mine."
"I really don't-" But Lucia was cut off again as Narcissa grabbed her by the arm and started to pull her into the store.
"I insist, really. Consider it my Christmas gift to you." Lucia was struck by the generosity. "Besides, if you will be performing you need to look your best. Can't have last seasons dress in front of the finest witches and wizards of Europe.
Lucia internally noted that though it seemed like a kind consideration, it was actually to preserve Narcissa's reputation.
Narcissa dragged Lucia through the store, occasionally snapping at the shop girl to grab a dress and put it in the dressing room. Narcissa's taste was… interesting. At least there were no ruffles in sight, but the amount of beads and rhinestones was getting a bit absurd.
"You know, I think I prefer something a bit more understated." She said as Narcissa presented her a dress with a large brown bow right on the hip.
Narcissa looked visibly disappointed. "I never got to dress a daughter. Lucius was very insistent that Draco never wear anything besides black, though I did manage to get him in a few sets of green robes before he was a teenager and wanted nothing to do with me."
Lucia wasn't sure if Narcissa was attempting to guilt her or if this was an honest admission. She had a hard time imagining the witch pining for a child, as she seemed to be the cliche pureblood who only required an heir to pass on their noble bloodline. She wouldn't have been surprised if the marriage between them had been arranged, considering she knew the practice was common amongst the upper echelons in Europe, especially the sacred 28.
Instead of allowing the guilt trip work Lucia compromised. "I will try them on but I can't guarantee I will wear any of them."
That seemed to satisfy Narcissa as she snapped at the shop girl again, something Lucia was beginning to find rather annoying, and said that they were ready.
Lucia knew she was meant to be a surrogate daughter in this scenario, but she couldn't help but feel like more of a doll as she parted the red velvet curtain in layers of organza, silk, chiffon and satin.
Narcissa, ever demanding, would insist she spin, her eyes fixed on Lucia's figure.
"I'm not sure a ball gown suits you. You're rather short."
"I did mention that when we were walking around."
"I thought it might counterbalance your hair."
Lucia scoffed "I can assure you that my hair will be absolutely immaculate for the party."
"Yes well pardon me if I don't believe that." Narcissa flipped her wrist dismissively.
"Pardon me mam, but I have a dress I think would be lovely on her." The shopgirl said, revealing a gold dress. It was hard to tell what it looked like on the hanger, but the bodice had structure that looked like boning.
"I can't sing in that." Lucia said abruptly. "It looks like it would constrict my breathing."
The shopgirl looked offended for a moment. "Miss, I can assure you everything at Twilfitt and Tatting's is made to be the epitome of comfort."
Narcissa nodded in agreement. "I believe everything is charmed to fit the body in motion."
Lucia looked at the gown auspiciously. It did look like it would flatter her and the color was lovely.
"However the color will have to change. No gryffindor colors for the belle of Severus Snape."
The girl turned to Lucia with an expression of immediate confusion and awe. "You are dating professor Snape?"
"Well I mean we are seeing each other." Lucia said.
"Oh they are darling together, clearly in love. I am over the moon for them." Narcissa gushed.
"I just- I never thought he would. He's so…" The girl stumbled over the words.
"Stubborn, short tempered, severe, self-centered?" Lucia asked. "I suppose he can be all those things. But I can also be a right bitch so who am I to judge."
"But he's that way all the time." The girl said.
Lucia sighed, knowing well the image that students must have of the intimidating professor Snape. "Perhaps around students. But he is quite kind to me and to his friends." Lucia glanced at Narcissa.
Narcissa cleared her throat and said. "Yes well, come on then darling, try on the dress. I'm sure we can get it in silver."
"I look dreadful in silver." Lucia said, looking at the liquid metal of the fabric.
"Perhaps a chrome?" The shop girl said, clearly wanting to redeem herself after insulting her customer's friend.
"Yes, that will do nicely." Narcissa said.
The shopgirl flicked her wand and the gold fabric melted into a warm dark silver.
Lucia took the dress into the fitting room, happy to take off the pink tulle monstrosity that Narcissa had put her in before. She did have to admit the dress fit well and despite what appeared to be stiff boning, she was able to take full breaths. The dress had draped off the shoulder sleeves and a high slit that reached almost immodest levels. Her breasts were pushed up, perhaps more on display than she would typically prefer. It was certainly not what she would typically wear, but as soon as she stopped out of the fitting room Narcissa clapped in delight.
"Oh you look wonderful. I think Severus will be quite pleased." Narcissa said. "Now tell me, do you plan on having your tattoos concealed?"
Lucia looked down at her arms, forgetting sometimes that her rebellious years were permanently inked on her body. "No I have no plan for hiding them."
"Even the one on your hand. It is quite uncivilized looking. One might think-"
"I can think of a worse tattoo to have." Lucia snapped, not appreciating the criticism of her wedding ring tattoo.
A light flashed behind Narcissa's eyes and the shopgirl, knowing full well that two grown witches were in a disagreement, scurried off to the counter to try and attempt to look busy.
"How dare you." Narcissa spat, discarding all the affectionate feelings she had for Lucia immediately. "I invited you into my home and treated you like family because of Severus and you repay me with snide remarks."
Lucia sighed, realizing her ire was directed at a woman who had lived in a world more smaller and more restrictive than her own. "I'm sorry, I just really find this tattoo important." Lucia said, gazing down at her left hand. "It's my wedding ring. A reminder I have of him every day that's physically on my body."
Narcissa looked confused for a moment. "Did you not have a ring?"
"Never got around to it." Lucia shrugged. "Besides, I quite like that I have this forever."
"I can't imagine how Severus feels-" Narcissa began but Lucia interrupted her.
"Severus and I have both experienced loss. It is thankfully not an issue." Lucia said.
Narcissa paused for a moment, her eyes downcast. "I thought Draco had died at one point. There was no way of knowing whether he was- well whether he had survived in the castle. That dreadful battle. I can't imagine how I would feel if…" She trailed off.
"Thankfully you will not have to imagine that. You have a healthy son and husband and I'm sure future grandchildren to look forward to."
Narcissa grimaced. "Gods I hope so. But he's broken off his betrothal to Pansy Parkinson. Many of the pureblood families want nothing to do with us."
"Perhaps there will be a lovely girl that sweeps him off his feet on New Years Eve." Lucia mused.
"If I can get him to leave his room. He's been dreadfully cooped up since, well since everything."
"I am sure you and Lucius are doing the best you can for him." Lucia said, not believing the words even as they slipped past her lips.
Narcissa scoffed. "Lucius has never taken to anything as poorly as he has taken to parenting."
Lucia could imagine that he was any number of things, but a good father was likely not one of them. Instead of voicing this opinion she stayed silent for a moment before offering up the only thing she could. "Severus can spend some time with him. I understand that he is fond of the boy."
"As fond as he can be of anything besides a book." Narcissa muttered.
"Of course! Books. I'm so stupid." Lucia cried, realizing what she should get Severus. Lucia could have kissed Narcissa if the woman didn't secretly terrify her.
"What do you mean." Narcissa asked as Lucia retreated into the fitting room.
"I have been killing myself trying to figure out what to get the pretentious bastard all day." Lucia explained, haphazardly pushing the dress off her body and redressing in her street clothes. "But the man is so damn… well he's pretentious and he hates everything." Lucia popped her head out from behind the curtains with a mad grin. "Except for books."
Lucia pranced out into the shop, heading immediately for the exit.
"Aren't you going to purchase the dress?" Narcissa called, a bit perplexed by the frantic exit.
"Maybe some other day. Today we are buying gifts." Lucia said, pushing the doors open and heading into the streets of Diagon Alley once more.
Her newfound enthusiasm was quick to fade as she realized she didn't actually know what Severus liked to read. Often he was researching with her in ancient tombs or grading papers during their evenings together. She had a difficult time recalling anything besides a muggle book named Ulysses that didn't make very much sense at all, though she was drunk when she attempted to read it.
It wasn't until her third time circling Flourish and Blotts that she had lost hope entirely.
"Are you looking for something in particular dear?" Asked a kindly woman who looked to be in her late 40s. She had dark skin and her hair was wrapped neatly in a scarf.
"I'm just trying to buy a fu- fun gift for a not very fun wizard." Lucia said, catching herself as she almost swore near an especially young looking witch and her family.
"Who is this wizard? I may have an idea of their inclinations." She replied, clasping her hands in front of her.
"Severus Snape." Lucia said, expecting the witch to have a similar reaction to the girl at the shop.
"Oh yes, he is an avid reader. I will say I don't know of much here that would interest him that he hasn't already read. I am sure you are aware of his collection."
Lucia was, as the shelves in his office loomed large every time she entered it. She cursed herself for not looking at them with more interest.
"However as of late he has been asking for more unusual titles, specifically muggle books." The witch continued.
Lucia furrowed her brow.
"Yes his last purchase, Ulysses, was quite unique. I do not think he will enjoy it. It's muggle nonsense."
There were only a handful of muggle books that had ever caught Lucia's interest over the years, almost all of them having to do with music or musicians. She wondered what Severus would be interested in if not potions.
"He was fond of The Prince by Machiavelli." The woman commented, placing a finger on her chin thoughtfully. "I do think he enjoyed Shakespeare as well if I remember correctly, especially the play Othello."
This might as well have been a foreign language to Lucia. "I'm sorry, I read mostly Witch Weekly Bestspellers. I don't think that helps me at all."
"Of course dear, my apologies. I think he would enjoy a book called Les Miserables, though I do not have it in stock. I imagine muggle London will have it in stock at any book shop though. And perhaps while you're at it you can pick up Jane Eyre, for yourself. Professor Snape always struck me as a Mr. Rochester type." The witch blinked at her.
Lucia nodded in understanding. "Thank you Miss…"
"Madam Villanelle. I hope you will return and let me know what you think about my suggestions." The woman said, watching as Lucia retreated toward the door.
"Yes of course, thank you very much!" Lucia said, rushing to the streets. First she had to exchange some of her galleons for muggle currency and then she was to floo the package to Emily, something she knew she could do from just about any fireplace connected to the network. She returned to The Leaky Cauldron after a brief trip to Gringotts, noting the glass domed ceiling had been fully restored, quickly wrapped her friend's gift and set herself on the streets of London.
It was nearly mid afternoon at this point and Lucia had skipped lunch in a mad rush to get her shopping done. There were very few things that could stop Lucia in her tracks when she had a task at hand but hunger was one of them. Lucia considered for a moment retreating into The Leaky Cauldron and ordering a steaming bowl of slop, but decided against it, eying the little cafe across the street that smelled delightfully of buttery baked goods and coffee.
In her haste to cross the street she almost didn't notice the book shop located next door to it, one Charing Cross Books. Lucia could barely contain her smile as she breezed into the cafe, ordering a croissant, hot coffee and a quiche. She sat down at one of the handful of tables and eyed her watch. It wouldn't be too late of a lunch to spoil her dinner. After hastily scarfing down her food and drinking her coffee, Lucia went into the bookshop and began browsing the shelves of books.
"Damn, I forgot to get the author's name." Lucia muttered, realizing she knew near nothing about what she was looking for. Typically she was more well equipped for Christmas shopping but this year had truly gotten away from her.
Lucia approached the man behind the counter. He was as short as he was wide and wore unusually small spectacles. His coat looked worn and he was balding a bit, but was otherwise friendly looking.
"Hello." She waved anxiously at the man.
He glanced up behind his glasses and eyed her unusual appearance. "Come from across the street have you?"
Lucia was taken aback for a moment. Muggles were not supposed to know about The Leaky Cauldron. It should be all but a broken down shop window to them. "I'm not sure-"
"All the ones who look odd like you come from across the street. Not sure why you want to wear your shower robe out into the world, certainly not to a book shop, but a pound is a pound by the way I see it."
Lucia looked at him with increasing confusion. "I'm sorry I'm very confused."
"Your robe dear. One would think you'd save that for a special someone." He said, gesturing to her outfit.
She had forgotten she was wearing her wizarding robes, choosing to put them over her coat in the wintery cold of London. "Oh dear, I must have forgotten to take it off." She says, trying her best to seem ashamed. "Now I have a question regarding some books."
"I should hope so." The man interrupted.
"Yes well, I need two books. Les Miserables and Jane Eyre. Do you carry them?" Lucia asked.
The man scoffed as if offended she would imply that he didn't. "Of course we carry them. We wouldn't bloody well be a book shop if we didn't. Now follow me and I'll help you find them."
He guided her to a section of the shop that had a large sign above it that read 'Classics' in curling script.
"Now I can't say I have ever had much love for Ms. Bronte myself," He said, pulling a book from the shelves and handing it to her. "She wrote a bit too much like a woman possessed for my taste. Some say she and her sisters were witches."
Lucia doubted it or else she would have heard of this book but kept her mouth shut and nodded, realizing the man liked the sound of his voice a bit too much for someone running a bookstore.
He approached the next shelf and grasped the second novel, this one much thicker than the last.
"Merlin's name that book is huge!" Lucia exclaimed, taking the book in her arms as she could not easily hold it.
"Big fan of Arthurian legends?" The shopkeeper asked.
"Err, yes, something like that." Lucia mumbled. "Thank you. I think I'm ready to pay."
The man took her money gladly, after all a pound is a pound even if it comes from a witch and Lucia sighed in relief. Her shopping was done and she could return to the castle, hopefully with a gift that Severus would appreciate.
