MERLIN'S BEARD. I have been trying to utilize the chapters I wrote before to stay relatively similar to the story I wrote earlier—for those of you who don't know, when I originally post a fanfic called "Baby Miracle" which followed Meadow's life from before Hogwarts (1 chapter=1 year older) and then during Hogwarts. . . IT IS A MESS! I think I tried to write the first two years from memory before I started using the books to follow more closely to the timeline and plot. Year 1 is horrible! So many things out of order or not explained. I think this has been the best decision for me to completely rewrite this fanfic and make it more cohesive and smoother. What a wreck of a story before now! So it may take a bit more time than I originally planned for to rewrite Book 1. I think I'm making a decent dent in this story for year 1 so far since I started posting in October!
I am glad to see an OG fan! Helloo! I'm glad you're liking this version better as well! I honestly absolutely love it as well, because it's nice to see that my writing has become redefined and civilized. Anyway- enjoy!
Miracle
Meadow watched him, seething on the inside. "I don't want to serve detention with you. I'd rather face that three-headed dog that bit you," she finally snarled before turning on her heel and marching out of the office feeling like she won a price.
Chapter 13: Winter Holidays
But, of course, facing the three-headed dog for her detention the following week was not possible. Instead, Meadow was forced to clean all the jars and bottles in her father's office. She was livid the whole time she was there. Meadow never did hear what happened to Pansy Parkinson, although, the girl did stay away from her now. It was rather nice to not have to worry about a comeback to Pansy's insults. Meadow couldn't believe she had thought of apologizing to Pansy to try and make up with her.
Since then, Meadow no longer had to wear her arm in a sling, and she wore the Quidditch sleeve during the day, making sure only to take it off once she was safe behind the curtains of her bed. She was able to catch up on her homework she missed, not that it was difficult at all. Meadow had an easy time in most of her classes; despite not being the best at Herbology, Potions was able to give Meadow a bit of an advantage due to the plants used as ingredients. Transfiguration became more interesting and Meadow really enjoyed those classes with Professor McGonagall. Potions was a class Meadow was having a difficult time being happy in, she did not want to spend any time with her father. In fact, Meadow had been skipping Sunday Tea for the past month. But she still excelled in the class, especially once her arm was free again, she was able to completely focus on getting everything perfect. Meadow refused to allow her father to say anything more than needed to her.
The other classes were a breeze to catch up on. DADA was all theory based, and Professor Quirrell only used the book for the students to learn from, and not actually practicing any of the spells he taught them about. Professor Flitwick offered for Meadow to stop by his office so he could go over the lessons she missed and what to focus on for exams. He was a kind teacher and Meadow took him up on his offer. History of Magic was still a bore, and not much had happened where Meadow couldn't refer to the book for the class, which is what she did anyway for her essays. Though Magic Theory and Astronomy were only once a week, Daphne took detailed notes, and Meadow went to see Professors Burbage and Sinistra, respectively. Both witches gave Meadow an extra week for her to finish her homework from those classes.
And at least Winter Holidays were approaching rather fast. Meadow kept up with her journal, jotting down Shane's absence in November. Wednesday the 20th through Friday the 22nd. Though, it changed from a half day on the two days to three full days. Meadow wasn't sure if Shane disappeared from the Gryffindor Tower on Tuesday night, as he still refused anyone to see him in the hospital wing. One of these days, Meadow promised herself she would stay up late and spy on the hospital wing. . . once she figured out the pattern at least. Curiously, she did jot down that Tuesday was a waxing gibbous moon. Meadow had Astronomy on Tuesday, where they were still tracking the moon cycle and starting to learn some of the constellations. Professor Sinistra had drilled in that they needed to learn the night sky in order to fully understand how they give effect on certain days. Thursday the 21st was a full moon. But to Meadow, it hardly looked any different than Tuesday's waxing gibbous.
Little did Meadow know; this information would prove to be useful in the upcoming years. However, being a first year, there's certain things that don't sink in right away.
The days slipped by faster and faster as break was approaching. The weather grew colder and one morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow. The lake froze solid and the Weasley twins were punished for bewitching several snowballs so that they followed Quirrell around, bouncing off the back of his turban. The few owls that managed to battle their way through the stormy sky to deliver post had to be nursed back to health by Hagrid before they could fly off again.
Everyone was excited for the holidays to start. The Slytherin common room had a constant roaring fire in it to keep it warm, and every night there was a new pan of hot coals in the beds between the sheets. The Great Hall had all its fireplaces going as well, giving off hot air and warming the huge room. But the rest of Hogwarts was cold, the draughty corridors had become icy and a bitter wind rattled the windows in the classrooms. Worst of all were the classrooms down in the dungeons. During Potions, everyone would keep as close as they could to their hot cauldrons as it was so cold down there, their breath would show in the air.
During the last Potion's class of the semester, Draco looked over at Harry with a sinister smirk upon his face. "I do feel so sorry for all those people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home," his voice full of faux sympathy.
Meadow, who was measuring out powdered spine of lionfish, stopped what she was doing to glare at her partner. Draco had become more unpleasant than ever since the Quidditch match towards the Gryffindors. He was furious the Slytherins had lost, especially with how Harry had caught the Snitch. Draco had tried to get everyone laughing at how a wide-mouthed tree frog would be replacing Harry as Seeker next. Then he'd realized that nobody found this funny, due to everyone being so impressed at the way Harry had managed to stay on his bucking broomstick. So, Draco, jealous and angry, had gone back to taunting Harry about not having a proper family. Little did Draco realize, everything he'd been saying to Harry, also hit Meadow as well.
"Say one more thing, and I will dump this whole potion on you," Meadow whispered to him and the boy shut up, realizing that she too was staying at Hogwarts.
Meadow didn't mind that she was staying at Hogwarts for the Winter Holidays. Not only because some of the teachers had to stay, but Meadow figured she'd be able to avoid her father easier and as much as possible. She didn't feel sorry for herself at all; well, maybe a bit. But it would be one of the best Christmases she'd ever have. Terence was staying as well, and he was the only other Slytherin who'd signed up. Meadow also knew that Harry and Ron and all Ron's brothers were staying as well, because Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were going to Romania to visit Charlie, the second oldest Weasley boy. She wasn't sure how many other students were staying, but she knew one thing: she'd spend time with the Gryffindors with or without Terence.
Once Potions was over, Meadow booked it out of the classroom, not wanting to have her father try and talk to her. Avoidance was something Meadow was great at. Or at least, hiding from it. However, there was a large fir tree blocking the corridor ahead and Harry, Hermione, Shane, and Ron caught up with her. Two enormous feet sticking out at the bottom and a loud puffing sound told them Hagrid was behind it.
"Hi, Hagrid, want any help?" Ron asked, sticking his head through the branches.
"Nah, I'm all right, thanks, Ron."
"Would you mind moving out of the way?" Draco's cold drawl came from behind them. "Are you trying to earn some extra money, Weasley? Hoping to be gamekeeper yourself when you leave Hogwarts, I suppose – that hut of Hagrid's must seem like a palace compared to what your family's used to."
Before anything else could happen, Ron threw himself at Draco just as Snape came up the stairs.
"WEASLEY!"
Ron let go of the front of Draco's robes.
"He was provoked, Professor Snape," Hagrid said, sticking his huge hairy face out from behind the tree. "Malfoy was insultin' his family."
Meadow heard her father's voice in her head echoing what he said, "Be that as it may, fighting is against Hogwarts rules, Hagrid." Snape said silkily, "Five points from Gryffindor, Weasley, and be grateful it isn't more. Move along, all of you. Miss Snape, if you have a moment—"
"Actually, I don't," Meadow replied sharply. "I have to get to the library."
Her father looked disgruntled and pushed his way passed the tree, following Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle, scattering more needles everywhere.
"I'll get him," Ron said, grinding his teeth, "one of these days, I'll get Malfoy—"
"I hate them both," Harry said, "Malfoy and Snape."
Meadow couldn't help but feel the same way. Draco had been becoming more intolerable, even to her.
"Come on, cheer up, it's nearly Christmas," Hagrid said, pulling Meadow from her thoughts. "Tell yeh what, come with me an' see the Great Hall, looks a treat."
So, the four Gryffindors and one Slytherin followed Hagrid and his tree off to the Great Hall, where Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were busy with the Christmas decorations, swishing and flicking their wands as the ornaments flew to their spots on the trees.
"Ah, Hagrid, the last tree – put it in the far corner, would you?"
The Hall looked spectacular. Festoons of holly and mistletoe hung all around the walls and no fewer than twelve towering Christmas trees stood around the room, some sparkling with tiny icicles, some glittering with hundreds of candles. It looked fantastic in the room. The banters were changed from the usual Hogwarts crest to red and green decorated trees alternating with blue and white snowflakes. The bewitched sky was bright with snowflakes falling from it.
"How many days you got left until yer holidays?" Hagrid asked.
"Just today," Hermione said brightly, the train was leaving tomorrow to take the students back to Platform 9 ¾ for holiday. "And that reminds me – we've got a half an hour before lunch, we should be in the library, like Doe said earlier."
"Oh yeah, you're right," Shane said, tearing his eyes away from Professor Flitwick, who had large, golden bubbles blossoming out of his wand and was trailing them all over the branches of the new tree.
"The library?" Hagrid asked, following them from the Hall. "Just before the holidays? Bit keen, aren't yeh?"
"Oh, we're not working," Harry said brightly. "Ever since you mentioned Nicolas Flamel we've been trying to find out who he is."
"You what?" Hagrid exclaimed angry and shocked. "Listen here – I've told yeh – drop it. It's nothin' to you what that dog's guardin'."
"We just want to know who Nicolas Flamel is, that's all," Meadow spoke up. "Harry and I have heard of his name from somewhere, we just can't remember where from."
"Unless you'd like to tell us and save us the trouble?" Harry added, looking hopeful. "We must've been through hundreds of books already and we can't find him anywhere – just give us a hint –"
"I'm sayin' nothin'," Hagrid said flatly.
"Just have to find out for ourselves, then," Ron said, and they left Hagrid looking disgruntled and hurried off to the library.
The five had indeed been searching books for Flamel's name ever since Hagrid let it up, because how else were they going to find out what Snape was trying to steal? The trouble was, it was very hard to know where to begin, not knowing what Flamel might have done to get himself into a book. He wasn't in Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century, or Notable Magical Names of Our Time; he was missing, too, from Important Modern Magical Discoveries, and A study of Recent Developments in Wizardry. And then, of course, there was the sheer size of the library; tens of thousands of books; thousands of shelves; hundreds of narrow rows.
Hermione had tried to divvy up who should search what genre, but Meadow wasn't having any of it. Therefore, Hermione wrote up her own list of subjects and titles she had decided to search while Ron and Shane strode off down a row of books, pulling them at random. Harry wandered over to the Restricted Section, as he wondered aloud if they'd find anything in there about Flamel. Except, the Restricted Section was off limits unless you had a title of the book and a teacher sign off on that book. Meadow, however, swore she read Flamel's name in one of her books, so she pulled out her schoolbooks to skim through them yet again. Hoping she had missed something from the other twelve times.
Not ten minutes later, Harry rushed past Meadow, with Madam Pince, the librarian, brandishing her feather duster at him as she chased him out of the library. They had agreed they shouldn't ask Madam Pince for any help on Flamel. They were sure she'd tell them, but they couldn't risk anyone overhearing what they were up to.
Meadow packed up her things as well, figuring Madam Pince would be back to shoo her and the others out as well.
"Find anything?" Harry asked her as she walked out of the library.
"No, but I swear I read his name while we were here and not before," Meadow replied as the two waited for the other three.
"Possibly," Harry replied. "I remember reading about him too."
Meadow glanced at her wristwatch, "I best be going. Lunch is soon, and I'm sure if I'm seen with you four again, I'll be in trouble."
"See you," Harry said as she walked off. Meadow raised a hand in farewell and smiled at him. It was nice that she was still able to be friends with the Gryffindors, despite all the bad blood between the two houses. The Gryffindors, were at least, a bit more understanding of the slack Meadow got from her own house for the time she spent with them. Granted, Meadow's own friends, seemed to be okay with her spending time with others not in Slytherin. For now.
-.-.-.
After lunch, Meadow found herself outside. The cold air was crisp as she sat out on a stone bench. Thankfully, with Hermione's help, Meadow learned the spell to cast a blue fire in a mason jar for some warmth. It was peaceful and quiet out in the courtyard. Students were either finishing up their classes for the day and many others were packing for the train ride home tomorrow. This had been one of the first times that Meadow felt fully relaxed and no longer holding onto a bit of anger.
Of course, that feeling didn't last very long as a blond boy in Slytherin colors pushed his way out of the castle doors. "Been wondering where you were!" Draco's voice called to her from the door. "Come on, let's go inside!"
"I'm all right," Meadow replied, holding her jar of fire firmly in her hands.
Draco trudged over to her. "Why are you out here?"
"It's quiet," she replied, looking out to the big, fluffy clouds.
"It'll be quiet once we all leave tomorrow, come on you should be packing right now," he insisted.
"I'm not going home," Meadow blinked at him, her temper raising again. She thought about what he said earlier.
'I do feel so sorry for all those people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home.'
"I figured you'd come back with me," Draco said. "For Christmas at my house."
Meadow shook her head, astounded he could even say that. "No. Or did you forget, I'm 'not wanted at home.'" Heat rose to her face and ears as her temper flared.
"What's got your wand in a knot?" Draco asked, disbelievingly. "What I said this morning wasn't directed at you—"
"That doesn't matter!" Meadow exclaimed standing up violently, still clutching her jar of fire, which had grown in size. "You still said it! You have no idea what you say has any effect on anyone else! You only think about yourself—and to try and bully Harry in any way you can. Why are you so obsessed with bullying him? You're just as bad, if not worse, than Parkinson having it out for me."
Her eyes were flashing in anger. She was tired of the fights, sick of the comments and aggression.
"Oi, just calm down—"
"Don't tell me to calm down!" Meadow yelled, her voice cracking. Her core was shaking with built up anger and magic straining to be contained. Everything she had felt in the last two months came rushing back: feeling sorry for herself after the troll attack, the betrayal when she walked into her father with a mangled knee from Fluffy, the disappointment from Slytherin losing the Quidditch match, everything that Parkinson ever said to Meadow, being called Snake, being lied to. Meadow felt her face contort and her lip curl up in a snarl. "Shove off!" She yelled at him. "Find yourself a new Potions partner! I'm sick of your constant snarky comments."
"Pansy was right about you," Draco's face was twisted in anger and pain. "You don't belong in Slytherin."
"Go on then and believe everything else she says about me!" Meadow spat, her hands clenched around the jar so hard it shattered, causing the blue fire to go out immediately and the cold air to rush through her winter clothes. "At least I don't let people walk all over me!"
It was a low blow, bringing that bit of Draco up. His father was very authoritative. At times, he was abusive. Most of the time, Draco could never be good enough. His face was crushed, he didn't say anything to her. Just turned on his heel and walked back inside, leaving Meadow alone, engulfed in her emotions and thoughts.
Meadow regretted what she said immediately and the fire in her went out just as fast as the blue fire, though, she didn't go after him. It would be too painful. In fact, Meadow sank down to the stone bench as tears fell from her eyes. She really needed to stop letting her emotions overwhelm her. Why was she feeling so run by her emotions?
-.-.-.
Meadow felt more refreshed and happier again once the holidays had started. She and Terence were having a great time hanging out in the common room all by themselves. They had levitated their mattresses from the dormitories and placed them by the fire. Because Meadow no longer had curtains around her, the only time she took off the Quidditch sleeve was when she took a shower, keeping it on during the night so Terence wouldn't see the scar. But the two had a grand time together. Terence letting Meadow vent to him about her father, Pansy, and Draco. The two laughed together as Terence had tried to teach her wizard chess, but Meadow was horrible at it, and the chess pieces all yelled at her to send another to go get destroyed. Something Meadow had a difficult time doing as she didn't want to send anyone off to their deaths, even if they were just chess pieces.
The quiet was nice, for the first time in a long time, Meadow felt as though she could breathe without people looking at her and whispering. Those whispers and stares bothered her a lot, more than she ever thought they would. It was one thing in Muggle school when she and Shane were considered the losers, it's a whole other thing when you're the daughter of one of the most hated teachers at the school. Basically, everyone had gone home except for Meadow and Terence from Slytherin, Gwendoline Hedgeflower from Hufflepuff, Penelope Clearwater from Ravenclaw, she was also a Prefect and had long, curly ash-brown hair with brown eyes, and Harry, Ron, Fred and George, and Percy from Gryffindor. It was a rather odd bunch, but it worked. Penelope and Percy talked a lot, as they were both Prefects and continued their nightly Prefect duties. Gwendoline was rather quiet, which surprised Meadow, but the girl did have a good sense of humor. What was the most shocking, however, was the fact that Terence was chatty with the Gryffindors despite their walls being up. Eventually, Fred and George came around and the boys were able to talk as if there was no bad blood between the two houses. Meadow started to feel glad that the Weasley boys stayed during the holidays; Ron mentioned that his parents and sister were off visiting his older brother, Charlie, in Romania.
Toward the beginning of the holidays, Meadow was able to order presents for Harry, Shane, Hermione, Daphne, Theo, Gabriel, Bhu, Ron, Terence, and Draco. She didn't know if Harry or Terence would receive anything but a few presents from friends, as Harry probably never received anything before due to the Dursleys, and with Terence she wasn't sure if his father ever sent anything before. Meadow felt guilty of how things were left with Draco. He had been one of her longest friends, despite their differences and spats before; it was eating at her. The gifts were all little things, mostly sweets. Hermione and Daphne were getting honey-colored toffees and chocolate fudge. Meadow realized that even with her two best girlfriends, she still didn't know everything about them; guessing and hoping that they'd like the sweets from her. She picked out Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans and a Chocolate Frog for Theo, Gabriel, Bhu, and Ron. She wasn't quite sure about getting anything for Ron, but she did want him to know she was grateful for him saving her during the Troll attack. It was still fresh in her memory that he cast the Wingardium Leviosa. She attached a small thank you to his present.For Shane, Meadow got him a big pack of Crystallized pineapple and some Sugar Quills, as the Lupin had a sweet tooth and loved pineapple. No matter how much time Meadow was lacking in seeing Shane, as she still was having a difficult time of jumping back and forth between the two groups, Shane was someone Meadow knew she could count on no matter what. Even with his no-so-secret illnesses every month. No-Melt Ice cream and Quidditch Through the Ages was bought for Harry, as Meadow and Hermione discussed what to get him for Christmas together. She got Pumpkin Pasties and a pack of Quidditch goggle cleaning wipes for Terence. Lastly, she wrote Draco a letter of apology, included a picture of them as toddlers that she dug up, along with a large box of every kind of chocolate fudge one could imagine.
Meadow knew there were a lot of people she bought gifts for, especially since Shane, Harry, Terence, and Draco were more expensive than Hermione, Daphne, Theo, Gabriel, Bhu, and Ron. But they were all people Meadow cared about and loved being friends with them. Especially since Meadow didn't really have anyone to celebrate with before. Shane and Draco, of course, but without any siblings, it wasn't as festive as it was at Hogwarts.
On Christmas Eve, Meadow couldn't sleep. Even with being all wrapped up in her blankets next to the fireplace with Bee curled up next to her and Terence sleeping on his mattress across from her, Meadow was wide awake. Tossing and turning from one side to the other to become comfortable, nothing worked. She didn't know if it was from the excitement of Christmas morning tomorrow, or from something else entirely.
After what seemed like hours, but really was only five minutes, Meadow gave up and uncovered herself from her blankets. A walk around the castle seemed to be itching at her. She dashed upstairs quickly and quietly, not to wake Terence up, to throw on her heavy winter cloak and a thick pair of socks. There wasn't a point to put on shoes. Even if she was caught out of bed, there wasn't a punishment during holiday.
Meadow slid passed the door, carefully making sure Terence was still fast asleep as she dipped from the common room. He was, and Meadow found herself walking the corridors and passageways without worry. Although, she did keep to the shadows. It had been a minute since she had wandered out of the common room at night. Since the incident with Draco setting the Gryffindors up during the midnight dual. That had been enough adventure for Meadow, until tonight. She wasn't sure why that was, but she let her feet carry her away.
The castle was silent, as it usually was during the night. Unless there was a reason for teachers and caretakers to be awake roaming the halls, no one usually patrolled. Hogwarts was a safe place to be. As she continued to walk, she let her mind drift. Where do the ghosts go at night? Meadow thought to herself. Do they sleep or have parties? Does Filch ever sleep? It seems like he's always up, you see him during the day and at night. What about Mrs. Norris? She's a cat—Bee seems to sleep most of the day away. Do they have some sort of magic potion that keeps them awake all day, every day? But if he would, then why does he clean without magic? Surely, he can't be a Squib?
Without realizing it, Meadow stepped into a room. She blinked and took in her surroundings having no idea where she ended up or how she got there. The room was an abandoned classroom. Her eyes were somewhat adjusted to the darkness and she saw desks and chairs pushed up against the far wall, some stacked on top of each other. There was an upturned waste-paper basket and scattered quills and ink bottles. To the right, Meadow saw a magnificent mirror, standing from floor to ceiling with an ornate gold frame and two clawed feet. There was an inscription carved around the top: Erised stra ehru oy tube cafru oyt on wohsi.
Her black eyes reread the inscription, curious of what it meant. Meadow looked at the mirror, expecting her reflection, but not seeing it. She stepped closer to it, still couldn't see her reflection until she was fully in front of it. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight in front of her.
In the mirror Meadow saw herself, she looked a bit older and had on a short sleeved Slytherin Chaser uniform, her left arm was bare and smooth- no scar in sight. She was holding up the Quidditch Cup with a beaming smile upon her face with one hand waving it in the air and with the other she was holding up a plaque. It was made of a dark wood with a large bronze cauldron and the words: Potions Master 1995. The Daily Prophet was framed and hung on a wall behind her: World's Youngest Potions Master Ever: Meadow Snape! The Title said.
She couldn't believe her eyes. Was this the future? In four years, could she be recognized as the World's youngest potions master? Meadow stared at the mirror for quite some time, longing for her arm to be smooth.
A loud bang woke Meadow up from her trance of staring at the mirror and the vision of her. When she tore her eyes away from the mirror, she realized how late it actually was; the sun's rays were lightening the grounds that were seen from the window in the room Meadow didn't notice before. Jumping to her feet she looked at the mirror one last time. Meadow studied her face and noticed that her smile was genuine and happy.
Another bang echoed in the halls, this time closer and Meadow rushed out of the room and into the shadows. At least this way, she'd be able to run. Her eyes were sharp and her whole body trembled on high alert. Suddenly, Meadow caught sight of a colorful, ghostly form of a man. Peeves. Meadow hid behind a tall suit of armor, under the cloak of the dark shadows.
Peeves was cackling to himself, a large grin upon his face as he was happy with the ruckus he was causing in his night. Meadow slowly and carefully raised the hood of her robe, she knew her hair was light, and if anything would give her away in the shadows, it would be the blonde curls. Trying not to breath heavily, Meadow watched the poltergeist bounce happily off the ceilings before disappearing around a corner. Meadow let out a long breath and glanced around. She had no idea where she was.
-.-.-
When Meadow finally found her way back to the Slytherin common room, there was a pile of presents at the end of hers and Terence's make-shift beds in front of the fireplace. She squealed in delight, waking up the second year and he blinked his eyes blearily.
"Wha-?" he asked, his voice deep with sleep.
"Presents!" Meadow exclaimed. "Happy Christmas, Terence!"
"You too," Terence replied, rubbing his eyes awake. What he wasn't expecting was Meadow to throw herself at him, landing on his mattress in a tumble and hugging him. "Oi!" He let out, shocked. "Good morning, why are you so awake?" He laughed.
"It's Christmas!" Meadow really had no idea why she was full of energy, given she had been up the whole night.
"Barely!" He teased her as he pushed her off him. Terence's dark eyes glanced out the windows that covered the outer wall of the common room. Despite being under the Black Lake where their views were of the water creatures that lived in the lake, he could still tell that it was early morning. "How bloody early do you get up?"
Meadow shrugged and jumped from his mattress to hers, causing Bee to jump up hissing at her. The two busied themselves with opening their presents. She ripped into the first package, To Meadow, From Remus and Shane, it read. The Lupins bought Meadow a new notebook and a small box of pumpkin pasties. Immediately, she picked up one of the pasties and bit into it. The miniature pie filled Meadow's mouth with flakey pastry and a warm, spiced pumpkin inside. The treat was a favorite of the girl's. Harry, Ron, and Hermione had pooled together and given her a set of charcoal pencils and a sketch book. Confusion crossed Meadow's face, but Hermione's small scroll explained that they had seen her sketching in her journal and thought she might appreciate art pencils and paper. Theo, Daphne, Bhu, and Gabriel sent sweets and chocolates, along with letters wishing her a Happy Christmas. A large package covered in wrapping paper contained homemade fudge, made by Aunt Cici, a present from Draco.
At least he wasn't too mad at her. Maybe they could talk when he got back and work things out. He was a good friend, despite his annoying habits and beliefs in blood purity. Well, the blood purity thing was something slightly excusable, it was pushed on him since he was born by both his mother and father, who's parents before them pushed blood purity on them, and so forth. Except, it also wasn't acceptable by any means. And the way Draco held himself, like he was untouchable. That was annoying too. Overall, the short version of this debate in Meadow's head was that there are pros and cons to Draco. And currently, there seemed to be more cons to be friends with the boy.
The last present Meadow opened was a package non-mistakeably from her father. Inside it contained more pumpkin pasties, new socks, and the books Goshawk's Guide to Herbology by Goshawk and Book of Potions by Zygmunt Budge. She wasn't surprised that he bought her practical gifts, he did know she struggled slightly in Herbology, so he probably got it for her to try and spike her interest more. Meadow and her father didn't often celebrate Christmas because they'd go and visit her mother. Severus said that Christmas didn't feel right without Sadie. Meadow agreed, but she didn't know what else Christmas was supposed to feel like.
Happy with her gifts, she beamed at Terence who thanked her for his Christmas present, going scarlet as he realized he didn't get anything for her. Meadow waved him away, telling him she wasn't even sure what to get for him and he could make it up to her next year.
The image from the Mirror still swam in her head as she went on with her day.
-.-.-
Meadow woke up shortly before dinner feeling refreshed as she didn't sleep during the night. The fire from was warm on her face and Bee was purring curled up against her side. As she sat up, she saw that Terence wasn't in the room. Looking around, Meadow shrugged and headed up to her dormitory bathroom to get washed up and changed for the Christmas dinner. Dinner was held early today, they had a mid-morning breakfast and now, around three o'clock was dinner.
The two Slytherins headed to the Great Hall together, where they joined the five Gryffindors, one Ravenclaw, one Hufflepuff, Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Sprout, and Hagrid. Fifteen people sat close together, as the students were at one table perpendicular to the teacher's table, which had moved closer and onto the lower level with the rest of the tables. Though all the house tables remained where they were, they had been pushed back a few feet for the teacher's table to line up perpendicular to the two middle parallel tables. Though, it didn't matter much as Professor Dumbledore sat in the middle of the right table, Professor McGonagall to his right and Professor Flitwick to his left. Next to McGonagall sat Hagrid and on the other side of Flitwick was Sprout and Snape. Everyone else had already arrived before Meadow and Terence.
Gwendoline, the Hufflepuff, sat towards the front of the table, closest to Professor Flitwick and Sprout. Across from her was Penelope Clearwater, the Ravenclaw, next to Percy Weasley. Fred was across from Percy, next to Gwendoline, with George right next to him. Across from George, next to Percy, was Ron and then Harry. Meadow settled herself down next to George, who's eyes were twinkling in the light at her, across from Harry, and Terence sat next to her. Dumbledore beamed at them all once the two Slytherins sat down.
"Happy Christmas!" He said and waved his wand.
Christmas dinner filled the Great Hall with a delightful smell. Fat, roast turkeys appeared every few meters. Mountains of roast and boiled potatoes, platters of fat chipolatas, tureens of buttered peas, silver boats of thick, rich gravy and cranberry sauce – and stacks of wizard crackers every few feet along the table. These crackers were nothing like the feeble Muggle ones Meadow exchanged at primary school with the other children, with their little plastic toys and their flimsy paper hats. Meadow pulled a wizard cracker with Terence and it didn't just bang, it went off with a blast like a cannon and engulfed them all in a cloud of red smoke, while from the inside exploded a small, golden-like telescope with several live, white mice. Harry's eyes went wide, and he and Fred let off a second wizard cracker, this one letting out a cloud of blue smoke, a rear-admiral's hat, and more live, white mice. At the teacher's table, Dumbledore swapped his pointed wizard's hat for a flowered bonnet and was chuckling merrily at a joke Professor Flitwick had just read him.
It was quite a time to be at Hogwarts, after the main course, flaming Christmas puddings and cakes appeared. Percy nearly broke his teeth on a silver Sickle embedded in his slice. Meadow watched happily as Hagrid got redder and redder in the face as he called for more wine, finally kissing Professor McGonagall on the cheek, who, to Meadow's amazement, giggled and blushed, her top hat lop-sided. Professors Sprout and Snape were engaged in a rather odd conversation, Sprout looked red and happy in the face, she too, must be drinking some wine. Where Meadow's father was looking rather amused at the slightly tipsy Professor Sprout.
Percy and Penelope were happily chatting with Gwendoline. Fred and George were talking in a hushed whisper as they kept opening the wizard crackers. Harry and Ron laughing and smiling at the wizard crackers. Meadow met Terence's eyes, he too, was having fun and filled himself with the splendid treats prepared for them. Much to her surprise, she felt George's hand on her knee, he gave a quick squeeze before pulling away. Meadow blushed, maybe he does care for her.
When the students got up from their seats, arms full of unopened wizard crackers, sickles collected from the puddings and cakes, and other things that were gifted from the crackers, the food was cleared leaving the golden goblets and plates empty once more. She had a feeling that the white mice that had disappeared from the hall would become Mrs. Norris' Christmas dinner, and probably Bee's as well.
"Meadow," a voice called to her, holding her back as she watched the rest of the students leave the Great Hall.
Pursing her lips, she turned around and walked towards her father. "Yes?" she questioned, still unhappy with being in his presence.
"I am planning on making a trip to visit Mum," he said quietly, clearing his throat as if he was uncomfortable.
Though excitement surged through her body, Meadow narrowed her eyes at him and tightened her mouth as hard as she could, "When?"
"Tomorrow," Severus responded. "You are more than welcome to come with. I am leaving at eleven o'clock in the morning."
"I'll think about it," Meadow said slowly.
He sighed, "Mum would be upset if you didn't visit."
Meadow sucked in a deep breath and let it out in a three-count. "Fine," she said firmly. "I'll go, but on one condition—" she paused waiting for him to ask what it was, but Severus stayed quiet, "—I want to visit alone. I don't want you with me. You can have your time, and then I'll have mine."
Her father nodded curtly, accepting this before he turned back towards the other teachers, taking a huge swig of wine as he did. Dismissing Meadow.
"Meadow," he said quietly just as she turned around. She looked back at him. "Happy Christmas, Flower."
"Happy Christmas," she replied and marched out of the Great Hall.
Her arms full of the stack of things she got from the wizard crackers, including a teapot set that magically fit into the teapot, chattering teeth, a magical toy whisperphone, and a box of stink pellets. Upon dropping off her newest additions to her presents, Terence asked if she wanted to go for a walk around the castle.
Once all bundled up in her warmest winter clothing, Meadow and Terence set off towards the grounds. "You'll be okay tomorrow if I'm not around?" Meadow asked him.
Terence let out a laugh, "Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"
Meadow shrugged, "My dad said he had something planned for us tomorrow." She rolled her eyes. "I don't really want to be around him—"
"Eck, he's your father," Terence interrupted. "He's trying, isn't he?" His voice slightly annoyed.
"I suppose," Meadow muttered. "But that doesn't excuse some of the things he's been doing!"
Terence flourished his hands in exasperation, "You don't know what he's doing or why he's doing it. Instead of putting all the blame on him, why don't you ask him?"
"He'd never tell me," Meadow replied. "He's not like that—just because I'm his daughter doesn't mean he gives me a reason why he does what he does. I don't get any special privileges or favors from him; he treats me just the same or harder than he treats you or anybody else."
The boy shook his head. "Doe, listen. He's trying with you. Just be grateful you have a father that cares about you, no matter how messed up you think your relationship is—you got presents from him, he's taking you somewhere tomorrow. I've heard that you've been avoiding him. And have been cold to him since you were released from the Hospital Wing."
Meadow fell silent, her cheeks burning in embarrassment and anger for being scolded by her friend and forgetting that his father doesn't even want him home during the Winter holidays. "I've avoided him because he lied to me."
"Except he didn't lie to you," Terence said as they walked towards the Black Lake. "You never asked him why he was limping or what he was doing. You overheard a conversation and saw his leg without knowing the context of that conversation."
"If I didn't know any better, it sounds to me like you want me to go make up with him," Meadow said.
Terence shrugged, his light brown hair catching the afternoon sun, making it look golden. "You have parents who love you and watch over you. I don't see why you're not giving Professor Snape a chance when he's been trying to make it up to you and talk to you." He paused as they came to the shore, the lake had been frozen over for quite some time now. The sand and rocks solid in their places, crunching with ever step. Students had created a path in the snow around the lake, mostly older students sneaking around to see their significant other. "He got you that sleeve before Christmas—I know you'd asked for one, you didn't have it before you got attacked by a troll, something's wrong with your arm—"
"—Nothing's wrong with my—"
He held up a hand, shaking his head, "Don't lie, Meadow," he said softly. "It doesn't take a genius to figure out that something happened where you wear that sleeve at all times around others. I know you sleep with it on too, in case you're forgetting, we did levitate our beds to the common room, so it didn't seem so lonely in the dungeons."
"You're right," Meadow whispered. "But I—"
"You don't have to say what happened, I just know it's from the troll attack," Terence said, looking out across the lake, his eyes in a faraway place. "I'm just saying, Snape is trying with you. He's trying to be a father, a teacher, and a Head of House all in one shot. Despite how difficult it is for you; think about everything he's trying to accomplish as well. If I had a father who tried to be in my life. . . well, suppose I wouldn't be at Hogwarts right now."
The words hit Meadow like a cannon, she had been acting selfish and angry. Terence was right, she had a father who cared for her and tried to talk to her. Possibly even try to explain things to her, if she didn't brush him off the last few weeks.
They stood there, in the quiet, for a while, observing the wildlife that flew, hopped, or ran around the lake and Forbidden Forest. Meadow did always love the outdoors with all the animals, but she grew out outside, all her childhood memories were either by herself or running off with Shane as she hid from Ms. Kashmire. She would have loved to have owned a rabbit when she was younger, and watching them now, hop around in the snow, she still longed for one. Their soft fur and cute noses twitching with all the smells.
Meadow wasn't sure how long they stood at the lake, though peaceful, she was starting to get cold despite all her layers. She met Terence's eyes and silently agreed to walk up to the castle. The snow crunched beneath their feet. As they grew closer to the castle, yells and shrieks echoed in their ears. Meadow perked up, she knew those voices. It was the Gryffindors', everyone, including Percy the Prefect who doesn't know how to have fun. Terence, who's face was still sullen, bid Meadow a polite goodbye as he left her with the Gryffindors and headed up to the castle.
She joined in the fun, laughing and rolling up snowballs. Throwing them at everyone, well, except Percy, he had snowballs from Fred, George, Ron, and Harry.
"INCOMING!"
"WATCH IT!"
"Ronald!"
"FIRST YEARS AGAINST EVERYONE ELSE!" Harry yelled as he gathered up Meadow and Ron. They lobbed snowball after snowball at Fred, George, and Percy without giving those three any time to collect themselves.
There were no winners or losers of the massive snowball fight, everyone was wet, cold, and gasping for breath as they headed into the castle. What mattered was it was the first time Meadow's wasn't thinking about much of anything except how much fun she had with the Gryffindors. Of course, that could have been from noticing George didn't aim at her often, and when he did, he'd wink at her with a huge smile upon his face. She couldn't help but remember that he squeezed her knee during Christmas dinner as well. Meadow found solitude in knowing he still was there for her; a skip in her step as she split off from the maroon and gold group as she headed town to the Slytherin Common Room, where all she could think about was getting warm, into dry clothes, and curled up next to the fire on her bed.
-.-.-
