The Adventures of The Misfit Professors
Chapter 17
"The Fading Illusion"
By: Deep Shadows and Eckostalker
Severus Snape stood in the doorway, shaking his head at the empty classroom. Most of the students had gone home for the holidays and normally Severus would be heading home as well to the Manor to spend a relatively nice Christmas with its occupants, but while Artimis and Alexis, along with Selena, were here he didn't see any significant reason to go home. Alexis was always the life of Christmas and he had a feeling that he didn't want to spend the holidays with the lovesick angry Aaron and Hailey and Fred and George, his main banes. Severus looked up with surprise as an owl flew in the room. He wasn't expecting any post, unless it was Hermionie asking if he was going to be home for Christmas dinner. He looked at it and shook his head, seeing the name 'Weasley' on it.
"Alexis's letter must have met me instead... wait a moment..." Severus said as he read the letter with a raised eyebrow that said to him it was from Mr. Ronald Weasley.
"What would that baffoon write to me about?" Severus thought aloud as he opened the letter. Severus wasn't really in the mood for more death threats, espcially not during christmas break. Sitting in his chair, Severus opened the letter cautiously, hoping for no explosion or dark magic, he really wasn't in the mood for that either. After spending all of his free time watching Alexis, he was physically and mentally exhausted. He began to read Ron's sloppy script that hadn't changed in 17 years.
Dear Severus,
I have a favor to ask of you. I know you hate doing things for people, but this may be a matter of life and death. YOU have to keep an eye on Alexis. She needs to be protected, and I can't do it, for I will only bring the harm to her doorstep. There are things going on that may be putting Alexis in danger. I have been attacked here and I fear that Alexis may be attacked as well. If something were to happen to Alexis I would kill myself.
Please Severus, I never ask anything of you, and I have never trusted you with something this big. Think about it, I am trusting you with my wife and unborn child... Please protect them when I can not.
And please know I do not expect you to do this all on your own, I know you have a semblance of a life and classes to teach, so I have enlisted my brothers, all of them but Percy (the slimy bastard), to protect her as well... As much I hate to say this, if you do this for me I will eternally be in your debt.
Sincerely,
Ronald Weasley
P.S. Severus, I'm counting on you...'
Severus shook his head as he reread the letter a second time in surprise.
"The bloody idiot finally caught on! Now to reply to this odd groveling of sorts." Severus stated with a hint of releif as he tapped his quill on the edge of his ink vial.
"About time somebody else realized what was going on..." He thought aloud as he began to write.
'Weasley,
It seems you are quite behind in your thoughts. I am already aware of your wife's danger and have been taking precautions against any harm befalling her. My only thought to this letter you sent me was, as you young people put it, 'duh'.
Severus Snape'
Severus set the letter in reply to Ron with the owl and then stood, streching his arms above his head. All of a sudden the fire in the hearth leapt green and two serious looking Weasley twins popped out.
"Yo, Snape, we heard you're on the job with us." Fred spoke, or maybe it was George, he still didn't know. He sighed as he lowered his arms, shaking his head.
"If you mean babysitting your sister in law, I've been on the job for weeks." Severus stated and they both smiled.
"Well, Sev, when you aren't watching her, a Weasley will be. Nothing will happen to her as long as we're on guard." One of them stated and Severus sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Good for you. Now if you don't mind, I have a niece who I wish to help decorate her Christmas tree with." Severus stated as he gestured the two idiots out of his classroom. They took off in the direction of Alexis's quarters and Severus moved toward Artimis's, knowing he was going to be late to Selena's tree decorating, but knowing the child would forgive him no matter the trespass. He smirked as he reached the door, hearing the child singing Christmas carols already.
This may be a good christmas for her, but possibly only her... He thought as he entered the room.
"Okay then, now we'll move on to... hm, what didn't we cover yet... aha! Knock out points! Everyone grab a partner." Alexis instructed with a smile, then frowned when the ten or so students looked around the otherwise vacant coutyard reluctantly, all clad in light winter garments.
"Oh, it's not going to be that bad. Knock out points are not really painful at all, they're just to... well, knock someone out. Come on now, grab a partner, we haven't got all day." Alexis growled good naturedly, and the students paired up, some still rubbing their arms from the last session on defensive manuevars involving wrist breaks.
Classes had been out for a few days, and everyone around school had really been too busy to acknowledge Alexis, so to keep herself from going insanely bored, she had decided to take it upon herself to start a Self Defense class with the remaining students. She might not be able to fight, but she was damned if she was going to forget any of it.
She crossed her arms with a smirk as the students turned back to her for instruction and she nodded. "Okay then... now, a volunteer..."
"How 'bout us!"
"Haven't been knocked out..."
"... for quite some time."
Two identical voices sounded behind her, and she jumped with surprise, turning and seeing her brothers Fred and George bounding up to her with huge grins.
"'Ello sis. Heard you were out here." George started, stepping up to her one side.
"And figured you could use a hand." Fred finished, standing at her other side.
"Or limb." (George)
"We're your mates, mate." (Both)
Alexis grinned, shaking her head as she hugged them both in turn. "You guys don't know how much I've missed your rambles. And yeah, I could use you for a minute..." Alexis spoke, turning back to the class of students who stared at the Twin men with wide, curious eyes.
"Class, my brothers-"
"Gred-" Fred cut her off with a flourish of his arms.
"-and Forge!" George added, bowing.
Alexis snickered shaking her head as the students giggled. She noticed the Twins looking around the courtyard warily, as if expecting someone else to be there, but they just as quickly turned their attention back to Alexis and she shook the strange event from her mind.
"Anyways, as I was about to demonstrate... knock out points. I'm sure you two remember those right?' Alexis snickered as she looked to the red heads, and the two men's eyes sparkled.
"Me first!" (Fred)
"Rubbish, I saw her first!" (George)
"Yes, but we all know I'm the better twin." (Fred)
"I'll show you better..." George growled, lunging at Fred and tackling him to the ground, Alexis scrambling away before she got caught in it.
She sighed, speaking to her class. "That is something we'll get to later. Guys! If you don't mind..." She yelled above the twins, and they paused, scrambling to their feet.
"Sorry."
"Bit carried away."
"Carry on."
Alexis rolled her eyes, grabbing Fred, who stuck his tongue out at George, and made him stand in front of her. She proceeded to explain with a smirk, one hand on Fred's shoulder. "Okay, the first one is right about here. You grab at the base of their neck and-"
She cracked him in the tender spot and the base of his neck where a pressure point was, and Fred crumpled to the ground, out cold. There were several surprised stares, and Alexis assured them. "He's perfectly alright, he'll come around in a few minutes. Now George..."
George hopped in front of her, eagerness of his face that made Alexis smile with amusment. "Now, observe. Another one is right about... here!"
She cracked him with her hand, and he too crumpled to the ground beside his tall brother. Alexis stepped back, looking down at them with satisfaction at her work. Still got the touch...
"Now class, one partner be the attacker, the other the victim, and I'd like you to take a few minutes and practice those two manuevars. Begin." She spoke confidently, and the class reluctantly sorted out the two parts and commenced 'practice', while Alexis stod back and watched with a raised eyebrow.
After about ten minutes of that, Alexis heard a curious voice behind her.
"Alexis? What did you do to them?" Remus asked incredulously, and Alexis looked back to where almost all the students were on the ground, stirring slowly and groaning softly.
She turned to Remus with an innocent, wide eyed stare and shook her head. "I didn't do anything! They're my self defense class. I just showed them knock out points. Though, next time I think we'll get some mats... the concrete can't be too comfortable..."
Remus crossed his arms, trying to look stern, but failing with a slight smirk. "I hope you've told the Headmaster..."
"Of course! He said it was fine as long as the students weren't permanently damaged... look, they're getting up fine. A little wobbly, but uninjured." Alexis spoke confidently, the students rising shakily to their feet and holding their heads with grimaces. Fred and George had awoken by now, and were smirking at Alexis dazedly. She decided to ask them a few questions while her class reoriented themselves.
"So guys, what brings you here to Hogwarts on Christmas? Thought Hermionie was setting something up at the Manor?"
"Oh, she is-" (George)
"-but we didn't want to get caught doing the shopping." (Fred)
"So we decided we'd visit you here." (George)
"See how classes are going-" (Fred)
"How Artimis is faring-" (George)
"What pranks Severus has fallen into-" (Fred)
"You know, the usual." (George)
"Hey Remus!" They both greeted in unison, and Remus shook his head at them with a grin.
"So you got bored in other words." Alexis spoke with a smirk.
The Twins both draped an arm around her.
"Well..." (Fred)
"You can say that." (George)
"And we miss our darling sister-" (Fred)
"And her little bundle-of-joy-to-be. Isn't that right..." George spoke in a baby voice, leaning down to look at Alexis's stomach. Alexis glared at him and growled. "If that's going to start happening, I'm going away for the rest of the pregnancy."
They both laughed, squeezing her shoulders good naturedly.
"Well, we hate to run-" (Fred)
"But we heard there's food already being brought up in the Great Hall." (George)
"Can't miss the call of free food!" (Fred)
"We'll leave you with Remus for a bit and catch up with you later." (George)
"We'll be around for a while." (Fred)
The stared off towards the Great Hall, waving to her and Alexis waved back. She turned to her class breifly, half of the students holding up the other half. Alexis frowned, not expecting the class to have gone like this. She quickly explained.
"Well, I think that's good enough for today's lesson... not, too bad... um, we'll meet next time in the Room of Requirement, where we'll get mats. See you all later!" She spoke chipperly, and the students hobbled away.
She turned back to Remus, who was shaking his head.
"What!? You learn from your mistakes. And you know they had fun..." Alexis argued, and remus smirked.
"I don't doubt it. I expect you to be meeting us in the Great Hall for Christmas feast. And I believe Severus is awaiting you orders for tonight's dinner... I suggest the meatloaf, he's been bragging about how he's a master chef at meatloaf and I think he wants a compliment... but yeah. In about two hours, okay? We'll all be there too." Remus asked, and Alexis chuckled.
"Yeah sure. Did you know the Twins were going to show up?" Alexis asked curiously, still surprised they had shown up so suddenly.
Remus thought a moment, then shook his head. "No... I thought they were going back to have Christmas with Molly and Arthur this year... thought that's what they said... don't know, I guess they missed you." Remus shrugged.
Alexis nodded slowly, still curious. Deciding not to worry too much about it at the present moment, she smiled at Remus and spoke. "I guess I'll go change and stuff. Meeting Artimis after dinner to decorate another tree and wrap presents."
Remus sighed at the mention of Artimis, and Alexis knew he was still overly concerned about her. They all were, but there was really nothing more they could do. But that hadn't stopped Remus from being at Artimis's side as much as possible to make sure she was okay. He smiled wearily at Alexis, and Alexis smiled back, and he turned to go back to his quarters, Alexis doing the same with a sigh.
Reaching her quarters, she figured a hot shower would help ease her mind off of the troublesome issues on this supposed to be happy holiday. But an owl on the back of one of her chairs caught her attention.
It waited patiently for her to retrieve the letter from it's leg, and it gave a mournful hoot before taking off threw the open window. Alexis sat down on the couch, turning over the envelope and reading the name with a warm, growing smile. "Ron Weasley."
She eagerly opened the letter, wondering if maybe he'd be coming home soon, she missed him dearly. She began the letter chipperly.
"My Darling Lexy.
PLEASE, please forgive me my love. I know I'd told you it was going to be only a month, and it was going to be! But... I'm sorry to say it's been rescheduled. I'm not sure how long I'm going to have to stay here, but I do know that I won't be home before the end of the month as it was planned.
I am truly deeply sorry, and I will try my hardest to come back home to you as soon as I can. I love you so much, and I wish you will have a good Christmas and Birthday, should I miss it, even though I can't be there with you. Please don't be sad, I'll be home as soon as I can manage, and I'll bring the coolest and biggest presents I can find for you. FOUR of them.
Don't worry about me, I'm doing fine. I've made some new friends, maybe one day you can visit them. They're quite interesting fellows, I have to say, and they're looking out for me, don't worry. Once again, I love you. I fear I cannot say it enough. Please take care of yourself, and our baby. I can't wait to come home to you both. Tell everyone I say Happy Christmas, okay?
Forever and Eternally Yours,
~Ron~"
Alexis lowered the letter to her lap slowly, that little bit of happiness she had been feeling in hopes of his return disappearing into dark sadness. "He might miss my birthday too? How long is he really going to be gone? I miss him..." Alexis whispered to herself, sniffling as her face reddened with unshed tears.
It was bad enough he was going to miss Christmas, but she could've forgiven it since he'd have been home not a week later. But now, he didn't even know when he'd be home!
"This year really sucks..." Alexis whined, a few tears glistening onto her cheeks, and she sighed deeply, wondering what could write to him that wouldn't sound too depressing. Not much... She thought mournfully, debating whether or not to do what she had originally thought and gone back to bed and forget the holiday this year. But she knew everyone would be waiting for her in the Great Hall, and if she wasn't there, they'd come and drag her there anyway.
She wiped the tears from her eyes, sniffling as she set the letter on the table, pushing herself up from the couch and trudging to her bedroom, thinking that a hot shower would wash away some of the depression. There was enough as it is around the school...
After about an hour long shower, she wearily dressed into some jeans, fighting with the buttons and moaning. "I can barely fit in my pants! This sucks!"
She managed though with determination to button them, and pulled on a christmas shirt that resembled a wrapped present with sulleness, yanking on some boots and snatching her christmas hat, throwing open her door and stomping out of her bedroom with a frown.
She stopped and almost tripped in surprise though at the sight of the man sitting comfortably on her couch, reading one of her books. Snape looked up at her with a raised eyebrow, and Alexis glared and snapped. "When you'd get here?!"
"About fifteen minutes ago. I know the password, so I decided I'd wait for you here." Severus spoke nonchalantly, closing the book and Alexis growled.
"Well, make some kind of noise next time... 'bout gave me a heart attack you dork..." Snape rolled his eyes at her and stood, stretching.
"Well, are we going to stand here all day or do you want dinner?" He asked curiously, and Alexis shrugged, replying sullenly.
"Guess I'm a bit hungry..." She sighed, closing her bedroom door.
Snape cocked his head at her, asking. "And what might be your problem?"
Alexis glared at him, answering with a trembling lip. "Why do you always think there's a problem with me? Can I just be depressed without you thinking there's a problem? Is that all you think I have?"
Severus loked at her in surprise, raising his hands and shaking his head.
"No! I was just wondering. Geez, kill me for asking..." He grumbled, and Alexis's expression softened as she realized her snappiness.
She sighed, shaking her head and rubbing her temples. "Sorry..."
Snape shrugged as if it didn't matter, and Alexis explained. "It's just... not a good day for Christmas... too much crap going on, and I just found out that Ron's not going to be home for quite some time..."
Her voiced lowered as she tried not to cry.
Snape seemed to answer quickly before she could though. "I'm sure things will be sorted out soon enough. Until then, I beleive you are expected in the Great Hall. I ordered the houselves to bring the dinner I prepared for you to the Head Table. I hope you're in the mood for meatloaf, for that's what I made."
Alexis smirked at him smally, and then sighed. "Guess I'll be heading there then... though, besides the food, I doubt there will be much to enjoy..." She grumbled the last to herself, heading toward the door. She stopped though and turned to him with a rasied eyebrow.
"Why are you here anyway?"
Severus hesitated for a minute, then replied casually. "To inform you that you are expected at the Great Hall and your food is waiting. Why else?"
Alexis looked at him for a minute, then shrugged, that being good enough for her. She headed towards the door and Severus added, falling in behind her.
"Well, seeing as I was also heading to the Great Hall, I will escort you."
Alexis looked up at him oddly as they walked out into the hallway, and Severus asked. "What?"
"Usually if you knew what hallway I was going to be in, you'd make sure to go down the next one." Alexis answered, wondering what was up with him lately.
"Well, I don't feel like it today. Too tired to find the other hallway. Can we get going?" e snapped, and Alexis shook her head, starting off down towards the Great hall with Severus striding along at her side.
Upon reaching the doors to the Hall, Severus stepped ahead of her, grabbing the door handle and opening the door, stepping aside for her. Alexis stopped mid step and stared at Severus like he was nuts.
He sighed, asking again. "What now? You always whine about how mean I am, and now when I actually do something nice you give me that look."
Alexis shook her head in surprise, guessing that Snape didn't get enough sleep the night before and headed into the Hall, encountering many surprised young stares. She realized how loud Severus had spoken that statement and closed her eyes, shaking her head and grumbling as Severus caught up beside her. "Nice one Severus..."
He rolled his eyes, and he and Alexis proceeded to the Table, Alexis plopping wearily into the seat beside Artimis, who was quiet, as was her wont these days, and sighed, putting her head in her hands and wondering what else could happen to her to further ruin this Christmas.
Artimis sat at the Head Table, her fork lazily held in her hand as she traced a frown in her food. Her daughter, Selena, could be heard singing her own version of 'Santa is coming to town' from the Gryffindor Table where she was sitting with her cousin Athena and her freinds. Artimis was having a miserable Christmas. Earlier that morning she had gone to visit Draco, taking the now five-year old Selena to see her father. It was a heart wretching sight for Artimis as she watched her daughter sing to him, telling him that he shouldn't sleep through Christmas, that Santa might bring him presents. Artimis contained her tears till Remus took Selena back to Hogwarts, letting Artimis stay a while with Draco.
All Artimis could see, staring around the room of happy people, was her husband, lying in a bed unconcious to the world, not being able to share this joy with her.
"Mummy! Listen to me sing!" Selena yelled, the black haired child that reminded her of a very young version of herself began to sing 'Jingle Bells' in her own way.
Artimis pushed her thoughts back and smiled in approval at the child. She felt a hand on her arm and looked over to see a concerned Remus.
He had been at her side through most of this nightmarish time, and she would never be more grateful for him than she was now.
"Artimis, don't think about it. Just relax and try to enjoy your Christmas, Draco would not want you to be miserable on Christmas and it be his fault." Remus told her soothingly, rubbing her shoulder and she smiled, hearing Severus at the front of the room.
"What now? You always whine about how mean I am, and now when I actually do something nice you give me that look." She heard him huff to Alexis and she smirked, grateful that those two could get along. She knew she had to cheer up, to somehow make herself get happy, but she didnt know how.
Hopefully Christmas with Alexis tonight will make me fell a little better, it will be juts like ol times, only plus Selena, Sasha, Severus, Remus, Neville, Lavender and Christoph... Artimis thought, seeing Neville sitting with his wife at the end of the table, the stern woman criticing him. She noticed that Christoph was no where in sight and she looked to see he had escaped his mother and was sitting with Athena and Selena. Alexis and Severus had walked up and Artimis was getting nothing but misery from Alexis.
I have a feeling that this may very well be the worst Christmas ever... Artimis thought as she looked at Alexis with mournful understanding.
Severus, after having throughly embarassed himself by saying he was doing something nice, sat down by Artimis, seeing the pain clear on her face and in her eyes. He hated that look, that look of complete and utter helplessness. The fact that Artimis, Miranda's daughter, was giving him that look made him feel even more uncomfortable. He had to do something to liven them up and he was going to get them to smile, even if it killed him.
"Well, isn't this odd. I haven't been to a Hogwarts Christmas in four years." Severus spoke and Alexis and Artimis shrugged in unison at him. This was getting him nowhere.
"Wonderful cake you made for Selena's birthday yesterday, Artimis." Severus spoke and Artimis nodded, looking over toward her daughter. Severus too, looked at his five year old neice, who was eating with her cousin, the daughter of Apollo, Athena.
"Alexis, looks like you beat your class today, some are looking tired." Severus stated and Alexis shurgged, her mood having dropped considerably.
She mumbled lowly. "Knock-out techniques."
Severus didn't know how much more melancholy he could take before he too was lost in its dispair, that stuff was contagious. Sighing, he looked at the two forlorn women, both in thier own little world of thought.
"Will you guys cheer up. It could be worse." He stated and they both looked at him in frustration.
"How?" Alexis asked with a sarcastic tone as Artimis sighed.
"Yes, do indulge us Severus, how could it be worse?" Artimis echoed and he shook his head. He hadn't thought of an reply to that yet.
"Well, um... Your husbands could be, dead..." Severus stated, finding a worse scenerio. The look on their faces told him that he just made a big mistake.
Artimis in either tears or anger, lowered her head to the table, covering her face with her arms. Alexis glared at him and turned to her meatloaf, eating a bit of it as she shook he head.
"Severus, you stupid git!" Remus stated and Severus drew back, looking at the angered man in confusion.
"You haven't called me that in a long time." Severus asked and Remus growled.
"That was just as bad as saying something could be wrong with Selena. Shut your mouth unless you have something constructive and good to say." Remus hissed and Severus went to yell at him but realized that he was right. Artimis having heard Remus, looked up and checked to see that her daughter was happy and safe.
Severus sat looking down at his plate, the food not looking appealing with all the sadness surounding him.
There has got to be someway I can cheer these girls up... Something I can do... Wait a minute... Is it really worth it though?... Severus thought looking at the two depressed women. Seeing their faces told him that what he was about to do was worth it.
It was mildly noisy in the Hall, lower than normal. Severus took a deep breath bracing himself as he began to sing songs that he had been singing with Selena all week, but in private.
"Deck the halls with boughs of Holly..." Severus began lowly, so low that he could barely hear himself. Looking at his plate and no one else he continued, slowly getting louder with each word.
"Falalala la lala la la. Tis the season to be jolly, Falalala la lala la la. Don we now our *cough* gay apparel, Falala lala la la. In the season's yule time carol, Falalala la lala la la..." He sang the final 'la', heard throughout the now silent hall. Severus could feel eyes on him and he shook his head, still not sure if what he was doing was a good idea, beginning the next song. He knew Alexis and Artimis we watching him and he ignored them, looking intently at his plate as his baritone voice rang out.
"Dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh, o'er the hills we go, laughing all the way, ah haha..." Severus sang, noticing Selena was singing along with him, the only person singing with him or saying anything at all. Except he heard Alexis mummer to herself.
"He's lost it. Severus has finally gone bonkers."
Taking a moment's breath, he continued. " Bells on Bob-tail ring, making spirits bright, what fun it is to laugh and sing a sleighing song tonight... Oh, Jingle bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way, oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open Sleigh..." He sung, stopping for a moment to inhale deeply before he began the next song. The Hall was deathly quite, all eyes looking on him and he knew it. He would not look up though and lose his nerve by seeing them all staring.
Inhaling deeply he began to sing a song he hadn't sung in years.
"Gloooooooooooooo-ooooooooo-oooooo-ooooo-oooooo-oooria..." Severus sung loudy, holding the note out as long as he could. He inhaled and sung the rest of the song the whole room looking shell-shocked. After finishing that song he sighed, looking over at Alexis as casually as possible.
Saying it loud enough that everyone could hear, he grumbled to her.
"It's really uncomfortable being the only one singing." He stated and he heard what he wanted to hear. Alexis began laughing and after a minute, Artimis joined her, then both looking like they had been holding in a the laughter for a long time. Severus joined in the laughter as did the rest of the hall and Severus felt satisfied that he had done his job. Now he just awaited the ridicule, which surprisingly never came as Alexis and everyone else began to sing Christmas Carols, Severus singing as well for the remainder of dinner, feeling oddly proud of himself. It made Severus kinda look forward to the after dinner party.
Alexis sat at her place at the Head table, looking at the specially made meatloaf in front of her, but merely picking at it with her fork, not really hungry. She sighed, looking out the corner of her eye at Artmis, who didn't look any better than usual. She looked back down at her plate, wondering when this would be over so she could go to bed and temporarily forget the worries of the world. Beside her Severus spoke up, trying, it seemed, to make conversation.
"Well, isn't this odd. I haven't been to a Hogwarts Christmas in four years." Severus spoke. Alexis shrugged, not really seeing the big deal, it wasn't anything amazing really.
"Wonderful cake you made for Selena's birthday yesterday, Artimis." Severus told Artimis in particular, and Alexis felt herself a bit agitated at Severus's attempt to cheer them up. That's what it sounded like to her anyway, and she just didn't feel like being cheered u at the moment. She rolled her eyes as Severus turned to talk to her.
"Alexis, looks like you beat your class today, some are looking tired."
Alexis shrugged and answered shortly, not in the mood for conversation, she just wanted to dwell in her melancholy for the moment, was that so much to ask? "Knock-out techniques."
Severus was obviously getting fed up with hers and Artimis grumpiness, for he finally grumbled. "Will you guys cheer up. It could be worse."
Alexis stared at Severus, wondering just how ignornat he was to the current drama. "How?"
"Yes, do indulge us Severus, how could it be worse?" Artimis asked, and Alexis looked at Severus, wondering what idiotic comment he would come up with.
"Well, um... Your husbands could be, dead..." Severus stated. Yep, pretty idiotic.
Alexis stared at him with wide eyes for a moment, shaking her head as she turned to her meatloaf, trying to keep her thoughts from turning to what bad could happen to Ron while he was so far away from her. He was there in Italy pretty much alone... all kinds of stuff could happen to him... and she wouldn't know for the longest time if it did. She bit her lip, lowering her head as she attempted to force those scary thoughts away, but it wasn't working to well. Remus was hissing something at Severus that she couldn't quite catc., but she wasn't worried about it. She found a clock in the Great hall, sighing at seeing the time. Not quite late enough for the excuse to go to bed. She cupped her chin in her hand with a frown, poking at a potatoe with her fork silently as she sat lost in her depression.
Suddenly, a low deep voice sounded beside her, and she looked up in confusion, wondering what was going on as the words cleared.
"-Falalala la lala la la. Tis the season to be jolly, Falalala la lala la la. Don we now our *cough* gay apparel, Falala lala la la. In the season's yule time carol, Falalala la lala la la..."
Alexis stared with unconcealed shock at Severus, who's voice had gotten slightly louder as he finished the carol. Oh my g- was that really him?! She thought with surprise, unable to say anything as Severus started on yet another carol, his gaze fixed on his plate.
"Dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh, o'er the hills we go, laughing all the way, ah haha..." Severus sang, looking a bit reluctant, but still not letting up. Alexis shook her head, wondering if she was dreaming this or if she was drugged. She couldn't help but murmur to Artimis, who was also staring in wonder. "He's lost it. Severus has finally gone bonkers."
" Bells on Bob-tail ring, making spirits bright, what fun it is to laugh and sing a sleighing song tonight... Oh, Jingle bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way, oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open Sleigh..." He still sang, and Alexis bit her lip as the amusment of this scene presented itself. Severus was actually singing, in front of the student body, and Christmas carols on top of that! But Alexis didn't laugh, afraid that if she did he would stop, and then Alexis wouldn't know for sure if this was really happening. The next song he started though almost made her bust out.
"Gloooooooooooooo-ooooooooo-oooooo-ooooo-oooooo-oooria..." Severus sang in his deep voice, all out now without a qualm it seemed to his amazed audience. Alexis shook her head, remarking on the craziness of this event, but also thinking that he actually didn't sound too bad.
He finished the sng, and everything was silent for a moment. To her surprise, Severus looked to her, trying to look as unfazed as possible as he spoke expectantly. "It's really uncomfortable being the only one singing." He stated, and his look was all that it took for Alexis to let loose. She practically doubled over laughing, holding her stomach a bit painfully as the baby protested, but unable to stop laughing as tears welled in her eyes. She heard Artimis join her, and she actually felt grateful to Severus. He had actually managed to get them laughing, she had to give him points for that.
After her laughing had subsided, she smiled warmly at Severus and sat up straighter beginning the lyrics for the Twelves Days of Christmas. She thought she got a look of disgruntlement from Severus, but he sang anyway, along with the rest of the Great Hall in great enthusiasm. She looked over at Artimis, who was also singing, and smiled, feeling better now thn she had all day.
That dinner had finally ended and Alexis sat back in her chair with a contented smile, smirking at Severus, who smirked back at her and was looking smug. Alexis shook her head, turning to Artimis as she spoke to her.
"You're coming with me back to my room right? We were going to have a little party remember." She asked, smiling slightly with Selena now siting on her lap, still singing even though everyone else throughout the room was done and chatting enthusiastically.
Alexis nodded. "Of course. What else am I going to do with all the presents I bought?" Alexis told her, smiling as she finished what she was going to eat that night and finally getting up with Artimis, Severus, and Remus, Neville and his family following them out of the Hall towards Artimis's quarters.
Severus followed the mass of people heading to Artimis's Quarters, his beloved neice on his hip. She was singing 'Mary had a little lamb' and just being all around happy. Severus turned into his quarters, needing to get the presents he had for everyone, especially Alexis's. That was imperative that she got it.
"Uncle Sev? Where are we going?" The child asked and he smiled at her, adjusting her to his other hip.
"We need to get the presents that I bought for everybody, even you." He told her and she clapped as he deposited her on his bed, him reaching under his bed and grabbing the hidden box of presents. He saw the glimmer of joy in her eyes and he chuckled as he reached for her hand.
"Let's go, before mummy get's mad at us." Severus spoke and Selena nodded, jumping down from the bed and taking his hand.
"Uncle Sev, can Santa wake my daddy up for Christmas? I've been a good girl and a sent him a letter that since he's giving me a baby brother that all I want for Christmas is my daddy to get up from his nap... Will he do it Uncle Sev?" Selena asked in her innnocent fashion, looking up at him with big blue eyes that pleaded with him to say yes. He held his breath as he kneeled, setting the box down as he hugged her.
"I don't know sweetheart, but if you've been a good girl like you say maybe Santa will wake him up, but it may take him a while honey." Severus stated, knowing he was lying to the child but he couldn't tell her that he didn't think Draco would miraculously wake up in the morning.
"Ok Uncle Sev, let's go open presents. I know what Mummy got you, but she told me im not allowed to tell." Selena stated and Severus stood up, grabbing the box. The young girl pulled him by his other hand, leading him as he wondered when Draco would wake up.
Whoever did this will answer to me for making Selena and Artimis hurt like this... Severus thought as they entered the rooms where everyone was, waiting to open presents.
Artimis watched as Selena took her place on the floor by Christoph, who was playing with Sasha, the Amazing Bow dog, seeing as Alexis had got ahold of it and placed bows all over the poor animal. Artimis snickered as Severus put his box by the tree.
"Shopping light this year Severus? How many did you get Selena this year?" Alexis taunted Severus and Artimis sighed, pouring cider for everyone.
"Ok, are we ready to open presents." Artimis stated, feeling a little better after the laughfest in the hall. Selena and Christoph clapped loudly and Artimis sighed.
"I think the kids should get thier presents first, Neville, Lavendar do you agree?" Artimis asked and Neville nodded, Lavendar doing her best to not look at Artimis after the wolf fiasco. Artimis grabbed a box that she knew had Sasha's new 'bed' which was actually a cradle and handed it to Selena.
Christoph was handed his gifts and they set to them like children on blender mode. Artimis gave Selena all her gifts and then she began to pass out the adult's gifts.
She gave Alexis a new shirt which she would hate, seeing as it was a maternity shirt that read 'baby on board', which earned her a murderous glare form Alexis, but the pound of Chocolate in the next box stopped any fights, or tears, from breaking out.
Remus got a new jacket, which was a traditional trenchcoat. He had a liking to jackets, much like Alexis's fetish to hats.
Artimis had got Neville a tie, which he said that he would want when she asked him what he wanted. Lavendar, even though she was a cold woman, got a nice pair of earrings from Artimis. Artimis had brought Christoph a set of colorful blocks that came apart easily for him and Selena to build many more houses, seeing as those two had been having playdates and they loved to build houses and castles.
After exhausting herself with the giving of presents she sat down, after much coaxing from Remus.
"Artimis, you know that if you are on your feet too long they will swell up." Remus told her as she sat and Severus snickered as he walked over to his box, pulling out wrapped presents.
"Remus, are you her father or her mother?" Severus joked and Remus scoffed at him. Severus threw a box at Remus and he kept his comment to himself.
Artimis watched with curiousity as Severus gave Selena her present, which was a toy wand that made sparks when she used it. He pulled out a box for her and handed it to her, smirking.
"I don't know if it will fit your ankle now, but later it may." Severus snorted as she opened it to reveal a anklet that was made of silver with horses running on it.
"Thank you Severus." She spoke with a smile and watched Alexis as he went to hand her her gift.
Alexis watched Severus digging through his interesting box of presents, still sitting on the floor from where she was helping Selena build herself a castle and dragon. He saw the anklet Severus had given Artimis, and watched in wonder as Severus handed a smaller box to her with a smirk. Alexis pulled herself to her feet with a bit of difficulty, taking the box curiously and opening it. Sitting on a bed of cotton was a small earring shaped into a howling wolf head.
Alexis smiled widely, looking up at Severus and speaking. "It's so awesome! Thanks!"
She immediately took it out and brushed aside her soft white hair around her left ear and removed the earring that was in the top of her ear. She quickly snapped her new wolf one in its place, prancing towards a mirror and admiring it, seeing Severus standing behind her, watching her with a smug smirk.
She looked at him with confusion, wondering why he looked so smug. But she didn't get a chance to ask him as he was rammed in the legs by Selena, and his attention was turned back to her. Alexis shook her head of the question, turning to look at Artimis, who was admiring the card her daughter had drawn her.
She looked around again, seeing Nevillle and Lavendar laughing together, and then seeing the presents still left under the tree. She spotted the tags, and a knot swelled in her chest as she recognized Ron and Draco's names on the remaining presents. She looked back at Neville and Lavendar with a pang of sorrow. She plopped dejectedly on the couch beside Artimis, sighing once more as some of her earlier depression found it's way back to her.
Artimis turned to look at her as she mumbled mostly to herself. "I miss Ron... I miss him a lot..."
Artimis frowned, looking down at her hands as she murmured. "And I miss Draco..."
Alexis sniffed, feeling tears coming on and feeling more sad because she was feeling sad in the first place. But Artimis distracted her by commenting before the tears came. "I have a box in the freezer of double fudge ice cream and a TV and VCR set up in my room you now."
Alexis sniffled again, though looked up at Artimis and smiled smally, feeling in the perfect mood for chocolate and a sappy movie. Artimis nodded, and Alexis watched as she escorted Neville, Lavendar and Christoph out, thanking them for their visit. Severus answered Artimis's question, saying he would entertain Selena and put her to bed while Artimis and Alexis were spending thier night in her room.
Artimis retrieved the ice cream and movie, and Alexis followed her into the bedroom, curling up against the pillows on Artimis's bed comfortably, hugging one tightly to her chest as Artimis popped in Titanic and tore open the ice cream, handing Alexis a spoon.
The next three hours were occupied by chocolate gorging, crying at the sappy parts in the movie, yelling at the contradiction of the part where the girl promised never to let go, then let go, and then follwed by Artimis's and Alexis's own cryfest as the reflected on thier own loves of their lives.
Alexis was pretty beat by the time she was done talking and crying, but was grateful for the time she got to spend with her sister, even if it was depressing at times. Finally, in the middle of the movie remake of Romeo and Juliet and after yet another cryfest, Alexis fell alseep, eased into temporary peacefulness at Artimis's arms around her in a loose hug.
Severus sat on the floor with Selena, building a castle with her. He was in charge of making the tower as Selena made the wall where 'the prince would climb to save the princess' as his niece put it. He was feeling rather smug as he sat in his white shirt he had gotten for Christmas from the girls, it reading in black letters 'Does it look like I care?'.
"Uncle Sev?" Selena asked and Severus looked at her, shaken from his thoughts as he smiled.
"What did you ask for Christmas?" She asked him and he thought for a moment.
"Well, I don't think I asked Santa for anything." He told her and she frowned, covering her mouth.
"You didn't ask Santa! Uncle Sev, how will he know what to give you tomorrow morning?" She asked and Severus shook his head, smirking.
"Because Santa and I have coffee every Christmas morning and he brings me chocolate, so I never have to ask him, because he knows." Severus stated, deciding to indulge Selena in her Santa addiction.
"You have coffee with Santa? Can I too?" She asked and he chuckled, shaking his head.
"No, Santa only has coffee with grown-ups, so he can know if the children were naughty or nice." Severus stated as his tower collasped from a leap from the dog. It was growling at him still but had decided that licking Selena was a more interesting endeavor. Severus looked up at the clock and realized that it was Selena's bed time.
"Selena, let's clean up. It's time for bed." Severus stated and Selena looked at him pleadingly.
"Can I do it with your wand?" She asked and Severus glanced back at the closed door that lead to Artimis's bedroom where Alexis and Artimis were having a girl moment. He sighed as he drew his wand, handing it to her.
"You better not tell your mummy. Now what is the spell?" He asked, holding the wand out of her reach.
"Scorgify!" She stated and he smirked as he handed her the wand. He put his hand over her's, making sure she was holding it right as she flicked it.
"Scorgify!" She stated and Severus added a little of his own magic to her spell, watching the toys and paper go to their proper place. He pocketed his wand after taking it from Selena and she clapped in her joy.
"Uncle Sev, will you read me the Christmas story? Daddy always does it, but he's still napping." The child asked and Severus nodded, sitting on the couch. Selena, smiling from ear to ear, ran to her room and ran back with a book, holding it in her small hands.
She crawled up on his lap and Severus grabbed the blanket off the backof the couch, covering her as he leaned against the arm of the couch, letting her adjust.
"It was Christmas night, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse..." Severus began, reading to Selena. Towards the end of the story Selena feel asleep in his arms and he smirked as he finished the story. Deciding that he really didn't need to sleep in his room, he got comfortable and layed the book on the coffee table, laying his head back and falling asleep, holding his neice protectively as he dozed off.
Time: 12:49am Location: Do we really have to say Classified again?
Jason sat in his chair, rubing his temples with one hand as he drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. He was slowly spinning in his swivel chair, his head racing with thoughts, plans, and schemes. He finally growled, throwing himself from his chair, almost falling dizzily as he growled. "That's it! The time has come!"
He began pacing, fighting back a yawn, not realizing the late hour. He heard a soft shuffle, and looked up to see his Lieutenant General standing in the doorway, looking half asleep and wearing an untucked army shirt, black pants, and fuzzy green slippers that read 'I (heart) Army' on them.
He straightened, looking at Jordan with confusion. "Sorry Jordan, did I wake you?"
"Yes sir." Jordan answered wearily, hiding a yawn, and Jason nodded aplogetically, beginning his pacing once again.
"Sorry then. I will try to not be as loud." Jason grumbled.
Jordan didn't leave though, asking his General. "Sir, is something bothering you? It's almost one in the morning. You're usually asleep by now." Jordan mused, and Jason shook his head with a frown, pacing some more.
"Well... yes. Something is. Which is why I'm not asleep obiviously." Jason grumbled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Jordan asked on cue as usual. "Well sir, I'm awake, you might as well tell me sir."
"Fine... and it's one in the morning. Don't call me sir." Jason asked him and Jordan yawned widely, replying.
"Yes sir."
Jason sighed deeply, shaking his head and figuring he wouldn't bother as he exclaimed, stopping in place and growling with an underlying tone of desperateness. "I can't take it any longer. This waiting is driving me crazy Jordan. I have to do something soon."
Jordan gazed at him in confusion, asking quietly. "Do what exactly sir?"
Jason growled with frustration, pacing once again in silence. He answered loudly after a moment. "I will have Alexis!"
Jordan did't seem at all intrigued as he replied. "Sir, we already know this."
Jason waved his hand and emphasized. "No no. I mean now! I will have her now! The location where we'll keep her is secure, almost all my troops are in place... all I need is her to further my plans!"
Jordan's eyes widened silghtly as he asked softly. "Now?"
"No! Not now now. But soon... Very soon... in fact, I will write her a letter tomorrow. Wait, it is tomorrow, so then I'll write one today... yes..." Jason ranted, nodding with a smirk of satisfaction.
Jordan yawned again and Jason asked excitedly with a glint of eagerness in his eyes. "Jordan, are there any reporters off hand?"
"Sir, I believe beside the night guard, everyone's asleep. It is almost one in the morning after Christmas sir..." He explained slowly, and Jason frowned with disappointment.
"You're right... then I'll have to write it myself... but dictating it is so much easier..." Jason grumbled as he rummaged on his littered and crowed desk for blank parchment and a quill. He found one, smiling as he sat down in his chair, staring at the paper expectantly.
"Okay then... My Dearest Alexis... no, damnit I've used that too much... this is why I don't write them, I always forget what I'm going to write before I write it down... let's see..." Jason grumbled, glaring at the parchment.
Jordan, looking almost alseep on his feet, commented. "Well, could start with something about Happy Christmas even though you missed it..."
Jason pointed at him with a smile. "Aha! Thank you Jordan, I've found my track of though again... you can go back to bed now..." Jason spoke distractedly, leaning over his parchment.
he was interrupted though as Jordan continued to mumble. "-then you could, ask her to lunch... at some... place... sir..."
Jason raised an eyebrow at the young man, speaking loudly. "Jordan. Jordan!"
Jordan snapped his head up, looking at him with dazed eyes. Jason smirked and spoke slowly. "Go to bed Jordan."
"Yes sir..." Jordan grumbled, turing around and shuffling back to his room that had been situated just down the hall from Jason's office. Jason shook his head in amusement as he leaned back down over his letter, a growing smile on his face as he delicately set his plan into the next major step.