On the day the Express returned to Hogwarts to fetch the students for their Christmas breaks, the castle, as expected by those who remained, fell in calming silence except for the few echoes of chatter here and there. Selena initially expected it to feel uncanny again; similar to the silence that greeted her when she first arrived, but after deafening Quidditch matches, Fluffy's roar-like barks and Quirrell's admittedly irritating stuttering, a little peace and quiet might not actually be that bad.
Speaking of a certain turban-wearing professor, Quirrell never left Selena's eye when it came to her suspicions about him being associated with You-Know-Who. She never had the confidence to talk to Dumbledore about it, but she was glad to discover that Severus thought the very same. In fact, they spoke about him again over dinner the night before, when Selena told him about what occurred earlier that day;
"I was on my way to Minerva's classroom this morning when I heard voices coming from the Dark Arts Defences classroom. I couldn't quite comprehend the words, but I'm positive it wasn't Quirrell's." She said to her colleague while secretively squinting her eyes at Quirrell, who was seated on the other side of the humongous table.
"Well, don't stare," Severus sneered at her, then continued to slice the meat on his plate. "He's already aware that we're on to him, and if the Dark Lord truly is associated with him, he may or may not have something plotted against us, as well."
The witch turned to him weirdly, "Why do you call him that?"
"What?"
"The Dark Lord?" She arched her brow attentively.
"Habit, I suppose. Many Slytherins back in the day addressed him with that." He explained limitedly, and even if she still thought it was unusual, she chose not to question it further.
"Well, he better not have anything to do with the students," Selena subtly panned her gaze over to Harry, who laughed along with his friends at their table. "Anyways, with Dumbledore around, I believe we have the upper hand."
Severus hummed, though rather questionably, "For now." And thus, ended their discussion about that.
The Mediwizard was lounging in her office, Austen's Pride and Prejudice in her hands when there was a gentle rap on her door. After her permission, the visitor revealed himself to be the Headmaster, who lingered for a few moments under the archway of her door before he fully let himself in.
"Good day, my dear." The bearded-man smiled.
"Professor Dumbledore," Selena instinctively mirrored the look with her own elegance. "Can I help you with anything?"
He huffed a small laugh as he took a seat on the chair across her desk. "On the contrary, I've actually come to ask you if I can help you with anything. Perhaps a request before your departure?"
Selena gave it a little thought before responding, "Well, I don't really have anything in mind except advising you to enjoy yourself during the holidays." She said. "It's a shame, really, that I wouldn't be joining you all for Christmas, but I will be here before the New Year."
"Oh, that's good enough, my dear. There is no need to worry, we do the same thing for both celebrations, anyway."
The witch smiled to herself, "You know, I'm curious now. What do you all do for the holidays? I've been wondering about that since I began my first year."
There was a hearty chuckle from the old man. "Well, firstly, we enjoy each other's company with wine and a simple cheese board Pomona enjoys setting up, we chatter until the middle of the night, greet each other, then simply retreat back to our chambers."
"Sounds to me I'm not really missing out on anything," She joked.
Dumbledore tilted his head skeptically at that. "Oh, I beg to differ, dear. We're not as plain as you may think." Selena grinned, surprised at his response. "But it's best you see it for yourself… In fact, if you're lucky, you may even discover another side to Minerva you didn't know about."
"Now, I really hope that's not the real reason why you hired me." The Headmaster laughed at her. "Don't you exchange gifts or anything?"
"I've no clue if they do, but I know I don't have to," He said. "I mean, for one, I pay them every month."
It was her turn to laugh, realizing she was also now part of those he gave salary to. "Speaking of gifts, professor, I was actually wondering if I could get Harry anything for Christmas. He is staying over, is he?"
"Staying over, yes." He nodded once. "As for the Christmas present, I'm afraid I have to kindly decline that suggestion."
"Oh?" She frowned at the Headmaster. "Why not?"
"Selena, I believe Harry is already suspecting things that are in connection with what we are trying to hide. On the morning of Christmas, I shall return something that belongs to his family, as he is the rightful owner now. Meanwhile, Hagrid, I suppose has something planned for the boy, as well. I'm anxious that if you get involved, he might begin to speculate why the staff is becoming too hospitable…"
"With Severus around, I really doubt." That evoked an amused smirk onto the Headmaster's lips.
"Do not fret, my dear. When Harry grows older, he will eventually have to learn of the dangers that he's involved in. He'll find out about the Order, and perhaps by then, I have no say to those who can give gifts to him." Dumbledore sighed. "Overwhelming him is the last thing I wish for him to feel… Especially only during his first year."
"Professor, I believe he's happier than he ever has been. He's home, after all. In fact, everytime I talk to him, I see his parents in his eyes. The color of Lily's, the playfulness of James..." Her wistful gaze shifted towards an icy window. "I hope he handles it all well when we tell him."
"We'll break it down to him slowly. However, all we must focus on, for now, is protecting him… Make sure he's nowhere near the third floor this year."
Selena returned to look at Dumbledore. "Does he suspect the third floor too, Headmaster?"
He crooned. "Suspected it, investigated it…"
"WHAT?" She cried.
"I believe, however, it was completely unintentional. They've probably just lost their way but didn't want Argus to find them either. They're also perfectly fine, so need to worry about them, otherwise, you'd have had an additional three patients that day." Dumbledore tittered softly. "Poor children, Filch must be quite unagreeable for them to scavenge deeper into the corridor..."
"That's only the understatement. Filch is a whole other kind of cruel being." Selena groaned, meeting the Headmaster's eyes with obvious distaste. "Why do you still have him here, anyway?"
"Be considerate, Selena. Without him, there is no Hogwarts. Filch is the backbone of the castle, the embodiment of a true Hogwarts resident…"
Unimpressed, Selena interrupts, "Yes, but the real reason?"
Looking away, Dumbledore sighs. "I don't know how to ask him."
"There you go." She raised her hands, and they both shared a laugh. "Anyways, I'll be Apparating back to London after dinner, if that's alright with you."
"That's the only way out of here now." A fatherly smile graced his bearded mouth. "Slept in this morning, I presume?"
"You know me very well, professor." Selena giggled.
"This explains why you missed the train." The Mediwizard smiled cheekily at him, to which he shook his head. "Selena, my dear, you've grown so much, but at the same time, not at all." She let out a shy laugh. "It reminds me of all the times I needed to wake you up in the morning for our Occlumency lessons."
"Mrs. Figg really should've put a lock on my door, now that I think about it." She kidded, and it was Dumbledore's turn to laugh. "You know, I never got to know the reason why I had to have those lessons."
He was rendered silent for a second, with that, the smile slowly fell off his face. "I told you it was for protection. Every wizarding child has to go through it at a young age to fend off any influence over the Dark Arts."
"But most of my peers told me they never had them." She reasoned out. "Some of them don't even know about it."
"They're just refusing to tell you, Selena." Dumbledore said more gravely than he initially was. "I explained all this to you before, it's a family tradition all young children need to undergo. Therefore, it's a private matter between them and their families, as well."
She quirked her brows, "Yes, but it just seems a little strange—"
"What was the one rule I told you to follow?"
Selena was amazed at the fact that she naturally silenced herself at that, her hands finding each other nervously, similar to when she was only a child. All the times Dumbledore visited her foster home for Occlumency lessons, from dawn till dusk they would be practicing. She was very interested in magic, asking all about Hogwarts, the Ministry, even about Grindewald's downfall to Dumbledore… but never about the lessons. She wasn't allowed to ask about that, and therefore, there was no answer. For twenty-four years she had no clue as to why she had to protect her thoughts, seal them and hide them.
"Everything I do for you is to protect you, my dear." He said after a while, in a breath he had been holding. "You know that."
Selena sighed, "Yes." Her eyes darted downwards. "Look, I'm not taking this the bad way. You've done so much for me, I should know better than to question you… But I'm really just wondering, professor, I'm thirty and I still don't know."
"One day, my dear. Patience."
"What are we even waiting for?" She stressed.
Dumbledore reached out to tenderly stroke Selena's head once. "Peace." He said, and it only heightened her befuddlement more. He proceeded to remove himself from the chair and make a movement to leave. "I wish I could stay longer to chat, my dear. However, I still have a few errands that require my undivided attention."
"Let me come with you outside," She stood as well, rummaging the drawers of her desk for a book. "This is due to be returned to the library, anyway."
"Rare Creatures and How To Manage Them?" Dumbledore questioned, but breathed out a laugh. "Are you plotting anything, my dear?"
"Well, Hagrid wouldn't tell me anything about Fluffy, apparently because of his secrecy with you, so I did my own researching." Selena explained as they exited her office, and it made the Headmaster chuckle more.
"I'm very fortunate to have Hagrid on my side."
"Please," She rolled her eyes. "I could buy Hagrid any rare creature he doesn't own and he'll do anything I say for the rest of his life."
"Yeh' will do no such theng!" Dumbledore effortlessly mimicked the half-giant's accent, making Selena laugh.
Throughout their continuous chatter about other things, like what Selena's plans are once she arrives home, the two colleagues eventually reach the Transfiguration Courtyard early enough to catch Minerva and Severus chatting by the entrance of her classroom.
"What do you think Minerva would like for a Christmas gift?" Whispered Selena to the Headmaster as they neared the conversing pair.
He seemed to be at a loss since he took too long to answer. "Perhaps another hat?"
She scoffed, "As if she hasn't gotten enough of those already." The witch hummed, thinking hard. "Maybe a flower vase? Does she wear scarves? Actually, I think I want one of those myself… I know I don't have to ask you, professor. I already know what you want."
"Oh?"
"Lemon drops." She smirked while he chortled. "Typical."
"Definitely an unchanging desire." Dumbledore nodded approvingly. "It seems you also know me so well."
Selena produced a dubious sound. "Do I really?" She merely shrugged at the loss of his laughter and to avoid any more awkwardness between them, she rushed to Minerva and Severus just as their small talk ended.
"Miss Stellifer? What are you still doing here? The train left hours ago, if I'm not mistaken." The potioneer asked, puzzled at the sight of the Mediwizard happily clinging onto Minerva's arm.
"You aren't mistaken, Severus." The Headmaster was the one to reply for her. "Our Miss Stellifer, here, simply had problems with her sleep schedule." Selena grinned from ear-to-ear, almost like a child trying not to act suspicious after messing up something in the house.
Severus shook his head, "Why am I not surprised?"
"Hey," Selena suddenly pulled a face at him. "As if you have never slept in."
"Believe it or not, I have never done such a thing." He countered proudly.
"I'll choose not to believe it." She huffed in between her laughter, "But back to why I'm still here, I'm actually Apparating back to London instead. I don't have a lot of things to bring back, anyway. And I don't have to bring home any clothes either."
"When do you return, dear?" Minerva asked.
"After a week."
"Ah, a peaceful week, it will be, then." Severus remarked, and Selena rolled her eyes at him. "It'll be just like the Dashwood sisters leaving their mother for London."
"Oh?" The Mediwizard giggled, impressed by his references. "You're quoting Austen now?"
"Only because Mrs. Dashwood was glad to see them go."
Selena faked her shock, a hand to her heart and her mouth agape. "How rude, Severus. Where is your Christmas spirit?"
"Most likely also away for Christmas, Selena." He replied drolly, but in the dryness of his joke and the exaggerated stress of her name, The Mediwizard smiled.
"If you two are finished," Minerva cut in with a sigh, but not one of annoyance. "Perhaps we could all get ourselves inside? The snow is quite freezing."
"You three go along, I am needed elsewhere, at the moment." The Headmaster smiled politely. "In fact, I might already be a few minutes behind schedule, I will see you all at dinner." Not long after that, Dumbledore parted ways with the trio, leaving them to head to the library to return Selena's book before visiting the kitchens for a hot drink.
The day went by pretty quickly after the group's encounter at the courtyard. One minute, Dumbledore had been in Selena's office during the afternoon, and before she even knew it, the sun had dipped over the horizon and dinner had already commenced. After each passing second, her excitement in regards to her return home increased more and more. She didn't find joy, however, in being greeted by the dusty shelves and bed sheets that needed changing, but home was home, and it wasn't anything a little magic couldn't fix. Parting with her colleagues also wasn't that good of a feeling, especially because Pomona looked like she was near tears.
"Have a great Christmas, everyone. Please rest well." Was the last thing she told them before leaving the table to get ready for her Apparition to London. Not long after exiting the barren Great Hall, however, she discovered that Severus was catching up to her, jogging from the far end of the Quad. Selena paused in her steps, she could've beheld the mesmerizing view of the moonlit lake down below her, instead, she was absentmindedly occupied with the bounce of Severus' hair accompanied by the flow of his cloak.
"I was told to accompany you and with that being said, also make sure you Apparate properly." He said, or more like grunted out, a little breathless from the jog.
Selena smiled, "That's nice of them, but I know my Apparition will go smoothly. You should return to your dinner."
"I insist, Miss Stellifer." Severus paused for a few seconds before disconnecting his gaze. "We all are. Besides, I was instructed by the man who gives me my salary and the woman who is also accessible to that. I will have to accompany you whether you like it or not."
"Didn't have to be so dramatic, Professor." She chuckled, and Severus' scoff was heard right after. "Come on, then." They began the travel to her chambers, walking side by side in a slightly relaxing pace.
"What are your intentions for your return to London?" He inquired once they were within the walls of the castle again.
"Well, I was invited by some friends of mine for dinner on the 24th. And you might be wondering why I'd choose them over a celebration at Hogwarts, but they're really special people for me to just decline. Dumbledore's familiar with them, so he was kind enough to spare me a week." Selena explained whilst watching her feet walk. "I also want to retrieve new books, and perhaps, shop for a few more."
"Oh?" Severus huffed amusedly, "Are you saying you're bringing home Sense and Sensibility?"
"Definitely not." She chuckled. "That book must be with me at all times."
"What's the point of purchasing new ones then?" He sighed, and it made Selena chuckle more.
"A prettier bookshelf, obviously." She said. "Besides, I also have to get everybody gifts too."
"Do remember to exclude me from your list, if I'm ever in it."
She scrunched her nose. "Firstly, you are. Secondly, why is that?"
Severus turned to her. "Because then I must be expected to have one for you, too. I don't normally exchange gifts with staff members."
"You don't have to get me anything. I just want to do something nice for you—for everyone, actually." Selena smiled at him before unlocking the door to her office. "It's only my first year and you've all been nothing but good to me. Yes, even you, Severus."
He didn't respond to that, and instead, waited in silence while she fetched her small trunk from inside her chambers. "I'm beginning to fear you're getting a little too comfortable with my name." The potioneer said when she returned.
"Good." Selena giggled to herself before approaching the middle of the corridor. She sighed, "Guess this is it. I'll see you in a week?"
"Yes." He gave a single nod.
The Mediwizard smiled at him once more. "Happy Christmas, Severus." His eyes didn't leave hers for a second, making it the last thing she saw before Apparating.
"Happy Christmas, Selena." Being the last thing she heard.