So far, Selena's return to London has been nothing short of a nostalgic experience, which was odd, given that she has only been away for a few months. Then again, a day at Hogwarts would feel like a whole week; and they did have to rescue Quirrell from a three-headed dog and fend off a loose mountain troll all in the same night.

At dusk of the 24th, the Mediwizard had arrived at her former colleague's home in 42 Smith St., bearing some fresh loaves of bread and exclusive tea from Madam Puddifoot's. Miriam Strout, a warm and amiable St. Mungo's Healer in her mid-40's owned the cozy place all to herself. She was Selena's mentor on the most part while she was still residing at the hospital and after ten years of working together, it's impossible that a friendship had not bloomed out of it.

"I am so glad you made it," Miriam began once dinner commenced. "I honestly didn't know what to expect when I sent you the invitation. Hogwarts has their own fancy, high-end celebration, don't they? I'm sorry if you missed out on what could've been your first holiday party because of me,"

"Miriam," Selena solemnly smiled. "I'm really not missing out on anything as long as it concerns your presence. I've been away for quite some time and it's admittedly refreshing to be absent from candlelights and stone walls. Besides, there's always next year." There was a second of silence.

"Next year?" Miriam chirped. "You're staying until the next school year?"

"Oh…" Selena sighed in regret. "Yes, well," She slowly set down her mug of Earl gray. "I actually forgot to tell you earlier, but Dumbledore's asked me to stay for a couple more years."

Miriam displayed a look of surprise. "But how long is a couple of years?"

"Well, seven to be exact…"

"You'll be absent from St. Mungo's for seven years!" She cried, forgetting the food on the plate in front of her. "You know what this means, don't you?"

The Mediwizard breathed fretfully, "Look, the Headmaster has talked to our seniors about this and he told me not to worry about anything."

"But Selena, your rank… You could lose it."

"That is a possibility…" She shrugged.

"And you don't mind?"

"Not that I don't… It's just… The offer Dumbledore proposed has a great deal of importance and my compliance may or may not affect my life in a big way too… And he's done a lot for me in my youth too, so this could be a good way to repay him, I suppose."

Miriam pouted as her voice softened, "Did he really? Do a lot for you, I mean."

"He did admit me to Hogwarts, he gave me a home,"

"Ha. Not the best of homes…"

Selena snickered, "Still. It was a home."

"And not the most ideal childhood either…"

"Miriam," The younger witch groaned. "The point is he changed my life. And if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here right now."

"Oh, fine… Whatever you wish to believe, I guess." Miriam resigns in defeat. "But are you truly alright with the situation? You know, bringing you away from the hospital… It was so sudden…"

"I really want to tell you more about it, Miriam, but I swore to secrecy. This mouth is sealed." Selena mimicked a zipper in her lips. "Trust me, though. My first few months have been utterly splendid."

A noise of doubt. "Not overworking yourself?"

"Well… Not as much as before." Selena smiled cheekily.

"Slow progress is progress, I suppose." Miriam shook her head. "Seriously, Selena, take breaks. If Dumbledore overworks you, I'll storm right over and finish him myself."

"I assure you, there will be no need for that." Selena giggled, yet she wasn't joined by the other. Miriam gazed at her unsurely.

"It isn't awkward to be around each other, is it?" The Healer hesitantly followed up after a noiseless beat.

Selena cocked her head to the side. "What do you mean? Why would we be?"

"I don't know… I just remember your stories back when you were training. You really… disliked him."

The Mediwizard stifled an inaudible chuckle. "Well, back then, I was just a young, immature girl who assumed she'd never be getting any freedom. I was ungrateful—"

"Don't say that. You were innocent, and entirely vulnerable. You didn't know what to expect."

"Which is exactly the reason why I would think I had a bad childhood," She paused. "But I would have accepted this life than none at all. If Dumbledore hadn't claimed me at the orphanage, I may just be some mediocre muggle woman working at a bank or something. I wouldn't have known magic, become a Mediwizard, or even meet you."

Miriam bit her lip, thinking of a response. "You weren't claimed, Selena. You were adopted. Don't use the word 'claim', you're not some book at the library. Even so, you would just be borrowed."

"Well, technically, I wasn't adopted by Dumbledore himself—"

"Still adopted, nonetheless." Miriam smiled, and Selena said nothing further.

Silence washed over the two women who only stared at each other, then the carpeted floor, then the cream walls. Selena used the time to reflect and while Miriam tidied up, the other slumped on the couch in the living room, right next to the flashy Christmas tree by the fireplace. When the bookshelf came into her line of sight, she vaguely wondered what Severus was up to.

"I apologize if our dinner took a sentimental turn," Miriam began when she returned.

Selena broke into a grin. "It was bound to happen. Dumbledore was mentioned, after all."

"It's strange that after ten years he'd just be in contact with you again." The Healer settled beside her former trainee. "Do you think he wishes to reconnect?"

"I'd be lying if I said those weren't my thoughts exactly. I wanted to talk to him about it, but I decided to save it for a better time. Perhaps, when the school year ends and he has less to worry about." Selena sighs soundly, gazing into the orange flames of the fireplace. "How about you? How's work at Mungo's?"

"Nothing's happening really," Miriam says. "There are, however, flying rumors about active Death Eater activity, or at least that's what few of the mildly injured Aurors told us."

Oddly enough, the ill-face of Quirrell popped into Selena's mind. She made a quick, subtle recoil in disgust. "I hope they stay that way… As rumors." She let out a breath and thought of Harry. It's probably a sign for her to write to Minerva tonight, just to check up on them.

"Look! It's almost Christmas!" Miriam jolted upwards at the sight of her clock. It showed ten minutes to midnight. "Come with me, Selena. There's actually another reason why I wanted you to spend the holiday with me."

With growing curiosity, Selena rose and eagerly followed her senior. She had given Miriam her gift just as she stepped into the household; new bookends and some quills and ink she purchased at Hogsmeade a while back. The Mediwizard was brought to the study, where there was a box the size of a medium suitcase on her desk.

"So, I was at my brother's a few months ago and he held this garage sale, but before that, he asked us if there was anything we wanted to keep." Miriam spoke as she circled around the box and began unpacking it. "When I saw this, I remembered the times you would hum to yourself or subtly hint to our boss for music at the lounge..."

Selena's hand covered her mouth in shock. "Don't tell me—"

"Yes! It's a record player. And it's yours!" Miriam clapped excitedly.

"Miriam! This is… Wow." The younger gracefully ran her hands on the shiny black record player; so shiny, she could see her own reflection on the side. "Are you sure you didn't spend even a nickel? It looks brand new!" She steps back warily.

"No, not brand new, just really taken care of. My brother's had that for years. And Selena, trust me, he was kind enough to hand it over for no amount at all. Besides, even if I did have to spend anything, it was a garage sale. Nothing I wouldn't be able to afford." The Healer let out a soft giggle. "Not to brag."

"Miriam, thank you so much. I seriously have no words." Selena beamed with a huge smile.

The other cooed, "No problem, sweetheart. I imagined you bringing this to Hogwarts and have it at the wing or at your office. I'm pretty sure Dumbledore would let you play it."

"That's exactly what I'm going to do! And he definitely would. I'm a good distance from the classrooms anyway, I wouldn't disturb anyone, and Poppy couldn't resist my puppy dog eyes." Selena chuckled, still unable to peel her eyes off the player. "I guess I'm going vinyl shopping this week too."

"Oh, yes! The vinyl! I almost forgot," Miriam released a grunt as she reached for something under her desk; In a cloth bag were lightly dusted vinyls. "My brother gave these to me a week later when he realized he wasn't exactly a Bee Gees fan. Turns out, I'm not one either. I thought, perhaps, you could give them a try?"

"Bee Gees, huh?" Selena scanned through the sets. "I've never heard of them, though they do look worth the try!" She grinned to herself.

In the next few days, the Mediwizard frequently found herself on the surprisingly busy streets of London, shopping and sightseeing all at once. She expected city quietude for once, especially since Christmas had just occurred, but the long line at the department store opposed her presumptions. So far, she shopped for new books—the priority, obviously—some robes at Madame Malkins, and gifts for the faculty all except Severus. She had nothing for him yet. Her mind was blank on choices.

"What's he like?" Miriam asked at some point of the Christmas dinner.

"Professor Snape?" She nodded. "Well, he's quite stern with the students, and he's not exactly the friendly type to anybody else. Though, I should say he is very gentlemanlike and not boring to be around. Just a bit droll." Selena admitted with a slight smirk on her face. "You know, I'm actually at a loss on what to give him for the holidays. He advised me not to give him anything, but I really want to."

"Get him what you got me; quills and ink, throw in some parchment and that would be perfect for his field of work."

Selena scoffed, "He's got plenty of those."

"Hmm," Miriam thought carefully. "A new coat? Replace the burnt one you told me about weeks ago."

"That's too much a gift, though. He might think I want something from him." Selena replied quickly. "Besides, all his cloaks and robes are the same every single day. I wouldn't know where to get the exact same one or if he'd prefer anything different."

"Well, does he like books?"

The Mediwizard stilled for a second. "I'm inclined to think so…"

"Perfect. Get him one of those then." Miriam suggested. "You're an expert at those. And based on your description, he seems like the type who'd enjoy The Divine Comedy or anything by Charles Dickens, which is rare, because nobody likes Charles Dickens."

"Hey!" Selena scowled at her, to which Miriam chortled. "Ebenezer Scrooge just hated Christmas because of his childhood and might I say, terrible parents. He could've been a really great guy, in my opinion."

"You told me the Potions Master disliked Christmas too. He could have the same reason, you never know." The Healer shrugged her shoulders. Selena smiled at her joking manner, but she kept her words in mind.

"Well, too bad for him. I'm making him favor Jane Austen."

On the day of her Apparition back to Hogwarts, Selena stirred bright and early to prepare to go scavenge for books at a few bookshops. She took in Miriam's advice: which was to get Severus a book, even if she'd visit shops and not know what to expect. Just as she finished having breakfast, there was a knock on her door, which struck to her as odd because she didn't expect visitors, unless it was Miriam, though it couldn't be her as she was at her brother's that day.

With her wand ready in her pocket, she sauntered to the door and opened it only half-way after a deep breath. And by Merlin's beard did she not expect this.

"Selena Stellifer," Gilderoy Lockhart smiled the same smile plastered on the magical books she published. "Long time no… see." He chortled flirtatiously.

"Gilderoy, hi..." Selena blinked in surprise. She watched him lean against the railing of the stairs' railing. "What brings you here?" After a scan of the neighborhood, nobody else was present this early in the morning. Good. "And how do you know where I live?"

"My connections are, how should I say this… extensive." He resumed his white smile. "I'd love to come in, but I don't have much time today."

She scoffed. "I don't care. I wasn't going to let you in either way."

"My, you still are such a feisty woman." He remarked, and his smile turned into a smirk. "Lucky for me, I like—"

"What do you want from me?" Selena grunted.

"What are you doing on Sunday?" He instantly inquired, eyes darting between her eyes and his shoes. "Evening. To be precise."

The Mediwizard smiled despite the obvious flare of her nostrils. "I will be working, Gilderoy. Restocking Pepperup potions, to be precise." She mocked his tone.

"Speaking of work, I couldn't find you at St. Mungo's." He cocked his head puzzledly. "Have you been suspended?"

"They'd have to shut down to suspend me from my duties." Selena said proudly. "And I don't know how my work status is of any importance to you."

"Your whole life status is a great importance to me." The writer paused to giggle. "Especially your relationship status, which I would like to change. Unless of course… You are not single?"

"I would like for my status to remain as such, Lockhart. And even if it did change, you wouldn't be the one I wish to be with."

"I believe it was Charles Dickens who said that: a man is lucky if he is the first love of a woman." He quoted, making Selena roll her eyes.

"Jokes on you because firstly, nobody likes Charles Dickens. Secondly, you are not my first love. And third, you are most definitely anything but a man." She countered, unamused.

"O, Selena, why must thou be so stone-hearted." Gilderoy recited dramatically. "Open up for thee, my Queen."

"Even if I gave you the chance, you will never get me at a ghastly William Shakespeare. Do I look that desperate?"

"Well, who would work for you?"

A smirk. "Jane Austen."

"Augh! That terrible minger?"

"How dare you! Minger?" Selena gasped with a hand to her chest, though it was expected. "Get off my stoop, Lockhart."

Gilderoy groaned. "Fine! Fine. I'll reconsider her terrible work for you."

"Insult her one more time, I dare you, I will strike you off the stairs." She sneered.

"I'd rather not. My hair had just been fixed." He said as he stroked the platinum blonde atop his head. "On a more serious note, where do you work now?"

"You have your connections, you said." Selena stepped back to ready to close her door. "Good morning, Gilderoy Lockhart. I truly hope this is the last time I see you—Actually, I'll make sure it is."

"If we see each other again after this, you owe me one whole night, just us." He said confidently.

"I'm not agreeing to anything."

He was already down the steps, half-shouting his words. "Just you wait and see, Selena Stellifer. It's destiny! I'm telling you."

She shut the door and leaned against it with a breath of relief. "What a terrible morning to start the day with."

It was at sunset when Selena had her suitcases and record player with her and after a deep breath, she Apparated back to her room at Hogwarts. The candles instantly lit up at her presence. On cue, there was a knock on her office door and she sped there to open it.

"Professor Snape," She smiled brightly. There was a sensation in her chest at the sight of him.

"I was instructed to escort you to dinner."

"Aw, for a second, I thought you were actually excited to see me." She chuckled as she turned back to close the door.

Severus arched an eyebrow. "Why must I be? I could've sworn I saw you yesterday." He said with his monotone droll, evidently unfazed at the sight of her.

"You really don't have a holiday spirit, huh?" Selena stared up at him.

Meanwhile, his pupils glared at her. "Some people assume I lack even just a spirit, Miss Stellifer." That made the Mediwizard grin wider. "Why are you still so cheerful anyway? In all technicality, Christmas is over."

"Oh please, when was I not cheerful? And as Charles Dickens said: I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

"I never imagined you would ever quote Charles Dickens." Severus shook his head. "Nobody likes him."

Selena scoffed, "Well, it seems you would really enjoy my gift for you."

"I told you not to get me anything." The witch merely shrugged. Severus rolled his eyes. "I didn't get you anything."

"Doesn't matter." She flickered to him with a genuine smile.

In a study in the dungeons, flew a raven with a second-hand copy of A Christmas Carol. Tied to the blue ribbon of which it was wrapped in was a note signed to a certain Potions Master—Christmas may not bring a single thing; still, it gives me a song to sing.