One the ninth day of Christmas, my best friends gave to me
nine dragons diving,
eight Rememberalls,
seven Quidditch pitches
six snitches swooping,
five chocolate frogs
four butterbeers,
three broomsticks
two phoenixes
and a box of Bertie Bott's Beans.
What, may I ask, are you two doing? Lily asked as she sat down to breakfast the next day.
Having fun. James replied.
Actually, James claims he can make a gingerbread house out of toast and fruit. Remus told her.
And I can too. Pass the butter, I need more paste. James said.
I hope you aren't planning on eating this. Lily asked.
Hey, every ingredient is edible. Sirius protested, some strawberries to the side of the toast house.
You know, how about some mint jelly for grass? Peter suggested.
Good idea Wormtail. Sirius grinned, reaching across the table for it. Too bad we don't have broccoli, they'd make great trees.
I swear, you are so easily entertained Sirius. Lily sighed.
Hey, this is fun.
Simple mind simple pleasures, huh Sirius? she smiled.
Sirius was cut off from replying, as the Owl Post began to arrive. There were the usual owls: Sirius' barn owl Jareth, James' snowy owl Blizzard, Remus' Tawny owl Splotches, and Peter's golden colored owl Ambrosia. Lily watched as her friends greeted their owls, offering them bits of food in the hopes of coaxing their letters out of them. Then, a strange black owl landed in front of Lily, dropping a letter for her before taking off again. Lily quickly opened it.
Meet me under the divination ladder at midnight tonight.
What's it say? Remus asked, watching her from across the table.
Oh, its just from my parents. Lily lied. She wondered who had written to her and why they hadn't signed it.
Okay. That still doesn't answer the question of what it says. He grinned.
Its personal, okay? she laughed.
No, its not okay. He teased, trying to snatch the letter from her. Let me see what it says.
She said, pulling the letter from his reach and stuffing it down her shirt.
Go ahead Moony, try and get it. Sirius grinned mischievously. That's an invitation if I ever saw one.
Sorry, that's James' territory. Remus grinned.
James and Lily cried in unison. This only made them all start laughing. Remus knew them well enough to know they weren't angry with him. It was all just friendly teasing.
Oh look, poor Snapey looks so alone. Sirius grinned as the began to calm down.
Aww, poor guy. James said sarcastically.
The other Slytherins probably wanted to get away from him. Sirius continued. I'll bet that's why they all left.
Santa probably has an easy time with his presents. James said unexpectedly.
How come? Peter asked curiously.
All he has to do is take a shovel out to the reindeer stalls.
Eww! James! Remus laughed. Sirius didn't say anything for once. He was too busy snorting Pumpkin juice out his nose.
Pumpkin juice is raining on the toast house! Quick, make an umbrella from orange peels! James laughed. This only made Siirus shoot even more out his nose, almost spraying Lily.
Sirius, that's gross! Lily cried.
Don't blame me. He protested, wiping his nose with a napkin. Blame your boyfriend here.
I will. You get no kisses until lunch as punishment James.
Oh no, how will he ever survive? Peter laughed.
I feel faint already. James said dramatically, falling over backwards out of his seat. This only made them all laugh harder.
***********
I wonder who wanted to meet me here. Lily wondered aloud. It was nearly midnight, and she was under the Divination ladder, just like the note had said.
That would be me. Snape said, appearing from the shadows.
What do you want? she asked curiously.
I wanted to ask... he began, but trailed off, as if unsure how to say it. He took a deep breath and continued. I wanted to know...do you still want that truce?
Do you really mean that? she asked, wondering if he was just setting her up for something.
Yes, I do. I don't know why, but I do. If you can convince your Marauders, I'm willing. I'm alone for Christmas as it is, I don't need them pranking me on top of that.
Don't worry Severus, I can convince them. I'll go right now. She said, turning to go.
Wait, please. He begged softly.
What is it?
Do...do you know how to counter an anti-healing hex? he asked nervously.
I might. I can try. Why?
Not here. Let's go to my Common Room. he replied, not answering her question.
I can't go there. She protested.
No one will turn you in. No one's there, remember? And I certainly don't want to get in trouble.
she consented, letting him lead the way.
*************
Lily had no idea where the Slytherin Common Room was. James and the others had been there several times, to play pranks, but she had never gone with them. Of course, she'd never really had a reason too. She thought their pranks were amusing, but she didn't have the courage to play any herself. She was content just to listen to their tales of mischief.
Snape led her to the entrance and muttered the password, but she couldn't hear what it was. She didn't really care either. It wasn't as if she would be coming back ever again. What annoyed her most was that Snape wasn't saying a word. The silence of the castle was unnerving enough without him being so quiet. But her curiosity made her keep following him down the steps to a dimly lit silver and green room. The couches were all a deep emerald green with silver trimming. A fire provided the only light in the room, though the silvery carpeting reflected the light well.
Snape released her wrist after he had led her in front of the fire. It was very silent in the room. Unnaturally silent. Not even the fire was crackling. No wind rushed by the windows. She could only hear herself and Snape breathing. The silence only made her feel more and more nervous. She asked herself, not for the first time, why she had followed him here.
Now, what's all this about an anti-healing hex? she asked anxiously.
Severus turned his back to her and, unexpectedly, pulled off his shirt.
Oh my God. Lily gasped in horror. The silence was suddenly broken by the clock chiming midnight, but even that gave way to the horrified silence once again.
