Many thanks to my third review posted by Juryu. I'm still looking for a Beta Reader. Like I said you will get the full story all at once or bits and pieces. I know the end of this chapter is a cliffhanger. I'll try my best to have Chapter 6 ASAP. I'm a senior in college and am taking two graduate level courses. I'm also doing work on an independent thesis. Book mark my page and check for updates frequently. I'll try to have one chapter or more up a day. Many thanks!
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Ch5- Getting Caught On A Birthday
Delia stood in the common room wide-awake now. She realized that there was a grumble in her stomach. She sighed and cursed herself for forgetting dinner. She decided to sneak out and head to the kitchens. She knew she had to be careful not to run into Severus and Professor Quirrell on duty. She left the dorm and walked into a quiet hallway. This time she had remembered shoes. The halls at this hour always seemed quiet, almost eerie.
She slinked down the hall and peeked around the corner. She saw Quirrell and Severus walking and having a chat. She waited until they rounded the corner and proceeded on. She made it to the kitchens. The house elves were more then happy to see her. They gave her a feast. She had ham, roast beef, carrots, potatoes and chocolate cake. She thanked the elves and took a basket of food back they offered. Delia felt heavy after her feast. She stopped, set the basket down and looked around the corner for Severus or Quirrell. She breathed a sigh of relief when she didn't see either. She was picking up the basket when she heard a voice from behind her.
"M-m-miss Wh-Wh-Wheelrite! What e-e-ever are y-y-y-y-you doing out of b-b-b-bed?"
"I was, um, feeling... faint... and hungry so I went to the kitchen!" Real lame, damn BUSTED, she thought
"I-I-I dear say! Y-y-you sh-sh-sh-should see Madame Pomfrey! H-Ha-has th-th-this happened before?"
"A few times," she lied it was her own fault for missing dinner.
"Professor, I'll handle this. Continue the patrol will you?" A familiar silky voice said.
"Y-y-yes," and he walked off down the hall. Delia didn't know what to think. She knew she was in more hot water now that Severus shown up. At least with Quirrell she knew she was in the clear. When it came to health matters he let you do as you pleased. With Severus he was likely to drag you to Dumbledore and you would end up with Saturday afternoon dentition with Filch. Severus looked at Delia. "What are you doing out of bed? I just dropped you off a half hour ago and I find you wandering the halls at night! This is no way for a seventh year to behave! You know better!"
"I know but I was hungry and felt faint. So I went to the kitchen. I'm surprised I made it as far as I did because I was shaking bad!"
"You shouldn't have skipped dinner. Its your own fault!" he replied angrily.
"I know. So what's my punishment? Detention tomorrow?" She said coolly.
"No," he replied in his silky voice. "I'm more inclined to suspend you from Quidditch for a month!"
"A MONTH!" she exclaimed. "You can't do that!"
"Yes, I can. Come on, we are going to see Professor Sprout. She can handle this."
Delia picked up her basket and followed Severus to Professor Sprout's door. Severus knocked. Professor Sprout opened the door.
"I hope I haven't disturbed you," he said.
"No, not at all," she replied. "I was up. Is something wrong? Why is Delia here?"
"She was out past curfew." Severus said in his silky voice matter of factly. "She claims she was hungry, faint and shaky. Miss Wheelrite forgot dinner, it's her own doings."
"Delia I am thoroughly displeased!" Sprout exclaimed. "I will deduct 30 points."
"May I suggest suspension from Quidditch for a month?" chimed in Severus.
"I don't think that is necessary, Severus. But if she is caught out again we will see about it! Now, get to bed Delia as soon as Quidditch practice is over with tomorrow and if scheduling permits I will see you for detention. If not I expect you in the greenhouse at three! Severus make sure Delia gets back to the Hufflepuff Dormitory please."
"I will do so," Severus replied as Sprout was shutting her door. Delia knew she had upset her head of house. This was Delia's first real offence Professor Sprout. Delia and Severus set off down the hall. "I didn't want to do that, Delia" Delia didn't say anything. "I'm sorry but I had to. You would have been all right if Quirrell hadn't found out."
"What if you had found out first?" Delia asked.
"I would have pretended not to have seen it and made sure you got back unnoticed. But since there is a procedure I had to follow it because Quirrell saw you. And so I had to be my nasty usual self. I really don't want to suspend you from Quidditch. I find the Hufflepuff Chasers entertaining. Where you learned those moves I'll never know!"
"Would you believe I invented most them?" she said smugly.
"With you, yes. Here we are at your dormitory, once again only this time you have shoes on."
Delia smiled. "Déjà vu! Seems like I have been here before. Well I'll leave you to it have fun looking for escapees and watch out for Peeves. Take care and good night!"
"Do you honestly think I'm going to let you off that easily?" he askedstrictly.
"Yep. Ignorance is bliss! Ga'Night!" she said in her usual cheerful Kansas drawl.
"My sweet young, ignorant Delia, don't you think that since no one is about that I may have a kiss?"
"Okey doke," she said looking over her shoulder stepping closer to Severus. "Just one."
He smiled and they kissed. "Now get to bed and stay there!"
"Don't worry, I will" she said smiling.
"Oh Delia, wait! Since it's after midnight...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
"You are right! I didn't think. Thanks!"
"And do you feel older?"
"I dunno," she shrugged. "I mean I feel my usual self."
"All right," they heard footsteps coming down the hall and saw Quirrell and Severus immediately had to change his tone. "If I ever catch you out again Miss Wheelrite, I can guarantee I will make your miserable life considerably more miserable then it already is. NOW GET TO BED!"
"Yes, Professor Snape," she muttered the password and walk in to the Hufflepuff Dormitory.
Severus turned to Quirrell and spoke. "I don't think we will have to worry about Miss Wheelrite for awhile!"
Delia woke up to Josh and Nicola shouting " HAPPY BIRTHDAY" in Delia's face.
"Wake up sleepy head!" Nicola shouted. "OUT OUT OUT!"
"NO!" Delia argued.
"Ok Josh pull off the blankets!" Nicola hollered
"Will do!" Josh said with good cheer.
"NO! DON"T EVEN!" Delia protested as Josh pulled off the blankets. "Ok you win I'm up!"
"Good in that case, I'll dress you for breakfast!" Nicola said.
***
Delia walked into the Great Hall for Breakfast. Nicola had dressed Delia for the event. Delia's hair was in an interesting fashion. Nicola had spent thirty-minutes putting in a lot of ponytails, some consisting of braids some with twists. All were tied with ribbons of many colors. And to top it off Nicola had gotten Delia a new set of pajamas with fish on them and matching fish bedroom slippers. Josh had gotten Delia the matching bathrobe. Delia looked a sight. Delia passed the Slytherin table. They were having quite a time with the eye candy. Delia knew this was going to be a long day. She was causing quite a scene.
"WITCHES AND WIZARD MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!" Josh shouted climbing up on the Hufflepuff table. " TODAY IS DELIA WHEELRITE'S EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY. WE WILL WISH HER HAPPY BIRTHDAY AFTER SHE HAS SHOWN OFF HER NEW OUT FIT." Delia began to strut down in-between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw table once finished she walked by the Slytherins and the Gryffindors. "AS YOU CAN SEE MISS DELIA WHEELRITE IS WEARING GLOW IN THE DARK MAGICAL FISH PAJAMAS. THE FISH ACTUALLY SWIM THROUGH THE FABIC. TO COMPLETE THE ENSEMBLE SHE HAS THE MATCHING FISH ROBE COMPLETE WITH SLIPPES THAT WHEN WET PRODUCE BUBBLES. ALL OF THE FABIC IS HUNDREDED PERCENT COTTON. THESE ITEMS CAN BE PURCHASED AT ANY OF THE TWE MAGICAL SLEEP SHOPS IN DIAGON ALLEY OR HOGSMEADE! DELIA'S HAIR IS STYLED BY NICOLA. BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENTS NOW LADIES SHE IS MUCH DEMAND." Delia then took a turn towards the staff table and began strutting down she stopped in front of Dumbledore who was chuckling. "DELIA SHOW THE HEADMASTER
YOU SLIPPERS!" Delia extended her foot. Dumbledore just smiled. Delia proceeded to strut down and stopped at Severus. She looked at him, smiled and did a turn and strutted towards her seat. "AND NOW LET'S SING!" The entire hall broke out in a loud happy birthday song. Once that was done the owls began bringing in the morning post. Several packages arrived for Delia along with cards and letters from friends and family back home. Delia began opening her gifts.
Severus stood up and walked over to Dumbledore. "Headmaster! I am ashamed that you allowed this! Can't you see what a commotion this has been caused?"
"Severus, I had prior knowledge of this," Dumbledore replied. "You know the tradition if you turn eighteen while still at school here. I think you have forgotten what happened to you! Relax and let them enjoy this."
Severus went back to his seat grumbling. But he was secretly chuckling inside. But no one had to know it, did they?
"OH MY GOODNESS! MY GRANDMOTHER SENT ME A THUNDERBIRD RACING BROOM!" Delia exclaimed.
"A WHAT?" Nicola asked
"Thunderbird racing broom," Delia said. "It's faster then anything Nimbus. It's an American broom. This broom is used by the National and Pro Quidditch teams and Quodpot teams in the US!"
"Oh wow! Never thought I'd see one!" Josh said with excitement! "I mean your Colt 7000 is grand, but this is WOW!"
"I love you gran!" Delia said up into the sky.
By the time Delia was finished opening her presents she had a lot of junk to carry. She had many new shirts from her cousin Jen, several CDs from her friends back in Kansas, her parents sent Delia a new laptop, her aunt and uncle gave Delia a really cool pair of leather pants she had seen over the summer. Delia's favorite present was the new broom. She had just finished opening her cards and letters when she came across one from Severus. She opened it and began to read:
My dear Delia,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I would have sent you your gift but that would have looked suspicious. Come see me when you get a chance. I'm not going anywhere or doing anything important today. Take care.
S.
PS. I knew about the little prank this morning.
Delia quickly hide Severus's letter in her stack of other letters and cards. She began eating her breakfast and started chatting with the Quidditch team. Once breakfast was over she went to the library to discuss the Quidditch Scheduling. The other three Quidditch Captains looked at Delia funny as she entered. "Hey, stop gawking, I'm up-to-the-minute stylish!"
"Ok Delia," Oliver Wood said seriously. Everyone knew Quidditch was his game. "Lets start the scheduling. I think that in lieu of Delia's birthday today Hufflepuff should have first dibs at the field."
No one disagreed with Oliver. After an hour the scheduling was complete. Delia went back to the Common room to claim her Quidditch team. "Let's go, we have the field first!"
It was noon when Delia came back in from practice. Her new broom handled better then expected. She couldn't believe the power it had! Neither could anyone else on the team. Most of the practice was spent on Delia's Thunderbird. Nothing was accomplished. Delia walked into the Great Hall in her Quidditch Robes for lunch. She ate a quick lunch and went to the dorm to change. After that she went to Professor Sprouts Greenhouse and spent three hours in detention. Actually, it really wasn't detention. Delia learned more about the care of plants then she learned in a week. Delia took a quick bath, dressed in her new pants and a pink shirt with rhinestones and set off for the dungeon.
She peeked inside the classroom and saw Severus bent over a cauldron. She pushed open the cracked door and crossed the threshold. Severus sensed Delia and turned around. He smiled, "Good Afternoon Miss Wheelrite, I take it you have had a nice birthday so far?"
"Yes, I have," she answered back closing the door to the classroom.
"Nice trousers. I never knew you were interested in black leather."
"You don't know me very well do you?" she said with a smirk. "What are you working on?"
"Just making more cold remedy potion. Madame Pomfrey is out. It needs to simmer for a few more hours."
"In that case I won't get a cold in the next few hours. Otherwise I'd be in trouble."
"Exactly, I was just about to take a break. I don't know if you drink coffee or not, but are more then welcome to some and a few pieces of baklava."
"Did I hear BAKLAVA?" she said optimistically.
"You most certainly did," he replied.
"Great. I'll take a chunk and some coffee. Heck, just get yourself a piece and I'll take the pan."
Severus shook his head and motioned for Delia to go with him to his chambers. She followed and took a seat on the couch while Severus made the coffee. He returned with a tray, set it on the footstool walked off and returned with two small packages neatly wrapped in red paper. He stood over Delia and handed the packages to her. She set one in her lap. "Happy Birthday, Delia. You only turn eighten once, enjoy it. Because old age catches up with you fast!"
"I'll remember that!" she said with a laugh opening the first package. It contained a jewelry box that said Harrods. "Severus, you shouldn't have!"
"I did anyway," he replied as if it were nothing.
Delia opened the box carefully. It contained a golden charm bracelet heaped with charms. Delia sat there wide eyed as Severus got down on one knee and put the bracelet on her wrist delicately. He couldn't help but notice how small her wrist was. "I hope it fits. If it doesn't I'll get it sized." Delia raised her wrist, flicked it round a few times.
"Yes, it fits fine," she reassured him.
"Good," he said taking her hand and kissing tenderly. This sent chills up and down Delia's spine. Delia retrieved her hand back and opened the other package. It was another jewelry box that said Harrods.
"Once again, you shouldn't have!" she cried as she opened the box exposing the prettiest hair clips Delia had ever seen. There were eight, making it a set of four. There were three sets of bobby pins. One set had a greenest Emerald Delia had ever seen. The second had the bluest Sapphire Delia had ever laid eyes on. The last of bobby pins set was the purest diamond of anything Delia had ever known. What flabbergasted Delia the most was the butterfly clips. They had all twelve birthstones inlaid in them. Delia managed to stammer out a thank you. She was bewildered.
Delia really didn't notice that he said you are welcome or when Severus left the floor and sat down beside her on the couch. "Don't be concerned about loosing the clips and pins," he said. "They have a Sticking Spell on them."
"Good," that was all Delia managed to worm out. She was clutching box of hair clips. Severus reached over and took the box from her and began placing the clips and pins in Delia's long hair. Once he finished he took Delia's chin into his hand, raised her head slightly and gazed in to her blue grey eyes.
"I'm no Nicola, but I think your hair looks lovely." He kissed her. "Go look in the mirror!"
Delia walked into the bathroom and look at her hair. Severus was right. He wasn't a Nicola. But her hair did look nice. Delia couldn't get over the two presents. Severus must have spent a bundle. Delia had been given nice things before but nothing quite like this. Delia's father had never given her mother anything like this before. Sure, he's given his wife jewelry before, but nothing this fancy. It seemed strange. Delia had grown up with the impression that jewelry was something well-off husbands gave their wives. Then she wondered if Severus had spent his entire paycheck on her. Then she pondered did he get a paycheck or was money just deposited in his account at Gringotts? Then it crossed her mind that if had been working here for quite sometime and just saved he would have money. Since he didn't have to buy food and pay a mortgage or a car payment like most men Delia knew at Severus age. He didn't have any children that Delia knew about. Heck, he could have been well off
to start with. Delia quit analyzing the situation. Severus had given her an amazing birthday present, but her modest Kansas ways were making her think. That was all. She was just going to accept his gifts and enjoy it! Delia walked out of the bathroom and returned to the couch next to Severus. She reached over and pick up her coffee and grabbed a piece of baklava. She ate a bite and sipped her coffee.
"You drink coffee black?" Severus asked.
"Sometimes, like if I'm eating a sweet dessert or I'm in bad mood in the morning or if I'm just being lazy and don't want to put sugar in."
"I drink coffee black, but I can't stand tea without sugar and milk!"
"Really? I can drink tea anyway.
"It must be an American thing" Severus speculated. "Anyway do you have any idea why I choose the stones I did for your bobby pins?"
"Well lets see, green is a nice holiday color, blue is an all around good color and ninety percent of the population will say blue is their favorite color, and Diamonds are a girls best friend and they just goes with everything."
"Very funny. That is the wrong answer. I will leave you to figure out the real answer,"
"So we are talking some symbolic meaning," she took a bite out of her baklava. "Are we talking about them in the modern, traditional, mystical or Ayurvedic since?"
"I am impressed! Someone paid attention in Divination class! And to answer your question it's traditional.
"Ok let's see if I can remember." She said eating the last of her baklava slowly as if she were deep in thought. "The last time I had stones was like what...my fourth year? Ok... If I can recall an emerald is most valued after a diamond. An emerald can prevent infertility or prevent misfortune. Its also the birthstone of May"
"Very good, Delia!" Severus exclaimed.
"Then there's the diamonds. Which is April's birthstone. The diamond is the most rare of stones. And it means eternal love. Which makes it popular for engagement rings. Also emeralds are thrown in on engagement rings to make the ring have more symbolic meaning of luck, love and fertility."
"I am still impressed. Keep going!"
"Well sapphire is September's birthstone. Gee, I wonder who had a birthday in September? Anyway a sapphire is supposed to cure you of all diseases."
"Very very good! You can predict my future anytime with a crystal ball!"
"No thanks," Delia said. "Not into that. I have this thing about the future. I prefer to find out as I go along. I think fate should be left to do what it should do and I don't think I should interfere with something like that."
"Good. I don't need another Madame Trelawney around here. It's bad enough she goes around predicting my doom."
"Tell me about it! I think she likes it. Must be something she's sniffing. If she would just predict good stuff and not the bad more often that would be all right. I mean, I don't want to stew over my own doom. She predicted my death to be quick and painless. I really don't want to know. I have a full life to live and when I'm on my deathbed that's when I'll contemplate it. Until then I'm living it up!"
"I like your thinking."
"Thanks but I do have a question. Why did you choose the stones you did?"
"Think long and hard," he said.
"Well the sapphire is easy, I was born in September. The diamond I have no clue. The emerald to prevent me from all the doom Madame Trelawney predicts?"
"One out of three right. I'll give you a hint. One is my birthstone."
"I'm going out on a limb and say May."
"You are good! If you can guess the date I'll give you something!"
Delia looked at Severus. She looked at him with intent. She was scrutinizing him over with her eyes. "Twenty-sixth of May!"
"Are you sure you aren't Madame Trelawney in disguise?" he asked shocked.
"No, why am I right?"
"Yes!"
"Oh my goodness! I was just joking around. I wasn't expecting to be right the first time! My brain is now fried," she said grabbing a second piece of baklava and stuffing it down. "Anyway what are you going to give me? Five bucks?"
"I'm not going and finding five bucks in the forest Delia!" he exclaimed.
"Nononon. Not that type of buck! Back home we say bucks to mean dollars. It's a slang term! Five dollars equals one galleon, one sickle and eighteen knuts."
"Someone paid attention in Aramitcay! Delia you are scaring me. One of these days you will be smarter then me!" Severus explained getting up and going to a box on one of the shelves.
"Oh come off it," she said in her distinct accent. "I'm not a genius. I just have a rattrap memory for some things. Like Divination, I just memorize it and it never leaves my brain. It's there for life. I shall spent many years in psychotherapy for it."
Severus returned with the box. He opened it up and pulled out a smaller box, then set the bigger box on the footstool next to the tray. It was another jewelry box. Only this one looked older and the box looked a little worn. "This was my mother's. It brought her many years of good luck. She told me to give it to another smart and influencel young lady I would happen to find. There's a story behind it. My grandfather gave it to my grandmother and then my father gave it to my mother. These two ladies were smart, Delia. Smarter then grandfather, my father and me put together. Also, it's been passed down from generation to generation since about 1500. But it's had some changes. But the main thing is the accessory stayed the same. The chain has been replaced several times. I would like you to have it."
Delia gaped at Severus and she stammered. "I-I-I can't t-take wh-wh-whatever this object is."
"Yes, you can and will. If my mother were still alive she would have liked you. She would insist I give it to you." He opened the box reveling a small golden key on a chain. "There is more to the story too. Within two years the recipient and giver have gotten married. This tradition hasn't been broken, ever." Delia looked wide-eyed. This was too much for her.
"I'm still not taking it," she said. "It's nice, don't get me wrong. But I just can't!"
"I knew you would argue. My mother argued with my father too at first. She was just a year older then you at the time. She was a lot like you, modest. She was also a Hufflepuff."
"Sorry, its just being a Kansan we are modest."
"Delia, I know that this necklace means a lot. I know it carries a great deal of weight. I can furthermore understand that you may not believe you are ready for it. I however think you are. I know you are."
Delia sighed and took the jewelry box the necklace was in. "It is pretty and it's been around since 1500...wow...pretty cool if you ask me. That is just awesome. Nifty neato!"
Severus laughed. "I somehow never acknowledged the notion of this precious family heirloom would have been classified in those terms! There is always a first time for everything!"
Delia nodded her head. "So true, so true. Leave it to me to call a family heirloom of yours `cool and awesome.'" Then she chuckled "and especially `nifty neato!'"
"Well in that case since this is such a cool, awesome and especially nifty neato necklace do I get the honour of placing it on your décolletage?"
Delia looked at the necklace and handed it back to Severus. She looked at Severus, smiled and asked, "I know this is silly, but what if I don't want to marry you? I mean I am only eighteen! I haven't even finished school. Don't take offence, but I haven't even thought about even being someone's wife! I haven't even been someone's girlfriend or for that matter ever been in love. I wouldn't know what it is if it were to foxtrot out in front of me wearing a pink neon sign! This is one thing I don't know! What are the rules anyway when it comes to this matter?"
Severus nodded. "So now I see. Let me tell you one thing whatever the `rules' are chuck them out and write your own in this case. I am not asking you to marry me, I'm only telling you the irony of it all. I just found that funny. As for love, you'll know when you are in love. Take my word for it. I know you are sick of this saying, but you are young and I sometimes forget that such matters of the heart sometimes confuse young people. You are most likely in a world of confusion over me. I can see why. I went from being Professor Snape to Severus. You expected Thomas Fint, instead of me."
"How did you know about that?" Delia gasped.
"Oh please!" he replied. "I've seen you last year crooning over him in Hogsmeade with Nicola. You were doing what you call `scooping out something hot!' I overheard that in the Three Broomsticks. You went off for ten minutes about how cute he is! Then you started following him around. I was trying very hard not to laugh that day. I'll admit I'm no Thomas Fint; I'm far from it."
Delia was blushing she couldn't believe that Severus knew who her crush was! Then again at the rate she used to talk about she wouldn't be surprised if Thomas knew it himself. She let out a sigh and placed her hands I her face. She could see that this necklace meant a lot to Severus. If he was giving it to her that said a lot, he had feelings for Delia. Deeper then she had ever experienced or known. She looked at Severus and thought that it must have taken a lot to even tell her the narrative. She couldn't stop thinking about how much this opened him up to vulnerability. Delia had a power that she didn't know she had over a compassionless man and turned him into a different person. It was strange that she now cared for him as Severus and not as Professor Snape. He had risked a great deal to tell Delia how he felt about her.
"You are being quiet," Severus said in his smooth silky voice.
"Sorry, thinking," she said.
"About what?"
"Nothing significant," she shrugged.
Severus stood up holding the necklace's box. "I'm not going to force you, Delia. When you are ready for the necklace let me know." He began to walk over to the shelf to put away the necklace inside the bigger box he was carrying.
"Severus," Delia said. He turned and looked at her.
"Yes, Delia."
"I'm ready for the necklace."
***
Ch5- Getting Caught On A Birthday
Delia stood in the common room wide-awake now. She realized that there was a grumble in her stomach. She sighed and cursed herself for forgetting dinner. She decided to sneak out and head to the kitchens. She knew she had to be careful not to run into Severus and Professor Quirrell on duty. She left the dorm and walked into a quiet hallway. This time she had remembered shoes. The halls at this hour always seemed quiet, almost eerie.
She slinked down the hall and peeked around the corner. She saw Quirrell and Severus walking and having a chat. She waited until they rounded the corner and proceeded on. She made it to the kitchens. The house elves were more then happy to see her. They gave her a feast. She had ham, roast beef, carrots, potatoes and chocolate cake. She thanked the elves and took a basket of food back they offered. Delia felt heavy after her feast. She stopped, set the basket down and looked around the corner for Severus or Quirrell. She breathed a sigh of relief when she didn't see either. She was picking up the basket when she heard a voice from behind her.
"M-m-miss Wh-Wh-Wheelrite! What e-e-ever are y-y-y-y-you doing out of b-b-b-bed?"
"I was, um, feeling... faint... and hungry so I went to the kitchen!" Real lame, damn BUSTED, she thought
"I-I-I dear say! Y-y-you sh-sh-sh-should see Madame Pomfrey! H-Ha-has th-th-this happened before?"
"A few times," she lied it was her own fault for missing dinner.
"Professor, I'll handle this. Continue the patrol will you?" A familiar silky voice said.
"Y-y-yes," and he walked off down the hall. Delia didn't know what to think. She knew she was in more hot water now that Severus shown up. At least with Quirrell she knew she was in the clear. When it came to health matters he let you do as you pleased. With Severus he was likely to drag you to Dumbledore and you would end up with Saturday afternoon dentition with Filch. Severus looked at Delia. "What are you doing out of bed? I just dropped you off a half hour ago and I find you wandering the halls at night! This is no way for a seventh year to behave! You know better!"
"I know but I was hungry and felt faint. So I went to the kitchen. I'm surprised I made it as far as I did because I was shaking bad!"
"You shouldn't have skipped dinner. Its your own fault!" he replied angrily.
"I know. So what's my punishment? Detention tomorrow?" She said coolly.
"No," he replied in his silky voice. "I'm more inclined to suspend you from Quidditch for a month!"
"A MONTH!" she exclaimed. "You can't do that!"
"Yes, I can. Come on, we are going to see Professor Sprout. She can handle this."
Delia picked up her basket and followed Severus to Professor Sprout's door. Severus knocked. Professor Sprout opened the door.
"I hope I haven't disturbed you," he said.
"No, not at all," she replied. "I was up. Is something wrong? Why is Delia here?"
"She was out past curfew." Severus said in his silky voice matter of factly. "She claims she was hungry, faint and shaky. Miss Wheelrite forgot dinner, it's her own doings."
"Delia I am thoroughly displeased!" Sprout exclaimed. "I will deduct 30 points."
"May I suggest suspension from Quidditch for a month?" chimed in Severus.
"I don't think that is necessary, Severus. But if she is caught out again we will see about it! Now, get to bed Delia as soon as Quidditch practice is over with tomorrow and if scheduling permits I will see you for detention. If not I expect you in the greenhouse at three! Severus make sure Delia gets back to the Hufflepuff Dormitory please."
"I will do so," Severus replied as Sprout was shutting her door. Delia knew she had upset her head of house. This was Delia's first real offence Professor Sprout. Delia and Severus set off down the hall. "I didn't want to do that, Delia" Delia didn't say anything. "I'm sorry but I had to. You would have been all right if Quirrell hadn't found out."
"What if you had found out first?" Delia asked.
"I would have pretended not to have seen it and made sure you got back unnoticed. But since there is a procedure I had to follow it because Quirrell saw you. And so I had to be my nasty usual self. I really don't want to suspend you from Quidditch. I find the Hufflepuff Chasers entertaining. Where you learned those moves I'll never know!"
"Would you believe I invented most them?" she said smugly.
"With you, yes. Here we are at your dormitory, once again only this time you have shoes on."
Delia smiled. "Déjà vu! Seems like I have been here before. Well I'll leave you to it have fun looking for escapees and watch out for Peeves. Take care and good night!"
"Do you honestly think I'm going to let you off that easily?" he askedstrictly.
"Yep. Ignorance is bliss! Ga'Night!" she said in her usual cheerful Kansas drawl.
"My sweet young, ignorant Delia, don't you think that since no one is about that I may have a kiss?"
"Okey doke," she said looking over her shoulder stepping closer to Severus. "Just one."
He smiled and they kissed. "Now get to bed and stay there!"
"Don't worry, I will" she said smiling.
"Oh Delia, wait! Since it's after midnight...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
"You are right! I didn't think. Thanks!"
"And do you feel older?"
"I dunno," she shrugged. "I mean I feel my usual self."
"All right," they heard footsteps coming down the hall and saw Quirrell and Severus immediately had to change his tone. "If I ever catch you out again Miss Wheelrite, I can guarantee I will make your miserable life considerably more miserable then it already is. NOW GET TO BED!"
"Yes, Professor Snape," she muttered the password and walk in to the Hufflepuff Dormitory.
Severus turned to Quirrell and spoke. "I don't think we will have to worry about Miss Wheelrite for awhile!"
Delia woke up to Josh and Nicola shouting " HAPPY BIRTHDAY" in Delia's face.
"Wake up sleepy head!" Nicola shouted. "OUT OUT OUT!"
"NO!" Delia argued.
"Ok Josh pull off the blankets!" Nicola hollered
"Will do!" Josh said with good cheer.
"NO! DON"T EVEN!" Delia protested as Josh pulled off the blankets. "Ok you win I'm up!"
"Good in that case, I'll dress you for breakfast!" Nicola said.
***
Delia walked into the Great Hall for Breakfast. Nicola had dressed Delia for the event. Delia's hair was in an interesting fashion. Nicola had spent thirty-minutes putting in a lot of ponytails, some consisting of braids some with twists. All were tied with ribbons of many colors. And to top it off Nicola had gotten Delia a new set of pajamas with fish on them and matching fish bedroom slippers. Josh had gotten Delia the matching bathrobe. Delia looked a sight. Delia passed the Slytherin table. They were having quite a time with the eye candy. Delia knew this was going to be a long day. She was causing quite a scene.
"WITCHES AND WIZARD MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!" Josh shouted climbing up on the Hufflepuff table. " TODAY IS DELIA WHEELRITE'S EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY. WE WILL WISH HER HAPPY BIRTHDAY AFTER SHE HAS SHOWN OFF HER NEW OUT FIT." Delia began to strut down in-between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw table once finished she walked by the Slytherins and the Gryffindors. "AS YOU CAN SEE MISS DELIA WHEELRITE IS WEARING GLOW IN THE DARK MAGICAL FISH PAJAMAS. THE FISH ACTUALLY SWIM THROUGH THE FABIC. TO COMPLETE THE ENSEMBLE SHE HAS THE MATCHING FISH ROBE COMPLETE WITH SLIPPES THAT WHEN WET PRODUCE BUBBLES. ALL OF THE FABIC IS HUNDREDED PERCENT COTTON. THESE ITEMS CAN BE PURCHASED AT ANY OF THE TWE MAGICAL SLEEP SHOPS IN DIAGON ALLEY OR HOGSMEADE! DELIA'S HAIR IS STYLED BY NICOLA. BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENTS NOW LADIES SHE IS MUCH DEMAND." Delia then took a turn towards the staff table and began strutting down she stopped in front of Dumbledore who was chuckling. "DELIA SHOW THE HEADMASTER
YOU SLIPPERS!" Delia extended her foot. Dumbledore just smiled. Delia proceeded to strut down and stopped at Severus. She looked at him, smiled and did a turn and strutted towards her seat. "AND NOW LET'S SING!" The entire hall broke out in a loud happy birthday song. Once that was done the owls began bringing in the morning post. Several packages arrived for Delia along with cards and letters from friends and family back home. Delia began opening her gifts.
Severus stood up and walked over to Dumbledore. "Headmaster! I am ashamed that you allowed this! Can't you see what a commotion this has been caused?"
"Severus, I had prior knowledge of this," Dumbledore replied. "You know the tradition if you turn eighteen while still at school here. I think you have forgotten what happened to you! Relax and let them enjoy this."
Severus went back to his seat grumbling. But he was secretly chuckling inside. But no one had to know it, did they?
"OH MY GOODNESS! MY GRANDMOTHER SENT ME A THUNDERBIRD RACING BROOM!" Delia exclaimed.
"A WHAT?" Nicola asked
"Thunderbird racing broom," Delia said. "It's faster then anything Nimbus. It's an American broom. This broom is used by the National and Pro Quidditch teams and Quodpot teams in the US!"
"Oh wow! Never thought I'd see one!" Josh said with excitement! "I mean your Colt 7000 is grand, but this is WOW!"
"I love you gran!" Delia said up into the sky.
By the time Delia was finished opening her presents she had a lot of junk to carry. She had many new shirts from her cousin Jen, several CDs from her friends back in Kansas, her parents sent Delia a new laptop, her aunt and uncle gave Delia a really cool pair of leather pants she had seen over the summer. Delia's favorite present was the new broom. She had just finished opening her cards and letters when she came across one from Severus. She opened it and began to read:
My dear Delia,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I would have sent you your gift but that would have looked suspicious. Come see me when you get a chance. I'm not going anywhere or doing anything important today. Take care.
S.
PS. I knew about the little prank this morning.
Delia quickly hide Severus's letter in her stack of other letters and cards. She began eating her breakfast and started chatting with the Quidditch team. Once breakfast was over she went to the library to discuss the Quidditch Scheduling. The other three Quidditch Captains looked at Delia funny as she entered. "Hey, stop gawking, I'm up-to-the-minute stylish!"
"Ok Delia," Oliver Wood said seriously. Everyone knew Quidditch was his game. "Lets start the scheduling. I think that in lieu of Delia's birthday today Hufflepuff should have first dibs at the field."
No one disagreed with Oliver. After an hour the scheduling was complete. Delia went back to the Common room to claim her Quidditch team. "Let's go, we have the field first!"
It was noon when Delia came back in from practice. Her new broom handled better then expected. She couldn't believe the power it had! Neither could anyone else on the team. Most of the practice was spent on Delia's Thunderbird. Nothing was accomplished. Delia walked into the Great Hall in her Quidditch Robes for lunch. She ate a quick lunch and went to the dorm to change. After that she went to Professor Sprouts Greenhouse and spent three hours in detention. Actually, it really wasn't detention. Delia learned more about the care of plants then she learned in a week. Delia took a quick bath, dressed in her new pants and a pink shirt with rhinestones and set off for the dungeon.
She peeked inside the classroom and saw Severus bent over a cauldron. She pushed open the cracked door and crossed the threshold. Severus sensed Delia and turned around. He smiled, "Good Afternoon Miss Wheelrite, I take it you have had a nice birthday so far?"
"Yes, I have," she answered back closing the door to the classroom.
"Nice trousers. I never knew you were interested in black leather."
"You don't know me very well do you?" she said with a smirk. "What are you working on?"
"Just making more cold remedy potion. Madame Pomfrey is out. It needs to simmer for a few more hours."
"In that case I won't get a cold in the next few hours. Otherwise I'd be in trouble."
"Exactly, I was just about to take a break. I don't know if you drink coffee or not, but are more then welcome to some and a few pieces of baklava."
"Did I hear BAKLAVA?" she said optimistically.
"You most certainly did," he replied.
"Great. I'll take a chunk and some coffee. Heck, just get yourself a piece and I'll take the pan."
Severus shook his head and motioned for Delia to go with him to his chambers. She followed and took a seat on the couch while Severus made the coffee. He returned with a tray, set it on the footstool walked off and returned with two small packages neatly wrapped in red paper. He stood over Delia and handed the packages to her. She set one in her lap. "Happy Birthday, Delia. You only turn eighten once, enjoy it. Because old age catches up with you fast!"
"I'll remember that!" she said with a laugh opening the first package. It contained a jewelry box that said Harrods. "Severus, you shouldn't have!"
"I did anyway," he replied as if it were nothing.
Delia opened the box carefully. It contained a golden charm bracelet heaped with charms. Delia sat there wide eyed as Severus got down on one knee and put the bracelet on her wrist delicately. He couldn't help but notice how small her wrist was. "I hope it fits. If it doesn't I'll get it sized." Delia raised her wrist, flicked it round a few times.
"Yes, it fits fine," she reassured him.
"Good," he said taking her hand and kissing tenderly. This sent chills up and down Delia's spine. Delia retrieved her hand back and opened the other package. It was another jewelry box that said Harrods.
"Once again, you shouldn't have!" she cried as she opened the box exposing the prettiest hair clips Delia had ever seen. There were eight, making it a set of four. There were three sets of bobby pins. One set had a greenest Emerald Delia had ever seen. The second had the bluest Sapphire Delia had ever laid eyes on. The last of bobby pins set was the purest diamond of anything Delia had ever known. What flabbergasted Delia the most was the butterfly clips. They had all twelve birthstones inlaid in them. Delia managed to stammer out a thank you. She was bewildered.
Delia really didn't notice that he said you are welcome or when Severus left the floor and sat down beside her on the couch. "Don't be concerned about loosing the clips and pins," he said. "They have a Sticking Spell on them."
"Good," that was all Delia managed to worm out. She was clutching box of hair clips. Severus reached over and took the box from her and began placing the clips and pins in Delia's long hair. Once he finished he took Delia's chin into his hand, raised her head slightly and gazed in to her blue grey eyes.
"I'm no Nicola, but I think your hair looks lovely." He kissed her. "Go look in the mirror!"
Delia walked into the bathroom and look at her hair. Severus was right. He wasn't a Nicola. But her hair did look nice. Delia couldn't get over the two presents. Severus must have spent a bundle. Delia had been given nice things before but nothing quite like this. Delia's father had never given her mother anything like this before. Sure, he's given his wife jewelry before, but nothing this fancy. It seemed strange. Delia had grown up with the impression that jewelry was something well-off husbands gave their wives. Then she wondered if Severus had spent his entire paycheck on her. Then she pondered did he get a paycheck or was money just deposited in his account at Gringotts? Then it crossed her mind that if had been working here for quite sometime and just saved he would have money. Since he didn't have to buy food and pay a mortgage or a car payment like most men Delia knew at Severus age. He didn't have any children that Delia knew about. Heck, he could have been well off
to start with. Delia quit analyzing the situation. Severus had given her an amazing birthday present, but her modest Kansas ways were making her think. That was all. She was just going to accept his gifts and enjoy it! Delia walked out of the bathroom and returned to the couch next to Severus. She reached over and pick up her coffee and grabbed a piece of baklava. She ate a bite and sipped her coffee.
"You drink coffee black?" Severus asked.
"Sometimes, like if I'm eating a sweet dessert or I'm in bad mood in the morning or if I'm just being lazy and don't want to put sugar in."
"I drink coffee black, but I can't stand tea without sugar and milk!"
"Really? I can drink tea anyway.
"It must be an American thing" Severus speculated. "Anyway do you have any idea why I choose the stones I did for your bobby pins?"
"Well lets see, green is a nice holiday color, blue is an all around good color and ninety percent of the population will say blue is their favorite color, and Diamonds are a girls best friend and they just goes with everything."
"Very funny. That is the wrong answer. I will leave you to figure out the real answer,"
"So we are talking some symbolic meaning," she took a bite out of her baklava. "Are we talking about them in the modern, traditional, mystical or Ayurvedic since?"
"I am impressed! Someone paid attention in Divination class! And to answer your question it's traditional.
"Ok let's see if I can remember." She said eating the last of her baklava slowly as if she were deep in thought. "The last time I had stones was like what...my fourth year? Ok... If I can recall an emerald is most valued after a diamond. An emerald can prevent infertility or prevent misfortune. Its also the birthstone of May"
"Very good, Delia!" Severus exclaimed.
"Then there's the diamonds. Which is April's birthstone. The diamond is the most rare of stones. And it means eternal love. Which makes it popular for engagement rings. Also emeralds are thrown in on engagement rings to make the ring have more symbolic meaning of luck, love and fertility."
"I am still impressed. Keep going!"
"Well sapphire is September's birthstone. Gee, I wonder who had a birthday in September? Anyway a sapphire is supposed to cure you of all diseases."
"Very very good! You can predict my future anytime with a crystal ball!"
"No thanks," Delia said. "Not into that. I have this thing about the future. I prefer to find out as I go along. I think fate should be left to do what it should do and I don't think I should interfere with something like that."
"Good. I don't need another Madame Trelawney around here. It's bad enough she goes around predicting my doom."
"Tell me about it! I think she likes it. Must be something she's sniffing. If she would just predict good stuff and not the bad more often that would be all right. I mean, I don't want to stew over my own doom. She predicted my death to be quick and painless. I really don't want to know. I have a full life to live and when I'm on my deathbed that's when I'll contemplate it. Until then I'm living it up!"
"I like your thinking."
"Thanks but I do have a question. Why did you choose the stones you did?"
"Think long and hard," he said.
"Well the sapphire is easy, I was born in September. The diamond I have no clue. The emerald to prevent me from all the doom Madame Trelawney predicts?"
"One out of three right. I'll give you a hint. One is my birthstone."
"I'm going out on a limb and say May."
"You are good! If you can guess the date I'll give you something!"
Delia looked at Severus. She looked at him with intent. She was scrutinizing him over with her eyes. "Twenty-sixth of May!"
"Are you sure you aren't Madame Trelawney in disguise?" he asked shocked.
"No, why am I right?"
"Yes!"
"Oh my goodness! I was just joking around. I wasn't expecting to be right the first time! My brain is now fried," she said grabbing a second piece of baklava and stuffing it down. "Anyway what are you going to give me? Five bucks?"
"I'm not going and finding five bucks in the forest Delia!" he exclaimed.
"Nononon. Not that type of buck! Back home we say bucks to mean dollars. It's a slang term! Five dollars equals one galleon, one sickle and eighteen knuts."
"Someone paid attention in Aramitcay! Delia you are scaring me. One of these days you will be smarter then me!" Severus explained getting up and going to a box on one of the shelves.
"Oh come off it," she said in her distinct accent. "I'm not a genius. I just have a rattrap memory for some things. Like Divination, I just memorize it and it never leaves my brain. It's there for life. I shall spent many years in psychotherapy for it."
Severus returned with the box. He opened it up and pulled out a smaller box, then set the bigger box on the footstool next to the tray. It was another jewelry box. Only this one looked older and the box looked a little worn. "This was my mother's. It brought her many years of good luck. She told me to give it to another smart and influencel young lady I would happen to find. There's a story behind it. My grandfather gave it to my grandmother and then my father gave it to my mother. These two ladies were smart, Delia. Smarter then grandfather, my father and me put together. Also, it's been passed down from generation to generation since about 1500. But it's had some changes. But the main thing is the accessory stayed the same. The chain has been replaced several times. I would like you to have it."
Delia gaped at Severus and she stammered. "I-I-I can't t-take wh-wh-whatever this object is."
"Yes, you can and will. If my mother were still alive she would have liked you. She would insist I give it to you." He opened the box reveling a small golden key on a chain. "There is more to the story too. Within two years the recipient and giver have gotten married. This tradition hasn't been broken, ever." Delia looked wide-eyed. This was too much for her.
"I'm still not taking it," she said. "It's nice, don't get me wrong. But I just can't!"
"I knew you would argue. My mother argued with my father too at first. She was just a year older then you at the time. She was a lot like you, modest. She was also a Hufflepuff."
"Sorry, its just being a Kansan we are modest."
"Delia, I know that this necklace means a lot. I know it carries a great deal of weight. I can furthermore understand that you may not believe you are ready for it. I however think you are. I know you are."
Delia sighed and took the jewelry box the necklace was in. "It is pretty and it's been around since 1500...wow...pretty cool if you ask me. That is just awesome. Nifty neato!"
Severus laughed. "I somehow never acknowledged the notion of this precious family heirloom would have been classified in those terms! There is always a first time for everything!"
Delia nodded her head. "So true, so true. Leave it to me to call a family heirloom of yours `cool and awesome.'" Then she chuckled "and especially `nifty neato!'"
"Well in that case since this is such a cool, awesome and especially nifty neato necklace do I get the honour of placing it on your décolletage?"
Delia looked at the necklace and handed it back to Severus. She looked at Severus, smiled and asked, "I know this is silly, but what if I don't want to marry you? I mean I am only eighteen! I haven't even finished school. Don't take offence, but I haven't even thought about even being someone's wife! I haven't even been someone's girlfriend or for that matter ever been in love. I wouldn't know what it is if it were to foxtrot out in front of me wearing a pink neon sign! This is one thing I don't know! What are the rules anyway when it comes to this matter?"
Severus nodded. "So now I see. Let me tell you one thing whatever the `rules' are chuck them out and write your own in this case. I am not asking you to marry me, I'm only telling you the irony of it all. I just found that funny. As for love, you'll know when you are in love. Take my word for it. I know you are sick of this saying, but you are young and I sometimes forget that such matters of the heart sometimes confuse young people. You are most likely in a world of confusion over me. I can see why. I went from being Professor Snape to Severus. You expected Thomas Fint, instead of me."
"How did you know about that?" Delia gasped.
"Oh please!" he replied. "I've seen you last year crooning over him in Hogsmeade with Nicola. You were doing what you call `scooping out something hot!' I overheard that in the Three Broomsticks. You went off for ten minutes about how cute he is! Then you started following him around. I was trying very hard not to laugh that day. I'll admit I'm no Thomas Fint; I'm far from it."
Delia was blushing she couldn't believe that Severus knew who her crush was! Then again at the rate she used to talk about she wouldn't be surprised if Thomas knew it himself. She let out a sigh and placed her hands I her face. She could see that this necklace meant a lot to Severus. If he was giving it to her that said a lot, he had feelings for Delia. Deeper then she had ever experienced or known. She looked at Severus and thought that it must have taken a lot to even tell her the narrative. She couldn't stop thinking about how much this opened him up to vulnerability. Delia had a power that she didn't know she had over a compassionless man and turned him into a different person. It was strange that she now cared for him as Severus and not as Professor Snape. He had risked a great deal to tell Delia how he felt about her.
"You are being quiet," Severus said in his smooth silky voice.
"Sorry, thinking," she said.
"About what?"
"Nothing significant," she shrugged.
Severus stood up holding the necklace's box. "I'm not going to force you, Delia. When you are ready for the necklace let me know." He began to walk over to the shelf to put away the necklace inside the bigger box he was carrying.
"Severus," Delia said. He turned and looked at her.
"Yes, Delia."
"I'm ready for the necklace."