GUESS WHAT! I got this posted so far! A buddy of mine dropped by with mint chocolate chip ice cream. That's why I'm not in bed.
I just want to say danke to Acree for the review.
We all know the declaimer bit by now....yadddy yaddddddyyyy yadddyyyyy
****
Ch 14-Severus Sends Letters To Kansas.
Severus returned to his empty cold office Wednesday night. He had just walked Delia to her dorm. She has set up shop for her experiments. They had made a list of things she would need. Severus had gotten permission to take Delia to Diagon Alley and his friends. They would over night at his friends home in Yorkshire. Severus had written ahead warning that he would be coming. His friend A.J. didn't have a problem with this. A.J. had known Severus since he was a child Severus took out a quill and parchment and began to write to Delia's father.
Dear Mr. Albert Wheelrite,
I am Professor Severus Snape I am writing on behave of your daughter. Before you yell DELIA, as I have done several times in the past, I want to say this is not school business. This is personal business. It seems I have become quite smitten with your daughter. I realize I am her teacher and she is the student. But our relationship isn't for her grades. I am asking if I may court her. You are her father and I believe I should ask you first. As soon as Delia is old enough and ready I would like to wed her. That is if she will have me as her husband. I will not force it on her. I believe women can make their own decisions.
I suppose you are concerned I am not suitable for your daughter. I have a stable job teaching here at Hogwarts. But I will tell you I have sufficient amount money. I will not disclose the sum at this time. I can take care of her. I may be twice her age but that doesn't seem to bother her. I am for Delia furthering her education once she leaves Hogwarts. Whatever she chooses with is fine with me.
I can understand if you are angry. If Delia was my daughter I would be protective of her. I can understand you may not want me to court your daughter. But I am speaking as a man in love. I have quite a fondness for Delia. I can't begin to describe my feelings. But I also understand she is young. She should be young and enjoy it. You may remember Delia as child, but she has blossomed into this wonderful young lady.
I hope you will allow me to court your daughter. If you have any further questions you can contact me at Hogwarts.
Sincerely,
Professor Severus Snape
Severus wrote a letter to Delia's mother, saying the same thing. Severus put down his quill and rubbed his eyes. It was after one in the morning. He addressed the envelopes. He would send the letters from London. He hoped the best. Severus went into his bedchambers. He got ready for bed. The last thing on his mind before he drifted of was how nice it was to be in love. He no longer felt alone.
***
Friday was a mess. The entire school was excited about the first Quidditch match of the season. Severus thought it was pointless trying to teach the Slytherins and Gryffindors on this morning. All the Slytherins could talk about was how they were going to pound Hufflepuff. Severus wasn't sure he was going to the match. He could bear to see Delia's team lose if Slytherin won. If Slytherin lost he couldn't bear the entire school laughing at Slytherin. But then if he didn't go Delia would be upset. He could cheer Slytherin, but secretly Delia could be his favorite player. No one had to know what he thought anyway.
***
The stands were full. Everyone was there. Severus took a seat in the teacher's box. Professor Sprout came over to join him.
"Ready for some Quidditch?" she asked. "You know it's a perfect day. Not too hot or cold!"
"No, its rather nice. Wonderful," he said un-amused.
"From the look on your face Severus you are scared. What are you afraid Delia will fall? She's a good player, Severus. Don't worry.
"Why should I worry about Delia? It's not my job."
"Please, it's obvious to me. After she fainted on the lawn. I know you like her. You have it bad, Sevvie my man."
"Don't call me that!" he said in a tone that would scare his students. "Oh look they are coming out from the locker rooms."
***
"Ok guys lets do it!" Delia shouted as her team lifted off from the locker rooms. Delia circled the field on her new broom and took her position on the field. Delia looked down to see Madame Hooch bring the trunk out. The Quaffel was unconfined and the game began! Delia was the first to grab the Quaffel. She did a dive down and threw the Quaffel upwards to Josh. Delia then slowed down and fell behind Josh, she slowly rose and Josh threw the Quaffel to Delia. Delia caught it and sped up just. The Thunderbirds excel rate was fanatic. She quickly threw the Quaffel to Nicola who passed it to Josh then to passed it to Delia who was in the scoring area. Delia chucked the Quaffel in the middle hoop getting a nasty look form the Keeper.
"WHAAAOOOOOOO. YEAH! THAT'S THE STUFF!" Delia shouted
Delia got back in the game. She rose fast when she saw a Buldger coming after her. This made Severus gasp. He thought he was going to be ill. It was hard watching Delia. He was afraid that Craig Daniels was going to hit her with a Buldger on purpose. Nicola had possession of the Quaffel. She passed it to Delia who sped off ducking two Slytherin Chasers whom about crashed into each other. Delia flipped down on her broomstick so she was facing down. She was hanging on by her legs. She hurled the Quaffel down to Josh who tossed it up to Nicola who scored ten points. The stands erupted in cheers. Delia flipped back up on her broom. She did just in time. Craig had hit a Buldger her way. Josh and Nicola were chasing after the Quaffel. They didn't get it intercepted in time. Slytherin score.
Severus smiled and clapped. But he knew with the Hufflepuff Chasers well enough. He had to admit that they could play professional. Delia had the Quaffel, but a Buldger hit her in the forehead. She dropped it and Slytherin Chaser picked it up and scored.
Severus gasped and thought Delia was going to fall off. He knew if she fell she could die. A fifty-foot drop was not fun. All of a sudden he didn't like Delia playing Quidditch. He could not think of his world without her.
"Severus, are you all right?" Professor Sprout asked. "If it's Delia she's recovered and scored two more goals. Relax. I've seen Delia do her moves. She's stronger then you think."
Severus scowled. He still didn't like Delia playing Quidditch. Severus was scowling and thinking he was going to be ill. The next thing he knew was Professor Sprout was rubbing it in that Hufflepuff had won two hundred ten to fifty. Severus sighed. He was going to sit in the stands and let everybody clear out before he went away.
***
Delia came out of the Hospital Wing. She was on her way to put away her Thunderbird Broom. She was going to have bruise for a few days. But that was Quidditch. Delia went to the shed, put away her broom and couldn't help but think she was being followed. She turned around and was about to walk out when Severus entered.
"Don't scare me like that again Delia!"
"What?" She exclaimed, "I've been knocked in the head several times. I'll be right as rain in a few days. Just a few more brain cells damaged. Oh well, guess I didn't need them!"
Severus just looked at her. He reached out and pulled her into a warm embrace. Delia thought that she had upset Severus. She really wasn't in a mood to be romantic. She had to get to her celebratory party. She was late as is. She pulled away from Severus.
"I have to go," she said. "I wish I could stay. But I am the captain and I have to make an appearance at the party. I'd much rather be here with you though. What time are we leaving in the morning?"
"Seven. You are showing me ice-skating before we leave for Diagon Alley. Bring your skates."
"But breakfast isn't being served at seven!" Delia cried.
"I'll have it taken care of, don't you worry. Go to the party. Be with your friends. Just don't stay up too late."
"I won't." She kissed him on the cheek and took off.
***
Delia woke up at 6.30. She had packed her bag last night. She had her skates. She was debating if she should take a skating dress or not. In the end she decided against it. She had enough time with Severus going ape over her legs. With a skating dress he's get what all the skaters called butt and panty views. She decided to wear black lycra pants and a oversized chenille sweater. She had a robe for later. She picked up her yellow gym back and headed for the dungeon. Everyone was still asleep. She reached Severus chambers and knocked. He answered the door while holding a cup of coffee. Delia entered his chambers.
"Good morning. I hope you didn't party to hard."
"Nope, the prefects made us go to bed at eleven. When that failed Professor Sprout made sure we were in bed by midnight." Delia laughed. "But of course I was in bed by ten!"
"You expect me to believe that. I don't."
"Believe what you want to believe," she yawned. Severus handed her the coffee. Delia took a drink. Black coffee was always good.
"Are you ready? A.J. is expecting us for breakfast. I hope you have your skates."
"Got my Riedell Elite Royal with Patten 99 K-Picks as my blade," she said with a grin."
"Sounds vicious. I'll stay out of your way. A.J. is expecting us. Are you ready."
"Ready as I'll ever be!"
***
Delia emerged in the living room of a strange home. A short balding man with the lightest green eyes Delia had ever seen looked up from his morning reading of the Daily Prophet and smiled. "You must be Delia. Severus sad he was bringing you. I am Arsenius Jigger. Come in please; sit down make yourself at home. Would you like some tea...ah, good morning Severus."
"Good morning A.J. I see you have met Delia."
"Yes, I have. When would you two like breakfast?"
"If Severus wants to see ice-skating I'd prefer to wait, if that is okay with everyone?" Delia said.
"That is fine," said A.J." I have no qualms. Severus you know where the pond is."
"Are you coming to watch?" Delia asked.
"No thanks," replied A.J. I shall pass. Ice-Skating, funny."
"In that case, I'll get my skates." Delia said setting her bag on the floor. She unzipped the bag and pulled out her skates with purple glittery blade guards. A.J. shot Severus a confused look and went upstairs saying something about his cat.
Severus led Delia out to the pond. A.J lived in a secluded location. He had several green houses growing magical plant. Delia presumed this place had more Muggle Repealing Charms then Hogwarts. A.J.'s pond was the size of a NHL rink. Delia breathed a sigh of ease when she saw that he had a dock that went over the water. Delia could put on her skates and lower herself onto the ice. But she was wondering how Severus was going to freeze the water. He read her mind.
"I'm going to freeze the water with a potion. The effects will last for thirty minutes. I think that should give us enough time."
"Cool," she said sitting down on the dock. She took off her shoes. She took her gloves out of the right skating boot. She laced on her skates up and said, "Freeze the water. I'm ready."
Severus dumped an ice blue liquid in the water. In less then thirty seconds the water froze. Delia sat at the edge of the dock and took off her blade guards. She eased herself down onto the ice. "I'm going to do a warm up and then I'll explain what I'm doing."
Severus nodded as Delia skated off. She skated to the center of the pond and into a two-footed spin of some sort Severus had never seen before. Delia did a few more spins and then a jump. She skated over back to the dock. She was grinning for ear to ear.
"Ok, I'll start my explaining. First off if I fall don't rush out here after me. I'll get up and continue. I haven't skated since I left Kansas so I will fall. Ok I'm going to show you the double axel." She skated off and gained speed. Delia hopped in the air and landed wrong. Delia ended up falling on her backside. She got up, gained speed again, jumped spun twice and landed on one foot. She skated back and said, "Ok I'm going to do my fav spin...THE FLYING CAMEL." Delia skated back six feet. She swung her leg out to her side and began to spin. She gradually pulled her leg behind her head, grabbing the blade.
Severus was fascinated by the fact she was spinning on one foot. Delia saw he was thrilled and did it again. Severus watched as she did a double lutz. After several more spins and jumps later Severus spoke. "Delia you have five minutes left."
"Ok, I'll try to do a triple axel. I was working on it this summer. Bear with me."
Delia skated around a few times gained speed. The next thing he knew Delia was shrieking with excitement. " I did it! I did it! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!" She came over to the dock and pulled herself up. She was breathless. "Did you see? I DID IT!"
"Yes, I saw. That was something else. You got off in time. The pond is back to normal. I would have hated to pull you from it."
Delia lay down on the deck. The work out had exhausted her. Her face was red. Severus sat down next to her. He was still amazed. Muggles did do some weird but remarkable things with their time. Delia sat up and removed her skates. She wiped down her blades with her glove. She then sighed and used a drying spell. She replaced the blade guards. She then started series of stretches. Once that was done she stood up with a groan. "Man oh man, I am going to be sore for a few days after Quidditch and Ice skating. Oh well, that's what two hour long baths are for. I'm hungry after all that."
"Good let's get some breakfast."
***
"We shouldn't be gone too long A.J. We are just going to Diagon Alley." Severus said
"Take your time. When you gate back I should have all of Delia's order. Just get me the few things I asked for. See you two later. Have fun."
Delia threw in Floo Powder and jumped in. She was heading to the Leaky Caldron. Once she arrived she waited for Severus. He was there in a matter of a few seconds. "I have a few letters to mail via Muggle Post. You can come to Muggle London if you like or you can stay here. Up to you."
"I'll come. I'm in the mood for a Coke."
"Ok, there is a post office not too far from here, I think. Have I told you how much I hate Muggle London?"
"No," she said. "You haven't. I don't see what's wrong with it. I think London is a great city. I plan on moving there someday."
"Oh really, where do you plan to live South Kensington?"
"Yes, I'm going to have a house with three bed rooms and lots of walk in closets. I'm even going to have a rose garden."
"Ok, I just hope you can afford it. Where do you plan on finding the money?" he asked as they walked out onto the street. At least Severus had worn Muggle Clothing.
"I'll grow it on a tree!" she giggled.
"Ha, ha. Good luck."
"Hey, a newsagent. I'll be back. You wanna a Coke?"
"Sure. I'll get them."
"No, you won't. I will. My treat."
Severus had a funny expression on his face. He was a firm believer of treating a women right. "Delia you are funny. I won't hear of it. I'm not going to stand here in London arguing."
"Ok, ok. You win." They ducked into the newsagent. Delia began to stock up on candy, gum and grabbed a few bags of crisps. "Study food. I gotta have something for all those late night cram sessions."
"Have you ever considered eating an apple?" he asked.
"Apple? Are you nuts? You mean people eat apples?"
Severus laughed. "Yes, you should try it."
"No, thanks." She said dumping her stash on the counter. Severus grabbed two Cokes form the refrigerator.
"Is this together?" the lady behind the counter asked.
"No," said Delia
"Yes, it is," said Severus.
The poor girl behind the counter was confused. "Well, which is it?"
"I'm getting the candy, crisps-"
"I'm getting everything, madame."
"Would you two PLEASE make your minds? I haven't got all day now do I?" the clerk said annoyed. Severus handed her a Twenty-Pound note. The clerk rang up the purchases and gave Severus the change. Delia took the sack. Once they were back out on the street Delia rooted around in the sack for a Snickers. She pulled one out and unwrapped it.
"You just ate breakfast," Severus said.
"So, that was a half hour ago. You want some? Snickers are my favorite. I'm addicted to chocolate. Or maybe it's the gooey Carmel. That's good stuff too."
"Give me half. I like Snickers too."
"For real? Man, when I go back to Kansas at Christmas I'll bring some American ones back. I'll even bring an American Coke. They taste completely different from these here." Delia broke the candy bar in half, giving some to Severus. They ate the Snickers and walked along. Severus opened his Coke. He took a drink and handed Delia the bottle.
"I don't want much. I'm not the big on Coke." He said, "You can have the rest."
Delia took a drink. They had reached the post office. There was a queue. "You can stay out here, Delia. I should have known better then to come mail something on Saturday in Mug-" he caught himself. He wasn't going to say `Muggle London'. Severus sighed and went in. Delia leaned against the wall waiting for Severus. Severus returned five minutes later griping about the Royal Mail System. He took Delia's hand and they walked back to the Leaky Caldron. Before they went inside he let go of her hand.
They went thought the pub and emerged in the courtyard. Severus tapped the bricks and off they went down Diagon Alley. Their first stop was Gringotts. Delia's vault was the first stop, 538. The vault was unlocked. Severus stood outside.
"You can come in. All you'll see is my junk. I'm required to keep in a certain amount of money in here and in a Muggle bank. I tell you its mess. Then I have a bank account in Derby. All my life savings is tied up in three different currencies." She entered the vault. Delia didn't have much. Severus figured as much being a student, but she did have enough o keep her afloat. She grabbed a handful of Galleons. Then grabbed a handful of Sickles and Knuts. She placed the Wizard currency in her purse. She then pulled out a ten-dollar bill and added it to the stack of what appeared to be American money. Severus was curious. He picked up the stack and looked at the bills. Once he satisfied his curiosity he placed the bills down. He thought British money was confusing. American was worse.
"Ready to go to your vault?" she asked.
"Yes. How do you keep up with three different currencies?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I just do."
Once they reached Severus's vault, 877, he climbed out of the cart. Delia stayed behind. Severus held out his hand, "You can come in. I don't have anything to hide."
"I'll stay put. It's really none of my business."
"I saw yours. Fair is fair." Delia took his hand. Once the vault was opened Delia couldn't believe how full it was. There weren't many things in it either. There was what looked like Severus old school trunk. The rest was boxed away. Severus collected what he needed and they left.
***
I'll try to have more up ASAP. See you all laters.
I just want to say danke to Acree for the review.
We all know the declaimer bit by now....yadddy yaddddddyyyy yadddyyyyy
****
Ch 14-Severus Sends Letters To Kansas.
Severus returned to his empty cold office Wednesday night. He had just walked Delia to her dorm. She has set up shop for her experiments. They had made a list of things she would need. Severus had gotten permission to take Delia to Diagon Alley and his friends. They would over night at his friends home in Yorkshire. Severus had written ahead warning that he would be coming. His friend A.J. didn't have a problem with this. A.J. had known Severus since he was a child Severus took out a quill and parchment and began to write to Delia's father.
Dear Mr. Albert Wheelrite,
I am Professor Severus Snape I am writing on behave of your daughter. Before you yell DELIA, as I have done several times in the past, I want to say this is not school business. This is personal business. It seems I have become quite smitten with your daughter. I realize I am her teacher and she is the student. But our relationship isn't for her grades. I am asking if I may court her. You are her father and I believe I should ask you first. As soon as Delia is old enough and ready I would like to wed her. That is if she will have me as her husband. I will not force it on her. I believe women can make their own decisions.
I suppose you are concerned I am not suitable for your daughter. I have a stable job teaching here at Hogwarts. But I will tell you I have sufficient amount money. I will not disclose the sum at this time. I can take care of her. I may be twice her age but that doesn't seem to bother her. I am for Delia furthering her education once she leaves Hogwarts. Whatever she chooses with is fine with me.
I can understand if you are angry. If Delia was my daughter I would be protective of her. I can understand you may not want me to court your daughter. But I am speaking as a man in love. I have quite a fondness for Delia. I can't begin to describe my feelings. But I also understand she is young. She should be young and enjoy it. You may remember Delia as child, but she has blossomed into this wonderful young lady.
I hope you will allow me to court your daughter. If you have any further questions you can contact me at Hogwarts.
Sincerely,
Professor Severus Snape
Severus wrote a letter to Delia's mother, saying the same thing. Severus put down his quill and rubbed his eyes. It was after one in the morning. He addressed the envelopes. He would send the letters from London. He hoped the best. Severus went into his bedchambers. He got ready for bed. The last thing on his mind before he drifted of was how nice it was to be in love. He no longer felt alone.
***
Friday was a mess. The entire school was excited about the first Quidditch match of the season. Severus thought it was pointless trying to teach the Slytherins and Gryffindors on this morning. All the Slytherins could talk about was how they were going to pound Hufflepuff. Severus wasn't sure he was going to the match. He could bear to see Delia's team lose if Slytherin won. If Slytherin lost he couldn't bear the entire school laughing at Slytherin. But then if he didn't go Delia would be upset. He could cheer Slytherin, but secretly Delia could be his favorite player. No one had to know what he thought anyway.
***
The stands were full. Everyone was there. Severus took a seat in the teacher's box. Professor Sprout came over to join him.
"Ready for some Quidditch?" she asked. "You know it's a perfect day. Not too hot or cold!"
"No, its rather nice. Wonderful," he said un-amused.
"From the look on your face Severus you are scared. What are you afraid Delia will fall? She's a good player, Severus. Don't worry.
"Why should I worry about Delia? It's not my job."
"Please, it's obvious to me. After she fainted on the lawn. I know you like her. You have it bad, Sevvie my man."
"Don't call me that!" he said in a tone that would scare his students. "Oh look they are coming out from the locker rooms."
***
"Ok guys lets do it!" Delia shouted as her team lifted off from the locker rooms. Delia circled the field on her new broom and took her position on the field. Delia looked down to see Madame Hooch bring the trunk out. The Quaffel was unconfined and the game began! Delia was the first to grab the Quaffel. She did a dive down and threw the Quaffel upwards to Josh. Delia then slowed down and fell behind Josh, she slowly rose and Josh threw the Quaffel to Delia. Delia caught it and sped up just. The Thunderbirds excel rate was fanatic. She quickly threw the Quaffel to Nicola who passed it to Josh then to passed it to Delia who was in the scoring area. Delia chucked the Quaffel in the middle hoop getting a nasty look form the Keeper.
"WHAAAOOOOOOO. YEAH! THAT'S THE STUFF!" Delia shouted
Delia got back in the game. She rose fast when she saw a Buldger coming after her. This made Severus gasp. He thought he was going to be ill. It was hard watching Delia. He was afraid that Craig Daniels was going to hit her with a Buldger on purpose. Nicola had possession of the Quaffel. She passed it to Delia who sped off ducking two Slytherin Chasers whom about crashed into each other. Delia flipped down on her broomstick so she was facing down. She was hanging on by her legs. She hurled the Quaffel down to Josh who tossed it up to Nicola who scored ten points. The stands erupted in cheers. Delia flipped back up on her broom. She did just in time. Craig had hit a Buldger her way. Josh and Nicola were chasing after the Quaffel. They didn't get it intercepted in time. Slytherin score.
Severus smiled and clapped. But he knew with the Hufflepuff Chasers well enough. He had to admit that they could play professional. Delia had the Quaffel, but a Buldger hit her in the forehead. She dropped it and Slytherin Chaser picked it up and scored.
Severus gasped and thought Delia was going to fall off. He knew if she fell she could die. A fifty-foot drop was not fun. All of a sudden he didn't like Delia playing Quidditch. He could not think of his world without her.
"Severus, are you all right?" Professor Sprout asked. "If it's Delia she's recovered and scored two more goals. Relax. I've seen Delia do her moves. She's stronger then you think."
Severus scowled. He still didn't like Delia playing Quidditch. Severus was scowling and thinking he was going to be ill. The next thing he knew was Professor Sprout was rubbing it in that Hufflepuff had won two hundred ten to fifty. Severus sighed. He was going to sit in the stands and let everybody clear out before he went away.
***
Delia came out of the Hospital Wing. She was on her way to put away her Thunderbird Broom. She was going to have bruise for a few days. But that was Quidditch. Delia went to the shed, put away her broom and couldn't help but think she was being followed. She turned around and was about to walk out when Severus entered.
"Don't scare me like that again Delia!"
"What?" She exclaimed, "I've been knocked in the head several times. I'll be right as rain in a few days. Just a few more brain cells damaged. Oh well, guess I didn't need them!"
Severus just looked at her. He reached out and pulled her into a warm embrace. Delia thought that she had upset Severus. She really wasn't in a mood to be romantic. She had to get to her celebratory party. She was late as is. She pulled away from Severus.
"I have to go," she said. "I wish I could stay. But I am the captain and I have to make an appearance at the party. I'd much rather be here with you though. What time are we leaving in the morning?"
"Seven. You are showing me ice-skating before we leave for Diagon Alley. Bring your skates."
"But breakfast isn't being served at seven!" Delia cried.
"I'll have it taken care of, don't you worry. Go to the party. Be with your friends. Just don't stay up too late."
"I won't." She kissed him on the cheek and took off.
***
Delia woke up at 6.30. She had packed her bag last night. She had her skates. She was debating if she should take a skating dress or not. In the end she decided against it. She had enough time with Severus going ape over her legs. With a skating dress he's get what all the skaters called butt and panty views. She decided to wear black lycra pants and a oversized chenille sweater. She had a robe for later. She picked up her yellow gym back and headed for the dungeon. Everyone was still asleep. She reached Severus chambers and knocked. He answered the door while holding a cup of coffee. Delia entered his chambers.
"Good morning. I hope you didn't party to hard."
"Nope, the prefects made us go to bed at eleven. When that failed Professor Sprout made sure we were in bed by midnight." Delia laughed. "But of course I was in bed by ten!"
"You expect me to believe that. I don't."
"Believe what you want to believe," she yawned. Severus handed her the coffee. Delia took a drink. Black coffee was always good.
"Are you ready? A.J. is expecting us for breakfast. I hope you have your skates."
"Got my Riedell Elite Royal with Patten 99 K-Picks as my blade," she said with a grin."
"Sounds vicious. I'll stay out of your way. A.J. is expecting us. Are you ready."
"Ready as I'll ever be!"
***
Delia emerged in the living room of a strange home. A short balding man with the lightest green eyes Delia had ever seen looked up from his morning reading of the Daily Prophet and smiled. "You must be Delia. Severus sad he was bringing you. I am Arsenius Jigger. Come in please; sit down make yourself at home. Would you like some tea...ah, good morning Severus."
"Good morning A.J. I see you have met Delia."
"Yes, I have. When would you two like breakfast?"
"If Severus wants to see ice-skating I'd prefer to wait, if that is okay with everyone?" Delia said.
"That is fine," said A.J." I have no qualms. Severus you know where the pond is."
"Are you coming to watch?" Delia asked.
"No thanks," replied A.J. I shall pass. Ice-Skating, funny."
"In that case, I'll get my skates." Delia said setting her bag on the floor. She unzipped the bag and pulled out her skates with purple glittery blade guards. A.J. shot Severus a confused look and went upstairs saying something about his cat.
Severus led Delia out to the pond. A.J lived in a secluded location. He had several green houses growing magical plant. Delia presumed this place had more Muggle Repealing Charms then Hogwarts. A.J.'s pond was the size of a NHL rink. Delia breathed a sigh of ease when she saw that he had a dock that went over the water. Delia could put on her skates and lower herself onto the ice. But she was wondering how Severus was going to freeze the water. He read her mind.
"I'm going to freeze the water with a potion. The effects will last for thirty minutes. I think that should give us enough time."
"Cool," she said sitting down on the dock. She took off her shoes. She took her gloves out of the right skating boot. She laced on her skates up and said, "Freeze the water. I'm ready."
Severus dumped an ice blue liquid in the water. In less then thirty seconds the water froze. Delia sat at the edge of the dock and took off her blade guards. She eased herself down onto the ice. "I'm going to do a warm up and then I'll explain what I'm doing."
Severus nodded as Delia skated off. She skated to the center of the pond and into a two-footed spin of some sort Severus had never seen before. Delia did a few more spins and then a jump. She skated over back to the dock. She was grinning for ear to ear.
"Ok, I'll start my explaining. First off if I fall don't rush out here after me. I'll get up and continue. I haven't skated since I left Kansas so I will fall. Ok I'm going to show you the double axel." She skated off and gained speed. Delia hopped in the air and landed wrong. Delia ended up falling on her backside. She got up, gained speed again, jumped spun twice and landed on one foot. She skated back and said, "Ok I'm going to do my fav spin...THE FLYING CAMEL." Delia skated back six feet. She swung her leg out to her side and began to spin. She gradually pulled her leg behind her head, grabbing the blade.
Severus was fascinated by the fact she was spinning on one foot. Delia saw he was thrilled and did it again. Severus watched as she did a double lutz. After several more spins and jumps later Severus spoke. "Delia you have five minutes left."
"Ok, I'll try to do a triple axel. I was working on it this summer. Bear with me."
Delia skated around a few times gained speed. The next thing he knew Delia was shrieking with excitement. " I did it! I did it! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!" She came over to the dock and pulled herself up. She was breathless. "Did you see? I DID IT!"
"Yes, I saw. That was something else. You got off in time. The pond is back to normal. I would have hated to pull you from it."
Delia lay down on the deck. The work out had exhausted her. Her face was red. Severus sat down next to her. He was still amazed. Muggles did do some weird but remarkable things with their time. Delia sat up and removed her skates. She wiped down her blades with her glove. She then sighed and used a drying spell. She replaced the blade guards. She then started series of stretches. Once that was done she stood up with a groan. "Man oh man, I am going to be sore for a few days after Quidditch and Ice skating. Oh well, that's what two hour long baths are for. I'm hungry after all that."
"Good let's get some breakfast."
***
"We shouldn't be gone too long A.J. We are just going to Diagon Alley." Severus said
"Take your time. When you gate back I should have all of Delia's order. Just get me the few things I asked for. See you two later. Have fun."
Delia threw in Floo Powder and jumped in. She was heading to the Leaky Caldron. Once she arrived she waited for Severus. He was there in a matter of a few seconds. "I have a few letters to mail via Muggle Post. You can come to Muggle London if you like or you can stay here. Up to you."
"I'll come. I'm in the mood for a Coke."
"Ok, there is a post office not too far from here, I think. Have I told you how much I hate Muggle London?"
"No," she said. "You haven't. I don't see what's wrong with it. I think London is a great city. I plan on moving there someday."
"Oh really, where do you plan to live South Kensington?"
"Yes, I'm going to have a house with three bed rooms and lots of walk in closets. I'm even going to have a rose garden."
"Ok, I just hope you can afford it. Where do you plan on finding the money?" he asked as they walked out onto the street. At least Severus had worn Muggle Clothing.
"I'll grow it on a tree!" she giggled.
"Ha, ha. Good luck."
"Hey, a newsagent. I'll be back. You wanna a Coke?"
"Sure. I'll get them."
"No, you won't. I will. My treat."
Severus had a funny expression on his face. He was a firm believer of treating a women right. "Delia you are funny. I won't hear of it. I'm not going to stand here in London arguing."
"Ok, ok. You win." They ducked into the newsagent. Delia began to stock up on candy, gum and grabbed a few bags of crisps. "Study food. I gotta have something for all those late night cram sessions."
"Have you ever considered eating an apple?" he asked.
"Apple? Are you nuts? You mean people eat apples?"
Severus laughed. "Yes, you should try it."
"No, thanks." She said dumping her stash on the counter. Severus grabbed two Cokes form the refrigerator.
"Is this together?" the lady behind the counter asked.
"No," said Delia
"Yes, it is," said Severus.
The poor girl behind the counter was confused. "Well, which is it?"
"I'm getting the candy, crisps-"
"I'm getting everything, madame."
"Would you two PLEASE make your minds? I haven't got all day now do I?" the clerk said annoyed. Severus handed her a Twenty-Pound note. The clerk rang up the purchases and gave Severus the change. Delia took the sack. Once they were back out on the street Delia rooted around in the sack for a Snickers. She pulled one out and unwrapped it.
"You just ate breakfast," Severus said.
"So, that was a half hour ago. You want some? Snickers are my favorite. I'm addicted to chocolate. Or maybe it's the gooey Carmel. That's good stuff too."
"Give me half. I like Snickers too."
"For real? Man, when I go back to Kansas at Christmas I'll bring some American ones back. I'll even bring an American Coke. They taste completely different from these here." Delia broke the candy bar in half, giving some to Severus. They ate the Snickers and walked along. Severus opened his Coke. He took a drink and handed Delia the bottle.
"I don't want much. I'm not the big on Coke." He said, "You can have the rest."
Delia took a drink. They had reached the post office. There was a queue. "You can stay out here, Delia. I should have known better then to come mail something on Saturday in Mug-" he caught himself. He wasn't going to say `Muggle London'. Severus sighed and went in. Delia leaned against the wall waiting for Severus. Severus returned five minutes later griping about the Royal Mail System. He took Delia's hand and they walked back to the Leaky Caldron. Before they went inside he let go of her hand.
They went thought the pub and emerged in the courtyard. Severus tapped the bricks and off they went down Diagon Alley. Their first stop was Gringotts. Delia's vault was the first stop, 538. The vault was unlocked. Severus stood outside.
"You can come in. All you'll see is my junk. I'm required to keep in a certain amount of money in here and in a Muggle bank. I tell you its mess. Then I have a bank account in Derby. All my life savings is tied up in three different currencies." She entered the vault. Delia didn't have much. Severus figured as much being a student, but she did have enough o keep her afloat. She grabbed a handful of Galleons. Then grabbed a handful of Sickles and Knuts. She placed the Wizard currency in her purse. She then pulled out a ten-dollar bill and added it to the stack of what appeared to be American money. Severus was curious. He picked up the stack and looked at the bills. Once he satisfied his curiosity he placed the bills down. He thought British money was confusing. American was worse.
"Ready to go to your vault?" she asked.
"Yes. How do you keep up with three different currencies?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I just do."
Once they reached Severus's vault, 877, he climbed out of the cart. Delia stayed behind. Severus held out his hand, "You can come in. I don't have anything to hide."
"I'll stay put. It's really none of my business."
"I saw yours. Fair is fair." Delia took his hand. Once the vault was opened Delia couldn't believe how full it was. There weren't many things in it either. There was what looked like Severus old school trunk. The rest was boxed away. Severus collected what he needed and they left.
***
I'll try to have more up ASAP. See you all laters.