Disclaimer:Tony Parkis, Seth Chistiakov, Varina, Olivia and Gregori Snape, Atticus Dinsdale, Catherine and the Quirrell twins all belong to me. The rest of the characters don't and belong to the other two authors cited in previous chapters. Phew, I'm not sure this needed a disclaimer, but considering all the OCs in it, I thought it was the right thing to do. There's a few songs mentioned in this chapter too, so they belong to their respective singers/songwriters.
A/N: Due to great demand from certain people, here's chapter 8. Kudos to Threeoranges, who gave me several lovely ideas about what to do with this chapter, and Severa, who has kindly written me a scene for in this chapter. Sorry it's kinda late, but I've been v. busy. The next chapter should be two weeks, as my work load lightens up a bit. Don't forget to review, and forgive the dull title, I was a bit stuck on what I was going to call it and this seemed the obvious choice. Oh, and partial credit should go to Kazza, whose fic 'Wizard's Honour' gave me the idea for the one of the scenes in this chapter (if you're wondering which one, read the chapter and then her fic).
Chapter 8- Christmas
"It was very kind of Professor Snape to invite our family over for Christmas, wasn't it?" said Emmanuel thoughtfully, throwing clothing into his trunk.
"Yes, and I hope you'll make a point of thanking him at sometime during the visit." Celly said, neatly folding up the clothing as it flopped over Emmanuel's dormitory bed.
"Yeah, yeah......so who else will be there?"
"Well, Professor Dinsdale will be there, Severus' sister, cousin and her son and he was also kind, very kind in fact, to invite cousin Tony and Percy and Penelope, so I trust you'll be on their best behaviour for them."
The twins nodded silently, as their Mother continued packing.
As much as he'd tried to have forgotten and dismissed it, the conversation with his Father had left Emmanuel feeling quite shaken for a while. He was still half-expecting his Dad to appear at any moment and announce to the world that he was in fact, not dead. Eve had noticed her brother's rather nervy nature, and she had probed him for answers, but he gave none. He decided against telling his Mother as well. The last thing he wanted was to have everyone making a huge fuss over it. If his Mother found out, she would tell Professor Snape, who'd tell Professor Dinsdale and so on.
Eve had been packing her trunk when she came across the folder of clippings. A pang of guilt hit her when she realised that Professor Dinsdale had wanted them back from her months ago. Why didn't he say anything? she wondered. Maybe he'd forgotten. She knew that she'd have to return them to him, and soon. In fact, right then and there would've been the best time. She sighed miserably, looking at the folder. She didn't even get to look at the clippings, fragments of information about a Father she'd never known. She was just itching to look at them. But they were due to be leaving in a hour and there wasn't nearly enough time to read them then. In the end, she decided that she'd give them back to him after Christmas and read them while she was at Snape Manor.
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I think we should give this a chance......just thought you should know that.....
Celly awoke abruptly as the Hogwarts express pulled into the station. Eve and Emmanuel were taking their luggage down from the racks. Both turned to look at her, questioningly.
"Are you getting up, Mum? The other Professors are waiting for us outside." said Eve, trying to juggle a trunk and her cage with Isidora in it.
"Oh! Yes. You two go outside and wait with them, and I'll be out in a second."
The twins exchanged confused glances before leaving the compartment.
Once alone, Celly wearily took down her suitcase, opening it and rifling through the clothes and student papers inside. Shoving her hand under one of her textbooks, she found what she was looking for: her battered copy of Anna Karenina. She looked at the old book for a moment, then tossed it back into the trunk. As she closed it, she wondered why she'd decided to bring the book and came to the conclusion that she didn't know and that it had seemed appropriate to the occasion.
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It was another hour of travelling before the small party arrived at Snape manor. Standing at the front, waiting for them were two women. Eve's eyes widened as she saw the blonde-haired woman from Atticus' photo. Atticus dropped his bags in the snow and met the woman, who'd been coming towards him, and greeted her affectionately. He then greeted the other woman, dark-haired and tall.
Atticus and the women then met them and more greetings, kisses and hugs were exchanged between the professors and the women.
"Emmanuel, Eve, you remember my older sister Varina, don't you?" asked Snape, gesturing to the older woman, who smiled at them, stooping to greet them.
"Nonsense, Severus! These two were still holding onto their Mother's hands when I last saw them." she said, kissing both twins' cheeks, much to Eve's surprise and Emmanuel's muted disgust.
"Where's Livia and Seth, Mother?" asked Atticus, wrapping an arm around the blonde woman's waist.
Emmanuel blinked. Had he just heard Atticus say Seth's name?
"They'll be here in good time. I believe Percy, Penelope and Tony will be here by this evening too." replied Varina.
At that moment, Atticus let out an "Oh!" of surprise and turned to the twins.
"I'm so rude. Celestina, Emmanuel, Eve....this is my girlfriend Catherine."
"So you're the one in the photo," said Eve, sounding relieved. "I was wondering who that was."
"You keep that photo in the classroom?" she said, sounding a little shocked, but Atticus smiled good-naturedly and kissed her cheek.
"Just a way of showing how much you mean to me, Darling." he replied smoothly, then adding to the twins "Catherine's a photographer for the Daily Prophet."
"You'd know Ginny then?" asked Eve.
"Yes. Very good friend of mine." she said, cracking a smile.
"Well, let's get you inside then, shall we?" offered Varina, and beckoned for the group to follow her.
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That evening, the twins not only saw Percy and Penelope again ("Merlin's Beard! You've grown, Penny!" "Well, our child is due in two months, Eve.") but also Seth, and his Mother, Snape's cousin Olivia.
"Why didn't you tell us that you were related to Snape?" Emmanuel asked as they greeted him on the balcony.
Seth smiled at them sheepishly. "To be honest, I was worried about what you'd think if you knew."
"You were worried?" the voice of his Mother, a very faint Russian accent coming through in her words. "You should never be ashamed of being a Snape OR a Chistiakov." she chided, then turning to the twins.
"Ah, you're the twins that my cousin speaks of. A pleasure to meet you." she said quietly. Eve and Emmanuel waited for her to make a remark on their resemblance to their Father, but none came and they ended up following her and Seth into the house.
Immediately, a voice, singing as easily as a bird would, floated in from the music room, which was upstairs. The twins, Seth and Olivia bounded upstairs to find everyone in the music room. Their Mother sitting on the couch with Penelope, Severa and Catherine. Percy and Atticus were standing near the window, drinks in hand. And of all places, Snape was seated at the piano, playing while the tall dark haired man sitting on the piano sang.
"There's a somebody I'm longing to see......Eve! Emmanuel!"
They couldn't help but smile as Antonius 'Tony' Parkis, their Mother's cousin, came striding foward, arms spread wide. More greetings were exchanged between everyone, and yet more introductions were made.
Tony Parkis was an entertainer in every sense of the word and undoubtedly Emmanuel and Eve's favourite relative. The same age as their Mother, he was her cousin on their her's side. Bold, clever, funny and always up for a dare, he immediately won the twins over from an early age. He could sing, dance and even ran his own night club for wizards, moonlighting as a singer and accompianist.
"How have you been? Merlin's Beard, I haven't talked to you in an eternity and a half!"
"Good, fine." said Eve timidly, awed by his presence.
"I swear you look more beautiful every time I see you Eve." he chirped, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "You're going to be breaking hearts when you're older, mark my words! And you, Emmanuel. You're like a mini version of Will."
"I know your Father certainly broke a heart or two," said Atticus, smirking in Severa's direction he returned the smirk with a dirty look."so I wouldn't be surprised at all if you two did."
"So," said Tony, jumping back on the piano and crossing his legs in an intellectual pose. "are you both enjoying Hogwarts?"
Both twins nodded and proceeded to fill Tony in.
"-and this moving staircase takes us to Transfig-"
"-it's Charms, Emmanuel. And we have the coolest commonroom-"
"What house did you get into?"
"Ravenclaw."
"Ah, your parents' house. The house of Rowena, where the blood of ravens reside."
"Blood of Ravens? What's that?" Emmanuel asked, suddenly remembering what the sorting hat had said to him.
"Just a nickname that was given to Ravenclaw's heirs in the early history of Hogwarts," replied Atticus, sipping at his wine. "What?" he asked, when Emmanuel's face dropped in shock.
"Oh, nothing, nothing." Emmanuel said quickly, filing the information away in his mind for later reference.
"How's your piano practice going, Emmanuel?" asked Tony. "Tickled those ivories lately?"
Emmanuel sighed. "Not really. There's no piano in the Ravenclaw commonroom. I suppose I could practice here."
"Why not? Severus, move aside for our younger friend here."
Snape stood up and allowed Emmanuel to sit in front of the piano.
"Alright, follow my lead," said Tony, and began to sing.
"Each place I go........only the lonely go......"
"Oh, don't sing that," cut in Celly. "far too depressing. Something more cheerful, cousin."
Tony stroked his chin thoughtfully before beginning to sing again.
"Fairytales can come true......it can happen to you.....if you're young at heart....."
Emmanuel followed his lead, playing the piano and erasing the worries in his mind. Blood of Ravens. Who was he to worry now?
*******************************
Seth did not join his family and friends in the leisure room after dinner, but instead slipped out and down the corridors towards the library. Upon reaching it, he sat down in front of the fire, turning his chair towards the portrait hanging to the side of the one of his ancestors.
"Good evening, Seth," came the soft, deep voice of Gregori Snape from the portrait.
"Evening, Grandfather." replied Seth in greeting. "How are you?"
"Well enough, Varina is excellent company for an old painting such as myself" said Gregori wearily, sweeping his eyes across the room. "though one does get tired of seeing all the same things all the time. But enough about my troubles. How's my favourite Grandchild?"
"Your only Grandchild," Seth deadpanned. "is doing alright."
"So, you are here for Christmas? Have your other relatives arrived?"
"Yes, Mum and I have just arrived, but Severus and Atticus came earlier."
"Severus is here? He hasn't visited me at all. Or Atticus for that matter. Or even your Mother, but I know she will. You remind Severus and Atticus that I may be a painting now, but I'm still related to them, won't you?"
"Of course, Grandfather." Seth sighed, settling further into the chair.
"You're worried about something," stated Gregori, folding his arms. "something or someone is troubling you about the future."
"Emmanuel and Eveleen Quirrell are here, Grandfather." said Seth, after a brief silence.
"They're here? The Quirrell twins? With their Mother?" Gregori's voice had dropped to a whisper.
"Yes, and they know nothing."
"They know nothing? Merlin's Beard!" he burst out.
"Severus asked me to say nothing," Seth cut in before his Grandfather could say more. "he said it was up to their Mother. I know it's the right thing, but....." Seth leaned forward quickly, trying to keep his temper. "it's just so hard, Grandfather. I mean, they're my friends and they have no idea about their Father except that he was a brilliant wizard and he dealed in DADA. They know nothing else. Mara Parkinson is in their year and she gives them flak about their Dad. They have no idea."
"Alright, calm down, Seth. I have a feeling they will find out soon. I can't say how, but I know they will. It's important they do."
"You know Grandfather, I almost get the feeling that there's something really important about those two." said Seth thoughtfully, sitting back again.
Gregori raised his eyebrows, but said nothing.
*******************************
Eve awoke early on Christmas day, just not being able to sleep any longer. Struggling on her green dress robes, she slipped down the corridors barefoot, wandering aimlessly around the great manor. As she began to walk down the ballroom staircase that connected the two corridors, she heard a soft laugh echo through the large room. Crouching down on the stairs, she looked over the marble banister and saw two people dancing to piano music. As they transeversed the length of the room, Eve saw that it was Atticus and Catherine, but instead of dress robes, Atticus was dressed in a black suit of some sort, though Catherine did wear hers, which were dark blue with beaded decoration.
Eventually, they spun to a stop near the staircase and Atticus whispered something in her ear that made her laugh. Then, he knelt down in front of her and she looked at him, obviously surprised. He produced a box, opened it and said something that made her remove her glasses and wipe tears from her eyes. She nodded as he fumbled with something, and pulled him to his feet, kissing him. When the broke apart, Eve finally noticed the new piece of jewellery that Catherine wore. The engagement ring glinted in the early morning light as they continued to hold each other and the loyal Atticus kissed her forehead, both looking rather contented.
It was then that Eve decided to leave, smiling to herself at the little secret she now kept.
*******************************
"Merry Christmas!"
Emmanuel groaned. More kissing, more hugging. However, he was willing to put up with it, for the reward of presents awaited him. But somehow, when his Mother grabbed him and kissed his cheek, he felt the strange need to cling to her. The thought that he may not be as close to her in the near future had hit him suddenly, and it was not pleasant.
The whole family settled around the tree in varying places. Severus, Varina, Celly and Olivia sat on the fainting couch, Tony in a chair opposite them. Atticus and Catherine who, Emmanuel observed, had a new piece of jewellery on her finger, sat on the floor, close together. Emmanuel sat down next to his sister and Seth, Percy and Penelope shared a chair. Once all were settled, the gift exchanging began.
Within minutes, the room was awash with wrapping paper. Eve found herself burdened with a new set of dress robes (in dark purple, from her Mother), a number of boxes of sweets (Severa, Penelope and Percy), a cockatrice-feather quill (Severus 'Mind you look after that, it cost me a fortune, Eve.'), and most unusually, an old record bearing the image of a man dressed in a muggle suit with a younger woman.
"What's this?" she had asked Tony, the giver of the gift.
"That," he said, smiling enigmatically "is a very old record from my collection done by two muggle singers, Frank and Nancy Sinatra. It's called 'Something Stupid'. Ask your Mum about it later." he added, nodding to a blushing Celly.
Severa hopped up and ran to the tree. "Mine next!" She announced. She came back, sat back on the floor, and handed Severus a rectangular package wrapped in paper with snowman designs. Everyone could tell he was already put off by the smiling, round, white faces.
Very cautiously Severus undid the bow, tore at the paper and removed the top of the white box. Immediately his mouth twisted into a sneer-grimace, and his cheeks slightly reddened.
"What's wrong?" Severa asked with a pout, "Don't you like it?"
Severus looked at her like she had turned into a newt. "You cannot be serious," he told her.
"Come now, Uncle Sev," Atticus said, examining the pocket watch that was given to him by Catherine, "you have to show the rest of us!"
"No," he said, trying to put the lid back on the box in a hurry.
Atticus stood, and looked over his Uncle's shoulder to peer into the box. He raised his eyebrows, and quickly covered his mouth, stifling a laugh. His shoulders shook with laughter.
"Darling, what is it?" Catherine inquired.
Atticus snatched the box off of his Uncle's lap and showed the rest of the group the gift. He held up a bright green jumper with a large cartoon reindeer head on designed on it. Catherine, Celly, and Tony immediately burst into laughter, Penelope was trying to hide her laugh, still too afraid to openly do so at the potion master's expense. The rest of the party looked at each other, not really getting the joke. Sure it was a rather silly jumper, but that's all.
Atticus, finally regaining control and handing it back to Severus turned to Severa. "You are too precious."
Severa hit Severus' shoulder. "See, someone at least appreciates it."
"You can not seriously expect me to ever wear this."
Severa grinned. "No, I don't. That's why I got you this as well." From behind her back she produced a squatter package wrapped in silver and black.
Severus accepted it, but after the first one, unwrapped it with foreboding.
"A box." he stated, as he took the heavy, ornate silver object in his hands, tracing the intricate patterns with his fingers.
"Open it." she urged him.
He complied, and a piece of organ began to play.
"What's that music?" asked Seth, looking up from his book on divination, given to him by Snape.
"Bach's Toccata in Fugue." replied Snape softly, closing the box again. "This is.....dare I say it, exquisite, Severa. Where did you get it?"
"I found it at a muggle antique shop," she replied, grinning smugly at him. "and it cost me a fortune in muggle money, so mind you put good use to it."
Emmanuel's turn came next. He recieved the same gifts as his sister, with the exception of some sheet music from Tony, a rather rickety-looking clock from Seth ('It's for telling the weather') and an extremely old-looking book that was crumbling at the edges from his Mother.
"Witches, Hags and Banshees." he read.
"It was your Father's book. I gave it to him when we were both First-year's."
Emmanuel opened the book and found, in small, neat writing 'This book belongs to Wilton L. Quirrell of Ravenclaw' written on the inside. From that moment on, Emmanuel decided never to let it out of his sight.
*******************************
It was late in the afternoon when everybody began to relax a little, sufficiently filled up by the decadent Christmas lunch.
"How's about a game?" suggested Percy, carefully raising himself out of his seat so not to wake his sleeping wife.
"Capital idea," replied Tony, his eyes lighting up. "what do you say to forfeits?"
"Forfeits?" asked Seth.
"Allow me to explain," said Atticus, adapting a decidedly snotty academic voice. "forfeits is a game of logic, quick wit and skill-"
"You have to do a dare or pay a forfeit." interrupted Catherine, earning herself a rather put-out look from Atticus.
Celly decided to sit it out, as did Varina, Severus, Catherine, Olivia and the twins, who really didn't have any money to do it with. But Tony, Severa, Atticus, Seth and Percy decided to, and so a game began.
*******************************
"Your dare," said Percy in a conspirative voice to Tony, "is to sing.....um....."
He looked down at Tony's muggle record collection, which were scattered around the floor after being played all afternoon. His eyes fell on a cover with a particularly handsome muggle on it.
"....In the Ghetto. Yes, sing that, or forfeit."
Tony's eyes widened, almost scandalised. "In the Ghetto? Percy, have you any sense?"
"Do it or submit the forfeit." said Percy, crossing his arms and looking at Tony seriously.
Tony looked at him, aghast. "But I HATE Elvis!"
The response was a continued silence from Percy, who raised an eyebrow.
"Fine," he muttered. "Emmanuel, get on the piano would you?"
Emmanuel complied, reading the sheet music given to him and beginning to play. Tony looked around, embarrassed.
"As the snow flies, on a cold and grey Chicago mornin', a poor little baby child is born....in the Ghetto..." he began to sing, looking extremely annoyed.
When the song was over, Tony slumped gratefully into a chair and Atticus stood, turning to where Severus sat, wondering what on Earth he could dare his Uncle to do. At that point, Severa came through into the room, passing under the sprig of mistletoe. Thinking quickly, Atticus pointed his wand at the mistletoe, muttering a spell, and it began to shake and make a small rumbling sound. Severa looked up at it.
"Atticus.......is that exploding mistletoe?" she asked, narrowing her eyes in suspiscion.
Atticus grinned darkly. "Uncle Severus," he said, turning to the Potions Master. "your dare is to hand all your Potions Master duties over to her (he pointed to Severa) for a week."
Snape spluttered. "Certainly not! There is not way Severa Evadne Rimmer is going anywhere near my stash of ingredients. Those crystal vials of Siren blood are too valuable to fall into her hands. What's the forfeit?"
Seth gave him a sly, sidelong glance. "You have to kiss her under the mistletoe before it goes off and paints the room white in.......oh, five seconds?"
Severus glided across the room and immediately smashed his lips to hers. Celly's mouth dropped open in shock, Varina let out a small noise of surprise, the twins stared enrapturedly at the sight of the astonished Potions Mistress being kissed by Snape. Percy and Tony dropped their glasses of firewhisky on the carpet, Seth and Livia grinned amusedly, Atticus simply stood and chuckled quietly, and Catherine thoughtfully took a photo of the couple before they broke apart and Severa fainted while Severus stood, breathless and staring at the carpet.
There was a palpable silence in the room before Severus looked up at his comrades and family.
"What are you looking at?" he asked in a slightly shaky voice slightly above a whisper. And he strode back to his seat, picking up the book Emmanuel had been given as a gift and beginning to flip through it distractedly, and that was the end of that.
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After the game excitement had died down and Severa had recovered from her faint, Eve was remarkably pleased to hear Atticus announce his engagement to Catherine. She knew absolutely nothing about love or marriage, but she had a good feeling about their union lasting. She slipped out not long after, heading to the room where she was staying.
Upon reaching it, she began going through her trunk, looking for her schoolbooks with the hope of finishing a Herbology essay. Instead, she found herself staring at the Daily Prophet clippings. She smiled. What a perfect opportunity to look at them without interruption!
Settling herself on the bed, she opened the folder and picked out a random clipping.
"DADA Professor turned Dark Lord agent dies under suspicious circumstances"
Dark Lord agent? What did that mean? Surely not you-know-who, she wondered. Quickly, she began to read the article.
End of the chapter
A/N: Due to great demand from certain people, here's chapter 8. Kudos to Threeoranges, who gave me several lovely ideas about what to do with this chapter, and Severa, who has kindly written me a scene for in this chapter. Sorry it's kinda late, but I've been v. busy. The next chapter should be two weeks, as my work load lightens up a bit. Don't forget to review, and forgive the dull title, I was a bit stuck on what I was going to call it and this seemed the obvious choice. Oh, and partial credit should go to Kazza, whose fic 'Wizard's Honour' gave me the idea for the one of the scenes in this chapter (if you're wondering which one, read the chapter and then her fic).
Chapter 8- Christmas
"It was very kind of Professor Snape to invite our family over for Christmas, wasn't it?" said Emmanuel thoughtfully, throwing clothing into his trunk.
"Yes, and I hope you'll make a point of thanking him at sometime during the visit." Celly said, neatly folding up the clothing as it flopped over Emmanuel's dormitory bed.
"Yeah, yeah......so who else will be there?"
"Well, Professor Dinsdale will be there, Severus' sister, cousin and her son and he was also kind, very kind in fact, to invite cousin Tony and Percy and Penelope, so I trust you'll be on their best behaviour for them."
The twins nodded silently, as their Mother continued packing.
As much as he'd tried to have forgotten and dismissed it, the conversation with his Father had left Emmanuel feeling quite shaken for a while. He was still half-expecting his Dad to appear at any moment and announce to the world that he was in fact, not dead. Eve had noticed her brother's rather nervy nature, and she had probed him for answers, but he gave none. He decided against telling his Mother as well. The last thing he wanted was to have everyone making a huge fuss over it. If his Mother found out, she would tell Professor Snape, who'd tell Professor Dinsdale and so on.
Eve had been packing her trunk when she came across the folder of clippings. A pang of guilt hit her when she realised that Professor Dinsdale had wanted them back from her months ago. Why didn't he say anything? she wondered. Maybe he'd forgotten. She knew that she'd have to return them to him, and soon. In fact, right then and there would've been the best time. She sighed miserably, looking at the folder. She didn't even get to look at the clippings, fragments of information about a Father she'd never known. She was just itching to look at them. But they were due to be leaving in a hour and there wasn't nearly enough time to read them then. In the end, she decided that she'd give them back to him after Christmas and read them while she was at Snape Manor.
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I think we should give this a chance......just thought you should know that.....
Celly awoke abruptly as the Hogwarts express pulled into the station. Eve and Emmanuel were taking their luggage down from the racks. Both turned to look at her, questioningly.
"Are you getting up, Mum? The other Professors are waiting for us outside." said Eve, trying to juggle a trunk and her cage with Isidora in it.
"Oh! Yes. You two go outside and wait with them, and I'll be out in a second."
The twins exchanged confused glances before leaving the compartment.
Once alone, Celly wearily took down her suitcase, opening it and rifling through the clothes and student papers inside. Shoving her hand under one of her textbooks, she found what she was looking for: her battered copy of Anna Karenina. She looked at the old book for a moment, then tossed it back into the trunk. As she closed it, she wondered why she'd decided to bring the book and came to the conclusion that she didn't know and that it had seemed appropriate to the occasion.
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It was another hour of travelling before the small party arrived at Snape manor. Standing at the front, waiting for them were two women. Eve's eyes widened as she saw the blonde-haired woman from Atticus' photo. Atticus dropped his bags in the snow and met the woman, who'd been coming towards him, and greeted her affectionately. He then greeted the other woman, dark-haired and tall.
Atticus and the women then met them and more greetings, kisses and hugs were exchanged between the professors and the women.
"Emmanuel, Eve, you remember my older sister Varina, don't you?" asked Snape, gesturing to the older woman, who smiled at them, stooping to greet them.
"Nonsense, Severus! These two were still holding onto their Mother's hands when I last saw them." she said, kissing both twins' cheeks, much to Eve's surprise and Emmanuel's muted disgust.
"Where's Livia and Seth, Mother?" asked Atticus, wrapping an arm around the blonde woman's waist.
Emmanuel blinked. Had he just heard Atticus say Seth's name?
"They'll be here in good time. I believe Percy, Penelope and Tony will be here by this evening too." replied Varina.
At that moment, Atticus let out an "Oh!" of surprise and turned to the twins.
"I'm so rude. Celestina, Emmanuel, Eve....this is my girlfriend Catherine."
"So you're the one in the photo," said Eve, sounding relieved. "I was wondering who that was."
"You keep that photo in the classroom?" she said, sounding a little shocked, but Atticus smiled good-naturedly and kissed her cheek.
"Just a way of showing how much you mean to me, Darling." he replied smoothly, then adding to the twins "Catherine's a photographer for the Daily Prophet."
"You'd know Ginny then?" asked Eve.
"Yes. Very good friend of mine." she said, cracking a smile.
"Well, let's get you inside then, shall we?" offered Varina, and beckoned for the group to follow her.
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That evening, the twins not only saw Percy and Penelope again ("Merlin's Beard! You've grown, Penny!" "Well, our child is due in two months, Eve.") but also Seth, and his Mother, Snape's cousin Olivia.
"Why didn't you tell us that you were related to Snape?" Emmanuel asked as they greeted him on the balcony.
Seth smiled at them sheepishly. "To be honest, I was worried about what you'd think if you knew."
"You were worried?" the voice of his Mother, a very faint Russian accent coming through in her words. "You should never be ashamed of being a Snape OR a Chistiakov." she chided, then turning to the twins.
"Ah, you're the twins that my cousin speaks of. A pleasure to meet you." she said quietly. Eve and Emmanuel waited for her to make a remark on their resemblance to their Father, but none came and they ended up following her and Seth into the house.
Immediately, a voice, singing as easily as a bird would, floated in from the music room, which was upstairs. The twins, Seth and Olivia bounded upstairs to find everyone in the music room. Their Mother sitting on the couch with Penelope, Severa and Catherine. Percy and Atticus were standing near the window, drinks in hand. And of all places, Snape was seated at the piano, playing while the tall dark haired man sitting on the piano sang.
"There's a somebody I'm longing to see......Eve! Emmanuel!"
They couldn't help but smile as Antonius 'Tony' Parkis, their Mother's cousin, came striding foward, arms spread wide. More greetings were exchanged between everyone, and yet more introductions were made.
Tony Parkis was an entertainer in every sense of the word and undoubtedly Emmanuel and Eve's favourite relative. The same age as their Mother, he was her cousin on their her's side. Bold, clever, funny and always up for a dare, he immediately won the twins over from an early age. He could sing, dance and even ran his own night club for wizards, moonlighting as a singer and accompianist.
"How have you been? Merlin's Beard, I haven't talked to you in an eternity and a half!"
"Good, fine." said Eve timidly, awed by his presence.
"I swear you look more beautiful every time I see you Eve." he chirped, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "You're going to be breaking hearts when you're older, mark my words! And you, Emmanuel. You're like a mini version of Will."
"I know your Father certainly broke a heart or two," said Atticus, smirking in Severa's direction he returned the smirk with a dirty look."so I wouldn't be surprised at all if you two did."
"So," said Tony, jumping back on the piano and crossing his legs in an intellectual pose. "are you both enjoying Hogwarts?"
Both twins nodded and proceeded to fill Tony in.
"-and this moving staircase takes us to Transfig-"
"-it's Charms, Emmanuel. And we have the coolest commonroom-"
"What house did you get into?"
"Ravenclaw."
"Ah, your parents' house. The house of Rowena, where the blood of ravens reside."
"Blood of Ravens? What's that?" Emmanuel asked, suddenly remembering what the sorting hat had said to him.
"Just a nickname that was given to Ravenclaw's heirs in the early history of Hogwarts," replied Atticus, sipping at his wine. "What?" he asked, when Emmanuel's face dropped in shock.
"Oh, nothing, nothing." Emmanuel said quickly, filing the information away in his mind for later reference.
"How's your piano practice going, Emmanuel?" asked Tony. "Tickled those ivories lately?"
Emmanuel sighed. "Not really. There's no piano in the Ravenclaw commonroom. I suppose I could practice here."
"Why not? Severus, move aside for our younger friend here."
Snape stood up and allowed Emmanuel to sit in front of the piano.
"Alright, follow my lead," said Tony, and began to sing.
"Each place I go........only the lonely go......"
"Oh, don't sing that," cut in Celly. "far too depressing. Something more cheerful, cousin."
Tony stroked his chin thoughtfully before beginning to sing again.
"Fairytales can come true......it can happen to you.....if you're young at heart....."
Emmanuel followed his lead, playing the piano and erasing the worries in his mind. Blood of Ravens. Who was he to worry now?
*******************************
Seth did not join his family and friends in the leisure room after dinner, but instead slipped out and down the corridors towards the library. Upon reaching it, he sat down in front of the fire, turning his chair towards the portrait hanging to the side of the one of his ancestors.
"Good evening, Seth," came the soft, deep voice of Gregori Snape from the portrait.
"Evening, Grandfather." replied Seth in greeting. "How are you?"
"Well enough, Varina is excellent company for an old painting such as myself" said Gregori wearily, sweeping his eyes across the room. "though one does get tired of seeing all the same things all the time. But enough about my troubles. How's my favourite Grandchild?"
"Your only Grandchild," Seth deadpanned. "is doing alright."
"So, you are here for Christmas? Have your other relatives arrived?"
"Yes, Mum and I have just arrived, but Severus and Atticus came earlier."
"Severus is here? He hasn't visited me at all. Or Atticus for that matter. Or even your Mother, but I know she will. You remind Severus and Atticus that I may be a painting now, but I'm still related to them, won't you?"
"Of course, Grandfather." Seth sighed, settling further into the chair.
"You're worried about something," stated Gregori, folding his arms. "something or someone is troubling you about the future."
"Emmanuel and Eveleen Quirrell are here, Grandfather." said Seth, after a brief silence.
"They're here? The Quirrell twins? With their Mother?" Gregori's voice had dropped to a whisper.
"Yes, and they know nothing."
"They know nothing? Merlin's Beard!" he burst out.
"Severus asked me to say nothing," Seth cut in before his Grandfather could say more. "he said it was up to their Mother. I know it's the right thing, but....." Seth leaned forward quickly, trying to keep his temper. "it's just so hard, Grandfather. I mean, they're my friends and they have no idea about their Father except that he was a brilliant wizard and he dealed in DADA. They know nothing else. Mara Parkinson is in their year and she gives them flak about their Dad. They have no idea."
"Alright, calm down, Seth. I have a feeling they will find out soon. I can't say how, but I know they will. It's important they do."
"You know Grandfather, I almost get the feeling that there's something really important about those two." said Seth thoughtfully, sitting back again.
Gregori raised his eyebrows, but said nothing.
*******************************
Eve awoke early on Christmas day, just not being able to sleep any longer. Struggling on her green dress robes, she slipped down the corridors barefoot, wandering aimlessly around the great manor. As she began to walk down the ballroom staircase that connected the two corridors, she heard a soft laugh echo through the large room. Crouching down on the stairs, she looked over the marble banister and saw two people dancing to piano music. As they transeversed the length of the room, Eve saw that it was Atticus and Catherine, but instead of dress robes, Atticus was dressed in a black suit of some sort, though Catherine did wear hers, which were dark blue with beaded decoration.
Eventually, they spun to a stop near the staircase and Atticus whispered something in her ear that made her laugh. Then, he knelt down in front of her and she looked at him, obviously surprised. He produced a box, opened it and said something that made her remove her glasses and wipe tears from her eyes. She nodded as he fumbled with something, and pulled him to his feet, kissing him. When the broke apart, Eve finally noticed the new piece of jewellery that Catherine wore. The engagement ring glinted in the early morning light as they continued to hold each other and the loyal Atticus kissed her forehead, both looking rather contented.
It was then that Eve decided to leave, smiling to herself at the little secret she now kept.
*******************************
"Merry Christmas!"
Emmanuel groaned. More kissing, more hugging. However, he was willing to put up with it, for the reward of presents awaited him. But somehow, when his Mother grabbed him and kissed his cheek, he felt the strange need to cling to her. The thought that he may not be as close to her in the near future had hit him suddenly, and it was not pleasant.
The whole family settled around the tree in varying places. Severus, Varina, Celly and Olivia sat on the fainting couch, Tony in a chair opposite them. Atticus and Catherine who, Emmanuel observed, had a new piece of jewellery on her finger, sat on the floor, close together. Emmanuel sat down next to his sister and Seth, Percy and Penelope shared a chair. Once all were settled, the gift exchanging began.
Within minutes, the room was awash with wrapping paper. Eve found herself burdened with a new set of dress robes (in dark purple, from her Mother), a number of boxes of sweets (Severa, Penelope and Percy), a cockatrice-feather quill (Severus 'Mind you look after that, it cost me a fortune, Eve.'), and most unusually, an old record bearing the image of a man dressed in a muggle suit with a younger woman.
"What's this?" she had asked Tony, the giver of the gift.
"That," he said, smiling enigmatically "is a very old record from my collection done by two muggle singers, Frank and Nancy Sinatra. It's called 'Something Stupid'. Ask your Mum about it later." he added, nodding to a blushing Celly.
Severa hopped up and ran to the tree. "Mine next!" She announced. She came back, sat back on the floor, and handed Severus a rectangular package wrapped in paper with snowman designs. Everyone could tell he was already put off by the smiling, round, white faces.
Very cautiously Severus undid the bow, tore at the paper and removed the top of the white box. Immediately his mouth twisted into a sneer-grimace, and his cheeks slightly reddened.
"What's wrong?" Severa asked with a pout, "Don't you like it?"
Severus looked at her like she had turned into a newt. "You cannot be serious," he told her.
"Come now, Uncle Sev," Atticus said, examining the pocket watch that was given to him by Catherine, "you have to show the rest of us!"
"No," he said, trying to put the lid back on the box in a hurry.
Atticus stood, and looked over his Uncle's shoulder to peer into the box. He raised his eyebrows, and quickly covered his mouth, stifling a laugh. His shoulders shook with laughter.
"Darling, what is it?" Catherine inquired.
Atticus snatched the box off of his Uncle's lap and showed the rest of the group the gift. He held up a bright green jumper with a large cartoon reindeer head on designed on it. Catherine, Celly, and Tony immediately burst into laughter, Penelope was trying to hide her laugh, still too afraid to openly do so at the potion master's expense. The rest of the party looked at each other, not really getting the joke. Sure it was a rather silly jumper, but that's all.
Atticus, finally regaining control and handing it back to Severus turned to Severa. "You are too precious."
Severa hit Severus' shoulder. "See, someone at least appreciates it."
"You can not seriously expect me to ever wear this."
Severa grinned. "No, I don't. That's why I got you this as well." From behind her back she produced a squatter package wrapped in silver and black.
Severus accepted it, but after the first one, unwrapped it with foreboding.
"A box." he stated, as he took the heavy, ornate silver object in his hands, tracing the intricate patterns with his fingers.
"Open it." she urged him.
He complied, and a piece of organ began to play.
"What's that music?" asked Seth, looking up from his book on divination, given to him by Snape.
"Bach's Toccata in Fugue." replied Snape softly, closing the box again. "This is.....dare I say it, exquisite, Severa. Where did you get it?"
"I found it at a muggle antique shop," she replied, grinning smugly at him. "and it cost me a fortune in muggle money, so mind you put good use to it."
Emmanuel's turn came next. He recieved the same gifts as his sister, with the exception of some sheet music from Tony, a rather rickety-looking clock from Seth ('It's for telling the weather') and an extremely old-looking book that was crumbling at the edges from his Mother.
"Witches, Hags and Banshees." he read.
"It was your Father's book. I gave it to him when we were both First-year's."
Emmanuel opened the book and found, in small, neat writing 'This book belongs to Wilton L. Quirrell of Ravenclaw' written on the inside. From that moment on, Emmanuel decided never to let it out of his sight.
*******************************
It was late in the afternoon when everybody began to relax a little, sufficiently filled up by the decadent Christmas lunch.
"How's about a game?" suggested Percy, carefully raising himself out of his seat so not to wake his sleeping wife.
"Capital idea," replied Tony, his eyes lighting up. "what do you say to forfeits?"
"Forfeits?" asked Seth.
"Allow me to explain," said Atticus, adapting a decidedly snotty academic voice. "forfeits is a game of logic, quick wit and skill-"
"You have to do a dare or pay a forfeit." interrupted Catherine, earning herself a rather put-out look from Atticus.
Celly decided to sit it out, as did Varina, Severus, Catherine, Olivia and the twins, who really didn't have any money to do it with. But Tony, Severa, Atticus, Seth and Percy decided to, and so a game began.
*******************************
"Your dare," said Percy in a conspirative voice to Tony, "is to sing.....um....."
He looked down at Tony's muggle record collection, which were scattered around the floor after being played all afternoon. His eyes fell on a cover with a particularly handsome muggle on it.
"....In the Ghetto. Yes, sing that, or forfeit."
Tony's eyes widened, almost scandalised. "In the Ghetto? Percy, have you any sense?"
"Do it or submit the forfeit." said Percy, crossing his arms and looking at Tony seriously.
Tony looked at him, aghast. "But I HATE Elvis!"
The response was a continued silence from Percy, who raised an eyebrow.
"Fine," he muttered. "Emmanuel, get on the piano would you?"
Emmanuel complied, reading the sheet music given to him and beginning to play. Tony looked around, embarrassed.
"As the snow flies, on a cold and grey Chicago mornin', a poor little baby child is born....in the Ghetto..." he began to sing, looking extremely annoyed.
When the song was over, Tony slumped gratefully into a chair and Atticus stood, turning to where Severus sat, wondering what on Earth he could dare his Uncle to do. At that point, Severa came through into the room, passing under the sprig of mistletoe. Thinking quickly, Atticus pointed his wand at the mistletoe, muttering a spell, and it began to shake and make a small rumbling sound. Severa looked up at it.
"Atticus.......is that exploding mistletoe?" she asked, narrowing her eyes in suspiscion.
Atticus grinned darkly. "Uncle Severus," he said, turning to the Potions Master. "your dare is to hand all your Potions Master duties over to her (he pointed to Severa) for a week."
Snape spluttered. "Certainly not! There is not way Severa Evadne Rimmer is going anywhere near my stash of ingredients. Those crystal vials of Siren blood are too valuable to fall into her hands. What's the forfeit?"
Seth gave him a sly, sidelong glance. "You have to kiss her under the mistletoe before it goes off and paints the room white in.......oh, five seconds?"
Severus glided across the room and immediately smashed his lips to hers. Celly's mouth dropped open in shock, Varina let out a small noise of surprise, the twins stared enrapturedly at the sight of the astonished Potions Mistress being kissed by Snape. Percy and Tony dropped their glasses of firewhisky on the carpet, Seth and Livia grinned amusedly, Atticus simply stood and chuckled quietly, and Catherine thoughtfully took a photo of the couple before they broke apart and Severa fainted while Severus stood, breathless and staring at the carpet.
There was a palpable silence in the room before Severus looked up at his comrades and family.
"What are you looking at?" he asked in a slightly shaky voice slightly above a whisper. And he strode back to his seat, picking up the book Emmanuel had been given as a gift and beginning to flip through it distractedly, and that was the end of that.
*******************************
After the game excitement had died down and Severa had recovered from her faint, Eve was remarkably pleased to hear Atticus announce his engagement to Catherine. She knew absolutely nothing about love or marriage, but she had a good feeling about their union lasting. She slipped out not long after, heading to the room where she was staying.
Upon reaching it, she began going through her trunk, looking for her schoolbooks with the hope of finishing a Herbology essay. Instead, she found herself staring at the Daily Prophet clippings. She smiled. What a perfect opportunity to look at them without interruption!
Settling herself on the bed, she opened the folder and picked out a random clipping.
"DADA Professor turned Dark Lord agent dies under suspicious circumstances"
Dark Lord agent? What did that mean? Surely not you-know-who, she wondered. Quickly, she began to read the article.
End of the chapter