Ok, so maybe Snape wouldn't laugh OUT LOUD, but I'm sure he snickered a
little. Here's Christmas, every writers demon...coming up with all those
presents...maybe my muse can come up with some interesting ones.
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At last, it was Christmas, and Mike's yells pulled Harry out of his sleep. Since there were only 10 people in the whole castle, they had all agreed to meet in the Great Hall to open gifts. So the house elves had dragged all the presents down under the giant tree.
As Harry and Mike entered the Great Hall, they almost fell over with laughter. Dumbledore was sitting in his chair wearing elf shoes, complete with pointed toes and bells, and a Santa hat. He smiled at them and winked. At least he held off on the tights, Harry thought. A screech in the hall alerted them to Draco's arrival. He came in rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and Caribe soared over him, perching on the back of his chair.
"We really must tell the house elves not to wake people this early." As if on cue, Dobby came bounding in, wearing the socks Harry had given him one Christmas.
"Dobby has woken up young master Malfoy. Everyone is here now!" He squealed in delight. Harry almost choked on his eggnog when he heard it was Dobby who had woken Draco. He figured Dobby would be the last one to volunteer, since he used to serve the Malfoys, and had not been treated kindly in the least. But, Harry reminded himself, this was not the Draco of old.
The children rushed through breakfast, eager to tear open their presents. They gathered around the tree and Dumbledore tossed the Santa hat on Mike's head. He grinned and began to pass out the presents. He was quite startled at a few, and shakily handed them to Professor Snape. Damon ended up with the most, but no one was surprised; he was always bragging about how large his family was. And from the number of presents that surrounded him, they all knew he wasn't exaggerating.
They took turns ripping the paper off various colored boxes. Mike went first, and opened the one from his sister. He pulled a small plush lion out of its box, and smiled up at her.
"Squeeze it, Mike," she told him. He did, and a loud roar echoed through the hall. He laughed, and hugged her. Draco was next, and he picked a small silver and blue one. He opened the small box and read the note inside.
~Draco, this whistle will call Caribe no matter where he may be, even on the other side of the world.
Sam~
He smiled a little and pulled a small golden whistle on a chain out of the box. He hung it around his neck and tucked it under his shirt. At a few confused looks, he explained, and everyone smiled. Caribe screeched, and Draco smirked.
"She instructed him to deliver it to me on Christmas. She knew," he said, looking at Professor Snape.
"Of course she did." He shook his head in disbelief.
"Excuse me? Can I go now?" Harry's voice was impatient, but he was smiling broadly. Dumbledore chuckled.
"If you must," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. He nodded and sifted through his presents. Everyone noticed when he discarded a small beat-up cardboard box behind him. He grabbed a present that he recognized: the one from Mrs. Weasley. He smiled and ripped it open, revealing a maroon sweater with a large "H" on the front.
"That's...er..nice," Draco stumbled, searching for words. Harry laughed.
"She sends me a new one every year." He shook his head and pulled it on. "Well?" He stood up and showed everyone. The sleeves were a bit too long, and he shrugged. Professor McGonagall pulled her wand.
"Reducio," she said, and the sleeves shrunk to the appropriate length.
"Thanks Professor."
"You're welcome Mr. Potter."
Damon cleared his throat, and Harry smiled when he saw the older boy holding a present looking rather impatient. Damon winked back and tore into one of his parent's presents. It was an old robe, with a metallic clasp. He smiled as if he'd been expecting this, and explained at everyone's confused stares.
"It's the family robe and coat of arms. It's passed down from father to son on the Christmas before becoming a full-fledged wizard."
Harry's brow furrowed, "Um, what happens if you don't have any sons?"
Damon blushed a little, "Let's put it this way: I have five older sisters." Harry chuckled and shook his head.
Jennifer opened her brother's present first, and smiled. It was a sketch of a badger with a badge that read "HG." From everyone surprised looks, Harry knew he wasn't the only one shocked at the boys drawing talent. Jennifer stood and hugged her brother. Dumbledore smiled and turned to Severus.
"Well, as we seem to be going from youngest to oldest, I believe you are next." Severus nodded begrudgingly and opened the one that was obviously from Remus. He was very careful about unwrapping it, which did not go unnoticed to its giver.
"Come now, Severus. You act as if I had it wrapped by -" he stopped mid- sentence, and looked down ashamed. Severus caught his meaning and shot him a nasty look, then glanced over to Harry. Thankfully, he had not noticed, as he was trying to pull his sweater off over his head. He extracted a small crystal serpent with emerald eyes. He looked up at Remus, who was beaming proudly. He merely nodded his thanks.
"I believe you're next, Moony," Harry called. Dumbledore smiled and nodded. Remus beamed and grabbed Harry's present. As he ripped the paper off, Harry was trying to stifle giggles. He collapsed into a fit of hysterics as Moony's face shifted into one of disbelief.
"Harry, where on earth did you find this?"
Harry took a few seconds to collect himself, then wiped his eyes. "I found an old empty journal in the book store at Hogsmeade."
Remus' eyes widened when the realization hit him. "YOU wrote this?" He flipped through the pages as Harry shrugged.
"I had some help."
"For Merlin's sake, Lupin, what is it?" Snape asked. Remus shut the book and held it up for everyone to see. On the cover were Remus' initials, just below the title, "A Beginner's Guide to the Wolfsbane Potion." Dumbledore chuckled as everyone stared, wide-eyed. Harry had once again erupted into laughter, as all eyes turned to him.
"Oh come on, I didn't write it all by myself. Hermione helped me a little, and there were others." Harry beamed up at his former teacher.
Remus merely chuckled and shook his head. "As long as those 'others' don't include Fred and George Weasley, then this is much appreciated. I'm sure Severus is tiring of concocting the same potion month after month."
"On the contrary, Lupin. If I had tired of it, I would have ceased making it." He kept his tone cool, and only a few in the room knew he was joking.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, "I believe Sybil is next."
"There is no need for me to open my presents, Headmaster. I already know what I have received. If you will excuse me, I will be returning to my tower." She gathered her presents up and glided out of the room.
As soon as she was out of ear shot, Harry mumbled, "You mean back to your perch." Draco, who was sitting nearest him, slugged him in the arm. Snape suppressed a smirk at Dumbledore's disapproving look.
"Harry," he said in his warning tone.
"Sorry Headmaster." Those who hadn't heard shot confused glances his way, but he kept his head down. Dumbledore turned and smiled at McGonagall. She picked up a small present from the Headmaster himself. She unwrapped it carefully, not tearing it at all, and set the paper neatly on the floor beside her. She then proceeded to remove the top off the box. Folding the tissue paper out of the way, she extracted a small porcelain cat from its haven of foam. Harry noticed that it resembled her animagus form quite a bit.
"Thank you Albus. This is very thoughtful."
"Yes, I really didn't think you've ever seen yourself as a cat."
"Not often, no. And I believe you are next."
"Oh yes," he grabbed the smallest gift he had. It was from his nephew; well one of them anyway. He pulled a book out of its wrapping and smiled. It was a book of charms designed to protect a large castle or building.
"My nephew is the head of the Department of Magical Protection, though I think he is retiring soon. I hear the eldest Weasley is doing a terrific job in Egypt."
"Professor Dumbledore, you can't mean that Bill is going to be head of a department already?" Harry was folding his sweater half-heartedly.
"No, not yet. But he may progress faster than expected. Now my boy, I believe you are next." He smiled at Mike, who was already ready with one of his parent's gifts. He tore into the large present to reveal a Remembrall. Harry and Draco avoided each other's gaze at McGonagall's reproachful glare.
"I trust *this* one will stay in the vicinity of the ground?"
"Yes, Ma'am," they replied in unison. She then had to explain the whole story, with a little biased commentary from the two boys. After a little arguing, Dumbledore cleared his throat rather loudly.
"I think we should leave the past alone. What's done is done. Now Harry, I believe it's your turn?" Harry shook his head and pointed at Dobby, who was watching from under the table.
"Dobby has a present sir?" He bounded over to the teen and grabbed a small box, neatly wrapped.
"This is from Hermione, Ron, and me. And this," he pulled the cardboard box from behind him, "is from the Dursleys." Snape's eyes narrowed at the mention of the name.
"Harry Potter's family has sent Dobby a present?"
"No, it was mine, but I have so many already, you can have this one." Dobby pounced on Harry, squeezing him until he turned blue. Snape wanted Dobby to open that present to see what Harry's *relatives* had gotten him for Christmas.
"Harry Potter is the most kindest, generous, and caring wizard in the whole world! He is giving his presents to less fortunate than himself."
"Dobby, please let go. I can't breathe." Dobby let go with an apology and sat down next to the boy. "Well, go on. I want to see what I got you." The joke was lost on the house-elf, who was tearing into the wrapped present.
"Oh," he breathed as he pulled out a small watch and, of course, a pair of bright yellow socks. He pulled the socks on over the ones he already had on, and snapped the watch to his wrist. It automatically conformed to his small wrist, and adjusted itself to the correct time. He beamed proudly, thanked Harry profusely, and pulled the small cardboard box into his lap.
"It is young master Malfoy's turn now." From somewhere to his left, Harry heard Draco mutter under his breath, just loud enough for Harry to hear.
"Never thought I'd ever be sharing Christmas with a house-elf." Harry took the opportunity to slug him in the arm, and smiled as Draco threw him an icy glare. Harry grabbed one of Draco's presents and tossed it at him. Draco knew immediately it was from Harry, and smirked as he tore carelessly into the careful wrapping job. As soon as he removed the top of the box, something began moving around inside. He reached in and carefully removed a small dragon. It wasn't real, but made of onyx. And it was *animated.* The dragon yawned and looked up at its new owner. It bowed its head, and stretched its stone wings. At everyone's awed stares, Harry grinned.
"Hey, I pay enough attention in Astronomy to know that Draco means Dragon. Geez, I don't sleep in *all* of my classes."
Draco snapped out of his daze at the small stone creature enough to thank Harry, who merely clapped him on the shoulder.
He grabbed his present from Hermione and opened it. As usual, she had gotten him a book. He almost fell over as he read "Lotions, Solvents, and Draughts" on the cover. He showed the book to everyone else.
"Don't you already have that book, Mr. Potter?" asked McGonagall. This only sent him into giggles again, in between which he heard Draco mutter something about St. Mungo's.
"I'll explain later, Minerva," the Headmaster interrupted, and he motioned for Jennifer to go.
She, too, opened one of her parent's gifts and revealed a dazzling dress robe. It was deep purple with a light hood on the back. She pulled out a matching hat, and grinned.
"Those were grandma's," Mike breathed, barely able to believe what he was seeing.
"Yeah," she pulled out an obviously very personal note, because she read it to herself, then handed it to Mike. He smiled and gave it back. "You're turn Damon." She shoved him playfully, and Harry was just beginning to see the depth of their relationship.
He tore into one of his sister's presents, and pulled out a new pair of Keeper gloves. He smirked at Harry.
"New Chaser or not, Potter. Gryffindor better watch out this year."
"You'll have to get the Quaffle past Ron first. And do it *before* I catch the Snitch, though I doubt that'll do much good," he countered. Snape smirked a little and opened his last gift. It was small, and when he opened it, all he found was a small note. The writing was so small, he had to bring the parchment up to his nose to read it.
~Look up~
He did, and when he dropped the parchment, a large black snake was staring him in the face. He didn't jump away, but looked up at the one holding it.
"Oh come on, Professor Snape. Don't tell me you're not lonely down in the dungeons."
He carefully removed the large reptile from its carrier's grasp and let him/her? slither onto the table and curl up contented. "Thank you, Mr. Potter. That is very...appropriate."
"Not only appropriate Severus," the Headmaster said, beaming, "but quite useful. Look at the snake closer and tell me if you recognize the species."
Snape did as he was asked, and almost choked on his own tongue. It was a rare species indeed; one of the only magical breeds of snakes in existence. It also happened that the venom of this snake was instrumental in some of the more complex potions he was not able to make because of lack of ingredients.
"Where did you get this?"
Harry shrugged as he sat back down, "I found him." Dumbledore gave him a very reproving look.
"Harry, where did you get him?"
"I was flying around, ya know, thinking. And I landed down by the lake, where I always go if I need to think some. Well, I started walking around the lake, and when I got to the bank that borders the forest, he came to me. He said he was tired of living on the run from the larger creatures in the forest and I think I kind of shocked him when I started talking to him."
~You can sssay that again~
"Anyway," the others looked at him strangely, "he asked me to find a place for him. So I did." He finished smiling, and Draco leaned in.
"Sucking up to the professors, Potter?" he said, smirking.
"I don't have to Malfoy," Harry retorted.
"Enough, you two," Dumbledore chuckled and shook his head. "Remus, please go on."
"Thank you Headmaster." He tore into one of his only remaining presents; this one from Snape. It was a small crystal wolf, with rubies for eyes. He laughed and looked up.
"Great minds think alike, eh Severus?"
"Indeed," was his only reply. And so the circle continued, with Damon having to double up every time on account of the abundance of his gifts. No one said anything when Dobby opened the cardboard box from the Dursleys and removed a band-aid and a stick of glue.
"Actually, that's probably the most useful thing they've ever given me," Harry said quietly. Dobby unwrapped the band-aid and stuck it to his forehead, and just sat in awe as the glue popped in and out of the tube as he twisted the bottom. Harry made a mental note to thank the Dursleys for the gift for Dobby, but then he remembered that he would be returning there next summer, and his face fell. Snape didn't miss this, excused himself from the group with a small apology, and left with the snake.
With armfuls of presents, the two Gryffindors trudged up to the tower and deposited their things in their respective dormitories. Hedwig flew in and nipped him on the ear, delivering a message. He removed the letter from her leg and gave her a treat. She again nipped him on the ear and soared out into the cold air.
~Harry
Please come and see me in the classroom.
Professor Severus Snape~
Wow, Harry thought, my first name *and* please? He's going soft. He shrugged and grabbed his cloak, as it often got cold down in the dungeons during the winter.
The classroom door was open, but he got the feeling this was going to be one of those *talks* so he shut it behind him.
"Professor Snape?"
"Yes, Mr. Potter, one moment," came the reply from the storeroom. He emerged a moment later with the snake and a few empty vials. "I wish to discuss a few things with you. Like the Christmas present. I heard what you said." He set the snake on the counter and the vials in their holder.
Harry shrugged, "It was the truth. It was probably the most thoughtful gift too. They know I get hurt a lot."
"Perhaps, but that still does not give them the right to treat you badly. Now, as for that. You must know that you will not be returning this summer. We still do not know where you will go, but if all else fails, you may stay at Hogwarts over the summer vacation."
"Could I go to the Burrow?"
"Only if Voldemort is defeated before that time. If not, you will remain here."
"Now I can write that letter," Harry thought out loud.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, I was going to write them a thank you letter explaining how much Dobby liked the present they sent him. Of course, I guess I would have to explain who Dobby was." Snape smirked as Harry laughed at the thought of Uncle Vernon reading how much the house elf enjoyed their present.
"Well, now that that is settled, I did call you down here for another reason."
"Yes, Professor?"
"This snake, which I must thank you for, but I do not know his name."
Harry chuckled, "Hang on a second." He walked over to the counter and crouched down to the snake's level.
~The professssor would like to know your name~
~It isssss Vyerossss~
"His name is Vyeros. I didn't know he was special. What kind of snake is he?"
"Ah, Mr. Potter, I thought you would know the answer to that one. After all, his venom is key to many complex poisons and some acidic solvents." Harry racked his brain, trying to remember if he'd seen the name anywhere before. Then he remembered the book he got from Hermione.
"You know, that book I was reading at the dinner table wasn't really 'Lotions, Solvents, and Draughts,'" Harry smirked.
"Perhaps you should read it then. This particular species is featured in there." Snape went back to what he was doing, leaving Harry waiting for his answer, but it never came.
"Well, what is he?"
"Tone, Mr. Potter, I am a professor." Harry lowered his head, and apologized, and Snape continued, "Very well, since you are obviously not going to go read that book right away. He is a Saukerian Posginrave, more commonly known as an Aiden serpent, for the wizard who first discovered the many uses for its venom."
"Is that what you're doing now?" Harry came up next to the older wizard and peered into the cauldron with interest.
"My, my Mr. Potter, you are the observant one this morning." Snape stirred the concoction once more clockwise, then reversed the motion twice. "Now to get some venom from the serpent." He grabbed two vials, "Would you assist me?"
Harry nodded and followed Snape to the counter where the snake was lounging peacefully. Harry again crouched down.
~Vyerosssss, would you give ussss sssome of your venom?~
~Of coursssse~
The snake unhinged its jaws and secreted some venom as Snape caught it in the vials. He proceeded, with the snake's permission, to milk him until both vials were almost full. He corked both of them, placed one by the cauldron, and tucked one safely away in his storeroom.
"That must be the first time I have actually asked a snake permission to milk it." Harry was starting to look bored. "Mr. Potter, if I am boring you, please feel free to leave the dungeons. I'm sure you have plenty of things to do, such as homework, or reading that book."
Harry threw on his cloak. "Leave it to Snape to think of homework and reading on Christmas Day." At Snape's glare, he apologized again and left. He spent the rest of the morning in a chess tournament the students had struck up in the Great Hall. They all stopped for lunch, and when it was over, Dumbledore stood.
"As there are an even number of us, and the other teachers have agreed, there will be a small Quidditch game this afternoon. I do not believe staff versus students is a good idea. So we will do this the Muggle way. I will choose two captains and they will pick their teams. Meet on the pitch at 3 and have a good afternoon." He retreated back to his office to complete the remainder of his work for the holidays. The students left chattering excitedly about the game, and the teachers all looked at each other warily. This was going to be interesting.
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At last, it was Christmas, and Mike's yells pulled Harry out of his sleep. Since there were only 10 people in the whole castle, they had all agreed to meet in the Great Hall to open gifts. So the house elves had dragged all the presents down under the giant tree.
As Harry and Mike entered the Great Hall, they almost fell over with laughter. Dumbledore was sitting in his chair wearing elf shoes, complete with pointed toes and bells, and a Santa hat. He smiled at them and winked. At least he held off on the tights, Harry thought. A screech in the hall alerted them to Draco's arrival. He came in rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and Caribe soared over him, perching on the back of his chair.
"We really must tell the house elves not to wake people this early." As if on cue, Dobby came bounding in, wearing the socks Harry had given him one Christmas.
"Dobby has woken up young master Malfoy. Everyone is here now!" He squealed in delight. Harry almost choked on his eggnog when he heard it was Dobby who had woken Draco. He figured Dobby would be the last one to volunteer, since he used to serve the Malfoys, and had not been treated kindly in the least. But, Harry reminded himself, this was not the Draco of old.
The children rushed through breakfast, eager to tear open their presents. They gathered around the tree and Dumbledore tossed the Santa hat on Mike's head. He grinned and began to pass out the presents. He was quite startled at a few, and shakily handed them to Professor Snape. Damon ended up with the most, but no one was surprised; he was always bragging about how large his family was. And from the number of presents that surrounded him, they all knew he wasn't exaggerating.
They took turns ripping the paper off various colored boxes. Mike went first, and opened the one from his sister. He pulled a small plush lion out of its box, and smiled up at her.
"Squeeze it, Mike," she told him. He did, and a loud roar echoed through the hall. He laughed, and hugged her. Draco was next, and he picked a small silver and blue one. He opened the small box and read the note inside.
~Draco, this whistle will call Caribe no matter where he may be, even on the other side of the world.
Sam~
He smiled a little and pulled a small golden whistle on a chain out of the box. He hung it around his neck and tucked it under his shirt. At a few confused looks, he explained, and everyone smiled. Caribe screeched, and Draco smirked.
"She instructed him to deliver it to me on Christmas. She knew," he said, looking at Professor Snape.
"Of course she did." He shook his head in disbelief.
"Excuse me? Can I go now?" Harry's voice was impatient, but he was smiling broadly. Dumbledore chuckled.
"If you must," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. He nodded and sifted through his presents. Everyone noticed when he discarded a small beat-up cardboard box behind him. He grabbed a present that he recognized: the one from Mrs. Weasley. He smiled and ripped it open, revealing a maroon sweater with a large "H" on the front.
"That's...er..nice," Draco stumbled, searching for words. Harry laughed.
"She sends me a new one every year." He shook his head and pulled it on. "Well?" He stood up and showed everyone. The sleeves were a bit too long, and he shrugged. Professor McGonagall pulled her wand.
"Reducio," she said, and the sleeves shrunk to the appropriate length.
"Thanks Professor."
"You're welcome Mr. Potter."
Damon cleared his throat, and Harry smiled when he saw the older boy holding a present looking rather impatient. Damon winked back and tore into one of his parent's presents. It was an old robe, with a metallic clasp. He smiled as if he'd been expecting this, and explained at everyone's confused stares.
"It's the family robe and coat of arms. It's passed down from father to son on the Christmas before becoming a full-fledged wizard."
Harry's brow furrowed, "Um, what happens if you don't have any sons?"
Damon blushed a little, "Let's put it this way: I have five older sisters." Harry chuckled and shook his head.
Jennifer opened her brother's present first, and smiled. It was a sketch of a badger with a badge that read "HG." From everyone surprised looks, Harry knew he wasn't the only one shocked at the boys drawing talent. Jennifer stood and hugged her brother. Dumbledore smiled and turned to Severus.
"Well, as we seem to be going from youngest to oldest, I believe you are next." Severus nodded begrudgingly and opened the one that was obviously from Remus. He was very careful about unwrapping it, which did not go unnoticed to its giver.
"Come now, Severus. You act as if I had it wrapped by -" he stopped mid- sentence, and looked down ashamed. Severus caught his meaning and shot him a nasty look, then glanced over to Harry. Thankfully, he had not noticed, as he was trying to pull his sweater off over his head. He extracted a small crystal serpent with emerald eyes. He looked up at Remus, who was beaming proudly. He merely nodded his thanks.
"I believe you're next, Moony," Harry called. Dumbledore smiled and nodded. Remus beamed and grabbed Harry's present. As he ripped the paper off, Harry was trying to stifle giggles. He collapsed into a fit of hysterics as Moony's face shifted into one of disbelief.
"Harry, where on earth did you find this?"
Harry took a few seconds to collect himself, then wiped his eyes. "I found an old empty journal in the book store at Hogsmeade."
Remus' eyes widened when the realization hit him. "YOU wrote this?" He flipped through the pages as Harry shrugged.
"I had some help."
"For Merlin's sake, Lupin, what is it?" Snape asked. Remus shut the book and held it up for everyone to see. On the cover were Remus' initials, just below the title, "A Beginner's Guide to the Wolfsbane Potion." Dumbledore chuckled as everyone stared, wide-eyed. Harry had once again erupted into laughter, as all eyes turned to him.
"Oh come on, I didn't write it all by myself. Hermione helped me a little, and there were others." Harry beamed up at his former teacher.
Remus merely chuckled and shook his head. "As long as those 'others' don't include Fred and George Weasley, then this is much appreciated. I'm sure Severus is tiring of concocting the same potion month after month."
"On the contrary, Lupin. If I had tired of it, I would have ceased making it." He kept his tone cool, and only a few in the room knew he was joking.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, "I believe Sybil is next."
"There is no need for me to open my presents, Headmaster. I already know what I have received. If you will excuse me, I will be returning to my tower." She gathered her presents up and glided out of the room.
As soon as she was out of ear shot, Harry mumbled, "You mean back to your perch." Draco, who was sitting nearest him, slugged him in the arm. Snape suppressed a smirk at Dumbledore's disapproving look.
"Harry," he said in his warning tone.
"Sorry Headmaster." Those who hadn't heard shot confused glances his way, but he kept his head down. Dumbledore turned and smiled at McGonagall. She picked up a small present from the Headmaster himself. She unwrapped it carefully, not tearing it at all, and set the paper neatly on the floor beside her. She then proceeded to remove the top off the box. Folding the tissue paper out of the way, she extracted a small porcelain cat from its haven of foam. Harry noticed that it resembled her animagus form quite a bit.
"Thank you Albus. This is very thoughtful."
"Yes, I really didn't think you've ever seen yourself as a cat."
"Not often, no. And I believe you are next."
"Oh yes," he grabbed the smallest gift he had. It was from his nephew; well one of them anyway. He pulled a book out of its wrapping and smiled. It was a book of charms designed to protect a large castle or building.
"My nephew is the head of the Department of Magical Protection, though I think he is retiring soon. I hear the eldest Weasley is doing a terrific job in Egypt."
"Professor Dumbledore, you can't mean that Bill is going to be head of a department already?" Harry was folding his sweater half-heartedly.
"No, not yet. But he may progress faster than expected. Now my boy, I believe you are next." He smiled at Mike, who was already ready with one of his parent's gifts. He tore into the large present to reveal a Remembrall. Harry and Draco avoided each other's gaze at McGonagall's reproachful glare.
"I trust *this* one will stay in the vicinity of the ground?"
"Yes, Ma'am," they replied in unison. She then had to explain the whole story, with a little biased commentary from the two boys. After a little arguing, Dumbledore cleared his throat rather loudly.
"I think we should leave the past alone. What's done is done. Now Harry, I believe it's your turn?" Harry shook his head and pointed at Dobby, who was watching from under the table.
"Dobby has a present sir?" He bounded over to the teen and grabbed a small box, neatly wrapped.
"This is from Hermione, Ron, and me. And this," he pulled the cardboard box from behind him, "is from the Dursleys." Snape's eyes narrowed at the mention of the name.
"Harry Potter's family has sent Dobby a present?"
"No, it was mine, but I have so many already, you can have this one." Dobby pounced on Harry, squeezing him until he turned blue. Snape wanted Dobby to open that present to see what Harry's *relatives* had gotten him for Christmas.
"Harry Potter is the most kindest, generous, and caring wizard in the whole world! He is giving his presents to less fortunate than himself."
"Dobby, please let go. I can't breathe." Dobby let go with an apology and sat down next to the boy. "Well, go on. I want to see what I got you." The joke was lost on the house-elf, who was tearing into the wrapped present.
"Oh," he breathed as he pulled out a small watch and, of course, a pair of bright yellow socks. He pulled the socks on over the ones he already had on, and snapped the watch to his wrist. It automatically conformed to his small wrist, and adjusted itself to the correct time. He beamed proudly, thanked Harry profusely, and pulled the small cardboard box into his lap.
"It is young master Malfoy's turn now." From somewhere to his left, Harry heard Draco mutter under his breath, just loud enough for Harry to hear.
"Never thought I'd ever be sharing Christmas with a house-elf." Harry took the opportunity to slug him in the arm, and smiled as Draco threw him an icy glare. Harry grabbed one of Draco's presents and tossed it at him. Draco knew immediately it was from Harry, and smirked as he tore carelessly into the careful wrapping job. As soon as he removed the top of the box, something began moving around inside. He reached in and carefully removed a small dragon. It wasn't real, but made of onyx. And it was *animated.* The dragon yawned and looked up at its new owner. It bowed its head, and stretched its stone wings. At everyone's awed stares, Harry grinned.
"Hey, I pay enough attention in Astronomy to know that Draco means Dragon. Geez, I don't sleep in *all* of my classes."
Draco snapped out of his daze at the small stone creature enough to thank Harry, who merely clapped him on the shoulder.
He grabbed his present from Hermione and opened it. As usual, she had gotten him a book. He almost fell over as he read "Lotions, Solvents, and Draughts" on the cover. He showed the book to everyone else.
"Don't you already have that book, Mr. Potter?" asked McGonagall. This only sent him into giggles again, in between which he heard Draco mutter something about St. Mungo's.
"I'll explain later, Minerva," the Headmaster interrupted, and he motioned for Jennifer to go.
She, too, opened one of her parent's gifts and revealed a dazzling dress robe. It was deep purple with a light hood on the back. She pulled out a matching hat, and grinned.
"Those were grandma's," Mike breathed, barely able to believe what he was seeing.
"Yeah," she pulled out an obviously very personal note, because she read it to herself, then handed it to Mike. He smiled and gave it back. "You're turn Damon." She shoved him playfully, and Harry was just beginning to see the depth of their relationship.
He tore into one of his sister's presents, and pulled out a new pair of Keeper gloves. He smirked at Harry.
"New Chaser or not, Potter. Gryffindor better watch out this year."
"You'll have to get the Quaffle past Ron first. And do it *before* I catch the Snitch, though I doubt that'll do much good," he countered. Snape smirked a little and opened his last gift. It was small, and when he opened it, all he found was a small note. The writing was so small, he had to bring the parchment up to his nose to read it.
~Look up~
He did, and when he dropped the parchment, a large black snake was staring him in the face. He didn't jump away, but looked up at the one holding it.
"Oh come on, Professor Snape. Don't tell me you're not lonely down in the dungeons."
He carefully removed the large reptile from its carrier's grasp and let him/her? slither onto the table and curl up contented. "Thank you, Mr. Potter. That is very...appropriate."
"Not only appropriate Severus," the Headmaster said, beaming, "but quite useful. Look at the snake closer and tell me if you recognize the species."
Snape did as he was asked, and almost choked on his own tongue. It was a rare species indeed; one of the only magical breeds of snakes in existence. It also happened that the venom of this snake was instrumental in some of the more complex potions he was not able to make because of lack of ingredients.
"Where did you get this?"
Harry shrugged as he sat back down, "I found him." Dumbledore gave him a very reproving look.
"Harry, where did you get him?"
"I was flying around, ya know, thinking. And I landed down by the lake, where I always go if I need to think some. Well, I started walking around the lake, and when I got to the bank that borders the forest, he came to me. He said he was tired of living on the run from the larger creatures in the forest and I think I kind of shocked him when I started talking to him."
~You can sssay that again~
"Anyway," the others looked at him strangely, "he asked me to find a place for him. So I did." He finished smiling, and Draco leaned in.
"Sucking up to the professors, Potter?" he said, smirking.
"I don't have to Malfoy," Harry retorted.
"Enough, you two," Dumbledore chuckled and shook his head. "Remus, please go on."
"Thank you Headmaster." He tore into one of his only remaining presents; this one from Snape. It was a small crystal wolf, with rubies for eyes. He laughed and looked up.
"Great minds think alike, eh Severus?"
"Indeed," was his only reply. And so the circle continued, with Damon having to double up every time on account of the abundance of his gifts. No one said anything when Dobby opened the cardboard box from the Dursleys and removed a band-aid and a stick of glue.
"Actually, that's probably the most useful thing they've ever given me," Harry said quietly. Dobby unwrapped the band-aid and stuck it to his forehead, and just sat in awe as the glue popped in and out of the tube as he twisted the bottom. Harry made a mental note to thank the Dursleys for the gift for Dobby, but then he remembered that he would be returning there next summer, and his face fell. Snape didn't miss this, excused himself from the group with a small apology, and left with the snake.
With armfuls of presents, the two Gryffindors trudged up to the tower and deposited their things in their respective dormitories. Hedwig flew in and nipped him on the ear, delivering a message. He removed the letter from her leg and gave her a treat. She again nipped him on the ear and soared out into the cold air.
~Harry
Please come and see me in the classroom.
Professor Severus Snape~
Wow, Harry thought, my first name *and* please? He's going soft. He shrugged and grabbed his cloak, as it often got cold down in the dungeons during the winter.
The classroom door was open, but he got the feeling this was going to be one of those *talks* so he shut it behind him.
"Professor Snape?"
"Yes, Mr. Potter, one moment," came the reply from the storeroom. He emerged a moment later with the snake and a few empty vials. "I wish to discuss a few things with you. Like the Christmas present. I heard what you said." He set the snake on the counter and the vials in their holder.
Harry shrugged, "It was the truth. It was probably the most thoughtful gift too. They know I get hurt a lot."
"Perhaps, but that still does not give them the right to treat you badly. Now, as for that. You must know that you will not be returning this summer. We still do not know where you will go, but if all else fails, you may stay at Hogwarts over the summer vacation."
"Could I go to the Burrow?"
"Only if Voldemort is defeated before that time. If not, you will remain here."
"Now I can write that letter," Harry thought out loud.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, I was going to write them a thank you letter explaining how much Dobby liked the present they sent him. Of course, I guess I would have to explain who Dobby was." Snape smirked as Harry laughed at the thought of Uncle Vernon reading how much the house elf enjoyed their present.
"Well, now that that is settled, I did call you down here for another reason."
"Yes, Professor?"
"This snake, which I must thank you for, but I do not know his name."
Harry chuckled, "Hang on a second." He walked over to the counter and crouched down to the snake's level.
~The professssor would like to know your name~
~It isssss Vyerossss~
"His name is Vyeros. I didn't know he was special. What kind of snake is he?"
"Ah, Mr. Potter, I thought you would know the answer to that one. After all, his venom is key to many complex poisons and some acidic solvents." Harry racked his brain, trying to remember if he'd seen the name anywhere before. Then he remembered the book he got from Hermione.
"You know, that book I was reading at the dinner table wasn't really 'Lotions, Solvents, and Draughts,'" Harry smirked.
"Perhaps you should read it then. This particular species is featured in there." Snape went back to what he was doing, leaving Harry waiting for his answer, but it never came.
"Well, what is he?"
"Tone, Mr. Potter, I am a professor." Harry lowered his head, and apologized, and Snape continued, "Very well, since you are obviously not going to go read that book right away. He is a Saukerian Posginrave, more commonly known as an Aiden serpent, for the wizard who first discovered the many uses for its venom."
"Is that what you're doing now?" Harry came up next to the older wizard and peered into the cauldron with interest.
"My, my Mr. Potter, you are the observant one this morning." Snape stirred the concoction once more clockwise, then reversed the motion twice. "Now to get some venom from the serpent." He grabbed two vials, "Would you assist me?"
Harry nodded and followed Snape to the counter where the snake was lounging peacefully. Harry again crouched down.
~Vyerosssss, would you give ussss sssome of your venom?~
~Of coursssse~
The snake unhinged its jaws and secreted some venom as Snape caught it in the vials. He proceeded, with the snake's permission, to milk him until both vials were almost full. He corked both of them, placed one by the cauldron, and tucked one safely away in his storeroom.
"That must be the first time I have actually asked a snake permission to milk it." Harry was starting to look bored. "Mr. Potter, if I am boring you, please feel free to leave the dungeons. I'm sure you have plenty of things to do, such as homework, or reading that book."
Harry threw on his cloak. "Leave it to Snape to think of homework and reading on Christmas Day." At Snape's glare, he apologized again and left. He spent the rest of the morning in a chess tournament the students had struck up in the Great Hall. They all stopped for lunch, and when it was over, Dumbledore stood.
"As there are an even number of us, and the other teachers have agreed, there will be a small Quidditch game this afternoon. I do not believe staff versus students is a good idea. So we will do this the Muggle way. I will choose two captains and they will pick their teams. Meet on the pitch at 3 and have a good afternoon." He retreated back to his office to complete the remainder of his work for the holidays. The students left chattering excitedly about the game, and the teachers all looked at each other warily. This was going to be interesting.