Harry Potter and the Pissed Off P.M.

Chapter 10:

The Jade Ring

Once again, it was Christmas time. Albus was being nauseatingly cheerful and Severus was pissy as ever. 'It's only been a year, Severus.' He told himself. 'What did you think would happen?' Severus snarled at himself, affectingly scarring the students that passed him by.

No, the Potion Master was not at all up set about a certain green-eyed young man that seemed to disappear off the face of the earth. "Ah, Severus." The head master cheered as Snape took his set at the head table. "I see you've come to join us in our Christmas celebration."

Severus glared. "Just the food, Headmaster."

"Right." Albus's eyes twinkled. "Have you heard anything about Harry as of late?"

"Now why would I know something?" He snapped. "Why would the Golden Boy of the world, talk, no less write to his old slimy Potion Professor?"

The Head master was taken back. In all the years that he has known Severus, never has he heard so much venom and self-loathing pass those lips. Dumbledore went to say something that he thought might ease his friends mind, but Severus faced away taking his goblet and drinking from it. Albus knew that he wanted him to drop the line of conversation, so he turned to Minerva.

Towards the end of the feast, Albus said goodnight to the children. Severus was one of the last to leave and as he stood up, something big and white flew through one of the halls open windows.

The snowy white owl swooped down and landed right in front of Severus. If possible, his heart stopped a beat or two. The owl hooted, bringing Severus back to the present. Ever so gently, as not to scar the owl, he untied the owl's burden.

One letter and a long box, almost the size of the boxes at Ollivander's. One look at the box almost made Severus whimper. In the old times of war. Families would be sent their loved ones wands in the event of their death. A letter would also be sent, a black letter. However, the letter in Severus's hand was normal, so there was no reason for him to fear, but still his legs gave out on him.

Setting back in his chair, Severus opened his letter, letting out a breath of relief.

Marry Christmas Severus,

I am sorry I have not written you sooner. Truth is I haven't the time to write to anyone. Christmas is the only time I have to myself.

I am doing well being away from everyone, in case you wanted to know. I get to travel a lot. During my travels, I came across your present. I found it in Egypt . Go ahead and open it. There is no fancy meaningless paper to litter around.

Severus could not help but smile. Lifting the lid on the box, moving shredded paper out of the way, Severus could not believe his eyes.

A solid gold wand decorated with turquoise and other precious stones, laid in the box. It remained him of King Tut's mask. Severus had an overwhelming urge to hold it, but he went back to his letter instead.

Quick. Make sure no one saw that stunned look one your face. It wouldn't do any good if I ruined your evil Professor reputation, now would it? And before you ask, Yes, I got the wand in a perfectly legal way.

The wand used to belong to Ramses the Great; Pharaoh of Upper and Lower Egypt .

In your rooms I noticed that you colleted a lot of artifacts. I thought you could use one more.

Damn, I have to go. Hedwig is staying the night, before she has to fly back. I would like it if you would right me back. I want to know how you're doing. Truth is I miss your sarcastic nature.

Always missing you,

Harry Potter

Severus gathered his gift and letter. Telling Hedwig that he would see her in the morning, the Potion Master made his way to the dungeons to write his reply.

Dear Mr. Potter,

I certainly hope you obtained that wand in a legal way. I do not feel like entertaining a bunch of sniveling Auror looking for a stolen artifact. Though it would not hurt my reputation any, I assure you. Thank you.

You find me well and as unpleasant as ever. The Headmaster is driving me up the wall, with those damn candies and twinkling eyes of his. Perhaps if I told him I was pregnant, then maybe then he would stop pestering me. But then again this is Albus we are talking about. He would hover over me like a mother hen, then he would tell Cynnus, and then my brother would hang over me… It is a viscous cycle maybe I will just keep my mouth shut.

I'm sorry to say that I do not know what else to write. When you come back from training, perhaps I would tell you then more about my well-being.

Forever Snapping,

Severus Snape

P.S. I was not expecting an exchange of gifts. So I had to improvise.

Dear Severus,

God! Is it Christmas again? Time seems to fly at this end. How is it on yours?

I was not expecting a gift in return, but thank you. Lemon drops in the shape of snitches? I don't want to know how Albus got into your head for that one. Nevertheless, they didn't even last a week. All the guys in my unit attacked me. They said thanks as well.

I hope the Headmaster is being a little more restrained on the cheer factor, well at lest for your sake. The next time you talk to the Headmaster, could you ask him to send some cheer my way? I'm starting to think that we'll never find my Godfather.

Listen to me go on. Will you write me back again? I don't know how many times I've read your last letter. It seems to cheer me up some.

All ways your brat,

Harry Potter

P.S. Sorry about no gift this year. I have not been able to get away long enough to find the right thing. Till next Christmas.

Harry

Dear Mr. Brat,

By now, you should know that I really do not mind if I get a gift or not. If I get one, I get one. If I don't, I don't.

I've talked to the Headmaster and he wants to send you a pear of really ridiculous socks. To bright if you ask me, but no matter.

It pleases me to know that my letters can affect you so and visa versa.

Now about your Godfather, as much as I loath the man, I hope you find him soon. I firmly believe that you will find him, Mr. Potter.

Severus Snape

***

Severus Snape sat at the head table for the third Christmas, awaiting the familiar white owl. She never came.

Lowering his head, Severus willed him self not to be disappointed. Sighing he rose and headed to his privet rooms for a good glass of whiskey. Upon entering his rooms, the hearth busted into a nice warm fire and Severus sat in his chair studding the flames. He didn't want his whiskey yet.

Almost thirdly minutes until midnight , there came a knock on his door. "Go away, Albus. I don't want company." There were no other knocks that followed.

However on the other side of the door stood not the Headmaster but a tall young man with a brilliant shade of green eyes.

"He won't come to the door." The nameless painting said to Harry.

"So how do I get in?"

"You don't." The man in the painting smiled, just like the man in the rooms. "But if you guess my name, I'll let you in."

Harry eyed the young Potion Master carefully. "The Weasley twins know your name, don't they?" The nameless one just nodded. "It wouldn't be Bob would it?"

"Dear God, no!" He screeched.

"Just checking."

"You might want to sit down." The painting laughed. "It took Fred and George weeks to figure it out."

Harry walked to the other end of the hall. Setting down he propped himself against the wall, studding the painting. The young Potions Master brushed his long, almost greasy back hair away from his face and set back to work. Ignoring Harry.

Harry knew there was something he was missing. He watched the painting stir his cauldron and casually add an ingredient or two. Squinting his eyes Harry looked at one of the clear glass jars and there written almost plan as day, was a name. "AH!" He yelled catching the Potion Master off guard. He poured too much of one ingredient in his potion and it blew up in his face. Leaving his hair in quit a state and his face black as charcoal.

"What was that for?" He hissed.

Harry stood and walked to the painting. "Merlin."

"Excuse me?"

"Your name." Harry said pointing to the potion bottles. "Your name is Merlin."

Much to Severus's surprise, his painting opened up. "Damn it Albus! Must you always interfere with—" Severus stood, half way in to his rant he turned to look straight at Harry Potter. A grown up Harry Potter. A new scar just under his right eye was one of the first things Severus noted.

His build was magnificent. He would give Ron a run for his money, even though Ron stood at 6'2". "Harry?" He asked as if he thought he was hallucinating.

Harry beamed a smile that lit up is eyes to a hold new brightness. "Marry Christmas, Severus."

Snape quickly walked up to Harry, but stopped right in front of him, unsure where his emotions were taking him. "What are you doing here, Harry?"

Walking passed Snape, Harry rounded the couch and sat down, aware that Severus was at his heal. Severus sat down right next to Harry, awaiting his answer. "I've missed you, is all." Harry whispered almost inaudibly, as he started lifelessly in to the flames in Snape's hearth.

Severus narrowed his eyes at Harry. Something was eating at him. There was no mistaking that. "Mr. Potter—"

"Sorry." Harry took in a breath, turning to Snape. "Let me try again." Reaching in to his robe pocket, Harry pulled out a small box almost the size of a ring box, just a little longer. "Marry Christmas."

Perplexed, Severus took the offered box and careful opened it. In side rested a small jade snake with onyx for eyes. Severus's eyes grew bigger as he looked up at Harry, who was reaching for the little snake. "Give me your left hand."

Severus blinked and paled, but did as he was told. Harry placed the jade snake on the back of Snapes hand. He softly hissed to it and the little snake came alive, wrapping itself around Severus's middle finger.

"Can you understand me?" Harry asked.

"I'm not that old, Mister Potter." Severus snapped.

"Good then that means it's working." Harry ran a shaking hand through his longer shaggy hair. "That ring took me five years to make. Well it actually took me three and then two more years to come up with the courage to give it to you." What Severus did not know what that Harry was rambling in Parseltongue.

"Harry?" Severus rested his hand on his shoulder. "I don't see how it, what ever 'it' is, worked. I don't feel any different."

A dark mischievous grin broke out on Harry's face. "You're talking to me in Parseltongue, Professor." Severus again blinked and sat back, stunned. "If you wear the ring long enough, you'll be able to control your new gift. You'll be able to switch from Parseltongue to English, with practice of course."

"I… Harry, this is too much. I don't deserve—" Harry put his finger to Severus's lips.

"You deserve much more." Harry leaned in, moving his finger out of the way and pressed his lips to Severus's. Slowly he backed away, to see Snapes eyes still opened and large. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—"

This time Severus pounced on Harry, knocking him back to the other end of the couch. Harry wrapped his arms around the man on top of him, keeping there exploring lips together.

I'm sure you can imagine what would have happened next if there wasn't a loud knock on Snapes door. Severus and Harry jumped apart as they heard the knock. Harry was trying not to laugh as Snape marched to his door, flung it open to find the Headmaster there, smiling brightly.

"Hello, Headmaster." Harry said as Severus just glared.

"Hello, young Mister Potter." The Headmaster eyed Snape worryingly. "Are you alright, Severus? You look a bit pale." A long stream of hisses came from Severus's lips as he coursed out the Headmaster. Harry by this time was laughing too much. "Did I miss something?"

"He say's that you are just as effective as cold water." Harry laughed, clutching his chest.

Severus took off his ring and glared venomously at Albus. "Was there something you wanted, Headmaster?"

"Yes, Severus. I've come to tell you that there has been a sighting." Albus watched Harry closely. He did not know the boy was here when he came to tell Severus his news. "Someone from the Order has spotted two men with a big black dog. They think it was Sirius Black."

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All right, this was going to be the end of the story. I was going to write a sequel later on, but since I've got really good reviews so far, I'm going to continue on. So read on... just a bit more of this chapter left.

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He didn't know how long he's been like this. Living off scrapes that these two Death Eaters kept throwing him. They moved around a lot to. Not really sure why.

It was only a couple of days ago, that they stopped in a small village, only the Gods knew where. At a small tavern, the two Death Eaters stopped for refreshments. It was there, that his nose picked up a scent that he thought he would die before he ever smelled it again.

Leather pants and faint sent of something metallic caught his nose. Looking around he found the source. Cynnus Snape sat in the back of the tavern. Dumbledore sent him there to gather Intel while the search for Sirius went on. His eyes grew as he watched the two men walk in with a mangy black dog.

As the two men sat down, Cynnus stood and walked over to them. "What a dog you have there." He said bending down, petting the dirty black hair. "If I didn't know better, I would say he was a Grim."

"He's a good for nothing dog." One of the men voice into his mug. "Can't take him anywhere with out getting into some kind of trouble."

"Would he be for sale then?" Cynnus asked as he stood again.

The other man eyed Cynnus carefully. He reminded him of someone, just could not put his finger on who. "Sorry, Pretty Boy. The dog belongs to my little girl. I wouldn't want her to be upset now would I?"

Cynnus lowered head, looking at the dogs deep blue eyes. "No, you wouldn't want that." He nodded to the two men and went back to his dark corner, watching the men more closely.

Shortly after, the two men with the dog left. Cynnus paid his tab and left to owl Albus. After that, he followed the men back to their camp, where Cynnus climbed a tree and watched them the rest of the night.