I do not own Harry Potter. This is my own idea. All rights are reserved
to JK Rowling
Thank you to all of my faithful reviewers. I appreciate the encouragement and constructive criticism. Following with some suggestions I will not go into as much detail with the events that occurred during the first four books.
PLEASE KEEP REVIEWING!!
Chapter 8: The Uninvited Guest
The night had brought little sleep to Ron. Not only was his mind full of thoughts that could not be pushed aside, but the snoring of Harry, Sirius and Charlie, with whom he was sharing his room, was earsplitting. Since Mrs. Weasley was very stern about men and women not sharing rooms in her home until they were properly wed the sleeping arrangements were rather unusual. Fred and Angelina were staying with George and Alicia in the twin's old room while Bill and Fleur occupied Bill's bedroom. Percy and Penelope spent the nights in Percy's room while Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, of course, had their own room. Hailie and Ginny slept that night in Ginny's room but after the Grangers arrive they were to be moved into the living room to sleep on conjured up cots giving the married couple the luxury of privacy.
He spent most of the night tossing and turning or rolling over one of the other three to get them to quiet down, with little to no success. Ron got very accustomed to staring at his ceiling, watching the former Chudley Cannons' players dozing on their broomsticks, floating up and down due to their rhythmic breathing. 'Must be nice,' Ron thought, 'to not have a care in the world.'
At long last some rays of the sun were filtering through the closed shades and danced across the sleeping wizards' faces. It looked eerie to Ron because the light seemed to be brightest around Harry's lightning bolt scar. There was still so much that was not known about that scar and it was good for Ron's thoughts to stray to that and off of Hermione for a change.
Very little time had past when the whole house was awake and on the move. The lavatory was never vacant, as soon as one person finished with the facilities there was always another person waiting outside for their turn. The smells of breakfast were wafting through the entire house beckoning them downstairs. When Ron had finally sauntered into the kitchen, being the last with bathroom privileges, most of the family was shoveling their food into their mouths at a feverish pace, barely chewing or savoring any of the tasty cuisine. The majority of them were out of view before Ron even finished filling his plate from the various platters. Only Ginny was left in the kitchen, and that was only because she was on clean up duty. It was obvious she was avoiding his quizzical glances and kept herself focused on the task at hand. He could sense his family's desire to avoid him. Not that they were doing it in a malicious way, they just knew he needed time by himself after the emotional train ride he rode on the day before.
Deciding to help his family feel more at ease he stayed in his room the rest of the afternoon, completely skipping lunch. The only person he came in contact with was Harry who had brought him up a corned beef sandwich that his mum made. 'She knows I hate corned beef,' he thought but chose to not say anything, leaving it on the windowsill. Besides, his stomach was tight and in his opinion he would not be able to keep it down in any case. He would just wait and have a large meal for supper.
~ ~ ~
Dinnertime rolled around and he heard a knock on the front door. If he thought his stomach was tight earlier it was nothing compared to what it was like now. He knew who would be on the other side and he had no desire to come face to face with them, now, or ever. Ron was also aware that his mum had a wicked temper and if he did not go downstairs to greet the guests he would be in for an extremely intense row, which would only remind him more of Hermione.
He chanced a look in the mirror and was surprised to see his fiery red hair was actually neat for a change and his blue shirt made him look less ashen. With a heavy heart, he arrived at the front of the house only to realize that no one had reacted to the knocking yet. He took a deep breath, opened the door and was swallowed up in a hug by Mrs. Granger. This was strange because Mrs. Granger was around the same size as Hermione and Ron towered over both women. Nonetheless, she had the tall wizard rapped firmly in her arms making him look smaller than normal. "It was so good of you to invite us. We just wouldn't be able to endure Christmas alone."
Ron knew that they had spent many Christmases alone while he had attended Hogwarts. He knew this because he and Hermione had often stayed for the occasion to keep Harry company, not wanting to leave their best friend to celebrate the special holiday by his lonesome. He figured that then at least they knew their daughter was alive and well and these days they could only hope and pray she was safe. "Its good to see you, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Happy Christmas!" It was half-hearted but the Granger's took no notice. The whole house arrived to say hello and Ron watched as Mrs. Granger released him and embraced his mum, both women breaking down into frightful sobs. 'This is going to be a long two days,' he thought.
~ ~ ~
The Weasley's kitchen was full to the brim with the large food covered table, eighteen people seated in eighteen chairs, and the five little ones in their highchairs or booster-seats that Harry had enlightened them to from the muggle world.
Mrs. Weasley had prepared yet another remarkable meal. With three fat, roast turkeys, mountains of roast and boiled potatoes, three platters of chipolatas, tureens of buttered peas, two silver boats full of thick, rich gravy and two with cranberry sauce the tabletop was practically invisible. She made a Flaming Christmas pudding for dessert, which at that time was being tossed across the room by Fred and George. Some were inclined to partake in the eggnog while others preferred to try the various wines. Alicia, being pregnant, stuck to the cold pumpkin juice the children were enjoying. When dinner had ended everyone was stuffed and the table was nearly empty of the large platters that had first appeared on it just two hours earlier.
Mrs. Weasley busied herself clearing the plates with a flick of her wrist while Ginny took care of the silverware. Angelina put away the goblets and Hailie ordered a sponge to scrub down the tabletops. Penelope directed the broom around the room cleaning up the mess the children made on the floor, not to mention Fred and George with the flying pudding, and Fleur carefully put away the leftovers knowing that late night trips to the kitchen were a Weasley men Christmas custom. Alicia was seated with her swollen feet raised on the chair across the table.
Meanwhile, the men made their way into the living room. Ron and Harry occupied themselves in a heated match of wizard's chess while Fred, George, Charlie and Bill were enjoying a loud and competitive game of exploding snap. Percy was energetically reading a Christmas story to the brood and Mr. Weasley and Sirius were dozing on the large comfy chair and sofa respectively.
~ ~ ~
It was tradition in the Weasley home that after supper ended everyone would open one present, the children would be tucked away in bed and the rest of the house would busy themselves with getting the presents situated under the tree and enjoying the quiet time. So, when the dinner mess was all cleaned up, the games of wizard's chess and exploding snap had been won, and story time finished, the entire household sat in a semi-circle around the tree in the living room. One present each was given to little George, Harry, Annabelle, Ron and Molly. Of course for most of the kids the parents helped them open the presents.
George and Harry both opened their gifts from Uncle Ron. It was a surprise to no one that they received Chudley Cannons' paraphernalia. Both were given posters of the team, each showed the current players zooming in and out of the picture as three of them passed the quaffle back and forth, one did flips and twirls hitting the quaffle away from the three hoops, two were circling the quidditch pitch hitting the bludgers, and one was in search of the ever-elusive golden snitch. They both also got a model of Harry, who, by now, had been seeker for the Chudley Cannons for several years. The model was the spitting image of him down to his lightning bolt scar and emerald green eyes. Its black hair was sticking up in the back just as the real Harry's hair was doing at that moment. Neither boy would put his figure down for a second, and later that night they ended up sleeping with it cradled in their little arms. Angelina thanked Ron for the thoughtful gifts and Fred took the opportunity to make a crack about his sons' room becoming the same violent shade of orange that Ron's old bedroom exhibited. Ron chortled, "What is wrong with orange, I bought one of those for my room in the flat as well."
Harry rolled his eyes and cut in, "As long as those posters stay in YOUR room." The room exploded in snorts and chuckles, all being only too aware that even though Harry's uniform was orange he hated the color with a passion. Once everyone controlled their emotions they continued on with the presents.
Annabelle opened her gift from Uncle Charlie to discover a book that would be difficult for a ten year old to read. Since she was Percy's child she was not any normal witch and being well advanced for her young age Charlie thought she would like the challenge. She wrapped her tiny arms around Charlie and thanked him giving him a kiss on the cheek. When Charlie told Annabelle the gift was also from Hailie she went over to thank her as well. She spent the rest of her time downstairs on Hailie's lap reading her new book while Percy and Penelope looked on with pride.
Little Ron received a small broom, a Minisweep 6 just the right size for the two year old, from Aunt Ginny. The boy was already a quidditch fan and would ride around in his dad's arms while he played with his brothers in the field out back every holiday and birthday. He could not wait to try it out and in a very short time people were diving and jumping out of his way as he whizzed around the room nearly knocking the decorated Christmas tree over on his mum. Once they had managed to get Ronnie back with his feet on the ground, Bill and Fleur allowed him to hold onto the gift with the stipulation that he would not ride it again that night and then only ride it outside. He begged his dad to play quidditch the next day so they made plans to start after breakfast. Ronnie wanted to pick teams and ended up doing a pretty decent job, especially for boy nearly three years old, with minor help from Bill. He placed his Uncles Fred, Ron and Charlie, on one team with Aunt Ginny and Hailie, beater, keeper, seeker, chaser and chaser respectively. The other team would consist of his Uncles George and Percy in the positions of beater and keeper, his dad and Aunt Angelina as chasers and Harry, of course, was to be seeker. Ronnie would also play the position of chaser on his dad's team, as well as a two year old can with the rest of the players intending to take it easy on the youngster.
Last, but certainly not least, Molly was given an adorable pink robe with a white fur collar and cuffs from her Grandma and Grandpa in France. They had it made special for their first granddaughter. The robe would be able to grow along with the little witch so she could wear it for many Christmases to come. Bill and Fleur assured his parents that she would be dressed in the outfit the coming morning for the customary family pictures.
After all the children had finished with their presents they were put to bed in Charlie's old room. They snuggled in under the covers while the Weasley men and Harry told stories from past Christmases. The children drifted off to sleep, content. Molly had been dozing in her crib for a while already. Young George and Harry had their Harry figures in their arms, Ronnie had his arms and legs wrapped tightly around his broomstick and Annabelle was using her book as a pillow.
~ ~ ~
Following the departure of the youngest Weasleys, it was time for the rest of the family to have their turn. Just as they were each about to pick one present to open a familiar 'pop' was heard, this time coming from the kitchen. Ron exchanged confused glances with his brothers and Harry as they rose to check out who had just apparated into the Burrow. 'Everyone we were expecting is already here,' was the thought running through most of the wizards' minds.
They were shocked to find Snape standing in the kitchen. His dark hair was as greasy as ever and fell heavily onto his shoulders. His black robes billowed out around him like some sort of shadowy aura. His black eyes were not the hateful orbs they remembered from their youth, they seemed to be lively and radiant. In place of his usual sneer was a genuine smile. If it was an odd thought that Snape would even step foot in the Burrow it was even more odd that he would look happy about doing so. "I would like to address everyone in the house please," he said in a calm and even voice that was very unlike his normal tone, it sounded almost cheerful.
"What do you want, Snape?" Harry asked unable to conceal the loathing evident in his voice. His face was contorted in anger and blind hatred. 'How dare he ruin our Christmas Eve!' he thought. 'As if he hadn't done enough to us while we were at school.'
"As I said, Harry, I need to speak to all of you." Everyone in the room looked flabbergasted. Whenever Snape spoke to Harry malice and viciousness would always be heard. This time was different; actually, it was totally the opposite. Not only that but the potion's professor had never called Harry by his first name. He had always referred to him as 'Potter.' For some strange reason Snape seemed concerned and pleasant. It made all the men very uncomfortable to say the least and they found themselves gaping uncontrollably at the surly looking man they had always despised, and not without reason.
Charlie and Bill were the first to gather their wits and ushered the group back into the living room. Small gasps could be heard from the girls as well as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Sirius took the opportunity to glare at the man he had once known as his mortal enemy. Although they had worked together to defeat Voldemort the pair never truly made amends for the incident that occurred between them while they attended Hogwarts as students; the incident that nearly cost Snape his life. The Grangers looked on, puzzled at the reactions of the rest. "Professor Snape, what are you doing here?" Ginny questioned as politely as ever. She always was respectful of any authoritative figure and that included Snape.
"I am well aware of your tradition of opening one gift each on Christmas Eve. I am sorry to disturb your ritual but I would appreciate it if I could give you all my gift tonight instead," he paused. Turning his attention to Harry and Ron he continued, "Think of it as a peace offering."
Whispered voices could be heard as everyone in the room was trying to make sense of what Snape had just told them and the polite way he talked. It was unnerving. "It's a trick!" Fred muttered to George.
George quietly replied, "I don't trust him!"
"This has to be some sort of joke," Harry said to Ron.
While at the same time Ron murmured, more to himself than anyone in particular, "Gift my a**!" That was the sentiment of most the people in the crowded room.
Realizing that no response would be coming anytime soon, Snape continued, "I have asked Professor Flitwick to come and keep an eye on the children." Another 'pop' emanated from the kitchen, the little charms teacher entered the room and stood behind Snape. He barely reached the waist of the tall professor and had a long white beard that touched the floor. His eyes were large and his pointed hat was perched on his bushy eyebrows. Snape continued, "I would ask that the rest of you apparate with me to Hogwarts, outside Dumbledore's office, as soon as possible."
"There is no apparating on Hogwarts grounds," Ron chided. It was something he remembered Hermione telling them numerous times in their early years at the school. "Besides, as you are well aware, the Grangers are muggles and they can not apparate."
"I will send the Grangers on ahead. Normally it is a rule that Hogwarts grounds are protected with a spell to eliminate the use of apparation, but it has been lifted for these couple hours so that I might bring you with all necessary speed." With that Snape flicked his wrist and the Grangers disappeared. He glanced around the room once more only to see doubt and suspicion covering their faces before he himself disapparated.
All eyes turned to tiny Flitwick, he simply nodded and the room erupted in popping noises as the family apparated to Hogwarts to see what Snape had up his sleeve.
Thank you to all of my faithful reviewers. I appreciate the encouragement and constructive criticism. Following with some suggestions I will not go into as much detail with the events that occurred during the first four books.
PLEASE KEEP REVIEWING!!
Chapter 8: The Uninvited Guest
The night had brought little sleep to Ron. Not only was his mind full of thoughts that could not be pushed aside, but the snoring of Harry, Sirius and Charlie, with whom he was sharing his room, was earsplitting. Since Mrs. Weasley was very stern about men and women not sharing rooms in her home until they were properly wed the sleeping arrangements were rather unusual. Fred and Angelina were staying with George and Alicia in the twin's old room while Bill and Fleur occupied Bill's bedroom. Percy and Penelope spent the nights in Percy's room while Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, of course, had their own room. Hailie and Ginny slept that night in Ginny's room but after the Grangers arrive they were to be moved into the living room to sleep on conjured up cots giving the married couple the luxury of privacy.
He spent most of the night tossing and turning or rolling over one of the other three to get them to quiet down, with little to no success. Ron got very accustomed to staring at his ceiling, watching the former Chudley Cannons' players dozing on their broomsticks, floating up and down due to their rhythmic breathing. 'Must be nice,' Ron thought, 'to not have a care in the world.'
At long last some rays of the sun were filtering through the closed shades and danced across the sleeping wizards' faces. It looked eerie to Ron because the light seemed to be brightest around Harry's lightning bolt scar. There was still so much that was not known about that scar and it was good for Ron's thoughts to stray to that and off of Hermione for a change.
Very little time had past when the whole house was awake and on the move. The lavatory was never vacant, as soon as one person finished with the facilities there was always another person waiting outside for their turn. The smells of breakfast were wafting through the entire house beckoning them downstairs. When Ron had finally sauntered into the kitchen, being the last with bathroom privileges, most of the family was shoveling their food into their mouths at a feverish pace, barely chewing or savoring any of the tasty cuisine. The majority of them were out of view before Ron even finished filling his plate from the various platters. Only Ginny was left in the kitchen, and that was only because she was on clean up duty. It was obvious she was avoiding his quizzical glances and kept herself focused on the task at hand. He could sense his family's desire to avoid him. Not that they were doing it in a malicious way, they just knew he needed time by himself after the emotional train ride he rode on the day before.
Deciding to help his family feel more at ease he stayed in his room the rest of the afternoon, completely skipping lunch. The only person he came in contact with was Harry who had brought him up a corned beef sandwich that his mum made. 'She knows I hate corned beef,' he thought but chose to not say anything, leaving it on the windowsill. Besides, his stomach was tight and in his opinion he would not be able to keep it down in any case. He would just wait and have a large meal for supper.
~ ~ ~
Dinnertime rolled around and he heard a knock on the front door. If he thought his stomach was tight earlier it was nothing compared to what it was like now. He knew who would be on the other side and he had no desire to come face to face with them, now, or ever. Ron was also aware that his mum had a wicked temper and if he did not go downstairs to greet the guests he would be in for an extremely intense row, which would only remind him more of Hermione.
He chanced a look in the mirror and was surprised to see his fiery red hair was actually neat for a change and his blue shirt made him look less ashen. With a heavy heart, he arrived at the front of the house only to realize that no one had reacted to the knocking yet. He took a deep breath, opened the door and was swallowed up in a hug by Mrs. Granger. This was strange because Mrs. Granger was around the same size as Hermione and Ron towered over both women. Nonetheless, she had the tall wizard rapped firmly in her arms making him look smaller than normal. "It was so good of you to invite us. We just wouldn't be able to endure Christmas alone."
Ron knew that they had spent many Christmases alone while he had attended Hogwarts. He knew this because he and Hermione had often stayed for the occasion to keep Harry company, not wanting to leave their best friend to celebrate the special holiday by his lonesome. He figured that then at least they knew their daughter was alive and well and these days they could only hope and pray she was safe. "Its good to see you, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Happy Christmas!" It was half-hearted but the Granger's took no notice. The whole house arrived to say hello and Ron watched as Mrs. Granger released him and embraced his mum, both women breaking down into frightful sobs. 'This is going to be a long two days,' he thought.
~ ~ ~
The Weasley's kitchen was full to the brim with the large food covered table, eighteen people seated in eighteen chairs, and the five little ones in their highchairs or booster-seats that Harry had enlightened them to from the muggle world.
Mrs. Weasley had prepared yet another remarkable meal. With three fat, roast turkeys, mountains of roast and boiled potatoes, three platters of chipolatas, tureens of buttered peas, two silver boats full of thick, rich gravy and two with cranberry sauce the tabletop was practically invisible. She made a Flaming Christmas pudding for dessert, which at that time was being tossed across the room by Fred and George. Some were inclined to partake in the eggnog while others preferred to try the various wines. Alicia, being pregnant, stuck to the cold pumpkin juice the children were enjoying. When dinner had ended everyone was stuffed and the table was nearly empty of the large platters that had first appeared on it just two hours earlier.
Mrs. Weasley busied herself clearing the plates with a flick of her wrist while Ginny took care of the silverware. Angelina put away the goblets and Hailie ordered a sponge to scrub down the tabletops. Penelope directed the broom around the room cleaning up the mess the children made on the floor, not to mention Fred and George with the flying pudding, and Fleur carefully put away the leftovers knowing that late night trips to the kitchen were a Weasley men Christmas custom. Alicia was seated with her swollen feet raised on the chair across the table.
Meanwhile, the men made their way into the living room. Ron and Harry occupied themselves in a heated match of wizard's chess while Fred, George, Charlie and Bill were enjoying a loud and competitive game of exploding snap. Percy was energetically reading a Christmas story to the brood and Mr. Weasley and Sirius were dozing on the large comfy chair and sofa respectively.
~ ~ ~
It was tradition in the Weasley home that after supper ended everyone would open one present, the children would be tucked away in bed and the rest of the house would busy themselves with getting the presents situated under the tree and enjoying the quiet time. So, when the dinner mess was all cleaned up, the games of wizard's chess and exploding snap had been won, and story time finished, the entire household sat in a semi-circle around the tree in the living room. One present each was given to little George, Harry, Annabelle, Ron and Molly. Of course for most of the kids the parents helped them open the presents.
George and Harry both opened their gifts from Uncle Ron. It was a surprise to no one that they received Chudley Cannons' paraphernalia. Both were given posters of the team, each showed the current players zooming in and out of the picture as three of them passed the quaffle back and forth, one did flips and twirls hitting the quaffle away from the three hoops, two were circling the quidditch pitch hitting the bludgers, and one was in search of the ever-elusive golden snitch. They both also got a model of Harry, who, by now, had been seeker for the Chudley Cannons for several years. The model was the spitting image of him down to his lightning bolt scar and emerald green eyes. Its black hair was sticking up in the back just as the real Harry's hair was doing at that moment. Neither boy would put his figure down for a second, and later that night they ended up sleeping with it cradled in their little arms. Angelina thanked Ron for the thoughtful gifts and Fred took the opportunity to make a crack about his sons' room becoming the same violent shade of orange that Ron's old bedroom exhibited. Ron chortled, "What is wrong with orange, I bought one of those for my room in the flat as well."
Harry rolled his eyes and cut in, "As long as those posters stay in YOUR room." The room exploded in snorts and chuckles, all being only too aware that even though Harry's uniform was orange he hated the color with a passion. Once everyone controlled their emotions they continued on with the presents.
Annabelle opened her gift from Uncle Charlie to discover a book that would be difficult for a ten year old to read. Since she was Percy's child she was not any normal witch and being well advanced for her young age Charlie thought she would like the challenge. She wrapped her tiny arms around Charlie and thanked him giving him a kiss on the cheek. When Charlie told Annabelle the gift was also from Hailie she went over to thank her as well. She spent the rest of her time downstairs on Hailie's lap reading her new book while Percy and Penelope looked on with pride.
Little Ron received a small broom, a Minisweep 6 just the right size for the two year old, from Aunt Ginny. The boy was already a quidditch fan and would ride around in his dad's arms while he played with his brothers in the field out back every holiday and birthday. He could not wait to try it out and in a very short time people were diving and jumping out of his way as he whizzed around the room nearly knocking the decorated Christmas tree over on his mum. Once they had managed to get Ronnie back with his feet on the ground, Bill and Fleur allowed him to hold onto the gift with the stipulation that he would not ride it again that night and then only ride it outside. He begged his dad to play quidditch the next day so they made plans to start after breakfast. Ronnie wanted to pick teams and ended up doing a pretty decent job, especially for boy nearly three years old, with minor help from Bill. He placed his Uncles Fred, Ron and Charlie, on one team with Aunt Ginny and Hailie, beater, keeper, seeker, chaser and chaser respectively. The other team would consist of his Uncles George and Percy in the positions of beater and keeper, his dad and Aunt Angelina as chasers and Harry, of course, was to be seeker. Ronnie would also play the position of chaser on his dad's team, as well as a two year old can with the rest of the players intending to take it easy on the youngster.
Last, but certainly not least, Molly was given an adorable pink robe with a white fur collar and cuffs from her Grandma and Grandpa in France. They had it made special for their first granddaughter. The robe would be able to grow along with the little witch so she could wear it for many Christmases to come. Bill and Fleur assured his parents that she would be dressed in the outfit the coming morning for the customary family pictures.
After all the children had finished with their presents they were put to bed in Charlie's old room. They snuggled in under the covers while the Weasley men and Harry told stories from past Christmases. The children drifted off to sleep, content. Molly had been dozing in her crib for a while already. Young George and Harry had their Harry figures in their arms, Ronnie had his arms and legs wrapped tightly around his broomstick and Annabelle was using her book as a pillow.
~ ~ ~
Following the departure of the youngest Weasleys, it was time for the rest of the family to have their turn. Just as they were each about to pick one present to open a familiar 'pop' was heard, this time coming from the kitchen. Ron exchanged confused glances with his brothers and Harry as they rose to check out who had just apparated into the Burrow. 'Everyone we were expecting is already here,' was the thought running through most of the wizards' minds.
They were shocked to find Snape standing in the kitchen. His dark hair was as greasy as ever and fell heavily onto his shoulders. His black robes billowed out around him like some sort of shadowy aura. His black eyes were not the hateful orbs they remembered from their youth, they seemed to be lively and radiant. In place of his usual sneer was a genuine smile. If it was an odd thought that Snape would even step foot in the Burrow it was even more odd that he would look happy about doing so. "I would like to address everyone in the house please," he said in a calm and even voice that was very unlike his normal tone, it sounded almost cheerful.
"What do you want, Snape?" Harry asked unable to conceal the loathing evident in his voice. His face was contorted in anger and blind hatred. 'How dare he ruin our Christmas Eve!' he thought. 'As if he hadn't done enough to us while we were at school.'
"As I said, Harry, I need to speak to all of you." Everyone in the room looked flabbergasted. Whenever Snape spoke to Harry malice and viciousness would always be heard. This time was different; actually, it was totally the opposite. Not only that but the potion's professor had never called Harry by his first name. He had always referred to him as 'Potter.' For some strange reason Snape seemed concerned and pleasant. It made all the men very uncomfortable to say the least and they found themselves gaping uncontrollably at the surly looking man they had always despised, and not without reason.
Charlie and Bill were the first to gather their wits and ushered the group back into the living room. Small gasps could be heard from the girls as well as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Sirius took the opportunity to glare at the man he had once known as his mortal enemy. Although they had worked together to defeat Voldemort the pair never truly made amends for the incident that occurred between them while they attended Hogwarts as students; the incident that nearly cost Snape his life. The Grangers looked on, puzzled at the reactions of the rest. "Professor Snape, what are you doing here?" Ginny questioned as politely as ever. She always was respectful of any authoritative figure and that included Snape.
"I am well aware of your tradition of opening one gift each on Christmas Eve. I am sorry to disturb your ritual but I would appreciate it if I could give you all my gift tonight instead," he paused. Turning his attention to Harry and Ron he continued, "Think of it as a peace offering."
Whispered voices could be heard as everyone in the room was trying to make sense of what Snape had just told them and the polite way he talked. It was unnerving. "It's a trick!" Fred muttered to George.
George quietly replied, "I don't trust him!"
"This has to be some sort of joke," Harry said to Ron.
While at the same time Ron murmured, more to himself than anyone in particular, "Gift my a**!" That was the sentiment of most the people in the crowded room.
Realizing that no response would be coming anytime soon, Snape continued, "I have asked Professor Flitwick to come and keep an eye on the children." Another 'pop' emanated from the kitchen, the little charms teacher entered the room and stood behind Snape. He barely reached the waist of the tall professor and had a long white beard that touched the floor. His eyes were large and his pointed hat was perched on his bushy eyebrows. Snape continued, "I would ask that the rest of you apparate with me to Hogwarts, outside Dumbledore's office, as soon as possible."
"There is no apparating on Hogwarts grounds," Ron chided. It was something he remembered Hermione telling them numerous times in their early years at the school. "Besides, as you are well aware, the Grangers are muggles and they can not apparate."
"I will send the Grangers on ahead. Normally it is a rule that Hogwarts grounds are protected with a spell to eliminate the use of apparation, but it has been lifted for these couple hours so that I might bring you with all necessary speed." With that Snape flicked his wrist and the Grangers disappeared. He glanced around the room once more only to see doubt and suspicion covering their faces before he himself disapparated.
All eyes turned to tiny Flitwick, he simply nodded and the room erupted in popping noises as the family apparated to Hogwarts to see what Snape had up his sleeve.