Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.

A/N: Thanks to my faithful reviewers, k-chan and redlady. To EvilQueen: As for Hermione and Draco getting together, as I said before, this is a completed work of fiction, so que sera sera – what will be, will be. I'm not saying that they will be getting together, but I'm not saying they won't either. You'll just have to wait and see.

"…and with that, I wish you all a wonderful vacation. Merry Christmas, everyone!"

"Merry Christmas, Professor Medwin," responded the students, in one voice. Many of them came up to the front of the class for a quick hug and one last 'Happy Christmas'. A small group lingered.

"You're staying here, Professor?" asked Draco. "I thought you'd be going home to be with your family." He had a fleeting thought that he should invite her home with him but then realized it wasn't a good idea. His parents didn't know that Jolicia wasn't 'pureblood' – if they found out, it would be a disaster.

"My parents are going on a trip over Christmas and my brother is going to his fiancée's house. So, there's no point me going home. Harry and I'll tough it out here together, won't we, Harry?" Jo had just received word that her brother had indeed found 'the one'.

Harry laughed and said, "It'll be difficult, but I guess we'll manage." Both Ron and Hermione had invited him to come home with them, but he had decided he'd stay at Hogwarts once again.

"You all better get a move on it. You don't want to miss the train," said Jo. She gave them all a hug. "Ron, could I have a quick word with you? I promise it won't take long."

"Um, sure, Professor Medwin," he answered. He glanced at Harry and Hermione. What had he done?

Once the rest left, Jo began, "This is a little difficult. I am aware that you have a crush on me, Ron."

Ron turned purple with embarrassment. He hadn't realized he'd been obvious.

Clapping his hands over his face he said, "I could just die!"

"Ron. Look at me. Don't be embarrassed. Look at me," he said, gently prying his hands away from his face. "I'm very flattered that a good looking young man like you is interested. You must know that nothing could ever come of it. You do know that, don't you?"

Ron just stared at her, unable to speak.

"I am too old for you. I am also your teacher. The rules forbid teacher and student involvement. It just wouldn't work out, Ron."

He finally found his voice and whispered, "If I had been older?"

"Who knows? Maybe it would have worked out, maybe not. We could have at least tried. However, our reality is that we can't. Nothing can stop us from being friends though, Ron."

"You mean it?"

"Of course! Nobody here understands the way I feel about Quidditch except you. You have no idea how much I look forward to our little chats. You're very special to me Ron, but just not in the way you'd like it to be. Can you accept that?"

He gulped and shook his head, "I, I guess so, Professor."

"Good. Don't let this spoil your vacation. I chose today to tell you this because I thought it would be better if we didn't see one another for awhile. It'll give you a chance to get used to the idea. You better go now. Give us a hug."

"Hey, I think you've grown! Soon, you'll be taller than me, Ron. Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas," he said shyly and left.

"Whew! I'm glad that's over," thought Jo. "It didn't go too badly. I hope he'll be okay."

Upon entering the Gryffindor common room, Hermione said, "It's about time you're back. What did Professor Medwin want, Ron?"

"Um, it was about the last essay I handed in. Harry, could you give me a hand with my things?" His eyes looked pleadingly at his best friend.

"Sure, mate."

Once they were alone in their room Harry asked, "What did she really want with you?"

"Harry, I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me! She said she knew I had a thing for her and she told me it wasn't possible. Never been so embarrassed in all my life! How will I be able to face her again?"

"Hermione and I both tried to warn you, Ron. Was she pissed off?"

"No, not at all. She was great, actually. She said she wants us to be friends. I'm a stupid git!"

"Listen, if Professor Medwin said she wants you as a friend she means it. Go home, have a great vacation and when you come back, carry on from there. Try to get your hormones in check while you're at it. That should help," laughed Harry.

"Yeah, I guess. Don't think I can do anything about the hormones though," said Ron. "Maybe I can ask Snape for a hormone-calming potion."

They both burst into a fit of laughter.

"Um, no. Not a good idea, Ron. Besides, I don't think Snape would have such a thing. Can you imagine him needing one? No, neither can I. Ugh! Let's not go there - I don't want to be stuck with that image in my mind!" shuddered Harry.

They laughed all the way to the train. Hermione was quite indignant when they wouldn't let her in on the joke.

"You had to be there 'Mione," answered Ron. "You had to be there."

The three friends said their goodbyes and Harry watched wistfully as the train slowly puffed its way out of the station.

Christmas morning finally arrived. Jolicia had thought long and hard before buying a present for Severus. She had decided to play it by ear, if he bought her something, she would be prepared. If he didn't, then she would keep quiet and return the gift at a later time.

Severus entered the staff room and found Jo alone, drinking coffee.

"Happy Christmas, Jolicia."

"Yes, the same to you, Severus. You're up early." She said, pouring him a cup.

"I always arise early. What about you? I don't usually see you here at this time."

She laughed and said, "I guess it's a habit leftover from childhood. We always got up very early to open our presents."

He hesitated briefly and then said, "Speaking of which, I have a little something for you."

"You do?" she asked, her eyes growing wide.

He handed her a brightly wrapped box and said, "It isn't much, but it was bought at my own risk."

She looked at him questioningly. She tore open the paper and began to laugh, understanding what he meant. It was a box of her favorite - Honeyduke's Extra Fine Special Dark Chocolate.

"I always knew you were a brave man Severus, but I never knew exactly how brave until now," she laughed. "Thank you. You already know how much I'm going to enjoy this."

'You're quite welcome. There's a little something else for you, but you have to wait until later."

"More? Why do I have to wait? Can't I have it now?" She sounded like a little child.

"No, you have to wait. No hints will be given, so don't ask."

"Can you at least tell me when?" He shook his head. She pouted a little for effect and then reached under the table.

"I have something for you as well, Severus," she said and pushed the box across the table towards him.

"I didn't expect anything in return."

"I didn't think you'd buy me anything either. Go on, open it."

He held the box and ran his hand over the smooth paper. It was dark green and the box was tied with silver ribbon – Slytherin house colors. He read the note that was tucked under the bow:

'To my dear friend Severus,

For our next snowball fight

XX

Jolicia

Inside he found a pair of black winter gloves made of the finest dragon's skin he had ever seen. There was also a soft black scarf that he realized was made of Fourwinds Mountain yak hair – very rare and very expensive.

"Jolicia, this is too much. I can't accept these gifts," he said awkwardly.

"Hush. Of course you can. Try them on for size. Please?" she asked.

He picked up the scarf and wrapped it around his neck. He had never felt anything so soft. The gloves were perfect. They fit snuggly over his long slender fingers.

"I don't know what to say."

She said, "You can say you'll keep them, for starters."

He stood up and pulled her up. He pecked her on the cheek and then very tentatively put his arms around her. Jo was holding her breath.

He pulled back and said, "Thank you, Jolicia. I love them. Yes, of course I'll keep them."

Just at that moment, the door to the staff room burst open.

"Happy Christmas! Breakfast is served. OOPS! Sorry, you two," said Albus.

"Happy Christmas, Albus. We just exchanged presents. I was just saying thank you to Jolicia for the wonderful gifts she gave me." He held up his hands.

"Yes, yes. Very nice, indeed. I'll leave you alone, ahem, so you can finish saying thanks," said Albus backing out of the door.

"We are finished. Coming Jolicia?" said Severus, removing his gloves and scarf.

"Yes, right behind you," she said. She was thinking, 'damn'.

Albus walked along and thought to himself, "Damn! What bad timing! Minerva'll kill me when I tell her what happened."

At breakfast there were many wishes of joy and good tidings. There were five other students besides Harry who had remained at school for the holidays. The Headmaster had assured that they all received a stocking and presents. He did not wish to see any of them sad.

Jo pulled Harry aside and said, "I have something for you as well. Can you come to my room afterwards?"

"You do? Brilliant! Sure, I'll be there," he replied excitedly.

Harry was surprised to see that Jolicia had a small tree in her room.

"Open that one first, Harry," she said pointing to a large bag.

He pulled out the tissue paper that was stuffed in the top.

"Oh, wow! Look at all this stuff." The bag was chock-a-block with sweets from Honeydukes, including Chocolate Frogs, Ice Mice, and Sugar Quills. There were also some jokes and tricks from Zonko's.

"This should last me for a couple of days, Jo!" he exclaimed.

"You'd better make it last longer than that, my boy. I don't want Madam Pomfrey on my case because you overdosed on sugar. Open the other one now, Harry."

He picked up the beautifully wrapped box and shook it, trying to figure out what was within.

"Oh, Jo! I can't believe it!" Inside was a set of professional quality Quidditch shin and arm guards. "Look. They fit perfectly." Harry stood up and modeled for her.

"There's one more little one."

He picked up the last little box and felt it vibrate. What could this be? Removing the wrapping paper he read on the top of the box 'Practice Snitch'.

Jo told him, "That's your own personal practice Snitch. It has a spell on it that will allow you and only you to call it back to its box when you are finished. Give it a try."

He opened the lid and the tiny golden sphere lifted itself up. He saw that it was monogrammed with his initials. There were little "HP's" all over the surface. It took off, buzzing madly about the room.

He called, "Snitch, box." It came back at once and settled itself back inside.

"That is so COOL, Jo. I never knew such a thing existed. Thank you, thank you so much. This is the best Christmas I've ever had. Thanks for everything, Jo."

"You are most welcome, Harry." She had never seen him so happy. "What do you say you and I go out to the pitch and give your new gear a go?" She didn't have to ask twice.

"I've got some things for you, too."

"Harry! You shouldn't have!"

The first box contained more chocolate. She broke it into pieces and shared it with Harry. The second box was very heavy.

"It's wonderful," she exclaimed. She flipped through the pages of 'The Big Book of Quidditch'. This was the ultimate authority on the sport. She had wanted this for quite some time.

"How did you know, Harry?"

"I heard you tell Ron. I was hoping you didn't buy it for yourself in the meantime."

"I can't wait to read it. I think I know someone who'll want to borrow it. He'll just have to wait," she laughed. "Thanks, Harry. I love it."

The two dressed up warmly and headed out to the Quidditch pitch and played until it was time for supper.

Harry and Jolicia came into the Great Hall with rosy cheeks and glowing with joy. They had so much fun with Harry's new Snitch, neither had found the time to feel sad.

Albus announced, "The house-elves have outdone themselves this year. Everyone grab a plate and come up to the buffet. You're in for a treat."

The children went through the line first, helping themselves to whatever took their fancy. Next came Minerva, Albus, and Hagrid; Jolicia and Severus going last. Severus studied her as she made her way down the table.

She said, "The turkey looks delicious, the ham, too. Wait, what's that?"

"I believe it is called tourtière. Try it," suggested Severus.

Jo cut herself a slice and put it on her plate. She tasted a bite.

"Oh, Merlin! It, it tastes just like my Maman's!"

"It should. I owled your mother for the recipe. I had Dobby make it for you. That's your surprise, Jolicia. Merry Christmas," said Severus, smiling ever so slightly.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She put down her plate and wiped away her tears.

"Severus, I can't believe you did this for me. Thank you so much."

She hugged him tightly. He couldn't help but hug her back. For a moment, he even forgot they weren't alone.

She kissed him on the cheek and whispered, "You have no idea how much this means to me."

"We should eat. The food is getting cold, Jolicia."

Minerva wiped a tear away as well and smiled at Albus. Hagrid, too, had started to blubber a little. He was very sensitive for a big man. Harry managed to calm him down.

The Christmas crackers were pulled and everyone wore their silly paper hats, even Severus. He had traded with Hagrid for a black pointed one that was at least similar to a wizard's cap. Hagrid happily put the purple crown on top of his head. It perched precariously there throughout the whole meal. Of course, Hagrid's head was way too large for the crown to fit properly, but he didn't mind. He pronounced himself 'King Hagrid' anyway. He had also dubbed Minerva 'Queen' and little Rebecca Johnson-Wells from Ravenclaw 'Princess' since they had received crowns as well.

Everyone laughed and ate to their heart's content. Minerva became a little tipsy from the pumpkin wine and began to giggle. The children were stunned to see her like this. She was usually so prim and proper. Harry couldn't wait to tell Hermione and Ron. They would never believe that Professor McGonagall could tell jokes like that. He had even seen Snape smile! They wouldn't believe that either. He also wondered about Jolicia. He had noticed the way she looked at the Potions Master. Could there be something going on between the two of them? Snape was unreadable. Although he seemed to be in one of the best moods ever, he wasn't really showing any emotion. Harry had studied his face when Jo had hugged him and had seen nothing. Harry decided they had become close friends, that's all. Snape couldn't be in love with her; he was just too mean spirited to love anyone. Jo deserved someone better.

Although no one had much room, they made their way to the sweet table. Severus had not been exaggerating when he said there was every dessert imaginable. There was apple pie, mince tarts, Dundee cake, trifle, jelly in ever color possible, shortbread, chocolate gâteau, treacle pudding and bûche de Noël!

"Also your mother's recipe," said Severus.

He had amazed her with his thoughtfulness. This Christmas had turned out to be one of her best ever.