Disclaimer/Author Note/Rating: Please see Chapter 1 for full disclaimers, legal info, etc.
Go raibh maith agaibh:
Mercury Gray… thanks as always… how do I post so fast? Right now I'm really inspired, that always helps. But I had at least notes on all my chapters before I posted most of the beginning, so I've been trying to work ahead…
Wyall Jared and Twistedmind… we were on the same path with the Yule and gift ideas, as you'll see in this chapter and the next.
Evenstar Elanor/Elaine… So delighted I caught you off guard with Narcissa.
Lady of the Dog Star… Yes, there was something to Neville's expression. You'll see in later chapters. And I think I'll stay away from Valentine's Day, but thanks for the vote of confidence that you think I could pull it off without being stereotypical!
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Chapter 17: Mistletoe
The next four weeks passed quickly for Serena and Severus, at least for the most part. Serena was busy with a set of Defense Against Dark Arts tests that she'd devised, much to the dismay of all her students. Her spare time had been spent with Severus. He was a difficult man to get to know. For years he had masked what he felt behind that cool, often contemptuous exterior. Serena knew there was plenty to Severus Snape that he hadn't revealed yet, but she didn't mind. That would all come in time. There were many things in her own past that she wasn't quite willing to talk about yet, either.
What had been trying on both of their tempers was The Story. Serena had quickly learned that someone had seen Severus leaving her cottage that morning, and the tale had run rampant through the student body. So when they walked together, it wasn't hard to see the students peering at them, thinking they were being subtle. They weren't.
But as the weeks towards Yule had rolled on, the students grew bored with waiting for some spectacular sign of affection between the two, and both Serena and Severus were very careful not to give any appearance of impropriety. On school grounds, they were teachers and teachers only. Once classes were done? Well, that was another story, but they did not want to give the opportunity to any parent to complain about their relationship.
"Serena? What do you usually do for Yule?" asked Snape as they walked between classes a few days before the annual Hogwart's Yule Ball.
"I haven't done much of anything for a long time," she admitted. "I used to spend it with my mother but after Castlebann…" she let the thought go unfinished, but after a pause said, "But lately, I've begun to miss doing something."
"I never celebrated it much either," he said. "I never had anyone to celebrate with. It occurred to me that perhaps we should do something this year."
"I'd like that," said Serena with a smile. "The students leave the day after the Ball for their holiday, and Yule is two days after that." They said good bye and headed off to their different classrooms.
In the Great Room, there was a Yule tree that reached to the ceiling. Serena had been helping to decorated before she went home to change. Severus looked at her as s he gazed at the tree; there was a shine to her eyes that he'd never quite seen before.
"Isn't it lovely?" she said. "I had almost forgotten how beautiful a tree could be all lit with candles… I know they're not really traditional colors, but I've always loved the blue and silver glass ornaments…"
Snape murmured an agreement. "I'm going back to my flat to change," he said. "I'll meet you at the cottage at 7:00 and we can walk over to the Ball."
"Perfect, I'll see you then."
Severus walked away and as he got to the main door, he looked back. Serena was still standing, looking at the tree with a delighted smile on her face.
Many of the students were already at the ball when Serena arrived on Severus' arm. He'd been a half-hour late picking her up, saying that one of the Slytherin students had caused a problem he'd needed to deal with.
The Weasley twins saw them first and both shook their heads. George tapped Wood on his shoulder. "Brace yourself, Wood. She looks divine." The entire group of Gryffindor students turned to look at the same time.
Serena was dressed in a gown of dark, silver-grey. It was strapless and she had a long strip of silken cloth that she had across her throat, with the length of the ends falling down along her back. The very ends of the scarf had crystals embedded in them. Her long hair was up in an elegant twist and a large pin made of crystal and moonstone adorned the back of it.
Everyone lost themselves in the mix of students and professors, all celebrating the season. Serena watched the students with her usual amused smile, remembering what it was like to be in their shoes. Severus had stepped away for a moment, called aside by Dumbledore when the music changed. A waltz.
Then there was a voice behind her. "Excuse me, Professor?"
She turned towards Oliver Wood. "Yes, Mr. Wood?" Serena couldn't help but smile. Oliver Wood was turning into a handsome young man. She'd heard through the grapevine that some of the English national Quidditch teams were considering recruiting him. This was his last year at Hogwart's, so this would be his last Yule Ball as a student.
"Professor, would you dance with me?"
"That would be delightful, Mr. Wood."
"Brilliant!" said Ron. "Look at Wood!"
Everyone turned and stared.
"He finally did it," said Harry. "About bloody time."
They watched as Wood lead Serena through the traditional box step of a waltz, even being bold enough to send her out in a spin once. From the side of the floor, Severus watched with a raised eyebrow that went continually higher and a frown that deepened.
"He's just a lad, Severus, and you know as well as I do that he's been trying to muster the courage to ask her for a dance since last fall," said Dumbledore. It was a pattern that sounded familiar, and Severus knew it when he heard it. He also knew that Oliver Wood was no tremendous rival for Serena's affections, but nonetheless, as the song ended, he excused himself and made his way onto the dance floor.
"Excuse me." Snape put his hand on Wood's shoulder. "I trust you won't mind if I cut in for this next dance?"
A little part of Wood wanted to say that he did mind, but he stepped away. "Of course not. Professor Castleton-Black… Thank you."
"Thank you for asking me, Oliver. It was delightful."
The next song began and Serena smiled. It was the same rumba that she and Severus had danced to back during the Alumni Week's Grand Ball. As he slid his arm around her waist and pressed Serena up against him, Severus glanced quickly to the side and then down at Serena.
"Now let that young pup see what it means to dance."
"Behave yourself," she laughed. "This isn't a competition."
The spun across the smooth floor of the Great Hall, lost in each other, not seeing anyone else around. Serena's hand rested on his shoulder and her fingers gently ran along the back of his neck.
On the side, Hermione sighed. "They're so romantic."
Next to her, Ginny Weasley sighed as well.
Ron, Harry, Seamus and the others all looked at the two of them. They still couldn't get past the fact that it was Professor Snape out there dancing with anyone, let alone Serena Castleton-Black. And "romantic" was just not something they associated with him. In fact, the idea of Snape being romantic simply horrified them.
It was coincidence that when the song finished, Serena and Severus were near the gaggle of Gryffindor students as well as some of the teaching staff. The Headmaster stood with McGonagall and Trelawney. Professor Flitwick, who had just himself had a turn on the floor with Madam Hooch, joined in some applause for the light-footed couple.
Serena managed a slightly flippant curtsey. Then the students began to giggle. Professor Snape turned a cold eye on them. "Is something amusing?" he asked. He was answered by more giggles.
"Mr. Potter," said Serena. "What is so funny?"
"Umm," said Harry. "You're under the arch."
"The arch?" growled Snape.
"The Yule arch," said Dumbledore. "Above you."
They both looked up to see a white lattice arch above them, with a large section of mistletoe hanging from the very center. Severus frown deepened. He was well aware of the Yule tradition, but did not for one instant intend to kiss Serena in front of all these watchful eyes.
Serena for her part, smiled. "Ah, I see," she said. "Well in the spirit of tradition…" She put her right hand on Severus' cheek and stood on her toes, planting a quick but solid kiss on his cheek. "I'll give you a right proper kiss later," she whispered before she stepped away.
She looked at the students. "Now shoo!" she commanded. "You should all be worried about kissing your dates tonight… Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger."
Ron turned positively scarlet. Laughing, the students scattered.
The Ball lasted until nearly midnight when the last students and teachers departed. Severus and Serena walked back to Severus' flat. As they walked inside the door, he took Serena's cape and hung it on the coat rack behind the door. She started to take a step inside, but Severus gently grabbed her elbow, stopping her.
"I have a surprise for you," he said. He held up a scarf. "May I?"
"A blindfold?" she said. "This must be quite a surprise. You may."
He gently wrapped the folded scarf around her, covering her eyes, and tying it behind her head. With his arm around her waist, he guided Serena through the flat. "Mind the table," he said as they passed through the kitchen.
Finally he stopped. He'd taken her through several rooms and Serena wasn't quite sure where they had ended up. Standing behind her, Severus said, "Close your eyes."
She complied and felt him undo the scarf and drop it away.
"May I open them?"
"Yes."
She blinked her eyes open and gasped. They were in Severus' study. He had pushed the chairs back and the small table was gone. A fire crackled on the hearth and in front of the enormous window that looked out on the school grounds was a Yule tree. It was about seven feet tall and the dark green branches were adorned with tiny white candles that illuminated the room. Small blue and silver glass ornaments were dotted along the branches, catching the candlelight and reflecting it.
"Oh, Severus! It's beautiful." She turned and smiled at him. "You did this for me?"
"I saw the way you looked at the one in the Great Room…"
"I love it. This is probably the nicest gift you could have given me. This is why you were late, isn't it?"
He nodded. Although he would have never admitted it to another living soul, except maybe Serena, her delight gave him a warm feeling inside the likes of which he'd never experienced before.
"There is one other thing," he said.
"And what's that?"
His eyes flicked up for a moment and Serena gave him an odd look. Then she looked up to realize there was a ball of mistletoe, tied up with red ribbon, suspended from the ceiling.
"As you said earlier, we didn't give tradition its proper due back at the Ball." He slid his arms around Serena, drawing her in close.
"And one shouldn't skimp on tradition," she said just as their lips met.
-- -- -- -- -- -- --
Gee… kinda long for an interim chapter that I wasn't expecting to do (and I'm not finished yet, there's a wee bit more in the next, then I promise… back to the action!). Please do read/review… I love hearing from you. The positive reinforcement is great, but again… if you see any opportunity for improvement, I'd welcome that as well!
Go raibh maith agaibh:
Mercury Gray… thanks as always… how do I post so fast? Right now I'm really inspired, that always helps. But I had at least notes on all my chapters before I posted most of the beginning, so I've been trying to work ahead…
Wyall Jared and Twistedmind… we were on the same path with the Yule and gift ideas, as you'll see in this chapter and the next.
Evenstar Elanor/Elaine… So delighted I caught you off guard with Narcissa.
Lady of the Dog Star… Yes, there was something to Neville's expression. You'll see in later chapters. And I think I'll stay away from Valentine's Day, but thanks for the vote of confidence that you think I could pull it off without being stereotypical!
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Chapter 17: Mistletoe
The next four weeks passed quickly for Serena and Severus, at least for the most part. Serena was busy with a set of Defense Against Dark Arts tests that she'd devised, much to the dismay of all her students. Her spare time had been spent with Severus. He was a difficult man to get to know. For years he had masked what he felt behind that cool, often contemptuous exterior. Serena knew there was plenty to Severus Snape that he hadn't revealed yet, but she didn't mind. That would all come in time. There were many things in her own past that she wasn't quite willing to talk about yet, either.
What had been trying on both of their tempers was The Story. Serena had quickly learned that someone had seen Severus leaving her cottage that morning, and the tale had run rampant through the student body. So when they walked together, it wasn't hard to see the students peering at them, thinking they were being subtle. They weren't.
But as the weeks towards Yule had rolled on, the students grew bored with waiting for some spectacular sign of affection between the two, and both Serena and Severus were very careful not to give any appearance of impropriety. On school grounds, they were teachers and teachers only. Once classes were done? Well, that was another story, but they did not want to give the opportunity to any parent to complain about their relationship.
"Serena? What do you usually do for Yule?" asked Snape as they walked between classes a few days before the annual Hogwart's Yule Ball.
"I haven't done much of anything for a long time," she admitted. "I used to spend it with my mother but after Castlebann…" she let the thought go unfinished, but after a pause said, "But lately, I've begun to miss doing something."
"I never celebrated it much either," he said. "I never had anyone to celebrate with. It occurred to me that perhaps we should do something this year."
"I'd like that," said Serena with a smile. "The students leave the day after the Ball for their holiday, and Yule is two days after that." They said good bye and headed off to their different classrooms.
In the Great Room, there was a Yule tree that reached to the ceiling. Serena had been helping to decorated before she went home to change. Severus looked at her as s he gazed at the tree; there was a shine to her eyes that he'd never quite seen before.
"Isn't it lovely?" she said. "I had almost forgotten how beautiful a tree could be all lit with candles… I know they're not really traditional colors, but I've always loved the blue and silver glass ornaments…"
Snape murmured an agreement. "I'm going back to my flat to change," he said. "I'll meet you at the cottage at 7:00 and we can walk over to the Ball."
"Perfect, I'll see you then."
Severus walked away and as he got to the main door, he looked back. Serena was still standing, looking at the tree with a delighted smile on her face.
Many of the students were already at the ball when Serena arrived on Severus' arm. He'd been a half-hour late picking her up, saying that one of the Slytherin students had caused a problem he'd needed to deal with.
The Weasley twins saw them first and both shook their heads. George tapped Wood on his shoulder. "Brace yourself, Wood. She looks divine." The entire group of Gryffindor students turned to look at the same time.
Serena was dressed in a gown of dark, silver-grey. It was strapless and she had a long strip of silken cloth that she had across her throat, with the length of the ends falling down along her back. The very ends of the scarf had crystals embedded in them. Her long hair was up in an elegant twist and a large pin made of crystal and moonstone adorned the back of it.
Everyone lost themselves in the mix of students and professors, all celebrating the season. Serena watched the students with her usual amused smile, remembering what it was like to be in their shoes. Severus had stepped away for a moment, called aside by Dumbledore when the music changed. A waltz.
Then there was a voice behind her. "Excuse me, Professor?"
She turned towards Oliver Wood. "Yes, Mr. Wood?" Serena couldn't help but smile. Oliver Wood was turning into a handsome young man. She'd heard through the grapevine that some of the English national Quidditch teams were considering recruiting him. This was his last year at Hogwart's, so this would be his last Yule Ball as a student.
"Professor, would you dance with me?"
"That would be delightful, Mr. Wood."
"Brilliant!" said Ron. "Look at Wood!"
Everyone turned and stared.
"He finally did it," said Harry. "About bloody time."
They watched as Wood lead Serena through the traditional box step of a waltz, even being bold enough to send her out in a spin once. From the side of the floor, Severus watched with a raised eyebrow that went continually higher and a frown that deepened.
"He's just a lad, Severus, and you know as well as I do that he's been trying to muster the courage to ask her for a dance since last fall," said Dumbledore. It was a pattern that sounded familiar, and Severus knew it when he heard it. He also knew that Oliver Wood was no tremendous rival for Serena's affections, but nonetheless, as the song ended, he excused himself and made his way onto the dance floor.
"Excuse me." Snape put his hand on Wood's shoulder. "I trust you won't mind if I cut in for this next dance?"
A little part of Wood wanted to say that he did mind, but he stepped away. "Of course not. Professor Castleton-Black… Thank you."
"Thank you for asking me, Oliver. It was delightful."
The next song began and Serena smiled. It was the same rumba that she and Severus had danced to back during the Alumni Week's Grand Ball. As he slid his arm around her waist and pressed Serena up against him, Severus glanced quickly to the side and then down at Serena.
"Now let that young pup see what it means to dance."
"Behave yourself," she laughed. "This isn't a competition."
The spun across the smooth floor of the Great Hall, lost in each other, not seeing anyone else around. Serena's hand rested on his shoulder and her fingers gently ran along the back of his neck.
On the side, Hermione sighed. "They're so romantic."
Next to her, Ginny Weasley sighed as well.
Ron, Harry, Seamus and the others all looked at the two of them. They still couldn't get past the fact that it was Professor Snape out there dancing with anyone, let alone Serena Castleton-Black. And "romantic" was just not something they associated with him. In fact, the idea of Snape being romantic simply horrified them.
It was coincidence that when the song finished, Serena and Severus were near the gaggle of Gryffindor students as well as some of the teaching staff. The Headmaster stood with McGonagall and Trelawney. Professor Flitwick, who had just himself had a turn on the floor with Madam Hooch, joined in some applause for the light-footed couple.
Serena managed a slightly flippant curtsey. Then the students began to giggle. Professor Snape turned a cold eye on them. "Is something amusing?" he asked. He was answered by more giggles.
"Mr. Potter," said Serena. "What is so funny?"
"Umm," said Harry. "You're under the arch."
"The arch?" growled Snape.
"The Yule arch," said Dumbledore. "Above you."
They both looked up to see a white lattice arch above them, with a large section of mistletoe hanging from the very center. Severus frown deepened. He was well aware of the Yule tradition, but did not for one instant intend to kiss Serena in front of all these watchful eyes.
Serena for her part, smiled. "Ah, I see," she said. "Well in the spirit of tradition…" She put her right hand on Severus' cheek and stood on her toes, planting a quick but solid kiss on his cheek. "I'll give you a right proper kiss later," she whispered before she stepped away.
She looked at the students. "Now shoo!" she commanded. "You should all be worried about kissing your dates tonight… Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger."
Ron turned positively scarlet. Laughing, the students scattered.
The Ball lasted until nearly midnight when the last students and teachers departed. Severus and Serena walked back to Severus' flat. As they walked inside the door, he took Serena's cape and hung it on the coat rack behind the door. She started to take a step inside, but Severus gently grabbed her elbow, stopping her.
"I have a surprise for you," he said. He held up a scarf. "May I?"
"A blindfold?" she said. "This must be quite a surprise. You may."
He gently wrapped the folded scarf around her, covering her eyes, and tying it behind her head. With his arm around her waist, he guided Serena through the flat. "Mind the table," he said as they passed through the kitchen.
Finally he stopped. He'd taken her through several rooms and Serena wasn't quite sure where they had ended up. Standing behind her, Severus said, "Close your eyes."
She complied and felt him undo the scarf and drop it away.
"May I open them?"
"Yes."
She blinked her eyes open and gasped. They were in Severus' study. He had pushed the chairs back and the small table was gone. A fire crackled on the hearth and in front of the enormous window that looked out on the school grounds was a Yule tree. It was about seven feet tall and the dark green branches were adorned with tiny white candles that illuminated the room. Small blue and silver glass ornaments were dotted along the branches, catching the candlelight and reflecting it.
"Oh, Severus! It's beautiful." She turned and smiled at him. "You did this for me?"
"I saw the way you looked at the one in the Great Room…"
"I love it. This is probably the nicest gift you could have given me. This is why you were late, isn't it?"
He nodded. Although he would have never admitted it to another living soul, except maybe Serena, her delight gave him a warm feeling inside the likes of which he'd never experienced before.
"There is one other thing," he said.
"And what's that?"
His eyes flicked up for a moment and Serena gave him an odd look. Then she looked up to realize there was a ball of mistletoe, tied up with red ribbon, suspended from the ceiling.
"As you said earlier, we didn't give tradition its proper due back at the Ball." He slid his arms around Serena, drawing her in close.
"And one shouldn't skimp on tradition," she said just as their lips met.
-- -- -- -- -- -- --
Gee… kinda long for an interim chapter that I wasn't expecting to do (and I'm not finished yet, there's a wee bit more in the next, then I promise… back to the action!). Please do read/review… I love hearing from you. The positive reinforcement is great, but again… if you see any opportunity for improvement, I'd welcome that as well!