Anything that's not blatant is
a riddle
Please read and review if you can!
Author's penname: Elixa Amethyst
Voices of the Past Part II
Written March 2002 onwards, pre Order of the Phoenix.
All characters and things you recognise, are © JKRowling, no infringement
intended.
All references to
"mediwizard" mean healer.
Read Part I at ?storyid1672635
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Chapter Nineteen
A Christmas Day Dance Lesson
The Gryffindors were rattled, and they shot glares at the Slytherins as they passed at breakfast. We just tried to cover our mouths discreetly and keep our faces straight. Perhaps Christmas day wasn't so bad after all.
We returned to the common room afterwards and opened presents before lunch. I'd given Draco "The Seeker's Stunning Shots, Volume VI" which I'd hoped he hadn't got, and luckily I was right. I gave Kerry some teenage Muggle books after she had been enthralled with the one Susan had lent her. Oddly enough, books just seemed the right things to give this year. I'm not very good at buying presents, but I hoped I'd got it near enough this time. I gave Susan a book on animagi, wondering if I was wise to. It was too late now. Kerry floated a camera in mid-air so we could all get in the photo at once. Then followed several rounds of traditional games before lunch.
After lunch everyone retired into quiet heaps while they nursed their huge stomachs, filled with as much good food as they could manage. I decided to escape the common room and returned to the dormitory to put away the joke cauldron from Kerry, and the book on Muggle chemistry from Susan. I heard the door open behind me and turned. Draco walked down the dormitory towards me.
"The everlasting gobstoppers weren't your real Christmas present." He told me, nodding to the bag in my hand. I had wondered, it just didn't seem Draco.
"Elixa… I've been doing a lot of thinking… I've never had feelings for anyone else but you like this, and I don't think I'll ever stop feeling this way… so…" I saw Draco start to go down on one knee and I swallowed. He wasn't, please say he's not…!
"Elixa Amethyst, will you-." He opened a small box and revealed a ring, my legs buckled and I landed on my bed. I opened my mouth to speak.
"Draco I…"
"…Accept this as your Christmas present?" He finished. Half of my brain sighed with relief.
"I thought you were going to-."
"Propose? The thought crossed my mind, but we've barely been together a year. I'm not ready for that commitment, and I don't suppose you are too." I nodded.
"Thank you Draco." I kissed him and he stood up and sat down beside me and kissed me again. He took my hand and put the ring on my finger, pausing by the one he might well one day put a real engagement ring. He glanced up at my face that didn't reveal anything and he put it on my finger.
"To the future, yes?" I nodded and gave him another kiss.
I knocked on the door, and waited for a reply.
"If you're bringing Christmas, be gone!" A voice said from inside. The door opened slightly and I could see Severus brandishing his wand.
"I'm innocent- bah humbug!" I exclaimed putting my hands up.
"Makes a welcome change." I followed my uncle back into his office. It looked exactly the same as any other day, from the specimens to the complicated apparatus on the table against the far wall.
"Why should you hate Christmas suddenly Elixa?" The question was unexpected. We settled in chairs by the fire.
"Memories." I replied. There seemed to be a mutual agreement.
"Thank you for the album anyway." I said, giving a slight nod. I'd found an exact replica to the one on the third shelf not far from where we sat at the end of my bed after Draco had gone.
"I thought you'd enjoy it. Thank you for the book as well…" He lifted the cat communication book from the table beside him.
"I thought you could teach me some manners. I don't want to be caught swearing again!" Quirrell could understand cat, but hadn't quite mastered the art of speaking it.
"Memories are the cause of this visit then?" I put my head to one side and then nodded, looking towards the fire.
"You don't realise how much you can miss simple things until they're gone. Just like the once every so many years Christmas at home, or an extra long owl and perhaps a photograph. There's nothing really to look forwards to."
"Find something before you end up like me- hating Christmas." Severus said, and I glanced towards him.
"Memories for you too?" I asked.
"It's quite a personal question, but in a way, you could say that."
"I won't intrude then." We fell silent. Severus shifted slightly in his chair and looked at me properly.
"Two more terms until you leave. It only seems like yesterday you were being sorted." I gave a smile.
"I was so nervous!" I exclaimed. "I thought the sorting hat would never be able to decide!"
"How do you feel about your exams?" I paused to think.
"Not really nervous yet, but I know I have to work hard to achieve the best grades I can to give me the best chance in my career."
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself Elixa." Our eyes met and I realised he was serious.
"And then there's the leaver's ball." I said, trying to change the subject. "That'll be a laugh, trying to dance. I know Draco's a very good dancer. I've got the grace and co-ordination of a well…elephant… but that's an insult to elephants really."
"I don't believe you. Your mother was an excellent dancer, I do believe she and your father won the dance competition at a Yule ball." There seemed to be a hint of a smile on his face.
"They didn't pass those genes on to me then!" I said with a grin. Severus stood up and took my hand. I stood up as well and we walked into the space in the centre of the room.
"The use of potions and charms to make people dance better are often noticeable. The best dancers are those who learn it. So, unless you wish to ask Mr Malfoy to teach you, you better listen now." There was an unusual look on my uncle's face. I went along with the idea, although he didn't really take me as the sort who would dance.
Severus had me co-ordinating my feet in no time, and I was amazed I could actually do it. I'd pitched once, but he'd caught my arm to stop me falling. Otherwise I'd been fine.
"Now, face me." I turned to face Severus and he put his arm around my waist. I was surprised slightly, but when he took my other hand in his and held it out to the side, I realised what was going on and put my arm around his shoulders.
"I apologise in advance for treading on toes." I said, blushing.
"I assure you that you won't." He replied and we moved off, dancing in the silence of the dungeon office, snow starting to fall outside once more.
