Chapter 12 – Christmas Eve

Snape grunted slightly, standing and waving his wand at the few potions brewing, making them disappear. He didn't feel like making potions right now. He didn't feel like doing much of anything. Snape walked to his door that lead to his personal quarters and muttered something, waving his wand, and personally undoing the last lock that appeared at the top of the door. Opening it, he didn't close it behind him, and he walked in, running a hand through his hair. He loathed Christmas.

Giliana instinctively began walking to the Potions room. When she arrived, she tried to open the door. It was locked. She took out her wand and whispered "Alohomora," and the door opened. She walked into the disserted classroom. She walked about the room, passing desks, observing any evidence that Snape had just been there. He wasn't there, yet, she didn't feel alone.

She walked over to his desk, as if a piece of him was lying there. She sat down in it. She looked around the room, wondering what goes on in his head most of the time that he's teaching. What he thought of her. What he thought of them...

Snape moved his mirror down from the walls. He didn't want to look at himself. It bumped against the wall and made a rather loud noise. Snape remained unphased. He then took off his robe, revealing black pants and a dark green button up shirt.

Giliana heard a noise coming from somewhere close by. It startled her. She sat up, moving the desk slightly.
Clank!
A small paperweight in the shape of a ball, rolled off of Snape's desk. Startled, Giliana bent over to pick it up.

Snape blinked. What was that noise? He then turned and picked up his wand that he had layed on his dresser, and opened his door, peering out. His eyes came to rest on Giliana. He swallowed.

"What...are you doing?" He looked slightly sour, his eyes glared at her from across the room.

Giliana looked up at Snape, hitting her head on the edge of the desk as she lifted it. Her cheeks turned a little pink, embarrassed for being so clumsy.
She was speechless.

"I..." She said, with a blank expression on her face.

Snape took a moment to look around. "Get out." He stated harshly, before walking back into his room, not bothering to shut the door behind him.

"I'm sorry, Sev, er, Professor." She said. She was scared, embarrassed and nervous all at the same time. "...Wanted to see if you needed anything."

Snape barely heard her from the other room. He sighed, irritated. He cared either too much that she was here, or not at all. Pausing, he turned and stood in between the threshold of his quarters and his classroom.

"It doesn't matter...you're here anyway. Stay if you'd like." He looked at the ground for a moment, before meeting her gaze again. "And, it's Severus." He almost commanded her, no trace of humor on his face.

Giliana paused in her nerves, searching for conversation to end the awkward situation. She looked around the classroom. She wondered how anyone, could possibly spend their Christmas day in this gloomy dungeon where one couldn't tell night from day unless looking out a fake window.
"Severus..." She began, breaking the silence.

"What?" He said sharply, still staring at the ground. His posture stiff, his hair in his face. The air of the classroom seemed dull and still.
She took her eyes off the ground, and looked up at him. Her heart jumped. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She had no idea what she was trying to say. She couldn't understand herself. Her mind was racing in different directions.
"I..." she finally gathered some of her thoughts. "I wanted to..." She stopped, again.
Snape lifted his head slowly, and looked at her, there was no glare in his eyes, only a curiosity and tiredness.

"..Yes?" He spoke with his deep voice, and straightened his posture.
Giliana looked down again, afraid to make eye contact. She looked over to the side of the room, trying to make sense of herself, and her feelings.
"I..." She sighed. She knew what she wanted to say, but she was afraid. She turned her head, and looked at him. "May I ask you something?"
Snape looked suspicious. He moved to the side of the door and leaned on it, crossing his arms. He watched her for a moment.

"Yes, you may..."

"I wanted to know...if..." She stopped. She couldn't...

Snape hit the wall with his fist, before storming over to her and grabbing her.

"What is it, girl?" His eyes were full of rage. Each word he bit off quickly. His hair was all in his face, the look of a madman.

"I..." She looked at him, shocked and scared at his reaction. He left her speechless.
She tried to turn away, tried to free herself from his hands.
"Let---go--of--me..." She struggled, now afraid of what he might do next.

He kissed her. A rough one at first. He pulled her closer and turned the kiss into a slow and passionate one.

Giliana gave in at first, weakened by the kiss. Suddenly, she frowned, and resisted; breaking away from him.
"No." She looked away, afraid.
"..." Snape was speechless. He let go of her shoulders and glared at her, searching for a reason. "What?" His voice was quiet, but the quietness didn't hold back his rough nature.

"I...I can't." She said, coldly. She looked away. "It's not...right." She had a serious look on her face, one of sadness and fear.

Snape paused, then considered the situation. Fine. Just fine. His eyebrows scrunched together.

"I see...fine, then. Fine." He turned from her and moved back to his personal quarters. "You may go now, Miss Lenore." And he slammed the door shut behind him.

Giliana turned her head and watched as he slammed the door. She extended her arm, as if to reach out to him, and slowly lowered it. Tears began to run down her flushed cheeks. What happens now? She walked out of the classroom, gloomily.

Lupin and Todd were taking a stroll by the forbidden forest. Todd kept looking into it, mystified. The sounds of the trees and creatures were a constant calm hum in the cold night.
"So." Lupin smirked. "What were you saying about Professor Snape?"
Todd laughed a little, looking down at the ground. "Ah, riiight." Taking a moment, she ran it through her head. "It seems, well.. he has an interest in a female."
Lupin's eyes widened. "What? hah, and I thought he thoroughly enjoyed being alone.."
"Yep.." Todd smirked.
"Any idea who?" Lupin looked up ahead of them, as if scouting.
"...Yeah. Giliana."
Lupin didn't say anything for a while. "Wow."

Damien was quietly walking down by the forrest...when he saw two people a few yards away. He walked closer, and realized it was Todd. He smiled. He kept walking, slowly.

Todd laughed. "Yeah."
Lupin then shrugged. His thoughts wandering.
Todd looked up at him. "So, we were talking about Sirius earlier... before interrupted." Todd smiled a little. "What were you saying?"
Lupin nodded, his face suddenly becoming a little grim. "Ah.. yes.. well, you see, Todd.."

"Todd!" A voice came from behind. It was Damien. He smiled at her his charming smile, with his perfect, shinny teeth. "I'm so glad I've run into you!" He said, as he rushed over to her.
Lupin closed his eyes, sighing deeply. He wanted to disappear. But, he turned and greeted the boy kindly.
Todd jumped a little. "Ah.. Damien." She smiled slightly. "Hey."
Damien nodded politely and Lupin, and looked back at Todd, smiling. He stopped to catch his breath.
"Sorry," he breathed, "but I saw you and had to come up to you at once. I have something for you." He smiled.

Todd's eyes widened. For her? "What?" She laughed a little.
Lupin put his hands in his pockets.
Damien reached into a pocket in his robes, and pulled out a small box, with a bow on it.
"Just a little something I got you for Christmas." He smiled sweetly, as he handed it to her.

Todd took the box. "Wow." She was speechless, she played with the bow for a bit. "Thank you." She felt guilty for not having a gift in return. Lupin cleared his throat quietly, rocking a little on his heels, watching the two of them.

"Well, it's getting late, and I'd better be going." He smiled, and kissed her hand, keeping full eye contact. He nodded politely at Lupin, and then back at Giliana. "Happy Christmas to you both." He smiled, as he started to walk away. "I am really looking forward to seeing you at the party Todd." He smiled, and turned around as he walked away.
Todd blinked, her mouth wide open.
Lupin glared at the disappearing romancer.
"I.. really should be getting back now." Lupin said.
Todd bit her lip, and took his hand. "Ignore him."
Lupin hesitated, but gripped her hand. "...It's okay. That's not what's bothering me."
Todd gave him a questioning look.
"I'm supposed to leave for a meeting...I'll be back tomorrow night." He put his hand on his forehead, looking more tired than ever.

"Ah." Todd frowned.
Lupin turned and looked down at her, pushing some hair out of her face, and touching her cheek. "Have a good night." He then kissed her on the forehead.