Hiding Under the Ninth Earth
Backstory 01 : All Through the Night
Chapter Fourteen : Christmas Time is So Appealing
Thursday 25 December 2003 : Happy Christmas
Oh! Harry arched up. Godsss! Severus thrust down. Yesss!
Bliss lay somewhere between two straining bodies.
It took eternity for Harry's lungs to function again, his pounding heart following as his brain slowly caught up to the rest of him. Weight? A blessed weight pressed him deep into the mattress, anchoring him lest he just float away. Skin? Soft skin over taut muscle passed under his hands, acres of silk over which he could feather his fingertips, eliciting the most delicious noises. Lips? Ah, yes, the source of the hot moist nips travelling down his throat left little shocks of pleasure behind.
He opened his eyes. Curtains of sable hair tickled the sides of his face. Black brows arching over depthless dark eyes, crinkled at the corners in smug amusement. And that mouth, quirked up to one side, came down to meet his, muffling a low groan as another wave twizzed through him with the minuscule slide of hips still pressed tightly to his.
Verbal honey poured over him. "Liked that, did you?" Another kiss stole his words; he couldn't have uttered them yet anyway. A low chuckle fluttered against his ear. "Happy Christmas, love."
"Happy... Nrgh." Another push, another spark, another chuckle.
Another smile. "Your post-coital eloquence, as always, astounds me," Severus remarked, rolling carefully to the side.
The cleaning spell, a little tingle, had no more left his husband's mouth when a tea tray on a small stand popped next to Harry's side of the bed within easy reach. Right. Christmas morning. No time to decadently wallow in bed. Now that would have been such a lovely present.
Sitting up with a resigned grunt, the covers pooled at his waist, Harry poured the first cup, black and steamy, a bit distracted by the fingers tracing lazy circles on his backside after their owner levered himself back against the headboard. Twisting, he passed the handleless mug to Severus, saying, "Someday I'll figure out how he does that."
Hands wrapped around the thick white porcelain, Severus inhaled deeply, sighing with pleasure before taking the first slurping sip. A second followed. "Why not ask him?"
Severus' hand was hot on his thigh under the bedclothes. "Oh. Right. I'll just say, 'Dobby, can you please tell me how you time the tea to arrive seconds after Severus cleans us up from yet another mind-blowing orgasm?'."
"At which point," Severus smirked, "you'd be wearing your kippers."
Wearing? Ah, yes. Some small business to take care of before they had to greet the rest of the world. Setting his cup on the tray, Harry leaned over the side of the bed, ignoring the murmured, "Now there's a temptation - which one first?" Of course the frigid air on his exposed arse was the reason his stippling skin shivered... "Or maybe none?" ...certainly not the finger delicately running down his cleft, tickling his baggage.
Shuddering again, he quickly grabbed his quarry and sat back up, letting the blood-rush leave his face before saying, "Now, no more of that." He handed Severus a largish flat box wrapped in bright red paper with a gold bow. "Happy Christmas!"
Severus traded his empty cup for the box, hefting and shaking it. "I thought we were going to open our gifts under the tree."
"Oh, we are." Harry shrugged. "It's all right with me if you want to..." Now why was Severus looking at him so suspiciously? "...but I thought you wouldn't want open this one in front of Perrin."
Severus still disliked ripping into his packages and so, with barely concealed impatience, Harry endured the careful way he peeled the ribbon and paper off, revealing the plain white box from Harrod's.
"Muggle?" Severus asked, one brow raised, as he pulled something black and slinky out of the box. Holding it up, it unfolded into long skivvies that would cover his legs to mid-calf. A second foray revealed several pairs as well as an equal number of matching, three-quarter sleeved, v-neck vests.
"Evidently, wizards haven't discovered these yet; the only ones I could find in Diagon Alley were heavy wool and scratchy."
"Indeed, these are not," Severus mused, running the fine silk through his fingers. "So light, one wonders..."
"Muggle skiers use them; the sales clerk said they'll keep you warm on the coldest day - even outside."
"Sounds perfect for the dungeons," Severus said, leaning over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you..." He stopped and held one of the legs close to his face. "What the...? SSP?" He looked up, incredulous. "You monogrammed my undergarments?"
"Heavens, no!" Harry exclaimed, laughing. "It stands for 'Super Sexy Prick' - remember? Like the 'DSP' foundation?"
Shaking his head, Severus groaned at the pun. He started to fold it but stopped, peering closely at the crotch. He turned the garment so Harry could see the tiny, flame red monogram. "Let me guess - 'Hot Sexy Prick?"
"Uh-huh..." Harry noised noncommittally as Severus prudently placed his wand on it.
No, his clever mate wouldn't find anything; Septimius had recently taught him the 'Undiscernible Spells' saying (with a broad, naughty wink) that they were good for party tricks and unsuspecting Potions masters. Harry had concurred; there were a few 'surprises' contained within those oh-so-innocent letters. "What? You think I hexed them? Shame on you, Severus!"
"I know you're up to something," Severus muttered darkly, "probably embarrassing and fun..." he sneered the word "...à la Albus."
Harry tried to look as innocent as possible and put a clamp on his thoughts as Severus touched his knee. "Nothing good comes from a Gryffindor thinking he's a Slytherin." He chuckled, sliding his hand up Harry's thigh. "No matter. Retaliation is a specialty of mine."
Harry shivered as Severus ran his fingers up his inner thigh, stopping just short of wow and wondered how tasty Severus' words would be when he spoon fed them back to him.
It was too tempting to linger, so after bathing, Harry quickly donned his new dress robes of holly green with dark gold cuffs and collar while Severus showered. Settling the heavy outer robe, he wondered if Severus would notice his second gift; he'd not made it obvious, but it had taken a few days with Albus to coax the castle to make the bathroom floor toasty.
While he might jokingly complain about Severus' cold feet and sometimes his hands, he knew Severus exhibited all the classic symptoms of Reynaud's Syndrome, a common circulatory ailment among wizards and Muggles alike. Working and living in the colder damp dungeons only exacerbated the condition; warming the areas where he walked in bare feet could only help, but he didn't want to be too overt about it considering how touchy Severus was about his health - or more specifically, Harry 'rummaging about his insides'.
Well, there are insides and then there's insides, Harry thought with a smile as he opened the curtains on a brilliant sunrise. His stomach rumbled just as a pair of strong arms enfolded him from behind, pulling him close.
"Thermal clothes and heated floors," Severus murmured. "Are you trying to tell me something?"
Harry leant his head back, enjoying the sensuous snuffling that always accompanied the soft nuzzles to his neck. "Only that I'm warm for your form." Funny, he'd never before noticed Severus' stomach pooched when he snorted.
"Hmph. It's quite pleasant."
"Good, then you won't object to warming the walls."
"The shower walls?"
Harry turned in his arms to face him. "Mmm-hmm. I'm rather fond of you..." He kissed him sloppily "...and walls..." licking the heat in his mouth "...and this..." pressing close. Yes, Severus was definitely interested.
"I'll add it to my list - later," he replied throatily. Reluctantly releasing him, he added regretfully, "However, I believe we have a previous engagement?"
Right. He sat on the window seat watching Severus dress, pleased when he donned his gift, his hands smoothing the soft fabric. "Well?" he asked, holding out his arms.
"Veddy nice," Harry replied, jumping out of the window seat. And they were - not too snug, but they left little to his fertile imagination. He leaned against the bed post. "I look forward to removing them." Severus shook his head. "Hey! At least I'm consistent." That earned him a laugh. "How do they feel?"
"...quite comfortable," Severus said, his head clearing the neck of his inner robe.
"Good." Snagging it off the bed, Harry helped Severus into the outer robe he'd talked him into buying for the holidays, for once in a rich burgundy with black piping. Adjusting the full cuff after Severus seated his wand, Harry remarked appreciatively, "There now - you'll be the belle of the ball."
"Flatterer," Severus replied gruffly, his hand gentle on Harry's cheek.
"Really! I've been practicing my 'hands-off-he's-mine' hexes all week."
The sudden embrace was fierce, the kiss possessive. "Mine," Harry whispered when it ended just as abruptly, the swirl of robes as Severus strode to the door as turbulent as the whirl of strong emotions hidden under his teasing exterior.
They met Perrin in the Rotunda as he emerged from the nook with tea and an assortment of Christmas cakes and scones, at least some of which were ginger, or so his nose said. "Happy Christmas, Harry. Severus!" Perrin exclaimed, almost unbalancing the tray in his excitement. "Dobby said you were coming out, so I got our breakfast." Harry could almost hear Severus telling himself not to reach out to steady it, the same message echoing in his own head.
As they wished him the same, they entered the sitting room, where the tree was already lit and sparkling; so Perrin had been up a while. Harry smiled watching Perrin settle the tray, his brow furrowed as he prepared their tea. Severus nodded solemnly as he took the cup and saucer from the boy followed by a small plate of scones topped with clotted cream.
Munching a ginger cake, Harry was trying to figure out how to break the awkward silence when he saw a sprig of mistletoe zoom into the room, halting over Severus' head before sailing over to the boy. Staring wide-eyed, Perrin knee-walked over and kissed Severus on the cheek. Harry was quite proud that Severus didn't jerk, nor say something he would regret, but he did sigh with resignation when he spotted it leaving the room.
Eyes tracking its departure, Severus muttered, "I will find out who charmed the mistletoe this year, and when I do..." Perrin nodded and giggled.
"You must admit it's diabolically clever," Harry said, pulling the presents out from under the tree, his bum in the air. He was grateful the tree hid the flush he couldn't help when he unexpectedly received the mental image of a long slender hand doing lovely things to his arse; evidently, Severus was still a bit - intense - this morning. "Each time someone tries to hex the thing, it just gets worse. Must be Sprout's work."
"My Professor Sprout?" Perrin asked, startled.
"Yes," Harry said with a laugh, pulling out a pile of packages. "She's a bit of a prankster."
Bright paper and bows flew, the cats jumping out of unseen perches in the tree to play hide and bat in the debris. Quietly digesting a special treat of raw black pudding a shuddering Dobby had brought, Horatio had wisely retired to the greenhouse after stalking the cats. The first time he'd bowled Mark over while slithering under the shreds of paper, even Severus had smiled. When Horatio got caught in a length of ribbon, a glob of tinsel hanging off his nose, it took 6 hands, five paws, and some decidedly tart hisses to untangle him, time in which the three of them had laughed so hard - even Severus - their stomachs ached; Harry tucked the memory away in a special place.
Absently stroking his new touring broom for two with the special cushioning charms (Oh! The possibilities...!), given with the whispered comment, "Now you can stop grousing about your sore bum; you've been giving everyone the wrong impression," Harry contentedly watched Severus open his 'under the tree present', comprising five cut basalt bottles of...
"Asp, anaconda, boa, green tree, and eyelash viper," Severus said, reading the labels while Perrin looked over his shoulder. "All you could reach or all you could convince?" he asked with a chuckle and a kiss to Harry's cheek.
"Convince. Getting to them is not a problem; it's amazing what one can do with an invisibility cloak, a wand, and a zoo, but most of the toothier ones were remarkably nasty and grossly uncooperative."
"Toothier ones?" Perrin asked.
"Cobras, rattlesnakes, most of the vipers - you know - the biters, the venomous ones."
Perrin gave a delicate shudder. "You went into their cages?"
"Displays and no, not all - I always ask first. A snake won't lie to you; if it's going to bite you, it will tell you."
"While snake salivas and venoms are always useful," Severus interposed, "I am curious as to - ah! Sneaky brat." He raised a brow. "Another 'heart-warming' gift with a bit of camouflage..."
Harry grinned.
"...of Darrow root the other day?"
Sheepish, Harry nodded. "Didn't quite turn out the way I planned, but at least I was able to salvage the boa spit."
"Well, there's plenty of time to try again after Christmas - assuming I let you have some of my supply."
Harry leaned over and whispered, "Ah, c'mon - we always share spit." Perhaps a demonstration? He was almost there...
A small cough brought them back as Perrin, his cheeks rosy, nervously handed them each a package, their rueful smiles broadening as they opened his thoughtful gifts.
To Severus he gave a matching set of Ever-warm gloves, scarf, and earmuffs (in black) he'd transfigured from 3 socks. Ordinary enough until they turned invisible when Severus tried them on. After studying them closely, he earned a wide grin from the boy when he declared them "quite warm", saying the magic was "solid and well-done".
Harry received a waist pouch with several small pockets; a note inside explained it was for his healing metal ball and any other little odds and ends he might need while working. As he thanked Perrin profusely, demonstrating how well it fit, Harry chuckled inwardly; Perrin must have overheard him complaining to Severus that the 'damned thing' kept ripping his jeans pockets (to which Severus had asked if he'd ever considered wearing them looser and then, eyeing said snug apparel, had dismissed the idea with a, "Never mind.")
As a matter of habit, Harry closed his eyes and 'read' it: the Steal-Me-Not and See-Me-Not spells were strongly cast as was the Tear-Me-Not spell (which he'd never used on his clothing for it made the fabric too stiff). With Severus' observation that his bore no signs of 'old-men-tampering', Harry realised the old men in question had taught Perrin how to change a Schema. Interesting and a nice hint from them that they needed to watch the boy's magic closely.
He supposed Perrin's response to his gifts from them was what any eleven year old would feel in receiving that most exciting of presents - clothing. Harry's blood had boiled when a bit of judicious snooping revealed that Minerva had limited Perrin's shopping to only the barest necessities for school, all of it second-hand and most of it already worn to the woof. He supposed, with Severus being as much the victim of hand-me-downs from his deceased older brother as Harry had been from Dudley, that they'd perhaps gone overboard, buying for Perrin all the new things they'd never had as boys. But they'd had such fun wrapping it all themselves and, after a fierce spell-o-tape war, placed only the special ones under the tree, the remaining items spelled directly to the foot of Perrin's bed to be opened privately with Becky's and a few other small gifts he'd received from friends.
Poor Perrin. How disappointed he must have felt. Even Severus' eyes crinkled in amused sympathy as Perrin dutifully opened box after box. Full dress robes in a rich russet with deep gold trim followed a custom tailored school cloak which preceded an intricately knitted Irish wool jumper, a pair of dress shoes, and heavy leather gloves. What Perrin failed to notice was the unobtrusive padding in the shoulders and forearms; with excited anticipation, Harry and Severus smiled at each other over the boy's head.
Presents were presents as far as Harry was concerned; he was too interested to see what everyone else got to worry about his own. Severus received his annual Weasley jumper in black and green and - surprise - so did Perrin in brown and cream. Harry's was the usual emerald green. Perrin set them all chuckling when he remarked, "Hey! It matches your eyes."
Fried rice and grilled ahi, haupia and lychee, papayas and star fruit all littered the floor around them, a note from Ben explaining that Malia made the best preservation spells and that this supply should last them until the next time they visited. Harry was rather proud of Severus' restraint; he knew he wanted to dive into the box of fried rice, but limited himself to a small sample, sharing with Perrin as well. From the broad smile on his face, Harry knew they had another convert.
Perrin urged him to open one, so he chose a smaller package in plain gold paper with a red bow - "From Remus, To Harry". Remus always gave the most thoughtful gifts, so while Harry was expecting something good, he couldn't help gasping when the paper finally fell away. It was Severus. A photo of Severus, that is, in a plain wooden frame but not a new photo, an old one. Harry watched the picture cycle with Severus sitting under a tree in the tall grass reading a book and then, stretching his legs, he leaned on arms spread behind him, his face tipped back to catch a breeze, his shiny hair blowing about his peaceful face. He started at a sound and, facing Harry, broke into a huge snaggle-toothed smile of welcome to whoever approached. Then it stopped and cycled again.
Severus barely glanced at the photo, his face neutral. Handing it back, he only said, "Two summers before Hogwarts. Sirius took the picture." He passed another photo to Harry before he could respond. "From Remus as well - with a much more pleasant subject."
Harry took it from him and smiled; it was him, eyes staring off into the distance when his face turned to something on his right, and he grinned, his whole face lighting up. Harry might not know when the photo had been taken, but he knew for certain the only person who could make him feel like that and he leaned against Severus just for an instant before giving the framed photo back.
"Not bad, but I'm rather fond of mine, thank you very much."
"How old were you?" Perrin asked Severus, his eyes travelling back and forth, comparing the two likenesses.
"I believe I was nine or so; my friend got the camera for his tenth birthday and he was a month older than I."
Perrin nodded, handing the photo back to Harry, and while he opened another present - a Sneakoscope from Dumbledore - Harry watched it cycle again, smiling as he imagined a young Sirius taking the snap; it was almost like having both of them in one photo. A quick glance to the side confirmed Severus' absorption as he watched Perrin open his next present from Flitwick. Tucking his fancy firmly back where it belonged, Harry set the photo aside, thinking he would put it in his study.
Sometime later they finally finished opening all the gifts. While clearing the area, Mark received his first lesson in not batting the working end of a wand in motion when his fur suddenly disappeared from a banishing spell. Seeing the shivering bald kitten, Harry wondered if this was some feline coming-of-age ritual as Cally had learned the same lesson in much the same manner.
As Severus re-furred Perrin's cat, the mistletoe appeared again, heading straight for Severus again. Harry casually suggested Perrin get ready for the festivities in the Great Hall, handing him the box with the dress robes. Comfortable in a pair of jeans and an old jumper, he could tell Perrin wanted to argue the issue, but one glance at Severus' strained face, as he resisted the sprig hovering over his head, had Perrin scuttling out of the room, the box clutched tightly to his chest.
Harry had no complaints; he rather enjoyed being grabbed and snogged senseless, and he wasn't quite certain when the mistletoe left but the kiss ended abruptly seconds before Perrin returned. Straightening his robes, Harry stood, holding out his hand to Severus. "I see your 'child-is-approaching' instincts are spot on," he whispered conspiratorially.
"After twenty years, they'd better be."
Perrin walked in, fiddling with the frogs on the outer robe. "Help?"
"Here, let me," Harry said, examining the stubborn fastener. "Ah, I see; the shop forgot to remove the tacking." He turned. "Severus, may I borrow your dagger?"
Severus unsheathed the small knife from a holster in his sleeve. Harry took it from him blade first and, flipping the hilt to his palm, swiftly cut the offending string. The moment the boy saw the knife, he blanched, holding his hands in front of him defensively, palms forward. Taking a step backward, he breathed, "No. No!" almost tripping over the hem of the unfamiliar robes in his haste to escape.
Twenty years of reflexes caught the boy before he could even turn. Twenty years of experience silently held him fast by the shoulders until the old panic subsided, then quickly let go with no censure, nor questions in understanding dark eyes. As Perrin's mouth formed a budding apology, Harry interrupted. "Got it. No knives in the sitting room - and no apologies for such things." He held out a hand, the movement graceful with the fall of his heavy robes. "Now, I hear the head table in the Great Hall is fairly bursting with food. What say you we relieve it of its burden?"
Perrin smiled wanly and Harry released the breath he'd held. Crisis averted, and as he drew close, Severus took his hand, squeezing once before releasing it. Harry passed him the dagger and the incident was closed - but not forgotten.
Halfway across the rotunda, they heard the trilling, loud and protracted, almost a song as it echoed through the chamber. Perrin stopped and glanced back at them, his face confused in the manner of someone who knows the tune but not the words. Then he looked up, his mouth falling open.
Following his gaze, Harry could well understand Perrin's reaction. Lazily riding the air, Kani spiralled towards them, his spectacular wings spread wide and full. Perrin's eyes tracked him, his hands rising as if in benediction as Kani flew closer. Wings cupped and feet forward, owl and boy met in perfect union as Perrin's arm, bent at the proper angle, lowered precisely as Kani's weight settled on it.
"Absolutely perfect," Harry whispered as Severus' hand tightened at his waist.
"Oh. Wow," Perrin breathed softly as Kani tapped his chest with a small card he carried in his sharp beak. As Perrin took it from him, he plucked on Perrin's sleeve and, as Perrin raised his arm, hop-walked to his shoulder where he settled with a flip of his wings. Perrin held the card dumbly, staring at Harry and Severus.
"Go on," Severus said gruffly, "open it."
Eyes bright, Perrin nodded, Kani echoing his movement. Harry chuckled as boy and bird read together:
Perrin,
Kani is a Pueo from the upper reaches of Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii and he is yours.
Hagrid and Kalani Chan can tell you how to take care of him. He has a stand, although he likes the ferns in Harry's office, so Severus says he'll make you an area like it for your room so Kani can stay there if you like. He's been trained by Ben Chan's Auntie; we're quite sure Ben will tell you all the legends of the Pueo in Hawaii's history if you ask him.
Happy Christmas!
Harry and Severus.
Kani nibbled on Perrin's hair as he lifted his head to stare at them. It only took four steps for him to close the gap and less than two seconds for four arms to wrap around each other as one owl squawked at the excessive display.
Stepping back, Perrin exclaimed excitedly, "Wow! Thank you so much! Can I take him with us to dinner? How do you pronounce his name? Did he really come all the way from Hawaii? What does he eat? Is he hungry now?"
"Whoa," Harry said, laughing. "Slow down. You're welcome, yes he can come to dinner, his name is KAH-nee, and yes, Ben and Kalani brought him with them yesterday. We've been hiding him in my study. He's had several mice already, hunts them himself, and I am assuming that when he's hungry he'll go find some more. You know, it might be a good idea for you to train him to leave his carcasses in the same place Horatio leaves his bones if for no other reason than to spare Dobby's sensibilities." Perrin opened his mouth for another barrage and Harry answered what he assumed was the next question, "You'll have plenty of time to ask Hagrid or Ben or Kalani how to do it. If anyone knows, it will be one of those three."
Perrin nodded and then his face fell. "What about Mark?"
"What about him?" Harry asked, his head tilted in a mirror image of Kani's.
"I can't have two pets, can I?"
"Keeping to one animal is more a tradition than a rule," Severus replied. "It's not unusual for a student to have a familiar as well as a Postal Owl. Courtesy demanded we seek permission from your Head of House; Professor Sprout gave us her approval before she left on holiday."
"Oh. That's all right then," he turned his face to the owl, "isn't it? You'll like Mark."
As Kani bumped Perrin's nose with his beak, Harry's stomach growled loudly, Perrin's answering with a gurgle. Laughing, the four left to join their friends in the Great Hall.
Outside the door to their quarters, a fat Father Christmas the size of Harry's head greeted them with an off-key rendition of "Jingle Bells". Wincing, they warily followed as it bobbed drunkenly up the corridors singing more Christmas carols very badly, the flame from the candle sprouting out of its hat fluttering madly. Severus rolled his eyes, muttering, "Albus," while Perrin and Harry snickered.
Halfway to the Great Hall, the ghosts making merry near the ceiling, they heard a woman call out, "What is that appalling noise? Severus! How many times have I told you that singing is not something you should even attempt?"
Harry chuckled, stopping in front of her large portrait. "Happy Christmas, Cerise," he said with a bow and noticing her companion, added, "and to you too, Phineas."
"My, don't you both look dapper, my dears." Cerise blew a kiss to Severus, her eyes affectionate. "What? No black?" Severus raised a brow. "Happy Christmas, my honey-voiced sourpuss. Been polishing your bah-humbugs, have you?"
Wide-eyed, Perrin stared, his eyes following the exchange.
"And who is this handsome lad?"
Harry drew Perrin forward, his hand light on the boy's shoulder. "Cerise, Phineas, this is Perrin Long, our ward." He addressed Perrin. "This Cerise Jardin, an old friend of Severus', and her gentleman friend is Phineas Nigellus Black, a former headmaster of Hogwarts." He leaned in closer and whispered sotto voce to Perrin, "She's a right scold sometimes."
"I heard that," Cerise muttered and then burst out laughing. "Welcome, Perrin, and Happy Christmas."
Phineas took her hand and kissed it. "Pleasure to meet you, my boy. I am assuming you are on your way to the Great Hall?"
"Yes, sir," Perrin replied and boldly added, "will you be joining us?"
"No. We have another - celebration - to attend. The others have arrived, though, and are awaiting you."
Harry imagined it was a party for two. "We'd best be on our way, then, and leave you to it."
"Severus, a moment, please," Cerise asked, her mouth smiling under serious eyes. With a touch of her hand on his shoulder, Phineas, sour and sullen, moved into another portrait three frames away, sneering at the old man snoring in his chair
"We'll go on ahead," Harry said, steering Perrin slowly down the hall. Once they were out of ear-shot, he said, "Remember when I told you that sometimes Severus doesn't 'do' Christmas well?"
"Yeah," Perrin replied, looking up at him.
"Well, this may be one of those times, all right?"
Perrin nodded and Harry relaxed a fraction. When Severus rejoined them a few minutes later, his face sober and closed. Perrin didn't say anything, but looked thoughtful and Harry was glad he'd thought to warn the boy the other day about Severus' now infrequent mood swings during the holidays.
He found it ironic that he, someone who'd never really had a Christmas until he was eleven (and even then they'd been different almost every year thereafter) should be the one to 'lead' Severus, who'd never really had one at all. Oh, there'd been traditions, 'things one just does', but without any affection or company behind them beyond Christmas dinner, they were empty and, robbed of their meaning, Severus had long abandoned them.
Their first together had been - well, he wouldn't say awful, but by then they'd been going through the whiny 'my space - your space' phase of their relationship where every change, every proposed activity became a tug-of-war and a compromise over the simplest of things - like a separate Christmas Tree ("Very well - a small one - in your study...") to Christmas stockings ("But, Severus! It's just not Christmas without them!").
Things had settled nicely by their third Christmas together. They'd made their own traditions (such as opening their presents from under the tree - they'd only wind up on the floor anyway if left on the bed), their own memories, (such as why the presents got swept off the bed in the first place) and as each year built onto the next, it got better until one could almost believe Severus' 'bah-humbugs' were more habit than anything else.
However, there was the one 'tradition' from which he'd been excluded since the beginning and, given his lover's grimness, Harry never protested: Severus sent someone a bag of gold every Christmas Eve. As it had every preceding year, a Hogwarts Owl had left at sundown yesterday, laden with a heavy pouch and letter while Severus unsmilingly toasted their departure with a tot of firewhiskey. Harry didn't want to know who received Severus' annual largesse with its pound of penance, nor did he speculate; however, as he suspected this was what Cerise had wanted to speak to him about, he took his husband's hand, his grip hard and solid. Severus sighed, his cold hand warming within his own and, with a heavy understanding flowing between them, they arrived at their destination filled with a fragile rapport.
The others didn't see them enter and, for a selfish moment, Harry wished they wouldn't so he and Severus could extend this communion until they never needed it again. However, when Perrin, oblivious to the exchange, ran ahead and the first of many greetings reached them, Harry ruefully placed a smile on his face in return, the bond's connection between them diminishing as their hands fell apart - but not severed. Harry could still feel Severus, just not as strongly and that in itself told him how deeply it still affected his spouse.
Looking around them, he decided that if there were ever a time to call something 'magic', today would be it. All twelve trees were lit, some with hundreds of tiny candles, some with the fairy lights, and more with globes of glass filled with magefire; Flitwick's work he was sure. Garlands of holly and fir festooned the walls and from the enchanted ceiling, snow fell in bright sparkles, covering the trees and floor in the glimmering light of more candles shaped like angels floating freely above.
Harry thought about scolding Albus about lighting the trees by himself when Severus leant over and whispered, "Flitwick and I helped him last night; Albus behaved himself for once, although we didn't give him much choice." Harry nodded and relaxed.
Dragged in at the same time as the Christmas tree in their quarters, the new Yule log lay nestled amidst the ruins of the prior year's in the huge fireplace on the dais, its cheery warmth illuminating the huge table sparkling with white china and cut crystal on creamy damask. While the others clustered around Perrin, making much of Kani, Harry eyed the chairs marching six to a side with one on each end and, even including Hagrid and Filius, couldn't account for the extra place. Just as he was wondering if Albus had somehow talked the reclusive Firenze into joining them, Harry saw Trelawney enter from the staff room door, cautiously making her way towards them as if unsure of her welcome.
Albus greeted her warmly, the mystery of her presence explained with her timid, "No, Albus, you're right. Thirteen at Christmas dinner could be disastrous." Taking her elbow, Dumbledore led her to a seat near the middle, between Filius and Malia and across from Remus. Sparing a twinge of sympathy for Malia, Harry nonetheless thought this a good thing if it meant keeping Trelawney as far away from Severus as possible; even though Sybill taught few classes and rarely bestirred from her loft, the contemptuous disdain between the two of them had never lessened and Harry suspected she would be the first one enrolled in the 'Severus Snape Retirement Plan'. Standing next to him, Severus snorted.
Resplendent in an ancient red velvet and winter ermine robe, Albus took his place at the head of the table, Poppy on his left and Perrin on his right. Harry and Severus walked around the table looking for their seats and, after scanning all the placards in the back row nearest the fire, Severus finally found his name at the opposite end from Dumbledore, at the end of the table. Surprised, Harry looked further and found his seat on Severus' left with Ben and Kalani to Severus' right. Remus determinedly sat next to Kahealani (even if Kalani switched the placards so his sister sat next to him).
Digging into the cornucopia of food, conversation was slow to resume as everyone was more interested in the roasted turkeys and goose garnished with potatoes and stuffing with gravy and thick cranberry relish. A few more exotic dishes, courtesy of their guests, were popular as well. Orange wedges of papaya and baked sweet potatoes (which were dark purple when one cut them open) were scattered around the table along with sweet pepper and Maui onion salad and mashed yellow squash, all of which made a rainbow splash across the groaning table with its soon groaning occupants.
Of course, there were Christmas crackers of all colours littering the table. When Severus touched his sleeve with a nod down the table, Harry leant back in his chair to watch Perrin's reaction to the loud cannon-like boom as he and Dumbledore pulled the first one of the afternoon. As Perrin almost fell out of his chair, Harry laughed, knowing well the feeling. Dumbledore donned a hat shaped like a duck while their end of the table laughed (even Sybill) at the joke Perrin read them from a pink slip of parchment.
Betwixt loud bangs and quiet burps, Ben chuckled and casually remarked, "Thank you both for your - interesting - Christmas present."
Harry almost spewed his sweet potatoes. He and Severus had got them two books - one a copy of The Book he and Severus still used, the other - Rubbing Me the Right Way - by Ebert Diddlepop they'd just started exploring. "Ah, I'm glad you found them - amusing."
"Well, we didn't get too far into them, but you did manage to turn Kalani an interesting shade of crimson just by thumbing through the pages."
Proudly wearing his gift from Ben over his formal robes of sea blue, Kalani exclaimed quietly, "Ho! Scared the piss out of me when Joseph picked one of them up. Next time warn a guy that the books change title and text when someone else handles them. He thinks I'm lolo now trying to snatch Arms, Legs, and Posts: The Art of Hand Finishing from him in total panic. I thought Ben was going to bust a gut when he saw the new title, so now Malia thinks we're both a pair of loons."
"Where would be the fun in that?" Harry asked, sneaking a peek at Severus chortling behind a bite of fried rice he'd probably talked Dobby into providing. "And they're only now coming to that conclusion?"
Glancing down the table, Ben said, "We saw the specialist you recommended; Kalani's decided not to have the Muggle surgery. The last healing she did was fairly successful and if we're careful, she says he shouldn't have any more problems."
"Wonderful!" Harry exclaimed.
"So I take it Kalani's more on top of it now?" Severus drawled innocently, smiling at Ben's instant deep flush. Kalani's face followed (as did the wine he'd sipped) when he caught the gist of Severus' question.
"Evil man," Harry remarked, covering Severus' hand briefly. Making certain Joseph was still engrossed with Remus, Harry pointed a fork at Kalani. "Have you had a chance to use that yet?"
His hand flying to the pendant, he grinned. "Isn't it beautiful? Oh, yes. This morning I tried a levitation charm by myself; it works a treat and I hardly used any of it."
Harry nodded, taking a small sip of wine. "I'm pleased. You will send reports to Septimius?" When Ben nodded, his mouth full, Harry added, "Thanks! Septimius promised to keep me informed; we've been thinking that if it works consistently, it might be a way to help some of my patients..."
"...And it also might be a way for some to give themselves more power by stealing another's magic," Severus interrupted quietly, airing a previous concern.
More sober, Ben cautiously said, "A timely reminder to keep quiet about it, then. I'd not thought of that."
"No, I expect you wouldn't," Severus rejoined dryly. "I am, however, far less trusting."
Further conversation was suspended with the arrival of the Christmas pudding. As the lights around them dimmed, Poppy poured a measure of brandy over the brown pudding; with a flick of his wand, Flitwick set it alight with jaunty green and red flames. Perrin helped Poppy serve it and, as his plate reached him, Harry smiled. While he couldn't quite place his finger on why, there was nonetheless something special about it, something steeped in old traditions, as if it were a sturdy link between the present and the past. He wasn't particularly fond of it as a food, but it made him feel good somehow to share it with the others.
A cheer went up when Remus found the silver coin. Harry chuckled as Severus wryly commented, sliding his eyes over to Kalani, "Most propitious. Remus needs all the good fortune he can muster if he's pursuing Kahealani."
Dinner over, everyone retired to the squashy chairs Albus had conjured at the foot of one of the trees. While everyone admired the fairies flying through the boughs, Harry (under the guise of a quick Christmas hug) checked Albus (to his hidden impatience) and gave him a dose of the Navitas potion he'd secreted in his pocket for just such an occasion, pouring it unobtrusively in his wine goblet.
While everyone sipped their wine and sighed in repletion, Malia and Joseph stood, their stance as formal as their matching navy robes. "Remus John Lupin? Would you please join us?"
Overtly nervous, Remus did as he was bid and was soon joined by Kahealani, led to his side by Kalani, who bore three Maile leis. Ben remained in his chair, an indefinable expression on his face, but Harry felt Severus tense beside him.
Malia and Joseph took the thick leafy leis from Kalani, who returned to his seat. Holding them loosely, Malia stated, "Christmas is traditionally a time of Ohana and new beginnings." She looked to Joseph as if for reassurance. "Over the last few months you have exchanged daily Owls," she smiled a woman's smile, "and small tokens with Kahealani, expressing a - growing affection, one she returns."
Joseph continued, "Last week you Owled us a question, one we are now prepared to answer having considered it most seriously." He cleared his throat. "While Malia and I knew you professionally in the last conflict, as is our custom, we have sought the opinions of those closest to you who have unequivocably confirmed our own briefer observations that you are a hard-working man of integrity and honour."
They waited for the murmurs of agreement to pass. "As you were honest with us about your lycanthropy, we will return the courtesy: while our heritage and history is one of tolerance, we would be lying if we said, as parents, we were content with your condition..." Remus' face hardened "...but in the manner of all the Puckett women..." he glanced indulgently at Malia "...Kahealani has been most insistent..." he smiled crookedly "...and persuasive."
Malia stepped forward and looped an open Maile lei around Remus' neck while her father placed one around Kahealani's. Remus was obviously confused while Kahealani smiled serenely, a faint blush staining her cheeks most becomingly. Harry glanced around the group, surprised at Ben and Kalani's serious mein as well as Albus and Poppy's; if he didn't know better, he'd say they were apprehensive. But why? Severus, equally tuned to the atmosphere, shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
When Joseph murmured something to Remus, he took Kahea's hands, raising his brows in question. When she nodded seriously, then grinned, the answering smile from Remus was dazzling. Tearing his eyes away from her, he held Malia and Joseph's steady gaze. "I formally request permission to court your daughter, Kahealani, with the intent to marry her, should she accept."
Harry didn't know why Joseph hesitated, the tense seconds stretching, but he echoed Severus' sigh of relief as Malia finally handed the last, shorter lei to Joseph. Winding it around Remus and Kahea's hands in a loose figure eight, he sighed, the solemnity of his actions belied by the bright glint in his eyes. "You have our fullest blessings, Remus and Kahea'; may you both find the happiness you seek." He held out a hand with two rings gleaming in the soft light. "This is the token you sent to Kahea' this Yuletide and the one she's chosen to give in answer; they declare to our Ohana that you are each spoken to the other."
Kahea' only had eyes for Remus as he bent down and placed the softest kiss on her lips. The lei on their hands fell away unnoticed to pool at their feet as they exchanged rings. Harry swallowed around a lump in his throat as Remus carefully folded her in his arms to the approving comments from his new family. A familiar hand covered his own; Severus might appear stoic, but Harry shared his joy for their friends.
Finally releasing her, but not the possessive arm about her slender waist, a bemused Remus asked, "That's all? No vows or promises?"
Joseph chuckled. "No, lad, not yet. Had your intentions been less than honourable, the lei would have choked you. We're rather direct, I'm afraid, not at all subtle."
Remus gulped. Joseph leaned over and very softly said to him, "You would not be a man if you did not want, nor would you be worthy if you did not give yearning to another in return. People are people and hearts that burn with love's fire today may not tomorrow and lest it cool, vows should only be spoken when all are certain. Until then, it's best to grow into a relationship while ensuring the intentions stay honourable."
Remus nodded in understanding and Kahea's parents smiled. While the others gave the new couple their congratulations, Harry - Severus at his side - whispered to Ben, "Did you have to court Kalani as well?"
Ben chuckled wickedly. "Of course. Malia and Joseph are notoriously old-fashioned about these things and the gender of their children makes no difference. Had I been a woman, I can safely say they would have - guarded - my virtue as much as Kahea's. My own father was worse - you should have heard the lectures I had to endure when we were courting."
"So you waited?" he asked incredulously.
"Yeah - we did. What choice did we have when our parents or siblings, both sets, chaperoned us almost every second we were together? There's nothing like a five year old with a big mouth to - ah - keep it friendly."
"Almost?"
Ben chuckled. "Well, one does need some time alone to determine - ah - basic compatibility." He blushed and Harry bit back a smile. "It was enough."
"Almost."
"Yeah, that, too."
.:o:. .:o:. .:o:. .:o:.
Perrin was so stuffed with mince pies and Christmas cake, he was certain it would all explode out his belly button if he moved. Such a wonderful Christmas, the best ever; he was sorry it was almost over. So much happening in one day. Dinner, and then that thing with Professor Lupin and the pretty girl. He supposed it was nice his Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher had a girlfriend now, but he didn't understand what all the fuss was about; Professor Lupin wasn't bad looking and was very pleasant, so why shouldn't he have one?
He sighed contentedly, the table in front of him littered with all the bounty from the Christmas crackers. Surveying his haul, he idly inventoried it all: different coloured parchments bearing the silliest jokes, a pointed hat that had shot off fireworks out the tip until he'd removed it before Christmas Tea, a box of Canary Creams which had made Severus wince, a wizard chess set, a mound of his beloved Chocolate Frogs, and several pranks including two forbidden dung bombs he'd hid under the rest, glad that Severus hadn't seen them. A coveted pile of small riches he'd never dreamt of receiving. He couldn't wait until school started to share his booty with Becky; although he knew the Chocolate Frogs would never make it, he vowed to save her some of the Every Flavour Beans and the Wizarding cards.
And Kani. What an amazing, wonderful present; he'd really not expected it, although given the way Harry and Severus had insisted he write them after the holidays just like any other student, he should've guessed they'd give him the means to make those letters easy to send. He supposed their insistence that he remain separate from them during the school year made sense - he wouldn't want his friends and fellow Hufflepuffs to think they favoured him, although going back to classes with Snape would be harder now that he knew the man could laugh.
Talking to Hagrid and Kalani about Kani during Christmas tea had been so easy, Ben listening in silently until he'd asked him to tell him the legends like the note suggested. Such stories - of battles and adventure, betrayal, lovers, and immortality. He made them come alive and for a time Perrin had been in deep lush valleys and verdant mountains, Kani by his ear trilling the whole time. He couldn't wait to visit them during the summer and see it all for himself, both Harry and Severus saying he could if he wanted.
After being with him all day, either on his shoulder or perched on the back of his chair, Perrin knew there was something different about his owl that he couldn't quite place - and the adults, as usual, weren't saying, except that barmy old bird, Trelawney. Right after the bread pudding, she'd told him that Kani would be his salvation but wouldn't be able to save his heart's desire. The other adults had tried to quiet her, but thinking about it now didn't really bother him because he felt warm and full and wanted and safe. And that was better than he'd felt in a long time.
He and Flitwick were the only ones remaining at the dining table, the others sitting around the tree talking. He didn't mind much, but the man had been quietly humming almost constantly through both meals, even when eating and drinking. Perrin shrugged. At least it was in key and the number of songs he knew was quite impressive; he'd not repeated himself once in the hours he'd been sitting next to him.
What he couldn't quite figure out was what the Professor was doing, other than launching into a wassailing song Perrin vaguely remembered hearing over the public speakers in Marks & Spencer. Flitwick wasn't moving his head very much, but his eyes roamed all over the room as if he was looking for something and, after a few minutes of it, Perrin thought he knew what the old man sought.
He leaned over and tapped the preoccupied Professor on the shoulder. "Excuse me, sir, but I think it's over in the far corner."
"Ah, so it is. Sharp eyes, young man." He pulled his wand, aimed it at the corner in question, murmuring, "Accio Mystyldene." The mistletoe sprig, much the worse for wear, bobbed and dipped its way over to him as if resisting his spell.
"Professor, why are you calling it?"
"Well, you don't want it coming over here on its own, do you?" When Perrin shook his head emphatically, Flitwick chuckled. "If we summon it, it won't affect us. Call it professional curiosity, but it's behaving most oddly, and I'm not familiar with what little I've been able to read so far - can't stand that, you know."
Perrin didn't know, but if it made Flitwick happy...
He reinforced the spell when the mistletoe slowed halfway across the Great Hall and waited patiently until it rested against the tip of his wand.
Reaching out, he snagged the half-wilted sprig. "I think we wore it out," he observed with a grin. He passed his wand over it, mumbling a series of spells, or at least Perrin assumed it was several - if not, it was a very long one. Kani, sitting quiet on his shoulder, hopped onto the table, peering at it intently as if studying it as well.
When Flitwick started chuckling, Kani trilled and Perrin couldn't help but smile; Flitwick had such an infectious laugh, one he'd come to appreciate over the last week or so he'd spent with the old man.
"Hoisted by their own petards," the Charms Professor chortled. He leant closer and whispered, "They think it was one person who charmed it, when in reality it was five."
"Five, sir? How can you tell?"
"There are five different magical signatures on it (and I recognize all but one), a single transfiguration, four charms (one of which I know but the form is odd), and one hex."
"You can read all that?"
"Certainly. Mind you, it's not a common talent, but with practice and age and some logical conjecture, it's fairly simple. Let's take this little trick for example. Knowing my friends as I do, I can deduce that Professor McGonagall transfigured a kissing plant, which is used in several love potions..."
"Love potions are real?"
Kani trilled, his head rotating in question.
Flitwick ran the back of his finger down the bird's chest. As Kani preened, he replied, "Absolutely - Number Nine being the most notorious when a witch, Madam Roue, I believe her name was, gave some to the Muggles about, oh, must be forty years ago now. Quite a dust-up in the Ministry trying to get all the samples out of Muggle circulation before free love got out of hand; I hear it took them years to get it under control. However, be that as it may, all love potions are cheating and you're interrupting."
"Sorry, sir."
"Understandable, but listening requires more effort than talking, something you young people need to learn - hence your present. Have a question or a comment? Write it down; there's always plenty of time at the end to ask questions."
Oh, so that's why he'd received the small notebook with a much appreciated pencil spelled to stick on the leaf edge under the cover. "Thank you, sir."
"You're most welcome - just don't forget to use it. Now where was I? Ah, yes - the mistletoe. Professor Sprout charmed it to fly and seek out the person who wanted it the least and then spelled it to do exactly the opposite of whatever the person who tried to hex it wanted." He whispered conspiratorially, "I think we can guess who her target was, can't we?"
"Professor Sprout pranked Professor Snape?"
Flitwick laughed wickedly. "She has a soft spot for our dear Potions master, so I would say probably so."
Seemed a strange way to say 'I like you', but then again most of the adults of his recent acquaintance were very strange people.
"Moving on, it appears Professor Dumbledore spelled it to overcome peoples' inhibitions - er - shyness - the shier the person, the stronger the response. Then someone activated Professor Sprout's second spell by hexing it, (and again, I think we know who that was) but then someone, and I'm assuming it was one of our guests, charmed it to keep the victims from, ah, doing more than kissing.
"No wonder it's worn out," Perrin remarked, glad the thing had only found him twice.
"Well, I can fix that," Flitwick said, wearing a look that Perrin was coming to know as a teacher about to make a joke. He startled when asked, "Anything special you'd like it to do?"
Perrin thought about it and, conferring silently with his owl who stretched his wings in answer before flipping them to his back, remembered the rainbow of colours the thing had changed into when Flitwick had first checked it. "Yeah. Can you make it change the colours of people's faces when they're kissing?" At least then it might be a bit more interesting.
"Hmmm. Difficult for several people at once; however, I can easily make it change their hair colour. Will that do?"
"Yeah - thanks."
Flitwick was already passing his wand over the sprig. As it plumped and firmed into its former glory, he cast several spells on it and released it. Kani hopped back onto Perrin's shoulder with a quiet squawk as the renewed mistletoe bee-lined for the group around the tree. Perrin thought the headmaster looked rather smashing with a chartreuse beard although Flitwick preferred Madam Pomfrey's fuchsia glow (Kani remaining neutral), but they all three agreed that Harry and Severus were the best, festively matched in Gryffindor red and Slytherin green.
.:o:. .:o:. .:o:. .:o:.
TBC