8: Going away for Winter Holiday
The rest of the semester went by in a happy, uneventful blur. The day had arrived when those who were loved went home for Christmas vacation. This day always made Harry depressed. This year was even worse. Harry actually had plans to go back to # 4 Privet drive; his aunt said she was looking forward to his visit. However at the last minute she sent him an owl, saying that Vernon's sister aunt Marge would be there for the holidays and she thought it best he stayed at Hogwarts. Now Harry would have to stay at Hogwarts alone. Ron would not be here to keep him company. He was returning to the burrow. Hermione had made plans to spend the first half of the holiday in Sweden with her parents, and then she would also make the trek to the burrow. Draco Malfoy was to go home to his mother Narcissa. However at the last moment she requested that he stay at the school. Upon hearing this Mrs. Weasley insisted that Ron invite Draco since Harry would not be coming this year. Draco rudely accepted. At the time Harry was glad Draco was going to the burrow, no one should be alone on Christmas. However giving the turn of events Harry wished his spot were still reserved at the Weasley home. Eliza of course was to spend Christmas with her dad. Harry and her did not talk much about Christmas vacation. Eliza really had no concept of what a magical Christmas was and the thought both excited and scared her. In that moment Harry wished he wasn't thinking of Eliza. The idea of spending their first Christmas apart made him sadder than he wished. I t would be a long Holiday, one which Harry wasn't sure he would make it through
There was a knock at the door. Harry jumped up out of shocked, once he calmed down he signaled for the knocker to come in.
"Who is it?" Harry questioned
Professor Snape busted though the door.
"No manners Potter? I certainly hope you don't talk to my daughter like that." Snape snarled
"No, no of course not. You just caught me off guard." Harry stammered
"Excuses Potter. Tools of the incompetent." Snape said
"Excuse me sir, but what are you doing here." Harry asked
"Where are your things Potter? Pack your trunk." Snape snapped
"But sir, I'm not going home for holiday." Harry whispered
"I'm not ignorant Potter, I know that. However Dumbledore and I deem it safer if you did not stay unattended at Hogwarts." Snape said
"The Weasleys then, they are going to have me?" Harry brightened
"Nonsense Potter, its too many of that lot in one home as it is." Snape smirked
"Then I don't understand sir. Where are you sending me?" Harry asked He was scared that he knew the answer. He figured they would hide him at Grimwald Place. Harry was horrified by that thought. He didn't want to be anywhere near the home where Serious spent his last days. "Sir I wont go to Grimwald Place!" Harry shouted
"Take that tone with me again Potter and you wont like the result." Snape paused. "Besides boy, that's not where you are to go. You will be spending the vacation at Snape Compound with Eliza and I."
Before Harry had a chance to let that sink in. Snape turned on a heel and left the room. Harry was left clueless in the middle of the room
An hour later Harry stood in front of Hogwarts express with the other students. Harry had yet to spot any of his friends. He still could not believe that Snape would welcome him into his home. He couldn't believe that he would get a chance to spend the holiday with the girl he loved. Harry was numb with disbelief. A finger tapped Harry hard on his shoulder and knocked him out of his thoughts.
"Harry." Eliza whispered
"Hey." He responded
"I was calling to you for ages, I thought you were ignoring me." She said
"Of course not, I was just wrapped up in thoughts." He said
Suddenly Eliza grabbed hold of Harry and hugged him so hard he though he would suffocate. When she pulled away from him she had shiny new tears in her eyes.
"Eliza what's wrong." He said worried
"You are coming home with us then?" she asked sadly
"Yes. And you don't seem too happy about that." Harry started "Look if it makes you feel better I will tell Dumbledore that this was a terrible idea. I know it's your first Christmas with your dad. I can understand if you don't want me there." Harry mumbled
"Harry James Potter! I want nothing more than for you to come home with me!" she shouted through teats
"Then what's the tears for Monty?" Harry asked
"Its my first Christmas without my mom. Sure I will have the two most important men with me. But she's still missing. Its still hard." She sniffed
"I know what you mean." Harry nodded
"Oh Harry. I'm sorry. How stupid of me." Eliza said thinking about Harry and his parents
"Don't be, you have a right to be sad about your mother Eliza. Besides we will be here to console each other. It works both ways, it should not be all about me." Harry smiled at her
Eliza started to answer him when they were interrupted. Draco, Ron and Hermione had come upon them.
"Come to see us off Harry?" Ron said. Harry had yet to tell his friends that he would be spending Christmas with the Snapes
"Not exactly Ron." Harry smiled
"What do you mean Harry." Hermione asked
"Yeah do tell Potter." Draco smirked
"Well I'm not spending the holidays at school anymore." Harry said simply
"The Dursleys had a change of heart?" Ron asked
"No. I'm still not welcomed this Christmas." Harry stated
"Bloody hell Harry no need to make up stories. Look I know you told me not to tell mum about you situation but. But I couldn't help it mate. Anyway she insists that you come home with us. It will be a tight squeeze but we will manage." Ron rambled
"Really Ron, I'm covered, I…" Harry started
"Oh Harry Rons right you don't have to spend Christmas alone. I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind you coming to Sweden with us." Hermione interrupted
" Hermione if you guys will let me explain I will…" Harry was interrupted again
"Oh for goodness sake! Eliza will you talk some sense into your boyfriend!" Hermione smiled
"You heard him Hermione. Harry already has plans." Eliza laughed
"Not to rude, but you don't believe that he actually has anywhere he could go do you? " Hermione asked
"Oh Granger shut up. Is it not obvious? Potter obviously will be shacking up with his girl over the break." Draco said breaking his silence
"Mind your tongue Draco." Harry snapped
"Sorry Potter. Forgot your were so protective these days." Draco smirked
"Hang on? Is that true Harry? Are you going home with Eliza?" Ron asked
"Yes Ron, that's what I have been trying to tell you!" Harry smiled
"Oh Harry that's wonderful! How exciting for you both." Hermione said as she scooped Harry and Eliza into a group hug
"Bloody hell Harry! That means you will be spending the holidays with the professor!" Ron said horrified
"And what's wrong with that Ron!" Eliza snapped
"Nothing. Nothing. It's just that Harry and Snape have never really…you know gotten along. And since Harry has taken a liking to you their relationship hasn't got any better." Ron stammered
"What Weaslebe means is that your father and Potter will love to rip each other throats out." Draco laughed
"I'll have you know it was my dad's idea!" Eliza says angrily
"What!" Ron and Harry said together
"Yes Harry, when are you going to get it through your had that my dads not evil?" Eliza gasped
"Honey I know…but you gotta understand I have to get use to this. Snape and I have not been the best of friends. But I'm trying for you." Harry whispered to her
"I know." She calmed down
Harry scooped Eliza in a hug. He was shocked but pleased when Eliza forced him into a passionate kiss. Seeing that this was sure to be a repeat of their make out session they had in the great hall, a disgusted Hermione dragged Ron and Draco over to board the train.
"We should follow them." Harry said trying to pull away from Eliza's lips
"Mr. Potter do you not want to kiss me?" Eliza smiled devilishly
"What do you think?" Harry said smiling back at her
They both laughed and quickly resumed their kiss.
"There will be none of that when you are in my home Potter!" Professor Snape said staring at the couple.
Quickly Harry and Eliza broke away
"Yes sir." Harry whispered
" We were just about to board the train dad." Eliza said trying to break the tension
"We don't get to Snape Compound by riding the train dear. We use Floo. Every teachers home in Hogwarts is connected to the Floo network." Snape said
"Floo?" Eliza asked
Snape just nodded and motion the two students back to the school.
"Floo?" Eliza said again this time only so Harry could hear
"Floo powder. Wizard traveling method. Damn useful, but so messy." Harry responded
Eliza looked a little worried. It was hard for Harry to believe that someone so magical had little knowledge of things that were magic. Harry gave a small sigh and took Eliza's hand. The two made their way up to the school in a happy silence.