12: Christmas day pt. 2

Eliza Snape woke up bright and early on Christmas morning. She couldn't remember when was the last time she had been this excited about Christmas. She rolled out of bed and put on her green and black checkered flannel p.j. s. Quietly she made her way down the hall. She could smell eggs and bacon being prepared. She even heard her father humming a Christmas carol. She giggled as she made her way to Harry's room. She was about to knock but she thought better of it, she had better ways of waking Mr. Potter.

She crept silently in to his room. Harry like her slept in nothing but under garments. She watched him as his chiseled chest moved peacefully up and down. His hair was even messier then usual. She slowly climbed on top of Harry and was in position to shake him awake. But he was so peaceful she just couldn't do it. Eliza began to get off of him when suddenly Harry grabbed her and tossed her playfully on the bed.

"Trying to disturb my slumber Snape" He said laughing

"Harry you ass! No fair you were awake the whole time." She smiled

"Nope, but when something this beautiful climbs on top of me I most certainly wake up!" He grinned devilishly

"Shut up Potter." She said as she tried to break his grip. It was no use

"Think you can get off that easily do you?" Harry continued

"Yup, I sure do, considering my father is right beneath us." She said sly

With a sign of mock defeat Harry let her go.

"Now come on we have gifts to open." She said heading for the door.

"Right behind you."

Harry lazily put on a white T and a pair of Hospital scrubs he still had from his last hospital ward visit. Once he was ready the two kids made their way to join the professor.

Harry had to laugh once he saw the professor. He was in the same black and green pajamas as Eliza. He had a peaceful look about him and greeted Harry with a nod and a fresh plate of bacon and crepes. Harry had to admit that he liked the professor when he was like this. Breakfast was a happy affair. Snape showed Harry baby pictures of Eliza, while she just covered her face in embarrassment.

After they ate, they moved into the living room to open gifts. Eliza made Snape open his gift from her and Harry. It was a state of the line cauldron. Snape beamed at his daughter and grunted thanks to Harry. After that the three retreated to their own space to open the rest of the gifts.

Eliza was excited, her first gifts from her new friends, her only friends. She was sure she wouldn't be disappointed. First she went for Draco's gift. She blushed at the sight of it. It was lace green lingerie. She tried to hide it before Harry could see. It was too late. After 15 minutes of cursing from him, she finally got a chance to read Draco's note. "Sexy clothing, for a sexy, ravishing succulent woman. (Are you blushing yet?) Truthfully Eliza the gift is more for Harry than you. Once he gets over the rage of me giving it to you, he will be thankful I did. But seriously kitten, I probably wouldn't be this happy if it weren't for the American Slytherin. I'm glad and honored you gave me another chance and for that I owe you my life. I love you like a sister, well that's not true but for drama's sake I wont tell you how I love you. Just know if you need anything you can have it from me-Love Draco"

Eliza was touch by Draco. He never failed to amaze her. She thought for only a second about that love stuff he was saying before she shook it off. She then moved on to Hermione's gift. It was a year's subscription to the Muggle magazine Seventeen. "Eliza, hey girl. This gift will come in handy for us both. I know how important it is too keep in touch with the Muggle world, and this should help us do it. Besides we need something to read at our sleepovers. But seriously you are the sister I never had. And I'm glad I got a chance to meet you. Being around boys for the last 5 years was turning me asexual. So lastly I will say that you have a girlfriend for life, and I'm glad first impressions didn't stick. –Sisterly Love, Hermione"

Eliza laughed; Hermione's note was pretty much the same as the one she had sent to her. Great minds think a like Eliza laughed. She moved on to Ron's gift next. It was a sweater. Not the ugly sweaters Mrs. Weasley knits. But this one was emerald green. The same color of Harry's eyes. It was ribbed and form fitting, but covered up everything. Eliza loved it. "This gift is for you to use the next time you decide to wear that outfit from the Winter Ball. But I hope you like, Ginny help me pick it out. And I only say this cause I think of you as a sister. You are a great girl, but quite curvy so naturally you need someone to protect you. So I guess I take the job. Anyway if you need me you know I'm here.-Your brother Ron"

Eliza didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Ron was brilliant. All her friends were.

Harry decided to open Draco's first. He was sure he had to brace himself for whatever it was. Harry couldn't believe this gift. It was more then he ever expected from the blonde haired boy. It was magical pictures of his mom, dad, Serious and Remus. "Potter hope you like them. I found them in my dads study, figure you will want them more then me. Besides anything to piss off the old man. But other then that you deserve them Potter. I'm glad we are friends and I want to thank you for not holding the Draco of fives years ago against me.-Your pal Malfoy.

Harry spent several minutes examining the pictures before he moved on to Hermione's and Ron's gift. They had decided to do a joint gift this year. It was a dream journal. You are supposed to put it under your pillow and when you have a nightmare it will write itself out in the journal as oppose to playing out in your mind. It was a thoughtful gift and Harry was praying it would work. "Harry, I saw this in the book store and I thought it was perfect for you. "Witches weekly" swears by it and they are seldom wrong. I hope it takes your nightmares away cause you don't deserve them. Thanks for letting me be apart of the madding and adventurous life of yours. Your friend always-Hermione" "Harry mate, Mione suggested this as a gift and I have to say it was a dammed good idea. Sure hopes it works mate. Nothing else really to say that you don't already know. You're my best friend and I'd go any where with you no matter how dangerous. Hope that didn't come off girly. Oh well see you soon mate- Ron"

Harry was happy with all his gifts. This year was by far his best Christmas yet.

"Happy with your gifts Harry?" Eliza said once he was done

"Yup, you?" He smiled

"Hmmm…yes so far. But there's one I'm waiting on." She said slyly

"Really from who?"

"Don't play dumb Potter."

"Ha, calm down you will get your gift woman, but I want to wait on it." He said seriously

"What ever you say lover. But I want you to open mine now." She said handing Harry a simple white envelope.

He opened it, and the contents left Harry clueless. Inside were three tickets to a Muggle basket ball game.

"Lakers -vs.- Heat? What's this then? He asked

"A Muggle Professional basketball team." She simply responded

"I know that Eliza, but I really don't understand, I'm not big on Muggle sports."

"I know Harry, but it's the bigger picture that's really the gift." She said

"Huh?"

"Don't you see Harry? This game is in the states. What I'm trying to say is that I want you to visit me this summer in the U.S." She yelled

Suddenly it dawned on Harry and he broke into his trademark grin.

"In that case, it's the best gift of the day!" he shouted as he pulled Eliza into his lap.

Suddenly there was a tapping at the window. I was Hedwig, with a fresh batch of thank you cards and Christmas wishes. Along with it came a 3 page scroll from Ron telling Eliza how much he loved the book, and wanted to know more about some sport called bowling.

"So that's what the third ticket is for then. Ron?" Harry asked

"Yup, I knew he would love that book." She beamed.

Suddenly the two heard Snape swishing back down the hall to join them. They really didn't know he was gone. Once he emerged he held two long boxes in his hand. Harry knew what they were, broom cases. But why two, he thought?

Snape smiled down at Eliza and said nothing as he handed her one of the boxes. She opened up eagerly to reveal indeed a broom. Harry knew that broom, even more top of the line then his Firebolt. It was a Maddux Millennium.

"Dad my own broom! I love it." She cried

"Not just a broom Monty, that's a Maddux Millennium, the best of the best." Harry butted in

"Of course Potter, only that for my daughter. Word in Slytherin is that you are an excellent flyer. I expect you to try out for the house team." He said seriously

Eliza just nodded happily. Before he knew what he was doing, Harry found that he was accepting the other broom package from Snape. He opened it carefully. Unlike Eliza's broom, this one was run down and looked to be at lead 20 years old. Harry thought it was Snape's idea of a joke until he saw the initials on the seat of the broom. J.P. His fathers broom?

"Your father gave it to me as part of the debt when he and his defiant friends almost got me killed. However I have no use for it anymore." Snape said calmly

"Sir thank you! I don't know what to say." Harry said with tears in his eyes

"No need Potter." Snape said before he exited the room

"Eliza, I didn't expect this." Harry said

"See Harry, My dads not that horrible." She smiled at him resuming her seat on his lap

"No he isn't." Harry agreed

"Now get dress." Eliza said

"Dressed? That's not what people are supposed to do on Christmas day." Harry joked

"Then what do they do Harry?"

"They sit and watch sappy movies and drink apple cider all while still in their p.j. s."

"There will be plenty of time for that Harry, but we have to go to your other gift." She smiled

"Other gift, I get two." He grinned

"Yup so get dressed mister." She replied as she hoped off of him and made her way upstairs.

Harry gave a happy sigh and soon followed suite.

After taking a long shower Harry, dressed quickly in a pair of loose jeans and an Oxford sweatshirt. He was not surprised when he saw the two Snapes waiting impatiently for him at the front door.

"Not flooing today?" Harry asked them

"Nope Harry, where we are going we have to drive. Dad's gonna take us." Eliza said

Harry just nodded and took Eliza's hand and they made their way to the professor's car.

Eliza and Harry both elected to take the back seat. Harry used Eliza's shoulder as a pillow, and before they were out of the driveway he was sleep. He managed to sleep the whole way to their destination. Harry only woke when Eliza gently shook him.

"Harry, wake up sleepy. We are here." Eliza spoke softly

Once He composed himself Harry followed Eliza out of the car. When they both were out Eliza quickly grabbed Harry's Hand. Harry gave a wide smile to Eliza, but was rewarded with a nervous grin. Harry looked at the professor who was still in the car, he too had a nervous expression. Harry knew something wasn't right. Harry decided that he better look at his surroundings.

Dread and horror washed over Harry. He was in a graveyard. Why had they bought him here? Eliza was quite aware of Cedric, his parents and the nightmares. Was this the Snape's idea of torturing him. It was hard to believe that just as hour ago Harry felt like he was in heaven. Suddenly he snatched his hand away from Eliza and pushed her away. At this Snape was about to get out of the car, Eliza however motioned for him to stay.

"What's this then Eliza! Why am I here!" He yelled

"Harry, calm down. Let me explain" she pleaded

"No! Why would you do this? I thought you loved me. Was this whole day a setup?"

"Harry no, I can explain." She said

"Don't bother, I don't want to listen to anything you have to say. I hate you!" Harry yelled

With that he ran deep into the graveyard. Eliza turned to her father.

"Dad, give us an hour."

"Eliza I don't think that's a good idea. Harry is a powerful wizard, and if provoked…" Snape started

"He wont hurt me dad. No matter what."

"One hour then." Snape conceided

With that he watched his daughter run off into the graveyard. He couldn't lie and say he hadn't expected this reaction. But when Eliza came to him with this idea, he thought it was long over due. He just hoped that Potter would come to realize that.

Harry collapsed underneath an apple tree, that seemed to be the center of the graveyard. Harry could barely see trough all the tears in his eyes. He couldn't think how Eliza could have hurt him so. Why play a cruel joke like this. Still Harry did not move when he heard Eliza creep upon him

"I want to go to the burrow." He said still looking down.

"Harry…" Eliza started

"Shut up, I want to floo to the burrow, I'd rather sleep between Percy and Bill than stay here with you." He continued

"You don't mean that."

"Wanna bet." He said

"Fine, just hear me out and if you still hate me then we will floo you to the burrow. But please Harry just come with me." She pleaded

"Fine. After that then I'm history."

Eliza reached out a hand to help Harry up. He ignored it and forced himself up on his own. He followed Eliza only a few paces before she stopped.

"Well…" Harry said impatiently.

"Well Harry, look." She said motioning Harry forward

"No way, I'm not playing your little game Eliza!" Harry whispered

"Gosh Dammit Harry look." She shouted

Frustrated Harry gave in. He brushed passed almost knocking Eliza to the ground. At this moment he didn't care if she was hurt or not. Suddenly Harry stopped in his tracks. In front of him were two simple plaques. Harry unwilling fell to his knees. These were the final resting places of his mother and father. Harry stared at them for several minutes barely breathing. Under his feet were the bones of his mom and his dad. It all hit him at once, his loud whales could be heard all over the graveyard.

Eliza had never been more scared then she was right now. She wanted to comfort Harry, but wasn't sure he wanted her too. However her love for him enveloped her fear. She gently kneeled beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. She jumped a little when he turned to her. Harry looked in her eyes for a long while before he laid his head in her lap. Eliza just stroked his hair while he had his cry.

Once Harry settled down he and Eliza just sat in silence at the grave. Finally she felt it was safe to speak.

"Harry I'm sorry. I should have told you."

"Yeah you should have. But I know you did this because you love me. And I'm glad you did. Not even Serious or Remus had shown me this." He confessed

"Harry…"

"Eliza I love you." Harry cut her off

"I know Harry."

There was more silence and a few more tears. Harry and Eliza promised that they would visit the graves every year as a Christmas tradition. After an hour they emerged from the graveyard hand and hand. The professor was waiting for them. He smiled when he had saw that the two kids had made up. Once in the car it was Eliza's turn to use Harry has a pillow. She was emotionally exhausted from the previous scene. It was a quiet but peaceful ride back to Snape compound.

Once everyone had exited the car, Harry shoved his hands in his pockets. It was then he felt the jewelry box, he had still not given Eliza her gift. Before she could step into the house Harry grabbed her arm.

"What is it Harry? Are you alright?" Eliza said concerned

"Yes, yeah. I just wanted to take a stroll through the gardens before we go in." he said

"Harry do we have to now, I'm so tired. And what about Movies and apple cider?" she whined

"We will, but please? It's a tradition."

Sighing Eliza gave in. She grabbed Harry's hand and let him lead her into the gardens.

After a few minutes of walking Harry and Eliza took a seat on one of the benches that overlooked the family fountain.

"Eliza, I bought you out here to give you your gift." Harry said simply

"I figured as much Potter, so where is it?" she joked

"Well before you see it, I want you to know that you don't have to do it. I mean wear it. Its complicated and you have to be sure…" he started

"Harry whatever it is you know I will love it. Now hand it over cutie." She said

Without further ado he handed Eliza the blue leather box that hosted the bonding ring. Eliza opened it quickly and yelped with happiness.

"Harry, this is too wonderful. I love it!" she said as she started to put it on Harry stopped her

"Wait Monty, I have to tell you what it does." Harry said

"It's a bonding ring." She said

"How do you know that?" Harry asked

"My mommy has one Harry; I thought it was a tattoo at first." She smiled

"You are always one step ahead of me." He joked

"That's what a good woman does." She smiled as gave Harry the ring.

With one last kiss, Harry placed the bonding ring on Eliza's fingers.