Heaven Sent

Fox In the Snow

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Fox in the snow, where do you go
To find something you can eat?
Cause the word out on the street is you are starving
Don't let yourself grow hungry now
Don't let yourself grow cold
Fox in the snow

Girl in the snow, where will you go
To find someone that will do?
To tell someone all the truth before it kills you
They listen to your crazy laugh
Before you hang a right
And disappear from sight
What do they know anyway?
You'll read it in a book
What do they know anyway?
You'll read it in a book tonight

Boy on the bike, what are you like
As you cycle round the town?
You're going up, you're going down
You're going nowhere
It's not as if they're paying you
It's not as if it's fun
At least not anymore
When your legs are black and blue
It's time to take a break
When your legs are black and blue
It's time to take a holiday

Kid in the snow, way to go
It only happens once a year
It only happens once a lifetime
Make the most of it
Second just to being born
Second to dying to
What else could you do?

Fox In the Snow- Belle and Sebastian

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"Lydia! Lyds! Come on, wake up!" Morrie was shaking her fiercely, as she lay in bed, but Lydia just moaned in agony and turned away. Her throat hurt, scratchy and dry from crying and the tears that had fallen had caused her eyes to be blurry, "Get up! You need to get up!"

"Leave the hell alone," she groaned, putting her head under the pillow, trying to block the sunlight. She did not want to see the sunlight, she did not want to wake up again, she did not want to be okay- not know at least. She needed some time for it all to sink in.

But that was not going to happen- not with Morrie around because she had dragged Lydia into a sitting position, gripping her arms tight enough to make bruises. Lydia winched, but Morrie just sat staring at her grimly.

And suddenly, Morrie's arms were wrapped around her tight in a tight squeezing hug, but it was over to quickly for her jump on it. Morrie pulled back and stood up, "Get dressed. I don't want to be late for breakfast."

Lydia was taken back by her odd action and then harsh words, "I don't want to. I'm not hungry."

"Do I look like I care?" Morrie asked with that snappish arrogance that was supremely her own. Like she could not tolerate stupidity and now Lydia was being stupid, wasting her time. Lydia didn't think she was being stupid. She didn't want to go, not after last night.

"Morrie, I don't want to go."

"I don't give a damn. We are going to breakfast, and we are going now, so get your pretty arse out of bed and hop in the god damn shower. You're a bloody mess."

"But Morrie-"

"Just do it!"

Lydia looked down, her jaw unhinging, ready to cry again. She nodded slowly, standing up and heading off to the bathroom. Stripping down, she slid into the shower, blaring cold water. And as the liquid rained down her face, she began to cry to, her tears hidden in the artificial rain.

She was not aware of how long she stayed there, just standing under the water until she heard Emmaline banging the door down. Hurriedly and embarrassed, she got out, drying off and throwing on the random jumper and jeans she had taken with her. As she opened the door to get out, Emmaline scowled, "Thought you had drowned in there."

"No, not yet," Morrie barked from across the room. She was leaning lazily against the wall, giving Lydia an odd look, "Come on, we're going."

Lydia nodded and followed her out, even if she was still a mess, her hair wet and dripping down her top. Morrie seemed to be oblivious to this, just walking along. They were about half way to the Great Hall when Morrie finally said something, "Stop moping."

Lydia looked up, "Leave me alone."

"No. Forget about your little pity party alright," she said forcefully.

"Look, Morrie, you have no idea what you-"

"And I could care less. Just stop sulking!" Morrie hissed, walking faster. Lydia frowned, but stayed quiet.

They reached the Great Hall, Morrie entering first, heading briskly towards the Ravenclaw Table and sitting down, immediately piling food on her plate. Lydia however was a bit slower, and this caused an interception.

"Lydia!" Remus called, running towards her. He scooped her into a big embrace, "I'm so, so sorry." She didn't respond. She just stood lank in his arms, looking into his hair, "Are you alright?" he whispered into her ear, "Dumbledore told us all last night about the attack and when he said- I was worried about you."

Lydia pushed him away a bit and stepped back, "He told everyone?"

Remus although he looked put off by her movement answered, "Yes, there were a few more causalities. He read off a list."

Lydia turned and looked at Morrie, who was staring directly at her. Lydia smiled softly, and twisted away from Remus, walking over to the Ravenclaw Table and sitting next to her friend, "Thank you," she murmured.

Morrie raised an eyebrow, and smiled back, "Anytime."

-----

It had been a week since the attack, and Lydia had subconsciously thrown herself into work. All of her free time was spent in a book, and she could tell Remus was getting annoyed. Morrie seemed to understand though. She never bothered her except for the occasional question on potions homework.

Severus didn't mind this one bit. While she was making time for her academic studies, Lydia also had made much more for the project, working constantly to crack the code of harsh Bulgarian. At the rate they were going- they would have it done by New Year's no problem- five hundred and ninety seven pages to date.

It was also around this time when talk of the holidays began, and all the work Lydia had done to forget about her father and her situation disappeared at the mere mention of Christmas. At dinner when other students would describe their fun planned holidays, she could feel the pain rising in her chest and the aching behind her eyes. But Morrie was always there, giving that happy student a withering remark, and while Lydia knew Morrie was being needlessly cruel, it still made her feel better.

And up until this point, Lydia just assumed she was staying at the school, Morrie by her side.

She was wrong.

It was early one evening when Lydia was studying in the dormitory when Morrie came in, a letter in her hands, "My parents want me to come home."

Lydia looked up, "For Christmas?"

"No, for Chinese New Year- of course Christmas, you dolt."

"So, you're not staying?" Lydia frowned at this.

"Did you not hear me before? My parents want me to go home, and therefore I am going."

"Do you want to go?"

Morrie snorted and looked away, fiddling with her trunk, like she was trying to open it, "What does it matter? I'm going anyway."

"What am I going to do?" Lydia asked.

Morrie looked back to her, "Get on with your life. I'm not going to be here forever."

"I know."

"I'm not so sure you do."

"Whatever," Lydia muttered, turning back to her book, a new sense of dread rising in her. She already knew Remus was going away to visit his family, and had overheard Emmaline and Elle speak of returning home. She would be the only girl left in her dormitory, and probably Ravenclaw Tower.

Lydia was definitely not looking forward to it.

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The following week brought many exams, and wrap ups in classes, so there wasn't much work other than studying. Lydia found herself more and more in the library beside Severus. They didn't talk a lot, only the occasional comment about the translation, but it was almost a companionable silence. They had not spoken about the events of Halloween and she was glad for it. Their relationship was strictly professional and it was the nice change from everyone asking her if she was okay, like she was going to collapse.

Then again, most of the time she did feel like she was about to collapse, like the pain was just too much to bear and her legs were ready to buckle beneath her. But she would shove it away. It didn't really happen. She was fine.

She knew she wasn't.

It was a most memorable day in the library however, when the final page of the script was translated by Severus, "Were done," he said, in awe as his tattered quill finally left the page.

"We're done?" Lydia asked, looking up from the papers she was organizing.

"We're done," he stated again, more firmly.

"We're done!" Lydia was ready to jump for joy, and Severus, had he not been so noble, probably would have thought to do that also. She quickly grabbed his last page of translation and worked through the big pile of parchment, putting all their papers in order, "Now, for the easy part. We just have to read it all through, list and diagram all migrations, and hopefully find a pattern by which we can find any giants current location… in there are any more giants."

"There are not," Severus said briskly, taking his half of the stack.

"Well, I know… but why are we doing this then?"

Severus sighed, "Lydia…"

"Yes, yes, I know," she said defeated, "It's a hush hush sort of thing."

"Thank you… now, if you'll kindly give me some of that," he gestured to the papers in her hand, "I'd like to get this done as soon as possible. The holidays are coming up soon."

"Of course," Lydia said, dividing the papers in her hand. She gave him half. Snape took them, quickly jumping into the work, as he put them down on the table in front of him and started reading.

Lydia turned her head to her own stack, looking over across the table to the scripts that lay there. The scripts her father had given her. She could feel her face falling and growing pale, the sudden need to let the tears flow at this mere reminder. How long could she pretend it didn't really happen?

And then, there was a hand over hers. She did not know she had been shaking until the contact. Looking over, she found Severus staring intently at her. She swallowed, and stuttered, "Excuse me, I think I took in some dust or something," she coughed for effect.

Severus just nodded, and remained quiet for a moment, "Lydia?"

"Yes?"

"Mr. Malfoy sent me a letter."

"Yes?"

"He has invited both of us home for the holidays- to present him with the project and such. Well, I was already planning on going, but when he heard of recent events, he thought it might be well if you came along also."

Lydia frowned, "Malfoy Manor, you mean?"

"Yes."

"Won't there be parties and such? I've heard of the Malfoy's Christmas Gala."

"Well, yes, of course, and we'll surely be attending. Why, is there something wrong?"

"It's just-" Lydia began, "I'm not a pureblood."

Snape watched her a moment, before shaking his head, "Lydia, if Mr. Malfoy wants you there, I assure you, you will have no problems."

"Are you sure?"

"Very."

Lydia picked at her thumb nail, "I'll have to think about it."

"Yes, alright… just be aware, at Malfoy Manor, you would not be alone," he added solemnly, before looking back to his work. Lydia stood at still for a moment, then doing the same, still picking at her nails.

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The next night, Lydia had told Remus she would go out with him. She had to say she had been neglecting him recently, but she couldn't help it. Always asking if she was alright was a constant grating on her nerves, and therefore, she was not looking forward to tonight.

Remus had told her to wear something warm, so she met him in the Entrance Hall donning her own threadbare black cloak. He smiled upon seeing her, and led her outside, proclaiming a quiet walk along the lake.

And it was quiet, for the most part. They did not talk so much, only when Remus once again asked her how she was feeling, and she gave him a weary reply. At some point he had locked his hand in hers, and huddled close. It was bitter out, that cold crispness in the air due to the regular November weather, so Lydia could not say she minded the warmth he brought with him. There was just something missing.

"So what are you going to due about Christmas?" Remus asked.

Lydia sighed, "Stay here I suppose."

"I hate to see you here alone… I do wish you could come home with me, it's just-"

"Don't worry about it. I would hate to impose on your family like that anyway. It's no big deal, really. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? Maybe Morrie could take you?"

"No… Morrie's got her own family to take care of. She doesn't need me there to bother her."

"So you're just going to stay here all by yourself?"

"Actually…" Lydia said slowly, "I was invited somewhere."

"Really? Where?"

"The Malfoys asked me if I'd like to spend the holidays at their manor."

Remus looked extremely skeptical, "You're going to Malfoy Manor?"

"Well, I'm thinking about it," Lydia said, her thumb picking at her index nail on her free hand.

"You've got to be kidding."

"No, I'm not. Mr. Malfoy has been very kind to me. It would be an insult if I turned down his invitation."

"And how many times have you meet Mr. Malfoy exactly?"

Lydia looked down, "Once…"

"Once?" Remus exclaimed, "Lydia, are you mad? You barely even know this guy, and you're ready to lock yourself for two weeks in a house with him? That's insane!"

"I won't be alone," she insisted, "Severus is going to."

Remus scoffed, "Oh, yes I would think he'd be behind this."

"What exactly is that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, come on Lydia! Snape is a freak! He's practically got the dark mark painted across his forehead!"

"You don't even know him! How could you ever be so sure?"

"Look Lydia," he stopped abruptly, and grabbed her shoulders, making direct, harsh eye contact, "Severus Snape is bad news. I don't want you hanging around him"

"You can't dictate who I chose to spend my time with!"

"I wouldn't have to if you would just open your eyes for once! He's not a good person, and he's just going to hurt you in the end."

"Just because you and your friends have a little tiff with him doesn't mean he's a bad person!"

"You don't know him like I do, Lydia!"

"Oh please, the only way you know him is through the eyes of Sirius Black."

"At least I'm not blind!"

Lydia ripped herself away from his grasp, "You think I'm blind, do you? You think I haven't seen those countless times when you and your posse sought him out, the awful things you did to him? Do you think I'm stupid?"

"Sometimes, YES!"

"If I'm stupid, it's only because I never said anything. I've never lifted one hand against you, or Potter, or Black. That was what was stupid! I shouldn't have let that go on, but I was I thought I was too far on the fringe. I see now what a mistake that was."

"If you're-"

"No, Lupin! I don't want to hear it, okay? Just leave me the hell alone," she said, walking briskly away and up towards the castle, but she could hear Remus jogging up behind her. As he drew close, he grabbed her shoulder, and whirled her around to him, crashing down with a searing kiss. It was hot, filled with encompassed rage, jealousy and anger all in one. His lips tasted bitter on hers, and she struggled to push away, firmly backing from him.

He stepped back, wiping his mouth, an apologetic look already rising on his features. Lydia frowned, "And I was stupid to think we would ever have a chance. Thanks for making up my mind, you bastard," she hissed, fleeing towards the castle once more. This time he did not follow, only watching her with regretful eyes as he continued his walk along the lake.

And when Lydia reached Ravenclaw Tower, the tears rising in her eyes, she opened her trunk, beginning to pack.

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A/N- I had a little trouble with this chapter. Believe me, I know what exactly is going to happen later on in the story, it's the filler stuff that kills me. Updates should be getting better, I swear.

Oh man, this is my third snow day in a row! Will the days of wine and roses never end?

I'd like to thank all my fabulous reviewers! I love you guys!

Kerichi- The problems I have with those stupid author alerts! It's a mess. I'm working steadily on Simply Irresistable, have no fear, but beta reading for a friend of mine has kept me from finishing. In time, in time… Don't worry; I swear Snape romance is soon to come. 'Wicked cool' –can you tell I am from Massachusetts or what?

ButterflyOfLothlorien- Yeah for an awesome returning reviewer! Phantom is awesome, and as I've stated before, there is Snape action to come!

Pepper-the-rezo-loves-meg- J Thanks! J

skytten334- I'm glad you like the feeling I put out for the last chapter. It was hard to write. I was sort of trying to put out some feelings I remembered, but I'm not so sure if it worked.

Arg! I need o see that movie! Yeah, I did feel a bit smug with my cleverness on that song. Just kidding. About the "you were warm and gentle," I disagree with you on that, but that's probably just because I am the all knowing author of the story…heh.

Questions:

1) If you are like Morrie does that mean that you too is worried about what kind of influence Snape has on Lydia?

Yes, in many ways I am, just because I am sad and worry about my characters in this way. In this chapter, unfortunately, Morrie takes more after me than ever before. And though her approach to the situation may seem twisted to some people, I understand it completely.

2) How did you come up with the name Lydia Lachlan (I love it)? I am not sure if you you mention this in earlier chapters, but what is Elle´s and Morrie´s last names and do they have any middle or extra last names?

Lydia has always been one of my favorite names, and I thought it fit the character well. It's origins are Greek, later becoming Roman meaning sophisticated, or a cultured lady. Lachlan is actually something I picked up form the books. Lachlan the Lanky is a statue on the seventh floor, and taking liberties, I actually made it the opening to Ravenclaw Tower if anyone can remember chapter six. I know I can't. Elle's full name is Elladora Edgecomb, and you'll notice the last name is a bit familiar. Morrie was actually a tribute to my favorite character in the book, On the Road. Her full name is Fallon Moriarty, but her nickname, Morrie is obviously derived from her last name. If you've been to my livejournal, you'll see my name for it is doctormoriarty. Doctor Moriarty is also my favorite villain from Sherlock Holmes, so the last name has some meaning for me.

DO NOT SEE SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS! Let's just say it was another one of Jude Law's movies this year…

I honestly have no idea who translated the copy I read. It was from the library. Sorry!

I'm pretty sure Jekyll and Hyde is playing there. It is a English musical. I'm from the States though, so I can justify that.

Have no fear! You get a cookie! A very large one at that!

Don't worry, you have no reason to boycott… hehe…

Utterly&freakishlyconfused- Yeah, there were a few questions over that book… I put it in because when my own father died, my grandfather gave it to me. I was im seventh grade, and I don't think I've ever been the same since. When my father died, it was like the world had ended and I didn't have anything to care about- anything I wanted to care about, but when my grandfather gave me Lord of the Rings, and I sat down to read it, it was actually like I did have something to care about. I cared about the characters, what they were going through. I could understand their pain and worry. I would get upset and grow happy over the littlest things. And even though things got grotesquely horrible for the characters, there was always a happy ending on the horizon. I guess in made me see my happy ending. I've wanted to become a writer ever since. Yeah, and that's my reasoning…

Not reading this over…too tired…

Thanks to everyone for reviewing!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW! BE LONG AND RAMBLY PLEASE! IT WILL MAKE MY DAY AND GET THE NEXT CHAPTER OUT SOONER!

I'm an awful review whore…