Disclaimer.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!
A BELATED MERRY CHRISTMAS AND AN EARLY HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Please forgive the late update but with the season, computer problems and an unending session of cooking…well you get the picture.
This chapter was longer than I wanted again, but there you go. When the characters take over….They're all Prima Dona's and didn't want to cut their bit out.
At the end you will find a recipe for the Chocolate Rum Truffles Phaelan plans to make…It's my Christmas gift to you. I don't usually share the recipe cause it's so easy everyone thinks it must be hard and I get lots of praise.
Now maybe you'll give the author a little present and say Happy Holidays with a review. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Phaelan entered the gallery of the McDonald's restaurant, inhaling the ubiquitous aroma of deep fat frying and grilled meat. The Muggle-born and half blood students immediately began to line up after briefly perusing the overhead menu's to ensure their favourites were still available. The purebloods hung back and watched as they became acutely aware of being the outsider's here. Ron and Ginny were the exception, thanks to their brief sojourn into the Muggle world over the summer.
Each of the students had been given an envelope with some Muggle funds to pay for their lunch and cinema treats. Over and above, several had their own money. The intended purpose was to learn to use the Muggle currency, the other purpose was to ensure those students who had no personal funds were at least on an equal footing as the others when it came to this part of the trip.
"I'll have a number five combo and a Quarter-pounder with cheese as well and I'd like to super size it please." Ron ordered.
Hermione shook her head. She'd long wondered how Ron managed to stay so skinny while consuming the calories of a Sumo wrestler. The server looked up at the tall red head in front of her.
"What did you want to drink with your combo?" she asked.
"Uhm, Diet Coke." Ron decided, earning an incredulous glare from his girlfriend, "What?" he wondered.
"Diet Coke?" she asked acerbically.
"I like the taste better." He told her as he took up his tray.
Hermione shook her head and turned back to order for herself, Lavender and the Parvati twins. "Four chicken Caesars, lite dressing and four diet cokes...and a large order of French fries."
Severus eyed the colourful boards listing the available fare. Lupin stood beside him frowning in confusion.
"Phaelan," Lupin asked, "what exactly does a Big Mac consist of?"
Phaelan cleared her throat, "Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun." She recited, remembering an old advertisement.
Lupin gaped, "Good grief woman, how many of these did you eat in your lifetime?"
Phaelan chuckled. "It's an old advertising campaign from when I was young 'Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun,' you say it real fast."
"Is it good?" he wondered.
Phaelan shrugged, "It's okay I guess."
"What would you suggest?" he finally asked.
"Go for the chicken sandwich – it's more for grownup tastes." She suggested.
Lupin went to the counter to order leaving Severus and Phaelan the last to get lunch.
"What do you want?" she asked,
"Frankly?" he looked at her, "I hated the food here in the seventy's and it doesn't look like it has improved."
Phaelan frowned, "You knew about McDonalds and didn't tell me?"
"Yes." He replied.
"Just for that, I should order you the McHappy meal." She snapped back.
"With the cute little toy? I might wet myself in the excitement of the moment." He retorted sarcastically.
"Smart ass."
"Yes, isn't it, especially when it's making all the moves you like." He muttered low enough for her ears alone. "I'll have the same as Lupin." He finally decided.
Phaelan ordered a salad with Severus' choice and when Snape had paid, they headed to the tables to join the other teachers.
Shacklebolt was polishing off his third regular cheese burger and dipping his fries into tomato sauce.
"How is it you guys know Raunchy Ronny's?" Phaelan wondered at the Aurors.
Tonks was spooning out her milkshake, "When you're workin', you need to eat. At these places, you always know what you're gonna get."
"Yeah," agreed Shacklebolt, "I prefer Pizza Hut myself – all you can eat buffet."
"And I thought I was opening up new territory." Phaelan sulked.
"Look over there." Tonks nodded at a table of Pureblood Slytherins. "I think you 'ave a convert."
Phaelan looked over to see Crabbe inhaling his Big Mac. "Well, I guess not all Pure-blooded Wizards are gourmands." She decided.
"Excuse me," said Snape getting up. He stalked up unseen behind a sixth year couple who were sharing an extra long French fry, chewing their way into a kiss from either end of the deep fried piece of potato. They had gotten away with it the first time, but Snape caught them on the third go round. Phaelan watched as the unwary couple bumped noses when Snape bent over and revealed his presence above them. The boy choked, forcing his friend to pat him on the back and the young girl spilled her beverage in her haste move out of Snape's too close presence.
His mission complete, Severus returned to the teacher's table. "Disgusting display.' He muttered.
"You didn't mind when we indulged in sharing food. "Muttered Phaelan sotto voce.
Snape snorted, "Not the same thing at all." He replied in the same tone.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
The bus took them to Aldeburgh within minutes of leaving McDonalds. They had an hour before the cinema would open for them. The Auror's had decided it was safe for the students to take a walk around.
"Just stay on the High Street kids; we want to be able to find you." Tonks warned them.
The students broke into groups and headed up and down the street looking in shop windows and checking their available funds for buying souvenirs. Phaelan chuckled at the expression on Ron's face as Hermione dragged him into the quaint book shop while Ginny was gazing into the electrical shop window looking for a Christmas present for her father.
Snape sighed and stuffed his hands into his pockets and squinted at something in the distance, "You had to pick this cinema, didn't you." He accused.
Phaelan wasn't sure about his mood. It was well masked behind his usual disdain ridden visage. "It was well suited to our needs and there was a lot to do around here." She replied.
"You know what I mean." He looked at her with eyes half closed. "Did you think I would suddenly become maudlin and begin to spew forth sentimental remembrances about my childhood in this part of the world?"
Phaelan snorted, "You, maudlin? Perish the thought. You did say once that this cinema was one of the places you enjoyed when you were young. I thought...well never mind, I guess I was wrong."
Severus offered his elbow, "Walk with me?" he asked.
Phaelan took his arm and strolled down the street with him. She watched as he looked at the shops and occasionally looked around as if remembering what it looked like when he was a child.
"Has it changed much?" Phaelan ventured.
"Yes...no." he replied. "Some of the names are new and they appear to have renovated the fronts to be more authentic to the town."
"Are you pissed at me?" she asked quietly.
He walked in silence for a few minutes before stopping before the ice cream shop and turning to her. He brushed her cheek with the back of his knuckles and shared the small smile with her. "No. I haven't been back here since I was fifteen. When I stepped off the bus, I expected the same old, bitter feelings to wash over me, like they did when I came home from school. Now, I'm just... indifferent about the whole thing."
Phaelan turned and pulled him along as she headed back for the cinema, "So, are we going to sit in the back row and make out during the film?" she teased.
"Madam, "he rebuked, "If I ever were to make out, as you put it, it would never be in such a tawdry locale as a cinema. The very idea is repugnant." He looked about making sure no students were in earshot. "Tonight however, I may indulge your partiality to fine leather."
"Really." She pondered for a moment and added, "Should I find a clean uniform sir?"
He smiled, "Ah yes, I do remember that conversation. Just remember, if the uniform is not perfect and if you arrive late for your detention, there will be consequences."
"I should damn well hope so." She replied under her breath causing him to cough to cover his laugh.
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Aldeburgh Cinema is unique. Where else in the world would you find a purveyor of modern entertainment whose foyer was contained in an 18th century house and opened into a walled garden? As historic as the entrance was, the auditorium, which had been added much later, was state of the art and sat almost 300. Additionally, it was free of the restrictions of the large chains controlling the majority of the cinemas. It is independently owned.
"Is it the same?" Phaelan asked as she made her way down the aisle. It was to this cinema Severus had sneaked way from home to attend.
"Obviously it has recently been re-decorated but it's essentially the same." He reached the front of the screen and turned back to look up at the projection room. "I could forget who I was here. I was a war hero in the Pacific or a Cowboy in the American West. I was suave, sophisticated and wealthy or daring and heroic." He looked briefly at Phaelan, "I could pretend to be anyone I wanted here; anyone but me, the useless, unwanted son."
Phaelan looked at him and saw the ghost of an unhappy childhood waft over his face. "Severus, you aren't that child anymore. You are sophisticated if not the most polished in your social demeanour. God knows, you take enough risks in your life and you are a hero to those that understand what you do. Maybe you've become your childhood hero's."
Severus snorted, "Don't assail me with your psychoanalysis, Phaelan. I know who and what I am. I have no delusions."
"You're too hard on yourself." She concluded, "Now, go and get us a seat, I need to introduce what they are about to see."
As Severus walked back up the aisle, Phaelan watched as the students entered and took their places. Popcorn, chocolate and soft drinks abounded. Snape had wanted to prohibit the consumption of junk food, reasoning this was to be a de facto in class experiment. Phaelan disagreed, deciding if the experience was to be authentic; the food was part of it.
After outlining the program, Phaelan waved to the projectionist and took her seat beside Severus. He had decided to sit well back so that he could keep an eye on the "Ardent, Amorous Activities of the Abominable Adolescents."
Phaelan scowled at him as the screen lit up with the opening advertisements. "Did you swallow a fucking dictionary?" she whispered, "Honestly Severus, people would think you were sexually frustrated, the way you go on about catching some necking teenagers. I had hoped I was enough to keep you happy."
"Perhaps if we were to add saltpetre to the food or require all of our girls to wear chastity belts I could relax." He whispered in return.
Phaelan bit back her reply when Lupin returned with popcorn for them. She watched the screen as the first of the cartoons came on. She leaned close to Severus' ear and said, "I love Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. Watch...Ehhhhhhhhh, What's up Doc... I'll get you, you waskily wabbit. It gets me every time."
Severus took a handful of popcorn, popped some in his mouth and chewed. "Personally, I preferred The Road Runner. The part when the coyote would be running in mid air before he fell was hysterical...How many company's do you have called Acme in your country anyways?"
Phaelan glanced sideways at him catching a grin as he devoured more popcorn.
In the middle of the theatre, Harry and Ginny, Ron and Hermione sat together. The Weasley siblings felt comfortably smug in their knowledge of Muggledom.
"I still think Forest Gump would have been a better choice, Harry. It was deep." Ron said loudly before ladling a handful of popcorn into his mouth.
"SSSHHHH!" hissed Hermione, "You shut up when it's dark, Ron."
True to his word, Harry bought Ginny chocolates and put his arm around her shoulder as they sat together. What he didn't see were the other males copying his stretching technique in the rows behind him.
The cartoons and trailers for upcoming movies passed quickly bringing them to the music video of Michael Jackson's Thriller. It seemed to catch the student's attention and when it finished they applauded. The house lights then came up as Phaelan made her way to the front once more.
"Quiet please. We're about to start the main feature. I want you to watch the picture closely and think about how some of what you will see parallels our current world affairs. I also want you to think about what the title character is doing. There will not be an assignment due for class but there will be homework over the holidays so pay attention." Phaelan paused for a moment and looked over the young faces of the audience.
"Some of the scenes in this picture are disturbing and graphic. The horror's they depict were all too real. Remember, the idea of watching this story unfold is not to be entertained like you were with the earlier screenings. The purpose of watching Schindler's List is to become aware of the cruelty man can meet out upon his own kind. To see how prejudice and bigotry can take over when common decency is cast aside. To know that one person can make a difference if they act upon their conscience. Lastly, if you are uncomfortable after seeing the picture, talk to someone; a Head of house, any of the teachers here, the Headmaster. They have all read the book the picture is based on. The movie please." She waved to the projection room and made her way back to her seat.
The film started and the mood changed. Phaelan watched the reactions of her students as much as the picture itself. She noticed when the crew from the bus got up and left halfway through. Despite having seen it several times, the scene with the girl in the red dress accompanied by the violin solo left her crying. At the end, they sat through the closing credits, waiting for the house lights before getting up to leave. Severus and Phaelan waited until the hall was empty before exiting. Phaelan thanked the manager and followed her students out to the waiting bus.
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The dinner at the pizza restaurant had been subdued. A small amount of amusement had been provided by Goyle who had expected his free refill on soft drinks to be magically provided when his glass was empty. Only Draco's hiss stopped him from complaining to the waiter about a defective charm on his glass.
The trip back on the bus was as bad if not worse at night in the dark for Phaelan. The sight of so many headlights buzzing around the bus was giving her a headache. She had finally given in and had taken a calming potion (how did he know to bring it, Phaelan wondered,) from Severus. The bus finally drew up at Hogwarts gates and the students alit quickly to make their way to the school. The professors followed. Tonks too came along; the excuse given was that she was to work with Shacklebolt on an assignment in the morning.
They were greeted by Dumbledore and McGonagall as they entered and assembled in the Great Hall. Snape went to the Headmaster and leaned into a private conversation. As Dumbledore nodded, he followed the students and Phaelan.
"Welcome home," announced the Headmaster, "I trust your excursion was most enjoyable and informative." He indicated Snape, who stood to the side, his clothes transfigured into his accustomed attire. "Professor Snape has assured me that your comportment was adequate which means, I'm sure, that you were a credit to the name and reputation of Hogwarts just as I expected. Miss McKenzie..." he indicated Phaelan should address the students.
"Well, that was a full day. I'm sure you're all as tired as I am. As I said before, there will be no homework assigned for class. I will have you complete some research and a project to be completed after you return from the Christmas holidays. Thank you all for being fine ladies and gentlemen. Good night."
The students took this as their dismissal and got up to leave the hall for their dorms.
"May I walk you to your rooms Auror Tonks?" asked Lupin.
"Thank you professor. Night all." Called Tonks, as she took Remus' arm and followed the students out.
"A successful day then." Announced the Headmaster.
Phaelan nodded, "I think so but I will never use that bus ever again." She added, "Severus, why did you have the Calming potion with you?"
Severus shrugged, "There are some things I simply won't travel without; my wand, calming potion, headache potion and full spectrum poison antidote are among the few."
Phaelan huffed and shook her head at the paranoid tendencies of her lover.
"I shall bid you good night my friends and congratulations on a successful venture." Offered Dumbledore, before leaving them alone.
Phaelan turned to Severus unsure how to say what she wanted to. "Severus, I uhm..." she sighed, "I...well as much as I want to..."
"You are too tired to participate in any sexual gymnastics tonight...I am too." Severus took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "Over the holidays however..."
She smiled, "It's a promise. Speaking of Christmas, what are your plans?"
He scowled, "I never have plans. It's just a reprieve from the dunderheads for me."
"But you have the girls to think about." She reminded him.
His look became thoughtful then, "Yes, I had remembered, Phaelan. What do I know of what teenage girls want for Christmas?"
"We could shop together. Molly can drop hints to get some ideas." She suggested.
He looked around and saw no one. Pulling her close, he kissed her gently. "There is one gift I will treasure among all else. Having you with me is the only gift I need."
"You Severus Snape are a closet sentimental, but I'll keep your secret." She smiled back as they made their way to the stairs.
A sudden shout and commotion at the base of the stairs where they lead up to the hallway to Gryffindor Tower and down to the dungeons caught their attention. Harry and Theodore Nott were faced off against each other, wands drawn to attack.
"Shut your filthy mouth. You're nothing but Death Eater Scum. My mother was worth a hundred of your kind." Shouted Harry.
"Your mother!" Nott sneered, "She was nothing but a half-blood whore. Probably put herself up the spout to catch your father. He should have hexed her to whelp you before you ever breathed."
"Take that back..." Harry pulled back to cast a Stinging hex while simultaneously, Nott was casting Tarantallegra at him.
Phaelan and Severus had reached the duelling students at the same time the hexes were cast. Phaelan reached out and pushed up Harry's wand arm just as he uttered the incantation as did Severus with Nott. With a sudden surge of heat and energy passing through her body, Phaelan looked up as the hex coming out of the end of the wand hit the ceiling with explosive results. Both she and Harry were thrown to the ground from the recoil sent through the wand. They stared at each other and the ceiling, shocked at the result.
"Mr. Nott," Dumbledore's voice rang out. "Go to your dormitory and wait there until called. Do not speak to anyone about what has happened. Do you understand?" he told the shocked Slytherin. Nott nodded mutely and made his way to the dungeons.
Severus had seen what had happened when Harry's hex hit the ceiling and was looking at both Harry and Phaelan with a masked expression to hide his amazement. When Nott left, he approached Phaelan and helped her stand.
"Are you all right?" he asked quietly.
Phaelan only nodded. Her heart was still pounding and her legs trembled in reaction to the shock.
"Mr Potter, go to my office immediately." Dumbledore ordered in an uncommonly serious tone. "Professor McKenzie, are you able to join us?" he asked, watching to see if she was able to answer.
Phaelan looked up at the old man as if seeing him for the first time. She swallowed and took a deep breath before taking a step forward. The floor felt like it tilted beneath her and she staggered against Snape, grabbing his arm.
"Whoa. That was interesting." She said, trying to deflect the seriousness of the moment. "Let's try that again." She took another step and regained her balance. "I'm okay sir."
"Very well. Professor McGonagall, will you bring Phaelan and Harry to my office immediately. Professor Snape, before joining us, advise Mr. Nott he is confined to his dormitory until called. I shall meet with him in the morning." Dumbledore ordered and turned away.
Minerva approached Phaelan and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Are you well dear?"
"I think so. We'd best get to the office." She replied. Still jittery from the experience, Phaelan didn't complain when the older woman placed a hand on her elbow as she made her way upstairs.
As they entered the office, Dumbledore stood from where he was kneeling in front of the fireplace. A minute later, Poppy Pomfrey stepped through the green flames of the floo, her wand at the ready. Phaelan was sitting in front of the desk waiting for whatever was about to transpire to begin. Poppy approached her and began casting diagnostic spells over her. The Mediwitch muttered to herself and tutted over a reading she didn't like. Finally she stopped and glared at the Headmaster.
"I should run a full diagnostic again you know. This is just not sufficient." Poppy declared.
"Oh no, I'm not going through that again." Phaelan told her vehemently, "You can keep your Crimson Crud to yourself, thank you."
"Does she appear well, Poppy?" asked Dumbledore.
With a loud harrumph, Poppy conceded Phaelan was fine...considering.
"Mr Potter, "began Dumbledore in an entirely different tone. He rounded on Harry who was trying his best to fade into the background. "I believe an explanation is in order for your behaviour this evening." The Headmaster sat behind his desk and fixed his gaze on his student.
Harry swallowed thickly. He was in deep shit and he knew it. Casting the hex at Nott was bad enough but he had done it in front of teachers and had almost hurt one...somehow.
"Sir I...that is...Nott...Nott started it." He heard himself say, immediately regretting how infantile and lame it sounded.
"Mr Potter, I should have thought you were a bit more mature than to resort to finger pointing." McGonagall admonished. "Now out with it. How did it start?"
"He, that is Nott, was making comments when we got off the bus. Something about the Nazi's had the right idea about getting rid of inferior races of humans." He paused and looked at the Headmaster, "Hermione overheard and made a comment to Ron about some people not being able to see what was in front of their faces even when their nose was rubbed in it."
"I see and Mr Nott overheard Hermione." Dumbledore concluded.
Harry nodded. "Yeah. When we left the Great hall, he saw there were no teachers around. He turned around and said Hermione was a freak of nature; said she should never have been born."
Snape had entered the office in time to hear the latter part. "And you sought to protect her, Potter? What happened to her courtier?" he snapped.
"Ron had his wand out first but Hermione grabbed his arm and pulled him away." he glanced at the Potions Master, "You've not seen it but Ron can be right nasty when he wants to."
"Continue Mr Potter." Dumbledore gestured at him to go on.
Harry looked down and took a deep breath, "He called Ron a Blood traitor and he called Ginny...he called her a cheap c...he called her a very bad name and said she was only good enough to sleep with the pigs produced by half-breed scum. Then he began on my mother." He stopped, not wanting to say more.
"Thank you Harry, I don't think we need hear anymore." Dumbledore told him and sat forward, leaning his chin in one hand. "As provoked as it was, Harry, I cannot excuse the casting of curses on school grounds. I believe a spot of cleaning in the Owlrey over the Christmas Break should reinforce my words."
Harry grimaced. "Yes sir. Sir, do I have to apologize to that...to him?"
"I think not. It would be but a sham anyways, would it not?"
"Yes sir." He replied.
"Indeed, now you are excused." Dumbledore dismissed him.
Harry stood and walked to the exit but turned back quickly, "But sir, what about Professor McKenzie?"
"Ah, well that is another matter you need not concern your self with...at least not yet. Good night Mr Potter." Dumbledore again dismissed him. Harry turned and made his way out.
All attention then turned to Phaelan. She looked around at the familiar faces, uncomfortable at the scrutiny.
"How do you feel Phaelan?" asked Dumbledore.
Phaelan shrugged, "Okay I guess; maybe a little shaky."
The old man nodded. "Severus, what did you observe?"
"When we reached the duelling twits, each of us grasped the wand arm of one of them and deflected the hex out of harms way. I was with Nott and Phaelan with Potter." He recalled. "When the hex from Potter's wand left the end, it seemed to be...magnified or boosted somehow. It appeared to be pulling more energy through the wand than what should be possible even for a strong wizard." Severus looked confused.
Dumbledore sat back and stroked his beard; "Magnified..." he appeared to say to himself. He sat musing in silence for a few moments. "Phaelan, what did you feel? Was it anything like you had experienced previously when you were affected by magic?"
Phaelan frowned, "Yes...and no. I felt a great rush of warmth pass through me. It was the same type of feeling I get when I'm running and I get my second wind. It felt I had all this extra energy to pull on. Then when the hex passed through the wand, it felt as though all the extra energy was expended instantly. It felt...good." she paused and shook her head. "I'm not describing it well, am I?"
"On the contrary, my dear, you have concisely described what a witch or wizard feels after casting successfully through their wand." Dumbledore told her.
Phaelan was amazed, "Is it always so powerful for you? It was like...the most amazing high...it could be addictive." Thinking again, she asked the most important questions, "How though and why me and Harry?"
Dumbledore smiled, "As we have to teach our children, a charm, hex or curse cast is only as powerful as the intention behind it. The young men were very angry hence the intention to use the hex was also very strong." He paused, "Your other questions however pose a more daunting challenge. I don't have the answer for you...yet."
"How will we find out?" she asked.
"Let me think on it, Phaelan. I have much to ponder." Dumbledore answered her cryptically, and then smiled once more. "Now, it has been a long day. Let us retire; we have another long day before us tomorrow." He stood calling an end to the meeting, waiting as his staff made their way out.
Dumbledore called quietly for Severus to stay. Phaelan hesitated but Severus took her hand and kissed her knuckles, "Go to your own chambers and floo down. I will join you shortly." Severus told her as he turned and guided her through the door, closing it behind her.
Turning back to Dumbledore, Snape become serious, "What is it old man?"
"What have you noticed when you make love to your lady, Severus?" he asked bluntly.
Severus snorted, "What kind of question is that? What we share is our business not yours."
"Do you feel the passion more deeply, more completely? Is she more compliant to your desire? Does she indulge in...extreme practises with relish?"
"What is this inquisition? Are you so far gone as to want to experience your sex vicariously Albus?" Snape asked astounded at the track his mentor had taken.
"No." Dumbledore replied quietly. "I had never thought I might have to investigate this...please indulge me Severus. No details, simply yes or no to my questions."
Severus sighed deeply and wiped a hand over his face. "I have never experienced the...depth of passion I feel with Phaelan with another. She had her own predilection for...exotic eroticism before I met her."
Dumbledore nodded. "Thank you for your honesty. I will have questions for Phaelan as soon as I have done a little study...it has been a long time." He became thoughtful for a moment. "Severus, just one request; if Phaelan should exhibit any...abilities beyond what might be expected for a Muggle, please share them with me?"
Severus snorted, "This is Phaelan you're speaking of." He conceded. "Alright, within propriety."
"Thank you my boy. Now go to your lady. Good Night." Dumbledore stood signalling the meeting was over. Snape followed and bowed before making his way out of the office.
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Phaelan was curled up on the sofa before the fire in the dungeon chambers. She was nursing a mug of hot chocolate provided by Polly who saw her lady was upset.
"Miss needs chocolate. Polly knows this." The little elf had declared, "I be bringing you some to your lords chambers, Miss, and maybe some chocolate biscuits too." She told her lady as she pulled out the warm fleecy dressing gown for Phaelan to wear.
Phaelan smiled to herself; she had an elf god mother. She took another sip of the warm comfort just as Severus entered his chambers.
"Out all bloody day and they still want to wander the halls by night." He muttered as he divested himself of the voluminous teachers' robes before dropping onto the sofa beside her. He sighed and looked at her pensive expression. "Knut for your thoughts?" he asked quietly.
Phaelan shared a rueful smile, "I wish I some to share. Everything is so muddled after tonight; I don't know what to think." She put her mug on the table beside her and slid to lie against him. Severus pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head, glad she couldn't see his frown of confusion.
"Do you have any idea what's happening Severus?" she asked quietly.
He shook his head, "No. I've never seen anything quite like it before nor have I heard or read anything about this phenomena." He tipped her chin up to look at him. "Albus seems to have an inkling but he's not sharing anything yet. He will when he has something. That's his way."
Pushing her up, Severus stood and swept her up to carry her to the bed chamber. "Now, my sweet lady, I know we are both wearied. Lets to bed to nestle and sleep."
Setting her down, he waved his hand, pulling back the covers on the bed. Pulling his wand out of his sleeve, he pointed it at Phaelan, removing her robe and night gown.
"Hey, it's cold in here." Phaelan complained as he pulled her into bed after using his wand to undress himself.
Severus smiled as he pulled her close to wrap his arms around her. "Nox. Now, shared body heat is the best way to stay warm and this is far more convenient if one of us comes up with an idea for morning recreation again."
Phaelan chuckled sleepily, "Something always comes up in the morning."
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"No, up there, Becky!" exclaimed Genevieve watching her sister levitate an animated hippogryph ornament onto the tree in the corner of their living room. The elves had delivered a small Christmas tree earlier in the morning. Molly and the girls had spent some time transfiguring things into ornaments which the girls were now using to decorate the evergreen.
"Why not here, Nevvy?" she exclaimed, getting impatient with her younger sister's directions.
"It's too close to the unicorn; they'll fight." Nevvy told her knowledgably.
Molly Weasley came into the room with a platter of sandwiches and cakes for their lunch. She looked over at the two girls and felt her throat tighten. It would be the girls first Christmas without their parents. Forcing back the threatening tears, she called them over to eat.
"Come on girls, time for lunch. You can finish up later." She told them, setting out their plates and pouring Pumpkin juice into their glasses.
Nevvy chose a cheese and chutney sandwich to start and bit into it with relish. "Aunty Molly," she began through her mouthful, "How can we buy Christmas presents? I know we had money in our accounts before..." she faded off.
Molly sat back and thought about what the young girl said. Of course they would want to buy presents for each other. "I don't know dear but Professor Snape is coming tonight, let's ask him.
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Phaelan sat musing over her Christmas list at lunch time. She had decided on home made chocolate rum truffles for the other professors. They all seemed to be closet lushes to some extent. She had already set aside the box she had picked up from her home in Maine for Severus but she wanted something more. Then there were the young wards Severus needed help with. Standing and stretching, Phaelan decided a walk was in order and pulled out her warm over robe and winter boots.
Severus pondered over what to gift Phaelan with for Christmas. Gift giving was usually easy. A bottle of Liquor and shot of hangover potion for each of the Professors was always successful. Except for Dumbledore; for whom he always added a pair of gaudy socks. He had already selected a new gown and attendant accoutrements for her, a deliciously seductive negligee and a few small sex toys as her stocking stuffer gifts. He had considered a ring but it was not the time for that yet. What would a Muggle like her want that she didn't have at Hogwarts?
It came to him in a blinding flash, leaving him laughing at himself. Of course, how stupid could he be? Now he need only speak to Draco. He rose and pulled out his warm robe to take a walk outside. There were sure to be a few students attempting assault by snowball upon a teacher.
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Phaelan was strolling along the loch side watching the water's edge morph from liquid to ice. There was no precipitation for a change but there was an ever present damp in the air from the cold down drafts stemming from the peaks lining the fjord that formed the loch.
Phaelan turned to head back to the warmth of the castle and met Severus as he was breaking up the testosterone driven argument of rival Quidditch players set to meet the last weekend before the holiday break.
Phaelan smiled to herself and shook her head. Severus noticed and asked what was so amusing.
"Men." She replied and at his quizzical look told him, "There are some things that are universal it appears. The logical thinking mind of a mature woman and the nonsensical bickering of men over their favourite sport."
"Women! Logical!" he snorted, "That, madam, is a contradiction in terms."
"Yeah, well you can think what you want, but women always end up picking up the pieces after you lot let your balls do the talking. Just ask the girls on your Quidditch team." She told him firmly.
"There are no girls on the Slytherin Quidditch team." He replied.
"Hence your tactics; all force no finesse. You just proved my point." She retorted.
He wasn't about to argue given the current standings of his team and decided to change the subject.
"Have you had any thought on what to buy my, "He paused and looked around, "my wards for Christmas?" he asked quietly.
Phaelan cocked her head to the side, "Shouldn't you stop calling them wards, Severus? They are your adopted daughters." She told him quietly.
He looked down for a moment and took a deep breath, "It takes a while to become accustomed to that idea." He looked out over the loch where the cry of a kestrel was heard then looked down to see Potter with his beautiful Snowy Owl. Phaelan followed his gaze and had a small revelation.
"That's it Severus." She quietly exclaimed.
"What is?" he asked.
"For the girls; they don't have a familiar, either of them." She told him with a smile on her face.
He turned and looked at her with one side of his mouth quirked in a lopsided smile. "You madam are quite brilliant."
Phaelan smiled back, "I know." She retorted before turning on her heel and walking away.
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"Hello Severus, how are you?" greeted Molly when Snape came to the secret apartments for his regular visit.
"I am well Molly, thank you. Where are the girls? We were going to do some revising." He looked around and saw the tree. "Ah, the elves delivered the tree I see."
Molly smiled at him, "Was that you? You old softy." She teased.
"No indeed." He replied quickly, "Dobby mentioned it and I merely agreed."
"Well, it's nice for them anyways." She agreed, "Now, there's just one thing I wanted to talk to you about." She sat on the sofa and waited for him to sit also.
"The girls are asking about money for presents. The had their own accounts it seems." She told him quietly.
Severus nodded, "Yes but everything was put in trust when they were in a coma."
Molly pursed her lips, "They're proud girls Severus. It would hurt them if they thought they were taking your money when they had their own."
"How about this," he began, "I will tell them that since they cannot be seen to be shopping, I will have Professor McKenzie order what they want and have the funds transferred from their Muggle account to her."
"It might work...it will just have to do." She agreed, "Can't see any other way. There is just one other thing." She paused and sighed, "Christmas Day and dinner. I really want to be at the Burrow with my own family Severus."
"As you should Molly, that is your real home. Phaelan and I are working on something. Now, can you call the girls?"
Molly stood and went to the hall to call, "Becky, Nevvy, Professor Snape is here."
Almost instantly, the two girls appeared in the living room. Genevieve wore her customary smile when greeting him.
"Hello Professor, Becky and I have something to ask you." She bubbled over.
"Nevvy!" exclaimed her older sister. "Honestly, the professor is here to tutor us, not listen to our prattle."
"On the contrary Miss Faubert; I am most interested in anything you wish to share." He replied restraining the smile aching to burst forth.
"See." Said Nevvy triumphantly, "Professor, Becky and I need to buy some Christmas presents and we don't quite know how."
"Hmm, a very important task at this time of year." He pretended to ponder. "How shall we accomplish this task and keep our secret? Perhaps there is someone who, if they were to order the frivolous things girls are wont to, would not cause suspicion, and then you might ask them to shop for you."
"How would we pay them though?" asked Becky cautiously.
"A simple transfer of funds through a Muggle bank." He replied.
Nevvy got a look of pure glee on her face, "Professor McKenzie." She declared.
"Indeed." He replied finally letting his smile show through.
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Dumbledore closed the aged tome he had been studying and sat back in his chair. He had only heard stories and rumours about these creatures, these people. The tale of their creation was so ancient; it had become part of mythology. Could it be? It was said the lost tribe of the Hebrews had perfected and preserved the rites but to come face to face with the possible reality...He needed more facts. He needed to question Phaelan more closely and soon.
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CHOCOLATE RUM TRUFFLES
One pkg Nilla Vanilla wafers. Or One pkg Rich Tea biscuits (300g)
One quarter cup (four tablespoons) cocoa powder
One quarter to One third cup (two to three fluid ounces) Captain Morgan's Navy Rum
One third cup Corn Syrup (glucose syrup)
Chocolate sprinkles, ground walnuts or sweetened coconut flakes.
Crush the wafers into fine crumbs and mix together with the cocoa power in a bowl. Mix until well blended and the mix is a nice brown colour.
Sprinkle the rum over the crumb mix and stir through the crumbs to moisten the mix uniformly. It will still be crumbly but damp. The actual amount of rum is adjustable depending on your taste.
Stir in the syrup and mix until the crumb mixture becomes very sticky and will roll into a ball easily. Roll the ball in your choice of sprinkles, nuts or coconut. Chill and store in a closed container.
If, when you have mixed the syrup in and made a ball, the coatings won't adhere easily, you need to add more syrup.
I made six dozen of these this year. This recipe should yield about two dozen depending how big you make the truffle.