Pansy was sitting in her House Master's living room feeling more than a little uncomfortable. Draco and his godfather were going over their plan for her excuse to remain at Hogwarts over Christmas once more. She was beginning to feel like a puppet attached to the strings they were pulling.
"Are you sure this will work sir?" Draco asked.
"The potion mimics all of the physical manifestations of Dragon pox but it is not infectious in any way. The potion must be taken daily if the symptoms are to manifest daily," Snape explained once more, displaying more patience than he felt.
"Professor, are there any other Slytherins staying over the holidays?" Pansy asked quietly.
He turned to look at the girl on his sofa and fought an urge to comfort her. Having two young girls as his responsibility had changed his feelings more than he realized.
"Anyone whose parents are in hiding will be staying. Why?" he asked.
"I was just wondering if I had to spend all of Christmas alone," she replied quietly.
Severus came and sat before her. "Miss Parkinson, we are constructing this elaborate ruse for your protection. Do you now wish to change your mind and return to spend the holiday at Draco's home with your parents?"
Pansy shuddered at the thought of being on show for the Dark lord. "No sir," she replied quietly.
"Professor, what if she was experimenting with a new cure that would render her not contagious early or something?" Draco asked.
Snape turned and looked at his godson. "Do you really think anyone would believe that? Who would take the risk and get close enough to test it if it were true?" he asked derisively.
Draco snorted, "Any do-gooder Gryffindor comes to mind," he replied.
Snape conceded the boy had a point. Granger, that crusader of stupid causes who was under his thumb, would be perfect. "You may have something there, boy. Ten points to Slytherin for initiative."
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Harry, Ron and Hermione were pulling together their maps and plans for the presentation of the Hogwarts defence to Dumbledore and some of the order. They had spent hours on strategizing and maximizing the available complement of DA. There were the new weapons that the Weasley twins had developed to be presented and the new skills demonstrated.
"I think we've worked everything through at least a hundred times guys, we should take a break while we can," Hermione advised, standing and stretching out the kinks in her back.
"It's got to be right, Hermione. I've got to show him he's not the only one that can plan a defence. He can't be allowed to control our lives to that extent," Harry told them quietly.
"I...He!" Hermione snapped back. "Harry Potter, you seem to have forgotten a couple of things. In fact, I think you've forgotten a lot." She pulled up a chair and faced him across the table. "This was not a solo effort. If Ron hadn't been here, you'd never have worked out the movements for the different groups. The Weasley twins have given you all sorts of tools for the DA; the Aurors have been giving us training. Professor McKenzie gave you all those pictures from the flyovers and then she's given us those exercises in stealth." She stood and pointed her finger in Harry's face. "Be careful you don't become another Dumbledore, Harry. You could loose the support you have," she warned.
Harry looked at the table for a moment then stood. "I haven't forgotten Hermione. I'm all too aware of who has done what. I'm sure everyone will do their part and make us all proud. I know Ron and you have put in as many hours as I have if not more." He turned and faced his friends. "Yes, I know how much everyone has worked towards the moment I will face Voldemort alone and expect me to kill him. Everyone is confident we will be victorious in getting me there. Just as confident as I am that when he dies I will too." He turned and left the Room of Requirement leaving Ron and Hermione alone with their thoughts.
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"Can you have dinner at my flat on the weekend Severus?" Phaelan called from the bed chamber as she got ready for bed.
"You fly this weekend don't you?" he asked.
"Yeah, before the holiday's. I want to do a little Christmas shopping and cooking. And.." she went out to the living room where Severus was still marking papers and took the quill from his hand before straddling his knees and sitting. "I want to cook for you." Leaning forward, Phaelan kissed his frown, his nose and his mouth. "Can you?"
"Yes, it could be arranged I suppose. This was the weekend I was scheduled off anyways." He pulled on the knot holding her bathrobe closed and found her wearing a flannel nightgown. "What is this grotesque garment you are wearing?"
"It's cold Severus. I don't like being cold." she replied sharply.
"Take it off. Now," he demanded standing her up.
"No, it's cold," she told him again. Phaelan suddenly found herself in a fireman's carry on the way to the bed chamber. "Hey caveman, what are you doing?"
"I'm going to warm you up," He told her, setting her down and pulling the robe off of her shoulders, just before ripping the night gown down the centre and pulling it off as well. He began to rub her arms and back before moving to other more intimate places.
Phaelan felt her body react, betraying her excitement. Her skin tingled where he touched and she closed her eyes, drinking in the sensations.
"Please, Severus," she breathed, "I need you."
"Hush," he whispered, "no more than I need you Phaelan."
Lifting her into his arms, Severus laid Phaelan on the bed. He removed his robes swiftly and slid over her to feel her softness against his skin. Phaelan wrapped her arms around Severus, pulling him into a deep and passionate kiss. He moaned into her mouth as he returned the passion in kind. Pulling his head away, he began kissing his way to her breasts. Taking one then the other, he suckled and bit each leaving his mark until finally, Phaelan cried out her climax. She was still trembling, as Severus parted her knees and entered her. He groaned at the heat he felt from her and knew his release would be quick. Leaning over her, Severus began to move. She brought her legs up, wrapping them about his hips and stroked his face and chest.
"Phaelan, elements of Earth help me, I cannot have you enough." He cried as he spilled his cum into her as she came around him once more. He lay atop her unwilling, unable to move for a time. When he finally slid to the side, he pulled Phaelan close and whispered, "Phaelan my love, are you yet awake?"
Phaelan licked her lips and turned towards his voice. "Yes." She smiled without opening her eyes. "I've never cum like that before," she whispered then reached a hand up to stroke his cheek, "Before you, I was afraid to let go. I trust you my love."
Once more Phaelan had touched his soul with her words. Pulling her close, he kissed her forehead softly before they both fell into dreamless sleep.
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Harry, Ron and Hermione outlined their plans for the defence of Hogwarts in the event of an attack by Voldemort. They had a comprehensive map and a structured network of people designed. Harry gave the general overview, Ron explained tactical manoeuvres and Hermione filled in facts and figures as their seniors in the order questioned the details. When the inquiries died down, Dumbledore sat back in his chair and stroked his beard. Harry looked at his mentor and wondered what the old wizard was thinking. The Headmaster had remained silent throughout their presentation. Finally with a sigh, he broke his silence.
"Do you have any questions for us?" Dumbledore asked.
Ron stepped forward, "Yes, I have a question for Professor Snape. Sir, we've made this huge effort at setting up a defence and counter-offence against He Who Must Not Be named in the possibility that he will attack Hogwarts."
"Your statement is inaccurate, Mr Weasley," Snape interjected, "the attack is not hypothetical. It will happen."
"How can you be so sure?" snapped Ron.
Snape rose and walked over to look down on the red head. "You forget yourself boy." He walked past and glanced at Harry and Hermione, "Everything points to an attack here. There is something here he needs. I have unfortunately been unable to discover what it is. In fact, I seriously doubt he has shared it with anyone."
"Why wouldn't he just have one of his Faithful Slytherin get it for him?" Ron snorted, earning a glare from Snape.
"There may be some things that cannot be tainted by another's touch or have been hidden in such a way, only very specific charms cast by a chosen witch or wizard will release without destroying them." Snape told them.
"But who?" asked Harry quietly.
"Indeed Potter, who?" He left the question in the air and returned to his seat.
"A matter to ponder indeed," Dumbledore said as he rose. "Well done, children. Professor McKenzie's faith in you was not misplaced. You have thought of many things neither I nor my advisors had considered. I am well pleased." He walked over to face Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know too of your fear and...I cannot say it is misplaced, Harry. I can only say you must not give it more credence than one of many other possible outcomes." He patted Harry's shoulder and left the Room of Requirement. The rest of the Order followed.
Harry looked down, frowning at what the Headmaster had said.
"Harry," Hermione said softly, "he said one of many outcomes."
"Yeah, I heard," Harry replied, "I just wish I knew what they meant by 'A power he knows not' in the prophecy."
Hermione snorted, "Trelawney is not exactly detailed in her forecasts."
"Come on mate." Ron clapped his friend on the shoulder, "We've got the Christmas Hols coming and mum's making her special plum pudding with the sickles. We're coming back on Boxing Day 'Mione so you won't be alone for long."
"Thanks Ron, I'm sure I'll enjoy watching Mr. Filch kiss Mrs Norris under the mistletoe." She rolled her eyes.
Harry recognized his friends attempts to cheer him and began gathering their plans up, "Come on, I'm starving. I couldn't eat anything before. Lets hit the kitchens." He told them, and then led the way to the portrait to tickle the pear.
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Phaelan was walking down Diagon Alley on the arm of Snape. There had been a light snowfall in London and the white stuff had dusted the kerbs, roofs and awnings of the shops. She smiled as she fancied that this is what a Dickensian London must have looked like complete with a Scrooge like character...er Snape that is.
"What are we shopping for now?" Phaelan asked after they had visited the book shop and chocolatiers.
"We must get my wards their special gifts." He told her.
"Your DAUGHTER's," she emphasized the word, "will be very pleased I think."
"Not so loud please," he warned her. "Just what was it you were buying in the Muggle camping shop? They're witches, they hardly need survival gear."
"Ha, ha. They are Muggleborn and I'll bet they miss playing music from Muggle bands," she replied.
He frowned, "So?"
"Since electrical things won't work at Hogwarts, I got them a cassette player that doesn't need batteries or a plug." She explained.
Snape bit his tongue; her reaction to his surprise would be interesting. Draco had told him where to get the equipment to allow her computer to be used at the school. It had been delivered and the elves had wrapped it for him already.
"We're here." He pulled her into the Fabulous Familiars pet shop.
Phaelan gazed around at the myriad of creatures available for sale; some she didn't recognize. Snape approached the witch serving and she pointed to the back of the shop. On the back wall, there were several cages holding cats and kittens. They looked over the litters for sale and found two kittens from the same litter that could pass as bookends. They were each completely black save for half of their faces and one paw. One kitten had a white patch on the left paw and left half of the face while the other had white on the right. The kittens were purchased with a basket to carry them in, several compulsory accessories and two special gift boxes.
"What are the boxes for?" Phaelan wondered.
Snape scowled, "The kittens are presents, Phaelan. You put Christmas presents under the Christmas tree." He explained as if to a toddler.
"They're kittens Severus. You can't wrap them up like a pair of socks." She replied snidely.
"Thank you for reminding me. I haven't yet picked up Albus's ubiquitous ugly socks," he told her, then quirked a half smile. "The kittens will stay in my chambers until Christmas Eve. The boxes are enchanted to make the kittens slumber while they lie within them. The little purring pests will simply sleep in them for one night."
"We need ribbon." She decided.
"For what?" he asked.
Phaelan rolled her eyes, "The kittens need bows tied around their necks of course." She looked at the pained expression on his face and giggled, "They'll be cute."
Snape harrumphed, "Severus Snape does not do CUTE."
Their last purchase of the day was a length of red silk ribbon.
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Hermione had been summoned on the evening of the last day of school to the office of Severus Snape, her substitute parent and total git. She knocked and was granted admittance.
"You asked to see me sir?" she opened.
"Please sit down Miss Granger," he requested courteously.
Hermione was on her guard. This was not his normal way of opening a conversation with her. He wanted something; that was clear.
"Was there something you needed sir or have I breeched one of your elusive rules?" she asked.
Severus cocked his eyebrow at her question. "Miss Granger, I am not quixotic when it comes to my responsibility towards you. I find your implication insulting."
"I apologize if I have implied an incorrect reason for our meeting sir. You have not heretofore asked for an audience unless it was to advise of an infraction," she told him, while holding herself stiffly.
"Perhaps," he agreed. "May I call you Hermione whilst we are not in the midst of a school term?"
Again, Hermione was flummoxed, "Uhm, yes...That is, I would find it acceptable sir."
"Excellent, Hermione," He responded. "There is a sad circumstance that has befallen one of the members of my house."
"Oh, really. What would that be?" she asked.
"One of the young ladies in my house has been stricken with Dragon Pox. You know how virulent that is," he opened.
Hermione gasped, "Yes, yes I do. That means she will be in isolation over the holidays."
"Sadly, this would have been true," he told her, "however, I have developed a potion that will render the infection inert within two days. It is, of course, only experimental but tests have shown it to work."
Hermione felt a shiver of anticipation pass over her, "Professor, what exactly does this have to do with me?"
Snape smiled which served to unnerve Hermione more. "It would be inordinately cruel to sentence the young lady to isolation during the holidays, would it not?"
"Uhm, yes...yes I suppose it would," she replied hesitantly.
"Miss Parkinson has been afflicted with a mild of case of Dragon Pox and has been taking my potion. She will be remaining at school in order that we might monitor her progress." He stood and walked around to lean on the edge of his desk. "I had thought perhaps you would be willing to spend time with her during her convalescence."
"Me!" Hermione snorted, "She can't stand to be around me when she's healthy. I can't imagine her wanting to suddenly have me...chum around with her now."
Snape nodded. "Perhaps you are right." He sighed and walked back around to his chair, "I suppose Parkinson will need to endure the holidays alone. It would have been helpful to have a second opinion on how the potion worked but if you are afraid..."
"I'm not afraid of being around her!" exclaimed Hermione. "It's just...where would we be meeting, sir?"
"I had thought to let each of you move to a suite of rooms beside the library; private bath, small kitchen, direct entrance to the stacks..." He picked up a parchment from his desk and pretended to read, "I'll let the elves know not to bother.
"Wait." Hermione sighed and looked at the ceiling. Steps away from the book stacks; she sighed. "She's really not contagious?"
Snape smirked, "I guarantee you would be perfectly safe from infection, Hermione." To himself he added, maybe not Parkinson's vicious tongue however.
"All right then, when do I move in?" Hermione conceded defeat.
"Excellent, I'll have Dobby help you in the morning. Thank you Hermione, I'll see you at breakfast." He dismissed her with another smile.
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"I don't know why you agreed Hermione," said Ron, as he helped her move some of her things to her holiday residence.
"It's Christmas Ron. You know, Peace on Earth, Good Will to All Men, even Slytherins I suppose." She smiled mostly to herself, "Best of all, is the access to the library any time of the day. That's a Christmas Present all by itself."
"You need to get your priorities right "Mione." He told her, shaking his head. "It's the holidays; time to party."
"I don't have to worry about the restriction on the number of books I can take. I can browse in my jammies." With a sigh, Hermione thought of the sheer luxury of unlimited library access.
"Bloody bribery of the innocent if you ask me," muttered Ron to himself, just as they turned the corner to the chambers. Snape was already there waiting with Pansy, who was looking pathetically spotted.
"Excellent timing, Miss Granger; I was just setting the wards," Snape told her while eyeing Ron over her shoulder. "I thought you were leaving Weasley?"
"I am sir. My father sent a port key for Harry, Ginny and me. It goes in an hour," Ron replied.
"I see, well then." Snape turned and using an elaborate arm movement cast a ward on the entrance. "Ladies, if you would extend your wands to the door."
Pansy and Hermione pulled their wands out and aimed them at the entrance. A warm golden glow enveloped them and Snape then faded.
"The wards are now set for you for these chambers." Snape walked through the doorway followed by the girls. Ron followed Hermione only to find he had slammed into a solid wall, nose first. He fell back and landed on his backside. He sat looking into the room with a stunned expression.
"As I was explaining," said Snape conversationally, "the wards are keyed to the both of you and Hogwarts staff. No one else is granted entry." He looked down at a crimson faced Ron and smirked.
Pansy began to giggle furiously, bent double in her mirth. Hermione just frowned and looked first at Ron then Snape, who simply shrugged.
Hermione went out and took her things from Ron. Then for good measure, she pulled his face to hers for a passionate kiss.
"Happy Christmas Ron, I'll miss you," she declared in a stage whisper.
Ron stood looking at her with a glazed expression in his eyes. 'Yeah, me too," he responded before kissing her once more.
They were interrupted by Snape clearing his throat, "I'll just leave you ladies to settle in then. Weasley a word." At which he turned and strode away.
"Bugger," Ron muttered. "I'll be back soon love. Try not to murder her, okay?" He shared a smile with Hermione then trotted after the professor.
Snape was standing at the top of the stairs waiting for him. "Finished with the tonsillectomy?" he asked sarcastically.
Ron huffed, "It's Christmas sir and I won't be here tomorrow."
"Ah, the obligatory Yuletide snog," Snape retorted, "Pity there was no mistletoe." He looked quickly around. "I'm not interested in your amorous activities Weasley, obnoxiously saccharine as they were to observe. I merely wish to remind you of what you were tasked with for the holidays."
Ron stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I haven't forgotten sir. It just feels like..." he grimaced, "It feels as if I'm being a traitor to my friends."
"Your loyalty is endearing, if sadly misplaced," Snape told him. "Your modified strategy could turn the odds even more in your favour boy. Think of that. I'll let you know when we will meet after the New Year." Pulling his robes around him, Snape made his way downstairs.
Ron looked at Snape's receding back wondering what the hell he'd gotten himself involved in.
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Molly bustled around the girls' chamber doing a last minute tidy up before Severus came down. She had the wireless tuned to Christmas carols and hummed along as she worked.
"Aunt Molly, when are you coming back?" asked Genevieve from her seat at the small kitchen table. They had made gingerbread men and she was decorating the biscuits with icing.
Molly sat beside her, "I'll be back Boxing Day, dear. Professor Snape and I dare say Professor McKenzie will be here with you." She tucked an errant curl behind the girls' ear. "I thought you were getting along with him better these days."
Genevieve shrugged, "Suppose so. He's just always so...so..."
"Formal?" suggested Molly.
"Stuffy." Genevieve decided then looked embarrassed.
Molly smiled thinking of Severus as anything other than taciturn and stuffy. "He's been around young people for a long time but only as a teacher. He's having to learn to be, well, be a parent. It's not easy, especially when it's to be a parent to two lovely young ladies."
"It's just as hard for us to think of him as a parent," stated Rebecca, who had just joined them. "Can you imagine what it's going to be like to bring a boyfriend home to meet him for the first time?"
She cleared her throat dramatically. "I don't expect you know the etiquette required in polite society whereby a young wizard may pay court to a young witch such as my ward. At the very least, I shall expect an itinerary of your plans submitted for approval well in advance of any appointment with her. I shall also require approved chaperones at all times of course. There shall be no hint of impropriety. Her good name and mine shall not be besmirched."
"Indeed, if it were, I should have to duel the young lout for my honour as well as yours," wafted the dulcet tones of Severus Snape from behind her.
Rebecca cringed and turned red. She turned and looked up at the amused face of her guardian. "I'm sorry sir. I didn't know you were there."
"Obviously," he told her. "Molly, Miss Genevieve." He nodded to the others sharing a look with Molly as he joined them at the table.
"I didn't mean any offence, really Professor," she told him, still convinced he was about to pounce on her.
"I took none, Miss Faubert. I'm just so relieved you already know the rules about your courtiers conduct without my coaching." He told her with a straight face.
Molly could contain herself no longer and broke into laughter at the shocked look on Rebecca's face. Snape allowed himself a smile. Rebecca realized Severus Snape had just teased her.
"That wasn't funny." She exclaimed, "You scared me." she told Snape before starting to laugh at herself.
"Well, I'll just get my things and be off then," Said Molly, rising from the table.
Severus looked at the two girls who were still not entirely comfortable just being with him. He could understand it. He didn't know how to fix it.
"So did you manage to make what purchases you needed to for Christmas?" he asked.
"Yes." They chorused.
Severus scratched his brow. "Is there anything you would like to do this evening? It is Christmas Eve."
The girls looked at each other. "No." they chorused.
This was going well, he thought to himself. Think Snape.
"Is there some tradition you have for Christmas you would like to follow? A special dish you serve? Music, a story?" he sighed in exasperation.
"We used to watch Christmas pictures on TV while we ate, then we got to open one present before we went to bed." Genevieve whispered.
"I used to like Mary Poppins best 'cause she was magic." Rebecca glanced up at Severus. "That was before I got my letter."
"Come and say Happy Christmas girls," called Molly.
The girls escaped the kitchen to say there goodbye's leaving Severus to ponder on what the young girl had said. He snapped his fingers and called for Dobby.
"Ask Dumbledore to join us here as soon as he can," He ordered, "and my lady."
Dobby bowed and left. Severus joined the girls in the living room.
"Happy Christmas dears, Happy Christmas," Molly told them, pulling them into a crushing embrace. "Now, your presents are under the tree; no peeking. I'll be back on Boxing Day and I'll bring you some of my special plum pudding."
She turned and saw Snape standing watching the scene looking rather lost. She walked over to him and pulled him down to kiss his cheek. "Happy Christmas, Severus. There's a parcel for you and Phaelan each as well." She stepped back and patted his hand, "It'll be alright, wait and see." She made her way to the door and called, "Bye-bye all. Have a lovely Christmas."
The threesome left in the married quarters turned and looked at each other. Severus had a look that said I have something up my sleeve.
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"Where are we?" asked Genevieve.
"My flat in London," Phaelan replied as she dusted herself off after the trip through the floo network.
"Wow, is that the Thames?" asked Rebecca, looking out the living room windows. She turned and gasped. "A computer, you have a computer. Please professor, can I go on it? Do you have the internet? I must have a ton of mail."
"Miss Faubert, Rebecca, even if you go on the computer, you may not touch any e-mail," Snape warned. "We cannot take the chance of your discovery."
Rebecca slumped slightly, "Yeah, I should have realized. Please, professor, can I browse for a while?"
Phaelan nodded, "Sure, but to be sure, I'll just block e-mail." Phaelan opened the PC and set the blocks.
"You said you had some videos, professor. Where are they?" Genevieve asked.
"Over there," Phaelan pointed. She noticed Severus as she turned. He had retreated to the dining room table and sat on the same chair he had occupied on the day she'd been hired. "Okay, girls, the computer is all yours" She rose and walked over to him.
"Beer?" she offered.
"I shouldn't in front of students." He replied quietly.
Phaelan crouched in front of him, "They're not your students tonight, Severus. They're your family." She reached up and pushed his hair off of his face. "Don't hide from them. Come on, pick out a video." Standing, she took his hand and pulled him over the where the girls were browsing her library.
"Alright ladies, make room for a cinema connoisseur." Severus hunkered down to look at the selection. He noticed the girls stares, "I realize it might never have occurred to you, but I do get out of the dungeons occasionally. Ah, the quintessential Christmas tale. A Christmas Carol with Alistair Sim."
"No, professor, that's depressing, here this one." Genevieve pushed a cassette at him.
"What is a Muppet?" he asked.
Eventually they settled on How a Grinch Stole Christmas and White Christmas. They ate a picnic dinner in front of the fire place from a basket lovingly packed by Dobby and Polly. Severus even relaxed enough to remove his signature frock coat. As White Christmas drew to a close, Severus noticed Genevieve had fallen asleep and slumped against him.
Rebecca yawned, "What time is it?" she asked.
"Time we were back at Hogwarts," replied Severus. He gently nudged the young girl leaning on his arm. She woke and looked at her human pillow.
"I'm so sorry sir. I didn't mean to fall asleep," she said, embarrassed for what she'd done.
"Come, we must return." He stood and pulled on his coat once more. Phaelan turned off all the electrical items, plunging them into darkness. "Lumos." Snape lit his wand for them to make their way to floo back to their chambers in Scotland.
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"That was a nice thing you did for them, Severus," said Phaelan as they lounged before the cosy fireplace and sipped wine. The girls had retired after exclaiming in excitement when they saw the presents under the tree. The elves had brought everything while they were gone.
Severus looked at her sideways, "It's your fault, you know."
Phaelan frowned, "What have I done now?" she asked in confusion.
"I bought kittens and allowed red ribbon to be tied about their necks. I was dragged through women's lingerie in a Muggle department store. I didn't need the education about knickers. I know what to do with them from my view point." He sat up. "Who is Calvin Klein and why do his clothes cost so much? Why would anyone want to wear a jumper with B.U.M. written across the front?" He sighed, shook his head and took a large sip of wine, "I still think book tokens would have been more than enough."
Phaelan laughed quietly at his outburst, "Scrooge," she called him.
"Scrooge!" he retorted, "I'll show you Scrooge." He pulled her face to his and began kissing her.
Just as he was approaching the moment of pulling her into his arms, they heard someone clear their throat behind them. They broke apart and turned to see the two girls.
"Sorry to disturb you Professors but, we wanted to hang our stockings for the sweets the elves bring," said Rebecca, a little red faced at what she had witnessed.
Phaelan recovered first. "Of course you do. Go ahead." She stood and walked to the tree. "I thought I heard you also usually opened a present on Christmas Eve."
"Yes! May we Professor Snape? Please!" Genevieve exclaimed.
"Very well, but I reserve the right of first refusal of your choice." He stood and joined them at tree.
"How about all of us open a present," Phaelan suggested. This was met with enthusiasm.
They each selected a parcel to open. Phaelan opened the Weasley's gift of a jumper; Navy blue with a capitol M emblazoned in gold on the front which served as a hurdle for a jumping pink dolphin.
"Wow," said Phaelan for she really didn't know what else to say.
Severus opened his gift from Albus. "Oh gods," he muttered when he beheld the green socks adorned with cauldrons and broomsticks charmed to dance in a Conga line. The girls and Phaelan laughed as much at the look on his face as the socks.
Genevieve opened her gift from Professor Flitwick. A knitted set containing a hat, scarf and mittens in Ravenclaw colours. She put everything on as she sat on the floor.
Rebecca was next but she hesitated. "Professor Snape, it's been awkward to adjust to the idea that you are our parent now. Not just for us," she added quickly at the scowl growing on his face. "You were never expecting this type of responsibility. We understand." She looked at her sister who nodded. "Nevvy and I were thinking; if you were to be our...father now, we should call you something other than Professor."
"I see," Severus responded, mystified at what was happening. "What would you suggest?"
"Well," began Genevieve, "Mrs Weasley lets us call her Aunt Molly and her husband likes Uncle Arthur." She trailed off.
"We thought perhaps, Uncle Severus." She waited for his reaction.
"I'd never contemplated ever having that appellation," he told them quietly. He looked at Phaelan who closed her eyes and gave a small nod.
"If you don't want...I mean...it's alright if you don't," Rebecca stuttered thinking him upset.
"Please, don't interrupt." He rebuked gently, "I had never thought to hear it but I find it most...pleasing. Now, open your gift, Rebecca."
The young girl opened a gift from Severus. Inside the box were two Muggle photo albums rescued from her home. One was her parents wedding album, the other contained all her families' memories. She began to quietly cry. Rising to her feet, she approached Severus to put her arms around his neck and hug.
"Happy Christmas, Uncle Severus," she whispered.
"Happy Christmas, Rebecca." He replied in the same tone, returning her embrace. Next Genevieve came forward with the same wish which he returned.
The girls in turn hugged Phaelan with far more ease. "Hey!" exclaimed Genevieve, who was wearing a mischievous smile, "maybe we should start calling you Aunt Phaelan after tonight."
"Nevvy, shut up!" The older girl grabbed her sister and dragged her to bed.
Severus turned and looked at Phaelan, "It's all your fault. You are a bad influence on me."
"I hope so," she replied with a smile, "Now, you must open one more gift." She handed him a box.
"It's against the rules." He teased.
"Please Severus; I want to give you this while we are alone."
Her serious tone made him look at her once more. "All right, if you wish it." They went to sit before the fire once more. Severus unwrapped the present carefully. He had felt an aura of anticipation from his love and it had left him on edge.
The gift box opened to reveal an aged wooden chest which he lifted out. There was something inexplicably magical about it.
"Phaelan what is this?" he asked in expectation.
"I first saw this when I was about ten years old. My Grandmother told me it had come from her Grandfather who had inherited it from his grandfather. She would only take it out occasionally to let me see it. Please, open the box." She waited in anticipation.
Severus took a deep breath and released the hook holding the box closed. It all but flew open. He looked within and saw an ancient scroll.
"Phaelan, do you know what this is?" he asked, his voice betraying his awe.
"No," she replied, "not really. I know it's very old and very special." She closed her eyes remembering her times spent with her Savta. "My grandmother would only take it out at special times of the year. She would open it to certain passages and let me read. I couldn't say the words aloud." Phaelan paused to breathe, "I know there is magic here Severus. I don't know why. I can't give justice to it." She looked at him, trying to show all the love she felt in her heart, "There is nothing of more value I can give to you to show my love than this."
"Oh Phaelan, my love; who are you truly? What is your birthright to know such power? What wizard was your forefather that he should possess such magic?" Severus looked at the woman he had taken as consort and wondered at her origins.
Phaelan was surprised by his words. "I don't know Severus. I only know I want to give this magic to you. I can only share it with someone I love."