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!
We plod on through New Years now. Thank you to all who reviewed and if you haven't yet found it, I have started another story – The Old Walls Crumble. Take a look and let me know if you like.
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Christmas Day passed in a whirlwind of wrapping paper, Christmas Crackers, turkey and trifle. Severus hadn't heard so much laughter in one day in his collective memory. The presents had been open with appropriate exclamations of surprise. The kittens were named; Levus and Dexter. New robes were donned and complimented on by the normally dour Slytherin, bringing astonished looks to the girl's faces. Muggle music played and melancholy moments were few. Phaelan had watched the girls and when they had become overly maudlin she had teased them out of the mood.
While it had been just the four of them for Christmas dinner, the other professors, who knew of the girl's presence, made a point of dropping in during the day. The foursome was in the midst of a lively game of Wizarding Monopoly when Dumbledore visited. He was just in time to see Phaelan jump when her piece landed on Go To Jail and whizzed around the board by itself. Her reaction was another reason for laughter. Dumbledore smiled at the sight before him.
"Happy Christmas, all," he called making his presence known.
The girls and Snape rose to greet him. He gave each of the sisters a hug and a peck on the cheek. Snape shook his hand, stepping back slightly when the old man made to embrace him.
"Happy Christmas, Headmaster. Did you enjoy your gift?" Severus inquired.
"Indeed, my boy." He lifted the hem of his robes and showed the pair of lurid purple socks with acid green pompoms attached, that he had received from Snape. "They are really quite warm. The brandy was quite welcome too." He shared his best Dumbledorian smile and went to Phaelan.
"Happy Christmas, my dear." He gave her a hug and kiss. "Your chocolate bonbons were outstanding. I shall ration myself to two a day. Now, is everyone wearing their socks?" he asked, for that is what everyone had been given.
Phaelan lifted her robe to show the blue socks with sail boats and seagulls she had received. "I think they're lovely Albus, thank you and Merry Christmas to you too."
The girls too, wore equally garish foot coverings to please the old man. Dumbledore turned and looked at Snape.
Severus cocked an eyebrow and told him, "They are under my boots, you can't see them." He noticed then that Rebecca had moved to the tree to cover the box where the socks still lay.
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"I never want to see a scrap of flannel in your wardrobe again, my lady," Severus warned Phaelan. He had bought lingerie and charmed the scanty garments to keep her warm on the coldest night.
"With a gown like this, that is a promise I can keep. Will the charm stay on even after it's washed?" she asked.
"If it should fail, I shall refresh it for you. You'll never be cold again." He kissed her neck and shoulders as he untied the strings holding the gown on her shoulders.
"I don't know why you bother buying nightgowns for me, Severus. I hardly have them on before you try and remove them."
He kissed and then whispered in her ear, "Therein lies the reason. I have the pleasure of gifting you, watching you dress and then pealing away the drapery to reveal the treasure within. I don't buy them for you. I'm far, far too selfish. These garments are for my amusement, my dear. You are the model for my fantasy. If our bond is sure, you may never share these things with another." He lifted her and carried her to bed for a present of another sort.
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Phaelan and Severus lay abed, basking in the afterglow of love making. They were still stroking and touching each other into the early hours of Boxing Day.
"Phaelan, your gift of the scroll, may I show it to Albus?" he asked quietly.
"Why?" Phaelan looked up to see his face.
"There is very ancient, very powerful magic contained in it. He is far more familiar with that type of sorcery. I would value his opinion." He hadn't told her he thought that it held the clue to her background as well.
"I have no objection, Severus. It belongs to you now." She replied.
"The thing about ancient magic, Phaelan, is that the enchanted objects rarely allow themselves to be given away unless they choose it. The magic is more primal, more keyed to the magi, than the kind we practise here," he told her.
"It looked like I was able to give it to you," she responded.
"Yes, I know and that is a mystery as well." He lay in the dark pondering that fact for a long time.
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Hermione was happily immersed in a book of Advanced Transfiguration while Pansy pampered herself in the private bathroom with the luxurious toiletries Draco had given her for Christmas. She didn't notice when Snape entered the chambers with a box of potions for Pansy.
"Miss Gra...that is Hermione, where is Miss Parkinson?" he asked startling her from her concentration.
"I think she's in the bathroom, Professor. Shall I fetch her?" she asked.
"No, not necessary; I have brought her potions for the coming day. Please see that she gets them." He was about to leave when he noticed something move at Hermione's feet. He looked closer and was astonished to see Grangers feet clad in large pink rabbit shaped slippers with animated ears, nose and whiskers.
"Gods, he really didn't buy them for you, did he?" asked Snape, wondering at the sensibility of a young man who would court a woman formally yet gift her with such a tawdry token.
"Who, Ron?" she asked in surprise, "Gods no, professor, Ron doesn't have such bad taste. These were from his twin brothers. He gave me this." Hermione held up a heather tweed shawl that looked as soft as feather down. She settled it about her shoulders, "He wrote a note, listen." She lifted a small card and read.
"My dearest, Hermione; I can't be with you this Christmas morning so I'll leave you with a suggestion. Imagine my arms around you as you open your gifts. Imagine keeping warm together, basking in the glow of a fire burning merrily in the hearth. Imagine breathing in the scent of the one you love as they embrace you to say Happy Christmas. Now, close your eyes and wrap this shawl about you and imagine all the things I told you. Just remember, I'll be thinking of you and picturing you as you wear my gift, wishing I was there to take its place."
Hermione smiled and hugged the shawl about her tighter. "I think that was very romantic, Professor, don't you? I could never have imagined Ron ever writing anything so lyrical."
Snape snorted, "I still can't imagine it. I'd say there's a fair dose of Miss Weasley in that bit of flowery prose. I didn't hear the hint of a Quidditch allegory all the way through."
He looked down at her feet where Crookshanks was bothering one of the ears on her slippers. "You might want to watch where you put your footwear, Hermione; I dare say the sight of your slippers escaping from your familiar's attentions might scare Mrs Norris." He bowed slightly and left.
Hermione shook her head and returned to her book. Pansy came out from the bathroom and noticed the box.
"Was Professor Snape here?" she asked, she lifted a phial of potion and prepared to take it.
"Yes, he just le...Pansy, your face!" Hermione gasped. "The spots...what happened to the spots?" She was staring at Pansy who, a scant two hours previous, had been bas relief in Dragon Pox.
Pansy put her hand to her face realizing she was late in taking her potion. The faux effect of the spots had worn off. She bit her lip and looked at the Gryffindor girl who was now glaring at her.
Hermione decided some answers were in order. She snapped her fingers, "Dobby!"
The elf appeared immediately, "How can Dobby be helping Harry Potter's friend?"
"Can you ask Professor Snape to return here, please? There is something very important we must discuss." As the elf disappeared, she approached the table and took a phial of potion. "What would happen if I were to drink this, Parkinson?" she demanded.
Pansy shook her head, "You don't really want to do that, Granger. It tastes vile."
"I've tasted horrible potions before. Why do you need to take a potion for Dragon Pox if you don't have it?" Hermione was convinced she was in the middle of a Slytherin conspiracy to embarrass her personally.
"Put that down, Miss Granger." Snape demanded as he came through the door.
"We're back to Miss Granger are we? What were you planning now, Professor? Was I supposed to be accused of something? Was this a way to keep me from Ron?" She glared at Snape who had the grace to look slightly embarrassed.
Striding quickly to the table, Snape took the potions from the hands of the girls. Pansy shared a self-conscious smile with him and fidgeted. "The instructions were simple. Why could you not follow them?" he demanded from the Slytherin.
"I'm sorry sir, I didn't realize the time. I was late." Pansy looked away and gave a shuddering sigh as if she would cry.
"I believe I am owed some kind of explanation, sir," Hermione demanded, spitting out the title in anger. "You bought me off with unlimited access to the library. What did you need me placated for?"
"Sit down both of you, and you, Mis...Hermione, will listen without any questions, understood?" He waited while the girls sat on the sofa, one at either end. He took a deep breath and explained the situation to the Gryffindor. Pansy added any details he left out.
Hermione sat quietly for a minute, "Professor Snape, why did you think you had to resort to trickery to get my co-operation?"
Snape looked at her, surprised at her reaction. "You would have done this without the...bribery?" he asked.
Hermione cocked her head to the side, "Probably not, but if you had explained the circumstances truthfully, I would probably have gone along with it. I am Gryffindor, not stupid. I wouldn't want anyone to be subjected to...him...even a Slytherin."
Snape just nodded, "I'd underestimated your determination once more." He looked at Pansy, "There's no point in taking the potion needlessly while you are here. If, for some reason you must leave these chambers, then use it once more." He stood ready to leave.
"Professor, there is the matter of my...compensation for continuing this ruse. The verbal contract has been altered somewhat and I believe there should be a penalty payment." Hermione stood to face her Professor.
Snape turned back and looked at the young woman who dared play him at his game.
"Contract and penalty payment; what in Merlin's name are you asking for?" he demanded.
Hermione smiled wickedly and laid out her terms.
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"Hermione," yelled Ron through the door to the chambers adjoining the library, "Hermione, we're back." He and Harry waited.
Hermione opened the door and smiled. "I missed you. Come on in, I want to show you everything I got." She spun away and trotted to the small Christmas tree.
"Er...Hermione, did you forget?" Ron gestured at the door frame, "The wards."
Hermione got her Cheshire look back, "I fixed that problem, come in."
Taking a deep breath, Ron closed his eyes and took a step forward. When he found he wasn't summarily thrown out of the room, he opened his eyes once again.
"How'd you manage that?" he wondered.
Hermione sat down and beckoned to them to join her. "It's a long story and you must be sworn to secrecy.
Hermione related the tale and had Pansy join them. The Slytherin girl looked uncomfortable at first but Harry told her something that let her relax.
"Pansy, I don't like the students in your House. I hate the Head of Slytherin. Everything that I dislike seems to be centred in Slytherin. There's just one thing I hate more and that is Voldemort. I will help anyone to stay out of his clutches and I will call anyone who opposes him an ally."
"Thanks, I suppose," she responded. Sharing a cautious smile, she decided she could trust the trio...at least for now. "How about some Butterbeer?"
The foursome spent the afternoon talking over butterbeer and crisps, house rivalry set aside for the season.
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Narcissa Malfoy cringed every time Peter Pettigrew graced the drawing room with his presence. He was uncultured, dishevelled and grovelled disgustingly every time the Dark Lord addressed him. Why he had to come, she was unsure of, but if He Who Must Not Be Named wanted him, who was she to naysay.
"Narcissa, you have such wonderful taste in décor," he smarmed. "The atmosphere is most festive. Our Lord has told me he was most impressed." His snaggle-toothed smile was turned to her once more, making Narcissa ill.
She took a deep breath and stood, "I'm most gratified that our Lord is appreciative of my efforts. He is, of course, always welcome in my home." She decided to get away from his presence. "Now, you must excuse me, I have to check in on the kitchens. The elves must be watched, you understand." With a nod, she hastily made her way out, taking a cleansing breath of air as she reached the galleried foyer. As she passed her husband, she grabbed his arm.
"Do something with that filthy rodent of a man. I can scarce hold food in my stomach whilst I'm in his presence. Give him a task or a bath...anything, just make him...Oh, I don't know." She wrapped her arms about herself. "And then there's that snake. Do you realize we've lost two elves?" She began to worry a hang nail on her perfectly manicured finger.
"There, there, my dear, only another few days until New Years. Our Lord has need of Peter and his familiar. Elves replace themselves as needed. I'm sure there's a breeding pair somewhere right now." He took her hand and patted it sympathetically. "Why not seek out our son and have a game of cards or chess. Or, if you prefer, retire to your private chambers. I shall make an excuse for your absence from dinner."
"Yes, I think I shall. Where are the Parkinsons?" she asked.
"They have an audience with the Dark Lord. He was unhappy at their daughter's enforced confinement at the school. I fear this has endangered their standing in his eyes." Lucius looked up at the door leading to the chambers occupied by Voldemort.
Narcissa looked at her husband and followed his eyes, "You might be upset with me Lucius but I am thankful we had a son and not a daughter. I should not want for her to be..."
"Narcissa, you must not espouse such thoughts around our master," He hissed, "They are dangerous. We must always be willing to sacrifice anything he requires for the cause."
Narcissa looked back at Lucius once more. He'd changed since his stay in Azkaban. The loving man she'd married had gone to be replaced by a hardened zealot. The loyalty he had offered had been replaced by a dogmatic faith for which he was willing to pay any price to uphold. "Forgive me, husband. It is only a mothers fancy to protect her offspring. Of course we must help in anyway we can."
Lucius stroked her face. "You are a good and loving mother and wife, my dear. I am most fortunate to have you in my life. Now, go and rest." He took her hand and kissed the palm.
With a smile, Narcissa turned and left him. When she reached her private chambers, she called an elf, "Ask Master Draco to join me," she ordered. Moving to her chaise, she sat and laid her head back. Tears began to flow unhindered down her cheeks. This was how Draco found her when he entered.
"Mother, what's wrong?" he asked softly as he knelt beside her.
Narcissa looked at him and shook her head. "Madness, it's all madness." She stroked her son's hair, "You must not do this, Draco. You must not fall into the darkness."
"Mother, what are you saying?" Draco had never heard his mother speak like this before.
"We are purebloods. We were born to lead and protect our kind. Muggles once worshipped us as Gods and we rewarded them. Now, we are become the worst of sorts." She looked into her son's open face, "Find a way, Draco. Seek a path to redeem us. Do not fall into the abyss."
Draco took his mother's hand between both of his, "I will try, I promise, mother. I do not want to take the darkness upon me; yet, I am expected to follow him." Draco referred to his father.
"The confrontation comes soon, my son. I have heard things. It shall be before we see another Samhain. Of this I'm convinced." She sat up, putting her feet on the floor. "You will be finished school."
Draco looked down wondering how much to share with his mother. "There are others who think as we do, mother. It is not all lost yet. Don't let despair take over, please."
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"It is very old, Severus, yet not as old as one other I have beheld." Dumbledore was inspecting the scroll Phaelan had given Severus for Christmas. "European in design as opposed to Persian. I'd say perhaps five hundred to seven hundred years old."
"But the sorcery involved, Albus. Surely this type of artefact has signature charms." Severus frowned as he looked over at his mentor.
Dumbledore offered a small smiled and reached out to touch the edge of the spindle. His hand was thrown away with the sharp snap of an electric shock. "I believe we have settled the matter of signature charms." He gestured to Snape, "You try."
Severus looked at the old man, then, taking a deep breath, reached out and lifted the scroll from its box. "What does this mean precisely?"
"I should say that the scroll accepts you as an acceptable candidate to peruse its contents." Dumbledore took a seat at the desk, "Open it and let me see the Illuminations."
Severus removed the sheath and untied the cords holding the scroll closed. Unrolling the first few inches, he stood aside to let Dumbledore look at it.
"Elements guide and protect us." The old man intoned as if praying. "Phaelan received this from her Grandmother you say?"
Severus nodded, "The woman was obviously from some part of our Magical world, Albus. Phaelan had little detail other than her grandmother met her husband in France immediately following the Second World War and travelled to America as a War Bride."
Dumbledore nodded and tapped his finger against his lips, "Yes, it would make sense they would want to spread."
"Who, Albus?" he asked, "Who are they?"
"Very powerful creatures we've little knowledge of here in Great Britain. In the days of the Ottoman Empire, the Pasha's used the Sultanate of Magic to uphold their power. Many of the fairy tales our children grow up with were actually fables of this period." Dumbledore indicated the scroll should be opened further.
"You obviously had a better teacher of the history of Magic than I, Albus. Professor Binns is not the most gregarious of instructors." Severus unrolled more of the scroll.
Albus chuckled, "Yes, he was far more interesting when he was breathing." He looked over the scroll once more. "Yes, of course. You may put the scroll away." He sat back and frowned in concentration. "I need to send a couple of owls, Severus. If I get back the expected replies, we should have a meeting with our dear Phaelan." He rose to leave, "In the mean time, say nothing more than I found your gift interesting. I must have all the pieces put together before meeting with her."
"What is it you suspect and what are these creatures you speak of, old man?" Severus demanded.
"Let me do my research and then I shall share all that you ask." He patted Severus on the arm and left.
Snape frowned. He hated it when Dumbledore kept a secret from him. With a sigh, he went to find Phaelan for dinner in the Great Hall.
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"Come, come," called Dumbledore, "We must all celebrate Hogmany. Charge your glasses, one and all. 'Tis the eve of the New Year."
Almost all of the castles inhabitants were present in the Great Hall where they prepared to greet the coming year with music, dance, food and merriment. The ghosts could be seen in the corners inhaling pungent wine so befouled it had turned to odiferous vinegar. The platter of aged sardines and gorgonzola cheese sat on a solitary table for their enjoyment as well, though the feline population found it just as inviting and stood guard.
Phaelan watched as the elves divided their time between keeping the refreshments topped up and sneaking under the buffet table to pass around what appeared to be a bottle in a paper bag.
"Polly," called Phaelan, seeing her elf pass wearing a copper bowl on her head and an ear to ear grin on her face. "What are you and your friends up to?" she asked in curiosity.
"Oh Miss, (Hic) ish New Yearsh, (Hic)." she smiled for Phaelan again, and then crooked a finger for Phaelan to bend down. "D'you remember the present you gives the elves when you firsht came?(Hic)"
Phaelan nodded, "Coca Cola, right?"
"You's right Miss." Polly answered happily and then sobered again, "My Miss is always right." She nodded in self satisfaction "And my Miss has the bestest Wizard courting her. An' (Hic) Polly is a lady's elf for you, the bestest lady."
Phaelan didn't quite know what to make of it all, "Thank you Polly and Happy New Year." Phaelan bent and kissed the little creature who had worked hard for her all year on the cheek.
The elf danced away to meet her friends under the table. "Polly ish a Ladies elf," She declared loudly for all who were listening.
"What is your elf wearing on her head?" asked Severus, who had brought her a flute of champagne.
Phaelan sighed, "Well, I couldn't give her clothes for Christmas and I was totally lost what to do."
"You bought her a copper pot?" asked Snape, incredulously.
"Yeah, I thought she could put things in it. I just didn't figure it for a fashion item," replied Phaelan.
Dumbledore was calling for attention once more, "Attention if you please. We are five minutes until the stroke of midnight. I now call upon all of the young gentleman who have dark hair to gird their loins and step out into the night without. In these dark days, Hogwarts needs all the luck Serendipity may bestow and so, I ask you each to give us the blessings of your First Foot."
There were three who filled the bill; a small third year from Hong Kong, a fifth year Ravenclaw and Harry.
Harry knew of the custom from years past and explained to the other boys. He also knew who was expected to go as well and approached him.
"So, Professor Snape, another year in the cold?" asked Harry.
Before Snape could reply, Dumbledore's voice rang out, "Professor Snape, as our youngest faculty member, will you escort the young gentlemen?"
"Yes, Potter, it appears so." Replied Snape, who led the way to the doors, gathering Phaelan as he went. "Behind the fire pot in the hall, you'll find two cloaks. Bring them out when you hear the clock chime." He whispered in her ear before leaving.
Phaelan waited as the company counted down the old year. As the first stroke of midnight chimed, she left the hall and retrieved the cloaks as he asked. The front doors opened to admit the boys who wished her Happy New Year and trotted to the Great Hall. Phaelan stepped outside and met Severus who stood holding his broom, looking at the half moon.
"Here you are." Phaelan passed him the cloaks. He took one and placed it over her shoulders then donned one himself.
"Come, my lady. A mountain awaits." He pulled a cloak over his shoulders, and then set Phaelan before him sideways as she had ridden the first time he had taken her aloft.
"Why side saddle, Severus?" she asked.
"You are wearing a gown of a lady, my dear. It would be most unbecoming to ride astride," he replied.
The night was clear and crisp. Severus had cast a warming charm to ward off the chill and another to deflect the wind. They landed on the outcropping that was only lightly covered in snow. Phaelan observed the cabana was still standing. She turned and looked eastward. The moon was half-risen in its path.
"Oh, Severus this is so lovely. Why did you choose to bring me here for the New Year?" she wondered.
"Because you are too beautiful to share with anyone else?" he offered.
"I like that but you don't convince me." She replied.
Severus looked away and took a deep breath, "I didn't think it would." He turned Phaelan to look at him. "These past months have been the most…I can scarce put words….Phaelan, I don't know how you've managed it, but you have become akin to breathing and eating to me. If our situations were different…well, they're not, but if they were…"
"Severus, please," Phaelan was acutely pained at his distress in speaking to her. "You know I am not looking for declarations and promises. What we have is enough."
"Phaelan, when a wizard declares intentions beyond courtship, a publicly declared oath must be published much like the Muggle Banns. I cannot…will not risk that for your safety." He told her.
Phaelan reached out and cupped his face. "I've never asked nor expected more, Severus. Why are you so upset?"
Severus grasped her hair in both hands and gently tilted her head. "Phaelan, you are my life. I am forever, your serf. Please, tell me you are of a like mind?"
"Severus, you know I am, my love, my lord." She looked to the Cabana," Is that thing still warmed?" she asked.
"For as long as we need it." He answered, as he led her to the entryway. "Happy New Year, beloved.
"Happy New Year, Severus. I love you."