Chapter 24: A Proper Christmas
"You are going to spoil him," Severus told Rose as they walked out of yet another shop in Diagon Alley.
"And you aren't?" Rose questioned. Between her and Severus they were laden with several packages and bags. "You bought Ephraim like twenty books."
Severus rolled his eyes. "I bought him six books," Severus corrected, looking down at the small stack in his arms. "And literature is not going to corrupt his character."
Rose laughed and shook her head at him. Severus smiled at Rose. She was looking very pretty in a long black dress with tight sleeves and a deep green cloak that swept against the snowy ground. Her long hair fell around her shoulders and her lips and cheeks were made rosy by the winter air. Severus preferred it when Rose dressed like a witch; he liked her this way. After years of feeling trapped in the muggle world as a child, he had always hoped to have a beautiful cloaked figure stand beside him. Although, it used to be locks of red he'd imagine spilling from the hood, not brown.
It was the morning of Christmas Eve. Severus and Rose had gone into London to purchase a few things for Ephraim. Rose quickly got carried away.
Rose was the one who ultimately brought up the idea to give Ephraim a proper Christmas. Severus, however, had already sent an owl to Flourish and Blotts weeks before. Rose was right, by the end of it all, Severus probably had bought the boy twenty books. Ephraim was excelling so much in his school work; it troubled Severus to think that Ephraim would be potentially exiled from the magical world during the summer holidays. Severus wanted to ensure that Ephraim could take remanences of the wizarding world with him when he was away from Hogwarts.
Rose took a different approach to gift giving. She picked out a few practical things, like pajamas that would actually fit and a set of quills. Then Rose amused herself picking out tons of magical sweets. "He will make himself ill," Severus had pointed out. Rose bought Ephraim color changing ink that shifted based on the mood of the script. "He better not use that ink for his school work," Severus complained.
Though Severus grumbled at Rose, he was quite content following her around and helping her carry packages.
The streets of Diagon Alley were more crowded than usual with witches and wizards rushing to by last minute Christmas presents. Upon arrival, Severus kept his hood up and he kept looking over his shoulder. After being ignored in several shops, Severus began to relax.
There was still much controversy around Severus. Rita Skeeter's blasted book, 'Severus Snape: Saint or Scoundrel' had been a bestseller. Additionally, Severus had, on more than one occasion, thrown the Daily Prophet across the room after catching sight of an article about himself. 'Severus Snape Returns to Hogwarts' by Rita Skeeter, 'Should parents consider homeschooling their children?' Several other articles appeared in the prophet consisting of recaps of his trial or past offenses. There were analyses of his orders from Dumbledore, many of which contain quotes from Harry Potter.
The worst of them all was an article titled 'A Lily and a Rose' also written by Skeeter, published early November.
The article had made the front page. It held a large picture of Severus and Rose the day of the trial. The image was of Rose kissing his hand when she had seen him after the final verdict. Severus had not even noticed anyone taking that picture. Of course, he had been so overcome by Rose's surprising response to him after she had witnessed the trial and heard the list of crimes against him.
The magical image replayed over and over again, Rose bowing her head to press her lips against Severus's knuckles. Then her eyes were full as they casted back up to gaze at him. Severus did not realize it at the time but her regard for him was full of love in that moment. It was clear from the photograph and it would be clear to all the readers of the Prophet. That moment between them would have been a beautiful memory on a dark day if not tainted by the reporter.
Rita Skeeter had truly outdone herself, proving her talent for vileness. The article spoke in length about Severus's so-called motivations in defying He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, about Severus's 'alleged love' for Lily Potter. '"He sure moved on quickly," Eloise Burke, former classmate of Snape and Potter, tells Daily Prophet reporter. "I remember Severus in school. He was always trailing after Lily Evans {Potter}. It was odd for a Slytherin to be that obsessed with a Gryffindor. Now he seems to be tired of being the follower." When asked about the allegations of love potion involvement, Burke confirms, "Yes, Snape has always excelled at potion making and he would be the type of person to slip a girl a love potion. Who's to say that he hasn't done it before."'
The whole article was a complete train wreck. It was torture to read, yet Severus could not bring himself to stop.
'"For more information on the involvement of love potions please refer to my book, 'Severus Snape: Saint or Scoundrel,'"' Rita Skeeter wrote.
The article had also interviewed William Sinclair. '"Yes, I was in the Shrieking Shack with Snape and Rose. He is a creepy bloke and Rose never dates anyone. No one can understand why she would pick him over anyone else. Unless there was something influencing her, fear maybe."'
'"As for never dating anyone,"' Rita Skeeter reported. '"After careful examination of public records, 2 years ago, Rose Rosamond and Tiberius Malfoy applied for a marriage license. They never made it to the alter. Malfoy was shortly murdered by his own sister, Karis. Perhaps this new revolution adds depth to the Malfoy family scandal."'
When Rose had read this, her mug of tea resting on the table shattered. Her wand was not even in her hand. She had not lost control of her magic like that in years. Tears spilled from her eyes and she tossed the paper into the empty heath. Immediately, the Daily Prophet erupted into flames.
'"It seems that both Snape and Rosamond have a type,"' Skeeter wrote. '"Snape prefers muggleborns named after flowers and Rosamond, deatheaters. So, is this a match made in heaven? Readers, you decide."'
Rose and Severus had not spoken the day they read that article, both lost in their own thoughts and grief.
Rose honestly considered quitting her job and moving out of the country. Severus seared with guilt, thinking if he really loved Lily, perhaps he should not have feelings for Rose.
They both wondered if it all was worth it.
However, the next day when they met face to face, the shallow words of the article seemed faraway. Rose and Severus knew, without a doubt, of how they felt for each other.
Now as they walked for store to store, they both were keenly aware every time someone would glance towards them a little too long, but no one said a word. Rose was determined to be cheerful and pretend they were just like any other couple. Though forced at first, it quickly became genuine and her enthusiasm at being out on Christmas Eve rubbed off on Severus.
"I want Ephraim to have something really special," Rose told Severus.
Severus rolled his eyes, though he found Rose's affection for the child endearing. "And what would that be?" he asked mildly.
Rose looked around the alley. All the shops were buzzing with festive energy. All except the shop Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, which had been closed for several months. Severus eyed the joke shop for a long moment and then looked away.
"What about a broomstick?" Rose suggested.
"First years are not allowed," Severus told her.
"Even if they had special permission from their head of house."
Severus gave Rose a sideways glance. "Ephraim barely knows how to fly," Severus told her. "Nor has he shown any interest in playing quidditch." Severus considered Rose for a moment. "I think he would like a pet."
"You think so?
"He has taken to spending time with Hagrid. He seems to like helping care for the creatures."
Rose's face lit up and she craned her neck to kiss Severus's cheek. A few passersby gave them a critical glance.
Severus shot them a venomous look. "Come on," he told Rose. "Let's pick out an animal and go back to Hogwarts."
Severus pressed his hand against the curve of Rose's back to hurry her along into Eeylops Owl Emporium.
The shop was crammed with cages and jumbled with chatter from many different kinds of animals. Severus and Rose examined tawny owls and warty toads. They ultimately left the shop with a black kitten with crystal eyes.
Rose cradled the small cat in her arms, leaving Severus to deal with the rest of their many purchases.
"We really are going to spoil the boy," Severus said. He carefully set the packages and bags on the ground and pointed his wand at the lot. The items shrunk to a fraction of their original size, so Severus was able to pocket them.
"I think Ephraim can stand to be a bit spoiled," Rose remarked, cooing over the kitten.
"Rose," Severus said, suddenly very stern. "Disapparate. Now."
"Why?" Rose retorted, not moving. She looked up at Severus. He was gazing at something from his peripherals.
"Just do as you're told," Severus hissed.
Rose followed the line of his sight. A few feet away, stood Lucius Malfoy and his wife Narcissa.
The color drained from Rose's face. Fortunately, the Malfoys had not appeared to have seen her nor Severus. Rose turned back towards the owl emporium in a daze, keeping her head down.
Her path intercepted with another. "I'm sorry," she mumbled out, not immediately seeing the person she walked into. Rose looked up and instinctively took a step back.
She had run into Draco Malfoy.
Rose swallowed hard and looked into the steely eyes of the teenager. "Is there no genetic variety amongst the men in this family," Rose said bitterly to herself. Gray eyes, white blond hair, and that same pointed face.
Draco stared questioningly at Rose with her odd remark. Then he looked to Severus. "Professor," the boy greeted Severus with uncertainly.
Severus did not respond but took Rose firmly by the shoulder. Severus prepared to disapparate with Rose, since she made no move to do so herself.
"Draco," a female voice called out. Narcissa had spotted her son facing Severus Snape. She walked quickly towards them, Lucius following.
When Lucius Malfoy caught sight of Rose, his eyes flashed and his face, so much like Tiberius's face, distorted into a cold mask.
Rose yanked herself from Severus's grip.
The kitten in her arms, sensing something was wrong, began to squirm.
"Lucius," Rose breathed. Severus reached out to Rose once more, but Rose instinctively gravitated towards Malfoy. Severus's empty hand dropped.
Lucius scowled down his nose at her like she was something revolting. "How dare you speak to me, you, filthy little mudblood," he hissed.
"Lucius," Narcissa whispered, looking around them and then shooting her husband a cautionary look.
"Careful," Rose told him, "it's dangerous for you to be speaking like that these days." Rose meant it to be a threat, but it came out like a warning.
"Draco, come here," Lucius said coarsely, not looking away from Rose.
Rose could not help but wilt at his gaze of disgust, yet she could not look away from his face. Severus saw how transfixed Rose seemed to be, held prisoner in the steely gray eyes that looked just like those of the man she had loved.
Draco stared at the strange woman with curiosity and fear. He moved to stand close to his parents.
"Rose," Severus said firmly, putting himself protectively in front of her.
"Ah, Severus," Lucius began. "You always did have a type, didn't you, filthy woman, named after plants."
Rose could see Severus's hand tighten around his wand in his pocket.
The streets were crowded, but there seemed to be a bubble around their conspicuous group as passersby drew away from them.
Rose prayed that no one would be foolish enough to draw a wand to another in public. Rose ducked in front of Severus.
The kitten, who had already accepted Rose as her human, hissed at the Malfoys. Rose gently place the cat at her feet, where the animal glared contemptuously up at the family.
"I need to say something to you," Rose said. She tried to sound brave, yet her voice shook.
"I have no need nor desire to hear-"
"I loved him," Rose blurted across Lucius. She could feel Severus's body tighten behind her. "I will always love him."
"How dare you," Lucius Malfoy spat. His eyes instinctively darted to the ring now worn on Rose's right hand.
"I would have done anything for Tiberius," Rose said, her voice growing stronger. "I would have died for him."
"You should have," Lucius said through gritted teeth. "It should have been you instead of him."
Rose's face broke and despite her efforts a single tear escaped her eyes.
Severus stepped between her and the Malfoys again. "That's enough."
"I want no trouble, Lucius," Rose muttered from behind Severus.
Lucius instinctively stepped forward as if to pounce. "You have caused enough trouble for 10 lifetimes, mudblood."
"Lucius," Narcissa warned. Their very public conversation was going too far for comfort. Passing witches and wizards eyed them nervously and pushed through the crowd to avoid them.
Lucius casted a glance around him and then turned his gaze towards Severus. "You, who have always prided yourself on the magic in your blood," Lucius said in a low hiss. "Yet, you would defile yourself and your bloodline."
"You know nothing about me," Severus replied, barely audibly.
Lucius raised his brows at Severus. "Know nothing about you, Snape? I remember you in school so eager to live up to the Prince name, so ready to join and put those lesser creatures in their proper place." Lucius's cold eyes fell upon Rose.
Anger began to burn within her, replacing the grief. Rose placed her hand possessively on Severus's arm. His eyes flicked towards her as if surprised she would want to touch him at all.
"You are still surrounded by those who know the truth about magic and know who deserves it," Lucius told Rose. "That ring you wear so bravely on your dirty finger, belonged to my grandmother and she is cursing you from her grave."
Rose stepped out from behind Severus. "Well when Tiberius gave this ring to me," she told Lucius, "he promised to love me forever, even after death."
In the same moment, Lucius drew his wand, Severus did too and pushed Rose behind him in one swooping motion.
"Lucius," Narcissa begged and the same time Rose pleaded, "Severus."
Both women were ignored.
"Lucius," Narcissa continued looking around her. They had been noticed now. The street was beginning to clear. "Lucius, the girl is with Severus."
Lucius looked to his wife, her eyes reminding him of something. Then Lucius looked at his son. He lowered his wand.
"Severus," Rose said firmly.
Severus scowled at the Malfoys and then lowered his wand too. "We need to leave," Severus demanded.
Rose nodded once. She picked up the kitten at her feet. Then as an afterthought, she slipped Tiberius's ring off her finger and handed it to an unsuspecting Draco. It was never about the ring anyway.
She looked up at Severus, who pulled her in from the side and diapparated.
They reappeared at the edge of the Hogwarts grounds.
Rose took in a full draft of the cold, winter air. She felt like she had been holding her breath. The kitten meowed questioningly up at her and Rose hugged the little cat closer. Rose turned her gaze to Severus.
Severus was staring pensively at the castle. He began to walk without a word or a backwards glance. Rose jogged slightly to keep up with his long strides. Occasionally, Severus's eyes would swift to make sure Rose was still beside him.
Once in Severus's dungeon rooms, Rose released the kitten. Severus emptied Ephraim's gifts onto a table and they expanded to their true size. They both tossed aside their cloaks. Rose kicked off her wet shoes and sat herself on the sofa, drawing her knees to her chest. Severus sat at the opposite side of the couch, staring straight ahead.
Rose watched him from the corners of her eyes. At first Severus sat straight and stiff. Then as if suddenly exhausted, he matched his elbows to his knees and rested his head in his hands.
"Do you want to talk about what just happened?" Rose asked hesitantly.
"Not particularly," Severus sighed.
The kitten rubbed itself against Severus's feet, wanting to be picked up. Severus ignored the cat for a moment and then when it wouldn't leave him alone, he scoped it up and placed it in the space between him and Rose. The kitten immediately curled up at Rose's hip. She stroked it, her mind somewhere faraway.
Severus wanted so badly to know what she was thinking. His finger itched for his wand. Though, he did not know if Rose would be so forgiving if he dared use occlumency on her a third time.
Severus couldn't help but cringe at the thought of Rose's words to Lucius Malfoy. Severus knew that Rose would always love Tiberius. Yet to hear Rose say those words so clearly cut Severus unexpectedly. He once had vocalized to Rose that he would always love Lily. Did Rose feel so injured by those words? Severus wondered if perhaps it was worse for him because Rose had actually been ready to marry Tiberius. Severus wondered if Rose wished Tiberius was sitting here in his stead.
"No," Rose whispered.
Severus sat up and looked at Rose in alarm. "What?" Rose's wand was in her grasp. Severus had learned to let his guard down so much with Rose, she was able to use occlumency against him and he did not even notice. Severus's initial reaction was to be furious. His stomach clenched, and his blood ran hot in his veins.
Rose raised her eyebrows at him. Silently telling him that he owed her one.
Severus scowled and looked away from Rose.
Slowly Rose stood, the kitten watching her progress. Rose at beside Severus and intertwined her fingers with his. Severus turned his face towards her again.
"My love for you and Tiberius is so different and separate," Rose assured him, "but it is equal in its amount and power."
"I suppose I should know that better than anyone," Severus said after a minute's silence. He pressed his lips against her forehead.
Rose rested her head on his shoulder. "What did Narcissa Malfoy mean when she said, 'She is with Severus?'" Rose asked.
"I assisted Draco with something," Severus said slowly.
Rose opened her mouth to ask but then closed it again. Clearly Severus did not want to elaborate. She would save her question for a time when he was calmer. "Do you think we have to worry about the Malfoys?" Rose asked instead.
"No," Severus confirmed flatly. "That is, if you do not go looking for trouble."
Rose pressed her lips together preventing an irritated comment from coming out. Rose let out a sigh. "I won't provoke Lucius Malfoy," she assured Severus. 'As long as he does not provoke me,' she added silently.
Severus nodded once and held Rose to him telling her without words how much he wanted to keep her safe. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too, Severus."
The little cat climbed into Rose's lap, tired of being ignored.
Severus eyed the animal for a moment and then frowned. "We didn't consider something," Severus said.
"What?" Rose said with concern.
"Wherever Ephraim goes in the summer, they may not allow him to keep a pet."
The kitten meowed sadly in agreement and then looked up at the two humans to hear their solution.
Rose bit down on her lower lip and looked hesitantly at Severus. She did not even have to say a word. He knew exactly what she was thinking, even without occlumency.
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