24

The next morning, Snape went to breakfast early. Knowing Dumbledore, there was going to be a Christmas party later in the day and Snape expected that he was going to be involved in the preparations. The other teachers seemed to think along the same lines. The entire staff was assembled before the first student made an appearance.

Dumbledore made his appearance together with the Dark Lord when Snape was sipping his fourth cup of coffee.

"Ah, just the right people," the headmaster greeted his staff as if he was surprised to find them at the breakfast table. "Tom and I have decided to have a Christmas party. We have taken care of the main issues already but we'd appreciate it a lot if you could help us with the smaller details."

"Severus and I can take care of the decorations," volunteered Flitwick.

"Yes, we can," enthused Snape. "I think we should do something with snow. The children haven't spent much time outside this year."

Dumbledore agreed and Snape raised his cup to Flitwick gratefully. The small Charms teacher had just made sure that they got a pleasant task.

"I don't see why not," said Dumbledore. "As for the rest of you…" he proceeded to assign tasks to the rest of the teachers.

The headmaster was almost through his meal, when George Weasley came up to the Head Table.

"Sir," he said politely, "we have been wondering whether we could go home now that Professor Snape has found a healing potion."

Dumbledore smiled kindly. "Professor Snape has sent the necessary things to St Mungo's and all the scientists there are working to check the formula. We'll have to wait for the ministry's permission to send you home, though."

"So there is hope," said the redhead.

The students cheered when the headmaster nodded.

The opening of the last advent calendar window was much merrier than the days before because now there was hope to be able to see family and friends. The gifts, though, were simpler because with the virus reaching the castle nobody had had time to make elaborate presents.

Snape got a small chocolate star wrapped in gold paper.

The rest of the morning was spent preparing the Great Hall for the party. Flitwick did the lion's share of the work and Snape was happy to let him. The potions master put candles on the Christmas trees which Hagrid had provided. Flitwick meantime took care of the snow falling from the ceiling and made the ornaments Snape put on the trees twinkle.

Lunch was served all over the castle to give the various groups which were busy with preparations the opportunity to work undisturbed.

Before dinner, Snape went down to his quarters to prepare for the party. He showered and washed his hair and donned one of his better teaching robes.

The party started with a feast. There was a great variety of Christmas dishes. Snape chose roast turkey with a baked potato. The Dark Lord started a discussion about the various toppings which were available for the potatoes. He preferred a sauce made of tomatoes and bell peppers while Snape went for sour cream and cheese.

After dessert, Hufflepuff house lead the school in a round of singing Christmas carols. Everybody sang with enthusiasm and joy.

Ravenclaw had organised a nativity play. It was not as big as it had been in previous years when the whole school had worked on it but Snape had to admit that it was lovely given the short time the students had had to rehearse.

Gryffindor provided the school with bowls of punch and pots of mulled wine. Slytherin had spent the day making Christmas crackers.

Dumbledore had just declared the informal part of the party when Argus Filch brought in guests.

"Headmaster," he cried from the main doors of the hall. "This man claims to be bringing presents."

The man in question was tiny and had grey hair. His beard rivalled Dumbledore's. Behind him, a blonde girl was carrying a big sack.

"Ho, ho, ho!" cried the old man. "I've come to bring you presents."

Snape recognised the man at once.

"Santa!" he cried.

"Severus!" the man cried back. "That was great work yesterday! My first present is for you!" He turned to the girl. "Give that here now, girl, and go."

The blonde let go of the sack and, squealing all the way, ran up to Snape. The potions master stared open-mouthed and then he had his arms full of apprentice. "Master!" she cried. "I came here in Santa's sleigh! He picked me up at my mother's house and we went whooooooosh! So fast! Faster than the fastest broom!" She squealed again. Beside the pair, the Dark Lord made a face. Snape rolled his eyes apologetically over the girl's shoulder. She really could squeal a man's brain out and Snape felt privileged that she had chosen to squeal at him of all people. But the Dark Lord didn't need to know that.

Santa meanwhile proceeded to hand out gifts.

Dumbledore was beside himself when he got a pair of woollen socks. The Dark Lord received silk robes which were so light they moved with the slightest breeze. Lucius Malfoy got a luxurious new quill. His sister in law got a cookbook. She thanked Santa profusely.

The students got toys. There was not a single gift of clothing or stationary. There were skates, balls, sledges, chess sets, cards and board games.

"It was amazing what you did for the children this year," Santa said and shook the adults' hands. "It was not easy to distract them from the miserable situation. Thank you!"

Dumbledore tried to invite the man to a glass of eggnog but Santa had no time to stay.

The best part of the evening – at least for the students – was when shortly before curfew a ministry owl fluttered towards Dumbledore and the headmaster was able to inform the children that their parents were allowed to pick them up at the gates the next morning.

The best part of the evening for Snape came a little later when he was able to retire to his quarters, apprentice in tow. It took only a couple of quick spells to get the pool inside his cupboard ready for use. They dove into the warm water and for the first time in weeks, Snape was able to relax.

Merry Christmas to all my readers. This year I was often too busy to proof-read. I apologize for the fact that there have been even more mistakes than usual. If all goes well, there will be another, more normal calendar next year.

A big thank you to those who took the time to review. Your comments were a welcome distraction during these complicated times we go through.

Note to the universe: I have a whole year. I'm sure I can come up with a plot without another global catastrophy.