Disclaimer: Dont' own it
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Chapter Twenty-Four: Week before Christmas
Hope was groaning as she went to lunch after Herbology. She was dirty and sweaty from planting, but had no time to go shower before her lessons with Snape and Dumbledore after lunch. They had moved on during the last few weeks from dueling, (which she finally had bested both Snape and Dumbledore at), to physical fighting. It would give her and Harry an advantage if their wands got knocked out of their hands.
She sat down at the Gryffindor table in between Harry and Hermione. They were discussing Christmas plans.
"My parents and I are going skiing and snowboarding. It's bound to be fun. I'll still be at the Burrow Christmas day though," Hermione excitedly told Harry.
"I'm going to the Burrow for break with Ron. I'll stay the whole break though," Harry said while eating his lunch.
"What about you, Hope? Going to Snape Manor over break?" Hermione asked, as she made a plate.
"Nope, I'm staying here. Draco and Severus are going to the Manor but I figured I'd give them time alone."
Harry eyed Hope curiously. "I'm sure Ron wouldn't mind if you came to the Burrow. Then you'd have an excuse to not go."
"No, I don't want to be a nuisance to them," Hope said with a shrug.
"And Severus is okay with you staying here over the break?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow. "I'm sure he wouldn't want to exclude you."
Hope just shrugged and picked up her books after pushing her half eaten plate away. "He doesn't know, I didn't tell him I signed up to stay over break. Oh well, no big deal. I have to go get my Potion's book. See you later!"
Harry looked at Hermione before getting up and following Hope out of the entrance hall. He caught up with her and pulled her to the side.
"You're doing it again." He accused. "We went over this, and we're not going to again."
"What are you talking about?" She asked, quizzically.
"You're pushing everyone away. Severus, by not going with them over break, us by not coming with us. Don't do this to us. You're Hope, everyone loves having Hope around."
Hope laughed at the joke and began walking while she talked. "I'm not pushing anyone away, Harry. I'm just giving everyone a much needed break. The potion will be ready when I have my next attack, so then I won't constantly need to be around Severus and Draco while they're trying to get to know each other, and my sleeping…well it hasn't changed, but I can deal with it."
Harry walked beside her. "Don't do this. Go somewhere. Even if you only come to the Burrow for that one night, don't stay in the castle all alone. Besides, I want to see you open your Christmas present," he said with a smirk.
Hope sighed. "I'll think about it. But for now, I really do need to get my books and get outside for our training lessons."
Harry nodded and watched as she went with a sad look on his face.
Hope was sitting in Draco's room the night after classes ended, watching him struggle to pack while she petted Sasha.
"Hey, you don't mind if Blaise comes over for the holiday, do you Hope? Severus told me to ask you."
Hope shrugged. "It doesn't matter either way to me," she answered back evasively, while laughing as he tried to choose between two shirts.
"Don't laugh! Have you packed yet, Miss Smart One?"
Hope shrugged. "No reason to pack, I'm not going anywhere."
Severus had walked in during this last comment and eyed his goddaughter with a wary expression.
"And where are you going to be for the next two weeks, Hope?" Severus asked from the doorway, causing both teens to jump.
"At Hogwarts. Christmas Day I'll be at the Burrow with Harry and the Weasleys."
"What?!" Draco exclaimed. "Why aren't you coming to Snape Manor with us?"
"Because I figured you two could use the bonding time. I'll be there in four days to pick up my potion, but other than that I'll stay away and let you guys hang out." Hope shrugged again and stood up. "Anyway, I'm going to go find Blaise and see if he wants to fly tomorrow morning before the express leaves. Bye you two! Have fun!" Hope said and started making her way out with Sasha trailing.
"Hope?" Severus called to her as she reached the door.
"Yes, sir?" She replied as politely as she could.
"Why don't you step into my bedroom for a long overdue chat?" He asked, making eye contact with her.
Hope sighed and followed him into the bedroom and sat on the bed while Sasha jumped back on her lap.
"I'm in trouble, eh girl?" She said to the beautiful white tiger in her lap. She'd found out that Sasha was a special breed that never got bigger than lap dogs.
"Yes, you are. You should've just gone with them." Hope shrugged and gave her attention to Severus.
"What am I going to have to do to convince you that you are a part of this family? Why didn't you sign up to come with us? Or at least talk to me about this first, Lea? You're parents would not want me to leave you sulking around the school during break."
Hope saw the sadness in his eyes and almost decided on not pushing it. "So you're doing this for my parents? That solves the issue, they're dead because of me," Hope said, standing up.
"Hope Leanne Collins, sit down now!" Severus harsh voice caused Hope to wince as she sat back down, and Sasha to stand protectively in front of her.
"You are never to say anything that absurd again! You will be coming to my manor after you get done at the Burrow on Christmas day and spending the night. We will be administering the potion the next day. You will do as you're told, do you understand?"
Hope glared at him. "I'm returning the night after then. Otherwise, I'll deal with the pain and not show up."
He groaned before waving her off. Hope rolled her eyes and left his chambers with Sasha, who followed after stopping to growl at him furiously.
Severus was just not having a good day.
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A/N: Aww poor Sev. I feel for him. Review please!