Chapter 16

Holiday Bustle

December twentieth was the start of a busy time for Severus. Since he was bringing Zelda to Hogwarts for a few days, he first Apparated to Switzerland and brought Lily home to care for the cats. When Zelda arrived home after running a few errands, she found her daughter having tea with Severus at the kitchen table.

Lily jumped up and hugged her mother.

"Mom, you look great," she said happily. "It's really good to be home again. I emailed all my friends, and most of them are going to be home for a couple of weeks. Will you mind if we get together here?"

"Don't burn up the furniture," Zelda said, chuckling. "Of course, it's your home, Sweetie."

Lily stuck out her tongue at her mother and turned to Severus, saying, "Once I had a group of friends over to watch movies, and one idiot decided to smoke in here. I told him to stop, and didn't know he tucked it down in the couch. When the couch started burning, I had to call the fire department. When Mom came home, the drenched, burned couch was on the front lawn where they left it, and the house smelled like a giant ashtray."

"Indeed," said Severus, refusing pointedly to offer an opinion.

Zelda burst out laughing. "Who knew you're such a diplomat, Sev! She was seventeen, and as she said five hundred times, it was an accident."

"Were you this calm right after it happened?" he asked with a knowing smirk.

"I thought I handled it very appropriately," she replied with dignity.

The sidelong glance she sent in her daughter's direction made all of them laugh.

"Okay, so I went apeshit," she said disarmingly. "I think I was entitled to be a little upset."

"Of course you were," murmured her husband in a condescending tone. "Lily, please refrain from burning the house down in our absence."

Lily laughed. "You two are a trip together. Go have fun. Everything here will be fine. Are you sure you don't want to leave Rowena with me? She's such a great dog, I'd love to have her here."

"Thanks, but she loves to come with us, and I think she'd be hurt if we didn't bring her along to Hogwarts," replied Zelda. "Did Severus tell you when Eli's coming home?"

"Whenever Michael and Kingsley collect him," she replied. "Did you know those guys take me out to dinner every other week in Geneva? Kingsley's awesome, Mom. Christmas is going to be the best this year."

"I know. But I should get changed so we can be on our way," said Zelda. "I haven't done a bit of shopping yet."

She kissed Severus in passing and ran for the bedroom. When she returned, Lily's shocked expression made her realize that she'd never worn her witch's robes in her daughter's company before.

"Mom, that's quite a look. Is that what people wear at Hogwarts?"

"More or less," replied Zelda. "What do you think?"

"Retro," said Lily. "It's a great look on you, Mom. Is that silk?"

"Yep. Gorgeous fabric, isn't it?"

"You look ready for Halloween, but cute," said Lily with a pert grin.

"Thanks. And thanks for coming to take care of the little ones," said Zelda. "You'll love Marshmallow, and the other two will be thrilled to have you home again."

"I really miss them," said Lily. "Muffy's been giving me the cold shoulder. He hates me, I think."

"You know him, he's a spoiled brat. In fact, you created that attitude of his. He'll be all over you again in no time."

Zelda hugged her daughter. "Here are my keys to the van and the house. Have fun and remember, you can tell your friends that Sev exists, but not that I'm married. Not yet, okay?"

"Okay. See you in a few days," said Lily, spying her huge orange cat and hastily scooping him into her arms. She began crooning to the disgruntled animal.

"Let's go," said Zelda, chuckling. "Where's Rowena?"

They stayed at Hogwarts just long enough to drop Rowena off with Hagrid and Fang, since Hagrid had offered to have their dog visit any time, to keep Fang company.

It was snowing as they walked back toward the gates. Severus studied his wife's appearance with great contentment. She wore her robes as though she'd been born a witch, and she was clever enough to know when to be discreet. They were going Christmas shopping in Hogsmeade, and while he was worried about her safety as always, he looked forward to seeing her reaction to the village.

It was a dark afternoon. He pulled the hood of her cloak over her head, tucking a stray curl inside for protection from the falling snow. He drew her hand into his arm as they walked, feeling complete with her walking by his side.

"I love walking through the snow. It's rare to be alone and hear the silence of a snowy day," she said. "And I love being here with you."

They were at the gates and he stopped and kissed her before unlocking the gates. He ushered her out and locked them again.

"Have you decided what to give your children for Christmas?"

She smiled. "I want to get robes for Lils. She'd love them, even if she'll only wear them on Halloween."

"Excellent," he said, enjoying her enthusiasm. "And for Elijah?"

"I'll have to see what's here. I don't see him wanting robes, do you?"

"No, but I have an idea," he replied.

"What about money, though? Wizard money's different and I don't have any," she said.

"I have money," he said. "And don't be an independent idiot, my girl. You pay for everything with Muggle money when we are at your house, so I'll pay here in Hogsmeade."

"Yes, husband," she murmured submissively. Then she giggled. "The cloaks and long robes, and my adorable controlling husband make me feel like we're suddenly like in Victorian times."

He smiled. "There is a timeless quality to Hogwarts. Having spent so much of my life here, I find it easy to forget the rest of the world."

"It's easier for me to concentrate on essentials there," she said. "Like you, and us, and thinking about things that matter. At home, ever-changing Muggle pop culture buzzes in my ears and it's harder to hold onto what's important."

They were drawing near to the village, and a faint glow emanated from the ancient trees. Zelda looked up in surprise.

"Candles! Are they magical? They're certainly beautiful," she said.

"It's a holiday tradition in Hogsmeade, a way to dispel the darkness."

"I love it," she replied admiring the way the small, dancing flames faintly illuminated the snow all around them.

The first buildings were coming into view, and Zelda said, "Tell me what everything is, please. I sort of remember meeting Minerva and Molly in the Hog's Head. It was kind of creepy. But I want to see everything."

She squeezed the hand she was holding with excitement, and Severus was deeply pleased by her enthusiasm.

"That is the pub called The Three Broomsticks," he said, nodding toward the first building they saw. "You'll find it more pleasant than the Hog's Head. But we'll go to Gladrags Wizardwear first, since you know what Lily would like."

"Okay," she said, gazing around in excitement.

A fair number of people were moving through the main street, mostly cloaked and hooded against the snowy afternoon. Walking the length of the village, Zelda wanted to see everything at once, but conscious of her American accent, she remained quiet.

"Severus! Is that you?" called a voice from behind them.

Turning, Severus saw Filius Flitwick and Solomon Davis walking behind them. "What an appallingly small world," he muttered as the pair caught up to them.

"Severus, how fortunate that we've run into you," caroled the tiny, white-haired wizard. "And, how delightful, it is Mrs. Larsson!"

"Professor Flitwick," said Zelda, holding out her hand to him. "I don't remember meeting you more than once, in fact I still don't remember a lot. But it's lovely to see you again. Please call me Zelda."

"You look to be flourishing, and young Severus tells me that you're making remarkable progress in regaining your memory," he replied. "Let me introduce my colleague, Professor Davis. He is teaching Potions this year, and making quite a competent job of it."

She turned to the younger wizard, who had been studying her intently. He was thin and gangling, but his grey eyes were intense and he radiated intelligence. His handshake was strong.

"I'm happy to meet you," he said quietly. "I see Severus has a very good reason for being away from Hogwarts at times. Will you be joining us at the school for Christmas?"

"We have other plans at that time, but came to Hogsmeade today so Zelda can shop," replied Severus. Inside, he was cursing at being so easily discovered, but these two wizards must be considered friends.

"We won't keep you then," said Professor Flitwick. "But I hope you'll bring your lady to tea in my rooms one day, Severus."

"Thank you, Professor," said Zelda pleasantly. "I'd enjoy that very much."

"Perhaps we'll run into each other again today," suggested Professor Davis.

"Perhaps," said Severus frigidly. He nodded, took Zelda's arm and began escorting her down the street.

She turned around and winked cheerfully at Professor Flitwick.

"He's so charming," she said. "I wish I weren't here under false pretenses."

"He knows you are a Muggle," said Severus quietly.

"Really? Sev, that makes me hopeful. He's so friendly."

"If all wizards were as kind as Filius Flitwick, our world would be very different."

He steered her toward a shop and she realized they had arrived.

The shop was small and narrow, with only one person inside it. She was a tall, willowy witch, who appeared quite young and lovely at first glance. As Zelda looked closer she realized the beautiful witch must be nearly sixty, with a rapacious gleam in her eye. She pushed her hood off and smiled coolly as the lady glided forward.

"Professor Snape, isn't it?" the witch asked sweetly. "How may I assist you and your… friend?"

Severus controlled his expression firmly and watched his wife's hackles rise slightly at the witch's tone.

"Good afternoon," cooed Zelda sweetly. "This is my first visit to your sweet little establishment, so I'd like to look around for a bit. We'll let you know when we're ready."

"Ah, a foreigner," replied the willowy charmer. " Australia?"

"I'm from America," replied Zelda, turning to the displays and beginning to evaluate the merchandise.

"Fascinating," came the apathetic response.

Severus had turned to look at other merchandise, and only realized he was not alone when a pale, rather large hand grasped his sleeve firmly.'

"What can I show you, Professor?" gushed the witch. "I don't believe we've met before. My name is Anita Delarose, and in case you don't remember, I was a year or two ahead of you at Hogwarts. You're quite the hero, aren't you?"

Severus froze in horror. The hand on his arm stroked him slightly, and he jerked hastily away.

"Excuse me, do you work here?" Zelda called, her American accent more noticeable as her voice rose slightly. "I'd like a closer look at this intriguing little teal number."

The witch turned reluctantly toward her, torn between two possible areas of profit, and was kept quite busy for the next twenty minutes by a most demanding Zelda.

Severus took great pleasure in watching his wife take charge and accomplish her task in record time. He paid seventy Galleons without a whimper for the elegant teal dress robes and a silk-lined cloak for Lily, and for Elijah a Weird Sisters T-shirt with a long black, hooded traveling cloak. Arranging for the package to be delivered to Hogwarts was the work of another minute, during which time he carefully avoided meeting the shop woman's eager gaze.

"Thank you so much for all your help," Zelda drawled condescendingly. She took Severus's arm with an ostentatious flourish and swept him from the store without a backward glance.

"Was that obnoxious?" she asked, looking ruefully at him as she put her hood back on.

"It was very endearing. Thank you for rescuing me so promptly," he replied.

"How dare that hag stroke you right in front of me?" she hissed furiously. "And to pretend she's only a year or two older than you, when she's old enough to be your grandmother!"

A faint smile touched his lips at her irritated expression. Finding her possessive of him was utterly enchanting.

"Professor Snape!" called a voice behind them.

Turning, they saw Hermione trotting to catch up with them, with Ron and Harry following behind.

"Zelda?" squeaked Hermione happily. "I can't believe you're here!"

Zelda gave the girl a brief hug. "Shhh… I'm under cover, sort of." She beamed at Harry and Ron as they arrived. "It's great to see you all. But I thought you'd gone home for the holidays."

"I couldn't leave Harry and Ron, and Ron's mum won't be finished at Hogwarts for another day or two, so we're still here," she explained, her brown eyes twinkling.

"What're you doing in Hogsmeade?" asked Harry, glancing around to see if they were being observed.

"Christmas shopping," replied Zelda. "I haven't done a thing yet, but I'll be finished quickly now."

"Did you get something for Elijah and Lily?" asked Hermione enthusiastically. "I can help you find some great stuff."

"We can all help you," offered Ron. "Has Professor Snape shown you Honeydukes yet?"

"Not yet," said Severus. He had a sudden idea. Since these pests looked like they'd be sticking to Zelda, he would make use of them. He eyed Potter appraisingly.

"There is something I must do immediately. Will you three escort Zelda to whatever shops she wishes to visit? I'll meet you in an hour, if that is acceptable."

"Sure!" said Harry, a smile lighting his eyes.

"Will you behave if you're molested by aging shop girls?" asked Zelda mockingly.

"I shall live in terror of them until I'm safe with my domineering wife again," he murmured.

He slipped a small pouch into her hand. "If the money confuses you, ask them for help, my girl. When you're ready, I shall meet you at The Three Broomsticks."

Zelda looked longingly at him for a second, blew him a small kiss and then turned briskly to the three teens.

"Honeydukes first?" she asked.

Severus entered the warmth of The Three Broomsticks and saw his wife surrounded by a small crowd. Besides Potter and company, there was Filius Flitwick, Davis, Minerva, Piers Clearwater and Hagrid. Zelda was seated at a large table between Potter and Professor Flitwick, and looked highly entertained. There was a small tankard before her that appeared to contain mulled mead.

"So I actually finished the Muggle Studies curriculum! I'm so glad," she said cheerfully. "Being Obliviated is such a bore and remembering is sometimes worse. But I want to hear how it's going, Piers. What changes did you need to make?"

Piers Clearwater had changed very little since he had finished his seventh year, and looked far too young to be a teacher, reflected Severus.

"Very few," he replied earnestly. He had light brown hair and kind blue eyes. "The real challenge will be in February, when I take the third years to London for a day. I'd love to talk about the logistics with you, if you'll be visiting Hogwarts again before that time."

Zelda nodded excitedly, and looked up then to see Severus walking slowly toward her. She smiled brilliantly, making the whole group aware of his arrival.

"Severus, please join us," challenged Minerva with a cynical smile. "What a pleasant surprise, finding you here with Zelda. Will you be staying at Hogwarts?"

"Will you expect me to socialize with you if I admit it?" he asked coldly.

Zelda snorted faintly, trying to stifle her amusement at her impossible husband's attitude.

"Hagrid knows when we're at Hogwarts," she said. "He and Fang babysit Rowena for us."

"It's odd that Hagrid has a reputation for being indiscreet, when he manages to keep such things from the headmistress," Minerva muttered.

Hagrid grinned sheepishly and took a deep gulp from his huge tankard. "Rowena's welcome any time. Fang loves 'is play time wi' her."

"Thanks, Hagrid," said Zelda, beaming at him.

Severus reluctantly sat down in the chair indicated by Minerva, which was far from Zelda. He had hoped to return to Hogwarts with her and take her to bed in their glorious, neglected quarters, so this was an unacceptable alternative. But he was too accustomed to being denied his wishes, so he resigned himself. At least he could watch her, he thought.

Zelda became engrossed with Professor Clearwater, and Filius Flitwick listened raptly, fascinated by this chance to learn a real Muggle's opinions.

Two new arrivals took everyone by surprise.

"Happy Christmas, everyone," said a young woman cheerfully. "Severus, are you going to introduce us officially to Zelda?"

Zelda looked up and saw a pretty young woman with bright pink hair, standing with a rather older man.

"Professor Tonks and my dear Lupin," said Professor Flitwick. "How delightful to see you."

The young woman set Zelda's nerves on edge. She seemed familiar, but without a definite memory to connect to. A burst of grief rose in her, which she fought.

"Zelda, this is Nymphadora Tonks, our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and her fiancé, Remus Lupin," said Minerva.

"It's nice to meet you," said Zelda, fighting confusion. She knew she'd heard Lupin's name before, but had no idea why the young woman roused such powerful emotions in her. "Did I meet you when I was at Hogwarts last July?"

"No, it was…" Tonks said, falling silent as a strange, mournful comprehension appeared in Zelda's blue eyes. "Oh, Merlin! You don't remember any of it, do you?" she asked, looking stricken.

Panic flooded Zelda and she gasped. They were all watching her, so she fought to appear calm, but her fists clenched in her lap.

"I don't remember everything yet, but it's okay," she said, trying to sound reassuring.

A hand covered one of hers comfortingly and she grasped it hard.

"It's okay, Zelda," said Harry whispered, squeezing her hand. He could feel her trembling and wondered what more he could do to help her.

Severus wanted to hex them all, but Zelda was clinging to her dignity and would be even more upset by a scene. Her eyes found his, out of all the people around her, and she sought desperately for reassurance in his black eyes.

The rest of them watched, fascinated to see the connection between the two. Remus Lupin had heard from Tonks that the woman was Snape's girlfriend, but he hadn't expected someone so… ordinary. Maybe a vampire, he thought, but not this anxious, friendly looking woman who held Harry Potter's hand.

"Zelda, are you all right?" asked Minerva.

Without looking away from Severus, her lips smiled faintly as she said, "Something stirred my memories, but I'll be okay in a few minutes."

"Everything all right here?" asked Madam Rosmerta, appearing out of nowhere.

"Fine, Minerva replied. "It seems we must return to Hogwarts now. Thank you, Rosmerta."

In the ensuing mass departure Harry maneuvered Zelda directly to Severus without letting go of her hand until Severus took it. He then brought Zelda's cloak and quickly put it over her shoulders. Severus fastened it under her chin, caressing her cheek briefly, which brought a slight smile to her face.

"Thanks, Harry," she murmured, smiling from him to Ron and Hermione, who'd sat silently watching the whole thing unfold.

"We'll walk back to school with you, if it's okay," offered Hermione, looking tentatively at Severus.

He nodded curtly. Zelda had known these three almost as long as she'd known him, so their presence would be a comfort to her, he believed.

The rest of the group had dispersed. Most had left the pub already. As Severus and his companions moved toward the door, Tonks watched Zelda with a worried frown. She caught Severus's eye and mouthed, "I'm sorry."

When Zelda saw where he was looking, she paused, and then changed direction. Shaking off her hovering companions she went to where Tonks and Remus were standing and held her hand out to the younger woman.

"Please don't feel bad," she said softly, clasping Tonks's hand. "It's nothing you did, it's just my present reality."

"I'm a clumsy fool, and I'm sorry if I upset you," replied Tonks.

Zelda smiled, liking the young witch's forthright manner. "It's not your fault. One day I hope to get past this. It's such a drag. I'm glad to meet you."

Her eyes went to Lupin, standing and watching them with a cautious air. In the last moments she had remembered why his name was familiar and who his friends had been. Deliberately she held her hand out to him.

"It's nice to meet you too, Remus Lupin," she said slowly. Her blue eyes appraised him mercilessly. "Severus has mentioned that you were in the same year at school."

"Yes, we were," he said hesitantly. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Harry and Severus had followed close behind her and watched this meeting with the former Marauder with interest. Severus was deeply touched that his impulsive wife would subtly chastise the werewolf for his long-ago behavior.

"Excuse me, but I believe we must return to Hogwarts, Zelda," he murmured. "If you've finished your shopping, that is."

Zelda turned and grinned at him. "The kids helped me buy twice what I'd planned. It's going to be an amazing Christmas."

Severus nodded and steered her toward the door, giving her just enough time to wave back at Tonks and Remus before they were back in the snowy darkness of the main street.

"What was that about?" asked Ron curiously.

"Whatever it is that I can't remember, I guess Tonks was part of it," replied Zelda evasively. "She seems really nice and I didn't want her to feel bad about something that's not her fault."

Harry had watched Zelda's cool exchange with Remus Lupin, and wondered in shock if Professor Snape had actually told her of the memory he had seen in the Pensieve. She was normally so friendly that he thought she must know. He studied Professor Snape, who appeared at first to be his expressionless self, but there was a faint gleam in the black eyes. Harry wished he knew what it meant.

In the course of walking back to Hogwarts, Zelda recovered her confidence enough to invite Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny to stay at the cabin with them during the holiday. It was inevitable, thought her husband, no longer caring that the pests would be buzzing around. Having seen Zelda's vulnerability, he would accept whatever would make her feel better. Besides, he could magically seal the bedroom door shut, so there would also be pleasant interludes. In spite of Harry Potter, it looked to be the finest Christmas of his life.