A Family Holiday
Zelda and Severus Apparated to the cabin in the morning on Christmas Eve day and found they were standing in knee-deep snow. The sun was shining brilliantly, and Rowena began running madly in circles, tossing snow in the air with her nose.
"Happy Christmas, my girl," Severus murmured, kissing her.
His wry smile was one reserved only for her and, as always, it melted her heart.
"It's the best Christmas I can imagine," she replied, throwing her arms around him.
"Hey! Merry Christmas and come in, you two!" Michael shouted from the open doorway. "Must I turn the hose on you?"
Wielding his wand from under his cloak, Severus made a huge snowball that sailed through the air and hit Michael squarely in the chest.
"We'll be there presently," he said with a smirk. He swept his cloak around Zelda and pulled her close against his body.
She kissed his chin and said knowingly, "Tonight we'll finish this. You can play Santa Claus and I'll be the naughty child."
He shook his head, laughing. "You are ridiculous, my girl. I look forward to it."
&&&&&&&&&
The cabin was decorated splendidly. A magnificent Christmas tree drew the eye immediately, and Zelda recognized that her children had brought all their childhood ornaments to decorate it.
"Did you explain to Kingsley about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Scooby Doo?" she asked Elijah as she admired the tree.
"Yeah. It sounds stupid when you try to explain the premise to someone who has no idea," he replied, standing with his arm around her. "We're not turning the lights on yet, because it's too bright for you to see how incredible it looks. But it's the best tree we've ever had."
"We say that every year, don't we?" Zelda looked at the presents under the tree. "Should I shake them and try to guess?" she asked mischievously.
Lily was baking cookies in the kitchen, and the cabin was filled with the aroma of vanilla and ginger. Kingsley was Levitating the hot cookies onto the cooling rack with his wand and making her laugh as she worked.
"Did you have fun at Hogwarts, Mom?" she asked, pulling another batch out of the oven.
"Of course I did. Rowena did too," said Zelda. "She has a friend named Fang and they have play dates."
"Is Fang a monster or something?" asked Elijah, bending down to pet the dog.
She rolled her eyes. "No. Hagrid calls him a boarhound, but he's just the hugest Great Dane I've ever seen. I'd be nervous if Rowena ran loose by herself there, but Fang knows what's safe and he loves our good girl. He's the only dog I've seen at Hogwarts."
Severus entered the room, having changed into his old comfortable, black Muggle clothing. He considered mentioning Hagrid's vicious, bloody three-headed dog, which he believed was running wild in the Forbidden Forest, but decided against it. Fang knew better than to approach the beast, but he resolved to cast protective charms on Rowena before she visited with Hagrid and Fang again.
Turning, Zelda saw her husband looking splendidly casual in his Muggle clothing. Circumstances had forced him to acquire it during the past summer and he had become quite comfortable in it when he was away from British Wizarding society. Zelda loved the unbuttoned collar that showed the pale skin of his throat.
"Can I help you, Michael?" asked Severus.
Michael had appeared again and was bustling around the kitchen, in the midst of serious food preparation.
"Nope, everything's under control here. But I'll get my revenge for that snowball, one way or another," he said with a smirk. "Relax by the fire and grope your wife for a while. You probably haven't done that for twenty minutes or so."
"Excellent. I'll do that," he replied.
Zelda and Elijah were sitting on the couch, in front of the fire, so he joined them, putting his arm around her shoulders.
"I'm under orders from Michael to grope you," he said, kissing her cheek.
"Occasionally he comes up with a solid idea," she said replied cheerfully.
"Did you invite Harry and his friends to visit?" asked Elijah.
"They're coming tomorrow afternoon," replied Zelda. "Harry said he's bringing his Firebolt, and he'll take you for a ride, if you're serious."
"Sweet!" exclaimed her son, his blue eyes sparkling with glee.
"I'll stay inside and not watch, if that's okay," she replied, shuddering a bit. "I'm glad you're not afraid of heights."
"Lily and I decided we'll take them to town to see movies and stuff," he told her. "Poor Harry grew up in Muggle land, but didn't get to do anything fun, and Ron thinks we're like aliens from another planet. They'll like it, I think."
"They'll have a great time," she assured him. "You should take them to Pedro's too. It's Muggle heaven, with the jukebox and the tacky décor."
"Michael and Kingsley are going to start cleaning out his house this week," he continued. "It's kinda sad, but since he's been with Kingsley we see him more than ever."
"You're not losing an uncle, you're gaining another uncle," she replied, amused. "Hey, how's school going? Have you decided on a major yet?"
"God, Mum, what's the hurry?" he asked, rolling his eyes.
"No pressure," she replied innocently. "I'm curious to see what you'll eventually settle on. You can't take all the classes."
"Wanna bet?" he murmured softly. Relenting, he added, "I've narrowed it down quite a bit. Environmental Science is likely, but I want to do a double major, or maybe two minors. I'm taking a Latin class next semester and I'll see how I like that."
Severus liked hearing that Zelda's son loved school. He hoped to learn more of the boy, but was hesitant, fearing to make mistakes that would cause Elijah to hate him. His track record with teenage boys was not promising, he thought grimly.
Zelda yawned and leaned her head against his shoulder. She smiled at Elijah and said, "Sorry, magical jet lag. We got up hours earlier at Hogwarts. Maybe I'll just close my eyes for a minute."
Her son recognized that a full-blown nap was on the way, whether she wanted to admit it or not. "Okay, I'll go help Michael with his cooking," he said amiably.
Severus settled himself comfortably, smiling as she snuggled close against him. Soon they were both fast asleep and neither of them stirred when Rowena hopped onto the couch and curled in a ball next to Zelda.
&&&&&&&&&
Severus woke slowly. He was first conscious of warmth, then the heaviness of another person cuddled against him and soft snoring. He was safe, he thought drowsily, and the luxury of it suffused his body with well-being. A smell of cooking filled the air, and the murmur of soft voices came from another room. He opened his eyes and realized belatedly, where he was. The rays of the setting sun shone through the windows. He smiled.
Zelda still slept soundly against him and his arm was numb. He hesitated to disturb her, however, and instead, listed all that was pleasing in his life. The past few days at Hogwarts had been marvelous. Shopping with her, wrapping gifts and adding little touches to their rooms had made it feel more like home than ever. Her absurd jealousy of that irritating witch in Hogsmeade still delighted him. She had resembled an angry tabby cat showing her claws, he thought smugly.
Rowena raised her head and looked at him. She had been sleeping with her head on Zelda's leg, but she slowly rose, clambered to the floor, nosed his hand briefly and trotted into the kitchen. It seemed to be a signal for them to wake up, he thought.
"Sweetheart," he murmured, kissing her soft hair. "Are you planning to sleep through dinner?"
Her lips curved into a smile. Without opening her eyes she put her face up to kiss him and wickedly he continued kissing her. Light, teasing kisses grew gradually in intensity until finally she opened her eyes and whispered, "What if I don't want to stop?"
"Hold on," he murmured, and Apparated them into their bed.
He pointed his wand at the door and sealed it shut, then looked at his laughing wife.
"We don't have much time," he said sternly. "Kiss me again."
Undressing the Muggle way, as they kissed passionately, was awkward but delightful, he thought. Each cast off garment was a small triumph, and finally they were rid of everything. He groaned contentedly when she nuzzled his chest and began kissing him everywhere. Making love to her healed his soul.
Afterward he smiled down at Zelda, stroking her cheek. "It's Christmas, my love, and we're expected out there. But there is one more thing…"
Smirking, he admired the love mark, low down on the side of her neck, and then directed his healing spell at it, crafting the absurd Slytherin symbol on her skin.
Ruefully she looked up at him. "The euphoric spell?"
His wicked smirk made her laugh.
"Now I believe we can join the others," he said smugly.
&&&&&&&&&
Severus had been apprehensive about spending Christmas with a family, even Zelda's family. Cold formality, such as he had previously wielded in social settings, would be offensive. And Zelda would be hurt. But when he woke early on Christmas morning, he reflected that it was pleasant to be with these people. He got up, unwilling to wake Zelda.
It still felt odd that Michael and Kingsley were his friends, yet he was one of very few people they trusted with the truth of their relationship. They were both quick-witted and serious, powerful men and warriors, yet full of lighthearted joy. He felt honored by their trust.
He liked Zelda's children more each time he saw them. It was odd, given his general detestation of young people. But Lily, who did not physically resemble Zelda much, had her mother's cleverness, good common sense and blue eyes. She also radiated a calm confidence that Zelda lacked.
Elijah made him nervous. The young man was the image of his mother, but reserved and serious minded. He seemed to be a born scholar, with wide-ranging interests. He was also protective of his mother. Elijah struck him as sensitive, one who did not trust easily. He must proceed cautiously with this new stepson.
Christmas Eve had been relaxed and pleasant. When he and Zelda had joined the others, the tree was lit, with tiny colored lights created a gentle glow. They'd talked and laughed over dinner, finally deciding to open presents on Christmas morning.
"Nobody wakes me before I'm ready to wake up," Zelda had threatened.
Elijah had smirked at his sister cynically, making her giggle.
"We used to be Christmas terrorists," she said. "We'd wake up at five o'clock and bug Mom 'til she'd get up with us."
"Did it ever occur to you that Santa started bringing fun video games so I could catch some sleep on the couch while you played?" she asked.
"We got some great games over the years," Elijah replied, grinning. "Sorry about the sleep, Mum. Tomorrow we'll wait like patient little Christmas angels until you and Severus are awake."
Michael had discussed his plan to clean out and sell his house in the next weeks. Leaving one's home, even to move on to a bright future, seemed a wrenching process. The subject of Zelda's house hovered around them, but was not spoken of. Once again Severus had been overcome with guilt at wanting to take her away from her home. He was quiet for the rest of the evening.
But it was now nearing the dawn on Christmas morning. Through the window, stars sparkled like diamonds in the clear sky. Zelda was still sleeping, so he had the opportunity to gaze at her in the faint light. Zelda, who came to him long after he had given up hope of love, warmed his soul. It was chilly though, out of bed. He buried his face in her curly blonde hair, tucked the covers over her shoulder and went back to sleep.
When Severus next became aware, there was a hand, not his own, firmly stroking him to a throbbing arousal. He opened his eyes as he reached for her happily, and she twined her arms around his shoulders.
"Merry Christmas," she said, kissing him softly. "Do you want your present now?"
"Come here, present," he murmured as he pulled her into his embrace.
"I'm not the present, I'm just your wife," she replied, rolling her eyes absurdly.
He rolled on top of her and knelt between her legs, stroking them softly. "Let me see… Frivolous yet practical, you delight all of my senses and make me disgracefully happy. You are the only present I shall ever need."
Gazing up at him, awash with desire, she said, "You have a point, my own sexy Christmas present. No need to unwrap you, either."
She explored his lean torso appreciatively as she coaxed him down into her embrace. Once he was inside her she wrapped her legs around him and moaned exquisitely.
His eyes glittered with passion. So sweet she was, yet meeting him stroke for stroke in this pleasure. Her desire for him was fierce and her arms around him were the home he had always craved. He could feel her reaching the edge, her body taut and needing release. He paused, then touched his lips lightly to his love mark on her neck and felt her shudder in ecstasy.
Zelda clung to him as he skillfully brought her to a dazzling climax, precisely in harmony with himself. The euphoric spell enhanced the waves of bliss that surged through her and for a long time after, they stayed in that embrace, gazing into each other's eyes.
&&&&&&&&&
They entered the living room of the cabin to find five pairs of eyes fixed on them. Rowena was the first to greet them, trotting happily over to them.
"Finally!" exclaimed Michael. "I've been waiting hours to open my presents. Some people are so selfish."
"Ignore him. He just crawled out five minutes ago," said Lily. "Merry Christmas, Mom and Severus."
She crossed the room and hugged her mother, then shocked Severus by kissing his cheek. "Thanks for being so great to my mom," she whispered.
"It is my pleasure," he replied softly, flushing faintly. "Thank you, Lily."
He followed her over to the tree and sat down in the armchair, since Kingsley and Michael had possession of the couch. Zelda sat down on the floor and leaned one arm on his knee. Rowena sat next to her.
"I feel like a kid, sitting down here," she said cheerfully, turning to smile up at him.
"Shall we all rip into them like savage beasts?" asked Michael briskly.
"Behave, brat," said Zelda. "The kids can open theirs first. You can defer your gratification a bit."
Elijah opened his box from Zelda and Severus first and laughed with delight at all the Hogsmeade gifts. Besides the cloak and T-shirt, Zelda had bought a variety of magical sweets from Honeydukes, with assistance from Harry. Chocolate frogs, golden toffees, a huge box of chocolates, treacle fudge and Bertie Botts' Every Flavour Beans made up the collection. He also received a handsome quill and ink from Scrivenshafts, as well as real parchment.
"Thank you both. It's all amazing," he said, pulling off his pajama shirt and slipping his new Weird Sisters T-shirt on. I don't suppose this band's out on CD, is it?"
"What's a CD?" asked Kingsley mockingly. "Sorry, kiddo, we'll just have to try and sneak you into one of their concerts someday."
Lily had opened her box, which was similar to Elijah's except for the dress robes. Her eyes grew wide and she was briefly speechless.
"What do you think, Lils?" asked Zelda. I know you don't have any real use for dress robes, but I thought it'd be a good look on you."
"The fabric, the color… How totally gorgeous," replied Lily breathlessly. "I'll be right back!"
She returned no more than three minutes later, transformed. Her long hair was up in a French knot and she looked quite the sophisticated young witch, Severus thought.
"Well?" she asked, twirling around before them.
"You look almost as magical as I do," quipped Michael, his eyes warm with pride.
"Ignore him. You look incredible," said her proud mother. "I know it's not a practical present, but…"
"Who cares?" Lily replied impatiently. "I love all of it, but now, since I have the right outfit, I can make Kingsley and Michael take me someplace fancy and magical. Right, guys?"
"You're assuming I'd take Michael anywhere but a grotty pub," teased Kingsley, winking at his partner. "But if he'll behave himself, we'll do it. You're a credit to the family, Lil."
The gift opening continued. Elijah and Lily got a box from Kingsley and Michael that contained a large quantity of wizard fireworks.
They looked curiously at Michael.
"Are they better than ordinary fireworks?" asked Elijah.
"Kingsley says they're the best, The Deflagration Deluxe. We can try some tonight, if you want to."
"Cool!"
Michael and Kingsley received a dusty bottle of Firewhiskey from Zelda and Severus. It was labeled Ogden's Reserve, which made Kingsley's eyes open wide.
"I see we've been very good boys this year, Mike," he said, smiling. "This bloody stuff will knock your shoes into a ditch."
"Thanks, you two," Michael said, smiling happily. "Let's hope I'm still not wearing my shoes when they hit the ditch."
"You wouldn't notice if you went in head first," replied Kingsley. "And you'd be smiling all the way. It's that good."
Elijah and Lily brought a package to Zelda and Severus, then. Inside it was a collection of his and hers household items. The coffee mugs made Zelda laugh, they were so absurd. There was a set of huge, luxurious bath towels and also warm bathrobes, a black one for Severus and white for Zelda. There were also two Muggle pens. Everything had HIS or HERS emblazoned on it somewhere.
Zelda looked cautiously at her husband. His lips were twitching suspiciously and when she began to giggle, he smirked too.
"We'll always think of you when we use them," he said sardonically, making all of them laugh.
"There's one more thing, Mum," said Elijah, solemnly handing her a smaller package that had bunny rabbits in Santa hats on the wrapping.
Zelda chuckled weakly and leaned her cheek on Severus's knee. She turned to smile at him and he was startled to see tears in her eyes.
"This is a Christmas tradition most solemn," she assured him as she opened the package.
Inside was a pair of soft gray bunny rabbit slippers. Zelda inspected the little faces seriously, stroking the tiny ears.
"They're lovely. The cutest ones ever," she proclaimed, beaming up at her grown children.
Lily and Elijah smiled happily. They had both wondered if being married would change her, but her reaction to the new bunny slippers reassured them more than anything. She was still herself.
Michael had watched their faces as Zelda opened the slippers and wanted the three to have this moment together.
"Severus, I could use some help getting breakfast," he suggested lightly. "Kingsley isn't totally useless, but one more good man in the kitchen's always welcome."
His brisk tone was just what Severus needed. The loving connection between Zelda and her children had touched a chord in him and made him wish he had found her long ago. He needed a distraction.
"Merlin, will I be safe?" he asked mockingly, getting to his feet. He caressed Zelda's cheek in passing and headed for the kitchen. Looking back, he saw them still sitting on the floor by the Christmas tree, talking quietly.
"Sev, Kingsley and I have a gift for everyone, Harry, Ron and Hermione too. But we want to wait until they're here to explain it," Michael said quietly.
"Hey, what did you give Zelda for Christmas?" asked Kingsley.
"I shall give it to her later, when we're alone," he replied.
Michael snickered. "I bet you're still giving it to her every day. I hope you have something really hot for Christmas!"
"Have you forgotten I have a wand and you do not?" he snapped frigidly.
"It's Christmas, buddy. You wouldn't hex a pal on Christmas would you?" he asked hopefully, preparing a fresh pot of coffee.
"How naïve is he?" Severus asked Kingsley. "Obviously he does not know who he is dealing with."
"Face it, Severus. We've seen the love-struck husband, man. Tell someone who hasn't seen you with Zelda what a cold bastard you are," the Auror replied with a wicked smile.
Severus began setting the table, magically, of course. After a moment's silence, he said, "I am giving Zelda a necklace."
"Ooh! Tell us about it," said Michael, his brown eyes sparkling.
"It is a blue sapphire pendant," he replied. "I believe she'll like it."
"Please. She'll love it and you know it. That asshole Rob never cared what she'd like. You're the best person she could ever be with."
"Have you put protective Charms on it?" asked Kingsley knowingly. "I know I would."
Severus smiled tightly. "Such spells are of limited value, but of course I've done it."
"Well, give it to her, the necklace, that is, before Harry and company arrive this afternoon, okay?"
"I plan on it," Severus said in a low voice. "Now, are we almost ready for breakfast?"
Michael laughed and threw a friendly arm around the wizard's shoulder, rolling his eyes when Severus flinched. "You're the best, Severus. Call your new family and let's eat.