As Severus tossed and turned in his sleep, there was a loud noise. He sat up in his bed, and the rumble continued on until he finally got out of his bed and looked around his dungeon.
"I'd truly appreciate it if you would just show your bloody self!" he snarled. "It'd save us a lot of trouble!"
What was the point of all this? He just wanted to go to sleep. What did they really expect to come from this?
The rumble stopped and someone fell from the sky, landing hard on their side.
When the person stood up, he rolled his eyes. "I should have known."
Hagrid dusted off his clock and decided to not say something rude.
"Severus Snape, I'm the ghost of Christmas present," the ghost said. "Touch my robe if you will."
Hesitantly Severus touched the robe and groaned when he found himself in the Gryffindor common room.
"I bought Dobby socks," said Harry Potter amused.
"Really?" inquired Ginevra Weasley.
"Well, you know he'll appreciate them," Harry said.
"Harry, you could give that elf a blank piece of parchment and he'd still worship it," said Ronald Weasley. "You're like Merlin to him."
"Oh, come on, Ron!" Harry said, giving his friend a playful punch on the arm.
Eventually, they started telling stories.
"Does Snape seem moodier than usual? the raven-haired boy inquired.
"Slightly actually," said Hermione. "I figured that it had to do with the holidays."
"I wonder why he hates Christmas so much," said Harry.
"Who cares?" said Ron. "The greasy git hates everything."
"I don't think that's true," said Hermione. "There's got to be something."
"Doubt it," said Ron.
"Come on, Ron," said Harry. "I never enjoyed the holidays before I came to Hogwarts; thanks to the Dursleys. He must have some sort of reason."
Was Potter actually defending him? And as much as he'd hate to admit it, the boy was right. He had many reasons for which he hated the holidays. They'd never been any good. If his father hadn't found a way to ruin it, he did by ruining things with Lily.
"Are you really defending him, mate?" said Ron. "He's horrible to you."
"Look, I have no lost love for Snape, and he has none for me," replied Harry. "I know that, but that doesn't mean I can't recognise that he's human."
"Are you okay, mate?" asked Ron.
"I'm fine, Ron, honestly," assured Harry. "Don't get me wrong I still think he's a foul git, but nobody is born bitter. Something must have happened."
"I think you're right Harry," said Hermione. "Something probably made him this way."
At this Ron huffed.
"Believe it or not, I actually was looking forward to potions, before that first class," said Harry. "I do like the subject, just not the method of instruction."
"I still can't believe you were yelled at for taking notes," said Ron. "It was really unfair."
"The brat wasn't paying attention," said Severus.
"Actually, he was taking notes," said Hagrid. "He was writing down exactly what you were saying. He just never had much practice with a quill and had to concentrate to make it legible."
"He –" started Severus.
"Silence," said Hagrid.
"Let's just let it go," said Harry. "It's Christmas Eve."
The group just nodded.
"Are you guys looking forward to the ball tomorrow?" asked Ginny.
"I am," said Hermione.
"It should be interesting," said Harry. "I don't exactly dance and as a champion, I have to go first."
"You'll be fine Harry," said Ginny.
"I am glad you're taking Neville, Ginny," said Harry. "He's really excited. I hardly ever see him so excited about something."
"I'm glad," said Ginny. "Neville's great."
"Let's move on," said Hagrid. "Touch my robe."
Severus did so, this time without hesitation, and the scene changed.
Now Severus found himself at the Burrow, and he frowned intently. The Weasleys were poor, thanks to the pitiful funding for the office Arthur worked, and how big their family was, but they had never seemed to care. Why was he here?
Outside it was sleeting, but it was warm and cheerful in the quaint house in Ottery St. Catchpole. They had each other, and in spite of everything they seemed… happy. They always had come to think of it. They seemed determined to make the best of everything. Several of their children were at Hogwarts but they had a couple friends over from the Order, as well as a 2 of the older children had come home for Christmas.
"My favourite thing about Christmas is the fact that it brings family together like this," said Hagrid quietly, grinning to himself as they watched the little family celebrating.
"What is the point here?" questioned Severus.
"Listen," retorted Hagrid.
"A toast to Professor Snape!" said Molly; her voice cutting off Severus's looming snarky remark and making him turn in surprise.
"Snape? Why Snape?" asked Charlie indignantly. "He hasn't done anything for us, has he?"
"He helped in the War and if anyone needs a dose of Christmas cheer it is that man," said Molly.
"He's a foul git! Ow!" cried Charlie, and he rubbed the back of his head where his mother had just smacked him.
"It's true. He is very unkind," said Molly. "But it's Christmas day and we should forgive him, at least for today."
"All right then. To Professor Snape, may he have a happy Christmas and long life," said Arthur. Moments later the family all raised their glasses together.
"Well, now that's done," said Percy brightly. The family was cheerful again five minutes later.
Severus was completely silent, determinedly ignoring the spirit standing beside him. Hagrid stared intently at him, and then sighed, "One last thing before I go; do take this seriously."
Moments later the scene around Severus faded, and he found himself once again back in his rooms at Hogwarts.