Chapter 1: They Came With the Snow
The scent of gingerbread and sweets hung in the air, as the house bustled and laughter filled it. The smell of Cinnamon, nutmeg, molasses, and ginger permeated the air, each one part of the elegant perfume known as Holiday Cheer. The soft woodiness of pine lingered in the air. Green garland wrapped around the staircase of the home, with white lights and large red velvet bows. There was a large green wreath on the door covered in plastic ornaments and fake packages each wrapped to perfection. A resin snowman rested on a small table by the door, with plastic buttons for eyes.
The walls were lined with photos of what appeared to be a beach ball with different colored caps, it was only upon further inspection that the viewer learned that said ball was a child. Nearly every photo was the same, three faces staring back at the viewer, smiling with different backdrops. Standing tall in a corner of the den was a tree that had yet to be decorated. Its eaves were bare as it waited for the special touches of a family to transform it from simply a tree into a beacon of joy for the season.
Standing in the kitchen in a pastel pink apron was a lanky horse faced woman, her eyes were narrow and face covered in wrinkles. She was wearing a dress that looked as though it had been plucked from the closet of a traditional '50s housewife, complete with red nails and belt. Standing beside her in a green and red holiday sweater was a whale of a boy, who honestly looked like a pig in trousers. He had thin blond hair and his face was as round as a ball. His fingers were covered in the icing used to plaster smiles on the gingerbread men, "Now pumpkin, don't eat all the icing, we have to still add their faces," she chirped.
The boy whined, "Mummy, can't we just make more?"
There was a deep chuckle from the doorway, "'Atta boy Dudley, always trying to get his money's worth," said another whale like man, his eyes were barely visible in on his face. He had a mustache and thin grey hair, his voice carried through the house loudly.
Yet, no one knew that nestled inside of a cupboard, in the dark far away from the merriment, was a little boy. He was a scrawny little boy, pale and rather gaunt, large bruises and scars littered his body. His black hair was a perpetual mess, he had a pair of large emerald green eyes, hidden behind large round glasses that were held together mainly by tape. The only thing the boy liked about himself was his lightning bolt shaped scar on his head; he thought it was nice to look different. He was wrapped in clothes, which were three times larger than he was, they swallowed him. His body ached all over and he was stiff from the last beating, his stomach was growling painfully as he smelt the gingerbread wafting in the air, which he knew he would never be able to have.
"Freak, decorate the tree," barked a harsh voice, which was accompanied by a great deal of rapping on the door. As always Harry looked at the door nervously, he was honestly terrified that one day she would break the door down by simply knocking on it.
"Yes Aunt Petunia," he replied quickly, he listened to the dead bolt slide from the other side of the door, and waited patiently in the darkness for the door to swing open and allow the light in. Without fail Petunia swung the door open, and stood off to the side with her hands on her hips. Even though he knew Freak wasn't his name, he still replied to it. It had been so long since he had heard his name, like many other facts about himself, he only learned them so he could attend school. However, since it was break he didn't get the luxury of hearing it, instead he was called Freak or Boy, both names he hated.
He slowly crawled out of his small cupboard that was located under the stairs. It was always dusty and filled with spiders; it often smelt of the chemicals which were also housed in it. Her eyes pierced him as she glared harshly at the little boy who was standing before him, even though he didn't look up, he knew full well she was, he could feel her gaze on him. "You burnt the breakfast this morning, however, since Mister Mason will be coming, we need the tree decorated," she stated harshly, her voice was cold and sounded nothing like the sweet one that was reserved for his cousin Dudley.
"Yes, Aunt Petunia," he replied softly, knowing that if he made much noise or fuss he wouldn't be fed. The Dursleys weren't keen on feeding him to begin with, it wasn't uncommon for him to go days without food. According to Vernon he didn't deserve to eat unless he had done all his chores, and even then he often wasn't fed simply because he was different. Long ago Harry had grown accustomed to not eating or receiving table scraps rather than an actual meal.
She seemed pleased with this and snapped, "Well into the living room, there are several boxes. Put everything on the tree and try not to break anything." Harry listened to her storm away before finally lifting his gaze. He stared at the large tree, and at the boxes on the floor. He was ten years old now, since he had turned eight years old he was decorating the tree, wrapping presents and cooking dinners for the holiday. He knew how to do laundry, iron and clean better than even his Aunt who wanted the house to look as though it came out of a magazine catalogue.
Thankfully, his uncle had put the lights on the tree. The year before last he had forgotten and he had sent the tree falling to the floor through a glass table on its way as he tried to get the lights on it. Without anymore thought, he reached into a box and pulled out a tray of glistening glass orbs, they were so reflective that he could see himself in them. He paused as he stared at his reflection, a sigh escaped him before attaching a green hook and hanging it on the tree.
For three weeks he would be known as Freak, and never Harry. Harry's fingers trembled slightly as he lifted another ornament to place on the limbs of the blue spruce. He could remember the beating he had received for breaking one the first time he decorated the tree. His uncle, Vernon, had broken his wrist and then lied that Harry had broken it when he fell down the stairs when he went to the emergency room. No one questioned it, they never did.
Each glass ball was placed on the tree with care. The first box was filled with the glistening glass orbs. However it was the second box which Harry always thought was ugly, it contained all of Dudley's home made ornaments. While the Dursleys were so proud to have them, Harry wanted to throw them away. They were poorly made and none of them were his.
Each year his class would make one for the tree, and every year it would be thrown away. It hurt at first, and then it got to the point where he spared them the trouble of disposing of it, and threw it out himself. Harry placed a poorly made clay snowman on the tree next, it looked like it had three eyes and the carrot for its nose was off center. He could remember the fuss Petunia made when Dudley presented it to her, she acted as though it were the work of Manet.
Harry became lost in the repetitive motion of pulling the ornaments out of the box and putting them on the tree, to the point that he didn't realize that there was a looming presence behind him. "Hey Freak, careful with my ornaments," Dudley stated harshly, his voice was threatening and made Harry tremble. Although Vernon was the one who beat him Dudley was intimidating in other ways, like Harry Hunting, a sport which Dudley and his friends found pleasure in. Harry's eyes widened as he turned to see his whale like cousin holding a porcelain white bell with the words, "So that all the angels may come," on it.
"I am," replied Harry slowly, he knew this game, Dudley loved it when Harry was in trouble. Dudley wrinkled his nose, "No you ain't. Look at the tree it's hideous," he stated. Harry's eyes widened as he felt his temper bubble slightly, he didn't even realize it but an hour had passed from when he had started. "It wouldn't be if I didn't have to hang your ornaments on it," Harry replied.
He froze and bit his lip, he shouldn't have said that. Once again the walrus of a boy had managed to goad him into a terrible position. Harry mentally slapped himself for forgetting the fact that Dudley was always looking for a way to place Harry in a terrible position. Dudley smiled darkly as he slowly opened his hand allowing for the small red orb to fall from the boy's sausage like fingers. Harry's eyes widened as he watched the bell shatter on the floor, white shards flew everywhere, and stuck in the carpet. "Dad, Freak broke an ornament!" he shouted.
Harry paled when he heard Vernon shout, "You worthless!" as he barged into the room. The slender little boy stared at the now shattered bell, it was an heirloom. "You think you can break our stuff and get away with it!" he shouted angrily. Harry was trembling, fear ran through his body in waves, he didn't want this, he just wanted to have a peaceful Christmas. Vernon grabbed Harry's arm harshly and twisted it behind the boy's back. The cracking sound filled Harry's ears as Vernon twisted. It hurt, however, Harry knew if he cried out, it would only make it worse. "It appears that once wasn't enough today," spat Vernon. Harry closed his eyes and began to pray that he would not wake up after this beating.
Vernon harshly dragged Harry to the basement, it was dark and cold. All of the warmth, which had flowed through the upper floors of the house, was gone as he entered the darkness of the basement. Vernon growled as he shoved the boy against the wall. Harry knew the drill, he knew it all to well. The little boy slipped out of the raggedy tee he was wearing a draped it over a dented folding chair near the stairs. Once that was done he slipped out of his pants, so that he was nude before his uncle, exposed for the world to see. "It would appear that we will have to resort to harsher treatment," Vernon hissed. Harry's eyes widened when he spotted a belt with a large steel buckle, he knew his uncle wouldn't go easy on him, he would get the buckle for what he had done, for even being born.
"Hands on the wall," Vernon spat. Harry did as he was told and closed his eyes, "You will count them, fifteen lashings," said Vernon darkly as he snapped the leather belt. "Yes, sir," Harry replied quickly as he closed his eyes and bit his lip. Without warning Vernon brought the belt down upon the boy's marred back. Harry fought every urge to scream as he felt the metal bit his skin, tugging his barely healed wounds open. It stung, "One," Harry stated, this was going to be a long punishment.
~~WL~~
The holidays were perhaps one of the brightest times of year, and yet, they brought one man in particular the most pain. Hunched over a steaming cauldron in his laboratory in Spinner's End was none other than Professor Severus Snape, Potions Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Several daring Gryffindors of the house Quidditch team pulled a few dangerous stunts, and thanks to that nearly ran Poppy out of Blood Replenisher. Severus sighed as he stirred the cauldron counter clockwise with a crystal stirring rod, his potion stained fingers held it tenderly.
He missed Lily the most this time of year, and the Christmases at the Evan's house, away from Tobias. Every year, he would light a candle in his bedroom window for one person, Lily. Even though Snape wasn't a religious man in nature, he still thought that if he lit the candle that she would at least visit him for one night. He hummed softly as he removed the caldron from heat, and waited for the potion to cool before he could siphon it off and bottle it properly. All of the bottles were waiting with his signature labels and crest pressed into the glass.
He listened to his words ring with a warning before a loud pop occurred. "Hello Lucius," Snape said smoothly, as he began cleaning up the mess, which had been made while brewing. "How the hell did you know it was me?" asked the blonde aristocrat as he strode in. Severus smirked as he listened to the clock in the other room chime, "Because you are a minute early, and you always show up this time each year to invite me to your home for dinner," he replied.
His black eyes found a pair of rather amused grays looking back at him, "I suppose you are right," replied Lucius as he dropped the aristocratic mask of a Malfoy and donned the loving friend. "I just don't want to see you alone on Christmas Eve, and Narcissa is always worried that you aren't eating again," he pointed out before making himself comfortable on a stool in the lab. Ever since Lucius had gotten the address to Spinner's End and demanded to be keyed into the wards, Severus was unable to get the blonde to go away. Oddly the company was welcome, not that Severus would ever admit it. "I am, ask Sage," he said smoothly as he walked over to the cauldron, and began filling the labeled bottles with the garnet red potion. Lucius heaved a sigh while crossing his arms, "Severus, just join us for dinner when you're done. Draco misses you," he stated simply, there was a hint of an unsaid threat in his words. For as long as Severus had known Lucius, the man was making the silent threat of dragging him out of the house, oddly it was never because Lucius missed him though.
Severus arched a brow as he looked at the blonde, "Okay, we all miss you," Lucius clarified. As always the man dodged the look, Severus shook his head, he supposed that was the closest he would ever hear the proud blonde say he missed him. There was a hint of sadness in the man's voice, it seemed to echo through the room, "Severus, it's the Holidays and you're cooped up making Blood Replenisher, that's not a really attractive way to spend it," Lucius reasoned, as he looked at his cane in his leather gloved hands. His black leather fingers traced the silver head of the serpent.
Few knew that Lucius' wand was tucked inside the top of his cane, the wizard couldn't stand being defenseless, the thought made him nervous. "It has to be done," Severus replied simply, and Lucius hummed as he shook his head, his platinum blond hair swayed as he did so. "Sev, come on, it can wait till tomorrow can't it? You've already made one batch," Lucius observed as his cold grey eyes fell on the large pewter cauldron and the vials, which the Potion's Master was filling. Severus twitched when Lucius used the nickname, however let it slide. Lucius knew who Severus was avoiding thinking about, Lily. Even when they were older Severus spent time with Lily, they even went looking for trees, not anymore.
Before the Potion's Master could reply he heard his floo buzz. "You better take a look, it might be Professor Dumbledore," he drawled before rising and wandering into another room. Severus sighed and rubbed his hand over his eyes, before striding toward the fireplace. After a moment he stuck his head in it, "Yes Albus?" he drawled, "I've been making potions for Poppy, can't this wait?"
The Headmaster chuckled, his eyes held that infernal twinkle. "No my boy, I'm afraid not. I need someone to check on Harry, the person I have watching the house is concerned for his well being. Although I assure you that they are taking wonderful care of the boy," Albus said simply. Severus stared at the Headmaster, he didn't want to see Harry, the reminder of who he had lost Lily to. He glared angrily at the Headmaster and replied, "If they are taking such wonderful care of him, then I don't need to go," he stated, "Send Minerva or Filius. I'm very busy."
Albus smiled brightly, "Come now Severus, surely Lily would want you to check on the boy. I doubt anything is wrong, just pop in," he said smoothly. Severus internally sighed, the man wasn't going to leave him be until he did so, of course he would use Lily. "Fine, I need the address," he spat. His arms were crossed as he mentally kicked himself for giving in so easily. Then again, it would get a certain blonde out of his hair for a bit, which wasn't a bad idea. "Number 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey," replied Albus with a grin. "Is there anything else Albus?" asked Severus tightly, he wasn't comfortable going into a muggle area let alone to see Potter. "No, Happy Christmas, Severus," Albus chirped before stepping away from the floo.
Severus rose to his full height and scowled at the aristocrat, who had clearly been eavesdropping in the doorway. "Well we have his address now," said Lucius sang with an ever growing smirk. The Potion's Master looked at the blonde in exasperation, "Looks like I will be going to your home sooner than expected," he commented as he picked up a handful of floo powder and tossed it into the fire. As much as he hated indulging the blonde he didn't want to deal with the man he would have to bite the bullet to talk to their houseguest. "Malfoy Manor, Manchester, England," he shouted over the roar of the flames.
Once he had managed to step out of the fireplace, he swept the soot from his shoulder and looked at the decorated mansion. It looked as though it were part of an elaborate fairy tale. A massive tree stood in the foyer, decorated in snow and ice with assorted ornaments through out. Birds were perched in it, which had once been paper flapping their wings and hopping from branch to branch. Severus even spotted a pair of them preening one another. Clearly Narcissa had decided to go a little further this year, he spotted tiny lanterns hanging in the tree. A beautiful star hovered just above the top of the tree, it's soft blue light caressed the walls and ceiling. Severus stared at the advanced work of Lucius' wife, Narcissa was very good at charms and healing, however not as good as Lily. Lily was one of the best and could have been a Charm's Mistress if she were still alive.
The railings of the stairs were wrapped in living garland with bows, ribbons and ice orbs. His eyes traveled around the room as he spotted the holly and poinsettias. The manor was glistening with warmth and joy, Lucius hummed affectionately as he slipped his hands in his pockets and smiled, "Home," he breathed as he walked through the hallway past Severus. This Lucius was very different from the one which frequented the halls of the Ministry of Magic, this one was relaxed, loving and softer.
In the distance Severus could hear the soft laughter of a very happy Draco and Narcissa. "Draco, you're supposed to frost the cookies, not wear it," she teased. The sight must have been warm, however Severus knew that he wouldn't see them till later. Lucius was leading him to the opposite end of the house. The decorations oddly continued through here, they were getting closer to Lucius' study, then again he did work for the Ministry and had to keep up appearances. The blonde smiled as he opened the doors of his study, before the fire was a large black chair with a slate blue Irish Wolfhound sitting beside it. "Lucius, I thought it would take longer to peel Severus away from his work," teased a very familiar voice, it was smooth and contained a note of humor. As always it's owner spoke just a few disciples over a whisper, something that most people found eerie. "I almost didn't successes until a certain Headmaster ripped him away," replied Lucius.
Severus stood beside the chair and looked at the man who was sitting in it. His bright red eyes shone more vividly in the orange glow of the fire, he had a pale complexion with black hair which had been neatly styled. Curled up in his lap was his massive familiar Nagini, a book was between his long fingers and the man sighed. "What does he want?" he asked elegantly as he arched a brow. He was dressed in a smart black three piece suit with a bright red tie that brought out his eyes, a pocket watch hung from one of the buttons on his waistcoat. Severus drew a deep breath before replying, "He wants me to check on Potter, my lord."
Red eyes gazed into the fire as though they were searching for something, "I see," he drawled. The book snapped closed and found itself on the table beside him before Severus watched the man's long fingers fish his familiar yew and phoenix feather wand from his pocket and twirled it absentmindedly. "Who rang the alarm?" he asked after a moment. Severus knew the man would want to know, "I have no idea my lord, Albus didn't say anything," he replied.
The yew and phoenix feather wand stopped moving, "Severus, we are in private, call me Tom like you always have. That formality is for meetings," he stated as he rubbed his temples, a sign of irritation in the rather young looking Tom Riddle. "Forgive me," Severus said softly. The dark haired man chuckled and smiled a little, "Always the same. Severus, do as Dumbledore asks, check on the boy. However-" Tom abruptly stopped speaking and grit his teeth, his free hand gripped the arm of the leather chair he was sitting in. His face twisted in pain as he closed his eyes and hissed, "Again? It's nearly Christmas," he seethed as his grip increased on the arm of the chair.
"Tom?" asked Severus quickly, instantly getting ready to help the man sitting before him. Tom drew a deep breath before slowly opening his eyes, "They're hurting him, again, I don't know how I know, I just do," he stated as he slowly loosened his grip on the chair. Nangini perked up and began hissing to her master, Tom replied to her quickly, it was oddly soothing to watch the two converse with one another. "What do you mean?" asked Severus slowly. Tom sighed as he looked at the Potion's Master, "Harry isn't safe there, no matter what the old man says, check on him and if you see a reason to remove him from that hell hole," Tom said slowly. Severus looked to Lucius who was staring at the man before him, "No one deserves that," Tom said slowly.
Although Severus honestly wanted to know more, he knew it was a very bad idea to question the young dark lord so he nodded and simply waited to be sent off. It had been a few years since they brought the dark lord back, however after doing so the man asked to have more of his Horcruxes destroyed so he could be whole. Even though the man had been insane at first, the one who was sitting in the chair now was perfectly stable and a kind man who had a bit of a temper. "You are dismissed, and Severus take Lucius with you," Tom added. Lucius grinned with delight as he trailed after the Potion's Master who was now attempting to keep his temper in check, "Of course my lord," he replied stiffly before leaving the study, with Lucius hot on his heels.
"You thought you were getting rid of me huh?" chirped Lucius as he continued down the hallway. Severus rolled his eyes and replied, "No of course not. It wouldn't be a horrid idea to bring an aristocratic blonde lord by the name of Malfoy to the suburbs of Britain." Severus grinned as he strode toward the foyer, "I resent that!" shouted Lucius as he hurried after the long strides of Severus. "Resent what?" asked a silky smooth voice, Lucius turned to see Narcissa standing in the hall with her arms crossed and a look of doubt on her face. "Nothing, I have to go with Severus on a mission for the Dark Lord," said Lucius smoothly.
She glared at him as though he were a little boy attempting to get out of a bath, which was something a Malfoy would never do. "Oh?" she asked. Lucius sighed and looked pleadingly at Severus. "You're wife, not mine," Severus replied, "Lovely as always Narcissa," he said with a smile. She chuckled and looked at the Potion's Master, "Severus will you return in time for dinner?" she asked curiously. Lucius was still fidgeting a little but seemed to relax, they really were an excellent match for one another. "Yes, we both will," he replied. She sighed and waved her hand, "Just be careful you two, dinner's at eight," she stated softly.
~~WL~~
The air outside was cold which was oddly soothing the fire, which had spread across Harry's back. He could still hear the crack of the belt as it hit his skin, after the thirty lashings, Vernon decided to add another reminder one which Harry knew would haunt him. Blood trickled down his back and leg; it began to soak through his pants and shirt. He had been thrown one of his cousin's old jackets and handed a wad of cash, Petunia needed him to pick up more crackers, she hadn't purchased enough of them for the tray she was putting together in order to entertain the Masons.
His green eyes were slightly swollen from crying as he looked at the now empty street, thankfully the store wasn't too far. The little boy shoved his hands in his pockets before he started walking slowly down the street. Thankfully his uncle hadn't broken anything, but it didn't hurt any less. The only place they never hurt him was his face, everything else was up for the taking. Harry shivered from the thought of his uncle and his cruelty. For as long as he could remember he was beaten, starved and ignored. All he wanted was a family of his own to love him, he didn't think it was selfish, even if the Dursleys did.
There wasn't a flake of snow in sight as Harry continued to walk. It didn't snow often in England, in fact it rarely ever did. Yet, he still wanted it to, he wanted to watch those white flakes dance in the air and stare at the fresh blankets which covered the ground and made it seem as though the earth were sleeping. The sky was dark, not a star or even the moon was in it, it was hard to have hope when he couldn't see the stars which were supposed to always be there. He sighed as he continued down the street, suddenly there was a loud crack which made him jump. It sounded as though a cannon had been fired. His eyes scanned the area as his heart began to pound, only to see nothing. He sighed and shook his head, he had to hurry if he were going to make it back to the house before the Masons arrived.
As he walked everything began feeling numb, he wasn't sure if it was from the cold or how badly he was hurt. In all honesty, Harry couldn't tell anymore. He was pulled from his thoughts when he arrived at a small shop, they were fortunately still open. Once through the doors Harry was greeted with a gust of warmth, usually he liked it, however today he didn't have the time to enjoy it. Retrieving the crackers was his priority, even if Vernon had guests coming that didn't mean Harry wouldn't get beaten later for being seen or being late. He had already been told to get in his cupboard and stay there for the rest of the evening after getting the crackers. Harry walked down the aisle and looked at the rows and colorful boxes of crackers, scanning for the box which Petunia always bought. She hated anything that didn't seem as though it came out of a magazine or book, she desired the perfect family, a family without him. She would always tell him how useless and how much of a burden he was, she wouldn't even say his name.
Harry's thin fingers wrapped around the box as he pulled it from the shelf, with the crackers in hand he made his way to the register. He handed the woman the money and counted back the change before pocketing it and the receipt. He knew if he didn't have all of the change and the receipt he would be in for it. The plastic was clutched in his arms as he slowly left the store, his hands hurt from the cold and he could see his breath. It was much colder than before, Harry sighed, he knew if it got too cold he would never see the snow fall. He continued walking when he noticed something white dance before his eyes and land on the large navy blue coat he was wearing. He froze standing in front of a park and stared wide eyed at the fleck. "Snow?" he asked softly. Another flake danced in the breeze causing a smile to curve Harry's lips.
He slowly began to walk again, a smile on his face as he watched the snow fall around him, and it began to fall much faster and harder than it had started. His eyes widened when he realized that he would never make it back home if he got stuck in the snow and the Dursleys wouldn't go looking for him. He picked up his pace and was about to run when he heard a shout, which was followed by something hard and cold hitting his side. Instantly Harry froze and stared at his sleeve, snow was caked on it from a snowball. His eyes frantically searched for a member of Dudley's crew to land on a pair of figured a few paces away. "Missed," proclaimed a deep silky smooth voice with a note of triumph. "Apparently not," said another, this one was smooth but not as deep, it had an air of sophistication to it which made Harry think of Mr. Mason.
"Throw one back!" called the deeper of the two, "I'm sure he'd love assistance destroying his robes even more!" Harry was still and remained quiet, he had no idea what to do, part of him said to run and yet the other part, the one which was more curious was begging to stay.
~~WL~~
Surrey was quiet and very cold, oddly it was colder than his home in Spinner's End. Severus looked over to see Lucius standing at his side, they had landed in a park, clearly the wards wouldn't let them near the house. "No snow?" asked Lucius innocently as he looked around the muggle playground. Severus shrugged and pointed out, "It's not cold enough, hopefully it doesn't get too cold though," he said softly. Lucius looked up and hummed, Severus knew that there were clouds and it was only a matter of time before the snow began to fall, however, he wasn't about to tell the snow loving Lucius that. He wouldn't be able to get the blond aristocrat back to his wife if he did. "Looks like we have to walk," Lucius said as he began to march toward the sidewalk, when Severus saw a small form walking on the other side of the street. "Wait," he instructed as he watched the child.
Severus stared at the slender form which was limping slightly, his small body was practically curled over itself as he walked from the cold. "What?" asked Lucius as he looked the same way that Severus was. The boy looked up and that was when Severus felt his world stop, the boy had large round glasses, messy black hair and a pair of beautiful emerald eyes, the eyes which haunted both his dreams and nightmares. Severus was quiet as he watched the boy continue walking. "No, Sev, he's nearly the same age as Draco, and that boy doesn't even look 5," Lucius said harshly. Severus could tell that Lucius didn't believe him, but the Potion's Master knew it had to be Potter. "Why would his family let him walk the streets this late?" asked Lucius.
Oddly the blond had asked the same question he had and he hummed before looking at him, "I don't know." By this point the snow was falling faster and a certain blond was enjoying it, a little too much by Severus' standards. A snowball was flung in his direction and hit the dower man in the back. Severus looked over his shoulder with his eyes narrowed at a grinning Malfoy, now he knew just where Draco got his mischievous stint from. Even Lucius was well bred and acted as though he were above everyone else, the truth was he enjoyed causing trouble like anyone else.
Severus smiled crookedly as he slipped his wand out of his sleeve and flicked it. Snow from a nearby branch fell down Lucius' robes, causing the man to howl. "Not funny, Sev!" he hissed as he danced a little. Severus simply grinned, "That's cold!" shouted Lucius, "And these were new robes!" It took everything Severus had not to stick out his tongue at the aristocrat who was attempting several warming charms. "You're so getting it," Lucius challenged as he pointed his ebony wand at the Potion's Master. On cue a snowball was flung toward the man's back once again, Severus smirked as he stepped aside to allow the snowball the right of way. "Missed," he said with a hint of triumph, which only irritated the Malfoy patriarch more. It sailed through the air to a familiar slender form. Severus' eyes went wide as he watched the ball hit the boy's arm.
The boy froze and looked around frantically, a box was clutched to his chest in a market bag, at least part of the mystery was solved. "Throw one back!" called Severus, "I'm sure he would love assistance destroying his robes even more!" Lucius gaped at the man who was grinning from ear to ear, "You!" shouted Lucius as he launched himself at Severus and teasingly punched the man. The figure stood frighteningly still and Severus' expression changed from light to dark as he gently pushed Lucius away and began to walk toward the child. Something was very wrong, he just didn't know what.
~~WL~~
Harry's eyes widened as the two figures came into view, both of them were in stunning long robes, they looked like carolers from the Victorian Era. The taller of the two was in all black, his robes billowing behind him as though he were floating. He had shoulder length black hair which framed his face and had a slight wave to it, his nose was rather large and crooked, it looked as though he had broken it as a child. He had a pair of dark black eyes which seemed to see through Harry, and stood out greatly against his sallow skin. The man who stood beside him had long platinum blond hair and cool grey eyes, his features were angular and reminded Harry of a Greek statue. He was clutching a cane in one of his hands and stood rather proud, his robes were covered in silver accents and were an emerald green.
"Are you alright?" asked the dark haired man, his deep voice was soft yet seemed to echo. Harry stared at the man, he knew what he wanted to say, however he also knew he would get severely punished if he did. "I'm fine," he replied softly and looked at the two. Lucius looked at Harry critically, "Why are you out here?" he asked. His grip on the box of crackers increased as he formulated an answer in his head, "Aunt Petunia ran out of crackers for our party," he said simply as he looked up at the two men. The man with black eyes looked at him skeptically, yet remained silent. Harry had a feeling the man knew that he wasn't saying everything. He hummed and looked at the pair, "I have to go, Happy Christmas," he said brightly as he turned to leave. "Wait," commanded the darker of the pair.
He slowly knelt before Harry and whispered, "Are you happy?" those three words were laced with concern, an emotion which Harry rarely received. He nodded meekly, he had to get away, his Aunt and Uncle would kill him if he wasn't back soon. "Look at me." They were filled with sadness and pain, so much that Harry couldn't resist looking into a pair of solemn onyx eyes. There was snow clinging to the man's black hair and robe. "I'm Severus and this is Lucius, I'm a Professor at a school, you can talk to me," he pried. The blond man looked slightly shocked by this action, which told Harry that this was very important, "I have to get home," he replied, he couldn't tell a stranger of the inevitable beating which would probably occur, or that fact that he was in pain and dizzy both from blood loss and lack of food.
Severus sighed and picked up a handful of snow. Harry half expected the man to throw it in his face and laugh at him for falling for his tricks of being nice. The man looked around quickly before pulling out a stick and pointing it at the snow; he mumbled a word and a beautiful green light jetted out of the tip of the man's black stick. The green light was warm and curled around the snow folding it and shaping it.
Harry's eyes widened as he looked at the product of this green light. Sitting in the palm of Severus' hand was a glass like lily, it glistened in the light and made Harry smile. Severus held the lily out to the boy, "Take it with you, it will never melt," Severus said softly as he looked into Harry's eyes. Harry tentatively touched the smooth and warm petals of the flower, they were hard yet beautiful. He smiled gently before picking it up to examine it. "Why?" asked Harry, he looked at Severus and Lucius in confusion. "Because it's the holidays, and you need a gift don't you?" asked Lucius softly while Severus rose from the ground. Harry looked at the flower in his hand and realized that he had to hide it, or Petunia would believe he stole it. "Thank you," he whispered as he admired the flower. "How did you do that?" asked Harry curiously. Lucius shot an amused look at Severus who sighed and looked at the boy, "Magic," was his reply. Harry was about to ask another question when he noticed a car heading toward the house. His heart practically stopped, "I have to go now," he said in a panic as he looked at the flower. "Thank you," he said again before dashing down the street toward the placed he would never call home. Leaving behind him two strangers who didn't seem to scare him. It was odd though, they had come with the snow, then again he had been hoping the snow would come.
Harry rounded the corner and slipped into the backyard, there were several inches of snow on the ground now which made running a little more of a challenge. He sighed as he opened the door of the kitchen and placed the crackers on the counter as well as the receipts and the money. His mind was still filled with the thoughts of the two men who had come with the snow.