AN: It has been a really LONG time since I updated this story, for which I would like to apologize. Between writer's block, other stories, new job, moving, etc... this story was tucked away to be forgotten. I actually wrote this chapter at least a year ago, but I was really hesitant to post it. I thought Eliza and Severus were really a bit out of character and that I was cramming too much in one chapter. But what the hell, it is almost Christmas and they drank a lot of wine. I cannot give any guarantees about the next post (very, very busy new job), but I will do my best to follow through. Please enjoy and review :)
Severus paced his study, his eyes glued to the offending scrap of parchment that had caused his stress levels to increase ten-fold as it sat innocently on his desk. It wasn't an official document, or anything written to him by the ministry, a teacher, or any student. It wasn't a bill or some other message meant to deplete his meager bank account. Instead, it was a simple, hand-written note that had the poor man in a state of utter distress.
It began when the Davenport girl approached him at the end of class four days prior. She was not in the habit of conversing with him or acknowledging that she knew him before attending Hogwarts, for which he was eternally grateful, so he was taken by surprise when she pushed through the crowd of exiting students and deposited a note on his podium. He waited until the classroom was empty before swooping over to the podium and yanking open the parchment envelope. Inside he found a brief message written in Eliza's neat script.
Join me for dinner 7:00 pm Christmas Eve. There will be absolutely no blasted Christmas carols. – E.S
A slight smile broke through his usual stony expression when he read her last sentence. He always detested the disgustingly charming tunes, and he often considered hexing Flitwick for leading his choir every year to the teachers' offices for caroling and egg nog.
Despite his initial approval at the invitation, panic began setting in when McGonagall reminded him that evening that socks were no longer considered an acceptable gift at the staff Christmas party. Was Eliza expecting a gift when he came for dinner? What in the world would he get her? Why didn't he detain the Davenport girl and interrogate her about Eliza's visit? Why had Eliza not delivered the message herself? His internal barrage of frantic questions tied his stomach in knots as he rushed back to the dungeons to brainstorm a last minute gift for the witch.
Eliza Slope remained an utter mystery to Severus. After the quidditch match, when she planted a chaste kiss on his cheek, Severus' mind whirled with confusion and possibility. His thoughts were crowded, squeezing together to allow Eliza to join the fray. To make matters worse, Lily, being the kind compassionate woman she was, quickly sacrificed the most dominant portion of his thoughts to give Eliza space. So the month of December passed without a single visit from Eliza and yet she occupied his mind's meanderings on a daily basis.
Four days after receiving the invitation, when Christmas Eve finally arrived, Severus was no closer to answering his own questions than he had been the day the invitation appeared. With the attack on Arthur Weasley, and his newest duty of keeping Umbridge distracted through the disaster, Severus barely had time to contemplate Eliza's gift. To be honest, he was slightly miffed that he was not involved in finding the antidote to Nagini's venom. Was he not the potions master? Did he not have access to insider secrets? It was demeaning to be delegated to such lesser tasks, and if he wasn't so damn distracted he might have reminded the headmaster of his status.
The hands on his mantle clock were spinning much too fast that day, making Severus suspect that he was victim to one of the Weasley twins' damnable pranks. But of course he could not truly believe that since the twins were clearly at 12 Grimmauld Place. No, the day had come and Severus was an absolute nervous wreck. He paced his study until the clock chimed at a quarter to seven.
By some miracle, just as he was wrapping his heavy cloak around his shoulders, a sudden idea popped into his mind. Rushing over to the greenhouse window he had charmed into the dungeon wall years ago, he carefully chose one of the plants that he had repotted a few days before. For a brief moment, he considered tying a bow around its plain green pot, but quickly decided against it in case Eliza wasn't planning to exchange gifts. Within moments he was heading down the path to the front gate, nearly skipping with joy that he finally had a solution to his troubles.
When he arrived in Eliza's backyard, the sick hollow feeling in his middle had returned. He supposed apparition on an empty stomach made him feel ill, choosing to ignore the fact that he was absolutely terrified about this dinner.
Knocking on the backdoor, he waited nervously for her to answer. Despite her response taking longer than expected, possibly due to the odd combination of muffled music, scuffling, and screeching sounds on the other side of the door, Severus was not prepared to be greeted by nothing short of a deranged Eliza Slope. Raising his hand to knock a second time, the door suddenly swung open to reveal Eliza sporting a rather vicious wide-eyed scowl.
"I'm going to kill Sirius!" She snarled, stepping back to allow him to enter.
Biting back a chuckle, Severus stepped into the kitchen. Immediately his senses were overwhelmed with tantalizing scents from the oven, a grating chorus of "12 Days of Christmas" from the living room, and the view of Eliza standing before him in strangely beautiful fury.
That last notation took the professor by surprise, but he could not deny that she was absolutely lovely in her dress of deep red. Normally he did not care for that color, always associating it with the brash idiots in Gryffindor, but Eliza wore it with such regal grace that he was beginning to question why he disliked the shade in the first place. The dress itself fit Eliza perfectly, with an open neckline, hugging closely to her tiny waist, and flaring out to a full skirt that fell just past her knees. Her white hair had been twisted neatly behind her head and three small strands of black pearls hung around her neck. But the loveliest feature at the moment was the livid expression on her face.
"While I am sure that dog is worthy of such a punishment, I don't think it is wise to plan his murder in anger," smirked Severus, as he carefully shuffled the potted plant he carried from hand to hand to remove his cloak. This action caught Eliza's eye right away, and she stared quizzically at the plant.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Severus thrust the plant into Eliza's hands. "I, uh, thought you might like this. It is a Christmas gift." Mentally, he cursed himself for stumbling over his explanation.
Surprisingly, Eliza squealed with delight and promptly buried her nose in the greenery. "Hmmm, rosemary is my favorite. How did you know?"
Severus gave her a small smile of relief. "Lucky guess. This particular plant is a cutting from one of my personal rosemary bushes. This line has been in the Prince family for over 200 years and it has the strongest magical properties of any other variety," he explained proudly.
With her previous rage now vanished, Eliza beamed up at the professor and quickly stretched up to peck him on the cheek, much like she had at the Quidditch match. Severus felt his face burn and he wondered if this was going to happen every time they met. It wasn't an unappealing idea.
"This is wonderful, Severus," she breathed. "Thank you." Moving away from him, she took the plant to the small greenhouse window that sat above her counter. Severus watched her hips sway as she walked, appreciating the feminine air with which she moved. Why had he not noticed before?
"So why are you planning on killing Sirius?" he asked, trying desperately to regain rational thought.
Eliza's scowl returned. "Do you hear that racket from the living room? Sirius knew I was out earlier and he sent those twins here to "decorate" my house. I have spent all afternoon trying to remove their 'festive décor', but it just made the bloody charms worse."
Severus actually bit the inside of his lip to keep from laughing out loud. Her anger was perfectly justifiable, but the manifestation of her indignation was unnervingly…cute.
"Would you like me to look at it?" he asked, the corners of his lips twitching with mirth.
Eliza narrowed her eyes into a glare. "No, we will just use a silencing charm and have dinner first. With any luck, the charm they used will die in an hour or so."
As Eliza put the finishing touches on dinner, Severus made multiple attempts to cast a successful silencing charm. Whatever spells the Weasleys had used were determined to make themselves heard, and the awful racket ripped through each charm that Severus cast at double the volume. Perhaps if the carols didn't sound like a dozen house elves being drowned while they were singing, he might have agreed to tolerate them through the meal. But noise was making the vein in his temple throb and he was sure that Eliza would soon grind her teeth to powder. With a string of the filthiest swears he could think of, Severus roared Silencio and whipped his wand with as much force as he could muster. By some miracle the warbling stopped.
"Thank Merlin for that," sighed Eliza. Once again, she graced Severus with one of her rare grins, the ones that made his stomach flip uncomfortably and his lips turn upward on their own accord.
Severus tried to regain a business like expression as he took a seat and looked over the meal before him. "Dinner smells wonderful, Mrs. Slope," he said politely.
Eliza rolled her eyes. "I do believe that we are on a first name basis now, Severus."
Severus smirked. For some reason he had a perverse pleasure in hearing his given name fall from her lips. The aloof, well-bred tone her voice carried improved his name to the point that is almost sounded pompous.
"I suppose you are right, Eliza" he drawled, reveling in the way a subtle blush settled on her cheeks. Perhaps it was the nerves, or maybe it was simply Christmas spirit, but Severus realized that he was unabashedly letting his guard down for an evening of frivolity, as Minerva would say, with Eliza Slope.
Together they dined, amiably discussing recent events and interesting articles they had each read. They talked about students and their less appealing qualities. They complained about Albus and his meddling. They bickered about the other Order members and what relevancy their roles had to the great cause. It had been more than two hours since Severus arrived, but he had a feeling that they could talk like this long into the night.
"You wouldn't believe the nerve of Lucius," Eliza spat. She scowled as she said his name making Severus suspect that their conversation would soon be taking a downward turn. Eliza had been consuming wine at an alarming rate, and although it gave her cheeks a steady flush that he appreciated, Severus knew that the possibility of her becoming a belligerent drunk was swiftly approaching.
"What has he done now?" Severus asked, taking a sip of his own wine. He was still on his first glass.
"He went and told Narcissa that he saw us at St. Mungo's. I was sure he wouldn't bother, but of course he always was a gossip queen." Eliza rose suddenly from the table. "So today I got this – hold on, let me get it." She wobbled over to the counter, tottering on her slim heels. Picking up a thick envelope, she brought it back to the table and thrust it in Severus' hands. "I got this in the post today."
Severus did not need to open the envelope to know what it contained. Eliza had received an invitation, just like the one he received every year, to the Malfoy's annual New Year's Eve Ball. It was an ostentatious show that the Malfoys put on for their wealthiest, pure-blood friends. Severus did not fall into either category, but as the Slytherin head of house an invitation still arrived every year via an opulent golden owl. And every year, at Albus' bequest, Severus donned his black dress robes and arrived at Malfoy Manor precisely fifteen minutes past ten on New Year's Eve.
"You have received an invitation to one of the most exclusive and illustrious events in Great Britain. I fail to see why this is a problem," Severus said sarcastically.
Eliza scowled at Severus for a moment, clearly not picking up on his sardonic tone. "This is Narcissa's doing. She wants to rub her life in my face. I am not sure what she thinks she is achieving in doing so. I am not the one interested in a puffed up dandy with nothing but galleons for brains."
Severus snorted. Her description of Lucius was surprisingly apt. "I am afraid I do not understand why your opinion would have any bearing on Narcissa's satisfaction," he said.
Cocking her head to the side, Eliza gave him a long look. "You don't know do you?" She asked, her voice thoughtful.
Severus scowled slightly. No, he didn't know what she was referring to, and honestly he hadn't been aware that he had missed anything until she said something.
Casting her eyes to the floor, Eliza chewed on her lip as though she was thinking of how to explain.
"Narcissa is my sister," she said slowly, allowing the words to sink into Severus. "My twin sister, in fact. For some reason she has maintained this awful rivalry since childhood. I thought going fourteen years without speaking would have cured it, but apparently not."
Severus was stunned. Silently he sat, staring off into space as he processed this new information. She was Narcissa Malfoy's sister, her twin sister. How could this be? Racking his brain for any hint that could have given this information away, he was shocked to find that the evidence was right before his overlarge nose all along.
That explained her relationship with Sirius. It was obvious they knew each other well, but Severus never made the connection. That would explain Eliza's expression every time Tonks spoke. And the way she reacted to Lucius at St. Mungo's. And the conversation they had at the Quidditch match. Hell, it would even explain the damn burn mark he had noticed on that tapestry back at Grimmauld Place.
Hazarding a look at Eliza, he could see the Black features and mannerisms written all over her face. She had the same pointed chin as her sisters, the same proud posture, and the same haughty speech patterns of a true pure-blood. She dressed in clothes made of fine fabrics, and when she chose to wear jewelry, it was usually the sort of superior quality that was passed down for generations. Her temper closely resembled Sirius' and Bellatrix's, but her cool collected demeanor rivaled Narcissa's.
"Say something, Severus," Eliza said quietly, her brow furrowed in worry.
Opening his mouth to respond, Severus hesitated. What should he say? Other than the annoyance at his inexcusable negligence to recognize her family connection, he was not particularly upset with this new information. He could not condemn Eliza for her ancestry because he knew that lineage alone had no impact on a person's behavior. He was shocked, but not appalled by this revelation.
"I am so sorry," he said, unable to suppress a chuckle.
Eliza's jaw dropped. "W-what?" she stuttered.
Severus' chuckle turned into an uncharacteristic laugh. Maybe it was the wine, or maybe it was the sheer absurdity of it all, but this was definitely the most amusement he had ever experienced at the hands of a Black.
"I fail to see the humor in this," scowled Eliza, her green eyes narrowed into a rather ferocious glare.
Severus shook his head but continued to laugh, gripping his side in pain. "I am so sorry," he repeated. "Sorry that you are related to that dog. What does it feel like to be the sole sane member of the Black family?"
Eliza's scowl turned into a sheepish grin. "I am afraid I can't be the sole representative of sanity. Andromeda definitely has me beat."
"I suppose you are right," he said. Leaning back in his chair, Severus and tossed the invitation back in Eliza's lap. "So what are you going to do about that?"
Eliza looked down at the fine parchment, her lip curled in disgust. "I would prefer to do nothing. I have no interest in going to this thing."
Pushing his empty plate out of the way, Severus leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table, steepling his fingers in front of him as he began to formulate a plan. "Lucius knows that we are working together now. And we need the Dark Lord to believe that you are confiding in me in regards to your research," He said slowly, eyeing Eliza to gauge her reaction. "Perhaps it would be a good idea to be seen together, at least where the Death Eaters can see us. And I have also received an invitation. It will make the ruse more believable."
Eliza looked up at him, her eyes wide, "You want to go to the ball together?"
Severus felt his cheeks burn at her hopeful expression. "I think it would make your position more secure," he answered measuredly, lest she was given the impression that his suggestion was loaded with personal intent.
Sighing, she looked down at the invitation again, chewing on her lip in thought. "I guess it is a good idea to be seen together. I really hate these things though."
"I couldn't agree more," he murmured.
Together, they rose to clean the kitchen, each washing and putting away dishes with a few waves of their wands.
Their next task, ridding the living room of the infernal singing decorations, was not as simple. It was long past 11 when they finally finished stripping the flashing garlands from the wall and the dancing stockings from the mantle. The warbling carols had reduced to a demonic sounding dredge and were no longer resistant to Severus' attempts at silencing them.
With chores complete, the pair collapsed on the sofa, each leaning back and closing their eyes. Severus was content to remain in this prone position for several minutes, reveling in this moment of rare relaxation, but Eliza was soon flitting from the room. She returned a moment later carrying a small black box. Sitting beside Severus, she carefully set the box on his lap.
"Happy Christmas, Severus," she said softly.
Quirking an eyebrow, he slowly picked up the black box and inspected it from all angles, testing its weight in his hands, searching for any indication of what its contents might be.
"Open it," Eliza insisted, giggling slightly.
Hesitantly, he pried the lid off the box and peered inside. Nestled in soft paper was a beautifully engraved silver flask. The gift literally took his breath away as he ran a finger along the delicate design surrounding a scrolling S.
It took a couple tries to respond, his throat thick with emotion. "This is wonderful, Eliza," he murmured, still tracing the design.
Eliza smiled widely, her cheeks flushed. "It's not just the flask, it is what's inside," she explained.
Giving her a questioning glance, Severus unscrewed the silver cap and took a whiff. Although he could detect certain key ingredients, he was not able to place what potion was inside.
"It's an antidote. A very specific antidote," She explained.
"For what poison?" he asked. It seemed strange that she would give him a random antidote. Perhaps, he considered, she thought he might be poisoned someday.
"It's for venom. Dumbledore asked me to help with Arthur Weasley's case, so I developed this antidote." Eliza was wringing her hands as she explained this, clearly distressed over the source of inspiration. "I know you work closely enough to the Dark Lord that you are at high risk of having an encounter with that damn snake. If something should happen…if you get bitten…you must take this right away."
Severus was not sure if he had ever reacted in such a way to a gift, but it was an experienced he cared not to repeat. It began with difficulty swallowing, like there was a bit of bread wedged in his throat, as he stared at the flask in his hand and replayed Eliza's words in his mind. She was worried about him getting bitten. She was worried about him.
It wasn't something he cared to admit, but Severus was sure that if Eliza hadn't chosen that moment to fling her arms around his neck, she would have certainly seen the tears threatening to slip down his cheeks. She was worried about him.
Severus reveled in the feeling of Eliza, pressed against him, around him. Dropping the flask back in the box that was still sitting on his lap, he timidly returned Eliza's enthusiastic hug.
The hug was over much too soon, and yet Severus was thankful. He didn't want to think about what horrible color his face must be. He couldn't meet her eye, not yet, lest the tears and the lump in his throat should return. Allowing his hair to curtain his face, Severus bent over the flask to inspect it once more before tucking it into his robe pocket.
With a sidelong glance at Eliza, Severus cleared his throat. "Thank you," he said quietly. "I hope to Merlin that I never have to use it, but if that moment should arise, I am grateful that you thought of me and that my life will be saved at the mercy of your hands."
"Oh Severus," Eliza murmured, shaking her head when the words evaded her. Taking his hand, she gave it a squeeze.
Just then the clock struck midnight.
"I really must get going," sighed Severus. "Albus has me on hall duty."
"Not yet, I'm afraid," giggled Eliza. Biting her lip, she pointed above Severus' head. Floating about a foot above him was a sprig of charmed mistletoe.
"Damn Weasleys," he muttered, trying to swat the mistletoe away. But being the charmed decoration that it was, the sprig instantly began to grow and long tendrils wrapped around his shoulders, pushing him towards Eliza.
For a moment, Severus felt true fear as the mistletoe proved to be an inescapable opponent. The more he tried to wiggle out of its grasp, the faster it pushed him toward Eliza.
She, on the other hand, was nothing short of amused by the plant's tactics. "You know, I think there is just one solution to this."
"Fiendfyre?" He snarled, the plant holding him just inches away from Eliza's face
"Just kiss me, Severus."
There was no hesitation. Before she could finish saying his name, he pressed his lips to hers in a crushing kiss. The mistletoe began pulling away immediately, but Severus moved his hand to the back of Eliza's neck and turned his head to deepen the kiss. Somewhere in the back of his mind a flash of red hair reminded him why he shouldn't be doing this, but that was instantly swept away when Eliza moaned softly and her lips parted slightly beneath his. It just felt so right to be kissing Eliza Slope.
It was Eliza who pulled back first, breathless but smiling. Giving him one more light peck on the lips, she pressed her forehead to his.
"Happy Christmas, Severus," she said softly.
"Happy Christmas, Eliza."