Chapter Twenty-Two: Merry Christmas

Disclaimer: The characters and settings belong to JKR. I promise I'll send them back all clean and shiny when I'm done.

Chapter Twenty-Two: Merry Christmas

Turning the tiny square package over and over in her fingers, Hermione examined the silver wrapping which gave no clue to the contents.

I knew the paintings were to be sold. We both knew. Why do I feel so...

Would he?

Thoughts twisted into knots, Hermione sighed and succumbed to her curiosity. Carefully removing the paper, she found a small, flat box covered with black velvet. Inside was a chain of finest silver links bearing three charms.

Runes.

Runes? Oh, Merlin. I learned these back in fifth year. He must know that.

Dare I believe this is a message and not just a pretty trinket?

Bringing the silver charms to her lips, Hermione bestowed a kiss on each before lifting the chain to her neck. Its length was sufficient for the charms to lie discreetly between her breasts, avoiding uncomfortable questions. With a smile, she headed down the stairs to join her parents for their ritual present opening around the Christmas tree.

***

"Hermione! About time you got here!" The loud clattering on the stairs of the Burrow heralded the onslaught of warm hugs and excited greetings. "We've waited all day to open your presents!"

"Oh, Ron, you didn't have to wait until I arrived. You could have opened them this morning."

Ron grinned. "Mum wouldn't let us, but we had a good feel and shake." Holding up a somewhat battered parcel, he dragged her through to the sitting room where a tree bravely holding up an assortment of Muggle and wizarding ornaments stood beside the hearth. "Come on, I can't wait 'til you see what I found for you."

"Are you eighteen or three, Ron Weasley?" Hermione shook her head at her redheaded best friend.

"Two, I think, 'Mione. He's been up since six this morning." Harry followed them into the room and flopped onto the sofa.

"Six? That's late for my big brother." Ginny smirked as she curled into Harry's side.

"Oi! You three have to be nice to me. It's Christmas." Ron handed his friends gifts wrapped in Chudley Cannons orange. "C'mon, open."

Harry met Hermione's eyes and grinned. "Together... go!"

Paper flew everywhere as they tore open their gifts. As one, the pair held up bright orange, Snitch-patterned nightwear. Hermione could not contain herself at the sight of Harry holding the shiny boxer shorts to his lap. "Oh, gods, Harry. You'll look so hot all the girls will be after you. You'd better lock him up, Gin."

"He might like that." Ginny smiled at Harry's blush as her finger trailed over the front placket of the boxers.

"Stop that, woman! Your mother's in the next room." Harry stuffed the offending garment into his pocket and turned to Hermione. "Let's have another look at yours."

She held up the flimsy, satin night shift.

"Very sexy. I'm sure your mystery man will appreciate the... um... coverage."

"I'm not sure it will cover anything; it's so short." Hermione pictured herself appearing in front of the Potions master in the skimpy orange creation she now possessed and giggled. "He'll love it."

"'Mione! I didn't buy that as a sex aid! I thought it would be cool in the summer."

"It's okay, Ron. I'm pretty sure she won't be wearing anything much over summer, will you?" Ginny winked.

"That's it, I'm opening mine now. You lot are obsessed with sex." Ron picked up his present from Hermione and shook it once more. "I'm pretty sure... Yes! The Keeper's gloves I wanted. You're brilliant, 'Mione!" Wrapping his long arms around her, he squeezed tight, then leaned back, eyes caught on the silver chain around her neck. "That's new."

Hermione's fingers fluttered over the chain. "One of my Christmas presents. It's a lovely, fine chain."

Ron's interest had already drifted to Harry, who was opening his own present.

"Wow, thanks, 'Mione!" Harry examined the sleek design of the wand holster he had unwrapped. "Just what I needed. It's very stylish."

"Well, I would have bought you a cane, but that's been a little overdone, don't you think?" It took a few moments to compose themselves enough to watch Ginny opening her gift of a quirky lacquered jewellery box, complete with twirling ballerina and tinkling melody.

Setting the box aside with a fond caress, Ginny handed over her parcel to Hermione. "It's not much, but I think you'll like it."

The set of handkerchiefs painstakingly embroidered with her initials brought moisture to Hermione's eyes. "They're beautiful. Thanks." The girls hugged as Harry fished in his pocket for his contribution to the party.

"Here's mine." His lips twisted as he shrugged. "Hope it's useful."

Hermione's gaze flicked up to catch the amusement in Harry's eyes as she opened the paper to find an elegant, gold-plated Muggle fountain pen set, complete with cartridges of ink in several colours.

"You've always got ink on your fingers. Sometimes, Muggles do it better." He grinned. "Besides, it'll save you forever searching in your bag for a quill you haven't worn out."

Molly's call for dinner saved Harry from the cushion about to be launched in his direction.

***

Just as Molly was serving the first course, a loud knock silenced the hum of conversation around the table.

"I'll get it," called Ginny as she ran to the door.

Hermione's heart sank as she saw the tall, dark wizard sweeping in the door.

"Am I too late for dinner?" Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt's voice boomed as he grabbed Molly in an all-encompassing hug.

"Of course not, but if you don't put me down, no-one will get fed." Molly's squeak finally penetrated Kingsley's good cheer, and he set her gently down to resume serving.

Finding a space between Hermione and Arthur, Kingsley beamed as he pulled out the chair. "And how's my favourite bookworm?" he asked, wrapping an arm around Hermione's shoulder and kissing her cheek.

Across the table, triumph glowed in Ginny's eyes as she winked at a furiously blushing Hermione. Managing a smile, Hermione patted the hand on her shoulder. "So, what's put you in such a good mood, Minister Shacklebolt?"

He shook his head. "I'm not Minister Anything in this house, young lady. And surely a day or two's escape from the demands of politics, Molly's fine food, and the company of one's dearest friends is enough for anyone to be happy?"

"Well said, Kingsley. Shall we have a toast? To good friends, present and absent!" Arthur lifted his glass and stood, followed by the rest of the table. A moment's silence allowed everyone to spare a thought for those who would never share the bounty of Molly's cooking again, and if a few tears found their way into the glasses, no-one passed any comment.

Three soul-warming courses later, Kingsley patted his mouth clean with a napkin and sighed. "Magnificent, as always, Molly. Arthur's a lucky, lucky man. Which reminds me, Hermione, may I speak to you for a moment in the library sometime this evening?"

Ginny's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as Hermione nodded agreement.

"So, what do you think he wants?" Ginny whispered as soon as she could get Hermione alone.

"I have no idea."

"You don't think he's going to... propose?"

Hermione cut off her friend's squeal with a quick Muffliato "Ginny! You don't have any idea what you're talking about, so stop making assumptions! Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister of Magic is not my... my... anything!"

Clearly unconvinced, Ginny smirked. "Sure. If you say so."

"I do." If I wasn't so bloody principled, I'd let her think she was correct to take the heat off Severus. Damn my pride. Still, I'd better go and find out what he wants.

Hermione waited patiently for Kingsley to finish his conversation with Arthur Weasley before touching his arm to indicate she was ready for him. Following him into the library, she closed the door behind them both and turned to him with a puzzled frown. "What was it you needed me for, Kingsley?"

He smiled and gestured to the armchairs before the fire. "No need to look so worried, my dear. I merely wanted to enquire as to your plans for next summer."

Hermione shrugged. "I hadn't really thought about it. I was going to look into my options after school starts back next term." She lowered her eyes. "There are some things I need to sort out before I make any final decisions, anyway."

"Well, I'd like you to consider coming to work as my assistant, at least for a year or two, Hermione. I've seen and heard about your considerable organisational and research skills, and you're just the person I need to get this bloody office of mine sorted out. The previous incumbents were less than scrupulous in their record-keeping, if you know what I mean. After everything is straightened out, if you didn't want to stay on, you could move on to whatever field you choose with an excellent reference for your trouble."

Kingsley could see the shadow of doubt in Hermione's wide, brown eyes. "I know you think you're too young for such a responsibility, but I'm sure it is well within your capacity, and to be quite honest, I really need someone I can trust absolutely to do the job with no hidden agendas. I know you, Hermione Granger, and I know you are just such a person."

Hermione nodded, too overwhelmed with the wizard's faith in her integrity to speak.

"Just think about it, all right? I'll box on for the next six months and keep my fingers crossed."

Finding her voice, Hermione replied. "Wow. I'm... just... wow. I'm honoured you want me for the job, and I'll certainly keep it in mind. Thank you, Kingsley."

"You're welcome. Let me know later on when you've decided. Now, I must go and talk to young Harry. Merry Christmas!"

Hermione leaned back in her chair once she was alone and pondered Kingsley's offer.

Wow. That's amazing. I could learn so much about how wizarding government works and maybe have a chance to influence things. And I don't even have to commit to a long-term position if I don't want to. I could move on to anything else I wanted with that on my resume.

I'll definitely think about it.

***

Snape slammed the door to his private quarters shut with a satisfying crash of wood on stone. So satisfying, he opened it and repeated the process. Removing his robes and hanging them on the coat rack, he reached for the wine he had abandoned earlier and slumped into his fireside armchair.

Idiots, the lot of them, with their foolish presents and garish decorations and overrich food. Are they all trying to eat themselves into an early grave? Four types of roast poultry, ham cooked in two ways, roast beef and pork, and grease-slathered vegetables. And none of them green, except the boiled-to-death brussels sprouts. Followed by plum pudding, brandy butter, mince pies and Christmas cake.

If I never hear Silent Bloody Night again, I'll be a happy man. If they had taken their own advice and ceased their infernal blathering at the dinner table...

Draining the glass, he set it back on the side table and contemplated the pile of items he had left that morning.

Old Ogden's from Minerva. Unoriginal, but acceptable. Strawberry-filled chocolates from Pomona. Does she really think I have such a sweet tooth? More parchment from Filius. Useful, I suppose.

What is this thing from Rolanda? Looks suspiciously like some sort of sex aide. Well, I'm not fucking asking her what it's for.

Fuck.

Snape groaned and adjusted his trousers, his body once again reminding him of the unforgettable night of passion he had shared with his student.

An hour later, having tried reading Potions journals, the latest Board of Governors' meeting minutes, and even a Muggle novel, Snape stood and awkwardly made his way to his bedroom. Stripping naked, he glared down at his unrepentant erection and stomped into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

Once.

***

"Severus, I insist."

"What part of 'No, I'd rather run barefoot through the snow dressed as Cupid, singing Christmas carols' do you not understand, Minerva?"

"Nevertheless, you will accompany me to the Burrow on New Year's Eve, you will behave with civility, and you will try to enjoy yourself. And you will not suddenly find an excuse to leave before midnight. Is that understood, Professor?" Minerva's expression brooked no argument. "You've done nothing but stalk around the corridors for the last twelve days, frightening the wee ones and upsetting your colleagues. I warned you, Severus, and I'll not be taking no for an answer."

Snape's shoulders slumped. A shrill Minerva McGonagall was a force to be reckoned with. Not to mention her hints earlier in the day that the Hogsmeade roster for the year had not yet been finalised.

"Very well, Minerva, as you cannot seem to manage without me, I shall endure the inanity of a Weasley New Year's Eve party. Just don't blame me if my presence creates disharmony."

"Oh, grow up, Severus. Everyone will be too busy enjoying themselves to bother with your surly attitude." She lifted her hand and patted his cheek. "Besides, you'll be a good lad and smile occasionally, won't you?"

Snape's glare followed her long after she had disappeared from his office.

***

Another knock sent Ginny scurrying to the front door to let in the latest arrivals. Already, the Burrow was buzzing with a heady cocktail of seasonal bonhomie and increasingly loud voices lubricated by a good serving of punch made to the Weasley twins' special recipe. Fred would have been proud.

Opening the door, the youngest Weasley was met with the somewhat unexpected sight of Blaise Zabini casually clad in a pair of jeans, a jumper, and what looked like a Muggle cashmere scarf.

A turquoise scarf.

"Well, are you going to let me in, or are you planning to let me freeze out here while you decide?" Blaise's eyes twinkled as Ginny blushed.

"Er... sorry. I just didn't..."

"Think I'd come?" The twinkle began to threaten Dumbledore's reputation.

"Idiot! I knew you were coming. Hermione said so. It's just... the scarf... it's so..."

"Loud?"

"I would have said... vivid." She smiled weakly. "Where on earth did you get it?"

"It was Hermione's Christmas present. I think she still likes me..."

"Oh, there you are, Blaise. I was beginning to think you weren't coming. And you wore the scarf!" Hermione threw her arms around him and grinned. "It looks fabulous. The lovely man in the shop told me turquoise was just the thing this season for men of your skin and hair colouring... What? Ginny? Why are you laughing? It looks great on him."

Ginny, calming herself after discovering the sharp point of Blaise's elbow, patted her friend's hand. "Hermione, my love, Exactly where did you buy that scarf?"

"At a shop in Covent Garden. His &Hers I think it was called. Why?"

Blatantly eavesdropping, Draco held back a snort. "You'd better get your eyes checked, Granger. It's called His & His. I shop there all the time. Wizarding fashion is so passé." His eyes swept over Blaise's garment and nodded. "Not my colour, but it does have a certain je ne sais quoi. You should keep it, Zabini. Never know, you might get lucky." He winked and turned back to deliver another glass of punch to Neville.

The contents of Luna's glass were in danger as she waved the hand holding it in a flourish. "Well, I think it's wonderful, Blaise. You'll never get infested with Wrackspurts wearing that colour."

"There. With two such ringing endorsements, obviously this scarf is perfect. Shall we?" Blaise offered an arm each to Luna and Hermione and joined the festivities.

Blaise was at Hermione's side when the front door opened again to admit Minerva McGonagall and a scowling Severus Snape.

"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in. Better put your game face on, Granger. You'll need it."

"What?" She turned, unable to suppress her reaction as her eyes met Snape's over the crowded room. Dammit, I'm supposed to be angry with him. I shouldn't be smiling like a simpering twit. He's in my bad books. Besides, if I Iook too pleased to see him, certain people will get entirely the wrong idea.

Or the right one.

Luckily, Ginny was otherwise engaged, regaling Neville and Draco with tales of Ron's odd taste in Christmas gifts.

"Fuck. Since when has he attended parties at the Burrow?"

"No idea, my lovely, but he's heading this way. I suggest you try not to undress him with your eyes in front of a room full of people. They might suspect you are having inappropriate fantasies about your professor."

Hermione managed not to spit her mouthful of drink on the new scarf. But not by much. "Blaise! If anyone is thinking about my fantasies involving a certain professor, it'll be..."

"Me, I hope." Snape's murmur in her ear as he brushed past en route to the unoccupied chair in the corner of the room was barely audible.

"Oh, stop smirking, you prat!" Hermione swatted Blaise's chest as she turned to watch the black-robed body she craved appear to blend itself into the background.

Hermione glanced around a few hours later when a voice called out, "Ten... nine... eight..." To her dismay, everyone had already paired up in anticipation of the arrival of 1999. Ginny and Harry were snuggled up in one armchair by the fire, Molly and Arthur were holding hands in the kitchen, Minerva McGonagall had a blushing George Weasley in tow, and Ron had found a long-legged blonde she had never seen before. Even Blaise, the traitor, had sheepishly ducked off to join Luna as she counted down with the rest. The only solitary person besides herself was the wizard in the corner, watching the clock with a scowl.

Dare I? In front of everyone? Oh, who am I fooling; they're not interested in a quick New Year's kiss. Everyone will be doing it.

"Six... five..."

"Looks like it's you and me, Professor."

"I don't think..."

"Three... two..."

"One. Happy New Year, Severus." Hermione kept her voice low as her lips met his under the cover of cheers and whistles. She had intended to keep the kiss light and brief.

Intentions were fine things.

With a groan, Snape lifted his hands to entangle them in her hair and flicked his tongue across the crease of her lips. Without a thought to the possible audience, Hermione whimpered and opened to him, allowing his tongue entrance and his body to press ever closer to hers. Waves of desire surged through her body as the heat of his arousal ground against her aching centre in a brief moment of madness. Suddenly, he pulled away, spun on his heel, and had disappeared before the front door had swung closed.

Hermione opened her eyes to find the entire room in stunned silence, staring at her. The seconds ticked by and still no-one had spoken. She glanced around at the faces of her friends and loved ones and answered the questions in their eyes with one of her own.

"What?"

***

A/N: This was written for shalimar1981 for the TPP Every Flavour Auction and betaed by the incomparable Karelia.

The runes used are from the Elder Futhark alphabet. I used this website for the meanings: http://www.sunnyway.com/runes/meanings.html

Dagaz (D: Day or dawn.) Breakthrough, awakening, awareness. Daylight clarity as opposed to night-time uncertainty. A time to plan or embark upon an enterprise. The power of change directed by your own will, transformation. Hope/happiness, the ideal. Security and certainty. Growth and release. Balance point, the place where opposites meet.

Laguz (L: Water, or a leek.) Flow, water, sea, a fertility source, the healing power of renewal. Life energy and organic growth. Imagination and psychic matters. Dreams, fantasies, mysteries, the unknown, the hidden, the deep, the underworld. Success in travel or acquisition, but with the possibility of loss.

Berkano (B: Berchta, the birch-goddess.) Birth, general fertility, both mental and physical and personal growth, liberation. Regenerative power and light of spring, renewal, promise of new beginnings, new growth. Arousal of desire. A love affair or new birth. The prospering of an enterprise or venture.