Fire & Ice: War Games

‘Now with my friend I desire not to share or participate, but to engross his sorrows, that, by making them mine own, I may more easily them; for in mine own reason, and within myself, I can command that which I cannot entreat without myself, and within the circle of another.’

Sir Thomas Browne, Religio Medici (pt II, sec. V)


The snow crunched under his feet as he waked up the drive. His eyes glanced over the estate, soaking in the private realm of the wizarding community. Being a muggleborn in the enigmatic world of magic had both advantages and disadvantages in his eyes.

Unlike many of his classmates, he didn’t have the advantage of growing up around magic. Substituting his thirst of knowledge, he was able to give the impression of being a pureblood with the benefit of the kindness and patience that his muggle roots gave him. Knocking on the manor door, he chewed on his lower lip as he waited nervously. Not being raised with the benefit of house elves or even the knowledge of their existence, he always felt uneasy when around them.

The door opened to admit him and he followed the house elf through the manor. The eager house elf bowed slightly as it opened the library door. “Thanks,” he mumbled as the house elf disappeared. He smiled as six faces turned and six voices greeted him as he closed the door.

“Leave it to Gryffindors to be late.”

“Well, unlike Slytherins, we know how to make an entrance.”

“And make yourselves targets, too.” Soot snorted, stroking the head laying in her lap.

“How do you figure?”

“Predictably the last to arrive and you all are overly loud with your opinions.”

“That has got to be the most ridiculous thing I ever heard.” He snorted into his glass of pumpkin juice.

“Before you two start bickering and ranting on about how your House is better then the other’s, can you remember we’re on holiday and don’t have to pretend we’re mortal enemies.” Leaning foward, his raven hair brushed across his folded knees. “Kill each other later. The whole purpose of getting together over the holidays was to forget about the world ‘out there’ and relax.” “D “Doc’s right, Howler.” A sleepy voice drawled as eyes fluttered close again.

“Are you on something? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so...so...relaxed, ever.”

“You would be too if you had been up the last seventy-two hours or so,” he grumbled as his eyebrows scrunched together.

“My heart bleeds for you,” Howler drawled.

“You two are acting like first year Huffelpuffs,” Lucky scowled.

“Not getting enough attention so you have to insult your own house?”

“Like the muggles say, ‘if the shoe fits’ Doc.” The witch smirked, tossing popcorn at the Ravenclaw.

Tossing a pillow at the Huffelpuff, “you’re such a pest.”

“But you love me.”

“Don’t remind me, Lucky.” The Ravenclaw smirked as the Huffelpuff narrowed her eyes.

The library door opened, “just checking in. Wanted to make sure no one killed anyone.”

“Not yet Father,” Doc smiled before muttering under his breath, “just leave already.”

“I’ll be in the study if you kids need anything, Jung.” Nodding his head, the wizard closed door behind him.

“Oh the joys that I miss,” Shadow snickered.

“The loss is yours. I wouldn’t trade my parents for all the gold in Gringotts.”

“That’s the difference between us. I would, dead or alive.” Shadow said softly as he leaned back, resting his head on Soot’s lap as onyx eyes took on a far-away look. Soot resumed stroking Shadow’s hair as his body slowly relaxed against her.

“Speaking of family, I want all of you to know that you’re welcome to spend Christmas here at the manor.” Doc said keeping his eyes on the lounging Slytherin.

“I won’t be alone,” Shadow mumbled.

Six pairs of eyes glanced questioningly at each other, “I don’t think that house elves count as company.” Stargazer said joining the conversation.

“I wasn’t implying that, Nala.”

“Shadow your parents are dead.”

“Your point is what exactly?” Raising a hand, “and please get to it quickly. I’m finding it hard to stay awake despite all the excitement of our little, cozy tea party.”

The library door opened before the witch could respond. “Season’s greetings,” seven voices echoed the sentiment as the new arrival walked in and closed the door. Stretching his lean frame across a couch, his amber eyes flickered over the six expressionless faces. “Still not sleeping, Shadow?”

“Come off it, Ripper, you know he doesn’t get a wink of sleep until after the new year.” Lucky said softly as she glanced at the pensive face of the Slytherin.

“Why is that anyway, Shadowowleowler demanded.

Struggling against Soot’s hand on his shoulder, “none of your bloody business!”

“You arrogant, egotistic....”

“Nosey, holier-than-thou, piece of...”

“Howler, Shadow stop it! Every time you two get into the same room I end up using a binding charm just to keep you two in separate corners and unable to kill each other. What is it with you two? Out there, in a hunt, you two get along and work together peacefully. But the gloves always seem to come off at the door just as easily as you change from your anmigus forms.”

Running his fingers through his hair, Ripper sighed. “I give up. Kill yourselves and be doneh ith it.”

Glancing back and forth, “Riddle’s got Huffelpuff’s crystle ball.”

“That’s news, Anubis. Took you long enough, did you burn a brain cell thinking that up?”

“Kiss my arse, Howler.” Anubis snapped at the lone Gryffindor.

“Merlin, here they go again.” Ripper sighed, closing his eyes.

A/N

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