A Christmas Gift

The remaining days to the Yule Ball alternately dragged and flew. For Harry, the constant shift between anticipation and trepidation created more than enough angst for him to deal with. On top of that was the worry concerning Rus’ reaction to his gift, as well as when to present Remus with his gift. And Seamus. God but Harry was going to kill the boy if he heard one more time about how Lupin had asked him to the Ball, and how disappointed the girls were, and how much fun he was going to have. Naturally, because Harry wanted to do anything but think about it, Seamus came to him and gave him no choice.
rry rry was sitting in the common room by the fire, Potions book on his lap, not really reading so much as pretending that Snape was reading to him in that velvet sex voice of his.

“Um, Harry…can I bother you for some advice?” Seamus mumbled as he plunked himself down next to Harry.

Sighing, Harry closed his book and turned towards his housemate. “Sure. This is about Remus then?’

“Yeah. You know him. You two are friends and all. And mum always says that a true friends eye is a good mirror. So…um, what sort of stuff does he like? You know, to do.”

“Shouldn’t you be asking him that?”

“Come on Harry, give a chap a break.” Taking a deep breath, he looked around to make sure no one was close enough to hear what he had to say. “Look, I…I really like him Harry. I mean I know he’s been through a lot and all, and I get the feeling he and Sirius were, well, more than best friends. But, I’d like to see him once I graduate, you know? This isn’t just about having a hot bloke to take to take to the Ball.”

“Well. Not quite what I had expected from you but it is good to know. Good luck with that. He’s worth knowing.” Harry studied Seamus for a bit, then relented, and told his friend as much about Remus that he felt he could without betraying the other man’s trust or letting Seamus know he had said anything to Remus about him. That took quite a bit of time and kept Harry from focusing on the fact that said Ball was only a day away.

***

Christmas Eve dawned bright and beautiful, not that you would be able to tell in the dungeons. Severus roused himself slowly, glancing over at the clock that read ‘Past Breakfast’. He groaned, and got up to use the loo before he headed into his sitting room. He sat himself in one of the chairs in front of the fire and was preparing to conjure tea when he noticed the package sitting on the table. Immediately, he checked his wards. No one had entered his room but the house elves. Obviously, one of them had placed the gift there. The package was wrapped in Slytherin green paper and tied with a silver ribbon. Leaning in closer for a better look, he noticed a card stuck inside the folds of ribbon. Picking it up, he recognized Harry’s handwriting. ‘Happy Christmas’ was all it said. He frowned. It had been quite a while since anyone had given him gift, much less two in one week. Just what is the boy playing at? Curious, he undid the ribbon and carefully removed the paper. He opened the box and saw what appeared to be silk. Reaching in, he pulled out the robe and gasped. The serpents seemed to come alive, glittering in the soft light. Oh Merlin! Never have I recieved a gift such as this. It’s…it’s…more than I deserve. It’s more than I ever received from any of my so-called lovers. Hell, even from my family, and mother was always after me to dress myself better. Just a sodding minute! That impertinent brat! Does he think me unable to dress myself? Is that what this is about? Bugger that! I refuse to accept this. He will be bloody well be satisfied with they way I look without attempting to dress me. He folded the robe and moved to put it back in the box, when the box shrank to half its size. He tried again, and the box shrank once more. Carefully, he laid the robe on the cushion of the chair and reached for the box. Inside was a small scrap of parchment with more of Potter’s writing.

* I know that you have trouble accepting gifts. It would be an honour if you would wear this to the Ball tonight. Of course, you don’t have to, however, whatever you decide, I should like for you to keep this. *

Snape sighed in frustration. The brat was going to make him accept the bloody gift no matter what. And he hadn’t gotten anything for Harry at all. Damn. Out maneuvered by a Gryffindor. He was sure Albus played some part in this, that man was born Slytherin, but he couldn’t figure out what or how. Bloody interfering old coot. Damn them both.

Unfolding the robe and heading back to his bedroom, Severus couldn’t help but notice that the boy had bloody good taste.

***

In his private rooms, Albus dressed with care, anticipating the evening to come. It promised to be a night full of surprises. He smiled, a small satisfied smile.

***

It was a very nervous Harry who found himself waiting in the common room an hour and a half before the Ball began. Rus had said he would arrive an hour before and Harry had been on pins and needles all day. He vacillated before worry over Snape’s reaction to his gift and hope that the man would wear it. Guess I’ll find out soon enough. Finally, after pacing for the better part of half an hour, he slid into a chair close by the portrait hole. The only people who knew who he was going with were Ron, Hermione, Remus and Seamus. Well, he was pretty sure Dumbledore knew too, but that man knew everything. And he still hadn’t decided when to give Remus his gift.

***

Severus on the other hand found himself unaccountably nervous. Bloody hell man, this isn’t even a proper date. A small part of his mind crowed that it was, but he refused to acknowledge it. He smoothed his hands over the thick silk of the robe, and refused to acknowledge that it was an attempt to delay the inevitable. He had to go collect the boy soon. He couldn’t help wondering what the reaction would be when people realized who he was with, and a satisfied smirk covered his face at the shocked looks he could imagine them getting. Suddenly, his smile faded, as he wondered what Harry would think of the way they looked together. If Harry would be concerned with the negative way people were bound to react. Then he reminded himself that if the boy had cared, he wouldn’t have asked him to go with him in the first place. He was snapped out of his contemplation by the voice of his mirror.

“Dearie, you look fine. Although you might want to whiten your teeth a bit and try not to look so fierce. I’m sure your date is going to love you. This is the best I’ve seen you look in a long time.”

He scowled. “It is not a date. I have simply consented to allow the brat to escort me to a function I have no choice in attending.”

“Sure its not luv. Now, fix those teeth and get going. You’ll be late.”

Sneering, he performed the charm on his teeth and strode to the door. He swirled his cloak on and fastened it, refusing to believe that it would matter one way or the other to the man, boy damn it, if he were late. He sighed. Face it Severus. As trite as it is, you are clearly smitten with the impertinent brat. Nothing for it but to ignore it.

Resolute, he stalked toward Gryffindor Tower heedless of the fact that his hands shook slightly as he did so. As he approached the Fat Lady guarding the tower, he had a small anxiety attack. What if he’s changed his mind? What if it really was a prank? He was certain he would open the door and all of Gryffindor would be there laughing at him for expecting the great Harry Potter to condescend to be seen in public with him. Pacing, he attempted to regulate his breathing, unable to believe that this scrap of a man, damn it boy, would have this sort of effect on him. The spy and ex-Death Eater undone by the sodding Boy-Who-Lived. It was beyond bearing. Damn it Severus, are you a man or a worm? This Potter is nothing like the other. Get hold of yourself.

Taking a deep breath and pulling his spine erect, he gave the Fat Lady the password used only by Professors, and stepped back as the portrait hole swung open.

***

Seamus was a bundle of nerves. Here he was in the Great Hall, waiting for Professor Lupin, while the elves went merrily about hanging mistletoe and holly. The house tables had been removed, as was the High Table. Along the both sides of the hall were long tables where he supposed the food would go. Towards the back of the hall, closer to the doors, were many mini tables. They were circular and looked to seat eight to ten and were covered in long white tablecloths with huge candles in red and green surrounded by holly. It was as he surveyed these tables that Remus walked up behind him.

“Hello Mr. Finnigan,” he greeted as he lightly tapped Seamus on the shoulder. “Been waiting long?”
Seamus started, but quickly recovered. “Not so as you’d notice,” he replied as he turned around to face the professor, body relaxing in relief. He had begun wondering if this date was really going to happen.

“The Headmaster wants to see the staff a few minutes before the Ball begins. We have a bit of time before I need to do that. Would you care to walk for a while?”

Seamus smiled and inside did a joyful jig. I’m going to have him to myself. “Sure. I’d like that. I mean, if you want to.” Damn man, babble some more why don’t you?

Remus smiled and took his elbow, leading him out the doors of the Great Hall towards the entryway to Hogwarts. Chuckling lightly at the boy’s nervousness he deadpanned “Relax Seamus. I don’t bite.” The Marauder in him couldn’t resist adding, “Not much anyway.” Seamus shivered and Remus laughed out loud. Trying not to let the words mean anything more to him than the ribbing he was sure it was, Seamus told his libido to lie down and shut up as he began to laugh along with the beautiful blond man who was his date.

***

Harry turned an expectant face towards the portrait hole as the Fat Lady swung open. He stood, not wanting to be at any more of a disadvantage than absolutely necessary. He smoothed his hands down the side of his robe, grateful that they didn’t seem clammy. As Severus entered the room and looked at the man who was to be his date for the evening, he gasped. Merlin he’s beautiful! Harry was dressed in jade green robes that only brought out the color of his eyes, which remarkably, were not hiding behind those hideous spectacles. He could only assume that the boy, no man, had charmed his eyes. Looking at the way the robe fell on Harry’s shoulders, the way the black and gold embroidery accented his hands and his height, dear God he’s almost as tall as I am, Severus could no longer feel justified in calling Harry a boy.

Harry also was in a state of shock, or he would have noticed the very appraising look he received from his potions master. He’s wearing it! And heaven above does he look incredible in it. How the hell am I to keep my hands off him? He was captivated by the way the raw silk seemed to reveal and conceal Severus lithe frame as he moved. The serpents looked alive, like they were ready to speak to Harry. The moonlight shimmer of the robe made the man’s eyes look darker and more impenetrable than ever, although Harry was certain he would willingly drown in the inky pools.

Snape came back to himself first and couldn’t help the satisfied smirk that took up residence on his face as he saw the expression on Harry’s face. Gobsmacked is a good look for him I think.

Secretly very pleased with the reaction his appearance garnered, Snape opened his mouth to say, “Potter? Are you quite all right? Or have you forgotten how to close your mouth?” His intent was easeease, but it came out harsher than he intended. Bloody hell. I’m no good at this nonsense. All I’ve done is make certain he’ll regret asking me to accompany him. He was floored when Harry grinned.

“Actually sir, I was just thinking that it’s a bloody shame you hide a body like that.” He blushed. “I mean, well, you look rather err, good in that robe. I’m glad you wore it.” Fucking edible is more like it, but damned if I’m saying that, Harry thought privately.

“Well, I hadn’t much of a choice had I? You look tolerably well for a change. I was certain I would be retrieving an urchin for this fiasco.” He tried to smile, but found that his lips refused to co-operate. Damn, this will be more difficult than I expected.

Noticing the small upturn at the corners of Severus mouth, Harry whooped internally. This might go better than I thought. We might even have, well, fun together. Moving forward and sliding an arm through his professor’s elbow he asked, “Shall we go? You did say there was something that needed doing before the Ball yes?” At Snape’s bemused nod, the boy, ah man, was touching him after all he continued, “Well come on then. And, well, do you think you could call me Harry? Just for tonight I mean,” he added hastily, fearing the professor’s reaction.

Smirking down at him as they exited the portrait hole, Severus retorted, “Do not expect that my use of your given name implies you may use mine.”

Harry laughed. “Of course not professor. I’d be alarmed if it did.”

Chuckling lightly under his breath, Snape reflected that this could well turn out to be a pleasant evening after all.

***

Seamus shot discreet looks at Remus out the corner of his eye as they headed towards the Hogwarts gardens. So far they had walked in silence, leaving the easy banter at the doors of the entryway. Surprisingly, neither felt the need to fill the silence, it was oddly comfortable. Seamus was pleased while Remus was turning that fact over in hind,ind, a fact that alarmingly reminded him of spending time with Sirius. He hadn’t thought of Sirius in a while and to be doing so with this young man, and without experiencing the pain which usually accompanied those thoughts, disturbed him. Not that you could tell to look at him. He was aware that Finnigan was watching him from under his lashes, but he walked along as though he was simply enjoying the scenery. Finally, the young man broke the silence.

“Professor,” he began tentatively, “why did you ask me to the Ball?”

“Tonight you are not my student. You may call me Remus. Is there some reason that I shouldn’t have asked?” He turned to face Seamus and touched his hand lightly to stop him.

Seamus shook his head, looking up at the man he fantasized about. “No reason. Just wondering is all. I mean, there are lots of prettier girls…and boys…and I was just wondering why me.”

“I think you underestimate your charm Seamus,” came the reply as Remus smiled down at his date. You remind me of someone, someone I cared deeply about. Few people understood him, fewer still really knew him despite the fact that their lives would have only been enriched in the process of doing so.”

Mustering his courage, Seamus queried softly, “It’s Sirius isn’t it?”

Remus started, then smiled. Well, I can’t fault him for that. “Yes. Yes it is. And yes we were,” he continued, anticipating the next question. The scent of disappointment mixed with desire rolled off Seamus in waves. “But that was a long time ago. Before he died even. By then we were just close friends. I’m not looking for a replacement. I haven’t wanted the company of any but those I consider family for a long time. I’m here to get to know you Seamus Finnigan.”

“That’s all right then. I’m here to get to know you too.” He smiled at Remus, relieved to know he would not be a placeholder or a substitute form what Remus really wanted but couldn’t have. He lightly tugged on Remus’ elbow to get him walking again, dropping his hand once he accomplished his goal. Pleased that Remus had allowed the touch, he continued their walk with a small smile on his face.

Remus became aware of a subtle scent, elusive and difficult to pinpoint, underlying the scent of pleasure he could detect from the man beside him. Something besides the heather and earth smell that was Seamus. There was something…

Seamus spoke unexpectedly and broke Remus’ train of thought. did did you decide to teach at Hogwarts?”

“Well, it wasn’t so much of a decision as a necessity,” he answered, shoulders suddenly going tense. At Seamus’ quizzical look, he continued. “Seamus, to many people, I am not to be trusted. You know about the werewolf bit?” he paused and waited for his partner’s nod before elaborating. “Truth be told, most people don’t want a werewolf around. They think I’m a danger to them, to their kids. In fact, I’m surprised that Albus got the board to take me back at all. After all, I am a Dark Creature.”

“Bollocks!” Seamus burst out angrily. “Sorry Professor but that’s a load of codswaland and you know it. You’re not more dark than Dumbledore and anyone who says so is just plain barmy.”

Amused at this instant defense, Remus couldn’t help but play devil’s advocate. “Still, while you may know that, others don’t. Many people are more prone to believe what they hear or read in the papers than they are to know the truth. Surely you know that.”

Seamus swallowed hard, thinking about fourth year when he and his mum had preferred to believe that Harry was mad rather than accept the possibility that Voldemort might actually be back. He could only understand too well. Bugger all! He sighed.

“Given that I’ve done that sort o’ thing myself, I suppose to say I don’t understand would be lying. My mum didn’t want me to come back to Hogwarts after the Tournament because she thought Harry was mad. I admit I did too for a while. It wasn’t right. I’d known him, lived with him even. It was a bit of a nasty blow when I realized he could be right. But I still don’t think it’s fair for you to be treated like that.”

Remus felt an inexplicable pride in the young man beside him. Not only could he own up to his own faults, he could admit that they were indeed things not to be proud of. He reached out and pulled Seamus’ throthrough the crook of his and winking slyly said, “Consider the irony in the situation. Who better to teach DADA than a dark creature?”

Seamus laughed and soon the deep rumble of Remus’ laughter could be heard floating along the path of the garden joined with his.

***

A/N: So many things will be happening at this ball that I\'m going to have to break it up over several chapters. Enjoy and tell me what you think. Once again, thanks to my beta Sky and to all of you for reading. thanks especially MissCrystalix for her lovely email.