For Severus Snape, Christmas had never meant joy, family gatherings, presents, or wonderful wishes.
He'd been alone for so long that he could barely remember what having a family felt like. Of course, in his memories, Tobias and Eileen had never provided him with any warmth or sense of home either.
Each year, Christmas was nothing more than routine social obligation—sending perfunctory gifts to necessary people, then tossing unopened packages into the corner of his room without a second glance.
But these past few years, his Christmas had suddenly acquired something worth anticipating.
What would Orli Waters send this year? That was Snape's first thought upon opening his eyes on the morning of December 25th.
He pulled on his robes and selected Waters' small box from among the gifts. Inside, a pair of obsidian cufflinks gleamed softly in the dim light.
Why something so ostentatious and impractical?
He picked up one cufflink, only to discover it had been enchanted with a steadying charm for the hands.
So those summer spell practice sessions weren't entirely wasted after all,Snape mused, fastening the cufflinks to his shirt sleeves before walking from his bedroom into his office.
The latest issue of Advanced Potion-Making Today lay on his desk. The cover article bore the headline "Wolfsbane Potion: Improvements and Efficacy Studies," with two names printed side by side beneath: Severus Snape and Orli Waters.
He'd finally managed to organize and publish their research before Christmas, crediting both their names. He thought Waters would appreciate this Christmas gift.
Last night, he'd planned to simply send her the journal, but changed his mind at the last moment. Snape's fingers traced over the two names on the cover, then paused at a registration form beside the magazine.
It was a nomination form for the journal's "Most Promising Newcomer Award," requiring Waters' personal signature. How convenient—he'd found himself the perfect excuse.
He could present her with both the magazine and the form when he saw her today, explain the significance of the award, and request her signature. That would give him every justification to draw her away from those boys.
Once she'd signed, the ball would be well underway—no doubt a cacophonous mess. Perhaps he could subtly invite her to dance, in the most natural way possible, in some quiet corner where no one would take notice...
Who said professors couldn't dance with their students at Christmas? Who said one couldn't celebrate a published paper with one's research assistant? His conduct would be entirely appropriate—even Sirius Black couldn't find fault with it.
Perhaps she'd wear something light-colored, which would complement her hair beautifully. Or maybe a dark gown that would make her look even more pale and elegant...
Harboring these subtle expectations, Snape arrived at the Great Hall entrance at seven fifty-five that evening. But almost the moment he stepped inside, he began to regret it.
Clusters of students buzzed about like agitated hornets, draped in garish dress robes and sporting eye-watering accessories. The girls tittered mindlessly while the boys appeared to be under the Imperius Curse—arms draped over each other, writhing together like live eels.
Some pushed sideways through the crowd to meet partners from other Houses. Two boys actually collided with his arm; upon seeing his face, they let out terrified shrieks. One wore priest-like black high-collared robes, while the other's outfit was layered with Victorian-era lace frills.
Snape's mood plummeted instantly. He deducted twenty points from each of them without hesitation.
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Author's Note:
I should address something here.
For dozens of chapters now, there's been something I've wanted to clarify about the Professor's feelings toward the protagonist.
From the latter half of third year onward, his attitude toward her has been gradually shifting from "teacher to student" to "man to woman." This transformation is crucial and will continue for quite some time (perhaps a very long time indeed). The Professor's personality and past experiences make it impossible for him to rush into romance—he may even flee from his own feelings.
So during this period, he'll experience confusion, internal conflict, and repeated struggles. His emotions will sometimes intertwine jealousy with that protective "someone's stealing my precious cabbage" feeling. But fundamentally, Orli has already taken root in his heart.
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