HP Drabble Round-Up 3: Deluxe Holiday Edition
Another collection of drabbles today, a number of them winter or Christmas-themed. I think there are more obscure ones in this batch than usual, so even if you watch snape100, there's a good chance that some of these are new to you. Some of them were written as part of the Final Word Challenge and others were written as Christmas presents for certain people, tucked in with the Christmas cards. (If you're one of them and object to having your drabble posted, please let me know and I'll tuck it away! If you want to just enjoy it for yourself, that's totally cool.)
This batch also includes the widest range of characters I've ever done. Everything is Snape-centric, but Neville, Minerva, Hermione, Luna, Harry, Remus and even little Teddy make appearances here, so there should be something for everybody. Ratings from G to PG-13, with individual labels for more specific content. Ships include Snuna, Snupin, Snarry, SS/HG and Snape/Sinistra.
Enjoy!
Title: Perfect Harmony
Rating: G
Pairing: Snuna
Original Prompt: 100-word drabble, featuring any pairing and ending with the word “harmony.”
Notes: Written for the Last Word Challenge on keladrylupin’s LJ. Luna’s daft lullaby might or might not be called “Snappy the Crumple-Horned Snorkack.”
He’d never expected this.
Severus had not allowed himself the luxury of planning a future since his Fifth Year-such fantasies would only be disappointed. His life since then had reinforced that belief.
There had been fleeting moments of wistfulness; even then, he’d never dared dream of a future filled with contentment and belonging-a future with a wife, a home, a family.
Certainly he’d never pictured this noisy chaos: his daughter babbling nonsense from his lap, Luna soothing their son’s squealing protests with her daft lullabies.
To another man it might only be noise, but to Severus, it was exquisite harmony.
Title: Collateral Damage
Rating: PG
Characters: Severus Snape, Neville Longbottom
Original Prompt: Memory Charms
Severus shifted the weeping, flailing brat in his shaking arms; in return, the boy kicked him in a deeply unfortunate area. Adrenaline sang through Severus’ veins, a reminder of his dangerous deception.
“Quiet,” Severus hissed. Every ragged sob frayed his nerves further. “Shut up, or I’ll make you!”
Neville quieted.
“Look here.” Severus brandished his wand.
Neville looked up at his rescuer with complete trust. Not for the first time that night, Severus felt the urge to vomit.
It was necessary. It wouldn’t cause permanent damage. Truly, it was a kindness-
“Obliviate,” Severus choked, watching the earth-brown gaze turn dull.
Title: Bequest
Rating: PG
Original Prompt: Pensieves
Note: Set during DH, shortly before Severus is “sacked.”
Severus deposited the last memory, a strand of short-lived happiness sinking beneath the surface. The pensieve glowed brilliantly, far brighter than his thoughts had any right to be.
Memories danced across the silvery surface, replaying the past in an endless loop. With a touch, he could relive precious moments, bright and clear and sharp as jewels.
He could see her, just once more… but no.
The end was nigh; whether Potter triumphed or failed, Severus wouldn’t live to know it.
He’d made his arrangements, though: a lifetime’s memories swirled in the pensieve, illustrating a story that would otherwise die unknown.
Title: Replay
Pairing: Snarry
Rating: PG
Original Prompt: Pensieves
Note: Premise shamelessly ripped from (of all things) 50 First Dates. If you haven’t seen the movie, you only need to know that it’s about the perils of having a romantic relationship with a person incapable of forming much in the way of new memories.
The mornings were always trying.
Severus woke, sleepy dark eyes peering at Harry… and then came the shouting.
Harry was used to the routine: shock and anger, followed by harsh accusations. Severus’ eyes always held a wary fear of some massive joke at his expense; it never eased until Harry offered the pensieve’s proof.
Patiently, he guided Severus in his rediscovery, reviewing private scenes of tenderness and heartbreak and all the common moments in-between.
The mornings were trying-yet each time Severus turned to Harry with recognition in his eyes, Harry knew that he would gladly endure a lifetime of trials.
Title: Loyalty
Rating: G
Pairing: SS/HG
Original Prompt: A 100-word drabble ending in the word ‘lie.’
Notes: Written for the Last Word Challenge on duniazade’s LJ.
The girl refused to be reasonable.
“I’m old enough to be your father,” Severus argued.
Her retort: “My father’s old enough to be your father. My parents won’t care.”
“I’m scrawny and stroppy.”
She snorted. “My hair looks like a Pygmy Puff, and a reliable source has told me that ‘nobody likes a know-it-all.’”
“I was your teacher!”
“And now you aren’t.”
In frustration, he presented the worst obstacle of all: “I’ve done unforgivable things. I’m a murderer! How can you trust me with your happiness, much less your life?”
Hermione smiled sadly. “I’ve never doubted where your loyalties lie.”
Title: Snow Day
Rating: PG
Pairing: Snupin (also featuring Teddy)
Original Prompt: 100-word drabble ending in the word ‘warmth.’
Notes: Written for the Last Word Challenge on drachenmina’s IJ
The snow surprised them overnight, encasing everything in glittering, icy shells. They woke to a world transformed by whiteness.
Teddy loved it instantly, hair turning silvery to match the landscape. Only Severus’ threat of withholding dessert prevented him from dashing outside in his pyjamas.
Severus allowed Teddy and Remus to drag him out to play-first awkwardly, then enthusiastically. He discovered an uncanny knack for throwing snowballs, making Remus squeal in a way rarely heard outside the bedroom.
Afterward, they trooped inside-chilled, damp, rosy-cheeked. Remus prepared hot cocoa while Teddy dozed on Severus’ lap, lulled by contentment and the fire’s warmth.
Title: Multipurpose
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Snuna
Original prompt: Mistletoe
Note: Set a number of years post-DH, but very much non-compliant with the Epilogue.
He should have known better than to let his assistant decorate the shop.
“Lovegood! What do you think you’re doing?”
“Keeping away Nargles.” She fastened another bough of mistletoe above the doorway. “The mistletoe wards them off.”
Severus frowned. “You do realise that using mistletoe carries other implications?”
Luna nodded. “It’s also a fertility symbol. The berries look like semen, don’t you think?”
He stared, speechless. She took the opportunity to kiss him thoroughly.
“See? It’s multipurpose.”
Severus watched her retreat to the back room, feeling slightly dizzy.
If she wanted to decorate next year, he doubted he would object.
Title: Ugly Duckling
Rating: G
Original Prompt: The Twelve Unrelated Items of Christmas
Chosen Item: Swan(s)
Characters: Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape
Notes: The animal in question is an Australian Black Swan. See it here.
Minerva peered over the tops of her glasses at her student. He was as exasperating now as he’d been as a boy: too clever by half, prickly, deeply suspicious.
“Severus, stop thinking so much. Relax and feel the transformation coming over you.” She’d never seen him truly relax, and suspected he was constitutionally incapable of it.
He offered a poisonous glare before closing his eyes, sitting silent and still. Minerva watched in breathless awe as his neck lengthened and the black robes curled into velvety, ruffled feathers.
She grinned at the irony: the ugly duckling had finally become a swan.
Title: The Ice Man Cometh
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Snupin
Notes: Written for blpaintchart as a Christmas present.
Severus stood back and surveyed his handiwork, inspecting it critically. Although it had been Lupin’s daft idea to model snowmen after themselves, Severus was determined that his would be superior.
The snowman was unnaturally skinny, with sticks for arms and stringy black yarn for hair. Two eyes of black coal glared out over the curvy squash that formed the hooked nose, while a row of severe black buttons marched down its front.
Severus smirked. Lupin’s was bound to be inferior by comparison.
“Alright, Severus, time for the big reveal!”
Severus dropped the shielding charm around his own creation and turned to survey Lupin’s sad attempt. It was, as he’d suspected, nowhere near the craftsmanship of his own-yet Lupin was looking at him rather smugly, as though just barely containing his laughter.
Amber-coloured marbles winked from the face. A tatty cardigan hung from its shoulders, and a comb under the carrot nose suggested Lupin’s ridiculous moustache. Further down, there was… there was…
Severus turned beetroot red.
“LUPIN! That is not the appropriate placement for a carrot and two lumps of coal, you pervert!”
Lupin grinned with unholy glee. “But don’t you like it, Severus? He’s obviously very happy to see you!”
Title: Home for the Holidays
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: SS/HG
Notes: Written as a Christmas present for duniazade.
The invitation to the Burrow arrived three weeks before Christmas, a cheerful letter urging Hermione to come and stay for the holidays with the whole extended family. Pointedly, not a single mention was made of Severus.
“You should go,” Severus murmured, though he selfishly wanted her to stay.
“Sod that for a game of soldiers,” Hermione declared. “If you aren’t welcome, then neither am I.” She tossed the letter into the fire.
A week letter, another invitation arrived. Harry and Ginny would be there, it informed Hermione, and didn’t she want to see the baby?
Severus sighed. “I don’t want to deprive you of your friends.”
“They’re not my friends if they won’t accept you. I don’t like babies, anyway… unless maybe they were ours,” she added, a speculative glint in her eye.
Severus paled and stayed silent.
One week before Christmas, the third invitation came. The wording carried an air of faint desperation, promising treacle tart and the company of the Minister of Magic himself.
“I can see Kingsley any day at work,” Hermione scoffed.
“I can’t offer you guests and games,” Severus pointed out. “It’s only me.”
She smiled and kissed his cheek. “All the more reason for me to stay.”
Title: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming, Part II
Rating: G
Pairing: Snape/Sinistra
Notes: Written for samantha_vimes as a Christmas present. This is an immediate continuation to Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.
Aurora held Severus’ hand, lending him her silent support as they returned to the castle.
Light, noise and laughter spilled out the opened doors of the Great Hall, evidence of a celebration too jubilant to be contained. As they neared the festivities, she felt his body tense, his footsteps reluctantly dragging. He gripped her hand like a man dangling on the edge of the abyss.
Aurora met his frowning gaze with her own calmer one.
“You can do this,” she reassured him.
“Who says I want to?”
She had watched him for too many years to believe such misdirection; despite his sneering, the dark, anxious look in his eyes gave the lie to his worries. Like any wild creature, his snarls were calculated to cover his weaknesses.
“You do belong here,” she said, willing him to believe her. “They’ll welcome you, if you’ll let them. You only have to try. You aren’t afraid to try, are you?”
Aurora hid her smile at his indignant look; he never could abide being called a coward.
Of course, he wasn’t one. He was, she thought, brave beyond measure.
“Afraid,” he scoffed. “Of them?”
Hand in hand, they marched into the Great Hall together.
Title: We Need a Little Christmas
Rating: PG
Pairing: Snarry
Notes: Written as a Christmas present for prettyparadox.
Severus found fault with every attempt Harry made to bring Christmas into their home.
When Harry tuned the wireless to play carols inside the house, Severus complained about migraine headaches.
When Harry brought in a Christmas tree, Severus sneezed, grumbling about his allergies.
Harry’s attempt to decorate with tinsel met with Severus’ reminder that the cat would only eat it-was Harry trying to give the creature a bowel obstruction?
Finally, Harry tacked one sad sprig of mistletoe above the door, his last attempt at holiday cheer. Rejection was, he thought, inevitable.
Instead, Severus smirked.
“Finally,” he murmured. “This can stay.”
This batch also includes the widest range of characters I've ever done. Everything is Snape-centric, but Neville, Minerva, Hermione, Luna, Harry, Remus and even little Teddy make appearances here, so there should be something for everybody. Ratings from G to PG-13, with individual labels for more specific content. Ships include Snuna, Snupin, Snarry, SS/HG and Snape/Sinistra.
Enjoy!
Title: Perfect Harmony
Rating: G
Pairing: Snuna
Original Prompt: 100-word drabble, featuring any pairing and ending with the word “harmony.”
Notes: Written for the Last Word Challenge on keladrylupin’s LJ. Luna’s daft lullaby might or might not be called “Snappy the Crumple-Horned Snorkack.”
He’d never expected this.
Severus had not allowed himself the luxury of planning a future since his Fifth Year-such fantasies would only be disappointed. His life since then had reinforced that belief.
There had been fleeting moments of wistfulness; even then, he’d never dared dream of a future filled with contentment and belonging-a future with a wife, a home, a family.
Certainly he’d never pictured this noisy chaos: his daughter babbling nonsense from his lap, Luna soothing their son’s squealing protests with her daft lullabies.
To another man it might only be noise, but to Severus, it was exquisite harmony.
Title: Collateral Damage
Rating: PG
Characters: Severus Snape, Neville Longbottom
Original Prompt: Memory Charms
Severus shifted the weeping, flailing brat in his shaking arms; in return, the boy kicked him in a deeply unfortunate area. Adrenaline sang through Severus’ veins, a reminder of his dangerous deception.
“Quiet,” Severus hissed. Every ragged sob frayed his nerves further. “Shut up, or I’ll make you!”
Neville quieted.
“Look here.” Severus brandished his wand.
Neville looked up at his rescuer with complete trust. Not for the first time that night, Severus felt the urge to vomit.
It was necessary. It wouldn’t cause permanent damage. Truly, it was a kindness-
“Obliviate,” Severus choked, watching the earth-brown gaze turn dull.
Title: Bequest
Rating: PG
Original Prompt: Pensieves
Note: Set during DH, shortly before Severus is “sacked.”
Severus deposited the last memory, a strand of short-lived happiness sinking beneath the surface. The pensieve glowed brilliantly, far brighter than his thoughts had any right to be.
Memories danced across the silvery surface, replaying the past in an endless loop. With a touch, he could relive precious moments, bright and clear and sharp as jewels.
He could see her, just once more… but no.
The end was nigh; whether Potter triumphed or failed, Severus wouldn’t live to know it.
He’d made his arrangements, though: a lifetime’s memories swirled in the pensieve, illustrating a story that would otherwise die unknown.
Title: Replay
Pairing: Snarry
Rating: PG
Original Prompt: Pensieves
Note: Premise shamelessly ripped from (of all things) 50 First Dates. If you haven’t seen the movie, you only need to know that it’s about the perils of having a romantic relationship with a person incapable of forming much in the way of new memories.
The mornings were always trying.
Severus woke, sleepy dark eyes peering at Harry… and then came the shouting.
Harry was used to the routine: shock and anger, followed by harsh accusations. Severus’ eyes always held a wary fear of some massive joke at his expense; it never eased until Harry offered the pensieve’s proof.
Patiently, he guided Severus in his rediscovery, reviewing private scenes of tenderness and heartbreak and all the common moments in-between.
The mornings were trying-yet each time Severus turned to Harry with recognition in his eyes, Harry knew that he would gladly endure a lifetime of trials.
Title: Loyalty
Rating: G
Pairing: SS/HG
Original Prompt: A 100-word drabble ending in the word ‘lie.’
Notes: Written for the Last Word Challenge on duniazade’s LJ.
The girl refused to be reasonable.
“I’m old enough to be your father,” Severus argued.
Her retort: “My father’s old enough to be your father. My parents won’t care.”
“I’m scrawny and stroppy.”
She snorted. “My hair looks like a Pygmy Puff, and a reliable source has told me that ‘nobody likes a know-it-all.’”
“I was your teacher!”
“And now you aren’t.”
In frustration, he presented the worst obstacle of all: “I’ve done unforgivable things. I’m a murderer! How can you trust me with your happiness, much less your life?”
Hermione smiled sadly. “I’ve never doubted where your loyalties lie.”
Title: Snow Day
Rating: PG
Pairing: Snupin (also featuring Teddy)
Original Prompt: 100-word drabble ending in the word ‘warmth.’
Notes: Written for the Last Word Challenge on drachenmina’s IJ
The snow surprised them overnight, encasing everything in glittering, icy shells. They woke to a world transformed by whiteness.
Teddy loved it instantly, hair turning silvery to match the landscape. Only Severus’ threat of withholding dessert prevented him from dashing outside in his pyjamas.
Severus allowed Teddy and Remus to drag him out to play-first awkwardly, then enthusiastically. He discovered an uncanny knack for throwing snowballs, making Remus squeal in a way rarely heard outside the bedroom.
Afterward, they trooped inside-chilled, damp, rosy-cheeked. Remus prepared hot cocoa while Teddy dozed on Severus’ lap, lulled by contentment and the fire’s warmth.
Title: Multipurpose
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Snuna
Original prompt: Mistletoe
Note: Set a number of years post-DH, but very much non-compliant with the Epilogue.
He should have known better than to let his assistant decorate the shop.
“Lovegood! What do you think you’re doing?”
“Keeping away Nargles.” She fastened another bough of mistletoe above the doorway. “The mistletoe wards them off.”
Severus frowned. “You do realise that using mistletoe carries other implications?”
Luna nodded. “It’s also a fertility symbol. The berries look like semen, don’t you think?”
He stared, speechless. She took the opportunity to kiss him thoroughly.
“See? It’s multipurpose.”
Severus watched her retreat to the back room, feeling slightly dizzy.
If she wanted to decorate next year, he doubted he would object.
Title: Ugly Duckling
Rating: G
Original Prompt: The Twelve Unrelated Items of Christmas
Chosen Item: Swan(s)
Characters: Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape
Notes: The animal in question is an Australian Black Swan. See it here.
Minerva peered over the tops of her glasses at her student. He was as exasperating now as he’d been as a boy: too clever by half, prickly, deeply suspicious.
“Severus, stop thinking so much. Relax and feel the transformation coming over you.” She’d never seen him truly relax, and suspected he was constitutionally incapable of it.
He offered a poisonous glare before closing his eyes, sitting silent and still. Minerva watched in breathless awe as his neck lengthened and the black robes curled into velvety, ruffled feathers.
She grinned at the irony: the ugly duckling had finally become a swan.
Title: The Ice Man Cometh
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Snupin
Notes: Written for blpaintchart as a Christmas present.
Severus stood back and surveyed his handiwork, inspecting it critically. Although it had been Lupin’s daft idea to model snowmen after themselves, Severus was determined that his would be superior.
The snowman was unnaturally skinny, with sticks for arms and stringy black yarn for hair. Two eyes of black coal glared out over the curvy squash that formed the hooked nose, while a row of severe black buttons marched down its front.
Severus smirked. Lupin’s was bound to be inferior by comparison.
“Alright, Severus, time for the big reveal!”
Severus dropped the shielding charm around his own creation and turned to survey Lupin’s sad attempt. It was, as he’d suspected, nowhere near the craftsmanship of his own-yet Lupin was looking at him rather smugly, as though just barely containing his laughter.
Amber-coloured marbles winked from the face. A tatty cardigan hung from its shoulders, and a comb under the carrot nose suggested Lupin’s ridiculous moustache. Further down, there was… there was…
Severus turned beetroot red.
“LUPIN! That is not the appropriate placement for a carrot and two lumps of coal, you pervert!”
Lupin grinned with unholy glee. “But don’t you like it, Severus? He’s obviously very happy to see you!”
Title: Home for the Holidays
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: SS/HG
Notes: Written as a Christmas present for duniazade.
The invitation to the Burrow arrived three weeks before Christmas, a cheerful letter urging Hermione to come and stay for the holidays with the whole extended family. Pointedly, not a single mention was made of Severus.
“You should go,” Severus murmured, though he selfishly wanted her to stay.
“Sod that for a game of soldiers,” Hermione declared. “If you aren’t welcome, then neither am I.” She tossed the letter into the fire.
A week letter, another invitation arrived. Harry and Ginny would be there, it informed Hermione, and didn’t she want to see the baby?
Severus sighed. “I don’t want to deprive you of your friends.”
“They’re not my friends if they won’t accept you. I don’t like babies, anyway… unless maybe they were ours,” she added, a speculative glint in her eye.
Severus paled and stayed silent.
One week before Christmas, the third invitation came. The wording carried an air of faint desperation, promising treacle tart and the company of the Minister of Magic himself.
“I can see Kingsley any day at work,” Hermione scoffed.
“I can’t offer you guests and games,” Severus pointed out. “It’s only me.”
She smiled and kissed his cheek. “All the more reason for me to stay.”
Title: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming, Part II
Rating: G
Pairing: Snape/Sinistra
Notes: Written for samantha_vimes as a Christmas present. This is an immediate continuation to Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.
Aurora held Severus’ hand, lending him her silent support as they returned to the castle.
Light, noise and laughter spilled out the opened doors of the Great Hall, evidence of a celebration too jubilant to be contained. As they neared the festivities, she felt his body tense, his footsteps reluctantly dragging. He gripped her hand like a man dangling on the edge of the abyss.
Aurora met his frowning gaze with her own calmer one.
“You can do this,” she reassured him.
“Who says I want to?”
She had watched him for too many years to believe such misdirection; despite his sneering, the dark, anxious look in his eyes gave the lie to his worries. Like any wild creature, his snarls were calculated to cover his weaknesses.
“You do belong here,” she said, willing him to believe her. “They’ll welcome you, if you’ll let them. You only have to try. You aren’t afraid to try, are you?”
Aurora hid her smile at his indignant look; he never could abide being called a coward.
Of course, he wasn’t one. He was, she thought, brave beyond measure.
“Afraid,” he scoffed. “Of them?”
Hand in hand, they marched into the Great Hall together.
Title: We Need a Little Christmas
Rating: PG
Pairing: Snarry
Notes: Written as a Christmas present for prettyparadox.
Severus found fault with every attempt Harry made to bring Christmas into their home.
When Harry tuned the wireless to play carols inside the house, Severus complained about migraine headaches.
When Harry brought in a Christmas tree, Severus sneezed, grumbling about his allergies.
Harry’s attempt to decorate with tinsel met with Severus’ reminder that the cat would only eat it-was Harry trying to give the creature a bowel obstruction?
Finally, Harry tacked one sad sprig of mistletoe above the door, his last attempt at holiday cheer. Rejection was, he thought, inevitable.
Instead, Severus smirked.
“Finally,” he murmured. “This can stay.”