12 Days of Christmas
December 14th
Contrary to popular belief he was not a wimpy wizard to be passed over lightly.
He had intended Hermione Granger to be his bride for years. It was not his problem that she failed to see the holly on the walls. Since she chose to ignore him and his proposal… no one would have her.
She was planning a Christmas wedding. He had a little wedding surprise planned for her and the Greasy Git she professed to love.
“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.” He hummed to himself.
December 15th
Hermione’s scream had Severus running from the potions lab; wand at the ready.
When he entered the room Hermione’s face was sheet white and she was starring at the table. On it laid a package opened to reveal two turtle doves… both decapitated.
Yesterday it had been the partridge, dead, in a charred pear tree and now this.
Again there was no note, but the meaning was apparent. Someone was not happy with his bushy know-it-all and they were making it glaringly apparent.
Severus crossed the room, to draw her into his embrace, his eyes never leaving the gruesome visage.
December 16th
The third package arrived during a fitting for her wedding robes.
She and Severus had not mentioned the parcels to anyone.
Ginny was, understandably, horrified to see three eviscerated French hens when she was expecting a pre-wedding gift, in the gaily wrapped package.
There was no denying it now someone was playing a very sick joke on the young bride, but whom and why?
All of her friends and Severus’ colleagues had been thrilled when they announced their intent to wed on Christmas day.
Ginny was to be her brides maid and Harry had even agreed to stand with Severus.
December 17th
By the time the fourth package had arrived Hermione was jumping every time an owl tapped at the window and Severus was brewing her a very high powered Calming Draught to sooth her nerves.
The fourth package arrived during dinner in the Great Hall. Severus quickly banished the package, but not before Minerva spied the four Calling Birds; which had been plucked and gruesomely filleted.
It was apparent whoever was behind this insidious plot was not going to give up; something had to be done.
Under the Headmistress’ insistence Harry was summoned to Hogwarts along with a team of Aurors.
December 18th
Someone must know their schedule. That was the only way whom ever was behind the mysterious parcels would have known to deliver five charred and broken rings as she and Severus were picking up their wedding rings.
Hermione could not suppress the shudders coursing through her body as Severus held her tight.
The pattern was obvious, which meant the culprit was someone that had, at least, a passing knowledge of Muggle traditions. The Twelve Days of Christmas had always been one of her favorite carols. Now its melody was haunting her nightmares.
She feared what the next day would bring.
December 19th
Six geese a laying, but these geese would never lay again. This offering was the most disturbing one to date. Though their bodies were not marred in any way; their reproductive organs had been removed and laid atop the bodies like in some kind of sacrificial ritual.
Ever the vigilant Potioneer, Severus took one look at Hermione’s pale face and knew he would not be harvesting the valuable potions ingredients; that lay on his dining room table.
This was the first time it was evident magic had been used to procure the gifts.
Harry was once again summoned to Hogwarts.
December 20th
On the seventh day of Christmas Hermione received a note in place of a package. She was directed to the lake where her gift would be waiting.
Instead of one lone witch a party of many made the trek into the icy cold.
With Severus’ arm wrapped firmly about her shoulders and Harry to her right Hermione looked passionlessly at the seven swans that floated, obviously dead, on the surface of the lake.
Tears tracked her face, but not a sound escaped her, as she folded herself into Severus’ comforting embrace.
Separately each incident was troubling… together they became terrifying.
December 21st
The eighth day of Christmas brought Severus and Hermione’s torment to the forefront of wizarding society. It was fairly easy to keep quiet about dead birds and charred jewelry. Dead bodies were another matter…
The deaths of eight milk maids made the front of the Daily Prophet. They had been found by the dairy farmer who owned the farm; when he entered the barn shortly after milking should have been completed.
Severus and Hermione considered postponing the wedding, but ultimately decided that if they did so whoever was behind the murders would simply go under ground and wait them out.
December 22nd
Nine ladies dancing; nothing Severus said could convince Hermione to leave the sanctuary of their dungeon apartment. Frankly, he did not blame her. There had been a raid on one of the seedier establishments in Knockturn Alley.
The culprit had left a note, “Hermione,” it read, “You chose to marry at Christmas, so this is my gift to you. Three days left. Who else will die?”
It was still a mystery. Hermione had had many suitors since the war ended, but she and Severus had been together for two years. Who could still be caring a torch, a deadly torch?
December 23rd
“No! Severus,” Hermione pleaded, “Please you can’t leave the castle!”
It was the tenth day. There had been no news of death this day and the day was almost over. It was not common knowledge, but Severus was actually Lord Severus Tiberius Snape. She feared he would be one of the ten lords found dead in some way.
Severus was not to be swayed; besides he felt sure his death was meant for Christmas day.
News came shortly before midnight. This time it was ten actors acting out The Lords of the Round Table.
The rehearsal was set for tomorrow.
December 24th
Christmas Eve, the eve of the wedding and all involved were waiting for news.
Only last night it was found St Mungo’s was missing a patient. He had gone missing on the 10th of December. The same day their wedding announcement had made The Daily Prophet.
Harry and his team of Aurors were hunting a childhood friend. One they had not seen since the end of the war; death and trauma had stolen his mind.
The Scottish Pipers would play no more, but they now had a plan. There would be drummers at the ceremony.
Would there be murder?
December 25th
He watched from a distance, hidden by the shadows. Hermione made a lovely bride. The Professor’s eyes glittered with pride. Pity… they made a handsome couple.
He thought for sure she would have gotten the message and called things off before now, but the choice was hers. He knew the perfect time to strike. If he could not have her no one would.
They both would die.
It happened in slow motion.
It happened in the blink of an eye.
The official said, “You may kiss the bride.”
As there lips met they were encased in an eerie green light.
Contrary to popular belief he was not a wimpy wizard to be passed over lightly.
He had intended Hermione Granger to be his bride for years. It was not his problem that she failed to see the holly on the walls. Since she chose to ignore him and his proposal… no one would have her.
She was planning a Christmas wedding. He had a little wedding surprise planned for her and the Greasy Git she professed to love.
“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.” He hummed to himself.
December 15th
Hermione’s scream had Severus running from the potions lab; wand at the ready.
When he entered the room Hermione’s face was sheet white and she was starring at the table. On it laid a package opened to reveal two turtle doves… both decapitated.
Yesterday it had been the partridge, dead, in a charred pear tree and now this.
Again there was no note, but the meaning was apparent. Someone was not happy with his bushy know-it-all and they were making it glaringly apparent.
Severus crossed the room, to draw her into his embrace, his eyes never leaving the gruesome visage.
December 16th
The third package arrived during a fitting for her wedding robes.
She and Severus had not mentioned the parcels to anyone.
Ginny was, understandably, horrified to see three eviscerated French hens when she was expecting a pre-wedding gift, in the gaily wrapped package.
There was no denying it now someone was playing a very sick joke on the young bride, but whom and why?
All of her friends and Severus’ colleagues had been thrilled when they announced their intent to wed on Christmas day.
Ginny was to be her brides maid and Harry had even agreed to stand with Severus.
December 17th
By the time the fourth package had arrived Hermione was jumping every time an owl tapped at the window and Severus was brewing her a very high powered Calming Draught to sooth her nerves.
The fourth package arrived during dinner in the Great Hall. Severus quickly banished the package, but not before Minerva spied the four Calling Birds; which had been plucked and gruesomely filleted.
It was apparent whoever was behind this insidious plot was not going to give up; something had to be done.
Under the Headmistress’ insistence Harry was summoned to Hogwarts along with a team of Aurors.
December 18th
Someone must know their schedule. That was the only way whom ever was behind the mysterious parcels would have known to deliver five charred and broken rings as she and Severus were picking up their wedding rings.
Hermione could not suppress the shudders coursing through her body as Severus held her tight.
The pattern was obvious, which meant the culprit was someone that had, at least, a passing knowledge of Muggle traditions. The Twelve Days of Christmas had always been one of her favorite carols. Now its melody was haunting her nightmares.
She feared what the next day would bring.
December 19th
Six geese a laying, but these geese would never lay again. This offering was the most disturbing one to date. Though their bodies were not marred in any way; their reproductive organs had been removed and laid atop the bodies like in some kind of sacrificial ritual.
Ever the vigilant Potioneer, Severus took one look at Hermione’s pale face and knew he would not be harvesting the valuable potions ingredients; that lay on his dining room table.
This was the first time it was evident magic had been used to procure the gifts.
Harry was once again summoned to Hogwarts.
December 20th
On the seventh day of Christmas Hermione received a note in place of a package. She was directed to the lake where her gift would be waiting.
Instead of one lone witch a party of many made the trek into the icy cold.
With Severus’ arm wrapped firmly about her shoulders and Harry to her right Hermione looked passionlessly at the seven swans that floated, obviously dead, on the surface of the lake.
Tears tracked her face, but not a sound escaped her, as she folded herself into Severus’ comforting embrace.
Separately each incident was troubling… together they became terrifying.
December 21st
The eighth day of Christmas brought Severus and Hermione’s torment to the forefront of wizarding society. It was fairly easy to keep quiet about dead birds and charred jewelry. Dead bodies were another matter…
The deaths of eight milk maids made the front of the Daily Prophet. They had been found by the dairy farmer who owned the farm; when he entered the barn shortly after milking should have been completed.
Severus and Hermione considered postponing the wedding, but ultimately decided that if they did so whoever was behind the murders would simply go under ground and wait them out.
December 22nd
Nine ladies dancing; nothing Severus said could convince Hermione to leave the sanctuary of their dungeon apartment. Frankly, he did not blame her. There had been a raid on one of the seedier establishments in Knockturn Alley.
The culprit had left a note, “Hermione,” it read, “You chose to marry at Christmas, so this is my gift to you. Three days left. Who else will die?”
It was still a mystery. Hermione had had many suitors since the war ended, but she and Severus had been together for two years. Who could still be caring a torch, a deadly torch?
December 23rd
“No! Severus,” Hermione pleaded, “Please you can’t leave the castle!”
It was the tenth day. There had been no news of death this day and the day was almost over. It was not common knowledge, but Severus was actually Lord Severus Tiberius Snape. She feared he would be one of the ten lords found dead in some way.
Severus was not to be swayed; besides he felt sure his death was meant for Christmas day.
News came shortly before midnight. This time it was ten actors acting out The Lords of the Round Table.
The rehearsal was set for tomorrow.
December 24th
Christmas Eve, the eve of the wedding and all involved were waiting for news.
Only last night it was found St Mungo’s was missing a patient. He had gone missing on the 10th of December. The same day their wedding announcement had made The Daily Prophet.
Harry and his team of Aurors were hunting a childhood friend. One they had not seen since the end of the war; death and trauma had stolen his mind.
The Scottish Pipers would play no more, but they now had a plan. There would be drummers at the ceremony.
Would there be murder?
December 25th
He watched from a distance, hidden by the shadows. Hermione made a lovely bride. The Professor’s eyes glittered with pride. Pity… they made a handsome couple.
He thought for sure she would have gotten the message and called things off before now, but the choice was hers. He knew the perfect time to strike. If he could not have her no one would.
They both would die.
It happened in slow motion.
It happened in the blink of an eye.
The official said, “You may kiss the bride.”
As there lips met they were encased in an eerie green light.