GIFT: Twelve Days of Equinox (R), for shiv5468
Title: Twelve Days of Equinox
Author: qzee
Beta Reader: leela_cat
Recipient: shiv5468
Rating: R
(Highlight to View) Warning(s): For a semi-graphic sex act.
Recipient's Prompt: Severus is very shy, but fortunately Luna is very good at reading between the lines. A series of gifts convey his feelings to her (Prompt Three).
Summary: King Arthur once courted Merlin using the wizarding custom of giving gifts for twelve consecutive days, his gifts and love are renowned in the song Twelve Days of Christmas. Severus borrows the old tradition to court Luna with. And Luna, being Luna, courts him in return.
On the first day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
One square cut, green alexandrite stone, next to her teacher's textbook, half hidden by a scroll. Luna smiled as she carefully extracted the gem from its hiding place and held it in the palm of her hand, examining and admiring it. The stone's clarity and depth were amazing. Each of the hundred facets added to the strength the stone would give to any rune it was used to anchor. The cut of the facets evoked the waves upon the sea, their relentlessness, their power, the way waves shaped and changed a shoreline with ease. The stone in her hand could do the same with a spell or a rune, shape and change it to make something beautiful or terrible. It would have to be used with care, due to the power within it. The stone would challenge her understanding of spells and runes, and shape her and her studies for a lifetime.
When a rune stone was cut by an expert, each facet was meant to reveal something new about the stone and its potential uses. She could spend a lifetime studying it; each time she looked closely at one of the facets she would learn something new about herself and her magic, and how magic worked.
It was an extraordinary gift, made more special by what the stone embodied: joy and hope. Such small words, but such large concepts. The stone within her hand would help her find joy and hope within herself, create joy and hope with her spells, and help her anchor such feelings within carved runes, for as long as the runes remained intact. It was a gift beyond price and she would treat it with care. She placed it in the pouch that dangled from the necklace she wore, wanting to keep the stone close to her heart.
Only one person could have given her the stone. Only one person could have entered her office, passing through the security spells she had cast upon it to keep her research safe from prying hands. That person being Severus Snape, Potions Master and reluctant friend.
But how to thank him without showing her hand? If he realized she knew he was the one behind the gift, he would hide himself away in the dungeon again, and she just couldn't allow that. Perhaps if she... yes, that would work.
A few freshly dug up and potted chrysanthemums, just about to bloom. A few dozen seeds placed in parchment packets, spells cast to keep the seeds as potent as possible. All placed upon Severus' desk in his classroom while he was with Headmistress McGonagall. Luna knew Severus was anxious as to whether or not his newest version of the Wolfsbane potion would be ready by the next full moon and that chrysanthemums were used within it due to their being particularly good at speeding up the rate and flow of spells, at speeding up how fast a potion worked, thus making it more effective. The witch hoped that Severus would realize that she appreciated his gift as soon as he saw what she had brought for him. Hopefully it would also help him to see that she understood why he was approaching her the way he was and encourage him to continue. That she knew he was shy, could accept it, and was willing to accept a "wordless" courtship, the kind where one's "true love" gave gifts to demonstrate his love. Showed their love through deeds, honoured her with gifts that demonstrated just how well he knew the person he was courting. For each gift was meant to be something the person truly valued or needed, something the person would cherish. Just as Merlin had cherished all those birds once given to him by Arthur. Even that partridge in a pear tree.
***
On the second day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Two boxes of chocolate. Luna had a secret guilty pleasure. She truly loved the cinnamon chili chocolate truffles that Honeydukes produced. However, on the rare days they were available, they sold out fast. In fact, if you weren't there within minutes of the boxes being put out, you had to do without. They were expensive too, so much so that she could normally only afford to buy four truffles whenever she happened to get there in time. Something that only happened once or twice a year. Today, though, two boxes of truffles waited for her on her desk. Two boxes with forty-five truffles apiece in them.
She took one out of the box and bit into it, letting the rich chocolate melt on her tongue. Her toes curling with pleasure, she savoured the flavour, the texture, the magic within the treat. If she could limit herself to one a day... or perhaps two, or three, she could enjoy the treat for weeks to come.
But what to give Severus in return? Perhaps something that was designed with the man in mind instead of the Potions Master. She nodded to herself and began to plan.
She found the books in a second hand store off Diagon Alley. A first edition copy of The Republic by Plato, the Bertran Russell translation, which she knew Severus liked for the dialogue within it. Luna knew he would appreciate the book and treat it with the care it deserved. Knew he would enjoy debating the concepts, philosophy and political theory found inside and hoped he would come to feel comfortable enough around her to discuss it with her. The other book was of Muggle origin Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris, about a telepathic woman who lived in the southern US and had regular contact with shapeshifters, vampires and other supernatural beings. They could mock the Muggle's misconceptions and discuss the things the author got right, perhaps even debate whether or not it was possible to create a synthetic blood that vampires would find acceptable as a substitute for the real thing. All without her letting on that she knew Severus enjoyed reading Muggle books about vampires.
***
On the third day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Three family photographs. Luna's hand trembled as she picked up the first of the three photographs. It was a picture of her mother holding her gently, caressing her face. The love captured in the photograph was astounding. Luna had thought all photographs of her and her mother had been destroyed with their house, but here, here were her favourite three photos. How Severus had found them was a complete mystery to her. It must have taken some doing, a lot of searching, and for him to do so touched her heart.
Tears welled up in her eyes. How could she ever thank Severus for such a priceless gift? How could she every put into words just how much it meant to her to have these memories returned. To have these photographs that captured her mother's love for her returned to her was... it just meant the world to her. She hugged the photographs to herself, tucked them away carefully in an inner pocket of her robe, stood up, and ran for the dungeons.
Severus was stooped over a cauldron when she found him. She ran right up to him, in front of his two apprentices - Hermione and Padma Patil - and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you." She whispered and kissed his cheek again. "Thank you with all my heart." She kissed his cheek a third time and ran. Hoping his apprentices wouldn't tease him about it, at least not too much.
***
On the fourth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Four raven feathers, each pointing in one of the four directions, suspended on a string, with a magnet stone in the middle. A magical compass, one that would help her find anything she wished to find. With a snarky note that said only "Snorkacks, really." It was enough to make her smile. If anything would help her prove that her father was right when he said Snorkacks existed, this would. Magical compasses were hard to make. They had to be created during a major planet conjunction, be "blessed" with a special potion, and carefully calibrated. Luna could tell from touching the feathers that the bird they came from had willingly given them to the maker of the compass, to Severus. From the shape and size, they were "under the wing" feathers, the best kind to make magical compasses from. Identical in length, quality and size they made for a well balanced compass. One that would last for decades. It was a treasure that brought a smile upon her face. She would use it to help her find Severus himself.
Who knew Severus watched Muggle photography? Was that what it was called? The moving pictures with sound displayed on a wall? No matter. She found him watching a Muggle photography thing that seemed to be about a battle of some sort. Luna made her way down the rows of seats to him and sat beside him. Took his hand in hers and squeezed gently. Watched the Muggle photograph with him and wondered just how it was that they found a way to make it so the photograph matched the sound and vice versa without magic. Hoped that Severus would be able to explain it to her later. She managed to get away with squeezing his hand four times before a list of names started scrolling up the wall and Severus stood.
"So, how did they manage to do that?" She asked and saw Severus smile.
"It will take some time to explain and it would be better to wait until we get back home." Severus said as he offered her his hand.
"Of course," she said, standing too, placed her hand in his and walked with him out of the crowded Muggle place.
***
On the fifth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
"Five gold rings?" Luna said and shook her head. "How redundant."
In retaliation, she sent five students Severus' way to sing The Twelve Days of Christmas, Wizarding version. Then set out to find something to give him for the sixth day. Trying to remember just what it was Merlin had given to Arthur, as opposed to the other way around.
***
On the sixth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Six lace-edged handkerchiefs, embroidered with her initials. They were hand made, fine linen handkerchiefs, lightly scented with her favourite perfume. Just the sort of thing a wizard would give a witch from one of the First Families. Not the sort of thing she would normally be given since her family was of a more recent lineage. It was the sort of thing given to a family of the Malfoys' standing, or the Potters', or the Crabbes'. Not the Lovegoods'. Yet here the handkerchiefs were. Which meant that Severus thought she was a "lady". To be treated and courted as he would a lady from one of the finest houses. It touched her that he saw her as such, for such ladies of said houses were known for their beauty, the strength of their magic, and their wisdom. To be equated with one was a high compliment.
This gift and the implied compliment made her glad she had found six wizarding postcards, each with a different Knight from Arthur's court upon it. Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, Sir Pelleas, Sir Tristam, Sir Dagonet the Jester, and Sir Potter - one of Harry's ancestors, just to pull Severus' leg a bit. He would know a bit about each knight. Know that each of the six had magical descendants. Know that one was the son of Merlin and King Arthur. Know that each one, however flawed as a person, did his best to die with honour. Know that each of the six had made sure to preserve the memory of Camelot and its castle. The castle that eventually became a school.
***
On the seventh day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Seven snow globes, made by house-elves, sat upon her desk inside her classroom. Each one had a wizarding scene inside. In one a yeti chased Muggles off Mount Everest. In another a snow dragon played under the light of the Aurora Borealis. One had a pair of Emperor penguins passing an egg from one set of feet to the other. A snitch was building a nest in another, the Hogwarts Train circled around another, King Arthur and Merlin danced together in yet another, and the last, the seventh... it was the most special. He must have had it specially made for there was her mother and father, in their kitchen, making dinner and laughing together. Caught in a moment in time. Looking just as they had on the one birthday Luna remembered with clarity because it was the day doxies had got into the house and nested in the living room curtains.
Luna could only hope that Severus would enjoy the seven different types of loose-leaf tea she had purchased for him. In seven "keep fresh always" tins. Perhaps if she went down to thank him for the snow globes, he would steep them a pot of tea, and she could pour for him. Perhaps if she wore her hair down, letting it cascade down her back, he could be persuaded to tell her just how he managed to find a house-elf willing to make such a personalized snow globe.
***
On the eighth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Eight hair combs, the type used to hold hair in place. She touched each pair in turn and marvelled at how pretty they all were. The first pair had dragonfly decorations. Another set had pearls and flowers. The third set was bejewelled with emeralds and diamonds. The fourth looked a lot like the antique ones her mother had worn on her wedding day but had had to sell in order to pay the mortgage one month. She turned the fourth set over in her hands, looking for a tiny engraved heart and found it. She shook her head, amazed once again at just how resourceful Severus was proving to be. Here in her hands was THE set of hair combs her mother had worn on her wedding day. The set she would wear, too, once Severus got around to asking.
By then, Harry would have returned from India with the venom, fangs, scales and tails of seven magical snakes. By then, Harry would have given the ingredients to Severus and the translated from Parseltongue recipes. By now, hopefully, her friend Harry and her... beau Severus would have spent enough time together to set aside animosity and become... well ... resigned to each other.
Luna put the dragonfly combs in her hair and headed down to the potions lab to check on them, hoping with all her heart that her plan to try to get them to become friends had not backfired.
***
On the ninth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Nine feet of the finest quality parchment, made by one of the Ogden sons. The watermark in the corner told her that. Spelled to resist ink spills, but allow for purposeful writing or sketching. Spelled to roll up neatly by itself or lay flat with just a tap of her fingers. Acid free, made by hand, with a hand drawn logo of the Hogwarts coat of arms on top of each "page." Made so that each "page" was two hundred and ten by two hundred and ninety seven millimeters exactly. It was the kind of parchment reserved for formal letters. She would need to use her calligraphy quill whenever she wrote upon it, make sure to reserve it for the most special of occasions, so as to demonstrate she understood the value of such a gift.
Hermione would be handing Severus the gift Luna got for that day. Nine ebony buttons with the Slytherin symbol carved into them.
If she had timed the giving of the gift correctly, Lucius Malfoy would be taking tea with Severus when Hermione arrived with the gift. Thus giving Lord Malfoy a chance to see just how beautiful and elegant Hermione had become and Hermione a chance to see that Lucius had become a gentleman, in the purest sense of the word. That he had become a good and decent man, worthy of respect, worthy of forgiveness and since he'd been widowed for over a year, worthy of love. Perhaps if they saw each other as they were now, instead of what they used to be, they would see how good they could be for each other. Perhaps her Ravenclaw in Gryffindor clothing could win the love of the Slytherin Lord. Just as Luna herself might win the heart of her Slytherin Prince, if she were lucky.
***
On the tenth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
A mobile with ten prisms hanging from it, each on a different length of string. Each prism was clear and perfect, reflecting the sunlight from the window in thousands of little rainbows when she picked it up. The prisms tinkled against each other as she tried to decide whether she wanted it to hang in the middle of the window or off to one side. It was pretty, feminine, delicate, and perfect. Just the thing to make her smile every time she saw it.
She could only hope that the ten quills she had made from her owl's feathers would not pale by comparison. Luna had done what she could to make each quill with care. Had collected them herself during the new moon. Had cast spells on them to make them last. Had carved the nibs so that they were the finest possible tips. Had ensured that no one else could touch the quills. Had done everything possible to ensure that the feathers she had attained from her familiar were treated with care. Hopefully all of that had ensured that each quill would retain the magic imbued within a magical owl that was also a familiar.
***
On the eleventh day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Eleven containers of bath salts in her favourite scents. Luna smiled as she realized just how she could put the gift to fine use. She drew a hot bath, added two handfuls of the violet-scented bath salt. Undressed and got into the tub to soak. In an hour she could visit Severus, freshly dried from her bath, smelling like violets and wearing her most flattering dress. The one which made her look like a fairy, or so Hermione said when she helped her pick it. Perhaps when she visited Severus later he would realize she had used one of his gifts in her bath, and that would have him thinking of her in a bath, have him picturing her naked and relaxed, wet as she indulged herself, pampered herself, made herself ready for him.
Luna chose to deliver the eleven Muggle DVDs to Severus herself. Partly so she could get close enough for him to catch her scent. Partly to show she was coming to understand and welcome his Muggle side and accepted it. Partly so he could share with her his love of Monty Python - whomever that was - and Star Trek, whatever that was. She knew he had set up a contraption the Muggles called a telly in his quarters and had spelled it so it could play any DVD placed upon it. In time, she hoped she would come to a greater understanding of how Muggles had come up with movies and television, for though Severus had explained the basics of how it worked, she wanted to know more. Hoped she would understand the appeal of the shows Severus was sharing with her. For it meant a lot to her that he would trust her with the knowledge that he liked Muggle entertainment.
***
On the twelfth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
The first kiss was sweet and shy. A barely there touch of his lips to hers. One of his long fingers tilting her chin up for better access. One of her hands on his bicep to steady herself. In one of the most secluded spots in the dungeon, thus ensuring that word of the kiss would spread throughout Hogwarts in an eye blink.
The second kiss was firm and possessive. His mouth claiming hers relentlessly. Her body pulled to his and held tight as passion swept through her body, from her toes straight to her head. They were in a hallway leading away from his lab, from which Luna barely registered an "about time" from Hermione or Padma or Lucius or Harry.
The third kiss was gentle, exploring. A meeting of mouths and tongues. His hands gently holding her close. Her hands learning the shape and feel of his shoulders and chest. Still in the hallway, leading away from his lab, drawing slowly closer to the hallway leading to his quarters.
The fourth kiss was a revelation. Full of love, respect, hunger and need. As they bared their souls to each other. Happening just as they stepped in the middle of the interesection where the hallway from his lab and the hallway leading to his quarters met.
The fifth kiss was a biting kiss. His teeth nibbling softly on her lips, her moan floating up into the air as she fought the need to disrobe him. For they were still in the middle of a hallway, thankfully headed for his quarters.
The sixth kiss was next to his bed as they undressed each other. As he unwrapped her as if she was a gift he treasured. As she tore at his clothes and demanded more in unspoken words.
The seventh kiss was... well. Full of naked skin, sliding against naked skin. Of his moon pale body and hers intertwining. Of his hands carefully exploring her. Of hers pulling him closer as she demanded more and more.
The eighth kiss was intimate. His mouth upon her sex as he made love to her with his tongue. Tasting her, driving her wild. To her, what he was doing with his mouth and tongue counted as a kiss and if it didn't to others, she didn't care. For it counted to her as the most powerful kiss she had ever received. So far.
The ninth kiss was his mouth upon her neck, leaving a mark for all to see. A mark she could show off proudly for days. A mark she copied on his neck, just above where his collar would reach, just because.
The tenth kiss was consuming and almost distracted her from the momentary pain she felt as he entered her for the first time. As he breached the final barrier between them. As she gave him her physical innocence, rejoicing in the giving.
The eleventh kiss was an apology for the momentary pain. An unnecessary apology from her point of view. But she understood it was necessary to him and accepted it.
The twelfth kiss that mattered, was in thanks. For the love shared between them. For the passion shown throughout their lovemaking. For finding the one person who cared enough to go through an old fashioned Wizarding courtship. The kind of courtship renowned in song.
For "on the twelfth day my true love gave to me" his heart. Luna knew that and gave hers to him. In twelve important kisses, never to be forgotten.
Author: qzee
Beta Reader: leela_cat
Recipient: shiv5468
Rating: R
(Highlight to View) Warning(s): For a semi-graphic sex act.
Recipient's Prompt: Severus is very shy, but fortunately Luna is very good at reading between the lines. A series of gifts convey his feelings to her (Prompt Three).
Summary: King Arthur once courted Merlin using the wizarding custom of giving gifts for twelve consecutive days, his gifts and love are renowned in the song Twelve Days of Christmas. Severus borrows the old tradition to court Luna with. And Luna, being Luna, courts him in return.
On the first day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
One square cut, green alexandrite stone, next to her teacher's textbook, half hidden by a scroll. Luna smiled as she carefully extracted the gem from its hiding place and held it in the palm of her hand, examining and admiring it. The stone's clarity and depth were amazing. Each of the hundred facets added to the strength the stone would give to any rune it was used to anchor. The cut of the facets evoked the waves upon the sea, their relentlessness, their power, the way waves shaped and changed a shoreline with ease. The stone in her hand could do the same with a spell or a rune, shape and change it to make something beautiful or terrible. It would have to be used with care, due to the power within it. The stone would challenge her understanding of spells and runes, and shape her and her studies for a lifetime.
When a rune stone was cut by an expert, each facet was meant to reveal something new about the stone and its potential uses. She could spend a lifetime studying it; each time she looked closely at one of the facets she would learn something new about herself and her magic, and how magic worked.
It was an extraordinary gift, made more special by what the stone embodied: joy and hope. Such small words, but such large concepts. The stone within her hand would help her find joy and hope within herself, create joy and hope with her spells, and help her anchor such feelings within carved runes, for as long as the runes remained intact. It was a gift beyond price and she would treat it with care. She placed it in the pouch that dangled from the necklace she wore, wanting to keep the stone close to her heart.
Only one person could have given her the stone. Only one person could have entered her office, passing through the security spells she had cast upon it to keep her research safe from prying hands. That person being Severus Snape, Potions Master and reluctant friend.
But how to thank him without showing her hand? If he realized she knew he was the one behind the gift, he would hide himself away in the dungeon again, and she just couldn't allow that. Perhaps if she... yes, that would work.
A few freshly dug up and potted chrysanthemums, just about to bloom. A few dozen seeds placed in parchment packets, spells cast to keep the seeds as potent as possible. All placed upon Severus' desk in his classroom while he was with Headmistress McGonagall. Luna knew Severus was anxious as to whether or not his newest version of the Wolfsbane potion would be ready by the next full moon and that chrysanthemums were used within it due to their being particularly good at speeding up the rate and flow of spells, at speeding up how fast a potion worked, thus making it more effective. The witch hoped that Severus would realize that she appreciated his gift as soon as he saw what she had brought for him. Hopefully it would also help him to see that she understood why he was approaching her the way he was and encourage him to continue. That she knew he was shy, could accept it, and was willing to accept a "wordless" courtship, the kind where one's "true love" gave gifts to demonstrate his love. Showed their love through deeds, honoured her with gifts that demonstrated just how well he knew the person he was courting. For each gift was meant to be something the person truly valued or needed, something the person would cherish. Just as Merlin had cherished all those birds once given to him by Arthur. Even that partridge in a pear tree.
***
On the second day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Two boxes of chocolate. Luna had a secret guilty pleasure. She truly loved the cinnamon chili chocolate truffles that Honeydukes produced. However, on the rare days they were available, they sold out fast. In fact, if you weren't there within minutes of the boxes being put out, you had to do without. They were expensive too, so much so that she could normally only afford to buy four truffles whenever she happened to get there in time. Something that only happened once or twice a year. Today, though, two boxes of truffles waited for her on her desk. Two boxes with forty-five truffles apiece in them.
She took one out of the box and bit into it, letting the rich chocolate melt on her tongue. Her toes curling with pleasure, she savoured the flavour, the texture, the magic within the treat. If she could limit herself to one a day... or perhaps two, or three, she could enjoy the treat for weeks to come.
But what to give Severus in return? Perhaps something that was designed with the man in mind instead of the Potions Master. She nodded to herself and began to plan.
She found the books in a second hand store off Diagon Alley. A first edition copy of The Republic by Plato, the Bertran Russell translation, which she knew Severus liked for the dialogue within it. Luna knew he would appreciate the book and treat it with the care it deserved. Knew he would enjoy debating the concepts, philosophy and political theory found inside and hoped he would come to feel comfortable enough around her to discuss it with her. The other book was of Muggle origin Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris, about a telepathic woman who lived in the southern US and had regular contact with shapeshifters, vampires and other supernatural beings. They could mock the Muggle's misconceptions and discuss the things the author got right, perhaps even debate whether or not it was possible to create a synthetic blood that vampires would find acceptable as a substitute for the real thing. All without her letting on that she knew Severus enjoyed reading Muggle books about vampires.
***
On the third day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Three family photographs. Luna's hand trembled as she picked up the first of the three photographs. It was a picture of her mother holding her gently, caressing her face. The love captured in the photograph was astounding. Luna had thought all photographs of her and her mother had been destroyed with their house, but here, here were her favourite three photos. How Severus had found them was a complete mystery to her. It must have taken some doing, a lot of searching, and for him to do so touched her heart.
Tears welled up in her eyes. How could she ever thank Severus for such a priceless gift? How could she every put into words just how much it meant to her to have these memories returned. To have these photographs that captured her mother's love for her returned to her was... it just meant the world to her. She hugged the photographs to herself, tucked them away carefully in an inner pocket of her robe, stood up, and ran for the dungeons.
Severus was stooped over a cauldron when she found him. She ran right up to him, in front of his two apprentices - Hermione and Padma Patil - and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you." She whispered and kissed his cheek again. "Thank you with all my heart." She kissed his cheek a third time and ran. Hoping his apprentices wouldn't tease him about it, at least not too much.
***
On the fourth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Four raven feathers, each pointing in one of the four directions, suspended on a string, with a magnet stone in the middle. A magical compass, one that would help her find anything she wished to find. With a snarky note that said only "Snorkacks, really." It was enough to make her smile. If anything would help her prove that her father was right when he said Snorkacks existed, this would. Magical compasses were hard to make. They had to be created during a major planet conjunction, be "blessed" with a special potion, and carefully calibrated. Luna could tell from touching the feathers that the bird they came from had willingly given them to the maker of the compass, to Severus. From the shape and size, they were "under the wing" feathers, the best kind to make magical compasses from. Identical in length, quality and size they made for a well balanced compass. One that would last for decades. It was a treasure that brought a smile upon her face. She would use it to help her find Severus himself.
Who knew Severus watched Muggle photography? Was that what it was called? The moving pictures with sound displayed on a wall? No matter. She found him watching a Muggle photography thing that seemed to be about a battle of some sort. Luna made her way down the rows of seats to him and sat beside him. Took his hand in hers and squeezed gently. Watched the Muggle photograph with him and wondered just how it was that they found a way to make it so the photograph matched the sound and vice versa without magic. Hoped that Severus would be able to explain it to her later. She managed to get away with squeezing his hand four times before a list of names started scrolling up the wall and Severus stood.
"So, how did they manage to do that?" She asked and saw Severus smile.
"It will take some time to explain and it would be better to wait until we get back home." Severus said as he offered her his hand.
"Of course," she said, standing too, placed her hand in his and walked with him out of the crowded Muggle place.
***
On the fifth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
"Five gold rings?" Luna said and shook her head. "How redundant."
In retaliation, she sent five students Severus' way to sing The Twelve Days of Christmas, Wizarding version. Then set out to find something to give him for the sixth day. Trying to remember just what it was Merlin had given to Arthur, as opposed to the other way around.
***
On the sixth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Six lace-edged handkerchiefs, embroidered with her initials. They were hand made, fine linen handkerchiefs, lightly scented with her favourite perfume. Just the sort of thing a wizard would give a witch from one of the First Families. Not the sort of thing she would normally be given since her family was of a more recent lineage. It was the sort of thing given to a family of the Malfoys' standing, or the Potters', or the Crabbes'. Not the Lovegoods'. Yet here the handkerchiefs were. Which meant that Severus thought she was a "lady". To be treated and courted as he would a lady from one of the finest houses. It touched her that he saw her as such, for such ladies of said houses were known for their beauty, the strength of their magic, and their wisdom. To be equated with one was a high compliment.
This gift and the implied compliment made her glad she had found six wizarding postcards, each with a different Knight from Arthur's court upon it. Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, Sir Pelleas, Sir Tristam, Sir Dagonet the Jester, and Sir Potter - one of Harry's ancestors, just to pull Severus' leg a bit. He would know a bit about each knight. Know that each of the six had magical descendants. Know that one was the son of Merlin and King Arthur. Know that each one, however flawed as a person, did his best to die with honour. Know that each of the six had made sure to preserve the memory of Camelot and its castle. The castle that eventually became a school.
***
On the seventh day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Seven snow globes, made by house-elves, sat upon her desk inside her classroom. Each one had a wizarding scene inside. In one a yeti chased Muggles off Mount Everest. In another a snow dragon played under the light of the Aurora Borealis. One had a pair of Emperor penguins passing an egg from one set of feet to the other. A snitch was building a nest in another, the Hogwarts Train circled around another, King Arthur and Merlin danced together in yet another, and the last, the seventh... it was the most special. He must have had it specially made for there was her mother and father, in their kitchen, making dinner and laughing together. Caught in a moment in time. Looking just as they had on the one birthday Luna remembered with clarity because it was the day doxies had got into the house and nested in the living room curtains.
Luna could only hope that Severus would enjoy the seven different types of loose-leaf tea she had purchased for him. In seven "keep fresh always" tins. Perhaps if she went down to thank him for the snow globes, he would steep them a pot of tea, and she could pour for him. Perhaps if she wore her hair down, letting it cascade down her back, he could be persuaded to tell her just how he managed to find a house-elf willing to make such a personalized snow globe.
***
On the eighth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Eight hair combs, the type used to hold hair in place. She touched each pair in turn and marvelled at how pretty they all were. The first pair had dragonfly decorations. Another set had pearls and flowers. The third set was bejewelled with emeralds and diamonds. The fourth looked a lot like the antique ones her mother had worn on her wedding day but had had to sell in order to pay the mortgage one month. She turned the fourth set over in her hands, looking for a tiny engraved heart and found it. She shook her head, amazed once again at just how resourceful Severus was proving to be. Here in her hands was THE set of hair combs her mother had worn on her wedding day. The set she would wear, too, once Severus got around to asking.
By then, Harry would have returned from India with the venom, fangs, scales and tails of seven magical snakes. By then, Harry would have given the ingredients to Severus and the translated from Parseltongue recipes. By now, hopefully, her friend Harry and her... beau Severus would have spent enough time together to set aside animosity and become... well ... resigned to each other.
Luna put the dragonfly combs in her hair and headed down to the potions lab to check on them, hoping with all her heart that her plan to try to get them to become friends had not backfired.
***
On the ninth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Nine feet of the finest quality parchment, made by one of the Ogden sons. The watermark in the corner told her that. Spelled to resist ink spills, but allow for purposeful writing or sketching. Spelled to roll up neatly by itself or lay flat with just a tap of her fingers. Acid free, made by hand, with a hand drawn logo of the Hogwarts coat of arms on top of each "page." Made so that each "page" was two hundred and ten by two hundred and ninety seven millimeters exactly. It was the kind of parchment reserved for formal letters. She would need to use her calligraphy quill whenever she wrote upon it, make sure to reserve it for the most special of occasions, so as to demonstrate she understood the value of such a gift.
Hermione would be handing Severus the gift Luna got for that day. Nine ebony buttons with the Slytherin symbol carved into them.
If she had timed the giving of the gift correctly, Lucius Malfoy would be taking tea with Severus when Hermione arrived with the gift. Thus giving Lord Malfoy a chance to see just how beautiful and elegant Hermione had become and Hermione a chance to see that Lucius had become a gentleman, in the purest sense of the word. That he had become a good and decent man, worthy of respect, worthy of forgiveness and since he'd been widowed for over a year, worthy of love. Perhaps if they saw each other as they were now, instead of what they used to be, they would see how good they could be for each other. Perhaps her Ravenclaw in Gryffindor clothing could win the love of the Slytherin Lord. Just as Luna herself might win the heart of her Slytherin Prince, if she were lucky.
***
On the tenth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
A mobile with ten prisms hanging from it, each on a different length of string. Each prism was clear and perfect, reflecting the sunlight from the window in thousands of little rainbows when she picked it up. The prisms tinkled against each other as she tried to decide whether she wanted it to hang in the middle of the window or off to one side. It was pretty, feminine, delicate, and perfect. Just the thing to make her smile every time she saw it.
She could only hope that the ten quills she had made from her owl's feathers would not pale by comparison. Luna had done what she could to make each quill with care. Had collected them herself during the new moon. Had cast spells on them to make them last. Had carved the nibs so that they were the finest possible tips. Had ensured that no one else could touch the quills. Had done everything possible to ensure that the feathers she had attained from her familiar were treated with care. Hopefully all of that had ensured that each quill would retain the magic imbued within a magical owl that was also a familiar.
***
On the eleventh day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
Eleven containers of bath salts in her favourite scents. Luna smiled as she realized just how she could put the gift to fine use. She drew a hot bath, added two handfuls of the violet-scented bath salt. Undressed and got into the tub to soak. In an hour she could visit Severus, freshly dried from her bath, smelling like violets and wearing her most flattering dress. The one which made her look like a fairy, or so Hermione said when she helped her pick it. Perhaps when she visited Severus later he would realize she had used one of his gifts in her bath, and that would have him thinking of her in a bath, have him picturing her naked and relaxed, wet as she indulged herself, pampered herself, made herself ready for him.
Luna chose to deliver the eleven Muggle DVDs to Severus herself. Partly so she could get close enough for him to catch her scent. Partly to show she was coming to understand and welcome his Muggle side and accepted it. Partly so he could share with her his love of Monty Python - whomever that was - and Star Trek, whatever that was. She knew he had set up a contraption the Muggles called a telly in his quarters and had spelled it so it could play any DVD placed upon it. In time, she hoped she would come to a greater understanding of how Muggles had come up with movies and television, for though Severus had explained the basics of how it worked, she wanted to know more. Hoped she would understand the appeal of the shows Severus was sharing with her. For it meant a lot to her that he would trust her with the knowledge that he liked Muggle entertainment.
***
On the twelfth day after spring equinox, Severus Snape gave to me...
The first kiss was sweet and shy. A barely there touch of his lips to hers. One of his long fingers tilting her chin up for better access. One of her hands on his bicep to steady herself. In one of the most secluded spots in the dungeon, thus ensuring that word of the kiss would spread throughout Hogwarts in an eye blink.
The second kiss was firm and possessive. His mouth claiming hers relentlessly. Her body pulled to his and held tight as passion swept through her body, from her toes straight to her head. They were in a hallway leading away from his lab, from which Luna barely registered an "about time" from Hermione or Padma or Lucius or Harry.
The third kiss was gentle, exploring. A meeting of mouths and tongues. His hands gently holding her close. Her hands learning the shape and feel of his shoulders and chest. Still in the hallway, leading away from his lab, drawing slowly closer to the hallway leading to his quarters.
The fourth kiss was a revelation. Full of love, respect, hunger and need. As they bared their souls to each other. Happening just as they stepped in the middle of the interesection where the hallway from his lab and the hallway leading to his quarters met.
The fifth kiss was a biting kiss. His teeth nibbling softly on her lips, her moan floating up into the air as she fought the need to disrobe him. For they were still in the middle of a hallway, thankfully headed for his quarters.
The sixth kiss was next to his bed as they undressed each other. As he unwrapped her as if she was a gift he treasured. As she tore at his clothes and demanded more in unspoken words.
The seventh kiss was... well. Full of naked skin, sliding against naked skin. Of his moon pale body and hers intertwining. Of his hands carefully exploring her. Of hers pulling him closer as she demanded more and more.
The eighth kiss was intimate. His mouth upon her sex as he made love to her with his tongue. Tasting her, driving her wild. To her, what he was doing with his mouth and tongue counted as a kiss and if it didn't to others, she didn't care. For it counted to her as the most powerful kiss she had ever received. So far.
The ninth kiss was his mouth upon her neck, leaving a mark for all to see. A mark she could show off proudly for days. A mark she copied on his neck, just above where his collar would reach, just because.
The tenth kiss was consuming and almost distracted her from the momentary pain she felt as he entered her for the first time. As he breached the final barrier between them. As she gave him her physical innocence, rejoicing in the giving.
The eleventh kiss was an apology for the momentary pain. An unnecessary apology from her point of view. But she understood it was necessary to him and accepted it.
The twelfth kiss that mattered, was in thanks. For the love shared between them. For the passion shown throughout their lovemaking. For finding the one person who cared enough to go through an old fashioned Wizarding courtship. The kind of courtship renowned in song.
For "on the twelfth day my true love gave to me" his heart. Luna knew that and gave hers to him. In twelve important kisses, never to be forgotten.