Skeeter Chronicles Chapter Nineteen
Title: Skeeter Chronicles
Rating: This chapter PG
Author: SoLeo
Word Count: +1300
Warnings: *EWE*
Disclaimer: You know I don't own them.
Summary: In which Rita Skeeter attempts to get the exclusive of a lifetime.
AN: And how about that for quick turn around? Besides I need to wrap this up so I can work on some other ideas I have. I can’t focus on more than one story at a time. Grrrr.
Chapter Nineteen
“Evening Severus.” His smile lights up his eyes. I need to see what I can do about getting rid of those obnoxious glasses. His eyes weren’t meant to be hidden.
“Evening Harry.” I say in the same welcoming tone. I stand and join him by the door. He gives me a peck on the cheek as his usual greeting.
“Are you ready for dinner? I’m starved.”
I offer him my arm, and he latches on without hesitation. “Actually I have something special planned.”
“Really? Like what?” He’s excited. He is the kind of person that enjoys being surprised.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.” I lead him down stairs and through the empty corridors towards the Great Hall.
“It must be something fancy if we’re not eating in your room, or with the other teachers. Am I dressed appropriately?” We stop and I look over his robes. They are his work ones, and are plain red with black trim. I have seen him in them often enough.
I take my time taking in every detail. Gorgeous. “You look splendid.” I say instead.
The door is already open as we approach and I can hear the voices of those milling around inside. Music is also playing gently.
“We’re having a party? What’s the occasion? I didn’t miss your birthday did I?” He turns to me, horrified that he might have made some sort of faux pas.
“No. My birthday is months from now. This is a celebration for the summer solstice, also called Litha. The power of the sun is honored on this, the longest day of the year.”
“Oh, right. I didn’t know that was a reason to have a party.” We stand just outside the view of the doors.
“Come, your friends are waiting.” I pull him to the threshold and we see that the room is decked out. It’s almost as if we’re stepping outside, there is so much greenery. There is a large Maypole in the center of the room, ribbons already strewn around it in bright colors and candles are everywhere giving the room a warm glow as the ceiling displays the colors of the evening. There is an hour still until sunset.
“It’s beautiful.” It’s a hushed whisper and I’m not sure he meant for me to hear. It pleases me anyways that my efforts have been appreciated.
“After the sun sets there is a bonfire that we will light outside, until then, please enjoy yourself.”
Longbottom and Lovegood were swaying near the maypole, joined by Narcissa and Lucius. The older pair was getting some odd looks from the younger crowd, but no one dares interrupt them. Hermione and the two youngest Weasleys were chatting by the horderves. Ronald never seemed to stop eating, but they were talking about something. Minerva, Hagrid, and Poppy were sitting near the record player enjoying the melody and keeping an eye on things.
When Harry spots some unusual faces he points them out. “What are they doing here?” I think he is referring to the Slytherins; Draco, Daphne and Blaise, but I answer for the whole group of them.
“I hope you don’t mind that I also used this as an opportunity to get all the older return students to visit the grounds together and hopefully get over past differences.”
He nods at the idea in approval. “I really hope this new school year lets the houses come together. We have so much we can learn from each other.”
Minerva waves at me and I excuse myself as Harry goes over to horderves.
Poppy is the first to speak. “This is very nice Severus. We haven’t had a proper Litha in years.”
“Not a lot ‘ta celebrate ‘til rec’ntly.” Hagrid sips his mead.
He is ignored as she continues. “And I was pleasantly surprised that you invited all the older students. I plan on speaking to Mr. Malfoy about working with me during the year, warming him up to the idea.”
“Now that we no longer need to hold onto old animosity a party is the perfect excuse to bring the children together.” I also wanted to have as many people that Harry considered friends to be here with him. We sit and talk amiably for a while, but I keep an eye on Harry as he sits with his friends.
I watch closely as Draco approaches Harry, Granger and Weasley. I stand in case I need to intervene. I can’t hear the conversation from here, but no one starts shouting or sending curses at each other. Eventually Harry extends his hands to the blonde. Draco must have been stunned because it takes a few seconds for him to take the offered hand in his own. And just like that an unknown tension is released over the whole ensemble. Harry looks at me over Draco’s shoulder and smiles.
“This is something I never thought I would live to see.” Minerva is standing next to me, and the other adults have dispersed into the crowd.
“I know.” I am feeling very proud at the moment, not quite sure where the feeling is coming from.
“Not them. You. You’re besotted. It’s a charming look on you.” I swiftly take stalk in my body and close off my expression. I must have been looking at Harry the whole time with a mushy look in my eyes. “Oh, don’t do that Severus. Don’t hide it. I’m so glad that the war didn’t take the ability to love from you. It’s been far too long since you could be free, and Harry is similarly affected. Your affection for each other is like a cheering charm on the whole room, don’t you see?” I look around at the gathered student, faculty and alumni. I see now that they’re all smiling, enjoying themselves. “I hope now that I’ve pointed it out you don’t push him away. You’ve been such a wonderful influence on each other.”
It’s no use hiding it from her. “I know.” Now that she’s said it out loud it made the feelings that I have been having more real, something substantial. “You’re right.” Her smile isn’t judgmental, only friendly. “I don’t think I could push him away Minerva. He’s wormed his way into my life so subtly that to lose him would leave me desolate.”
“Then why are you standing over here chatting with me. Go to him. Everyone here will understand.” She pushes me in Harry’s general direction and returns to her seat.
Narcissa has gathered the students into a dance around the pole. Alternating boy/girl the sixteen youths twirl around in a circle, tying the ribbons tightly. Everyone else is enjoying the show as I silently join Harry at the table. Ronald and Ginevra see me approach and join in on the dancing, leaving Harry alone.
“Are you having a good time?”
He hadn’t seen me and jumps in surprise. “Oh, yes. It’s been nice to see everyone. I didn’t think you were going to come back over here with everyone watching.”
“I didn’t think it was a risk, considering the crowd.”
“I don’t know… Seamus tried to tell me about this being a fertility ritual and if we’re seen talking to each other people might wonder.” He doesn’t move away as I sit next to him and scoot closer.
“We could dispel their doubts, by revealing them as truths.” It takes him a moment, as he makes sure he understands my meaning. I lay my hand next to his on the table, briefly touching his fingers.
“Are you sure about that? I don’t want you to feel pressured.”
“I think I’m prepared to face your adoring crowds, with you by my side. Unless you’ve changed your mind…”
He grabs my hand, weaving our fingers together. “No, I haven’t. I’m very sure about you.” I place a kiss on our interwoven hands, anything further would be indecent.
“Then there is nothing to fear.”
Rating: This chapter PG
Author: SoLeo
Word Count: +1300
Warnings: *EWE*
Disclaimer: You know I don't own them.
Summary: In which Rita Skeeter attempts to get the exclusive of a lifetime.
AN: And how about that for quick turn around? Besides I need to wrap this up so I can work on some other ideas I have. I can’t focus on more than one story at a time. Grrrr.
Chapter Nineteen
“Evening Severus.” His smile lights up his eyes. I need to see what I can do about getting rid of those obnoxious glasses. His eyes weren’t meant to be hidden.
“Evening Harry.” I say in the same welcoming tone. I stand and join him by the door. He gives me a peck on the cheek as his usual greeting.
“Are you ready for dinner? I’m starved.”
I offer him my arm, and he latches on without hesitation. “Actually I have something special planned.”
“Really? Like what?” He’s excited. He is the kind of person that enjoys being surprised.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.” I lead him down stairs and through the empty corridors towards the Great Hall.
“It must be something fancy if we’re not eating in your room, or with the other teachers. Am I dressed appropriately?” We stop and I look over his robes. They are his work ones, and are plain red with black trim. I have seen him in them often enough.
I take my time taking in every detail. Gorgeous. “You look splendid.” I say instead.
The door is already open as we approach and I can hear the voices of those milling around inside. Music is also playing gently.
“We’re having a party? What’s the occasion? I didn’t miss your birthday did I?” He turns to me, horrified that he might have made some sort of faux pas.
“No. My birthday is months from now. This is a celebration for the summer solstice, also called Litha. The power of the sun is honored on this, the longest day of the year.”
“Oh, right. I didn’t know that was a reason to have a party.” We stand just outside the view of the doors.
“Come, your friends are waiting.” I pull him to the threshold and we see that the room is decked out. It’s almost as if we’re stepping outside, there is so much greenery. There is a large Maypole in the center of the room, ribbons already strewn around it in bright colors and candles are everywhere giving the room a warm glow as the ceiling displays the colors of the evening. There is an hour still until sunset.
“It’s beautiful.” It’s a hushed whisper and I’m not sure he meant for me to hear. It pleases me anyways that my efforts have been appreciated.
“After the sun sets there is a bonfire that we will light outside, until then, please enjoy yourself.”
Longbottom and Lovegood were swaying near the maypole, joined by Narcissa and Lucius. The older pair was getting some odd looks from the younger crowd, but no one dares interrupt them. Hermione and the two youngest Weasleys were chatting by the horderves. Ronald never seemed to stop eating, but they were talking about something. Minerva, Hagrid, and Poppy were sitting near the record player enjoying the melody and keeping an eye on things.
When Harry spots some unusual faces he points them out. “What are they doing here?” I think he is referring to the Slytherins; Draco, Daphne and Blaise, but I answer for the whole group of them.
“I hope you don’t mind that I also used this as an opportunity to get all the older return students to visit the grounds together and hopefully get over past differences.”
He nods at the idea in approval. “I really hope this new school year lets the houses come together. We have so much we can learn from each other.”
Minerva waves at me and I excuse myself as Harry goes over to horderves.
Poppy is the first to speak. “This is very nice Severus. We haven’t had a proper Litha in years.”
“Not a lot ‘ta celebrate ‘til rec’ntly.” Hagrid sips his mead.
He is ignored as she continues. “And I was pleasantly surprised that you invited all the older students. I plan on speaking to Mr. Malfoy about working with me during the year, warming him up to the idea.”
“Now that we no longer need to hold onto old animosity a party is the perfect excuse to bring the children together.” I also wanted to have as many people that Harry considered friends to be here with him. We sit and talk amiably for a while, but I keep an eye on Harry as he sits with his friends.
I watch closely as Draco approaches Harry, Granger and Weasley. I stand in case I need to intervene. I can’t hear the conversation from here, but no one starts shouting or sending curses at each other. Eventually Harry extends his hands to the blonde. Draco must have been stunned because it takes a few seconds for him to take the offered hand in his own. And just like that an unknown tension is released over the whole ensemble. Harry looks at me over Draco’s shoulder and smiles.
“This is something I never thought I would live to see.” Minerva is standing next to me, and the other adults have dispersed into the crowd.
“I know.” I am feeling very proud at the moment, not quite sure where the feeling is coming from.
“Not them. You. You’re besotted. It’s a charming look on you.” I swiftly take stalk in my body and close off my expression. I must have been looking at Harry the whole time with a mushy look in my eyes. “Oh, don’t do that Severus. Don’t hide it. I’m so glad that the war didn’t take the ability to love from you. It’s been far too long since you could be free, and Harry is similarly affected. Your affection for each other is like a cheering charm on the whole room, don’t you see?” I look around at the gathered student, faculty and alumni. I see now that they’re all smiling, enjoying themselves. “I hope now that I’ve pointed it out you don’t push him away. You’ve been such a wonderful influence on each other.”
It’s no use hiding it from her. “I know.” Now that she’s said it out loud it made the feelings that I have been having more real, something substantial. “You’re right.” Her smile isn’t judgmental, only friendly. “I don’t think I could push him away Minerva. He’s wormed his way into my life so subtly that to lose him would leave me desolate.”
“Then why are you standing over here chatting with me. Go to him. Everyone here will understand.” She pushes me in Harry’s general direction and returns to her seat.
Narcissa has gathered the students into a dance around the pole. Alternating boy/girl the sixteen youths twirl around in a circle, tying the ribbons tightly. Everyone else is enjoying the show as I silently join Harry at the table. Ronald and Ginevra see me approach and join in on the dancing, leaving Harry alone.
“Are you having a good time?”
He hadn’t seen me and jumps in surprise. “Oh, yes. It’s been nice to see everyone. I didn’t think you were going to come back over here with everyone watching.”
“I didn’t think it was a risk, considering the crowd.”
“I don’t know… Seamus tried to tell me about this being a fertility ritual and if we’re seen talking to each other people might wonder.” He doesn’t move away as I sit next to him and scoot closer.
“We could dispel their doubts, by revealing them as truths.” It takes him a moment, as he makes sure he understands my meaning. I lay my hand next to his on the table, briefly touching his fingers.
“Are you sure about that? I don’t want you to feel pressured.”
“I think I’m prepared to face your adoring crowds, with you by my side. Unless you’ve changed your mind…”
He grabs my hand, weaving our fingers together. “No, I haven’t. I’m very sure about you.” I place a kiss on our interwoven hands, anything further would be indecent.
“Then there is nothing to fear.”