Wishes for a Happy Christmas
by Little Tee

Disclaimer:See Chapter 1.

Q & A: Please see end of chapter Author's Note.

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It had been a nice and pleasant, albeit long, train ride back to Kings Cross in London. Hermione had shared a compartment with Neville, Dean, Seamus, and Lavender. They had talked about classes and what their family plans were for the Winter Solstice, Christmas, Boxing Day, and for New Years.

She had to stifle a laugh when Seamus asked, "Boxing Day? Muggles celebrate boxing things up?"

Thankfully, she and Dean were able to explain the Muggle holiday to everyone, including Lavender. Neville, Seamus and Lavender, each in turn, explained what a typical Winter Solstice was for them, and why they celebrated it. Hermione had read about it, of course, but she still listened and asked questions on concepts and methods that had not been printed, and was thus, foreign to her. Like, decorating one's home with various, sacred herbs and Druidic colors; the feast of friends lost and old; and, each family's different spin on welcoming in the new solar year, which was the principal event of the Winter Solstice.

Then before long they were pulling into Kings Cross and Platform 9 ¾. Like when they had arrived at Hogsmeade station, almost four months ago, a voice broadcasted instructions on what they were expected to do: carry their bags with them onto the platform, not to leave anything behind in a compartment, to dispose of all empty candy containers and wrappers, once on Platform 9 ¾ if you did not see your parent, legal guardian or recognized governance to find one of the conductors and notify him at once, and finally a Happy Solstice and Christmas to all.

Hermione saw her parents immediately. They were standing together their eyes searching the crowds of students disembarking from the train for their daughter; their faces breaking into smiles when they finally spotted her. Hermione had hugged her parents quickly and introduced Neville and Lavender to her parents. Neville had in turn introduced his Gran to both Hermione and the Grangers. It had been somewhat awkward, but now she understood why Neville tended to be so soft spoken and meek. Having a grandmother as stern as Augusta Longbottom would make anyone be timid of his own shadow.

Both Robert and Jean Granger had decided to make the day of it and had booked rooms in London. Hermione couldn't be happier since she had always enjoyed traveling with her parents, and it had been years since they had had a good day in London. From Kings Cross Hermione and her parents paid a visit to Diagon Alley, for a bit of Christmas shopping. After two hours she was down to the last two gifts on her list of twenty-two. She had been in Amanuensis Quills, Magical Menagerie, Quality Quidditch Supplies, Potage's Cauldrons, Scribbulus Writing Instruments, and Sugarplum's Sweets. She had saved the best for last, Flourish and Blotts Books.

Hermione paused as she took in the quite little shop that was decorated for the Yule time festivities. Sprigs of holly, evergreen branches and mistletoe with fancy ribbon were hung throughout the store. While a soft melody of miscellaneous Christmas and Pagan carols played in the background. Her father wondered over to the small section on Healers, while her mother stayed by her daughter's side, although allowing Hermione to do all the talking.

"Are you being served, Miss?" asked an elderly lady with silver hair, which was pulled into a long plait that hung down to her waist.

Hermione grinned. "No ma'am. I'm looking for a gift for some new friends at school. I have found most of them next door," Hermione paused and motioned towards Sugarplums, "and, I have my roommates taken care of," she added motioning to Amanuensis Quills and Scribbulus Writing Instruments, "But, I need two more gifts."

The older lady smiled kindly and tilted her head, as in thought. "Maybe we can find what you are looking for. What are your two friends like?"

"One is shy and has a tendency to forget things, and his pet toad dose tend to wonder off. Then there is Severus... I just meet him yesterday you see. He isn't the nicest boy, but he isn't a bully. He likes to read, and" she paused remembering the stack of books he had compiled for himself. "I believe, he is very much interested in defense and dueling."

"Well, let us see what we can find." The attendant beckoned. Hermione followed close behind, with her mother coming after.

The attendant walked over to a small section of books that lined the front of the staircase. She picked up a book and showed it to Hermione. It was a self-help book, which promised to help one's memory, self-esteem, and how to be more assertive with one's studies. Hermione thought it might be a tad too extreme in vocabulary for Neville, so she also picked up a dictionary for him. Since he had informed her that he didn't own one back in the first week of classes.

Next was Severus' gift. She was still unsure whether she should buy him a gift or not. After all, they had just meet only yesterday, and he was sure not to think about buying her a gift. But, in the end she had decided to go ahead a buy him something. Friends brought presents for each other during Holidays and Birthdays, and she really didn't expect return presents from over half the people she had already brought for, one more couldn't hurt.

The attendant showed them next the impressive area of defense and dueling books that the small book shop boasted. After much searching and weighing of various titles of tomes trying to decipher which would be better suited for the quiet and sober boy, she had managed to narrow it down to one old tome. The title was fainted with age and the cover was worn and probably would have fallen off ages ago if it hadn't been for the still functioning binding magic that held the book together. It predicted that it could teach the reader the theory of crafting charms, jinxes, hexes and dueling spells with the simplest of ease, but only if the reader handled the subject appropriately, it warned. She had felt the grin spread across her face as she softly closed the book. This was ideal for Severus.

The attendant had questioned Hermione on whether this was too mature for a first-year student; in which Hermione replied, "He is actually an upper classmen. Second or third year."

"Yes I'm sure, dear. But this is more on a NEWTS or Post NEWTS-reading-level."

But, Hermione would not be persuaded against it. When she had handled the book, its rough and well-worn cover had reminded her of Severus. She was going to give this book to him. Even if he wouldn't be able to apply it practically for a few years to come, at least he would have it. She had a few books like that herself.

"***"

"And, that's a wrap!" Robert Granger announced gleefully as he pushed himself away from the cluttered kitchen table.

The eye rolls and muttered groans from his wife and daughter at his obverse pun made him chuckle. He counted the different piles of gifts that now loomed before him and let out a low whistle.

"Twenty-two gifts. I dare say that you have become quite popular. I do believe that you have found your niche, Chipmunk." Robert exclaimed picking up his empty mug, and standing to refill it.

"Dad!" Hermione chided bowing her head allowing her long hair to cover her blush. "I wouldn't say I was popular. I just managed to make some friends. That's all."

"Yes, sweetie we know. We're just proud you were able to find where you belong. . . Where you aren't harassed for your inner beauty and intelligence like in the other schools." Jean Granger explained tidying up their impromptu wrapping station. "We're proud that instead of just Patricia and Barbara," the only two friends that Hermione had been able to make throughout her formative years in the primary schools she had attended, "that you have made more friends. Friends that understand your talents and abilities."

Hermione toyed with one of the ribbon spools near her. She fought the guilt that plagued her when she remembered her choice of not telling her parents about the rough first two months at Hogwarts. She had tried hard to make friends during those first couple of weeks, and yes she had been bossy which had caused her year-mates, and even House-mates to avoid her. At first, only Neville, Parvati and Lavender had befriended her to some extent. Halloween and the encounter with the troll had changed her outlook on friendship and, even though Ron's words were meant to be cruel at the time, had been truthful. She had been acting bossy and arrogant trying to cover up her nervousness and fear that she wouldn't fit in this world. She had come to the decision to back off on her pushy-attitude and to try to act better to others. Now, she wasn't going to fall into the trap of pertaining she was something she wasn't, no she had made that mistake before. When the troll had entered the washroom.

After the ensuring fight she had acted on her former decision, and had lied to Professor McGonagall for Harry and Ron's benefit. She had been rewarded with friendship and she continued to turn down her outward drive of perfectionism to a more manageable level. It hadn't been easy at first, but she was getting the hold of it now.

"How do we send these gifts off?" Robert asked picking up the nearest one that had the special Wizarding wrapping paper. The wrapping paper had an enchanted image of Santa and his sleigh flying through a wood. "Do we send for Mr. Christmas himself?"

"Don't be silly, Robert. The directions are all right here." Jean held up a parchment with the Hogwarts' crest inscribed on it. "Remember, it was in the information packet that Professor McGonagall gave us when she came with Hermione's acceptance letter last year."

"Oh, well then, don't just stand there woman, tell us what we need to do."

"***"

"I know that owls delivered the post, but I honesty never would have believed that they could also deliver parcels as well, if I hadn't just seen it with my own two eyes." Robert commented as the Grangers exited the small Wizarding post office that was located on the outskirts of their town. They had just sent off the twenty-two gifts; seven to Hogwarts itself to be furthered sorted and delivered to its attended recipients Christmas morn.

"Well, it is magic dear. What else would you expect? Elves?" Jean asked getting into their car after Hermione seated herself.

"In all honesty," Robert began, adjusting the rear-view mirror, "I wouldn't be surprised for one bit if Hogwarts didn't have elves to help keep things tidy, cook, and of course deliver the odd Christmas present or two."

Neither of the Grangers realized that Robert wasn't far from the truth. In fact, he had hit the nail on the head.

"***"

Several young house elves stood on the old balcony that was used during school holidays to collect the presents sent to the staff, or to the remnant of students that choose to stay on in the castle through their break, ready to take hold of the holiday parcels from the flock of owls descending on the accent castle.

The Gangers had managed to arrive and make out their orders before the evening post was due, so their parcels were sent within the hour. The one senior owl, Ares, on duty had been given the task of delivering the seven parcels to Hogwarts, after they had been magically re-sized and their receptive masses reduced to ensure quicker transient time, that is.

An assembly line of elves, owls, and parcels emerged as the seconds ticked by and the elves fell into the old rhythm of acknowledging owl, accepting parcel, giving treat, shooing owl away, and repeating the steps with a simple snap of their fingers.

The parcels were being gathered into one pile that rested in the small room off of the receiving balcony. The small room had six big sorting cases: one for each school House; one for the Prefects, Head Girl and Boy; and one for the staff and faculty. Each of the four House cases hosted seven rows of little cubbyholes; each assigned to a student's name. The smaller Prefects, Head Girl and Boy case was similar, but only hosted four rows and eight columns, which denoted House and gender of the listed Prefect. The Head Boy and Girl were the only two holes on the fourth row and were separated into the columns of their respected Houses.

The staff and faculty case was different. It had a row for the Headmaster and the Deputy Headmistress, then a row assigned to the four Heads of House, and the remaining rows were for Professors, Staff, and Adjuncts and lastly a row just for the caretakers; Filch and Haggard. Each cubbyhole was enchanted with a special stasis charm that would keep whatever the contents of the gifts fresh for Christmas.

Several of the small holes were alit with a soft golden glow, these denoted the student or staff member that had stayed on over the holidays. Four house-elves were busy with sorting out the presents and sinking them to fit into the small holes. Everything was going like it had for generations, until one young house elf stopped and grabbed her ears worriedly. One parcel's label had been left incomplete.

It read: To Severus S. Second or Third-year. Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw, or Slytherin House. Hogwarts Castle.

A label had never bore this kind of indecisive instruction before.

"What brothers Penny?" asked Hammy looking over Penny's shoulder to the offending parcel.

"Odd Label. Where is one to put it?" Penny asked turning it over in her hands.

"Karpy should know," replied another elf motioning over to the very old house-elf that sat to the side overlooking the Christmas sorting. The older elf turned her glaze towards them in acknowledgment. Penny hurriedly went to Karpy and presented the parcel and told the senior elf her dilemma.

"Don't know house, then use name." Karpy replied accepting the parcel.

"But there is no Severus as student." Penny bemoaned as she waved her hand over the sorting cases.

"No can't be right," muttered Karpy pushing herself upward onto her unsteady feet. "I remember. Severus not common name."

Penny and Hammy shared a worried look between them. Karpy was a hard working elf, but one that was full of age, and she had been known to be forgetful and be off in her magic more often than not.

She shuffled over to the nearest case and scanned the names engraved into the wood. "Hmm. Slytherin I thought he was. Not many gifts he gets."

"No Severus in Slytherin. Except Professor." muttered Dish, the elf in charge of the Slytherin rooms.

"You wrong." Karpy replied idly fingering the parcel and glancing at the other cases about the room. "Karpy helped him just today. Big fight in library. Made terrible mess of him and books."

Dish blinked and looked at Penny and Hammy who also blinked in return. Maybe there was a student named Severus in the school after all. There had been a fight in the library. They all had heard Madam Pince complain about the disarray of her books to Headmaster Dumbledor that night during the evening fest. Maybe Severus was a middle name. It could explain the dilemma that faced them now. Maybe Karpy was right, this time.

"Can't remember surname. Did start with S." Karpy muttered tapping her bottom lip with her crocked finger. After several long seconds of silence the elf snapped her fingers and levitated the parcel. "Karpy shall deliver!" She snapped her fingers again sending the gift to rest on the top of the Slytherin sorting case and returned to her chair.

With the matter decided the elves returned to sorting the other parcels. More would come in the following nights leading up to Christmas Eve, and they would continue sorting till Christmas morn. Happy to be participating in the joyful festivities that was on them and their charges.

The next three days passed quickly and innocently enough for the house-elves busy at work sorting parcels. As the last parcel was placed the house-elves all cheered, and those house-elves that were assigned to each House hopped happily on their feet for they would be delivering the gifts to their Houses' wards soon. Karpy grinned as she watched the younger elves dance and cheer. For most this was their first Yule-tide at Hogwarts. She still remembered her first one when she had first started working almost a hundred years ago. A lot had changed since then, although somethings remained the same.

Karpy stood and glanced at the old enchanted clock that hung on the stone wall adjacent to her. Christmas was only a few hours away. The Christmas party would continue on to quite late, and usually she would join in and celebrate with the others, but tonight she had a gift to deliver. She snapped her fingers and took hold of the parcel that had caused Penny such grief a few days prior, and with another snap she and the parcel were gone.

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Author's Note: I want to thank everyone who reviewed, faved and/or is now following this story. I hope you are liking this story so far. Okay, I know there are quite a number of mistakes and it doesn't feel quite right, but I have been struggling with this one for a while. Hopefully, the following chapters will be a lot more docile then this one. Anyway, I had to cut two scenes for this chapter. Both seemed to disrupt the flow and perspective of the story. Although, I am planning on posting one as a stand-alone one-shot.

I usually l like to answer reviewer's questions via PM, but since I had a question by a quest for the Chapter 2, I am going to answer it here instead.

giggles: I am sorry you are having difficulty following the story. Yes, Severus and Lily, as young first-years, were there and interacted with and in front of a first-year Hermione. In a way I am merging timelines, but within a confined space (i.e. the library and the tower that holds it). I haven't dumped them all into the same timeline.

If you have ever heard of the premise of string theory in regards to time travel then this might be more realistic for you. In essence, time can be pictured as a string, and is rolled into a ball. Whenever the string touches another point on itself, since it is rolled onto itself, is a potential point of "crossover". That one, if assuming that time travel is possible and realistically attainable, could travel to certain points along their lifetime with minimal effort. (I call this the Quantum Leap approach to time travel.)

However, I also added another step of complexity to this, and instead of just one string there is two strings that have bisected each other. That there is a "window" of space time that has been opened and is allowing Hermione and Severus to interact with one another while staying, mostly, in their respected time lines. There is more to the premise, theory and causation of this time abnormality but it would reveal too much of the upcoming plot, so I shall stop here. Hopefully, this has helped answer your question giggles, if not (or if someone else is still confused) please let me know.

Quick question: Would anyone be interested in a companion piece to this with Severus' viewpoint? I have been toying with the possibility of this for a while, and the other scene I cut from this chapter, which was the fight between Severus and a startled Harry and Ron, has been nagging me to turn it into something more. . . Please let me know what you think of the story so far, any questions you may have, and/or if you would be interested in reading a companion piece of this.