Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Blood Quill Consequences	By : EarthandWater Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 31160 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: We have no claim on Harry Potter nor any characters or locations thereof. We make no money from the writing of this.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
WARNING: KISSING! Of both the M/M and M/F variety. And something that qualifies as a religious ritual.
Disclaimer: We have no claim on Harry Potter nor any characters or locations thereof. We gain only amusement from writing this.
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The next morning found Snape shrugging on a comfortable robe and pouring some tea and studying the small amount of greenery he'd hung around his personal space for Yule while contemplating the fact that neither Narcissa nor Miss Granger had poked at Harry or himself about further holiday plans last night. they were up to something but he'd deal with it after Yule passed. He, like many of the more traditional half and purebloods, celebrated the traditional Yule rather than take part in the insanity of Christmas that the muggleborn had brought into their world. He much preferred it truth be told, the hanging of the holly and ivy, he didn't indulge in mistletoe as he had no one to share kisses with, the 'gifts' of the clove spiked fruits in evergreen and wheat sheaf baskets, the true goodwill celebrated by the neighbors, sitting in quietly cheerful company while the Yule Log burned down, and the small ritual promoting good luck for the next year. It suited him better than the insanity of Christmas.
He glanced up when a knock came at the door and walked over to open it, curious about who would be visiting him so early, and found himself blinking at a beaming Narcissa dressed in a white ceremonial Yule robe with gold trim and embroidery. Clustered behind her were Draco, in white and silver, Granger unsurprisingly found in red and gold with her hair spelled to behave for once, and Harry who was in a Yule robe of green and silver. He absently marked that the teen looked very good in Slytherin colors before noting that Narcissa carried a chest and the teenagers were laden with greenery and the traditional Yule baskets. "Narcissa, to what do I owe the early morning visit?"
She nudged him back. "Yule of course my old friend." She sniffed at his plain ceremonial robes. "I thought we should show Miss Granger and Harry how the season is traditionally celebrated. And those old things will never do." Once she was inside she set the chest down and brought out black and silver robes, quickly dressing him in them with a wave of her wand. "Ah that's better."
Harry had to agree, Snape really looked good in those dark robes trimmed in silver. Narcissa marched into Snape's chambers and the teen trio followed, Harry shooting an apologetic glance Snape's way. Draco covered his face with a hand and smothered a yawn. His mother had come knocking very early and saying no and falling back asleep was not an option. "Blessings on this Yuletide." Draco bowed to his godfather.
Snape bowed in return. "Blessings on you as well." He looked over to Miss Granger, who'd been instructed to set the greenery aside by Narcissa, and took her hand in a deep courteous bow. "Merry meet Miss Granger."
The girl sketched a curtsy Lady Malfoy had been instructing her in. "Merry meet Professor."
He released her hand and gave Harry the same short bow he'd given Draco. "Yuletide Blessings Mr. Potter."
"Yuletide blessings Professor Snape." Harry replied and bowed to the older man. He had no idea what to expect from a true Yule celebration but he really liked what he had seen so far. It was calm, dignified and it seemed powerful in a way that Harry had never experienced before.
Snape moved to let Harry further in and closed the door behind the teenager. "How early did she wake you up?" He nodded over at Narcissa who was murmuring something to Hermione.
"Too early, around five am." Harry snuck a glance at Narcissa. "Scared me half to death she did, coming into the boys dorm waving robes around and talking loudly about the miracle of Yule." He fidgeted with the robes. "I almost hexed her before I realized who she was."
The potions master chuckled. "She's reveling in her freedom. She hasn't had it in so long it's making her somewhat...giddy." He studied the woman. "I believe I'll take her temporary insanity over the frighteningly stiff and proper facade Lucius forced on her."
Narcissa looked up at them and pointed at the chest she'd carried in. "The Yule Log is in the chest Severus, a gift. I assume you have the ale and flour for it as well as the bit of last years'?"
He nodded. "Of course."
"Wonderful." She picked up a lidded basket. "In that case you and Draco help Miss Granger with the greenery going over the Yule tradition and Mr. Potter if you'll join me in the kitchen...er the area that serves as a kitchen any how please?"
Harry nodded and followed the striking witch into Snape's kitchen area. "Of course my lady, just tell me what you need and I'll do it."
Draco stood very close to Hermione, helping her hang branches and place the greenery.
Every so often Draco's hand would brush against hers and Hermione would blush lightly though she continued to smile as the blond explained the meaning behind the greenery, that it was to invite Nature Sprites to come and join in their celebration of the ending of the long days of winter. Snape smirked at Granger's rapt expression, knowing that it wasn't only because of learning something new but also the fact that she was near the boy she fancied. The professor lifted the large Yule log out of the chest and carried it to the fireplace, settling it into place. He began placing sprigs of greenery over and around it, explaining quietly about the purpose of the log and the traditions surrounding it.
Hermione listened in fascination as she charmed the two sprigs of mistletoe Narcissa had instructed her to set floating about. One with a red ribbon and one with a white. The white ribboned one would hover over friendships and allow them to get away with only a kiss on the cheek or forehead. The red one would hover over those who were attracted to each other and required a kiss on the lips. Not that she imagined that one getting much of a workout with only the five of them about.
Narcissa pulled out several pre-prepared items and hand Harry help her chop the ingredients for the Yule Slaw. She raised her brows impressed by the speed and familiarity he used the knife with. "Do you cook often Mr. Potter?"
"Not so much these days but I used to cook plenty...Before." Harry answered pleasantly as he remembered being pulled out of the cupboard by his arm or neck and being ordered to cook for his bottomless relatives. "It smells really nice lady Malfoy." He pointed at the ingredients with the tip of the knife he was holding.
She smiled. "Thank you. The poor house elves nearly had a heart-attack when I invaded their kitchen last night to cook the lamb, ham log and ham balls. They worry so when the humans about start doing chores. Now let's see, Yule traditions are fairly simple all things considered. They are meant to invite good fortune from the elements and celebrate the days that will be getting longer. The Yule log burns through the day and night and at midnight for wizards there is a ritual to spread the good fortune and goodwill."
"That sounds really nice, much nicer than the muggle version of Christmas now, which is mostly about getting things. This is a wonderful way to welcome the light back." Harry said as he listened closely to what Narcissa was telling him.
She positively beamed at him. "Yes it is. As nice as it is to have a little fun giving and getting the gifts of the muggle Christmas, good company and food are worth so much more. Before things became so...fractured many wizarding families would gather together in one house one year than another's home the next. Perhaps if this war ever ends we can work towards that again." Her gaze grew wistful on the ham loaf that she was putting the final touches on.
"I hope so lady Malfoy, I hope for that more than anything." Harry said silently and finished his chopping and put the knife down. "In fact it's not only the wizarding world that could use a little understanding and tolerance, the whole world is growing cold it seems."
She reached out and pat his shoulder. "But there are spots of warmth that, if nurtured, should grow." She moved the food to a large floating tray. "You're a good young man Harry Potter, warm and generous and you do Severus a world of good I think. I hope you'll continue to share your good nature with him. So few can see past his intimidating persona."
Harry flushed both at being called a good man by a Malfoy and for the Snape comments. He couldn't help but wonder what the lady Malfoy would think if she knew all the things he wanted to do to one Severus Snape. "I'll stay close to him as long as he lets me." Harry answered softly. "He is a good man, strong, brave and kind, even if he doesn't like to let it show."
"I know. He's more haunted by past mistakes than he'll show as well and continually punishes himself for them." Brief sadness flit in her eyes before she shook herself out of it. "Let's get back out there shall we?"
"Mm, let's." Harry agreed and offered Narcissa his arm, leading her back into the larger room where the others were.
"Ah, there you are mother, I was beginning to wonder where you'd gotten to." Draco looked up at his mother with a smile, still standing close to Hermione, one hand resting on the small of her back.
She waved a hand at the tray following them. "Just finishing the food dear." She moved with Harry to a couch and smiled at him as she settled down onto it. "Severus, it is your home." She nodded at the Yule log.
The professor smirked a bit, tossed a cup of ale then a handful of flour over the log. He then took out a glowing coal and used it to start the fire. He glanced up and the smirk deepened. "Draco, Miss Granger look up."
Pulling his eyes from the burning log Draco looked up and noticed the mistletoe fluttering over their heads. The bright red ribbon made it clear that he wouldn't get away with a peck on the cheek either. Draco's pale cheeks pinkened and he clenched his fists before relaxing them and turning towards Hermione. He wanted to kiss her, he wasn't going to deny that but he had hoped to not have so many witnesses to their first kiss. Never the less he gave Hermione a small smile, cupped her cheek and leaned down to cover her lips with his.
She could feel her cheeks burning from the time she looked up at the little sprig of greenery and she could swear a dozens frogs were jumping in her stomach as Draco's face grew closer. the first touch of his lips on hers had her eyes fluttering shut. She lifted her chin a bit to press her lips a bit more firmly against his, a little shiver making it's way through her. The kiss ended too soon for her taste but any longer and propriety would be scandalized. She gave Draco a fluttering smile when she opened her eyes.
Draco smiled back, letting his thumb caress her cheek and neck as he slowly pulled his hand away. He wanted to pull Hermione close, let her know that he wouldn't mind a repeat performance sometime but this was not the time or the place for that. Draco settled on letting his fingers tangle together with hers.
Harry caught Hermione's gaze and gave his friend a knowing smile. He was happy for her and as long as Malfoy treated her well then he was all for their relationship.
Hermione smiled back and moved to sit with Draco on another couch.
Narcissa gave her son an approving smile. She crossed her legs and turned to look at Snape. "Severus you know the best tales of the Solstice gods. Why don't you tell the stories?"
Snape shook his head in fond exasperated affection at the order as he moved to sit in his favorite wing back chair. "Very well." He started with a tale of the mother goddess.
The teens listened to the tales that created the Yule traditions, Hermione a bit surprised to note that, when not drawling in nasty sarcasm, Snape had a rather pleasant voice, and occasionally nibbled at the food availed to them. The Gryffindor girl exchanged an amused look with Harry, the both of them knowing that if Ron had been here he'd have devoured it all.
The day progressed to evening and night smoothly. A few games were played and other stories told. Narcissa's brows lifted when Harry told of Hermione decking Draco in third year and exchanged a look with her son, who'd just shrugged as if to say he'd deserved it. By the time midnight was approaching the only two people not caught together by mistletoe were Harry and Draco, much to the boys relief, and Snape and Harry. The red mistletoe had yet to catch anyone again but that was about to change as Harry helped Snape set up the circular altar for the ritual.
Harry was on his knees helping Snape set up when he saw something in the corner of his eye. He looked up and saw the mistletoe floating right over their heads, the red ribbon almost glowing in the dim lighting. Harry ducked his head again and wondered if it would move away if he didn't say anything, maybe no one else had noticed.
Narcissa caught sight of the mistletoe, her lips twitching in amusement, and met Hermione's eyes before cutting a glance at Harry and Snape. Hermione looked, her eyes widening briefly before her mind processed the situation with amazing speed and then her lips curled up in amusement and she nudged Draco in the side softly.
Draco looked at Hermione questioningly before following her gaze seeing the mistletoe. His jaw dropped, the red ribboned mistletoe was supposed to only float over people who were attracted to each other right? That meant that Potter and his godfather...Draco did not want to finish that train of thought. It was highly amusing though and scary too. "Go for it uncle Severus." He called out.
The professor glanced up from where he was arranging the candles, brow knit in confusion. "What?"
Narcissa and Hermione both pointed at a spot just above his line of sight that had his stomach dropping then bouncing up in a nervous jitter. He stared at the little sprig of greenery, for once unsure of what to do next.
It felt as if his face was on fire, Harry didn't even want to know how red it was. This was a nightmare, he was sure that Snape didn't want to kiss him, it was probably his less than pure thoughts about the Potions Master that was confusing the mistletoe. 'Oh crap!' If this was his one chance at kissing Snape then he would go for it, Snape couldn't hex him in front of witnesses could he? Harry reached up, took a hold of Snape's robes and pulled the other man down towards his face.
The professor's eyes widened as Harry's lips connected harshly with his. It wasn't a smooth, soft kiss by any stretch of the imagination and still it managed to send sparks shooting down his spine and over his nerves. He braced his hands on the altar, his brain momentarily over-ruled by his libido, and shifted his head, angling his mouth into a better position against Harry's. It still wasn't soft or sweet but it certainly smoothed out as he slide his mouth against the chapped, plush lips of the younger brunette and got a good feel of the other's mouth.
It was amazing, even better then in Harry's dreams because this was real. Snape's lips were warm and the way they moved against his made heat pool low in his belly. Harry couldn't help himself, he let out a moan and opened his mouth to deepen the kiss, he wanted to taste Snape every way that he could. His fingers tightened in Snape's robes, holding the older man in place so that he couldn't move away.
"By Merlin's frilly knickers...Please blind me now." Draco burrowed his face into the crook of Hermione's neck, not wanting to see his godfather snog the boy who lived.
Hermione hissed the blond's name in irritation and Narcissa sent her son a glare as his moaned complaint snapped Snape back to his senses and the potions master's head jerked up, his cheeks mottled with mingled arousal and embarrassment over having forgotten himself.
As Snape snapped up Harry had no choice but to let him go. Harry's green eyes were hazy with want and emotion but they slowly filled with horror when he thought about what he had done and with who he had done it. "Um, right...Let's continue with this altar then shall we." His voice shook a bit but it was the best Harry could do at the moment.
The professor cleared his throat but otherwise remained silent, not trusting his voice to remain steady, as he finished setting the altar up.
Narcissa closed her eyes and put a hand to her face, not aware that the action was being mirrored by Hermione, much to what was probably Draco's discomfort. Her son had to break the spell those two had been under hadn't he? He just couldn't have waited until they'd gone far enough that they'd have had to discuss it could he?
"What?" Draco slowly shrunk back, his eyes looking as if he'd encountered a wild bear. "What did I do?"
Harry did his best to not let his hands touch Snape's and to not meet his gaze. It had been a wonderful day but right now Harry couldn't wait for it to be over and give him a chance to escape to the solitude of his dorm room.
Hermione whispered lowly into Draco's ear. "You interrupted that's what. Now they'll both tiptoe around each other and ignore what just happened instead of talking it out and realizing that they both like each other."
"Like each other?" Draco was truly baffled and he didn't understand what he had done to earn both women's wrath. The thought of Snape and Potter actually, truly liking each other in all ways was slightly disturbing. Not because they were both male, gender had no meaning in the wizarding world but because they were Snape and Potter...Draco could not wrap his head around it. "I'm sorry?" He tried in a small voice.
She sighed and shook her head softly. "You are such a boy. I'm not really mad it's just...Harry deserves to have someone."
Draco couldn't argue with that, nobody should be alone. He studied his godfather, if Snape really wanted Potter...Really wanted him then Draco hoped that he would pursue him.
Harry was in hell. He hadn't wanted to end the kiss, he knew that it was thoughtless and probably wrong but it had felt so right. He didn't know when exactly but sometime during the year Snape had become one of his most important people and the thought that the older man might hate him now hurt.
Severus, for his part, concentrated fiercely on setting the altar up the rest of the way though he was all too aware of how studiously Potter avoided even an accidental brush of hands. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. It bothered him to be this attracted to Harry though not because of the age difference. The younger brunette was sixteen after all, one year away from wizard adulthood and at the English age of consent. No he wasn't bothered by age, he was bothered by the ties to the past. Harry was the son of Snape's first childhood friend, a friend he'd pushed away, a friend he'd betrayed, though not knowingly or willingly, and the youth knew nothing of Snape's past sins or how they were connected to his present situation. Considering that, he had no right to touch the teen until he did know of the unwitting role Snape had played in his parents' deaths. The potions master was dead certain that once he told Harry after the 25th, the youth would return to his hatred of him and certainly wouldn't want to so much as share the same room with him, much less allow the professor to touch him in the way he longed to now.
So, no matter how much he wanted to kiss the young man currently avoiding his gaze again, no matter how incredible that one kiss had been, he would not indulge himself and would instead keep things as the status quo until Potter went back to hating the fact of his existence.
Narcissa stifled a sigh and glanced at Severus' wall clock, rising to her feet just as the professor and Harry completed setting up the altar. "Ah almost midnight. Let's gather round the altar shall we?" Her eyes connected with Hermione's and, in true scheming female form, they moved to cut off avenues of escape for the two stubborn lovesick morons. Narcissa moved to stand beside Harry, and Hermione stood beside Snape, leaving Draco to complete the circle standing between his mother and his love interest and forcing Harry and Severus to stand by each other in the round.
Draco wasn't a fool, he could see full well what Hermione and his mother was up to. He didn't know whether to cheer or pity the two poor souls. If those women put their minds together then Snape and Potter didn't stand a chance.
Harry reached out his hand tentatively and took a hold of Snape's long fingered, elegant one. Snape's hand was warm and dry and despite everything that had happened Harry felt comforted just to be touching the other.
Warmth seemed to spread up from the slightly calloused, surprisingly broad, nimble-fingered hand Harry had slipped into his own and Snape couldn't help but glance down ever so briefly, lips quirking in very slight contentment before he remembered that he shouldn't let himself fall deeper into the emotional suicide that was caring for Harry Potter. He raised his eyes to Narcissa's exasperated ones as Granger completed the circle so they were all connected. He looked over the altar to be sure everything was in place, the two white candles stood still and unlit, the dishes of honey, water and salt were settled in the right place, the cauldron with its special candle set within, the small statuettes of Dagda and Brigid, the small bell, the althames, the goblet of wine and the small cakes were all aligned just as they should be. He closed his eyes and for this rare occasion lowered his shields, allowing his personal magic to be exposed within the wards of the circle and to mix with and feel the soft brush of Magic herself that gifted him his own. He could feel Hogwarts looking on and joining in their ceremony, could feel the castle's pleasure that he was, for once, not alone for this ritual. He drew breath and opened his eyes. "Let it be known that the Circle is cast, let none be here but of their own free will."
The words were weighty and deep, holding more than just the sound of Severus' authority but that of a Ritual Lord's intoning magic. Narcissa's lips tilted up with the laughter of the lighter side of ritual and she stepped into role of Ritual Lady opposite Severus. "This is the night of the solstice, the night that the darkness is triumphant over light, and yet on the morrow, the dark begins to give way and the light will return. The spirit of nature is suspended, all living things wait the transformation of the Dark King into the Infant Light. We watch for the coming of dawn, when the Great Mother will again give birth to the Divine Child, The Sun God who is the bringer of the life of Spring and the promise of Summer. We call the Sun from the womb of night. Blessed Be."
"Blessed be." All the others repeated as they had been told to do, well at least Harry had been told, Malfoy and his mother had already known and Hermione had without a doubt read up on the ritual. Harry felt the magic swirling as Snape talked and he found it beautiful. It felt so real and honest and it was a perfect way to welcome back the brighter times when the sun returned.
A pentagram began to glow before them and Severus spoke again. "Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, we summon, awaken and call you up to guard the circle and protect us in our rite. Come to us now on the cold winter wind and breathe into us the spirit of the pure joy of life. So mote it be!"
"So mote it be!" Hermione had indeed read up on the ritual as well as been coached by Narcissa but she'd never imagined it would truly bring the power it was invoking. She could almost see the currents of magic swirling around them, her hand tightening on Draco's a pleasant shiver went up her spine as she felt almost cradled by Magic. Here, now, it wasn't just an abstract concept or theory but a living, breathing, caring sentience.
Snape continued, calling the corners and pausing each time to allow the others to agree or disagree. None disagreed and a thin line of light circled around them all closing the circle completely. "The circle is sealed, and all herein are totally and completely apart from the outside world, That we may glorify the Lady whom we adore. Blessed Be!"
Narcissa smiled wider as they all echoed the blessing and she received a nod from Severus. She met the eyes of the teenagers and spoke in unison with the group. "As above, so below ...As the universe, so the soul. As without, so within. Blessed and gracious one, on this day do we consecrate to you our bodies, our minds, and our spirits. Blessed Be!" She continued, he voice speaking alone now. "To die and be reborn. The Wheel is turning. What must you lose to the night?"
After a tiny squeeze of Narcissa's hand in his Harry remembered that they were supposed to answer. "Fear." The group spoke up as one voice. Harry would gladly give his fear to the night, Merlin knew he had plenty of it.
The woman continued to speak, her voice remaining low and calm yet somehow gathering in power. "Fear is lost to the night. Fear is lost to the night. To die and be reborn, the Wheel is turning, what must you lose to the night?"
Severus breathed in the feeling of magic surrounding them, protecting them all as they answered. "The light was born and the light has died."
Narcissa inclined her head. "Everything passes, all fades away."
Snape released Hermione's hand to reach down into the dish of salt. One by one he placed a pinch of the mineral on each person's tongue. "My body is salt, taste the breath of death." He knew that they'd all been closer to death than they'd have liked but in this space of time it was nothing to fear.
Narcissa picked it up once more. "You are entering a space of perfect freedom." She closed her eyes and envisioned her hopes and dreams for the future. A continued life of freedom for her son and herself. Seeing her son grow into the man he was swift becoming, perhaps marrying the clever young witch joining them and gifting her with grandbabies. Freedom for the wizarding world from the constant threat of Voldemort, peace and happiness for all those she cared for.
Severus envisioned his arm clear of the mark of his past mistake, saw the world about him celebrating the fall of the Dark Lord, saw Harry standing in a patch of sunlight with a beaming smile free of the shadows of his burden. He saw himself measuring out a perfected Wolfsbane potion and administering it to a child afflicted with lycanthropy. And he envisioned impossible forgiveness from the young man at his side.
Hermione saw herself, Harry, and Ron tumbled to the ground, laughing with relief as they triumphed over Voldemort. She saw herself diving into Draco's arms and boldly planting a kiss on him in front of everyone in the Great Hall, despite Ron's teasing gagging noises. She saw Harry dancing with the snarky professor officiating this ceremony and smile on both their faces while Ron danced with a smug Pansy. She saw Narcissa and Sirius looking out over it all both free of the looming threats they'd been under. She saw herself graduating with her two best friends all of them getting top marks and going on to do what made them happy. And she saw a brief glimpse of herself in white satin and lace staring down an aisle at a certain blond Slytherin.
Draco saw his mother free and without bruises, her head held high as she walked down the street of Diagon Alley. He envisioned their lives without Lucius cruelty and bad choices. He saw the Golden Boy defeating the plague of the wizarding world and the following celebrations. He saw himself showing the manor to Hermione for the first time, hoping that she would like his childhood home and he saw himself growing old and happy with a brunette, bushy haired witch by his side.
Harry saw the downfall of Voldemort. All his friends safe and happy not having to live under the shadow that Voldemort had created anymore. He saw himself teaching and being just Harry, he saw a tall man standing next to him, ready to catch him if he fell and knowing he would do the same to him. Snape looked happy having cast off his double life and living life like he wanted to.
Magic took their dreams and held them to her, circling this group of her children and connecting their dreams with those of the few others who joined in this ritual. The joy and happiness and positive energy pouring into the ley lines, connecting people separated by distance but held close by heart. It fed Magic and she, in happiness, returned the energy twofold to them her approval so tangible to all those who wished only for the good of the world that it brought tears to the eyes.
Narcissa opened her eyes and released Harry's hand reaching down as Severus had done but instead of salt she came with honey, placing it on the tongues of those here with them. "Taste the sweetness of life."
Once more all spoke, magic in their voices, goodwill in their hearts. "We are awake in the night! We turn the Wheel, to bring the light! We call the sun from the womb of night!"
Lady Malfoy continued. "He sets his face to the West but in the East arises! Queen of the sun! Queen of the Moon! Queen of the horns! Queen of the fires! Bring to us the Child of Promise!"
Hermione smiled and joined her voice again in the ritual, more than knowing the words she felt them in the core of herself. "It is the Great Mother who gives birth to Him, it is the Lord of Life, who is born again! Darkness and tears are set aside, when the sun comes up again!"
Narcissa met Severus' gaze and read the grateful light there as she spoke again, knowing that she'd done exactly right by bringing company to him this night. "Golden sun, Of hill and field, light the earth! Light the skies! Light the waters! Light the fires!"
They all called the names of those the ritual invoked, power swirling through the room. "Io! Evohe! Io! Evohe!"
Severus lit the candle and everyone chanted along with him and Narcissa. "I who have died am alive again today, the Sun is born again! This is the birth of life and love and wings, we are born again, we shall live again! The Sun Child, the Winterborn King! The Dark God has passed the Gate, he has been reborn through the Mother, with Him we are each reborn! The tide has turned! The light will come again! In a new dawn, in a new day, the sun is rising! Io! Evohe! Blessed Be!"
Narcissa took the goblet of wine in both her hands and lifted it into the air. "We give thanks to the Gods for that which sustains us."
Snape likewise raised the plate of cakes into the air. "We give thanks to the Gods for that which sustains us."
The group intoned, "So be it. May we ever be aware of all that we owe to the Gods."
Narcissa lowered the goblet and extended it towards Severus, who set the plate of cakes down in front of him and took up an althame and held it point down between his palms. He lowered it into the wine, "In like fashion may bodies join together."
The witch nodded. "For the happiness of both, and let the fruits of the union promote life."
Snape finished the blessing, "Let all be fruitful and let peace, happiness and good will be spread throughout all lands."
Narcissa held the goblet for Severus to sip from, then for Harry and Draco to likewise take a sip. She then passed the goblet to Severus and he held it for her and Hermione as they sipped from it. Her replaced it upon the altar and took the cakes in hand once more holding them before Narcissa, who touched each cake in turn with the second althame.
"This food is the blessing of the Gods to our bodies,"
Severus inclined his head. "Let us partake of it freely, and as we share, let us remember always to see to it that what we have we share with those who have nothing."
Narcissa took a cake and placed it in her mouth, eating the small confection before offering one to Severus before offering them to the three teenagers in the circle. "As we enjoy these gifts of the Gods, let us remember, without Them, we would have nothing."
Snape continued. "Eat and drink. Be happy. Share and give thanks. So Mote It Be."
Once more they all called out the last phrase to magic and Severus then turned his attention to bringing down the circle. One by one he called down the corners until he reached the last. "Lords of the Watchtowers of the North, return now to the Earth where seeds nestle awaiting the warmth of Spring. Take with you our blessings and thanks. Hail and farewell!"
They all called the farewell to the corners and Severus raised his althame in respectful salute. "We came together in perfect love and perfect trust, in love and friendship, let us part in the same way. Let us spread the love we have known here outward to all; sharing with those we meet on our separate ways."
Narcissa raised hers as well, "Lord and Lady, we give you our thanks for sharing this time together in our rite. We give you thanks for watching over us, for guarding us and for guiding us in all things. Love is the Law, Love is the Bond, Merry did we meet, merry do we part; and merry will we meet again." She brought down the althame, using it to douse the candles. "Our rite draws to its end. O lovely and gracious Goddess, be with each of us as we depart. The circle is open but not broken! So Mote it be!"
Hermione called with everyone, feeling oddly bereft as the circle closed and the magic settled once more into sleep yet also incredibly honored to have taken part in this ritual.
"So Mote it be! Merry Meet, Merry Part, may the Love of The Lord and The Lady, be always in your heart."
Narcissa and Severus laid down their althames and the professor gave her a short bow. "Thank you, for playing Lady to the Ritual."
She returned the bow. "Thank you, old friend, for letting me."
Harry had never felt magic like that before, old and wild as it curled around them and gave them their blessing. It was unlike anything he had ever felt and he was truly humbled by it. He bowed at both Snape and Narcissa. "Thank you so much, both of you for letting us join in this. I will never look at Christmas or magic the same way again. I feel honored."
Even Draco's gray eyes were a little wide and he hadn't let go of Hermione's hand. He was used to the ritual but magic had never responded like this throughout the years. This was special and valuable in a way that you couldn't put a price on. "You felt it too right?" He whispered at Hermione.
She squeezed his hand and nodded then addressed Snape and Narcissa. "Yes, thank you I've never felt anything like that before. I...even before I got my letter from Hogwarts I always felt something, just sort of on the edge of my consciousness. A bit like something flitting just out of the corner of my eye and then once I started learning how to do magic it's always been a bit like...like this constant, warm feeling just under my skin but this..." she searched for the right words, "it was living and...infinite! I can't explain really."
Narcissa smiled. "You don't have to. One thing you should remember, even if you never perform a solstice ritual again as long as you live, is that Magic is alive. It thinks and lives and we are all her children." She turned her gaze to Harry. "And I consider myself honored to have been able to join her in showing you that."
Severus nodded. "You all have my thanks as well. Magic comes when called even by a solitary ritual but it is so much better to have company."
"It was incredible and I'm so happy to have shared it with you." Harry was still buzzing softly after the touch of magic and in a really weird way it felt as if he would never be truly alone again. He looked over at Snape before turning his eyes away again, not feeling quite comfortable with the other yet but well on the way of getting there. After experiencing this it felt as if there was nothing that he couldn't do.
Hermione smiled and turned back to look at Draco, who was studiously ignoring his godfather and Harry. She tugged on his hand and grinned at him, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
Pale cheeks flushed with color as Draco tore his eyes away from the very unlikely couple and locked them on the witch beside him instead. He did hope that Snape and Harry would talk things out, that they would make it. Who was he to talk about unlikely couples? Even a year ago he could never have seen himself falling for a know-it-all, Gryffindor mudblood but he had. He had fallen hard and he didn't want it any other way.
Narcissa hid her smile at the sight her son and the young witch made. Looking at that she knew for certain that Draco would never turn out like his father, not so long as a clever, bushy haired witch was at his side. Her gaze slipped to the clock in the room and her brows lifted. "I do believe that it's time for us to be going unfortunately. It's nearly two in the morning and we all need some sleep."
Draco nodded. "It is getting late, we should get to bed, lovely as it has been it's been a long day." He reached for Hermione's hand and brushed a light kiss over her knuckles before releasing it again. It had been an overwhelming day but in a good way.
Hermione blushed at the action but her beaming smile told that she'd enjoyed it as did the faint dismay when he'd released her hand. "Yes I suppose it has been. Doesn't quite feel like it but it has been."
They all moved to the door and Narcissa smiled at the potions master. "Merry meet."
He bowed lightly at them all. "Merry part."
"And merry meet again." Narcissa slipped out the door with her son.
Hermione gave the professor a small wave and pat Harry on the shoulder. "Come on then, let's get to Gryffindor Tower."
Harry smiled at Hermione and put his arm around her shoulder. "Yes we should, shouldn't we?" He gave a small bow to Snape. "Thank you for having us." He nodded goodnight to Narcissa and Draco too, he's had a surprisingly good time with all of them and even though it was very late Harry was a bit sad to go.
"I enjoyed having you here. Sleep well." The man closed the door after them as the small group walked down the hall. He looked down at the robes Narcissa had spelled onto him and had them exchanged for his nightshirt with a flick of his own wand. He made sure to douse any lights that remained burning and cast a charm on the yule log that would save a few embers to start next year's fire. He went into his lab for a bit to check the black coals and the basilisk egg then headed to bed, knowing that his dreams that night would be filled with the taste and feel of full chapped lips yet somehow he could not scold himself into being the least bit dismayed by that.
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TW's A/N: I know the ritual was long and took up a good chunk of the chapter but in my mind it was important not to gloss over it because it was a special experience that brought Harry, Severus, Hermione, Draco, and Narcissa closer together as friends and family. And you got kissing so wasn't it worth it?
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