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The Girl in my Arms	By : PotionMaster Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 3779 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Christmas 2

The three of them emerged from the shower half an hour later when the hot water ran out. Bella had insisted that they all put on dressing gowns, at the very least, since they probably wouldn't make it through all the presents otherwise and Remus and Severus had reluctantly complied. Severus sat back in his armchair and Bella and Remus settled on the couch.

Bella pulled her wand out and levitated two packages from the heap under the tree that Severus had reluctantly conjured after his lovers had complained that his rooms weren't Christmassy enough. The green package she sent towards Severus and the red one towards Remus.

"You colour coded them?" Remus asked.

*I don't have to work out which one's which this way, * Bella defended, dropping Remus' into his lap from a great height while floating Severus' gently into his hands.

"Sorry," Remus grinned. "It's just - you weren't going to win any awards for organisation when we were at school. Colour-coding seems a little - um"

"Anal?" Severus suggested.

*Did you just call me 'anal', buster? * she asked, glaring at Severus.

"No," he said, straight-faced.

"Excuse me? How do you make that out?" Remus said.

"You called her anal. I was merely supplementing your clearly limited vocabulary!" he replied with a smirk.

*OK, that's it. Quit being 'cute' both of you and just open the damn presents, * Bella demanded.

Severus turned his parcel around slowly until he could slip one long finger underneath the seam and carefully peel the tape off. Remus on the other hand tore his open like a child would. Bella grinned as she watched their different approaches - somehow they seemed to sum up her lovers perfectly. Remus was, naturally, the first to get his open and he pulled out a pair of soft leather trousers that would cling like a second skin and a luxurious silk shirt, both were a deep blood red. He gently stroked the shirt, letting the material flow through his fingers.

"This matches your new outfit, doesn't it?" Remus asked.

*Yeah I got it at the same time. I saw how you reacted to mine and figured I would like to see you guys in something similar, * she said.

By now Severus had got his open and pulled out a pair of trousers and a shirt like Remus' but in a deep forest green.

"These are beautiful, Bella," Sev said. "Hang on - you have an outfit like this and I haven't seen it?"

*You've seen the leather trousers. I was wearing them with the corset the other night, although I think you and Remy were paying more attention to the rest of my outfit, * Bella thought.

"She bought the shirt and trousers when we were in London," Remus said. "They're very sexy!" Then he sent Severus an image of Bella standing there in the department store wearing the outfit.

"Could we convince you to bring them here and model them for us?" Severus asked hopefully.

*Maybe later, * Bella said. *If I do it now we'll end up in a sweaty heap on the rug again and I want to open the presents first. *

"Well, if we must," Remus sighed dramatically. Bella glared at him and he raised his hands defensively. "OK, OK, I'll go next shall I?"

He chose a couple of the smaller packages and, following Bella's example, floated them across to his lovers. By unspoken agreement they left the more significant presents till last and settled for distributing the odds and ends they had each bought one another. Soon they were surrounded by chocolates (for Remus' sweet tooth), scarves and hair ribbons (for Bella), and books and quills (for Severus). By now there were only six presents left, carefully stacked under the tree.

*Shall I go first? * Bella asked. Severus and Remus both nodded so she floated two rectangular parcels across to the couch. Before handing them to her lovers she thought, *I really should know better than to get the two of you things like this. You're probably both going to disappear into your studies and desert me for the rest of the holidays now! This one's for you, Sev, Artemis put it aside for me when it came in to the shop because he thought it would be of interest. * As she thought this she passed the first parcel to Severus. Turning to her other lover she handed the other package to Remus. *I got this from Phileus. Artemis 'appropriated' it from the Ministry stores - they seized it during their raids on Death Eaters after Voldemort's fall. It's in Latin but I know that won't be a problem for you. *

Remus tore the paper off his gift, revealing an ancient leather-bound book with a metal clasp. Embossed on the cover was a detailed picture of a wolf. Carefully opening it he discovered that it was a diary of some kind. He gently flicked through it, noting that is covered a seven-year span from 1631 to 1638. The last entry was clearly written by a different person to all the others and Remus began to translate it.

"Last evening, just before twilight, the tavern-keeper's boy arrived at our door shaking and out of breath. My father had been accused of witchcraft and his master sent him to warn us. At once my father apparated to the safe hiding place we prepared weeks ago. My parents had feared that this would happen but I foolishly believed that our good relations with our neighbours and our tenants would keep us safe. I was wrong. My mother concealed the boy n oln old priest-hole lest his presence should bring suspicion on his ma. My. My mother and I had not long to wait before one of the maids announced our 'visitors'. Two self-proclaimed witch-hunters from York were shown into the great hall, along with the sheriff and our parish priest. The sheriff begged forgiveness for calling on us at such a late hour. I could see he was uncomfortable with his task but he is required by law to assist these men and besides, they had the ear of the archbishop and it would have been fatal to cross such a powerful man. My mother informed them that my father had left on business early that morning and was not expected to return for some weeks. The witch-hunters of course did not believe her but after they had accepted her gracious invitation to search the house and found nothing, they were forced to leave empty-handed. The sheriff hung back on the pretence of enquiring about my mother's safety if she were to be alone in the house with onlyelf elf and a handful of servants for protection. He advised us that these men would not give up but that the men he would post to guard our house would not prevent my mother and myself if we chose to leave. I do not like leaving my home but if my father were to be convicted of such charges our property would be forfeit and would no doubt somehow find its way into the hands of the archbishop himself. This way I will at least have an inheritance to return to. I despise these petty fools who would surely not know a witch or wizard if they ran into one and most certainly would be unable to capture one unless he or she chose to come willingly. Tonight my mother and I leave to join my father in Scotland where we will find safe haven with my mother's family and so I bury this diary in the grounds of my home in the hopes that I may return to reclaim it one day. If I can not then I pray that it finds its way into the hands of someone who would find comfort in its words and know that even a cursed creature such as my father may live a normal life with wife and family."

When Remus had finished reading, he looked up and Bella explained what she knew of the book. *The author of the diary was a werewolf in 17th century Yorkshire. He writes about his family and his home life but he also tells of his travels on the Continent and his encounters with others of his kind. Artemis knew that Phileus would appreciate its content and she paused. *You did realise that Phileus is a werewolf I assume? *

Remus nodded and Bella continued, *He told me about the book soon after I guessed his secret and I owled him a few weeks ago asking if he would make a copy. He insisted on letting me have the original instead. He said he had it pretty well memorised by now anyway and it was time for it to go to a new owner. *

"Do you have any idea who the author was?" Remus asked. "Or what happened to him and his family?"

*No. Phileus tried for years to discover who wrote it but as you can see there are no names. The only thing we know is the family came from somewhere near York and that it turned up 13 or 14 years ago at the Ministry. Artemis couldn't discover where it had come from either. Apparently the Aurors at the time were somewhat lax at recording the origins of any items not used in evidence. *

"Mind if I try?" Severus enquired. He came and stood behind the settee that Bella and Remus were sharing and leant over Remus' shoulder to examine the book. He smiled slightly and then took it out of Remus' hands. Turning to the front of the book he gently ran his fingers over the inside of the front cover and muttered an incantation. A page that had previously appeared to be part of the cover detached itself from the leather and fluttered open.

*How on earth did you do that? * Bella asked, shocked.

Remus was busy reading the inscription on the newly visible page. "Bloody Hell, Severus. Do you know what this says?" he asked.

"I should do. I read it enough times in the months after I discovered it. It's the name of the writer," he said.

*What? * Bella exclaimed, looking between her lovers in confusion. *Unless someone starts talking sense, I'm going to sleep in my own room for the rest of the holidays. *

"The diary was written by one of my ancestors," Severus said. "I found it over the summer at the end of my sixth year, in a trunk in the attic. I assume that it was confiscated along with a lot of my other books when the Ministry had Snape Manor raided after Voldemort's defeat. It seems to have a habit of finding people who need it. First me, then Phileus, now Remus."

"Then this really belongs to you," Remus said.

Severus put his hand on the other man's shoulder, "No, it's yours. Like I said, it seems to choose its owners."

*You said it found you when you needed it, * Bella thought. *After the Shrieking Shack incident? I would have thought a book about werewolves was the last thing you would have wanted to read *

"I found it at the beginning of the summer holidays," he said. "It was why I decided to do as the Headmaster wanted and not broadcast Remus' secret."

"We need to talk about that," Remus stated. "Preferably some time before the next full moon."

"I know," Severus said. "But not now. If we don't finish opening these present's Bella will do something unpleasant to us." He went back to his seat and finished opening his own present. Gently slipping the wrapping off it he uncovered another old book. He turned it over a couple of times before opening it.

"This is fantastic, Bella!" he exclaimed. "It looks like an original."

*It is, * she thought smugly. *Don't ask me where Artemis finds these things; he never shares his secrets with me. Although I did get a small lecture on the author of that particular work, if not it's provenance. *

"Well, let's see what you've learnt then," Severus said.

*Oh for Merlin's sake, Sev. I'm not one of your students and this isn't supposed to be a test! * Bella grumbled. However, she sat up a little straighter and started to repeat what she knew. *Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya' al-Razi, also known as Rhazes. One of the most influential of the medieval Islamic medical practitioners and theorists. Born and died in the town of Rayy in the 10th century, heading the hospital there and also the great hospital in Baghdad. He briefly served as a physician at the Samanid court. He also dabbled in alchemy and philosophy. Unknown to muggle historians he was actually one of the foremost alchemists and potion makers in wizard history. As a rule only his muggle medical texts have survived. * She paused briefly for effect. *That book, however, contains many of his magical theories. *

Severus smiled happily as he came over to sit on the arm of the sofa next to Bella. Leaning down, he kissed her, "You are incredible. I love you."

He drew his wand and floated two small packages over to the sofa. Handing one to Bella and one to Remus he said, "I wasn't sure if these were going to arrive in time. I had to order them from a craftsman I know in Ireland. Yours has silver in it, Bella, so do try not to drop it on Remy when you're looking at it."

Bella ripped the paper off to reveal a black velvet jewellery box. Opening it, she found an elaborate hair slide. It was an intricate design with an eagle, a lion and a snake entwined together. It was made of gold, silver and bronze and set with red, green and blue stones. Engraved on its surface were runes of some kind. The design was so complex that anyone not examining it closely would almost certainly dismiss it as a pretty pattern and nothing more. The significance of the motif however was not lost upon Bella.

*Oh Sev, it's wonderful. I've never seen anything so beautiful. What do these runes mean? * she thought.

"Oh they're just general romantic and emotional symbols," he said hastily.

Bella raised one eyebrow and fixed him with a determined stare, *You know for someone who's spent his entire adult life as a spy you really are a lousy liar. You always do this when you've done something sappy and romantic that you don't want me to notice, * she declared.

"Do what?" he asked.

*Get all evasive and don't change the subject. What do the runes mean and give me a proper answer or I'll go and find the Professor of Ancient Runes and ask him! *

Remus asked, "Are they the same runes as are on this?" He showed Bella the necklace that had been in his package. It was a silver-coloured chain and a pendant with a similar design to the one on the hair slide. It too had several runes in the middle of it.

*Oh, that's beautiful,* Bella thought. *What's it made of?*

"Platinum," Severus answered. "I thought it might allay suspicions about Remus' condition amongst people who don't already know. After all if he appears to be wearing silver jewellery then he can't be a werewolf, right?"

Bella looked at the pendant, *The markings are similar to the ones on my hair slide, but not quite the same. * They both turned to look at Snape who was looking distinctly sheepish by this time. *Did you design these yourself? *

"Yes," he answered. "I drew up the designs and then owled them to the jeweller to make up."

"And the runes mean what precisely, Sev?" Remus asked. "Because you're obviously trying to avoid the issue and you should know that we both love a mystery."

Severus buried his head in his hands for a moment, his cheeks turning suspiciously pink. He continued to avoid their eyes while he mumbled his answer.

"Well I didn't understand a word of that," Remus complained.

*I got a couple of words - traditional and ritual, * Bella thought. They both looked at Severus, continuing to stare until he repeated his answer. He stared back for a couple of seconds before sighing heavily and slowly saying, "I said. They're traditionally used in werewolf mating rituals. We can't really tell anyone about our relationship so I thought it would be nice if we had something to wear that we knew the significance of, even if no one else did. Now can we please change the subject?"

"No way," said Remus, pulling Severus across Bella so that he was in the middle of the settee. Remus wrapped his arms around him and kissed the back of his neck while Bella kissed his lips.

"I can understand that it would ruin your reputation with the students, but why do you have to try and pretend you're not a romantic at heart when you're with us?" Remus asked.

"I am not romantic," Severus denied hastily. "You two have the monopoly on sappy in this relationship, not me!"

*Aww, he's embarrassed, * Bella teased. *He claims to be unromantic but then he does things like this. You should have seen what he did to my room the first night I was here. He's a complete softy really. *

"I am not!" he yelped, jumping to his fend snd stalking across to his own chair again. "Anyway don't we still have presents to deal with?"

"Well that was about as subtle as a Hufflepuff," Remus laughed.

*Yeah Sev, that was approaching Gryffindor levels of bluntness, * Bella grinned. *And you call yourself a Slytherin -*

"Hey!" the two men exclaimed at the same time.

*What? * she asked innocently. *Sev's right though, we do still have to open your presents, Remy love. Aren't you just dying to see how Sev reacts to his?*

"Ok, OK, you have a point," Remus conceded. "But drop the innocent act, love, we both know better." He drew his wand and floated the smaller of the two remaining gifts across to her. Then he got up and walked over to the larger one, picking it up and carrying it over to Severus. "The darn thing would probably refuse to let me levitate it on principle," he said to Bella. She grinned at him and nodded her agreement as she tore the wrapping from her own present. It was a wooden jewellery box with a Celtic dragon carved on the lid. When she opened it, it began to play a tune - not the tinkling metallic sounds that a muggle musical box would play but the sound of a full orchestra. She put it down gently, before running over to Remus and hugging him.

*Oh! I can't believe you remembered this! * she thought excitedly. *It's beautiful Remy, oh thank you!*

"Love, you played that piece of music so many times over that Christmas that it's engraved on my memory. I just knew I had to get this for you when I saw it," he answered.

"What is it?" Severus asked.

"Winter, by Vivaldi. She had a music box that played it when we were at school here," Remus answered.

*It was my grandmother's. When I was really little she used the box to sing me to sleep. The Christmas before you all graduated she gave it to me and I drove the Marauders nuts playing it. She died later that year so it was very special to me. It got broken when Peter attacked me. I guess that should have given me a clue that it was him really,* she thought, still hugging Remus. *Thank you and I promise to play it less frequently this time!*

"We can only hope!" Remus laughed.

Severus went back to unwrapping his gift, eventually revealing the apothecary box Remus had discovered in London. He placed the box on the coffee table and looked at it. "Where's the key?"

"You don't need one," Remus answered.

"Then why does it have a lock?" Severus asked perplexed.

*I think that's just there to confuse unwary antique shop owners, * Bella thought cryptically.

"What?" Severus queried.

"We found it in Schliemann's Antiques. It had been there for over a month and no one had been able to open it. You shouldn't have any trouble though," Remus explained.

"Why not?" Severus questioned.

"Just try and open it, Sev. Trust me, it'll all become clear once you get inside it."

Severus reached out and lifted the lid; it opened easily under his touch. He gasped when he saw the delicate bottles and phials stored there. He ran his fingers over them reverently. "This is magnificent. It must have belonged to a master potion maker of some kind. I've never seen anything so beautiful," he breathed.

*Lift the tray out and see what else is in there, * Bella encouraged.

"You have no patience at all, do you," Remus teased her.

*Nope, * she replied shamelessly.

Severus did as she suggested and gently lifted the tray out and put it on the table next to the box. He pulled the books out eagerly and examined them carefully, gasping in shock when he saw the monogram on the covers.

"Sweet Merlin!" he exclaimed. "I'm - I - Are these what I think they are?" He grasped for the words in his amazement.

"We're not a hundred percent certain," Remus said. "Once I got the box back here it wouldn't let me open it to find out, but, yeah, I think they're probably exactly what you think they are!"

"What do you mean, you couldn't open it?" Severus asked.

*Remus thinks it's keyed to members of Slytherin House. That's why Schliemann couldn't get it open. Remus opened it in the shop by convincing it that if it opened for him he could bring it here to you. Schliemann told us if we could open it we could have it. I struck out totally, but Remy discovered it's secret and bribed it to open. *

"This is - I'm just - wow - I am totally speechless. This is the most wonderful gift ever," Severus looked over at Remus, his eyes shining with delight. He carefully put the books back in the box and replaced the tray before closing the lid.

"What?" he asked as he turned to find them both staring at him.

*You're not going to disappear into your study and not come out until you've read them from cover to cover? * Bella asked.

"I thought I might do that after lunch," he said. "Whilst you two are organising that snowball fight you've been talking about and giving Harry and Sirius their presents. Until then I was hoping I could persuade you both to come back to bed and let me show you how much I've got into the Christmas spirit since you woke me up." He raised one eyebrow at them, questioningly and they both grinned.

"That has got to be the best idea I've heard all year," Remus answered.

The three of them disappeared into the bedroom and didn't emerge again for the rest of the morning.

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The Girl in my Arms