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Assimilation	By : ccino49 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 11603 -:- 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.

Chapter List
- 42
- 43
- 44
Assimilation

Thank you to the wonderful pittwitch for beta-ing this for me.

Chapter 43 Shame on you, Albus
As Severus and Nina arrived in her living room, she was giggling.

She had no idea why she was giggling but she was giggling.

As soon as he let go of her, she swayed and stumbled into the sofa.

�Oopsy.�
�Oopsy indeed. You are drunk woman.�
�Nah. Am I?� She asked him as her knees gave way slightly. Oopsy�

She giggled again. �You know. This room moves aaallll by itself. Innit clever? It is yanooo.�
One corner of his mouth turned up in amusement as she twisted her head to watch the room move around her. Severus knew that he should really get her a sober up potion. But at the moment, he was happy to watch her experience being drunk without passing out.
�What are you sssmirkin� at?�
�I do not smirk.�
�Yers you dooo. Your always shmirking. Or raising that brow eye of yours. How do you do that? I can�t do that.�
He grinned widely now as he watched her face contort as she tried to lift one eyebrow and leave the other where it was.
�You do it and show me how.�
�No.�
�Aww. Go on.� She told him as she weaved her way in his general direction. �Will you stay in one place?�
�I have not moved. I told you. You are drunk.�
�Aaam not. Ah. Here you are.� She flung her arms out wildly to grab him and missed. He just managed to catch her before she toppled to the floor.
�You moved. Why did you move?�
�I did not move.�
�Hee Hee. Yes you did. I saw you. Are you drunk? I bet you are.�
�No I am not. But you are. You should sit down before you fall. I think I should get you that sober up potion after all. It is not advisable to move about when you are under the influence of alcohol.�
�Dant be doft. I am not under the afllence of incohol. So there. It�s some thinkles way of peeping. Mainly yours.�
This cracked him up and he burst into peals of laughter.
�Oh Gods. I have no idea what you just said.� He told her gasping and holding his sides. �But it�s funny.� His eyes were steaming now.
Nina furrowed her brow. �What is? Look at you. I told you, you were drunk.�
�Not me woman. You. You are blind drunk.�
�No. Not me. I�m not half so think as you drunk I am. I think.� She told him with a puzzled expression on her face.
�Why do you keep laughing? Fots so wunny?�
Severus was down on his knees laughing now and Nina flopped lopsidedly next to him. Her arms flying into the air as she landed. �You know.� She told him with a big smile on her face. �Your dunny when your frunk.�
Severus went into hysterics. He had not laughed like this since the day he had took her flying on his broom. By the time he had partially calmed down, Nina was asleep on the floor, her back against the wall and her chin tucked into her chest.
He managed to get to his feet and lift her up. He was still having difficulty not laughing but he took her through to the bedroom and plonked her onto the bed.
�Sleep well little bird.� He chuckled, as he left her to sleep off the effects of the Firewiskey.

He left to go to lunch after telling Kali to keep an eye on Nina in case she was sick. This was one memory he would have to put into a Pensieve to show her at a later date. When he sat down in the Hall, Albus leaned over to him.
�Severus, how is Nina?�

�Very drunk and sleeping it off.� Severus told him with a grin.
�Oh dear.�

�Nina is drunk? Who on earth gave her alcohol?� Minerva was shocked.

When the Headmaster turned red, Minerva turned on him. �Albus, you didn�t. How could you? Shame on you old man.� For once, Albus did not argue but hung his head in shame.
�And just what do you find so amusing about a young girl being drunk Severus?�
He tried very hard to school his face into a more serious expression but not quite managing. �If you had heard her you would understand Minerva.�
�And where is she now? You have given her a sober up potion I hope?�

�She is asleep in her room and no I have not. She passed out so I have left her to sleep it off. Kali is looking after her for the moment. When she awakens, I shall give her a hangover potion.�
�Well. I suppose that will have to do then. Shame on both of you.�

�I am not the one who gave her Firewhiskey Minerva. I am just dealing with the consequences. I have done nothing to be ashamed of.�
Minerva gave him a disbelieving look but said no more. As soon as he had finished his lunch, he headed back to check on Nina. She was still asleep so he left the connecting door ajar slightly and prepared a small Pensieve before he started on his marking. Albus entered five minutes later.
�I thought you might come.� Severus commented.
�Is she still sleeping?�

�Out for the day would be my reckoning.�

�I feel terrible about this Severus.�
�Don�t feel too bad Albus. Take a look at this instead.� He pushed the Pensive towards the Headmaster. The old man had tears of laughter streaming down his cheeks when he pulled his finger from the Pensive.

�Oh Severus.� He laughed as he wiped his eyes. � I do not think that I have ever seen or heard anything so funny in many a year.�
Both men were laughing so hard that at first they did not hear the terrible retching sound coming through the connecting door. When they did Severus shot through to Nina�s bedroom, Albus close behind.
Kali was on the bed holding Nina�s head over a bowl as she lost the now meagre contents of her stomach. Kali was angry. �Who is giving Miss the Firewhiskey? Is not good that she is like this.�
�I am afraid it was me Kali. Though it was quite by accident.� He added. Kali gave the Headmaster a doubtful look but said nothing as Nina retched again and followed it with a moan.

Severus left and returned a few minutes later with sober up, nausea and hang over potions. He gave them to Kali so that he did not have to get too close until the bowl of vomit had gone.
As soon as the elf administered the nausea potion, she banished the bowl. Severus knelt on the bed to hold Nina as Kali fed her the sober up and hangover potions.
�Oh what happened?� Nina asked. She was still not one hundred percent. �The Masters got you drunk Miss.� Kali told her.
�What? Why?� Nina looked at Severus and Albus accusingly.
�Actually I did not.�
�It was my fault I�m afraid Nina. I gave you Firewhiskey in my excitement at our victory over the Ministry and you�well it was a large one and you downed it in one go before I had realised.�
�Yeah I remember that bit now. But you two drank it like that and you were okay. Why wasn�t I?�
�Because we are used to it. You are not.� Severus told her.�
�Well I don�t feel very well now because of you two. Thanks a lot.�
�It is hardly my fault. I did not give it to you. And you did not have to drink it.�
�I didn�t know what it was. I thought it was pop or something. Go away. Leave me alone. Both of you.�
When the two men had gone back to Severus� study Severus asked. �Pop? What is pop?�
�A muggle drink. It�s normally fizzy and quite nice.�
�Yes. Well thank you Albus. It looks as if I shall be sleeping alone tonight. I�m going to class.�
But when Severus awoke on Saturday morning it was to find Nina in her usual spot, snuggled up to him in his bed. He was pleasantly surprised.
He left the bed carefully so as not to wake her and retrieved some more potions. When Nina finally woke, he was sitting up in bed at the side of her.

�Good morning. How are you feeling?�

�Morning. Not too bad. Just a bit of headache.�

�And your stomach?�
�Alright as long as I don�t have to see or smell food. Urgh.�
�Drink these. You will feel much better.� He passed her two bottles.
Nina immediately felt better. �Oh. I can have breakfast now. What time is it?�

�Eight o�clock. How do you fancy breakfast in bed? It is something I have not done for a long time.�
�Go on then. But I don�t want much.�
Not much consisted of five slices of bacon, two of toast, two fried eggs, three slices of black pudding and an orange.
�I am so glad that you did not have much of an appetite.�
�Shut up you.� She peered at him for a moment. �Err Severus.�

�Hmm?� He was trying to read the Prophet and did not usually like to be interrupted when he did.
�Yesterday, when I was, you know, drunk. I didn�t do anything daft did I? Because I don�t really remember.�
�Yes. You made an absolute ass of yourself.� He told her before turning the page.
She knelt on the bed facing him. �I didn�t.� She told him pulling the paper down.
He scowled. �Very well, you did not.� He lifted the paper and started to read again. Nina pulled it down again. As she opened her mouth to speak, he snatched the paper back and told her.
�There is a small Pensieve on my study desk. Go stick your finger in it and leave me alone to read the paper will you.�
She got out of bed and pulled his shirt over her body. Then she stuck her tongue out at him and stalked off.
�I SAW THAT.� He shouted. �And it wasn�t all I saw� He thought.
�I HEARD THAT.� She shouted back, pulling at the hem of the shirt behind her.
�Bugger.� He muttered grinning.
Ten minutes later, a red faced Nina came back into the room. �Pig.�
�I am not. Albus is the one to blame. Not me.� He finished his newspaper and gave her his full attention now.
�Yes but you laughed your head off at me. That�s not exactly fair. And I hope your gonna put that memory back before someone sees it.�
�Ah. Yes well. Someone already has.�
�WHAT? Who?�
�It was only Albus. I shall go and retrieve it from the Pensieve now.� He told her nervously as he shot out of bed and dashed into his study, not liking the expression on her face.
When he went back into the bedroom, he had a single red rose in his hand. He had removed all of the thorns. Holding it out to her Severus said, �Peace offering.�
Nina looked at him. She had been trying to think of something mean to do to him. But when she saw the sheepish look in his face she didn�t have the heart for it anymore.
�Come here you.� She told him, holding out her arms.
Severus walked into them gladly and let out his breath. �So. What would you like me to do to make it up to you?�
�Ooo. I�m sure you�ll come up with something.� He came up with something alright.
After that, things began to settle into a routine again. Nina sat her muggle exams at the end of November, courtesy of one of the Headmaster�s connections and passed all of them with distinctions, although she didn�t know it. Nina had gone well past the normal high school level of education, and was bewildered when she received several University degrees in the post a few weeks later.
�There must be a mistake.� She told Albus.

�No Nina. They are correct.�
�Blimey. Albus. Would you mind keeping this to yourself? I want to tell Severus but that�s it. The others might think I�m showing off. I don�t want that.�

�I doubt that but if it is your wish. I shall comply. Well done Nina.�
�Thank you Albus. Thank you so much.�
�The only problem now is that I have nothing left to teach you. I am out of ideas, as they say.�
When she showed Severus later that day they of course, celebrated in typical fashion.
The following Friday everyone was chattering excitedly in the Hall at dinner.
�What�s going on?� She asked Severus.
�What do you mean?�

�Well why is everyone so excited. Are we having another ball?�

�No. They�re just excited about tomorrow.�
�Oh. It�s a Hogsmead weekend then. Can I go?�

�No it is not. It is just that most of this rabble will be gone for the next two weeks. I am almost excited at the prospect myself.�
Nina said nothing. �Where was everybody going?� She wondered. As the chattering got louder, she made out words and parts of conversations. It seemed that everyone was excited about going home for Christmas. �But why? What was so special about Christmas?� At Nina�s school, they had sung carols and every pupil would make a small decoration and get to put it on the tree in the school hall. The teachers said that it was when Jesus was born.
Then they had to stay home for two weeks. �Big deal.� She just didn�t see what all the fuss was about. Next day after breakfast, the pupils all gathered at the main entrance and waiting for the coaches that would take them to Hogsmead station.
Nina watched them from just inside the entrance to the dungeons. She spied Harry and Ron, Hermione and Ginny. They looked really happy too. Harry must be going to the Burrow with Ron and Ginny. Nina liked it at the Burrow. Mrs Weasley was nice and they�d made her feel welcome. She felt a bit jealous of them then.
�Hello sweetness.� A voice said behind her.
She turned. A smile on her face. �Oh Draco, are you going home too? Everyone looks glad to be going.�

�Of course they are. It�s Christmas.�
�Mmm.� She said and shrugged before she turned back to watch the others.
�Nina. Why aren�t you excited?�

�What about?�

�Well Christmas of course.� He replied, surprised at her reaction.
�Oh. I am.� She lied. �Have a nice time then. When are you coming back?�
�Two weeks, You have a good Christmas yeah?�
He was a bit puzzled by her attitude but the coaches arrived and he had to go. �I�ll see you in two weeks Nina. Bye.�
�Yeah, Bye Draco.
She watched as they all piled into the coaches and they moved off. Nina made her way to the main door and watched until the last coach disappeared from view. �They�ve all gone.� She thought. It was strange to think that there would be no students around.
When she turned, it was to find Mr Filch standing in front of her. �Alright lass?� He asked her.
�Oh. Hello Argus. Yeah, I�m fine thanks.�
�Yer don�t look it. Yer look a bit down. Come and have a cuppa wi me eh. We haven�t chatted for a while.�
�Ooo yes please.�
Nina was the only person in the school who was happy at the prospect of going to Argus Filch�s office, though she didn�t know that.
Nina poured a cup of tea for him and settle down in a chair to drink her milk.
�So. You looking forward to Christmas then? It yer first at Hogwarts aint it.�
�It�s my first yes. But I don�t see what all the fuss is about.�
You don�t eh? Nina. I�m guessing you�ve never had a proper Christmas before.�

�Course I have. I just don�t rate it that�s all. Can we talk about something else? I don�t want to talk about flippin� Christmas any more.�

�Bloody stupid Christmas.� She thought.
Mrs Norris made her way to Nina�s lap and went into her usual raptures as soon as she began to stroke her.
�She�s having kittens soon yer know.�
Nina�s face lit up. �Really. Mrs Norris you clever thing.�
Mrs Norris seemed to understand what Nina had said and purred even louder.
�Please can I come and see them when they�re born, Argus?�
�Well if yer give it until a couple of days after. She�ll be right protective of �em see, Then yer can.�
�Thanks Argus. You�ll let me see your babies won�t you Mrs Norris, when Argus tells me I can come. I�ll bring you some nice salmon to help you get your strength back. How does that sound?�
Mrs Norris pushed her head under Nina�s chin, showing her appreciation of what was to come. She knew the word salmon. Nina brought her fresh salmon every two weeks. Nina and salmon went together as far as Mrs Norris was concerned.
Once Nina left, Argus got to thinking. By what he knew of the lass, he doubted that she really knew what went on at Hogwarts over Christmas, or anywhere for that matter. He would have to speak to the Headmaster and Professor Snape to see if they knew about this. He doubted that they did.
Nina thought no more about Christmas until a few days later when she saw Hagrid dragging an enormous tree out of the Forbidden Forest. She grabbed her coat and ran out to meet him. It snowed the night before and she left footprints as she went.
�Hagrid. What are you doing with that? It�s massive.�
��Ello Nina. It�s for the Great Hall. First one an all.�

�First. Your having two?�

�Heavens no. Allus �ave twelve �ere we do. I bring in a couple each day. It�s hard work.�
�Can I help then? I�ve got nothing else to do.�

Hagrid�s big booming laugh rang out across the lawns. �Not less ye can lift one o� these things an ye can�t do that.�
�I can Hagrid. Look.�
Nina walked towards the main entrance and Hagrid had to scoot out of the way as the tree lifted of the ground and followed her.
�Well I�ll be.� He muttered scratching his head and running to catch up.

Nina positioned the tree at Hagrid�s instructions and by tea time all twelve trees were put into position.
�I enjoyed that. Can I make a decoration to put on one of them?�
�Ye can make as many as ye like. Professor Flitwick usually decorates the trees. But I�m sure he won�t mind if you put some on as well.�
Nina ran back to her rooms to see what she could use to make decorations with. There wasn�t anything so she imagined what she would have made and it appeared on the table in front of her. It wasn�t as much fun as making them but at least it was a start.
She made twelve. One for each tree. Each was a magical creature. Two each of Dragons, Phoenix, Unicorns, Pixies, Faeries and snakes. Then she added a couple of Hippogriffs, two Ravens, two Badgers and two Griffins.
�There.� She told herself as she put them carefully into a bag. �That should be plenty.�
When she arrived back at the hall, she was stunned. Professor Flitwick and the Headmaster were already there and were decorating the trees with live faeries, candles, cupids, even stars that looked as if they had been plucked directly from the night sky. There were vast amounts of tinsel and holly all over the walls. Icicles hanging from the tree branches and fireplaces. And snow, snow was falling from the enchanted ceiling, glistening as it fell.
Nina had never seen anything like it. Even her imagination could not have shown her something as beautiful as this.
�Wow� She breathed, absolutely awed by the sight in front of her.
�Ah Nina. Hagrid told me you would be coming. You have been making decorations for our trees, I believe.�
Nina hurriedly put the bag behind her back. She couldn�t show him her pathetic attempts, not after seeing what he and Professor Flitwick had done.
�No.� She put in quickly. �I decided not to bother.�
�That is a shame. I was looking forward to seeing what you had made.�
Albus really was disappointed. The thought of someone taking the time and trouble to make their own decorations appealed to him and he had was going to suggest that the few students who were staying with them over the Christmas holidays do the same.
�I have to go.� She told him and turned to rush out of the hall, just as Severus was entering. She collided with him, dropping her bag and nearly knocking him off his feet in her hurry to leave.
�Oh I�m sorry. I didn�t see you. Are you alright?�
�I am. No thanks to you. Why are you in such a hurry?�
�I have to erm�go to�my room. Erm Kali wants me.� Nina avoided his eyes.
�Really.� He looked at he suspiciously. �Kali normally finds you if she needs you.�
�What is this?� He asked her as he picked up the bag she had dropped.
�Nothing.� She told him trying to grab the bag from him.
He held it out of her reach. �If it is nothing, then you will not mind if I take a look inside.�
�No. Don�t. It�s mine. Give it back.�
Severus ignored her and took the bag to the nearest table, emptying out the contents of the bag. When he saw the array of tiny animals tumble out of the bag and begin walking about the table he was amazed.
�Where did you get these?�
Albus and Fillius noticed them and came over to look.
�Nina. Albus asked her. �Did you make these?� She nodded.

�Then why did you hide them?�
Nina was frantically trying to catch the small animals and put them back into the bag. �Because their rubbish okay. They would look stupid next to those.� She pointed to the decorations with which Fillius Flitwick had already adorned the room.
�No they would not. They are ingenious. And certainly original. Is that a�oh my it is.� Albus spied one of the Griffins. As the Professors studied the different magical creatures, they were staggered.
�You made these?� Severus asked her amazed, as he watched a tiny Phoenix take to the air about a foot above the table. Soon the only creatures still on the table were the ones that were unable to fly.
�Yeah. And I know they�re rubbish. So just let me take them.�
Severus allowed one of the tiny serpents to coil around his finger.
�I disagree. They are ingenious. And you have made the four house symbols also. How original. I like them.�
�I agree. Fillius?�
�Oh yes Headmaster. Actually, I would like more. Could you do that Miss Manohel? They would be perfect on tree five.�
Fillius pointed at a tree standing in the middle of the hall. There was nothing much on it at the moment. Just a few long strands of tinsel and some icicles.
�I must admit that I was stumped for ideas with this one.� He looked up at Nina. �It�s the main tree you see dear. Your decorations would really make it look spectacular.�
�Really? You like them?� She was surprised at their reactions.
�Of course we like them.� Albus told her. �You should not have tried to hide them from us. Could you possibly make more?�
�Yeah. How many shall I make though?�

�I would suggest quite a lot.� Severus told her. �Considering the size of the tree.�
Nina was grinning from ear to ear now. They liked her decorations and wanted more.
Two hours later, the central tree was covered with just about every magical creature in existence. Those that could fly, flew through the branches at intervals. Serpents slithered through the pine needles to meet Salamanders sitting contentedly in small hearths and Dragons breathing fire. Hundreds of miniature creatures happily co-existing all over the tree.
Around the base of the tree was a small replica of the lake on the grounds and there was a small pink squid lazing around on the surface. Every so often a tiny merperson would pop its head out of the water, wave and disappear again.
As Nina had been working on the tree, Albus and Fillius removed the long house tables and replaced them with one large round one.
When Hagrid arrived, he was overcome at the sight of the tiny Dragons; they of course being his main passion. Nina watched the giant man wipe his eyes with what looked to her like a table cloth.
�Well done.� Severus told her. �It is most impressive.�
He had kept a small black Serpent back for himself, the one that coiled around his finger when he first emptied the bag onto the table.

He scooted off, well as much as Severus Snape can scoot back to his rooms with his new pet.
When Nina joined him letter that afternoon she found him peering into a small vivarium. �Oh what�s that?�
�Nothing.� He told her spinning round and shielding the tank with his body. Now Severus was the one with the guilty look.
�Yes you have. I want to see.� Nina was trying to peer round him.
�It is none of your business. Now leave.�
Nina snuck into his mind briefly. �You sneaky beggar, you pinched a snake.�

Severus went beet red. �I did not. It would not leave me alone. I had no choice but to bring it back here and house it.�
�You liar.� She told him incredulously. �You nicked it. Why didn�t you just tell me you wanted one? I would have made you one.�
�Do not be absurd. This particular one took a liking to me. That is all.�
Laughing she gave in. Severus was evidently taken with the little snake and there were plenty more on the tree, if he liked it let him have it.
�Can I see please?� She asked softly now. �Oh it�s the black one.�

The tiny creature was clambering up a twig near the edge of the tank and trying to get to Severus.

�He certainly seems to like you. Err Severus. I don�t know how long they�ll live for.�
He allowed the snake to coil back around his finger again. �It matters not. It is merely a curiosity.� In truth, Severus was captivated with it and hoped that it survived for a long time.
�Yeah right. You coming to dinner?�
�Yes. I shall join you shortly.�
Nina went to her rooms to wash and change. She was covered in glitter and tiny dollops of animal poop from decorating �her tree� as she thought of it. She had really enjoyed herself. When she went back to the study Severus was still playing with the snake.
�Come on. We�re gonna miss dinner.�

Severus reluctantly put his new pet back into the vivarium and secured the lid in place before washing his hands.
�Well come on then.� He told her. �We do not have all evening.�
Nina rolled her eyes and followed him out the door and to the hall. When they arrived, there were seven other students in the Hall along with most of the staff. All were looking at Nina�s tree, pointing at or trying to catch the tiny animals flittering around it.
�It would appear to be a success.�
�Yeah I know. I�ve never decorated a tree before.�

�What? Never?�
�Only at school. We all used to make a paper decoration and we�d get to put it on the tree in the hall. Nowhere near as big as these though. And we only had one.�
�And at home?�
�Oh we never had a tree at Aunt Aggie�s. Besides, they always went off for a few days at Christmas.�
�And what did you do?�
�Not a lot. I stayed at the farm.� Nina shrugged her shoulders as she spoke. It didn�t seem out of the ordinary for her.
Severus was appalled, but said nothing. Dinner was a much more relaxed affair than Nina was used to having. Students and faculty all sat at the large round table, chatting with each other. Six of the students were seventh years, four Ravenclaws, one Hufflepuff and a Slytherin. The Ravenclaws opted to stay and get in extra study time. The Hufflepuff and Slytherin students parents were apparently out of the country. The seventh student was a second year Slytherin. His parents had been murdered the previous year by Death Eaters, for refusing to join the ranks of Voldemort. Nina knew him by sight from the times she spent in Slytherins common room with Draco. They had never spoken because he had always seemed to prefer being on his own. Even now he seemed reserved and detached, head down and not joining in with the conversations around him.
Using mind speak, she asked Severus what was the matter with the young boy. �That is Samuel Montford. His parents were murdered by a group of Death Eaters around this time last year. He has been very withdrawn ever since.�
Nina watched Samuel as he ate his meal, not making eye contact with anyone and seemingly trying to remain inconspicuous.
�That�s terrible. He looks so lonely. Hasn�t he got other family?�
�He has an older brother. But at present he is living in the Far East and is unable to care for him.�
Nina could feel the tears pricking at the back of her eyes. �He does not need your pity Nina. He is a Slytherin and as such he shall have to learn to adapt. Many others have had to.�
�He�s a kid. And he�s upset and lonely. Just because others have learned how to survive doesn�t make it any easier you know.� She was angry at what Severus had said and she got up and went to sit next to Samuel.

�Hiya. Your Samuel aren�t you? I�m Nina.� He nodded and kept on eating.
�Don�t talk much do you?� He shook his head. Nina studied her plate. �Yuck. Cabbage. I hate cabbage. Do you?� He nodded but Nina could see a little twitch at the corner of his mouth.
�It�s not as bad as sprouts though. They make you fart.� She told him.

Samuel made a noise that sounded like a small snort.
�Baked beans do that too if you eat too many. But sprouts make for the more smelly ones.�
Samuel couldn�t help himself as he started laughing proper. �You�re terrible you. Do you know that?�
�It�s been mentioned yeah. My elf Kali. She doesn�t call em farts, she calls �em parp parps.�
Samuel looked up at her as he laughed and the tears rolled down his cheeks. �It�s no wonder Draco Malfoy likes you so much. Your totally nuts.�
�Of course I am. What are you doing after dinner? You fancy a game of exploding snap? I�m pretty good at that.�
Samuel nodded eagerly. He�d not felt like laughing for a long time and Nina made him laugh. He liked her.
�Alright. My common room okay?�
�You�re on. Prepare to get your fingers burnt.�

He smiled. �I do not think so. I too am good at exploding snap.�

Samuel and Nina chatted happily through the rest of the meal, much to the surprise of the staff, especially Severus. He spent the evening with his new pet while Nina and Samuel had a great time in the Slytherin common room.
They spent a lot of time together over the next few days. Samuel opened up to her and told her of his feelings over his parents deaths, how he hated Voldemort and his followers and how he would love to go and live with his brother and wife in the Far East. He showed her photo�s that his brother had sent him and others of his parents.
�Have you got any photos?�
�No. I haven�t. I don�t really remember them.� She did. But the only images of them that Nina had was from the night they were murdered. Nina told him that her own parents had also been murdered by Death Eaters, and that Professor Snape told her that quite a few students here were in the same boat as them.
Samuel slowly began to come out of his shell. He even went as far as pelting her with snowballs, causing her to scream as the snow went down the back of her neck and drawing out the other students who joined in.
When they finally headed back indoors Nina was frozen, but she had enjoyed herself and Samuel was happy.
�It�s Christmas eve tomorrow.� Samuel piped up. �What are you getting for Christmas?�
�Hm� What do you mean?�
�For Christmas. What did you ask for? My brothers sending me a broom I hope. But I don�t know what else I�ll get though.�

�You�re getting a present for Christmas?� Nina asked him. �Why?�
�You�re kidding me right? Everyone gets presents at Christmas.�
�Oh. Oh yeah. Course they do. I was just messing.�
Samuel did not believe her. �I�m going for a hot bath. You should too. I�ll see you at lunch yes?�
Samuel had a quick shower and was knocking on his head house�s door twenty minutes later. As soon as he was seated in front of Professor Snape�s desk, he told him his thoughts about Nina.
�Sir, I don�t think that Nina has any idea what Christmas is about. She doesn�t even know about presents and stuff.�

�You are not the only one to come to that conclusion Mr Montford. Do you have any suggestions as to how we should proceed in educating her?�

Samuel was over the moon that Professor Snape of all people had asked his opinion.
�Well she knows now that we get presents. But I don�t think that she�ll be expecting any of her own. Trouble is, I would like to get her something myself. She�s been a good friend to me lately. But I don�t know what to get her and I�m not allowed to go to Hogsmead. I�m not old enough yet.�
�You may accompany me tomorrow. I shall clear it with the Headmaster. How does that sound?�
�Really. Wow. I mean. Thank you Professor. Wow.�
Samuel had a big grin on his face when he went back to his common room. Now he had to decided what to get her.
Severus and Minerva, Poppy and Pomona, Hagrid and Fillius were inside the Headmasters office with Albus discussing Nina.
�I took a look inside her head when she was sleeping Albus. And yes, I do know that I should not have done so. But she is hardly likely to tell me herself.�
Her Christmases have always been spent locked in her bedroom for three days with a pile of sandwiches and a bottle of water. Oh and a bucket was provided. That is the extent of Nina�s Christmas past.�
�Then we shall have to do something about it.� Albus told them.
�Well I am taking Mr Montford into Hogsmead with me tomorrow. He has it in his head that he would like to purchase something for her.�
�You know she has done wonders for that young boy. He looks so much happier now.� Minerva said.
�There is something else Albus.�
Everyone looked at the Potions Master.
�As you know, Mr Montford�s only living relation is at present living somewhere in the Far East. It seems that Nina has got it into her head that Samuel should be allowed to visit him on Christmas day. She has asked if I would accompany her tonight to make arrangements with Edward and Marcia Montford.�
�I think it is an excellent idea Severus. I take it that it is to be a surprise.�
�I believe so. And as they have not yet agreed to have the boy, it would be advisable to keep it so.�

He swept his eyes over everyone in the room.
�That would mean no chattering or whispering about it when the boy is around.�
After a few affronted looks in his direction Severus left. He had his own arrangements to make.

TBC

Need those reviews readers.

Love it or hate it, let me know.

Though don�t think you�d read

this far if you hated it. Would you?
Ccino. x
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