Of Slytherin Descent (Snape/reader)

Ch. 16: Marking the Mistletoe

AN: Apparently at some point I started calling Irma by Rima on accident, so oops, but I think I fixed it!

It was now Christmas Eve, I decided to spoil myself on Christmas since it's just me. The whole gingerbread cookies, pajamas, and hot chocolate. Of course these were all American traditions that had stuck with me.
London has similar traditions though, with the inclusion of things like Mince pies and Christmas pudding, both of which I had yet to indulge in.
I distracted myself with these things to place a hold on determining the emotions I felt. I fear I generalize my emotions by using labels to describe my very specific ones.
Irma and I had exchanged letters, Minerva even sent me some too.  They told me of their home lives, I was saddened to know Minerva had been widowed so recently, but she seemed to still be enjoying her Christmas. Irma on the other hand had enough family to go around, she had one of those families that has to rent out public place on holidays just to meet up together.
I must admit, those were the only Professors I really talked to.
I figured I had some sort of moral obligation to get Snape a present, although I can't imagine what he would want.  He didn't seem to like things or people, but one place I had seen him a lot was the library, so I figured I'd ask Rima what he typically reads.

As I walk back from the Owlery with Irma's letter in hand, I make my way to Diagon Alley to pick out books.
Despite the more well known corner shops like the Three Broomsticks and Honeydukes, many were a variety of small pop-up shops.  The shops would stay for however long they made the most business and then it was like they vanished overnight, only to be replaced by new shops.
It was quite welcoming, and if you were observant enough, you'd find that the shops do indeed return after a given amount of time.
Luckily, I kept up with the cycling book shops, and I had one in mind.
I walk in to a little shop that smelled like cigars and coffee, the door closed behind me with a loud creak.  It looked pretty shady, but they always had a good collection of pricey forbidden books.  I never knew what the rickety place was called because the white painted letters had long worn off the sign outside.
Nevertheless, I left after about an hour with two limited-edition advanced potion making books.  Although Irma had mention Snape read a lot of dark arts, yet those books didn't exactly have a Christmas vibe to them, plus it would seem odd if I had gifted him those.  Snape might even think something off of me, or that I'm implying something of him, which isn't my intention.
I was back at the Castle with little of the day left, so I finished writing some letters I'd started and willed myself to lay, even if I didn't sleep.

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I slept fitfully despite being so haunted by my own excited thoughts of the holidays, and the first place I went was to visit my unsociable neighbor.
I knocked on Snape's door with the books in hand, I wasn't sure the books would survive being wrapped because they were so old, so I just put a bow on them.  Though I admit I did charm them just so they wouldn't look their age.
A few minutes went by before the door opened and Snape was there once more.
A hot cup of tea steamed in his hand and he hair was pulled up slightly.  He looked like he had actually gotten sleep. For once.

"Come in," he said softly.

It was so uncharacteristic for him to be soft. I went in nonetheless.
The room was lit only by the candles, natural light, and Christmas lights. The fireplace became a background noise alongside the wind wafting around the sides of the castle windows, making them fog from the brisk air. The Slytherin colors etched into the furniture and Knick-knacks of the room seemed to be brighter and fitting for the holidays. Warm blankets laid over the backs of the sofas, the books on the coffee table had been replaced by mugs, and the whole scene was like something out of a book.
He had a small Christmas pine set up in the living area, it was only decorated in lights.

"You have a Christmas tree?" I asked, looking at it curiously.

"It seemed fitting because I know I'd have company." He said this as if it was obvious.

"You anticipated me coming?" I asked, wondering what made him think I would.

Snape pause for a brief moment, looking out the window," I hoped you would."

I smiled a little while his back was still turned to me. After a moment I walk up to him and handed him the books, he looked tranquil, it was peaceful. I didn't know how to describe the way he looked in front of me, but he reminded me of the snow falling silently on the ground, the kind that remains untouched by people. The kind one sees in paintings.
I kept that out of my thoughts in fear he would read me.
He took the books out of my hand and took a moment to look at the covers and flip through the worn pages. It was obvious he knew their value.

He smiled slightly as he looked at the second one,"it's a signed copy," he said," signed by the author." The man paused and looked at me,"it's only fitting that you'd gift me a book I wrote."

"You're a published author?"

It made sense really. The signature wrote a crooked 'S. S.'.

"Of sorts yes, I wrote this book years ago, this was the only copy, I gave it to the little worn book shop ages ago."

"What a coincidence," I say with a small smile,"I got it because it reminded me of you."

There has been hundred of books filling the shelves up there, the chances of me finding his were slim to none. What a true coincidence.

"Now for your gift," he said with a proud smirk.

"Don't tell me you've outdone yourself," I ask with a teasing grin.

"Why, I'd say I have Miss Y/N," he said returning my grin with a smirk.

I roll my eyes playfully,"it's rude to keep a girl waiting."

"Follow me"