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cindy-talkalot​:

Lucinda felt like she should be taking notes. It was like being back at Hogwarts, sitting in potions class and trying to keep up with what was being said. It was better than him refusing to help though. He very well could have done. She hadn’t been especially welcoming over the years. “Oh, I brought the recipe with me.” Not wanting to get ahead of herself she’d kept it tucked in her bag, assuming he wouldn’t be quite so interested, even if she’d hope he’d offer her this kind of help. 

She pulled the piece of parchment out of her bag, folded and warn and clearly used. Unfolding it she wished she’d brought a quill with her to scribble on the back. Powder or oil… but powder was better? How fine should she crush the lavender? It was difficult to describe that with words, she wished he could just show her. Her concerned look transformed to a relieved smile when he agreed to help her. “Oh that would be great! I don’t even know how much to use. If you just show me I promise I won’t bother you again with it.”

Inclining his head at her words, he angled his chair a little closer so he wouldn’t have to crane his neck to see the recipe she mentioned. “Ah.” He took his forefinger and tilted the paper just a tiny bit to help him read, nodding again as he took it in. Fairly simple, but effective. Nothing he had brewed in quite a long while, but he could respect the efficiency of such a potion. But then again, outside of love potions and anything meant to joke or scam, Severus had never met a potion he couldn’t find an interest in. 

He didn’t miss the way her expression changed at his offer, and he had to hold back a small smirk. Did his reputation really precede him that much? He didn’t mind teaching, contrary to popular belief - if the student was willing and able. The issue with his current post was that students like that were few and far between. But sharing valuable knowledge with a worthy pupil, well - he had all the patience in the world. Or at least more than usual. He nodded once, decisively, sliding her recipe back toward her. “I have weekends off.” He stated pointedly. “I have all the ingredients in the stores at the castle, but I can meet you wherever you prefer if that might pose an issue.”

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dvisyhookum​:

@severusxtobias​

Daisy found out about Severus’ birthday last year from a passing comment he had made. She never understood why people were so secretative about their birthdays, it was a day all about you, what’s not to like? Deciding it might be nice to throw Severus a surprise party, she told everybody that passed through her greenhouse to come over to celebrate, knowing he’d be by in the late afternoon to pick up his ingredients. Everybody she’d mentioned it to seemed to have the same reaction: laughter. It was a little odd, but nobody had said they weren’t coming, so se assumed there would be lots of people showing up to throw Severus a nice surprise party.

But, there was only a few minutes before Severus was supposed to show up, and nobody else was there. It was rather disappointing, but it was what she expected. Severus didn’t have many friends that she knew of, but she thought at least one person would show up. At least she didn’t go all out like she initially planned. Pouting slightly to herself as she sat in the greenhouse, Daisy picked up a joint and placed it between her lips, even if she couldn’t provide the party she wanted to, at least she could get him high. Hearing the door creek open, she jumped to her feet. “Happy birthday!” She shouted, the joint falling from her lips and down to the floor as she spoke. Bending down to pick it up, she gave him a sympathetic look as she glanced up to him. “I invited a few of your friends but…” She trailed off, holding the joint out to him, “I have this for you.” She grinned, “And your usual ingredients, of course.”

It was like any other day - it was literally just another day. It had seemed to baffle most of his classmates, the way he had wanted to let his birthday slip by completely unnoticed. But Severus didn’t see the point in celebrating an event you had absolutely nothing to do with. Congratulations, your parents made a poor decision and brought you unwillingly into the world, throwing all of it’s burdens on your shoulders. And even those Slytherins who had understood the mindset - well, they all liked the attention. But Severus hated it. And for quite a few years in a row now, they had passed by with no one being any the wiser. But something strange had happened this morning - he’d gotten a card. Just one (apart from the horrid singing box Dumbledore had sent down, which Severus hadn’t the nerve to open yet) but it was one more than he’d gotten in a very, very long time.

Still, he didn’t think much of it, skimming the shallow well wishes before tossing it into the hearth and watching the flames get rid of it, and he’d been on his way to spend the day like he did any other - brewing. It was his birthday, after all, and even if he didn’t celebrate he may as well spend it doing something he enjoyed. But when he opened the greenhouse door, he very nearly turned right back around and walked out. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Severus. His name standing out starkly against the shockingly bright printed words that came before it. “How -” He started, eyes slightly wide as he tried to think of a way out of whatever this was while still getting his ingredients. “I...” He trailed off, at an uncharacteristic loss for words as she held out the joint and he took it automatically. Yeah, he’d need that. “I don’t understand.”

[severusxtobias-1]

cindy-talkalot​:

She could already tell he wasn’t thrilled to see her, and from the way he closed his magazine she knew she’d interrupted him. She just hoped that she could provide a question as interesting to him as his article was, although considering how mundane her question was she doubted it. He at least seemed willing to consider it. Lucinda looked down, breaking eye contact when he observed her, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Severus was intelligent and had used that intelligence to rise through the Dark Lord’s ranks in a way she hadn’t expected from someone so common. He intimidated her and made her question her own position in the world. 

“I see.” She hadn’t been the best at potions at school but she knew not to mess with them if you didn’t know what you were doing. “Well, I’m following a potion to alleviate muscle aches but they smell so terrible and I use them so often. I was hoping to make it less thick and to add some sort of perfume to it. Lavender was my first thought but if you can suggest something better I’d be glad to hear it.”

Severus surveyed her for another moment. It was a more interesting topic than he had anticipated, and he wasn’t as eager to end the conversation as he normally would be. Lucinda was pleasant enough company, and at the very least it would stop anyone less interesting trying to interrupt him. “I would have to see the recipe for myself to be absolutely certain, but balms and salves are typically very stable.” He nodded to himself. “Hard to mess up.” He explained further, unsure where her expertise ended. The ingredients needed were usually basic and common - mint leaves, boomberry, flobberworm mucus; nothing that popped or exploded. 

“I would recommend finishing the potion as instructed and adding to it once finished.” He tapped a finger idly against the table, his other hand coming up to rest his chin on. “Lavender should be fine, if it’s simply for a more pleasant aroma. Crush fresh flowers into as fine a powder as you can and add them to some low grade buffer - it should act as thinner as well.” He paused. “You could buy some concentrated lavender oil instead, but I find preparing my own is always better. I....” He swallowed, bringing his eyes to meet her gaze directly again. “I could help, if you would like.”

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pulchrxclade​:

“Oh, and you can’t just make something up for me?” She feigned a pout up at him, her head resting against his shoulder. It was the same comfort she took to everyone she held dear, it was only a question of whether people had to be worried for her or the people she was near. While she carried a smile and had a welcoming aura to her being, Pandora was everything her name stood for: a dangerous box. Opening it could either offer you all the good in the world, or unleash nothing but wrath and horror.

“I do love stories, Severus, and you always say them like bedtime tales. Well–maybe don’t tell them like that now, yes? I’m at work, after all.” She chuckled, leading him right to her office, which had two cups of tea awaiting them upon arrival. “I made some biscuits as well so you can help yourself to some, darling. You’re teaching potions, aren’t you?” She smiled, “I hope you’re at least being kind to the students and not teaching them from the book, Sevvy. That was the one class where I was more tempted to cheat off of you rather than worry about Sirius cheating off of me.”

He sighed slightly, rolling his eyes. “No.” Severus replied bluntly, although she probably knew what his answer would be before he even said it. As much as he hated the idea (when it came to anyone, not strictly Pandora), she knew him well. Severus chose to take her comment as a compliment - being a good storyteller might be a bit superfluous, but it wasn’t a bad thing. He liked books, after all, and had a respect for anyone who could weave a tale, although he had never counted himself among them.

“Potions, yes.” He replied, somewhat distractedly as he helped himself to the offered biscuits. Severus was hungrier than he realized, having been too busy most of the morning to even consider stopping to eat. As soon as it hit his lips, his stomach growled and he frowned, waiting until he was done chewing to answer her, but chose to ignore the first half of her question. “Of course I’m not teaching from the books, they’re useless.” He narrowed his eyes at just the thought. No, there was a reason he put the instructions on the blackboard every lesson - if someone was going to claim he had taught them, he didn’t want his name dragged through the mud because they were making bad potions. “Oh, please. Black couldn’t make a decent potion if you Imperiused him.”

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lxaena​:

~

“Alcohol. But when you have children, you have to build up the stamina.” Molly hadn’t seen the man in some time, but she almost felt bad for how he was looking at people passing. “Are you doing all right, love? You kind of look like you might pass out.” And she didn’t doubt he could do it. She just didn’t really have the reflexes to catch someone of his size–she was more used to her arms catching her sons.

“I had to get a gift for the wife of Arthur’s boss to maybe bribe a week off for my husband before he dies of exhaustion. Do…you want help?” Molly tilted her head, “…I have time before Igor wonders where I am to relieve him of babysitter duty. And he kind of deserves the torment, so I’m up for extending his purgatory.”

He didn’t particularly like Molly - he never had. And even now that they were on the same side, he didn’t trust her. Although that wasn’t really a feeling he held only for Molly - but still. She had never done anything to him, in fact, she’d always shown him more kindness than he probably deserved - and he couldn’t help but be suspicious. He snorted at her assessment of him and turned his eyes to her finally. “I work in a dungeon, Molly. I don’t exactly get a lot of sun.” He wasn’t sure whether she was commenting on his pallor or expression, but either way she wasn’t exactly wrong. He didn’t feel far from passing out.

“I....” He hesitated, weighing his options. Did he really want to help pick out a gift for someone he didn’t know? When it would be of benefit to Arthur Weasley, of all people? Absolutely not. But perhaps if he helped her - or at least tagged along - she could help him with his own problem. And he had to admit, the thought of Igor with the kids helped tilt the scales. “Alright.” He finally decided with a nod, straightening and pulling his coat tighter around him. “But you need to help me find a gift as well.”

[severusxtobias-1]

sinistralovve​:

-

Sinistra didn’t particularly enjoy the holiday season. Everybody was far to cheery and festive for her own liking. However, she did like presents. Sure, that wasn’t the meaning for the holiday, but Sinistra wasn’t going to turn down an opportunity to get whatever she wanted. Knowing she had particular taste, she had insisted on doing all the shopping, even for her own gifts. Of course, Sylar had no qualms and had given her a decent amount of gold to get whatever she pleased. It was a good thing she was a decent actor, and she had no problems acting surprised at her presents on Christmas morning.

Gripping her shopping bags in her hands, a small sigh of relief fell from her as she spotted Severus in the distance. As much as she did enjoy shopping, she didn’t enjoy the small talk that came along with it. Both with shopkeepers and with other patrons. It was refreshing to run into somebody she actually liked. “Shopping is so much better when it’s for yourself.” Sinistra shrugged at his question, holding out an expecting hand for a cigarette. “I must be honest, Severus, I didn’t expect to see you out here. Who’re you shopping for? Do you need a hand?”

Handing her a cigarette out of habit more than anything else, he glanced over her shopping bags. “Isn’t that just shopping, then?” He had thought a big part of the whole Christmas thing was the surprise. Apparently Sylar wasn’t a huge Christmas enthusiast, either - a point for the man. “Ivy.” He nodded once with a small sigh, turning his attention to the snowy street with a contemplative look, still just as lost about what to get as he had been when he’d started.

“She’ll be joining me in the castle this year. Are the two of you going to be around?” In truth, Severus had never liked him, long before him and Sinistra had ever announced their engagement. But she was someone he considered a friend, and Sylar an ally, and he kept his commentary to himself. Still, he didn’t love the idea of seeing him in an empty castle. “Or are you headed home?”

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poisonparkinson​:

@severusxtobias​

For the first time in a very long time, Ivy was actually looking forward to Christmas. Her family had pouted and whined about the fact that she wasn’t going home for the holidays, but she needed a break. She’d go home in a day or two, to exchange gifts with her brothers, but for the actual holiday, Ivy was more than happy to spend the day with Severus, actively avoiding thinking about Christmas. Even though they were doing a sort of anti-Christmas together, she still felt rather strange going empty handed, so she’d gotten him a small gift and headed to the castle in high spirits.

It was rather alarming how easily she was able to get into Hogwarts, but she supposed everybody was away on break, the security was likely thinner than usual. Wandering through the familiar halls, Ivy made her way down into the dungeons, poking her head into the potions classroom. “Severus?” She called out, taking a few steps inside and glancing around. The room was quiet and still, clearly he wasn’t here. But, she wasn’t entirely sure which office was his, so she decided to stay put, at least for the time being. With a smirk, she plopped herself down in his chair, leaning back and putting her feet up on his desk, making herself comfortable. Surely Severus would find her eventually, his classroom door was open after all, he wouldn’t have left it if he wasn’t planning on returning.

He had wanted to start his holiday the day before - not that he usually had much to prepare on the rare occasion he had any company, but December always seemed to be hectic around the castle. A flurry of work before the children left, and he personally liked to get his grading done before their last day. Mostly so he didn’t have to work while they were thankfully so very, very far away, but the disappointment it usually gave them right before their vacation was an added bonus. Severus hadn’t gotten done as much as he’d wanted, and while his rooms were acceptable (one of the only times he’d trusted the House Elves to their own devices), he’d spent the morning running around the castle trying to tie up loose ends.

Currently in a sort of pseudo meeting with one of the Slytherins who’d stayed (arguing as nicely as he could that while the commitment was admirable, break was not an admissible time to get extra potion tutoring - however he had recommended a few books from the library) they walked down toward the dungeons together. But when he turned into his classroom and saw Ivy waiting, he stopped abruptly and turned back around. “I’ll see you in a week, Mr. Blishwick.” His tone curt and final, and without waiting for an answer he closed the door on him. Turning back, he found a small smile lifting the very corner of his lips. “You’re earlier than I expected.”

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deputyheadminerva​:

-

Minerva didn’t have many people to treat at Christmas, both her parents were gone, rest them, but she had her younger brothers and an ever-growing brood of nieces and nephews. So she’d been doing her shopping steadily through the year. Everything was already bought, wrapped and sent out save a hamper for her youngest brother’s family from Honeydukes; she knew the kids loved the sweets. So, making the most of an afternoon off, she travelled to Hogsmeade to look it over and arrange delivery. It was a simple affair and as she stepped out of the shop, she spotted Severus looking through the window and speaking to himself.

“Most enjoy the festivities rather than greeting them with abject disdain, Severus.” Minerva said by way of greeting. She stepped closer and withdrew a packet of slim cigarettes, fitting one into her holder she held it out slight, “Could you?” May as well have him light it since he had it out already. “So, who are they?” she asked bluntly, “The person who seems to have finally coaxed you into partaking in the holiday?”  

He sighed heavily, not trying to hide it, but turned to face the familiar voice. It wasn’t like he was going to ignore her, was it? And while he may not particularly enjoy Minerva’s company, he didn’t really mind it all that much, either. There was a lot to respect about the woman - her talent, for one, quick wit, and not to mention the iron fist she tended to rule her classroom with. No, Severus may not like her, but he respected her enough to put on a friendly (ish) face. “I think you’ve noticed by now I’m not most people.” He sneered slightly at the phrase. Thank Merlin for that.

With simply a flash of his eyes to hers, he lit her cigarette with no further comment. Another pro about the woman - she smoked. Although, that left the floor open for small talk as they stood there together with their cigarettes, and he hated small talk almost as much as he hated Christmas. “Ivy.” He said, just as bluntly. No point in trying to hide it as she’d be in the castle with them. “Parkinson.” 

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penny-abbott​:

~

The memories today were a little less painful as she wandered around Hogsmeade. Some of her best memories with Wendy and Hestia had been at Hogsmeade when they would go on weekends. She had her first date to Hogsmeade and afterwards the trio had hid in the Three Broomsticks to gossip about it. She hadn’t been back to Hogsmeade since last year, but her mother was thinking about renting out space in Hogsmeade for a second gallery and she had agreed to come with her. Her mother was talking with one of the shop owners and had told her to wander around. 

Stopping in front of one of the shops, she sighed. She was suddenly confronted with the ghost of the past when things had been easier and happier. Penny nearly jumped when she heard a sudden voice beside her, and she turned to face him. “I used to start Christmas shopping in June,” she mused, a sad smile on her lips. “But this year feels different,” she told him. “Not a Christmas fan, hm?” She asked. 

Severus sneered slightly, eyeing her carefully before answering. “I believe the phrase is Christmas in July.” He mused, although a month didn’t make it any better in his opinion. Christmas shopping at all was ludicrous, let alone starting six months before the event. “But either way I fail to see the appeal.” He sighed slightly, taking another drag off his cigarette and turning his head so that the smoke would blow away from his current company - an unexpected courtesy.

“You could say that.” He turned his attention back to her, glad to avoid the obvious change in her holiday habits without having to expressly state just how much he didn’t care. There was an obvious question there - exactly the type he tended to avoid. “I’m not one for any holiday.” Then an idea occurred to him, if he were able to swallow his pride for a moment or two. “But since you seem to be the expert,” He was still unable to say the word without at least a hint of sarcasm. “Perhaps I could get your opinion.”

[severusxtobias-1]

He hated Christmas. He hated it more than he hated almost anything, which for a man who didn't find joy in most things, was saying something. But he had invited Ivy to the castle to spend the holiday with him, which had seemed at the time a good idea. And it was - someone like minded to spend the day with would keep him sane and, dare he say it, in good spirits. But on the other hand, he had to get her something, didn't he? It would be rude to offer to host her without a gift, wouldn't it? Even if the premise had been that they both hated the damn day. 

But as he wandered the streets of Hogsmeade on his afternoon off, he was lost. He'd never gotten anyone a present. Ever. He'd rarely received them. He stopped, leaning against the opening to an alley and lighting a cigarette, eyeing the other shoppers' bags enviously as they passed. "How the hell do people do this every year?" He mused out loud, raising his eyebrow at the closest person to him. 

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cindy-talkalot​:

“Severus, I require your help.” It was more of a demand than a question. She still wasn’t quite used to viewing him as an equal. She’d always been taught that the purity of one’s blood was their most important trait and Severus being a half blood naturally meant that she ranked above him. Still, there was something tenacious about him and the way he’d built a name for himself among the Death Eaters that made her respect him. She’d heard her family rave about his skills as a potioneer while he still owned his shop and they were happy for him when he was offered a role at Hogwarts. It was always wise to have good people teaching the young, she’d been told. It was because of this she hurriedly added “-please?”

She had taken to brewing her own potions to alleviate her muscle aches, simply because she wanted to add pleasant smelling ingredients rather but of course adding anything to a potion could change it and make it unstable, and she wanted advice. “There’s a recipe in Magical Drafts and Potions I’d like to add lavender to. You don’t think that would make it explode do you?”

@severusxtobias​

He didn’t particularly wish to be interrupted, having just started the third paragraph of a particularly interesting article in that week’s edition of Potioneer. He sighed slightly, pointedly marking his spot as he looked up to see who was responsible. “Lucinda.” He greeted, in somewhat clipped tones. It wasn’t that he disliked her, but Severus wasn’t in the habit of being overly friendly to anyone who took him away from the precious little time he had anymore to spend doing things he actually wanted to. But as the last word fell from her lips - please didn’t exactly seem like something she herself was in the habit of tacking on - he softened slightly and nodded. 

He surveyed her for a moment, resting his chin against two long fingers. Finally, he took a breath and sat up straighter as he released it, giving her his full attention. “Normally, no.” He replied, shaking his head minutely. “It is unlikely to explode, but it may change the efficacy or result of the potion as a whole. It depends on what else you’re combining it with. What potion are you looking to make?”

[severusxtobias-1]

dvisyhookum​:

-

Nodding her head slightly at his answer, Daisy wrapped her arms tightly around him, giggling slightly as his arm went around her waist. She trusted him, she didn’t have any other choice, she supposed. Never having been a big fan of apparating, she stumbled slightly as they landed, and she was glad that Severus had a good grip on her. Pouting slightly as he pulled away, she huffed slightly before trudging along behind him. As they reached her front porch, she thought for a moment, knowing that she had brought her keys with her, but where did she put them? Opening her bag, she glanced inside, hardly even looking before deciding she couldn’t find them. “I don’t know where they are. But there’s a spare under Larry.” She remembered, turning around and pushing on one of the potted plants beside the door before bending over to pick up her spare key.

After taking a moment to get the key in the door, Daisy grabbed Severus by his shirt once again and dragged him along inside with her. She didn’t want him to leave yet. Tossing her shoes down, she giggled as she walked into the living room, glancing around slightly for any sight of Marlene. Thankfully it seemed she wasn’t home yet, and knowing her usual schedule, it would likely be hours before she returned. Turning back to Severus, she took a step towards him, “Thanks for making sure I made it home safely.” She giggled, looking up to him with wide eyes, “Is there any way I can repay you?” Daisy smirked, biting down on her bottom lip gently.

Severus took the opportunity to transform his ears back to normal as she reached for her spare key (his hair kept getting caught and tickling the pointed tips), sighing contently as they shrunk. He glanced at her at the name - Larry - rolling his eyes before reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose, trying to keep calm so he wouldn't snap at her. His temper wasn't his best quality when he was sober - it was far worse after a night of drinking. 

She had surprisingly managed to catch him off guard when her hand fisted in his shirt and dragged him inside behind her - he’d been lost in thought as he waited for her to manage to slide the key in the lock. “Hm?” He asked, mind still a bit far away as he closed the door behind her. “Oh, yeah. Someone had to.” Severus didn’t want her thinking this was any more than it was - an obligation. How could he leave her to her own devices in such a state? They were business partners, in a way, after all. He came back to himself fully as she got closer once more, raising an eyebrow as she bit her bottom lip. “You can sit down so you don’t fall over.” He instructed, placing his hands squarely on her shoulders and sending a pointed glance toward the couch. “I’ll be right back.” And he took off toward the kitchen, intent to get her a glass of water.

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poisonparkinson​:

This was the exact reason why she’d agreed to join the Death Eaters. Ivy loved destruction and chaos, fire was the most beautiful thing in the world to her. It started when she was young, when one of her older brothers had accidentally set fire to their mothers flower garden. She was captivated by it, and loved watching as it destroyed everything in its path. Now, she was glad to watch it on a larger scale, letting her friends take care of the people inside before she cast fiendfyre on the home. Unfortunately for her, she had to cut her night short, having a shift at the hospital at midnight. As she was saying goodbye to her friends, Ivy had bumped into Severus and was rather surprised that he had agreed to join her as she left, but she certainly had no complaints.

“I wish I didn’t have to go to work.” Ivy complained as she pushed open her door, “At least I still have an hour or so to kill.” Moving into her living room, she tugged off her jacket and tossed it over the arm of her couch before plopping down with a sigh. “I was in such a good mood, too.” She groaned, rolling her eyes at the thought of going into the hospital as she sank back into the couch. “Think it would be inappropriate if I go into work drunk? Might be the only thing that keeps my mood from turning sour.”

@severusxtobias​

This wasn't his sort of thing. Sure, he liked the destruction in the taboo sort of way that gave everyone a thrill, but chaos had never been a draw for him and his excitement seemed to fade faster than the others. He started longing for the quiet of his rooms under the castle and the rich notes of a bottle of red wine. So he'd been on his way out anyway when he'd run into Ivy, who had just so happened to give him the perfect excuse to leave without anyone casting a second glance his way. It might delay his night in, but he certainly wasn't about to complain. For this, he could be flexible. 

Severus shrugged, although she couldn't see him, and followed her in. "Probably." He smirked, taking a seat next to her on the couch, albeit refraining from making himself quite as comfortable as she did. "But you do happen to know someone who could give you a sobering potion to put in your pocket in case anyone decides to give you trouble." He raised an eyebrow as he looked at her, his smirk becoming more pronounced as he shifted to angle himself toward her. "I could think of a few other ways to pass an hour." 

[severusxtobias-1]

poisonparkinson​:

It seemed Severus was the correct person to complain about the holidays to. He had always been just as miserable as she was around this time of year. Of course Ivy loved her family, and always returned home for the holidays, but most years she ended up regretting it. At least at the castle she would have had some privacy. But she never wanted to be both the poor girl and the girl that didn’t go home for the holidays, so she had always ultimately decided to go home to have at least one thing the other girls in her year couldn’t hold over her head. “Should just leave the trees in the ground where they belong.” Not that she really cared about the trees, but still. No one needed to drag the corpse of an evergreen into their home for decoration purposes.

Smirking at his suggestion, Ivy lifted her glass to her lips as her eyebrow raised. Swallowing after a moment, she placed her glass back down in front of her. “Are you asking me out, Severus?” She asked, teasing. Although she did have to admit, spending her holidays in an empty castle with Severus certainly sounded more appealing than sitting at home and being sad. “I’ve always wondered what that tree would look like if it were to be swallowed in flames.” Ivy said, leaning back on one of her palms, making herself more comfortable. “Almost did it in my seventh year. But Regulus talked me out of it, said it would ruin his Christmas. I have a hard time saying no to his stupid puppy dog eyes sometimes.” She laughed, throwing her hair over her shoulder as she shrugged. “Either way, whether or not we set the damn tree on fire, it’s a date.”

"Yeah, well, try telling them that." He rolled his eyes, jerking his head back toward the front door to indicate the general public. He would never understand the obsession with a dead, gaudy tree. After all, underneath the tinsel and baubles, it was still just a tree. What was the point? Severus sighed, shaking his head as he took another long drink and met her gaze, contemplating her question for a moment in silence before answering. "Maybe I am." He finally answered, careful to keep his tone neutral, trying to ensure he could gauge her reaction and decide whether it was all a joke or not. Truth was, he liked Ivy. It was the first person he'd ever invited to spend the holidays with him - perhaps a notion he'd have to examine further. 

Severus chuckled, nodding. "Yeah well, he was just a good little boy in school, wasn't he?" He asked with a bit of a sneer. It was something he'd always been jealous of, actually - not that Severus hadn't been a well behaved and successful student, but Regulus had done it because he'd had a family he wanted to make happy. Still, it was a moot point by now regardless. "It'd look a fair bit better than it does now, I can assure you. More useful, too.” He sighed. “You know Flitwick charmed it to blow bubbles? Horrid little gold things." He shook his head in disgust thinking about it. "And when they pop they sound like bells. Daft." 

[severusxtobias-1]

greyback-fenrir​:

There were a few Death Eaters who Fenrir could stand. After a few drinks and a good night, he might even say he liked them. He knew deep down that they’d never truly see eye to eye, but that didn’t bother him for now. Fenrir was away from home, he didn’t have anyone else to hang out with, and for now his selection of Death Eater friends would have to do. Severus was one of these friends. 

Fenrir had invited him over for dinner and something to drink (and to show off the progress he’d made on the Shrieking Shack since he’d bought the place, although he hadn’t mentioned that up front). He liked to think he was a good, but unadventurous, cook and as he did for most guests he’d prepared pot roast beef. “Do you like turnips? Weird choice I know but it was the only vegetable I had left to go with the beef.” He said upon opening the door. “I was considering growing my own veg out back, but I haven’t got that far yet. It’s the wrong time of year to do it now anyway. Sorry, come inside.” He said opening the door and ushering him in.

@severusxtobias​

When he'd first been invited to Fenrir's home, he'd accepted of course (he was raised with manners, if little else), but it was with no small amount of trepidation. The Shrieking Shack? Surely the thing wasn't even inhabitable - especially not after the marauders had gotten through with it. But as he stood on the doorstep now, he couldn't help but be impressed. He knew the other man was skilled with this sort of handiwork, but it was so beyond his own skill set that he had to stand in wonder for a moment before knocking on the door. 

He opened his mouth to greet Fenrir, but closed it again as he was never given the chance. Raising an eyebrow, he held back a small bout of laughter and simply nodded. "I assure you I am far from a picky eater." He promised, nodding his thanks as he was invited in and stepped over the threshold. "One of the few perks of growing up poor." He drawled, rolling his eyes sarcastically although he was serious about the sentiment - if he had been a picky eater, he simply wouldn't have eaten. "The place looks alright." It was the highest praise Severus handed out, but he let his approval seep into his tone as he shrugged out of his jacket. "Do you drink red?" He asked, holding up the bottle he'd snagged on his way over, unwilling to show up empty handed. 

[severusxtobias-1]

pulchrxclade​:

@severusxtobias​

It took a moment for it to register to her who she was seeing, but soon enough she went from considering ordering extra potion vials to now making sure Marlene wasn’t in the area. She’d certainly make use of the windows. Pandora sighed, taking a small step forward and allowing her concern to fade away to bring her usual soft kindness to surface. “Severus? Best you come with me, I’d hate to see you be ill prepared for flight given you have no broom.” Her office was far more secure given her job, at least. 

Despite her small frame, she seemed very capable of looping her arm around his, with or without his concern for what could happen. “It’s been far too long, I insist you join me. And I would be insulted if you didn’t at least allow me to hear how you have been doing.”

He'd been dropping off a few specialty potions to the few Death Eaters currently housed in St. Mungo's, certainly not about to trust their care to the sub par potioneers the place employed, when he ran into Pandora. Always a pleasure, surprisingly, not that he would let that be known to anyone else, but still. "What?" He asked dumbly, making a face. Ill prepared? Since when was Severus ever less than prepared? And who would he be getting into a fight with within a hospital? But he followed her without contest regardless. 

He adjusted his arm slightly to make himself more comfortable, falling into a familiar step next to her. "I know better than to refuse you." Severus replied silkily, not sounding overly excited but definitely lacking the usual disdain he reserved for nearly everybody else. "Although I'm afraid I don't have much to report." At least, nothing he was allowed or willing to report, anyway. He took his usual seat across from her desk as they rounded the corner into her office, sighing. "Teaching is even more tedious than I had imagined it would be." 

[severusxtobias-1]

FMK: Regulus, Lucius, Marlene

Oh, that's easy. Fuck Lucius - he is already married, after all. Marry Regulus and kill Marlene.