Redemption

Chapter 33. New Twist

  Kass's life improved at last. She and Lucius has the period in their relationships when lovers dive into their feelings and can't get enough of each other. In public Lucius was arrogant like he used to be. Kass couldn't blame him for that. Cold nobleman has changed for her though he didn't want to admit it. But when they were alone he was gentle and loving man. Kass couldn't imagine that Lucius Malfoy could be like that.

 She didn't forget her friends. At weekends she tried to fing the time to gather together at someone's place, sit near the fireplace, drink wine and have a chat. Deep inside Kass wanted Lucius to go with her. But now it couldn't happen yet. First, Lucius refused to take part in 'muggles', like he said, activities, such as board games or karaoke. Second, now neither guys nor Malfoy were ready to meet each other.

 Severus continued teaching Ester to control her abilities and find out new skills. She has more and more sucsess every day. Potions Master was proud of himself, he reached the result faster than he supposed. Of course, Professor Snape didn't admit it and kept criticizing Ester. He wanted her to reach the ideal. Ester often irritated and then they argued. After she usually apologized and they continued their lessons. Severus got involved into it and every morning he was waiting for her appearance at his doorway at Spider's End.

 Ester kept thinking how to invite grumpy Professor to the Christmas party. She couldn't invent something original and decided to tell him directly. 

 In the morning she knocked at the door of the house at Spider's like usually. Today she arrived earlier than usually. She couldn't stay at home.

 Severus opened the door. He wore black pants and black shirt. It was the first time Ester saw him without his mantle. She noticed he was well-built. she could see his biceps under the shirt. He wasn't too pumped up, but he was quite sporty.

"Ester? You're early today" Severus said. "Come in. Would you like a cup of coffee? I didn't drink my morning coffee yet."

"Sorry. Thank you, I would like to" Ester said worrying.

'She's strange today' Severus thought.

 Ester and Snape went to the kitchen and sat at the table. Severus waved his hand. Two cups of coffee and two plates with toasts appeared on the table.

"Thank you" Ester said and took a sip.

"Well, Ester. What bothers you?" Snape asked.

 Ester couldn't get used to his bluntness. He always went directly to the point. Dut he liked this feature of him. At least, he was honest, though sometimes too mean and sharp.

"It's impossible to hide anything from you. It's not worrying. I want to tell you something. But I don't know how will you react" Ester confessed.

"Then tell it. Or you won't find out" Severus said a bit sarcastically.

 Ester held herself from rolling eyes hearing his tone. But starting an argument now wasn't the best desicion. That's why she pretended she didn't notice anything.

"Professor, maybe you'll be surprised by what I say now. I want to invite you to celebrate Christmas together" Ester said struggling with her worrying.

 Severus was taking aback hearing her words. Nobody ever invited him to celebrate Christmas. Just Lucius a couple of times.

"Do you want to celebrate Christmas with me?" he asked surprised.

"Not only. At Kass's place we're organizing a party. Everyone is invited: Lucius with family, Kass's friends, and Kass, of course" she explained.

 For a moment a shadow of disappointment appeared at his eyes. But he quickly returned to his usual grumpy expression.

"Ms. Lawrence. I hate parties. Moreover, party with Gryffindors. I'm deeply surprised, that Lucius agreed" he murmured.