It's not easy to explain, but . . .

Chapter 10

"As a matter of fact, Severus, this comes from more than just Sirius. We have visitors at Grimmauld place and you three are especially invited to join us, plus Dobby, the House Elf."

"Visitors?  Black has nothing better to do than throw Christmas parties?" Severus sneered.

"Oh, this is way more than a party, it's more of an 'event' . . . so if you could call Dobby, Headmaster?"  Remus turned to Albus.

"Certainly . . Dobby?"  Albus summoned the House Elf.

'pop'

"Yes, Headmaster, sir.  You is calling Dobby?"  Looking around him, Dobby realized who was standing there and his eyes widened in surprise.  "Is Dobby doing something wrong, Headmaster?"

"No, Dobby.  It seems your presence has been requested, along with ours, at Grimmauld Place, for an 'event', as Remus calls it," Albus informed him.

"If you don't mind, Headmaster, I think I would rather skip Black's 'frivolities' . . . I have better ways to spend my holiday time . . ."

"Sorry, Severus, your attendance is mandatory, I'm afraid," Remus told him, with a smile on his face.

"Mandatory? On who's authority, might I ask?"  Severus' eyebrow shot up.

"Dan Radcliffe, actually.  Nice bloke.  Suggested a  'body bind', if gentle persuasion didn't do the trick,"  Remus informed him, his smile getting wider by the moment.

"How can you resist such a desire for your company, Severus?" asked Minerva, stifling a giggle at the look on Severus' face.

"Resistance seems futile, my boy," added Albus.  "Come, let us go join our friends, shall we?"

"Headmaster, I really . . . " Severus started to argue, but noticed Remus had his wand out, trained on him.  "You . . . wouldn't . . . dare!"

"Try me,"  Remus answered, in a deadly growl.  "This is going to save your life, so stop being a git and come along like a good little Slytherin."

"Save my life?  With your wand pointed at me?  An oxymoron, to say the least,"  Severus replied, starting to take a step backward, to have more room to duel.

"Another step, Severus, and I'll put you in a body bind, myself," Albus informed him.

Severus looked over at the Headmaster, disbelief evident on his face. But the look on Albus' face told him he'd better reconsider his next move.  Discretion being the better part of valor, he nodded, lifting his hands to show he wasn't reaching for his wand.  Then he walked over to the fireplace and took some Floo Powder from the bowl sitting on the hearth and threw it in, calling out "Grimmauld Place".  As he stepped into the flames he heard Minerva say cheerfully,  "Well, that went better than expected.  Come along, Dobby."

 * * * *

Severus emerged from the fireplace into the kitchen of #12 and by the expression on his face, those gathered around the table could see he wasn't a bit pleased about being there.   Dobby came next, holding Minerva's hand, followed closely by Remus and then Headmaster Dumbledore.

As Remus pulled out chairs for the new arrivals to sit down, Dobby ran to Harry and threw himself into his arms.

"Harry Potter, sir! Dobby is most happy to see you!  And you is inviting Dobby to come and visit you, too!  This be a very Happy Christmas for Dobby!  And Dobby is thanking Harry Potter for the gift Harry Potter is giving Dobby!" the House Elf gushed.

"Whoa!  Whoa! Dobby, slow down!  I'm glad to see you, too!  And I'm glad you liked the socks!  But I didn't invite you, Dan did."

"Dan? Who be Dan?  Dobby is not understanding Harry Potter."