Chapter 1
Invitations.
Serena walked into her Edinburgh Auror's office and sighed as he secretary, Catriona handed her the mail which ha been collecting in her in tray. Serena rolled her eyes and smiled as Catriona dealt with the owl who was pecking persistently at her fingers. Serena ducked as a memo flew lower than intended before she ducked into her office and waved her wand casting a "defrost" spell to warm her, then she switched off the magical wireless which was blaring Celestina Warbeck's latest Christmas tune.
She sunk low in her leather armchair with a sigh. She loved Christmas as much as the next witch but it didn't excite her as much as it had when she'd been younger- that had been before her father had been in unlawfully imprisoned in Azkaban, accused of murdering his best friends, her godparents James and Lily Potter who also happened to be her biological aunt and uncle. It hadn't been him of course bit no one had let her say so- she hadn't and would never be believed except by the order members who had known the truth.
She took up the first of her several letters- most of which it was discovered were bills and subscriptions to things, the last three held more interest for her. The first was from her father, Sirius, a year or so out of prison after escaping Azkaban and the Dementor's kiss.
"Dearest daughter," it read. "I hope you are well and this letter finds you safe. It's cold here at home but I am sure you are colder there in bony Scotland! Our friends are here for the holidays and I hoped you would join us to enjoy the festivities. Even if you don't come for our friends come for your dear old dad, who longs to hold his little girl once more in his arms after so many years apart. Arthur was attacked at the ministry but he will live thanks to your cousin. A brave boy is he, you'd get on well the pair of you. He's going to be there this years which will be nice wont it, just like old times? He looks so much like Prongs, its uncanny- but his eyes, oh, Serena, he has his mother's eyes, a similar shade of green as yours, sweetheart. I do hope you'll join us- Charlie's coming from Romania and Moony will be here too as well as Dora Tonks. Speak soon, darling. Festive wishes, your father, Padfoot."
It was signed with a pawprint too for comic effect, Serena assumed, but it made her smile as did her father's alternate phrases to protect himself as a still wanted escaped convict.
The next letter was a similar summons from Molly Weasley but she was much more insistent that Serena join them, unlike her father's.
The last was from her long term, dragon keeper, boyfriend Charlie Weasley. A simple three lines from him- he was known for his short letters.
"S, coming home for Xmas. Hope to see you at number 12. Christmas Kisses. C x"
Serena laughed to her self and nodded to the empty room around her. "I suppose that means I'm going home for the holidays."