I am so, so, sorry for the delay in updating. Since Christmas is already long past, I just decided to upload what I have already written. This is supposed to be Chapter 8, the last chapter.
Chapter 4 – Eleven
This year was his first Christmas at Hogwarts. The decorations were presumptuous – twelve glowing Christmas trees stood in the Great Hall, festooned with live, golden owls and fairies, not to mention countless glowing, sparkling ornaments. There were garlands of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling, icicles that never melt on the banisters, and laurel wreaths on every door. The Dursleys could never have managed anything as magnificent as this, regardless the amount of money they spent, and Harry once more marveled at the greatness of magic.
Most of the school had gone home for Christmas, as had Hermione. Harry didn't blame her. Christmas was, after all, a time for family. Ron was staying, and for that, Harry was grateful. He didn't think much of being stuck alone in the castle with nothing to do, though even that would be an improvement from his usual Christmas. Harry didn't feel sorry for himself, quite the opposite. Hogwarts was his home.
A ball of snow smashed into his head, and the cold shocked him out of his contemplations. Spluttering, Harry wiped face and glasses, and peered around for the attacker. Ron stood in front of him, grinning maniacally, another snowball already in hand.
"Gotcha!" he yelled.
Harry's face broke into a wide grin and he ducked to avoid another freezing missile. It was going to be the best Christmas ever.
I once again apologize for the delay. Thank you to willshakespeare-immortalbard and kel. kel. 153 for reviewing, and to all who read this story.
