God sorry for the big gap. I would stare at the empty document, with no inspiration before giving up

Chapter 6

Christmas is generally a happy time. You reflect on many things, eat a big family meal and spoil your children. As I was an only child and my parents died before Hermione was born, and David's family reside in Australia, we would spend Christmas as our little family. Hermione would excitedly wake us, and open whatever presents we gave her (usually books) and be delirious with happiness and gratefulness. We'd spend the day as a family, all cuddled up, wearing hand-knitted jumpers and at lunch, I'd cook the traditional turkey.

As it crept into December, I was caught off-guard by a letter from Hermione, saying she'd be home for Christmas. Ecstatic, I clutched the parchment in my hand. I wanted to make the house just oozing with perfectness. I knew I had a secondary motive. To persuade my daughter to come home. Even though I knew she was excelling with her studies, and now had two great friends, I was still selfish.

She came home on the Hogwarts Express clutching her suitcases, and a heavy looking book to her chest, David and I pulled her into a big hug. It had been the first time in nearly four months since we last saw her. On the way home, we chattered to her and she talked as well, telling us things about her new lessons, and just how enchanting the castle was. She described it so vividly, and it sounded so amazing, that there was a bit of longing for me that wished I could have gone. She was still a bit dreamy though.

She perked up when she reached the house. She went round spinning in each room, and her smile was so wide when she saw her bedroom. She ran and sat on the pink squishy armchair in her bedroom.

The days building up to Christmas she was helpful around the house, and really cheerful. We decorated the tree and the decisions sparkled round the room, we made endless biscuits, and we wrapped presents for distant relatives.

I couldn't have wished for a more perfect Christmas day. Like usual, Hermione woke us up with a burst of excitement. It was just the same as if she was a normal child, not a witch. We devoured the turkey and spent the day as a family. Something we hadn't been able to do since a small man came and changed our lives with the truth.

The new years was also spent cosily as a family. Watching the countdown on TV, and then pinching ourselves to stay up to midnight, and standing in the crackly snow watching the fireworks explode into the air.

New Year's Day was a bit odd. It was the day before Hermione was due back on the Hogwarts Express, and everyone was mooching in bed, as they were tired, an owl came as we were picking at a brunch, too tired to digest what we were eating.

"It's a school owl!" Hermione piped up, as she strolled over to it, and gently pulled out the letter. She sat down, and without thinking, I read over her shoulder.

To Hermione,

How was your Christmas? Thank you for the presents, I hope you enjoyed yours. How's the family, dad was jealous he said he wanted to see a Muggle Christmas. I don't know when the owl will reach you, as there is a lot of snow in England this year. Odd.

We'll see you soon, but Harry and I have been looking in the library (well that's remaining since you carted home a million books ha-ha) and still no mention Of Nicholas Flamel. Harry is still convinced he saw him somewhere though.

Harry got an amazing present for Christmas, and guess what we found on Boxing Day? I can't tell you obviously, because of the ministry might see, and Harry will get punished for going at night, but when we see you, we'll give all the details.

Hey, I got to go, I've got about ten tonnes of homework to go through! Great.

From Ron

"Nicholas Flamel?" I asked, confused.

"He's connected with what the dog's guarding!" She said matter-of-factly, as she rolled up the parchment.

"Dog?" David asked, slamming down a mug of coffee. Hermione sighed, and told us the whole story. I watched, transfixed, and I couldn't voice my opinions for the rest of the day. The rest of the day was frosty. David and I just couldn't say the anger, but also fear we felt for our only child.

I didn't cry at the station next day. I knew that this was going to be happening more often so I couldn't cry. I wouldn't embarrass my daughter. She found some people from her year to sit with on the train, and blew kisses. She didn't cry though, in fact she looked giddy with excitement. I waved until she couldn't see anymore.

Silence reverberated around the car, as we drove back. I went into my hypnotic like state at home, while David worked from home. Gently he said, "Susan, darling, what's wrong? She's fine, top of the class and has friends! And you know where she is now!"

I tried to nod, and agree with him, but I couldn't. A single tear rolled across my cheek, which then cued a lot of tears falling. I was crying because I knew of the danger she was returning too.

Ha-ha it's a Christmas Chapter! I know it sounds weird, but now schools started, my day's schedule is a lot simpler so more updates. I'm sorry it's short