SM & JK own it.

Chapter 9 – Christmas.

The week following Carlisle's visit and Arthurs amazing recovery was filled with exams, shopping for Christmas presents and preparations for a visit to Grimmauld place. Bella had spent days ensuring the various creatures that Hagrid had amassed were well fed and bedded down for a few days absence. She made certain that Fang, his hapless boarhound was comfortable and had enough steak and water for a few days, he'd taken a distinct liking to Jasper and followed him around everywhere, unfortunately the same couldn't be said for Bruce, Emmett's Kneazle continued to be an absolute monster of a cat, always finding trouble.

The last day of school was a total loss as a teacher; the students had the attention span of a Doxy so no real teaching was achieved what so ever. Bella didn't mind, she was just as excited to get away for a few days, to see her Dad and catch up with the Weasleys. So instead of wasting a well planned lesson, she had the children assisting her in feeding, cleaning and bedding down Hagrids menagerie. It proved to be a fun time for all.

The only dark cloud was Professor Umbridge, who set a day of exams for her final class of the semester. The children could be heard grumbling as they traipsed about the school. Edward continued to hide in the minstrel's gallery that overlooked her class and observed how she not only failed to teach wand work, but a good portion of her lectures contradicted the content of the text books they were using. How on earth the children could learn in that environment he would never know. He shook his head astounded at the toad faced woman. What on earth was the Minister thinking?

It was Emmett that came up with the answer, if a generation never learnt the defensive arts; they would be easier to conquer when they come of age. The family were appalled and angered at the thought of leaving so many young ones vulnerable in such a way. They vowed to get rid of this woman if it was the last thing they would do.

The final day ended with parchments thrown in to the air and cheers from all corners of the castle. Even Nessie was gripped with the excitement and bounced around the library as the children gathered their trunks and various items they had accumulated this semester in preparation of returning to the train to go home. Bella and Edward had agreed to join the train for the journey back to Kings Cross, where they would meet the rest of the family and then visit Diagon Alley to finish Christmas shopping, Nessie was going with them, she was vibrating with excitement at the thought of going on the old steam train. Alice and Rose were going on ahead, as Alice already had a huge list of things for Madam Malkin and she wanted to get a head start. Emmett would be joining them, with a promise that there would be no more pets. Jasper, Carlisle and Esme, would remain at Hogwarts until later, then travel to Diagon Alley by Floo, Jasper had picked up a few surveillance items in Hogsmeade he intended to plant in Dolores quarters in the castle and felt that with her back at the Ministry for Christmas was the perfect opportunity to do so.

Once the carriages had left taking the children to the station, Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall appeared at the front door, both of them looking drawn and weary from the troubles they had encountered during the semester. Ever gracious and keen to be the hostess, Esme invited them in for tea, to which they agreed without question. She led them to the sitting room and directed them to sit while she prepared refreshments. The rest of the family filed in and joined them, with Nessie skipping up the rear and climbing into Edwards lap as they seated themselves.

"How are you Albus, Minerva?" Carlisle offered in greeting.

"Greetings Cullen's," Dumbledore sighed. "It's been a long term, in all my years at Hogwarts I've never felt this disenchanted."

The elder wizard did look particularly tired, even his colourful robes failed to bring the sparkle to his eyes. Bella eyed her former mentor with concern.

"Are you well Albus?" she asked.

"I'm fine Bella dear, ignore the ramblings of a tired old man, perhaps this Christmas break is just what I need." He said trying to placate her.

"It's that woman, as well as all of the other things going on, it has been quite a trying time Albus, but you need not take it all on yourself, you'll make yourself sick, share the burden." Edward stated.

Minerva nodded in agreement; she could see the strain the headmaster was under. "He's right Albus, we're stronger together."

"I know, I know," he sighed, "Anyhow, enough of that, I just wanted to thank you all for your efforts this semester, I've heard such wonderful things about your lessons Bella, I'm glad I found you when I did, I can't think of anyone better to cover for Hagrid, and the rest of you have been invaluable in ensuring the children's safety and Edward, your insights into Dolores have been a godsend."

"It is our pleasure," Carlisle stated, "Had you not offered us sanctuary, I have no doubts that the Volturi would have killed us all by now. So thank you."

The rest of the family murmured their agreements, as Bruce loped into the room and stopped midstride when he saw everyone seated. The large ginger cat, sat silently observing them with big yellow eyes, his tail swishing vigorously.

"Aha! I see you have a pet, a kneazle I believe," Dumbledore stated, a sparkle appearing in his eyes.

"It's mine and Uncle Ems, his name is Bruce!" Nessie piped in.

"A good strong name," Dumbledore said to the child.

"He gets in trouble sometimes, but I still love him," Nessie replied.

"Well of course, he's family now," Minerva added.

It wasn't long before Hagrids Boarhound Fang lumbered through on his way to find a nice warm place by the fire; of course he changed direction as soon as he saw Jasper and jumped onto the vampires lap. Had he been the size of Chihuahua it wouldn't have been nearly as funny, but Fang was near the size of Shetland pony and had huge floppy jowls that oozed with dog slobber. Jasper flopped back in his seat as the enormous dog made itself comfortable and proceeded to pant and slobber all over him. Much to the enjoyment of the family.

"Dammit Fang, I'm not a dog bed," The blonde hair vampire groused, although it wasn't missed that he roughly stroked and tussled with the dog, who lapped up the attention.

"Well we had best get to Hogsmeade or we'll miss the train," Bella stated looking swiftly at the old Grandfather clock at the side of the room.

"Of course, I'd forgotten you would be travelling down with the young ones. Thank you for that." Dumbledore stated.

Bella, Edward and Nessie rose, offering goodbyes to everyone before they left the room. They could be heard donning coats and trying to calm Nessie down. Albeit unsuccessfully. Minerva smiled; the young girl was a point of joy during the dark days.

Jasper spoke as the door closed, announcing that Bella and Edward had left, "Professors, I was wandering, I've procured a few surveillance items from Allistor Moody, and was going to put them in Dolores quarters and classroom, but obviously may need some help getting passed any measure she may have taken to prevent that. Any suggestions?" he asked.

"I think," Minerva started, "That Filius will be our best bet, he has a knack for getting through defensive charms, it's the Goblin side of him, and do we know if she has left yet?"

"Not yet, I've no doubt she'll be wandering the halls in the absence of children for a while yet," Dumbledore stated.

Alice's eyes glazed over suddenly and she sat bolt upright, "Oh! Go to Mr Filches room Jazz, he has a gift for her, one of those ghastly plates she has hanging in her office, you can fix one of Moody's gadgets to it, she'll be none the wiser," Alice said.

"Well that helps," Jasper replied.

"She also has a caterwauling charm on her quarters and the plates are enchanted to watch for intruders, I'm sure professor Flitwick can fix that," she added.

"Thanks Ali girl," Jasper responded from beneath Fang.

"We'll have Filius meet you in the atrium Mr Whitlock," Minerva stated as she and Dumbledore stood to leave.

"If we don't see you at Molly and Arthurs, Merry Christmas," Dumbledore said.

"Merry Christmas," the family chorused, as the two magical folk left the room.

"Well if I can get rid of the dog, I'll go get Moody's gadgets fixed," Jasper said.

"And we have shopping to prepare for!" Rose stated.

"We'll meet everyone in Diagon Alley later on then," Carlisle said, standing and offering his hand to Esme.

"See you soon," she offered.

At Hogsmeade, Bella, Edward and Nessie stood quietly at the end of the platform, watching the school children as they excitedly placed trunks beside the luggage carriage and mingled with their friends, while waiting to board the train.

Nessie was vibrating with excitement at the sight of the large maroon steam train that stood proudly at the platform. Clouds of steam billowing from the stationary engine as it waited for the passengers to board. Numerous station staff hurried around, porters pushing trolleys laden with trunks and parcels. Bird cages with owls and cat baskets with meowing felines sat piled neatly on the platform. The large portly station master stood proudly beside the engine, talking animatedly to the driver and engineer, occasionally checking his pocket watch and glancing at the children.

Edward smiled at his wife and daughter as they approached the rear carriage, the very same one he had travelled up in.

"Professor Cullen!" a voice called.

Bella turned to see little Eleanor Crosby approaching with the little blonde girl and a dark haired boy. She recognised them both from her classes.

"Good afternoon children," Bella said.

"Professor, are you travelling on the train too, Oh Hello Mr Edward," the young girl stated a blush colouring her cheeks.

"Hello Eleanor, how are you?" Edward answered kindly.

"I'm good thank you, excited to go home." She replied.

Nessie hugged Edwards's legs tightly eyeing the children excitedly. He brushed her hair from her face as he talked.

"I see you've already met my husband," Bella stated, "and this little monster is our Nessie. We're catching the train to do some shopping for Christmas." Bella answered.

"Oh that's wonderful! Have a great Christmas Professor!" the young girl stated before grasping her friends' hands and heading back into the throng of children now climbing into the train.

"Come love, the guards getting ready to blow his whistle," Edward stated grasping Bella's hand and leading her and Nessie into the carriage. Moments later there was a clunk and a rattle as the train started to pull away from the station. Nessie bounced on her seat excitedly watching the platform drift passed through the window, while Edward and Bella sat opposite holding hands and smiling at each other.

"I'm glad we're taking this trip down together, I missed you on the journey up," Edward stated.

"Me too, Ness has been talking about this nonstop since we mentioned joining the train last week," Bella replied while casting a glance at her excited daughter whose face was now pressed against the carriage window. She flicked her head to the side to direct Edward at his daughter. He grinned at the child; his eyes alight at the joy he could see she was experiencing on this journey.

As the train wound its way along the tracks, Bella and Edward spent their time reconnecting and discussing where they planned to go for their shopping trip. Nessies stomach rumbling bought all conversation to a stop; she blushed and giggled at the sound, looking between her parents who smiled widely at her.

"Hungry little love?" Edward asked.

"Yes Daddy, my tummy is all rumbly grumbly," Ness replied.

"Well we can't have that now, can we!" he replied, pulling his wand from his jacket and flicking his wrist towards the low table.

A bowl of soup and a crusty roll appeared before Nessie alongside a platter of small tea cakes.

"Eat your soup first little love," Bella said as Nessie all but lunged for the dainty little cakes.

"Yes Mom!" she squealed before sitting in front of the bowl and devouring the soup.

Edward smiled feeling quite proud of his magical efforts and was rewarded by a large smile and kiss from his wife. "You're getting pretty good at this magic stuff, my love." She said cupping his cheek.

"Mmm, it certainly has its merits," he replied, kissing her soundly.

A large bang, followed by shouting broke them apart.

"What on earth?" Bella yelped.

Edward stretched his mind out, scanning all of the children in the carriages ahead of them. He recoiled in shock and grasped his wand.

"What is it?" Bella asked, worriedly grasping her own wand.

"Malfoy and his band of bullies, firing curses at Harry's compartment." Edward stated gritting his teeth together and suppressing the growl that was rumbling just below the surface. "Stay here, I'll..."

"No, I've been seen boarding the train and as a professor for Hogwarts I need to be present when we put a stop to this, I'll put a protection charm on our carriage to keep Ness safe, but we must hurry," Bella interrupted.

"Fine," Edward all but growled, his face pinched with anger and worry.

"Trust me my love, this is nothing that I cannot handle and you will be with me." She replied.

"I always worry love, but we must hurry," Edward said, turning to Ness who looked on with wide worried eyes, "We'll be right back, stay here, it's safe, promise me little love."

"I promise Daddy," Ness answered staring at her parents as they kissed her head and left the carriage swiftly.

Bella and Edward rushed through the carriages towards the noise in the forward part of the train. Children huddled together worriedly looking towards the sounds of shouting and cursing. Their eyes widened as the two adults rushed passed them wands raised.

"Its professor Cullen," one child was heard saying as they all crowded around the door and watched as Bella and Edward ran at human speed through the carriage.

"Protego!" Bella shouted as she appeared in front of the spell damaged compartment, a barrage of spells striking the shield that appeared in front of her.

"Expelliarmus!" Edward called causing Draco Malfoy and Gregory Goyle's wands to fly out of their hands.

The two young wizards looked on angrily as Bella dropped her shield and approached. Her eyes black with fury. Edward stood at her side his wand raised, daring them to try anything as many of the Slytherin students looked on in shock.

"Just what do you think you are doing?" Bella growled out at them.

The two boys stared back at her defiantly, neither offering an explanation for their attack on Harry's compartment, not that Bella expected one. Edward meanwhile listened in to their minds, gathering information from them. A growl bubbled in his chest, but he held it in as he discovered that they had been put up to attempting to harm Harry and Hermione by Draco's father. A known Death Eater. Draco's mind in particular was a cess pool of bile and foul thoughts; he imagined using the cruciatus curse on Bella, revelled in the idea of her writhing in pain.

"Well?" Bella asked, "Do either of you have anything to say?"

"You have no power of us out of School professor, you should mind your own business, my father could make your position difficult," Draco answered smugly.

"You Mr Malfoy should be reminded, that the Hogwarts express is part of the school, therefore, it is very much within my power to put you right, especially when you are attacking other students, your father will be hearing of this, as will Professor Dumbledore, for now, you are to be confined to your compartment and will only be allowed to leave once we reach Kings Cross, do you understand?" Bella stated leaning into the blonde boy.

"Yes Professor," he sneered, "Come Goyle." He turned at stormed through the carriage.

Edward bent and collected the two wands before following Bella as she stalked behind the two retreating boys, intent on ensuring they remained in their compartment. Once she saw them enter their carriage, she again raised her wand and bolted the door, casting a protection charm and an impediment jinx should they attempt to leave without permission. They turned striding through the Slytherin carriage, receiving numerous glares, none more obvious than that of Pansy Parkinson, who at least had the sense to not voice the vile thoughts that drifted from her mind.

Once they had excited the carriage, they approached Harry and Hermione's compartment and opened the spell damaged door to check on the two youths inside.

"Are you both okay?" Bella asked, glancing around the compartment.

"Yes, thank you professor, we'd cast a shield, but it was faltering under the bombardment. I was worried they would kill us," Hermione stated, her hands shaking with the release of adrenalin as she finally breathed in from their ordeal. Harry wrapped an arm around her shoulder, offering what comfort he could, although he looked equally as shaken.

"We'll be fine now thanks," he said.

"None needed Mr Potter, they shouldn't be any further trouble, they're locked in their compartment and Edward disarmed them," Bella replied.

Harry and Hermione looked at Edward with wide eyes, "Draco's father won't like that, not one bit." Harry said.

"Don't worry about him, he'll find himself in a world of trouble should he be found party to this attack," Bella stated.

"Be careful professor, he's not someone to go up against," Hermione said worriedly.

"Neither are we," Edward replied with a wink.

The two youths grinned and nodded at Edward.

"Well, we should get back to Nessie, I'm sure she's worried," Edward stated moving towards the door.

"Thank you once again Professor, Mr Cullen," Hermione stated as Bella joined Edward. They nodded in response and headed back to the rear of the train, the children looked on in awe as they passed through the carriages on their way to their own. Bella smiled and Edward grasped her hand tightly in his own. On entering their carriage they were assaulted by the tiny figure of their daughter who had been sat waiting worriedly while her parents dealt with the problem at the head of the train.

"You're back!" she squealed hugging them both tightly.

"Of course we are!" Edward replied with a laugh.

"We'd never leave you for long little love," Bella offered giving Nessie a tight squeeze.

The rest of the journey was peaceful and on arrival at Kings Cross they alighted the train, behind the throng of students and headed to Diagon Alley without further drama. Bella had lifted the charms locking Malfoy and his cronies in as they entered the station and felt no further need to see them. She did however send an urgent owl to Dumbledore detailing the events on the train, to warn him of any fallout from the Malfoys. She had no doubt that Mr Malfoy would be stomping his feet and yelling for all to hear in the near future, especially as his son was now wand less since Edward had disarmed him and Goyle. That would not go down well at all.

The afternoon was spent roaming Diagon Alley, and succumbing to the begging and pleading of a five your old for ice cream and a pygmy puff. The former agreed on whole heartedly as Ness had been good on the journey in, the latter, not so much, Bruce the Kneazle was enough of a handful.

Christmas Day dawned dreary and cold, a deep layer of snow covered much of the Hogwarts grounds and Emmett revelled in the opportunity to be the first the make an imprint in the blanket of white. Nessie was hopping around the gatehouse like she'd been pumped full of E numbers and needed to expel the energy. It had been a week since the incident on the train and Dumbledore had been undoubtedly furious. More so when he heard that Mr Malfoy had encouraged his sons attack on Harry and Hermione. It was particularly more angering due to the poor Defence against the Dark arts lessons that they had had thus far and had Harry not been clandestinely training with his friends the outcome would've been dire. However retribution was put on hold over Christmas, although not out of mind. There were presents to open and a visit to Grimmauld place to see the Weasleys to undertake.

Seated around the library, the Cullen's took turns handing out presents and watching adoringly as Nessie tore into her tower of fantastically wrapped gifts. Around noon, once the main presents had been exchanged, the family gathered around the fireplace to head out. They were surprised when a green flame appeared in the grate, followed by Charlie Swan tumbling in to the room.

"Grampa!" Nessie called as Charlie dusted himself off.

"Baby girl!" he replied holding his arms open for the child. A large smile gracing his face. "Glad I made it on time, I worried I'd miss you."

"Dad!" Bella yelped rushing into his arms and hugging him tightly, "You should've sent an owl, we would've waited!"

"You know me Bells, never have been one for owls," Charlie replied, while Kenny hooted from his perch. Charlie blushed and offered a smirk at the bird, "Sorry Kenny, no insult intended."

"We were just heading to see the Weasleys," Carlisle offered, "You could come with us?"

"They at Sirius place?" Charlie replied. "Heard about that business at the Ministry, nasty stuff, also heard that a certain vampire fixed Arthur up too."

"Well, we couldn't let him succumb to his injuries, he's a friend Charlie and yes we're going to Sirius'," Carlisle replied rubbing the back of his neck.

"Good I'll come with," Charlie replied. Edward patted his back as Charlie held Nessie in his arms. "Good to see you sir," he said quietly.

Charlie nodded at his son in law a wry grin on his face and his eyes twinkling, he could see that the vampire had really come to grips with his magical ability and was pleased to be with the family.

While very convenient, travelling by Floo was not the cleanest way of travelling, it didn't matter what you did, you always got covered in ash. As they landed in the kitchen of Grimmauld place the family stared in awe at the transformation since their first visit. Gone was the dim and dreary looking decor and in its place was an abundance of bright, glittering Christmas decorations. A large tree took pride of place in a corner of the long room and garlands of Holly, Ivy, mistletoe and large red ribbons were on every available space, alongside a fully working Christmas village scene, complete with steam train and sparkling fairy lights. No surface was left untouched in the once grimy, house. Fairies flew in and out of the branches of the trees, sprinkling glitter and sparkling like little twinkling lights.

The Weasleys were sat in the large parlour room around another tree, with a roaring fire in the fireplace and piles of gifts and games spread all over. They welcome the Cullen's and Charlie with cheers and claps, more gifts were exchanged, along with hugs and kisses to cheeks for the ladies.

Charlie found himself embraced in the arms of his long missed cousin, Sirius, whom he'd not seen since he'd escaped Azkaban prison. The two men ensconced themselves in a quiet corner and were soon talking excitedly as if they had never been apart. Bella smiled to herself, not having seen her father and cousin together for a long time. It warmed her cold dead heart to see them together. Nessie revelled in the attention from all of the new adults, particularly her Aunt Dora, who took great pleasure in conjuring flowers and changing her shape to meet the whims of the young girl.

Carlisle and Esme sat for a long time talking to Arthur and Molly, the former looked a hundred times better than the last time they had seen him and could be heard thanking them over and over. Edward wrapped his arms around his wife's waist and held her tightly, happy to be in the company of so many happy people.

At Malfoy Manor, things weren't nearly as joyous, Lucius Malfoy was furious that Draco had lost his wand so carelessly and to a wizard that they had no knowledge of too. It wasn't enough that he had been thwarted by that filth of a Professor, but her companion had dared, dared to disarm his son. There was a lot of retribution coming to the meddling witch's way. Draco, spent much of his holiday furious at having been disarmed, enraged by the interference by Professor Cullen and embarrassed that he had failed his father once again. It wasn't enough that he'd failed but to cap things off and make his Christmas completely miserable, Dumbledore had written a scathing letter to his father and threatened expulsion should he partake in any further attempts against Potter and the mud blood Granger. His Aunt Bellatrix made matters worse by punishing him for his failure and he could still feel the welts from her flagellation curse upon his back. He understood that he had failed, but did he really need to be whipped for it?!

Much of their Christmas had been taken up in plotting and Draco had had enough, all he wanted to do was go to his room and wallow, but his father and mad Aunt were so intent in their mission to serve the dark lord that they couldn't see anything else. It made for a particularly miserable time. The only joy came from the new wand that Draco was purchased a few days ago from Ollivanders. He silently vowed to get back at Professor Cullen and her companion, he didn't know how, but she would rue the day that she had crossed him.