Chapter Ten!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or anything affiliated with it.
The Hogsmeade trip seemed to have ended my 'fling' with Lee Jordan. Not that I minded, though. My attention started to slip from boys and onto my O.W.L.'s. It was crucial that I did excellent; the sake of my career rested on it. I studied often, and at any chance I could, which annoyed the twins very much. I really did try and encourage them to study, but it was a loss cause. They were too fixated on the trial runs of their new products to focus on some silly test.
And while I studied, Christmas came closer and closer. I sent my mom about ten letters to ask if I could visit her, but she never returned them. My mother was not known for her maternal instincts, or fulfilling her motherly obligations. In fact, it was safe to say that I had no motherly figure in my life, minus Mrs. Weasley. Nonetheless, I was not looking forward to spending another Christmas at Hogwarts alone. Although it was a blissful, and cheerful time of year, I found myself feeling more and more abandoned.
I walked down the corridor with Fred and George on the left and right of me. We all chatted pleasantly, while the thought of the holidays lurked in my mind. We were headed for Care of Magical Creatures on a particularly frosty day. I managed to remain calm, unlike the usual nervous wreck I am before this cursed class. We were still working with Blast-Ended Skrewts, which have nearly tripled in size since we first began. They were quite talented creatures; the ability to inflict pain in several different ways is quite the skill. I was hoping that we would have a sort of 'free day' due to the freezing weather, but as I walked out to Hagrid's hut, I noticed a beautiful, white unicorn.
"This is your lucky day," said George, ruffling my hair.
"It is, it is," I said.
Unicorns were the only creatures to ever like me, and most importantly, not try to kill me. Unicorns were biased, though; they preferred the female touch, which gave me the advantage. A cold gust of wind engulfed me, and I found myself huddling between the twins for warmth. Hagrid's booming voice was lost in the wind, making it impossible to understand the directions. I examined the unicorn in awe; thoroughly taken back by its immense beauty. Even Fred and George were fixated on the unicorn, who stood majestically behind Hagrid.
"I 'ope you all could 'ear me!" bellowed Hagrid.
We all shook our heads no, causing me to chuckle. Hagrid roared the instructions so loudly that his face-well, what's visible of it- was turning a deep red. The three of us silently snickered while watching Hagrid struggle to overpower the wind. In the end, we ended up learning all about 'unicorn etiquette' and all about their magical powers. Hagrid let the girls approach the unicorn, and I found myself overwhelmed with nerves. But instead of attacking me, the unicorn nudged my hand with it's snout and let me stroke it's mane. Everyone stared in shock while I pet the unicorn. I could hear some Ravenclaw fifth year mutter about waiting for it to strike me, but it didn't. In fact, it only let me stroke it, and no one else.
By the end of the class, I was on Cloud Nine. Despite Fred and George's numerous attempts to remind me that every other animal hated me. It didn't work. I had always hated Care for Magical Creatures class; no one in my family were ever good with magical creatures, so I knew from the start that I would be terrible, too. While I joyfully skipped around the castle, the thought of staying here another Christmas remained in my mind. My mother hadn't written me back yet, and I was beginning to grow worried.
My mother, who's beauty stunned all, was known for her horrible taste in men. My horrible luck with magical creatures was the equivalent of her horrible luck with men. Her latest boyfriend was no exception; he was an ass, just like the rest of them. So one can understand my worry when my mother didn't reply to a single letter I sent. It was the quite the downer on such a happy day.
"So you all set for Christmas?" asked George, while I inwardly groaned.
"What's there to be set? I'm staying here," I said.
"No you're not," said Fred and George in perfect unison.
"Yes," I said, pulling a red hair off my sweater, "my mom never replied to me. She must be in Paris still."
"You're coming to the Burrow for Christmas, silly," said Fred.
"What?"
"Remember, we talked about this? George and I asked mum weeks ago. She loves you, you know, so you better get your unicorn-loving ass there!"
I smiled at his comment, agreeing that I would go to the Burrow for Christmas. Although they don't share my DNA or my cursed luck with animals, they were my family. The only family I'd probably ever have, or ever know.
"We can still take you," said George, in a soft voice.
I looked at him, tilting my head in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"Your dad," said Fred in the same soft voice.
"Oh," I said, shocked that I hadn't thought of him earlier.
My dad had passed away when I was three years old while on duty as an auror. Every Christmas, my family would honor him at his gravesight. Usually Dumbledore allowed me to leave for the occasion and then come straight back to fulfill the remainder of my holiday at Hogwarts.
"Would you still want to go? I know my dad would want to go," said George.
"Yeah," I said, suddenly feeling numb, "I still want to go. You guys don't have to go. My family is crazy and there's always drama."
"We're going," they said in unison again.
I stared at them, part of me not being able to understand why they'd want to go the dramatic, sob-fest willingly. And then I wondered if that's the sort of thing you do for the ones you love. If you sit through an uncomfortable and depressing gathering, or spy on someone to protect them. Whether the circumstances are similar or not, that's the sort of thing you do for people you love. You willingly give up time to be with them, regardless if it's going to be fun or miserable.
"I love you guys," I said, blinking back tears.
"Oh no, don't get emotional!" cried Fred.
"I'm sorry! It's been an overwhelming day!" The tears welled up in my eyes, and I pinched myself to try and remain together.
Fred and George gave me their usual bear hugs, which they refer to as 'Adele Sandwich'. I smiled, no longer feeling the need to cry, but to rather rejoice.
"You know holidays do start next week," coughed Fred.
"I've got to pack! I-I-I need to get your family something! I didn't get anyone presents," I said, sprinting off to the Common room.
The thoughts of spending Christmas with the Weasleys -and most importantly Fred - made me temporarily forget my missing mother or my dad's memorial service. It was, in a way, a painkiller; I just hope it lasts.
Author's Note: Hey guys, I hope you liked this chapter. I know there isn't a ton of romance in this chapter, but I needed to give some information about Adele's past. Adele's spending Christmas with the Weasleys, but will she be able to keep her feelings for Fred at bay? We shall see! Thank you for those who have reviewed. It surely does mean a lot! I have a billion more chapters to go, so I hope you guys stick with this story! Thanks!