Chapter 10: Celebration and Confusion

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter... :(

Third Person

"Pyxis, wake up. It's Christmas." Hermione shook the black-haired girl awake.

"Happy Christmas, Mione." The girl replied sleepily.

"Happy Christmas. Oh, and thank you for your gift. Come on, get up and open your presents." Hermione said excitedly.

"I doubt I have more than one." Pyxis said going back to sleep.

"But you do have gifts. One of them is from Mrs. Weasley I think." Pyxis' green eyes snapped wide open.

"I have?"

"Yes. Look." She looked at what Hermione is pointing and did found a rather large pile of gifts. She instantly jumped and began opening the gifts one by one.

She received a green sweater from Mrs. Weasley, sweets from Ron, Quidditch through the Ages from Harry, a charm bracelet from Hermione, Zonko's products from the twins, more sweets from the rest of the Quidditch team (mostly boxes of Sugar Quills, as Pyxis is very fond of them), a pair of gloves from Cedric ("I noticed you aren't wearing one when I saw you at Hogsmeade." He said to the card with it.), Broom Service kit from Blaise, a book about healing spells from Lyna, a beautiful red coat from Tonks, and more dresses from Narcissa (she would've sighed if she saw a dress given to her 4 months ago, but surprisingly, she began to like dresses). Then to her surprise, a broom. Not just any broom. A Firebolt.

"Whoa..."

"Wow, Isis! Who sent it?" The still surprised girl shrugged since she found nothing with the broom.

'Sirius Black' Pyxis thought. 'But why the hell would he send me a Firebolt.

"Maybe we should tell this to Professor Mcgonagall. Just for safety." Hermione told her.

To her surprise, Pyxis nodded. She never thought that she would agree with her this fast.

After that, the two girls headed down to the common room, Pyxis already eating some of the chocolate frogs. They saw Harry and Ron come down from their dorms, talking happily.

"Happy Christmas." They greeted the two.

"Happy Christmas." The two also thanked Isis for the gifts she gave them.

"Harry received a Firebolt." Ron said excitedly to them.

"What?!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Yeah! Isn't it cool?"

"Who sent it?" The two just shrugged. Hermione looked at Pyxis. Pyxis sighed and decided to say it already.

"Guys, I received one too."

"Really?!"

"Yes. But it doesn't say who sent it. And since Harry received one too, it just increases our suspicions."

"So I think we should turn both brooms over to have it checked." Hermione concluded.

The two boys could just nod weakly. They know it makes sense. But still letting go of two Firebolts for the Gryffindor Quidditch team is unbelievable.

They proceeded to the Christmas feast served at the Great Hall while admiring the marvellous Christmas decorations on the way there. There is a single long table at the great hall. The head chair is occupied by the headmaster, the other seats are occupied by Professor Snape, Professor Mcgonagall, Professor Flitwick, four first years, two Hufflepuffs and surprisingly, Blaise.

"Happy Christmas, Blaise. I thought you went home." Pyxis greeted the other students and the professors before sitting beside Blaise. The Golden Trio did the same and occupied the seats next to her.

"Mother and Lyna are going somewhere and said I should just stay. Oh, thank you for your gift. Really wonderful."

"Thanks for your gift too."

After the feast, they talked to Professor Mcgonagall about the Firebolts and turned it over to her.

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Pyxis

After we turned over both brooms, I wore my favourite jumper and put on the cloak Tonks gave me. I said goodbye to the three and went outside.

Snow is falling slowly, creating a thin layer on the ground. I always love it when it's snowing. I have most of my happy memories in the snow. But now, I can't help but think about a certain blonde-haired Slytherin. He hasn't sent me anything. Blaise also said that he went home. I sighed and leaned on the large tree on the courtyard. I started singing a song that I knew by heart.

Why do birds, suddenly appear,

Every time, you are near?

Just like me, they long to be

Close to you

Why do stars, fall down from the sky,

Every time you walk by?

Just like me, they long to be

Close to you

On the day that you were born the angels got together

And decided to create a dream come true

So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair

Of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue

That is why, all the girls in town

Follow you, all around

Just like me, they long to be

Close to you

"You just have to ruin a very quiet Christmas day." I heard a very familiar voice said. I looked up from the tree I was leaning on and found Draco perched up on a branch.

"How long have you been there?" Oh my God, he heard me singing.

"Couple of minutes." He shrugged.

"I thought you went home."

"I was going home, but I realized that your Christmas would probably be lonely without me. So I changed my mind." He said with a smirk. I rolled my eyes and he went down.

"You're not wearing gloves again, Raine." He leaned on the tree beside me.

"I keep forgetting it. I don't usually wear gloves during winter." I explained to him. I saw him shook his head and again, took off his other glove to put on my other one. He took my left hand and held it in his right.

"Say, Raine. Do you intentionally forget your gloves just to hold my hand? You could just say so." He said, his smirk growing. I slightly pushed him.

"Of course not. And I didn't even know you were here." He just laughed but abruptly stopped as if he remembered something.

"You haven't given me a present." He said looking at me with a serious face. Oh yeah. I remembered thinking what I could give a Malfoy who already has everything but I wasn't able to come up with something.

"You haven't given me a present too you know. That makes us even." I said letting go of his hand and crossing my arms.

"I do have a present for you."

"I didn't receive anything."

"I want to give it to you personally."

"Really? Can I have it?" I asked excitedly.

"No. Not 'til later." He said turning away.

"Why not? It's already Christmas." I pouted.

"I left it at our dormitory."

"Go get it now, then. I'll wait here."

"No. It's my gift. I decide when to give it." Hmmm… What to do? An idea popped to my mind.

"Here's the deal. I honestly can't think of anything to give you, I can't think of anything you'd want. Because, you're a Malfoy! You have everything! So I, Pyxis Raine Steller, promise to think of the perfect, most unique gift for you, Draco Malfoy, if you give me your gift now." I said smiling brightly. He thought about it.

"Sure."

"But, you've got to catch me first." Draco sprinted away from me fast.

"No fair!" I yelled and ran after him. Every time I almost caught up to him, he doubled his pace. We were just running around the tree and after 10 minutes of running, he suddenly fell face first down the snow.

"Draco!" But he made no signs of movement.

"Draco." I called while shaking him. He still didn't move. I turned him over. His eyes are closed and he's still not moving.

"Hey, Draco? Draco, wake up." I got nervous and laid a hand on his chest, feeling for his heartbeat. I sighed in relief when I felt it beating steadily.

When I looked at his face, his grey eyes are peering at me, and his lips curled up. Oh, the git! I hit his arm hard.

"Not funny, Draco!" I stood up and made my way back.

I heard him stand up and follow me. "Hey! Okay, I'm sorry. Bad joke, I know."

I turned to him.

"I won't do that again. Just, please, don't be angry." I feel my anger die down.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

"Come on then, It's cold."

"Wait, my gift. I really left it." He blocked me from walking further.

"It's alright. Just give it to me later, or tomorrow."

"What about a substitute gift for the mean time?" He smiled.

"Really? Sure!"

He moved so fast, I didn't saw it coming. If I didn't saw the small blush tinting his cheeks, I wouldn't believe what just happened. Draco Malfoy just kissed my cheek. The Draco Malfoy just kissed my cheek.

"Would that suffice for now?" I took off my glasses and wiped the moist that formed.

"You're pretty without your glasses, you know." My cheeks reddened. And I surely know it's not from the cold weather.

"Somebody seems happy." Hermione said looking up from her book.

"Yeah. You've been smiling like that since you came back, Isis." Harry added.

The memory from outside with Draco came back to me and I felt my cheeks heat up.

"You know. Christmas spirit and all." I said cheerfully.

"Just because of that? I don't believe you." Ron said suspiciously. Then Hermione dropped her book.

"It's your birthday in two days."

I froze. I didn't realize. It's that day of the year again. That dreadful day. I can't believe it's been six years…

"Isis?" Harry's voice pulled me out from my thoughts. I looked and saw that all of them are looking at me.

"You alright?" Ron asked looking concerned.

I nodded quickly.

"I'm fine." I turned back to my book and saw tear drops. I quickly wiped my tears away.

"Sure?" Harry asked again.

I looked at them and smiled.

"It's the day my dad…" I trailed off and they all caught on immediately. 'Mione sat beside me.

"You don't need to tell us. And we haven't got a gift for you." Hermione said changing the topic.

"It's alright. I received a lot of gifts this Christmas."

"That's different." Hermione said.

"Ok. If you insist 'Mione. You can buy me one during our next Hogsmeade visit."

"But that's too far." Ron told me.

"That's alright." I finally got Hermione to nod and return to her book and I just started reading Quidditch Through the Ages. But I somehow don't absorb what I'm reading because the memory six years ago comes back to me. I finally got enough of it and I went up to the dormitory.

We spent the next whole day in the common room, after I challenged Ron to a game of Wizard Chess. He took the challenge enthusiastically because he said he's bored. I almost won but its fine. He said that I'm really good and gave him quite a challenge. This helped me greatly to take my mind off what's about to come tomorrow.

Hermione have been going in and out, saying she needs to return a book at the library or look something up, but I bet it has something to do with my birthday tomorrow. I asked her about it but, as expected, she denied it.

After finishing our twelfth Chess match, which I won a close victory, I went back to the dormitory and found Hermione already asleep. I laid down my bed and was drifting off to sleep when there was a tap at the glass. An owl is outside. I glanced at my watch and saw it's exactly midnight.

"Happy Birthday. And I miss you so much dad." I greeted myself silently and I let the owl in, gave it some treats and got the letter. I opened the letter and saw that it's from Draco.

Raine,

Sorry for waking you, but I just want to be the first to greet you. So... Many Happy Returns! See you tomorrow.

- Draco

P.S. I would have used Aquila to send the letter to you but he's asleep and almost bit me. He's exactly like you, I swear.

I smiled as I re-read the letter again. I gave the owl a few treats again before setting it free. I didn't bother replying and decided just to thank him tomorrow.

I was woken up by Hermione, who was very excited that I barely heard her greeting me a Happy Birthday. She threw me in the bathroom after that telling me to get ready immediately. I had no choice because I was already inside. Hermione really planned for this. My outfit for the day is already hung on one of the many hooks on the door. She chose the red wool dress that I fell in love with at first sight. It's an A-line, knee length dress, with full length sleeves. The cuff of the sleeves and end of the skirt is lined with a two inch black fabric; and a silk black ribbon goes around the waist. A pair of black leggings is included, which I was thankful for.

I took a bath, brushed my teeth, and got dressed. I went out and Hermione handed me my black ballet flats and combed my hair, finishing my look.

"Wow, you look beautiful. You are going to wear that dress all day."

"No way, Hermione!"

"Oh, come on. If you do not wear that dress all day, I am keeping all your clothes except for the dresses." She smirked.

"You wouldn't." I said, horrified.

"I certainly would. Now come on. We're going somewhere. Close your eyes." I followed the instructions of the very excited girl. I felt myself being guided out of the portrait, and being guided to halls and stairs. We finally stopped and Hermione let go of my hand.

"Hermione? Where are you?" I called out, but only heard the echo of my own voice.

Okay, I'm really creeped out now. I didn't dare open my eyes because I might see something scary. I waited... and waited... Then I felt something cold touch my hand, making me shriek and I heard a laugh. I finally opened my eyes.

"That's not funny." I pouted.

"Happy Birthday, Raine." Draco said, still laughing. I turned behind me and found Blaise, Harry, Hermione, and Ron standing beside a table filled with food.

"Is this for me, guys?"

"No. We decided to have a late Christmas celebration during your birthday." Blaise said sarcastically.

"Awww. Thank you guys. You shouldn't have troubled yourself." I gave them all a hug and we started eating.

"Thank you so much guys."

"Oh, I'm so glad you're happy again. You're out of it since Christmas." Ron said and I grinned.

"Because all of you are here! You made me so happy guys." We continued eating while chatting about some things. Well, as far as the golden trio could chat to the Slytherins. I could still sense some awkwardness between them, but this will do. We finished our meal, scourgified the plates and parted ways.

About 7 in the evening, I am reading a book beside the window when I saw him again. Sirius Black. I rushed to where I saw him, not even bothering to grab a cloak, because I'm afraid I won't reach him…

His back is behind me when I reached the grounds near the tree I frequently go to.

"I never thought I'd see you again." He said when he turned to me. Was that tears in his eyes?

"What do you mean?" He walked until he was right in front of me.

"You'll know at the right time, Pyxis." He then began to walk away.

"Please! Tell me right now! I need to know!" I sank to the snow covered ground. He turned to me.

"You look a lot like your mother, Pyxis." Then he ran and disappeared. I knew exactly where he would go, but I couldn't find the strength to stand up. I just froze there with tears continuously pouring. Until I felt a warm pair of arms encircle me. I don't even need to turn to see who it is. It's always him.

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Draco

I put my hand in my pocket and I felt the pressure of the long, small box. I resumed my pacing and I sighed for I don't know how many times since I entered the common room.

"Seriously, you've been doing that for hours. What's your problem?" Blaise asked, clearly frustrated.

"None of your business, Blaise!" I yelled. He grabbed me by the shoulders.

"Calm down. Maybe I can help, mate." I sat down on one of the couches.

"So?"

Curse Blaise and his stubbornness.

"I'm going to give her something." I confessed.

"Really? What?"

"You don't have to know." I snapped at him.

"Then give it to her." He said as if it's like most normal thing in the world.

"It's not as easy as you think."

"Look, Draco. Pyxis is different. You've already hold hands, it shouldn't be that hard." How the bloody hell did he know about that? And he must have sensed my question because he said, "It's not my fault you were unobservant." then ran to our dormitory.

I grunted in frustration and decided to just get it over with. I put on a cloak and my gloves, which I surprisingly don't forget since our last Hogsmeade visit, and went to the first place that came to my mind. The biggest tree in the courtyard. I found her there. But not in the way I expected. She is down on the cold ground, crying. Just the sight of her crying made my heart shatter. I did what I could and pulled her to an embrace. I didn't say anything and just let her cry.

"I'm so confused, Draco."

"Everything will be alright, Raine. Whatever it is, it will be fine." She broke from my embrace and stared to my eyes.

"I saw Sirius Black." My eyes widened at her statement.

"What? Come on. We have to report someone."

"No. You don't understand, Draco. He said I look like my mom, but I'm adopted, Draco."

"What? Then that means-" She cut me off.

"That means he knows my mother." Then to my surprise, she put her arms around my waist and cried on my chest. We've been in this situation before, where I was faced with her crying. But this is the first time that I felt the help I offered fully accepted. I feel all warm inside despite the cold weather.

"I have to find him. I need to know the truth." She said in a strong voice, even though it's slightly muffled by my cloak.

"You can't. It's too dangerous." She looked at me with a hurt expression.

"I'm going. I know where to find him." Before I knew it, she has her wand out and was already running. I ran after her.

"Raine! Stop! Don't be so reckless." She abruptly stopped and faced me.

"I have to do this, Draco. I need to know who I am. How I got here, how I became a witch, and how he knew my name. I need to know everything!" Her voice growing louder every sentence. I don't know if I'm imagining things, but she seems to be glowing and some strands of her hair seem to be flying. I ignored this as she turned back to run again, but this time, I embraced her from behind, burying my face on her long black locks.

"Raine, calm down. Please, calm down. You might hurt yourself." I could feel her heavy breaths slow down. I slowly held her arms in front of her and I got her wand.

"You can go after him, but not today. You're blinded by your emotions." I whispered to her. I felt her nod but I still didn't let go of her in case she changes her mind.

"Don't tell anyone, alright?"

"Sure. Do you want to go back in?" I offered her and she just nodded weakly. I held her close to me on the whole way back because she's shivering. When we reached their portrait, it swung open and revealed the Golden Trio. They all looked at us, shocked. Granger helped her to their dormitory and Potter and Weasel glared at me. They began asking questions when Granger got back.

"What happened, Malfoy? What did you do?" Weasel growled at me.

"I didn't do anything, okay? And it's not my place to tell what happened. But keep this in mind, she's dealing with a huge problem right now." The three, surprisingly, just nodded so I left and went back to our dormitory.