Harry Potter

Redemption of the Innocent

By xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related concepts do not belong to me! I am merely borrowing them for my own personal enjoyment. All OC's and anything you dont recognize is copyrighted by me: xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx

Rating: K

Pairing: N/A (as of now)

Genre: Adventure/Friendship

Warnings: Please do not flame me for anything.

Summary: Third year is approaching and Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban. It is believed that he is heading towards Hogwarts. How far are the friends willing to go, to prove the innocence of a desperate man?

Author's Note: Chapter dedicated to those who reviewed last chapter. Forever Dreaming Grace, Razmend, Itzkevin97, DJScales and Edwardlvr2317. Glad your enjoying it.

Author's Note 2: Sorry for not posting this last night. I meant too, but I posted last chapter again. God, I should really sleep during the night. Thanks to those who pointed it out for me. Here is the PROPER chapter. Enjoy.

A Very Slytherin Christmas

"Good afternoon, sunshine" Nikki, greeted chirply as she sat on one of the Slytherin couches near the fire. Her legs were tucked up underneath her and there was a small book in her hands.

Charlie smiled softly at the older female as she stepped off the final step into the Slytherin common room and dropped down onto the couch opposite her friend "Where is everyone?" she asked, glancing at the clock on the wall to see it was around 2:40 in the afternoon.

"Gone!" Nikki answered "Its the first day of the holidays, silly."

"Where's Marcus?" Charlie asked, "I thought he was staying this year?"

Nikki nodded "He is," she smiled "but he should be back soon"

"Where has he gone?"

But before Nikki could answer the portrait hole swung open and Riley rushed in, clutched in her hand was a envelope and the colour had drained from her face "Charlie!" she cried, spotting her best friend and running over "Jenn's heard from the Ministry! It's about Buckbeak!"

"What's it say?" Charlie demanded, jumping to her feet and taking the letter from her friend. She ripped it open and unfolded the letter as she began to read.

Dear Ms. Carmichael,

Further to our inquiry into the attack by a Hippogriff on a student in your class, we have accepted the assurances of Professor Dumbledore that you bear no responsibility for the regrettable incident -

The Slytherin looked up "What about Hagrid?" she asked "Jenn and Hagrid, split the class now!"

"Keep reading," Riley urged

Turning back to the letter Charlie continued where she left off

- However, we must registe our concern about the Hippogriff in question. We gave decided to uphold the offical complaint of Mr. Lucius Malfoy, and this matter will therefore be taken to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. -

"WHAT?" the Muggleborn Slytherin exploded "They cant be serious? Buckbeak is not a dangerous creature, what happened to Draco was an accident!"

Riley nodded in agreement

By now Marcus and Adrian had returned from wherever it was they had disappeared too "What's going on?" Adrian asked

"I dunno," Nikki shrugged, looking back at Charlie who had gone back to reading the letter in her hands

- The hearing will take place on April 20th, and we ask that you're co-professor, Mr. Hagrid attends the meeting with you and the Hippogriff at the Committee's office in London on that date. In the meantime, the Hippogriff should be kept tethered and isolated. Happy Christmas.

By the end of the letter Charlie was shaking in pent up fury, her fist curled around the letter as she glared at the flames of the Slytherin fireplace "How can they do that?" she asked "Draco promised me that no harm would come to Buckbeak!"

"Its kinda difficult to reason with his father," Marcus pointed out "Once his mind's made up!"

Riley looked up at the Slytherin captain "But Draco did tell him what happened, didnt he? He did say it was an accident?"

"I can only assume," Marcus nodded

"This sucks!" Charlie grumbled "All of it! The accident! The case...its nothing but a joke!" she all but shouted, and rolling up the letter she threw it into the flames and headed for the door.

Riley hesitated "Where are you going?"

"Too see Jenn!" the Slytherin shouted over her shoulder, before disappearing out into the dungeons

xXxHarryPotterxXx

She was at a loss. She didnt know where Jenn was, she didnt even know if Jenn was still at Hogwarts for the Holidays; the only thing she did know was that the Care of Magical Creatures professor didnt stay at the castle outside of school, she didnt live at Hogwars like most professors did. Since William was in a magical school in Hogsmeade the single mother had her own flat in the villiage too.

And last time I checked you couldnt get to Hogsmeade, unless on a weekend Charlie thought as she wandered aimlessly around the school grounds; after realizing she couldnt find her friend the Muggleborn Slytherin had taken to walking around in the snow. Unfortunately she was still in her sleeping gear and the snow was ankle deep, making her jogging bottoms soaking and her feet cold. But she didnt seem to care, she needed to clear her head; Buckbeak was going on trial in a couple of months and there was nothing she could do to stop it. She had to do something, she had to prove that Buckbeak had intended to freak out and hurt Draco; but how? How could she prove that the attack wasnt meant to happen?

You cant said a nasty voice in her head

Charlie growled at the voice "Oh go away!" she snapped

"Talking to yourself again?" asked a voice

The Muggleborn jumped and whirled around only to come face to face with Marcus Flint "Your gonna be the death of me," she told him

"Actually, I think that's gonna be the snow" the 17 year old pointed out

"Either way, im dead!" Charlie retorted "What are you doing out here anyway?"

"Looking for you!" He answered "When you didnt come back, Nikki got worried. Riley's gone to get her things from the Gryffindor tower and i've come to look for you. Nikki's orders"

Charlie nodded

"C'mere," Marcus motioned her over "Hop on!"

"What?" Charlie asked, watching as he mounted the broomstick that he had with him

Marcus looked at her "You cant stay out here all afternoon," he told her "and I can tell that you're not gonna go back inside until you clear your head"

She nodded

"Well, you cant walk around in the snow dressed like that," he pointed out "I'll take you somewhere dry"

She considered him for a moment "Where?" she asked

"Would you just get on!" and he reached forward, gripped her wrists and pulled her onto the front of the broom. He wrapped his arms around her middle and gripped the broom beneath him "Hold on!" he told her, before shooting off into the sky.

Charlie screamed at the sudden height difference, but soon her screams turned to laughter, as the wind rushed past her faster than she had ever felt it. She had never felt such an adrenaline rush; in all honesty there was nothing in her mind right that could beat the feeling she had. She was actually flying. On a broomstick and in the air, as opposed to talk about it. Leaning back into Marcus, she felt him pull her closer as he flew the closer to the frozen surface of the black lake; the Muggleborn grinned as she leant sideways and reached towards the water; her fingers barely brushing the ice. Marcus pulled her back up as he ascended again and headed towards the Astronomy Tower.

They landed and dismounted.

"Is that what its like to fly?" Charlie asked, her breathing slightly ragged from laughing and the cold air

Marcus nodded "So what did you think?" he had finally managed to get her off the ground

"I loved every minute of it!" she grinned "It was the most amazing feeling, I have ever felt!"

He smiled

Then they fell quiet; a comfortable silence descended upon them as Charlie slid down onto the floor beside the edge of the Astronomy tower. Placing his broom against the wall, Marcus removed his robe and placed it around her shoulders "Here," he told her "Its probably warmer than what you're wearing"

"Thanks," she smiled

They fell silent again. Charlie, moved closer to Marcus -who had left his arm around her shoulders- and clutched his robe closer to her, in an attempt to warm herself up. In all truth's she was cold, the air wasnt exactly freezing, but it wasnt warm either. A strap top and jogging bottoms werent the best kit to be wearing in weather like this, especially outside. She felt Marcus tighten his hold on her and couldnt help the smile that crept onto her face. "Do you believe Buckbeak will get off?" she asked

"Pardon?"

"Buckbeak," Charlie responded "This whole case with Buckbeak and Draco? Do you think that Buckbeak will win the case?"

Marcus shrugged "I dunno," he answered "If their involving the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures then you've got a pretty big case on your hands. Their like vulture's, get rid of anything they can get their hands on" he felt her tense beside him, and pulled her closer "Your friend Hagrid and Professor Carmichael will have to put up a strong defence, against them."

"Isnt there anyway I could help them?" she asked

"Why, do you feel the need to get involved in everything?" he asked curiously "Why cant you just leave well enough alone?"

She shrugged, resting her head on his shoulder "Because Hagrid's my friend" she sighed "If he looses Buckbeak, he's gonna go to pieces. I know it, I remember what he was like when he lost Norbert...he was heartbroken"

"Talk to Nikki," Marcus suggested "She knows more about Magical Creatures, she'll be able to help you." they fell silent again, before he broke it "We should get back. Nikki's probably going stark crazy!"

Charlie giggled and bounced to her feet "Thanks Marcus," she told him as she turned to face him "For everything" and standing on her toes she reached up and kissed his cheek.

Before turning and bounding down the stairs of the Astronomy Tower.

xXxHarryPotterxXx

Soon Christmas was upon them, decorations had been put up all over the castle, despite the fact that half the students had gone home. Thick streamers of holly and mistletoe were strung along corridors, mysterious lights shone from inside every suit of armour and the Great Hall was filled with its usual 12 Christmas trees, glittering with golden stars. A powerful and delicious smell of cooking prevaded the corridors, and by Christmas Eve, there was no doubting the Christmas spirit that hung in the air. Even Charlie, who had been so worked up about Buckbeak's case had abandoned her research to join in the festivties; which was why she could now be found, on the 24th Decemeber standing on one of the black leather sofa's covered in silver tinsel and staring at the Christmas tree in the corner, and presents had already started to appear underneath it.

"How?" Riley asked, as she pointed at the gifts

"House elves," Nikki answered, handing the Gryffindor a mug of Hot chocolate "Here, drink up, its straight from the kitchens. Dobby made it"

Riley perked up at the mention of Dobby "He's working here, now?" she asked

"No. He comes here now and again, to check on Charlie and Potter" Nikki explained, glancing across at Charlie who was sitting cross-legged next to Marcus and drinking her own chocolate. Her eyes kept darting back to the tree as if hoping to find something she could change "Charlie, you decorated the tree! There is no imperfections! Relax"

The Muggleborn smiled "I know," she nodded "But something feels off about it" she shook her head "Or it could just be me"

"Go with the second one," Adrian teased, ducking a pillow that was aimed at his head "Temper! Geeze, women!"

"Men!" Charlie countered

Riley and Nikki exchanged looks "Its a good thing its only us five down here," the older Slytherin mumured "I don't know how much more 'bickering' the rest of the house can take"

"They always like it?"

Nikki nodded "The guys havent quite grasped the concept of, 'Charlie's always right' yet"

Riley laughed and returned to her Hot chocolate.

xXxHarryPotterxXx

The next morning was Christmas morning; the tree in the Slytherin common room was exactly the way it had been when Charlie decorated it the night before. Only difference being this morning it was just about overflowing with Christmas presents. Marcus and Adrian -who had been woken by Charlie- stumbled into the common room, just in time to see the two Muggleborns diving into the array of Slytherin and Gryffindor coloured wrapped boxes, the five friends had just settled down to open presents when five steaming cups of Hot Chocolate appeared in front of them.

"Who goes first?" Charlie asked, looking around at her friends "Rils. You can!"

The Gryffindor nodded and tore open the first parcel that was addressed to her "Riley, sorry I couldnt have you home. Happy Christmas. Love always, Mum xx" she read the card, and opened the box to reveal a black case. Upon closer inspection the Gryffindor opened the case, and her eyes widened at the contents inside. The case was filled to the rim with several different novel series ranging from Fictional to Gothic fiction "Oh," she breathed

"Wow," Charlie gasped "That must have cost a fortune!"

Riley nodded "But how -?"

The Slytherin shrugged "You're dad, maybe?" she suggested

But Riley was silent and admiring her new book collection. Charlie rolled her eyes and turned back to her own gift and moved to open it. Inside lay several music sheets, and a thick photo album full of pictures of her Muggle life. Starting at the beginning when she was a baby and leading up to the last time she had seen her mum; Harry's birthday party that they had thrown that year.

"You were a cute baby," Adrian teased

Charlie smirked "I know I was," she responded

"Damn!" the Chaser complained, walking back to his seat

Charlie, Marcus, Nikki and Riley chuckled at him as they finished opening presents.

After the presents had been opened and the five had dressed they hurried up to the Great Hall for Christmas Dinner. Because there were only eight students left at Hogwarts, one long table was left in the Great Hall for Christmas dinner. The only professors that were down for the festivties were the four Heads of Houses, Professor Lupin, Professor Dumbledore, Jenn and William both of whom were happy to see Charlie and Riley so full of Christmas spirit. It felt rather homely, rather than segmented like it was during school term.

"Crackers!" William exclaimed, as a cracker appeared in front of him "Pull Charlie!" he urged the Slytherin

The professor chuckled at his enthusiasm

"Okay," Charlie nodded, gripping the end of the cracker and pulling. There was a bang and the cracker exploded.

William laughed and popped the paper hat on his head "Mum, mummy, look!" he grinned at Jenn and he held out he toy that came with the cracker.

"Lovely Will," Jenn smiled "Now please sit down,"

The little boy nodded and sat down. Charlie chuckled as she hugged him tightly and placed some food on his plate. The conversations between the students and the teachers were mostly about Christmas. Everything was enjoyable. Near to the end of the meal; Charlie glanced at Riley and nodded as she quickly got to her feet.

"Where you off?" Nikki asked

Riley jumped up and approached her friend "Snow ball fight in the courtyard," she answered "Its been a tradition of Charlie and mine since we started Hogwarts" she turned to Harry and Ron "You coming?"

They nodded

"Hermione?" Charlie asked

Hermione shook her head "No, I want a quick word with Professor McGonagall"

"I'll come!" William grinned "Please mum?"

"Only if Charlie's okay with it," Jenn said

Charlie smiled "Do you really think I'd leave you here, Will?" she asked "Come on silly!" and she pulled him up off the chair and headed towards the Entrance Hall.

Riley, Harry and Ron following her.

A/N: Did you enjoy? Yes? No? This pretty much skimmed the book because there is no Christmas scenes in the film.

Keep reading for more adventures with Charlie and Riley.

Review replies (I don't normally do this, but most reviews dont have an account for me to reply to them. So I gotta do it here)

Review reply to Edwardlvr2317: You'd be surprised how many people thought this would be an Harry Potter/OC pairing. Yes, Harry and Charlie do have chemistry, but their more brother and sister than they are anything else.

Review repy to Itzkevin97: Thanks for the review. But your not quite there yet, thanks for trying to answer the question though. And I will read your story as soon as I get a chance. Promise.

Thats it folks. Goodnight. Goodmorning. Whatever.

Review (please)

~*Kara*~

All OCs and anything unrecognizable is copyrighted (c) and belongs to me xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx

Chapter updated 25/01/2011 at 02:49am