I wanted to give my public something new . . . So . . . Neville's POV!

James came to see me immediately after I broke the news to Alice about her not spending Christmas holiday over at the Burrow. Like I told Alice I didn't trust James and for Merlin's sake they'd only been a couple for . . . goodness I sounded way to involved in my daughter's relationship but why shouldn't I? She wasn't just mine and Hannah's only daughter but only child as well you couldn't blame us for being a bit overprotective. Truth be told I'd be much more overprotective if it weren't for Hannah.

Either way our exchange went a little like this. James hounded on the door of my living quarters insisting he knew I was in there. I should kill Harry for leaving that bloody map around as if he didn't know James was sure to find it.

I finally gave in and opened the door for him. "Come in James have a seat." I led him to the small living area where I motioned for him to sit on the couch while I took a seat in the armchair."

"Sir."

"Don't you mean Neville?"

"No I don't, your "sir" or "Professor Longbottom here."

I suppressed a chuckle. "Continue then."

"I wanted to tell you that I think it's unfair for you to not allow Alice to spend Christmas at the Burrow especially after we'd discussed it for so long."

"I've known you your whole entire life James you're a great kid but you have to understand my position you're no longer just my friends' son. Becoming Allie's boyfriend changes how I view you entirely. I'm just trying to protect my daughter."

"I would never hurt Allie and for the record I don't want my relationship with Alice to affect her relationship with her parents. So, I was hoping if it'd be alright for me to come back to Hogwarts to spend New Year's Eve with her."

"That sounds . . . fair."

And that was that. Hannah and I had made up with Alice the next day. She could never stay cross at us and we definitely could not stay cross at her she was our little girl. I just hoped Alice wasn't so attached to James to the point where she couldn't enjoy Christmas.

Alice's POV

Turns out Monopoly is a lot of fun . . . I bit frustrating but as far as muggle games go I thought it fantastic . . . I'd need to get Arthur Weasley one.

Lloyd and Justin were the only ones who were already familiar with the game. Justin's dad Justin Sr. was muggleborn and he'd married a muggle woman as well so basically Justin's whole family except him and his father were wizards. I couldn't imagine . . . being surrounded by wizards at the Leaky my whole life. Lloyd and Justin hit it off, then again Lloyd hit's it off with basically anybody that's just who he is.

I on the other hand was getting acquainted with Isobel better known as Izzy, Lloyd's girlfriend. I'd seen her around all these years at Hogwarts but had never really spoken with her. She was a sweet girl and really ambitious she spoke enthusiastically of working at the ministry next year.

I had to admit I felt a little outnumbered by hufflepuffs but I had a genuinely good time. I slightly wondered how life would have been if I'd been sorted into hufflepuff. I definitely would never lack friends, great ones at that.

Still . . . I knew when I woke tomorrow it'd be Christmas Eve and James would still be at the Burrow . . . Oh well I hoped to make the best of it.

I woke early Christmas Eve morning and took a long shower in the prefects' bathroom. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and made a mental note to myself to do something with my hair. My wavy hair was a bit wilted looking.

Christmas Eve dinner was kinda quiet . . . well at least on my part.

Lloyd kept us all entertained though cracking jokes and mimicking the Hogwarts ghosts. I couldn't help but notice how uptight Izzy looked in comparison to him. I thought it was pretty unfortunate Lloyd was a great guy and Izzy was nice but he and Izzy just didn't seem like the right fit. I guess when your own boyfriend isn't around you take to analyzing other peoples relationships. I excused myself early hoping that Christmas morning went better.

I woke up to a moderate pile of presents. A jumper from Nan Weasley, a funky pair of earrings from the Scamanders obviously chosen by aunt Luna, an assortment of sweets from the Macmillians, a set of muggle books from the Potters obviously chosen by Lily, and a little bag-full of galleons from grandpa Abbott you have to love the man.

I reached under my bed for the presents I had ready for my parents and the lot who were staying at Hogwarts during Christmas. I hoped everybody liked chocolate frogs! I'd bought my parents tickets to the muggle theatre on Lane's suggestion.

My parents had made this the best Christmas possible as far as presents went. We'd be spending Easter vacation in Greece with the Scamanders . . . to make up for Hawaii I'm guessing. I didn't even care that I'd probably spend the whole time looking after the twins.

That night I went to bed content on what great friends and parents I had. I was truly blessed. James and I could spend time together as soon as he got back.

New Years Eve was awkward as could be so I retreated early. I entered the common room sulking a bit.

"What's the matter pretty girl?"

I frowned slightly and looked up startlingly.

James was standing before me. I never thought he looked so good . . .

"What are you doing here?" I shrieked running into his arms embracing him tightly.

"I negotiated with your dad. I get to kiss you at midnight."

"Oh I can't believe this I love you."

"What?" he said looking down at me with an insane grin on his face.

"I love you." I said a bit more timidly. "Well say something?"

"I just can't believe it?"

"How many times do I have to say it?
"One more time would be nice."

"I love you."

"I love you too Alice, I always have." He wrapped me in his arms.