"I hope Mia's parents don't get divorced" Ginny said "they sound really nice."

"Sadly this type of thing is getting more and more common" Bill shook his head "Although less so in wizarding families."

He smiled at his wife as she took the book from Charlie and began to read.

24th December 1989

"Maybe you could be a musician when you grow up."

I glanced over at her. She was leant against her bed reading a magazine. We were waiting for the Chinese food to arrive. Mia's family apparently did this every year on Christmas Eve because her mum didn't want to cook the night before Christmas especially as she had to make a bug meal in the morning. This year they had invited me as well.

I poked her with my foot "Yeah and maybe pigs will fly one day."

"Can't you make one levitate? Isn't that the same thing more or less?"

Changing the subject was probably the safest move.

"How are your parents doing now? "

She shrugged "They're not fighting as much now that my dad's come back. I think the space did them some good."

Kev had stayed with his sister for a week or so and though it had been horrible for Mia at the time it really had seemed to make things better between her parents. I was glad I liked both Kev and Julie and the thought of them separating was as alien a concept as both Fred and George getting straight Outstanding's in their exams.

Fred put a hand over his chest "How very rude."

Charlie grinned "But accurate."

"At least Mia's parents seem to be doing ok" Molly said.

If that ever happened I would quite happily eat that ugly hat we were required to wear at the start and end of year feasts. Mia tapped me lightly with her magazine.

"You've wandered off into your own head again."

"Sorry."

"Food's here!" Kev bellowed up the stairs.

I'd never eaten Chinese food before. Hogwarts was never that multi-cultural but I assumed the Chinese had their own wizarding school. Muggles seemed to enjoy food from all parts of the world and I'd been introduced to a lot of new exciting things at the Elliot house. I hoped Chinese would be just as nice as Thai.

"I suddenly have the urge to try Chinese food" Ginny proclaimed.

"What on earth is Thai?"

Arthur sighed "Honestly George, its food from Thailand. Didn't you know that?"

"You should all try French food" Fleur announced.

Bill grimaced behind her back and mouthed "Snails."

Mia and I had already exchanged gifts. It would be harder to disappear on Christmas day for several hours. My brother's might actually notice so it was easier to do it the day before. Mia had gotten me a guitar case for my guitar that was currently hiding underneath my floorboards where it was safe from being tampered with if the twins ever found it.

"It's so much harder to buy for boys than girls." Mia had complained when handing it over.

I'd laughed because it was true. I'd bought her a new sketchbook because she'd managed to drop the last one in a puddle. She gave me a hug and then promptly made me sit still for over an hour so that she could draw me. She draws me a lot mostly because it amuses her that I complain so much.

"Or maybe because she wants lots of pictures of him" Fred said dramatically and then he winced because Ginny had thumped him.

"Stop whingeing" she says and so I glare at her instead which makes her laugh harder.

26th December 1989

Thank God that's over. I managed to resist the urge to set fire to the new quills I'd been given. It would probably have been regarded as ungrateful.

Seriously though was that the most imaginative thing they could come up with. I know my parents are short of money, they always are but they managed to get everyone else something they were actually interested in. Ron got a Chudley Cannons poster. Even that would have been better and I hate Qudditch.

I shut myself in my room for most of the day and played the guitar as quietly as possible. That's as close as I get to sulking these days because if my life has taught me anything at all it's that the more fuss you make the less people seem to notice.

Plus you know it wouldn't achieve anything anyway. I should be used to the sucky Christmas gifts by now. Why do I still care what they get me?

Mia and I are going ice skating today. That always cheers me up although we only skate of the thin river and steer well clear of the pond that once tried to kill us both. I'm getting pretty good at it too. I guess there is some athletic capability in me after all. I was beginning to think I was adopted.

It would explain so many things.

"You know it would" Charlie said "he is so very different from the rest of us."

Molly shook her head "He is not adopted."

January 1st 1990

The eighties are over and the nineties begin at last. Mia's parents had a big party last night and they let us both try champagne. It was gross. I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Maybe I'll like it when I'm older but I seriously doubt it.

We all stood outside at midnight and let off some fireworks. They were just as beautiful as magical ones and we could see the ones let off by the village as well. Dave and Anna went abroad this Christmas so I doubt I'll see them until the summer. Mia is exited to work in their café and earn a little money and so am I.

Back to school in a few days. Homework and still more homework awaits.

Joy.

A/N I hope this was worth the wait and a long wait is was. I've had a hell of a year so far and when I say hell I really do mean it. Fortunately there is little else the universe can throw at me that it hasn't already done so and thus things must be about to improve.