Chapter 26
Christmas Time, Death's and hope
Christmas night was a night that always brought a special sort of magic into the world. It was the opposite of Halloween where darkness roomed the land. Light always seemed too shinned brighter on Christmas night. Currently it was the night before Christmas, both Orion and Dawn found themselves on the Astronomy Tower looking out over the grounds. Snow was falling in big puffy flakes and the moon, not yet complete, shinned high in the sky. The Forbidden Forest was quiet, not a sound was heard. The students of Hogwarts slept on in their dorms waiting the next day were presents would be found. Dawn sat on the edge of the tower, her feet dangling as she held her flute in her hands. Standing beside her, Orion had his hands in his pocket and his head thrown back to look up at the night sky. Snowflakes fell on his face yet he didn't seem to mind, contrary to that, a small smile was on his face. Not a word was shared between them but after a few moments, Dawn brought her flute to her lips. Slowly she started to play a slow Christmas Carole.
Inside the Headmasters office, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore let the melody slip into his office through his open window. It had been stuffy and worm as he worked on his paper work but now the cool air of a winter night filled the room giving him time to relax. He rested against his chair and closed his eyes. Christmas was such a worry-filled time during war, not knowing if the time for joy and family would be a time for sadness and funerals. He had attended one such event and it had not been something he wished to redo. Of course, hope had been brought back into the people when the Order had begun their attacks. He hoped that it would be enough for with both worlds at war it was a sad time. He let the melody wash over him and even let a smile form on his face. Beside him, Fawkes let a cheerful thrill leave him and then took flight out the window and towards the star tower.
Slowly her melody was coming to an end and as she came to the last verse, Fawkes landed on her shoulder and sang with her. Her eyes closed as she relished in the power of the phoenix' song, its power so intoxicating and beautiful. Finishing her song, she dropped her hands onto her lap and looked up at the night sky, a smile framing her lips.
"Such a beautiful time Christmas is." Orion murmured softly.
"Um... a moment of purity, the snow is pure white and as innocent as the light. It's fluffy and makes people smile when they see it. Did you know that in the muggle world they got snow days when it snowed to much? Of course, that's only because some of them have to take the buss to get to school. Some schools aren't like Hogwarts. They don't have their students sleep in dormitories, students go home to their parents during the night, once school finishes." Dawn explained causing Orion to smile.
"Really, that is quite interesting. I suppose we would never get a snow day here." He murmured causing Dawn to laugh softly.
"Of course not silly, we sleep in our school so their is no way to stop us from getting to our lessons. In addition, we could just magic the snow away if we wanted or move it magically. Still if you really wanted a day off all you had to do was spell something to block on the classrooms. I think I once heard Fred and George talk about a portable swamp. I wonder if they actually made one." Dawn murmured causing Orion to snort.
"Those twins are always making things for Pranks. I wouldn't be shocked if they opened a Joke shop, I tell you wait they would make a brilliant one." Orion said.
"I agree but I don't think Mrs. Weasley would." Dawn said.
"Did you know that we have runes that prevent certain areas from having snow fall on them?" Orion asked her and she raised an eyebrow, she had not known that.
"No, I didn't." She whispered.
Orion had a great talent for Runes. She didn't know how he could understand them so well; she couldn't understand them at all. Perhaps she just didn't seem interested in them but they didn't satisfy her curiosity like Charms, Transfiguration and Enchanting did.
"Yes, they normally use them on really important places Hogwarts actually has a rune set on the bottom of the fountain in the Clock Tower Courtyard. It stops the water from freezing." Orion informed her and she smiled. That was perhaps one of her favorite places. The courtyard was such a beautiful sight during the winter. The water running like it did during the winter.
After a few moments, Dawn turned her gaze from the sky and looked at Fawkes on her shoulder. She blinked a few moments before giggling.
"You know Fawkes, you look stunning in white." She said and got a sack for her remark. "Oh fine come here and cuddle."
As she said that she opened her cloak for the firebird and with a thrill it hoped down and she wrapped it in her cloak.
"For a Fire bird you sure are affected by the snow." Orion muttered yet Fawkes only cuddled up to Dawn's chest earning a smile from Dawn.
The next morning arrived far to fast for the time travelers especially for Dawn Potter who was rudely woken up by Harold Potter.
"Come on Dawn, wake up, and wake up its Christmas Morning!" He shouted causing Dawn to groan.
"More sleep." She mumbled but Harold wouldn't have it.
"No, presents time plus momma and papa are here!" He exclaimed and that caused Dawn to shoot up.
"What!" She gasped.
"Mamma and papa are waiting for us in Gryffindor common room with everybody. Orion is also there, he was brought inside secretly." Harold stated causing Dawn to sigh.
"Merlin you guys and early morning Christmas people." She whispered before ordering him out of her room so that she could get changed.
The moment the boy left the room, she stood revealing her over sized t-shirt. With a yawn, she pulled on a pair of sleeping pants and brushed her teeth before going out into Gryffindor Common room were everybody was patiently waiting.
"Eh Dawn is there a reason you are wearing an oversize t-shirt?" Diana asked yet Dawn only gave a yawn before plopping herself down on Orion's lap.
"Alright now that we are all here let us begin. The first present to be handed out is, Dawn!" Christopher Potter stated, as he would be handing out the gifts. With a gentle smile, Dawn accepted the gift. When everybody had a gift, they swiftly opened it.
Looking down at the present on her lap, she saw a small note and a box.
Dear Dawn,
Two weeks ago, Fawkes had gifted me with something that I thought you should have. For some reason I think that was Fawkes idea. Phoenix Feathers are known to be able to wistanned much time and use but it is a very treasured gift. It is a gift from him. Use it well.
Albus
Her eyes widen when she read the note and with a deep breath, she opened the black box to reveal a stunning red and gold feather with a gold clip at the front. At the sight of it, everybody gasp.
"That's a phoenix tail feather!" Maria exclaimed and Dawn gave a nod.
"Fawkes gave me a present." She whispered and just then a thrill was heard and the portrait to the common room opened letting the Headmaster in. The moment he entered Fawkes flew from his shoulder and landed on Dawn's own shoulder. "Thank you so much Fawkes this is...this means a lot." She murmured before placing the quill down and giving Fawkes a hug.
"Welcome Headmaster will you be joining us?" Christopher asked.
"It seems Fawkes wished to celebrate Christmas with more people. Seeing as you all are the only Gryffindors staying I thought I should join you." He said causing the group to grin.
"Welcome then Headmaster and please sit down." Dawn said and with a cheerful smile, the man did so before more presents were handed out.
"Well look here Albus, there's a present for you." Christopher said causing the Headmaster to blink.
"Oh?" he asked while accepting the packaged that had silver wrapping with blue stars. "Um there is only a note."
Somebody once told me a story, use them well.
Opening the package the Headmaster was met by a pear of thick woolen socks done in blue.
"Now this is a good Christmas Present, everybody is in need of some good socks." The Headmaster proclaimed causing everybody there to laugh brightly.
By the time, they had all opened the presents they were all very happy and Dawn was going to go get dressed. Yet the moment she put her dress on Diana ran into her room causing her to turn.
"Attack." Diana panted causing Dawn's eyes to widen.
"Damn Grindelwald." She snarled before getting the rest of her clothes on, grabbing her wand and clock and racing out of her room with Diana on her heel.
She ran towards the entrance hall were the Headmaster, Professor Crystal and Orion were waiting. With a nod, they raced from the school as students watched from the windows. Arriving outside the wards they all disappeared. When they appeared again it was to find themselves somewhere in France. A blast rocked the ground around them and they looked around to see that it wasn't just a magical attack.
"Grindelwald combined his forces with Hitler..." She whispered horrified and Orion looked at her worried.
"Make sure to avoid all guns, I'll explain the meaning of this after the battle. Let's move!" She shouted and with that they separated, Orion fallowed Dawn so that she wouldn't be alone.
Sadly, in this battle it meant that they would have to fight muggles as well. Suddenly guns were fired but the both of them were talked into a trench. When they turned, it was to a see a British muggle soldier.
"You two must be magic users right?" He asked and they gave nods. "The names Fredrick Owens, don't worry the unit fighting here today knows all about magic. Damn how old are you two?" He asked.
"Under eighteen." They answered before looking at each other. With a nod, they jumped up and sent blasting hexes before dropping back down to their feet.
"Damn I wish I could do that." Fredrick whistled before standing and sending a bullets out.
"You know this is our first joint battle. I never thought I would be fighting in the muggle war." Dawn grunted before aiming at her hand and forming a ball of magic.
The moment it was the size of her hand she stood and threw it towards the enemy. Hurriedly she dropped back down and covered her ears. Suddenly an explosion was heard and felt.
"Holly shit wait was that!" Fredrick asked.
"That was a design of my own, it's a bomb charm." She answered causing Orion to chuckle.
"That's good Dawn, that's real good."
"Thanks, so why does a full unite of muggles know about the magical world?" She asked.
"Because every member on the unite knows somebody that is magic, my sister is a witch." Fredrick answered causing Dawn's eyes to widen slightly. "They decided to punch us all up encase your Dark Lord ever teamed up with Hitler and them."
Soon enough they continued to the battle. They put up shield charms and sent blasting charms and other attacks towards the enemy. In no time, the new comers were dirty from mud, blood and other things. Dawn had transfigured her uniform into a pair of pants and a long sleeved shirt, protecting her as best she could. The battle lasted five hours but the Allied forces were winning with the help of the Order members. At last, the enemy backed off and the battle was one for now. Hurriedly people started to get the injured to safety and the prisoners into custody were they would be questioned and imprisoned. At last, most of the fighters found themselves inside an old building.
"So eh why did you decide to fight you your war?" Fredrick asked.
"Truthfully Fredrick I've been fighting for a long, long time." Dawn answered softly.
"But why I mean you two are just kids." He said sounding confused.
"My parents were big fighters in the wars and well I guess I took after them. I like to think that if I have the ability to help or make a difference then I will use that ability. I have the power and will to fight then I will. It's as simple as that really." She explained.
"Well damn, you're one brave soul Dawn, Orion you to mate." Fredrick said.
"Thanks Fredrick. By the way my full name is Dawn, Dawn Potter."
"And I'm Orion, Orion Evans."
"Evans you say, I know I guy named Evans." He muttered before looking around. "Evans!"
At his shout, a man looked in their direction and Dawn had to push herself to keep breathing. The man had dark red hair, allot of freckles but the most stunning thing was his eyes, emerald green.
"Get over here man, got a kid here named Orion Evans." Fredrick announced and with a nod, the man stood and walked over.
"Hi there, the names Edward Evans." He said as he sat down.
"Dawn Potter."
"Orion Evans, glad to meet you sir." Orion said.
"Bloody hell you must be the age of my niece. What the magical community doesn't care about age during the time of war or what?" Edward asked.
"We're volunteers. We fight because we have the power to." Orion answered causing Edward to frown.
"Yeah but you two are so young, you fight with that Ministry of yours?" He asked.
"Not in a sense, we aren't Ministry Aurors; we are members of the Order of the Phoenix." Dawn answered causing both men to look at them in shock.
"We've heard of you guys! Bloody hell some of you fight like the Canadians." Edward muttered causing both Dawn and Orion to grin.
"We've been told we were crazy a few times." Orion said causing the two men to chuckle.
"DAWN! ORION!" Came shouts and everybody turned to see a woman running around.
"Professor!" Dawn shouted and instantly the woman turned in their direction and the moment she spotted them raced over.
"Thank Merlin you two are alright. I tell you the Headmaster has been terribly worried, so have we." Professor Crystal stated as she pulled Dawn into a hug.
"We're fine; Fredrick saved us at the start of the battle." Dawn said causing both woman to turn to the man.
"Pleasure to meet you Professor, the names Fredrick Owens and this here is Edward Evans." Fredrick announced.
"Owens, Owens do you have a sister by the name of Elisabeth Owens?" Professor Crystal asked.
"Yes I do, she's a witch herself." Fredrick answered.
"Oh my I taught here, she had a good talent for Charms. What has happened to her?" Professor Crystal asked.
"She married a man named Eston Finnegan." Fredrick answered.
"Excuse me but I couldn't help but here that you are a Professor." Came a male voice that caused the group to turn.
There standing behind them was a man dressed in a uniform gun in one hand and a folder in the other.
"Yes Professor Crystal I teach at Hogwarts." She answered.
"Are you by chance a member of the Order of the Phoenix?" He asked.
"Yes may I ask why?"
"My commanding officer entrusted me into giving the Head of the Order of the Phoenix this folder if he were to die and he could not. I'm afraid he was killed today." The man announced causing the man to grow sad.
"I'm sorry to hear of your lose soldier and if you are going to give that folder to the Head of the Order then please give it to this young girl. Dawn is the head of Order of the Phoenix." Professor Crystal revealed causing the muggle's to gap in shock.
"But...but you're a kid." The man whispered.
"I'm a teen but legally emancipated." Dawn answered.
"Eh... it's a pleasure to meet you ma'am and thank you for coming to our aid." He said with a salute then handed the papers over.
"Thank you sir." She whispered before giving him her own salute.
"I'm afraid we have to go, the Headmaster wants us back at Hogwarts." Professor Crystal stated.
"It was a pleasure to meet you Fredrick, Edward." Dawn and Orion said before turning and leaving.
"Hope to meet again, but not on the battle field!" Fredrick shouted.
Arriving back at Hogwarts, Dawn and Orion swiftly left for their own rooms. They needed showers and needed to change. After getting changed they left for the Great hall were the students were waiting for Christmas dinner. Of course, there were not many there but those who were did look at the duo curiously. Of course, the moment the Potters noticed them they were greeted with hugs.
"Are you both alright?" Maria asked worried.
"As good as could be after a battle." Orion answered before they all sat down.
"Well you can eat before you tell us about it." Maria urged and both teens gave her grateful smiles before putting some food on their plates.
As they ate, the duo could here most of the students talking about them, guessing why they had left the school with three Professors in such a hurry. Still the duo ignored it and continued to eat. When they finished Damien gave them a worried look and they gave him a smile
"When we left we ended up arriving in the middle of a muggle/magical battle. Both sides were fighting and so it revealed to us that Hitler and Grindelwald combined forces. We ended up fighting along side a muggle by the name of Fredrick." Dawn revealed causing the elder Potters to gasp in shock.
"How was it?" Diana asked worried.
"Horrible, Dawn had to transfigure her uniform into pants and a long-sleeved shirt because the place we were battling in was so muddy and dirty." Orion answered causing those listening to grow sad at the though that some people were fighting in those conditions daily especially during Christmas.
When dinner ended, Dawn made her way to the Headmaster and asked if they could possibly have a meeting soon. He informed her that he had scheduled a meeting for tomorrow night.
Dawn was thankful for that and with a nod and a Merry Christmas to the Headmaster; she left the Great Hall for her room. She needed to relax and the best place to do that would be here room.
When she arrived, she fell on her bed and closed her eyes. Merlin she was tired, felt horrible and just wanted to have a quite night. She never though Christmas could be so hard.