Christmas Phoenix

"So, where are you going to be for Christmas, Alice?"

Alice brushed her hair out of her eyes and squinted at Rosalie through the snow. "Hogwarts, I suppose," she mumbled, nearly tripping over a hidden rock. "You?"

"I have to go home," Bella said in a regretful tone. "Something about a Christmas spirit thing… anyways, you two have fun…"

"I'm going home, too," Rosalie said, to Alice's surprise. She grinned apologetically. "Mother wants to prevent Jasper from going to his uncle again, so she wants everyone back home."

"Don't tell me Edward and Emmett are not going to be here as well," Alice said, eyes glaring daggers at Bella. Bella shrugged.

"Maybe… I mean, many people aren't staying this year, because of the Death Eater breakout from Azkaban. Why don't you come to stay at our place, Alice?"

Alice bit her lip. It was three days till the holidays, and the rest of her family was away in Australia (or somewhere hot). She only hoped that she wasn't going to be the only one staying at Hogwarts.

Ever since term had started, Jasper had been absent for large chunks of school, appearing and disappearing at different times. Every time he showed up at school, however, he would leave within the next three days, so that Alice had not seen him for at least three months. Rosalie seemed to read her thoughts.

"On the bright side," she said, as thought trying to cheer her up, "it's Christmas, so there's going to be presents—"

"—Turkey," Bella sighed.

"—pudding, too—"

"And LEEK WAFFLES!" Emmett cheered in Rosalie's ear, clotting it up with snow. Rosalie turned and slapped his back, earning him a jeer from Edward.

"Say, Alice, you're going to be the only one at Hogwarts this year," Edward said as he and Emmett continued to lob snowballs at the girls. He winked at Alice. "Be careful, the Christmas Vampires bite!"

"What Christmas Vampires?"

"Vampires, Edward? Wheeeeeeeeee!" Emmett and Edward began to wrestle with each other in the snow. Bella tutted in disgust.

"Will you two grow up?" she demanded, nudging at the two with her toe. "Get up—"

"Umbridge is here!" hissed Rosalie suddenly. In an instant, Edward and Emmett were up, blinking in fear. Sure enough, Mrs. Toad was standing at the front door, looking straight at them.

"Hurry up and get inside," she snapped at them as they approached. She glared bleary at Edward and Emmett. "Clean yourselves up before you enter—Mr. Filch is complaining again, as you boys love to mess up the castle."

Edward opened his mouth to argue, but at a glance from the girls, he quickly shut up. As soon as she was out of sight, Emmett flipped Mrs. Do-Do off.

"Emmett!" Rosalie said, pretending to be horrified, but grinning wickedly at the same time. "Don't—"

A large barn owl suddenly knocked Edward to the ground. "Hey—" he began, only to have the owl nip sharply at his wrist. "Ow!"

"It's from Jasper," Rosalie said, taking the letter from the owl, which disappeared in a puff of smoke. Edward scowled.

"If it's Jasper's owl," he grumbled, "then he'd better pay for the medical treatment on these wounds. I've had enough of these fake owls that attack humans—"

"It's probably to ward off the people opening the letters," Bella suggested, pointing to the letter. "See, there isn't a sign that it's been opened before."

"Maybe it's something he doesn't want Mrs. Toad to know…"

Their words faded as Alice ripped open the letter excitedly, but her enthusiasm quickly when she found only a short note waiting for her.

Guys,
How's everyone? Hoping you're all doing great.

I won't be able to come back to Hogwarts for Christmas, nor back home. There are… certain things that need to be finished before I come back to school. Besides that, everything's good, and I wish I were here.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas,
Jasper

PS: Alice, do me a favour and fry this letter when you've finished reading it. Your Christmas present is enclosed.

Alice squinted. "Huh? There's nothing here…" the rest of the envelope was empty. Rosalie sighed.

"He's probably up to his old tricks again… damn that Jasper. Well, what are you waiting for, Alice? Burn the stupid thing."

"All right…" Alice took the piece of paper uncertainly and took out her want. "Katon, goukakyuu no jutsu—" (Translation: Fire Element: Grand Fireball Technique *or something like that T.T*)

She shrank back as the flames grazed the paper, sending it in a flurry of flames. Bella frowned.

"I don't see—"

"Look!" Edward pointed at the flames. "It's a—"

"It's a phoenix!" gasped Rosalie.

It was indeed a phoenix, graceful and intimidating in the roaring flames. Even as they watched, the phoenix spread its wings, its radiance and beauty filling the entire hallway. Everyone in sight turned their heads to gasp as the flame phoenix beat its huge wings, circled the hallway once or twice, and finally disappeared outside.

"It's beautiful," breathed Alice, watching the phoenix go and melt into the snow outside. Without knowing it, her eyes were suddenly wet. Bella put an arm around her.

"You're lucky to have Jasper, Alice. That gift warms winter itself."

Alice grinned up at her. "I know."

AN

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Look, I apologize for:

=The late update, but I really, really forgot. Sorry.

=The Naruto reference used, but I can't remember the spell for fire…forgive me.

=The lame quality of this chapter.

But… I still made this in 40 minutes. I was going as fast as I could… so anyways,

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas, and a Happy New Year! =]

…look, I didn't get anything for Christmas. Not even socks… so please, really, if you would like to make my day:

Please REVIEW!!!