"My, my, my, I'm so happy, I'm gonna join the band, we are gonna dance and sing in celebration, we are in the promised land." ~ Celebration Day by Led Zeppelin.

Chapter 36: The Beginning of Christmas Break

Ugh.

I can't believe that Darren persuaded me into drinking. Somehow, he failed to mention the after affects. My head was throbbing, mouth foul-tasting, throat dry and body aching. I slowly sat up, the world spinning before me. It took a few moments for me to focus on the scene.

Four other girls lay in their beds, Elizabeth with – not surprisingly – a guy in hers. Kenzie's head was rested on her bed, but the rest of her body was sprawled on the floor, in awkward positions.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to remember what had happened last night. I took every drink that Darren and Charlie offered. I tried some spirits as a dare from Dora. In hindsight, that was incredibly stupid. As it was my first time drinking, I should have taken it easy. But I'm not renowned for my smart choices when it comes to anything that involves fun. I vaguely remember what the Tower looked like, and the music being played (I swear that I remember a Van Halen song being played, but as Dora was in charge of the music, I must have been imagining it). I remember dancing with Dora and Charlie, thrashing around wildly (it hardly classified as dancing). Nothing else, though.

But from what I could remember, it was a pretty good victory party.

Shakily, I stood up, the world spinning before me. This only lasted for a few seconds, though. When I was fairly certain that I wouldn't collapse into a hung-over heap, I walked into the bathroom.

There is a major perk in being a metamorphagus, and this is that I can change any aspect of my appearance. When I caught sight of my dark under-eyes and uncharacteristically pale skin, I squeezed my eyes shut, concentrating on changing those aspects. I opened my eyes and smiled when I saw that I looked totally and utterly awake. I just wish that my abilities could make me feel that way as well.

I reckon that Charlie and I were the ones who got the most drunk. Probably Charlie a little more so (as the captain who lead them to their first victory, Gryffindor were offering him drinks and he couldn't refuse) but nonetheless, we were the ones who would make the teachers most suspicious. It wouldn't be hard to guess what would happen if every Gryffindor from fifth year and upwards (plus three Hufflepuffs; Dora probably did what I did) showed up in the Great Hall with hangovers: we would get into HUGE trouble. Though, I bet that Dumbledore and McGonagall suspect something already.

I was starving, but so tired as well. I checked the time; it was noon. Lunchtime. I could smell the stew from here.

When I reached the Great Hall, not many students from older years were there. I thought that if we all turned up hung over it would cause suspicion, but with hardly anyone appearing for meals, it would also cause suspicion. Surprisingly, Charlie was up. We were the two who drank the most, which was weird. But it probably made us both hungry. As I approached him, I bit back a laugh. God, he looked horrible. And yet still incredibly gorgeous.

"Don't you look like a right ray of sunshine," he said, as I took a seat next to him. I gave him a half-hearted grin, stomach rumbling at the sight of the food.

"Looks can be deceiving," I said, before shoving bread roll and stew into my mouth. Mm. When I had finished my bite (which was pretty much the whole bread roll) I turned to Charlie. Close up, he looked even worse. His eyes were bloodshot and he had bags underneath them. And he definitely needed a shave. Sometimes, I marvelled at how much he – and all of us – has grown up. A mere five years ago, he was a little first year with the big blue eyes that reminded me of the sky. Now, look at him. My hot best friend with the amazing eyes, cute grin and amazing biceps. My best friend who has been there for me through so much. My best friend who I was annoyingly attracted to.

"Do you remember anything from last night?" he asked. I nodded.

"Vague recollections. Nothing major, though," I said. "What about you?"

He frowned for a moment, before answering. "Nothing at all, except for... nah, that's just my imagination."

Before I could ask what it was, someone sat to my right. Dora.

"Hi," she said perkily. "It's nice not having too much to drink, you know? I feel so alive. Like I could... breathe fire!"

Charlie narrowed his eyes. "Keep your voice down," he groaned, rubbing his head. "I've got the most splitting headache."

"Oh, but it's all worth it," she said, smile innocent but eyes anything but. It was my turn to narrow my eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing," she said, innocent grin changing into an evil one. "Anyway, I'm going to grace my perky presence with someone who will appreciate it. Seeya!"

Charlie stared after her incredulously. "She hasn't been consuming alcohol; more likely it's sherbet."

I laughed but abruptly stopped as I felt my throat crack with dryness.

"Anyway," I croaked. "What did you think was your imagination?"

"Oh," he said, turning pink. "Ah, well, I imagined that I danced with the girl I like."

Oh. I felt a twang of jealousy. Whoever the lucky bitch is, she's really, well... lucky.

"But anyway, I'm so tired. I think I'll go back to bed. Goodnight," he said, ruffling my hair and walking out of the Great Hall. I blinked a few times, my eyes becoming heavy. I best be off too.

"Come to mine for Christmas," Charlie whined, tugging at my ponytail. He has taken to doing that recently, because he knew that it pissed me off. "Please?"

"I promised my parents that I'd spend this Christmas with them," I admitted, prying his hand away from my hair. "But they said that you're welcome to come if you like."

His expression perked up. "Really? Cool!"

"I'll just have to write to them," I said. It had been a few weeks since the drinking incident, and nothing of major importance had happened since then. A few detentions from Snape (I reckon I've reached one hundred now). A few more awkward moments with Charlie (nothing like wanting to snog him again, but some awkward moments nonetheless). I've become better friends with Darren (we came up with this game of pointing out people's fashion mistakes, and it's hilarious). Now, it's three days until Christmas, and as always, Hogwarts has gotten into the tradition. Poor Dora got stuck under mistletoe with Neeson! When he tried to kiss her, Dora positively snapped and kicked him where it hurts... multiple times. McGonagall removed the charm from the mistletoe before Dora caused any more damage, and she almost got a detention, but she managed to wheedle her way out of it by claiming that Neeson was going to take away her 'lip virginity' by 'lip raping her,' and that that would be a violation of her rights, and would destroy her 'teenage hopes and dreams'. Charlie and I pissed ourselves with laughter, having been witnesses to that conversation. Surprisingly, Dora got off. And we didn't see Neeson for a few days.

"Cool," he said, grinning. "This Christmas will be the best!"

"Yeah," I agreed. Then I remembered something: the notes from Black.

"Don't even bother opening them this year," Charlie said after I had voiced my thoughts aloud. "Not worth it."

I nodded, but I would certainly be opening them. I want to see what he has to say, because firstly, I'm confused as to why he's sending me letters, and secondly, because I'm compelled to find out more.

I know that Black is guilty for so many crimes. Betraying his best friends, killing his 'friend', betraying my mother and her trust... but there was always a niggling thought at the back of my head.

Uncle Lucius never once mentioned Sirius Black as a Death Eater, and according to what I've been told, Black was one of the biggest, second to his deranged cousin – the Aunt who was my guardian for a year – Bellatrix Lestrange.

Black... I remember one name. It might have been Ryan. Or Reggie. Or something like that. But never a Sirius. But then again, Sirius was a double agent. So maybe it was kept under the wraps.

"I had better go and write them the letter," I said, standing up. "I'll be back soon."

When I reached my dorms, I found a piece of parchment, a quill, some ink, and I began to write.

Dear Andromeda and Ted,

Hello there! Long time no speak (actually, it's been three days but oh well).

Christmas is in three days, and Dora and I are definitely coming home. I was wondering whether Charlie would be allowed to as well? Yeah yeah, Ted, there will be separate bedrooms, don't stress out. Oh yeah, did I mention that I want a lawnmower for Christmas?

Anyway, I don't have too much to report. I'm sure that Dora has told you about her escapade with a Slytherin? He won't ever be having children, that's how rough she was. Oh god, I just realised the sexual implications of this sentence. But you know what I mean.

Please reply soon!

Love,

Maggie x

I received the response a few hours later.

Dear Maggie,

Of course Charlie can come! Ted insists that Charlie sleep on the other side of the house, though. He's a paranoid man. He says no to a lawnmower, by the way.

Oh yes, Dora gave us a blow-by-blow recount on how she kicked a Slytherin boy. Isn't he the one who tried to hurt you? And then Charlie saved you? (It sounds romantic, by the way, what Charlie did. Oops, Ted is now scolding at me for encouraging you)

We'll see you three very soon!

Love from Andromeda and Ted x

I woke up on Christmas Eve morning to the sound of Kenzie hissing profanities at her bag.

"Close up, you fucking- oh, morning Maggie," she said, giving me a smile before trying to zip up her trunk again.

"Are you a witch?" I teased. "You can use magic."

She blinked a few times, before face palming. "Right. That's made my day a whole lot easier!"

I grinned. "What are you doing this Christmas?" I asked, taking a seat on the bottom of her bed.

"Going to Darren's place," she said, sitting next to me and placing her feet on the trunk. "You?"

"My place, but Charlie's coming too," I said. She smiled.

"Darren was actually going to ask if you wanted to come too," she said, looking thoughtful. "But he thought that you would want to spend your Christmas with your parents."

I couldn't help but smile. See? Darren isn't a bad person.

"Do you actually like him?" Kenzie asked, brushing vivid red hair out of her eyes.

Did I? I'm not sure. If there's anyone I like, it's him, for whatever reason. He's been really nice in his own way, and he's great fun to be around... but friends stay friends, even if I like him.

"I think so, but it would never happen," I added hastily. Was it just me, or did relief flash in her eyes? I must be imagining things.

"These holidays are gonna be great," Charlie said as we boarded the train.

"Yep," Dora said, grinning at him. "Mum and Dad said that there's a light show thing in Diagon Alley, and apparently it's really good. We're going there tonight."

"Oh, I've been there before," he replied. "Have you?" he asked me.

"Yeah, with the Malfoys," I said.

"I've never been," Dora stated, impatiently brushing hair from her eyes. "It should be fun."

As we took our seats in our compartment, we all exchanged grins. Spending Christmas with my two best friends and parents... this Christmas was going to be the best!