Before the story, some words from our writers:
From TheAveryBloodline: Oops, sorry this is a short one, also merry Christmas. My last day of school before break was the 23, so I didn't have much time for writing. I didn't want to leave you with nothing, however, especially after last Friday's failed update. Anyways, Merry happy to those who celebrate Christmas and some good vibes to all the rest.
From TheFawleyBloodline: Sorry for the brief upload! With the chaos of the holidays, it was a tad hard to extend the original piece (for context there was no Christmas in the original draft of this fic). We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas, and that this chapter helps to keep up the spirit!
Not Potter and the Stupid Stone
Chapter Sixteen
Dear Laura,
I was certainly right; I can handle my family. It has actually been quite a nice holiday, so far. I came home, got unpacked, had dinner with my parents, read a bit, and even did some Christmas shopping. I must say, I am pleased with what I got you. The only person whose gift I am worried about is Harry. I picked out everyone else's gifts in about fifteen minutes, then spent an hour looking for Harry's. I honestly have no clue what the boy likes, other than quidditch, but it's not like I can buy him a new broom. I settled on an owl perch, so that Hedwig could sleep in his room or something. I don't know, I thought he might like it. Anyway, just writing to see how your Christmas is coming along.
Sincerely,
Noel Clement Belvina Avery (crossed out)
Noel
Dear Noel,
My Christmas is going well, so far! My family's been great; we decorated cookies together, as we always do, and I've been watching a lot of TV with Jeff (he always drags me downstairs to watch when he thinks something it funny). I met up with one of my childhood friends the other day, also! It was great! I didn't know what to get Harry either, so I just got him a bag of sweets, same as Ron. I'm glad to hear that your Christmas is going well, and all, but remember to focus on more than your parents. I'm glad you're writing me though; to be fair, I wasn't sure if you would. I don't think this will reach you by Christmas, as Jeff's using the family owl and there's no way my parents will let me buy an express owl, especially considering I'm writing letters to Ron, Harry, and Hermione too. So, be sure to tell me how your Christmas goes!
-Laura
LAURA!
Did you steal some of my scented lavender parchment?! I would recognize the smell anywhere, so I know you did. I also know you didn't buy it because I got it last year on holiday at my family's villa in Antibes; that's in France. Stealing aside, your letter did not reach me until Christmas, so I will tell you how mine went. My parents were not home, seeing as they are attending all three days of the Noble Blood Christmas Gala, so Javier and I decided to spend the day as we used to as children. We had the house elves prepare heaps of food and then send it all up to the fourth-floor library. Then we spent the whole day up there, feasting and listening to music, and opening presents, of course. My parents got me a tone of green and silver stuff, and almost every single item had the Avery crest on it – truly, they really don't have it in them to be subtle. I loved your gift, though, Gone with the Wind. Albeit I haven't started the book yet, but it was just lovely to see that everyone sent me things. As well as the book from you, I got a quill that dictates whatever you say, from Hermione, and a box of homemade fudge with a note from Ron's mum. All in all, it was a very good day. How was your Christmas?
I'm still angry about the parchment,
Noel
Noel,
I'm sorry about the parchment. To be fair, I didn't mean to send any of it to you. Anyways, that sounds like a lovely Christmas! Mine was very nice as well. All my presents from my parents were nice, you know, jumpers and socks and such. They also got me a ton of new books; I'm going to have to bring some of them back to Hogwarts. I'm glad you like the book! I wasn't sure if you would, seeing as it's written by a muggle and all. I got fudge from Mrs. Weasley, as well, and Hermione sent me a book from one of her favorite muggle authors. As you can tell, I'm positively swimming in books, however, yours is almost definitely my favorite! To be carrying around one book, but have it be six - the idea is just so mind-boggling to me! I also met up with that friend I was telling you about, later in the day. He gave me a new leather writing journal with a X engraved into it (inside joke) along with a little note on the front page! Overall, it's felt like a perfect Christmas!
See you soon!
-Laura