Christmas, or Yule (as the Purebloods tended to call it) was Emma's favourite holiday. For as long as she could remember, she would wake up at six a.m. and have to wait in anticipation, bursting with excitement in her bedroom until at least eight o'clock when her parents deemed it suitable to go downstairs and they could start to open their presents.

When she was younger, they would alternate which grandparents would be over, but this year, same as the last few, it would just be the three of them. Silently, Emma preferred it and she was pretty sure that her parents agreed with her. It wasn't that they didn't love their extended family, but as yesterday had proven, whenever the Nolans were over, there tended to be an argument of some kind. After Kat's threat the day before, Ruth and Robert had calmed down and stopped their argument. However, Emma was sure that it wouldn't be the last time they would hear of it. Her paternal grandparents, despite being madly in love, tended to argue over tiny things which Emma didn't understand. Perhaps it was an adult thing she'd understand when she was older, or maybe it was just a particular brand of craziness that was unique to her grandparents.

When the Swans were over, her grandfather liked to be in charge to hand out presents and carve the turkey which her father wanted to do as the head of the house. They would then tend to get into an Alpha fight as Emma had called it, where they would fight for dominance until her mother would intervene and end up carving it herself while her own father and husband sat at the table with their arms crossed. Emma had to admit that as a child it had been pretty funny, but by the time she was a preteen it was just sad and annoying, ruining the whole day.

No, Emma preferred the day to just be the three Musketeers as they had deemed themselves. There were never any arguments about anything which was just how she liked it.

Therefore, it was no surprise that Emma woke up at six a.m. on the dot, her eyes bright with excitement. However, she still had two hours before she could get up. She wouldn't go downstairs to see what presents she had received, she wasn't allowed. When she was six, she had tried, but her mother had put up a motion detector charm which bleared loudly until she ran back upstairs. Her parents hadn't come out to yell at her, the sound of the alarm had frightened her enough, and she hadn't wanted to risk it again.

She had two hours to pass until she could go downstairs and she wasn't sure that to do. Usually, she would read a book but she wasn't really in the mood. Elsa's comment the day before was bothering her, as it floated around in the back of her mind. She hadn't wanted to think about it, following her own rules on banning talk of the Tournament, however, the thought just wouldn't go away despite how excited she was that it was Christmas morning.

So, she turned on her bedside lamp. The marvels of technology that was starting to creep its way into the magical world and electricity was one of them (thanks to work done by the Unspeakables). She then pulled out the parchment she received after the First Task and unfolded the now slightly worn paper. Despite saying she wasn't looking into it until after Christmas, she had read through the wording multiple times, but hadn't had much luck in deciphering their meaning.

This time, as she read through the descriptions of the creatures, she applied what Elsa had told her.

The first of us is abominable and lives amongst the ice.

Well, that had to the Yeti then. They were sometimes called abominable snowmen. As she read the line again, she felt frustrated with her own obliviousness, she really should have figured that one out sooner. There was nothing else it could be. She pulled out her quill and drew an arrow from the line and neatly wrote, 'Yeti', beside it.

The next line: the second of us is flammable and likes to play with mice, could mean a multitude of things. Perhaps it was a dragon, they were flammable, but then George had said Charlie hadn't been asked to bring any over. That ruled dragons out. Besides, dragons weren't flammable themselves, they breathed fire, it was different. She shook her head; she would leave that line for later.

She re-read the third line and just shook her head. Another of us is unreliable and could multiply on sight. Boys were unreliable but she hoped to Merlin they couldn't multiply on sight. She though back over lessons she'd had with both Hagrid and Professor Scamander over the years for anything that could multiply. There was the Cerberus, but they already had three heads, she didn't think they could gain anymore. However, she still smiled as whilst she didn't know which creature it was, she could rule something out, which was helpful in its own right.

Finally, she read the last description line. The last of us is dreadful, with two bodies to fill you with fright. Nothing is as terrifying as the Chimera, she thought before she re-read the line once more.

"Merlin's Pants!" She cried to herself. "Two bodies, like a half lion and half goat, that is a Chimera."

Filled with another sense of glee that had nothing to do with Christmas, she pulled her quill towards her again and drew a line from the final statement and wrote, "Chimera", beside it. Although, naming the creature didn't fill her with joy, in fact, it was even worse. They were some of the most terrifying creatures to roam the earth and were very rare, but now she would need to prepare how to fight them and win.

Leaning back, she looked at her notes. Well, she was two steps further forwards than she had been. She put her quill back down and smiled. There were still two creatures to work out, not to mention figuring out how to battle each one of them individually, but what she had so far would do for now.

She checked her bedside clock and saw that it was only seven. She still had an hour to wait. Now that she'd cleared her mind regarding the Task, she decided to go back to her usual Christmas tradition and picked up her favourite book and started reading to pass the time.

oOoOo

An hour later, she heard the tell-tale sounds of her parents starting to move around their room before their footsteps were on the landing. Emma quickly slotted her bookmark in place before placing it down on her bedside table. She shot out of bed and burst onto the landing to see that her parents were just outside her room, ready to wake her, despite knowing she would already be awake.

"Merry Christmas!" Emma cried as she shot forward and pulled her parents in for a hug.

Both chuckled at their daughter's antics before hugging her tightly, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Good morning, Champ," her father greeted, a nickname that had been about since before she was part of the Tournament. It was just more fitting now than it had been previously. "And Merry Christmas."

The three Swans made their way downstairs and straight into the kitchen where Emma's mother automatically made them their Christmas hot chocolates, with cream and marshmallows as per tradition (Emma's with the additional cinnamon), before they headed into the living room. As always, the room was filled with piles of presents, which Emma's parents had arranged the night before, despite still signing half the presents from 'Santa' (a Muggle tradition which had somehow made its way into some Pureblood homes).

Emma sat in her usual chair where her presents sat at her feet and took a sip of her hot chocolate. She placed her mug down on her coaster before she and her parents started opening up their presents one by one.

An hour later, the three Swans sat back and admired the gifts that their family had given them. Of course, Christmas wasn't all about the gifts, but Emma couldn't help but think that they helped bring the holiday spirit.

She looked at her presents from her friends. Victoire and Minnie had joined forces for their present and gifted her a broom compass which she'd wanted for a while. She wasn't sure what she'd need it for now, but she would in later life. Ruby had also gifted her something broom related as it was a Broomstick Servicing Kit. Despite receiving a new broom as a gift for becoming Captain by her grandfather, she still rode it like a mad woman meaning the twigs could fray easily.

Emma had gifted Victoire and Ruby with a charm bracelet each, which held their birthstones and she had given Minnie a copy of Newt Scamander's latest book on magical creatures as she wanted to be a Magizoologist when she grew up. Emma had gifted her most of her books in her collection due to her father being able to order them early and relatively cost effectively through his bookstore.

As always, her godparents had taken different approaches to her presents. Mal always tended to go more academic based, therefore, it was unsurprising that she received another set of books, although she loved every single one of them. However, this year, there was an addition of a rock that looked like nothing special until she read the accompanying note.

This is a moonstone; it provides light only to the carrier. Simply have it on your person and you'll be able to see perfectly. I saw it and thought it could help with a future task. Lots of love and Merry Christmas, Mally xx.

It was another reason Emma adored her godmother. She always thought outside the box. Although, Emma hoped that the challenges would include anywhere where she wouldn't be able to see. She wasn't afraid of the dark, more afraid of what lurked in the dark, something that both her mother and Harry more than approved of.

Killian, on the other hand, provided her with a pocketknife that could unlock any door and cut through any knot. Similarly to Mal, he had been thinking about the Tournament too as he wrote it may be useful in an upcoming Task. Although he had no idea what they could be, he added helpfully as was his way.

As usual, she received a big batch of fudge from her Grandma Ruth. However, this time, it was an array of flavours from peanut butter and hazelnut to strawberries and cream and pistachio. She'd really extended her range. In addition to her fudge, she received a new knitted jumper and a scarf that had 'Gryffindor Champion' weaved in. She blushed at the term but still wrapped it over her shoulders.

The gift she received from her mother's parents threw her for a loop as she wasn't expecting it. She'd unwrapped the silk wrapping paper to reveal a crimson-red dress.

"What on earth is this for?" She asked, holding it up to her mother.

"It's a dress for the Ball," her mother replied with a chuckle. "Did you think you were going to go in your uniform?"

Emma laughed nervously. "No, but I didn't think I'd need a new dress. I have enough." Emma really wasn't a dress kind of girl, she preferred comfort over elegance.

"It's a special occasion," her mother said with a shrug. "And your grandparents wanted to treat you so they had it made. It's one of a kind."

"Oh," Emma said, her go to once more. She turned the dress towards her and looked at it. It was short sleeved and would flow out and cover her feet which she was pretty happy about as then people wouldn't be able to see when she tripped (although she supposed that she could actually trip over the length of the dress). The dress was beautiful, she just didn't know how she'd look in it.

"You'll look beautiful," her father said, as if reading her mind, but she was sure her thought was written all over her face.

"I suppose," Emma replied with a shrug before gently placing the dress back in its wrapper and turned to her final presents.

She'd received a new set of books from her parents, which were fictional rather than the textbooks Mal had gotten her. They also got her a new set of pyjamas, slippers and a dressing gown as Hogwarts got cold in the winter being a Scottish castle. Alongside the pyjamas, she also had a vat of sweets and chocolates that were enough to last her up until the end of the school year, but everyone knew she'd be finishing them long before by sharing them with Vicki, Ruby and Minnie.

Her final present made her gasp as she removed the silk casing.

"A new chess set?!"

She looked up to see her parents watching her reaction.

For the past few years, Emma had used her father's old chess set that he'd taken to school with him, so it was pretty tattered from the beatings the pieces had suffered. However, Emma had loved it because it meant she could play with a part of her father's history. Yet looking at the new stone set she'd received, she couldn't help but admire the beauty of the smooth surface, yet to be smashed.

"Shall we have a game while your mother prepares dinner?" Her father asked.

"Or we could have a game after we all prepare dinner?" Kat suggested heavily, David easily catching on to the hint.

"Of course, honey," he said quickly. "After we all help prepare dinner."

Emma snickered as she followed her parents into the kitchen, but her laughter soon dropped off when her mother made her slice the carrots and parsnips by hand.

"I can't wait until I'm seventeen," she murmured as she sliced the carrot too harshly and it zoomed off the chopping board and onto the floor. She left it. "Then I could use my magic."

"You'll regret saying that when you're old," her mother teased. "It's all downhill from seventeen." She turned and pointed her wand at the rogue carrot and sent it to the sink to rinse before adding it to the pot.

"I'd rather that than chopping," Emma muttered which just made her mother laugh.

After their traditional Christmas dinner, the three of them sat flumped on the sofas, holding their stomachs that were full to bursting. They ate their dinner around two o'clock to allow it to settle before the evening. The turkey had gone down easily along with the pigs and blankets, but as usual, Emma had eaten a couple too many and was partially regretting the fullness she felt. However, her father had done the exact same thing and the two were groaning on the sofas (all of which was a Swan family tradition).

They spent the rest of the evening listening to the radio and sitting by the fire, each of them reading a new book that they had received into the evening. When dinner time came around, they were still too full for a proper meal, choosing instead to nibble on chocolate they had all received.

By the time they went to bed, they were full again from chocolate but each Swan was bursting with excitement of Christmas. It had been a brilliant Christmas as it always was and Emma was looking forward to heading to the Burrow the next day.

oOoOo

As soon as they arrived at the Burrow, hectic was an understatement for the scene that met them. There were now so many Weasley grandchildren that they were running havoc. It was a small blessing, Molly Weasley had said, that Charlie hadn't settled and had children to add to the bunch, although she did wish he would find someone eventually.

Kat greeted Harry and they swapped their usual presents of a bottle of Fire Whiskey for Harry and a bottle of Rosmerta's Finest Port for Kat. Although Killian would say that both were subpar compared to his which he tried to brew for the Leaky Cauldron but had failed epically on numerous occasions. David had said more than once that he should just stick to the ales that he was known for.

Emma was swept up by Vicki and Minnie as soon as she arrived, wanting to discuss what she had received for Christmas and if she like their present, which she did.

"Where's Ruby?" Emma asked, looking around to see if she had missed their brunette friend.

Victoire bit her lip. "I'm not sure if she's coming actually. Grandma said she'd received a letter from Ruby's grandmother saying that their trip to see her dad hadn't gone as smoothly as they thought it would but hoped they'd make it later."

The colour in Emma's face drained. Ruby hadn't had any issues visiting her dad ever since she had known her. Sure, the venue wasn't great but she always loved seeing him as she didn't blame him for what happened. "What's happened?"

"Her dad isn't well," Victoire said quietly. "Like, really not well from what Grandma said from the letter. I don't think he's going to be around much longer."

"Oh, Merlin," Emma replied sadly. "Poor Ruby."

"We'll just have to cheer her up," Minnie suggested. "We can grab everyone and have a Quidditch Game. You and Uncle Harry can be the Seekers and we can have two Beaters for sure, your mum and Uncle George, I'm sure we could persuade others to join in."

Emma smiled softly. "We'll have to wait and see if she arrives."

An hour later, there was still no sign of Ruby or her grandmother but Emma and Victoire tried not to let it bother them. Instead, they and Minnie threw themselves into festivities. They played games of Exploding Snap with some of the younger Weasley grandchildren. Rose Granger-Weasley gave them a run for their money and almost won, although what else could be expected from the daughter of the almost Minister for Magic?

Being an only child, Emma adored being surrounded by so many kids. She spent part of her morning reading to little Lily Potter who was only seven and listened to her when she read aloud, loving every second. Secretly, Emma wished she had siblings. Elsa was close, but not the same. However, her mother had had so many issues carrying Emma that they couldn't risk her trying again. Emma understood, now anyway, but there was still a tiny niggle that she couldn't have a sibling.

Lunch was served which was the largest buffet Emma had ever seen, bigger than the last two years put together. There were plates and plates of foods from little sausages to sandwiches and sweets. Mrs Weasley had outdone herself with the giant Christmas pudding, which was almost two feet tall.

Everyone dug in before flopping on the sofa to listen to the wireless, giggling when Fleur badly imitated Celestina Warbeck. Apparently, it had started as a dig to wind up Mrs Weasley, but it had become a family tradition and even Mrs Weasley didn't hate the impressions as much anymore, chuckling along with the rest of them.

As Celestina was blasting out the chorus to "A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love," the fireplace lit up and turned emerald. Seconds later, Ruby and her grandmother stepped out.

"I hope we're not too late," Granny said, slightly quieter than she usually spoke.

Molly smiled as she stood up. "Not at all, come on in, there's still plenty of food."

"Thanks, Mol," Granny replied following her friend to the table. As soon as they reached it, Granny was in full conversation, telling Molly everything that had happened.

Ruby hesitated by the fire for a second before she made her way over to the table too. Emma and Victoire waited until Ruby was sitting with her plate of food, but she wasn't eating much. Shuffling Lily off her lap, Emma stood up and walked over to the table.

"Hey, Rubes," she murmured in greeting.

"Hey," Ruby replied, her voice low.

"I'm sorry about your dad," Victoire said as she joined them. "Is he going to be alright?"

Ruby pushed the plate she was holding away and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. "I don't think so. He's really not well, a dreadful cough and fever. They think he's got some sort of dragon pox which has clashed with his wolf blood. They don't know how to help him."

"Then he needs to go to St Mungo's!" Emma said in disbelief at the fact he'd not been moved already.

Ruby let out a quiet chuckle. "He's in Azkaban for murder, I doubt they'll let him out. They probably think that he deserves it."

"Everyone knows it was an accident though," Emma said. "They can't let this happen. Want me to talk to my mum? Ask her to open his case again?"

"No," Ruby said sadly. "There's nothing that can be done. The case is closed." She swallowed. "That's why we're late. We went via the Ministry after seeing him again to push it and they said there was nothing they can do. He's just got to wait until…" she trailed off, not wanting to finish the sentence.

Emma shuffled closed to her friend and pulled her in for a hug. "We're here for you, Ruby. Always."

Victoire joined the hug from the other side and Ruby clung onto her friends tightly, feeling their support transfer to her.

After a few moments, they finally broke apart.

"You know, Minnie had an idea," Victoire started.

"Is she feeling alright?" Ruby tried to joke but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

"She suggested a Quidditch game with people here," Victoire continued after chuckling. "Are you game?"

Ruby considered it for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I'm game. It'll be a good distraction."

Victoire smiled before calling her sister over to plan everything.

Therefore, fifteen minutes later, everyone made their way up the hill, hidden by the trees and were split into two groups. Those who weren't playing had bundled up into warm clothes to watch and the players were splitting into teams. Having not expected to be playing at all, the adults were having to Apparate home to get brooms for their family. It was decided that anyone under eleven would have to sit this one out which made James Potter grumble as he wanted to play, but he was still two months shy of turning eleven.

They managed to have two full teams, but some people were having to play a different position than they were used to make up the numbers.

Therefore, the teams were dubbed The Gryffindors and The Ones with the Ravenclaw as everyone playing were Gryffindors, but Kat was the only Ravenclaw there. She just rolled her eyes at George for suggesting it.

The Gryffindors were made up of Ron as Keeper, Bill and Charlie as Beaters (both taking one for the team as they couldn't play their usual positions of Chaser and Seeker due to the others playing), Molly Junior, Angelina and Freddie as Chasers with Harry rounding off the team as the Seeker.

The other team had David as the Keeper with George and Kat as the Beaters, both reprising their school day positions, Emma as Seeker and Ginny, Ruby and Minnie as the Chasers. However, everyone's reaction to Kat saying she was a Beater was the same utter surprise.

"No way!" Ron had exclaimed. "You, a Beater?"

Charlie laughed. "Believe it, Ron, best Beater Ravenclaw's ever had and she was the reason we lost two years in the row."

Now it was Kat's turn to laugh. "I wouldn't say it was just me."

"You hit me so precisely on the hand that you only dislocated the middle three fingers so I couldn't catch the Snitch and so that your Seeker could catch it," Charlie said.

"Oh, I remember that," Kat chuckled, "I just meant it wasn't just me who made you lose. Shouldn't have been flying with your hand outstretched." She winked at him.

"Oh, you're on, Swan," Charlie said. "Beater vs Beater this time. Dad, you're the ref."

Arthur stepped forward, ready to call the game, and to interrupt the battle going on between Kat and Charlie.

Emma looked at Ruby who the game was for. She didn't look upset anymore; she had her game face on.

"Ready?" Emma asked.

"Let's do this," Ruby replied as she mounted her broom.

Everyone followed Ruby's lead and rose into the air. Ginny allowed Ruby to be the catcher for the match, the position she had played for the Holyhead Harpies as Angelina flew forwards for their team.

"Get ready," Arthur said as he let the Bludgers and the Snitch go before he launched the Quaffle in the air.

oOoOo

Two hours later, everyone landed back on the ground after the best match Emma felt she'd ever played. Was it the best she'd physically played? No, there were several chances that she could have caught the Snitch but missed it, but it was the most fun. She'd never had chance to play like this before, she was quite flabbergasted that Minnie had never suggested it before now seeing as it was on the tip of her tongue to cheer up Ruby. However, it was better late than never.

The Ones with the Ravenclaw had been victorious which had made Ruby even happier than just the exhilaration of playing. Emma had caught the Snitch during an intense battle between her and Harry and she knew for a fact that he wasn't letting her win due to the sweat on his face as he tried to beat her to the golden ball. However, as she was smaller, she'd been able to lean lower onto her broom and pick up speed. Not to mention her Firebolt X was at least five models newer than Harry's Firebolt which Ginny had purchased him when she joined the Harpies to replace the one that he'd lost years before. She had a feeling it would have been very close had the two been on equivalent brooms, they would have to try that another time, she liked the competition.

Ruby had actually been the biggest goal scorer, managing to send five soaring past Ron without using their new tactic to confuse the Keeper. Minnie had scored three and Ginny another three.

Emma was quite surprised at her father's Keeping skills, which she hadn't seen in recent years due to lack of opportunities to play, as he'd saved most of the ones that both Freddie and Angelina had tried to sink past him, but Molly Jnr had managed to score three. Although Emma wasn't sure if that was just because he was letting her.

Not only did her father surprise her, but Emma was truly impressed at her mother's aim. She was phenomenal and completely understood what Charlie had been saying about her. She was a force to be reckoned with and teamed with George, they were brilliant, better than LJ and Robin for sure. It was shame she couldn't have them on her Gryffindor team.

However, she also noted that both Molly and Freddie weren't too shabby either and thought about suggesting they try out for the team as neither of them had turned up to try-outs in September. Although she didn't know how Ruby or Minnie would take that as neither wanted to be replaced and they were better than the younger ones but there was time when they finished school.

With the match over, everyone headed back into the Burrow and Ruby flashed her friends a huge smile.

"Thanks guys," she murmured. "That's exactly what I needed." She then pulled her previously ignored plate towards her and dug in.

Emma watched as Ruby ate her food. Things would get worse before they would get better if her father wasn't allowed to be placed in hospital; he would die. But Emma would always be there for her friend, no matter what, just as Ruby had been there for her during the Tournament. Losing her father would be the ultimate blow after losing her mother, but Ruby was strong, she would be okay. It would just take time. But for now, they could celebrate Christmas and hope for a miracle.

A/N: I just want to say thank you for all the reviews, follows and favourites. I love every single one!

Also just a heads up, there won't be a chapter on Thursday as I will be spending the day with my family and the next chapter will be uploaded on New Year's Eve.

All that's left to say is Merry Christmas for those who celebrate and Happy Holidays. I know this year has been pretty pants, but I hope you all are able to celebrate with loved ones.

Love, Emss xx