"Dear Santa: We just wanted you to know that, even though Mr. Thompson said there was no such thing as Santa Claus, we didn't believe him, so please come or else it will make us look like dummies.
Signed, Wednesday and Puglsey Addams."
Chapter 14: Christmas with the Addams Family
The weekend slipped by after Erica's trip to Hogsmeade, and soon, the final days of classes were upon them. Thankfully, the professors had let up with the last minute assignments, and now most classes were generally pretty laid back, spent reviewing different topics. In Charms they did another lesson on levitating objects, and most of the class was proficient at the spell now. In Transfiguration, they went back over Switching Spells. And in History of Magic, Binns decided to give another dragging lecture about Uric the Oddball.
One of the only classes which continued with new content was Potions. The last day of classes, Friday, Professor Snape set them all to brewing up the Herbicide Potion. Erica, as always, was working alone. But she no longer minded as much, and Professor Snape largely left her alone. Over the past four months, he had come to realize that Erica was, without a doubt, his most gifted first year. And though he would never admit it aloud, her potions skills and knowledge exceeded even some of the upper years.
"I do feel so sorry," Draco Malfoy said at one point during the period, "for all those people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home."
He was looking over at Harry as he spoke. Crabbe and Goyle chuckled. Harry, who was measuring out powdered spine of lionfish, ignored them. Malfoy had been even more unpleasant than usual since the Quidditch match. Disgusted that the Slytherins had lost, he had tried to get everyone laughing at how a wide-mouthed tree frog would be replacing Harry as Seeker next. Then he'd realized that nobody found this funny, because they were all so impressed at the way Harry had managed to stay on his bucking broomstick. So Malfoy, jealous and angry, had gone back to taunting Harry about having no proper family.
It was true that Harry wasn't going back to Privet Drive for Christmas. Professor McGonagall had come around the week before, making a list of students who would be staying for the holidays, and Harry had signed up at once. He didn't feel sorry for himself at all; this would probably be the best Christmas he'd ever had. Ron and his brothers were staying, too, because Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were going to Romania to visit Charlie.
When they left the dungeons at the end of Potions, they found a large fir tree blocking the corridor ahead. Two enormous feet sticking out at the bottom and a loud puffing sound told them that Hagrid was behind it.
"Hi, Hagrid, want any help?" Ron asked, sticking his head through the branches.
"Nah, I'm all right, thanks, Ron."
"Would you mind moving out of the way?" came Malfoy's cold drawl from behind them. "Are you trying to earn some extra money, Weasley? Hoping to be gamekeeper yourself when you leave Hogwarts, I suppose — that hut of Hagrid's must seem like a palace compared to what your family's used to."
Ron dived at Malfoy just as Snape came up the stairs.
"WEASLEY!"
Ron let go of the front of Malfoy's robes.
"He was provoked, Professor Snape," Hagrid said, sticking his huge hairy face out from behind the tree. "Malfoy was insultin' his family."
"Be that as it may, fighting is against Hogwarts rules, Hagrid," Snape said silkily. "Five points from Gryffindor, Weasley, and be grateful it isn't more. Move along, all of you."
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle pushed roughly past the tree, scattering needles everywhere and smirking.
"I'll get him," Ron said, grinding his teeth at Malfoy's back, "one of these days, I'll get him —"
"I hate them both," Harry said. "Malfoy and Snape."
Erica was nearly growling with anger. "I don't know how Dumbledore condones such favoritism. It's disgusting."
"Come on, cheery up, it's almost Christmas," Hagrid said. "Tell yeh what, come with me an' see the Great Hall, looks a treat."
So the four of them followed Hagrid and his tree off to the Great Hall, where Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were busy with the Christmas decorations.
"Ah, Hagrid, the last tree — put it in the far corner, would you?"
The hall looked spectacular. Festoons of holly and mistletoe hung all around the walls, and no less than twelve towering Christmas trees stood around the room, some sparkling with tiny icicles, some glittering with hundreds of candles.
"How many days you got left until yer holidays?" Hagrid asked.
"Just one," Hermione said. "And that reminds me — Harry, Ron, Erica, we've got half an hour before lunch, we should be in the library."
"Oh, yeah, you're right," Ron said, tearing his eyes away from Professor Flitwick, who had golden bubbles blossoming out of his wand and was trailing them over the branches of the new tree.
"The library?" Hagrid said, following them out of the hall. "Just before the holidays? Bit keen, aren't yeh?"
"Oh, we're not working," Harry told him brightly. "Ever since you mentioned Nicolas Flamel, we've been trying to find out who he is."
"You what?" Hagrid looked shocked. "Listen here — I've told yeh — drop it. It's nothin' to you what that dog's guardin'."
"We just want to know who Nicolas Flamel is, that's all," Hermione said.
"Unless you'd like to tell us and save us the trouble?" Harry added. "We must've been through hundreds of books already and we can't find him anywhere — just give us a hint — I know I've read his name somewhere, and Erica says it sounds familiar."
"I'm sayin' nothin'," Hagrid said flatly.
"Just have to find out for ourselves, then," Ron said, and they left Hagrid looking disgruntled and hurried off to the library.
They had indeed been searching for Flamel's name ever since Hagrid had let it slip, because how else were they going to find out what Snape was trying to steal? The trouble was, it was very hard to know where to begin, not knowing what Flamel might have done to get himself into a book. He wasn't in Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century, or Notable Magical Names of Our Time; he was missing, too, from Important Modern Magical Discoveries, and A Study of Recent Developments in Wizardry. And then, of course there was the sheer size of the library; tens of thousands of books; thousands of shelves; hundreds of narrow rows.
Hermione took out a list of subjects and titles she had decided to search while Ron strode off down a row of books and started pulling them off the shelves at random. Erica was already nose-deep in a book and Harry wandered over to the Restricted Section. He had been wondering for a while if Flamel wasn't somewhere in there. Unfortunately, you needed a specially signed note from one of the teachers to look in any of the restricted books, and he knew he'd never get one. These were the books containing powerful Dark Magic never taught at Hogwarts, and only read by olders students studying advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"What are you looking for, boy?"
"Nothing," Harry said.
Madam Pince the librarian brandished a feather duster at him.
"You'd better get out, then. Go on — out!"
Wishing he'd been a bit quicker at thinking up some story, Harry left the library. He, Ron, Hermione, and Erica had already agreed they'd better not ask Madam Pince where they could find Flamel. They were sure she'd be able to tell them, but they could risk Snape hearing what they were up to.
Or in Erica's case, she didn't want Snape, or Quirrell, or even worse, Dumbledore hearing what they were up to.
Harry waited outside the corridor to see if the other three had found anything, but he wasn't very hopeful. They had been looking for two weeks, after all, but as they only had odd moments between lessons it wasn't surprising they'd found nothing. What they really needed as a nice long search without Madam Pince breathing down their necks.
Five minutes later, Harry's friends joined him, shaking their heads. They went off to lunch.
"You will keep looking while Erica and I are away, won't you?" Hermione said. "And send us an owl if you find anything."
"And you could ask your parents and mum if they know who Flamel is," Ron said. "It'd be safe to ask them."
"Very safe," Hermione and Erica agreed.
~)8(~
The first morning of the Christmas holidays, Erica woke early, wired and ready to go home. But with the time difference, she'd have to wait a little bit. So she went downstairs to the dungeons, got her last dose of Wolfsbane Potion, and ran to the Great Hall, ready for a big breakfast.
Her monthly transformation was tonight. Erica was glad she'd be getting it out of her way, but she was also disappointed that she'd spend the first day back with her mom sleeping. Melissa assured her that it was okay, and that they'd still have plenty of time to spend together. It had alleviated Erica's guilt a little.
Erica also hoped she'd be able to get some sleep this month. Last month, she'd been completely wired, unable to settle. But the fact that she was going to be awake for so long gave Erica hope that she'd simply pass out as soon as she was transformed.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione soon joined Erica downstairs. They spent their morning visiting with each other before heading back to the common room. Erica gave her friends their Christmas gifts (and warned them not to open them early under penalty of death), and went to her dormitory to pack. Hermione soon joined her, throwing together the last of her things before the train left for London.
Finally, Hermione left, but not before giving Erica a tight hug.
"Please, take care of yourself," Hermione said.
"I always do," Erica assured. Hermione didn't look convinced.
"I know your condition has been bothering you this week," Hermione deadpanned. Erica gulped. It was true. Her symptoms had been less severe this month, but they had still been present. "Don't think I didn't notice your lethargy."
Erica cleared her throat awkwardly. "Yeah, well, I've gotten used to it."
Hermione seemed upset by this. "Maybe I could do some research about your condition to understand it better, help you through it. What's it called?"
Erica was touched, but her heart missed a beat.
"Remember how I said my condition was rare?" Hermione nodded. "Well, it's so rare that it has yet to be named. And research on it is… spotty at best. And most of it is pretty unreliable. The condition varies so much from person to person, and that's why they've been unable to make much progress towards its cure."
Erica smiled, and gave Hermione another hug. "I'm okay, Hermione, really. I'm touched at your thoughtfulness, but I promise, you do more than you know by just supporting me through the bad days."
And it was true. Even if Hermione wasn't truly aware of Erica's condition, she was saintly in her support. She was always there if Erica needed help with something, but also gave her space when she needed it. On the days where Erica was sensitive to noise, Hermione remained quiet beside her in class. On the days when Erica was nearly silly with exhaustion, Hermione didn't fuss when she napped in class (mostly History of Magic or Astronomy). She never complained when Erica was ravenous and cranky with hunger, and never forced her when Erica didn't want to eat. She had also taken to carrying mints for when Erica was hit with sudden nausea and needed to run to the bathroom to be sick. She brought Erica her homework on the days where she was recuperating in the hospital wing, and helped her through the material she missed without complaint.
Hermione did a lot for Erica. More than she would ever know.
Erica spent the rest of the morning folding her clothing and almost obsessively arranging everything in her trunk. Her school books she needed for holiday homework went in first, followed by her clothes and Christmas gifts for her mom and extended family. She also packed her toiletries, her wand, and a few other things. Soon, she was packed and ready to go home.
She was so ready to go home.
~)8(~
"Ahh… Ahh… ACHOO!"
"Erica!"
"Sorry, Mom."
Melissa giggled though, and tossed a handful of flour into her daughter's face.
"Mom!" Erica squealed. "I'm gonna sneeze again!"
"Don't you dare!"
But Erica, indeed, sneezed again. And more flour puffed into the air.
Erica's face and T-shirt were coated almost entirely in flour, but she wore a huge, happy smile, even if her eyes were tired.
It was now two days after the full moon. Her transformation had indeed been easy, and Erica had been so tired from the time zone difference between Scotland and Nebraska that she passed out, dead tired, as soon as she transformed. And she continued to sleep through the next day, only emerging in time for dinner.
But now, she was up and mostly recovered. And she was dedicated to spending the rest of the holidays with her mom.
Two days before Christmas, the Addams women were baking up a storm, hence why Erica had ended up covered in flour. And why Melissa had melted chocolate down her front and clinging to her brown curls. A batch of Christmas sugar cookies were currently baking in the oven, and Erica was currently mixing up some brownie batter while Melissa kneaded away at some dough for dinner rolls. And they'd already finished baking chocolate-chip cookies, gingerbread cookies, and brown sugar scones.
Erica kept sneaking scones when her mom wasn't looking.
The Addams women hoped to be finished baking everything by the afternoon, because they planned to go down to some of the shelters and hospitals in Omaha and give them the food. A shelter for battered women, a homeless shelter, a children's hospital, and a VA rehab center. They all needed some Christmas cheer.
And some Christmas goodies too.
"So tell me more about Harry, Ron, and Hermione," Melissa asked, starting to roll the dough a ball to rise.
"I've already told you everything," Erica giggled, pouring the brownie batter into a baking pan.
"Tell me again," Melissa chuckled.
"Well, there's Hermione Granger, Muggleborn, like me, stupidly smart, really good at creating fire, hair even more unruly than mine. Ron Weasley, Mrs. Weasley's youngest son, funny as all get out, a little insensitive but well-meaning, bottomless stomach, much like myself. Harry Potter, has the most beautiful owl you've ever seen in your life, sorry Donna, excellent flier and Quidditch player, horrible eyesight, pretty eyes, also has messier hair than me, too skinny."
"See, I only knew some of that," Melissa said. "Though I'm reluctant to believe Harry and Hermione have worse hair than you."
"I didn't say worse," Erica said. "Just more unruly and messy. Hermione's hair is really thick and bushy, she can hardly run a brush through it unless it's wet. And Harry… Well, to be honest, I have no idea why his hair's so messy, but it's bad."
Melissa laughed, covering the bowl with the dough with a cloth. "And what about your other friends? Seamus and Dean, right?"
"Oh, yeah! Seamus is really funny, Mom. He's Irish though, so I can only understand about half of what he says. Sometimes I swear he plays it up on purpose. And Dean grew up in a Muggle household, and he's a huge soccer fan. He also likes to draw. And then there's Neville. He's a sweetie. Truly terrible at potions, but he's got a green thumb, so Herbology is his best subject."
"And what about Fred and George? And Percy, right?"
"Fred and George are menaces to society and the fact that something hasn't ended up blown up in their dormitory is nothing short of a miracle," Erica said, entirely amused by the antics of her friends. "Percy's very different from them and Ron, though. More serious. He helps explain some magical concepts to me when I'm curious though."
Melissa smiled. She was glad her daughter truly seemed to be finding her place at Hogwarts. "And what did you get everyone?"
Erica's smile went giddy. Melissa knew her daughter was a giver and protector to the extreme, and she took great pride over the gifts she found for her loved ones.
"Okay, so I made Christmas sugar cookies for everyone. Fred and George showed me where the Hogwarts kitchens were and I got permission to use them. But for Harry, I got him a pair of Quidditch gloves and Professor Flitwick helped me charm a pair of new glasses for him. They'll always adjust to his prescription. I sent Ron a book about his favorite Quidditch team, the Chudley Cannons, they suck but he likes them, and I also got him a new poster of them too. I sent Hermione a copy of Ilvermorny: A History, and a copy of The Princess Bride. I couldn't believe when she told me she'd never seen or read it, Mom!"
Melissa's lip twitched into a smile. Everyone should see or read The Princess Bride at some point.
"I sent Seamus an American flag sweater, he's always making fun of my accent. And I sent Dean a West Ham jersey, that's his favorite team. And Neville has a toad, but Trevor is a bit of a free spirit, so I got Neville some toad treats to maybe coax him into staying put. I also got something for Ginny, Mrs. Weasley's daughter, she'll start Hogwarts next year. I got her a hair oil to smoothen and bring out red highlights. Her hair is so pretty, Mom. And of course, I had to give something to Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore. I made Professor McGonagall shortbread, I know she really likes it, and a red tartan ribbon for her hat. I made lemon shortbread for Professor Dumbledore, he likes lemon, and some knitted socks."
"Socks?" Melissa laughed.
Erica smiled, a touch of red on her cheeks. "He said he wanted socks."
Melissa shrugged. "Fair enough. Anything else?"
"Ooh, yeah! There's Hagrid, he's the gamekeeper at Hogwarts, essentially the groundskeeper, but he also looks after the owls and makes sure the creatures from the forest don't wander onto school grounds. He loves magical beasts, so I got him a book about endangered, rare, and extinct magical creatures. And then you know what I got for our extended family."
Melissa laughed. Yes, she did. She'd been more than a little amused when Erica showed her the Acid Pops and Exploding Bonbons.
"I'm sure Wednesday and Pugsley will love them."
"They actually taste pretty good," Erica admitted. She'd been curious. "After you get over the burning sensation and mini-explosions, of course. The Acid Pops are kind of like extreme Warheads, and the Exploding Bonbons aren't too far off from Pop Rocks. Just chocolate and coconut flavored."
"That sounds weird," Melissa said. Erica giggled.
"At least it's not Bertie Bott's."
"Don't even mention those."
Melissa did not like Bertie Bott's. She'd had a grand total of three beans before firmly throwing them out: rotten banana, concrete, and boogers.
"They're not that bad, Mom," Erica giggled.
"Oh, yes they are."
Erica laughed.
There was one last present Erica had sent, but she decided to keep this one to herself. Mostly because she was nervous about how it was going to be received. Erica had sent a Christmas gift to Remus. A pencil drawing of the Gryffindor common room. And a reminder of his first true home.
Erica turned to stick the brownie batter in the oven to bake. She set the timer and went to clean her hands.
"Hmm, I wonder why I'm covered in flour?"
Melissa whistled innocently.
"I'm gonna shower and change," Erica decided.
"Why?" Melissa asked. "I think you look rather cute like this."
"Mom," Erica whined.
Melissa laughed again, waving her daughter off.
~)8(~
Christmas morning was the only day in the entire year Erica willingly woke up at a reasonable time. So come morning, Erica was up and about and whistling away, quite merrily, as she drizzled an obscene amount of icing over a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls. A heaping serving of bacon was sizzling on the stove. A pot of breakfast tea was brewing on the counter, and a breakfast casserole was baking away in the oven. Melissa was experiencing some fatigue with her pregnancy, but Erica heard her mom's shower running. It wouldn't be long now, and Erica was practically bouncing at the prospect of opening and exchanging gifts.
Erica's stocking was already opened and spilled all over the counter. The Addams women always opened their stockings first. Erica had gotten a heaping pile of chocolate, some new peppermint chapstick (the kind that made your lips tingle), three new pairs of fuzzy socks, and a trio of gift cards to some of Erica's favorite places — a bookstore, a local cafe, and a pizza joint.
Oh, Erica loved pizza.
Erica was digging into a pair of cinnamon rolls, a pile of bacon, and a heaping serving of egg casserole when Melissa emerged, her brown curls drying and a bright smile on her face.
"Merry Christmas, my Green Bean." Melissa kissed her daughter's forehead lovingly. Erica beamed.
"Merry Christmas, Mommy." Erica dipped down to her mom's tummy. "Merry Christmas, Chicken Nugget."
Melissa beamed just the same.
After third and fourth helpings of Erica's breakfast, and Melissa opening up her own stocking, full of high-end coffee (to look forward to after she was done nursing), chocolate, packets of instant yeast, fuzzy socks, and magnetic bracelets meant to help with vertigo and nausea.
Erica bounded to the tree, decorated with an assortment of ornaments ranging from classic to elegant to handmade to outlandish. Erica barely blinked at the bat wings flapping near her face, nor the guillotine ornament just above her head, as she dipped down to start passing out presents. Nor did the bloody eyeball swinging from a branch seem to faze her, or the ornament that looked uncomfortably like a jar of blood. The string of lights was fairly normal, but the tinsel looked like spider webs and wrapped all the way up the tree, leading right to the wizard-hat topper.
Soon, both Addams women had a pile of gifts in front of them, and took turns opening them. An impressive pile of ribbons and wrapping paper began to accumulate.
Erica was genuinely surprised to get as many gifts as she did. But she found herself opening a collection of gifts from many people at Hogwarts. From Harry, she unwrapped a brand new sketchbook, a wonderful collection of pencils, and a big jar of charcoal powder. Erica's eyes continued to only get more and more starry as she unveiled a big box of Chocolate Frogs from Ron, and Erica was wholly touched when she laid eyes on her gift from Hermione. A collection of creams and balms for headaches, stress, and sore muscles, as well as a wonderful note wishing Erica a happy Christmas and recovery from her monthly bout of symptoms. Erica also received gifts from Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas — a beanie hat knit with the Irish flag and a gift certificate to Flourish and Blotts. Erica then unwrapped a slightly crumpled parcel from Hagrid, and found a book on advanced potions. Erica couldn't wait to flip through it. Next came a lumpy package, inside which sat a wonderful, soft, warm knit sweater colored blue and cranberry — Ilvermorny colors. As well as a large box of homemade fudge.
Erica beamed. Mrs. Weasley.
"Oh, that's so kind of her," Melissa breathed, having just opened her own wrapped sweater, knit in a beautiful forest green that made her doe brown eyes pop. Both Addams women pulled on their new sweaters, and they were lovely and warm.
Erica also received a gift from Ginny, who had sent her a handmade Christmas card and a woven friendship bracelet. Erica immediately slipped it on as well.
Next came the family gifts.
Melissa and Erica exchanged presents, each tearing into them with gusto. Erica got another gift card to her favorite bookstore (a whopping $100), a brand new pair of Converse sneakers, three new pairs of leggings, a new journal, a new sketchbook, and a brand-new set of high-end watercolors.
Erica squealed with each new gift and hugged her mom every single time.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Melissa laughed, loud and happy. "You're welcome, sweetie!"
"Your turn, your turn!"
Erica was proud of the gifts she had gotten for her mom. A new cookbook about wizarding pastries and sweets, a book on British pastries and treats, her own copy of A History of Magic, and a magical seashell music box that played sounds and music of the ocean.
Melissa had always wanted to live near the ocean.
Melissa hugged her daughter tight, very thankful for the gifts. She was really looking forward to reading A History of Magic. She still couldn't believe Erica thought the subject was boring.
Next came the gifts from their extended family. Erica opened these gifts gingerly, unsure what to expect. She loved her family but they were a little… odd. Even for Erica and Melissa. But Erica found this year's gifts to be tame in comparison to other years. She was even delighted by some of them.
"Oooh, Aunt Morticia must've knit this," Erica said, holding up a swathe of black wool. It was a new sweater, oversized and warm and draping, with a hood, and bat wings connected to the sleeves. It was super cute, and Erica really liked it. But the next gift was suspiciously big. When she opened the long package, she facepalmed.
"Seems Gomez is eager for a rematch."
"Yippee."
Melissa giggled.
Inside the present was a sword. A brand-new, gleaming, razor-sharp, beautiful rapier sword.
The last gift from Uncle Gomez and Aunt Morticia was a simple envelope, bulging, and full of cash.
A truly obscene amount of cash.
"Deposit this for me before I do something stupid like buy out all of Barnes and Noble," Erica said, handing the envelope to Melissa.
Melissa's lip twitched. "Will do. I'll do the same." She waved her own bulging envelope of cash.
"I don't think Uncle Gomez knows how money works," Erica said. Melissa barked a laugh.
"Oh, he does, he just has an incredibly skewed perception."
"'Skewed' is a good word to describe our family."
"Good point."
Erica opened her next present with extra care, knowing Uncle Fester was prone to sending her sharp things and explosives, but thankfully it was only a book.
A book on medieval torture methods, but a book all the same.
The last present from her extended family was from her little cousin Wednesday, who had sent Erica a complete set of her favorite outfit: a black dress with a simple white collar, black tights, black flats, and a headless doll wearing the same outfit.
Erica smiled.
"Do you think Wednesday wants us to match when we visit on New Year's Eve?"
Melissa grinned. "Hmm, not sure."
Erica grinned herself. "Will you straighten —" Erica shivered — "and braid my hair?"
"Yes, sweetie."
"Uh… Is that Aunt Morticia's dress?"
"Yep. Good thing I'm not showing yet. This thing's skin tight. Guess we'll both be matching."
"Rather dress like a mini-Lurch. Or match with Cousin Itt."
"I thought you already did."
"Mom!"
Melissa roared with laughter.
Erica's last present was a small and unassuming package wrapped in simple brown paper, held together with simple twine. A small card with Erica's name was tucked into the bow. Erica instantly recognized the handwriting.
Remus.
Happy Christmas, Erica. Are you having a good break so far, despite the rough start? I really enjoyed our day together in Hogsmeade, thank you so much for spending it with me. It was a true delight to meet you. I'm drinking the tea I bought and eating some chocolate while writing this. Though I wish I had a Butterbeer and some of Madam Rosmerta's stew. I hope you have a wonderful day, Erica, and tell your mother happy Christmas for me.
Write to me soon,
Remus
For one cursed by the moon, you are as warm and bright as the sun.
Erica frowned at the last line, a little confused, but waved the note at her mom. "Remus says happy Christmas."
Melissa smiled, touched that a man she'd never met before had thought of her. Erica had told Melissa that she'd met Remus Lupin on the last weekend before break. Erica had more raved about Remus Lupin than talked about him. Melissa had been a little unsure at first what to think of the unusually strong relationship Erica already had with the man. But the more Erica spoke, the more she glowed with true happiness Melissa had never really seen before. Even before her accident. Melissa would never, as much as it pained her to admit, be able to understand her daughter's monthly curse. She would never be able to connect with her daughter on that level. Not like Remus Lupin could. And from what Erica had told her about the man, he seemed… lonely. The wizarding world was not kind to werewolves. And between that knowledge and the true happiness in Erica's face as she reverently opened Remus' gift (and a reassuring letter from Professor McGonagall that Remus Lupin was a good man), Melissa couldn't do anything other than smile, and feel happy too.
Erica smiled at the big Muggle thermos in Remus' package, inside which was stuffed several samples of tea from the little shop in Hogsmeade. Including a sample of his favorite blend. But Erica's brow furrowed as a small little bag fell from the parcel.
It was a simple, burlap-sort of bag. Like a jewelry bag. Erica loosened the drawstring, and a golden chain poured into her hand.
The barest golden glow pulsed from the jewelry. Erica held up the necklace, her breath hitching at the simple, beautiful charm.
A sun.
Melissa helped Erica clasp it around her neck, and it rested lightly against her chest. The charm was perfectly warm against her skin, but it was nothing compared to the warmth inside Erica. The warmth that could only come from the love and happiness she felt this Christmas.
That night, Erica fell asleep cuddled up with her mom. It was the best Christmas she'd ever had.
One more chapter to go today! And six more chapters total left in this story!
Sammiemoosam