I'm feeling festive, so I decided to give you some parties. We all know this is the calm before the storm in the wizarding world, so I'm trying to emphasize the fun!

"Okay Vin, This is the last person you are meeting today, I promise. Aunt Katie has come to see us!" Ella beams at me as she holds her swaddled son near her heart before she hands him over.

I smile down at the warm, blue bundle. I stare at his features trying to see Kevin or Ella, but I can't tell yet. He's too young. Everything about him is so cute and tiny. "December 20th is your birthday Vincent Michael. From now on it's your day." I whisper to him as I hold him close.

"Yeah, Kevin had to hurry off to practice, so I'm glad you came in to see us as soon as you got back. Your dad even came for a little bit to see Vin. He was ecstatic about the middle name, just like I'm sure my Grandpere would have been honored by the first name. How was the end of the semester?" She asks as she lays on her hospital bed. I can tell she's very tired. I'm not surprised because she was in labor for 8 hours yesterday. I received a for a very long letter last night at Hogwarts about her labor and how perfect Vin is. I could tell she wrote it and duplicated it to all the women in her family as a sort of birth announcement.

I sit down in the chair by the window, and try to imagine what my mother would say if she were here. I can't think of a single thing, because some days I even have a hard time remembering what her voice sounds like. Countless times I miss my mother so much that it hurts, and I wish I knew her better than my younger self was capable of. I kiss his forehead and whisper softly, "I pinky promise to always be there for you." I try to disguise my sniffle, but I can tell Ella knows I'm trying not to cry.

She's about to say something, but I notice Timmy come storming into the room. He looks outraged as a nurse runs in after him, "Prunella Bell, is there a particular reason you did not put me on the visiting list?" I look at the shocked look on Ella's face, and suddenly can't hold back my laughter. Leave it to Timmy to cheer me up without even trying. "I can't believe it's come to this! My own brother and his wife didn't want me to meet my nephew. As the nurse pointed out, technically I'm not family.."

Ella starts to laugh and looks at the nurse, "I'm sorry Ma'am, he really should have been on the list. He's family."

Timmy gives a smug look to the nurse, beams at El, and then plops down next to me on the chair. "Hey baby Kate, does he look like Kev yet?"

...

December 26th

"What do you mean I have to go? You're his wife!" I glare at Ella. And to think just yesterday after having a great Christmas with my family with great meals, gift giving, holidays drinks, and stories by the fire; I was thankful to have Ella in the family!

"I'm too fat, and much too tired from I don't know, HAVING A BABY last week!" Ella looks proud of herself for thinking of that one. I can never have a restful vacation! Although I do love the time I get to spend with my nephew. He gets more cute each day, and the entire family is in love with him. Grandmum is so proud she wanted to bring him to tea with her friends on Christmas Eve. Kevin said Ella wasn't up for it yet, but maybe in the future.

"How long will you pull that card? I didn't get you pregnant." I sigh. "There's no use arguing is there?"

"Nope, and just think. Oliver will be there, so you can make him regret his decisions of the past couple months." She smiles as she hands me a emerald green shimmery A line dress with a V neck line. It's so prettttty..

"He won't even notice me. Not that it matters, but am I really wearing green to a Christmas party? Isn't that a bit cliché?" I glance back as I put it on.

"Not when your eyes are the gorgeous green that they are. You do realize that I didn't tell you till last minute so; 1 you wouldn't think of a reason not to go and 2 worry too much about seeing Oliver. You need to get it over with before the New Year's party. He will be there." She says nonchalantly.

"I refuse to thank you for saving me from myself. Especially when you're putting me in this position!" I say sarcastically. She just smiles and leaves the room to check on Vin. I know she will be back much too soon to do my hair and make-up.

..

"Come on Kates! Let's be the first in line for the food! I'm starving." Kevin pushes his way through the crowd towards the buffet line. Who would have thought there would be so many people here. I guess the Puddlemere Christmas party includes everyone from the players, coaching staff, owners, athletic trainers, doctors, sponsors, to the maintenance crew.

"Yes sir. I am never one to get in the way of you and your food. Oh look! Is that the guy who invented the firebolt?" I quickly point across the room.

Kevin looks unconcerned as we get in line behind Cal. "Hey buddy, how was your Christmas?"

Cal turns around with a gorgeous playboy smile, "My Christmas just got a whole lot better. Why didn't you tell me you were bringing the little sister? Hello beautiful." Cal looks at me.

I giggle as he moves closer to me and puts his arm around my shoulder. I barely even notice the couple in front of Cal is the two people I'm trying to avoid tonight. "Seriously Cal, this is why. Step away from Kate. You freak her out because you're so old." Kevin frowns and takes a step forward as if to step between us.

Cal rubs circles on my shoulder and I see Kevin glare at his arm, "Sorry buddy, but I can't turn my back on my future. I have my happiness to think about. I didn't tell you to walk away from Ella."

I burst out into laughter, and try to ignore the looks of shock from all sides of me. I really hope there is no press here tonight. How embarrassing would it be to have an article about Cal professing his undying love to me. "Enough." Kevin says in a low voice, his glare is murderous.

I step in between them, "Relax Kevin, he's only joking and trying to annoy you. I'm sure he came with a bombshell supermodel date, or maybe a qudditich player from another team?" I smile up at him with a wink.

He looks shocked. "I would never cheat on you babe. Plus I would never fraternize with the enemy. No matter how much they'd pay me, I'd leave that to the Rookie."

I hear Kevin mumble something behind me, but we are to the food, so the boys are sufficiently distracted. I keep quiet and pray we don't sit with that rookie as I put food on my plate. As luck is on my side, Kevin and Cal and some of the older players have a different table than Oliver. I'm so proud of myself for not really looking at him the whole night so far... Maybe if I don't look at Oliver and Kelsey together, my heart won't hurt so much.

The meal was amazing, with many courses. Kevin and Cal drank a bit too much, but in their defense everyone kept buying Kevin a drink to celebrate his new son. If I had a galleon for every time I heard someone remark on the practice schedule for the baby, I would be very rich. Eventually Cal made me go out on the dance floor with him. He tried every type of dance, fox trot, waltz, salsa, tango, and rumba. He kept trying to see if my dance skills were as extravagant as Kevin complained about learning. Let's just say he doesn't know my grandmum and her obsession with my pure blood wife training.

Kevin came out and took me away from halfway through Cal's version of a 'rumba'. Cal just laughed and walked away. He knew he was making Kevin mad, and didn't want to push it. Cal really is a nice guy, but he loves the attention he gets from making a scene.

"Come on Kate. Let's get out of here before any of my other teammates think they can try to get you to dance." Kevin grumbles as he leads me to the exit. I keep my eyes on his back trying not to think of his one teammate I would want to dance with.

..

December 31st

I make my way down the stairs as usual, and glance over at the receiving line to wink at Zach. I can't break tradition after all these years. As my eyes scan to find him I notice a particularly messy brown head of hair. Butterflies erupt in my stomach, and I feel as if I am going to be sick. I wish Ella was here, but she's so tired from breastfeeding Vin every two hours that she refused to get all dressed up. The trials of motherhood.

Next to Oliver is a short thin brunette with trendy short brown hair that I could never pull off. This is awful that they both came. I'm going to have to avoid him for the whole night, somehow. I was prepared to see him, but not him with her. All happy as a couple... I did so good the other night, but I didn't really see them. Plus, Cal was there.

Suddenly I realize I have been paused at the top of the landing for much too long. I hope no one noticed. Zach smirks up as Oliver passes him after talking to Kevin, "COME ON KATIE! THAT WAS DRAMATIC ENOUGH OF A PAUSE!"

I laugh to myself as Grandmum glares at Zach. Thank God for my favorite cousin. I look forward, and tell myself that I will not look at Oliver for the rest of the night. You knew he was going to be here, stay strong. As I get close to the foot of the stairs, I see Michael walk in the front door. Of course he is dressed impeccably, and looks handsome as ever. He hurries through the receiving line, really just making an effort with my Grandparents and hurries to me. As I get to the last step he holds out his hand and bows, "My Lady, you look breath taking."

I blush and take his hand. I'm not at all surprised when he kisses my hand and begins to lead me to my place in line. He smirks, "I am under strict orders from Ella to be a gentleman, and to put on a show for your grandmother."

I laugh as he lets go of my hand when I stand next to Zach, "I'm sure it will be an interesting evening then." Michael leans in and kisses my forehead, "I leave you in your cousin's care. I will have a glass of champagne waiting for you when you are done."

Zach begins to laugh, "Like she needs to be left in someone's care. She's the toughest in the line besides maybe Grandmum." I stick my tongue out at him and smile at Michael as he walks away. He must be part Veela, because he's strikingly handsome in those dress robes. He makes me forget blondes aren't usually my type.

As family friends of my grandparents make their way through the receiving line, Zach catches me up on his life. He's so lucky to be done with school! It makes me even more excited for next year. He's also very curious about the triwizard tournament and asks endless questions.. typical Ravenclaw.

I miss when we all used to get together on Christmas Eve and open presents and have Christmas dinner. Now that we just do things with our siblings and parents for Christmas, and meet up on New Years with the whole family. This Christmas break has been a lot of me reading healer training books, relaxing, tea with Grandmum, hanging out at Kevin's, and holding Vin...

When we are finally released Alicia hurries up to me with George dragged behind her. He looks particularly pleased so I'm nervous about what is going on. Some prank probably, "Hello you two. For the first time in person I would like to congratulate you on your relationship." They blush. I think back to the frantic letter I received from Alicia explaining The Yule Ball, and their kiss afterwards.

Still blushing Alicia leads me to an uncrowded area of the room, "That is not why we came to talk to you!"

I look at George with a smirk, "Do enlighten me then."

Alicia leaned in and began to whisper, "Well I just wanted to tell you something about your grand entrance, and brought him along so you have to believe me." She pauses and beams at me. That's when I start to get nervous. Right before she says it, I know who it's going to be about. "Don't look at me like that! See George this is why I brought you to girl talk. She never believes me. Anyways Kevin looked livid when he saw the seeker with Oliver. Kevin usually gives that look to people he doesn't like, but it was at Oliver! Also, Oliver watched you walk down the stairs after Zach said your name. He couldn't look away even when his little date tried to get his attention." I give her a look and she glares at me. "I swear! Even ask George! Seriously when Michael was being all romantic, Oliver looked so mad!"

I look at Alicia trying to keep an indifferent look on my face. "Really Licia, I don't want to hear about this anymore. I mean it. Even if the whole world thinks they see something, I wouldn't want to know if it had anything to do with Wood. Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to go dance with my date."

Alicia looks so disappointed as I walk away, but I try not to think about it. Michael finds me as I'm talking to my Grandmum's friends. He hands me champagne and joins our conversation. Throughout the rest of the evening, Michael was at my side smiling and partaking in more than his fair share of conversations.

Eventually we found a break in the party guests and began to dance. He led me around the dance floor flawlessly. I couldn't help but think that it seemed as if we were dating. Sure we hung out in the library studying quite a bit this last semester, but beyond that one date to Hogsmead we never had any romantic situations. I would be crazy to not enjoy my time with one of the best looking guys I have ever met, but it made me nervous how much we seemed to fit like an actual couple without even trying.

As the next dance ended, Cedric walked up, "Can I cut in?" Michael nodded to Cedric, and kissed my cheek before walking away. "Well, well, well. Look who has the old ladies of the room in an uproar yet again. I don't know how you do it year after year, and always in a positive way. My grandmother has even agreed that the best thing to happen this year is the TriWizard Tournament. Since it allows Beauxbaton gentleman to be their eye candy. Apparently even your Grandmum approves of him."

I shake my head, "You're over exaggerating. "

He glances across the room, "I wish I was. I will say that it is worth listening to all the gossip to see Wood's face."

I sigh, "Please don't. I am very happy that you made it even though you had to be at the Yule Ball. I feel like so many people stayed for the ball and then left school. When did you get home?"

"Three days ago. I wanted to spend some time with my family, so Dumbledore let me floo back. He really is a nice old man." He looks behind me and frowns. "Well it was wonderful talking to you. Here's Wood.."

I tense for a second. "Hey Katie! Did you miss me? I sure have missed you! Thank you Diggory." Timothy bowed dramatically and took my hand. He swung me around and smirked as he began to dance. He seems a little drunk.."I almost didn't recognize you there little sister. I'm so used to looking for your long blonde hair, I almost didn't recognize you with it up. Alicia said it's because it's elegant, so you look older and sophisticated. Those words are much too long for me to understand though."

I laugh as Timmy tries to look confused, "If I remember right, you were very intelligent when you were at Hogwarts. I will take all of that as a compliment though. Thank you."

"You're very welcome." He says arrogantly, but then winks. He is drunk. I have never seen him like this at the New Year's Ball.

"I meant to ask you earlier. I was wondering, did you come with a date tonight?" I ask innocently thinking about how cute him and Sophie were at the wedding stuff.

He looks confused, "No, I never bring a date?"

I shrug, "Yeah I know, I was just hoping things would be different this year."

"What? why would you think things would be different?" He looks suspicious.

"Well Timothy, you aren't getting any younger. You do realize my Grandmum will be starting my wedding plans before I get too old. You wouldn't want your baby sister to get married before you, would you?" I smirk at him.

"WHAT?!" Timothy looks panicked. "You are going to marry that Michael kid? He's from France, and he's not... right for you at all. This is -"

"And you know who is right for me?" I raise my eyebrow switching from joking to being serious. He looks around the room quickly, and then grabs my arm and starts leading me away. "Where are you taking me Timothy!?"

Kevin is on the far side of the room deep in conversation. Probably about the baby or qudditich. I can't see who he's talking to until we get closer. I start to resist as soon as I see him, but Timothy doesn't even seem to notice as he drags me on. Oliver looks away from Kevin, turns to see Timothy's face, and frowns in a worried way. He opens his mouth to say something when he notices me. He closes he mouth and swallows nervously. Where is his date? Why does he look nervous? Maybe he wishes she were around when I'm coming. I look away and towards Timothy and Kevin who are now talking in whispered voices. I try to pull my arm away, but Timmy pulls me closer and glares at me.

"What did I do! I feel like I'm in trouble and you're telling Kevin what I did. I'm not a 5 year old anymore." I glare at him, but he ignores me. I feel Oliver move closer, but refuse to look at him. "Timothy, please let me go. You're hurting me."

Suddenly George and Alicia are behind us too, Timmy isn't holding onto my arm, and Oliver is between us. "Tim what's wrong? You were hurting Kates."

As soon as I hear him say my nickname, I know that I cannot be this close to him. I feel claustrophobic and I have never felt that way before. I turn and practically run out into the garden until I find a bench. In the distance I hear Alicia calling my name, but I don't say anything. I just need some space. Maybe if I can think while I'm alone, I can figure out what had Timmy all freaked out.

Out of the corner of my eye I see movement, and watch Kevin appear out of the shadows. "Hey Baby Kate. What's up?" I look at my big brother and try not to cry. The first night I saw Oliver over break wasn't bad. I never saw him up close and only in the crowd, but today... I hiccup as Kevin comes towards me, and he wraps me in a hug. "It will be alright. Don't cry Kate. Please don't cry. Did Timmy really hurt you? What's the matter?"

I sniffle and mumble into his chest, "What did I do to make Timmy so mad? One minute we were joking and the next he was dragging me back to you, like I was in trouble." I don't want to tell him that I can't see Oliver without breaking down. It's too embarrassing to be said out loud. One kiss doesn't mean anything to Oliver. It had meant everything to me.

"Nothing, you did nothing. Tim was just being stupid. He's a little drunk, and took a joke about marriage like you seriously meant it. He thinks... you're too young to get married."

I pull back and look up at Kevin, "I was just asking about if he had a date, because I was going to bring up Sophie. I wish they would become a couple."

He laughs and looks out towards the house, "You and El both. You know I love you, right?"

"Yes of course, " I give him a puzzled look.

He smiles at a joke I don't hear, "Just don't go running off marrying some guy without making him ask me first."

"What are you talking about Kev?" I give him a narrow eyes look, letting him know I mean business.

"We need to get back in there, don't you think? Grandmum will start to worry." He looks innocent all of a sudden.

I nod and stand up deciding to drop whatever he was saying. Thank goodness for the makeup charms Grandmum used. Kevin puts his arm around my shoulder as we make our way back in. Alicia is standing by the door looking excited. Oliver and Timmy are having a heated discussion a few feet away. Kevin and I begin to dance around the room, and I begin to feel better. I just have to really work on getting over Oliver, so this type of thing doesn't happen again. Maybe if I work really hard at it, someday when I'm over Oliver it could work out with someone like Michael. Look at tonight. If I wasn't basically in love with Oliver tonight would be perfect.

After a couple dances Michael cuts in, and I can tell he's a little tipsy from the champagne. He seems extra smiley, but other than that it's hard to tell.

At midnight he kisses my cheek, "Thanks for inviting me tonight Katie. I had a great time."

Shortly after midnight we go on a walk in the garden. He talks about how his dad really wants him to be a lawyer. He's supper jealous how I can pick whatever I want to be. I talk about missing my mother terribly at random moments. Then he admits how jealous he is I grew up going to Hogwarts. He says it's the most amazing place he's ever been. I smile to myself thinking how sad I will be to leave Hogwarts in June. It's almost time for me to leave my childhood behind.

WILL UPDATE AGAIN THIS MONTH IF I GET REVIEWS! please!

~Grace