Disclaimer: I own nothing. Harry Potter and all the characters belong to JK Rowling and I hope she doesn't mind I borrow them. I would also like to say that the whole Prince of Griffindor thing belongs to the author of the Gilded Lily, which I myself enjoy. I would like to say that I only borrowed the title (Prince of Griffindor) and will not be anything like the Gilded Lily.

It's a long one! Hope you enjoy!

A Life in a Moment

Chapter 11: Winter at Hogwarts

Nothing could ruin my mood this morning. I woke up and threw back my curtains to see a snow covered Hogwarts. It was beautiful. The snow was two feet deep and covered everything in a glistening white blanket. Hagrid's hut had little puffs of smoke coming out of the chimney and his dog Cookie was playing in the snow while Hagrid cleared a path to the greenhouse nearby. The sky was shining and shimmering blue.

"Bell, wake up. It snowed again! Don't you just love when it snows here." I could here Bella mumble and I ignored it.

I noticed that she did not insult or comment on Clarissa and her excessive hogging of the mirror though.

Everyone seemed to share my sentiments though and the morning classes flew by. Before I knew it we were outside engaging in a huge snowball fight. It was all the first year Griffindors. I got great satisfaction in dumping snow down Potter's back after he got me on the face. Then it was boys verse girls and I and Bella make an unstoppable team. Once we were numb and breathing heavily the group of us went back to the common room.

Hanging on the bulletin board was a sign up sheet for staying at Hogwarts over the break. I smiled I would be going home in a week to see my parents. There was a bounce in my step all the way up to the dorms. Where I then jumped up in the air and belly flopped onto my bed.

"Ahhh." The pillows muffled it though.

"Lils you are just too funny. I haven't seen you this psyched in a while. What is with the bounce in the step?" Bella had wandered over to the her bed and was now laying just like me with my arms spread out.

"Were going home in a week and I am going to see my parents!"

"Oh." I rolled over and faced her our beds were next to one another's.

"Why so glum?"

"Going home for Christmas means social gatherings. My family is kind of in the inner ring and there is going to be a million dressy parties I am going to have to go to."

"That doesn't sound too bad. It can be fun getting dressed up. Who else will be there?"

"Well James, Sirius, Clarissa, probably Remus, Virginia, and several others but that the Griffindors in our year."

"Well know I feel bad for you." This caused a laugh. " Don't worry you'll be back before you know it and then I'll have lots of stories to tell you about my horrible sister."

"You know I really wish I could meet Tunia dear."

"Yeah and when you actually do you'd be wishing you kept your mouth shut."

"Lils I am gonna miss you."

"Me too Bella."

"Picture time!" We yelled together. We then ran around snapping shots are everyone. Part of the fun was blinding them with the flash and the other half was seeing their expressions when they came out.

*

The week seemed to fly by and the castle was know decked out. The great hall was lined with holly and everlasting no melt icicles were on the great staircases. Festive cheer was every where and we would go around singing jingle bells and deck the halls while people stared in amazement at us.

Before we knew it we were in our best school robes and down in the Great Hall for the feast before the train leaves. It was simply delicious and the enchanted ceiling was snowing although the flakes would disappear before they reached us. That's when things started to go awry. The wind picked up and it turned into a blizzard and the snow was no longer disappearing but accumulating. We all ducked under the tables and once it stopped we all peaked out. Several kids sprang up and screamed "Snow Ball Fight!" and chaos ensued. I nailed Potter in the face but he got me right back. I laughed seeing Sirius lob one in Wormwoods face. It was great. An hour later fireworks erupted causing several people to scream. Malfoy's being particularly high pitched. But instead of being a blast of color it read 'compliments of the marauders' me and Bell eyed the four pranksters and they winked back at us. Most of us went up to the common rooms to warm up (the snow was still cold) and then hunkered down to bed.

*

The train ride home we reminisced our half of the year and made plans to get the 'marauders' good next time. We even enlisted Amanda and Vanessa for help. We giggled the whole way home after that at some of the absurd ideas we came up with.

We pulled into the station and hugged one another wishing each other a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and see ya soon, then we found our parents and some of us (like me) hopped into the back of station wagons while others (Potter) got in a Limo! (I was gipped) as Bella walked into a fire place (What? I'll ask her later). And we were off for our first trip home in four months.

*

Unfortunately Petunia was sitting next to me in the back seat.

"Hey Tunia how was school?"

"It was wonderful."

"That's cool so was mine…"

"I have no interest in hearing about your school." With that she turned and looked out her window. This was going to be a long vacation.

Mean while at the Griffindor Palace…

"Mother please do not make me wear this tux. I look like a penguin." He was standing on a fitting block with several tailors hovering about. His mother was keeping watch.

"James Griffindor Potter. I allowed you to go to Hogwarts instead of being privately tutored the least you could do is make your Grandmother happy by dressing properly." She then turned to the tailors. "Make sure there is an extra pair of gloves. I would hate to hear he lost one and cannot show to all the parties. My son, do not fret. It is only at night during the day you can where what you want." She kissed him on the forehead and left. Next Christmas I am staying at Hogwarts.

*

Christmas day arrived and I was truly happy I was home. We all gathered round the tree snuggling on the sofas and chairs in our pajamas with cups of tea and sorted the gifts. The tree was beautiful this year. I had all our homemade ornaments and candles that flickered on the heavy branches. Too top it off there was a fresh blanket of snow outside. We went around in a circle opening them up one by one so we wouldn't miss anything and could see each other's expressions.

My parents gave me some clothes, a few books, a few canvases, and too my delight Grandma's kaleidoscope. Grandma Mimi had died two years ago. Whenever we went to her house I would always with it and she would tell me a story how the Grandpa who also sadly passed away gave that to her as a wedding present. My Grandma loved these and it was cherry wood with gold trim. I ran too my mom and dad and hugged them.

Arabella had given me a camera so I could take my own photographs and Remus gave me a book titled Curses for Everyday Use… It caused me to giggle and Tunia dear to shriek.

Petunia begrudgingly gave me a watch. I had a striking feeling mom bought if for her to give to me.

It made me happy to see the success of my gifts. Dad loved his butterbeer and he thought the comic books were hilarious. They were Martin the Mad Muggle. I thought he would get a kick out of them. For mom I got a clock. Only it wasn't a normal clock because instead of the hour and minute hand it Angel, Petunia, and Charlie on the hands and School, Mortal Peril, Work, Home, Asleep, London, and in really small print not being an angel for the times. She smiled. I got Petunia a romance novel that she likes.

We spent Christmas the same way we did since Grandma died. We gave out gifts and served a home made meal at the local orphanage.

Meanwhile Christmas was in full swing at the Griffindor Palace…

James woke up. He was in his room in his four poster bed. It was a king size and way to big for him but it didn't matter. He threw back the covers and slipped on his slippers. He was in red silk pajamas. He looked around his huge room. There was a massive seven foot high tree sparkling with hand blown glass ornaments a regal looking desk a large walking closet and a bathroom the size of a small room not to mention his own sitting area with couches and such.

He ran and got changed ignoring the cold air. His fire was starting to die down. He climbed into a pair of off white cords and a green sweater. He attempted to smooth his hair gave in jammed on his glasses and ran still in socks down the hall slipping and sliding the whole way.

The hallways were decked with Holly and red bows. Fairy lights were also adorning the hall. He made a sharp left ran down to the large doors and went flying in. His mother, father and Grandmother were all sitting their chatting and sipping tea.

"Merry Christmas!"

"Oh James dear, Merry Christmas to you too. Come give your mother a hug." He did just that. He didn't even take notice of the twenty-foot tree with presents overflowing from beneath it. Nor the wing backed armchairs that were arranged around it with a great rug before them or all the Christmas decorations that were something to marvel at all on there own. Candles were everywhere some even floating in the air. Tapestries adorned the wall. There was also a gigantic fireplace with an ornate mantel where stockings were hung almost bursting at the seams. This wasn't important to him. His family was.

He then went to his father who he hugged.

"Next time don't forget shoes." James face fell.

"What about your Grandmother. What she doesn't get a kiss." He then went to her and bowed appropriately. Then approached and gave her a kiss on both cheeks. "Go easy on him Henry. It is Christmas." He smiled. "Come on this pile of presents is just begging to be opened." She was still pretty spry for her age.

With that they all settled down into the chairs while house elves gave out the gifts. Which no one seemed to acknowledge. Even though he only asked for an owl he got plenty more. Several books, tons of clothes, some practice Quidditch robes, candy, a biting teacup, a signet ring, gold watch, a new cello, more letter sealing wax, his own eagle owl (He had been using the families), and an antique broom that is a family heirloom used by Godric Griffindor himself. [I know he is a bit spoiled and I wasn't sure what else he wants. And yes a cello. Hehe] Not to mention a few other odds and ends.

He then proceeded to hug everyone and say thanks and then they left. Everyone had business to attend too, tonight was the Christmas Gala and was a huge event. Sighing James got up and went back to his room leaving the mass of discarded wrappings for the house elves to throw out and his presents to be brought to his room.

"And another Christmas goes by…" Poor James was far from happy. He wished he could have a normal Christmas and not one with a tossing of presents at one another a kiss on the cheek and go back to work.

The gala that night was as always the social event of the season. Every old blood wizarding family was there (even the Snapes and Malfoys) along with the Minister of Magic and his family and other prominent Witches and Wizards.

Everyone was in his or her best tuxedos and evening gowns. James and his family were waiting for the proper moment when they would take the throne. It was a huge procession. We would walk down the Grand staircase. He would be at his Grandmother's arm while his father at his mother's. A herald would announce us and the crowd would part and bow as they walked up to the throne. Where we would sit and watch the opening dances. Then they would retire into the Grand Ballroom for dinner and the more dancing would commence and then he would be free to roam.

He had on a full tuxedo that was too tight around the neck white gloves that he itched to take off and stiff but shinned dress shoes. Not to mention the crown upon his head. It was gold and adorned with numerous rubies and diamonds. His family was even more dressed up. His Mother and Grandma with upswept hair and crowns in full ball gowns that poofed out. He was proud to say his mother was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen save maybe Lily…

WHAT? Where did that come from SNAP out of it Potter. He shook his head and the thought went out with it.

"Sweetie, don't do that you will mess your hair up again." His mother said making sure it still laid flat. The lady who did his hair added tons of gunk and I was sure it would not come unglued.

I went and peered out into the ballroom from behind a curtain. Everyone was milling about. The trumpets sounded and the Herald called. The music would accompany down. Mother checked to make sure my tux laid perfectly on my shoulders while my father told me not to slouch.

Grandmother then summoned me too her. I took her arm holding it out in a right angle her hand resting on mine and we started our descent.

I plastered a fake smile on my face although no one would be the wiser. Years of doing this was actually good for one thing. Everyone was bowing. The smaller ballroom looked magnificent the chandeliers shown. It was quite a sight and the Grand Ballroom would be even better. We finally arrived at the thrones and I took my seat next to Grandmother. She was on the high seat as reigning queen. My father and mother were on her opposite side.

Ugh how boring could this be. I could see Sirius laughing and imitating me. He was with Abrabella, Remus, Peter, Clarissa, Virginia, and Caleb. Clarissa looked magnificent in a blue that brought out her eyes. She loved this kind of thing and she was breed for it. Jeez you would think we were prize purebred dogs. Arabella did not look like she was having fun. She looked sulky while everyone else was laughing at Sirius. Huh wonder why.

The evening progressed and I was stuck at the high table again at dinner and was forced to dance with all these old ladies who were old family friends. What I wouldn't give to set one of these dresses on fire or put a firework in the cake.

I was continually told to dance with Clarissa by my parents.

"Don't you look handsome this evening." She smiled.

"Ah I am a mere star to the sun." I said bowing to her slightly. I knew perfectly well how to get a girl's attention. We then proceeded to waltz while she babbled on how wonderful the ballroom looked. Soon after I was made to dance with Bella. She was radiant in red.

"Do you believe this. I thought I might have been able to wiggle my way out of this."

"Ah you and I both now your parents want you to marry someone with old blood."

"Well I was invited to Lily's for Christmas. Can you imagine a Christmas without balls!"

"We will have to dream. Or run away…"

"Right like that will happen." They were waltzing to a live band.

"Check out Sirius." I almost couldn't contain my laughter. He was dragging Virginia around the dance floor in the most haphazard way he could manage while she struggled to keep him in control.

"She is fighting a loosing battle."

"Man I suddenly had the urge too go Whoop whoop go Sir…"

"Potter your nuts. Are you sure all that weight on you head hasn't damaged it?" She nodded her head up to the crown.

"You think if I tell my mom that she'll let me take it off?" He said sarcastically.

After that dance the group of us escaped the ballroom and went and hung out in my room.

Slowly but surely the night came to a close and a joyous James went to bed. Praising the Lord he didn't have to do this again to new year's eve.

[Just a note. Like in England there is a Queen well the Griffindor's are the royal family of the English wizarding world. ]

~ Thanks for reading hope you enjoyed. I was kind of hoping to break ten reviews on the last chapter and I only needed one to get ten too. I didn't get any though. I am normally really against begging for reviews I feel bad doing it but I really want to break ten. Next three chaps are written and I hope to post one everyday since I still must edit them. Thanks to those who have reviewed. I really appreciate it and I won't mind flames. ~puddles~