Chapter 8: Christmas Day.
It had been a long evening, and everyone was exhausted. Albus had offered rooms to the guest who had originally planned on leaving. They smiled thankfully, but expressed that they would like to be with their loved ones on Christmas morning. Albus understood, and left them to go with some gracious snacks that the House Elves had prepared. Amos, Arabella and Alastor all waved their goodbyes and left the enchanted school of magic. Archie and Cuthbert stood in the shadows as they watched the others depart.
"Why didn't you tell them about the other one?" Cuthbert asked bluntly, eyes narrowed as he watched Moody.
"They're not ready to hear that yet." Archie replied watching Arabella leave.
"Have you told Albus? Remus or Sirius?" he asked again.
"I've hinted it to them; I'll leave them to figure it out." Archie said turning to face his companion.
"Archie, are you sure it's the only way? Maybe we could…" He sighed and smiled sadly at his friend.
"It is the only way. And I know that it won't be as bad as it seems."
"If you're really going to do it, maybe you can reveal your true identity to your friends."
"It would hurt them."
"It'd hurt them even more if you didn't tell them. And then they'd hurt you for not telling them!" a crooked smile showed on Archie's face as he looked down at his feet, wondering what to do.
"You know I'm right." Cuthbert said.
"I know. I hate it when you're right." Archie smiled. "I'll reveal it to them eventually."
With the silent promise, both men retired for the night.
***
Hermione got up groggily and washed her face. She hadn't slept well at all that night, tossing and turning. She had even fallen off of her bed in her quest to find some slumber. She was surprised that Archie hadn't heard her fall, but was half-glad that he didn't.
Archibald Hemming was indeed an intelligible man, despite his appearance. He was blessed to have had some training with the Eldar Warlocks. Maybe she could convince him to teach her something. But there was something about him which disturbed her. He seemed too familiar, yet very secretive. Hermione was sure that he was reluctant to give out any more information last night in the Order of the Phoenix. But she knew better than to accuse him.
Hermione brought out her brush and started tackling at her tangles in her hair. By the time she was finished, her hair was static and standing in all directions. She groaned at the fuzzy mop on her head. Too tired to do anything with it, she tied it in a small loose knot at the back of her head and headed to the living room. To her surprise, the fire was already lit and there was a tray with coffee waiting on the table. She saw Archie sitting on a chair, reading 'The Daily Prophet.'
"Good Morning," he greeted from behind his paper, smiling at her.
"Mornin'" Hermione replied a little groggily.
Archie folded his paper and poured out some coffee for her, asking her if she wanted cream in hers. She shook her head and thanked him. She sat down in the chair opposite him and sipped from her cup.
"It must have been amazing training with the Eldar Warlocks." She said, looking at him.
"Yes it was. But it was also very painful and tiring. They take no mercy on you when testing your courage, strength and will." Archie replied.
"What sort of things did they teach you?" Hermione asked, quite interested.
"They taught many things. Many potent practises and many dangerous ones also, but they always made sure channelled your powers, made sure you tried your hardest at the weakest aspects of your magic." Archie replied.
"You must have had be disciplined to do all of that."
"Well yes, but that didn't stop Cuthbert and I having a laugh behind their backs. Of course, we were punished afterwards, but it was worth it." He grinned, and chuckled at the memory of a certain prank with a pungent odour.
"Men, they never grow up." She muttered rolling her eyes. Archie heard but laughed all the same.
"Oh come on! Don't tell me that you wouldn't be interested to see a warlock with shimmering pink hair!"
Hermione laughed a little at the image forming in her mind's eye. An angry warlock, throwing curses at his two mischievous pupils.
"Ok, I admit it is funny. But rest assured, if my pupils get any ideas from you, I'll make sure there won't be hair or hide of you left for a forensic investigation."
"Yes ma'am."
The both of them smiled, and finished their coffee.
***
The Great Hall was decorated in all its glory for Christmas. There were several trees, each decorated with house colours and the fire crackled merrily. The four house tables were set aside, and the High Table was used for meals. A comfy atmosphere was created as couches were set around the fireplace for and a small table here and there for snacks.
Currently, Ron and Draco sat in a challenging game of Wizard's Chess. No one could tell who was winning, but Ron did have the slight advantage over Draco right now. Draco didn't look very happy at that. It had been known that neither of them would easily drop out of the game as they were both equally determined to beat each other at the game. Therefore, a game of Wizard's Chess between the two of them would often last a good 2 hours or so.
"15 Sickles that Ron wins this time." George challenged Ginny, who sat reading a book. The redhead rolled her eyes at her older brother.
"George, shut up. You know I don't gamble, go ask Bill." She said as she turned the page of her book.
"Aw Ginny. You're no fun! Bill's sleeping in the lazy git! So's Charlie for that matter!" He whined. "What are you reading anyhow?"
"How to get rid of annoying brother's who can't take a hint if it smacks them in the face," Ginny replied irritably.
"Touchy aren't we? George, better leave her alone. You were nearly scalped the last time she had PMS," Fred warned. Ginny slammed her book shut, and glared at her brothers, ready to curse them with warts instead of freckles.
"If you annoy me one more time, so help me I'll…" She continued with her tirade of threats and curses, as her twin brother's smirked and tried to keep a straight face. Sirius looked very amused at the whole situation, and really tried to stop himself from bursting out laughing. The whole scenario was rather reminiscent to the time he and James had annoyed Lily. Remus seemed to be deeply engrossed in a large chronicle, but even that particular book couldn't hide the amused look on his face.
Archie and Hermione entered the Great Hall and settled down on one of the couches by the fire. They greeted everyone with a Merry Christmas, and were more than surprised when they received an irritable reply from Ginny.
As the snow fell outside, more of the teacher's and guests entered the Great Hall. The Weasley clan were now enjoying the mirth and merriment of Christmas, and a much of the staff entered. Even Professor Snape, who usually treasured the solace of the castle was there conversing with Bill.
Archie watched as his friends exchanged presents, and smiled at there joyful faces. It had been a long time since he had seen them look so happy. Especially Draco who had to deal with so much these past few years. His father was now in hiding, and his mother had died some years back. He was alone in the world, but it seemed liked the Weasley's had accepted him with open arms, despite the hostility they had once shared.
"Merry Christmas Archie." Sirius and Remus said, giving him three wrapped up parcels.
"The third one's from Cuthbert," Remus muttered, so that only Archie could hear.
"Thank You." Archie smiled, he turned slyly to Cuthbert and smiled at him. He nodded back.
Every one had a good time giving and receiving presents from family. Overall, it was the best Christmas Harry had had in what seemed like centuries. Mrs Weasley had even gone through the trouble to knit Archie a Weasley jumper through the night.
"You're one of us now," Ron had grinned at him.
***
A/N: I'm so sorry for not updating in eons! I really am a lousy author, can't even make the effort to get over a Writer's Block! I'm so sorry, I'll try to update as often as I can. I'm now back on track for this story, but I have exams coming up soon (they always come at the worst times). So my priorities should be my revision, but I'll try to write whenever I can!
