A Quiet Interlude

            The halls of Hogwarts are being decorated for Christmas and the students are all starting to get into the spirit.  Even Harry and his gang are starting to forget about Zimmermann and the Death Eaters.  After all, if Dumbledore has seemingly forgotten about it, there must not be an issue.

            Most of the Americans are getting ready to head home for the holidays.  Johnny packs her trunk, whistling happily.  She feels Pansy Parkinson's eyes on her and she turns angrily.  "What is your malfunction, Parkinson?"

            "I just can't believe they're letting you go home and enjoy the holidays after what you did," Pansy snaps.

            "What are you talking about?" Johnny asks.  "I haven't done anything wrong and they can't just keep me from my Christmas break."

            Pansy shrugs.  "Whatever.  Well, when you come home after an uneventful break, they'll realize that you really are the cause of all this and you'll be kicked out for sure!"

            Johnny heaved her trunk over her shoulder, showing just how strong she really is.  "I'm so sure, Parkinson.  Merry Christmas."

            At the lake, where the students going home are ready to cross, Fred, George, Ginny, and Ron are waiting with their own trunks.  "Have a happy Christmas, Johnny," Ginny says quietly.  She blushes a bit and hands Johnny a small box.  "Don't open it till you're almost home, okay?"

            Johnny looks down at her present, a bit surprised.  "Oh, Ginny, I didn't get you anything.  I… I really didn't think…"

            "I don't expect a present, Johnny.  I just wanted you to have something to remind you of me," Ginny hugs Johnny tightly.  "Mum and Dad say they're going to have a long talk with me over the break.  I'm sure you're going to come up quite often.  I'll let you know what's going on when we get back."

            Johnny smiles.  "My folks and I already have tons to talk about… me being kicked out of school back home and all.  Maybe this will be good news for them," she chuckles nervously.  "Have a good vacation."

            They kiss softly as they part for their different boats.  In her boat, Johnny opens the small box and gasps.  She pulls out a small snow globe where there is a tiny figurine of Ginny dressed up warmly and playing in the snow.  She even has a tiny broom to fly around on as well.  A tear rolls down Johnny's cheek and she stuffs it in her pocket.

            Harry, Daniel, and Hermione are drinking hot cocoa in the Gryffindor common room, not talking but just enjoying each others' company.  Hermione has a book in her lap and is petting Crookshanks' ears absentmindedly.  The cat purrs loudly and nuzzles against her hand, which is warm from the cocoa mug.

            "So, why aren't you going home?" Harry asks.

            Dan smiles.  "I've always wanted to travel the world.  And during the break, I have permission to do a bit of traveling of Europe while I'm here.  I hope to see a lot of wizarding communities while here."

            Hermione nods.  "Sounds like fun.  You don't seem as closed minded as most Americans."

            Daniel sighs.  "You have to realize something, Hermione.  We're all not bad.  So some of us seem crude to someone who has spent her entire life being raised to be prim and proper.  Most of us are raised to be individuals.  We're each our own person."

            "We're individuals, too!" Hermione exclaims.  "It's just that we're polite individuals."

            Daniel and Harry laugh heavily.  Harry looks at Hermione.  "Why aren't you going home for the holiday?"

            Hermione shrugs.  "Didn't feel like it, really.  After last year's Yule Ball, I was hoping there'd be another one.  But, when there wasn't, I decided that I'd just like to spend a quiet Christmas here to study for the OWLs."

            The break really is as uneventful as Pansy had predicted.  Christmas morning arrives and Harry is delighted to see that he has received presents not only from his friends and the Weasleys but also a gift from Sirius Black, his godfather, and Remus Lupin, the Defense against the Dark Arts Teacher from two years ago.  Both had been friends of his parents when they attended Hogwarts.  Attached to both are letters for him.  "Sorry that communication has been scarce, Harry.  I've been incredibly busy making runs for Dumbledore and others.  Enclosed is some money, though I'm sure you have no need of it, and a present that I hope you'll appreciate.  Have a happy holiday and be very careful.  Yours-  Sirius."

            Harry smiles.  Leave it to Sirius to have a caution as well as a holiday greeting.  He tucks the letter away in his trunk and opens the gift.  He grins broadly.  It's a signet ring with symbols representing a stag, a wolf, a dog, and a lily.  He slips it on and admires it.

            The next letter is just as nice.  "Harry, you're developing into a fine young wizard from what I hear.  Congratulations on your progress.  Your parents would be proud and I know that I am.  Hopefully you will enjoy your gift and use it wisely.  Stay alert, Harry, and you will go far in life.  Merry Christmas- Prof. Remus Lupin."

            Harry opens the larger package and reads the title of the book slowly.  It was a book of advanced Dark Arts defensive spells.  It is very well worn and Harry opens it up to see written in very swirled letters:  "Property of Lily Evans."

            Harry feels tears from in his eyes and he hugs the book to his chest.  He takes the book and puts it on a shelf so that he can join Daniel and Hermione for breakfast.