Author: Pippin
Rating: The chapter is most likely rated G.
Pairings: Obvious. Virginia Weasley and Draco Malfoy.
Summary: Virginia Weasley is just a normal teenager, going through what all teenagers go through. She's at Hogwarts again for another year of school and it's her sixth. She has close relationships with her friends but can that all change? Will she feel the same all at the end of the year or will this year change her life? Make a new path for her unsure future? Will this all change when a certain Silver haired boy comes into the picture? Read to find out and not exactly a happy ending.
Note: Story is written through Virginia Weasley's eyes. Also, this has NOTHING to do with the fifth Harry Potter Book so scrap the book when reading this. Thank you.
Authors Note: Wow! Its been yonks since I last posted a chapter and for that I am terribly sorry. I know I'm a bad author and whatnot but any way the main reason was FanFiction stuffing up on my computer. Plus I have work to attend to so that has tied up my time. Thank you all for the reviews and for the reviewer who left that this should be rated G, well you could possibly say that but I haven't exactly gotten to my R rated scene yet. That's like a few chapters away so yeah. Um, there's nothing else to say. I got Chapter 11 ready but it depends on the reviews for this chapter. If there good, then I'll post it in a day or two, if there bad I'll still post it lol. Ok, I didn't make any sense whatsoever just then. But yeah, I'll have to see if I'm busy or not too. So yes, I'll TRY and get chapters up more quickly! Sorry for the long wait/delay. Here's Chapter Ten for you all!
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Chapter Ten - Going home for Christmas
It was now the second last week of school till Christmas Holidays. Exams were on and assignments were handed in just as easily as they were handed out. Everyone in Gryffindor was busy. Busy with exams and assignments. The light of the Halloween Feast was still talked about throughout the school. Everyone was surprised about the spectacle and couldn't stop talking about it. I often thought about it. The same thoughts of when I fell asleep that very night hammered into my mind and stayed as an imprint. So fresh, so vivid. The school weeks had passed fast and it only felt like yesterday when we started back at Hogwarts. The day in Diagon Alley, the train ride, the first and second encounter with Malfoy, the steely gaze, the Halloween Feast and the First Quidditch Match against Hufflepuff were all part of the past. Part of a memory of my Sixth Year.
Just like the scenery. The grounds of Hogwarts had turned from light green to snow white. The grass was coated with white icing within one night of continuous snowing, making the grass it's green filling. The trees were decked with soft white powder, covering all the leaves effectively. The lake was just about to freeze over, keeping all the animals under a blanket of ice. The Quidditch pitch was just as white as the grounds. Snow flakes would fall on the ground, just adding to the icing already placed on the grounds. Autumn was just as amazing.
The leaves of autumn were of every medium dark shade. Some were a dark green nearing a beige brown, some were purple and some turned a red pink colour. The leaves crumpled and smelling fresh, fell to the ground in one big heap making them crunch when you walked over them. Even though leaves were changing their colours around Halloween, I didn't notice till late November. The air was fresh and crisp. Nothing compared to winter air, icy and cool. Yes, everything at Hogwarts was Magical and that's how the place could be explained in one simple word. Even though the atmosphere and grounds of Hogwarts changed, some things remained the same.
School was progressing on rather well and I couldn't wait till next week when it was all over for the term. My brother and me were going home for Christmas as it was a family reunion. I remembered receiving the letter and felt my heart flutter at the words of my Mother. I could just image the wide grin and a cover of wet tears ready to pore out but were covered by an invisible barrier while she sat and wrote the letter. Just hearing that my brothers and Dad was home for Christmas made my days at Hogwarts more easy to get through.
I would think about my family while I did my exams and it kept my mind off other things like Malfoy and when I'd have my next encounter with the arrogant idiot. He didn't try anything, which really surprised me. He still would stare at me, as I noticed more after being told but that was it. He never crossed my path or was it cause I kept away from him and dark corridors? Well, whatever the reason, it was good and kept me from trouble. Mainly throughout the day, it would cross my mind for a split second and then it would fleet out of my mind as if it was on fire.
Everything at Hogwarts was fine and doing well. I was happy and so were the people around me. I just hope the week will rush by and I'll be home with my family, around our old table, waiting for Christmas dinner. It was exciting. My heart would race with every waking day, knowing that I was a day closer to seeing my family as a whole again. Days or week, whatever you call yourself, please hurry up!
Just as I wished on a shining star or a fairy God Mother popped out of nowhere and heard my silent plea, the week did pass quickly with all assignments and exams finished. I passed each one with marks I thought I'd never get, except for Potions. The Potions Master seemed to be really tight with his marking this year. Whatever was wrong with him, I just hope it will be fixed by the time we get back to school but then again, wasn't that just our Potions Master? Always mean, cruel and tough on marking? It was but it didn't matter to me as long as I passed.
Ron and myself are on the Hogwarts Express on the way home for Christmas. My heart was pumped and filled with love and laughter I wanted to share with my entire family. The grin on my face could not be wiped off my face while I sat there in a compartment with Charlotte and Tina. Anna decided to stay back at Hogwarts because Daniel was. Charlotte was going to France for Christmas while Tina was staying home with the family just like me.
The train ride home was peaceful. The girls and I talked about the short vacation we will all be having and what we were going to do. The ride passed quickly and before any of us knew, we had arrived at Kings Cross Station. I looked out the window to see my Mothers flaming red Weasley hair blowing in the winter air. Her coat, old and tattered, was wrapped securely around her small yet womanly body that had seven children came out of it. Her cheeks were a rosy red colour and her lips were matching. Her ears were slightly pink from the coldness and her nose. Her handbag hung on her shoulder, that too old and worn to bits.
I quickly exited the train just wanting to be in the arms of my loving Mother. I pushed passed plenty of other students but I didn't care. I wanted those arms to be wrapped around me, shielding me from the winter breeze. Hopping off the step of the train, I rushed to where she stood, a small smile tugging at her lips. Her face seemed to have aged a little but just seeing her there, a small smile tugged at her lips and a pink face, made her look younger and more beautiful than she already was. It made me even more prouder to have a lovely looking mum.
I nearly tripped over my own feet in my rush to be back in her arms but I caught myself before I fell over. I saw her eyes grow big when she caught sight of me. My ruby red curls bouncing up and down as I took each step. Brushing into my eyes, I pushed the strands of hair away as I continued to get to my Mother. Her eyes, big, brown, loving, caring, everything a Mother's eyes should be, shone with joy. Her eyes twinkled and a current of wind passed her making her flaming red hair fly behind her and show her face clearly. The face I longed to see ever since Hogwarts.
I could feel the smile growing larger and larger on my face, nearly stretching my cheeks. I had a small cramp from the smile but I ignored it. As I neared, I saw her turn to face me better. Her handbag slid down her shoulder and into the small pit of her arm where her elbow was. It was swinging and nearly hitting her legs. Her arms were up and ready to give me a hug. I ran into the comfort of her arms without another thought.
"Oh, Ginny! Virginia! My little baby! Your back in my arms! I missed you so much!" I heard the sweet voice of my Mother say into my ear as I hugged her closely to my body, not only seeking warmth but also comfort.
She kept repeating how much she missed me, while I buried my cold face into her hair, smelling the shampoo she used. I felt my Mothers arms rub my back soothingly as she pulled my closer. I shut my eyes tightly, savouring the all too many moments I had safe in my Mothers arms. When we pulled away, she brushed the strands of hair that covered my face behind my ears and then cupped my chin. She titled it till I was on eye level with her. Her fingers were warm as they rubbed my chin softly.
Her eyes were teary and her smile unstoppable. I raised one of my hands to hold onto the one that was supporting my chin.
"I've missed you too," I said smiling. Just having her there with me, made me feel safe, like no one could hurt me. I loved that feeling.
"OH!" she cried out as she pulled me into another big hug. I hugged her back till a voice came from behind me.
"Ron! My baby!" I heard my Mother say as she slowly pulled out of the hug. I let go and turned to see my brother standing there with both of our trunks by his side. His smile big and plastered on his face. His eyes shined with pure happiness.
"Hello," Ron said as Mum went to go hug him. She pulled him into a bug hug, similar to the hug we were just in. I watched as Ron hugged her back with just as much force but also being careful not to break her frail body. He kissed the side of her head and rubbed her back. I walked over smiling and waited for my brothers moment with Mum to end.
"I've missed you! Oh my baby is finally coming home for vacation!" our Mother said hugging him tighter.
It was amazing. A few years earlier and Ron wouldn't be caught hugging his Mother affectionately in front of people let alone, students of Hogwarts. I watched and noticed just how much my brother had matured and turned into a young gentleman right before my eyes. It made it clear as to why my parents cherished all of us. We all grew up with the proper manners and respect, well, for the twins, I'm not too sure but I did know they loved Mum just as much and they too started to show their lover for her as they got older, even if they were always playing pranks.
It started at the end of Ron's Fifth Year at Hogwarts, the end of Fourth Year for me, when he showed his love and respect for our Mother. He had always respected her, cherished her, loved her but never really showed it. He would in little ways but that was it. He wouldn't even hug Mum as long as he was now back in his First Year or so but he had changed. We all had.
We were all growing older and maybe for some, wiser. Smiling at all the memories of Ron when he was younger and hugging Mum for a spilt second before rushing off with Harry and Hermione in embarrassment, they pulled out of the hug to stare at each other.
"I missed you too! Mum don't cry!" Ron said as he wiped the little tear drops that ran down her rosy cheeks.
"Oh, my babies, they're coming home for Christmas! All of my children. I've missed the both of you greatly!" she said as she took out a handkerchief and dabbed it on her cheeks, "You both must be thinking, 'oh no, look at Mum, she's breaking down in front of all these people!'"
"Not even close," Ron said, "I'm thinking, 'look at how beautiful Mum is even when it's freezing cold.'"
I heard my Mother sniff slightly at what Ron was thinking. I decided to put my input.
"You want to know what I'm thinking?" I asked as I looked at my Mother to Ron. Ron nodded his head eagerly while Mum just gave one small nod with a sniff, "I'm thinking, 'I am so proud to be the only daughter of Molly and Arthur Weasley. I'm so proud to have such a wonder, terrific, beautiful Mother who cares and loves me for me.'"
At that, more tears began to swell in her eyes as her lip trembled slightly and her nose still sniffing.
"I am so proud to have such wonderful children!" I heard her cry out as she grabbed both Ron and I into one big hug. I hugged her tightly as I felt Ron's strong arms cover the both of us and hugged us tighter, shielding us from harm and the cold. Some of my Mothers tears dropped onto my coat and I could feel them. This was us. It was special. I rested my head on my Mothers shoulder as I continued to hug her and my eyes connected to steel.
There he was. Draco Malfoy was standing there beside his Mother as she looked around at the students of Hogwarts, a look of disgust on her face. Her black hair was up tightly in a bun, letting people have a clear view of her facial features. Her nose was just the right shape, her eyes cold and menacing just like her sons and her lips, a light pink colour. Her skin was fare, almost pale. She was dressed in fancy dressrobes of a midnight blue colour, just about ready to turn pitch black with a thicker overcoat on top of that. She looked beautiful, perfect, just how Malfoy's cut themselves out to be. She made herself look higher and above the rest. More important as others, just like Malfoy himself. She wore the name proudly and she demanded respect, even if she never uttered a word. You could tell just by looking at her.
My eyes lingered on her figure for a moment before diverting to the figure next to her, on Malfoy. He stared into my eyes with masked emotions. A curtain that he hung over his eyes to hide what he truly was feeling. I propped my head up and rested my chin on my Mothers shoulder while I still stared into those deep pools of steely silver. The eyes that scare me, the eyes that haunt me wherever I go, the eyes of Draco Malfoy. A pair of original silver swirls that make you dizzy if you stare into them too long. My eyes were distracted however, when a familiar voice reached my ears.
"How are you Hermione my dear?" I heard my Mother call out. I stopped hugging her to turn to face the figure of Hermione which was somewhere behind me. Ron stopped hugging as well as he too turned. I reached over and pulled on my brothers arm to get him to move so I could see her.
There was Hermione. Her long denim skirt that reached nearly her ankles hid her legs very well. She was wearing a black top underneath with a coat over the top. She smiled sweetly as she diverted her gaze from my brother to my Mother.
"I'm fine Mrs. Weasley. How about yourself?" she asked as I watched Ron go over and pick up her trunk. I saw Hermione's eyes flicker down for a moment before she looked back at my Mother.
"Oh, I'm good dear. I'm so happy that everyone is home for Christmas! You should stay over one night if you like," my mother said as she unwrapped her arm that was around my shoulders to give Hermione a hug.
"I would love to! I'd have to ask my parents though. Then there is arrangements to be made..." I didn't hear the end of Hermione's sentence about coming over as I felt something touch my back.
It sent chills up and down my spinal cord. My spinal cord will be wrecked with chills by the end of the year. My eyes closed for a brief moment before shooting open to see my Mother still chatting away with Hermione as she still held the young female close to her. Ron was talking to Dean. All their voices were muffled and I couldn't hear what they were saying. I couldn't hear anything.
There was no loud chatter of noise from people around me. No students yelling out to another their 'good-byes' and their, 'Merry Christmas's'. Nothing. That one touch blocked out all of my hearing sense. It was just one touch. Just one finger running down my spine and up half way. It was barely nothing but deep down, it meant so much. How can one touch effect me in that way? Sighing, I finally regained my hearing and heard Hermione call out to me.
"Bye Ginny! I might see you soon!" she said as she quickly rushed over to give me a hug. When I felt the arms, I realised that I should hug her back.
"Oh sorry, I was just thinking! Yeah! That will be nice if you decided or your parents, let you come over to our place during the Christmas vacation. Mind you, it's only a short break!" I said hugging her back. We pulled away and I stared into the chocolate eyes of my brothers girlfriend, "Just think, I'll be all alone with six of my brothers. The only girl of the Weasley family."
Hermione smiled as she giggled slightly.
"Awe, Gin! It won't be too bad, I hope! Just make sure that your brother remembers to owl me," Hermione said pointing her index finger while she made a serious tone, "Oh and also the essays we have been told to do!"
Laughing as I nodded my head, I turned it to look passed Hermione and at my brother. Hermione turned as well to see his reactions.
"OH! Come on Herm! You have got to BE kidding me right?!" Ron said with his eyes nearly falling out. That made me laugh even more.
Hermione moved away from hugging me to stand beside me. I watched her as she spoke.
"I certainly am not kidding Ronald Weasley!" Hermione said, her hands on her hips. I looked over towards Ron and saw him cringe at his first name being mentioned, "Those essays are important! They go towards your end of year marks and not only that, they are practice for your O.W.L.'s or have you forgotten already?! You take them this year and they are IMPORTANT!" Hermione said as her voice emphasized the word at the end.
I saw Ron roll his eyes, which only set Hermione to press the fact that his education was on the line.
"Don't roll your eyes at me! You know how important these exams and essays are! This is your education we're talking about Ron!" Hermione continued on as I walked over to my Mother laughing.
My Mum had a smile on her face as she watched Hermione try to knock some sense into my brother about his essays. Her eyes twinkled with admiration for Hermione, the young female who most likely reminded her of herself. I stood next to my Mum as we watch the two battle it out. Ron was whining at this point about Quidditch which Hermione answered with a, "Humph!".
"I'm glad that someone tries to set a good example for your brother and keeps him in line other than me!" my Mother commented in my ear. I nodded my head as I slowly dropped it to rest on her shoulder. I felt her arms come up and hug me closer to her. Her hand reached up to my head, where she patted it gently and ran her hand down my hair. She kissed my head before she let out a sigh, "I guess we better get going eh?"
I gave another faint nod and I felt her lips on my head once more as her hands brushed through my ruby curls. I lifted my head off of her shoulder to see Ron and Hermione hugging and saying their good-byes to each other. My eyes flickered over to my Mum who stood watching the two before her. Happiness shining through. She turned to face me and she nodded once and turned to walk towards the barrier.
My eyes diverted back to the happy couple towards me. Ron was rubbing her back gently as he buried his head into her brown mane. His eyes were shut and you could clearly see that he was breathing heavily by the white puffs that came out of his nose and mouth when he sighed. Hermione was wrapped up comfortably in the protective arms of my brother. I sighed wondering if I would ever experience that feeling. The feeling of being wanted and loved by another. The feeling of being special and the only one. Smiling for the happy couple and not wanting to disrupt them but I had to, I called out to my brother.
"Ron, come on. We need to get going. Mum has already left to go to the barrier," I called out to him while wiping loose strands of my ruby curls behind my ears. My lips felt cracked and dry from the harsh winter air.
I watched as the two slowly pulled apart and turned to look at me.
"Yeah I'm coming, hold on," Ron said as he gave a nod, "You can go on ahead, I'll bring your trunks and mine when I come. Go with Mum and I'll meet you outside the barrier in a little while."
"All right then. I'll talk to you later then Hermione. I hope you can come over later in the vacation holiday, it will be great to see you. Bye," I said as I waved to her and was about to turn when she called out.
"Yes! I'll try my best to come over! And remember what I said for you to watch out on!" Hermione said jokingly with a tinge of seriousness. Her index finger pointing and a small smile creeping on her delicate face.
I laughed and gave a nod saying, 'yes', while Ron tilted his head back with a noise of disagreement. Turning away fully from the couple, I headed towards the barrier to go find my Mother. It was then that I realised that my Dad wasn't at the station when we arrived. I knew there was something missing but I was so caught up in running to the open arms of my Mother that I didn't notice. He was usually the one who came with my Mother when picking us up from the train station with a car borrowed from the Ministry of Magic. Walking quicker, I walked passed plenty of students that were there with their parents and some with younger siblings. All happy and warm faces filled the station and the air.
When I reached the barrier, I walked through not really noticing. I just slipped through between the two platforms and I was all of a sudden walking with Muggles. I didn't notice the feeling that I usually felt when I passed through the two platforms, all that was on my mind was seeing my Dad. Upon stepping onto the stone paved ground that was filled with Muggles with warm overcoats draped on their bodies, keeping them from the cold winter air. I too, wrapped the article of clothing that was draped over my shoulders and my body closer to my nearly freezing body. My curls blew wildly when a gush of wind hit my face. A young man bumped into me as I tried to walk through the crowd quickly, he apologised and walked away hurriedly with a big brown suitcase. I walked looking for flaming red hair that represented my Mother and Dad. There it was. I spotted it.
I picked up my pace even more and I bumped into several more people on the way. I ran over to them and when I was close enough; I stopped and called out to them.
"Mum! Dad!" I said and watched as the two figures turned around.
"Ginny!" I heard my Dad say as he opened his arms, ready to hug me.
Smiling, I ran into those very arms of comfort. My arms wrapped around my Dad's neck and I breathed out deeply. I felt his arms tighten around my small frame as we hugged.
"I missed you," I whispered in his ears.
"Oh, I missed you too dear," he replied, squeezing me harder, "Where's Ron?"
"He's coming, just saying bye to Hermione," I said as I stepped away from him to look him at his face. His appearance had gotten older from the last time. Wrinkles were starting to show more visibly but he still had a twinkle in his eye and a soothing smile.
"Okay then. Um... Ginny dear, your brother didn't... you know... attack Malfoy's son did he over Hermione?" my Dad asked unsettled. His eyes pleaded with mine, hoping to hear the answer he wanted.
"No Dad. He didn't do anything. They ignored each other," I said and heard him sigh of relief.
"Good," he answered, "Oh there he is."
I turned to see Ron walking over to where we were.
"Hello son," my Dad said as he shook Ron's hand.
"Hello Dad," Ron answered.
"Come on, lets all go home. I do believe there are five other people waiting to see the both of you's," I heard my Mother say.
After the quick hello's my brother and I experienced with Mum and Dad; the four of us made our way to the Ministry car that my Dad had hired for the day. We saw Harry and Sirius on the way. Their car was parked a few spaces next to ours. We chatted with them for a short while before heading off. The drive back home was noisy. Ron and me had turns in answering our parents questions about school and exams. Mother and Dad were very interested into what we had gotten at the year back at Hogwarts. The drive was pleasant and when we arrived at The Burrow; the atmosphere was filled with: happiness; joy; laughter and every good vibe. I was excited seeing my older brothers. Even the twins but I did miss them at Hogwarts, after all, they turned Gryffindor Common Room from dull and boring to bright and colourful. They always turned everything from bad to good.
I hopped out of the car like I had just dipped myself into fire and needed to be cooled off. I slammed the car door loudly and gained curious and surprised looks from both of my parents and Ron. I smiled sweetly and shrugged my shoulders, feeling my cheeks turned slightly pink. So I was excited to see the family together again... was that a crime? Then there was a loud sound and my attention turned from staring at Ron to the front of our house. There stood my five older brothers and our front door swinging behind them. They had slammed the door and it made a loud sound. All their faces were bright with smiles and each of their eyes twinkled with mixed feelings from joy to mischief. A felt a grin spread across my face until my cheeks ached from how far I was stretching my lips to form the biggest smile I could. I was the first one to move, I just had to hug them. I ran up to the twins first.
"Fred! George!" I said as I neared them. My ruby red curls bounced with enthusiasm as I fell into the arms of Fred first. After years of getting them mixed up I could tell the difference between the two. It took me a while but I finally trained myself to tell them apart. At times I was better than my Mother at telling who was who. My eyes practiced seeing past their appearance seeing they were identical to the last freckle that sprinkled across their facial features.
Feeling Fred's arms wrapped around me protectively, made me feel safe. I squeezed him tightly and was sure that I would be cutting off his air supply soon.
"Hey Gin! How's Hogwarts with out us?" George asked from the side.
"Yeah," Fred agreed as we let go and I went to hug George.
"Boring without you two!" I said as I held George close to me like I did to Fred.
"See George, told you they'd miss us," Fred said. When I pulled away from George, I saw Fred smile a huge grin and the freckles were nearly invisible from his face stretching to hold his smile into place.
"No, no Fred! I told you," George fired back and the two got into a little squabble. I shook my head. Just hearing their voices brought so many memories back. I missed their voices and just hearing them fight over who said people at Hogwarts would miss them; made me feel lucky to have both of them as prankster brothers.
Turning to the next brother which was Percy, I hugged him closely as well.
"Percy!" I said as we hugged and I heard him chuckle.
"Hello Gin. How is school holding up? Are you getting good grades? You didn't get into trouble or been getting up to mischief have you? You've been following the rules right? Is anyone -" Percy was cut off by one of my much older brothers.
"Percy! Please! We know how much you like authority and all but Gin and Ron have just came back and the last they want to talk about is rules and school! Isn't that right Gin?" Bill asked, smiling. His appearance was turning to my Dad slowly and slowly by each time I saw him. He still had his long hair and it was tied back. His fang earring still intact. He looked much more older and wiser than before.
"Bill!" I said and hugged him tightly. He chuckled and hugged me back.
"How is my baby sister doing? Have any of the others been picking on you?" he asked jokingly and when I let go of him, I could tell there was news to be heard.
"I'm fine thanks. No the boys haven't done anything not unusual," I said with a small smile and then turned to my last brother that was standing at the end of the line, "Charlie!" I hugged him tightly as well. Not letting any of my brothers accept anything less than a tight squeeze by their baby sister.
"Hey there Gin. I bought you back something," Charlie said cheerfully.
"Really? What?!" I asked excited as our hug ended.
"That's a surprise. It's upstairs sitting on your bed," Charlie said as a ruby red curl escaped from being captive behind my ear. He pulled the curl back and held me at the chin and looked deeply into my eyes. Charlie always knew what I was feeling. Smiling his said, "Is your hair dyed? It's more of a ruby red colour than the rest of ours."
"No," I said and rolled my eyes, "Ron asks me that question everyday! It's not dyed and yeah, it's a ruby red colour. I don't know why but it turned out like that."
"It suits you. It highlights the colour of your skin and your freckles," he said as he dropped my chin and placed his arm around my shoulders.
"Lets all go inside and eat, shall we?" my Mother asked as she passed the line of Weasley boys and to the front door.
There was a loud chatter about food and already my twins were trying some experiment on Ron. I chuckled softly as I was being held by my brother Charlie, safe in his comforting arms. He squeezed me close to him as we entered the house; darkness already swallowing The Burrow whole with the night sky. Snow still softly fell on the grounds around our house and it was snowing when we had arrived. It was so beautiful but the best thing of all was being with my family. Together again as a whole. Together as the Weasley family. All my brothers back and here with us could not only bring both of my tired parents joy; but everyone else's. This is what Christmas should be.
Dinner at our house was warm and cheery. The Weasley table was filled with all delicious treats and my Mothers wonderful cooking. The table was filled with so many emotions and each one of us could feel them. There was laughter, joy, happiness, relaxation and love. It was so comforting hearing the stories of my older brothers. How each of their jobs were going. How much they missed home and of course, how much we missed each other. The Weasley household hadn't been like this for a long time. I ate and listened to each tale that was being told and looked at my Mother now and then to see her smiling widely.
She was proud of what her sons had gone out and done in the Wizarding World. No matter how small or tiny their contribution was, it made her happy to know that the Weasley's were being recognized and everyone liked us except for a few but that didn't bother us. Dinner finished and then we all sat around the fire in our small living room sipping on tea or coffee and also eating some dessert Mother had given us all. After all the talking and catching up, everyone was tired and we all retired to our bedrooms for a peacefully slumber of a full house.
I kissed each of my brothers and parents good night and gave them each a tight hug. I walked up the crocked stairs and headed for my bedroom. When I opened the door, I saw presents sitting on my bed. I walked in, shut the door and walked over to my bed to unwrap each one. I looked at all the messy wrapping and could tell they all tried their hardest. I opened the twins present first. It was a small replica of their joke store in a snow globe. The little figures walked around inside the globe. I watched as two red heads moved about outside the store as the fake snow inside the globe whirled around them and covered everything in white. I watched as the two small figures went inside and then a little light lit up and the words, 'For you Ginny', shone through the small snow globe.
I looked back to where their present had been set down and saw a card and some candy sprawled on my bedspread. I picked the card up and read it.
Dear Gin,
Hope you like your present. It's not a practical joke like we had planned to give you because we knew Mum would be angry at us but promise not to tell? Well, we gave Ron the practical joke. Hope he likes it. Hope you like the candy also given with your small token of our joke shop. That's Fred and me in that small snow globe but I think you figured that. We had it specially made for you and we made sure the words lighted up in a nice bright colour just for you. Better let you go and enjoy the other gifts I know my other two brothers (not including Fred) would give you.
Love from
George and Fred (The Weasley Pranksters)
Laughing silently at my twin brothers, I placed the snow globe back on my bedspread next to the small cluster of candy from their store. The next present I picked up was wrapped in red and had a small blue bow wrapped around it securely. The colours did clash and looked a bit odd but it didn't matter. The present was light and felt soft. Pressing my small fingers into the package, I thought about what it could be. It could be clothes. That was my best estimate. Finally having enough of waiting and thinking the present over, I slipped the bow off of it and unwrapped the wrapping carefully. I don't know why I did this, I just did. The wrapping paper was nice after all and it would be such a waste to just rip it apart.
Pulling the wrapping from one side, something slipped out and landed on my bedspread. I quickly folded the paper and placed it on my bed over near the present from the twins with the blue bow settled on top of the small pile. My eyes then fell on the little bundle by my side. It was some article of clothing after all. It was a maroon colour. Picking it up slowly, I held the fabric in front of me and the piece of clothing revealed itself. It was a pair of dress robes. Brand new ones by the looks of it.
They were beautiful and for a split second, my breath got caught in my throat. Sighing happily with a huge grin, I turned the robes around to look at the back. The maroon colour seemed to run for ever. People will definitely spot me in these. Rubbing my fingers together, I felt the fabric. It was soft and it ran smoothly over the tips of my fingers. Turning it back to the front, I noticed the gold outline around the cuffs and around the hood part had gold trimming. It looked fantastic. Letting out a small sigh, I pulled the robes closer to me and hugged them. It was stupid but the material felt wonderful against my hands. The smooth fabric felt like silk and had no holes whatsoever in them. Finally a new pair of dress robes. Looking back over at my bed, I saw a small piece of parchment. Placing the robes down, I picked the piece of parchment and my eyes scanned over its contents.
Dear Virginia,
I hope you like the new Dress Robes. I thought the colours would suit you perfectly and if hadn't noticed; the colours are Gryffindor colours too! Now don't go mad at me for buying Dress Robes that would match your house colours because I didn't notice until I bought them home and when I did, I couldn't bring myself to take them back! I hope they are the right size but I did get Mum to send me your measurements just to make sure. They are brand new and your probably thinking where I got the money for them. Well, during July had gotten a rise seeing that the whole Dark Lord issue is finally over. I wanted to buy the whole family something separate and I kind of got stuck on what to get you but in the end, I was walking passed a store similar to the one in Diagon Alley and saw these on display and knew I had to get them for you. Hope you enjoy Christmas, I sure will seeing I'm finally home for Christmas; can't wait for Mum's cooking! All right, better let you go.
Love from one of your many brothers
Bill Weasley
So Bill had gotten me the robes! I quickly placed the short note down and hugged the robes to my body again. After a few minutes of hugging a new article of clothing, I folded them neatly and placed them next to the wrapping paper they had been wrapped in. The last present was sitting the furthest. It was a size of a book and was wrapped in baby yellow wrapping. Leaning over a bit, I picked up the present and sat up straight. Looking at it, I could already tell it was a book of some sort. Running my fingers over the wrapping and around the book; I found an opening and opened it neatly. When the wrapping was finally off, I was proved right with a book sitting comfortably in my lap. I folded the wrapping neatly and then placed it by my side while my hands flew to the new present.
Picking it up, it felt light. The cover was covered in some sort of hide from an animal. I ran my fingers over the bumps, dents and curves of the animals hide. The skin was tough and squishy. I pressed down in different places several of times. There were tiny red blotches where and there. They were mingled with tiny yellow and green blotches. It was definitely an animals skin but which? Oh that's right. This must be a present from Charlie but the dragon skin as the cover for a book? He wouldn't dream of touching this stuff, especially if it's come off of a dead Dragon and was skinned alive or something along those lines. My brother loved Dragons way too much to touch this stuff so why was he giving me this book with Dragon Hide? This must of been expensive. Letting out a breath that I was holding and one of which I didn't know, I unlatched the latch that was holding the book closed and opened it to the inside cover.
Green writing meet my eyes and I started to read the small note made by Charlie no doubt.
To my little Sister Virginia,
I bought you this diary. I know your a young lady and a growing one at that. Your almost an adult now dear sister. I know your probably thinking of why I was giving you this especially with its cover being Dragon Hide. Well, it's fake. It's not the real skin off of a Dragon. You know I couldn't bear to buy such a gift that meant the death of a Dragon, let alone touch it! I was just shopping around and found it. It reminded me of you and I don't know why. So I bought it and decided to give it to you. Take it as an early Christmas Gift from me. Don't worry, I'll give you something else on Christmas so you have something to unwrap by me. Hope you like it. You can write down anything in here. Dates, places, functions, results, homework (like you would want to write about that! Only Percy would) and even your secret crushes on boys. I only know of one. Mister Harry Potter. Well, here is your chance to write down anything and anything at all. Don't worry, it's not evil or anything! Don't want to bring up bad memories but I think I just have. Sorry! I think I've talked too much. Talk to you soon.
Love you heaps
Charlie
I reread the small note again and then closed the book shut. It did bring back some memories from my First Year at Hogwarts. Ones I'd rather not think about. Closing my eyes, I ran my fingers over the lumpy skin and then placed it down on the bed with the others. After sitting there for no real good reason, I got up and decided to change. I changed out of my clothes feeling exhausted. All the excitement and energy used today finally got to me. I was still very happy and couldn't wait to spend some time with my brothers. All of them. With all of my family for that matter.
I changed into a pair of long baggy pants and got into a long sleeved top to keep me warm. Our house during the Winter had a warming spell around it but I still like to make it feel like Winter. As I walked back to my bed, I stopped by at my window just to gaze out of it quickly. I saw our back yard covered in white icing like the grounds of Hogwarts before we left for home. I looked around and saw that all the trees were sprinkled with powder and look pretty with its surroundings. As I was about to turn and leave, it started to snow. I watched as small snow flakes fell from the sky and added to the heap of snow on the ground.
I felt a yawn coming on and I opened my mouth with my hand covering it while I yawned tiredly. Turning around, I walked over towards my bed and started to pick all the gifts given to me by my brothers and place them on my small table. As I picked up the last piece of wrapping paper, I saw another wrapped present. I hadn't noticed it seeing my other gifts were on top of it. Placing the already unwrapped presents on my bed, I picked up the last one. It was wrapped in a sort of gold colour wrapping. I unwrapped it neatly like the others. When I removed the wrapping paper entirely, I saw a book before my eyes. It was rather heavy and looked like it held a lot of pages together. My eyes skimmed over the cover and the title was, Your guide to getting good grades. I chuckled softly and knew who it was from. Percy. I giggled as I flipped through the pages quickly to see some illustrations but it was mainly filled with text. He didn't leave a note or letter, which from him was odd. He must of been busy or had other things on his mind at the time to be paying attention. Sighing tiredly, I held the heavy book in the crook of my arm and picked up the other presents except for my candy and snow globe seeing it was too much.
I walked over to my desk and placed my dress robe to my other bend of my other arm and placed my Dragon hide dairy and the new book from Percy on my desk. I then quickly walked over to my wardrobe and placed the dress robe on a hanger. I then grabbed my sleeping wear and quickly got changed, throwing my clothes used from today into my dirty clothes basket for washing. I placed my sneakers in my wardrobe as well and then slid the door shut. Walking over to my window to watch the snow fall, I untied my hair and let it hang down. My eyes watched as the snow flakes fell littering the ground. Smiling, I turned to head towards my bed. As I walked over to the comfort of my bed, I placed my hair tie on my small dressing table. I then headed for bed but realised about my light. I groaned in frustration as I quickly made my way towards the light and got rid of it. Turning my room into darkness. Making my room surrender to the darkness. The full moon that was present outside bathed my room in natural light after a quick while and I could make out my way to my bed. I quickly walked over to my bed and fell onto it in a heap. Quickly peeling the covers from being tucked firmly into the bed, I settled in comfortably. I buried the side of my head into the softness of my pillow and shut my eyes gently. Within minutes, I fell asleep with a small smile on my lips. Thinking about my family and the Christmas break, I felt happier knowing that this Christmas would be spent with my family. The whole Weasley family.
~*~
Authors Note #2: Hey everyone! Just saying that I hoped you enjoyed that chapter and look forward to Chapter eleven. I must tell you all that Draco will be missing for the next few chapters as it focuses on something else which you will soon find out. But never fear, Draco has heaps to do in the upcoming chapters. Sorry again and hope you are all still reading by the time I post again. Also, if you tried to send emails to me, it might not have worked seeing my account had to be reactivated. So yes, its activated again so you can send emails there once more. Talk to you all soon and please leave a review if you have time or if you like. Flames are welcome too but let it be constructive please.
Thanks
Pippin