Ok, here's another chapter. I tried to get this out before school started
for me. Well, I finished it before school started but fanfiction.net
wouldn't let me update it. I waited 10 minutes to load it on document
manager but then AOL kicked me off. I was sooooo mad! I hope you really
enjoy this. Responses to reviewers are at the bottom. Please review! By the
way, for all of you who wondered: Here's Christmas!!!!
One more thing: I will take no more flames. I got a few flames for last chapter and I can't take it anymore! NO MORE FLAMES! If you don't like anything, kindly leave my work alone! I don't have time to listen to you complain while I have many others to write for. Every time I get a flame, my writing is on hold for awhile so NO FLAMES!!
By the way, this chapter is dedicated to the reviewers who like my story. At the bottom, if your name has a star next to it, this chapter is dedicated to you. If your name has no stars and you gave me a good review for last chapter, let me know and I'm sorry! If you have no star and you wrote something that you think might've offended me, it probably did so stop reading my story and leave me alone!
Lastly, I have really cool news. I was nominated for a really cool award. I think it's for the best Harry Potter adventure fic in progress. It's for the Harry Potter Fanfiction awards. Wish me luck!
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The grounds of Hogwarts grew lighter as the sun rose above the trees of the forbidden forest. Fresh laid snow glistened as the sun's rays hit it. It looked like a blanket without a string out of place. It was a perfect day for the beginning of the holidays.
Gryffindor tower was alive with people running around their rooms and the common room. Most were getting last minute things together for the trip home while others were talking and laughing with friends. Everyone was excited about the upcoming holidays.
Harry awoke to the noise of the downstairs common room and of his own dormitory. He rubbed his eyes and stretched before getting out of bed. Across from him, Ron was packing his trunk. The teachers had all decided not to give them homework for the vacation (Snape needed convincing from the other teachers) so Ron was taking out all of his school books and leaving them by his bed. Everyone else in the room was packing as well. Jake, Matt and Dean were already gone.
"Finally awake?" Ron asked as he noticed Harry was out of bed. Harry sent him a slight smirk as he stretched his arms above his head. After stretching he looked around the room. It looked a lot cleaner than it ever was. Well, except the first day of school, but it was close. After looking around, Harry took off the locket on his neck and ran to the showers to quickly shower. After that, he changed into some muggle clothes, not even bothering to add on a robe. Since he was going home with Ashley, and since she lived in the muggle world, it was easier for him just to dress in them now.
He changed into some black pants that looked a little baggy on him. He quickly put on a dark green shirt. When he walked out of the warmth of the shower part of the bathroom, he felt how cold the air was and quickly put on a black sweatshirt. He then brought a comb through his air. If he was going to go into the muggle world, he should dress like other muggle teens his age. Using his hand, he spiked up parts of his hair. He then brushed his teeth before going back into the dormitory.
"What time is it?" he asked with a yawn.
"To early for you to be up, obviously," Ron said noticing the yawn.
"Nah, I'm just tired," Harry replied. He reached to his bedside table and grabbed his watch and chains. He fastened the chain that Ashley had given him for his birthday around his neck as well as the one with the locket of his wolf and put the watch around his wrist. The locket glowed from his neck and Harry put it under his sweatshirt. It was around seven o'clock.
Yawning once more, Harry grabbed a backpack out of his trunk and started to load it with things he would need such as clothes. He shrunk Hedwig's cage with a flick of his wrist. He placed that in his backpack. Hedwig was going to fly there. Harry was giving her a chance to stretch her wings. She knew where he was going so he didn't worry about her being back before he left.
"Is that what you're going to bring?" Ron asked pointing to the backpack. He and Harry were the only people left in the room.
"I'm going into the muggle world. I don't want to bring a trunk because it'll bring too much attention to myself. More muggles our age bring around a backpack anyway," Harry responded. He finished packing right after Ron had. Harry swung his backpack over his shoulder as they left for the Great Hall. Ron left the trunk behind. It was going to be picked up later when the train was there.
As they made their way though the halls, they had greeted many portraits who were dressed for the holiday spirit. They had escaped Peeves who was trying to wrap them in ribbon and then lift them into the air and watch them dangle from lights.
They reahed the Great Hall and walked in to loud noises and excitement. It was decorated as usual with decorations, a large tree (complements of Hagrid) , and small lights that seemed to dance around the room. It looked magical.
"Ron! Harry!" Hermione called from the Gryffindor table.
"Hey Hermione," Harry replied as they reached her and took their seats. The others were there already.
"I'm going to work on that spell you showed me," Hermione said to Harry. Ever since Harry had promised Hermione and Ron that he would train them, he showed them a spell and they would practice. When they perfected it, he wold show them another one. After a few spells were learned, Harry would duel them to get them used to the spells they learned. They were doing very well. Hermione was learning her's quickly as usual but Ron was only a step behind, They were both doing extremely well and Harry knew that it was a wise decision to train them. They were serious about it and Harry knew they would be a great ally to have if danger approaches.
"Just work on that one and the other ones you learned," Harry said. "I won't give you more over the vacation. I'll feel better if I knew that you were only working on things I showed you and you weren't doing something wrong on a new spell and blow up your house. I know you're a very smart witch, Hermione but I know you understand."
"I understand perfectly, Harry and I agree with you. I think I'd feel safer if you were to show me the hard spells before I try them on my own. Sometimes getting hard spells right is hard," Hermone replied. She talked to Ron while Harry made his way over to Ashley and her parents.
"All packed?" Christine asked. Harry nodded shrugged the shoulder that had his backpack on it. Ashley had a simliar one at her feet.
"When we get there, Brian is going to be there with a bunch of friends. Our excuse is that we went on a small trip to pick you up, Harry. Since the House of the Gifted is a few hours away from where we're going, we're going to say that we were picking you up to spend the holidays with us and we were picking Ashley up from school," Paul said. Harry remembered that Ashley's older brother was going to be home.
"I thought it would be a good idea if we didn't mention that you were a wizard," Ashley said. "That way Brian won't act coldly toward you. You can still use magic but not in front of him. If you need to use magic, you're more than welcome to."
"We'll say that you two met at a camp," Christine said. "We tried to twist the story around what is actually true. You two met in the teen center which is like camp. Harry, you do live far from us to it's likely that we had to travel long to get you. And it's true that we need to pick Ashley up from school. We'll say that we needed to take the train to both places."
"Didn't you already tell Brian that you were at Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
"Yes but this is what he's going to tell his friends. They'll wonder why he's home alone and he can say that. He also needed to tell my sister to pick us up at the train station. He needed a reason to tell her," Christine said. Ashley was looking at Harry when he was talking to her mother. She reached up to lightly touch Harry's hair. He turned to her and saw her looking up at his hair.
"I thought since we were going into the muggle world, I should look like I lived in it for the last 15 years," Harry replied watching for her reaction.
"I like it," she said taking her hand away. "It looks good."
"Do you think your brother will think that I'm a muggle?" Harry asked.
"Why not? I would," she replied with a small laugh. They sat down to eat the last meal before the train.
"I almost didn't recognize you" Sirius said as he walked up to the table. Remus was behind him. "I was looking around for you for awhile until Stacy pointed you out."
"You're going to come over on Christmas right?" Harry asked after he swallowed what was in his mouth.
"I wouldn't miss it," Sirius said. He went to mess up Harry's hair as usual but Harry moved away and grabbed his hand.
"Not today," he said. Sirius looked up and saw Harry's hair.
"Oh, you changed it today huh?" Sirius remarked. "I thought something was different but I couldn't quite place it. It's a good different though."
"That's good," Harry said as he let Sirius's hand go. Sirius took it away. They talked for awhile about the holidays.
At the teacher's table, Dumbledore stood to give them all a speech to wish them all a happy and safe holiday. He had said that the trains arrived and would be leaving shortly. By that time everyone had finished breakfast and was all excited about the holidays.
"I think people are starting to go," Jake said. Harry looked over to the doors of the Great Hall and saw many students leave through it.
"I guess everyone is going to the trains," Caroline said. "Well, I guess the holiday vacation is beginning!"
"Well? What are we waiting for?" Matt asked. "Let's go!" He and the others had all brought backpacks like Harry and swung them over their shoulders. Harry stayed in his seat.
"You all be careful during the vacation and write!" Stacy said, hugging each of them. "Remember to practice, practice, practice! I'll see you all again when school starts." The shapeshifters and Julia had all raced each other out the door. Ron had run with them. Hermione was beginning to follow before she turned back to look at Harry.
"Are you coming?" she asked softly. Harry looked at her for a moment before looking around him. The other students had already left leaving only the teachers and themselves. He looked around at the ceiling and the Christmas decorations. He looked at Dumbledore who was looking at him with a smile. Harry turned to Ashley and her parents who were all watching him. He turned to Sirius and Remus and gave a smile of his own. With a deep sigh he turned to Hermione.
"I'm coming," he said before standing and swinging his backpack over his shoulder. Hermione nodded to him before heading out herself.
"I guess this is the last time we will see the castle," Paul said looking around. "At least we got to see it for the holidays."
"I wouldn't say that this will be your last time," Ashley said. "When you have me as a daughter, you'll probably be kidnapped by some unknown demon and magically brought back to Hogwarts." They let out a laugh.
"True, true," Paul said.
"You two have a fun holiday," Stacy said as she hugged her students.
"Have fun kiddo. I'll see you on Christmas," Sirius said.
"Maybe I'll see you before you come back," Remus said. "I'll see what I can arrange." They all walked out of the Great Hall and to the entrance. With a wave goodbye, Harry, Ashley and her parents walked across the lawn away from the castle while Stacy, Sirius and Remus stayed behind and watched them. Off in the distance some of the students were having snowball fights.
"I bet you a million galleons that either Jake or Caroline started that fight," Stacy said as she watched.
"I wouldn't bet against you," Sirius said.
"Me either," Remus added. They watched Harry and Ashley cross the lawns. When they passed the people playing with the snowballs, the snowballs stopped flying and the people ran over to Harry and Ashley.
"You were right," Sirius said to Stacy.
"I knew it," she said with a smile.
"Know-it-all," Sirius said under his breath. Stacy looked at him with her mouth wide in shock.
"I'm not a know-it-all! It's not my fault you don't know anything!" She waved her hand and a snowball flew through the air and hit Sirius in the back of the head. Stacy gave him a look as she turned on her heel to go inside. She let out a yelp of surprise when suddenly a snowball hit her in the head. Remus watched the two and rolled his eyes. They both saw this and got him involved in a childish snowball fight between themselves.
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Harry and Ashley walked across the grounds. The others were having a snowball fight. When they saw Harry and Ashley, they stopped and headed over to them.
"I bet you a hundred galleons that either Jake or Caroline started that fight," Ashley said.
"I wouldn't bet against you," Harry said. He was tucked in his sweatshirt.
"Look who's all goth," Jake said coming up behind them.
"I'm not goth," Harry replied. "I'm just freezing my butt off."
"Is that even possible?" Jake asked.
"What's possible?" Liz asked.
"Freezing your butt off. Is it possible?" Jake asked.
"Why not?" Liz asked.
"How many cases have you heard of people freezing their butt off?" Jake asked.
"If someone's butt gets cold enough, it could get frostbite. People's fingers, toes, hands, and feet get frostbite and have to be taken off. Why can't someone get frostbite on their butt?" Liz asked.
"When I hear a case like that, I'll believe you," Jake replied.
"Fine by me," Liz said putting her hands in the air.
"Good," Jake said. When they approached the train, everyone was already inside and there was a wizard by the door waiting for them.
"I'll race you," Matt said before running to the train. Most of them ran to the train and went inside. When Harry reached the train, he let everyone go in before him. Before he went in himself, he turned to look at the castle. He put down his hood so he could see it better. He looked over the grounds. He suddenly felt arms wrap around his neck lightly.
"The castle is so beautiful," Ashley's soft voice said. The wizard waiting outside had gone in and told them to shut the door when they came in.
"I'm actually leaving for the holidays," Harry said in disbelief. Ashley rested her head on his shoulder, lightly.
"There is a castle on a cloud. I like to go there in my sleep," she sang softly. Harry smiled.
"It looks just like that. A castle on a cloud," he said. The mess that they others had made in the snow made it no longer look like a blanket spread out, but a cloud instead.
"Ready to meet my family?" Ashley asked as she let go of Harry.
"Let's do it," Harry replied as they both went into the train and closed the door behind them. As they made their way through to find her parents, the train started and the castle started to fade in the background. They walked past compartments until they saw Christine standing in a doorway of one. She smiled when she saw them and moved into the compartment. They followed her into a compartment with the other shapeshifters.
"Did you two get lost?" Jake asked.
"Yeah," Harry lied, not wanting to explain anything.
"My Mum's family is all muggle and my Dad's are wizards. We always have aguments break out when the two families are together so we usually have my Mum's family over on Yule Eve and my Dad's on Christmas," Matt was saying. Harry took a seat near the window and looked out.
"Christmas will be fun," Ashley told him. "The house is going to be packed though."
"More people for a snowball fight," Harry said with a smile.
"I can see it now, snow everywhere. In the house, outside the house, everywhere!" Christine said.
"At least we warned you beforehand," Ashley said.
"Yeah, now I know to lock you all out of the house as soon as one snowball goes flying," Christine said.
"I'm usually stuck at my muggle aunt's house on Christmas. It's so boring. How do they expect a guy to live without playstation or Xbox or Game cube? It's especially bad when you get a new game and can't play it," Jake was saying.
"You lived without video games for a few months. You can't last one single day more?" Caroline asked.
"No!" Jake said throwing his hands up. "I've been away from real teenage civilization for so long! I can't last one more day!"
"Why don't you bring it with you?" Matt asked.
"I try but all my little cousins hog the TVs all day," Jake said.
"Bring a TV," Dean suggested.
"Why don't I bring my whole room?" Jake asked. "Or better yet, how about I just stay home?"
"There, you solved your problem. Just stay home," Liz said.
"That solution doesn't help me," Jake said.
"At least we tried," Caroline said. She turned her head to look out the window. Jake just rolled his eyes.
"Wasn't much of a try," Jake said with a sigh.
"Don't you live in the magical world?" Harry asked.
"Yeah but I have somethings that are muggle. When you can do magic like us, we need our video games," Jake said.
"It's Christmas vacation. None of us can think straight," Matt said.
"Well, some of us can," Ashley said.
"Then I can't think straight," Matt said.
"I can't wait until I get home," Liz said. "I haven't been home in so long!" They all talked about how much they wanted to be home. Suddenly Ashley's eyes widened as she came up with an idea. She grabbed her backpack and quickly unzipped it before taking out a piece of parchment. She took out a quill and wrote everyone's name down on the piece of paper except for Harry's. She then put a dash next to each name.
"I have an idea. Pass this around and write down your address and phone number," Ashley said. She quickly wrote down her information before passing the parchment and quill to Julia who was to her right. She wrote down her information before passing it on. Dean wrote down the house he was staying at. Harry didn't write down anything since he was staying with Ashley. After everyone wrote down their address and phone number, Ashley took the parchment and quickly made copies by using magic.
"There," she said, handing everyone a copy. "Now everyone has a copy of everyone's phone number and address."
"I have a plea," Julia said. "Please don't call my house if it's not necessary. I don't know how my parents will react to having good witches and wizards call the house and ask to talk to me."
"What are you going to tell your parents? You can't tell them that you were learning at Hogwarts. Especially with elementals!" Liz commented remembering that both of Julia's parents were death eaters. They would definitely not approve of her learning with witches and wizards on the side of light. If they found out, they wouldn't hesitate to kill her.
"I'm going to tell them that I was tracking some Aurors. I'm going to think of a fake destination. I'm going to get home and make it look like I was walking around this whole time and that I was undercover," Julia answered.
"Do you think that your parents will believe you?" Harry asked.
"I think they will. If not, I'll run away," Julia said.
"But they're death eaters and you're their daughter. Can't they call you to the dark lord or something?" Jake asked. Julia shook her head.
"I don't have the dark mark. I'm supposed to get it this summer. As of right now, I'm just a death eater's daughter, not a death eater myself," Julia answered.
"What would've happened if you never found us before you were scheduled to get that mark tattooed on your skin?" Liz asked.
"Run away as fast as I could," Julia said with a smirk.
"Is that fast?" Jake asked.
"Well, I'd have to get away from a whole lot of death eaters. What do you think?" Julia asked him.
"Pretty fast," Jake said nodding his head.
"You could pretend that you're still chasing us," Liz said with a smirk.
"What do you mean?" Julia asked slowly.
"Come over my house for the holidays! It'll be more enjoyable. My parents are wizards anyway plus my father is an auror so he wouldn't have a problem with you coming over," Liz said.
"Are you sure?" Julia asked. "I don't want to invade on your holiday."
"You won't be invading our holiday, you'd be adding to it and making it more enjoyable," Liz answered.
"Are you sure?" Julia asked again.
"Positive," Liz said.
"I guess I could stay undercover a bit longer," Julia said slowly.
"Did you tell your parents that you were coming home for the holidays?" Matt asked.
"No, I only told them that I was undercover. That was a while ago. They wouldn't really care if I was captured or dead or even still alive," Julia said.
"So in other words you'd rather come over my house for the holidays instead of going home," Liz said.
"Definitely," Julia said.
"Great!" Liz exclaimed. "This will be fun!"
"So we all have plans for the holidays," Caroline said. "We'll be apart for so long. Longer than ever."
"Wow, I'm going to go through Elemental withdrawl," Jake said.
"We'll just have to get together to do something," Ashley said. "Maybe one day we can all get together at someone's house."
"Withdrawl will take my soul," Jake said. They were all talking for awhile before Hermione and Ron joined them. They continued to talk about the holidays before they noticed the train slowing down before coming to a complete stop. Harry looked outside and saw many wizards and witches standing around waiting for their children to come off the train. They were all dressed in heavy cloaks. Some were dresses more in a muggle-ish way. Other parents were waiting outside the barrier.
"Vacation time!" Matt said as they all grabbed their backpacks. Hermione and Ron were grabbing their trunks.
"Let's go," Christine said as they all were ready to leave. They all filed out into a bigger crowd of students get off the train.
"Ron! Ginny! Fred! George!" Mrs. Weasley was yelling over the crowd of people. They all made their way through the crowd and over to her. She was over at a less crowded area of King's Cross.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said to Ron's mother.
"Hello Harry dear. I'm happy to see you away from the castle for the holidays," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Jake!" a new voice yelled. Jake turned to see his father making his way through.
"Hey Dad," Jake said as the man made his way over. They clasped hands and hugged.
"So these are the people that you had to stay with all this time?" Jake's dad asked looking around at the elementals, Hermione, and the Weasleys.
"Yup," Jake said.
"It's nice to see you all. I'm surprised you lived with my son for so long. Others can't stand living with him for a weekend," Jake's dad said.
"You cut me deep, Dad, really deep," Jake said trying to put on a hurt look.
"Well we have to leave. Your mother wants to see you again. She's home right now going crazy around the house," Jake's dad said. He put his hand around his son's shoulders and turned him away after saying good bye to the others.
"But the withdrawl!" they heard Jake saying when he was dragged away. Quickly the parents of the others arrived. Julia went home with Liz. Eventually all who was left was Ashley, her parents, Mrs. Weasley, Ron and his brothers, Ginny, Hermione, Matt and Harry. They all crossed the barrier into the muggle world and noticed that a trian had just arrived in the muggle world making the station crowded. Mrs. Weasley and her children left. Matt's parents found him quickly and after talking to Harry and Ashley for a few minutes, left. Hermione's parents came and talked for awhile before leaving as well.
"There's my sister," Christine said as she stood on the tips of her toes to see over the crowd. "Hannah!" Harry looked over and saw a woman with dark brown hair down to her shoulders look over at the call of the name. She had on sunglasses. Seeing Christine she smiled and waved before making her way over.
"I thought I missed you or I wasn't at the right station," Hannah said as she hugged her sister and moved on to her brother-in-law.
"Hi Aunt Hannah!" Ashley said as she hugged her aunt.
"Hello, it's nice to see you again," Hannah said. She looked over to Harry. "Who's this young man?"
"This is my boyfriend Harry Potter," Ashley said reaching out to grab Harry's hand and pulling him closer.
"Boyfriend huh? Your brother sadi that you were all going to pick him up as well. Well, it's nice to meet you. My name's Hannah but you already knew that," Hannah said holding out her hand.
"It's nice to meet you," Harry said shaking her hand.
"Shall we get going?" Paul asked.
"Definitely. Let's get you all home," Hannah said before she led them out of the station and through the parking lot. She stopped them in front of a dark blue truck. There was plently of room. It was big enough to hold seven people. Paul and Hannah sat in front. Christine sat behind Paul. Harry and Ashley took the back seats. They dumped their stuff in the trunk.
"How was school, Ashley?" Hannah asked.
"It was great. My classes aren't that hard so I'm more laid back than I thought I would be," Ashley replied.
"Well that's great. If school is stressful, it's not enjoyable," Hannah said. "What about you Harry?"
"Oh, it's great. I think a few of my friends are going through basketball withdrawl. They loved to play basketball but since snow came, they haven't been able to play much," Harry said a little surprised by the question.
"Don't your parents want you home for Christmas?" Hannah asked. Harry's throat tightened quickly.
"I don't live with my parents. I live with my aunt, uncle and cousin," Harry said.
"His parents died when he was young," Paul whispered to Hannah. He tried to whisper so Harry wouldn't hear but he heard it loud and clear. He was thankful that Paul had told her.
"I'm sorry, Harry. I didn't know," Hannah said.
"That's alright. It's not like you can tell when you see me," Harry replied trying to lighten the mood in the truck.
"Aunt Hannah, how's Uncle Tim?" Ashley asked.
"Work is driving him crazy as usual. He's going everywhere for work and misses the kids when he leaves on business. Tyler and Mark and doing fine. They're both very adventureous and sometimes make me nervous."
"Mark and Tyler are my cousins. Tyler is 8 and Mark is 5," Ashley said to Harry. Harry nodded and turned to the window as he watched as things went by. He wasn't paying attention to the conversations going on around him. He watched as people walked the streets with bags full of purchases hung at their sides. They passed many stores and turned onto many roads before stopping in front of a medium sized house with tan siding and a nice white wrap-around porch.
"Here we are," Ashley said as she nudged Harry's shoulder. They grabbed their things and exited the truck. Harry looked around. It wasn't a huge amount of property but it wasn't smal either. The house wasn't small nor big. It was perfect for a four-person family. There was an area of dirt in front of the porch and Harry figured that it was full of flowers in the spring and summer. A few trees were along the lawn.
"Let's go inside," Christine said. Hannah had decided to go home and wasn't going to join the family inside. She had still shopping to do. She said goodbye before getting back into her truck and leaving. The rest of the group went through the front door into the house. The house was quiet except for the shouting coming from a room upstairs.
The living room was small with a few couches and a few pictures on the wall. The dining room was connected. The kitchen was connected to that. In the living room was a wooden piano with a bookcase next to it filled with music books. The den was connected to the living room and held a couch and the TV. Stairs were between the living room and the den.
"How do you like it so far?" Ashley asked Harry.
"I love it," Harry said.
"I'll show you the upstairs," Ashley said as she took Harry's hand and led him up the stairs. On the second floor were five doors. Four go to rooms while the fifth was another bathroom. The first door by the stairs was closed but loud noises were heard from behind it.
"Your brother's room?" Harry asked pointing to the door.
"Of course. Mine's down this hallway," Ashley said as she led him down the hallway into another room. It was a medium sized room with a bed in the center and a desk to the side. The windows in the room let in large amounts of light. From one of the windows, Harry could see the view in front of the house. The walls were decorated with pictures and posters. It was definitely a teenage girl's room.
"Now I'll show you to where you'll be sleeping," Ashley said as they left her room and went into a room across the hall. The room was plain with a bed and a desk. It wasn't as homely as Ashley's but it was still nice to be in. "You can do what you want with the room. Put your stuff in the closets and drawers. Now if you'll leave your bag here, we get to meet my brother and his friends." Harry put down his bag before following Ashley out and to the closed door of Brian's room. She knocked a few times before they heard a male's voice tell them to come in.
"Hey Brian," Ashley said as she walked in. Harry went in behind her. Harry saw about five guys in the room. The room was around the same size as Ashley's and the guest room. He looked around and guessed that her brother was the one with the video game controller in his hand. He had brown hair and brown eyes, exactly like what Ashley was like before being an elemental changed her.
"When did you get home?" the guy asked. Harry was right. It was Brian.
"Just a few minutes ago actually," Ashley said. "I just wanted you to meet Harry." She grabbed Harry's arm and pulled him next to her.
"So this is the guy you were bringing back with you," Brian said. He stood and held out his hand to Harry. "Well, nice to meet you. I'm Ashley's brother, Brian." Harry shook his hand in a teenage sort of fashion. It wasn't a formal shake at all. "Do you go the same school as my sister?"
"No actually. I go to a school farther away. I met Ashley at camp," Harry replied smoothly. He knew what Brian was really asking about. He wanted to know if Harry was like Ashley. Brian wanted to know if Harry was a wizard.
"That's cool. Maybe tomorrow you can come and hang out with us. I can bring you to meet some other people and show you the cool places around town," Brian said. He then introduced the guys around his room. Harry nodded to each in a greeting. They talked for a little bit before Harry "shook" Brian's hand and left with Ashley. They shut the door after them and walked down the stairs.
"That was better than I expected," Ashley said.
"Do you think that they think I'm a muggle?" Harry asked.
"You did really good. I don't think Brian had any clue that you are a wizard," Ashley said.
"Didn't he already think that we don't go to the same school?" Harry asked.
"Probably but he either forgot or was making conversation," Ashley responded. Harry nodded in understanding.
"The house hasn't changed since I was here last," Ahsley said looking around.
"What did you expect? Did you really think that your room would be turned into a second office?" Harry asked.
"Maybe," Ashley said, looking sideways at Harry with a slight smile. "You never know with this family." She lead Harry to the kitchen and grabbed a bag of pretzels and before walking out the back door and into the backyard. The air was cold and Harry was thankful that he was still wearing his sweatshirt. No snow was on the grounmd but he was sure that it was cold enough for it.
"Wow, it's really cold out here," Ashley said. "I was going to give you a tour of the back yard but I think we'll just stick to the inside of the house today."
"Fine with me," Harry responded as they walked back into the house. They saw Christine taking a steaming tea pot off the stove. She put hot water into three cups before adding powder and milk to each.
"So there you two went," she said. She took a spoon and mixed each of them. "I just made some hot chocolate. I think we all need it today." She placed the mugs on the table at three seats. The three of them took their seats at the table.
"You can take off your sweatshirt, dear," Christine said to Harry. "Aren't you hot?"
"I'm confortable right now actually," Harry said. He blew on his hot chocolate before taking a sip. It was still hot. He blew on it more.
"Remember Harry, if you need anything let us know," Christine said. "I take it that you saw your room. Do you like it?"
"I love it," Harry said.
"It's not too small?" Christine asked. She knew that Harry was more claustrophbic than her daughter but didn't know how small was too small for the teenager.
"It should be fine," Harry said. "It didn't seem small to me at all."
"Good," Christine said, taking a sip of hot chocolate. "Today we're just going to stick around the house. Tomorrow maybe I'll take you two with me shopping."
"That'll be fun," Ashley said.
"You two can do whatever you want. If you need anything, just yell," Christine said before putting her empty mug into the sink. They heard her walk upstairs.
"Harry?" Brian's voice called.
"In the kitchen," Ashley called back. They heard footsteps coming down the stairs and Brian appeared in the kitchen a few seconds later.
"There you are. I wanted to ask if you wanted to go for a walk around the neightborhood. My friends and I are going to take a walk down to the park," Brian asked. Harry glanced at Ashley. She nodded her head as if to say 'go'.
"Yeah, why not?" Harry told Brian.
"Cool, Let me get my jacket," Brian said as he left the room. He ran upstairs and a few seconds later, several people were coming down the steps.
"Have fun," Ashley said as Harry put him mug in the sink and headed into the living room where everyone was. Brian was pulling on a jacket.
"Let's go," Brian said as they all headed out the door and into the cold air. Harry walked with the group to the park where they threw a ball around. Harry was good. With being a seeker, he was able to catch anything that came his way. Brian's friends were asking him questions such as his school and if he played sports. Harry had made up answers and said that he played basketball and a game that his friends made up. Harry ended up teaching them how to play quidditch but kept it in muggle perspective. They played for a while before it got dark. Brian and Harry walked home while the other guys walked to their own homes.
They walked into the warm house to the smell of dinner cooking. The house was lit up and Paul was sitting on a couch reading the newspaper. Harry noticed that the light on the paino was on and the keys were uncovered. Harry decided to quickly run upstairs and wash up. He ran into the bathroom and washed his hands before heading to his own room. He noticed music coming from Ashley's room and knocked on the door.
"Come in," Ashley's voice called. Harry turned the nob and slowly opened the door to see Ashley laying on her bed with a magazine in her lap. She turned up to see Harry enter. "Did you have a good time at the park?" she asked as she sat up and put her magazine on her desk.
"It was pretty good. I taught them quidditch," Harry replied. Ashley's eyes went wide.
"What?!" she asked.
"I didn't tell them the name of the game. I just said that a bunch of my friends made up a game. I just taught them to pass the ball. I left out a lot actually come to think about it," Harry said. He closed the door. Ashley patted the area of the bed next to her and Harry sat there. They were silent for a little bit. Harry leaned back against the pillows before pulling Ashley down to rest on him. He wrapped his arms around her and they stayed like that in silence with only the music in Ashley's cd player.
"Who is this?" Harry asked about the music. "It sounds familiar."
"Trapt," Ashley answered. "Do you want to listen to something else? I have lots of cds that you might like if you don't like this." She moved to get up but Harry pulled her back down.
"Don't worry about it. I like this song," Harry replied. Ashley's head was resting on Harry's chest and they sat there listening to the song.
"Your sweatshirt is comfortable," Ashley commented. "Nice and soft." They laughed and Ashley looked up at Harry. She moved so that she was sitting next to him instead of against him. She smiled at him before looking down.
"This is going to be the best holiday," Harry said. Ashley looked up and smiled at him. Harry slowly leaned down and kissed her on the lips. They separated quickly and this time Harry looked down.
"It will be the best holiday," Ashley said. She took a finger and lifted Harry's head and turned it towards her. This time she kissed him on the lips before they separated again. She smiled at him sweetly before getting up to change the cd. She put on another cd and laid down on the bed with her head on her pillows. They stayed like that before they heard Christine call up to them to say that dinner was ready. Ashley stood and headed to the door. Before opening it, she turned to look at Harry who walked up to her.
"This really will be the best holiday," she said before moving her head towards Harry's. Harry leaned down to kiss her. They kissed until they heard Christine call them again.
"I guess we should go down there," Harry said. Ashley sighed.
"I guess," she said. She opened her door and they both walked downstairs, hand in hand.
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Ok there's the chapter. For those of you who wanted more romance, I hope you like it so far. I'm getting into it a little more so I hope it imporves from here.
Please review! And remember NO FLAMES!!!!!!!!!
To my reviewers! This chapter is dedicated to all of you nice reviewers. Your name will have stars next to it. If you have no stars, don't read my story if all you're going to do is put down my work! If your name is not here: my computer is stupid and wouldn't let me on a page of the reviews so I didn't see it. If I missed it, let me know and I'll write to you next chapter.
Reviewers:
Satan- I'm going to redo that story. I'm going to concentrate on this story right now. Rude review..
:)(:- **********I don't know about a sequel but this story will be really long. I don't see an end in sight. I think that once I make them do everything until they can't do anymore, I'll have to stop it btu I don't see that anytime soon.
Trance3-********** I'm glad you like the Harry/Ashley pairing. I tried to do something different than H/H.
Dragon Tamer47- I was doing once a week but work and school take up time. I'm taking college courses so it just piles up but I do write just not as fast as I used to be able to.
Irish Pixie- ***********I'm glad you like the characters. One reviewer hated them.
Shadow 101-*********** I'm getting into more romance soon. Here's christmas. I noticed that I left out christmas too....
Philton Jr.-********* I'm glad you like my story. I'm sorry for the suspense. I really am! I'll watch that next time.
Master Eldryn- OK, just to tell you, when I get bored, I don't just add a character. In the beginning I had a lot of characters. Then one person helped me and told me how to get my story on ff.net and I owed him a favor so I added two of his characters and how is a story realistic is you keep to the same characters and don't change anything? People don't live in a bubble and avoid everyone else. Of course people are going to pop in and out of my story. Ok, if you don't like my elementals, don't read my story. Oh wait, did I just say that?? Did I just say MY STORY. Yeah that's right, MY Story. I can do as I wish with MY story. Some people wanted me to do something so I added her elements. Just because you have different views doesn't mean that that goes for everyone. Write your own freakin' story about your own views on freakin' elemetals and leave mine to people who want to read something that's different. I tend to think that there are more elementals than just the four majors. Ok, about the lockets, I didn't base them on Pokemon. They are based on my own mind. They were my idea. Oh, and about the teenagers, I'm a 16 year old girl and started writing when I was really young. This story was started when I was 15 and thought about when I was 14. That would mean that I was and still am a teenager writing a story on teenagers, Now I don't know how old you are or where you live but I live in New York and in a very small town. I KNOW HOW TEENAGERS ACT! I am one! So don't tell me that my characters aren't realisitc because they are. I would know! If you have a problem, leave my story alone and pick on someone else. As in thinking as teenager: I'm a girl so I don't get all the freedom as an adult. And since I have restrictions, I know I have them because I'm a teenger and I know that. WE don't think the same and I think that I'm a teenager every day so don't you dare tell me that this story isn't based on the fact because each of my characters is based upon someone I know who's around my age. You know nothing about me, my friends, or my life so keep your ideas to yourself and don't dis anyone that you don't know/. Stop reading my story and stop reviewing because I don't have the patience nor mood to read what you write. You think you're smart and you think that you're helping me out by clueing my in on things that you don't think I realize when I'm certainly aware of everything. I live in a teenager's world everyday. I have much more to say but don't have the time to waste on you.now on to my next reviewer...
Morph012-********** I'm glad you like my story and I'll try to read your story as soon as possible
Mysterious person- what are you talking about? Leave my story alone if you don't care for it.
Ashley-************* I love how you call this a book. I do too. It's not longer than the 5th year book. (think. My story is 20 pages a chapter). My friend and I had a laugh. It really is a book now isn't it?
Sajjad-************* I'm glad you like this story. Honestly, I don't know of other stories like this. That's why I wrote it.
Shadow Wolf- ********** I'm glad you like it. E-mail me about the lemon thing.
Zylexiaa-************** I'm glad that you love my story. Thanks for reading!
Jaded Angel 8-******** Glad ya like it! Thanks for R/R
Apolla/Artimis- ******** I'm glad that you like this story. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Lou143-*********** Are you crazy? You won't write a story because you think that I'll think that you're copying me? Are you crazy??? I'd love to read your story. Write on! Thanks for telling em but it wasn't necessary. Please send me the story fore I'd love to read it. Don't ever think that I'd be affended by it. I'd love to read it.
Crystal, lily, James and Sirius- ******** I'm glad ya like it! I hope you liked the new chapter!
Maggie- ****** simple reviews..hehe....I hope you liked the new chapter.
Iceprincess-********** I updated! Sorry for the wait but things were crazy.blackout.school..work.vacation...crazy!
James porter-*********** so you call it a book too?? I do now as well. It really is a book...think 20 pages per chapter (that's how much I write in Word) and you easily get a book.
Shoyru lover-********** I can't write another story but maybe u can write it..if u e-mail me, I'll answer questions..give u histories, anything you need.
Tom Riddle's Son- ******* I'm going to make it sad then. I know I solve problems quickly but I don't want to make the story boring. Plus if a person doesn't like a problem, it'll be over soon so they can still read the story.
Jess16-******** I'm glad you like the story! Read on!
One more thing: I will take no more flames. I got a few flames for last chapter and I can't take it anymore! NO MORE FLAMES! If you don't like anything, kindly leave my work alone! I don't have time to listen to you complain while I have many others to write for. Every time I get a flame, my writing is on hold for awhile so NO FLAMES!!
By the way, this chapter is dedicated to the reviewers who like my story. At the bottom, if your name has a star next to it, this chapter is dedicated to you. If your name has no stars and you gave me a good review for last chapter, let me know and I'm sorry! If you have no star and you wrote something that you think might've offended me, it probably did so stop reading my story and leave me alone!
Lastly, I have really cool news. I was nominated for a really cool award. I think it's for the best Harry Potter adventure fic in progress. It's for the Harry Potter Fanfiction awards. Wish me luck!
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The grounds of Hogwarts grew lighter as the sun rose above the trees of the forbidden forest. Fresh laid snow glistened as the sun's rays hit it. It looked like a blanket without a string out of place. It was a perfect day for the beginning of the holidays.
Gryffindor tower was alive with people running around their rooms and the common room. Most were getting last minute things together for the trip home while others were talking and laughing with friends. Everyone was excited about the upcoming holidays.
Harry awoke to the noise of the downstairs common room and of his own dormitory. He rubbed his eyes and stretched before getting out of bed. Across from him, Ron was packing his trunk. The teachers had all decided not to give them homework for the vacation (Snape needed convincing from the other teachers) so Ron was taking out all of his school books and leaving them by his bed. Everyone else in the room was packing as well. Jake, Matt and Dean were already gone.
"Finally awake?" Ron asked as he noticed Harry was out of bed. Harry sent him a slight smirk as he stretched his arms above his head. After stretching he looked around the room. It looked a lot cleaner than it ever was. Well, except the first day of school, but it was close. After looking around, Harry took off the locket on his neck and ran to the showers to quickly shower. After that, he changed into some muggle clothes, not even bothering to add on a robe. Since he was going home with Ashley, and since she lived in the muggle world, it was easier for him just to dress in them now.
He changed into some black pants that looked a little baggy on him. He quickly put on a dark green shirt. When he walked out of the warmth of the shower part of the bathroom, he felt how cold the air was and quickly put on a black sweatshirt. He then brought a comb through his air. If he was going to go into the muggle world, he should dress like other muggle teens his age. Using his hand, he spiked up parts of his hair. He then brushed his teeth before going back into the dormitory.
"What time is it?" he asked with a yawn.
"To early for you to be up, obviously," Ron said noticing the yawn.
"Nah, I'm just tired," Harry replied. He reached to his bedside table and grabbed his watch and chains. He fastened the chain that Ashley had given him for his birthday around his neck as well as the one with the locket of his wolf and put the watch around his wrist. The locket glowed from his neck and Harry put it under his sweatshirt. It was around seven o'clock.
Yawning once more, Harry grabbed a backpack out of his trunk and started to load it with things he would need such as clothes. He shrunk Hedwig's cage with a flick of his wrist. He placed that in his backpack. Hedwig was going to fly there. Harry was giving her a chance to stretch her wings. She knew where he was going so he didn't worry about her being back before he left.
"Is that what you're going to bring?" Ron asked pointing to the backpack. He and Harry were the only people left in the room.
"I'm going into the muggle world. I don't want to bring a trunk because it'll bring too much attention to myself. More muggles our age bring around a backpack anyway," Harry responded. He finished packing right after Ron had. Harry swung his backpack over his shoulder as they left for the Great Hall. Ron left the trunk behind. It was going to be picked up later when the train was there.
As they made their way though the halls, they had greeted many portraits who were dressed for the holiday spirit. They had escaped Peeves who was trying to wrap them in ribbon and then lift them into the air and watch them dangle from lights.
They reahed the Great Hall and walked in to loud noises and excitement. It was decorated as usual with decorations, a large tree (complements of Hagrid) , and small lights that seemed to dance around the room. It looked magical.
"Ron! Harry!" Hermione called from the Gryffindor table.
"Hey Hermione," Harry replied as they reached her and took their seats. The others were there already.
"I'm going to work on that spell you showed me," Hermione said to Harry. Ever since Harry had promised Hermione and Ron that he would train them, he showed them a spell and they would practice. When they perfected it, he wold show them another one. After a few spells were learned, Harry would duel them to get them used to the spells they learned. They were doing very well. Hermione was learning her's quickly as usual but Ron was only a step behind, They were both doing extremely well and Harry knew that it was a wise decision to train them. They were serious about it and Harry knew they would be a great ally to have if danger approaches.
"Just work on that one and the other ones you learned," Harry said. "I won't give you more over the vacation. I'll feel better if I knew that you were only working on things I showed you and you weren't doing something wrong on a new spell and blow up your house. I know you're a very smart witch, Hermione but I know you understand."
"I understand perfectly, Harry and I agree with you. I think I'd feel safer if you were to show me the hard spells before I try them on my own. Sometimes getting hard spells right is hard," Hermone replied. She talked to Ron while Harry made his way over to Ashley and her parents.
"All packed?" Christine asked. Harry nodded shrugged the shoulder that had his backpack on it. Ashley had a simliar one at her feet.
"When we get there, Brian is going to be there with a bunch of friends. Our excuse is that we went on a small trip to pick you up, Harry. Since the House of the Gifted is a few hours away from where we're going, we're going to say that we were picking you up to spend the holidays with us and we were picking Ashley up from school," Paul said. Harry remembered that Ashley's older brother was going to be home.
"I thought it would be a good idea if we didn't mention that you were a wizard," Ashley said. "That way Brian won't act coldly toward you. You can still use magic but not in front of him. If you need to use magic, you're more than welcome to."
"We'll say that you two met at a camp," Christine said. "We tried to twist the story around what is actually true. You two met in the teen center which is like camp. Harry, you do live far from us to it's likely that we had to travel long to get you. And it's true that we need to pick Ashley up from school. We'll say that we needed to take the train to both places."
"Didn't you already tell Brian that you were at Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
"Yes but this is what he's going to tell his friends. They'll wonder why he's home alone and he can say that. He also needed to tell my sister to pick us up at the train station. He needed a reason to tell her," Christine said. Ashley was looking at Harry when he was talking to her mother. She reached up to lightly touch Harry's hair. He turned to her and saw her looking up at his hair.
"I thought since we were going into the muggle world, I should look like I lived in it for the last 15 years," Harry replied watching for her reaction.
"I like it," she said taking her hand away. "It looks good."
"Do you think your brother will think that I'm a muggle?" Harry asked.
"Why not? I would," she replied with a small laugh. They sat down to eat the last meal before the train.
"I almost didn't recognize you" Sirius said as he walked up to the table. Remus was behind him. "I was looking around for you for awhile until Stacy pointed you out."
"You're going to come over on Christmas right?" Harry asked after he swallowed what was in his mouth.
"I wouldn't miss it," Sirius said. He went to mess up Harry's hair as usual but Harry moved away and grabbed his hand.
"Not today," he said. Sirius looked up and saw Harry's hair.
"Oh, you changed it today huh?" Sirius remarked. "I thought something was different but I couldn't quite place it. It's a good different though."
"That's good," Harry said as he let Sirius's hand go. Sirius took it away. They talked for awhile about the holidays.
At the teacher's table, Dumbledore stood to give them all a speech to wish them all a happy and safe holiday. He had said that the trains arrived and would be leaving shortly. By that time everyone had finished breakfast and was all excited about the holidays.
"I think people are starting to go," Jake said. Harry looked over to the doors of the Great Hall and saw many students leave through it.
"I guess everyone is going to the trains," Caroline said. "Well, I guess the holiday vacation is beginning!"
"Well? What are we waiting for?" Matt asked. "Let's go!" He and the others had all brought backpacks like Harry and swung them over their shoulders. Harry stayed in his seat.
"You all be careful during the vacation and write!" Stacy said, hugging each of them. "Remember to practice, practice, practice! I'll see you all again when school starts." The shapeshifters and Julia had all raced each other out the door. Ron had run with them. Hermione was beginning to follow before she turned back to look at Harry.
"Are you coming?" she asked softly. Harry looked at her for a moment before looking around him. The other students had already left leaving only the teachers and themselves. He looked around at the ceiling and the Christmas decorations. He looked at Dumbledore who was looking at him with a smile. Harry turned to Ashley and her parents who were all watching him. He turned to Sirius and Remus and gave a smile of his own. With a deep sigh he turned to Hermione.
"I'm coming," he said before standing and swinging his backpack over his shoulder. Hermione nodded to him before heading out herself.
"I guess this is the last time we will see the castle," Paul said looking around. "At least we got to see it for the holidays."
"I wouldn't say that this will be your last time," Ashley said. "When you have me as a daughter, you'll probably be kidnapped by some unknown demon and magically brought back to Hogwarts." They let out a laugh.
"True, true," Paul said.
"You two have a fun holiday," Stacy said as she hugged her students.
"Have fun kiddo. I'll see you on Christmas," Sirius said.
"Maybe I'll see you before you come back," Remus said. "I'll see what I can arrange." They all walked out of the Great Hall and to the entrance. With a wave goodbye, Harry, Ashley and her parents walked across the lawn away from the castle while Stacy, Sirius and Remus stayed behind and watched them. Off in the distance some of the students were having snowball fights.
"I bet you a million galleons that either Jake or Caroline started that fight," Stacy said as she watched.
"I wouldn't bet against you," Sirius said.
"Me either," Remus added. They watched Harry and Ashley cross the lawns. When they passed the people playing with the snowballs, the snowballs stopped flying and the people ran over to Harry and Ashley.
"You were right," Sirius said to Stacy.
"I knew it," she said with a smile.
"Know-it-all," Sirius said under his breath. Stacy looked at him with her mouth wide in shock.
"I'm not a know-it-all! It's not my fault you don't know anything!" She waved her hand and a snowball flew through the air and hit Sirius in the back of the head. Stacy gave him a look as she turned on her heel to go inside. She let out a yelp of surprise when suddenly a snowball hit her in the head. Remus watched the two and rolled his eyes. They both saw this and got him involved in a childish snowball fight between themselves.
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Harry and Ashley walked across the grounds. The others were having a snowball fight. When they saw Harry and Ashley, they stopped and headed over to them.
"I bet you a hundred galleons that either Jake or Caroline started that fight," Ashley said.
"I wouldn't bet against you," Harry said. He was tucked in his sweatshirt.
"Look who's all goth," Jake said coming up behind them.
"I'm not goth," Harry replied. "I'm just freezing my butt off."
"Is that even possible?" Jake asked.
"What's possible?" Liz asked.
"Freezing your butt off. Is it possible?" Jake asked.
"Why not?" Liz asked.
"How many cases have you heard of people freezing their butt off?" Jake asked.
"If someone's butt gets cold enough, it could get frostbite. People's fingers, toes, hands, and feet get frostbite and have to be taken off. Why can't someone get frostbite on their butt?" Liz asked.
"When I hear a case like that, I'll believe you," Jake replied.
"Fine by me," Liz said putting her hands in the air.
"Good," Jake said. When they approached the train, everyone was already inside and there was a wizard by the door waiting for them.
"I'll race you," Matt said before running to the train. Most of them ran to the train and went inside. When Harry reached the train, he let everyone go in before him. Before he went in himself, he turned to look at the castle. He put down his hood so he could see it better. He looked over the grounds. He suddenly felt arms wrap around his neck lightly.
"The castle is so beautiful," Ashley's soft voice said. The wizard waiting outside had gone in and told them to shut the door when they came in.
"I'm actually leaving for the holidays," Harry said in disbelief. Ashley rested her head on his shoulder, lightly.
"There is a castle on a cloud. I like to go there in my sleep," she sang softly. Harry smiled.
"It looks just like that. A castle on a cloud," he said. The mess that they others had made in the snow made it no longer look like a blanket spread out, but a cloud instead.
"Ready to meet my family?" Ashley asked as she let go of Harry.
"Let's do it," Harry replied as they both went into the train and closed the door behind them. As they made their way through to find her parents, the train started and the castle started to fade in the background. They walked past compartments until they saw Christine standing in a doorway of one. She smiled when she saw them and moved into the compartment. They followed her into a compartment with the other shapeshifters.
"Did you two get lost?" Jake asked.
"Yeah," Harry lied, not wanting to explain anything.
"My Mum's family is all muggle and my Dad's are wizards. We always have aguments break out when the two families are together so we usually have my Mum's family over on Yule Eve and my Dad's on Christmas," Matt was saying. Harry took a seat near the window and looked out.
"Christmas will be fun," Ashley told him. "The house is going to be packed though."
"More people for a snowball fight," Harry said with a smile.
"I can see it now, snow everywhere. In the house, outside the house, everywhere!" Christine said.
"At least we warned you beforehand," Ashley said.
"Yeah, now I know to lock you all out of the house as soon as one snowball goes flying," Christine said.
"I'm usually stuck at my muggle aunt's house on Christmas. It's so boring. How do they expect a guy to live without playstation or Xbox or Game cube? It's especially bad when you get a new game and can't play it," Jake was saying.
"You lived without video games for a few months. You can't last one single day more?" Caroline asked.
"No!" Jake said throwing his hands up. "I've been away from real teenage civilization for so long! I can't last one more day!"
"Why don't you bring it with you?" Matt asked.
"I try but all my little cousins hog the TVs all day," Jake said.
"Bring a TV," Dean suggested.
"Why don't I bring my whole room?" Jake asked. "Or better yet, how about I just stay home?"
"There, you solved your problem. Just stay home," Liz said.
"That solution doesn't help me," Jake said.
"At least we tried," Caroline said. She turned her head to look out the window. Jake just rolled his eyes.
"Wasn't much of a try," Jake said with a sigh.
"Don't you live in the magical world?" Harry asked.
"Yeah but I have somethings that are muggle. When you can do magic like us, we need our video games," Jake said.
"It's Christmas vacation. None of us can think straight," Matt said.
"Well, some of us can," Ashley said.
"Then I can't think straight," Matt said.
"I can't wait until I get home," Liz said. "I haven't been home in so long!" They all talked about how much they wanted to be home. Suddenly Ashley's eyes widened as she came up with an idea. She grabbed her backpack and quickly unzipped it before taking out a piece of parchment. She took out a quill and wrote everyone's name down on the piece of paper except for Harry's. She then put a dash next to each name.
"I have an idea. Pass this around and write down your address and phone number," Ashley said. She quickly wrote down her information before passing the parchment and quill to Julia who was to her right. She wrote down her information before passing it on. Dean wrote down the house he was staying at. Harry didn't write down anything since he was staying with Ashley. After everyone wrote down their address and phone number, Ashley took the parchment and quickly made copies by using magic.
"There," she said, handing everyone a copy. "Now everyone has a copy of everyone's phone number and address."
"I have a plea," Julia said. "Please don't call my house if it's not necessary. I don't know how my parents will react to having good witches and wizards call the house and ask to talk to me."
"What are you going to tell your parents? You can't tell them that you were learning at Hogwarts. Especially with elementals!" Liz commented remembering that both of Julia's parents were death eaters. They would definitely not approve of her learning with witches and wizards on the side of light. If they found out, they wouldn't hesitate to kill her.
"I'm going to tell them that I was tracking some Aurors. I'm going to think of a fake destination. I'm going to get home and make it look like I was walking around this whole time and that I was undercover," Julia answered.
"Do you think that your parents will believe you?" Harry asked.
"I think they will. If not, I'll run away," Julia said.
"But they're death eaters and you're their daughter. Can't they call you to the dark lord or something?" Jake asked. Julia shook her head.
"I don't have the dark mark. I'm supposed to get it this summer. As of right now, I'm just a death eater's daughter, not a death eater myself," Julia answered.
"What would've happened if you never found us before you were scheduled to get that mark tattooed on your skin?" Liz asked.
"Run away as fast as I could," Julia said with a smirk.
"Is that fast?" Jake asked.
"Well, I'd have to get away from a whole lot of death eaters. What do you think?" Julia asked him.
"Pretty fast," Jake said nodding his head.
"You could pretend that you're still chasing us," Liz said with a smirk.
"What do you mean?" Julia asked slowly.
"Come over my house for the holidays! It'll be more enjoyable. My parents are wizards anyway plus my father is an auror so he wouldn't have a problem with you coming over," Liz said.
"Are you sure?" Julia asked. "I don't want to invade on your holiday."
"You won't be invading our holiday, you'd be adding to it and making it more enjoyable," Liz answered.
"Are you sure?" Julia asked again.
"Positive," Liz said.
"I guess I could stay undercover a bit longer," Julia said slowly.
"Did you tell your parents that you were coming home for the holidays?" Matt asked.
"No, I only told them that I was undercover. That was a while ago. They wouldn't really care if I was captured or dead or even still alive," Julia said.
"So in other words you'd rather come over my house for the holidays instead of going home," Liz said.
"Definitely," Julia said.
"Great!" Liz exclaimed. "This will be fun!"
"So we all have plans for the holidays," Caroline said. "We'll be apart for so long. Longer than ever."
"Wow, I'm going to go through Elemental withdrawl," Jake said.
"We'll just have to get together to do something," Ashley said. "Maybe one day we can all get together at someone's house."
"Withdrawl will take my soul," Jake said. They were all talking for awhile before Hermione and Ron joined them. They continued to talk about the holidays before they noticed the train slowing down before coming to a complete stop. Harry looked outside and saw many wizards and witches standing around waiting for their children to come off the train. They were all dressed in heavy cloaks. Some were dresses more in a muggle-ish way. Other parents were waiting outside the barrier.
"Vacation time!" Matt said as they all grabbed their backpacks. Hermione and Ron were grabbing their trunks.
"Let's go," Christine said as they all were ready to leave. They all filed out into a bigger crowd of students get off the train.
"Ron! Ginny! Fred! George!" Mrs. Weasley was yelling over the crowd of people. They all made their way through the crowd and over to her. She was over at a less crowded area of King's Cross.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said to Ron's mother.
"Hello Harry dear. I'm happy to see you away from the castle for the holidays," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Jake!" a new voice yelled. Jake turned to see his father making his way through.
"Hey Dad," Jake said as the man made his way over. They clasped hands and hugged.
"So these are the people that you had to stay with all this time?" Jake's dad asked looking around at the elementals, Hermione, and the Weasleys.
"Yup," Jake said.
"It's nice to see you all. I'm surprised you lived with my son for so long. Others can't stand living with him for a weekend," Jake's dad said.
"You cut me deep, Dad, really deep," Jake said trying to put on a hurt look.
"Well we have to leave. Your mother wants to see you again. She's home right now going crazy around the house," Jake's dad said. He put his hand around his son's shoulders and turned him away after saying good bye to the others.
"But the withdrawl!" they heard Jake saying when he was dragged away. Quickly the parents of the others arrived. Julia went home with Liz. Eventually all who was left was Ashley, her parents, Mrs. Weasley, Ron and his brothers, Ginny, Hermione, Matt and Harry. They all crossed the barrier into the muggle world and noticed that a trian had just arrived in the muggle world making the station crowded. Mrs. Weasley and her children left. Matt's parents found him quickly and after talking to Harry and Ashley for a few minutes, left. Hermione's parents came and talked for awhile before leaving as well.
"There's my sister," Christine said as she stood on the tips of her toes to see over the crowd. "Hannah!" Harry looked over and saw a woman with dark brown hair down to her shoulders look over at the call of the name. She had on sunglasses. Seeing Christine she smiled and waved before making her way over.
"I thought I missed you or I wasn't at the right station," Hannah said as she hugged her sister and moved on to her brother-in-law.
"Hi Aunt Hannah!" Ashley said as she hugged her aunt.
"Hello, it's nice to see you again," Hannah said. She looked over to Harry. "Who's this young man?"
"This is my boyfriend Harry Potter," Ashley said reaching out to grab Harry's hand and pulling him closer.
"Boyfriend huh? Your brother sadi that you were all going to pick him up as well. Well, it's nice to meet you. My name's Hannah but you already knew that," Hannah said holding out her hand.
"It's nice to meet you," Harry said shaking her hand.
"Shall we get going?" Paul asked.
"Definitely. Let's get you all home," Hannah said before she led them out of the station and through the parking lot. She stopped them in front of a dark blue truck. There was plently of room. It was big enough to hold seven people. Paul and Hannah sat in front. Christine sat behind Paul. Harry and Ashley took the back seats. They dumped their stuff in the trunk.
"How was school, Ashley?" Hannah asked.
"It was great. My classes aren't that hard so I'm more laid back than I thought I would be," Ashley replied.
"Well that's great. If school is stressful, it's not enjoyable," Hannah said. "What about you Harry?"
"Oh, it's great. I think a few of my friends are going through basketball withdrawl. They loved to play basketball but since snow came, they haven't been able to play much," Harry said a little surprised by the question.
"Don't your parents want you home for Christmas?" Hannah asked. Harry's throat tightened quickly.
"I don't live with my parents. I live with my aunt, uncle and cousin," Harry said.
"His parents died when he was young," Paul whispered to Hannah. He tried to whisper so Harry wouldn't hear but he heard it loud and clear. He was thankful that Paul had told her.
"I'm sorry, Harry. I didn't know," Hannah said.
"That's alright. It's not like you can tell when you see me," Harry replied trying to lighten the mood in the truck.
"Aunt Hannah, how's Uncle Tim?" Ashley asked.
"Work is driving him crazy as usual. He's going everywhere for work and misses the kids when he leaves on business. Tyler and Mark and doing fine. They're both very adventureous and sometimes make me nervous."
"Mark and Tyler are my cousins. Tyler is 8 and Mark is 5," Ashley said to Harry. Harry nodded and turned to the window as he watched as things went by. He wasn't paying attention to the conversations going on around him. He watched as people walked the streets with bags full of purchases hung at their sides. They passed many stores and turned onto many roads before stopping in front of a medium sized house with tan siding and a nice white wrap-around porch.
"Here we are," Ashley said as she nudged Harry's shoulder. They grabbed their things and exited the truck. Harry looked around. It wasn't a huge amount of property but it wasn't smal either. The house wasn't small nor big. It was perfect for a four-person family. There was an area of dirt in front of the porch and Harry figured that it was full of flowers in the spring and summer. A few trees were along the lawn.
"Let's go inside," Christine said. Hannah had decided to go home and wasn't going to join the family inside. She had still shopping to do. She said goodbye before getting back into her truck and leaving. The rest of the group went through the front door into the house. The house was quiet except for the shouting coming from a room upstairs.
The living room was small with a few couches and a few pictures on the wall. The dining room was connected. The kitchen was connected to that. In the living room was a wooden piano with a bookcase next to it filled with music books. The den was connected to the living room and held a couch and the TV. Stairs were between the living room and the den.
"How do you like it so far?" Ashley asked Harry.
"I love it," Harry said.
"I'll show you the upstairs," Ashley said as she took Harry's hand and led him up the stairs. On the second floor were five doors. Four go to rooms while the fifth was another bathroom. The first door by the stairs was closed but loud noises were heard from behind it.
"Your brother's room?" Harry asked pointing to the door.
"Of course. Mine's down this hallway," Ashley said as she led him down the hallway into another room. It was a medium sized room with a bed in the center and a desk to the side. The windows in the room let in large amounts of light. From one of the windows, Harry could see the view in front of the house. The walls were decorated with pictures and posters. It was definitely a teenage girl's room.
"Now I'll show you to where you'll be sleeping," Ashley said as they left her room and went into a room across the hall. The room was plain with a bed and a desk. It wasn't as homely as Ashley's but it was still nice to be in. "You can do what you want with the room. Put your stuff in the closets and drawers. Now if you'll leave your bag here, we get to meet my brother and his friends." Harry put down his bag before following Ashley out and to the closed door of Brian's room. She knocked a few times before they heard a male's voice tell them to come in.
"Hey Brian," Ashley said as she walked in. Harry went in behind her. Harry saw about five guys in the room. The room was around the same size as Ashley's and the guest room. He looked around and guessed that her brother was the one with the video game controller in his hand. He had brown hair and brown eyes, exactly like what Ashley was like before being an elemental changed her.
"When did you get home?" the guy asked. Harry was right. It was Brian.
"Just a few minutes ago actually," Ashley said. "I just wanted you to meet Harry." She grabbed Harry's arm and pulled him next to her.
"So this is the guy you were bringing back with you," Brian said. He stood and held out his hand to Harry. "Well, nice to meet you. I'm Ashley's brother, Brian." Harry shook his hand in a teenage sort of fashion. It wasn't a formal shake at all. "Do you go the same school as my sister?"
"No actually. I go to a school farther away. I met Ashley at camp," Harry replied smoothly. He knew what Brian was really asking about. He wanted to know if Harry was like Ashley. Brian wanted to know if Harry was a wizard.
"That's cool. Maybe tomorrow you can come and hang out with us. I can bring you to meet some other people and show you the cool places around town," Brian said. He then introduced the guys around his room. Harry nodded to each in a greeting. They talked for a little bit before Harry "shook" Brian's hand and left with Ashley. They shut the door after them and walked down the stairs.
"That was better than I expected," Ashley said.
"Do you think that they think I'm a muggle?" Harry asked.
"You did really good. I don't think Brian had any clue that you are a wizard," Ashley said.
"Didn't he already think that we don't go to the same school?" Harry asked.
"Probably but he either forgot or was making conversation," Ashley responded. Harry nodded in understanding.
"The house hasn't changed since I was here last," Ahsley said looking around.
"What did you expect? Did you really think that your room would be turned into a second office?" Harry asked.
"Maybe," Ashley said, looking sideways at Harry with a slight smile. "You never know with this family." She lead Harry to the kitchen and grabbed a bag of pretzels and before walking out the back door and into the backyard. The air was cold and Harry was thankful that he was still wearing his sweatshirt. No snow was on the grounmd but he was sure that it was cold enough for it.
"Wow, it's really cold out here," Ashley said. "I was going to give you a tour of the back yard but I think we'll just stick to the inside of the house today."
"Fine with me," Harry responded as they walked back into the house. They saw Christine taking a steaming tea pot off the stove. She put hot water into three cups before adding powder and milk to each.
"So there you two went," she said. She took a spoon and mixed each of them. "I just made some hot chocolate. I think we all need it today." She placed the mugs on the table at three seats. The three of them took their seats at the table.
"You can take off your sweatshirt, dear," Christine said to Harry. "Aren't you hot?"
"I'm confortable right now actually," Harry said. He blew on his hot chocolate before taking a sip. It was still hot. He blew on it more.
"Remember Harry, if you need anything let us know," Christine said. "I take it that you saw your room. Do you like it?"
"I love it," Harry said.
"It's not too small?" Christine asked. She knew that Harry was more claustrophbic than her daughter but didn't know how small was too small for the teenager.
"It should be fine," Harry said. "It didn't seem small to me at all."
"Good," Christine said, taking a sip of hot chocolate. "Today we're just going to stick around the house. Tomorrow maybe I'll take you two with me shopping."
"That'll be fun," Ashley said.
"You two can do whatever you want. If you need anything, just yell," Christine said before putting her empty mug into the sink. They heard her walk upstairs.
"Harry?" Brian's voice called.
"In the kitchen," Ashley called back. They heard footsteps coming down the stairs and Brian appeared in the kitchen a few seconds later.
"There you are. I wanted to ask if you wanted to go for a walk around the neightborhood. My friends and I are going to take a walk down to the park," Brian asked. Harry glanced at Ashley. She nodded her head as if to say 'go'.
"Yeah, why not?" Harry told Brian.
"Cool, Let me get my jacket," Brian said as he left the room. He ran upstairs and a few seconds later, several people were coming down the steps.
"Have fun," Ashley said as Harry put him mug in the sink and headed into the living room where everyone was. Brian was pulling on a jacket.
"Let's go," Brian said as they all headed out the door and into the cold air. Harry walked with the group to the park where they threw a ball around. Harry was good. With being a seeker, he was able to catch anything that came his way. Brian's friends were asking him questions such as his school and if he played sports. Harry had made up answers and said that he played basketball and a game that his friends made up. Harry ended up teaching them how to play quidditch but kept it in muggle perspective. They played for a while before it got dark. Brian and Harry walked home while the other guys walked to their own homes.
They walked into the warm house to the smell of dinner cooking. The house was lit up and Paul was sitting on a couch reading the newspaper. Harry noticed that the light on the paino was on and the keys were uncovered. Harry decided to quickly run upstairs and wash up. He ran into the bathroom and washed his hands before heading to his own room. He noticed music coming from Ashley's room and knocked on the door.
"Come in," Ashley's voice called. Harry turned the nob and slowly opened the door to see Ashley laying on her bed with a magazine in her lap. She turned up to see Harry enter. "Did you have a good time at the park?" she asked as she sat up and put her magazine on her desk.
"It was pretty good. I taught them quidditch," Harry replied. Ashley's eyes went wide.
"What?!" she asked.
"I didn't tell them the name of the game. I just said that a bunch of my friends made up a game. I just taught them to pass the ball. I left out a lot actually come to think about it," Harry said. He closed the door. Ashley patted the area of the bed next to her and Harry sat there. They were silent for a little bit. Harry leaned back against the pillows before pulling Ashley down to rest on him. He wrapped his arms around her and they stayed like that in silence with only the music in Ashley's cd player.
"Who is this?" Harry asked about the music. "It sounds familiar."
"Trapt," Ashley answered. "Do you want to listen to something else? I have lots of cds that you might like if you don't like this." She moved to get up but Harry pulled her back down.
"Don't worry about it. I like this song," Harry replied. Ashley's head was resting on Harry's chest and they sat there listening to the song.
"Your sweatshirt is comfortable," Ashley commented. "Nice and soft." They laughed and Ashley looked up at Harry. She moved so that she was sitting next to him instead of against him. She smiled at him before looking down.
"This is going to be the best holiday," Harry said. Ashley looked up and smiled at him. Harry slowly leaned down and kissed her on the lips. They separated quickly and this time Harry looked down.
"It will be the best holiday," Ashley said. She took a finger and lifted Harry's head and turned it towards her. This time she kissed him on the lips before they separated again. She smiled at him sweetly before getting up to change the cd. She put on another cd and laid down on the bed with her head on her pillows. They stayed like that before they heard Christine call up to them to say that dinner was ready. Ashley stood and headed to the door. Before opening it, she turned to look at Harry who walked up to her.
"This really will be the best holiday," she said before moving her head towards Harry's. Harry leaned down to kiss her. They kissed until they heard Christine call them again.
"I guess we should go down there," Harry said. Ashley sighed.
"I guess," she said. She opened her door and they both walked downstairs, hand in hand.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*
Ok there's the chapter. For those of you who wanted more romance, I hope you like it so far. I'm getting into it a little more so I hope it imporves from here.
Please review! And remember NO FLAMES!!!!!!!!!
To my reviewers! This chapter is dedicated to all of you nice reviewers. Your name will have stars next to it. If you have no stars, don't read my story if all you're going to do is put down my work! If your name is not here: my computer is stupid and wouldn't let me on a page of the reviews so I didn't see it. If I missed it, let me know and I'll write to you next chapter.
Reviewers:
Satan- I'm going to redo that story. I'm going to concentrate on this story right now. Rude review..
:)(:- **********I don't know about a sequel but this story will be really long. I don't see an end in sight. I think that once I make them do everything until they can't do anymore, I'll have to stop it btu I don't see that anytime soon.
Trance3-********** I'm glad you like the Harry/Ashley pairing. I tried to do something different than H/H.
Dragon Tamer47- I was doing once a week but work and school take up time. I'm taking college courses so it just piles up but I do write just not as fast as I used to be able to.
Irish Pixie- ***********I'm glad you like the characters. One reviewer hated them.
Shadow 101-*********** I'm getting into more romance soon. Here's christmas. I noticed that I left out christmas too....
Philton Jr.-********* I'm glad you like my story. I'm sorry for the suspense. I really am! I'll watch that next time.
Master Eldryn- OK, just to tell you, when I get bored, I don't just add a character. In the beginning I had a lot of characters. Then one person helped me and told me how to get my story on ff.net and I owed him a favor so I added two of his characters and how is a story realistic is you keep to the same characters and don't change anything? People don't live in a bubble and avoid everyone else. Of course people are going to pop in and out of my story. Ok, if you don't like my elementals, don't read my story. Oh wait, did I just say that?? Did I just say MY STORY. Yeah that's right, MY Story. I can do as I wish with MY story. Some people wanted me to do something so I added her elements. Just because you have different views doesn't mean that that goes for everyone. Write your own freakin' story about your own views on freakin' elemetals and leave mine to people who want to read something that's different. I tend to think that there are more elementals than just the four majors. Ok, about the lockets, I didn't base them on Pokemon. They are based on my own mind. They were my idea. Oh, and about the teenagers, I'm a 16 year old girl and started writing when I was really young. This story was started when I was 15 and thought about when I was 14. That would mean that I was and still am a teenager writing a story on teenagers, Now I don't know how old you are or where you live but I live in New York and in a very small town. I KNOW HOW TEENAGERS ACT! I am one! So don't tell me that my characters aren't realisitc because they are. I would know! If you have a problem, leave my story alone and pick on someone else. As in thinking as teenager: I'm a girl so I don't get all the freedom as an adult. And since I have restrictions, I know I have them because I'm a teenger and I know that. WE don't think the same and I think that I'm a teenager every day so don't you dare tell me that this story isn't based on the fact because each of my characters is based upon someone I know who's around my age. You know nothing about me, my friends, or my life so keep your ideas to yourself and don't dis anyone that you don't know/. Stop reading my story and stop reviewing because I don't have the patience nor mood to read what you write. You think you're smart and you think that you're helping me out by clueing my in on things that you don't think I realize when I'm certainly aware of everything. I live in a teenager's world everyday. I have much more to say but don't have the time to waste on you.now on to my next reviewer...
Morph012-********** I'm glad you like my story and I'll try to read your story as soon as possible
Mysterious person- what are you talking about? Leave my story alone if you don't care for it.
Ashley-************* I love how you call this a book. I do too. It's not longer than the 5th year book. (think. My story is 20 pages a chapter). My friend and I had a laugh. It really is a book now isn't it?
Sajjad-************* I'm glad you like this story. Honestly, I don't know of other stories like this. That's why I wrote it.
Shadow Wolf- ********** I'm glad you like it. E-mail me about the lemon thing.
Zylexiaa-************** I'm glad that you love my story. Thanks for reading!
Jaded Angel 8-******** Glad ya like it! Thanks for R/R
Apolla/Artimis- ******** I'm glad that you like this story. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Lou143-*********** Are you crazy? You won't write a story because you think that I'll think that you're copying me? Are you crazy??? I'd love to read your story. Write on! Thanks for telling em but it wasn't necessary. Please send me the story fore I'd love to read it. Don't ever think that I'd be affended by it. I'd love to read it.
Crystal, lily, James and Sirius- ******** I'm glad ya like it! I hope you liked the new chapter!
Maggie- ****** simple reviews..hehe....I hope you liked the new chapter.
Iceprincess-********** I updated! Sorry for the wait but things were crazy.blackout.school..work.vacation...crazy!
James porter-*********** so you call it a book too?? I do now as well. It really is a book...think 20 pages per chapter (that's how much I write in Word) and you easily get a book.
Shoyru lover-********** I can't write another story but maybe u can write it..if u e-mail me, I'll answer questions..give u histories, anything you need.
Tom Riddle's Son- ******* I'm going to make it sad then. I know I solve problems quickly but I don't want to make the story boring. Plus if a person doesn't like a problem, it'll be over soon so they can still read the story.
Jess16-******** I'm glad you like the story! Read on!