Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Door #3
Christmas had hit Hogsmeade hard. Everywhere I looked there were flashing lights in gaudy colours; most prominent was red and green that clashed merrily though no one cared. People stood around in groups chattering loudly to make themselves heard above the seasonal music, not minding the cold that turned their cheeks pink and made their eyes water. Burdened with many brightly wrapped packages, adults hurried along whilst children peered in delighfully decorated shop windows, eyes drinking in the latest marvels and wishing it would be theirs. It was a joyful scene.
I mentally compared it to where I would spend my Christmas holiday: a large cold house with three people to rattle around in it. Decorations would be discreet, yet elegant and everything would match perfectly; Mother would have none of this kitschy tack in her house. Celebrations would be muted but no less meaningful. I made a rapid decision and strode purposefully into a nearby shop only to emerge sometime later laden with bags full of every Christmas-themed item imaginable. With a smirk, I pictured my parents' faces when they saw what I'd done to my rooms. I didn't care though, I thought I deserved a little joy in my life for once.