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 #5

"Do you know what is special about tonight?" Mother asked me, before I went upstairs to bed. I thought about that for a minute or two. It wasn't my birthday as far as I was aware. I was about to shake my head when I remembered the beautifully decorated pine tree in the corner of the room.

"Is it Christmas?" I asked.

She smiled at me. "Not quite, Draco, it's the night before St Nicholas Day. Do you know who St Nicholas is?" I frowned and shook my head. "St Nicholas is the patron saint of children," she explained, "He was originally a kindly old man who became known for his love of children. The children would leave their shoes out on the front porch of their houses overnight and St Nicholas would leave gifts in them for the children to find in the morning."

"Does he still leave gifts for children?" I wanted to know, curious as to whether he'd leave anything for me.

"Well now, he only leaves gifts for the good children, not the naughty ones. They get a special surprise from Black Peter."

"Who's he?" I asked eagerly, liking the sound of a special surprise.

Father smiled at me in amusement and took it upon himself to answer. "Black Peter travels round with St Nicholas and he leaves a stick for all the naughty boys and girls."

"A stick? That's not a nice present!"

"The stick is for the parents to beat their children to make sure that they won't be naughty again."

I looked at Father horrified. "I don't want a stick!" I clung to Mother for comfort. "I've been good, haven't I?"

"Lucius, really, you're going to terrify the child."

"You spoil him, Narcissa." He leant back in his chair and studied me carefully. "It's not for us to decide, Draco, it's for St Nicholas and Black Peter. Now, leave your shoes at the fireplace and in the morning, I'm sure you'll find them overflowing with sweets."

Placated, I did as I was told. "Good night, Father. Good night, Mother."

"Good night, Draco." I left the room but as I closed the door behind me, I heard Mother's voice. "Now who's spoiling the child, Lucius?"