Author's Note: Again, I'm sorry if it took so long to update, but I've begun working on a new story which will soon be up here as well. Don't worry, I'm not going to stop this one, I just might take some time for updates. But no matter what, I won't even stop writing this story! It means too much to me. Also, I love all the reviewers very much, but I'd like to give a special thanks to dreamarie. Now, on with the chapter!
Chapter 12: Home (urgh) and Christmas Shopping
Still Friday, December 16th
10:28 PM
Home sweet home. Crap. We had finally gotten to King's Cross and mum picked us up in her silver Mercedes. It was no joke getting four trunks and three owls (Blinky, Hedwig, and Ginny's owl, Pidgewideon. Don't ask) into a small car trunk. We were all tired and mum was grumpy by the time we reached our house.
Our house is very simple, nicely sized with two floors. It's very muggly, and I hope that doesn't remind Harry of the house he spends his summer holidays in, with those dreadful muggles.
We made our way inside, dragging the trunks on the floor and nearly running over Dad as he burst out the door to say hello. He laughed his bald laugh and drained my oxygen when he hugged me, saying, "Hello, Julia! How's my little magician?" I prayed the others hadn't heard him as I put on a fake smile and said, "I'm fine, hello stranger." Then I turned around and said, "Ginny, Diana, Harry, this is my dad. Dad, this is…everyone." Dad grinned stupidly and said, "Aye, pleased to meet you. Abracadabra, eh?" Then he walked back inside the house, shaking his head and laughing. Why, why me? I desperately explained my dad was abnormal and everyone laughed.
I explained that Harry would have to sleep in James' room and that Di and Ginny could sleep in mine. We heaved our trunks upstairs and went to our rooms. I kept observing Harry, who looked tired, yet still yummy scrumbos! We said a brief good night to Harry and then unpacked our things (well, Di did) and laid in bed, talking. Ginny seemed all girlish and Di joined in, talking about the most random things. But all I could think of was the SG that was lying in bed next door, trying to sleep. Yum….
Saturday, December 17th
11:08 PM
We had an ok first day, a little tense and awkward, but still fun. The highlight of the day was when we were putting our Christmas tree up and Ginny tripped over the wire that lit up the tree lights, falling on her bum. The not-so-good part was when she grabbed me as she fell, and who should keep me from falling – but Harry? I thanked him as I untangled Ginny's foot from my arm and pulled her up. He grinned a little and said, "Watch it, you lot," in a teasing way. Ginny giggled girlishly and went off. I rolled my eyes as discreetly as possible, but I think Harry may have noticed. Joy. He gave me a strange look and went off to find Ginny. God, they should simply get a flat and call it a day. Ugh, biotchy mood kicking in.
Well, today we did absolutely nothing, mostly! I showed everyone around the house and explained some basic things. Di was a little weird about being in a muggle home, but I helped her out. Also, I explained the instructions for use on dealing with my father. Bloody nightmare, he is. This morning he burst in on our breakfast and started singing some ridiculous song with the lyrics changed to, 'abracadabra! Ab, ab, ab, ab, ab, abracadabra!' I tried to breathe through the pain of seeing my friends' amused faces and told him to bugger off. He just laughed and tapped my head. Like I was five, or something. Thank you, dad.
Midnight
There is nothing to do in this bloody house! You might as well add a clueless ghost and you've got History of Magic class.
Friday, December 23rd
5:45 PM
Went to Diagon Alley today, and completed Christmas shopping. You can find the strangest gifts when you're feeling suicidal. I got a book on wizarding for beginners for dad – that'll keep him occupied for a few weeks, hopefully. Then I got a self-cleaning set of new dishes for mum, at a bargain for five galleons in a wizard household supplies shop. For James I got him a football so he can brush up on his mediocre skills (yet the way he puts it, you'd think he's bloody David Beckham). Di will receive a mega box of chocolate frogs (she collects the cards) and a photograph of me and her in a silver frame that changes shape according to its mood. For Ginny I got a magical makeover kit, to see if she'll finally understand "that weird make up costume thing muggles wear on their faces". Then Harry. Oh, I didn't have a clue on what to get Harry!
I shopped for some simple gifts for the rest of the Ace Gang, all the while looking for something, anything for him. Well, what do you buy for the secret love of your life who's dating your friend? Especially when he's staying over at my house (a plan that, by the by, isn't working out too well, what with dad, and all)!
I was just passing by the last few shops in the alley, on my own (we had split up after Ginny insisted she had to buy her gifts secretly), and I was about to turn back, when I suddenly saw a little antiques shop I had never noticed before. It was painted a rich brown colour, which was fading, and the wood was slowly splintering. A sign with the words, 'Abigail's Antiques – The Most Valuable Wizarding Antiques since 42 BC' in neat calligraphy hung above the tattered door.
I paused to look at the window, which was dusty and untidy, with some random antiques scattered on wooden stands. I really don't know what came over me, but I suddenly felt a huge urge to enter the shop, and my hand instantly grabbed the brass doorknob. My other hand, strangely enough, made its way to my necklace, and started smoothing the jade stone.
A bell chimed as I entered the dusty shop, tripping over an ancient clock that was lying on the floor. I felt directed by someone invisible. I made my way to the back. There was no one around. There were several boxes lying around, untidy and unclean. My heart was beating faster. I opened and closed several empty or unimportant boxes, when finally I felt I had gotten the right one.
I slowly opened it and saw, with no doubt, the most beautiful piece of jewellery in the world. It was a necklace identical to mine except the stone on the end of it was a crystal. And oh, what a crystal! It was rainbow with shades of diamond and glitter and everything beautiful you could possibly think of. It was indescribable, hypnotizing (whew, it really went to my head) and I stared at it for hours (or minutes?) on end.
Then suddenly a throat cleared behind me and I heard a voice say, "Can I help you, miss?" Is lowly turned, necklace still in my hand, too see a plump, kind looking woman. Except her eyebrows were raised in surprise. I managed to croak out, "Er…no, thanks. Sorry…I was just…looking around."
She glanced at the necklace in my hand and explained, "Oh, that's a nice choice. One of me most precious antiques. Years ago, and old man forgot it here when he came to pick out a gift. I've never found him again, so I keep it shut in that box." I slowly digested this information. Hmmm. What the bloody hell did this have to do with me? She rambled on for England and I tuned her out. Eventually I interrupted her, "Er…how much is it?" I don't know why I asked that. I really don't. It's not like I can afford it, anyway. Merde. Her eyes widened and she said quietly, "I'm sorry, miss. It's not for sale."
I immediately felt sick and faint. The woman (who by this point I judged to be Abigail) quickly noticed and said, "It's just too precious, miss…." She looked at my face sympathetically and seemed to change her mind in a flash, "Oh, alright!" My face lit up as she gave in, "I'll sell it to ye fer 400 galleons. 400 and no less!" I chocked. 400! 400. Has she gone mad? I just blinked back at her and reached for my purse. 30 galleons. Brilliant.
6:00 PM
Why! Why me? Why can't I have more than a child's wages for once? Obviously I walked out empty handed. I muttered something about how I would come back later. Yeah, right. As soon as I rob Gringotts.
Anyway, the cherry on top of a perfect day (only mildly sarcastic) was when I bought Harry's gift: a book on Defence Against the Dark Arts, since he loves the subject so much and according to Hermione he hasn't got many books on it, which is important since he chose this for his N.E.W.T subjects anyway. He's so yummy! And I feel like a right fool getting him a book as a Christmas present. Oh, merde. And poo.
7:28 PM
Why was I obsessed with that necklace?
7:29 PM
It was beautiful.
Midnight
Truly.
12:10 PM
He is gorgey. Oh, this Christmas is going to be awful!
12:12 PM
No it won't! He'll be there.
12:15 PM
Shut up, brain.
