Chapter 17 - Christmas
Many of the groups cried when they returned the furves on the last day of classes. Neville was particularly reluctant to give up Snowball. Snowball, the albino, didn't want to see Neville go. Blue didn't seem to want to leave the company of his group either.
When Neville dropped Snowball off, Araya stopped him and asked, "Neville, how are things? Did you ever figure out why she chose you?"
"No ma'am." Neville said shyly.
"Snowball says you don't want to talk with her. Why?"
"Pardon?" Neville asked.
"In your dreams. That soft voice in your head." Araya replied, waiting for Neville to acknowledge what she'd said. "That was Snowball."
"Really?!" Neville looked shocked, "She talks to me?"
"Ummhmm." Araya smiled, "Do you know how rare and special that is?"
"Really? Me?" Neville said. Dean and Seamus were there now, "I - I - me?"
"Knew you were something." They beamed back at Neville, "Have any of the others tried?"
"Well, that's for me to know." she smiled.
Most of the school filtered out for the holidays. Hermione stayed with Ron and Harry in the Gryffindor Tower, and they were left with only Neville (who was leaving a week later, after Christmas), Samantha the prefect, and two first years. In the dinning hall there were only two or three from each house.
The atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful. Harry, Ron and Hermione welcomed Hagrid home and had tea with him many afternoons. Lupin roamed the grounds cheerfully. Araya and Lupin seemed to have reached an agreement as they were often seen talking together.
"Suppose her boyfriend knows she's so friendly with him?" Ron asked, "Think he's the jealous type?"
"Hope not." Harry said, "I think they're just unified to annoy Snape."
"I hope Snape goes on vacation or whatever again." Neville said, "My Gran was proud of me when she heard about how well I did in the Halloween Potions test. She wrote me and told me she knew I could do it. But since Snape got back..."
"Neville, it proves you can do Potions when you relax." Hermione told him, "You just can't let Snape get to you."
"Easier said than done." Harry retorted. "Exploding Snaps?"
The holiday feast was held at a single table with staff and students totalling thirty. Hagrid's booming laughter mixed with the bells that comprised of Araya's.
"As a holiday treat," Dumbledore smiled, "I've decided to let you all go to Hogsmead. That includes first years." The two Gryffindors and a Hufflepuff brightened. "On condition that they stay within sight of a teacher."
They had great fun with Wizard Crackers and songs. Araya even tried to teach them to dance. The really strange thing was Snape actually smiled.
"Araya turned to Lupin, "Pay up." she said, holding out her hand. Lupin handed her an egg.
"What's that about?" Harry asked.
"Had a bet going." Lupin whispered, "I bet her that if Severus smiled, his face would crack. She won."
"Oh, is that all." Harry smiled, "What did she win?"
"A Grindallo egg." Lupin said.
"Professor Araya?" Neville asked, "What's happening to the Furves now that we're done with them?"
"I'm taking them home." she replied, "Midnight hasn't decided yet, though."
"Where did you run across them anyway?" Hermione asked.
"Midnight was my dad's, and then he bonded with me after my dad died." Araya smiled at them.
They went to bed excited about the next day's trip. Harry thought of spending the day with Sirius. Would it feel like having a real family? Harry thought briefly about that.
"Barhhloo?!"
That was the sound that awoke Ron, Harry and Neville. "Barhloo!"
They peaked around from behind the curtains. Snowball sat in the centre of the room, looking brightly at them and wagging her tail.
"Barhloo!"
"Snowball?!" Neville jumped out of bed so fast he fell on his face. "What?" She ran over to him and licked his face.
"Read the note." Ron said sleepily.
"Note?" Neville asked. Harry walked over and pulled it from the ribbon. Harry read it.
Neville,
I had to get permission from your
Grandmother first, before I let Snowball
come back to you. She wants to be with
you. Happy Christmas.
Araya
"That's some present." Ron said stuffing candy in his mouth.
"Wow." Harry said, "Neville, you're lucky. That's some trust."
Ron opened the one from his mum. As usual, a maroon jumper, sweets, and a note.
We're coming to Hogsmead today. Please
meet us at noon at the Three Broomsticks. Happy Christmas.
Mum
The boys greeted the girls as they entered the common room. Hermione wore the sweater Mrs. Weasley had knit her. "Merry Christmas." she called brightly. Neville carried Snowball, looking ecstatic. "Neville?"
Professor Araya, she sent Snowball." Neville beamed.
"Wow!" Hermione replied, "Does your Gran know?"
"Professor Araya wrote that she got permission first." Harry told her, "Think any of the others got their furve?"
"Well, we know Malfoy didn't." Ron smiled, "Oy! I'm so excited about the trip into town."
They took the carriages to town shortly after breakfast. Samantha took it as her responsibility to look after the first year Gryffindors - much to their dismay. Although Harry, Ron, and Hermione didn't want to ditch Neville, they didn't want him tagging along either. After all, Sirius wasn't likely to get near with him around.
The four climbed into a carriage with Snowball curled affectionately on Neville's lap. They saw their Professors coming down to join the students. Professor McGonagall climbed in with the other Gryffindors, and the other House Heads sat with their respective students.
"Who do you suppose will be travelling with us?" Harry asked, noticing the chaperones. The others looked about to see.
"Is there room for one more?" Araya asked sweetly. The four smiled, if they had to have a teacher, she was one of the preferred ones.
"Sure!" Ron said, making room and blushing furiously.
"Absolutely!" Neville replied excitedly. She smiled and climbed in. "Thank you. Thanks."
"Well," Araya smiled, "It was really Snowball's choice. You're sure you want to take care of her?" The glow of pride was all the answer Araya needed. "Okay. During the day, you can leave her with me or Hagrid until she's a little older." She tickled Snowball under her chin.
"So what are you going to do in town?" Harry asked pleasantly.
"Planned on socking? up at Honeydukes and then walking around. I miss the forests around home." Araya replied, "You?"
"Honeydukes, Three Broomsticks, The Shrieking Shack." Harry said, "We're not really sure yet."
"Cool. Oh, but don't go wondering out of town." Araya replied, tickling Snowball's ears, "Professor Dumbledore wants you all to stay in town. And the curfew is sundown."
"Any particular reason, that sundown is curfew?" Hermione asked.
"It's easy. Especially for people like me who don't wear a watch." Araya shrugged.
"I'm sort of surprised you didn't go away for the holidays." Ron said. "You sound like you really miss your family."
"I do. But being the new teacher, I have the least seniority. So, my request for leave got shuffled to the bottom of the heap." Araya said lightly. "No worries, I don't really mind so much." The carriage stopped in front of Zonkers joke shop, "Behave, and try to stay out of trouble."
"Professor?" Harry asked as he looked around at all the people who'd come down from Hogwarts, "Where's Hagrid and Professor Lupin?"
"Well, Lupin walked down earlier." Araya said, "And Hagrid wanted to spend some time with Fang at the Castle before joining us this afternoon." She looked around, "See you later."
"How are we going to get rid of Neville?" Ron whispered to Harry and Hermione. Hermione spotted a fourth year Hufflepuff girl conversing with a fifth hear Hufflepuff about Snowball.
"Leave it to me." Hermione whispered, "Neville, how's Snowball?" Is she alright in this cold?" Her voice caught the Hufflepuffs' attention and they came over, admiring Snowball.
"She's alright." Neville said with Snowball tucked behind his leg. "Just shy." he reached down to get Snowball, "Snowball. I - um - think she's thirsty, though."
"Neville, how'd you get her back?" the fifth year Hufflepuff asked.
"Professor Araya. She - um - sent Snowball back to me for Christmas." Neville said, blushing. "She - told me that Snowball here wanted to be with me."
"She's so cute." the fourth hear Hufflepuff beamed. "Could we, that is, would you like to join us for a drink? You mentioned that she was thirsty, right?" Neville blushed furiously and nodded.
"Do you three mind?" he asked before budging one step.
"Go ahead, Neville." Ron said.
"Yeah." Hermione smiled, "We'd hate for anything to happen to Snowball." Neville headed off with the Hufflepuff girls. "Told you."
"How did you know that they'd take Neville away?" Harry asked.
"Simple." Hermione smiled, "Girls like fluffy things, and they get even more interested when they see another girl can approach him."
"Really?" Ron said, "So all I need is a cute fluffy animal and you to talk to me, and I'll have girls buying me drinks?"
"No Ron, you need a miracle before that will happen." Hermione huffed, "Shall we go find...Snuffles."
"Yeah, let's go." Harry said, trying to avoid the imminent fight between Hermione and Ron. "When did your mum say they'd be here? Are they all coming?"
"I think so. That's what mum's note said." Ron replied, "Around lunch, I think. Gives us plenty of time. D'ya think Lupin came early to find Snuffles?"
"Maybe." Harry said, looking forward to the visit, "Think he can come and stay with us?"
"Now Harry," Hermione said, "You know he can't. Let's hurry." They rushed to the edge of town by the Shrieking Shack and saw Lupin and Snuffles.
"Professor Lupin! Snuffles!" Harry smiled, "Happy Christmas." Harry ran over.
"And to you." Lupin said, "Ron, Hermione." he greeted them warmly, "Enjoying your holidays?"
"Yeah, it's great." Harry beamed as Sirius trotted over and jumped up on him, knocking Harry into the snow. "Ha, ha."
"Perhaps we should walk a bit." Lupin smiled, "Seems Snuffles needs to burn off some energy."
The black dog stopped indignantly, turned to Remus and barked sharply, then moved so Harry could sit up. Harry hugged Sirius as he sat beside Harry.
"I can't go too far. Mum's bringing the family for lunch." Ron said, "Think they'll stay the night?"
"Don't know." Hermione replied, "But if they do, Snuffles might be able to also." Harry looked excited at the prospect.
"Don't know about that, Hermione." Lupin said, "If it was just you three, or just the Weasleys and you, maybe. But Neville is in your dorm, and so are the girls. Not a good idea."
"What if he stayed with you, or Hagrid." Harry pleaded, hugging Snuffles desperately.
"Harry!" Hermione hissed, shocked.
"We'll work on it." Lupin said, "Shall we?"
They had a snowball war and a nice walk in the woods. By lunch they were cold and very hungry. They headed to the Three Broomsticks. The Weasley Family (minus Ron) was sitting at two tables in the corner of the tavern. Several of the teachers were also there.
"You can't bring him in here." Rosmerta, the proprietary, told Lupin as Snuffles trotted in behind him.
"Oh, Madame Rosmerta," Lupin said nicely, "It's so cold outside and it's Christmas. Can't he just come in and warm by the fire for a spell? I have a soft spot for strays."
"Alright...just this once." Rosmerta conceded. "But if he causes any trouble, he's out."
"Thanks." Lupin gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Rosmerta, you're sweet." Snuffles curled up by the fire.
"Ron dear!" Mrs Weasley called, "Come give me a hug, dear." She pulled Ron into a hug, then Harry and Hermione. "Merry Christmas Harry, Hermione." The other Weasleys made room for them and called well wishes to them. "Dear me, you three are soaked!"
"We...had a snowball fight, mum." Ron said, taking his cloak off and reaching for the food, "Nice to see you Charlie, Bill."
"Bill," Hermione said after taking her cloak to dry by the fire. "Ron said that you were transferred. How come?"
"Well, the curse-breaker in Peru, Sumis, was onto something big and came down sick." Bill told Hermione pleasantly, "So Gringotts transferred me until he's feeling better. Truth to tell, I'd rather be in Egypt."
"Why?" Ron asked with his mouth full.
"Ron, don't talk with your mouth full." Mrs Weasley chided, "You'll choke."
"Sorry, mum." Ron said, swallowing.
"Well, the curses in Peru aren't the only problem. The traps are far more elaborate and dangerous." Bill said, "Mum's worried I'll get hurt." he shrugged, "How are things here? Fred and George seem taken with your new teacher."
"She's alright." Hermione said.
"Araya's great!" Fred put in, "She's smart, pretty, and a lot of fun."
"Yeah." Ginny said, "She's really nice."
"Did you see the way she told Mr. Malfoy off?" Ron said, excited, "Looked like he was going to explode." Ron smiled.
"Malfoy, really." Mr. Weasley said, "Surprised he'd have come to the school."
"Surprised Dumbledore let him." Harry said quietly, "Though, Ron's right. It was great to watch."
"Knew she was cool." George said, "Sorry, I missed that."
Fred nodded in agreement. "Would have been great he said.
Hermione noticed that Fred's hand was bandaged, "Fred, what happened?"
He looked stunned for a second. "Oh, this?" Fred held up the injured hand, "Seems Bill has a girlfriend. When I tried to snatch one of her letters it blew up in me hand."
"Shouldn't have tried to steal my letter." Bill said innocently.
"If you weren't so secretive, we wouldn't snoop." George said with equal innocence.
"Yeah, right." Charlie laughed. "That works." Bill just sat quietly.
"Bill won't even tell us her name." Fred said indignantly.
"Maybe, Bill doesn't want you two sending her nasty letters like you did to Penelope." Percy replied, "Really, when will you two grow up."
"Not until it's absolutely necessary." the twins said together. "Really, what's the harm. Give us her name. Pleeeaaase big brother?"
"No." Bill said, smiling. It looked as if he were going to laugh.
Comments:
Aww...Neville got to keep Snowball...and you claim that you're not nice! ;)
...I did kind of feel for Snuffles though...stuck in dog form for the whole chapter! Bummer.
It was also kind of nice to see that the holidays (at least so far) were pleasant enough for everyone, although, looking ahead a bit, your next chapter sounds like it may not be as nice and peaceful as this one...Attacks in Hogsmead, huh? Hmmm...sounds exciting!