Harry Potter and The Power Within Chapter 20: Winter Wonderland, a harry potter fanfic

Chapter 20: Winter Wonderland

The house smelled of hot apple cider and creamy hot chocolate. Mrs. Weasley wasn't kidding when she told everyone they were going to be decorating. She had Dumbledore and McGonagall decorating the hallways, Hagrid and Ginny were preparing the tree for everyone to decorate later that night, Fred and George had gone with Winky and Dobby to buy food for the Christmas feast, Lupin, Harry, Hermione and Ron spent the day wrapping presents. Harry had received a huge package from Colin with all of the photo's already in frames, he took the box and crept up to Julia's room knowing he'd have peace and quiet. Harry put the box in Julia's room then crept back to his room to grab the wrapping paper. On the way back he stopped for a moment when he heard humming coming from the hallway below. He peered over the banister to see Dumbledore and McGonagall humming Christmas carols to each other.

"Wait, what's that muggle song about gold rings?" asked Dumbledore as he was lifting another red bow into the air.

"Oh honestly Albus you ask me that every year," chuckled McGonagall. "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me," she paused and looked at Dumbledore.

"Ah yes, a partridge in a pear tree," said a jovial Dumbledore. Harry smiled at the cute scene between his two professors. He noticed the box of decoration next to McGonagall and saw the mistletoe lying on top. He pulled his wand out slowly and pointed at the mistletoe.

"Wingardium Leviosa," he whispered. The mistletoe began to float up wards towards Harry. He had to motion for it to fly faster because Dumbledore started to turn around as the mistletoe floated up behind him. Once Harry thought the mistletoe was high enough for them not to notice but low enough for people walking into notice he cleared his throat.

"Subsisto Objecto," whispered Harry. The mistletoe abruptly stopped in mid air and just stayed there. As if on cue George and Fred stormed through the front door with Winky, Dobby and Tonks in tow.

"Great job on the decorating Professors," said George as he walked by them.

"Wait a tic! You two are standing under mistletoe," piped up Tonks who pointed up to it hanging in mid air. "Well go on, some one has to kiss the other."

"Yeah come on Headmaster show us how it's done," cheered Fred. Dumbledore raised one eyebrow at the young man, who took the cue and quickly went into the kitchen with his brother.

"Oh come on its tradition," smiled Tonks. Dumbledore slowly leaned over and kiss McGonagall on the cheek. Tonks clapped then headed into the kitchen with the twins.

"I wonder who put that up there?" questioned Dumbledore who looked towards the direction Harry was in. Harry had slowly crept into Julia's room and was now just listening. He had a huge smile on his face as he closed the door to the room. He settled himself on the floor right next to Julia's bed. He opened the box and noticed a photo he had never seen before. Colin had taken a photo of Harry kissing Hermione at the dance, there was a note attached to second copy of the picture.

Dear Harry,

I thought you might want this picture, since it was your first kiss with Hermione. Way to go! Anyway I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and I can't wait to start you know what when we get back!

All the best,

Colin

How did Colin know it was his first kiss? Was it that obvious that he has never kissed a girl before? As Harry thought about it he continued to stare at the picture. The picture framed all of their bodies leaving a little room at the top and bottom. The spot light was hitting the back of his shoulder and just the edge of his ear while the light caught Hermione's hair, leaving the actual kiss in a perfect silhouette. Harry looked up at Julia and noticed the picture from her office had been place at her bedside table. He put Hermione's picture down and stood up to get a better look at Julia's. Harry had never noticed but Julia's parents seemed a little old to have such a young child. He peered at it even closer and noticed Julia's father and how his hair looked as wild as Harry's, his was obviously gray but just as wild. He then noticed how hazel Julia's mother's eyes were, and just as Harry started to think about it he heard a soft knock at the door.

"Harry? You in here?" came the soft voice of Hermione.

"Uh yeah," said Harry who wasn't paying attention until he heard Hermione's next comment.

"Oh Harry, this picture is beautiful," Hermione was gasping at the picture of them kissing. Harry turned and realized he left the pictures out. "Did Colin take this?"

"Yeah, he figured we'd want it," said Harry as he scratched the back of his head in defeat. "I was gonna give it to you as a Christmas present but I guess I'll have to think of something else," he laughed.

"You already gave me the greatest Christmas present I could ask for," she said as she put the picture down and took a step towards Harry. "Your heart," she took another step forward and wrapped her arms around Harry, who instinctively wrapped his arms around her, Harry had never felt this way about anyone and to slowly realize just how much she loved him back almost made him lose his balance.

"How are you feeling?" he asked while leaning his head against hers.

"Better, I think by Christmas I'll be one hundred percent," she learned back to look at Harry. "What about you? Did you get any sleep last night?"

"I'm fine, don't worry about me," he let go of her and turned to look at Julia.

"Harry, you don't have to act like everything is fine in front of me. If something is bothering you I want you to tell me," Hermione stood next to him on the side of Julia's bed.

"It's just," Harry took a deep breath and hung his head. "How am I supposed to beat Voldemort if he can control me, like he did last night," Harry looked up at Hermione. "He was miles away Hermione, and the only thing that stopped him was you. And we don't even know how you did it."

"It wasn't just me Harry, it was us. Together we beat him."

"But how? How did we do it?" Harry was becoming frustrated. Hermione put her hand on his shoulder.

"Its part of the riddle from the sorting hat, with the love of a family member and friend you'll have enough power to destroy Voldemort. I believe in you," smiled Hermione. Harry just looked at her in amazement.

"How did I get so lucky to have you," smiled Harry.

"Well it took you six years but you finally got it," she joked as she leaned in and kissed him.

"HEY HARRY, LETS GO!" shouted Ron from the front door. Harry and Hermione parted from the kiss and gave each other that knowing look.

"Where are you going?" asked Hermione.

"To Diagon Alley, I promised Ron I'd help him pick out a gift for Luna," said Harry as he began to pack up his stuff.

"Do you want me to wrap that while you're gone?" she asked.

"Would you?" Harry was suddenly relieved, he wasn't very good a wrapping.

"Sure, besides your wrapping last year just scared me," said Hermione as she took a seat on the floor and grabbed the first picture of the Order. "I assume there is one for everyone in the picture?"

"Yes, and there is one other picture in there for you and Ron," as Harry spoke he slyly took one of the copies of the kissing picture. Hermione had given him a great idea for a real gift. "Do you need anything while I'm out?"

"Actually there is a package under Julia's name at the Quidditch store can I trust you not to open it and wait till Christmas?" Hermione eyed him.

"Yes I promise not to open it," said Harry as he gave her his mischievous smile.

"HARRY WE AIN'T GOT ALL DAY!" came another shout from Ron.

"THEN STOP YELLIN' AND I'LL COME DOWN," shouted Harry over his shoulder. "Anything else?"

"No I think that's it, but you better get going. If I need anything Dobby said he'd run out and get it. Have a good time."

"I'll try," smiled Harry as he began to shut the door. "Oh and thanks again for doing that, love you."

"Love you too." Said Hermione as Harry closed the door, hearing Hermione say those words could never get old, thought Harry as he jogged down the stairs.

"Did you check in with the Misses to make sure you could leave," teased Ron as Harry threw on his Order robe.

"I'm sorry, aren't we buying a present for your soon to be Misses?" said Harry.

"She's just a friend," said Ron who suddenly became serious.

"Soon to be Misses Friend," continued Harry, who heard Fred and George complain as they left the kitchen.

"We just got back from Diagon Alley?" said Fred with a sandwich in his hand.

"I know Tonks will be shadowing you and Moody will meet you there, and once the boys are there you can come back but we must appear like we don't suspect and attack," explained Mrs. Weasley as she pushed the twins towards the front door.

"We can't come back, we have to re-open the store. It's already been closed for two hours," complained George.

"Then grab some food there and re-open the store," huffed Mrs. Weasley.

"Alright Alright, you two ready?" said Fred to Ron and Harry.

"We've been ready," said Ron trying to be cheeky.

"Been ready to take your favorite bus," smiled George.

"OH NO!" said an exasperate Ron. Meanwhile an hour later Ron and Harry were walking down the Alley heading for the jewelry store.

"Ron, we've walked up and down the whole alley twice already," said Harry who was getting tired of pointing things out to Ron.

"Okay then why are we going into the jewelry store," said an even more tired Ron.

"Because when in doubt, buy jewelry for women," said Harry as they made they're way inside.

An hour later, Harry and Ron were carrying they're jewelry cases into the now empty streets of Diagon Alley. They stopped at the quidditch store to pick up Julia's package then walked up to the twins shop and helped them close out the day. Ron showed Harry on the bus ride home the beautiful sterling silver raven necklace he got for Luna. Harry could tell Ron was excited to send it to her. Harry followed Ron into the house and was completely floored to see the blonde slick hair of Draco Malfoy staring back at him along with the excited young face of Padraig McNair.

"What are you doing here?" snapped Ron as he saw Draco standing in the hallway.

"Being held against my will," retorted Draco. Ron took a step forward towards Draco, who did that same. Ginny ran from the kitchen and stepped between them.

"He's not worth it Ron," Ginny stepped in given Ron a serious look, and then gave Draco the same look. But Harry knew that her look to Draco was one of pleading more then threatening.

"He still hasn't answered the question, why are you here?" growled Ron.

"Because I brought him," sneered Snape who came from the living room and stepped in front of Ron. "Do you have a problem with that Mr. Weasley?!"

"Only if Harry does, considering it's his house," Ron shot back, Snape was no longer Ron's teacher and Harry could tell he had no problem mouthing back at him.

"Professor Snape, Mr. Weasley," said a very stern Dumbledore. "Would you two please excuse yourselves while I talk with Harry." Everyone had crowed around the scene that had unfolded between Ron and Snape. Harry saw Hermione on the stairway and she motioned for him to come join her after he was done. Harry nodded his head then followed Dumbledore into the living room.

"I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to ask you this sooner, and now that Mr. Malfoy and Mr. McNair are already here I know it makes my question even harder," said Dumbledore as he shut the doors to the living room. "Since most of the students went home and most of the Professors are doing missions for the Order, Professor Snape feels that Hogwarts is not safe for his two students."

"So the Slytherins think Draco and Padraig are at school and no one saw Professor Snape bring them here?" Harry was more concerned about the Orders secrecy then Draco.

"Yes, Professor Snape made sure no one saw them leave. And they will go back to Hogwarts a day before you do so that it looks like they spent the whole holiday there," Dumbledore could sense Harry's concerns. "But if you do not want them here then I'll have Snape stay with them through the break." Harry took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

"Then I guess they can stay . . . but I don't want Draco behaving badly towards anyone in this house," Harry wanted to have a relaxing break not play referee.

"Then I will talk with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. McNair," Dumbledore smiled at Harry's selflessness.

"HAGRID PUT HIM DOWN," came the screams of Hermione. Harry and Dumbledore quickly opened the doors to the living room and were meet with Hagrid holding Malfoy by the collar with one arm and hoisting him up into the air.

"IF YER SAY ONE WORD THAT HURTS ANYONES FELLIN'S I'LL POP YA SO HARD YA WISH BUCKBEAK REALLY HURT YOU!" roared Hagrid.

"Put him down you big oaf!" yelled Snape who was coming from the kitchen.

"Break him in half Hagrid, no one will miss him," said Ron who followed Snape.

"You shut up," spat Snape who turned around and started to go at it with Ron.

"Lay off him Severus, you brought Draco before talking with anyone of us. Of course they have the right to be mad," said Lupin.

"Hagrid, just put the brat down," laughed Moody from the stairs. Within minutes fights had broken out between everyone. Ron, Lupin and Snape were going at it, Ginny and Hermione were yelling at each other, Dumbledore was trying to get Hagrid to let Draco go but Mad-Eye kept egging Hagrid on. Harry just took a seat on the stairs next to Padraig who looked completely lost.

"Does this always happen?" asked Padraig who had to raise his voice over the shouting.

"Only when we have guests," said Harry who was watching McGonagall try and separate Lupin and Snape.

Several hours later, everyone was gathered for dinner. No one spoke, only the sound of utensils and cups could be heard. Snape, Draco and Padraig sat at one end of the table while Ron, Lupin and Hagrid sat at the other. Harry of course was sitting in the middle with Hermione, Dumbledore, the twins, Mr. And Mrs. Weasley and McGonagall. Moody and Tonks happened to go on patrol right before dinner. It wasn't until Dobby and Winky entered that anything happened.

"Dobby did you and Winky get some food?" asked Harry.

"Dobby? What's he doing here?" said Draco from his end of the table.

"Whatever he damn well pleases, your father let him go," said Ron as he slowly stood.

"He was tricked into letting him go," sneered Malfoy who also stood as if getting ready for another fight.

"I hired Dobby and he works for me," said Harry in a loud tone.

"What about that one, didn't she use your wand at the Quidditch World Cup?" asked Draco who softened his tone.

"Yes and she now works for the Weasley's," Harry didn't feel like telling Draco that he was paying both of them to work. Draco didn't ask any more questions but just went back to eating.

"Harry Potter sir!" Dobby came running over to Harry.

"What is it Dobby?"

"It's snowing sir!" The whole group got up and headed for the back yard. It had been snowing for what looked like many hours. There was snow back at Hogwarts but none had fallen near the city and now they were guaranteed to have a white Christmas. Harry could feel his cheeks tingle with the crisp air while he heard the crunch of snow under his feet, but the feeling he wasn't expecting was a snowball to the head.

"Got ya!" yelled Ron, who was making another snowball. Harry had quickly made one and threw it at Ron who ducked out of the way causing the snowball to hit Draco.

"You're dead Potter," laughed Draco. Pretty soon everyone was throwing a snowball, even Dobby and Winky tried a few. Harry paused and looked around at everyone enjoying themselves with out a care in the world.

"This is what life will be like," said Harry under his breath. "When I finally beat you!" Deep in the Forbidden Forest an evil wizard sat and felt the surge of power that ran through Harry as he spoke his last words.

"Potter is growing stronger," hissed Voldemort.

"I say we kill the little brat now, while he's not in school," suggested Bellatrix.

"Do you know where he is?" snapped Voldemort.

"No master."

"Then hold your tongue," Voldemort stood and began to pace.

"We do know the other one hasn't woken up yet, she was being transported in a ambulance," said Bellatrix trying to impress her master.

"Are you sure it's her Bella, are you sure it's Julia?" asked a concerned Voldemort.

"I'm positive my lord . . . but why does she matter. Once Potter is out of the way–"

"Silence!" hissed Voldemort. "Do you not remember anything I taught you 16 years ago or has Azkaban dulled your mind?"

"I'm sorry master, I have forgotten why she is important," said Bellatrix as she bowed her head.

"Because of HER prophecy, if she fulfills hers then Potter will succeed in his," said the Dark Lord. "It was smart of Dumbledore to keep her hidden, even from Harry. She must have been blocking me from his mind before we attacked, if so then she is much stronger then I anticipated."