Disclaimer: J K Rowling owns the rights and likenesses of all the characters in the Harry Potter series. This story is meant to add to the world she created. Any conflicts are accidental and they yield to her reality (canon).
12. Christmas Holidays
The train ride to London was uneventful aside from a small encounter with Malfoy and his tag-alongs. Ginny had been patrolling the train and broke up the exchange of words before anything got out of hand. Arthur arranged for a ministry car to take the children home from Kings Cross. Samantha was going to spend the break with the Weasleys just as she had before school. Once their things were upstairs and put away, Hermione called them down for dinner. Sirius teased James as they descended the stairs to the main level.
"How many detentions have you had?" Sirius asked.
"I have only gotten three," James said shaking his head. "I am really off my mark this year. The uncles won't be pleased with me."
Sirius had to laugh at the image of Fred and George scolding James at Christmas for letting them down. Lily giggled at her own picture in her head. When they entered the kitchen, they saw Hermione, Ron, and Harry waiting for them. Samantha sat between Sirius and Lily allowing James to sit next to Harry. She was still mad to her father for avoiding her the last few weeks and she wasn't going to let him off this easy. Dinner continued with normal talk of school, classes, and quidditch. Harry kept trying to catch his daughter's eye, but she refused to look at him. After the late dinner and such a long day filled with traveling, everyone retired early for the evening.
Samantha was getting ready for bed when she heard a voice ask her to come down stairs. Knowing she couldn't ignore her father all break, she decided now was as good a time as any. Only the dying fire in the fireplace lit the living room. Harry sat quietly on the couch watching the small flames attempting to devour the last remaining log. She joined her father on the couch but at the opposite end.
"You wanted something, Father," Samantha said making every effort to expose her sarcasm.
"I made you a promise, and I am going to keep it," Harry said staring blankly at the fire. "Ask what you wish to know."
Samantha figured she would ask the hard questions first to make her father really squirm. "Has Voldemort returned?"
Not missing a step, Harry answered her question. "Not yet, but I fear he will be joining us soon."
Samantha was shocked by how quickly her father had answered as if he knew what the question was going to be. "How many people have died already?"
"Since Halloween, we have found four dead and three people are missing," Harry said without moving more than his lips. "The meeting you walked in on was to discuss one death and two of the missing people among other things."
"What other things?"
"The Daily Prophet mentioned the break-ins and things being stolen. Separately, these items are common and have no special abilities, but combined we believe his followers are preparing to bring about his return. The Order has been working to learn where they are for many weeks. Thus far, we have not learned much more than what has been reported publicly. I do not want you to be scared, only more careful. No matter where you go, always have at least one other person with you."
"Ever since Halloween, my friends have never left me alone aside from the night of the meeting. If Sirius knew about that, he would have been really mad at Mira and Alex."
"Do you have anymore questions, Honey?"
"Are you still helping the others on the attacks?"
"No. After last time, Dumbledore has chosen to keep me off the front lines. I only provide information now."
"Good!" Said Samantha with relief. "You have fought your battles, now it is someone else's turn."
"My fight is not over yet, Honey. When the time comes, I will do what must be done to save those I can. With any luck, we can stop him from returning before it happens. There is one person left who knows enough to accomplish the task and we are doing everything we can to stop her."
"Bellatrix?"
"She would be the last Death Eater who would possess the knowledge needed to bring him back. If we stop her in time, Voldemort might never return."
Samantha felt the fear in her father rising up. The anger and hatred was escaping his mental control. She did the only thing she could think of to help relieve the emotions he was feeling. Samantha laid down on the couch resting her head on her father's chest. She snuggled up and told her father not to worry and that everything would be OK. "I am not going to leave you, Father."
With tears in his eyes, Harry looked down upon his daughter. His baby was consoling him in his time of need. "I know you won't. I will do everything I can to protect you."
"But who will protect you?"
"That is not something you should think about my dear. If you have any more questions, ask them anytime you need."
Harry sat there hugging his daughter tightly until she fell asleep. He didn't want to wake her so he just got as comfortable as he could and went to sleep holding his little girl.
The morning sunlight shone in the windows of the Weasley house. Harry looked down and saw his darling daughter sleeping peacefully like she was an angel. Movement could be heard upstairs as the Weasley family awoke early. They had planned to go to Diagon Alley and make their holiday purchases.
"Samantha," Harry said quietly trying to wake his daughter. "Samantha, it is time to get up."
Samantha turned her head and slowly opened her eyes. She looked into her father's face and smiled. "Morning, Dad. I must have fallen asleep."
"That you did," Harry said with a light chuckle. "Now, you had best get ready before breakfast. You don't want to make us late going shopping."
"Does that mean you are going too?" Samantha asked hoping he was.
"I had planned on it if that is OK with you."
"It is perfect, Dad."
The house was a buzz with activity as people got ready and ate quickly. It was nearly nine before everyone was ready to go. They were going to use floo powder again and get out at the Weasley joke shop. Harry told Samantha to stick with the other kids and not get into any trouble.
Fred and George greeted everyone as they rolled onto the floor out of the fireplace. The adults stayed as the kids left the store in search of the perfect presents. The first stop was Flourish and Blotts to get something for Hermione. They found an old tome containing incantations related to ancient forms of transfiguration. The four had to chip in to buy the rare book. The clerk wrapped the present before handing it back to Sirius who dropped it in the bag Lily was carrying. Next, they went to Quality Quidditch Supplies and picked out a variety of quidditch related items for Ron.
As they left the stationary store having restocked their supplies, Samantha became worried. She had yet to find anything for her father that she liked. A small storefront near Eeylops Owl Emporium caught her attention. Interesting items and devices were displayed in the window. A few of them looked similar to things Samantha had seen in Dumbledore's office. As she entered the shop, the true nature of the store came into view. Delicate silver instruments, foe glasses, sneakoscopes, crystal balls, and many other items were on long, skinny tables running the length of the shop.
The Weasleys hung around the entrance allowing Samantha to look around privately. She browsed the wares searching for something that her father would like. After a dozen or so minutes of searching, she decided to ask the shopkeeper for assistance. An older witch with a hideous hat was gathering her purchases and preparing to leave the store freeing the clerk who had been helping her.
"Excuse me, Sir," Samantha asked. "I am looking for something for my father for Christmas. Would you have any unique items for sale?"
"Miss, I have many unique items for sale," he began showing his agitation at the insinuation everything wasn't unique. "Did you have something specifically in mind?"
"Not exactly, but I would like something that most people don't have," Samantha said trying to save the situation.
"Well, if you consider these items common," the man gestured to the pieces displayed, "then follow me. I might have a few things that would suit your request."
The man led Samantha to the rear of the store into a smaller room separated from the main room by a deep red curtain. Inside, Samantha found a much sparser array of things displayed in a respectful, honored way. An ornate sword was in a glass case at the heart of the main wall. To either side of it, hung a few daggers and a shield. Some staves and walking sticks completed the largest panel.
"Those are all magical items, I assure you," the clerk said smiling. "All were owned by famous witches or wizards. The sword belonged to King Robert I of Scotland. The other artifacts were used by royalty throughout history."
Samantha caught sight of the wall to the left of the sword. It held smaller items. There were decorative metal boxes, rings, a few pensieves, and other older looking things.
"What is this, Sir," Samantha asked.
"Miss, has exquisite taste. Bowman Wright, the creator of the snitch, used this case to store his snitch. A mahogany case, lined with red felt, and scrawl work on the exterior denoting the year of manufacture and original owner. Normally, I would ask one hundred thirty galleons for it, but for you, miss, I am sure we could work something out."
Samantha pondered the price. She had enough to buy it from her own account that was created when her mother died. Her father had always said it was hers to use as she saw fit, as long as she didn't make others feel less because of it. "I can offer you ninety galleons for it."
The clerk thought about the offer for a few minutes. "And how will you be paying, miss?"
"I will sign for it and you can withdraw the amount from my vault at Gringotts," Samantha said staring him in the face.
He nodded accepting the offer. He wrapped the case in gold paper and placed a perfect red bow on it. Samantha wrote her name on the bill along with her vault number.
"Miss Brooks, of vault number ten four eight, I thank you for your business. Have a most splendid evening."
Samantha joined the Weasleys who were still inspecting the goods. Sirius had a hold on James obviously doing his best to prevent an incident.
"Did you find something?" Sirius asked.
"Yes, I did," Samantha replied. "I think he will like it."
They finished their shopping and headed to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch. They found Ron and Hermione sitting at a table watching the spectacle. All sorts of people either listening intently or asking questions surrounded Harry. Samantha had to giggle at the sight. Her father had always avoided the notice of people and now he was the center of attention.
"What happened?" Samantha asked Hermione.
"Well, after a few shops, people figured out who he was," Hermione explained. "He did his best, but that scar gives him away. After word got out that he was here, the crowd was impossible."
"Harry decided he would just come here and let us shop in peace," Ron added taking a drink from his mug.
Upon seeing the children enter, Harry began the delicate process of getting away from the avid group who were surrounding him. Many minutes passed before he was finally able to join the others for lunch.
"I had forgotten what it would be like," Harry said shaking his head. "And I thought the students were bad."
They ate their lunch discussing whatever came into their heads. James and Lily pressed their parents for information on their gifts, but they wouldn't give in. After lunch, everyone returned home. Snow had begun falling outside creating a beautiful winter scene. The afternoon was spent decorating the house and the children helped when they weren't having snowball fights.
Christmas morning arrived with the sun shining in the window upon Samantha's face. Lily was still asleep in her bed and no sounds could be heard in the hallway. She lay on her mattress wrapped in blankets thinking about what the day held for her. She opened her locket and looked upon her mother's face. A small tear escaped the corner of her eye. She wished her mother a happy Christmas and closed the locket while wiping the tear from her face.
Over the next two hours the quiet home of Ron and Hermione Weasley became a loud and raucous home with people everywhere. Ginny was the first to arrive with an armload of presents. Bill and Fleur were next with their two kids, Amarante and Ormond who were younger then James by a few years. Charlie was next to show up followed closely by Arthur and Molly who needed help with all the gifts they were carrying. It was nearing nine o'clock and the children were getting restless waiting to open presents.
"Where are those two," Molly said stomping her foot. "Even now they cause me frustration."
No sooner had she finished her complaint than the twins appeared with a crack in the living room. The younger kids happily accepted the candies and treats Fred and George offered while pulling them over to the tree.
"Now that we are all here," Hermione began giving the twins a dirty look, which they returned in good humor. "We can open presents before the children explode."
Wrapping paper and bows flew around the room as gifts were opened and their givers were thanked. Hermione was most grateful to her children and Samantha for the book. Ron enjoyed his quidditch gifts but was very skeptical about the creams the twins gave him. Harry was so happy to receive another Weasley sweater. Molly had become a master at knitting them and the craftsmanship showed. Arthur nearly fell out of his seat when he opened his gift from Harry and Samantha.
"A yard gnome and some plugs!" He exclaimed. "Oh, thank you very much."
Samantha urged Harry to open his gift from her. Once the paper had been removed, Harry was speechless. Ron looked on with interest as well. He had recognized the name on the case.
"Thank you so much, Samantha," Harry said fighting tears. "I love it."
"Glad you like it," Samantha said pleased with herself. "I wanted to give you something special this year."
"Well, you did, Honey. Now I think there is one more for you under there."
Samantha found a long skinny package wrapped in red paper with green ribbons. She ripped off the covering to reveal a highly polished rosewood case with gold inlays. The latch was gold as well reflecting the firelight. Samantha looked at her father for some explanation and she was met by a rather sad expression.
"It was your mother's wand case, my dear," Harry said trying to brighten his mood. Molly, Hermione, and Ginny were watching the two while the other Weasleys were busy discussing the possibilities of the set of Weasley Fireworks James had just opened. "Go ahead and open it," Harry pushed.
Samantha released the latch and found a wand nestled inside the case. It was about ten inches long made of willow. The lid of the case sported an inscription. Samantha read the writing, "To my darling wife on the day of the birth of our first child. I love you very much." Tears formed in the corners of her eyes as she looked over the wand and case again. Her attention was drawn upwards when she heard a sniffle come from Molly and she saw that Harry was watching her very closely.
"I hope you like it," he said. "Your mother would have wanted you to have it."
"I love it, Daddy," said Samantha getting up and hugging her father tightly. "I absolutely love it. Thank you very much."
The day continued on with a large Christmas dinner. Between Hermione, Molly, and Ginny the food was the best Harry had eaten in many years. Samantha found it very hard not to accept seconds when they made the rounds. Although the third time she declined, the Weasley men finished off most of the food. Desserts were delayed until later in the day because everyone was still full from dinner. No one left until late at night. If it wasn't Wizard chess or Gobstones, it was Exploding Snap. Everyone went to sleep that night with ease.
Before anyone had time to get bored being at home too long, the students found themselves on the train back to Hogwarts. Alex and Mira joined Samantha and Sirius in a compartment. They exchanged their stories of Christmas and gifts.
"What did you get, Samantha," Alex asked after putting away her broom servicing kit.
"My dad gave me my mum's wand and case," Samantha said doing her best to avoid crying.
"How nice of your father," said a drawling voice. "Too poor to buy you something new so he gives you something he had lying around the house."
"Be gone, git," snapped Alex.
"You really are a hateful troll, aren't you?" Said Mira, quite angry.
"I am warning you Malfoy," Sirius said refusing the urge to punch Malfoy right in the face.
"Save it Weasley, and mind your women," Malfoy said ignoring their threats. "What, haven't got anything to say for yourself?"
Samantha closed her eyes pushing the sadness deep down inside. She turned to Malfoy biting her lip. "You would do well to avoid speaking of my family. You wouldn't want to end up unconscious in the infirmary again, would you?"
Malfoy couldn't believe what he had just heard. "It will be you in the hospital next time, if you are lucky."
"I have never been afraid of hopeless gits like yourself," Samantha said coolly. "I suggest you leave before this gets out of hand."
"Maybe we should just see who the better wizard is right now," said Malfoy pulling his wand from his cloak.
Samantha had hers out and pointed at Malfoy's head before he even managed to free his. "If this was for real, twit, you would already be on the ground. Now, away with you and never talk to me again!"
Sirius had joined Samantha with his wand drawn aimed at the other members of Malfoy's crew. As the sting of defeat bored into his head, Malfoy decided to leave giving them a smirk as he turned and walked away.
Sirius closed the door to the compartment and latched it. "Next time, I may not let him go that easily," said Sirius.
"You will have to get in line," said Alex. "How dare he insult you like that, Samantha."
"I am not worried about him," Samantha said shaking her head. "He has never attacked me fairly and when I confront him, he runs away. He has no confidence in his skills so he hides behind his name and insults."