Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter the fabulous JK Rowling. Just enjoy reading my story that's all I really ask.
(A/N) Thanks to all who reviewed….Maz, Steph and Jordan. I am working slowly I know but I just have so many different story ideas going at once so as always please bare with me and review.
(Flashback to seventh year)
The next day everyone acted like the night in the room of requirement had never happened.
It was easier to forget it all because it was Christmas Day and everyone was abuzz with excitement.
Harry woke to someone shaking him and calling his name.
"Wha…tha…?"
"Merry Christmas Harry!" shouted Ron with glee as he bounced up and down on the bed.
Harry rubbed his eyes, put on his glasses and sat up to find Ron was now bouncing around the room.
"What are you doing Ron?"
"I dunno but it's fun!"
"Stop acting like a first year,"
"Okay but only if you hurry up so we can get down to breakfast because then we all have to open our presents,"
"You mean you haven't already opened yours?"
"I've restrained myself and it's killing me so hurry up!"
"I find that hard to believe," commented Harry as he slothily pulled on some clothes and got ready.
"Ok fine smartypants I opened one but that's only because I knew what it was. Oh come on Harry!"
"Keep you're pants on Mr Hypo I'm nearly there," Harry pushed his feet into his slippers and pocketed his wand.
"Happy now?" He asked Ron with some amusement.
"Yeah you look stunning Cinderella now lets go!"
"Oh gee thanks Ron," retorted Harry as he followed Ron down the stairs to the common room where the girls were waiting for them in front of the fire.
"Finally Harry, lets go," said Sarah as she and Ron ran out of the portrait hole.
"You took your time," said Hermione as she walked beside Harry in pursuit of Ron and Sarah.
"Well I couldn't resist annoying Ron and I was half asleep,"
"I can tell by your choice of clothes," giggled Ginny who popped up on Harry's other side.
"Oh thanks," He gave Ginny a warm smile.
"Well it does look like you got dressed in the dark," laughed Ginny.
"Its not too bad Harry don't worry," said Hermione with a mischievous look in Ginny's direction. The two girls burst into laughter.
Harry mock punched them both in the arm.
"Hey!" they said in unison.
The reached the top of the stairs that led to the Great Hall.
"Can I escort you two fine ladies into the hall?"
"Why yes you can,"
"That would be lovely kind sir,"
Harry linked one arm through one of each of the girls' and they all descended into the Great Hall laughing.
As they made their way to the Griffindor table everyone stared at them with interest then returned back to there own conversations.
When they reached the spot where Sarah and Ron were they found that the pair were already scoffing down their breakfast with great speed.
"Steady on you two. We have all day to open presents," joked Nat as he came over from the Ravenclaw table with his plate and cutlery.
Sarah slowed down noticeably but Ron continued on with only the slightest glance in Nat's direction as if to imply "Are you kidding?"
Harry, Ginny and Hermione all laughed and sat down with their friends for breakfast.
There was a few seconds of awkward silence before they heard hooting.
"Great the morning mail is here!" said Ron through a mouthful of omelette; which sounded more like " Grea da morgning maigle id erg!"
"Maybe today we will get a Daily Prophet. Its been ages since they have issued one, all because of You-Know-Who coming back everyone has been too scared to do anything," commented Hermione but as soon as she said it everyone turned rigid and looked at Sarah and Nat.
"I'm sorry I stuck my foot in it…"
"Oh look Ron a letter from France for you and Ginny," said Sarah quickly clearly signalling a change of subject.
Ron actually swallowed "I bet its from Bill and Fleur. They've been there for a while visiting her family,"
"Well then open it Ron I want to know what they've said,"
"Ok Ginny, hold on while I wipe my hands," said Ron as he reached for the napkin in slow motion.
"Ugh give it here boofhead," Ginny snatched the letter from in front of Ron.
"Hey I was getting there,"
"Yeah and I'm a mountain troll,"
"Well actually there's something we've been meaning to tell you…"
"Drop it Ronald," commanded Hermione.
Ron glared in Hermione's direction. Hermione met Ron's glare with one of her own, and seeing that it wasn't worth it, Ron backed down.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief that an infamous fight between Hermione and Ron had just been avoided.
Ginny cleared her throat dramatically and held the letter out in front of her waiting for everyone's attention.
"Are we all right now?"
"Yeah go ahead Gin. What did they say?" said Harry rather enthusiastically,
Hermione who was sitting next to Nat leaned close to him so that she could whisper in his ear.
"Correct me if I'm wrong but did I just hear Harry call Ginny Gin?"
"Sounded like that to me. Do you think that something may have sparked up again between them?"
"I dunno but…"
Everyone was now looking at them.
"What are you two whispering about?" asked Ron in a sulky tone.
"Oh just Christmas presents you know…"
"Can I read the letter now then?"
"Yeah sure. Sorry Ginny,"
Everyone placed their attention back on Ginny with the letter. Nat mouthed, "Nice save," to Hermione quickly just as Ginny was pre reading the first couple of lines in her head.
"They've co-written it so I'll do an impersonation when it comes to bits that Fleur wrote,"
Everybody laughed.
(A/N italics is when Ginny speaks with a very fake French accent)
"Hi to everyone at Hogwarts from France, because I know that either Ginny or Ron will be reading this out. We have had a marvellous time travelling all over France but we have missed you all so much," Ginny stopped at that point as everyone looked at each other as if to say "Yeah right Fleur. Well we haven't missed you."
"Before we go into too much detail about everything over here don't worry Ron we will be bringing back lots of presents for everybody including you. It has been so lovely to see my family again especially after the attacks and to know that people everywhere are putting up a front against this darkness. Yvette is having a wonderful time also, having been scooped up by eager French relatives. I have been recruited by the ministry to help sort out this whole mess and so far we have gained some insight into what has been happening over here and at home. I would dearly like to tell you all about what exactly is going on but we do not want to risk that this letter is intercepted. On a lighter note France was not struck too badly so we have been able to enjoy ourselves on more of a tourist level than we had expected, which is nice. We have visited the Riviera as well as Paris and all the wine regions.Gabrielle says hi to you all and is considering coming out to visit some time in the New Year. That is all we can really right for now but attached inside the envelope you will find some early gifts that should help keep you all safe. Until we can see you all again,
Au revoir and lots of love from
Bill, Fleur and Yvette. Xoxo,"
"Well that will we good Harry; to find out what Bill knows about the attacks I mean,"
"Yeah it will be Hermione,"
"Well let's see what they have sent. Come on Ron what is in the envelope?" hurried Sarah.
Ron reached in front of his plate to the envelope that Ginny had left when she had snatched up the letter. He grabbed it, turned it upside down and shook it violently. Six braided strings fell onto the table in front of them.
"What the?"
"I know what those are…"
"Ooohhhh they are rather pretty aren't they Sarah,"
"Yeah they are Ginny,"
"They sent us jewellery? Bill how could you?" exclaimed Ron in mock horror.
"Umm somehow I think they have a more intriguing explanation than pretty jewellery. Hermione didn't you say that that you knew what these are?"
Everyone turned to look at her.
She blushed because now half of the Griffindor table was staring as well.
"Uh well um yes I do have a theory about what they are,"
"It isn't like you to be all modest and shy about it Mione; so come on spit it out," offered Ron rather forcefully.
"It might sound kind of stupid though,"
"I highly doubt that," said Harry and Nat in unison.
"Well…"
Everyone leant in further in anticipation.
"I'm pretty sure that they are well…protection amulets of sorts; to keep us safe. You know. I suspect Bill has either acquired them or enchanted them himself with the help of Fleur,"
"Cool," said the group all together.
"So are they bracelets, necklaces or anklets?" asked Sarah.
"Ummm…"
"I think they are adjustable so we can wear them however we like," offered Nat.
"Looks about right to me," confirmed Hermione.
"Hmphf," was the sound that came out of Ron as the put his head down on the table.
"What's the matter with you?"
"We are delaying the present opening,"
"Oh you're right come on you guys let's go!" and with that both Sarah and Ron leapt from the table and raced up towards the common room.
"I better hurry after them," said Ginny as she picked up the letter and put it and the braids back into the envelope.
Hermione turned and smiled at Nat and Harry.
"We best not keep them waiting,"
"Too right," laughed Harry.
The three exited the Great Hall beaming, arms linked with Hermione in the middle.
Everything just seemed right.
Or at least for now it did.
(A/N) Another chapter finished. I'm not sure that this chapter was exactly what I wanted it to be but it turned out quite well I guess even if it is a bit short. I kind of rushed it since tomorrow morning I have to leave to go to Cairns and Port Douglas for two weeks. And that is also my excuse for why I won't be updating either of my stories at least until I get back. There will be no Internet access for me up there tear lol. Well please R&R and until the next chapter…