A/N Happy New Year!Ok. I'm back from a trip and ready to write more (though I did write a bit on the plane, but not all of it was for Secret Santa. I'm fooling with a new story that won't be posted for awhile, though). Thanks to: Sarah, deathstreet90, MadnessLover, vegetatingkadoodle, FizzingWhizbeez, dahmadhatter, twisteddagger, ladyBlue Wolf, tohru205, baka-neko-141, pyrochik, NYGiantYankee, Chess07, Ketta dragontamer, Irite4uall, missprongs07, ronhermione4eva2314, the lazy one, Twlight Moon, notyouraverageblond, Celestial Apocalypse, SerpentWitch, Megaluhoo, Idril831, Celebwen Telcontar, shadieladie, ameliefoy, oliversangel, wouldn't you like to know, Shadow Mousie, SnowRose23, Linda, Georgia, starsoverlilynjames, RoyalTigress, i-am-invisible, Bel Air Wolf, witchgrl177, Sammy King, scrivania, Peace7, SilverMoonShining, truffletruffle01, gothiccrannberry, Jeni, longblacksatinlace, SpAzZzZzAtTaCk, FiccieBoy, x3 Ginny Weasley x3, M'rika, Curalium Lacrimo, anna, hAzElEyEs, nickyfox13, and krazy-wit-a-k.
I have to address one thing about the ages again. This is an AU fic. The ages have been manipulated by me, so even though the trio is in 5th year, doesn't necessarily mean anything. I'm not going to include any of the major HBP plots, but if I do slip in some things, don't flame! No one has yet, so I'm hoping I'm doing something right. Ok and now, without further ado, let me present to you chapter 4!
Birds of Morrigan
21 Days 'til Christmas
The very next morning the twins stumbled into breakfast, groggy and looking worse for wear, to be treated to catcalls by the older Gryffindor students, looks of awe from the younger ones, and a glare from Hermione. No sooner had they sat down then had the mail arrived and both looked up in horror as a familiar, struggling owl flew pathetically towards them, holding a bright red envelope.
Ron snickered as he watched his brothers grab the howler and try to run out of the Great Hall, only to have the Howler burst into flames just as they reached the doors. Mrs. Weasley, it seems, has impeccable timing, as the twins were put in a position
"FRED AND GEORGE WEASLEY." The voice of the family matriarch echoed through the hall as silence reigned over the tables. "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE OF AGE, YOU TWO ARE IN SCHOOL! BRINGING SHAME TO THE FAMILY NAME! AND PERCY!"
At this, everyone's heads turned to the stricken 7th year. The twins sighed in relief, thinking that the Howler was done with them. "WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP THEM?" Percy gave the Howler a look of indignation, before ducking his head, obviously embarrassed by the show he and his family were giving the Hogwarts students and teachers.
"YOU TWO, DON'T EVEN THINK OF STAYING AT HOGWARTS OVER CHRISTMAS BREAK. I'LL DEAL WITH YOU WHEN YOU GET HOME." The Howler finished it's rant with a grand flourish.
The twins turned to look at each other, blood draining from their faces, thinking of the punishment that was waiting for them at the Burrow, and left the hall quickly. Molly Weasley had once again succeeded in something that everyone else had always failed in: scaring Fred and George Weasley.
Percy was annoyed. That much was obvious as he sat at the table, eating his breakfast silently. It wasn't hard to figure out why. The twins had once again gotten in trouble, and this time, he had been dragged into it. For Percy, everything was appearances. Harry had learned that early on. He watched the Head Boy get up and leave the Great Hall.
Percy entered his dormitory, thinking about the ruckus that had just occurred. Why had he been dragged into it? Ok, maybe he should have been there to stop him, being Head Boy and all, but he had been busy! Honestly, you would have thought that the other prefects could handle them for just one night, especially that Hermione!
Then again, the twins barely listened to him, who had the titles of Head Boy and Older Brother. He was surprised Wood hadn't stepped in and tried to stop them from getting drunk, with the 'importance' of quidditch practice and all.
Speaking of Wood, his roommate had appeared in the room, hair and clothes especially ruffled. 'Must of been out flying', he thought. As usual, Wood passed him with a nod and proceeded to get changed, leaving Percy to his inner rambling.
Percy had spent the night studying in the library, away from the Common Room. He has tests in every subject before break, and needed to perfect marks. The Ministry of Magic won't take second best students as it's interns, after all, and Percy planned on going straight to the Ministry as soon as he finished school. He gathered his books and began to head out the door.
"Hey, wait for me! I need to get some work done, too." said Oliver, grabbing his things quickly and following Percy down the stairs and out of the Common Room.
It was unusual for the two boys to be seen together, as they didn't share too many interests, so the trip to the Library was mostly in silence, which suited Percy fine, but apparently not Oliver.
"So, have you gotten something for your Secret Santa yet?" Oliver asked, attempting to make small talk.
"I, unlike other people, am not bothering to waste my time like the twins, partying and doing a Secret Santa. I went into Hogsmeade yesterday to find a present for Penelope"
Before the conversation could continue any further, the two boys heard the sound of footsteps approaching them.
"Oy! Ollie, old man!"
"We have something to discuss with you!"
"See you're back to your old selves." commented the Keeper, as the twins grabbed his arms and proceeded to drag him away from their older brother.
"Aye," said Fred, adapting a solemn look and trying to copy Oliver's lit, "Our poor mother, she was merely over reacting. Must be the stress of the holidays."
"Yes, the poor dear. She must learn to relax."
"Oh, does she now?" replied Oliver, giving Percy a glance filled with mirth as the twins pulled him around the corner. "Now what is it that you wanted to discuss with me..."
Percy barely even noticed Oliver's disappearance as his thoughts had once again turned inward.
"Penelope" he thought out loud, barely paying attention to where he was walking. "What am I going to get you? It has to be perfect." Lost within himself, Percy didn't notice until it was too late.
"Oomph! What the–oh, pardon me, Thomas." Percy bent to help Dean pick up his package, but the younger boy didn't seem to notice as he grabbed his parcel, and continued past Percy without a second glance.
The package had finally come! As soon as Dean had gotten his Secret Santa, he had sent an owl to his mother, asking for advice. It had to be perfect, after all.
Dean had looked in the Gladrags and had found absolutely nothing helpful, and had decided that perhaps a wizarding store wasn't the way to go. Besides, who would know women better than a woman herself?
He continued up the staircases until he reached the Fat Lady, mumbled the password (sugarsnaps) and bounded up to his room, where Ron and Harry were doing their Potions assignment, closed the curtains around his bed, and opened the package.
It was perfect. His mum had great taste. The outfit was not too dressy, perfect for a nice night (or day) out, and would go with her hair and eyes amazingly. Holding it up, it looked to be just her size, as well, and Dean was happy he remembered to send a picture along with his note. Hopefully she'd wear it if he asked her to the next Hogsmeade weekend, no, when he asked her out.
Putting aside the clothes, Dean reached into the parcel to pull out the box, hoping his mother had found what he wanted. The part of the present that matched with his bit of parchment.
Dean looked at the box with a big grin on his face. Perfect.
Harry looked up with a start when Dean slammed the door shut, almost ran to his bed, and closed the curtains.
"Wonder what got into his knickers." Ron said, looking amused at their roommate's antics.
"Whatever it is, it sure made him happy." replied Harry. He looked at his half-completed essay. "I need a break."
"Me, too. Want to go down to the kitchens and snag some snacks. I'm sure Dobby would be more than happy to make some for you." Ron put on a look of hopeless adoration. "Of course, Mr. Harry Potter! Anything for the Great Harry Potter! Can Dobby give him some snacks? Socks? Can Dobby take Mr. Harry Potter into the broom closet for a short snog–" Ron was cut off by the pillow flung at his head.
"How did you know about that!" asked Harry, with a mock look of horror on his face. "We were trying to keep it a secret!"
"Ok, mate, now you're getting a little too weird. Let's just go down." Ron got up and headed towards the door as Harry put his books back by his bed. As he started to follow Ron, Harry noticed a bit of parchment on the floor.
'Was that under his pillow?' he asked himself silently. 'That's a bit strange, to sleep with some parchment under your pillow. Unless...' Bending over to pick it up, Harry recognized it as the parchment Ron had pulled out of the hat.
'His Secret Santa!' Curiosity getting the best of him, Harry grabbed the paper and turned it over to see what had Ron so crazy about these past few days.
A/N sigh i don't really like this chapter, but it is needed.
now some people commented on how the fic should already be done because it is Christmas. I had originally planned the fic out to finish around mid January, which I know is way past Christmas but I figured it would take me about a month to complete and I started mid December. I am a bit behind schedule, but I promise that there will still be snow on the ground when this is completed!
This chapter i sa bit different from the others, so tell me if it's worse, better, or you're indifferent to a style change :-D
Click the little button on the bottom. It will inspire me to write.