A/N: Another short chapter! But I'm updating! Anyway, thnx again to all the people who have read, and extra thnx and lots of good delicious high-quality fried chicken to the ones who read and reviewed! mwah

Harry looked around him.

He had called this place 'home' for the last six years, and it was hard to believe that this was going to be his final year. In fact, it seemed that this year was just whizzing by. It was already Christmas break!

Hermione, Ron, and himself had agreed beforehand to remain at Hogwarts for one last time. It just so happened that four others, including Pansy, and can you believe it, Hermione's fiancé Draco Malfoy, were staying as well.

Actually, when Hermione ran over to him that day to tell him, he had to admit he hadn't been that surprised. He had always had a feeling that those two would wind up together, somehow, someday. He even recalled confiding in Ron about this just three months before Hermione and Malfoy got engaged. Ron had reacted quite well, and even agreed, after three hours of "calm" contemplation.

So that's why there wasn't a big dramatic thing after everyone knew. Because no one was really that surprised.

Speaking of love, Harry's own heart was having trouble. He knew that he was developing a bit of a crush on Pansy, but what was this new feeling? It was different from a crush. And he knew, from past experiences, what a crush felt like. It seemed… warmer. Stronger. And for some reason, he just couldn't get Pansy Parkinson off his mind.

He knew it was too cliché to say, but… could this be love?

As Christmas day drew nearer, the castle seemed to come to life again, despite the small number of people who occupied it. The small group of students helped decorate the halls, making it sparkle. They even did it the Muggle way!

There was also a lot of secrecy, hiding presents under robes, purposely avoiding people, all that crazy stuff that people do during the holidays. And everyone was definitely overcome by the holiday craze. It seemed to spark a lot of excitement and everyone was easy-going and happy, even Draco, who would normally be sulking somewhere. But then again, he was engaged now, and him and Hermione were certain to be doing things in bed, and it wouldn't just be sleeping.

As for Ron, well, he was left to spend time some quality with his little sister and Neville. The three often spent time just hanging out, playing Wizard's Chess and eating candy (Neville's chocolate frogs were always hopping off). Occasionally, Pansy and Harry would join them, but seeing Hermione and Draco out of the bedroom, especially during the hours before and after dinner, was turning into a rare occurrence.

In just two days it would be Christmas, which meant that everyone was finishing up last minute preparations for the big day. And along with that, there was the planning of the Christmas Eve party. Harry and friends had decided that they should hold a small get together to celebrate the occasion. And of course, there would be booze—it was Draco's job to bring it. With drinking games like the ones they were planning on playing, it was sure to prove one very interesting party.

Oh, and it wasn't guaranteed that there wouldn't be any private after parties…