What do you know, I was right about not being consistent and making this a non-flashback chapter. Which makes it consistent in a DIFFERENT sense. Is this a double standard? It feels like a double standard. Eh, whatever, on with this insanity. It's gonna be this, then something new.

Chapter 13: It's A -_- Time Of The Year~

OR

Everyone's Yelling, Hearts will be Swelling, With All That Extra Blood~

It was the most wonderful time of the year; Christmas.

Which meant it was time for MY annual holiday tradition: Starting a Battle Royale between the students for my amusement to get their minds off the fact their parents either wanted a vacation from them more than they wanted to see them or were dead. Or were visiting Death, but I don't think the world was flat enough or balanced on any sea-life for me to take that one letter seriously.

I'm getting side-tracked, I should be focusing back on my bloodsports!

It happened like it usually did, on December 1st, the day after everyone else left the castle for winter break, as I crashed through a side window in the Great Hall on my dark blue sleigh lead by the Threstels I had bribed by leaving raw meat around the tower and then throwing a lasso at the certainly-more-now-solid-air, laughing as loudly as I could while the children screamed with joy as I brought the snow and glass to settle on their tongues and porridge.

The older students, who had formed a smaller coalition around the middle Huffleclaw tables were unamused, but that was fine! I was happy enough for everyone!

"Good News, Everyone! It's my favorite time of the year, and the level of oversight usually dedicated to keeping me in check has been drastically reduced! So, you all get to participate in the hottest activity of the Winter!" I grinned as widely as I could, lungs pulling in as much air as possible to bellow:

"MURDERBA-"

"You were cursed to never try that again or else your dick would fly off and slap the taste out of your mouth." One of the 7th Years stopped me flat on the last syllable, leaving me to click my jaw shut and think for a minute.

"Wait, are you sure? I thought was...wait, yep. Shit, you're right. Okay, damn, give me a sec...okay, then it's time for a MURDER DEATH KI-"

"Proffessor Sprout said if you ever tried that with one of us Puffs again they'd never find your body." Another 7th Year spouted, this one remarkably more relaxed as they buttered their muffin, making me twitch.

"She's lucky I'm so afraid of tendrils from the earth. Okay. I...Fuck it, moods ruined! I pronounce this the Now-Annual Kick The Crap Out Of Each Other Extravaganza, Name Pending, Commenced!" I thundered with not nearly as much excitement as I waved my hands, before lowering them and awaiting the bloodbath to start.

The student body, either un-used to or FAR too used to me and my antics, shared a collective look before one particularly brave Fourthie spoke up.

"Uh...why? Like, you literally just crashed in here-which what the shit by the way- and you...expect us to fight just cause you said?" He was able to get out before his friend in blue hastily dragged him down under the table, having apparently ducked under when I made landfall.

I huffed, but could respect the hustle. He was well worth the 11 sickles I bribed him to ask that.

"Back in my day we didn't need an excuse to unleash bodily harm beyond a mostly clear hallway or the subject of who's mother was what! But fine, sure, I can play along. The pool will decide by year, so you're all theoretically equal, and the winner of each will, as a minimum, be given 500 housepoints, a moderate sack o' gold, a full crate of Firewhiskey, and an instant out for any detentions one might get for the first three months of the new year." I off-handedly spoke as I look at my nails, noticing out of the corners of my eyes people start to tense up and look at their neighbors in a new light, before I held up the hand I had been admiring.

"But wait, there's more! If you go above and beyond, and beat the other people in different years, then you can claim their prizes as your own! The ultimate winner, as well, will be given a full Years pass for the Forbidden Section of the Library! But in the sake of fairness, if you go after a younger Year they can team up against you, and the First Years can use knives! Make sure to go for those soft targets kiddies!" I quickly gave an out in the last sentence, shooting a quick thumbs up at the small ground of First-Years who mostly just looked scared and lost. Except for the one scruffy looking blonde on, he looked like Christmas had come early. Gotta keep an eye on that one.

"Now, once again, LET THE ASSKICKING COMMENCE!"

NOW, the Spells started flying.

Ahh, I loved holiday fireworks.

END OF CHAPTER

For those curious, I was going to say 'MURDERBALL', and 'MURDER DEATH KILL', which are both references. For the rest, well, I can only wish to give out my Seasons's Beatings.

Even though it's November.

Goodnight everyone! And make sure to leave a review, I love your love and it keeps me coming back again and again! Next, for something completely different.