-1Hi All- Sorry for the long wait but my brand new laptop broke. The screen had a leak and I had to send it to get fixed. I needed a break from the story since it has been over a year that I have been writing weekly updates. I read some nice messages asking where I have been. Sorry I didn't let you know what happened sooner but I just needed a break.

On another note: I have been trying to find a copy of the book "December Boys" by Michael Noonan ( the movie Daniel Radcliffe will star in) but I can't find a copy anywhere! I heard there might be one on Ebay? Let me know if you have read the book and if it was good.

One last thing: After you read this chapter I expect to hear from you!!! I have well over 500 people signed up to get alerts but only 50- 60 leave reviews. I am not demanding reviews before I post but I always get in the mood to write and post faster when I hear from you. Love ya all! Maybe you'll even hear from me again before Christmas!

Now, on with the show:

15 - The Day Before Christmas

Sixteen year old Harry woke up in the study of Snape Manor, on the same sofa Madame Pomfrey forbid him to leave. He felt that familiar feeling of needing to shower to cleanse himself of his time spent in the graveyard. Those memories were strong, forcing him to push them away once more. He was just about to get up when Severus calmly spoke from across the room.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Pomfrey should be making an appearance anytime now."

Harry flopped back down against the pillows. He slowly became aware of his heart beating faster just from the small bit of energy it took to sit up. He looked at his father sitting behind the big desk with papers piled high before him. "Have you been there all night?"

"Yes. How are you feeling?"

Harry ran a hand through his hair then rubbed his hands over his eyes, "Okay, I guess. My heart's still acting funny."

Severus came around his desk and sat down in the chair next to the sofa. "Funny?" the word sounded odd coming out of the professor's mouth, as if he wasn't in the habit of using it.

"Well, you know … " Harry said with a hand over his heart, "Kinda racing."

Just then the floo turned green and Madame Pomfrey came through with her medical bag in one hand. She brushed off the soot from the fireplace with the other hand as she took in the scene before her. "Will wonders never cease, Mr. Potter! I can hardly believe you managed to abide by my rules and stay put. Merlin, I should alert the press!"

Severus scowled at the irritating woman, "I suppose asking you not to insult my son whilst you tend to him would be expecting too much?"

"Honestly Severus, you know how much trouble the boy gets himself into!" the medi-witch said as she began to run a wand over Harry. "Poor Mr. Black is beside himself with worry over what he did. I don't know why they ever let that man out of Saint Mungo's to begin with? He clearly needs attending to but Mr. Lupin indulges him to the point of danger, as is evident." Her diatribe broke off as the results of Harry's heart became clear.

"Yes, I see your heart is still beating too fast," Poppy said directly to Harry. Her voice softened as she asked, "Does it hurt much?"

Harry wanted to lie just to keep the medi-witch from placing restrictions on him, but ended up saying, "A little."

"Which really means much more than you are admitting to," Madame Pomfrey said with a sigh. "The curse cast against you brought you back to your proper age but your heart has yet to catch up. You will need to remain calm at all times. No flying or running or even walking around too much. No charms or spells are to be cast on you. Furthermore, there is to be no excitement of any kind and you are to take your potions on time. Do you think you can abide by those rules or shall I reserve a bed for you in the infirmary back at Hogwarts?"

"No Ma'am, please don't do that. I promise not to do anything I'm not supposed to," Harry said in the most solemn voice he could muster.

That seemed to satisfy Poppy, "Good, possibly you have learned something from your past escapades." She thrust the vials of potions at Harry and watched him drink them before walking to the fireplace.

"May I at least take a shower?" Harry asked.

"A bath is much more relaxing," the medi-witch declared. "Severus, make sure Mr. Potter does not get over excited and please keep to the schedule for his potions." The medi-witch disappeared through the floo.

Severus looked at Harry noticing for the first time the shabby shirt and worn out pants. He realized they were the same ones Molly had brought for Harry when he was six, only they had been enlarged to fit him now.

"I believe a change of garments might be in order for you. Shall I escort you upstairs?"

Harry looked down at his clothes. He rubbed a hand down the front of his rumbled flannel shirt. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"I had assumed you had enough second hand clothing in your lifetime," Severus snidely remarked.

Harry found Severus' concern over what he wore to be a bit annoying. The man always made sure his closet was filled with expensive tailored clothing. He had had no idea what a clothes snob the professor really was. Then again, he knew Severus only wanted the best for him and that thought made him concede. "Weasley second hand clothes are nothing like Dudley's second hand clothes. I'll change but don't throw this stuff out, okay? I want to keep them."

Severus helped Harry to stand, "I can hardly imagine where you intend to wear those hideous garments. However, if they have become significant to you then by all means, keep them."

They slowly walked down the hallway and up the staircase, stopping every few steps for Harry to catch his breath.

Once they were in the bathroom Harry spotted the boat Draco had made for him still sitting in the soap holder. The sight of that little red boat brought back a rush of memories with it. He picked it up then sat down on the edge of the tub to quiet his racing heart.

Severus could tell Harry was remembering his days spent here as a small child. He stood in the doorway, apprehensive to leave the young man on his own.

Harry looked up at his father. He could see the concern on the professor's face, "Don't worry dad, all my memories spent here were good ones. I'll be okay."

"I will trust your judgment on that. Do not hesitate to call me if you need assistance." Then, he quietly added, "I will be here for you."

Harry knew that statement went much deeper than just the here and now, "Yeah, I think I've always known that."

Harry looked up into his father's eyes, a moment of assurance passing from one to the other. There was no doubt for either of them that they would forever more be a family.

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That first day back was spent with Harry catching up on some of his winter break homework. He heard his father speaking to various people when they floo called the manor. He wasn't really in the mood to see anyone yet with his heart racing so much. Luckily that decision was taken out of his hands by Severus. The professor duly informed everyone who either floo called or wrote that Harry wasn't allowed any visitors until his heart settled down a bit. He could actually hear Molly Weasley giving his dad an ear full all the way from down in the living room.

Hedwig was also acting overprotective and motherly. She never left Harry's side and never let him stand up to get anything. The moment he tried to stand she would use her beak to pull him back down, then retrieve whatever object he needed. Earlier, Harry had asked Severus how Hedwig had reacted to him when he was six, for some odd reason he couldn't remember if the snowy owl had even been around during that time. Severus had told him that the bird refused to even come in the house during that time. It seemed the bird couldn't adjust to having her master change so suddenly. Now she seemed to be making up for her absence.

Later that day Severus brought afternoon tea and biscuits up to Harry on a tray and they both sat before the fire to eat. Harry enjoyed having the quiet time with his dad. He could see the tension in Severus slowly ebb away as the day wore on. They both looked forward to their first Christmas together tomorrow. But Harry felt bad he hadn't had a chance to get anything significant for his new father and told him so.

"What exactly do you think I am in need of?" Severus asked. "You have already given me and every Wizard alive the best gift we could have hoped for."

Harry shook his head, "I just wish I would have had time to get to Diagon Alley."

"That is most definitely out of the question. Besides, your appearance would cause pandemonium," Severus replied before taking another chocolate biscuit.

Harry thought that was quite an overstatement but decided not argue the point.

Just after tea Charlet made a grand entrance by yelling out for Severus as soon as she stepped through the floo from down in the living room. She came racing up the stairs with a newspaper in her hand, waving it around with excitement. She stopped at Harry's door remembering to get permission to enter. Harry waved her through, quite curious over what had the petulant girl so happy.

"Severus, are they back? Are the house elves back yet!" Charlet could hardly contain her enthusiasm. "Narcissa is planning a Formal Ball the day after Christmas to celebrate their return. She promised to make the house elves serve all my favorite foods! She even promised to invite all my closest friends!"

Severus held his hand out for the paper. Harry moved to stand next to the professor so he could read too.

"House Elves Return!" the caption read. The article went on to say that the house elves had formed a union for Elfish Rights and were demanding their Masters sign a contract stating the abolishment of any form of physical punishment against the elves if they were to return. Everyone owning an elf should expect an owl to arrive that day with the contract. Once every household member signed then the elf would return.

The front of the newspaper had a large picture of Dobby and Winky waving at the camera with big smiles plastered across their faces. Harry couldn't wait for Hermione to see what had happened since she had lobbied so hard for elf rights during their fourth year.

Charlet did a fancy pirouette in the middle of the room before exclaiming, "Oh Merlin, I've nothing to wear! Severus you must take me to Diagon Alley immediately!"

Before Severus could respond they heard the floo from the living room chime, notifying them that another floo call was coming in. Severus looked annoyed as he stood up and began walking towards the door. Once he reached the threshold he turned back around, "Get some rest Harry," came his curt tone. "Charlet, I suggest you find something you already own to wear to the ball. We will not be going into Diagon Alley today." He turned on his heel with robes billowing behind as he left.

Charlet scowled as she stomped her foot on the ground. She turned towards Harry, "That man is so mean!" When Harry didn't respond she continued, "Harry, it's going to be a grand affair with an orchestra and ice sculptures and even a champagne fountain. Narcissa wants everyone who's anyone to attend. She spoke to the Minister and he said he would come too. I know she's just having the ball to get back in everyone's good graces but that doesn't matter to me, as long as it promises to be the affair of the year!"

After another ten minutes of going on and on about the ball, Charlet finally left to peruse her closet. There was so much to do with only two days to prepare!

Harry sat back down on the sofa, then raised his feet to rest on the arm. He stared into the fire, glad that he would not be attending a ball with all of the Malfoy's friends in attendance. The thought of the house elves returning brought a smile to his face. He wished he could be there to see Hermione's face when she heard the news. With that thought in mind he slowly stood up and made his way to the desk.

He was half way through his letter to Hermione when his quill broke. He searched the desk for another but didn't find any. He was sure the Professor would have plenty of quills in his bedroom desk.

He had just stepped through Severus' bedroom door when he heard an odd noise coming from inside the room. He looked around but found no one else present and everything to be in order. Once he grabbed an extra quill out of Severus' desk he turned to leave. He was on his way out of the room when he heard another odd noise. It almost sounded as if someone had sneezed but were trying to cover it up. He waited at the door for a few more minutes before deciding he must have been mistaken.

He finished up his letter then tied it to Hedwig's leg. The bird gave him a gentle nudge towards his bed.

"Alright Hedwig, I can take a hint," Harry said as he lowered himself on the bed. He chuckled when he thought the bird was starting to act like Madame Pomfrey.

He didn't fight the pull to sleep, even though he had done nothing but lay around all day.

He was deep in a very relaxing dream when it was suddenly interrupted by a horrendous nightmare. The nightmare began with him standing in the graveyard amongst the death eaters. Lucius had tied his hands up over his head but soon Lucius turned into Uncle Vernon. Harry knew he was having a nightmare yet he couldn't stop it from unfolding. As he looked around the graveyard he saw dementors closing in on the masked men and women. He tried to warn Voldemort's followers but no sound would come out of his mouth. The dementors overtook them and he was forced to watch the death eaters struggle to live. Only one lone death eater was barely left alive. Harry walked up to the black robed man and slowly pulled his hood back. He got the shock of his life when he saw Sirius staring back at him with a look of terror!

With a jolt of shock Harry forced himself to wake up as his stomach twisted with horror. He rushed to the bathroom with barely enough time to get there before he threw up his tea and biscuits from earlier that day.

He couldn't stop thinking of Sirius being forced to live with those creatures for twelve horrendous years. He suddenly felt ashamed of his behavior towards his godfather. Sirius had been through so much. It was no wonder the man had lost a bit of his mind. Harry was pulled out of his thoughts by a sharp knock on the door.

"Harry is everything alright? Are you ill?" Severus asked from the other side of the door.

Harry quickly wiped his mouth before answering, "I'm fine."

Apparently his father didn't believe him because the next second the door opened and Severus walked in to see for himself.

Harry was standing at the sink splashing water on his face.

Severus placed a hand on the teen's shoulder, "Are you sure?"

Harry couldn't imagine telling Severus about his bizarre dream, "I'm fine Dad. I just thought I'd take another shower."

Severus raised an eyebrow over hearing that. He knew Harry was still having difficulties dealing with his time spent with Voldemort. He had actually hoped the time Harry had spent as a small child might help to heal the boy in some way. He knew the teen was dealing with it in his own way so he didn't say anything about the second shower.

Nevertheless Severus pulled his wand from his robe and assessed his son's heart rate to make sure the teen was not hiding anything. He was shocked to see Harry's heart rate had not only slowed down but was beating at a normal rate.

"Perfect," Severus declared much to Harry's delight.

"Good, now maybe Madame Pomfrey will relax a little."

"I doubt that," the potion master said knowingly. "She seems to think I am incapable of watching out for your needs without her guidance."

"Dad?"

"Yes," Severus could tell the teen was hesitating so he waited patiently for him to speak.

"I know you may not like this but … I need to go back and see Sirius." At the harsh look his father gave him he quickly continued, " He was a wreck when I saw him last and I just don't feel comfortable leaving him like that." The nightmare was still so fresh in his memory.

"That is his problem," Severus said in a hard tone. "You will not be spending any time with Black without my personal supervision. I do not feel it judicious to spend time in the man's company at this point in time."

"I have to see him," Harry said with force.

"Calm down, we do not need your heart rate to ascend once again," Severus placed his wand back in his robe pocket. "Black will be fine, he has Lupin to watch out for his needs. You, on the other hand are my responsibility and I will not have you spending time with Black until I deem him safe."

Harry knew Severus was right but it still bothered him to know how Sirius must be feeling right now. He nodded but pulled away from the professor nonetheless.

"Will you ever forgive him?" Harry asked, reluctant to hear the answer.

Severus raised an eyebrow, his look dark, "Not likely. However, it is not I who was caused harm."

"It wasn't so bad."

Severus couldn't believe Harry really felt that way after the punishment Dursley had given him for disappearing for two days. "I suppose you will pretend as if your uncle's treatment of you upon your return had never happened." It wasn't a question but rather a statement.

Harry shuddered over that dire memory, "Sirius wasn't thinking straight, he didn't know that would happen to me."

"Precisely my point. Hence the reason you will not be spending time at Grimmauld Place unsupervised." Severus left after scrutinizing the teen once more.

As soon as the door closed Harry sank down onto the bench by the tub and dropped his head into his hands. He talked himself into believing the dream had just been a regular nightmare and he shouldn't be making such a big deal of the whole thing.

After a long steamy shower Harry brushed his teeth and ran a comb through his wet hair. He wrapped a towel around his waist then headed to his bedroom to get dressed. He felt stronger than ever and his heart beat steadily once more.

At the threshold to his bedroom he stopped in his tracks upon seeing his girlfriend sitting on the sofa by the fire.

Ginny looked up in time to see Harry turning around as if he were going to head back into the bathroom. She quickly stood up and walked towards him, all the while admiring his well built frame. That training camp had done wonders for his chest and arms, not to mention his cute bum.

"Whoa, don't leave. Professor Snape told me to wait for you in here but I'll wait out in the hallway until you get dressed," the youngest Weasley said with a smirk. She loved the way Harry's hair looked after a shower.

Harry suddenly felt self-conscious of all the scars he had accumulated over the years. He looked down at his bare chest and realized all the scars from his time spent at the graveyard were still quite prominent. He looked at Ginny and she looked back at him with a cheeky grin quite oblivious to the scars.

Harry thought Severus must be slipping ; how could the head of Slytherin house send a hot young girl like Ginny into his bedroom when he didn't have any clothes on? He grabbed the ginger haired beauty as she tried to walk past him and pulled her into a tight embrace, now completely forgetting about the scars . "No, I think you owe me a proper hello."

Ginny laughed, liking the direction this little game was taking, "You grew up nicely." She stood on her toes and clasped her hands around her boyfriend's neck. Without hesitating she planted a deep kiss on his mouth.

Harry held her tighter, running his hands under her shirt to caress her back. "I think you grew up nicely too," Harry whispered in her ear, sending goose bumps down her back.

"You know I'm ticklish!" She ran her fingers through his wet hair, liking the fresh smell of the shampoo he had used. She pulled his head down towards her and whispered in his ear, "Nice body."

Harry had to use his Occlumency skills to keep his thoughts somewhat clean. He was wholly aware of the fact that he was practically naked in his bedroom with a very hot girl in his arms. His hands ran up and down Ginny's firm back.

Ginny could feel her boyfriend's hand begin to travel towards the front and brush over her breast. She heard him give out a low moan before pulling her closer.

Their kisses became more urgent until Harry pushed her back a little before whispering, "My Dad's home, Gin."

Ginny grabbed Harry's neck and pulled him closer, "So?" She knew it was risky but she couldn't help herself, Harry was just so darn handsome. She pulled his head towards her and kissed him deeply. She opened her mouth when she felt Harry's tongue prod her lips.

They were lost in the deep kiss when a sharp cough interrupted them. They both jumped back away from each other and looked towards the door.

Harry's face heated up when he saw not only his father but Madame Pomfrey and Mrs. Weasley as well! He turned away from the gawking trio. Severus swooped into the room and stopped just inches away from him. He glared at his son but spoke to Ginevra, "You may wait in the hallway while Mr. Potter dresses Ms. Weasley."

Ginny cringed at the look Professor Snape was giving Harry and scurried out of the room. Her Mum didn't look anymore pleased than the Professor. As soon as she stepped into the hallway her Mum began yelling at her and to make matters worse; Madame Pomfrey added in her two cents as well.

Severus spelled the door shut then added a silencing spell before turning back towards his son.

"Merlin boy, what is wrong with you?" Severus ground out between his teeth. "Obviously our talks on decorum have had little effect on you."

Harry flushed and turned his back on his father as he headed to his wardrobe to get some clothes. He couldn't think of any excuse to offer so he kept silent as he grabbed his under clothes and a pair of jeans along with a turtleneck jumper in blue. Severus turned his back to him to give him privacy while he dressed.

"Perhaps you are in need of a firmer reprimand. It is apparent that you are not able to control yourself," Severus paced in front of the fire until his son was finished dressing. He turned back around to see the teen standing fully clothed next to the bed. The teen hardly looked sorry though.

"Are you actually dense enough to think your actions do not necessitate reassessment?" came the sharp tone from the professor.

Harry shrugged, "Ginny's my girlfriend. I don't see what the big deal is."

"Obviously I have been remiss in speaking to you regarding boundaries," Severus said with frustration.

"You're going to tell me not to kiss my girlfriend?" Harry asked in an amused voice.

"I'm going to ask that you not do so while you are wearing nothing but a towel! These sorts of feelings tend to get out of control rather quickly if you are not careful."

"Dad, I already know how these things work, you know? I wasn't anywhere close to getting to that point."

"So, you have already been intimate with Ms. Weasley?"

"No! Merlin, I thought I already told you I hadn't done it before. But, still … I know when to stop…" Harry said with his face reddening.

"Be that as it may, are you aware of measures you must take before having sex?" Severus was dead serious that his son should know this information. He knew how young women would be throwing themselves at the-boy-who-lived and would love to get Harry into an compromising position. The teen was not only famous but rather wealthy now as well.

"Yes Dad, I know all about the contraceptive charm. Professor Flitwick told us all about it," Harry's said in a bored tone.

"Good. Now are you aware of the way young women will react to you?" Upon considering his son's confused look he went on, "You have grown quite popular with the women of the wizarding world. There may be times when women actually become more willing …to become intimate."

"I don't think so," Harry said with a fair amount of skepticism.

Severus looked down at his son and realized the boy actually had no idea how popular he had become. It touched him to see the naivety in the teen. He stood up and signaled Harry to follow him.

"Where are we going?" Harry asked as his father strode out the door and towards the staircase.

"I think it high time you realize just what people think of you," Severus said in an uncompromising voice.

They passed the Weasley women and Madame Pomfrey as they walked through the living room. Harry saw Ginny's look of question and he shrugged back at her and shook his head.

"Where are you going?" Madame Pomfrey asked, wanting to get her patient back to reassess him.

Severus ignored her and continued walking. All three women followed them. Harry grabbed Ginny's hand and gave it a little squeeze.

She whispered, "Are you alright? Did you get in trouble?"

Harry shook his head, "Not yet."

Severus stopped before double doors and pulled his wand out of his robe to unlock the door. Both doors flew open, revealing a large room filled to the brim with packages and boxes upon boxes of letters. There were so many letters and packages that you could hardly see the carpet underneath.

Harry spotted his name on every letter he could see. "What the bloody hell is all this?"

His dad flicked him on the back of the head with his wand before growling out, "Language."

Harry rubbed the back of his head and mumbled out an apology as he wandered further into the room. He picked up a package shaped like a broom and tore off the wrapping. He took in a sharp breath when he realized the broom was signed by all the Chudley Cannons. He showed it to Ginny and said, "Ron's gonna be happy this Christmas."

Ginny barely acknowledged him though, she was so caught up in spotting all the letters written to her boyfriend with hearts and lipstick on them! She picked up one with a bright red lip imprint on the front that read, "Marry me Harry" on the front. She stuffed it to the back of the pile before spotting another with a key attached to the string that held the parchment closed. She could only imagine where that key would lead her boyfriend!

Harry turned towards his father and asked with disbelief, "Are these really all to me?"

Severus gave a sharp nod, "Yes, these are just the ones that have been cleared by the ministry as safe. There are more still waiting to be searched."

Ms. Weasley and Madame Pomfrey walked around the room picking up various packages all the while tut-tut ting over the remarks written on the outside of some of the letters.

"My, you are quite popular with the girls Harry," Mrs. Weasley observed out loud.

Harry felt his face redden again and shot a quick glance towards Ginny. He saw her scrunch up a letter and shove it to the bottom of one of the boxes.

Madame Pomfrey held up a bright pink letter, "This one is from Lady Higgle. Didn't she attend Hogwarts about ten years ago, Severus?" The letter shook a little before it starting to sing a love song. Poppy tried to make it stop when the song became progressively more bawdy. Severus marched over to the letter and spelled it into the fireplace to burn up.

Harry was grateful the rude song had ended but wondered how many more like that one were in these thousands of letters written to him. He looked towards his girlfriend and saw her face take on an angry glare when she read the front of a parchment folded into a heart shape. He moved next to her and gently removed the letter from her shaking hands.

"It's all just rubbish anyway," Harry whispered in her ear. "None of these people even know me."

Ginny stood up straighter and held her shoulders back, "Yes but they certainly wish they did know you. I had no idea you were getting mail like this."

"Neither did I," Harry said grimly as another letter opened up on it's own and began to sing. He pulled his wand out of his back pocket. He didn't have time to do anything further as Ginny grabbed at the letter and balled it up before tossing it into the fire.

Harry couldn't fathom what had made so many people write to him. He looked towards the professor and asked, "Dad, do I have to answer all of these? Mrs. Malfoy said I should."

"I do not expect you to," Severus said as he tossed another letter into the fire. "As a matter of fact I feel it best that we depart from here until the house elves return. I will have Kinsi suffer through these letters."

"Oh, here's a lovely letter from Neville Longbottom's grandmother," Mrs. Weasley announced as she continued reading the letter.

Ginny quickly protested, "Mum! That's Harry's personal letter."

"It's okay Gin. It would take me months to get through all this. I don't mind." Harry took the letter when Mrs. Weasley handed it to him and he stuck it into his back pocket. He followed Severus out the door, grateful to be out of that room. He walked into the study and sat down on the sofa feeling completely overwhelmed by all the adoration.

Ginny plopped down next to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Should I be worried you'll leave me for Lady Higgle?"

Harry knew she was trying to sound playful but he could hear the slight panic behind her words. He would have liked nothing better than to hold her close and assure her that she had no reason to worry. As it was though, all three adults had entered the study and he did not want to give Severus anymore excuses to lecture him. He gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek before saying, "I already have the girl I want."

Severus cleared his throat, causing the Gryffindor to move away from each other. Madame Pomfrey made it clear that she had waited long enough to get her hands on her patient.

The Weasley women left through the floo after making Harry promise to visit on Boxing Day. Harry couldn't think of anywhere else he'd rather be then at the Weasley's burrow for Boxing Day and Quidditch!

Madame Pomfrey took longer than usual assessing his health but in the end she finally pronounced Harry as healthy. That didn't stop her from leaving Harry one last potion, just to make sure the Gryffindor had a good nights sleep. Harry took the potion and put it in his pocket, secretly happy he wouldn't have to have any dreams tonight.

Just before supper, a tawny owl tapped on the study window. Harry let it in and took the parchment off it's leg. It was the contract from the Elfish Rights Society. Once Severus, Harry and Charlet placed the tips of their wands to the contract, a loud popping sound could be heard coming from the kitchen. Within seconds both elves walked into the study.

Charlet's elf looked scared as she approached her master. Kinsi bowed down low but smiled at Harry before doing so. Severus welcomed both elves back without further questions. Once the potion master left the study both elves started talking at once.

"I's so happy to be back Master Harry!" Kinsi said as she hopped around with excitement. "One minute I's cleaning the dishes the next minutes I's gone!"

Charlet's elf didn't seem quite so happy though. She kept apologizing to Charlet for having been gone for so long.

"Why didn't you just leave then and come back like a proper elf?" Charlet demanded.

"I's tried but we is bound to the elf society. We had to s-s-stay!" the elf blubbered out through tears. She tried to bang her head on the wall but a magical barrier stopped her from hurting herself.

Charlet knew the contract would not let her punish the elf properly so she decided to punish the elf by giving her a long list of chores instead.

Harry would have intervened but the elf looked progressively happier the more chores Charlet added the bigger the elf smiled!

That night a feast was laid out for supper. After a very pleasant meal everyone in the house went to bed quite content, including the house elves. They all looked forward to the big day tomorrow!

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I hate the end of this chapter but I just wanted to get something out for you all.

Next Chapter: The Plot Thickens- I promise more action and even a ball!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Don't forget to review!