A/N: This Chapter is a little different than the last. In this one Josh actually visits family during the Christmas break. So, no Mirror of Erised for him which helps me with the mystery for him of who his father really is. I bet that the mirror would actually show him who it is.

Chapter 8: Christmas With The Emrys

Josh entered the common room and walked over to where Sophie and Hermione were sitting, patiently waiting. He briskly walked up to the girls, staring at Hermione who looked up at Josh. They stared at one another for a few seconds. "What!" Hermione blurted, "I apologized, alright!"

"Hermione, she was there for hours!" Josh replied with the same tone. "What if she couldn't get to her wand? How long would it take for someone to notice she was gone? Was she going to be there till the next Quidditch match?"

"Of course not!" Hermione squealed. "The jinx was going to eventually wear off."

"That's not the point, Hermione," Josh argued. "You just left her there, on her own. You don't do that to someone. You don't leave a Witch or Wizard behind, Hermione!" Hermione bowed her head in guilt. Josh sighed heavily, sitting next to Hermione. "Hermione - "

"Is Greengrass your friend?" Sophie spoke up.

Josh glanced at her. "No," he answered, "But I'd like her to be."

"Why?"

"Why not?" Josh asked with a shrug. "I'm not going to judge a person by what house they're in or who their parents were. I'd rather judge the character of that person. You can't just judge someone just based on actions of a few others."

"But she's been mean before," Sophie replied, "She's known to ignore you and be a bit rude to others."

"She has her reasons," Josh told, thinking about the time he and Daphne had a run in with the boggart, along with how she was during his last study sessions. Josh didn't say anything else, opting to go into his dorm instead, leaving Sophie and Hermione to talk amongst themselves. Josh sighed as he entered his empty dorm and sat on his bed. Granted, Sophie was rights. Daphne had been a bit rude sometimes, but there's more to it, isn't there? He sighed as he laid back on his bed. What a mysterious person Daphne Greengrass was.

Christmas time was in the air. On a brisk day, Josh had awoken in mid December to find Hogwarts and its grounds to be covered in several feet of fresh, pure white snow, and the lake was frozen solid. Josh left his dorm and entered his common room to see it had been decorated with its own Christmas tree and decorations. It made him smile. He loved Christmas and what it stood for, and he would be going back home during Holiday break. He figured his mother would want to see him and it would be nice to see Josh's grandparents. Though he was entirely fond of seeing his extended family, or should he say his older cousin. Josh left the common room and began making his way down towards the Great Hall following a group of third years, laughing amongst themselves. He shivered a bit. noticing that the hallways had gotten colder since winter had arrived. It was nothing a little warming charm couldn't handle.

Before Josh entered the Great Hall, he was suddenly tripped out of nowhere. He looked up but didn't see anyone, but he heard giggling coming from somewhere. "Ha ha, very funny," Josh commented, starting to stand up when a hand appeared in his face. He took the hand that helped him to his feet. He brushed himself off. "Thanks - " He stopped when he saw who helped him to his feet. It was Draco Malfoy.

"Emrys," Draco sneered.

Josh furrowed his brow. "Malfoy," Josh replied. Without a word, Draco turned and left a confused Josh stand there. Why did Malfoy help him to his feet? Shaking his head, Josh continued into the loud and bustling Great Hall. His friends were already there, eating breakfast. Josh walked over and sat across from Harry and Ron. Hermione and Sophie were sitting next to Harry, though Josh sat directly in front of Ron. Josh was still a little mad towards Hermione and didn't want to sit next to her at the moment.

"Morning Josh," Ron said through a mouth full of food.

"Morning Ron, Harry," Josh greeted, not greeting the girls and ignoring a saddened Sophie and Hermione who rolled her eyes. "What's the plan for you lot?" Josh asked Harry and Ron. "For Christmas break?"

"I'll be staying here," Harry answered a bit solemnly. "I don't feel like going back to Privet Drive to be insulted or used as a servant." Josh and Ron shared a saddened glance.

"Actually, we have a change of plans," Ron spoke up, "We're staying too. Me, Percy, Fred and George. My parents decided to go visit Charlie for the holidays. He's in Romania studying Dragons!" Harry smiled, knowing that he won't be alone for the holidays. "What about you, Josh?"

"I'm heading home," Josh answered with a smile. "Spend some time with my mum's parents and then go to that Annual Christmas Ball at the Ministry. My Mum and Granddad have to attend, so I will be going to, as usual."

"I've been to a couple of those," Ron replied, "But mum and dad stopped taking us because Fred and George wouldn't stop wandering off and causing trouble. They once caused an ice sculpture come to life and wreak havoc at the buffet table."

"Well, what fun would it be to just sit around with you boring lot and just do nothing," Fred said, appearing on Josh's right, wearing a grin.

"Yeah, we can't just sit and wait for the fun, we've got to make it happen," George continued with an identical grin, appearing on Josh's left.

"I think I remember that," Josh said, reminiscing. "That was you two!?"

George and Fred nodded eagerly. "Yeah, it was our first year in Hogwarts back then," Fred said. "Mum was livid."

George nodded in agreement. "And when we got home, Dad screamed at us."

"I don't think we could sit down for a couple of days," Fred said sharing a glance with his twin.

As Fred and George left, Harry turned to Hermione and Sophie. "What about you two?" he asked them.

"My parents are taking me to visit some relatives in the country," Sophie answered, "As we do every year."

"Me too as well," Hermione spoke, sipping some tea. "My parents and I are spending time together, doing our usual Christmas traditions." She took another sip of tea and turned back to Harry and Ron."Well, since you two are staying," she said, "You can continue to look for information on Nicholas Flamel."

Ron sighed heavily with a moan. "Hermione, I'm pretty sure we've look at every book in the library," he groaned with Harry nodding in agreement. "My eyes hurt from reading so many words."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You obviously haven't checked the restricted section," she stated.

"How is he supposed to?" Josh asked nonchalantly, watching himself stir his oatmeal. "It's called the Restricted section for a reason. It's not like they could turn invisible and sneak in to read those books. Not to mention the charms they probably have in their to keep students from taking those books. The only way to get a book from that section is from a signed slip from one of our professors and even if we were their top or favorite student. there was no way we'd get permission from them without a legitimate reason." Josh looked up to see all of his friends staring at him. "What?"

"How do you know all that?" Ron asked.

"Hogwarts, A History," Josh simply answered as Ron rolled his eyes in annoyance. Hermione beamed towards Josh.

Soon it was the end of the semester and the start of Christmas break. Students had begun packing for their return home for the holidays. Josh closed and locked his trunk, confident that he had everything he wanted to take. He took a look around the dorm, almost empty. It seems everyone else, besides Harry and Ron, were going back home. Josh stood up and left his dorm, making his way down towards the common room where Harry and some of the Weasleys, lounging around in front of the fire. Josh bid his goodbyes towards them and continued on his way out of the common room, through the corridors, down the stairs, and out of the castle where there was a line of carriages waiting to pick up students and take them to Hogsmeade Station. Josh watched as Sophie and Hermione stepped into a carriage themselves. He didn't follow because he was still a bit mad towards Hermione about what she had done. He knew he'd get over eventually and he also wondered why it was taking him so long to get over it. He and Daphne weren't even friends, but it bothered him so much.

Josh was still deep in thought when a carriage pulled up in front of him, not noticing it at all. He also didn't notice when Tracey and Blaise walked up next to him, curiously looking at Josh's blank stare. Tracey waved her hand in front of Josh, but there was no reaction. Blaise gave a light shove to Josh who rocked forward. It seemed to do the trick as it shook Josh from his thoughts. He turned to see Blaise and Tracey standing next to him looking amused. "What?" he asked.

"Are you going to stand there all day long?" Tracey asked, and waved her hand towards the carriage.

"Oh, right," Josh replied, and entered the carriage. Tracey and Blaise entered next, followed by another person. The trio didn't know it was until they had all settled and finally noticed that it was Daphne who was behind them and entered the carriage with them. The ride to the station was a little bit awkward and silent. Minutes later, the students had arrived at the Station and began entering the train. Josh, Tracey, and Blaise entered their own compartment.

"Finally!" Blaise said, plopping down on the cushioned seats. "Why was that so awkward? Did something happen between either of you and Daphne." He looked at Josh and Tracey who both shrugged.

"How do we know it wasn't you?" Tracey retorted.

"Me?" Blaise scoffed. "I haven't said one word to the woman since I've been here. I don't know if she even knows my name."

"She knows," Josh muttered, leaning back in his seat. He turned to his Slytherin friends. "Do any of you know a - " The compartment door opened. "Nicholas Flamel."

Three heads turned towards the compartment door to see Daphne was the one who opened the door. She shyly looked inside to the three confused and uneasy friends who shared side glances. "Hi," Daphne spoke softly. "May I join you?" she asked.

Josh looked over to Tracy and Blaise who were staring at him. He wondered why but guessed that he was the one to answer Daphne. He looked up at Daphne and gave a warm smile. "Yes, absolutely," he answered politely, waving her in. Daphne replied with a smile and entered the compartment with a small bag over her shoulder, taking a seat next to Tracey who turned back to Josh. Daphne pulled out a book and began to page through it.

"Who's Nicholas Flamel?" She asked, returning to Josh's earlier question.

Josh shrugged, "I don't know. That's why I was asking you."

"I've never heard of the name," Blaise put in, scratching his head. "Sounds old."

"He's ancient," Daphne spoke from behind her Potions book. "About six and a half centuries old or so. He's a well-known Alchemist and has had many accomplishments in his time."

"And how do you know that?" Tracey bitterly asked.

"I read," Daphne replied, eyeing Tracey and lifting of the book to prove her point.

"Oh right, I get it," Tracey spoke, glaring at Daphne, "You must read a lot because - "

Josh suddenly and loudly cleared his throat to interrupt Tracey. She looked up at Josh who gave the tiniest shake of the head to which Tracey understood. Josh turned to Daphne. "How could he possibly be that old?" He asked. "There's no way a wizard could reach the age of 650, right?" Blaise nodded in agreement.

"He could if he had the Sorcerer's Stone," Daphne revealed, lowering her book. Tracey, Josh, and Blaise looked at her questioningly. Daphne eyed them in turn. "The Sorcerer's stone was created by Nicholas Flamel. It will transfigure any kind of metal into gold and it produces an Elixir of Life. Which makes the drinker immortal. Though it doesn't stop the ageing process. You just get older and more frail."

"That's one way to live a long life," Blaise commented as Tracey nodded in agreement. Josh, however, was in deep thought. A stone that could make the user immortal. Many wizards and witches would love to get their hands on something like that. Though for whatever for?

"Why live so long," Josh realizing his thoughts. "Why stay alive for hundreds of years just to watch people die and for things to change? What would be the point?"

"I guess it depends on what kind of person you are," Tracey suggested with a shrug. "If you are some dark witch or wizard, you'd use it to cheat death or outlive your enemies or something like that." That made sense to Josh. Maybe that is what Snape was up to?

After a lengthy train ride consisting of nothingness chats, the train had come to arrive at King Cross's station. Josh exited the train with his friends, while pulling their trunks. Josh bid his friends goodbye though he watched as Daphne was walking towards a couple with a small girl standing in front of them. He watched as the small girl ran up to hug Daphne.

"Joshua!" Josh turned to his mother waiting for him by the entrance. He smiled and walked over to his mother and giving her a hug. "Did you have a good semester?" Silviana asked.

Josh nodded as he released his mother. "It was good. I learned a lot," he answered, thinking about how he had learned more than just spells and potions.

An hour later, Josh and his mother entered their home and was greeted by a familiar booming voice. "Ah if it isn't my grandson!" Josh's face lit up when he heard the voice of his grandfather. He turned into the sitting room to see his grandfather sitting in a plump chair. He was a grey haired man with green eyes, average sized, and squared rimmed glasses. Josh's middle name was his grandfather's name; Malcolm.

"Grandpa!" Josh exclaimed, "What are you doing here?!"

"Well, I wouldn't miss my grandson come home and tell me about his first few months at Hogwarts," His grandfather replied with a big smile. "Come, tell me everything you've learned at Hogwarts." Josh sat down and begin to tell everything he learned and witnessed at his time at Hogwarts. From the spells to the potions to making new friends to saving one from a troll to trying to befriend Daphne.

"I don't understand," Josh said, slumping in his chair. "No matter how hard I try, she doesn't seem to want to be my friend. I don't know what to do. Maybe I should just give up."

"Well, why do you want to be a friend with someone who doesn't want to be a friend with you?" Josh's grandfather asked.

Josh shrugged. "Honestly, I needed her help with something," he began, suddenly looking pensive, "But the more, or less, I began to know her - " Josh looked up at his grandfather. "I think she deserves one, no, she needs one."

Malcolm nodded. "What's her name again?" he asked.

"Daphne," Josh answered, "Daphne Greengrass."

"Greengrass, huh?" Malcolm said with a nod. "Interesting."

"Do you know the family?" Josh curiously asked.

Malcolm was staring ahead but then looked at his grandson. "Hmm? No," he answered. "No." Josh nodded and soon left for his room to unpack.

The next few days passed by uneventful. Josh did the homework he was assigned and lazed around a bit while his mother was at work, though he was never really alone since he was babysat my one of his mum's old friends. Soon, it was Christmas eve, which was time for his mother's annual Christmas ball at the Ministry. It was for the Ministry employees and family was invited, which meant that Josh had to go with his mother. He wasn't that fond of the Ministry ball, but he did like the food they served. He would get to see a few friends while he was there. He figured he'd just hang out with Longbottom like he did last year.

Josh was trying to tie his tie while looking in the mirror when his Mother came in. "Joshua, are you ready?" she asked, peeking in.

"Almost," Josh said, looking down and somehow tying his tie into a knot. "How did i - ?" Suddenly, the tie was untied magically and then tied perfectly around his neck. He looked up at his smiling mother who wore wonderful dark blue dress robes. "Thank you."

"Let's go," Silviana said, waving at her son. Josh nodded, putting on his coat and walking over to his mother. The mother and son made their way over to the fireplace and then flooed to the Ministry. Silvianna stepped out elegantly while Josh once again flopped out, landing on the marble floor. He cursed under his breath and followed his mother through the familiar atrium of the Ministry towards the Ballroom. Many other witches and wizards were arriving with their families. Josh recognized many of the same people from last year. They soon arrived in the a Christmas-y decorated ballroom. It was filled with streams and a few Christmas trees surrounding the walls with white tables. The ceiling was bewitched with a starry galaxy while there was a small orchestra at the front of the room, playing light music.

Silviana was soon approached by some of her co-workers and began chatting and talking while Josh, feeling his stomach growl, made his way over to the buffet table. He smiled at the spread of the variety of foods. It was as good as most Hogwarts feasts including some food the school didn't have. Josh began piling his plate with some shrimp and potatoes.

"That's an unusual combination of food." Josh turned to see Tracey smiling at him.

"Tracey!" Josh said, "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, well my dad started working here a few months ago in the legal department," Tracey answered, with her arms around her back, rocking back and forth. "So here we are. My mum and dad are somewhere around having a good time I expect." She looked around but couldn't see her parents. "I though it'd be better if we hung out instead." Josh nodded. Tracey pulled out a plate of her own and piled some food on it. The two walked over to a empty table and started to eat and chat in nothing in particular.

"Any new information about your father?" Tracey asked.

Josh shook his head. "No, I've been a little preoccupied with trying to get Daphne to be my friend," he answered. "That I've totally forgotten."

"Maybe we should check the records when we get back at school," Tracey suggested. "Check out the students in the same year as your mother."

Josh nodded. "Sounds like a plan," he replied. Josh instinctively turned his head to his right to and was surprised to see a Daphne sitting next to a smaller girl stuffing her face with food. Daphne looked bored, but would look at the younger girl and smile at her.

"C-can I join you?" Tracey and Josh suddenly looked up to see Neville, glancing behind him.

"Neville, are you alright?" Josh asked, waving to an empty seat.

"Y-yeah," Neville said, sitting down. "I just bumped into Crabbe and Goyle, and they scare me."

"Well, you can sit with us as long as you want," Tracey replied. Neville shyly looked wary towards Tracey but nodded nonetheless. The trio began to chat and were soon joined by a few students other from Hogwarts. Susan Bones, The Patil Twins, and Steven Cornfoot. The all chatted amongst one another, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Neville seemed to calm down, and no one seemed to care that Tracey was from Slytherin since they speaking with her, realizing she wasn't as bad as others thought.

Josh instinctively turned his head and was surprised to see Daphne at another table, sitting quietly and looking bored. She was sitting next to a younger girl who was eating dinner and Daphne would turned to smile the younger girl's way every now and then. Josh smiled, though it faded when he noticed Crabbe and Goyle approach Daphne who suddenly seemed annoyed. The two oafs spoke to her, but Daphne was trying to ignore them. The younger girl looked worried. Josh stood up from his chair, and without speaking to anyone, he made his way over to Daphne's table.

"Come on, Greengrass," Josh heard Goyle say as he walked closer to the table. "Just one little dance. With me first then with Crabbe." Crabbe nodded eagerly.

"No," Daphne replied firmly. "I'm not dancing with any of you big oafs."

"Don't be such a prude," Crabbe groaned. "Entertain us...or else."

Daphne crossed her arms. "Or else what?" She replied. Crabbe and Goyle shared a glared, clenching their fists.

Goyle reached out and grabbed Daphne by the arm. "Come on!" he hissed lowly. "We're dancing."

"No! We're not!" Daphne said through her teeth, trying to pull away from Goyle. "Just leave me alone." Suddenly, a hand grabbed Goyle's arm. Everyone's head turned towards Josh who had a blank expression. Goyle and Crabbed glared at Josh.

"Back off, Goyle," Josh said calmly and then turned to Daphne. "Besides, she's said she'd dance with me but I had to go to the bathroom first." Daphne slightly glared at Josh as Goyle ripped his arm away from Josh's grip. The two Slytherin boys shared a glance, glaring at Josh and then walked away. Josh turned to Daphne and smiled. "Well?" he said holding out his hand towards Daphne who stared at it.

"Are you her boyfriend?!" the younger girl suddenly asked. Josh and Daphne turned wide-eyed to the younger girl.

"What!?" Josh exclaimed.

"Astoria!" Daphne gasped. "No, he's not my boyfriend! We're just friends!"

"We are?" Josh said, taken aback with a smile.

"I mean - "

"Yes!" Josh quickly said, turning to Astoria and interrupting Daphne. "We're friends. I'm Joshua Emrys."

"I'm Astoria," The younger girl greeted with a small smile. "Daphne's little sister."

"Really?" Josh said, taking a seat. "Any embarrassing stories?"

"You have no idea," Astoria smiled, as Daphne went wide-eyed.

"Alright," Daphne said, standing up and grabbing Josh by the arm, pulling him away. "Didn't you say we were supposed to dance."

"Bye," Josh said as he was dragged away. Astoria giggled waving Josh goodbye.

Daphne led Josh over to a dance floor were some of the adults and older children slow dancing with one another. "Take my waist," Daphne said.

"You're what?" Josh said with wide eyes. Daphne rolled her eyes and took Josh's hands and placed them on her waist. Josh blushed once his hands were on Daphne's waist. Josh and Daphne began to slow dance, but he couldn't help but not look at Daphne in her eyes. He's only danced with his mother before, but this was different. This was with his friend. He looked around as the two swayed.

"Thank you," Josh heard Daphne mumble.

"What was that?" Josh asked, looking at Daphne.

Daphne sighed heavily. "I said, thank you," she repeated. "For getting me away from those oafs."

"I thought you could use a little saving," Josh replied with a small smirk.

Daphne suddenly pushed Josh away. "Like I'd ever need saving from you," she said, surprising Josh. "I am perfectly capable of saving myself!" She hissed, quickly pushing past Josh and disappeared through the crowd, leaving a confused Josh.

"My turn!" Josh's hands were suddenly tugged. He turned and was surprised to see Tracey.

"Your turn?" He said in confusion

"Hey if the Ice Queen gets to dance with you, then why can't I?" Tracey said, putting her hands on Josh's shoulders.

"You can, but what did I tell you about calling her the ice queen?" Josh replied, swaying with Tracey.

"Not to," Tracey said, smiling and looking away. "Did she say anything to you when she ran away from you?"

"Well, she told me that she was capable of saving herself," Josh answered, "After I saved her from Crabbe and Goyle."

"Typical," Tracey muttered.

"Come on, give her a break," Josh argued, "We don't know her. Maybe she has her reasons to be that defensive."

"Oh please," Tracey scoffed. "She's not like you or me. She's a little mean and rude, and we both know why." Josh sighed lightly, turning to the direction where Daphne had disappeared to. She wouldn't let him in. He was a nice guy. He just wanted to be her friend.

"Everyone needs a friend," Josh mumbled.

"Oh, what do we have here?" Josh and Tracey turned only for Josh to instantly go red in the cheeks. It was his mother and a friend of hers who had appeared next to them. "Aw, Joshua," Silviana said, "You didn't tell me you had a girlfriend?"

Josh and Tracey instantly tore away from each other. "What!? No!" Josh exclaimed as Tracey quickly shook her head. "Mum, no. This is Tracey. She's my friend from school."

"Oh," Silviana smiled and nodded in understanding. "Of course. Nice to meet you, Tracey. I'm Josh's mother." Josh looked up at the man that was standing next to his mother. A tall handsome man with short curly, black hair and green eyes, dressing in green robes.

Tracey smiled. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Emrys," she greeted politely. "And who is this dashing gentleman?"

"Oh, this is my - " Silviana glanced towards her son who was glaring up at the man. " - my colleague, Ephraim Avery. Ephraim, this is my son, Josh."

The man named Ephraim smiled down at a glaring Josh. "Nice to meet you," he said with a nod. Josh didn't reply or indicate him with a response. "Right, well, shall we?" Avery said, holding out his arm and turning to Silviana.

"Oh yes," Silviana said, interlocking her arm with his. Josh glared as Avery led his mother onto the dance floor to begin slow dancing to the music.

"Merlin, Josh, you could have burned a hole in the man you were glaring so hard," Tracey said.

"I was?" Josh said, turning to look at Tracey in confusion. "I didn't realize." He looked over to see his mother and Avery dancing. He didn't know why, but he didn't like seeing them dancing together.

"You're doing it again," Tracey informed.

The next morning, Josh woke up bright and early on Christmas day. Josh quickly ran down the stairs because there was only on thing that mattered on Christmas day and that was the presents. Josh rushed into the sitting room where the tree stood with a small pile of gifts underneath the tree. He made his way over to the gifts, sitting next to them and began tearing away the wrapping paper. He had received some socks and new shirts from his mother. His grandfather had given him a framed photo of baby Josh in the arms of his late grandmother. Josh smiled at the photo and remembered how she was the sweetest grandmother in the world. He missed her a lot and couldn't imagine how much his grandfather missed her. Josh had received a whole assortment of sweets from the Golden Trio, a red and gold scarf that seemed to be poorly knitted which was from Sophie, a few shiny collectible trinkets from Blaise, and a holographic quill that changed colors from Tracey.

Josh then reached for his last gift. It was addressed to him, but there was no name. He opened the gift to find a blinking star map with a small note which read: Say the Constellation, and it will show you the stars. He turned to the star map with a curious expression. "Show me Cassiopeia," he said, and to his surprise, the stars blinked and the constellation lit up. He found it pretty interesting and wondered who had sent him such a gift.

Josh was tidying up the room when his mother appeared, putting on earrings. "Josh, hurry up and get ready, we're heading to your Grandfather's in an hour and a half," she reminded him. Josh's heart dropped. It was the annual Emrys Christmas dinner that his Grandfather hosted. He wasn't too fond of it. His great Aunts and Great Uncles were okay, but that's not what he didn't like. Old people were supposed to be boring. What he didn't like was the humiliating torture he received from the hands of his older cousin. Not to mention his dark and creepy Uncle, the brother of his mother.

Josh slumped with a sigh. "Do we have to go this year?" He asked, walking over to his mother, "I mean, we could have a dinner here, just with me and you."

"This is a yearly tradition, Joshua," Silviana replied, hand on her hip. "We're going to celebrate the holidays with our family. I know it's not the best for you, but its something your Grandfather loves. So you have to be there." Josh sighed heavily. His mother placed a hand on her shoulder. "You know your his favorite grandchild. You take after him and your - " Silviana stopped speaking. Josh stared up at his mother, wondering what she was about to say. Silviana cleared her throat. "Go on, get ready," she told him. Josh nodded and went up to his room to get dressed for his family get together.

An hour later, Josh and his mother stood of the doorstep the Emrys family home that was located in London. It was a huge luxurious three story home with a small front and back yard. There was a hint of sadness whenever Josh's eyes laid on the place. Maybe it was because his grandfather lived alone in the house. "Welcome, Misses Emrys, Master Joshua." Well, there was Archie, his grandfather's house elf who appeared at the door and led the Mother and son into the home.

As Silviana left to find her father, Josh kept his eyes peeled as he walked through the halls of the family home, making sure his older cousin wasn't around. He walking into a sitting room and found his other younger cousin. A young dark haired girl with light blue eyes was quietly sitting in a chair, examining a little charm necklace around her neck.

"Amara," Josh called, glancing around. The young girl name Amara looked up at Josh. "Where is your brother?"

Amara shrugged. "He was here a while ago," she softly spoke. "I think he went snooping around."

Josh nodded. "How are you doing?" he asked as he looked over to his younger cousin. She was a year younger than, meaning she would start school next year. Josh wondered if she would be going to Durmstrang too just like her older brother. Though he would like to see her at Hogwarts. Amara was the quiet type. Kept to herself mostly, but he didn't remember if he ever saw her smile.

"I'm okay," Amara answered.

Josh nodded. His ears suddenly perked up when heard a familiar voice. "Auntie Silvie! Wow, you look amazing," came the booming voice of his older cousin from somewhere. "Is Joshua around? I haven't seen him in ages!"

"Well, that's my cue," Josh said to Amara and decide to hide somewhere away from his cousin. He ran into the Hallway and ran up some stairs. He began trying to open doors, but they were all locked. He could have magically unlocked them, but his mother made him put his wand away when he came home from Hogwarts. He found a bathroom or two, his grandfather's room, his mother's room, and his Uncle's room, but he wanted to find a place where he couldn't be found. He was on the third floor when he noticed a a string hanging from the ceiling. Josh took a nearby chair and used it to stand on to pull the string down to reveal a staircase that lead up to an attic.

Curious, Josh climbed into the attic, pulling up the entrance just in case. He looked around. The place was full of boxes and junk as an ordinary attic would hold. Josh began to look through the boxes and junk, finding old clothes and old books from his mothers days at Hogwarts, but then he suddenly came across his mother's school trunk. He popped it open where it was filled with old school robes and the green and silver Slytherin ties. He smiled at them. It also held her seventh year notes and a plaque that signified that she had graduated from Hogwarts. Josh continued to rummage through her trunk when he picked up a cloak with the a Slytherin crest and put it on. It was a little too big for him. He took it off when something red caught his eye. He knelt down and pulled on the red fabric. He was surprised when he pulled out a red and golden scarf. He stared at it in awe as his heart began to beat quicker.

This scarf did not belong to Slytherin house at all. These were Gryffindor colors. Someone had to have given this to his mother. Was it his father? Josh began to rummage more into the trunk but he didn't find anything else that could have come from Gryffindor House. He looked around the rest of his attic and looked to see if there was anything that was his mother's, but none of the boxes were labeled. Josh sighed as he leaned on a couple of boxes, thinking this turned out to be a dead end, but a good one. He glanced at the Gryffindor scarf and smiled at it. He pushed off the boxes and the top on fell over and spill its contents. Josh sighed in annoyance as he began to push the trinkets inside when he saw a medium sized jewelry box. Josh tilted his head as he saw something stick out of it. It was the edge of photo. Josh slowly pulled it out, revealing the first half was that of his mother, pregnant and smiling. As he pulled it out more, he noticed a third hand on his mother's belly.

Josh's heart jumped and he quickly pulled out the photo. This was it. He was about to see the face of his father. He couldn't be any more excited. This mystery was about to end. Josh's excited expression suddenly fell to disappointment. The photo had a burned hole in it. In the face of the man that was his father. "Damn it!" Josh cursed, looking at the photo. The man's head and face was entirely burned away. He was wearing normal clothes and nothing of significant distinction. Another dead end, but it looks like his father was around when his mother was pregnant.

There was a sudden 'pop'! Josh turned when Archie appeared in front of him. "Dinner is ready, Master Emrys," Archie said, and then popped away. Josh sighed, putting everything but the photo back in the box. He pocketed the photo and left the attic.

As Josh was climbing down the ladder, a hand slapped him on the back. "As I live and breathe!" Josh flew forward, knowing the voice that was behind him. Josh turned around to see his fourteen year old cousin. He was tall with black hair, blue eyes, and a scar across his cheek. Josh stared at the scar, remembering his cousin had gotten it when he had come back from his first half year from Durmstrang. It was a punishment from one of his professors, and Josh's Uncle didn't do anything about it. "How's it going, Josh?"

"Hey, Cyrus," Josh said. "I was just heading down to dinner."

"Great, me too!" Cyrus said, placing his arm around Josh and leading him down the hallway. "Tell me, how's Hogwarts?"

"It's good," Josh answered lamely. "I'm learning a - ah!" Josh was suddenly tripped down to the ground. He face-planted down into the carpet.

"Ooo, Josh," Cyrus said with a smirk. "Watch your step there. Be aware of those surroundings buddy." Cyrus noticed something poking out of Josh's pocket. He reached down and pulled it out. "What is this?" he said, realizing it was a photo. "Oh I see."

Josh jumped to his feet. "Hey, give that back!" he said, reaching for the photo only for Cyrus to pull back.

"What's this?" Cyrus asked, "Trying to learn more about your father?"

"Give it!" Josh hissed, trying to grab it.

"I might know a little bit about him," Cyrus replied, causing Josh to stop reaching for the photo.

"What? What do you know?" Josh asked, eager to know any information about his father.

"What do I know?" Cyrus repeated with a tiny smirk. "If i give you this information, what do I get in return?"

"What do you want?" Josh asked, glaring up at his older cousin.

"What do I want?" Cyrus said, looking pensive. "Oh, I'll figure it out and just tell you later."

Josh rolled his eyes. "What do you know?" he growled.

"I happen to know your father's name," Cyrus said with a smug smirk.

Josh'e eyes widened in excitement. "What is it?! Tell me!" he quickly said.

Cyrus smirked, knowing this was going to get him whatever he wanted from the run. "Alright," he said, "His name is - " But his mouth froze and nothing came out. Cyrus suddenly looked confused. He cleared his throat. "His name is - " But his voice just stopped. "Why can't I say it." Cyrus kept trying to say a name, but nothing was coming out. "His name is - "

"Ha ha," Josh mocked with a straight and annoyed face. "Very funny, Cyrus, you really had me going." Josh turned to leave his confused cousin who was unable to finish whatever he wanted to say.

Dinner wasn't too eventful. The kids sat at their own table, eating mostly in silence. Cyrus was eating and muttering to himself about what had happened earlier while Amara ate and kept to herself. Josh was eyeing Cyrus and the adult table were he noticed his mum and his Uncle Silas in a whispering argument. He wondered what they were talking about. Josh could see his grandfather trying to ease the tension between his children. His brother ans sister are in silence enjoying the little show between their niece and nephew.

As soon as it had begun, Christmas break was over and Josh was back on the train back to Hogwarts, wondering what all of his friends had been up to while he was gone.

A/N: Here we are. Josh's family had been introduced, and I changed Rina's name to Amara. Her full name is Amara Helena Emrys and we will see her grow up and there were be a lot more of Josh's family instead of just mentions and introducing them in book 4. A few things are changing in this book series and a few other things will be cut as well.