"Family history?" Amanda repeated. "Why the heck would he give you a book about their family history?"

"I dunno," Aly answered, just as surprised. The cover was brown, and on the front, it read, 'Aldaine History and Bloodline.'

"Well...what does the letter say? Hayden asked. "Maybe it explains why he gave it to you."

Aly reached inside and opened the letter.

'"Dear Aly, thanks for the black eye. My parents thought I was attacked by some crazy lunatic.'" Damien snickered, and Char whacked him on the head. '"Just in case you're wondering where I am, I'm nestled in a home that's right near the Boyles'. No, I won't say where in case this letter falls into the wrong hands, but I managed to get to my family safely. My mum, dad, and Bella are all perfectly safe. We're staying with some friends. Anyway...the reason I gave you this book is so you can understand the real reason why I'm gone.

'"You see, my uncle didn't go to Azkaban just because he was a death eater. He murdered, brutalized, and...Well, let's just say he did a few bad things to girls. You get my meaning. I'm a pureblood, descended from a long line of French witches and wizards. As soon as You-Know-Who came into power, the majority of them ended up with You-Know-Who, not just my uncle. Take a peek inside that book and go to the library and see if you can find any of those names. Some of them were famous, and some...weren't. I just thought it'd be interesting for you to read it. I've been to the Boyles' house recently, to check and see if John actually is there.'"

"Hey!" Damien exclaimed. "He's been snooping around our house?!"

"Shut up!" Amanda said. "Keep reading, Aly."

'"He's not. Somehow, the door was unlocked, but I made a sweep and no one's there. So...if you and your friends want to come down to their house, I bet you we can all meet somewhere, just for a visit. Of course, it's not definite. I know that your mum is sous surveillance. You're at Hogwarts, but if you want to come down, send me an owl back the safest way you can. And don't use Minako. Yours forever, Adam.'"

"Yours forever?" Damien spat. "Sound a bit romantic..."

"Oh, shut up!" Char snapped. "That boy has absolutely no romantic intentions, right Aly?"

"Yeah," Aly agreed. "We established that boundary line a while ago."

"I say go for it."

Aly looked up at Amanda in wonder. "What?"

"I say we get out of here and go visit Adam. I want to try something reckless."

"Who are you, and what have you done with Amanda Straum?" Damien said, gazing at her.

"I'm the same person, Damien. But kipping down there for a visit would be so exciting."

"And highly dangerous!" Hayden protested. "How can we get from here, Scotland, down to Ottery St. Catchpole in England?"

"You ruin all the fun, Hayden," Amanda pouted. "I want an adventure! We can pack up and get out of here and hitch a ride!"

"And how do we do that?" Char asked, amused. "We can't apparate out of Hogwarts grounds, and the trains won't be back until after holidays."

"What about Floo?"

Everyone looked down at Aly, who was grinning like an idiot. "Your fireplace isn't blocked. I'm sure we can get down there."

"I'm assuming you have some floo powder?" Damien smirked.

"There's some right above the fireplace," Amanda pointed out. They all turned around as Amanda pointed at the little container of floo powder.

"Who in God's name would put a container of floo power is beyond me..." Damien muttered.

"Aren't the channels being watched? We're all suspects, you know," Hayden added.

"For what? Living?" Aly asked, raising an eyebrow. "Isn't that whole scandal practically forgotten?"

"Um, not really," Char chuckled, leaning over her shoulder. "People still think that we're all involved."

"Then I'm ready to take that chance," Amanda replied instantly. "Let them question us with Veritaserum if they like. We're innocent. People just think that we're all juveniles."

"Are you alright?" Aly grinned. "Usually you're the one disagreeing with us."

"Aly, I want out of Hogwarts. Let's do it."

"Sounds good!" Aly said happily, standing up. "We'll leave tomorrow. I've got to kip down to the owlery and send Adam a letter."

"I'll come with you," Damien said. Aly nodded and they set off for their respective dormitory and left a while later after getting their coats.

Hayden grinned. "This sounds exciting."

"It does, doesn't it?" Amanda agreed excitedly. "Five Hogwarts students taking a chance. Feels like I'm living life now."

Char smiled, shaking his head. He ruffled her hair. "You must be tipsy, or something. Did Damien put something in your eggnog? Maybe he was planning to seduce you later."

"I am not tipsy!" Amanda exclaimed indignantly. She frowned at Char as he laughed. "Damien wouldn't do anything like that, anyway. You all think you're so funny," she muttered.

Char smiled mockingly and went back to the Christmas tree to finish opening his presents.