The common room was bustling with people and their luggage. Everyone was smiling and extremely ready for the winter holidays. The grandfather clock rang twelve noon, and everyone started to pile out of the room. Soon there were only three students left, Julia Sangun, a fifth year, Rose Weasley, a first year, and James Potter, a third year. When Julia realized she was alone with no one in her year, she immediately left.
"So what do you think about the Quidditch match yesterday? McGrattey was really quite slow, to get to the bludgers, I was almost knocked in the head by one when I had the Quaffle, and I noticed one aiming for you too. Who's the seeker for Huffelpuff, he was really awful, and you passed him in about five second, huh?" Rose was new to the Quidditch team and took any spare chance to talk about it.
"Yeah, Philip will have to work with David McGrattey. That bludger almost stopped me from winning the game." James responded dully.
"Well, yes," Rose said a little offended at his lack of interest, "Hey, you want to go practice some?"
"Well…," James was extremely tired, from the game. He had had to spend the night in the hospital wing the night before because he had fallen off his broom and hit his head, "Listen could we practice a little later, you think, my head is hurting some."
"Oh, right, of course…" She replied unsurely, "Well, um, want to play some chess?" "No you'll just beat me anyways." "Right. Well then you want to do anything?" she pleaded, Rose was not good at being bored. "Listen, I'm really tired right now and I'm not in the mood to do much!" He snapped at her. "Oh Right, Sorry!" She stomped off to the girl's dormitory. James hated making her mad, but he couldn't stand it sometimes. He had other things to worry about. Not only did the teachers assign him load of homework over the break but he had promised his father he would try to stay out of trouble since he couldn't go home (Ginny had a long series of games in Africa and Harry was to track down a wizard causing numerous disturbances in New Zealand). The second part alone was enough work. After a while, James trudged up to the boy's dormitory, but instead of going into the room labeled "Third years" He entered Albus's dormitory. Albus was still fast asleep as was his friend Tom. James reached in his pocket and pulled out a dungbomb from his secret stash. He was about to set it off, then run out of the room, when his dad's letter re-entered his mind.
Dear James,
How is everything? I am writing this letter to tell you some disappointing news. Unfortunately, the Harpies are having a series game in Africa so your mother will not be home over Christmas. Even more disheartening is that there have been repeating disturbances in New Zealand and since all of my colleagues are taking Christmas off, I am going to be sent there. Unfortunately for you and Albus, you two will need to stay at school over the holidays. I'm extremely sorry and hope you will forgive us, but we are a bit overbooked at the moment. Please promise me you will stay out of trouble! Also, please stay off of Albus's case and let him adjust to Hogwarts this year. I'm terribly sorry. Please write back and I love you
Love from your father,
Harry Potter
James considered the letter. After a moment or two he had made his decision and opened his hand. The dungbomb fell to the floor with a small crack and started leaking out a putrid gas. James burst out of the doors and waited. Soon enough, he heard movement, then coughing, then a bang…
"Ouch! Albus, are you here?!"
"Tom? I can't see anything. Ugh! It smells so bad"
Two voices sounded through the door. They sounded as if they had bad colds since they had plugged their noses. James doubled over in silent laughter. Then he heard their footsteps making their way toward the door and he scrambled up the stairs.