Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, only the Archard family and other OCs belong to me. The French words/phrases will be italicized, as well as the spells. Reviews are appreciated!

Chapter 17: A Very Merry Tense Yule

Esme POV

~Dream~

Dark. Darkness all around me. Almost nothing could be seen through the blackness, with no way to discern where I was; a room, a corridor, even outside, I couldn't tell. Shutting my eyes made little difference, yet it awoke my other senses. The air felt cold and damp, and in the distance I heard the drip drop of water. I shivered, both from the cold and from fear. Something was out there.

A girl's voice called out to me:

Do not fear the darkened pit, but only that which wanders it.

Hearing a noise behind me, my eyes snapped open and I turned, startled. Still I could not make anything out in the darkness. The same noise rang from my left. I shifted as my eyes frantically searched, yet I saw nothing, not even a hint of movement. Again I heard the noise. As my heart beated loudly in my chest, I turned toward it.

The voice rang out once more:

Only its master it will obey, never to hesitate or betray.

I saw a shimmer through the dark. A creature stood before me, but nothing revealed what kind; I only knew that whatever it was, was gigantic. I was completely frozen, fear keeping me in place as I knew it was pointless to run. A deep hiss rumbled from the creature before me, drawing my eyes up, and up.

Suddenly the voice shouted:

Shut your eyes, shut them tight, for the gaze is as deadly as the bite!

But it was too late. There was a flash of fangs before the creature lunged; I screamed.

~End of Dream~

Waking suddenly, I gasped for breath as I nearly choked on the scream lodged in my throat. My eyes began to water with no warning. Turning onto my side, I clutched my pillow to my face as I let the tears fall down my cheeks. I felt my heart continue to beat quickly since the utter terror racing through my body was slow to leave it.

There was no doubt in my mind it was the monster in the Chamber of Secrets that was haunting my sleep; there was little else that made sense, not after what happened last year with the same kind of recurring nightmare. Which meant…the chamber and the monster within were real and not just the legend I thought they were. This conclusion caused a chill to run through my blood.

Thinking my nightmare over, I couldn't discern exactly what the monster was. I remember feeling cold, feeling like the creature was significantly larger than me, some sort of hissing sound, and a flash of fangs. What limited knowledge of Magical creatures I had left me with multiple options, but for each my magic seemed to innately deny them as the truth. I could faintly recall a voice calling out to me, but I couldn't remember what they said. I only knew that whatever was said was important.

Having made no progress picking apart the persistent nightmare, my mind moved along to other thoughts. The day after we first arrived at Heaven's Garden, Papa had called my older siblings and I into his office to speak with us privately. Without much preamble, Papa revealed the source of the tension that had previously been coating the air around him. He explained his anger and disappointment that none of us had written to him about the happenings at Hogwarts, leaving him instead to be informed by another lord in the Wizengamot.

Papa's gaze had been especially heavy on Alaric and Blaire, though more so on my brother. Both had been tight with tension, though besides Alaric's arms stiffening behind his back, neither cowed beneath Papa's hard stare.

The long heavy silence was broken when Papa released a sigh before admitting he had at first wanted to forbid the five of us from returning to Hogwarts after the winter break, but Maman had talked him out of it. However, upon our return we were to inform him of everything that happened in Hogwarts, and should he feel it prudent to remove us from the school if things not be resolved to his liking then we were to do so with silent obedience. We had all given our agreement to this (Papa did so rarely change his mind and never lightly). He clearly worried for our safety despite supposedly only Muggleborns being the targets of the attacks.

I felt it in my very magic that things would get worse before they got better. While I was scared I was also glad Papa would allow us to return – if my friends would be at Hogwarts then I would be as well, instead of hiding away.

Still, the time to return to Hogwarts was far away, and warmth finally returned to my body as I remembered that today was Yule. Heaving myself out of bed, I left behind as much of my negative thoughts and feelings as possible - it was time to focus on this joyful day.

I quickly got dressed into my Yule robe and carefully brushed my hair before putting on the holly wreath one of the house-elves had left out for me to wear. With it secured on my head, I left my room to make my way down to the living room.

"Happy Yule, Esme."

Glancing over my shoulder, I waited as Blaire joined me near the top of the stairs. "Happy Yule!"

As we made our way down the staircase I raised my eyebrows at my older sister. "So, did George already send along a Yule gift specially from him?"

Even as she blushed as red as the berries in our wreaths, Blaire maintained the rest of her composure. "I had not yet gone through the gifts Zimpsy left out for me, but I do expect there is something from George."

"Since you two began openly dating, you're a lot less fun to tease."

She giggled as we reached the landing. "Je suis désolé, petite soeur," she said, not sounding the least bit sorry. "Though as a small additional Yule gift, I will tell you that George will be escorting me to the Winter Ball."

"Oh? Does Papa know?"

"Oui. He was not visibly pleased when I asked, but Mother had given her consent for George to join us, so any thought of not allowing it was thwarted by her."

I felt my cheeks stretch from my smirk. "Oh~ I can't wait to see how much Papa makes him sweat!"

"Could you at least pretend not to take enjoyment from seeing others suffer beneath Papa's ire?"

I snorted. "As if you don't. You only care because this time it will be your boyfriend."

Blaire had nothing to say in response, though even if she did, she likely wouldn't have since we had reached the living room where our siblings had already gathered in front of the silver flames burning in the great fireplace. Blaire linked our arms together and led me over to the sofa Alaric was sitting on alone. Carlisle and Dustin sat opposite of us with the triplets squeezed between them while Fain and Gérard were stretched out on the floor on fluffy cushions.

"Happy Yule, petites soeurs," greeted Alaric.

"Happy Yule," we replied in return as we settled onto the sofa.

I curled against the arm of the sofa with a pillow supporting my back as I waited for Maman and Papa to arrive. I chose to sit in silence while my siblings chatted amongst themselves. Fain and Gérard especially appeared to be in their own little world as they whispered with their heads close together.

Since we returned to Heaven's Garden, the twins had been on their best behavior and hadn't pulled a single prank. Part of me worried Papa's mood had dampened their usual cheer, but another part of me uneasily thought they were planning something larger than they usually attempted. Either way, if they didn't do something soon I would speak with them just to make sure they were alright.

A few breaths later, our parents glided into the living room. "Happy Yule, my darlings!" cooed Maman as she beamed at us.

We each returned the greeting back to her before Papa then intoned in a serious voice, "Let us now begin this sacred day of celebration."

Maman gestured to the large fir tree. "Beneath this tree of light and life, a blessing at this season of Yule. To all that sit at our hearth, today we are family and celebrate our good health. Today we do not fight, we bear no ill will. Today is a day to offer hospitality to all that enter our home in the name of the season!" I felt my magic stir within me as Maman spoke the traditional Yule blessing.

We all chanted back in unison, "We are grateful for what we have. We are not sorrowful for which we do not. We have more than others, less than some, but regardless are blessed with what is ours. May Mother Magic continue to bless and guide us eternally!"

A soft chime of approval rang through my senses - Mother Magic was pleased and hopefully granted us her blessing. Papa then swished his wand in a pattern and began his chant, "As the earth grows colder," snow softly fell from the ceiling, "the winds blow faster," it swirled around over our heads, "the fire dwindles smaller," the burning silver flames dimmed slightly as the snow flowed to the center of the circle we made, "and the rains fall harder, let the light of the sun find its way home." The snow gathered together and in a burst of light it vanished to reveal a large pile of gifts.

No matter how many times I saw Papa perform this feat of magic, it never ceased to amaze me with its beauty!

Papa flicked his wand back and forth. Various gifts rose from the pile, all wrapped in gold and blue paper and bows, floated up into the air to rest in front of each of us. "From us to you on this Yuletide," Maman recited.

I reached out into the air and carefully grasped the gift. Pulling it into my lap, I gently tore the paper from the box and opened it. Inside was a soft pink gown. Taking it out of the box I saw that the top clasped around my throat but left my arms bare and had delicate vine-like beading all the way down to the long skirt. The skirt itself was the same light pink as the top but had an overskirt made of long pink feathers. It was a beautiful dress and I looked forward to wearing it at the Winter Ball.

"Once again, most of these gifts are what those of you who will attend the Winter Ball will be wearing. Miss Tonks has already agreed to watch the triplets while the rest of us attend the ball hosted by the Black family this year." A pained look briefly overcame his face. "And…George Weasley will also be attending with us as Blaire's escort."

The triplets cheered at the news of Tonks once again looking after them as Maman and Papa got settled on the remaining sofa. Papa once again flicked his wand and gifts wrapped in scarlet spotted with gold paper floated in front of each of us.

Alaric stood from the other end of the sofa. "From me to you on this Yuletide."

Ripping away the shiny paper revealed a small trunk-like case. Lifting the two bronze clasp and opening the dark leather lid which had my initials emblazoned in silver revealed the trunk's purpose - the various shelves that unfolded inside were to hold my art supplies. I could both store my various notebooks and my drawing supplies in it.

As everyone had finished opening our gifts, Maman flicked her wand and the next group of similarly wrapped floated over into front of each of us. These were all wrapped in gold spotted with scarlet paper.

Alaric took his seat while Blaire rose from the between us. "From me to you on this Yuletide."

Removing the wrappings, I found myself holding a green, blue, and silver coloured book. I opened the cover and realized that it wasn't just a book but a scrapbook. The first page was a preserved drawing I had done when I was even younger than the triplets. Turning each page showed different small paintings and drawings I had done through the years. The back had many blank pages - places to put future artworks of mine. I hugged the book close to my chest as a warm glow overcame me; Blaire had saved all of these throughout the years.

Blaire took her seat as Papa flicked his wand to and fro. As the gold and black dotted wrapped gifts floated from the pile to their recipients, Carlisle and Dustin climbed to their feet. "From us to you on this Yuletide."

Seeing that my present was a long yet thin box I had an inkling to what the twins had gotten for me this year. Removing the wrapping paper and opening the box, I proved myself correct. Nestled between midnight blue baize was a Quidditch broom. A gold engraving near the top of the shaft declared it to be an Air Wave Gold. For a racing broom it was rather elegant looking, and I trusted the twins to get me something that was safe.

It was only a few moments later when everyone else was done opening their gifts. At Maman's signal I put the lid back on the box and set it aside. Maman then flicked her wand and my gifts all wrapped in emerald with spotted silver paper rose from the lessening pile of gifts. I carefully got to my feet and smoothed out my Yule robe before announcing, "From me to you on this Yuletide."

Staying in my position in front of the sofa I watched everyone open their gifts. For Maman and Papa I bought them a romantic dinner at Medlar, an authentic French restaurant in London which catered to both Muggle and Magicals alike. Blaire had helped me arrange the certificate with the restaurant as she entirely agreed that Maman and Papa deserved a romantic date together. As they looked over the certificate, Maman had a delicate flush on both cheeks as she smiled brightly at Papa, while to my pleasure, he was smiling softly down at her in return.

Turning to my right I saw that Alaric seemed pleased with the silver cufflinks I had bought for him. With Maman's help I had commissioned them to be engraved in red with the Archard family crest. Now that Alaric was officially named as Papa's heir, I felt that Alaric should have cufflinks like I'd seen Papa wear to High Society events. Since these would belong to him and not the line of succession, Alaric would be able to wear them throughout his life.

For Blaire, I bought a silver heart shaped picture frame currently holding a note stating 'to hold a picture of you and George'. Despite all my teasing I wanted Blaire to know I liked her relationship with George. To encourage her to openly display their relationship felt like a good way to do it. And honestly, there was a large part of me that felt like her and George were almost meant to be. I wanted them to have physical memories they could look back on in years to come. Blaire seemed to really like it by the way she was blushing scarlet as she clutched the frame to her chest.

This year for Carlisle and Dustin I got them the exact same thing with small personal touches for each of them. After witnessing Alaric being injured during a Quidditch match, I felt that both boys should have a protection charm of their own to wear. In addition to the cloth charms, I also got each of them new goggles to wear during terrible weather conditions. Each had their initials engraved on the sides to distinguish them from the other.

For Fain and Gérard, I got them each a set of Gobstones. It seemed like a game they would enjoy and hopefully would be one they could play with their new friends. The twins appeared to really like them as Fain excitedly compared their different coloured marbles while Gérard carefully read over the directions and rules on how to play.

Finally for the triplets I got them each a different toy I thought they'd enjoy. For Henrik I bought a Singing Yo-Yo, for Isabelle I bought a toy Hippogriff with a sparkly pink collar on it, and for Janette I bought a toy Puffskein with lavender fur. I had wanted to give both girls their own Puffskeins to have as pets but Maman had felt they were too young for a pet just yet - even one as easily cared for as a Puffskein. All three seemed pleased with their gifts.

I took my seat on the sofa when I saw Papa raise his wand. He flicked it and a new batch of gifts rose from the ever-decreasing pile of gifts in the center of our circle. Fain and Gérard struggled onto their feet, both nearly toppling over when Fain tilted into Gérard after accidentally stepping on his floor cushion. Thankfully, neither fully lost their balance and were able to politely state in near perfect unison, "From us to you on this Yuletide."

Taking gentle hold of the gift floating in front of me, I carefully tore apart the purple with silver spotted paper. Inside a parcel box I found three quill inkwells nestled in packaging paper. Carefully removing each lid one by one I discovered that none were black ink but rather blue, green, and pink light-coloured inks. I smiled to myself - of course those two wouldn't give me plain black ink to write with, that would be far too boring for the mischievous twins.

Finally, it was the triplets' turn as Papa flicked his wand back and forth. Fain and Gérard settled back down onto their floor cushions while the triplets each climbed down from their place between Carlisle and Dustin. The last of the gifts from the center floated over to their owners. Speaking together though not quite in unison, the triplets intoned, "From us to you on this Yuletide."

Three different sized boxes wrapped in midnight blue and silver striped paper were suspended in front of me. I started with the smallest. Ripping off the shiny wrapping, I found a handmade bracelet nestled in a box with a note signed with Janette's messy scrawl. The plastic beads were a swarm of various colours, but still I knew Janette had worked hard on this. I wished I could put it on right now, but sadly it was tradition to not wear any adornments on Yule besides our wreaths of holly.

Inside the next box was a new paint set and a few different sized paintbrushes. I wasn't sure which of the remaining triplets it was from until I found a note taped to the top of the box signed with Isabelle's hasty squiggle. The last present turned out to be a couple new canvas boards. I didn't even need to look at the note to know they were from Henrik, but I still glanced at it and smiled at his carefully done signature.

With all the gifts presented, it was now time to give thanks for the things we had received. Setting aside my gifts from the triplets, I got to my feet and went around to everyone and thanked them for their gifts with an accompanied hug. Blaire and I shared a long and comforting hug together before Alaric swooped in and held me tightly against him. Maman kissed my cheek when she thanked me for their present, while Papa simply gently held me against him with one arm. Janette eagerly hugged me while Henrik and Isabelle each gave more quick hugs, though their gratitude was no less real. Carlisle and Dustin both gave me gentle hugs,and to my relief, each promising to always wear their new protective charms. Finally, Fain and Gérard hugged me between them as they expressed that they looked forward to learning to play Gobstones with both each other and their friends.

Maman suddenly clapped her hands twice to get our attention. "What wonderful gifts! Now we do have some time before your Uncle Reginald and little Ernie should be arriving, so best take all your new things up to your rooms. Zimpsy, Tipper, and Paddy will be available to take any gifts to your friends if you have not already done so. Otherwise my darlings, you are free to open any other gifts waiting for you in your rooms."

I gathered all my gifts into my arms as best I could, though I did leave the box with the Quidditch broom behind for one of the house-elves to grab as I didn't dare try to carry that with everything else. Once I was in the privacy of my own room, I left all my gifts from my family sitting on my bed before moving over to the pile of gifts from my friends resting on the bench at the foot of my bed. Between Flèche and Zimpsy I had sent out my gifts days in advance and I hoped that everyone liked what I had bought for this Yuletide.

For Daphne, I got her a teardrop diamond earring set after she had told me that over the winter break her mother was finally letting her get her ears pierced. While I was sure her family got her all sorts of earrings to start out with, I wanted to make my own contribution to her first earrings. At the same shop I bought Daphne's earrings, I also found a silver snake tie pin for Draco which closely matched the pin he had gotten for me last year.

Instead of another small prank, I actually got Blaise a real gift this Yuletide. Earlier in the school term (before everything with the Chamber of Secrets started) the four of us had unknowingly had our picture taken in the courtyard by a Slytherin Upper-Year. She gave me a copy of the moving image when I asked her to. While none of us were looking at the camera, it was still a beautiful photo as we were being ourselves, joking around and laughing. I hoped that Blaise enjoyed the framed photo as much as I did.

For Theo, I got him a new book of spells I thought he might enjoy - specifically the section on subtle (and mostly harmless) prank/revenge spells. I figured it would help in his effort to put some healthy fear into his sister's fiancé. I had also gotten a new book for Ginny, though hers was a book of French Wizarding Fairy Tales that were properly translated into English. Despite being in Gryffindor, Ginny seemed to be quite studious as I always saw her clutching a leatherbound book to her chest in the corridors.

While our friendship was still relatively new, I did make sure to get Tracey something for Yule. I didn't know her all that well yet, but I figured she would enjoy the set of satin hair ribbons in Slytherin emerald green to wear.

Then finally for Neville, Blaire helped me acquire a small potted centaury plant for him. While it wasn't considered all that rare of a herbology plant, it did only grow in mainland Europe and Asia, so Neville had likely never encountered any of the different types of centaury plants. Hopefully, he would like the quaint looking plant with its small pink flowers which opened in the morning and closed at night. Dried centaury leaves did have natural healing properties, but Magicals mostly used it as a decorative plant.

After briefly sorting through the differently wrapped presents, I picked up a palm-sized dark-green wrapped package. Picking up the thick parchment lying on top, I read the carefully done elegant script. It was from Draco, though his parents likely had a hand in it since it was significantly more formal than any of the letters we shared over the summer break - he'd even signed it with his formal title.

Setting the note aside, I tore away the paper to reveal a velvet box. Lifting the lid revealed a beautiful green and blue coloured butterfly wing encased in some sort of magnified glass that was set in an antique looking silver metal detailing with small pale-white gems. It was a gorgeous broach-like necklace and I couldn't help but trace over the glass covered butterfly wing. I'd have to look up the specific type of butterfly this wing could be - or ask Draco at the Winter Ball - but not knowing the species didn't take away from how much I loved the necklace.

I carefully closed the hinged lid of the velvet box and set it down near Draco's note. Looking back at my small pile of gifts, I selected the metallic looking tin with a ribbon tied around it. Tucked under the big red bow was a simple piece of parchment. I lifted the top fold and read:

Happy Yule, Esme!

I helped Mum make them!

Ginny

After finally managing to untie the tightly tied red bow, I was able to pry the lid off. Inside the tin were about seven mini-pies cushioned with wax paper. Dipping my finger a little into one of them, I tasted the filling and was surprised to find it was strawberry and cream - the same recipe I enjoyed at the dinner party between our families. Part of me wondered if this was a coincidence or if Ginny had remembered which of the four pies I favoured. Either way I was touched by her thoughtful gift and looked forward to tasting the baked goods. Perhaps I would even use them as a treat while having tea with my sisters - Isabelle had enjoyed this flavour the most as well.

I would need to remember to tell Zimpsy about the tin since we weren't supposed to keep food in our rooms - not that my siblings and I hadn't tried throughout the years, but usually Zimpsy or another of the house-elves found out and would then dispose of our hidden treats. Telling Zimpsy would ensure the pies were stored safely and not thrown out.

Carefully sealing the lid back on the tin, I set Ginny's gift slightly apart from Draco's. Then without much thought, I picked up a square box wrapped in shimmering silver and pink paper. After removing the wrappings, I found a square piece of parchment stuck to the lid of the box. A short but sweet message revealed the gift was from Tracey.

Lifting the lid and tearing away some delicate pink tissue revealed an adorable black wool cloche cap with a thin silver trim around it. Since I didn't want to remove my wreath and risk messing up how I had kept my hair out of my face without using pins, I would have to try on Tracey's gift once Yule was over. Holding the cap in my hands I turned it around to look it over - even without trying it on I could tell it would fit. With her having picked such simple elegance for me I could tell Tracey had excellent taste. I honestly felt a twinge of guilt that all I got for her in return were just hair ribbons.

I placed the hat back in the box, setting it aside with Draco's gift. Reaching for the next gift, I selected a small rectangular box with an envelope tied to it with a green string. Even though I didn't recognize the sigil pressed into the royal blue wax, I didn't hesitate to open the envelope because I wouldn't even be holding it to begin with if there was anything harmful in or about it. The house-elves always checked and sorted the mail sent to us, except for anything sent to Papa and Maman since they knew how to do so themselves. Inside was a fancily engraved parchment:

Dear Miss Esme Archard,

From me to you on this Yuletide.

With Sincere Regards,

Heir Marcus of the Noble House of Flint

PS: I hope you shall accept my request for a dance next we see each other.

A stone formed in my stomach. I had no intention of accepting another dance from Heir Flint and could easily avoid it should he try to broach the subject at the ball; but what made me feel uneasy was the possibility of Alaric finding out and becoming aggravated again. He'd made it clear I was to stay away from Heir Flint and I was more than happy to oblige. I doubted he'd be pleased to know Heir Flint had sent me a Yule gift, not to mention his addendum at the end of his card. There was only one thing for it then - regardless of what Heir Flint got me, it wouldn't see the light of day and I would be burning the card out of sight from any of my siblings the first moment I had.

Lifting the lid off the box revealed a thin silver chain bracelet with pearls and green gems alternating with small silver studs between them. There was no visible clasp, instead the chain appeared to be self-sizing by pulling on the two chain ends which were fed through a silver snake's mouth. Overall it was a surprisingly tasteful Slytherin themed bracelet, but still it was something I couldn't wear, not when I would have to explain where it came from. I would need to formally thank Heir Flint for his gift as well as give him something in return - the more formal and impersonal the better. Most likely a boring book from Flourish and Blotts that I'd send to him with Flèche along with a formally written note.

Putting the lid back on the box, I instantly hid the box under my bed (out of sight, out of mind) and set the envelope aside to burn at my earliest convenience. Thankfully there were several fires always burning during this time of year since I couldn't use any magic to do so (stupid underaged magic restrictions).

I did my best to shove aside my negative emotions and thoughts as I reached for the closest gift of the dwindling pile of unopened gifts. This package was wrapped in various shades of blue and silver paper. The elegant card on top was signed by Daphne in her curly script. Being careful not to rip the beautiful paper, inside was a beautifully carved tea box labeled Rosa Lee's Morning Tea: Infused with Calming Draught to soothe away stress. Lifting the lid, I breathed in the scent of the herbs inside. I found the combined scents to be quite pleasant and looked forward to trying this blend in place of my usual morning tea.

The next gift I picked up wasn't wrapped like the others and instead was a small indigo coloured satchel. Tied to one of the drawstrings was a note - it was from Blaise!

Use generously as needed.

Happy Yule,

Blaise

I felt slightly confused over what he'd gotten me from his note. After loosening the satchel open, I reached inside to find a small tub with some sort of cream inside it. It was labeled Madam Primpernelle's Bags-Be-Gone Cream. I finally understood what Blaise had meant - use the cream generously as needed to magically vanish the dark bags under my eyes which had been appearing more often this term. Daphne wasn't the only one who had noticed I hadn't been sleeping well.

With only three remaining gifts, I decided to select the one which had to be wrapped in Muggle wrapping paper, as it had images of these oddly done reindeer mixed with a strange looking creature in green with a pointed hat. Mentally bracing myself, I read the card which once again stated 'Happy Christmas' and was signed by Granger.

I scowled down at the note as annoyance flowed through my entire being. Honestly, what was with this girl! Even after I sent her a book about the various Magical holidays and traditions she still couldn't follow basic courtesy and wish me 'Happy Yule'. She had to know by now that most Magicals celebrated Yule instead of the Muggle Christmas, yet here she was once again shoving her Muggle holiday at me. She had to be doing it on purpose - and so any wisp of guilt over not getting her a gift was gone.

Only my manners kept me from pitching the flat box into the rubbish bin before even opening it. Ripping away the strange wrapping paper revealed an assorted box of sugar quills, licorice wands, and pumpkin pasties. I set the box next to Ginny's gift, though unlike the mini-pies, I would be giving these treats to my younger siblings entirely. I had no intention of eating anything wrapped in an insult.

I turned back to the last two gifts sitting on the bench. I reached for the larger of the two, a book-sized package wrapped in silvery paper with holly boughs decorating it. The elegant card tied to it with ribbon was signed by Theo. Like Draco, Theo had included his formal title - his father's influence without a doubt. I shivered when I remembered the interaction I had with Lord Nott at last year's Winter Ball - not an experience I wanted to repeat anytime in the near future.

Tearing away the paper revealed a book, one I hadn't read before titled Atlas of Celestial Anomalies by M. P. N. Carneirus. Even with our astronomy class being in the middle of the night, it hadn't been able to dampen my interest in the subject. I looked forward to paging through Theo's thoughtful gift.

After setting the book down with my other gifts, I carefully reached for the final gift. Only one person remained and I felt excitement ripple through me. Briefly glancing at the card attached to the small gift bag confirmed it was indeed from Neville. Inside surrounded by crème coloured tissue was a gorgeous charm that I could attach to my school bag. It was a shrunken down yellow rose in full bloom that was encased in thick feeling glass and hung from a delicate silver chain.

Standing up from the bench with the small charm cradled in my hands, I went over to my school trunk. Easily attaching my new accessory to my school bag, I put it away before calling out for Zimpsy.

There was a popping sound as the house-elf appeared in the center of my room. "What can Zimpsy do for Little Mistress?"

"Some of my friends gifted me some sweets," I said as I picked up the tin and the assorted candy box. "Would you please have Honny set aside the small pies for tea with my sisters?"

"Zimpsy happy to do so!" cheered Zimpsy as she happily took both items from me. "Zimpsy will put sweets in Little Mistresses' treat box."

"Actually," I spoke quickly before she could disappear. "I don't want those. Please split them amongst my younger siblings, and leave it as a surprise for them to find."

Her head cocked to the house-elf peered at me in concern. "Is someone bothering Little Mistress? Little Mistress can tell Zimpsy and Zimpsy will keep them away from Little Mistress," Zimpsy declared quite enthusiastically.

Touched by the sweet house-elf's concern, I smiled down at her. "Thank you, Zimpsy, but that won't be necessary. I just can't get myself to enjoy the sweets at the moment."

Part of me considered bringing up Heir Flint's unwanted gift, to order Zimpsy to arrange it so no mail from him could reach me like she offered, but then I thought better of it. There was a slim chance of Zimpsy keeping it to herself, but it was almost certain any of the other elves would tell Papa when they also learned of it. I could handle things with Heir Flint just fine and didn't want to add to Papa's existing worries. I had to stand strong as any Archard would, not hiding behind Papa or the house-elves.

The bright smile returned to Zimpsy's face. "Zimpsy can do-" She cut herself off as the house-elf stood unnaturally still for a living creature. With a blink the sudden tension vanished. "Guests be arriving now, Little Mistress."

I straightened at the news - Ernie had finally arrived. "Thank you, Zimpsy."

"Zimpsy will do as Little Mistress commands," the house-elf declared as she gave a quick curtsy before vanishing with a pop.

After checking my appearance in my mirror (and quickly smoothing back my curls under my wreath), I deemed myself presentable for guests and began my trek to the front hall to greet my cousin, and Uncle Reginald.

Je suis désolé = I'm sorry

Petite soeur = little sister

Oui = yes

Petites Soeurs = little sisters

Big thank you to my Beta-Readers: Anonymous and TheSparkler!