Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does

Chapter 20: Letters on a Christmas Morning

"Morning Alina," Hermione said as she entered the kitchen.

"Morning," she said meekly. "Hey Selena," she said to her brown-haired sister sitting on a stool next to the island.

"Hey chica- merry Christmas!" she hugged her warmly. "What's up with you?"

"Nothing Selena, I'm fine." Selena stared at her and sighed.

"David needs to leave already- his mere presence is screwing up your relationship."

"Can we not talk about this right now?"

"Sure. Eat some waffles- they're amazing." Alina looked at them. Suddenly she didn't feel like eating.

"I'm good." She sat down next to Selena.

"Hey Harry!" Selena called to him as he entered the kitchen. "Hey Ron!" she said the the redhead.

"Merry Christmas Harry!" Hermione rushed to hug him, and even wished Ron a merry christmas and hugged him as well.

"Where's Ginny? We have to talk about getting ready," Selena said.

"Still asleep, I think." Harry said as he and Ron both seated themselves at the table.

"I'll go get her," Selena went up the stairs to go to their room to go to the Gryiffindor House.

"Morning Alina," Harry said.

"Morning," she repeated. She got up to get a glass of water. As she walked back she saw them looking at her oddly. Ron was slightly flusehd and she turned to ask Hermione why they were staring and Hermione nodded her head down at Alina. Looking down she realized what she was wearing. Or rather the lack of what she was wearing- she was only in a thin regular shirt and underwear. Before, she had paid no mind to it because she had just been with Selena who was wearing only shorts and a tee and Hermione had still been in her pj's- but in this case blushed and muttered an 'excuse me' and rushed to her room.

"Hey Alina- here you go," Selena said as she entered their room. She tossed her a thin box. Sitting down next to her, Alina lifted the lid and pulled out an album. "It's your first magical scrapbook," she laughed. "Neville let me borrow his camera." Alina flipped through the pages. There were pictures of their teachers, of Quidditch matches, of the school grounds, of Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, and others. And there were a couple of Draco.

"How did you get these?"

"What can I say? I'm sneaky." Selena grinned. One picture included Alina, when he had his arms wrapped around her and they were sitting by the lake. It was sunset in the picture, and Draco was smiling, whispering something into her ear that was making Alina smile. The other photo was Draco leaning against a tree, nonchalantly, seemingly indifferent to what was going on around him. He was looking out across the lake, immersed in thought.

"Wow," Alina commented. "Ever thought of a career in photography?" Alina joked.

"That comes after being a singer in a wizard band."

"I'm just kidding!" Selena added after seeing's Alina expression.

"Thanks- it's great," Alina said.

"No, thank you for the cute shoes to wear tonight," Selena said. "I've already opened sall my gifts," she explained. "Go check downstairs there's a lot more left for you," she told her. "And don't forget to put on some pants." she smiled.

"Right," Alina pulled on some sweatpants before she forgot and slowly walked downstairs to the Christmas tree that was in the Gryffindor Common Room, where she expected her gifts to be. Some were already picking throught the pile, searching to see if there were more for them. She spotted a fairly large blue box and pulled it out from underneath the tree. It was for her, from her family in the US.

Upon opening it she nearly cried. It was a gorgeous dress. She had no clue how they had been able to afford it. Quickly she opened the envelope and scanned the card.

To our special Alina-

We're so proud of what you've done and glad to hear that you're taking care of Selena well, like we knew you would.

We're so sorry that we weren't able to do more for you and that you had to leave so soon- an year early, in fact. We wished we could make it up to you sooner,

but you understand why that was difficult. Your uncle was very generous in his will, though he had little. What he left for us we've used to improve the restaurant and to hire some more people. Business has picked up slightly and Lilith, Andrew, and Mike are doing fine. We heard from your brother and Emilie that you were such a good help with Jason. They've told me to tell you and Selena that they're sorry that you can't come and stay with them for your winter break, but they've made it up by helping to buy you a new dress- Selena told us that you had no luck in Hogsmeade. Anyways, we know that you're capable of making any alterations and that it will look amazing on you no matter what. Send us a picture of you and Selena, to put up in the hall. And what is this we hear about a Draco Malfoy? I would be skeptical but Selena's reassured us that he's worthy. But how can anyone be worthy of our Alina? Have a good break and remember that we love you so much.

Love,

Mom & Dad

Wiping the tears away Alina took a better look at the gown. It was perfect. More than perfect. It hadn't been what she was looking for, but it was better. She packed it safely back into the box and looked underneath the tree again. There were two more boxes and a letter for her. One gift was from Hermione, Ginny, Harry, and Ron altogether. It was a real wizard camera with a note from all four of them, as well as a picture of the four of them. Smiling gratefully she moved to open the next. But it wouldn't budge. So she read the card that came with it.

Alina-

I think this is the first time I've ever written a card- honestly. It feels strange, but I guess I'll have to get used to the feeling.

The card alrady says 'Merry Christmas', so there's no point in rewriting it, but today is going to be amazing for you- if it's not, I'll make it amazing. The box won't open till exactly 12 a.m. So there's no way you can see it until I'm with you, and trust me, don't bother will any spells. Patience is a virtue, after all. Just not for me.

Love,

Draco

Quizzically she shook the box but heard nothing. She was still somewhat upset, she merely set it aside and held back the fresh tears that were welling up her eyes. She opened the next letter and read it. It was from David.

Alina,

I hope that you haven't torn this letter to bits and pieces or thrown it into the fire yet- and that you won't. It's my last night here so I just want to see you at midnight tonight, to say goodbye. I'm sorry if it's an inconvenience, but I don't want to leave here without seeing your face once more and without apologizing. Meet me at the entrance to the school where I'll be leaving- Dumbledore's setting a portkey for me to leave there- at exactly midnight. Don't forget.

Love,

Your friend,

David

He had crossed out the word "love" and rewritten "Your friend". Sighing she wondered what she would do. She didn't know if Draco still wanted her to open the gift with him. But she knew she had to at least say goodbye to David. Trying to forget what was to come in just a matter of hours, she trudged back up the stairs to Selena, who was preparing with Ginny to do her and Hermione's hair.