Hey everyone! I try not to add author notes to the pages so you get pure story, but I think it's important that I tell you the last chapter has changed as the Christmas party has been moved to Boxing Day. Thanks to my reviewer who pointed out that most Christmas parties are held on Boxing Day (people are generally too busy on Christmas day). Also, I will be slowly updating previous chapters to sound more like Eoin Colfer's style of writing. Enjoy!

FOWL MANOR, DUBLIN, IRELAND

Days pass by quickly, decided Artemis on the morning of Christmas Eve. True, the party wasn't until Boxing Day, but Artemis had organised troops of party specialists and interior designers to redecorate the manor for the occasion. Now there was not a speck of dust that hadn't been evaluated, coloured, trimmed and polished in every way possible. A long tablecloth had been spread over the banquet table and the house was rimmed with fairy lights and candles. A single statue stood in the centre of the circular driveway, dominating even against the manor's bulk. This is where Artemis sat now, next to his two brothers who were squirming and fidgeting against the base of the statue.

'This boring,' said Beckett, a tad unnecessarily.

'I know it may be boring now,' replied Artemis. 'but when you're older you will want to escape the excitement for a bit'.

'Old people boring,' replied Beckett. 'That right Myles?'

But Myles, Artemis's other twin brother, wasn't even listening. Instead, he was studying a worm who was unfortunate enough to find itself in his grasp. He stretched it experimentally.

'Myles! Put that worm down!' Ordered Angeline Fowl, hurrying down the driveway. 'How would you like to be stretched like that?'

Artemis sighed. Myles was starting to turn into a mini-Artemis, only before he had met the fairies that had changed his life. Ruthless, annoying and patronising. With a pang Artemis remembered when he had kidnapped Holly and how really, Myles was doing the same thing only to a worm.

'Don't torture him!' shouted Artemis. Myles dropped the worm, surprised. Artemis jumped up, a little surprised himself at the tone he had used with his brother. After all, Myles was only young and probably had no idea what pain he was inflicting on the worm anyway. Angeline stared at him, eyes wide.

'Can I just talk to Arty for a moment?' She asked the twins. They shouted in delight at their unexpected release and instantly started racing down the hill to annoy some landscape designers. 'I knew you'd changed,' she started. 'But not that much'

Artemis shrugged in what he hoped was an indifferent manner.

'You actually seemed to care for an animal for once. And a tiny worm at that'

'I know' he said, then quickly changed the subject. 'What do you think of the party planning so far?'

'I love it! It's beautiful!' She produced a pink-and-silver slip of laminated paper. 'And I love the invitations!'

'I got Juliet to design them,' he replied.

'They suit the theme very nicely,' she suddenly looked curious. 'What were you doing there anyway?' she asked, nodding towards the base of the statue where Artemis had been only minutes before.

'Just thinking', Artemis mumbled, a little guiltily.

'No you weren't,' Angeline replied, striding over to the statue. Concealed behind a moulded Angel was a small stash of books.

'Romance books!' exclaimed Angeline. She opened one at a page that Artemis had marked with a small piece of paper. 'Are you serious?'

Artemis turned bright red. She had opened it at a kissing scene. An awkward silence followed.

'Minerva or Holly?' she asked brightly. Artemis looked at her, confused. 'Well, you obviously like one of them' she explained.

Artemis squirmed slightly. He didn't enjoy open confrontation on relationships. 'What makes you think that?' he asked weakly.

'Don't think I don't know,' answered Angeline, laughing. 'Your father was just as bad. He almost bought out the whole library trying to find way to impress me'

Artemis grimaced. 'I didn't anticipate anyone finding them'

'Sorry,' she said, not sounding very apologetic. I have to go now – hairdressing appointment'. Artemis watched as she made her way up the manor steps. He cleared his throat noisily. 'What is it?' Angeline asked, turning around.

'My, um...', Artemis stammered, not believing he just said 'um'.

'Oh, yes,' smiled Angeline, handing him the book. As she started back up the steps she called back 'I hope all goes well with Holly or Minerva'

Artemis was left standing in the middle of the driveway, a romance book in hand.

PARADIZO CHATEAU, NICE, FRANCE

Minerva Paradizo was lying on a lounger near a beautifully clear pool. Light from the midday sun danced across the ripples in the water and nearby she could hear wind rustling in the thick trees that surrounded her family's holiday home. A maid hurried up, carrying a tray with the days mail. Of the array of Christmas party invitations, only one caught her eye. It was a pale pink in colour and displayed a large Irish stamp. She picked it up.

'Do you want to view the rest?' asked the maid.

'Non,' she replied 'That won't be necessary'

The maid scurried off. Minerva handled the invitation gingerly. Is it him? She wondered.

Her eyes flicked over the words;

You are cordially invited to a Christmas party to be held at Fowl Manor.

The theme is Christmastime Love, so you are welcome to bring someone very special to you.

The party will start on the 26t at 6:00pm sharp, but you may arrive later if it is more convenient.

Drinks and food are provided.

See you there!

'Check my schedule for the 26th' she ordered. Then, to herself, 'I'll be there'