Half way! That means that the peak is in sight, but the climb is that much harder! My wonderful sister, and fellow author, Rinnie10 is powering away whilst I post late in the day!

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Day Six

On The Sixth Day of Christmas, A Mysterious Stranger Sent to Me… An Invite For A Christmas-Eve Bash

The bird flew. It was a crisp, bright winters morning, the sun gleamed off the icy planes of landscape that passed underneath the bird's wings. Field gave way to lake which gave way to more hills on it's journey northwards.

It passed over Hogsmeade, a small Wizarding village in Scotland, where children played, levitating large balls of snow to make enchanted snowmen. Then in the distance, it finally saw it's goal. Hogwarts. With the letter grasped firmly in it's claws, it descended past the spires and towers of the Castle, passing the window of a sleeping boy, on it's way to the Owlery.

The boy, Sirius Black, woke up with a spring in his step. It was the first christmas he was spending away from home, and to make him even happier, his friends were staying too. Although christmas was still six days away, Sirius was infected with a serious case of Festivity. He sang carols down the hallway, enchanted mistletoe whenever he saw a pretty girl, and joyously pranked everyone and anyone. Even Peeves wasn't safe, and for the first time in a very long while, it was him who ran away screaming.

The dormitory had become increasingly garish as christmas drew closer, with both Sirius and James trying to outdo each other in decorating the room. Floating Tinsel, Hovering Cherubs who sang christmas carols to any who ventured near them, baubles that occasionally sprouted seventeen identical ones, real icicles trapped in preserving charms, and even mini christmas trees that grew, wilted, died and regrew every day. Remus had taken one look at the room and declared it a frivolous waste of time, effort, and magic. Peter had liked it, adding in his own touch of everlasting snow. The ceiling now resembled the Great Hall, and even Sirius had to admit that it was a spectacular piece of magic.

Sirius whooped as the snow started to fall again, and that roused the others. James grunted and turned over, Remus uncurled himself from his pillow, and Peter - who had been awake for a while - removed his head from a book he was reading.

"Thought you'd like to see the snow again Siri!" He said, putting his wand down on the bed.

"Yeah! You know there's only-"

"Six days left until christmas! We know!" The other three interrupted in unison. James and Remus launched pillows at Sirius, which he swatted away deftly. They all laughed. It was good to be with friends, especially as his family were out of the country for the holidays. There were several Pureblood parties they attended around this time, and Sirius had never cared for them. They were just an excuse for certain families to meet and discuss how they were superior to Muggles. Awful really. Sirius jumped out of bed and went to get ready for the day ahead. He wondered for a second if he was going over the top, but then remembered that he was in Gryffindor, and if there was one thing that Gryffindors loved, it was christmas.

He sat down at the breakfast table with a ravenous look. The food was even more sumptuous during the holidays, probably because the House Elves didn't have to cook for as many people as they usually did. He tucked into a piece of festive bacon, and got a mouthful of stuffing in the middle. The House Elves really had outdone themselves.

"So, I'm thinking that we enchant everyone else's presents to re-wrap themselves, what do you think Siri?" James said as he walked into the hall. Sirius, with a mouthful of breakfast, could only nod. That would be a brilliant prank! He swallowed his food as quickly as he could.

"What about those sneaky snakes eh? Do we have any more tricks up our sleeves for them?" He speared a sausage with his fork and jabbed it forward, "I bet old Slughorn would love to see those smarmy gits get what they deserve!"

"You mean he'd love to see US get what we deserve." Remus countered, calmly placing food onto his own plate.

"Remy, you're always the cautious one. Its the holidays! Slughorn has taken his precious Slug club skiing, so we have free reign!" James said, gesturing wildly. Some beans flew into Peter's hair, which sent Sirius into a fit of laughter.

"We could always wait till the full moon and set you on them. Wipe that smug look right off Malfoy's face!" Peter said, winking at James and Sirius.

"We will do no such thing! I can't believe you w..." Remus trailed off as he saw the looks on their faces, "oh yes, very amusing..." He carried on eating his food.

A deep brown own flew in through the window, circling widely before landing gracefully on the table in front of Sirius. He wasn't expecting any owls from the family, they always had the House Elf Kreacher bring him important missives. No, this must be something else. The owl held it's leg forward expectantly, and gave a low hoot. Sirius took the letter and eyed it over curiously. The writing was elegant and in cursive. He didn't recognise the penmanship. It was addressed to a Master Black of Hogwarts. The owl took some food before flying off for a well deserved rest.

Dear Master Black of Hogwarts,

It is with great honour that I cordially invite you to a special Chariry Christmas Gala on Christmas Eve. The location, for safety and security, is not available at present. This letter will act as a Portkey at precisely 7pm on the aforementioned date.

You are permitted one guest. This is a Black Robe gala.

Yours Sincerely,

The Host.

Sirius had instantly made up his mind. This looked to be a fancy bash, which his position as a member of the Black household had permitted an invite. There would be ample time for pranking. Sirius Black laughed, this really was going to be a great christmas.