Going Home For Christmas

I lay in my bed, on top of the covers. I was contemplating the meaning of life. So far, I had made it to the number forty. I could not make it past there though. I smile inward to myself. I have quite the sense of humor.

Tomorrow was the beginning of Christmas holiday. I was going to be heading out on the Hogwarts Express. I could not be happier. I FINALLY get a break. I could go play in the snow or giggle like a school girl. Technically, I was a school girl. I sighed out loud.

"Denali, when did I get mixed up in all this...drama?" he just hooted in response.

Why did I bother to do the right thing? I usually did not get a thank you in response. Why do I have this insatiable need to help anyone who asks for it? I normally get brushed aside. I think I am a glutton for punishment.

My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock.

"Henria?"

"Yes?" I inquired.

"May I enter?" Draco's voice flowed through my door. My heart skipped a beat.

"Oh, I suppose." I replied nonchalantly.

My door opened and I saw his platinum hair. His pale features were soft. A contrast to how sharp their edges are. His grey stone eyes were cool and calculating. As usual.

"I know we are not talking to each other still, but I did want to wish you a Happy Christmas." he said softly from the entry way.

"In America we say, Merry Christmas." I stated as I sat up.

"Merry Christmas." he amended. Draco turned to leave.

"Happy Christmas." I said softly. And he was gone.

The Common Room had been almost silent since October. We had hardly any contact. I may have muttered a hello or good morning once or twice, but I almost always did not get a response. I only felt bad about our situation when I get lonely.

I felt lonely all the time.

I soon found myself in front of the Hogwarts Express, waiting my turn to board. I was pretty relieved to be leaving, even if it was for a short while. I still did not have to think about lessons and grading papers. And, I did not have to ignore Draco.

It was exhausting having to pay no mind to someone. All the effort into not making eye contact or pretending you do not hear them. It is torture. Mainly because it was hard to pretend not to care.

Denali and I found an empty compartment and sat down. I made myself comfortable, and then Denali made himself cozy on my shoulder. I knew I was going to pass out on this train ride. So I conjured a pillow and a blanket. I would not sleep cold. Then I settled into take my nap.

I had no idea how long I had been asleep for, but it did not feel like the whole train ride. I was a bit confused as to why I was awake. Denali hooted. I blinked in all the light.

"Denali, how long were we out?" my voice was thick with sleep. All I got was a second hoot.

For some reason, my eyes were having a hard time adjusting. I was starting to get a headache with all the brightness going on.

"Denali, what the hell is that bright light?" I was getting pissed that I could not see and that I still did not know why I was awake. My inside started to tighten up. Something bad was going to happen.

Suddenly, the light went out. Because of the quick change, I still could not see a thing. As my eyes adjusted, I got colder. Denali started to hoot. He was nervous. He was not the only one.

I realized that the sounds of the train had gone out. Either I had gone deaf, or I had been hexed. What I saw out in the hallway made my blood freeze. Neither had happened.

A Dementor was in the hallway, looking into my compartment. Or whatever it did when their faces were turned towards you. My palms went clammy and my heart started to race. I could feel tears prick at the back of my eyes. It was not even in the room and I was already feeling their effects take over my body.

"Denali, go to the luggage rack." I ordered. There was no way that he was going to get in the way. I was going to make sure of it, "Go away. There is nothing here that you seek." my voice was shaky. What could I do? I was ready to pee my pants.

In response, the Dementor opened the door. I felt my heart start to hurt. My mind kept thinking of Uncle Albus and my mother. Their names, smells, faces and voices were dancing all around me. The more that I thought about them, the more clearly I saw their deaths. The more those feelings crept into my soul. I started to have problems breathing.

"I said, Go away. There is nothing here that you seek!" my voice was surprisingly firm for my lack of oxygen.

My heart was consumed with grief, sadness, hopelessness and depression. I could feel tears form in the corner of my eyes. I needed to take action or I was going to pass out. I pushed through the cloud of my mother and my uncle. I found my memory that filled my heart with my joy. I pulled out my wand and pointed it at the Dementor.

"Expecto Patronum!" I screamed as loud as I could. My memory was flashing before my eyes.

A white owl flew from the tip of my wand. He landed on my raised arm and looked at me expectantly. I loved owls.

"Get that nasty thing off this train." I ordered with a clear voice.

The white owl screeched and flew off my arm. It made a beeline for the Dementor. The Dementor glided backwards. I pretended to see fear and panic in its pretend face. That just made my happy memory glow brighter. I watched the Dementor fly down the hallway. I ran back into my compartment and watched it fly away outside of the window.

I crumpled onto my bench. I felt exhausted. My muscles were limp and my head hurt with unshed tears. My heart was still racing in my chest. There was a pounding in my ears. I realized the pounding was actually footsteps coming down the hallway.

"Henria!" a voice called from a distance.

All I could think about was getting some chocolate. I was so weak my focus was completely torn. I remembered that I had some chocolate in my robes. I could feel blooding pumping back into my veins.

"Henria?!" the voice was more hurried.

"Accio Chocolate bar!" I murmured. I felt something smack my cheek. I looked down and saw a chocolate bar in my lap.

"Henria!" the voice was louder.

My hands were so shaky that I found the wrapper difficult. My fingers were not listening to my brain. The bar kept slipping through my fingers.

Suddenly, it was taken out of my hands. I looked up and saw Draco s pale features. His face was calm whereas mine felt chaotic. His fingers worked the wrapper with ease. Two pieces appeared in my hand. I took the first piece all at once. I could feel the chewy goodness dance on my tongue.

I sighed with relief.

"Better?" Draco's voice was soft.

"Much." I mumbled around the chocolate. I swallowed the sweetness and started nibbling on the second piece, "How did you know what was happening?"

"I heard someone cast a patronus charm. When I looked in the hallway, I saw a patronus owl. I knew it was you. I was coming to check on you." he sat down next to me.

"Thank you." I popped the remaining bit into my mouth. Draco handed me another.

"You are welcome." he brushed a strand of hair out of my face.

"Will you stay with me?" my voice was quiet, "I'm not ready to be alone."

"You want me, here. With you?" he asked skeptically, "I'm not sure that is a good idea."

"We will talk about what has happened. Maybe, one day, we will be friends." I looked into his grey eyes, "Maybe."

"Maybe I would like that." his eyes were boring into my soul. Trying to extract all my secrets, "Maybe." a smile played across his lips.

Draco's sense of humor always catches me off guard. His mimicry amuses him to no end. This is the side he so desperately wants everyone to see. They cannot get around his past.

"Let me see it." I murmured. My heart hurt at the thought.

Draco's eyes went from joy to sadness. His features hardened and his lips pursed into a grim line.

"I'm afraid I don't have to need to show you." his tone was bitter.

"So my Uncle was just your initiation." I growled, "Karma had a good deal with you."

"Why do you do that?" Draco gritted his teeth.

"Do what?" I snarled back, "Find out the truth?"

"Ruin anything that is going well. We were having a nice, playful conversation. Now you are talking about the Dark Lord and shit."

"I want the truth!" I raised my voice.

"I already told you! You do not need any details!" Draco set my chocolate bar on the bench.

I snatched Draco's left arm and tugged up his sleeve. In the light, it was imposing. My breath caught in my throat. I could feel the power radiating off of the Dark Mark.

"I go to sleep, hoping that in the morning this thing isn't here. I woke up thinking that it was for so many mornings, that I had started to believe it." my voice started cracking, "If my father wanted this ugly thing on my arm, I would have killed him myself." I let Draco's arm drop to the bench.

"You just don't get it. It was never that simple. My father could out duel me. He could even out duel you. He is just that good."

"I never get out dueled." I growled.

"You are delusional." he shot at me as he got to his feet, "You seem better, so I will be taking my leave."

My mind started to reel. I really did not want to be alone. I could not, for the life of me, figure out why I always ruin what is good. Maybe I am the problem. So many years of trusting so few people has made me jaded to the fact that not everyone is evil.

Draco walked out. My head was pounding in my skull. My arrogance and pride got the better of me this time. I leaned my head back. I was just going to have to sit here and recover by myself. At least my heart was acting normal again. My breathing was calm and controlled. Draco was right, I was feeling better.

I felt the train slow down. My heart felt light and happy. I was just minutes away from aparating home. I could feel my own bed caressing my body again. Hearing all the birds and seals off in the distance. The breezy air was calling my name.

As Denali and I gathered my belongings, other students were departing. I could hear happy squeals and shouts. I smiled to myself. It was nice to know that most people were looking past everything that the Ministry was doing and how they were handing Voldemort.

I stepped onto the platform and felt like a wall hit me. All I heard was shouting and more shouting. All I could see was dark brown hair and black hair. I did not feel my owl on my shoulder. I started to panic. Then I smelt a perfume that I had not smelt since August.

"Kadie?" I barely squeaked out, "Mark?"

"Yes!" they shouted in unison. My heart burst with happiness. My arms started working again. I gripped them both with ferocity.

"Why are you here?" I asked after they released me from their death grip.

"I thought you might like the surprise. Plus, I couldn't wait until you got to Sitka." Kadie said with a smile plastered on her face.

"Come, children!" a firm voice said behind Kadie and Mark. I looked past them and saw my father with Denali.

"Hello father." I called.

"Hello Henny." he smiled at me.

I wrapped my arms around Kadie and Mark. My cheeks were beginning to hurt with all of the smiling I was doing. I even tried to get my face to stop, but I realized I did not want it to.

"We shall aparate from Diagon Alley." my father instructed, "Henria, you will side-along Kadie. She is so very close to getting it. Just a few more lessons and she will perfect it."

"Yes daddy." I replied. Kadie snuggled her hand into mine.

"We are almost home, Henny!" Kadie whispered with excitement.

"I know Rosie, I feel it too!" I whispered back. I held her tighter.

I felt my body relax against Mark and Kadie. I felt true calm for the first time in my head. No debating or questioning. I felt safe and my whole body was responding.

BOOM!

The platform started to rumble. The busy station halted. It seemed like everyone waited with bated breathe. My insides were tightening in my belly. The oppressive feeling of danger was pushing the calm and safety out of my body. I released my friends and looked around.

"Kadie, do not stray from me. If we need to aparate the hell out of here, I don't think we will have time to find each other." I murmured under my breath. Kadie stepped closer to me, "Kram, stay with dad. Kadie will protect me from harm."

"Gotcha!" he went over to my father.

I started walking around. Then I heard a soft hoot. I looked at Denali. His feathers were bristled. I felt my pulse quicken. The air was thick with fear. Everyone needed to get off this platform. I felt that with every fiber of my being.

"Kadie, start telling everyone to aparate the hell out of here. If they can't start ushering them through the entrance." Kadie nodded and started talking to the family next to her.

I started talking quietly to the family near me. The only problem with everyone picking up their kids is that kids cannot aparate. Everyone started to sense danger. They were all moving quietly and quickly to the entrance.

"Henria!" I looked over at my father, he was looking up. My stomach flip flopped. I knew what was up there.

"Everyone remain calm and exit the platform! Do so in an orderly fashion!" I yelled. My voice echoed off the walls and the train.

All I saw was scared faces. They did not know what to expect. Hell, I did not know what was going to happen. All I could do was offer words of encouragement and hope. I pulled out my wand.

"Henny, we should leave. The energy is not good." Kadie quietly said.

"I know Rosie, we will. These people need to get out of here first." Kadie gripped my hand, out of fear this time.

Most of the crowd was gone. Only a dozen or so families were left. I started to let some of the tension go in my muscles. I squeezed Kadie's hand reassuringly. She looked my way and I managed a small smile. But she did not return it. In fact, she was not looking at me.

I looked behind me and my heart skipped a beat. There was wizards in dark robes and awful white masks at the other end of the platform.

"Run!" I screamed as loud as I could. The remaining families did not hesitate.

"Henria! Kadie! Get out of here!" dad yelled. I looked his way and nodded.

I placed my arm around Kadie's waist and thought hard about my driveway. I saw every detail so clearly, I forgot I was not there yet. I aparated.

...Or I thought I did.

I opened my eyes to the train station. I heard a few laughs from the Death Eaters. I looked to Kadie. Her emotions were mixed. She wanted to be scared, but her eyes were angry. My Kadie does not do scared very well. I looked to my dad. He was clenching his jaw. My dad does not do scared well, either.

"Oh Jaerymiah, you are so foolish." a Death Eater drawled. A rumble went through the crowd.

Kadie started pulling on my hand, urging me to distance myself from the encroaching mob. I resisted. That drawl was so familiar. It had a distinct sneer to it.

"Lucius Malfoy?" I inquired.

"Ah, I see you brought your daughter. My, she has grown." Lucius drawled. He came up an arm's length away, "And so lovely." he reached out and put a finger under my chin and lifted my face.

"Henny, come on!" Kadie urged quietly. She was still tugging on my hand. Lucius looked at her and dropped my face. Kadie stopped moving.

"Now, you must be a friend." he started reaching for Kadie. I snapped.

I let go of her hand and grabbed Lucius' wrist and stepped between them. I felt a fire in my belly. No one touches Kadie. I even heard Mark move his feet. A few Death Eaters bristled.

"Don't." I ordered. I heard a chuckle emit from under his mask. I dropped his wrist and wiped my hand on my pants. I gave him a smirk.

"You remind me of someone. She had the same fierce look in her eyes." he said calmly. My temper flared.

"Henria, Kadie." my father called, "Come here." I felt Kadie step away. I stayed.

"Your filthy lips will not sully her name." I growled.

"Zabini, your boy is right. This one has a bite to her." a few chuckles floated in the air, "So I see we did not have the element of surprise. How did you figure we were here?"

"We could smell your stench." I snarled, "It smelt like garbage." my cheek when white hot with his slap. I saw stars and stumbled backwards. My feet stay under me, but I felt Kadie grab my arm.

"Bitch!" he growled. I straightened myself up. I could taste blood. He had actually punched me!

"Henny, let's go." Kadie urged. I spat out blood.

Lucius stepped real close to me and Kadie. I pushed her behind me protectively. I could feel blood trickle out of the side of my mouth. The taste of copper tickled my tongue.

"Go on. Run to daddy." He said in a deathly whisper, "Run home, whore."

"Enough!" my father's voice thundered. But he was already too late.

I lunged at Lucius. I wrapped my arms around his waist and shouldered his gut. He and I went down, myself on top.

"Impedimenta!" Lucius yelled.

I felt myself floating in the air. I was weightless as I felt my body falling to the ground. I landed on my back and rolled. As I came to a stop, I coughed. I had to relearn to breathe.

"You better teach her manners and her place, Jaerymiah!" Lucius yelled.

"Go to hell!" I wheezed out.

"Henny, this is not the time ta be brave." Mark muttered under his breathe.

"Lucius, what do you have to say? I must bring my family home." father said no trace of worry or fear in his strong voice.

"We, unfortunately, did not come to talk." Lucius drawled, "The Dark Lord has been hearing much about your daughter. Most of it, he does not like. He heard she does wandless magic." he watched me pull myself off the ground.

"I knew that slimy prick Zabini was a rat." I said hoarsely, "He looks like one too."

The mob all looked at one man. They were dead silent. I guess I struck a nerve. I could feel his eyes shooting daggers my way. I could care less. But what I saw behind him did catch my fancy.

While the movement was slight, there was a row of Death Eaters who were saying and incantation. Their masks moved ever so slightly with their lips. I looked at my father. He felt my gaze, he looked at me. We had seen the same thing. We knew what we had to do.

I watched my father put an arm around Kadie. I looked Mark in the eyes and he knew what to do. I looked at the row of wizards casting the aparation shield. Dad and I raised our wands together.

"Finite Incantatem!" we shouted.

All four of us disappeared.