Harry Potter: The Vanishing Student
Chapter 10 of my Hogwarts story, enjoy.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or its characters.
Chapter 10
Following the first two Quidditch matches, the next big event for Hogwarts started right away in December with the approach of Christmas. The school was immediately overtaken with the festive spirit while the castle and grounds were covered in snow, the lake frozen over and what was more, the interior was being lavishly decorated. The suits of armor had been brilliantly polished and were enchanted to sing Christmas Carols, though they seemed to forget half the words allowing Peeves to make his own brand of chaos by filling the gaps with rude words. In the second week of December things changed, the first term was drawing to an end and Professor McGonagall went around taking a list of students names, those who wanted to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas, those that didn't planned to go home to their families. To Amara's relief, Pixie and her two minions were going home for Christmas, luckily she wouldn't be alone however as Francis was also staying, a few others from various year were staying at Hogwarts too, of note for Amara, Clara would be staying, along with Jeff and Jeff's friend Jamie. With things drawing close to Christmas Day, Amara was making her way down to the Great Hall, hoping to get there in time to catch Carla so they could spend some time chatting. However she encountered something rather unexpected as she was about to reach the Entrance Hall.
She almost walked right into what appeared to be a large fir tree that was blocking her path.
"What the-?" She gasped.
Then a broad, smiling, hairy face poked out between the branches. "Oops, sorry 'bout that."
She recognized the man at once, the large man who had guided them to the school when they first arrived. Amara knew this man was the Groundskeeper and if what she heard was true, he also served as the Care for Magical Creatures Professor.
"H-hello sir." Amara greeted him, a little nervous by his large size.
But his smile was gentle. "Ah, no need for that, name's Hagrid, Rubeus Hagrid."
Amara swallowed and replied, managing a smile. "Oh um, Amara Jackson."
"Sorry, I'm blockin' the way. Gotta get this to the Great Hall." Hagrid explained.
Amara shook her head. "Oh, it's no trouble, okay, well…I'm heading there too."
So it was she joined Hagrid as they walked to the Great Hall, with him carrying the large tree. They were joined by Carla who had likewise been intimidated by Hagrid at first but gladly warmed up to Hagrid and joined them after talking to him for a bit. Soon they saw Jeff and Jamie at the Great Hall door and it turned out they already knew Hagrid and greeted him happily.
"Well now, wait till ya see this." He announced proudly.
He led the way in and the four of them all gasped in amazement, The Great Hall was festooned with mistletoe and holly criss-crossing the ceiling, at least eleven giant fir trees just like the one that Hagrid was carrying, only these ones were all decorated with magnificent Christmas decorations which were being conjured and levitated up by Professors Flitwick and McGonagall. On McGonagall's word, Hagrid went to set up the last tree while the decorating continued and the other students were all enjoying themselves in amazement, something which they themselves shared and they were looking forward greatly to the feast on Christmas Day.
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The two girls and two boys all met outside the Great Hall on Christmas Day, they had enjoyed waking up that morning and seeing the presents at the base of their bed, from family and, in most of their cases, friends.
"Good morning, Merry Christmas." Jeff greeted the others with a warm smile.
They all replied and kind and Jamie glanced towards the Great Hall. "The last tree will be all set by now….can't wait to see what they've done with the place now."
Carla shrugged. "Well, one way to see."
Amara nodded and led the way and they went inside, once more amazed. The Great Hall looked magnificent. Not only were there a dozen frost covered Christmas trees and thick streamers of holly and mistletoe criss-crossing the ceiling, but enchanted snow was falling, warm and dry, from the ceiling. As there weren't all that many students staying for Christmas, the four House Tables were gone and a single large table running the length of the hall was set up, along with the staff table. The four sat together and soon they were ready to enjoy the feast which then began. The Christmas feast featured roast turkey, potatoes, chipolatas, peas, gravy, cranberry sauce, and "flaming Christmas puddings". The most impressive part for the First Years were the Wizard Crackers, far superior to the ones employed by Muggles. Wizard Crackers exploded loudly and contained more impressive favours than their Muggle counterparts, such as proper hats and bonnets, live mice, and Wizard's Chess sets.
It was a wonderful time for the four and while not explicitly becoming friends, it was certainly an event that drew them all closer and allowed them, especially Jamie in regards to his mysterious follower, to forget their troubles at a time. The staff were also certainly enjoying themselves, to the extent that even the normally serious expression worn by Professor Bennett had relaxed somewhat. They had received an unexpected guest in the form of James Warren later on, but he had been cheerful and friendly enough and even, at Dumbledore's invitation, joined them for the dinner. Indeed it seemed, during this festive time, that their troubles were far away, but in the future, that would be a different problem for them.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.
