Song: Blue Christmas by Elvis

I have been very busy sorry for not updating.


When the night was at its darkest, she could hear the faint sound of chanting and Bible verses being recited outside her door, which made her feel uneasy. She went to great lengths to make sure that she appeared to be sound asleep by pretending to snore and moving around frequently while shifting under the covers. Using a flashlight she took out her braids while hidden under the covers. The hours of doing that had taken a toll on her energy, making her feel completely worn out.

The moment she opened her eyes on the morning of Christmas Eve, she was immediately aware of the itchy synthetic hair rubbing against her face and the specks of dirt she could feel on her skin from the bed. Upon removing the covers, she came across a heap of braided faux hair beside her. After discarding it in the trash, Kellah continued to sweep the fibers of dirt out of the bed onto the floor with her hand. With a loud thud, Kellah jumped out of bed and waited for her parents, who had not yet come. She guessed the cleansing they had done the night before had worn them out.

The warm glow of the morning sun filtered in through the window as Kellah took her seat at her vanity. Her hair appeared unevenly shaped, with a flattened afro at the back and an irregular front. Struggling with her tangled hair, she ran her fingers through it to style it. With some effort, and despite a few rips and stuck fingers, she could untangle most of the knots from her hair. She washed her hair, something that took two hours, so she showered and washed her hair at the same time. By the time she was done, there was no hot water left. She was completely soaked, yet she was determined to style her hair.

With a towel on her head and another wrapped around her body, she started creating her desired look. As she was getting ready, Kellah quickly scanned her surroundings and located two hair ties that were nearby. She grabbed them with a sense of urgency, hoping they would be strong enough to hold her hair in place throughout the day. Carefully applying a leave-in conditioner to her hair, she divided it into two sections. After brushing each section upwards, she created two puffs and meticulously shaped them to perfection.

After searching for a while, she found the perfect Kikoy in bright red and gold, and finally, with much practice, she could fold the sash correctly. The clothing that she dressed in was traditional, with intricate embroidery and an array of vivid colors that made a statement.

As she descended the stairs, Kellah could hear the old wooden steps creaking beneath her feet. Kellah's mother spotted her, and she was entangled in some kind of trouble. The young girl's heart was pounding with fear as she stood motionless at the foot of the stairs while her mother expertly retied Kellah's sash.

The soft touch of her mother's fingers twirling a curl of Kellah's hair brought a frown to her face. "You took down your hair. We have Church Service on Christmas Eve, you know that."

"It was itchy. I have had it in my hair since September," Kellah said, her fingers tracing the cork skew curl her mom had just twirled.

Her mother's tone was as sharp as a vulture's beak as she circled her daughter. "I was going to redo your edges and do the middle before the break was over."

Looking at the clock, she couldn't help but feel like the seconds were crawling by, a sentiment that her mother picked up on. As she checked the time on the clock, which read six a.m., she failed to appreciate the beauty of the morning sky. Lost in reverie, Kellah's smile grew as she pictured herself strolling through the familiar corridors of Hogwarts.

"Let's start now so that you can have those cute bob braids like Brandy," her mother said, gathering the supplies for braiding.

"Bobbed braids," Kellah said, her voice barely over a whisper.

Her mother had heard Kellah. "Well, long micro braids are out of the question. You're getting jumbo box braids to your collar."

Against her will, she was made to sit in a chair facing the TV by her mother. Setting the television to Channel Four, she watched Desmond's and simultaneously worked on Kellah's hair by letting her coils loose and parting it.

The sensation she felt from having long hair was more comfortable, so she didn't like this style. The way it made her look was as if she were still in elementary school, even though she was no longer a little kid.

With her arms folded, she sat in silence while her mother worked, the only sound in the room coming from the television. As she watched TV, Kellah may have drifted off to sleep or become lost in thought, but she was suddenly shaken awake by the sound of the church van's honk, which showed that it was time to depart.

Kellah left the discomfort of her home. Upon passing, she spotted Jasmine in the presence of Mrs. Spencer and extended a friendly wave of hello to the pair. Turning her nose up and walking towards her parents' parked car, Jasmine made it evident to Kellah that she was not happy with her. The Spencer family, including Jasmine, got into their BMW Series 3, not parked far from Kellah's parents' van. Kellah couldn't help but notice Jasmine turn her head away to look out the window. Kellah put down her hand and flexed her fingers nervously, the sweat on her palms making them slippery.

She felt uneasy when she got into the Ford Transit with her parents for church service and didn't want to be trapped with them. Going back to school or bringing Hogwarts memorabilia to church were the only things that could make her feel better, but Milkway couldn't be taken along. But she could bring Hermione. She blurted a sudden idea that had been brewing in her mind. "Can we invite Hermione to church? She's my best friend."

When she shifted her gaze from her mother to her father, she instantly noticed a stark contrast in their reactions; her mother was shaking her head in disapproval while her father was nodding in agreement.

"Our doors are always open to brothers or sisters. We welcome them into the fellowship on this day to celebrate the lord's birth." Although Kellah knew Jesus was born in the fall, she kept this knowledge to herself.

Huffing and puffing, she ran upstairs to call Hermione, her fingers fumbling as she dialed the number. With a sharp intake of breath, Mrs. Granger answered. "Hi, Mrs. Grangers," she said, trying to calm the nervousness in her voice. "It's Kellah. Could Hermione come to church with me?"

"I understand," she sighed. "It's short notice, but I'll do my best."

While talking on the phone, Kellah started twirling the cord around her finger, which caused the phone line to produce static. "We could exchange presents, and there will be food."

The genuine interest that Mrs. Granger displayed towards food was palpable, and she seemed eager to learn more. Her husband's undivided attention to the soccer game during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day must have been why she hoped to avoid cooking. At least that's what Kellah's dad always did while his mom gave him a steady food intake while avoiding talking to him and blocking the TV.

"Great, let's do it. How long is it?"

"Typically, Sunday school starts at 9:00 in the morning and concludes at 10:00, whereas Sunday service usually begins at 10:30 and lasts until either 12:00 or 1:00 in the afternoon. Given that it is a holiday service, the scheduled time frame will likely be around 10:00 to 11:00, after which we will have a meal. Everyone likes to stay and chat, though." Kellah's delivery of those lines was monotonous, as though she had been repeating them for hours without end and was now poised to divulge the details to whoever was interested.

"You seem so knowledgeable about it. I see why you and my little Hermione are friends."

"My father is a pastor," Kellah said dryly. Looking out the window, she saw her mother urgently signaling for her to come.

"Oh, Hermione must have forgotten to mention it," she paused, "but that's not like her."

"I didn't tell her." With her breath quickening, Kellah leaned forward and pressed her face to the window, leaving a foggy imprint. Scribbling help me in tiny letters, then watching it disappear.

"Well, umm…give me the address, and I will send Hermione there."

"You're not coming," she asked.

"Ha ha, no, I have to cook, but I will bring Hermione with containers." It was clear to Kellah that Mrs. Granger would not be preparing meals or putting in the slightest effort during the holiday.

As soon as she gave the address, Kellah felt a giggle bubbling up inside her despite her best efforts to remain composed. Hastily saying her goodbyes to Mrs. Granger, Kellah quickly picked up Hermione's gift, a book entitled Abracadabra A-Z, and ran outside, locking the door behind her as she left. The morning was still, but that moment was short-lived as the blaring of the horn by her mother shattered the tranquility. "Well," her mother said impatiently, with the door open.

"She will meet us there."

Her mother gave her a forceful push as if the mere delay of five minutes would be enough to make them late for the event. "Now we have to rush." That was a lie. They were always early.

The loud sound of the engine drowned any conversation during the ride to the church, making it quite an uncomfortable experience. Many kids could attend the church service thanks to her father, who took multiple stops to pick them up. The loudness of their voices completely overshadowed the engine noise. Packed with people, the van started its journey towards the service, with everyone looking forward to it. Kellah struggled to keep calm and composed, thanks to the two bigger kids on either side of her incessantly tugging at her braids. Although she had the potential for destruction within her, her lack of understanding about magic hindered her from unleashing it. Her mind conjured up the sound of Hermione's voice as she explained The Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, making it seem like she was right there with her. In her attempt to meditate, Kellah struggled, unable to quiet her mind. She then exhaled more forcefully than intended.

Kellah was the first person to exit the van it hadn't come to a complete stop. She saw Hermione which caused her to breathe a sigh of relief. Hermione, accompanied by her mother, was waiting outside, and as they drew closer to the event, she could feel the excitement building within her. Choosing a blue dress with flowers as her attire for church, Hermione wore tights with it to keep her legs warm. With a big smile, Kellah wrapped her arms around Hermione and pulled her in for a tight embrace. Kellah then handed Hermione a gift-wrapped book, which Hermione eagerly accepted and thanked her for. Giving Kellah the brightly wrapped present tied with a ribbon, Hermione's face was full of happiness and joy. It wasn't until she lifted it that she truly grasped how small it was.

"You two are too cute together." The sound of the camera's shutter echoed as Mrs. Granger used her Polaroid camera to capture an image of them.

After pulling over to the side of the road, Kellah's mother and father slowly climbed out of the van, and as they did so, Kellah could see the annoyance and frustration etched on their faces.

"Who is this white woman?" asked Mrs. Dellarose.

As Kellah's parents saw Mrs. Granger's whiteness, they realized Hermione had a mixed racial background. Mr. Dellarose expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Granger as he shook her hand with great appreciation, but Mrs. Dellarose gave her husband a sly look. "Mrs. Granger, I didn't expect you to be…so early."

Mrs. Granger's eyes flashed with anger, but she smiled contentedly. "I'm here to drop Hermione off. I have so much cooking to do."

"Well, you can visit us anytime, okay?" Mr. Dellarose said, holding Mrs. Granger's hand. He then glanced at Mrs. Dellarose, striding away from the scene. His wife walked with her arms crossed and made her way toward the church through the perfectly manicured lawn.

Mrs. Granger nodded slowly as if considering this request. "Yes, and you can meet my husband next time. He would love YOU, but I should go." Kellah couldn't help but think she didn't mention her mom's purpose.

"Yes, well, have a Happy Christmas Eve and have a blessed day." Mr. Dellarose then hurried inside the church.

Throughout the entire time, Kellah had a wide smile, but the moment the adults left them alone, it faded. Her hand shot out, and she grabbed Hermione's arm. "I thought I was going to die. I have been back for one day, and it's hell. They tried to do another exorcism on me."

Hermione's face turned pale, and she was visibly shocked as she tried to process the events that had just occurred. "Another there was a first."

Kellah nodded. "It happened the day I got into Hogwarts."

"I'm going to tell my mom."

She shook her head, sending her braided hair flying in every direction. "Say nothing until I make it back to school. I need to be good and make it through this holiday."

Hermione sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "You can stay with me if you need to."

After sharing a warm embrace, they walked toward the doorway. Kellah stood still and looked up at the towering church before her. The building, constructed of stone, had an aged appearance and resembled a large house. In the building's front, there were two beautiful stained glass windows, one depicting Jesus on the cross and the other portraying him having a conversation with his disciples.

Kellah was hesitant to enter, fearing the unknown, but Hermione took charge and pulled her inside. After closing her eyes for a second, Kellah expected something to happen, but nothing occurred. Kellah's parents were staring at her with relief when they saw that nothing had gone wrong as she entered. They looked at her with such intensity, almost as if they were waiting for a bolt of lightning to strike her at any moment.

The inside was all white like they were trying to bleach the sin from your soul. Not only were the walls and floors but also the benches were gleaming in white. It depicted a black Jesus on a giant cross that loomed behind the stage, creating a powerful and unforgettable image.

They frustrated her mom that Kellah and Hermione hadn't made it further than the second row. Instead of sitting in the front where she was assigned, Kellah took the second row to have a good time and still monitor the service. With a look of disapproval, her mother's face contorted into a scowl as she turned her head to fix her daughter with a harsh glare from the first row. Kellah couldn't be bothered. The only purpose of her visit was to have her hair done and pick up gifts, with no additional motive or intention.

An older woman took her place in the front row, next to her mother, and adjusted her church hat. The hat was large enough to obscure the older woman's eyes from Kellah's view. "I'm so glad you became a part of the congregation as a child," said the old woman to her mother.

Kellah leaned in, straining to catch the words, but the organ music swelled, and the choir emerged from behind the curtains, filling the room with their harmonies. The term "explosion" hung heavy in the air as the old lady recounted the fate of Kellah's family.

Her father made his way to the stage, his presence commanding the attention of the audience.

Mrs. Dellarose instinctively turned to glare at her. Kellah sang and clapped as loud as possible until he another looked away. She strained her ears to listen, but there was no sound from the older woman. Kellah strained to recall the older woman's words, but her father's preaching interrupted her thoughts. Feigning interest was crucial for the preacher's daughter, who always had to be on her best behavior.

As they entertained themselves and occasionally stood to sing with the church as if on autopilot, the service passed by quickly. The taste of wizard candy lingered in their mouths as she and Hermione giggled and played with the etch and sketch in secrecy. They absentmindedly twisted the string lacing in their hands as they played a few rounds of Tic Tac Toe. With the commencement of the Benediction, individuals in the room rose to their feet. They bowed their hands and said, Amen.

Kellah attempted to engage the old lady in conversation, but her mother quickly intervened and shooed her away. Since her mother rarely allowed her to venture out on her own, Kellah saw this as a chance to break free.

Hermione and Kellah's heartbeats pounding in their ears, they sprinted towards the kitchen immediately after the service ended. It was as big and white as everything else, trying to purify you from within its bowels. Upon her arrival, she noticed they were still in the initial stages of setting things up. There were empty silver containers covering food. With a sly smile, Kellah took a peek under one and lifted the edge. It was the famous Rolex—fried Egg with flatbread and any vegetable. Everyone had a Rolex guy, and the one at their church was the best. The delicious scent filled Kellah's nostrils, causing her to drool. With a loud thwack, the Rolex guy had struck her with a heavy wooden spoon.

Kellah's touch jolted Hermione out of her fear-induced stupor. They walked to an empty corner, looking for a place to chat. Tapping the spoon in his hand, the Rolex guy was glaring at them with intensity from a distance.

"Hey, I was wondering what happened to your hair," Hermione said.

"Same thing that happened to yours," Kellah said.

Hermione's hand popped loudly, causing her to wince in pain. With a satisfying crack, Kellah popped her back. Two people had hit her today, who was next her mother.

It surprised her how quickly they became comfortable enough to play hot hands. Hermione was in the lead, and her confidence showed. Kellah gave up, shaking her hands, realizing it was useless to get rid of the numbness.

"I took my hair down, and my mom stuck me with this. What's your excuse?" she asked.

"My mom doesn't know how to do my mom's hair, and neither do I."

"I can do it. I do my own hair sometimes. Well, I have to learn to be at Hogwarts. Or I'll be stuck here at Easter break as well."

"No, I'm fine. Too much time in the morning. It will be loose or in a bun. And I refuse to let you return here unless it's summer break. Then you can be at my house." Kellah liked the sound of that. Well, everything but the hair bit.

They conversed briefly and then played a game of hide and seek to pass the time. The church had an open field, so Kellah hid under a car, which was less obvious. Kellah could smell the faint scent of gasoline mixed with the cool, damp air. She had been there for a while, and her stomach was grumbling, so she gave up and ate. As one of the first to arrive, she had her pick of seats.

Hermione quickly got to work preparing the containers, her attention to detail akin to that of a devoted auntie. Hermione couldn't resist the temptation of the mouth-watering food, packing as much as she could before taking a bite. She then sat down next to Kellah. "Where have you been? I couldn't find you, and the other kids wouldn't play with me."

Kellah took a small bite of the Rolex burrito and swallowed before speaking because her mom was glaring. "I hid under a car. You never came to find me."

"I was in the field."

"That's why I chose the car," Kellah giggled.

Hermione tried to quench her thirst by having a drink of chayi, a type of Ugandan tea that is prepared by boiling rich, creamy milk infused with a blend of ginger, holy basil leaves, cinnamon leaves or bark, and lemongrass. Placing her right hand on the cup, Kellah took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "You drink last after meals are finished."

"What do you do if your mouth is dry?"

"Try not to choke," Kellah shrugged.

Hermione put the drink down. "But you always drink between meals at school."

Kellah shushed her. "We're not at school."

As they finished their meal, a sense of sadness washed over her as she prepared to leave Hermione behind. While waiting outside with Hermione, Kellah couldn't help but notice how kind Mrs. Granger was. The hug lingered, neither wanting to be the first to break away. Hermione's mom pulled up to the curb, and Hermione got in the car and waved goodbye to her friend. With a smile, Kellah hopped into the van, which was cramped, and gave a friendly wave before it drove away.

"Sit still," her mother yelled.

After her parents dropped off the other kids, Kellah sat in the car and rode back home in complete silence, thinking of the old lady. What could have caused that explosion that harmed her family? Once they had parked, she immediately bolted out of the car and unlocked the front door in a hurry. With urgency, she marched straight up to her room and swiftly closed the door, throwing Hermione's present on the bed.

Kellah immediately called Hermione. She could hear her parents talking among themselves but ignored it. Kellah retreated to her closet, stretched the phone cord, and created a private sanctuary.

Their laughter echoed through the phone as they talked late into the night. When she woke up on Christmas morning, she was annoyed with herself for falling asleep in the closet without a headscarf. Kellah heard a soft snore from Hermione. "Happy Christmas."

Hermione made a loud snort. "Happy Christmas," she said sleepily. "You want to stay on the phone?"

"No, I should wake my parents up so I can get my presents, then lock myself back in my room."

"Okay," Hermione yawned. "Give me a ring if you need me."

After stretching, Kellah quickly ran out of her closet and burst into her parents' room, causing them to wake up startled. They groggily got up from bed, irritated by her sudden enthusiasm as she dashed down the stairs to the big white Christmas tree adorned in silver and black. As was her annual tradition, her mom had selected a color theme for the year, which was vibrant. The tree was a festive sight, with its black and white candy canes and a shiny silver star that sparkled in the light. The room was overflowing with presents they had hidden away just the day before.

No one could mistake that they were all hers, as her name was on every single one. Though she hadn't been her best this year, she had put forth effort. She tore open the wrapping paper with such speed that it scattered all around her. They were a Super Nintendo with Super Mario World, a Sony Video Walkman, a Bart Simpson Jacket and Sweater Moon Shoes, and a Rappin and Rockin Christie doll. She took it completely out of the box immediately. Her parents had the latest technology: her mom with the Home Fax Machine, and her dad with the Double Decker VCR.

Tears,in their eyes, her parents gave her a last gift, symbolizing their love and support. With a cheerful smile, she eagerly opened the package to reveal a bland pink leather Bible.

Her father bent down to her, and she saw the concern on his face. "You can have all this IF you don't return to that school."

Kellah's intuition told her that something wasn't right about the perfect opportunity. "Professor McGonagall said if I don't go back, you owe the school five hundred thirty quid."

With a grunt, her father stood up. "I guess it's a good thing I kept the receipts."

Kellah's heart raced as she ripped open the doll box, the sound echoing through the quiet house. She snatched up the box with haste and quickly made her way up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

"Clean the mess you made first," her mother yelled.

Descending the steps with heavy stomps, she made her way back down in annoyance. The temperature in the room dropped. Kellah gathered all her wrapping trash and ascended to her room, clutching tightly to the one present she could salvage because of the torn box.

Exhausted, she collapsed onto her bed, throwing the pink Bible in the trash. She tried to stifle her screams with a pillow, but they still escaped as small, muffled cries. Completely forgetting about the box Hermione had given her until she rolled over on it. With a careful hand, she removed the colorful wrapping paper that depicted Santa Claus enjoying a good read. It was color-changing nail polish, sparkling in the sunlight, revealing a rainbow of colors.

It took a moment for Kellah to gather her thoughts before picking up the phone to call Hermione. "Hello, Granger house."

"Hermione, it's me. Don't you have Caller ID?" Kellah said, hiding herself in the closet and twirling the cord.

"Not on this line. My parents' phone has it."

Playing with the closet door was Kellah's current activity, and she was using her foot to do so. "Anyway, can I come over?"

"What did your parents do?" Hermione sighed.

"They bought me all these presents, and now they took them away. All I have left is the Rappin and Rockin Christie with the boombox."

"I got President Barbie, but I think my parents will let you stay if I explain everything. Is it for the rest of the holiday?"

"Yes," she said, frustrated.

"Do you need clothes?"

"Yes," she said.

"Okay, you can have my old stuff."

"Alright, I think you're a fifteen-minute walk," she said.

"No, my mom can pick you up. It's like a three-minute drive."

"Aight."

Before leaving, Kellah brought Milkway, her wand, and her Christie doll with her. Milkway was in the cage sleeping and did not take kindly to being woken up. She rushed down the stairs, her hand shaking as she fumbled with the doorknob before finally opening the front door.

"Where are you going, young lady?"

"Back to school early," she said.

"No, you're not. You are staying here and never going back to that school again. Should have never let you go the first time."

Kellah's wand was at the ready as she whipped it out.

"I took you to church to see if you can still be saved. I don't think you can be," her mom yelled.

"I don't want to be saved."

After those last words, her parents shrank back and let her go, but not before slamming the door shut. Mrs. Granger was sitting in her Ford Fiesta, parked outside her house. The hoot of an owl nearby could be heard as it circled the vehicle. Her car had a distinct foreign sound, unlike any other car on the road. Kellah's assumptions about Hermione's parents' financial situation were shattered when she saw the expensive car in their driveway.

"You can stay as long as you need," Mrs. Granger said on the drive. Kellah just nodded. She didn't feel like talking.

Upon arrival, she saw a brick house with more windows than a house. There were four windows just at the front of the house. They decorated the house with a festive touch, using green and red colors, and twinkling lights added to the holiday feel, but Kellah didn't have any holiday cheer left.

They found Hermione waiting outside. Kellah wrapped her arms around her and whispered in her ear. "Sometimes I don't feel like their child. I feel like their property."

Overcome with emotions, Hermione's eyes filled with tears, and she held Kellah even tighter, trying to stifle her sobs.

Kellah went upstairs to the spare room, hoping for solitude. Someone tastefully arranged a bookcase and contemporary furniture in the room, complemented by the grey walls that added a touch of sophistication. The entire house was probably like that, but Kellah was too upset to notice.

Just as she shed tears, a tap on the window disrupted her emotional moment. With great effort, she tried to compose herself and used the sleeve of her fuzzy sweater to wipe the tears from her eyes. The Eurasian Eagle Owl was a behemoth, its talons easily the size of her hand. She opened the window and let in the cool breeze. The owl stood tall, its feathers neatly preened, and extended its leg in a graceful bow. It adorned the tag with the name "Duchess," written in an intricate font that suited the owl's regal appearance. Figures it would have a name like that. With a delicate touch, she removed the letter, and it sat there, beckoning her to read its contents.


To K

All I want for Christmas is you. To be clear, it is I, Draco Malfoy

From D


At eleven years old, did he always have to speak like an adult? Even in his letters. The bird's piercing orange-red eyes followed her every move, making her realize that the only way to get rid of it was to write a letter back. Even his pet was pushy. Although she thought about writing everything, she ultimately decided that shorter was better. She didn't want to get his hopes up.


To D

How did you find my address?And why did you get me earrings?

From K


Just as she was about to attach the letter, the bird surprised her by presenting its leg and bowing in a gesture of respect. As she tied the letter, Kellah's eyes involuntarily rolled. After shaking its feathers out, the bird perched on the windowsill. It hesitated momentarily, then flung itself out the window, catching a gust of wind and soaring away.

Later that day, the silence of the night was broken by the sound of a letter being slipped under her windowsill. She was grateful for any distraction that kept her from crying herself to sleep on her pillow. She did the same routine with the pompous bird.


To K

I have ways of finding people,and if you don't like the earrings, don't wear them. I'll get you something better.

From D


After reading the letter, she refused to send another one. The bird sat there, its feathers ruffling in the breeze. The owl started hooting and twisting its head, causing its feathers to ruffle and its eyes to widen in an otherworldly display. He couldn't help but choose the most formidable owl in the bunch. She sank into the softness of her bed, feeling the weight of the day lift from her shoulders.

With a swift movement of its beak, the bird opened the window. The bird fluttered over to the dresser and perched on a decorative knob. She waved her hand to shoo it away, but it only responded with a loud hoot. Once again, she poured her heart onto the page in yet another letter.


To D

Your owl is annoying won't leave me alone until I write you a damn letter. And stop sending so many letters. Are you trying to kill your bird?

From K


Not a single letter had come her way since that fateful day. She spent the rest of the vacation in a state of peaceful bliss. The highlight of the week was skipping church on Sunday. It was now New Year's Eve.

Hermione and her family stood in awe as they watched the London Eye slowly rotate that night, revealing a breathtaking view of the city and water below. They had bought fast passes ahead of time, which paid off as they could skip the long line and get closer to the front.

The sheer enormity of it struck Kellah as she looked on. The wheel's colorful lights flashed, making it look like a giant, spinning rainbow. Despite her reluctance, Hermione's enthusiasm made her consider getting in.

"I can't wait. It's newly constructed. The fireworks will be amazing. We'll be up there for thirty minutes."

Kellah felt her nails digging into her palms as she clenched her hands. "Thir-thirty minutes."

Upon entering, she immediately sank to the floor, her hand wrapped around the metal bar.

Hermione joined her on the floor just as the fireworks began, their colorful explosions lighting the night sky. Kellah's gaze was fixed on the water below, intently watching their reflection. They leaned on each other, taking in the sights and sounds around them. Hermione calmed her down enough that she stood and watched the fireworks. The beauty of the new year's first day left her feeling grateful and inspired. The familiar tune of Auld Lang Syne echoed through the crowd below as people linked arms and sang together.

Should old acquaintances be forgotten,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgotten,

And auld lang syne?

Chorus

For auld lang syne, my dear

For auld Lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne!

Verse Two

And there's a hand, my trusty fire,

And gie's a hand o thine

And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,

For auld lang sine

Chorus repeat

For auld lang syne, my dear

For auld Lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne!

Although the journey home was congested, Hermione and Kellah found solace in the quiet of their nap in the car. When they arrived at her home, they opened the door and said as a family. "Let the old year out and the new year in."

The group stood huddled by the door, their breaths mingling in the chilly air. With a secretive tone, Hermione whispered to Kellah. "They want you to enter first to bring good luck to the year you're the first footer."

With a chuckle, Kellah eagerly entered the house and was enveloped in a welcoming and jubilant atmosphere. The humor of tradition faded away as she pondered its true significance.

Kellah and Hermione finished their bedtime routine and settled into their beds. It was then that Kellah spotted a letter sitting on the windowsill. She eagerly tore open the envelope and devoured the contents inside.


To K

More letters to come see you at school

From D


An enormous box occupied the windowsill on the side of her hand. The label on the star-shaped perfume bottle read Angel by Thierry Mugler, a popular fragrance with notes of patchouli and bergamot. She wasn't his angel, and she did not know who the hell Mugler was. The scent of Kellah's spray was a strange combination of putrid pineapple and the rejuvenating freshness of a cool breeze. This had to be expensive. She couldn't wear it. Plus, everyone could smell her from a mile away if she did like Draco was marking his territory. She refused to be treated like a tree and be used as a bathroom.