Lost and Found || Oliver Wood [2]

Chapter 6: Yuletide Affairs

The grounds were covered in several feet of snow, causing Beauxbatons' white and powder blue carriages to effectively blend into the background. The Black Lake was frozen solid as well, consequently keeping Durmstrang's ship stuck in its place in the dark water. Meanwhile, the inside of the castle was warm and alive; enchanted snowflakes and streamers decorated the corridors, strong flames burned in the fireplaces and lamps, and hot chocolate and eggnog were served at meal times. It was Christmas Eve, the most awaited day of that school year.

But it wasn't even the holiday itself that got everyone excited – it was the Yule Ball that would be taking place that evening. The students were all in high spirits, having no academic work needing to be accomplished any time soon and instead spending their day sharing stories and opening presents. The teachers and staff were busy preparing the venue and program flow for the night – they even had to announce that morning that after noon, no one would be allowed to enter the Great Hall.

Following a light lunch, Jessica returned to her dormitory at the Gryffindor tower to find an owl tapping on the window. She hurried towards it and opened the latch immediately, allowing the owl to step inside and shelter itself from the snow that pelted it. She brushed some of the snow off of its feathers and fed it one of the treats that she and her roommates kept on the shelf for situations like this. Then, Jessica finally took the small package that was attached to its leg – a box a little smaller than the size of her hand in festive wrapping and a brown card pasted on it.

To: Jess
From: Oliver

Those words alone and seeing Oliver's familiar, messy scrawl on the card was enough to bring a smile on Jessica's face. Ever since their reunion at Hogsmeade a couple of weeks ago, their letters had actually gotten less frequent. Although she knew it couldn't be helped since they were both busy, what with Jessica having multiple advanced classes while Oliver had an actual career now, it was still reassuring to her that they at least pulled through for Christmas.

The owl eventually flew back out the window, and then Jessica got down to business and began unwrapping the package. Inside was a black leather case and a folded piece of parchment. She unfolded the letter first, eyes scanning the page to read what Oliver had to say.

Jess,

I'm sorry for this extremely short letter, but I just had to send this right away and hope that this reaches you on time. I spent weeks wondering what I should get you for Christmas, and then I remembered that you'd be attending a ball, so I got this. I actually have no idea how to pick out this kind of stuff, though, and I realize now I could've asked Charles for help... I hope you like your present, anyway. Enjoy the Yule Ball later (but not too much without me, and make sure George knows that).

Happy Christmas!

Oliver

Jessica grinned to herself as she placed the letter down on the table. With careful hands, she finally opened the box, finding a pair of stud earrings inside. While they may have looked simple to others, she noticed how they were in the intricate and detailed shape of her favorite flowers and the gold color matched her gown for the evening. Oliver always said that he wasn't good at choosing things, but over the past few years, Jessica could see that he always seemed to know just what to give.

"I forgot how warm the Gryffindor tower is. The Slytherin dungeons are much cooler, figuratively and literally," Jessica suddenly heard a voice from outside, sounding like the person was walking up the stairs. She closed the box and set it down on the table, mentally reminding herself to use them later and to reply to Oliver – maybe even send him his presents as well so that he could get it more or less once Christmas Day actually arrives.