Kassandra Bauer and the Philosopher's Stone (Book 1)

Chapter 8: Christmas with the Gryffindors.

The Conversation with Hagrid left us with more questions then answers. But more of that could wait. I found it odd on why people were so happy around this time of year. It was December now. Snow was now falling on heavier basis. I'd never really seen Snow before at this level. I wasn't sure what to think about it though. Especially since it was coming to a Holiday Season. One that I had never even heard before. 

The Dormitory had been buzzing. Hermione was telling me about something. "It's going to be great to tell Mum and Dad about what I've been up to. We'll be swapping stories about it at Christmas Dinner." 

"Christmas Who?" I asked.

Hermione looked at me shocked. "What? Are you telling me you've never heard of Christmas before?" She asked completely at a loss for words.

"Sorry." I nervously said. "No."

Hermione sat me down. "Christmas. It sounds a little strange but... what's Christmas?" I asked her.

"What's Christmas?" Hermione asked me. "Man, where do I begin?" She then proceeded to tell me about Christmas. About how it was a time for families to get together. A time of peace. And to be with those you cared about. Being with Family and Friends, and the people who loved you. And then she told me this story about a person named Santa Clause who would go around delivering Presents to good boys and girls. He just knew who they were. Christmas just sounded so beautiful. I wish I knew about it sooner. But that does explain how one year I got this strange present from the sky. I didn't know what it was because it got confiscated by Mistress Larisa. It made me sad.

And as the Weather got colder, it was also getting harder for owls to deliver the mail. And many people were also trying to do anything to keep warm. The Gryffindor Common Room and the Great Hall had roaring fires. But the halls were icy and drafty. I felt cold and found myself shivering. But the worse part of it was, in Potions. It was cold as ice. I stayed close to the Cauldron Fires. 

"I do feel so sorry." Draco Malfoy was saying during one Potions Class. "For all those people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home" He was looking at Harry as he said that trying to get a reaction. 

After the Quidditch Match, he had been trying to get at Harry to go off his rocker. I just ignore him now. He's nothing but a coward. And only a cowered would use such unjust tactics. He doesn't go for me much. Probably because I have a look like Medusa. He's gone back to making insults at Harry and calling him an Orphan. And Ron as poor. I'll be glad when Malfoy is leaving. Who knows. Hogwarts might actually be fun without him. 

Christmas draws nearer. One day, I could see Hagrid dragging a very big Pine Tree for the Great Hall. Most of the other students were going home to their families. It would be my first official Christmas. And I chose to stay at Hogwarts. Our families were having their own plans for Christmas. Jacob was going to spend Christmas with Lizzie Maxson and her family. Her family was all getting together for Christmas. And Lizzie needed to bring a plus one to her family gathering. Ethan was going to spend Christmas with Penny and the Haywood family. I knew this because Beatrice was telling me about her plans and going home. She offered for me to join her, but I decided to stay at Hogwarts. Mater would be going to America. That's where her relatives were living. The ones that actually had a very close relationship with Mater at any rate. And still loved her, unlike her parents. She offered for me to join her. But I... didn't really feel comfortable there. 

Harry was staying too... obviously. Ron and his brothers were also staying at Hogwarts. And that's because Ron's Parents were going to visit Charlie in Romania. And they would be taking Ginny with them. 

Hermione would be leaving though. I knew that as well. Ghosts were out singing Carols in the halls as the Professors were hanging up ornaments on the tree. That was something they did as well, apparently.