Kassandra Bauer and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3)

Chapter 11: The Marauders Map.

Whatever Horus and Anubis were thinking. They weren't saying it to us. Even through out the coming weeks as we approached the Christmas Holiday. Every time that we try to bring up Erathor; the Gods change the subject. Evidently, they know something we don't know. Or rather they know something they don't want us to know... yet. 

But other than that, Lupin had promised us Anti- Dementor lessons. And we got some good news that Ravenclaw absolutely crushed Hufflepuffs in the last Quidditch Match. We weren't out of the running after all, but we couldn't afford to lose another match. Wood got his maniac energy when he heard the news and he was working us harder than ever in that chilly haze of rain that has pestered into December. And I've seen no sign of Dementors in the grounds. Maybe that's because Ryan and Horus were with us. As for Harry, despite the fact that his Nimbus was gone, Harry still had a broom to ride. Except... it was The School's Ancient Shooting Stars, and in terms of Ancient I mean... really old and very slow and jerky. It would be a miracle for us to beat our next team. 

Or the intervention of the Gods. But knowing the Gods of Greece. They would pick one side or the other. Happens all the time.

About two weeks before the end of term, the weather grew nicer. Or at least, the muddy ground was gone and in its place was a glittering frost. And the sound of Christmas was in the air. I'd like to see the Dementors try to get souls now. You'd find that Christmas had the power to spread joy through the world. So powerful that even the Dementors could not breach it. Flitwick had even gone far to decorate his classroom with shimmering lights.

Most of the students were also happily discussing their plans for the holidays. I would be staying at Hogwarts this year. I had gotten the letter from Athena informing me that Ethan and Jacob weren't going to be able to celebrate Christmas this year. The Ministry was paranoid that Sirius Black could take advantage of the Holidays and strike out. That made me sad. I wanted to celebrate Christmas with my family so bad. Now Sirius Black had just ruined that. Couldn't he have just waited until the end of the holidays to break out or something? Oh, forget it. And besides. It would be fine to be at Hogwarts. I could spend it with Harry. 

Ryan was also staying at Hogwarts for Christmas. But that wasn't really a big surprise. His family had their issues. Which was a bonus. Harry, Ryan and I could spend Christmas together. 

Ron and Hermione also decided to stay. Apparently, Ron said it was because he couldn't stand two weeks with Percy. And Hermione insisted that she needed to use the library. Though, I knew the reason. It was because Ron and Hermione didn't want us to be lonely.

"No. I just can't stand Percy." Ron was saying.

"I can tell you're lying." Anubis taunted.

"You guys are the best." Harry commented.

And what's more. There would be another Hogsmeade trip on the very last weekend of term. Unfortunately. That meant that Harry would have to stay behind.

On Saturday, we bid our goodbyes to Harry as we walked to the village. I had my winter coat on with me, and the same with Ron, Hermione, and Ryan. 

"I can give Harry my Broom to practice on." Ryan offered. "I mean, I'm sitting on the bench for the matches. It's not that big a deal." 

"Ryan, you're sitting on reserves for a reason. To take over when someone gets injured. That could happen to Fred and George." Hermione reminded.

That was when Ron laughed. "Finally. I know something that Hermione doesn't. Oh isn't it glorious?" He boasted. 

"About what?" Hermione asked annoyed with her arms crossed.