The One With The Yule Ball

14

Edan woke up on Christmas morning to Ginny pouncing on her bed. The entirety of the Weasley family had stayed home for the holiday in order to attend the Yule Ball. Which meant Molly had sent all of the children their gifts through the owl post. "Come on Edy! Let's go open presents." 

The sun was shining brightly through the dormitory window. Clearly It was later into the morning which excused Ginny waking her up. Edan tugged a sweatshirt over her head and scrambled down the stairs. The common room was full of students opening presents of their own. In the far corner she spotted the family, along with Harry and Hermione. Ginny motioned for her to hurry up. 

There was a small pile of gifts for Edan that the others had plucked from the Christmas tree for her. First she opened her usual handmade gift from Molly and Arthur. This years was a solid black sweater with a large E on the front in maroon, it was soft and smelled like home. Edan folded it neatly then set it aside. 

She reached for a large box that was signed from the entire lot; The Twins, Ginny, Hermione, Harry and Ron. Inside was a random assortment of items. All of her favorite sweets from Honeydukes, a Healing for Beginners book, another titled Advanced Brewing of Magical Proportions and various little knick knacks they'd picked up around Hogsmeade. Last was a photo of Ginny, Hermione and Edan laughing at the Quidditch Finals. 

Next was a red paper gift bag. There was a card taped to the front of it. Cedric's familiar scribbling was inside. For the ball, Happy Christmas Edy. Inside was a large bottle of Firewhiskey. Edan grinned but closed the bag so nobody would see its contents. They would certainly be having a good time at the ball. 

The final gift was wrapped for neatly. Edan faltered for moment, confused by it's familiarity. It reminded her of the gift she'd given Professor Snape the night prior although the wrapping was grey and dull. She opened it open to see the same three black journals he had shown Edan. On the inside of one of the covers was a message to Edan. 

I have no use of these. I suppose most mentors pass things off to their apprentice. 

It was short with no mention of Christmas but that was too be expected. The pages were filled with Snape's handwriting, instructions on potions, improvements on others, locations he'd been able to collect ingredients naturally. Edan hadn't expected him to gift her anything. Especially something so kind and useful. 

"What have you got there, Edy?" Hermione asked. 

Edan handed her one of the journals. "These are from Professor Snape. For my apprenticeship."

Hermione paged through them with a gaping mouth. She was clearly amazed by all of the information the pages held. "Blimey Edan! This is fantastic. You'll learn so much from these alone." Edan smiled broadly at that realization. One day she would be a brilliant healer or potions masters thanks to Professor Snape's guidance. 

"Edy, let me curl your hair for you!"Hermione said excitedly. The three girls were getting ready together.

Edan snorted at her. "Hermione, my hair is naturally curly." 

Ginny and Hermione exchanged a glance. "Well - yes. But you don't exactly take care of your curls." Hermione said wringing her hands. She hesitated clearly uncertain of what she wanted to say next. 

"Edy.. your hair looks like a nest for birds." Ginny finally spoke up. Edan nearly spit out the water she had just taken a sip of. The three of them broke out in laughter. "Seriously, when was the last time you brushed your hair?"

"Alright, alright. Fine, you can curl my hair." Edan said with a roll of her eyes. Hermione hopped up from her seat and pulled out her wand. She muttered a spell and Edan's hair was done in perfect, loose curls. It was quite long reaching just below her shoulder blades.