A Sliver of Change | S. Black

Part 1: Chapter 4

Part 1:

Chapter 4 –

December 20th, 1995

More than 2 months had passed since Emilia's new life at Hogwarts had begun. She had made fast friends with the golden trio, especially Hermione, who she considered one of her closest mates. Neville and Ginny were quickly becoming a constant part of her life as well. Neville with his clumsy nature would brighten her day and put a smile on her face, while Ginny's sassy attitude was a dose of realism that Emilia cherished her for. Even Luna was becoming a close friend, touchy at first with the nonsense she babbles about, but Emilia had learned that despite her odd personality, she was one of the kindest girls one could come across.

With her newfound friends, her excellent marks in class, and the fact that she had more memories – albeit useless ones – coming back, Emilia had expected herself to be happy on this cold winter night. But with her friends talking about their Christmas plans, she couldn't help but feel lonelier than ever.

"I don't get why Dumbledore won't let you come to Ron's place with us over Christmas," Harry argued once again as the four of them sat on the couches in front of the Gryffindor common rooms fireplace, "Mrs. Weasley said it was okay and she even made you your own sweater! That pretty much means that you're family, right Ron!"

Harry nudged Ron who was shoving chocolate cauldrons that McGonagall had given them as a Christmas gift into his mouth.

Speaking with a mouthful of food Ron agreed, "Ya, Mum was upset when Dumbledore said no."

Emilia smiled at them both, having gone through this argument many times.

"Dumbledore said that because of what happened to my parent's, he doesn't want to put me or anyone else at risk," Emilia said as she swiped sugar quill from Hermione's lap, "I wish the circumstances were different, but I understand his reasoning."

Hermione and Ron gave Emilia a look of pity – Emilia had told them about her parents not too long after telling Harry - while Harry nodded his head, finally admitting defeat.

Letting out a sigh, Emilia kicked her feet up onto Harry's lap and started nibbling on the sugar quill in her hand.

"And just because I'm alone, doesn't mean that I won't have a good Christmas! McGonagall told me that Hogwarts has a huge feast on Christmas day, and Luna said that she would be staying for the first half of the holiday until her dad could pick her up," Emilia reasoned with the trio, trying to relieve the pity from their eyes.

Ron huffed as he raised from his seat, ignoring Emilia's words, and walking towards a hidden alcove in the room, lifting a rock from the wall. Curiosity hit Emilia as she strained her head, with her feet still in Harry's lap, trying to see what Ron was up to. Watching him place the rock back in place and walk towards the three, he held up a bottle,

"I believe this calls for a shot of firewhisk-," Ron cut himself off as he diverted the bottle from Hermione's reach.

"Ronald! We are underage, and I will not stand for this! How did you even get that bottle," Hermione screeched as she jumped around on her toes, trying to reach for the bottle in Ron's grip.

Ron held the bottle higher before saying, "come on 'Mione! Emilia is going to be here all alone on Christmas, I think we should do this to cheer her up."

Despite Ron trying to cheer her up, Emilia cringed at his choice of words. Hermione on the other hand, seemed to soften at Ron's thoughtfulness to cheer the girl up and eventually gave a nod of her head, but not before saying,

"Only one, then bed!"

Ron grinned as Harry pushed Emilia's legs off him and raced to grab a few glasses from the tables. With the glasses now in place, Ron filled the four up to the rim and held his high.