Skylar Rogers || 1st Year

Home for Christmas

(Up top is her PJs)

The train pulled up as loads of children reunited with their parents. I got off before Harry and saw Mom, Dad and Kyle with his parents. Brianna hugged me tightly. I hugged back. She was spending Christmas with her Dad's family this year. At least she'll come by next year. "I'll miss you a lot. Really." She said in a serious tone. We parted. I smiled. "You too Bri. You too." I said. She hugged Harry. He smiled. "Bye Brianna. Merry Christmas." He whispered. They parted. "You too Harold." She teased before running into her Dad's arms. They said goodbye to Mom and Dad before he apparated. "Race you to our parents!" I cheered, running off. "Wait for me!" He shouted. As usual, I won the flying colors. Mom laughed while hugging me. Dad side hugged. "We've missed you both so much!" Aunt Lily squealed. Her grasp was making Harry turn slightly blue. "You...too...Mom." He choked. We laughed. James smiled sheepishly. "Honey, he'll stop breathing any minute." He joked. She gasped and parted from him. "Sorry sweetie." She apologized. He nodded, catching his breath. Kyle hugged me. I looked at him in awe and hugged back. "How are you bro? Stolen Dad's shield?" I blurted out. Harry shushed me with his finger but it was too late. Dad's jaw dropped. "What do you mean stealing my shield?" He asked. He growled. I smiled nervously. "Oops." I muttered. Mom smiled knowingly. "While we discuss Kyle's shield thieving, let's head back home. We got big Christmas plans." She said. Aunt Lily returned the gesture. "That's a good idea." She agreed. We held onto each other and our luggage as they apparated back to our houses.

******

"Sky, come make cookies!" Mom called. Beauty & the Beast: Enchanted Christmas was playing on my TV. I smiled happily, turning off the TV and got off bed. I grabbed my two enveloped letters for Ron and Hermione and tied them around Bambi's foot. My window was opened so she could fly out. "Know what to do B." I whispered, smirking. She squeaked before flying through the window. I walked out and came downstairs. Our whole house was practically turned into a Christmas movie. Our Moms go all out on Christmas every year. At Harry's house, it was unbelievable. Our tradition is wearing PJs, making cookies, Christmas movies, snowball fighting but most of all...presents! I came in the kitchen and smiled. "Cookies!" I cheered. Kyle cheered happily, letting out a 'Whoo!'. Mom laughed. "Yup. We're gonna be making gingerbread cookies! First you'll need to follow the instructions on the box. Now, silver platter? Check. Cookie batter? Check. Baking sheet? Check- she was cut off by Kyle. He smiled sheepishly. "Honestly, I'm here to make it and taste the icing." He admitted. I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "Of course." We said in unison including Dad. What amazed me was him and Mom wearing matching PJs. Talk about family tradition. He smiled cheekily. "Icing? Check." He joked but in a serious tone. We chuckled before she pulled out the batter.

*****ten minutes later*****

The platter was now full of nicely-baked gingerbread cookies. Yummy yummy!

We washed our hands and sat on the couch to watch Home Alone 2 with cups of eggnog and a plate of cookies on the end table. "It's times like Christmas gives me the privilege to eat sweets anytime." Kyle said, smirking. I laughed. "No promises." I agreed. Mom returned the gesture. "Just don't spoil your appetite when you go to Hogsmeade." She joked. Dad smiled. "Are you excited for second year?" He asked. My brain clicked. I'm still waiting for their letters. I hadn't received one from Harry yet. Maybe he's too wrapped by his family activities. I cleared my throat and smiled. "Why wouldn't I be? I'm more excited to turn twelve." I said. They laughed. Kyle cheered excitingly. "And I'm gonna be eleven! My first year!" He mentioned. "Good luck." I joked. He pouted, sticking his tongue out. I smiled innocently. Dad playfully rolled his eyes and leaned against the couch. Mom smirked. "Alright you two. You'll both be going to school together with Brianna. Reminds me...I sent a letter to her today. She's a little sad over not being here." She said, sighing at the last part. Dad wrapped his arm around her neck while rubbing her hand. Kyle smiled softly. "Don't be sad Mom. She'll always be around. Especially Christmas." He said. I nodded and returned the gesture. "He's right. This isn't the first Christmas she spent without us." I said. He scoffed. "Too bad." He whispered in my ear. I lightly smacked his shoulder. "Ow!" He mumbled painfully. "There was a bee on your shoulder." I lied. He growled, thumping my nose. My jaw dropped. "Just watch." I muttered threateningly. The whole time Mom and Dad watched amusedly. At least it made her feel better. Dad sighed happily. "Wait till Christmas morning. That'll put them in a trance." He whispered in her ear. She smiled flirtatiously and cupped his cheek. "You put me in a trance." She flirted. He chuckled as they kissed passionately. We looked at each other then back at them. "Eww! My eyes! No! Eww!" We whined in unison. They laughed, sharing another kiss. Kyle groaned and shoved a pillow on his face. "Can I watch this movie in peace?" He whined. I managed to pay attention to ignore their lovey-dovey moment.

******

In my room, I finished my Christmas movie while munching another cookie. Dad made us eat two cookies and save the rest for tomorrow. Its 8pm and I'm still waiting for- Bambi flew back outside the window. There was two envelopes tied around her foot. Yay! They replied back! I rolled out of bed and opened it. She flew in to her cage. It was feeling chilly so I closed the window and untied the envelopes. A smile popped across my lips.

Dear Sky,

Hope you're having a great Christmas! I am with my family. Hopefully, next time your parents could invite mine over so we'd have a Christmas sleepover. How fun that would be! Drinking eggnog, watching SSG and dancing to lovely Christmas music. I have a few favorites I like. If you do, let me know which song you'd like. I've heard from Harry. He's ok but he hopes you'll get his letter soon. I've been watching Seven Super Girls lately and grown to love it. My favorite one is Jenna. She's really sweet and funny. Anyways, Ron sent a letter back. His owl Errol nearly broke his neck from hitting my window. Poor thing. Watch out if he finds yours though.

Tell me how's your Christmas going!

Yours truly,
Hermione

I chuckled and revealed Ron's letter to begin reading.

Dear Sky,

How's your Christmas? If you heard from Hermione, honestly who reads during Christmas break? Fred, George and I wished you were here. We hoped to do more pranks with you. My sister Ginny asked about you. She was surprised to know an Avenger's daughter is my friend. How is New York? I heard they do New Year countdowns there and have insane snowing. Blimey! Hope Errol wouldn't break his beak the next time I send a letter. Can't wait to see you next year! Honestly, it feels good not doing homework anytime soon.

Your mate,
Ron

They're both right on one thing. Harry hadn't lettered me yet. I wouldn't blame him. I didn't really send mine to him either. Maybe he's mad I forgotten to owl him during break. We're always owling each other since we first got Bambi and Hedwig. How come it seems a little...awkward? Suddenly, Bambi started squeaking happily. I looked at her oddly before turning to the window. My jaw dropped. Hedwig was flying with a letter tied to her foot. OMG, Harry's letter! It finally came! I smiled widely and opened the window. "Hello Hedwig!" I beamed. She squeaked excitingly. I chuckled while untying the envelope off her foot. I gently rubbed her head softly and waved once she flown away. Bambi shivered but I shut the window and sat on my bed.
I unraveled the envelope, revealing his letter.

Dear Sky,

I'm really sorry I hadn't owled you. Must've felt actually awkward, right? But I know you must be having a brilliant Christmas. It makes me happy to know you're happy. Did Aunt Alex make cookies with you? If you did, send me a package of them! Don't tell Ron though. :) How is Kyle? Bet he's excited to start his first year like Ron's sister. Ours was really fun. Certainly wasn't my plan for Brianna to get possessed by a necklace or being tricked to ride a broom through six feet of snow. Overall, I really enjoyed my first year with you. Looking forward to second year with you, Ron and Hermione. Thanks for helping get through the exams.

Merry Christmas,
Harry

Wow. He's happy if I am? That's awfully sweet. My heart just skipped a beat and my insides were twisting. I madly blushed. Small footsteps were heard. What's that? Probably Kyle sneaking off to grab more cookies. I looked past the doorframe and saw Mom walking downstairs discreetly. She was holding a red box with snowflakes with a red-green swirled ribbon. A present. But for who? Yet I'll still bring cookies for Harry on Christmas morning.