The Twin Legacy: the Shadows of Dusk

Chapter Eight

Christmas was almost here. In mid december, Artemis woke up to see the grounds of Hogwarts covered in several feet of snow. Artemis wondered if they were able to ice skate considering the lake was frozen solid. She overheard from Apollo that the Weasley twins were punished for bewitching several snowballs so that they followed Quirrell around, bouncing off the back of his turban. Liakada, Apollo's owl, had been hurt from flying in the stormy sky. Gratefully Hagrid, the gamekeeper, nursed him back to health in time for her parent's Christmas letter. Artemis had been looking forward to receiving the news on which country they will be visiting for Christmas this year. She was so over the freezing cold air in the Slytherin dormitory, you could practically see your own breath in the freezing air.

At breakfast, Liakada swooped down and dropped the letter Artemis had been looking forward to. It read:

Dear Artemis,

Happy Christmas my dear. I regret to inform you, we will not be traveling this Christmas. Your father and I are needed in China for business. I hope you understand. I have also sent the staff home so you and your brother will have to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays. I am deeply sorry we won't be together for the holidays. I love you and have an amazing Christmas!

Love,

Mum <3

Artemis' heart sank. As much as she wanted to be mad, her piercing heart throbbed. Tears started to form her eyes, but she looked up before they could fall. Disappointed couldn't even come close to the pain she felt. She knew her parents were always busy, but Christmas was the one time they would spend the whole break together. From having gingerbread house competitions to snuggling by the fire while drinking hot cocoa and hearing their parents tell stories about their time in Hogwarts.

While in Potions class, Artemis didn't feel the excitement of learning a new potion. Instead she felt glum and unwell the entire day.

"I do feel so sorry," said Draco, "for all those people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Chrismtas because they're not wanted at home."

He looked over at Harry as he spoke. That did not matter to Artemis. Flames shot up in her eyes.

"Just because you are going home for Christmas doesn't mean your parents actually want you. Seeing how little your parents care about your stupid little problems. I know for a fact they are dreading to have your whiny little ass back home talking all day and night about how Potter didn't acknowledge me today. Potter won't be my friend even though I bully him and his friends. I don't know why Potter doesn't like me, my daddy is rich," exploded Artemis.

"I don't talk like that! And I definitely do not talk about Potter!" Draco's ears got red, "and for your information, my parents do care about me!"

"Yeah mhm, whatever helps you sleep at night."

Draco looked over at Professor Snape, waiting for him to jump in and save him. Instead he pretended not to hear the commotion and focused on students practice making the newest potion.

When they left the dungeons at the end of Potions, they found a large fir tree blocking the corridor ahead. Two enormous feet sticking out at the bottom and a loud puffing sound told them that Hagrid was behind it.

Artemis stood behind Draco, who was behind Ron.

"Would you mind moving out of the way?" said Draco, "Are you trying to earn some extra money, Weasley? Hoping to be gamekeeper yourself when you leave Hogwarts, I suppose — that hut of Hagrid's must seem like a palace compared to what your family's used to."