Hogwarts Is Where The Heart Is

Chapter 26

The weeks leading up to Christmas break were actually rather exciting the castle began to become quite festive looking with garlands draping the banister, suits of armor bewitched to sing carols and giant Christmas trees being brought in for the Great Hall.

Rumor was Black found the whole thing a waste of time but not even he could ban Christmas. Genevieve was of course staying. She'd not really discussed the topic of the orphanage with Professor Fig since the Summer and his promise he wouldn't let her go back but she figured that was a bridge to be crossed near the end of the year.

As far as her friends went Natty had confirmed that she was staying given her mother worked at the school and they had no travel plans, and Poppy's grandmother was apparently off rescuing some magical creatures.

"She said she wouldn't go if I'd rather come home but I think it's more important she rescue the animals," Poppy had told Genevieve who found the little Hufflepuff's words rather noble. Always thinking of the beasts.

She brought the subject of break up in Potions with her remaining three friends.

"I'm staying. My parents won't be happy about it but it's just about the most I can do in terms of rebellion for now and I'd much rather do that than spend any time at the manor," said Ominis.

"I don't blame you Marvolo's going back, right?" said Sebastian.

"Yes, the golden son is more than happy to return home," replied Ominis. Genevieve had yet to run into Marvolo and was quite glad of that fact at least for the moment.

"Well at least you won't have him putting a damper on the holiday," said Evelyn. "How about you Sebastian?"

"I'm heading home. Uncle Solomon "politely" suggested I stay at Hogwarts but he's not keeping me away from my sister at Christmas." Genevieve felt a rush of irritation at Solomon. He had a wonderful nephew who he was supposed to care for yet he was trying to push him away.

"That said I'll pop up for a visit and you are more than welcome to come to Feldcroft, Evelyn I think Anne would even like seeing you."

"I'm sure we'll all keep it in mind," said Genevieve. "Evelyn?"

"I'm like Seb I'm nearby so I'll pop up for a visit to the castle even if I'm technically headed home for a majority of the break." Genevieve couldn't help but smile that all her friends would be here or at least nearby for the break. Suddenly the mention of Evelyn going home reminded her that she'd never actually gotten around to returning the family wand.

"Ouch!" she gasped as her hand grazed the cauldron. Her seatmates looked over.

"You alright Veevee?"

"Yes," she said wincing as she looked down at the reddening skin. "Just burnt myself a little."

"Here," Ominis reached over with the emergency bottle of dittany, which she took using only a few drops to clear up the burn.

"Thank you." Ominis nodded and returned to his potion.

HL

That evening when the two Ravenclaws got back to their room Genevieve rummaged around in her trunk.

"Really I'm SO sorry about this I meant to give it to you ages ago but..."

"Whatever it is Gen considering everything you have going on, I'm fairly sure you get a pass," said Evelyn cutting her off.

"Well here you go," said Genevieve nervously. Hoping her friend would still think that when she realized what exactly IT was. Evelyn gasped as Genevieve handed over the elegantly carved wand. The wood was pale brown and the main length of the wand was spiraled like a unicorn horn however the handle had an hourglass shape and at the very bottom a carved half moon.