Reflections - Mattheo Riddle

The Eye of the Snake

December arrived, bringing with it more snow and a positive avalanche of homework for the fifth-years. Jasper and Kirra's prefect duties also became more and more onerous as Christmas approached. They were called upon to supervise the decoration of the castle ('You try putting up tinsel when Peeves has got the other end and is trying to strangle you with it,' said Jasper), to watch over first- and second-years spending their break-times inside because of the bitter cold ('And they're cheeky little snot-rags) and to patrol the corridors in shifts with Argus Filch, who suspected that the holiday spirit might show itself in an outbreak of wizard duels ('He's got dung for brains, that one,' said Jasper furiously).

In any case, Kirra did not want to think about Christmas. She very much wanted to spend the holidays away from Hogwarts. Between her Quidditch ban and worry about whether or not Hagrid was going to be put on probation, she felt highly resentful towards the place at the moment.

The only thing she really looked forward to were the DA meetings, and they would have to stop over the holidays, as nearly everybody in the DA would be spending the time with their families, though thankfully she would be able to spend the holidays with the boys since they would be staying with the Weasley's at the burrow

The thought of Christmas at The Burrow was truly wonderful, though slightly marred by Kirra's guilty feeling that she would not be able to spend the holiday with Sirius (though it was Sirius and Remus who had said it might be better if they didn't come to Grimmauld place over the holidays).

Kirra wondered whether she could possibly persuade Mrs Weasley to invite her godfather for the festivities. Even though she doubted whether Dumbledore would permit Sirius to leave Grimmauld Place anyway, she could not help but think Mrs Weasley might not want him; they were so often at loggerheads. Sirius had not contacted Kirra at all since his last appearance in the fire, and although Kirra knew that with Umbridge on constant watch it would be unwise to attempt to contact him, she did not like to think of Sirius alone in his mother's old house, perhaps pulling a lonely cracker with Kreacher.

Kirra arrived early in the Room of Requirement for the last DA meeting before the holidays and was very glad she had, because when the torches burst into flame she saw that Dobby had taken it upon himself to decorate the place for Christmas. She could tell the elf had done it, because nobody else would have strung a hundred golden baubles from the ceiling, each showing a picture of Harry and Kirra's faces and bearing the legend: HAVE A VERY HARRY CHRISTMAS!

Harry had quickly taken them all down before the door creaked open and Luna Lovegood entered, looking as dreamy as usual. Kirra smiled widely at her, while Harry sent her a smaller smile.

'Hello,' she said vaguely, looking around at what remained of the decorations. 'These are nice, did you put them up?'

'No,' said Harry, 'it was Dobby the house-elf.'

'Mistletoe,' said Luna dreamily, pointing at a large clump of white berries placed almost over Harry's head. He jumped out from under it. 'Good thinking,' said Luna very seriously. 'It's often infested with Nargles.'

Kirra snorted softly with laughter.

Harry was saved the necessity of asking what Nargles are by the arrival of Angelina, Katie and Alicia. All three of them were breathless and looked very cold.

'Well,' said Angelina dully, pulling off her cloak and throwing it into a corner, 'we've finally replaced you.'

'Replaced me?' said Harry blankly.

'You and Fred and George,' she said impatiently. 'We've got another Seeker!'

'Who?' said Harry quickly.