The Way We Fall | Book 3

Chapter 11: Christmas

Finally, it was time to leave for Christmas break. I missed my dad and sisters so much! Harry told me that Snape was giving him these Occlumency lessons, so he could learn how to keep Voldemort from invading his mind. Apparently they were horrible. Well, if it's a personal lesson with Snape, I guess I'd expect it to suck.

Anyway, when we finally arrived at the Grimmauld Place, I was engulfed in a bunch of warm hugs. Dad's was the best, of course. Amber and Lauren hugged my knees tightly, giggling as they did so. I missed these guys so much! When we all went into the kitchen, Mr. Weasley was there, having just gotten back from St. Mungo's. Turns out, Harry's crazy dream was somehow true. The poor guy was covered in bruises, and scars. That snake must've gotten him pretty good. 

We all toasted to Harry, since he was pretty much the reason he was alive in the first place. After that, we all had dinner, and went to bed. I shared a room with Hermione and Ginny, as usual. "Hermione, I thought you were going to spend Christmas holiday with your parents," Ginny said, as we got ready for bed. "I told them that I had a lot of studying to do for the O.W.Ls. I don't want to lose track of what's going with Voldemort and all that." She explained. "Chances are, Dumbledore wouldn't want you to be receiving any news either, just like with Harry." I added. "I still don't think it's right, how he treats him. I mean, did you notice how he wouldn't even make eye contact with him that night? I find it rude, really." Ginny grumbled, climbing into bed. "I agree. But, he must have a reason. Think about it, he's never acted like that before, so why do it now? It seems like ever since Voldemort came back, Harry's practically invisible." Hermione inquired. "Maybe Voldemort's the reason. Either Dumbledore doesn't really believe he's back, or he has some crazy theory that Harry Potter is really Voldemort in disguise." I told them.

"Of course Dumbledore believes Voldemort's back, Riley. But, I think he'd know if the darkest wizard of all time was in his school." I nodded, and shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know, guys. But, I think I'm done talking about it for the night. Goodnight,"

"Goodnight, Riley."

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I woke up the next morning to Amber jumping excitedly on my bed. "Wake up, sissy, it's Christmas! We have presents and everything!" I opened my eyes, and smiled softly at her. "Alright, I'm up, Amber. Go on downstairs while I get ready, alright?" She nodded, and ran out of the room. I rolled out of bed, and took a quick shower, before getting dressed, and going downstairs. There, everyone was talking happily, and eating their breakfast. I sat down beside my dad, who kissed the top of my head. "Merry Christmas, little champ." I grinned, and hugged him tightly. "Merry Christmas, dad." 

After breakfast, we all began to exchange presents. Amber was the first to run up to me, and give me a poorly folded piece of paper. I smiled, while unfolding it, only to reveal a drawing of what looked like a snowman. Or maybe it was a soccer ball. "Wow, Amber! I love it so much!" I exclaimed, pulling her into my arms. "You're welcome, sissy." She said, and smiled brightly. Dad gave me my next present. It was a beautiful silver necklace, with a lion charm. "Thank you so much, dad!" I cried, hugging him tightly. "It was my pleasure, little champ. Let's see it on you," I turned around, pulling my hair to the side, allowing him to put it around my neck. I shivered a bit, as the cold metal touched my bare skin.

Then, I gave him his gift, which was basically a lifetime supply of all his favorite candies. For Amber and Lauren, I basically got new toys and clothes. They don't really mix well with a lot of sugar. I learned that the hard way.

Anyway, Hermione was the next person to give me a present. When I opened it, I saw a brand new series of books, which I've been wanting to read for so long. "Hermione, where did you get these?" I asked, throwing my arms around her. "I have my ways," She replied, and chuckled. My gift to her was pretty similar, but this time, they were books on everyday charms, and things that we don't learn in school. She basically went crazy for that. Ron gave me his gift next, which was a boatload of practically every candy in the Wizarding World. For him, I got some new Quidditch gear, since he said he wanted to try out for the Gryffindor Quidditch Team next year. It was awful his family couldn't really afford stuff like that. 

Finally, Harry walked up to me. "Harry, you didn't have to get me anything," I told him, already feeling my face heat up. "Of course I didn't; if you want me to drown in my own guilt and sorrow." I laughed, as he handed me a small box, wrapped in silvery paper. I opened it, only to reveal a silver chain bracelet, with a single flower charm on it. It wasn't much, but it was enough to completely melt my heart. "Harry...I don't even know what to say..." I whispered, taking it out. "It's a charm bracelet. Every year, I'll get you a new charm for it. This one represents how beautiful I think you are." I grinned, and gave him a long, passionate kiss. After a moment, I pulled back, and handed him his gift. "Riley, you didn't--" He began. "Open it already! I've been dying to give it to you for a really long time!" I demanded excitedly. He obeyed, grinning as he did so. When he saw the small Snitch in it's case, a large smile found it's way onto his mouth. "Riley, it's amazing!" I smiled happily, as he embraced me tightly, then pulled back to pepper my face in kisses.

"Careful there, mate," Fred told him, walking up to us. "Yeah, if you suck her face off, she'll probably want it back." George teased, making us blush. "You guys aren't funny," I muttered, looking down at my feet. "Got that right, Juliet. We're hilarious!" With that, the two of them walked away.

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The rest of the day was amazing. We all celebrated happily, ate, sang, and opened more gifts. Amber wrapped Lauren in scraps of wrapping paper, and gave her to Tonks, who absolutely adored her. The twins epically pranked Ron with a plastic spider and some fake nose hair. Of course, that had Mrs. Weasley shouting up a storm. Finally, at the end of the night, we all settled down around the fire, and listened to the radio. Harry and I curled up on the couch together, and the others sat in the armchairs, or on the floor. 

This was definitely the best Christmas ever.