The trip back to Hogwarts was solemn, Callan and Maisie not saying a peep to either Lisa or their parents. The parting at Hogsmeade station became increasingly awkward, as Callan resisted a hug from his mother, trudging ahead the snowy path to the carriage that awaited them. With one last disappointed look, Lisa curtly said good bye to her parents, before following after the twins.
"Cheer up, you lot." she told them, a futile attempt to lift their spirits. "Think of this way: what kind of Londoner would spend Christmas in the sand? Winter's always the best weather for holidays. We can build a snowman out in the courtyard and—"
"I don't care about the weather," Maisie said, "I wanted to spend the holidays as a complete family."
The way her voice cracked made Lisa's stomach drop, promptly putting a hand on Maisie's shoulder, "I'm so sorry this is happening. I know how excited you two were for that trip."
"You were right all along, Lis." Callan sighed, "Now I wish we had normal parents."
She didn't know how to respond to that, and instead, she pursed her lips and clutched the strap of her duffel bag tighter.
The sight of the castle completely cladded in snow was rather comforting, as was the sensation of walking into the warmth of the Great Hall, all the brilliant decorations put up, and the smell of hot chocolate wafting in the air.
"Lisa?" A voice squeaked out, Katie Bell sitting at the very edge of the Gryffindor table with Leanne, "Crickets! It is you. I thought you were spending Christmas halfway around the world? Why'd you lot come back so early?"
"Something...came up. Anyway, we're good, is all that matters..." her voice trailed off, watching Maisie retreat up to the Gryffindor common room as well to comfort her brother, only then breaking her silence once they were put of earshot, "Okay it was a disaster. My parents had to bail on us for some stupid Quidditch matter. The twins are devastated."
"Awww, I'm so sorry to hear that. Last time I saw them, they were basically radiating positive energy. It's sad to see them so down, poor darlings."
"I know," Lisa sighed, "Plus, I'm terribly jetlagged, and I feel awful for the twins. I just don't know how I'm going to turn this around for them."
"Just give them a few days to simmer around in their feelings," Leanne suggested, "And really, there isn't much you can do for them at such a last minute thing. Christmas is in like, two days, yeah?"
"I suppose you're right..." Lisa nodded, "Merlin, I wish Noel was here. He'd probably know what to do... By the way, why aren't you two home for the holidays?"
"Oh, my parents invited over several of my aunts and cousins. I have a massive extended family," said Katie, "And I'm not too fond of them, really. So I lied, told them I had stuff to do and a mountain pile of homework to sort through."
"That's not a lie though," remarked Leanne, "You do have loads of homework that you've been putting aside for too long."
Katie shrugged, possibly too nonchalant about overdue work, "True."
"Well my parents got invited to spend the holidays at my dad's side of the family. I hate them too." said Leanne, "They're really...not the best at hosting anything related to family gatherings, and by that I mean sheer boredom. Atleast Hogwarts has a little bit of festivity going on with the decorations."
"And the Christmas morning feast."
"Well, I don't really celebrate Christmas...It would have been cool if they had a Hanukkah feast too. But it food-wise, feast food is bloody brilliant."
YOU ARE READING
Protégée (George Weasley)
Fanfiction"I want you to teach me." "Teach you?" George repeated, incredulously, "Your parents are literally Quidditch royalty. I don't need to teach you." "Yes you do. Like you said, my parents, not me. So I want you to teach me, take me under your wing as y...
