The Princess and The Half Blood Prince

Christmas at Last

Severus and I walked into the main hall. Sure enough all the Wesleys plus a few extras I didn't recognize were sitting around the Christmas tree.

Fred and George were tossing a package back and forth. Harry, Ron, and Hermonie were laughing about something. Gabby was staring at the fire stroking Artorias' fur.

Salazar bolted past me jumping on the much bigger dog. I rolled my eyes smiling.

"You'd barely be a snack Salazar. You better be careful."

Every head in the room turned to me. "Princess!" The twins said in unison.

They're nearly as bad as Josh, Jason, and Allen. Still I smiled and waved.

"Hey guys. Looks like a party in here."

"Of course! It always a party when we're here."

"No doubt about that." I laughed.

"Come on let's open presents!" George threw the package they had been tossing at me.

My guys walked in just then. They looked sullen but did very well in hiding it from the others. "Let's go!" The three said.

Presents were passed around. Salazar happily tore into the wrapping of my first box. It was wrapped in simple green paper. Inside was a small box. I gasped when I opened it. Inside was black ring with an emerald serpent wrapping around it. It was so simple and elegant. I loved it.
"Who's it from?" Harry asked me tearing into the fudge Molly had wrapped for him.
"I don't know. It doesn't say." I had a sneaking suspicion, but it wasn't something I could voice out loud.

"Also when did you get a puppy?" Jason asked me from his spot next to Gabby. They're so cute together.

"Oh. He was a gift from a friend." I replied vaguely. Gabby wiggles her eye brows at me as if to say I know who.

I watched as Severus opened the package from me. It was a copy of the potions book he had been reading from my shelf plus a brand new silver brewing set. He smiled down at it before putting that cold uncaring mask back on. He looked up at me and nodded in thanks.

My next package was from Molly. Inside was a black and green sweater with an I on the front. It was so soft I nuzzled my face against it.

"It's so soft! Thank you Molly!" I beamed at her. She glowed with pride.

I sat back quietly as I watched the rest open their gifts. It was nice feeling like I had a family. Even if it was only for this one day.

Gabby sat open mouthed. She pulled intricate wrapping off a long small box. She pulled out a silver chain with an emerald and black diamond Slytherin charm hanging daintily. In my months of knowing Gabby this was the first time I had seen her rendered speechless. Jason fidgeted nervously next to her.
She threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you!" He hugged her back relieved she liked the gift.

Harry gasped. "Where could this have come from?" He gingerly lifted a small picture frame from plain brown paper.

"What's it?" Ron asked with a mouth full of fudge.

Harry turned the picture around for us all to see. It was the one Severus had had in his room. I snuck a glance at him. He was sitting stiff as a board in the chair next to me.

"I haven't seen that in fifteen years." The one I learned is named Remus said. "It was in your parents house. It used to sit on the mantel above the fire place. Before....." He trailed off.

A tear slid down Harry's cheek. He hugged the picture tight. "Thank you. Whoever sent it." He didn't let go of that picture the rest of morning.

The twins sifted through the book of pranks I had bought them. Already planning which one to do first. Poor Flitch is going to hate me even more than he already hates everyone.

I smiled as I watched everyone. Gabby and Jason flirting. Harry staring down at parents he never got to know. It was the kind of peace I wished for in my life.