Flames ( HP Fire Series #1)

11. Christmas

Aurora's p.o.v.

Weeks of classes passed and I felt contented spending time at Beauxbatons. I can't believe it, it's already almost Christmas! 

One thing I worry about is my grades. What if I wasn't top of the form? I'm pretty sure that the place belongs to Autumn. She was a genius at Potions, fairly outstanding at Charms although that doll didn't teach us anything, perfect at Occlumency though her ways were unique. And then you should see her at Dark Arts and DADA! She's just wickedly amazing. The only subject she isn't interested in is History of Magic but she has perfect memory! What can I do? What will my parents think? I tossed and turned in my sleep, worrying constantly when Rose woke us up.

"Hey! Wake up, sleepyheads! It's shopping day! And Christmas Eve!" Rose bounced on the balls of her feet while pulling us up. Gods, is it morning already?

"Five more minutes." Hazel groaned but I opened my eyes sleepily. Dark bags were formed under my eyes and Autumn approached me.

"Rough night?" She eyed me, visibly concerned. 

"Kinda yes." I replied. I was never the one to talk too much because of my shy nature. Nevertheless, I was slowly opening up to these girls. Somehow, their outgoing nature seemed to be slowly influencing me.

"Come on, Hazel! The floo to Diagon Alley won't be there forever!" Autumn whined, shaking Hazel like crazy. True, Madame Maxime had granted us permission to venture to Diagon Alley for Christmas shopping. It was an annually tradition, actually. Later this night, the school is going to have an early Christmas Eve dinner and a ball.

Grinning slightly, I dressed and combed my messy hair, thinking about the Christmas holidays. I simply can't wait to spend the holiday at Rose's house.

After a lot of shoving and shouting, we finally got downstairs to line up for the Floo Network. "Diagon Alley!" I shouted while stepping into the emerald flames. grates spun around me and I was getting really dizzy. Moments later, I was ejected out of the fireplace of Leaky Cauldron and landed with a bump.

"Sorry." I smiled apologetically to the amazed passers-by. One by one, the girls stepped out, not making an entrance as dramatic as mine. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!" We spreaded out to buy our respective presents. I wandered aimlessly, looking at the stores. Entering the Foggy Prophesier, I browsed for a gift for Rose. I knew that she was great at Divination.

"Anything I can do for you, dear?" An old lady came out from the back of the shop. "Erm, I'm looking for a Christmas present for my friend." I replied.

"What about this necklace? It lights up when death is near." She suggested. That's creepy. I spotted a quaint pendant near the corner. "What about this?" I asked her.

"Ah, this used to belong to the Trelawney family, only a true seer can learn to operate it. It gives you clearer glimpses of the future and aids you in making difficult choices. Speak your friend's full name out loud please. If it glows golden, then it is hers to keep."

I spoke as clearly as possible. "Rosalil Evans." The pendant remained its original look. Disappointed, I made a move to put it back when it glowed.

"Splendid! I've been waiting for its true owner for years! You can have that for free. Your friend must be really good." The old lady beamed and wrapped that up for me. Thanking her, I left the dark, musty shop, thankful to be in the sunlight again.

I then bought some candy and a silvery cat hair pin for Hazel. I also chose an enchanted necklace with a fire gem in the middle for Autumn. Fire gems were really rare but I managed to find it in a jewellery shop. Thinking about enchanting it later, I eyed my purchases happily while heading towards Fluorish and Blotts to buy a few books.