Flames ( HP Fire Series #1)

14. Christmas IV (Autumn's Secret)

Autumn's p.o.v.

"Gods, I was so embarrassed." I burrowed my head in my hands as my friends snickered.

"That was so romantic, Aut." Aurora snickered as we sat in a circle in our pajamas. 

"Since, you, Autumn Rivers unceremoniously ruined our perfect evening, we're going to have a Girls' Night today instead of getting ourselves drunk at the ball." Hazel looked at me pointedly.

"What? I was alarmed okay? He was my first kiss! How do you expect me to react? Snog him back? Engage him for a night surrounded by pillows?" I held up my hands in defense.

"He was...what? Your first kiss?! I can't believe it! You look just like a Greek Goddess! Don't tell me nobody has ever attempted to date you?" Rose spluttered.

"Well, the children at the orphanage say..." I clasped my mouth in alarm. Oh god, I slipped. I've never brought up my family before. Great, now they're going to ask questions and pity me or just leave me. Just great, I thought bitterly.

"You what? Okay, I can't bear the secrets any more. Spill. We're playing Truth or Dare." Rose ordered as I paled. Not that bloody game again!

"Autumn, the Veritaserum, please." Hazel reached out. How did she even know about it? I was just going to have some fun with it myself.

"Come on, faster." I reluctantly handed out the bottle and sighed.

"You sure about this?" I asked tentatively.

"Positive." They looked at me expectantly and I took a small gulp of my own creation.

"This is not some sort of bedtime story, okay? It pains me and I don't appreciate pity. Here goes. Wait, I think it'll be better if I show you. Take my hand."

Rose's p.o.v.

We held Autumn's hand tightly as she combusted into flames. Seconds later, we disappeared in a flash and landed outside a quaint looking cottage.

"Where are we?" Hazel inquired, shaking her head from her dizziness.

"This is a memory. Look." Autumn motioned us to continue forward.

"Autumn, baby, I've a feeling you're going to be special. I love you."  A cute baby wrapped up in fluffy silver blankets giggled at the gorgeous woman in front of her, cooing softly. 

"Chi...Chitmas"

"Yes, dear. Tomorrow's Christmas! We're gonna have fun, okay?" She laughed as her hair turned into a wide shade of colours out of excitement.

"Pa...pa!" She shouted as a tall lean man entered. He had the same shade of baby-blue eyes as baby Autumn but with a tinge of light grey. He had an olive complexion and well-built muscles lining his body, clearly shown through his pajamas.

"He plays Quidditch." Autumn told us quietly while we nodded.

"John! Our darling is a metamorphmagus!" Her mum squealed excitedly, handing baby Autumn to her dad. 

"Really? Baby, you're getting awesomer and awesomer each day!" He bounced baby Autumn up and down while her mum shook her head exasperately.

"John, that's not a proper word!"

"Awesomer!" Baby Autumn repeated, giggling and her dad bobbed her little nose.

"Daddy! Awesomer!" She shrieked and played with his golden brown hair.

"I know right, baby?!" He twirled baby Autumn and pulled her mum up on her feet. 

"Come on, John! Don't be an idiot!" She laughed but tickled baby Autumn all the same.