Charmed ; lashton

Second year : Ashton

Christmas break loomed around the corner and as far as Luke was concerned it couldn't come soon enough. In between lessons, study and quidditch practice he barely had time to see his friends and if it wasn't for the school bell waking him up he reckoned that he would sleep through breakfast but despite all this he wouldn't change it for the world. Each day he improved, magic growing stronger, coordination and balance a second nature. He was respected in Slytherin for his actions not for a name sake, which meant that Calum and Brook were both able to visit the dungeons without the risk of being hexed.

"You're still coming to mine for Boxing Day right?" Calum checked as he penned a light to his parents. They sat at an empty corridor by a window, house owls on the edge awaiting their task. "Yes. Can't wait" Luke pauses letting out a yawn, "it will be nice to have a break and focus on Christmas celebrations". "It will be nice to spend a whole day together, not just moments" Calum agreed. He missed his best friend. He was mega popular in his house and with plenty of other students but Luke was his confidant, the one who knew when he was struggling or knew when to say the right thing to crack a laugh. He was mischievous and far braver than any Gryffindor. Calum admires him for it. "Ehm yes" Luke grinned. He sealed the letter, handing it to his family owl who seemed half asleep now in the fading light. Calum finished sealing his, handing it to the far scary looking owl who's orange eyes glowed harshly in the candle light. "Come on before we get caught lingering near the owlets by finch, he nearly always come this way at this time" Luke exclaimed. "Gryffindor common room" Calum suggested. It was far closer than the Slytherin common room. "Sure".

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Soon Christmas swung around and Luke was certain he was combust with excitement. He had counted down the minutes, been ready since half eight Boxing Day morning to go to Calum's even though the family wasn't travelling over until eleven, staying for lunch and leaving Luke there for two whole days. Luke had his overnight bag packed, and currently was watching his family mooch around as if there wasn't an important place to be. "Mum" Luke found himself whining as she sat down for what he had counted was the fifth time. Liz huffed. "What now Luke" she still indulged her youngest. "It's just that. That" Luke began unsure what to say next. Words unformulated in his mind. "Look how about you busy yourself by reading a book or cleaning your room or even the kitchen so I can get ready" Liz replies, knowing exactly what Luke was feeling. Luke felt a little deflated. "It's only for another hour" Lizoffered him a consolidatory hug.

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Luke was never more excited to be in the car even with his two brothers who made teasing remarks. He wished it was legal for him to use magic. A hex would come in handy. His headphones were drowning out the worst of there teasing but they could only do so much, considering Jack would take the opportunity to steal a headphone, complain about the tune playing before flicking the headphone back, and now Ben was complaining that Jack was annoying him by doing so even thought it was Luke getting whacked in the face. Still Luke counted that it was only ten minutes or so before they arrived and he would be saved. Three more songs. Partly he wished they could have flooed here, quick and easy without the add drama however he did enjoy the muggle way of getting about. It made for a nice change.

The car rolled up the drive way to a stop. Luke opened the door, excited to be the first one out, tucking his phone and headphones away into a jacket pocket before picking up his night bag from the boot.

"Hi Joy" he heard his mums greeting to the other women. "Hello Liz, so nice of you to join us" Joy replies giving a warm welcoming hug. "It was lovely to have the invite" Liz replies stepping through the door whilst Joy ushered everyone else in. "Calum's upstairs in his room" Joy informed Luke, who promptly hurried up taking them two at a time, before rushing down the hallway to Calums room, ignoring the chat and laughter that came from the landing below.