My Damned Lover: Third Year

Chapter 23

It was already Christmas. 

Most of the student population was gone for winter break, but Seraphina, Ron, Harry, and Hermione decided to stay behind to celebrate the holidays together. 

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" Ron bellowed as he dove onto the couch. 

The common room was empty, and they were able to have the entire place to themselves. 

Seraphina and Hermione laughed and walked towards the fireplace with linked arms. 

"Shove over, Ron," Seraphina said. "Yeah, stop hogging the couch," Hermione said. 

Harry smiled as he sat on the armchair. 

Seraphina looked out the window and smiled happily. It was a white Christmas, and snow was heavily falling outside. She glanced at the glittering Christmas tree, and her heart tingled with joy. Her friends' jolly laughter made her grin even wider, and she thanked the heavens for this blessed moment. 

"Did everybody wear their ugly Christmas sweaters?" Ron looked around to check if everyone was following their annual Christmas tradition. 

"Check," they chimed and burst into laughter. 

"It's time for presents," Hermione said as she went to get the presents from under the tree. The sound of gift wrapping tearing filled the air, and soon, sounds of amazement echoed throughout the room.

 "I can't believe you got me this!" 

"Wow, thanks, Harry!" 

"Seraphina, you seriously top Christmas gifts!" Ron grinned at her as he held up the leather bag. Seraphina gave him a wink with a grin. 

"I love my gift, too. Thanks, Seraphina." Hermione beamed as she clasped the Tiffany necklace around her neck. 

"Anything for my best friend," Seraphina cooed and squeezed her tightly. She looked at Harry and chuckled at the expression of awe on his face. "How do you like your gift, Harry?" 

He grinned gratefully at her and held up his new firebolt supreme. "I love it. Thank you so much." 

"Don't mention it," Seraphina said with a wave of her hand.

"Now I feel bad for getting you a lame gift," Ron said sheepishly. 

"What are you talking about, Ron? I love this." She held up the pink scarf he bought for her and immediately wrapped it around her neck to show her point. "And best of all..." Seraphina held up the colorful sweater with an S in the front. "I love your mom, Ron. You're lucky to have her." 

"I can't believe you actually like her sweaters," Ron groaned. "And why don't you actually wear them to our Christmas party?" 

"Because this isn't an ugly sweater," Seraphina pointed out and happily hugged Mrs. Weasely's gift. "It's a lovely treasure." 

Ron gave her an appreciative smile and checked out his own homemade Christmas sweater. 

A loud squawk by the window made them look up. Their owls had brought more gifts, and Harry opened the window to let them in. 

Seraphina gave Pigmy a pat on the head before opening the letter from her dad.

Merry Christmas, sweetheart.

I'm really sad you didn't come home for Christmas this year, but I know you're having a good time with your magical friends, so I won't complain. I'll be spending this day with Hermione's parents. We decided to go golfing in celebration of you two not being here. Don't forget you're the apple of my eye. I love you. Happy Christmas.