Twelve Drabbles of Christmas

THE TWELVE DRABBLES OF CHRISTMAS

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#1 EVERGREEN SWAG

Hermione stood beneath the evergreen swag, her hand pressed to her tingling lips as she watched Viktor disappear into the swirling snow outside.

"Vhat is wrong Her-me-ninny?" Viktor asked when he had finally caught up with her.

"Nothing really." Her emotions were still stinging from her argument with Ron. "I just had a tiff with Ron that's all. It's nothing."

"He haf no idea how to treat a beautiful voman." Viktor looked at Ron with disdain. "Vimin are to be respected... appreciated."

He gently tipped her face up to meet his, pressing his lips to hers. Her first real kiss.

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#2 STEAMING HOT CHOCOLATE

He sat in the Three Broomsticks, watching Lily sip steaming hot chocolate. She hadn't spoken to him yet this school year. No doubt she was still mad at him for the 'O.W.L. incident' last year. The whole thing hadn't been his fault. If he could just get her to talk to him, he would be able to make her see that. With a heavy sigh, he got up to leave, pausing at the bar.

"Madam Rosmerta, could you please send another hot chocolate over there?" he asked, handing some coins to the barmaid.

"Anything to help young love," Rosmerta answered.

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#3 PERFECT GIFT

Neville sat in the quiet compartment on the Hogwarts Express with Luna. Their comfortable conversation had tapered off. He was staring out the window when Luna interrupted his thoughts.

"I almost forgot your gift!" Luna dug in her bag, pulling out a package.

Neville was embarrassed; he hadn't thought to get anything for her. With his round cheeks flaming, he opened it. "What is it?"

"It's a Friend Finder." Noting the confused look on his face, she explained brightly, "It points out your true friends, that way you can easily identify them."

Neville grinned. It was pointing right at Luna.

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#4 MITTENS

Severus woke late on Christmas morning. There wasn't enough money for the train fare to go home for Christmas this year so he decided to make the most of his holiday by studying. Pulling his school robes on over his nightshirt, he was surprised to discover two gifts at the foot of his bed. One was from his mother--a hand-knit, hunter-green jumper. The other box contained a pair of green and gray mittens. The card read:

Dear Severus,

I know you can't hold my hand in public, but hopefully this will be close enough. Happy Christmas.

Love,

Lily

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#5 HOLIDAY SOCKS

As per their long-standing tradition, Albus and Minerva sat near the Christmas tree in the sitting area of her room. Every Christmas Eve for the last thirty-some years, they had opened their gifts to each other in private.

"I hope you like it." The old man grinned.

"I'm sure I will," Minerva answered, smiling warmly.

"On the count of three," Albus said, his blue eyes twinkling. "One... Two.... Three..."

The pair tore off the wrapping paper with the same enthusiasm of children on Christmas morning. With an outburst of laughter, they each held up a pair of holiday socks.

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#6 SNOWBALL FIGHT

It was a spectacular snowball fight. The twins and Ginny against Bill, Ron and Harry. The teams were firing frosty missiles at each other with great accuracy. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Ginny trying to make her way behind them. With a shout, he hurled a snowball at her. She turned only to have the snowball hit her full in the face.

"Sorry!" he called, rushing to her side, as she rubbed at her snowy face.

"Don't be; it was a good hit," Ginny replied, laughing.

Harry noticed her brothers watching them. What would they think?

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#7 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Under Professor Flitwick's supervision, the prefects helped decorate the Great Hall for Christmas.Hermione wordlessly hung a cluster of Christmas ornaments on an evergreen garland. She stepped back to admire her handiwork.

"Practicing nonverbal spells, Miss Granger?" a familiar voice sneered behind her.

Her eyes rested on the scowling face reflected on the shiny silver surface. Professor Snape's face was distorted, making his nose look even larger than normal. Yet there was something about him that she found vaguely attractive.

"Practice makes perfect, sir," she answered, hoping not to sound impertinent.

As she walked away, he thought, You are already perfect.

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#8 GIFT WRAP

Fred and George wandered into the village Their Christmas shopping was finished, but George had insisted making this final trip They stepped into the paper shop.

"I don't see why you... " Fred trailed off at the sight of a pretty Muggle girl at the front counter. "Now it all makes sense. Going to get her name this time?"

George ignored him, making his way over to the girl.

"May I help you?"

"I would like some gift wrap and... your name," George said.

The girl smiled. "Gift wrap I can give you now. My name you can have over coffee."

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#9 SNOW ANGELS

The first snow fall of winter was always cause for much celebration--except for Severus. He hated snow; it brought back memories of being chased by bewitched snowballs. As he took a walk around the lake, he spied someone lying on the ground and hurried to investigate. It was one of the seventh year Potions students.

"Miss Hawkins, are you hurt?"

Callista scrambled to her feet. "No, sir--"

"What are you doing?"

"I was just making snow angels," she explained, blushing. "Do you believe in angels, sir?"

Severus looked at her rosy face and sparkling eyes. "I do now, Miss Hawkins."

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#10 MEMORIES

Remus tossed restlessly in his sleep. Since Sirius's death he felt more alone now than at any time in his life. Memories of the last Christmas with his friend haunted him in his dreams.

"Remus?" A voice whispered in his mind; it was Sirius. "I know the last few months have been terrible for you, mate."

"You're gone, I'm alone."

"You don't have to be. Tonks is there; she's in love with you."

"But you--"

"Let me go, Remus, just let me go." Sirius faded away.

Remus sat up, pressing his hands to his eyes. "I don't think I can."

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#11 MISTLETOE

This was so very wrong; he was so much older than she. She deserved someone her own age: someone young and vital, not an old-timer like him. Yet he couldn't deny the fact that she made him feel so very young. Just being near her made the years fade away like magic. She was so bright... so brave... so lovely...

Soundlessly he joined her under the mistletoe as they listened to the joyful sounds of carolers singing in the Great Hall. His heart warmed as she rested her head against him. Errol and Hedwig gently touched beaks, enjoying the peace.

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#12 CHAMPAGNE TOAST

It was nearly midnight, as Bill and Fleur stretched out in front of the fire on New Year's Eve, wrapped in each others' arms.

"I theenk your muzzer does not like me, Bill," Fleur mumbled against his chest.

Bill stroked her silvery hair. "Don't worry, they will all come around as soon as we are married. Just give them some time."

"Zee only good thing about this Chreestmas was that I spent it weeth you," she sighed, pouring two glasses for their champagne toast.

As the clock stuck midnight, Bill kissed his bride-to-be. "To our future."

"Yes, to our future."

A/N: So which was your favorite drabble? Reviews are the best gift you can give me. Hint, hint.

Romancing the Wizard can be found at http://community.livejournal.com/romancingwizard/.