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Don't Touch
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 11-20-07 12:19
"Molly Grace Rose Valentine, if you try prying into gifts you know aren't yours one more time I'm taking away the gifts that are yours."
The four year old's lower lip trembles. "Pwease, Mummy?"
"No, those are not yours. You've already sat in the corner once; don't make me punish you again."
"But Mummy..."
"Grace," Briar's voice is full of warning.
"Not even Daddy's?"
"Not even Daddy's. Why would you want to get into that one anyway? You know what it is. You picked it out, remember?"
"I wemember."
Grace's lower lip is still on the trembly side so Briar asks, "Why do you want to peek inside Daddy's gift?"
Grace holds out a picture. "Me made vis for him. Gewwy an' me at Bwossem's."
"Oh, so you're wanting to add it to the box? Would you maybe like to put it in its own box?"
Grace's head bobs up and down and she does a little half jump. "Den Daddy will have two fwom me!"
Briar goes and locates a box and let's Grace pick out the paper to wrap the new gift in, wondering how it is that a child who spoke so clearly and distinctly early on is now speaking less clearly. Maybe it's from being around other children when at Blossom's. Briar makes a mental note to ask Grace's pediatric healer about it.
A few minutes later Grace is done with the new gift, needing Briar's help but not wanting to admit it. Briar has her put the new gift under the tree then says, "Let's finish getting you ready to go."
It doesn't take long to get Grace into the pretty little red and green Christmas robes with lacy white collar. Grace admires herself in the mirror. "Me look pwetty!"
"Yes, you look very pretty. Now, let's get bundled up." As Briar grabs her own coat to don she instructs, "Grace, take this gift for Dexter and this one for Charlotte from you. I'll get the others."
It's not long before Grace and Briar are walking to the flats above Twice Told Tales. It's from there that they'll be Flooing to Julian's parents' for a Christmas brunch. Grace skips along, singing to herself some made up song to a Christmas carol tune. Briar can't help but smile then feels a twinge at wanting another child. Shoving the feeling down, Briar doesn't want to think about that, besides, it's not as though she's got anything more than the occassional date in her life at the moment.
Reaching the landing on the outside stairs at the shop, Briar pushes the door open as Grace brightly calls out, "Happy Chwistmas!"
Bundle Of Something
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 11-20-07 17:04
The rapping on the door won't stop and short of throwing up a muffling charm Lucius can't block it out. What's worse is the whiny note to the chit's voice.
Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock... all accompanied by variations on the same theme.
Lucius, don't you want to exchange gifts before everyone else gets here?
Lucius, I have a Christmas present for you.
Lucius, are you wanting to give me my gift when everyone's here to see?
Lucius, you did get me a gift didn't you? I have a really special one for you!
Lucius picks up a file from the table beside him, using his thumb to fan through it as he sips brandy. Hampstead Thorne has earned his fee, and given what a hefty fee it was that's saying a great deal. Lucius has plenty of evidence now to divorce Cecily in a very aboveboard manner. Even with the way the new Ministery policies would seem to favor someone like Lucius, with Cecily having made sure the entire world knew of their marriage and everyone's eyes on Lucius, the former Voldemort supporter, if Cecily were to die then no matter the manner of her death, too many would wonder if Lucius had a role in it.
Minister Smythe-Jones would not be pleased and the last thing Lucius wants is to draw that sort of negative attention. It's not as though he's concealed behind one of his many disguises and it's not as though the Minister could easily explain away the murder of a young wife when there's no motive beyond Lucius made a mistake in marrying the girl. Unlike others who've gained pardons, such a death can't be explained away as a man under the Imperius curse or some other controlling curse.
Lucius takes another sip of brandy then gets up and locks the file away in a desk drawer. Cold hearted he might be but for some reason Lucius can't find it in himself to be so callous as to dump the impending divorce on Cecily on Christmas Day. Returning to his chair by the fire, Lucius continues to ignore the rapping on the door until something new is added to Cecily's running dialogue.
"Draco's just arrived, Lucius. You should come say hello."
Lucius sets the brandy snifter aside and strides across the room, throwing open the French doors. "Draco! You're earlier than I thought you'd be."
"I didn't see the reason for waiting to come," Draco says, embracing his father. "Where's the main tree this year? I've got gifts to put under it."
"In the sitting room overlooking the garden," Cecily replies. "I'm so excited you're here, Draco. I was going to give Lucius a special present with just us but it affects you too so it's wonderful you're here for it."
Draco looks to Lucius who shrugs. They walk ahead of a House Elf hidden behind the mound of gifts Draco brought. Cecily's practically skipped ahead and has a small package in hand when Lucius and Draco enter the sitting room. The House Elf scurries in behind, depositing the presents then leaves without any of them noticing.
Cecily drags Lucius to one chair and pushes him into it while telling Draco, "Sit, sit."
Cecily hands Lucius the box wrapped in silver with a dark green ribbon as she happily points out, "I used Slytherin colors for you."
Lucius can't imagine what Cecily got him that she's obviously so bloody excited about. Ripping off the paper Lucius lifts the small lid to find, much to his confusion, a pair of crocheted baby booties in green with silvery threads shot through the green. Lifting them out of the box he holds them up for Draco to see and says to Cecily, "I don't understand the gift."
Cecily smiles brightly. "Remember in October when you got home really late and you were tipsy?"
"Erm... no."
"Maybe you were more than tipsy," Cecily smiles even more brightly. "I helped you to bed and ended up staying."
Lucius's face drains of color. He has no memory of being intimate with Cecily since the summer. He'd been so careful. How could another night with her have happened?
Cecily points with one hand to the booties Lucius still holds and with the other pats her stomach. "Our bundle of joy arrives in mid-July. "
Christmas Day in Manchester
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 11-20-07 18:15
Bronwyn had spent the morning at her parents' house exchanging gifts and doing all the other things they normally did on Christmas Day. Toby came by early on to celebrate with them, particularly since he was part of the family now. Tensions were still a little on edge between the Dewhursts and their new son-in-law, but they'd always been fond of him and knew he was the right person for their daughter. They'd only wished that the two hadn't jumped into marriage or that they'd at least invited them to the wedding.
Towards midmorning, Bronwyn and Toby flooed to the Beck household in Manchester. The Becks were generally lazy to rise on holidays, even one as exciting as Christmas morning. They were only just coming downstairs, still in their PJs, when Bronwyn and Toby came through the fireplace. Lawrence Masterson, Ariella's beau, had apparently arrived only moments earlier.
Bronwyn exchanged greetings with her former Hufflepuff housemate and her in-laws before sitting down on the sofa in the living room. Toby sat next to her and draped his arm around her shoulders.
It wasn't long before gifts were passesd out. Alanna sat on the floor at the base of the tree and called out names each time she grabbed a package from beneath it. She passed it down the line, waiting until it reached the correct recipient before reaching for the next present under the tree.
Bronwyn and Toby were given a gift together. It came in a slender envelope and bore Lawrence's name on it below theirs. Toby let Bronwyn do the honors. She used one of her recently manicured nails to break the seal and removed the contents of the envelope. Instantly, the eyes of both Bronwyn and Toby went wide.
"A Caribbean cruise?!" Bronwyn shrieked.
"It's too much, really," Toby told Lawrence, but Lawrence wouldn't hear it.
"It's not, trust me," Lawrence replied, smiling. "Just enjoy it."
"Oh, we will!" Bronwyn exclaimed. She jumped off the sofa and threw her arms around Lawrence, nearly unsteating Ariella from his lap in the process. He laughed and patted her back.
Bronwyn jumped back into the seat next to Toby and threw her arms around him. "A cruise, Toby! A cruise!"
Christmas Cheer
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 11-20-07 19:31
Kissy sits slumped on her sofa, pulling her soft robe more tightly around her. She could light a fire but at the moment that seems like a huge task, requiring far too much energy to be expended. She'd not even gotten dressed to go down the hall earlier to deliver Evan Lancaster's Secret Santa gift. She'd thrown on her robe and shoved her feet in some tatty old slippers that are her favorites and shuffled down to give Evan the book on numerology by a Muggle author she'd found. While some of the concepts in it are identical to Wizarding ones, the author also has some unique theories and views. Kissy thinks Evan will find the book interesting and a nice addition to his collection.
Kissy hadn't stayed long, not wanting her out of sorts mood to affect the Lancasters who are not only celebrating Christmas but their son's first birthday as well. Kissy was able to beg off staying longer, using her pajama and robe clad body and her unkempt hair as an excuse to leave. Kissy did promise to put in an appearance later in the day for the birthday party. Scuttling back to her residence, Kissy's been holed up here every since, not speaking to anyone and definately not going down to breakfast in the Great Hall.
There's a flash of green and Kissy looks up startled as AJ steps out of the fireplace. "Are you all right?"
Kissy shrugs. "I guess." She shrugs again then asks, "If you're asking that question, I take it you know. How?"
"It was in this morning's paper. Have they tried to contact you?"
"No, not yet."
AJ walks to the sofa, bends over and takes Kissy by the hands. Giving her a tug he says, "Come on. Get dressed. You're coming to spend the day with my family."
"No, I'm not much company today."
AJ cocks his head to the side then says with a touch of humor, "Okay but when Yaxley comes knocking on your door to offer you a shoulder to cry on over your family being released from prison bright and early Christmas morning, I don't want you whining to me about it later."
Kissy narrows her eyes at AJ. "Do not even joke about that man that way. You're right though. He's probably dashing on the cologne right this second with thoughts of coming to cheer me up for Christmas. Give me two minutes and I'll be dressed."
Kissy does a quick change, telling AJ as they are about to Floo away that they're both to be back this afternoon for Alex's birthday party.
Christmas With a Family
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 11-21-07 13:28
Lawrence had arrived early Christmas morning, actually moments before Bronwyn and Toby. Ariella had been one of the first downstairs and soon they were all seated around the tree, Ariella in Lawrence's lap and his arms wrapped around her waist. Toby and Bronwyn on the sofa, Alanna down before the tree doing the honors of passing out the gifts, while the rest of the Becks were seated throughout the living room.
Lawrence couldn't help but laugh when Brownyn threw her arms around him. He tightened his grip on Ariella so she wouldn't go sprawling in Bronwyn's enthusiasm. He wouldn't allow them to refuse the gift, besides they need it. They weren't given a proper honeymoon and this would be perfect.
Alanna passed down the two boxes that were for Ariella from Lawrence, as if he hadn't spoiled her enough for Christmas, with the two tickets to Sydney. He waited patiently for her to open the boxes first was the necklace, then the bracelet. "For you to wear when we go to the Opera House on New Years Eve." He said, kissing her cheek as she marveled over the matching set of jewelry.
There was much more passed out as Tobias and Josefine opened their gift from Lawrence. He had seemingly spoiled every single member of the Beck family and had no qualms about doing such. They had welcomed him and were treating him like family when he didn't have one any longer. That would be one place he would be taking Ariella, to "meet" his parents at the cemetery. Morbid, perhaps, but it was important and he had a feeling she wouldn't mind it.
Eventually all the gifts were unwrapped and everyone was lounging contently. "Hmmm...I think it is time for breakfast. Or would that be lunch now?" He asked, still cuddling with Ariella not really looking forward to having to give this up again for several months because of the spring term at Hogwarts. He still had to at some point get his lesson plans completed for the start of the term.
Christmas Joy with Family
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 11-21-07 18:01
Bellatrix and Rodolphus had only just arrived outside Malfoy Manor when a loud cracking sound announced the arrival of Rodolphus’ brother, Rabastan. Bella rolled her eyes and then glared at her husband. “I wasn’t aware the invitation extended to…him,” she snapped.
“Never mind, never mind,” said Rodolphus hurriedly, grabbing her hand. “I’m sure Lucius won’t mind. Besides, perhaps Rabastan can amuse himself with Lucius’ new wife or something. Shall we go in?”
The warm air inside Malfoy Manor was welcome after the weather outside. The large fireplace that heated the foyer was crackling away merrily. Bellatrix ignored Rabastan and made her way past the foyer and into one of the reception rooms, immediately spotting Draco lounging against the mantle. It was hard to believe this man before her was once a snot nosed little child.
“Aunt Bellatrix,” Draco said, coming over and kissing her on the cheek. “And Uncle Rodolphus. Merry Christmas to you both, and to you, Rabastan.”
Bella took Draco’s arm and steered him towards the drinks table. “Where’s Lucius? And why the glances towards the study door? What exactly is going on?”
Draco tore his eyes from his father’s study door back to Bellatrix. “I’ll let him explain I think. Can I get you a sherry before dinner?”
“Yes, of course. He can’t hide forever you know, and besides, I’ve bought him a gift.” She took the sherry and sipped it, grimacing at the sweet taste on her tongue. “Where’s what’s her name – Cecily? I’m surprised she’s not lording it over the party,” she commented.
“I think you spoke to soon,” muttered Draco.
Into the room fluttered Lucius’ new wife. There was no other word for it, she was sickly and sweet and..and…just so not Lucius. She spotted Bellatrix and with a wave began to head their way.
“Merlin’s balls,” whispered Bellatrix, “can’t you get rid of her?”
“Darling Bellatrix!” the woman cooed. “So good to see you! Are those diamonds you’re wearing? How absolutely fabulous!”
Draco was standing slightly behind Cecily, and promptly made a face at Bellatrix over the woman’s shoulder. Ignoring her nephew, Bellatrix turned what Rodolphus would describe as a wintry smile on Cecily. “Of course they are, dear,” she said stiffly. “Did you really think I would wear anything less? Besides, diamonds and moonstones go so well with black. I believe Narcissa had a wonderful set of matching diamond cuffs and a necklace, but I can’t imagine they’d go well with your colouring. It would just simply wash you out.” She raised an eyebrow and swept her gaze down the woman from head to foot and then back up again, finishing off the insult with another smile designed to break glass.
There was a moment of silence, followed by Draco smirking once more over Cecily’s shoulder. Then he touched her arm and turned a dazzling smile on his step mother. “How about we get you another glass of wine and then you can compare jewelry with Aunt Bellatrix later?” What he said next was almost unintelligible, but still loud enough to hear. “Perhaps in your condition it might be better to avoid further aggravation?”
Bellatrix choked on her sherry. It must have been the sudden need to inhale sharply whilst also attempting to take a sip. “What?” she snapped, once she had drawn breath long enough not to start coughing again. “Draco! What did you just say?”
Bella stood there, stunned into silence, her mouth open like a fish. Rodolphus came over to her. “Whatever is the matter now?” he asked.
Without looking at him, Bellatrix handed him her glass. Her eyes were fixed on the suspiciously closed doors to Lucius’s study. “This is beyond belief,” she snapped. “Worse than marrying a blood traitor or a mudblood. This is…unacceptable!” With eyes blazing, she stalked over to the study doors, threw them open, and said, “Lucius, Christmas or not, I demand to know what is going on with that woman!”