Serena had a wonderful Christmas with the Acker family. They welcomed her with open arms as they usually do. Her parents had written her and wished her a Happy Christmas and sent her a present via one of the ministry’s owls. It was placed in a misshapen box. She quickly snatched the letter from the owl.
My Dearest Serena,
I’m sorry we could not spend the holidays with you. Your father and I miss you terribly. We wish we could tell you more about what goes on in our lives, but our jobs strictly prohibit it. We do love you, sweetie. I really hope you like our gift. We saw it a few weeks ago and thought it was the perfect Christmas present. We’ll see you soon. Happy Christmas.
Love,
Mom and Dad
Serena opened her box and saw that her parents had gotten her a Tutshill Tornados jersey and two tickets to one of their games in June. She was thrilled and tried to remember to write a thank you note back to them later.
Maggie had gotten her a case for her Nimbus 2001.
“It’s not much, but I thought you could use it. Seeing as your brooms are shoved into your lockers…but this has a lock on it, and it keeps the bristles in tact.”
“Thank you so much, Mags,” said Serena. “I love it.”
Olivia had sent her a card and got her a new notebook with Jacob Beckerman on it. The cover showed him flying around in his Tutshill Tornados uniform. Serena picked up the note.
Serena,
I know you’re probably laughing at my gift, but I couldn’t help myself. I saw it and I thought of you. You don’t have to use it, but I figured you might need a new one since you’re always scribbling in that old gray one. I hope you and Maggie are having a wonderful holiday. See you in a few weeks!
Olivia
P.S. My brothers still fancy you.
Serena smiled. Olivia had two younger twin brothers who were seven years old. The last time Serena visited Olivia at her house, her brothers followed them around all day and kept fighting over Serena. She told them that if they were a little older then they’d be allowed to ask her out. Selena giggled at the memory.
Her last gift was from Jade. She took a deep breath before she opened the card, because who knows what that girl would end up getting her.
Serena,
I’m sorry if you hate me for getting you this, but honestly I have to. If you’re going to be sneaking off with Wood, then those granny panties of yours are no longer acceptable. Trust me, I’m doing you a favor as your best friend. Also, don’t try to return it, I told the Witch who works there to not accept it if you try to. Cheers!
Jade
“Oh my god,” whispered Serena as she put down the card. She opened the box and pulled out…dental floss? Nope, it was lingerie. Bright, red lingerie that barely had any fabric to it.
“What the hell is that?” laughed Maggie. “Oh my god!”
“It’s from Jade,” said Serena. “I’m going to kill her.”
“That girl is seriously boy crazy,” said Maggie. “I don’t even want to know what she got me.”
Serena and Maggie spent the day with her family. The cozied up by the fire, drank hot butterbeer and told stories. It was times like this when Serena wished that her parents spent more time with her. She knew that their jobs were important, but just a simple family dinner without an argument would be nice.
For dinner, Maggie’s mom cooked a brilliant feast and all of Maggie’s relatives came over. Serena had a wonderful time and wished that Christmas would never end.
After desert, Serena was stuffed and waddled into the living room with the rest of the family and watched them exchange gifts.
“Sorry if we’re boring,” said Maggie as she ripped open her third gift from her grandmother. “When we’re done here we can go up into my room.”
“Oh no, I’m having a great time,” said Serena with a smile. She figured that she would go ahead and write her thank you notes while Maggie finished up with her family.
She walked into Maggie’s room. It was smaller than her own, but it was cozy and the perfect place for Maggie. She walked over to her desk and pulled out some scraps of parchment and a quill and some ink. She began writing to her parents when she heard a tap at the window. She looked over and saw a small tawny owl was trying to get in. She walked over to the window and let the bird fly around the room before dropping the letter into her lap.
“I don’t recognize you,” said Serena as she stroked the bird’s head. She opened the letter that was addressed to her.
Serena,
Sorry for the terrible handwriting. I’m here in Egypt and I was learning about some ancient queens and I thought of you. Their beauty was hypnotizing, but they were nowhere as beautiful as you. I keep seeing you everywhere, so I’m constantly thinking about you. I hope Maggie’s family is treating you well. I miss you and I can’t wait to see you in a couple of weeks. Please write back if you can. Happy Christmas!
Love,
Oliver
Serena smiled and felt butterflies in her stomach. No one had ever written her a letter like this before. When she was dating Terence, he never told her that he missed her and that she was beautiful. Oliver was different. He treated her right and it made her so much more excited to head back to school. She wanted to see him again so bad.
She gave Oliver’s owl a treat and ran back to the desk. She moved aside the letter to her parents and immediately started writing her letter to Oliver.
Dear Oliver,
I don’t think your handwriting is terrible. It’s much better than most boys’ handwriting in my opinion. How is Egypt? It must be amazing! Your poor owl has definitely come a long way, but no worries; I gave him food and water. I know you’ve been away from me too long if you think I’m as beautiful as ancient queens. There’s absolutely no way I’m prettier. Maggie’s family is well and it’s fun. I only wish that my own parents had time for me. I really do miss them sometimes. I wish they could take me on holidays like yours do. You’re very lucky. I miss you too, and I also can’t wait to return to school. I hope this letter finds you soon. Happy Christmas!
Love,
Serena
Serena let Oliver’s owl rest for a couple of days before she sent him on his way. He had a long journey and she wanted to make sure that he was well rested. She had also finished up her other thank you notes and sent them as well.
Maggie and Serena had spent the rest of the holidays messing with their new presents and spending time with Maggie’s parents. By the time the end of the holidays rolled around, Serena was definitely ready to go back to school.
Maggie’s parents woke them up early on January third. They quickly got dressed, packed the rest of their trunks and took a portkey to Kings Cross Station. Serena was excited to see Oliver.
“Thank you for having me,” said Serena to Maggie’s parents, as they were about to get on the train.
“Oh, anytime love!” said Mrs. Hawthorne. “You’re absolutely welcome any time you like!”
Maggie and Serena boarded the train after saying their good-byes and found Olivia and Jade in a compartment near the back.
“Ugh, break was not long enough,” complaining Maggie as she took her seat. The train left the station and they were headed back to Hogwarts. Jade, Olivia and Maggie began talking about their parents and the marvelous gifts that they had gotten for Christmas. Serena stared out the window and began thinking about Oliver. She wanted to ask him all about his trip to Egypt and hug him. She thought about going to find him, but she’d have to think of an excuse to leave her friends.
“Serena? Did you hear me?”
Serena turned and saw that Jade had asked her a question.
“What? Sorry,” she said.
“I said, you’d better get some use out of my gift now that we’re back at school.”
Maggie and Olivia giggled. Serena just smiled.
“So, where is Wood?” asked Olivia.
“I assume somewhere on the train,” said Serena.
“Aren’t you going to go look for him?” asked Maggie.
“Well – I mean – I thought about it…but, what if he’s with his friends and he doesn’t want to see me…”
“Trust me,” said Jade. “He wants to see you.”
“Just go find him,” said Olivia. “As a matter of fact, I’ll come with you. I need to find Miles.”
Serena and Olivia stepped out of their compartment and headed in opposite directions. Serena had looked up and down the train and couldn’t find him. She was about to give up when she turned around and ran right into Oliver.
“Oh, sorry!” exclaimed Serena as she looked up at him. He smiled at her.
“I was wondering where you were,” he said. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Serena smiled at him. “How was Egypt?”
“It was amazing,” he said. “You want to come to my compartment? I’ve got pictures I can show you.”
Serena nodded as he led her to a compartment a little ways down. Oliver slid the compartment door open and Fred and George were sitting there making small explosions with their wands.
“Hello, Carrow,” said Fred.
“Lovely to see you,” said George.
“Since when are you two friendly to me?” she asked.
“Since you put Wood here under your spell,” said Fred. “Can’t stop talking about you, can he, George?”
“We caught him talking to a Peppermint Toad,” said George. “Telling it how it’s green skin resembled your eyes –
“Alright, alright!” said Oliver cutting him off. “Can we have a moment, please?”
“Alright, there Ollie-boy. No need to get your knickers into a twist,” said Fred as they stood up and walked out of the compartment.
“They’re lying,” said Oliver. “I don’t talk to candy…”
“It’s okay,” said Serena laughing. She wondered how she could have ever hated the twins. They were quite funny.
Oliver had showed her pictures of his trip and she was fascinated. He told her that he’d like to take her one day. Their talking shortly turned into snogging. Fred and George hadn’t returned until they arrived at school. Oliver said good-bye to Serena as she walked back to her compartment.
“I’ll see you later,” she said with a smile. She gathered her things and headed back towards the one place she loved more than life itself. “It’s so good to be back,” she whispered as she headed toward the carriages.