Christmas and Karaoke
Author: Diether Jameson
Date: 05-03-03 01:52

No one slept on the eve of Christmas. The Jameson family and their guests stayed up all night, having a very late dinner and waiting for the next day to come. He dreaded what was going to happen next after dinner. His family has this peculiar tradition ever since the gadget came out in the Muggle World. And he didn't want his friends to suffer the same experience he has been having since.

Everyone was busy chatting at the table. His parents were at both ends of the table. He and Mirai sat at his mother's right side. And the rest were scattered around. Of course, Kennard and Christina have to sit side by side. They had just finished their meal when the grandfather clock bell.

"Happy Christmas everybody!" everyone shouted all at once, then they jumped out from their seats and hugged everybody.

"Alright," his dad shouted so he could be heard above all the commotions. "Let's start the Jameson tradition. So come on, now, and let's head to the living room."

"Um, what is that tradition your dad's talking about, Red?" Margaritte asked as they headed out of the dining room.

"You wouldn't want to know, Marga," Mirai answered for him who sighed in resignation.

"It's fun. Don't worry about it," Raymond told Marga, to which Diether just groaned.

"Fine, fine. I'll just explain it to you four then," he said as they all settled themselves on the sofa while his dad was setting up some sort of equipment. "Each of us have to sing a song. The lyrics of the song will be flashed on the television," pointing to the tv. "Then, after everyone has sang, a votation will take place and whoever wins as the karaoke king or queen of the day gets a trophy and some surprise gift."

"We're going to sing?!" Christina asked, panicking.

"Yup," Mirai said. "We will."

"Are you all ready?" his dad asked excitedly.

"No!" the teenagers answered simultaneously. His brother Raymond and his mom just cracked up at this.

"Now, now, children. This is going to be fun," his dad said, grinning. "So, to start off... Raymond?"

"Uh, what?! Why me?" Mon said.

"So that our guests will know how to do it," his mom answered.

"Go, Mon!" the six friends cheered they all laughed at the blush creeping on his cheeks.

"So, Mai," he whispered to his girlfriend's ear. "What are you going to sing?"

"Wouldn't you like to know..." she answered slyly, as his brother started singing.

Exchanging Gifts
Author: Isolde
Date: 05-03-03 09:29

On Christmas morning, the Farnon and Bramble family huddled around the tree to open presents. Traditionally, Isolde's family took time in unwrapping gifts, and this Christmas was no different. Presents were opened one at a time so that everyone could watch an eager face light up with joy and thanks.

When it came Azaelia's time to open up a gift, Isolde pressed a neatly wrapped package into her hands. "Happy Christmas, Azaelia," she said softly. She felt tears well up in her eyes and mentally scolded herself. Slytherins do not cry!

Even Azaelia seemed solemn, though she did smile warmly at her cousin. "Thank you, Isolde," she said, and she carefully unwrapped the square box. Nestled within some pale pink tissue paper was a spun glass unicorns carousel with a pole in the middle and a canopy overhead. It was mostly clear with a little bit of pastel color here and there.

Azaelia's eyes widened and she gasped. "It's beautiful!"

"Remember that time in Care of Magical Creature's during our third year when Professor Grubbly-Plank taught the class about unicorns?" Isolde asked.

"Yes, I remember." Azaelia gently touched the dainty hooves of the unicorns and grinned as they started to prance around the pole.

"You told me you wanted a pet unicorn after our first lesson," Isolde said. "Do you remember?"

"Yes, I remember!" Azaelia exclaimed and she threw her arms around her cousin's neck. "Thank you, thank you."

"You're welcome!"

Gifts continued to pass from hand to hand one by one, until none remained beneath the Christmas tree. As everyone slowly wandered into the kitchen to grab some breakfast, Isolde's mind quickly wandered to Pyrrhus and Alexis. She missed both of them terribly, but Pyrrhus most of all.

She had sent off two express packages yesterday; one went en route to the Bahamas with a set of stone gargoyle bookends (that roar from time to time and will nip at your finger if you get too close), the other went to Hogwarts and was addressed to Alexis.

Inside the package were two Chinese lions made out of ivory, situated on wooden blocks. They looked way cooler than ordinary lions, Isolde had decided.

Isolde's thoughts soon went back to Azaelia where they stayed for the remainder of the day. Her time with Azaelia was running out, and Isolde truly wanted to make the most of it.

And So This Is Christmas?
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 05-03-03 20:42

For Michael (aka Igor Nastivitch) it couldn't have felt less like Christmas. He watches the fire, thinking of Sabina, Abelard and Helouise who were going to visit Michael and Abelard's parents in Greece this year. He also wonders how Blinkey is getting along with Dierna. IN fact Michael thinks about how he'd rather be ANY place than here in Russia for Christmas and will soon be teaching at Durmstrang. Maybe one of his students will succeed where he failed the one year he was there and blow the place up. It WOULD be such a shame if he gave a wrong ingredient by accident. Did he say cowslip?? He meant cow's TONGUE!!

Of course. It's just a pipe dream. Such a "slip" would be a dead giveaway. Most teachers at the school were there when Michael was a student at Durmstrang. They would remember the rebellious student who had accidentally caused several explosions on purpose.

Michael downs a strong drink, and gulps down one of his metamorphosis potions and heads out for a walk. As much as he hates being here, he isn't going to sit and sulk in a dark inn all day.

Christmas Delivery
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 05-03-03 21:31

I had spent the past few days in Dunsidhe and had decided to come to Hogsmeade to deliver my gifts to Harry, Sirius et al. I saddle Scaitchmore and load the saddlebags with the presents (made light by a simple charm).

We fly quickly over to Hogsmeade where I lead the large grey horse to the shed I'd converted into a stall, see he has food and a warm blanket. Once he is unsaddled, I take the gifts out of the saddlebags and carry them to the house.

I take Harry and Sirius' gift and a bottle of seaimpéin* and head through the secret tunnel. At Sirius' place I yell, "Nolaig Shona a cairde!* Presents!!"

* = champagne
*= Happy Christmas my friends!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 05-04-03 01:30

I woke up on Christmas morning with joy in my heart. I knew that downstairs gifts would be there for me and my parents and the fun would begin. Racing down the steps, my bathrobe flying behind, me I saw our tree. Dad had it decorated in the old German fashion that mom loved so much and I thought it was the most beautiful thing I ever saw.

I dropped to my knees and went looking at the packages then divided them into piles for who the packages were for. I then noticed a package that had shooting stars on it and they moved. I wondered who gave that to me and saw my parents had bought something for me from Diagon Alley. They must have done it when we first went there and kept it hidden from me just before I left.

I then heard footsteps behind me and turned to see me mum and dad behind me both grinning. "Merry Christmas Mum, Merry Christmas Dad," I greeted them and ran to give them each a hug and then the morning fun began.

What?! Sing?!
Author: Vincent Triegher
Date: 05-04-03 06:18

Raymond sang "Naked" by Goo Goo Dolls, as was indicated in the screen. Next were a duet by Mr. and Mrs. Jameson, which was "Flood" by Jars of Clay, although he does not know if it should really be a duet or what. Next was Margaritte. We have been browsing through the collection of songs that the Jamesons have since Diether has explained to them what was going to happen. They know most of the songs as they listen to Muggle songs back at their home. He was surprised at her choice. It was "Don't Speak" by No Doubt. She sang it with such feeling that he does not know to whom she was singing it to. It was his turn next. He felt nervous, jittery.

"Ahem," he said through the mic, earning hoots from his audience. "Um, I'm no singer, so please bear with my voice."

"No singer?! You mean, what was all those singing in the shower for?" Christina said, making him blush.

"Shut up!" making everyone laugh except him.

Mr. Jameson helped him get ready for his song. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, as he waited for his cue to start.

time is never time at all
you can never ever leave
without leaving a piece of youth
and our lives are forever changed
we will never be the same
the more you change the less you feel
believe, believe in me, believe
that life can change, that you're not stuck in vain
we're not the same, we're different tonight
tonight, so bright
tonight
and you know you're never sure
but you're sure you could be right
if you held yourself up to the light
and the embers never fade
in your city by the lake
the place where you were born
believe, believe in me, believe
in the resolute urgency of now
and if you believe there's not a chance tonight
tonight, so bright tonight
we'll crucify the insincere tonight
we'll make things right, we'll feel it all tonight
we'll find a way to offer up the night tonight
the indescribable moments of your life tonight
the impossible is possible tonight
believe in me as i believe in you, tonight

He didn't know what their reaction was while he sang. He barely heard their claps on certain parts of his song, whether they do it because he sucked or because he was good. But their applaud was indication enough that he did good after the last note. He grinned at them as he bowed, putting down the mic. He sat back next to Margaritte as Mr. Jameson asked who wanted to go next.

"I'd like to go now," Mirai answered, as she stood from her spot and whispered what song she was going to sing to Diether's dad.

OOC: The song is "Tonight, Tonight" by Smashing Pumpkins.

Christmas Chaos
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 05-04-03 09:28

Helena's first Christmas at the Burrow was more chaotic than she had ever expected. People were everywhere; the majority bearing fiery red hair that seemed far too bright en mass in the mornings. While she was settled in an armchair with a strong cup of coffee warming her hands, the younger family members were scattered on the floor, tearing through packages and sending wrapping paper and festive bows flying through the air.

Charlie approached after some time, sleepy-eyed and with tousled hair. He slid onto the floor next to Helena's feet and caught a package Fred threw his way. "What's this?"

"Your Christmas present, doofus!" Fred exclaimed, and then he busied himself with one of his own gifts.

Charlie unwrapped the box and found a set of dragon bookends.

"Careful with those, Charlie," George warned impishly. "They snort smoke from time to time."

George had a set of black rings around his eyes and Fred was laughing hysterically. "What? What's so funny, Fred?"

"Are you telling me my books are going to catch on fire, Fred?" Charlie asked, also laughing at George. Fred had given his twin a pair of omnioculars, which put the black rings around George's eyes.

While Ginny was playing with a metal wind chime of stars and moons, a surprisingly, genuinely prank-free gift from her jokester twin brothers, Molly and Arthur shuffled into the room and took their places on the love seat. Helena tapped on Charlie's head and asked him to bring over the two packages marked for her in-laws.

"Oh, Helena..." Molly said, when one of the boxes was set into her lap. "You really didn't have to."

"I wanted to, Molly," Helena said, smiling.

Molly's gift was an oriental ginger jar and Arthur's present, a good bit bigger, was a dome-topped rattan chest with a black metal frame. "It's for your collection of plugs and batteries," Helena exclaimed, grinning.

More laughter from the younger Weasleys drew the adults' attention to the floor. Ron had just opened a gift from his twin brothers, a brand new chess set in which the pieces refused to follow directions.

Helena laughed along with the rest of them, at the same time wondering if the next few days would be just as chaotic or more. Her wedding to Charlie was a mere few days away...

The Sweetest Gift
Author: Majandra
Date: 05-04-03 09:50

Majandra smiles as she opens the gift from Hermione. It's a beautiful calligraphy set nestled in a blue, pink, and green, floral, oriental silk covered rectangular box. Ron's gift of a book on calligraphy, which she'd opened just prior to this one, now seems that much more thoughtful.

Majandra sits back to watch some of her cousins opening their own gifts, bright papers flying everywhere and the air filled with squeals of delight. Her father pulls another gift from under the tree and with a jovial, "Ho ho ho, another one for Maj," hands her another rectangular package. Opening it, Majandra finds that Harry's given her a book on basketweaving and has included a certificate informing her that she will be receiving a catalogue from which to choose items needed to actually start making baskets.

It's not long before all gifts have been passed out and opened. All but one that is. Majandra still hasn't opened the one from George. It's small and she's thinking it might be jewelry but she's not sure she feels right accepting any jewelry from him when they aren't officially a couple anymore and in another week she's planning on telling him they shouldn't date again until she's done with school. Majandra isn't even sure she should have sent George the things she made for him, which include a quilted bedspread and a robe to wear at the shop embroidered with the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes logo.

Majandra carries the beautifully wrapped box around with her the rest of the morning. Finally deciding to open it, she walks down to a deserted stretch of beach where she can be alone. Sitting on the warm sand, an ocean breeze on her face, Majandra carefully unwraps the package to find a dark purple box obviously made to hold jewelry. Inside are matching necklace, bracelet and earrings set with black opals and a note from George,

Dearest Majandra,

One day when we were still only friends, you mentioned in passing how much you like black opals. I hope you like these that I apparated to Australia for and picked out then had put into settings I designed myself with you in mind.

Love,
George

Carefully placing the note back in the box, Majandra folds the wrapping paper and puts it and the box into one pocket then can think of nothing better to do than cry.

Deep Contemplation
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 05-04-03 10:17

Questions about his past, present and so very uncertain future still plagued Ethan's mind frequently, and at every moment those queries turned torrential, a fierce headache echoed through his brain so intensely hot that steam surely poured out of his ears. At first he wasn't sure why these need-to-know ponderances kept invading his mind at such an alarming rate. Sure, he had questioned himself on occasion before and after his transformation while at Hogwarts, but not to the same extent he had these past few days while at home with his parents.

And then it clicked.

His parents.

For some reason their presence caused Ethan to think far too much about his new self. They had known about this all along, had expected it and waited on the day their son would return a new man. But the question of why had remained. Who were these people? Not the same people he once knew.

But he didn't care about that.

Didn't he?

No.

He didn't.

"Ethan, is everything all right?" Maren asked, patting her son on the knee. He sat in an armchair, staring at the wall with a blank expression on his handsome face. When his blue eyes came into focus with his mother's dark brown eyes, he forced a smile onto his face and lied, "Everything is fine."

Whether Maren believed him or not, he couldn't tell. She patted his face and went into the kitchen to prepare Christmas brunch.

Ethan compelled himself to think about something else...surely Voldemort didn't appreciate him questioning every little thing anyway. He thought about Viktor and Dierna. He had sent them both Christmas gifts: a pocket watch for his Bulgarian friend and a beautiful bouquet of flowers for his former boss.

His brief glimpse into goodness disappeared as soon as his father entered the room. "Happy Christmas, Dad."

Ethan felt a mild headache coming on...

Christmas at Malfoy Manor
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 05-04-03 10:42

Lucius finishes affixing the silver serpent clasps to his robe and stands where the light catches them just right. "These are perfect, Narcissa, my dear. You even matched them to my walking stick!"

Before Narcissa can reply, Draco excitedly yells, "The Hand of Fortune! Bloody marvelous! Thanks, Mum and Dad!"

Narcissa bestows one of her cool smiles on her husband and son. She fingers the classically styled ruby and emerald necklace, one of Lucius's Christmas gifts to her then reaches for a large package. "Here, Draco. Your father and I hope you like these, especially since your father designed them."

Draco greedily snatches the present from his mother and rips it open. He finds a pair of gleaming black leather boots with hints of gleaming silver whenever the light hits them just so. "Ooooh, are these...?"

"Yes, dragonhide," Lucius fills in.

Lucius and Narcissa watch with pride as Draco puts on the boots then stands to take walk back and forth across the room. "Perfect. Fit so well I don't even feel like I've got anything on my feet!"

Glad of another roaringly successful gift, Lucius reaches under the tree to pass to Draco a package with a handmade chess set of famous Slytherins throughout history (with Draco as the black king) and Narcissa calls for refreshments. There are still many gifts left under the Malfoy tree and none of them plan to leave the room until they each have all theirs opened.

A Wonderful Christmas
Author: Chance Morgan Lovell
Date: 05-04-03 14:33

I woke early the next morning and jumped from my bed running down the stairs in my bathrobe. I run into the kitchen where I smell the wonderful aromas of baking bread, sausage and so many more things. I was so excited it was finally Christmas day I kissed both Mum and Dad on the cheek and grabbed their hands pulling them out of the kitchen. "Wait Chance, I have to turn off the stove and then we can go in there." Mum giggled happily.

Pulling Dad out to the living room where the tree is I sit him on the floor next to me and start handing out presents. Mum arrived just as I got to her present. Handing it to her I could hardly wait to have her open it and I asked her to open it now...Mum must have been happy because she burst into tears and hugged me when she saw the swan that I got her. I just hope Dad would like his present just as much, and it looks like he did. When he opened his present he smiled a huge smile. Oh I was so happy he liked his present...It just made my day.

Dad and Mum got me some books on magic, a new quill set and some parchment. They also got me a cute little cat figurine that looks just like my cat Mittens. Mum and dad even got a little something for Mittens...they got her some of those little cat treats she liked so well...they were supposed to taste like Parmesan cheese, but they sure did not smell like it.

The rest of the day was quite enjoyable even if my Aunt Aggie was there. I was not gonna let her spoil my day.