Liquid Luck [Sirius Black]/editing

chapter 31

It's that time of year again. The time for snow-covered grounds, warm beverages and thick sweaters. The two week Christmas break is upon us again, only this time the boys are I are spending our holidays separately. The train ride home is filled with the usual playful banter and long heartfelt goodbyes and in one swift apparition, I am reunited with my family at our beloved manor.

Sighing happily, I plop down beside Benjamin on the sofa. "I've barely seen you around school barring the occasional hello." I mock pout and bump my shoulder against his. "How's first year treating you?"

"Great! I can't believe how much I'm learning already." He says animatedly. "I've also made two real mates."

"That's amazing, Benja! Who are they?" I ask with a bright grin.

"Their names are Jesse and Logan. So, word around school is you're starting some kind of service?" He asks with a smile. "Everyone in my year has been talking about it, and you."

"Yeah! After break I'm starting a piggyback ride to class thing. Know of anyone interested?"

"Just everyone. Any chance to be with the popular girl and people are there." He winks. "Will I be getting any of these piggybacks to class?"

"Yes. If you pay me."

"I'm your brother."

"While I'm in work-mode, I have no brother." I say, shaking my hand at him dismissively. "This isn't personal, kid. It's business."

*

Christmas in my house starts at the wee hours of the morning, courtesy of good old Benjamin and Everliah Holland. I faintly feel my body being shaken awake by a pair of arms but I decide to ignore it. That is, until said arms push me off the bed and I come crashing down onto the hardwood floor. I groan, finally opening my bloodshot eyes. I stare blankly at my giddy siblings and say, "You're both wankers."

"Happy Christmas to you too!" Benjamin giggles.

"Wake up so we can open our presents, Chiara!" Everliah squeals.

At the sweet sound of the word presents, I shoot up and run out the door, slipping and sliding on the floor in the process. The two Ravenclaws rush to wake up our parents next and it isn't long before we're all gathered around our elaborately decorated tree.

"Why do you have the most?" Benjamin asks.

"I have more friends than you, bub." I bop him on the nose and he laughs.

After presents and a quick breakfast, we get ready for the extended Holland-Wilson family to come over for our annual Christmas party. This is the part of Christmas Day that I dread.

"Chiara darling, could you wear something blue?" Mum asks in a sickly sweet tone.

"I can, but why?" I ask confusedly.

"It'll be good for your grandfather to see you in Ravenclaw colours." She says.

"But I'm not a Ravenclaw." I remind her.

"Yes but you can still show pride. Just stop being a pain and listen to me for once in your life. Wear something blue. Off you go." She snaps, waving me off.