Vulnerability || George Weasley

The Yule Ball

She barely slept that night; she could hear the patter of the house-elves feet as they came in and out of the dormitory to place the presents at the bottom of their beds. She tossed and turned in her sleep, her dreams were clouded by distorted flashes of green light and distant screams and jeering laughter. Phoenix couldn't get it out of her head; she had had post-traumatic stress disorder when she was only three years old. And she couldn't remember any of it.

The letter that her own father had written was edged into her head, it was the horrible proof that her father really had suggested getting her memory modified – that he had made the decision. She knew it was her father because it was in his familiar handwriting and Phoenix knew for a fact that her father always photocopied his letters. It was solid proof that he was the reason Phoenix could not remember a single memory of her own mother.

To say that she felt betrayed was an understatement. The pain of the betrayal from her father was the worst pain in the world. It went beyond physical pain, even further beyond emotional pain. It was nothing compared to being betrayed by the man she had always looked up to, admired and loved, no matter what.

"It's Christmas!" Alicia sang happily after Phoenix woken up groggily, wishing she could spend the rest of the day in bed. Her curtains were being pulled apart by Alicia, who was now singing 'Joy to the World' in a very loud, very obnoxious voice.

Phoenix had been given a large box of chocolates from Will and Ed; Alicia, a fancy looking makeup set (which Phoenix didn't doubt she would need for the ball tonight); Angelina, a bottle of perfume that smelt of pure vanilla (Phoenix's most favourite smell); Mrs. Weasley, a hand-knitted jumper with a multi-coloured flower on it; Ginny, a handmade friendship bracelet; Tonks, a peculiar looking (though altogether rather beautiful) necklace that glowed different colours; her father and Cecilia, a copy of her father's new book (she scowled at this present and threw it aside) and several homemade treats; and from Anastasia and Felipe she was given a personalised charm bracelet and a reply to Phoenix's letter.

Dear Phoenix,
Merry Christmas! I hope you like our present; we chose all the things we know you like for the charms! My appointment went well. The baby is going to be due around late July, it is too early to tell the sex yet, but Felipe thinks it's a boy – I'm hoping for a girl personally! Mum wasn't happy about it first in all honesty, but I think now she loves the idea of being a grandmother. My job is doing fine; maternity leave begins around March/April time.

Everybody is doing fine – Felipe and I are in Italy to celebrate Christmas with his family.

Christmas wishes!
With love, from Anastasia and bump!

"We should wake up Fred, George, and Lee," Angelina suggested, a wicked grin upon her face before they raced up the stairs to the boy's dormitories, already dressed and carrying the presents they were going to give to the boys once they woke up – or rather woken up.

"I'll wake up Fred," Angelina said in a hushed voice. They were stood in front of the door to the sixth year boy's dormitory.

"I'm not waking up Lee," Phoenix and Alicia both said together.

"I did it last year!" Alicia said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"But... I... alright, okay,"

They silently opened the door to the boy's dormitory. Tony and Kenneth seemed to have already left, their beds were empty. Trying their hardest not to laugh, they all tiptoed round to the three beds where Fred, George, and Lee were all sleeping. Lee was a rather peculiar sleeper. He was spread eagled out on his back, his feet poking out from under his blankets. He was snoring so loudly that Phoenix was surprised that Lee had not woken himself or the twins up.