The 2009 Christmas Fan Fiction Challenge

This writing blog has been long neglected.  Most of the creative writing the girls have done lately is work on their novels, which they're not ready to unveil.

But, last year, Anne-with-an-e started her annual "Christmas Fan Fiction Challenge."  Her assignment this year?  Stories, with Harry Potter characters, on one of the following themes:

A retelling of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, or a story centering on "The Hope of Christmas."  Even Ramona participated this year (though she chose to incorporate her own rather than one of the prescribed themes) and I'm posting our results below.

Anne-with-an-e's 2009 Christmas Fan Fic

A Marauder Christmas Story
by Anne-with-an-e

Author's Note: I don't own anyone you recognize; they belong to J.K. Rowling. Also, this was originally going to be a song fic to Amy Grant's 'Grown-Up Christmas List', but the plot mutated somewhat, and I ended up with this, which I sort of like better. The piano thing was inspired by a scene from the movie version of  "Little Women."

Dedicated to all who need angels.


Remus Lupin walked down the snow-dusted street on Christmas Eve. The London shop windows were brightly light and Muggle cars rushed back and forth, no doubt hoping to beat the predicted snowfall. No one paid him any attention.

He passed a church. Through the window in the door, he could see people readying the building for the midnight Christmas service.

Remus continued on his way, leaving the center of London behind. When he reached his small house on the edge of the neighborhood, he took out his key, and went inside.

After hanging up his hat and cloak on the rack by the door, he went into the living room. He sat down at the piano, moving his fingers over the keys. God rest ye, merry gentlemen...... That one had been Lily's favorite; Sirius' also, though he sang it differently, with hippogriffs, rather than gentlemen.

Remus smiled slightly remembering how the piano had come into his possession. It had been the previous Christmas, when the Potters were alive. Christmas Eve had been two days after the full moon....

 ***********************

Lily Evans Potter ran around the living room of Remus' house, putting up decorations as James sat on the couch with five-month-old Harry.

"One wall wreath is enough, I think, Lils," James said, removing his finger from Harry's mouth to avoid being bitten by his son's one tooth.

"I like it," Lily said, stepping down from the small ladder and surveying the room.  There was greenery strung all around the room, a tall tree in one corner, and a large something against the wall, under the window. It was covered by red curtains, which had been conjured by Sirius.

"You've outdone yourself, Lily," said a voice from behind them. The Potters turned to see Sirius Black standing in the entrance to the living room, a bag in his hand.

"Do you want me to put those under the tree?" Lily asked him, indicating the bag.

"Sure," Sirius said, handing it to her.

"Where's Remus?" James asked.

"He knew we were coming tonight, right?" All of a sudden, Lily seemed worried.

" 'Course he did," Sirius replied, turning to look behind him. " But he didn't know we were decorating his house! He's coming now, I'll make sure he has his eyes closed."

After Sirius left the room, Lily vanished the step-ladder, and James, still holding Harry, stood up beside his wife.

From where they were standing, James and Lily could hear the voices of Remus and Sirius in the hall.

"What's this all about, Sirius?"

"You'll see."

The two entered the room, Sirius following Remus, covering his eyes from behind. Remus limped slightly, walking with crutches, because he'd hurt his leg the night of the full moon.

"Can I look now?" Remus asked, sounding somewhat exasperated.

"All right," Sirius said, "now!"

He moved his hands. Remus' jaw dropped.

"Happy Christmas, Remus!" They said in unison. Harry gurgled happily and chewed his finger.

Remus was stunned. "It's.... It's beautiful...."

James grinned. "You haven't even seen the best part!" he said. "Sirius, Lily?"

Lily and Sirius smiled widely and pulled the curtains off the large object.

Remus's breath caught in his throat. It was a piano, the most gorgeous piano he'd ever seen. The wood was a dark brown, almost black. The keys were a bright white and shiny pitch-black.

"It was going to be a birthday present," James said, "but we couldn't find one good enough."

Remus was completely speechless as he sat down at the beautiful instrument.

"Play something," Lily suggested.

Remus placed his fingers over the keys, playing the first thing that came to him. God rest ye, merry gentlemen, may nothing you dismay......

They all sang with the familiar song, Lily in a high, sweet voice, Sirius in a low voice, James and Remus lower than Lily, but not quite as low as Sirius. The music floating over the piano and into history.........

 ********************************

Suddenly, the memories were too strong. Remus lept up from the piano bench, hurried to the door, grabbed his hat and cloak, and ran out into the night.

He walked back the way he had come, not really paying attention to the buildings around him.

It was then that he realized he was in front of the church again. Not knowing what else to do, he went inside. The Church seemed to be waiting quietly for midnight.

Remus sat down in a pew toward the back of the church. He rested his elbows on his knees and put his head in his hands.

"Tell me it'll be all right. They're gone, and I'm alone, and I don't know what to do. Just give me a sign of some sort, please." He whispered the prayer to himself.

"Excuse me, but, may I help you?"

The voice made Remus start, and he looked up. A young man was standing there; he couldn't have been much older than Remus himself.

"I'm sorry," Remus said, standing, "I thought the church was empty."

"It's all right," the man said kindly. "May I ask your name?"

"Remus."

"Can I help you with anything, Remus?"

"I don't think so. I was just sort of lonely."

The young man gave a small smile. "Why don't you come to my office for a bit, and we'll talk. My name's James, by the way. I'm the pastor here."

THE END

Betsy's 2009 Christmas Fan Fic

A Christmas Carol: 
Severus Snape edition

Prologue:

Severus Snape was not a pleasant man. He didn't like children, he didn't like animals. He didn't even like adults (even though he was one.)  He really didn't like Ronald Weasley (or Ron, as he was known to everyone but his mother), or Hermione Granger. He hated Harry Potter. Ron Weasley was Severus's employee. He was poor. He and his wife Hermione had four children: Rose, Molly, Jean, and William. Jean was in a wheelchair. She had been born premature. Some people had affectionately taken to calling her Tiny Jean. Severus knew that Ron would want to go home with his family on Christmas. He didn't like that at all. He didn't want to have to give Ron a day's pay, for no work.

Chapter one

"Weasley. Close up shop. I'm going home," Severus yelled. Why couldn't that boy ever be near when Severus needed him for something? "I need you to be here at 5:30 Monday morning. " Christmas was on a Sunday that year.

Ron entered the room. "Have a good Christmas."

Severus ignored him as he made his way to the door. He was just about to open it, when a man and woman entered.

"Merry Christmas, sir. We are taking donations for the poor. How much would you like to give?" asked the man. He was wearing a Christmas wreath as a hat. The woman standing next to him was wearing a chain of wooden cranberries around her neck like a scarf. Severus snorted.

"The poor? They have never given to me. Why should I give to them?" He pushed past them, grabbing his cloak as he went out. Ron shrugged apologetically at the man and woman.

"I'm Ron Weasley. Five galleons is all I can spare. " The man pulled out a clipboard and wrote that down.

"Thank you sir," the woman said. The two left.

Ron sighed. He locked the safe where Severus kept the money, checked the storerooms, saw that everything was in order, grabbed his cloak and left.

Severus walked home through the snow. He grumbled the whole way home about poor people. "If they're so poor, they should get jobs. They shouldn't have people begging for money. Bah, humbug."

He turned a corner and saw something. Was that.......No. That couldn't be Harry Potter's orange stand? That had closed years ago. Of course, Harry hadn't died, but the ministry had closed it. They had accused him of selling poison oranges. Ha. That was a joke. Harry Potter, The Chosen One. Selling poison oranges. They said that Pansy Malfoy's husband Draco had died from one of the oranges. Severus blinked, and the orange stand disappeared. Just his imagination. He kept walking.

"Oranges sir?"

Severus jumped. He looked to the left of him. There was a boy. He had black hair, green eyes, glasses, a scar on his forehead. "No. No. Get away," Severus flapped his hand and the boy disappeared. He shivered, and continued walking home. He reached home very shortly after that. He hurried to the door. His knocker turned briefly into the face of Draco Malfoy. Severus yelled and jumped back. He ran around the house, and unlocked the back door.

Chapter two

Severus settled down in his chair by the fire. He had a dinner tray. "Blast those neighbors," he muttered. His neighbors were obsessed with Halloween. Or at least, that would explain the clanking chains he was hearing. Were the neighbors coming to his house? Was that why the chains were getting louder? There was a knock on the door. The chains rattled against the door.

There was a muffled shout.

Severus jumped to his feet, spilling his food on the floor, and ran into his room. He locked the door. He backed up till he was pressed against the wall. His door banged open, and a figure walked in. He was dressed in a satin dressing gown, and fur slippers. It was Draco. He had no chains. Then he drew a radio from behind his back. He turned it off. The chains stopped rattling. He pointed to his mouth. It was duct taped shut. Severus stepped forward and grabbed the tape. He found that he could touch it. He pulled it off.

"Thanks. That tape was really itchy." Draco rubbed his jaw.

"Why didn't you have real chains?" Severus asked, though he was thankful they had just been a recording.

"Too old fashioned. I'm here about your attitude."

"My what?"

Draco didn't stop to answer Severus's question. "You will be visited by three ghosts." He looked at his wristwatch. (A ghost wearing a watch?)  "Oh gosh! I gotta go! My spa appointment is in ten minutes."

"Your what?"

"Don't forget, three ghosts! The first one at midnight. Later."

"Wait! What are you talking about?" Draco vanished. "Okay. This is crazy. I need some sleep." Severus lay down on his bed. He fell asleep.


Chapter Three

The clock struck one. Severus woke up when he heard a voice.

"Severus. I am the ghost of Christmas Past."

"Bah. Humbug. What do you want?"

"I need to show you something."

"Why?"

"You've been having a bad attitude."

Severus looked up. There was a figure standing there. A spirit.

"You're coming with me. Come on, get up."  The spirit took Severus's hand. The scene changed. They were sitting in a small building. A young woman came running in. "Darling, your father says that you can come home. He has sent me to get you." Severus recognized his mother. She had cried when her husband had sent little Severus away.

The scene changed again. A beautiful woman with flaming red hair and green eyes was standing there facing him. She was crying. Lily.

"Severus, I'm sorry. I don't think I can be friends with you anymore." She handed him back a ring. "I'm sorry." Severus opened his mouth.

The scene changed. Lily was standing there with James Potter. She was holding a small child. That child could have been his; he could have married Lily instead of that Potter. Severus felt tears pricking his eyes. He was back in his bedroom. The ghost was gone. She had shown him the past. The past he wished he could change.


Chapter 4

"Severus. I am the ghost of Christmas present," a voice boomed.

"Of course you are," Severus muttered into his pillow. He looked up. The ghost was sitting on a large pile of food.

"Come on." The ghost took his hand. The scene changed. They were standing watching Ron's family. Hermione standing over the stove, her hair frizzing even more then usual in the steam, three children running around. Ron came in, pushing a wheelchair with Jean in it.

"How was Jean on your walk?" Hermione asked.

"As good as a saint," Ron answered.

Hermione called the other children to set the table. She served up the food, and they all sat down to eat. "God bless us," they all said.

"And, God bless Severus," Hermione added. The children looked at her. Severus did too.

The scene changed. He was in Harry Potter's house. They were having dinner. "I hope Severus isn't alone tonight," Ginny said. Severus was back in his room.

"Spirit, tell me. Will Jean live?" Severus asked.

"The Weasleys have little money. They cannot afford a doctor. Unless you do something, she will die."

The spirit disappeared.  Severus lay down on his bed. He lay awake, waiting for the third ghost.


Chapter 5

The third and final ghost didn't speak a word when it appeared in Severus's room. It just glided forward, a long cloak covering its body.

"Who, who are you?" Severus stammered.

The ghost just took Severus's hand. The scene changed. There was a grave yard. There was a grave in front of him. It had his name on it. It had the day of his birth, it had the date of his death. Severus looked closely at the date of death. He was to die in two weeks!

"Please spirit! Tell me this isn't final!" The ghost turned and began gliding away.

"Don't leave me here! Tell me what to do to change this!" The ghost turned around again. Severus understood what he must do. "I will change my ways. I will give Ronald Weasley a raise. I will pay for Jean's hospital bills. I will be good to Harry Potter. Please, please."

Severus was back in his room. The sun was rising. He leaped out of bed. He ran to the window. He threw it open.

"You there! Boy!"

A young boy turned. "Yes sir?"

"What day is it?"

"December 25! Christmas!"

The spirits had done it all on one night! "Is the turkey still in the shop? The large one?"

"I'll check sir!" The boy ran off. Severus jumped about his room. He leaped off his bed to his closet. He threw it open. "Bah! Black, black, black, black! Have I nothing that isn't black?"

He ran to the bathroom. "Urg! Look at my hair!" He took a shower. He ran back into his bedroom when he heard the boy calling.

"Yes sir, it's still there."

"Very good. I'll get you a galleon, young man, if you can get it for the Weasley family."

"Thank you, sir!" He ran off, then back again five minutes later. "It will be delivered before noon."

"Two galleons then!" Severus tossed them to the boy. He ran back to his closet and pulled out his black dress robes. He grabbed his wand and turned them yellow. He pulled them on and ran downstairs and out the front door. He ran around town all day wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Chapter 6

Ron entered the shop the day after Christmas at 5:30, just like Severus had demanded.

"Ronald Weasley!"

"Yes, sir?"

"I think it's about time."

"For what, sir?"

Severus stood up. He looked angry. Ron cringed.

"Time to give you a raise!"

"What?" Ron stared at him. Severus was beaming. "Do you feel alright, sir?"

"I feel fine my boy! You need a raise! And take Jean to the hospital."

"We can't pay for --"

"Go home! Spend more time with your family! Tell them you've gotten a raise! And that an anonymous donor has given you enough money to pay for Jean's hospital bills!"

"Sir, do you mean.....?"

"Yes, my fine lad! Now go! But don't tell anyone who this anonymous donor is."

"Thank you, sir!" Ron grabbed his cloak and raced out the door.

Severus smiled. It was good to see that boy happy.

High above, a woman with flaming red hair, and green eyes, was smiling, and crying.

THE END

Ramona's 2009 Christmas Fan Fic

The gift from the wizard

by Ramona 

chapter 1

It was a cold foggy evening.

“good gosh! I don’t have a present for Ron!” said harry potter.

he was sitting on his bed under the stairs. “aunt petunia, can I go to the store?”

“I suppose. Here is the shopping list.”

So he put on his hat, coat, scarf, and gloves. Then he went out the door and to the store. When he reached the grocery store, he went in. the wonderful smell of cloves, and apple cider drifted through the store.

"free gift guides! free gift guides!" said a man.

"free gift guides?" harry wondered. then he ran over.

chapter 2

"gift 1" harry read "get your self a very good apple (red apples are preferred.) and a box of cloves. then stick the cloves in the apple. it smells very nice." "wow. i wonder if i could do that" harry said to him self.

"these are free right?"

"yup. go ahead and take one."

"thank you!" he said then he ran off into the cold blowing snow.

chapter 3

"I'm home."

"alright. did you by eggs, milk, butter, red apples, and oranges like this list said?"

"I'll go back out."

"oh, and harry, here is $10 for the items."

"alright." then when harry got to the store, he heard someone say,"in honer of national hivvee day, buy a beard cozy for your fine-feathered friend." then he saw a free-money stand. so he went over, got money, and bought everything that was on the list especially cloves.

chapter 4

on the way home, harry stopped at the wrapping stand to wrap hagrid's gift. then by hagrid's house. when he stepped inside, hagrid wasn't there. "hello?" harry called. but there was no answer. "um,hello?" he called again.

then he saw a HUGE shadow on the floor. "why hello harry what a pleasant surprise!"

"hello hagrid!" harry said. "i brought you a Christmas present." "go ahead and open it." so hagrid opened it alright. he pretty much just brushed the paper off he was so big. "wow!" then he put it on his head and went outside and danced around.

 "Hagrid, it's a beard cozy." "COOL! WOW! KABOOM! SHAMMIE!" "A BEARD COZY!"

chapter 5

"um, goodbye."

"by harry oh and thanks for the gift!"

so finally, he got home. well to the dursley's anyway. so he put the stuff on the counter, then pick up the cloves and the apple. and took a clove out of the mini box and pushed it in the apple. then put more in. and more more cloves! then finally it was done. so put on his stuff, and went to the wrapping stand and got the apple wrapped.

chapter 6

when harry got to the Wesley's house, he knocked on the door. Fred answered. "hello harry! your just in time! the Christmas cookies just got out of the oven about 1 minute ago."

"cool. thank you."

"hey harry." ron said.

he had a gingerbread boy in one hand, and a tree in the other. "ready to frost some cookies?"

"sure."

"what's in the box?"

"your christmas presant."

"mum, can i open it?"

"i think you should open it tomorrow when father christmas comes. but, you can open it when ever you want to."

"i think i'll open it now. come on harry! lets open it by the tree!"

"alright." so they went over to the tree, and when ron opened it, this what he said,"wow! an apple with cloves pushed into it! this is the best christmas presant ever harry! thank you so so much!"

the
end

Mom's 2009 Christmas Fan Fic

The Hope of Christmas

by Mom

"Sweetheart, could you please pass the chocolate biscotti?" 

Remus smiled at his wife and handed her a basket that was lined with a crisp white linen napkin and filled with crunchy, chocolate dipped cookies.

"Thank you," smiled Tonks as she helped herself to two pieces. "You?"

"No, thank you. I think I'll just have another cup of this perfectly brewed coffee," said Remus, pouring himself a cup from the thermal carafe that sat on their table in the small restaurant.

"Aaahhh," he sighed as he took a sip. "How do they get it to taste like this?"

"I know," said Tonks. "Everything is just perfect. I could sit here for hours. I've never felt so relaxed."

Remus leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek, then leaned back and took another sip of his coffee.

"Did you hear," asked Tonks as she crunched the biscotti, "the latest news of Harry?"

Remus raised his eyebrows. "I heard ... something.  But, I thought we weren't supposed to talk about it until the meeting."

"Well," said Tonks, "I'm sure that what I heard wasn't top secret. They're saying that he was offered the position of Minister of Magic, but that he has no interest."

"Of course he doesn't," said Remus. "Harry has always had far too much sense to want to get into politics. And Ginny would certainly have none of it."

"No, she wouldn't!" laughed Tonks. "She's far too sensible as well. They'd rather live a quiet life, have loads of kids and time to see all their family, don't you think?  I think Harry should get into teaching. What a wonderful Hogwarts professor he would be!"

Remus laughed. "Well, I can vouch for the fact that teaching can be a, umm, an interesting job. Harry would surely end up as headmaster, too, don't you think?"

"Absolutely," said Tonks, leaning back from the table, and patting her stomach. "I am so full. I couldn't eat another thing. Unless they have hot chocolate. I might be able to manage a few sips."

A waiter appeared at Tonks' side. "And would you like whipped cream on top?" he asked.

"Why, yes!" said Tonks. "That would be lovely."

The waiter disappeared through the door into the kitchen, and returned with a steaming cup of chocolate and an enormous bowl of freshly whipped cream. "Help yourself to the topping, ma'am," he said, and swept away to take an order at another table.

"Well," said Tonks, "what else is on the agenda for tonight?"

"I thought we'd take a little stroll before the meeting. Would you like to walk by the lake?"

"I'd love it," said Tonks. "It's magical at this time of evening. So pretty."

"It is," said Remus. "Everything here is magical, though.  I just never imagined. Everything we did to get here was worth it. What a trip though, eh?"

Tonks smiled and nodded as they rose from the table. "I'd do it all again," she said, "but I'm glad we don't have to."

Remus laughed. "Me, too. Now, let's head to that lake."

*****

Silver Lake lived up to its name. Sparkling water lapped gently at the shore, as the moon and the starlight shone across the rippling water. Remus and Tonks looked up at the full moon and hugged one another.

"It's a whole new way of living, isn't it, Sweetheart?"

"Yes," said Remus, shaking his head. "I still can't believe it."

"Believe it. You'll never have to live the old way again."

"I know. I know, and yet ... it's all like a dream that's too good to be true. Do you feel that way sometimes?"

"Sometimes, yes. But mostly I just feel happy. For you, for me, for us. For everyone."

"Yes."

They gazed up at the moon and Tonks rested her head on Remus' shoulder.  "We'd better head to the meeting now," she said.

*****

They walked into the meeting room together. "I just love this place!" said Tonks. "This reminds me of that muggle theater we sometimes used to go to. Remember the time we saw 'Wicked'? What funny ideas the muggles have about witches!"

Remus nodded with a chuckle. "If only they knew," he said.

They found seats and looked around to see who else was at the meeting.

"Look! There's Clive," said Tonks. "And I see Francis. He's wearing his kitty t-shirt. That's so sweet. Oh, and look! There's Ebenezer. And there's Teresa. She's so short and so cute! She's just radiant, though, isn't she?" Remus nodded.

On the stage, a large man with a gruff voice approached a microphone. "This meeting will now come to order," he said. "We have a great many assignments to hand out tonight.  As you all know, it is thanks to the boss that we are able to gather like this and offer to others the gifts we will soon give to our assignees.  Some of them don't believe that our gifts matter, or are possible, but we know differently, don't we?"

The audience murmured and laughed. "Some of them," the man continued, "have asked directly for help, but others have been referred to us. "

Tonks leaned toward Remus and said, "I'm so excited! I love this part of our job!"

"Me, too," Remus whispered. "Now, shhhh ...."

Tonks, looking properly scolded, pretended to zip her lips and then crossed her heart. They both returned their attention to the man on stage.

"Okey-doke," the man said, "now, let's get started. "Clive, you'll be responsible this week for a man in Tilden, Nebraska who just can't make up his mind about the boss. Make it count, okay?"

Clive nodded and scribbled a note in a leather bound book.

"Francis! Stay on the P.E.T.A. job! We've got to make a dent there."

With a quiet nod, the humble friar bowed his head.

"Ebenezer, you've got a fellow in New York City who keeps working too late. His family is quite unhappy with him these days."

"I'm on it!" said Ebenezer, straightening his top hat.

"Teresa! You've got a whole lot of nuns on your list. And a bunch of really poor people, and an even bigger bunch of rich ones who just don't get it. Can you handle that many this week?"

The small woman nodded. "Shall I go start now?" she asked.

"Yes!" boomed the man on stage. "The sooner the better! That Wall Street guy is going to be a tough nut to crack."

The little woman scurried off, and the man on stage said, "Tonks!"

"Yes, sir!" shouted Tonks.

"No need to 'sir' me, Tonks. Just call me Peter. Your assignment this week is Draco Malfoy.  He's getting really close to a full turnaround, but it's going to take some more effort. Stay on him all week, okay?"

"Yes, sir! shouted Tonks. "I mean, yes, Peter. I'll do everything I can."

"I know you will," the man said gently. "You're doing very well with all your assignments.  That Umbridge conversion was a major coup." 

Tonks blushed and smiled. "Thank you, sir," she said.

Peter smiled. "Remus?" he said, "you'll be in charge of Harry and Ginny this week. They're praying fervently for a baby and it's your job to take that request to the boss."

"Yes, Peter," said Remus with an enormous smile. He looked slyly over at Tonks, who punched him on the shoulder.

"You knew!" she said.

"Well, I heard rumors," Remus smiled. "Won't that be a wonderful thing to request of the Big Guy?"

"More than wonderful!" said Tonks. "How exciting!"

Soon all the assignments had been handed out, and Peter said, "Alright, troops! It's time to get to work. And remember, what is it that makes our prayers count?"

"The Hope!" cried the crowd.

"The What?" yelled Peter.

"The Hope!" they cried back.

"The Hope of What?" called Peter.

"The Hope of Christmas!" cried the crowd.

"And Who's the Hope?" cried Peter.

"Jesus!" they cried. "Jesus! The Hope of Christmas! The Fuel Behind Our Prayers! The Big Guy! The Boss!" they cried wildly.

"Yes," said Peter with a satisfied sigh. "Now let's get out there and catch some souls!"

The crowd broke into applause, and Tonks and Remus hugged each other tightly.

"Did you ever think, Remus," Tonks whispered, "that Heaven could be like this? I've never been so happy!"

"Neither have I," said Remus.  "But we should have known that the Hope of Christmas would never let us down.  Now," he said, kissing Tonks on the forehead and gazing steadily into her eyes, "let's get on our knees and get to work!"

The End

Anne-with-an-e's Christmas Fan Fiction Challenge

[Anne's Author Note: I don't own The Gift if the Magi; it was written by O. Henry. I don't own the version with the Muppets, either (that's where Tonks's menu came from.) Nor do I own the characters of Tonks or Remus. I do own Leanne Nowell.]

The Gift of the Metamorphmagi
by Anne-with-an-e

Tonks sat at her kitchen table, counting coins. Three sickles and thirty-nine knuts. That was it.

And tomorrow was Christmas.

She sighed and rested her chin in her hand. Looking around the small, sparsely furnished flat, she said to herself, "Our first Christmas together, just the two of us--"

She stopped, rubbed her stomach, and said "Well, technically, there are three of us."

Tonks got up from her seat, found her cookbook, and tried to find something to make for Christmas dinner.

Not fruitcake, she said to herself, I already tried that, it was awful. Ah, well, I always wanted to be infamous for something. She was right, no one would ever forget her fruitcake.

Unable to come up with anything, Tonks thought of something her friend Leanne made every year: Green mashed potatoes and cranberry gelatin. She decided to make that.

After she'd prepared dinner, she got out her favorite neon colored plates and utensils and put them on the table.

"Now I need to get Remus' present," she said, ransacking the closet for her coat and hat. Upon finding them, she left the flat.



*************************

Remus sat on a bench in Diagon Alley, staring glumly at his almost- empty wallet. There were two sickles and twenty-four knuts; and he still didn't have a present for Tonks.

He got up from the bench and set off down the street. As he walked, he took out his watch and checked it: Four-o'-clock.

Looking at his watch and not where he was going, he walked into Tonks' friend, Leanne.

"Sorry," he told her.

"That's all right," she replied, "Nice watch."

Remus looked at the watch. It was nice, despite the grimy shoelace he used in place of a chain. It had belonged to his grandfather first, then his father, then him. And it still worked perfectly.

"Thanks."

"You getting some Christmas shopping done?" Leanne asked.

Remus thought of his dilemma and answered "I just have to get something for Tonks."

"Hmmmm," Leanne said, "How about a pair of giant earrings?"

"I got her some for her birthday," he replied.

"Well, then, I'm stuck," Leanne shrugged, then checked her own watch and said "I've got to go, my sisters and I are spending Christmas together, and I'm bringing the pudding."

"Merry Christmas." Remus said.

"Same to you, Remus!" Leanne replied, calling over her shoulder as she ran down the street.

Remus continued on his way up the street, trying to think of something for Tonks. Then he had an idea and hurried into one of the shops.


***************************


Tonks walked into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, and quickly located a handsome set of brown wizard's robes. She took them off the rack, carried them to the counter, and asked "How much for these?"

"Crudmuffins," she muttered under her breath when she heard the price, "I'll just put them back." She did, then left the shop in a hurry.

Once outside, she located one of the lesser known shops in Diagon Alley, one that sold watches.

She ran inside and hurried to the back. As she scanned the case, something caught her eye. It was a watch chain.

"How much?" she asked the clerk.

The clerk told her.

"This is not my day," she moaned; the clerk looked sympathetic.

After she left the shop, she said to herself, "That watch chain is the perfect gift for Remus, but how am I going to get enough for it?"

Tonks walked down the street, the sky turning gray, matching her mood.

Then, she saw a shop that sold second-hand brooms. She had a broom, a good broom. Tonks loved her broom, she flew it almost everywhere. She supposed, if she sold her broom, she could get used to traveling by other means. And the broom would certainly earn enough money for the watch chain.

Tonks hurried home to get her broom.

**************************

Remus stood at the counter in Quality Quidditch Supplies, a dilemma staring him in the face: The broomstick servicing kit that Tonks had been admiring cost too much. More than he had.

He left the shop, took out his watch, and looked at it. The watch had been in his family for a long time, and he had been told that some would pay a fortune for one like it.

People would pay a fortune..... That was it. He put the watch back in the pocket of his robes, and hurried to the watch shop.

Once he was there, he found the back counter and, taking out the watch, asked "Do you sell old antique watches?"

"Certainly," the clerk answered, "How much would you like for that one?"

"Twenty galleons," Remus answered.

"Done," the clerk said. She gave Remus the money; he handed her the watch and hurriedly left the shop.

******************************

Tonks sat on the sofa in her flat, Remus' present under the tree, wrapped in red paper and tied with a blue ribbon.

She jumped up when she heard the door open; Remus came in, hiding something behind his back.

"Merry Christmas," he said.

"Merry Christmas," Tonks replied, "Dinner will be on the table soon."

"That's all right, I've got something to do." Remus said, disappearing into the bedroom.

Tonks smiled as she scooped the green mashed potatoes onto the plates.

Over dinner, they discussed plans for the following day. They were going to Harry and Ginny's house for dinner. Ron and Hermione were also coming.

After they'd eaten, Tonks handed Remus his present.

When he uncovered the chain, he said "This is wonderful, but...."

"But what?" asked Tonks.

"How did you afford it?"

"I... I sold my broomstick. There's a place in Diagon Alley that sells used broomsticks."

Remus' jaw dropped; Tonks was surprised it didn't hit the floor.

"You sold your broom to buy my Christmas present?"

Tonks nodded.

Remus was silent as he handed over his gift.

"Oh," Tonks said as she opened it, "The broomstick servicing kit!"

Remus nodded.

"But they cost so much!"

"I sold my watch to get enough for it."

Tonks was stunned. Then she asked "Is this a sign of true love? We sold our most prized possessions to buy each other's Christmas gifts!"

"I think it might be," Remus answered.

Tonks threw her arms around him and said "Merry Christmas!"


THE END

Betsy's Christmas Fan Fiction

Lonely Christmas
by Betsy

George Weasley shivered in his cloak. Snow drifted down around him. He walked down the lonely street. It was Christmas eve at eleven-o-clock. One more hour until Christmas. George remembered happier Christmases. The ones where his brother Fred had been there. This would be the first Christmas since Fred had died in the final battle against Voldemort. George knew that this Christmas would be a very quiet one. With Fred gone, and Remus and Tonks gone (they had also been killed in the battle), George had a feeling that this would also be a very sad Christmas. Fred and George had been inseparable. George remembered the Christmas when he and Fred had been five......

"George! get out of the pudding!" called Molly Weasley.

"But Mum, Fred and I have to keep our strength up!" George answered.

"What for?" asked Arthur Weasley.

"For dinner, of course!" shouted Fred.

"Brothers," muttered Bill Weasley (the oldest) although, he was secretly amused.

George sighed. That had been one of the best Christmases of his life. Although, it had stiff competition. Another one of his favorites, had been when he and Fred where seven.....

"Mum, it's Christmas Eve!" shouted the second youngest, Ron Weasley, at the age four.

"We all know," said Fred.

"There's no reason to point it out!" said George.

"Mummy, is Fafer Cwristmas coming tonight?" asked the youngest Weasley, Ginny. She was three.

"Yes, dear," said Molly.


George chuckled at the memory. He had been nine when he and Fred had tried to get into their brother Charley's gifts....


"Fred! George! what are you doing? Those gifts are not for you!"

"Muuuum. You never let us look at the presents for other people!"

"Because they don't belong to you! Now run along and play."



George suddenly remembered a dream he had had on Christmas eve........


"Mum, guess what? I had a dream that I got a broom for Christmas! I got really mad when I woke up. I didn't want it to be a dream!"


George shivered. There was one time he had wanted to wake up. Wanted it to be a dream. The night Fred had died. That had been horrible. Tears slid down George's face. He missed his brother so much. Life was never going to be the same without Fred. Already the joke shop was quieter. More lonely. Just like this Christmas was going to be.

George walked past house after house with lights on. People inside enjoying themselves on Christmas Eve. George thought that that was something he would probably never be able to do again. Then he came up-on an empty house. There was a grave yard behind it. George drew in a sharp breath. That was the graveyard where Remus, Tonks, and Fred were buried. He looked up at the house. It was the one Remus and Tonks had live in. He would come back to it later. Right now, he wanted to visit the grave yard. He walked back and found Remus and Tonks's graves. He knelt and said a quick prayer for their souls. Then he moved to the back of the grave yard.

Fred's grave was there. He knelt when he got there. Tears streaming down his face. He wanted Fred to rejoin him on this earth. But he knew that it was impossible. Fred was gone for good. There was no bringing him back. George bowed his headand said a prayer for the soul of his brother. He then got to his feet and walked back in front of the house. He just couldn't bring himself to go inside. Too many hard memories. He turned and walked in the other direction. He saw a large pine tree. He hurried over and sat underneath it. The snow began falling harder. George lay down and closed his eyes. thinking......


"Mum, How much wonger till Mr. Christmas comes?" Ron asked at the age of three.

"The sooner you fall alseep, the sooner he will come."

"And, it's Father Christmas. Not Mr Christmas," said Fred.

"Yes, Ron. You must learn not to call everyone Mr. What if you walked up to a woman and said, Hello Mr. -- How do you think the woman would feel?" said George.


George wiped his eyes on his sleeve. It was so hard being without the person who had been by his side always. Fred had always been there. He almost never left George's side. George without Fred was like a lake without water. That's how close they were.

When they were little, they weren't known as Fred and his twin George, or George and his twin Fred, it was always "Fred and George." Or, sometimes, Fredgeorge. Now, it was George. Just George. Never any Fred. George missed that Fred and George. He missed Fred. Almost every time he thought of Fred, he got this pain in his stomach. A very bad pain. George rolled over onto his back, and stared up at the trees branches. He was feeling that pain in his stomach again. It hurt so much.

George wished he could fall asleep and wake up three years earlier. Right at that moment, the world seemed like ice. Extremely cold. He lay on that soft snow wishing he was dead. Then, he would be with Fred. But, he would cause his family more pain then they deserved. More pain then they needed. He didn't want his family to feel any more pain than they already were. None of them had yet gotten over the death of Fred. None of them ever fully would. There would always be an empty spot. Or that's how it would always be for George. When Fred had died, Part of George had died too. That one spot where Fred had been ... that spot was empty now. It always would be. George knew that he would never ever see Fred again, but it was still hard to think about.

George pulled his cloak tighter around his body. He was cold both outside, and inside. He remembered even more clearly the night Fred had died now more then ever........


George heard Percy's shout. George went running in the direction that the shout had come from. He found Fred's body. Fred had died laughing. George could tell.


George got to his feet and raced back to the house. He yanked open the door and ran into his room. He lay himself down onto his bed, and cried. He soon fell asleep. When the clock struck midnight, he jerked awake. He closed his eyes again, and listened to the clock.

The End