(no subject)
From hp_muffins!
From left to right: Sprout, Sinistra, Dumbledore, Flitwick, Snape and Filch (and Mrs Norris!), Remus, Hooch, Hagrid, McGonagall.
A Christmas Limerick from jadarene!
“Professor,” said Harry that eve,
“That white beard makes me want to grieve.”
“Shut up,” Snape said,
“And get into bed.
In Santa Claus you’ll soon believe!”
Pimp Cane Icons from lysa1!
A Christmas Ficlet from shachi!
**
Christmas Promises
"We really should get back, Marietta and the others will be wondering where I've got to."
He grinned at her accent and held her hand just a little tighter. "Just a little longer, it's not far now. A few more minutes, that's all."
Even with her eyes closed, she managed to project a glare at him. "That's what you said ten minutes ago!"
He spun her around for a kiss, chuckling at her outraged squawk, and said into the corner of her mouth, "Just a few more minutes, Cho, I promise."
Her full lips drew down into a pretty pout, but her dimples were showing, and she let him lead her on. "Oh, you and your promises..."
"Mm, I've never broken any of them now, have I, darling?" He led her gently up the shallow flight of stairs and held the door open for her.
"Not yet, anyway...cheeky bastard."
He led her to the window, and let go her hand. "Careful, Cho, or you might hurt my feelings and I'd run away and leave you here, all alone."
She spun around in disbelief, opening her eyes. "You!"
Cedric laughed, taking a step back from her wrath. "You cheated! You opened your eyes!"
"Well, you..." she trailed off, and looked around. "...where are we? I don't recognise this room..."
"Turn around," he suggested, putting his hands in his pockets and strolling closer to her.
Cho looked behind her and gasped at the view from the large window. "It's...you can see the whole school from here, and the lake, and...how is this even possible, the castle--"
"--has some very odd features, doesn't it?" Cedric stood behind her, tentatively placing his hands on her hips. "I don't claim to know how it works. But just look at the lake, you can see the reflections of all the lights from the castle."
She took his hands, wrapping them around her waist, then leaned out, taking in the view. "It is lovely. The Great Hall almost looks like...like it's on fire under the lake."
He held her, leaning close to rest his chin on the top of her head. "It does, doesn't it?"
She nodded with a hum of contentment, careful not to unbalance him. "And the moon and the stars...it really is lovely," she added, more quietly. "It's perfect, Cedric, thank you."
"Of course it is," he smirked. "I am rather brilliant, after all."
Her laugh was like sleighbells in the night. "You're incorrigible, that's what you are."
His smirk broadened into a smile. "Just as you say."
They laughed, and talked, and kissed, and before either knew it the moon was setting and, as though reluctant to intrude, the fingers of dawn began slowly creeping from the east.
Cedric looked out over the view, still dark for a few moments yet. "Where do you see yourself, after school?"
Cho gave him a puzzled frown. "Thinking a bit far ahead, aren't we?"
He shrugged self-consciously, grinning at her. Cho shook her head indulgently and snuggled back in the circle of his arms. "Honestly, I've no real idea. Quidditch, maybe? Flitwick says I could go the Auror route if I set my mind to it, but it takes so long..." Now it was her turn to shrug. "You? Where do you want to be?"
Cedric looked out at the setting moon and the star-speckled sky, his hold on her tightening fractionally. He sighed, and bent his head down to kiss the top of hers. "With you."
Her breath caught, a light flush springing to her cheeks as she tilted her head up to catch his soft smile. "R-really?"
He nodded, brushing a wayward strand of her hair aside. "That is...if you want, anyway."
She broke into a huge grin, turning around in his arms to face him properly and wrap her arms around his neck. "I'll...I'll be here if you will."
"I will. I promise." Cedric grinned back and dropped a kiss on her upturned smile, ignoring her teasing reiteration of "you and your promises". He held her close, watching the reflection of the slowly fading stars dancing in her eyes. "I'm not going anywhere."
**
From hp_muffins!
Some muffiny iconage!
Happy Day Before Christmas Eve, everybody:) I hope that you and yours are safe and well.