Chapter 1
Iris had been having a last minute study session with Charlie, Chiara and Penny in the library when Madam Pince came over.
“What does Pinched Faced Pince want?” Charlie whispered, only loud enough for Iris to hear him, and she did her best to stifle a giggle and turn it into a cough as the librarian came over.
“Mr. Weasley, Miss Rosewood, Professor Snape is looking for the two of you in the courtyard.”
“Oh? Did he say why?” Iris asked.
“No, he did not, but I would go see him quickly if you wish to get to the Christmas Celebration on time.” She warned. Charlie and Iris glanced at each other before they each shut their books and packed up their things.
“Hopefully he doesn't sour the Christmas spirit to much.” Iris commented as the pair left the library and headed for the courtyard.
“Maybe he wants to ruin any little bit of cheer that he can sniff out.” Charlie mentioned.
~*~
They entered the courtyard and saw his brooding figure on the other side of the fountain and headed his way.
“You wanted to see us Professor?” Iris broke the ice, when they saw Snape.
“Yes. I need to know if you will be going home or staying here at Hogwart's for the Christmas holiday, as neither of you turned in your holiday slips excusing you from the premises.”
“Not to be rude, but why would you be figuring it out when we're Gryffindors?” Iris asked and Charlie knew she was about to get an ear full.
“Despite your best intentions, Rosewood, some would consider questioning your professor to be extremely rude. Now, without further interruption... What are your holiday intentions?”
“I'll be staying at Hogwarts's this year, I find the empty castle relaxing.” Iris explained and Charlie felt a pang of guilt, had he, Percy, and the twins not asked her to spend Christmas with them? Or even Bill?! Normally Bill was inviting Iris to everything. “Does this mean that you will be taking care of Hogwarts over the holidays?”
“What a clever deduction.” Snape rolled his eyes. “In addition to my tiresome task of creating the exact headcount of all the students planning to stay at the castle, I will be in charge of keeping them in line. In short, you can stay at Hogwarts as you wish, but I would prefer for you to keep yourself occupied during that time.”
“You won't have to worry about me Professor.” Charlie told him, “I'll be headed home to see my folks just as soon as I take care of a few things around here. I can even write them and see if Iris can come, then you don't have to worry about her either.” He smiled towards Iris and she smiled lightly in return.
“Then I strongly urge that you do not linger with your affairs, Weasley.” He warned. “You will be responsible for making it to Hogsmeade station, and hopefully taking Rosewood with you, on time. Is that clear?”
“Yes sir.” Charlie nodded quickly, feeling like Snape was about to reach out and strangle him.
“Very well, I look forward to this being a quiet restful holiday without your shenanigans. Good day.” He turned so swiftly that the bottom of his cloak hot both Charlie and Iris in the knees.
“What's got him so moody today?” Charlie asked, looking over his shoulder to see Snape sweeping away into the castle. “Snape isn't the warmest Professor around, but for someone asking about holiday plans he seemed extra sour.”
“Yeah... He was slightly more crabby then usual when talking about Christmas wasn't he?”
“I'm glad I'm not the only person seeing that. But I suppose that it can be hard to tell with him sometimes.”
“Maybe getting a headcount of everyone in the castle is harder then it looks.” Iris offered.
“That's possible, but it's Christmas! I don't know why anyone would be upset with getting some time off.”
“Probably because he will still technically be working.”
“Well no matter, I'm not letting you sit around with Ebenezer Scrooge over here during Christmas! Think you can pack in time to catch the train? Mum can pull out your stocking, no problem!”
“That sounds lovely Charlie, I can pack pretty quickly.” Iris nodded, grateful to be getting out of the castle for the Holidays, and especially grateful to be spending it with the Weasley's.
“Iris! Charlie!” A deep familiar voice boomed, and they looked to see Hagrid walking into the courtyard from the way of his hut. “Jus' the two I wanted the see.” He smiled from under his thick beard, then looked rather forlorn. “But judgin' from yer faces this might be a bad time.”
“No, it's fine Hagrid. Snape was just badgering us about our plans for Christmas.” Iris explained to him quickly.
“Don' let that ol' trout get yeh down. There's still plenty o' reasons the look forward the the holidays.” Hagrid assured them. “In fact, I could use yer help spreadin' a lil' holiday cheer, if yeh don't mind.”
“Well, I'd be happy to help. What do you have in mind?” Iris was nearly beaming.
“Meet me in the Great Hall and I'll show yeh.” Hagrid smiled, waving at them to round up a few more students.
“We have time right?” Iris asked Charlie.
“I mean, depends how fast you can pack.” He asked her with a smile.
“I just need five minutes.” She assured him.
“Then let's get you packed before we meet Hagrid, then we won't have to worry.” Charlie offered and Iris agreed.
While it didn't take Iris only five minutes to pack, he was rather impressed that she managed to get it all done and squared away in less then ten minutes. She placed her bag on her trunk and then they headed for the Great Hall.
~*~
“This is what you wanted to show us, Hagrid?” Charlie asked, looking up at the large bare tree.
“I thought all the trees were already up.” Iris asked.
“I want the two o' yeh the help me decorate the Great Hall! Just a little more. The stage here looks a bit bare.” Hagrid told them.
“Decorating the Great Hall is a big step up from trimming the tree at the Burrow. You sure you want us to help?”
“Speak for yourself, I'm an excellent decorator!” Iris nudged him in the ribs.
“Sure. Why not? All the leftover decorations are all here, I just need yer help puttin' it all up.” Hagrid explained, showing them the box of leftover décor. “Besides, the twelve o' those fir trees aren't goin' to decorate themselves...”
“Twelve trees!” Charlie shouted, his eyes bulging.
“Oooook. How can we be most useful?” Iris asked.
“Leave the heavy liftin' the me an' I'll let the two o' yeh decorate em' how yeh like.” Hagrid told them with a smile.