term, I'm afraid. I have a lot to do before the holidays. I chose a very inconvenient time to fall ill."

"Could I bring my friend along?" asked Harry, "They affect her too,"

"I don't see why not."

 What with the promise of anti-dementor lessons from Lupin, the thought that he might never have to hear his mother's death again, and the fact that Ravenclaw flattened Hufflepuff in their Quidditch match at the end of November, Harry's mood took a definite upturn. Gryffindor were not out of the running after all, although they could not afford to lose another match. Wood became repossessed of his manic energy, and worked his team as hard as ever in the chilly haze of rain that persisted into December. Harry saw no hint of a dementor within the grounds. Dumbledore's anger seemed to be keeping them at their stations at the entrances. 

Two weeks before the end of the term, the sky lightened suddenly to a dazzling, opaline white and the muddy grounds were revealed one morning covered in glittering frost. Inside the castle, there was a buzz of Christmas in the air. Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher, had already decorated his classroom with shimmering lights that turned out to be real, fluttering fairies. The students were all happily discussing their plans for the holidays. Both Ron and Hermione had decided to remain at Hogwarts, and though Ron said it was because he couldn't stand two weeks with Percy, and Hermione insisted she needed to use the library, Harry wasn't fooled; they were doing it to keep him company, and he was very grateful. 

To everyone's delight except Harry's, there was to be another Hogsmeade trip on the very last weekend of the term. 

"We can do all our Christmas shopping there!" said Hermione. "Mum and Dad would really love those Toothflossing Stringmints from Honeydukes!" 

"I'm staying behind again," said Amelia.

"No," said Harry. Amelia turned to look at him, "You shouldn't have to stay behind and miss out on the fun becouse I can't go. I will be fine here on my own,"

"No, you should be able to come with us too. It's not fair. I will think of something," said Amelia before staring off into space. Twenty minutes later, a smirk formed on her face.

"Whatever you're thinking, stop thinking it," said Hermione stiffly. Amelia stuck her tongue out.

Resigned to the fact that he would be the only third year staying behind again, Harry borrowed a copy of Which Broomstick from Wood, and decided to spend the day reading up on the different makes. He had been riding one of the school brooms at team practice, an ancient Shooting Star, which was very slow and jerky; he definitely needed a new broom of his own.

On the Saturday morning of the Hogsmeade trip, Harry bid good-bye to Ron