Chapter 15

It was the beginning of December, and I was already beginning to get in the Christmas mood. That was until I realized everyone who I usually got presents from was in an alternate dimension. That definitely dampened the mood.

Hermione, Ron, and Harry were spending all their time in the library trying to find Nicolas Flamel. I knew exactly what book it was in. I had read it myself after Hermione suggested it to me to after reading it herself. They were still bothering me and telling me to help them.

"Come on, Kendra," Hermione urged. "You know Harry and Ron don't study as fast as you."

"Honestly, I don't see why you're refusing to help us," Ron said. "We've got all the evidence we need to show that Snape is going to steal it."

"If you're so sure, research it yourself," I insisted stubbornly.

Ron tried ignoring me for about a week because of my refusal to help, but stopped when he realized that he wouldn't be able to get me to help him with his homework without acknowledging my existence. I still didn't get to spend as much time with them as I would've liked. They were always in the library during their free time. I couldn't stand their looks at me when I was in there, so now whenever they went to the library I went to Fred and George.

I'm not going to lie, I had the time of my life whenever I was with Fred and George. No matter what we did, it was great. Whether it was just talking and messing around, or an elaborate set of pranks, it was guaranteed to make me happy.

It was on one of these occasions about a week before Christmas when Ron, Harry, and Hermione went to the library and I was left in the Common Room. I plopped myself next to Fred and George on the sofa.

"So, who's excited for Christmas?" I asked excitedly.

"Ooo, ooo, me!!" The both started saying excitedly, raising their hands and bouncing excitedly.

"Ah," I said as I laid my head against the arm rest and set my feet across both of their legs. "Christmas is my favorite holiday. Everyone's in a good mood, minus a few Scrooges, and everything has Christmas decorations covering it."

The twins both looked at each other and smiled slyly at me.

"No, don't you da-" I was cut off as I was thrown to the floor by Fred and George flipping my legs off of their laps.

I groaned dramatically and propped myself up on my elbows to glare at them. "Traitors," I muttered.

The laughed as I pushed myself to my feet and plopped back onto the couch with my feet set firmly on the floor. "Thanks for ruining my Christmas cheer."

"Ah, you know we love you really," Fred said as he threw his arm around me.

I turned my head away, attempting to ignore them.

"Kendra, don't make us resort to desperate measures," George warned. Suddenly, I was tackled to the floor. They began tickling me mercilessly.

"Fine," I gasped, "I forgive you."

"Thought that might work," George smirked as he and Fred helped me to my feet.

I playfully smacked his arm as we all settled back onto the couch.

I couldn't help think about how this would never have happened before I met them. I would never feel comfortable enough to do this kind of thing. Ever since George and Fred became my friends, I've felt so much comfortable being myself. Whenever they're around, I'm completely different. I talk, I laugh, I start conversations, and I am out of my shell.

Of course, if they were gone, I started sinking back again. The Golden Trio was great, don't get me wrong. I just have felt more subdued around them ever since they started researching about Nicolas Flamel. I didn't want to lose them as friends, but I also knew that I couldn't help them. I was saving up changing the story too much for a special occasion. I knew they would figure it out eventually.

Even before Nicolas Flamel came up, Fred and George have just found a way to bring out my inner self. To make me feel like I'm just me. I'm not trying to make sure they like me, because I know that they do like me. They just have a way to make me feel like I'm more at home than I ever had back in "reality."

Anyway, we were back to chilling on the couch when Fred asked what I wanted for Christmas.

"I don't know," I shrugged. "I'm not really expecting to get anything."

Fred and George glanced at each other and I could kind of see what was coming.

"You don't have to tell us if you don't want to," George started carefully. "But we were wondering-"

"About my parents." I stated bluntly.

They nodded.

"In short, they're gone. Not dead, but they might as well be. That's why I'm not expecting much, alright?" I said, looking at my hands to avoid eye contact.

They're faces that were so full of happiness were now quite the opposite. I felt bad for bringing them down with my problems. It wasn't as if there was anything they could do about it.

"Hey, brighten up. I've got you two for Christmas and that's all I need," I said with an overly cheery voice.

I was pretty sure they could tell my cheer was fake, but they could take the hint about a change of subject.

"So..." I started, drawing out the vowel. "Any good Christmas present ideas? Being new to the wizarding world, I expect you two to show me any good presents"

By the end of the day, I had all the presents that I wanted lined up. They would be here before Christmas so I wouldn't have to worry about Christmas presents again until next year. It was better than what I usually did, which was make a card or something because I would forget until Christmas morning.

After that, I said farewell to the boys and went to the library to relax.

I noticed Ron, Hermione, and Harry in a corner reading so I quickly made my way to the opposite corner. I noticed that I was by the Restricted Section and looked around. There weren't many people around and nobody in here saw me come over here in the corner. I debated with myself quietly and glanced at Madam Pince. She was occupied berating a few students for bringing food into the library and definitely wasn't going to be looking over here for a while. I turned to the Restricted Section, took one last glimpse around, and slipped in.

You might be wondering, "Kendra, why in the world did you go into the Restricted Section?" The truth is, I'd always wondered what I would see in the Mirror of Erised. This was my chance. I quietly wandered the rows of books, staying as quiet as possible. I listened carefully for anyone else who might be in here, but heard no sound. It took me about 15 minutes before I glimpsed through a door and found a mirror. Not any mirror though. A very specific mirror with the inscription "Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi". I slowly walked towards it, keeping my eyes to the floor so that I wouldn't look into it.

There were butterflies having a rave in my stomach. I looked up and immediately stepped backward, my hand flew to my mouth. After taking it in, I took a step forward raising my hand out towards it. I fell to my knees in front of it, tears streaming down my face. It was everything I wanted, and I couldn't stand the fact that it could never come to pass.