Silent Night

Harry picked up a piece too. "It's definitely softer than ordinary butter cookies. When we get back, we can have the House Elves try this recipe too."

"The elves in the Confederation cafeteria might not have time to try new recipes," Anne said, setting down her book and taking a piece as well.

"Then we'll give them a copy of the recipe too, if we get the chance."

The snow outside the window gradually grew heavier. On the last night before Christmas, Grimmauld Place, Number 13 was very quiet. There were no phone calls, no encrypted messages from the Confederation Technical Group, and no notice from Kingsley about an emergency meeting.

There was only the crackle from the fireplace, the sound of the kettle on the stove, the faint rustle of snowflakes landing on the windowsill outside, and the occasional laughter and conversation.

On the afternoon of the day before Silent Night, the Cast Iron Gate of Grimmauld Place, Number 13 was pushed open.

Sirius stood outside the threshold, wearing a thick dark gray coat, a scarf draped casually over his shoulders, and carrying a large paper bag in his hand.

Behind him stood Gemma, wearing an equally thick coat and holding a basket, with the tops of several bottles poking out from inside.

Vivi leaned halfway out of the kitchen, still holding a spatula in her hand.

"You're just in time. I just finished the second batch of roasted vegetables. There's still space in the oven, so if anything you brought needs heating up, you can put it straight in."

Sirius walked into the Living Room and set the paper bag on the coffee table.

"I brought Pumpkin Pasties and Butterbeer. Gemma said she found a new bakery this year, and their pasties are even better than Honeydukes'."

He