Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire....

[XDgirl]

It was before Christmas and Hitomi was staring at the fire, trying to decide whether she should go home for the holidays or stay at Hogwarts. Both had their plus and minuses, like if she went home, she would have to explain everything that she was supposidly doing in Germany studying abroad which would be very hard, but she would be able to see her family. If she stayed at Hogwarts, she would get to spend time with her friends but she may end up bored for most of the time, no matter how much her friends said they would have fun. It was a long break and many of the things they had been planning would get old after two days. She sighed and continued to look at the fire and think.

[Malsicuro]

Just then a young girl of about 16 burst into the common room, it was Lily Prince, struggling to carry about three heavy school books in her arms. She dashed to the nearest chair and plopped down in it, tossing her books on the floor beside her.

She just sat there, panting from the exhaustion of having to carry all of those ridiculously heavy books up to the common room, before she finally noticed Hitomi. "Hey Hitomi.." She said quietly, still pretty tired from before. "What're you doing?"

[XDgirl]

Hitomi continued staring at the fire for a moment, then looked at Lily.
"Hi, I'm trying to decide whether I should go home or stay here for the holidays." she said quietly, wondering what Lily's take on it was.

[Malsicuro]

"Really? Well, I'm not too sure what I want to do either, I might just go home, because I'm at Hogwarts all the time and really want to see my family, but on the other hand, it's always a lot of fun being at Hogwarts during the holiday break. But basically I can't make up my mind yet, and I still have to discuss it with my sister too." Lily said to her.

[XDgirl]

"Yeah, that's basically the point that I'm at, except the sister thing." she said, then added, "Its also a lot more complicated if I go home."

[Malsicuro]

"Hm.." Lily said as she listened intently to what Hitomi was saying. "..More complicated? How so?" She questioned.

[XDgirl]

"She, you have to understand that I didn't want to tell my parents that I was going to a school of witchcraft and wizardry because I didn't think they would be able to handle it. They probably wouldn't even let me go. The few times I did bring magic up in some little way, they practically laughed at me and told me not to be so crazy. So I just tell them that I'm going to a regular school in Germany. So, if I go home, I have to make up a big huge story to connect all the things that I make up to put in the letters that they insist on getting at least twice a month." Hitomi replied, talking sort of fast. She was sure it sounded a little weird, because most people just told their parents that they had magical talent and would be going to a school to better themselves, but Hitomi was absolutely positive she could just do that. It had worked for five and a half years, why stop?

[Malsicuro]

Lily listened patiently as Hitomi talked. "Hm.., well I can't say that I can relate to your situation, but don't you think you should at least try telling your parents about Hogwarts? I mean, if they're good parents, they should love you no matter what, and you'll still have to face them eventually when it's time for everyone to leave hogwarts."

[XDgirl]

Hitomi shrugged.
"Well, they are good parents, but I'm just totally afraid of what they'll do. They're science based, so everything has to have an explaination. Plus, now, I've been lying to them for so long. Although I don't know what I'm going to do when I'm done. I guess I'll just be done studying abroad." Hitomi said, brining her legs up and sitting cross-legged.

[Malsicuro]

Lily nodded. "Well, I see what you mean. But do you think you're ever going to tell them about Hogwarts and the magical world and everything? I mean would you even consider telling them after you graduated from Hogwarts?"

[XDgirl]

"I don't know. If I would have to, like if an owl was stupid enough to come right in my living room." Hitomi said simply, shrugging a little.

[Malsicuro]

Lily shrugged slightly. "Well, if you decide that you're going to stay, you're always welcome to hang out with me and my sister if you want. But that also depends on wether we leave or not too."

[XDgirl]

"Ok, thanks." Hitomi said cheerfully, then heard a thump at the snow covered window. Hitomi frowned and got up, walking over to the window and wondered what it was. She opened the window and Uschi came in, snow covered and cold.
"Uschi!" Hitomi said, the little owl landing on the back of the chair she had just gotten up from and leaving a trail of snow behind her.
"There are easier ways to get to me, you know, little one." Hitomi said lovingly, walking over to Uschi and helping get the snow off. Uschi dropped an envelope with the stamp and everthing on it.
"Already?" Hitomi asked, as she opened the envelope and pulled out the piece of paper. "I just sent Uschi earlier today. Oh, great, they probably made plans."
She sat down and unfolded the letter, then frowned again as she read it over again. She leaned her head back and moaned
"They're going on a trip to France. And want me to meet them. Great." Hitomi said, her head still leaned back. "Why would they want to go to France? They hate Americans!" she said a little quieter, half to herself.

[Malsicuro]

"..Who? Your parents?Well.. Because they're probably going to ask how school's going for you, and you still don't plan on telling them that you go to Hogwarts, I suggest you start thinking about what you're going to say to them." Lily knew this probably wasn't much help to Hitomi, but she wasn't really sure what else she could say to her.

[XDgirl]

"Nah, French hate Americans is what I meant." Hitomi said, correcting herself. "Or I could come with some great excuse not to go." Hitomi sighed and put her hands up to her face."I don't know what I want to do!"
Hitomi laughed a little at how ridiculus she was being.