Let's Start at the Beginning

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"You're mad because Oliver asked me on a date and I accepted?" Not a student of Ravenclaw, but rather logical all the same. Helena giggled, releasing George's hand and instead went to hug him around the middle, letting her head rest on his chest. "Don't worry, Georgie. You and Fred are the most important people in my life and I'd never toss you away just because of Oliver."

* * *

"Who says all Slytherin have to be like Malfoy?" Harry reasoned, "Slytherins are ambitious, seek power or fame and willing to use their wits to succeed. I don't think any of those are shameful qualities to have." He didn't know much, but Hermione had explained all the houses and the traits they represent. "I don't think you need to worry about Malfoy too much, Aria."

* * *

Helena had convinced George to return for dinner, escorting him by the hand and didn't catch the narrowed glare given by Oliver as the pair walked by. Joining their friends once again, Helena sat beside George and made sure to keep him included in any conversation she had. While eating their dinner, it was Ron who asked about Harry. Hermione just shrugged, "He went off to speak with some girl."

"Girl?" Ron gasped, nearly choking on his chicken leg.

Helena smirked, "He is rather popular~"
 
George just smiled at Helena when she hugged him. Oh, he couldn't stay mad at her for too long. He walked back to the Great Hall with her, going to sit back at the table. He had missed the glare that Oliver gave them, but he didn't even care at this point. Right now he was just happy that he was with Helena. When Ron asked where Harry was, he only grinned.

"Oh, he's been hanging around Aria lately," Fred commented as Hermione said Harry was with some girl, shrugging his shoulders.

"That Slytherin girl?" George questioned, grinning widely. "I saw how they interacted before the game today, and they are rather cozy."

---

"Thank you, Harry, that means a lot," Aria said, giving him a smile. She gave him an embrace before she stood up from the bench, feeling better that he was there to talk to her. He was more understanding than Malfoy, and it was definitely nice to have him as a friend when Cho was too busy talking to her own new friends. "We should head back to the Great Hall and have some dinner at least, I don't want you skipping out on a meal because of me."

She grabbed his hand, leading him back to the Great Hall. Some of the Gryffindor students looked at the pair as they walked in, and some Slytherins have spotted them as well. Aria paid no mind until she saw that Pansy had leaned over to Malfoy.

"Seems like Winona is all over Potter," Pansy commented to him.
 
Harry and Aria made quite the appearance when they walked through the Great Hall with joined hands. A few wolf whistles and assorted exclamations of approval rang loudly through Gryffindor. As for Slytherin's response...well, it was less than enthusiastic. Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table and insisted Aria stay. "You won't get in trouble for eating at a table other than your own house, right?" Harry questioned Hermione, but it was actually Percy, the Perfect of Gryffindor that assured him everything would be fine if Aria decided to join them for a meal.

"Well then," Harry returned the choice to her. "Would you?"

Helena didn't have any objection to Aria's company at the table. Although not knowing much about her, even being a Slytherin, she seemed nice enough to Harry. Ron and Hermione didn't mind either. Aria was welcome at Gryffindor.

* * *

Draco seethed with hatred as he watched Aria alongside Harry. She didn't belong with Gryffindor. Aria had no place with him. Draco wanted Aria to accept her fate with Slytherin, where he was, but she refused. Aria wasn't like the others in Slytherin, but her sorting had not been a mistake. Draco was sure of it. Somewhere, perhaps buried deeply inside her, was the Slytherin traits that would someday be unleashed.

"Are you going home for the holiday, Malfoy?" Pansy asked, scooting herself closer.

A few weeks until break, Draco was at least given that. Two whole weeks without having to be around Harry and his gang. That was heaven on Earth, at least, for him.

"Yeah," he agreed, biting into his chicken.
 
Aria just gave a smile, a small blush on her cheeks. "Sure, I will join you all," she told them. It was great knowing that she was accepted in the Gryffindor house. She would rather be sitting with them rather than sitting and hating her life at the Slytherin table. Oh people would just start hating her even more, but she kept in mind what Harry had told her about the traits that she had. Sitting herself at the table, she looked at Harry's friends with a small smile.

"Oi, glad to have you," Fred said, grinning widely.

"Your father works at the Ministry right?" George questioned, looking at her.

She gave a nod of her head, slightly blushing at the attention that she was getting. "Yes, my father works with yours," she replied, "My father says that your father is interested in Muggle things."

As she spoke, she looked over at the Slytherin table. She was just getting those stares, and she just looked away to look back at everyone. It was kind of them to let her join them.
 
"You don't need to be nervous," Helena had easily caught onto Aria's anxious behavior and tried to comfort the uneasy girl with a smile. "If these two idiots give you any trouble just let me know." She teased, playfully nudging George's arm and yanked very gently on Fred's ear. "These twins can be right terrors, I warn you." Having suffered a variety of their pranks, Helena knew this well. Helena liked Aria, at least so far.

Harry was glad to see his friends being so welcoming of Aria, it made him hopeful for the future. "So, what happens around the holidays?"

Helena giggled, nearly choking on her Pumpkin Juice. "You're allowed to stay or go home for the holidays. Percy, the twins, myself and Ron will be going back to the Burrow for Christmas. What about you, Harry?"

Immediately following her question, innocent as it was, Harry looked down and a frown settled. "I...I don't know." He wasn't exactly welcomed at the Dursley's after Hagrid gave their son a pig's tail. Even if, in his mind, the additional limb was suited for him.

"Why don't you come along with us?" Ron suggested, excited about possibly having his new friend for the holiday.

Harry, on the other hand, almost looked frightened. "I...I couldn't impose!"
 
"It will be fun with you along with us, Harry!" Fred said excitedly, knowing well that Harry would have fun with them on holiday.

George just gave a nod, agreeing with Fred. "It will be nice to have someone new with us on holiday," he added on.

They grinned brightly, thinking of all the possibilities and fun things that they could do like they always did. They knew that Harry wasn't used to them just yet, but it would be better for him to be around them than any of the folk that he had lived with. That was from what Ron was telling them, at least.

The twins glanced at Aria, giving her a smile. "What are your plans?" They asked her.

"Oh, um, I am going back home for the holidays," Aria answered, "Dad wants to throw a little Christmas party this year. I can ask him if you all can come. I am sure it will be a lot of fun. I know there will be people from the Ministry as well as other people there, but I am not too sure." She was giving them basically an open invite to go to her home during the party. She didn't want to be the only younger kid there.
 
"Oh?" Aria's offer seemed lovely, even though these were fairly new friendships being formed. "I know Molly would be furious if we didn't spent Christmas day with the family, but if the party is a day before, I think we could all attend." Helena spoke on behalf of the entire Weasley family. She knew that making friends was important and Aria seemed like a nice person. Besides, a party might be fun!

"The Ministry?" Of course, Harry fell behind in the conversation.

Hermione chimed in, "The Ministry of Magic."

Harry nodded, understanding the situation more clearly.

"You should write a letter to your mum and ask her permission for the party," Helena suggested to George, nudging his shoulder. "We need her permission and all to attend."

Harry suddenly felt someone's stare and looked up, finding Professor Snape glaring in his direction. He sunk into his seat, hiding behind Ron slightly. The other boy raised a brow curiously, "What's wrong?"

"Professor Snape," Harry answered. "He's watching me."

* * *

Across the room, Draco vaguely caught onto the conversation at Gryffindor. Apparently Aria's family was hosting a holiday party. This seemed like a good excuse to contact his parents. If she was inviting Harry, then by all rights, the Malfoy must attend as well. He quickly wrote a letter to his father and stuffed it inside his pocket. The letter was basically asking if they could attend the Winona gathering for the holiday.

Even if Lucius didn't wish to attend, his wife's love for parties would be enough to convince him to go along.
 
"Oh yes, the party will be before Christmas, of course," Aria told her with a smile, "We know that spending Christmas with family is the most important." Oh, her father wouldn't mind her bringing friends along. She never brought anyone over besides Cho, so it would be a nice little change. Her brother would invite most of his friends anyway, so it shouldn't be too much of a bother.

George gave a nod of his head, grinning big. "I don't think we have never been invited to a Ministry party before," he said, trying to think. No, they have never.

"Besides, maybe dad has got the invite already," Fred added in, "But George, write a letter to mum anyway."

"Yes, I will write it as soon as possible," his brother replied. "I am sure mum will let us."

Aria laughed a little at their behavior, and then looked to Harry. He seemed uncomfortable, and that made her frown. She glanced up at her Professor, then back at Harry. "I am sure that he is harmless, Harry, don't worry about him too much," she reassured. "He has an odd habit of staring at you though, but like I said, it is probably nothing to be worried about."
 
It was Christmas Eve, a wondrous time of celebration and family. At the Burrow, the entire Weasley family was frantically trying to get themselves ready for a visit to the Winona household. Aria's father, a kindly wizard, had invited her friends to the house for a party and no-one declined the offer. William and Charlie, the eldest of the Weasley clan could not attend, though. Already having graduated, the two brothers were busy with their careers and weren't able to return home for the holidays.

Molly had been furious, but Arthur assured her they would come by and visit before New Years. The twins, Helena, Ron and Ginny were all getting themselves ready for the party. Harry would be arriving soon. Arthur was driving the enchanted car to Surrey so that he could rescue Harry from his terrible uncle and aunt. It saddens Arthur's heart, unable to let Harry live with his own family. However, by the law, he's a minor and must be in the custody of his biological relatives until his fifteenth birthday, only then can he decide to live somewhere else.

"Mum!" Ginny called, racing down the staircase.

Ron hurried through his clothing, trying to select something nice to wear. He created a mess of discarded clothes along the floor, to which he received a scolding.

As for the twins and Helena, well, they were missing. Not literally, but they'd taken to their rooms and weren't seen or heard from for hours. Helena was busy making herself presentable with the outlandish shade her hair had taken upon waking up. Lime green, not dark or Christmas-y green, nope, bright green!

Helena struggled to find something suitable, searching through drawer after drawer and not having any luck. Until finally, she found a beautiful dress that seemed perfect for the occasion. Also, it matched her hair. It was simple, form fitting (considering she was further developed than most girls her age) and featured a modest neckline. Helena pulled the dress on, styling her hair into an elegant ponytail with her bangs hanging down above her eyes and a few longer strands framing both sides of her face. Hazel eyes were brightly lit against her pale skin and darkened eyelashes, Helena examined herself carefully in the mirror before going to look for some shoes.

Fitting a pair of black flats onto her feet, Helena grabbed her Hogwarts robe and used it as a jacket, completely covering her dress. She didn't want anyone to see her outfit until they arrived at the party. "Oh, Ginny!" Helena rushed to the younger girl with a huge smile. "You look beautiful!"

Although not wearing anything near as flattering, Ginny had chosen an adorable orange dress with white ballet flats. She was the definition of cute. Molly had styled Ginny's ginger-hair into ringlets, which accented the shapely features of the girl's chin and nose. Helena nearly teared up in happiness. "Where's your brothers?"

Ginny shrugged, reaching for her white trench-coat,"I don't know."

Harry was already waiting in the living room with a black suit and red tie he'd been given by Arthur, it was charmed to fit him properly. Ginny seemed to think he looked handsome, if her reddening cheeks were any indication. Ron had chosen a similar suit, but it was dark red with a black tie and his torn sneakers. Ginny smiled, hugging her brother and said he looked charming, trying to ease the boy's nervousness. Ron happily accepted her words, placing a chaste kiss to her cheek as he went to join Harry.

"Oi, Helena, dear!" It was Molly calling from the kitchen. "Can you get the twins, please? We're going to be late!"

Helena accepted the task, rushing up the stairs and knocked on the twin's bedroom door. "Fred!" She knocked again, "George! Hurry up you lazybones!" She teased, leaning against the door-frame and waited.

Helena's Dress:
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Ginny's Dress:
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The twins had looked through their dressers for something to wear. Their mum told them to look presentable for the party, and she tried to get them to dress how she wanted. Of course they easily declined her help, which made her huff and go downstairs to leave the boys in peace. Then they were stuck in their room for the longest time, trying to figure out what to wear. After trying to figure it out, they finally found something to wear that they almost forgot they owned.

Fred wore a black suit with a white tie, black shoes on his feet. His twin, George, settled with a dark red suit that had a black bow tie with black slacks and black shoes. It wasn't like every day they dressed this way, and they weren't really used to it. They looked at each other, giving nods of approvals before hearing the familiar voice of Helena coming from the door. Fred opened the door, grinning at Helena. "We're ready," he told her.

"For the most part," George added in, and almost pushed his brother out the door. He looked up at Helena, seeing that her makeup and hair had been done nicely. He also noticed that she was wearing her robes over whatever she was wearing, so he knew that he had to wait to see her outfit. "You look nice."

Fred just grinned, and headed down the stairs. "Come on, you two, before mum blows as casket," he said, heading down the stairs.

George laughed at his brother's comment, and looked at Helena. "Well, shall we?"

---

The Winona family outdid themselves with the decorations this year. In the middle of their foyer they had a tall fifty foot Christmas tree, decorated to the top with gold ornaments and ribbons. Guest would be first greeted with that. The whole mansion in the inside was decorated with gold decor, making it feel rich and welcoming to the holiday season. The family made sure that everything was perfect, especially to impress most of the guests that were coming.

Aria had taken her time to get ready. Her hair was worn in loose curls, a simple crystal pin was pinning up the right side of her hair just slightly. The makeup she wore was simple, black eyeliner and mascara. She wore pink blush on her cheeks, and her lips were ruby red. The dress she wore matched the decorations of the house. The top of it was a gold sequin, and the bottom flowed out to a tulle like material. Her mother picked out the outfit for her, and she knew better not to say no. On her feet were gold flats that matched the whole outfit.

She had head downstairs, and she immediately saw Cho in a nice red traditional Chinese gown called a cheongsam. Aria smiled, going over to her best friend, bringing her into a hug. "You look beautiful, Cho!"

"You as well," Cho said, a slight blush on her cheeks, "Your brother even said that."

Her parents were talking to each other, already drinking some wine. Her brother was picking on some of the food that had been laid out on a table, talking to some of his friends who have already showed up without their parents. Now they were waiting for more guests to arrive, and some had started to show up. Their had been a small orchestra playing in the ballroom, just for the entertainment purposes.

People from her father's work came, as well as her mother's work. Of course she recognized most of them, giving them welcoming smiles and hugs. They commented how beautiful she looked, as well as commented how dashing her brother looked in his gold dress shirt and black slacks. She just was being nice for the sake of her parents.

Aria just hoped for her friends to show up soon, she didn't want to know only just Cho.
 
Helena smirked at the twins, grabbing each of their arms and walked in between them. They joined the others downstairs, Molly was fussing as she gathered everyone into the floo network and scooped up a handful of powder. "Is everyone ready?" The children signaled with a shared voice. As soon as Molly dropped the powder, the entire family was transported just outside the Winona household. A chilly winter's breeze greeted them, but thankfully their coats were warm enough to prevent frostbite.

Ginny, Harry and Ron all were the first to enter. The trio stood astounded at the lavish decorations and Ron, as expected, hurried himself along to the variety of foods presented along a massive table. Harry chuckled, walking around with Ginny and it didn't take him long to find Aria. She was quite a beauty in her dress, it accented the hue of her eyes and she looked absolutely beautiful. Ginny scoffed, but cover the rude behavior with a small smile when Aria approached.

"Hi," she waved nervously, standing a tad closer to Harry in Aria's presence.

As for the famous lad, Harry wore a brilliant grin which was complimented by rosy cheeks which seemed to darken as Aria came towards them. "Hi, Aria." He offered a sheepish laugh, "Happy Christmas."

* * *

Once safely inside the warm environment, Helena discarded her robes and hung them on a provided rack. "Oooh, I'll get us some punch." She happily walked to the table, finding Ron already digging into the chicken and mashed potatoes. Upon seeing her without the robes, Ron nearly choked on his food.

"Wow, you look great!"

Helena blushed, shyly pouring three glasses and tried to avoid Ron's blatant staring. "Thanks, mate."
 
Aria smiled at Harry as she walked to him, soon placing a chaste kiss upon his cheek and hugged him to greet him. She then looked at Ginny, giving her a kind smile. "Hello there, I don't believe we have met," she spoke, "My name is Aria."

"Happy Christmas, Harry," she said happily as she turned her attention to the young boy, glad that he was finally there with everyone else. She looked over what he was wearing, giving him a nod of approval. "You look quite dashing, much different than what I am used to seeing you in."

"Is this Harry Potter?" Her father chimed after greeting Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to the party. The older man looked at the famous boy with a grin, and soon held out his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Harry, I am Ryder Winona. Aria speaks very highly of you and I have wished to meet you for the longest time. I am glad that you two have become friends."

"Ugh, father, I told you not to embarrass me," Aria whispered, looking away as her cheeks went red. Oh, this was the night that her parents were going to embarrass her in front of her friends and she was not prepared for it.

---

The twins seemed to gawk at what Helena was wearing. She looked beautiful, even more so to George. He seemed to stare the longest, but Fred nudged his shoulder to stop him from gawking, slightly snickering at his brother for staring so hard. With a harsh shush, he quieted down and he shrugged his shoulders. Fred wasn't dumb, but George was clearly clueless.

"She looks beautiful, doesn't she George?" Fred teased, actually enjoying the fact that his twin was becoming embarrassed.

"Shut up, Fred," the twin hushed, his cheeks burned scarlet. This never happened to him. He never had these feelings, and especially with someone who was like family to him. It was strange, and he didn't know how to handle it really.
 
Harry exchanged pleasantries with Aria's father, having experience with himself as the subject of many prior conversations, he's become quite resourceful at casual gossip. Ryder presented to be a charming man, a clearly doting father and Harry deeply desired this man's approval. Harry has suffered judgement his entire life and merely wishes to be accepted.

When Aria's cheeks darkened to a shade that complimented against her eyes, she apparently had hypnotized Harry's focus. Ryder's words become lost, deaf at the lad's ears. Thankfully, this trance shattered at Ron's arrival.

Ginny scoffed in disbelief at the plate carried in her brother's hand. "Honestly, Ron."

Three drumsticks, two desserts and a large serving of assorted fruits occupied what little space there was available on his plate. Harry smirked, happily introducing the ginger-haired boy to Ryder with a polite bow. "This is my best friend, Ron Weasley."

Shyly Ron held out his hand, having briefly dusted crumbs at his pants. "Nice to meet you, sir."

* * *

Helena returned with three glasses, handing one to each twin before taking a sip out of her own. "This place looks lovely, doesn't it?" She caught sight of Aria and was astounded at how beautiful the young female dressed up to be. Ginny, Harry and Ron all were found speaking with the man Helena identified as Aria's father.

"Are you alright?" Helena suddenly noticed a shift in George's behavior, he seemed to be nervous to some degree. "Georgie?"
 
When the young Weasley boy came up, Ryder looked upon him and saw the plate full of food. It made him chuckle, soon shaking the young Weasley's hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Ron," he told him, giving a small smile after letting go of his hand. He looked the young men, as well as the young sister, over for a moment before nodding his head and taking a step back. "Well, I do hope you enjoy your time here," he told them. "And Aria, may I have a word with you for a moment?"

They both stepped aside from the group, still in earshot of them. "I am just letting you know that the Malfoys may or may not be coming tonight," he told her, glancing over at Harry for a moment before turning his attention back to her. "I want you to be in your best behavior because I know how you don't get along with Draco."

"Of course, I will try my best to be polite," she said through gritted teeth. She had almost forgot that Draco's father worked with her father at the Ministry. It was strange how she never met Mr. Malfoy, but then again, she was never around to meet her father's fellow employees.

They exchanged a few words, and then her father walked away to talk to her mum. Aria let out a frustrated sigh as she walked back to Harry, Ron, and Ginny. "I can't believe this is happening," she grumbled, obviously annoyed at the fact that her father even bothered to tell her. Though it was better than a surprise.

---

Fred took a sip of the drink, and looked at his brother curiously. "Yeah, George, are you alright?" He teased, and he only received a rough elbow to his arm that made him wince. It was definitely fun to mess with his brother, especially when he had an infatuation with someone. That someone was Helena. However, George wasn't going to admit to it. He was going to remain being the oblivious boy.

"Yes, I am fine," George mumbled, trying to hide his flushed cheeks as he drank his drink. He just wanted to change the subject completely, not wanting this attention solely on him. He looked around for a brief moment, and then back at the two. "I never expected Aria's home to be this big."

"Well, George, she is part of a wealthy family after all," Fred said in a matter-of-fact way. Now he was refraining from saying anything about his twin getting flustered over Helena, to avoid embarrassing him. As much as he wanted to, he didn't do that for the sake of not starting a bicker fight when they were supposed to be on their best behavior tonight.
 
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