All was warm and merry inside the Sallow residence. Flakes of snow fell outside, and the windows were frosted over. Solomon added fresh wood to the fireplace, keeping everyone in the home toasty. Anne was preparing the frosting for the freshly baked gingerbread cookies she had a hand in making. Ominis was constantly by the front door, as if listening for his sweetheart's arrival. However, Sebastian was sitting alone on his bed, a large book open on his lap. Several little notes were stuffed between the pages, and he scribbled things down on a fresh one to add to the bunch.

"This could finally be it," he mumbled under his breath. "The cure I've been looking for."

"Sebastian, come on! Let's decorate the cookies!"

The boy was quick to close the book and stuff it under his pillow. "Coming, Anne!"

The siblings had fun putting icing on the cookies and making silly faces on them. Solomon glanced over the colorful presents under the Christmas tree. He was pleasantly surprised that his nephew hadn't been constantly bringing up his insatiable hunt for a cure for Anne's curse since the holiday break started. It meant far less quarrels around the most festive time of the year. Solomon was still skeptical, though. That perhaps Sebastian was behaving well because Ominis and his new friend would be there. Whatever the case, there was currently some form of tranquility among them for the time being.

There were several knocks at the door, to which Ominis answered almost immediately. Raven, Armel and Bijou were there with multiple covered trays of food and some presents levitating behind them. Raven was dressed nicely in a long, dark blue dress with white silk gloves, a thick coat currently keeping her warm. Her hair was in a neat braid. Armel was in a suit, and he had a smile of approval at Ominis's own attire, a white shirt and grey vest with a bowtie. Quite the opposite of Sebastian's casual jumper and Anne's simple dress.

"Hello, Ominis," the girl greeted with a smile. "Hope we aren't too early."

"Not at all. Please, come in." He let them in and shut the door behind them.

Solomon approached the guests with a friendly smile, using his wand to guide their gifts under the tree with the rest. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lothaire. Solomon Sallow, former Auror. I recall meeting a Lothaire at the Ministry once. A relative of yours?" He stuck his hand out to shake.

"Armel Lothaire. That was likely my late son, Damian. He was a Magizoologist and Dragonologist employed by the Ministry." He shook his hand with a polite smile. "This is my granddaughter, Raven."

The girl curtsied out of politeness. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Sallow."

"I know exactly who you are. Ominis often talks about you."

Anne had dropped everything to come to the living area to meet the friendly new faces, her brother right behind her. "Raven! Oh, it's lovely to finally meet you!" She went right up to her and took her hands in her own. "I've heard so much about you from the boys. The promising new Slytherin classmates are raving about."

"And you must be Anne. A pleasure." Raven giggled. "And I guess my arrival as a fifth-year did cause quite a stir. So much has happened since the year started."

"I'll bet. Sebastian told me all about your poacher raids and the beasts you've been rescuing. Do you really have a couple of dragons?"

"Spitfire and Striker? Yes, but I didn't bring them along. This isn't exactly the occasion to discuss my crazy little adventures. But maybe if I visit again, I can let you meet some of the beasts? The gentler ones, of course."

"I'd love to! That sounds…" Anne trailed off, and instead, doubled over in pain as she groaned in agony. Sebastian went to her side and held onto her, keeping her on her feet and guiding her to a chair to sit down. After a few moments, the bouts of pain died away. "Sorry. I'm fine. This happens often."

"I explained it before, but Anne is cursed," Sebastian told the concerned guests. "This is a regular occurrence."

"I'm sorry. That sounds dreadful."

Raven now understood why Sebastian was so adamant about finding a cure. She thought his efforts were a tad excessive before, but she saw exactly what was driving him now. If Ominis, for example, was cursed like that, Raven, too, would scour the world for a cure.

"Please, don't worry about me," Anne insisted. "It's Christmas Eve. Everyone should be merry."

Armel cleared his throat and decided it best to change the subject, as Anne was so inclined to do. "Hope you all have an appetite this evening. Bijou made a fantastic meal fit for the Minister himself."

Bijou magically arranged the trays they brought alongside the rest of the food on the dining table. "Master is too kind. Bijou is merely skilled in the kitchen."

"Then let's eat, shall we?" Ominis offered his hand to Raven and led her over to sit with him.

Once everyone was seated, they piled food onto their plates and dug in. Cheerful chatter filled the house as they conversed. Anne was especially ecstatic to get to know Raven more. It wasn't every day that Ominis confided in anyone, so after hearing about the new arrival from her brother, she had to know more about the blind boy's old flame and current sweetheart. Raven was eager to talk about beasts and her life at other schools, although she kept the details close to her chest, and neither Ominis nor Sebastian said a word either. Their talk was still going on even after they'd finished eating.

"What was Durmstrang like anyway?" Anne asked. "I've always heard about how powerful the graduates are from that school."

"I wouldn't say powerful. More like arrogant and forward. The boys especially like to show off, as if they're so magnificent."

Sebastian smirked, glancing toward his best friend. "Really now? Any of them show off for you?"

Raven suddenly felt Ominis's hand on her leg under the table. He was getting ever so slightly jealous, but he didn't want to openly show it. "Well, in my second year, there were these couple of third-years that tried to court me." She felt her sweetheart's hand lightly grip the fabric of her dress. "But I ignored them. I had no interest in those brutish toads."

She discreetly moved a hand under the table to rest it over Ominis's, calming him. "You only had eyes for Ominis, huh?" Anne lightly teased.

"You could say that," the girl admitted. "By the way, I loved the gingerbread cookies you made."

Anne was beaming. "Thank you. Personally I think Bijou's fruitcake was to die for."

"Bijou is pleased that Miss Sallow enjoyed it."

"I was partial to the turkey myself," Ominis chimed in. "But everything was delicious."

"I'll say," Sebastian said. "And now that we've stuffed ourselves like that turkey, it's present time!"

Solomon rose from his seat, causing the brunet to look at him with an almost pleading look. "Very well. You kids go ahead and open your gifts."

The four of them practically darted over to the Christmas tree, sitting themselves on the floor to sort through the presents. "Here's one for you, Anne!" Sebastian offered, handing her a small gift. "Oh, and there's one with my name on it!"

Anne opened hers to find volume five of 'Enchanted Encounters'. "Oh, I didn't even know the next book was out yet! Thank you, Uncle!" Solomon was smiling from his seat on the sofa with Armel.

"No way!" Sebastian grinned and flipped through the pages of the book he'd gotten. "I loved 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard' when I was younger! Seems like ages since I read it!"

Ominis was in awe at the book he received, his wand hovering over the words on the cover. "I don't believe it."

Raven leaned over to see it for herself, confused. "I don't know this book. 'The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm'?"

"It's a muggle book. I first read this as a child. My first encounter with muggles was…traumatizing. But this book was the only good that came out of it. I read it in secret, and to my misfortune, my father burned my copy when he found it. How ever did you find this, Solomon?"

"Took a lot of digging, but I managed to find a muggle bookstore that sold it."

"Well, thank you! I can't believe how eager I am to read through this all over again."

Raven was the next to open her present. She was surprised to find a beautiful, ornate music box under the wrapping. She opened it to look at the metal disc inside, and upon winding it up, it played a short, sweet lullaby. The music seemed to magically calm her, almost enough to doze off right then and there. Raven closed it once the music stopped.

"That was lovely."

"And it's enchanted to soothe and pacify those who hear it," Armel explained.

"Then I'm going to be listening to it quite often. Thank you, Grandfather. It's wonderful."

There were more gifts under the tree, every single one being from one of the four Slytherin. Anne made little snake charms for each of them to represent their House. Sebastian gifted his sister and Raven both beast dolls, a Puffskein and a Niffler respectively. And he got Ominis a miniature game of Wizard Chess that they could enjoy in their dorm at the castle. Ominis, on the other hand, gave Anne a lovely brooch and Sebastian a new tie. And Raven got Anne a cute hairpin while she gave Sebastian a new pair of slippers to keep his feet warm when he's up late reading. Finally, Raven presented her final gift to Ominis. When he unwrapped and opened it, he found something incredibly soft in his hand. He had to use his wand to figure out exactly what it was.

"Is this…a scarf?"

"Indeed it is," his sweetheart replied. "I've noticed you never wear one, even in the snow." He lowered his head a little, allowing her to wrap it around his neck. "I don't want you getting sick, so with Bijou's help, I knitted one for you."

The boy's brows lifted in surprise. "You made this?"

"Yes. I'll admit it's not the best." Hanging loosely around his neck was a thick, dark green scarf with little white snake patterns. Some of them were just a bit off. "I messed up a few times, and I even had to start from scratch once."

"It's perfect." Ominis nestled his face into it, relishing in the warmth it provided. Just knowing she put so much effort into it nullified how silly it may have looked. "Thank you, dove. I hadn't realized how much I needed this." With a smile, he used his wand to guide his present over to her awaiting hands. "I hope my gift is to your liking."

Raven was a little too eager in tearing off the wrapping paper and opening the little box she found underneath. She gasped when her eyes landed on it. Hanging from a silver chain was a black bird with wings spread. In the center of its chest was a single teardrop of a gemstone. The purple of the amethyst sparkled in the light.

"Oh my…this is beautiful, Ominis." She delicately pulled it from the box, almost mesmerized by it.

"I thought it suited you. And it's my way of showing you how much you mean to me. You'll always be my raven, forever and always."

Raven wasted no time in fastening it around her neck, smiling when she felt it resting against her collarbone. "I absolutely adore it." She shifted onto her knees to reach out and wrap her arms around his neck to hug him. "Thank you so much, Ominis." Despite being around others, the girl planted a chaste kiss to his cheek in appreciation.

"Don't forget about us," Sebastian interrupted. "We're still here, you know. You two can get a room later after the party."

Anne lightly nudged him in the side with her elbow before politely smiling at the other girl. "How about some eggnog? There's still plenty of party left."

"I've never really drank eggnog before," Raven said. "I suppose this'll be my first time."

"It's rich and sweet," Ominis told her. "I think you'll like it."

The group made their way to the kitchen where the glasses of eggnog were pouring themselves. Raven did enjoy it, and after savoring the beverage, Bijou politely added herself into the group. She gave a light tug on Raven's dress to get her attention.

"Bijou apologizes for interrupting Lady Raven, but there is one tradition Bijou wishes to partake in before the evening is over."

Raven's expression brightened as soon as she realized what the elf meant. "Oh, Christmas carols! I nearly forgot!"

"We don't sing carols much around here," Sebastian informed them. "None of us quite have the voice for it."

Armel sighed, nostalgic. "Ah, Layla and Raven sang carols every year. It's been our own family tradition ever since Layla joined the family."

"And Bijou wishes to hear Lady Raven sing again this year. It's Bijou's favorite part every Christmas."

"I would love to, if that's all right with everyone else."

They eagerly nodded in response. Everyone gathered around the chairs and sofas. Bijou snapped her fingers and conjured some instruments. An array of string instruments and drums appeared, and at a wave of her fingers, they began to play. She was like a conductor leading the music. With Raven standing in the middle of everyone, she listened to the cheerful melody Bijou played, recognizing it.

"Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland

"Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song, as we go along
Walking in a winter wonderland

Raven felt great seeing everyone listening with smiles. The cheery mood was lifted even further with her angelic, magical voice. She wanted to just keep singing for them. The warmth of her voice did wonders to melt the chill of the snow outside.

"In the meadow we can build a snowman
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman
Until the other kids, they knock him down

"Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland"

The rest of the evening continued with Raven singing several carols, some of which the others joined in for fun. It was after that, and once the sun had completely set, that Raven and Ominis stepped outside for a brief walk in the silver glow of the moon. They wanted the chance to get some fresh air and a little privacy.

"This has been the best Christmas I've had in a long time," Raven said, her arm linked with his.

"I couldn't agree more. Although, I never had pleasant holidays before meeting Sebastian. My family didn't care about trite celebrations."

"Well, we can all celebrate together from now on." The girl's gaze darted to the scarf still around his neck. "Is the scarf warm enough?"

A chuckle escaped Ominis. "Yes. As I said, it's perfect. I'm barely even cold out here. You really were thinking of me, weren't you?"

"Of course I was. You've been on my mind ever since the ball. It's only been a short time, but I've missed you."

"As I you. I suppose it can't be helped, but I don't like being apart. As far as I'm concerned, you're family to me."

Raven laughed lightly. "You should probably take that up with my grandfather first."

"Perhaps I will," he remarked. "Even if it's only a formality, I'd like to do things correctly." He stopped when he realized they'd circled back around to the Sallow residence. Turning toward the girl, he put away his wand to take hold of her face, her warm cheeks soft in his cold hands. "Thank you for making my Christmas merry. I love you so very much, darling."

Raven rested her hands over his. "I love you too, Ominis. Thank you for making this the best holiday ever. I may never take off this beautiful pendant because just wearing it is a constant reminder of you."

They shared a kiss, sweet and gentle. From the window, Anne was watching them with a giddy grin. She could just barely see them in the darkness beyond the layer of frost, but she could definitely tell they were kissing. Raven was a wonderful person, and seeing Ominis in such high spirits in her presence was a good kind of different.

"I don't think I've ever seen Ominis so happy." She turned toward her brother who was skimming his new book nearby. "He truly loves her, doesn't he? That's so sweet."

Sebastian glanced up from his book, a little smirk tugging at his lips. "You might think differently if you had to see them in classes. They're discreet about it, but they hold hands under the tables and always sit together when possible. A little annoying really."

"You're just jealous you don't have a lady like that in your life."

The boy rolled his eyes. "As if."

The door opened and the young couple came in out of the cold. Solomon, Armel and Bijou were getting things cleaned up. Their Christmas Eve party had officially concluded since things were winding down. Other homes in Feldcroft were dimming their lights, and guests were leaving.

"This has been a truly merry Christmas," Armel spoke up. "Thank you for the hospitality this evening, Solomon."

"My pleasure, Armel. Having company for the holidays is a pleasant change, one I could get accustomed to. And the kids had a great time."

"Indeed. It's getting late, and Raven and I always spend Christmas Day tending to our beasts. We'll have to do this again next year."

Raven went over to Anne, and with big smiles, they hugged one another. "Merry Christmas, Anne. It was wonderful meeting you."

"You too, Raven. Feel free to visit any time. It's nice having another girl around for a change."

Raven turned to Sebastian, who quickly set his book down. "I'll see you back at Hogwarts after the break."

"Right. Until then."

Ominis spoke up before the girl had a chance. "Mr. Lothaire, I have a request. With your permission, I would like to spend the remainder of the holiday break with you and Raven."

Armel raised a brow at the boy. "Would you now? Hmm." He looked at his granddaughter to find her expression both surprised and ecstatic. "Very well. If you can handle a our house rules, then I welcome you, Ominis. Bijou, collect our things, would you."

The house-elf bowed and went to collect the things they'd brought, meanwhile Ominis went to his private space to pack. Sebastian wasn't really surprised, as he'd figured as much with his best friend so smitten. With crossed arms, the freckled boy stood by his friend while he packed up some necessities into a suitcase.

"Really, Ominis? Just going to leave with your sweetheart and forget about us?" He smirked, clearly teasing him.

"Goodness, no. I merely want to spend this time with Raven. Afterward, I'll be back here before you know it. Do try to keep the quarrels with your uncle at a minimum while I'm gone. For Anne's sake."

"No promises." He gave him a pat on the back. "Enjoy your stay. And don't do anything I'd do."

Ominis chuckled at his joking remark. "You needn't worry. I'm not like you in that regard."

Once he was packed, Ominis said farewell to the Sallows before Armel Disapparated them. Sounds of gentle waves lapping at the sand met the boy's ears, and his nose picked up on the salty scent of the sea. He knew they'd made it to Raven's home. Armel led them inside where Bijou got right to work on carrying off their things with her magic. Ominis released his suitcase when he felt it tugging to escape his grasp. The elf Disapparated with his belongings, likely taking them to where he'd be staying.

"Mr. Lothaire, sir, I'd like a word, please."

The elderly man turned to look at the blind boy. "Yes? Speak your mind, Ominis."

"I… You see… Well I… I'm having trouble putting it into words." He didn't know why he was so nervous all of a sudden. Perhaps it was the formality of it all. Armel's hand landed on his shoulder, gentle and reassuring. Ominis took a deep breath to better clear his head. "I'm certain you're well aware that I've been courting Raven. Out of respect, I'd like to take this opportunity to properly ask you, her grandfather, for her hand in the future. It has always been a great desire of mine to be accepted into her family and to be with her till the end of my days."

Raven was blushing, unable to stop staring at him. She was stunned into silence by his boldness.

A smile graced Armel's lips. "I'm wholly aware of your feelings, and Raven's as well. You have my permission and my blessing. Once you've both graduated and figured out what path you wish to take, then I'll be expecting a wedding. I can't think of a finer young man for my little bird."

"Thank you," he breathed out in response, feeling as though a weight was lifted off him. Raven hugged his arm, resisting the urge to shed tears at just how happy that made her. "I swear that I will always be by her side."

Armel straightened up, his smile fading. "However, that won't change the rules I have in place." The young couple listened attentively. "I will allow you to sleep in Raven's room, but a board will be placed between you. If that isn't to your liking, then you will spend the night on the sofa in the living area. As for you, Raven, you are expected to be a proper young lady with a young gentleman in the house. Is that clear?"

Raven and Ominis nodded. "Yes, sir."

Ominis was briefly shown around. His clothes had been taken to Raven's room, so naturally he took some clean nightwear to the bathroom to change. His wand led him to Raven's room afterward, where he familiarized himself with the layout. A large canopy bed with a long plank splitting it down the middle. A small fireplace heated the room. There was a wardrobe, and a stool at a desk littered with what he could assume were jewelry boxes and accessories. There was a small round table with a couple of chairs. Even a mirror and water basin for cleaning up were present, among other little things.

"Oh, you're already here, Ominis." Raven entered the room, quietly closing the door behind her. "Sorry, I was helping Bijou put away the leftovers." She eyed his cotton nightwear. "I see you've already prepared for bed."

"Well, it has been an exciting day."

She went over to her desk and undid her braid, running her fingers through her hair to straighten it out. "Thank you again for this beautiful necklace. I actually loathe the idea of taking it off."

Ominis was smiling from where he waited politely by the bed. "I'm glad that you like it. I was a little hesitant to purchase it, fearing you might think the avian design a bit much."

"Not at all." She unfastened the pendant to place it in its own lavish box among her things. "I love it, truly I do." She reached behind her, managing to pull open some of the little buttons on the back of her dress.

Ominis froze momentarily, his keen ears picking up on the minute rustling of clothes. "Ah, Raven, you shouldn't change here. At least allow me to step out first. I may be blind but that doesn't make it any less unbecoming."

"But I need help." The boy paused before he could even take a full step toward the door. "I can't reach this button." She glanced back at him. "I normally ask Bijou for all my dressing needs, but since you're here, I'd like you to do the honors." She giggled mischievously. "After your little speech about marrying me one day, you should at least know how to unfasten a button or two."

"But we can't, dove. It wouldn't be appropriate. Need I remind you that your grandfather gave us specific rules."

"I know. I'm not going to change here. But I really do need help. Please, Ominis?"

With a sigh of defeat, he went over to her, unable to refuse when she pleaded. It was almost as if he was magically charmed by her. That's how irresistible she was. With her back to him, she pulled her hair to the side out of the way. His fingertips grazed her underclothes when he sought out the button, undoing it for her. Her dress slid down slightly, the sleeves almost leaving her shoulders. Leaning down, Ominis planted a kiss on her nape. He started to move away.

"Could you…also untie my corset?" the girl asked.

Ominis audibly gasped, listening to the sound of her dress being pulled further down. But he, as requested, tentatively reached out to find her lower back. "You can be quite the seductress, you know," he remarked. "Testing my restraint in such a manner. You should be ashamed."

Raven giggled at his teasing voice. "I should be, yes. But because it's you, Ominis, I simply can't help myself."

She felt his fingers seek out the article of clothing that had been previously concealed. He found the laces, slowly but surely pulling them loose. Raven felt the fabric, like her dress, come undone. Despite her bold request, she could feel her face grow warm at the mere implication. She kept a hand pressed against her chest to hold everything to her body, especially once she felt the final bit of lace being tugged loose.

"There now. I believe you're capable of the rest. I shan't remove anything more."

"Thank you." Raven turned and gave him a quick peck on his lips. "Get settled. I'll be back shortly."

Once she left the room, the blond made his way to the bed. He chose a side and climbed in, setting his wand on the nightstand. After he got comfortable, he waited in silence with his eyes closed and a smile on his face. He could smell her scent on the pillows and sheets. It enveloped him and it was soothing. He was also just the tiniest bit thrilled about the fact that she would be sleeping right beside him for possibly the next week or so, although on the other side of a wooden plank. The door creaked open and clicked shut. Soft footsteps approached, followed by the rustling of the sheets.

"Sweet dreams, darling," the boy uttered.

Raven looked over at him, curling up on her side to face him. "You too. Goodnight, Ominis."

I used this particular version of "Winter Wonderland" for this.