Chapter 14 (Updated)

Shortly after arriving at the Paris apparition point Alicia found the nearest loo and emptied the contents of her stomach, namely, her breakfast. She may be a witch, but she was still not used to the idea of long-ranged apparition. To be honest she would not want a repeat of the experience. She always carried a potion to ease her symptoms, but this time her bottle was empty. She had forgotten to brew a fresh batch for the trip. In her defense, she didn't have an excuse to use it. She should have listened to her gut when it was telling her to brew in case of emergencies.

"I apologize for the rough travel." Draco handed a bottle of water when she exited the ladies' room. Alicia gulped the contents of the bottle and simply sighed.

"If we waited for another portkey to activate, you would miss Christmas Eve," Alicia answered.

When they arrived at the Ministry International Travel's Department, he had expected that the portkey he had organized was ready, but due to a foolish receptionist, the portkey was given to another fellow. The receptionist offered a portkey only sending them to the borders and suggested that they apparate from the borders to France. It was closer than apparating directly from London to France. At this point, Alicia considered a muggle alternative, but she knew that the holidays were the worst days to travel.

"Don't worry I have the portkey back to London secured," Draco assured her.

As they exited the doors of the Apparation point Draco was greeted by an elderly man in a sleek black suit and a black sailor's hat. Alicia's eyes sparkled in wonder when she noticed that the elderly man was standing beside a sleek white car. It reminded her of the muggle cars that Ron was gushing about during New Years'.

Alicia thought.

"Hello, Master Draco." The elderly man greeted in French with a tight bow.

"Have you been well, Harold?" Draco greeted with a warm smile.

"Very well, sir." Harold's eyes wandered to the young woman standing behind his master. "Now who is this young lady?"

"Hello, my name is Alicia Granger. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Harold." Alicia spoke in fluent French.

Harold's smile widened and shook her hand. "Are you the young master's girlfriend?" Harold asked in wonder.

Alicia and Draco stared at each other and then laughed. "No. Scorpius and I are just friends. He's like a brother to me."

"Alicia will be our guest for the holidays." Draco cut in between chuckles.

"Wonderful. The young master would be ecstatic."

..

"I never knew that you spoke fluent French." Draco pointed out as the car maneuvered on the snowy streets of France.

"Le Petite Prince (The Little Prince)" Alicia smiled remembering a fond memory from her formative years.

"I see you learned from Fleur," Draco commented after she finished her story. "But you never visited Paris?"

"This would be my first time," Alicia admitted her eyes glued on the snow-covered buildings. It was truly a magical sight. The City of Love did not disappoint.

"If I may Professor, may we stop at a shop? I haven't bought any gifts yet. I would like to send my presents to London before Christmas Eve."

"Of course." Draco agreed. "I have to do some shopping as well. I hate to admit it, but I haven't thought about Scorpius' and Astoria's presents." He blushed, embarrassed by his actions.

He had been busy with his research, his classes, and papers that he missed his scheduled weekend to buy presents for Christmas. If Astoria found out about his carelessness she would surely have his head on a silver platter. His wife was sweet and caring, but the moment he experienced her ominous glare he never again broke any of his wife's rules. It was a small price to pay compared to his bride's blank and dark glare.