Happy Holidays, SS! In honor of the season, I’ll be attempting the Holiday Ficlet Challenge for my current Transfiguration professor, Norman Carton, and his daughter, Normandie. Any other characters mentioned will be credited under a spoiler with the RPer’s name.

Happy holidays to all, and to all a big thanks for reading!


Disclaimer: All characters from the Harry Potter universe are owned by Ms. J.K. Rowling.



Color code
Ficlets featuring Norman
Ficlets featuring Normandie
Ficlets featuring both






13. Gingerbread
Setting: the home of Norman Carton; Edinburgh, Scotland; Christmas 2104
(188 words)


BEEEEEEEEEP!

The smoke alarm roused Norman early Christmas morning. Wand in hand, he ran to Normandie’s room. There was no sign of her, just an empty unmade bed. He followed the smoke downstairs to the kitchen. The only fire he saw was his daughter’s fiery red hair.

Normandie set a cookie sheet down with a clatter. Acrid smoke rose from the burnt gingerbread men. “Merry Christmas, Dad!” She giggled sheepishly. “I baked you some cookies, but they didn’t turn out.”

That hair, that laugh… just like Cherie’s! His eyes suddenly burning, he blinked repeatedly. He stood paralyzed by the memories of his late wife until Normandie’s concerned gaze and voice distracted him.

“Dad?”

“Stupid smoke!” he mumbled, pretending to swat at the smoke so she wouldn't see him wipe his eyes.

“Dad…” Her tone told him she wasn’t fooled.

“You look so much like your mother. She loved Christmas…”

“I miss her too.” Normandie hugged him. Only when he felt his daughter’s tears dampening his shirt did he stop fighting his own.

Moments later he released her, smiling. “Let’s try baking gingerbread together. I have your mother’s recipe.”