Flora was up to something, clearly, and Sirius quirked an eyebrow at her. "I don't think I could come Christmas Day," he said, "But over the holidays - well, you're right. London is boring."

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"Of course not Christmas Day," she said dismissively. They never had guests on Christmas Day, except for whatever family members Mama and Papa wanted over. "Maybe New Year's Eve. I heard they're having festivities in the park," she offered.

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Sirius brightened. "That sounds fun," he said, "I can come to your house before supper, and we can go there instead?" He was already sure that would be agreeable; Aunt Elladora and Mother tended not to care too much where he went, and Sirius had never actually asked Phineas for permission to go somewhere.

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Flora brightened. "Alright then, it's settled," she said, closing her textbook as if the conversation had anything to do with their studying. "We will have fun, and we will come back next month and learn about animagi—yes? Yes." And as if she'd just wrapped a business deal she'd just signed, Flora stood up and looked down at Sirius. "We'll have to continue this some other time. I have to pen a letter to Mama."

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