Chapter 4 (Christmas Alone)
Harry's POV
"Morning Tom!" I said cheerfully as I sat down on the table closest to the fire, to keep myself warm and hidden from any body that walks by. Tom smiles,
"Hi, Harry, and how did you spend yesterday?" He asked as he gave me my usual order. I faked a smile. Yesterday was Christmas Eve and I still haven't had a reply back from Dudley.
"Just in my room, writing letters, was it busy in here?" I asked, drinking my hot chocolate. He chuckled lightly as he sat down, it was then I realised nobody else was in the building. I remembered him saying last week that everyone staying here had gone home.
"No, are you sure your okay?" He asked, concerned. Just as I was about to nod, the was a screach of an owl which flew in through the window. I grinned as I saw the all black beautiful bird named Hercules, it was Draco's owl. Was he carrying something?!
"Who's bird is that? I've seen many owls fly through that window, Harry, but none quite as beautiful as that," He says just as Hercules landed next to me, his beak stroked against my arm as I played with his feathers,
"His called Hercules, Draco's owl," I explained as I unattached the letter and present from him. My owl, Hedwig, was out hunting. Well, I would've thought that is why she isn't here.
"Draco Malfoy? Lovely lad, quite shy though, hardly ever speaks, as far as I know he's only friends with Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy and Blaise," Tom says, I nodded as I gave Hercules one last hug before he flew off again.
"He mentioned them," I made no comment on how he actually hates all of them, he only pretends to be their friend because of those play date type things they do between the Pure-Blood families.
I quickly finished breakfast and practically ran back up to my room to open the letter and parcel.
I've found out quite a lot about magic, I've been studying a few subjects for Hogwarts so I'm not behind when I join. Much to my luck, and pride, I've found that I'm really good at potions. I know I will make my Mum happy.
Dear Harry,
I can't believe what just I just heard! Apparently Pansy told Blaise who told Crabbe who told Goyle who EVENTUALLY told me that Pansy fancies me?! Like, seriously? I hate her, you know I do! No wonder she was so obsessed with me at that party. If only you'd have been able to come, it would have made it ten times more interesting! Have you found anything more on that whole Marauders thing? I casually mentioned it to my Dad and he says the people involved were your Father, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Petigrew. Hope that helps?
I got you a present, I know it's a bit late and I'm sorry, I only just managed to wrap it up, Dobby was being useless. I had to tell Mum your present was from Pansy, I don't think she believed me but I managed to take it upstairs to stop her from asking anymore questions.
Hopefully I'll get to see you soon? I have to go now.
From your friend, Draco
I quickly unwrapped the present and nearly jumped with joy, Quidditch Through The Ages, I'm so glad I didn't buy that book last week when I was Christmas shopping.
I gave Draco a similiar book, but it was more about his favorite team as well as a scarf. He probably already has them but I wasn't sure and I thought of him when I saw them in the Quidditch shop.
Dear Draco,
Pansy fancies you? Really? That doesn't surprise me though. Why did you have to go to the party anyway? I think I was doing the Christmas shopping while you were there. It would have been boring for me too, Draco, imagine if I suddenly turned up and everyone going 'Omg it's Harry Potter', every second? Not for me. What type of a name is Petigrew? Anyway that did help a lot, thank you! I'll need to have a look at the History books, that'll take forever. It will give me something to do though, first Christmas I've spent alone, and no presents from my family.
I shouldn't bore you any longer,
I'd hope we get to see each other soon! Oh, Hedwig is back, about time!
From Harry
P.S Thank you so much for my present! I can't wait to start reading about Quidditch! I've flicked through some pages already and it looks fantastic! Thanks again!
"Hey girl," I said, stroking her. "Can you give this to Draco Malfoy please?" I asked, and she hooted before flying out of the window again.
I sat down at the desk and opened my photo album, I've got pictures of the wall leading to Diagon Alley, I've got pictures of the streat in Autumn and my favourite, in the summer, I've got a picture of the Quidditch shop in the snow, and I've got a picture of Gringotts and The Leaky Cauldron, along with my room and where I'm staying. I took a picture of Hedwig and Hercules when they arrived here at the same time.
I copied the album and sent Hedwig to Private Drive as a present for my brother, Petunia and Vernon. I haven't heard from them in a long time. The last letter I had from Petunia was one saying 'It sounded like youre having a great time, can't talk, extremely busy'.
It hurt. But I understood.
Will I ever let anyone know that Draco's was the only present I actually received this year? Probably not.