10. Letter
Harry pondered his fame for a moment. It seemed a lot to take in for merely being alive. It was a lot like how Dudley had his lackeys just to praise him. Harry wasn't so sure he liked it. Everybody acted like they knew him, but he couldn't agree less.
His life was nothing like the story books that some of the other kids read growing up. He was just plain Harry. Still, it was a lot better than back with his relatives, so he couldn't complain.
Inhaling the crisp air, he strolled the almost empty halls of Hogwarts.
It was Christmas. Harry felt anticipation. This would be the first time he could openly celebrate the holiday. Normally, he would be kept in his cupboard, as to not ruin the experience for Dudley.
Stepping out of the corridor, he was amazed by the sight of a grand Christmas tree that rose to the very ceiling. There were decorations of all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes. It was a marvel to behold. A warm fireplace crinkled lightly in the air.
Below the tree were a number of gifts labeled for Harry himself. Bubbling with an unusual joy, he ran to the small pile and smiled. The first were from the Weasleys. Inside was one of the nicest and warmest sweaters he had ever had the honor of receiving. One day he would have to return the favor.
Slowly opening the newest gift, he found a cloak. He knew it was the Cloak of Invisibility from the way it disappeared when turned over.
"Now that brings back memories." Looking up, he saw the pale lady. She was dressed in a long red dress with a white apron over it. She wore a nice red cap and just gave off merriment. She whistled a Christmas carol.
Right now he really wished he could take a moving picture. "You've seen it before?"
"Some cheeky boys from years ago got it from me. I dare say that they weren't nearly as charming as you."
He looked at her in confusion, "So it's yours? You can have it back."
She took the cloak and ran a single finger through the cloth. "No, I think I'll let you keep it. I think it will do you some good. Always treasure it."
If he kept nodding his head so rapidly, he would hurt himself, "Okay. It's great to see you. I don't have a family, so it's nice to have company."
She hummed lightly and tapped her chin. She strolled to a loveseat and patted the empty portion and beckoned Harry. He jumped at the chance and swung to the seat in excitement. So the two sang some merry songs and shared a small cake. It was quaint, informal, and fun. Harry begun to see the wonders of Christmas.
Soon she had to leave. "This was really enjoyable Harry. I don't often take the time to enjoy the holidays, I'm always busy. But I'd like to this again, how's next year for you?"
"Of course." Harry beamed. The next time he would get her present. As a matter of fact, he was going to get her one by the end of the school year. Now that he had free reign, he wouldn't just let her keep spoiling him.
With a smile that had his heart skipping, she winked and walked out the room. He didn't bother to look, for her knew she was gone.
After she left, Harry decided to go to his favorite spot in the castle. It was a ledge on a desolate corner of the castle. Hermione and Ron had been quite vocal about his choice spot. No matter what they said, he just felt attracted to the spot. It had a nice draft that made looking though his gifted book more enjoyable. Inside the pages of his book was a single letter. It was labeled to him. So he unfolded it and read it. The letter was from his father.
Hey Harry,
Well I'm writing this letter to you because of your mom. She said it's a muggle thing to do. Honestly, I don't know what exactly to write to you, it feels a bit silly. I mean, I have you right here laughing in my lap, but here I go. You should have been in Hogwarts for a while now. Congrats kid, I loved my time in Hogwarts. I hope by now that you've gotten some real friends to stick by you. It meant the world to me to have Lupin, Sirius, and Peter. But I'm not too worried, you're my son so I believe in you. Always remember, no matter what, your mother and I love.
Love,
James Potter.
Slowly he folded the letter and tucked it into his robes. It was great to have something to remember them by. A letter was far more personal than some cloak. The Pale Lady was always looking out for him, and he loved it.
A moment later, he heard the sound of haggard footsteps. Thinking quickly, he threw on his Invisibility Cloak. He knew he had chosen correctly when it was revealed to be Professor Quirrel. Harry had already received multiple detentions for his habit of sitting in precarious locations. He'd rather not deal with that during Christmas.
"My Lord, I assure you that I will attain the Sorcerer's Stone. I just need a little time, please." The normally stuttering professor said clearly, if not terrified. But Harry could not see to whom he spoke to. It was possible that the other was invisible like him.
A raspy and harsh voice verbally sneered at the Professor, "You fool, the stone should've already been in my grasp. All of your bumbling is delaying my plans. My patience wears thin. Dumbledore shan't succeed in hiding the blasted stone." As the voice lost its temper, Quirrel seemed to squirm in pain.
"Yes my Dark Lord. I only need a little time and, I swear, you shall have the stone in your possession."
"See to it that I do, or the consequences will be… dire."
The Professor than looked back and forth before collecting himself. When he was suitably calmed, he walked away.
Harry finally remembered to breathe. The boy had a sinking feeling that the voice had been Voldermort. There weren't many in recent history to be called the Dark Lord. Worst of all, the voice had made his scar burn as though a branding iron had been rammed into his head. He needed to alert the Headmaster.