Chapter 21: Holiday Blues

Matthias stretched out as far as he can on bed and mewled out loud without reservations. Zabini wasn't around, nor anyone else for that matter, to scold him for being too loud so he let himself have his freedom. Matthias looked out the window on his left and noticed the ice layer above the lake's surface.

When today's date finally dawned on him, Matthias quickly grabbed his robes and bolted for the common room filled with childish excitement. No one else was around the common room when he arrived except for a sullen looking fifth year that was already opening his share of presents by the fire.

"Merry Christmas, Evans!" he greeted.

Matthias had the privilege of being acquainted with Evans just a few days ago. He's a quiet fella with fewer words to offer than Theodore. And for whatever reason, Evans has denied any form conversation Matthias tried to spark with him and the latter decided to actually stop trying. He's not going to waste time and effort on someone who obviously doesn't want it. Whatever Evans' problem with him was, he could care less. But nothing is going to stop him from spreading a little Christmas joy and jovially repeated, "I said - Merry Christmas, Evans."

"Merry Christmas," Evans mumbled back with a little annoyed growl at the end as he picked up a neatly wrapped package from under the tree.

Matthias nodded once in triumph and decided to reward Evans' with peace. Matthias walked over to the Christmas tree found in the center of the room and sat on the end where most of his present were stacked on top of each other. There were seven presents addressed to him in total; two from his family, another four from Slytherin, and another one from his Muggle friend.

He starts unwrapping the gifts from Slytherins first.

Malfoy bought him a snow globe from the ski-lodge he's staying in for the holidays. It's not a very meaningful present but Matthias appreciates it still. Matthias shook the glass ball expecting something magical to happen but it remained fixed. Just a normal snow globe that showcased the ski lodge he supposed. Matthias set down the globe and supposed that Malfoy just gift wrapped the first thing he set eyes on in the gift shop and shipped it. Matthias chuckled dryly, not knowing what else he did expect from Malfoy.

He opened a present from Zabini's next – a total surprise. He didn't expect Zabini to actually send him anything when he said that he would, but the thought was very much appreciated. It was a green wool scarf.

Matthias' eyes widened at how personalized it looked and immediately wrapped the scarf around his neck. He turned to reach for Parkinson's present but shuddered when he felt something wriggle down his back. Matthias removed the scarf to inspect it for some price tag or something and instead spotted something thin, something long and brown, fall on the floor, wriggling.

Matthias paled up upon realizing what it was and screamed ten-fold. He kicked the disgustingly hideous worm away from him, causing it to fly towards Evans who also jumped away in shock. He took off his shirt in paranoia and dropped it on the ground, hopping around in disgust to get the feeling of slimy, writhing worms off him.

Evans looked at him like crazy and inspected the worm closely. He shook his head disapprovingly and picked up the dead worm before nonchalantly throwing it into the fire. "Put your shirt back on, Braun," he hissed, "it's fake."

"But it moved! It was moving!" Matthias countered, refusing to believe anything Evans tells him. It is real and it was utterly disgusting.

"Ever heard of a Squiggle?" Evans asked. Matthias shook his head. "It's a prank item in Zonko's. You can buy it for 5 Sickels. Now put your bloody shirt back on."

Another 'Squiggle' worked its way out of Matthias' shirt and he visibly shuddered at the mere sight of its brown segmented skin. Matthias scowled at Zabini's immature idea for a prank-slash-Christmas-present and decided to not be merciful in return.

He picked up his shirt and shook it clean before putting it back on. He aimed a resentful blasting spell at the Squiggles on the floor and sat far away from the small bonfire on his left.

Matthias finally picked up Parkinson's present next and read the greeting card pasted on it,

As congratulations for moving past the "I hate you" zone and actually getting her address. Have this. Love and kisses, Pansy Parkinson

"Mein gott, Parkinson," he moaned with a blush. Parkinson has always been such a tease and he kind of resents her for it, but nonetheless appreciates her undying support. Even if it is unnecessary for most of the time. Matthias opens her present, secretly hoping it has nothing to do with Daphne and is instead something from the Caribbean.

He pulls out a wooden doll that heavily resembled Daphne Greengrass wearing a floral Caribbean attire from the wrapping and turned red around the ears. Matthias buried his face in his hands and cursed Parkinson repeatedly in his head. Once he got over his flustered state, Matthias placed the doll right beside him and smiled dearly at it.

He needs to hide this from Daphne. Forever.

It took quite a bit of effort before he can move his focus away from the doll to another rectangular present on his lap. Theodore's present was an expensive looking fountain pen. Matthias' usual retractable pen lost its ink a month ago and was pretty distraught over using ink and quill again. Theodore must've thought to buy him a new one but moved to the next best thing that his father would allow him to get his hands on.

Matthias sighed. Now he felt pretty banged-up now for giving Theodore a jinxed messenger bag for a Christmas present in comparison to something so thoughtful. He'll be sure to apologize for that later. Maybe buy him a new book just to show how apologetic he is.

Turning to his family's presents, Matthias questioned the inner workings of his father and brother's mind. They both sent him books he had no interest in reading whatsoever. Hendrik sent him a Quidditch book, while Johann sent him a book about dragons. He put them to the side, promising to look over them later and picked up a small box from his Muggle friend, Kian.

"Bitte sei Legend of Zelda… Bitte sei Legend of Zelda," he chanted, hopeful, as tore apart a badly wrapped package. With the final rip, Matthias gasped and jumped to his feet, raising the box in the air in all his glory. "Kian, Ich liebe dich!" he shouted and kissed the box of Link's Awakening repeatedly in his hands.

Matthias waved his wand at his pile of presents, grabbed Daphne's doll, and moved to retreat back into the common room until Evans called his attention from behind. "Hey, you missed one," the fifth year said as he handed out a small red box to Matthias.

"I'm not expecting anyone else to send a present," Matthias mumbled.

"Well it's not mine either," he refuted.

Confused as to who else may have sent a present, Matthias took the box off Evans hands and inspected it for a note. When he couldn't find any, Matthias opened the box after mouthing respects and saw a little porcelain mouse in it. Matthias groaned irritably. This present is meant for him alright. But he most definitely did not expect to get anything from him either.

Engraved on the box's lid was the words, "до малка мишка" – to little mouse. Matthias felt a vein popping and dismissively threw the gift into the fire without a passing glance. The nerve of that man.

At high noon, Evans knocked at Matthias' door to inform him about the time and left. Matthias immediately dropped his new book, Men Who Love Dragons Too Much, and picked up his parka to try and catch up with Evans, but it seems the latter's insistence to ignore him was unparalleled.

When Matthias arrived in the Great Hall, the house tables have been moved to the end of the hall again; similar to how the Hall was setup when Sirius Black first broke into the castle. Only a single table, set for thirteen people, stood in the middle of the room.

Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, and Flitwick were already there, along with Filch who has taken off his usual brown coat and was wearing a very old and rather moldy looking tailcoat instead.

Matthias greeted the Professors a Merry Christmas, like a good mannered student would, and topped it off with a sweet, sincere smile.

Dumbledore ecstatically repaid his sentiments and welcomed him to the Feast. McGonagall smiled pleasingly at his manners and offered him a seat across them. Matthias politely accepted the gesture and sat down beside two extremely nervous first years. He greeted them too and the first years shuffled in their seats, mumbling a soft greeting back. Snape could only narrow his eyes at Matthias and the latter avoided his gaze. He can never feel comfortable under the scrutinizing, privy eyes of the Potion's Master.

Not long after he arrived, the Great Hall's doors swung open again to reveal Harry, Ron, and Hermoine approaching the table. Dumbledore opened his arms wide and welcomed their new additions. "Merry Christmas! As there are so few of us, it seemed foolish to use the House tables…Sit down, sit down!" he beckoned for them to take their place among them.

Matthias didn't greet them nor turn his attention towards them because of his recent encounter with Hermoine. She probably told Ron and Harry about it too, so suddenly acting all friendly around her immediately after would raise some flags.

"Crackers!" said Dumbledore enthusiastically, offering the end of a large silver noisemaker to Snape who took it reluctantly. With a bang like a gunshot, the cracker flew apart to reveal a large pointed witch's hat topped with a stuffed vulture.

Matthias chuckled at their exchange and Snape glared at him. Matthias squeaked and quickly looked away. Ron and Harry grinned.

Snape's mouth thinned and pushed the hat towards Dumbledore, who swapped it for his wizard's hat at once. "Dig in!" he advised the table, beaming around. Their small feast went on steadily as time went on. Small chatter among faculty and students sparked up here and there and a few more crackers were popped open.

Matthias found it a lot easier to connect with the first years he'd seated with too. After finding out that they were both Muggle-borns, Matthias made it a must to talk to them about video games – a sure fire way to connect with the Muggle youth – and asked what cool and nifty presents they got for Christmas.

As he took a jelly bean offered by the first year seating closest to him, the doors of the Great Hall opened again. A raggedy looking female with very large round spectacles wearing a green sequined dress walked close to the table.

"Sibyll, this a pleasant surprise!" said Dumbledore, standing up to greet her. Professor Trelawney explained her reason for appearing in the simple celebration and Matthias could only roll his eyes. She must be the Divination teacher.

Dumbledore drew up a chair, in between Professor Snape and McGonagall, for Trelawney to sit on. She gasped at their unlucky number of thirteen people and immediately took a seat to break the bad omen it would bring. "Where is dear Professor Lupin?" Trelawney asked.

"I'm afraid the poor fellow is ill again," said Dumbledore. "Most unfortunate that it should happen on Christmas Day."

"But surely you already knew that Sibyll?" said Professor McGonagall, her eyebrows raised.

Trelawney responded, as if it was natural for her to know. McGonagall retaliated and Matthias just silently sipped the hot broth from his spoon, amused by how McGonagall tried to keep her head around the divination professor.

"I doubt it," interrupted Dumbledore, in a cheerful but slightly raised voice, putting an end to Professor McGonagall and Trelawney's conversation, "that Professor Lupin is in any immediate danger. Severus, you've made the potion for him again?"

"Yes, Headmaster," said Snape.

"Good," said Dumbledore. "Then he should be up and about in no time… Derek, have you had any of these chipolatas? They're excellent."

The first-year boy went furiously red at being addressed directly by Dumbledore, and took the platter of sausage with trembling hands. Matthias elbowed Derek and told him to calm down. The first-year's hand continued to shake as he transferred sausages unto his platter.

Two hours later, the lunch turned into a full on Christmas dinner party, complete with party hats and newly refilled drinks. Matthias reached for the pitcher of Butterbeer and practically hogged it all for himself. Evans looked unhappy to be around this long, especially when Matthias forced him to have a little fun and to pull a cracker.

"Come on, pull it!" he said.

"No. I'm not pulling that stupid string," Evans repeated with a deep frown.

"Pull the string, Evans," Matthias egged, "or I'm taking your erotica books away."

Evans' eyes grew wide and he mouthed a soft, "You wouldn't dare…"

"I can and will, Evans," Matthias grinned. "Now pull the damn string." Evans glared at him and with a stifled grunt, pulled the other end of the cracker. There was a loud bang that echoed in the room and Dumbledore threw his hands up jovially in cheers. A white mouse with crimson colored eyes and small pinkish nose dropped down unto their lap.

Matthias suddenly remembered the porcelain mouse he threw in the fire earlier and shoved the mouse unto Evans' lap. Mrs. Norris then jumped on Evans' lap in an attempt to catch the mouse. Scared and terrified, the mouse dug itself inside Evans' cloak in an attempt to hide and Mrs. Norris followed

Evans screamed and stood up from the table, running around in circles as he tried to shake off the mouse that has somehow found its way up his trousers, all the while escaping Mrs. Norris' claws. Matthias laughed at poor Evans, while Snape tried to get the mouse out of the boy's clothes.

While the commotion with Evans was going on, Ron and Harry stood up to leave. Trelawney stopped them to ask who stood up first for another death omen. McGonagall drawled out her usual dislike for divination again before excusing herself to leave. Matthias followed right after her not long after and spotted Hermoine talking with Professor McGonagall just outside the Hall. He could've sworn Hermoine said something about a Firebolt.

Matthias spent the next day cooped up in the Reference section of library in an attempt to figure out the word Johann wrote in the glossary of the dragon book he gave him. Written in red ink, in all capital letters, is the word "Wivren".

Matthias supposed Johann is hinting that he's somehow gotten a hold of a "Wivren's" dragon egg, whatever that is. It's concerning that Johann, with his long history of black market deals, who's never associated with magical creature smuggling before, is suddenly dealing with Dragon dealers.

Even more so that Johann actually managed to get his hands on one.

Dragons are very dangerous creatures. They're almost impossible to domesticate, they can grow into massive sizes, and they can breathe fire. If Johann did manage to get a hold of a dragon egg, there is now way he's planning to raise it in their small home in London. Matthias paused to think. No, Johann will definitely try to domesticate it if he knew the gains are larger than the risk. But what are the gains? It's a freaking dragon.

All the Dragon books Matthias has procured through the hours made no mention of a dragon species known as Wivren. He didn't even think something like it exists and thought Johann was conned out of his own game. That is highly unlikely so Matthias looked around for more books.

It took him another hour before finally figure out that the word Wivren isn't a dragon species, but a smaller, distant draconic relative. Wiverns, or as they are most commonly known as, Wyverns is a rare subspecies of dragons. They are nowhere near as dangerous as their bigger cousins and had no ability to spew fire or poison out of their mouths; but they did have spiked tails and sharp talons. Because of their size and less lethal attributes, Wyverns were hunted to near extinction a long time ago to act as a substitute for their larger and more threatening cousins. Efforts were made to save them from dying out but Wyverns aren't exactly the most sexually active species either so they soon faded off into existence.

Until now that is.

Johann, somehow, someway, managed to get his hands on one egg; after a thousand years of not having a single Wyvern egg roll off the black market like it's gold. How did Johann even have the money to buy it? Matthias buried his head into his hands and decided to stop thinking about that. Whatever Johann did to get it is his problem. All Matthias is concerned for right now is what they're going to do with it once they hatch it.

He looked at his copy of Men Who Love Dragons Too Much, and finally understood what Johann wants from him. Johann wants him to study on how to raise one. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Matthias waved the books back to their shelves, and mumbled about Johann's responsibility being passed on to him again. Not that he's complaining. It would be pretty fun and exciting to raise a non-deadly cousin of a dragon.

Matthias picked up his things and walked to return to the dorm room. He still had to read his father's gift, The Official Guide to the Quidditch World Cup, an obvious invitation to make him excited for next year's World Cup even though Matthias could care less about it. He supposed he can indulge his father's excitement about it this year though. He owed Hendrik that at least.

As Matthias passed by the Legal section on his way out, he heard a soft, but recognizable, sound of stifled crying. The only other person he knows who'd be sane enough to visit the library at this time of day would be Hermoine, and considering that she's trying to write up a defense for Buckbeak, it's only logical. But why would she be crying?

Matthias followed the sounds through the small maze of book shelves in the Legal section and finally found Hermoine sitting alone on a long table with thick, leather bound, books scattered all around. She was too busy to notice Matthias standing from the corner and continued on writing notes on a piece of parchment while she rubbed off tears falling from her eyes.

Matthias cautiously approached her and coughed to get her attention.

Hermoine immediately looked up, her red, tearful eyes, widening at the mere sight of the Slytherin. "Matthias…"

"Hey," Matthias grinned. "You alright? I kind of heard you crying back there."

"It's – It's nothing. Just dust in my eyes," she claimed and looked away to wipe the tears off. Matthias didn't believe her for a second. "What are you doing here? You seem to pop up everywhere I'm in recently. Are you following me?" she accused.

Matthias chuckled, deciding to play along Hermoine's topic switch for now. "Reading up on something my brother made me deal with, nothing too important. And in my defense, this and that are purely coincidence. I'm not following you around."

"I wouldn't call thrice a coincidence," she argued.

"I said my peace and" – he paused – "Wait, thrice?"

Hermoine smiled smugly. "The other day and today count as two, but you failed to mention how you found out we were making a defense for Buckbeak. That's three."

"Oh that…" Matthias blinked. "I'm guessing you figured it out then?"

"It's not very nice to eavesdrop on other's conversations, Matthias," Hermoine scolded him.

"Well," he shrugged, "I was hoping to hear a bit about Black from your visit with Hagrid but I ended up listening to something completely unrelated. I should have left you to your talk. Sorry..."

Hermoine shook her head in either disbelief or understanding before staring down wistfully at her feet. "You're still going on about Black, huh?"

"I told you I'm going to keep digging," he reiterated. "I can be pretty stubborn, you know?"

"Yes, I am aware," Hermoine chuckled. She looked up at Matthias momentarily, like she wanted to say something but won't. She moved to close the book she was reading and sighed tiredly. "There's just… A lot of things going on. I want to help you get closure with this, but it's not my –"

"Hermoine," he interrupted her. "I get it, and I really don't mind. It's Harry's secret to tell, not yours. What I do want to talk about however, is why you were crying." Matthias stepped closer and pulled out a chair beside her. "You know you can talk to me right? I owe you that much for listening to me back then."

Hermoine looked up to study Matthias' eyes, which is riddled with concern all over, and closed her own. She inhaled deeply and started shaking again as she prepared herself to spill. She buried her head in her hands and resumed crying again.

Matthias frowned and reached a hand to pat her head comfortingly.

Hermoine lowered her hands and began, "Is it –" she squeaked "– is it wrong to tell McGonagall about a Firebolt Harry mysteriously receives for Christmas?"

Matthias' eyes widened at the familiar name. "Someone bought Harry a Firebolt?"

"Yes!" Hermoine cried. "It isn't from Dumbledore, we checked. Lupin can't afford a Firebolt. And you," she looked up at him. "You can't possibly have bought Harry a new broom after he told you not to. And even if you wanted to surprise him, it won't be a Firebolt, nor would it be anonymous."

"It's not from McGonagall either," she continued. "Or else she would have known before I told her yesterday which leaves only–" Hermoine pauses, allowing Matthias to follow her train of thought.

"Sirius Black," the Slytherin mused. "You – You think Sirius Black sent Harry the Firebolt."

"I don't think! I know he did! He knows Harry wants that broomstick more than anything and he's certain to have jinxed it so when Harry uses it he'll – he'll –" Hermoine doesn't finish off the though and catches herself from breaking apart even more.

"So what's the problem then?" Matthias asked.

"Harry and Ron – they –" she sniffs, "they won't listen to me. I told McGonagall about the broom because Harry and Ron, they're so in love with it, they're never going to let go of it willingly. I had to tell the Professors to keep him safe! But they don't understand what I'm doing for them. They're always like that… They never try to understand what I do for them…"

Hermoine wipes off the tears falling down her face and slaps herself. "No, I shouldn't be crying over this, it's childish and stupid. I – I –" she stammered. "I did the right thing, right? Telling McGonagall about the Firebolt?"

Matthias opened his mouth to validate her, but Hermoine nodded to herself first. "Yes, yes. I did what had to be done," she said with conviction. "McGonagall will check it for hexes and return it to Harry once she's cleared it. I did the right thing by telling McGonagall." She turned to Matthias and grinned. "Thank you for listening, Matthias."

Matthias shrugged. "Hey, I'm all ears 'Moine. You looked after your boys and kept them safe. I mean, Black has a history of killing people. Stealing a Firebolt to appeal to Harry's wants and blind him to the dangers of it is rather smart."

"I know!"

He placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled to assure her. "You did the right thing given the situation. That's nothing to be ashamed of or cry about. If Harry and Ron can't understand that, then that's their loss. I get to spend more time to you this break now that you're arguing right?" he finished with a grin.

Hermoine laughed and punched Matthias jokingly by his arm. "Not in the slightest, Slytherin." She looked down on her work then back at Matthias. "I'm not going to ask why you thought Hagrid knows something about Black but I will ask you to help us on Buckbeak's trial. You promised to help. Remember?"

Matthias tilted his head, wondering if he ever made such a promise. He doesn't remember but if Hermoine claimed him to have promised it, then he probably did. "Yes, I did."

"You said your father works in the Ministry," Hermoine mumbled. "Do you think he could–?"

"Ah… about that." Matthias chuckled nervously. "Vater works for Magical Cooperation and this is way beyond his control. I mean, he knows people in other departments but it's not going to be much help."

"Matthias," Hermoine insisted. "You promised."

He sighed. "I know, I know. I'll see what I can do, but don't get your hopes up too high. The trials are just procedure. The decision's already been made the moment Malfoy wished for an execution. With the power his family has in the Ministry it's impossible to change their mind."

"Way to break our positive outlook on making a solid case, Matthias," Hermoine joked.

"I'm just saying, that this is unnecessary. A nice thought, yes, but it won't make a difference." Matthias argued.

"Maybe," Hermoine nodded sternly. "But we have to do everything we can if we can do it. It gives us a fighting chance, and we can't give up on Buckbeak. He's innocent, Matthias, and you know it. He doesn't deserve to die for the crimes of another."

Matthias bit his lip. Hermoine is making some really great points right now, and it's hard to argue with someone with passion for righteousness like hers. He still thinks it's a futile attempt, but he also promised her so there's no escaping this. "Alright, fine," he said in defeat. "Until then, what else do you need me to do?"

Hermoine grinned and pointed at a stack of books on the table. "Browse through that and see if you can find anything useful."

Matthias groaned. "You know I hate research right? I should have some reward for helping you out."

"You promised," Hermoine reminded him. "You don't get to bargain with me."

"How about sharing a secret?"

Hermoine laughed. "You're not getting anything new about Black from me, Braun."

"Doesn't mean I can't keep trying, right?" Matthias egged. "Come on, just a few questions. I swear Harry's confidentiality isn't going to be breached here."

"Matthias," Hermoine warned. "If you don't shut up now, I'm wont think twice about jinxing you."

"Roger, that Ma'am," Matthias complied while laughing and buried himself into thousands of pages trying to make sense of a Law book he's never dreamed of ever reading in his entire life.

A/N: Just translations here for you folks, feel free to move on and have a happy Merryween!

Bitte sei Legend of Zelda - Please be Legend of Zelda / Kian, Ich liebe dich - Kian, I love you
до малка мишка - To Little Mouse

Sushi Out~