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Harry woke suddenly, as if he'd been doused in icy water. Heart thumping and feeling panicky, Harry sat up and reached for his glasses, shakily sliding them onto the face, the room coming into focus. Ron, it transpired, had thrown a pillow at his head, hence the sudden waking and was now sitting on his own bed, surrounded by wrapping and grinning madly.
"Happy Christmas mate." said Ron, reaching for his next present.
"Thanks." mumbled Harry, heart slowing down as he peered to the end of the bed, spotting a large pile of neatly wrapped presents.
He reached for his first present from Hermione, which was small and hard, ripping the brightly coloured wrapping paper off to reveal a studying diary. Shaking his head in amusement, Harry set it aside and continued to unwrap the rest of the presents. From Sirius, he had gotten a large box of Honeydukes chocolate, including chocolate frogs, Honeydukes best and a number of chocolates Harry hadn't tasted before, he also got a book, titled 'Twenty fail safe ways to charm witches.'
From Remus (whom had decided to take time from the bookshop and spend Christmas with Harry and Sirius) he received a book on defensive spells '1000 Defensive and Offensive Spells and their uses, By Wilbur Harrogate.' and some golden cuff links designed specifically for robes, embossed with the Gryffindor coat of arms.
Grinning, he opened the rest of the presents, A broom compass and a box full of rock cakes from Hagrid, the usual Weasley jumper, a dozen mince pies and a box of chocolate frogs from the Weasleys, to his great surprise, he had received a small crystal phoenix on a silver chain from Professor Dumbledore, with a note attached to it.
Harry,
I do hope you are enjoying Christmas. I have sent you this phoenix pendant as it has protective powers within it. If you are in danger, yet you do not recognise it, it will glow red and become hot to the touch, alerting you.
It will protect you from most curses, and will also act as a Portkey, you will just need to state the activation code 'Heart of Purity.' and you will be taken back to Hogwarts. Please use it wisely Harry.
Happy Christmas,
Professor Dumbledore.
"What's that?" said Ron, pointing to the necklace that was dangling from Harry's hand, catching the sunlight, sending the colours of the rainbow across the silent room.
"A phoenix pendant, Professor Dumbledore sent me it." Harry whispered, fastening it around his neck with shaky hands.
"I've heard about those, they're really rare." said Ron, eyes widening to comical proportions.
"Wow." Harry breathed, fingering the pendant, which felt warm to the touch.
"Anyway," said Ron, snapping out of his stupor "Aren't you going to open my present?"
"Oh yeah sorry Ron. Have you opened mine yet?" said Harry, jerking his head towards Ron's messy pile of wrapping paper as he picked up the last parcel on the bed.
"Nope opening it now." Ron grinned, gesturing to the book sized parcel he had just picked up.
Smiling, Harry pulled back the wrapping paper, revealing a small brass badge, with something etched on it in Latin 'fulmino obscuritas.' Harry turned it over in his hands, chuckling as Ron gave a great whoop of delight and jumped on Harry, patting him on the back.
"Thanks mate! This is amazing." said Ron, eyes shining with happiness.
"Don't mention it," said Harry, grinning "Ron, what exactly is this?"
"Oh sorry I should have explained. Basically it's like the hand of glory, but not a dark object. It gives light to the wearer and the person they allow to receive the light, makes it easy to find an escape route and harder for your attackers to find you." said Ron, ears turning red.
"Wow Ron, thank you!" said Harry, setting it back in the box and putting it in his chest of drawers for safekeeping. Harry was utterly surprised at the thoughtful gift from his best friend.
"So, who are you taking to the Yule Ball?" said Ron, leaning back amidst all of the wrapping paper on his bed.
Harry's smile slipped and he swallowed nervously. He'd finally plucked up the courage and asked Ginny to the ball, much to Hermione's amusement and Ginny's pleasure. Both girls had giggled when Harry asked her, stuttering and twisting the hem of his shirt.
"Well you see Ron...The thing is," said Harry uncomfortably "I er... I asked Ginny and she said yes."
Ron blinked for a few seconds before a huge grin spread across his face, causing Harry to blush.
"About time mate, she's been pining after you for months. Wandering when you would ask her." Ron sniggered, clapping Harry on the back.
"You don't mind?" said Harry, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Of course I don't mind. You're my best friend, and I would much rather you date her than some guy who will treat her like dirt." said Ron, shrugging.
"Thanks mate. So er are you nervous about going to the ball with Hermione?" said Harry, changing the subject.
Ron blushed but said nothing, busying himself with digging through his trunk and pulling out jeans and a t-shirt. Harry sniggered and began to get dressed himself, not even bothering to fix his messy hair, knowing that it was hopeless.
Together, they left the empty dorm, their fellow dorm mates having already left and went down to breakfast, where they found Hermione, wearing a piece of tinsel around her neck and reading a large book, feet twisted underneath her.
"Hey Hermione." said Ron, flushing as he sat next to her.
"Morning, merry Christmas boys." said Hermione, looking up from her book and smiling, closing it and settling it down in front of her.
"Merry Christmas Hermione, thanks for the diary." said Harry, grinning at his best friend, nudging Ron as he did so.
Ron coughed "Yeah, thanks Hermione. They're really interesting." said Ron, causing Harry to inwardly snigger.
Hermione beamed, blushing slightly and fingered the fine, silver necklace that was hanging around her neck, a golden pendant in the shape of a book hanging from it.
"Thanks for the necklace Ron and for the books Harry, they're both amazing." Hermione gushed, pouring herself some orange juice.
Ron blushed and Harry grinned, thickly spreading butter on a crumpet, eyes sliding to the staff table where Sirius was sitting, wearing a Santa hat, sat next to Remus who had a piece of tinsel tied around his neck. Sirius looked up and waved at Harry, Harry shyly waved back and turned back to Ron and Hermione, who were arguing about something or the other.
He grinned as Ron looked scandalised when Hermione got affronted with something he said and threw a knob of butter at him, splattering it in his face. Ron spluttered indignantly and took a bottle of ketchup, squirting it down her top. Hermione screamed loudly, attracting the amused stares of several Ravenclaws who had just entered and Sirius and Remus, who were sitting alone at the table.
Harry burst out laughing, clutching his side but soon stopped when Ron shoved a sausage in his mouth. Spitting it into his napkin indignantly, Harry glared at Ron, dropping the napkin and getting to his feet, intent on thanking Sirius and Remus for their presents, Ron looked horrified for a moment, obviously thinking that Harry was mad with him.
"Harry mate I'm sorry!" said Ron, scrambling to his feet and following Harry to the staff table, Hermione following after.
"No need to apologise." said Harry kindly, waving his hand dismissively.
Ron slumped in relief and followed Harry as he approached Remus and Sirius, who were just getting up from the staff table, chatting amiably. Sirius turned and grinned when he saw Harry.
"Hey Harry, thanks for the present, it's really something." said Sirius, giving Harry his crinkly smile that made most of the female population of Hogwarts swoon.
"Yes thank you very much, the book is amazing." said Remus, pulling Harry into a warm hug.
"S'no problem." said Harry bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck and blushing slightly.
"Well come on, I have something else for you." said Sirius, grinning and wrapping an arm around Harry's shoulders.
"Okay.." said Harry slowly, grinning apolgetically at his friends as Sirius led them out of the hall.
Remus lagged behind, chatting with Ron and Hermione, while Sirius walked in front, arm wrapped firmly around his shoulders.
"Hows your Christmas been so far?" said Sirius, turning his head to look in his godsons emerald eyes.
Harry looked properly at Sirius, not missing the concern and hope that shone in his warm, blue eyes. Sirius wanted this Christmas to be extra special for him, he could tell. Having never had a special Christmas before, Sirius was desperate to get it right and for that, Harry was eternally grateful.
"It's been great Sirius." said Harry, just as they reached the Astronomy tower and started trekking at the many stairs, Sirius panting slightly.
"I'll see you later then mate?" said Ron, when they reached the portrait of the star constellation- The Big Dipper, marking the entrance into Sirius' quarters.
"Don't be silly. You're welcome as well." said Sirius, reaching out and ruffling Ron's hair.
Ron and Hermione smiled gratefully at Sirius as he whispered the password and stood back to allow the entrance into his 'home'. Ron and Hermione gasped appreciatively at the magnificent living room. Decorated in Gryffindor colours with beige sofas and golden throws and a charmed window that was sending sunlight streaming into the room. On the wall above the mantelpiece, was a large painting of the solar system, demonstrating the planet position this month.
The mantel was lined with moving photographs of Harry's parents, Sirius and Remus, smiling and waving at them, unaware of the people staring down at them. Harry's favourite photo by far was one of his father, Sirius and Remus, taken just after they had graduated from Hogwarts.
Sirius was sat in the middle of them, arms wrapped tightly around Remus and Sirius, who sat either side of them. They were laughing about some long forgotten joke, Sirius' face young and untainted by Azkaban, Remus' scarred face unlined from the horror of war, James' face so much like his own. He grinned and stroked his fathers face, feeling a lump rise in his throat.
"Anyway," said Sirius, clearing his throat, obviously having seen Harry's wistful expression. "Here you go."
Sirius handed him a small leather box with an envelope attached to the top of it. With shaking fingers, well aware of Remus and Sirius watching him anxiously, Ron and Hermione curiously. He flipped the clasp on the leather box, almost dropping it with shock with what was inside.
It was a fine golden chain, glinting merrily in the dull light of the astronomy quarters and on it were two rings, one small and thin, made out of gold with a diamond set in it, the other band rather thicker, gold with something engraved in Latin on the inside. Harry looked up at Sirius, eyes searching for an explanation.
"They were your mum and dads Harry. Open the envelope." said Sirius softly, squeezing his shoulder for support.
Vaguely, he felt Remus come and stand behind him, his presence comforting him as he slid the envelope open with shaking hands, unfurling the paper within.
Harry,
I have asked Sirius to keep these rings until he feels you are ready. They were your mother and I's wedding rings and we know you will look after them. I have left you these in the hope that when you meet that special someone, you will use them to make them Mrs Potter.
Look after them my son, be happy, be strong and never forget that we love you.
All our love,
Mum and dad
Wordlessly, Harry turned around and hugged Sirius and Remus in turn, simply too moved for words. Ron and Hermione turned round, pretending to examine the model of the solar system that Harry had purchased for Sirius.
"Thanks you so much." said Harry, eyes shining with happiness as he fastened the necklace around his neck, tucking it out of sight.
"You're welcome. Now how about a real breakfast?" said Sirius loudly, throwing an arm around Harry again.
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Remus sat down at the dining table, sniggering when they heard a loud bang, followed by lots of curse words, coming from the direction of the kitchen. Remus muttered something about, Sirius' abysmal cooking and it caused the trio to burst out laughing and Sirius to shout from the kitchen.
"I heard that."
Remus shrugged, winking at Harry and leaned back in his chair, smiling proudly as Harry chatted away to Ron and Hermione about the tournament, eyes sliding to Remus every now and then, offering him a small smile. Suddenly, there was a loud bang from the kitchen and Sirius swore loudly. Jumping up, the four of them went running into the kitchen to find a disgruntled Sirius and half the kitchen covered in soot.
"I was only making cereal and it blew up!" said Sirius, utterly confused.
Harry started laughing heartily, clutching the kitchen side for support.
"How...How on earth can you blow up cereal?" he gasped, clutching his sides.
Sirius shrugged and waved the mess away with a flick of his wand, looking sheepishly at a sniggering Remus.
"This is Sirius we're talking about here Harry, he managed to burn salad in our third year." said Remus, patting Harry on the shoulder.
It all became too much for Harry and he collapsed against the side, tears streaming down his face, ribs aching from the force of his laughter. Finally, after Harry got his laughter under control, Remus took control of breakfast, saying a loud and resounding no when Sirius offered to help.
They had a very enjoyable breakfast of bacon, eggs, waffles, cereal and tea, chatting amiably about this and that, teasing Sirius about his abysmal cooking skills and Harry teasing Remus about the girl that he had got chatting to when he was working in the bookshop.
"So Remus," said Harry, licking his spoon "Seen Tonks lately?"
Remus blushed and said nothing. Tonks had visited Remus' bookshop in search of a book on water demons, they had got chatting and realised that they got on like a house on fire, Remus had invited her out for lunch and they had seen each other every week since. It also turned out that Tonks was Sirius' cousin.
Sirius sniggered, leaning back and rubbing his full belly, Ron doing exactly the same.
"Ooh Remus is blushing. Have you kissed yet?" said Sirius childishly, causing Remus to scowl and blush.
"And what about Ginny Harry?" said Remus, not noticing as Ron sat up straighter.
Harry went bright purple and looked down at his lap.
"We're just friends." he mumbled, blushing.
Next to him, Ron huffed exasperatedly and Hermione giggled (so unlike Hermione) Soon enough, it was time for them to go and get ready for the Yule Ball, so groaning and dragging their feet, Harry and Ron shuffled after Hermione to get ready.
Harry pulled on his emerald green dress robes and attached the cuff links, trying and failing to flatten his unruly hair with water alone. He sprayed himself with the aftershave Sirius had got for him and peered nervously into the mirror, hoping that Ginny wouldn't mind his messy hair.
Ron came into the room in ghastly maroon dress robes, with lace at the pockets and cuffs, slightly too short in the leg, revealing his socks underneath. He looked thoroughly miserable as he smoothed down the folds, glaring at his reflection.
"I'm doomed." said Ron miserably, fingering the lace morosely.
"Nah you're not, come here." said Harry, taking out his wand.
Wearily, Ron stepped forwards and allowed Harry to cut off the lace with a simple severing charm and then lengthen the robes with a lengthening spell that they covered his feet. Ron smiled gratefully at his best friend, going into the bathroom to liberally spray himself in aftershave and deodorant.
Finally, it was time for them to go and meet their dates. So nervously, Harry and Ron made their way to the great hall, smoothing down their robes nervously as they went. Hermione and Ginny hadn't arrived yet so they sat on one of the many benches that had appeared in the entrance hall and waited.
Hermione came first, looking stunning in a pink dress, that cascaded in waterfalls down her slim frame, her hair was smooth and sleek, curled up into an elegant bun and her make up was lightly done. Ron's eyes were like saucers and he seemed to have lost the ability to speak as she walked gracefully down the stairs towards Ron.
"You look nice." said Ron, eyes still wide.
"Thanks. Erm so do you." said Hermione, blushing as Ron took her hand.
They stood and chatted while Harry waited for Ginny, Hermione tapped Harry on the shoulder, causing Harry to turn around towards the stairs, his breath catching in his throat at the sight before him. Ginny was standing nervously at the top of the stairs, wearing a beautiful floor length dress in the deepest blue, her brown eyes sparkled in the candlelight and he hair was curled and in a gentle bun, taking Harry's breath away.
He walked towards her, mouth dry and stumbled slightly as she smiled at him, stepping off the last step and linking her arm in his. Blushing, he turned to Ron and Hermione who were looking at him with smug expressions on their faces. Shaking his head, he turned back to Ginny.
"You look nice." he stuttered, tripping on his words.
"Thanks, so do you." said Ginny, blushing furiously as McGonagall approached them.
"Ah excellent Mr Potter, Mrs Weasley, you're needed in the Great Hall, the other champions are just about to enter." she said briskly, giving him a thin lipped smile.
Nervously, Harry led Ginny to the door of the Great Hall which was decorated with tinsel and glittery bubbles. He smiled nervously at her and stood behind Cedric who had Cho Chang on his arm, looking very pretty in a red, knee length dress.
Girls stared jealously at Ginny as they passed and moved onto the dance floor, Harry clumsily grabbing Ginny's face as they began to move to the slow music, Ginny smiling contentedly as she rested her head on Harry's shoulder, Harry with his eyes closed, blissfully unaware of the other champions around him.
The song ended and Harry and Ginny broke apart, blushing slightly as they founded a silk covered table and sat down, watching with interest as the other couples danced. McGonagall approached them and told them that they were to sit at the big, long table with the staff.
Harry was seated between Ginny and Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall was on Dumbledore's other side and Remus and Sirius were on Ginny's other side. Sirius looking handsome in robes of midnight blue, Remus in robes of the deep red with a gold trim, looking equally handsome. Next to him, was a pretty woman, in her early twenties, with bubble gum pink hair, wearing a black, floor length dress.
Harry stared uncertainly at the menu in front of him, not sure what to do. To his left, Dumbledore cleared his throat and stated loudly and clearly
"Roast beef."
immediately, roast beef, covered in gravy appeared on his plate. Harry allowed his glance to slip towards Hermione, wandering how she was taking the news that the house elves would have to work even harder but she was giggling as Ron whispered something to her.
Harry smiled and turned back to his plate, ordering goulash, breathing in the delicious smell of steak and onions. While he was eating, he zoned out, listening to the conversations around him. At the end of the table, Percy Weasley was boring Professor Sinistra to tears, talking about cauldron thickness, Ron was talking about Christmas with the Weasleys to an amused Hermione.
He turned his head in the direction of Sirius and Remus, smiling when he realised that they were talking about Christmas with the Marauders. Sirius saw Harry and grinned.
"You would have loved it Harry. Lily would have you help her to put up the tree every Christmas eve but you always managed to get tangled in the tinsel. Sirius would just annoy her by turning into Padfoot and getting the Christmas lights tangled in his paws. Then Lily would make some mince pies and read you a night before Christmas." said Remus, smiling as he reminisced.
"It sounds great." said Harry, smiling.
"Ah Professor Dumbledore." said Professor Trelawney loudly, causing Harry to jump slightly "I require your foresight about something."
"Ask away my dear." said Dumbledore, giving her his full attention.
"I was wandering through the castle one fine day when I came across a rather odd room. I have never seen it before and when I came back it was gone." said Trelawney confused.
"Ah my dear Sybil I believe you have found the Room Of Requirement, or more commonly known as the Come and Go room."
"How does that work then?" said Sirius, ears perking up.
"Alas I do not know. I came across it one day when I was in search of a toilet. Full of chamber pots." said Dumbledore, eyes twinkling merrily.
"You must have an educated guess? You're Dumbledore." said Sirius, looking shocked that Dumbledore didn't know something.
"Ah I have my suspicions. I surmise that it presents itself when someone has real need for it or if the seeker has an exceptionally full bladder."
Harry snorted and began choking on his goulash and Ginny had to thump him on his back. Dumbledore winked slightly in his direction and engaged in conversation with Sirius and Remus. When the meal had finished, Harry and Ginny went and sat at one of the round tables that had been set up around the dance floor.
Hermione and Ron went onto the dance floor. Dancing like chickens with elastic bands attached to their legs to a fast, jazzy number. Ginny hummed and tapped her foot to the music, peering around the heavily decorated hall with big eyes.
Two of Ginny's friends from Ravenclaw approached the table, clutching bottles of butterbeer and giggling madly. They sat down at the table, nudging Ginny and winking at Harry, much to his annoyance.
"Hey Ginny, come with us a minute. We need to tell you something." said Hayley Crawford, tossing her long, fair hair over her shoulder. Next to her, her other friend, Loretta nodded her other approval.
"Um sure. Listen Harry.." said Ginny awkwardly, looking guilty.
"It's fine," said Harry, trying to hide his crestfallen expression "Go have fun."
Ginny smiled gratefully at him and rushed off, arms linked with Loretta and Hayley, throwing apologetic glances over her shoulder. Sighing, Harry stood up and got himself a butterbeer, sloping back to his table to watch as the happy couples took to the dance floor, swaying to the music.
Sirius was dancing with a woman he had met down by Hogsmeade village, oblivious to the adoring stares sent his way and the jealous stares sent his dates away by the majority of the female population of Hogwarts. Remus was dancing with Tonks, hands around her waist, eyes closed. Tonks had her head on his shoulder and looked utterly content, pressed up against his chest.
Roger Davies took to the dance floor with Fleur and Cedric followed soon after, taking Cho by the hand. Harry's blood cold when he saw Ginny dancing with Viktor Krum, blushing as she smiled up at him. He didn't know why it bothered him so much. He and Ginny had only come as friends after all. Turning his head away, Harry looked towards Sirius; who seemed to have noticed and walked over, staring sympathetically at him.
"Hey Harry having a good time?" said Sirius, flopping onto the chair next to Harry.
"Looks like Ron and Hermione are enjoying themselves by an accounts." said Harry, ignoring the question as he watched his friends dance.
"Yeah." said Sirius, smiling at Harry.
They sat in comfortable silence, watching in amusement as Mad-Eye Moody and McGonagall danced, McGonagall wincing because he kept on standing on her foot. After a while, Ron and Hermione rushed over, red faced and breathless, looking as if they'd had the time of their lives.
"Hey wheres Ginny." said Ron, sitting opposite Harry and nicking a butterbeer that was sitting on the table behind them.
"Went off with her friends." Harry shrugged, like it wasn't important.
Ron raised his eyebrows but said nothing, Hermione looked at him with sympathy but wisely thought to leave it. Sirius squeezed his shoulder, leaving him with his friends as he walked over to where Remus and Tonks were sitting.
"Shall we go for a walk?" Ron gestured to the entrance hall doors.
"Sure." said Harry, standing up.
-xxx-
Harry couldn't sleep that night, he had too much on his mind. The task mainly but now he was worried about Hagrid. He had revealed that he was half giant to the interest of his his affections, Madame Maxime and had even suggested that she must be one too.
Madame Maxime had stormed off, leaving Hagrid, sitting alone in the fairy lit courtyard, ignoring the snogging couples around him. Vowing to talk to Hagrid tomorrow, Harry turned over and fell into an uneasy sleep.