Snow covered the ground in a thick, white blanket, and continued to fall in soft flakes. The street lamps flickered, casting barely enough light to see. Not a sound could be heard, not a soul to be seen in Godric's Hollow, except for myself, and Hermione by my side.
Perfect.
"I still think we should've used Polyjuice Potion," she whispered.
"No," I shook my head, feeling a hundred different emotions at once. "This is where I was born. I'm not returning as someone else."
A bell tolled somewhere in the distance, catching my attention. Hermione looped her arm through mine, and I shivered at the innocent, yet intimate contact. Not wanting to cause suspicion, I shoved my hands in the pockets of my coat, to make it seem like I was cold. In reality, I could almost feel the snow around me melting. Slowly, we walked along the deserted streets, relishing in the sweet peace.
Just then, a voice yelled, "Good night!" We turned around to see a man, happily exiting one of the homes. He didn't seem to notice us, so Hermione and I continued walking together.
"Harry," she said, "I think it's Christmas Eve. Listen."
I did, and I could hear the quiet strains of a choir singing carols in the church right in front of us. A strange feeling coursed through me; this was the first Christmas in years that I wouldn't be spending with the Weasleys—or at least one of them. But I noted, with delight, at least I wouldn't be alone. As if on cue, Hermione tightened her grip on my arm, coming closer. Warmth seeped into the deepest corners of my soul, and I felt a faint smile hinting at the corners of my mouth.
My eyes wandered, and I saw the small cemetery beside the church. My stomach churned with anxious hope.
"Do you think they'd be in there, Hermione?" I asked. "My mum and dad."
She was quiet for a moment, then replied, "Yeah, I think they would."
Arms still linked, we entered the cemetery, then parted ways, searching at opposite ends. I saw several names I couldn't recognize, or pronounce. Then, at last, my eyes landed on one familiar name. Cold and warm battled inside me as I stared at the resting place of my mother and father. I was dimly aware of Hermione calling my name, but I didn't turn. I couldn't.
A moment later, I felt her presence at my side. Then she knelt in front of the grave, pulling out her wand. Out of thin air, she conjured a small wreath of white roses. My heart throbbed with sudden pain, and I couldn't stop a few tears from escaping.
Hermione stood again, and I tried to downplay my emotions, or at least, think past them. "Merry Christmas, Hermione."
"Merry Christmas, Harry," she whispered back, sounding on the verge of tears herself. Then she laid her head on my shoulder, taking my hand. At that moment, I felt more peace than I'd ever felt in my life. I'd finally seen my parents' grave, something I'd wanted to see for as long as I could remember. And though the circumstances weren't the best, I was spending Christmas with my best friend, the girl I was hopelessly in love with, even if she didn't love me back. That was okay. I was just happy to be here, to be with her, to share this with her.
In many ways, I had found home.
A/N: I may cry! This scene always makes me sad! And then, of course, it all goes to sh**, and they get attacked by the stupid snake. But that's not going to be in this story. At least, not the actual attack. Maybe the part just after. Bah! I don't know if I can handle this! So many incredible Harmony moments! ;) Plenty more chapters to come! PLEASE leave a review!