Chapter 8: The Mirror Once More and The Bonds of Family

Author's Note: Please read the note after this chapter for a special event~

Severus knew that with each passing day, Harry appeared to be more tired than usual. The boy would not stop yawning in his class, and this concerning Severus. Perhaps it was due to what Mr. Weasley, Mr. Finnegan, and Mr. Thomas had told his young ward. But then again, such a thing shouldn't affect Harry this much. So what was it that troubled Harry immensely for him to not have rest at all?

Harry was stirring his cauldron, one hand stirring while the other covered his mouth as he yawned. Severus' eyebrows twitched. It was then he decided that he would follow Harry and see what has kept him up this past week.

E&H E

The night was silent, and it was perfect for following. Severus waited near the Hufflepuff Sett, watching for movement telling him that Harry left. Thankfully, he did not have to wait long. Harry stepped out of the barrel and looked around before walking, unnerving Severus. Harry was walking with purpose, not the walk of a child distraught. Severus made sure to follow silently, years of being a Death Eater made the work easier.

Finally, Harry stood in front of the door to an old classroom. With bated breath, Severus saw Harry walk in, and before the child could close the door, Severus was able to sneak in.

Truthfully, not many things surprise Severus, but here he was, surprised by the sight of the legendary Mirror of Erised in the walls of Hogwarts. Severus' eyes narrowed as Harry approached the mirror with fevered steps. The look in Harry's eyes made him nervous. Harry's eyes made him seem like a man who has seen water after being stuck in a desert for many days. Harry's face lit up as he was in front of the mirror, his eyes greedily taking in the sight that the mirror is showing him. Severus knew he had to step in.

With a cough, Harry turned to him with eyes round with shock.

"P-Professor Snape! I-I can explain!" Severus' eyebrow raised, waiting for Harry to stop fidgeting and shuffling his feet. A couple of seconds blessed Severus as Harry stopped and looked at him with nervous eyes.

"Harry," Severus began softly, "do you want that mirror is?" The child slightly nodded his head. In return, Severus inclined his head, wanting Harry to explain. Harry, thankfully, understood this.

"The Mirror of Erised is a mirror that shows a person's most inner-most desires." Severus hummed in response. The boy knew of the mirror, but perhaps not its repercussions.

"Harry, how long have you looked into the mirror?" Harry's guilty face made itself prominent in front of Severus. With an annoyed sigh, he began to speak.

"Harry, this has been going on for almost a month. Everyone has noticed your disheveled state and constant yawning. It's a surprise that Mr. Malfoy or your other friends haven't spoken to me about your condition." Harry still looked guilty but made no move to defend himself.

"What did you see in the mirror?" At this, Harry looked at him, the look of guiltiness gone, replaced with a look of sheer joy that worried Severus immensely. It seemed that Harry was far too deep with the mirror's enchantment.

"Professor, I saw her. Mum. She's so beautiful. There was you, me, and her. We were happy like a family, and you were my dad. Draco, Hermione, and Neville were in the back, waving at me. They all looked grown up with important-looking clothes on them! Draco and Hermione looked like they were working in the Ministry while Neville was wearing robes similar to Professor Sprout. Oh, Professor, it's so beautiful what the mirror shows me. You should have a look too!" Harry's small hands clenched around Severus' and guided him to the mirror.

Severus wanted to cry the moment he laid his eyes on the mirror.

Lily.

He saw Lily.

His first (and only) love, arms around him smiling; her beautiful smile. Harry was in front of them, smiling so widely the smile threatened to rip Harry's face apart. Severus engraved each detail of Lily's face into his mind once more. Oh, how he missed her dearly. He saw the love in her eyes, love for him and Harry. How Severus wished it was real. With a steady heart, Severus turned from the mirror as Lily vanished once more and stared at Harry.

"Sir?" Severus sighed and put a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Harry, this mirror has claimed many lives. It starts with the actions you are showing now. They disregard themselves to the point that their desires drive them to insanity. I do not want that for you. Stop coming here and seeking the mirror. Yes, we may never get to see your mother again, but that doesn't mean we can't be a family either." Both Harry and Severus let out a gasp; Harry's being louder than Severus'.

"You mean it? We can be a family without Mum?" Severus knew that he couldn't take back what he said, but deep down, Severus knew he didn't want to take it back. Instead, he gave a slight nod to Harry, who beamed and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you! Oh, thank you, Professor!" The tension in Severus' body slowly seeped out of him. He was glad to know that it wasn't because of Minerva's lions that kept Harry awake, but instead, his desire. This calmed Severus, just a little bit though.

"Now, young man, we must discuss how you've been breaking curfew rules," Harry gave Severus a nervous gulp but nodded at him to continue.

"You will be spending detention with me until the holidays, and there better be improvements in your sleep or else." Severus raised an eyebrow at Harry's soft smile, Lily's smile directed towards him.

"That's alright, Sir. It's was better than what the Dursley's do to me anyways. I won't come back here. I got the best part of my desire fulfilled anyways. I'll head back to the Hufflepuff Sett. Have a good night, Professor. Sleep well." With that, Severus watched Harry leave with a gentle smile on his face. With a swish of his robes, he too vanished, leaving the Mirror of Erised alone, its gleaming surface twinkling into the silent night alone.

E&H E

Harry's complexion got better as the days passed. Draco was pleased to notice this. He was about to confront Harry and interrogate him of his obvious case of sleep deprivation, thankfully, such a thing was averted. He also noticed that Professor Snape had a - small, invisible - pleased smile on his face. It seems that Godfather had talked some sense into Harry. At least I don't have to do the hard part then. Draco continued to eat with his friends at the Gryffindor table, enjoying their company until classes begun once more.

E&H E

It was almost Christmas, and everyone was in a festive mood. Everywhere, decorations were strung around the Great Hall, in classrooms, and even in the common rooms. Do note that the fireplaces in all common rooms, roared with such fierce intensity so that it wouldn't burn out for a very long time. The flames were also quite pipping hot that it would make students sweat due to how hot it was.

Draco, on the other hand, was not feeling the festive mood. He knew that his presence wouldn't be welcomed at the Manor. Although he said that he would be 'fine' with not spending Christmas with his mother and father, he was not 'fine' with it. He would miss the Christmas dinner and the little tradition that he and his mother would partake in. They both would stay up for Christmas and open their gifts for each other first. It was a simple but elegant way to start Christmas. Draco would miss it very much, but what is done has been done.

Draco deep down knew that his godfather and Harry wouldn't mind spending Christmas with them, and yet, Draco felt that he was intruding on an important event between the two. It was Harry's first Christmas, and his godfather hosting the holiday. It was also Draco's first time that he wouldn't spend the holidays with his family. It seemed that this Christmas was a first for the three of them. Honestly, Draco was looking forward to this Christmas as he wondered what would come about the holiday.

"Draco! Tomorrow is the holidays. Are you excited? I sure am. Oh, I'm hoping my mother and father would enjoy the gifts I bought them. My mother and father have been curious about the Wizarding World, and I'm glad that I can take a piece of it back to them, you know?" Draco couldn't help but smile softly at Hermione. The girl was always in a bright mood, even more so when she spoke of her parents. Draco wished he could do the same, but after learning what his parents, mainly his father, had done during the War, destroyed any pride Draco would have for them. Draco wished his life were as simple as a Muggle. Not to do nor deal with such traditions that have killed people for generations.

"I'm not that excited, Hermione. But I'm glad that you'll go home and see your parents. Do tell them I said hi." They were in the Ravenclaw Tower, more specifically, its main lodge, where there weren't many people. It was there last night until the new year would come, and they traded plans of their break to each other. It also seemed that Hermione realized that Draco would not be spending Christmas with his family after all.

"Oh, Draco," Hermione started with a small gasp. "I had forgotten that you would not be spending the holidays with your parents. I'm so sorry for reminding you of it." Draco waved her concerns away. He didn't want her to be sad on their final day.

"It's alright, Hermione. If anything, we should turn in now, else, we might miss the train." Hermione turned with a gasp, looking at the grandfather clock whose hands were on the 11 o'clock sign. She quickly grabbed all her books, and with a quick goodnight to Draco, Hermione sped away to the dorms.

Draco chuckled as he watched his friend disappear. He knew it was also time for him to sleep as well. Draco also hoped that all his friends would enjoy the gifts he had for them in the end.

E&H E

Severus watched as the Hogwarts Express left, not to return till the new year has passed. He knew that both Harry and Draco were waiting for him in the castle for their departure to Spinner's End. Severus had already asked his house-elf, Mini, to prepare a guest room for Draco.

As Severus walked back into the castle, he was stopped by Albus.

"Severus, my boy! How are you doing?" Severus gave him his famous eyebrow raise and replied in a drawl, "I'm fine, thank you for asking. Although I must be on my way, I have guests to prepare for in my home."

Unfortunately, Severus left before he could catch the narrowing eyes of the Headmaster of Hogwarts, who glared at his back.

Severus came into the Great Hall to see Harry and Draco sitting side by side, both heavily invested into a book. Severus approached the two, giving them a slight cough to alert them of his presence. Both boys snapped their heads to look at Severus, who was watching them. With a nervous chuckle, Harry and Draco took their shrunken trunks, courtesy of their heads-of-house, and followed Severus to his private office. There was a fireplace that was personally connected to Severus' home.

With a flick of his wrist and yell of 'Spinner's End', Severus found himself in his home once more with Mini staring at him from across the entry hall.

"Master Severus! Yous returned! Oh, Mini is very happy, Mini will make many food for Master and his guests." Without giving Severus a chance to reply, Mini rushed to the kitchen, leaving Severus to fondly shake his head. Feeling a surge of heat, he turned around and caught Harry, who was about to have a make-out session with the carpet.

"Thanks, Sir." Severus gave a slight nod was grateful that Draco at least knew how to travel without almost kissing the floor. A slight tumble was more graceful than a full face plant, which was something that Severus found himself appreciating.

"Harry, do put your trunk down in your room and dress comfortably for dinner. Draco, come with me so that I will show you your room and do dress comfortably." With that said, Harry went ahead of Severus and Draco to put his trunk down and change, while Severus lead Draco to his temporary quarters.

He heard a small gasp and turned to face Draco, who was staring at the room in pure shock. With a snarl, he said, "Is the room not to your liking, Mr. Malfoy?" Draco had cringed at his tone and fiercely shook his head.

"No no, it's not that I don't like it, I love it. It just reminded me of a place a long time ago." There was a sadness in Draco's eyes that made Severus wonder what the boy had meant. Before he could ask, Draco had already asked him if he could leave so that he could change. Severus obliged this request and departed to change in his quarters.

Severus met Harry and Draco at the dinner table, where dinner was being served by Mini. Mini, in Severus' opinion, had outdone herself. But with a sudden realization, Severus realized that this is the first time that Mini had ever cooked for more than two people. Of course, she would like to impress Draco, it is his first time having a Christmas dinner here. If anything, Mini has truly outdone herself.

The table was decorated heavily with themes of maroon, a candelabra that Severus knew he never had, was set out in the middle of the table. Food such as a whole roast chicken, mash potatoes, mince pie, pumpkin juice, treacle tart, and so many more littered the table. Severus felt full just by looking at the food, full to the point of almost being sick, but he swallowed this feeling by nodding to Harry and Draco, both whose eyes were wide and sparkling, drool threatening to fall off their lips, to eat. With beaming smiles, they both dug in, each trying what Mini had set up. Severus, on the other hand, ate with decorum. Carefully placing balanced portions of chicken and mashed potato on his plate, he ate while Harry and Draco. Mini was sitting in her little table and chair eating her own Christmas dinner.

Severus recalled the time he and Lily had made Mini her own table, the elf burst into tears each time she saw them. Yes, Mini was an old elf, but she has been the closest thing to a grandmother Severus could have.

To outsiders, it may seem a bit dysfunctional, a man with a crooked nose, a boy with messy jet black hair, a boy with white-golden hair, and a house-elf. To Severus, it was the closest to a home he had ever experienced since he lost both Lily and his mother. Smiling softly, Severus continued to eat.

E&H E

Harry was glad to say that he was stuffed. Mini had prepared so much food that Harry couldn't help but indulge in each one. This is the best Christmas dinner ever! I hope each Christmas with Professor Snape would be like this. After dinner, Harry and Draco took it upon themselves to tell Mini how much they appreciated her cooking to have Mini flush brilliantly and sputter out many thanks for the compliments.

Draco and Harry made their way to Harry's room where they traded Christmas stories. Although Harry had none to share, thanks to his time with the Dursley's, Draco had plenty.

"Once, when I was five, I wanted to have a peacock for Christmas dinner because I thought it would make the dinner fancier. I was approaching one, then next thing I knew I was running away from it, peacock snapping at my heels, and I screeched for my mother and father to save me. Do stop laughing, Harry." Harry couldn't help it. It was funny imaging a tiny Draco running away from a peacock. "Well, father saved me by stunning the peacock, but he was mad. Very mad at me. He told me that I wouldn't be able to indulge myself with a mince pie, which made me mad at the time. Father scolded me and said that mince pie is nothing compared to my life. To be honest, I think that was the last time I saw my father be genuinely worried about my life as his son and not his heir. I wondered what changed?"

Harry felt terrible for his friend. Yes, Draco had everything he could ever want, yet it seemed that the one thing Draco wanted the most was the unconditional love of his parents. Harry didn't know what to say but hugged Draco in silent support. He felt Draco smile into his shoulder and hugged Harry back.

"Out of pure curiosity, what did you ever receive from the Dursley's during Christmas?" Harry chuckled a bit and recalled to Draco the poor gifts he had received. It was funny watching Draco get mad for him for the lack of proper treatment at the Dursley's.

"A sock? What are you? A house-elf? Why in Merlin's name would they give you a sock? Not to mention a dirty one! Ugh, the nerve of those Muggles." Harry felt happy to know that someone shared his sentiments with the Dursley's idea of a Christmas gift.

Suddenly, the mood shifted. It became somber, and Harry wanted to know what caused it. A look from Draco's saddened face said it all.

"Draco, I'm so sorry that your parents wouldn't let you spend Christmas with them." Draco looked at Harry with confusion on his face. With a sudden realization, Draco laughed, confusing Harry.

"Oh no, I'm over what happened this Christmas with my parents. No, I'm just thinking of something else. Don't worry about it. Besides, we should sleep soon. Christmas is almost here in a few hours. Good night, Harry." Harry watched as his best friend left his room, the somber atmosphere choking Harry. He wanted to know what was bothering Draco, but he didn't want to push. Perhaps he'll tell me tomorrow then. With that final thought in mind, Harry slept blissfully.

Author's Note: I am proud to say that it has been one month since Emerald and Howlite Eyes has been published! *throws confetti*

First, I want to say thank you to all those who have been reading this book on all three websites I used to publish this book.

Thank you for those who read, reviewed, and kudos'd this book on archiveofourown, you all make my day.

Thank you to those who read and reviewed my book on , you all make me so happy especially those who are reading this book outside of the North American continent.

Thank for you those who read, reviewed, and voted on wattpad, I squealed when I got my first vote.

The journey to making Emerald and Howlite Eyes has been amazing with all of your support truly. So as a big thank you, it may not be much but I'm inviting all of you to AMA (Ask Me Anything) which will span from now to the next chapter where I will be answering all of your questions about this book and how it will progress. Again, ask away, and I'll answer them all. And I mean all. So please don't hold back asking; I love answering your questions and reviews. With that said, thank you so much for reading this chapter.

I also noticed that the formatting for the book has been thrown off the expectations that I wanted so I'll be going back to all three sites to fix that problem. So please, if you get a notification saying that I updated, I just fixed the formatting. Sorry to burst your bubble, everyone.

In the next chapter, we will find out the reason why Draco's attitude changed, warning it will be sad, meaning that you may want tissues by the end of it. The next chapter will also be the conclusion of the Christmas holidays, and we will get an inside view of Dumbledore and his odd actions. Again, I appreciate all reviews, and I will see you all soon!

- The-Songbird-Who-Wrote