I am bored…. It has been raining all day and while I love to write, I had really wanted to bike around town on my new bike! Yah.
HP POV
Harry was shoveling food down as if he impersonated Ron. He had almost choked twice already. Eating his toast two bites at a time, he discreetly looked towards the head table, trying to see if Hagrid was still there. The robust hairy man had almost finished, and Harry wanted to make sure he ran into him on the way out. It had only been a few days, but Harry dearly missed Aodhan. He had never in his life felt like this before regarding an animal. Whilst his love for Hedwig was for a dear pet, his first and only, the bond with Aodhan was more. Almost for a family member, a… maternal instinct.
It wasn't possible for humans to bond with dragons in such fashion – he had checked with Hagrid – but it didn't matter. He just knew Aodhan missed him as much as Harry did him. Perhaps it was because of the heartbreaking cries when he left the last time? Maybe it had some sort of power to possess you to feel sorry for them?
"Harry, are you staying here for Christmas?"
"Yeah," Harry hurried to swallow the giant lump of bread with jam. "I'm going to say here with Remus. We are going to celebrate after the feast."
"That's wonderful!" Hermione bubbled. "Although I think Ron will miss you at the burrow."
"Maybe." Harry grimaced. "But with everything lately… and Ginny, it's…"
"Right." The bushy girl blushed slightly at the mention of their little conversation that had taken place earlier this month. Trying to deny the obvious awkwardness between his best friend and him, Harry turned to Neville and asked him about holiday plans.
"I'm really excited this year! My grandma's cousin Laverne have just married some rich guy in Oklahoma and we've been invited to celebrate Christmas there."
"You're going to US for Christmas?!" Seamus intervened from the side. As Neville nodded, he muttered jealously; "Lucky bastard! I haven't seen my Cousins from Ireland in forever. Mom says it's too much of a fuzz when we have a big part of the family in England."
"Couldn't you just take a Portkey?" Hermione asked.
"You would think." Seamus rolled his eyes as the rest laughed in sympathy.
"Everyone, please! Calm down now."
Barely anyone had heard Professor McGonagall, but Snape came to her voice's rescue.
"SILENCE!"
The students quickly settled down and watched as Professor Dumbledore got up to stand at his golden podium. Holding onto the edges, he smiled out at the students.
"Students of Hogwarts. Once again, we find ourselves looking forward to another Christmas, but this year is a special year." He held up a teasing finger. "Because this year is indeed the first in many, we're celebrating a world without Lord Voldemort. Thanks to many great peoples sacrifice, but one we can thank in particular; Our own Harry Potter."
The students in the hall roared and whistled as Harry tried not to hide himself underneath the table. More than a few got up on their feet to congratulate him. Looking up at the podium, Dumbledore was smiling at him and proudly clapping his wrinkled hands together. The teachers behind him joined as they rejoiced the wonderful fall of the dark lord. Harry was sure he even saw Professor McGonagall wipe away a tear.
"But now for both good and some sad news. From next semester we will unfortunately have to say goodbye to Professor Bjorkfire, whom we have had the pleasure of being taught for a few months but he has decided to retire early and that is something we all – especially the older ones like me –accept and support."
A sad murmur had risen amongst the students. While Harry hadn't gotten to know the older man very well himself, he knew he had been very well liked amongst the student faculty.
Dumbledore raised a hand asking for silence.
"As his replacement I would like to welcome our newest teacher. One whom some of you have had the pleasure of having a few years ago. Please help me welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Mr. Remus Lupin."
The students from the years of seventh to firth roared and cheered as the tired man entered from the side door at the back of the room. Waving slightly the new Professor quickly sat down next to Madam Hooch. Harry clapped so much his hands turned red and embarrassingly he shook his hands and tried to get some feeling back into them. Grinning slightly, Seamus did the same and grimaced.
"Needless to say; we have a lot to celebrate this year. Which is why the schoolboard had agreed to hold a Christmas ball this year. To celebrate new beginnings-"
Everyone in the great hall immediately began whispering amongst each other. Hissing quick ideas of clothing and partners.
"Be quiet! The next student to say the word 'Dress' will spend detention the night of the ball." Snape called out in his devious voice. Instantly the students quieted down but more than a few students looked excited enough to jump up from their seats.
"Thank you, Professor Snape. As I began; The ball will be held the first Friday after Christmas vacation. This way everyone will have the time to get to Hogsmeade or to their homes to gather robes. Unfortunately, since there will be punch and cider available, students below the age of fourteen will not be permitted to attend. More information will be gathered on your student wall next to the 'Apparate' sign-up sheet. Thank you."
Everyone clapped for the last time as the older man sat down again in his thronechair.
Looking at the teachers table he noticed most of the adults looked genuinely excited, only one kept his face from looking like he swallowed a lemon whole. Snape seemed angrier than usual and looking back to their new Dark Arts professor, Harry had a feeling it had nothing to do with the Christmas ball.
As many students started leaving the hall, Harry turned to catch eye contact with his boyfriend from Slytherin. The blond looked up from his own plate and saw him. Smirking, Draco nodded towards the entrance. Feeling butterflies lift off in his stomach; Could it be Draco was going to ask him to the dance? Or should Harry ask first? Damn conventional manners… would Draco be angry if he asked? Would it make him feel less like a man? It wouldn't bother Harry, but Harry had never had a boyfriend before… and maybe wizards had a different outlook on manners when it came to homosexuality?
Shaking his head and trying to dismiss the doubt, Harry got up and tried not to look to eager running out the hall. Getting out, he looked after the blond head but didn't see him anywhere. Harry went down the first corridor, but Draco wasn't waiting for him there either. Suddenly something soft hit him in the back of the head and looking down at his shoes, he found a piece of bread.
"Potter!"
Looking up he almost laughed. Draco had pulled himself up into the window frame where he crouched. With the light coming in from the window and glass in each color decorating him, Draco looked like an elf. Laughing, he jumped up on the statue underneath as Draco lent him a hand. Pulling himself up, Harry kept smiling at him.
"What?" Draco questioned.
"Nothing." Shaking his head dismissively. "Just sitting up there, you kind of look like an elf on the shelf."
"-On a shelf? What does that even mean?"
Laughing, Harry simply said; "A muggle tradition." And that seemed to be the end of Draco's curiosity. Instead he leaned in and gave Harry a gentle kiss on the lips.
"So, why did you lead me here?" Harry wondered.
Shrugging the blond changed the subject. "I know we haven't exactly had plans to go together but I wanted to tell you now that I'm going to Hogsmeade with my friends next time."
"But it's the last time before Christmas…" Harry tried not to pout.
"I know, but I promised we would hang out." Draco gave him an apologetic kiss on the cheek. "Sorry babe."
"It's okay." Harry tried to smile but it felt rather forced. He knew Draco should spend time with his friends but he couldn't help the disappointment from overshadowing the fact that he wouldn't see Draco again before after Christmas.
"Was there something else you-"
"Hey, Malfoy! You coming?"
Both boys turned to see a group of Slytherins, Harry had no idea who were. The boys looked expectedly at the blond leader. Turning Draco gave him a brief kiss before jumping down from the window.
"What did you say?" Draco asked, practically tripping to leave.
Again, Harry forced himself to smile and just shook his head, dismissing the boy. Draco smiled and left with the group of boys, heading towards the first-floor corridor. Harry must have looked pathetic, hoping Draco would ask him. He certainly felt so. Maybe he would ask after Christmas. Maybe even before. Christmas vacation hadn't starting yet, he still had time.
Keeping that in mind, Harry thought about Christmas with Remus. He was honestly hoping for their Christmas to be absolutely perfect, together. Maybe he would be able to see Jason as well. Hopefully, if he decided to speak to Snape before the train was boarding.
Maybe he would need some help.
While Harry hated when people were sticking their nose in others business, Jason was his friend and helping his friends was always a good idea. Especially if they didn't get punished by their Potion professor while doing it. Yes, the veela and his very stubborn father simply needed some help.
He needed a plan…
…
The dungeon was colder than usual, and Harry could see why. As it was daytime, the house elves hadn't bothered to lighten thee dozens of torches attached to the walls. Rubbing his arms to gather warmth, Harry walked towards the potion master's private quarters. He had been there before and he knew the way by now. Knocking carefully on the portrait earned him a very long glare, which he avoided by staring at the wall beside it.
Opening up, the Professor gave him a short look before backing up, waiting for him to enter. Nodding his thanks, Harry didn't break the silence but hurried to sit down in the small couch in front of the fire. The small table in front of him held a tray with a kettle, milk and sugar.
A cup was placed before him and he whispered his thanks.
"So, Mr. Potter, do I have to guess why you have decided to join me on my only free day off in the week?"
"No, sorry sir," Harry distracted himself by getting more comfortable in his seat. "I was simply wondering how you've been. It's been a while since we have spoken, beside in class, of course."
Gathering his cup, Snape poured himself a cup of black tea. "Yes, I have indeed had a busy few weeks and while I appreciate the sentiment, I don't believe sharing my personal life is appropriate."
"Oh, sorry." Harry grabbed the milk.
"Then again, asking you how you're handling school is one of my responsibilities as a teacher."
"Yeah, I guess."
"…"
"OH, right!" Harry couldn't help the nervous laugh. "I've been good. Schoolwork is going well. My friends… well most have been very supportive, but it has taken its toll on a few of the others."
Resting his head on a hand, Snape guessed; "Yes, I can imagine your erratic friend, Mr. Weasley had taken the news of you and Mr. Malfoy rather at heart."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, things have been… a bit difficult. It sucks."
"Yes, Mr. Potter, but unfortunately you must quickly get used to the fact that friendship changes over the years, particularly when you are teenagers and that it indeed, sucks."
Harry laughed at how weird it sounded, hearing Snape saying the word 'suck'.
Remembering the reason for coming down here, he tried a subtle approach.
"Right, so we aren't going to be spending Christmas together at the Burrow, this year. Things with his sister are even worse."
"I see."
"So," Harry tried to sound as innocent as possible. "I'm going to stay here, and Remus has promised we could spent it together."
The Professor's face didn't change for a second at the mention of the Marauder. He simply continued to drink his tea and Harry saw it as a good sign to keep talking.
"I don't know who else is staying but I think Jason Melck would like to."
"Indeed?" Snape sounded bored as he refilled his cup.
'Come on, Potter!' "Yeah, we talked about it, but he said his aunt is probably expecting him if nothing else comes up. He just didn't seem very excited, at all. They aren't very close."
"But it might be best for him to see her." Snape didn't give any indication what he thought of that.
"Maybe." Harry tried to seem indifferent. "But I think it would be more fun for him to stay here. You know, with us. Erhm, you are staying this year, right?" yes innocently and totally after the plan.
"Yes Mr. Potter, what of it?" Snape narrowed his eyes.
"Nothing, simply asking." Harry drank the last of his and sat down his empty cup. "I should probably get going. Thank you, for the talk. And the tea." Getting up he didn't bother to wait for an answer but headed for the exit. Opening up the portrait waited for him to get going.
"Mr. Potter?"
Waiting, he turned to watch the professor gather a new glass, this time filling it with gin.
"Five point to Gryffindor, for the first decent idea you've had in years."
Damn. "You knew?"
"I wouldn't have lasted long in the war if a Gryffindor could fool me into persuasion."
"Right," Harry coughed embarrassed. "Erhm, goodbye sir."
A hand gesture was all he was given and he left without another word.
…
It was Sunday and it was the last time the school had a trip to Hogsmeade before leaving for vacation. It had snowed the entire night and the grounds were barely walkable. Many students had been sent to the nurse's office with headaches and smaller cuts from slipping on the icy stairs outside. Seamus had been one of them. Harry almost felt sorry for the teen, as his boyfriend had had absolutely no sympathy for him.
"I told you thrice not to jump two steps at a time!"
Dean had yelled at him more than once to slow down, and before he could yell again, Seamus had slipped and sat with a rather hurt puppy look, as he got no kisses for his pain.
Right now, the seventh-year boys' room was in complete disarray. Luna and Hermione were sitting on Ron's bed chatting amused as they watched the boys run around, looking for all their clothes. Ron was randomly searching through his trunk, throwing underwear and shirts all around. Dean was helping Seamus look for his favorite sweater that Seamus kept insisting wasn't in the laundry pile.
"Harry?" Neville poked his head out under his bed covers.
"I think I found your jumper." He handed Harry a red sweater with the golden snitch on it, which was hard to tell since it was covered in dustbunnies, right now.
"Thanks, Neville." Harry took the offered piece of clothing and quickly spelled it clean. He pulled it on and gathered the rest of his clothes lying on the bed. The boys got ready as everyone finally found their missing pieces.
The students had as always assembled in front of the main gate, where Professor Flitwick and Professor Sinistra were waiting for them. Harry shot longing glances at the small snowcovered cabin, where smoke was raising from the chimney.
"You know, it is almost time for the Ringtailed Dragonfly to mate."
Lost in thoughts, Harry had barely caught up the fact that Luna was speaking to him.
"Sorry, Luna?"
"The Ringtailed Dragonfly." She obviously didn't think he needed more context than that, because she simply smiled at him with a dreamy glance and continued to walk beside him. "They are quite beautiful. They are some of the biggest flies that exist, which is why they are named after dragons. Another very big winged creature."
"I see." Harry really didn't although his heart skipped a beat when he realized she had only mentioned dragons after he looked after Hagrid's home where Aodhan was currently hidden away. Did Luna know something or was it simply a coincidence she mentioned it?
"Luna?"
Humming the girl looked at him again.
"Do Dragonflies like to be indoors?" Having gotten to know the slightly delusional girl, Harry had understood; if you wanted to know something, you had to ask in a just-as-mysterious question.
Luna gave him an overbearing smile.
"No, not really." She fumbled with her scarf. "They are meant for the outside world. But perhaps sometimes, a slightly changed scenario can do them good. At least some of them."
Harry smiled and nodded. The rest of the way to the gate, Harry walked in silence, listening to his friends chat about Christmas, present and the party. They were some of the last students at the meeting place and even though they were at least thirty students, Harry had no problem in locating his boyfriend who was standing a few rows ahead. Sinistra quickly looked at her watch, before reminding everyone of the same rules that applied every time they went to Hogsmeade, before she began to walk in front.
When they arrived at the first house of Hogsmeade, the group of friends planed the day.
"Luna and I are going to the Haunted house if anyone wish to join." Neville mentioned.
"Now? Why?" Dean wondered.
"Yes," Luna nodded eagerly. "I want to look after Heinstanes spirits. They are attracted to cold and misery haunted places, so I think the house is a perfect place to start. I promised to send my father one if a catch them." No one commented on the idea or bothered to ask what Heinstanes' was. Even if they did exist, Harry doubted they would have gathered in the haunted house. Afterall, the only reason why people believed it was haunted was because of Remus' howling decades ago. Waving goodbye, the two disappeared into the crowd.
"Me and Seamus are going to shop for Christmas presents."
"Yes, apparently, one gift for each isn't enough." Seamus rolled his eyes sarcastically.
"Buying your mother a card is NOT a gift." Dean declared.
"Fine," Seamus sighed. "Anyone wants to come?"
"Yeah, I haven't bought any yet and I would rather be done with it before Christmas day as usual." Harry grinned.
The three boys said goodbye to the others and headed for the first shop on their list. Harry told them he didn't have any preferences and simply looked around wherever Dean dragged them. After three clothes store, Seamus had only gotten a gift for himself 'But it perfectly matches the gloves I bought last time!', and Harry still hadn't found anything yet. He had a lot of people to buy for so perhaps he was being a little too picky. The next store he decided, he wouldn't leave until he found something.
And his determination blossomed. In the bookstore he found a great novel to Hermione about a muggle who grew up as the only wizard in the family. Harry was sure Hermione could use it to compare and analyze her own upbringing. He also found a newly edited album from Celestina Warbeck for Mrs. Weasley. The three teens had been to seven stores and heading for the eighth, when Harry asked them a question.
"Guys, I think I should buy a present for Draco but I'm not really sure what he would like. I mean, he has kind of a different taste-"
"By different you mean prudish?"
"Snobbish?" Dean piled on.
"Expensive?" Seamus snickered.
"Okay, I got it!" Harry intervened annoyed. "Yes, it is a little more 'everything' than I usually care for, but I want to get him something he would like. Do you have any ideas?"
"Gezz, Harry, we don't really know him. Beside something for Quidditch, I don't really have any idea what he would want."
"Yeah, but he already bought new gloves last time we went out, so I don't think he needs anything else…" Harry pondered. Walking in silence, Harry wondered what he could get him. He almost got a heart attack when Dean practically jumped in front of him.
"I got it!" Seamus leaned into both of the very curios boys. "Give him something sensual."
"What?" Harry perplexed asked.
"You know, sensual, for the both of you." Seamus raised his eyebrows in a persuasive manner.
Still completely, lost Harry and Dean sent each other equally confused as to what the strange boy was talking about. As he realized his suggestion wouldn't get the grateful reaction he was hoping for, Seamus gave an exasperated sigh before making a very crude hand gesture, earning him a blushing Harry and a very sore arm from where Dean had hit him in offense.
"God sake Seamus! We are in the middle of the street!" Dean almost whined and hurriedly went around him to continue walking. Laughing, the tallest boy ran after his boyfriend and the next few minutes Harry watched with a smile, how Seamus desperately tried to kiss him.
After almost three hours, he had gotten a present for everyone on his list, except one for Snape and Draco. Normally, he wouldn't have bought a gift for Snape but he had been really helpful this year and saved his ass through most of his life. Besides, Jason was his friend and Snape was his father, so just like he bought something for Molly and Arthur, he felt like he should buy something for him as well.
"Harry?"
Turning around he watched as Dean was breathing on Seamus hands, trying to warm them up.
"I think we're gonna' go to a café or the three broomsticks. Are you coming?"
"No, I still have a few more things to buy." Harry smiled.
Looking up from is frozen hands, Seamus seemed honest when he suggested they should stay with him.
"No, really, you go. I only need two more." Harry waved them off, smiling. "Really, you guys, go." He continued when neither boy moved from their spot on the street. In the end, Harry simply turned around and continued his shopping. He would find the others later. Besides there was only two hours left until the students had to be gathered by the small stone bridge and Harry had to have gotten something by then.
Taken a smaller path to the right, Harry from side to side, hoping to see an interesting shop. This smaller street was less crowded than the main one. While Hogsmeade seemed tiny from the outside, magic had been induced into the village and smaller paths and routes could be taken around the main street. The shops had extended since Hogwarts became a regular client with over six visits a year. Therefore, many had sought out the idea of selling their nips and faction work.
A fish shop… pet store…. Bookstore…. Smaller clothes shop… another bookstore…
Just as he was about to give up on the small street, a scratched old red sign, caught his eye. The ink from the scribbling was almost completely gone and Harry had to walk very close before he was able to read it.
Adam's wonder toys
Toys? Well, Draco was certainly to grown up to get a toy. But perhaps… if he was so grown up, he might see the irony in getting him one. 'Either way' Harry thought, 'He will surely want to exchange it, no matter what I get him. So why not?'
With that in mind, he gently pushed against the wooden door, almost afraid of breaking it in half. A tiny bell rang above his head, indicating he had arrived. Walking inside he quickly noticed he was the only person in the quiet store. While the store looked almost abandoned from outside, the inside seemed clean and newly painted. Shelves wasn't filled with different plastic stuff like in the muggleworld, instead large quantity of space was placed between the modest toys. Wooden boxes with bears and magic fireworks. Small black- and white painted music boxes was laid out, and the display showed old springs and metal gears screwed in.
Walking in further, he stepped on something very soft. Fearing it was a cat, Harry got frightened and fell into the shelf with music boxes, sending one off. A plinky-plonky melody began as the metal disk ran over the small strings. It was quite louder than he had expected from such a small box.
Looking down at what he had stepped on, he bent over to pick up a stuffed black bear. The brown glass-eyes were way to huge on the small head but in a charming way. The bear's stomach had a sewn heart on the front in a blood red color. Smiling, Harry looked for the place it had fallen from. Unfortunately, it became clear that there was no way to know which shelf it had fallen from, considering there was almost five complete shelves filled with different stuffed animals in all sizes, colors and kinds. Hoping it wouldn't matter too much, he brushed off the floordust from the bear's head and created a little space between a raccoon and another lighter colored bear.
"Welcome."
Thankfully, Harry didn't give a girlish whine but he was certainly close. Right behind the third row, a small counter stood and behind it, a broad backed old man leaned over it.
Coughing slightly to regain his manners, he answered;
"Hello, I hope you're still opened…"
"Yes, yes, come in." he waved Harry closer. Stepping forward he noticed the man was actually a few inch shorter than him. Getting a better look at the old man, Harry realized he could have been Dumbledore's brother. While the man had no beard, he had sparkling blue eyes and seemed as overly cheerful as Dumbledore could be from time to time.
"What can I do for you, young man?"
Harry scratched his head. "I'm not sure. I'm looking for a Christmas present..." Continuing to look at the stuffed animals, an idea hit him as a strike of lightning.
"These animals, do you by any chance have a giraffe?" He held out a hand for the rows of stuffed toys.
The older man wrinkled his eyebrows, searching through the masses. "I'm sorry, but I don't have any giraffes."
"You don't think you could make one?" He begged.
"Unfortunately no, I haven't sewn in years, my hands aren't steady enough anymore. But if the gift is for your girlfriend why not try a teddy bear or a music box?" He suggested and picked out a pink box from the shelf behind him.
Harry shook his head. "No it's for my… boyfriend and he is rather picky." He grimaced.
Chuckling, the man returned the box. "Ah, yes, just like my Delilah. She was always so certain what she wanted. She practically bought her own gifts for birthdays and Christmas."
Smiling, Harry tried to plead the man. "Are you sure you couldn't give it a try? I will pay handsomely. It's just… it's the only gift a can think of that he would actually like."
The man looked at the stuffed toy before turning his attention back to Harry. "That is very generous of you, young man, but I wouldn't want you nor your boyfriend to become disappointed. The work can take a long time and by then you might not have time to by another gift."
"I'm sure he will love it." Harry smiled confidently.
"Alright, if you are certain…" The man took something from beneath the counter and gathered a small notebook with shaking hands. Preparing to write, he asked Harry for the design details.
"Just a simple giraffe in natural colors and brown eyes. About this size." He indicated. "If you could deliver it by owl to Hogwarts that would be perfect." Discussing the few last details, Harry was certain it would be a perfect gift. He waved goodbye to the old man, and as he was about to leave the store, tiny puffs of smoke hit him in the chest. Searching for the source, he found a small red dragon made out of wood looking intensely at him. Chuckling at the tiny creature, he suddenly got another great idea for what to give Snape.
Hearing the cuckoo clock from somewhere behind him, he hurried out and headed for the Three Broomsticks. As he entered the buzzing main street he noticed a group of Slytherins standing by Honeydukes. Recognizing his boyfriend's platinum hair color, he waved. They started moving before Draco had a chance to see him. Disappointed he watched them about to leave, but then Parkinson noticed him, still waving. Giving a slight smile, Harry imagined she would inform Draco of his presence, as she smiled back. But Harry quickly noticed that the smile was more of a cold smirk and he watched perplexed as she simply turned away from him and let the Slytherins continue walking away. Annoyed and a little dreaded, Harry wondered; what was her problem?
Meeting up with his friends, he saw them gathered at a round table, almost sitting on top of each other since the bar was full of students and shoppers. Placing his bags beside his feet, he sat down next to Neville. A warm mug of butterbeer was slide in his direction and he quickly warmed his cold hands on it. The others were already chatting quite loudly of all their purchases.
"Did you get everything you needed?" Neville asked, looking at the many bags underneath the table.
Nodded with a full mouth of butterbeer, he elaborated; "Yes, I'm only missing one but I can get that at Hogwarts." At Neville's slightly worried look, he quickly explained he wasn't planning on stealing anything, but it was more of a homemade gift. Believing him, the two friends turned back to the flourishing conversation.
…
On their way home, the wind had truly picked up and almost all the students were scooting together and holding up their scarfs to avoid the hail. Harry had already replaced the warming charm on his clothes, twice. As gross as it was, he kept drying his wet nose on his cloak. Thankfully, the trip from Hogsmeade wasn't too long and the students soon found themselves safe inside the warm castle. Almost everyone took off their cloaks, gloves and scarf in the hall, the wet clothes were dripping with defrosted snow. The Professor summoned a few houseelves from the kitchens and they quickly collected the offered clothes.
Harry too, gave his thanks as a young girl took his wet cloak, hoping sincerely she didn't touch his snotty dripping sleeves.
"Hey guys." Finally out of the cold, Harry's mood generously lifted and seeing his friend, he smiled.
"Hi Jason," Dean gave him a quick pat on the shoulder. "We're going to play exploding snap and probably drink some hot chocolate, you wanna' join?"
Jason thanked the group for the offer but as already heading for some chess play in the dungeon. Nodding understandingly the Gryffindors' headed upstairs, while Harry stayed to chat.
"You seem happy." Harry noted.
"I am, really." Jason gave a teething smile. "I spoke to my father and my aunt. I'm staying here for Christmas."
"That's great!" Harry tried to keep his excited voice down as not to alarm the whole school. "So I guess we will see each other Christmas morning?"
"Definitely." Jason said confidently. "Have you spoken to Professor Lupin about Christmas eve?"
Harry felt his forehead wrinkle as is nose started itching. Ignoring the warning signs he answered;
"No not yet, are doing anything speci- ACHOO!" feeling as if his entire body was hit by a balloon he stumbled a step back in surprise. Laughing, Jason searched both his trouser pockets before handing him a small tissue.
Thanking, Harry blew his stuffed nose with a truly delicious sound.
"You should probably get some warm clean clothes on before you get a cold." The older boy suggested.
Nodding, Harry vanquished the used tissue, picked up his bags and waved goodbye; Hurrying upstairs to change, as he refused to be sick in the infirmary on Christmas.
Great, thank you for coming this far in the story.
See you next chapter,
TMB