Chapter 16: Heading home for Winter Break
Harry quietly clicked his trunk shut as he had finished packing for the winter break. He was excited to return to the Burrow, as always. As he put on his converse and a blue sweatshirt, he looked around at his roommates. Ron was unconscious, sprawled across his bed. Seamus' arm dangled over the bed, just visible from beneath his bed curtain. Dean lay on his side, hugging his pillow. To Harry it looked as if he was having a dream. As for Neville, Harry could not see him, but could hear him, loud and clear. As Harry tiptoed towards the door alarm clocks began to go off. Harry quietly shut the door, as he heard a chorus of moans from within the room.
The Common Room was nearly empty as Harry walked through the portrait hole. He could hear more voices as he neared the Great Hall. He was on his third piece of toast when Hermione strolled in. The two sat in a comfortable silence as they enjoyed their last feast before loading onto the Hogwarts Express. They both knew Ron wouldn't make it down until the end. Slowly a few began to join them, and they talked about their break plans.
Hermione was visiting Australia with her parents. Hermione had sent them there last summer for their safety. After the fall of Voldemort, Hermione and Ron went to Australia and restored their memory. Hermione had made it so they remembered their time in Australia and now they wanted to share their favorite places with her. After a few days, Ron would join them.
Victoria told how she was spending her first Christmas with Dudley's family. She was excited since the Dursleys loved her. It would also be her first time meeting Aunt Marge. Harry warned her about her dog.
Harry sat quietly, half listening to the rest of the plans as he thought of his own. After the war, he properly visited his family's home. He was amazed by how it had been preserved. He later discovered a protective spell had been placed over the home to prevent it from aging. Most of the time he went alone, but on a few occasions Ginny had joined. Once she found his parent's wedding album. The last time Harry went alone he found a small silver jewelry box. He had lifted the lid slowly. Inside he found a beautiful emerald necklace. The stone was small and rounded on a golden chain. He gently pulled the necklace out and watched it sparkle. Once the necklace was out of the box, he saw a small folded piece of parchment at the bottom. He unfolded it and felt his breath catch as he realized the note was in his father's handwriting.
Lily,
This has been in my family for over 100 years. My great great grandfather gave it to my great great grandmother on their first anniversary.
Happy Anniversary.
Love,
James
"Boo!" Harry jumped from his thoughts as he felt Ginny drape herself over his shoulders. She laughed as she kissed his check and sat down. Harry smiled. It wasn't going to be their anniversary, but Harry wasn't sure when that truly was anymore. Did they say it was the day he kissed her after the Quidditch match or this summer when they got back together? Since he was unsure, he decided he'd give her the necklace for their first Christmas together.
After breakfast, Harry couldn't stop smiling as he walked to the Hogwarts Express with his friends. As he led the way down the corridor to an empty compartment, he turned to his right to see a compartment with one of the blinds drawn. As he continued past, he looked through the second window, without the blind closed. He was stunned. Inside was Neville snogging Marie. Harry tried to walk into the next empty compartment before anyone else noticed, he was unsuccessful.
"Yea Neville!"
"Ronald!" Harry turned to see Hermione pushing Ron into their compartment before shutting the door. He laughed to himself as Hermione scolded Ron, until Neville joined a few minutes later.