Chapter Eight: Christmas
Harry had, admittedly, been quite curious about why Hagrid had asked him to come to his hut a couple of weeks before they would be free to enjoy the Winter Break. He wondered if perhaps the half-giant had heard something from Mr. Scamander and wanted to tell him. Perhaps he'd learned something new about Basilisks that Harry could utilize to make Selena more comfortable in the colder weather?
He had not expected to have the gangly, irate form of a dragon hatchling plopped down on the table in front of him.
"Hagrid," Harry began, standing well away from the sharp, hungry eyes and teeth. "What exactly is that?"
"Well, it's a dragon!" Hagrid cried happily. "Can't ya tell? More specifically, e's a Norwegian Ridgeback! Seriously misunderstood beasts, dragons. Pity, really."
"Inform him that if it tries to eat us," Selena hissed, her head cocked back threateningly from her perch on Harry's shoulder. "I will kill it."
Harry grimly passed on the message, to which Hagrid guffawed. "It won' come to that, Selena! He's just a bit peckish, is all! Here ya go, Norbert!"
Hagrid tossed the dragon a full-size raw steak, which "Norbert" greedily seized in his powerful jaws before tearing into the meat. Harry watched the young dragon feed before glancing at his half-giant friend. "So…why did you want me to see him?"
"Ta see if ya could talk to him, o'course!"
Harry's eyebrows rose up under his bangs. "Hagrid, I can talk to snakes, not dragons!"
"They're close relatives, it should work out!"
"I am no more related to this…brat than I am to a common lizard," Selena sniffed, eyeing the mess Norbert made as he ate with disgust.
Harry was a bit curious if he could speak to the dragon himself, but he kept his distance all the same. He opened his mouth and Parseltongue flowed out, asking small, simple questions to see what the response would be.
Unfortunately, whatever he said appeared to be taken as an insult.
Norbert's head jerked up from his meal and he recoiled for a second before flaring his nostrils and spreading his wings in what Harry could only describe as a threat display to make the tiny dragon look much larger than he really was. He immediately ceased to speak in Parseltongue and backed off until he was almost leaning against the wall. "No, this isn't working. Sorry Hagrid, looks like I can't talk to dragons."
"Too bad," Hagrid sighed, scratching his head as Norbert returned to his food. "I was hoping that if ya could speak to him, maybe he'd be able to stick around somehow. Dumbledore told me that Charlie Weasley and some other Dragonologists were going ta have ta come get Norbert and take him to a colony in Romania. I can't keep him here. Too dangerous."
The boy frowned. "Where did you even get a dragon?"
"Won his egg, actually, off a fellow at a game of cards. I suspect 'e was a dragon dealer," Hagrid grimaced. "Illegal, that, and I didn't want ta leave the egg to anyone else. Dealer wasn't half bad though. We had a couple 'o drinks, talked about our creatures. I got to tell him about my boy, Fluffy!"
"Fluffy," Harry deadpanned, certain by this point that the creature in question was anything but fluffy.
"Yeah, my three-headed guard dog!" Hagrid smiled proudly. "Technically he's a Cerberus, but most people like simpler names when it comes to magical beasts. Loves music, Fluffy. Play some and he goes right ta sleep!"
"I'll keep that in mind," Harry said, shaking his head. "If I ever need to."
"You should hope not," Selena told him bluntly.
Winter Break had finally rolled around, which saw Harry riding the train back to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters with Nym. Ron was doing his own thing somewhere else, probably with Seamus and Dean. Hermione was in another cabin with Neville and some Ravenclaw first-years she'd befriended from their classes, doing the homework they'd been assigned over the break.
Harry suspected they'd have it all completed halfway through the trip.
Nym had been staring out the window in silence for a while. She looked tired, something that Harry could fully empathize with. He was exhausted after all the exams they'd had to complete before they'd been granted the freedom of Winter Break. He suspected that was mostly why she was here, where it was quiet, and not raising hell with the Weasley Twins elsewhere on the train.
Plenty of time for that later, seeing as Nym had told him they'd likely be visiting the Weasley residence over the break. Something about a family Christmas dinner.
Harry attempted and failed to stifle a yawn, drawing Nym's attention and garnering a smirk from her. "Getting sleepy?"
"I might sleep through the whole trip," Harry joked.
"Not on these seats, you're not," she snorted. Nym lifted her arms above her and stretched. "How about we join Selena? It's warmer in there, yeah?"
"Bit warmer," he agreed. Harry considered the idea before shrugging. "Sure."
He set the suitcase on the floor, making sure it was securely held in place before they entered.
Walking into the suitcase immediately led to a stone path that took them into one of the tunnels, and that opened up into the ground level of the cave. The lake was laid out before them and the warmth from the artificial sun was already making Harry even more drowsy than before.
Selena was basking on a rock by the water and lifted her head to regard the young wizard and witch entering her home. "Hello, Harry. Loud One."
"Did she call me 'Loud One" again?" Nym queried before he could translate, causing Harry to blink at her in surprise and Selena to cock her head.
"You understood?"
"Not understood so much as I recognized the sound she made," Nym replied, flashing Selena a wide grin. "She always makes that same hiss when I meet up with you guys."
Harry wondered then if it'd be possible to help someone else learn Parseltongue. If Nym was able to recognize Selena's unique name for her, perhaps it was possible to break down the rest of the language and translate it into something other people might understand?
That sounded like something Hermione would love to partake in. He made a mental note to bring the subject up with his friend for later.
Now was the time for a nap.
Selena flicked her tongue out at Harry. "The trip isn't over yet, surely?"
"Not even close," Harry replied, shaking his head. "We thought about sleeping here instead of in the cabin."
"I hardly blame you," Selena said smugly, settling herself back down on her rock. "It's far more comfortable in here."
He rolled his eyes, but didn't argue with that statement.
"As long as you don't disturb me overly, I don't mind you joining me," Selena told them. Harry translated and Nym smiled at her in a friendly way.
"You're the best, Selena," Nym crowed, causing the Basilisk to puff up a bit in satisfaction. Harry shook his head in amusement as he realized how quickly Nym had come to figure out that Selena was a prideful creature.
Harry kicked off his shoes and led Nym over to his favorite spot by the water's edge, in some of the softest grass the cave had to offer. He sat down and let his feet touch the cool water before falling slowly onto his back.
Nym sat down beside him and flashed him a smile. "Comfy?"
"Almost," he joked. Harry pulled his wand from his cloak and then pointed it up towards the artificial sun. Furrowing his brow in concentration, he murmured softly. "Nox."
The light flickered for a moment, then slowly dimmed as Harry carefully eased it down—not so much that it was dark, but low enough so as to not make it difficult for him to fall asleep. Flitwick had taught him that doing it this way would adjust the lighting, but it wouldn't alter how much heat the artificial sun produced. Well, the artificial sun was on a magical timer as well to simulate a proper day/night cycle, but this made it easy for Harry to adjust it when necessary.
"Not bad, Potter," Nym said, admiring the change in lighting. "Fine-tuning stuff like that is tricky for first years."
"Are you speaking from experience?" Harry joked, grinning.
She gave him a playful swat on the shoulder. "Prat."
Nym settled down beside him, but she was still careful to give Harry his space. He had gotten better about being near certain people, but she knew he wasn't completely comfortable about it yet. The only creature he allowed to have extensive physical contact with him was Selena.
As things stood, she was beyond happy that he'd even gotten comfortable enough around her to engage in that kind of playful banter. Her mum had told Nym she was worried Harry might have more trouble opening up, but it seemed like Nym's positivity and infectious energy had rubbed off on him well enough. She was sure it was more than just her influence that was helping Harry to become comfortable, but she liked to think she'd played a pretty big part in that.
He was a good friend, and she rather enjoyed being around him more and more as she got to know him better.
She glanced at him and blinked when she realized he still had his glasses on. That probably wasn't going to be all that comfortable to fall asleep with, so she called to him quietly. "Harry?"
"Mm?" He opened one eye and looked at her tiredly.
"Stay still for a sec," she told him, reaching up to carefully pluck his glasses from his face. Harry froze for a moment, but then relaxed when he realized what she was doing.
"Thanks," he said honestly. "I forgot about them."
"No problem," Nym said simply, offering them to him after she folded the glasses up. As he took them from her, she watched as his face twinged just the slightest and his hand rose up before he could stop himself to press against the scar on his forehead.
She frowned. "You okay?"
"Just my scar," he told her a bit tightly. He squeezed his eyes shut and didn't speak for a few more moments before the tension left his body and he sighed, relaxing again. "I'm fine."
Nym pressed her lips, debating whether or not she should push the matter. Harry was getting more comfortable with her, but…this might be more personal than he was willing to be with her at the moment. She decided to tread carefully and see what he would tell her.
"Does it hurt?"
Harry looked up at the dimmed artificial sun and slowly nodded, looking even more tired than before. "I don't know why. Sometimes it burns and I…I just can't do anything about it."
"Maybe you should tell my mum," Nym suggested slowly. "She could ask a healer to check it out."
"I don't want to bother anybody," he muttered. "It's not bad, and it's not like it happens all the time."
Nym considered that for a few more seconds and then decided to take a risk. "Harry? Would you mind if I—well, if I touched it?"
Harry blinked at her in surprise and some wariness Nym immediately took notice of. She hurried on. "Only if you're okay with it, obviously. I just…maybe I can help, somehow?"
He seemed to think about it for a minute before he nodded slowly. "Just for a moment."
Nym nodded in agreement. "Just a moment."
She lifted her hand up between them and hesitated for a second before carefully pressing the tips of two fingers to the bolt-shaped, pale skin marring his forehead.
It was startlingly warm, but the temperature was fading even as she maintained contact with it. She could feel magic emanating off the cursed mark, and she could tell that most of it was probably Harry's—but there was something there beneath the skin, something…
Nym was just a second-year student. Granted, she'd grown up in a magical household and was a bright witch despite her mischievous nature, but she could tell from the brief touch two things: One, she had no idea what kind of magic was responsible for the sensation she experienced.
Two, she could tell that it was not a pleasant kind of magic.
She pulled back after a moment, just as Harry had requested, and blinked at him curiously. He blinked back and frowned slightly. "What?"
"Just…" She bit her lip. How to tell him without making him panic or lose trust in her…
"I want to suggest," she began slowly. "As your friend, that maybe we should ask my mum about your scar?"
"It's not that bad," he protested.
"I know," she agreed. "I trust you when you say it's not a constant thing or even a particularly bad thing, but I…I don't want you to be in pain if it can be avoided."
Harry considered that for a little while before nodding his head slowly. "Maybe we can ask her, then. But only if it's not any trouble."
"It won't be," she assured him as they settled back down, eager to rest again.
As Nym slowly fell asleep, she was briefly aware of a sound not unlike a humming song. She and Harry quickly lost their fight with consciousness as Selena quietly slithered close to them and sang them to sleep.
"Sleep now, little ones," the Basilisk whispered, curling up to sit guard by them.
Grimmauld Place was much as he'd remembered it. Harry found the place a little dark and dreary, but it was a distinctly more positive atmosphere than anything the Dursleys had to offer.
Harry was currently lying on the couch and reading a book on Charm Theory meant for their second-year classes. Hermione had told him in a letter that some of the content helped with their first-year studies, and he was curious anyways, so he took her up on her recommendation and joined Andromeda on a trip to Diagon Alley so he could get it. Amongst other things, that was—Harry had picked up a number of other books to read through over the break.
Selena was curled up on the rug by the fire, enjoying the warmth as she took a well-deserved nap. The cold weather had been messing with her body lately, as her instincts told her she needed to hibernate, so she'd been more drowsy as of late. She spent a lot of her time basking to keep warm.
They were going to meet with the Weasley family in a week's time for Christmas dinner, something Harry had never participated in. Ron had sent him a couple of letters and he was super pumped about the whole thing, though he'd warned Harry that his little sister was, and I quote, "bonkers about Harry Potter" and might take some adjusting too. Harry hoped that his friend was just exaggerating.
A familiar tapping on the window had Harry setting his book to the side and jumping up from the couch. Hedwig was perched on the windowsill just outside and giving him a dry look that indicated she would very much like to be allowed into the house.
Harry unlocked the window and opened it, allowing the beautiful snowy owl inside. She flew in a quick loop and then perched on the back of a rocking chair, setting it into motion as she often did. Harry didn't know why she liked it so much, but he certainly wouldn't deprive her of the entertainment.
She was carrying a letter in her beak, which he accepted after closing the window to prevent the cold air from flooding into the house and sending Selena into hypothermia. Harry absently scratched Hedwig under her chin, to which she cooed adoringly, as he opened the envelope and read the letter.
Excitement filled him as he recognized the handwriting—it was from Mr. Scamander.
Newt had been in contact with Harry for a while now, mailing him back and forth weekly to ask questions about Selena and give Harry advice to help care for her. They'd had some interesting conversations through their letters about magical creatures—specifically reptiles.
Harry had asked Newt in their last letter about finding a companion to keep Selena company. He'd been thinking on the matter on his own for a while, but came to the realization before long that he didn't know much about compatibility between snakes and which snakes were even available on the British market.
He took a breath and hoped beyond hope that Newt may have found something for him to work with.
To Mr. Potter and Lady Selena,
I'm most fascinated by your latest letter detailing Selena's interest—or shall I say, tolerance—in finding a social companion to house alongside her. It is quite uncommon in snakes to tolerate different species in the same environment, or perhaps, it is more accurate to say, that it is uncommon for them to seek each other out.
Your ability to speak Parseltongue, however, might just upend a few theories in the magical creature community regarding serpents. Perhaps that is a conversation for another day, however.
In regards to a partner for you to house alongside Selena, I regret to tell you that there are not many options. Non-magical snakes, I suspect, will be little more than subservient to her due to her status as a Basilisk. From your letters detailing Selena's personality, I have a feeling she might be more irritated than ingratiated by that kind of behavior. I believe it might be best to find a companion she could view as an equal, which, again, is a rather tall order.
I do have an idea that might just fulfill Selena's social needs, however. Obviously, creating another Basilisk is off the table at the moment. Perhaps when you're of age, if you were to get a Mastery in Magical Creature Studies, you could be granted a special permit to raise and study Basilisks due to your ability to speak Parseltongue. But that is a long time off, and I am not exaggerating when I say that Selena's creation was only just barely permitted by your circumstances.
The idea in question actually comes from my wife, Tina, who has been just as interested in your and Selena's partnership. She reminded me of a certain species that had previously slipped my mind (age must be getting to me!). I cannot yet promise anything, but if you'd be so kind as to be patient with me, I might just be able to help you out on this matter.
Keep your fingers crossed and Happy Holidays!
Wishing you well,
Mr. and Mrs. Scamander.
Harry read the letter and read it again, his mind racing with curiosity. What kind of snake had Newt found might be compatible with Selena? If a common snake species wasn't going to be able to meet Selena's social needs, did that mean he was looking into a magical species?
The thought made him equal parts giddy and anxious. He had a feeling Selena might not tolerate a Runespoor companion. For, you know. Just reasons.
Eager to write a reply, Harry ran upstairs to store Newt's letter with the others he'd received before grabbing his quill, ink, and parchment. Before he got comfortable, however, he realized something and looked around the room.
"Kreacher!" Harry called.
The house elf materialized a moment later with a crack of magic, his usual stink-eye and scowl on his face. "What does Mister Potter want?"
"Could you get a couple of mice for Hedwig?" Harry asked him, feeling a bit meek for forgetting his owl's hunger. "She just had a long trip flying back here."
"Kreacher will feed the bird," the elf grunted, then disappeared with another snap of magic.
Harry sighed to himself, wondering if Kreacher would ever be less…well, grouchy.
He had the funniest suspicion the answer to that was a resounding no.
A week later and Harry found himself bundled up in warm clothing and ready to travel with Andromeda and Ted to "the Burrow" as it was called—otherwise known as the Weasley residence.
Nym was waiting with her parents, sitting on the counter and kicking her legs back and forth as Harry came downstairs in jeans, a dark blue, long-sleeve shirt, a scarf, and a black jacket. His suitcase was hanging off his shoulder, within which Selena was currently residing—it was too cold out for her to stay outside, but she refused to let Harry travel without her.
Her stubborn affection brought to Harry more than a little happiness.
"I'm ready," he told them.
Nym grinned at him and Harry smiled back. They hadn't yet told Andromeda about Harry's scar pains, but things between them had been comfortable regardless. It wasn't like Nym was constantly pushing Harry to get it checked out—she knew he needed his space.
She was patient and he had promised to ask Andromeda during the Winter Break, so that was that. And he would, after he'd had some time to rest up.
"Warm enough?" Andromeda asked, stepping forward to check that Harry's scarf and jacket fit well. He hadn't yet used these since she'd gotten them at Diagon Alley.
Harry fidgeted a bit under her scrutiny, not really used to being fussed over. "I'm okay."
Ted nodded and gathered them all in the middle of the kitchen. "Right, we're going to apparate to the Burrow. Everyone ready?"
The four of them joined hands and Ted counted down. "Three, two, one—"
The uncomfortable sensation of apparation was over in an instant and Harry shook his head as soon as they arrived to rid himself of the brief dizziness. They'd apparated a few times before, but it was something he was still getting used to.
Once he'd recovered, Harry found himself staring at the Burrow—a conglomerate mess several stories high and so crooked that it had to have been held up by magic. There was a barn and chicken coop nearby, and several fat, brown chickens were pecking their way around the yard.
As soon as they arrived, a tall, ginger man that could only be Ron's father opened the door and called to them with a smile on his face. "Hello there, Ted! Andromeda! Come inside, it's much warmer in here!"
Ted led them to the door and into the house, which Harry saw was cluttered, but very homey and welcoming. Almost as soon as he made his way inside, he spotted Ron coming downstairs. The other boy grinned at him and walked over.
"Hey there, Harry!" Ron greeted him.
"Hey, Ron," Harry replied, smiling. "How's it been?"
"Cold, but mum's cooking keeps everything warm," Ron grinned. He spotted Nym and waved at her. "Heya, Nym."
"Wotcher, Ron," she smirked back. "Are your disaster brothers about?"
"Nymphadora Tonks!" Andromeda chastised.
"Mum!" Nym protested at the use of her full name.
Arthur and Ted merely grinned, chuckling. Arthur gestured up the stairs. "I'm sure the twins are preparing for a night of mischief."
"Not without me, they're not!" Nym exclaimed before darting up the stairs.
Andromeda rolled her eyes in exasperation before shooting a heatless scowl at her husband. "She gets this from you."
Ted beamed, unabashed.
Harry found himself shaking hands a moment later with the Weasley patriarch, who was all smiles. "It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Potter. Ron and the Twins have told us a lot about you."
"They're good friends," he replied a little shyly. He had a feeling that he'd be having a lot of introductions tonight. Hopefully he'd be able to get through the socializing in one piece.
Arthur nodded before looking up at Andromeda and Ted. "Well, I've kept you all waiting long enough. Molly's just about done cooking! Let's head to the dining room, shall we?"
Dinner with the Weasley's was a boisterous, but enjoyable affair.
As soon as Molly Weasley was done cooking, she rang a literal dinner bell that had footsteps thundering down the stairs like a stampede of wild animals. Harry had actually backed off a bit as the Twins, Nym, Percy, and a girl Harry learned was Ron's sister, Ginny, came barreling into the room.
Ginny had been briefly petrified by the mere sight of Harry until Percy snapped her out of it. She settled in to eat with the others, but hadn't managed to do more than throw shy glances at Harry every now and again. She didn't seem like a bad girl, just nervous.
And to be fair, he felt much the same way about the dinner, but he was getting a bit more comfortable as time went on.
That may or may not have had something to do with the fact that Molly's cooking was the best thing he'd ever tasted. No offense to Andromeda's talent for making food, but Molly was the world's new best chef.
"So Harry," Arthur got Harry's attention once the boy had finished swallowing a bite of mashed potatoes. "Ron told me you've got a rather interesting familiar?"
Harry nodded a bit meekly and his hand fell to the suitcase hanging from the back of his chair. "Yes, sir. She's a Basilisk."
Molly looked rather anxious about the subject. "And she's harmless? I understand that Basilisks have been illegal to breed for centuries now."
Harry nodded again. "She's harmless. I mean, she can petrify people if she looks into their eyes, but we've got a charm that filters that out. And she won't bite anybody."
"Fascinating," Arthur murmured. "Would she like to join us?"
Molly looked uneasy about the idea, but Harry didn't notice and shrugged. "I'll ask her. She's been a bit lazy lately because of the cold weather, but it's warm in here."
He set the suitcase in his lap and opened it carefully before murmuring in Parseltongue. "Selena? Do you want to come out and have dinner?"
It was quiet for a moment before he heard a hissing sigh and then the young Basilisk was slithering out of the suitcase and up his arm. Ginny made a squeaking sound, but most of the Weasley's only looked bemused—Ron, Fred, and George especially were used to Selena by now, even if Ron still wasn't totally comfortable with her. Arthur looked interested, Percy was merely wary, and Molly was in control, but had paled a few shades.
Selena curled up on his shoulders and pressed her snout to his cheek, to which Harry smirked. "Sleepy?"
"Yes," she replied, sounding quite tired. She must've been taking a nap when he called to her. "Stay still. Warmth."
Harry gave her an affectionate scratch under her chin before the snake tucked her head into the crook of his neck and settled down. He offered Arthur an apologetic look. "Sorry, she's really tired right now. Just woke up."
"You can speak to her," Molly said, looking startled. "Ron told us in his letter, but I wasn't sure…"
"Parseltongue, yes," Ted interjected with a nod. "Harry's had a penchant for that all his life, or so he's told us. Selena is very loyal to him."
"She saved my life," he murmured quietly.
The Basilisk curled a bit more tightly around his shoulders at that, and Harry was comforted by the familiar feeling of her serpentine muscles squeezing him.
"What…" Harry's attention was garnered by Ginny as the girl spoke up for the first time. "What does she talk about?"
Nym flashed a wide grin at the sleepy Basilisk. "She likes to complain, but she means well. Or so Harry says."
"I can still hear you, Loud One," Selena mumbled, but didn't move. Harry grinned at that and Nym laughed upon recognizing the hiss of her name.
"Could I touch her?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Maybe later," Harry replied. "She has to give you permission and I think she just wants to sleep right now."
"Okay," the ginger girl accepted, smiling hesitantly.
Time passed by quickly after that. As soon as they were finished eating, Fred, George, and Nym had bolted up the stairs and disappeared. Harry had the sneaking suspicion that they were up to no good.
Apparently the rest of the house agreed, because Percy was quick to retreat to his room. Arthur, Molly, Ted, and Andromeda remained in the kitchen to talk while occasionally shooting suspicious glances at the stairway.
Ron led Harry to the living room, where he sat down on the couch with Selena still wrapped around his shoulders. Ginny had joined them and was sitting in a rocking chair, as though she wanted to join in, but wasn't sure how.
"Mum says you and Nym can come over again tomorrow if you want," Ron told Harry. "It's supposed to be nice and clear out—nice weather to play Quidditch."
"I'd be okay with that," Harry said, grinning. "I want to learn how to play. And well, to fly more."
"Could I join you, Ron?" Ginny asked anxiously.
"Sure," he replied with a shrug. "Gin's not half-bad as a Chaser. She'll probably get on the team when she's in Hogwarts."
Ginny reddened a bit at that, but Harry did his best not to make her feel uncomfortable. "Just keep practicing."
"I'm gonna be Keeper next year," Ron said, puffing his chest out. "If I get good enough, I might be able to make it on the National Team after I graduate from Hogwarts."
"Are you going to try getting onto the team, Harry?" Ginny asked.
Harry thought about it a bit and shrugged. "I'm not sure. Maybe? I haven't really thought about joining a team or club, yet."
Personally, he was more interested in Magical Creatures, but that was something he wanted to read up on more. He was still new to the world of magic—there was plenty of time to explore and figure out what he wanted to do with his life after Hogwarts.
Selena shifted on his shoulders and Harry smiled at the sleeping Basilisk fondly. Yes, he had plenty of time.
Christmas Eve came and went, and Harry was woken up in his bed at Grimmauld Place the morning after their visit to the Weasley's by an excited Nym.
He blinked open bleary eyes and reached for the bedside table to find his glasses, which he put on after a moment. Nym had woken him nicely enough by calling to get his attention. She was standing in the doorway, still donning her pajamas, and had a wide grin on her face.
"Morning. What's up?" Harry asked sleepily.
"Christmas morning, silly," she giggled. "You've got presents!"
Harry blinked. "I do?"
"Mmhm," she hummed. "And so do I, but mum wants you to join us downstairs before we open gifts. Come on!"
Harry was quick to get out of bed and pick up a groggy Selena, who curled around his shoulders in a half-awake state. He was anxious with sudden energy. He had gifts? Harry had never gotten gifts before. The Dursleys had seen to that.
He made his way downstairs in his nightwear and found Andromeda and Ted sitting on the couch. A Christmas tree was in one corner of the room, fully decorated and with numerous gifts in two piles at its base. Nym was sitting by the gifts with barely-contained excitement.
Harry stared at the gifts before glancing at Andromeda and Ted. The woman smiled at him gently. "Merry Christmas, Harry."
"I've already gone about sorting our gifts," Nym told him excitedly, gesturing to the two piles. "These are mine and those are yours!"
The piles were about equal in size, but Harry cared less about the size and more about the fact that he…had Christmas presents. He wasn't exactly sure what to do about that. Hearing it was one thing, but seeing it was another.
He'd half-expected another prank by Dudley. More false hope that would be ruthlessly crushed.
Harry carefully set Selena down in her usual place by the fire so she could warm up as he slowly walked over to the gifts and sat down beside them. He carefully picked up box and looked from it to Nym and then her parents uncertainly.
Ted nodded at him, all patience and reassurance. "All yours."
"That one is actually from an acquaintance of yours," Andromeda told him. "He delivered it personally to our home yesterday. He suggested you might be looking forward to it."
Harry took the letter that was taped to box away and opened it to read the contents.
To Mr. Potter and the Lady Selena,
I managed to pull a few strings with Dumbledore's help. Your talent with Parseltongue has piqued the interest of many of my colleagues, as well. I have faith you'll be an excellent caretaker—and provide your newest family member with the affection he requires. You may always ask me for advice. Might I also suggest consulting my book? Magical Reptiles and Amphibians page 261 is what you'll be looking for.
Merry Christmas and best wishes,
Mr. and Mrs. Scamander.
Harry's eyes grew wide in surprise, and then he was opening the box with barely-restrained excitement. He lifted the lid with trembling fingers, hardly aware that the room had gone very, very quiet in anticipation of seeing what was inside.
He peered inside and could see the inside was a magically enchanted space—big enough to house the resident inside comfortably and with heat lights to warm it, but small enough so that he could reach in and pick it up. But Harry didn't immediately reach for the animal inside.
The serpent within was black as charcoal, with a white underbelly the color of fallen snow. Two tiny, white horns protruded from the back of its skull on either side of its head, and in the center of its forehead was a sapphire jewel. It was a beautiful animal, but the eyes were what captivated Harry.
Green eyes met the softest, most beautiful blue he'd ever seen, and Harry knew in that moment he'd fallen in love like he had with Selena all over again.