Greyson spent most of his holiday in the common room reading all the books he could find in the library. Some were to find out about Flamel and others were just because they sounded interesting. He absolutely adored the book Mysterious, Magical Artifacts and Relics. It talked a great deal about items that the wizard world said existed and legends surrounding them, but they were lost to time. His fingers itched to hold the items himself. He was even considering buying a copy for himself the next time he went to Diagon Alley.
On Christmas Eve however, he didn't want to stay in the Slytherin common room for one reason and one reason only. He wanted to spend Christmas morning with his brother exchanging gifts. There was one issue with that. He wasn't allowed in the Gryffindor Common room, but there was one witch who could, and likely would, make an exception to that rule for him.
Greyson stalked about the castle searching for McGonagall. He found her in her office, grading the papers she had them write before the holidays. "Excuse me, professor?" Greyson said politely as he made his way into her pristine office.
"Ah. Mr. Potter," her voice and smile were warm despite her strict posture. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to ask you something," he started. "I know it's an unusual request, all things considered, but I was hoping you'd make an exception."
"Yes?" she asked, rolling her wrist elegantly as a cue for him to continue.
Greyson took a deep breath and rushed out, "Is it possible for me to stay in the Gryffindor rooms tonight?"
She blinked, but seemed to consider the question without judgement. "Well, I do believe that is a first. A Slytherin wanting to be in the Gryffindor common rooms." A huff of amusement seemed to leave her at her revelation.
"Well, since you're the head of Gryffindor, I figured you would be the one to let me, if at all. I just want to be able to wake up Christmas morning with Harry and there isn't really anyone in the Slytherin house I want to spend it with."
"Of course. I understand completely. Let me bring you up there myself. Heaven knows Percy will be trying to stop you if I don't tell him myself."
"Thank you, Professor," Greyson smiled genuinely, relieved that he'd be able to spend time with his brother for the remainder of the holiday. He waited patiently for her to finish organizing the papers on her desk and followed her down the hall and up a couple of flights of stairs before she stopped at a portrait of a rather large woman in a pink dress.
"Treacle Tart," Professor McGonagall declared to the painting and Greyson watched as the portrait swung open. He followed McGonagall inside Harry and Ron immediately sat up in their chairs, candy wrappers falling to the floor. Greyson muffled a chuckle at their beat red cheeks that were only getting brighter.
"Professor," Harry stammered. "We were just cleaning up."
She tutted disapprovingly but there was a distinct teasing edge to her look. She chuckled with a faint smile playing on her lips. "Relax Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. I was just walking our guest up."
"Guest?" they parroted. Both of their eyes immediately snapped to him and it made Greyson more warm than he had ever felt to see their faces light up.
"Me," Greyson nodded. "McGonagall gave me permission to stay here for the night. Thank you, Professor. It means a lot to me."
"And the remainder of the holiday," she added, turning her fond look back to him. It was overwhelming, but… good. "I just came to make sure Percy was aware of this change. Ronald, will you please fetch him?"
"Yes, Professor," Ron saluted before going to what Greyson assumed was the boys' rooms to get Percy. Percy came strutting out like he was on his way to a very important meeting and stopped short when he saw Greyson, his face twisting like he'd swallowed a lemon. Greyson let his own face morph into a perfectly pleasant yet threatening smile. He was spending the holiday with his brother. Percy would be wise to hold his tongue for once.
"I am so sorry Professor," he sniffed. "I should have kept a better eye on Ron and Harry. I should have stopped him from entering the moment he came. To think a Sly-"
"That is enough, Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall clucked sharply, stopping Percy from his high and mighty rant, making Greyson's smile widen and he held back a snicker. "I was informing you that Greyson will be a guest of Gryffindor's for the remainder of the holiday. Once the holiday is over, we will have the password changed and he is to return to the Slytherin common room."
"Right, of course, Professor," Percy said after a furious pause, not wasting any time kissing back up to McGonagall. Greyson rolled his eyes at Percy's brown nosing.
"Well, enjoy your holiday," she said. She seemed satisfied with the situation and rested her hand lightly on Greyson's shoulder for a moment before disappearing back through the portrait door.
"This is great," Harry grinned. "I was worried I wouldn't get to see you until supper. But now you can stay here."
"Well, you better not mess anything up," Percy said. "Move one toe out of line..."
"Oh, shove it," Greyson said, not even bothering to turn toward him as he spoke. "You're just upset that McGonagall likes me more than you and I don't have to kiss up to her for it." Percy just scowled at him, opening his mouth ineffectually but saying nothing, before huffing and going back to his room. "I swear, he's got the biggest stick."
"Did we hear about a Slytherin in the common rooms?" Greyson heard a voice coming from the stairs. He turned to see Fred and George bounding down.
"You did," Ron smiled at his brothers. "McGonagall is letting him stay here for the holidays."
"You can stay with us," George grinned.
"We have a spare bed since Jordan went home for the holidays," Fred agreed.
"Alright," Greyson nodded, figuring Harry wouldn't be too keen on sharing a bed like they did at the Dursleys. Though, Greyson wouldn't have minded cuddling with Harry to go to bed. Sleeping in his own bed still felt lonely some nights. "Let me just go grab some of my things from my room."
"Need any help?" Fred offered.
Greyson shrugged. "Sure, why not?" He waved off Ron and Harry to their snacking and game of wizard chess he noticed he'd interrupted. He didn't have much and seeing his brother so at home in his own house was heartwarming. They settled back down by the fireplace and continued their game.
"So, where are the Slytherin common rooms?" George asked, apparently deciding he was helping too.
"In the dungeons," he replied, ignoring the wide eyed look they shared. "There's a really cool view of the lake. Sometimes you see the giant squid swim by. I've even seen a merperson a time or two. They're bloody frightening but beyond wondrous."
"Wicked," Fred breathed in amazement at the thought.
Greyson nodded excitedly. "They even carry weapons made of shells and sticks and bones. Bloody fascinating to see them at night too."
"Sounds better than Gryffindor tower," George frowned.
"Well, we have a lot more sneers and upturned noses in Slytherin," he chuckled with them as they reached the dungeons. "Milk thistle." He watched the door open and walked in with the Weasley twins trailing behind him.
"Bloody brilliant," Goerge looked around unabashedly as they followed him, taking in the walls awash in green and silver.
"I'm the only one in the Slytherin Common Rooms for the holidays,' Greyson said. "Feel free to look around." He paused before adding, "But don't mess with anything."
"Aw, you're no fun," Fred pouted as he went over to the view of the lake. "This is fascinating."
Greyson left them in the main room as he entered his room to grab a few books and night clothes. While he didn't care for them, he did want to be proper in Gryffindor since he was a guest and not in his own house for the night.
"Whose bed is this?" George asked, looking at the bed in the opposite corner of the room.
"Malfoy's," Greyson drawled. "He is so prim and proper. He blushes anytime I strip down to my briefs for bed."
"Clothes on in our room, Potter," Fred said sternly.
"That's why I was grabbing them," Greyson replied with an eyeroll. "I swear, are all wizards this embarrassed over briefs?"
"Are all muggles so shameless?" George retorted.
"Fair enough, I guess I'm just brazen," he smirked, physically waving away the questions. "Back to Gryffindor?"
"We haven't finished looking around," George pouted, making no move toward the door and continuing to snoop around. "Besides, I want to know what Malfoy uses to make his nose stay upturned without getting neck cramps." Before Greyson could stop them, they began rummaging through the drawers.
"What is this?" Fred asked with a huge grin. He held up an old stuffed rabbit. It looked well-loved, wear evident on its floppy ears and soft paws. "Does he sleep with this?"
Greyson blinked slowly. "No..." he said, surprised that Malfoy would leave something so obviously treasured... but Greyson had been in the room the day he packed to go home. "But put it back and I'll show you guys something cool." Something in his chest screamed at him to be protective of the stuffed toy. Malfoy obviously didn't want him to know about it, and it made his chest ache with guilt that he knew about it now despite that. George needed to get his hands off of it, and it would be easy to distract him.
"Is it a secret passageway?" George asked excitedly, eyes seemed to sparkle. Greyson couldn't stop his eyes from tracking every movement as the bunny was put safely back in its hiding place.
"No, cooler, a cerberus," Greyson grinned. His chest puffed with pride as he thought of how much Fluffy enjoyed his company. Fred and George's expressions became even more gleeful at the thought of more mischief.
They dropped off Greyson's things in the twins' room before scampering off to the third floor. "Isn't it forbidden?" George asked quietly as they approached their destination.
"Yeah," Greyson replied, unperturbed.
"And didn't Dumbledore say something about dying a horrific death?" Fred added on.
"Uh-huh," Greyson nodded.
"Cool," the twins chorused. Greyson opened the door and was greeted with a few friendly barks.
"Hey, Fluffy," Greyson cooed, rubbing one wet nose as Rascal and Coal moved in from the left and right for some petting too. "Yes, Rascal, you're a good boy. You too, Coal." Greyson honestly thought Hagrid was wrong for giving an animal with three heads one name, so he gave them two more, fitting their personalities. They were such good boys, they deserved it.
"This is what Dumbledore's been hiding up here?" Fred questioned in awe.
"Yeah, he's Hagrid's," Greyson told him. "I've been working with him and he is so sweet. He doesn't really trust strangers so it's a big thing for him not to want to eat you. But I think it's because I'm here, really."
"That is so cool," George was trembling in excitement now. "Hey let's bring him outside! I bet he'd be fun to ride."
Greyson shook his head. "We can't, they're guarding something for Dumbledore," he explained. "Fluffy, Rascal, and Coal are the first line of defense for whatever is down there."
Both twins eyed the trap door. "Come on," George grinned and moved closer like he was trying to physically impress the possibilities on him. "I bet it'd be fun."
"You know you want to," Fred encouraged. Greyson did want to... He had to know just what was hiding in there. What was so important or dangerous that Dumbledore needed a cerberus guarding it?
"Alright," he relented after a moment. He waved the cerberus away from the door. "And eat anyone who tries to come through," he instructed playfully, getting an obedient yip in response.
"You're bloody excellent with him," George complimented before jumping down with Fred following. These twins were fearless! Greyson refused to be upstaged. Without hesitation, he jumped down next and felt himself land on something hard and tangly.
"What is this?" George yelped as the vines started entangling themselves around their bodies. Over the next few seconds, they continued their ascent with no signs of slowing.
Greyson looked at the vines and the room frantically, combing his mind for anything that could help their situation. Suddenly, a lesson slammed to the forefront of his mind that had ended in a similar situation and his body relaxed in relief. "Oh, it's Devil's Snare," he breathed, then raised his voice to a command for the twins. "You just have to relax and you'll be fine." They shared a look, seeming to decide to trust in Greyson's knowledge, and they all let their bodies go limp. Soon after they were dropped to the hard stone floor below. Greyson wasted no time preparing his wand. He wouldn't be caught off guard again. "Lumos." Greyson whispered, lighting up his wand with the twins following suit. They spotted a large wooden door and nodded to each other in understanding before cautiously approaching it and opening it to find hundreds of peculiar insects flying about. Greyson watched as they glinted in the light and couldn't think of any that glittered and gleamed like these.
"My word," George mumbled, looking around with wide eyes at the tall, circular room with a large pillar in the center. "Dumbledore must be protecting something ridiculously important."
"Why is there a broom?" Fred asked, bringing their attention to the sad old thing, seemingly hovering in the middle of the dank room.
"Those are keys," Greyson gasped as his vision focused and he got a closer look. They glinted in the light, fluttering here and there. He walked over to the other door and tugged on the handle. Locked. "Alohomora," he commanded the door open through the spell, and tugged at the handle again. Nothing. They would need those keys to get through it seemed.
"We must need one of those keys then," Fred came to the same conclusion after some thought. "George, you're the better flyer, why don't you have a go?"
"Alright," George agreed, hopping onto the broom. The moment he landed on it, all but one key began to target him. He flew around, trying to stay out the way of the other, much angrier keys, to grab the one just fluttering around all on its own.
Once he captured it, Fred jumped up and grabbed it while George continued to evade the even angrier keys. They quickly unlocked and opened the door and watched as the keys carried on carelessly once George was off the broom, acting as if nothing had happened.
They released the key, perfectly unharmed, back to join the others. "Bloody brilliant," Greyson panting, adrenaline starting to ebb after the mad dash to get the door unlocked. He shook his head and squared his shoulders, preparing himself for what else there could be protecting Dumbledore's secrets. "I have to know what it is that Dumbledore has stored away."
"It has to be valuable," George theorized, voice bouncing off the walls of the hallway as they cautiously moved onward. "I bet it's a mountain of treasure."
Greyson snorted and shook his head again. "He doesn't seem to be a money lover."
"Maybe it's a bunch of scandalous pictures," Fred grinned and waggled his eyebrows.
"That just sounds scary," Greyson laughed as they approached the next room. He blinked and took in the large chess set in front of them. "Chess?"
"Wizard's Chess," George corrected him. "But… lifesize."
Greyson nodded his agreement distractedly, remembering the smaller version Harry and Ron were playing with in the tower. Greyson stared at the larger set, wishing he had bothered to learn to play it himself.
"Do either of you know how to play chess?" he hedged. Ron obviously liked the game, perhaps the twins did too?
"Not well," Fred and George said in unison.
"Guess we have to go back until we're good at chess," Greyson sighed, not wanting to admit defeat but not knowing what would happen if they lose the game. He wasn't sure it was worth the risk. "Because I sure don't know how to play." After some complaining from the twins, they retraced their steps, and Greyson made sure that the door of the key room was locked as it had been.
"How do we get through the Devil's Snare?" George asked, looking at the ceiling full of the clinging plant.
Greyson sat down and closed his eyes. "Lumos. Devil's snare, devil's snare, deadly fun but hates the sun." He smiled, having come to a decision, and stood up. "Lumos maxima." He released a blinding light and saw a ladder on the edge. "This way." They scrambled up, occasionally letting out more blinding flashes of light from their wands to keep the Devil's Snare at bay.
They popped out of the trap door and saw a pair of giant boots. "Hello Hagrid," Greyson said when he noticed the giant spotted him.
"What are you three doin' down there?" Hagrid asked, dropping some giant roasts in front of Fluffy and turning to acknowledge them.
"Checking on the Devil's Snare for Professor Sprout," Greyson replied easily. He had had a cover story planned the second they freed themselves from the plant. "She wanted to make sure it was damp enough down there for it."
"Oh, alrigh' then," he gruffed, seeming to take Greyson's words at face value, and held out one of the giant roasts to Fluffy. The three scrambled out of the hole and closed the door.
"Make sure you give Coal and Rascal some too Hagrid," Greyson told him after dusting off his robes. "They tend to get jealous when only Fluffy gets fed."
"Rascal and Coal?" Hagrid asked.
"Yeah, the other two," he explained. "It seemed wrong to have three heads and one name."
"Oh, well, I suppose yer right," Hagrid agreed. "Does seem to fit them. And wait, why are they so friendly with ye?"
"I've been training them," Greyson grinned. "After I met them, I had to know more about them. They're such good boys and they love their belly rubs." At the sound of belly rubs, the cerberus rolled over and wagged their tail. Greyson was too happy to oblige. He gave them each a nose kiss. "Be good boys and guard the door." They barked again and watched as the three left before focusing on Hagrid and their dinner.