1 Chapter 3: Suspicious
Please note, I own none of these characters, except Demeter
It was almost the end of the first term and Harry had grown increasingly fond of his DA classes. The first month was used to teach defense spells, then they learned how to use a spell without saying anything, and now they were unto spells with no wands. Harry had be useful to Demeter for the first month, but now he was simply a student again, learning new and wonderful things. Hermione and Ron were also fond of the class aswell. Hermione couldn't stop talking about how smart Demeter is. "You see, being book-smart can take you far." She would always say. Hermione had gotten to become very close to Demeter, mostly because she admired her and looked-up to her, but also because Demeter was impressed with all the knowledge Hermione knew. Hermione was very quick to learn everything Demeter was teaching, she was almost as accelerated as Harry was in the class.
Ron simply loved to class because, he too, was actually good at in. In all his life, Ron was second best. All his brothers were successful at their careers, and he just never found his calling. But in these classes, he was right next to Hermione in skill, which made him even more happy. He would constantly go up after class with Hermione to talk to Demeter about he future career as an Auror. "She says I've got the makings of a very brave Auror!" He would say after every class.
Still there was something in Harry's mind that he couldn't place. Demeter looked so familiar that after every class he would spend hours trying to think of a time where he could've met her before. Was she at the Tri-Wizard Tournament? The World-Cup? Dumbledore's Funeral? Still, he couldn't place it.
It was Christmas Day and Harry was working up by Ron shouting, "Harry, come down and get your presents!." The only three who stayed for Christmas this year, were Harry, Hermione, and Ron, everyone else wanted to spend as much time with their families, or else, they were simply frightened. Harry and the other two started opening their gifts. Hermione was trilled to open a present and find one of Mrs. Weasly's famous hand-knit sweaters. "She must think of you as family now." Ron said, and Hermione went over and gave him a big kiss. Ron had opened Hermione's gift to find a volume of Spell and Defenses Every Wizard Should Know. Ron was trilled. Harry opened his first present to find a photo album inside. As he opened it, he saw it was pictures of his mom and dad, but not moving picture as is accustomed in the wizarding world, but regular, ordinary pictures. Hermione looked over and was shocked.
"That's very odd, who would have a photo album of regular pictures of your parents?" Said Hermione.
"I don't know, but look, it looks as though they are in the country somewhere. But, where am I?" Harry noticed that none of the pictures contained him, they only were pictures of his parent, and two other people, much more older.
"Those two must be your grandparents" Ron said.
"Grandparents? But, I, I never even thought about grandparents." Said Harry.
"That's right Harry, maybe you've still got some family left after all" Hermione said, with tears almost in her eyes.
At this thought, Christmas became a whole lot happier for Harry.
As Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked down for the big Christmas feast, they couldn't help but notice that they actually were the only students left on campus.
"Seems rather ridiculous, really, to leave Hogwarts at these times, I've always felt the safest here." Said Hermione.
When the entered the Great Hall, they noticed that, just like most of the other Christmas feats, only one table was out and everyone, that is the three students and the rest of the teachers, were sitting together. Once Harry, Hermione, and Ron had taken their seats, they noticed Professor Lupin and Tonks were sitting together.
"Professor Lupin!" Harry yelled.
"My dear boy, or should I say man, it's great to see you, and you two as well." He pointed to Ron and Hermione.
Harry noticed that Demeter wasn't around.
"Tonks, where's Demeter? Does she go home to her family on Christmas?" Harry asked.
"Demeter? No, she doesn't have any more family. I think she's wondering the castle right now, she said she'll be down for the feast later." said Tonks.
And she was right. Not five minutes after she said that, Demeter walked into the feast, carrying a huge bag. At first glance, Harry thought it looked like she had been crying because her eyes were all red and her face was a bit blotchy, but she dismissed that thought once he saw her huge smile.
"Happy Holidays everyone! I thought I'd make this a bit special, so I brought each of you a small gift. Since I'm new and don't know very many of you, I thought this would be a nice way for a little, togetherness." Demeter said, with a littler laughter.
Her bag was full of little presents, each containing something different. Ron got what looked like a small box with two or three chocolate frogs, but every time the box seemed empty, it refilled once the lid was back on. Ron was trilled. Hermione got a book that was filled with every spell known to the wizard world, and all you had to do was whisper what you wanted to spell to do, and the text appeared on the pages. Demeter made it very clear, as with the skeptical looks on the professors faces, the book only contained good spells, no Dark magic. Lupin and Tonks received a special candle that, when lit on their wedding day, will always light up again on their anniversaries. Most of the other teachers received gifts that went along with their studies. When Demeter came to Harry, her smile got even wider.
"This, Harry, I saved especially for you." In that moment, she reached into her bag and pulled out an picture frame, but there was no picture inside.
"I don't understand... I mean, it's a lovely frame but.."
"Oh Harry, it's not just a frame... there is a picture inside, but it will only reveal itself to you when you are ready to see it."
Harry looked up at Demeter, and in his mind he couldn't help but think how odd this gift was/ He tried to study her expression, but Tonks quickly called Demeter over and began practically scolding her, but in the quietest voice. Harry couldn't understand this, and he began to think he never will.