Harry began exchanging letters with his godfather soon as he was given the clear from St. Mungo's Hospital. They wrote to each other once a week. It felt good to look up to see Hedwig happily delivering letters during breakfast.
Harry explained he was in Slytherin, but assured he reached out of Slytherin house for friends. Although he couldn't leave out Draco. Sirirus was of course in shock over the news.
Slytherin! That's quite a...surprise. But I am glad you are seeking outside house friends. But Malfoy? You sure? His father was a Death Eater, Harry. Be careful around him. Sirius wrote.
Harry could see the problem clear as day and he had his work cut out for him. But he was determined. He wanted this man in his life. Therefore they must find a balance of a sort. At the very least his godfather wanted to be in his life, as well.
"Think you'll spend Christmas with him this year?" Draco asked one day as Harry finished reading the letter.
"It couldn't hurt. I have to ask him, though."
"Is he all right? You know? After being locked up for so long?" Ron curioudly wondered.
They were all sitting in a random spot on the grounds. Winter was just around the corner. The air was sharp with the taste of snow. It was only a matter of time before the first snowfall.
"Yeah. He's got the best help around at St. Mungo's."
"Have - have you asked him? About what happened that night that got him there?" Neville stammered for words. Harry briefly wondered how he could help this boy's confidence.
"Not yet. I don't want to ask until I'm ready. Until he's ready." Harry reasoned.
"How does he feel about you in Slytherin?" Of course Draco had to ask.
"Surprised. And he made it clear that he's not fond of the idea I'm friends with you. But I've been stern with him that I'm keeping you around anyway. To distract him I mention the rest of you."
"And is it working?" Hermione asked.
"It seems to be working. He likes the idea I'm friends with Gryffindors." He looked up to Hermione. "Have you figured out a means for us to be in contact at a moments notice?"
"No. All of it seems to be advanced magics. Or artefacts that are banned from Hogwarts." She was deflated.
"How about this club then? Anyone got any ideas?" Harry asked them all.
"Club?" A tentative voice behind them squeaked.
They all turned to see Ginny walking around with a Ravenclaw first year. The girl had silver blonde hair down to her waist, lighter than Draco's. Harry brielfly recalled her from the sorting ceremony but forgot her name.
"Were you spying on us?" Draco frowned.
"No. We were just wandering around. See, we're not that popular." The Ravenclaw girl answered honestly.
"Can we be part of the club? What sort of club is it?" Ginny was blushing from obvious embarrassment.
"Someone's got a crush on you." Draco snickered at Harry. The poor girl turned even redder. Harry ignored the comment.
"It's an all house club. And for right now the idea is that it's a study group."
"Oh, that sounds lovely." The Ravenclaw was amazed.
Something about her is a bit off. Tom observed. Harry did his best not to roll his eyes.
"What's your name?" Harry was genuinely curious.
"Luna Lovegood. Of course I know who all of you are. So there's no need for more introductions." She smiled.
"Lovegood? As in the same Lovegood as The Quibbler series?" Draco frowned.
"Yes, that would be my father." Luna didn't bat an eye about the inquiry.
"Don't even bother, Draco." Harry said before his friend could even make a remark. The poor boy opened and shut his mouth quietly, but there was the faintest hint of a blush on his pale cheeks.
So they had two more inclusions in their odd group. Of course the rest of the school was full of rumors. Harry ignored them all, however there were a few he found concerning.
They notice the similarities between us, darling. Of how easily we can bring people together. That is what makes then wary. Tom observed.
"But what's wrong with having friends outside of my house?" Harry was irritated with all these house politics.
I am beginning to see the benefits myself. Do not concern yourself with them.
And so Harry continued to ignore the rumors.
xXx
Christmas was close. And with it, the snows. Everywhere the castle was decorated. Soon the Christmas spirit made everyone forget about Harry's odd group. And one day Harry had the courage to ask his godfather.
To his excitement Sirius agreed. And finally Harry felt like he was going to have his first good Christmas. And yet as he got on the train back to London, he couldn't feel apprehensive. This was the first time he was ever going to meet his godfather.
"You feeling all right?" Draco caught on.
"I'm fine." Harry did his best smile.
"It's normal to be nervous. You're meeting him for the first time. I bet he's just as scared." Luna commented.
"I haven't thought of that." Harry loved her insight sometimes.
"Be sure to write to us on how it goes." Hermione reminded.
"I will." He promised.
When the train finally pulled into the station, Harry felt his stomach twist into knots. As he stepped off he looked around anxiously. He recalled a little of what he looked like, but that was from his release photos in the papers.
"Harry?" A voice asked softly.
He turned to see Sirius in the flesh. Most of the other families stayed away, still too nervous with the man. But all eyes watched as Harry couldn't help himself but hug his godfather. Sirius laughed a little, a hint of nervousness in his voice, as he returned the gesture.
"My, look at you! You look so much like James."
For the first time Harry felt at home. He felt his nervousness replace with giddiness. He could sense the relief in Sirius, too. And together they made their way over to Grimmauld Manor.
"It's so big!" Harry was amazed.
"It's the Black family manor. I'm not very proud of it. But, I've been cleaning it up since my release." Sirius informed.
Inside was massive. Harry was impressed by it all. There was still some touch ups with the walls, however it added a sense of charm to the whole place in a way. Very quickly he sensed a rift between Sirius and the old house elf, Kreacher. Despite it all Kreacher listened to Sirius, albeit begrudgingly.
On Christmas day Harry awoke to many presents. Ron's mother knitted him a green sweater with gold H in the middle. Some more books from Hermione. Ron himself sent him various sweets, knowing Harry was a sweettooth. Draco sent him a Golden Snitch trinket, a means of congratulations for being Slytherin Seeker. He was amazed to see that Neville and Luna also sent him gifts.
A strange plant that in the letter attached explained it blooms whenever the owner of the plant was happy. Harry thought it was very thoughtful of Neville, and he saw immediately that the plant budded to an almost full blossom. The petals were a mix of red and pink petals.
Then there was a strange contraption meant to keep out strange creatures Harry never heard of before. He happily hung the array of glass charm up in his room anyway. He also placed the plant in his windowsill.
"Will Kreacher listen to me?" Harry asked.
"Give him a try." Sirius wanted to see for himself.
"Kreacher," Harry called out. With a resounding pop the old elf appeared.
"What does the young master require of me?" Kreacher looked up at him.
"Will you take care of this plant for me while I'm gone?" Harry asked.
"Very well, young master. If that is all."
"Yes, that's all."
And with that the elf disappeared back to making the Christmas breakfast. Then there was one last present by Sirius, which he saved for last. It was a little heavy, and Harry dreaded it was a book by the weight of it. Yet when he opened it up up he realized it was a photo album.
He opened it to reveal the first photo was a wedding. And Harry couldn't help the gasp. He didn't even have to ask, for he recognized his parents.
"It took a while of searching to find my personal stash in this house. Then I reached out to certain families that might have some of their own photos of them." Sirius explained fondly.
"I love it. Thank you." Harry was doing his best not to cry.
The rest of Christmas day was spent in celebration. Harry rather enjoyed it all. He was right to assume that this was his first best Christmas. He hoped for more amazing Christmases. At the end of it Harry returned to his room and placed the diary in his lap.
"Are you all right, Tom?" Harry whispered.
I am tired. I believe we are very close to our goal, finally.
"Really? Does this mean I get to see you soon?" Harry felt his heart race.
Yes, darling. Soon. Very soon.
So they continued to write well into the night. Eventually Harry felt a heavy weight over him and he drifted off to sleep. Unknwon to him, the shadows were moving in his room. A silhouette could be seen.