Harry woke up with a slight start.
His aunt's large cat had jumped up onto his bed had began to sniff around him, before circling to make a spot to lay on the pillow next to Harry's head, purring loudly.
Harry liked Monty, and it seemed the feeling was mutual, which he was thankful for, seeing how the very intelligent and territorial cat treated his uncle, Harry was glad to not have the same treatment from the large feline. He reached out and scratched Monty between the ears before turning over to look at the clock on the bedside table, which blinked back at him in large, green digital numbers; 4:18 AM.
Harry sighed and sat up, feeling for his glasses and pushing them up onto his nose, blinking into the low light of the bedroom, only illuminated by the full moon's light through the curtains and the miniature Christmas tree in the corner. For a moment, when Monty had woken him, Harry had almost forgotten where he was, as Dean Thomas' equally large tabby cat, Hazel, sometimes visited the other boys in the dorm. It felt a bit foreign to be away from Hogwarts for Christmas, but it was a welcome new feeling.
They'd left when class went out for the Holidays, arriving at their home in chilled Welsh Countryside December 20th, in plenty of time to decorate the entire house. Harry had loved it, never having helped with decorations before. The Dursley's never wanted him involved, and at Hogwarts the house elves did everything. He'd had more fun that he'd imagined it could be simply putting up tinsel and lights.
The guest room of his aunt and uncle's home was cozy and pleasant. The bed was soft, and the quilt, which Harry was thrilled to learn was made by his grandmother, added a touch of comfort he'd never experienced before. Jasmine and Remus had put a few framed family photos around in the room. Some of him with his parents, some of each of them holding him as a baby. Remus had tacked up a Gryffindor banner that had once hung in the door he'd shared with James to the wall above the bed. It was all sweet personal touches that added to the warmth and hominess of the room. They'd even moved a small table in especially for Hedwig's cage.
This was his third night in the house, but given that it was a full moon, Harry was slightly on edge.
He trusted his Uncle Remus. He was not afraid of the werewolf. That was not the issue.
There was just something about knowing that down in the basement, someone he loved very much was in pain; It made it hard to relax and sleep. He wondered if the basement was as warm as the rest of the home, as cozy and comfortable.
"What do we think, Monty?" Harry ask, stroking the cat's soft fur. "Should we go find some tea and try to wind back down?"
Monty opened one eye, gave a chirp, then closed his eyes again, signaling that whatever Harry decided, the feline wouldn't be accompanying him. Harry crept from his bed and found his slippers and robe, bundling up to descend the stairs for the kitchen.
Jasmine and Remus had every kind of tea imaginable. There were fruit teas, spice teas, floral and herbal teas- More than Harry had ever heard of. He must have stalled for a bit, looking through them all when a voice sounded from behind him.
"Are you wanting to stay awake, or get back to sleep?" Jasmine ask with a yawn. Harry wanted to laugh, seeing how her hair was wildly standing around her head, it was almost as bad as Hermione's sometimes got. She'd also came into the kitchen still pajama clad, but had wrapped up in one of Remus' cardigans to add an extra layer of warmth. She moved on into the kitchen and filled the kettle, placing it on the stove.
"Sleep, I think." Harry said. "Monty seemed to think it was a better idea to stay in bed. I just woke up so... awake."
"Mmm." Jasmine nodded. "Then let me blend you something."
She took a sectioned box out of the bottom of the cabinet that all the tea was stored in, which Harry saw was full of loose teas. She then took out an infuser and scooped some sort of green herbs in, followed by dried lavender buds and chamomile. She shook the infuser and held it up. Harry handed her the mug he'd chosen, and she hooked it to the side to await the kettle heating.
"Whats the green?" Harry ask.
"Catnip." Jasmine yawned again. She took a pre-made bag of Lady Grey out and wrapped the bag's string around the handle of her mug, sitting it along side Harry's. "Catnip might be one of the most soothing things around. Perfect for relaxing."
"I've never heard that." Harry said, amused. "Doesn't it make cats go crazy?"
"Yes, but as last I checked, you weren't one, I think we're safe." Jasmine laughed, but she still looked a bit worried at her nephew. "Are you alright? Your room okay?"
"Oh yeah, everything is great. I think it was just where I woke up and didn't realize where I was at first- it jarred me awake." Harry answered honestly. Jasmine's face still looked tired and concerned. "Hey- Is Uncle-"
"He's asleep. I had just checked in on him. Just a couple more hours." Jasmine cut him off. "Potion worked well, he's not hurting too bad, able to sleep it off."
"Oh." Harry nodded. "Good. That's- That's really good."
The young wizard tried to look neutral, but the curiosity was killing him. He wanted to know for sure Remus was okay, but he also felt his mind wondering what seeing a werewolf would be like in real life. It was something that almost no one really got to see- but he knew it would be rude to even suggest such a thing. The sound of the kettle whistling broke his thoughts, and Harry was on his feet before his Aunt could react, and he poured the steaming water in over both their chosen teas. Jasmine sat a tray of a couple different types of sugar and a small jar of honey on the kitchen table between them, and she began scooping from a jar of odd looking, brownish sugar crystals.
"Its raw cane sugar." She answered, seeing his gaze. "It has a deeper, sweeter flavor without being overly 'sugar' flavored, if that makes sense."
Harry nodded but still went for the tried and true sugar cubes, plopping three into his cup and swirling them with his spoon, watching them dissolve.
"Want to tell me what is on your mind, Harry?" Jasmine ask gently, leaning forward, resting her chin on her hand, her elbow propped on the table.
"I just- I never-" Harry hesitated. "He was hurting so bad at dinner, and I just..." The boy stopped and shook his head.
"Come here." Jasmine said, standing and holding out her hand. "Tea is too hot to drink anyway."
Harry stood and took his aunt's outstretched hand, and she led him to the stairway leading to the basement. She paused outside the door and held her finger to her lips, and Harry nodded. She slowly opened the door, and illuminated the tip of her wand. They came halfway down the stairs, until Harry could see into the basement, and Jasmine allowed him to step around her for a better view.
In the middle of the floor was an old queen sized mattress, covered in a sheet and topped with pillows and blankets that had been moved into an almost nest like shape. At the center of the pile of soft affects was Remus, now 'Moony' curled into a ball like any normal dog would, snoring soundly. Harry took the sight in for a moment. He noticed the werewolf wasn't nearly as scary looking as his textbooks had made them look, nor did he look much like anything from a muggle movie. He was more like an overgrown wolf, with longer front limbs and Harry assumed the ability to walk on his hind legs if he chose. Harry took mental notes of everything for a moment, until Jasmine whispered to him.
"All good?" She ask, and Harry simply nodded and headed back up the stairs. Jasmine followed close behind and shut the door.
"I don't know what I expected." Harry confessed, "But I don't think that was it."
"His father would chain him up." Jasmine said, Harry detecting the thinly veiled rage in her voice at the mention of her father-in-law. "Never tried to make it easier, and it was all his fault. But that is a story for another time."
"He looked okay." Harry said quietly. "I was afraid he was hurt."
"Not exactly. Changing hurts, but he's okay. I take good care of him, I swear." She smiled, and Harry laughed. "It means more to him than you'll ever know that you're so fond of him, Harry."
"He's the best." Harry nodded, sipping at his tea.
"Agreed." Jasmine smiled. "But I am glad you think so."
Jasmine stopped and simply watched her sister's son for a long moment. His thick, dark hair stood in several directions, and sleep had began tugging once again at his eyelids. She tapped at the table and stood.
"Hey." She called, getting his attention. "I have a present your uncle said he'd be okay with me giving you early, if I was to find you needing a distraction."
"Oh?" Harry sat up, though he still looked sleepier than she'd found him. "What is it?"
"Hold tight."
Jasmine got another drink from her own mug and then headed into the living room, returning with a wrapped box that had previously been under the tree. It was the size and shape of a clothing box, like stores often wrapped things for customers in, but when Harry held it in his hands and shook it, it was much lighter.
"I promise you'll never guess what it is." She smiled. "Just open it, I'm too excited."
Harry nodded and tore at the paper, finding he was right- at least about the type of box. He noticed that the box itself had been taped shut, and he began to pick at the sticking sides, when Jasmine lay a hand over his, stilling his actions.
"Hey. You did say you liked your room, right?" She ask.
Harry looked at her, confused.
"Yeah? Its great." Harry promised. He didn't quite understand why that was necessary to ask again, nor what it had to do with the present.
"Just checking. Go on." She said, nodding to the box.
Harry looked at her for a second or two more, still confused. He went back to picking the tape, until he finally had the sides all loosened. He then lifted the lid to find that inside was a document folder. It was the pale yellow kind that Petunia and Vernon kept their personal files in. Harry looked at his aunt, then back at the folder. He took it from the box and flipped the cover open.
His eyes blurred as he read each line, like his mind couldn't make it clear because he simply couldn't believe what he was reading.
"Is this for real?" Harry all but whispered. He looked at Jasmine with his eyes large and watery.
"It is- Well. The paperwork that is a copy of is, but it is all filed away." She smiled. Harry was on his feet and hugging her tightly before she had time to brace herself. It was mere seconds until she, too, was crying. "Welcome home, sweet boy."
"Home." Harry repeated, his voice trembling. "I can't think of anything in the world that would be a better Christmas gift."
"I don't know- mine was pretty special." Jasmine beamed, ruffling Harry's messy hair further.
"I never thought I'd have a home like this." Harry confessed. "Hogwarts was one thing, and I still love school. But this is..." Harry took a shaky breath. "Wow."
"I'm so happy, and I'm even more thrilled that you're pleased." Jasmine said, stifling a laugh as Harry tried to suppress a huge yawn. "You're sleepy again."
"How can I sleep after this?" Harry laughed, holding his forms in the air.
"Comfortably in your bedroom with Monty?" Jasmine suggested. "I know you've seen your uncle turned, but when he changes back, he will be roughed up a bit, and I'd rather you not have to see that until I have him patched up. You go snuggle down and sleep some more, and I'll get you up for breakfast, or maybe even brunch."
"Yeah, alright." Harry agreed, standing from the table. He hugged his aunt once again before heading back up to what he now knew was his bedroom. Monty was still asleep on the pillow, and didn't stir even as Harry slipped back into bed.
Whether it was the tea, the conversation, or the new sense of safety, Harry wasn't sure, but he fell back to sleep more at peace than he ever remembered being in his entire life, excited to spend his first Christmas at home.
Thank you all for reading- be sure to follow so you don't miss updates.
Comments are always welcome! Hope you enjoyed this little filler chapter, and Happy Holidays!
(I fully plan to update a few more times before Christmas in the real world, no worries!)