Chapter 6 – Christmas
Harry and Hermione were happily eating lunch in the sunlit Great Hall, surrounded by the pleasant hum of conversation and the enticing aroma of the wide variety of delicious dishes laid out before them. Between bites of roast chicken and steamed vegetables, Harry looked up with excitement, his eyes sparkling, and said, "Guess what, Hermione? I have my first Quidditch practice this afternoon!"
Hermione's face lit up with genuine happiness for her friend, and she replied enthusiastically, "That's fantastic, Harry! I know you'll do great. You've got natural talent for flying."
"Thanks, Hermione," Harry said, his cheeks flushing with pride. "I'm really looking forward to it."
Hermione smiled warmly and then shared her own news as she scooped some mashed potatoes onto her plate. "Speaking of this afternoon, I'm meeting up with Daphne and Tracey for our first study group session. It'll be nice to have a group to study with and exchange ideas."
At her words, Harry's smile faltered, and he lowered his gaze to his plate. His appetite suddenly seemed to vanish as a wave of sadness washed over him.
Concerned, Hermione reached out and gently touched Harry's arm. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asked softly.
Harry hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I'm just... I'm afraid of losing you, Hermione. You're my best friend, and I don't want you to drift away from me because of this new study group."
Hermione's eyes softened with understanding, and she squeezed his arm reassuringly. "Harry, it's not like that at all," she said earnestly. "I'm not abandoning you. It's just... it would be nice for me to have some female friends, too. We can still study together and hang out, but I think it's important for both of us to have other friends as well."
Harry took a deep breath and nodded, comforted by Hermione's words. "You're right, Hermione. I'm sorry for getting so upset. I just really value our friendship."
"You won't lose me, Harry," Hermione reassured him, giving him a warm smile. "I promise. And I'll talk to Daphne and Tracey about you joining our study group, too. It would be great to have you with us." She playfully added, "Besides, you can use these meetings as an opportunity to get to know Daphne better."
Harry rolled his eyes at Hermione's teasing but couldn't help but smile, his earlier sadness dissipating.
As they continued eating, the sounds of cutlery clinking and the low hum of conversation filled the Great Hall. Hermione's expression grew serious as she put down her fork and looked at Harry. "Harry, I can't help but think about what happened with Jingles and the troll. The fact that he can cast spells is still quite concerning. Daphne seems confident that he's not dangerous, but I'm curious to know your thoughts."
Harry paused, furrowing his brow as he pondered Hermione's question. Finally, he replied, "Honestly, I was just as surprised as you were to find out that Jingles can cast spells. However, I tend to agree with Daphne that he isn't a threat to us. Remember how friendly and approachable he was when we met him on the train? He just doesn't strike me as a dangerous creature."
Hermione nodded thoughtfully, her fingers absentmindedly swirling her pumpkin juice with a straw as she mulled over Harry's perspective. "You have a point, Harry. I suppose we'll just need to exercise caution around him, just to be on the safe side." She gave him a small, appreciative smile, grateful for his insight on the matter.
Finishing their lunch, Harry and Hermione gathered their things, the heavy scent of treacle tart lingering in the air as they made their way through the bustling hall. They headed off to their last class of the day, Herbology, chatting and laughing.
~~~o~~~
Harry and Hermione headed to Greenhouse three, to attend their Herbology class, led by Professor Sprout. The greenhouse was filled with the earthy aroma of soil, and the air was humid and warm, making the plants thrive. In this class, they learned about Devil's Snare, a magical plant with the ability to constrict and suffocate anyone or anything that comes into contact with it. They studied how to identify the plant by its dark, twisted tendrils and how to repel it using a combination of light and heat.
Once the Herbology class was over, Hermione wished Harry good luck as she left for her study group with Daphne and Tracey. Harry felt a bit nervous but excited as he made his way to the Quidditch pitch for his first practice with the Gryffindor team.
The afternoon air was crisp and cool, but the sun was still shining brightly overhead as he joined his teammates on the field. The Gryffindor Quidditch team was a diverse and lively group, and Harry felt a sense of belonging and camaraderie that he had never experienced before.
Their captain and Keeper, Oliver Wood, was a passionate and dedicated leader. He was slightly older than most of the players, and his dark hair and serious demeanour contrasted with his enthusiastic approach to the game. Harry admired Oliver's commitment and hoped he could live up to the captain's expectations.
The Weasley twins, Fred and George, were the team's Beaters. With their bright red hair and mischievous grins, they not only had a knack for protecting their teammates from Bludgers but also provided comic relief and a light-hearted atmosphere. Harry found their humour infectious and thought they would make the most challenging practices enjoyable.
The other players included Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, and Angelina Johnson, who were the team's Chasers. They were agile and skilled, working seamlessly together as they passed the Quaffle between them. Harry was impressed by their teamwork and hoped he could contribute to their success.
As Harry mounted his broomstick and took to the skies, he began to practice catching the Golden Snitch under Oliver Wood's guidance. The team ran through various drills, focusing on passing, scoring, and defending. Harry found the practice exhilarating and challenging, pushing himself to keep up with his more experienced teammates. The feeling of soaring through the air, the wind rushing through his hair, and the camaraderie he experienced with his fellow Gryffindors made the afternoon one he would not forget.
As the sun began to set and the practice came to an end, Harry felt exhausted but proud of his progress. He knew that, with continued practice and the support of his teammates, he would become a valuable asset to the Gryffindor Quidditch team.
~~~o~~~
Hermione entered the library, the familiar scent of old books and parchment surrounding her as she searched for Daphne and Tracey. They had agreed to meet for their study group at a table near the back of the library. She spotted them sitting in a corner, engrossed in their books. Jingles was laying contentedly on Daphne's lap. As soon as Hermione made eye contact with Tracey, she enthusiastically waved her over, drawing a few disapproving glances from nearby students.
Upon reaching the table, Hermione greeted them politely. "Hello Daphne, Tracey."
"Hey, Hermione," Daphne replied with a polite smile, while Tracey's response was much more casual and friendly. "Hiya, Hermione! Come and join us!"
The study group began by reviewing spells. As they weren't allowed to use magic in the library, they focused on theory, wand movements, and practical applications for the different spells they had learned so far. Hermione explained Incendio's fire-making technique in detail, emphasizing the importance of caution and a decisive wrist flick for proper execution.
Next, they moved on to Diffindo, the severing charm. Daphne took the lead, describing its ability to precisely cut or tear objects, as well as the importance of control and accuracy when using it. She also noted some of its everyday uses, such as cutting parchment or fabric, chopping potion ingredients, and trimming plants in Herbology.
They then revised Lumos, where Hermione elaborated on its wand-lighting function and its utility in dark situations, mentioning that the spell can also repel Devil's Snare due to its sensitivity to light. Afterward, they worked on Flipendo, a defensive jinx. Tracey demonstrated the wand movement with enthusiasm, explaining how it could be used to push objects or opponents away.
Finally, they revised Wingardium Leviosa, with Hermione emphasizing the proper pronunciation and wrist movement essential for levitating objects.
Throughout their study session, Jingles wandered around the table, rubbing against the girls' legs and allowing them to pet him occasionally. He seemed to enjoy the attention, purring loudly whenever one of the girls scratched behind his spending some time on spell revision, Tracey began to grow restless and suggested they take a break. "You know," she said casually, stretching her arms above her head with a yawn, "Daphne mentioned earlier that she wanted to share some information about Jingles. Why don't we talk about that for a bit?"
Before Daphne could dive into her story, however, Hermione interjected hesitantly. "Actually, I have a question for both of you," she said, her voice slightly sheepish. "Would you mind if Harry joined our study group? He's my best friend, and I really don't want him to feel left out."
Daphne's brow furrowed, and she hesitated before replying, "I did mention earlier that being associated with Harry could create issues for me. I'd rather keep this group as a girls-only thing."
Tracey, on the other hand, was quick to protest, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, come on, Daph! It'll be a blast having Harry with us," she said, her tone teasingly suggestive. "Besides, he's quite skilled at casting spells, so we could all learn from one another. And who knows, maybe having a boy around will be a nice change of pace for you, eh?"
Daphne's cheeks flushed at Tracey's playful jab, and she retorted, "Harry would never fit into my plan, Trace."
Hermione couldn't help but furrow her brow, her curiosity piqued by Daphne's cryptic remark. She decided to ask, "What do you mean by that, Daphne? What sort of plan do you have?"
Daphne hesitated for a moment, then replied, "It's a bit complicated, Hermione. I'd prefer to discuss it at a later time, when we've become more comfortable with one another."
Tracey playfully nudged Daphne, urging, "Well, regardless, you've definitely captured her attention. Why not just let Harry join us?"
Hermione, still hoping to sway Daphne, added, "I understand your concerns, Daphne, but Harry is really talented at casting spells, and we could all benefit from each other's knowledge. Plus, he's great company, and I'm sure he'll fit in just fine with us."
Daphne sighed, considering Hermione's words carefully. She could see the genuine desire in Hermione's eyes for Harry to be included, and it softened her resolve. "Alright," she finally relented, "Harry can join our study group."
Hermione's face lit up with gratitude, while Tracey sported a triumphant grin. Though Daphne still appeared somewhat apprehensive, they all agreed to make the best of the situation. They hoped their newly expanded study group would not only be enjoyable but also academically advantageous, as well as an opportunity for them to grow closer as friends.
Daphne cleared her throat, effectively redirecting the conversation back to the topic they had discussed earlier. "As Tracey mentioned before," she began, "I promised both of you that I would share more information about Jingles. So, let's dive into that now."
She carefully reached down to pick up Jingles, who had been lazily stretching nearby. She gently placed him on her lap, offering him a few affectionate strokes as she prepared to reveal her secret. "You see," she began hesitantly, "my achievements in our classes aren't solely the result of my own dedication and effort. I have to admit that I've... resorted to a somewhat unconventional method. Jingles has been providing me with assistance."
Hermione's eyes widened in shock, and she couldn't help but blurt out, "You cheated?!" Her astonishment was so palpable that it attracted the attention of nearby students, who couldn't help but cast curious glances at the trio.
Daphne winced at Hermione's unfiltered reaction, her hand freezing momentarily on Jingles' fur. She couldn't help but respond with a touch of sarcasm, "Well, thank you for announcing that to the world, Hermione. Next time, perhaps you could raise your voice a bit more. There might be some students in the dungeons who haven't had the pleasure of hearing your outburst."
Hermione's face flushed a deep shade of red as she muttered a sheepish apology, her gaze shifting to the floor in embarrassment. Tracey, however, couldn't contain her laughter at the situation, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she tried to suppress her giggles.
Once the curiosity of the other students had subsided and their focus returned to their own tasks, Hermione leaned in closer, her interest piqued. "What exactly do you mean by receiving assistance from Jingles? How is that even possible?"
Holding Jingles gently in her lap, Daphne took a deep breath, glanced at Hermione and Tracey, and started her explanation. "You see, when I first touched Jingles, there was this incredible surge of magic that coursed through me. From that moment on, if I ever found myself stumped by a question in class, like during our first Potions lesson, all I needed to do was touch him. He'd somehow 'transfer' the information to me through a burst of magical energy."
Hermione's eyes widened in fascination as she asked, "So you're saying that the information just pops into your mind, and you can use it immediately?"
Daphne nodded in agreement. "That's right. It works the same way for spells, as well. For example, during our initial Transfiguration class, I got precise instructions on executing the spell from Jingles. As we spent more time together, our connection grew stronger, and I found myself feeling anxious whenever he left my side.
Tracey leaned in, captivated. "So, what happened during the troll attack?"
Daphne took a deep breath before continuing. "After the golden glow, I received a much stronger surge of magic from Jingles, along with far more detailed information on the Protego Charm. I also heard his voice during the encounter, which he later confirmed to me during our conversation in the Hospital Wing."
Daphne then added, "Our 'conversation' in the Hospital Wing was me asking yes or no questions, and Jingles responding accordingly. He had lost the ability to speak, but he did confirm that he can regain it."
Daphne shifted in her seat, her expression becoming more serious. "My goal has changed. Now, I want to help Jingles regain his ability to speak, and I need your assistance to figure out how we can achieve this together," she announced, prompting Tracey to let out a surprised gasp.
Intrigued, Hermione couldn't help but ask, "What was your original goal, Daphne?"
Daphne gave her a kind smile. "That's the 'plan' Trace mentioned earlier. I promise to explain it all soon, but I can't reveal all my secrets on the very first day of our friendship."
Though slightly disappointed, Hermione nodded, understanding Daphne's point of view.
Both Hermione and Tracey eagerly agreed to help Daphne. Hermione added, "Harry will be more than happy to support us in this endeavour as well."
Daphne nodded gratefully but couldn't help voicing her concerns. "We must be cautious, though. We can't afford to let this information reach too many people."
Hermione, sensing Daphne's apprehension, reassured her, "Don't worry, Daphne. We'll make sure to keep this just between us and Harry."
Daphne responded to Hermione's reassurance with a soft, appreciative smile, her eyes conveying a sense of gratitude.
Hermione's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but ask, "Daphne, can you tell us the exact words Jingles said to you during the troll attack?" She leaned in closer, eager to hear the details.
Daphne nodded thoughtfully before recounting the events, her voice carrying the weight of the memory. "Jingles spoke two sentences: 'I accept your plea,' and 'Use the spell, I don't have enough magic power to protect you.'"
Hermione's brow furrowed as she analysed the sentences, her eyes reflecting her deep concentration. She tapped her chin thoughtfully before suggesting, "It's possible that 'a plea' might also be some sort of spell, rather than just the literal cry for help you uttered. There could be more to it than we initially thought."
In that moment, Jingles jumped up from Daphne's lap onto the table. He let out a loud meow and began nodding vigorously, his actions clearly indicating that Hermione was on the right track.
Daphne's eyes lit up with excitement, and she praised Hermione enthusiastically, "Hermione, that's absolutely brilliant! You may have just uncovered something crucial!"
Fuelled by their excitement and the potential breakthrough, the girls eagerly scoured the library for books on plea-like spells. They hoped to unearth the connection between Daphne and Jingles, determined to bring them closer to their goal.
~~~o~~~
After an unsuccessful search in the library, the girls regrouped to discuss their next steps. Hermione proposed, "Maybe we should ask Madam Pince if she knows anything about a 'plea' spell and if there are any books on it."
The others agreed, and they approached the librarian. "Madam Pince, do you know if there are any books about a 'plea' spell?" Hermione inquired politely.
Madam Pince raised an eyebrow. "Yes, there is a book on that subject, but it's located in the restricted section."
Tracey, curious, asked, "Is the plea spell considered dark magic?"
"No," Madam Pince replied with a hint of impatience. "It's a common misconception that the restricted section only contains books on dark magic. In truth, not all books there are about dark magic. Some, like the book about the plea, contain knowledge deemed unsuitable for students. In the case of the plea spell, it could compromise academic integrity during exams."
Daphne then cautiously inquired, "Would it be possible for us to access the restricted section?"
Madam Pince nodded. "You can, but you'll need a note from a Professor to do so."
The girls returned to their table and discussed their options. Daphne suggested, "We should try to persuade a Professor to give us a note for the restricted section."
Tracey agreed, but Hermione appeared worried. Daphne noticed and reassured her, "Don't worry, Hermione. We'll be careful, and everything will be fine."
With curfew approaching, they decided to end their first study session together, agreeing to meet again tomorrow.
As they packed up their belongings, Hermione felt a warm happiness at having found more friends and reflected on the enjoyable time they'd had during their study session. She was also delighted that Harry would be able to join their group.
Before they parted, Daphne mentioned, "Hermione, don't forget to fill Harry in on what we discussed today, so we can jump right into it tomorrow."
"I will," Hermione promised with a sincere smile. "I'm truly excited for him to join us."
Daphne returned the smile, adding, "It's always beneficial to have diverse perspectives in our group."
Hermione nodded, feeling grateful for Daphne's understanding. "He's my best friend, and I'm really glad I've found friends in you and Tracey as well."
Daphne's smile faltered slightly, and she shared her concerns, "I just hope we can actually accomplish our goal of getting Jingles to speak again. It's a challenging task, and I don't want us to get our hopes up too high."
Hermione reassured Daphne with a confident smile, "We'll figure this out together. Jingles will be talking again in no time."
With a solid plan in place, the girls left the library, eager to continue their quest for knowledge and determined to help Jingles regain his ability to speak.
~~~o~~~
Hermione entered the Gryffindor common room and spotted Harry sitting by the fire. She walked over and took a seat next to him, the warmth of the flames making her feel cosy and comfortable.
"Hey, Hermione," Harry greeted her with a smile. "How was your day?"
"It was good, actually," Hermione replied. "I learned some interesting things today. What about you? How was Quidditch practice?"
Harry's face lit up. "It was great! The other team members are really nice people, and we're starting to work together quite well."
Hermione smiled, happy to hear that he was enjoying himself. "That's fantastic, Harry. So, I have some news. I talked to Daphne and Tracey today, and they've invited you to join our study group. We're meeting tomorrow after classes in the library. And, well, there's something else you should know."
Harry raised an eyebrow, curious. "What is it?"
Hermione took a deep breath before sharing what she had learned about Daphne and Jingles' connection. She explained how Daphne first felt a powerful surge of magic when she touched Jingles, and ever since, she had been able to receive information from him through magical surges. She also told Harry about the time during the troll attack when Daphne actually heard Jingles' voice. Harry listened, his eyes widening in amazement as Hermione recounted the story.
However, Hermione's expression grew serious as she mentioned that Jingles couldn't talk anymore, at least not for now. Daphne's new goal was to get Jingles to talk again, and she needed their help to figure out how to do it. Hermione knew Harry would be interested in helping her.
Harry nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely, I'd love to help Daphne with that. It sounds fascinating. And who wouldn't want a chance to talk to a magical cat like Jingles?"
Hermione smiled slyly. "I knew you'd be interested. It's not every day you get to study with an intelligent and, dare I say, pretty girl like Daphne, is it?"
Harry rolled his eyes, catching her implication but not taking the bait. "You know that's not my motivation, Hermione. But I am looking forward to getting to know her better and helping her with Jingles."
With their conversation winding down, Hermione and Harry began to gather their things and prepare for bed. They stood up and walked together towards the staircase leading to the dormitories.
"Well, it's been quite an eventful day," Hermione said with a yawn. "I'm looking forward to tomorrow's study session."
"Me too," Harry agreed, trying to stifle his own yawn. "I'm excited to be a part of it, and I'm glad we're all working together."
As they reached the staircase, Hermione gave Harry a warm smile. "Good night, Harry. I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow."
"Good night, Hermione," Harry responded, returning her smile. "Sleep well."
They shared a brief, friendly hug before parting ways. Hermione ascended the staircase to the girls' dormitory while Harry climbed the stairs to the boys' dormitory.
As Harry lay in bed, he couldn't help but feel happy about joining the study group. It meant he wouldn't be apart from Hermione, and he was also eager to uncover the mystery behind Daphne's fearful reaction towards him in Madam Malkin's store. With a contented sigh, Harry drifted off into a peaceful slumber, looking forward to the adventures that awaited him the next day.
~~~o~~~
As the sun traversed the sky, the day seemed to fly by for Harry. The excitement of his first study group session with Hermione, Daphne, and Tracey bubbled within him, making every class feel like a prelude to the main event. He looked forward to getting to know Daphne and Tracey better, hoping to make friends with them.
His morning began with a lively Charms class, where he and his classmates revised the Wingardium Leviosa spell. The delicate sound of floating feathers danced in the air as students perfected their swish-and-flick technique under Professor Flitwick's watchful eye.
Afterward, Harry headed to his Herbology class, where he learned about the curative properties of Dittany. The scent of the plant's healing leaves wafted through the greenhouse as they carefully harvested them under Professor Sprout's guidance.
Lunchtime provided a brief respite from the whirlwind of classes. Harry savoured every bite of the hearty meal, all the while thinking about the upcoming study session and the opportunity it presented to forge new friendships.
The afternoon brought a challenging Potions class with Professor Snape. Despite Snape's usual sneers and disdain, Harry managed to brew a passable Wiggenweld Potion under the dim glow of the dungeon's torches.
With the day's lessons behind him, Harry's excitement reached its peak as the study group session drew near. As he gathered his books and quills, he couldn't help but feel that the day had passed by in the blink of an eye.
~~~o~~~
Harry made his way to the Gryffindor common room, where he found Hermione waiting for him. She looked up from the book she was reading and greeted him with a warm smile.
"Ready for the study group, Harry?" she asked, her excitement palpable.
"Absolutely," Harry replied, returning her smile. "I'm really looking forward to getting to know Daphne and Tracey better. And Jingles, of course."
The pair gathered their things and headed toward the library, chatting amiably as they walked through the corridors. Hermione shared her impressions of their fellow study group members, based on her experiences during their first session together.
"Tracey is a real bundle of energy," Hermione began, her eyes sparkling as she remembered their initial encounter. "She has this incredible enthusiasm for learning, and her excitement is infectious. During our first session, she was constantly asking questions and sharing her thoughts. She's also quite good at making everyone feel at ease with her warm, friendly demeanour."
Harry listened intently, already feeling drawn to Tracey's vivacious personality. "She sounds like a lot of fun to be around," he remarked.
Hermione nodded and continued, "As for Daphne, she struck me as very focused and disciplined. She's clearly a deep thinker and doesn't shy away from tackling complex problems. In our first session, she was the one who kept us on track and made sure we were all working towards our goals. She's also quite good at listening and providing thoughtful feedback."
Harry appreciated Hermione's insight and felt excited to meet someone with such a strong work ethic. "It's great to have someone like that in a study group," he said, imagining how Daphne's presence would enrich their sessions.
Hermione agreed, adding, "They both bring their own unique strengths to the table, and I think you'll really enjoy getting to know them. Our first session was quite productive, and we managed to cover a lot of ground. I'm sure with you joining us, it'll be even better."
Their conversation carried them to the library doors, where the study group awaited. With a sense of anticipation and camaraderie, they entered, ready to forge new friendships and delve deeper into the mystery surrounding Jingles.
Harry and Hermione entered the library, scanning the room for Daphne and Tracey. The library was filled with the familiar scent of old parchment and the soft rustling of pages turning, creating a serene atmosphere for studying. Not spotting their study partners just yet, they assumed Daphne and Tracey hadn't arrived and decided to choose a table themselves.
"How about that table near the front?" Harry suggested, pointing to an empty spot bathed in sunlight from the large windows.
Hermione hesitated for a moment before responding, "I think Daphne would prefer a more private spot. She values her privacy, and during our first session, we chose a table towards the back."
Harry nodded, understanding the importance of making their new study partners comfortable. "Alright, let's find a table in the back then."
They walked further into the library, eventually finding a secluded table in a dimly-lit corner. The location offered a sense of privacy and tranquillity, perfect for their study sessions. Hermione was confident that Daphne would appreciate their choice.
As they settled down at the table and arranged their study materials, Harry and Hermione kept an eye out for Daphne and Tracey.
~~~o~~~
A few moments later, Daphne and Tracey entered the library, their eyes scanning the room until they spotted Harry and Hermione sitting in the secluded corner. Daphne carried Jingles in her arms, the little cat seemingly content to be with her. The girls made their way over and took their seats, exchanging warm greetings with Harry and Hermione.
"Hi, Daphne, Tracey," Harry responded with a smile, while Hermione added, "Hello, glad to see you both!"
Daphne sat down and said politely, "Hi, Harry, Hermione," as she gently placed Jingles on the table. Tracey followed suit, her bubbly personality shining through. "Hey, you two! Ready for a productive study session?"
The cat stretched and yawned, looking around curiously at the group before settling down, his tail flicking contentedly. Harry and Hermione couldn't resist reaching over to pet the small creature, who happily accepted their attention.
Tracey immediately struck up a conversation with Harry. "So, Harry, how have your classes been going? Anything particularly challenging or exciting?"
Harry smiled, appreciating her enthusiasm. "Well, I've enjoyed most of them. Potions can be a bit difficult at times, but I'm doing my best to keep up."
Daphne chimed in, her tone polite yet friendly. "Potions can indeed be quite challenging. But it's all about practice and patience."
While they talked, Jingles rolled over onto his back, clearly enjoying the affection from both Harry and Hermione. His playful antics added a light-hearted touch to the gathering, further easing any lingering tensions.
As the group continued to chat, the atmosphere became more relaxed, with each member finding their place within the dynamics of their new study group.
The group decided it was time to start their study session, and each pulled out their books and parchment. They decided to focus on three main topics that day: Charms, Transfiguration, and Herbology.
First, they tackled Charms, discussing the various spells they had learned thus far. Hermione demonstrated her mastery of the Levitation Charm, making a quill float effortlessly above the table. Harry followed suit, and Daphne and Tracey both offered pointers to help improve his technique.
Next, they moved on to Transfiguration. Harry recounted his recent success with the matchstick-to-needle exercise, and the others eagerly shared their own experiences. Daphne, being particularly skilled in this subject, offered some insightful tips that everyone found helpful.
Lastly, they delved into Herbology, discussing the properties and uses of various magical plants. Hermione shared her knowledge about Dittany, a powerful healing herb, and its role in the Wiggenweld Potion they had learned about in Potions class. Tracey chimed in with her enthusiasm for the magical properties of Mandrakes, despite their dangerous cries.
As the study session progressed, it was clear that each member brought their unique strengths and perspectives to the table. They all helped one another with their weak areas, and together, they made significant progress in their understanding of the subjects.
Jingles, who had been lounging on the table, occasionally stretched or batted at a stray quill, adding a touch of levity to the studious atmosphere.
As the study session was winding down, Harry suddenly remembered something that had been bothering him. He excitedly said, "Hey, you never really analysed Jingles' second sentence yesterday!"
Daphne, Tracey, and Hermione exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what he meant. "What do you mean, Harry?" Hermione asked, intrigued by his observation.
"Well," Harry began, "Jingles said he didn't have enough magic power to cast Protego to protect Daphne during the troll attack. And remember when Professor Snape told you that the average first-year doesn't have enough magic power to cast that spell? That means Jingles' magical power is below that of an average first-year."
Daphne motioned for Harry to quiet down a little, glancing around the library. "We should be careful discussing this in a public place," she whispered. "I wish we had a place away from prying ears."
Harry thought for a moment and then replied, "If a place like that exists, Jingles would probably know about it." He turned to the cat and asked, "Jingles, do you know of any place like that where we could talk privately?"
Jingles responded with a soft meow and a nod, confirming that he indeed knew of a secluded location. The group exchanged excited glances, and Harry turned to Jingles once more. "Can you show us where?" Jingles gave another nod in response, stretching lazily, preparing to lead them. They quickly gathered their things and followed Jingles out of the library. He led them to the grand staircase and started ascending it.
Daphne then asked, "How did you figure Jingles would know a place for us to talk privately?" Harry responded, "Cats wander around a lot, and since he's been living here for 10 years, I figured he'd know every inch of the castle by now." Daphne nodded in agreement, as his assessment made sense.
After climbing many flights of stairs, they reached the 7th floor. Jingles led them to the Tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy. When he reached the end of the corridor, the feline swiftly turned around and started pacing back toward the other end of the hallway. The group exchanged quick, confused looks, wondering if he had taken a wrong turn somewhere.
To their surprise, at the end of the corridor, Jingles turned around once again, and then turned around yet again at the other end. Tracey called out, "Are you sure you aren't lost, Jingles?" But then, suddenly, the wall opposite the tapestry began to rumble, forming a door. Jingles approached the door, and, to their amazement, a cat flap appeared, through which he disappeared.
When they opened the door, they found a warm and inviting room. A crackling fire illuminated the space, casting flickering shadows on the walls adorned with tasteful artwork. A round wooden table, surrounded by four comfortable chairs, sat in the centre of the room. Plush rugs covered the floor, and bookshelves filled with intriguing titles lined the walls. It was a cosy and welcoming space, perfect for their private discussions and their study group.
They sat down at the table, and Tracey was the first to speak up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is absolutely amazing! A room all to ourselves. Just imagine the things we could do in here," she said mischievously, raising an eyebrow. Daphne nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, it's quite amazing. This way, we can study in peace and discuss topics like Jingles with more ease, without worrying about anyone eavesdropping." She scooped up the feline, who had been rubbing against her leg, and placed him on the table. "Going back to what you said earlier, Harry, Jingles may lack magical power, but he more than makes up for it with his abundance of wisdom."
Hermione perked up, her curiosity piqued. "Speaking of wisdom, I think we should ask Tonks if she had similar experiences with Jingles. It would be helpful to know if this is unique to you two or if it's something more special." Daphne furrowed her brow, her tone cautious. "We can tell her that I have received information from him, but we shouldn't mention him speaking or casting spells. I'm not entirely sure we can trust her."
Hermione nodded in understanding. "We can be selective about what we divulge. Let's ask her tonight after dinner." She glanced at a clock on the wall. "Speaking of which, dinner is coming up, and we should make our way down to the Great Hall. It's quite a distance from here." Tracey groaned at Hermione's words, pouting playfully. "I hate these stairs. Couldn't the special room be, you know, in the dungeons or something?" Daphne chuckled at her best friend's antics.
The group then left the room, and as they turned towards the door, it disappeared, as if it had never been there. Harry touched the wall, confirming that it was indeed solid. They began their descent towards the Great Hall, discussing their day and their new secret hideout.
~~~o~~~
At dinner, Harry savoured a hearty meal of roasted chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables while engaging in light conversation with Neville. He was always friendly with Neville, but Harry knew it would be a bit much to bring him closer into 'the group' right now. He cast a glance toward the Slytherin table, where Daphne was engaged in lively conversation with Tracey, while Jingles enjoyed his all-time favourite food: cooked beef. Turning back to his own plate, the enticing aroma of the seasoned chicken filling his senses, Harry resumed eating.
Once they finished their meal, Harry and Hermione met up with Daphne and Tracey at the entrance of the Great Hall, waiting for Tonks to leave. Soon enough, she emerged with a group of other 7th-year Hufflepuff girls. Harry waved her over, and she excused herself from her friends, heading their way. Her face lit up when she saw Jingles, who immediately jumped into her arms. She cuddled him against her chest, causing him to purr contentedly. "Wotcher, Harry! What's up? This," she motioned to Daphne, Tracey, and Hermione, "is quite the unusual group of friends you've got. Slytherins and Gryffindors getting along? My, my, and three lovely ladies you have here. You're doing well for yourself, Harry."
Harry's face turned red, and Tracey giggled loudly. He replied, "Hey, Tonks, we were just wondering if you ever experienced anything special with Jingles?" Tonks narrowed her eyes, asking cautiously, "What do you mean?" Daphne then spoke up, "For example, if you didn't know an answer in class, did he give it to you?"
Tonks nodded. "Yup, that little rascal saved my skin quite often. I'm barely keeping up with my current grades; are you sure I can't have him back?" she asked teasingly. Daphne smiled back at her, recognizing she wasn't serious. "I'm sorry, Tonks, but he's not for sale. Anyway, when he gives you information, you feel a surge of magic, and the information just appears in your head, right?"
Tonks looked confused. "What? No, it's not like that at all. I don't know what you mean by 'surge of magic.' When I needed help, I just touched him, and the information would be there in my head. It was usually rather vague, but always enough to answer the professor's questions satisfactorily."
Hermione perked up. "Interesting, so it's different for Daphne and you. She always feels a surge of magic, and the information she receives is quite detailed. For example, she received the full explanation for the matchstick-to-needle transfiguration." Daphne shot Hermione a glare, signalling that she had divulged too much. She then spoke up, "Indeed, it's as Hermione says. His information always comes with a surge of magic and is rather detailed. The feeling is warm and pleasing."
Tonks nodded and asked, "Interesting, I wonder why our experiences are so different?" She then looked down at the feline in her arms. "Does that mean you love her more than me?" she asked him in a mock sad voice, rubbing her face against his.
Then her face became more serious. "Oh, I just remembered, when we first spoke, Daphne, I was kind of rude to you. Sorry again for that. It's just..." she sighed, "my now ex-boyfriend had just dumped me, so I was kind of upset. For future reference, when my hair is red," her hair turned red as she spoke, "it's best not to approach me. That's my 'I'm angry; don't talk to me' colour."
Daphne nodded in response, but before she could say anything, Harry excitedly interjected, "How did you do that, Tonks? Did you use a spell?"
Tonks chuckled. "No, not at all. I'm what's known as a Metamorphmagus. I can change my body at will." She demonstrated by turning her mouth into a beak, causing Tracey to laugh. "That's so cool! Can I learn that too?" Harry eagerly asked.
Tonks gave him a playful smirk. "What, is there something you need to compensate for, Harry?" Tracey nearly fell to the floor laughing at Tonks' crude humour, and Harry turned red once again. "To answer your question, no, you can't learn to become a Metamorphmagus. It's a hereditary ability. So I'm sorry, but you'll have to stay just the way you are."
Tonks' hair transformed back to a cheerful pink as she turned to Daphne once more, a genuine smile on her face. "Also, as Head Girl, I must congratulate you on your outstanding service to the school. Slaying that troll is quite the feat—most 7th years would have had issues with that. Word of your bravery is sure to spread quickly, so be prepared for some admirers."
Daphne's cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she responded, "Thank you, Tonks, but it was just luck, really. I casted Protego to protect me and my friends, and it was pure coincidence that the troll stumbled into the mirror and died."
Tonks chuckled warmly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're a humble one, aren't you? While it's true there was some luck involved, it also takes an incredibly skilled first-year to cast a Protego charm." Daphne merely nodded in response, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Tonks continued, her tone shifting to a more serious note, "Speaking of being Head Girl, curfew is approaching, and I won't cut you guys any slack just because I like you. So, you'd better start moving to your common rooms." She then handed Jingles back over to Daphne, gently stroking his fur one last time. "And take good care of our little prince here," she added with a wink, causing Jingles to emit a disapproving low meow.
Tonks then bid farewell to everyone and went on her way. Harry and Hermione shared warm goodbyes with Tracey, Daphne, and, of course, Jingles. Afterward, they headed up toward Gryffindor tower, while the others made their way to the dungeons. As they walked to their common room, Harry and Hermione chatted happily about their day and the rather productive study session they had shared. Naturally, Hermione couldn't resist playfully teasing Harry about finally getting closer to Daphne. By this point, Harry was used to her teasing, so he just brushed it off with a laugh.
Upon reaching the common room, Harry shared a friendly hug with his best friend and wished her a good night before they parted ways to their respective dormitories. Once he was settled in his bed, Harry quickly drifted off to a peaceful, dream-filled sleep.
~~~o~~~
The following weeks seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. They had devised a schedule for their study group, taking into account both Harry's tea sessions with Professor McGonagall and his Quidditch practice. Whenever Harry was occupied, Hermione would usually spend time with Daphne, Tracey, and Jingles, deepening their friendship even further. Harry, on the other hand, hadn't made much headway with Daphne. She was always polite, but their interactions lacked the warmth of true friendship. Tracey, however, was instantly friendly, her bubbly personality making it impossible not to be friends with her.
Daphne had been putting in extra effort in class, no doubt in an attempt to persuade a Professor to grant her access to the forbidden section of the library. Unfortunately, she hadn't been successful, as each Professor she approached told her that first-years only gained access under extremely rare circumstances. She even tried convincing Professor Quirrell that she needed to study advanced spells in case of another troll attack, but despite her newfound reputation as a 'troll slayer,' he denied her request.
Harry attempted to persuade Professor McGonagall to provide him with a note for the restricted section, and she nearly obliged. However, she realized that he didn't want the note for himself, but for Daphne. Despite this, the Professor expressed her approval of his new study group, noting that his grades had been steadily improving as a result.
Harry experienced his inaugural Quidditch match against Hufflepuff, securing victory for Gryffindor by effortlessly capturing the Snitch. The crowd's pride in him was palpable, and even Daphne and Tracey joined Hermione in the stands to support their friend during this exhilarating event.
A week before Christmas, during breakfast, Professor Dumbledore announced that students wishing to stay at Hogwarts over the holidays needed to sign their names on a list posted in their common rooms. Harry felt both happiness and sadness at this news. He was happy that he didn't have to return to the Dursleys, but sad, knowing that the castle would be nearly deserted, leaving him feeling rather lonely.
Today marked their last study session before the holidays. They still hadn't figured out the precise method for summoning their special room, as simply pacing up and down three times wasn't sufficient. Instead, they relied on Jingles to conjure the door for them. After wrapping up their studies for the day, they would engage in small talk, mostly about Jingles, and take turns playing with him using the cat toys provided by their magical room.
Despite their efforts, they hadn't made any significant progress in uncovering the mysterious plea spell. Tracey's idea of simply making a plea had proven fruitless. However, their spirits remained high, knowing that the book they sought was in the forbidden section, and they would eventually get their hands on it.
With a heavy heart, Harry spoke up, "So, this is our last study session for this year. I guess you'll all be heading home over Christmas, right?" Hermione and Tracey both gave him sad nods. Then, to his surprise, Daphne interjected, "I'll be staying here. I have no desire to see my parents before next summer," she added with a hint of bitterness.
Harry's face brightened, "Really? That means I won't be alone here, cool!" Daphne offered him a warm smile, "I didn't know you'd be staying as well. May I ask why?" Harry's smile faded as he spoke, "Let's just say I'm not the biggest fan of my aunt and uncle."
Tracey's curiosity piqued, "I always wondered where you lived! I didn't know your father had any siblings." Harry shook his head as he replied, "No, not my father's. My aunt is my mother's sister. They're Muggles." Tracey looked shocked, "You mean to tell me that Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, grew up with Muggles?" She then turned sheepishly to Hermione, "Not that it's a bad thing, but Harry's kind of a big deal, so it's just surprising, that's all. Please don't hate me," she added in a slightly tearful voice.
Hermione smirked playfully, "Oh Tracey, it's alright. I know you didn't mean to offend me. My retribution will come when you least expect it," she added playfully, causing Tracey to gasp and, surprisingly, Daphne to giggle. Jingles, who had been resting in Daphne's lap, appeared annoyed by her giggling and decided to settle in Harry's lap instead. Harry gently scratched him behind his ear, and the cat purred contentedly.
"Well, curfew is almost upon us, so I think it's time to wrap up our study session for today and head back to our common rooms," Harry suggested, looking at the three girls for confirmation. A sense of relief washed over him, knowing that he wouldn't have to spend the holidays alone since Daphne would be staying at Hogwarts as well.
The girls nodded in agreement, gathering their belongings and preparing to leave. As they exchanged goodbyes, Tracey let out a groan of dismay when she realized that she would have to journey all the way down from the seventh floor to the dungeon where the Slytherin common room was located. She absolutely adored the room they were in, but the distance from the Slytherin common room left much to be desired.
~~~o~~~
As Harry and Hermione entered the common room, they were immediately pulled aside by the Weasley twins, who spoke in hushed voices. "What's going on, guys? You aren't usually this secretive," Harry remarked, eyeing the twins with curiosity.
Fred and George glanced around several times, ensuring no one was within earshot. Once satisfied, Fred began, "We have a proposition for you two." George chimed in, "Remember when Dumbledore announced at the start of the year that the third-floor corridor was strictly off-limits?"
Both Harry and Hermione nodded, prompting Fred to continue, "Well, we naturally went to check it out." Hermione gasped in shock, but before she could speak, George whispered, "Turns out there's a Cerberus inside, guarding a trap door."
Harry furrowed his brow, "What's a Cerberus, and what's it guarding?" Fred elaborated, "A Cerberus is a giant, three-headed dog. As for what it's guarding, that's what we're trying to find out too." He grinned mischievously, "That's where you two come in."
Hermione interjected, "How can we help you? And why should we help instead of reporting you to Professor McGonagall?" George raised his hands defensively, "Woah, easy there. Trust us; we can make it worth your while. Say you need obscure information about the castle or a way to get somewhere—we can help."
Harry perked up, "Like entering the forbidden section of the library, for example…" Fred cut in, "Oooh, Harry, we didn't know you were into such naughty stuff. We've been in the forbidden section a few times, so we can definitely guide you. Now, for what we need from you—we need a way to get past that Cerberus. There's only one person in this castle who might know how."
Harry and Hermione looked confused, prompting George to clarify, "Hagrid, of course. He loves all creatures, big, small, deadly, peaceful—mostly deadly, though. He probably brought the Cerberus here. We know from a reliable source that you two, especially you, Harry, are on friendly terms with our dear groundskeeper. If you were to innocently ask him about handling a Cerberus over tea, he'd likely let slip how to subdue the beast. Tell us that information, and we'll happily share everything you need to know about the forbidden section and how to enter it. Deal?" George extended his hand.
Before Hermione could protest, Harry shook George's hand, "You have a deal." The twins' faces lit up, and Fred asked, "Are you staying over the holidays?" Harry confirmed, and Fred continued, "Excellent. We'll be here too since our parents are visiting our brother Charlie in Romania. We plan to return to the corridor during the holidays when the castle is nearly deserted. If you could get us the information by then, that'd be great."
Harry nodded once more, and the twins said their goodbyes. After they left, he turned to Hermione, who fixed him with a disapproving glare. "I don't agree with this, Harry. A Cerberus sounds incredibly dangerous; they shouldn't be allowed to put themselves in harm's way like that."
Harry replied sheepishly, "But Hermione, this is an excellent opportunity to get information on the plea spell. If what Hagrid tells us sounds too dangerous, we can always withhold the information from the twins. Hopefully, they won't try to get past the Cerberus on their own."
Hermione sighed, "Fine, Harry. It's hard to refuse you when you have those pleading eyes and a somewhat reasonable argument." Her expression shifted to a teasing smirk, "Besides, this is a golden chance for you to impress Daphne. You two will be alone over Christmas, and you'll have this grand plan to access the forbidden section. She'll finally fall head over heels for you."
Harry rolled his eyes at her playful teasing. "Very funny, Hermione. It's time for bed now, so good night." He gave her a quick, friendly hug, to which she replied, "Good night to you too."
Once in bed, Harry found it difficult to sleep, his excitement bubbling within him. If everything went according to plan, they would soon have the information they needed. His thoughts lingered on the deal for a while before he finally drifted off to sleep.
~~~o~~~
The next day, the first day of the holidays, Harry shared the details of the deal he made with the Weasley twins with both Daphne and Tracey, earning approval from both. Daphne suggested that they should visit Hagrid during Christmas so that their visit wouldn't seem too unexpected, lowering any suspicion of ulterior motives. Harry agreed to her plan.
After breakfast, it was time for Harry and Daphne to say their goodbyes to Hermione and Tracey, who would be leaving on the train in a few hours. Tracey enveloped both Harry and Daphne in warm hugs, wishing them a happy holiday and promising to write. Hermione, on the other hand, hugged Harry tightly and gave a small, friendly wave to Daphne. As they exchanged goodbyes, both Hermione and Tracey took turns petting Jingles, who purred affectionately in response. With one last glance, Hermione and Tracey departed, leaving Harry and Daphne to spend the holidays together at Hogwarts.
Harry spent the rest of the day alternating between playing with Jingles and studying potentially useful spells for their grand heist in the Forbidden Section alongside Daphne. They focused on spells like the Disillusionment Charm and Alohomora.
During dinner, it became abundantly clear just how few people were staying. The usually bustling Great Hall resembled a ghost town, with only a dozen students present. Besides Harry, only the Weasley twins and their brother Percy remained from Gryffindor, as well as some older Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws he didn't know. Surprisingly, no Slytherin students were left other than Daphne.
The dinner itself was a sumptuous affair, despite the small number of students present. The long tables were laden with platters of succulent roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, and golden-brown potatoes. Steaming bowls of vegetables, including Brussels sprouts and glazed carrots, added vibrant colours to the feast. Desserts were plentiful too, with mince pies, Christmas pudding, and an assortment of cookies tempting the students from their respective house tables.
As they were about to go to their respective house tables to eat dinner, Professor McGonagall approached them and addressed Daphne. "Miss Greengrass, since you are the only Slytherin left, you are welcome to eat at the Gryffindor table. No one should be alone during Christmas time, and I'm sure Mr. Potter would also appreciate your company."
Daphne smiled back at the Professor. "Thank you, Professor. I would like that very much indeed." With a small nod, Professor McGonagall left for the professors' table. Daphne and Harry sat down together and began enjoying their dinner.
Daphne glanced around cautiously, ensuring that no one was paying attention to them, before speaking up hesitantly. "Harry, would you like to open our Christmas presents together? We could get them after breakfast tomorrow and meet in the room. It would be nice to open them with... a friend," she whispered the last word. Harry was surprised by her proposal. Daphne considered him a friend? She hadn't shown it very well, but he was delighted nonetheless. He replied somewhat sheepishly, "The idea sounds nice, but I haven't gotten any Christmas presents ever."
Daphne's eyes widened in shock. "You've never gotten Christmas presents? How can that be? My parents hate me, but even they buy me something nice for Christmas each year." Her expression saddened as she spoke, and Harry realized she had shared something she probably didn't intend to. She quickly continued, "Besides, I know of at least one present you'll be receiving tomorrow, and I'd be very surprised if Hermione didn't get you one either."
Now it was Harry's turn for his eyes to widen. Did Daphne just say she got him something for Christmas? He hadn't gotten anyone anything since the idea had completely slipped his mind. He feared his friendship with Daphne would end right there, but to his surprise, she smiled back at him. "I suppose that face tells me you haven't gotten me anything. It's fine, Harry; you can make up for it on my birthday," she added with a smirk.
Harry responded, "It honestly never occurred to me; I've never received gifts, nor have I ever given any. Out of curiosity, how would I even get Christmas presents while at Hogwarts?"
Daphne giggled and shook her head. "I'd forgotten you grew up with Muggles. First, you need money from Gringotts. Just write them a letter, and they'll send some back with a Gringotts owl – these are special owls that can't be intercepted due to their enchanted harness." She took a sip of pumpkin juice before continuing, "Next, you need to get some brochures from the stores. The Daily Prophet actually includes a list of available brochures to help you find whatever you need. Then you just order what you want via mail. It's quite simple when you think about it."
Harry nodded in response. "Thanks for the explanation; I'll be sure not to forget gifts for everyone next time. You mentioned your birthday earlier; when exactly is it?"
Daphne gave him a warm smile. "It's on the 9th of August, but please, if you get me a birthday gift, don't mail it to me. I don't know how I would explain to my parents that Harry Potter is sending me a birthday gift."
Harry was slightly confused but decided not to pry further. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied. They happily chatted about classes and their friends while finishing their dinner. Afterward, they spent some more time preparing for the forbidden section. As curfew approached, they both went to their common rooms and quickly drifted off to sleep, anticipating Christmas morning. Harry had trouble falling asleep, thinking about his wonderful friends and looking forward to receiving presents for the first time.
~~~o~~~
When Harry awoke, he couldn't believe his eyes. Under the tree in the common room sat three neatly wrapped gifts just for him. There was a decently sized rectangular one, a combined present from Daphne and Tracey. Another gift, suspiciously book-shaped, bore Hermione's handwriting. The third present had no note attached. For now, he placed them in his room, since he had promised Daphne they would open their gifts together after breakfast. Guilt washed over him for not having gifts for his friends, but he resolved to make it up to them at some point.
He tried to push his guilt aside, telling himself that if Daphne had forgiven him, Hermione and Tracey would surely do the same. He got dressed and made his way to the Great Hall for breakfast. Daphne was already sitting at the Gryffindor table, accompanied by Jingles who was eagerly munching away on a bowl of cooked beef.
Harry walked up to Daphne, took a seat next to her, smiled and said, "Merry Christmas, Daphne." She returned the smile and replied, "Merry Christmas to you too, Harry." The festive atmosphere filled the hall as they sat together, and Daphne asked, "Are you excited to open your presents later?"
Harry nodded eagerly. "Oh yeah, I can't even describe how excited I am." He then began to scratch Jingles behind his ear. "Merry Christmas to you too, Jingles." The feline purred contentedly and even licked Harry's face, causing him to laugh.
After breakfast, Daphne hurried to the dungeons to collect her presents from the Slytherin common room, while Harry did the same in Gryffindor tower. They met up on the seventh floor, across from the tapestry that hid their secret room. As Jingles let them in, Harry remarked, "We really need to learn how to summon the room ourselves, instead of relying on Jingles all the time." Daphne agreed, adding, "Yes, but once we've gotten into the forbidden section of the library, this won't be an issue anymore, as we can just ask him."
Harry nodded eagerly, placing his presents on the table while a cosy fire crackled in the fireplace, casting a warm glow across the room. Daphne did the same and sat down with her four presents. She glanced at Harry and asked, "So, who wants to go first?"
Recalling what Tonks had told him on the train, Harry replied with a warm smile, "Ladies first." Daphne smiled back and picked up a small package. "Let's get this one out of the way first. It's from my parents." She unwrapped it, revealing a small box containing expensive-looking earrings and a hairclip. Daphne didn't seem amused, so Harry spoke up, "They do look great, but if your parents hate you, why would they buy such expensive jewellery for you? You don't have to answer if you don't want to, of course."
Taking a deep breath, Daphne explained, "While I agree that they look nice, my parents buy me expensive things only to boost my public image. They want me to be seen as a pureblood princess, making it easier to marry me off to a family like the Malfoys." She spat the last part with venom. "Now, let's not ruin this beautiful day with this. I'll tell you more about my relationship with my parents during the holidays, but today, I just want to be happy, spend time with a friend, and enjoy presents. Now, it's your turn, Harry." She gestured toward his gifts.
Harry decided to open Daphne and Tracey's gift first, hoping it would lift her spirits. He unwrapped it to reveal a chessboard complete with a set of pieces. He had never played before, but the idea of learning something new excited him. He gave her a grateful smile, "Thank you. We can play a few rounds after we've opened our presents." Daphne's smile returned as she spoke, "Well, it's not a normal chessboard, Harry. This is Wizard's Chess. The rules are the same as regular chess, but the pieces are enchanted, so you don't need to move them yourself. Just say where you want a piece to go, and it will do so. The chessboard is also enchanted to allow you to play alone. It has three difficulty settings: just tap it with your wand and say either 'easy,' 'medium,' or 'hard.' We thought you might get lonely during the summer, so at least you could play something."
Harry's smile widened, and he was nearly moved to tears by their thoughtfulness. "That's an amazing gift, Daphne. Thank you so much. And I'll be sure to write Tracey a letter later."
Daphne nodded in response. "She'll be thrilled. We bought it together since it wasn't cheap. Although I come from a wealthy family, my monthly allowance is rather low. So, Tracey and I saved some money together for this."
Overwhelmed by his friends' thoughtfulness, Harry wanted to keep the positive momentum going. Jingles jumped onto Daphne's lap, cuddling against her. Harry then said, "Well, it's your turn now."
Daphne nodded and picked up one of the two book-shaped gifts. "This one is from Hermione," she said as she unwrapped it. The cover revealed a book titled 'The History of Quidditch.' Harry looked surprised, prompting Daphne to say, "I guess she talked to Tracey about what I like." Noticing Harry's surprised expression, she continued, "What, can't a girl like Quidditch?"
Harry raised his hands defensively, "No, no, it's not that. I just didn't think you'd be the type. But you do act differently in private and public, so it's no surprise that I don't know much about your interests. You'll have to lend me that book sometime; it looks fascinating." Daphne nodded in agreement, and Harry picked up his own book-shaped present. As he unwrapped it, he chuckled and showed Daphne his own copy of 'The History of Quidditch.' "I guess Hermione thought I'd like this book too. Quidditch is the first thing I'm truly passionate about."
Daphne nodded and picked up the next book-shaped present. "This one is from Tracey," she said, her eyes lighting up. As she unwrapped it, a book titled 'Spell Crafting for Beginners' appeared. "Later in life, I'll be managing the Greengrass' merchant business from home, so I was looking for a hobby. Tracey suggested researching spells and creating my own might be a good way to pass the time, although this book might be a bit advanced for me right now," she admitted sheepishly, a faint smile on her face.
As Daphne spoke, Harry noticed another gift from Tracey beneath the book. Made of fabric and purple in colour, he realized what it was as he read Tracey's attached note: "This will hopefully spice up the life of any future boyfriends xoxo – Tracey." It was a pair of skimpy purple panties. Harry's mind began to wander, but he quickly refocused and alerted Daphne to Tracey's second gift. "Um, Daphne, there's another gift from Tracey in the wrapping. It even has a note attached to it," he said, a hint of embarrassment in his voice.
Daphne's eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink as she realized what the second gift was. She hastily grabbed the panties and stuffed them into her pocket. Turning to Harry, her face still flushed, she stuttered, "Remind me to murder Tracey when she gets back. I'm sure this is her twisted idea of a joke since I mentioned opening presents with you. If I hadn't told her, I'm sure she wouldn't have done something like that."
Harry nodded in understanding, recognizing that Tracey must be teasing Daphne similarly to how Hermione teased him. Refocusing on the present moment, he prepared to open his last gift, which came without a note. Unwrapping it, he discovered a silvery cloak with a note attached. He laid the cloak on the table and read the note aloud, "Your father gave this to me before he died. It's time I returned it to you. Use it well." Harry's brow furrowed in confusion. "There's no name on the note, nor do I recognize the handwriting. I wonder who this is from or what it is."
Daphne carefully examined the cloak, her eyes widening in realization. "Harry, put the cloak on. I think I know what it is." He nodded and donned the cloak, causing his body to vanish. Even Jingles looked at him with surprise in his eyes. "I thought so. It's an invisibility cloak," Daphne exclaimed excitedly. "This gift couldn't have come at a more opportune time. With this, we won't even need to learn the Disillusionment Charm! I was beginning to think that we need an alternative to it, since it seems too advanced for us at the moment."
Harry couldn't believe he had received an invisibility cloak, especially one that had once belonged to his father. This made it extra special to him. After they had spent some time admiring the cloak, Daphne picked up her last gift. "This one's from Hermione as well, but it's for Jingles," she said. At her words, the feline leaped onto the table from her lap. As she unwrapped the gift, she found a small container of 'catnip' along with a note from Hermione. Reading the note aloud, Daphne shared Hermione's explanation of catnip and the potential effects on Jingles.
Harry grinned, "I've only ever heard about catnip, as my aunt and uncle don't own a cat, and they're more dog people anyway." He suggested, "Let's give him some now and then play a few rounds of chess?" His eyes gleamed with excitement.
Daphne nodded in agreement and opened the small container, allowing the scent of catnip to fill her nostrils. She placed the opened container in front of Jingles, who sniffed it cautiously. A moment later, he let out a loud meow and plunged his face into the catnip, prompting Daphne to giggle. Suddenly, Jingles began racing around the room, leaping from one piece of furniture to another in an energetic frenzy. He pounced on imaginary prey and rolled around on the floor, his fur standing on end.
Unable to suppress a chuckle, Harry observed Jingles' sudden burst of energy, which contrasted sharply with his typical laziness. He and Daphne continued to watch Jingles for several more minutes, amused by his antics and the way he skidded across the floor in his enthusiasm. Finally, the cat began to settle down. Jingles then returned to Daphne's lap, where he meowed and snuggled into her chest, eliciting a warm embrace from her.
"It seems he really enjoys it," Harry remarked, to which Daphne nodded in agreement. "Yes, he had that sudden burst of energy, and now he's all cuddly." Jingles eventually calmed down completely but kept eyeing the catnip container. However, Daphne closed it tightly, remembering Hermione's warning about potential digestive issues.
Daphne then turned to Harry and asked, "So, should I teach you how to play chess?" Harry nodded enthusiastically, and they spent their time playing chess until it was time for lunch.
~~~o~~~
As they prepared to leave for lunch, Daphne suggested, "Let's visit Hagrid an hour after lunch. We can enjoy some tea with him and casually inquire about the creatures he's been caring for. Once we have the information we need, we should arrange a meeting with the Weasley twins as soon as possible." Harry nodded in agreement, "You're right. It's the perfect time to get into the forbidden section since the castle is practically empty during the holidays." With their plan in place, they headed to the Great Hall together.
During lunch, they enjoyed each other's company while Harry savoured some succulent roast chicken, and Daphne relished her tender slices of beef, just like Jingles. The meal was a feast for their senses, with the aroma of various dishes filling the air and the vibrant colours of the ingredients drawing their eyes. Once they had finished their delicious meal, they decided to take a leisurely walk outside to pass the time.
The Hogwarts grounds were a breathtaking sight, blanketed in a pristine layer of snow that sparkled in the sunlight. The trees were frosted with white, and their footprints left a trail behind them as they walked. Fortunately, Jingles didn't seem to mind the cold snow at all—in fact, he appeared to enjoy it immensely. He happily trudged through the snow, his tail swishing from side to side, occasionally running ahead and pouncing on unseen targets before rejoining Harry and Daphne. The peaceful atmosphere and the joy of their feline companion filled them with a sense of contentment as they continued their walk, anticipating their visit to Hagrid later.
After enough time had passed, they made their way over to Hagrid's hut. Harry knocked on the door, and when Hagrid opened it, he greeted them warmly, "'Arry! Merry Christmas! Come in, I just brewed a nice pot o' tea. I see yeh have company, a friend o' 'Arry is a friend o' mine." Daphne smiled warmly at the half-giant as she entered and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Hagrid. Harry has told me a lot about you. I'm Daphne Greengrass."
Hagrid gave her a nod as he prepared them each a cup of tea. They engaged in small talk for a bit about various topics, before Daphne gave Harry a subtle nudge. He understood what she meant and spoke up, "Say, Hagrid, you know a lot about magical creatures, don't you? On the boat ride over, you explained hippogriffs to us as well as Squirt. I must say, the world of magical beasts fascinates me. I wondered if there were any more amazing stories you could share with us?"
Hagrid thought for a bit, "Well, if yeh liked Squirt, yeh surely would like Fluffy. He's a big dog, a Cerberus to be precise. He looks very threatenin', but he really isn't." Harry perked up at the mention of Fluffy, the Cerberus, "Really, a Cerberus? Could you describe Fluffy a bit more? You know I grew up with Muggles and have never heard of a Cerberus. How do they look, and what do they do?"
Hagrid smiled at Harry's enthusiasm, "Well, yeh see, a Cerberus is generally just a big dog with three heads. Cerberus' are actually really rare, even in the wizardin' world. Now, Fluffy is a big goofball, he loves to play around, and like many other magical creatures, he's deeply misunderstood. People are usually afraid of him, which is a shame."
Harry furrowed his brow in confusion, "So you're saying Fluffy looks dangerous but isn't? That's rather hard to believe. How do you handle him usually?"
Hagrid continued after taking a sip of tea, "The trick with any beast is ter know how ter calm it. Fluffy, fer example, loves any kind o' music. A good song on any instrument usually puts him right ter sleep." Daphne and Harry shared a knowing look as Hagrid continued, "I'd love to show yeh Fluffy sometime, but that'd have to be toward the end of the year. He's, uhm, busy right now, yeah, very busy. Also, if I ever show him to yeh, I recommend that cat," he pointed towards Jingles, who was happily snoozing in Daphne's lap, "to stay away, as Fluffy really hates cats. Which only shows even more that he's a dog at heart."
After obtaining the information they needed, they continued to chat about various magical creatures. Harry wasn't lying when he said he found the subject fascinating, but he could tell that Daphne wasn't too thrilled. Still, she maintained an interested expression so as not to make Hagrid suspicious. As the sun began to set, Hagrid sent them back to the castle, stating that first-years shouldn't be outside when it's dark.
~~~o~~~
After dinner, they met once more in their room to discuss the next steps. "I think we should talk to the Weasley twins tomorrow, around lunchtime," said Harry. "Also, I'm going to try out the cloak tonight, get a lay of the land and such, see where the Professors are patrolling."
Daphne looked at him thoughtfully. "That is a good idea, actually." She then picked up Jingles and handed him to Harry. "Here, if you sneak around the castle tonight, you should take Jingles with you. And since there are no Slytherins around, the password to the common room is 'Serpentis Supremacy.' If something happens, come find me. My room is the second on the left, in the second corridor from the right. The entrance to the common room is a snake statue in the dungeons, not too far from the Potions classroom."
Harry was surprised by her thoughtfulness, but he appreciated it. "Thanks, Daphne. That's a great idea. Jingles could show me a few locations while we sneak around, and being able to reach you adds another layer of safety in case anything weird happens."
With that, they said their goodbyes for the night. Harry gave Daphne a soft, but brief hug once more. They broke it rather quickly since Jingles was complaining with a low meow, as he didn't like being squished between them. He put the feline down and motioned for him to follow. Harry then donned his cloak and started looking for the patrolling Professors.
~~~o~~~
Much to his surprise, after an hour of sneaking around, Harry only found Professor Snape, who was close to the dungeons. As he made his way back through the fourth-floor corridor, Jingles suddenly meowed to catch his attention. The feline then approached a door that Harry assumed led to an unused classroom. To his surprise, a cat flap appeared, just as it always did in their room, and Jingles disappeared through it.
He tried to open the door, but it was locked. Fortunately, he remembered his practice with Daphne. He grabbed his wand, pointed it at the door, and whispered, "Alohomora." With a soft click, the lock sprang open, and Harry could push the door open.
He closed the door behind him and took off the cloak. "Jingles," he called out softly, "where are you?" After inspecting the room, he found the feline sitting in front of a mirror, utterly transfixed. Harry knew that some cats didn't recognize their reflection, but Jingles was much smarter than the average cat. He had seen him with mirrors before, and Jingles had never acted like this. Harry crouched down next to the feline and began to stroke his fur. "Hey buddy, what's up?" He then followed Jingles' gaze and nearly had a heart attack.
In the mirror, he not only saw himself and Jingles but also two adults standing behind him on either side. The man had messy black hair, very much like his own, while the woman had red hair and beautiful green eyes. He turned around to see if they were behind him to find him being alone in the room, but when he looked back in the mirror, they appeared again. Trying hard not to cry, he realized who they were. "Mum, Dad?" he croaked. The figures in the mirror nodded back with smiles.
After a few moments, he knew he had to show this to Daphne. "Come on, Jingles, let's get Daphne. She'll want to see this!" he exclaimed excitedly. To his surprise, Jingles completely ignored him, continuing to stare into the mirror, utterly transfixed. Harry furrowed his brow. "Fine, you stay here, and I'll go get Daphne."
As he put on the cloak and moved towards the door, he noticed that the cat flap through which Jingles had entered was now gone. He would have to research this with the girls. He quickly made his way down to the dungeons. After searching for a bit, he found the room with the snake statue, just as Daphne had described. Harry whispered the password to it, and the statue coiled upwards, forming an archway with a door inside.
Harry hastily made his way through the Slytherin common room, noticing how the atmosphere was much darker and more sinister compared to the Gryffindor common room. He found seven corridors next to each other and remembered Daphne's instructions. "Second corridor from the right, second room on the left," he repeated to himself. He then realized that each Slytherin had their own room instead of a shared dormitory, and he couldn't help but feel slightly jealous. He burst into Daphne's room and shook her awake. "Hey, Daphne, you won't believe what I found!"
