Chapter Twelve
Christmas morning brought no snow but a layer of ice making the world sparkle with unnatural beauty from Harry's window. There was a small knock on the door and Snape came in carrying two steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, whipped cream and a Flake.
He handed one to Harry and sat on the edge of the bed, "How long have you been up for?" He asked Harry.
Harry shrugged and took a sip of his drink letting the liquid warm him, "Only an hour or so."
"I wanted to talk to you before I talked to your mother," Snape paused, "Do you want to go back to Hogwarts?"
Harry looked stunned, "Of course I do."
Snape nodded, "That's what I thought. It's a wonderful place that's for sure. I just worry for your safety."
Harry nodded, "I know but I need to go. I'm really worried though something is going on."
Snape sighed, "There is but I can't tell you what, it's a difficult situation and I don't want you knowing anything about it. For your safety it is better you are as blissfully unaware of the situation as everyone else is. You got your fathers mischief gene though. How's it going with Ronald? I haven't heard anything more."
Harry noticed the change in subject but chose to ignore it, "Ron's a pain. Every time Neville comes within a mile of us he's shouting that we aren't permitted together. I wish he'd just go away."
"Have you tried to be friends with him?" Snape asked, trying to make the last bits of his drink last; he'd always enjoyed this time on Christmas talking to Harry and he hadn't been able to help his step-son anywhere near as much as he would have liked.
"I...I don't want to. He hasn't tried being friends with me just been an ass when I haven't let him worship the ground I walk on. I would have been happy to be his friend but I'm not going to have a fan club." Harry tried to explain.
Snape nodded, "I'm very proud of you for that. For now up, and dressed, Danica will be wanting her presents."
"Hoping there are a few with my name on as well." Harry grinned, draining his mug and handing it to Severus.
Harry dressed in his white robes, running his finger over the embroidery that symbolised his family. He went quickly down the stairs, buzzing with excitement. Everyone was already waiting, also dressed in their ceremonial robes in the large cosy sitting room. A huge fire built up sending flickering shadows onto the wall.
He opened his presents excitedly, Danica sending shreds of wrapping paper flying into the air in her excitement to get into the presents underneath.
Harry got several new books, a set of blocks that joined together magically to create anything from a house to a giant robot. He also got a miniature record player that played any song you wanted it to with a tap of a wand and a potion set with fun experiments to play around with.
Harry thanked everyone before digging out his own presents to give people. Danica got a little spell book he'd written out with harmless little spells that mostly made bright coloured lights and sparkles.
"Figured it would be good for you to practice with her." Harry said after he'd managed to de-tangle himself from Danica's thank you hug.
"It's perfect Harry." Lily reassured him.
Snape got a picture that Harry had drawn, a little cartoon really of Snape telling Harry off for blowing up the school. It was a silly little cartoon that Snape lovingly looked over before slipping it in his robe pocket to keep it safe.
Harry slowly handed a badly wrapped parcel to his mother, "It's not great but I did my best." Harry shrugged.
Lily unwrapped the colourful paper and gazed at the small pottery flower.
"It's beautiful." She smiled, "A lily yes?" She smoothed her fingers over the copper coloured glaze that matched her hair.
"Yeah a lily." Harry relaxed that she liked the present, he'd felt a bit silly having to make everyone gifts. Draco had offered for him to go shopping with the Malfoys but Harry had already started the presents by that point and he also used the excuse to stay away from Draco's creepy aunt Bella. He was looking forward to seeing Draco's other aunt though as her and her daughter were loads of fun.
Sirius flopped down beside Harry and gave him a big hug, "Merry Christmas Harry!"
Harry grinned "Don't worry I haven't forgotten you!" He pulled out another present and handed it over.
Sirius pulled the paper off to reveal the painting of a big black dog rolling on it's back. He burst out laughing, "This is brilliant. Your drawing is getting really good."
Harry blushed slightly at the compliment, "Thanks."
"ME NEXT!" Danica squealed picking up an overly decorated basket full of gifts. Harry grinned, at least he wasn't the worst at wrapping. Danica carefully sifted through her basket and pulled out a strange shaped bottle and gave it to Snape.
"Thank you sweetie." Snape said lovingly. He unwrapped it and showed the room the bottle of purple fluid that was moving slowly, shimmering through the glass.
"For sleep sleep." Danica explained proudly.
"It helps you dream, you add in a slip of paper with what sort of dream you want and it changes colour then you take a sip and it will help you dream what you want." Lilly explained, "It's also one of the most complex potions to brew and comes with a recipe card." she smiled.
Severus gave his daughter a huge hug and kiss, "Thank you."
Danica wiggled free and moved onto her mother, "For you."
Lilly unwrapped the little box. She held up the little necklace, showing a picture of Harry and Danica smiling and waving.
"Thank you so much." She said putting it on, "It's warm." Lily touched the metal.
Snape and Sirius grinned,
"We both worked on finding and modifying it." Sirius said, "It will be warm as long as Harry and Danica are, left side for Harry, Right for Danica. Help ease your mind."
Lily wiped tears away from her eyes and wrapped Harry and Danica in a huge hug.
"Let me goes!" Danica giggled after a few moments, wiggling free, "Father Christmas has given me more prezzies to give out." She said importantly.
Harry made an effort not laugh and straighten his face as Danica handed him his present. He carefully undid the wrapping and grinned. He turned over the book, 'Wizard Chess-view from the masters"
"Thank you Danica, I've been wanting this for ages." Harry grinned.
"Last one for nows." Danica informed them giving Sirius his gift.
Sirius unwrapped his present to find a sparkly pink dog lead and collar, complete with tags.
Lily burst out laughing and Snape did his best to not laugh at Sirius's face.
"Danica what happened to the book we got for him?" Lily laughed.
"No laughing!" Danica ordered which only made Harry also burst out with laughter, "Uncle Remus helped me. A lady said that doggies should not be off the lead with peoples around. They could take him away!" Danica clearly didn't think it was a laughing matter and crossed her arms over her chest and stuck her bottom lip out.
Lily scooped her into a hug, "Oh sweetie. We were out shopping and Sirius came along as Padfoot when a lady told us that dogs needed to be on the lead or they could be taken away." She explained to Harry.
"Ok but why is it pink?" Harry asked his little sister.
"Pink is pretty." Danica said as if it was obvious.
"Well I think it is fabulous!" Sirius announced. He quickly put the collar on and flicked his shoulder length hair, "What do you think?"
Harry remained silent trying to not laugh again.
"You look so pretty!" Danica said straightening the heart shaped tags that had his name, address, phone number on and clapping, "Everyone loved their prezzies."
"Yes we did." Harry reassured her giving her another squishy hug which she thanked him for with a large lick up his cheek.
Krecher popped into the room, dressed in a clean white pillowcase, small holly leaves and berries embroidered along the bottom. He smoothed out the fabric, "Breakfast is ready." he announced.
"Thank you Krecher, we have your presents ready, would you like them now or later when the others arrive?"
"When the others arrive please miss." Krecher beamed flapping his ears.
Danica ran up and gave him a hug, "Merry Christmas K-reach"
They made their way into the dinning room where a large pot of porridge sat on an intricate iron trivet. Harry sat down quickly on his seat and put the bright red napkin, edged with holly leaf embroidery, on his knee and waited for his mother to serve him.
Lily scooped out a generous serving to everyone, including Krecher who for the last few years had learned to enjoy being looked after rather than feeling it was always his job.
Harry coated his porridge in honey, nuts and dried fruit finishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon before taking a spoonful and feeling it warm him from the inside out.
"Are we still going to the fun-fun Christmas party?" Danica asked.
"Yes we always go." Lily said stopping her from putting the third spoonful of sugar on her porridge., "Do you want strawberries?"
Danica nodded and put a huge handful in her bowl.
"Krecher do you need any help with cooking dinner later?" Severus asked scraping his bowl clean.
"No thanks you Master Severus, I's will be all right." Krecher smiled, "How many is coming to double check?"
"Seven including you." Lily told him, starting to stack the bowls.
"I will do that today Missy Lily. You play with Missy Danica." Krecher smiled.
"Krecher play with me!" Danica asked beaming
"I think I'm on washing up duty for now, if that's OK with you?" Lily smiled at the house elf who happily hopped down and took Danica's hand guiding her to the sitting room.
Harry was pouring over the chess book Danica had gotten him when there was a knock on the door. Harry looked up and saw it was nearly one o'clock, he'd been reading for longer than he thought.
"If only you could concrete on your potions studies as well." Severus said sitting next to him and smirking.
"Hey I've only been through two cauldrons so far." Harry grinned, "And my good one is still intact...mostly."
Snape rolled his eyes and stood up greeted Lupin who came through to the sitting room. Harry jumped up and gave him a hug. He looked exhausted but it had only been a few days since the full moon.
"Are you all right?" Snape asked Remus quietly.
He nodded, "I will be. Thank you for the potion." Remus said quietly.
"Uncle woof woof!" Danica shouted running into the room and jumping into Remus's arms. Remus stumbled and flopped into a chair holding tightly onto Danica who laughed happily.
"Danica be careful!" Lily told her sharply, "You might have hurt Uncle Lupin." Lily looked worriedly over Remus's thin frame.
He smiled, "Don't worry about me."
"I've always worried about you." Lily said kindly giving him a gentle hug.
Krecher came into the room and coughed to let everyone know he was there, "Lunch will be ready in about half an hour so we have time for presents if everyone is agreeable." He beamed, he's ears flapping happily.
Lily sat down and Krecher sat on a cushion on the floor. Danica hopped off Lupin's lap and ran to under the tree, "Don't move." She said holding her hands up.
"Why don't we let Harry and Daddy go first?" Lily suggested.
Danica shook her head and rummaged under the tree to bring out two presents. She handed the first to Krecher. He carefully unwrapped it. He held up the pillowcase, covered in different patterns with a set of colouring pens.
"So we can colour together!" Danica said happily, "Mummy said that it can just wash-wash and all the colours dis-a-pear."
Krecher's ears flapped, "Thank you Missy Danica! It's is brilliant!"
Danica gave him a hug before handing the other parcel to Lupin. He unwrapped the small wolf teddy that held a little blanket in it's paw.
"For when you don't feel well every month. My teddies always make me feel better." Danica said climbing back up onto his lap and snuggling into his side.
He gave her a tight squeeze, "Thank you sweetie."
"You is welcome." Danica said.
"Can I go next now?" Harry asked.
Danica nodded. Harry got his presents from under the tree and handed them over. Krecher got a little clay statue of a cat that Harry made and Lupin got picture drawn of him, James and Sirius standing outside Hogwarts. Sirius got a picture of Padfoot, Prongs and Moony running along the Hogwarts forest.
"Thanks Harry, it's perfect." Lupin said.
Sirius nodded, "Thank you."
Krecher clutched the statue to his chest and slipped it into his pocket saying thank you. Snape handed out the last presents; a new bed for Krecher, he would only accept it as a Christmas gift and his other one was badly worn, and Lupin got a new mug, wolves running around the rim.
They chatted for a little while until Krecher, now dressed in his new pillowcase, already scribbled on by Danica, called them to the dinning room.
A long white tablecloth was heaped with a huge roast dinner, three different meats took pride of place, surrounded with roast potatoes and vegetables. Beautiful embroidered red and green napkins sat folded into little crowns on everyone's plates.
Harry took his seat, Lupin on one side and Krecher on the other. Snape stood and raised his glass,
"To the family, I am very grateful for you all and a special thanks to Krecher for this wonderful meal." Snape took a sip of the dark red wine and sat back down.
Everyone joined in the toast, Harry raising his glass of butter beer, wiping the bubbles from his top lip before piling his plate with food. Krecher was a brilliant cook. He couldn't remember a time when the little house elf was part of the family but apparently when they first moved into Grimmauld Place there had been a lot of ill feeling.
Sirius didn't like the house elf, that he viewed as no more than a slave, that was besotted with his newly dead mother but Lily didn't put up with it for long, she was still black and blue from the explosion while shouting at Sirius for being rude to Krecher.
Turns out the house elf loved being part of the family, Harry and then later Danica had become his pride and joy. He often was seen pushing Danica around Diagon Ally in her pram flapping his ears in happiness.
"Are you OK Harry?" Lily asked, jolting Harry from his thoughts.
Harry smiled, "Yeah I'm fine. Just thinking about stuff."
"Anything I can help with?" Lily asked cheerfully, trying to encourage Danica to eat something other than roast potatoes and beef.
"No. School's just really over whelming. There's this kid, he's a bit of an arse, he acts like I should have been his best friend just because I'm famous. We didn't part well. He told this horrible teacher that I was a bully. It's just bugging me."
"You're not a bully." Lily said kindly, wrapping her arms around him, "People have always looked at you differently, because of what happened. You have good friends though?" Lily asked.
Harry nodded, "I can't imagine ever not being friends with Draco and Neville. I'm good friends with Pansy and Daphne as well."
"Pansy and Daphne? Is this friends or friends?" Lily grinned.
Harry rolled his eyes, "Just friends Mum." he wrapped her in a hug and then jumped up, "I'm just going to go grab something before pudding is that OK?" he wanted to grab a chocolate angel from the tree to sneak to Danica.
Lily nodded and turned her attention back to said little sister. While Krecher started to clear the table and lay it out with mouthwatering puddings; chocolate mousse, trifle and a large Christmas pudding, the brandy warmed in a little dish ready to be lit.
Harry walked back through a few minutes later holding a parcel about the size of a thick A4 size book, "Mum what's this?"
Lily shook her head and passed Danica to Sirius, "Where did you find it?"
"It was under the tree, it's got my name on it." Harry said, showing them the label.
The room was very quiet. They all knew Danica wouldn't have missed a present, she was like a blood hound in that respect, it must have arrived after they'd come through for the meal.
"Harry maybe you should let Sevurus open it?" Lily suggested gently.
Harry handed the parcel over quickly. Snape took it and waved his wand carefully over the brown paper, "There's no magic trap. Harry can open it."
He handed the parcel back to Harry. Harry took his seat and slowly opened the paper. Inside was a shimmering silver cloak, with a single chocolate frog packet. Lily gasped and Severus wrapped his arms quickly around her shaking shoulders.
"Is that what I think it is?" Sirius said. He handed Danica to Krecher who held her protectively to his chest.
"Is there a note Harry?" Lily whispered.
Harry dug around under the silky fabric and pulled out a scrap of parchment.
Dear Harry,
Your father left this in my possession before he died, I think it was time it was returned to you. Use it well.
"It doesn't say who sent it?" Lily asked
Harry shook his head, "No just, 'Use it well' What is it? Did it really belong to James?"
"It's an invisibility cloak, they're very rare. I'm not sure where James got his from, before I knew him so I guess he got it from his parents. I thought it was destroyed that night." Lily whispered.
"I told you something so powerful couldn't be..." Sirius shut up quickly as Lily glared at him, Snape gave a look that clearly said to Harry that both men had told her the cloak wasn't gone.
"Now is not the time for that." Lily told them quickly, "It's a wonderful gift from whoever it was that sent it. You look after it sweetie. Danica back to your seat and Krecher would you like to light the Christmas pudding?"
They ate the rest of the meal with general small talk, Harry had three servings of Christmas pudding before his mother stopped him, threatening that he'd explode.
That evening Harry, stuffed full of food, hugged his family good night and made his way up the stairs. He stopped at the first landing to yawn but heard voices. His mother and Snape were talking, his mother clearly upset.
"Whoever had it why? Did James not think that being invisible would have been useful while we were being hunted?!" Lily cried.
"Lily keep your voice down, Harry has only just gone to bed." Snape pleaded with her.
"Who would he have given it to that wouldn't have given it back when we needed it? They are just as responsible for James's death, having that cloak could have saved us all."
Harry waited to hear anything more but it was quiet. He rushed up the rest of the stairs and closed the door. His presents were piled around the end off his bed. He went over and picked up the invisibility cloak sweeping it around him. The chocolate frog fell to the floor, Harry picked it up and chucked it on his bed. He was way to full for the frog tonight but he was still looking for a few cards.
He moved over to the mirror and gasped, all he could see was his head. Everything else, covered in the cloak, was completely gone, no simmering of the air or strange light; just gone. He carefully folded it and stored it under his bed. This was clearly something to keep safe.
He flopped down on his duvet and grabbed the chocolate frog. He pulled the packet open and let the card drop out; stuffing the frog back in.
Harry dumped the packet on the side table and picked up the card, Albus Dumbledore.
Harry sighed, he had Dumbledore, fourteen in fact. He flipped the card over and two words caught his eye.
Nicholas Flamel
