The first months at Hogwarts flew by, and before the trio knew it, it was time for Christmas. The castle was adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The trees Hagrid carried into the Great Hall were covered in real snow and the candles had been transformed red to match the wreaths on each table. The decorations got a disparaging remark from Draco ("It's tacky. Nothing like my mother's decoration at the Manor.") but Draco got a quick elbow from Hermione.
Despite Harry sleeping in and a frantic rush, the trio made it onto the train. Even though Harry was in Gryffindor, it only made their friendship stronger. It also allowed for a lot of fun stories to be exchanged during the ride home, mostly about Fred and George pranking their brothers and the other Slytherin first years that Draco had "guided." This last story gained a frown from Hermione but boisterous laughter from Harry.
When the train did pull into the station, Hermione was the first one off, but the other two were close behind.
"Dad!" She ran into Sirius's open arms.
"Hi Kitten." Sirius wrapped her up tightly. "Missed you so much. How was your first term at the best school in the whole world?"
Hermione's face lit up with joy as she began to regal the stories of her adventures. "There's so much to learn, Dad. Our Transfiguration professor is also an Animagus by the way and you should have seen Draco's face the first day when she transformed right in front of him. He's not used to you or Uncle James as much as Harry and I are. And the Potions professor is super strict but he's so smart, Dad."
"He's a right git." Draco scowled.
"Draco! Do not use that phrase." Narcissa admonished.
"What? He is! My potion was lilac and not lavender and he gave me the same marks as Weasley who blew up his potion. It's not fair!" Draco crossed his arms.
"That's Snivellus for you. Always bitter and harsh. Ouch!" Sirius laughed at James's nickname, but quickly shut up when Lily hit both their heads.
"Professor Snape is a very intelligent professor. I'm glad you're enjoying your classes, Hermione. Harry and Draco, are you as well?" At their assent, Lily continued with a smile. "Now, I heard there is a surprise for the three of you back at Grimmauld Place. Shall we?"
A/N Hey y'all. I know it's been quite a bit (since 2020). I have literally gone through high school and most of university before updating this story and I am so sorry. Life got super crazy, but the good news is that my 2024 goal is to finish this. TBH I have no idea where I want this story to really go, but I have vague ideas in my head so please hang in there with me. I decided to also keep my writing style of being in 8th grade so don't expect greatness. I have another story idea that would be better written but I am containing myself on that until I finish this one. Also you'll notice I deleted the duals scene mostly b/c I hated it lol. Please please please review as it really gives me motivation.
Love, SWW
Edit: error uploading