I woke up Christmas morning with Clawdius snoozing away on top of my face. This was, of course, the ideal way to wake up, in my opinion. I gently scooped him off of me and gave him a kiss on his little black head before getting ready for the day.

It would be the first Christmas of this life without my family. Without my mother. There would be no homemade tamales or ponche or funny stories from Tio Luis that nobody under the age of twenty-five should have heard. I mean, I knew this was coming. Nochebuena was yesterday and there was no late-night mass or huge feast. I had spent it alone, telling the boys I wasn't feeling good. In reality, I'd been crying all day, only taking a break to stop at the kitchens late in the night. I wanted Mamá to hold me and sing Blanca Navidad while laughing at the fact that it was always warm and sunny in our home in Southern California, even on Christmas. I wanted Tia Adriana to make us all chocolate para mesa and to take turns with my cousins beating a piñata . I wanted to be home .

Instead I was in chilly, snowy England with the closest relative in proximity being Snivellus Fucking Snap. I couldn't do most of my traditions even if I wanted to. I couldn't grieve today, because I didn't want to worry the boys even further. I couldn't ruin Harry's first Christmas away from the Dursley's.

"Morning, amigos ," I greeted as I entered Gryffindor tower. Ron had had an unauthorized slumber party with Harry last night, so he was already waiting by the tree with the others. Unlike in the original version of events, we'd all have Christmas morning together. All the Weasleys alongside Harry and me.

"Aurelia!" Harry beamed, "We've all got presents!"

"Wow, that's great, Harry!"

"Aurelia, Feliz Natal!" Percy said cheerfully.

I blinked at Percy's greeting. Was he trying to say " Feliz Navidad " or something?

The eldest present Weasley boy frowned, "Did I not pronounce it correctly? I admit my Portuguese leaves much to be desired, but I truly thought I'd improved enough to say 'Happy Christmas' well enough."

Portuguese? The hell is he— ohhhh. He probably saw my tan skin and subconsciously assumed I was the same kind of Latino as his pen-pal.

"Percy, where do you think I'm from?"

His frown deepened, "Aren't you Brazilian-American? Do you not know Portuguese?"

"She's Mexican, mate. Completely different language," Ron corrected before munching on some cookies with what appeared to be cherry bits in them. I rolled my eyes. As if he didn't think I was from Spain not that long ago.

The twins laughed as their older brother went redder than Ron's cookies. He sputtered out an apology and I quickly forgave him. Honestly, I thought it was kinda funny. It was nice to have a laugh today.

"Feliz Navidad," I told him fondly. It was actually really sweet attempt, even if he was a bit off.

"Feliz Navidad," he parroted with a sheepish smile that quite honestly reminded me greatly of Ron. The Weasley brothers were a lot more alike than any of them were willing to admit.

"Alright," said one of the twins, "'Nough of that!"

"It's present time!" Said the other.

I was seriously going to have to learn the difference between them. Whatever magic all those other people who got thrust in to Harry Potter had that let them tell the twins apart instantly, I wanted it. Dark magic was not off the table.

I plopped down next to the boys and finally took time to appreciate Gryffindor Tower.

I had to hand it to the Gryffindors. The place was decorated magnificently. I loved the Slytherin common room more than anywhere else in the castle, but no one had bothered to decorate. Light shone through the frosted lattice windows, seemingly lighting up holly adorning the frames. There was holly everywhere, really. But not in a tacky, overdone way. The tree seemed to stretch up in to the ceiling, a glowing golden star placed carefully on top. Gold, red, and glass ornaments of every shape were the evergreen's jewels. Everyone had put the presents that were originally at the foots of their bed under the tree. The fire even seemed to be redder than usual.

It was warm and welcoming to all, and I couldn't help but feel just a bit more relaxed by the scent of cinnamon and apples. I felt at home, but not my own, if that made any sense. It was like the home of a close friend or relative. Inviting and soothing, yes, but still not mine. I knew in my heart had the Sorting Hat listened to my demands at places me in the house of Godric, I'd always have felt like an outsider. A guest who had overstayed their welcome.

Percy cleared his throat, "Alright then. Youngest to eldest. Harry, I believe that would be you."

"Wait, Aurelia, when's your birthday?" Harry asked.

"You and Ron are both younger than me. Don't worry."

He looked as though he was about to ask another question, so I shut him up by reaching over to the nearest present that had his name on it. It was the wooden flute Hagrid made that sounded like an owl when Harry blew on it.

Harry's next present was a tiny parcel with a coin and a note. I wanted to laugh at the similarity between the Dursley's gift to Harry and Snape's gift to me.

"We received your message and enclose your Christmas present. From Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia," he read aloud.

"Well that's friendly," said Harry.

Ron was fascinated by the fifty pence.

"Weird!" He said, "What a shape! This is money?"

"You can keep it," said Harry, laughing at how pleased Ron was.

The twins and Percy were also fascinated, but wanted to get things moving along. I handed Harry a lumpy parcel.

"Oh, that's from Mum," said Percy.

Ron suddenly looked very pink and groaned when Harry opened his gift. A tin full of homemade fudge and knitted maroon sweater. I noted Harry had received maroon this time, instead of emerald green.

Next was candy from Hermione and then finally my gift.

"I didn't have a lot of pocket money," I warned.

Harry smiled at me, eyes glistening, "You didn't have to get me anything."

I shrugged, "S'all good, amigo."

Harry carefully untied the red ribbon of the wooden box I had transfigured and looked slightly puzzled as he pulled out two small wooden skulls that I painted vibrantly.

"…Thanks?"

I coughed, face turning a bit red as I looked the other direction, "They're calaveras. They… they're made to honor decreased loved ones. We put them on graves and ofrendas on Dia de los Muertos— The Day of the Dead. I wanted to have a proper celebration with you, but it was back in early November. You know, when I was in the infirmary. But, um, I thought this would make a nice Christmas gift instead. Er— they're, um, they're made to represent your parents. To let you know that they're always with you. I know it's not like, pictures or anything… I'm sorry, that's weird, isn't it?"

The only noise that could be heard in the tower was the crackling of the fire. I was suddenly feeling very self-conscious. Oh god, did I really give an English orphan kid something that reminds him his parents are dead on Christmas? English— even American culture— is very different from Mexican. God, I'm so—

"Thank you," Harry's voice cracked. His jade eyes were foggy with tears. Oh Moses, I'm a monster.

"I'm sorry! I swear I didn't mean any harm! I should have thought this through a bit more—"

Harry placed a hand on my flailing arms. The first time he'd ever intentionally initiated physical contact.

"Thank you, Aurelia. This is the most beautiful gift I've ever been given."

"Yeah," said Ron, "the flowers on that one are really cool. What are they?"

"They're… they're Mexican lilies. They don't usually appear on calaveras, but I thought they'd be nice for representing your mom. You know, red like her hair. Green for her eyes. Lilies for… Lily. I tried to make them both really personalized."

Harry traced the golden dots and broomsticks on the skull for James, and gently set them back in the box.

"I mean it," he locked eyes with me, "Thank you."

I nervously scratched the back of my head, "You're welcome…"

The rest of Christmas morning was rather pleasant. Each of the Weasleys received a bag full of pan dulce that I'd slaved away baking after my crying fest. Ron (who'd received the Slytherin green Weasley sweater this year) especially liked the conchas I'd made and asked if I could send his mother the recipe. Hermione got a collection of Mark Twain stories that I'd taken with me to Hogwarts. I had figured she'd appreciate more than me. Plus it was a staple of American literature and I wanted to share a bit of my homeland with her.

I myself had gotten a box of spicy Mexican candy from Hermione. Apparently she had asked her parents to go to a local multi-cultural store and get some tajin covered sweets for me. It was much appreciated, and I was determined to make them last. British food was too bland for my taste. Stole all the world's spices and didn't use any of them.

Snape sent me the second year potions textbook. He didn't write his name down, but I just knew it couldn't have been anyone else.

"Aurelia Eileen, I expect you to have this memorized by May. Happy Christmas."

"Your middle name is Eileen?" Harry asked.

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose, "It's not. And he knows this."

Percy seemed mildly considered by my "father's" present.

"Goodness. I'm a firm believer in getting a head start, but you'd have thought Snape sent this."

Ron, Harry, and I gave each other a knowing look.

I was suddenly a lot happier with the gift I had sent Snape.

Mrs. Weasley, much to my surprise, had sent me a Weasley sweater as well.

"Aww, Ron, you told your mom about me?"

I would never get sick of my favorite ginger's blush, "Well, you are one of my friends so…"

As the twins bullied him, I quickly put it on. It was gold. Not Hufflepuff yellow, but a true gold. It went wonderfully with my complexion and was probably one of the softest things I had ever felt. I'd have to embroider something for her one of these days.

"I am like, never taking this off. Tell Mrs. Weasley I would die for her. No, I'm not exaggerating."

Everyone laughed and all was merry for the rest of the morning.

"Ay, Flaco!" I said once the twins and Percy had left the Gryffindor common room, "Looks like we missed one for ya."

Harry, who was used to my nicknames, turned around. "Oh? Who from?"

"Doesn't say." I tossed the parcel at him. I knew full well what this was, I just didn't want the twins or Percy knowing about Harry's invisibility cloak. "Let me know what it is later. I'm heading back to the dungeons to recharge."

The boys nodded, "See you in the Great Hall."

I gave a lazy salute and left Gryffindor Tower, smiling at the sound of gasps of delight.