Christmas morning dawned peacefully over Bones Manor, with Harry and Neville deep in sleep. Neville was curled up on the mattress next to Harry's bed, while Harry lay sprawled across his own bed, both boys blissfully unaware of the mischief about to unfold.
three determined "predators" crept into the room, armed with pillows, rolls of wrapping paper, and mischievous grins.
Susan, Hermione, and Hannah tiptoed closer, exchanging excited glances as they held their weapons at the ready. The boys were completely oblivious to the impending ambush, worn out from the anticipation of Christmas and the excitement of Christmas Eve.
The girls silently counted down. One… two… three!
With a synchronized attack, Susan and Hermione launched their pillows at Harry from both sides, while Hannah smacked Neville repeatedly with a roll of wrapping paper. The room filled with laughter and squeals as the three girls pounced, relentless in their attack.
Both Harry and Neville's training kicked in immediately. Amelia had been guiding them in basic defensive maneuvers since they returned from Hogwarts, hoping to channel their energy into something productive. So, despite being caught off guard, they instinctively jumped up, scanning the room, their eyes sharp and their muscles tense. Harry instinctively raised his arms, his claws almost starting to extend, while Neville clenched his fists.
It took only a second for them to recognize their "attackers." With a groan, Harry grumbled, "Really, you lot? This is how you wake us up?"
The girls were practically doubled over in laughter, but they continued to pelt the boys with their pillows. Neville looked at Harry, clearly unimpressed. "Harry… you're on the ceiling…"
Harry blinked, finally taking in his surroundings. True to Neville's words, he had instinctively leapt up, and his claws had dug into the ceiling to hold himself in place, much like a startled cat clinging to the top of a wardrobe.
The sight was too much for the girls, who collapsed in fits of laughter, their giggles filling the room. Susan, in particular, was having a grand time. "Oh, Merlin… Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Climbs!"
Harry's face turned a slight shade of pink as he grumbled, "I didn't ask for this," and retracted his claws. With a soft thump, he landed back on his bed, sinking into the pillows. But the commotion wasn't over yet.
At the doorway stood an amused crowd of adults: Amelia, Hannah's parents Matilda and Edgar Abbott, Hermione's parents Emma and Daniel Granger, and even Neville's formidable grandmother, Augusta Longbottom. Each of them was stifling laughter, but it was Amelia who finally broke the silence, smirking as she stepped forward.
"Merry Christmas, boys," she said warmly, her eyes twinkling with a familiar fondness. "If you two are done testing your reflexes, I think it's time for presents."
Harry rubbed his head, looking back at her with a sheepish smile, and then at Susan, who was now patting his hair in a mock-soothing manner. "There, there, kitty," she teased, scratching his head lightly.
To everyone's amusement, Harry actually leaned into the scratches, letting his eyes droop slightly as if he were some content housecat. The adults burst into laughter, and even Neville joined in, grinning at his friend.
"Harry," Augusta Longbottom's stern but caring voice cut through the laughter as she stepped forward. She held herself regally, her hat perched on her head as usual, but her expression softened as she looked at him. "I see the training is paying off, though perhaps I should have advised caution when it comes to ceilings."
Harry looked at her, a hint of respect in his gaze. "Yes, ma'am," he said, sounding almost chastened.
Emma Granger chuckled as she handed Neville a present. "Well, I must say, Daniel and I have never quite seen a Christmas morning like this," she remarked with a grin. "Harry, I can only imagine how you two managed at Hogwarts."
Daniel, standing beside her, nodded in agreement, his eyes twinkling with humor. "I'd say Hogwarts is in for a treat with the two of you around," he said with a knowing smile.
As the laughter subsided, Amelia stepped forward with a small box, placing it in Harry's lap. "I thought you might appreciate something a bit more… traditional," she said, a hint of emotion in her voice. "And a bit more comfortable for when you're back at school."
Harry's eyes softened as he unwrapped the gift. Inside, he found a thick, cozy sweater in Ravenclaw blue, with his initials stitched in silver thread over the chest. It was soft and warm, and he could tell from the look in her eyes that Amelia had chosen it with care.
"Thank you, Mum," he said quietly, his voice full of gratitude. He pulled the sweater on, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the fabric. He glanced around the room, feeling a sense of belonging that filled him with peace.
"More presents!" Susan called out, pushing a small pile of brightly wrapped gifts toward him and Neville.
As they unwrapped their presents, laughter and chatter filled the room. Harry received a set of enchanted quills from the Abbotts, designed to change colors with a tap, and a beautifully bound journal from Emma and Daniel, with his initials embossed on the cover. Augusta, ever practical, gave him a small magical pocket watch, "to ensure you're always on time," she explained with a stern glance that softened as she watched him accept it gratefully.
The last gift was from Hermione, a small charm bracelet with a miniature book and broomstick charm. "I thought you might like it," she said shyly, watching his face as he held the bracelet, clearly touched.
"I do. Thank you," Harry replied, offering her a soft smile.
Harry watched Neville beaming over his gifts, eyes bright as he examined the custom-made wand his grandmother had gifted him. Augusta, known for her stern demeanor, looked slightly taken aback when Neville gave her a hug that seemed to encompass a lifetime of gratitude and love. She softened, holding him with a rare tenderness, patting his back with a sigh that spoke of old wounds and memories. Her gaze flicked to Harry, and she nodded at him, a small but genuine smile crossing her lips.
Across the room, the other adults began opening their own gifts, their laughter mingling with the occasional gasp or chuckle as they discovered what Harry and Neville had chosen for each of them. While Harry could have easily afforded extravagant gifts for everyone, he had carefully picked thoughtful items, tokens that showed he understood each person in ways that surprised them. The gifts weren't necessarily expensive, but they were perfect—precisely what each person would appreciate, from a favorite book to a hand-carved charm.
Emma and Daniel Granger opened their gifts with smiles that only widened when they saw Harry watching them cautiously from the other side of the room. His expression wasn't hostile, but there was an undeniable edge of wariness. Over the past few weeks, ever since Halloween, Harry had slowly started letting his guard down around Hermione's parents. He'd seen them embrace their daughter with unwavering love, support her dreams of Hogwarts, and accept the magical world with a surprising openness. It had been Amelia who first explained Harry's situation to them, giving them insight into the difficulties he'd faced and the reasons behind his initial hostility toward Muggles.
"I know it's not easy for him to trust," Amelia had said, her voice quiet but firm. "It's not personal. He doesn't hate you or your kind, but you must understand…Harry's past hasn't left him with much reason to feel safe around Muggles."
Emma and Daniel had listened intently, their faces reflecting sympathy and understanding. "We won't push him," Emma had promised, casting a glance at her husband. "Harry's comfort matters as much as Hermione's."
With Amelia's encouragement and the Grangers' genuine kindness, Harry had begun to relax around them, though he remained cautious. Sometimes he would catch himself watching Emma or Daniel as they shared moments with Hermione or engaged in easy conversation with Amelia and the others. The care and respect they showed had softened his view, though he still maintained a certain distance, unable to fully let go of old memories and fears.
As he watched the Grangers laugh at something Augusta said, he felt an unexpected sense of warmth spread through him. For the first time, he felt as if he could see them as more than just Muggles—maybe not yet as family, but as people who genuinely cared about Hermione, and by extension, about him.
Neville nudged him, breaking Harry's reverie. "You okay, Harry?" Neville asked, noticing the far-off look in his friend's eyes.
Harry blinked, focusing on Neville. "Yeah, I'm good," he said, managing a faint smile. "Just…thinking."
Neville glanced over at the adults, his gaze lingering on Augusta, who was watching them both with a look of pride. "It's nice, isn't it?" he said, his voice low. "To have this…a real family."
Harry nodded, the words resonating deeply with him. "Yeah," he murmured, a hint of wonder in his tone. "It really is."
At that moment, Susan dashed over, her hands full of brightly wrapped packages. "Come on, boys! You haven't finished opening your presents yet!" she said, practically dragging them toward the remaining gifts. She plopped down beside Harry, giving him a playful nudge. "Thoughtful as ever, Harry, but you're forgetting the fun of getting presents too."
Harry chuckled and reached for the next gift in his pile. It was a set of beautifully illustrated books on magical creatures, from Amelia. As he opened them, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered, glancing over at her. She met his eyes with a gentle smile, a reminder of the constant support she'd offered him since he'd come into her life.
One by one, everyone shared their gifts, each unwrapping a small treasure carefully chosen by someone who cared. The room was filled with laughter, the warmth of camaraderie, and an undeniable feeling of family. Harry, Neville, Susan, and Hannah swapped small gifts between them, and the adults looked on, their eyes reflecting the joy of the moment.
Emma and Daniel Granger, too, shared in the festivities. They received a small charmed frame from Amelia, one that would cycle through a series of family photos. They looked at her, visibly touched, and she simply smiled, nodding. "Consider it a token of welcome," she said softly. "You're family too."
Harry observed this interaction, noting the way Emma and Daniel glanced at Hermione with a blend of pride and affection. They reminded him of how he imagined his own parents might have looked at him, and a part of him softened further. He didn't completely trust them yet, couldn't bring himself to let go of all his reservations, but he could sense their love for Hermione, and it made him feel a little less wary.
As the morning wore on, the adults gathered around with mugs of warm cider, exchanging stories and laughing over tales from Hogwarts and the wider magical world. Even Augusta shared a rare smile or two, her usually stern demeanor softening in the presence of her family and friends.
Matilda Abbott, Hannah's mother, raised her mug with a grin. "Here's to a Christmas worth remembering!" she declared. Everyone echoed her sentiment, clinking their mugs and cups together with enthusiasm.
Harry took a sip of his own cider, savoring the warmth of the drink and the comfort of the moment. When he glanced around, he noticed Daniel Granger watching him thoughtfully. Daniel raised his mug slightly in Harry's direction, offering a small, friendly smile. After a moment's hesitation, Harry returned the gesture, the tiniest nod of acceptance. It was a small step, but it felt significant, a quiet acknowledgment of the gradual shift in his perspective.
As the adults settled into conversations, Harry and Neville took it upon themselves to pass out the gifts they'd bought for the others. Though Harry could have easily afforded expensive gifts, he'd opted for thoughtful choices that reflected the personalities and interests of each person. He handed Emma a small handcrafted trinket that changed colors based on the season, while Daniel received a charmed compass that always pointed to Hermione, a gift he accepted with a broad smile.
When he handed Augusta a delicate, enchanted quill that would never wear down, she looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "You're quite thoughtful for someone your age," she commented, though her tone was warm.
Harry shrugged, giving her a small smile. "Thank you, Gran," he replied, the word slipping out naturally. Augusta's eyes softened as she placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him an approving nod.
The laughter and chatter continued through the morning, the room filled with a sense of unity and belonging. For the first time in years, Harry felt as if he truly belonged somewhere, as if he were part of a family that cared for him and saw him for who he was. It wasn't perfect—he still harbored a cautious wariness around the Grangers, especially when left alone with them—but he was starting to see them as more than just Muggles. With each day, he accepted them a little more, their genuine warmth and kindness chipping away at his guarded exterior.
By the time the morning's festivities came to an end, everyone was relaxed and content. Harry caught sight of Emma Granger as she wrapped her arm around Hermione, sharing a quiet, joyful smile with her daughter. He realized then that, while he might not completely understand Muggles, he could recognize and respect the love they had for their own. It was enough for him, for now.
As the last presents were exchanged and the room slowly began to settle, Amelia called everyone together for a group photo, conjuring a camera with a flick of her wand. Harry found himself sandwiched between Neville and Susan, with Amelia standing behind him, a comforting presence that made him feel secure.
"Alright, everyone, smile!" Amelia instructed, and the room broke into grins and laughter as the flash went off.
In that moment, surrounded by his friends, family, and newfound allies, Harry felt a warmth he had rarely experienced. It was a Christmas worth remembering, a holiday spent with those who accepted him, cared for him, and made him feel truly at home.
Harry later got that picture framed in a charmed picture frame so that it was unbreakable. It was second favorite picture ever. Just after the one with his parents that Dumbledore gave him when they was in gringotts