Chapter 53: Winter Wonderland
After spending a night in the Wing, Harry was released by Madam Pomfrey. The next morning, Draco came stalking up.
"Excellent performance, Potter," Draco sneered. "You think you could stay on your broom next time?"
"Excellent shiner, Malfoy," Harry returned. "You think you could dodge Vinny's fist next time?"
Laughter rang through the Great Hall as Vinny blushed in embarrassment. Harry nodded his head toward him. Even though Vinny got a detention for it, Vinny thought it was worth it. Draco sulked away, taking his place at the end of the table next to Pansy.
After the attack by the Dementors, Harry and Hermione both threw themselves, almost bodily, into mastering the Patronus. It was the last D.A. meeting before the holidays and everyone was trying master the spell.
"Ugh," Harry groaned aloud. "I've got a shield but it's not getting any further."
"That's okay, Harry," Lupin said as he watched the teens try. "You've got enough to protect yourself and get yourself to the ground if they come to another match."
"But that won't help if they're attacking other people," Harry massaged a spot on his arm.
"Easy," Lupin pushed Harry back toward one of the benches. "I told you this is a complex spell and it takes time to master. You're way ahead of most fully-trained wizards."
Harry rocked himself a little, fighting the images of the Dementors coming after Hermione or Neville or Luna or anyone he was close to. He had to protect them; he just had to.
Meanwhile, Hermione kept seeing Harry getting dragged away or Harry falling off his broom. She was usually adept at producing a shield but today it was just whisps of light.
"What's the matter?" Hermione snapped her head around to see Susan standing in front of her. "You usually don't struggle with this spell this much."
"I can't take this," Hermione said. "These creatures are going to keep going after Harry. I have to help him next time."
"I get it," Susan said. "I saw him fall out of the sky and thought the worst. And I'm not even dating him."
"Every time I try to find a happy memory, I just see those," Hermione said. "It's awful."
"That's why you can't get it," Susan said. "You're living in some of your worst memories. Harry is safe, he is right over there struggling with the spell like the rest of us."
Hermione took in a deep breath and let it out. Opening her eyes, she looked around Geneva. With the holidays upon them, the castle was decorated for Christmas. Trees were decorated with glittering lights and silver bells rang throughout the hall. Seeing this brought memories of Christmases with her parents, one special one where her dad presented her with a dress she had seen in the window. It was periwinkle with white accents, ironically not unlike the dress the twins wore in "The Shining." Hermione, always preferential to books rather than dresses, had asked her dad to get it. Richard smiled and told her "we'll write a letter to Santa and see what he can do."
She remembered that Christmas, sitting down to dinner in her new dress with her beaming father looking at her.
"Expecto Patronum," Hermione cast and a bright light emerged from her wand, a blob of light extended outward.
"There you go," Susan rubbed her back. "If everything my aunt is telling me, you're really close to a fully corporeal Patronus. Better than I am, at least."
Susan had thus far developed a partial shield but that's as far as she got.
On the other end of the room, Harry was still being talked down by Lupin.
"The Dementors attacking isn't your fault, nor is it your duty to protect everyone," Lupin was consoling Harry when he saw something odd. "You keep rubbing your arm. Is there something wrong?"
"It's burning," Harry said. "Ever since the latest attack, my arm where the Dementor touched me has been burning. Madam Pomfrey can't find anything wrong but the mark hasn't gone away; it's only fading."
"I've never heard of that but then again we know so little about Dementors," Lupin admitted. "They're classified as non-beings by the ministry and the only ones who really know them are residents of the prison."
"I've got to stop them," Harry said. "I've got to protect myself and others from them."
"And you will," Lupin said. "You're close to achieving mastery but you're trying to force your way to the finish. This spell is all about a connection between your emotions, your magic and your wand. That's why it is so difficult to cast. Don't force it. Just let it flow."
Lupin stood and called an end to the meeting.
"This is our last meeting before the holiday break," Lupin said. "I am very pleased with all of your growth through this term. Merry Christmas and I will see you all next year."
As they walked back toward Gryffindor tower, Hermione stopped Harry.
"So I had a thought I was hoping to run by you," Hermione said. "My parents' anniversary is coming up. It's their fifteenth, a big year."
"I didn't even know," Harry said. "I'm sorry I never asked."
"Perfectly okay," Hermione said. "What I was thinking was we could do something special for them. They had their honeymoon in Switzerland, in a small town called Leysin. I was wondering if we could reach out to Gringotts and set that up for them."
"That sounds wonderful!" Harry said. "I'll send Hedwig right away. But that would mean we'd have to stay at the castle for the holidays. Are you okay not seeing your parents?"
"I'm not thrilled with it," Hermione admitted. "But they've done so much for me and I'd love to do something special for them."
"Christmas at Hogwarts," Harry said. "That should be interesting."
Interesting was right. Gripclaw responded the next day, saying they would set up the package. There was also another bundle that Harry slipped into his bag, making Hermione wonder what it was about. A quick letter to her parents and then they wrote their names on the list of students who would be staying. The list was bereft of names except for four.
"Oh you're staying?" Ron said, brightly. "Mum and dad are going to Romania to visit my brother Charlie. He works with nesting dragons out there. Mum doesn't love how dangerous it is but Charlie always says he just prefers to spend time with the hottest women. This'll be great; we'll get to spend some time without anyone else around!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and placed a hand on Harry's forearm. Ron's interest had taken a near obsessive quality and Harry's patience was running thin, making him want to deck the bastard. Harry was about to say something when they got interrupted.
"Oh great benefactor," George's voice was serious. Harry noticed Ron's eyes flash a little but he quickly turned away, pulling Scabbers out of his pocket as he sat in the oddly quiet common room.
"We didn't know you were staying," Fred finished.
"There was something we hoped to give you before you left," George started rifling through his pockets. "Something to have just in case Sirius Black comes around."
"What's this?" Harry asked as they thrust an old piece of parchment into his hands.
"What's this, he asks," George laughed at his twin.
"This," Fred pointed with his wand. "Is the secret of our success. We humbly bequeath you The Marauders Map."
Harry did a double take at the name. It couldn't be, he thought. Harry let his mind wander for a moment.
"How does it work?" Harry held the map in his hands while Hermione leaned in to examine it.
"Like this," Fred tapped the map with his wand. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
Ink blots moved across the parchment, like a Rorschach test, crawling across the page until they formed a map of the castle. On it, there was a set of shoe prints with a banner attached.
"Is that?" Harry looked up at the twins.
"Dumbledore?" Fred smiled. "Pacing in his office."
"Yes," George said. "He does that a lot."
"This map shows you everyone," Fred said.
"Where they are," George continued.
"What they're doing."
"Every moment."
"Of every day."
"This is incredible magic," Hermione said, leaning in to examine the map. "How do you work it?"
"You tap the map at the bottom to go to each level. From there you scan each floor," Fred said. "You can also tap it and ask for a person."
"For example," George extended his wand. "Severus Snape."
The map transitioned to the lowest level and highlighted Snape's name.
"When you're done with it," Fred spoke up. "Tap it and say 'Mischief Managed.' Otherwise everyone can read it."
"Oh Mssrs Moony, Padfoot, Prongs and Wormtail," George clasped the map over his heart, his eyes glistening. Scabbers started to squeak in Ron's hand, forcing Ron to scramble to his dorm, in case Crookshanks was lurking. "What a boon to pranksters they are."
"Though we do have one question," Fred said. "Where do you guys go when you go 'to read.' We know that you're not reading but rather that's your clever disguise to dating."
"Don't ask how we know," George said. "It was painfully obvious to most people in the castle. We just assumed you wanted privacy so we made it clear that anyone who hassled you would be pranked by us.
"We know you're dating but whenever you go to 'read,' you go to the seventh floor; we've figured that much out. After that, you disappear off the map altogether."
"Where do you go?" Fred asked point-blank.
"Okay," Harry dropped his voice. "We'll tell you but you've got to keep this a secret."
Harry then told him about the Room of Requirement and how to access it.
"Wow," the twins said in stereo.
"Now that we have that all figured out, I have something for you," Harry pulled out the package he got from Gringotts. "Lavender! Parvati! Can you come over here?"
Soon four people were seated in front of Harry, looking confused. Even Hermione was puzzled.
"I've been watching the four of you," Harry said. "You've been doing great work developing some great products. This is an offer, not an obligation but there's the Quidditch World Cup coming up, hosted by England. It is a time where witches and wizards of all kinds come around. I have arranged, if you are comfortable, a booth for both of you to build clientele for your businesses."
"You're kidding," an astonished George said.
"He's kidding," Fred looked at his twin with wide eyes.
"He's has to be," George said.
"He's not," Lavender was rifling through her packet.
"It's official: Harry Potter is crazy," George started chuckling, morphing into full-blown laughter.
"This is amazing," Parvati had tears in her eyes. "How did you pull this off?"
"Gripclaw did it, actually," Harry said. "I just thought it might be a good idea when he mentioned it to me back when he was here for the Basilisk rendering. You and your families will all be set up with box seats for the Quidditch Final as well."
"Well dad is trying to get a box, last we heard," George said. "I don't know how far along he is."
"If that's true, let me know so I can fill those seats," Harry said. "What do you say?"
"Someone says 'here's a booth to grow your business at the most prestigious event in the wizarding world,' you say yes," Parvati said. "Thank you, Harry. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Harry returned their smiles. Fred and George stumbled away while Lavender and Parvati sprinted to their dorm in glee.
"You are…" Hermione slid her arm over Harry's shoulder. "There are no words for it."
"It was nothing," Harry waved her compliment away, blushing as he did. "Gripclaw had the idea: I just thought it would be a good idea."
"And I'm sure the goblins are funding it," Hermione said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Well no," Harry admitted. "The Potter accounts are."
"So without you, it wouldn't be happening," Hermione correctly guessed.
Harry nodded, allowing Hermione the opportunity to smile in victory.
"Well if that was nothing," Hermione elbowed him, good-naturedly. "Then I can't wait to see what you got me for Christmas."
"Oh you'll see," Harry grinned cheekily at her. "Christmas Eve, we'll go read and then you'll see."
"Hey Hermione," Harry looked up to see Ron standing in front of them. "Tomorrow's the last Hogsmeade before break. Would you want to go together?"
"We're already going with the other Gryffindors," Hermione gestured to Harry and herself. "Lavender, Parvati, Dean- except for Neville who is going with Hannah of course- and maybe Susan too. You're welcome to join us."
"Naw," Ron waived it away, a forced smile on his face. "Sounds like a crowd. I was hoping for a smaller group."
"Would you at least join us at the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer?" Harry asked. "Neville has promised to meet us then."
"Sure," Ron shrugged his shoulders. "I'll grab Seamus and we'll meet you there."
Hermione rolled her eyes as she watched his ginger head move away. The next morning, Hermione stood in front of her mirror. It was snowing outside which made it hard to dress to impress Harry. She had Lavender braid her hair into a loose plait and Parvati did her makeup. She wore her warmest tights with the tartan skirt. On top, she was wearing four layers, the top one a thick, grey coat. She looked fine but she wished she looked better.
"Are you ready?" Lavender asked. Hermione nodded and they exited the dorm.
Down in the common room, Harry spotted a blonde head of hair bent over a chess board.
"Good morning, Colin," Harry greeted. "How are you?"
"I'm good, Harry," Colin smiled. "This is Ritchie Coote. He's teaching me how to play chess."
"Well I hope you're better than I am," Harry said. As busy as they had been, Harry hadn't had the time to play his usual chess games with Ron. That might also have been a choice, given his overeager pursuit of Hermione. "Hi Ritchie. I'm Harry."
"Good to meet you," Ritchie dark eyes locked onto Harry's green, his dark cheeks took on a darker hue at being addressed by Harry. "Though everyone knows who you are."
"They know who I am," Harry said "That doesn't mean I can be rude and not introduce myself. Be kind to Colin, or at least kinder than Ron is with his opponents."
"I will," Ritchie laughed. "Good to meet you, Harry."
"Good to meet," Harry's train of thought was completely derailed by the appearance of Hermione in the common room. He had never seen her hair like that. With her hair and her outfit, she had never looked better. "Sorry about that. It was nice to meet you Ritche."
Colin sniggered and waved Harry onward.
"Go on," Colin said. "You're distracting me."
"Wouldn't want that," Harry laughed with the younger boy and moved away.
"Good morning," Harry said as he approached Hermione. "You look gorgeous."
"Thank you," Hermione blushed.
"This is for you," Harry held out a single white rose. "I would have liked to do a full bouquet but-"
"-It's lovely," Hermione received it gratefully. Harry put it onto her coat, fastening it with a sticking charm.
After a meal at the Great Hall, Harry led Hermione, Lavender and Parvati down to the carriages. Snow was falling as Harry stopped by the front of the carriage to see the Thestrel pulling it. The Thestral had red eyes and blueish color.
"Yer sayin' hello to Blucifer?" Hagrid asked as he was walking through the courtyard. "Didn't realize yer can see 'em."
"Blucifer?" Harry stroked.
"He's the only one with red eyes," Hagrid said. "With his blueish coloring, it only made sense."
Nodding as Hagrid moved away, Harry hauled himself into the carriage to sit next to a shivering Hermione.
"How can it be so cold?" Hermione asked. "I am wearing four layers and it is still freezing."
"Come here," Harry said, opening his arms. Quicker than Crookshanks, Hermione jumped into them, sliding across the seat and colliding with his chest hard enough that she knocked the breath out of him. Harry brought his arms around her and wrapped her up, using his hands to rub warmth into her back. On the other side of the carriage, Lavender and Parvati were doing the same.
Soon but also entirely too soon, the carriage came to a stop. Harry stepped down first and turned back to help the ladies down, ending with Hermione. The next carriage over, Dean was doing the same with Susan. As a group, they moved down the street, examining the shops.
Just like the last time, Hermione was pulled toward Tomes and Scrolls. Most of the group smiled and waved them off as Hermione yanked open the door. Harry followed poste haste, holding the door open for Susan.
Harry smiled upon entry, seeing Hermione in her element. Hermione sauntered up and down the aisles, running her hands over the leather-bound books on the shelves. Susan was much more workman-like, going straight to the defense section to snag a book about counter curses and another about advanced defense theory. Harry couldn't help be pulled by her choices and grabbed an additional copy of each.
Meanwhile, Hermione was running down her list of books to purchase. She found a book about Runes and how much the magical world uses them. After that, there was a book about enchanting items and how Arithmancy comes in. Finally, she got a book about Battle Transfiguration. McGonagall told them she would be conducting their next session with Flitwick, teaching them about that very subject.
Their books purchased, Harry opened the door as exited. She froze at the exit and stared at the Hogwarts: A History, first edition, that was on display. Harry caught her gazing longingly so he startled her out of reverie.
"We're letting the cold air in, 'Mione," Harry said.
"Oh," Hermione startled and moved outside. "Wait did you just call me 'Mione?"
"Suppose I did," Harry didn't notice it. "I'm sorry. I know you don't like your name shortened."
"I don't like it shortened to Herms," she corrected. "Mione… I like it but only in private or the company of friends."
"You got it, Mione," Harry said. Susan smiled at their exchange, nodded to Harry and walked out the door. Harry turned back toward the book. As if hearing his thoughts, Dobby quietly popped in and nodded his understanding.
Harry walked out of the shop and took his usual place between the two girls. At that moment, a gust of wind kicked up and both girls huddled close to him for shared warmth. As they did that, Harry looked up the street. At the end of the lane, there was an old man with a long, grey beard yelling at a big black dog who was running off with food in its mouth.
"Bloody mongrel!" The barkeep shook his fist at the dog and went back into the bar that Harry noticed was called The Hog's Head. Harry's attention quickly returned to the dog.
"Paddy?" He called out. The dog turned its head toward him. Harry hit the ground as the dog bounded up and collided with Harry at full speed, knocking him over. "I knew that was you!
"What are you doing here?" Harry said while trying to keep him from being licked to death.
"Paddy?" Hermione said, tentatively. "Are you sure, Harry?"
"I am now," Harry said. "I saw him the day of the match, first with Crookshanks and again right before the Dementors attacked."
Paddy whined at that last part, placing his paws over his eyes.
"What's he doing here?" Hermione was puzzled.
"I have no idea," Harry said. "There's something we're missing; something big. I don't know why but I think Lupin would be able to help."
Paddy yelped at this, sprinted toward his stolen meat and ran off.
"Strange dog," Susan said. "How do you know him?"
"We had a stray in my neighborhood this summer," Hermione explained. "Every day, we'd take a walk to the park and he would be there. We just started calling him Paddy."
"And he's now up in Hogsmeade," Susan said. "That's odd. Muggle-repelling charms of the town usually keep muggle animals away too. You sure he isn't a Crup?"
"At this point, I'm not sure of anything," Harry said. "We're missing a piece, a very important piece."
"Hmm," Susan turned pensive as Harry, with Hermione's help, brushed the snow off him.
"I'm freezing," Harry said. "Let's head to the Three Broomsticks; it's almost time to meet everyone."
"In a minute," Hermione said. She led them to Gladrags where they found three pairs of gloves with warming charms on them, to keep their hands at the preferred temperature. That done, they walked toward the Three Broomsticks.
"Wotcher, Harry!" Tonks waved to them as they approached the Three Broomsticks. "Dementors not giving you any more issues, are they?"
"No," Harry absently rubbed the spot on his arm. "Maybe they hate the cold as much as werewolves."
"Naw, they love it," Tonks said. "Amelia has just kept them at their post today. We're responsible for security of the village today."
"Well in that case, would you like to join us for a butterbeer?" Harry asked.
"Sorry, kid," Tonks said. "I've got a job to do."
Looking inside, she saw Lupin sitting with McGonagall and Flitwick.
"On second thought," she turned back. "I could use a break."
"Harry!" Lupin greeted the group warmly as they entered. "How are you enjoying the village?"
"It's nice," Harry replied. "A little cold though."
"It is at that," McGonagall said. "I am Scottish and I still find this valley cold. At least butterbeer is just as good hot as it is cold."
"Thank Merlin for that," Hermione said. At that moment the bag for her books ripped and the books dropped onto the floor. "That's the last thing I needed."
McGonagall summoned the books up to her table.
"Excellent choices," she complimented. "I particularly like the text on transfiguration. You chose well. You just need a heftier bag."
A swish of her wand, the books were now safely ensconced in a burlap bag.
"Thank you, professor," Hermione thanked. "Merry Christmas, professors."
"Merry Christmas," all three returned.
"Enjoy the break," Flitwick said. "I'm about to push you harder than ever, starting next term."
The bar turned cold again and the group turned to see Amelia Bones enter the tavern with the Minister of Magic and a squat woman wearing all pink. Susan squealed for joy and ran to her aunt.
"Good day, Mr. Potter," Amelia smiled at Harry from above Susan's head, noticing just how tall her niece was getting. "Miss Granger always good to see you. Auror Tonks, aren't you on duty?"
"She is," Harry said. "She is going the extra mile to make sure Sirius Black can't get anywhere near me."
Tonks gave him a gracious smile as the minister stepped up.
"Mister Potter," Fudge extended his hand which Harry quickly shook. "Good to finally meet you."
"Good to make your acquaintance, minister," Harry said. "This is my best friend Hermione Granger."
"Ah Miss Granger," Fudge shook her hand. "I've heard much about you. They say you're quite the brilliant witch."
"They don't know the half of it," McGonagall said. "She'd give Lily Evans a run for her money and that's saying something."
Hermione blushed at the praise and noticed the third woman sniff haughtily at the remark.
"Oh where are my manners," Fudge said. "This is my senior undersecretary Delores Umbridge."
Harry noticed Amelia's nostrils flare at Umbridge's introduction. Harry was still polite and offered his hand. She daintily placed her forefingers within his hand for a second and then pulled her hand away as if burned.
"Mr. Potter," Umbridge said in a sickly-sweet voice. "So… pleased to meet you at last. My you do keep strange… company."
Her eyes moved from Hermione to Tonks to Lupin to Flitwick. Flitwick started to fidget with his hands, as if grasping an invisible dagger.
"I am blessed with amazing friends," Harry said with a genuine smile. "That's true. What brings you up to the castle on this fine day, minister?"
"Oh we're checking up on the security of the castle," Amelia said.
"Yes," Fudge gave a nervous smile. "Don't want to have anything happen like what happened at the Quidditch match, now do we?"
"Tragic that was," Umbridge said. Harry swore she smirked. "Good thing nobody was seriously hurt."
"No kidding," Amelia rolled her eyes. Beyond her, Harry could see their fellow Gryffindors- plus Hannah- waving at them.
"We've taken enough of your time, Harry," Lupin smiled. "Go to your friends."
"Thank you, professor," Harry. "Good to see you again Madam Bones and wonderful to meet you minister, madam Umbridge."
Harry waited until he was out of sight, heading toward the corner, when he let out a shudder.
"I did not get a good feeling from that woman," Harry said. "It was like she was glaring at me while trying to make it look polite."
"You're not the only one," Hermione said. "She tried to smile at me but it was just a sneer and she never introduced herself to me."
"Auntie can't stand her," Susan said. "She's a bigoted, two-faced sycophant. That's according to Auntie, anyway."
"I see you met Umbridge," Lavender said as they walked up. "My mum can't stand the bitch. She's a pureblood bigot who covers up her blackness with the most garish pink ensembles. That's according to mum anyway."
"Wow," Harry noticed the similarity between the two women. "I don't think Flitwick likes her either."
"Nobody likes her," Neville said. "She's well-connected with the minister, though. Rode the hem of his robes to her position."
"What does she do?" Hermione asked.
"She's senior undersecretary," Fay said. "She does whatever Fudge doesn't want to. He tells her what to do and she carries it out however she sees fit."
"Enough about the pink toad," Ron said. "Can someone wave the waitress over, I'm bloody starving and cold."
"I could always light a fire," Seamus said.
"No!" Everyone else at the table shouted. Seamus' penchant for explosions was second only to the twins. Their shouts caught the attention of the waitress.
"Good day," the tall woman with wild, red hair came up. "Name's Madam Rosemerta. What can I getcha?"
"Eleven butterbeers, please," Harry said. "And some menus."
Harry threw down three galleons.
"First round is on me," he announced. Ron tore his eyes from the backside of Rosemerta and smiled brightly.
"Thanks, mate," Ron said. "How're you all enjoying Hogsmeade."
"It's nice," Hermione said. "I found a couple books-"
"-Of course you found books," Ron ribbed her. Hermione rolled her eyes and continued.
"-and we found some gloves to help keep us warmer," she finished as if she couldn't hear him.
"We just got back from Zonko's," Seamus said. "They have this new chess set that curses whenever you lose a piece!"
Harry couldn't help but think 'and?' while nodding along to the excited Irishman.
Rosmerta came by to drop some menus. Harry eagerly ordered the Shepherd's Pie while Hermione went with a Baked Potato Soup.
"Sooo," Lavender looked over at Hannah with mirth. "How's your date going?
"It's going well," Hannah said, grabbing Neville's hand. "Neville wanted to take me to Madam Puddlefoot's but I nixed that. That much pink should be outlawed."
She looked over their shoulders at the pink toad who looked uncomfortable sitting with the professors, the minister and Amelia.
"But it's been lovely," Hannah squeezed his hand. "Neville has been amazing."
Neville looked over at Harry and gave him a congenial smile. Knowing how Neville agonized over every decision regarding Hannah, Harry gave him some simple advice.
"Stop second guessing everything," Harry told him in their dorms. "She likes you for who you are; just do something you think she'd like and don't be afraid to change plans if something sounds better."
Harry returned the smile and nodded his head, loving the growth of his godbrother from the shy boy to who he saw now.
"This village is great, isn't it?" Dean looked around the table excitedly. "I wish we had Colin with us to take a picture. I'd love to show my folks what this is like."
"You could always sketch something for them," Harry pointed out.
"Hadn't thought of that," Dean's eyes got a faraway look before scrambling for his bag. Before he knew it, Dean had his pad of paper out and was sketching.
Before long, everyone had gone home for the holidays except for a select few, notably the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione. They did everything they could to keep themselves busy in the suddenly empty castle. They had a snowball fight, built a snowman and, at least in the case of Harry and Hermione, spent plenty of time in the library. They worked ahead in Arithmancy and Runes and browsed the book on battlefield transfiguration.
Soon, it was Christmas Eve and Harry and Hermione were in the Room of Requirement, perfectly decorated for the occasion. Harry cooked dinner, being ambitious in cooking full Pot Roast. Realizing there was too much for the two of them, Harry had Dobby join them. The leftovers he took and shared with the castle elves as a thank you for all their work throughout the year.
"Thank you," Trillby, one of the castle elves said. "Nobody is ever cooking for us."
"Then I'll have to do it more often," Harry said. Hermione beamed at her boyfriend. She was still adjusting to the fact that elves were the magical workforce and while she would love to have enforced pay and days off, she was overjoyed that Harry would be kind enough to do specifically for them.
After dinner, they sat down in front of the fireplace and exchanged gifts. At her behest, Harry went first. Grabbing the first package, he opened and found a poster of two street signs in California. On one, it read Hollywood and the other read Vine.
"It's our two wand woods," Hermione said. "I know a few of the boys put up posters and I thought you might like to have one of your own. It's got a rune on it that will allow you to shrink it when you need to pack it up."
Hermione pressed the rune at the bottom and the poster shrunk to the size of a playing card. Harry pocketed the poster while he picked up the second package, this one much smaller. Hermione waited with bated breath as he opened it.
A scarf fell into his hands, made of red and gold yarn
"Did you make this?" Harry asked.
"I've been learning to knit with magic," Hermione said. "Do you like it?"
"I love it!" Harry said as he wrapped it around his neck. "I always love when you make me something. Now your turn."
Hermione grabbed the parcel in front of her. It was both flexible and lightweight at the same time. She tore open the wrapping and found a book bag with her initials monogramed on the front.
"It's impervious, weightless with an undetectable extension charm," Harry said. "All the better to hold your books without carrying the weight."
"Oh thank you!" Hermione hugged Harry tightly. She had repaired her old one so many times because it kept splitting. "This is perfect, Harry!"
"Open it," Harry gestured to the bag.
With trembling hands, Hermione opened the bag and saw two things inside it. First, was a book that was as old as it was thick.
"You didn't," Hermione looked at her beaming boyfriend. She pulled the book out and it was the First Edition of Hogwarts: A History that she saw in the shop. "This must have cost a fortune."
"It looked like you wanted it really badly," Harry said. "Dobby did all the legwork."
Hermione gently set the book aside and pulled out the second part, a rolled up piece of parchment that felt smooth rather than rough in her hands. It was tied with a red ribbon. Hermione untied the ribbon and unrolled a sketch drawing of the castle and surrounding grounds with the black lake in the foreground. At the bottom, there was an inscription, in Harry's messy writing: To the girl who makes Hogwarts magical.
Hermione ran her fingers over the inscription. When she reached the word magical, the castle lit up like the first time they ever saw it.
"How did you do this?" Hermione's eyes were misting over.
"Dean was the one who drew the picture," Harry said. "I asked Professor Babbling for some help with the rune work. It's got runes to protect it from tearing with a power rune imbibed into the word magical, tied to a light rune at each window."
At the end of his explanation, Hermione launched herself at Harry, snogging him senseless, pushing him back onto the sofa as she did. A while later, Hermione relaxed on top of him, feeling his chest move with each breath he took.
"You're so sweet," Hermione said. "You're right: the castle just wouldn't be as magical without you in it. Come on, I need to give you my last gift."
Hermione pulled him from the warm sofa, pulling him outside the Room.
"What are you doing?" Harry asked as Hermione began to pace in front of the wall once more.
"You'll see," Hermione gave him a mischievous smirk. She was done and a door appeared, this one looked covered in ice. She opened the door and ushered him inside. Harry shivered as he crossed the threshold.
"I've been working on this for a while now," Hermione said. "Layer up, we're going for a walk."
Hermione pointed to the left where a coat and hat were hung in exactly his size. Hermione had one on her side. Hermione brandished the gloves she purchased at Hogsmeade. In front of Harry was a snow-covered path, bordered with lanterns. Hermione snaked her hand through Harry's and together they walked onward. The snow crunched beneath their feet as they walked through the winter paradise she had created.
"How did you do this?" Harry asked.
"No more questions today, Harry," Hermione said, sliding closer to him to put her head on his shoulder. "Let's just enjoy one another's company."
On they walked until they reached the end of the path where an arch sat. At the top of the arch was…
"Mistletoe?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded sheepishly as Harry drew her close. "I guess it is tradition."
"And we don't trample on tradition," Hermione said, primly. Their heads drew together and time stood still yet again as their lips connected. Harry could swear even the snowflakes stopped falling. "Merry Christmas, Harry."
"Merry Christmas, Hermione," Harry said. "Thank you for this."
"Anything for you, Harry," Hermione said. "Anything for you."
(A/N: Thank you Bigmike33321 for this outstanding suggestion.
The description of the map is how I always pictured it in the books. Cuts down on the size of the map and makes the magic that much more incredible. Also added a search feature because I wanted to.)