Year 1 - Chapter 23
As the leaves fell from the trees and a blanket of soft snow covered the grounds of Hogwarts, Harry grew quieter and quieter. He didn’t lose his voice again and for that, he was grateful, but Harry realised he just didn’t have anything to say. The castle grew colder, and the halls whistled with the blustery winds of winter that seeped through the cracks in the windows. One evening at the end of the second week of December, Harry was curled up in front of the fire, his cloak wrapped tight around his body to protect himself from the cold. He watched the amber flames dance in the grate, allowing the warmth of weave it’s way around the common room. Hermione was curled up next to him, her head resting lightly on the boy’s knee. She used one hand to prop open her book, the other rubbed comforting circles on the boy’s hand that was hanging limply by his side. The pair had taken to assuming this position most evenings and Harry had grown to expect the comforting touch – something that was non-existent in his life prior to his arrival at Hogwarts. Harry liked it. It grounded him.
That evening, the portrait swung open and through it came Professor McGonagall. He greying hair was scraped back into a tight bun that pulled at her skin, making a face look sharp and pointed. Her emerald robes pooled on the floor as she stood in front of her assembly of lions. Harry didn’t look up at her. Part of him was still hurt at the fact that she had ignored him and left him alone for so long, leaving him at the mercy of Professor Snape. But that other part of Harry, the reasonable, unemotional part, growled that it was not her fault, and someone had made her forget. He knew now that Hermione had got her memories back, that she no longer forgot anything, and that hopeful part of Harry had thought that maybe the same thing would happen to his Head of House but, evidently not.
“Attention everyone. With winter break fast approaching, I’m sure you’re all very eager to return home to your families.” McGonagall announced, casting a warm eye over the crowd of students. There was a ripple of excited whispers and eager nodding. McGonagall raised her hands to silence the students.
“Yes, yes. Very exciting. However, everyone must come and let me know whether they are staying here or leaving. Thank you.” With that, McGonagall swept out of the common room and closed the portrait door behind her.
“I’m so excited to go home Harry!” Hermione cried, smiling widely. Harry nodded silently and returned his gaze to the fire. He was glad that Hermione got to go home but Harry couldn’t help but feel jealous. He wished that he had parents to go home to, or at least a loving family.
“I’ll b-be staying here.” Harry whispered sadly. Hermione’s smile fell from her face and she furrowed her eyebrows.
“Oh Harry. I’m so sorry. That was so insensitive of me!” The girl exclaimed, her hands flying to her mouth in shock.
“Don’t be s-silly. You’re allowed to be h-happy. It must be h-hard being away f-from your family.” Harry replied, resting his hand on his friend’s arm. Hermione dropped her head and thought for a moment. Then, suddenly, her eyes lit up and she jumped to her feet in excitement.
“Harry! This is it! Come to mine for Christmas! My parents would love to have you!”
Hope filled Harry up, a warm feeling seeping into his bones. This could be his chance to have a normal, happy Christmas for once.
“Come on! Let’s go and tell McGonagall!” Hermione said. She dragged Harry from the common room and began to walk to the professor’s office.
“Come in.” McGonagall called when the pair knocked on her door. Harry and Hermione entered her office and stood excitedly in front of her desk.
“Ah. Miss Granger. Mr Potter. How can I help you?” Hermione was practically bouncing up and down with excitement.
“I’m going home to my parents for Christmas, Professor.” McGonagall smiled and tented her fingers on her desk.
“I expected as much. Thank you for letting me know Miss Granger. And yourself, Mr Potter?” McGonagall asked, her eyes resting on the boy. He was looking at his feet and shifting nervously.
“I w-was wondering i-if I could please stay at Hermione’s please, P-Professor?” Harry whispered. He didn’t want to get his hopes up completely, but he couldn’t stop the happiness at the prospect.
“Well, I can’t see a reason why not. I will need to clear it with Professor Dumbledore due to the nature of your home situation. But if you truly do not wish to go home to your relatives then I do not want to deny you the chance to spend Christmas with your friends. Will your relatives not miss you over the break?” McGonagall asked, warily. Harry shook his head firmly.
“No. They won’t miss me Professor. T-They won’t miss me at all.” McGonagall nodded sadly and waved the pair from her office.
McGonagall made her way to Albus’ office, the click of her heels rapping sharply against the flagstone floor.
“Albus.” She nodded cordially to the headmaster as she entered.
“Minerva! What can I do for you?” Albus cried, his blue eyes sparkling.
“I am coming to inform you that Harry Potter has requested to stay at Miss Granger’s home for the Christmas break.”
Albus’ face darkened and he rested his head on his clasped hands.
“Ah. Well. I’m afraid that is not possible.” He replied, gravely.
“Whyever not? Harry seems to think that his relatives do not want him back and it’s hardly fair for the boy to stay here!” McGonagall exclaimed, her voice raising at the headmaster’s denial. Albus thought very carefully. He could not say anything that could tip Minerva off to Harry’s homelife – he’d already handled and he did not want her to become aware of it again.
“His home has strong protective wards around them, similar to those at Hogwarts that keep Harry from harm. Miss Granger’s home does not have the same level of protection and therefore we cannot guarantee Harry’s safety from those that want to hurt him.” Albus replied, diplomatically. Minerva scoffed.
“Surely you cannot think there is any danger, Albus? He-who-must-not-be-named is gone. There is no risk anymore. I’m sure Harry would be safe for a couple of weeks with his friend?” Minerva insisted, pleading with the man sat before her.
“Alas not my dear. Whilst Voldemort has not been seen for ten years, I do not think that he is truly gone. The boy must stay here or return to his family. Those are the only options and will be the only options until Voldemort is truly gone.” Albus’ tone was grave and serious. Minerva was shocked at the stance that he was taking but could understand. All any of them wanted was for Harry to be safe.
“What should I tell him, Albus? It’s not fair to tell him that he’s still in danger?” Minerva asked.
“Tell him that his family have not given permission to go to home where they do not know the adults. Tell him that he can either stay here of return home.”
“Very well. Goodnight, Professor.” Minerva nodded stiffly and left he office.
The following day, Harry was sat in his transfiguration lesson. It was only two days until the end of term and Harry was getting very excited about going home with Hermione for Christmas. He was excited about spending an actual Christmas with people who didn’t hate him. As the lesson came to an end, Harry began to pack his things away and swung his bag over the shoulder, turning to leave.
“Mr Potter? Can you stay behind please?” Professor McGonagall called. Harry stopped in his tracks and Hermione stopped next to him.
“Want me to stay as well?” She whispered. Harry nodded and the pair walked to the professor’s desk.
“Harry. I have spoken to Professor Dumbledore about your request to stay with Miss Granger for Christmas. I’m afraid that it is not possible.”
Harry’s world stopped. His ears began to ring and his hope for a perfect Christmas came crumbling down around him.
“Why!” Hermione demanded. She looked sadly at Harry. McGonagall sighed and called upon the lie that Albus had told her to say.
“Harry’s relatives have not given permission for him to return with you, Miss Granger. They are uncomfortable sending him into the care of adults that they have not met. The options that Harry has is to stay here, at Hogwarts, or to return to his own home. I’m sorry.”
“That’s absurd! Harry’s relatives wouldn’t want him home at all! They would jump at the chance to not have him for Christmas!” Hermione exclaimed, her face flushing with anger. Harry stayed silent throughout this exchange but Hermione could see him begin to fidget with his fingers and grow paler and paler.
“I’m sure that is not the case, Miss Granger. Please do not even begin to suggest that Harry’s family do not want him!” Minerva replied sternly. Hermione felt very chastised but angry that Professor McGonagall was not listening.
“M-Mione. It’s f-fine. F-forget it. Thank you f-for telling me P-Professor. I-I’ll stay here.” Harry stumbled, his voice trembling. Harry tugged on Hermione’s hand and the pair left in silence.
“Harry. I’ll stay too! Mum and Dad would understand. I’ll stay.” Hermione insisted, the second that they returned to the common room. Harry shook his head. As much as he wanted Hermione to stay with him, he knew that it wouldn’t be fair on her.
“No M-Mione. It’s okay. G-Go home. I know t-that you are excited.” Harry implored, gripping her hand tightly.
“Harry. No. It’s not fair. You will be all alone.” Harry shrugged in response to Hermione.
“I-It’s fine. I’m used t-to it. T-There is n-no way I’m g-going back there.” Harry replied. Sadness laced his voice, and Hermione could tell that the conversation was over.