Yuletide Yearnings
Chapter Eleven- Yuletide Yearnings
After scanning the board for a a minute or so Theo made his choice “Knight to E5.” The white stone piece shifted forward and to the right, settling onto its place on the board.
Daphne stared for a moment, eyes conveying a flurry of thoughts rushing through, she voiced none of them. A small twinge and her lips curled into a polite smile “Queen to E5~''
The red queen slid across the tablet before coming to a full stop right in front of E5. The piece seemed to come to life, no longer a stiff statue as the Queen lifted up her throne and smashed it into the white knight, shattering it into pieces.
Harry let out a slow whistle, shifting closer as he gazed at the board, “You know I still can't get used to the whole sentient pieces shattering thing”
“They aren't sentient” Daphne assured, taking her wand and uttering a spell that made all the white stone shards reform.
She picked up the piece now whole, and handed it to Harry. It felt cold and had a bit of weight, made of a heavy ish stone though he didn't know what kind.
“The stones are charmed to tune into our magic, it's the magic and charms given a physical form sure, but that isn't sentience”
“Just don't let Ellie overhear you say that-” Theo cautioned as he ordered one of his bishops to move.
“Don't tell me she believes that Chess pieces are sentient” Daphne didn't even glance at the board as she took her turn and claimed yet another one of Theos pieces.
“No, she doesn't”
But as soon as Daphne's shoulders dropped Theo continued
“But she will absolutely pull you into a debate on what quantifies sentience.”
He smirked “Who are we to try and label something that we ourselves don't fully understand”?
“Ravenclaws I swear-” A new voice joined in, and Harry looked up, beaming at Blaise.
He was dragging along a large matte black suitcase and trunk. Both adored with ivy like silver embellishments that seemed to curl around each curve and hold the case closed.
“You all ready”? Blaise asked, leaning down enough to pull Harry into a tight hug, which he eagerly returned.
Daphne nodded and with a wave of her wand she pieced together the rest of the previously destroyed chess set and placed them back in on the board.
“Actually change of plans- I was going to tell you sooner but someone slept in” Theo chided Blaise, ignoring the glare considering he was usually the last one out of the three to wake up every morning.
“Fathers work got busy, and so we agreed it's best I stay here for the break and Ellie is off with our Great Aunt which I was all too happy to opt out of”
Theo had already told him and Daphne. They’d tried asking more but Theo had shut any questioning down pretty quickly and instead offered a game knowing he would lose. They agreed to drop it.
Blaise looked a bit bummed but Daphne just smirked “Just means we have someone to keep an eye on Harry since he insisted on not being a bother,”
Harry flushed a bit “It sounded like a lot of paperwork going with someone else, let alone out of the country- and besides Malfoy and Ron are both gone so that's basically paradise”
“Actually the Weasleys are staying,” Blaise chuckled as Harry's face dropped “I heard Ron venting earlier, their parents decided to go to Romania and see one of their elder sons who apparently works with dragons”
Daphne shuddered “I can't imagine deciding to spend Yule where i'll be worrying about running into a scaly beast”
"Well I imagine a baby wouldn't be so bad-" Harry remarked, recalling a few draconic illustrations in some of his books.
"Possibly- but wherever there's an egg, I doubt the mother is very far" Theo said, twirling a chess piece in his hand.
"Meeting a baby dragon is definitely on my wish list" Blaise sighed wistfully, and Harry wouldn't put it past him. Hell he was surprised that despite his fear, he hasn't tried to convince them all to go visit Fluffy.
"Let's hope I have the honor of not being with you whilst you fulfill that wish" Daphne snapped back.
They all snickered as Theo bumped his shoulder into Harry “Guess it'll just be you and me huh”?
Apparently so, since Harry had said his goodbyes to Neville and even Hermione earlier that same day. Heck most of the school was leaving for the holidays, he knew that at least Cassius was staying since he'd seen him not packed yesterday night.
“That also means you can help Harry in the library to look for Nicholas Flamel again-” Daphne pointed between the both and then directed her gaze to Blaise.
He held his hands up “Moms dragging me to Guatemala so i'm not sure how long i'll have at our home library, but i'll try”
“We've looked a hundred times already- and exhausted about every resource” Theo rubbed his hand over his forehead, and cut Daphne off right before she could continue “And no we are not asking Ellie, she's great, but not good at on- the- down- low research”
“That wasn't what I was going to suggest” Daphne scowled at him now leaning down, motioning them all closer “You haven't checked the restricted section”
The Restricted Section at Hogwarts was just that, tomes and books completely off limits to anyone who wasn't a professor or had been given a special pass. Percy had lamented at least once about desperately wanting a pass, and Harry didn't know anyone who did have one. Or at least who was open about it.
To break into it though?
Being caught would be a death sentence, or worse- getting expelled.
Blaise gaped, speechless as Harry felt at the very idea.
Daphne straightened her posture and grabbed her bag “Come along Zanbini” She ushered, not leaving him time to process as she hurried along.
He said a quick goodbye and pulled Theo and Harry into a way too tight three way hug before rushing after the girl, who had no qualms about leaving him behind.
“Want to play a round”? Theo asked, gesturing back to the board after the duo had vanished from sight.
“You just want to play someone who won't destroy you in five moves” Harry said, “That and i'm not really in the mood for a game right now”
Theos expression showed nothing but understanding though his lip curled slightly “We can… go check the library again”?
“As long as you don't fall asleep on me, again” Harry parroted back “Though I'll admit it was a bit funny helping Blaise stack books on your head”
It wasn't as funny when Theo shot up from a dead sleep and caused about a dozen books to come crashing down loudly. The only reason he believed Ms.Prince didn't hex them then and there- was his knight in shining red armor.
Percy had apparently heard the commotion and managed to clean up the mess with a quick wand flick right before the Librarian turned the corner and played it off that he had bumped into a shelf.
She accepted his lie without second glance and left them all with a strong warning. Even Daphne admitted she'd been impressed, afterwards of course.
Percy just accepted their thanks and made a comment on the benefits of “playing the system” but refused to elaborate before he plucked one of their books and wandered off.
Well speaking of the system- Harry didn't miss much from the “Muggle World”, but dear god did he miss the dewey decibel system. It seemed Wix were intent on making things harder for themselves.
His opinion from day one of them being a mad bunch had only gained more evidence, not that he would voice that opinion to anyone.
All the books could be found via magic, but of course, most of the advanced searching magic was far too complicated for first years. And despite his best efforts his last trial only resulted in having to restock over two hundred books by hand. That and he didn't dare risk asking Prince to locate any books for fear of being ratted out.
Theo and Harry did make a point to go to the library almost every day over the break, it was getting to the point that Ms.Prince had asked if they were failing any classes and offered the names of a few tutors.
Well there wasn't much else to do with just the two of them- most everyone had gone home for the holidays. Slytherin only had Marcus, Cassius, and of course Theo and himself.
There were a handful of others not to mention the other three houses, but Harry didn't know any of them.
He still ran some Quidditch drills with Marcus and even dragged Theo into a few flying “lessons” which were more so games that happened to be off the ground.
Harry had even enjoyed a few late night conversations with Cassius, who still seemed like he was convinced Harry would drop dead any second.
It felt weird having someone or well- several someones so concerned for his safety. It had always been just him, and it felt like for once he could relax.
But of course only a bit, especially knowing that Snape was just down the hall.
Thankfully Harry's (justified) paranoia took a back seat to enjoying the holidays overall, theyd always been a time of stress, just even more time stuck in the house.
Harry was just happy to be without the stress of cooking and helping host whatever guests his aunt and uncle had dragged over. His favorite Christmas was when they had a company party and sent Dudley to his Great Aunts.
The whole house was his. Of course with the warning he would be severely punished should anything be less than perfect when they returned.
To say the experience was bliss was an understatement. He'd been able to wander the house freely, be as loud or as quiet as he wanted.
He spent an hour outside watching snow fall and then took a long hot bath. when he'd finished, took the time to towel himself off and then read in the living room until they came home.
Holidays at Hogwarts though were a whole new kind of magic. Every feast had included all sorts of new meals and treats he'd never tried before. And much to Theos dismay he was beginning to get pretty good at Chess, nowhere near Daphne- but still decent.
“Thanks for the assistance Hedwig-” Harry said, pulling a shiny silver ribbon out from her beak and tying it onto the present. Her version of “helping” was fetching supplies, and holding them hostage until he gave in and gave her a treat.
He'd never been more thankful for Dripfang than when he was trying to undergo the goliath task that was wix world Christmas shopping. Already overwhelmed with the catalogs where the ads would dance around and fight for space on the page. Though the “Musketeers Merchandising” and “Knightly knick-knacks” were fun to watch, it gave him a headache.
The even bigger dilemma was what would be seen as “too much” or “too little”.
If he had it his way he would have spent the entire family fortune on buying his friends an entire country, each. But Dripfang insisted they would appreciate “whatever you picked for them”
“I think this is the last of them- I finished wrapping the professors” He said, examining the box that was wrapped pretty decently. “Or well- I can just put them on their desks right”?
Hedwig paused in preening her wing to look at him with big golden eyes and gave a soft hoot. “Hey some of them aren't even here- and I would forget otherwise”
Of course he didn't do anything fancy, god forbid he be accused of trying to bribe them for good grades. He really should have avoided Ron better over the break, the boy seemed even more wound up at being forced to stay at Hogwarts and Percy could only shoo him away so much.
Just some small trinkets he thought were cool and a toy for Ms Norris since he didn't know what to get Filch. For as nasty as the old man was, he didn't want to leave him out either.
Harry held his arm out and waited as she leaped up and settled herself onto his shoulder. Quidditch had helped him build a little more strength to the point he no longer stumbled when she did.
Gathering the remaining presents in hand, he kicked the mess of discarded paper to the side, careful not to kick it anywhere near the furnace and left.
Hegwig fluffed up her feathers as they entered the main room and she nestled closer to his neck giving out a loud hoot of displeasure and nipping at his ear.
“Yeah I know girl” Harry said, turns out living in an underwater cave with only a main fireplace gets super cold. But not wanting her to remain uncomfortable he pulled at his scarf and moved it to wrap around her the best he could.
The common room had been decorated to the nines in a style that bordered on a hodge podge craft festival gone wrong and met an over the top hallmark movie set.
In short Harry adored it, though he swore he heard Theo dry heaving when he first saw it.
Thankfully it had been decorated after everyone else had left or else he was convinced someone would bribe Terrence to set it on fire, and Adrien would likely turn a blind eye or even bring some gasoline.
A tree stood dead center of what he had now dubbed the “Aquarium room” and was about the only “classy decor” in the room. The dark green pine was adored with silver ribbons and bulbs, each shaped to look like a star that shined with the light filtered through the windows glass.
Harry placed the presents he had wrapped nestled at the bottom which was fairly empty for it being Christmas Eve. Then again maybe people were worried about their friends nabbing them too early.
“Jesus little fang I can see you shivering and gave your scarf to your owl”? A voice hissed just behind him, but this time Harry didn't startle (too badly at least)
He looked up at Marcus who had his own scarf wound tightly around his neck and draped half over his head, as well as two very obviously Gryffindor scarves resting over his shoulders.
Harry blinked at them and looked back up to meet his gaze with a raised brow and a strongly implied question.
Marcus scrunched up his face “Apparently I wouldn't shut up about how cold the cave was since I suck ass at warming charms, this was their solution”
The "them" in question wasn't hard to figure out, and sounded about right. He didn't know Oliver all that well outside of a few sparse interactions. But he'd seen Percy give away the mittens off his hands to Neville once. That and they all seemed like super close friends.
“Well same for Hedwig, she wouldn't stop nippings, and she's also scared of the furnace I knocked it over last month” Hedwig seemed to only shift closer to Harry and burrowed even deeper into the scarf.
Marcus only snickered and swung his arm around Harry's shoulder, careful to avoid Hedwig. She seemed to debate attacking for a moment but apparently her urge to violence wasn't as strong as her desire to stay warm inside the scarf.
“Well come on then- let's go track down the mother of the den and harass him into giving us heat”
Part of Harry hesitated to bother Cassius, especially to ask him for things he didn't need- it wasn't like he was dying. But before he could protest Marcus was already guiding him forward and towards the back of the common room.
They passed by the Salazar statue, one of the stone snakes looked almost eerily like it was staring right at him. Harry shuttered right as they pushed through the doorway and were back inside the Slytherin Library.
Cassius was seated right next to one of the bookshelves, his back leaned up against it and a giant book nestled in his lap that looked like each page was stitched together after being put through a shredder. The poor thing.
“Cassius- your children are freezing, we shant survive the winter without the mercy of warmth” Marcus said, clutching his own chest and shaking Harrys slightly. “ Can you find the humanity”!?
Cassius looked up from his book and sneered “You sound like Terrence-”
“Well someone has to get on your nerves while hes gone, and he requested I uphold the honor”
Cassius' shoulders dropped with a sigh and he rubbed his forehead “Of course he did-” But without further prompting he hefted the book off his lap, setting it down with a loud thump.
He pulled his wand out of his pocket and lifted it up. The almost orange light brown wood marbling was beautiful and Harry was taken instantly.
Cassius didn't have the chance to lift up his wand fully before Harry blurted out “What kind of wand is that”?
Cassius blinked but didn't seem too annoyed with the question as he spun the wand in hand “Its Acacia, a little over ten inches, and Doxy Wing core”
Harry had read his wand lore book over a hundred times, it was by far one of his favorites. Though the author had stressed a lot of the information was pattern based since the art of wandmaking was a closely kept secret.
And it was hard to tell what was fact and what was based entirely on gossip over several generations that was now believed to be fact. But it was like a free personality test.
“I guess Acacia suits you, but I don't get Doxy wings” Harry said, pushing his glasses up from where Hedwig had knocked them forward slightly.
“You know wand lore”? Marcus asked, having pulled away from Harry and taking a seat at the small table nearby.
“It was one of the first subjects I got super into over the summer” He nodded and then glanced at Cassius “Doxy wings are said to only associate with evil casters, but I mean- your anything but”
Harry had mixed feelings towards Cassius, but they were mostly positive. That and he’d seen evil, at this point he could mark it from a mile away, and very few raised his hairs in Hogwarts at least.
Cassius blinked, an odd expression taking up his face but stayed quiet as Harry continued.
“And your no Gryffindor of course, but you didn't hesitate to try and barrel through the field when I was falling- that's far from cowardly”
“Oh yeah- I've still yet to thank the twin terrors for that save” Marcus muttered under his breath.
Cassius cleared his throat “You may be right- Besides its well known a lot of wand core attributes are about as reliable as muggle astrology, having some bearing but not being based around any reliable magic”
“How do you know about muggle astrology”? Marcus perked up slightly “God did I sleep walk into Ravenclaw”?
Better question was how did Marcus know? He was a pureblood- and even most of the half bloods Harry had seen were raised in the magical world.
Even Harry barely knew anything about it except for one of his teachers who was obsessed and kept calling out his “Leo tendencies”.
Cassius' eyes narrowed, scarily familiar to the day Adrien put the fear of god in Malfoy after he messed with Millicent. Maybe it was a Slytherin thing he'd just yet to learn? He even saw the moment he found his target
“Why are you wearing Gryffindor scarves”?
“He got them from Percy and Oliver after he wouldn't stop griping about how cold it is” Harry answered on his behalf, destroying any opportunity for Marcus to fib his way out. Cassius shot Marcus a knowing look that he pointedly avoided.
“It's your fault for not redoing the warming charm because you were too busy writing to Olympia” Marcus mocked and hunched his shoulders over, further wrapping the scarfs around them.
“If you say so Flint,” Cassius snarked back and pointed his wand at the duo “Facilo Manet”! He cast, pointed at Marcus robes. Harry watched a stream of orange flow out from the tip and practically weave itself into the fabric.
Marcus tensed but practically melted into the seat, fully slumping down into the chair “Oh yeah- that's the stuff”
Cassius pointed his wand at Harry “You want a dose for Hedwig too”?
He nodded and Cassius repeated the spell twice, once weaving into the scarf and again into Harry's robe.
It felt like a hug- a soft warmth that bordered on uncomfortably hot for just a moment before it seemed to even out. Like a blanket right out of the dryer, the one positive whenever he was forced to do the Laundry.
Harry couldn't help but wrap his arms around himself, enjoying the warmth. “Thanks-”
“You don't have to thank me, it should last you a few hours but check in when it goes off” Cassius assured, placing his wand back into his pocket and moving to return to his selected reading.
“What about me”? Marcus whined and despite being warmed, retained a tight grip on all three of his scarves.
“You need to learn to cast the charm yourself- speaking of why haven't you learned it until now”?
“I always just made Snape do it-” He admitted with a shrug.
Harry paused in petting Hedwig to try and process that. Sure he recognized he'd probably been a bit dramatic about not bothering Cassius, but he would actually rather freeze to death than go begging to Snape and face his scornful sneer.
How fucked was that? Half of the “first day” lecture was that Snape would move heaven and earth for his snakes, yet it seemed once again that Harry was the all too unfortunate exception to that rule. To the point his professor wanted him dead or at the very least wouldn't shed too many tears should he go missing in the forbidden forest or fall off a flight of stairs.
Adults not caring for him was nothing new, though it took him a long time to recognize it wasn't normal. But this was a whole new level of animosity he had no idea what to do with.
What was stopping Snape from poisoning him, or shooting a spell right into his heart. Maybe he was worried he'd meet the same fate as Voldemort and drop dead before he could finish the job.
But he'd seen the glares from others, and there was little doubt someone else wouldn't seize the opportunity to slay “the boy who lived” turned a snake. Harry was on borrowed time, he just hoped he had long enough.
“-arry”! Cassius called at some point having stood up and now stood between himself and Marcus.
Oh shit- how long had he zoned out?
“Sorry what was that”?
Cassius raised a brow but didn't call him out any further “I asked if you were ready for tomorrow, and remind you the professors have a feast planned for Christmas eve”
Harry nodded, of course he was ready- hed just finished packing the last gifts afterall “I mean yeah- though I can't imagine how convenient it is to fill four tables”
The moment the words left his mouth he heard Marcus snicker.
“No.” he looked at Cassius who just nodded.
“Please tell me we’re seated by house-” It was Christmas eve, let the world have a little bit of mercy for his sanity.
“By year actually- older kids closer to the professors” Marcus looked all too amused at Harry's utter dismay.
Cassius reached his hand out and placed it on Harry's shoulder “It'll be fine- besides you have Theo with you”
“Oh god I have to tell Theo-” Harry whined and he swore Hedwig was trying to comfort him.
Marcus on the other hand had gone from snickering to full on cackling laughter, half leaning back in his chair, knowing full well Harry had complained about the sparse run ins with Ron over the break.
Harry glared back, already dreading tonight and Marcus was definitely not. Helping. Hell at this rate he wished he'd thrown a bludger at him last practice.
A loud crescendo of cracks sounded out and Harry watched in slow motion as one of the chair legs almost shattered. Wood splinters spraying as now weightless Marcus came crashing onto his back with a loud thud.
Cassius and him both starred as Marcus lay on the floor, arms stiff in the air as he slowly lifted himself from the carnage.
“I'll.. go get Snape… Harry go get ready for dinner” Cassius didn't need to tell him twice as Harry turned heel and fled the library, barely restraining laughter by muffling his sleeve as he went.
It was a Christmas Miracle~
—
As Harry had predicted, Theo had been none too pleased with the announcement of the “Dinner arrangements” set up for that evening.
But in the time between catching his breath after laughing at Marcus' face when he fell on his ass and telling Theo, he'd had more time to think up some possible solutions to make sure the entire thing wouldn't be a waste.
They arrived at the grand hall well before the feast was meant to begin, though one of the upper year Ravenclaws Harry didn't know insisted they were to stay in the corridor while preparations finished.
He didn't mind though, despite having spent the past few months in the castle he still couldn't get over how beautiful the architecture and art that surrounded them was. It seemed almost everyday he found a new detail.
“Hey look at this-”! Theo hissed, gesturing to the underside of a stone bannister.
S.S + A.C 1890
It was carved into the stone, jagged enough it seemed to be by hand instead of by wand point. Somehow though it had withstood the test of time and was still completely legible.
“Wonder who they are-” Harry prompted, tracing the tip of his finger against the etched in stone. Maybe he could check out the trophy room and find their names, it would be easy-ish considered they had a year.
Carving names though felt very- Hufflepuff ish.
“Harry- One mystery at a time, Daphne will have our heads if we take on another information goose chase when we still haven't the slightest clue who Flamel is” Theo scolded, already knowing where his friend's head was at.
But it couldn't be said they did not both fear the wrath of Daphne, she wasn't a snake as much as she was a tigress, stalking and attacking when your back was turned.
“Fine fine- I really hope the Zanbini library has something because I swear Ms.Prince has the eyes of a hawk” Harry sighed.
They had tried Daphne's advice of sneaking into the restricted section but every attempt something or someone got in the way, the last attempt was Ron bursting into their row and accusing them of being “Scheming Snakes” so loud all of them got kicked out.
Which just made what he had planned that much more enticing.
The house elves didn't take too much longer, Theo and Harry were flagged down and they entered the grand hall alongside their fellow snakes. Side by side.
It was beautiful, even more extravagant than it had been any other day. Even more than the dorm rooms with the amount of multicolored candles and ribbons strewn throughout.
“Harry- I think i'm going blind” Theo uttered softly, but full of disdain.
“Join the club-” Harry whispered back as they took their seats on the far end of the table, which ended up being closer to the middle considering how few students there were.
It even seemed a lot of the professors that Harry didn't know by name, but had grown familiar with- were not present. Most likely home with their families.
Dumbledore sat at the very head of the table and raised up a chalice, tapping his wand against the rim. It didn't even make a tink sound, it just looked stupid.
But everyone quickly fell silent as the headmaster gestured animatedly, his long bright turquoise and velvet sleeves barely dodging from knocking over his chalice after he had set it down.
“Now then- A Merry Christmas Eve to you all, let the feast begin”!!
As his voice boomed around the room, the candles flames seemed to grow for just a moment and the spread of food materialized across the table.
Harry did his best to avoid looking across at Ron who had already begun shoveling food in his face as if he was starving. Hell he would have been concerned had it not been for the fact he could see the twins a bit further down eating like normal human beings.
He watched as Dumbledore took his seat, his robes spilling over the arms of his chair. The other professors began chatting and a few not so subtly pointed their wands at their drinks.
“What are they doing”? Harry asked as he let Theo cut some ham onto his plate.
Theo glanced up but before he could answer another voice chimed in “Probably turning it into firewhisky”
Harry turned to the voice, a boy in a dark red sweater with sharp piercing eyes met his gaze. His hair was light blonde, even lighter than Olympias and seemed to stick up on the sides.
“I would likely do the same should I be forced to spend my christmas eve with my coworkers and students” The boy continued with a small smirk.
Ron seemed to snap out of his rabid feasting mentality long enough to turn his attention to the new boy “Where's your Christmas spirit eh”? He spat.
The boy's eyes narrowed just a bit more and he sneered at Ron “Im Jewish.”
Harry tried his best not to laugh at the blank expression that took over Ron's face.
The boy looked ready to snap back but Harry heard a small tsk from further up the table. Percy was staring down at his younger brother. Ron only looked more annoyed but did lean back, seeming to drop the whole fight, for now.
“Sorry- who are you”? Harry asked, he had the same bite as a snake but he'd never met him before, or at least recognized him. But considering they were seated together he must be in the same year.
The boy took a bite of a small bread roll, taking his time to chew and swallow before answering “Anthony, Goldstein- pardon my interruption but I assumed if we were stuck here I might as well attempt conversation”
“Tell me about it-” Theo huffed, but he continued to enjoy his protein heavy plate without further adding to the conversation.
Anthony tilted his head appraisingly, thrumming his fingers against his chin
“Let me guess, Pagan”?
Theo glanced up, “What gave it away”?
“I'm an Eagle, and Elisen never misses an opportunity to name drop her favorite cousin, besides the resemblance is noteworthy”
Harry blinked “Huh- I thought you were a lion”
Anthony's casual smirk turned into a sneer “Oh don't insult me-” he quickly turned away from Ron as he saw him gearing back up to butt in.
“Regardless, if anyones a surprise sorting its Harry Potter being a snake- how is the den”? Anthony managed to sound friendly and casual, but Harry could see his eyes were sharper. A desire for knowledge indeed.
“It's been strange, but then again so has most of Hogwarts” Harry admitted, carefully choosing his words.
But he was bored, and Anthony was far more interesting than anything else going on. So it was only natural he wanted to lay out a hook
“Especially considering I was raised by Muggles”
Anthony's eyes widened just a smidge, someone as daft as Ron might miss it, but Harry had taken Marcus' critiques to heart. “I heard whispers but out of all the rumors-”
Harry smirked “If I had a nickel-” he paused, ready to explain what the saying meant but Anthony just nodded without a second's hesitation. Then at least some familiarity with the Muggle world, maybe even Muggleborn? Then again he spoke pretty formally for that.
Sure Harry was the same- but he'd been raised on books instead of people, then again maybe a Ravenclaw was the same.
“Well- considering we're both bored, how about a trade off”? Harry prompted and saw Anthony's smirk return ten fold.
“Oh? What grounds”? He asked, leaning forward just a smidge.
Harry felt Theo nudge him and looked at his friend with a smile “Come on it's just a game- besides we have time to kill”
Theo took a moment to glance between them but seemed to quickly realize nothing he would say would persuade Harry to back down. So he just rolled his eyes and returned to his meal, now just watching the exchange silently.
Harry turned back to Anthony and smiled, lowering his voice to pass under the casual chatter of the table “I answer whatever rumors you are dying to have confirmed, and in exchange you help me with a little… favor”
Anthony raised a brow and Harry darted his eyes over to Ron who was now trying to steal food off the plate of a blonde girl. He faintly recalled her name was something Brown, he did know she was a Gryffindor in their year though.
Thankfully as he expected, Goldstein caught on instantly and Harry couldn't help but be reminded of a Chesire cat and his lips curled up to the tips of his cheeks. “You have a deal, Potter.”
“Just Harry please,” He assured “Now ask away-”
Anthony sat back in his seat, seeming to mull over a few questions “Hmm- lets start simple, are you dating anyone”?
Harry heard Theo cough, and saw him rapidly chugging down some pumpkin juice with a grimace. Harry would have comforted his friend but in the moment he was stuck still, completely blindsided by the question.
“Im eleven” Harry stated and Anthony just shrugged “Most rumors associate you and Longbottom”
Right- being gay wasn't anything to gawk at here. Sure Dripfang had told him that but had yet to meet anyone who was openly gay, at least that he knew of.
“Yeah no, Neville and I are just friends- and no I'm not interested in anyone else” Harry clarified, he knew Dudley had a few “girlfriends” in school but he'd never considered getting in a relationship, not for a long while.
Anthony just hummed, seeming content with his response. “Alright next question, did you and Granger hunt down a mountain troll and survive”?
That seemed far more reasonable rumor-
“We didn't hunt it down- I was wandering and ran into Hermione, we heard the footsteps and ran into the bathroom for cover” The troll had been one of the few near death events Harry didn't get nightmares about, didn't mean he wasn't still disturbed by it.
“Unfortunately it followed us, by some miracle Hermione managed to knock it out with its own club and the professors arrived pretty soon after”
Anthony blinked, looking impressed “Well- out of those I assumed you would confirm, that was not one”
Harry just shrugged, not really knowing what else to say on the matter.
“There's no way Granger of all people managed a mountain troll, she's more cowardly than a Badger” Ron spat, ignoring the small protest shout Brown as his outburst almost knocked over her chalice.
“Oh sod off Weasley- no one asked you” Anthony snapped back, waving the boy off.
Ron seemed like he was gearing up once more to continue his tirade but was stopped when Brown seemed to have had enough of him and threw a dinner roll in his face. It hit smack on his forehead before plummeting into a bowl of stew just below.
His anger deflated and turned into embarrassment as he continued to glower down at him with a fierce glare. She had Harry's respect for one.
Theo let out a small snort “Maybe this dinner wasn't waste after all-”
“And it'll be even better soon enough-” Harry whispered back then turned to Anthony “Alright one more question and then your turn”
Anthony took a much longer pause, his eyes slipping shut as he stayed silent, debating what else to say.
Harry decided to take the opportunity to actually enjoy some dinner, knowing that if he didnt eat Theo would probably make him smuggle some back to the dorm.
A few moments passed and Anthony's eyes snapped open, refocusing and locking onto Harry's gaze “Tell me, what's your opinion on the muggle world and muggles overall”?
He could feel Theo tense up next to him, but Harry didn't bat an eye at the question, not as much as the dating one at least.
It was politics, Anthony was probably just asking where he stood in it all. Though it felt a bit weird asking an eleven year old what party he's in. Did the wizarding world even have political parties??
“I don't miss it-” Harry admitted and saw Anthony brows furrow “But I also think the two are more similar than most people realize”
He glanced up and down the table, seeing Ron still being glared at by Brown and he beckoned Anthony closer.
Once he was just a foot or so away Harry whispered “But I do think wizards are just a bit mad, and by god do I miss the dewey decibel system”
He pulled back to sit in his seat while Anthony stayed frozen leaned over, eyes wide as he tried to process what Harry said. His lips split into a wide grin and he threw his head back, laughing.
“Huh- that I can most certainly agree with P-..Harry” Anthony admitted as he moved back to settle in his seat, all but conforming Harry's earlier theory- a Muggleborn then, or at the very least a Halfblood raised in both worlds.
“Now- your turn”
Harry grinned, trying and failing to school his expression as he reached into his robes and pulled out the small pouch. He carefully moved it under the table and nudged Anthony's knee.
He had to give him credit, he did a good job of pretending to be casual as he picked up his goblet in one hand and snatched the satchel under the table with the other.
Anthony glanced down and then up at Harry who not so subtly gestured over to Ron. Goldsteins smirk only grew and he cleared his throat, and continued to enjoy the feast before him.
Theo had long since clued into the exchange and looked curiously at Harry who just mouthed ‘Patient’ with a smirk.
The rest of dinner passed pretty casually, about a half hour since Anthony and him had finished their talk and Theo had long finished his meal, now the trio casually bantered over the dimming candle light.
Harry did take note that Professor Sprout seemed to laugh a little louder and Professor Filtwick looked a bit flush, so perhaps Anthony's Firewhisky theory wasn't as out there as he thought.
The peace of dinner was soon ruined by the sound of loud gagging and aggressive coughing just to his right. And there was Ron, now red in the face, his mouth now colored a wonderful bright purple.
Theo as well as Brown looked overjoyed and Anthony looked pleased as well. Harry was more so impressed he hadn't seen when the boy had slipped the ground up jelly beans into Ron's food.
“Ron”! Percy shouted, shooting up from the table and marching over to check on his brother. But Ron just swatted him away- taking the breaths between coughs and dry heaves to tell him effectively to “fuck off”
Percy glanced down at the food and then quickly turned his attention to the twins who had stopped their conversation and were now gaping at the scene in front of them.
“George, Fred- honestly you can't even go Christmas Eve without a prank, really”!?
The twins glanced at each other and both pairs of eyes soon locked onto Harry who just smiled back. They may have saved his life, but they were also assholes in the first place. Besides, Ron deserved it.
But by then a (now tipsy sounding) Professor McGongall spoke up “Oh it's quite alright Percy- the boy is fine, and all in some good fun now”?
Oh yeah- she was most definitely not sober. Harry also took a small pleasure in Snapes' screwed up expression at her words, bordering on disgusted and baffled.
Percy and the twins gawked at the professor who raised her hand before anyone could interrupt further “However any other incidents I suggest you postpone lest you end up in detention on Christmas”
That quickly marked the end of the Christmas eve feast, with Rons face now matching his hair and a now bright green tongue as he yelled at the twins and Percy and just about anyone within earshot.
Marcus had given them a knowing smirk and a not so subtle thumbs up from his spot next to a still fretting Percy.
As they left the room Anthony had given Harry a small nod of approval before walking off with some of his upperclassmen.
This was officially the best Christmas Eve Harry had ever had, and judging by Theos barely restrained smile the feeling was mutual.
____
It was freezing, the furnace must have gone out sometime during the night.
Usually Blaise would just shoot a charm from his bed. Harry was always too nervous about startling Hedwig considering how often he smuggled her into their room. But Blaise was in Guatemala, and it would take the end of the world for Theo to stirr.
With a sigh he lifted himself up from the bedsheets and carefully maneuvered to the edge. Reaching out his fingers wrapped around silk drapes and shoved them open.
Harry jumped back, startled by the sudden bright light. He quickly hopped off his bed and shoved his glasses onto his face, racing over to the door and cracking it open.
The entire hallway was lit with streams of sunlight streaking down from the glass ceilings.
“There you are-” Harry jumped and turned around to see Cassius wearing a dark blue sweater and some spotted PJ pants. He gave Harry a small smile as the boy still struggled to blink away the residences of sleep.
“It's… Christmas”?
Cassius nodded looking amused, “I was about to come wake you both- grab Theo and meet us in the common room”
Harry didn't wait for further prompting and zipped back inside the room and marched over to Theos bed.
He threw open the curtains and tried not to snort. Theo was already pretty pale but in the dim light he looked half dead.
Of course Theo hated being woken up- but he couldn't get mad on Christmas so Harry did what any responsible friend would do.
“THEO WAKE UP I SET THE CURTAINS ON FIRE-” Harry shouted, violently shaking his friends shoulders.
Theo shot up from a dead sleep, wrestling with several layers of sheets and blankets as he fumbled, desperately grasping at his wand that had been left haphazardly on the edge of his nightstand.
He barely managed to cling to Harry enough not to completely fall off the bed. Theo managed to right himself and swung the curtains open completely, looking over at Harry's bed.
A moment passed.
“You… huh”? Theo blinked and Harry could practically see the gears struggling to turn.
Harry let out a cheeky laugh and pulled Theo to a full standing position “It's Christmas- now get up”! He plucked the wand from his friend's hand and tossed it back on the bed.
He grabbed Theos shoulders and practically dragged him out of the room and all the way down the hall where he promptly made him sit on the floor right around the now filled tree.
Marcus was already seated alongside Cassius and a few others, though they seemed to grab their gifts and wander to form smaller duos or trios elsewhere in the room.
Marcus snorted as soon as Theo was deposited next to him and reached a hand up to knock on his forehead “You awake little fang”?
Theo blinked and scrunched his face up, batting Marcus hand away “Harry told me the curtains were on fire? next thing I know.. I was walking away from very unburnt curtains… and now i'm here”
“Well you better wake up- its present time” Cassius said, approaching the tree and he began sorting some of the gifts in several piles, others he left untouched.
Harry watched, barely containing his excitement and wondering how they would like the gifts. He would need to say hi to Percy later to give him his gift in person, as well as the professors.
Well if they didn't like it- he had years worth of Christmases to make up for.
A loud hoot echoed in the cavern and Harry beamed as Hedwig swooped down, a letter tucked inside her beak. She landed a foot or so away and then hopped over to deposit the letter.
Harry thanked her and glanced at the lettering. It was from his Aunt and Uncle. Well- he was surprised they didn't take him staying away for christmas as an excuse to save money, or just give Dudley whatever they had gotten him. Then again whatever they got Harry surely wouldn't be suitable for their “darling dudley”
He tore open the envelope and saw there was no letter or note, just two five pence coins that fell into his hand with a small clink.
“What's that”? Theo asked, now seeming more awake and half leaning over Harry's shoulder.
“It's Muggle money from my Aunt and Uncle, here you can have it, I wouldn't use it anyway” Theo hesitated but Harry practically forced the two coins into his friend's hands and couldn't help but smile as he examined them with light in his eyes.
“Alright thats all sorted- now open up” Cassius sat down in front of his own small pile of presents and looked at the group.
Marcus didn't hesitate to grab one and rip into the wrapping. Harry saw it was some kind of chocolate or candy, but he couldn't see the box.
Theo also grabbed one, placing the coins by his shoe as he carefully undid the ribbon on the first present.
Harry watched as they tore through each item, a small pile of wrapping and ribbons beginning to build up just a few feet in front of them. And he couldn't help but snicker as Marcus would continue to try and throw his further and further.
Theo gasped and immediately began thanking Harry for his gift. It was a charmed notebook that each page would disappear and reappear at will in a catalog, and he could even search specific dates and names.
“Oh hold on I left yours in the room- I was planning to grab it this morning but someone dragged me out before I had the chance” Harry only smiled back and Theo rolled his eyes.
Theo gathered up some of his already opened gifts to carry back before quickly shuffling back down the hall to retrieve Harry's gift. He knew it was expected that his best friends would get him gifts, but it still felt weird.
Blaise and Daphne insisted he wouldn't be getting theirs until they returned to be given in person and Harry had just been processing the fact that “oh yeah- they got me things” to be at all impatient.
Marcus finished unwrapping his gifts and had thrown what looked like a giant dark blue fleece blanket over his shoulders as he turned his attention to Harry “Aren't you going to open the rest of yours”?
The- rest?
Harry blinked, and it was as if magically he thought to look around and there it was. A small pile of multicolored presents neatly stacked just to his side. Hedwig was even pulling at one of the ribbons with her beak.
He…he hadn't noticed.
“I-.. These are mine”?
The sound of paper crumpling stopped. Cassius and Marcus shared a confused look before Cassius spoke “What you think I just made a pile for fun”?
Harry didn't respond, carefully reaching out and examining one that was wrapped in beautiful dark green with silver ribbons. It was marked in a beautiful thick swirly font.
To: Harry Potter
From: Saint Nicholas
His breath felt heavy in his chest and he blinked, as if half expecting the gift to disappear in his hands. But there it remained.
He- he did it. He was finally good, but he hadn’t changed anything really, and yet Santa thought he was suddenly worthy of a real present.
Harry, still stuck in a daze, slowly undid the wrapping and found a beautiful set of Quills and some chocolate frogs, his favorite. But of course Santa knew that.
“Oohh Chocolate frogs- guess Snape really banged out this year” Marcus whistled.
“What do you mean Snape- does he help Santa get the stuff here”?
That made sense, the cave didn't exactly have a chimney. Olympia told him any smoke just magically vanished and most chimneys in the wix world were just for aesthetics.
“Um-” Marcus looked like a deer in headlights and glanced over at Cassius who had a similar wide eyed expression.
But now Harry was hooked- THE Santa Claus working with Snape of all people?? How could he not want some answers?
It was Cassius who seemed to take action, moving to sit just in front of Harry. He glanced around the room, carefully ensuring that no one else was nearby and gesturing them closer.
Marcus still looked like he'd sucked a lemon, probably mad he let Snape's secret alliance slip. But he leaned in as Cassius held a hand to his face “Can you guys keep a secret”?
Harry nodded, already leaning closer to hang on every word.
“Santa is a wizard” Cassius confessed and Harry gasped of course, the elfs must be house elfs, and no doubt flying reindeer were magical creatures.
“They leave him out of the books because very few wix manage to extend their lives, be it with dangerous spells or alchemy, but Ol Saint Nicholas he unlocked the secret to immortality”
“He did”? Marcus screwed up his face and Cassius promptly shoved him over. Ignoring the loud squawk and subsequent looks from others in the room.
Cassius waited until people looked away before returning his attention to Harry. “But because so many other wix desire immortality, the people who know better keep saying he isn't real so he stays safe”
Holy shit- Harry was now one of those people
“So I gotta keep it a secret”?
Cassius nodded “I know its a big responsibility, but I also know you of all people understand the weight”
Absolutely he could- he would protect this secret with his life. Santa deserved better than being hunted down by other wix when he does so much around the world for wix and muggles alike.
Marcus had long since recovered and when Harry looked at him he made an animated gesture of zipping his lips and throwing away the key.
Oh yeah. They were going to be the best secret keepers ever.
Right then was when Theo made his reappearance with a small box in hand, but he paused when looking at the trio and turned a questioning look to Harry.
“It's a secret,” Harry shrugged, refusing to elaborate.
Theo blinked, staring him down for a moment more before walking back over.
“I'm sure the house elf's want to get a head start on cleaning up everything- why don't you two take the rest of your gifts and enjoy the late morning in the dorm”? Cassius offered.
That must be code for something since Theo wasn't in on the secret, maybe he should ask to tell him later, but he needed to keep the act up for now. So Harry didn't hesitate to agree and gather up his stuff.
“But I just got back-” Theo tried to protest but Harry was already shoving unopened gifts into his arms. “-And I guess I don't have a say”
“Nope- now hold on” Harry agreed while balancing some of his gifts on Theos arms and then quickly scooping up Hedwig.
She let out a little annoyed hoot which he did apologize for as he ushered Theo down the hall and back towards their dorm.
Theo quickly deposited the pile of gifts on top of Harry's bed and quickly took a seat right next to them “So what did you get so far”?
Harry smiled and took a seat across from him, letting Hedwig hop off to rest on her stand and burrow into his scarf that she had now turned into a makeshift nest. “Some new quills and chocolate frogs”
“...Did you only open one gift so far”? Theo asked as he glanced down at the half dozen still left untouched.
Harry bit his lip, his friends knew full well his upbringing was far from normal but as much as he trusted them they always treated it as an unspoken off limits. They wouldn't push, and he wouldn't bring it up outside of a few comments here and there.
Theo seemed to take Harry's silence in stride and just moved his own gifts onto the floor “Go on then- and pick one”
So Harry did, he tore through several boxes, taking his time with each and every single one.
From Marcus he got a cool necklace that had a small fanged tooth wrapped on the end. Little fang taken literally- but it looked cool enough Harry would definitely slip it under his robes.
Percy managed to get his gift in the dorm (probably via Marcus) and got Harry a bright red sweater with an H on it that looked almost handmade. It was so soft that Harry barely got the wrapping all the way off before he was pulling it over his head.
Cassius had gotten him one of the heaviest by far, inside was A book on a feather falling charm as well as a note to practice it ASAP. How long ago had he gotten this? Probably the day after Harry had almost died.
The last gift he opened was actually from Neville. There was a small potted plant and mini booklet of care instructions, a quick glance over and apparently it helped with nightmares.
Right as he went to put the box away he felt the weight inside shift. He pulled apart the rest of the wrapping and saw a glint of something else inside.
It was a remembrall, alongside a note that Harry should get to keep his “first catch” and that apparently his uncle had forgotten and bought Neville a second one.
Harry watched the moment his fingers touched the glass it filled to the brim with bright red billowing smoke.
Well whatever he'd forgotten surely couldn't be that important, or it would turn up.. eventually.
Theo helped him with setting up the small wire stand and placed the ball high up on his shelf. As Daphne said, it had its charms.
“Okay now enough stalling, i'm practically dying here-” Theo confessed while shoving the small box in Harrys hands.
Harry laughed but didn't protest as he tore into the wrapping, careful not to make a huge mess. He felt it before he saw it, the cool almost metal touch caught his attention.
Inside was a small silver chain bracelet but was otherwise empty.
“Look further in-” Theo urged and watched with bated breath as Harry pulled the last of the wrapping away and spotted something shiny fall to the bottom.
He quickly reached in, trying to curl his fingers around the item before he finally managed to wrestle it into his hand. It was a silver charm that curled into the shape of a snake with emerald green gems set in place of its eyes.
Running his finger across it, he could feel the idents of the metal almost symbolic of layered scales. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever laid his hands on.
“It's a charm bracelet, you seem to have an affinity for shiny things and you're always fidgeting with your wrists- Daphne and Blaise also got you a charm, but of course those will have to wait.”
Theo gently took the bracelet in hand and attached the silver snake charm as he spoke, placing it back in Harry's palm and meeting his gaze
“So- you like it”?
Harry almost knocked Theo over as he crashed into him, arms wrapped tightly around him as he pulled him into a crushing hug.
Theo recovered pretty quickly though and hugged back, thankfully ignoring how wet Harry's eyes had become.
They stayed like that for a minute or so before Harry managed to collect himself “Thank you.. Really”
Theo smiled and bumped his shoulder against Harry “Don't tell Blaise- but your like my best friend, if anything you deserve more”
“You know I almost bought all of you a country but Dripfang told me no-” Harry snickered, ignoring the sudden overwhelming warmth in his chest “Help me”?
Theo took the bracelet in hand and carefully wrapped it around Harry's wrist “Merlin Harry- yeah I wouldn't know what to do with a whole country, I'm more a.. General than a leader”
“A general is a leader though”
“Well sure-” Theo conceded “But they have a purpose- their chosen to protect”
Harry paused for just a moment “Chosen? Malfoy called me that before- is that a culture thing” At first he'd taken it as just “the chosen one” nickname, but it was the way Theo reacted to it that made it feel- different.
Theo froze on the spot, his smile faltered for just a moment “Ah right- I kind of forgot about that”
“We don't have to talk about it, i'm fine with being in the dark of some things”
“Well its- complicated, but its less culture and more my family thing that Malfoy was making fun of” Oh that fucker- maybe he should check if Anthony hadnt used all the jellybean dust, it had worked so well the first time.
“How about you tell me another time- it is Christmas after all” Harry saw Theos expression twitch “Pardon me Yule”
Theo latched onto the opportunity to change the subject with a grateful smile “You are pardoned- though dont think ignorance will stand as a defense next year”
Harry laughed though the idea of Christmases to come after how wonderful today had been already made him almost start crying, again.
“But you’re right about deserving not to be left in the dark and I can explain the details later-” Theo brushed his hair back and out of his face, though it fell right back into place afterwards.
“For now you should go ahead and finish your gifts- you still have two more”
Harry examined the bracelet around his wrist then nodded as he turned to the last two gifts on the pile. At this point he had no idea who they were from considering everyone that felt in a position to give him a gift, had already.
One of the gifts looked expertly wrapped in dark blue paper with yellow stars patterned all over and multicolored ribbons curling in every direction, the other was a plain brown parchment tied together with twine that looked like owl mail more than a gift.
Harry opted to open the colorful one first, there was no name or note outside. It was even heavier than Cassius- maybe it was books?
The ribbon was cut away, wrapping tore off, and the contents revealed. It was books, several almost…random books?
A book on something called “Magizoology” that looked a bit worn and when he opened it saw there were some annotations, but none of them were in English- frankly he couldn't tell what language it was.
“That's.. Something”? Theo commented, looking equally confused as he examined the book.
Harry pulled out the next three, all language books
“Learning Latin”
“First steps in French”
“The How to for Hindi”
“Wait- I mean Latin is good to know, a lot of spells are based in languages that are dead in the muggle world.” Theo seemed to light up, as he did many times when explaining the history of their world. “Like Norse, Latin, Ancient Egyptian, and plenty more- though Latin is the most common here”
“Okay I guess that makes sense but French and Hindi”?
Unlike the first book, the rest of these were completely blank. The spines were not even cracked.
Theo took a moment and then carefully placed his hand over the Hindi book “It's not uncommon for mixed wix kids to be sent to Hogwarts, maybe one of them is part Indian”?
“I mean I saw the quidditch picture of your dad and he had a darker complexion- I haven't seen your mom, but safe to say it might be him” Harry hadn't either, but it was like a lightbulb switched. Of course not particularly for the better, a lot of his aunts and strangers' remarks made much more sense.
“Holy shit-” Harry quickly snatched the book up and flipped through it, though none of the words made sense he couldn't help but look over each line in wonder “Then.. whoever sent this knew my parents”?
Theo shrugged “Must have- then I guess your mom was part French”?
“Must be-” Harry said confidently, his heart was thudding against his chest this was huge. It was a chance to connect to his parents through the culture they knew.
“I'm pretty sure Blaise knows French and i've heard Daphne speak Latin before, if you want we could be language buddies and learn Hindi”?
“Are you serious”?
“I mean compared to those two I only know three languages-”
Theo sounded almost bashful about the fact, but to Harry knowing more than one language was already pretty impressive.
“Wait what's the third”?
“Oh well I know English, Norse, and Bulgarian-” Theo counted each off “ That and I know learning a language alone is a big commitment so if you want”?
“Yes of course-” Harry cleared his throat “I would love that, besides imagine the amount of shit we can talk in Hindi”
That got another laugh out of Theo “Oh it will be perfect”
Harry carefully gathered the books together and stood up, ready to put them on his shelf as Theo began cleaning up.
“You don't want to just shove those in your trunk-”? Theo asked as he threw a few handfuls of wrapping into the trash.
Ah right- he could but Harry had almost been a Ravenclaw for a reason, he saw the curious hunger that Anthony had shown. Theo was no better than either of them as well, though he kept more tact in bombarding people with questions.
That curiosity could mean one mistake and risk revealing his wand. He trusted Theo, but he knew it wasn't something he was ready to share just yet.
“I want to scan over them tonight so better to leave them out”
Theo didn't bat an eye at Harry's excuse as he finished cleaning up and waited for Harry to return to open his last gift.
“Another blank? You know if I didn't know Hogwarts had good wards i'd be convinced it was people out to harass the allusive boy who lived” Theo said with a bit of unease “Then again if that were the case, you would have dozens more”
Harry half regretted not whipping his wand out then and there to send a stinging jinx at Theo, but he had a point. The first gift surely came from a friend of his parents, though stayed anonymous for one reason or another- maybe didn't know how to talk to Harry.
He peeled off the first layer and tried not to smile as he looked at some sort of fabric. God Harry might be away from the Dursleys, but that didn't mean he stopped appreciating the pure joy of new clothes, especially since he was a sucker for capes.
Only the knowledge that now with a stable diet he'd grown at least an inch and a half already stopped him from splurging too much on things he would surely outgrow. Or at least he was hopeful he would.
Harry pulled out the long blanket-like cloak that felt velvety to the touch, it had a pretty intricate detailed pattern but the fabric was so dark it was hard to tell exactly what it was.
“Oh wait, there's a note” Theo said, picking up the small slip of paper that had fallen onto the ground.
“It says ‘Your Father left this cloak in my possession, it's about time it was returned to you- use it well’ ” Theo flipped it over and tsked “Still no name- seems you have friends of your parents popping up left and right”
“About damm time-” Harry joked as he slung the cloak over his shoulders “I mean it's super soft, and now I have the perfect cloak for the rest of winter”
But when he looked up to meet Theos gaze he saw his friend wide eyed stare, mouth gaped looking just about as baffled “Holy shit Harry look down”!
Harry did and took a moment to process just what he was seeing, and that was he was seeing nothing at all. His body was gone.
Throwing off the cloak he felt a bit of relief to see his body come back into view- honestly this may have been the sign he finally went insane if it weren't for the fact Theo reacted as well.
“Harry… that's an invisibility cloak” He said as if not believing the words that came out of his mouth.
“People can just buy invisibility cloaks”? Could there be people Harry never knew were there?
Theo shot to his feet, circling Harry with bright eyes “No no Harry you can't just buy something like this- they are almost exclusively in museums or a noble family treasury”
“So- the fact I have it is completely insane”
“Yes,” Theo sounded a bit breathless “I mean seriously Harry- I've never even seen one in real life before, I doubt even the Malfoys have one, at least a genuine one”
“What do you mean”?
Theo reached forward and put just a tiny bit of the fabric over his hand, it disappeared. “You can recreate them sure- but they still show a pretty obvious magical sheen, and the magic itself breaks down in a year or so”
“For this to have been your dads and then be here for you, its at least older than you are- no doubt as genuine as you can get”
Harry's eyes widened as he glanced down at the cloak in a newfound awe. “Then… it's a Potter heirloom” It was his dads, and maybe even his grandparents and beyond. It was the first piece of his lineage now tucked tightly around his shoulders.
“Oh my god we have an invisibility cloak-” Harry muttered, the words still processing in his mind. “Can you imagine what we can use this for”!?
“We? Salazar Harry- are you already plotting”?
“I mean- what else am I supposed to do with a genuine invisibility cloak, behave like a good little Hufflepuff”?
Theo let out a startled laugh “God I should have never sat in that train car”
Months ago, Harry would have felt betrayed by such a comment. But the light in Theos eyes whenever they spoke, he knew they were stuck together for life.
“Blaise and Daphne are going to be so mad they missed this” Theo shook his head, still grinning ear to ear.
“And here I thought Christmas couldn't get any better”