Chapter 11
The party ended before they could find the unicorns, much to Blaise’s dismay.
“Boys, before you head up to Harrison’s room an owl has arrived and now is the best time to open your gifts.” Lucius called for them.
Harry was never a big fan of Lucius. He sees everything as a political opportunity of some sorts and is terrible to Draco. He reminds Harry of Vernon, although he is much quieter and instead of a whip he has a cane with a snake head on it. Draco often has bruises and snake bite marks on his back from the stupid thing. (It wasn’t uncommon for purebloods to physically abuse their children as a method of punishment. Often going as far as using crucio, and other forbidden spells.) The second Harry gets a chance he is going to beat Lucius to death with that stupid cane and feed his corpse to the thestrals. Rumor has it they are incredibly fond of human meat, maybe they'll enjoy a treat.
“Here you are boy, open that while your father gets your gifts.” Lucius drawled in that aggravating way of his and handed Harry his letter. Harry ignored Lucius and quickly ripped it open, careful not to ruin its contents.
It was his Hogwarts acceptance letter. Although he fully expected to get his letter he couldn’t help but be excited. It contained a list of everything he would need. Much of which he already had, he just needed a wand and some of the books.
“Alright Haz, Dray, let’s open presents. Oh? Is that your letter? Let me see it then.” Snape took Harry’s letter and handed him and Draco their gifts.
Harry tore into it excitedly, inside was an amulet and a piece of paper. The amulet was beautiful, it was a simple silver chain with a small silver ouroboros pendant. The paper was some type of preorder for a pet at the pet shop in Diagon alley. It didn’t specify what type of pet exactly but Harry hoped it was something cool like a frost salamander. It probably wasn’t an owl considering he and his father already had Scarab the crow and Serrin the magpie. His father would often say corvids were far better as delivery birds, considering they can see magic and can tell if something is cursed.
“A pet!? Really? What kind?” Harry asked excitedly and Draco matched his energy quickly. His father smirked playfully. “That is up to you. When we go shopping for supplies you get to pick one pet, any pet but just one from the pet store. You as well Draco, it took a bit for me to convince your father, so make a wise decision. Those pendants you are holding will bind that pet to you as your familiar. In doing so you will be able to summon your pet from anywhere at any time and even conceal your pet in the pendent. Although you should only do so if absolutely necessary. Prolonged time, I'd estimate about two and a half hours, in the amulet is uncomfortable for the animal.” Snape downed the rest of his goblet of blood and waved them off with a fond smile as he read through the entirety of Harry's letter.
“Oh! Father, before I head off I was wondering if I could stay the night at the cathedral?” Draco inquired anxiously. He fidgeted with the many rings that decorate his fingers and looked around the room clearly trying to hide his nervousness. The longer his father remained silent the more he fidgeted, shifting from foot to foot and playing with the sleeves of his clothes. He never looked directly at his father.
“I suppose you might as well. Don’t do anything foolish. I’ll be off then, may the great house of Tristis forever remain pure and prosperous.” Lucius bowed to his father and immediately left with a loud CRACK.