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The train ride from Hogwarts was filled with laughter and anticipation. Neville, Dean, and Seamus were eager to experience Christmas at Remus and Sirius’s cottage, while Ron reassured them about the excellent food awaiting them. Hermione was already planning activities for the break, and Harry couldn’t help but smile at his friends’ excitement.
As the train pulled into King’s Cross Station, Harry felt a flutter of excitement. Stepping onto the platform, he was immediately enveloped in a tight hug.
“Finally!” exclaimed Marlene, his younger sister, her eyes shining with joy.
Harry chuckled, returning the embrace. “Missed you too, Marlene.”
Before he could say more, Ginny appeared, her face lighting up as she saw him. She gave him a quick, warm hug, which, though brief, didn’t go unnoticed by their friends.
Dean and Seamus exchanged amused glances and let out playful wolf-whistles. “Ooooh, Potter’s got himself a girlfriend!” Seamus teased.
Ron rolled his eyes and playfully smacked Seamus on the back of the head. “Cut it out, you git.”
Seamus rubbed his head, grinning. “Just having a bit of fun.”
Hermione approached, hands on her hips. “Honestly, Ron! Is violence your only solution?”
Ron opened his mouth to retort, but before he could, Hermione gave him a light smack on the arm. “Behave,” she admonished, though her eyes twinkled with amusement.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, Harry’s gaze shifted, and his heart warmed at the sight of two familiar figures approaching. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black made their way through the bustling platform, their faces breaking into smiles as they spotted Harry and his friends.
Sirius, looking as carefree as ever, clapped Harry on the shoulder. “There’s our star student! Ready for some holiday mischief?”
Remus chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Let’s hope this year’s festivities are a bit more subdued than the last.”
Harry grinned, feeling a profound sense of belonging. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The Cottage
Remus’s cottage exuded warmth and comfort. The scent of pine mingled with the aroma of freshly baked treats, and a roaring fire cast a cozy glow throughout the room. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree stood in the corner, adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments that seemed to dance in the flickering light.
Sirius, ever the prankster, had added his own touch to the decorations. Miniature Quidditch players zoomed around the branches, occasionally pausing to wave at passersby. A tiny enchanted Snape ornament scowled whenever someone drew near, eliciting chuckles from all who noticed.
“Really, Sirius?” Remus sighed, though a smile tugged at his lips. “Must you turn every holiday into a prank?”
Sirius feigned innocence. “Who, me? I’m merely enhancing the festive spirit.”
The evening unfolded with joy and camaraderie. The group decorated the tree, sipped on hot chocolate, and listened to Sirius’s animated tales of his and Remus’s Hogwarts escapades—most of which involved elaborate pranks and narrow escapes.
Marlene engaged in a playful debate with the twins over the superiority of certain joke products, while Ginny and Hermione attempted to teach Ron and Harry a new card game, resulting in much laughter and confusion. Dean and Seamus challenged each other to a gingerbread house-building contest, with Neville acting as the impartial judge.
As the night drew on, Harry found himself sitting back, observing the lively scene. His friends and family, gathered together, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of the fire, filled him with a profound sense of contentment.
This, he realized, was the true essence of Christmas—love, laughter, and the cherished company of those who mattered most.