Chapter 13: Mrs. Weasley's letter

It was two months after the victory of Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw, and the air of Christmas was circulating the air.The cold made them all lazy, and they spent most of their hours indoors talking by the cosy fire places in their common rooms.

Lily and Hermione were so up-to-date with the potion, they got to spend more time with the others.Lily and James were noticeably closer.Ron and Hermione were talking again.

Then that particular evening after a trip at Hogsmead, Harry and Ginny were sitting in one armchair.Ginny was on the arm rest.Harry was slumped sleepily on the chair.

"Harry…"muttered Ginny.

"Hmm?"grunted Harry, in reply.

"Go to sleep."said Ginny with a tiny smile.

"What?"asked Harry absentmindedly.

"Go to your dorm…You look tired."said Ginny, seeing Harry and his droppy eyes.

"Oh…Alright.Ill see you?"said Harry, as he made his way to their room.

"Yeah, sure."

When Harry disappeared in the room, Ginny sat on his chair and took out a shiny package from her bag.This package came from Hogsmead.

"I hope you like this."she said, as she took out some paper and wrapped.

Breakfast the next morning was an eventful one.Because it was a week before Christmas, the students, if they wanted, were allowed to go home for the holidays.

Harry, James, Sirius, Remus and Lily expected to be staying at Hogwarts because they didn't have a particular home to go too.

"Actually, I DO have a home…I just never gotten around to living there yet."said Harry, when James voiced this out, as he poured himself some cereal and muggle Cheerios.

Ron and Hermione stared.

"#12 Grimmauld place."said Harry.Sirius looked over his porridge bowl.

"I would rather stay at Hogwarts than over there."he said.

"Me too."

"You could stay over at the Burrow im sure mum wouldn't mind."said Ginny who was 5 seats away from Harry, and was eating with her friends.

"Yes well…I cant leave the Marauders here."said Harry.

"Oh Harry, you don't have to mind us… We will be absolute angels."said Sirius feigning innocence.

"Yeah…Depends on what 'innocence' is for you."muttered Remus buttering his toast.

"What was that?"snapped Lily, who was having a bad hair day.

"Er- nothing."said Sirius quickly.

Suddenly hundreds of owls started swooping down the Great Hall. Minutes later, a tawny disheaveled owl smashed on Harry's cereal splashing them all with milk and cereal.

This owl was Errol, the Weasley's family owl.

"Stupid bird."said Ron as he flicked from his red hair a bright pink O.

Errol was cluthing on his beak an enevelope.Ron immediatley picked it off his beak and shooed Errol who clicked his beak angrily, as if he thought Ron was being ungrateful.

Hermione, who sensed anger, gave Errol some toast and he went off while giving Hermione and affectionate nibble and Ron one of those owl glares.

"Its for you Harry."said Ron who looked at Harry's name scribbled on the back.

"What does it say?"asked James who had milk on his cheek.

Harry took he letter from Ron and read:

Dear Harry,

Im sure Ronald has already asked you, dear.But I am hoping you, Hermione, James, Sirius, Remus and Lily would like to stay at the Burrow for the holidays. Im sure it would be fun, and I think little Teddy would like to see you all again.

Love,

Molly Weasley

Harry immediatley seized a quill from his bag and scribbled:

Yes Please.The others want to come too.

Thank you,

Harry

Then he put it in his bag and made a mental note to send it to the Owlery later.

James snatched the letter from Harry, while Sirius was reading from behind.After he read it he said,

"I would love to go."

Harry nodded and gestured his bag.Then they finished their breakfast and headed for Defense Against the Dark Arts.

The day was busier than usual.Harry and the others are already in the middle of their list in DADA, and it was getting more comlicated than usual.Even Harry, who got an Outstanding in his O.W.Ls got homework for the holidays.

It wasn't only DADA that gave homework.Professor Slughorn gave them so much essays to do, it was hard not to compare him with Snape ("That Slughorn, its lucky he doesn't have a huge nose, because I will curse him to death if he does!", said Ron.).The other subjects for the day were merciful and gave them tiny things to do like study and read this chapter.

Their last class was Transfiguation.They all sat at the back, because they did not want to get caught snoozing because of the tiring day.

"Good afternoon class."greeted Professor Biola.The class greeted back with grunts and fake cheerful ones.

"I see that you had an exhausting day, yes?"she asked.The class nodded.

"Hmm…Since its your last week for December, I decided to not give you homework, since you've all been doing so well."

The class cheered a this.James and Sirius high-fived.Hermione stared and looked like she wanted to say something.

"Don't tell me you WANT homework, Hermione."said Ron tersely.

"No,"she muttered back and turned red."But I was hoping she'd assign us something to study, because we have so few homework for the Holidays, ill be stoned."

James, Sirius and Ron stared at her and decided not to say anything, because Lily was nodding her head in agreement.

I dont get women, thought Harry as Hermione and Lily talked about their study schedules.

In the end of the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Harry, Hermione, and Ron went ahead of the Marauders.They walked out in the freezing December air and decided to visit Hagrid, after all they havent visited im for quite a long time.On their way, they passed a couple of 3rd years making a fuss out of pointing and staring at Harry.Harry caught snatches of their conversation, because they werent bothering to keep their voices down.

"Do you see him?Last year, my older brother was at the war."said a blond haired kid.

"Really, Marty, you told me about that a million times."said Marty's friend.

"Well, it was amazing im telling you."said Marty to his friends.

"Yeah sure.Just because he battled Voldemort."said another friend.

"I heared that they were circling each other-"

"Yeah!Then WHAM, Voldemort's curse backfired!!"cried the only girl in the group.

"No!"said a shocked black kid.

"Yes!"they all said at the same time.

"I definitley want his autograph-"said the girl.

"Eww Elle, Potter?I expected better of you.Besides he has a girlfriend!"said Marty.Elle turned pink.

"Yeah sure he does-"

Then after that they all stopped talking when the realized Harry was listening in.

Harry and the others went on going to Hagrid.

"I dont believe it."gasped Harry.

"Yeah, I know...Even after the war, people are still talking about you!"said Ron.

"No not that idiot.I meant that!"said Harry, pointing at Hagrid's house.

Ron and Hermione gaped at the small wooden hut.It was adorned with so much decorartions, it was hard to compare it with Santa Claus' workshop.

"Oh my goodness."breathed Hermione, as she stared at the huge golden star hung atop of the chimney.Ron was laughing at the knomes dressed as tiny Santa Clauses.Harry grinned as he saw gigantic Christmas socks dangling unsupported on Buckbeak (or Witherwings).The chimney had a huge light smoke.But even with the extravagant design, it felt like home.Or maybe that was mainly because of the cookies on the window sill.

Harry tapped eagerly at Hagrid's door.Then it burst open, showing Hagrid, in a drab looking pink apron and a shocking Santa hat on hi head.Music was playing somewhere, which was, as usual,

"A Cauldron of Hot Strong Love by Celestina Warbeck?"said Ron, Hermione giggled.

"Yeh Ron, its a hit fer a 'undred years now."said Hagrid after giving them each a rib-cracking hug.

"How come yer havent been down ter see me yet? I thought you wer dead or sumthin' " he said.

"We were busy with some stuff lately and we havent found time to visit you yet.We are sorry."said Hermione, apologetically.

"No a prob'm"said Hagrid grinning at Hermione, while bustling busily with some tea.

Harry and the others accpeted a cup.

"So Hagrid, whats all this?"asked Harry curiously staring at a dangling Mistletoe on top of his oven.

"Yah mean the dec'rations?,"said Hagrid, Harry nodded." Oh this is nuthin' I decorate this way now, ever since Dumbledore di-"

He stopped talking, obviously it was still a sensitve thing for him.Harry quickly changed the subject.

"We- thats to say- Me, Ron and the Marauders are staying over at the Burrow for Christmas, what's your plan?"

"Er- nuthin' much. Just me and Buckbeaks or Witherwings and Grawpy... Harry, I was meaning ter talk to yer bou' the 4- er- extras."

Harry stared, it was not like Hagrid to wade in deep waters.The only time Harry saw him like this was when he gave a very unpleasant surprise in the name of Grawp.

"What is it?"asked Harry, he turned and saw Ron and Hermione had the same curious expression.

"Yeh shouldn' get attached with 'em.Im tellin' yeh."grunted Hagrid.

"And why is that?"asked Hermione skeptically.

"They're not from our time. Im not sayin' its bad to be friends with 'em...Ive known dem, Lily and James, Sirius, Remus...B-But you see- dey are dead Harry."

"So?"said Harry starting to realize that he didnt like this conversation one bit.

"Sooner later you'ld find it harder to leave 'em...And i don' want that...Without them in they're time you wont-"

:"I know that!"cried Harry.Hagrid stared in shock.Harry looked flushed and stormed out of the hut.

Hermione and Ron gave Hagrid a appologetic look.Hagrid grimaced, looking confused.The two found Harry standing at the door of the Owlery.

"Harry-"started Hermione wanting to reprimand Harry for storming away like that.But she stopped when she saw Harry in tears.

They stood there in silence.Harry was staring at a spot, it was occupied by a tawny owl.But Harry was still staring.Then he started to talk,

"Ive lost so much, right?"

His voice was cracked, hurt.He seemed to emit waves of sorrow.

"I know that, Harry."said Ron and Hermione at the same time.

"First dad...Then mom, when I was a baby."said Harry.

"Why are you-"chimed in Ron, but Hermione hushed him with an angry look.

"Then Sirius...Because of my stupidty."he continued.

"No...It wasnt."said Hermione sympathetically.Harry continued in a monotous tone, ignoring Hermione.

"Dumbledore...He sacrificed himself for me...the odd man."said Harry half-laughing half-choking in tears.

"Then Hedwig..."

He gestured to the spot.Ron and Hermione now realized why he choose this place to mourn.Because hedwig used to be here, and because Harry used this place to communicate with people he loved.

"Then Lupin...Tonks..."

Then his voice cracked behind his sad exterior.

"Even Fred."

Harry remembered the last look of him.Ron turned away.

"An it was all because of me...They all died, protecting me."he said, his face stoned."And im not even worth protecting I-"

"Dont say that!"cried Hermione, she looked close to tears.

"Hermione-"started Harry, shocked at her reaction.

"Dont say that..."she said again, then she sat on the floor her hands on her lap.Ron knelt beside her and shot Harry a look.Harry sat opposite her.

"Harry, you know you ARE worth saving!You ARE our friend...And no matter how stupid or arrogant you will ever be...You ARE still worth saving..."she said giving Harry a small smile.Harry returned it grateful.

"And Harry, people love you.If they love you...It means they will save you no matter what."said Hermione.Ron nodded.

Then Harry stood up, so did Hermione and Ron.And for a spilt second they were standing in more silence laughing at each others sentiments.Then the next second.

SLAP!

Harry staggered and touched his cheek, Hermione slapped him.

"Wha-?"

"Dont you EVER say that again, Harry Potter!"she said angrily.

Harry blushed and said still gratefully,

"Thanks...I deserve that."

"We better get back to Hagrid's hes sorta worried."said Ron marvelling at Hermione's strength.

"Yeah, ive got to apologize."said Harry.

And they all went arm in arm to Hagrid's who was waiting at his overdecorated doorway carrying a hot mug of chocolate, grinning.

Harry stooped over a large stool staring at the book Lily was reading out loud.

"Im bored...Why do we have to wait so long to get to the burrow?Why not apparate??"said Harry.Lily shrugged and smiled at Harry.

"Patience is a virtue...Obviously you dont have it."said Lily.

They were at King's Cross, they were waiting for the Ministry car that will pick them up.

"I was wondering the same thing actually..."said Hermione, who knew everyone in the premises was an able aparattor.Even Ginny was good at it.

Then a car pulled over the sides, almost bumping a vending machine.Luckily the police didnt notice.Then Mr.Weasley came out of the side, smilling at them all.

"Good morning, you lot!"he said as they put they're luggage in the extended back.Some people were trying to see how they do it.Harry even heard some muggle say,

"Wow...Ive got to get one of those cars!I need it for my fishing trip..."

When they all sat down at the back (Ginny was next to Arthur), Harry looked at Arthur then said,

"Er- Mr. Weasley?"

"Yes Harry, m'boy?"

"How come we didint apparate?"

Arthur looked stunned for a second then pulled over the car, Ginny almost bumped the dashboard.

"DAD!"she cried angrily.

"Sorry Ginny, I cant talk when im driving."he said appologetically.

Ron, Sirius, and James snickered.

"The ministry made a new bill you see, and I think its right.Wizards are NOT allowed to apparate in muggle habited places.Hermen Duggin's apparation 2 feet from a muggle gave us quite a lot to do, since the muggle was a child, she most likely told everyone, and yes, we had a lot of memories to obliviate... So the ministry decided to fit the bill..."

"What happend to the child?"asked James.

"She lost a whole bunch of memories, im telling you that.It wasnt easy."

Harry remembered Prof Lockhart.

They almost bumped again as Mr. Weasley started driving.