A few days prior to the start of the winter break and Harry found himself approached by the one person he had been doing his best to avoid.
Lockhart
"Well hello Harry, fancy eting you here."
It wasn't, and anyone with half a brain could guess the so-called professor had been trying to figure out his schedule and a ti they would end up, relatively, alone together. It wasn't as if a Magical Creatures instructor often ended up in the hallway near his Dueling Club.
The boy-who-lived rely shrugged, "Yeah I guess."
Apparently, the woman couldn't take a hint, even if it was smacked in her face, "You know I am quite the prestigious duelist myself, I certainly wouldn't mind giving you so private lessons."
"I already have a ntorship with Professor Riddle."
She waved off his response as if it didn't matter, it was just another item on the 'every Lockhart is an arsehole' list. "Variety makes life so much more colorful. Wouldn't you rather try sothing new than wonder about it years later?"
Harry had a distinct impression they were having two very different conversations but didn't feel he possessed the energy to even try and sort out the confusion. Despite how well the first part of the year had been going his restful nights had quickly fallen apart after realizing there could very well be a Basilisk prowling the hallways and he might awaken the next day to hear about a dead student being found.
When it beca clear that he wasn't going to answer the woman rely smiled in her, creepier than normal fashion. "Well, think about it. Who knows, maybe we will run into each other over break."
It wasn't a threat, and the woman was far from being soone Harry would consider a threat, but he shivered anyway.
****
It was the first ti Harry Potter had ridden the Hogwarts Express other than the beginning and end of the school years. Snow had begun to fall, each flake streaking past the windows as he gazed out and the winter scenery.
To his imdiate left was his raven-haired sister, feet tucked in on the bench, one of her novels in hand. Next to, and leaning against, her was the third of the Potter 'siblings' her red hair nearly covering her face as she snuggled into her sister's arm, eyes closed. Excitent had kept her up the night before, thus she was beginning to fall asleep, using the most comfortable, and obvious, pillow available.
Directly across from him sat Hermione, eyes firmly fixed on her book for Transfiguration, lost in the world of written words. Next to the bookworm were both Luna and Ginny, their own attention spent on a shared catalog of clothing and outfits, the occasional giggle being the only auditory disturbance to the peaceful sounds of travel.
It was perfect, and when the boy-who-lived glanced at the rest of those nearby it filled his chest with warmth. These were his friends, his family in blood, past deeds, and present companionship.
The fears and uncertainties all seed so far away in that mont. He didn't need to worry about a Dark Lord trying to kill him, or a monster rampaging in the halls of Hogwarts. There wasn't so big conspiracy behind everything with threats and dark forebodings around every turn.
In that mont, he was just plain-old Harry, with normal friends, a normal family, normal worries, and a normal life.
The train arrived on ti, and without incident at the platform as it did every year. The children disembarked to waiting parents and guardians, joyful greetings and happiness filled the air. It was in this crowd that Jas and Lily happily waved for the children, and where the group that had sat together split up, each promising to keep in touch and write over the break.
The relief and happiness filling both adults' eyes was obvious as they hugged all three and ushered them back to the Floos to return ho. Their house was both as Harry rembered and sohow warr, more holy. A blazing fire filled the hearth, candles were lit in the windows, the scent of freshly made dinner filled the air.
Food was quickly served, with the family sitting around the table sharing stories of their lives for the past few months as well as Harry's 'sisters' talking about holiday traditions and plans for their ti off.
"We always open gifts in the morning then have breakfast." Amaryllis explained around a mouthful of food, earning her a sharp glance from her father. "Then we can go flying! Uncle Sirius usually cos over in the afternoon or we go over there. Maybe we can et up with Hermione and the Weasleys and Luna soti during the week and…"
Lily cleared her throat to gently interrupt, "Those are all wonderful ideas sweetheart and I'm sure your friends would love to see you, but we also need to think about Harry's plans Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday."
The two girls blinked in confusion, before looking over to the boy who shrugged in equal uncertainty. Their father took the opportunity to clarify, "What your mother ans is that Harry will be spending at least a few days with his tutor, especially since it is her birthday Thursday."
"What?" It hadn't been a tone the boy expected, especially from the shyer of the two sisters, but when he looked over the anger in her eyes was evident. "This is our holiday break, not hers."
Both parents frowned, "Harriet, you will see him for the first half, but it is important that…"
"Did you ask him?" Amy interrupted, clearly uncaring as to the consequences of doing so. "Or did you just make plans without telling him… again."
"Amy, don't talk to your father like that."
"Why not?" she snapped, "You have no problem interrupting our lives without telling us."
As the argunts began Harry was reminded all too much of the Dursley's during the winters before Hogwarts. Dealing with extended family, with the argunts, with the hateful glares. "Stop!"
All conversations ca to a halt as attention shifted onto him, allowing him to take a few deep breaths to calm himself. He looked towards his counterparts with as gentle a smile as he could muster, "It's okay, really it is. She bought birthday and Christmas gifts last year and it is her birthday on the thirty-first so it would only make sense for to see her. I don't know about three whole days but at least a little."
Lily nodded, "Thank you Harry for…"
"And you should have told before making plans on my behalf." This brought the woman's response to a halt, before letting out a sigh.
"Yes… yes, you're right. We should have talked to you about this sooner, it's difficult to rember that you aren't older and already know how all this works. I'm sorry."
Jas nodded in agreent.
Silence fell onto the table, until Harry spoke once more "Okay, no more angry holidays, I had enough of those."
He missed several looks being passed between the others before the pleasant conversation and eating resud.
____________________
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