Like Fire and Moonlight - Chapter 13: Christmas Gifts

Coming home was both refreshing and unsettling for Harry. The familiar smell of the hallways, the soft creak of the wooden steps, the distant sound of laughter coming from the kitchen — all of it brought a sense of comfort he rarely felt at Hogwarts. But even at home, thoughts of Daphne wouldn’t leave him alone.

He was sitting in his bedroom, the morning sunlight streaming through the window, casting a warm glow over the gray and white walls — a color scheme that contrasted completely with the vibrant tones of Gryffindor. Unlike what many might have imagined, his room wasn’t a burst of red and gold, but rather a blend of Muggle and magical items, a perfect representation of the duality that had always defined his life.

He stood up, ran a hand through his still-messy hair, and made his way downstairs for breakfast, the steps creaking softly beneath his feet. As he passed through the living room, he greeted Elfie, the Potter family’s house-elf, who was busy adjusting some Christmas decorations that Lily insisted on keeping up until New Year’s. Elfie had been with the family since before Harry was born, and he had always treated her with kindness, very different from what he had seen in other wizarding homes.

When he entered the kitchen, he found his parents moving in a familiar, almost choreographed dance of breakfast preparation. James was slicing fruit with his wand, the pieces floating into a bowl that Lily was mixing with a wooden spoon. They chatted and laughed, their shoulders touching every now and then, their heads leaning toward each other in small, affectionate gestures that Harry couldn’t help but notice.

He paused in the doorway for a second, his eyes fixed on the scene, and, without meaning to, his mind betrayed him with a quick image — him and Daphne, perhaps in a kitchen like this one, teasing each other as they prepared breakfast. He felt his face heat up at the thought and quickly shook his head, moving to the counter and grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl.

“Morning,” he said, taking a bite of the apple as he sat down on one of the high stools.

Lily turned to look at him, surprised. “You? Up this early?” She laughed, her green eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and curiosity. “We usually have to drag you out of bed when you’re home.”

Harry shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “I got used to waking up early. Daphne has this annoying habit of wanting to get things done first thing in the morning,” he replied, without thinking too much. “Before I even realize it, I’m already out of bed.”

He only realized what he’d said when he saw his parents exchange a curious glance. James, who had paused briefly in his fruit-cutting, raised an eyebrow.

“Daphne?” James repeated, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Not ‘Greengrass’ or ‘Slytherin Ice Queen’ anymore?”

Harry blinked, feeling his face heat up again. “Uh... well... I meant Greengrass. It’s just that we’ve been working together a lot, you know?” He tried to play it off, taking another bite of the apple to avoid saying more.

Lily raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying his attempt at distraction. “Working together a lot, huh?”

Harry sighed, realizing he had already walked himself into a trap. “Yeah, you know... patrols, parties, projects...”

James let out a low chuckle, setting down the knife and crossing his arms, clearly enjoying the situation. “I can’t believe this. My son is talking about a Slytherin without using words like ‘unbearable’ or ‘intolerable.’”

Lily laughed, giving James a light shove on the arm. “Leave the boy alone, James. It’s not his fault if he’s finally found someone who challenges him.”

Harry rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop the smile that crept onto his lips. He got up to pour himself a large cup of coffee, hoping the bitterness would help him focus on something else.

They sat down for breakfast, the kitchen filled with the comforting smells of toast and fresh fruit. James picked up the Daily Prophet, snapping the pages open with a characteristic flick while Lily poured herself a glass of pumpkin juice.

“And how’s your final year at Hogwarts going?” Lily asked, her tone light but her eyes sharp as she looked at her son.

Harry chewed on a piece of toast before answering, using the time to think of the right response. “Different from what I imagined,” he said finally. “A lot of responsibilities... barely any time for myself.”

James let out a short laugh without taking his eyes off the newspaper. “That reminds me of my seventh year,” he commented, folding one of the pages to read a specific column. “And I still had time to win your mother over.”

Lily elbowed him, her eyes narrowing in mock indignation. “I was the one who won you over, you arrogant prat.”

James put the paper down for a second, turning to look at her with an incredulous expression. “What? I was in love with you since fifth year! You’re the one who took ages to figure it out.”

She laughed, throwing her head back, her red hair swaying with the movement. “You were an idiot, James. A complete idiot.”

Harry watched the scene, his parents’ light laughter filling the kitchen in a way that always made him feel like everything was right in the world. He couldn’t help the smile that escaped as he watched them.

“I think the word you’re looking for is ‘persistent,’” James shot back, pointing the knife at his wife with a mischievous grin.

“Arrogant,” Lily corrected, giving him another playful shove on the shoulder before stealing a piece of fruit from the bowl in front of her.

They laughed together, and Harry allowed himself to relax, letting the image of Daphne slip to the back of his mind, at least for a few minutes.

Harry took another sip of his coffee, feeling the strong bitterness warm his throat as he watched his parents teasing each other beside him. He loved these moments, when they could just be a normal family, without the pressure of expectations and responsibilities.

But, as always, the conversation eventually turned to the future, something he tried to avoid at all costs.

“So, Harry,” James began, folding the newspaper with a firm movement and setting it down beside his plate. “Have you thought about what you’re going to do after you graduate?”

Harry swallowed, the taste of the coffee suddenly turning more bitter in his mouth. He knew this question would come sooner or later, but he still didn’t feel ready to answer it.

“Well... I still want to be an Auror,” he replied, trying to keep his tone casual as he sliced a piece of bread for himself. “That’s always been the plan, right?”

Lily exchanged a quick glance with James before leaning in slightly closer to her son. “Are you sure?”

Harry frowned, surprised by his mother’s cautious tone. “Why do you ask?”

James chuckled, his eyes sparkling with that familiar glint he got when he was about to tease someone. “It’s just that you don’t seem as... certain about it anymore,” he said, resting his elbows on the table and intertwining his fingers. “You used to talk about it with so much enthusiasm. Now it seems more... automatic.”

Harry looked away, his hand still holding the piece of bread he hadn’t bothered to bite into. He didn’t want to admit it, but his father was right. The idea of becoming an Auror still appealed to him, but the conviction he once had felt like it had faded over time, like a cloak that had lost its shine after too many battles.

“Of course I want it,” he said finally, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “It’s just that, I don’t know... this last year has been more... intense than I expected.”

Lily frowned, her green eyes analyzing her son’s face with the precision of a Legilimens. “Intense how?”

Harry sighed, realizing there was no escaping this familiar interrogation. He rested his elbows on the table, his fingers intertwined as he stared at the still-steaming coffee in his cup.

“I just... sometimes I wonder if it’s really what I want,” he admitted, choosing his words carefully. “Being an Auror feels so... final. Like I’d be committing to a life of danger and uncertainty.”

James smiled, but there was a more serious look in his eyes now. “Well, it’s a life full of adrenaline, that’s true,” he said, tilting his head to the side. “But it’s also a life of purpose. Of making a difference.”

Harry nodded but didn’t respond immediately. He found his thoughts drifting back to Daphne, to the carefree moments they had shared, to the teasing and laughter he never imagined he would have with someone like her. Why, lately, did he feel so... different? Like something in his path was shifting and he wasn’t exactly sure where he was headed.

“You don’t have to decide now, Harry,” Lily said, her voice gentle but firm. “Just... don’t feel pressured to follow a path just because everyone expects it from you.”

Harry looked at her for a second, surprised by her perception. Lily had always had that talent for seeing beyond the words, for understanding the unspoken feelings.

“I know,” he replied, forcing a smile that now felt a bit more genuine. “I just... need time to think.”

James let out a short laugh, picking up the newspaper again and shaking his head. "Ah, son, if I had a Galleon for every time I needed time to think when I was your age..."

Lily nudged him with her elbow again, her eyes still fixed on Harry. "Just don’t forget to enjoy your final year," she said, her tone serious but with a touch of warmth that instantly made him feel a bit lighter. "And, from the sound of it, you’ve already started doing that."

Harry blinked, surprised by the hint, but before he could respond, James let out a loud laugh, clearly enjoying the situation.

"Oh, yes! Our boy is finally having some fun! Even with Slytherins!"

Harry shook his head, trying to hide the smile that insisted on forming. He leaned back in his chair, feeling the warmth of the coffee spread through his body and the familiar comfort of the kitchen settling around him.

Even with all the uncertainties, in that moment, he felt exactly where he was supposed to be.

~HP~

The motorcycle engine roared beneath Harry, his hands gripping the metal handlebars firmly as the cold winter wind whipped against his face. It wasn’t exactly the same sense of freedom he felt on a broomstick, but it was close enough to make him forget the past few days, the curious glances, and the questions he didn’t want to answer.

He followed Sirius down the coastal highway, the mountains rising to the left like silent giants, while the open sea stretched out to the right, the waves crashing against the rocks with a sound that echoed even above the engines. It was an impressive view, even with the gray sky and the biting cold air.

Sirius was a few meters ahead, his posture relaxed and his dark hair whipping in the wind, as if he had been born for this. Harry smiled as he watched him, imagining that at some point in his youth, Sirius must have convinced James to buy that motorcycle. A decision Lily had surely disapproved of, but one James didn’t seem to regret, even after so many years without riding it.

They continued down the road for a few more minutes, until Sirius made a quick hand signal and turned right, leaving the highway and heading down a small road that led to a secluded beach. Harry followed his godfather, the salty smell of the sea growing stronger as they got closer to the sand.

They parked the bikes on a gravel patch a few meters from the beach, where the waves crashed furiously against the rocks, sending cold sprays of seawater into the air. Harry turned off the engine and pulled off his helmet, shaking his messy hair and taking a deep breath of the icy air, feeling his lungs expand.

Sirius had already dismounted, his hands shoved into the pockets of his leather jacket as he stared out at the waves with a thoughtful expression. He leaned against his motorcycle, his gray eyes fixed on the horizon as if trying to decipher some ancient secret.

Harry walked over, picking up a small stone from the ground and tossing it toward the waves, watching it skip a few times before being swallowed by the freezing water.

“So,” Sirius began, without taking his eyes off the sea. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

Harry blinked, confused. “What do you mean?”

Sirius turned to face him, his eyes narrowing into an expression Harry knew well — that mixture of curiosity and teasing that meant Sirius already knew more than he was letting on.

“You might be able to fool your parents,” he said, pulling one hand out of his pocket to gesture casually, “but not me. I taught you everything you know, remember?”

Harry let out a sigh, tossing another stone into the sea, this time with more force, as if trying to shake off the tension building in his shoulders. He knew he couldn’t hide this from Sirius.

“I... I kissed Greengrass,” he blurted out, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Sirius stayed silent for a few seconds, his eyes widening slightly before he threw his head back and let out a loud, booming laugh that echoed across the deserted beach. Harry felt his face heat up, his jaw clenching as he tossed another stone, this time in the direction of his godfather’s bike.

“Hey!” Sirius exclaimed, stepping back instinctively. “Watch the bike, kid! It’s not to blame for your romantic dramas.”

Harry rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto his face as he watched Sirius trying to brush the dust off the bike’s shiny paint.

“You didn’t have to laugh that much,” Harry grumbled, kicking a smaller stone with the tip of his sneaker.

Sirius shook his head, still smiling as he walked over to Harry and gave him a light slap on the shoulder. “Ah, Harry... I knew this would happen. You and your father are the same. He used to say he hated your mother too, until he realized he was completely in love with her.”

Harry felt his stomach twist, like someone had cast a nausea spell on him. He opened his mouth to protest, to say that it was different, that Daphne was nothing like Lily, that they never got along and that all of this was just a momentary confusion, but the words wouldn’t come.

Sirius watched him for a second, his eyes now serious, as if he realized the impact his words had caused.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Sirius continued, his tone now softer. “I know you, Harry. I can tell when something’s messing with your head.”

Harry turned his gaze to the sea, the waves crashing violently against the rocks, the sound echoing like the rapid pounding of his heart. He tried to find the right words, but all he managed was a hesitant murmur.

“I... I don’t know,” he admitted, his fingers tightening around the edge of his leather jacket. “She used to annoy me. She always did. But lately, it’s like... I can’t stop thinking about her.”

Sirius let out a light sigh, shoving his hands back into his jacket pockets as he leaned against his bike. “There it is,” he said, with a smile that seemed to carry years of experience and regrets. “That’s the beginning.”

Harry frowned, feeling his heart beat faster. “Beginning of what?”

Sirius broke into a mischievous grin, his eyes gleaming with that rebellious spark that never seemed to fade. “Of your own romantic chaos, my dear godson. Welcome to the club of those who complicate their own lives because of a girl.”

Harry let out a short laugh, but he couldn’t shake the strange feeling rooting itself in his chest, as if something inside him was rearranging, something he wasn’t sure he was ready to face.

He tossed another stone into the sea, watching it sink quickly before turning back to Sirius, who was already putting his helmet back on. But, to Harry’s surprise, his godfather didn’t mount his bike right away. Instead, he paused for a moment, his fingers tightly gripping the helmet straps, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

“You know,” Sirius began, his voice lower, almost thoughtful. “I’ve been through this.”

Harry frowned, not immediately understanding. “Been through what?”

Sirius let out a light laugh, but without the teasing tone from before. He turned to face Harry, his gray eyes more serious now, as if he was about to reveal an old secret.

“What you’re going through,” he explained, tilting his head to the side as if trying to find the right words. “That thing where you don’t know what you feel for someone who, deep down, you think you shouldn’t like.”

Harry crossed his arms, feeling the cold wind cut across his face again. “You? Seriously?”

Sirius sighed, his breath forming a small white cloud in the icy air. “Yeah, seriously.” He looked at the sea for a moment, his eyes getting lost in the waves crashing against the rocks. “Her name was Marlene McKinnon.”

Harry blinked, surprised. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it. He tilted his head, curious. “Did she go to Hogwarts?”

Sirius nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah. Same time as me, your dad, your mum... She was a Gryffindor, like us. Stubborn, brave, full of opinions. A real force of nature.”

Harry noticed that Sirius’s tone had changed, becoming softer, almost nostalgic. It was rare to see him like this, without the usual layer of sarcasm and carefree attitude he usually carried.

“And what happened?” Harry asked, taking another step closer to him, his feet sinking into the cold sand.

Sirius let out a short, humorless laugh, his eyes still fixed on the sea. “I did exactly what you’re thinking of doing right now. Ignored what I was feeling. Convinced myself it didn’t make sense, that it wasn’t worth it.” He shook his head, as if scolding himself. “We were friends, we teased each other, argued... but we never really... you know, let things go beyond that.”

Harry felt a weight forming in his chest. He never imagined Sirius regretting something like that, but his words seemed heavy with years of unresolved feelings.

“And what happened to her?” Harry asked, his voice quieter now, almost afraid of the answer.

Sirius let out a long sigh, his shoulders relaxing as he leaned back against the bike, the helmet swaying slightly in his hands. “She got married. Had kids. Started a family,” he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of bitterness that Harry had never heard from him before. “I saw her a few years ago, at a Ministry event. She looked happy.”

Harry frowned, feeling his stomach twist at the idea that someone like Sirius could regret something so deeply.

“Do you still think about her?” he asked, hesitant.

Sirius let out a short laugh, but it didn’t sound like he really found the situation funny. “Every now and then,” he admitted, his eyes still fixed on the sea. “But it’s not like it used to be. Now, it’s more like a memory of what could have been.”

Harry felt his throat tighten, Sirius’s words echoing in his mind like a silent warning. He thought about Daphne’s eyes, the smiles she tried to hide, the teasing that always seemed to carry something more. He didn’t want to end up like Sirius, looking back with regret, wondering what might have happened if he had made a different choice.

“So... do you regret it?” Harry asked, his voice lower now, almost a whisper.

Sirius turned to look at him, his gray eyes catching the weak winter sunlight. “I regret not being brave enough to admit what I felt,” he said, his voice firm. “For letting pride and fear stop me from experiencing something that could have been incredible.”

Harry fell silent, the waves crashing in the background like a constant reminder of time that never stops. He felt his fingers tingle slightly, as if he wanted to jump on his bike and speed away from there, but he knew he couldn’t run from this conversation.

Sirius seemed to sense the weight of his words and cracked a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. “But, who knows, maybe you won’t make the same mistake I did,” he added, giving Harry a light slap on the shoulder. “You’ve always been smarter than me.”

Harry let out a nervous laugh but didn’t respond. He looked back at the sea, his heart beating faster than before, Sirius’s words echoing in his mind like a prophecy he wasn’t sure he wanted to fulfill.

“Ready to head back?” Sirius asked again, this time climbing onto his bike and putting on his helmet.

Harry hesitated for a second, but then nodded, clutching his helmet to his chest as he mounted his own bike.

They sped off down the beach, the wheels kicking up small clouds of sand as they pulled away from the sea. But even with the cold wind cutting across his face and the roar of the engine drowning out his thoughts, Harry couldn’t shake the feeling that, in that moment, he had a choice to make.

~HP~

The smell of cinnamon, pine, and freshly baked sweets filled the Potter house that Christmas morning. The fireplace in the living room crackled cheerfully, spreading a comforting warmth through the room as snowflakes danced outside, clinging to the windows and forming delicate patterns on the fogged glass.

Harry hurried down the stairs, still feeling the cold from the motorcycle ride with Sirius in his bones, but he couldn’t help the smile that formed on his lips as he heard the lively voices coming from the living room. As soon as he reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw that the house was already full of life.

Sirius was standing by the fireplace, a steaming mug in his hands, his dark hair falling messily over his shoulders as he laughed at something Remus had just said. Remus, in turn, was leaning against the arm of the couch, his face a bit thinner than usual, but his eyes shining with a quiet happiness. Next to him, Tonks was sitting with a plate of cookies on her lap, her hair a vibrant shade of blue and her belly now visibly round.

Andromeda and Ted Tonks were on the other side of the room, near the Christmas tree, which was loaded with colorful ornaments and lights blinking in an enchantingly chaotic rhythm. Andromeda, her dark hair elegantly pinned in a loose bun, was gesturing animatedly as she explained something to Lily, who was listening attentively with a smile on her lips. Ted, standing beside his wife, looked more relaxed, his arms crossed and his eyes reflecting the twinkling lights of the tree.

Harry stepped into the living room, running a hand through his still-messy hair and allowing himself to relax at the familiar, cozy sight before him.

“Finally, the boy is awake!” Sirius exclaimed, raising his mug in a makeshift toast as the others turned to look at Harry.

Lily beamed at him, her green eyes sparkling. “Good morning, sweetheart!”

James, who was standing next to her with his arm draped over his wife’s shoulders, also broke into a wide grin. “Ah, so our Head Boy has finally decided to join the rest of us mere mortals!”

Harry rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile. “I thought you all might want a bit of peace before I came down.”

Tonks chuckled, her hair briefly shifting to a shade of pink before settling back to blue. “Oh, Harry, you’ve never been one to cause trouble,” she teased, popping another cookie into her mouth.

“Of course not,” Sirius cut in, setting his mug down on the coffee table and crossing his arms with a theatrically serious expression. “He’s the very definition of model behavior.”

“Yeah, right,” Remus added with a mischievous grin Harry rarely saw on him.

Harry flopped onto the couch beside Tonks, grabbing a cookie from her plate before she could protest. “I only cause trouble when you lot are around,” he shot back, taking an exaggerated bite of the cookie.

Ted chuckled, crossing his arms as he watched James and Lily’s son with an amused look. “Seems like you really take after your dad,” he said, throwing a playful wink at James, who made a dramatically proud gesture.

“And there’s nothing wrong with that,” James said, squeezing Lily’s shoulders, who just shook her head with a smile.

Harry watched the scene, feeling his heart warm at the sight of his friends and family gathered together. It was a stark contrast to the memories he had of other, lonelier Christmases, before he discovered what it meant to have a real family.

They stayed like that for a few minutes, laughing and teasing each other while the fire crackled in the background and the smell of spices filled the room.

After a while, Andromeda approached with a small plate of cookies and held it out to Harry. “Here, dear. I know you like the cinnamon ones.”

Harry took the plate with a smile, feeling warmth spread through his chest at the affectionate look she gave him.

“Thank you, Andromeda,” he said, taking one of the cookies and biting into it with appreciation.

She ruffled his hair affectionately, like a proud aunt, before returning to Ted’s side, where he wrapped her in a warm embrace.

Harry chewed the cookie slowly, his eyes moving around the room and catching small details — the way Sirius leaned a bit closer to Remus as they talked, the way James still looked at Lily like she was the only person in the room, and the bright glint in Tonks’s eyes as she looked down at the belly carrying her first child.

It was a scene he wanted to remember forever, a moment of peace that felt even more precious given all the uncertainties the future held.

But, deep down, a part of him couldn’t help but think of someone else who, at that moment, was probably also surrounded by family, perhaps laughing at an inside joke or rolling her eyes at the teasing comments of a younger sister.

Daphne.

The thought came so quickly that he nearly choked on his cookie. He swallowed quickly, clearing his throat as he tried to focus on the conversation around him, but the image of Daphne with her face illuminated by Christmas lights had already etched itself into his mind.

And even with the laughter and lighthearted conversation filling the room, Harry couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. Or, perhaps more accurately, someone.

Since Peter’s death, Christmas gatherings had never quite been the same. There was always an empty place, an absence that no amount of laughter or jokes could fully fill. Peter had died tragically a few years ago, the victim of an accident that caught everyone by surprise. Even though they rarely spoke about it, his absence still left a silent mark on their celebrations.

And then there was the more recent loss — Fleamont. James tried to hide how much he missed his father with jokes and playful teasing, but Harry knew that his absence still weighed heavily, even if it was rarely mentioned.

Harry shifted uncomfortably on the sofa, trying to push the thought away, but Sirius’s voice pulled him back to reality.

Harry looked over at his father, who was now laughing at something Ted had said, but he noticed the slight tension in James’s shoulders, the way he gripped Lily’s hand a little tighter whenever she got close. It was as if he feared losing someone else he loved, and Harry couldn’t help but worry about that.

He shifted again on the sofa, the soft upholstery creaking slightly under his weight, while his eyes wandered around the room, taking in the familiar faces and the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. Even with the obvious happiness around him, there was a subtle hint of melancholy hanging in the air, like a silent spell no one dared to break.

But before he could get too lost in his thoughts, a light flapping of wings cut through the noise, followed by the sound of something heavy landing on the windowsill near the fireplace. Harry turned quickly, his eyes narrowing as he spotted an unfamiliar owl with dark feathers and golden eyes that stared at him with an almost unsettling intensity.

The room fell silent for a brief moment, all eyes turning to the owl, which didn’t seem intimidated by the attention. It spread its wings and took two steps closer to the glass, pecking lightly at the window as if demanding to be let in.

Harry stood up, leaving his coffee mug on the coffee table, and walked over to the window. He unlatched the lock with a quick movement and pushed it open, letting the cold outside air rush into the room, causing the flames in the fireplace to flicker for a moment.

The owl entered with an elegant movement, landing on the arm of the sofa with impressive precision. Now that it was closer, Harry noticed it wore a small green ribbon tied around its leg, where a thick paper envelope and a small package were attached.

Harry reached out, hesitantly, but the owl didn’t pull back. On the contrary, it raised its leg with a sort of dignified pride, as if it were used to carrying important messages. He carefully untied the package, feeling the weight of the thick paper between his fingers, and the owl let out a soft hoot of approval before taking off again, disappearing through the open window into the snowy white sky.

He stood there for a moment, watching the dark feathers of the owl fade into the distance until they disappeared among the snow-covered trees, before closing the window again and turning to face the package in his hands.

“Do we have a secret admirer? Or better yet, an admir-er-ess?” Sirius teased from the other side of the room, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Harry shook his head, ignoring the curious looks around him as he pulled the green ribbon that held the envelope to the package. He opened the thick paper with slightly trembling fingers, inhaling the faint, clean scent of fresh parchment as he unfolded the letter.

The elegant, slanted handwriting was unmistakable, each letter perfectly formed, with small details that showed the care of the person who wrote it. He felt his heart pick up speed as he recognized the signature at the bottom.

Harry,

I hope this letter finds you well and that Christmas at your parents’ house is as chaotic as you described. I know I’m not the most sentimental person in the world, but... well, this felt appropriate.

Thank you for being a pleasant surprise this year. Maybe I haven’t said this before, but you annoy me in an... interesting way. Not that I’d ever admit that out loud, of course.

I thought of a gift that might suit you. I hope you like it.

Take care, Potter. Don’t forget we still have one last semester to survive.

Daphne

Harry felt his lips curve into an involuntary smile, his chest warming at the straightforward yet surprisingly personal words. He ran his fingers along the edge of the parchment, as if he could somehow feel her touch in the carefully chosen words.

He then turned his attention to the package he still held, the thick paper tied with the same dark green ribbon that had been wrapped around the owl’s leg. He untied the knot and pulled back the paper to reveal a small black leather case, with silver clasps that gleamed softly in the firelight.

Opening it, he found a polished silver pocket watch, perfectly crafted, with delicate engravings along the sides. Inside, next to the watch face, there was a small cursive inscription:

“So you won’t be late anymore.”

Harry couldn’t hold back the short laugh that escaped his lips, the sound echoing through the room and drawing everyone’s attention. He felt his face heat up, but he didn’t care. The gift was personal, unexpected, and in a way he couldn’t quite explain, it felt incredibly right.

He closed the watch with a soft click, his fingers still feeling the pleasant weight of the cool metal, and carefully folded the letter, tucking it into the inner pocket of his jacket. When he sat back down on the couch, he realized that everyone was still staring at him with curious expressions.

“Well?” Sirius asked, raising an eyebrow. “Who was it from?”

Harry shook his head, trying to hide the persistent smile that refused to leave his lips. “No one you know,” he replied, grabbing another cookie and taking a bite to avoid further questions.

But even as the conversations around him resumed, and the sound of the crackling fire filled the silence once more, he couldn’t shake the comfortable warmth in his chest, as if something inside him had come to life with that small, unexpected surprise.