regret, harry potter (rewriting)

twenty eight

After having a full-on Christmas breakfast feast courtesy of Molly Weasley, Aurelia, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny sat together to open their presents.

Hermione got Aurelia curly hair products and a bunch of makeup. Ginny got her a toy broomstick because she knows Aurelia hates flying. According to Ginny, she needs to practice on a toy broomstick first. Ron got her a bunch of sweets and a bento cake. Harry got her a red yet colorful knitted cardigan as well as a knit cap that matches the cardigan.

Harry paid attention to her reaction as she frowned in concentration before looking at Harry.

"Did you make this yourself?" asked Aurelia.

"Er- yeah," answered Harry nervously. "I'm sorry if it's not perfect."

"No. . . it is Harry, thanks!" Aurelia beamed and gave him a warm smile which made his stomach flip.

"YOU MADE ME A NOTEBOOK WITH MY CHOCOLATE FROG CARD? WICKED!" Ron exclaimed excitedly.

"You're welcome Ronald," Aurelia chuckled.

Harry suddenly realized he hadn't gotten any presents from Aurelia. Sure he doesn't mind, her being in his life right now is enough but it doesn't mean it doesn't make his heart shrunk. He spent weeks knitting her presents and she doesn't even get him anything.

Aurelia noticed Harry's sudden change in expression and realized her gift for Harry's still upstairs.

"Oh my God Harry, your present," Aurelia gasped.

"It's alright Aurelia," Harry smiled at her.

"No no, it's upstairs. Come with me," Aurelia pulled his hand and dragged him upstairs.

Once they were in front of a room, Harry heard the hoots of an owl. He thought it was Pigwidgeon.

It was definitely not Pigwidgeon.

"I got you an owl. . ." said Aurelia sheepishly. "I know you lost Hedwig and I'm in no way wanting to replace Hedwig, that's why I got you the complete opposite of Hedwig. It's a he and it's jet black."

Harry stared at the owl without saying a word. What Aurelia doesn't know is that he felt a lump in his throat. He didn't expect her to buy him an owl. He doesn't know whether the lump was caused by the owl or Aurelia.

"I'm sorry, I thought it was a great idea. . ." Aurelia looked down.

Harry suddenly hugged her and cried on her shoulder. He remembered the day Hagrid got him an owl as a birthday present. The time he spent stuck at Privet Drive with Hedwig. The times he sent letters to Sirius using Hedwig. The way Hedwig died for him. Now seven years later, after everything that he's been through, someone got him an owl for his birthday present.

"Thank you," Harry mumbled on the crook of her neck.

"You're welcome Harry," Aurelia rubbed his back.

After Harry calmed down, he looked at the owl again. He opened the cage and the owl immediately flew to his shoulder.

Harry chuckled and said, "Hey buddy," as he let his forefinger stroke the beak.

"What do you think I should name this guy?" asked Harry to Aurelia. "Nevermind I know what to name him."

"What?"

"Snuffles," Harry grinned proudly. "It's this code name we have for Sirius — well Sirius' animagus form is a black dog and I'm pretty sure this little fella right here is a black owl."

"Wow. . . yeah, that's a nice name, H," Aurelia smiled at him. "Thank you by the way, for the presents. I could tell you worked really hard on it and it looks really comfy. I love it."