Redo - Harry Potter Fanfiction

Chapter Nineteen

How was it already Christmas break? The days were flying by too fast for Xira to catch up. There was a mix of excitement to see her mother again, yet a little regret at leaving Harry all alone. Not even that girl Hermione was staying behind to keep him company.

Harry didn't look bothered, but Xira still felt guilty. Maybe she could ask her mother to let him stay for Christmas? That was genius! Xira couldn't believe she didn't think of that before. She ran out of the common room, indeed drawing some eyes.

Xira had a feeling Harry didn't like the family he stayed with; he always got a sour look on his face when she asked about them. And if he'd rather spend Christmas all alone rather than be with them, they must genuinely be awful people.

Xira personally couldn't imagine not being close with her mother. It had been just them from the minute she was born. Xira breathed deeply now; maybe sprinting all the way to the owlery hadn't been the best idea. She looked at all the beautiful owls all around her and smiled.

Many of them slept soundly still, but some peered at her warily. But Xira noticed the distinct lack of white feathers. Where was her Baine? Usually, the snowy owl would stand out among the others. Maybe she went out for a fly? Though the sun was still present, so Xira felt it was too early for that.

"Baine?" Xira called out, hoping she would hear her and magically appear. No such luck, instead a dark owl eyed her. She realized it was Ehno , Harry's bird. His strangely human eyes stared straight into her soul. She held her arm out, and he gently landed on it, shifting a little to make himself comfortable.

He was a well-cared-for creature; his feathers shone with good health. He looked soft, and when she hesitantly reached out, he rubbed against her palm. Yet, there was a dangerous sharpness to his beak and claws. She got the impression that him being kind to her was an honor.

"You're a pretty boy, aren't you?" Ehno gave a hoot that sounded to Xira like a cocky yes, his chest had puffed up with pride, and she chuckled. Maybe he could deliver the letter to her mother? Her owl was nowhere in sight, and she had to get it delivered today.

"Do you want to deliver my letter, Ehno?" He stuck out his leg as soon as she asked, and she blinked in surprise but tied the letter to his leg carefully. It was just about her being excited for winter break with the quickly written question about Harry on the bottom.

"Do you know where she lives?" She asked, and the owl seemed to roll his eyes as if the answer was obvious. Even though she had an owl, she honestly didn't know a lot about them. Xira thought it was amazing they could travel so far in the first place.

Xira shrugged and watched as Ehno took off; she eyed him until his form was unable to be seen by her eyes. She hoped Harry wouldn't mind her borrowing his owl, surely not, right? They were friends, and he'd be happy that she wanted to spend Christmas with him.

Xira made her way back to the common room with much less haste, taking her time to admire the uniquely beautiful castle. She was rather sleepy from dinner; a full belly tends to lead to a tired mind. Xira didn't mind being a little exhausted because now she could get to sleep tonight.

Just thinking about tomorrow caused her to be incredibly jittery, but she would be a little less unhappy if she could bring Harry along. The thought of spending Christmas with him was rather lovely. He'd probably be unsure and a little awkward, but he'd warm up. She was smiling widely, and she couldn't stop even if she wanted to.
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That morning at breakfast, Xira was too eager to eat, her leg bounced up and down, and her nails were being chewed to a nub. Xira knew Harry was giving her a weird look, but she was awaiting her mother's response.