SABAISM | H. POTTER

THIRTEEN. | FIREBOLT FIASCO

"Gryffindor," Ron Weasley muttered in unbelievingness, his voice raspy as he shocked roast potatoes into his open orifice. The abundance of food at the Great Hall was overwhelming, and his fixation on the plate was a sight to behold. Harry Potter sighed softly, having endured similar conversations throughout the week preceding this festive occasion, and quietly admonished his friend, "Listen, I understand this... development has been something you're still trying to process. But, honestly, Ron... he has apologized profusely to each of us for his past actions, explained his side of things thoroughly, and has been nothing but cordial these past seven days. If this was something truly threatening, I think we'd all be subjected to the same hatred he, and even Gemini, has faced since this all began."

Harry's words rang true, clinging to the atmosphere of the Great Hall, laden with the cheerful sounds of laughter and festivities. The utter astonishment etched on Draco's face when he first entered Gryffindor was palpable; it was written all over his features—the skeptical murmurs from his former housemates, the scathing squawks of surprise as he took his place at the Gryffindor table, and that outrageous Howler from Lucius Malfoy experienced by all on the following morning. The puzzled looks he received—mixed with anger and disbelief—created a tapestry of emotions that ensnared everyone. Yet, Draco, in the face of all that chaos, appeared embodying freedom, liberated from the weight of expectation, his demeanor a striking defiance against the hostility surrounding him.

"Besides," Harry continued, his voice steady despite the dissent swirling around them, "Draco, Gem, and Fred seem genuinely happy about all this. I say let us just leave it be."

"Oi," Ron bristled, color rising in his cheeks as the heat of his discomfort made him more animated, "Don't paint me out to be the bad guy here! He apologized to all of us, elucidated why he portrayed himself to be such a git, cured Gemini's spiraling depression, and has revealed how incredibly happy he makes Fred. Even I know that I'd be a right arse to not at least try and be his friend." Hermione, who had been quietly observing their heated conversation while methodically eating a generous portion of Christmas ham, set down her fork with a decisive clank, drawing the attention of both boys.

"Wow," she praised, genuine admiration lacing her words, "How surprisingly mature of you, Ronald." Ron's incredulous green eyes locked onto Hermione, and he felt his face flush as he realized how far he had come in changing his perspective. But Harry, ever the supportive friend, pressed further, "Then why do you continue to gripe over the matter?" Ron's sapphire eyes narrowed, his brow furrowing as he helped himself to another plateful of buttery mash.

"Because," Ron grumbled, exasperation lacing his tone, "I bet Fred a Galleon that Draco would end up in Ravenclaw." The two friends snickered at the revelation, their laughter a welcome reprieve from the earlier tension. "Oi, you two, hush it," Ron scowled, pushing the increasingly piled plate of food away from him, suddenly distracted as he continued, "...Now that we're on the topic, where are the twins at anyway? They have yet to tear into their heap of presents. I know good and well that Gemini's received a Firebolt too! I mean, it's wrapped in the same newspaper Harry's was and it is in a similar shape. She better count herself lucky I didn't bloody open it myself."

And Harry, who fully comprehended the reasoning behind their absence due to the full moon having graced the previous night, stuttered out an excuse with a nervous catch in his throat, "W-Well. Seeing as it is Draco's first Yule as a Lupin-Black... perhaps that is why. You know? I think they've just celebrated in private together." His friends scrutinized him intently as he fumbled through his explanation, the tension palpable until, much to his relief, the majestic entrance to the Great Hall slammed open, drowning out the conversation.

"Oh, thank Merlin," Harry murmured with an air of relief, taking a hearty swing of pumpkin juice as the Lupin-Black twins waltzed in, Gemini leading her drowsy brother.