The Boy Born With Everything ✔

Year 4 Part 1

In his fourth year, Shoto decided that he would no longer be going home during the winter holiday. He would stay in the castle and enjoy the winter weather in a warm, candle-lit environment where he could be safe and relaxed. 

When the week before their winter break arrived, and Professor McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor house, went through the list asking what students would be staying at the castle for Christmas, the students were all eagerly announcing their leave, excited for the festive season spent at home with their loved ones, surrounded by delicious food and presents.

"Mina Ashido."

"Leave!"

"Tsuyu Asui."

"Leave."

"Todoroki Shoto."

"Stay." Shoto responded, not sparing a glance away from his book. 

Jirou, Tsu, and Mina were all around him as they lounged by the log fire, sharing looks when he announced his decision to stay for the holiday. But he seemed content about his choice, and deep down they were happy they wouldn't see him on the Hogwarts Express in January with new bruises to hide.

Nobody knew exactly what went on in the Todoroki household behind closed doors, but they tried to be there for him at school, a solid foundation of love and support, there for him if he ever wanted to tell them anything.

But they were sad that he would be spending the holiday season at Hogwarts by himself, knowing he was likely to stay in his dorm or the library, spending most of his time alone. They promised to send him cards and gifts, so he would wake up on Christmas morning and know that they were still thinking of him.

"Shoto, will you be okay by yourself?" Jirou asked. "I think pretty much everyone from our house is going home for winter break."

"I'll be okay. I want to stay here."

"Well, keep me updated on Buckbeak, okay?" Tsuyu instructed, Shoto nodding in response.

The last week of term sped by with small class tests to assess the students' knowledge, and soon everyone was eating a feast together in the Great Hall for the last time that year. Since it was the festive season, the houses were allowed to intermingle, no longer designated to their own house tables. Shoto and his friends all sat around one part of the Hufflepuff table, closer to the doors, and were eating happily whilst discussing plans for the holiday.

"I'm actually staying at school over winter." Shoto stated when Kirishima had asked him about his plans for the holidays.

"Wait bro, really?" Kirishima exclaimed with a frown. "Don't you wanna go home though, maybe see your family?" 

"There's nothing waiting for me at home, anyways. I'd rather be here." 

He didn't see the concerned glances headed his way as he poured himself a cup of pumpkin juice, or more like chose to ignore them. He knew his friends worried about him, but they had no power to change anything in his life; besides, he didn't want to burden them with knowledge that would only make them feel worse, he would not be so cruel to his friends.

"Well, at least you won't be alone Roki." Sero announced. "Bakugou's staying this year too."

"You are?" Shoto asked the blond, who was focused on cutting up his roast chicken.

"And what if I am, Halfie?! This castle not big enough for the both of us, hah?"

"No." Shoto shook his head, not wanting to give off that impression. "It'll just be nice, I guess. That I'm not here by myself."

"Why aren't y-you going home, Kaachan?" Deku asked, wincing when Bakugou branded his knife in the Ravenclaws's direction.

"None of your business."