Returning Home

Harry at Gringotts

Gwyn had just completed the first chapter in the Arithmancy book when Maeve popped into place beside her. She happily announced that lunch was ready and the Little Master Harry was waiting for her in the dining hall. Now as she walked back to the castle, her companions choosing to remain silent as they came along with her, she had nothing to distract her thoughts and she was beginning to worry. Had she shocked Harry too badly by telling him his room would always be here for him? She wanted him to know that he was welcome here at any time for however long he wanted to stay. However now she was worried she had scared him and he would ask to be taken home as soon as they were done with their visit to Grishnar.

As she entered the dining hall she made up her mind that if that's what he chose to do then she wouldn't stand in his way. Trying to convince him to stay here until dinner if he wanted to leave may just be the final nail in the coffin if he was already feeling spooked about being forced to stay. It wasn't until she was seated that she took note of how he was sitting beside her. His posture was stiff and he looked nervous. Gwyn internally sighed at her own brashness but was glad he had at least worn some of the new clothes that she had gotten for him. He seemed to relax a bit once the food filled their plates and they began eating. She had asked the elves to make a light lunch for both of them, knowing Harry's body wasn't used to eating much in a day, she didn't want him to feel pressured to eat more than he could handle.

"What are their names?" Harry's voice was soft as he spoke from beside her.

"Hmm?" She took a sip of her water as she turned to him slightly.

"Your pets, what are their names?" He gave a nod in the direction of the aforementioned animals, his voice staying soft.

"Oh, their names are Nero, Artemis, and Nagini." She explained with a smile. "Artemis was a gift from Draco, do you remember the owls that delivered the letters and paper this morning?" At his nod she continued. "It's how people in our world send mail. With everyone as spread out as we are, a post office like the muggles have doesn't make sense. Our post offices are where people can have their mail redirected to or can rent an owl to send letters if they don't have one or don't want to use their own. Artemis is a raven but she can also deliver mail, or will be able to as she gets older."

"Brilliant." Harry smiled softly at the bird as she came hopping over.

"We'll get you a bird before Hogwarts, of course. That is, if you want one." Harry had a small look of excitement in his eyes as he stroked Artemis' feathers. "Nero is more of a friend than a pet. He's actually my familiar, it's a bond we can form with animal companions if the already existing bond is strong enough. I met him when I still lived in the girl's home and he kept me company there. We completed the small ritual needed for the familiar bond when we came back here."

"I'm glad you had someone there. I've never seen a snake like him before, either of them actually." Harry smiled over at both reptiles as they held their heads up when he spoke. "How did you meet her?" He gave a small nod towards Nagini.

"I've actually known her my entire life. Do you remember me telling you about that person who was very important to me before?" Harry nodded so she once again continued. "She's his familiar. She's quite sassy and both of them can act like complete mother hens."

Harry tilted his head to the side and hesitated like he wanted to ask something but wasn't quite sure how to. Gwyn gave him the time to figure out the wording on his own. "Is it a spell?"

"How I talk to them?" She had a feeling that might be what he was asking.

"Yes, I figured you can because of how you talk about them. Is it a spell that lets you?" His face held an innocent curiosity that she wished to keep there. If only one of them got to truly just be a kid, she would want it to be him every time.