Newt Scamander x Reader One Shots

#5- Christmas at Hogwarts

The fire was your only company in all of Hogwarts that night.

It blazed and crackled in the grate, warm and inviting as a dear friend. You scooted closer, shivering even underneath your thick coat. Your hands seemed incapable of warming up. No matter how close you held them to the fire, the warmth declined to accompany you for long. It was too painful a reminder of your family; like them, the heat pushed you away if you got too close, threatening to sear your skin. Yet too far and it felt like there was not a fire burning at all.

You swallowed your respite. It was Christmas Eve, and Hogwarts was decorated beautifully- golden tinsel strung along the window frames, evergreen wreaths with large acorns and red bows adorning the doors, and even an enormous pine tree set up in the corner, clothed in a myriad of twinkling lights and shining ornaments. But the décor was just another reminder of how alone you were. Everyone in your House had returned home to loving families and abundant gifts for Christmas- all except you.

You pulled your (Y/H) scarf tighter, rubbing your face with the soft cloth as you tried to thaw your freezing skin. You refused to let any tears fall. Yes, you were alone, but it was Christmas. There was solace in the good memories you had of years past, and no matter how desolate things seemed, you always felt that the magic in the air was stronger this time of year.

You had taken to drawing miniature snowmen in the fireplace cinders with your wand when you felt it: something small and warm brushing against your leg. Startled, you looked to the side but saw nothing. Then the same sensation rubbed against your other leg. As you turned, a furry little creature poked its head out from underneath your coat. It looked like a fluffy platypus, with a pink bill, pale feet, and tiny curved claws.

"Well hello, little fella," you said, scooping the creature into your hands. It was incredibly soft. "Where did you come from?"

The creature purred as you stroked it tenderly, gazing up at you with shimmering black eyes. You laughed in delight as it scurried up your arm and snuggled between your scarf and your neck.

"Cold, are you?" You tucked in both ends of your scarf, creating a scooped blanket for the creature. "There. Is that better?"

It nuzzled into your neck and you laughed again as its fur tickled you. It was possible it escaped from one of the classrooms, but you didn't feel the need to return it anywhere- at least, not for now. You felt the weight on your heart begin to lessen. Maybe you wouldn't be so alone on Christmas Eve after all.

"Teddy?"

You craned your head around at the familiar voice. You hadn't heard anyone enter the main hall- in fact, you had been sure you were the only one left in the whole building. As you wondered who it could be, a boy with a swath of ruddy hair emerged from the hall.

"Teddy? Don't be a scoundrel. I better not catch you stealing any-" The boy stopped when he saw you. "Oh. (Y/N). I didn't know you were here."

"I didn't know you were here either, Newt," you said, a smile creeping up your face. The presence of your longtime friend was an even greater relief to your solemnity. "What are you doing here?"

He shifted, pulling at his bright yellow Hufflepuff scarf. "I-I came to find Teddy."

"He's with me," you said, patting your scarf. "But I mean, why are you here- not at home with your family? It's Christmas Eve."

He didn't speak for a long time. Eventually he said, "I... may have missed the last train."

You gaped at him, a disbelieving laugh escaping your lips. "You missed the last train? How?"