PRECEDENT : Draco Malfoy II

33

I'm home for Christmas, and Alfred and Aaron visit as well. The house is warm. Our fire is going, our Christmas tree is up, and we're wearing Christmas sweaters my Mum brought even though I think mine is incredibly hideous. There's something nice about how routine it all is at least. Mum whispered to Alfred about a girlfriend, and I can tell that he didn't invite her just because he didn't want to upset me. I wish he had wrote me a letter. I think it would've been fine. I hate that I am selfishly happy just to have us.

As I expected, I get my Christmas gift, which is three hundred pounds for me to spend at Hogsmeade. My brothers each give me a hundred as well. I've never had this much money to my name. Da pats me on the back when I hug him.

"Well, we don't spend much on you until your home for the summer," he scratches the back of his neck.

Money has never been abundant in my family. The private education I get at Hogwarts makes a different. With my older brothers out of the house too, my parents save money on food, clothing, and all the small things I'm sure I cost and don't even realize. Owning an owl isn't exactly cheap, but Mum seems to like companion.

"I need it," I smile. "I need more supplies. Professor Flitwick thinks I could do really well as an innovator."

"That's wonderful," Mum says as Da scoffs.

"You're going to do one of those magic jobs?" Alfred peeks over at me.

I nod, "I'll probably be in London so not far. They don't have unis. Lot of government jobs and specific training programs for different jobs."

"Suppose since you stopped learning math at eleven, you wouldn't be too good outside of school," he laughs.

I push him, "I learn arithmancy. Besides, I can speak Latin. Can you?"

"I don't speak any dead languages," Aaron rolls his eyes.

"Just because you don't hear anyone speak it doesn't mean it's dead," I return the gesture.

He throws a pillow at me. I wish I were already seventeen so I could spray him with water out of the tip of my wand. While technically illegal, I know that half-bloods like Anthony Goldstein and Seamus Finnegan have family who do magic in front of other family. It's not something aurors, obliviators, or the ministry even track.

"Where will that take you?" Alfred asks.

I shrug, "London, probably. I have an appointment with Professor Flitwick in the new year to chat about specifics."

"This Professor Flitwick seems to talk a bit too much," Da stands up and starts to head upstairs.

"He's the Head of my House," I tell him. "You know, I'm actually good at what I do, even if you don't understand it. I'm one of the best at charms, and I do well in ancient runes and history. My use of theory across displines is exemplar. The Headmaster of Hogwarts himself-"

My father's feet slams up the stairs as I speak. Mum puts a hand on my shoulder. I feel myself deflate.

"You know, he doesn't mean to upset you," Mum tells me.

"He just hates magic," I shake my head and pull out of her grip.

It's snowing, and cold, and I get to the back door. Snatching a blanket next to the door and a pair of shoes back here that are a bit too small, I head outside. The wind isn't so bad, but the cold is a wet one. I curl the blanket around me and sit down on the porch swing. It rocks back and forth.