Harry Malfoy's Trials | Book One

| Christmas at Hogwarts

Christmas was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow. The lake froze solid and the Weasley twins were punished for bewitching several snowballs so that they followed Professor Quirrell around, bouncing off the back of his turban. The few owls that managed to battle their way through the stormy sky to deliver mail had to be nurse back to health by Hagrid before they could fly off again. One of these owls had a letter for Harry from Mr. Malfoy.

Harry,

Even though we have our differences, I wish to remind you that I am still your father contrary to what you may believe or think. That said, I will be expecting both you and Draco home during the holidays in order to perform your duties as Malfoys for our Yule-time Ball. Though your mother believes that you are too young, I on the other hand believe that it is the perfect time for both you and Draco to start thinking of potential spouses. After all, your mother and I have meet at a similar gathering when we were eleven, and matched perfectly by our fathers. Do not disappoint me Harry.

Your Father,

Lucius Malfoy

Harry bit his lip. He wasn't thinking of going back to Malfoy Manor for the holidays. Though he wanted to see Mrs. Malfoy and Sirius again, he just couldn't stand the thought of being with Mr. Malfoy after he had embarrassed him on the first day of school with that Howler. An embarrassment that he had yet to apologize for. Making up his mind, he turned to Hermione and asked to borrow a quill and parchment. In the best handwriting he could muster, he wrote:

Father,

I am sorry to say that I have decided to stay at Hogwarts during the holiday with the Weasleys. I do not feel safe or welcomed home because of you, father. I still remember the Howler you've sent me and the fact that you never apologized for it makes me feel really bad. I'm sorry but I don't want to be around you for now.

Please tell Mum I love her very much? And that I'm very sorry.

Sorry,

Harry Malfoy

Harry hoped that him using just the Malfoy surname would lessen the blow Mr. Malfoy will feel. When he told Draco about his decision, Harry was immensely relieved to see that his brother agreed with him, both signing to stay at the castle for the holidays.

When the two exited Potions they found a large fir tree blocking the corridor ahead. Two enormous feet sticking out at the bottom and a loud puffing sound told them that Hagrid was behind it.

"Hi Hagrid, want any help?" Ron asked, sticking his head through the branches.

"Nah, I'm all right, thanks, Ron."

They followed Hagrid into the Great Hall, where Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were busy with Christmas decorations. "Ah Hagrid, the last tree—put it in the far corner, would you?"

The hall looked spectacular. Festoons of holly and mistletoe hung all around the walls, and no less than twelve towering Christmas trees stood around the room, some sparking with tiny icicles, some glittering with hundreds of candles.

"How many days you got let until yer holidays?" Hagrid asked.

"Just one," Hermione said. "And that reminds me—Harry, Ron, we've got half an hour before lunch, we should be in the library."

"Oh yeah, you're right," Ron said, tearing his eyes away from Professor Flitwick, who had golden bubbles blossoming from his wand.

"Why are you going to the library?" Draco asked.