Rescued

Resuming: Harry

Resuming.

That described life at this exact moment, I thought. Moving. Going. Not making any exceptions.

I was staring at the ceiling, my legs twisted around my red sheets, and I shoved on my glasses as my eyes roamed the royal red walls and the lion that was moving frequently as well.

Last night had been the first night of many without night mares. Dreams of Cedric dropping, lifeless, to the ground,  and Voldemort's cruel laughter. I winced and rubbed my scar as it stung painfully.

I sat up and made my bed, flicking my wand. I had learned long ago about the meat freak habits of Remus and the "they're not able to track who the spell came from" tactic from Sirius. I smiled at the thought of them, grateful for all they've done.

Today I was heading back to Hogwarts. I felt sad, but only because I was leaving Moony and Padfoot and Lily.

"Harry! Breakfast!" I rushed down the stairs, remembering in the back of my mind that it was Christmas morning.

I ran past the kitchen, and straight into the living room. Which was already strewn with wrapping paper. With Sirius in the middle.

"Morning, Harry! Look what Moony got me," he added disgustedly, holding up a doggy sweater. I stared at it, speechless.

"I know, it's ugly as--" but he was cut off as I began to laugh.

"You should try it on, Paddy," I said, chuckling.

He scowled and threw it at me. I looked under the tree, ignoring him, and was surprised to see a note from Snape.

Potter-
I am expecting you to be practicing Occlumency during break. We will resume lessons the second day of your return.

Severus Snape.

"Well, at least you didn't get this," I said, tossing the note at Sirius disgustedly. "Merry Christmas to you too." He sneered at the note.

"Snivellus ordering you around again? What is this Occlu--thingy anyways?" Sirius crumpled the note and threw it behind him, but it was caught by Moony coming out of the kitchen.

"Sirius, Severus is right. Harry should be practicing Occlumency. It is--and could be very important. Do you want Voldemort mixing up your memories? Or your thoughts? Your perception of what's inside your head and what isn't?" He said gravely. I knew he was right, but joined Sirius in groaning.

"Merry Christmas," I said dully, reaching for the stack with my name on them.

There was the usual Weasley sweater; it was red and gold with a lion on it, and a box of fudge, from Ron there was a Quidditch book (Chudley Cannons), from Hermione a broom servicing kit, which I was extremely pleased with, from Sirius there was the newest broom, as my Nimbus 2000 had been broken in a fall in the Quidditch pitch earlier in the year, and from Remus a set of dress robes, a book (101 Useful Spells) and some Chocolate Cauldrons.

I sent Hedwig off with thank you notes, and hugged Remus and Sirius, who mumbled and smiled and said to say nothing about it.

Moony had gotten a warm brown sweater from the Weasleys', a wizarding cook book from me, a "time of the month" book from Sirius, Chocolate Cauldrons from Ron, the same thing from Hermione, and another box of fudge from the Weasleys' with a note from Mrs. Weasley saying he was too thin.

Sirius had gotten a deep red sweater and a box of cookies from the Weasleys', a box of merchandise from Fred and George, labeled for everyone but as a thanks to him, the dog sweater from Remus, and a beauty kit from me (Babette's Beauty and Other Merchandise).

Remus and I laughed into a poorly disguised coughing fit as Sirius opened the box. There was a mirror inside, which purred seductively at him. He held it up for a better look, and that was when Remus lost it.

"Well, hello, there, handsome. Perfect. You don't need any improvement," it purred. He grinned and turned it to me. I flinched, but I was too late.

"Hmm. We could do away with those ugly glasses, couldn't we? And that messy hair... Well, we'll have to find something. And you might want to brush those teeth," it added, it's tone stern. Sirius howled with laughter and turned to Remus, smiling evilly.

"Hmm. Not too bad, I suppose. You could do with a haircut, I suppose, but those eyes are absolutely gorgeous." Remus smirked and flicked the mirror towards Sirius again, who quickly put it back in the box.

"I think I like that mirror," he said, grinning and wiping a tear from his eye.

"Good thing you got that, Harry, he'll stay in his room all day listening to that mirror talk to him," Remus said wryly. "He'll be out of my hair."

"Which needs to be cut, apparently," Sirius retorted.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Kings Cross was pretty empty, save for a few people here and there, and the occasional wizarding family.

I leaned back in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express, glancing out of the window every few minutes. The only reason I was going back so early during Christmas break was because Remus and Sirius had to get back to work and they couldn't get another day off. The Auror office was strict in schedules.

Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas accompanied me, and there were a few Hufflepuff girls as well. The train sped along as we talked.

"So why are you getting back so early?" Dean asked me.

"Remus and Sirius couldn't get another day off and didn't want me home alone," I shrugged.

"Same. Aurors?" Seamus asked, putting his arms behind his head.

"Yeah."

The rest of the ride commenced rather quickly, and we pulled on our robes when we saw the lights of the station getting nearer.

"Hello, boys. Hop along into one of the carriages and we'll make our way back up to the castle," said Professor Sprout, pulling her cloak tightly around her.

After shouts of Merry Christmas, we climbed into one of the carriages. I stared at the Thestral for a moment before entering. They were strange looking creatures.

The Great Hall was lit with thousands of candles and banners and tinsel and Christmas trees. It was a merry sight, with fairy lights flickering and actual fairies darting around the ceiling.

We ate a quick supper and made our way to play a game of Exploding Snap before heading to bed.

I sighed, leaning back against the sheets.

Hogwarts, our home. It felt good to be back.