Yuletides Greeting // Drarry

happy christmas, first years

     Christmas at Hogwarts was admittedly more interesting than anything that Harry had experienced during his time with the Dursley's. The ceiling in the Great Hall had been bewitched to appear as if snowing down onto the students. Not many students stayed on Hogwarts grounds during the holiday season, most went home. Ron had been forced to stay because his parents are visiting his brother Charlie in Romania. Hermione chose to stay because she wanted to do some extra credit studying. 

     Everyone had a valid reason to stay on the castle grounds for the holiday. Everyone except Draco Malfoy. Not even he knew why he chose to stay. He just felt like he had to be there for some godforsaken reason. Narcissa and Lucius were both thrown off by Draco's protests. Something felt...off about Draco this year. No one, not even Draco, knew what was changing within him. 

     "Are you sure you wouldn't rather be at home? It's your first Christmas away from the Manor." Narcissa had tried convincing him to come home when she came for a visit. Draco had tried telling himself that he would be happier at home, but it never truly felt like a home at Malfoy Manor. He felt more at home at Hogwarts than anywhere he'd ever been in his life.

     "Yes, mother. I'd rather be here. I have some studying to do." He lied. It was an obvious lie, but Narcissa didn't question it. She only kissed Draco on the top of his head before she left. He watched his mother walk off, obviously hurt by him not wanting to come home, with a sad smile. He loved his parents, he really did. But his father was too much sometimes. After watching his mother leave, Draco found his way back to his dormitory and finished his gift-making.

    Christmas morning was always something that Harry dreaded back home. Having to spend it with the Dursley's, Harry never got anything worth remembering for the holiday. This was his first Christmas, not only at Hogwarts, but as a wizard entirely. Harry woke up that morning full of excitement and anticipation. What would happen? 

     "Happy Christmas, Harry!" Ron came tumbling into the dormitory at half nine that morning, a bright grin on his paled face. "Let's open our presents!"

     "Happy Christmas, Ron...did you say our presents?" Harry watched his best friend nod happily and urge Harry to get out of bed faster so they could do what kids long to do on Christmas morning. Harry managed to get out of bed and meet up with Ron in the common room of Gryffindor tower. The boy sat in front of his best friend, watching enviously as Ron opened gift after gift. 

     "Why aren't you opening yours, Harry?" Ron inquired, motioning towards the three items that sat nearby untouched. Harry opened the gifts slowly, afraid they would disappear if he didn't take his time. "Is that...an invisibility cloak?" Ron gasped, watching Harry put it on and disappear from the neck down. Harry grinned and moved on to the next gift. "I got one just like it." The infamous Weasley jumper, Harry tried it on and it was far too big for his liking. "Mine's huge too." The final gift was something not even Ron could fathom. 

     "What in the..." Harry was in shock as he scanned the drawing for a sign of the sender. It was a drawing of Harry during the Sorting Ceremony. He was smiling brightly and the smudging tells that it was hand-drawn. No magic used. There wasn't a way to tell who sent it whatsoever. "It's beautiful..."

     "It's beautiful, Harry. Who sent it?" Hermione made her presence known, starling both Harry and Ron. Ron waved at Hermione, mouth full of candies, as she came to join the boys.

     "I...I don't know. I wish I knew." Harry stared longingly at the drawing. "Happy Christmas, mystery artist." 

     "There's a note on the back, Harry. Did you read it?" Hermione brought up. Harry turned the drawing over for the first time, only just noticing it.

Harry,

Happy Christmas, Harry.

I started drawing this the day of the sorting, obviously. But only just finished it the day before last. I wanted to make sure it was perfect before I had it brought to Gryffindor in time for you to open it Christmas morning.

Don't try to deduce who I am, it's hard to explain. You'll find out someday, just...just not today.

If you want to leave a reply to this, leave it on the Gryffindor table after dinner tonight. I'll see that it gets picked up.

M.

     "Are you going to respond?" Hermione asked with practical heart-eyes, her eyes scanning the beautifully drawn piece of art. "You just have to! We promise not to spy, right Ronald?" Ron nodded, not paying much attention to the situation at hand as he scoops a handful of chocolates into his mouth. Harry nodded and had Hermione bring him a piece of parchment paper and a quill.

M,

Happy Christmas.

The drawing is beautiful, I want to say that first before I even begin to say anything else. I know I shouldn't expect a response this time around, but I want to say thank you. I love it.

I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as you are, M.

Harry

     Harry left the folded note on the Gryffindor table that evening after dinner, making sure to make note of everyone still in the room. Specifically first years. There weren't many. Draco watched Harry and his friends leave before quickly grabbing the note and scurrying out the door. That night, both boys fell asleep clutching notes to their hearts. 

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Thank you for being patient with me everyone! Chapter one is finally done and chapter two will be coming some time in the next 5 days.

Just so everyone is aware, this is a Voldemort-Free story. 

Harry is still the Boy Who Lived, but Voldemort died when Harry fought him as a baby and he didn't come back.

That being said, seventh year is the Final Year, keep that in mind.

*Rejoice, Second Years* will be coming soon.

Each chapter is another year, also.

Athena