Professor Merlin Emrys

Cheers Part 1

Harry had stayed at Grimmauld Place for the holiday's, thankfully avoiding his aunt and uncle for another holiday.

Upon arriving, the Order shared that they had all gotten a letter for Emrys' party and that they would go. It seemed a little suspicious for them all to be invited, but Harry was slightly relieved that familiar faces would be in the crowd should anything happen.

The week ended with wrapping the gifts that they had ordered for each other, making baked goods with Mrs. Weasley, and putting up the Christmas decorations. Harry's favorite was the hot chocolate that Mrs. Weasley made, it was truly heavenly earth. By the time the twenty-fourth arrived Harry was surprised it had gone by so quickly.

Mrs. Weasley had everyone up by nine to be sure they would be ready a good while before the party. There were only so many bathrooms in the house, so the girls tended to snatch them and the remaining men would be left to change in the rooms.

Harry and Ron were dressed in formal black suits with bow ties. Harry's was a pale blue while Ron's was a white one. Harry fiddled with the tie that rested uncomfortably around his neck, he was used to a tie that was loose from the uniforms at Hogwarts, but this thing was utterly ridiculous. Ron just looked glad he wasn't wearing his ghastly suit from last year's winter ball. Harry had to agree with Ron, they had burned it after that night and Mrs. Weasley had settled for Mr. Weasley's old suit that miraculously fit him.

Finally, around five ever member of the household was ready. Hermione looked stunning in a floor length lavender gown, Mrs. Weasley wore a white cape dress, Ginny had a two piece ensemble of a blush blue shirt and a slightly darker blue skirt on. Professor McGonagall stayed in a green robe but was made of more expensive fabric and detailing in black lace. While Tonks' wore a simple purple knee length dress with her purple hair.

The men were dressed in black with bow ties to match their lady's dresses, the unlucky single people in the room chose their own color.

Mrs. Weasley herded them away, apparating as closely to Professor Emrys' house as they could. They split into pairs with Fred and George bringing Ginny and Hermione with them and Sirius( who would not be left behind because he got a invitation too) held Ron and Harry as they apparated away.

The first thing Harry registered was a small castle. Harry knew Emrys was rich but it was weird to see it personified. The castle was old, ancient one might say, which was weird as most of the wealthy wizard families had long renovated their homes to be more modern but Harry quite liked it. It fit well with the professor's personality.

They walked together to the front, walking through the ward that sent a shiver through his spine at the power.  They made it in without hindrance and Harry returned his gaze to the obviously well cared for manor. The stone was still bright and clean, with few cracks from age with vines spreading gracefully around windows.

The entrance held two cherry wood doors that opened by themselves.

Noise immediately sounded with people talking and laughing, throwing cheers across the house. Harry couldn't make out any distinctive features as there were too many bodies in the manor, just enough to not be overly stuffed. A few house elves in festive clothing walked around offering drinks and food. Harry felt small before a hand landed on his shoulder, to look up into Professor Emrys' smiling eyes.

Tentatively he returned the gesture with a smile.

"Welcome to Orchardleigh," Emrys announced and the group offered their thanks for the invitations. He waved them off and let them mingle. Harry found himself following the professor. The man weaved through the crowd effortlessly as Harry struggled, vaguely aware of Draco(who had come separately), Hermione, and Ron trailing behind.