SABAISM | H. POTTER

NINE. | CHRISTMAS BREAK

The only werewolf trait Remus Lupin had knowingly passed on to his daughter was the constant, comforting warmth of a high body temperature. If she hadn't inherited that, Gemini had little doubt she would be shivering and complaining about the cold as they trudged through the thick, sparkling layer of snow blanketing the grounds of Hogwarts. The world was white and dazzling, the sky above a pale, icy blue. Every tree branch was frosted with glimmering ice, and the castle's turrets wore snowy caps like the hats of old wizards in storybooks. The air was crisp and sharp, each breath stinging her nose and lungs, but Gemini's cheeks were only flushed with excitement, not cold.

Hermione had insisted that the Golden Quartet visit Hagrid before the girls headed home for the holidays, prompting them to make the trek to his hut across the expanse of white powder. Gemini was eager to see the half-giant, whose gentle presence always made her feel at home, but less enthusiastic about navigating the icy landscape. The snow was deep enough to swallow her boots, and the path was slippery, dotted with frozen puddles that threatened to send her sprawling.

Harry, however, was practically beaming with joy, his excitement infectious despite Gemini's annoyance. His green eyes sparkled behind fogged glasses, and his laughter rang out, echoing across the empty grounds. Ron trudged beside him, red ears poking out from beneath his woolen hat, and Hermione led the way, her bushy hair escaping from her scarf as she marched determinedly forward.

Not wanting to walk the distance herself, Gemini insisted that either Ron or Harry carry her. Ron, wise enough not to challenge Harry on that, shrugged and stepped aside, so Harry knelt in the snow and let Gemini climb onto his back. The warmth radiating from Harry's back was an unexpected comfort, elevating her mood and solidifying winter as his favorite season. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her chin resting on his shoulder, and grinned at the world, feeling as if she were flying across the snow.

Hagrid's hut came into view, a squat wooden cottage nestled at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, smoke curling from the chimney. The windows glowed with golden light, promising warmth and safety within. Fang, Hagrid's enormous boarhound, barked a greeting, his tail wagging furiously as the children approached.

Hagrid himself answered the door, towering over them in his moleskin overcoat, his wild black beard dusted with snowflakes. "Mornin'!" he boomed, ushering them inside. The warmth of the hut enveloped them instantly, the scent of woodsmoke and roasting meat filling the air. The fire crackled merrily in the hearth, and a copper kettle whistled on the stove.

"Nonsense," Hagrid replied to their earlier conversation with a dismissive wave, "Why would Snape put a curse on Harry's broom?" The children exchanged exasperated glances, their breath still visible in the air as they peeled off scarves and mittens.

Harry jumped in eagerly, his cheeks still pink from the cold. "Who knows? Why did he try to sneak past that three-headed dog on Halloween?"

Hagrid's expression shifted to one of shock, his bushy eyebrows shooting up. "Who told you about Fluffy?"

"Fluffy?" Gemini echoed, raising an eyebrow as she leaned around Harry's shoulder. The name sounded almost ridiculous for such a monstrous creature.

"That thing has a name?" Ron asked, incredulous, his voice cracking.

"Of course he does!" Hagrid replied, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "I bought him off an Irish feller I met down at the pub last year. Then I lent him to Dumbledore to guard the—" He faltered at the end, suddenly aware of what he was revealing.

"Guard what?" Harry pressed, his curiosity piqued, eyes wide with wonder.

"Shouldn't 'ave said that," Hagrid muttered, his face anxious as he busied himself with the kettle. "Don't ask any more questions. That's top secret, that is."