SABAISM | H. POTTER

NINE. | CHRISTMAS BREAK

The only werewolf trait Remus Lupin had passed on to his daughter - knowingly - was the constant high body temperature. If she hadn't inherited that, she had little doubt she would be complaining about the cold as they trudged through the thick layer of snow blanketing the grounds of Hogwarts.

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 but less enthusiastic about navigating the icy landscape. As they walked along the snowy path, Harry was practically beaming with joy, his excitement infectious despite Gemini's annoyance. Not wanting to walk the distance herself, she insisted that either Ron or Harry carry her, and Ron was wise enough not to challenge Harry on that. The warmth radiating from Harry's back was an unexpected comfort, elevating her mood and solidifying winter as his favorite season.

"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. Harry jumped in eagerly. "Who knows? Why did he try to sneak past that three-headed dog on Halloween?"

Hagrid's expression shifted to one of shock. "Who told you about Fluffy?"

"Fluffy?" Gemini echoed, raising an eyebrow as she leaned around Harry's shoulder. "That thing has a name?" Ron asked, incredulous.

"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.

"Shouldn't 'ave said that," Hagrid muttered, his face anxious. "Don't ask any more questions. That's top secret, that is."

"Top secret?" Gemini mused, her mind racing with possibilities. Harry leaned in closer. "But Hagrid, whatever Fluffy's guarding, Snape's trying to steal it!"

Hagrid shook his head vehemently. "Codswallop. Professor Snape's a Hogwarts teacher."

"Just because you're a teacher doesn't mean you can't be an absolute git," Gemini countered, her tone bold and unwavering. "Right you are, Gem," Harry chimed in, grateful for her support.

Hagrid reeled at her words but couldn't help but silently admire her spirit, mentally comparing her to someone he had long cared for. "What Gemini means," Hermione interjected gently, "is that Hogwarts teacher or not, I know a curse when I see one. I've read all about them, and Snape wasn't blinking."

Ron nodded vigorously. "Exactly. He was definitely up to something!"

Their unity fueled Hagrid's frustration. "Now, listen to me, especially you, Gemini. You're meddling in things that ought not to be meddled with. It's dangerous. What that dog is guarding is strictly between Professor Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel."

Harry stiffened, his grip tightening around Gemini's waist. "Nicholas Flamel?" Hagrid's complexion paled visibly. "I shouldn't have said that. I shouldn't have said that," he muttered as he began to retreat, not giving the children a chance to ask any more questions.

"Who is Nicholas Flamel?" Harry called after him, but Hagrid's response was lost on the wind.

Hermione looked puzzled. "I don't know. But we should keep searching for information on him in the library over the holidays."

Ron groaned, his frustration evident. "We've looked a hundred times, Hermione."

Gemini smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. "Not in the Restricted Section."