Harry Potter and the Alucinor Dicio

Disclaimer: If you don't know this by now!... I don't have any rights to Harry Potter, they're all in my head!

Chapter 17 - Home for the Holidays

The time before the students being released early for holidays passed quickly. Harry continued to work on his silent projecting, often scaring Hermione when he would start speaking to her out of thin air. Harry had discovered that it was easier to project by picturing a person, as opposed to a room, however this was dangerous, as you had no idea where they were or what they were doing when you projected. It had made for a very embarrassing moment for Harry as he projected to speak to Hermione early one morning, only to leave at once when he had discovered her getting dressed. Hermione had chewed him out for showing up unannounced, again. Harry had taken more care after that.

He was also still working on his elementals, although Rowen had instructed him to practice the two he had already learned, that they would be moving on in January to the final two. This frustrated Harry, as he wanted to learn as quickly as possible. Rowen refused to back down, however, as she wanted him to have complete control. She tested this by trying to distract or anger him while he was casting, which was a bit pointless, as Harry knew she was only testing him.

Harry found himself looking forward to Christmas at Grimmauld Place, as he would be surrounded by friends and family. At times Harry felt a pang, thinking of Sirius at Christmas last year, but he would try to distract himself when these thoughts came up. Harry had two important topics to distract himself with, at least. The first was trying to figure out ways for Remus and Rowen not to hurt each other over Christmas. Since Remus had taken over Gryffindor Head of House duties for McGonagall, he was around the school a lot. Normally this would be a happy occasion for Harry, but it was marred by Remus' and Rowen's mutual dislike of one another. They argued constantly, in a fashion not unlike Ron and Hermione, and neither would be dissuaded about their opinion of the other. Rowen would tell Harry repeatedly that it was more to do with what they were, which confused Harry. I mean, you'd think that two people who were constantly judged and ostracized for what they were wouldn't judge others for misfortunes of birth and / or circumstance. Harry discussed ideas of ways to improve their outlooks with Ron and Hermione, but none of them had any useful ideas so far.

The second thing was Harry's Christmas gift for Hermione. He hadn't gotten her one yet, and was having a very hard time deciding what to get her. Ron tried to point out that this year shouldn't be any more difficult than last year, to which Harry just glared at Ron. Harry couldn't see him giving his new girlfriend another book. This was troubling Harry greatly, so one evening he went to visit Rowen, to ask for a girl's point of view.

Rowen motioned Harry inside, sitting him before her fireplace. Her rooms were very nice, all decorated in plums and dark greens. She had a large desk of mahogany shoved in one corner, and several squishy armchairs in a semi circle around her large fireplace. Through an archway at the back of the room, Harry could make out what looked like a bedroom. She offered Harry some tea, which he accepted and then sat down in the armchair to the left of his.

“ So what brings you to finally visit me, Harry?” Harry looked at her, nervous about how to approach the question. Rowen took in his stricken face, chuckling. “ Am I right in assuming it has something to do with Hermione?” Harry blushed and looked down.

“ You see, I've never really had a girlfriend before, and now – I mean what with Christmas coming and everything.. “ Harry took a breath looking at Rowen with pleading eyes, “ What do girls like?” he rushed out. Rowen laughed at him, shaking her head.

“ Harry! Every girl is different, you can't just generalize! What my tastes are and what Hermione's tastes are, are two very different things. No one knows her quite as well as you do. You know her interests best. Keep in mind, Harry, that the most romantic gift is one that has genuine thought put into it, not some cliché of jewelry or perfume or some such nonsense. You need only buy something that is uniquely Hermione.” Harry gaped at Rowen, as she said this in a tone that implied it was the most simple thing in the world.

“ And that's it?!! It's just that easy is it? Girls!” Harry huffed at her, throwing his hands up. Rowen just smiled as Harry stared into the fire, falling into deep thought about what was important to Hermione. Me.. and Ron. Schoolwork.. S.P.E.W. Harry had an idea, all of a sudden. It would take some time though, and he'd have to have a back-up, just in case she hated it...

“ Got an idea, have you?” Rowen asked mildly, seeing the look on his face.

“ Yes, actually.” Harry said sheepishly. “ I'm sorry for snapping at you, it was good advice..”

“ Just not an easy answer, hmm?” Rowen's eyes were laughing at him. Harry, satisfied that at least one of his problems were solved, decided to try to tackle the other one.

“ Rowen, I wanted to ask you... if you could at least make an effort to get along with Remus over the holidays, as we will all be in one place.” Harry watched her as he said this, her face growing serious as she sighed.

“ I will try, Harry. I don't want to be at odds with him, as he is like an Uncle to you, it's almost as if I can't help myself when he's around. I know he can't help what he is, anymore than I can. He just- I get angry Harry, my temper gets the best of me, you know.” At this moment they were interrupted by a knock at the door. “ Come in Severus!” Rowen called.

Harry turned as Professor Snape walked in, nodding to Harry. “ I'm not interrupting anything am I?” he questioned. Rowen smiled at him, indicating he take the seat on the other side of her.

“ Not at all, Severus. Harry here is just extracting my promise that I'll be on my best behavior around Remus at Christmas. Which I have given, you can stop looking at me like that! I'll be good, I swear.” Rowen smiled as she spoke. “ Which reminds me Harry, I have a book of spells for you to study over the break, for your training you know.” Harry rolled his eyes as she got up to look for the book. She was almost as bad for holiday homework as McGonagall. Harry's smile dimmed as he thought of his teacher. Rowen had now entered the bedroom to search.

“ You know why she dislikes him so much, don't you?” Harry was startled out of his thoughts by Snape's question. Harry looked at him blankly. “ She's jealous, Harry. Lupin has found a means to control his affliction, a hope that she will never have. Also, even when we were at school, Lupin was surrounded by a group of people who not only didn't judge him, but supported him by becoming animals with him.”

“ But, sir, she had my Mum and you supporting her in school. Why would she be jealous?” Harry asked quietly, hoping Rowen wouldn't overhear.

“ I never said it made sense, Harry. Jealousy is an irrational thing. It also didn't help that Lupin and his friends were all convinced that Rowen wasn't a good person. She was in Slytherin after all. I'm not saying that the problems are all one sided, just that perhaps you should speak to Lupin as well.” Snape stopped speaking when Rowen entered the room, book in hand.

“Found it Harry! Just a few Seer spells in here that could be useful, especially come the new year.” Rowen handed Harry the book, and he stood up. “ Are you leaving? You don't have to, you know.” Harry smiled at her, while walking over to the portrait hole.

“ No, I have loads of homework anyway. Mostly your fault too!” Harry included both of them in his statement. He said goodnight to both of them, and headed back to his dorm, his mind dwelling on what Snape had said.

Harry discussed it with Hermione the next day, getting her opinion on it, while leaving out parts of why he was visiting in the first place. “ Well, I have to say I agree with him Harry. Also, she's probably a bit jealous that Remus has been around you for so much longer than she has. It doesn't matter though, I do think you should go speak to Remus as well. I want the holidays to be enjoyable for everyone, but especially you, Harry.” Hermione took his hand as she said this.

“ I will go see him. Right now, actually. Will you come along?” Harry asked Hermione. She shook her head no, mentioning some research she had to do for Ancient Runes, saying she would be in the Library when he was finished.

All in all, Harry's discussion with Remus went fairly well. Harry sat in his office off of Gryffindor tower, explaining about his request. Remus understood and promised he would be at his best, in the interest of peace. Harry figured that this was the best he was going to get, so he thanked him and headed towards the common room. Harry had some letters to write in preparation for Hermione's Christmas gift.

Once the holidays arrived, everyone seemed to perk up a bit, as students happily headed home to their families. Harry's only wish was that there wouldn't be any more attacks over Christmas. Once he, Ron and Hermione arrived at Grimmauld Place, Harry was at once enveloped in a content, peaceful feeling. He was delighted by the sites of Molly bustling around the house, decorating. Remus arrived only a day or two after the trio, Dumbledore would be in and out, and Rowen would arrive for Christmas eve. She had stayed behind at the school because Dumbledore did not feel it was safe for Professor Snape to leave at this time, and Rowen wouldn't leave him there alone.

The days before Christmas were spent in a pleasant blur of wizard chess, chatting, good food, and spending time with Hermione. Before Harry knew it, Christmas Eve was upon them, and Harry was awaiting the arrival of Rowen. Once she arrived the house seemed truly full, and Harry felt surrounded by friends. Besides himself, Ron and Hermione, Remus, Molly, Arthur, Bill, Fred and George, Ginny, and Dumbledore, Rowen and Snape were set to be here for diner that evening. Not to mention the usual Order members, such as Moody, Tonks and Mundungus who were always hanging about. Harry and Hermione were in the process of magically expanding the dining room to accommodate all these people, discussing their own plans.

“ So I want you to meet me tonight. In Sirius' old room, I have a surprise for you.” Harry looked over to Hermione, as she smiled in his direction. Harry had decorated the whole room over the past few days, even transfiguring the bed into a couch and armchairs, and placing a tree, fully decorated, in there.

“ Alright, Harry! I've already told you I would!” Hermione laughed at Harry's eagerness, he was behaving as if he were an excited child.

The dinner, surprisingly, went off very well. Everyone was speaking animatedly over the delicious food Molly had prepared. Even Rowen and Remus had managed to restrain themselves, although Harry had seated them as far apart as possible to ensure this. The younger end of the table was alive with conversation of Fred and George's latest products, and discussions of the Quidditch season so far. Harry had missed the first match of the season, but Gryffindor had still beat Slytherin, thanks largely to Ginny's abilities as a chaser. Ron had had a tough time filling so many empty slots, but Harry thought that he had done rather well.

Eventually Mundungus broke out the fire whiskey, dispersing it liberally among the adults, leading to Molly sending the 'children' off to bed to await Christmas morning. Harry lay awake listening to the talk and laughter downstairs. As he watched the clock, he thought about his gift for Hermione. Harry was nervous about giving it to her, but he hoped that she would like it. At one am, Harry crept out of his room, away from Ron's snoring, to meet Hermione.

Hermione was already there when he arrived, seated on the sofa in front of the fireplace. The only source of light was from the fire and the tree's lights. She looked up when Harry entered.

“ Oh Harry, this is wonderful! When did you have time to do all this?” she asked, her face shining in the soft light. She had a mug of hot chocolate in her hands, and indicated a second one on the table beside the sofa.

“ Well, I wanted to do something special, just for us. I kind of didn't want to give you your gift with everyone else watching.” Harry settled on the sofa next to her. He was fiddling with an envelope on his lap. “ Okay, I really hope you like this, but I got you something else if you don't. I mean you'll get the second gift tomorrow even if you do like this one, it's not like it's conditional, or anything..” Hermione laughed at his nervous expression.

“ Harry, I'd love anything you'd give me! But two gifts? You didn't have to do that.” Harry looked down at her, finally deciding to get it over with, took her mug from her and placed it on the table beside his and handed her the envelope. Hermione opened it, withdrawing the single sheet of parchment inside. She unfolded it and began to read.

Dear Mr. Potter,

Based on the materials you have sent us, we would be more than happy to extend an invitation to Miss Hermione Granger to participate in the conference this summer. Her visions for a better future for all of wizard kind are just what we need, and we hope that in addition to attending she would also consent to be a guest speaker, as a representative of the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare.

We have enclosed the details of the conference, as well as our schedule of events. If Miss Granger could be so kind as to send us a reply by return owl as to weather she will consent to speak or not. Please accept our best wishes, and our hopes for a happy holiday.

Sincerely,

Winifred Deadulus

Organizer of the International Conference of Magical Creatures

Harry watched her read anxiously. When she looked up, he launched into his explanation. “ I sent out a copy of S.P.E.W.'s manifesto to them. You see, it's a conference that meets every year in August to discuss various magical creatures and how to improve society's views and prejudices. Rowen mentioned it once, as I guess some Vampires attend in hopes of improving wizard/Vampire relations. I thought I'd just get us invitations to go, it's in Florence this year. I never thought they'd ask you to speak, and it's completely up to you of course!..” Harry trailed off as Hermione launched herself into Harry's arms.

“ Oh, Harry! I can't believe you did this! I thought you hated S.P.E.W!” Hermione's eyes were filled with tears as she spoke.

“ Well, I mean I never hated it! Besides, it's important to you, so it's important to me too!” Hermione just hugged Harry even harder.

“ This is the best gift anyone has ever given me, Harry. Thank you!” Harry was so relived that she liked it, he almost sagged with relief on the sofa. They spent the rest of the evening wrapped in each other's arms, discussing travel plans for the summer, and how they would get approval. Harry thought privately, that even if he got nothing else this year, that this moment, with Hermione wrapped in his arms as they made plans for the future, made this year's Christmas the best yet.

A/N2: Hmmm... I'm not quite sure about this chapter. Seemed a bit off to me. I've been over it twice though and can't think of anything to add. Sigh. Oh well, let me know what you think!