Chereads / Otherworldly Interference / Chapter 65 - Loppy and the Legacy

Chapter 65 - Loppy and the Legacy

As Harry helped Petunia clean up, his mind wandered to the Potter Mansion. He paused, a sudden realization hitting him. "Mum, have you been to Potter Mansion?"

Petunia looked up, momentarily puzzled. Then understanding dawned on her face. "Oh, you mean Moonstone Dunvegan," she corrected with a chuckle.

Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Moonstone Dunvegan? But in the books, it's called Potter Mansion." He thought. Then he shrugged. "Well, things aren't always the same as they are in books and the live example were the Dursleys"

Petunia continued, "Yes, I've been there, but it's been quite some time." Curious as to why Harry brought it up, she asked, "Why do you ask?"

"I was just thinking... about elves," Harry replied, his mind racing with possibilities. "The Potters were wealthy, right? They must have had house elves."

Petunia nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, they did have elves. Quite a few, if I remember correctly. Why do you ask about them?"

Harry's mind was already forming a plan. "I think we could use some help at home. Would it be possible to... visit Moonstone Dunvegan?" he asked tentatively.

Petunia nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, they did have elves. Quite a few, if I remember correctly. Why do you ask about them?"

Harry's mind was already forming a plan. "I think we could use some help at home. Would it be possible to... visit Moonstone Dunvegan?" he asked tentatively.

Petunia considered for a moment before nodding. "I suppose we could. It's been a while, but I think we are still connected with the Floo."

Harry's excitement surged. "Can we go now?"

Petunia hesitated. "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Harry. We don't know what the situation is like at the mansion."

But Harry was insistent. "I really think we should, Mum. It could help us a lot."

Petunia sighed, realizing there was no swaying him. "Alright, I'll accompany you. But be prepared for anything."

They left the kitchen and walked into the living room. Petunia instructed Harry, "The address is simply 'Moonstone Dunvegan.' Since we're connected with the Floo network, we should arrive directly in the living room of the mansion."

Harry stepped up to the fireplace and grabbed a handful of Floo powder. He threw the powder into the flames, which roared up in a bright green blaze. "Moonstone Dunvegan!" he declared and stepped into the fire.

The sensation of Floo travel was a whirlwind of spinning, shifting colors, and a feeling of being sucked through a tight tube. Harry felt himself being jostled and tumbled, before finally being spat out into a grand hall. He stumbled slightly but quickly regained his footing.

The hall was enormous, with high vaulted ceilings adorned with glittering chandeliers. Rich tapestries depicting the Potter family history lined the walls, and the floor was made of polished marble that reflected the light from the grand windows. Ornate furniture, lavishly upholstered in deep reds and golds, filled the room, and a large fireplace dominated one wall, flanked by tall bookcases filled with ancient tomes.

As Harry took in the opulence of his surroundings, Petunia arrived right behind him, dusting herself off from the Floo travel. She looked around, equally amazed. "It's even more magnificent than I remembered," she murmured.

Suddenly, multiple pops echoed through the hall, and eight house elves appeared before them. They were small, with large, bat-like ears and bright, tennis ball-sized eyes. Each one wore a neat, matching uniform adorned with the Potter crest.

The elves bowed deeply, almost in unison. "Welcome, Master Harry and Mistress Nia," one of the elves, who seemed to be the leader, spoke first. "I is Loppy, and these is Hilda, Bramble, Flick, Jinx, Pip, Moppy, and Twinkle. We is at your service."

Harry blinked in surprise but quickly recovered. "Thank you, Loppy. It's... wonderful to meet you all," he said, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sudden attention.

The elves looked at Harry with wide, adoring eyes, their excitement palpable. "Master Harry! We has waited so long for you to return!" Hilda exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "We is missing you dearly."

Bramble nodded enthusiastically. "We is keeping everything in order, just as your parents wished," he said, his eyes shining with pride. "It is an honor to see you again, Master Harry."

Harry felt a lump form in his throat as he looked at the eager faces of the elves. "Thank you," he said softly. "I'm glad to be here."

Petunia smiled warmly at the elves. "It's good to see you all again," she said. "Harry, these elves have been with the Potter family for generations. They were devastated when you had to leave."

Harry nodded, feeling a deep connection to these loyal beings. "I'm sorry I haven't been here," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I'm here now, and I'm grateful for everything you've done."

The elves beamed, their excitement only growing. "We is so happy you is home, Master Harry!" Twinkle said, her voice high-pitched with joy. "Anything you is needing, we will provide."

Harry felt a surge of warmth and gratitude. "Thank you. For now, let's just take a moment to catch up," he suggested, wanting to spend a little time getting to know these devoted elves who had waited so long for his return.

With that, Harry, Petunia, and the elves began to chat.

"It's been so long since I was last here," Harry began. "What can you tell me about my parents? What were they like?"

Loppy stepped forward. "Your parents is wonderful, Master Harry. They is kind and fair, always treating us with respect."

Hilda nodded. "Yes, Mistress Lily is having a beautiful garden she is loving to tend to. She is spending hours there, always having a smile for us."

Bramble added, "And Master James is full of energy. He is loving to play Quidditch and is often inviting his friends over. The house is always filled with laughter."

Harry listened intently, absorbing every detail. "I wish I could have known them better," he said quietly. Even though they were not his parents but they were the original Harry's. 

Petunia placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "They would be so proud of you, Harry. You've grown into a fine young man."

Flick, one of the smaller elves, spoke up. "We is keeping everything as it was, Master Harry. Your room, your toys... we is hoping you would come back one day."

Harry smiled warmly. "Thank you, Flick. That means a lot to me."

As they continued to share stories, Harry felt a profound sense of belonging. The house elves' loyalty and the rich history of the Potter family enveloped him in a warmth he hadn't felt in years.

The elves eagerly recounted tales of Harry's parents, their lives at Moonstone Dunvegan, and the many happy moments they had shared within its walls. Harry was captivated by their stories, feeling as if he were piecing together parts of his own history that had been missing for so long.

"We is having a grand Christmas feast every year," Jinx said excitedly, her eyes shining. "Mistress Lily is making the best pumpkin pies, and Master James is lighting the big Christmas tree in the hall."

Harry's heart swelled with pride and love for the parents he barely remembered. "I'd like to see that tree," he said softly.

Loppy's ears perked up. "Would Master Harry and Mistress Nia like to see it now?" he asked eagerly.

Harry exchanged a glance with Petunia, who nodded with a smile. "Yes, please, Loppy," Harry said.

The elves led Harry and Petunia down a grand hallway adorned with portraits of Potter ancestors. They arrived at a set of double doors, which Loppy opened with a flourish. Inside was a magnificent hall, even larger than the one they had just left. In the center stood a towering Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights and shimmering ornaments.

Harry gasped in awe. "It's beautiful," he whispered.

Petunia stepped forward, her eyes misty with memories. "I remember this tree," she said. "Lily loved decorating it."

The elves beamed with pride. "We is decorating it just as Mistress Lily liked," Moppy said.

Harry walked closer to the tree, feeling a deep connection to his past. "Thank you," he said to the elves. "You've done an incredible job."

Bramble stepped forward, his eyes wide with excitement. "Master Harry, would you like to light the tree, just like Master James used to?"

Harry nodded, his heart pounding with emotion. "I'd love to."

The elves handed him a wand, which had been James Potter's. Harry took it reverently, feeling a surge of magic flow through him. He pointed the wand at the tree and, with a whispered incantation, the tree burst into light, the ornaments reflecting the glow in a dazzling display.

The room was filled with a warm, golden light, and Harry felt a deep sense of connection to his family. Petunia stood beside him, her arm around his shoulders, sharing the moment.

The elves clapped and cheered, their joy infectious. "Master Harry is just like his father!" Twinkle exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration.

Harry smiled, feeling a profound sense of peace. "Thank you, all of you. This means more to me than I can say."

"Let's make this a Christmas to remember," Harry said, his heart full.

The room was filled with a warm, golden light, and Harry felt a deep sense of connection to his family. Petunia stood beside him, her arm around his shoulders, sharing the moment.

The elves clapped and cheered, their joy infectious. "Master Harry is just like his father!" Twinkle exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration.

Harry smiled, feeling a profound sense of peace. "Thank you, all of you. This means more to me than I can say."

As the initial excitement settled, Harry knew they couldn't linger too long. The Weasleys would be arriving soon for the Christmas feast, and there were still preparations to be made at the Dursley Mansion. He took a deep breath, ready to discuss his plan.

"I've been thinking," Harry began, glancing at Petunia before turning to the elves. "We could use some help back at the Dursley Mansion. It's a big place, and with Christmas and everything else, it would be great to have some extra hands."

The elves exchanged glances, their eyes widening with excitement. "Master Harry is wanting us to help at the other house?" Jinx asked, her voice filled with eagerness.

Harry nodded. "Yes, and it would be more than just helping with Christmas. There will be other elves at the Dursley Mansion, and together, you could help keep both places in shape. Moonstone Dunvegan is a large estate, and I want it to be well taken care of, even when I'm not here."

Flick's ears perked up. "More elves, Master Harry? We is happy to work with them!"

Twinkle stepped forward, her expression serious. "We is understanding, Master Harry. We is keeping Moonstone Dunvegan perfect for you, and we is helping at the other house too."

Petunia smiled at the elves' enthusiasm. "Your help would mean so much to us. Keeping both places running smoothly would be a big task, but with all of you working together, I'm sure it will be manageable."

Harry looked around at the eager faces of the elves, feeling grateful for their unwavering loyalty and dedication. "Thank you, all of you. This really will be a Christmas to remember, and I'm looking forward to working with all of you to make both homes as wonderful as they can be."

Loppy nodded vigorously. "We is ready, Master Harry. We is making sure everything is perfect for you."

Harry's heart swelled with gratitude and happiness. "Let's make this the best Christmas ever," he said, and as he looked around the room at his new extended family, he knew that it truly would be.

Petunia glanced at her watch and then at Harry. "We should get back soon to prepare for the feast."

Harry nodded. "You're right, Mum. Let's head back."

He took one last look around the magnificent hall, vowing to himself to return and explore the entire estate. "I'll be back soon to see more of this place," he promised to himself in his mind. "But for now, we need to get home and start preparing for the feast."

Harry turned to the house elves. "When can you come to the Dursley Mansion to help?"

Twinkle stepped forward, her eyes bright with eagerness. "We is coming right away, Master Harry. We just needs to secure everything here first."

Harry nodded, appreciating their dedication. "Thank you. We'll see you soon, then."

Grabbing Petunia's hand, Harry said, "Let's go, Mum."

The elves bowed deeply to Harry and Petunia, their loyalty evident in their eyes. "We will see you soon, Master Harry and Mistress Nia," Flick said earnestly.

With a final nod, Harry Disapparated, holding tightly to Petunia. They reappeared in the living room of the Dursley Mansion, the familiar surroundings grounding them back to the present.

After reappearing in the living room of the Dursley Mansion, Petunia brushed off the remnants of the Floo travel and turned to Harry. "I should start preparing for the evening feast," she said.

Harry nodded. "I'll excuse myself to my room for a bit."

He made his way upstairs and entered his room, where he was delighted to see Hedwig perched on his bed. Rushing over, he scratched her head. "I was worried something had happened to you," he said, his voice filled with relief.

Hedwig cooed softly and nipped at his fingers affectionately. She lifted her leg to reveal a small letter attached. Harry carefully untied it and began to read. It was from Randolph Spudmore, asking to meet at a new restaurant in Diagon Alley on the second of January. That gave him some time at least.

Setting the letter aside, Harry's mind raced with thoughts of the meeting. He needed to make a good impression on the Firebolt creator. Considering the potential future, he mused about possibly acquiring shares in the Spudmore broom company. With that thought, he made a quick decision and Disapparated to Diagon Alley.

Appearing in front of Gringotts, he made his way inside, the imposing marble structure always a bit intimidating. He approached one of the goblins at the counter.

"Good afternoon," Harry began. "I'd like to inquire about investing some of my money."

The goblin peered at him over a set of spectacles. "Your name?"

"Harry Potter," he replied.

The goblin's eyes widened slightly before he regained his composure. "Mr. Potter, you have access to the Potter Family vault, but full access will only be granted when you turn seventeen. Until then, you must be accompanied by a guardian if you wish to access the vault."

Harry nodded, processing the information. "I understand. In the meantime, can you arrange for an investor or manager to help me with potential investments?"

The goblin nodded curtly. "Yes, we can arrange that. We will notify you when the arrangements are made."

"Thank you," Harry said, feeling a sense of relief. He then remembered he hadn't gotten a present for Mr. Weasley yet. "One more thing," he added, "could you acquire a few Muggle magazines on their technology, have them gift-wrapped, and send them to the Burrow by tomorrow morning?"

The goblin nodded again. "Consider it done, Mr. Potter."

"Thank you," Harry repeated, feeling satisfied with the arrangements. As he left Gringotts, he felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing he was taking steps toward securing his future. He Disapparated back to the Dursley Mansion, thinking about what else to do for the day. 

He appeared in his room and sat down on the armchair in the corner. What should he do? He was bored. Should he go to the Weasleys? Nah...he didn't feel like it. Flying? Not in the mood. Maybe visit Hogwarts and let the teachers know his secrets? Definitely not. Well, with nothing else to do, he brought out two cauldrons from his pouch and set it on top of his desk. He cleared away everything and then started experimenting with potions.

As he set up his cauldrons, Harry felt a familiar excitement. Potion-making had always been a therapeutic activity for him. He carefully measured ingredients, watching as they dissolved and mixed, creating new, shimmering concoctions. Hours passed by in the blink of an eye as Harry engrossed himself in his experiments, the room filling with the rich aromas of brewing potions.

By the time he finished, he had a few bottles of Wiggenweld Potion, a powerful healing draught that could mend minor injuries and boost energy. He also had a few bottles of a new potion he had been working on, which he decided to call "Aether Elixir." This potion, a shimmering blue liquid, was designed to enhance magical abilities temporarily and sharpen the senses—a perfect tool for any unexpected situations.

Just then, there was a knock on his door. "Harry?" Petunia's voice called from the other side. "Could you come down and help with the decorations? We're almost ready for the feast."

Harry smiled, putting away the last of his supplies. "Sure, Mum," he replied, opening the door and heading downstairs.

As he entered the living room, he was greeted by a bustling scene. Tinsel was running about, helping Petunia with the preparations for the evening feast. The room was filled with a festive energy, and Harry felt his heart lift at the sight.

Abigail was back and playing with Dinky near the Christmas tree. As soon as Dinky saw Harry, she immediately rushed toward him and bowed deeply.

"Master Harry!" Dinky exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "I is bringing six other elves along with Tinsel. We is here to help!"

Harry knelt down to Dinky's level and smiled warmly. "Thank you, Dinky. You and the others have done a fantastic job. Everything looks wonderful."

Dinky beamed with pride. "We is happy to help, Master Harry. Is there anything else you is needing?"

Before Harry could respond, Petunia walked over, her hands full of decorations. "Harry, the elves have been a tremendous help. We've made great progress, but there's still a bit more to do. Hilda, Bramble, Flick, Jinx, Pip, Moppy, Twinkle, Snappy, Pippin, Midge, Wobble, Fizz, and Trinket are out cleaning the rest of the mansion. We should be able to use the entire thing in about a week."

Harry nodded. "Of course, Mum."

He turned back to Dinky. "Thanks, Dinky. I don't need anything else right now."

Dinky bowed and scurried back to Abigail, who was giggling as she played with Tinsel. Harry watched them for a moment, a smile spreading across his face at the sight of their joy. He then called out to Petunia, "Mum, has Dad come back yet?"

Petunia's voice came from the kitchen. "Not yet, Harry!"

Harry glanced at the clock on the wall; it read 6:30 pm. He realized he had been engrossed in potion-making for about five hours. "Well, at least the time passed quickly," he thought to himself.

As he was contemplating this, the living room fire glowed green, and Vernon stepped out, his face red and slightly unsteady on his feet. He spotted Harry and burst into laughter. "Harry, my boy! How are you?" he called out, his voice louder than usual.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Dad? Are you okay?"

Vernon staggered slightly but managed to keep his balance. "Never better, Harry, never better! Just had a bit of Christmas cheer with Sirius and Lupin."

Petunia appeared in the doorway, looking concerned. "Vernon, are you alright?"

"Petunia, my dear!" Vernon said, wrapping an arm around her. "I'm perfectly fine. Just a little festive spirit, that's all."

Harry watched as Vernon made his way over to Abigail, who looked up with wide eyes. "Hello, Abby! You having fun?" Vernon asked, his speech slightly slurred but full of warmth.

Abigail nodded, a bit uncertain. "Yes, Dad. Dinky and Tinsel have been playing with me."

"Good, good!" Vernon said, ruffling her hair. "And Harry, I hear you've been busy with potions and whatnot. Brilliant, my boy, just brilliant!"

Harry couldn't help but smile at Vernon's uncharacteristically cheerful demeanor. "Thanks, Dad. I'm glad you're enjoying the holiday spirit."

Vernon nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! And you know, Harry, I'm really proud of you. You've turned out to be a fine young man."

Harry was taken aback by the praise, "Thank you, Dad. That means a lot."

Vernon then turned to Petunia. "And you, Petunia, you've outdone yourself with the decorations. This place looks fantastic!"

Petunia blushed slightly. "Thank you, Vernon. But it's really the elves who have done most of the work."

"Well, they're doing a splendid job," Vernon said, giving a thumbs-up to the elves bustling around the mansion.

Harry shook his head, knowing Sirius had likely lost track of how much he was drinking, and Vernon naturally accompanied him. "Sobrietatis Recupero," Harry murmured, waving his hand towards Vernon. The sobering charm took effect immediately.

Vernon blinked, the redness fading from his face as clarity returned to his eyes. He looked around, slightly confused, then embarrassed as he realized Harry and Abigail had seen him in his tipsy state. "Oh, well, that's much better," he muttered, giving Harry a grateful nod.

Petunia watched with a knowing smile as Vernon straightened up. "Feeling better?" she asked gently.

"Much better, thank you," Vernon replied, leaning in to kiss Petunia on the cheek. "I think I should go get a shower and get ready for the feast."

Harry smiled at his father. "Good idea, Dad." 

With that Vernon headed upstairs for a quick shower and to get ready for the evening, leaving Harry and the others in the living room.

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The evening settled into a festive atmosphere as everyone prepared for the Christmas feast. The smell of delicious food wafted through the house, and the decorations glowed warmly. Harry and Petunia stood by the fireplace, waiting for their guests to arrive.

One by one, the Weasley family began to emerge from the Floo, their faces alight with excitement. First came Arthur, dressed in a vibrant green jumper adorned with dancing snowmen. He greeted Harry with a warm hug. "Harry, my boy! It's so good to see you!"

Next came Molly, her cheeks rosy from the warmth of the fireplace, carrying a large basket overflowing with baked goods. "Merry Christmas, Harry dear!" she said, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I've brought some of your favorite treats."

Fred and George tumbled out next, both wearing identical festive red jumpers with reindeer prancing across the front. "Hey, Harry!" Fred grinned. "Nice place you've got here!" George added with a wink.

Ron followed, wearing a deep blue jumper with a golden 'R' on it, and Ginny, in a sparkling red dress, stepped out last, her eyes wide with excitement. "This place looks amazing, Harry!" Ginny exclaimed.

As the Weasleys settled in the living room, chatting animatedly, Ron leaned towards Harry. "What's this about elves, Harry? We've seen a few running around."

Harry chuckled and began to recount the events leading up to their arrival. "Well, it all started when I called out Tinsel and Dinky's name..."

As Harry shared the story, the Weasleys listened intently, nodding and smiling at the right moments. Just as he finished, the Floo activated again, and Sirius stepped out, looking dapper in a festive suit, a mischievous glint in his eye. He was carrying several bottles of wine and a large box filled with candies and pastries. "Merry Christmas, everyone!" he declared, setting the treats down on the table.

"Sirius!" Harry exclaimed, rushing over to hug his godfather. "You're just in time."

Following Sirius, Remus emerged from the Floo, wearing a modest but well-tailored suit. He looked slightly shy but smiled warmly at the group. "Hello, everyone. Merry Christmas."

"Remus, good to see you!" Arthur said, shaking his hand. "How's the teaching going?"

Remus smiled. "It's going well, Arthur. The students are as curious as ever, especially about the practical aspects of history."

Fred and George sidled up to Sirius, eyeing the bottles of wine. "What's this, Sirius? Did you bring us some Christmas cheer?" Fred asked with a grin.

Sirius laughed. "Not for you two troublemakers. These are for the adults. But there are plenty of sweets and pastries for everyone."

As everyone settled down, the room buzzed with conversations and laughter. Percy, ever the proper one, sat down with a book but soon joined the discussions when Arthur pulled him into a conversation about Ministry affairs.

"Molly, these mince pies are divine!" Petunia exclaimed, sampling one of the treats.

"Thank you, Petunia," Molly replied with a smile. "I hope you enjoy everything."

Fred and George, meanwhile, were talking animatedly with Harry about the twins latest adventures at Hogwarts. "Can you believe Snape tried to take points from Gryffindor for breathing too loudly?" Fred laughed.

George rolled his eyes. "Yeah, he's been worse than ever this year. At least it gives us a reason to prank the Slytherins more."

Abigail was chatting with Ginny, who was showing her a new charm she'd learned. "That's brilliant, Abby! You should show that to Professor Flitwick when you start Hogwarts," Ginny encouraged.

The evening continued with jokes, stories, and the sharing of gifts. Fred and George entertained everyone with tales of their latest pranks, and even Percy found himself laughing along. Sirius regaled the room with humorous stories from his school days, while Remus added more scholarly, yet no less entertaining, anecdotes.

As the evening progressed, the festive chatter and laughter filled the room. When it was time for dinner, Petunia enlisted the elves to help set up the big hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The long table, set for thirteen people, was adorned with elegant tableware, shimmering candles, and festive centerpieces of holly and ivy.

"Everyone, dinner is ready," Petunia announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The group moved to the hall, admiring the grand setup. "This is wonderful, Petunia," Molly said appreciatively, taking her seat beside Arthur.

As everyone settled in, Tinsel and the other elves began to bring out dish after dish. There were roasted turkeys, honey-glazed hams, mashed potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and an array of vegetables. The table groaned under the weight of Christmas delicacies, including Molly's famous mince pies and a towering Christmas pudding that glistened with brandy.

Harry found himself seated between Ron and Sirius, with Petunia and Vernon at the head of the table. The twins sat across from him, already eyeing the food with eager anticipation. Ginny and Abigail were at the other end, whispering excitedly and sharing secrets.

Vernon raised his glass, filled with rich red wine. "A toast," he said, his voice carrying a warm tone. "To family and friends, and to the joy of being together this Christmas."

"Hear, hear!" Sirius echoed, lifting his own glass with a grin. The rest followed suit, clinking glasses and sharing warm smiles.

The dinner was a lively affair, filled with laughter and conversation. Fred and George, true to form, couldn't resist slipping a few harmless firework crackers under the table, which burst into colorful sparks, much to the delight of the younger girls and even Percy, who laughed despite himself.

Lupin asked, "So, Harry, how's your first year been so far? Apart from Snape, of course."

Harry swallowed his food first before answering. "Yeah, it's been good actually. Professor Snape doesn't trouble me at all"

"Yeah for some reason Snape never says anything to Harry," Ron said between mouthfuls. "The fact that his potions are so perfect that Snape can't find anything to remark at might be it."

Sirius and Remus engaged in a friendly debate over the best pranks they had pulled during their Hogwarts days, with Remus eventually conceding that Sirius had the upper hand when it came to creativity.

"Remember the time you turned Snape's hair green?" Remus chuckled. "I don't think I've ever seen him so angry."

Petunia and Molly exchanged recipes, while Vernon, now fully sobered and cheerful, shared amusing anecdotes from his work with Sirius and Remus. Abigail and Ginny were absorbed in their own world, discussing everything from Hogwarts to new spells they wanted to try.

As dessert was served, the atmosphere grew even more festive. Tinsel brought out the grand Christmas pudding, which Arthur flamboyantly lit with a flourish of his wand, causing everyone to cheer. The elves, who had been quietly ensuring everything ran smoothly, received a round of applause for their efforts, making them beam with pride.

Finally, as the evening drew to a close, Harry looked around the table, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment. The laughter, the love, and the warmth that filled the room made this Christmas one of the best he had ever experienced.

"Thank you, everyone, for being here," Harry said, his voice filled with gratitude. "This has been an amazing Christmas."

"To many more," Sirius added, raising his glass once more.

"To many more," everyone echoed, clinking their glasses together.

The night ended on a high note, with full hearts and even fuller bellies.