Thanks to his terrifying popularity, Klein received so many Christmas presents that they nearly filled an entire room.
His favorites were Great Aunt Bathilda's rare book on A History of Magic and Snape's Potions notes.
As for an old man's candy gift box, he'd simply handed it to the house-elf, Rocco. He didn't like sweets himself, but it would be nice to keep around for guests, wouldn't it?
In the simple, tidy bedroom, Klein was leaning against his headboard, reading Snape's notes.
"Little master, dinner is ready."
The hunched little creature crept up the stairs and spoke softly from outside the door.
"Mm."
He answered casually, set the notes aside, rubbed his aching neck, and turned to look out the window.
Silver flakes drifted down from the sky.
It was snowing.
"Lovely."
Klein's lips curved into a faint smile as he followed the house-elf downstairs. From a distance, he saw Great Aunt Bathilda sitting by the dining table, beaming.
The old lady looked delighted. Even the wrinkles on her face were quivering.
"Klein, Merry Christmas."
Her hoarse voice reached his ears, and warmth spread through his heart.
Even though they were only distantly related, there was no doubt about it.
They were family.
"Merry Christmas."
Greengrass Manor.
"Stop reading, sis! Tell me something fun about Hogwarts!"
The petite, fair-skinned girl tugged hard at her sister's sleeve, pouting in displeasure.
"Astoria, I still have to study. Be good."
Closing her book, Daphne helplessly ruffled her sister's hair, her eyes full of affection.
"No! I want a story!"
At that, Astoria only tugged harder on Daphne's sleeve.
Who knew how she'd made it through the past six months without her sister around?
Those days had been so terribly boring.
"Give me a little while, and I'll tell you a story at dinner,