Chapter Text
Harry woke up the next day and opened his presents with Snape. Snape had made hot chocolate for them and had let him sleep in. Shalis had sat next to the fireplace to watch.
Harry had gotten an array of gifts. Pansy had given him a bottle of hair potion. Blaise had given him a silver watch. Theo had given him books. One about magical chants, another about magical numerology. He opened Draco’s next. It was a necklace with a little clock and rings.
“A time turner? Whoever gifted you that?”
Harry turned to Snape.
“Uh, just a friend.”
He got to the other gifts with his name next. Snape had wrapped a few different books for him. Herbology, potions, and other curricular books, but also, books he had shown the slightest interest in. Snape had also gifted him, Shalis really, a tank, one that may have even been better than the one at Lupin’s.
Harry handed Snape his gift with a trembling hand. Snape unwrapped it with a curious face. When he opened the box, his expression changed. He like it. Harry felt his breath come easier.
“It’s perfect. Maybe we could even brew something for it together.”
“I’d like that.”
-
Harry received a few more gifts in the dead of night. One from Hermione, one from Ginny, and one from… Ron.
He opened Hermione’s first. It was an annotated book about charms and jinxes. Ginny had given him a few bits of silver jewelry. He supposed he could get his ears pierced. For now, he just slid the rings on.
He saved Ron’s for last. It had a note attached to it.
I’m sorry for ignoring you and getting mad at you for being honest. I want to make things right with you.
Mum says hi by the way.
-Ron
Harry put it down and opened the box. It held a hand-knit scarf. A green scarf.
Harry wondered if he should write back. Maybe he could get back what he had before. Maybe it would be even better.
He put it off until later. For now, he just hung the scarf on the bedframe and cuddled up to Shalis.
-
Over the next few months, Harry tried his best to rekindle things slowly. It was awkward and hard, but he tried. Ron tried his best to, but never sat with the Slytherins, even when Hermione would.
None of the Slytherins like him talking to Ron, but they respected his choice.
Harry felt like things were actually changing for the better now. Or, he hoped. He really wasn’t sure of anything.