MIRROR OF ERISED

72. Christmas - 3

PREVIOUSLY IN - MIRROR OF ERISED

The last study group class of the term takes place.

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The whole school decided not to sit at different house tables that dinner. All of the study group sat at the Ravenclaw table, while many others, especially the first years, took to sit with their friends from other houses. Most of the Slytherins except for Draco, Theo Nott, Blaise and Daphne had sat at their own House Table.

Around the beginning of October, Andrew Nott, Theo's father was horrified when Lucius, James and the others told him about how Voldemort made horcruxes to keep himself alive. Even the Nott Family Head had absolutely hated it when he joined the Death Eaters during the first war. But he was forced into it by his father. This made him join hands with the Horcrux hunting team and help them out. When Theo heard about this, he joined the study group with his friends and caught up with the others in no time. Nott Sr. was happy that his son had joined the study group and got him all of the necessary books.

The teachers were surprised when they saw the students sit at house tables other than their own and were happy for the interhouse unity that was growing between them. During one of their usual conversations, Colin had come up with the idea of naming their group. They decided to ponder over that and in the end, they had decided to name themselves 'The Avengers' after all those who knew about the Muggle World explained what that meant.

They soon dispersed and went back to their dorms to pack. Harry decided to take Apollo out for his evening walk to Hagrid's and back as he used the same area that Fang used to do his business and Hagrid walked them both back to the castle. Apollo and Fang had bonded quite well and would separate only when they reached the castle. It had been quite a while since Lily, James and Sirius met Apollo. So, when they saw Harry and the said dog coming back inside from Hagrid's and going towards the Gryffindor tower, they were surprised by his growth. The combination of healthy food and the right amount of exercise had made him grow properly and gain weight.

Apollo spotted the trio and bound towards them, not caring about Harry still holding on to the leash. Harry had to let go so that he doesn't fall over and hurt himself. He got to his parents and godfather right on time to see his pet lick Sirius' face to death. Once he was satisfied, James was next on list. He was gentle with Lily as if he understood her fears and settled himself to licking her hands. They played with him for sometime and sent the duo back to the common room so that Harry could pack.

Harry did just that and packed and put away everything except for the safety cage around his bed, the food and water bowls and other essentials.