Yule

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Harry and Petunia spent a while finalizing details with Madam Malkin, who noted down every adjustment with a focused, pleased expression. Once they were all set, Harry handed over the payment, dismissing Petunia's half-hearted protests with a wave.

As they were leaving, Harry stopped and turned back to Madam Malkin. "You got your invitation for Yule, right?"

"Oh, absolutely," she said brightly, giving him a conspiratorial smile. "I've been working on my own gown for a week now. Though I won't shine as bright as Ms. Evans here, I hope to dazzle a bit myself."

Harry chuckled. "I'm sure you'll look great. See you then."

"Alright, you've officially spoiled me," she said as they left the shop. "Your mother would have something to say about this, you know." 

"She'd be jealous," Harry shot back with a grin. "Mum would have had me running all over for this sort of thing if she knew it'd come out this well."

Petunia shook her head, smirking. "Yes, well, she always did enjoy putting on nice dresses."

After finishing dinner at the Leaky Cauldron, Harry and Petunia made their way back to Privet Drive. Once home, Harry went straight to his room, setting down his shopping bags and getting straight to work on finalizing details for the upcoming Yule gathering. He'd gone through the basics—arranged the guest lists, planned the seating, and even chosen the enchanted decorations. Now, all that was left was the finishing touches.

Over the next few days, Harry was completely caught up in preparations. There was a steady stream of letters arriving by owl, each one confirming guests, deliveries, and security measures. Longbottom Manor was prepared, the staff briefed, and even a few custom surprises were in place to make sure the evening went smoothly. In no time, the Yule celebration was upon them.

The night of the Yule finally arrived. Harry, arriving early with Petunia, stepped through the grand entrance of Longbottom Manor, already buzzing with guests. Lady Augusta Longbottom, ever regal, greeted them warmly, a slight smile breaking her usual serious expression.

"Harry, Petunia," she said, inclining her head, "it's wonderful to see you both. Harry, I must say, this event is shaping up to be quite the replacement for the Ministry's usual affair."

"Couldn't pass up the opportunity to do it better," Harry replied with a smirk. "And you're gracious enough to host it here."

Lady Longbottom gave a knowing nod. "Yes, well, after recent events, it was high time to make some changes." She glanced around the room, clearly pleased with the setup. "I think Neville is somewhere by the garden entrance, if you want to catch up."

Harry spotted Neville in the distance, surrounded by their business partners, the Greengrasses and the Davises. Cyrus Greengrass nodded as Harry approached, his wife, Helena, smiling politely. Next to them, Jonathan and Marianne Davis, Tracey's parents, gave him a welcoming nod.

"Harry," Cyrus greeted, shaking his hand. "Glad to see everything's going smoothly. Heard there was a last-minute issue with the delivery—handled, I take it?"

"All sorted. Won't even be a hiccup," Harry replied. "Your distribution on this has been flawless, Cyrus. Can't say it enough."

A pleased look passed over Cyrus's face, and Helena gave a small nod. "Good to know everything's in order. You've certainly put a lot into this."

"Wouldn't miss it," Harry said, glancing around at the growing crowd. Just then, he spotted Daphne and Astoria slipping in, both looking around for familiar faces. They waved, grins spreading as they saw him. Petunia, who'd been chatting with Lady Longbottom, turned to join them, welcoming Daphne and Astoria with a friendly smile.

Just then, Lady Bones and her niece Susan arrived, drawing a few glances from the crowd. Amelia, imposing in her midnight-blue robes. "Harry, this is excellent. Though, I feel guilty attending."

"It is sad, I know, but life goes on." Harry replied, glancing at Susan, who smiled warmly.

Thomas and Eleanor Abbott walked in soon after with their daughter, Hannah, who quickly broke off to join Harry and others.

It was still early, so only Harry's closest friends and their families filled the grand hall. The Weasleys were the next to arrive, Arthur and Molly leading the way with their children in tow. Even Bill had managed to join, arriving earlier with a few goblins from Gringotts to set up security wards. After seeing to that, he joined the gathering, catching up with the family. Charlie, on a rare break from his dragon work, was also here, looking both slightly out of place and eager to be among everyone.

Following the Weasleys, Luna and her father, Xenophilius, entered, both greeting Harry with wide smiles. They exchanged a few words before joining the growing crowd of familiar faces. Hermione arrived not long after, her parents trailing close behind, looking both curious and slightly overwhelmed by the magical atmosphere. Harry gave them a warm nod, and Hermione quickly made her way over, clearly excited to be at such a gathering.

Following them, Pansy Parkinson entered alone, her usual air of confidence intact as she offered a smirk in Harry's direction. Padma and Parvati Patil arrived next, escorted by their parents, who had flown in from India for the event, thinking it was easier than portkeying. Their traditional attire added a touch of elegance to the gathering, and they exchanged polite greetings with the assembled guests. Lavender Brown arrived with her family in tow, her parents looking proud as they introduced themselves to Harry. Cedric Diggory joined the group with his parents, their friendly demeanor instantly endearing them to the others. Cho Chang came accompanied by her mother, nodding shyly to Harry in greeting. Blaise Zabini entered with his mother, Elisabetta.

Elisabetta pulled Harry into a tight hug, her arms wrapping around him in a way that wasn't about to let go anytime soon. She grinned, teasing as usual, her dark eyes sparkling. "Harry, darling, why haven't you written to me?" she murmured, her voice warm but playful. "I missed you terribly."

Harry shifted slightly, as his head was practically buried in her elaborate, perfume-scented ample bosom. "Sorry, Mrs. Zabini. Busy, you know. There's been a lot going on," he managed, giving her a polite pat on the back.

She released him just enough to examine him, one eyebrow raised. "And yet you're here, hosting a grand Yule gathering. The least you could do is keep an old friend updated. After all, I'm always interested in hearing about your… adventures," she added with a wink that didn't go unnoticed.

Petunia, who had been watching the exchange with pursed lips, cleared her throat pointedly. "Harry," she said, turning his attention back to her, "we should be making the rounds to greet the other guests, don't you think?"

"Right, Aunt Petunia," he said, stepping back from Mrs. Zabini. "Excuse me, Mrs. Zabini," he added with a teasing wink, earning a look of exaggerated disappointment from her.

Petunia gave Elisabetta a cool smile as they walked away, murmuring, "That woman…"

Nott and Draco arrived alone. Their parents, notorious Death Eaters, weren't invited to the Yule gathering, as Harry drew a firm line at known Dark supporters. He was friends with Nott and Draco, sure, but their families' reputations kept them off the guest list.

Seeing the duo glance around the room, Harry approached, giving each a nod. "Good to see you both made it. Go on, everyone's over there." He gestured toward the group by the garden entrance, where the rest of their friends had gathered.

The two boys exchanged a quick nod with him and headed off, disappearing into the crowd. Harry, satisfied, continued making his rounds.

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