CH: 55 Christmas

Anton encountered the Weasleys at the junction of Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley in August 1990. At that time, he had only survived for two months, enduring over 60 days when his life hung in the balance.

Subsequently, he underwent a series of events, unwittingly accompanied by a group of 'individuals,' embarking on a journey across the ocean that culminated in their arrival in France. Due to a job promotion, Anton eventually returned to the UK from France.

Before he realized it, Christmas had arrived at the close of 1990, with the dawn of 1991 merely days away. Throughout the past year, whether fleeting or prolonged, Anton and his companions had never embraced the tradition of festive celebrations—until this year.

Mr. Lupin and Miss Lisa exuded enthusiasm as they adorned themselves downstairs. Assigned the task of inflating balloons, Anton wore a pained expression as he mused, "Perhaps I should have barred you from entering this household!"

Lisa, trimming a Christmas tree by the fireplace with scissors, retorted, "Enough talk, Anton. Inflate the balloons. It's a favorite Christmas pastime for children."

"Damn it, such a simple task could easily be accomplished with a spell," Anton lamented, massaging his cheeks. "At the very least, you could have purchased a pump instead of blowing it with your mouth."

Meanwhile, Anna assisted in bringing Christmas tree ornaments over, amused by the unfolding scene.

Amidst the adults, Anton, inadvertently assuming a parental role, found himself overpowered by the tearful woman's demands.

"No wand usage, no blowing—buy me a pump!" Anton exerted excessive force while inflating a balloon, causing it to burst abruptly. Startled, he rose in frustration, "If you refuse, I shall divulge the ending of 'Wait until we meet again.'" he proclaimed.

"Merlin's beard!" Lisa gasped, taken aback. "You mischievous child!"

Since Lisa's arrival, she and Lupin often retreated to the sofa, indulging in snacks and television shows. Currently engrossed in the drama "Wait until we meet again," they empathized with the characters' sorrowful tales, shedding tears of their own.

"Revealing spoilers is disgraceful!" Lisa relented, reluctantly conceding to Anton's demands. Lisa retrieved a pump from a nearby box.

"Oh my God!" Anton exclaimed in astonishment. "You actually bought a pump?!!!"

"May you experience a joyous childhood, Anton," Lisa's words carried genuine warmth.

The revelation left Anton in utter disbelief for millennia.

In a fit of annoyance, he seized the pump and surveyed the abundance of balloons with a sigh, "The house is nearly bursting with balloons!"

Suddenly, a soft crack echoed through the hall, heralding the arrival of the goblin Pedro, his piercing gaze fixed on Anton. "Anton, you always speak your mind, don't you?"

Grinning mischievously, Anton swiftly tossed the pump onto the sofa, "Indeed, Mr. Pedro."

Pedro nodded emphatically, producing a pensieve watch from his pocket. "This is the prized possession of the 'Time-traveler and Memory Collector.' Adjusting the time on it enables you to delve into your past, potentially unearthing childhood memories or determining your age."

Raising a quizzical brow, Anton accepted the watch, "Is this a Christmas present?"

"Christmas?" Pedro reacted as though he had heard a preposterous notion. "No, goblins do not celebrate Christmas!"

Another soft crack reverberated as Andre materialized, bearing a stack of gift boxes and chuckling, "No, Pedro, you did celebrate Christmas."

Struggling to free his hand from the gift box, Andre placed the small package into Pedro's palm. "Your Christmas present for this year!"

"This year?" Pedro gaped in astonishment.

"Yes, my friend, I've given presents to you annually, though you never reciprocate," Andre jestfully remarked, placing the presents in a corner. Playfully ruffling Anna's hair, he added, "Everyone has received theirs."

Perplexed, Pedro stammered, "I-i do have s-something for you today, but I wasn't aware it was Christmas. I-i mean, u-um..."

Retrieving a delicate potion bottle with dual openings from his sleeve, Pedro continued, "Let's consider this a Christmas present."

Andre chuckled, eagerly accepting the gift. "By Merlin's beard, after 52 years, I finally receive a present from you. Pray, what is this?"

"It's the 'Sealing' potion and antidote. Perhaps it can revert Nagini to a human form occasionally," Pedro explained before being enveloped in a tight embrace by Andre. "My dear friend, I thank you!"

Excitement gleamed in Anna's eyes as she held onto the hem of Pedro's jacket, exclaiming, "Ana adores her Christmas present."

As the household buzzed with activity, Lupin's voice wafted from downstairs, "What's happening in your kitchen? Hungarian food? I've never tasted such dishes before. Don't think I'm unaware; Hungarian cuisine does not include broccoli."

Lupin, once a jaded uncle, now exuded a newfound vitality akin to that of a spirited young man.

Ah, the power of love.

Anton shook his head, observing Fiennes hovering near the windowsill, appearing perplexed.

"Teacher, it's not necessary. Despite Lupin's contrasting nature and inhuman characteristics, you can still forge relationships with others," Anton jested, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Poor teacher, he never truly lived; he perished..." he mused.

Interrupting, Fiennes retorted, "You foolish apprentice, I do have friends!"

Taken aback, Anton exclaimed, "You have friends?!"

"Yes, today being Christmas, I wish to extend invitations to them at our home," Fiennes revealed, a glimmer of anticipation in his gaze. "They are all spirits. Do you think they would accept?"

"Hahaha..." Anton chuckled, raising his hands in the air before addressing the gathering. "My clueless teacher has finally learned to make friends. Let us celebrate this moment!"

Amidst wailing and ghostly howls, Fiennes's eyes gleamed with delight. "Splendid! We shall gather in my room and not disturb your space."

"No, no, teacher, this is your home as well," Anton insisted earnestly. "You should welcome them in the hall instead of secluding yourself in your room."

Beside him, Lisa appeared flustered. "I'm uncertain what nourishments to make for the ghosts."

"No need to worry," Fiennes chimed in with a joyful chuckle, "I have arranged ghostly refreshments and fare from the ghost bar."

Soon, Anna held Nagini in her left hand and Andre in her right, beaming with joy.

A troupe of ghosts arrived for the gathering, adept at ghostly etiquette unlike Fiennes. They not only brought a band but also guided Anton through a formal entrance, adhering to the decorum of their visit.

The ghostly melodies filled the air, perplexing Anton, who found the music grating yet enjoyable, much to the delight of the attendees.

Meanwhile, fireworks illuminated the sky outside, casting a mesmerizing display of fiery and silver blossoms.

Lisa introduced an array of Muggle-style fireworks, intending to entertain Anton, Anna, and the rest. Lupin, particularly, relished the festivities.

In essence, the Christmas celebration proved to be exceptionally vibrant and engaging this year.

...

...

After the festivities subsided, Fiennes was escorted by a ghostly companion to a ghost bar for a drink.

Meanwhile, Anna's family gathered around the large bed, engaging in hushed conversations, while Pedro was whisked away by Andre to join the group.

Lupin nestled on the sofa, embracing Lisa as they were moved to tears by a heartfelt film on the television.

Anton perched at his desk, idly toying with the watch bestowed by Pedro.

With a poof, a myriad of smoke enveloped the room.

Within the haze, a motorcar traversed the expansive field. Clad in a plaid shirt, Anton wore a rueful expression as he implored his girlfriend not to be upset. Though she initially ignored him, she couldn't conceal a secret smile.

"I truly miss those moments..." Anton reminisced.