Keeping Dogs Away

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Nearby, a distinct group of Hogwarts professors entered together, chatting among themselves. McGonagall spotted him first, raising a hand in greeting. She moved over, her expression one of slight amusement as she took in the gathering.

"Mr. Potter," she said with a hint of approval, "it appears you've taken Yule festivities into your own hands. A rather impressive substitute for the Ministry's event."

Harry smirked. "Figured someone had to step up. Might as well be me."

McGonagall gave a small nod, glancing at the lively crowd. "I'll need to return to the school before long; Poppy is there alone, and I prefer to be close during holidays. But I wanted to stop by, if only briefly."

"Of course, Professor. Glad you could make it," Harry replied, watching as the other professors mingled with guests.

Harry looked over at Hagrid and the other professors gathered nearby. Hagrid gave him a hearty wave, clearly at ease in the festive crowd, while Snape wore his usual expression of restrained distaste. Harry caught Snape's gaze drifting toward Petunia, who was engrossed in conversation with Professor Sprout. Harry took a step forward, positioning himself between them without making it too obvious.

The Tonks family arrived next, Andromeda entering first, followed closely by her husband, Edward and daughter, Nymphadora, who had a few Aurors from the Department in tow. Nymphadora Tonks was not someone Harry had met yet, though he knew of her through Draco. She was a trainee Auror, and he heard plenty from Draco about her "reckless" nature.

Kingsley Shacklebolt gave Harry a brief nod as they crossed paths, his calm presence was always a welcome sight. Harry knew him as reliable; Kingsley had helped him a few times in the past, and Harry had a solid impression of the man. He and Petunia exchanged greetings with Kingsley and Andrea Tonks, the Muggle Studies professor. While Harry wasn't in her class, he had heard about her from Draco and figured she would fit in well with the crowd here.

As more guests trickled in, Harry noticed Dumbledore was still absent. Of course, the old man loved making entrances, and tonight would probably be no exception.

Sirius stumbled into the hall, his arm slung around a woman Harry didn't recognize, his glassy-eyed grin suggesting he already had more than his share of drinks. The woman looked amused, like she was used to his antics, but it was Sirius's expression that caught Harry's attention. The man's gaze landed on Petunia, and his face lit up, an almost eager grin forming.

Harry didn't give him the chance. Before Sirius could take even one step toward Petunia, Harry stepped right in front of him, cutting off his line of sight. He raised an eyebrow.

"Sirius. Here to enjoy the party, I assume?" He kept his tone casual enough, though his look said something else. Harry wasn't about to let him start acting like a drunk fool around his aunt.

Sirius blinked, clearly caught off guard, but shrugged it off with his usual grin. "Just wanted to say hello to your lovely Aunt, that's all." He lifted his glass, a sloppy, lopsided salute to her over Harry's shoulder.

Harry frowned. To him, Sirius was always his father's friend and nothing more. And right now, Sirius was pushing it. Regretting his invitation already, he shot Sirius a pointed look. "You said hello. Now, why don't you take your company and greet the drinks at that corner," he quipped, motioning toward the far side of the room. He felt Petunia's hand squeeze his arm, a quiet reminder that he was being a little rude, but he wasn't about to let Sirius go on like this.

Sirius blinked, clearly taken aback, but his grin only widened. "Alright, alright, Harry," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'll stick to the other corner, then." He gave Petunia a final nod and shuffled off, his companion trying to stifle a laugh as they moved to the bar.

Petunia squeezed his arm, an amused smile tugging at her lips. Harry knew he had been blunt, but he wasn't about to let Sirius hit on his aunt. "Not quite how I thought I would meet your godfather," she remarked.

She felt a touch of warmth at Harry's protective stance, even if she didn't need it. Sirius was the kind she always disliked—cocky, a playboy like James had been. A bully. It was men like him who pulled Lily away from her, leaving only bitterness behind.

"Just keeping dogs away," Harry said, shrugging.

She smirked. "Good call," she replied, catching his joke about Sirius's Animagus form.

At this time, Selena Rosier entered with her teacher, Miranda Goshawk, in tow. They were unmistakable as they swept into the room. Selena gave a smile in Harry's direction when their gazes met. She'd always had that confident way about her—a natural leader.

"Mr. Potter," Goshawk greeted him, smiling with genuine warmth. She was a master spell creator, her books on the subjects considered required reading.

"Good evening, Professor Goshawk," Harry replied politely. "Selena."

Selena smiled brightly, her gaze sweeping over the lively gathering. "Harry, this is remarkable. I believe your Yule will be the main event of Christmas for years to follow."

Harry chuckled, leaning back. "Hopefully, it'll catch on."

Selena gave him an approving nod. "It's about time the younger generation takes charge. Feels like we're finally moving forward, doesn't it? You were breaking old boundaries since day one." She turned to her teacher, Professor Goshawk, adding, "He's the reason all the houses mingle at Hogwarts these days—always inviting friends from Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff over to Slytherin."

Professor Goshawk's eyebrows lifted, her gaze filled with delighted surprise. "I've heard quite a bit about your reputation, Mr. Potter, but I didn't realize it extended beyond your own house. I daresay the Founders would be pleased, or at least curious."

Harry chuckled. "Good to hear, Professor." The comment reminded him of Slytherin's letter and the unfair treatment Salazar had faced, though he kept this thought to himself. With a nod, he led Selena and Professor Goshawk to the professors' table. He left Petunia chatting with Lady Longbottom, then joined Selena for a walk around the hall.

They moved through the crowd, greeting guests as they went. Harry glanced at Selena, wondering how to bring up Bellatrix without it getting awkward. Avery had mentioned something about the Rosier family possibly hiding Bellatrix, though he had no proof. And while Harry was certain Selena wasn't involved, he wondered how much she might know. It was tricky; they were friends, but this was her family he would be questioning. What if she was aware of something and just kept it hidden?

Before he could decide, Selena broke the silence. "This turned out well, Harry. It's like… Hogwarts took over the Ministry's Yule," she said, a hint of pride in her voice.

Harry shrugged, smirking. "That was the point. Better venue, better crowd. Besides, it's about time we had something more interesting than stiff gatherings."

She laughed, nodding. "Agreed. If nothing else, it's less pretentious. No boring speeches either, I assume?"

"Not a chance. I think everyone's sick of those," he said, grinning. "Just a lot of mingling, good food, and maybe some magic show."

Selena gave him a curious look. "A bit of magic show at a Yule gathering? I'll admit, it sounds… very you."

They made their way to the back of the hall, where a quieter alcove overlooked the manor's gardens. Selena leaned against the banister, looking out over the snow-dusted hedges. Harry studied her, still debating whether to bring up Bellatrix.

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