The Smart Choice

Chapter 12 - Happy Yuletide

During the meal, Harry's mind began to wander. He began thinking back to a conversation he had with some older Slytherins about Quirrell.
"He never used to have the stutter you know? Apparently he ran afoul of a clan of vampires in Albania over the summer and they caused some damage." Said a 5th year named Marcus Flint. Harry and Flint both shared a love of quidditch so got on very well. In fact Harry had already made good friends with the majority of the Slytherin quidditch team since he planned to join in second year.
"And the turban, that's new as well. I'm not sure why though." Said Montague.
"I wonder what he's hiding under it." Said Bletchley.
"Something doesn't add up." Harry said.
"What do you mean Harry?" Flint asked.
"Well, he's not really showing many of the telltale signs of being the victim of a vampire attack, also, I've seen him staring at me every so often and I don't know why. Plus, why was he in the dungeons in the first place on Halloween when the troll got in? Something about him doesn't seem right. I've got an idea to find out what though, but I'll need your help and you'll need to put aside your grievances and work with the Weasley twins to help me do it." Harry said with a sly smile.
This conversation took place just before they left for Yule and when they returned for the next term, their plan would go into effect.

Harry was shaken from his memory by Daphne saying his name.
"Harry are you even listening to me?" He heard her say.
"Sorry Daphne, got lost in my own thoughts for a minute there." He replied smiling.
"What a surprise." She said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.
It was at this point when desert was served, Harry got his favourite, treacle tart. At this moment however, he heard Sirius clear his throat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, there's something I would like to say." He started, causing everyone to quiet, "Firstly, I'd like to thank the Greengrass family for hosting us this evening, I think I speak for us all when I say it's been a very enjoyable meal. I'd also like to say that it's been nice to see many of you again and a pleasure to make new acquaintances. It has been far too long since I've seen my old school friends. Now then, in the last ten years, I've come to see my niece and nephew as my own children, raising them has been the best thing in my life. Now they're growing up however, things are changing. Both Amelia and I agreed that we would miss it and so we made some plans. I am proud to announce that we are expecting a child." Sirius finished with a huge grin. There were happy faces and congratulations all around after the announcement, Harry simply sat back in his chair smiling, watching everyone talk about the new revelation. Daphne however noticed this.
"I thought you'd be happy for them." She said confused.
"I'm thrilled for them, they were amazing raising me and Susan so they deserve their own child." Harry said smiling.
"Then why aren't you up there congratulating them?" She asked.
"Because they told me and Susan the other day when we got home from king's cross." Harry said with an amused grin.
"Oh, sorry." Daphne replied a little abashed.
"Don't worry about it." Harry said with a smile. "Daphne do you mind if I ask you something?" He asked.
"Sure Harry." She replied.
"What's happening with Malfoy?"
"My father said he'd never force me into a marriage with him, but Lord Malfoy just won't give up on the idea. I know he just wants to get his hands on the Greengrass business and fortune." Daphne said sadly.
"Is there nothing you can do?"
"Not really. Unless I'm already betrothed to someone else, Malfoy and his father can continue to try."
This gave Harry an interesting idea, but didn't know if it was a good idea or not.
The rest of the evening went by calmly, once everyone had congratulated Sirius and Amelia, the adults fell back into conversation. While the kids spoke about the homework they still needed to do with almost everyone asking Harry for help. Soon, one by one, the families began to leave. The Grangers were the first as they needed to floo to the leaky cauldron and then make it home from there. The next to go was Neville and his grandmother, Harry had found a definite ally in Lady Longbottom, she would be very helpful if Harry ever had any Wizengamot problems. Next to go was Blaise and his mum, followed shortly by the Davis family. Then it was just the Greengrasses and Harry and his family. Sirius and Amelia were saying their final goodbyes to their old friends as Harry and Susan both received a hug from Daphne and said goodbye to Tori. Then Harry went over to Cyrus and Elizabeth to say goodbye, however he quickly asked Cyrus if he could speak to him quickly.
"Cyrus, I've noticed over the last few months and heard from Daphne that the Malfoys are becoming a nuisance." Harry stated.
"They have indeed, Lucius can't let go of the fact I won't sign off on a marriage contract between Daphne and Draco." Cyrus replied a little irritated.
"Well Cyrus, I don't know how you will feel about it but I have a possible solution." Harry said.
"Oh really? I'm all ears Harry." Cyrus answered a little intrigued.
"Well, me and Daphne have become very good friends in the few short months we've known each other. I was thinking that depending on the state of  our friendship come the summer, would it not be beneficial for all involved for a marriage contract between Daphne and myself?" Harry said very clearly and with as much confidence as he could.
"While I agree that is much better option Harry, I have no intention of pushing Daphne into a marriage she will not be happy with." Cyrus said in the hope of hearing an acceptable response from Harry.
"I wouldn't want you to Cyrus. I'm simply suggesting, when summer arrives and if we are still close friends, talk to Daphne about the idea and see what she says. I just don't want her to be harassed by Malfoy for the next six years at school." Harry replied. This made Cyrus smile.
"You know Harry, the response you just gave me gives me all the information I need. I will bring this up to Daphne in the summer and see what happens." Cyrus said.
"Very well Cyrus, in that case I believe it is time we head off. Happy Yuletide." Harry said as he shook Cyrus's hand. Harry, along with his family then left via the floo back to Black manor. Leaving everyone with a lot to think about.

The next day, Harry woke up and went for his run and had a shower before heading downstairs.
"Happy Yuletide everyone." He said as he walked into the parlour seeing Remus was also present. A chorus of replies was heard as Harry sat down to eat breakfast. After breakfast had been finished, the five of them made their way to the living room to exchange gifts. It was a great day all in all for Harry. Amelia got him a full set of dragon hide protective clothes, charmed so they would grow with him. Susan got him a new bag for school with bottomless and weightless charms placed on it. Remus gave Harry a book in rare magical creatures as he knew Harry was fascinated by them. Sirius however gave him something that he couldn't have expected.
"Harry, I probably should have given you this before you went to Hogwarts but alas here we are." Sirius handed Harry a package which he opened to find what looked like some sort of cape or cloak made out of a silky, silvery material.
"What is it Sirius?" Harry asked.
"That Harry, is something that has been passed down the generations of Potters and now is rightfully yours. That is an invisibility cloak, it was your father's, his father's and his father's before him. We got up to a lot of mischief with it at school, however, use it well and be careful Harry." Sirius explained.
"Thank you Sirius." Harry said with tears almost falling from his eyes.
'Oh this will help tremendously' Harry thought, 'you're in trouble now Quirrell'.

Meanwhile, at Greengrass manor, the family had just finished opening their gifts when Astoria noticed there was one more. She went over to look at it and see who it was for.
"Daphne, there's another one for you." She said handing the small rectangular box to her sister. Curious, Daphne tore off the wrapping to see what was very clearly a jewellery box. She opened it and gasped at what she saw. Her mother then came over, curious as to her daughter's reaction but also gasped when she saw the beautiful necklace.
It had a gold chain,. Gold strands, along with another set encrusted with six small diamonds on each, the gold and diamond strands reached out almost forming wings, in the middle was a gorgeous, large emerald, the colour of which reminded Daphne of a certain person's eyes.
Daphne noticed a small note that her mother hadn't, it read:

I know we said no gifts but I couldn't resist
Don't get mad please
Happy Yuletide
You know who

While she hated the fact Harry had clearly spent a lot of money on this, she couldn't be mad because of how beautiful the necklace was. She would just need to have a talk with Harry when they go back to school.

Sorry this one took a little longer than usual to come out. I was struggling on what I wanted to happen. Plus I've been planning ahead in the story a bit so future chapters don't take as long.
Thanks for the support, more feedback always appreciated.

Daphne's necklace since I'm bad at describing jewellery: