Chapter 204: Christmas Eve
"Ah, thank you, Phineas."
Hagrid felt the weight of the fir tree on his shoulders lighten and then lift into the air. He turned to look at Phineas with a grateful smile.
Phineas simply shrugged.
"Are they headed to the Great Hall?"
Hagrid nodded.
"Good."
Phineas guided the floating fir trees through the corridor.
"Striking another student is against Hogwarts rules. Therefore, five points will be deducted from Gryffindor. Weasley, consider yourself lucky I'm not taking more. Now, I suggest you leave."
Professor Snape's cold, bat-like voice rang out from behind them.
"That clearly wasn't Ron's fault," Hagrid muttered to Phineas, sounding a bit disgruntled.
Phineas patted Hagrid's shoulder.
"Snape's bias against Gryffindor is known throughout the castle. He doesn't even try to hide his favoritism toward Slytherin."
Hagrid sighed.
"Forget it. Christmas is nearly here. Come to the Great Hall with me—it's looking wonderful."
So Phineas followed Hagrid, still guiding the floating fir tree ahead.
By the time they arrived, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were busily enchanting the decorations.
"Ah, did Hagrid bring the last tree?" Professor McGonagall asked quickly when she saw them enter.
Hagrid rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"Phineas brought it in for me."
Professor Flitwick turned to Phineas and nodded approvingly.
"A perfect Shrinking Spell and Levitation Charm. Well done. If this were class, I'd award Slytherin five points."
Phineas shrugged.
"No need. The other three Houses—except Gryffindor—just received five points each."
Professor McGonagall blinked.
"What happened?"
Phineas gave her a brief account of what had occurred. Just then, Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Neville entered the Great Hall.
The hall looked spectacular. Ribbons of flowers, baubles, and mistletoe hung from the enchanted ceiling. Twelve towering Christmas trees stood around the room, some decorated with shimmering icicles. Hundreds of floating candles flickered like stars.
"Would you like to help decorate?" Professor Flitwick asked with a smile.
Phineas smiled back and nodded. He raised his wand and began guiding the ornaments onto the tree he and Hagrid had brought.
"How many days until the holidays?" Hagrid asked, now chatting with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville.
"Only one day left," Hermione answered.
Neville suddenly looked at Ron.
"I just remembered—Harry and I are leaving Hogwarts, so you're the only one staying here for Christmas. I'll need you to help search the library during the break."
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were going to Romania to visit Charlie at the dragon reserve for the holidays. Percy, Fred, George—and Ron—would all be staying at Hogwarts this year.
Ron sighed.
"You and Harry get to leave, and I'm stuck here alone."
Harry looked thoughtful.
"Maybe I could ask Sirius... You might be able to spend Christmas with us."
Ron's eyes lit up.
"Really? I could come to your place—with Sirius?"
Harry nodded.
"I'd have to ask him, but I think he'd say yes."
Phineas, however, could no longer stay quiet.
Sirius had written to him about spending the holidays with Harry at 12 Grimmauld Place. That was why Phineas had chosen to remain at Hogwarts. Harry visiting was one thing—but Ron, who was known for his loose tongue, posed a serious risk.
The house was protected by the Fidelius Charm.
Normally, only the Secret-Keeper could share the location. But in this case, Phineas was the Secret-Keeper. Because both he and Sirius were owners of the house, Harry had naturally become a secondary Secret-Keeper as well.
Phineas didn't know if Ron would become one too just by learning the address—but he couldn't risk it. The house wasn't just a hiding place. It held plans and resources for what was to come in the wizarding world.
It wasn't that Phineas disliked Ron. He simply didn't believe Ron could handle such a secret—not yet. Maybe in a few years, after growing up a little more.
Phineas turned to Harry.
"Harry, Sirius told me you'd be spending the holidays at the Black family home this year?"
Harry nodded and started to speak, but Phineas cut him off.
"Wait. Sirius must have told you that the address of the house must never be shared, right?"
Harry nodded again, confused.
"Yes... why?"
Phineas glanced at Ron.
"If Ron joins you, I'll have to ask Sirius to move locations. He owns several properties. Only the old family home is under my Fidelius Charm. That means only you and Sirius can enter it—no one else."
Ron looked at Phineas darkly, his eyes flashing with resentment.
Harry looked torn.
"But... Sirius—"
Phineas cut in again.
"Trust me, Sirius understands. If it were one of his other houses, maybe. But not that one."
He paused, then added,
"Also, as your godfather's brother—your uncle, Harry—I want you to learn something. In the future, don't make promises when the outcome is uncertain. And even when it's not, don't be too quick to commit. Doing so can corner you—and those around you."