Ethan's eyes fluttered open to the soft, silvery glow of a winter morning filtering through the frosted window beside his bed. The Ravenclaw tower was unusually quiet, with most of the students having gone home for the holidays. Only a few remained, their gentle snores muffled beneath warm blankets. The castle beyond the window was blanketed in snow, a silent world of white and grey.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Ethan dressed in his robes, brushed a few rebellious strands of hair back into place, and quietly made his way down the winding stairs toward the common room. He hadn't expected much excitement this morning, Christmas at Hogwarts was a calm affair when most students were away. Perhaps he would sit by the fire with one of his new books, enjoying the peace.
But as he reached the cozy warmth of the common room, a voice called out to him. A first-year student, one he didn't recognize, stood near the crackling fire, shifting nervously from one foot to the other.
"Um, excuse me," they mumbled, their voice a soft, uncertain whisper. "You're Ethan, right?"
Ethan paused, slightly curious. "Yes, that's me."
The first-year seemed to relax slightly. "I was just told to tell you. You have some presents under the tree."
Ethan blinked. Presents? He hadn't expected any. He'd stayed at Hogwarts precisely because he didn't think there would be anything waiting for him. Still, he nodded to the first-year, offering a quiet, "Thank you."
He turned toward the grand tree that dominated one corner of the common room, its branches glittering with enchanted baubles that shimmered and spun lazily in the warm light of the fire. Beneath the tree, nestled among the vibrant wrapping paper of other students' gifts, were three parcels with his name neatly written on them.
Ethan's brow furrowed slightly. Three? He hadn't imagined he would get even one. Kneeling beside the tree, he reached for the nearest gift and saw a small, neatly folded note attached to it.
Dear Ethan,
Since you couldn't come home for Christmas, I've sent your presents to Hogwarts instead. I hope you find them useful. I know it's not the same as being together, but I didn't want you to feel alone today.
Love,
Mother.
He stared at the note for a moment, a faint warmth blossoming in his chest. It was a simple message, but it meant something, more than he expected. He gathered the three gifts carefully in his arms and carried them back up the spiral stairs to his dormitory. Thankfully, it was still quiet, his roommates were either sleeping or away entirely.
Sitting on the edge of his bed, he set the presents before him, glancing once more at the note. A quiet smile tugged at his lips. His mother had always been thoughtful, but there was something comforting about this small gesture.
He reached for the first gift, a small, carefully wrapped package. Removing the wrapping, he found a dark, silver amulet on a thin chain. It was intricate, engraved with swirling, delicate patterns, and felt faintly warm to the touch. Another smaller note was folded beneath it.
This amulet has protective charms woven into it, including mind. It was your father's. He always said he would give it to you when you entered Hogwarts, as it was his mothers, but... it falls to me instead. I hope it keeps you safe.
Ethan's fingers tightened slightly on the chain. This was something he had never thought about. He had a mother, so what about a father? It seemed to turn out he was dead. How or why, he would find that out later, perhaps during summer.
Something his father had meant for him.
Ethan slipped the chain over his head, letting the amulet rest against his chest. It settled there, a faint warmth spreading through him. He knew mental magic was a real threat, Legilimency, memory-altering spells, even invasive mind-reading. The thought struck him with a brief chill. If someone tried to look into his mind, what would they see? Would they see the white room he had once woken in? The fragmented memories of another life? The system that sometimes whispered in his thoughts? Could they uncover the truth about their world?
The idea was troubling. But he forced the worry down, pushing it aside. It was Christmas morning. He would deal with these complexities another time.
Reaching for the second gift, he opened it to reveal a sleek, dark leather wand holster, an elegantly simple design meant to be strapped to his forearm, keeping his wand within quick reach. Another note accompanied it.
Every witch and wizard needs a proper place to keep their wand. Yours should be secure and always ready. Love, Mother.
Ethan chuckled softly. She was right. A wand holster meant faster access in an emergency, and with how unpredictable the magical world could be, it was a wise precaution. He strapped it to his forearm, testing the fit. It was snug, comfortable, and the concealed enchantment seemed to keep the wand secure without slipping. Thoughtful, indeed.
Finally, he turned to the last gift. A simple, colorful package filled with a mix of treats, some labeled for him, others for Noctis. His mother hadn't included a note this time, but she didn't need to. It was clear enough, a small touch of home, even from afar.
Ethan spent a moment looking over the gifts, a quiet gratitude settling over him. She hadn't just thought of him, she'd thought of what he needed, even here. Practical, protective, and a touch of sweetness. He owed her a letter of thanks.
Quickly, he pulled out a fresh piece of parchment, dipping his quill in ink.
Dear Mother,
Thank you for the gifts. I never expected them, but I'm glad you thought of me. The amulet is... meaningful. I'll wear it always. The wand holster is perfect, and Noctis will certainly enjoy his share of the treats. I hope you're well and warm, and I promise I'll write more soon.
Love, Ethan.
He folded the letter, sealed it, and tucked it safely in his pocket before gathering the bag of treats. Noctis would be in the Owlery, and he needed to see him.
Stepping into the crisp, cold air of the castle's upper corridors, he made his way to the Owlery. The ancient stone tower was filled with the fluttering of wings and the quiet hoots of sleeping owls. Noctis, his sleek, dark-feathered companion, was perched near the window, ruffling his feathers against the chill.
"Noctis," Ethan called softly, and the owl's sharp yellow eyes turned to him, brightening at the sight of the bag in his hand. "Mother sent you treats."
He held out a small handful, and Noctis hopped to his arm with a graceful sweep of wings, pecking at the treats with a happy flutter. A few other owls noticed, tilting their heads and edging closer, but Noctis's feathers puffed, and he gave a fierce, warning hoot. The others immediately retreated.
Ethan chuckled, stroking Noctis's sleek head. "Protective, aren't you?"
Once the owl finished his treats, Ethan slipped the letter into Noctis's small carrying tube. "Take this to Mother, all right? And be careful."
Noctis hooted again, almost affectionately, before taking off in a smooth glide out the Owlery window, dark feathers blending into the snowy sky.
Ethan watched until the silhouette vanished. He pulled the amulet out from beneath his robes, feeling its quiet warmth as he descended to begin his day.