Snow blanketed the cobblestone drive leading up to the Valvas Estate, its ancient towers gleaming under a silvery moon. As Roy stepped out of the portal from the wizarding station in France, the twin iron gates swung open, gilded in gold runes that shimmered with warmth against the cold wind.
Two guards in silver uniforms straightened immediately at the sight of him.
"Welcome home, Young Master Roy!"Roy smiled softly, the familiar accent of home warming his heart."Good to see you both again," he replied, his voice calm but filled with a trace of affection.
He walked through the manicured gardens and up the marble steps, where the enormous double doors opened with a wave of his hand. Inside, the glow of the chandeliers filled the hall with golden light and the scent of freshly brewed tea drifted from the parlor.
Reunion in the Great Hall
Inside, seated around the long tea table, were several familiar faces—Clara Valvas (his elegant grandmother), Jessica Valvas (his mother), and an ensemble of house residents and allies: Venelana Bael, Grayfia Lucifuge, Rem, Ram, Albedo, Bela White, and Nagini.
The moment Roy stepped in, the chatter stopped for a heartbeat—then bright smiles spread across the room.
"Roy, dear!" Clara said warmly, setting down her cup."Welcome back, sweetheart," Jessica added, standing to embrace him.
He hugged his mother, the tension of Hogwarts life fading instantly. "It's good to be home, Mother."
Venelana teased, "Our little lord looks taller again. Hogwarts must be treating you well."
Roy chuckled and sat beside them, summoning a cup of tea with a flick of his wand. "Oh, you wouldn't believe what happens there. The students are fun, the professors… not always."
That got a laugh from everyone. He began recounting stories—his Quidditch matches, his run-in with Professor Quirrell, and his banter with the Weasley twins.
When he mimicked Professor Quirrell's trembling "T-Troll in the dungeon!" even Grayfia smiled faintly, and Rem nearly spilled her tea laughing.
"Honestly," Roy said, smirking, "I sometimes think Hogwarts needs defense lessons more than its students do."
Clara sipped her tea with pride in her eyes. "You sound just like your grandfather did when he was your age."
🍽 Dinner at the Valvas Table
That night, the Valvas family gathered in the grand dining hall. The long crystal chandelier reflected off the polished oak table, where silver dishes gleamed and the air was filled with the scent of roasted meats and fresh herbs.
Seated were Alex Valvas (Roy's father, the calm pillar of the family), Darius Valvas (his wise and occasionally terrifying grandfather), and the rest of the family—Jessica, Clara, Venelana, Grayfia, Rem, Ram, Albedo, Bela, and Nagini.
When Roy entered, Darius looked up with a rare, approving smile.
"So, the hero of Hogwarts returns.""I wouldn't say hero," Roy replied modestly, taking his seat. "Maybe just... the guy who accidentally scared a troll."
That drew a rumble of laughter around the table.
Roy went on to describe his time at Hogwarts—the Hufflepuff unity, his encounters with the professors, his growing friendships, and even his teasing banter with Hermione and the girls.
When he reached the part about filing complaints against Quirrell and Snape, Alex chuckled.
"Standing up for what's right again, I see. You've got your mother's stubborn streak."
Jessica pretended to sigh. "And his grandfather's nerve."Darius snorted but looked proud all the same.
Dinner flowed easily, filled with laughter and gentle teasing. For a moment, Roy almost forgot the darker currents that flowed beneath the wizarding world.
A Day in Diagon Alley
The next morning, Roy decided to head into Diagon Alley, taking Rem and Ram along. The twins were delighted, both in matching scarves, their pink and blue hair contrasting against the snow.
The streets of Diagon Alley were vibrant with Christmas energy—shops strung with golden garlands, floating candles, and enchanted snowflakes that never melted.
They visited Honeydukes' French outlet, where Roy bought armfuls of sweets and fine chocolates for his friends back at Hogwarts—Hermione, Cassandra, Daphne, Astoria, Penelope, and Cho. He even picked a few enchanted items for Cedric and the Weasley twins (carefully labeled For Future Chaos).
At the bookstore, he found a special set of knitting guides and rare enchanted wool—perfect for Professor Dumbledore.
"He'll like this," Roy said, smiling. "It'll keep him busy when he's not meddling in mysteries."
Rem and Ram giggled softly. "Young Master is very thoughtful."
Later, they sent the packages through magical owls—each tied with colored ribbons and a small note in Roy's elegant handwriting.
Hermione Granger: A fine quill set, rare chocolates, and a charm-imbued bookmark that glowed when near ancient texts.
Cassandra Vole: A silver bracelet enchanted with minor protection spells.
Daphne Greengrass & Astoria: Delicate hairpins that shield against minor hexes.
Cho Chang & Penelope Clearwater: A set of enchanted pens that wrote in shimmering ink.
Dumbledore: A full basket of knitting wool and a book titled "The 101 Advanced Patterns for the Elderly with Too Much Time."
Hagrid: Handmade sweets and a small enchanted comb for Fang.
Fawkes: A small box of fiery treats made of phoenix-grade amber resin.
⚗ Gifts of Protection
Returning to the mansion, Roy spent the rest of the evening in his workshop. The air was filled with the scent of rare herbs, glowing crystals, and molten silver.
One by one, he crafted alchemy-based protection charms—beautiful pendants, bracelets, and rings, each designed with personalized runes to shield the wearer from curses and malicious magic.
For Alex and Jessica, he made charms of balance and health.For Darius and Clara, rings that reinforced their life force.For Venelana, a crystal brooch that heightened magical perception.For Grayfia, an enchanted pendant of calm and focus.For Rem and Ram, matching silver bracelets that synchronized their mana flow.For Albedo, Bela, and Nagini, intricate talismans imbued with defensive wards.
By the time he finished, moonlight had spilled across his desk, glimmering over the completed artifacts.
Roy leaned back in his chair, fatigue catching up with him, but a soft smile curved his lips.
"That should do it," he murmured. "Merry Christmas, everyone."
He placed the gifts neatly in their velvet boxes, sealing each with a small golden rune, then fell asleep on his bed—surrounded by faintly glowing trinkets, soft snores echoing in the quiet halls of the Valvas Mansion.
Outside, snow continued to fall gently, wrapping the world in peaceful silence—and inside, the Shura of Hogwarts rested, dreaming of both laughter and battles yet to come.