Yule Special: Ranni + Short Scene

The fire in the Gryffindor common room blazed brightly from where they sat in front of it. Nearby, a tree decorated with an excessive amount of ornaments stood, with a literal mountain of wrapped gifts sitting unopened beneath it.

Harry was not alone as he enjoyed Christmas morning in the Gryffindor common room, as the Weasleys sat nearby—each one wearing a newly-knitted sweater that was handmade and delivered by Mrs. Weasley. However, it wasn’t the Weasleys who had his attention, as his beloved consort, Ranni, sat primly in a nearby chair by the fire.

Her four arms no longer laid passively in her lap, instead folded tight as her eyes glowed with irritation. Yet the Gryffindor scarf she wore took away from her intimidating expression, draped around her shoulders by Ginny Weasley while her doll’s body was distracted. And soon came Colin Creevey with a Santa hat, which replaced Ranni’s usually gigantic fluffy white witch’s hat with something more festive.

“This celebration is excessive.” Ranni declared pompously. “Why must thy people commemorate the passage of time with noise, sweets, and knitted atrocities?”

Ron snorted from his place on the sofa. “Blimey, she’s like Percy, but bluer.”

“I heard that, foul Ronald.” Ranni said coolly, without even looking at his best mate. “And what hath been done to my outfit?”

“What’s wrong with it? You look great.” Harry didn’t bother to hide his smile.

“This is absurd, Tarnished.” She said coolly, her arms folding in contempt. “I am a Princess of the Carian Royals, a conspirator against the Greater Will. Not some… festive ornament.”

Harry grinned. “But you’re all dressed up for the holidays! All you’re missing now is a bell.”

One of Ranni’s arms twitched. Another pointed sharply at him. “Speak another word and I shall freeze thy tongue into thy skull.”

Harry smiled mildly. “What joyful Christmas spirit.”

She scowled, a terrifying visage for an Empyrean to have. “Thou forced this celebration upon me. Christmas, thou said. A tradition, thou said. And yet there is no bloodshed. No glory. Only… warmth.”

She said the last word like it offended her.

Harry reached into his pack and produced a badly wrapped box.

“For you.” He held it out.

Ranni eyed it suspiciously. “If this is another scarf—”

“It’s not.” Harry promised. “Though you do wear it well.”

Her glare could have frozen the Black Lake. Still, she unwrapped the box and opened it. Inside sat a miniature stuffed version of Harry James Potter, Gryffindor robes, scar, and all, clearly being an item suited for small children to enjoy.

For a moment, the room seemed to quiet.

“Tis…” Ranni said stiffly. “Adequate.”

Harry smirked. “You love it.”

“I shall keep thy gift.” He spotted the reddening of her cheeks, even as she turned her head to hide it. She then let out a reluctant huff. “This ‘Christmas’ may continue. For a time.”

A/N:

Hope you enjoyed this short scene. And to those who celebrate, Merry Christmas!