Chapter 34

                                    

                                          
Ron sat there as if still under Harry's spell. His anger flowed as every imagined slight crossed his mind. Ron was getting to the point where he wanted to get up and rant at Harry when something he said finally got through his brain. Harry wanting to do better no needing to do better. Ron knew it would take hard work to achieve his goals but he had alway thought he had more time. Sighing to himself he got ready for bed in a conplantive state of mind.
Ron infact spent the next few weeks thinking things over. It wasn't until he was faced with seeing Harry at the Black's yule celebration that he could no longer deny the truth in Harry's words.
                ----------------------------------
While Ron was struggling with himself Harry was having the time of his life with Sirius and the Tonks. Even the Malfoy's were celebrating the joyful time of year. After returning to a completely renovated Grimmauld Place. Gone were the dank,dark and creepy rooms. This place was sparkling and new, it had the smell of fresh paint and pine. The heavy curtains were gone and where gloom once lived there was light. Harry's room was decorated in a light beige with soft carpets and a bed so comfortable Harry never wanted to leave it. Sirius told him Kreacher and Molly had argued so much about it. Harry could only say it was perfect, so perfect he thanked Kreacher and sent a letter of thanks to Molly.Harry spent many days settling in to his new home. Sirius had informed him that as he was head of the house of Black he had to hold a dinner party as he was head of house. All his friends were invited as well as Madam Bones and Susan. Hannah Abbott and her parents and a few of Sirius's friends from before the war. And although Harry was not looking forward to it Sirius's enthusiasm infected them all. To keep up appearances Narcissisa and Draco had made it known they grudgingly agreed to come.
Harry was having a great time with all his friends and Ron even treated him normally Harry hoped that this would be the last time he had to have such a talk with his friend. Once the party was over and everyone went to their homes Harry reflected how different this year was to his last Christmases. Even the ones with the Weasley's didn't quite feel as comfortable as he did with Sirius. 
Christmas morning was spent in laughter with many pranks the Tonkses and Narcissisa and Draco. The mountain of presents was unexpected but welcomed. Amelia and Susan Bones sent  some photos of Harry's parents from his dad's auror days. Hannah sent him some Honeydukes chocolates, Neville sent him a beginner's guide to herbology. Hermione sent him a book on the history of the ancient and Nobel houses. The twins sent him some pranking items that Sirius loved and begged Harry to get him some more. Ginny sent him a book on quidditch and Ron gave him a photo of Ron, Hermione and Harry from second year. Mrs Weasley out done herself by giving everyone her homemade jumpers. Harry's was dark green with a snitch on the front. Sirius had a Gryffindor red one with a dog on. Remus had one with a moon on the front which caused Sirius to have his hair hexed pink and green for saying 'stop mooning me moony.' one too many times. Andi had one with a healers symbol and Ted had a judge's gavel. Tonks's jumper had a wolf on it making both her and Remus blush. Narcissisa had a delicate snowflake pattern on hers and Draco had a dragon on a Slytherin green jumper. But Harry's best present by far was the brand new firebolt broomstick from Sirius. Even though Harry's nimbus was ok as no dementors were parked around the school this year. Harry couldn't wait to race around on it. Draco was partly impressed, partly jealous untill he unwrapped his own firebolt. The rest of the day was spent in fun and laughter once they settled down for the night neither Draco nor his Mother could remember a better one. 
             ‐-----------------------------------------
The days passed quickly and soon Harry recived a letter from Silvershard.
Dear Harry
        We have finally finished the rendering of the basilisk carcass and have set the date for the sale of parts for the 28th of December. We expect to make at least 8 million galleons and will update you on your profits soon. Alas I must inform you that our negotiations with the I.W.C are not going well. They are refusing to let us search for 'treasure' in the forests of Albania. We of course will keep trying and will update you if we make any further progress. As to the sale we should have full accounting of profits before the new year.
             Regards and Happy yuletide 
       Silvershard head of Potter accounts