"Thank you, Master Trevisan." Harry thanked the very old Artificer. He really just hadn't processed that he'd skipped a Grade entirely yet. He was sure he'd freak out in short order once that fully processed.
"Do you have a name for your sword, Artificer Potter?" Lorenzo questioned the young man.
"Yeah, someone important to me helped come up with it." Harry smiled at Penny who faintly blushed as she returned his gaze. "Aethereum."
"Aether; the magical or higher sphere in Alchemy and many other Magical Practices. As a sword that can't cut physical materials, only Magic, it does seem appropriate." Anna remarked with a smile.
"Very well, I'll have it logged for addition into the next reprinting of the Tome of Artifacts." Lorenzo chuckled. "Congratulations on your second True Artifact, Artificer Potter, now I'm very curious as to what you'll make next!" The old man laughed.
Harry thanked the four Artificers for their time. He figured this would be in the papers soon enough, probably after Christmas depending on the speed at which the story spread. But he'd just deal with it as it came.
Penny pulled him into a hug as the group walked back towards the castle together. Harry happily returned it and looked forward to the Yule Break and returning to Wood End Cottage. Which reminded him, he'd need to Mirror Call Sirius about this. Harry was sure his Godfather would be over the moon for him.
Harry smiled as he and Penny rode the Hogwarts Express back to London. He had completed his Artifact Sword after two years of work. It was even a Greater Grade Artifact! At thirteen he'd done what many Artificers spent their careers attempting! He felt a bit of pride about that. Now he was headed back to Wood End Cottage for the break, Sirius was apparently pulling out all the stops for the celebrations this year. Both to celebrate Harry's achievement and just because he was Sirius and he enjoyed the festivities!
"What are you smiling about, hmm?" Penny asked as they leaned against each other.
"Why wouldn't I smile when I have such a beautiful, intelligent, loving woman cuddled up with me?" Harry grinned at the blonde.
"Did you learn that line from Sirius, per chance?" Penny giggled softly as they held each other.
"No, that's how I really feel." Harry hugged her closer and Penny kissed his cheek.
"Hmm, we do have the compartment to ourselves this time," Penny teased. "Maybe we can give each other an early present?"
"Really now?" Harry looked at the Head Girl with a teasing glance. "What ever could you be considering?"
"Hush and kiss me." Penny smiled, she pointed her finger at the door; the lock clicked into place and the blinds rolled down all the way.
"Love you, Penny." Harry murmured to her before their lips met. Penny moaned lightly as they kissed.
"Love you too." Penny smiled beautifully at him as she pulled back for a moment. Their lips met again and the two let themselves get lost in the feelings. Penny let Harry's hands wander and explore her body; while her own hands ghosted through his hair or ran up and down his chest.
The two spent the rest of the train ride in each other's embrace. Shortly before they arrived at the station the two separated and fixed themselves up. Penny pulled her bra back into place and re-buttoned her shirt. A quick Charm on her hair saw it looking far less frazzled than it had been a second ago.
Harry cast the same Charm on his hair, though with the 'Potter Hair' it wasn't all that different. He fixed up his clothes, Penny's hands had done their own wandering, and the two looked each other over to make sure they were presentable.
"We should spend all of the train rides like that." Harry smiled and chuckled.
"We'll see…" Penny teased as she kissed his cheek.
When the train stopped and students began to disembark, the couple unlocked the door to the compartment and headed out. They left the train and looked around the platform for a moment. Sirius was easy to spot, his Godfather had on a festive, pointed hat that looked like a Christmas tree. It was even lit up with multi-colored lights.
"Well at least he toned it down a bit this time…" Harry shook his head fondly. Penny giggled as she saw her father standing near Sirius. But also just far enough away to not be instantly associated with the Lord Black. Harry and Penny approached them with smiles and were pulled into hugs by their respective parent. Greetings were exchanged between Harry and Edward, while Penny and Sirius greeted each other as well.
"Are you keeping my Godson out of trouble Head Girl Clearwater?" Sirius chuckled while Harry stared at him deadpan.
"As much as possible, Sirius." Penny smiled with a pretty laugh.
"I don't get into trouble." Harry tsked at his Godfather.
"Then Penny's doing an excellent job!" Sirius chortled at his Godson's expense.
"Ha ha…" Harry gave his most sarcastic of laughs. This got a chuckle from Edward and Penny was giggling. Plans were made for Penny to visit over the break and for some time on Christmas Day. The two pairs parted ways after that, Penny giving Harry a peck on the cheek before they left.
-Wood End Cottage-
Being back home at Wood End Cottage was nice. The warmth that existed here always brought a smile to Harry's face. Harry happily accepted a snack from Tayla and enjoyed time with Sirius. The Cottage was decked out in tons of decorations. Garlands were strung up along the walls and wrapped around the staircase banister. There were wreathes on almost every door. The tree was already set up and twinkled with multiple lights.
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