"I want to invite you to spend Christmas with me," Harry quickly said, "Is that okay, Cassandra? We'll go together to number twelve Grimmauld Square... Oh right, that's Little Sirius's house."
Upon hearing Harry's invitation, Cassandra, who was initially holding her head high with a bit of arrogance, softened her gaze.
How many years has it been?
Rather, since she knew Harry, this guy has never actively invited her... let alone invited her to spend Christmas together.
Although wizards don't celebrate Christmas, over the years they have somewhat picked up the Muggle habits. To wizards, Christmas feels more like a day of family reunion rather than a religious holiday or a celebration of some bearded man's birthday.
The only time Cassandra was determined to ask Harry to spend Christmas together, it coincided with fifth grade — back then Harry spent the holiday with Vivi.
"Is this your invitation?" Cassandra quirked a smile, "Let me guess, you've surely invited that Austrian girlfriend, haven't you?"
When mentioning that sentence, Cassandra deliberately emphasized the word "girlfriend," especially the "big" part.
"Oh, not yet," Harry truthfully replied, "I came to invite you first."
Cassandra glanced at Harry with some surprise, invited me first?
This guy...
Did the sun rise from the west?
She lowered her head and glanced at the magic watch on her wrist.
"Are you in a hurry?" Harry concernedly asked.
"Oh, I was just checking if today is April Fool's Day." Cassandra calmly lowered her wrist and said to Harry, "Looks like it isn't, but I was planning on spending Christmas talking with my father and brother."
"That's a shame." Harry shrugged, feeling a bit disappointed.
But if Cassandra wants to be with her family, no one can stop her, least of all Harry.
Yet just when Harry felt his invitation was rejected, he heard Cassandra suddenly say, "But how can I refuse my little follower's invitation to spend Christmas together? I'll agree, as long as you don't make the face of a child who didn't get a toy broom."
Harry smacked his lips, the feeling was right.
Not being teased by Cassandra a bit feels somewhat uncomfortable.
"However, you've been a bit slack lately, Potter." Cassandra told Harry, "If you want me to spend Christmas with you, you have to promise me one thing."
"You say it, I'll agree to anything," Harry nodded and said.
"Really?" Cassandra raised an eyebrow.
"Of course." Harry nodded and said.
"Alright, I want you to practice magic with me, when the holiday comes." Cassandra said, "You should know how urgent the current situation is — if it were only about that Voldemort, we wouldn't need to bother, but you should know the situation we're facing now."
"I know." Harry nodded seriously, "I'll promise you."
"Looks like your mind hasn't been entirely filled with pink bubbles of romance, Potter." Cassandra smirked, "Also, I want to remind you, your Austrian girlfriend has quite an ambition, if you don't want to be forced into submission and taken away to be a companion, I suggest you develop your magic to the fullest."
"What the heck..." Harry said with a straight face, "You, can't you ever think of something healthier?"
"Oh? Like what?" Cassandra asked, interested.
"Nothing in particular." Harry said helplessly, "Can't you just leave Vivi out of it?"
"Are you feeling sorry for her?" Cassandra covered her red lips with a hand, surprised.
"Not exactly." Harry told her, "Alright then, during the holidays we'll leave school together with Little Sirius."
Harry really didn't expect Cassandra to agree so smoothly to the invitation, he had expected it would take some persuading to get her to agree, never thought it would be so straightforward.
Well...
Next up was inviting Vivi.
After returning to his dorm, he picked up the crystal ball.
Of course, Harry had to be careful, since crystal balls are still rare; it'd be awkward if someone saw it.
He hid it in his little suitcase, which contained a portable three-room apartment, even with a magic-simulated sun outside the window.
As he picked up the crystal ball, Harry silently thought of Vivi's name.
Soon, the crystal ball revealed a virtual image of Vivi's face.
The avatar could be set up; Vivi's avatar was Phoenix Fiona, posed ready to take flight, looking as if it would ascend at any moment.
Before long, the crystal ball was connected.
Harry's face flushed immediately.
"You, what's this?" Harry asked awkwardly, yet confidently as he looked forward.
After all, only the two of them have the crystal ball now, making such a call while bathing is obviously Vivi being okay with showing herself.
Since the girl isn't against it, Harry felt no need to pretend.
Missing it would lead to months of regret.
"I'm taking a bath," Vivi said lightly, "Seems you picked the wrong time to call."
She noticed Harry's flushed face, which could go as a red light for cosplay in the Muggle World.
So cute, she thought smilingly.
"Then I'll hang up now." Harry cleared his throat and said, reaching to disconnect the crystal ball.
"No need." Vivi smiled and said, "Go on, what do you want to say? I'm not busy now."
Harry cleared his throat again, "Actually, it's nothing major, just wondering if you're free for Christmas. If you are, you can spend it with me, at my godfather's house."
"Your godfather, Mr. Black, right?" Vivi knowingly asked.
"Yes, I also invited Ron and the others." Harry said, and at this point didn't quite know how to continue.
Vivi knew Harry's thoughts, even across the crystal ball she knew what he was thinking.
"You invited Cassandra too, right?" Vivi said with a half-smile, "Harry, oh Harry, I've underestimated you..."
"It's just that Cassandra seemed so alone, without any family around." Harry started explaining himself, "So I thought she could join us for Christmas, so it wouldn't be lonely."
"Oh~" Vivi squinted, elongating her tone meaningfully.
"I also invited Pabi." Harry continued explaining, "Christmas is happier with a big family, right?"
A big family?
Vivi almost laughed angrily.
Harry, one Cassandra isn't enough, you want to add Pabi too?
How had I never seen this side of you, being such a greedy boy?
She suddenly warned with a dangerous expression, "I don't want to hear any more about strange women in your big family, Harry."
"Of course not." Harry quickly waved his hand, "What do you take me for..."
"Sigh..."
Vivi suddenly sighed.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked with concern.
"Nothing." Vivi's eyes glimmered as she looked at Harry, then said, "If you were beside me now, you could join me for a bath—and help me scrub my back..."
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