It was December 24, 1997.

The weeks had passed quickly, with Harry continuing to see visions of Voldemort seeking out the thief that stole Gregorovitch's item. Since Harry's traumatic encounter with the lovers, Hermione and Ellie refrained from touching each other. Hermione had obliviated any trace of his memories quickly, returning things back to normal.

The trio apparated their way to Godric's Hollow, the snow crunching beneath their feet. Hermione shivered, in which Ellie wrapped her arm over her girlfriend to warm her.

"I still think we should've used Polyjuice Potion," Hermione stated as she observed the dark village that surrounded them.

"No," Harry countered. "This is where I was born. I'm not returning as someone else."

The trio started to walk down the road, hearing the bell toll as town members wished each other a good night.

"Harry, Ellie, I think it's Christmas Eve," Hermione noted softly, her arm wrapped around Ellie's waist. "Listen."

A small smile crept up on Ellie's face as she listened to the soft tunes of Christmas music within a building. She pressed her lips against Hermione's forehead, making the Gryffindor blush deeply.

"Do you think they'd be in there?" Harry asked as he stared at the cemetery over the fence. "My mom and dad."

"I think so," Ellie replied softly.

"Yeah, I think they would," Hermione added.

The three of them entered the cemetery in search for the Potters' headstones. Harry split with the girls as Hermione and Ellie stayed together.

Hermione bent down to a snow-covered grave, brushing off the white particles. Beneath the snow was the symbol they had seen in Hermione's book.

"That's the symbol," Ellie gasped softly as Hermione made her way to the bottom of the grave, brushing off the snow.

"Ignotus Peverell," Hermione read out loud as Ellie crouched beside her.

"Hey, Harry?" Hermione called out.

There was no response. The girls turned their heads to see Harry standing over a grave, staring at the headstone. Hermione and Ellie made their way to where he stood, the gravestone etched with the names of James and Lily Potter.

Hermione withdrew her wand and knelt down to form a small wreath embellished with white flowers as Ellie placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, rubbing it comfortingly.

"They loved you," Ellie whispered as she stared at the grave.

Harry sniffled, bringing the back of his hand to wipe away any tears.

"Merry Christmas," Harry said in a low voice. Now with both girls on either side of him, Hermione rested her head on Harry's shoulder as Ellie side-hugged the boy.

"Merry Christmas, Harry," Ellie and Hermione replied in sync.

Hermione slowly turned her head to see a dark figure watching from afar. Ellie took notice as well, inconspicuously pulling Hermione closer to her protectively.

"There's someone watching us. By the church," Hermione whispered.

Harry turned his head cautiously. "I think I know who that is."

Soon enough, Harry had decided to follow the lady as she slowly walked away.

"I don't like this, Harry," Hermione complained.

"Following a creepy woman in the dark? I don't like it either," Ellie added as she interlaced her fingers with Hermione's.

"Guys, she knew Dumbledore. She might have the sword," Harry reasoned, though he seemed to be more distracted by the building next to him.

The building seemed to be abandoned, its walls caving in as dirt and snow coated its exterior. A chilling sensation made Ellie shiver, the run-down home causing the Hufflepuff to imagine frightening images.

"This is where they died," Harry announced as he stood just outside the home's gate. "This is where he murdered them."

The three immediately turned their heads at the sound of snow crunching just a few feet from them. It was the lady they had tried to pursue who stared at Harry intently.

"You're Bathilda, aren't you?" Harry questioned.

The woman did not speak, but instead started to walk on her own, motioning for them to follow. Not too long afterwards, the trio found themselves in the woman's house. It was dark, old, and smelled of rotting flesh, though Hermione insisted it was the lady's inability to maintain her home.

Harry helped Bathilda with lighting her candle as Hermione and Ellie stood together, the Gryffindor clutching at her arm tightly. Bathilda turned to look at Ellie, her piercing stare making both the girls uncomfortable.

Harry spoke up, breaking Bathilda's stare. He was holding a match to a photo, illuminating it dimly.

"Miss Bagshot, who is this man?"

The lady did not reply, but instead trudged her way slowly around the couch. From the corner of their eye, Hermione and Ellie saw Harry creeping his way upstairs.

"Harry," Hermione whispered harshly, but was silenced by Ellie.

"It's better not to talk," Ellie warned as she placed a comforting hand over her girlfriend's.

Bathilda was now gone, seeming to have disappeared into another part of the house.

"Lumos," Ellie muttered as her wand's tip illuminated the space around her. Hermione followed suit, slowly leading them to a dim hallway.

Hermione picked up a book with a note attached on its cover.

"Dear Batty, Thank you for your help. You said everything... even if you don't remember. Rita," Ellie read in a low voice.

Hermione lifted the note to reveal the cover, its print showcasing the late Dumbledore. She shook her head as she placed the book back down. Ellie now lead the way, holding her wand out cautiously. Ellie opened a door, flies swarming out of it. The stench flooded their noses as Ellie brought her wand up to reveal more of the room. The ceiling was stained with splatters of blood as the lovers' mouths dropped open in shock.

"Harry!" the girls screamed.

Hermione scrambled her way out of he closet, tripping on a pile of books. Ellie immediately helped her up, tugging on her.

"Stay here!" Ellie ordered, leaving Hermione to run upstairs.

The sound of furniture breaking and glass shattering deafened their ears. When Ellie had finally arrived, she found herself face-to-face with the basilisk, its yellow eyes ready to attack. Ellie braced herself for impact, but spell fired at the creature blew it away, causing it to slither away from the girl.

Ellie looked up to see it was Hermione who blasted the spell, a determined look plastered on her face. Ellie gave a wary glance to her girlfriend as she tossed the wand beside her to Harry.

The trio peered over the hole in which the basilisk fell through, seeing if it had gone away. Within a split second, the basilisk jumped again, causing Ellie to yelp and scramble backwards.

"Confringo!" Hermione blasted as she grabbed both Harry and Ellie, disapparating from the house safely.

Ellie fell on her back, the snow crunching underneath her. Her cheeks were flushed red as her chest heaved. Hermione quickly made her way to crouch over her girlfriend, cupping the Hufflepuff's cheek with her hand.

"My love, are you okay?" Hermione said worriedly, checking to see if she had any wounds.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Ellie reassured as she sat up. Through her heavy breaths, Ellie managed to crack a smile.

"Why the bloody hell are you smiling?" Hermione asked with a frown.

"It's a good thing you don't listen to me, isn't it?" Ellie laughed as she rose to her feet.

Hermione simply rolled her eyes, rising to stand as well.

"Well, aren't you lucky?"

"Indeed I am," Ellie said warmly as she brushed off some of the snow on her shoulder.

"Besides, I don't like being told what to do. Let's go get settled, then," Hermione suggested as she started walking off to meet with Harry.

"You know you love me!" Ellie called out as she skipped to catch up with her girlfriend.

Hermione rolled her eyes once more, though her lips curled into a smile. She casually placed her arm over Ellie's shoulders, bringing the Hufflepuff in for a short kiss as they made their way to Harry.