#huffelpuff

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You huddled in a booth at the Three Broomsticks, a thick layer of Christmas eve snow covering everything outside. Garreth’s head rested on your lap, his feet stretching over the booth end. He had his eyes closed, he was feeling especially homesick. He hadn’t been able to go home for Christmas break, you and his aunt did your best to keep his mind away from it. You stoked his hair, letting your fingers untangle it. His face looked so peaceful, his features twitching lightly. 

You rested your head back, letting your eyes close. You took in the peace and quiet, letting sleep wash over you. 

“The two of you best be getting home,” you awoke, Sirona was wiping your table down and removing empty mugs., “I’m closing early for the holiday,” she walked away, leaving you to wake. 

“Garreth,” you gently shook him awake, “Garreth it’s time to head back.”

He sat up, rubbing his eyes, his hair sticking up in different directions. He looked to you kindly, offering his hand as he slid out of the booth. 

The walk back was unusually silent, his steps swaying with melancholy. You’d never seen Garreth like this, not cracking jokes or causing chaos. One hand in yours and the other in his pocket, you nudged him with your arm. 

“Gar?” you were worried about him, “tell me what's wrong?” You stopped walking, pulling him to stand opposite of you. He shook his head, trying to walk away. You didn’t let him, holding his hands tight.

Garreth, please tell me what’s wrong?” 

“I just really miss my mom, and I know that's so stupid and you probably think I’m a total mommas boy but-”

“Gar, it’s okay,” you shushed him, his rambling coming to a short stop, “your mom is amazing, I miss her too, and I’ve only met her once,” you caressed his cheek. He hugged you close, providing warmth against the cold night air.

It was still early when you returned to the castle, few kids bustled around the hallways. You led Garreth to the dining hall, then up the stairs to the old Arithamncy classroom. It was old and dusty, creepy if you really thought about it. 

“Why’d you bring me here?” Garreth was confused by your choice of hangout. 

“So we can be alone,” you sat in the corner, your back in the corner, “lay here,” you insisted. Garreth did so, laying his head on your lap.

“I wish we were in the same house, then we would have a couch,” Garreth smiled up at you.

“Yeah, and a fireplace,” you added to his remarks. The classroom was surprisingly cold, even with your winter robes on. You stared down at Garreth, his eyes looking around at everything. His skin was freckled, hair red, the basic Weasley features. 

“How many freckles do you reckon you have?” your eyes darted around his face, trying to gather an estimate, “can I count them?”

Garreth nodded and you began, running your finger over his entire face, his eyes watching your face concentrate.

“So what’s the verdict?” he asked, his hands resting on your leg.

“Um,” you paused, “I uh- I lost count,” in all honesty you had stopped counting, focusing more on relaxing him.

“You’re kidding?” he laughed at you, the first true laugh he’d let out in hours. You shook your head. 

“Let me try again,” he nuzzled his head back into your lap playfully, closing his eyes. You began running your finger over his features again, and his breath steadied once again.

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I just have a feeling that Garreth's mother (though we don't know the exact relations) would be so loving and caring!