35. Christmas day.

The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the windows of Ravenclaw Tower, casting a golden glow over the common room. Most students who had stayed for the holidays were still asleep, but Ryan was already wide awake, seated comfortably on a plush chair near the fire.

Before him, hovering in the air, was a shimmering, ancient-looking cloak—the one and only Cloak of Invisibility, woven from Death's own magic, supposedly. Unlike the replacement Harry had received, this one was far more than just enchanted fabric. It exuded an aura of quiet power, its edges subtly shifting between visibility and nothingness.

Inside the Gate of Babylon, his growing hoard of legendary artifacts gleamed under golden light. The Rumble-Rumble Fruit crackled with silent electricity, the Flame-Flame Fruit pulsed with embers, and the spines of enchanted tomes shimmered as if whispering ancient secrets. Each treasure was a step toward his ever-growing power, and this latest addition—the Deathly Hallow itself—was another prize to claim.

Yue leaned over his shoulder, golden hair cascading down as she admired the cloak. Her soft breath tickled his ear. "So, this is the invisibility cloak? One of the Deathly Hallows?"

Ryan nodded, running his fingers over the weightless fabric. "Yeah. And unlike normal enchanted ones, this never wears out. True invisibility, absolute concealment. Not a bad addition."

Serenity, perched nearby with a curious smirk, studied it carefully. "I doubt even I could sense someone wearing that," she mused.

Rachel, sitting cross-legged on a couch with a book in hand, glanced over. "Fitting that you'd claim something tied to Death itself," she remarked dryly, though there was an amused glint in her violet eyes. "What's next? The Elder Wand?"

Ryan chuckled, closing the portal with a flick of his fingers. "One step at a time."

Before he could say anything else, a soft tug on his sleeve made him turn—only to find Yue standing in front of him, her crimson eyes twinkling with mischief.

Wrapped in nothing but a large red ribbon tied in a neat bow across her chest.

"Merry Christmas," she purred, twirling a golden lock of hair around her finger. "Now, how about you unwrap your present?"

Rachel made a strangled noise and nearly dropped her book, her entire face burning red. "What—what the hell, Yue!?"

Serenity chuckled, resting her chin on her palm. "I was wondering when you'd pull something like this."

Ryan blinked before sighing with a smirk. "You really went all out, huh?"

Yue stepped closer, pressing herself against him. "I always do," she whispered, her warm breath against his ear, before tugging his hand and leading him toward the bedroom with a mischievous giggle.

Rachel groaned and covered her face. "I did NOT need to see that."

Serenity smirked as her clothes vanished, revealing a matching set of purple ribbons wrapping around her curves. She stretched with feline grace, giving Rachel a teasing glance. "You'll get used to it~." Before she slipped off to get unwrapped herself by Ryan.

Rachel's face turned a darker shade of red as she rubbed her thighs together. "P-perverts," she muttered, though her voice held the slightest hint of envy.

With a frustrated huff, she hurriedly grabbed her book and retreated to her room, but not before a small dark portal shimmered to life beside Ryan's bedroom, signaling that the symphony of moans would soon be joined by a private solo performance from a different room.

---

Meanwhile, across the castle in Gryffindor Tower, the boys' dormitory was filled with excited chatter.

Harry groggily blinked awake, only to freeze at the sight of a large, beautifully crafted trunk sitting at the foot of his bed. The polished wood gleamed in the morning light, and a neatly folded note rested on top.

Ron, still half-asleep in his own bed, rubbed his eyes. "What's got you so excited?"

Harry ignored him for a moment, eagerly opening the letter.

---

Ryan's Note to Harry

Harry,

Figured it was about time you had a proper trunk. This one's enchanted with all the best features—expanded space, separate rooms, plenty of storage, and even a fireplace. It can shrink down to the size of a matchbox for easy carrying, and no one will be able to break into it without your permission.

Should be a nice upgrade from that old, worn-down thing you've been using.

Merry Christmas!

—Ryan

---

Harry grinned, running a hand over the finely polished wood. "This is brilliant!"

Ron, now fully awake, leaned over with an envious look. "Wait… is that one of those enchanted house trunks? The ones that cost a fortune?"

Harry barely heard him, already flipping open the trunk's lid. Instead of seeing just an empty compartment, he was greeted by a set of stairs leading down into a fully furnished space.

With an eager laugh, he jumped inside, his excitement growing as he explored the different rooms. A personal bedroom with plush bedding, a cozy lounge, a fully stocked bookshelf—each space felt custom-built for him.

Opening another door, Harry froze in disbelief. A private bathroom.

Complete with a proper shower, sink, and even a deep tub.

He laughed in delight, running his fingers over the pristine porcelain. "I don't have to fight over the showers anymore!"

Ron, still hovering at the top of the stairs, scowled. "Oh, come on! You get a whole house and a private bath? That's just unfair."

Harry spun around, grinning. "This is amazing!" he said, running a hand over the furniture. The bedroom was perfect—soft, warm bedding, shelves for his books, and even a desk for studying. It was his own space. Something he had never had before.

As he sat down on the bed, a realization hit him—thanks to the anti-Muggle protections and the ability to shrink the trunk, he could keep it hidden forever.

No more worrying about space at Privet Drive.

No more dealing with the Dursleys tossing his stuff around.

He finally had something that was his—something safe.

Ron sighed, shaking his head as he walked down into the trunk. "This is ridiculous. You could probably live in here forever."

Harry smirked. "That's the idea."

It was, without a doubt, the best Christmas gift he had ever received.