How Long Has It Been Since You Last Returned Home?

Whenever snow falls, I am reminded of my favorite story, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I have read it so many times that I have lost count, but the moment that stays with me the most is when Harry looks into the Mirror of Erised and sees his parents. The emotions in his eyes, the longing in his heart—it's unforgettable.

I always wished Harry could be reunited with his family, imagining how overjoyed he would be, possibly beyond words. I'm sure many readers, like me, would love to see how Harry’s life would unfold if he could spend time with his parents—how happy, warm, and full of love their family would be, especially during such cold and snowy winter days.

In Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts, the snow-covered winter days brought a strange tranquility to the castle. Outside, snow fell in a white flurry, and cold winds swept past the large windows. Inside, however, Harry felt a particular longing. It was the yearning for family—something he had never truly experienced.

That night, Harry is walking with his parents through Hogsmeade on a snowy day. His father, James Potter, wore a long cloak and beamed with joy, while his mother, Lily, gently held Harry's hand. The three of them strolled past brightly lit shops, their rooftops blanketed in snow, creating a scene that was both magical and heartwarming.

They stopped before Zonko's Joke Shop, where James laughed and pointed at colorful magical toys. "Harry, would you like to try this?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with love. Harry picked up a small box containing a magical snow globe that emitted a soft glow and played a soothing melody when shaken.

"I love it!" Harry exclaimed, his heart swelling with happiness.

Lily led him to Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, where the sweet aroma of hot chocolate and biscuits filled the air. They sat together, sipping steaming cups of hot chocolate, the warmth spreading through their bodies. Lily's hand gently brushed Harry's hair as she recounted the days she and James used to sit there, dreaming of their future.

"Harry," Lily said, her eyes glowing warmly, "Family is where you always belong. No matter what happens, we will always be with you."

The scene shifted. Now, Harry found himself sitting by a crackling fireplace in a cozy room. His parents were arranging Christmas presents together, while a sparkling Christmas tree stood in the corner. An extraordinary sense of peace filled the air, as if everything in the world was just right.

Harry grinned and hugged his parents tightly. "I wish this moment could last forever," he whispered.

But then, the light from the fireplace began to fade. His parents' images gradually blurred, like shadows being carried away by the cold wind. Harry opened his eyes and realized he was back in his bed in the Gryffindor dormitory. Yet, the warmth from the dream lingered, like a small flame flickering in his heart.

He sat up and looked out the window. The snow was still falling, but it no longer seemed so cold. In his mind, his mother's words echoed: "Family is where you always belong." Harry smiled, feeling the true meaning of warmth and love, even though those he cherished were no longer by his side.

The next morning, as he sat by the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room with Ron and Hermione, Harry shared his dream with them. Hermione listened intently, her eyes gentle. "Harry, that shows that even though your parents are gone, their love lives on in you."

Ron patted him on the shoulder. "That's right, Harry. And you always have us. You know that, don't you?"

Harry nodded, his heart lighter than ever. "Thank you, both of you. I'm so lucky to have you by my side."

The snow continued to fall outside, but within the Gryffindor common room, the air was warm and filled with friendship. Harry realized that no matter how cold the world might be, the warmth of family and friendship would always be the fire that kept him moving forward.