A Night in the Enchanted Castle

The next morning, after a good night's rest in her cozy guest room in the East Wing of the castle, Harriet woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She had been given a warm and comfortable room with a beautiful view of the snow-covered gardens. The room was decorated with elegant furniture and soft, pastel-colored curtains that filtered the sunlight streaming in through the windows. Down in the castle's main hall, the animal servants were bustling about, preparing for dinner. Sirius, Remus, and Severus were discussing their young Master, Neville, and the guest they had taken in. "We must inform Master Neville about our guest, of course," said Sirius. "We'll be having dinner together, and I think it's only proper that he meets Harriet." Severus groaned. "Do we have to? He's not exactly... presentable." Remus chuckled. "Come now, Sev. It's not his fault he looks the way he does. And besides, Harriet seems like a kind and understanding girl." Molly Weasley, who was busy in the kitchen, called out, "I'll go tell Master Neville! He's been cooped up in his room for too long, anyway." A short while later, Molly returned with a hesitant-looking Neville. He was a large, beastly creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. His fur was a shaggy mane of golden hair, and his eyes were a warm, brown. "I-I don't know if I should join you for dinner," Neville stammered. "I don't want to scare her away." Severus rolled his eyes. "You're not going to scare her, boy. You're a kind and brave soul, despite your... appearance." Just then, the King and Queen, who were still trapped in their portrait, spoke up. "We think it's essential that Harriet meets you, Neville. She may be the key to breaking our curse." Neville took a deep breath and agreed to join them for dinner. Meanwhile, Harriet was being helped into a beautiful blue evening gown by Minerva McGonagall, a wise and witty tabby cat. Her hair was styled in a pretty updo by Fleur Delacour, a lovely French swan. As they worked, Minerva and Fleur warned Harriet about Neville's appearance. "He may look a bit... different," Minerva said, "but he has a kind and brave heart. Don't be afraid of him, dear." Harriet smiled and thanked them. She was not afraid of Neville, and she was eager to meet him. When Neville came down for dinner, he was nervous but trying his best to be a gentleman. He stammered a bit as he greeted Harriet, but he managed to kiss her hand and offer her a pretty magical lily flower as a gift. Harriet smiled and thanked him, putting the lily in her hair. As they sat down to dinner, Neville was surprised to find that he and Harriet had much in common. They talked about books, music, and their love of nature. The dinner went well, and Neville found himself feeling more and more at ease in Harriet's presence. As the night drew to a close, he walked her back to her room, feeling grateful for the new friend he had made. As they said their goodbyes, Neville smiled at Harriet. "I'm so glad you came to the castle," he said. "I feel like I've found a true friend in you." Harriet smiled back at him. "I'm glad I came, too," she said. "I feel like I've found a home here."