Christmas at Hogwarts starts with staff politics and a headline that changes everything. While Dumbledore pushes Severus to begin Occlumency lessons with Harry, the morning Prophet announces a mass Azkaban breakout and names Sirius Black as the scapegoat. Harry reads about nine escaped Death Eaters, realizes the Dementors have fully joined Voldemort, and spends the day in the library preparing for war on his own terms. Back in the dungeons, his basilisk egg finally hatches. Harry meets the tiny serpent, names him Balthazar, learns that the killing gaze can be controlled, and lays down firm rules about never leaving Severus Snape’s private rooms. Handing over the eggshells, he watches Severus light up at the potion possibilities and feels a sharp truth settle in: he knows his former enemy and guardian better than he has ever known his own godfather, and he will not be buying Sirius a Christmas present this year.