Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of its characters.

Big Things Come In Small Packages

Albus Dumbledore came awake suddenly, as if something had prodded him awake. However, he was comfortably awake. And glancing at the blurred windows, flecked with white and gray, he realized with delight that it was Christmas morning.

Upon seeing that his master had woken, Fawkes chirped cheerfully in greeting from his perch and fluttered onto Albus' shoulder, nibbling his ear affectionately. Chuckling lightly, Albus rubbed the phoenix's beak exactly where he liked it. " A Merry Christmas to you too, old friend." he murmured.

Pleased with himself, Fawkes gave a soft warble before swooping over to his desk, where an array of assorted presents and gifts laid there, waiting impatiently to be unwrapped and opened. With a rapture that could rival a child's, Albus put on his robes and slipped into his warm, fluffy slippers to cover himself from the cold. Despite the fire burning merrily in the fireplace and his room magically charmed to be warmer than other rooms, he sometimes still felt the chill of winter. He wasn't as young as he used to be.

He arrived at his desk, peering at the presents through his glasses in amusement. He didn't need to be a genius to figure out that yet again, all these presents were books, filled with spells, knowledge and wisdom. And sure enough, as he carefully peeled back the wrappings, he found heaps and heaps of thick, heavy books. Albus smiled a little, shaking his head. Another year come and gone and all he received were books once again.

But then, to his surprise, there was a smaller present, having before hidden by its much larger, bulkier brothers. Curiosity now peaked, Albus picked it up delicately and when he did, a letter fell. The paper was crisp, with barely any creases on it. Holding his breath, he read from it.

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas. You mentioned that you wanted something like this before. I'm not sure if you remembered, but I did. So I hope you like them. All the best for the year.

Signed,

Harry Potter

Albus was certainly taken back. He didn't expect Harry to give him something. Most of the time, students don't bother to give him any presents, under the impression he got loads from other people and wouldn't have the time for theirs. So Harry's thoughtfulness touched him considerably. Almost gingerly, he unwrapped Harry's present. From it, he discovered a pair of thick, woollen socks.

Eyes suddenly and suspiciously bright, Albus fingered the socks gently. They were a vivid purple color with golden stars stitched upon it. It was Muggle-made, as he couldn't detect even a hint of magic woven between the yearn and threads. Harry must have bought them during the summer.

He could remember it like it was yesterday. Back in Harry's first year, he had mentioned that out of all things he desired, what he saw in the Mirror of Erised, he saw himself with a new pair of socks. Of course, he had been merely jesting (he wouldn't want to burden the boy with his past failures), though a small part of him wouldn't mind getting another pair of socks. One cannot have too many socks around wintertime especially.

There was no missing the surprise and incredulity in Harry's eyes back then. Harry probably half-suspected that Albus hadn't been entirely truthful. Nevertheless, taking the chance, Harry sent him the socks anyways.

It was Harry's kindness, his love for others, that made him strong. And for that, Albus was both proud and happy, as he pulled on the socks with relish.