Chapter 11: Christmas Surprises
Harry waved his wand and a string of fairy lights hung around the room. All around him the living room of Grimmauld Place was being decorate for the coming anticipated holiday. A corner had been prepared for the tree and the fire place would also be decorate with stockings but those came later.
Ever since Harry's talk with Malfoy, Harry had been less nervous and he managed to sleep more. That morning Harry had slept till nearly ten and both his friends let him sleep in. He did feel about the white lie he told Malfoy about his past but he did like that Malfoy was starting to become a friend. He found Malfoy interesting and enjoyable to be around. Back in Hogwarts, Malfoy had been a bully Harry tolerated. Now he was a friend Harry hoped would last a long time.
"Where is Ron with the tree," asked Hermione in a huff coming from the kitchen with a tray of cookies. "They'll be here any minute."
"Relax, Hermione," said Harry. "They're plane doesn't land for an hour."
"You never know! Schedules change all the time. They could have landed and we'd never would have known."
"If they did land they would have called me. I do have a cellular phone and it does work."
Hermione huffed. "I guess you're right. It's just it's their first Christmas here and I want everything to be perfect. Teddy and Andromeda's coming tomorrow and your guests are coming. I just want them to see what Christmas is like for our kind."
"Okay," said Harry in a firm tone. "Don't say "our kind". It brings back bad memories."
"Sorry," said Hermione shamefully.
"Second, Christmas is the same for them as it is for us. As you well know. Everything will be fine."
"I guess you're right," said Hermione. "It's just the first time we've had guests over for Christmas."
"Hermione, they're going to love it," said Harry putting a hand on Hermione's back and smiled at her. Hermione smiled back as the door opened and Ron walked through.
"Ron, there you are," said Hermione. "Where's the tree? We still have to decorate it."
"The tree's on the car," said Ron slightly disturbed. "I'll, uh, I'll go get it."
"Ron, what's wrong?" asked Harry surprised that something was wrong with his friend.
"Guys, I don't know how to tell you this, but I just got an owl from the head of my department. Katie's gone missing," said Ron. Harry and Hermione looked at him in shock.
"Missing?" said Harry.
"How?" asked Hermione.
"We don't know," said Ron. "Whoever did it used very little to no magic. Oliver came home for Christmas and found Katie gone, clean as whistle. No sign of a struggle, no evidence of who took her or when."
"The baby?" asked Hermione.
"Put in her crib asleep and woke up as if from a nap." Hermione sighed in relief. "I've asked the investigation to be put on hold but only for a little while. I wanted to see if there was any Muggle means that the culprit abducted Katie."
"You want me to check for fingerprints and strands of hair?" asked Harry.
"If you can," said Ron. "I told them you were a wizard who's working for the Muggle police department. I gave them one of your false names. I hope you don't mind."
Harry shook his head. "No, it's all right. Which name did you give them?"
"Colin Wolff. Come on, we better go."
Harry nodded. "Right, Hermione?"
"I'll hold down the fort here," she said. "I'll pick up Mary and Jamie and decorate the tree."
"Love you," said Ron kissing Hermione.
"Yeah, thanks Hermione," said Harry and kissed Hermione on the cheek. Hermione smiled back at him.
"I love you both, now go."
Harry and Ron hurried out the door and Disapparated when no Muggles were watching. they arrived just outside of the Wood Cottage and Harry lightened his hair to a sandy brown and changed his eye color to a hazel, keeping his glasses. With the disguise complete he quickly developed the person of Colin Wolff, once was tour guide in Scotland, but also a lover of crime novels and television programs.
Oliver Wood stood outside his cottage as Aurors worked around him, holding his daughter as if for dear life. He hardly changed since Harry first met him in his first year, only now burly instead of skinny. His daughter had pale hair and skin, natural for a baby, but Harry could tell she would look like Katie as she grows.
"Oliver Wood," said Harry and Oliver looked over at him. "Colin Wolff. Muggle London Police Department. I'm sorry to hear about your wife."
"I was already questioned by the Aurors," said Oliver. "I don't know who did this. Katie never made any enemies."
"I understand, Mr. Wood," said Harry and looked at the baby girl in his arms. "What's her name?"
"Olivia Kaitlyn," said Oliver. "Katie wanted to name her after me and I wanted to name her after Katie, so we compromised."
"It's a good name." Harry gently touch Olivia's head and turned to Oliver. "I will find your wife, Mr. Wood."
"Thank you, Mr. Wolff."
Harry nodded and walked inside, noting the six Aurors trying to detect any spells used in Katie's capture. Everything looked untouched and clean.
"We couldn't detect any spells used to unlock the door," said Ron. "According to Oliver, Katie locked the door the Muggle way. No spells were used. We can't even find a magical trace."
"He didn't use any," said Harry. "He picked the lock the Muggle way. Professional job too. Probably the same way Fred and George did our second year."
Ron nodded and wrote it down. Harry went up to Oliver.
"Mr. Wood, does your wife wear make up? Cover up or even blush?"
"Yes, why?" said Wood. Harry nodded and turned back to Ron. Waving his wand he created a box of latex gloves. He handed it to Ron.
"Pass these around," he told Ron. "Tell them to dust all hard surfaces. Do you keep fingerprint records?" Ron nodded. "God. Tell them to catalog everything, finger prints, hair, fibers. Anything and everything they find. I'll be right back."
"Why are we doing this?" asked an Auror.
"It's too clean. Too Muggle. More then likely he used chloroform then a Stun Charm. He made a lot of effort to avoid leaving any magical trace, strayed from any Muggle way that we might identify him with."
"I'll get right on it," said Ron and smiled at his friend. "You really are good at these things."
Harry smiled back at his friend. "You're just happy I dated a cop."
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Harry Apparated in the alley behind the police station of the 27th precinct in London, walked around front taking off the Glamours as he did and stood at the reception desk, waiting to be noticed. The deputy supposedly on duty was listening to an MP3 player with his eyes closed and moving his head to a steady beat. Harry picked up a desk object, and dropped it loudly onto the desk. The guard jerked and looked up at him.
"Hey," he said. "I need to see Dudley Dursley. Is he here?"
"Hold on," said the guard and picked up the phone. He spoke softly for a few seconds before turning back to Harry. "Your name?"
"Harry Potter," he said and the guard repeated it. The guard replaced the phone and looked up at him.
"He'll be out soon." And he returned to his music. A minute later Dudley walked in wearing a police officer's uniform. The whale like boy transformed into a burly man, but it didn't make him any less broader. It had surprised not only Harry but also Vernon and Petunia when Dudley turned down professional boxing to became a law enforcement officer. Apparently Harry's sacrifice to save the relatives that did him wrong had impacted Dudley and he decided to make something of his life and joined the London police force. Dudley graduated top of his class and never resented his decision.
"Take off, Mike, I've got this," said Dudley.
"Hey, Big D, long time no see," said Harry shaking his cousin's hands.
"You could say that," said Dudley. "Nine years and all I get are Christmas and birthday cards."
"I attended your wedding seven years ago," said Harry defensively with a smile.
"I didn't see you," said Dudley in confusion.
"You weren't supposed to. How are Winifred and Isabella?"
"They're fine. Isabella just turned five. She likes to be called Bella through. She, uh," He looked apprehensively at the guard, but the man was still listening to his music, volume up loud and nodding to the music. Dudley lowered his voice. "Bella has the gift, if you know what I mean. Like when you were younger and you made strange things happen. It skipped Mum and me, but she has it."
"I can teach her if you like," said Harry. "I met another kid and I am teaching him to control his gift. But I need something from you first."
"Sure, Harry, anything."
"There's been an incident where I live," explained Harry. "A woman I know was abducted by normal means. Don't ask me how, but I need a portable UV light."
"What? A UV light? Do you know how much trouble I'd be in if they find it missing?"
"It's just for a couple of hours, Dudley. I promise." Dudley sighed and nodded. Harry glanced inside. "Is Sam still here?"
"Yeah, he's inside with the equipment."
"Good, that's good. He can help us. He's Muggle-born. You tell him it's from me, why and he'll help. It'll be fine. Trust me."
Dudley nodded. "Okay. All right. But only for a couple of hours. Anymore and I'll be majorly in trouble."
"Thanks, Dudley. I owe you one."
"Damn right you do," said Dudley and went back inside the building. Harry sighed and leaned against the wall to wait.
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Draco was reading about a new potion from the apothecary college when one of the house elves he was allowed to have appeared with The Evening Prophet in his hands. The article was hardly interesting. It was just a potion that could give a person any talent he wanted for a limited mount of time. Draco didn't think it was very innovative, but he tore it out of the magazine and put it in his potion scrap-book. The lesson Lucius and Snape taught him when it came to politics and potion making, save and recognize everything. You don't know what might come in handy.
Draco took the newspaper and started to read it when the elf vanished to finish it's original job. When he read the headliner Draco looked in disbelief.
HOGWARTS TEACHER TAKEN FROM HOME!
Kaitlyn Wood, mother of newborn Olivia Kaitlyn wood and wife of Oliver Wood, Keeper for the Irish Kenmore Kestral, had been taken from her home at approximately 5:07 pm today at the Wood Cottage, write Dennis Creevey. According to Aurors on scene, Kaitlyn (Katie) Woods had been home with baby Olivia waiting for Oliver Wood's return from practice. When Mr. Wood returned at 5:30 pm he found Katie gone and Olivia put to sleep, unharmed.
An investigator had been brought on scene and refused to give names or faces, but had reported that Katie Wood had been abducted by Muggle means, capture with little trouble and had apparently left the house unharmed. He stated it is possible that Katie knew her kidnaper, which would explain lack of evidence. Possible identity of the attacker remains unknown by both magical and Muggle means of identification.
There was a single picture of the house. Wood stood on the porch holding his baby girl with Aurors all around him, including Ron Weasley. Only one man remained with his back turned to the camera, shuffling his feet and seemed to be talking to Weasley.
Draco set the paper down and stood to look out the window. He had known Katie Bell but had never really gotten to know her, and tried to steer clear of her since they became teachers. He wasn't sure if anyone told her who had Imperiused her and given her the cursed necklace. Draco preferred to be safe then sorry.
Draco looked at the clock. He had hours before Pansy and Blaise's visit so it gave him enough time to go to St. Mungo's to visit Narcissa. Setting the paper down to continue to read later he left the study and walked down the hall. Malfoy Manor was empty, most of the furniture and anything not bolted down sold to pay for their living after the Ministry siege control of their assets and Lucius died without paying their debts. Most of the widely furnished rooms were now bare or covered with white sheets to keep the dust of. The only rooms not abandoned were the few guest rooms, the master bedroom, Library, study, conservatory and family room.
Taking the cloak offered him by Tixy he walked beyond the wards and Apparated to St. Mungo's. Hilary the nurse greeted him at the reception desk in the hardly filed waiting room and smiled up at him.
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy," she said. "How is your holiday?"
"Better then yours I expect," said Draco signing in. "I've been coming here for eight years and you have yet to call me by my first name."
"And get caught by my boss? I don't think so, no matter how much I want to."
"Is Long here?" asked Draco.
"No, off spending the holiday with family. You'll be alone today."
"Thanks, Hilary."
Hilary smiled at him. "Happy Christmas, Draco," she said. Draco smiled at her and went down the hall to the Malady Ward.
Narcissa was standing at the barred window when Draco walked in. her sunflower hair had been braided and washed and a vase of fresh flowers added a pleasant scent to the room. A small tree was placed at the table to add some holiday cheer. Snow fell outside the enchanted window. The doll Draco had given her laid on the bed.
"Andy," said Narcissa. "Come here, Andy. Look at the sky. Do you think Mother will let us play outside today?"
"Hello, Mother. It's…Draco. Happy Christmas," he said hoping she would hear him somehow.
"I know it's not dignified, Bella, but we're just kids. We want to have fun."
"A woman I worked with got kidnapped earlier today. The Aurors don't know how or what happened. Her husband returned and she was gone."
"What do you think we'll get for Christmas, Andy? Do you think Mother got that blue dress I was looking at in Madam Malkin's? I really look good in blue."
"You look great in blue, Mother. I would have gotten you something but the Healers don't permit gifts to the patients."
"Why do you keep asking for Muggle stuff, Andy? You know Mother and Father don't approve."
"Pansy and Blaise are coming over today. They said they wanted to talk to me about something. And knowing them it's probably not a good thing."
"You were always brave, Andy. Braver then I'll ever be."
Draco swallowed as he heard his mother talk to her disowned sister. He knew his aunt had been eccentric, but brave wasn't how Draco would have described her. When Draco met his Aunt Andromeda she was grieving for her dead daughter, husband and son-in-law. Draco remembered how Narcissa braved the Dark Lord and Death Eaters to find her son.
"You are brave, Mum. Happy Christmas." And he turned to the door. Just as he opened it, Narcissa spoke again.
"Happy Christmas, D. You're my best friend."
Draco turned to look at his mother in surprise. "D" was the name Narcissa had called him away from his father's ears, but it was also the nickname of his aunt Andromeda or Andy as Narcissa called her at times. Draco didn't know if she was talking to him or her sister.
"I love you, Mum," he said and left. He said good-bye to Hilary before Apparating back to the Manor. Walking into the study he pulled out a pen and parchment and began writing.
Dear Aunt Andromeda…
"Draco, we're here," called Pansy some time later. Draco had already finished the letter and sent it. Now he went do to greet his friends. "I hope you don't mind, Tixy let us in."
"No, it's fine," said Draco. "Tixy, tea."
The elf bowed and disappeared to the kitchen.
"I hope you don't mind us not bringing presents with us," said Blaise.
"It's fine," said Draco sitting across from them. "You're company is all I need."
"Actually we do have a gift for you," said Pansy staring firmly at her husband. "If you accept it."
"What do you want to give me?" asked Draco perplexed.
"A heir," said Pansy happily. "I'll be more then happy to have your baby."
"Blaise?"
Blaise shrugged. "It was her idea. She planned everything from the smallest detail."
"I told you guys. I don't want a kid. I want to be the last."
"Draco, you really should have a kid. You're not your father and there's no Dark Lord to threaten you," said Pansy.
"No, just the rest of the world," growled Draco crossing his arms.
"Think about it, Draco," said Blaise. "All we want is for you to be happy."
"I am happy."
"Really?" asked Pansy skeptically.
"Yes."
"Just think about it, Draco," said Pansy. "If you ever change your mind our offer stands."
"Oh, yeah," said Blaise after a stern look from his wife. "Any-Anytime."
"Master Malfoy," said Tixy appearing with a tea tray and a small package. "This has come for Master Malfoy by post owl, sir."
"A Christmas present?" asked Blaise as Draco too the package. "From whom?"
"I don't know," said Draco. He opened the package to find a green glass Chinese dragon with ruby eyes and silver highlights, a crystal sphere in it's jaw.
"Pretty," said Pansy when Draco set it on the table. "Someone has good tastes."
"Is that a card," asked Blaise pointing to a square piece of paper that fell out of the box.
"Yeah, but all it says is "Happy Christmas"."
"No name?" asked Pansy picking up the dragon to look at it further.
"No name," said Draco, not shaking the feeling that the handwriting on the card was familiar.
TBC
