Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns the characters in this story.

Chapter 13.

Red Radio Flyer Wagon

A red Radio Flyer Wagon is an American toy wagon that was named to commemorate two important men Marconi and Lindberg. It is a strong steel wagon and though it has its roots in the early 20th century, it still continues to be popular. It is so popular in fact that they have made their way around the world. In one form they are tiny wagons filled with boxes to hang on a tree at Christmas time as ornaments. Hermione Granger was the owner of one such ornament. Or, at least she had become the owner of one.

The new ornament had appeared on her desk at work. Hermione had no clue where it had come from or who had given it to her. Throughout the month of December she had been receiving wonderful appropriate gifts daily. Ones that related to the decorating of the Christmas tree were special and the ones for the house had been perfect additions to her festive tableau. All the gifts had arrived at her home. This one was different. It had come in the bright day light. It had come to a public office. It had come while Hermione was in a meeting. People had seen it as they passed by. People had seen it when they brought in reports. People had seen it when they had left things on her desk. When Hermione returned to her office there it sat, unwrapped, centered perfectly on her desk calendar. There was a clean sheet of parchment under it. Well, it was clean except for the neat calligraphy in green on one side reading, "When you put your hopes, dreams, and tomorrows wrapped neatly in boxes, you will need some way to take them with you. For you I wish all your hopes and dreams come true and the tomorrows bring you joy and happiness always." Again it was signed with a green sprig of holly leaves and a green heart. This time the holly leaves were accompanied by three red berries. Everyone who had come into the office had been able to read it.

There were two things that Hermione really hated. The first was the yellow journalism of the Daily Prophet. The second was the office gossip. Both had put Hermione on display and made her the object of ridicule many times in the past. The worst was when she and Ron had divorced. The problem is that there really was no story. They decided that they were ill matched and were going in different directions. Hermione loved her job with the ministry whereas Ron was a powerful, famous Quidditch player and proud of it. They had divided the property without animosity, the children were to spend equal time with each of them. When there is no kindling and no flame, the paparazzi and office grape vines can build a blazing inferno of lies and innuendos. Today the gossip became a volcano of epic proportions and everyone was buzzing about Ms. Granger's gift. They did not know that she didn't know who the giver was nor about the previous gifts, but by the time the evening edition of the Daily Prophet came out the whole world knew that Hermione Granger, ex-wife of the famous Quidditch player and member of the Golden Trio, was being courted.

Harry Potter knew that Hermione would be upset the minute he heard the gossip. Draco Malfoy was certain that there would be hexing and excitement in the Education Liaison Office today. Janice, Hermione's administrative assistant, was blocking the door and sending everyone off with the message that Ms. Granger was on an important floo call and could not be interrupted. When Harry and Draco arrived they assured Janice that they could calm her down. Reluctantly they were let in to the chaos of spells and hexes flying and meeting one another creating red, green, blue, yellow and white sparks. The sheer magnificence of the magic was breathtaking. The wondrous part was not a paper, not a picture, not a hair on her head, not a single thing was being touched only the spells bouncing off one another. Janice, Harry and Draco stood in the doorway in awe at the controlled power of her magic. Finally an exhausted Hermione settled into her chair and the magic cleared the air.

"Why can't they just leave me alone?" she asked in desperation to no one in particular. Hermione had not seen the trio in the doorway and did not expect an answer.

"Because you are Hermione Granger, brightest witch of her generation, the Ministry's Education Liaison, the ex-wife of Ronald Weasley, Quidditch player extraordinaire, mother of Rose Weasley who just married Scorpius Malfoy and you never do anything interesting," said Harry.

"He's right you know," said Draco. "When there is nothing to talk about, it must be invented for the amusement of those who have nothing of worth or purpose in their lives." Then he added, "No matter what they say, you are better than they are. Hell that was the most magnificent piece of magic I have ever seen. Are you sure you aren't an Unspeakable?"

Hermione laughed at the last comment. Draco, in spite of how infuriating he was, was truly one who could lighten a mood. "So, my protectors three, Janice, Draco, and Harry, what shall we do for the rest of the day that could make more tongues wag?"

"You could take the afternoon off, go to the Leaky Cauldron and get pissed, and dance naked on the tables," Harry suggested.

"Or, you could sit in your office, work, go to meetings and pretend that nothing happened," added Janice.

"Or, you could take the afternoon off, go out for a massage, see the hair dresser and have a mani/pedi, then do some serious retail therapy," said Draco. "What?" he asked at the strange looks on the faces of the three companions. "Mother always says it makes everything better."

"I hate to go do that alone," admitted Hermione.

"Janice can go with you and so could Ginny." Harry offered, "Let me call her."

"But, who will take care of the office?" Hermione asked. "We cannot just close it."

"Why ever not?" came a booming voice from just outside the office. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister of Magic, was standing there. "You, Ms. Granger, and Mrs. Jones can just lock the door and let the owls leave the messages with reception. You can pick them up tomorrow. Mr. Potter, weren't you going to have your beautiful wife meet these lovely ladies?" After Harry went to the floo to call Ginny, Kingsley continued, "Mr. Malfoy, don't you have the name of the day spa your mother uses?"

"Better yet," Draco answered, "I will make reservations for three."

"Ahem," Hermione cleared her throat, "Janice and I are standing here while you are talking about us and we haven't agreed to go."

"Speak for yourself, Ms. Granger."

Thirty minutes later Mrs. Potter, Mrs. Jones and Ms. Granger were lying face down on massage tables with a miniature wagon on a table in front of them, complete with the underlying parchment. "Who would be giving you all these gifts?" asked Ginny.

"I haven't a clue." Hermione continued, "It was a complete surprise when the first arrived. I was so careful running diagnostics and checking for spells with it. By the time the third arrived, I had become complacent. When someone left one on my bedside table while I slept, I was worried again and had Harry check my wards. They are still strong and only family and friends are allowed in. I had him put another layer that would sound an alarm when compromised, but still allow family and friends to enter."

Janice mused, "I know there was only one five minute period when I was not at my desk when you weren't in the office, Hermione. You were at your ten o'clock meeting and I needed to go to the loo." She thought a couple of seconds more, "I don't think it was there when I got back."

"All I can say," Ginny put in, "is that it made a wonderful excuse to visit the spa. Where are we going shopping later?"

The ladies sat with their feet soaking in the warm water while their fingernails were being carefully sculpted and painted. The wagon display was on a tray on Hermione's lap in the middle of the group. Before the manicurist could stop her, Hermione reached out with one index finger and touched the lid of one of the small boxes. "Don't touch that, you are still wet."

"It's too late, but I didn't smear," she stated. "The lids to the boxes are loose." Carefully she removed one lid using only the pads of her fingers. Inside there was a charm in the shape of the letter H and had diamond chips sparkling on its face. The charm could be added to either a necklace or bracelet. "Oh, Merlin, did you see this?" Hermione asked.

"Holy all that is sacred!" exclaimed Janice.

"That is serious bling," added Ginny. "Are all those boxes like that? You know, Hermione, with the removable lids."

"Only three have removable lids, the other two are just for looks."

The second box she opened held a diamond encrusted G. "Oh, goody, goody, one for me," said Ginny as Hermione rolled her eyes.

And Janice teased as the third box held a similar J, "Are you sharing?"

"I could, but I have this pearl bracelet that I can add these charms to for the New Year's Eve Ball at Malfoy Manor. Sorry, no I am not sharing."

"Speaking of the Ball," said Ginny, "have you gotten your gown yet?"

"No," said Janice and Hermione in unison. "I was so surprised to be invited," added Janice. "Why would I be invited to the famous or infamous Malfoy New Year's Eve Ball?"

"I don't know except that Draco seems to like you and thinks you work too hard," answered Hermione.

Store after store saw the trio of ladies on a mission. At the third shop Janice found a navy blue one shoulder straight gown with slit half way up the thigh. The matching robe lined with white fur, perfect for winter evening wear. She offset it with silver pumps and clutch, a silver belt and three-quarter length silver gloves. "I have the perfect clips for my hair when I wear it up!" exclaimed Janice.

Ginny's dress was gold lame and fell loosely, yet clinging from a band around her neck. There were no sleeves, but the coordinating robe was lined with the perfect shade of red that did not clash with her hair. It enhanced it in fact for there were blue undertones to the red. Her red platforms, clutch and gloves matched the lining of the robe. She said that she would wear the large ruby pendant that Harry had gotten her last Christmas. He had also gotten a matching bracelet and drop earrings for her birthday to complete the ensemble.

Hermione was disappointed that she had not found a dress, but went home happy and relaxed. She hung the ornament on the tree after magically sealing the boxes. She placed the charms in a crystal dish in front of the tree. Then she went to her room. After changing into her sleepwear, she placed her wand on the bed table and picked up her mobile. "Thank you and sweet dreams! H!"

Advent Calendar Day 13 prompt: Decorating the Christmas Tree