ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸ ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸ ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸ ø¤º°°º¤ø
The Past lies upon the Present like a giant's dead body.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, The House of Seven Gables
ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸ ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°°º¤ø
What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.
Author Unknown
ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸ ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸ ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸ ø¤º°°º¤ø
A few notes:
NO SPOILERS FOR DEATHLY HALLOWS!
In fact Gryff hadn't yet read the book when she delivered this chapter to my apartment and stole my copy of DH. Thank goodness my mother bought the audio book! So for Gryff it was 3 copies of DH, and 2 extra cousins. 1 crabby fanfic author later, lead to the Happy Christmas being not so happy for a certain someone.
The first part you've most likely read already, but happy reading and Happy Anniversary to Gryff.
-KAYDINE
"--Harry speaking Parseltongue--"
Harry Potter and Merlin's Gifts
Chapter 34 - Anticipation
"Hey Gin, I thought you were going to wake Harry?" Ron asked as he poured a glass of juice. They had returned late last night to find a big bowl of a green something in the cold pantry, but Harry was asleep. As he was still sleeping, Ginny volunteered to wake him fifteen minutes ago.
Ginny giggled, took her seat at the breakfast table, and said, "I think I'd be jealous if it weren't for the drool."
James rolled his eyes and asked "Oh, is Padfoot getting his slobber over Harry again?"
"You'd think so right?" Ginny said, as she buttered her toast. "Sirius must have changed sometime during the night, and Harry ended up with his head resting on Sirius' chest. Now, there's a really big wet spot, but Sirius is such a heavy sleeper, I don't think he'd notice it."
"I'll wake him!" Exclaimed James with a wicked grin on his face.
"No need to get excited, I took the camera Harry had on his dresser and got 24 shots in every possible angle I could get." Ginny said with a smirk. James mentally reminded himself not to get into any embarrassing situations around Ginny. "The last one I took had a flash though, so Harry and Sirius should be down soon."
"Speak of the devil…" Hermione's Dad said with a smile.
"G'morning." Sirius muttered and dragged himself to the table. It was clear the quick shower he took did nothing to wake him. Sirius was so out of it, his hair was dripping wet and his shirt was buttoned so that he was two off the norm.
"Ginevra Molly Weasley, I have one word for you babe, PAYBACK." Harry said as he entered the kitchen, camera in hand. The film was conveniently removed by Ginny of course.
"You can try all you like, you won't dare do anything." Replied Ginny.
"Want to bet? Oh, by the way, morning everyone!" Harry said with a smile. He was in a really great mood. Today was Christmas Eve and he was excited.
"Late night last night, Harry?" Remus asked. He headed to bed even before Harry, Sirius and Severus even thought about it.
"Yeah, I wanted to wrap the gifts I had Bill pick up for Viktor, Fleur, and Gabrielle."
The three were visiting today, and Harry wanted everything to be perfect. Viktor, Fleur, and Gabrielle would spend the night. Arthur and Molly wanted to return to No Mans Land, but Harry insisted they stay. Charlie volunteered himself for the couch so Viktor could sleep upstairs. This wasn't much of a hardship since there was a gigantic television screen to keep him company. It wasn't necessary since Sirius' bedroom was free, and the girls planned on spending the night in Lily's trunk. It was similar to Hermione's, but there was no large library taking up space. Girls night in they called it. Harry rolled his eyes at the thought.
"Good morning everyone." Severus said as he dusted the snow off his jacket.
"Sev, you weren't here all this time?" Harry asked surprised.
Had he really not noticed I wasn't there? Severus thought. "How observant you are Mr. Potter. I fear we must start at the basics again if you can't realise a guest was missing."
"Uh, where's Jasmine and Mum?"
"They went out. You really are something kid. Oh well, this breakfast is superb! I think Avig outdid himself." James said with a grin.
"Absolutely disgusting." Severus sneered and left the kitchen.
The morning was relatively quiet for Harry despite his excitement of it being Christmas Eve. Ron and Hermione had forbid him from entering the kitchen, and Lily and Jasmine were still out. Dobby had deposited many shopping bags since breakfast, and Harry wondered if there weren't enough presents, food, or drink in the house already. He certainly didn't share his mother's enthusiasm for shopping. James and Sirius were doing something secretive outside, which meant Harry was forbidden from venturing out there, and Remus was with Arthur and Hermione's parents (Craig and Rhea) discussing things about the magical world that Hermione did not tell them about.
Neville and Ginny were also doing something mysterious which required Charlie's help at Headquarters, and so Harry was on his own for entertainment again. He sat in front of the fireplace with the wireless on, but he wasn't paying much attention to it.
Over the past few days, the Runespoor told Harry where it had been, how old it was, and among other things, why they were chosen for Harry. They explained that three was Harry's optimum number. The number three was a very special number in Divination, Runes and Arithmancy, Harry knew. He was also aware that the number three represented the spirit/mind/body since Savi drilled it into him. With one weak link in this circle, everything fails.
The Runespoor told Harry that the number three also represented the past/present/future enclosed in the ring of eternity. They also told him that there were triad trees, oak, ash, and thorn, that when found together was where the faeries live, and gave him many examples of why the number three was important. Harry didn't know how any of those meanings applied to him, but he listened patiently. After all, with nothing to do, there wasn't much of a choice.
Currently, the Runespoor was wrapped around Harry, and the four of them were speaking. The Runespoor was telling Harry where the ability for humans to understand snakes came from.
It began several millennia ago innocently enough in Egypt. Snakes were believed to be the embodiment of Goddesses, and were held in high esteem. There was one young woman, a witch, who became a snake Animagus. She was the only chance her parents had at marrying into a wealthy family since she was an only child and secretly studied the process to become an Animagii with her male cousin. Later, the young girl transformed into a snake, but kept it a secret, until one day, her father discovered her.
Neither of the heads could remember what type of snake she was or even her name. In any event, she was revered by her village as a woman who was blessed by the Goddesses, and eventually married a Vizier's son. He unfortunately, died only a few years into their marriage, leaving the woman childless.
The woman liked spending time as a snake, perhaps to assuage the grief she felt, and one day allowed herself to be fertilized by a male snake. Her rationale was that since her husband couldn't give her any children, at least she could have a few of her own as a snake. She had four offspring; however, one had the ability to be anthropomorphic. While in his "mother's" garden some years later, he transformed into a little boy. Having seen his mother transform, he tried it as well, and was successful. Curiously, his reptilian brothers and sister could not transform into a human. He could not speak the human language his mother spoke for a short while before he learned.
He never transformed into a snake again, since his mother, fearing that she would loose her precious boy, forbid it of him. However, he retained the ability to speak with his reptilian brothers and sisters. And so, the first Parselmouth was born. Years later, when the young boy grew to adulthood and had children of his own, only one of three of his children was able to speak with snakes. All the Parselmouths are a descendant of that line.
It had become a practice even then to hide the Parseltongue ability, since jealous people tried to kill the woman, and later on her son and grandchildren. Over the centuries, it became wrongly associated with a dark art. Salazar Slytherin wasn't the first Parselmouth, but he was certainly the most famous one since Tom Riddle and Harry Potter.
"--That'sss a really interesssting ssstory--" Harry hissed.
--Yesss ssspeaker--
--You are the only one not born with the ability to ssspeak--
--That bloodline hasss sssadly ended--
--But through you, a new one can form--
--Through you a greater line ssshall form--
--The snakes shall get the respect we deserve--
--Yesss--
--Yesss--
"--Yesss--" Harry hissed.
Harry was reading, dressed in all black, and was wearing a simple outfit of jeans and a turtleneck shirt. His lack of shoes added an air of comfort to him. Harry's long hair was loose, and his heir rings were displayed for all to see. He looked like a young prince would, and it was a far cry from the little boy looking longingly at Christmas tree lights from the cupboard under the stairs. Unbeknownst to him, he was being observed by a young Goblin who was sent by her superiors; they wanted to know what kind of a person Harry James Potter was.
The Goblin watched as Harry placed a bookmark in the tome whose title was Magical Theory: Fact behind the Spell. She watched as Harry entered the kitchen, and made a quick sandwich for himself. She also saw him gently tell the elf to take a break, or if he was so inclined, go to Potter's Place. The elf, Dobby, threw his arms around the teenager's legs before popping away.
"Come outside and play Harry!" the Goblin heard a voice say.
"No way, you have fur Padfoot, and aren't reindeers equipped for the snow?" Harry joked.
James sputtered and turned to Harry saying with a false indignation, "I'm not a reindeer!" only to be hit in the face with a snowball.
"Of course not, Dad. Is Remus not romping in the snow with you?" Harry asked before taking a bite out of his sandwich.
"Are you a wizard or not? There is a very nice invention called a warming charm, perhaps you've heard of it?" Sirius said before morphing into Padfoot.
James shook his head at his friend and said to Harry, "No, he's resting since the full moon is near. Come on out!"
"Thanks but no, and I think he's using that excuse to stay away from you rambunctious men. Viktor will be here soon, and I am sure Mum and the others will return with Fleur and Gabby from Headquarters. I'd like to be presentable."
"Is Jasmine sleeping?" James asked.
"Yes, she was too tired after the morning shopping. Bloody great idea Mum had making her walk around."
"Yeah. It's so quiet here. Are you okay with it?"
"Sure, I'm used to it."
"I'm not; the silence is a bit too much for me." James said. "When I was in the other realm, I used to think that everything would have worked out better if there was just some noise. That night, it was so quiet. When Voldemort blew the door open, it was so loud. If only I reacted sooner."
"Don't James. Put it out of your mind. The 'what ifs,' they can drive a person crazy, trust me, I know. For instance with Pettigrew, when he changed into Wormtail and escaped in the sewer, if only I hadn't laughed, if only I had stayed with Harry, if only I was the Secret Keeper, if only I was with you instead of being on a date with Celine… you see it is a never ending cycle." Sirius said.
"Wow, I never thought of you as an insightful adult Padfoot." James said with a grin.
Sirius let out a frustrated scream and said, "Again with the word?"
"I thought you guys were playing outside." Harry said with a playful roll of his eyes.
"No, no, you're right, if Lily returns and we're a mess, I'll never hear the end of it and Father Christmas might not give me a present."
"cough::whipped::cough"
"Oh shut it Padfoot." The Goblin heard the elder Potter male say and remained watching Harry. The young man resumed reading his book.
"So, does the present Father Christmas is supposed to bring come wrapped in lingerie?"
Harry made a gagging motion and quickly plugged his fingers in his ears and hummed a song. He resumed reading when he deemed it safe. The young Goblin decided nothing interesting was happening here, and so, decided to take a look at the child. She could not have children of her own as marriage was not her destiny. She had sisters who were able to marry and produce young, but it was not a life for her. She was a warrior in training. Warriors did not have children, yet Harry Potter had taken responsibility for his young cousin and kept his promise to care for her. He too was a warrior in training and it would be interesting to see how the child was faring.
Just when the Goblin tucked the blanket in, Jasmine opened her eyes and screamed. The Goblin placed her hands over her ears and squeaked as Harry Potter appeared in front of her. His wand was out in a second.
While reading his book downstairs, Harry snickered as he heard Sirius and the Chess pieces argue about a move to counter the one James made on the Wizard's chess board. Then, a scream pierced the air and Harry was pulled from the living room to the nursery only to find a Goblin standing near Jazzy's crib with hands covering its ears.
Harry pulled his wand immediately, but realised there wasn't a threat. The Goblin would have killed Jasmine the moment she screamed instead of covering her ears if it truly were a threat. James, Remus and Sirius were behind Harry within moments with their wands drawn. Dobby removed Jasmine from the crib without anyone noticing, and the young Goblin stood there with four angry men holding her at wand point.
"Who are you?" Harry asked.
"I am Dager ghuukhaar sent by my superiors Deraan Kaarthaar Shagaakloch and Takhaarlen to observe the Shuuraac Okaan, the Chosen One."
"For what reason did your Deraan Kaarthaar send you?" Remus asked. He knew the Leader of the Goblins of the UK would have been the one to send young Dager to observe Harry.
Deraan Kaarthaar was the Wise Leader of the Goblin race who made the final and or overruling decisions among the four rulers. Deraan Kaarthaar, was the first, the Wise Leader, followed by the second, third and fourth respectively. They were the Strong Leader (Tuuc kaarthaar), the Army Leader (Agec kaarthaar), and the Young Leader (Oc kaarthaar).
Dagar turned to Harry and said, "My superiors Shagaakloch and Takhaarlen sent me to observe you to see if you were worthy of the gift the Goblins are to present to you Magec Lhalkaan Huukhaar Shuuraac Okaan."
"Who?" Harry asked. He did not know what the Goblin said, and could not repeat it.
"Your name in the Goblin world is Magec Lhalkaan Huukhaar, Harry James Potter, the Chosen One. Most will refer to you not by your full name, but by Okaar Huukhaar, Young Potter or Shuuraac Okaan, Chosen One." Said Dager. "Please lower your wand, for I am no threat to you."
"Yes, of course, please follow me. I trust you have the proper documentation?" James asked.
Dager was surprised that the Ol'daar Huukhaar (Elder Potter) would be kind, yet firm. She was told (and had observed at Gringotts) that humans were rude to creatures they considered below them. She was also quite curious to have proof that a werewolf stood side by side with Shuuraac Okaan (the Chosen One).
"May I ask, why so many names were given to me?" said Harry. He did not know much about Goblins, but he did know that humans were hardly ever given Goblin names. In fact, Bill had only gotten one recently after protecting the gold and the lives of two elderly goblins from a curse that had backfired. His Goblin name was Muukuugaal Molkac. It was also the reason Bill was the Human liaison to the Ministry.
"You are a human of many names Harry Potter. Your given name was translated into my Goblin tongue. We must distinguish you from your father and grandfather whose names you also share, so we have designated you by Elder and Younger Potter. You are also the Chosen One, the Lightening Child, and the Prophesized Leader. Not to mention, you are also known as the Boy-Who-Lived. For now, you will be known as Okaar Huukhaar as mentioned before. Here is the documentation you required Werewolf."
"My name is Remus Lupin, Dager ghuukhaar. Please call me Mr. Lupin, or Remus if you'd like. I have not been acknowledged by my Werewolf kin in many years."
"Uh, you can just call me Harry too." Harry said uncomfortably. He did not know what to say or do, but he was slightly confused with all the Goblin terms that were flying about. He'd put it out of his mind for now and ask Remus to explain.
"I apologise Okaar Huukhaar, but I cannot refer to you by that name. I am but a lowly warrior in training and must pay the proper respects."
"Your documentation is complete, thank you."
"Of course they are human!"
"Please, if you don't mind, stop calling people human, wizard, or werewolf. It is disrespectful. You wouldn't like it if I called you Goblin, wouldn't you Dager."
"I apologise Okaar Huukhaar, this is the only time outside of Gringotts that I have been near humans."
"It's alright." Harry said, and left the others to deal with the Goblin. He called for Dobby and asked him to bring Jasmine to him. Harry smiled when he saw his little girl. Her clothes were rumpled, and she had tear marks running down her cheeks. The thumb in her mouth made her look very vulnerable, but Harry also noticed the bite mark on Dobby's hand and shook his head. Harry dried Jasmine's eyes, and spoke softly to her, telling her everything was okay, and the Goblin she saw didn't mean to scare her. Jasmine peeked at the Goblin for a few seconds before hiding again, and began to cry when Harry scolded her for biting Dobby. "Come and say hello to Dager, she's the goblin sitting next to Grandpa."
"No" Jasmine said, still in tears, but Harry lifted her up, whispered something in her ears, and Jasmine allowed Dager to say hello and shook her hand.
"Now, can you explain why your boss sent you here?" Harry asked.
"Certainly, Okaar Huukhaar. My Deraan Kaarthaar, my boss as you say, Shagaakloch sent me to see if you were worthy of the gift that is being arranged for you."
"And did you find me worthy?"
"Yes Okaar Huukhaar, you did not use magic to hurt me, when by right you could have. You made sure the young one was taken out of danger before confronting me, and have loyal subjects, even if one of them is a convict."
"They are not subjects, they are family. Sirius Orion Black is not guilty of the crime for which he was accused. Do you think my parents would have allowed him to live here with us if he were? Do you think I would have him armed in my home if he were an enemy?"
"No, no."
"I would offer you some refreshment, but I know you would not accept since you are on duty. However, will you take something with you for your enjoyment?" James asked.
Dager replied. "You are most kind, thank you" and proceeded to describe what Harry needed to do in preparation for his gift. Harry and the others found it odd that the present was to be received in the Forbidden Forest of all places.
Before Dager left, James presented her with a bottle of Whiskey from his father's collection. Remus asked her to thank the Goblin leaders for their hospitality and Harry shook Dager's hand in farewell barely remembering to say goodbye in her own tongue.
Harry sat still processing the information he was just given. On the night of January 5th, two days before school began, Harry, Ginny, and the others were to have a cleansing bath made with natural materials. There was to be no hair gel or other chemicals on the body, and it included perfumes and deodorants. Spells cast on the body or clothing was also forbidden. Harry sighed and hoped that the winter weather would prevent him from perspiration.
Logic stated that a ritual of sorts would be taking place, but Harry couldn't imagine what ritual could be occurring in the dead of winter in the Forbidden forest. However, Dager did mention that weapons were allowed since the forest could be dangerous at night. Harry snorted inelegantly and thought, I'll just load up on silver bullets and hope everything that crosses my path will die if shot. Harry was so caught up in his thoughts, he missed Sirius miming crazy and pointing to Harry, as well as James and Remus' stifled laughter.
It was just after noon when Lily tumbled through the fireplace laughing so hard she was on all fours. Then, Bill exited the fireplace red faced, followed by Fleur, and Gabrielle. James helped his wife stand and tucked the red hair behind her ears. He looked at her and she shook her head wiping tears of mirth from her eyes. Harry soaked up every bit of that moment and it took Bill waving a hand in front his face to snap him out of it.
"You okay Harry?"
"Yeah, yes, what did you say?"
"Say hello to Fleur and Gabrielle, Harry." Bill coaxed.
"Hi Fleur, Gabrielle, I am so glad you came." Harry said and was all smiles for the two ladies standing before him.
"'ello 'arry c'est good to see you! My but you 'ave grown into ze handsome young man I expected to see. You remember ma petite sister Gabrielle, no?"
"Of course, you look lovely Gabrielle."
"Thank you."
"Please have a seat, and tell me how you've been. I'm sure you two remember Viktor Krum, he'll be here at 12:30 promptly. That is, if he hasn't lost the Portkey." Harry said. Avig popped in with a tray of drinks. Bill chose brandy, Fleur took the glass of white merlot, and Gabrielle took a glass of a non-alcoholic malt beverage leaving Harry with the butterbeer. Harry looked at Avig and was not surprised when the elf said Bill had ordered for them. He assumed it was an elf thing, knowing what was on his mater's mind, and dismissed it, but not before thinking it was a bit eerie.
A knock on the door startled everyone, and Harry left Fleur and Gabrielle to answer it. He was surprised to see Albus standing there with a sheepish looking Viktor. Harry invited them in with a smile.
"You have a vondahful home Harry. I am sorry to be coming vithout the Portkey. I vas thinking it vas on the shelf, but I could not find it. I called the Headmaster on the floo and he brought me here."
"It's okay Viktor, your Portkey will turn up in a few minutes without you."
"I am hoping eet is not in a place too embarrassing."
Harry laughed and took Viktor's coat.
Viktor's portkey wasn't in an embarrassing place much to his relief and Sirius' disappointment. He'd endured some teasing, and was surprised to see Sirius Black drinking eggnog on the Potter's couch, but after a quick explanation, accepted his own glass at ease. When Viktor greeted Hermione Granger with a kiss on her hand and flowers (which admittedly he brought for all the ladies present) Harry had to squeeze Ron's shoulder to prevent him from doing anything stupid. He still got very angry whenever an owl from 'Vicky' came for Hermione, though he was doing better since he began Occlumency. However, all the Occlumency in the world would keep Ron from wanting to strangle the rich Quidditch star especially when he was only inches from the man. Thankfully, Remus took that into consideration and forced Ron to sit between Harry and him. Admittedly, the plan wasn't in place for Viktor at all, but for Fleur who unconsciously used her Veela powers whenever she focused her attention on a male during a conversation. Harry was positive it really wasn't intentional that Fleur used her Veela powers on Ron but, as they had little effect on him, he couldn't be certain. After all it would not be in good taste since she was dating Ron's eldest brother Bill.
Gabrielle Delacour was a Veela of a different type who gazed upon Harry with stars in her eyes, adoration and puppy love quite evident. She had begun her first year at Beauxbatons Academy, and eagerly regaled Harry with stories about her classmates, classes, and Quidditch. Harry and the others were told that Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts were her favourites, but she didn't like Potions and Herbology very much though. Harry was quite relieved when Lily brought games out to occupy them and said a silent prayer that he didn't fall under the Veela's spell. He wasn't sure Ginny would let him survive if he did even if it were through no fault of his own. The games Lily brought out were Ludo and behind it Snakes and Ladders, Draughts, Monopoly, Chinese Checkers, Mancala, and a few others that they didn't play.
Ron didn't have any luck with Ludo. He chose first and preferred red to represent Gryffindor, gave Harry green since he was a Parselmouth, Gabrielle chose blue and Ginny was left with yellow. Harry had the most luck with the dice, but had extra luck because Gabrielle avoided knocking Harry's knobs off the board whenever possible. Ginny went after Gabrielle and Ron's blue and red knobs, but after Harry won twice in a row began to knock Harry back to the castle. Harry playfully begged Ginny to spare him and pretended to be hurt whenever Ginny knocked off a green.
Ludo broke off after the fifth game; Harry had won three times, Ginny and Gabrielle once, and Ron remained at zero games to his name. Remus joked that at least Harry couldn't speak to the snakes to help him cheat, but Snakes and Ladders were abandoned in favour of Monopoly where the adults joined in. Lily transfigured the pieces so that each represented its player after Sirius, Mr and Mrs. Granger and Bill played Rock Paper Scissors for the race car.
When it was time to retire for the night, Arthur and Molly stayed instead of returning to No Mans Land as planned since Lily and the girls decided on a girl's night in. Harry couldn't imagine what they could possibly do but decided not to mention it. Molly was only happy to expand the room a bit so they would have more space. Fleur opted to leave with Bill to No Mans Land, and Gabrielle was only happy to stay at Harry Potter's house. Of course James was kicked out of his bedroom but he didn't seem to mind since by default all the guys were left on their own. They tried to raid the presents under the tree but were surprised to discover the spells that prevented Jasmine from opening them was also a hindrance.
Sirius wanted to wait up for 'Father Christmas' and was pelted with popcorn from different sides of the room. In the end, it wasn't until two in the morning that Charlie and Viktor claimed the foldable couch which transformed into a bed in front of the large screen television. James bunked with Remus since Arthur was asleep in Sirius' unused attic bedroom. Sirius didn't sleep as Padfoot in Harry's bed as usual since the two were two excited to sleep. However, they were in for a surprise at six in the morning when Harry shot out of bed screaming, "You fucking son of a bitch!"
"What, what?"
"Son of a bitch, you bastard!" Harry exclaimed
Sirius, full of concern but always with a joke at hand said "You know Harry, I don't mind you calling my mother a bitch, but I'll have you know my parents were married when I came along. It was the only decent thing they did for me anyway."
Harry obligingly smiled at Sirius, but his heart obviously wasn't in it. Ron, Neville, and Arthur were the first to rush into Harry's bedroom since they were on the same floor, but Arthur quickly left to contact Albus after seeing Harry clutching his scar in pain.
"Anything I can do Harry?" Neville asked with a sad smile. Harry shook his head, but was ushered downstairs where Dobby was starting breakfast. Jasmine wasn't awake yet since there were charms preventing noise from filtering into her bedroom. It didn't take much for Albus to apparate to the Potter home since he was spending Christmas with Aberforth and the great-grand nieces and nephews. Both he and Aberforth arrived, still pyjama clad, and managed to silence the room.
It was Lily who broke the silence saying, "Well if isn't the brothers Dumbledore!" She ran toward the younger brother (who was dressed in a sedate blue pyjama and matching dressing gown which was a pleasant change from the striped red and green pyjamas Albus was wearing) but stopped short in front of him saying, "It took you long enough to visit me. Why, if Albus wasn't with you, I doubt you would have come here."
With an apologetic smile, Aberforth Dumbledore said, "My dear Lily I'm sorry, but circumstances have kept me. However, you can spare an old man a hug, can't you?"
"Come, come, I'll have a bath drawn for you Aberforth, you too Albus." Molly said with a smile.
Albus exclaimed with a grin, "Abe has to bathe first!"
Aberforth bowed and said with a matching smile, "No Al, age before beauty, and you can't run to tell Mum anything."
"Alas no, but, she would have said 'You're not too old for me to turn you over my knees Aberforth Dumbledore' and as the elder I shall have to take up where she left off."
"You wish old man."
"Take a look in the mirror yourself, brother."
Molly shook her head and said, "That's enough you two. I swear you two are mere children whenever you get together." She took Aberforth's hand and led him to the bathroom where she handed him a brush to scrub his back, fresh towels, a toothbrush, and a fresh dressing gown to change into. Thankfully there were always spares. It wasn't until later that she thought to ask Avig to bring fresh clothes for both Albus and Aberforth. She almost had Dobby do the choosing, but decided against it.
Meanwhile, Albus sat with Harry and the others while Harry explained what happened. Voldemort had struck early Christmas morning and had tortured a red haired woman who bore a striking resemblance to a young Lily Evans. Harry's did remember to Occlude his mind before falling asleep; it was an automatic thing to have his image of Hogwarts with a roaring pit of fire and the occasional moving staircases. It wasn't enough on this night. It was his personal calm piece of chaos.
Voldemort had used a considerable amount of energy to break into Harry's mind. They both knew it. While Voldemort was attacking Harry's mind for him to see the woman's torture, his Death Eaters attacked a small Wizarding enclave. Albus used the floo to alert the Ministry, but as it was Christmas Day, there weren't many people. Thankfully the interim Minister for Magic had a team of Aurors and Hit-Wizards on standby for an attack. The secretary in charge alerted the DMLE department, and for now, it was all they could do.
Half an hour later found a bright eyed little girl making owl eyes at the tree and the amount of presents underneath it. She could barely concentrate long enough on breakfast which Lily was dutifully trying to feed her. Harry noted a rather large pile of chocolates for Remus and had to chuckle when he realised they were from his adoring fans at school. The man always had chocolate on hand, and wasn't unwilling to break off a piece for the nearest student. It was usually the first years who were recipients, but everyone knew Professor Remus Lupin was the man to see about some chocolates especially when it was time to practice with Harry's boggart during the DA. Lily and James were also beneficiaries of chocolate delights and other treats from students while Severus received non-chocolate tokens from mainly from his Slytherins. There were in fact the odd present from a Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Harry and Ron wouldn't have guessed it.
Finally it was time for presents! Dobby and Avig did an excellent job repacking the presents after the boys interfered with it the night before. They also packed the presents Molly and Lily had told them to hide after everyone was asleep.
The gift giving went youngest first, and Jasmine didn't mind even if she didn't entirely understand what was happening. All she knew was that there was a shiny box call present that Daddy didn't want her to open and now she was getting it! With enthusiasm (and Harry's help), she ripped open the wrapping paper to find a beautiful baby doll with lots of golden curly hair that was so like her own. Everybody cheered when the picked it up and presents were divided up. Aberforth left with a mug full of sweets and a fruitcake with an invitation to come by any time before the presents were divided. He resolved to return later on in the day to check on Harry's Occlumency shields after the presents at his own home were opened. Albus left with his brother too, but as he had a standing invitation they had no doubt that he's return with Abe.
Ginny was next, and she chose to open the present from her parents. Apparently that was the cue for everyone to rip open their parcels as well. Jasmine squealed with delight at unwrapping another present and promptly ignored the jumper in favour of the shining wrapping paper which was quickly torn to shreds.
'Molly was very busy with knitting this year' Harry thought as he tugged on his green jumper with Jasmine's 'help.' He noticed that everyone, even the Grangers had one and wasn't surprised when there were also hats, gloves and scarves since Lily and Hermione coordinated with Molly. Harry was pulled out of his musings when Sirius couldn't unwrap his present. He was proudly wearing a black jumper with a yellow 'S' on the chest, but the pout was too much for Harry who couldn't help but laugh.
"Okay, let me explain first. This present is from Severus and me..."
"Oh Severus, I just knew you cared!" Sirius said with fluttering eyelashes.
"Here, allow me." Severus scowled and unhexed the box.
Sirius' nose picked up a familiar scent, and with unfettered surprised exclaimed, "Polyjuice!" Sirius was very touched and was glad he had gotten something worthwhile for Severus when he and Harry met with a Goblin from Gringotts early last month. "I don't know what to say Severus, thank you, I...thank you."
It was Ron who broke the scene asking exactly whose hair was in the packet. He reasoned aloud, "Well, we all know the effects of adding cat hair...ouch!"
"It's Muggle." Harry said, "Some unfortunate chap had his hair whacked off in the underground."
"Yes, and he made it so easy having such long hair clipped in the back. He didn't even notice that his hair was gone."
"Well, since you've gone and given me such a worthy present, it is my honour to present you with this!" Sirius levitated a present in front of Severus, and the man snatched it out from the air.
Meanwhile, Harry gasped as he opened his box and saw a pensieve filled with memories. He read the note attached which said,
Harry,
We wanted to give a gift that you would treasure forever. There are copies memories from both James and me from various points in our lives, and many of the three of us after you were born. We love you always,
Mum and Dad
"Thanks Mum, Dad, I couldn't have asked for a better gift at all." Harry said in awe. He was rubbing his hand over the note in disbelief. This is even better than the album Hagrid put together fro me. He thought, and then horror replaced the happy look on Harry's face. "Hagrid! We forgot to send his present." He said.
Ron groaned and Hermione whispered, "I knew we forgot something!"
"Don't worry Master Harry Potter sir, Avig will take puppies to Mr. Groundskeeper." The small house-elf said while patting Harry's knee.
"Wait a second, let me write a card." Hermione said before scampering off to get one of the many blank cards that remained. Ron took a red and a green ribbon from another person's gift, while Avig brought the two pups and their carrier from headquarters. Of course, Sirius changed into Padfoot in an attempt to scare the poor things, but the pups nipped at his heels and rolled over by the nearest person for petting. It didn't take long for the pups to have ribbons tied around their necks before they were returned to the carrier. They were two Bullmastiffs that were small now, but Harry, Ron, and Hermione knew that that would change before long. The three decided that Fang was getting old and needed company, and so with Bill's help, had gotten the two puppies.
When the puppy commotion was over, Severus opened Sirius' present only to be rendered speechless. He kept looking at the book and Sirius without being able to say anything at all.
"Well, let us see." Harry said, being the nosy teenager he was.
"Everyone, mark this day in your calendar, Severus Snape has been rendered speechless by me, Sirius Orion Black on Christmas morning in the year ninteen..."
"Idiot." Severus finally said, but there was a slight flush of colour on his face. He couldn't believe that Black of all people had given him a first edition copy of Aran Heatherthorpe's Master's Guide to Potions. "You do realise what this is, don't you?" He asked, just to make sure the stupid fool knew exactly what he was giving away.
"Of course I do. Besides, I have another copy at Gringotts that came from Phineaus' side of the family. I don't know if you know this but his grandmother was a Heatherthorpe." Sirius explained as if it were nothing. "I definitely have no use for it, either copy. I know the notes written in the margin decreases the value of the book a bit, but I have no idea who wrote it, might just be old Aran himself!"
"Thanks Black."
"Eh, if you hadn't gotten me anything I don't think I'd've given it to you, but Polyjuice, and an entire box of it too."
Severus waved his hand and said, "You may thank your godson. It was his idea. I merely supervised the brewing."
"Don't forget, got the ingredients, stayed with it when I was in the dorms during the critical stages, and went hair shopping." Harry said with a grin. Poor Severus looked very uncomfortable with all the attention he was getting.
The gift giving continued without being too spectacular. Hermione got a joint present from the Potters, Sirius and Remus which was a scroll notifying her that an account was set up at Flourish and Blotts. Her eyes widened at the balance, and she gave each of them a hug in thanks. She also received a pretty bracelet from Viktor, a set of three glass roses from Ron, and several boxes of her favourite sweets from the others. Severus was surprised once again with a gift from the Grangers, which was a weekend at a spa which boasted a magnificent massage parlour. Neville ended up with plants from the orient, a three week all expense paid package on the continent with an invitation from a renowned Herbalist during the summer, a new tank and friend for Trevor, as well as a gift certificate to Honeydukes.
When it was Ron's turn again, he was slightly disappointed but didn't show it when Harry handed him an envelope. It wasn't that he was expecting something grand from his friend, but it didn't look like any of the gift certificate envelope he'd every seen before. It was rather large too. Puzzled, he carefully opened it and removed the contents. The papers were very official looking but he couldn't make head nor tales about it without further examination. It wasn't until he read a sheet of parchment with Harry's handwriting that fell out of the envelope that Ron understood what he had in his hand...then he fainted.
The next thing Ronald Weasley saw was a blurry Harry waving a hand in front of his face. "He's coming to guys, give him some room."
"H..Harry."
"Yes Ron?"
"Is this real?"
"Yes Ron."
"And I'm not dreaming?"
"No Ron."
"Okay." Ron said, and shook his head to clear it.
"What does eet say Ron?" Gabrielle asked.
Ron was still too stunned to read the note but managed to stammer "Oh uh, yeah it says that I..." before Hermione rolled her eyes and snatched the note out of his hand.
She read:
"Dear Ron,
Sirius and I decided that you were the best person to own one tenth of the shares of the Cannons. Yes, that means that you are part owner of the Cannons, how do you think we got the signed stuff for your room?
Sirius and Harry. Oh my goodness! Well, that certainly warranted a fainting spell or two, wow!"
Molly shook her head and said, "That's too generous of you Harry, and you too Sirius. You can't just give away something like that."
"Maybe I should explain, yes?" Sirius said. "You see, when Harry mentioned that Voldemort returned in his fourth year, a wartime clause in the Black will automatically went into effect. When I died, everything went to the heir, Harry, who was supposed to distribute things as I wanted as dictated by the clause. However, Harry never went to Gringotts to open the vault and read the will to distribute things. Then, to complicate matters, I came back through the veil, but the Blacks didn't include a clause for coming back to life."
"What does this have to do with giving Ron a Quidditch team?"
"I'm getting to that Molly, and it's only a tenth since Harry has the other tenth. Anyway, it originally belonged to my brother Reggie who like Ron here was a Cannons fan. Orange all the way! My parents purchased it after he was sorted into Slytherin, the jerk. Anyway, Harry wanted to give me everything back, but we negotiated, he kept a small portion of the gold and a few of the businesses that my relatives purchased all those years ago. I made him take the shares in the Cannons, and he chose to give half of it to Ron."
"But, but..."
"Let him keep it Mum." Bill said. "Besides, they aren't making that much money with their constant losing streak, right?"
"Oh fine then, but really Harry, that's too generous."
"You should let Bill take a look at those documents later on Ron." Arthur said with a smile. He leaned closer to Ron and Harry and said, "Don't worry about Molly."
"Yeah, okay. Um let me see, you have the option to turn over your shares to a family member if you want to play since you can't own shares and play. You'd have to go through tryouts and everything, but you'll bypass a lot of things." Harry said, and looked to his parents for anything else he was forgetting.
"Meetings." James said.
Harry and Ron were off into their own little world now as Harry explained what they could do with their shares. "Oh yeah, as owners we can go to the shareholders meeting and have a say in things. We don't have the majority of shares or anything, but if we vote together, our twenty percent can be a tie breaker."
"That means we could reorganise the team and some of its strategies, fire their coach if necessary, and hire someone who is capable."
"Yep, and we have first priority to buy if the other shareholders decide to sell too. Plus, there are several contracts up for renewal."
"I got to go to one of the meetings. Remember that day Dad took me to Diagon Alley? I thought I was going to burst when I got back! Dad made me put the entire memory into the pensieve."
Lily had been trying to get Harry's attention for the past few minutes, but Ron and he were so absorbed in their conversation they didn't notice. You couldn't drag the two of them away at all. It was then she noticed that Viktor joined into the conversation and decided to continue with the rest of the presents anyway.
It was finally evening time when Viktor left for his hotel. He wanted to turn in early for the Boxing Day Quiddtch match. Before leaving, he left the blank tickets and a sheet of parchment (which was numbered 1 through 25) that required a person's name before the tickets were made. This was the protocol for games on Boxing Day since two people from each section would be selected to meet the team after the match was over. Ginny, wearing a pretty necklace and bracelet set from Harry, sat with her brothers and boyfriend deciding who was going to the game. There were 25 seats in the box that Viktor reserved, but for security's sake, a few of those seats were to be filled by Order members. Because of Sirius now had Polyjuice and a packet of hair, he was able to go without much of a problem. James and Lily were to be there, as was Remus, Arthur, Charlie, and Bill. Fred and George (who missed the gift giving because orders needed to be filled) argued that they, along with the other adults were enough security. Of course, Ginny, Neville, Luna, Harry, Jasmine, Hermione, her parents, were to go as well.
Fred said, "Okay, that's 16 seats."
"Nine more to fill." George replied.
Ginny said, "Tonks maybe? If she's not on duty."
It was Rhea who asked, "How about Professor Snape, doesn't he want to go?"
"Dunno, let's leave one for him then."
"Where'd he go anyway?"
"Back to Hogwarts. Some third year used a hair growth potion on himself and er, had some problems that needed to be taken care of." Ron said with a smirk.
Ginny snickered and said, "Well, at least none of you did something stupid like that at 13."
"Yeah, I know." Bill said with a smile since there were other stupid things for 13 year old boys to do. Instead of mentioning that, he suggested someone else by asking, "How about Kingsley? Then we wouldn't have to worry about Mad-Eye."
"Damn, he'll insist on coming along."
"That's 7 including Kingsley and Alastor." Harry said.
Lily who came into the kitchen for a drink overheard them mentioning the Auror and said, "You'd better cross off Kingsley. He can't come because he's on duty tomorrow, not sure about Tonks though. You can definitely count on Alastor to be there."
"Urgh we forgot about Fleur and little Gabby."
"Alright, 6 now."
"Think Hagrid will come?"
"Getting closer, 5."
"Luna's Dad?"
"Okay, 4."
"Molly?"
"Doesn't want to go."
"Dad'll talk her into it, 3."
"Uh how about Lee?"
"Yeah, he'll come for sure! 2."
"Last one..."
"...up for grabs!"
"Albus." Harry said with a shrug, not sure the old man would even want to go.
"Sure, why not?"
In the end they had two left over tickets. After a couple of floo calls later, the group found that Tonks was on duty at the game instead of the Ministry so she didn't need hers and Hagrid wanted to spend the day with Grawp but thanked Harry anyway. Aberforth decided to join Albus and used up one of the spare tickets. Later that night, Harry sent Dobby to find Percy Weasley and offer him the ticket for the game. The last ticket Harry decided was to go to Mr. Amos Diggory, and Avig volunteered to deliver the quick request Harry had written and wait for a reply.
Percy Weasley was drunk, and quite happy to be so. It was after all, the happiest time of the year. However, when an oddly clothed house-elf appeared in front of him for a few minutes and disappeared, Percy believed it a dream.
Dobby returned from Percy's flat and went straight to Harry explaining in his own way that Percy was quite inebriated and stank of alcohol and perspiration. There was no sign of food in the kitchen either, Dobby explained. Together, Harry and he packed a basket for Percy containing food, nutrition potions and a sobering potion. Harry preferred the sobering charm to the potion, but knew Percy would be in no condition to properly cast the spell. The potion wasn't exactly a sobering potion however, since it caused the alcohol to leech out of the bloodstream at a higher than normal rate.
Harry mentally wished Percy a happy holiday while packing the vial into the basket because Harry knew that after drinking the potion, the former Head Boy would be worshipping the porcelain gods, sweating like a hog, and have a diarrhea within half an hour. He looked at Dobby standing there wringing his hands and fidgeting, and knew the little elf wanted to tell Harry the situation was too much for him to handle. However, as Dobby didn't want to offend Harry, he didn't say anything at all.
"It's okay Dobby, I know what you're thinking. We need some help on this one." Harry said. He went into the living room and saw two people who were not only capable of handling the Percy situation, but were also willing.
Harry said his excuses for interrupting the two men and asked, "Dad, Mr. Weasley, can I talk to you for a few minutes in private?" It didn't take long to explain the situation, and within minutes, Dobby guided the two men via Apparating jointly into Percy's meagre flat.
Arthur was surprised to see the filthy one bedroom apartment that Percy lived in. There were bottles of alcohol and cans of beers from the Muggle world strewn across the floor. Percy's hair had grown long, and he had a scruffy moustache and beard. Arthur grimaced at the smell emanating from the couch on which Percy was sleeping and with a nod to James, started casting charms to clean his son up.
Percy flinched and opened an eye when James touched him.
"Go 'way, jest dream." Percy mumbled, and put up a fight when James hauled him from the couch.
Arthur stood in front of the boy and said, "Perce? I's me, Dad, do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Not Dad. Moved, gone 'way, can't find home."
Arthur flushed guiltily. His boy had come home only to find his family missing. "Yes son, we did move temporarily. I tried to tell you but you didn't want to speak with me at work." He said. Arthur continued to speak with Percy while James cast a sobering charm.
Harry paced in front of the fireplace waiting for Arthur and James to return. He told Charlie and Bill what happened when he sent Dobby to give him the ticket for tomorrow's match. The two brothers didn't put up much of a fuss at all, but when Charlie explained to Ron what was happening, Ron stalked off saying 'the prat deserves it for making Mum cry.' He went to his bedroom to read through the stack of papers that was given to him earlier that day.
Since the girls were all upstairs doing makeovers and whatever it was they do whenever they get together, Molly would not see Percy. In fact, Bill suggested that Avig make himself available to the ladies so they had no cause to venture downstairs. Lily sent a note down with Avig asking what mischief they were up to, and Bill with a smile wrote:
We don't want you down here in our manly domain!
-Bill
"What's taking them so long, I wonder?" Charlie asked.
"Cool your herbs, bro. They've got to see what state Perce is in first before they move him."
Harry nodded and asked the two, "Should I floo #12 and ask Sev to bring some potions over or call for Poppy?" After the incident with the third year boy, Severus went to Grimmauld place.
Charlie nodded and decided that if Percy was in too bad a shape, all they'd have to do was get Molly downstairs. She had lots of experience patching people up, and before she became a housewife, volunteered at St. Mungo's on a regular basis.
Bill on the other hand, didn't want to wait, and left for Grimmauld Place anyway, to get Severus and to see if Poppy was there. Harry sent the potions in the potions belt Severus had given him with James. He didn't know if Percy needed anything else, but knew that to err on the side of caution was a good idea in any given situation. He closed the connection and went to find Severus.
"Come on lad, let's get you home and cleaned up for tomorrow, okay?" James said as he helped Percy to stand. They were going to use the floo to get to the Potter home. "I've got him Arthur. You go on ahead and set up a place for him."
"We might need to get Poppy, James."
"Alright, send Dobby to fetch her."
More notes that I'm sure no one is bothering to read.
Kaydine here again, I've got this chapter out for Gryff with one more coming real soon (most likely next Wed), and then there is a time skip. I'm told that you are supposed to be confused with the Goblin names Harry has because he is confused. He's got a LOT to learn apparently.
Information on the number three is taken from www dot greatdreams dot com slash three slash three.htm
Those were some pretty expensive presents Harry got for everyone, huh! Well, I thought he should have gone the simple route, but I'm not the author and she overruled me stating that for the first Christmas together like this, overindulgence is a must. I wonder how Harry will top the Cannons ownership for the next present giving event. Gryff said she wanted Ron to have something that his brothers didn't have. The others got expensive gifts as well. Hermione's balance was very large at Flourish and Blotts, the jewellery Ginny is wearing certainly is real, etc.
Three short chapters were combined to make this one. Some of it was cut and will never be seen again! Gryff is moving so she has no internet. Hopefully I won't forget the chapter like I did this one. She'll answer reviews over the weekend when she's properly moved in.
Happy Birthday Harry Potter and Jo Rowling! Without you both we would not be here tonight.
If you'd like to be a beta send a PM to Gryff. I've just put my email on her account temporarily.