24. Notes

Harry took in the frigid Christmas weather. The boy could see his breath dissipating into the air. By his side was the every captivating sight of the Pale Lady. As a break of pace, her typically black top was replaced with a beautiful dark red blouse. Instead of pants, the Pale Lady wore a well-made long black skirt.

Harry could feel the odd texture of her gloves as he held firmly to her hand so that he could guide her. The holiday cheer was infectious between them as they made their way through the nearly empty halls.

When they reached the correct room, Harry got in front of her and opened the door for her. "As always, you have my thanks, little gentleman."

Harry nodded and showed her in. The room was far more expansive than it seemed from the outside. Red and gold carpets covered hardwood floors. Each of the various windows had golden drapes with flora stitched into them. If one looked closely, they could see it growling and twisting.

A cozy fireplace was located in the middle of the room. The flames crinkled liked crushed leaves. A grand tree stood beside the flames. It was dense and rose to the ceiling. It was decorated with red and gold ornaments, some taking the form of fruits. On the very top of the tree was a brightly lit star.

The most prominent feature of the room was the Christmas music playing softly, making the area fill up with warmth. Magical snowflakes fluttered to the ground, but didn't pile up.

"The room looks lovely. How did you select this location?"

"I asked Dobby, who asked some of the house elves who directed us to this room. It became as large as I wanted and I just filled it up with decorations. Do you like it?"

The Pale Lady chuckled after taking another look around the room, "Absolutely. The most touching thing is how much effort you put into it. Now excuse me." She strolled in and Harry just thought she walked oh so graciously.

Underneath the tree was a single gift in a rectangular red box with a bright green bow. Harry forcibly slowed his walk to the gift. With great care he brought it over to his awaiting company of the morning.

She smiled and said her thanks as she opened the box, while Harry was on pins and needles. Once the cover was removed, she took a sculpture from the paper wrap. It was a sculpture of a magenta Zinnia. The petals extruded on all sides evenly. In between the petals was a jewel like appearance and the stem was just a bit slanted.

"It's for your hair. I know you like simple black, but you should have things as pretty as you", Harry said, though he doubted that such an object could actually exist. Still he felt wholly confident about its construction.

The Pale Lady's eyes grew warm at the gesture. Carefully she returned the gift to the wrapper. She then reached for her hair and formed it into a ponytail, "Will you put it in for me?"

Harry gulped and nodded. He took his gift and walked behind her. Sliding off the cover of tip, Harry took hold of the ponytail. The texture of her hair was rich to his fingers' touch. Its luster gleamed underneath the light and it had the feel of silk. Taking great care not to tangle her hair, Harry slid the ornament through the point where the hair narrowed.

When Harry clipped the bottom back on, the ornament melded with the hair to keep it in place. "It suits you."

"I feel the same as well", the Pale Lady quipped with a smile. Though Harry couldn't figure how she could've inspected her hair without a mirror, but if anyone could it was her. She gestured for him to return before her. "Thank you, Harry. It means a lot that you went through such lengths to make me such a gift."

Harry mentally waved her off. It was completely his pleasure. As time went on, the project became a hobby. But most of all, that smile of delight on her face made all the research, practice, nicks, and time spent worth it.

"It is not often I receive such gracious gifts. As a matter of fact, I am often one of the last beings a person wishes to see. For a time, it really bothered me. I grew out of that self-pitying stage and learned to appreciate myself. But it's always nice to feel welcomed."

"It is their loss if they don't appreciate your presence. You're a good person, you shouldn't have to apologize for being you."

She nodded in agreement. "Despite your youth, you have a fair glimmer of wisdom. Now it's my turn. Come closer." Harry followed her directions. With a light touch, she plucked a single hair from his head. When she brushed her fingers across the hair, it formed into a raven's feather. She then took the string that hung around her neck and broke a piece. The whole stayed complete and the detached was of generous length.

She took the detached piece and wrapped it around his head. When she was satisfied, she hooked the feather onto the makeshift headwear. "And Let This Be The Symbol Of The Being Harry James Potter."

"This belongs to you now. Shape it to your representation. I await to see the results."

Harry ran his hand over the headwear and felt more complete than he did before.

"Oh and there's one more gift for you." Her lips pressed against his cheek as she kissed him.

A black lipstick mark was left upon his cheek. Harry froze and blushed darkly. Warmth traveled from the cheek straight to his chest. If he had opened his mouth, he wouldn't have been able to form proper words.

"That is for being so charming. Now that dinner your house elf friend of yours just put on the table smells delightful, will you be joining me?"

It was an unnecessary question, but it brought Harry back to reality as he continued to be the best host he could be.