Disclaimer: For a full disclaimer see Chapter 1.
Chapter 29. Tis Better to Give than Receive
Harry and Ginny were still sleeping when there was a loud knock at their door. Ginny pulled the pillow over her head. "Come on, you two! It's Christmas and there are presents!" Harry looked at Ginny and laughed when he realized who was on the other side of the door.
"We'll be down in a minute, Padfoot!"
"A minute's too long!"
"Sirius, leave those two alone!" That had to be Katie.
"Come on! Let's go see what I got!" The footsteps let Harry know that Sirius had headed downstairs. He looked over at the clock. It was barely after six and the sky was definitely pre-dawn. Just as he started to fall back into his pillow, there was another knock on the door.
"Harry?" That was Minerva's voice.
"Yes?"
"Sirius, Albus and Arthur are driving us crazy downstairs. Can you get up and come down?"
"If I ever get bloody time to," he said under his breath. "Coming!" he called out. "Come on, Gin, it's time to get moving."
"I'm up," she laughed. "Let me grab some clothes." She got out of bed and pulled her robe on over her bare skin. "It's cold!"
Harry laughed. "Okay, Gin. I'll get dressed now, too. I think the 'boys' will explode if we don't go down soon."
***
Albus, Remus and Sirius were sitting at the kitchen table drinking tea while listening to Arthur telling stories of past Christmases. Occasionally Molly would look up from her cooking when they would laugh. She smiled as he recounted this event or that event as they all reminded her of happy times. She remembered how Ginny and Ron would be the first ones up, driving everyone else crazy. Minerva had just come down from knocking on their doors because they were the ones sleeping in; the four sitting at the table had been driving the others crazy with anticipation until Katie had commented about past Christmases and gotten Arthur started.
Molly glanced over at Katie and Emma, who were magically peeling and slicing potatoes. She really liked those two and the effect that they had on Sirius and Remus. Harry seemed happier, too. Poor Harry! He had never had a family Christmas before he started coming home with Ron. Molly and Arthur had discussed with Albus more than once about becoming Harry's guardians. Albus was adamant that he needed to stay with those awful Muggles; finally they talked him into only making him stay one month each year, which kept the wards and charms active. The rest of the time, they had him come to the Burrow. Arthur and Albus had placed wards over it too; not only because of Harry, but because of the other children. But they had never told Harry, and she didn't see the need to tell him now.
She looked over at the table again, watching the four men. Arthur was dressed like a Muggle Father Christmas. Sirius and Remus wore casual robes. Albus barely even looked like himself. He was wearing Muggle pants and shirt. His feet were covered with pink socks with the letters 'AD' on them. Molly stifled a giggle.
Minerva looked up from where she was baking rolls at Molly and smiled. "If only his students knew," she smiled. "This is how he dresses when no ones around."
"Those are…interesting socks," snickered Molly.
"Dobby gave those to him last Christmas."
***
Harry was just coming out of the bedroom when Ron and Hermione's door opened. Ron followed Hermione out and the four of them exchanged "Happy Christmas" greetings before they headed downstairs.
Just as Molly saw them on the steps, there were sounds coming from the living room. In walked Percy, Penelope, Fred and George. Percy and Penelope were dressed similar to Remus and Sirius with nice but casual robes. The twins, however, decided to make a more colorful fashion statement. One was dressed from head to toe in forest green; the other, in bright red.
Everyone stared until Ginny burst out laughing. "Hello, red Fred and green George!"
The twins smiled. "Hello, sister dear. How lovely you've figured us out. Happy Christmas, all!" said Fred.
"Let the Mayhem begin!" added George. Everyone laughed.
"And you're all in time for breakfast, so let's eat." Molly's announcement got everyone moving toward the table as she and the other cooks started levitating items to the table.
After breakfast, Molly and Arthur led everyone into the new family room, where the tree that Harry and the others had found was set up. Albus quickly added several squishy chairs and couches so that everyone could be comfortable. After everyone had found a seat, Molly waved her wand and piles of presents appeared in front of each person. Harry looked at his pile and noticed that there were some from Tonks, Shack and others. He looked at Molly. "Some owls arrived earlier this morning," she whispered.
Everyone opened their presents. Harry got a book on chess strategies from Ron and Hermione and a new watch from Remus that showed the phases of the moon. Molly and Arthur had gotten him four tickets to the Quidditch World Cup next summer, and Fred and George gave him a book with blank pages. He looked at them strangely until they took him aside and explained.
"Well, Harry, we got the idea from what happened to Ginny her first year. This diary is blank until you activate it. Then you hand it to someone that you want to find out more about; say, a Death Eater. All they have to do is hold it for a few seconds and then you can take it back and write your questions in it. The book will give you the answers. We thought that something like this might be useful for a budding young Auror."
"It will! Thanks, you two."
"Just keep Gin-Gin safe."
Harry looked to see what the others had gotten. Ginny got a hand mirror from Katie. Albus got some dragon hide gloves from Charlie. Hermione got Gilderoy Lockhart's Guide to Household Cleaning from Molly. Percy got an Executive Quill set from Bill.
Harry looked at Ginny and smiled. "Gin, can you hand me that bag behind you?"
Ginny picked up the bag and handed it to Harry. "It's not very heavy," she pouted with the ends of her lips curving up.
"That's because it's magic! Happy Christmas, dear!" He pulled out a large box that could not have fit in the bag if it weren't magic. He handed the box to Ginny and she began to unwrap it. Inside was a clock like the Weasley clock; the difference is it only had two hands. "Your dad told me who made the one in the living room." She grabbed Harry and hugged him.
Harry began rummaging around in the bag and pulled out another box. "Okay, Hermione, your turn." Hermione took the package and smiled at Harry. She unwrapped it to reveal a Muggle memory book. She gave Ginny a hug and Harry a kiss on the cheek as she and Ron thanked them.
After that came Ron's present; a nameplate for his desk. Then Harry found Molly and Arthur's present; two ticket vouchers for a cruise to Greece. Remus got a wand polishing kit; Emma got some earrings. Albus and Minerva got matching watches.
After Harry had passed out the presents for Percy, Penelope, Katie, Dobby and Winky, he started to put the bag back away. Three heavy sighs were heard from Sirius, Fred and George. Harry burst out laughing. "What's wrong, boys?"
"Nothing," they all three said in unison. Everyone laughed. Harry looked at Ginny mischievously, then at everyone else.
"Sorry, boys, I couldn't fit your presents in the bag." At that, they all brightened and sat up in their seats. "Follow me." Harry got up and headed into the kitchen followed by everyone else. He walked over to the kitchen table and picked up some envelopes. He handed one each to Fred, George and Sirius.
"These wouldn't fit in your bag?" asked Sirius.
Fred looked up from the papers he was reading that had been in his envelope. "I wouldn't bloody hell think so, Sirius!"
"Fred! Language!" said Molly.
George let out a Whoop! Sirius opened his and his eyes got really huge. "Harry?"
Ginny came up and hugged Harry. "He wants to Sirius. It's best not to argue," Ginny added.
Fred and George had run outside as Sirius turned to Katie. He handed her the letter and then turned around and hugged Harry. "Uh, Sirius…he needs to breathe."
Sirius let Harry go and hugged Ginny. Katie was in tears. Harry looked at them and smiled. "I know Dad would have wanted you to have it, Sirius." At that moment, everyone heard a loud noise outside. They ran to the windows to see Fred and George drive up in matching red convertibles. The license plates read "Gred" and "Forge".
Everyone admired the cars, but kept asking Sirius what his present was. Harry explained that when he had gone to Gringotts to look in the Potter vault, he had found two copies of a portrait and just given one to Sirius. It was a portrait of James, Lily and Harry painted shortly before their death.
***
Draco sat there alone. He relished the power he had…but missed his friends. For the first time in many months, he felt a small ping of regret. No more Christmases to enjoy with friends…no more walks with a girl holding her hands. He had denied himself life's simple pleasures. Inside he could feel Voldemort's rage building. He was only himself for short periods of time as the power of Voldemort rested to recharge itself. He could feel it stirring as it began to take control once more.
In walked one of his followers with his food tray. Draco's once relaxed features again became a snarl. He looked with disgust at his follower. "You were late…"
"I know, sir, but the kitchens…"
"No excuses. CRUCIO!!" He reveled in the pain he saw before releasing. After all, it was Christmas…tis better to give than to receive.
***
Neville and Luna had just gotten to the Burrow when Harry felt a twinge of pain in his scar. He had been expecting it all day. It was over as soon as he felt it, but his reaction brought a squeeze on his hand from his wife. He looked at her and smiled to let her know he was okay. He grabbed Neville's hand and shook it and then gave Luna a hug.
They sat down on the couches and exchanged their gifts. Harry and Ginny had gotten Neville an Invisibility Cloak and Luna a nice set of combs made from seashells. Neville and Luna got Harry a small monogrammed briefcase and Ginny some perfume. The four friends thanked each other before joining everyone for Christmas Lunch.
Lunch was wonderful; Molly and the Elves really outdid themselves. The rest of the day was spent happily spending time together and playing. Harry managed to beat Ron once and Albus twice at Wizard's Chess. George and Fred took everyone for rides. Harry sat back and smiled. This was his best Christmas ever!
***
The following day, Harry, Ginny and Minerva said their goodbyes and headed for the London house; Albus went back to Hogwarts, Remus had to go for his first treatment at the Ministry and Sirius and Emma went with Katie to help her out at the store. George and Fred had left Christmas Night as they were expecting lots of customers and wanted to be at the store. Ron and Hermione were flooing over this morning to help them. Molly had gotten up expecting to have a huge mess to clean up; but the house was spotless. Dobby and Winky had cleaned it all up before leaving.
After everyone had left, Molly and Arthur sat in the kitchen having tea and biscuits. "It was a wonderful Christmas, wasn't it, dear?" remarked Molly.
"That it was, darling. That it was."
"Did you see Harry's expression when he opened the tickets?"
"Yes, he could have swallowed an egg with his mouth opened that wide!" They both laughed.
"And when he gave that portrait to Sirius..." Molly's eyes started glistening. "I was so proud of him."
Arthur looked at his watch and then leaned over and kissed Molly. "Sorry, but I have to run, dear. I have a meeting early this morning. I'll try to pop in for lunch." He grabbed his hat and disappeared.
Molly cleared the dishes and straightened the table.
***
Harry and Ginny were sitting in the formal dining room talking with Minerva and Ross, the butler. "I think, Mrs. Potter, that it has been too long since this house hosted a formal dinner party. The last party of any type held here was Master Harry's first birthday party. We can expand this room to accommodate as many as one hundred guests; in its current state it can seat forty," added Ross.
"Actually, Harry, a formal New Year's Eve celebration might be fun," said Minerva. "Ladies in elegant dresses and men in tuxedos…I think everyone would have a lovely time!"
"It would be worth it to see what Fred and George come up with…" chuckled Harry. "Let's do it! How should we proceed, Ross?"
"Well, sir, we must have the guest list prepared first. Why don't you and the two ladies do that while I ask the elves for some menu ideas?"
"Sounds good, Ross…and thanks."
"No need to thank me, Master Harry. It is good to be able to perform my duties again. Shall I recall the entire staff?"
Harry looked at Ginny, who smiled. "Please do, Ross. In about six months we shall full reopen the house."
"Very good, sir. I shall go speak to the elves now. Let me know when you have the list prepared. I shall call Mrs. King and have her come over immediately to prepare the invitations." Ross turned and walked toward the kitchen.
"I just don't know if I am going to get used to this," said Ginny looking at Minerva.
"I'm sure Lily felt the same way, Ginny. Now, who would you like to invite?" She transfigured a napkin into parchment and summoned a pen.
***
By the time Ron and Hermione got back to the Burrow that evening they were beat. George and Fred had been correct in predicting a busy day; Sybill Trelawney would have been proud of them. They walked into the kitchen to find Molly sitting reading a letter while sipping her pumpkin juice.
"What have you got there, Mum?" asked Ron.
"Why don't you see for yourself?" She pointed to an unopened envelope on the table. Hermione picked it up.
"To Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Weasley..." She opened the envelope and read out loud. "Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter request the honour of your presence for dinner and dancing at the London home on Thursday, December 31st at 5:00 PM. Please RSVP by tapping your wand or index finger on this parchment twice. Formal Muggle Dress will be observed."
"That sounds lovely," said Molly. She took out her wand and tapped twice. The parchment glowed momentarily and transformed into a ticket that read 'Your RSVP has been received. We will be looking forward to seeing you on Thursday, December 31st at 5:00 PM in formal attire. Signed, Harry and Ginny.'
***
Ginny watched as the guest register magically added names. After she watched her Mum and Dad's names appear, she saw Sirius and Katie; Remus and Emma were soon after.
Within an hour, all the guests had responded in one manner or another; only two (Charlie and Seamus) owled back to say they couldn't attend. All the other guests had added their names to the list. Harry had originally counted thirty-six guests; with himself and Ginny that would be thirty-eight. He wanted to leave two chairs vacant in honor of his father and mother to which Ginny readily agreed.
Between Minerva and Ross, the initial preparations for the party had been completed in just the first day. As they sat down to dinner that evening, Ginny thanked Minerva for all her help.
"No need to thank me…it was fun to plan a party!" she exclaimed.
"I hope this doesn't sound rude," Ginny said hesitantly, "but you should show this side of yourself more at Hogwarts. I always learned a lot in your class but it wasn't always fun."
Minerva glared at Ginny for a few moments before smiling. "I act the way I do at school to maintain discipline and to help the students work harder to get ready for life after Hogwarts. I know my methods aren't always popular, but my students perform better on their OWLS and NEWTS than other professors."
Ginny was afraid she had upset Minerva. "I didn't mean anything negative..."
Minerva smiled and patted her hand. "I know you didn't. Nothing to worry about, my dear. But if you would, please pass the roast. I'm famished!"
Harry and Ginny laughed as Minerva took some of the roast. Soon she was laughing, too.
***
The next few days went by quickly. Harry and Ginny were busy overseeing preparations with Minerva and, occasionally, Molly's help. Harry found a book in the library of the Potter family history that was magically updated as things happened and found out that the Potters were always well-known. His great-great grandfather had even been Minister of Magic.
The entire staff that had been employed when his parents were alive had been located and re-hired, except for one person. That one had passed away several years before. The addition of all these people made the house seem busy at times. It also made it impossible for Harry or Ginny to do anything for themselves because so many people wanted to help.
Before they knew it, December 31st had arrived. Minerva sent them off so that she could review the final preparations. Ginny decided to rest and Harry went once again to the library and opened the Potter family history. He spent the morning reading, only being interrupted by the servants to bring him tea and clean up.
After lunch, Harry decided to take a short nap. He lay down on the bed and closed his eyes. After awhile of tossing and turning, he drifted off. He started to dream about his family. From his early ancestors to his parents, he watched the history he had read as if it were a movie.
He woke up with tears in his eyes. Ginny was awake lying next to him. She gently placed her fingertips against his skin as he leaned over to kiss her. She responded hungrily to his kiss, surprising herself. Dreams forgotten, Harry and Ginny found warmth and love in each other's arms.
***
Minerva was finishing getting ready for the party when someone knocked at the door. She opened it to find Albus standing there dressed as requested in a Muggle tuxedo. She moved toward him and hugged him as he bent down to kiss her forehead. "Miss me, my dear?"
"Albus, you know I did. But it has been wonderful here with Harry and Ginny. They are so good for each other."
"Just as you and I are, my dear."
"You are right. Let me look at you." She walked around him admiring his tuxedo. "Where did you find this?"
"Madam Pince's brother is a tailor and he was kind enough to make it for me."
"Well, remind me to thank him. You look wonderful."
"Thank you, my dear. Shall we go downstairs?" He took her arm and they exited the room.
Harry and Ginny were downstairs in the entrance hall ready to greet their guests as they arrived. Harry watched as Albus and Minerva gracefully came down the stairs. He smiled at them as they approached and moved to hug Albus and kissed Minerva on the cheek. They stood next to Ginny as the doorbell rang and Arthur followed Molly in. Molly admired Ginny's gown as she kissed her daughter and son-in-law. More guests started arriving; Remus, Emma, Katie and Sirius arrived together. Ron and Hermione were close behind them.
As the guests arrived, Ross had footmen to assist with coats, while there was a bar set up to serve drinks until dinner. As the last guests arrived, the footmen went to their appointed places to assist with dinner. Since there were Muggle guests intermingled with the Wizarding ones, Ross had suggested that the servants should be used instead of the normal house elves.
After Ginny and Harry could leave the receiving line, they walked around and greeted their guests informally. Harry said hello to Lee Jordan and Lavender Brown on his way to ask Arabella Figg how she was doing. "Hello, Mrs. Figg."
"Hello, Harry. I'm sure you remember my old neighbor from Little Whinging, Mr. Trundle," she added, gesturing to an older man to her right.
Harry looked at the unfamiliar man. "I'm sorry; I don't believe we've met, sir. My name is Harry Potter."
"I've heard about you, Mr. Potter," Mr. Trundle said with a barely disguised sneer. "Arabella has talked about you."
Harry noticed the man's reaction but ignored it. "Well, welcome, Mr. Trundle. If you have need of anything, please let one of the staff know. If you'll excuse me?" He nodded to them both and moved on.
Ginny walked over to where Colin was standing. "Hi, Colin. Thanks for coming!"
"Hi, Ginny. Thanks for inviting me! When I told my mother where I was going tonight she about flipped. And Dennis was green with envy!"
Ginny laughed. "Where's your date?"
"She went to powder her nose or something…ah, here she is." He smiled as a pretty brunette came walking toward them. "You remember Natalie, don't you?"
Natalie smiled as she stopped next to Colin. "Thanks for the invitation, Ginny. I can't believe that I am standing with the girl that Harry Potter married! This is so Merlin!"
Ginny giggled and winked at Colin. "Natalie, around here I'm just Ginny…no big deal, ok?"
"What's no big deal?" asked Harry as he joined the group. "Hi, Colin! Natalie, right? Fifth year treating you okay?"
Her smile brightened. "Yeah…it's great. Thanks for letting us come."
Harry hugged Ginny and laughed. "Glad to have you. And relax! No one here bites…that I know of anyway." They all laughed. Harry kissed Ginny on the cheek and moved on to another group.
Colin watched him go. "He's good for you, Ginny."
Ginny looked at her husband lovingly. "I know, Colin. Thanks."
***
Tonks and Moody stood at their posts watching the Potter home. From their vantage point on the rooftop across the street, they had a good view of the whole front of the house. Shack was watching the back. They watched as everyone arrived and checked the names of the guest list.
Shack watched the rear of the house from an apartment across the street. He stood in his invisibility cloak so no one would see him in the window, but he could watch everything. Nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Harry would have been upset if he had known that they were on duty; that is precisely why no one had told him. Shack was very protective of every Auror assigned to his team, and he knew that Harry would be at the most vulnerable in his own home. He thought that Harry deserved some happiness, and he was determined to let him have it.
He was about to turn away from the window to get a drink of water when he caught some movement out of the corner of his eye. He turned toward that direction, but saw nothing. Using the skills he learned as a young Auror, he closed his eyes and tilted his head to listen for any sounds. He didn't hear anything for a few moments; then he heard a faint wheezing from below him in the alley.
He looked to see if he could make out Tonks or Moody at their posts, but the moon had gone behind a large cloud. Peering intently into the darkness, he watched for any sign of movement near Harry's house. Just as the moon came from behind the clouds, he saw something dart into the shadows near the fence. He quickly moved away from the window and headed downstairs. Noiselessly opening the door, he peered out, but the moon was hidden in shadow again. He quietly stepped outside, making sure that the door closed silently behind him. He turned towards Harry's house as the moon came out again and saw a figure dressed in black robes opening the gate. He slipped his wand from its holster and sent a stunning spell at the intruder. He watched as the figure slumped and dropped to the ground. Instead of running up, he waited a moment to see if anyone else would follow him. The moon kept playing its game of hide-and-seek, but the second figure was also caught and similarly stunned. Shack levitated both bodies into the yard where he was and tied them up after checking for weapons.
Tonks was telling Moody a story about when she was young when he held up a hand to silence her. She looked in the direction of Harry's house and saw what had alarmed him. Five figures were moving stealthily toward the front entrance. Both Aurors jumped on their broomsticks and took advantage of the cloud cover to move swiftly to the ground and behind some shrubbery. Moody smiled at Tonks as the first figure touched the handle of the gate and disappeared. The second was gone before they had realized what happened; meanwhile Tonks and Moody quickly took care of the remaining figures and transported them back to their rooftop to continue their watch.
***
After dinner had been served, Harry and Ginny led everyone to the large drawing room, which had been cleared of all furniture. A stage had been erected at one end and a band was setting up. As the music started, Harry and Ginny led the others onto the dance floor. They danced for most of the evening pausing only occasionally for a break until Midnight. They all counted down together and Harry had champagne ready to toast the New Year. At midnight, everyone hugged and kissed. Shortly after, guests began leaving, never knowing what had happened in the street. Most of Ginny's family and a few others retired to their rooms. One of the last to leave was Arabella Figg and her escort. She said goodbye to Harry and hugged Ginny. Harry escorted her to the door and wished her a safe trip back to Hogwarts. He was closing the door when he heard two soft pops outside; opening the door to look, he saw no one. Shrugging his shoulders, he yawned and locked the door before heading off to join his wife.
