REALLY sorry about the wait for this one, but there was a death in the family and school is trying to cause another death in the family… Anyway, I hope you like this chapter!
Chapter Eighteen:
Christmas at the Burrow
With an unfocused grin pasted across his face, Harry silently traveled from the Ravenclaw Common Room entrance to the familiar Gryffindor Tower. On the way there Harry noticed that the Owlery was full of students desperately sending messages home. The screech of all the owls echoing the children's tension filled the air, and could be heard all the way to the Charms Corridor.
When Harry finally arrived at the Portrait of the Fat Lady, she jumped in surprise,
"Oh! It's you! Gave me quite a fright…"
Then remembering her duty she demanded sternly, "Password?"
"Esu eht elteeb," muttered Harry and he entered the relative safety of the Common Room.
The first thing Harry noticed was Ron and Hermione. They had become one entity; connected by their mouths. Ron's hands were caught up in Hermione's bright hair. Students ran about the common room gathering up possessions. Ron and Hermione didn't notice. Harry was momentarily shocked to think that the two could be oblivious to the recent horror and the tumult around them. Then he recalled his own fleeting kiss with Luna. Maybe it was just those very brushes with terror that caused them to seek reassurance with each other. Sighing Harry walked past them and clambered up the steps to the Dormitory. He was suddenly drained.
The next morning Harry woke to find Dobby eagerly standing by his bed. His eyes screwed tightly shut and ears twitching. He was careful not to look at Harry for Harry had warned Dobby not to stare at him while he was getting up.
"Harry Potter is awake?" asked Dobby peering through half closed lids as if he wasn't quite sure.
"Yes," answered Harry. Then realizing what an odd question that was he asked, "Why?"
Dobby looked ashamed and replied with, "Well… Harry Potter has been walking and mumbling in his sleep sir."
Curious, Harry prodded, "Really? What was I talking about?"
"Um… well… Harry Potter was mumbling about…" began Dobby.
"What? You can tell me," stated Harry.
Dobby leaned in closer and whispered, "Harry Potter was mumbling about killing He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!"
Stunningly surprised Harry said nothing. Dobby took this as a silent command to change the subject.
"Dobby is here to serve Harry Potter breakfast," stated Dobby cheerfully, who was bouncing on the balls of his feet at the thought.
"That's not necessary… I can just go to the Great-"Harry stopped. All the destruction and pandemonium of last night must have completely obliterated the Great Hall.
"That'd be great Dobby," said Harry with a smile.
"Dobby knows exactly what will cheer Harry Potter up!" exclaimed Dobby.
And with that Dobby conjured eggs, kidney, and taters. With a wave of his hand Dobby also made a tiny fire appear. Pots, pans and other utensils were also floating in mid-air. This is where Dobby cooked all the food. The aroma of cooking awoke the others in the Dormitory, but Ron was the first to sit up sniffing hungrily. He was the most pleased to find that Dobby didn't mind at all making breakfast for everyone.
"Thanks Dobby," replied both Harry and Ron as Dobby happily handed them their plates, which filled were filled with enormous amounts of food.
"Dobby must go now sirs," stated Dobby, "Dobby must feed the misses."
And with that, Dobby disappeared.
"What do you think Dumbledore's going to do?" asked Ron, shoveling as much food he could fit onto his spoon into his mouth and groaning greedily.
Knowing instantly what Ron meant, Harry replied, "I have no idea. But whatever it is, he better think of it fast. You should have seen the crowd by the Owlery, but I noticed you were a bit busy when I got back." Ron blushed furiously but said nothing.
Just then Hedwig flew in and dropped off a copy of the Daily Prophet. She circled the room, and left the way she had come.
The first thing Harry saw on the newspaper was the headline that he knew was coming:
Attack at Hogwarts Causes Death of Minister Fudge
Last night Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry suffered a brutal attack by You-Know-Who, where the shocking and unexpected death of Minister Cornelius Politican Fudge took place. Due to the dire times we are living in, emergency laws were put into effect. These laws enable the personal assistant of the previous Minister to nominate an appropriate interim Minister. The choice is then evaluated by the Wizengamot. Percy Weasley, personal assistant to the late Minister, has chosen his father, Arthur Weasley, to act in the previous Minister's stead. The choice was immediately ratified by the Wizengamot. The people most content with Percy's decision were Albus Dumbledore and Amelia Susan Bones.
"Ron! Your dad's be named the new Minister of Magic!" exclaimed Harry excitedly.
"What?!" shouted Ron running over to Harry, nearly tripping over the messy pile of things by his bed.
When Ron got a good look at the paper he said, "I had no idea! Mum never told me about this!"
"Well congratulations Ron," stated Harry patting Ron, "It must have just happened. It's incredible that Percy chose your father."
Ron frowned and read the entire article, "Well I guess Percy finally got some sense in him."
Harry laughed. All of the sudden McGonagall's voice was magically amplified throughout the room,
"Will all students please report to the Entrance Hall in fifteen minutes? Bring your trunks and any other things that you need to return home. The use of magic to make these preparations is encouraged."
"I guess that's what Dumbledore is going to do; send us home," moped Ron heading to his trunk.
Harry hastily gathered all his things and haphazardly dumped them into his trunk. And as if instructed to do so, both Hedwig and Gawaine entered the owl cage sitting next to the wardrobe in the corner of the room.
"Colloportus!" exclaimed Harry, pointing his wand at the cage. "Cheer up Ron, it just means an earlier start to the holidays. We'll have a ripping time at The Burrow."
The cage shone for a moment as it was magically locked. Wiping his brow he pointed his wand at the trunk and cage and said,
"Locomotor!"
Harry went to the end-table by his bed and picked up Sirius who, as usual was sound asleep. Tucking the picture under his arm, Harry and Ron both walked down the stairs with their floating luggage to find Hermione waiting at the bottom with her own set of floating luggage as well. She looked up, slightly pink, smiled and murmured shyly,
"I just saw the Daily Prophet! Congratulations Ron!"
"Thanks," replied Ron blushing too as he met Hermione's eyes, "I don't know what Mum will do when she finds out. Maybe she already knows." The pair stood still just gazing at each other.
"I don't know," answered Harry a little exasperated with their mooning, "but we'd better hurry, or we're going to miss the train!" Ron started and then nodded and the three walked through the portrait hole and made their way down the steps into the Entrance Hall.
Dumbledore and the rest of the staff met the students in the entry. Through the end of the passage Harry and the others could just make out the ruins of the Great Hall behind them. It was a solemn moment. Harry could feel Dumbledore's eyes seeking him out in the throng Be prepared Harry, his voice echoed in Harry's mind Your time draws near.
Dumbledore now gazed out upon the students with a grave face. "We have decided in view of the recent events to cut the end of term examinations short. Classes are being dismissed early this term and all students are being sent home for the Holidays. Things will be put right never fear. Have a pleasant vacation. That is all."
Harry glanced over at Ron and Hermione who were still staring deeply into each others eyes apparently oblivious to their surroundings. "Ron," Harry nudged his friend, "Let's get going." They continued their walk through the large double doors onto the grounds where every other student appeared to be headed.
The carriages being pulled by the thestrals were coming up the path and Harry saw a look of shock and fear cross over Ron and Hermione's faces.
"What's wrong?" asked Harry worriedly.
"I can see them," replied Ron rubbing his eyes to make sure that he wasn't hallucinating.
"Me too," added Hermione who simply stared at them as if trying to memorize their every detail.
"I guess you both saw Fudge die…" said Harry.
This was an area that Harry wasn't comfortable talking about so he stopped and Harry, Ron, and Hermione boarded a thestral-drawn carriage. Harry realized just then that he was extremely tired and dozed off as the carriage made its way to the platform Dumbledore's words and his heavy responsibilities weighing on his mind.
When the carriage arrived at its destination at Hogwarts depot Hermione tapped Harry on the shoulder. When he awoke Harry stepped off the carriage and clambered onto the Hogwarts Express. It was extremely difficult to find a free cabin, but they managed.
Harry placed his trunk and Hedwig and Gawaine's cage at the end of the train. He then stepped back into the cabin and placed Sirius in the overhead compartment where he could rest quietly.
When Harry sat back down Ron and Hermione re-entered the cabin followed by a somewhat grim looking Lupin,
"Do you mind if I accompany you on the way to the Burrow?" asked Lupin.
"Not at all," chorused all three.
Lupin smiled and found himself a seat next to the window. Harry, Ron, and Hermione all settled themselves in just as the train began to stir.
"So, Moony- Do you mind if I call you that?" asked Harry.
"Not at all. Actually I would prefer if you called me that," replied Lupin stroking his hand wearily though his hair.
"So, Moony, why are you here instead of staying in the castle?" asked Harry.
"Well, Dumbledore insisted that I go and take some vacation time," replied Lupin.
"Well, that was awfully nice of him wasn't it?" asked Hermione.
Lupin nodded and stated, "Anyway, congratulations to you Ron. I think your father will make an excellent Minister."
"Thank you," said Ron.
"Is Luna's uncle all right?" asked Hermione.
"He's a little shaken, but he should be safe at Hogwarts right now. He'll be okay there. Voldemort will never suspect that we're still keeping him there after Voldemort got into Hogwarts," replied Lupin.
"How did Voldemort know that Gabriel was at Hogwarts anyway?" asked Harry.
"You know, that is an excellent question. It is also a question that I have been seeking the answer to for quite some time now," said Lupin.
Ron frowned slightly and then Harry thought of something he hadn't thought of asking before, "What was that spell that Dumbledore cast to drive Voldemort away?"
"I was wondering when you were going to ask that Harry," stated Lupin, "It is the Light of Azerath."
"What's that?" asked Hermione, clearly quite interested.
"Best not to say too much about it right now. You'll most certainly learn about it from a better source than I in your seventh year. Anyway, it's the universal force that makes all Light Spells work. Only the most powerful of wizards and witches and call upon that power itself," answered Lupin.
"Like Dumbledore?" asked Ron.
"Like Dumbledore," answered Lupin.
The four spent the rest of the time on the train to talk about other things. Finally the train rolled into the station and stopped and Harry got his things and stepped off the train, accompanied by Ron and Hermione.
After much effort, all four found Mrs. Weasley with Bill and Charlie.
"Merry Christmas dearies!" half-yelled Mrs. Weasley, "You too Remus."
"Merry Christmas Molly," replied Lupin wrapping a scarf around his neck; to protect him from the frigid air.
"Where's dad?" asked Ron.
"He's still at the office," answered Mrs. Weasley with a sigh, "I expect he'll be there for a while." "Come along everyone-you too Remus dear."
Harry was a little intimidated by Mrs. Weasley's forced mirth and since Harry could see Bill and Charlie kept a little distance from her and eyed her occasionally, obviously they were too.
"Dad's having one hell of a time finding a replacement for his old job," stated Bill, whose hair was as long as ever.
"Why? Are there not many people willing to take the job?" asked Hermione.
"There are. It's just Dad has to find the 'right' person," answered Charlie for Bill.
Ron sniggered and Hermione merely smiled weakly. Just then Ginny arrived and upon seeing Bill she ran and gave him a hug before doing anything else.
"Well, how are we getting home?" asked Ron.
Mrs. Weasley was busy counting bags and hadn't heard this but Bill replied with a grimace, "Mum's driving us."
"What?!" exclaimed Ron, "Is she mad?!"
"Yes," answered Charlie sighing.
The thought of Mrs. Weasley behind the wheel of car sent chills down his spine. As the Weasleys, Hermione and Harry made their way to the parking lot, Harry saw a flaming red mini horizontally parked on four spaces.
Mrs. Weasley took out the keys to the car and unlocked the doors by pressing the button located on the keypad. However, just before anyone could open a door, Mrs. Weasley locked the doors again. After unlocking them again Mrs. Weasley said giggling profusely,
"I'm beginning to see why Arthur loves muggle things so much!"
Harry clutched his side from suppressed laughter and neatly placed his things in the magically enlarged trunk. Then Harry stepped inside the mini to seats as wide as park benches every couple feet. Harry eagerly sat in his roomy seat and buckled his seat belt. The others piled in.
After Mrs. Weasley had started the car, she slammed on the gas pedal and sped down the crowded parking lot, sending people dodging left and right. Harry shared a frightened look with Ron and quickly returned his gaze to the front.
Mrs. Weasley spun the wheel and with a loud, "Wheee!" turned a corner and began to drive on the busy street. As if the road were clear Mrs. Weasley simply sped down the street.
"Mind that car Mum!" roared Bill.
"Do you want to drive?" asked Mrs. Weasley crossly as she scraped past the oncoming car.
"I actually think that'd be best Mum," replied Charlie pushing his body as far into the seat as he could.
"Don't get smart with me," said Mrs. Weasley turning wildly again, although the tone sounded strange and excited for Mrs. Weasley clearly liked making turns.
When they finally arrived at the Burrow, Harry stumbled out and was nearly sick. He could see Lupin sitting on the ground, head resting against the left-rear tire. When the worst of it had passed, Harry went to get his things from the trunk. After heaving his things inside, Harry noticed the immense changes in the Weasley's beautiful home.
While the simple "homey" feeling remained, the quality of the house had improved drastically. All the clocks and walls had been cleaned, though the wood had not been changed. Every aspect of the home was the same only now there was a fresh cleanliness and cheerfulness about it. The shabby feel was gone. Harry was sure that there was even an entrance to a small annex in the kitchen.
"Wow," whispered Ron, "The house looks great."
"It's even more beautiful now," replied Harry.
"That'll be Percy and Arthur's doing," stated Mrs. Weasley with a smile upon her face.
Harry was pleased that the Weasleys' fortune had taken a turn for the better. No family deserved it more than they did. Harry dragged his trunk up to Ron's room, followed by Hermione. Ron was carrying both his and Hermione's trunks, and Ginny with her things. "Ron, how thoughtful," gushed Hermione.
"See you in a minute Harry," huffed out Ron as he, Hermione, and Ginny separated from Harry in the hall to set off the direction of Ginny's room.
Harry nodded trying to hide his disgust at this pitiful display, and made his way to Ron's room. The room still looked exactly the same; everything from the color and the peculiar things contained in the room was as usual. Harry happily set down his own things and opened Hedwig and Gawaine's cage. They flew out and glided out of the room together.
Then Ron entered the room and said, "That's what you get for having a girlfriend. You have to buy her a Christmas present and carry her two-ton trunk up eight flights of stairs."
"You already bought Hermione a present?" asked Harry.
This announcement made it actually occur to Harry that he might need to buy Luna a present too; however, Harry reasoned that because of the budding state of their relationship, they shouldn't get too ahead of themselves.
"Yeah, I got her some chocolate…" answered Ron then whispering to Harry he continued, "…and another signed picture." He winked.
Harry and Ron erupted with laughter and they both merrily tromped back down the stairs to find Mrs. Weasley and Lupin talking.
"Are you sure you're all right Remus?" asked Mrs. Weasley worriedly, "I wouldn't want you to be ill again."
"Thank you, but I'm fine; honestly. I best be off to see Tonks; she wants to go Christmas shopping with me," replied Lupin, who still looked a little green.
"I could drive you there-" began Mrs. Weasley.
"No!" replied Lupin instantaneously, "I mean… I can get there myself. It'll be faster that way. I can just Apparate."
Harry and Ron who were already filled with mirth and laughter, chuckled over this.
"All right," replied Mrs. Weasley sadly.
With a loud crack Lupin vanished and Mrs. Weasley noticed Harry and Ron, "Make yourselves useful boys. Help me decorate the house."
The next week was spent preparing the already beautified Burrow with Christmas decorations. Mrs. Weasley kept everyone too busy to worry about the recent events at Hogwarts. Holly and wreaths could be seen in any room and the smells of Christmas baking entered Harry's nostrils. Christmas was coming and Harry was sure it would be the best one yet. There was even snow one night and the whole bunch spent the next day playing in piles of it.
It was a busy time. Harry hadn't seen Fred or George all week and Mrs. Weasley said that they were hard at work with some new joke. Mr. Weasley and Percy poked their heads in every once in a while. Being the new Minister of Magic Mr. Weasley was working hard, especially with Voldemort attacking Hogwarts.
It wasn't until one afternoon late in the week that Mrs. Weasley with a satisfied nod said,
"We're finished here. You all have had a stressful last week of term, its time for some fun. Let's go Christmas shopping."
Harry didn't really feel like going, so he said, "I'm already finished. I'll stay here."
Hermione and Ron both gave Harry suspicious looks but said nothing.
"Now Harry dear," said Mrs. Weasley putting on winter garments, "Bill and Charlie will watch the house while we're away. You get some rest dear."
Harry nodded and with that Mrs. Weasley, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny vanished into the familiar emerald green flames.
When they were gone Harry climbed up the stairs to Ron's room. He had an idea. Harry still needed to go Christmas shopping, but he didn't feel like going with so many people. Harry ignored the ghoul that was incessantly banging the pipes and the laughter that was coming from the room Bill and Charlie were using and entered Ron's room.
Harry opened his trunk and pulled out Infersia's Mirror and his wand. Placing his wand against the mirror and muttered,
"Vulgo!"
The green dot appeared again and Harry prodded it with his wand. Infersia appeared and said giggling, "You tapped? Sorry, I like to say that."
Harry chuckled. The complete oddness of Infersia always surprised him, "It's all right. I have a question."
Infersia lay on her back; fluttering in mid-air and replied, "Ask away."
"Can you go shopping for me?" asked Harry.
Upon hearing the word "shopping" Infersia flew as close as she could to Harry's side of the mirror, "Of course!" she shrieked excitedly
And without another word, Infersia pulled at the edge of the mirror as though she was turning a page in a book. When she was finished the complete view of Diagon Alley could be seen, without all the people.
"Where do you want to go first?" bubbled Infersia clearly enjoying herself.
Harry was startled by Infersia's sudden burst of enthusiasm and replied, "Can you take me to Quality Quidditch Supplies?"
Infersia frowned slightly and responded with little sigh, "-Boring things-Of course."
Harry spent a good hour picking things for his friends and the Weasleys. For Ron he got Official Chudley Cannon's Quidditch Padding and for Hermione he chose a new book entitled: Famous Hogwarts Alumni.
He drifted through a few other shops gathering gifts for the other Weasleys. Infersia was unenthusiastic by his uninspired selections but he stoutly refused the flaming chartreuse boa as an appropriate gift for Ginny.
After Harry had finished picking the gifts Infersia glumly reported, "It's time to buy everything…"
"What do I do?" asked Harry uncertainly.
"Just drop your money into the mirror… if you can bear it," stated Infersia, who looked like she was about to cry.
After Infersia had reported the amount that Harry needed to pay, he released a handful of Galleons and Sickles into the mirror. They vanished inside the mirror, issuing ripples throughout the glass. After a moment the pile of presents appeared by Ron's bed, fully wrapped. Harry noticed that the presents were wrapped a little… flamboyantly.
"I took the pleasure of wrapping your presents myself," Infersia informed Harry beaming.
Thank you. They're wonderful," Harry lied; he didn't care for so much pink and yellow in one square centimeter, but he couldn't bear to disappoint her any further.
After dismissing Infersia, the Weasleys and Hermione promptly returned. Each person was carrying a multitude of bags.
"Everybody up to the attic! We're wrapping!" exclaimed Mrs. Weasley gaily and with that she vanished up to the attic.
Hermione sighed and trudged up the steps. Ron looked wonderingly at Harry's pile of garish presents and said, "Went a little mad with the wrapping paper, eh?"
Harry just laughed and helped Ginny with her bags upstairs.
When they reached the attic Harry found Mrs. Weasley ushering Hermione into a tiny room where she could wrap in peace. Since all of Harry's presents were already wrapped; he watched in amusement as Mrs. Weasley ran madly from room to room, ribbon and wrapping paper flapping, calling out commands and suggestions. The smell of warm chocolate and peppermint filled the air. There was a good deal of shouting and laughter for the next hour or so.
When everyone had finished their wrapping, Harry helped himself to a good look at his presents from everyone else. Ron's gift to him appeared to be something in a miniscule box, Harry had no idea what this could be. Harry wasn't sure about Hermione's either; for she had attached his name to one of the most irregularly shaped gifts Harry had ever seen. Harry couldn't wait to open them.
"So, are you ready to sing carols?" asked Ron as he and Harry walked back down the stairs.
"Sure! I mean… I've never done that before…" exclaimed Harry just a little too quickly.
"Oh, you'll like it Harry," butted in Hermione, "I love to sing carols." The next hour passed happily around the tree. Everyone had their favorite tune and was anxious to hear it sung.
Harry had just finished delivering Hermione a warm smile after telling her how much he enjoyed the carols when he heard the arrival of Mr. Weasley and Percy in the front hall.
"Molly! We're home!" shouted Mr. Weasley.
Oh!" squealed Mrs. Weasley as she caught sight of and heard Mr. Weasley, "For how long?"
"Oh, not due back until after New Year," replied Mr. Weasley with a wink at Ron, Harry and Hermione, "However, I probably should check with Dumbledore every once and a while."
"Well, of course!" replied Mrs. Weasley. Nothing could diminish her Christmas spirit, "Well, wash up everyone. We're going to have Christmas Eve Dinner!"
"How's it going with finding a replacement Mr. Weasley?" asked Harry as he and Ron tailed Mr. Weasley to the washroom, while Percy trudged up to the upstairs one.
"Oh… Finally found someone I think. He's name is Andre Camadre. He happens to be from France and is more entranced with muggle things than I am!"
Harry found this incredibly hard to believe, but nodded all the same. Mr. Weasley continued as he began to wash his hands, "Anyway, his son is going to transfer from Beauxbatons and enroll in Hogwarts. He's in your year boys, so you'll be seeing a lot of him."
"What's his name?" asked Ron as it was his turn to wash.
"Luc Camadre. Very bright fellow from what I understand," replied Mr. Weasley.
"Good, Hermione will finally have some competition then," stated Harry with a chuckle.
Ron and Mr. Weasley all laughed and after they had all washed their hands, they reported to the Weasley's magically enlarged kitchen to have dinner.
The food was fantastic. There were bowls of pecans, peanuts, almonds, and all sorts of fruits and vegetables. There was sliced mutton on wheat bread, the traditional pudding, and there was even a black mountain that ended up being a gigantic chocolate cake. Harry wondered how Hermione could stomach all of this food after eating all the low-fat, healthy food from her parent's house.
Ginny was surprisingly outgoing and as loud as the twins at the table that night. Ron was his usual self and spent most of the time talking to Hermione. The twins were constantly playing tricks on everyone at the table.
"Boys!" roared Mrs. Weasley finally as she accidentally poured some fleas from Fred and George's Fleas-In-A-Flask into her eggnog, "No more tricks at the table!"
"Yes, mum!" replied Fred, faking one of his infamous "innocent looks".
Not five minutes later Charlie found one of Fred and George's fake wands in the place of his regular one and roared with laughter as it transformed into a rubber chicken. Mrs. Weasley didn't have any of it though,
"What did I just say!?" asked Mrs. Weasley, barely suppressing violent rage.
"But, Mum! That was George! I was the only one that pro-" began Fred.
"Be quiet! We're having Christmas Eve Dinner and this might be the last chance we'll have to be together!" blasted Mrs. Weasley as she stood, face fuming.
The table was eerily quiet after this. Fred and George didn't play anymore tricks at the table. It was only after Mrs. Weasley's fourth cup of eggnog that words began to be said again.
At the end of dinner, everyone walked to their rooms, bellies full. Harry was more worried about what Mrs. Weasley had said than he let on. What did she mean? Surely, this wouldn't be the last time they would be together like that.
Ah, but you're either going to end up dead or a murderer. Even if you live, your hands won't be clean enough for dinners like that to be the same, thought Harry darkly, recalling the dreams, Dumbledore's words and the recent events at Hogwarts.
Harry climbed into bed and didn't reply when Ron said good night. Harry kept his face covered and let silent tears come. Finally sleep overtook him…
"Wake up!" roared Ron's voice from outside the hall.
"Come on!" badgered Ron shaking Harry.
Harry's eyes sprung open, "What?"
"It's Christmas! That's what," replied Ron completely unaware of how Harry was feeling.
The thought of Christmas and the sight of a large pile of presents next to his bed raised his spirits a little and Harry grabbed the first one. Harry found that there wasn't a single thing he hadn't cared for.
In Ron's tiny, inconspicuous package, Harry found a Quidditch Card of "Swooping" Stan Abersum-Chudley Cannon's Power Chaser. From Hermione was a Captain's Clipboard where Harry could magically animate all his plays for the rest of the team to see. From Fred and George he received what appeared to be a leather belt with numerous pouches inside it. A thin sheet of paper fell from the folds of the belt and Harry read it:
Kavernous Kit
The troublemaker's keepsake. This belt will allow you to store infinite amounts of your favorite tricks inside the tiny, convenient spaces of the numerous pouches on the belt. Each pouch holds an infinite amount of items. The reason for more than one pouch is organization rather than space.
Harry carefully put this down and continued to open. From Ginny he received a bottle of Air-Ink. It allowed the user to inscribe words into the air and "blow" the message to a friend.
Lupin gave Harry a new mirror to replace the old, dusty, cracked one that Infersia had been living in and Moody gave Harry a trunk very much like the one Harry had discovered Moody in, in Harry's fourth year.
Next Harry opened his present from Hagrid. It was a sort of dragon-talon "pocket knife." Harry could unfurl a large talon from a piece of iron which he could use to cut rope or anything.
Percy seemed to be trying to make up with Harry, but failing miserably, for he gave Harry a copy of: Hogwarts Alumni Who Made It to the Top.
Harry was a little disappointed to find no Dursleys' gift at all, but was soon distracted as he opened the next present. Charlie gave Harry an old dragon charm that Charlie had said he had gotten from a damsel who he had rescued from a Romanian Tip-Wing in Bucharest.
Harry received an odd-looking crumbly rock from Bill. It also came with a letter that said:
I can't say anything, except that you'll hear soon.
-Bill
Harry frowned slightly and put the fragile rock down and made his way to his remaining presents. There were two. One appeared to be from Mrs. Weasley and the other Harry couldn't quite make out. Harry picked up the latter one out of curiosity and found that it was from Tonks.
It was a large purple books, littered with silver and gold lettering. It was entitled: The Magus Guide. As was the theme for Harry's gifts this year, it came with a note as well:
I realized from the day I met you that you have the potential to be a Metamorphamagus, or, possibly, an Animagus! Trust me. I can tell when someone has the "gift", and you definitely have it. Just choose it as your elective for one of your classes this semester. I'll tell you about it more later.
-Tonks
Harry was very surprised at this. When had he ever shown any evidence of being an Animagus, or even a Metamorphamagus? Harry shrugged and put down his book. After finding out that his last present was indeed Mrs. Weasley's usual sweater; he put it on. It was jet black like his hair and it had a white silhouette flying on a broomstick.
Harry watched as Ron finished opening the package from him and saw that Ron truly loved his gift,
"Oh, thanks Harry!" exclaimed Ron, "I saw these in the store while we were shopping. I was going to get them for you, but the clerk said a fairy had gotten the last one… As if a fairy would be playing Quidditch?"
"Yeah…" trailed off Harry, certain it had been Infersia, happy that it wasn't some other fairy, "Thank you for the Quidditch Card. I'm sure it's worth a few galleons."
Ron nodded happily as he pulled his new maroon sweater over his head. Let's go see if Hermione's finished. As Harry and Ron made their way to Ginny's room, they both heard a scream.
Not a scream of terror or fright, but a scream of despair and anger and it was coming from Bill's room. After they had completely changed direction and dashed into Bill's room, they found the twins and Charlie nearly on the floor with laugher. It wasn't until Harry looked at Bill did he notice.
Bill had a… haircut. His famous ponytail had been severed from his head and his thick hair ended just at the neck. Bill clutched his tail of hair in his left hand and glared fiercely about the room. Harry, had to admit that it didn't look all that bad. He now appeared to be a taller version of Ron.
"When did she do this?" begged Bill hysterically out of Charlie, "Tell me!"
"I don't know!" replied Charlie still laughing.
After Bill had left the room in search of Mrs. Weasley, Charlie said to Harry, "When he woke up he had a note left by Mum on his face. It said: "Merry Christmas, Bill!!" And she left the scissors right next to him!"
Harry and Ron roared with laughter and continued their trek to Ginny's room. When they had finally made it Ron said, "Have you seen Bill?"
"Yes!" giggled Ginny, "He was desperately searching for Mum right in here."
"Oh, Ron! Thank you for the chocolate… and the poster!" rang Hermione who stepped from in front of the door to reveal Ron's poster. Ron's image was constantly running his hand through his hair and smiling at some non-existent girl.
Harry chuckled and joined Hermione and Ginny downstairs for Breakfast. Harry found it more crowded than he suspected. Lupin and Tonks were avidly discussing something in one corner. Agapanthus was nearby simply listening but not really joining in the conversation. McGonagall was there conversing with Fred and George and apparently having a grand time.
Harry saw Moody standing alone in one corner and Mr. Weasley and Percy were talking in another. Snape was there as well, but Harry was pleased to see that no one was speaking with him.
But, then someone was there that Harry didn't expect. Gilderoy Lockhart.
"Harry! How are we?" asked Lockhart upon seeing Harry. He flashed a stunning smile across the room.
Harry wasn't quite sure if Lockhart had fully recovered. He still was wearing a simplistic smile and he still had the mad glint in his eye that had been there the last time Harry had seen him.
"I'm fine," replied Harry, "I didn't realize you would be here. I'm sorry, I didn't get you a present."
"That's okay Harry! I didn't get you one either!" exclaimed Lockhart with a booming laugh the smile still on his face, still showing all of his pearly white teeth, "Well, can't be talking all day. See you."
And with that Lockhart flamboyantly exited the room with extravagant swishes of his magenta robes.
"Some things never change huh?" asked Ron suppressing a snort.
"I guess," chortled Harry.
As Harry entered the kitchen everyone was suddenly quiet. Mr. Weasley stood up and said,
"Happy Christmas Harry!"
"Happy Christmas, Mr. Weasley," replied Harry.
"I have something to tell you," stated Mr. Weasley, "in private."
Harry nodded and followed Mr. Weasley out of the room into the drawing room at the front of the house. Mr. Weasley looked around and said gruffly, "Well, you've saved my life and the lives of nearly all my children the other night. I want to reward you for it. I can't imagine life without Ron or Ginny or any of them… Anyway, as thanks I wanted to give you a little break from all this pressure. Dumbledore has agreed as long as you have a large guard."
"What is it Mr. Weasley?' asked Harry.
"Well, for Christmas you're going to Egypt with us. First thing tomorrow."