Chapter Thirty-Three: Christmas Shopping
Over the next few days, the Gryffindor members of the Phoenix Guard arrived at the Manor. Harry received many letters from the others explaining how sorry they were but prior engagements kept them away. Two days before Christmas, Harry announced to Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, Lavender, Parvati, Padma, Katie, and Blaise that he was leaving for the day. Harry apparated to the Leaky Cauldron. The first stop Harry made was to Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes.
"George! Look who it is!" shouted a twin, who Harry could only assume was Fred.
Harry saw the other twin's head poke out of a curtain covering a door to the back. Harry assumed that he was indeed George.
"Harry, excellent to see you again," said George pompously as he strode up to Harry and shook his hand.
"Simply smashing," added Fred as he shoved his brother out of the way to shake Harry's hand.
"Fred, if you would, please explain our plan to our superb benefactor," said George.
"It would please me exceedingly," said Fred, "You see, young Harry, since our business is booming, we have decided that it was time to pay you back for giving us our start. We are going to give you a quarter of our monthly earnings in your own separate vault. Half goes to us and the other quarter goes into the family vault. We use our money to fund research and production. Enough about the financial bit, there's more for you: we will let you have a tab to buy things. The money would be reduced from the monthly earnings. We would give it to you for free but we would rather be safe if the business goes under. Sorry, mate."
"And no arguments," added George as he saw Harry was about to argue, "We've made up our minds."
"Are you sure?" asked Harry.
"Yep, so much in fact, that we've already started your vault and have been adding to it since we opened," said Fred.
"How could I ever thank you two?" asked Harry.
"By cursing any Slytherins who try and insult our family," said George.
"Don't worry, I will. Although, I think that Ron and Ginny would be right there next to me," said Harry, "I have a favor for you guys. I'm doing my Christmas shopping-"
"A true procrastinator, eh George?" interrupted Fred.
"That he is, we taught him well. Carry on," said George.
"Anyway, I'm looking for some gift ideas for Ginny, surely there's something your mum wouldn't let her get," said Harry as the twins eyed him suspiciously before pointing him to the hair paints.
The twins explained the genius behind the paint. It would change the color of hair everywhere on a person's body. The paint dried instantly and wouldn't vanish for at least a week. Harry grabbed a box of every color: acid green, puke green, hot pink, and numerous others. When Harry checked out, the twins gave him another invention of theirs: a bottomless bag so that he could fit all his purchases into one bag. Harry made his next stop at Quality Quidditch Supplies. As soon as he walked through the door, an older wizard ran up to him and introduced himself as the owner.
"Mr. Potter, I am Anthony Wayne. I am the owner of this magnificent shop," said the man, "Is there anything that I may help you with."
"I have a friend who is an avid Chudley Cannons fan. I was wondering if you have any keeper robes," said Harry.
"Certainly sir," said Mr. Wayne as he showed Harry to the Cannons area of the shop.
"These are perfect," said Harry as he pointed to the Cannons home robes, "Could you place the name 'Weasley' on the back?"
"As in the Minister of Magic?" asked the owner.
"Yes, they're for his son," said Harry.
"Of course, they shall be a few minutes to attach the name and place a size adjusting charm on it. Would you like to wait or shall I hold them?" asked Mr. Wayne.
"I have other shops to visit, so I will be back later," said Harry as he thanked the man.
'Who should I get next? I know, Neville.'
Harry went to Flourish and Blott's and asked for the Auror section. Harry was pointed to the small section and began to look for a beginner's guide to Aurors. Harry found two books for beginning Aurors, one for himself and one for Neville, and a book on plants that might assist an Auror during common incidents. Harry bought the three books and left the shop heading for Magical Menagerie. Fifteen minutes later, Harry left with a medium sized brown barn owl.
"Fly to my Manor and enter through the window to my bedroom and stay there. Try not to be seen," added Harry as he projected the address of his Manor to the bird using Legilimency.
Harry almost fell over when he heard the owl hoot back and found that he could understand it.
θ Yes, Master θ (A/N: Talking with any creatures but snakes)
Harry watched as the bird flew off.
'Chalk up another unknown power.'
Harry went to a shop that he knew to hold a handsome set Gobstones, which he bought for Blaise. Harry then went to a store next to Madam Malkin's. A young witch approached him.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" asked the witch.
"Yes, I'm looking for a necklace for my er- friend," said Harry nervously.
"Is there anything in particular that could narrow our search?" asked the witch.
"Yes, something with a phoenix pendant," said Harry.
"Ahh!" cried the witch, "Follow me."
The witch showed Harry to a solid silver necklace with a golden phoenix on it. The phoenix appeared to be moving slightly.
"It's perfect," said Harry, "I'll take it."
The witch walked over to a counter and checked the necklace of an inventory.
"That will be… twelve galleons and five sickles," said the witch as Harry pulled the money from his pocket and paid.
Harry returned to the Quidditch shop.
"Mr. Potter, welcome back," said Mr. Wayne, "Your robes are ready."
"Outstanding, how much?" asked Harry.
The owner looked around to make sure they wouldn't be over heard.
"I'll let you have them for free if you would but advertise the broom I've built," said Mr. Wayne.
"Let me see the broom," said Harry after a moments thought.
"This way," said Mr. Wayne as he led Harry to a back room.
Upon entering the room, Harry saw the crudest looking broom he'd ever seen. The handle appeared to have some kind of thick protective covering and the twigs looked like flames, burning a bright orange.
"That broom is faster than the Firebolt. It has better handling and agility. The handle is protected by dragon hide, protecting from any tampering-" said Mr. Wayne but stopped when Harry held up a hand.
"Do you mean to tell me that you plan to mass produce a broom that requires the slaying of a dragon?" asked Harry.
"I wouldn't put it in those exact words but yes," said Mr. Wayne.
"I am deeply sorry but I cannot advertise any broom that requires the slaying of dragons to make a profit. This is a luxury that none can afford. Dragons are an important part of our past, present, and future. Wizards think that the fact that they are slaying dragons to help others, it makes everything okay. They don't stop to think: what will happen to the dragon's soul? It would vanish from the earth, decreasing the number of these wonderful creatures. Wizards are ignorant of others and creatures. They look down upon them as if they should be serving them. I'm sorry but I cannot support your broom," said Harry, wondering where all his emotion had come from.
"I understand, it is a personal conviction," said Mr. Wayne, clearly disappointed, "I admire you for not contradicting your beliefs. The robes are still free."
"Thank you," said Harry with gratuity.
When Harry returned, he found only Katie, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville sitting in the den.
"Where'd everyone go?" asked Harry.
"Lavender, Parvati, and Padma had to leave. They told me to apologize for not saying good bye. Blaise went upstairs after muttering something that sounded like meditating," said Hermione, "Do you know what he was talking about?"
"Yeah, he meditates when he wakes up and before he goes to bed. It helps him find peace with everything going on around him," said Harry, "So, who's staying for Christmas?"
"We are," said Ron as he indicated Ginny and himself, "Dad has to work so the twins are treating Mum and Bill to a trip to see Charlie. They offered to take us but we both declined so we could spend Christmas with you."
"My parents went back to Sweden for another skiing trip. As you know, I'm not a very big fan of skiing so I told them that I would stay here," said Hermione as Harry distinctly heard Ron mutter something about staying to make sure Harry didn't flirt with Hermione.
"Don't worry, mate," said Harry, "I wouldn't think of it."
"Think of what?" asked Hermione as Ron's face reddened.
"Nothing, I'm not thinking of anything. So Neville, what about you?" asked Harry as he changed the subject.
"I'm leaving in the morning. My gran and I are going to visit my mum and dad. If you want, I could come back," added Neville hopefully.
"Neville, you are always welcome here," said Harry.
"Thanks, Harry," replied Neville.
"I'm going to spend tomorrow and Christmas with my folks. I might be over for a few hours on Christmas, though," said Katie.
"The 'shack's' always open," said Harry as he failed to stifle a yawn.
"Once again, I never thought you could do so much with an itty bitty shack. You are quite the interior decorator," teased Katie.
"You mean my ancestors, right?" replied Harry.
The next day found Harry and his friends talking about the new classes that they wanted to take. Harry found himself longing for the beginning of the next term to start his new class.
A/N: Sorry but I couldn't add the events that I wanted but I couldn't without making this chapter extremely long. I will add it soon. Same hints apply.