Chapter Thirty-Four: Christmas

Christmas day came and Harry found his door burst open by Ron

"Harry, wake up!" shouted Ron as he opened the door and had to duck under a Stunning Spell.

"Ron, how many times to I have to tell you? You don't burst through people's doors when they're sleeping!" yelled Harry as he reached for his glasses.

"Right, anyway, Happy Christmas, Harry," said Ron.

"Huh?" grunted Harry as he forced himself out of bed.

"It's Christmas, mate," reminded Ron, "Let's go, everyone's waiting for you."

Harry followed his friends down the stairs to find a decorated twelve foot Christmas tree in the den.

"Where'd that come from?" asked Harry.

"It's Hagrid's gift to all of us," said Ron.

As Harry walked further into the den, he found five piles of present.

"Well, what're waiting for? Let's open them!" shouted an anxious Ron.

As Harry began to pick up his presents, he noticed that Blaise wasn't down yet. Shrugging it off that he was meditating; Harry began to rip through his presents. From Ron, Harry got a basilisk-hide wand holster that could hold two wands. When Harry looked at Ron, Ron gave him a wink.

'Do you know about my second wand?'

'Yeah, I was looking for the map in your trunk and I found it. That would be a safer place for it.'

"Thanks, Ron," said Harry as he opened his next present, a book on Auror training from Hermione, "Thanks, Hermione. This will go along nicely with the one that I bought the other day."

As Harry ripped open his present from Ginny, he found a pair of gloves.

"They're supposed to help keep you from falling off your broom during Quidditch," explained Ginny when Harry gave her a questioning look.

"Thanks," replied Harry.

Harry's next present was from the Weasley's. Inside was a green sweater with a gold phoenix on it and a large number of homemade pies. Harry picked up his final present and carefully unwrapped it. Inside was an old black, leather-bound book. There was no title. When Harry opened the cover, he found that all the pages were blank. As he rifled through the pages, he found a note.

Pupil,

Until your meeting with Albus Dumbledore later today, this book shall remain empty. Following the meeting, the pages will fill themselves based on the results of your test. Study these pages intently and make sure that you can do them naturally. No one else will be able to read this.

M.

"What's that about?" asked Ron as he looked over Harry's shoulder.

"Nothing, don't worry about it," said Harry.

His friends had all waited until Hermione was finished with her pile to open their gifts from Harry.

"Ronald, what is this?" asked Hermione as she opened her gift from Ron, "I hardly think that Crookshanks can fit in this."

"It's a two part gift," said Ron mysteriously.

"Go on, then," said Harry, "Open your presents!"

The air was filled with the sounds of ripping paper.

"Blimey, Harry!" said Ron, "You didn't have to get me these!"

"You're a real Cannon, now," said Harry.

"Thanks-" said Ron before he was cut off by Ginny.

"How did you know Mum wouldn't let me get these?" asked Ginny loudly, "Thanks! I can't wait to get back to school. Those Slytherins are in for a rough next few months."

"Don't mention it," said Harry.

"Harry, where's my present?" asked Hermione.

"What do you mean? I was supposed to get you a present?" asked Harry in mock alarm as he ducked under Hermione's open palm, "I'm just kidding, Hermione. You should relax more. Are you ready for the second part of your gift?"

Harry quickly ran up to his room and returned with a brown owl perched on his arm.

"Here is your new owl," said Harry as the bird cocked its head at Harry, "Don't worry; she's your new master."

θ Yes, Harry. θ

Harry watched as the bird flew to Hermione's shoulder and nipped at her ear affectionately.

"Dobby?" called Harry as the house elf appeared, "Could you please begin dinner?"

"Yes, Harry Potter, sir," said the house elf as he disappeared.

Harry turned back to survey his friends chatting excitedly about their gifts. It was only then that Harry noticed another, smaller, pile of gifts.

"Where's Blaise?" asked Harry.

"I don't know. Isn't he usually down by now?" asked Hermione.

"Usually, he is. I'm going to go check on him," said Harry.

Harry walked to Blaise's door and knocked on the door.

"Come in," said Blaise as he cleared his throat.

"Are you okay? You've got presents downstairs," said Harry as he entered.

"No, I am not okay," said Blaise quietly as he turned to Harry, "They're dead… my parents are dead."

Harry noticed a box in Blaise's hands. Blaise offered the box to Harry. Harry glanced into the box and beheld the heads of Blaise's parents side by side, eyes open and staring.

"Oh, no, Blaise, I'm so sorry. This is appalling, that he would send a child their parent's heads. I don't know what to say," said Harry softly.

"At least I have someone to talk to who went through the same thing," said Blaise as he lifted his head hopefully.

"I… don't think I can help you," said Harry, "It's not that I don't want to but that I don't think I can. I'll do my best, though."

"What do you mean?" asked Blaise, "Your parents were killed by him also."

"If you look at it that way, then yes, I could help you. However, I can't help you in other ways. For instance, my parents died when I was one. I can barely remember their faces. You, on the other hand, have sixteen years of memories. I'm begging you, cherish them. You can never know what it's like to have no memories of your parents except the night they died. I will give you some advice about the grief, if you're willing to accept it."

"I would always accept your advice," said Blaise.

"My advice has three simple parts to it. First, stay with friends. They can be an immeasurable way to distract you and an even greater way to alleviate any guilt. Second, stay as active as possible. Immerse yourself in your everyday activities. Once again, that is another distraction that can help. Finally, do everything possible to release any anger and pain. I can't tell the number of times that I've blown up at my friends because I held in my anger, pain, and frustration past the breaking point. It's not a good place to stay. Remember this: pain may lead to anger. Anger may lead to rage. Rage may become out of control causing pain to everyone around you. Anger can also lead to hate. Hate is a useless emotion. It only leads you to make rash and unwise choices. Many times I've let hate consume me, only to release it upon my closest friends. Hate, in turn, leads to one thing: more pain. It's a vicious and endless cycle. Forgiveness ids the first step to acceptance and happiness."

"Do you not hate Voldemort? Would you give him a second chance?" asked Blaise pointedly.

"My hate for Voldemort is one of the many emotions that courses through my body that is unexplainable. Sometimes, it's as if I carry the hate of the entire wizarding world. Mostly, it's almost unbearable. I don't know how I would survive without my friends love and support. The hate is strong enough to cause me pain, literally. There are times when I feel like, Merlin forbid this ever happened, but if my friends abandoned me, I would surely die," said Harry as a single tear streaked down his cheek.

A gentle, warm hand was suddenly placed on Harry's shoulder, taking him by surprise.

"I won't let that happen to you," said Katie as Harry turned around.

Katie pulled Harry into a tight embrace. When she released him, she turned to Blaise.

"Don't worry, in the end, I'm sure that you'll come to grips with what happened and find your peace," said Katie, reassuringly.

"Thank you, both of you," said Blaise as he bowed his head, "It is good to know that there are people who are willing to help others, even when they do need to."

"That… is one of Harry's greatest strengths," said the calming voice of Albus Dumbledore.

Harry turned and saw the old wizard standing in the doorway.

"Harry, Katie, please allow me some time alone with Mr. Zabini," said Dumbledore.

"Of course," said Harry, "Come down whenever you're ready, Blaise."

Harry led Katie into his bedroom.

"Harry?" asked Katie as they entered and Harry walked to his nightstand.

"I got you something," said Harry as he pulled out the box containing the necklace and handed it to Katie.

"Harry, you didn't have to get me this," said Katie as she opened it, "Oh, you shouldn't have."

"But I did," said Harry as he placed the necklace on Katie, "Katie Smith, would you be my girlfriend?"

"Certainly, Harry," said Katie as she placed her arms around his neck.

Harry placed his hands on her face and pulled her into a kiss.

"Harry, has anyone told you that you're a proficient kisser?" asked Katie.

"No, no one has ever told me that. Of course, that last time some one was close to me, they were beating on me. I just want to take it slow; I'm not used to love and affection," said Harry.

"I understand," said Katie as she reached into her robes and pulled out a box, "Here, this is my present to you."

"Wow," said Harry as he opened the box.

"It's a two way mirror, I've got the other," said Katie.

"I've got one that's linked to Moony and my aunt," said Harry as he pulled out his mirror.

"Oh, no, I was hoping that this would be special," said Katie as disappointment rang through her voice.

"It is special because it's from you," said Harry as he placed the two mirrors on top of each other and pulled out his wand, "There, now it will work with both."

The mirrors were enveloped into a white light. When the light subsided, there was one single mirror.

"Now it is special," said Harry as he grasped Katie's hand, "Let's go downstairs and look for the others."

Harry and Katie walked down the stairs and went into the den. It was empty. Harry and Katie sat on a couch and Harry placed his arm around Katie.

"Where do you think the others are?" asked Katie.

"Who cares?" asked Harry, "This is the best I've ever felt."

"Hey, Harry," said Ron as he and Hermione walked through the door from the library holding hands.

Just then, Professor Dumbledore reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Professor, we didn't realize that you were here," said Hermione.

"Mr. Weasley and yourself were preoccupied," said Dumbledore, "If you would please excuse us, Harry and I have a prior engagement. Where should we hold it?"

"The library is a good place," said Harry as he stood and led Dumbledore to the library.

Harry motioned to Dumbledore to take a seat as they entered.

"Earlier this week, the Monk paid me a visit for the first time in some fifty years. Two nights ago he asked me to perform a test on you, feeling that I would be the appropriate individual," said Dumbledore.

"Were you taught by the Monk?" asked Harry.

"I was but I shall speak no more of it. It is an experience that is different for each pupil," said Dumbledore as he reached into his robes and pulled out two orbs, "Just place your hand on either orb and then on the other. Please wait for the slip of parchment to appear before moving on to the next."

Harry placed his hand on the white orb and felt a warm, tingling sensation. Seconds later, a slip of parchment appeared in Dumbledore's lap, who nodded for Harry to continue. Harry placed his hand on the dark orb and felt a cold, cutting feeling. When the slip of parchment finally appeared Harry lifted his hand to find a small cut.

"My sincerest apologies, Harry. In order to complete the examination, a sample of blood needed to be absorbed into the orb," said Dumbledore as he turned his attention to the parchments.

After reading the first slip, Dumbledore glanced up at Harry and gave him the slightest calculating look Harry had ever experienced. Dumbledore quickly turned his attention to the other slip.

"Sir, can I ask you a question?" asked Harry.

"I believe you just did but you may ask another," said Dumbledore.

"What are those slips for?" asked Harry.

"They are connected to the orbs. The light orb is used to assess your potential in a number of areas. The dark orb is used to assess the talents that are have shown themselves or have yet to show themselves," explained Dumbledore as he handed Harry the slips. Harry read the slip from the light orb first.

Charms: 250

Transfiguration: 300

Potions: 300

Dueling: 300

Hand-to-hand Combat: 300

Staff Combat: 300

Arms Combat: 300

"You truly are astonishing, Harry," said Dumbledore, "Most people are ranged on a scale of one to ten. Take Professor Snape would rate a one hundred in the Potions section. Professor Flitwick would rate a one hundred and ten in Charms, on the other hand. It is rare for an individual to rate higher than a one hundred and even rarer for one to achieve a score higher than one hundred and ten. I, for example, scored a high of one hundred and twenty five in transfiguration. Scores that are as high as yours are unheard of," said Dumbledore, "This just proves how powerful you are."

"Great, one more thing that makes me stand out," said Harry as he looked to the second slip.

Phoegan Lord

War Mage

Battle Mage

Light Mage

Dark Mage

Techno Mage

Master Sage

Parseltongue

Creature Talk

Triple-Animagi

Telepathy

Empathy

Technomancy

"I don't suppose that you know what a 'Phoegan Lord' is, would you?" asked Harry.

"Sadly, no, I do not know. I believe that that is a matter you will have to speak with the Monk on," said Dumbledore.

"Do you know what the others mean?" asked Harry.

"A war mage is a master in magics that are useful to turn the tide in a war. A battle mage is a master of magics that can be used to strengthen a side and can use magic that causes mass destruction. A light mage is a master of light magic. A dark mage is master of dark magic. A master sage is one who has complete control over the elements and can use them at will. Parseltongue and creature talk are self-explanatory. A triple animagi is one who has three animagus forms. Telepathy is the use of one's mind to speak with others. Empathy is the ability to detect the feelings of others. Alas, I do not know what a techno mage or technomancy is," finished Dumbledore, "I am afraid that I must excuse myself, it is almost time for the Christmas feast at Hogwarts."

"I'll see you back at school, Professor," said Harry as he shook hands with Dumbledore.

"That you will, Harry, that you will," said Dumbledore as he left the room.

When Dumbledore left, Harry summoned his book that he received from the Monk.

"Let's see… here we go, Phoegan Lord," said Harry aloud as he began to read.

The power that a Phoegan Lord possesses is unknown. None have been recorded to have existed. Legend says that they are born from the crossing of the phoenix and dragon lines. The first born child of a Phoegan Lord is said to retain the connection but any other children take one side of the line and separate the two. Legend states that a Phoegan Lord cannot die of natural causes but must be killed. Phoegan Lords are said to age slower than elves.

"Well, I suppose I don't have to worry about growing old," chuckled Harry to himself as he turned to the page on a techno mage, "'A techno mage is a master of technomancy.' Wow that was redundant. Let's see what is says about technomancy."

The art of technomancy is that of combining muggle technology with wizarding magic. Technomancy can be used in many forms, such as healing, entertainment, and death.

"Now that could be useful," said Harry as he thought of all the people he could help as another slip of parchment fell from the book, "This wasn't here earlier."

Pupil,

The test I have given you is to see how well you can manipulate your magic. This test will help you to connect with nature. Such a connection can help strengthen you. To help the plant, simply speak with it as you tend to it. Allow yourself to create equilibrium of magic with the plant.

M.

"That's nice, he gave me a gardening tip," said Harry sarcastically.

"Harry Potter, sir, dinner is served," said Dobby as he appeared beside Harry.

"All right," said Harry as he went to his room and placed his book on his nightstand and returned to the dining room.

Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Blaise were already seated.

"Katie said she was sorry about not saying good bye but you and Dumbledore looked like you were in a intense conversation about something," said Ginny.

"That's okay. The food looks great, Dobby," said Harry as the house elf beamed at him.

"So, what was your conversation about?" asked Hermione.

"For now, it's best that you don't know. I'll tell you when the time is right but now isn't the time. Let's eat," said Harry as he sat.

"Harry, thank you for the set of Gobstones," said Blaise.

"It's not a big deal. I thought that you might need something to take your mind off things in the future," said Harry.

"It appears that you were correct in your thinking," said Blaise.

The group ate their meal in silence after that.