Christmas morning came and Harry found himself buzzing with excitement despite the previous night's adventure. It was finally his first real Christmas with a family that loved him. He washed and dressed quickly before tip toeing downstairs as quietly as he could muster. It was early enough that light had just barely begun to creep through the black evening sky and paint it with the colors of the new day.
Harry hesitated at the doorway to the sitting room. Would there be presents for him under the tree? Minnie had told him Father Christmas saw everything he did and only good little boys got gifts. He certainly tried to be good. The Dursleys never thought him good enough, but Minnie did. At least, when he wasn't chasing griffins through the woods in the middle of the night.
Harry could feel his face flush with shame. He still couldn't believe he let himself get led into danger like that. He gulped and stepped timidly into the room. The large evergreen they had decked in golden tinsel and floating candles sparkled in the dimly lit room. To his surprise the bottom of the tree was filled with boxes of all sorts of different colors and sizes. Harry couldn't help but stare at the sight in awe. Father Christmas had thought him good enough afterall!
Harry glanced up at the clock, 6 a.m. He groaned realizing that breakfast was usually at 8. He'd have to wait a whole two hours for Minnie to come down. He didn't want her to think he was up to any mischief by staying unsupervised with the presents. He had made that mistake once with Aunt Petunia. That was the Christmas they had installed the locks on his cupboard door. What was he supposed to do for a whole two hours though?
Harry wandered through the bottom level of the manor before finding himself outside the study. He supposed he could try to write that essay about how he could have handled his adventure better. He certainly knew now that if he meant to leave the house he would tell his guardian first. He opened the door and gathered his supplies at the desk before beginning to plan out his thoughts.
Harry didn't know how long he had been in there for when the door swung open and Minnie swept through looking quite panicked.
"There you are." She said with a relieved sigh, "I thought you would have woken me. I went to fetch you from your room and found it empty. What are you doing in here of all places on Christmas morning?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't know I was supposed to wake you." Harry apologized. "It was too early and I thought I would work on my essay." He handed her the sheets of parchment and she shook her head in exasperation.
"Christmas isn't a day for punishments." She paused and then added. "Although, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Come, let's see what Father Christmas has brought for us."
Harry packed away his supplies before following her back into the sitting room. Each step closer made his heart beat a little faster. He stared at the tree and Minnie stared at him expectantly.
"They don't unwrap themselves, Harry. Go on." She prompted. He looked at her with uncertainty. "Start with the gold one."
Harry picked up the package and unwrapped it neatly. It was lighter than it first seemed and when he finally opened the box lid he found a pair of trousers and a helmet. The trousers felt thicker than the ones he normally wore. He looked up at her curiously.
"Those are for riding. The fabric is enchanted to keep your legs from chafing." Minnie explained and Harry smiled.
He went for the next box. This one was heavier than the last and seemed more unusually shaped. Inside he found a cauldron filled with all manner of vials, a stirrer, and some ingredients.
"A beginner's potion kit."
The next was from Agora and Rosmerta. It was filled with sweets and biscuits. Harry offered a small cake to Minnie and they enjoyed them together along with a fresh pot of tea that Minnie brought in from the kitchen. The break from the present opening was a welcome one despite his excitement, Harry found himself getting overwhelmed. He snuggled into Minnie's side and she summoned the final box to him.
"This one is from me."
Harry beamed and opened it up to find a plush cat. The fur was a mixture of orange, brown, and white. It had bright green eyes and let out a soft purr whenever he held it close.
"The eyes reminded me of you." Minnie said fondly and planted a kiss upon his head. "Did you enjoy all your gifts?"
"Yes, thank you!" Harry squeezed her tightly. "I can't believe I got so many amazing things. Do you think we could write to Agora and Rosmerta to thank them? I should have gotten them something." He frowned, but Minnie just shook her head and smiled at him.
"We got them both some publication subscriptions they'll enjoy, but I imagine they'll love to hear from you and all about your other gifts. Why don't we put this all away and enjoy some breakfast?" She suggested and Harry smiled again. His heart felt full. This truly was the best Christmas ever.