Modesty was impatient, sitting on the edge of her seat and swinging her feet as Les helped Dragon clean up after dinner. Nagini had transformed into a snake and fallen asleep in the armchair beside the tree, while Barty sat beside his daughter on the couch, a half empty glass of wine in his hand.
Credence told his little sister that, according to their family tradition, presents were to be opened after dinner. Normally, the guests would have gone home after a leisurely chat, allowing Dragon and her family to open their presents. But Modesty was determined to stay put, her reason being that she wanted to give Credence his gift in person, rather than dropping it off and wishing him happy holidays.
It was understandable, seeing as how they'd been adopted by new families and didn't get to see each other as often as they used to. Les, being the kind, caring mother that she was, decided to stay a little longer so Modesty could spend time with her brother.
When the kitchen was cleaned and the dishes put away, Dragon joined her son in the family room, taking him by the hand and leading him towards the pile of presents under the tree. He seemed unwilling to believe that someone had given him a present, that is until Modesty came running up to him with a package in her hands.
"This is for you, Credence," she said, smiling and holding up the package. "I hope you like it."
The Obscurial looked at his mother, who nodded and smiled, letting him know that everything was alright.
He knelt down in front of his sister, taking the package and placing an arm around her. "Thank you," he said softly, pulling her close and giving her a hug.
She was still smiling when he let go, his fingers finding the red ribbon and tugging gently, untying the bow before peeling back the paper. His actions revealed a coloring book and a box of colored pencils. The pages were lined with detailed drawings of magical creatures, including one that looked very familiar.
"Is that a phoenix?" Credence asked, his eyebrows lifting towards his hairline. He touched the image on the paper: a beautiful bird with its wings spread wide, surrounded by a ring of fire.
"Uh-huh." Modesty nodded. "Mother said you'd like that one." She then plopped down on the armchair next to Nagini, who was slowly starting to come awake.
He set the coloring book aside, his gaze traveling from one beautifully wrapped package to the next. Then, after a moment of indecision, Credence reached for a box with silvery paper, only to discover a variety of colorful socks inside.
"Wool socks?" Credence peered into the box, seeing row after row of fuzzy socks. Fourteen pairs in all, with stripes, polka dots and checkered patterns. They were nice, but it left him feeling a little confused. "Ma, why did someone give me several pairs of socks?"
"It's because you're a Dumbledore now," his mother explained. "Everyone thinks you're obsessed with wool socks. I know that's true for at least one member of your family," she added thoughtfully. "Those probably came from him."
Modesty giggled, the large snake peering over her shoulder as Credence reached for another package. He removed the wrapping paper, and found a decorative glass jar filled with lemon drops.
"I swear, if the next one is full of goat feed," Dragon muttered, her voice trailing off into silence.
Thankfully, it was not. The remaining members of Les' family had given him a beginner's book of spells, along with a copy of The Sacred Power In Your Name.
The last gift was bigger than the others. So much so that it barely fit under the tree. It was draped in colorful fabric patterned with silver stars and little green snakes, the latter of which was slithering realistically across the material.
"This one is from you?" Credence looked at the name tag, seeing that it was from both Nagini and his mother. "Both of you?"
The snake uttered a sentence in Parseltongue, forgetting that no one could understand her. She then lifted her head off the arm of the chair, hiccupped, and transformed into a human.
"Yes, of course," she said pleasantly, swaying sideways and almost falling onto the floor. Modesty seized her arm, helping to steady the intoxicated Maledictus, and was squished against the back of the chair when Nagini laughed and toppled over.
Dragon ran towards the armchair, her jaws closing around the ruffles on Nagini's sleeve. She tugged on the fabric, being careful not to rip it, and managed to lift the snickering snake lady off Modesty.
Credence watched as his sister wriggled out from under Nagini and slid onto the floor. "I'm alright," she breathed, glancing up at Credence. "But I don't think Nagini should be allowed to drink so much at parties."
"I only had a little," Nagini insisted. She held her thumb and forefinger a few centimeters apart to show how little she'd been drinking. "This mush." Another hiccup. "Much. I'm sorry."
Seeing that Modesty was alright, the Obscurial turned his attention towards the colorful fabric and moving pictures. His hand closed around the material, carefully pulling on a corner until he could see what was underneath.
"Ma..." His lips parted, words failing him as he stared at his gift.
Dragon and Nagini had purchased a metal bird stand, complete with food and water bowls, jingly bell toys and treats for his phoenix.
"It's too much," said Credence, his throat constricting with emotion. He turned to his mother. "You didn't have to get this for me..."
"Nonsense, Credence. We've seen how you've been carrying that bird around since you got him. Setting him on countertops and kitchen tables, having him sleep in a shoebox under the bed. This way he'll have someplace to perch, and toys to play with." Dragon sat down next to her son and licked his cheek. "Go get him. Bring him downstairs and let's see how he likes his new toys."
Credence was still, gazing in amazement at all the presents he'd received. He tried to speak, to thank them for the gifts they had given him, but all that came out was a hoarse sob.
Nagini sat up straight, suddenly concerned. "Credence, are you crying?"
"I'm sorry." He sniffed and wiped his streaming nose on his sleeve. "I've... I've never been given so much before. And not just this. All of you... I didn't think I'd find a family like this..."
Dragon raised her paw, placing it on his shoulder while curling her wing around his back, enfolding him in her love and warmth. "I know, sweetheart. Mommy feels the same way about you." She closed her eyes, leaning in close so that her cheek brushed against his face. "You are so precious to me. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but it's nice to know I finally did something right."
"Thank you," Credence finally managed, his lips quivering as he smiled through his tears. And for Dragon it was enough, seeing him smile and knowing that, for once in his life, Credence was truly happy.
.oOo.
Later that night, as the first snows of winter fell gently from the evening skies, Credence climbed into bed and snuggled under the covers. Nagini was beside him like always, the weight of her body settled comfortably against the back of his legs.
On the opposite end of the room, the phoenix chick was nibbling birdseed in his food bowl, his soft, downy feathers shining with a subtle glow Credence had never seen before. He seemed happier now, more content now that he had a perch to sleep on, and it showed in the gentle aura radiating from his scarlet plumage.
"Nagini," Credence whispered, giving the snake a gentle nudge with his foot. She was already asleep when she felt his toes in her side, hissing faintly and lifting her head off the mattress. "Nagini, look at my familiar... Does it look like he's glowing?"
As he said this, his muscles began to relax, his mind and body wrapped in the soothing warmth emanating from the timeless bird.
Nagini yawned and coiled herself tighter, her chin resting on Credence's foot as she closed her eyes and went back to sleep.
Credence was lingering on the verge of sleep when he heard it, the first song his phoenix had ever sung. It was short, only a few notes repeated three or four times in the darkness of his room. But it was enough to carry him off to sleep as the first day of winter came to a close.