Pomona's Presents

The truth be told, each of the other Professors were most looking forward to Pomona's presents; she had a reputation for being the cheekiest of the five.

Pomona pottered over to the Christmas tree and resumed her seat minutes later, arms laden with presents. The first one, a thick rectangular package, she handed to Minerva. The Scottish witch thanked her, removed the red paper surrounding it and began to laugh.

After a minute it became apparent what she was laughing at; within the package was a heavy Muggle book. The book had a bright red cover and the title emblazoned across it in bold white letters. It said: "A Guide to Anger Management: Keep your Temper in Check" by A. N. Gray.

The rest of the group seemed to agree with the sentiments attached to the present because by the time Pomona handed her next present to Filius, they had tears of laughter in their eyes (even Severus and that is saying something).

Filius graciously accepted the squashy parcel. As he cautiously peeled back the dark blue wrapping paper, his expression turned to one of curiosity mingled with excitement. Contained inside his present was a short, thin fishing rod and a bright red hat. Filius pulled on the pointed hat and held onto the fishing rod. Only Pomona and Minerva laughed.

"I am afraid I do not quite see the joke in this present," admitted Albus.

"Albus, really! It is supposed to make Filius look like one of those little ceramic things that Muggles think are gnomes!" Minerva explained exasperatedly.

"Oh! Oh, very good!" Albus chuckled.

Pomona's next present was intended for Severus, who sneered as he tore off the green and silver wrapping paper. From within the mess of paper, Severus plucked a small black object. On closer inspection, it became apparent that Severus's present was indeed a little toy bat. However, after mere seconds more, the bat's long teeth disappeared and its mouth curled up into a smile. Suddenly the bat was no longer a bat, but was reduced into a puff of smoke. From the puff of smoke burst forth a dozen yellow smiley faces, which swarmed down upon Severus and attacked his arms. The smiles, Pomona explained, could not be called off until a smile graced the owner's face.

By the time Severus surrendered to the smiles and his present turned back into a bat (which was swiftly shoved back into its paper confines), the other teachers were falling about. However, they hastily ceased their laughter upon receiving death glares from the Potions Master.

"Well – um – Albus, this one's for you." Pomona announced awkwardly.

"Ah, thank you very much."

Albus extracted, from his purple-covered present, a thick, extremely heavy book. His smile slipped a little before Pomona eagerly told him to open it. He obliged and was curious to find, not a long thesis on elemental Transfiguration, but a large hole in the centre of the book. Inside the cubby hole, he found a little bag labelled 'LEMON DROPS'. As he eagerly opened the bag, Pomona glanced at her other companions who were all flashing her confused stares.

However, to Albus' chagrin, contained in the bag was a small piece of paper. He picked it up and read the neat scribble that was attributed to Pomona Sprout.

It read: Dear Albus,

Merry Christmas. I am sure you were expecting a certain type of Muggle sweet to be contained in this bag. Today you will have learned not to judge a book (or bag) by its cover.

The lemon drops do actually exist, but I am holding them hostage, including all of the ones that I could gather from your office (with a little help, of course). Therefore, this is a ransom note. All that I demand is that you give us a proper Christmas party every year. I must encourage you to comply with this or you shall never see your precious lemon drops alive ever again! Bwah ha ha ha!

Pommie S.

Albus could not believe that this usually kind-hearted witch would sink so low as to steal his treasured lemon drops! It was despicable! But then, maybe a staff Christmas party wouldn't be such a dismal thing. He looked at Pomona.

"For the sake of the lemon drops, I concur. You shall get your party."

Pomona grinned. "I had a feeling you would say that. Your precious sweets shall be returned to you when you fulfil your promise."

"What promise is that, Pomona?" Severus asked.

"Oh, you'll see." She replied slyly.

A/N: So sorry that this chapter took so ridiculously long to write. Life has a tendency to get in the way. Also, if you happen to have any ideas for presents, please let me know. :-)

Filius is taking the stage next! YAY!