Owls. Three of them. Owls. Petunia had padded into the kitchen early Christmas Eve morning to begin preparation for this evening's dinner—Vernon's horrible sister Marge was coming over and Vernon insisted on a huge feast, Petunia would likely be in the kitchen all day—only to see them sitting outside the kitchen window. Owls. The largest gave a hop when she turned on the light. She could see a note tied to its leg. Hastily grabbing a few crackers from the tin, she went out, looking about the still mostly dark neighborhood to see if anyone might have noticed the unusual appearance of so many owls on her porch. She distributed the crackers and untied the note.
"Thank you", she patted the owl's head, expecting it to take off. It didn't. It blinked patiently and appeared to be waiting for something. Petunia realized she was getting cold and that standing outside early Christmas Eve morning in a housecoat was probably not a good plan for general health. "I'm going in to read this" she told the large owl. Stepping back into the brightly lit kitchen she unfurled the note.
"My Dear Mrs. Dursley,
It occurs to me that you may not be familiar with the customs we have at Hogwarts over the holidays. As I recall, your sister always returned home during the breaks.
It is customary for those children who remain in our care to receive their Christmas gifts at breakfast Christmas morning. I have instructed this owl—her name is Genoa by the way—and her friends to bring your gifts for Harry. Of course, I understand that you were not expecting me to send owls, so may not have Harry's gifts wrapped and ready for delivery. Please believe me that the owls will not mind waiting.
I wish you and your family a most safe and happy Christmas.
Respectfully,
Albus Dumbldore
Headmaster
Hogwarts School of Wizadry and Magic"
Petunia glanced out at the owls. Vernon was sure to be up soon and she had to get the owls away before he saw them.
Since leaving Harry at the station, life on Privet Drive had been quite tolerable. Of course, Vernon spent a great deal of time talking about what a smashing good idea he'd had in sending Harry away to school. Petunia hadn't minded that one bit and, in fact, had encouraged Vernon whenever he mentioned it. When he was happy with himself, Vernon wasn't at all unwilling to have Petunia be a bit happy on her own. So, Petunia had resumed her habit of going out for days with "Yvonne". Vernon didn't question why "Yvonne" had suddenly become so available, leaving Petunia free to visit the library, even take in an occasional movie. Life had been as pleasant as she could recall since they had moved to Privet Drive. Or, rather, life had been the least unpleasant she could recall and Petunia did not want anything to endanger that.
She was quite sure the sudden appearance of three owls—and the news that they were not going to leave without Christmas presents for Harry—would be unpleasant. Casting her eyes about the kitchen, Petunia tried to think of something she could send that would pacify the owls. Spying her change purse, she pulled out the largest coin she had. Grabbing a piece of paper, she wrote a short note.
Harry had sent a "I'm here and safe" note shortly after arriving but Petunia hadn't answered it, fearing the neighbors might notice the owl hanging about. Now, she had three owls hanging about and barely time to write a note, much less explain to Harry why he was getting such a meager present—or even any present. She knew that Harry wasn't expecting a present. Vernon had never permitted her to buy him one. He would probably take the gift as an insult, but she didn't have any choice in the matter. Unmistakable noises of a plumbing nature told her that Vernon was awake and would be down soon. She quickly signed both her and Vernon's name to the note, taped the coins to it before folded it up and going to the owls. Tying the note to the leg of the largest owl, she kept her voice low but sure "Here, now, Genoa, there was no reason for so many of you to come! Feel how heavy this is? Genoa seemed to think about that, testing the weight on her leg Well, it's very valuable. It's money. Harry will be happy to have it, but it won't take all three of you to fly it back, see? So you can all get going then? Right? Thank you, very much" She gave Genoa one more reassuring pat on the head. Much to her relief, the birds gave a hoot that sounded distinctly affirmative before taking off. The other two owls bowed their heads to her before following.
Hurrying back inside, Petunia had to hustle to get caught up—tea and coffee made, breakfast started—before Vernon descended the stairs.
