Albus was feeling somewhat nervous as he approached the dinner meeting. He used his skills at apparition to arrive at the Ministry and, subsequently, flooed to his destination: Twelve Grimmauld Place.

Such was the location for the meeting between himself and a few families.

Albus casually cleaned himself even as he was confronted by an older house elf. "Hello. My name is Albus Dumbledore and I have been invited to dinner."

"Kreacher knows that name. Master said that Twinkle-eyed wizard was coming. Twinkle-eyes should follow Kreacher." The house elf turned and walked out of the floo area. Dumbledore, eyes twinkling, followed. As he was approaching a door, he heard Kreacher speak. "Twinkle-eyes is here."

He heard a laugh from Harry's voice as well as his age-mates even as he walked in the door to a sitting room. Sirius and Amelia, who were also present, he could see barely holding their amusement. Augusta looked somewhat stern, but he noticed her slight amusement.

Sirius had stood. "Welcome, Headmaster, to the Black ancestral home."

Albus paused in his movements and bowed briefly. "My thanks for your welcome. However, you may refer to me as Albus as I am not here as Headmaster, am I?"

Sirius nodded. "True enough." He turned to the others. "Well, since we're all here, it's time for dinner." His face became a little more serious as he addressed his elf. "Kreacher. We will be going to the dining room now – begin serving as soon as we are all there."

Kreacher mumbled and retreated from the room. Sirius just sighed. Albus remarked, "Unusual elf you have there."

Sirius, who had begun moving, replied, "Yeah. He doesn't really like me – product of my mother's words. And he was six years without any other company than her portrait, which I had moved to the family vault. But he's been getting better."

The group trooped back down one flight of stairs back to the ground floor (the floo was in the basement as was the kitchen – the formal dining room was on the ground floor).

Sirius moved to stand next to the head of the table. The others moved and sat at various places, leaving Albus to sit at the other end. "Have a seat. Kreacher will be bringing butterbeers and wine to start."

Everyone was happy when suddenly the promised refreshments appeared on the table. While normal meals were in the basement, the first floor could be served using the same system as was used in Hogwarts: The food was placed on the table in the basement and Kreacher would use magic to serve the food by transferring it up one floor.

Albus moved to grab his glass of wine and inspected it. After looking at its color and briefly smelling its bouquet, he took a sip. "An excellent wine, if I may say so."

The other adults all agreed. The pre-teens just watched the byplay. Sirius replied, "Thank you. Although I don't really like the pretention of my family – they had excellent taste in some things."

The meal passed rather pleasantly. Albus, as he insisted he be called by even those underage, took great effort to draw out the children. Harry, who had spent a bit of time over summer speaking with the Headmaster, was much easier to involve than the other two. Neville had gotten better – but was still a bit guarded. Susan was shy, but seemed to enjoy the conversation.

At the end, once dinner was completed and the final bit of refreshment was being consumed, Amelia finally spoke to the youngsters. "Did you three enjoy the meal and company?"

All three nodded cheerfully. They had become freer in their mannerisms as the meal progressed.

Amelia nodded. Sirius took over. "Well, Albus here was invited, as were the rest of you, for a particular reason." The youngsters looked interested. "You three represent the children of those that followed Albus during the conflict with the Dark idiot. As we can attest, we were all fairly close during the last couple of years. Because of the war, much of your family was lost – none of you grew up with your parents." The three all acknowledged the truth of that solemnly. "Albus here pointed out a truth that we, your magical guardians, agreed with: You are the closest thing he has to grandchildren."

The three eleven-year olds appeared startled by that thought. They all looked at each other with wide eyes and then to the Headmaster. Albus Dumbledore sat looking calmly at them with a sad smile. "Recently, it has come to my attention that I am looking at my twilight years. I could have as many as fifty years and as few as a handful left. I have no children or grandchildren. The closest people I have had in my life were your parents. In other circumstances, you would have all been raised together and you would have known me personally. Alas, it was not to be. However, if it is agreeable, I would like to get to know you better and to provide an additional person with whom you can speak to and know as family."

The three children looked at each other and back to the Headmaster. Harry, being a bit more comfortable that the other two, decided to break the solemn atmosphere. "Does that mean you'll get us out of detention?" Harry asked with a small grin.

Albus chuckled. "No. Sorry. As regards school you'll be treated the same as everyone else."

"Rats. There goes my Get Out of Jail Free card."

All of the people at the table chuckled even as they looked confused for a moment. "What's a Get Out of Jail Free Card?" Sirius asked finally.

Harry looked with wide-eyes at the people at the table and then looked understanding. "Oh. Right. Wizards," he said as he rolled his eyes. "From a game called Monopoly. I'll have to teach it to you sometime."

Albus was feeling both relieved and a bit sad as he returned to his quarters at Hogwarts. The dinner had gone very well. The three families had been very gracious. Unfortunately, bonds of love took much time and the alternates of his claimed grandchildren had only just begun warming up to him – well, except for Harry.

Albus smiled as he thought of the young boy he had come to know. He was very different than his alternate – but not as different as he first had seemed. His basic character was exactly the same: A generous and fun-loving soul that had a heart as big as Hogwarts. This Harry was much more reserved than his own, but he couldn't help notice he was also far more obvious in his kindness.

Neville and Susan had both warmed a bit and stated their desire to spend time with him and perhaps hear some stories about their parents. Albus decided that he would take the necessary time to "recall" the involvements his alternate had with the children's parents: His own recollections were from another world.

Harry, Sirius, and Remus were cheerful as they walked into Gringotts on Monday, the 23rd of December. Harry needed to get some money from his vaults and to get some changed into British pounds. Sirius was acting as guardian – and fool. Remus, who had returned from whatever had kept him busy had offered to be the responsible one (which resulted in Sirius blowing a raspberry even as Harry laughed).

The three got in line (it was fairly long). Harry noticed someone in line. He got the two "adults'" attention and pointed. Their face lit up. Harry moved a bit to the side and said, "Hermione," – not very loud but not in a whisper.

The three Grangers all looked around upon hearing the name. When they spied a grinning Harry, they all waved. Hermione murmured something to her parents and then moved to greet her schoolmate.

"Hey, Hermione. Getting money changed?" Harry asked.

Hermione shook her head. "Actually, getting something checked out that the Headmaster mentioned." She looked around and saw some mild interest from strangers around them and decided not to explain. "I'll tell you about it at Christmas. You're still stopping by, right?" She looked hopeful.

"'Course I am! I have to deliver you gift – even if I haven't actually picked it up yet." Hermione's face dropped a little. "Oh, don't worry. I know what I'm getting you – I just haven't got time yet to get it. I think you'll like it."

Her disappointment abated and her face took on a look of curiosity. "Any hints?"

Harry grinned. "Nope! Gotta wait till Wednesday." Hermione was about to reply when Harry saw her parents wave – they were at the front of the line. "You're next," he said as he nodded forward with his head.

Hermione turned and saw that her parents were indeed next. She turned back and said, "Well, Happy Christmas. We'll see you Wednesday." She gave him a brief hug and rushed to join her Mum and Dad.

Sirius, ever interested in teasing, said, "So. Got a girlfriend already." He wiped a fake tear from his eye. "I feel so proud."

Harry blushed as he said, "Sirius! I'm ELEVEN." Sirius laughed even as Remus chuckled.

Hermione was shocked when the lineage test confirmed that she qualified for the Dagworth-Granger estate. The estate was mostly liquid – there was no real property involved other than a vault and its contents.

Hermione and her parents took the carts for the first time. While Dan quite enjoyed it, his wife and daughter did not. Hermione barely held in her scream. Emma just closed her eyes. She called out, "Can this cart go slower?"

The goblin called back, "One speed only!"

When they arrived at the vault, Hermione's legs were rather wobbly. The goblin barely held his smirk. "This is a high security vault and required a Gringotts employee to open it and the vault holder or his – or her – proxy to be present. Do you wish me to open the vault?"

Hermione had gotten herself under control. "Yes, please. Open the vault."

The goblin reached out and slid one elongated nail along the seam between the doors. A large number of clicks and whirring could be heard until there was a loud "click" – and the door opened up.

Hermione and her parents looked in and were amazed. There was a very large pile of coins – mostly golden Galleons. Along one side of the vault was a shelf containing HUNDREDS of books. Hermione virtually ignored the money as she was drawn to the shelves. She exclaimed out loud, "These are all potions books!" She looked again. "Well, mostly. There are a other books here as well." She turned toward her parents with a delighted smile. "I have a library." Her joy was obvious.

Her parents laughed at her reaction – but not derisively. The whole family loved books and so the couple could understand her reactions.

She moved along the shelves. One shelf held piles of parchment. She looked at these and saw that they were documents. She briefly looked at some of them and was confused. She called her parents over. "Take a look at these."

The two adults looked at the documents and saw that they were contracts for royalties for different potions and practices. Jane looked at Graham. "You think they've been paying these?"

Graham Granger, Hermione's father, shrugged. "We can check." He turned and called out, "Er." He had to think a moment and then he remembered the cart driver's name. "Longtooth?" The goblin waiting outside looked in. "There are a few contracts here regarding royalties and a few other things. How would we get them checked to ensure they are being honored?"

Longtooth paused for a moment. "When you return to the main floor of the bank, inform a teller that you wish to visit an Asset Manager from the Contracts and Legal Section. Contracts are an exception to the rule which requires you visit with a Gringotts employee to retrieve items from the vault."

Hermione nodded.

Graham said, "Fill up a bag. We can come back for you to look through the books later. Probably better we have an expert ensure they are protected from being damaged before you start removing them."

Hermione considered that. "Alright." She reluctantly retreated from the shelves and took a money bag that was present in the vault. She filled it with coins and then asked, "You think that's enough?"

Jane and Graham chuckled. "It's your money, honey. Is it enough?" Jane asked.

Hermione considered that. "Maybe a little more." She smiled a small smile. "I have friends to buy Christmas presents for." Both could see the joy their daughter exuded at that simple statement.

Harry and the Marauders had traveled to a Mundane shopping area. They had spent a bit of time at Diagon Alley and gotten some shopping done. Harry thought that he'd like to look over a few normal stores for gifts as well.

As the group entered a large department store, Harry asked, "What do you think for the Headmaster?"

Sirius shrugged as he looked at Remus, who considered the question. "Maybe … a book?"

Harry looked at his uncles. "You guys have no imagination. He's Headmaster of a school. He probably has hundreds of books. I'm certain he'd rather have something else."

Moony smirked as he said, "Chocolate." Padfoot laughed.

Harry looked at the two. "He's not you, Uncle Moony. He prefers tart things but said he's cut back on sweets."

Remus nodded in acknowledgement – he really was a fan of good chocolate.

Harry led the two adults further into the store. "Let's just look around."

Harry struck gold when they entered the Men's accessories section. His face lit up as he led the adults over. "Look here! I think Albus would love these!" Harry had finally agreed to call the Headmaster Albus when it was not Hogwarts business at the dinner the night before.

Remus and Sirius looked at the display before them and grinned at each other. Their cub/pup was spot on.

Harry looked at them. "You'll help me enchant them, yeah? Without adding any pranks?"

Sirius pouted. "How can you say no to pranks?"

Remus chided him. "It's a Christmas present."

Harry looked at Sirius and grinned. "We'll buy several – and prank just one. That one can be from you."

Sirius nodded cheerfully. Remus just rolled his eyes. They continued on through the store until Harry found a section he was looking for. He pointed to several boxes. "I want to get these for Susan and Neville. And some for Grimmauld Place. We can have fun with them."

Sirius and Remus looked at the boxes and then shrugged. "Looks good to us," Sirius said.

They continued on and Harry found gifts for a few other people – he really was going all out as this was the first Christmas he had friends to exchange gifts with. Some casual friends he bought small gifts for. Others he spent more on.

The three found an interesting area. Harry looked at the two adults and asked, "Can charms be transferred?"

Remus was curious. "What do you mean?"

He pointed to a particular item. "I'm thinking about Ron. He likes this but I don't know how they make them magical. I figure we get a cheap one in Diagon Alley and then transfer the charms to these."

Remus and Sirius considered that. Sirius smiled a bit. "That's actually kind of brilliant, don't you think?"

Remus nodded. "I never thought of that. Gets around the need to recreate all of the charms."

Harry grinned. "That's good. Worst case – we buy two and if we can't do it I'll just give one as is."

The two adults nodded.

AS they were leaving the store, Harry noticed a particular section. He stopped. "Hey. Remember Luna?" Sirius and Remus nodded. "You think she'd like this?"

They thought about it. "Probably," Remus said. Sirius agreed.

It was the morning of December 24th when Albus Dumbledore made his way to a location that he hadn't visited in this particular universe. In reviewing some of the memories of the local version of himself that he was given when he accepted coming here, he had run across a few memories that reminded him of something that he had neglected.

And so, as it was Christmas, he resolved to take care of the oversight.

He walked along the path in Hogsmeade until he reached a particular business. He steeled himself and then resolutely entered. There wasn't really anyone about except the person he had come to see.

Alberforth Dumbledore looked at the person who had just entered his Tavern and his face took on a mutinous look. "What are you doing here?" His counterpart hadn't spoken to his brother in years.

Albus sighed. "I think that there is some information that you need to hear."

Alberforth was struck by the open honesty that his brother had never before shown; so, he quashed his immediate gut reaction of throwing him out and said, "Well, out with it then."

Alberforth Dumbledore became only the second being (the first being Fawkes) that learned that the Albus Dumbledore that he had grown up with was no longer around. It was an emotional and long morning for the two brothers (different universal origins notwithstanding).

Sirius and Remus looked at Harry in amazement. "You want to do what?"

Harry said, "Well. It's a story that children all over the world believe. I just thought that we could actually do it." He gave a teasing smile. "Think of it as a prank – but a good one."

Sirius looked at Remus. "What do you think?"

Remus considered it. "I can't imagine the backlash – we'd have to be careful not to get caught. But," he smiled as he thought about it, "it would be fun to do."

Sirius thought about it and said, "I'll floo Albus."

Albus Dumbledore was enjoying his day. He had had a long heart to heart talk with Alberforth and the two had bonded quite well. He had sat within the Hogshead and drunk butterbeer with his brother most of the morning.

Alberforth had been only a bit saddened to find out his original brother was on to his "great reward" – but mostly he had expressed vindication: Alberforth had long been angry about the manipulations that he had witnessed and been forced into. That this new version had been much more honest and open and willing to take responsibility for past actions had allowed Alberforth to heal somewhat from his bitterness.

It would take much more time, but the two Dumbledores quite looked forward to having a family relationship they could enjoy.

Albus was sitting at his desk, listening to the Wizarding Wireless, taking a break from everything. Suddenly he heard a voice. "Albus?"

He looked over and saw a head in his fireplace which he recognized. "Sirius? What is it? Is everything alright?"

The head paused and said, "Yeah. My godson had an idea. I want to get your take on it. Can you pop over?"

Albus considered it. "Certainly."

After Albus had arrived and greeted the three he asked, "What was this idea you wished to ask about?"

Harry grinned as he explained.

Albus barely held his laugh as he heard Harry's idea. He looked at the three and said, "Well, it stretches the Statute of Secrecy just a bit – but I think we can get away with it. You mind if I get my brother in on this?"

Harry asked, "Is he as old as you?"

Albus chuckled. "Nearly – only a couple of years separate us."

He grinned, "Two would make it faster than one."

It was, perhaps, a good thing that Gringotts did not particularly celebrate human holidays. Most of the business that they would do had already been done and there were no lines when the group of wizards entered.

Sirius led Harry, Remus, Albus, and Alberforth into the bank at 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve. Sirius went up to a teller and said, "I need to make a large withdrawal from the main Black account and I need it converted to Muggle pounds."

The goblin looked at the group of wizards and then called out, "Griphook!"

It was 5 O'clock. Harrods would close in one hour. There were a very few final shoppers, trying to get the last bit of shopping done. One of the sales associates was approached by a group of strange men. The young woman was taken by the roguish look of the one who spoke. "Can we speak to a manager? We have a large purchase to make and could use some help."

The woman said, "Is there anything I can help with? Why would you need a manager?"

Sirius explained. She nodded. "Let me get my boss."

A deal was quickly made. Due to the amount that Sirius was buying and why, a discount was worked out which still made a decent profit for the store, a decent commission for the sales associate, and didn't completely wipe out the funds that the group had brought.

If anyone would have walked into the Great Hall at Hogwarts, they would have been struck by how odd it looked. There were over a hundred elves wrapping gifts of various types and sizes. At the front, two elderly wizards were perfecting their costumes.

Two adults were gathering the packages and filling two red magical bags which had been charmed to fit much more than their size would indicate.

The elves had been ecstatic for the extra work. One requirement was new for them: Each elf had to complete a sticker which said, "Wrapped by Elf: (Name)." When they were told exactly where these things were going, they had been ecstatic to do as the Headmaster asked.

Harry had large phonebooks which listed the places the group was looking for.

Albus and Alberforth were finally set: They each had a time-turner and a bag. They also had a list of elves that would help pop them all over Britain. (If they had relied on their own power, they would have been exhausted very quickly: House elf magic would be vital for this "Prank.")

Anna Cunningham, long time manager of a London group home for un-placed foster children, sighed as she contemplated Christmas. She currently had twelve under her roof. It was always sad to see children who could not be placed in time for a family holiday. Resources were tight as well.

Even though they got some help from charities and Children's Services, there wasn't much extra to give the kids the holiday they deserved.

Suddenly, she was startled when she heard a noise coming from down the hall. Curious to see if one of her charges was walking around, she quietly exited her office and went to the main room at the front of the place.

She was shocked to find a pile of wrapped gifts right next to the tree. She walked in a daze over to the pile and saw a piece of fine parchment on top. She reached out to take it. The contents startled her:

Dear Caretaker,

Happy Christmas. As you can see, a number of gifts have been delivered to your facility to ensure that your charges will each receive gifts – note the plural.

As we do not know the names of your charges, we have left the labeling to you. Note that the gifts wrapped in blue are for boys, the red are for girls, and the green are good for either.

As we knew the number but not the age of the children, a key has been included below which will indicate which gifts are appropriate for which ages. Hopefully, the selection is sufficient.

If there are any that are unsuitable for your charges, please ensure the extras are delivered to any children that might not have the chance to receive a gift otherwise.

We're good – but we have our limitations.

In the decorated envelope you will find an additional sum, suitable for whatever needs that might not be otherwise met. Food, utilities, pocket money for the children – we leave it to you to ensure the money is properly used.

There is no need to trumpet this particular donation toward your facility. Please accept it in the spirit it presented with.

Sincerely,

Father Christmas and his Elves

She reached out and picked up the envelope. Opening it to look inside, she triggered a mild compulsion charm that had been placed on each envelope to ensure it was used properly.

She looked at the money and at the pile and felt a deep joy: Perhaps it would be a Happy Christmas for her charges after all.

Albus, suitably dressed and under a glamour which made him look much larger than he was, smiled as he cast the revealing charm at the next group home. He counted the number of people revealed as well as the other information the charm gave and carefully counted three gifts out for each child revealed.

He heard a noise and looked over. A young girl was staring at him in awe. "Father Christmas!" she said quietly.

He put his finger to his lips with a twinkle in his eyes and the young girl nodded carefully as she repeated his actions. He cast a wandless privacy charm and said, "Shouldn't you be asleep, young lady?"

The girl blushed. "I was excited for Christmas."

Albus laughed merrily. "Well, if you go back to bed, maybe it will come faster." He laced his voice with a slight amount of magic. He also cast a mild charm which made the girl yawn. She smiled as she waved to Father Christmas and made her way back to her bed.

Albus chuckled. "Harry was right: This is quite fun," he said to himself.

He took the cookies that had been placed out for "Father Christmas" and put them in a small bag – save one. One he tasted and rather enjoyed. As Harry suggested, he ensured that crumbs were left upon the plate.

He vanished the milk though – he couldn't even contemplate drinking as much milk as he found in the various places he visited.

Finally, Albus and Alberforth met up and used the time-turners one more time. At 12:01, they moved under a notice-me-not charm and placed the remaining gifts in a large pile in front of a receiving area where donated gifts were being loaded up into various vehicles to be delivered overnight to those who would not otherwise receive gifts.

Albus left a note on the pile. He nodded to his brother and then cast a disillusionment charm on himself. He then removed the notice-me-not charm as soon as he was reasonable certain no one was looking.

Alberforth, who normally was quite a curmudgeon, was enjoying himself immensely. This caper had been tiring – but a lot of fun. Alberforth took the bells he was holding and shook them loudly.

The collected firemen and police officers and other volunteers were working quickly. They didn't have much time. They had quite a few gifts to deliver and only about six hours to do it.

Suddenly they heard bells which were very loud. Everyone looked and saw a man dressed in a Father Christmas suit beside a very large pile of wrapped gifts. The man laughed in the traditional "Ho-Ho-Ho! Haaappy Christmas!" and then waved. He walked behind a tree that was nearby – and didn't reappear.

Several police officers moved to look – and there was no trace of the man.

They looked at the pile and saw the fine parchment which had been left on the pile.

One of them took it and read it out loud to the others who gathered around.

Happy Christmas!

As you can see, there are quite a number of wrapped gifts that are present (present – get it?) to add to your efforts. The color coding for age and gender is as follows:

(Description)

Also, please note that the following places have already had gifts delivered:

(List of various group homes and hospitals)

Being uncertain of where else these donated gifts (bought as a donation specifically for underprivileged children), we have left the remainder in your capable hands to ensure they are placed where they will be appreciated.

Sincerely,

"Father Christmas and his elves"

The various people looked at each other in shock and joy.

One of the people running the drive said, "Maybe we should keep this one to ourselves and just appreciate the little bit of Christmas magic we've seen."

All of them quietly agreed with the suggestion.

Alberforth and Albus were laughing as the final two house elves popped them in front of the Hogwarts gates.

Alberforth looked at his brother. "I don't think I've had that much fun in years."

Albus nodded as he laughed. "Oh, I quite agree! I hope we can do that again next year – as long as we aren't caught of course!"

The two laughed as they made their way through the gates. Alberforth would be staying with his brother in a guest room. The Hogshead would be closed and Rosemerta at the Three Broomsticks had agreed to accept the patrons that would be directed her way by the note left on the door of Abe's tavern – she actually appreciated the extra business.