Chapter 34 - Christmas

Submitted: Monday 12 September 2011

A/N: Each chapter from now until the end will hold at least one hint or clue to what is going on. I imagine only about six more. Errobotter and Smithdaddy wrote very kind reviews this week. I should have answers up on my profile to both of their questions by Wednesday. One important note: my goal is to have a chapter up every Sunday and Wednesday until the story is finished. This week the next submission will probably be Sunday unless I get inspired and then I might have a chapter up Thursday as well. Real life got in the way this weekend and I didn't have time to post on Sunday. That you, all of you, for reading and I hope you will continue to give your feedback.

Harry may have been a hero at the pub but he received his first detention of the term when he returned to school. He also was asked rather nicely by Rosmerta, the barmaid, on the way out, if he could refrain from attacking the customers in the future. "Personally," she said, "I thought they had it coming to them, but I can't be having people think they can throw around a few spells if they disagree with a bloke. After what he said to that poor girl I'll make an exception. Next time, though, you're banned." Harry understood.

He didn't mind the detention so much as the lecture that preceded it. The detention itself was spent Sunday in the Forest with Hagrid. The Aurors had finally finished picking through the last of the Intruder's camp and they were sure no additional clues would be found. Hagrid had decided to dismantle the site so that the Centaurs could finally feel comfortable on that side of the forest.

Hagrid, of course, was still not able to perform magic. Harry was invaluable in this regard and they made short work of restoring the site to its natural state. Hagrid even went so far as to bury the ashes from the fire. When they were done, the two headed on to their next project. Hagrid asked as they headed towards Grawp's camp, "Have yeh 'eard anythin' from Professor Duncan about what deh Aurors found?"

"Not really," Duncan had not spoken to him at all about it.

"They said they checked my hut for fingerspots. Yeh know, the places where the bloke put his fingers. Blokes fingers were all over meh hut but they couldn't say who he was. Said they knew who he wasn't though. They got prints on Goyle and his dad and it wasn't either of them. Also got about a dozen more them Death Eaters' and it wasn't any them either. Said they still don't know about Carrow."

Harry had looked all over the castle for an intruder on his map. The question he had begun to ask himself was "is this person someone who had been living in the castle all along and had used the camp for some other devious purpose?" What would this person, wizard or witch, want with the Centaurs? What was so important about the Centaurs that someone living in the castle would take the trouble to kill two small foals and leave them strung up near Hagrid's hut?

Once they finished with Grawp, the pair began to head back toward the castle. As they neared the edge of the Forest Harry noticed a few Centaurs watching from a distance. Bane soon met up with them. "Friend Hagrid, has it been done?" Hagrid nodded, "Aye. We cleared it up and it shouldn't be noticed in a month's time." Bane bowed and Harry thought he nearly smiled, "Thank you, Friend. The Herd is in your debt, both of you, for helping us rid the Forest of the scourge that preyed on our young and old alike. Young Wizard, a Centaur requests an audience. Would you accept?"

"Of course," Harry agreed.

Almost immediately a young filly stepped out of the brush with her father. It was the foal Enat and her father Doran followed. The older Centaur had his arm around the younger and she still walked with a slight limp. When she was close enough she attempted a bow. She winced but smiled, "Friend Harry Potter, many thanks for your help in my time of need. I owe you a life debt and I hope you will accept this token as a sign of friendship."

The filly took a necklace off her own shoulders and walked carefully to Harry. When Harry realised she planned to place the necklace over his head he bowed and crouched. Unfortunately, it caught on his left ear and she began to panic. This was obviously important to her and she felt as if she were flubbing it. He wasn't sure if helping her was good or bad but he followed his instincts. He subtly pushed the portion of the necklace over his ear with his thumb and whispered, "I have big ears," to which she replied with a gentle neigh.

She stepped back and her father Doran spoke, "My mare and I would like to thank you, Friend Harry Potter, and offer our friendship for saving our cub." Harry again smiled to the young filly and he bowed to the father. He couldn't help but ask, "Do you expect the leg to fully heal?" The smile left the father's face, "She will never run with the hunt but it shouldn't interfere with her normal duties as a mare. She has you to thank for this. She was dangerously close to being added to the names of the Fallen."

Bane saw this as an opportunity to end the exchange and they said their goodbyes. Harry couldn't help but like Enat. As they parted ways he heard her ask her father, "Did I do well?" He never heard the answer but instead played with the fangs on the necklace he'd so recently received. "Those're wolf's fangs, 'Arry," explained Hagrid. Wolves are considered rare and worthy 'ponents. Most wolves in these parts 'ave been hunted out due to danger of'm. Those teeth are quite valuable to the Centaurs and only the best families or someone lucky 'nuff to take down a wolf have'm." Harry thought to himself as they reached Hagrid's hut that for a day of detention he'd made out rather well.

A week later Harry sat tucked into dinner at the Burrow with most of the people he loved. He played with his peas while deep in thought. Ginny noticed this and silently questioned him. His response was a silent shrug to which she scowled.

He'd received an owl post a few days before from Mrs. Longbottom. It read:

Harry,

I am aware that we have not seen eye to eye and for that I apologise. That said, Mrs. Tonks has not been well and she has not been forthright with you regarding her condition. She slipped on the stairs a fortnight ago and her back is in a frightful condition. She desperately needs rest or I'm afraid her condition will continue to worsen until she is no longer able to walk. I believe a short rest and a visit to St. Mungo's will do fine but she refuses to listen to me. Is there any way you might help?

Sincerely,

Mrs. Alice Longbottom

Friday, as soon as returned from Hogwarts, Harry visited Andromeda. She made every effort to mask her pain but when she sat down she twisted her back and nearly let out a howl. Despite her arguments Harry went upstairs and pulled Teddy out of bed. He put together a bag with any item he thought might be useful and he brought the baby downstairs.

Andromeda was worried, "You are not taking him. I am fine."

"I am not taking him and you are not fine. Mrs. Longbottom told me about your back and I can see as plain as she can that you need to visit St. Mungo's". Harry had learned a thing or two from Molly Weasley and it was soon apparent to Teddy's grandmother that she had no choice in the matter. After she'd gathered her things they took the floo to the hospital. Harry saw just how bad her back was when she stumbled out with a whimper. Harry hurriedly used his free hand to support her and he helped her to a seat.

Harry then took Teddy to check Andromeda in. He was given several forms and asked to fill them out by a bored young clerk at the window.

He sat down with the forms and Andromeda filled them out while Harry played with his Godson. Teddy giggled and gurgled as Harry led a rousing game of peek-a-boo. All the while Andromeda mumbled, "...embarrassing to be pulled out of my own home and forced to visit a healer when I could have good and well done it myself..." As soon as she finished the forms Harry took them straight to the clerk. "The best you'll see today is a general healer. Most of the specialists have taken their holiday."

And that is what Andromeda saw...until the healer recognised Harry, "Oh, my word. Harry Potter?" She took one look at Andromeda's back and she responded with a frown, "I can see it's pretty bad but I don't know much more than that. We have specialists for backs because with one wrong diagnosis...give me fifteen minutes and let me see what I can do." It didn't even take that long. Within twelve minutes another young witch, in robes that were obviously not St. Mungo's issue, came bursting into the room, "Oh my...it is you. I thought she might be having a go at me. Let me clean up and I will have a quick look."

The witch soon returned and looked at the back, "Oh my. Oh my..." It was found that she had ruptured two disks in her back. They'd found nerve damage and the specialist insisted that if the damage was not taken care of immediately then it could be permanent. Mrs. Tonks was promptly admitted for treatment and rest.

Two nights later, Harry was tucked into dinner with Teddy at his side. While he used one hand to feed Teddy he continued to play with his peas as he thought quietly to himself. Andromeda would return tomorrow morning and Harry had tried to make every arrangement so that she wouldn't injure herself further.

Molly had watched for two days with pride as Harry, with the help of Ginny and Hermione, took care of Teddy. The young wizard had done everything a father would normally do and a few things even her husband had turned his nose away from with the first two boys. Harry had done everything from late night feedings, to changings, to holding the young boy's attention this evening at dinner.

Harry was still thinking. Mrs. Longbottom had mentioned during his visit to St. Mungo's that morning. She reminded Harry that the healer insisted that Andromeda's back would not fully heal for at least a month. Alice was quite sure that without Harry there to keep an eye on her that Mrs. Tonks would not be as careful with her back as she needed to be. Harry had come up with a possible solution earlier in the evening and had sent an owl to the Headmistress:

Professor McGonagall,

I am not sure the best way to handle this manner. Mrs. Tonks has hurt her back and needs help taking care of her grandson Teddy. I remember that Winky, a free elf, had previously cared for a child as a nurse and nanny and had cared for him from the time he was a baby. I was wondering if I might be able to have her help care for Teddy while Mrs. Tonks recovers.

Regards,

Harry Potter

Harry wasn't sure how the Professor would respond. Worse, he wasn't sure how Hermione would feel. He knew she felt that keeping Kreacher was a necessary evil given his age but he'd be taking a second elf into his household whom as far as he knew was the only remaining Free Elf in existence. At the very least he'd have to tread lightly and be very careful of the implications of any decision. He was so concerned about the implications that he requested advice from Gringotts and their legal department.

Harry returned to the conversation at the table. Dinner had just ended and Molly placed a pudding out for dessert, "Ron, don't be taking double helpings until everyone has had a go at it." Ron sunk in his chair but soon shrugged it off, "George, I see you've started on some new Wheezes. When have you had the time? You just opened a second shop and I know Hogsmeade is a madhouse. It's like there are two of you."

If George were the Cheshire Cat he wouldn't have a bigger grin, "Why, there are two of me Ron. And by the way, Harry, I paid the last of that loan off this week. Turns out, the second shop has been so profitable that it's paid for itself in less than a term." George saw the annoyed look on Harry's face, "Oh, sorry mate. Forgot that was just between us."

Molly cut in, "Harry, it's not like it was much of a secret. No harm in my eyes. Seems since he opened the new shop I have my old Georgie back." If George knew what was coming next he'd have ran. Molly leaned over and pinched his cheeks like a proud grandmother would a baby. The yelp he let out was priceless, "Blimey, Mum, I'm no longer nine." This caused Harry to relax some and Ginny stopped giving him worried looks. Teddy even let out a gurgling giggle from his chair.

Early the next morning Harry got his response from Professor McGonagall:

Monday 20 December

Winky is a free elf and is welcome to end her employment at her whim. Please remember, though, whom Winky's last charge was and make sure that little Teddy continues to get plenty of attention from you and his grandmother. Send Mrs. Tonks my best wishes and let her know I hope she feels better soon.

Sincerely,

Professor McGonagall

PS...I have made Winky aware of your intent and she may be summoned at your request.

Harry, of course, was well aware for whom Winky had previously cared. All the same, Harry was convinced this was more a result of neglect on Barty's father's part than anything Winky did as the nurse and nanny. Besides, Winky was only to handle the physical aspects of caring for Teddy. There was no way Andromeda would let Teddy out of sight for extended periods of time.

The second post was from Gringotts and included two contracts. The first of the two he handed to George who looked it over and asked him, "You sure this is legal?" Harry shrugged, "It came from Gringotts. They usually know what they are doing when it comes to business." George'd thought about doing this for a few months now and he was worried his mum was going to kill him for it, "And you aren't upset, Harry?"

"I think it's brilliant, George."

The rest of the table had become interested in the conversation. Fortunately for Harry he had a second contract that he opened up ceremoniously in front of the others and George's secret was quickly forgotten. Hermione couldn't help look over Harry's shoulder and her response was, "You aren't..."

"...Yes, I am."

"But is it even legal?" Hermione asked.

"What is it with you lot?" he asked the table. "I get contracts drawn up by the best at Gringotts and everyone assumes they couldn't possibly be legal?"

"It's just unheard of. A contract for a House Elf?" Hermione was flabbergasted, "I don't know if it's enforceable."

"Right now it doesn't matter if it's enforceable. I was told that the very act of creating the contract sets a precedent because there are no laws to guide us. You insist all the time we should help secure rights for House Elves. You know I wouldn't put it in a contract if I didn't expect to carry it out. She will have a vault at Gringotts and everything."

Hermione sputtered, "A vault? At Gringotts?"

"She's never had a desire to spend her wages. Each month her wages will go to Gringotts until she decides how to use them." Hermione looked as if Christmas had come early. Harry handed the contract to her and she read it to herself. She read parts out loud, "Winky will work for Harry Potter for as long as she'd like. The contract renews yearly upon her assent...She will be provided her own room at the Potter residence or at any home which Harry Potter has her work...From time to time Harry Potter may have Winky work for others and she is to follow the directions of this other person unless the instructions conflict directly with his own...Winky shall care for herself in a fashion consistent with the most respected House Elves... and there is a list of rights?"

Hermione hugged Harry and Ginny winked at him. It didn't take her much to figure out that this is what had been bothering Harry the night before. She was distracted by Teddy who was still grasping on to her leg as he continued to make his way around the table. He'd been grasping on to wizard's and witch's legs all breakfast as he was beginning to walk with help. Ginny imagined the little boy would be a handful once he was able to walk on his own. The twinkling eyes showed mischief to be had. Teddy was a Marauder in the making.

Two hours later, Harry sat at the Tonks residence with Andromeda and Ginny while Teddy took turns moving back and forth between the two witches. He grasped onto the sofa or anything else he could get his hands on. Andromeda watched amused, "He's taken a liking to you, Dear."

"Teddy and I spent a good deal of time together," Ginny beamed, "but Harry was so good with him. He changed him and fed him and woke up with him each night. You'd have thought Harry had been a father before. He's going to make a terrific daddy one day." Teddy gurgled and clapped his hands.

"Harry, I know you mean well but I'm going to need to care for Teddy now. I understand I need to take it easy but I have a boy to care for. How do you propose I take it easy once you leave for school?" Ginny knew Harry had been waiting for this question from Andromeda. Harry was not a show off but he did occasionally enjoy the role of showman of late."

"Winky," Harry called out calmly. With a crack the House Elf appeared with a bow, "Master Harry, you called?"

Andromeda's eyebrows reached for her hairline, "When did you acquire another House Elf, Harry? House Elves are very expensive."

Winky responded with a regretful sigh, "Master Harry did not acquire Winky. Master Harry insists that Winky be paid for her services and that she remain a Free Elf. Winky tries to convince Master Harry otherwise but he insists Winky must be paid."

"How much does your Master pay you?" This was a rude question no matter how it was asked but Andromeda could not help herself. The question just fell right out of her mouth. The elf didn't care. She almost cried with shame when she answered, "He made me take a Sickle." The House Elf glared at Harry, totally out of character for an elf, "A proper House Elf shouldn't be paid for her services."

Andromeda couldn't believe what she was hearing, "Harry, you do realise that the most noble families pay thousands of Galleons for a House Elf. You acquired one for a Sickle?"

Harry ignored the question, "Mrs. Tonks, Winky has experience as a nanny and nurse. What's more, she understands that you need help with the physical nature of caring for Teddy but that you enjoy spending time with him. She will only take care of those things that you wish her to."

"She will do anything I ask?"

Harry answered, "Not anything. The reason she is here is to keep you from aggravating your back. You need to heal. If you ask her to do something that she feels might hurt your back then she will not do it. For example, if you ask her to let you carry Teddy up the stairs she will not let you do so." Andromeda did not look happy but Harry went on, "Winky wouldn't be here if you didn't need her. Part of what you need is someone willing to remind you when you are pushing yourself too hard. It's only for a month and she will let you do more as you get stronger."

Andromeda frowned but nodded understanding. She knew she needed the help but she felt embarrassed. It was one thing for her to have a house elf of her own but for Harry to provide a house elf for her was humiliating – almost like charity. She had belonged to one of the most powerful and well known families in the magical community. Granted, she had always felt like an outcast in her own family because of her beliefs but she should have been rewarded for her strong moral stances – not made to be a pauper.

Winky seemed to read Andromeda's mind. "Winky works for Master Harry but belongs to Mistress Andromeda. Winky is a good House Elf and she will take good care of little Teddy." Winky's large eyes were hard to resist, "Will Mistress Andromeda let Winky help with Teddy?" Andromeda was no better at withstanding those eyes than Harry had been. She nodded yes.

With Andromeda's back problems at least somewhat settled, Christmas came quick. Andromeda brought both Teddy and Winky for the event and the house was overflowing with family. Molly couldn't be happier to see Teddy at the floo – it had been years since a young child had been at the Burrow for Christmas. The boys dispersed quickly when she announced, "I can't wait for this house to be full of grandchildren."

Winky was like a ball of energy. With all of the family taking turns with Teddy she was left with nothing to do. She quickly volunteered to help Molly with the cooking. Molly was astounded at how adept Winky was at helping without taking over. Winky would mind the stove but made no changes to the recipes. She had a keen sense of when to wait for further direction and when to take the initiative. Winky had been trained in one of the most particular households in England and if she had been placed on the open market the Crouch's could have received a fair sum for her.

Molly was currently at the kitchen table with a cuppa and complimented Andromeda on the elf's skills. "Yes, I have seen my fair share of House Elves over the years," Andromeda admitted, "and I must admit she puts them all to shame. Last night she had Teddy a bath and dinner cooked all in the same hour. The food was remarkable. I was so angry with Harry when he first introduced her to me but if she left tomorrow I wouldn't know what to do. It is as if she anticipates my needs and she takes such good care of me. She reminds me to do my exercises and I don't even realise it was her that reminded me until I am in the middle of them. It is like she can read my mind."

"You know," Molly answered, "our Auntie Black used to say the same thing. She insisted they read her mind. Always at the Floo with the evening's Prophet just as she'd arrive home. Rarely was a dinner served that she and the children weren't in the mood for. She was always worried when she was angry with them that they'd know and get back at her."

Andromeda continued, "Winky is so sweet. And she is so good with Teddy. He hasn't woke up in the middle of the night once since she's been there."

Harry and Ron were outside stirring up trouble. George had brought a few new pranks from the shop and they were testing them. Ginny was currently waddling around the garden trying to catch Harry. He had given her a variation of the Tongue Toffees called the "One Ton Taffee" that made the one who ate it grow a bulbous set of buttocks. On the wrapper it read "For the young woman who is full of herself or alternatively the woman who constantly asks 'Does this dress make my bum look big?'"

Harry and Ron quickly ran in the house when Ginny's wand came out. They wouldn't get relief from Mum, "Get back outside! I don't know what trouble you bring behind you but I will not have it in here!" Molly gave a meaningful look to Andromeda and reminded her, "Remember, with boys you must be firm." They both smiled.

An hour later all of the guests had arrived and the presents were opened. Teddy was a hit with everyone as with each gift he opened his hair would change colour. Once his face even became slightly thinner like George's and was covered with freckles as he giggled out of control. Teddy was really growing on Harry and he was going to have a hard time leaving him for school.

So far Molly and Arthur made out best with the gifts. Ron and Hermione had brought them back some shells from Australia that Molly insisted she'd use to decorate the sitting room. Harry had bought Molly some new pots and pans and Arthur a new set of tools. Arthur was curious about the tools until Bill showed him a clunker of a car. "It's a 1971 Jaguar E Series Roadster," Bill said with pride. Arthur looked the car over with his oldest son and he looked as if he was ready to begin work immediately. The car was not in good shape. The body needed work and the engine would not turn. The leather seats showed signs of being left out in the elements. The top was torn. Harry knew as well as Bill did that the more that needed to be done - the better.

Molly knew about both gifts and she had insisted to Harry that if he bought any electrical tools she'd send a particularly scary stinging curse his way, "I've heard about that electricity and we'll have nothing of it. Your father is a brilliant man but he is not too careful with his safety when it comes to Muggle contraptions."

What she did not know about was George's gift. It sat in a legal envelope near the tree when they made their way back into the sitting room. She opened the envelope to find a contract and a small note. Scribbled in George's infamous scrawl was "If not for you I'd have nothing. Please take this..."

Molly looked up without reading further and she shook her head, "George, this is way too much. We cannot accept this. We can discuss it later...and to throw this on us in front of everyone without warning is highly inappropriate."

Arthur took the note and contract from her and began reading. George didn't appear to give in just yet. "It wouldn't matter if I brought it up now or not, Mum. Many in this room knew about this for a while now as I asked their advice. If you read the contract you will know that your portion reverts back to me eventually anyway. If you must know, it was something Fred and I had discussed when we first opened the shop but we wanted to wait until we were sure it was profitable. We had planned for each of us to retain 26% with Harry keeping 25% and you receiving the rest. And really Mum, the gift wasn't so much for you as for Dad."

"But we didn't earn this," Molly argued, "it wouldn't be right."

"Fred and I have always felt you and Dad were a large part of our success. You have always pushed us to be the best at whatever we wanted to be. For us it happened to be pranksters and we took your talks to heart even if we didn't take them the way you fashioned them. Dad told us a million times that we should open our own joke shop when we were kids," Molly threw a dark glance at her husband out of habit, "and you even helped me save the shop by forcing me to move back home in June." George walked over and sat down next to his mum putting his arm around her, "I know you don't feel this is right but it will allow Dad to return to his old position in the Ministry. Also," he grinned devilishly, "it'll give you a reason to keep me on my toes. If I start to slip you'll have every reason to give me 'what for.'"

Ron looked at his Mum seriously, "If you won't take it I will. What is it, 25%?" Percy and Charlie seemed just as curious.

"No," George admitted, "it's 24%. I couldn't bear the idea of Mum and Harry causing a deadlock with me over what was an 'appropriate decoration' in the window. Fred and I always decided we'd own the greater portion in halves. That isn't changing now." Only Harry understood George's final remark.

The most appreciated gift was also one of the smallest. Hermione sat in a corner most of the day reading a new book that Harry had bought her called Split Infinityby Piers Anthony. He tried to keep his gifts low key this year so that no scenes were created. He knew George's gift would cause enough of an uproar. By the time Bill and Fleur had convinced Molly to consider George's offer, Hermione had finished Chapter Four and was above distraction. Harry knew he'd gotten the perfect gift for her when Ron grumbled to him, "Thanks a lot. She's probably going to be at your gift all night. I had plans for tonight." Harry felt bad only long enough to remember that Ron's plans for tonight were the same set of plans he had every night for going on three months.

Ginny's gift had been the only extravagant one from Harry and she was not pleased. He'd tried many times to get her to let him buy her dress robes. With the New Years Party coming up he decided he'd sneak off with her favourite fitting robes and have an outfit made for the party. He even had Fleur and Hermione help though they insisted she wouldn't be happy, "You should stick with something small. It would show that you are listening to her. She's said many times that she feels uncomfortable with large gifts."

If anyone accused Harry of being perfect it certainly wouldn't have been on this shopping trip. He ignored their advice and insisted they look at fabric, cuts and designs, "I know she doesn't want an expensive gift but she can use this. This is a practical gift."

Hermione and Fleur shared a look that spoke of certain doom. Hermione tried again, "Harry, listen to yourself. You are going to buy her a gift that is exactly what she doesn't want AND it is practical? I promise you that this is a bad idea. Get her something small and simple. Have that picture of you and her with Teddy framed and include a small poem." Fleur picked out fabric and was now looking at designs.

"But I want to show her how much I love her," explained Harry stubbornly. "I want to buy something worthy of her."

"Harry, that is not the way to Ginny's heart, I promise you. Do you remember the gifts we used to get each other when we were younger? We always bought simple inexpensive gifts but they had meaning."

Hermione danced around the reality. Hermione and Fleur knew this was going to end badly but they didn't know how to explain to Harry that Ginny had spent every Galleon she owned the past few months trying to keep up with his gifts. She burned through the Galleons received with the Order of Merlin and the money made helping George over the Summer Holiday. Now she was only left with the few Sickles and Galleons she could make working part time the Saturday before Christmas. All Saturday afternoon she had the voice of the old bloke at The Three Broomsticks run through her head asking "Ay mean, what you got? No money? Not dun nuttin'. Far's I can see ye just a hanger's on..."

Finally, in a desperate attempt to keep the gifts simple, Ginny asked Harry to make a pact that this Christmas they wouldn't spend more than a few Galleons each. She didn't want to open up some spectacular gift and have to explain why she hadn't bought him something just as grand.

Unfortunately, Hermione's prediction came true. When Ginny opened her gift the magnificent robes flowed out of the box. She asked weakly about the pact they made and he shrugged it off saying once he thought of the robes he couldn't bear her not having something special to wear for the party. The scowl confused Harry – he couldn't understand why she was so upset. He couldn't understand why that silly pact meant so much.

All he could think about was that he wanted to share everything he had with Ginny. All she could think about was that she couldn't possibly stack up to all that he had and had accomplished. More and more she felt invisible near the one that she loved most and he could not fathom why because more and more all he could see that mattered in the world was her.