Now we finally get to see Harry in action!
Chapter 7
Christmas Eve at the Burrow was a lively and bustling affair. The Weasley home was adorned with twinkling fairy lights, festive decorations, and the delicious aroma of holiday treats filled the air. Harry and Hermione had decided that they would reveal their relationship to everyone the next day, and they hoped that Ron, in particular, would be understanding.
Ron had their best friend for years, and they both knew that he had harbored feelings for her. However, recent developments in Ron's romantic life—namely, his involvement with Lavender Brown—led them to believe that he might take the news surprisingly well. Ginny had promised to be there in case things got out of hand.
The Christmas Eve gathering included Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks, who were welcomed into the Weasley family's warm embrace. Harry couldn't help but notice the subtle, unspoken connection between Remus and Tonks. He suspected that something might be developing between them, but he decided not to pry or make any assumptions. After all, he knew he was far from an expert in matters of romance.
The day was spent in a flurry of activity. Last-minute gift wrapping and putting the final touches on decorations kept everyone busy and distracted from their thoughts. The Weasley family was known for their knack for creating a cheerful and festive atmosphere, and this Christmas was no exception.
Mrs. Weasley's homemade mince pies and treacle tart had become legendary in the family, and they were a highlight of the holiday feast. She was bustling about the kitchen, ensuring that everything was perfect for her guests. Arthur Weasley was engrossed in conversation with Remus Lupin, their discussion undoubtedly turning toward Muggle artifacts and oddities. Fred and George, were in their element as they set off some of their latest joke products, bringing laughter and amusement to the gathering.
The clock in the Weasley's cozy living room had just struck midnight, and the atmosphere was filled with warmth and cheer. The gathered friends and family embraced one another, exchanging heartfelt wishes of "Merry Christmas!" Mrs. Weasley's homemade treats had been devoured, and the room was alive with laughter and conversation.
Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks, guests for the evening, expressed their gratitude for the wonderful company before announcing their departure. However, a strange unease seemed to settle upon Remus as he gazed into the distance. Tonks, sensing his concern, inquired about it, but Remus remained silent, his eyes fixed on something beyond their sight.
Suddenly, a blazing fireball crashed into the ground, forming a circle of intense flames that encircled the Burrow. Bellatrix Lestrange swooped down and darted out of the fiery ring, aware that her arrival would undoubtedly provoke a reaction.
Harry's rage surged within him as he watched the malicious witch's bold entrance. He had been through too much and lost too many loved ones, and he wasn't about to let Bellatrix escape this time. Ignoring the calls for him to stop, he dashed out of the house with determination in his eyes. Harry's power and control over magic had grown immensely during his time of training and he effortlessly parted the fire, creating a path as he rushed to confront Bellatrix.
Hermione, Remus, and Tonks followed, trying to contain the fire behind them. Harry was alone when he reached the field, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Bellatrix. He sensed movement around him, realizing that he was surrounded by more than one adversary. He focused his magic, releasing it in a powerful burst that obliterated the field for miles.
His enemies were now exposed, standing in plain sight. Two figures emerged from the chaos: Fenrir Greyback, a monstrous werewolf known for turning innocent children, and Bellatrix Lestrange, the murderer of Harry's godfather, Sirius Black. The anger and disgust welled up inside him.
Bellatrix was the primary target of Harry's wrath. His magic crackled around him as his aura grew, and the once-peaceful field trembled violently. Bellatrix had seen him in action before, but she was entirely unprepared for the sheer magnitude of his newfound power. Harry had transformed into something frightening and otherworldly.
Harry's eyes darkened, and the air around them turned frigid. Bellatrix attempted to strike first with a barrage of dark curses, but Harry deflected them with ease. He didn't need his wand to repel her attacks. A mere swipe of his hand seemed to disrupt her spells. Bellatrix grew increasingly frustrated, her taunts and jeers failing to elicit the reaction she desired. She unleashed a barrage of dark curses, but Harry continued to deflect them without effort, his magic providing an impenetrable shield.
Greyback joined the battle, hoping to catch Harry off guard. Spells were sent flying in every direction, but Harry effortlessly erected shields to protect himself. Greyback's attacks were feeble and poorly aimed, no match for Harry's superior skill and speed.
Harry's patience wore thin. Bellatrix's taunts about Sirius's death and his supposed weakness fueled his anger. His magic began to surge out of control, and his aura grew more ominous by the second. He knew that he could no longer hold back. Bellatrix attempted to exploit Harry's emotional turmoil by casting the Killing Curse, but he had anticipated her move. With a thought, he summoned rocks from the earth to intercept the deadly spell.
Harry shifted from defense to offense, attacking Bellatrix with unparalleled speed and power. She struggled to keep up, desperately trying to catch him off guard. But Harry was unrelenting, his spells precise and deadly.
Greyback, realizing she was outmatched and outpaced, attempted to intervene by firing a Killing Curse at Harry's back. Harry sensed the danger and swiftly dodged the curse, narrowly avoiding certain death. He then turned his attention back to Greyback, who proved too slow and weak to contend with him. With a flick of his wand, Harry immobilized Greyback with the Petrificus Totalus spell, rendering him completely helpless. He had no intention of allowing the dangerous werewolf to escape.
Returning his focus to Bellatrix, Harry resumed their duel. She was outmatched and had exhausted her repertoire of dark curses. Desperate to escape, she unleashed a final barrage of spells, attempting to catch Harry off guard. But Harry was prepared. He summoned a wall of rocks to block her curses, using them as both defense and offense.
Bellatrix's frustration reached its breaking point. She began taunting Harry, reminding him of Sirius's death and questioning his strength. Harry's anger flared once more, but this time he didn't try to suppress it. He allowed his magic to burst forth, his aura growing more menacing.
The ground trembled beneath them as Harry's eyes darkened once more and Bellatrix realized that she was completely outmatched. She launched the Killing Curse at Harry, hoping to end the duel, but he was ready.
Green met red as the infamous 'Avada Kedavra' collided with Harry's 'Expelliarmus'. The two spells clashed, and Harry showed no signs of struggling. The power imbalance became evident, with the connection pushing toward Bellatrix. She was losing, and she knew it.
In a desperate attempt, Bellatrix broke the connection and hastily cast another curse at Harry, forcing him to dodge. She swiftly retreated, fleeing toward the Burrow. As she soared into the night sky, she unleashed a torrent of flames that engulfed the Weasley home.
The Weasley family, Hermione, Remus, and Tonks stood frozen in shock as the Burrow was consumed by the inferno. Hermione cried out for Harry, her voice trembling with fear. But Harry swiftly apparated back to their midst, clutching a stunned Fenrir Greyback. He dropped Greyback and cast a powerful Aguamenti spell, dousing the flames that threatened to consume the Burrow.
The relief that washed over the onlookers was palpable. The Burrow had been spared from destruction, thanks to Harry's quick thinking and powerful magic.
Hermione embraced Harry tightly, her initial relief was palpable. But it quickly gave way to anger, and she pulled away from him abruptly. Her hand shot out, delivering a resounding slap that left a red imprint on Harry's cheek.
"You utter, reckless fool!" Hermione's voice trembled with a mixture of fear and fury. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? Running after Bellatrix like that, it's exactly what they wanted you to do! You could've gotten hurt or worse!"
Harry winced both from the slap and Hermione's words. He knew she was right, and her anger was entirely justified. He hung his head, unable to meet her eyes, and muttered an apology.
"I'm so sorry, Hermione," he said, his voice filled with regret. "I didn't think it through, and I should've known better. I promise I won't do something like that again."
Hermione's anger began to ebb as she heard the sincerity in Harry's voice. She took a deep breath and softened her tone. "Harry, do you have any idea how much you mean to me? I care about you more than anything. I can't bear the thought of losing you."
Harry looked up at her, his emerald eyes filled with remorse and gratitude. "I know, Hermione," he said, his voice laced with emotion. "I promise I'll be more careful in the future. I can't bear the thought of losing you either."
The scene at the Burrow was a chaotic one, with the Order members and Ministry officials bustling around. Dumbledore had also returned from his 'traveling' to investigate.
Rufus Scrimgeour, the newly appointed Minister for Magic, was investigating a huge case of underage magic and couldn't believe his eyes as he took in the dripping, waterlogged house and the distinct smell of dampness that pervaded the air. However, his astonishment peaked when he saw Harry Potter standing there, tall and composed, with a stunned Fenrir Greyback at his feet.
Scrimgeour wasted no time and quickly made his way toward Harry. He was both impressed and alarmed by the young wizard's presence and the fact that he had captured Fenrir Greyback, a notorious and wanted criminal. The Minister's jaw dropped as he approached.
"Potter," Scrimgeour began, his tone a mix of astonishment and inquiry. "What in Merlin's name happened here, and how did you manage to capture Greyback?"
Harry met the Minister's gaze with a cool, collected demeanor. "Minister Scrimgeour," he replied calmly, "I was engaged in a confrontation with Bellatrix Lestrange and Fenrir Greyback. Greyback attempted to use the killing curse, but I was able to react quickly and used the full-body bind on him. Unfortunately, Lestrange managed to escape just before I could apprehend her. She left after setting the Burrow on fire, which I promptly extinguished using an Aguamenti spell."
Scrimgeour was incredulous, clearly finding it difficult to believe that a teenage wizard had not only survived an encounter with two powerful Death Eaters but had also managed to capture one of them. Alastor Moody, who had been listening in on the conversation from a distance, couldn't help but let out a booming laugh.
Dumbledore, who had remained silent until this point, stepped forward and addressed the situation. "Minister Scrimgeour," he said calmly, "I believe it would be prudent for us to review the events of this evening with young Mr. Potter. I have no doubt that the Pensieve in my office will provide us with a clearer understanding of what transpired."
Scrimgeour agreed, his curiosity piqued. He turned to Harry. "Potter, we will need your cooperation in this matter. If you would be so kind as to accompany me and Professor Dumbledore to Hogwarts, we can use the Pensieve there to review the events."
Harry nodded in agreement but not before taking a moment to kiss Hermione on the cheek. "I'll be back soon," he reassured her.
Together, Harry, Scrimgeour, and Dumbledore made their way to the Minister's office, where they would Floo to Hogwarts for further investigation. Meanwhile, the Order members and Ministry officials at the Burrow began the task of investigation and repair, while the Weasleys made plans to rendezvous at 12 Grimmauld Place, and Hermione was prepared to return to her parents.
After reviewing the memory of the night's events through Harry's Pensieve, both Dumbledore and Scrimgeour were utterly shocked by what they had witnessed. Harry's display of magical prowess had been nothing short of extraordinary.
Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling with a mix of pride and concern, turned to Harry. "My boy, you've certainly come a long way since your first days at Hogwarts," he said with a warm smile.
Scrimgeour, too, was impressed. "Potter, I must commend you on your exceptional skill and quick thinking," he stated sincerely. "Your actions tonight may have just prevented a great tragedy."
Harry, humbled by their praise, nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. Thank you, Minister Scrimgeour. I only did what I had to do."
Scrimgeour extended his hand, and Harry shook it firmly. "Your bravery and abilities do not go unnoticed, Potter. The Ministry owes you a debt of gratitude."
With that, Scrimgeour nodded and made his way back through the fireplace, leaving Hogwarts to return to his duties as Minister for Magic.
Dumbledore turned to Harry.
He listened intently as Harry recounted his summer training regimen and the various skills he had honed during those years. His expression remained thoughtful, his piercing blue eyes never leaving Harry's face.
When Harry mentioned his training with a goblin warrior, Dumbledore's eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise. "A goblin warrior?" he repeated, clearly intrigued. "That's an unusual choice, Harry. Goblins are known for their formidable combat skills and deep knowledge of magical artifacts. Tell me more about this training."
Harry explained how he had met Gornak, the goblin warrior, through Ragnok, one of the directors of Gringotts. Dumbledore nodded, clearly recognizing the value of such a unique mentor.
Dumbledore's expression turned more serious as Harry mentioned his studies, particularly in the fields of Occlumency and Legilimency. "Harry, these are advanced magical disciplines, and mastering them is no small feat," he remarked. "Your dedication to your studies is commendable."
However, when Harry revealed that he had learned a substantial amount of wandless magic, Dumbledore's astonishment was palpable. "Wandless magic?" he repeated, his eyes widening slightly. "That is an extremely advanced skill, Harry. Most wizards are unable to control it, even after years of training."
Harry nodded, "I knew I needed every advantage possible in the fight against Voldemort, Professor. Wandless magic seemed like a valuable tool to have."
Dumbledore regarded Harry with a solemn expression, his piercing blue eyes filled with understanding. "Why, Harry?" he asked, his voice gentle yet probing. "Why have you dedicated yourself to such rigorous training for over three years?"
Harry took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the aged headmaster as he prepared to reveal the deeply personal reasons behind his intense commitment to becoming more powerful.
"It all started," Harry began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion, "after the battle at the Ministry. Hermione got hurt, and it was my fault. I felt so... guilty." Harry paused, briefly closing his eyes as he recalled the painful memory.
Dumbledore nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Guilt can be a powerful motivator," he remarked.
Harry continued, his words coming more freely now. "And then... Sirius." He swallowed hard, the memory of his godfather's death still haunting him. "He died because I didn't listen to Hermione, and I led them all into a trap. I felt weak, professor, and powerless." Dumbledore listened attentively, his expression filled with empathy for the young wizard before him.
"When I saw you and Voldemort dueling," Harry said, his voice carrying a trace of awe, "I realized just how weak I was. I couldn't let that happen again. I couldn't let anyone I care about get hurt because I wasn't strong enough."
Dumbledore nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving Harry's face. "Strength, Harry," he said, "can manifest in many forms. Physical power is just one aspect of it. But your determination and your love for your friends have always been your greatest strengths."
Harry appreciated the words of wisdom from his mentor, but he knew that his desire to become more powerful had driven him to new heights of dedication and effort. "I understand that Professor," Harry replied earnestly. "But I also believe that, in our world, power and strength can make a significant difference. I need to be able to protect those I love, to ensure their safety. I won't let anyone else get hurt because I was too weak."
Dumbledore smiled kindly at Harry, a mixture of pride and compassion in his eyes. "Your journey, Harry, is one of growth and self-discovery. Just remember that power alone is not the answer. It is the strength of your heart and the bonds you share with your friends that will truly define your path."
Dumbledore was alone in his office, pondering the events he had just witnessed in Harry's memories. His usual calm demeanor had given way to a deep sense of concern and astonishment. He had seen many extraordinary things in his long life, but Harry's recent display of power and mastery over magic had left him utterly flabbergasted.
He paced back and forth in his office, his long white beard flowing as he muttered to himself. "Training for over three years... wandless magic... overwhelming strength... capturing Fenrir Greyback with a simple spell... overpowering Bellatrix Lestrange..." Dumbledore couldn't help but think, "What the fu..."
He knew that Harry had always possessed immense potential, but this was beyond anything he could have anticipated. The boy who had once struggled to control his magic now seemed to wield it with finesse and precision. It was as if he had become a different person entirely.
As he replayed the memories in the Pensieve, Dumbledore felt a growing sense of unease. He was aware that Harry's determination to protect those he loved was a driving force, but the extent of his newfound abilities was staggering. It was as though Harry had unlocked a hidden reservoir of power within himself, and Dumbledore wasn't entirely sure how to guide him through this new chapter of his magical development.
"What lies ahead for young Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore mused aloud. "And how can I ensure that he does not lose himself in this quest for power?"
The Granger house was bathed in a soft, warm light from the living room as Harry arrived at an unusually early hour on Christmas morning. He had expected to be greeted by an atmosphere of holiday joy, but instead, he found Hermione sleeping on the couch, her face still marked by traces of tears. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for keeping them up so late.
As Harry rang the doorbell, Emma Granger appeared almost immediately, her face lighting up with a welcoming smile. She ushered Harry and Tonks inside, and it was clear that the Granger family had been anxiously awaiting Harry's arrival. "Sorry for coming in so late," Harry said, apologizing for keeping them awake. Dan Granger waved it off, a kind smile on his face. "Not a problem at all, Harry. We're just glad you're here."
The Grangers soon headed off to bed, leaving Harry alone with Hermione, who was still fast asleep on the couch. Tonks bid Harry farewell and left, confident that he would be in good hands.
Approaching Hermione, Harry leaned down and gently kissed her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open, a little red from the tears she had shed earlier. She murmured a quiet, "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Hermione," Harry replied as he gave her a soft and loving hug. "It's 2 a.m. we should probably get some sleep."
Hermione seemed unwilling to let him go. She requested to stay in his bed for the night, not wanting to be alone. Harry agreed without hesitation, understanding her need for comfort. He kissed her forehead once more before gently picking her up in his arms, eliciting a giggle from her as she playfully kicked her legs.
Carrying Hermione into the guest room, Harry carefully laid her down on his bed and tucked her in. He swiftly enlarged his trunk and changed into his pyjamas. Climbing into bed beside her, Harry wrapped his arms around Hermione, holding her close and providing the warmth and security she sought.
They quickly fell asleep, the recent events fading away whilst in each other's embrace.
Harry awoke on Christmas morning to the sweet sensation of Hermione's giggling kisses. He grumbled playfully, his eyes still half-closed as he slowly roused from sleep. Her laughter was contagious, and soon enough, he found himself joining in.
"Merry Christmas, Hermione," Harry murmured, his voice filled with sleepiness and affection. They exchanged warm smiles before leaning in for a gentle, morning kiss.
After their brief moment of connection, Harry decided to head for the shower, feeling the need to wash away the remnants of sleep and start the day refreshed. The warm water was invigorating, and he took his time, savoring the simple pleasure of the shower. Once he was done, Harry dried himself off and headed back to his room to change.
As he glanced out of the window, he noticed that it had been snowing overnight. The landscape was blanketed in a soft, white layer of snow, perfect for building snow angels and snowmen later on. Harry chuckled to himself, realizing that he couldn't stay in his pajamas all day, even though the temptation was strong. He started changing into a cozy, winter outfit, the cold weather outside serving as a reminder to dress warmly.
Just as he was slipping on a shirt, the door swung open, and Hermione entered, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Her timing, of course, was impeccable, and Harry found himself once again shirtless in her presence. Hermione couldn't help but giggle at the sight, causing Harry to blush slightly.
"Enjoying the view, are you?" Harry teased, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. He even gave her a quick pose.
Hermione openly admitted, her tone teasing, "Oh, very much, Harry. You're very fit and sexy." Her compliment had Harry blushing even more, but he couldn't hide the pleased smile that danced on his lips. The two of them shared a moment of lighthearted laughter till Emma called them downstairs to start their celebrations.
Rushing down the stairs, Harry and Hermione entered the living room, where they found Emma and Dan seated in front of a magnificent Christmas tree. The tree was adorned with an array of ornaments, each one shimmering in the soft, warm glow of the lights. Strings of twinkling fairy lights wound around the branches, casting a magical aura over the room. The tree was topped with a radiant star that sparkled like a diamond in the morning light.
"Merry Christmas, Mum, Dad," Hermione said, wrapping them both in a hug.
"Merry Christmas, Dan and Emma!" Harry greeted them with a warm smile as he approached the tree, his eyes appreciating the beauty of the decorations.
"Merry Christmas, you two," Dan and Emma chimed in unison, their faces radiating happiness.
With eager anticipation, they all began to exchange gifts, their eyes sparkling with excitement. The room was filled with the rustling of wrapping paper as they tore into their presents, the excitement of the day bringing an air of joy and anticipation. Presents were strewn beneath the Christmas tree, each one lovingly wrapped and adorned with colorful ribbons and bows. They decided to open the gifts from others first before turning their attention to the ones they had prepared for each other.
Mrs. Weasley's annual hand-knitted sweaters were a delightful tradition, and both Harry and Hermione received their own, each one carefully selected to match their personalities and interests. Ginny's thoughtful gifts included a collection of makeup and a bottle of exquisite perfume for Hermione and an assortment of sweets for Harry.
Ron, on the other hand, proved to be less creative in his gift-giving. Hermione received another book, which she graciously accepted with a polite smile, relieved that he hadn't sent anything as peculiar as the previous year's perfume. Harry's gift from Ron was equally uninspired, a selection of joke products that were unmistakably from Fred and George's shop. Harry couldn't help but feel that Ron hadn't put much thought into their presents.
As Harry continued to unwrap his gifts, he couldn't help but notice a large package, one that stood out from the others. It was from the Dursleys, his relatives from whom he had suffered a miserable upbringing. Curiosity piqued, he began to unwrap it, revealing a cardboard box inside. Upon opening the box, Harry discovered that it was completely empty. His expression remained composed, but the Grangers were outraged at the audacity of the Dursleys to send such an empty and thoughtless gift.
Hermione, who had heard about Harry's difficult summers at the Dursleys, was particularly incensed by the empty box. "How could they send you an empty cardboard box as a Christmas present, Harry? That's utterly heartless."
Harry, however, tried to defuse the tension with a small smile. "It's all right, Hermione. In a way, it's almost funny. They actually managed to fool me for a moment." He shrugged off the emptiness of the gift, not letting it spoil their festive mood.
Emma and Dan exchanged glances, their hearts heavy with sympathy for Harry's difficult past, but they were glad to see that he could still find humor even in such situations.
After all the other gifts had been opened, it was time for the Granger family to exchange their own presents. The excitement in the room continued to build as they each shared their heartfelt gifts.
First up were Emma and Dan, the loving couple, who exchanged their gifts with smiles that radiated warmth. Emma handed Dan a beautifully wrapped box, inside of which was a magnificent Rolex watch. The watch had a sleek stainless steel band with an exquisite silver dial. Its fine craftsmanship was evident in the intricate detailing on the face, with small, glistening diamonds marking the hours. Dan's eyes widened in delight as he admired the elegant timepiece.
"Oh, Emma, it's stunning!" Dan exclaimed, his fingers gently tracing the watch's delicate design.
Emma's heart swelled with joy at his reaction, and she couldn't hide her happiness. "I'm so glad you like it, dear."
In return, Dan presented Emma with a small, elegantly wrapped box. Inside, she discovered a shimmering silver bracelet. The bracelet had a delicate chain adorned with tiny, sparkling sapphires, which glistened like stars on a clear night. It exuded a sense of timeless beauty and charm. Emma's eyes welled up with tears of happiness as she lifted the bracelet from its box. She delicately fastened it around her wrist, and the sapphires glittered in the soft light of the room. Dan leaned in and gave her a gentle peck on the lips, sealing their love with the exchange of thoughtful gifts.
Next, it was time for Harry and Emma to share their gifts. Harry had put a lot of thought into his present for Emma, knowing how much she cherished warmth during the cold winter months. He had secretly charmed a set of woolen clothing, including a woolen hat, jumper, and woolen socks, with a permanent Warming Charm. These garments would provide a cozy and comforting warmth whenever she wore them.
Emma's eyes sparkled with delight as she unwrapped the gift, understanding the effort and consideration Harry had put into it. "Harry, this is wonderful! Thank you so much," she exclaimed, giving him a heartfelt hug.
Grinning, Harry accepted his gift from Emma. It was an enchanting moon lamp, designed to change colors with the touch of a remote control. The lamp's soft, soothing glow made it perfect for use as a nightlight, and its ability to replicate the phases of the moon made it a mesmerizing piece of decor. Emma explained its features to Harry as she handed it to him, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
"You can adjust the colors to suit your mood, Harry. It can even mimic the phases of the moon. I thought it would be a perfect night lamp for you."
Harry marveled at the moon lamp, his heart swelling with gratitude for such a thoughtful gift. He hugged Emma tightly, whispering, "It's fantastic, Emma. Thank you. I love it."
Now, it was Hermione and Dan's turn to surprise each other with their thoughtful presents. Dan presented Hermione with a carefully wrapped gift, a beautifully bound book. Hermione's eyes lit up as she saw the title, 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' and she carefully opened the book. Inside, she discovered that it was a signed copy of the beloved novel by Harper Lee. Hermione gasped in amazement and admiration.
"Dad, this is incredible!" Hermione exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine excitement. She immediately pulled her father into a tight hug. "I can't believe you managed to get a signed copy from Harper Lee herself. Thank you so much!"
Dan beamed with joy as he hugged his daughter back. "I knew it was one of your childhood favorites, and I wanted to make it special for you, Hermione."
Touched by her father's thoughtfulness, Hermione knew she had something equally special to share with him. She reached for a large package and handed it to Dan. At first glance, it appeared to be a high-quality coffee machine, a thoughtful gift for a coffee lover like him. However, as Dan turned the machine around, he was astonished to see the black face fade away, replaced by an animated photograph.
In the photograph, the Granger family was captured in a beautiful moment at Hampstead Heath, with young Hermione beaming brightly at the camera, her parents on either side of her. It was a snapshot from a cherished memory, and Hermione had charmed it onto the coffee machine's surface.
Tears welled up in Dan's and Emma's eyes as they looked at the photograph, a memento of their happy days together. Hermione's father embraced her tightly, his voice choked with emotion. "This is the most wonderful gift, Hermione. I love it."
After taking a moment to compose themselves and dry their tears of joy, it was Harry and Dan's turn to exchange gifts. Dan presented Harry with a neatly wrapped box containing a stylish three-piece suit. The suit was a matching set in a somber navy blue, consisting of a jacket, waistcoat, and trousers. Alongside the suit, there was a crisp, white buttoned shirt, a maroon-red pocket square, and a matching tie.
Harry was genuinely pleased as he looked at the elegant suit. "Thank you, Dan. It's really smart."
Dan chuckled warmly and offered some fatherly advice. "Every young man should have a good suit, Harry. You'll look quite dashing in it."
"Dan, I've got a little something for you," Harry said, handing over a seemingly ordinary leather briefcase.
Dan raised an eyebrow, curious. "A briefcase?"
"Open it," Harry encouraged.
Dan unlatched the briefcase and was surprised to find that, thanks to an enlargement charm, it was much more spacious than it appeared. As he explored its compartments, he discovered a pair of cozy-looking crocs.
"They're charmed with a warming spell to keep your feet toasty," Harry explained with a grin. "Perfect for those chilly mornings."
Dan chuckled and looked up at Harry, grateful for the thoughtful gift. "Thanks, Harry. This is great!"
It was now Hermione and Emma's turn to share their presents. Hermione handed her mother a set of beautifully crafted leather-bound journals. At first glance, they appeared to be exquisite, but Hermione went on to explain their unique feature—they were linked journals. When someone wrote in one journal, the words would magically appear in the other, facilitating instant communication between Hermione and Emma.
Emma's eyes filled with delight as she grasped the significance of the gift. She hugged Hermione tightly, her voice filled with happiness. "Hermione, this is wonderful! Now we can stay connected even when we're apart. Thank you, dear."
In return, Emma gave Hermione a thoughtful gift that touched her deeply. It was a scrapbook filled with photographs documenting Hermione's life, from the moment she was born up until the previous summer. Each page was a journey through her memories, and Emma explained that there was still plenty of space for Hermione to add her own experiences to the book in the future.
Tears of gratitude welled up in Hermione's eyes as she hugged her mother. "Mum, this is the most beautiful gift I've ever received. I love it."
Filled with excitement and appreciation for the present, Hermione had another idea. She dashed up to her room and returned with a camera she had received as a birthday gift a few years ago. With a knowing glance, everyone understood her intention.
They decided to gather in front of the Christmas tree, positioning themselves for a group photo. Hermione stood in the center, flanked by Harry on her left and Emma on her right. Dan took his place beside Emma. They set up the camera, activated the 20-second timer, and quickly huddled together, all smiles and anticipation.
Just before the photo was taken, Hermione turned to Harry and planted a sweet kiss on his cheek, making his smile widen even more. With the camera's self-timer counting down, they held their pose.
When the picture was captured, they couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. It was a perfect moment frozen in time. They swiftly printed the photo from the camera and carefully affixed it to the next page of the scrapbook, preserving this cherished memory for years to come.
As it was now Harry and Hermione's turn to exchange gifts, Hermione was the first to reveal her present. She handed them 'his and hers' bracelets that shimmered with a solid gold chain. The bracelets were exquisite, radiating a warm and inviting glow. Hermione's bracelet bore the ornament of a book flipping through its pages, while Harry's featured a fluttering golden snitch. They were not just ordinary bracelets; they were charmed so that they couldn't be removed by anyone but the owner, ensuring their connection remained secure. Additionally, they were charmed to offer protection against minor jinxes, like the Jelly-Legs Jinx.
With smiles of joy, Harry and Hermione immediately fastened the bracelets onto their wrists. Their matching adornments and protective enchantments made them feel even closer to each other. After securing the bracelets, they shared a quick yet tender kiss, sealing their affection.
Now it was Harry's turn to present his gifts to Hermione. He had not one but three surprises for her.
The first gift was an animated and framed photograph capturing a delightful moment of Harry and Hermione dancing during Slughorn's Christmas party. It was a heartwarming image, revealing the genuine joy they had experienced that night. Colin Creevey had somehow managed to capture the perfect shot, and Harry couldn't have been more grateful to him. In the picture, they were laughing heartily in each other's arms, with Harry's clumsy dance moves causing Hermione's infectious laughter to ring through the air.
Harry's next gift left Hermione pleasantly surprised. He presented her with a set of beautiful and rare quills. Harry was well aware of Hermione's affinity for quills; she had been using an eagle feather quill for quite some time. However, Harry had decided to elevate her quill game to a whole new level by gifting her two remarkable quills.
The first quill was crafted from a thunderbird feather. Thunderbirds were incredibly rare and native to North America. Known for their immense power and majesty, their feathers were highly sought after and used as the core in some of the most powerful wands ever created. Harry had managed to procure one of these feathers to make Hermione's quill truly unique.
The second quill was equally special, made from a phoenix feather. Phoenix feathers were renowned for their magical properties and were known to be one of the most compatible wand cores for witches and wizards. Just like thunderbird feathers, they were quite rare.
Hermione was taken aback by the rarity and beauty of these quills. She couldn't help but inquire, "Harry, how on earth did you manage to get such incredibly rare quills?"
Harry smiled mischievously and replied, "Well, Hermione, let's just say I have a pretty amazing house-elf in my corner."
Before Hermione could even begin to thank Harry for the extraordinary quills, he handed her one final gift. It was a small, rectangular box, and curiosity danced in Hermione's eyes as she eagerly opened it. Inside, she discovered a breathtaking necklace.
The chain of the necklace was made of sterling silver, glinting beautifully in the soft Christmas morning light. Hanging from it was a magnificent emerald heart-shaped pendant that seemed to capture the essence of love itself.
Hermione was utterly speechless, her eyes fixed on the stunning piece of jewelry. Harry gently took the necklace from the box and fastened it around her neck, his fingers brushing against her skin as he secured the clasp.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry in one of her famous bear hugs, squeezing him tightly. Her voice was filled with love and gratitude as she expressed her feelings, "Harry, I... I love it. Thank you so much."
Harry returned her hug with equal warmth, feeling incredibly content in that moment. He pressed a tender kiss to her cheek, his heart brimming with affection for the girl he cared about so deeply.
The remainder of Christmas Day was nothing short of magical. Harry and the Grangers snuggled up on the couch, wrapped in warm blankets, and indulged in some typical Christmas movies that Harry adored. The room was filled with the cozy glow of the fairy lights adorning the Christmas tree.
While enjoying the movies, they simultaneously embarked on the culinary adventure of preparing a sumptuous Christmas dinner. They carefully placed the roast turkey into the oven, savoring the anticipation of its slow and flavorful cooking process.
When dinner was finally ready, the dining table was a sight to behold. The roast turkey, golden and glistening, was surrounded by an array of delectable dishes. There were roast potatoes, crispy and perfectly seasoned, green beans that retained their vibrant color and crispness, carrots cooked to perfection, pigs in blankets with a delightful combination of flavors, and brussels sprouts that had been lovingly prepared. The food not only looked incredible but tasted even better. Well, maybe not the brussels sprouts.
Harry couldn't help but express his amazement, though he jokingly added that Mrs. Weasley should never hear about this meal. Each bite was a symphony of flavors that danced on his taste buds, making it, in his opinion, the best meal he had ever experienced.
After their marvelous Christmas feast, everyone retired to their rooms, still feeling a bit tired from the previous night's events. Harry and Hermione, as usual, shared a bed, relishing the warmth of each other's presence.
As they settled in, Harry turned to Hermione with a heartfelt expression. "Thank you, Hermione," he said, his voice filled with warmth and affection. "This has been a truly magical Christmas."
Without another word, he pulled her close and shared a passionate kiss, losing themselves in the enchantment of the moment before drifting off to sleep, cherishing the love and joy they had found in each other's arms.
Took me quite a while to think of Christmas presents they would give to each other, but I thought it was necessary, to establish the bond between the Grangers and Harry.