Disclaimer: All charcters and world concepts are property of J.K. Rowling

Disclaimer: This is not the work of CNG25 but that of Lilausty, originally published on harrypotterfanfiction-dot-com.

Chapter 22: Christmas Is NOT The Time For Merrymaking

Harry placed Ezrielle's box inside of his trunk and locked it securely so that Ginny wouldn't go peeping later on that night. He then quickly returned downstairs to the formal lounge where the founders and Ginny were talking animatedly.

"Ginny, patience! You will find out what it is tomorrow for crying out loud!" Rowena was exclaiming in exasperation. Harry grinned to himself, realising that Ginny wanted to know what he had gotten her.

He made his presence know, walking over to the lounge and plopping down next to Ginny. She snuggled up to him, "Harry, you know how much I love you right?"

He laughed, "Of course I do! But I am not going to be giving you your present until tomorrow morning, 8am at the earliest."

She scowled, "Blast!" she pushed herself off him and huffed, looking at the floor.

Taking pity on her, he pulled out his bag and plunged his hand into it, pulling out the box which contained the necklace, "However, I can give you this now, as it is not for Christmas."

She tried to snatch it from him, but he held it above her head, "What do you say?"

Her eyebrow went up, "If you don't give it to me now Mr Potter, you won't be able to sit for a week!"

He laughed, "Close enough." And passed her the small box.

She traced her fingers over the plush velvet, "What is it?"

His mouth quirked slightly, "Why don't you open it and see? It won't bite you know."

Obviously not needing any more encouragement, she pushed the button and opened the lid up. She gasped, "Oh Harry! It is beautiful, it must have cost a fortune."

He shook his head, "Na, came from my vault so it was free."

She picked up the necklace so that the founders could see. Helga gasped, Rowena exclaimed and even the male founders looked impressed. Harry gave them a confused look, "What?"

"Do you even know what it is that you have given her?" Rowena asked, gazing intensely at the necklace.

Harry shook his head, "No, should I?"

Helga nodded, "Yes, I have told you about it during our mind and body control lessons! That is a Sun Dancer necklace!"

Ginny gasped and Harry's eyebrows shot through his hair, "WHAT? Then how the hell did it get into my vault? I thought you said that they were all destroyed during the 3rd century war?"

Rowena gave a small grin, "Apparently they missed one. Well, that is certainly a good gift that you have gotten her. If stories are true, then that necklace has the power to stop all curses but the killing. You have pretty well made your lover invincible Harry."

Harry nodded dumbly, "I almost wish there was a manly one that I could have as well!" he replied, staring at the beautiful necklace in Ginny's hands. He roused himself and smiled at her, "At least now I know that you are protected. It will make my job so much easier. I know I can't prevent you from fighting, and to do so would be foolhardy, but I am glad that now you can fight without worrying about having to dodge anything but the killing curse."

Ginny snorted, "Considering that is one of the Death Eaters' favourite spells, I still think I will be dodging quite a bit Harry!" she looked at the necklace fondly, "But I do appreciate the gift none the less." She held it out to him, "Could you please put it on me?"

He nodded and took it from her, draping it around her slender neck and doing the clasp up at the back. As soon as it had settled on her neck, it glowed a brilliant red before fading back to its normal beauty. Harry and Ginny gave a questioning glance to the founders.

Godric smiled, "The magic of the necklace has now been initiated. You are protected Ginny Weasley, and will be as long as you wear the necklace."

"Well Harry, I am interested to see if you Christmas present for her could possibly top that one." Salazar remarked, grinning slightly.

Harry gave a mysterious smile, "Oh it does, trust me." he paused before turning his full attention to the snake founder, "I actually found something for you that I thought might interest you. Being a potions master and all. There was a box which had been expanded and contained many rare potions ingredients. However, there were also some ingredients in there that I couldn't identify at all. I figured you would want a look?"

Salazar's eye's glittered slightly and Rowena laughed, "That is asking a very stupid question Harry. Potion and healing stuff is the only hobbies that Salazar has. Consequently he is pretty obsessive about them."

Harry grinned at her, brought out the box and handed it to the snake founder with a warning, "I would cast a bubble head charm around yourself first. That thing packs a pretty strong punch in the aromatic department."

The others, nodding their thanks, quickly took his advice as Salazar opened the box. He peered in, flicking his eyes around the inside and quickly examining the contents. After a moment his face resurfaced and utter amazement was written on his face. "H-Harry?"

He grinned, "Salazar…?"

Shaking himself, Slytherin regained his composure, "Harry, would you mind if I took this? I mean to keep and to test? It's just there are things in here that I honestly have no clue about!"

Rowena gasped, "You're kidding right? But you know everything about Potions!"

He shook his head, "Apparently not. Most of the ingredients I know of, but have never seen, they are that rare. But there are about 8 substances in here that I, I just don't know what they are, let alone what they could be used for."

Harry considered the excited wizard before him, "Of course you can take it Salazar. I was just thinking though, there might be a book somewhere in the vault that explains what they are. Perhaps after Christmas I will take you and see if we can find one?"

"What about the rest of us!" Godric exclaimed, looking mock insulted, "Don't we warrant an invite?"

Harry grinned at him, "Of course you can come! There are some suits of armour in there that are very Prince Charming. Should go right along with your hero look Godric!"

Harry was forced to duck quickly as a spell came shooting at him from the lion founder, who was exclaiming, "Oh you'll pay for that, you impertinent brat!"

Helga was laughing, "Careful Godric, he might even be able to beat you now!"

Harry, who was scrambling around trying to evade the pissed off man, yelled out, "Not likely! He still kicks my ass in a duel!"

"I should think so!" Gryffindor bellowed as he shot of four spells rapidly at Harry who ducked three of them, but was forced to raise a shield to take the fourth.

"ALRIGHT ENOUGH!" Rowena yelled, amusement glittering in her eyes, "Honestly, you are acting like children!"

Salazar grinned, "So what else is new? This is Godric we are talking about. And Harry is like a miniature Godric as well!"

Helga couldn't resist piping up, "Actually Salazar, we reckon he is more like you then anyone else! He is too snakelike to be a full Gryffindor."

Harry scowled as he sunk back onto the couch, "I am not sure if I should feel insulted or complimented my Lady!"

Salazar turned incredulous eyes onto him, "And why would you feel insulted to be compared to me young'un?"

Harry lowered his eyes to the floor muttering, "I am not going to answer that, I like my head where it is."

Rowena grinned, "Good answer Harry. Now, it is getting late, and I have no doubt that Ginny will be waking us up at the crack of dawn so that she can open her presents so I suggest we all go to bed."

"But we don't need sleep!" Ginny pointed out, looking somewhat confused.

Rowena nodded, "yes, but it is a fantastic way to make time pass quickly. Simply tell yourself to go to sleep and you will. Just make sure to set an alarm before hand, otherwise you will keep sleeping until someone comes and gets you."

"Cool!" Harry exclaimed, "I didn't know that."

"We didn't tell you, simply because we figured you would be so busy you wouldn't have time to sleep." Godric explained.

"Ah!"

Ginny smiled and kissed him quickly on the lips, "She is right Harry. I want the next few hours to fly by. So goodnight!"

"Happy Christmas Eve Gin."

They all trooped upstairs, each leaving to enter their own bedroom calling out goodnights to each other. Harry fell backwards onto his bed, suddenly feeling very tired and within seconds he was sound asleep.

The next thing that he was aware of when he opened his eyes was a mane of red hair positioned above him. He was so surprised that he flung himself up, depositing a very startled Ginny onto the floor quite abruptly.

Blinking his eyes in an effort to clear away the sleep, he peered over the edge of his bed and stared into two very beautiful and somewhat annoyed brown eyes, "Morning Gin." He muttered sleepily, "Did you have to wake me up like that?"

Instantly an evil grin appeared on her face, and Harry, knowing immediately what she was going to do, flung himself across to the other side of the bed and onto the floor, just barely avoiding the bucket of ice water that was dumped onto his bed.

"Gin! Stop it, that isn't nice!" he yelled, trying not to laugh as he rummaged around for his glasses. Placing them on his head, he looked over the top of the bed to see Ginny imitating him.

She was grinning broadly, "Well, it is certainly one way to get you up and moving. Now that you are awake, come on! We have presents to open."

Suddenly remember what day it was, Harry grinned back at her, "Let me get changed and I'll be right down. I assume you haven't woken the founders yet?"

She shook her head, "I am not sure if I want to. I doubt I will live long enough to even open my presents. Particularly Salazar, he really is grumpy in the morning even if he hasn't been asleep."

Harry laughed, "Maybe that is his problem. Anyway, if they aren't up by the time I have had a shower, then I'll help you get them up. You take the women and I'll take the men, ok?"

Ginny's mouth twitched, "I think I almost prefer to take the men. Have you seen Helga when she is annoyed?"

Harry laughed, "You forget the story I told you about the time Salazar tried to curse me in the middle of her lesson. Yes, I have seen her, and yes, it is quite scary!"

Ginny nodded in agreement before clapping her hands, "hurry up and have your shower! I want to open my presents!"

Laughing at the childish look of glee that was plastered over his girlfriends face, Harry got up and gathered his clothes before going to his bathroom, Ginny leaving for hers.

Within 15 minutes, Harry found himself clean, in good clothes and wide awake. He opened his door in time to see a red robe moving down the hallway stealthily, signifying Godric's conscious state. Curious and somewhat wary to know what the lion founder was up to, Harry followed carefully behind him.

Godric stopped next to Salazar's door and Harry had to clamp a hand around his mouth to stop himself from laughing, realising what he was going to do. Godric silently opened the door, raised his wand and…

"AAARRRGGGGHHHH! GODRIC GRYFFINDOR I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!"

His job done, the lion founder turned tail and ran. Harry called out after him, "Show some bravery you coward!"

Godric yelled back over his shoulder, "I may be brave, but I ain't stupid! I wanna live!"

BAM!

The door burst open and a very angry Salazar stalked out, his wand ready to curse the first living thing he saw. His eyes fixed themselves upon Harry, who gulped and pointed down the hallway in the direction that Godric had run.

Nodding his thanks, Salazar took off after him, yelling his head off. Distantly, Harry could hear the sounds of spells being cast furiously and he yelled out, "Oi! No destroying my house! You mess it up, you're fixing it!"

"WHazzgoinon?" a sleepy voice asked from behind him.

Harry whirled around to see the two women founders poking their heads out of their doors looking at him. He grinned, "Godric and Salazar."

Rowena rolled her eyes, "now why doesn't that surprise me. Let me guess, Godric woke Salazar up? None too gently?"

Harry nodded and Helga grinned, "That boy loves to play with fire that is for sure! Well, we are up now anyway, we'll join you downstairs in a moment. Try and keep them from killing themselves."

Harry gave her an incredulous look, "I am NOT getting in between them! That is inviting certain death from BOTH ends!"

Rowena laughed, "Wise decision I think. Alright, we'll break them up when we get down. Go on! Scat!"

Harry nodded and quickly headed down the stairs, almost collecting Ginny on the way. "Harry! They are trying to kill themselves! What on earth happened?" she asked, grinning broadly.

Harry smirked, "Godric got to Salazar before we could, that's what."

Ginny's mouth formed a perfect 'O' before laughing, "Well, note to self, never try and wake Salazar up if that is the reception one would get!" She gestured to the dining room and Harry stuck his head in, nearly falling over he was laughing so hard.

The two founders and set up barricades behind which they were kneeling and shooting spells of at each other, bellowing insults along the way. The room was a complete catastrophe, and Harry saw many potholes in the wall where spells had been deflected.

Ginny elbowed him in the ribs, "Wanna join in? Come on, we can take 'em."

Harry felt an eyebrow rise as he stared down at the mischievous face grinning up at him, "You are kidding aren't you? We wouldn't last two minutes! We'll join in when the women get down here to break them up. Ok?"

Ginny nodded, obviously satisfied that she would get to participate. At that moment the two women founders stepped into the room, fully clothed with their wands out. Both were obviously trying to look serious, but were failing miserably.

Harry leaned over and whispered to them, "Ginny is itching to join in, need some help?"

Rowena and Helga shared wicked grins nodding, Rowena replying, "Yeah, if you two are willing to take the brunt of their attack for a couple of minutes, we will make ourselves invisible and attack them both from behind."

Harry gave her a wary look, "Why do I get the feeling you have done this before?"

Helga shrugged, "Probably because we have. So? Do you want to help?"

"Oh yes!" Ginny exclaimed softly, already conjuring a desk to hide behind and pulling Harry with her. The male founders were so engrossed in their own battle that they didn't even notice. Rowena and Helga quickly made themselves invisible and the two teenagers launched a volley of spells at both of the male founders.

Of course, being battle hardened, the founders couldn't be taken out that easily, and blocked the spells, turning incredulous and irritated expressions onto them.

"Oh you two have made a very big mistake!" Salazar hissed, his eyes twinkling evilly. Godric nodded in agreement, already casting spells at them. Together the two founders turned their attack onto them, systematically belting the two teens with a variety of jinxes.

Ginny was laughing as she covered them, while Harry returned fire as best as he could. However, being completely outmatched by the pair of male founders, Harry found himself helping Ginny block the spells.

Suddenly, both male founders stiffened and fell over, rigid as boards of wood. The two female founders reappeared and grinned at each other. They looked over to Ginny and Harry, "Good job! You held up very well, much better then we were expecting!" Rowena called as she levitated Salazar. Helga did the same with Godric and took them into the lounge room.

Harry and Ginny waved their wands around the room quickly, restoring it to its original beauty before following the founders into the lavish lounge room. The women were just unfreezing the men, having taken away their wands. As soon as they could, the men were glaring at one and all, obviously humiliated at being defeated so soundly.

However, before they could say anything, Ginny broke in, obviously impatient, "Yes, we stopped you from killing each other! You can get back to it later, just let us open our presents first, please!"

Effectively shutting them up, Ginny turned to the enormous pile of presents that were heaped under the tree that the house elves had erected. Admiring their work, Harry called out, "Potter Castle elves and Dobby, could you all please come here?"

Immediately several cracks split the air, and 5 elves stood bowing low, Nodsy replying, "Yes Harry Potter sir, do you need something from us?"

He smiled, shaking his head, "No, I merely wanted to thank you profusely for going to so much effort in decorating the castle for Christmas. You have done a spectacular job, words really don't do it justice." The others nodded their agreement.

The female twins were blushing bright red and Dinglebat was kicking the back of his heel in embarrassment, but Nodsy and Dobby both beamed at him, the latter replying, "It is no effort at all Harry Potter sir! We is enjoying it lots."

Harry smiled down at them, "Well, be that as it may, thank you again. Um, would you like to stay with us as we share presents? It would make giving yours much easier if we don't have to try and find you around the castle."

Ginny and the founders were looking a little worried, obviously not having got anything for the elves. Harry winked at them in comfort, before turning his attention back to the ecstatic elves. Nodsy nodded, "Harry Potter sir is too kind to think of his loyal servants! We is very proud and happy to stay and join in!"

Harry grinned, "Fantastic! Right, let's get this show on the road shall we? How do we want to do this? Free for all or more meaningful?"

The founders shared a look before Helga replied, "Well, considering the gifts that we got you two, we think a more meaningful ceremony may be better."

Ginny looked slightly disappointed, obviously wanting nothing more then to dig into her pile. However harry was nodding, "Aright, how about we do this, me and Gin give you our presents, because trust me, they are not meaningful at all, and then you can give us ours? After that we'll open those presents that have come from people outside of the castle and then do everything else after?"

Gin scowled, "You mean give me my present last don't you? You know I don't like to wait Harry Potter!"

He smiled at her, "It is worth it Gin, believe me." he turned back to the founders who were nodding in agreement, so he produced four boxes all equal sized and handed each one to the adults. "I hope you don't find these too offensive, but I saw them and couldn't resist. They just made me laugh so hard."

Salazar's eyes narrowed, "I am not sure if I want to open these now."

"Oh don't be such a sissy!" Helga exclaimed, already tearing open the wrapping paper to reveal…

…a doll…

…of herself…

She looked up, very confused, "Is this supposed to be me?"

Harry nodded, a grin spreading across his face, "I found in a toy store doll representations of you. They even change into your animagus forms if you push a button on their necks."

"Potter!" Salazar thundered.

Harry turned mild eyes onto him, "Yes? You don't like your doll sir?"

"I look like the devil incarnate!" he snarled, holding up the doll for everyone to see. Godric nearly fell over he started laughing so hard, and even the ladies couldn't help but giggle. On the doll's head were two green horns, and it had fangs that made him look vampiric. A long green cloak billowed around his silver tunic, and from underneath peaked a long green tail with a fork at the end.

Rowena couldn't help herself and squeaked between breaths, "Oh! They captured your personality perfectly Salazar!"

He growled at her, obviously not amused, but after a moment, his lips quirked slightly signifying the fact that he had found the funny side to the situation. Harry meanwhile was looking at the other three who were examining their own dolls.

Helga protested that her's looked too much like a bimbo, with such a vacant stare and a body that was definitely not her own. Godric looked like Captain America, with a big square jaw, square shoulders and muscles bulging everywhere. The sword at his side was so big in comparison, the real Godric laughed saying he wouldn't even be able to lift it.

Rowena however had stood up her likeness and was examining it with an amused stare on her face, "I look like a common whore, wandering the streets of London. Who on earth thought that I, a lady, would go running around in leather straps? Mighty uncomfortable if you ask me, not to mention cold in winter."

Harry nearly fell over laughing, "R-R-Rowena, they are making you look like Xena the Warrior Princess!"

She turned interested eyes onto him, "Oh? What is that?"

"There's a TV series that portrays a woman in ancient times who is a warrior and she goes around kicking butt swinging swords. All the while wearing bits of leather like your doll is.

Rowena looked impressed, "And she didn't find it uncomfortable? She must have been very tough."

Harry laughed again, "Oh, it isn't real, everything is staged like in a play. Believe me, what she was wearing was not practical at all, it only served to keep the male population distracted from the rather boring storylines. As I am sure your doll does for some."

Rowena blushed red, quite an unusual sight for one who was always so sensible and unflappable. Ginny meanwhile was getting impatient, "Can I give them my gifts now?" she asked, producing four different shaped packages.

Salazar took his warily, "Is this going to make me feel evil as well?" he asked.

She shook her head, "No, I actually put some thought into mine, unlike my boyfriend!"

"Oi! I thought they were brilliant." Harry protested, watching them rip the paper.

"Oh Ginny, that is lovely! Did you make it yourself?" Helga exclaimed, folding out a beautiful red robe. The other three similarly shook out new clothes.

Ginny nodded, "I figured that if you are going to help us fight, you are going to need something other than middle ages clothing. These reflect minor curses, and won't snag so you can move through a forest without having to worry about leaving strands of fabric behind. Also, they can brush against anything and not make a sound."

Salazar looked impressed, "Those weren't things we taught you. Where did you learn that?"

She grinned, "I talked to a seam mistress down in Hogsmede and she taught me the spells. It took me a little while to get it right, but they work well. I hope they fit though, I sort of had to guess."

Godric smiled kindly at her, "I am sure they will be fine, thank you very much Ginny."

She blushed slightly, "You're welcome. I am glad you like them."

"Now, time for us to present you with your gifts." Salazar stated, rubbing his hands in expectation. "Helga, since you are always complaining about going last, you may give yours first."

She grinned, and produced two identically shaped boxes, both quite plain, made from a simple timber. "I expect that you will make good use of them particularly in the near future."

Eagerly, the two teens opened the boxes and looked at the gifts inside. Recognising the items immediately, they looked up with thankful smiles, "Thank you Helga! I have been meaning to get one of these for two years now. Dingle gave me one which attaches around the hip which is fantastic for every day, but in battle I have been needing something else." Harry exclaimed, pulling up a beautiful wand sheath that attached to the wrist.

She smiled wryly, "Well, I doubt that many wand sheaths in the common stores would be able to do what these can. Both have touch memory, so only the user can get the wand out. Obviously they will produce the wand instantly, when you think of it. Also, they will treat the wand when it is in place, making sure that any imperfections within the wood are fixed."

Ginny was grinning broadly, "Oh that is so cool! Thanks so much."

"You are very welcome, I hope they aid you in the battles ahead." She replied.

"Right, Godric, Rowena, you two next." Salazar ordered.

The lion founder flashed him a look of annoyance, "How come you get to decide the order? Why don't you go next!"

"Boys! Enough!" Rowena snapped, already pulling out two large parcels, one bigger than the other. She passed the smaller to Ginny with a smile while Godric gave the large one to Harry.

Harry couldn't help but grin at the enthusiasm Ginny showed in ripping off the wrapping paper. Turning to his own, he neatly pulled it off and then gasped at the beautiful object displayed in a velvet box. He looked up at the founders and smiled, "I wouldn't want to use this for fear of dirtying it!"

He pulled out the heavily decorated sword to get a closer look at it. The balance was perfect, the hilt covered in gold with the head of a bear forming the end, obviously a representation of his animagus form. He looked over and saw Ginny pulling a smaller version with the head of a European Wolf, her own animagus form.

He smiled gratefully at the founders, but found himself stumbling over his words, "T-thank you very much for this, b-but I am afraid I already have a sword. You see, on my birthday, Naringa and Saringa gave me a sword." He looked at the two female house elves, "I do not wish to, um, off…"

"Harry Potter sir! You is not offending us by using the great Founders sword over ours!" Naringa interrupted. "We is giving you that sword on your birthday because you had no other that was better. Now you do, so ours is merely a back up!"

Harry relaxed, "Thank you."

Godric grinned, "You will find that this sword can change its shape and size depending on the need for it. It can become a tiny dagger, perfect for slicing through ropes, or the size of a spear, easily thrown to a distant enemy. Also, it will become as blunt as a butter knife if any other but you wields it."

Ginny frowned, "But what if we need another to use it? Say, a member in the DA?"

Salazar shook his head, "No, these swords are for you only. You may have others, that you can lend to people, but these are single person swords. Personalised to your needs and talents."

Harry shrugged, "sounds fine to me, I don't know of many people that know how to wield a sword anyway."

The others nodded in agreement, Helga turning to Salazar, "Alright, give them your gifts Sal."

He raised his eyebrows, "And what makes you think I got them anything? Just my presence should be enough to delight them."

Rowena, who was still cross at them for their fight, smacked him over the head, "Ouch! Gerroofff woman, I'll give it to them!" he exclaimed, trying to fend her off.

When she stopped hitting him, he glowered darkly, and pulled out two very small boxes and handed one to each of them. "These will become invisible when you put them on, they aren't for decoration."

Inside the boxes were two plain gold rings. As soon as Harry saw them, he blushed deeply as they reminded him of two wedding rings. However, Salazar, obviously reading his expression grinned, "No you foolish boy, I am not pronouncing you man and wife! Not yet anyway."

Ginny gave a half grin, "And why not?"

"Ginny!" Harry yelped.

Her eyes glinted evilly, "Yes Mr Potter? Are you not wanting to marry me?"

He rolled his eyes, "Not today, I think your mother would kill me." he paused and added pensively, "Actually I take that back, she is already trying to kill me. But if I married you without her permission, I think you would never find all of the pieces of me."

Ginny laughed, though sadness was in her eyes, "You are probably right." Turning back to Salazar she asked, "So what are they for?"

"They are connecter rings. If the person is in danger, both rings will heat up, depending on the severity of the danger, they may even cause slight pain. If a person dies, then the other's ring will turn icy cold. Depending on the personal bond between the two people, the rings may even allow them to sense each other's emotions, though that sort of bond is quite rare." He explained.

Ginny was already putting hers on her index finger, Harry soon imitating her. Once they were both on, the rings flared an intense gold before disappearing altogether. However, both teens were left with a feeling of contentment and warmth.

Rowena smiled at them before turning to the much smaller pile of presents under the tree, "Well, I guess you will want to open the presents from your families?"

Normally Harry and Ginny would be thrilled at the prospect, but the pile was smaller than usual, so neither was looking forward to finding out who hadn't sent them a present. However, after prodding from the founders, the two teens proceeded to sift through and open their other presents.

While Ginny received presents from all of her family, Harry was desperately missing the warm jumper that had always been a part of his Christmas. He was also saddened to see that Ron had not sent him a present, though Hermione had signed hers from both of them in an effort to cover the fact that the two best friends were not so friendly.

He did laugh however, when he came to Fred and George's present. Apparently they had no problem with Ginny running off with him, aside from the fact that he didn't take them with him. They had supplied an enormous amount of the products, both defence related and joke related. However, the gift that both Harry and Ginny treasured the most was a mirror that allowed them to see what was happening at the Burrow. The best thing about it was that the occupants (minus the twins) did not know they were being spied on, so they acted normally.

Remus and Tonks both sent Harry books on magical defence and offense. Harry was surprised that they (particularly Tonks) were allowed to, seeing as they were part of the Order, and therefore under McGonagall's jurisdiction.

Harry was just finishing tasting one of the chocolates that Luna had sent him when he felt Ginny's fingers latch onto his arm. He looked into her face and was amused to see impatience written all over it, "yes Gin? You want something?"

"Don't play coy with me Harry James Potter! I have waited long enough, you give me my present now!" she exclaimed.

He raised an eyebrow at her, "But you haven't given me yours?"

She nearly snarled, "And you won't until I get mine!"

"Oooh, careful Harry, she is getting angry!" Godric joked, backing up slightly.

Harry rolled his eyes, "Oh if you insist." He just stood up when there was a flash of fire and Fawkes appeared, hovering above them all.

Harry felt the agitation of the bird, "Fawkes? What's wrong?"

"The Ministry of Magic! Voldemort attacked it!"

Harry sprung to his feet, "WHAT? How is that possible? Scrimegour supposedly warded it almost as well as Hogwarts!"

"I know, but Voldemort had people on the inside, like we suspected. Voldemort and his minions were turned back, but there are many people injured and dead, though I do not know if any of them are friends. Thankfully it is Christmas, I do not know why he would choose such a day to attack unless he was only trying to cause fear, not actually try and take control. It wouldn't be so bad, but he brought in dementors as well as a nest of acromantula. He let them loose, and they disappeared into the building, so it will take days maybe weeks to clean them out!"

Harry, remembering Aragog's children, shuddered at the thought of such monsters being let loose in the building. He turned to look at Ginny and the founders, all who had confused and apprehensive faces, "The Ministry of Magic was attacked. Apparently Voldemort used dementors and released some acromantula into the building as well. According to Fawkes, there are many injured and dead, but we don't yet know if anyone is a friend." He relayed.

Ginny gasped, wrapping her arms around herself, Godric, Helga and Rowena merely sat there quietly, but Salazar was growling under his breath, fury written over every feature.

Harry was torn, part of him wanted to go rushing to the Ministry to see if there was anything he could do. However, the sensible voice, which had been growing louder since the founders had arrived, was telling him that there wasn't anything he could do, and that if he went he was likely to cause more problems simply because of who he was.

Harry looked to the founders, and Helga, seeing his inner turmoil placed a calming hand on his shoulder, "Harry, it would do not good you rushing off. Stay, finish Christmas, try and enjoy yourself. Worry about the war tomorrow."

Godric nodded, "Besides, Ginny is still expecting her present."

The red haired girl turned reproachful eyes onto the lion founder, "Godric, I appreciate you trying to make the situation lighter, but you forget, my family works both for the ministry and for the Order."

He sobered, "I am sorry Ginny, sometimes I forget that just because I do not know anyone here, doesn't mean that others are the same."

Harry meanwhile was gazing at the mirror that Fred and George had left him. "Gin, why don't you look through here? You will at least get a feel for the mood at the Burrow, even if you don't know exactly what is going on."

Ginny nodded, immediately snatching the mirror and activating it using codeword that the twins had set up for it. The clear glass sprang to life with a mixture of colour and sound. It was sort of like TV, but the image was crystal clear, like he was actually standing in the room.

The mirror was set in the lounge room, and Harry could see and hear much activity. Several people were unconscious on the floor including…..Harry's heart leapt to his throat….Remus.

He felt Ginny's hand grip his own tightly, preventing him from disapparating immediately to the Burrow. Instead, they simply watched Mrs Weasley and Madam Pomfrey running around madly, healing simple cuts on several Order members before focussing their attention on the more seriously wounded.

The fact that none of the Weasley's that the two teens saw were broken down or sobbing, indicated that their family must have been alright, but Harry saw several people he knew come in with a variety of injuries. Kingsley and McGonagall were both only semi-conscious, while Moody was pressing a shirt against a wound that was bleeding profusely on his lower leg.

Harry suddenly turned a pale face to Ginny and Fawkes, "Why aren't they at Grimmauld Place?"

Confusion crossed Ginny's face, "What?"

"Grimmauld Place! Usually whenever someone is wounded, they are taken there, because they are safe. Why now are they at the Burrow?" Harry hastily explained.

She frowned, "You don't think? It was attacked?"

"It is under the Fidelous Charm" Harry mused. He looked at Fawkes questioningly.

"I will go and see if I can discover something Harry. I agree, it smells fishy!" he disappeared in a flash of flame.

Harry continued thinking out loud, "We never found out if McGonagall re-did the Charm when Dumbledore died. It could be that they just forgot, though how I do not know. If she didn't that means that everyone who had been in the building becomes Keepers themselves. So it is theoretically possible for them to bring in the Death Eaters. But that would mean…." He looked up in horror, "….there would be a spy in the ranks of the Order!"

"Harry! Don't jump to conclusions, we don't even know if Headquarters was attacked yet." Ginny reprimanded, worry evident in her eyes, "I do not want to even think about someone close to us being a traitor."

Harry shook his head, but before he could answer, there was a flash and Fawkes returned, "It was as you feared Harry! Death Eaters are crawling over the place, and it looks like a war was fought within the halls." He exclaimed.

"Well, that probably explains Remus, because I can't see him defending the Ministry." Harry realised. He looked at Ginny whose face was quickly turning pale, "I guess we have our answer, unless you can think of any other way the Death Eaters could have gotten into my house!"

"Your house?" Godric echoed, looking confused.

"Yeah, its mine, though I agreed for the Order to continue to use it for as long as Voldemort is around. I assume you agree with me? regarding the traitor?" Harry asked.

The founders looked at each other, Slytherin still scowling, "It is definitely a possibility, but I do not believe you should go around accusing people. There are other ways to break the Fidelous Charm, you do not just need a traitor. Plus, didn't you say that Snape fellow was in the order?"

Harry's face cleared slightly, before darkening again, "Snape, if what Dumbledore says is true, is no traitor. He may be a greasy git, but I am through with doubting him. If Voldemort and his cronies did what it would take to make him talk, I'll decorate the moon with their hides!"

Ginny gave a weak smile, "I cannot believe that you are afraid for and defending Snape! I never thought I would see the day."

Harry shrugged, "He has done the light side much good and no one ever thanked him for it. I refuse to judge him anymore; he was never evil, just followed the wrong path, but he came back at great risk to himself. I admire him greatly for that, even if there is a mutual dislike between us."

Ginny frowned, "That still leaves us with the question of the traitor."

Harry shook his head, "Salazar is right, until we know more, we should just assume that Voldemort found another way in, but keep our eyes very much open."

"That is very wise Harry." Rowena smiled, "It pleases me to see you using your head instead of your muscles at a time like this. I can only imagine the anger you must feel at the thought of your home in Voldemort's hands."

Harry gave her an incredulous look, "I appreciate the compliment, but I feel no anger. In fact I am kinda happy he took it. I hate that house!"

She looked startled, "Oh. Why?"

"It was my godfather's and he hated it. His family were all Dark Wizard lovers except for him and one of his aunts." Harry replied.

"Tonks is her daughter." Ginny supplied taking one last look at the mirror before turning it off. She gave a determined stare to Harry, "Now that I know everyone in my family is ok, I do want my Christmas present!"

Harry gave a mock sigh, "Yes dear, right away."

Quickly getting it, he floated it down the stairs and sat it in front of her. She looked expectantly at Harry who laughed, "The box isn't breakable I think, but you will need to be careful with the contents. Just flick the latch and it will open. And prepare to be amazed..."

Ginny needed no further encouragement and flipped the lid, almost freezing when she heard the music emitted. Even the founders stilled, listening intently to the melody that wafted around the room. Fawkes settled on Harry's lap trilling softly, but even his voice sounded almost harsh compared to the song.

Harry managed to blink past the daze and peer into the box, alerting Ezrielle to his presence. She stopped playing breaking the spell over the others, who instinctively crowded around. All of them gave exclamations of amazement and wonder at the scene before them, and Ezrielle blushed deeply before waving a hand and summoning them all into the box.

"What the!" Godric exclaimed when they stopped shrinking.

"It's ok Godric, you won't come to any harm here." Harry hastened to assure him, afraid that the lion founder would start attacking anything that twitched.

Only mildly reassured, he stared hard at Ezrielle who was smiling nervously at the all, standing quite close to Harry much to Ginny's chagrin.

The golden haired woman stared at Ginny for a moment before giving Harry a questioning glance. He smiled at her, "Yes that is Ginny, the love of my life." He turned to his very confused girlfriend, "Ginny, meet Ezrielle, she is yours."

Ginny stiffened, "What do you mean mine? I am not going to have a slave Harry James Potter!" she all but snarled.

Ezrielle nearly jumped backwards, dismay written on her face and the forest darkened dramatically causing the founders to look around, startled. Harry placed a calming hand on Ezrielle's shoulder before turning back to Ginny, "Do you honestly think that I would condone such a think? Ginny, let her explain herself to you before you go making any rash statements."

He smiled encouragingly at the angel before plopping down on the ground and motioning the others to do the same. Ezrielle hastily explained everything that she had to Harry the day before, and the looks of astonishment on the other's faces was enough to cause Harry to laugh.

"...so you see, I have been very lonely and have wished to serve someone, to be able to share my gift but have been unable." She finished.

Rowena immediately turned to Harry, "I know who she is! More importantly I know who created her."

Six pairs of interested eyes turned to her, Ezrielle's the most intense and Rowena nodded, "Yes, though I can scarcely believe it myself. Legend tells us that Merlin had a single great love, and that their bond could have knocked the moon out of orbit if they so chose. One day, born out of his love for her, he devised the perfect gift. He would give her heaven in a box, so that the two of them could share contentment no matter what else arose around them. The details of the contents were always sketchy, but the common story was that he filled it with the music of angels, and created a woman to care for it."

The others were all listening raptly and she continued, "But before he could give it to her, his love was murdered by his enemy and he fell into darkness and despair, no longer caring for the beauty that he created. The myth is that he threw the box into the same river that his love was murdered in, so that they could be together in death. Whether or not the latter part of the legend is true is unimportant, the fact is though, that somewhere after he discarded the box, an ancestor of yours found it and kept it."

"Then why did no one open the lid?" Ezrielle asked, tears glistening on her eyelashes.

Rowena shook her head, "I do not know. Perhaps they believed the box was cursed, or simply didn't know how to open it. The time after Merlin and even the time from which we come, superstition is everywhere."

Harry interrupted, "But it doesn't matter Ezrielle, you can now fulfil your purpose, and give your paradise to Ginny." He gestured to his girlfriend.

The red haired teen was lying back in the grass, drinking in the warmth and light, almost oblivious to the conversation wafting around her. Harry smiled gently down at her, "Isn't that right Gin?"

"Huh? What?" she replied, looked around slightly startled.

He laughed, "I'll take that as a yes." She gave him a worried look so he reassured her, "I was simply saying that Ezrielle can now fulfil her purpose, and be yours."

"Oh, right, yes. Yes, definitely, this place is just incredible!" she stammered, blushing at the beautiful angel.

Ezrielle merely smiled kindly, picked up her flute and started playing once again, mesmerizing the attentive audience once more.

Harry had no idea how much time had passed, but eventually she put down her flute and smiled at them all, "I must send you back now, you have been here for as long as you are able."

"What do you mean?" Helga asked, looking slightly worried.

"If you remain here for too long, you will lose your love of the real world, and simply wish to dwell here. That I cannot allow, for you do not belong here." Ezrielle explained.

Harry's face darkened, "I have no love for my own world."

She laughed, "Maybe not young one, but it loves you, for how else could you have survived for so long? Now farewell till next time!" she waved her hands and they all found themselves back in Harry's lounge room at Potter Castle.

The first thing that Harry noticed was that Fawkes had disappeared once more. The next thing was that the house elves had also gone, and he felt a twinge of guilt having not given them their gifts. However, as soon as that thought flitted through his mind, there were several cracks and the little elves once again stood before him.

He took once glance at them and laughed, "Oh good! You did get them, even if I wasn't the one to give them too you!" The caretakers of the castle had obviously come across his gifts and relieved him of the duty of giving them away. He had given Nodsy and Dinglebat each a beautiful gold sheet, which they had dutifully wrapped around themselves.

The 'outfit' actually worked really well, and they looked quite sophisticated, which was what Harry had been wanting from the start. He had then given the twin she-elves a small golden circlet to be placed on their heads. He unfortunately had not compensated for their large ears, but they had worked around it by placing one in and one out of the circlet.

And of course, his gift to Dobby was….socks. Harry truly could not think of any other gift to give his friend, for it gave him such joy to receive his favourite clothes.

"We is hoping you don't mind us taking them Harry Potter sir! But when you disappeared into the box, we had work to do, and thought you wouldn't want dinner late!" Nodsy said, bowing low.

Harry nodded, "Yes, I am truly glad you can use these. I was afraid to get something that might offend you in some way. I hope you like them."

The twins nodded, grinning while Dobby almost cried out, "Oh Harry Potter sir! We is loving them so much! Dobby loves socks and is proud to be given more by the great Harry Potter!"

Harry thought he heard a snort from Salazar, but he couldn't be sure as the next sound he heard was a thump and an "Ouch! Bloody woman!"

He grinned to himself before replying, "Well, I am certainly glad you like them. Um, how long were we in the box for? You mentioned something about dinner?"

"Yes Harry Potter sir! It is now 6pm, you were in the box for 9 hours." Dinglebat informed him.

Godric whistled, "And yet it only felt like an hour at most. Well, I dunno about you, but I am starved!"

Rowena rolled her eyes, "You are always starving. Though how you can be concerned with food at a time like this is beyond me. We have just discovered another of Merlin's treasures, thought to be lost to the ages, and you are listening to your STOMACH?"

Salazar rolled his eyes, "So what else is new? Or have you forgotten the situation with the Orb of Silence?"

Godric looked outraged, "I am never going to live that down am I?"

The snake founder shook his head, "nope, and nor should you! I…"

"As fascinating as I am sure this conversation would be, I am also hungry, and I am sure Nodsy has put in a great deal of effort into dinner, particularly since we missed breakfast and lunch!" Harry interrupted.

The founders immediately stopped bickering amongst themselves and looked slightly abashed. Harry started to lead them towards the dining room, but Salazar called out, "Go on without me, there is something I must do."

Rowena and Helga immediately narrowed their eyes, and even Harry developed a worried look on his expression. The snake founder laughed, "Ah it warms my heart to know that I can still affect people this way! Don't stress, it won't take long, and I won't even be leaving this castle."

Harry shrugged, "Your loss, I am sure the ham is going to be delicious."

Salazar smirked, "I am sure I'll live, besides I wouldn't want to deprive Godric the delight of scoffing a whole one to himself." Dodging the light hex thrown at him, he disappeared down a hallway.

Continuing out the door and into the gardens, he called out softly, "Fawkes, if you can hear me, please come here! I have a request to make of you, friend of a friend!"

The flash of fire signified that the phoenix had heard and the beautiful bird turned curious eyes onto the snake founder. He twirled his wand in an intricate pattern and out of the dust formed the shape of a huge snake. Many would recognise it as an exact replica of Voldemort's snake Nagini.

Obviously satisfied with his creation, the founder then summoned a parchment and wrote in red ink and letter and attached it to the head of the 'dead' snake. He then held it out to Fawkes, "If you are willing, please flash this to Voldemort, assuming you can find him, but DO NOT take any unnecessary risks. Harry would have my head if anything happened to you."

The twinkle in the phoenix's eyes was evident and Salazar grinned at him, "This should rattle his bones a bit." Fawkes took the snake in his claws and flashed away and Salazar made his way back inside, the words on the note still before his eyes as he smirked to himself.

A Phoenix will always best a Basilisk
Death is coming for you!