Chapter 14 - Gifts in Disguise
Submitted May 30, 2006 Updated March 25, 2007 Status Incomplete | I have written this story for my best mate so here goes.... ...Harry returns to Hogwarts, but Lord Voldamort is in the process of turning Harry's life upside down. Enjoy reading
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Books » Harry Potter series |
Chapter 14 - Gifts in Disguise
Chapter 14 - Gifts in Disguise
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Harry was woken up on Christmas morning buy Ron singing Merry Christmas at the top of his voice
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Harry was woken up on Christmas morning buy Ron singing Merry Christmas at the top of his voice. Harry would not have minded as much if Ron could actually sing. Ron jumped up and down on his bed until he got up and began to get dressed. Once he was dressed he turned to look at the pile of presents at the end of his bed. Ron was already ripping open the wrapping paper of his presents. Harry crawled to the end of his bed and picked up the top present. It was a squishy package, he opened it, and was not surprised to see it was one of Mrs Weasley's hand knitted jumpers. It was emerald green, as usual, and had a picture of a firebolt on the front. Harry also received some sweets from Ron, a collection of books from Lupin, many to do with Defence against the dark arts, Hermione had given him a new pair of Quidditch gloves and from Sirius he received a broom cover. Harry thought he had received all his gifts, but he was wrong. Lying on the floor was another parcel. It was quite small and was boxed shaped. He picked it up and read the tag. The label was written in blood red ink. Harry did not think much of this and began to read.
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<font color="Red">Do not open this while you are around others. Enjoy your Christmas and I will meet you soon, I don't doubt.</font>
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Harry re-read the label twice and then he stowed it away in his trunk. He would open it later when he had a spare moment.
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When they had finished clearing away the wrapping paper they walked downstairs to see the others. Most of them were awake and were sitting round the kitchen table. Lupin, Bill and Charlie, who had arrived late last night, where not present but everyone else was. Harry and Ron walked over and sat either side of Hermione, Maya sitting on Harry's other side. She lent forward and wished him a merry Christmas.
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Breakfast was very enjoyable and it was not long before Lupin, Bill and Charlie who all came over a said hello to Harry joined them. Much to Ron's and the twins delight, half way through breakfast they were subjected to the presence of Percy. Ron muttered under his breath something that sounded like.
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“Miserable arse,”
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Harry suppressed a grin and so did Hermione. Percy much to Ron's delight then went and proceeded to sit opposite. There he turned and talked to the twins. They did not seem utterly thrilled with this though. Harry was not surprised to see that soon their faces looking very angry and annoyed.
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“Mum?” asked Fred loudly “Would it be ok if me a George went into our room to get something put together, that's if Bill and George don't mind,”
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“That's fine with me dears,” replied Mrs Weasley, obviously she was having such a good time that she did not question what the boys were planning on doing.
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After breakfast Ron went and had a game of Wizards chess against Charlie using the new chess pieces Harry had given him for his Christmas present. Rae was sat close by to him, looking thoroughly over interested in the game he was playing. Hermione went and picked up a book that she had been given for Christmas, went over to the fire and sat down in and arm chair and began to read. Maya went and had a game with exploding snap with Ginny, leaving Harry alone. Harry deciding that he would not be missed decided to go upstairs and take a look at the present he had been given. He stood up and walked up the stairs and up into Ron's room. He shut the door behind him and walked over to his trunk. He heard the door creep open behind him he quickly turned around. The door was slightly ajar and standing just in front of it was Crookshanks. The cat trotted over and jumped up onto Harry's bed and curled up into a ball purring. Harry went and got the present out of his trunk and went and sat on his bed. He stroked Crookshanks who purred even louder. Harry looked at the present and read the gift tag again. The box was very light. He ripped of the wrapping paper. There lay a silver box covered in gold ivy leaves. It was a very glamorous box. Harry searched the edges to find a way to open it. After a while he managed to find it. He slowly opened the box. Inside was another box but this time it was jet black. Harry opened the lid to find a sudden burst of colour. All Harry could see was crisp white with dabs of red. He thought it was some sort of a trick, maybe one of Fred and George's; the box appeared to be empty. As Harry looked closely at the contents of the box he realised that it was not empty. Inside where three white feathers spattered with blood. Harry yelled loudly and let go of the box. Crookshanks, who had been asleep, awoke suddenly and ran out of the room. There were soon the sounds of thunderous feet coming up the stairs. Harry stared at the box, breathing deeply. They were owl feathers. Feathers that had belonged to his snowy white owl Hedwig. Suddenly Sirius burst through the door with Lupin close behind.
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“Harry? What is it?” he asked breathlessly “We heard you yell from downstairs,”
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“It Hedwig's feathers,” said Harry “They are covered with blood,”
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“What!” exclaimed Sirius loudly.
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He grabbed the box and looked at the contents closely. Lupin walked over.
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“Harry was there a note with the box?” he asked
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Harry nodded and handed it over to Lupin. But just before Lupin took it from Harry it burst into flames. Harry dropped it quickly, but it continued to burn until there was just a pile of ash. Harry looked at Lupin with a scared look upon his face.
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“I can remember it though,” said Harry
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Harry recited the message that was on the gift tag, Sirius and Lupin listening carefully. When Harry had finished Lupin looked at Harry.
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“Right I am going to see Dumbledore tomorrow,” said Sirius
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“No you won't,” said Lupin “It's Boxing Day tomorrow and Dumbledore deserves a Christmas as much as everyone else. We can deal with this until then,”
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Sirius muttered under his breath. Harry sat staring at the box. The note had seemed so harmless, and yet someone had put a lot of time and effort into making it seem as normal as possible. There was a knock at the door and Harry looked up. Hermione was standing cradling a purring Crookshanks.
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“Hi, is everything alright?” she asked
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“Harry has received a nasty parcel,” said Lupin “Not one you would like to receive,”
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Hermione looked very concerned at this information, but did not say anything. Lupin stood up.
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“Try not to worry about this,” he said, “We will sort it out,”
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He stood up and beckoned to Sirius to follow. When both Sirius and Lupin had left the room, Hermione turned to speak to Harry
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“Do you want to go for a walk?” she asked
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Harry nodded. He stood up, pulled on a coat, scarf and gloves and together they walked back downstairs. Hermione stopped of at Ginny's bedroom to put on her own coat and scarf. Harry went and knocked on Fred and George's bedroom door while Hermione went and got ready. He opened the door and walked in. Fred and George where leaning over a box grinning.
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“Hi,” said Harry when he entered
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“Hi,” they replied, “Come and have a look at this,”
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Harry walked over and looked in the box. Inside bubbling and squelching was a brown gooey liquid.
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“What's that?” he asked
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“Brown gunge,” said Fred
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“What are you planning on doing with it?” asked Harry
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“Well our pompus git of a brother has told us that this year he was too busy to buy us a Christmas present but did have enough time to get everyone else's. His excuse was he was too busy opening mail for Fudge,” said Fred
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“So we have made him a homemade present,” said George
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There was a knock and Hermione poked her head round the door.
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“Ready,” she asked
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Harry nodded and walked out of the room saying goodbye to Fred and George. When they got into the kitchen many people threw him concerned looks. Harry looked around for Ron.
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“Where's Ron?” he asked Hermione after failing to find him
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“Oh he as gone to show Rae where he keeps his broom sticks,” said Hermione smirking
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“He's gone to show her what!” said Harry finding this very amusing “Why on earth would he want to show her broomsticks?”
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“Oh Harry, he's not gone to show her the brooms has he,” said Hermione “He does not want his Mum and Dad to see does he,”
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“Why?” asked Harry, very confused
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“Oh for god sakes Harry, he has gone to have some alone time with her,” she said winking
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“Oh!” said Harry smiling
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Hermione and Harry walked of into the back garden and sat on a low fence talking. Harry told her about the present he received. Hermione was very concerned at this piece of news. Hermione's concern only increased Harry's, and by the end of the convocation Harry felt very worried about what the gift had meant and why had someone sent him such a disturbing gift. Harry and Hermione talked for ages and only started to walk around the garden once more when they got too cold sitting on the icicle-encrusted fence.
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They walked around the house a couple of times before returning inside to join the others. Ron had finished showing Rae the broom shed, and was now sitting by the fire with Rae sitting next to him holding hands. Harry walked over and sat down in a spare chair.
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It was not long before lunch was nearly ready and the twins came down with evil grins on their faces. They winked at Harry and went and sat at the kitchen table. Mrs Weasley wanted them all seated before she placed food on the table. So they all sat around the table, and when they were all seated, Mrs Weasley placed a magnificent looking feast in front of their eyes. They ate until they could not fit anything else in their mouths. When the mind course was removed Mrs Weasley laid the puddings on the table, Harry was too full to eat any more. Ron, however, who had had three helpings of lunch managed to finish of two portions of Christmas pudding, a huge slice of fruitcake and chocolate gateau. Harry was surprised that his button on his jeans had not burst off.
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After lunch they all retired round the fire, while Mrs Weasley went into the kitchen and brought back tow trays. One carrying drinks of all sorts and the other carrying a huge stack of mince pies and a selection of chocolates. Everyone dived in and helped themselves to mince pies and chocolates while Mrs Weasley started to pour drinks out for everyone. After Ron had polished of his eighth mince pie he had a game of wizards chess with Charlie. Mr Weasley, Bill, Lupin and Sirius were having a deep discussion about the latest goblin rebellion.
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“Well I don't think the ministry has done enough,” said Lupin
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“I does seam like that doesn't it. Down where I work we do not get much information about other problems. I normally find out through the newspapers,” said Mr Weasley
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“So what has the latest one been about?” asked Sirius
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“Are the usual, wanting more freedom and higher wages,” said Mr Weasley
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“Down in Gringotts we have had goblins ferreting in and out,” said Bill “I mean I know they work their but there has been more than usual,”
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Harry looked around Percy was sitting stiffly in his chair reading a copy of `how to become a junior assistant, by George Mundain his Christmas present from his parents.
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Fred and were sitting in the corner discussing what looked like another plan. Hermione, Ginny, Rae and Maya were playing a wizards board game, which involved a lot of laughter.
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“Hey Perce,” said George a little bit more friendly than usual “We almost forgot to give you your Christmas present,”
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Fred stood up and walked behind the sofa. Everyone in the room was now listening. Fred returned with a massive box.
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“Went slightly over the normal price we spend on you this year,” said Fred
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“Yeah we feel we have been not particular nice towards you lately,” said George grinning.
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“You did not have to,” said Percy “I am sorry that I did not get you anything. When I next have spare time I will go and get you both something,”
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“Its ok we are not bothered,” said Fred walking over to Percy. He handed him the box. Percy sat there staring at it.
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“Well are you going to open it?” asked Fred
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“Yeah, I will,” said Percy
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Percy slowly ripped off the rapping paper. On the side was written a collection of books that help you become the best assistant any one could ever have.
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“Oh brilliant. These are amazing,” said Percy
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“Why don't you have a look at them,” suggested George
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Percy tarred of the seleotape holding the roof of the box down. He then opened the sleeves of the box. Before he could say anything a brown gunk sprayed all over Percy, covering from head to foot. Everyone in the room started laughing apart from Mr and Mrs Weasley, Lupin, Sirius and Tonks. Although Harry was sure that Sirius, Lupin and Tonks all suppressed grins.
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“FRED, GEORGE WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING,” bellowed Mrs Weasley
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“Teaching,” replied Fred
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“TEACHING, HOW IS THAT TEACHING,” shouted Mrs Weasley
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“Yeah, teaching him next time its Christmas he should remember all of his brothers and get everyone a present not just half,” said George
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“THAT IS NO WAY TO REPLIE,” shouted Mrs Weasley
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“Look we will clear it up,” said Fred, and with the flick of his wand the brown gunk covering Percy disappeared. Underneath the brown gunk was a very red faced Percy.
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Percy just sat there, too embarrassed to talk.
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“I think you should both apologise,” said Mr Weasley “To Percy and to your Mum,”
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“Sorry Mum we did not mean to upset you,” said Fred
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“And sorry Percy that you have brothers like us, and that you are a world class git,”
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“Boys,” said Mr Weasley
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“Fine! Sorry!” said Fred and George.
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Deciding to change the subject Mr Weasley turned to Mrs Weasley.
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“Molly dear do we have any eggnog?” he asked
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“Yes dear there is some in the fridge, I will go and get it for you,” she replied standing up and throwing Fred and George very nasty looks.
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The next couple of days passed without anything dramatic happening, unless you count Fred and George setting fire to the kitchen clothe while trying to jinx Ron. Overall it was a very enjoyable Christmas, but the one thing that had not left Harry's mind was the parcel he had received.
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The evening before they were due to return to Hogwarts, Mrs Weasley called Harry down into the kitchen. Harry walked downstairs to find Sirius and Lupin sitting by the fire.
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“Harry, Dumbledore has sent us a letter,” said Sirius
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“He would first of all like you to take Rae and Maya to his office to be sorted into houses and then Professor McGonagall will take them to the houses. Then he would like to see you about the dream you had and the parcel you received,” said Lupin
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“Ok,” said Harry
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“He also wanted you to know that he enjoys eating candy canes,” said Sirius looking a bit confused
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Harry smiled. That was the password to his office.
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“Harry I want you to promise me that you will tell him everything you have told me and Lupin and also anything that is bothering. You never know it might help Dumbledore figure what Voldamort's plans are,” said Sirius
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Harry nodded.
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“Right,” said Mrs Weasley walking over “You already for your return tomorrow?”
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“Yep,” said Harry
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“Well you better go and have an early night then,” said Mrs Weasley
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Harry bade goodnight to everyone and walked back upstairs.
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The next day Mrs Weasley woke them all up early. They had a hurried breakfast and then returned upstairs to do any last minute packing. They were to return to Hogwarts that lunchtime by floo powder. Harry and Ron who had packed the previous night spent the morning playing exploding snap and wizard's chess. Mrs Weasley called them down for an early lunch and then sent them back upstairs to gather their belongings and bring them downstairs. At one o'clock they each said goodbye to Mrs and Mr Weasley, Sirius, Tonks and Lupin and stepped into the fire place and shouted:
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“Hogwarts!”
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Soon Harry was the only one left. Sirius pulled him to one side.
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“Take care of yourself Harry,” he said “You contact me when ever you want and I want to hear if any other weird things happen,”
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“I will,” said Harry
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Harry stepped into the kitchen fire place and shouted very clearly
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“Hogwarts!”
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The kitchen spun and then suddenly Harry heard a different voice.
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“Good afternoon Potter, I think you know that you are expected to go and see the headmaster. I will take you, as I have to organise which houses Miss Tonks and Miss Andil will be placed in,” said Professor McGonagall
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Harry looked around to find Maya and Rae standing with their trunks.
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“If you leave you trunks here I will get one of the prefects to come and collect them for you,” said Professor McGonagall “Right if you would all like to follow me,”
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Harry, Maya and Rae followed Professor McGonagall out of her office. When they arrived at the stone gargoyle Professor McGonagall said the password and the staircase suddenly appeared. Professor McGonagall stepped onto the moving staircase Maya and Rae followed with Harry Stepping on next. Both girls were looking very nervous and scared.
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“Don't be scared,” said Harry “The sorting is nothing, and what makes it even better for you is that you don't have to have it down in front of the whole school,”
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Professor McGonagall let out a small chuckle
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“He's right,” said Professor McGonagall “You do not have to have hundreds of gaping eyes on you,”
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The staircase stopped and Professor McGonagall knocked on the office door. She walked in and Harry and the girls followed. Dumbledore was stting at his desk in midnight blue robes that was encrusted with silver stars. He stood up when they walked in.
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“Good afternoon,” he said beaming “I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas,”
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Rae nodded but Maya looked at the floor. Dumbledore walked over to her and lifted her chin.
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“It may hurt now, but soon that pain will be gone,” he said quietly “You will be fine, we will look after you, and you are completely safe,”
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Maya let out a smile, but a tear dripped off her face at the same time.
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“Right Miss Tonks,” said Dumbledore “Would you like to go first,”
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Professor McGonagall offered her one of the squishy armchairs to sit in, while Dumbledore retrieved the sorting hat. He passed it to Professor McGonagall who turned to Rae.
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“Now I will place the hat on your head and it will sort you into the house you will be in,” she said
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Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head. It did not take long for the house to make up its mind.
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“GRYFFINDOR,” it called out
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Rae beamed and quickly stood up. Maya walked over to the armchair and sat down. Professor McGoangall placed the hat on her head. The hat took a lot longer to decide on where Maya should go. She was looking more and more nervous as the time ticked by. In the end the sorting hat decided that she too should be placed in Gryffindor.
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“Well that's a good start to the term,” said Dumbledore “Well Professor McGonagall will show you around and tell you of any specific rules that you will need to know,”
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Professor McGonagall walked over to the door and showed the girls out, they waved to Harry as they left.
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“Harry,” said Dumbledore “I hope you had a reasonably enjoyable Christmas?”
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Harry did not say anything
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“I have received a letter from Sirius telling me about the gift you received over the holidays and that you had a dream,” said Dumbledore
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“Yes, but I had the dream here at Hogwarts the night before I left,” said Harry
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“Right well if you would not mind recounting what happened in your dream, Sirius did mention something about burnt wrists,” said Dumbledore
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Harry recounted the dream, and the package he had received.
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“Now have you had any other packages or dreams?” asked Dumbledore
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“No,” Said Harry
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“Right, I would like you to inform me of any more weird packages and dreams,” said Dumbledore “I am going to look into this, as I a quite concerned over the affect it is having on you physically and mentally,”
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“Ok,” said Harry
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“Now maybe it would be a good idea if you went and settled back into school, before you get back to lessons,” said Dumbledore “And one other thing, could you look out for Maya for me, unlike her cousin Raana, she does not seem to be coping as well with the death of her mother,”
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Harry nodded and walked out of the office. He headed back to the common room and found Hermione and Ron.
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“Great do you know who we have to meet first thing tomorrow morning,” said Ron sounding very annoyed “Potions with the Slytherins,”
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Harry grinned, and looked at Hermione who rolled her eyes. He sat down next to Ron.
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“Has Maya and Rae been sorted into their houses?” asked Hermione
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“Yeh their in Gryffindor,” said Harry
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“Oh man that is the best news yet,” said Ron “I get to spend more time with her-,” he broke off. His cheeks turned bright red.
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Harry started to laugh and so did Hermione
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“Fine, I give up trying to hide it,” said Ron “We are sort of an item,”
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“We kind of guessed that when you showed her your broom shed,” said Harry laughing.
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“Ha ha ha,” said Ron “My sides are splitting,”
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Harry was woken up on Christmas morning buy Ron singing Merry Christmas at the top of his voice
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Harry was woken up on Christmas morning buy Ron singing Merry Christmas at the top of his voice. Harry would not have minded as much if Ron could actually sing. Ron jumped up and down on his bed until he got up and began to get dressed. Once he was dressed he turned to look at the pile of presents at the end of his bed. Ron was already ripping open the wrapping paper of his presents. Harry crawled to the end of his bed and picked up the top present. It was a squishy package, he opened it, and was not surprised to see it was one of Mrs Weasley's hand knitted jumpers. It was emerald green, as usual, and had a picture of a firebolt on the front. Harry also received some sweets from Ron, a collection of books from Lupin, many to do with Defence against the dark arts, Hermione had given him a new pair of Quidditch gloves and from Sirius he received a broom cover. Harry thought he had received all his gifts, but he was wrong. Lying on the floor was another parcel. It was quite small and was boxed shaped. He picked it up and read the tag. The label was written in blood red ink. Harry did not think much of this and began to read.
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<font color="Red">Do not open this while you are around others. Enjoy your Christmas and I will meet you soon, I don't doubt.</font>
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Harry re-read the label twice and then he stowed it away in his trunk. He would open it later when he had a spare moment.
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When they had finished clearing away the wrapping paper they walked downstairs to see the others. Most of them were awake and were sitting round the kitchen table. Lupin, Bill and Charlie, who had arrived late last night, where not present but everyone else was. Harry and Ron walked over and sat either side of Hermione, Maya sitting on Harry's other side. She lent forward and wished him a merry Christmas.
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Breakfast was very enjoyable and it was not long before Lupin, Bill and Charlie who all came over a said hello to Harry joined them. Much to Ron's and the twins delight, half way through breakfast they were subjected to the presence of Percy. Ron muttered under his breath something that sounded like.
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“Miserable arse,”
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Harry suppressed a grin and so did Hermione. Percy much to Ron's delight then went and proceeded to sit opposite. There he turned and talked to the twins. They did not seem utterly thrilled with this though. Harry was not surprised to see that soon their faces looking very angry and annoyed.
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“Mum?” asked Fred loudly “Would it be ok if me a George went into our room to get something put together, that's if Bill and George don't mind,”
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“That's fine with me dears,” replied Mrs Weasley, obviously she was having such a good time that she did not question what the boys were planning on doing.
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After breakfast Ron went and had a game of Wizards chess against Charlie using the new chess pieces Harry had given him for his Christmas present. Rae was sat close by to him, looking thoroughly over interested in the game he was playing. Hermione went and picked up a book that she had been given for Christmas, went over to the fire and sat down in and arm chair and began to read. Maya went and had a game with exploding snap with Ginny, leaving Harry alone. Harry deciding that he would not be missed decided to go upstairs and take a look at the present he had been given. He stood up and walked up the stairs and up into Ron's room. He shut the door behind him and walked over to his trunk. He heard the door creep open behind him he quickly turned around. The door was slightly ajar and standing just in front of it was Crookshanks. The cat trotted over and jumped up onto Harry's bed and curled up into a ball purring. Harry went and got the present out of his trunk and went and sat on his bed. He stroked Crookshanks who purred even louder. Harry looked at the present and read the gift tag again. The box was very light. He ripped of the wrapping paper. There lay a silver box covered in gold ivy leaves. It was a very glamorous box. Harry searched the edges to find a way to open it. After a while he managed to find it. He slowly opened the box. Inside was another box but this time it was jet black. Harry opened the lid to find a sudden burst of colour. All Harry could see was crisp white with dabs of red. He thought it was some sort of a trick, maybe one of Fred and George's; the box appeared to be empty. As Harry looked closely at the contents of the box he realised that it was not empty. Inside where three white feathers spattered with blood. Harry yelled loudly and let go of the box. Crookshanks, who had been asleep, awoke suddenly and ran out of the room. There were soon the sounds of thunderous feet coming up the stairs. Harry stared at the box, breathing deeply. They were owl feathers. Feathers that had belonged to his snowy white owl Hedwig. Suddenly Sirius burst through the door with Lupin close behind.
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“Harry? What is it?” he asked breathlessly “We heard you yell from downstairs,”
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“It Hedwig's feathers,” said Harry “They are covered with blood,”
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“What!” exclaimed Sirius loudly.
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He grabbed the box and looked at the contents closely. Lupin walked over.
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“Harry was there a note with the box?” he asked
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Harry nodded and handed it over to Lupin. But just before Lupin took it from Harry it burst into flames. Harry dropped it quickly, but it continued to burn until there was just a pile of ash. Harry looked at Lupin with a scared look upon his face.
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“I can remember it though,” said Harry
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Harry recited the message that was on the gift tag, Sirius and Lupin listening carefully. When Harry had finished Lupin looked at Harry.
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“Right I am going to see Dumbledore tomorrow,” said Sirius
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“No you won't,” said Lupin “It's Boxing Day tomorrow and Dumbledore deserves a Christmas as much as everyone else. We can deal with this until then,”
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Sirius muttered under his breath. Harry sat staring at the box. The note had seemed so harmless, and yet someone had put a lot of time and effort into making it seem as normal as possible. There was a knock at the door and Harry looked up. Hermione was standing cradling a purring Crookshanks.
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“Hi, is everything alright?” she asked
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“Harry has received a nasty parcel,” said Lupin “Not one you would like to receive,”
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Hermione looked very concerned at this information, but did not say anything. Lupin stood up.
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“Try not to worry about this,” he said, “We will sort it out,”
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He stood up and beckoned to Sirius to follow. When both Sirius and Lupin had left the room, Hermione turned to speak to Harry
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“Do you want to go for a walk?” she asked
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Harry nodded. He stood up, pulled on a coat, scarf and gloves and together they walked back downstairs. Hermione stopped of at Ginny's bedroom to put on her own coat and scarf. Harry went and knocked on Fred and George's bedroom door while Hermione went and got ready. He opened the door and walked in. Fred and George where leaning over a box grinning.
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“Hi,” said Harry when he entered
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“Hi,” they replied, “Come and have a look at this,”
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Harry walked over and looked in the box. Inside bubbling and squelching was a brown gooey liquid.
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“What's that?” he asked
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“Brown gunge,” said Fred
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“What are you planning on doing with it?” asked Harry
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“Well our pompus git of a brother has told us that this year he was too busy to buy us a Christmas present but did have enough time to get everyone else's. His excuse was he was too busy opening mail for Fudge,” said Fred
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“So we have made him a homemade present,” said George
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There was a knock and Hermione poked her head round the door.
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“Ready,” she asked
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Harry nodded and walked out of the room saying goodbye to Fred and George. When they got into the kitchen many people threw him concerned looks. Harry looked around for Ron.
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“Where's Ron?” he asked Hermione after failing to find him
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“Oh he as gone to show Rae where he keeps his broom sticks,” said Hermione smirking
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“He's gone to show her what!” said Harry finding this very amusing “Why on earth would he want to show her broomsticks?”
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“Oh Harry, he's not gone to show her the brooms has he,” said Hermione “He does not want his Mum and Dad to see does he,”
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“Why?” asked Harry, very confused
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“Oh for god sakes Harry, he has gone to have some alone time with her,” she said winking
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“Oh!” said Harry smiling
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Hermione and Harry walked of into the back garden and sat on a low fence talking. Harry told her about the present he received. Hermione was very concerned at this piece of news. Hermione's concern only increased Harry's, and by the end of the convocation Harry felt very worried about what the gift had meant and why had someone sent him such a disturbing gift. Harry and Hermione talked for ages and only started to walk around the garden once more when they got too cold sitting on the icicle-encrusted fence.
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They walked around the house a couple of times before returning inside to join the others. Ron had finished showing Rae the broom shed, and was now sitting by the fire with Rae sitting next to him holding hands. Harry walked over and sat down in a spare chair.
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It was not long before lunch was nearly ready and the twins came down with evil grins on their faces. They winked at Harry and went and sat at the kitchen table. Mrs Weasley wanted them all seated before she placed food on the table. So they all sat around the table, and when they were all seated, Mrs Weasley placed a magnificent looking feast in front of their eyes. They ate until they could not fit anything else in their mouths. When the mind course was removed Mrs Weasley laid the puddings on the table, Harry was too full to eat any more. Ron, however, who had had three helpings of lunch managed to finish of two portions of Christmas pudding, a huge slice of fruitcake and chocolate gateau. Harry was surprised that his button on his jeans had not burst off.
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After lunch they all retired round the fire, while Mrs Weasley went into the kitchen and brought back tow trays. One carrying drinks of all sorts and the other carrying a huge stack of mince pies and a selection of chocolates. Everyone dived in and helped themselves to mince pies and chocolates while Mrs Weasley started to pour drinks out for everyone. After Ron had polished of his eighth mince pie he had a game of wizards chess with Charlie. Mr Weasley, Bill, Lupin and Sirius were having a deep discussion about the latest goblin rebellion.
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“Well I don't think the ministry has done enough,” said Lupin
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“I does seam like that doesn't it. Down where I work we do not get much information about other problems. I normally find out through the newspapers,” said Mr Weasley
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“So what has the latest one been about?” asked Sirius
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“Are the usual, wanting more freedom and higher wages,” said Mr Weasley
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“Down in Gringotts we have had goblins ferreting in and out,” said Bill “I mean I know they work their but there has been more than usual,”
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Harry looked around Percy was sitting stiffly in his chair reading a copy of `how to become a junior assistant, by George Mundain his Christmas present from his parents.
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Fred and were sitting in the corner discussing what looked like another plan. Hermione, Ginny, Rae and Maya were playing a wizards board game, which involved a lot of laughter.
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“Hey Perce,” said George a little bit more friendly than usual “We almost forgot to give you your Christmas present,”
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Fred stood up and walked behind the sofa. Everyone in the room was now listening. Fred returned with a massive box.
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“Went slightly over the normal price we spend on you this year,” said Fred
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“Yeah we feel we have been not particular nice towards you lately,” said George grinning.
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“You did not have to,” said Percy “I am sorry that I did not get you anything. When I next have spare time I will go and get you both something,”
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“Its ok we are not bothered,” said Fred walking over to Percy. He handed him the box. Percy sat there staring at it.
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“Well are you going to open it?” asked Fred
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“Yeah, I will,” said Percy
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Percy slowly ripped off the rapping paper. On the side was written a collection of books that help you become the best assistant any one could ever have.
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“Oh brilliant. These are amazing,” said Percy
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“Why don't you have a look at them,” suggested George
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Percy tarred of the seleotape holding the roof of the box down. He then opened the sleeves of the box. Before he could say anything a brown gunk sprayed all over Percy, covering from head to foot. Everyone in the room started laughing apart from Mr and Mrs Weasley, Lupin, Sirius and Tonks. Although Harry was sure that Sirius, Lupin and Tonks all suppressed grins.
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“FRED, GEORGE WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING,” bellowed Mrs Weasley
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“Teaching,” replied Fred
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“TEACHING, HOW IS THAT TEACHING,” shouted Mrs Weasley
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“Yeah, teaching him next time its Christmas he should remember all of his brothers and get everyone a present not just half,” said George
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“THAT IS NO WAY TO REPLIE,” shouted Mrs Weasley
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“Look we will clear it up,” said Fred, and with the flick of his wand the brown gunk covering Percy disappeared. Underneath the brown gunk was a very red faced Percy.
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Percy just sat there, too embarrassed to talk.
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“I think you should both apologise,” said Mr Weasley “To Percy and to your Mum,”
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“Sorry Mum we did not mean to upset you,” said Fred
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“And sorry Percy that you have brothers like us, and that you are a world class git,”
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“Boys,” said Mr Weasley
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“Fine! Sorry!” said Fred and George.
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Deciding to change the subject Mr Weasley turned to Mrs Weasley.
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“Molly dear do we have any eggnog?” he asked
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“Yes dear there is some in the fridge, I will go and get it for you,” she replied standing up and throwing Fred and George very nasty looks.
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The next couple of days passed without anything dramatic happening, unless you count Fred and George setting fire to the kitchen clothe while trying to jinx Ron. Overall it was a very enjoyable Christmas, but the one thing that had not left Harry's mind was the parcel he had received.
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The evening before they were due to return to Hogwarts, Mrs Weasley called Harry down into the kitchen. Harry walked downstairs to find Sirius and Lupin sitting by the fire.
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“Harry, Dumbledore has sent us a letter,” said Sirius
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“He would first of all like you to take Rae and Maya to his office to be sorted into houses and then Professor McGonagall will take them to the houses. Then he would like to see you about the dream you had and the parcel you received,” said Lupin
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“Ok,” said Harry
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“He also wanted you to know that he enjoys eating candy canes,” said Sirius looking a bit confused
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Harry smiled. That was the password to his office.
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“Harry I want you to promise me that you will tell him everything you have told me and Lupin and also anything that is bothering. You never know it might help Dumbledore figure what Voldamort's plans are,” said Sirius
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Harry nodded.
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“Right,” said Mrs Weasley walking over “You already for your return tomorrow?”
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“Yep,” said Harry
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“Well you better go and have an early night then,” said Mrs Weasley
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Harry bade goodnight to everyone and walked back upstairs.
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The next day Mrs Weasley woke them all up early. They had a hurried breakfast and then returned upstairs to do any last minute packing. They were to return to Hogwarts that lunchtime by floo powder. Harry and Ron who had packed the previous night spent the morning playing exploding snap and wizard's chess. Mrs Weasley called them down for an early lunch and then sent them back upstairs to gather their belongings and bring them downstairs. At one o'clock they each said goodbye to Mrs and Mr Weasley, Sirius, Tonks and Lupin and stepped into the fire place and shouted:
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“Hogwarts!”
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Soon Harry was the only one left. Sirius pulled him to one side.
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“Take care of yourself Harry,” he said “You contact me when ever you want and I want to hear if any other weird things happen,”
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“I will,” said Harry
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Harry stepped into the kitchen fire place and shouted very clearly
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“Hogwarts!”
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The kitchen spun and then suddenly Harry heard a different voice.
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“Good afternoon Potter, I think you know that you are expected to go and see the headmaster. I will take you, as I have to organise which houses Miss Tonks and Miss Andil will be placed in,” said Professor McGonagall
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Harry looked around to find Maya and Rae standing with their trunks.
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“If you leave you trunks here I will get one of the prefects to come and collect them for you,” said Professor McGonagall “Right if you would all like to follow me,”
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Harry, Maya and Rae followed Professor McGonagall out of her office. When they arrived at the stone gargoyle Professor McGonagall said the password and the staircase suddenly appeared. Professor McGonagall stepped onto the moving staircase Maya and Rae followed with Harry Stepping on next. Both girls were looking very nervous and scared.
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“Don't be scared,” said Harry “The sorting is nothing, and what makes it even better for you is that you don't have to have it down in front of the whole school,”
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Professor McGonagall let out a small chuckle
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“He's right,” said Professor McGonagall “You do not have to have hundreds of gaping eyes on you,”
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The staircase stopped and Professor McGonagall knocked on the office door. She walked in and Harry and the girls followed. Dumbledore was stting at his desk in midnight blue robes that was encrusted with silver stars. He stood up when they walked in.
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“Good afternoon,” he said beaming “I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas,”
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Rae nodded but Maya looked at the floor. Dumbledore walked over to her and lifted her chin.
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“It may hurt now, but soon that pain will be gone,” he said quietly “You will be fine, we will look after you, and you are completely safe,”
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Maya let out a smile, but a tear dripped off her face at the same time.
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“Right Miss Tonks,” said Dumbledore “Would you like to go first,”
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Professor McGonagall offered her one of the squishy armchairs to sit in, while Dumbledore retrieved the sorting hat. He passed it to Professor McGonagall who turned to Rae.
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“Now I will place the hat on your head and it will sort you into the house you will be in,” she said
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Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head. It did not take long for the house to make up its mind.
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“GRYFFINDOR,” it called out
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Rae beamed and quickly stood up. Maya walked over to the armchair and sat down. Professor McGoangall placed the hat on her head. The hat took a lot longer to decide on where Maya should go. She was looking more and more nervous as the time ticked by. In the end the sorting hat decided that she too should be placed in Gryffindor.
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“Well that's a good start to the term,” said Dumbledore “Well Professor McGonagall will show you around and tell you of any specific rules that you will need to know,”
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Professor McGonagall walked over to the door and showed the girls out, they waved to Harry as they left.
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“Harry,” said Dumbledore “I hope you had a reasonably enjoyable Christmas?”
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Harry did not say anything
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“I have received a letter from Sirius telling me about the gift you received over the holidays and that you had a dream,” said Dumbledore
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“Yes, but I had the dream here at Hogwarts the night before I left,” said Harry
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“Right well if you would not mind recounting what happened in your dream, Sirius did mention something about burnt wrists,” said Dumbledore
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Harry recounted the dream, and the package he had received.
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“Now have you had any other packages or dreams?” asked Dumbledore
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“No,” Said Harry
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“Right, I would like you to inform me of any more weird packages and dreams,” said Dumbledore “I am going to look into this, as I a quite concerned over the affect it is having on you physically and mentally,”
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“Ok,” said Harry
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“Now maybe it would be a good idea if you went and settled back into school, before you get back to lessons,” said Dumbledore “And one other thing, could you look out for Maya for me, unlike her cousin Raana, she does not seem to be coping as well with the death of her mother,”
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Harry nodded and walked out of the office. He headed back to the common room and found Hermione and Ron.
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“Great do you know who we have to meet first thing tomorrow morning,” said Ron sounding very annoyed “Potions with the Slytherins,”
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Harry grinned, and looked at Hermione who rolled her eyes. He sat down next to Ron.
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“Has Maya and Rae been sorted into their houses?” asked Hermione
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“Yeh their in Gryffindor,” said Harry
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“Oh man that is the best news yet,” said Ron “I get to spend more time with her-,” he broke off. His cheeks turned bright red.
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Harry started to laugh and so did Hermione
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“Fine, I give up trying to hide it,” said Ron “We are sort of an item,”
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“We kind of guessed that when you showed her your broom shed,” said Harry laughing.
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“Ha ha ha,” said Ron “My sides are splitting,”
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Comments
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enelya on June 10, 2006, 4:18:58 AM
enelya on
well done, pleeeese write more x x x x