Chapter 22 Christmas and Boxing Day
It was Christmas Eve and the adults of the house and Tippy were wrapping presents. Harry, being the little boy he was, was sitting on his bed listening for Father Christmas with droopy eyes and many yawns. He had tried to ask his uncles to let him stay up, but they told him that Santa wouldn't come if he were awake. So, he was going to stay awake and trick them, when he heard the reindeer, he was going to sneak down and surprise St. Nick. Right after he took a nap.
The house was decorated inside and out. Outside there were fairy lights everywhere, plastic statues of Christmas characters were also prominent and a small elf village was erected. Padfoot had gone wild with the lights and if the house could be seen from the streets, they would have kept people up with their brightness. The inside was more tastefully done, since Moony and Hydrus were in charge. The fireplace had four stockings and a few boughs of fir, a medium sized tree with old-fashion ornaments and white fairy lights sat in the corner, and a few sprigs of holly strung with green garland hung from the ceiling.
"I can't believe we were so stupid," Hydrus said out of nowhere, smacking his forehead and frowning.
"What?" Sirius questioned, putting down the game he was wrapping and glaring at the older man. Everything had been cheerful up to that point and he had to wonder what set the immortal off now.
"Why do you say that, Hydrus?" Remus was calmer about it. He too put down the gift he was wrapping.
"We've been looking at people from the war, even though we all pointed out that I had little to nothing to do with it. We should be looking at anyone who has been protesting the changes I've made. Death said I made this person, so it could be someone who died in my timeline, but not in this one," the immortal said as he paced the living room. "I think it was Rita calling her a Dark Lady that threw us off. I have to wonder how she even knew this person existed when we can't find anything on this mysterious woman."
"The problem with that is you do not know who died in the first war or after. I mean, you saved the Longbottoms, but I am pretty sure Alice is not your stalker," the werewolf said, running his hand through his hair.
"Then there's Barty's wife," Padfoot said, thinking over the women they knew about. "You said she died of a broken heart and took her son's place in Azkaban. Now that he's dead, she might have snapped."
"But how would she know I had anything to do with her son? No, I don't think it's her," Hydrus argued, still pacing the floor. "If it is then it wouldn't be for that reason."
"Well, I've kept my eyes and ears open at the Ministry, and I haven't heard any women complaining. There have been quite a few men disappointed at the changes, but most of the women stand by them," Sirius said. "There were a few wives that were up in arms when the Death Eaters were found. But, like you said they would have no way of knowing it was you." He rubbed his chin in thought.
"Are we sure it is not Narcissa?" Remus asked, turning towards Sirius.
"I made her take a vow not to hurt the family. Hydrus is part of the family, so, no, I don't think she'd risk losing her magic," the dogman said, shaking his head.
"Well, damn," the immortal sighed, sitting on the sofa, running a hand down his face.
"Tippy can be asking the house elves if they is hearing anything. As long as they does not tell thiers family secrets, theys can be gossiping," Tippy said as she finished wrapping a toy and putting Santa's name on it. She wasn't nearly as upset as the men. She knew her boss was the greatest.
"That would be a great help," Hydrus said, smiling brightly at the little elf. He was running ladies that had died in the war the last time with those who were still alive in this timeline. The problem was he didn't know many. His research had been mostly on his family and friends. He was berating himself for not bringing the old Daily Prophets from his timeline to compare. There was something he was missing. "Death said the reason the woman is troubled was hiding in plain sight."
"Let's go over the changes you've made. There are the stores, making everyone think for themselves and be brought up to modern times," Sirius said.
"Then there's the orphanage, so there are now more squibs living good lives," was Remus's addition.
"And the newspaper, making facts be know, so more politicians have to behave," Hydrus added.
"You got Frostwell to start his inventions early," Sirius said, holding up four fingers.
"You have helped others open shops, especially Muggle-borns." Remus held up five. "However, you were a silent partner, so I do not think that one counts." He put his finger back down.
"The only people I can think that would protest any of these changes would be Pure-bloods," the dogman said after a minutes thought.
"Yeah, but what Pure-blood family do we know that has a soft spot for kids and non-magicals?" Hydrus asked. The only person he could think of was Molly. He disregarded that as soon as he thought of it. While Molly Weasley was very vocal, he didn't think she had it in her to cast a Killing Curse unless her kids were in danger, besides her family was thriving.
"So maybe not a Pure-blood," the werewolf said. "It might be someone else affected by the changes. Who do we know that has suffered?" he looked around the room as if the answer would just pop up.
"We need to drop this for now. It's Christmas and, I, for one, am not going to let some crazy person ruin it," Hydrus said firmly as he stood and started gathering up all the Santa presents, ignoring the fact that he was the one to bring it up in the first place. The two other men exchanged looks and the room fell silent again as they finished their wrapping.
So they put the mystery to the side and as soon as they were done with the gifts, Tippy gathered up all the presents to their friends and popped away. Sirius went to the roof and started making a ruckus. Remus snuck in Harry's room and cast a mild tickling charm on the child's nose to wake him up. Hydrus put on the Santa robes, conjured a large cloth sack, added the Santa presents, took the Polyjuice to make him an old man, (he had snagged a hair off the Headmaster) and put on one of his disguise watches. Now he looked like Father Christmas in his flowing red robes with white fur trim and long white beard and hair.
Harry swatted away whatever was tickling his nose. He startled awake when he heard noises on the roof. Quietly he got out of his bed, went to his dresser and got the present he made for Santa. It was a simple picture of him and his family playing in the back garden. He wanted to make sure that Santa knew that they were all good people, so that they would stay on his nice list. Holding the parchment in his little fist he silently left his room.
'Santa' was waiting until he heard the patter of little feet, then he bent over and started putting the presents under the tree. He could hear Harry in the doorway. Sirius and Remus were disillusioned, silenced and standing in a corner of the room watching the scene while taking pictures. Thank Merlin, magical cameras from the future didn't need flashbulbs.
"Santa," the little boy gasped, surprised that his plan actually worked. He had tried last year, but was asleep when Father Christmas came.
"Ho, Ho, Ho, what is this? A little boy out of bed. Are you being naughty?" the bearded man said as he turned and looked over his half-moon glasses.
"No!" Harry said quickly and held up the picture, "I wanted to give you a present. I was asleep and everything, until I heard your reindeers."
"A present? For me? What a good little boy you are," 'Santa' said, mussing the child's hair and taking the parchment from the shaky little hand. He unrolled it and it was all he could do to hold back the tear that wanted to escape. The picture had the four of them riding brooms with Tippy standing in the flower garden watching and each person had a name over their head. The top of the paper had the words 'Nice List' in big, bold letters. There was a small note that said:
Dear Santa
Tese are my unlces and Tippy. And they is nice people. Plez make sure they get presents.
Harry
"It is very kind of you to think of your family, young Harry," 'Santa' said stroking his beard and making his eyes twinkle. "For that I'm going to give you a special present." And with that he pulled out a new broom and placed it under the tree. "Now, you cannot ride it until tomorrow. After your uncles wake up. Promise?"
"I promise," the little pajama clad boy swore. His eyes glued to the broom. His Uncle Hydrus told him he had to wait to get a broom that went higher. He hoped that the older uncle would let him ride it.
"Now, I think it is time for all good little boys to go back to bed," the old man said, not wanting his Polyjuice to wear off in front of Harry.
"Thanks, Santa," Harry said, running and giving the nice man a hug and then turned and ran as fast as his little feet would carry him. Not wanting Santa to take away his broom if he were naughty.
Sirius and Remus waited until they heard the bedroom door close and then dispelled the charms that kept them hidden. They went to Hydrus and looked at the picture. The two younger men also teared up at the sentiment. Harry was such a good boy.
"That has to be the sweetest thing I have ever seen," Remus said, taking a seat in the comfy chair.
"I have to admit, I didn't know Harry had it in him. I mean, I knew he was a good kid, but this is really good," Sirius said, plopping down in the recliner.
"Well, now we're going to have to wrap more presents from Santa with our names on them," Hydrus said as he pulled a few things from his pocketspace, to do just that. His disguise was going to wear off soon, so he switched out his 'Santa' robes for bathrobes. He'd change once he went to bed.
So the three picked some small things they wanted, put Santa's name on them, renamed one of Tippy's presents and soon they went to bed. Because of Harry's late night adventure, the child didn't wake up until it was after nine, which in turn let the adults sleep in. When he woke, Harry ran to his Uncle Hydrus's room, opened the door and ran to the bed. "Uncle Hydrus, wake up. I got to see Santa," he said as he bounced on the bed.
"You did?" the groggy man said, opening one eye. "Does that mean you got out of bed?"
"But I had to," protested the child. "I had to give him his present." He folded his little arms defiantly and pouted that his uncle wasn't as excited as he was. Grownups were no fun.
"Okay," the now awake man said as he sat up. "That was very nice of you, Harry. Next time leave it on the fireplace and Santa will know it's from you," he chastised mildly, tapping the boy on the nose to take any bite out of his words.
Harry giggled when he saw he wasn't in trouble. "I will," he promised and then started bouncing again. "Can we go open presents now?"
"Go wake up Padfoot and Moony and we can open them after a small breakfast," the oldest uncle said as he grabbed the lively child and put him on his feet.
"Okay," Harry all but yelled and ran from the room. "Uncle Padfoot, Uncle Moony, wake up!" he shouted as he ran down the hall. "I got to see Santa."
Hydrus shook his head and chuckled as he got out of bed and readied himself for a long day of playing. He went to the kitchen and decided that a quick breakfast of hot cereal was the order of the day.
The rest of the family joined him; Harry didn't stop squirming for a single moment. The child kept looking longingly at the doorway. The older members just chuckled and took their time eating. Soon enough it was time to open the presents and they all trooped to the living room.
The excited little boy ran to the tree and once the men sat in their seats, he started handing out presents. "Look, you guys got stuff from Santa! He thinks you're good boys," Harry yelled, upon reading some of the tags. "Oh, and Tippy got one too!" He was happy Santa remembered the house elf.
Tippy popped in with a tray of cocoa, said she'd open her presents in a little while and popped out to finish cleaning breakfast dishes.
"I wonder why he thinks that," mused Sirius as he took the present Harry handed him.
"See what Santa brought me," Harry said, holding up the broom, looking a little sheepish. "Can I keep it, please, Uncle Hydrus?" he all but begged, his big green eyes opened wide in a puppy dog way.
"Of course," Hydrus said. "If Santa thinks you're a good enough boy to have one, then, yes, you can keep it, but, the same rules apply." He shook his finger at the child.
"I'll be good," the tyke promised with a vigorous nodding of his head.
The next hour was spent opening gifts. There were games (board, electronic and video), clothes, watches, joke items, hats and gloves (with the shield spell), candies, fruit and many other things. Wrapping paper flew around the room, since Remus was the only one who didn't tear his open.
Tippy was there for a minute to get the new dresses her bosses (and Santa) bought for her. Then she went back to making the evening dinner. It had been a big debate as to who was going to cook the dinner, Tippy won by telling Hydrus he was to spend time with the family and she was paid to do these types of meals.
The men put their presents in their pocketspaces and helped Harry carry his up to his room and put them away. They all changed into day clothes and then bundled up and grabbed their brooms for a day in the snow. It was a tired bunch of males that finally made it back into the house late in the afternoon. They all washed up for an early dinner and went to the dining area.
Tippy had made a wonderful roast duck dinner with stuffing, gravy with forcemeat, pigs in blankets, devils on horseback, cranberry sauce, redcurrant jelly, bread sauce, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts and parsnips with dessert of Christmas pudding and mincemeat pie. They'd be having leftovers for quite a while.
They chatted about their presents and the nice day they had in the snow, Harry chiming in about how great Santa was. They left all the stressful topics for another day and just enjoyed this time with family.
All of the adults had set up a schedule to see their girlfriends. Remus would go and see Sarah right after dinner and spend a few hours with her, since the two were only casually dating. Then Sirius would be taking Laura to a movie and spend the night in the flat. Hydrus made arrangements to see Grace for the afternoon on Boxing Day.
After Remus left, the rest of the family went and watched a Christmas movie. Then the werewolf came back with a sloppy grin and Sirius left for his date. Hydrus settled down with Harry and was playing with the handheld game the boy had gotten from him.
Harry was doing his best to work the buttons and destroy the aliens. His stubby little fingers flew around the controller and shot the aliens out of the sky, eliciting a whoop every time one was obliterated. Hydrus sat and cheered him on, while Remus took out a book he got from 'Santa'. They all spent a nice evening, until it was time for the boy to go to bed, after much protesting and whining Hydrus finally got Harry down for the night. He went to the living room and sat on the sofa. "I think I'm going to make it an early night," he said with a yawn.
Remus looked up from his book and nodded. "I think I will too."
So after making sure everything was secure the two adults trudged to their rooms. The next morning while they were eating a light breakfast of cheesy scrambled eggs and toast, Sirius came in and joined them. They decided that another day flying in the back garden was in order. They spent many hours in the yard, until it was time for Hydrus to leave.
He popped over to Grace's flat, gave her a quick kiss and settled on her sofa. She snuggled up to him and asked about his Christmas.
"It went well. I dressed as Santa and got a nice gift from Harry," he said as he pulled the drawing out of his space and showed it to her.
"That is the cutest thing," she cooed, looking at the flying stick figures and the note at the bottom. "You are doing such a wonderful job at raising him," Grace praised as she patted his chest.
"I'm doing the best I can. I can only hope it's enough," he replied a bit humbly.
"Well, I stand by my statement," she said firmly, snuggling deeper in to his side.
"How was yours?" the immortal asked, changing the subject.
"I spent the day with my family. It was wonderfully relaxing not to have to study all day," she sighed and stretched out her feet.
"That's great. So, um, here's your present," Hydrus said, pulling a gift out and handing it to her.
She unwrapped the present and gasped when she saw the ruby heart necklace. "Hydrus, you shouldn't spend so much on me," she protested, sitting up and looking at his sheepish face.
"It really didn't cost that much," he hedged, not looking in her eyes. It was mostly true; things in the magical world were cheaper.
"Well, it is beautiful," she softened at his boyish look. She stroked the side of his face and smiled. "Here, put it on me." And she handed it back and turned so he could do just that. After the clasp was secured, she turned back around and asked, "How does it look?"
"Just as beautiful as the woman wearing it," Hydrus said, kissing her on the nose.
"Let me get your present." Grace got up and went to her room, returning after only a minute. In her hand was a small box, which she handed over as she sat facing him.
He took the box and ripped the paper off. Inside was a man's ring, it was silver and had a snake entwined around the top. He gave her a big smile, though there was a look of curiosity in his eyes.
"I saw it at an estate sale and thought of you. You did tell me you could talk to snakes," she said softly.
"It's perfect," he said as he put it on his right index finger. He then leaned over and gave her a nice long kiss. Things went from there and the two had a lovely time enjoying each other's… assets. When they were blissfully finished, they once more snuggled on the couch. They had just settled to watch a movie when the phone rang.
Grace picked up the receiver and after saying 'hello', she handed it to Hydrus. "It's Sirius and he sounds worried."
"What's wrong?" the immortal asked as soon as the phone was to his ear.
"You need to get to Fun For All. I just got a call from Ellie and there's been a disturbance."Sirius said urgently.
"Alright, if she calls back tell her I'll be there in a minute," he said and handed the phone back to his girlfriend. He stood and drew her up with him. "I have to go. Sorry to cut our time short, but there's a problem in one of the shops. I'll call you when I'm done." He gave her a long kiss and started to turn to Apparate, stopping when she grabbed his hand.
"Be careful," she said, grabbing his face and giving him one more deep kiss. Then she let him go and stood back. There was no anger or disappointment on her face, just worry. One of the reason's Hydrus cared for her so much.
The time traveler nodded his head and popped away to Diagon Alley. He made his way to the shop and saw Aurors milling about asking customers' questions. He went to find his manager and ask what happened. She was standing outside Fun For All Kids. She was leaning against the wall with a disgruntled look on her face, since the annex was taped off and she could assess the damage.
"What happened, Ellie?" Hydrus questioned as he sidled up to her side.
"Someone broke all the color balls," she answered as she turned to her boss. "We think it was a time delay spell. I've never seen anything like it." She shook her head in wonder. "One minute everything was fine, the next minute all the balls just exploded. No one got hurt," she added quickly at his concerned look. "It was like the spell waited until everyone was cleared and then went off."
"Well that's something. Was it just the color balls?" the immortal asked. Trying to think of anyone he knew that could pull off such a spell and coming up blank.
"Yep, even the ones in inventory," Ellie said, looking towards the store room. "Don't worry we're insured." She shrugged her shoulder and looked to the taped off room again.
"Let me guess, there is no clue as to who did it," he said, running a hand down his face.
"Nope, like I said, time delay and possible motion detector. It could have been put on the toys anytime in the last week, according to the Aurors."
It was about that time one of the red robed men came up to the two. "We found this hidden behind the destroyed toys, since it's addressed to you…" he said, handing over a smoking red envelope.
Heaving a deep sigh, Hydrus took the howler and dropped it in front of him. The letter exploded open and started shouting, "YOU TOOK MY SON, YOU BASTARD. IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR YOUR STUPID BALLS, MY HUSBAND WOULD HAVE LET ME KEEP MY SON LONGER. YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS, YOU STINKING MUDBLOOD." And then it ripped itself to tiny pieces and fell to the floor.
"Do you have any idea who that was?" the still unnamed Auror asked the store owner.
"I've never heard that voice," Hydrus answered truthfully, he had no idea who this woman was. But now he had a direction to point his detectives towards. "Judging from the content, it must be someone whose son is in the orphanage," he offered the man.
The Auror nodded and scooped up the mess into an evidence bag and said, "We'll do our best to see who sent it. We'll keep in touch." He gave a quick nod and walked away.
Customers were milling about and looking at Hydrus with a bit of sympathy. They had all read about the wonderful things Barkley's was doing and most of the community was all for it.
The red robed men soon filed out of the store, with their evidence, and business resumed. Hydrus and Ellie went to the office. The immortal ran his hand down his face and sighed. "I knew this was going to happen. It was one of the reasons I made these balls work with squib magic. Barkley's must have found the child in St. Mungo's. I better warn them to be on the lookout. And I need to get the wards stronger, even though it looks like she is after me, I don't want the kids hurt." He started making notes on the things he needed to do.
"Well other than this, it's been a good day," his manager offered, hoping to make her boss relax.
"The sale was going well?" he asked, looking up from his scribbling.
"Yup, even better than last year," Ellie said with a huge smile at the job well done.
"That's great news, keep up the good work," he said, smiling back, though it didn't reach his eyes. He got up, grabbed his list and headed out the door, throwing over his shoulder, "I've got to go. I'll check back in tomorrow."
He went to Barkley's and asked Ms. Cartwright for a list of the parents of any males recently brought in.
"Why do you need that?" the matronly woman questioned as she looked through her files.
"Seems like one of the mothers isn't happy about losing her son," Hydrus answered, drumming his fingers on the desk. "Someone destroyed all the color balls at the shop and left a howler."
"On Boxing Day? How sad," Ms. Cartwright said, putting the short list on the desk and sliding it under the tapping fingers. "I've talked to all of these women and they all seemed quite content on leaving their child here. Of course they were a bit sad in the beginning, but now they are happy. Each and every one has visited at least once. They all sent presents for the children. There were even some donated for the others. With the gifts you and your family sent, everyone had a happy Christmas. Thank you so much for all you've done." She patted the now still hand.
"You are more than welcome, and we'll do that every year until we can't anymore." He took up her hand and gave it a gentle kiss, smirking at her giggle and then grew serious. "Yeah, it was today, and it does make me wonder why they waited until after the Christmas rush," he said thoughtfully as he looked over the list.
There were only three names on it and the only one he recognized was Greengrass. From what he remembered of that family they were neutral. He never heard of a son, but then again he wouldn't have, since squibs were rarely talked about. He had to wonder what happened to the child in his timeline.
The Greengrasses never got involved in the war, so he didn't think they had anything to do with shooting off Dark curses, but he could be wrong. He tucked the list in his pocket and stood. "I have to get home and make some phone calls. Right after I boost the wards. You should expect the Aurors to be here soon, make sure you have a copy of the list for them. Happy Christmas, Ms. Cartwright."
"Alright, Mr. Black, I'll do just that. Do you think the children are in danger?" She looked around with great concern etched on her face.
"I don't think so," he said as he turned in the doorway. "Whoever this was loves their son, but I'm going to do the wards, just in case. They shouldn't affect anyone who has good intention towards the people in this house. They will knock out anyone who doesn't. I'll be back tomorrow to set up the new alarm system." And with that he turned and left. Making his way outside, he discretely palmed the Elder Wand and strengthened the wards. When he got them as strong as he could he went up the stairs to the Apparation room and went home.
He sent Harry to play, threw up the silencing charms and told the other two what happened. He handed them the list and asked if they knew who the women were.
"I don't recognize anyone," Remus said with a shake of his head.
"I know of the Greengrasses, but I don't recognize the others," Sirius added and handed back the list.
"I'm going to call my detectives and give the list to them," Hydrus said, picking up the phone. He talked to the man on the other end for about ten minutes, telling his story and asking the agent to look into every woman in his life, something he should have done weeks ago, and then hung up.
"Do you think whoever did this is your wacko woman?" the dogman asked, hoping it was true.
"I'm not sure," the immortal said, rubbing his hand down his face, realizing he had been doing that most of the day. "There's a good chance it is, but it could be I've pissed off more than one person."
The three men sat in silence, mulling that over. Then almost as one, decided to let the agency and the Aurors handle it. Hydrus called Grace and let her know what happened. The two lovebirds talked for more than an hour. Then the uncles spent the rest of the day with Harry, playing with his new games.
An article appeared in The Times, telling about what happened. The same day the Daily Prophet ran one that said it was the work of the Dark Lady. There was even an article in the Quibbler, which said it was only a smokescreen to the greater conspiracy to hide the goings-on of the Ministry.
Two days later Hydrus received a phone call from his investigator, pinning the Greengrass mum. The immortal asked him to forward the file to the DMLE and let them deal with it. He got an owl a few days later, letting him know that she was questioned and fined for the destruction of the merchandise, but since sending a howler wasn't against the law and no one was hurt; she was given a warning.
He let the other two men know what happened, each and every one hoping that this was at an end. Hydrus would keep one of his detectives on her, just to make sure she didn't sneak up and kill him. He stuck close to home for the rest of the Holiday, spending New Year's Eve with Grace. They celebrated the night, with too much champagne and lots of mutual admiration.
They should have known Hydrus's luck never made it easy.