Sharing Gifts
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Hey everyone, I'm sorry to say that I'll have to go on hiatus for at least two weeks. Due to a series of cascading issues, my college schedule has become extremely busy. I hope you understand, and if I manage to squeeze in some time, I'll try to drop a few chapters.
As always, thank you for your support, and happy reading!
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At the sound of Xenophilius's voice, both Luna and Vizet jumped, their eyes meeting in a startled glance before they smiled warmly at each other.
Luna, her usual sparkle evident, winked playfully and drifted past Vizet like a butterfly, her movements graceful and light. "Dad! I'm here! Merry Christmas!"
"Aha! Merry Christmas, my baby!" Xenophilius exclaimed, his voice filled with joy.
With a fond smile, Vizet stepped forward to present his own gift. He held out an ancient book, meticulously restored to new condition, 'I saw the Brain — the Flying Trembling Maggot!
The book chronicled the journey of a wizard who, while collecting water from the Lethe River, had stumbled upon the strange and fascinating trembling maggots. It was filled with detailed illustrations, capturing the odd, floating creatures in their eerie beauty. According to the wizard's account, the maggots, resembling floating brains, could be used as a key ingredient in creating talent potions.
The wizard's life had been profoundly shaped by his discovery, becoming a renowned supplier of the potions — until, inevitably, the maggots became scarce, and his business crumbled.
The gift had been Luna's idea, and accompanying the book was a new set of robes, fine and practical.
The evening passed in peaceful comfort, the soft warmth of the holiday settling over them. Yet, in the stillness of the night, Vizet was roused by a gentle tapping sound at the window.
Several owls had perched outside, clutching parcels in their talons, their beaks gently rapping on the glass. With a quick gesture, he opened the window to let them in, and moments later, a small flock of owls soared inside, dropping packages at his bedside.
His heart lifted as he looked over the stack of gifts from friends and mentors. Professor McGonagall's gift was a well-worn notebook, filled with foundational knowledge and her insightful essays on Transfiguration.
Professor Flitwick had sent a notebook as well, its pages brimming with notes on wandless magic and the delicate art of silent spellcasting.
Professor Sprout's offering was a packet of seeds — improved Flitterbloom seeds, in fact, known for their vibrant, color-changing vines that swayed in response to the seasons.
Dumbledore's gift was small, but meaningful: a pendant engraved with the likeness of a phoenix. When opened, the soft sound of Fawkes' song filled the air, bringing an unexpected comfort. A note tucked into the pendant box read: "I hope I can help you when you need it. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas."
Vizet smiled as he took the note, carefully wrapping it around a vial of Luna's lucky potion. Then, with a light chuckle, he took a circle of unicorn hair bandages and wrapped it around the vial. "Such soft tail hair," he mused. "Just perfect for keeping the potion safe."
Hagrid's gift was simple yet thoughtful: a small pillow, no larger than a fist. A note was attached, reading: "Merry Christmas, Vizet! This pillow's stuffed with Augurey crest feathers — just pull on it, and it'll grow to whatever size you like."
To Vizet's surprise, Mrs. Weasley had sent a gift as well. She'd knitted him a sky-blue sweater, with the initials 'WL' embroidered on the front. Inside the package was a box of chocolates, a note tucked beneath it: "Vizet, thank you for saving my three children. This is a small token of our appreciation. Merry Christmas!"
The Weasley family had traveled to Romania to visit Charlie for the holidays, leaving the four Weasley brothers to spend Christmas at the school this year.
Vizet couldn't resist trying one of the chocolates. It was rich and slightly bitter, much deeper in flavor than the usual Chocolate Frogs, and it had a pleasant, refreshing quality that seemed perfect for the late evening.
Other friends had sent their own gifts — mostly magical candies of all kinds. Vizet chuckled as he gathered them into sugar bowls. The bowls quickly filled, and he counted seven in total. His room was now a testament to the warmth of friendship and the simple joys of the season.
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"My wand... how does it look?"
At the teacher's table in Hogwarts, Professor Flitwick was speaking animatedly, directing his wand to slice sausages with remarkable precision.
Professor Sprout, observing closely, tilted her head. "It seems brighter than usual."
Flitwick beamed. "It's more sensitive!" He tapped the side of his wand with his fingers, his voice filled with delight. "Vizet gave me a box of exquisite wand care kits. It's the first time I've ever received such a thoughtful gift from a student!"
Sprout smiled softly. "No wonder you're in such good spirits. As a former duel champion, a gift like that must be particularly appreciated, eh?"
Sprout continued, her eyes sparkling. "He gave me gift as well — a plant harvest calendar that Flourish and Blotts just released! Perfect timing. I'll be needing it straight away!"
Flitwick glanced toward Professor McGonagall, who had been quietly listening. "I imagine Vizet didn't forget to give gifts to all the professors. Minerva, what did you receive?"
"A tea set," Professor McGonagall replied, setting down her fork. Her expression softened as she pictured the delicate set in her mind. "It's a beautiful set, with patterns of flowers, green leaves, and playful kittens. Quite charming."
"How about some Muggle candy?" Dumbledore's voice came from across the table as he appeared, a twinkle in his eye. He gently tapped the table with his fingers, and a fruit plate full of candies appeared before them all.
Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Albus, how many... candies did Vizet give you?"
Dumbledore's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Seven boxes in total. All different flavors!" He picked up a brightly wrapped sweet and held it up. "I didn't expect Muggle candies to change so much. These are quite fascinating!"
McGonagall rubbed her temples, a hint of concern in her voice. "I remember Madam Pomfrey telling you to be mindful of your... health, Albus."
Dumbledore smiled serenely, a candy already in hand. "How could I possibly disappoint Vizet?" He popped a piece of the blue-wrapped candy into his mouth. "I highly recommend this one — it's popping candy! Sprinkle a handful into your mouth, and you'll feel the candies fizzing and popping, almost as if they're fighting each other!"
He picked up a small, egg-shaped chocolate. "And this one is rather amusing. Muggles have started putting tiny toys inside the candy. I've found miniature cars that zoom when you pull them, and dolls that move when you twist a key..."
Before he could continue, Professor Snape entered the room, his dark eyes flicking to Dumbledore's cheerful antics. With a subtle sneer, Snape took his seat at the far end of the table, as far from Dumbledore as possible.
Flitwick, ever the optimist, waved his wand, sending Snape's chair floating gently over to the empty space beside him. "Professor Snape, surely Vizet must have given you a gift? With his thoughtful nature, he wouldn't have forgotten you."
Snape's lips twisted into a tight line, and he responded in his usual low, disdainful tone, "Gift? Yes, he sent one. A set of useless potion equipment and a bottle of Soul Soothing Agent."
He leaned back in his chair, his voice growing colder. "The finished product of Soul Soothing Draught is poorly made, full of errors. I took the liberty of writing him a letter, pointing out its many shortcomings."
Flitwick blinked, surprised. "Ah, I see..." His voice softened. "So, your Christmas gift to Vizet is... a critique on his potions?"
Snape's lip curled slightly, but he gave no other response, his attention now focused on his plate. With a snap of his fingers, bacon, sausages, and buttered toast appeared before him, and he began eating in silence.
Flitwick let out a small sigh, shaking his head. "Well, it's certainly... unique. You rarely give gifts, even at Christmas."