𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐃𝐎𝐌

Chapter 32

The next few weeks were busy for everyone. The news on Pansy Parkinson with the school was that she had accidentally taken the wrong potion and had gone for a walk when someone found her outside. The real news was that Pansy had lost the baby and was refusing to speak with anyone who knew the truth about what really happened. Pansy was avoiding Harry at all costs and Harry knew it. The good news was that Seamus had gone to the hospital to talk to Pansy and see how she was. They had been seen together several times walking together in the hallways and outside. Hermione told Harry, Draco, and Ron that she once saw them holding hands in the library. Harry and Draco were thrilled at that news. Harry still sensed that something was just not right with Pansy, but he just couldn’t determine exactly what, but he could never get her alone to talk. Harry decided to wait until the air cleared and try again to speak with her.

 

The first half of the Quidditch season was over. To no one’s surprise Gryffindor was ahead of Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Their standings were in that order. Harry and Draco, Ron and Hermione went flying almost everyday when they had time. It was decided that since Severus owed Draco and Harry a piano concert for the school, that he would play the piano for the choir to sing at the Christmas Ball. Sara, Draco and Harry had found a wonderful but small symphony ensemble to play for the Ball which fell into their budget that they’d been allowed. Harry and Draco had decided that they wanted magical snow and trees and have the theme of their Christmas Ball ‘Winter Wonderland.’ Draco thought it was corny, but Harry loved it so it stuck. Harry had worked very hard on learning the song ‘I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day.’ That was his solo that he’d chosen for many reasons and he was very nervous about it, but he kept practicing it at every opportunity. Harry told Sara that he really identified with the words. Sara was impressed by the strength and skill Harry had at singing. He was a natural, she told Draco, who already knew that anyway. Sara and Harry also worked on the other song that Harry wanted to sing just for Albus. Harry would be in tears after they practiced it. That song was the one Althea sung for Albus about the roses. It held very special meaning to Harry, so he wanted it to be perfect before he sang it to Dumbledore.

 

Christmas was only weeks away, and Harry had been thinking of a gift for Dumbledore. What to give him since he had everything? Harry knew that Dumbledore had no need of many material things, and Albus was more sentimental. Harry decided that since Albus was so fond of his woodworking skill, that Harry would carve him something from wood. Harry had discussed with Hagrid about different kinds of wood to use for a project. Hagrid and Harry went into the forest one day and Hagrid showed Harry the different woods. There was one wood that was very light and called Albuswood. It was the perfect choice. Harry decided that he would carve a picture frame with an inlay of a hawk and a bumblebee on it giving honor to each of their animagus forms and fill it with a picture of himself. Harry had Colin Creevey take a very nice picture. Harry hated it but Draco, Ron and Hermione told him it was wonderful and one of the best photos Harry had ever had taken. Ron let Harry keep his woodworking project in his trunk up in Gryffindor Tower so that Albus wouldn’t find it. The holiday season was fast approaching and a few decorations were already up. The season filled the air.

 

“Dad, can I stay with Ron in Gryffindor Tower tonight? There’s some things I need to work on with him,” Harry yelled into the other room as he put on his shoes which were getting a bit tight. “And I need new shoes. Maybe I can get some tomorrow in Hogsmeade.”

 

“You may stay with Ron in the tower if you’d like. And if you want, I’ll go with you to get your shoes tomorrow,” Albus had felt quite good the last week and was a bit more energized for some reason.