Harry Potter and the Legend of the Twelve

Gifts, Part I

With Albus back, life at Hogwarts returned to normal. Harry and Ginny returned to their teaching duties, to many thankful students. Apparently, Hermione had been giving them so much homework that several first-years had been brought to tears in the library trying to do it all. Harry gave all his students two homework free weeks making him the most popular teacher at Hogwarts.

It took some time, but Albus and Carly, with the help of Rose, caught up on all their schoolwork. With Albus's return, the New Marauders were closer than ever.

The Gryffindor Quidditch team demolished Hufflepuff. This game didn't see any injuries. James allowed just two goals to slip past him, while Victoire, Danny, and Rose scored eighteen goals. Albus easily caught the Snitch to complete the rout. Slytherin defeated Ravenclaw, and would play Hufflepuff in the spring. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw also would have a spring match, but they were both hopelessly behind Gryffindor and Slytherin. It looked like Gryffindor versus Slytherin could have all the drama it had when another Potter was the Gryffindor Seeker.

November stretched into December. Jason and Danny were going home to see their families for the holidays. Either Ginny or Hermione were required to stay at Hogwarts during the holiday, and Ginny volunteered to stay. Ron, Hermione, Rose, and Hugo were going to The Burrow.

Harry and Ginny took turns taking James, Albus, Lily, and Carly shopping in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley. Harry and Ginny started to include Carly in everything, as if she was family, but they didn't let on about their plans to adopt her.

It was December twenty-third, and Harry and Albus had gone to Diagon Alley to pick up a few last minute gifts.

Albus had a problem. He hadn't yet figured out what to get Carly for Christmas. He had never bought a present for a girl before. He had given her the Snitch he caught during Quidditch tryouts, but was different. He wanted something special, but he didn't have any idea what to get her.

Harry and Albus were sitting in Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, having some ice cream. "So, Al, got all your gifts?" asked Harry as he ate his ice cream. "I'm ready to head back if you're all done."

"I've got one more to get, but I still don't know what to get," said Albus with a sigh as he ate the last of his vanilla ice cream.

"Who is it for?" asked Harry, although he was pretty sure he already knew the answer.

"Carly," replied Albus glumly. "I want to get her something special...but I don't know what."

"Oh," said Harry. "Well, you know girls...you can't go wrong with jewelry."

Albus had a sudden inspiration. Carly's necklace. "Dad, that's it! I can get her a charm to add to her necklace," said Albus excitedly.

"All right," said Harry. "There is a jewelry store not too far from here. We can stop there and see what they have." Harry finished his ice cream, and they both got up to leave.

They walked down Diagon Alley until they reached the jewelry store. Harry smiled.

"You know Al, I've been to this jewelry a couple of times," said Harry. "I came here looking for a present for your mum while we were still in school. I didn't get anything here then, but the witch who owned the store gave me an idea. I ended up giving your mum Grandma Potter's ring. I also bought your mum's engagement ring here."

Albus and Harry went into the shop and walked up to the counter. The witch behind the counter was the same one who had suggested the promise ring to Harry nineteen years ago, and who later had helped him find the perfect engagement ring.

"Well, hello Mr. Potter," said the witch with a smile. "I seem to recall you have been here before."

"Yes, I've been here a couple of times before," said Harry.