SOLSTICE

024

On Christmas Eve, Harry hit the hay with dreams of holiday feasts and fun dancing in his head, not a single present on his radar. But when he roused early the next morning, a small pile of packages greeted him.

"Merry Christmas," Ron mumbled from his own nest of blankets as Harry darted out of bed and threw on his robe.

Harry replied back, eyes lighting up as he eyed the unexpected goodies.

"Would you look at this? I've got presents!"

The mood dampened as they observed Harry's surprise upon receiving gifts on Christmas.

"What did you expect, turnips?" Ron quipped, already diving into his larger pile of gifts.

Harry grabbed the top parcel, wrapped in thick brown paper with "To Harry, from Hagrid" scrawled across it. Inside, a roughly hewn wooden flute awaited him, clearly crafted by Hagrid's own hands. Harry gave it a toot—it sounded a bit like an owl.

Another tiny parcel contained a note: "We received your message and enclose your Christmas present. From Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia." Taped to the note was a fifty-pence piece.

"How friendly," Harry remarked, while Ron marveled at the coin's peculiar shape. "You can keep it," Harry offered, chuckling at Ron's fascination. "So, who sent these?"

"I reckon I know who that one's from," Ron said, pointing to a lumpy parcel with a hint of pink in his cheeks. "My mum. I told her you didn't expect any presents and—oh no," he groaned, "she's made you a Weasley sweater."

"Molly, we can't thank you enough." Euphemia spoke.

Lord Potter nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, Molly, it’s incredibly kind of you."

Lily hugged Molly gratefully, her heart full of appreciation. "Thank you again, Molly. You've made Harry's Christmas extra special.”

Molly beamed at the praise, her eyes twinkling with delight. "Oh, it’s nothing, dear.”

Sure enough, inside the parcel was a thick, emerald green sweater and a hefty box of homemade fudge. "She makes us sweaters every year," Ron explained, unwrapping his own. "Mine's always maroon."

"That's really sweet of her," Harry said, sampling the delicious fudge.

The next gift, courtesy of Hermione, contained a large box of Chocolate Frogs.

With only one parcel left, Harry picked it up, feeling its lightness. He tore away the wrapping to reveal something silvery gray that slithered to the floor in gleaming folds. 

Ron gasped.

Many in the Hall gasped.

"I've heard of those," he whispered, dropping the box of Every Flavor Beans Hermione had given him. "If that's what I think it is—they're really rare, and really valuable."

“What is it?”

"What is it?" Harry asked, picking up the shining, silvery cloth.

Many adults couldn't help but gasp as they watched the silver cloth unfold.

"It's an invisibility cloak," Ron breathed, his face awestruck. "I'm sure of it—try it on."

Harry draped the cloak over his shoulders, and Ron let out a yell. "It is! Look down!"

"It's our family heirloom," Lord Potter said proudly, puffing his chest out with a hint of arrogance.