Harry Potter and the Power of Emotions

Chapter 20: Christmas at the Burrow

So, they spent Christmas at the Burrow. The Weasleys had conjured a parlour in front of the house that was nice (and large) enough to spend the day in... Hermione wasn't there. That wasn't a surprise to Harry, as Hermione and Ron had been friends, still, but since Hermione went with Draco it had considerably cooled down their relationship. No more tantalizing hints or flames hidden in the middle of their sentences. It was now Harry that was using those...

Tonks was there, too. This did surprise Harry. Mrs. Weasley always seemed a bit distant towards her. But, there was someone there that surprised Harry even more with his presence. Percy had finally dared to show his head after the debacle at the Ministry. He hadn't exactly said sorry... But, by the way he sat in a corner, longingly looking at the others... Harry could tell that he was!

"Hi, Percy," Harry said.

"Hi, Harry," answered Percy. "I'm sorry about last year! Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Sure, but not now. I need time to think that out... the main thing is that you've seen the error of your ways..."

"I let my ambition come in front of the truth! How can you defend that?" Percy said.

"Ambition is not necessarily bad, but you can use it badly. You know Voldemort was also a Prefect, even Head Boy in his time at Hogwarts," Harry said slowly.

"WHAT?" Percy bellowed.

All eyes darted to the two of them.

"He wasn't born as Lord Voldemort... His real name is Tom Riddle, and he was a Prefect fifty-three years ago!" Harry informed Percy.

Ron chose this moment to throw a pillow to Harry's head.

"Oy, presents!" was the message he yelled after the pillow.

Harry went to join his friend, leaving Percy to ponder the new pieces of information that he had gotten.

There were quite a few presents for Harry. The Dursleys send him a card. At least they showed some more appreciation of their nephew than the last couple of times.

Luna had given him a necklace. He could hang tokens of appreciation on it. Along with it she gave him a little moon to hang from it, to symbolize herself. He kissed her on the cheek. He really loved her more and more each day!

Remus and Tonks had given him a set of Defence Against the Dark Arts books. It would be handy if he knew some more things for his lessons.

There was as always his very own Weasley jumper and some sweets.

Percy had even joined in by giving Harry a box of Owl Treats for Hedwig. He was really pleased with them.

Ron had given him some more Chudley Cannons memorabilia. And, finally, he came to a parcel Hermione sent him. It turned out she and Malfoy kept sending letters back and forth. So, the gift was also from Malfoy... He decided to open the package very carefully. You would never knew if it was one of Malfoy's ideas!

But there were no booby traps. Hermione had only sent him some Skiving Snackboxes and an Extendable Ear. As if he hadn't gotten those already from Fred and George.

But, knowing that it also came from Malfoy, he knew Malfoy would love to get him for using them. He could always put a Disillusionment Charm on the ear...

Ron chucked Hermione's present for him in the bin. He really was jealous of Malfoy. But Harry was sure that Hermione would come back to Ron in the end. She loved Ron too much. Ron was her Mr. Right. Draco was just Mr. Right Now!