Harry Potter and the Magical Christmas Handcuffs

Harry Potter and the Magical Christmas Handcuffs
By Summergirl
Chapter One- The Magical Handcuffs

~*~

Harry was bent of his Potions book, unsuccessfully trying to read and analyze everything. Harry hated Potions with a passion. Partly, it was because of his teacher. But mostly, it was the positively BORING subject matter. But Harry plowed through the reading before his break. That way, he could work on the essay later, rather than do it all on one night.

Harry was about ready to take a break from his tedious reading. It was getting late in the common room. It was the day before break so everyone was either packing or getting a good night's sleep before visiting their parents again. But he heard something come from the corner. "Psst! Harry!"

This had indeed startled Harry, who had thought he was alone. He turned around to see Fred and George Weasley walking towards him. They plopped down next to him on the couch.

Fred began. "Evenin' Harry."

"Hi Fred. Hi George. Why are you two up?"

George took over. "We wanted to give you your Christmas present before we left."

Then Fred picked up. "We want you to open it now, because we might have to explain how it works."

"Plus, we want to see your look of pleasure when you see what it is." George grinned cheekily before removing a wrapped rectangular box from his pocket.

Harry was beginning to get nervous. Why would the twins want to give him his present early? Frankly, he didn't trust the twins as far as he could throw them. But he played along. "Okay, hand it over."

George cast a glance at Fred who nodded. Harry took his present and ripped off the wrappings. Underneath the paper was a gorgeous mahogany box with a heart engraved upon it. A line forming various romantic shapes in the corners bordered it. Harry was stunned at the outer beauty of the box. Fred and George had obviously spent quite a lot for such handy-work. He traced his fingers lightly over the pattern.

Fred coughed, startling Harry. "Go on Harry. Open it!"

Harry cracked open the box. Whatever was encased by something so wonderful had to be even better. Harry idly thought, Just like Hermione. Ever so slowly did the Raven-haired boy open the box. He was eager to see what was inside. It was a gorgeous, beautiful...

Worn-out pair of handcuffs? Harry was disappointed at what was inside. Handcuffs? What could he do with handcuffs? "Erm, thanks you two. I'm not sure what to do, but thanks."

This caused Fred and George to grin. George said softly, "Harry, these are magical handcuffs!"

"Yeah Harry. They're magical, and they're perfect for you!"

"You see, you snap them on your wrist like normal handcuffs. Then you snap them on to the girl you like--" George was interrupted by a hacking cough from Fred that sounded oddly like Hermione. But Harry didn't catch the obvious hint.

George glared at Fred, but his eyes were twinkling. "As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted, you snap them on the girl you like's wrist. They won't come off until the two of you confess your love for each other. BUT, it won't work if you say offhandedly that you love her, or vice versa. You have to mean it."

Harry squirmed in his seat. There wasn't really a girl who he fancied. "Sorry guys, but you can have the cuffs back. I'm sorry you wasted you money on this. Just consider it s gift back to you." Harry attempted to smile, but he felt so bad inside. Especially after refusing a gift that obviously cost so much.

Fred farced a frown and a hurt look, but accepted the handcuffs back anyway. "Okay, sure mate. If that's what you want."

George stood also looking hurt. "Sorry Harry, we thought that you'd like it. I guess the least we can do if fetch you a cup of tea from the kitchens. Especially if you want to finish that reading tonight."

Harry smiled. The least he could do was accept the offer, especially after the refusal. "Sure. Nobody make tea like those house-elves."

Fred and George retreated to the kitchen, leaving Harry to his work.