0245 Christmas

0245 Christmas

On Christmas morning, Harry was awakened by a bright light that pierced through the curtains and reflected from the snow outside into the dormitory. He felt a cold draft on his face and shivered. He struggled to sit up, propping himself up with difficulty on his thin pillow. After putting on his glasses, he rubbed his eyes and blinked several times to adjust to the dimly lit room.

The rest of his roommates had already left the school in the afternoon of the previous day, so now, in the dormitory, there was only Ron, who was eagerly unpacking a small pile of packages stacked at the end of his bed. Harry could hear the rustling of paper and the clinking of objects as Ron tore open the wrapping and examined his gifts.

"Don't just stand there, Harry," Ron said, turning his head when he heard Harry's movement. He beckoned Harry eagerly with a grin. "This is our only chance of the year. Come and see what we've got this year!"

"I'm coming," Harry muttered. He slowly lifted the covers and loosely buttoned up his pajama collar. He walked over in his slippers, dragging his feet on the wooden floor.

Most of these gift packages were left by their classmates in Gryffindor. Every year, in December, Harry and Ron would also find ways to prepare Christmas gifts for their friends in the house. Most of the gifts were not too valuable, such as stationery from Flourish and Blotts, candies from Honeydukes, prank products from Zonko's Joke Shop, or small items from Dervish and Banges. These were the mainstream choices for students to exchange Christmas gifts.

This year was no exception. Harry opened several packages, and most of the items were the same. Some of the gifts were even very familiar to Harry because he had asked the Weasley brothers to purchase them from Hogsmeade.

Of course, as usual, Mrs. Weasley's gift was not absent.

A crimson sweater with the Gryffindor lion pattern knitted on the chest, as well as a dozen homemade round fruit pies, some Christmas pastries, and a box of nut brittle. Harry could smell the sweet aroma of the baked goods and felt his mouth water.

"Mom gave me another sweater. And it's dark red again," Ron grumbled as he also complained about the almost identical sweater he was holding. He threw the sweater on the bed and continued to explore Mrs. Weasley's package. Within seconds, Ron picked up another sweater, this time in emerald green, with a puzzled expression on his face. "A sale on yarn? Why did Mom send me two this year?"

Harry's first-year sweater was green, so when he heard Ron's muttering, he looked up and blinked. Harry smiled. "I guess Mrs. Weasley probably sent Percy's gift to you, Ron. We can't fit into this size."

"Maybe she just wanted to lighten the load for Errol. Well, at least Errol will be a little happier to see one less package," Ron said. He unfolded the sweater he picked up, facing it towards himself. When he saw the weird pattern on the chest, Ron suddenly widened his eyes in surprise. "A snake! Did Mom make a mistake? Oh, wait, I understand–"

As Ron said this, Harry also understood what was going on.

"Mrs. Weasley prepared one for Professor Watson too?"

"Need I say more, Hermione!" Ron said, as if it was obvious. He admired the dazzling broomstick handle as he gasped for breath and said, "There's only one person I can think of!"

"You mean Professor Watson?" Harry immediately realized.

Indeed, from the current situation, it could only be Professor Watson.

Professor Dumbledore was impossible. He was the headmaster and even if he favored Harry, he wouldn't spend such a large sum of money to buy a world-class broomstick for him. If this matter was known by the young wizards of other three houses, it would probably cause a huge uproar.

Professor McGonagall was also unlikely. She had already given Harry a Nimbus 2000, which was a very good broomstick in its own right. She was also very strict and fair, and she wouldn't spoil Harry with another broomstick.

At Hogwarts, the only staff member with such financial means and a good relationship with Harry was probably Professor Watson.

"What else is there to think about, Hermione?" Ron said, as if Hermione was being silly. He couldn't understand why she was not as thrilled as he was.

Noticing that Hermione's furrowed eyebrows still hadn't relaxed, Ron restrained his excitement and said, "Do you remember, Hermione, after the Chamber of Secrets was solved, Professor Watson gave me a commemorative coin of merlin and gave you a book. He didn't give Harry anything at that time, but he said he would give Harry a gift in the future!"

"Are you suggesting...?" Hermione was not pleased with Ron's irresponsible statement. Her face darkened as she bit her lip and said, "Are you saying that Professor Watson foresaw the appearance of a famous broomstick that would only be available for sale months later, Ron?"

"What's your suggestion then, Hermione?" Ron glanced at Hermione sideways. He was annoyed by her skepticism and lack of enthusiasm.

"We can go and ask him, Ron. It just so happens that we need to give him the sweater Mrs. Weasley knitted." Harry suddenly said, not wanting the sudden brightness of this Christmas morning to be overshadowed by Ron and Hermione's argument.

"Come on, let's go and find him."

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