#51 - Christmas Gifts
“In the absence of evidence, it's best not to suspect others arbitrarily. What we should be thinking about now is how to handle what's about to happen.” Dumbledore squinted his eyes, speaking as he thought.
Kingsley Shacklebolt silently listened to everyone's guesses, then said, “What are your thoughts, Professor Dumbledore? The points we need to guard are too scattered, and the Ministry of Magic won't have many people available at that time.”
Dumbledore, as if he had figured something out, looked at Gideon Prewett and said, “I will persuade the Longbottoms to spend Christmas with the Potters. I'll also ask Marlene what she thinks; perhaps spending Christmas together at the Burrow would be a good choice.”
Gideon Prewett smiled and said gently, “I think Molly would warmly welcome them.”
“Well, that reduces the points we need to defend to two, so we can even set up ambushes around them in advance. They better show up; if they dare make me stand in the cold all night for nothing, I won't let them off.” Mad-Eye Moody chuckled.
“That's good, but it's best not to explain the reasons for this arrangement in advance. Maybe we'll have a chance to severely damage the Death Eaters this time, and perhaps even ferret out that traitor.” Edgar Bones agreed with the arrangement, nodding.
Dumbledore saw that everyone accepted his arrangement and nodded, saying, “Then it's decided. Moody, Kingsley, please take care of the Potters and Longbottoms. Edgar, the Weasley's are in your hands. I'll be in the center to respond at any time, in case the Dark Lord himself appears.”
The others all nodded in agreement, and then got up and left.
Dumbledore stayed behind, as if he had recalled the prophecy he had heard a few months ago, and muttered to himself, “Tom, can you really bring yourself to harm a newborn child? What terrible abyss has your heart fallen into?”
Dumbledore was not only convinced that the Death Eaters would launch an attack this Christmas, but even guessed which side would be the main target. However, he still muttered in confusion, “Which one will it be? Potter or Longbottom? Snape, I hope you won't disappoint me at the critical moment.”
Meanwhile, Sirius, after returning home with Anduin, slumped heavily on the sofa, his hands behind his head, jittering his leg in confusion, probably still worried about those Death Eaters.
Anduin didn't take the matter to heart too much. He had a lot of confidence in Dumbledore. With a prepared defense, he wasn't too worried about anything happening.
“Sirius, I need to go out for a bit.” Anduin said to Sirius, who was sprawled on the sofa.
Sirius, upon hearing this, and that Anduin still wanted to go out at this time, hastily said, “Where are you going? At a time like this, staying here honestly is barely enough. What if you encounter danger outside?”
Anduin rolled his eyes. Why was this guy so jumpy? He said, “I need to buy some Christmas presents. Besides, I'm not a member of the Order of the Phoenix. And don't be so nervous. If the Death Eaters really want to attack on Christmas, it proves that it's safe before Christmas.”
Sirius was still uneasy, saying, “You're just a kid, still thinking about Christmas. Maybe Dumbledore will have us cancel the party altogether. Don't cause any trouble.”
“Maybe the Death Eaters know we're prepared for Christmas and will cancel the attack directly. Besides, I'm not going to Diagon Alley, that kind of wizard gathering place. I'm going to the Muggle commercial district, don't worry.” Anduin tried to persuade Sirius.
Sirius saw that Anduin was determined, and had no choice but to say, “Alright, but I have to go with you. Don't run around.”
As a result, despite Anduin's reluctance, Sirius insisted on coming along.
The main reason Anduin was preparing to go to the Muggle commercial district to buy gifts was to save money. He had a lot of Muggle currency, but wizarding currency dwindled with every use, so he had to save it.
First, Anduin took Sirius to London's Chinatown. He had to buy more Chinese seasonings. After all, Hagrid was too much of an eater; a box of seasonings would be used up in a few months. It was a pity it was winter, otherwise he would have liked to buy some vegetable seedlings to plant in Hagrid's garden. He also bought a large copper pot, the kind used for old Beijing hot pot. Anduin planned to find an opportunity to make hot pot; it would be too bad to not eat hot pot in the dead of winter.
After that, they shopped for gifts in a nearby mall. Following Vivian's advice, he bought many children's storybooks, and also a delicate music box that would play beautiful lullabies when opened. A photo could also be placed on the inside of the music box lid. He also chose a brooch for Professor McGonagall, engraved with a lion, and a delicate mechanical clock for Professor Flitwick. In Britain, there shouldn't be any taboo about 'giving a clock' like there is in some cultures. For Headmaster Slughorn, he bought a bottle of vintage whiskey; he knew the Headmaster enjoyed indulgence very much.
As for Hagrid, Anduin found a large copper cup engraved with various monsters. It was being sold as a craft item, but if he gave it to Hagrid, he would probably actually use it. And for Charles and Vivian, Anduin very simply gave each of them a new set of mahjong tiles, saving them from borrowing them back and forth. According to Vivian, the mahjong set he lent out often circulated between Slytherin and Gryffindor.
As for Sirius, Anduin bought a phonograph on the spot, without even wrapping it, and prepared to take it back and use it directly. He also bought a lot of vinyl records. Anduin thought this was very suitable for Sirius; with his violent temper, it was necessary to occasionally use music to soothe his mood.
At the same time, Anduin also bought a lot of greeting cards, wrapping paper, boxes, etc., preparing to package some cheering sweets to give to the other guests at the party. Anduin also purchased a set of formal attire and a set of regular suits for himself.
Anduin found that bringing Sirius out was quite useful. It was great to have someone to help carry things. Sirius, annoyed, carried a large cardboard box full of gifts, grumbling as he accompanied Anduin out of the mall.
In the following days, Anduin obediently stayed at Sirius's house. Sirius was either nowhere to be found or sprawled in the living room, or fiddling with the phonograph Anduin bought him like a scruffy bum.
During this time, Anduin also asked Sirius about the secrets of communicating through the fireplace. It turned out that it was the same principle as Floo Powder, connecting the various fireplaces through the Floo Network. The fireplace in Sirius's house was specially opened to a small communication network belonging to the Order of the Phoenix. It couldn't be used to travel directly with Floo Powder, but it could be used for real-time communication.
