Dudley excitedly tore into the package. Inside were two tickets to a boxing match. He felt a slight pang of disappointment. He enjoyed taking his friends with him. But he could tell there was something else in the box so he pulled the tissue back. "Oh wow, a Swiss Army Knife! The guys in cadet force will be jealous."
Marge bit back a disparaging sniff. Dudley was pleased so she wouldn't say anything. She pulled at the wrapping of her own gift. She hated to admit it but that wretched boy who had been such a burden on her brother generally seemed to have a decent sense of what she liked. Marge put it down to the taste drilled into him by Petunia. Finally the wrapping was off, a bottle of sweet wine, some cookies and Swiss chocolates, as usual the gift was appropriate and once again something she would like. Once again she would have to swallow down her complaints about the boy, or she would seem ungrateful.
Vernon was puzzled. He could only think that maybe Harry had sent him a painting he had made. He opened the card.
Uncle Vernon,
I couldn't think of what to get you this year, and I haven't had much opportunity to paint. But while I was in Strasbourg I found this. I thought it interesting, yet restful. So I got it, thinking you could hang it at home, or if you wanted you could switch it out with one of the ones in your office.
Your nephew, Harry
He looked at the canvas. It was indeed a picture that would look well in his office. Years ago when he first got a private office, Petunia had told him that to give a good impression for both clients and his boss he should have a painting on the wall in addition to the photo of his family to make it his. He had followed that advice ever since. Twice over the years his boss had liked the art so much that he had purchased it from Vernon at a profit. He seldom had the same piece up for longer than a quarter but he rotated pictures there with pieces here at home. This one of the Strasbourg Cathedral would be an excellent addition to his collection.
Petunia asked Dudley to open his sister's and they all thought the delicate ornament was exquisite. Dudley took it and hung it on the tree immediately.
Vernon took Rose from Petunia so she could open hers. She unwrapped it wondering what Harry had given her this year.
Dear Aunt Petunia,
I know the star we've used since Dudley and I were little was looking dilapidated the last I saw it, but I somehow doubt you had a chance to replace it since the last two Christmases have been with Marge and this year you've got little Rose to see to. So When I saw this at the market in Strasbourg I thought of you.
Sincerely, Harry
She pulled the tissue paper aside, then gasped. A nine inch blown glass star to top a tree lay in the box. She carefully pulled it out and showed everyone. Then she noticed the box had something else in it yet. "Vernon would you place this on the tree, while I.."
Vernon handed Rose to Marge and carefully took the star tree topper from his wife. Dudley rose from where he sat on the floor to help his father. A few minutes later the old star which had seen better days was replaced by the new one. Petunia pulled the packing aside and found her usual supply of personalized stationary in the bottom of the box. She smiled.
Christmas morning Cassandra had a lie in. When she finally rose at 10:30 a.m, she came out and was surprised to see the Potter elves had apparently been busy. There was a veritable banquet of a Christmas brunch awaiting her under stasis charms: egg nog, mimosa, saffron buns, brioche and scones, crispy bacon, onion tartlets, and mini quiche florentines, and poached pears. She grinned. The elves spoiled her so. She snagged a brioche to nibble while she opened a small pile of presents. She was pleased to have one from her mother, She really wished she could talk to her. She was still puzzled by the fact she had felt such a pull towards Sirius Black and found herself thinking of the man at odd moments.
Both Marcus and Aaron had sent her something: a charmed hat and scarf, and gloves respectively. They must have shopped together because they matched. Her Mother sent her a charmed cloak. Petunia sent her a gift certificate to the hairdressers, that would actually be enough for two haircuts or a permanent. Felicia and the other trustees sent gift certificates to various stores on the Alley. Finally she got to Harry's gift. She first opened the card. In addition to the usually holiday wishes there was a letter.
....
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