On Christmas morning, Vid woke from his dreams, and as soon as he sat up, he saw a small mountain of gift boxes on the floor at the end of his bed.
Yawning, he got out of bed, waved his magic wand to arrange them neatly, and then began to unwrap them one by one.
Hermione's gift was a set of the "Compilation of International Magic Law Amendments," Theo sent a leather notebook, and Leian gave a book titled "Astrology Development Atlas."
Michael sent a book of jokes, with a note on the title page saying:
[In case your poppets need to learn a sense of humor (or you need a laugh).]
Harry also sent a book — "Flying Secret Manual." It detailed the history of Flying Broomsticks, rune engraving changes, and the "sky rides" that once prevailed in the Middle Ages.
There was also a note attached: [It's said the book hides secrets unbeatable by the wind; if anyone can find them, it would certainly be you.]
Through the text, Vid seemed to see the gift-giver secretly hoping, hoping Vid would take more interest in flying and then create faster, stronger Flying Broomsticks.
He smiled, placed the book aside, and a small crab lifted the book, tap-tap-tapped back to the wardrobe space.
Vid was about to crumple up the wrapping paper to throw away when he suddenly discovered there was a handwritten letter inside:
[Vid,
We're planning to visit Mr. Weasley at St Mungo's around noon; I'm not sure if you're available?
If you'd like to join, please drop me a message by ten in the morning.
Hope you can come.
— Harry]
Vid also wanted to know if Mr. Weasley had awakened, so he opened the Friendship Book and replied briefly:
[I'll go too, meet in the St Mungo's lobby?]
Almost two seconds later, the page of the Friendship Book shimmered faintly, and Harry's slightly scrawled handwriting appeared:
[Great! Sirius and I will come to pick you up, see you at ten.]
Setting down the Friendship Book, Vid continued to unwrap other gift boxes.
Compared to previous years, which were almost all books, this year's gifts were more diverse.
For instance, Fred and George sent a box of Honeydukes' most luxurious candy set, Neville sent a pot of fragrant moss, and Professor Snape's gift was a small bottle of Felix Felicis — an unexpected delight.
Compared to past years, gifts from teachers and classmates from the former Muggle Elementary School were much fewer since many hadn't met for three or four years, so drifting apart was natural.
In contrast, gifts from the Magic World increased each year, and this was even after a significant portion of gifts from strangers had been carried to the wardrobe space by the poppets for unwrapping and checking.
Teachers and classmates from Hogwarts, the House-Elves at school, some acquaintances in the Witch Pure Party, competitors from the Magic School League, competitors and judges met at the Alchemy Competition, and people met in the United States...
Various gifts piled in the room, some from gift-givers Vid barely had any impression of, just a familiarity with their names.
Even the poppets far away in the United States sent gifts, including brilliantly dazzling expensive jewelry, priceless antiques, and even legendary magical treasures.
Braun sent a uniquely textured red meteorite from Africa, thinking it might be used in his alchemy.
Dumbledore's gift was light, a small silver box.
Opening it revealed a silver pocket watch; the dial had no numbers, only patterns of stars. The pointers were also different from normal watches, moving slowly in reverse.
A small mirror was set into the lid, but when Vid held it up, he saw nothing of his own reflection.
The pocket watch's surrounding was uneven; Vid turned it around, discovering a line of fine print etched on the edge:
"Time is not a river."
After a moment of contemplation, he put the pocket watch away.
Vid looked at the time; it was already breakfast time. He patted off the paper scraps on him, letting the poppets move the remaining gift boxes to the wardrobe space to open later when he had the time.
Vid was about to head out when he suddenly felt something tug at his trouser leg. Looking down, he saw a small crab clutching his pant leg, holding a small paper bag in its forelimbs.
"What's up?" Vid took the paper bag and asked, "Is there something special about this gift?"
While speaking, he had already turned the bag over, then hesitated slightly.
The signature was in a very familiar handwriting — [Terence Moray].
Having not met the Alchemy Professor for over half a year, he unexpectedly sent a gift today. But the bag was so small, crushed at the very bottom, Vid had thought from his previous search that there was no gift from Professor Morry this year.
However, Professor Morry's son, Steven, sent him a small bag of Silence Bird feathers, very precious, which Vid liked very much.
Thinking of the long unheard-of Professor Morry, Vid felt a bit complex as he opened the paper bag, only to find a seemingly ordinary small round ball, resembling a pigeon's egg, speckled gray and smooth to the touch.
Vid immediately recognized it as an activated Portkey; the brooch Vorvillet gave him before was the same kind of thing.
The bag contained a card with elegant yet sharp handwriting:
[When you're ready, hold it, and it will take you to where I am.
This is the career I've pursued all my life, and I hope it will become your dream too.
But if... you choose a different path from mine, I'll congratulate you all the same. Vid, you will always be my proudest student.
— Terence Moray]
There was also a hand-drawn symbol after the signature.
Triangle, vertical line, circle.
It was the emblem of Grindelwald.
Vid lowered his eyes, gently stroking the symbol, thinking of many things, yet perhaps nothing at all.
"Vid, dear, it's time for breakfast downstairs!"
Fiona's cheerful voice came from downstairs.
Vid blinked, tucked away the spherical Portkey, rubbed his face, donned the Christmas sweater given by his mother, and exited the bedroom.
As he descended the stairs, a figure smelling of fresh bread rushed over and planted a loud kiss on his cheek.
"Merry Christmas, baby!"
Fiona was wearing a sweater with golden bells embroidered on it today, looking particularly spirited.
She said happily, "I love your gift! The necklace worn feels warm even in pajamas out in the cold! And it's so beautiful! Did you make it yourself?"
"Yes!" Vid smiled, "As long as you like it."
"What's wrong?" Fiona held his face gently and asked, "Did something upset you? Did you receive an annoying gift?"
"No." Vid exhaled softly, saying, "It's just… Professor Morry said he can't continue teaching me next year, a bit disappointing."
"Ah, that's really unfortunate." Fiona asked, "Is Professor Morry busy with other things?"
"Yes." Vid bowed his head, seemingly sorting his emotions, before saying softly, "He said… that's the career he's pursued all his life."
"In that case, there's nothing to be done!"
Fiona patted Vid's back comfortingly, saying, "It truly is a pity. I know how much you like and value Professor Morry's classes. He's such a wonderful teacher."
"But on second thought, perhaps this is heaven's way of giving you a chance to explore more diverse ideas and methods?"