The Professors' Gifts

Hearing Xenophilius's voice, both of them were startled. They took a step back in unison, then looked at each other and laughed.

Luna blinked mischievously, then fluttered past Wizette like a butterfly. "Father! I'm here! Merry Christmas!"

"Aha! My darling, Merry Christmas!" Xenophilius said in a high-pitched voice. "Fresh off the press! 'Shadows in the Fortress! The Last Dance of the Wizards!'"

Wizette chuckled upon hearing the title; he highly approved of Xenophilius's knack for naming things.

Although the content and illustrations of this book came from him and Luna, hearing the title made him want to open it and read.

Wizette also stepped forward, presenting his Christmas gift—an ancient book restored to pristine condition: "The Flying Gurdyroot".

The book described a wizard's expedition. While traveling to the River Lethe to fetch water, he accidentally discovered Gurdyroots, and the book was filled with exquisite illustrations of them.

According to the book's description, the Gurdyroot was a floating plant resembling a brain, which could be used to brew potions that enhanced one's magical talents.

In the end, thanks to a Gurdyroot, this wizard became an outstanding supplier of talent-enhancing potions. However, because he used them all up, his shop eventually went bankrupt...

This gift was suggested by Luna, who felt that not only she but Xenophilius would also love the book.

A peaceful night passed, until Wizette was awakened by a rustling at the window.

Several owls perched outside, packages clutched in their talons, tapping relentlessly on the glass with their beaks.

Once these owls entered the room, several more immediately flew in.

Before long, a large pile of packages accumulated at the head of Wizette's bed.

He received gifts from many people. Professor McGonagall's gift was a notebook, its contents focusing primarily on foundational knowledge, complete with numerous personal notes and annotations.

Professor Flitwick's gift was also a notebook, detailing the concepts of wandless magic and how to practice nonverbal spells.

Professor Sprout's gift was seeds—specifically, modified Flitterbloom seeds. Aside from their swaying vines, they would also change color with the seasons.

Headmaster Dumbledore's gift was highly exquisite: a locket engraved with a phoenix pattern. When opened, it played the beautiful song of Fawkes.

Inside a secret compartment of the locket was a slip of paper with a message: "I hope this may assist you in times of need. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas."

Wizette folded the paper into a lucky star, placed Luna's lucky potion inside it, and wrapped it with a band of unicorn hair to fill the gaps around it.

He smiled and shook his head, feeling as though he could understand Hagrid's sentiment. "Such soft hair is indeed perfect for protecting a potion!"

Hagrid had also sent him a gift—a pillow only the size of a fist.

Attached to the pillow was a note: "Wizette, Merry Christmas! Inside is Occamy feather. Pull it, pull it, stretch it to whatever size you like."

To Wizette's surprise, Fred and George's mother, Mrs. Weasley, had also sent him a gift—a blue hand-knitted sweater and a box of chocolates.

The sweater was embroidered with the initials "WL", and a thank-you letter was tucked inside: "Wizette, thank you for saving my three children. This is a small token of our appreciation. Merry Christmas!"

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had gone to Romania to visit Charlie, so this Christmas, the four Weasley brothers stayed at school.

The box of chocolates happened to be a Romanian specialty. Wizette popped one into his mouth; it was less bitter than a Chocolate Frog and much richer, perfect for a late-night pick-me-up.

His friends also sent their own gifts, mostly various magical sweets.

He stored all the candy in jars, filling up a total of seven...

"Look at my wand, what do you think?"

At the Hogwarts staff table, Flitwick spoke while using his wand to cut his sausages.

Professor Sprout observed it closely. "It seems a bit shinier than usual?"

"And much more responsive too!" Flitwick emphasized. "Wizette gifted me an exquisite wand-care kit! It's the first time I've ever received such a unique gift from a student!"

Professor Sprout smiled. "No wonder you're so pleased. As a former dueling champion, such a gift must be very close to your heart, isn't it?"

"He also gave me a Christmas gift—a herb harvesting calendar, newly released by Flourish and Blotts. It's incredibly useful!"

"He must have given gifts to all the professors." Flitwick looked at Professor McGonagall beside him. "Minerva, what did you receive?"

"A tea set." Professor McGonagall set down her cutlery, the image of the tea set adorned with fresh flowers, green leaves, and kitten patterns flashing through her mind. "Very beautiful."

"Would you care for some Muggle sweets?" Dumbledore joined the staff table, lightly tapping the table to conjure a fruit platter filled with colorful candies.

Professor McGonagall asked, "Albus, how many... sweets did Wizette give you?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "About seven boxes! Every flavor imaginable! I didn't expect Muggle sweets to evolve so quickly; these are absolutely fascinating!"

Professor McGonagall rubbed her temples. "I recall Madam Pomfrey telling you to watch your sugar intake..."

"How could I reject Wizette's kind gesture?" Dumbledore picked up a blue-wrapped candy.

"I highly recommend these popping candies! Put a handful in your mouth, and you'll feel like a battle is raging inside!"

He picked up an egg-shaped chocolate. "This one is also very interesting. Muggles put toys inside the chocolate—some can roll on their own when pulled back, others are wind-up toys..."

Just as Dumbledore was introducing the sweets, Snape arrived at the staff table.

He sneered at Dumbledore's antics and sat as far away from him as possible.

Flitwick waved his wand, causing a chair to float over next to Snape. "Professor Snape, Wizette must have given you a gift too, right? With his character, he certainly wouldn't forget you."

"A gift? Yes, he did," Snape replied in his low, drawling voice. "A useless set of potion-making tools, and a vial of Soul-Soothing Potion."

"The finished Soul-Soothing Potion was of abysmal quality; there was definitely a flaw in his brewing method. I have written him a letter pointing out those mistakes."

"I see..." Flitwick sighed softly. "So that is your Christmas gift to Wizette? A potion improvement critique?"

"Think what you like..." Snape tapped the table, and a plate of bacon, sausages, and golden toast appeared before him.

Filius remarked with emotion, "How very unique! You rarely give Christmas gifts... If this news got out..."