Chapter 208: Christmas Gifts
Chapter 208: Christmas Gifts
Stepping out of 12, Grimmauld Place and onto the streets of London, Voldemort hailed a taxi, with Lupin helping him open the door.
"Are you sure you won't let me see you off?"
Lupin asked, holding onto the door.
"No need," Voldemort replied. "There's still a lot to deal with after the funeral. I can make my own way back."
"Alright... Take care then," Lupin said.
"Don't worry," Voldemort assured him.
He let a small portion of his wand protrude from his sleeve before retracting it again. With his abilities, even without his wand, it would be difficult for an ordinary person to harm him as long as they didn't launch a sneak attack.
"Don't fret, Remus!"
Sirius pushed Lupin aside and leaned towards Voldemort, saying, "Stay home for a few days and then come over. It's not convenient for you to practice magic at home, right? You're welcome here anytime, and you can read any of the books in my study."
Voldemort smiled. "Thank you. The books I brought this time will keep me occupied for a long while."
Everyone was aware that he faced restrictions on his magic use at home, and several people had already invited him over during the holidays.
Professor McGonagall, Sirius, Lupin, Harry, Michael, and Theo had all extended invitations, and even Marchioni had asked multiple times with such fervor that Voldemort suspected he would start crying if rejected again.
However, Voldemort already had a fulfilling plan for his holiday.
The taxi slowly accelerated, moving at a moderate speed due to the snow on the road. Through the window, Voldemort watched as the figures of Sirius and Lupin gradually faded into the distance.
He smiled to himself and turned back, feeling a sense of unique accomplishment.
In the original storyline, Sirius was still imprisoned in Azkaban at this time and wouldn't escape for another half a year. He would then lurk near Hogwarts, surviving on a diet of rats.
As for Lupin, he would be leading a destitute life, wandering from place to place until he heard news of Sirius' escape, prompting him to return to the school he had long been estranged from.
Witnessing how he had gradually altered the fates of others filled him with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that even the sight of countless galleons pouring into his vault couldn't match.
...
On Christmas morning, Voldemort awoke to the sound of chirping.
He drew open the curtains and saw several gray sparrows hopping about outside the window, pecking at the rice and sunflower seeds that had been scattered on the windowsill.
Voldemort smiled and, with his wand pointed at his heart, recited the usual incantation before donning his fleece-lined thick pajamas and climbing out of bed.
A pile of gifts had accumulated at the foot of his bed, and he took out a utility knife to start unwrapping them.
There were new electronic toys, books, quill pens, candies, clothes and hats, wand maintenance oil, and alchemy tools...
Voldemort eagerly unwrapped each present.
To some extent, the gifts also reflected how others viewed him.
Some saw him as a child who still enjoyed toys, while others sent perfunctory gifts, and a few had clearly put thought and effort into their choices.
Midway through opening the presents, Voldemort suddenly heard a shriek of surprise—or perhaps fright—emanating from his parents' bedroom. He immediately rushed over.
As he entered, Fiona threw her arms around him.
"Oh my, is this my gift? Is this the magical pet you made?" she exclaimed in delight.
"Yes," Voldemort replied. "Do you like it?"
"Of course! I'm thrilled! This is the best gift I've ever received!" Fiona joyously declared.
Ferdinand raised an eyebrow. "Dear, what about my engagement ring? Wasn't that the best gift?"
"How can you compare the two, Ferdy~" Fiona turned and kissed her husband's cheek, and the feigned displeasure on his face immediately vanished.
Then, the couple together admired Voldemort's gift.
Voldemort presented Fiona with a large box that was half the height of a person. When unboxed, it revealed a lifelike miniature villa, the kind that little girls adored, complete with three palm-sized figurines inside.
At first, Fiona thought Voldemort had made a mistake and that this gift was meant for some other girl. As she examined it, the tiny figures suddenly came to life.
This was the reason for the earlier shriek of surprise, or perhaps fright.
Voldemort introduced his gift to his mother.
"These are Coco, Ali, and Lena. They can keep watch, remind you of appointments, and clean the house. If you're bored, they can also keep you company and chat with you."
"Hello, beautiful lady," Lena curtsied, holding up her skirt. "We're sorry if we startled you." Her voice was soft and gentle.
Ali removed his hat and bowed, while Coco ran over and hugged one of Fiona's fingers affectionately, saying, "Are you alright? I can sing for you."
"So adorable—" Fiona couldn't help but smile at their cuteness.
Her pet hamster had recently entered old age and was becoming less active, eating significantly less. Even though Fiona knew that hamsters didn't live very long, she still felt sad about it from time to time.
The three little figurines quickly dispelled this melancholy.
They were carefully selected by Voldemort for their industriousness, gentle dispositions, and conversational skills. It didn't take long for them to capture the lady of the house's attention and earn her repeated praise.
Ferdinand suddenly felt a sense of crisis.
Looking at his son, he asked with a hint of suggestion: "Aren't your magical pets usually in the form of animals?"
"Most of them are," Voldemort replied, "but the humanoid ones are more versatile."
Ferdinand pondered for a while before cautiously offering his opinion: "...They're a bit chatty."
Voldemort gave his father a helpless look. "They won't chat when they have work to do."
Seizing the opportunity, Ferdinand promptly sent the three figurines to clean out the attic.
The Greys' attic was used only once or twice a year, and it was filled with all sorts of clutter. It would likely take the three little helpers a week or two to finish tidying it up.
Then, with a satisfied smile, Ferdinand unwrapped the gift Voldemort had given him.
"Beetles?"
Several beetles of various colors lay quietly in a transparent box. Despite their beautiful, gem-like colors, there was no mistaking the long antennae and three pairs of curved legs for anything but beetles.
Voldemort tapped on the box, and the beetles curled up, now looking almost exactly like jewels.
"You can wear them as cufflinks," Voldemort explained. "They'll stay quiet most of the time, but if you're in danger, they can protect you."
"This one can spray a toxic gas that will knock out your opponent."
"If this one bites, it will cause intense pain."
"This one will make your opponent itch all over."
"And this one is the most dangerous."
Voldemort pointed to the last beetle, which was black.
"It carries a lethal poison. Use it with extreme caution. If you accidentally use it, squeeze out the green fluid from its rear end, as that will act as the antidote. Be sure to administer it within three minutes."
Ferdinand remained silent for a moment before asking, "Is magic school that dangerous, Tom?"
"No," Voldemort replied. "I'm just worried that you might encounter danger when I'm not around to protect you."
Ferdinand patted his son's shoulder, feeling both gratified and saddened.
He realized with crystal clarity that he had transitioned from being his son's protector and guide to becoming someone who needed protection himself.
At least, that's how Voldemort saw it.
(End of Chapter)
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