A Certain Magical Hogwarts

Among all the Christmas gifts, the one William most anticipated was from Dumbledore.

The Headmaster, known for his wealth and generosity, always gave top-tier presents. If it were up to William, Christmas would be celebrated every day.

Of course, before preparing his gift for Dumbledore, William sent a letter to his sister Anne, fishing for clues.

Last Christmas, Anne had provided a critical insight: Dumbledore disliked books and had a fondness for wool socks.

William, ever worldly, was familiar with leg enthusiasts, face enthusiasts, and even foot enthusiasts. But "sock enthusiasts" was a first for him.

This led him to speculate that Dumbledore might have leg issues, prompting William to gift him a pot of calcium tablets to help with osteoporosis.

In return, Dumbledore gave him a model of Hogwarts—the animated kind.

Unfortunately, Anne didn't provide any hints this year, as she was still upset that William hadn't returned home for Christmas.

Determined to extract another valuable gift from Dumbledore, William racked his brain for ideas.

He considered gifting brain supplements to enhance memory and prevent dementia but realized those weren't available in this world yet.

Another idea was to give miracle medicine from Dr. Liu, like the King's Rheumatism Cure frequently advertised in his previous life.

Apparently, this cure was "medicine for bones, once used by emperors. It could repair bone defects for just three Yuan a day and cure rheumatism completely."

A miracle product indeed, and one Dumbledore would undoubtedly find it effective, as a bonus, it was quite tasty!

Sadly, William couldn't procure such medicine either. In the end, he crafted an alchemical product with Nicolas Flamel's help.

It was a badge-like item, functioning much like a hand warmer. When activated with magic, it emitted a continuous stream of heat.

It was an excellent invention for winter, as it allowed the wearer to stay warm even in the thinnest clothing.

This was William's first high-level alchemical product, and he felt confident in gifting it.

William soon found Dumbledore's gift among the pile and quickly unwrapped it, revealing a silver ring.

When he slipped it on, he discovered it was no ordinary ring. Like his badge, it was an alchemical product.

When infused with magic, the ring transformed into a gleaming silver longsword with a razor-sharp blade.

William was thrilled. This magical sword even carried anti-curse properties, making it far more valuable than the badge he had given.

If he ever lost his wand, he could use the sword for close combat.

One hand wielding a wand, the other a sword.

Was this the mark of the ultimate close-combat mage?

William decided to learn swordsmanship and adopt the persona of a white-robed Gandalf.

He admired the sword for a while before turning his attention to Hermione, who had also received a gift from Dumbledore—a book titled Career Planning and Wizarding Subject Choices.

"Told you not to gift books," William smiled. "See, the Headmaster gave you a book as well."

He handed Hermione the ring, and she eagerly began playing with it.

"This book is actually quite helpful," Hermione said, waving the magical sword experimentally. 

"It'll guide me in choosing my third-year subjects and planning for my future career."

"What do you want to do after graduation?" William asked.

"I haven't decided yet," Hermione replied, raising an eyebrow. "What do you think I should do?"

"Why not become the Minister for Magic?" William suggested.

It would be a waste for Hermione not to take that role.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Then I'd rather return to Hogwarts as a professor."

William clicked his tongue and sighed. "That might not be a good idea. We already have Professor McGonagall. If there were two of you, I think the students would revolt."

Hermione glared at him before continuing to unwrap her gifts.

She didn't have as many gifts as William. After opening the last one—a quill from Ron—she began helping him with his.

"Chocolate, more chocolate, and even more chocolate! Why is it all chocolate?" Hermione asked, rummaging through the pile.

"William, do you even like chocolate? I don't recall you eating much of it."

"Not really," William shrugged. "Don't worry about it. Most of these are from people I don't even know."

It wasn't just Hogwarts girls who sent him gifts. As the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin, William had a sizable fanbase across Britain.

Responding to everyone was impossible, as he simply didn't have the time nor energy.

"Ah-ha! This one's from Margaret Selwyn. I remember her buying a love potion from you on the train. Won't you reply to her?"

"Of course I will, and I'll send her a gift too. Clients of the Mystery Shop deserve special treatment," William said, glancing at cards from a few Slytherin students before setting them aside.

He could afford to ignore others, but not these girls, they were his wealthiest patrons.

Hermione opened another gift, its pink wrapping catching her eye.

"What language is this?"

"Oh, let me see," William said, glancing at the card. "It's French. This is from Fleur."

"Fleur?"

"Yes, my French tutor and pen pal. She's a student at Beauxbatons. I met her at the Order of Merlin ceremony," William explained quickly.

Inside the package was a recording crystal.

The crystal, much like a camcorder, could capture and preserve scenes.

When Hermione activated it, a projection appeared showing the grounds of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. A voice like that of small bells giggling provided an elegant narration.

Though Hermione couldn't understand it since it was in french.

Toward the end of the recording, a beautiful silver-haired girl appeared, leading a younger girl by the hand. It seemed she was introducing her little sister to her "big brother."

Hermione watched the scene several times before putting the crystal back in its box.

She decided she was done opening gifts.

"What a bore! It's either chocolate or books. Can't someone send something fun for a change?"

William packed everything into his bag, noticing Hermione's silence. He held out his hand. "By the way, Hermione, where's my gift?"

"What gift?" Hermione asked coolly. "You didn't give me a Christmas present either."

Noticing her red, flushed cheeks, William fished a badge from his pocket.

It bore a cartoon depiction of a witch with long, curly brown hair.

"Here. Merry Christmas. I drew the design myself," William said, tossing it to her.

Hermione glanced at the caricature of herself with mild disdain but took the badge anyway.

As if remembering something, she huffed and said, "It's my first attempt. It's clumsy, but don't complain."

She threw him a scarf she had knitted. It was so poorly made that the stitches were wide enough to hold a quill.

It wasn't even as presentable as Professor Quirrell's turban.

Catching sight of William's smile out of the corner of her eyes, Hermione's face darkened. She picked up the magical sword and swung it lightly, decapitating a snowman in one clean stroke.

"William, why are you laughing? Do you think it's ugly?"

Hermione had a smile on her face, but her eyes grew colder by the second.

"Y-N-no…" William stammered, eyeing the sword nervously.

"Oh! I just remembered Boba Tea is still in the library. I'll go check on him."

Once William fled, Hermione stared at the badge in her hand and muttered softly, "Idiot."

Her mood brightened slightly as she grumbled. Turning back to the snowman, she hurriedly reattached its head.

On its back were etched the words William Stark.

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