Chapter 30: Christmas at the Burrow

Fred and George were excited for the coming Christmas celebrations at the Burrow. Not only were they happy to be home and have some of their mother's fabulous cooking, but this was also going to be the first Christmas where they were going to be able to purchase gifts for their family using their own money.

As the others were planning to save up their card game earnings for future use (they were not in immediate need of money), there was no need for them to explain a sudden windfall. However, Fred and George did not really have any pocket money given their family's economic situation and would like to start giving back as soon as possible. To do so, they need to reasonable excuse as to why they suddenly had many galleons on hand.

The opportunity came when Simon suggested that they expand the sale of the cards to other schools while they were all studying together in an empty classroom one evening in December. While there were order forms up and running now and anyone could mail order a set of Wiccan Insensitivity, the jokes were all quite Hogwarts and Wizarding Britain-focused. "If we want to keep the money flowing in, we need different versions for different schools and countries!"

Simon's bold plan was supported by Phoebe, who pointed out people would not buy the cards once they themselves or a friend of theirs' has a pack already. It was like other games e.g. wizarding chess and exploding snap, there was no need for everyone to have a set unless there are differences to the sets.

Cedric suggested they drop a special set of cards during the summer ahead of the 1990 Quidditich World Cup in the United States. Everyone agreed that was a great idea and Simon mused if there was a way to make the Quidditch World Cup cards be an "expansion" to the existing cards, whatever that meant. Phoebe proposed that the foreign schools or language versions should be advertised when the Quidditch World Cup pack was to be launched, so as to get the most international attention. Row said she would check with her dad to see what international magical laws and regulations they would need to look out for.

"Hey guys," George finally blurted out in the midst of his friend's fervent discussions, "Fred and I have something to say."

"So it is great we have all these ideas to make more galleons but George and I kind of want to start spending some of the profits, to buy something for our parents and siblings during Christmas," Fred began.

"…But we need to provide some reason as to how and why we have all this money all of a sudden.." George said, completing his twin's sentence.

"I think it is wonderful you are planning to spend your first cut of profits on your family," Row beamed at the twins, "Now I feel bad I have yet to pick something for my mum and dad…"

"Yeah, that's great," Simon said, noticing himself feeling like a proud parent. He could not help but feel like the friendships in this room had made a positive influence on the twins. They were always good people, albeit huge troublemakers. But having friends who were not just hype-men like Lee Jordan seemed to have made the twins more willing to be vulnerable and show their affection for people they care about. "So let's pause our cunning business expansion schemes for a bit – any ideas to explain Fred and George getting all this money?"

"Definitely cannot say it's a lottery, we have no receipts for that," Phoebe quickly crossed out that possibility.

"For similar reasons, it cannot be winnings from a competition," Cedric kindly added.

Row frowned for a bit and said, "Could they say it is for some sort of part-time work? I mean it is not like they are *lying*…this whole business is kind of a part-time job we have right now."

"But work for what," George asked, "We are too young to go to Hogsmeade and get a serving job at the Three Broomsticks. And our parents are not supposed to know of our moving about campus with the help of the house-elves."

Row, who had since learned about the apparating house-elves after joining in on the business, nodded.

Simon was deep in thought when a loud hissing could be heard in his robes. He looked down to see Raze yawning, having woken up from his nap and slithering out of his sleeve.

*"I am going to go stretch my wings. Maybe say hi to the Giant Squid again."*

As Simon watched his familiar fly out of the nearby window, some of his favourite relatives came into mind.

"Well I do know two adults who have no issue with letting 11 and 12-year-olds work for them…and we kind of need the cooperate with one of them anyways if we want to get some students from Castelobruxo to give insight on good Spanish and Portuguese card sets…"

---

"So yeah, we have been helping Simon's Aunt Charlotte with ideas for a playground she is designing for some wealthy wizards' children. She thinks George and I have great ideas when it comes to what's fun…"

Fred was unable to finish his explanation as he found himself pulled into a tight hug by his mother who had also somehow managed to squeeze George into the embrace.

"Our boys, all grown up!" Molly Weasley said, her eyes watering.

"Hey! Hey! Mum it is nothing! We just bought you a Celestina Warbeck record, a muggle hairdryer for dad, and a couple of things for the others…it really isn't much…"

"Why would a famous interior designer want to work with you two though," Ron asked, examining the new wizarding chess set the twins just gifted him.

"We are talking about the younger sister of the woman who makes the maze quests," George replied, trying to get out of his mother's suffocating embrace.

"Plus, who does *not* want to work with us!" shouted Fred, "Also, say another word and we are taking back the chess set, Ronniekins!"

Ron quickly rushed back to his room with the chess set. Meanwhile, Bill strapped on his new wand holster, Charlie beamed at his fresh seeker gloves with a dragon-themed design, and Ginny tried on her Holyhead Harpies scarf. Even Percy admired the new set of quills the twins had gifted him.

"Now, now, Molly, let the boys go have some fun. The two of us should get on with preparing dinner for the guests," Arthur Weasley said with a hearty laugh, "I can't wait to ask Dirk how this *dryer-hair* works!"

---

The festivities were in full swing at the Burrow that evening. As the new Celestina Warbeck record blasted through the Weasley family's gramophone, Simon helped himself to another cup of hot cocoa as everyone chatted around the fireplace.

"Your sister really did not need to pay the twins for their childish ideas…"

"Charlotte is a fair person and I am sure she did what she felt was right," Jane replied to Mrs Weasley. Simon breathed a sigh of relief, seeing his charade with Uncle Diego and Aunt Charlotte had been progressing smoothly.

Uncle Diego had applauded him for starting to branch out from his family at such a young age and he and Aunt Charlotte promised not to say a word to the other parents. And given Uncle Diego's status as a fun professor at Castelobruxo, he found a way to get some opportunistic students involved with a share of earnings (40% of 500 initial sales for translation and local humour help). A magical contract had been signed to ensure secrecy of the project with the help of Row's dad, who apparently also had some connections that would open the door to future expansion in Beauxbaton. Simon noticed said father of Rowena Rowle give him a knowing wink as he continued his animated conversation with Amos Diggory besides the Christmas tree.

The Fawcetts were invited for the first time and Sharon seemed to be enjoying a conversation with Percy about studying. It still baffled Simon that Percy was not sorted into Ravenclaw.

Meanwhile, Phoebe was sitting on a sofa besides her father, who for once was free from work. However, her mother still had 'deadlines' to meet and was unable to attend this Christmas gathering.

"Simon! Come on over and join us!" Gareth Greengrass said, waving Simon over while patting the empty seat beside him.

Simon gave a polite nod and moved to position himself next to the smiling bearded man. "I was asking my daughter what you all have been up to the past term but she has been quite tight-lipped about it. Did she get into any trouble that I should know of?"

Simon nearly choked on the hot cocoa he was sipping. "Nothing really," he said hastily, meeting the warm gaze of Mr. Greengrass, "Phoebe has been a great student who has been doing well in all her classes."

Mr. Greengrass beamed proudly and patted Phoebe on her back. "That's my girl! Of course she is not one to brag!"

Phoebe's face coloured slightly and she stood up, "I am going to get more snacks."

As she hurried away, Mr. Greengrass turned to Simon again, "I am happy Phoebe has you all as her friends. She really is a quiet girl. I can't even get her to talk much with me and I am her dad!"

Simon wondered if it was because Mr. and Mrs. Greengrass were often away at work. With so few interactions with her parents, Phoebe simply did not know how to act in front of them. Based on his past experiences with the girl, he was quite certain that the most time she had spent with both her parents were when the home family went into hiding during the First Wizarding War.

"So…would Mrs. Greengrass be dropping by any time this winter break?" Simon asked, genuinely curious. He had honestly only met Phoebe's mother two or three times. Mrs. Greengrass looked almost identical to her daughter except for her eyes. While both women had a cool glint to their eyes, her daughter favoured the colouring and shape of her husband's eyes. But besides her appearance, Simon remembered little about Mrs. Greengrass' personality.

Gareth Greengrass smiled kindly at Simon's question but Simon could not help but notice a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I don't think so. By the way, what are your favourite classes now at Hogwarts?"

Simon wondered if there was something going on in the relationship between the Greengrass couple but he dared not to ask, especially when Mr. Greengrass chose to change the topic. If their relationship was in a rough spot, that would explain why Phoebe was not in the mood to speak with her father.

"I guess I enjoy charms the most? Professor Flitwick is a really fun professor…"

---

"Hey, what are you doing?"

Ginny asked as Sue was mixing some ingredients in a bottle and began to shake it. They were in Ron's room as he was silently playing a game of wizard chess on his new set. It was one of the new models where the chess pieces can challenge you even when you do not have an opponent available.

"Preparing Simon his Christmas present."

"Why can I tell he is not going to like it already," Ginny said, peering at the bottle suspiciously.

"He might just enjoy this, it is a very festive blend," Sue replied with a devilish grin, "Also with the expert input of Fred and George."

Ginny swallowed nervously, as Sue left the room with her new creation. Living with Fred and George was exciting, to say the least, but she would much rather that than live with Sue. Sue was like both Fred and George combined and the silent encouragement from Mrs. Li when it came to Sue's pranking did not help. Worried about what is to come, Ginny looked expectantly at her older brother.

"Ron, can I stay in your room a *little* longer?"