Harry Potter sat at a table in the Gryffindor common room with his head in his hands, contemplating all the things that had gone wrong in the last three days. Since his last meeting with his father in fact. Finding a room for the four of them; Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and he, to meet in should have been an easy task with the Marauders Map. Instead it had turned into a bloody treasure hunt, and the treasure of privacy was just as elusive as any pirate gold could be. That was before the twins had decided to call quidditch practice two nights in a row, which meant that he and Ron were unable to search, McGonagall had requested the four of them come to her office last night for another trial on Hermione's charm, and Professor Snape, assigned a 3 ½ foot scroll on the hazards of misusing volatile potions, due tomorrow. Harry looked down at his scroll, mentally measuring the amount of space left to be filled, and heaving a sigh of resentment, wrote a bit larger.

Ron's red head popped up from where it was hidden behind the Potions text he had propped open on several others books. Harry couldn't help but notice that there was a large black ink stain on Ron's nose, where he'd apparently wiped an ink-stained finger.

"How much do you have left?" Ron asked, brows raised quizzically.

"Too much." Harry threw down his quill and stared across the room at Hermione, who was curled contentedly on a chair with a large book spread across her lap. Ginny was nowhere in sight, probably at the library.

"I need a break. Let's get the map and see what we can find." Harry stretched as he got out of his chair, easing muscles that had tensed from being in one place for too long.

"What, and leave our work undone?" Ron raised his voice in a poor imitation of Hermione.

"Very funny, Ron." Hermione said, glaring at him from her place by the fire.

Ron's ears turned red as he turned toward Hermione. ~How did she hear me, he wondered.~ "Sorry Herm."

"What are you two up to?" Hermione asked suspiciously.

"I'll be right back, you explain it to her," Harry whispered as he went to their room to get the map.

"Thanks a lot mate," Ron muttered, watching Harry slip up the stairs.

"Well?" Hermione's tone indicated she was getting impatient waiting for an answer.

Ron walked across the room to Hermione's side. "We need a break, and Harry thought it would be a good opportunity to look for a place to meet."

Hermione stretched, looking a bit like a cat waking from a nap. She put her book down on the small table next to her chair and stood. "I'm ready for a break too.arithmancy is fascinating, but hard to absorb if taken in too large doses."

Ron blinked in surprise. He couldn't remember ever hearing Hermione say she needed a break from studying. Weird!

When Harry reappeared, they let themselves out the portrait hole, attracting very little notice from the other students. It wasn't unusual for people to slip out and down to the kitchen for snacks after hours. Once they were safely out of sight of the entrance to Gryffindor tower, Harry pulled out the map and Hermione lit her wand.

"Why don't we try down this one first?" Ron asked, pointing out a seemingly deserted corridor near their tower.

"Keep the map handy Harry, we don't want to run into any professors tonight." Hermione looked a bit concerned at the thought of running into one of the teachers.

"Right."

They couldn't help but notice the thick layer of dust on the floor and the cobwebs hanging on the sconces as they turned down the hallway Ron had suggested.

Hermione stopped just inside the hallway, lips pursed in concentration. "This might be a bit too deserted, Ron."

"What do you mean, Hermione." Ron said as he turned toward her. It's obviously not been used in forever.

I think she means that's the problem," Harry said, scanning the area in front of them. It'll be too easy for people to notice if our footprints are all over the floor here. I think we need someplace a little more populated. Or at least better kept up."

Harry opened the map again and they huddled over it, Ron's wand illuminating it this time. They could see that Filch was in the trophy room, as was Neville, undoubtedly doing another detention for Snape. Snape was in his private rooms, as were the other professors.

Ron suddenly leaned closer to the paper. "Harry, what's that there," he said as he pointed at a blank space just off the main corridor leading to the Gryffindor tower.

"I don't know, Ron, I've never noticed it before." Harry tried to remember what was in that small space but couldn't pull anything to mind.

"Let's take a look," Hermione suggested, leading the way back out of the dust filled hallway.

Harry watched the map as they retraced their steps toward their tower. He noticed Filch's dot moving just in time for them to duck into a classroom and avoid him.

They stopped in confusion when they reached their target several minutes later. The blank space on the map apparently corresponded to a wall that was covered by a multicolored tapestry. The tapestry was a depiction of a battle from the Middle Ages, with moving images of knights battling, ladies dancing, and wizards throwing spells.

"Obviously there's a secret entrance," Hermione muttered, eyebrows knit in concentration. "The question is, how do we open it? Could be a phrase, or a special place to touch."

Ron pointed his wand at the tapestry and said "Alohomora." Nothing happened.

Hermione glared at him. "Alohomora?" Her tone was disbelieving.

Ron shrugged saying "You never know, it might have worked. Besides, wouldn't you have felt silly if we'd tried for an hour to get in and then found out the word was something simple like that?"

Hermione had to concede the point.

By this time, Harry was examining the map, looking to see if it would help now as it had when he'd used it the first time, going to Honeydukes. No help there this time. As he put the map back in his pocket, it occurred to him that they had not bothered to look behind the tapestry yet.who knew what could be hiding there. Harry reached forth a tentative hand, and slowly lifted the edge of the tapestry. Ah, there was a door. Not really expecting the door to be unlocked, he reached for the knob and slowly turned it, hearing the muffled click of the tumblers in the lock moving, and the creak of the door hinges as it opened. Ron and Hermione looked at him in surprise. The figures on the tapestry stopped moving, and looked at the three children standing in front of them, seemingly surprised that they were there.

"After you mate," Ron gulped, smelling the dank air that rushed from the doorway.

Harry murmured "lumos" as he stepped through the opening, Hermione and Ron right behind him. As the light from his wand filled the room, Harry could see that they were in a small chamber, which had been outfitted with a polished table and comfortable, looking chairs.

"I wonder what this place was used for?" Ron muttered, examining a small scrap of parchment that was lying, abandoned, on one of the chairs near the door.

"It looks like a perfect place for us to meet, though," Hermione mused, wandering toward a bookshelf that towered in one corner of the room.

Harry slowly turned in a circle, examining the room. There were two more book cases standing opposite to the one Hermione was examining, rather plain sconces on the wall, and the table and chairs.

"I think you're right, Hermione, it's close to the tower, so we won't be risking running into teachers, it's got places to sit and talk, and it's not so dilapidated that people will notice it's suddenly occupied." Harry noticed that Hermione had taken down a book, and was absent-mindedly leafing through it. Clearly she hadn't heard a word he'd said.

"Come on Herm, we should go back." Ron said, physically guiding Hermione to the door. "The books aren't going anywhere, but we should be. Harry and I still have to finish that stupid potions paper."

Hermione allowed herself to be shooed out the doorway and back down the hallway to where the Pink Lady guarded Gryffindor tower, still firmly clutching the book. She absentmindedly excused herself when the reached the Common room, leaving Ron and Harry to struggle over their papers in peace.

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The following morning at breakfast, Ginny hurried up to Harry and Ron as they sat at the table,

"Hermione told me about the place you found last night, it sounds perfect!" Ginny seemed to be bubbling over with excitement as she pounced into her seat.

"Where is Hermione?" Harry asked, looking toward the door to see if she had followed Ginny in.

"She's stopping by the library to look something up, said she'd meet you at your first class," Ginny said as she helped herself to toast and eggs.

"I have an announcement." Dumbledore's resonant voice easily filled the hall, and the students quieted, turning to look toward the head table.

"As you undoubtedly remember, we have scheduled the Yule Ball for the weekend before Christmas Holidays begin. Normally, this would have been the Saturday Hogsmead trip, however, due to the ball, we are moving the Hogsmead trip to this Saturday, which is, of course, tomorrow. Thank you."

"Oh no!" Harry exclaimed, his eyes wide in disbelief.

"What is it Harry?" Ron asked as he and Ginny watched him worriedly.

"Hermione was right, I have to get a Christmas gift for Snape, and I have no idea what to get him! And now I have to decide by tomorrow, or I won't have a chance to get anything!"

"Errrmmm." Ron muttered, propping his hand on his chin and looking puzzled.

"I'm sure you'll think of something Harry," Ginny said as she got up and brushed toast crumbs off her skirt. "He's never gotten a gift from you before, so he won't be expecting anything in particular. See you at lunch!"

Harry couldn't say that he'd learned much the rest of the day, he spent most of his time cudgeling his brains, trying to think of an appropriate gift for a dour, stern, bloody brilliant, wizard. Unfortunately, he came up with nothing. Finally, in despair, he wound his way to Professor Dumbledore's office. Harry stood in front of the gargoyles that guarded Dumbledore's door, trying every candy he could think of and not getting very far, when he heard the Headmaster's voice directly behind him.

"Ah, Harry, were you by chance looking for me?"

Harry whirled around quickly to face Dumbledore, glad that he had come before Harry had run out of possibilities.

"Yes sir. I have a, a sort of problem, and I was wondering if you could help me."

"Hmm, come along then. Snickers." The gargoyles obediently stepped aside and Dumbledore led the way up the stairs to his office. "Now then Harry, sit down and tell me what I can do for you."

Harry sat himself in an upright chair in front of the headmaster's desk, twiddling his fingers uncomfortably. Gathering his courage, he looked up to meet Dumbledore's kindly eyes, and said "Sir, I don't know what to get Pro..erm.my father, for Christmas. Do you have any idea what he would like?"

Harry watched hopefully as Dumbledore sat back in his chair and steepled his hands thoughtfully.

"That was not quite what I was expecting, and I'm not sure that I can be much help to you Harry. Gift giving is a very personal thing, and should reflect the relationship between the giver and receiver."

"But sir, I'm not sure what the relationship between us is! I mean, I know he's my father, but I don't really know him. At least not well enough to choose a present for him..one that he would like to have."

"That is a problem Harry. What was the best gift anyone ever gave you?" Dumbledore regarded Harry steadily over his half-moon glasses.

"The chance to come to Hogwarts." Harry answered without pausing to think. "But I can't give him that, he already lives here." Harry thought some more. "My second would have to be my Firebolt, but I simply can't imagine Professor Snape on a broom."

Dumbledore chuckled softly. "You might be surprised Harry. Remember that your father is not really James Potter, and Lily, while a brilliant witch, did not really enjoy flying. Your flying talents had to come from somewhere!"

Harry considered that amazing thought, and decided to put it aside to think on at a later time.

"I have perfect confidence in you Harry, I'm sure you'll find something that is wonderful for your father. Just keep what you know about him in the back of your mind tomorrow as you wander around Hogsmead. Oh yes, and a word to the wise, it is customary to give the young lady you take to a dance a small memento of the event." Dumbledore stood and opened the door to the stairway as he spoke.

"Oh great, not only do I have to find something for a father I don't even know, I have to think of something to give Ginny that won't be utterly lame," Harry groaned as he left.

Dumbledore chuckled quietly as he closed the door behind Harry, and moved to his desk. ~That boy has no idea that he's already given Severus the best gift he could ever have..but I doubt he'd have liked my suggestion of putting a bow on his head and standing under Severus' tree!~

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Saturday morning dawned clear and cold, with the sun setting fiery reflections off the blindingly white snow. Harry sat with his friends at breakfast, toying with his cereal and listening to their excited chatter around him.

"Still haven't thought of anything to get him, Harry?" Harry looked up to see Ginny's eyes on him.

"No," he groaned,"and Dumbledore was absolutely no help last night. He told me to keep in mind what I know about Snape as I wander through town."

"What you know about him," Ron pondered as he stuffed another sausage in his mouth. "What you know about him is that he is nasty, unfair, unfeeling, and possibly homicidal."

"Ron! That is utterly unfair!" Hermione exclaimed, glaring at Ron. "Are you done Ginny? We should get our cloaks. We'll meet you two by the front doors in half an hour." Ron and Harry watched, confused, as the girls walked off together, heads tilted toward each other and giggling slightly.

"It takes half an hour to get a cloak?" Ron asked, brow furrowed in puzzlement.

"Only takes me a minute.wonder what they're up to?" Harry responded.

"Oy, you two are so dense sometimes!" George leaned over Fred to say to them.

"What?"

"You two don't have any idea what's taking them so long?" Fred leaned toward them now. "They're girls, they're talking and giggling and doing whatever it is that girls do to get ready. Don't ask me exactly what that is, I've never figured that out, but they all seem to do it. Oh, and don't forget, you're expected to get them a little something to remember the ball with."

"Oh yeah, Dumbledore mentioned that," Harry commented, remembering the headmaster's advice.

"What sort of thing?" Ron looked panicked at the thought of buying something for Hermione. Sure he'd bought her Christmas presents before, but this was...different for some reason.

"Well, last year I got Angelina an enchanted crystal on a string to wear as a bracelet," Fred said. "They have them at that little whatnot store just down the street from Honeydukes."

"Thanks Fred!" Ron looked considerably less worried now that he had been given an idea of what was expected of him.

By the time Ron and Harry got to the front doors, there was a sea of students waiting to be checked off the list by Filch. They craned their necks and searched the crowd for several minutes before spotting both girls standing by a pillar slightly to the side of the entrance.

"Ready to go?" Harry asked, stepping up to them.

They joined the end of the line, deciding where to go first, and were at the door and being checked out by Filch before they knew it. Minutes later they were striding down the main street of Hogsmead, enjoying the smell of sweets from Honeydukes and the bustle of the townspeople on the street.

"I still say we should go into Honeydukes first," Ron complained as they walked past the door to the sweet shop.

"If you go there first, you won't have any money left for anything else!" Hermione led the way toward the bookstore, obviously where she thought they should start.

"Hermione, why don't we just split up for awhile. I'll go with Ron and you and Ginny can go together, and then we'll meet up at the Three Broomsticks in an hour." Harry thought this would be an excellent way to get some shopping done without the girls seeing what they were doing.

"All right Harry, we'll meet you two then," Ginny ran to catch up with Hermione, who was already entering the bookstore.

"Do you think she heard you at all?" Ron asked, looking after the girls as the door closed behind them.

"Ginny'll tell her." Harry turned to look back down the street. "Ah, there it is. Let's go look at that emporium Fred told us about before it gets to crowded."

Ron sneezed loudly as they entered the store, it was redolent with the smells of old dust and cat hair. It also had the most amazing collection of oddments that either of them had ever seen! There were jars full of glass beads in every shape and color imaginable, long shelves filled with dusty, musty books, bolts of fabric piled up in a hapless jumble on a decrepit table in one corner, and a very odd selection of furniture. Harry approached one sofa that looked like it had been in existence for centuries and sat down to think about what he wanted to get Ginny.

"Can't you read? The sign clearly says 'no sitting'!" The prissy sounding voice was coming from underneath him, Harry realized as he stood up quickly.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean." he trailed off, not quite sure what to say to a talking piece of furniture.

"That's what they all say, does anybody ever consider what the sofa feels? Oh no, never. After all, it's just furniture. Never dusted. Never polished. Never!"

"Um, sorry, must go," Harry said as he backed away, almost hitting some vases that were perched precariously near the edge of a cabinet.

Ron looked up from the hair ornaments he was eyeing as Harry came up. "Do you think Herm would like one of these? They're enchanted to hold on no matter what."

"Good idea. Too bad Ginny's hair isn't long like Hermione's." Harry looked down at the ornaments, wondering what in the world to get Ginny, when a thought occurred to him. "Ron, you're her brother, what does Ginny like?"

"Uhm.I don't really know, let me pick out one of these, then I'll think about it." Ron finally selected a largish holder shaped like a green and blue dragonfly. "This one."

"Why that one?" Harry couldn't think of any reason that Hermione would like a dragonfly any better than the others.

"It's the colors. It sort of makes me think of her." Ron shrugged his shoulders helplessly, unable to explain why he'd chosen that one. "Ginny likes sparkly things. Or at least she used to. Mum made her a dress out of sparkly green fabric once and she wouldn't take it off for days."

Harry nodded his head and moved toward the jewelry display. Fred had gotten Angelina a bracelet last year, maybe he could find something similar?

Ah, this was more promising. A collection of necklaces with crystals enchanted to do different things. One turned into a flower that smelled real, another turned into a bee that buzzed loudly. Harry knew he'd found what he was looking for when he saw the crystal that turned into a brilliant, multi-hued butterfly that fluttered gently on it's chain.

"That didn't take nearly as long as I expected it to," Ron said as they left the emporium. "We've got a half hour until we need to meet the girls, what do you want to do?"

"I need to get more owl treats for Hedwig, why don't we pop in there?" Harry paused as he put the package with the necklace in his pocket.

"I could use some more for Pig," Ron agreed as they turned toward the "All Things Owls" store.

"Haven't you got any idea what to get Snape?" Ron asked as he opened the door.

"None at all.." Harry paused just inside the doorway. Why hadn't he thought of this before? The best gift he'd ever gotten, after Hogwarts and the Firebolt, was Hedwig, his owl! She was useful, and had been a real comfort when he was stuck for the summers at the Dursely's.

"Harry, you're letting all the cold air in, they're gonna yell at us." Ron's voice cut through the haze of Harry's thoughts.

"I've got a great idea, Ron," Harry said excitedly! "An owl! It's perfect!"

"Oh no, you're not thinking of giving him an owl..that poor thing will die of negelct!" Ron moaned, thinking that Harry was insane.

"You know that's not true, Ron, and besides they're useful. He's always used the school owls when I've gotten messages, I bet he doesn't have one!. Harry headed for the cages in the back, a reluctant Ron in tow.

As they wandered up and down the row of cages, none of the owls on display seemed quite right, and Harry was about to give up in despair when the witch in charge of the store suddenly shrieked.

"You no good misbegotten owl! I've had it with you escaping from your cage!" She came around the corner, clutching a large, disgruntled looking black owl in her arms.

"Excuse me boys, this one just refuses to stay in his cage, he's always prowling through the store, startling people and chasing the pet rats," she said, stuffing the owl back into his cage.

Harry leaned toward the cage, eyes suddenly alight with an idea.

"How much is he?"

"Harry, you can't be serious!" Ron was torn between amusement and horror.

"Young man, you don't want this owl, he needs someone with a strong personality who will be able to earn his trust and love."

"He's not for me, he's a present for my father!" Harry spoke fervently.

"Well," the shopkeeper thought for a moment. "He is a bit of trouble. I'll let you have him for 7 Sickles."

"I'll take him!"

"Are you sure?" The witch seemed unsure whether to be glad to be rid of the problematic owl, or to insist that Harry not buy him.

"Absolutely! Can I pick him up later this afternoon?"

"Fine, I'll keep him for you till five." She rang up the price of the bird, cage, and owl treats, and watched Harry count the correct amount of coins. "Don't worry dear, if you change your mind before you pick him up, I'll give you all of your money back." Harry grinned slightly as he stuffed his money in his pocket. The day was looking up!