"Look," said Harry, "I'm sorry, but I've got to do
Professor Quirrell made a thoughtful humming sound. "You could ask which family members they most dislike, and then hire an assassin. I know someone from a certain government-in-exile who is quite competent, and he would give you a discount on multiple Weasleys."
"
That made Professor Quirrell smile. It went all the way to his eyes.
"Well," said Harry, "at least you didn't suggest getting them a pet rat -" Harry's mouth snapped shut, and he was regretting the words almost as soon as they were out of his mouth.
"Pardon me?" said Professor Quirrell.
"Nothing," Harry said at once, "long dumb story." And telling it seemed wrong somehow, maybe because Harry was afraid Professor Quirrell would have laughed even if Bill Weasley
And where had Professor Quirrell
"Look," said Harry, "I'm trying to
You just had to pitch these things the right way.
They walked on for a good way before Professor Quirrell spoke again, his voice practically dripping with distaste. "The Weasley twins are using secondhand wands, Mr. Potter. They would be reminded of your generosity with every Charm they cast."
Harry clapped his hands together in involuntary excitement. Just put the money on account at Ollivander's, and tell Mr. Ollivander to never refund it - no, better yet, to send it to Lucius Malfoy if the Weasley twins didn't show up before the start of their next school year. "That's
Professor Quirrell did not look like he appreciated the compliment. "I suppose I can tolerate Christmas in
"
"I think," said Professor Quirrell, "that it simply did not occur to him to fear the consequences if you turned your ingenuity to the task of obtaining funds. Though you were wise to lose, rather than making it an explicit threat. Out of curiosity, Mr. Potter, what
"Well, the easiest way would've been to borrow money from Draco Malfoy," said Harry.
Professor Quirrell chuckled briefly. "Seriously, Mr. Potter."
"I do hope those five Galleons will be enough to last, since you counted them so carefully," said Professor Quirrell. "I doubt the Headmaster shall be so eager to entrust me with your vault key a second time, once he discovers I've been tricked."
"I'm sure you did your best," Harry said with deep gratitude.
"Do you need any assistance finding a safe place to store all those Knuts, Mr. Potter?"
"Well, sort of," said Harry. "Do you know of any good investment opportunities, Professor Quirrell?"
And the two of them walked on, in their tiny sphere of silence and isolation, through the brilliant and bustling crowds; and if you looked carefully, you would see that where they went, leafy boughs faded, and flowers withered, and children's toys that played cheerful bells changed to lower and more ominous notes.
Harry
Everyone had their own way of celebrating the holidays, and the Grinch was as much a part of Christmas as Santa.
Chapter 33: Coordination Problems, Pt 1
I just recite to myself, over and over, until I can choose sleep: It all adds up to J. K. Rowling.
The version of decision theory used in this chapter is
The terrifying part was how fast the whole thing had spiraled out of control.
"Albus," Minerva said, not even trying to keep the worry out of her voice as the two of them entered the Great Hall, "something has to be done."