Gemini stayed at Hogwarts for a long-missed dinner before being notified the packages were all sorted.
The group went to the Forbidden Forest excitedly to see whose packages there were.
The house-elves were truly Hogwarts'. Dumbledore's packages ranked first.
Gemini looked at the huge pile disdainfully. "Don't know who gave you these. Why so many?"
Dumbledore cheerfully looked at the mountain of packages. "Want to open them together?"
Gemini perked up at this. "Of course! Professors, want to join?"
Professor McGonagall looked eager but somewhat worried. Didn't know if she should act. Dumbledore smiled and gestured for her to go ahead. He figured he had nothing to hide anyway.
Gemini ignored the silent exchanges behind her. Excitedly picked up the nearest one. Looked at the label. "Oh, this is from Harry."
"Oh? Quick, open it. I'm quite curious!" Dumbledore leaned over.
Snape was very hesitant. Was this the Harry he was thinking of? Wasn't he not even two yet? What could he send? Plus what Dumbledore mentioned about time earlier—Snape secretly denied his own thoughts. Dumbledore couldn't have such a good attitude toward someone disrupting time!
Gemini opened the package. Inside was a whole pack of wool socks. All kinds.
"Ugh! Why would Harry send so many socks across time?! Are you short on socks?" Gemini stuffed the pile into Dumbledore's arms.
Dumbledore was quite pleased. Even picked out the pink wool socks he liked best and held them to his feet. "You know, every gift-giving holiday I only get books. Actually, who'd think? I just want a pair of thick wool socks! Looks like I mentioned this to Harry!"
Gemini pursed her lips. Started on the next one. "Wow, from Fred and George. I think you better open this yourself." Gemini tossed it into Dumbledore's arms like it was hot. Stepped back a few paces. Avoid collateral damage!
Dumbledore didn't mind Gemini's actions. Smiled and picked it up. "The Weasley twins? Did they change?"
Gemini watched Dumbledore open the package intently. "Um, could say they didn't change. Could say they did. Anyway, they're doing well now."
The package opened. With a bang, white smoke poured out. When the smoke cleared, the package was empty. But Dumbledore's beard turned rainbow-colored. Still glowing. The hat on his head became a huge bow!
Professor McGonagall gasped. "Good heavens! This is a prank?!"
Dumbledore summoned a mirror. Carefully examined his appearance. "Mm, rainbow beard is quite nice. Just this bow doesn't quite match." Used his wand to tap the bow. Made it smaller. Then tied it to his beard. Only then satisfied, struck several poses.
Gemini's mouth twitched. Didn't expect this from you, Headmaster Dumbledore.
"Wait, look what I found. Dumbledore, were you pranked?" Snape's hissing voice rang out. He picked up a package at his feet. Smiled maliciously. "A package from Dumbledore's portrait."
Professor McGonagall's eyes widened. "What?! What does this mean?"
Dumbledore patted her shoulder soothingly. "Relax, Minerva. You should all have guessed, right? Gemini comes from another world's future. A world unrelated to ours."
"Of course, we'll discuss details later. You're all people I trust. I think Gemini can also confirm you're trustworthy enough." Dumbledore smiled. Casually opened the package from his portrait.
Instantly, Dumbledore's own voice came from the package. "Stop looking. This package is for you to give to Gellert. I knew you couldn't bring yourself to. But I have to say—the old me was really stupid."
Professor McGonagall was so shocked she could barely stand. "Is—is that the Gellert I'm thinking of?! Albus! What on earth is going on?!"
Dumbledore's face was awkward for a moment. Looked through what his future self gave. Just simple daily necessities. Seeing Gemini snickering on the side, Dumbledore sighed. "Fine, fine. I understand. I'll be careful this time. Won't hang on the wall so early. Watching those kids struggle."
Could only say—truly himself. Knew his own hesitation from so far away. Used this chance to push himself to decide. Looks like his original plan really had big problems. Dumbledore thought. Fingers rubbing the soft blanket in the package. Time to visit his old friend.
Nothing surprising after that. Just books and praise letters. Dumbledore spread his hands at Gemini. "See? I knew most would be books."
The house-elves arranged them by professors. Professor McGonagall was next.
Professor McGonagall looked at the pile seriously. Very precisely picked out the Weasley brothers' package. Tossed it aside. Decided to open it with maximum caution.
She also received a package from her future self. Opened it—Professor McGonagall's face turned red on the spot. Gemini couldn't help whistling.
The package was full of various types of green robes. Formal, casual, and pajama styles. Each one looked—could only say very beautiful clothes.
Before Gemini could look twice more, Professor McGonagall quickly shrunk the whole package into her pocket. Pretended nothing happened.
Gemini pursed her lips. Picked up the pile behind McGonagall's packages. "For Severus, Lily."
Seeing the note, Gemini immediately shouted: "Professor Snape! This is from Lily!"
Snape froze completely. "This—this is impossible! Lily—Lily is dead! Didn't you come from the future?! Why would Lily be in the future?! She never left a portrait!"
Even as Snape said this, he still stumbled toward Gemini. Trembling hands took the package from her. Looked at the note's writing. "This—this is indeed Lily's handwriting? But how?"
Gemini scratched her head. "There's a long story here. Why don't you see what Lily sent you first?"
Snape stopped talking. Carefully removed the note in Lily's handwriting. Carefully tucked it in his chest. Only then opened the package.
A small box fell out. Snape caught it quickly. Looking at the rest—a brand new black formal robe. And a pile of messy potion ingredients. Many Snape had never seen.
Gemini recognized them at a glance. Alien ingredients. She also knew that box in Snape's hand. A derivative product from virtual portrait research. A message box.
"Professor? Inside should be Lily's message for you. Want to listen?" Gemini asked carefully. Snape at this time looked too scary. Expressionless. Face completely hollow.
If not for his breathing, Gemini would almost think he was a corpse.
Snape turned his eyes toward Gemini. Silently reached out. Handed the box to Gemini. "Open it."
Before Gemini could take it, the box automatically started operating. Lily's voice came from inside. "Detected Severus's voice! Message playback starting! Listening, Sev?"
Snape carefully held the small box. Afraid it would fall. That was definitely Lily's voice!
Gemini couldn't watch anymore. Directly took the box away. Used a branch on the ground to transfigure a low stool. Put the box on it. "Say—listening!"
Snape stiffly watched Gemini's actions. If not for his good self-control, Gemini would already be on the ground!
"I'm—listening." Snape said hoarsely.
A light screen appeared. Inside was a red-haired woman smiling at Snape. "Long time no see! Sev!"
Snape's lips trembled. Tears instantly fell. "Lily."
He almost sighed out that name. But this was just a recording. The image ignored Snape. Continued on its own.
"Sev, are you well? I think probably not. I heard Harry mention your life. This isn't good. Too unhealthy. From now on you must pay attention to your health. Don't always brew potions. No girls will like you that way. See, I already have Harry." Lily smiled. "Oh right, there's one more thing I must tell you." Lily's eyes became gentle. "I want to thank you. Also want to tell you—I never blamed you. So, forgive yourself, okay?"
Snape sat dazedly in front of the message box. Completely didn't know what to say.
"Ah right, also also, I knew Sirius was unreliable! He actually sent himself to prison for ridiculous redemption! Clearly promised to fulfill his godfather duties! Actually I originally wanted you to be Harry's godfather, Sev. But you know, that time was too chaotic. I had to dismiss the idea. That bastard Sirius grabbed it." Lily said annoyed.
"Hey! Can you not call me a bastard!" Sirius's voice came from far away.
Lily's expression immediately became fierce. "Shut up! Look what you did!"
"Ahem, where was I? Right, since the godfather title was already taken by that bastard, then—I mean, Sev, would you be willing to be Harry's guide? He needs to grow up in the Muggle world. Can only enter the magical world at 11. I want to ask—would you be willing to be the guide leading him into the magical world? I picked that outfit for a long time. I heard China has this custom—making clothes and giving gifts to children's teachers. Of course, if you're unwilling, consider those gifts from an old friend. If you're willing, then it's shu xiu! Is that how you say it? That word?" Lily turned to ask. Gemini heard Harry's bitter voice respond. "Right, exactly that word."
"Ah, time's almost up. Message boxes can't hold too much. That's it then, Sev. Be good to yourself. You've always been my best friend." Lily showed a gentle smile. The light disappeared into the box.
Snape suddenly stood up. Grabbed the box. Turned to stare at Gemini.
Gemini's hair stood on end. "Um, Professor, don't get excited. This thing can be solar-charged. Can play anytime. I'll teach you—press here, then set it down."
Snape immediately copied Gemini. Restarted the message box. Silently sat there. Stared blankly at Lily's image.
Gemini breathed a sigh of relief. Scary Professor Snape. Looked too terrifying. Like a man-eating beast. Gemini was afraid one wrong word and a Sectumsempra would hit her!
Dumbledore stroked his rainbow beard. "Mm, looks like we shouldn't disturb Severus. Let's look at others' packages."
Gemini nodded with lingering fear. "Must inspect them. These packages—who knows what they put inside. Plus those people I haven't contacted yet—need the Professor to help deliver."
Dumbledore waved his wand. A tent quickly erected around Snape. Enclosed him inside. "No problem. With Fawkes here, I think it's quite easy."
After inspection, Gemini really found many inappropriate things. Like what Ron gave himself—years of exam answers?! Obviously went through Hermione's notes! Otherwise could he remember so many questions himself?!
Confiscated!
Professor McGonagall received a book from Professor Snape's portrait. Gemini looked at that book with pity. Felt deep sympathy for future students. That book recorded Snape's point deductions from Gryffindor students since becoming professor. Plus various rule-breaking methods.
Gemini was certain most came from the Weasley twins' contributions. Right now they hadn't enrolled yet. Could only maintain some sympathy for their future selves.
Then there was Tony's—questions to ask Nick. Gemini cautiously looked at that palm-sized metal block. Had an ominous feeling.
Sure enough, after Dumbledore curiously opened it, Gemini covered her forehead.
Inside the metal block was a simple AI. Would project all questions. Once answered, would be recorded. Then send a copy to Sneezewort. When Gemini returned, could bring it back.
As for that question database—Gemini just wanted to complain. Was Tony trying to exhaust Nicolas Flamel early? Where did he get so many questions?!
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