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Dumbledore, as usual, almost danced out of the fireplace in his office after Flooing to it. He was wearing a bright red robe with golden dragon patterns on it and completely overlooked the paperwork on his desk, opting to head straight to the grand doors marking the entrance to the room. He swung them open wildly…!
And found Professor McGonagall on the other side. She looked at his outfit and was silent for a moment.
Finally, she responded, “You’re headmaster, Albus, and cannot show house partiality.”
Dumbledore stared down at his red robe and then back up again at McGonagall.
“Oh. This really has nothing to do with Gryffindor.” He stared sheepishly at her, and she stared back coldly. Dumbledore tried again, “I can wear green tomorrow, if you like?”
Disgust distorted McGonagall’s face. “No,” she said, “That color is much better on you, or anyone. Now where were you going in that… kimono?”
“It’s a robe, like any other!” defended Dumbledore. “I was going to the kitchen, to address the elves.” He walked past her, and made his way to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Dumbledore ushered all the house elves around one counter and began to explain the point of the meeting to them.
“Right, today is a very celebrated day. No, not here in Britain, but in, well, China.” Dumbledore was made uncomfortable by the elves uniform, almost soldier-like lack of response. “That’s right, today is in fact, the Chinese New Year. Now, there are a few issues we need to address. Firstly, I want all brooms, dusters, and other such cleaners put away into wherever they go. This should keep our good fortune from being swept away.” Dumbledore had kept his eye on one elf in particular, and noticed that it wasn’t even blinking. He noticed suddenly the intense stare each was giving him. “Secondly, I want the entire castle to be swept tomorrow, however, I would like to collect all the rubbish in bags and leave them in dark corners. Is that clear? It’s a little off-routine, but you are smart people- elves, I mean.” Dumbledore would have kept going, but needed a break from the unceasing glare and decided to address the elves again later.
The second morning, same as the first. Dumbledore leapt out of the fireplace, humming happily into his office. He wandered straight to the big door and swung it open. Sadly, McGonagall wasn’t there.
“Too bad,” murmured Dumbledore, “I wanted her to see me in green. Maybe she’ll drop by my office later.” Dumbledore went off to the kitchen.
Thirteen nights, days, colorful robes, and house-elf addresses later, Dumbledore retired to his office in a dull gray robe that had for some reason appeared more Indigo that morning then it was that evening. He lay down in a sofa by his desk and fell asleep, without even going home. Perhaps, he decided, The Chinese New Year season could just stay in China next year.