Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Tis the Season
Summary: Response to HB: Christmas Challenge. Takes place during Hermione's sixth year winter recess. With the emending war, Hermione decides to create her Christmas gifts. Wanting them to be extra special for her best friends and Order members. Something goes seriously wrong with her gift, when Death Eaters attack her home.
Rating: Pg- 13 or R currently unsure
Reason:Violence towards groups of people (Death Eater attack)

The Burrow
Kitchen

Joyous boisterous shouts of laughter radiate outwards from around the green Bruce Christmas tree. As flaming red haired twins chase each other around the room as the others only watch in amusement. Red, gold and blue sparks flash brightly in the air as one long-haired man waves his wand at the tree and then at his siblings.

"Bill!" laughs Ginny as her old dress robes change from pale green to pale blue. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing much," shouts Fred as he finally manages to catch George. Fred wrestles George to the ground.

"He just wants attention, Ginny," laughs George as he struggles against Fred. The twins attempt to tickle each other while avoid being tickled in return. Standing next to Charlie, was Ron, his baby blue eyes twinkle before he launches himself at the twins. Within seconds all the children where in one big pile on the floor.

Sitting at the kitchen table, Molly looks longingly out the window as most of her children decorate the Christmas tree. 'Percy use to love putting the sparklers and ornaments on the Christmas tree. I'm sure Harry would have loved a chance to help out too. It's not fair that Dumbledore refuses to let him come for Christmas!' thinks Molly.

Even her children's infectious laughter wasn't enough to cheering her up. Glancing at the family photo hanging on the wall, Molly feels tears start to swell up in her eyes. 'He was such a good baby, where did I go wrong? Where is he going to spend Christmas? Who is going to spend Christmas with him? Who's going to give him gifts if he won't take ours?' ponders Molly.

Two strong gentle arms slide down her shoulders pulling her closer. Glancing at the reflection in the window, Molly plainly sees that Arthur's form behind her. Relaxing into his embrace, Molly lets herself take comfort that most of her children where home for the holiday.

"He'll be alright Molly," comforts Arthur tightening his embrace around her. Leaning down he whispers into her hair. "Percy will be just fine and one day, he'll come back to us."

"Just not this year," comments Molly sadly snuggling into Arthur's embrace. "I hope that there is someone wonderful in his life."

"Mum!" shouts Fred from the family room gaining both of his parent's attention. "The tree is all done except for the star."

"We'll be right there," states Arthur giving Molly one last gently squeeze before letting her go. Reaching down a hand, Arthur helps Molly to her feet.


Ministry of Magic
Outside Fudge's office

'Damn Fudge to all of Hades and back. Forcing me to work this late! He knows that Penny is having a rough time' thinks Percy as he swallows the lump of anger in his throat. He forces himself to take a calming breath. 'As if, I could do anything about it the bloody man thinks I'm his lapdog' silently swears Percy. Hearing arguing voices burst from inside the Fudge's office. 'At lest I'm not the only one he's proceeded to piss off the wanker' thinks Percy.

Approaching the door with caution, Percy stands just outside the view of those in the room. Pressing his ear to the wall, he listens closely as the voices float out into the hallway.

"I know Lucius!" snaps Fudge. Huffing Fudge adds, "You'll just have to break free later tonight."

Blinking hard, Percy thinks, 'what? Fudge is just going to let him leave! Is he crazy?'

"How are we supposed to do that?" purrs Lucius coldly. "We're supposed to be under the ever watchful eyes of the Aurors."

"Don't worry about it," reassures Fudge. "I'll think of something. Do you have your list of targets?"

"Of course," hisses Lucius, angrily. "Master has planned this attack very carefully." A slight pause before Lucius questions, "Are you planning on joining us on our little excursion tonight?"

Gasping softly, Percy struggles with what Lucius has just unknowingly informed him. 'Merlin! Fudge is a Death Eater! That explains why he wanted Dumbledore out of the way and why he threatened…. No don't go there. Not yet, not until you have proof,' contemplates Percy.

"It's been awhile since I've been to a ravel," states Fudge longingly. "But I have to be careful not to get caught."

'Clever little sod, he thinks he's being smart', sneers Percy. 'Growing up with five siblings is a plus when one wants to learn some information without gaining unwanted attention.'

"Of course," sneers Lucius. "Is Weasley giving you any trouble?"

"No," laughs Fudge, dismissingly. "All I had to do was subtly threaten his pregnant wife Penelope, last year before I had to announce that Master has really returned with harm. He cracked under the pressure. He hasn't spoken with his family in little over a year and a half. I even put him up in one of your apartment buildings, to keep a better watch on him."

"Does he know that you're watching him?" softly questions Lucius.

"Oh, yes," sneers Fudge. "I remind him daily to watch his step. Percy doesn't want anything to happen to his lovely new wife and his new baby girl."

Gnashing his teeth, Percy forces himself to continue to listen. 'If you so much as touch a single hair on their head, I'll kill you. Life term in Azkaban or not, I'll kill you,' Percy thinks frantically. Shaking his head, Percy concentrates on the conversation he's over hearing.

"Master wants to send a message to Potter," cruelly states Lucius. "What better way then to draw him out, then attack his best friends?"

"How are you planning to do that?" asks Fudge nervously. "Dumbledore has them well protected. And he's…"

"Fudge!" snaps Lucius. "Stop your blubbering! The mudblood went home for Christmas, thus leaving her vulnerable for an attack. Since Dumbledore is forcing the Potter brat to stay at Hogwarts this Christmas season, he's impossible to get near. As for Weasley's, Master's inside informant says that they're having a quite family gathering at home this year."

Gasping softly Percy moves away from the door. Overly pale, Percy looks like he's just about to faint. Reaching into his robes, he draws out his wand. 'You might have kept me from my family but I'll be damned if I allow you to take them away from me.'.

Hearing the office chairs scrap against the floor, Percy knows that both men have vacated their chairs. "So beyond, Granger and Weasley," delightful asks Fudge. "Who else is going is going to be under fire?" Rustling of parchment, catches Percy's ears. "Oh… this is just wonderful but can we afford to spread ourselves so thin?"

"Master thinks that five Death-Eaters per house are more then enough," snaps Lucius. "Are you saying that you think it's unwise?"

"No," hurriedly reassures Fudge. Percy watches as the office doorknob turns. Stepping back into the shadows, he watches them emerge from Fudge's office. Flicking his wand, after the two men stroll down the corridor away from him, a piece of parchment floats towards him.

Slipping further back into the shadows, Percy slowly unwrinkled the parchment. Gasping in shock he reads the names and addresses of those who were going to be attacked. Swallowing hard at the many names he recognizes, Percy stalks down the corridor heading towards the Aurors Enforcement Office. 'Merlin! What am I doing? What about Pen? What if they go after her while I'm attempting to help someone?' contemplates Percy.

Rounding the corner, he runs into his office. Closing the door, he races to his desk. Pulling out ink and parchment, he hurriedly scribes out a letter. "Here Coco," mutters Percy to his chocolate brown owl. "Take this straight away to Pen. Go as fast as you can," orders Percy. The owl seemingly understands for he flies out the window.

'Now it's high time to show Fudge just what a determined Weasley can do. I'll make him ever regret coming between me and my family.'


Until Next Time