Harry and Hermione were always rather fond of winter. They hadn't the faintest idea why but it went back to their days at Hogwarts. But what they loved more than the actual season was the holiday season: Christmas was upon them! One day away, as a matter of fact!
Their beautiful tree was trimmed, the lights were hung outside, and the children's gifts were wrapped, waiting to be torn into the following morning. Everything was perfect for their pre-Christmas party tonight…
"Except that!"
Harry was adjusting the clock on the mantel when his eyes were pulled towards the lettering of the 4 stockings below. His and Hermione's were at either end and the two in the middle belonged to their children. He felt the lettering of each and reminisced back to their birth.
Hugh was emblazoned in bright silver, while Jasmine was shimmering bright gold. Before he even knew what was happening, his eyes were being pulled again to something else. He found himself gazing at the staircase and was lost for words. Hermione was standing there wearing a red dress, that looked unfinished,
"Well, it does cover everything, I guess"
matching high-heels that brought her face-to-face with him, and of course, the time-turner hanging around her neck, settling on her chest. Unable to form a coherent thought, he decided to take action.
He took her in his arms, spun her around once, and brought his lips to hers. Untangling herself from him, she said, "Save the dancing for later, Mr. Potter."
He grinned and said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Potter. I couldn't help myself." The doorbell rang. He put his arm around her waist, gripping the silk dress, and asked, "Ready for a party?" "I'm not worried, Harry. I'm with you."
…
The party had ended and they were now cuddling in bed.
"I can't wait till the morning when a pair of kids will be hopping up and down on our bed, screaming for us to 'get up, already!'" he whispered to her. No response. He sat up to get a good look at her in the light of the candle on the nightstand. She was already fast asleep, breathing peacefully. He kissed her cheek gently, and leaned over to blow out the candle. The grandfather clock downstairs chimed, indicating it was midnight.
"Merry Christmas, Hermione."