I figured that I would buy into the whole Christmas thing and write a set of Christmas vignettes featuring different characters during their experiences in Deathly Hallows. There will be 24 of these with the last one being posted on Christmas Eve. I'm not entirely happy with this one, but in the order of things, it fit best here. The title comes from the quote written underneath.


"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." - Agnes M. Pharo


It was an odd Christmas Eve with the family splintered. Percy was off in his big-headedness, and Ron was off in his mad adventure with Harry and Hermione. Bill and Fleur had decided to spend Christmas alone as a married couple. The Burrow felt emptier than usual, even if six people were currently listening to the Christmas special on the radio.

Fred leaned slightly to his side and caught a glimpse of his mother staring forlornly at the radio. He knew that the events of the past six months had struck her particularly hard, but he couldn't bring comfort to the surface of the atmosphere.

He laughed as, at a commercial, George launched into a ridiculous rendition of "O Holy Night," which included numerous references to ears. Fred joined in as well, inventing new lyrics to old Christmas carols. Ginny applauded their efforts until Mrs Weasley shushed them as the singing of Warbeck resumed on the radio.

"Ah, but Mum," Fred complained of her shushing, "George is just so full of the Christmas spirit. He just might burst from enthusiasm."

"Actually, Fred," George continued. "Not even You-Know-Who could kill it. It might be the only way to finish him off."

"Or that might be Harry."

"But probably Christmas spirit."

"Yeah. After all, what does a scrawny git who leads impressionable Hermione and gullible Ron astray have on a bloke's eagerness to open gifts?"

Mrs. Weasley teared up at the mention of Ron's name, and Fred knew that his joke had the opposite effect than desired.