The soft white lights in the tree lay a soft glow over the Great Hall. It was silent in the darkness and her bare feet made no sound as she crossed the room. She took a moment to just look at the tree. It was beautiful. A whisper sigh left her as she crossed her legs and dropped to the floor settling in for a while. She set up the five candles and lit them. Using a separate match for each to take her time. It would be disrespectful to rush. The flames lent a flickering quality to the shadows but her small frame held no fear. She focussed her thoughts on her Father. Praying for his safe return with her Uncle Padfoot at his side. She prayed for the people they were trying to help and that no harm would come to any of them.
He moved as silently as she, drawn by the unnatural movement of the light. His first thought was that she should be in bed. His second that the stone floor was far to cold for her to be sitting on. His brother in everything but blood lent against the frame of the door watching. Her whispered prayers reached them, riding on the acoustics of the room. Such innocence. He crossed the room and joined her, scooping her into his lap.
"Did the Christmas wish work Daddy?"
He took the time to kiss her head and breath in her scent before he answered, "Yes sweetheart, we're all safe." Time passed and droplets of wax rolled down the sides of the candles cooling instantly on the stones. They watched the flames together. When he could control his voice he asked, "Is one of those for Mummy?"
"That one." She pointed to the second candle. He reached his strong hand towards it, running his fingers through the fire in a gentle caress.
"And the others?" He wondered aloud as he pulled his hand back to wrap around her. He had only known his daughter existed for a few months. He didn't want to presume.
"Nanny, Fred, James and Auntie Lily." Unable to speak he squeezed her tighter.
"Do you think they know?" She asked, tilting her head back to look at his chin.
"That we miss them?" He clarified.
"And that we still love them." She added.
"Yes cub, they know." He nodded, sounding more confident than he felt. She nodded and turned her eyes back to the candles.
"We should stay until they go out." She whispered.
In the doorway her living Uncle stood. A single tear running down his face.