Chapter 10-Christmas in the Order
So that's how my first week of the full moon ended. I find it hard to believe I made it through at all. I'm also amazed Remus made it through. From what I've seen, I know it's hard on him too, and no matter how long he's been going through this, it's something you don't get used to. Dumbledore said since my flat had been ransacked most likely by Death Eaters, it was no longer safe to live there. Remus and I gathered my belongings from my flat and moved permanently into Grimmauld Place.
A few days later, Remus, Sirius, Harry, Ron and I were painting and decorating Harry's bedroom. He took Sirius' room. Remus and I took his brother's and Sirius took his parents. Harry decided he wanted his room in Gryffindor colors, done up in red and yellow stripes. We did it the old fashioned way, without magic. It may not be perfect, but I think it turned out OK. Buckbeak, however, felt left out. He climbed the stairs, and the next thing we know he came in Harry's room flapping and squawking. He knocked over two cans of paint and managed to get it everywhere including on himself. We managed to lock Buckbeak in Sirius' room, deciding that we'd worry about cleaning him up later. Apart from the mess Buckbeak made, the painting was a success. The stripes may have been a little crooked, but Harry didn't care about it being perfect. He was just happy to have a room exactly how he wanted it. Molly came over that night and made supper. I wasn't that hungry, but I forced myself to eat anyway.
Everyone noticed that I was barely eating, and Molly told me not to worry and suggested I go lie down. I went to our room and collapsed on the bed. I must have fallen asleep for a while, but when I woke, I felt hot and cold at the same time. I sat up and suddenly felt like I was going to throw up. I barely made it to the bathroom before I did. Remus came up and saw me sitting on the bathroom floor with my legs drawn up to my chest holding my knees and shaking. "Jack Rabbit, are you all right?" Remus asked. "I'm fine, sweetheart," I said. "I'm just tired." I wasn't sure if Remus believed me but he helped me stand, rinse out my mouth, and help into my pajamas. I fell asleep quickly, but I'm pretty sure Remus woke me during the night to give me water and make sure I wasn't running a fever. I felt better the next morning so I decided to go on my Hogsmeade round with Kingsley. During our lunch break, Kingsley left and Remus took his place. After we had lunch at the Three Broomsticks, I began to feel ill again.
Needless to say, I threw up again. Remus was very concerned and insisted that I go see Madam Pomfrey or go to St Mungos. I refused and insisted I was fine, but by the end of the third day of throwing up after I ate anything and becoming to weak to stand, I finally let Remus take me to St Mungos. Remus sent his patronus to Ronan asking if he could look me over. When we got to St Mungos, Ronan took us right upstairs.
While we were talking, Ronan asked us, "It's not my place to pry into your relationship, but is there a chance that you could be pregnant, Tonks?"
"The thought did cross my mind. I can't speak for Remus, but it's a possibility," I said. Remus said, "I thought of it also, Ronan. I would feel better knowing the truth, and whatever it is, Dora and I have to deal with it." I climbed into bed, and Ronan ran some tests. Remus and I only had to wait an hour, but it was the longest and most nerve wracking hour of our relationship.
"I have good news and bad news," said Ronan. "Depending on how you see it, the good news is that you're not pregnant Tonks." Remus sighed with relief and said, "I'm relieved to hear that. I'm not saying I don't want to have children with Dora, I just think it's too soon, and I want to be sure I can't pass on my condition."
"I'm relieved too," I said. "I would feel better knowing that any child we may have won't have Remus' condition."
"I'll look into that for you," Ronan said. "Now the bad news is that Tonks has the stomach flu. That's why she's been throwing up. You'll be all right, but unfortunately, as far as I know nothing can be done. It just has to run its course, and I think you should stay here until you're better."
While I was at St Mungos, Remus came to visit almost every day, and Ronan told us it's impossible to pass lycanthropy on to an unborn child. In about 5 days I was better, at least physically. Emotionally and mentally, I wasn't so sure. I was scared to be intimate with Remus again, and scared I might get pregnant. I'm not ready for that yet, so I decided to just avoid him as much as possible. It also didn't help at the same time Arthur was attacked while guarding the Prophecy. Harry had either a dream or a vision that Arthur was attacked by Voldemort's snake, Nagini. Harry felt like he was Nagini and felt responsible for the attack. Amazingly, with Ronan's and other healers help, Arthur began to heal. Hopefully he'll be home for Christmas.
I switched my patrols with other Order members and would only go to our bedroom when I knew Remus was asleep. I'm sure Remus noticed, but I didn't know what else to do. A few days before Christmas, I was sitting on the living room couch. Sirius had just come and sat down across from me.
"Tonks," he said. "I know something's bothering you. Please don't be angry at Remus or I, but he told me what happened in the Shrieking Shack and the scare you had. I know that's why you're avoiding him."
I sighed, and said, "That's true, Sirius, and I'm still scared. I don't know what to do."
"Tonks," he said. "The only thing you can do is talk to Remus. Avoiding him won't solve anything."
"You're right," I said, getting up from the sofa, just as a tremendous crash came from the kitchen.
Wands drawn, Sirius and went into the kitchen to see Buckbeak standing next to the stew pot that contained our dinner which was now all over the floor. Remus Apparated into the kitchen. He saw me and I tried to leave only to realise Sirius had disapparated and locked us in.
"Sirius Black!" I yelled through the door. "You better have a good reason for locking us in here!"
"I do, actually," Sirius said. "You and Remus have barely spoken since the night in the Shrieking Shack. Neither of you are leaving until this is settled. Don't bother trying to Disapparate, because I've put an Anti-Apparition spell up."
I sighed and only turned when Remus whispered, "Dora."
"Remus, I'm sorry," I said, sitting at the kitchen table. "I'm sorry I've been avoiding you. I enjoyed what happened that night in the Shrieking Shack and I'm not sorry it happened. I was just scared."
"I understand, Dora," Remus said, sitting down across from me and taking my hands. "That night was the best night of my life. I don't regret it. I was worried too. You have to understand, my kind usually don't breed, for fear of passing on my condition. I know Ronan said that can't happen, but you have to understand how worried I was."
"I do, Remus. I was worried, too. Maybe for a different reason than you were, but I still understand how you feel," I said.
"I love you and would love to have children with you, but I'm just not ready right now. But then again I suppose we never are." I looked at Remus and noticed he was smiling.
"I can't tell you how happy what you just said makes me, Dora," he said, leaning across the table and kissing me. I smiled, kissed him back, and said, "Sirius, you can let us out of here now. The door opened and Harry stood there, looking sheepish.
"Wotcher, Harry," I said. "What's wrong?"
"I have a confession to make," he said. "It wasn't Sirius' idea to lock you in the kitchen. It was mine. I thought you were mad at each other and this was the only way I thought that I could get you two talking."
"You are definitely your father's son, Harry, and a Marauder at heart," Remus said, standing up. "That you are," Sirius said from the living room.
"Tonight Remus and I will make you an official Marauder. You'll even go on the Marauder's Map."
"Thanks, Sirius!" Harry exclaimed with a smile. "Now I better go find Mrs Weasley and apologise for the mess Buckbeak made. I didn't think he'd knock over our dinner."
Molly, who had just come in the room, said, "It's all right, Harry. I was getting tired of making stew anyway. It's definitely time for a change."
"When I was out patrolling one night, I saw a pizza restaurant not too far from here," I said. Molly gave us a suspicious look, as if she didn't know what to think about pizza.
"Mum," said Ron. "I know you don't think that much of pizza, but Harry and Hermione told me that it's good."
Sirius spoke up saying, "This is what I think we should do. Since Harry and Hermione know more about this, they should be the ones to order it."
"Padfoot," Remus said. "How about Dora, Harry, Hermione, and I go to the pizza parlor, get a menu, then we can come back and talk this over."
"Sounds like a good idea, Moony," Sirius replied. We put on our coats, made sure we had our wands, and walked the four blocks to the restaurant. We got a menu, and walked back. After about 20 minutes of discussion, we decided to get four pizzas, two regular cheese and two with pepperoni. I have to admit I was quite proud of Molly who ate not one, but two slices very bravely, although I'm not quite sure she approved of us eating on the living room floor. We eventually had to take the pizza away from Ron, who would have eaten it all, at least according to Fred, George and Ginny. We locked them away in the cupboard so Buckbeak wouldn't get at them.
When I got back into the living room, Remus was just setting up his Wizards Chess board, an early Christmas present from Sirius.
"Would you like to learn how to play?" he asked.
"Who, me, sweetheart?" I asked.
"Yes, unless you're name isn't Dora," Remus replied.
"Very funny, sweetheart," I said, sitting across from him on the floor. Remus tried to explain the rules to me and I tried to play, but he still somehow ended up winning. I was never good at any sort of games. I didn't even try out for Quidditch although Roma and Ronan did. Roma made the team as a Chaser and Ronan as a Beater. Slowly but surely, everyone either made their way home or up to bed. Remus was the last, as he said he had something important to discuss with Sirius.
I left them to it and made my way up to the attic. I saw a box on the bed with a note attached.
It said, "Dear Nymphadora,
Inside this box is your Christmas present. You mentioned you wanted these the morning after in the Shrieking Shack. I went all over London with Roma and Hermione and eventually found them. I hope you like them.
Love, Remus"
I unwrapped the box and inside was a pair of black velvet pants, at least I thought that was the color. Looking closely, I realised they were purple. I don't remember asking for, these, but even if I didn't, they came from Remus, who spent what little money he has, and that makes me all the more grateful. I looked through the box for a shirt but didn't see one.
I shrugged and decided if that's the way Remus wanted to play, then I would, especially after the way he was looking at me while we were playing wizards chess. I know that look, and it only means one thing. I put on the pants, and took off my shirt, and sat facing the door in nothing but my bra and the pants, waiting for Remus. It seemed to take forever, so I decided to have some chocolate. It melted a little and I got some on my fingers.
I know Remus wouldn't complain. I waited and waited until I felt a hand on my stomach and heard a voice whisper in my ear from behind me, "Did you know that silent Apparition is possible, Nymphadora?"
"No I didn't Remus," I said reaching back to place my hand behind his neck, and pulled him to me for a kiss. It lasted till Remus with Remus running his hands down my chest and stomach until he let out a growl, and said, "On your feet, Nymphadora."
Before I even had time to think, Remus pulled me to my feet, turned me around, and began kissing my neck. I wasn't even aware that I had been moved against the wall. Remus must have smelled the chocolate, because the next thing I knew he stopped kissing my neck and licked it from my fingers. I pulled off his sweater and put my hands on his chest, enjoying the feeling of the blue silk shirt I'd bought him as an early Christmas present.
Remus told me the morning after in the Shrieking Shack, he'd wear it all the time if he could, because I bought it for him, and it's the nicest thing he ever owned. I ran my hands down his chest, pulled the shirt from his trousers, and slipped my hands underneath. Remus sighed with pleasure and pulled me close for a kiss.
We slowly made our way towards the fireplace. I nearly tripped over my trunk, but Remus' hands on my waist caught me. We knelt down in front of the fireplace.
Remus asked, "Can you do me a favour, Nymphadora?"
"I'd do anything for you, lover, you know that," I replied.
"I know you would probably care to forget this day, but I remember how great you looked with brown hair the second day of the full moon when I came to the Ministry with your wand," Remus whispered.
"That wasn't the best day, Remus, but it was also the day we first kissed, and that made the day great," I said.
"If you want me to make my hair brown, I would do that for you."
"Can you make it longer too, love?" Remus whispered against my neck. "Of course, lover, if that's what you want," I said.
"It is, Dora, do you need help with the transformation?" Remus asked. "No, sweetheart, I just need to concentrate," I said. I closed my eyes, breathed in and out, thought of how I wanted my hair to be, and when I opened my eyes, I could tell it had worked.
"You look beautiful, Jack Rabbit," Remus whispered, pulling my hair away from my neck and planting soft kisses on my neck and shoulders. I sighed and then moaned, and tilted my head back. Remus turned me around and looked at me for a few minutes, then pulled me into his lap. I reached for his shirt and unbuttoned it, running my hands over his skin the entire time. Remus had his hands in his lap, which I know means he's trying to stay in control.
"It's ok, Remus, you don't have to be in control tonight
"I know you do, Dora, I'm just scared of what may happen," he said, taking my hands. He sighed, let go of my hands, reached for his sweater and pulled out two vials.
"What's that, sweetheart?" I asked.
"It's something that Ronan gave me. He came here shortly after you went to the attic. He'd done some research and found a potion that will prevent any accidents from happening. I don't know exactly how it works, but all I know is that if we both take it you won't get pregnant."
"How long does it take to work?" I asked.
"According to Ronan, instantly. The potion makes you feel warm as if your sitting in front of a fire, and that's how you know. You could also have it taste like anything you want."
"Let me guess, lover, you chose chocolate," I said, laughing.
"I love your laugh, Nymphadora, and yes it tastes like chocolate," Remus said.
"At least it tastes better than the Wolfsbane," I said, pulling the stopper from my vial. "Shall we try it?"
"There's only one way to find out love," Remus replied, pulling the stopper from his vial.
"On the count of three," I said. "One, two, three."
We drank the potion and I instantly felt warm and tingly, as if I'd had some warm tea or hot chocolate. Remus said he felt the same. Remus pulled me back into his lap, and began kissing at my neck and shoulders again. I took his hands and put them on my waist. He kept his hands on my skin, which made me shiver with pleasure. I slowly removed Remus' shirt, and ran my fingernails over his scars. He pulled me to my feet again, and led me towards the bed.
"Remus?" I whispered.
"It's all right, Nymphadora, I just want you to be comfortable, that's all. I'm not asking for anything tonight. I love you, respect you, and would never do anything you don't feel comfortable with."
"Thank you, Remus," I whispered, kissing him and letting him lay me down on the bed. Remus ran his hands down to my waist, which made me whimper with pleasure. He presses his lips to the left side of neck, moved around to my throat and then to the other side of my neck.
I couldn't stand the pleasure anymore, I pulled Remus close to me, and just before he kissed me, I whispered, "Take me, Remus."
"Dora," he said. "Are you-"
Frustrated by his hesitation, I pulled him to me and kissed him. He tried to hesitate, but when I ran my fingers down his back, he gave in.
He explored every inch of my body, and all I could think was "Don't stop, don't stop, don't stop."
Remus stopped, and looked at me in surprise, "What did you just say, Nymphadora?"
"I didn't say anything, sweetheart," I said, trying to catch my breath.
"At least, I don't think I did, my brain wasn't working very well, so I don't remember, but I believe you, lover."
"I heard you say, 'Don't stop,' believe me Dora, I won't. Remus and I continued kissing until we ran out of breath. That's as far as we went, but I was all right with that. I enjoy just being near him.
We climbed under the covers, and I put my head on his chest. I sighed, and Remus asked, "Are you all right, Jack Rabbit?"
"I'm fine, sweetheart, I was just thinking," I said.
"Thinking about what?" Remus asked.
"Nothing, Remus. It's not important."
"I know when something's on your mind, Dora, " Remus said. "You can tell me."
"Sometimes I think I'm just not good enough, sweetheart," I whispered.
"Good enough for what?" Remus asked.
"Good enough to be an Auror. I remember that night when we were attacked by Death Eaters, and how I was hurt. I think that could have been prevented, if I'd just been paying more attention."
"Love, that wasn't your fault. We were ambushed, and had know way of knowing the Death Eaters were going to do that."
"I know, Remus, and we're lucky that I all I walked away with was a Stinging Jinx to the hand. It could have turned out much worse, but I feel I disappointed you, the Order, and Mad-Eye."
"You didn't disappoint me, Dora. I'm very proud of you. You're an amazing Auror. I truly believe that, and if you keep practicing I can believe you can be an even better Auror. I can help you with that."
"Thank you, sweetheart," I said. "Can I ask you another question?"
"Dora, you can ask me anything," Remus said. "I may not know the answer, but I don't I promise you I'd find out."
"What do you know about Amortentia?" I asked.
"I learned about that in sixth year, love. Did you?"
"I think so," I said. But since Severus was the professor, I would have preferred not to pay attention. But I had to or else Hufflepuff would lose house points."
"Well the most important thing to know about Amortentia is that can't produce the feelings of real love. It makes whoever drinks it experience obsession or infatuation with someone they fancy."
"So if you gave me the potion, and I drank it, I would be obsessed with you instead of feeling true love, like I do."
"Exactly, Nymphadora, the other main factor of the potion is that it's smell is unique to whomever smells it."
"It would smell like whatever I like, Remus?" I asked.
"Yes, and it would smell like the person you fancy, such as their hair or skin."
"For me, sweetheart, it would probably smell like strawberries, the smell of air in winter just before it snows, brand new ink, and probably your hair," I said, smiling.
"Those are great smells, love," Remus said, giving me a gentle kiss.
"What would they be for you, sweetheart?" I asked.
"Believe it or not, I actually have to think about this. Let's see, I know one scent would be chocolate."
"Why am I not surprised?" I asked, laughing. "That reminds me, I believe I left some chocolate on your neck before, remind me to take care of that, lover."
"Would you rather do that now or later, Nymphadora?" Remus whispered against my neck.
"Later, after you finish telling me what the Amortentia would smell like for you," I whispered in his ear.
"All right, the other smells would be the smell of books, to be specific the smell of the paper, ink, and leather, and your skin."
"My skin, Remus?" I asked, sitting up.
"Yes, Dora, during the full moon, I realised I love the scent of your skin. I still do. I can't describe it, but that's one of the reasons I love being so close to you."
"I love to hear that, Remus," I said taking his hands, so I could have him sit up, so I could move behind him and take care of the chocolate.
"Are you sure you want to do this, this now, Jack Rabbit?" Remus asked, as I settled in behind him.
"Better sooner than-," I began to say. "Are you being cheeky, Remus John Lupin?" I asked.
"Yes, I am," Remus said, fighting back a laugh.
"Well you better not do that again, lover," I whispered against his neck. "Or else I may have to punish you."
"Will I have to write lines?" Remus asked.
"No, but I will do this," I said, before running my tongue up the back of his neck. Remus fought not to moan and said, "That feels so good, it would only make me want to be more cheeky."
"I'll keep that in mind lover," I whispered, as I ran my fingers down his back, and around to his stomach.
Remus grabbed my hands suddenly and let out a moan.
"Remus?" I said, startled.
"It's all right, Nymphadora," he said.
"I'm just enjoying this so much and I needed something to hold on to."
"Keep holding on if you like, Remus," I whispered. "But don't be afraid to let go, either. How long does this potion last?"
"Ronan said until sunrise," Remus said.
"We have a few hours then, lover," I said. "It's not even midnight."
"Good," Remus said, as he let out another breathy moan, and pulled me around to face him.
"I'm going to say to you what you said before, Nymphadora," Remus said.
"What's that, lover? 'Don't stop?' I asked.
"No, what you said before that," Remus said, pulling me into his lap. "Take me."
I did, and we took each other all night long, falling asleep and waking each other up, so we could continue.
We had finished for the last time just before the sun rose. We at last fell asleep in each others arms, and woke about 7 hours later . My hair was still very long and brown. I didn't bother to change it back, since Remus liked it so much.
I found a note on the attic door from Molly saying that Arthur was doing much better and that he would most likely be released from St Mungos on Christmas Day. Remus and I dressed and went downstairs just in time to have something to eat before we left for the Ministry to guard Harry's prophecy in the Department of Mysteries.
Just before I left, Roma braided my hair into pigtail braids, like she used to wear at Hogwarts. I realised I couldn't find my boots and was already running late, so I went on without them and waited with Mad-Eye because Molly was upset. Percy who was assistant to Fudge had returned his Christmas jumper. I don't know what upset Molly more, the fact that Percy returned his jumper or the fact that there wasn't even a note asking how his father was. Ron had told me the whole story of why Percy did that.
When Percy had been offered the position as Fudge's assistant, he expected the family to be happy, but Arthur, who supported Harry and Dumbledore, made it clear that he thought that Percy had been offered the post so that Fudge could keep track of the family, Harry, and Dumbledore. Percy and his father had a huge row, with Percy telling his father that he had to struggle against his lousy reputation since he had started at the Ministry, that he had no ambition, and that was the reason the family was so poor. He also told his father that he was an idiot for believing Dumbledore and his loyalty remained with the Ministry. He also rubbished Harry's claim that Lord Voldemort had returned, saying it was not good enough.
Percy severed all ties with his family, wanting everyone to know that he had nothing to do with them.
He packed his bags the same night and left. He moved to London where he was able to get himself a flat, and continued with the position in Fudge's office. Molly went to London to try to talk with him, but Percy slammed the door in her face.
First I went to my cubicle so Scrimgeour wouldn't get suspicious. As a member of the Order, and being an Auror, I can feed the Order information, which isn't easy to do, as Scrimgeour has been asking questions lately, about where I've been and why I haven't been showing up to work certain days, but have been spotted at the Ministry at night when most everyone has gone home. If Scrimgeour finds out, I could lose my position as an Auror, and Mad-Eye, Kingsley, and Roma would be three of the very few that exist When he left, I quickly gathered my things and Disapparated down to the Department of Mysteries.
Our shift passed without any excitement, but I had to eat a lot of chocolate frogs just to stay up, as Remus' and my shift was twelve hours, instead of six. It was a double shift as Arthur is still in St Mungos. I had to stay up all night. Kingsley and Mad-Eye showed up for their shift and we went back to headquarters, quickly said hello to Remus' dad and everyone else, and went straight to sleep.
On Christmas Day, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Molly, Fred, George, Ginny and I went to St Mungos to visit Arthur. Remus spoke to the man I'd seen when I was there, and told him of he Wolfsbane potion and promised he'd try to get some.
Molly spoke to the healer in charge and said Arthur was well enough to be released. Remus pulled me aside and told me he was going to visit Frank and Alice Longbottom, and asked if I'd like to have a proper visit. I thought about it and agreed. After I wish I never had. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Remus and I ran into Neville who was visiting his parents.
I sat next to Remus thinking of what Bellatrix had done, trying to fight back tears, when Neville's grandmother questioned him about why he hadn't told his friends about what happened to his parents, and said Neville should be proud and not ashamed. Neville said he was proud, but he just wasn't sure he was ready for them to know. I felt that his grandmother was staring at me as if she somehow knew I was related to one of the people responsible for torturing his parents. Neville must have seen this, because he stood up for and told his grandmother that I was the one who had gotten his dad's wand back from Umbridge. She didn't exactly smile, but her face did soften when she looked at me as if she were grateful. Just before Neville and his grandmother left, Alice handed him something. I wasn't sure what. Neville's grandmother told him to throw it out as he'd must have hundreds of them buy now, which turned out to be a Drooble's Best Blowing Gum wrapper, but as they were leaving I was sure I saw Neville put it in his pocket.
"I can't take this, Remus," I said, with tears in my eyes. I got up to leave. Remus tried to follow, but Neville spoke up, saying, "Let me talk to her for a minute, please."
Remus sat back down and Neville followed me out of the closed ward. "Tonks," he said. "I'm sorry you're upset. I'm sorry you had to see my parents like that. I've been coming here for as long as I can remember, and it doesn't get any easier. I know you were thinking of her, the one responsible for this. Just remember I don't blame you, and I like you. I'm grateful you got my dad's wand back, and I always will be. I'll never forgot that."
"Thanks, Neville," I said. He walked over to me, then hesitated.
"It's all right. Come give me a hug," I said. After that we all decided to leave. Just as Remus was helping me with my coat, we heard Lockhart's voice saying, "Look, I didn't learn joined up writing for nothing you know!"
In spite of the situation, we all looked at each other and laughed, then everyone, including Arthur went home. Lyall had found my boots while we were gone. He managed to clean them and said consider it a Christmas present As it turns out Kreacher had stolen them while Roma was braiding my hair, taken them to his den, and poured honey, sugar, and dead insects in them. I'm not surprised he did, considering when I was walking down the stairs, he Apparated right in front of me, which nearly caused me to fall down the stairs. I grabbed him by his neck, pulled my wand, and was about to hex him, when he said he would tell his Mistress, meaning Sirius' mum, what I had done.
We had our Christmas feast and exchanged presents. Harry received a miniature working model of a Firebolt from me, a homework planner from Hermione (she gave Ron one also), a book entitled "Practical Defensive Magic and Its Use Against the Dark Arts." from Remus and Sirius, a box of Bertie Botts from Ron, a jumper and mince pies from Molly, a furry brown wallet with fangs from Hagrid, and a painting of himself from Dobby.
Ron got a broom compass from Harry, Hermione got A New Theory of Numerolgy from Harry, and an "unusual" smelling perfume from Ron. (Her words, not mine.) Hermione gave Kreacher a patchwork quilt, though I'm not sure he deserves it after what he did this morning. Harry, considering how obsessed Arthur is with Muggle artefacts, gave him some fuse wire and a screwdriver.
After eating ourselves silly, and nearly sick we went upstairs and went to bed. It was a very merry Christmas indeed.