A/N: Thanks for all those favs and follows! This is the first part of the Christmas episode. I know it's late, but try to get into the mood a little for this chapter. Anyways, I hope you enjoy reading and let me know what you think!
Chapter 10 – A Holly Jolly Christmas?
"Merry Christmas!", Mrs. Weasley greeted Hermione with a big smile at the front door. She pulled Hermione in a tight hug which made Hermione's rib cage ache, but she did not complain. "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Weasley", Hermione gasped before she was finally released.
It had been months maybe even more than a year since she had last been at the Burrow, but a quick glance around told her that not much had changed. At least not on the ground floor. Hermione's heart pounded a little faster as she followed Mrs. Weasley into the kitchen from where the laughter and voices of at least a dozen people could be heard. She was excited, because it was her first Christmas at the Burrow since she had graduated from Hogwarts and she had not seen some of the Weasleys in years. The only thing that dampened her mood was the fact that she could not be with her parents on Christmas Eve, since they spent the day with other relatives, but she would see them the next day, so it would be fine. And she would see Ginny instead, which would make up for it. Maybe she could also attain some new information for her list, which she had brought along with the presents in her extendable bag.
Hermione still had not come up with a conclusion, and it bothered her quite a lot. To make matters worse, she also had still no clue about the prediction and the mysterious sign. Nothing had happened when she hugged Mrs. Weasley, so she was out.
She entered the kitchen and was immediately overwhelmed by all the sensory inputs. Voices, laughter, odors, movements and steam filled the kitchen.
Mrs. Weasley hurried over to the stove as fast as she could and promptly began to stir in one of the gigantic pots. Steam and a smell of mashed potatoes mixed with roasted turkey travelled through the air and lingered in Hermione's nose. Next to Mrs. Weasley stood Fleur, beautiful as always, cutting bread with a huge knife. At the kitchen table, which was already laden with prepared food, some more pots and presents in between, sat George and Bill, the former showing Bill something that looked like an upgraded version of extendable ears, only that this one had an eye at the end. Close to them stood Mr. Weasley, who had lost some more hair, but still looked quite energetic for his age, and Angelina Johnson, George's fiancée. They seemed to be laughing about some joke Mr. Weasley was telling. Next to the wide door leading into the living room, Percy was sitting on a chair, reading a book with a concentrated look on his face. How could he even read in such an environment? Hermione was extraordinarily good at blending out everything around her as well, but the noise and smell and people moving around would be too much even for her.
She took a look inside the living room while proceeding into the kitchen. The sofa and armchairs, which were usually located right in the middle of the room, were pushed aside and had made space for a long dining table with more chairs around it than Hermione could count at first sight. In one corner was a Christmas tree, which had been cut off a little at the top to make it fit into the room. It was heavily loaded with decoration of all kinds and colors and several chains of Christmas lights put the room in a warm light. Celestina Warbeck's 'You Charmed the Heart Right out of Me' was belting from a small radio next to the tree.
The small sofa, now flushed against the wall, looked like a chicken roost, because Ron, Harry, Luna, Neville and Ginny were sharing the space that was intended for only two people. Hermione grinned as she saw Ron almost falling off one of the armrests. Neville was squeezed in-between Harry and Luna and he looked quite happy; Harry on the other hand looked rather uncomfortable. Luna was sitting half in Ginny's lap which annoyed Hermione more than it should have. Charlie was sitting next to them on a wide armchair, some red burns, probably caused by dragons, in his face, but he looked smooth overall. Ron's new girlfriend Sophie apparently had not arrived yet, as Hermione could not spot her anywhere.
It took Hermione more than five minutes to get into the living room, since her entrance was followed by hugs, greetings, handshakes and more hugs. Percy even attempted to engage her in a discussion about the Ministry's newest regulations on broomsticks, something that he seemed to consider extremely interesting, but Hermione cut him off without further ado. She would not let thoughts of work ruin Christmas.
Before she proceeded into the next room, she took all the presents she had prepared out of her extendable bag. Her heart sunk a little as she lay the one for Ginny on top of the tower of presents on the table. She had spent lots of time on the present, what if Ginny did not like it? She shook off the thought. It would be fine, she assured to herself.
More greetings and hugs awaited her when she finally entered the living room. Everyone seemed delighted to get the chance to stand up from the sofa even if it was just for a few moments.
"Why are you squeezed in here like this?", Hermione asked curiously after she had said her 'Merry Christmases' to everyone.
"Mum would not allow more people in the kitchen", Ron explained with an annoyed expression on his face. "We're not allowed to sit at the table, either, because she thinks it's bad manners when people sit down earlier than others or something. I think it's stupid, but you know how she is. Won't let anyone meddle in her business." He shot an angry glance towards the kitchen.
"Yep, and she also does not want us to run around, because she thinks we're going to ruin the Christmas tree. Mum apparently has not realized we're not kids anymore", Ginny said with the same expression as her brother. Hermione once more realized how similar the siblings sometimes were.
"Sit here", Charlie said to Hermione as he got up from the armchair. "I'll go to talk to dad, so Mum cannot throw me out of the kitchen". He chuckled slightly and walked out.
Hermione sat down and noticed that the armchair was quite wide leaving some space between her and both armrests. As she looked up at the others again five pairs of eyes were staring at her expectantly.
"Okay, so who wants to-", she started but was cut off when Ginny, faster than a firebolt - jumped from the sofa right into the armchair.
Ron, Luna and Harry shot Ginny angry looks but she just grinned and stuck out her tongue. Only Neville did not seem to mind remaining in his tight space.
Hermione shifted a little to the left to make more room for Ginny to sit. Even though the armchair was wide, it was made for one person, so Hermione's thigh was flushed against Ginny's and their arms continuously brushed against each other. Hermione felt warmth creeping up her body and she suddenly felt a little lightheaded.
"When is Sophie coming?", Ginny asked her brother and shifted in the chair, pressing her arm even more against Hermione's. Hermione could feel her palm growing slightly sweaty. She should ask Mrs. Weasley to turn down the heating.
Ron flushed at the mentioning of his girlfriend's name. "I think she'll be here soon. She sent me an owl this morning, saying she would be a little late."
"So your mum knows and is okay with her?", Harry asked.
"Yeah, she was happy actually. Thought I wasn't over Hermione yet, even though it's long in the past. She still thinks it's a pity we did not end up together, though", he mumbled.
Hermione wished that Mrs. Weasley would finally give up on the thought that her son and Hermione would have a happy ending somehow. She had written a few letters to Hermione over the years, asking her to reconsider her decision. Hermione had been really irritated by that, because first of all, if Ron really wanted her back, he should have send such letters himself – well, actually he had; so at least he should not let his mother send such letters. Secondly, it seemed like no one had cared for Hermione's feelings at all, and it was always Ron who was regarded as the victim of her 'cold-heartedness'. The only person who had asked about her feelings had been Ginny.
Hermione wanted to say something to Ron about Mrs. Weasley's attitude, but decided against it in the last moment. It would only disturb the Christmas spirit and since Ron had Sophie now, Mrs. Weasley should be able to move on.
"Good you have Sophie now", Ginny said, an irritated expression on her face. Could it be that she was angry that her mum still liked the fact of Ron and Hermione together? Or was it because she was jealous that Ron had been with Hermione? Hermione shot her a thoughtful side glance and decided to put these thoughts on the list later.
"I am glad you found someone", Luna chimed in. She wore her hair in a thick plait that was falling over her shoulder and reached almost until her hips. Small branches of fir were woven into it, which looked really pretty. Hermione noticed, that Harry was glancing at the young woman, a slight smile on his lips. Neville, too, seemed to notice this, since his excited expression had changed into a miserable one. Hermione felt sad for him, even though she did not really know what it was like to feel unrequited love.
"Thanks, Luna", Ron said and smiled at the blonde.
"So only Charlie and Gin left?", Harry said in a playful voice. "Then your mum would finally have the full set of daughters and sons in law. Oh sorry, I mean daughters, no sons." He quickly adjusted his glasses in an attempt to avert the piercing look Ginny was shooting at him. Ron looked uncomfortable, but refrained from giving any tactless remarks like he sometimes did.
"Did you tell your mum and dad?", Neville asked in a hushed voice, because apparently, he was the only one of the boys who was aware that his was not something to talk about carelessly when your whole family was in the next room.
Ginny shook her head and quickly glanced at the opening leading to the kitchen. The rattling of pots and porcelain mixed with George and Bill's laughter and some orders by Mrs. Weasley, probably towards Fleur, were drifting towards them.
Hermione looked at Ginny and noticed that the redhead still wore the same white camellia earrings. She wondered if she bought them herself or if someone had given them to her as a gift.
"No need to rush it", Luna said while adjusting one of the fir branches. Hermione saw Harry's eyes following the blonde's hands' every movement.
Ginny seemed as if she wanted to say something, but at that very moment the noises coming from the kitchen changed into greetings and 'Merry Christmases' once more indicating the arrival of Sophie Abbott.
Hannah Abbott's sister made her way into the living room faster than Hermione. When she entered all heads turned towards the new arrival, curious what kind of girl she would be.
"Merry Christmas", a dark blonde, blue eyed girl said. One could tell she was feeling overwhelmed by all the people and noise around. She was one or two inches taller than Hermione and lean, although less athletic than Ginny. Hermione thought that Sophie seemed to be a nice person, but of course she could not be sure yet.
Ron walked over to his girlfriend and pulled her into a tight hug. Although Hermione could only see his back, she knew that he was happy. She could not deny that she envied them. A quick glance around showed her that she was not the only one. Harry's eyes were wandering from the couple to Luna; Luna looked at the two with a dreamier than unusual expression; Neville's face bore a mixture of longing and envy and Ginny…Hermione's heart skipped a beat as her eyes met Ginny's. She had expected her to look at Ron and Sophie like everyone else did.
Hermione did not avert her eyes, nor did Ginny. The feeling of the redhead's thigh and arm against her own body became more intense than before, even though neither of them moved. It was as if the world was standing still. The noise from the kitchen was gone. The song from the radio inaudible. Only Hermione and Ginny, whose profile was rendered in the soft, warm light cast by the Christmas tree.
"Mum, stop it!" The sound of Ron's voice broke the spell and the noise in the house suddenly crushed in on Hermione like an exploding Blast-Ended Skrewt. Hermione's and Ginny's heads turned towards the noise in unison.
Mrs. Weasley had entered the living room and was taking pictures of a red-faced Ron and Sophie with an old magic camera.
"Don't be silly son, you will thank me for the pictures one day", Mrs. Weasley nagged as she kept taking pictures while Ron buried his face in his hands. "I'll make you a beautiful photo album for your wedding day", she said to Sophie, who looked as if she would love nothing more than that the ground would open and swallow her up.
Hermione watched them in amusement and just when she was about to wonder how they would fit Sophie on the sofa, Mrs. Weasley put away the camera and pronounced dinner ready.
One by one the remaining Weasleys and relatives came in from the kitchen and joined the friends already surrounding the table. Mrs. Weasley had come up with a seating order, so everyone's names were written on small cards decorating the plates. Hermione found hers towards the end of the table. Mr. Weasley was sitting left from her and Luna sat down to her right. Across from her Charlie was taking his position. Hermione felt disappointed that Ginny was sitting at the other end of the table, which suddenly seemed longer than before. The redhead was sitting next to Bill, whom she was really close with, so Hermione figured that she would be happy with the seating order.
As the food appeared on the table, Hermione's disappointment vanished a little and made room for excitement about the choices that presented themselves in front of her.
She tried to taste a small amount of everything, which was almost impossible actually. A slice of roasted turkey, smoked salmon on whole grain bread, a plate of mushroom soup, several kinds of parfait, a serving of fresh salad, two sausages, steamed carrots and cabbage and lastly a pudding found their way into Hermione's stomach.
While they ate she talked to Mr. Weasley about work at the ministry, Charlie told them about his work with dragons, which was exciting as usual and Luna entertained them with funny stories from her encounters with magical creatures.
After everyone was so full they had become too lazy to talk, Mrs. Weasley cleared the table with a wisp of her wand and a moment later the table was laden with presents over presents. Hermione could barely see Charlies face behind the presents anymore.
They made quite a procedure out of it. Everyone had to open a present in turn and announce from whom he got it. Hermione got the usual Weasley-sweater from Mrs. Weasley - navy this year - a set of new high-quality quills from Mr. Weasley, a box of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes from George and Ron, a book about dragons from Charlie – he had prepared the same book for everyone – a coupon for Flourish & Blotts from Harry, a Holy Harpies poster from Luna – apparently she wanted Hermione to get into the mood for the upcoming game -, the new edition of 'Hogwarts: A History" from Bill and Fleur and a small box of magical herbs helping against cold and other illnesses from Neville.
Time passed and they were opening presents for at least two hours now. Everyone looked quite worn out, but Hermione felt excited because Ginny's present was still left unopened.
"Ginny, it's your turn", Mrs. Weasley said at the other end of the table and Hermione's eyes promptly darted in her direction.
"Okay, this present is the last one for me and it's from Hermione", Ginny said and smiled at Hermione. It seemed as if miles were between them. Hermione hated this damn long table.
Her heart started pounding faster as she watched Ginny unwrapping the present she had prepared so carefully over the last few days. She had stayed up two whole nights to finish it in time.
Ginny had finished unwrapping and now held a thin book bound in dark brown leather in her hands. Carefully she opened it and her eyes glided over the first page. An inaudible 'wow' formed on her lips as she read on.
Everyone was eying the redhead curiously until Ron broke the silence: "What did you get?"
"A book", Ginny replied shortly and kept flipping through the pages.
"Yeah, I can see that", Ron scoffed.
"It's a book containing useful spells for Quidditch and everything related to it", Hermione spoke up before Ron would become too impatient. "You remember when I made Harry's glasses repel water in first year? Or was it second? Anyways, I collected all kinds of spells from different books about Quidditch and I invented some useful spells myself as well. Like tightening one's grip around the broomstick without increased use of strength." Hermione felt proud as she explained this to everyone.
"Wow, can I get one too?", Harry asked obviously impressed.
"If you become a professional player. Maybe", Hermione teased him. She looked over to Ginny who still had not said anything.
Their eyes met and Hermione felt a shudder as she saw the astonishment and amazement in the other woman's face.
"Thank you so much, Hermione", Ginny uttered. "How did you come up with all of this? It's wonderful! Thank you so much!" The redhead looked happier than Hermione had ever seen her, her light brown eyes filled with a warmth that was travelling all the distance towards Hermione filling her heart with it. Hermione felt relieved that Ginny liked her present even more than she had expected. She mentally patted her own shoulder for this idea.
A few more people opened their last presents while Hermione kept shooting glances at Ginny who was still holding the book, carefully, as if it would break if she clutched it too tight. Their gazes met a few times and both looked away shyly after a moment of eye contact.
"Hermione, now it's your turn", Luna said. She looked exhausted and a little weary as everyone else except Ginny and Mrs. Weasley did. Hermione noticed that Mr. Weasley had fallen asleep.
"Alright", Hermione said and reached for her last present. It was rectangular and wrapped in red and gold, the Gryffindor colors. "This one's from Ginny." She felt Ginny's eyes on her as she unwrapped the present and her palms became moist again.
Carefully, she loosened the ribbon and opened the wrapping paper without ripping it too much.
She was looking at herself and Ginny. They were standing underneath a huge willow near the Great Lake of Hogwarts, smiling and waving. It was a photograph taken right after they had sat their N.E.W.T.s during their last summer at Hogwarts. The picture was held by a silver frame ornamented with flowers and small birds. It was only a photograph but Hermione felt like it was the best present she had ever received.
"What did you get?" Ron asked impatiently. Hermione would have sent him a scorning look, but she was too absorbed by the picture to mind.
"It's a photo of Hermione and me we took during our last year at Hogwarts", Ginny replied instead of Hermione. "I noticed she doesn't have many pictures at her home, so I got her one. I reckoned it might help to make her place feel more like a home."
Hermione gulped as she tried to fight back the tears that were suddenly forming in her eyes. She did not know why she was moved so much by this simple photograph, but the fact that Ginny was the only one who had given her something truly personal and that she had thought about Hermione's feelings made it a really special present.
"Thank you so much", she whispered and finally looked at Ginny. Even though the redhead most certainly could not hear the quiet whisper, she knew that her gratitude was written all over her face. "I will put it on my desk, so I can see it every day", she added. Ginny grinned happily and Hermione once more noticed how beautiful she was. Maybe it was due to the warm lights of the Christmas tree.
After they had finally finished unwrapping presents, everyone was so tired that Mrs. Weasley commanded those who would stay the night to go to bed immediately. Neville, Luna and Sophie were escorted outside where they disapparated to their respective homes. Mrs. Weasley would not let Sophie sleep over yet, Ron had explained to Hermione grumpily.
Hermione had agreed to stay overnight, because Harry would be staying too. It would be like those good old times she sometimes missed, but then the thought of Voldemort crossed her mind and she was not sure anymore if she really missed those times.
She eagerly listened as Mrs. Weasley announced who would sleep where, but it was actually the same as usual. Bill and Fleur would sleep in Bill's room, George would sleep in his room, which was still referred to as 'Fred and George's room', even though Fred had passed away more than three years ago. Hermione still felt sad whenever she heard his name. Harry and Ron would sleep in Ron's room and Hermione in Ginny's. She felt excited at the thought to be alone with the redhead after all the chaos and noise that had surrounded them the whole night.
"Go up first", Ginny said to Hermione. "I'll get us some juice from the kitchen".
Hermione agreed and walked up the stairs to the first floor where Ginny's bedroom was located. Ron and Harry, who had looked almost as tired as Mr. Weasley, had already disappeared into Ron's room.
Hermione opened the door to the room and took a look around. It must have been more than a year since she had last been here, but it looked just the same. A cozy bed, all Gryffindor colored, a poster of the Harpies' on the wall next to it and a small desk in front of the window. Hermione's eyes fell on a picture frame standing on the desk.
She walked over to it and discovered that it held the same picture she was still holding in her hands. A smile formed on her lips as she looked at her and Ginny. Slowly, she raised one hand to touch the photo, but a sudden noise at the door made her flinch. She turned around and faced Ginny. The smile on Hermione's face vanished in an instant as she saw what she was holding.
"Can you explain this?", Ginny asked, her voice stern, a cold expression in her eyes.
In her hand she held Hermione's list.