After all the planning and all the rearranging of seating arrangements, dinner on Sunday was anti-climactic, at least to a Weasley way of thinking.

Harry came over early on Sunday to help Arthur.

"Thanks so much for this, Da. I really appreciate it," Harry said cheerfully.

Arthur smiled at Harry, then cocked his head to look at him thoughtfully. "You're really happy, aren't you?"

Harry ducked his head and blushed. "Yeah. Sometimes I think I shouldn't be, but I am."

"Never be ashamed of enjoying life, son. Wasn't that what that stupid prophecy said? 'Neither will live while the other survives?' You have a chance to live, so you should take it. I've never seen you quite so relaxed," Arthur said with a chuckle.

"I don't want to sound mean or rude, because, well, Ginny's your daughter, but... Well, with Hermione I'm never worried she wants me for anything but Harry. She was never a fan girl, and she's never put much stock in what other people think. I like Ginny much better as a little sister. I think it's good for Hermione, too, because she sees her the same way. Life at Grimmauld Place is a lot cheerier this way," Harry spoke quickly, but once he saw there was no censure in Arthur's face, he continued more naturally.

"I was not as enamored of you and Ginny as a couple as Molly was. It was wish-fulfillment, more than anything. I like you two better as siblings as well, because instead of bringing out Ginny's acquisitive side, you bring out her generosity. She has become a better friend and a better person. I think you would have all arrived at this eventually, but you stood up to the hardships we've had to face as such wonderful people. I'm so very proud." Arthur cleared his throat and swiped at his eyes with one hand. "Now, we better get started, or that goose won't be the only one cooked!"

Harry laughed, relieved.

"Now, when we started with this, your father told me he had seen two animals when he took the Animagus potion, which sometimes happens. Most people just choose one and that is it. Some do try to attempt both. It occurs rarely. But while he was pleased with the stag, the other was a Brecon Buff Goose, which makes sense, those being bred in Wales. He refused it, thinking himself above being a goose," said Arthur, recalling the conversation.

"Um, aren't geese really good protectors?" asked Harry, recalling his little bit of grade school information.

"Yes, son, they are. Your father was more of a goose than he was willing to admit to, I believe." Arthur shook his head, as if to clear it of the memory, and they got back to the cooking.

Their timing was perfect, the goose was just about ready to remove from the oven and all the sides and desserts were done when everyone started to arrive. Hermione and Draco came by Floo, the rest of the brothers arrived by various means, Charlie even flew in from the Welsh preserve on his broom.

"Ferret." Ron stated baldly.

"Weasel."

"You two idiots do know those two animals are related and can interbreed, right?" Hermione asked.

"Mostly the mink and weasels interbreed, but you are right, Hermione," said Charlie.

The two of them grinned at each other then turned to Draco and Ron who had identical looks of horror on their faces.

Everyone took their seats at the table, and Arthur and Harry brought out the food.

As they were all eating, George thought of something. "We all promised Mum we'd get together and make her Christmas dinner, right? Well, Christmas means guests, so can we invite people?"

"Of course, son," said Arthur. He turned to Draco. "You are welcome to Christmas dinner as well."

Draco just nodded and then kept his head down, overcome by being included. He wasn't certain where he was going to end up for the holidays. He figured he'd be alone in that musty old house.

Harry spoke up, "Could Andromeda and Teddy come?"

"I hope they do," said Arthur.

"What about the study group?" asked Hermione. "Most of them lost family."

"Absolutely," replied Arthur. "All your guests are welcome. Now what parts of dinner is everyone making, so we can schedule time in the kitchen."

"I can make the rib roast," said Harry. "Mum and I talked about it last year and I think I'm the only one who's made one before."

Everyone grinned. Molly's rib roast was superb.

"Molly's recipe?" Arthur asked.

Harry nodded. "Apparently she and my Mum had discussed it and it was very similar. I know what changes to make to the spicing my Grandmother Evans used and taught Mum and Aunt Petunia."

Once the roast was settled, an air of excitement hit the table.

"I can do the mash and gravy," said Ginny.

"I can do the veg and salad," said Hermione.

"I can make the rolls and the Yorkshire pudding," said George.

"I know how to make the egg nog and mulled wine," said Percy.

"I can do the Christmas pudding," said Charlie. "I've got recipes for both custard and brandy butter to go with."

"Fleur and I will do the turkey and sage stuffing," said Bill, getting a nod from his wife.

Everyone was surprised when Ron spoke up. "Mum taught me to make the peppermint cremes, so I will do those."

"Wonderful," said Arthur. "I will make the mince pies."

Draco cleared his throat.

"Yes, Draco?" asked Arthur.

"Mum taught me to make cinnamon sugar dusted shortbread for Christmas. We would have lots of fun doing it and horrify the house-elves. Would you like me to bring some?" Draco looked oddly hopeful.

It seemed the rest of the table held their breath. It was only family that cooked on Christmas in the Weasley household. But it seemed that Arthur had made a decision. "Of course, young man. If you feel the need to bring some food, then you are welcome to do so."

"I promise not to poison them or set the guests on fire," said Draco unexpectedly. But his bowed head showed he was quite serious.

"Then they are truly welcome, and will heal quite a bit of history, won't they, son?"

Harry's eyes welled up when Draco grinned. It looked so much like Sirius it made his heart hurt.

"Yes, sir, I hope so. And thank you again for allowing me to join in with dinner. I can try to help cook next week if you need me to," he said.

"I think that although we are getting together for the next couple of weeks, we will have the older boys cook, you younger ones have to get ready for your NEWTs. And don't think I didn't hear that George and Ron are taking them as well. I think I could hear your mother shouting in delight from here."

George turned to Percy, quietly whispering under the ruckus. "So, what did they tell you?"

"Turn in the notes. They should be able to grant two with those."

"Wicked!"