A/N: To my absolute horror, I forgot to thank everyone who helped me with ideas for Christmas presents for our lovable characters so I would like to do that now - and with my sincerest gratitude and apologies for not doing so before.
Mellie E, Poppinswannabe, Spin, Potterhead1997, Sammyfish, 1Kiko, Mini-McGonagall and (again, apologies,) anyone who PMed me with ideas as well. You all helped me immensely in getting the presents done and wrapped and given :D.
-0-
Boxing Day passed in the same way as Christmas had down at the beach, but soon enough life returned to normal. The country was gearing up for another holiday though, for in a week we would all be celebrating New Year's together. Mum and Dad apologetically informed us all at dinner that they had to go back to work at least one day, if not two.
"I'm so sorry about this, but we have patients that have been on the waiting list for months," Mum explained as we sat around the dinner table.
"Kate, it's fine," Minerva said, waving off her concerns. "Hermione and Harry will entertain us while you're gone. If in doubt we shall laze by the pool and read."
I smiled as Albus and Harry both rolled their eyes, but I couldn't wait. It was hot, but not oppressively so - and therefore perfect weather for sunbathing with a good book.
"Well, if you're sure," Mum said hesitantly, looking between Minerva and Dad.
"Mum, it'll be fine," I agreed. "I have your mobile numbers, we'll call if something happens."
"Well, alright then," Mum said with resignation. "I don't really want to go to work, can you tell?"
We all chuckled and sat back, suitably stuffed from our meal.
"Do you have many patients?" Harry asked, picking at his third piece of apple pie.
"No," Dad said, "just those difficult ones that take a while to do. We usually manage to get them in and out in just a couple of hours so that we can enjoy our week off as well. There will no doubt be a few emergencies, cricket bats to the face, brand new skateboards, that sort of thing," he shook his head. "There always is."
"Sounds frightful," Albus said, popping in one of his Christmas lemon sherbets.
"It is," Mum said with a chuckle. "And you'll find out for yourself if you eat any more of those sweets."
Minerva laughed along with her, holding out her hand for the rest of the bag and glaring at him until he handed them over.
"Well, we're going to have to leave quite early tomorrow," Dad announced, picking up his plate and moving to the kitchen. "Just leave the dishes and we'll do them tomorrow," he said, grabbing Mum on his way and waving goodnight to the rest of us.
I rolled my eyes at my parents and smiled apologetically at my friends.
"I'm so sorry. He's pretty serious about work," I said with a shrug.
"No, it's fine," Minerva waved it off. "I think we can do better than leave the dishes though, don't you?"
I grinned as she waved her wand, sending all the dirty plates to the sink and turning on the tap without even leaving her seat.
"Wow Min," Harry said. "Molly would be proud."
Minerva laughed, leaning to her left to kiss his temple.
"My dear boy, who do you think taught her that spell?"
Harry and I stared at her, glancing at Albus, who just nodded, until we all fell about laughing.
"Alright, what about being a bit muggle and watching some TV or a film or something?" I asked, grabbing the leftovers and putting them away in the fridge.
"I think that's an excellent idea," Albus said, rubbing his hands in glee. "What are we going to be watching?"
I glanced at Harry, and he shrugged. He hadn't watched much television, the majority had been once he'd moved in permanently to Grimmauld Place and bought a modest set, which was now sat in the corner of his living room.
"Um, something Christmassy?" I asked.
"Something Australian?" Albus countered.
I perused Mum and Dad's meagre DVD collection and grinned when I saw one I thought we'd all enjoy.
Crocodile Dundee turned out to be a huge hit, after I explained to both Minerva and Albus that mostly people didn't do that sort of thing. Once they'd realised that it turned into a great night, laughing and joking around. It was only when Albus made a comment about trying to eat a bat that we all fell apart laughing.
Harry fell asleep sometime soon after that and Min gently lowered his head onto her knee, and she spent the rest of the film running her hands through his unruly hair, like she had done for me so many times.
"I need one of those," Albus said, pointing at something that the Ministry would definitely not let him take back into England, but I laughed, cuddling up to his arm and smiling when he let me lean on him.
I also fell asleep before the end, and only woke up when Albus lifted me from the sofa.
"Albus?" I asked, trying to work out where I was.
"It's alright. I worked out the TV thing-a-mig, just go back to sleep." I felt a little thrum of magic fall over me, and I felt comfortable pyjamas around me as I snuggled into my bed.
"Night," I sighed.
"Goodnight little one."
-0-
I woke up the next morning, startled to find the sun higher in the sky than I thought it should be. I rolled out of bed, rubbing my eyes before shuffling into the living room. It was completely deserted, so I wandered through the house looking for the others. As I peered into the kitchen, I found Harry boiling the kettle and staring out of the window.
"Hey you," I said, laughing when I made him jump.
"God Hermione, you scared me," he said, hugging me anyway.
"It's a very strange day when someone can sneak up on Mr Harry Potter, what are you looking at?"
I peered out of the window he was staring through, finding myself watching Minerva and Albus, who were floating in the swimming pool, casually holding each other.
"I'm not perving," Harry said quickly. "I just think they're amazing."
"I know," I said, smiling as Minerva turned her neck from where she was lying against Albus and kissed him deeply.
It was time to stop watching them.
"Come on, let's go and sit on the verandah," I suggested, dragging him away.
We sat, mainly in silence until we heard Minerva and Albus join us in the house.
"Good morning you two," Minerva said, her hair perfectly dry and free-flowing around her shoulders as she leaned down to kiss us both.
We returned the greeting, both of us having made a pact that we weren't going to say anything about what we had seen when they finally got out of the pool.
"What are your plans today?" Minerva asked. "Albus and I were wondering if you all wanted to join us for a picnic on the beach again."
"Oh, that sounds good," I said, nodding. "Do we want to make sandwiches, or just grab something from that little place in town?"
"Oh now there's an idea Hermione," Minerva said with a grin. She had particularly liked the sardine and salad sandwich they had on their menu - something she couldn't even find in Britain.
Having a plan of action, we all went to change, meeting again at the front door just a few minutes later.
"Right, do we all know where we're going?" Albus asked, aiming the question more at Harry than the rest of us. There were plenty of little alleys we could apparate into, but Harry couldn't quite get the hang of apparition where a specific, intended point was concerned.
"I, um -"
I grinned and grabbed his hand.
"I'll take you Harry."
"Alright, off we go," Albus said, popping out of existence, followed closely by Minerva, then us.
They were waiting for us by the time we got there and we dusted ourselves off, made sure our wands were secure, then walked out of the shadows and into the main street.
"Oh cool, there's a market," Harry said, pointing to where all the makeshift stands were.
"I haven't been to a market in years," Minerva said, looking beseechingly at Albus.
"Neither have I, love."
I grinned, linking arms with Minerva and walking with the crowd, letting the boys follow in our wake as we prepared to take a really good look at everything the market had to offer.
As it turned out, there were plenty of clothing and jewellery vendors for us to peruse, and all manor of food stalls that had the boy's interest immediately.
"Mmm, Hermione - Albus and I are going over there," Harry said, pointing towards a miniature pancake stand which boasted fillings and toppings including chocolate spread and all kind of fruit.
Minerva and I waved goodbye and wandered into a little tent selling sarongs.
"Wow, that's beautiful," I said, looking at the intricate design on the material.
"That would look lovely with your skin," Minerva said quietly, winking when I blushed a little.
"I think that would would look amazing on you," I said in return, pointing to one of the ones hanging from the ceiling. It was a deep emerald green with what looked like Celtic patterns in black, but all outlined in gold.
"I couldn't wear that!" she said, shaking her head.
"Yes you could," I replied, nodding to the man to get it down.
"I -"
"Trust me, Min," I said, handing over the right money with a smile.
"Your daughter's right love," the man said, in the easy way that Australian's did. "I reckon you'll look bloody alright in that."
I laughed as we exited the store, pulling Minerva away as she tried to work out what he meant.
"He was complimenting you," I assured her, linking my arm back with hers. "Trust me."
"Well, I do," she said honestly, looking back towards the man. "And I must admit that I enjoyed him thinking you were my daughter, I just can't believe that we're all speaking the same language."
We were still chuckling as we found the boys trying on sunglasses. We watched for a moment as Harry slipped on a pair of mirrored aviators, looking in the mirror as Albus did the same.
"I think they're more for Harry's generation darling," Minerva said, kissing to Albus' cheek to stave off his disappointment.
"Oh, I know, I've already brought some," he said, holding up a bag. "Harry helped me with the money and everything."
I bit my lip as Harry shook his head, and I could only imagine what sort of sunglasses he'd chosen.
"Merlin," I heard Minerva whisper. "Alright, do your worst Albus. Let's see them."
He grinned, sipping his hand into the bag and, with a flourish, donned the most horrendous sunglasses I'd ever seen.
They were plastic and completely useless in the harsh Australian sun, but what was worse was the fact that on either side of the frames was a letter C and an L, making the two round lenses the inner part of the word 'Cool'.
"Harry said they looked cool," Albus shrugged defensively when Minerva let her head fall into her hands.
If it wasn't for Harry's strange facial expression, I wouldn't have clued onto the fact that it was all a big joke until Minerva took a deep breath and then decided against speaking.
"I'm only kidding Min," Albus said, reaching into his bag again and pulling out another pair, not dissimilar to his normal glasses.
"Oh, thank Merlin," she groaned, slapping his arm. "You definitely cannot wear those monstrosities anywhere when you are with me."
After having a look around a few more stalls, where Minerva and I both bought a few pretty necklaces on string that would look amazing with the right outfit, we left for the sandwich place.
"I could eat a horse," Harry said, rubbing his rumbling stomach.
"Mm, I know what you mean Harry," Albus concurred, spying a fish and chip shop on our way. "I'm getting some chips to share. Ladies, you're in charge of sandwiches; come along Harry."
They left us without even a 'see you soon', disappearing into the little shop and leaving us on the pavement.
"Well!" Minerva said, shaking her head once more. "He will never grow up, of that I am sure."
I laughed, and leaned against her.
"Yes, but then he wouldn't be Albus, and you wouldn't love him."
Minerva winked as she nodded, but didn't say anything else, moving to order a sandwich for her and Albus, and leaving me to order Harry's and my own.
It didn't take long and we soon caught up to the boys just as they were walking across the street to the little alley we'd apparated into.
"Straight to the beach?" Albus asked, checking we we all wearing suitable beach clothes.
"I think I'd like to get changed," Minerva said. "It's quite warm today."
"Me too," I agreed, wishing I'd put on shorts instead of jeans this morning.
"Right, ladies, you go on back to the house while Harry and I set up on the beach. We shouldn't be too far away from the path so we'll make a nice little area and wait for you," Albus said, grinning as he offered his arm to Harry.
"Albus, you eat one chip while we're gone and I promise I will set your entire pyjama collection on fire," Minerva warned, disapparating without waiting for his reply.
"I guess she means it," I shrugged, laughing as I too popped away. We'd get changed quickly, then maybe apparate down to the beach instead of walking. Surely it was alright to be lazy some of the time.
-0-
"I think I'm going to miss this place when we leave," Harry said, lying back on a towel and working on his tan.
"I know what you mean my boy," Albus said from a similar position to Harry, except his towel was covered in vivid lilac and lime green polka dots.
"If you two don't put on some sun cream, you're both going to burn," Minerva said looking over her glasses at the two men, who scoffed in reply.
"Do you know any potions for sunburn?" I asked Minerva, feeling a little worried that their holidays would be ruined if they got too burnt.
"I do, but I'm not going to tell either of them the recipe until the second day," she said, her mouth pursed in annoyance.
I laughed, leaning against her in the shade of a nicely transfigured palm tree swaying gently in the breeze. We had giggled initially when we had happened upon the oasis-like area Albus had created for us when we'd got to the beach, and after a few sideways looks from a group of young muggles, Minerva had removed most of it, leaving a solitary palm to keep us out of the sun. I hadn't the heart to tell her that palm trees in the middle of the beach weren't really any weirder than an entire copse of them, but I was enjoying the shade in the heat of the day.
I wasn't sure how long we'd stayed down at the beach, but when Mum called telling me they were on their way home, I realised we must have been there for hours.
"Gracious, we'd better get back. I'd like to cook dinner tonight," MInerva announced, flicking her wrist and grabbing the small bag that everything had disappeared into. "I think a good hearty stew would be the best thing. And some nice fresh bread."
"Mm, that would be great," Harry answered, rubbing his hands together with glee.
"That settles it then," Min said. "Hermione, you and I can go shopping while the boys have showers and get changed." She nodded at the two boys, who were still trying to brush the sand off their feet.
"Oh, hang this," Albus said, getting out his wand now we were in a secluded patch of forest.
"I would seriously reconsider that Albus," Minerva warned. "If you are sunburnt, a spell to remove the sand will seriously hurt."
"I'm not sunburnt love," he said with a wink. "Anyway, it was only going to be a little Summoning spell. That won't hurt."
Minerva shook her head and left him to it, dragging me back to the house.
"OW!"
"I told him," she muttered as we walked. "I always tell him. But does he listen? No, he never listens."
I wisely kept quiet as we marched up the stairs to the front door.
"Mum and Dad aren't home yet," I said, noticing the car wasn't in the drive. "Do you think they'll be alright?" I asked, looking back in the hope they wouldn't be too far behind.
"Oh, I'm sure they'll work it out," Minerva chuckled. I think a quick shower is in order and then we shall all go into town?" she suggested, nodding when I agreed. "Good, meet you back here in half an hour. With any luck they'll be back by then and we won't have to involve the Australian Ministry in locating the two most well known wizards in all the world." She rolled her eyes and left me at the door to the bathroom, still chuntering as she went to her own rooms.
-0-
"So, what are our plans for New Year's Eve then?" Mum asked as we dished up the stew and bread.
"Min, please dear, I can't lift my arms up that high," Albus whined, looking all the more like Santa Claus, what with his red face, arms and chest. It looked a lot worse than earlier, but Min was ruthless. When Mum offered Albus some aloe vera gel, Minerva went to pass it to him, before making it disappear before his eyes.
"Don't talk to me about you being burnt," she snapped, grabbing his plate and dishing up his portion.
I bit my lip, glancing at Mum who just looked sympathetic to both Albus and Harry, who was only marginally better off. I couldn't help but see the slight similarities between Molly and Minerva as Minerva suddenly took on the role of head matriarch.
"Do you have a potion or something?" Harry whispered to me as Minerva served my dad, before sitting down and handing Albus a piece of bread and refusing to look at him. I grimaced and shook my head. "Thanks anyway," he said.
If I hadn't been sunburnt the last time I came out to Australia for a holiday, I think I would have felt exactly like Minerva, especially as we both told them time and again to get out of the sun. After I came out of the pool looking like a lobster one time, however, I really could sympathise.
"So," Mum said, interrupting Minerva and Albus' glaring match. "New Year's?"
"Ah, actually I had a thought about that," Albus piped up, immediately dropping the staring contest to join in the conversation. "I have a friend who lives in Sydney. He always said that if I was ever in Australia in December, then I should visit him for New Years Eve. I'm sure he won't mind a few of us going. I have his address somewhere, I brought it just in case."
"Oh brilliant!" Mum said, grabbing Dad's hand. "We've always wanted to go to Sydney for the fireworks, but as there's just the two of us, we never really saw the point."
"Well, I'll owl him and see what he says."
"Um, Albus, I don't know where the nearest wizarding post office is," I said awkwardly. "And I'm not really sure where to go to get that information."
"Doesn't he have a phone?" Mum asked, looking sideways at me. Harry and I both laughed and shook our heads.
"Not many magical folk use muggle technology Mum," I explained. "In fact, I took my Muggle Studies OWL; do you know that the class is at least thirty years behind, Albus?"
"Is it?" he said incredulously. "I shall make sure that gets addressed."
I knew it would slip his mind, but I saw Minerva roll her eyes, so no doubt she would remember for him.
"So Sydney then," Dad said, nodding happily. "Excellent."
"I'll see if I can't find a Post Office tomorrow, and hopefully we'll be able to just apparate down there with you in tow."
"Um, isn't apparating uncomfortable. Does it hurt?" Mum said looking a little out of her depth.
"It's fine dear, we'll make sure you get there in one piece," MInerva said, patting Mum's hands.
Knowing that it didn't really answer her question I let her know that I would tell her after dinner, and possibly when she'd had just a little more wine.
"Sounds exciting," Dad grinned. For a dentist, he really was a kind of a daredevil. Mum had bought him a skydiving experience for their wedding anniversary, and he'd gone back afterwards and treated himself to another one for his birthday.
"Right," Minerva announced, waving her hand and removing the stasis charm she'd put over our food. "If you don't mind, I think we should eat now and talk afterwards."
I couldn't help but grin as I dropped my head and started eating my stew, groaning a little at how good it was.
"Wow Min, this is way better than Molly's," Harry said in surprise.
"Yes, well, I have the odd cookbook at home," she said, clearly pleased, but trying not to look so obvious about it.
"Odd cookbook?" Albus repeated without thinking - as he was wont to do. "Try a whole section in our library."
The silence was deafening for a moment before we all burst out laughing, even Minerva, at how childish they were both being. It didn't take long for the tension to ease and the happy go lucky attitude of us all to come roaring back in, helped by good food and great company.
"Harry, you'll have to come to our rooms so I can apply the aftersun potion," Minerva said, "I'm not Severus, that's for sure, but I did learn this after a rather unfortunate incident during my time in Italy. It's one of the few potions I do well."
I smiled as Mum prompted Minerva for tales of her time in Italy. I knew that most of Minerva's immediate life after graduating from Hogwarts had been spent helping with the war effort, but after that, and I assumed, after they lost their baby, they travelled quite extensively, revisiting little towns and places they saw during their time on the continent. The stories were magnificent, and I couldn't help but be lulled by her voice.
I love Mum with all my heart, and nobody would ever replace her, but Minerva held a special place right beside her, where I knew that I would love her just as much, and for just as long. She caught my eye as she was telling us of another great adventure that she and Albus had and she paused, just long enough to wink at me, before carrying on.
Those moments were the ones I treasured, because they were so fleeting. I knew better though. They meant the world to me, and I sat there happily, listening to her brogue and feeling totally at peace.
It was marvellous.
