Chapter 12: Christmas with the Weasley's

It was Christmas morning and the Potters were gathered around the Christmas tree. The tree sparkled with tinsel and lights. "Okay kids, everyone grab a present!" James instructed.

Harry grabbed an oddly wrapped present with a tag that read ,"from Mom & Dad". A smile creeped onto his face as he read it. His parents, he finally got a present from his parents. He was finally participating in a Christmas with his family. He glanced around the room and saw each member of his family holding a brightly wrapped box.

"Now on a count of three open them. One. Two. Three!" James said. Wrapping paper went flying into the air. Harry unwrapped the present and saw a Firebolt. A smile swept across Harry's face. He had been riding a Cleansweeper, that was okay but didn't go nearly as fast as a Firebolt. He flipped it over and ran his fingers down the handle.

"I love it!" Sarah gasped as she pulled out a periwinkle dress. She stood up and held it up to her as she twirled around. "I think I'll wear it today!"

Harry examined his new broom. His traced the letters 'Firebolt' with his finger. Even though he owned one in the other world, it felt like he hadn't touched one in a long time.

"Do you like it Harry?" Lilly asked.

Harry nodded, "It's brilliant!"

"We thought you would like it." James said.

"I really do. It's one of the gifts I've ever received." Harry said.

A half hour later, the Christmas tree stood alone. The presents that once surrounded it were gone. A layer of wrapping paper was found on the floor. "Harry, here's your last one." Lucas said. He handed Harry a small box wrapped in red wrapping paper. Harry tore the wrapping paper off and opened the box.

Inside was a brand new quill. Harry picked it up and began looking for a tag. He found a note that read: "Dear Harry, I know that you needed a new quill so I bought you one. Your friend, Hermione."

"Oh who gave you that?" Lily asked.

"Hermione."

"That was sweet of her." Lilly said with a gleam in her eye. "It's a nice quill too."

Katie interrupted, "You did give her something right?"

"Yeah I gave her a book." Harry said re-reading the note.

"Oh you know her well." Katie teased.

"I think this was a good Christmas don't you think Lucas?" James asked his youngest son.

"It was awesome! Now can we go ride on our broomsticks?" Lucas replied.

"I think we can. Harry got a new broom that I bet he is dying to try out." James said. He then caught a glance of Lily and said, "Only if your mother approves of course."

Lily sighed, "I guess you guys can. Be careful."

"No promises" Harry said.

They all eagerly went out into the backyard. Harry backyard was large in size. In one corner stood a playground painted with bright blue and green paint. A patio was stationed by the back door and the rest of the backyard was a grassy field. James had jinxed two hula hoops to act as scoring posts. "Okay Katie and I will be on one team and the rest of you on another. Deal?" James said. Everyone nodded, "Okay, one...two...three...go!"

They took of within a matter of seconds. Harry flew high above the rest in search for the gleaming speck that was the snitch. "Did you know Lucas, that I was a chaser at Howarts? A pretty good one too." James called out to Lucas.

James hit the quaffle into the floating hoop with ease. "Score!" James said with enthusiasm. Sarah and Lucas gave Harry a discouraged look.

"Don't worry guys! We'll catch up!" Harry called out.

The game continued on with James scoring twenty more points, Sarah ten, and Lucas none. "This game is so unfair!" Lucas pouted.

"Wait until the bring the bludger out. Now that thing is not fair." James said.

"I'll never be a good Quidditch player!" Lucas complained.

"Nonsense!" James assured his son, "You may not ever be as good as me but you'll definitely make it on the team."

Harry saw a glint of gold. He darted down as fast as he could but the glint disappeared. "Did you see something Harry?" Lucas called out.

Harry watched as James hit the quaffle towards Lucas. "No- Lucas! The quaffle!" Harry yelled. Lucas hit the ball and it flew straight through the hoop.

Everyone cheered and clapped for Lucas and Harry returned to his stat. He looked down and again saw the snitch sparkiling in the suns beams. Harry chased after it. Meanwhile, James hit the quaffle, "I can hit these things so hard."

"Honestly, James and you wonder why I don't let the kids play!" Harry heard Lily say.

"I'm sorry Lils! I didn't know it would hit him, let alone knock him off!" James said.

Harry opened his eyes, "Look, he's alive." Lucas said.

"Oh Harry!" Lily said embracing him. "Are you okay? What am I saying? Of course you aren't. Come on inside and well fix you up."

"Lils. I'm sure he's fine." James said.

"Oh yes and this is coming from the man who hit our son with a Quidditch ball!"

"I said I was sorry."

"I don't care how many times you say sorry you aren't playing for the rest of the holiday! It would be one thing if it was Lucas who hit him, but a man who's been playing it all his life!" Lily ranted. Lily guided Harry into the living room and lied him down on the couch. She lifted his shirt. "OOH. That is going to leave a bruise." she left the room and came back with a pack of ice.

Harry winced, "Ow!"

"I'm sorry honey. Getting hurt on Christmas." Lilly said.

"So we can't play Quidditch anymore?" Harry asked.

Lilly frowned, "Is that all anyone thinks about in this house! Never mind thar Harry was almost killed!"

"I was not." Harry argued.

Lilly rolled her eyes, "Don't argue with me Harry James Potter."

"Oooh yikes, the full name." Katie said from the side.

"Zip it Katie." Lilly said.

"I'm just saying. I'm not trying to be mean so no need to get angry." Katie said.

Lily rolled her eyes, "I know I'm terrible mother. Getting mad at you lot in Christmas."

"No your not. You're a wonderful mother who cares about her children." Harry said. "We all should appreciate you more."

"You are definitely James's son. That is something he would have done." Lily said. "Thank you Harry. I have to start the casserole to take to the Weasley's"

***
Later that day they went to the Weasley's. Katie skipped up to the door. "Why are you so happy?" Harry asked.

Katie whispered, "Well I'm seeing Ginny aren't I."

"Its because of Ron isn't it?" Harry said raising an eyebrow.

"Let's just say I'm glad Lavender isn't here."

"Did you knock?" James asked.

"Yes!" Katie sang as she twirled around.

Harry shook his head at his crazy sister. He still didn't understand why she was acting like this. The door swung open and Mrs. Weasley was standing there. Her same welcoming eyes and plump figure greeted them, "Merry Christmas Potters!"

Mrs. Weasley greeted each of them with a big hug. "Some things never change." Harry said to himself.

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed. "Long time no see mate!"

"I know! I feel like we have so much catching up to do!" Harry said.

Ron's smile faded, "We do! I just remember!"

Harry looked at him bewildered and then realized what he was talking about, "Thats right! We never got to talk after my detention!"

"This is private matter though. We have to sneak into my room." Ron said. Harry smiled and followed Ron up to his bedroom. He hasn't seen it forever it seemed like.

Ron sat on the floor with his back against his bed. Harry sat opposite from him leaning against the wall. "So?" Harry started.

"How was Christmas?" Ron asked.

"That's not what you brought me here for." Harry said glaring at Ron.

Ron sighed, "Fine, I was going to tell you that I'm a terrible terrible person."

"How so?"

"Do you ever want something you can't have?" Ron asked looking at the ceiling.

"Yes." Harry said immediately.

Ron sighed once more, "I don't know what it is but I'm starting to fancy someone else. Someone besides Lavender."

"Who?"

"Nevermind that. I'm a terrible person Harry. I'm a terrible boyfriend actually. This new girl...she doesn't deserve me. She deserves something so much more." Ron said.

"Who is it Ron?!" Harry asked.

"I can't tell you."

"Why not?"

Ron stared at his hands, "Because it doesn't matter. I'm with Lavender remember. I'm not supposed to like other girls."

"Then how did it happen?"

"I don't know. I guess it's maybe because-"

"All you do is kiss." Harry finished.

"How did you?" Ron said as his eyes got wider. "I mean, I haven't told that to anyone!"

Harry shrugged, "You'll find out sometime later."

Ron still looked deeply confused but continued, "Yeah, it just tires me you know? I mean I love kissing her but we never get to just talk."

"Yeah I get it." Harry said.

"Anyways, you said you had to tell me about detention." Ron said changing the subject. Harry told him what happened all the way down to when Hermione stopped him in the hallway. "She can't be serious. Granger- I mean Hermione can't honestly believe that fate is trying to make you and Malfoy best friends. I am your best friend!"

"I know Ron. Believe me, I'm not going to replace you with whiny Malfoy!" Harry said.

"So then you like Hermione?" Ron asked.

"I'll have to get back to you on that one. I do like her more than a friend, but, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to. I think we were meant to be friends. I have to decide what I really want." Harry explained to Ron.

"BOYS! WE'RE STARTING TO EAT!" Mrs. Weasley called up the stairs.

Ron flew out of the room before anyone could say hippogriff. "Come on Harry!" Harry quickly chased after Ron until they got to the dining table.

"Mmmm..." Ron said walking out of the dining room. "That was one brilliant Christmas dinner. I think my entire day just got ten times better. Your mothers casserole...divine!"

Katie laughed as Ron sat beside her on the couch. "Harry!" James called.

"Yeah?" Harry asked peering into the room his father was calling from.

"We want to hear about your last Quidditch game." James said. Surrounding him were Sirius, Lupin, and most surprising of all was Peter.

Harry gulped and vaguely retold what happened. "It wasn't my best game. I was out of it."

"Don't worry, Prongs had those days too." Sirius said patting him on the back.

"As long as I don't get hurt I always catch the snitch. Except last time." Harry said.

Lupin smiled, "But your team still won."

"No thanks to me."

"Harry, it's okay. We all have our shining moments and our not so shining moments." James said. The Mauderer's and Harry discussed other Quidditch moves for awhile before Harry returned to the sitting room.

Katie and Ron had maintained their position on the couch but they were now facing each other. "So then I found it on the kitchen table!" Ron finished.

Katie laughed, "All of that trouble for nothing!"

"Oh hey Harry!" Ron said turning around to see Harry.

"Hey you guys. What's going on?"

"Ron and I were just talking." Katie smiled.

Harry sat across from them and sighed. "I'm ready for a nap."

Ron yawned, "Me too. It's been a fantastic Christmas."

"I agree." Katie said. Her face still wore a big smile.

"Favorite present?" Ron asked.

"My firebolt." Harry said without hesitation.

Katie thought about it and then said, "My dress robe. It's stunning!"

"When are you ever going to use it though?" Ron asked.

"Maybe Hogwarts should throw a dance." Katie shrugged.

"My favorite was my new broom kit." Ron said. Katie and Harry nodded.

"Can I join or is it only a party of three?" Ginny asked.

"All is welcome." Harry said as Ginny sat beside him. For the rest of the night, the four chatted and laughed. It was an exceptional Christmas, just as Harry had imagined it to be.

A/N So there you go! Two chapters in one day! Don't get used to it though. :)