November seemed to fly by, with both Harry and Ginny busier than ever. With the school year winding down before the Christmas break, Ginny wasn't getting as many job opportunities to relieve, so she would stay in the city at Harry's. He certainly liked coming home to her, and he delighted in welcoming Neville and Hannah to dinner, or to have his daughter and her new husband over, too.
Before they knew it, December arrived. Armed with lists, Harry and Ginny met up with Neville and Hannah to try and knock over most of their Christmas shopping early in the month. Ginny had brought quite a few presents back with her from Paris, especially for the younger members of her family. She mostly tried to give her brothers and their wives couples gifts, so she was a woman on a mission that day.
Neville and Hannah didn't have many presents to buy for, as they were both only children, but with Trevor's birthday only days after Christmas, their shopping was mostly for him. But they also bought for Harry's family, including Lily and James.
The two couples met for a late lunch, then hit the shops, going their separate ways, with plans to meet up later. Sammi and Daniel were coming in to the city to meet them for the lighting of the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square. It was a tradition that Harry had done with his daughters since they were little and he was pleased Sammi wanted to continue the tradition, and that he could now share it with Ginny.
Harry and Ginny had briefly separated while Ginny had gone to look at something for two of her nieces. Harry had purchased something for Sammi and Daniel's flat that he knew Sammi had mentioned liking when she spotted it in a catalogue.
It was then that Harry wondered what he was going to get Ginny for Christmas.
When he'd thought of it before, he'd had vague ideas of perfume, of lingerie – a present that they'd both like – or maybe even a trip to the Cotswolds. But now their relationship had intensified, particularly since Paris, he wanted to give her so much more. He wanted...well, he wanted to give her the world.
Hmm, the world.
Ginny returned to Harry's side, thrusting a bag into his arms. "I just had a great idea for Luna and Hermione. I'm going to go up to the fourth floor, want to come with?"
Harry shook his head, amused at her enthusiasm for shopping. He realised it was buying for her loved ones she was enjoying more than anything. "Is that the last one?" he asked her.
She kissed him lightly. "Yes, that's it, we're done after that. We can go and meet Hannah and Neville and get a drink."
"Thank God. All right, I'll meet you downstairs, near the entrance. I'll text Nev while I'm waiting."
Ginny nodded and hurried to join the throng going up the escalator. He watched her chat to another woman as they made their way up, then he headed downstairs.
Across from the huge shopping complex they were in, was a travel agent. It's window display featured sunny destinations, very appealing against the grey cold of the London winter.
Harry sent a text to Neville, then wandered across the way. Hailey's words came back to him. 'We should do a family trip to Disneyland?' He wondered where Ginny would want to travel. He'd always thought about travelling across Europe, but Hailey's enthusiasm for Australia and New Zealand made him think about them. It would be nice to get away from London's winter and travel somewhere warm.
Later that night, back at Grimmauld Place, he decided to bring it up. He had no idea if Ginny could take more time off, as she hadn't worked much since her Paris break, or even if she could afford to go.
"Gin?" he asked.
"Hmm?" She was in the kitchen, writing out a shopping list to go to the shops the next day. While Harry was at work, there wasn't much to do, as she hadn't wanted to encroach on Mrs Dobby's toes by doing much housework.
"About Christmas..."
She looked up, pen in her mouth. "Mmm?"
"I was wondering...thinking...about presents," he said slowly. She removed the pen.
" Oh? I thought we did pretty well today," she said, pleased.
"I meant, for each other," he corrected.
Ginny looked uneasy. " Oh-kay," she drawled. She hesitated, then blurted out, "I haven't bought you anything yet."
He smiled and took her hand. "Me either," he assured her. "What I really want...and hope you do too, is time. More time for us," he added.
"I want that too, but I don't understand how we can give that as a gift," she asked.
He came closer to her and put his hands on her waist. "Let's go on a trip together. I missed you so much when you were in Paris, wished I was with you, seeing all those fun things, sharing your experiences," he explained.
"Oh, yes," she exclaimed, her eyes blazing with excitement, " that sounds brilliant. Where should we go? Can you get a week or two off work?" she asked.
" Actually, I was thinking more like one or two months. Hell, three, six months," he shrugged. "I have plenty of holiday time accrued, but really, I don't care. There is so much more to life than work." He took her hand. " Who knows that better than us," he asked rhetorically.
She nodded. "But your daughters, your parents?" she asked, also thinking of her own family, particularly her son and grandsons.
"We can meet up with them in some far flung place. Hailey mentioned Disneyland after seeing your photos, we could go to America, meet the kids there," he suggested, getting excited at the thought.
" All of them?" she asked, surprised.
"Sure, why not? Hailey and Ben are always travelling. I'm sure Steven, Lucy and the boys would want to come, as well as Sammi and Daniel," he said, enthused. "What do you think?" When she didn't respond immediately, he feared the worst. "If it's a money thing, well..."
"No, it's not that. The money is fine. I think...I think it's a brilliant idea," she finally said.
"Really? Just like that?" he asked, surprised.
She nodded. "Where shall we go?"
He gathered her in his arms. "Anywhere, as long as I'm with you."
/*/*/*
They survived a very busy Christmas. Ginny had spent the week before Christmas in the city with Harry, and they had had Hannah, Neville, Trevor, Rose, Adam, Daisy, Sammi and Daniel over for a special dinner on the 23rd.
Mrs Dobby had come over for a celebratory lunch the next day, Christmas Eve, as did Harry's neighbour Minerva. Ginny left to return to Bristol after she and Harry had cleaned up. They had agreed to continue their own family celebrations this year. Ginny would have Steven, Lucy and two excitable boys come to hers on Christmas morning, as well as Ben, who had arrived back in London that day and was at hers now, probably sleeping. After a late breakfast they would head to the Burrow, where all Ginny's family would be.
Sammi and Daniel had spent Christmas Eve with Daniel's parents but were coming to Harry's after dinner to stay the night. Harry would have his two daughters with him on Christmas Eve, probably for the last time. Hailey was sleeping upstairs in her own room right now but he was sure she'd be the first one awake in the morning, calling for them all to come downstairs and open presents. Then they'd drive down to Godric's Hollow to join his sister and niece at their parents place for lunch. After, they would all head to the Burrow for Christmas dinner, where Harry would finally get to meet all of Ginny's brother's, their spouses and children.
"Bedlam. It's going to be bedlam," announced Ginny, happily.
" What say you and I find a moment to sneak off for some alone time," suggested Harry, wiggling his eyebrows.
"You know Teddy thinks we're playing hide and seek whenever we try that," giggled Ginny, " but there will be lots of distractions there, so keep that thought in mind."
~00~
It was late afternoon by the time all the Potters arrived at the Burrow, having driven in two cars; Rose picking Adam up on the way. Harry had warned them about the place. "It's huge, it's like nothing you've ever seen before, but it's brilliant," he said.
Their mouths were agape as they filed out of the car. "I love it," gushed Hailey, "it's exactly as Ben described."
Harry put his hands on Sammi's shoulders and whispered into her ear, "stop mentally re-decorating. It's perfect as it is."
Sammi flushed and opened her mouth to retort when they heard a cry. " Grandpa Harry! Grandpa Harry, guess what Santa brung me!"
It was Teddy, running as fast as he could to get to his hero. Sammi appeared shocked that this unknown little boy was calling her dad, 'grandpa'. Even more surprising to her was that her dad was loving it, opening his arms wide to catch the little boy as he leapt into Harry's arms, sure that he would catch him.
"Happy Christmas, Teddy," laughed Harry, hugging the little boy tight.
Teddy flung his arms around Harry. "I missed you lots. Did Santa bring you somefing, Grandpa?"
" Yes, he did. He brought my daughter home to me. Teddy, this is Samantha and this is Hailey. These are my two daughters. The man next to Samantha is Daniel, her husband," introduced Harry.
Teddy waved confidently to them all. " Who's that?" he pointed. " He looks like you, but his hair is coloured with grey. Did you colour his hair with grey crayons, Grandpa?"
James chortled, coming over to greet the young boy. " Hello there, aren't you a big boy? Harry talks about you all the time. I'm Harry's dad, James. Put it there, buddy." He held out his hand for Teddy to shake.
Teddy did. "I'm not buddy, I'm Teddy. He then turned to Harry. " You got a daddy too?" His voice was uncertain he had understood correctly.
Harry chuckled. " Yes, and this beautiful lady is my mum. Teddy, this is Lily Potter."
" Wow, you are bee-yoo-tiful," said Teddy, sounding out the big word.
Lily laughed. " Thank you, Teddy, and happy Christmas."
" But my nana is the prettiest," added Teddy quickly.
"Quite right," agreed Lily, enchanted with the little boy. She longed to take him in her arms herself. It had been long while since she'd held a toddler.
"Speaking of your pretty nana, where is she?" asked Harry after he had introduced Rose, Daisy and Adam.
" Mikey weed his pants when Uncle George and Uncle Fred set off a cracker. Nana took him to change. It was so funny. Come see, Grandpa," coaxed Teddy, wiggling to get down. He grabbed Harry's hand, then James' hand. " Come on, Grandpa Harry's daddy. You hafta see."
" Can't wait," grinned James. " And I guess you could call me great grandpa James, if you want," he offered.
" Why are you great?" asked Teddy, interestedly. " Grandpa Harry is a great grandpa, we play and colour and he cooks me my favourite biscuits. I love him."
Harry's heart melted. "I love you too, Teddy."
" Well, Teddy, who do you think taught Harry all those things," scoffed James. "Me!"
Teddy nodded. " Okay, great grandpa James. But come on, you hafta see...now!"
They walked to the house, noting groups of people dotted around the large yard. Thankfully, a huge marquee had been erected due to the weather, with large heaters for warmth. Besides, there was no way they would all fit into the house. Harry waved to Bill and Arthur, turning to see Ginny coming towards him with Michael in her arms. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here to meet you when you arrived," she apologised.
"I found them, Nana. This is great grandpa James and his bee-yoo-tiful Lily," announced Teddy, pointing.
" Thank you darling, but I already know them. Lily, James, Happy Christmas," she said, going over to kiss their cheeks. " This is my other grandson, Michael."
" He weed his pants," confided Teddy loudly.
" Did not," protested Michael. With all eyes on him, he shrunk back against Ginny. "It was a accident," he said.
" Now, now, it's all been fixed," soothed Ginny.
Harry came over to Ginny, kissing her softly. " Happy Christmas, love."
"Happy Christmas, Harry," she replied, cupping his cheek.
"What about me, Gwampa Hawwy?" asked Michael, leaning forward for Harry to take him.
"Look, Mikey, this is great grandpa James, he's Harry's daddy and that's his mummy," yelled Teddy, " and that's his dotters."
Many of Ginny's family had come forward to meet the new visitors. They chuckled to hear Teddy's introductions.
Harry knew he would probably never remember the names of all Ginny's brothers, their spouses and their children, but it was fun trying. He figured he knew Bill and Fleur, because they had featured in Ginny's photos of Paris. He remembered Charlie because he, Ben and Hailey spent a lot of time together, discussing animals in the wild. Charlie worked on a animal rescue site in Africa, where the animals were lions, tigers and the like. Ben had been there to take photos of the work they did.
He knew the twins were Fred and George, but couldn't say which one was which. Percy was the one dressed up the most, in a suit and tie, with everyone else in casual wear. Ron was the one wearing a football jersey, whose wife Lavender, hovered over him, continually filling his plate. Kids ran rampant despite the cold, excited because it was Christmas. They were of varying ages, most were children of Ginny's many nieces and nephews, with Michael being the youngest.
His own family fitted in well. Lily complimented Molly on the food, and they talked about their grandchildren with one of Ginny's sisters-in-laws. Arthur had shown James his shed, then his dad was talking with the twins about their joke shop. Rose and Adam were talking with Percy and another woman, who Harry supposed might be his wife. Daisy had been dragged away by a group of similar aged kids to play games in the house.
Everyone came to the marquee for dinner, although it was mostly picking, for no-one was overly hungry for a full meal. But they were all there together, and it was loud and it was fun.
With all the families encouragement, Bill's daughter, Nikki began to sing. While her older sister Victoria had inherited her mother's beauty, Nikki, while no slouch in the looks department, had been graced with a sweet husky voice.
There was silence as she sang some carols; everyone was mesmerised. Then, almost embarrassed, she sang carols that everyone could join in on, even Teddy and Michael.
When the night was dark and the stars came out, they all rugged up against the cold and settled back to watch the fireworks. Teddy climbed into Harry's lap, and Michael in Ginny's. Both boys were asleep before the last cracker lit up the sky.
It had been the best Christmas, with both families coming together to celebrate. And Harry and Ginny did find a moment – or two – to slip away for some alone time.
~00~
New Year's Eve was spent at Godric's Hollow. Rose, Adam and Daisy met Harry and Ginny at their parents home for the celebrations. Sammi and Daniel were spending it with friends, and Hailey was off at some party for some of her old university friends. Both had called Harry earlier to wish him and Ginny well for the new year.
Ginny found herself charmed by the small village, which hosted a street party for its residents each year. The weather wasn't as harsh as first predicted, but coverings had been laid over the main street. It was Ginny's turn to be introduced to a great number of people who had known Harry from a young boy, and she delighted in hearing about the mischief he had gotten into. There were a lot of stories about him and his godfather, too.
Harry took her hand and lead her to the graveyard. She looked down upon Sirius Black's resting place, knowing how much this man had meant to Harry. He also pointed out his paternal grandparents graves, before they returned to the party.
To Ginny's surprise, the actual party broke up at 11.30, with everyone returning to their homes. "It's an old custom," explained Harry. "Everyone returns home so they can leave their front door open as it gets close to midnight. This is so the old year can leave, and the new year can enter. It's silly, I know," he half apologised.
" Not silly, quaint. My mum has lots of little traditional things she does each year, especially in the spring. Come on, let's go back to your parent's home and welcome in the new year," she said.
Threading her arm through his, they walked back, wishing the residents a happy and prosperous new year. Ginny noted that there was mostly older residents in Godric's Hollow.
" Harry, did you see Aunt Hilda tonight? You know she's always taken an interest in you," asked Lily.
" Yes Mum, Ginny and I went and visited before we came to the party," said Harry. He had explained to Ginny after their visit, " she's not really my aunt, but she sort of adopted my parents when they first moved here. Her name is Bathilda, but Rose and I have always called her Aunt Hilda. She's a dear old thing, must be in her nineties now."
" She must know most of the residents here, she told me she was one of the first to move here," said Ginny.
" Yes, she probably does, although I suspect her memory is going. James and I check on her several times during the week, just to make sure she is okay," agreed Lily.
"That's so nice of you," said Ginny, although she wasn't surprised.
" Here we go...and ten, nine, eight, seven," said James, checking his watch.
" Six, five, four, three, two, one...Happy New Years!" they all cried, hugging and kissing each other. Daisy rolled her eyes as her mother kissed her boyfriend passionately, and her grandparents were doing the same.
Harry pulled Ginny to him. "This is going to be our year, Ginny. You and me, together."
With her eyes blazing, Ginny told Harry what was in her heart. "I love you, Harry. I wanted these to be the first words I said in the new year. I love you."
Harry's smile lit up his face. "And I love you, so much. Happy New Year, my love."
he leant down to kiss her, as she lifted her face to his.
It was the perfect start to the new year.