Chapter 12
Christmas

Hermione woke the next morning to Ginny shaking her.

"Come on Hermione, it's Christmas, you're not allowed to sleep all day."

"Okay, okay I'm up, I'm up" said Hermione yawning and pushing the younger girl away from her and sitting up. "What time is it?" she asked yawning again.

"8:50, I'm going to get a shower then I'm going downstairs."

"Okay, I had one last night so I'll just get dressed and meet you down there." Ginny closed and locked the bathroom door as Hermione threw back her covers and dragged herself out of bed. She walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out a pair of jeans and a warm jumper. Once she was dressed she quickly brushed her hair and made her way downstairs. She said good morning to her mother and Molly who had already started cooking Christmas lunch before making her way into the lounge room to find all the presents neatly stacked under the tree and Harry sitting on the lounge reading a book.

"Morning baby," she said sitting down next to him and laying her head on his shoulder.

"Morning, Merry Christmas" he replied kissing the top of her head.

"What are you reading?" she asked curiously, scanning the page "It looks familiar."

"Well it should, you've read it like a million times." She scanned it again and finally realised what it was.

"I didn't think you'd ever read it!" she said giving him a questioning look. "A lot of god it'll do you now, we'll be leaving for good in a few months."

"There was something I had to look up" he said, not meeting her eyes.

"Why didn't you just ask me like you usually do? Like you said I've read it heaps, I know it inside out and back to front."

"I … didn't want to worry you more than you already are." He said softly.

"Why? What are you looking for?"

"I was looking to see if there was a secret that Hogwarts was hiding that could help me defeat Voldemort."

"Oh," she said looking down at the floor. "Have you found anything?"

"Not yet, but I'm only up to chapter 2"

"Merry Christmas!" yelled Ginny as she came bouncing into the room.

"Hey Gin, Merry Christmas" said Harry smiling up at her "You're happy this morning."

"Yes, well, it's Christmas, who wouldn't be?"

"Me, if I was at the Dursley's" said Harry suddenly. Ginny's face dropped slightly.

"But you're not! You're here with me and the family that loves you!" said Hermione snuggling up to him. Harry wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer.

"And I couldn't be happier!" he said before giving her a quick kiss. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else" Just then they heard the front door bell ring and Hermione jumped up yelling

"I'll get it!" and ran down the hall. She pulled the front door open to find Bill Weasley standing on the doorstep carrying two large bags, one of which was filled with presents.

"Hi Hermione, It's good to see you again" he said pulling her into a hug. "How is everyone? I heard what happened and came as soon as I could."

Come in and see for yourself" she said smiling and moved aside for him to come in. Bill picked up his bags and stepped inside; Hermione closed the door behind him then showed him into the kitchen."

Bill you're here!" exclaimed Molly when she laid eyes on her eldest son.

"Hi mum." He managed before she pulled him into a born crushing hug. "I heard what happened, is everyone alright?" he asked once she let him breathe once more.

"Yes, we're all fine, Ron was hurt but he'll be fine."

"Where should I put these?" he asked, indicating the bag of gifts.

"Oh, just through there," Helen said pointing towards the lounge room. "You can put them under the tree if you want"

"Okay thanks" he walked through the door into the lounge room where Harry had been rejoined by Hermione and Ginny was now sitting in an armchair chatting with them.

"Bill!" Ginny said jumping up and funning over to hug him. Bill picked her up and spun her around, Ginny squealing and holding onto him tightly.

"How are you Gin?"

"I'm alright," Bill nodded and moved over to shake Harry's hand

"Hi Harry, good to see you again, how are you?"

"Disappointed that we couldn't meet under better circumstances." He replied sighing.

"At least everyone is alive and well, and it means that everyone is together for Christmas."

"Yeah I guess," Harry replied with a weak smile. Bill then moved over to the tree and placed his gifts among those already there. He then made his way back to the kitchen.

"Who have we here?" asked Michael who had come down while Bill was in the lounge room.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't introduced you have I? This is my eldest son Bill; he works for Gringotts Bank as a code breaker over in Egypt."

"Nice to meet you Bill" said Michael shaking Bill's hand.

"You to sir" Just then there was another ring at the front door.

"I'll get it" said Michael as he exited the room. He came back a minute later followed by another red head. "Is this another of your's Molly?" Molly turned around and spotted Charlie.

"Charlie, you did get my owl then." She said as she hugged him.

"Yeah mum, and I'm glad everyone is alright, how is Ron?"

"He's fine, Charlie. Oh these are Hermione's parents, Helen and Michael Granger, this is my second eldest, Charlie, and he lives and works in Romania as a dragon keeper."

"Nice to meet you both," Charlie said shaking their hands in turn.

"Did I hear … Charlie!" Ginny squealed, and Charlie felt a pair of hands wrap around him from behind.

"Hey Gin" Charlie said laughing.

"Ginny, could you please go up and wake your brothers and father? Tell them that if they don't hurry we'll open our presents without them." Ginny hurried from the room while the others made their way into the lounge room. Harry was still reading his book but Hermione was now lying down on her back and resting her head in his lap.

"Make room you two" said Michael when he saw them. Hermione sat up making space for her father to it down.

"We could do with a little more seating in here couldn't we" mused Helen looking thoughtfully around the room.

"Allow me" said Molly pulling out her wand and in a few short seconds she had conjured two, three seater lounges and 2 more armchairs that exactly matched the ones already there. Helen looked shocked for a second then smiled.

"I wish I could do that, it would come in extremely handy at family gatherings."

It certainly does" responded Molly pocketing her wand once more. Ginny then entered the room followed by her father.

"Oh Arthur, you're up, how are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling fantastic, happy to have the family together for Christmas." He said as he looked around at every one. He walked over with Molly to the lounge where Ginny had curled herself up on. Arthur sat down next to Ginny and pulled her into a hug which Ginny willing returned. Harry had now put down his copy of 'Hogwarts – A History' and once again had an arm around Hermione's shoulders. Bill, Charlie and Helen seated themselves in 3 of the armchairs that occupied the room and Ron flopped down onto the remaining lounge, making sure to leave room for Fred and George, who came slowly walking into the room a few minutes late, both still rubbing sleep from their eyes.

"Well, now that we're all here, who wants to be Santa this year?" Helen asked enthusiastically. The Weasley's just looked at her oddly. "Haven't you ever heard of Santa?"

"No they probably wouldn't have" said Harry "It's more of a muggle tradition"

"Oh … yes of course."

"We'll do it." said Hermione looking up at Harry. He took his arms from around her as she stood up. She grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet and over to the Christmas tree. She sat down cross legged and picked up the closest present. She turned it around gently in her hands so that she could read the tag which had been attached to it.

"This one is for … Ginny, from …. Charlie" she read before handing it to Harry to pass to her. Harry took the gift in his left hand, raising his right he muttered a levitation spell and guided it over to Ginny who took it gently out of the air.

"Thanks Harry" she said as she pulled at the red and gold ribbon. Hermione had grabbed another gift and was already halfway through reading the tag

"… Ron from … Bill" she said handing the long cracker shaped gift to Harry who again levitated it over. Ginny had now opened her present and they all stopped when they heard her gasp slightly.

"Oh Charlie it's beautiful" she said as she went over to give him a hug.

You like it then?" he asked smiling at her

"I love it; it's beautiful, thankyou so much" she sat back down and took the box off her father. She gently lifted a fine silver chain out of the box; on the end was a silver dragon, with two shining green eyes.

"The stones in the eyes are Peridot because that's your birthstone"

"It's beautiful, that you again Charlie."

"You're very welcome, anything for my little sis" Ginny moved the hair away from the back of her neck and put the necklace on, once it was in place she lifted it up once more to have a quick look before letting it hang around her neck. Ron had continued opening his present and everyone turned their attention to him when they heard him exclaim,

"Wow!" He was unrolling what looked like a signed poster of his favourite Quidditch team, the Chudley Cannons, and his eyes were lighting up like a kid in a candy store. "How did you manage to get this?" He asked looking at his brother with an awed expression on his face "It isn't due to be released until January!" Bill laughed before answering

"Connections little bro, you have to know the right people" They spent the next couple of hours chatting happily and opening the large pile of gifts from under the tree. Finally Hermione picked up the last present which was wrapped in blue paper and silver ribbon. She looked at the tag expecting it to be for her from Harry but was disappointed to find that it was for Harry from her parents. She handed it to him, a fake, warm smile plastered on her face. He unwrapped the gift and watched as a thick, black, leather bound book fell into his lap. He picked it up expecting it to be an ordinary muggle book but was shocked to find that it was a highly advanced Defence against the dark arts book. He looked up atr Hermione who had a surprised look on her face then over at her parents.

"Is it alright? You haven't got it already have you? It's not too easy or anything?" asked Helen anxiously as she fiddled with the tea rowel she was holding.

"N-no," stammered Harry looking back down at the black and silver cover.

"Hermione has told us that you are really into that sort of thing. I picked it up last time I was in Diagon Alley gathering some school supplies for her. I had to talk to the gentlemen at Flourish and Blotts and explain what I was looking for, when I mentioned it was for you he practically tried to give me his entire defence collection." She said with a small laugh.

"Yes, the mention of my name does seem to have that effect on some people" he replied frowning.

"I had a bit of a look at it before wrapping it and it looks awfully hard compared to the books Hermione takes to school" she said with a concerned look on her face.

"That's because it is far beyond the level we are currently studying at" cut in Hermione.

"It will take me years to learn all of these" Harry added as he flipped through the pages again, glancing at some of the pictures. "Some of these require a phenomenal amount of power." He said with a frown. Hermione was now looking over his shoulder, and bit her lip lightly as she looked over some of the many spells and curses.

"Lunch is nearly ready" came Molly's voice from the kitchen. At the mention of food the Weasley boys quickly filed into the kitchen followed by Ginny, Michael and their father.

"Thank you Helen, this book will definitely be useful in the coming years" said Harry as Helen got up to follow her husband.

"You're very welcome Harry, I'm just pleased you like it" she replied smiling down at him as she walked passed. He then turned his attention to Hermione who he found was staring under the tree for some reason.

"Are you all right?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, fine Harry"

"Ready for lunch?" Hermione nodded and he helped her to her feet, as they walked into the kitchen he thought he heard her sigh quietly.

Harry didn't know how they were all going to fit into the Granger's dinning room, and was surprised to find that there was no problem at all; he suspected that either Molly or Arthur had put a charm on the room similar to the one that was on the tents at the world cup a few years ago. The couple found some spare seats in the middle of the table across from Ron and Ginny.

As was custom with the Weasley family, lunch was a loud affair, everyone was talking and Molly was still attempting to convince Bill to let her cut his hair. By the time dessert was placed in front of them they were all quite full, yet managed to have at least one serving, Ron stuffing in at least three. Everyone helped with the cleaning up, magic being used here or there, the dishes was soon away and everyone moved back into the lounge room, mugs of tea, coffee or hot chocolate in hand. Harry and Hermione however were still in the kitchen putting the last of the desserts in the fridge, and making their own drinks. Hermione was spooning the chocolate powder into two large mugs when Harry came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, and whispered in her ear.

"Do you want your present now?" Hermione put the container and spoon down on the counter and turned around in his arms.

"And here I was thinking that you hadn't gotten me anything, she said with a grin as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Harry looked shocked.

"As if I wouldn't get you anything" he said as he rested his forehead against hers. "You would probably kill me if I didn't after all, then Voldemort would get pissed off because you spoilt all his fun." He added jokingly. "Come on," he said grabbing her hand and leading her towards the hallway "I left it in my room" Hermione followed him upstairs and made herself comfy on his bed while he rummaged around in his wardrobe looking for the hidden gift. He found it quickly and came to sit on the bed next to her. He handed her a smallish box covered with silvery blue paper and silver ribbon. She took it off him and looked at him curiously before untying the ribbon. She placed this to the side and then attempted to remove the paper without ripping it.

"Stuff this" she commented after a few seconds "taking too long" she then proceeded to rip the remaining paper off, scrunching it into a ball she then threw it in a heap n the floor. Inside was a black velvet box. She opened it gently. Inside the box was a white gold chain with a heart shaped charm hanging on the end. In the centre was what looked like an emerald, also shaped into a heart.

"Hey" he said when he saw this, "I thought that was clear last time I saw it" he scratched his head in confusion as Hermione lifted it from the box.

"Harry this is so gorgeous! Where did you get it?"

"A place I found in Hogsmeade, I bought it while you and Gin were shopping for stuff for the ball" Harry took the necklace out of her hands and gently put it around her neck, Hermione lifted her bushy hair so that he could do it up.

"Thank you," she said smiling at him, and wrapping her arms around his neck before kissing him. Hermione melted into his arms thinking,

"Mmmm… I still can't believe he is such a good kisser." Harry suddenly started laughing and pulled back, Hermione's eyes snapped open. She saw that he had gone bright red and was looking away, rubbing the back of his neck with his right hand.

"You all right?"

"Yeah, it's just that I haven't told you everything about the necklace yet"

"Oh?"

"Yeah, you see it's actually a very rare piece of jewellery. In fact there are only currently three in existence.

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's a … What did he call it? … I can't remember, anyway, it lets you talk to the person that gave it to you, if that person is the one you love."

"But we can do that without …"

"No, I mean telepathically. So in other words…" Hermione raised a hand to her mouth when she realised what he was trying to tell her.

"You mean … you heard …?" he nodded slowly and brushed again. Hermione smiled slyly at him.

"What are you thinking?"

"Surely you know." she said with a smirk.

"No, I don't, it doesn't work like that … you have to want me to hear what you're thinking."

"I wander if it works the other way around as well?" she mused. Harry looked at her for a second, thinking.

"Don't see why not."

"Go on try it then" he smiled slyly at her and a second later.

"HARRY!"

"What? He asked innocently "It's true" it was Hermione's turn to blush this time.

"I can tell you are going to have fun with this"

"Yeah well, I'll be able to tell you everything I've always wanted to say but haven't been able to because other people are around" Hermione's blush deepened but she was smiling all the same. She leant up and kissed him once more "I love you Harry" she thought, "I love you more" came his reply a moment later. Hermione pulled back for a second

"Not a chance Potter!" "Want to bet on that?" he thought, she giggled.

"This is going to take a bit of getting used to." Harry leant back down and captured her mouth in another kiss "I'm sure it wont take too long" "Not if you have anything to do with it Mr Potter"

Just then they heard the door open and sprang apart, but sighed with relief when they discovered it was only Ron.

"Oh, sorry guys, I didn't mean to interrupt anything."

"It's alright Ron, we were just coming back down anyway" said Hermione jumping off the bed and walking towards the door. Ron placed the presents he had brought up on his bed and followed the couple back downstairs.

The remainder of the holidays passed without incident. The Weasley's stayed with the Granger's while their house was fixed up and Dumbledore assured them that he would be putting up stronger wards once they moved back in. It wasn't long before Bill and Charlie had to return to work and Ron, Harry Hermione and Ginny were boarding the Hogwarts express that would take them back to Hogwarts Castle, and a new term.
"It is almost time for the next phase of my plan to be put into action." said Voldemort as he sat in front of the flickering fire, light dancing across his pale snakelike face. "Your son better be up to the task!"

"Oh don't worry My Lord, he shall not fail you."

"You better be right, or he will not be the only one to pay the price!"

A/n: I told ypu it wouldn't take as long XP

Chap 13 is ready to go but i'm gunna be away for a while and wont be able to work on the next one so i'll wait a while before i post it.

Thanks to mysteriouscharmand Setoglomper for the reviews! Have I ever mentioned how much i like them?

hehe hope you enjoyed the chappie next one won't be too far away.

Meaka