Witch Daughter

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the recognizable characters, though I wish I did. They are all property of J.K. Rowling and her business associates, except for Lillian and the other characters I invented.

21: December 2002

"Where are we going to have the Christmas dinner, Mom?"

"No, darling, we shall have it at home. Rose is too small to travel and we are too many, now that Teddy lives with us, to impose on anybody else. We do have the largest house of all our family and friends, you know."

"Will we invite the Weasleys as well?"

"Of course we do," sighed Hermione. "We can't really ignore them after having been invited each and every year since we first met them."

"Then I'll get to meet Victoire? She looks as lovely as a doll," said Lillian.

"Yes, you will meet her and the other kids as well."

"Will Helen come as well?"

"My parents are always invited. I believe my mother will come early to help with the preparations, so you will be able to play with Helen some more."

"That would be fun! I have a few tricks to show her."

"And Lilly, I expect you to sit between James and Teddy and make sure the do no mischief during the festive meal."

Lillian didn't seem too happy to hear that. "OK, mom," she said in a subdued tone.

She seemed to think about something. Hermione waited. She knew Lillian would eventually tell her what she was thinking of.

"Mom… I was thinking… maybe… Could we invite Julius and his mom as well? They have nowhere to go at Christmas."

Hermione smiled. "I think I'll send them a formal invitation. Don't you want to invite Andrew as well?"

"Andrew told me he was going with his family to France during the holiday, to visit Gabby's parents. It looks like his brother is going to marry her."

"I can't say it is a surprise, but I'm glad they are taking this step," noted Hermione.

The Christmas dinner turned out to be a major operation. The guests included the whole Weasley clan, the Grangers, the Longbottoms, Julius and his mother, Luna and her father as well as Dudley with Millie and Andromeda Tonks. Hermione was quite glad she could enlarge the dining room magically, especially when Hagrid and Minerva decided to join them as well.

It was the best Christmas dinner any of them had ever eaten. The house elves, under Hermione's guidance and with her mother's help, created a meal to surpass every dream. Even Arthur Weasley agreed it was much better than any such dinner prepared by Molly (he first made sure Molly was far enough not to overhear this), and Mrs. Weasley said it gave her a major challenge for next Christmas.

When most of the guests were already gone, Minerva asked Harry aside for a private conversation.

"I was approached by Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy. She is looking for a job, as The Malfoys have lost almost all their fortunes due to the war – most was taken by Tom Riddle, but some was also confiscated after the war. She told me that once Draco gets married she would like to leave the Manor and live on her own. She is quite good at charms and potions and quite adequate in defense against dark arts. I was quite reluctant to accept her, to say the truth. She still bears the dark mark, and although she had convinced the judges she was forced to get it, I still have my doubts. She told me you could testify of her true motives during the war."

Harry was somewhat bewildered. He had testified on her behalf at her trial. His testimony helped her get free, with only a large fine to pay. What could he tell now that he hadn't told already?

"I believe Narcissa's main concern is her family, or more precisely – her son, Draco. She would do anything to keep him safe, even if that means changing alliances at the change of the wind. Now that Draco is settling down, she needs a new occupation, as he wouldn't like her to act like Molly Weasly. Neither would she."

"So, do you think I can trust her to care for the students?"

It only took a moment for Harry to reach a conclusion. "Yes, I think it is quite safe to trust her now. She can no longer help Lucius and Draco would rather be on his own. Teaching may give her a sense of purpose which she now lacks."

A rare smiled appeared on the old woman's face. "Thank you, Harry. I thought you may oppose, and I appreciate your opinion. I'm glad to be able to help Narcissa as well as Hogwarts by accepting her."

Hagrid was already quite tipsy. The remaining children had gathered around him and he was telling them about Harry's and Hermione's adventures at Hogwarts. He kept calling Lillian "Hermione" and calling James "Harry". He even called Teddy "Dora" a few times. "… and then Harry sent the most beautiful and powerful Patronus at them, only they were not real dementors. Once the Patronus charged, they were just Draco Malfoy and his friends…" babbled Hagrid. Minerva looked at him with a sad smile. "Such a big boy…" she said. "He has never really grown up, so it seems," she told Harry.

They had to levitate Hagrid to one of the guest rooms, as he fell asleep in the middle of a sentence. Lillian was the one to actually do it, but only Julius still considered it special.

"He is kind of cute," said Lillian, after tucking Hagrid in bed.

"And he has a very kind heart," noted Julius.

"Wait till you see his pets," told them Harry, "then you will really be impressed."

Minerva didn't say a word, but her eyes sparkled.

Rose woke up in the middle of the night and started crying. Harry was awakened by the noise. He grabbed his dressing gown and went to Rose's room. He was surprised to find the baby cooing in Professor McGonagall arms.

"I'm sorry she woke you up," he said.

"I wasn't sleeping yet and I was quite glad for the chance to get to know her. Lillian believes Rose may become even more powerful then herself. If that is right, then I'd rather become her friend as soon as possible. Don't you agree?"

Harry was taken back by the comment until he saw the sparkles in Minerva's eyes. She seemed to really enjoy the baby, and Rose liked her company as well.

A very sleepy Lillian joined them. "I thought I heard Rose cry" she said yawning.

"You heard right, but now she is calm. Go back to sleep. I will change her diapers and take her to Mom to nurse. You don't have to worry about her," said Harry.

"Good…" mumbled Lilly and went back to her room.