Hermione woke up to an empty and cold bed, which was strange since she usually woke up before Fred. She stretched, rubbed her eyes, and got up. Holding back another yawn, she took her wand off the bedside table and wrapped her dressing gown around her. Quietly, she opened the door.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS, HERMIONE!"
Fred, George and Angelina were milling around the sitting room, but turned when they heard the door open. They threw their hands up into the air and confetti softly fell down from the roof, landing in everyone's hair.
"Good morning," Hermione murmured, tucking her un-brushed hair behind her ear. "I didn't realise you were here."
"We had to get up early to decorate!" Fred exclaimed, coming over to take Hermione's hand. "Took us three hours, this did!"
With a shock, Hermione realised that it was nine in the morning and she had slept an hour later than usual. She shook it off, however, and observed the decorations gracing the usually plain walls.
Colourful paper chains were draped over the shelves and the roof, covered in glitter. Strange posters that were almost propaganda were on the walls, stating things like Santa wants you… to be good! and If Rudolph had a shiny red nose, so can you! A giant Christmas tree was against the desk, hiding it from view. There was no theme to the decorations on the tree, which Hermione was so used to having; old and new, bright and dull, homemade and bought decorations covered every inch of the real fir tree. Presents were littered underneath it.
"We'll go around to mum's later with the rest of the presents," Fred said happily.
"Whilst I go to Katie's," Angelina added.
George nudged her. "But we'll have a little feast here, just us four, first."
Hermione was ushered to the table, Fred pulling out her seat for her. Sitting reluctantly, Fred pushed her chair back in, scraping it along the floor, making her wince. Angelina sat herself down.
"Really, Angie, I haven't even brushed my hair," Hermione hissed over the table. "I'm not even dressed!"
"What's wrong with your robe?" Angelina asked. Hermione didn't get a chance to reply, for Fred placed a large plate of chocolate chip pancakes in front of her. The smell was so tempting that, for a moment, Hermione forgot about her underdressed state.
George followed with a plate of bacon and sausage. Fried tomato and hash browns followed, then the last plate of fresh fruit was placed on the table and the boys sat. A jug of orange juice and four glasses appeared on the table.
"Say cheese, Hermione!" Fred cried, whipping out a camera and taking her photo before she could respond. To her horror, she hadn't finished her mouthful of pancake, nor had she wiped her mouth of any stray chocolate.
"Fred!" she yelled, reaching for the camera. "For God's sake, I'm not even dressed!"
"I think you look beautiful," he assured her, tossing the camera to George who quickly snapped another picture of Hermione clawing at Fred's arms. Angelina struck a pose and George joined in, holding the camera out far to capture the both of them.
Disgusted at her un-photogenic state, Hermione sullenly ate some bacon and fruit, occasionally tossing a crumb at Fred. George called order by tapping his fork against his glass.
"Hermione's first Christmas!" George declared, holding up his glass of juice. Fred and Angelina quickly followed suit. Feeling their eyes upon her, Hermione held up her empty glass. George frowned and began filling it up for her.
"Our first one as a family," Angelina said softly as they waited for Hermione's glass to fill. All resentment at being caught unaware immediately left Hermione and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"Welcoming the latest Weasley additions," Hermione said pointedly, making Angelina laugh and rub her stomach slightly.
"To the first of many more," Fred added cheerfully.
They all reached their glasses into the middle, clanked them softly, and took a sip – a small one, in Hermione's case, for she didn't like orange juice all that much.
Breakfast continued in a hearty cheer, Fred and George eating nearly all of the food. Angelina checked the time and sighed.
"I've got to go in a minute," she said, standing up. "I'll be back for dinner, I think."
Fred and George immediately stood up. "Hold on!" they cried.
"We have to take a group photo," George said excitedly. Hermione groaned.
"Come on, can't I at least get dressed first?"
Fred gave her a grin. "Absolutely not! We want you to remember this day in all its glory, and that means you being in your pyjamas!" Fred leaned in close. "You look gorgeous anyway," he promised. He kissed her softly, ignored the catcalls from George, and led her to the Christmas tree.
"Remember to strike a pose," George reminded them mischievously. "And the camera is ready for five… four…" He hurried back to the tree and grabbed Angelina by the waist. "Two…"
Fred quickly took Hermione and dipped her, making her squeal. One of her legs flew up into the air unexpectedly and the camera flashed in the middle of Hermione's surprise.
"Merry Christmas, 'Mione," Fred murmured. Hermione clutched at his arms.
"Merry Christmas," she replied breathlessly. Fred slowly returned her to a standing position. He hands remained on her waist.
"Mistletoe," he said with a smile. Hermione immediately looked up to find the accusing plant above their heads. "It's law that you have to kiss me."
"Law?" Hermione repeated incredulously. "Rather tradition, don't you think?"
"Magical contract," Fred shrugged.
"And what am I signing up for?" Hermione asked. Fred thought about it.
"If you kiss me, you have to promise to marry me," he said seriously. Hermione snickered.
"I think I can live with that." Fred pulled her closer and Hermione willingly stood on her tiptoes to kiss him thoroughly.
"I think that's quite enough, you two!" George announced, pulling Hermione away from Fred. "Angelina's gone now, or didn't you notice?"
Truthfully, neither did notice, and neither cared. George, however, seemed a little put out.
"Weren't you invited to the quidditch party?" Hermione asked, retying her gown. George shrugged.
"Yes and no. It's complicated."
Hermione gave him a sympathetic look. "I'll get dressed and we'll be on our way."
She quickly scurried away before either of the twins could pick her up and force her to arrive at the Burrow in her pyjamas.
