December 25, 2002

I awoke early Christmas morning full of reflective thoughts. Mrs. Weasley had decided that since the sleeping arrangements had worked out so well last year, Charlie and I were allowed to share rooms again. She had no idea that we had been living together the last six months.

It hadn't taken long after our first official date for Charlie and I to realize that the feelings between us were different and special. After our first night together, I knew there was more to it than just emotions. I did some research and found that the experience we shared was a form of soul bonding. Our magical cores recognized each other as their other half. It's been an incredible experience and I know that he is it for me.

It has been eight months of pure bliss. Sure we have had a few disagreements, but they have been minor and we usually end up with a stronger solution than what we had come up with separately. I have never in my life been as happy as I am now. The war taught me to cherish life and yet after it was over I still wandered aimlessly unsure of what I had to offer.

Now, with Charlie by my side we have started a whole new branch at the reserve for research. We are discovering new, less stressful medical treatments, safer ways for transport, and just how to better care for our beloved creatures in general. The hatchery has benefited the most as we are seeing a record number of healthy hatchlings. My life has more purpose and meaning that I could have ever imagined.

Charlie himself is having a pronounced effect on my wellbeing. Just being with him is making me feel like a better person. We can laugh, dance, have in depth conversations and debates and at the end of the day, he makes me happier than I ever thought possible. Yes, life is a beautiful thing.

A stirring beside me shook me from my thoughts.

"How long have you been awake?"

I smirked and brushed some hair from his eyes. "A while."

"Care to share what is keeping you from a lovely night's sleep in my uncomfortable childhood bed?"

"Just reflective is all. Are you sure we should be keeping this from them?"

We had made the joint decision that we wouldn't make any announcements upon arrival of our relationship. I had share via owl with Ginny that we are together, but I asked her to keep that between us. The only other in the house who knows is Bill. While we won't be upset if others find out, we didn't want to make a big deal when we arrived a few days ago. Ron was just being welcomed back into the house after spending several months getting sober and working with a mind healer. We didn't want to rock the boat.

Now though, I was second guessing my decision. It felt deceitful and disrespectful to be welcomed into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and not share something like this.

Charlie looked at me thoughtfully. "I think it was a good idea not to come in and say it right away. We are definitely more comfortable around each other than we were last year. I think it was good for them to see us close and happy together before announcing anything. If you're ok with them knowing, I'll think of a way to announce it."

I grinned. Something about telling his family about us made it feel official. While we are on the reserve, it's like we are in our own little bubble. Part of me was afraid that once we came back here that would pop and things would change. It was a relief to know that he was confident in us enough to share with his mother who we both knew would go crazy with the news.

"Thank you Charlie."

Instead of a response, he threaded his strong hand into my hair and pulled my mouth down to his. Since I was half sitting, the change in position forced me to move and straddle his waist. It was apparent just how happy this made him and I couldn't stop my hips from rocking. When his lips touched mine it never failed to send the same intense tingle straight to my core. I had learned to appreciate this feeling as the magic between us and welcome it as it grew the longer we stayed connected.

Things were just starting to get heated when the door opened and we burst apart.

"Oh merlin. You guys are lucky it was me!" Ginny was mock gagging and rubbing her eyes furiously.

I gave a small giggle as my heart slowed from the surprise.

Charlie sat up and glared at his sister. "Not that I don't love seeing you when I'm home, but is there something you needed so urgently that you had to walk in to our room unannounced?"

Ginny composed herself. "Oh yes. Mum wants everyone downstairs to open gifts. Since you were the only two still in bed she was about to come up and wake you. I offered instead and this is the thanks I get!"

I mouthed "thank you" and she winked in my direction. Charlie simply groaned and said, "Tell her to hold her hippogriff and we will be down in a minute."

Ginny left and we were alone once again.

"Ready for Christmas with my crazy family?" I nodded. "Alright, let's do this."

He swatted my behind as I got up to get dressed. We were ready quickly and moved to head downstairs when he stopped and turned around.

"I just forgot one thing. I'll be down in a minute."

Shrugging, I continued making my way down the rickety stairs. Everyone was in a good mood as pastries and tea were passed around. Ginny was right, we were the last to arrive. It must have been later than I thought. There were two seats left on the sofa so I slid in and it was just a minute later that Charlie was seated close beside me.

Mrs. Weasley rose and called everyone's attention. "Thank you all for coming together again this holiday season. The greatest gift a mother can have is for her children and grandchildren to all be together under one roof." She eyed Victoire and the new additions courtesy of Fred and George. The twin gene must have been strong in the Weasley family as both had welcomed a set of healthy twin boys two months prior. "Sometimes, especially with a family as large as ours, as the children age families can drift apart. It warms my heart to have us all hear together both happy and healthy. Now, let us begin."

With a flick of her wand the gifts began to distribute themselves to each person. While we had previously taken turns and opened gifts one by one, it was considerably harder now with so many people and the addition of children so we all began to open at once. The atmosphere was joyous as we all pass around our gifts and strained to see what others had received. My heart swelled to be welcomed into such a close family.

As things started to die down, I felt Charlie's hand snake into my own and give a quick squeeze. When I turned to look, the smirk on his face could have rivaled the twins. It only took a second for me to catch on that he had decided now was the perfect time for our announcement.

I could already feel the heat rushing to my cheeks and before I could say anything, he was calling for everyone's attention.

He stood as all eyes turned to him. "If I could just have a second. I know mum already gave the mushy speech of us all being together, but as the odd man out who can't just pop over when I feel like it, the holidays are an extra special opportunity to share and be with family. There is so much that happens throughout the year that doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to distance and that isn't always fair. This is why I wanted to take this time to share with you an important development in my life. Once upon a time, I actually shared mum's fear that I would forever be a bachelor. At one point, I thought it was funny. I even considered dressing a baby dragon in a onesie and bringing it home for the holidays one year as a joke."

A few chuckles emitted from around the room, but I was watching Mrs. Weasley intently. One hand was tightly gripping Mr. Weasley's and the other was covering her mouth. Whether the reaction was in fear or hope, I wasn't quite sure yet. Charlie took a minute to pause and chuckle at his own joke before continuing.

"Well, thankfully we were both wrong. You see, one year ago a lovely woman took a chance that forever changed my life. It started a series of events that lead to us being close and forming the type of loving relationship I had always thought was out of reach for someone like me. She proved me wrong and has spent the last eight months showing me how wonderful love can be. I know I will never find a woman as kind, caring, funny, and loving as her and I don't intend to ever take that for granted."

At this he turned to me and offered his hand to help me up. There were a few gasps as I stood and Charlie proceeded to get down on one knee. It was my turn for my hand to rise to my mouth as I couldn't quite believe what was happening. His words and current stance were sinking in and the tears began to fall.

"Hermione Granger, you took a chance last year on this date and agreed to completely upturn your life when I asked you to come work with me. This year, I am asking a different question. You have given my life a new meaning and a level of happiness I never thought possible. Will you marry me?"

My throat was tight as I fought back tears so I simply nodded my reply. The room broke into stunned cheers as Charlie produced a small velvet pouch from his pocket and emptied a ring into his palm. Taking my left hand he placed the delicate diamond ring on my finger. Rising, he took my cheek in his palm and gave me a soft kiss.

My head was spinning as everything happened so fast and I was passed from one Weasley to another in bone crushing hugs. At last I was face to face with Ron. His reaction made me the most nervous after what had happened last year, but I was surprised when he simply embraced me.

"It's a shock, but I can't deny that you are glowing with a happiness I have never seen from you before. Congratulations."

And just like that I was in tears. Life would have gone on without Ron's acceptance, but with everything we had been through together his words meant more than I could explain.

Across the room my eyes met Charlie and through the tears now escaping down my cheeks, I smiled. This man had sat and listened to me vent just one year ago about my unhappiness with life and the loneliness I felt. Now, here I was with a heart full of joy. I had a family, not just with the Weasleys, but at the reserve to. Also, I had a job that I loved and looked forward to each day. Most importantly I had unexpectedly found my soul mate and I couldn't wait to officially be his wife.

I had ended last year hoping that 2002 would be a year of positive changes and happiness. Looking at Charlie, I realized I had got more than I could have ever dreamed of.