A/n: This is one of three chapters left. I'm really just enjoying writing out certain snippets of their lives. I can't believe we're almost done.

I hope you guys enjoy

Thanks again

Kass

Chapter 34

Christmas day soon rolled round in a blur of tinsel, evergreens, cinnamon whiskey, and eggnog. They had decided they would spend the morning just the three of them, opening presents and having breakfast, basking in the twinkling lights of their Christmas tree. Their home was decorated both inside and out, Storm having insisted regardless of the fact nobody would actually get to see the outside. Not anyone they didn't know anyway.

They had enjoyed themselves to no end, watching how Joey's eyes had lit up as he tore into the brightly coloured wrapping paper with the help of Storm. Giggling his head off as the paper ripped and revealed all the less exciting presents, they had bestowed upon him. Storm had laughed, making a comment on how Hermione had been right, the little boy was definitely more interested in the paper than the gifts themselves.

They had got him a fair amount of new clothes and supplies. Storm had insisted on quidditch jersey's both of the English World cup team, Puddlemere, and the Harpies. She had joked that his aunty Ginny would be so excited to see him wearing it. Hermione had just rolled her eyes at the comment, Storm always spoke to the little boy as if he knew exactly what she was saying. It was something she loved about their relationship. Watching how the little boy watched his mother in awe as she spoke to him, nodding here and there.

Storm had surprised her with her own sack full of gifts all of which were addressed from Santa, Mrs Clause, Rudolf and the rest of the reindeer. She feigned ignorance when questioned about it, simply smiling sheepishly as she watched the older woman unwrap the gifts. They were nothing special, some new socks, new pyjamas, a new woolly hat, a lovely quill and ink set that Hermione had seen at Flourish and Blotts during their hunt for gifts for everyone else. What had really caught her attention had been the wax stamp, it's wooden handle was smooth and a beautiful mahogany colour. Its brass end had been engraved with an otter that looked as if it was swimming around her initials. She had been surprised to see a second identical one along side it, and two of everything else also. Storm had just smirked and nodded towards their library that had been reserved strictly for the Older woman to work in. A simple "You have two offices" was all she needed to say.

A few boxes of Hermione's favourite chocolates and a few bottles of both red and white wine came to boot. The brunette had just laughed then, an eyebrow raised in question as she took in the grin the younger woman was giving her. A shrug was all she got as she too opened her own gifts. Delighted with the hall as she piled her new jumpers, jerseys, new hat and an assortment of quidditch paraphernalia in a corner, promising to move it all when they returned from dinner with their parents.

The Grangers would be joining them at the Griffin's large home for Christmas dinner made by Arty and Lori. Storm had offered to cook for everyone, though had also promised to start drinking first thing in the morning. She had been true to her word, topping up her coffee with a hefty glug of fire whiskey. They had all decided that Storm cooking after an alcoholic breakfast was asking for trouble.

They had promptly gotten ready, between the two of them they washed and dressed their little boy first. Having set him on their bed for a little mid-morning nap as they took their opportunity to dress for the day. Hermione insisting Storm wear a new jumper instead of one of her old ones. She had chosen a deep burgundy Christmas jumper with a quote from one of the muggle Christmas films she loved. Hermione had hoped it would not be that one, but she couldn't say she was entirely surprised. Storm had made her watch that specific film every Christmas, at least twice. She had also always laughed particularly hard at the specific scene in which a filthy animal was wished a Merry Christmas.

Her father had appreciated the jumper, though her mother and Arty had just rolled their eyes. Arty pointing out her hatred for the film due to how many times Storm had put it on in the past. Once Hermione had gotten her two shifters settled, she had gone to get her parents. It didn't take long, and she had returned in a few minutes to find Storm with another eggnog and a mince pie stuffed in its entirety between her lips.

"Storm you're going to choke!" She had scolded, shaking her head as she watched the younger woman chew gingerly. Finally, happy once she had swallowed and the danger had gone away.

They had set up camp in the Griffin's living room, enlarging a dining table in front of their Christmas tree to accommodate all of them and the mass amount of food Lori and Arty had made for everyone. Soon the table was set up, and everyone had leant a hand in bringing all of the food in. Hermione had noted a few now familiar dishes it seemed the American's enjoyed for their Christmas dinner. A glazed ham and a turkey were the last to be brought out, and finally they all tucked into the hearty meal. Storm and Hermione had taken turns helping their little boy with his own dinner. His own little dish in front of him with an assortment of things cut up real small.

After dinner, they had all helped tidy up. Magic making the task incredibly quick work. Presents had come, especially for little Joe. He had been spoiled by his grandparents and aunty. Hermione had eyed the pile of things that seemed to be ever growing. She was sure they would definitely have to make more room for all of the toys.

Soon it was time for them to take their leave. Joey having climbed into Hermione's embrace before promptly falling asleep in her arms. His head buried in her neck and his little fists gripping to the shoulders of her own jumper. Storm had quietly gathered their things with the help of Arty. Joe had offered to apparate Hermione's parents' home, so she didn't have to worry about it.

It didn't take long for them to clamber into the fireplace with all their things safely tucked away in Hermione's beaded bag. A few thank you's and goodnights later they were gone in a flash of green. Their own living room finally emerging after a few seconds of being pulled in the darkness.

Hermione took the opportunity to step out first, with Storm following closely behind. They were both tired, but had promised to watch at least one Christmas film before going to bed. It was still quite early, and Storm was really looking forward to spending a little while with the brunette just relaxing after a hectic day.

"I'll put him down for the night if you want to get changed" Storm spoke as she followed the older witch up the stairs. Her dark eyes flicking up to watch the young boy's features. He was still sleeping solidly on the brunette's shoulder.

"I don't mind putting him down, it won't take me long." Hermione spoke quietly as she got to the top of the stairs, turning to press a gentle kiss to Storm's lips. "Why don't you get changed and go make yourself a snack. I'll be down by the time you're done" She spoke again before turning to meander slowly into the baby's bedroom. The light flicking on as she disappeared around the corner.

Storm did as she was told, changing into a pair of shorts and baggy t-shirt before making her way down and into the kitchen. Christmas night snacks were always the best type of snacks. She could eat as much as she wanted without feeling guilty about it. Not that that was particularly different to any other time, but she figured it was even more so the case on Christmas night.

She rummaged through the fridge grabbing various cheeses out along with other delightful bits to get ready. She had pulled a large plate from the cupboard and had began filling it with bits and pieces. She knew Hermione would inevitably steal a few slices of cheese and a few crackers also, so she made sure she had put more than enough on. Grabbing a bottle of wine, a glass and her own Fire whiskey she put it all on a tray and levitated it into the living room where Hermione was already on her knees fiddling with the VCR.

"Did you have a nice day?" Storm asked seriously as she gently set the tray down on their coffee table just in front of the television.

"It was lovely. Thank you for all of my gifts" Hermione spoke genuinely as she pushed herself off the floor. She was wearing her new flannel pyjamas, new socks, and slippers.

"I just didn't want you to feel left out" Storm spoke honestly, moving over so the older woman had plenty of room to curl up beside her. The television had begun to play the film she had selected. An animated Snowman soon filled the screen and Storm noted it was one of her favourites. Frosty the snowman was a classic, and she absolutely loved the light-heartedness of the film.

"Why would I feel left out?" Hermione quizzed; an eyebrow raised in question as she pulled her glass to her lips.

"Well, I'm not entirely sure. But as long as you didn't then I guess I did my job correctly" Storm spoke with a grin, moving to press a kiss to the older woman's lips. She had to stifle a yawn as she pulled away, her dark eyes fluttering for a moment as she sunk into the comfort of their sofa.

"Are you looking forward to seeing Harry and Ginny tomorrow?" Hermione asked, moving to settle beside her. Peeling open one of the boxes of chocolate she had received from the shifter that morning.

"I am of course! I can't wait to give Ginny her gift. I bet she'll love it" Storm laughed an almost mischievous laugh. Leaning forward to grab the plate of cheese and crackers from the coffee table. Her glass of fire whiskey set on the arm of the sofa next to her.

"What was it you got her again?" Hermione asked, Storm had mentioned something about it being quidditch related but she hadn't been so sure as to what it actually was.

"I got her a Puddlemere United Jersey with 'Griffin' on it, and also a poster of myself." Storm spoke again, a lopsided grin tugging at her lips.

Hermione just rolled her eyes and shook her head. She would always swear the relationship Storm and Ginny had was based entirely on tormenting each other. Though, she had not seen a friendship strong enough to rival her own with Harry ever before and it was nice that the two of them had gotten on so well so quickly. Underneath all the teasing there was a level of care that they both had for each other. She could see that on the pitch during the games they played together.

When Storm had fallen from her broom Ginny was the first to land, following the younger girl in hot on her heels. Storm had always seemed to keep an eye on the redhead as they flew around also, even on one occasion purposefully flying into the redhead to keep her from being hit by a bludger the older woman hadn't quite seen in time. It was an interesting dynamic that was for sure. Though she was happy for the fact Storm had become fast friends with the redhead. There was never a dull moment when they got together with Harry and Ginny.

The evening went on quietly, the pictures on the screen flicking past as the story played out. Hermione had noted Storm had fallen asleep not long after she had finished her cheese. Hermione had just cuddled in closer to the older woman, appreciating the warmth she gave off. When the film finally ended, she woke the younger girl with a light shake. Pulling her up and off the sofa in order to lead her by the hand up the stairs. The television shut off with a flick of her wand. Storm had just followed obediently, her eyes barely open as she trudged up the stairs and slid into bed. Falling asleep just as quickly as her head hit the pillow.

Hermione had not lasted long herself. It had been an incredibly long day for all involved, and Boxing day would be just as long. Though, she was looking forward to spending time with two of their favourite people. She quietly hoped all of their Christmases to come would play out the same way. So full of happiness and surrounded by the people she loved so dearly.