for Cam. No one ever requests PercyPenelope, so... ily.

Word count: 691

"Are you actually helping, or are you still just standing there?" Penelope calls, as she hangs another red ornament on the tree. She doesn't know why she bothers to decorate the back; it isn't like anyone is going to walk behind it and see it. Maybe she's just a perfectionist.

"I'm just here to observe. You know, I am just in awe of your decorating skills," Percy says, and he sounds so smug that she wants to thump him. "It's like an initiation, you know? I have to make sure you can decorate a tree properly before I can make an honest woman out of you."

Sometimes she really hates him (in the kindest, most affectionate way). "You can't see my face right now," she says, her voice low, almost a growl, "but it's not impressed by your excuses."

A moment passes. She hears soft footsteps approach the tree, and she peeks, grinning. Percy stands there, looking so handsome in his black jumper that feels her heart melt. She can't even pretend to fight with him for long; he always gives her that sheepish grin, and she just lets go of every little annoyance.

"It already looks perfect," he assures her, holding out his hand.

She wants to argue. Looks can be deceiving, after all. The tree looks nice, but is it really perfect? Shouldn't she spend a little more time and effort on it? It's their first holiday together since leaving Hogwarts, and she wants to make sure it is truly spectacular.

Still, she takes his hand and allows him to guide her out from behind the tree. "I'm ridiculous, aren't I?"

Percy grins and kisses her forehead. "Yes, you are," he confirms. "The most ridiculous Ravenclaw I've ever met. It's precious."

Penelope rolls her eyes, looking around. It's probably silly that she's worrying so much about this. After all, it's just her and Percy here. Still, she's decorated the whole house because she can't bring herself to settle and always has to go all out.

She picks up a snow globe, a cute little thing her mother sent her, with penguins playing in the snow. Smiling, she shakes it, sending the glitter flakes flying and swirling. She's so caught up in it that she doesn't even notice Percy has left until she hears his footsteps again.

"I made mulled wine," he says. "Auntie Muriel's recipe. Always wanted to try it."

Penelope looks up at him, lips curling into a grin. It looks like she isn't the only one in the Christmas spirit. Percy has never really struck her as the festive type. More likely than not, he's doing this just for her, but she doesn't mind. It's a sweet gesture, and she loves him a little more for it.

"You, my darling," she says, taking the glass and breathing in the sweet and spicy aroma, "are perfect."

"As are you," he says, waving his wand to turn on the wireless.

"...coming from the storms in the sea," the person on the wireless says. "Be sure to bundle up, cuddle up, and cast a few heating charms in the house, dear listeners. Now, back to the music. This is the latest from the Weird Sisters, 'The Snowman Stole My Baby'."

"Look at us," Penelope says with a soft laugh. "We're like proper adults now."

"Scary, isn't it?"

She nods. Sometimes it's hard to believe she isn't still in Hogwarts. She has a proper job at the Ministry, a cozy little flat, her own life, but it still feels like a dream, like she's still a kid who's playing pretend. With Percy by her side, though, it feels much less daunting.

He wraps his arm around her, holding her close and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I love you, Penny."

"I love you too," she says, snuggling a little closer.

As she looks around at her handiwork and all the decorations, she can't help but smile. This may be their first proper Christmas together, but there are so many more ahead of them, and she knows they can only get better from here. She can hardly wait.