* ~ The Eighth Year Universe Series ~ *

PART FOUR

Brave New World

Chapter 68: I'll Be Home for Christmas

A/N: The chapter title is from the song:

I'll Be Home for Christmas by Bing Crosby.

"Do you think he'll find them?" Daphne asked, looking at the pile of Christmas presents for Teddy on the top shelf of their wardrobe.

"Daph, he's a toddler!"

"Exactly!" Daphne exclaimed, "He's into everything! He climbed inside the sofa yesterday, Harry, inside it!".

Harry snorted in amusement, "I don't think he can climb our wardrobe yet though, and if you are so worried about it, there's an easy fix."

"Is there?"

Harry shot her an amused look and said, "Colloportus."

"Oh shit," Daphne muttered, "Why didn't I think of that?"

"Take that one up with Hermione," Harry grinned, "She's the one who said, but there's no wood! When Ron told her to set a fire to scare the devil's snare."

Daphne shook her head in amusement, "Are you going to wind her up about that forever? She was eleven!"

"Yeah, and you're 19, so you have no excuse," Harry said, grinning at his fiancé.

"Oh, I forgot to ask when I got in," Daphne said offhandedly, "Is Narcissa okay with picking Dad up on Friday?"

"Yep, I've added him into the blood wards so he can let himself into the manor," Harry replied, "Narcissa said she would stay with him until I get home from work."

"Is she bringing Teddy back too then?" Daphne frowned, "Because I worry that might be too much, my Dad is still pretty reliant on other people."

"Andromeda is off on Friday, so Teddy will stay with her until I pick him up," Harry said, "It's all worked out, so don't worry. Just enjoy your case in Belgium. It's an interesting one, isn't it?"

"It's a high profile one," Daphne said, "The family is very influential and rich apparently. We don't know much about the actual case yet, just that the supposedly cursed object is some sort of jewel."

"Talk about too much money being a curse," Harry joked.

Daphne shot him an unimpressed look, "You really have started making Dad jokes lately."

Harry laughed and watched her pack her case, "You break off for Christmas after this case, don't you?"

"Yes," Daphne said excitedly, "And we are so taking Teddy to the parade in Diagon Alley on Saturday."

"You know I'm in," Harry smiled, "I know how much you love Christmas."

Daphne's smile widened, "This year is going to be all the more special because of Teddy. Did Andromeda confirm that she would be here?"

"Yep, her and Narcissa are both coming," Harry replied, "And your Dad will be here too now."

"I'm glad he got to come home for Christmas," Daphne admitted, "I think Draco and Hermione will pop by for a bit in the evening so that they can see Narcissa and Teddy, but the Grangers roped them into Christmas dinner."

Harry grinned, "Oh, that's brilliant! Draco is going to have to watch the Queen's speech!"

"Why are you cackling about that?" Daphne asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Because it's fucking hilarious!"

Daphne shook her head and hid an amused smile, "I swear to Salazar, I do not understand you sometimes."

When Narcissa walked into Cygnus's hospital room, he was already sitting on the edge of the bed with his bag packed at his feet. He smiled over at Narcissa when he saw her.

"You look much healthier, Cygnus," Narcissa said with a smile.

He still needed to put on some weight, but he no longer looked gaunt around the face, and there was some colour in his cheeks again. His hair had been cut, and he was in his own clothes. He almost looked like himself again.

"I feel it," Cygnus said. He grabbed a cane that rested against the side of the bed and used it to push himself up.

Narcissa frowned slightly as her eyes lingered on the cane.

Cygnus followed her line of sight, and then realisation flashed through his eyes, "Oh, it is only a temporary measure, Narcissa, until I am strong enough to walk unaided. I will not need it for life as Lucius did."

Narcissa swallowed and nodded, "I apologise, Cygnus. I just have several bad memories surrounding Lucius and his cane."

Cygnus sighed, "I wish you had never been forced to marry that brute."

Narcissa smiled sadly, "I once wished for the same thing, but had I not married Lucius. Then I would not have Draco."

"And if I had not married Lareina, I would not have my girls," Cygnus agreed, "But I would still never wish a marriage contract on either of my children now that I have endured all I have."

"Nor would I," Narcissa sighed. She walked to the window and kept her gaze on the false environment outside, "Our children fought for the right to marry for love. I could never take that from them. They are an inspiration Cygnus, the change that they are bringing to our world…."

"Did you hear about Almina's law?" Cygnus asked. He sounded closer.

Narcissa shut her eyes tightly, "Yes. If only such a law had existed 20 years ago," she turned around and smiled sadly at him, "But back then, we simply had to play our part and hope that would be enough for us to escape punishment. Almina…she was always too rebellious to sit on the sidelines as the perfect housewife and pretend that was enough for her."

"Gifted witches should never be forced onto the sidelines," Cygnus agreed as he caught her eye, "You could have been a great Healer, you know."

Narcissa smiled sadly and glanced towards the door as it opened. A Medi-Witch walked in and smiled at them, "You look ready to go home, Mr Greengrass."

"Trust me, I am," Cygnus said with a warm smile, "You have given me the most fantastic care over the past few months, but it will be lovely to have a little more freedom."

"Of course," The Medi-Witch said kindly, "I just need you to fill out these discharge papers."

Narcissa took the papers from her and filled them out. She handed them back, and the Medi-Witch scanned them, then looked up with a smile, "Perfect, you are free to go, Mr Greengrass."

Narcissa smiled at Cygnus and hooked her arm through his. They were silent as they walked through the hospital.

When they stepped outside into the cold winter air, Cygnus breathed in deeply, "Daphne always loved this weather as a little girl."

"And now Teddy loves it," Narcissa said with a soft smile.

"You seem rather fond of him," Cygnus noted.

"I am," Narcissa said softly, "I moved in with Andromeda after the war. We reconciled after Lucius was sent to prison, and at the time, Andromeda was looking after her grandson. Harry and Daphne returned to school to finish their N.E.W.T's, you see. I grew very fond of him, and I still care for him regularly while Harry and Daphne work."

Cygnus shook his head, "I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that I went to sleep during a war then woke up to find my daughter marrying the chosen one and Draco being best friends with him."

Narcissa chuckled, "That year the children went back to school changed everything," she said honestly, "For the better, I do believe."

"It certainly seems so," Cygnus said honestly, "How are we getting to Potter Manor?"

"Side apparition," Narcissa said, leading Cygnus into a back alley, "It isn't far, just to Surrey."

"When was it restored?" Cygnus asked curiously.

"Just recently," Narcissa replied, "Are you ready?"

Cygnus nodded. He shut his eyes, anticipating the nauseating feeling that came with side apparition. It came, and it was worse than he remembered.

When they reached the gate of Potter Manor, Cygnus was as white as a sheet.

Narcissa glanced at him anxiously, "Ah, I was worried that it might drain you. Come now, it is just a short way up the path, then we can get you settled."

Cygnus took a moment to catch his breath then let Narcissa lead him up the path. He placed his hand on the front door, and it granted him entry. Narcissa helped him into the entrance hall.

"Daphne decided it would be best to give you the room on the first floor," Narcissa said as she let Cygnus lean on her while they ascended the stairs, "It is the only bedroom on this floor, so you will have plenty of privacy. You also have your private bathroom, and there are not too many stairs for you to cope with."

Cygnus smiled, "That was very considerate of her."

"She cares greatly for you, Cygnus," Narcissa assured him, "Both of the girls do."

"Oh, I know," Cygnus said honestly.

They fell silent as Cygnus struggled up the stairs. Once they reached his bedroom, Narcissa helped him to bed and stood up, "I will leave to let you get settled-"

"Narcissa," Cygnus interrupted, "Please, stay for tea?"

Narcissa paused halfway to the door.

"It would be nice to catch up properly," Cygnus elaborated.

Narcissa smiled and sat down next to his bed. She clicked her fingers and summoned Kreacher.

"Mistress Black," Kreacher said, bowing lowly, "Kreacher is most honoured to serve you."

"Thank you, Kreacher," Narcissa said gently, "Would you be so kind as to fetch myself and Cygnus a tray of tea?"

Kreacher's eyes widened, "Yes, Mistress Black. Kreacher is pleased to see so many purebloods again now that Master Potter is to be married. No more blood traitors and filth to serve, no."

The elf disappeared with a crack, and Cygnus raised an eyebrow at Narcissa.

Narcissa chuckled, "Kreacher was my Aunt Walburga's house-elf. He has a certain disregard for Muggle-borns, and before Harry met Daphne, he did not have much knowledge about pureblood culture."

"I see," Cygnus chuckled, "Speaking of purebloods, did you say that Nymphadora Tonks had a child with Remus Lupin?"

"Yes," Narcissa said, "She did."

"The Remus Lupin who we saw sorted in our fifth year?"

Narcissa smiled slightly, "Yes, there was a rather large age gap between them."

"Indeed," Cygnus said.

Kreacher arrived with the tea, and Narcissa busied herself with pouring it out.

"How bad was he to you?"

Narcissa frowned, "That is not a proper thing to discuss, Cygnus."

"Perhaps not," Cygnus agreed, "But I need to know Cissa. He always had a nasty streak while we were at school, so I need to know. How bad was it?"

Narcissa sighed and cradled her cup of tea, "It was not a pleasant experience. After the first war, it was bearable. He was never a caring, loving husband, but he was not violent, either. When the dark lord returned…."

"He hurt you."

"He controlled me mostly," Narcissa said, keeping her eyes downward, "He loved me in his way, but when I got too stubborn, he placed me under the imperius curse for months at a time until I agreed to do his bidding of my own free will. He stopped me from saving Draco from the fate of being branded by the dark lord."

Narcissa paused to take a breath, "But he also killed a muggle to save me when Draco was incapable of killing to complete the ritual required to become a Death Eater."

"If you think that is love, your idea of love is very sick and twisted," Cygnus said quietly.

"Of course it is Cygnus," Narcissa said as she placed a teacup in his hands, "I spent years at the hands of a monster."

"How you survived it is beyond me," Cygnus said, "But you were always strong, even as a girl."

Narcissa cleared her throat and changed the subject, "Now, on a happier note. I do believe we will be spending Christmas together this year."

"Oh, you aren't spending it with Draco?"

"He is obliged to spend Christmas with Hermione's parents this year," Narcissa explained, "But he will be dropping in later in the evening. Harry and Daphne kindly asked if I would like to spend Christmas here as Andromeda and Teddy will be here."

"That was very kind of them," Cygnus said, smiling at her.

"You will find Cygnus, your future son-in-law has much kindness in his heart," Narcissa said as she rose to her feet, "Now, get some sleep. You need to rest up so that you can enjoy Christmas day with your family."

"I will," Cygnus promised, "Thank you, Cissa."

Narcissa smiled at the old nickname, "Of course, Cygnus."

When Theo finished training for Christmas break and got home, he stopped in his tracks when he saw his wife sitting on the sofa with her knees pulled up under her, crying.

"What is it?" Theo asked, dropping his bag and rushing over to her, "Are you okay? Are the babies okay?"

"I'm fine, and the babies are fine," Sadie said. She smiled sadly at Theo and motioned to the portrait on the table in front of her, "But the portrait is finished. I just need to say the final incantation, and it will come to life and I just…I…."

Theo nodded, "Do you want me to say it?"

Sadie swallowed hard and nodded.

Theo sat down next to his wife and said, "Animari."

Portrait Tracey's eyes swivelled madly for a moment. Then she moved one arm and another. Then she kicked one leg and the other. It was like watching a puppet work out that it had strings. Theo took Sadie's hand as they watched the portrait frown and hold her head.

When she eventually turned to look at them, she said, "My subject was called Tracey. She meant a lot to you."

Sadie nodded, "She did. I imbued your portrait with my memories of her so you can embody her personality traits."

Portrait Tracey nodded, "She was sarcastic but caring. She loved very deeply, and she died."

"She did," Sadie said quietly, "It will take a couple of days for all of that knowledge to sink in and settle, so if you need to ask me any questions, I'll keep you hung in the drawing-room. You know the girl in your memories called Daphne?"

The portrait nodded.

"You're a gift for her. She loved your subject, and she misses her very much," Sadie explained.

"I see. I shall endeavour to embody my subjects traits before I am to be gifted then."

Sadie nodded and buried her head in Theo's chest.

"Are you okay?" He murmured in her ear.

"It's not her," Sadie said. Her voice was choked, "She can learn how to be like Tracey, but it's not her."

"It can't be, baby," Theo said softly, "No spell can bring back the dead, you know that."

"I just hope Daphne realises that," Sadie said, looking up at Theo with bloodshot eyes, "She needs to understand that she doesn't have Tracey back. She's still dead, and this is just a small way to keep her alive in our hearts."

Theo nodded, "If she doesn't understand that, then we will just have to help her understand," he assured Sadie as he looked at Tracey's portrait carefully. It was a dangerous game, magical portrait-making.

Harry had never been much of a fan of Christmas. He had never seen the magic of it growing up. He had just seen Dudley get spoiled rotten but still throw at least one temper tantrum about how he hadn't gotten what he wanted.

When he had come to Hogwarts, Christmas had become a great excuse not to have to go home to the Dursley's but, as much as he enjoyed it, he had never thought much of it.

However, when Teddy ran into the kitchen that Christmas morning, Harry truly understood the magic of Christmas. His eyes had lit up when he saw the small pile of presents next to the fireplace, and Harry had never felt as content as he did, sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee watching the love of his life help their little boy open his presents.

He knew he probably looked ridiculous, sitting there with a smile on his face and occasionally saying, "Wow, Teddy!" when the little boy showed him one of his presents. Harry didn't care, though. He just liked to see Teddy happy.

Once he had torn into all of his presents and was munching on his toast while refusing to let go of his new, giant cuddly Hippogriff, Harry pressed a mug into Daphne's hands, "Drink your coffee. It's going to be a long day."

Daphne laughed, "Teddy loves his presents, though. I just got you something small this year since we decided that Christmas was about Teddy."

She reached under the tree and pulled out an envelope. Harry opened it and smiled, "A Puddlemere season ticket? You shouldn't have done that, Daph."

Daphne smiled, "It's your thing. You love taking Teddy to the games."

"Thank you," Harry said, kissing her again, "It was very thoughtful. I do have a gift for you too, but I'll give it to you later."

"Dada! Broom?"

Harry glanced at Daphne, "Can he play with his new broom?"

Daphne looked up at the clock; it was 9 am, "Yes, but wrap him up warm."

Harry grinned at Teddy, "Alright, little guy, let's get you dressed in some warm clothes and then we can play outside!"

Teddy grinned and ran up the stairs excitedly, Harry followed him up, and Daphne let a fond smile slip onto her face as she watched them go.

"Motherhood suits you, my love."

Daphne chuckled and turned around to see her father, "How did you slip in unnoticed?"

"I discovered a secret passage from my wardrobe which lets out in the pantry," Cygnus said, easing himself into a chair, "It is rather useful for an old cripple like myself."

"You are hardly an old cripple Dad. You're just recuperating," Daphne said, "Would you like a coffee?"

Cygnus nodded, so Daphne poured him a cup and set it down in front of him, "Merry Christmas."

Cygnus smiled, "You always did love this time of year."

"I still do," Daphne admitted, "All the more so now Teddy is in our lives."

"He is a lovely boy," Cygnus agreed, "Narcissa said she was spending the day with you?"

"Yes," Daphne replied, "Her and Andromeda are coming over for Christmas lunch, then once Teddy goes to bed tonight, we're having our friends over. It will probably get a little loud, so I do apologise if we keep you up. There is a balcony overlooking the drawing-room right across the hall from you, and the sound tends to carry."

Cygnus shook his head, "It is Christmas Daphne, enjoy yourself and do not worry about keeping me up."

Daphne smiled and sat down across from him, "Astoria is coming for Christmas lunch too, you know? She is bringing her new boyfriend with her."

Cygnus narrowed his eyes at his daughter, "Do you know who he is?"

"I do," Daphne admitted, "And I am not entirely convinced that you will approve, but we shall see when he gets here."

"How very Slytherin of you," Cygnus remarked.

Daphne's eyes flashed mischievously, "I learned from the best, Father."

When Daphne stepped into the garden, a broad smile lit up her face. Teddy was playing in his new broom and occasionally bumping Harry, who dramatically 'fell' from his broom into the snow.

She laughed heartily as she watched them, and Harry grinned at her. He dismounted her broom and ushered her over.

Daphne picked her way through the snow to join him by the barn.

"Are you ready for your Christmas present?" Harry asked cheerfully.

"My Christmas present is in the barn?" She asked, quirking an eyebrow at him.

Harry grinned and stepped into the barn. A few minutes later, he returned with a big black bundle in his arms, "Say hello to your Christmas present."

Daphne's eyes widened, "A dog?"

Harry nodded eagerly, "I know you always wanted one. I haven't named him yet, I figured you would like to do that, but he's very friendly."

Daphne grinned and took the dog from her, she had assumed it was an adult at first, but when the dog started yapping and licking her face, she realised that it was just a very big puppy.

"Oh my gosh, a Newfoundland puppy! Harry, how did you know that this was one of my favourite breeds?" Daphne asked excitedly.

Harry smiled, "I had a chat with your Dad about it. He gave me a few pointers."

Daphne laughed as the puppy excitedly began to lick her again, "This little guy is going to get very big and very strong, and he's pretty excitable, so do you know what I think we should name him?"

"Hagrid?" Harry joked.

Daphne laughed and shook her head, "No, Padfoot."

Harry paused, his face fell, and for a moment, Daphne thought she had said the wrong thing, "Unless that's too-"

"No," Harry said quickly. He cleared his throat and tried to clear the tears in his eyes, "No, Daph, Padfoot is perfect, and the fact you came up with that…you are perfect," he stepped forward and kissed her, "Merry Christmas."

Daphne smiled back, "Merry Christmas," she said softly.

"Where is my favourite nephew? I have lots of presents for him!"

Daphne raised an eyebrow at her sister as she walked into the drawing-room with an armful of gifts, "He's your only nephew, and don't you think you've gone a bit overboard?"

"I have the right to go overboard for my only nephew," Astoria said offhandedly, "Hey Teddy! Happy Christmas!"

"Aunt 'storia!"

Teddy hugged Astoria then looked at the presents with wide eyes.

Astoria laughed, "This one is for your mummy, this one is for your daddy, and this one is for your grandad," she said as she handed out the rest of the presents, "But all of these are for you."

Teddy looked up to Daphne, and she smiled, "On you go, baby, open them up."

The little boy wasted no time. He dove into the presents straight away.

"Where's your other half? I thought he was joining us for Christmas lunch," Daphne said as she opened the gift from Astoria.

"He's running late, so he's going to floo straight here," Astoria replied smoothly.

"This is lovely Astoria, thank you," Daphne said. The gift was a diamond charm with the word 'sister' for the matching charm bracelets that she and Astoria had gotten as children.

"And thank you for the chocolate," Harry added. She had given him a Honeydukes box.

Cygnus smiled over at her, "Thank you, Astoria," he said, holding up the quality quill and inkpot set, "It will come in handy now that I can write again."

"I had it engraved," Astoria added.

Cygnus looked down and read the small print. It simply said, "To Father. Merry Christmas. Love, Astoria" but it still brought a tear to his eye.

"You definitely win favourite daughter this Christmas. I just got him a cashmere jumper," Daphne joked under her breath.

Astoria laughed, but before she could say anything else, there was a cry of, "MUMMA! DADA! LOOK!"

Harry looked over in disbelief, and Daphne's jaw dropped.

"Astoria," Harry began slowly, "Did you seriously get our toddler a Niffler?"

Astoria smirked, "So? The kid likes animals."

"And his mother likes shiny things," Harry pointed out, "Can you see how those two things don't go together at all?"

The Niffler darted across the room and nabbed Daphne's engagement ring from her finger, "Astoria!"

A loud, barking laugh sounded from behind them, and for a moment, everyone was confused until they realised that the sound had come from Cygnus, who was positively beside himself with laughter.

Daphne glared at her sister as she caught the Niffler and gave it a good shake to retrieve her engagement ring, "You-" she said to her sister, "- are taking this back. It's not staying in my house. I can handle Harry having a goddamn Boa Constrictor in the back garden and Neville building Teddy a greenhouse with a baby venomous tentacula but I cannot handle that thieving monstrosity stealing all of my expensive jewellery!"

Harry grinned at his fiancé, "You know, baby? Sometimes I forget that you're Daphne Greengrass, Slytherin Ice Queen and high maintenance pureblood. But then there are times like this that you just prove you haven't changed that much."

Daphne rolled her eyes and dropped the Niffler into Harry's lap, "Get that out of my sight right now."

"What do you want me to do with it exactly?" Harry asked, looking over at Teddy, who was now preoccupied with a moving Quidditch set.

"Does Dave like Niffler?"

"Daphne!"

"Who is Dave?" Cygnus asked.

"Dave is my Boa Constrictor Cygnus," Harry replied, "And although he will eat literally anything, Daphne knows that it would be morally wrong to feed a living Niffler to a snake."

Daphne scoffed, "Give it to Hermione then. She likes anything small and furry. It can steal Draco's expensive family jewellery instead of mine."

Harry snorted, "For now, I think I'll just pop it in the greenhouse. There's nothing shiny in there, so what harm can it do?"

"Famous last words," Daphne muttered.

Astoria didn't even have the courtesy to look sheepish about the whole thing.

When Harry returned to the house after depositing the Niffler in the greenhouse, he was greeted by Andromeda and Narcissa, who Kreacher had just let in.

"Merry Christmas," He said, kissing Andromeda on the cheek and hugging Narcissa.

"And you," Andromeda said, "Have you had a good morning?"

"We have had a brilliant day so far," Harry said, unable to hide his grin, "There has just been the one snag which involved Astoria buying Teddy a Niffler."

Narcissa's eyes widened, "No?"

"Yes, I have just deposited it in the greenhouse," Harry chuckled, "But Daphne would have had me feed it to Dave given half a chance."

"Dave?" Narcissa frowned.

"Harry's Boa Constrictor," Andromeda said.

Narcissa's eyes widened, "You have a deadly snake around Teddy? And you allow this Andromeda?"

"Harry is a parselmouth, Cissa," Andromeda explained with a smile, "He talks to the snake as a companion. It would not harm him, Daphne or Teddy, but it would attack if he asked it to."

"I see," Narcissa frowned.

"Anyway," Harry said, "Would you like to come up to the drawing-room for a pre-dinner drink? Everyone else is already here."

"Of course," Andromeda said, and the two women followed Harry up into the drawing-room.

When they entered the room, Teddy shouted, "Gramma!" and threw himself at Andromeda. She laughed and picked him up, then was told, "Look!" so she sat down to play with him.

Narcissa hung back a little and smiled as she watched her older sister with her grandson.

"Merry Christmas, Narcissa."

Narcissa glanced over at Cygnus, "Merry Christmas, Cygnus," she said.

Harry handed her a glass of wine, and she sat down next to Cygnus on the sofa, "We always expected our families to come together, but never like this."

"No," Cygnus agreed, "I always expected Draco to marry one of the girls."

"But Daphne fell in love with the saviour of the wizarding world, and Draco fell in love with a Muggle-born," Narcissa said with a smile, "I think he must have gotten more from his Aunt Andromeda than I realised."

"I think at heart, Draco was always more of a Black than a Malfoy," Cygnus said honestly.

"Unfortunately, he had to hide the best parts of himself for so long to please his father," Narcissa sighed.

"But that is not something to discuss on Christmas Day," Cygnus said, resting his hand on top of hers.

"No," Narcissa agreed, "It is not."

Andromeda shot her sister a knowing smile from the other side of the room, but Narcissa made no move to take her hand out of Cygnus's.

The floo whirred to life, and everyone turned their attention to it.

"Access granted," Harry said. He, like Daphne, knew who Astoria's new boyfriend was.

The fire turned green, and a stocky, tattooed redhead stepped out of it. He smiled at Astoria, "Merry Christmas, everyone. Sorry that I'm running late. I had to give the creatures in the Forbidden Forest their Christmas dinner before I could get away."

There was a stunned silence around the room.

Daphne broke it by smiling at the man, "Merry Christmas, Charlie. What can I get you to drink?"

"A firewhiskey would be great, Daphne," Charlie replied cheerfully.

Astoria hooked her arm through the older mans and said, "For those of you who don't know, this is Charlie Weasley, my boyfriend."

Cygnus cleared his throat, "And how much older than you is this man, Astoria?"

Astoria raised an eyebrow at her father, "Nine years if you must know Father, but if you deem me old enough and mature enough to run your company, then by association you must also deem me old enough and mature enough to make my own decisions."

Cygnus, annoyingly enough, could not fault this logic.

"Well," Andromeda said, surveying them, "How on earth did you two meet?"

"Daphne," Astoria said.

While Charlie answered, "Bill."

Daphne laughed and said, "Harry, Teddy and I went to Bill and Fleur's for a pre-Christmas night out, and I invited Astoria because I thought she could use a little time away. As it turned out, Bill had invited Charlie because he was lonely in the aftermath of a break-up, and low and behold, the two of them got talking."

"Got talking?" Cygnus questioned, "Whatever could you have in common with a…" he frowned, "Weasley?"

"Well, Father, this Weasley happened to be a dragon tamer for several years before returning to the UK to work at Hogwarts," Astoria said matter of factly, "But he chose that career because he likes magical creatures, not because he lacked the intelligence to do anything else. We got talking about the company, and I quickly realised that Charlie could have had a fantastic career in the Ministry if he hadn't been terrified of a desk job, so I invited him to a dinner meeting which sort of became a date."

"And she also got you a new job," Harry grinned, "When do you start at Greengrass Industries?"

Charlie chuckled, "After the Christmas break, Rolf Scamander will be replacing me. I'm sure he's more than qualified enough, considering who his Grandfather is."

Charlie then addressed Cygnus directly, "I'm sorry I haven't met you until this point, sir, but Astoria wanted you to recover a little more before she shocked you with the news. I am well aware that the age gap is large. If it truly is an issue then, of course, I would not continue to court your daughter without your consent-" at this, Astoria quirked up an eyebrow in Charlie's direction, "-But I think we both know that your daughters both have a way of getting their own way. I think it would go against both of our best wishes to upset either of them on Christmas day."

Cygnus narrowed his eyes slightly at the man, "Why don't you bring that firewhiskey over here, son, and we'll continue this discussion?"

Charlie shot Astoria a vaguely amused look and replied, "Of course, sir."

He disappeared to the other side of the drawing-room with Cygnus, and Narcissa made herself scarce by going over to wish Teddy a happy Christmas.

Daphne grinned, "He took that better than I thought he would."

"Well, Charlie can play the political game as well as either of us can," Astoria reasoned, "You ought to tell your future husband that so he can stop getting played by his best friend."

"Give him more credit than that," Daphne said in an undertone, "He knew what Hermione was up to, but he thought that she had a point, so he presented the case to the Wizengamot anyway. Those bloody heroic Gryffindors have got to stick together with their righteous attitudes after all."

"I can hear you, you know?" Harry said, from his spot a few metres away, "I'm literally right here."

"Yes, we know," Astoria replied.

Harry rolled his eyes, "Bloody Slytherins."

"Harry, look around you," Daphne said with a sly smile, "Who are you spending your Christmas with?"

Harry frowned as he glanced around the room, from Daphne and Astoria to Andromeda and Narcissa, to Cygnus.

"Holy shit," Harry muttered under his breath, "When did I sign up to fill my manor with Slytherins for Christmas?"

Daphne raised an eyebrow at him, "When you asked me to marry you?"

"She makes a good point, you know?"

Harry snorted and turned around to look at the Marauders in their portrait, "Dad, you can't be on their side. I need you to be on my side as a fellow Gryffindor."

James laughed, "Sorry, Harry, but you don't really think that everyone in our family was in Gryffindor, do you?"

"Well," Harry frowned, "You were, and so was Fleamont and Charlus."

"Their wives weren't," Sirus said with a grin, "Dorea is a Black mate. She was in Slytherin."

"And Euphemia was a Greengrass," Astoria smirked, "She was in Ravenclaw."

"How on earth did a whole generation of Greengrass's end up in Slytherin, exactly?" Sirius asked Daphne and Astoria.

"Our mother was a Crouch," Daphne answered, "And a homicidal maniac."

"Who was sleeping with her brother-in-law."

"Sounds legit," Sirius remarked.

Remus rolled his eyes, "Would you quit using modern slang?"

"I'm trying to be down with the kids, Moony," Sirius quipped.

Harry shook his head in amusement and turned back to the room, "Potter Manor, full of Slytherins. I never thought I would see the day."

"You aren't having second thoughts, are you?" Astoria quipped, "Because it's a little late if you are."

"Never," Harry promised, "I cannot wait to call your sister my wife, Astoria."

Astoria made a face, "If you two are going to act like this, I think I'll take my chances with Dad and Charlie."

"Be my guest," Daphne said, nudging her sister in that direction with a snort of amusement.

* ~ TBC ~ *