Chapter Twenty Three

The lead up to that Christmas was truly a magical time for Draco. Holidays at the Manor had been hollow, formal affairs, filled with Ministry obligations, colored coordinated designer ornaments that were only to be seen - never touched - and gifts given strictly out of duty rather than any thought of what the other person might actually desire.

Draco watched in delight as Luna set about making all manner of festive, mismatched decorations that took up almost every available surface of the cottage. He even found himself enjoying the trips to the forest to search for nargle free mistletoe, as that meant there were more sprigs dispersed around the house, providing him ample opportunities to steal kisses from Luna.

She seemed to be having such a grand time that it startled him when he found her sadly gazing into a box she had taken from the hall cupboard.

"What's wrong, love?"

Luna pulled out a Christmas stocking made of a wild variety of fabrics, stitched together with bright gold and silver threads. "It's the stocking I made for Daddy when I was a little girl. Mum helped me use some of the clothes I had outgrown to put it together." She noticed a bit of soot and rubbed it with her finger. "It must have been one of the few things he was able to salvage from the old house."

"It's beautiful. I am sure he cherished it." He saw tears coming into her eyes and whispered, "It's okay, Luna. It's your first Christmas without him. It's all right to be sad."

Before he could say anything more she buried her head in his chest and began to cry. He held her tight until he heard a muffled voice saying, "I'm sorry."

Draco lifted her face toward his. "Rubbish. Don't apologize for your feelings, Luna. You lost someone that meant the world to you. You have every right to scream, cry and throw fits if you like."

Luna sniffed and smiled. "Draco Malfoy, when did you get to be so wise about people's feelings?"

"I have a wonderful teacher. She's aces at making lists and explaining things. You should listen to her sometime."

Luna gave him a hug then turned her attention back to the stocking. "Draco...Would it be strange for me to put this up on the mantle this year?"

"It wouldn't be strange at all, Luna. If it makes you happy, hang it wherever you like."

She kissed him and asked, "Have I told you how much I love you lately?"

"Probably but I'll never turn down a repeat performance."

"Come on, then." She started towards the fireplace. "We'll hang this up and then I will teach you my special recipe for Christmas cookies. Nothing says love like cookies. Except pudding, of course."

xoxox

The days flew by and Christmas Eve soon arrived. Luna sequestered herself in the study to finish Draco's present and threatened him with any number of unforgiveables if he tried to peek in while she was working. She had decreed that any presents they exchanged must be home made and not store bought - a rule that was producing a great deal of anxiety for Draco.

To add to his worries, it appeared that the weather was not going to cooperate with his plans. Luna had been wishing for a white Christmas but it seemed as if Mother Nature was not in the mood to oblige. While the temperatures had been frightfully cold, the skies stubbornly remained flake free.

As Draco was turning all of this over in his mind, there was a knock at the door. On his way to answer, he called out, "If that is more carol singers, I'm sorry. We are completely out of cookies at this point."

He opened up to reveal Molly Weasley carrying a large bag and an even larger plate of cookies. She gave him a warm smile and exclaimed, "Well, it looks like I arrived just in time, then, didn't I?"

"Mrs. Weasley! I apologize. Thought it was more carolers. I didn't know that that many existed before tonight. Beginning to think they are changing outfits and coming around a second time." He stepped aside and gestured towards the kitchen. "But where are my manners? Please, come in."

Molly waved hand. "Oh, I couldn't impose…"

"No, really. Luna is tucked away in the study working on something that I am not allowed to see until tomorrow. At the very least warm up for a moment and then use our floo to get home."

With a grateful nod, Molly said, "Well, perhaps just for a moment. Have to get back and try to control my lot so we have a house left to celebrate in tomorrow morning." She handed off her parcels. "Now - here is a plate of cookies to help you fend off the rest of the carolers and in the bag is a gift for you and a gift for Luna."

Draco's face fell. "I-I'm sorry, Mrs. Weasley…we don't have anything for…"

The woman tutted gently. "No worries, pet. It's nothing extravagant. Simply a token to let you know how happy we are that you and Luna are both here and healthy."

"Please, let me at least go fetch Luna so she can thank you as well," Draco insisted.

Molly fussed with her scarf and moved towards the fireplace. "I'll see her soon, Draco, but I really must get back. Have to get the goose prepared. You and Luna have plans for tomorrow?"

"Yes, ma'am. We're spending the day with my Aunt Andromeda and Teddy."

"Wonderful. Feel free to stop by the Burrow in the evening, if you like. We've always room for more." She took her place in the floo and waved. "Happy Christmas to you."

Before she threw the powder Draco said, "Happy Christmas, Mrs. Weasley. And thank you….again...for everything."

Molly winked and said, "Any time, my boy," before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

xoxoxo

Early Christmas morning, Draco felt Luna slip out of bed to use the loo. He kept his eyes closed as he heard her check the window and sigh. Apparently there had been no snow. He waited until he heard the door click shut before springing out of bed, wand in hand. He quickly recited the incantation he spent the last few weeks perfecting before slipping back under the covers and feigning sleep once again.

Luna returned to bed and snuggled up against him He waited a few moments then gave an exaggerated yawn. "So, did you get your white Christmas, love?"

Luna sadly shook her head. "No. I know it's silly but I was really hoping for one. It just makes the day that much more magical, you know?"

Draco kissed her neck. "I know. Sorry. Maybe next year, huh?" He swung his legs off the side of the bed and made his own way to the bathroom. On the way back he made a show of throwing open the curtains and taking in the view. "Luna? I think we may need to set up an appointment with the healers to get your eyes checked."

Luna rolled over and asked, "Why ever for, Draco? My eyesight is fine."

Draco looked from the window back to the bed with an innocent grin on his face. "'Really? Then how did you miss seeing all of this snow outside?"

In a flash Luna was by his side. The entire yard was covered in at least three inches of snow and flakes were falling gently from the sky. She looked at Draco and squealed, "You...?! How...?! When...?!"

Draco kissed the tip of her nose. "I will answer all of your questions later but this enchantment only lasts about an hour so how about we hurry up and get dressed, okay?"

Luna was bundled up and out the door quicker than Draco could say "Blibbering Humdingers." They spent the next hour building snow men and making snow angels and Draco quickly learned that challenging Luna to a snowball fight was not a wise decision.

They didn't come inside until the last snowflake had melted. After breakfast they opened Mrs. Weasley's gifts, which contained - to Draco's chagrin - hand knit sweaters featuring their initials on the front. Luna found them so charming that she insisted they be worn to the festivities at Andromeda's. Draco almost refused but one look in her eyes and he found himself changing from his dress robes with only token resistance. To his surprise he found the jumper to be incredibly soft and he had to admit that it was much more comfortable (if somewhat less fashionable) than the formal wear which had been required on Christmas day at the Manor.

They floo'd to his aunt's where they were greeted by an overly excited Teddy who insisted they see everything that Father Christmas brought him before they did anything else. Once they had finished their tea Teddy was allowed to open his gifts from Draco and Luna and he was ecstatic to find a stuffed hippogriff among the packages. (Draco had rolled his eyes when Luna came home with the toy and she had secretly found great amusement in making sure that he wrapped that particular present.)

Teddy then proudly presented the finger painting that he had created for his friends. He took great care to explain what each blob of color represented and he seemed especially pleased that he had made the Draco splotch in a bright shade of emerald because "Una say you Swythwin and dey gween!" Draco proclaimed it a masterpiece and promised that it would be framed and hung over the mantle at the cottage as soon as they got home.

Later in the day, Harry and Ginny - also sporting Weasley jumpers - stopped by with their gifts for Teddy. At one point, the men found themselves alone in the kitchen refilling their drinks. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Draco sidled up beside Harry and inquired in a low voice, "So, Potter. The sweaters. Every year?"

Harry nodded. "Yep." He lifted his glass in Draco's direction. "Welcome to being a Weasley."

Draco almost dropped his glass. "I'm not…"

Harry cut him off with a smirk. "Yeah. You don't really get a say in the matter, Malfoy. Once Molly Weasley decides you are part of the tribe it is a done deal. You'll have a better chance changing Luna's mind about nargles."

Before Draco could formulate a reply, they were interrupted by cries of delight from the other room. Molly had made Teddy a sweater as well and the child's hair had turned bright red as soon as Ginny put it on him. Draco walked to the sofa and lifted the boy into his lap. "Little traitor," he whispered before starting to laugh. It was no more than a chuckle at first but soon he was finding it difficult to breath. Everyone, including Luna, stared in amazement.

"What's so funny, nephew?" Andromeda asked.

Draco gasped for air. "I am imagining Father's face if he could see me here, in your living room sitting between Luna Lovegood and Harry Potter, wearing a sweater made by Molly Weasley whilst holding a small, red headed child on my lap."

As Draco struggled to regain his composure, Harry began to snicker as well. "I wonder how much the Daily Prophet would pay for that photo." This caused Ginny to produce a very unladylike snort, which sent all of them into a new fit of hilarity which echoed loud and long throughout the evening.

xoxox

As soon as they arrived back at the cottage, Draco felt a rising sense of apprehension. He had worked hard on his surprise for Luna but he was beginning to second guess himself about how it might be received. He was relieved when she announced that she was ready to give her gift. She situated him in front of the fire, conjured some hot chocolate and cookies then presented him with a brightly wrapped package. He took his time carefully removing the paper and was amused when Luna began urging him to hurry up.

"Calm down, love! This is the best Christmas I have ever had. Don't fault me for trying to make it last as long as I can, okay?"

Luna fidgeted slightly. "Sorry. I just really hope you'll like it."

"It came from you, Luna. Whatever it is, I will love it." He pulled off the last bit of the paper to find a small velvet box which contained a silver pocket watch with an intricate design on the front. Upon closer inspection he realized the engraving was enchanted to depict a elegant and detailed dragon slowly flying across the sky in front of a full moon.

"Luna, this is amazing! You made this?"

Luna nodded. "The watch itself was one of Daddy's but the front was blank. I painted the scene on a canvas first and then used a combination of spells to shrink it down, animate it and transfer it to the watch case." She pointed at the image. "It's us. Draco and Luna. The dragon and the moon, see?" She bit her lip and asked, "So, do you like it?"

"Like it? I love it! It's beautiful and one of a kind - exactly like you," said Draco as he reached for her.

Luna held up her hand. "Hold on. There's something you haven't seen yet." She gestured towards the watch. "Open the back."

Draco flipped the timepiece over and ran his finger along the side of the case until he felt the mechanism that caused the back cover to spring open. A silvery image appeared before his face and began to move. He had to catch his breath when he realized that what he was seeing was the memory of their first kiss.

He stared in wonder as he heard her voice next to his ear, "It is a variation of the spell used in pensieves. It is charmed so that only you or I can see it. I hope you don't mind. I thought this way you could always have a happy memory with you whenever you might need it."

Before she could say anything else Draco's arms were around her and he was kissing her repeatedly. He stopped long enough to say, "You are truly miraculous, Luna Lovegood. Just when I think I've seen every incredible thing you can do, you astonish me once again." He gazed lovingly at the watch and shook his head. "I am afraid my offering may not live up to the standard you have set."

"But you already gave me my present, Draco. The snow this morning. That was extraordinary magic. I assumed that was my gift."

"The snow? No, love. That wasn't your present. That was because you wanted a white Christmas. Even if we hadn't been exchanging gifts I would have done that because it made you smile."

Draco had barely finished that sentence when Luna launched herself into his arms and began snogging him as if her very life depended on it. He eventually summoned enough self control to extract himself from her embrace, saying, "As much as I am enjoying this, Luna - and believe me, I am - can we leave a bookmark there just long enough for me to give you the present I have for you?"

Luna ran a finger lightly across his lips. "As long as you promise to not forget where we left off."

Draco waggled his eyebrows. "Oh, I think I can remember the general vicinity if required." He reached under the divan and pulled out an elegantly wrapped parcel. Luna hurriedly tore the paper off, revealing an large album. She glanced at Draco. "Open it," he said softly.

She opened the cover and gasped. There, looking up at her, were her parents on their wedding day. The picture had been taken just as they had cut the cake at the reception. They looked lovingly at each other and then towards the photographer with huge smiles on their faces.

Tears began to roll down Luna's cheeks as she turned the page and found more photos of her mother and father - some from their time at Hogwarts, some casual pictures taken by friends. Those were followed by pictures of Pandora, obviously pregnant with Luna, with Xeno in the background looking happier than his daughter could ever remember seeing him.

She continued on and found baby pictures of herself, both parents proudly beaming over their precious bundle of joy. At this point Luna had to stop as she could no longer see anything due to the tears in her eyes.

She heard Draco ask, "Is it okay? You said almost all of your family photos were destroyed in the explosion so I asked Mr. Weasley for help locating any that might exist in other places. He reached out to the surviving members of the Order and asked them for any pictures they had of your parents. Professor McGonagall went through the archives at Hogwarts and made copies of anything she found. Cassandra had everyone at the Quibbler do the same. I found a lady in Godric's Hollow that had copies of the Prophet going back ages so she let me look through those as well. I wish it could be more but we collected everything we were able to find."

Draco began to squirm as she kept on crying. "Luna? Please say something. Did I do the wrong thing? I was hoping this would make you happy..."

"Oh, Draco! This...I mean...Do you know what you've..." She hugged the album tightly and managed to say, "You've given me back my family."

Draco still looked concerned. "And that's a good thing, right?"

Luna wiped her face and nodded enthusiastically. "It's a very good thing, Draco."

"So, you like it then?"

Luna shook her head. "No. I don't like it. I love it. As a matter of fact, the only thing I love more than this gift is the person that gave it to me."

Draco exhaled in relief. "I'm glad. Now, for protection, the cover is made of Graphorn scales, so it can survive anything. It also has been charmed to accommodate as many pages as you would like to add in the future, so you can keep collecting memories."

Luna smiled. "You thought of everything, didn't you?"

"I simply asked myself, 'What would Luna Lovegood do?' That seems to work in most situations."

Luna squeezed the album to her chest once more before laying it gently on the table beside her. She reached for Draco and began tugging him towards her. "I believe you have one more present to unwrap, Draco Malfoy."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Do I, now?"

Luna nodded. "I believe we bookmarked a certain spot a few moments ago. You wouldn't happen to recall where that was, would you?"

Draco's lips hovered over hers. "I think that, if I concentrate, I might possibly remember."

As Luna closed the gap between them, he heard her murmur, "Happy Christmas, Draco."

And he had to agree that it was, by far, the happiest Christmas he had ever known.