A/N: Hello friends! I do believe this may be the second last Theo POV scene! There are still a few chapters to go, but we're getting there. Thank you for all your wonderful reviews - enjoy this very soft chapter.

Saturday, December 18th, 1999

Theodore Nott wakes up on the morning of December 18th, choking on long blonde hair and far too warm. He pushes the strands away from his face and finds that Luna has wrapped herself around him so tightly that there is hardly any escape.

He does not actually want to escape. He runs his fingers down her long hair and down her spine, tickling at her pale skin. She burrows deeper into his shoulder, and he does one more sweep with his fingertips.

A large blue eye peeks out, sleepy. "Is it time to wake up?"

"Only if you want to have this party you've been planning for ages," Theo answers in a half-whisper, hesitant to disturb the peaceful quiet of their room.

Luna's smile appears, and she blinks slowly, "well, then I suppose we should wake up."

She peels herself away from him and sits up, tugging their sheets around her shoulders. It's a glorious sight; his wife's skin bathed in the early morning sunshine and warm sheets. It's been almost six weeks since the day they were married, and he's still not used to the sight. He doubts he ever will be.

She clambers off their bed, her long hair trailing down her bare back. She grabs her wand and summons a shirt from the closet, one of his long pyjama shirts, and slips it on. Theo watches this all and wonders if perhaps he died in the war and is somehow being rewarded in an afterlife.

"Have I told you recently that this is an excellent way to wake up?" He asks.

Luna grins over her shoulder, "Only every morning."

She skips out of their room, and Theo drags himself out of bed to dress.

He finds her in the kitchen, talking to Thelma. Their entire manor has been decorated for Christmas, and if Theo had known that allowing Thelma to string lights and garland everywhere would make her so happy, he would have told her to decorate sooner.

"Morning," he says.

Thelma instantly clamps her mouth closed and disappears.

Theo frowns and turns to Luna. "What's wrong with Thelma?"

Luna's smile is mischievous. "Nothing."

Theo laughs, tugging at Luna's hem until she comes closer. "You are very obviously up to something, Lady Nott."

Luna giggles and wraps her arms around his neck, rising on her tiptoes to kiss him. When she pulls away, her mischievous expression has morphed into a nervous smile.

"What's wrong, Luna?" Theo asks.

She blinks. "Nothing is wrong. It's just new."

Theo has learned that her answers are always answers, even if they don't seem like it at the time. "New is good. You were new to me, once."

Her wide smile dimples her cheeks, and he can't help his answering smile.

"Let's go feed the Thestrals," Luna says.

He denies her nothing, and they head towards their stables.

When dusk finally falls, Luna is dressed in a dark green gown edged in silver, with her hair loose around her shoulders. Theo is wearing his dress robes, and Thelma has all of her best dishes levitating throughout the ballroom. Theo hasn't even been in his own ballroom since before his father died, and it is now completely unrecognizable. Thelma has outdone herself; candles float near the ceiling the way Hogwarts had once done. Garland is twined around the edges of the windows, and twinkling lights peek out from every corner. Multiple trees have been decorated and lit, and the floors are shining with polish.

The Fairy lights he had promised Luna twinkle from their outdoor gardens, heated by a permanent temperature charm that suits the grounds and the swans. The Fairies flit about, lighting the area and providing tinkling music that echoes in the room.

"Do you believe in ghosts?" Luna asks. She's got a half-frown on her face, and one fist on her hips. She's staring at a blank oak wall.

"Luna… we've met ghosts," Theo answers, "Don't you remember Nearly Headless Nick and the Bloody Baron?"

Luna waves his words away, "Yes, yes. I mean… spirits. Do you believe in them?"

"I suppose I must if I'm surrounded by magic."

Luna finally turns from the blank wall and meets his gaze. "Did you know you have your mother's eyes?"

Theo freezes. Luna's squinting at him, as though she can't place something.

"How… how would you know that?" He asks.

Luna steps forward, raising a hand to press against his cheek. Like always, she is gentle. She isn't frightening, and yet he's shaking.

"People don't just leave," Luna says.

"She died, Luna." Theo's voice is hoarse. "She didn't leave."

Luna's blue eyes flit to the side and she smiles. "Green, green, green. She's lovely."

Theo snaps his head to the side so quickly he nearly pulls a muscle. There is nothing there, and Theo turns back to his wife to see that she is staring straight at him again.

"Sometimes they're here after they go," Luna adds. "Don't worry so much. She's very proud of you."

Theo swallows hard at the clog of tears that hits his throat. "You can see her?"

"No," Luna answers, "I can just tell."

Thelma appears suddenly, and Theo flinches. Luna doesn't move, her hand still pressed to his cheek.

"Your guests are arriving," Thelma informs. "Thelma has invited them into the parlour."

Luna squeaks excitedly and pulls away. She snags Theo's hand and heads towards the parlour, dragging him behind her. He's still reeling when Luna greets Hermione, and he barely pulls it together enough to shake hands with Draco.

"Thank you for the invite," a familiar voice says, and Theo turns to see his wife hugging Harry Potter and his Weasley wife. It feels surreal to see the saviour of the wizarding world in his front room, and know that both he and Draco bear the mark of his enemy in their skin.

Another knock draws his attention, and their front door swings open to show Pansy Parkinson and Neville Longbottom.

"Pansy!" Theo says, surprised. He had known they had married, but Luna hadn't been sure if they would come.

She marches in as though she owns the estate and grins. "Nott. It looks good in here."

"Hi Neville," Luna greets, hugging him as well. Theo doubts he's ever hugged as many people in his life as Luna has hugged in the last five minutes.

"Neville, glad you could make it," Harry says. He glances at Pansy, "And you as well, Pansy."

"Let's head into the ballroom." Luna suggests, "Thelma has done a wonderful job decorating and putting food out." Luna heads towards the large open doors, and Theo takes their guests' coats as they follow, hanging them on his front entrance hooks.

"Hello!" Their door opens again to reveal a batch of Weasley's. Ron and Hannah enter slowly, with George on their heels. Parvati follows him, with her sister and Blaise behind them.

"Come in!" Theo says, "I'll take your coats. The others have just gone through those doors."

"Thanks, mate," Blaise says, handing him an Italian leather jacket. Theo raises his eyebrows at the distinctly Muggle make, and Blaise rolls his eyes. Parvati hands him a bottle of elf wine, and Theo thanks her graciously.

"You have the greenest eyes," Parvati murmurs, "Did you know?"

Theo frowns — this is the second time today someone has pointed out his eye colour.

"Yes?" He answers slowly.

Parvati stares a moment longer before turning on her heel and marching towards the ballroom.

Theo glances around his entrance hall. It's been a bizarre few hours, and he's both excited and nervous about having guests in his home. Many years ago, when his mother had still been alive, they had hosted grand balls in Nott Manor. Theo had doubted his friends would all want to dance, and so he and Luna had moved a few chairs and tables in, as well as a few games, to keep them busy. They had left some of the dance floor open though, since Theo knew Luna would be sad if he didn't dance with her at least once.

He sighs heavily and heads into the party — they aren't expecting many more guests, though they had invited the rest of the Weasley's and their partners, as well as Michael Corner, as Luna had insisted he had been a good friend to her in Ravenclaw. Cho Chang had written back and declined their invitation graciously, stating that she already had plans; Luna had accepted her reasoning, but Theo had his suspicions, especially since Draco had mentioned how Cho had acted with Terence at Blaise's wedding.

Luna is standing with Pansy when Theo walks into the ballroom, and he's grateful that his wife is sensitive enough to notice that Pansy had been left alone while the Gryffindors chat. Though Pansy's expression seems impatient, Theo knows her well enough to know that she won't say anything untoward to Luna; Pansy, despite being capable of venomous insults, is a loyal Slytherin, and she'd avoid hurting Luna if it meant hurting him.

Theo waves his wand at the old pianoforte in the corner, and it jingles out some holiday tunes quietly. A tray floats past him with champagne and fire whiskey, and he snags a glass.

He heads towards the Gryffindors because if his wife is brave enough to make Pansy bloody Parkinson feel welcome, he's brave enough to take on the lions.

It's Hermione that helps, though. She's standing facing Harry Potter, and Draco has his palm settled comfortably on her lower back. She smiles when she sees him coming. "Theo, so good to see you. Thank you for inviting us, it looks beautiful in here."

"It's all Thelma and Luna, I'm afraid," Theo admits, "They've made the Manor feel very homey these past few weeks."

"It's wonderful," Ginny chimes in. "I can't wait to walk outside. I've heard from Hermione that the grounds are stunning."

Theo nods politely. "There's a permanent warming charm extending past the door for a while. You can go see the swans and it won't be too chilly."

"Neat bit of magic," Harry Potter says, "I thought permanent warming charms were strictly controlled."

Draco rolls his eyes, "Potter, that warming charm has been on this estate for centuries."

"It has," Theo interrupts before Draco and Potter can get into an argument, "I wouldn't even know how to remove it at this point."

"And we wouldn't want to, would we, Harry? Since I'd like to go see the swans and all." Ginny Weasley's voice is pointed and sharp, and Harry Potter, the infamous boy-who-lived, deflates. Theo marvels at the power she wields so easily.

"Yes, quite true," Harry agrees, almost unwillingly. "Let's go now, Gin." He wraps his arm around her and they head towards the doors.

Hermione sighs, "You'd never know it from that conversation, but Harry usually doesn't care about rules at all."

Theo can't help the laugh that escapes him. He's not the only one, either. Both Draco and Ron Weasley are chuckling, which is a sight Theo basically never thought he'd see.

"What?" Hermione asks, glancing around at all the laughing boys.

"I'm pretty sure we all remember how much Harry Potter ignored rules during school, Hermione." Draco answers.

The use of her given name has Theo raising his eyebrows, but Draco avoids his gaze.

"Theodore, could you direct me to your washroom?" Hannah Abbott's voice is hardly above a whisper. Theo glances at her to find her pale as snow and staring over his shoulder to where Luna is talking to Pansy.

"Turn left outside the doors, and it's the first door on your right," Theo says. Hannah takes off quickly.

"Sorry," Ron Weasley apologizes. "I told her Pansy would be here, and she said she could handle it."

"It's okay, Ron. She's got to get used to this, as shite as it is." Hermione says.

"She's right, mate," George Weasley says, strolling up and snatching a snack off a floating plate. Parvati is standing near Padma at a far window, and the twins are talking quietly. Blaise is heading towards Pansy and Luna.

Draco grabs a firewhiskey as the tray goes by, and George Weasley eyes the drink with both envy and relief. Theo glances at the trays and realizes he has missed something important.

"Thelma," Theo calls.

His little house-elf appears and clasps her hands together, glancing around at the witches and wizards surrounding him.

"Master Nott?"

"Sorry, Thelma, it's just occurred to me that it would be lovely to have a few glasses of water and juices available as well. Do we have any?"

"Of course," Thelma answers, "I will get them at once."

"Thank you."

Thelma disappears as quickly as she came. Theo catches George's eyes, and he nods in thanks.

"Would anyone like to play cards?" Theo asks. He's praying that everyone agrees because the sooner the group gets involved in a game and has a few drinks to ease the tension, the less likely a fight is to erupt.

They all meander to the large circular table set by a tall, neatly decorated Christmas tree. Draco pulls Hermione's chair out and she sits down, thanking him quietly. Theo watches this with sharp eyes — he's no fool, and he's known Draco Malfoy since he was a boy. He meets familiar silver eyes, and Draco glances away. It's a nervous tell; Snakes hide emotions. Theo's done it for years, as have Pansy and Blaise.

Luna plops into the chair between him and Draco, smiling widely. Her hair is ruffled, and she's managed to attract the attention of two fairies, who are tinkling around her, planets circling her sun.

"You've got fairies," Theo tells her.

Luna laughs, drawing the attention of the others at the table. "Two! What a magic number!"

Theo can feel his lips wanting to curl into a smile he reserves solely for Luna, and he decides that he is tired of hiding. He grins at her.

"Two is a magical number," he agrees. Luna reaches out and tangles her hand in his.

Blaise watches this all with an exasperated expression from where he's sitting on Theo's other side. There are two empty chairs beside him, reserved for Padma and Parvati, who are still by the window. Blaise doesn't seem particularly annoyed that his spouse is ignoring him.

Harry and Ginny enter the ballroom again, grinning at each other. Harry's hair seems messier than usual, and Ginny's flushed; they make their way to the table and sit across from Theo. Blaise catches Theo's eyes and rolls them at the couple's obvious activities. Theo chokes down a laugh, because, well, Gryffindors, they're all so emotional.

Pansy sits delicately by Neville, on the other side of Hermione, and she summons the cards and charms them to shuffle themselves. As usual, Pansy looks stunning; she had learned early in Hogwarts that the prettier you could be, the more power you could wield. Her eyes are luminescent and darkened with kohl liner, and her full lips are a deep red. She grins sharply at the table and flicks her wrist to send the cards dealing on their own.

"Wow!" Hermione stares at the cards, dealing from the air. "Pansy, where did you learn that? It was wonderful."

Pansy shrugs demurely. "Our fathers often played cards together. They taught me."

Draco huffs, "Pansy, it's not like you not to gloat. My grandfather, Abraxas Malfoy, invented that particular card charm, and he was protective of it. He only ever taught one person the spell, and it was my father."

Theo scowls, "Yes, and despite hours of begging him to teach us, he never shared his trick. It wasn't until fifth year when we were playing cards in the Slytherin common room that Pansy here pulled it out."

Pansy laughs, "You boys nearly lost your minds."

"And rightly so," Blaise adds, "Draco doesn't even know the charm!"

Hermione turns to Draco, "Your father didn't teach you?"

Draco rolls his eyes, "No. He said we all lacked the discipline to master it. Somehow, Pansy is the only person he taught."

"How did you get him to teach you?" Ron asks Pansy, too caught up in the story to remember he's consorting with Slytherins, and that he hates Pansy Parkinson.

Pansy just smirks, but Neville Longbottom sighs. "Pans, you're torturing them."

"Longbottom knows?" Draco gapes. "We've been asking for years, Pansy!"

Parvati Patil plops down beside Blaise, leaving Padma her spot beside George Weasley. Padma has a class of elfin wine and is sipping it quietly, an introspective look on her face. Parvati sips her water and stares hard at her sister.

Draco sighs, "Let me guess, you're going to take it to your grave, aren't you, Parkinson?"

"Pansy," Harry Potter says, grinning. "There is nothing I would like more than to learn that trick from you. Name your price."

Pansy laughs, "Potter, I'd teach you for free just to see the look on Draco's face."

The entire table laughs, and Theo sips his firewhiskey. If someone had told him five years ago that he'd be sitting in Nott Manor, surrounded by a mishmash of different Hogwarts houses, married to Luna Lovegood, and sharing jokes with Harry Potter, he'd have never believed it.

Hermione is frowning and still staring at the cards. She picks up the hand she's been dealt, and the table slowly follows suit. Hannah returns from the washroom a few hands in, and she sits tentatively at the table beside Ron, peeking at his cards.

"We can re-deal if you want to play, Hannah." George Weasley offers.

"That's fine," Hannah says, clearing her throat. Her eyes are red. "I'll jump in next round."

Pansy and Neville are avoiding her gaze, and Theo prays this doesn't end in shouting. Luna had confided that this with the first party she'd ever had, and he's ready to hex anyone who ruins his wife's fun.

Blaise, predictably, is on track to win the game. He's always been too good at cards, and Theo expects him to win as usual.

What he doesn't expect is Parvati's laughter as she lays her cards down to reveal a winning hand. George is shaking his head, chuckling as if he's in on some inside joke.

"One more round?" Parvati asks innocently.

"Sounds great," Hermione Granger says, and then with a sly look to Draco, she casts her hand out and waves it gently. The cards float to each other and begin shuffling, almost exactly the way they had under Pansy's ministrations.

Theo gapes, and he's not the only one. The movement baffles every Slytherin at the table. Hermione Granger, a girl he had once believed to be too uptight, smirks in a distinctly Slytherin way.

"Granger," Draco says, "please tell me how you did that?"

Hermione hums, "Hmm. I don't think I will." She taps a single finger against her lip and glances at Pansy, who is staring at her mouth agape. Hermione Granger has never looked more like a Malfoy.

Blaise laughs at the same time as Theo — Draco looks outraged and glances at his friends in betrayal. "What are you laughing for?"

"Granger," Blaise chokes out, "I think you've just become my favourite Gryffindor ever."

Hermione sniffs, "Truly an honour, Blaise. Who was it before me?"

"George," Blaise, Theo, and Pansy say this in unison.

George Weasley chokes on his water, "Me?!"

"Blimey," Ron Weasley chuckles, "Never knew you were in with the snakes, Georgie!"

Hannah clears her throat. "He wasn't," she glances at George. "It's because of the pranks. All the houses loved him."

The table goes quiet for a moment — Theo knows they're all thinking of the Weasley twin who died. Hannah is correct; Fred and George Weasley were a favourite of everyone in Hogwarts. It's difficult to be funny and pull pranks without hurting anyone, and the Weasley's had always walked that fine line.

"Well, thanks," George says. He clears his throat. "Had I known I was so popular, I would have asked to play cards with you lot sooner."

Theo catches Luna's eyes and smiles. The war feels far away in this moment, despite those missing from their table. He's not used to the feeling — like he could build a life here that isn't rooted in hatred and envy.

They play a few more hands of cards, and Parvati wins every round. George is shaking his head by the last round.

"I should have known never to play cards with you," he says. Parvati laughs. On the last hand, Pansy gathers the cards up and slips them back into the pack. Hannah, though still pale, is looking a little less like someone murdered her, though her glassy eyes hint at just how much she's been drinking.

She stands and wobbles a little, and Ron hurries to stabilize her. Theo thinks that Ron looks exhausted — the way he had during the war.

"I'm sorry we have to head out early," Weasley says slowly. He glances at Luna. "Thank you for having us."

Hannah is scowling at Ron. It doesn't take a genius to know that he's cut their evening short on purpose.

"Thank you for coming!" Luna answers. Ron takes his wife's arm, and they head towards the door. Theo hears Thelma getting their coats, and then the heavy thud of the front door closing behind them.

"Sorry," Neville Longbottom says. His face is drawn with pain. "That's my fault."

"My fault," Pansy says unexpectedly.

Harry slaps the table, startling Theo. "It's the Ministry's fault. No one else's."

"Yeah," Neville agrees, "I just feel bad."

"We all do, mate." George agrees. "But we didn't have much choice."

Hermione nods. "Yes. And Ron and Hannah get along well enough. I am actually very proud of her for coming tonight — I think we've all done well."

"I agree," Luna adds, "I'm so glad you all could make it."

The piano begins to tinkle out a tune that they're all familiar with. Blaise groans and George Weasley begins to laugh. Memories of the Yule Ball, so long ago now, run rampant. They all know the dance for this particular song.

Blaise sighs. "I'm going to hate myself for telling you all this, but I think it may cheer some of you up. Guess who taught all the Slytherins how to dance to this song?"

A moment of silence, and then Ginny Weasley's eyes light up, "Do not tell me Professor Snape taught you how to dance!"

"Unfortunately," Draco drawls, "he did."

Hermione laughs loudly, "That is the best mental picture I've ever had." She bumps Draco with her elbow, and he rolls his eyes, fondness sweeping across his expression.

"Ginny, would you like to dance?" Harry Potter grins at his wife, "Show these snakes how it should be done?"

Ginny scoffs, "You only ask that because this is the only dance you know."

Harry shrugs shamelessly at her correct accusation and holds out a hand. Ginny takes it, and Theo watches as they saunter towards the small dance floor. Theo sighs and pushes himself to his feet, offering Luna his hand. He might hate dancing, but he's not about to let Harry bloody Potter outshine him as a husband.

"I suppose that's our cue, Granger," Draco mutters, and she stands with him. For a moment, Theo thinks they're heading to the dance floor, but instead, they head to the doors and slip outside.

When Theo reaches the dance floor, he gathers Luna into his arms and ignores the rest of the partygoers. Luna has her fingertips resting on his chest, and Theo curls his palms around her ribs. The silver edging of her dress sparkles in the light, and she is incandescent as always.

"Are you having fun?" Theo asks gently, swaying her.

Luna's eyes, as blue and fathomless as an ocean, light up. "This may be the best party I've ever been to."

"Have you been to many parties?"

Luna bites her lip, "Well. Once Harry took me to a Slughorn party."

Jealousy eats at him, "Harry took you on a date?"

Luna tinkles out a laugh. "Oh, no. He was quite in love with Ginny, you see."

"Then why did you go?"

Luna glances at the other dancing couple. "Ginny was dating someone else. Harry asked me as a friend, so he wouldn't be alone."

"You're a good friend," Theo tells his wife.

She smiles up at him. "I know."

He laughs, and the song ends. Most of their friends are still sitting at the table, a new card game having started. Parvati is nowhere to be found, but George is sitting with Padma and chatting. Harry and Ginny are still dancing, despite the change in song.

"Would you like to go outside?" Luna asks.

Theo nods, and they head towards their doors. Hermione and Draco are heading inside as they step out. They're discussing something about alchemic properties, and Theo rolls his eyes. He should have known Draco and Hermione would consider academia appropriate material for bonding. Luna smiles at Hermione as they pass by.

The outside air is cool despite the temperature charm, and the night sky shines down on them. They walk to the edge of the path, where it opens onto a pond. The swans are floating in the distance, just shadows upon the water. The Fairies are still flitting about, a light tinkling music echoing in their ears.

"Look, Theo." Luna's staring at the sky, and Theo follows her gaze. There're thousands of stars all lit up in the clear night sky. The moon is incredibly bright, and Theo marvels at the sight.

"It's beautiful." He says. Two shooting stars cross his vision and he grins. "Did you see that? Shooting stars!"

"Muggles wish on those, you know," Luna tells him. He looks at her and finds she's staring at him. She's got her secret smile on, the same one she had the first moment he had officially met her.

"What do they do that for?" Theo asks. He can't imagine wishing on a star — it's nonsensical.

Luna shrugs delicately, "Stars are good secret keepers."

Theo turns fully to her, cupping her jaw in his palm. Her blue eyes watch him — there's no hint of fear, or hatred, or any of the things he had always feared he would see in any future wife he could imagine. He loves her so fucking much he could burst.

"I wish I'd found you without the WPG," Theo admits.

Luna's hands come and hold his own to her face. "That's a good wish," she admits, "but you would have found me either way. I'm sure of it."

He basks in her certainty. "What makes you so sure?"

"Two is a good number," she says. "It's the best number."

He laughs. "What's that got to do with anything?"

Her blue eyes twinkle. She pulls his hand away from her face and presses it against her stomach, the green fabric of her dress soft under his fingertips.

"It was always meant to be you, Theo." She tells him in a hushed voice. "You've given me everything. A family."

Theo can hardly breathe — his palm feels sweaty on her stomach. He shouldn't be so shocked; they'd never bothered with any conception charms or potions, but he still feels blindsided.

"Are you—?"

Luna grins, "Two. The best number. Thelma checked this morning."

Theo nearly knocks her over in his haste to hug her. He lifts her off her feet, and her laughter in his ear is the best thing he's ever heard. She's breathless when he finally lets her go, and Theo hardly knows where to start.

"I hope they have your green eyes," Luna tells him.

Theo couldn't care less if they came out with seven eyes and three arms — he's so clogged with emotions that he feels like he might faint. It's incredibly rare to have multiples in magical pregnancy. For most purebloods, it's damn near impossible to even get pregnant. If Theo had ever imagined children, he'd always imagined he might have one, if he was lucky.

"I love you," he says. It feels easy — it feels like he's said it to her a thousand times, like he's going to say it a thousand more times, and Theo wonders why it took him so long.

He stares at his wife — his magical, glowing, incandescent, pregnant wife — and he thinks that he'd cross oceans for her; he'd find every star and bring them to her if she so much as asked. He'd go back to war for her.

"I know," she says softly. "I've always known."

He kisses her — he rains down on her and whispers his love across her skin, and she answers him in between press of lips, and Theo thinks it feels like nothing he's ever felt before. Happy. Incandescent. Life-changing.