After dinner, everyone gathered in the tiny but comfortable parlor. As Ginny helped her mother to organize and sort presents, and to bring down presents that had been left upstairs because they thought the boys wouldn't be here, she noticed Dumbledore and Lupin pull Bill aside to talk quietly. She watched as Bill nodded and went quietly around the room, whispering something in the ear of each Weasley brother, Harry, Neville, and Draco. One by one they trickled out of the parlor and on to the back porch. Arthur joined them last, after saying something calming to Molly when she mentioned the inappropriateness of talking strategy at Christmas when they only had a few hours together. The group of women, knowing what was going on, grew quiet. Just outside the Weasley's kitchen door, their men were plotting on how to best put their lives in danger once more. Ginny noticed Dumbledore's tall pointy hat on the table and reflected on something Draco had said to her long ago while they were both still at Hogwarts.
He'd told her that the side of the light's tactics weren't that much different than the Death eaters, the only thing that separated them was the fact that the light could claim that they were doing what they did with good intentions. Ginny had argued with him vehemently at the time, but she now found herself wondering just how close Draco had hit the mark. Suddenly there was Dumbledore on the doorstep on Christmas day, and then the boys had shown up, with Bill making it clear that it was with Dumbledore's special permission. Oh, it all certainly seemed like kindness on the surface but Ginny wondered if Dumbledore hadn't needed to have this special meeting with them if they'd have seen the boys this Christmas at all. Ginny shivered and put the thoughts out of her head. After all, it didn't matter why they were here, it was enough that they were, for however short a time it was.
When the men returned to the parlor, the festive mood was once again captured as presents were passed around and opened. Most of the gifts for the soldiers were practical items like boots and sweaters, cloaks and gloves, scarves and stationary, writing quills and bottles of ink, owl treats for payment to the military owls for sending and delivering letters, and hard candies that could be carried around in pockets and not take up room in packs and gear. The women gave gifts to each other, knowing the men wouldn't have been able to get anything for them in the field. Padma and Parvati has given Ginny a wonderful book on medical charms, and Hermione had gotten her a lovely set of blown glass beakers and test tubes.
"I'll be expecting you to bring those to the hospital with you." Hermione said, laughing. "I got them as much for me as I did for you."
This brought several questions from the others about what Hermione and Ginny were doing, and the two young women filled them in on their research.
"Muggle medicine?" Draco said, frowning at Ginny. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Draco, I thought you were past thinking muggles were evil and unworthy?" Hermione teased Draco, who much to Ron's dismay, were quite good friends.
"Just because I've reversed my view on them being evil, doesn't mean that I trust their intellect on things. I certainly don't want to be treated with any muggle medicine for anything. Do you?"
"You forget my parents are muggles. "Hermione reminded him." I have been treated with muggle medicine. And look, I'm not dead!"
"Maybe it's the genes, mudblood!" Draco said, grimacing.
"Maybe it's because I'm not a close minded ignorant cockroach!" said Hermione, hands on hips.
"Who are you calling cockroach, you frizzy haired know-it-all?" said Draco, glowering.
"If the shoe fits..." said Hermione, glowering back.
"Hey, "said Ginny, trying to defuse the situation, before Ron, who was slowly turning red, made it worse, "I thought you two were friends now?"
"We are," said Hermione, still giving Draco the evil eye. "If we weren't, I'd have hexed him by now!"
Draco raised an eyebrow, typical Draco style. "You couldn't throw a hex at the broad side of a Pyrenees snorkack."
"Actually, the snorkack is from the Alps, not the Pyrenees. That is, if you're referring to the crumpled horn variety." Said Luna.
Everyone in the room turned to look at Luna and there was a moment of silence. Then they all erupted into laughter. She looked a little confused as Neville hugged her, but smiled anyway.
The couples in the room dispersed shortly after that, each wanting a quiet moment or two with the ones they loved. Ginny and Draco found themselves in the garden, Ron and Hermione having taken over the room the girls shared, swinging on the swing they had so often shared in the summers past. Draco chanted a quick warming spell and they snuggled up together, watching Christmas fairies light up the night sky.
Draco buried his face into Ginny's hair and inhaled deeply. "I've missed you so, luv. It's been hard, without even letters to tell me what you've been up to."
Wrapping her arms around his waist she replied, "I've missed you too. I've been so afraid that each time they bring wounded into the hospital, you're going to be among them."
"We're as safe as anyone else is in the field. It's just the mental stress really, at this point that's getting to me. No letters, no contact with anyone other than the others in our division. No news of what's going on at home. I'd give anything for a piano." Draco sighed.
Ginny sat up. "Draco, I have something for you. I almost forgot it. I didn't want to give it to you earlier because I wanted a private moment." She stuck her hand in her pocket, pulling out a little wooden case.
Draco opened it up to see a small wooden and metal object. It was silver, with intricate scrollwork etched into the metal on the top and there were several holes on both sides. He took it out and examined it.
"It's called a harmonica." Said Ginny. "It's a muggle musical instrument that I found in Scotland. I heard a man playing it on the street one day and I knew you'd like it. I have a book here that explains how to use it."
Draco looked at the pamphlet Ginny gave him for a few moments and then cupped the harmonica in his hands and brought it to his mouth. He blew gingerly and a little note came out. After playing with it for a few moments, he managed to blow a little tune.
"I know it's not a piano, but I thought it'd be easier to carry around in your pocket. I knew you'd be going insane with no music." Ginny said. "Do you like it?"
Draco looked at her and said, "Its wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a better gift. You've given me my music back. It seems like you're always giving me back something. My music, my life. I just wish I could have gotten you something Gin."
Ginny smiled. "Write me a song. Just be safe Draco, and come back to me. It's the only present I want."
Draco blew into the little instrument again. He sighed. "You realize of course I'm going to have to eat my words to Hermione. Muggles aren't completely stupid if they can come up with a nifty little thing like this."
He grimaced in pain at the thought of telling Hermione she was right and Ginny laughed.
Not long after that, Bill interrupted the kissing that ensued. "Malfoy! Kindly take your hand out from under my sister's sweater! I swear, first I have to walk in and catch Hermione in her under things and now you two. I shudder to dream of what the twins are doing in the broom shed. My image of my younger siblings will never be the same! Sorry ole boy, but its time." He said, putting a hand on Draco's shoulder.
Ginny tightened her arms around Draco's neck for a moment. "Oh Bill, can't you all at least stay till morning?"
"Sorry sis. It's just not possible this time."
They walked back into the house together, where a tearful goodbye was already taking place. Arthur, Remus, and Madame Pomfrey shook everyone's hand. Hugs and kisses were passed all around, and Ginny found her way to each of her brothers in turn.
To Fred and George, who she hugged together she said, "Do be careful not to blow yourselves up boys."
To Percy she said, "Take care Perce. Don't let anyone get into trouble." As she hugged him tightly.
To Charlie she said, "Don't fall off a dragon or get yourself singed." And kissed his cheek.
To Bill she said, "Love you Bill. Take care of them all, and yourself." As she kissed him and tugged his ponytail.
She wrapped her arms around Harry and whispered in his ear, "Now that you've quit being stupid, make sure you come home safe to the poor girl, and the rest of us."
When she reached Ron he turned away. Hermione gave him a reproachful look and said "Ron."
"It's alright Hermione," said Ginny, going round to face Ron again. "Ron, I don't care if you never speak to me the rest of our lives, I love you. Be safe." And with that she wrapped her arms around the big red haired young man. For a moment he stiffened. Then suddenly he tugged Ginny into a bear hug. Neither said a word as they held each other for a moment, but when he released her, Ginny smiled.
Ginny hugged Neville and reminded him to take care of himself and then looked around for her blond haired lover.
"Don't forget how much I love you Princess." Draco said, when she made her way back to his arms.
"Don't forget how much I love you, Knight." She said, smiling back at him.
"Ah, the armor's slightly tarnished, but I'm getting there. "he said, leaning in to kiss her.
With final hugs and kisses, the men gathered together in the foyer and each took a hold of the portkey in the shape of a long staff that Bill had left in the corner by the doorway.
For a moment after they were gone, those left behind in the house looked at each other in silence. Then, Molly Weasley, with a trembling voice, said, "They're gone. They're all gone." And collapsed into a sobbing heap on the floor.