Christmas was upon Hogwarts before anyone really knew it.
It was Paris and Percy's job to make the Prefects decorate the Great Hall and most of the corridors but Fred, George and Peeves took it upon themselves to wreak as much havoc as humanly or ghostly possible.
The Quidditch season had been halted until after the holidays, so Oliver found himself with very little to do except worry the life out of Madam Hooch about formations and procedures. He had also wrecked his little model of the Quidditch pitch by forcing the tiny bewitched model players do impossible moves. They had resigned due to exhaustion.
Paris was the first out of she and Oliver to get a reply from her letter. Mrs. Weasley's letter contained soothing words that set Paris' mind at ease. The hardest part was almost over.
Oliver's reply came a week later and was a very different story. His mother was shocked mainly and demanded that Oliver bring Paris over for Christmas holidays so she could meet the mother of her future grandson.
After about ten letters, Oliver and his mother had compromised that he would come home for Boxing Day as Mrs. Weasley had invited him to stay with them and Oliver jumped at the chance.
"So we'll be all together at Christmas then?" Marino said cheerfully as she and Paris trudged through the snowy streets of Hogsmeade to do their Christmas shopping.
"Yeah, it'll be lovely. Oh, I really do love Christmas!" Paris exclaimed as she grinned at a dressed up window which had a beautifully decorated Christmas tree displayed in it.
"I'm so glad I don't have to go home. Watching Sapphie and Opal open their piles and piles of presents is not something I relish," Marino said bitterly. She shuddered and wrapped her scarve tighter around her neck.
"Poor Rini," Paris teased, in a voice uncannily similar to her little sisters.
"Merlin it's cold! Come on, let's go in The Three Broomsticks and warm up, Oliver'll kill me if he knows I've made you walk more than a few steps without a break," Marino said, making a sharp right and dragging Paris with her. Paris apologized profusely to the group of elderly women Marino nearly trod on.
The girls found a small booth a sit in and even though it was packed with people all ordering hot mulled wine to warm them up, Marino managed to get served pretty quickly.
Paris and Marino sat, looking at all the different people milling around, sipping their hot Butterbeers.
"Seven weeks today isn't it?" Marino said, before taking a sip of her drink.
"Yep," Paris replied. "I still can't believe it, y'know."
"I know," Marino agreed. "Hey, did you want anything to eat? I forgot to ask."
"Oh no, I feel quite sick actually. I should really go to Madam Pomfry," Paris replied, holding up her hands in protest. "Joys of pregnancy I guess."
"Oh, sorry," Marino said, pulling a face. "You'll start craving things soon, stuff like coal and tree bark and all that. My cousin ate nothing but gooseberries for a week when she was preggers. Nasty."
Paris laughed and was about to take another sip of the warming liquid when a shadow loomed over the table. The unmistakable, big headed, broad shouldered shadow of Marcus Flint.
"Oh hi Marcus, I thought I could smell something nasty," Marino said coldly but smiling sarcastically.
"Steady on Marino, there were some long words there. Don't want to burn yourself out now, do you?" Marcus retorted with a sneer.
"What do you actually want?" Paris said impatiently, setting her glass down. "Because if you've just come over to insult my friend, you can go."
"You're not Head Girl of Hogsmeade, Knightley. I'd be polite if I were you but then I can't really expect much more from a -," Marcus replied but was cut off.
"From a what, Flint? Can't expect much more from a what exactly?" Oliver thundered. Paris and Marino looked up at him in shock.
Marcus faltered slightly but quickly regained his smirk.
"You should know by now Oliver," Marcus replied silkily. "You've heard her called it enough and not just by me. Not just by Slytherin's either."
Paris furrowed her brow as she looked between Marcus and Oliver. Oliver looked murderous.
"Ah well," Marcus said. "Best be off, places to go, Purebloods to see. See you soon Paris."
Marcus stalked off, pushing his way through the crowd of people, leaving Oliver, Paris and Marino staring after him.
"What a complete, total and utter...ah! There are no words to describe him!" Marino said angrily, banging her fist on the wooden table. Oliver sat down next to Paris and kissed her cheek.
"What're you doing here anyway?" Paris asked as Oliver pulled his woolly hat off his head and sending snow everywhere.
"Had something to get. Was he bothering you for long?" Oliver said shortly.
"Nothing we can't handle. You'll be pleased to hear I've looked after her well by the way," Marino said proudly, finishing her drink.
"Good. I missed you," Oliver said, turning to Paris.
"Aww, me too," She giggled. Marino rolled her eyes.
"Where's my good for nothing boyfriend then? Preferably buying me expensive things," Marino asked.
"Um, he's doing homework in the library. Or was when I left," Oliver replied, taking a sip from Paris' glass.
"Honest to Merlin, sometimes I just want to wring his skinny little neck. Doesn't he know it's two days to Christmas? And we're going home tonight!" Marino cried.
"He's got you something Marino, trust me," Paris said, smiling.
"Do you know what it is? Oh, tell me! You know I hate waiting!" Marino begged.
"You'll have to wait the two days," Paris said airily but she was just teasing.
"What have you got me then?" Oliver asked, trying to look in one of the many shopping bags at his feet.
"None of your business! You have to wait too!" Paris laughed, snatching the bags away. "Anyway, we better get back to school. I've got to help the twins pack their stuff, they always manage to forget something!"
"Honestly, you'd think they were six, not sixteen," Marino replied, standing up and collecting her bags. "Come on then, I'll go find Percy and find out if he has got me anything."
Later that evening when everyone was ready and packed, the extended Weasley group were ready to go home for the holiday's.
Fred had blown up his trunk as he'd forgotten he had three packets of Exploding Snap stuffed in the bottom and George wanted to say merry Christmas to every single Gryffindor.
Madam Pomfry had made Paris late by giving her various potions to take in case she couldn't see a Healer over the holidays and she insisted on explaining each and every one in detail.
Marino wanted to take a piece of Mistletoe to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and almost got there but Fred and George caught up with her and dragged her away again.
"Are we ready?" Paris said, who was thoroughly worn out. They were standing at the entrance to Hogsmeade, it looking extremely pretty, all lit up with fairy lights and twinkling Christmas trees.
"Yes," came the reply.
"Right, me and Oliver'll go first so we can just have a chat with mum and dad, Marino and Percy'll make sure Fred and George get on the Knight Bus alright then come when they've gone. I've said good-bye to everyone, has everyone posted their presents?" Paris said officially.
"Yes, come on Paris, just Apparate already, it's bloody freezing here!" Fred said impatiently. Paris pursed her lips.
"Alright, see you in a bit," She said and she and Oliver Apparated away to the Burrow.
Christmas Eve went by very fast indeed.
The twins spent most of the day pelting snowballs at anyone and everyone while Paris and Marino helped out in the kitchen with Mrs. Weasley, making cookies the Muggle way.
Charlie and Bill, the eldest Weasley's also came home on Christmas Eve which caused an uproar as no-one had seen them properly for ages. The twins were pestering Bill about the gruesome things in Egypt whilst Oliver was reunited with his hero, Charlie and spent the day discussing Quidditch with him and how well he was managing his team.
The day really kicked off when Charlie accidentally stretched up, showing everyone his new tattoo of a Chinese Fireball. It was on his left side, with it's tail swishing across Charlie's back and it's mouth breathing fire across his stomach.
"It's hideous Charlie!" Was all Mrs. Weasley could say and when she was out of ear shot, everyone admired it quietly.
The snow was falling thick and fast and the temperature dropped very low but inside the Burrow, it was warm and cozy.
Everyone was in high spirits later that evening, all joking and laughing with each other. Marino had even restrained herself from bickering with the twins and was enjoying a game of Exploding Snap with Percy, who had dragged himself away from his homework.
"It's so nice to be all together," Mrs. Weasley said who was sitting on Mr. Weasley's lap.
"Here, here!" Everyone chorused and raised whatever they were drinking.
"And to think, this time next year there'll be a baby in the family," Mrs. Weasley continued, her eyes bright with happiness. Paris and Oliver smiled sheepishly at one another.
"There might even be two," Bill teased, nudging Percy with his foot.
"Ha! Doubtful!" Marino replied just as her cards exploded everywhere.
"I think it's time for bed," Mrs. Weasley said, looking at her husband. "Don't you?"
"Yes dear. Come on, only one more sleep to go till Santa!" Mr. Weasley said to the twins like he used to when they were little.
Everyone slowly packed away whatever they were doing and made for their bedrooms, everyone saying good-night to one another.
"Night Charlie," Paris said and gave him a quick hug. He hadn't changed one single bit.
"Night Par, night Wood," Charlie replied as Paris took Oliver's hand and led him upstairs.
"We don't want to hear any funny noises from you. Or you either," George said turning from Paris and Oliver to Marino and Percy.
"He'll be lucky," Marino retorted and vanished into Percy's bedroom.
Paris shut her bedroom door behind her and flopped down on her bed. She felt so tired and according to Madam Pomfry, would for another couple of weeks.
Oliver came and sat next to her and rubbed her shoulders gently for her. Paris rested her head on Oliver's shoulder and felt like she could go to sleep there and then.
"Paris?" Oliver said in a funny voice.
"What?" Paris replied sleepily, lifting her head up again but barely able to keep her eyes open.
"I want to give you your Christmas present now, while we're alone," Oliver said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small, green leather box.
"Oliver? Is that what I think it is?" Paris said nervously, staring at the unmistakable box.
"Probably not but here, just open it," Oliver said, passing it to her.
Paris took it gratefully and eased the lid open slowly. Sure enough, inside was a ring.
"It's lovely Oliver but if it's not...then what is it?" Paris said, looking from the ring to Oliver.
"It's abit hard. It's not an engagement ring...more like a promise ring. I promise you that I will do everything to make you happy. I promise I will always be there for you and most of all I promise I will love you no matter what," Oliver said in the same strangled voice he had used when he told her he loved her at Halloween.
Paris was quiet for a minute then began to cry.
"Paris? What? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you," Oliver said quickly as Paris cried harder.
"It's not that!" Paris cried. "You said all that and got me a ring and all I got you was a new copy of Quidditch through the Ages!"
Oliver laughed. And laughed.
"That's alright, I don't mind. I need a new copy anyway," Oliver said when he'd finished laughing. Paris had finished crying by now.
"Is my face all splotchy?" She asked, her voice still choked slightly.
"Yeah. You look awful," Oliver replied but he was just teasing.
"Shut up," Paris said with a laugh and sniffed and wiped her eyes.
In five minutes they were both undressed and had got in bed.
"We haven't been like this since Halloween," Paris said coyly, pulling her duvet right up so it almost covered their faces.
"Yeah but look where that got us," Oliver replied, stroking Paris' face softly.
"Hmm," She replied sleepily, wrapping her arm around Oliver's waist.
"Do you want to get married one day?" Oliver asked quietly.
"Of course I do. I never imagined myself as someone's wife though. It sounds so grown up. I never thought you'd be my husband. Oh my Merlin! I'd be Mrs. Paris Wood, that's so weird!" Paris said.
"What if we got married in the summer? Then we'd be a proper little family, we could have it here or something," Oliver said.
"Really Oliver? You really want to get married?" Paris asked.
"I wouldn't ask if I didn't want to," Oliver said simply. Paris nodded in agreement.
"Paris Wood. Oliver and Paris Wood. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver and Paris Wood. And baby Wood," Paris said, going over all the possibilities.
"Baby Wood? Is that what he's going to be called?" Oliver said, confused.
"Well no. I don't know, I haven't thought of any names. I don't lay awake naming my unborn children," Paris replied.
"We should really think of a name," Oliver said, yawning.
"We'll do it later," Paris replied and they both fell asleep.
Paris was having a lovely dream when some jumped on her legs and woke her up.
"It's Christmas! Come on!" George was shouting, tearing the duvet off Paris and Oliver, the coldness instantly hitting them.
"Shove off," Oliver mumbled, rolling over so he was face down on his pillow.
"Oh, aren't you in the Christmas spirit? There are presents waiting to be opened and wrecked! Come on!" Fred yelled, pushing Paris out of bed.
It was the same every year. Fred and George were the first ones awake, demanding everyone else get up too. It was amazing that they were almost seventeen really.
Paris stretched and looked outside. Everywhere was snowy and beautiful as far as she could see. Paris could just see the top of her old house, all covered with snow and she sighed silently.
"Merry Christmas!" She yelled cheerfully, grabbing both twins around the neck and pulling them in for a cuddle even though they were much taller than she.
Fred and George allowed her to hug them tightly and they quickly gave her a kiss each on the cheek before running off to jump on Charlie. Oliver had made it out of bed and was yawning widely, stretching his arms up and making himself look very sexy indeed.
"Merry Christmas to you too," Paris giggled, when he'd finished stretching. He grinned at her shyly and pulled her into a cuddle. Paris laid her head on his bare chest and closed her eyes as Oliver breathed in the scent of her hair.
"Stop cuddling and come on!" Fred said impatiently as he poked his head through the door. Paris sighed again and followed him out as Oliver got dressed.
Fred and George had woken everyone in the house, Mrs. Weasley was preparing the Christmas lunch already in the kitchen and Mr. Weasley was peeling some potatoes for her the Muggle way. Everyone exchanged Christmas greetings and all sat down for some breakfast at the recently enlarged kitchen table.
When breakfast was over and everyone had eaten enough, the presents were opened. As there were so many people, there was a good deal of wrapping paper flying everywhere and presents getting mixed up. Owls were arriving with late presents here, there and everywhere and Nelly and Hermes took it upon themselves to act as the gracious host and hostess to the delivery Owls, offering them water and some toast.
Marino had given Paris a t-shirt with 'Mind the Bump' written across it, which she herself had found incredibly amusing and everyone got various items of clothing, sweets, books, jokes and toys.
Paris explained to Marino and Mrs. Weasley about the ring Oliver had given her for Christmas. Mrs. Weasley went teary eyed and had to excuse herself and pretend to be busy with the turkey when really she was wiping her eyes and Marino had a close inspection before giving Paris a hug and shooting daggers at poor Percy who thought he'd done well with the hat he'd given her.
"He is very good looking Paris," Mrs. Weasley giggled when she'd finished 'basting the turkey.' The three women turned and looked at Oliver who was trying to read the instructions on something George had received for Christmas after they'd blown it up twice and thought the instructions might be a good idea.
Oliver looked up and saw the girls turn away and giggle and pretend to look at the decorations in the kitchen. He smoothed his hair down self- consciously and went back to trying to figure out why a puzzle kept setting alight and blowing up.
After the excellent Christmas lunch, everyone went to relax in the living room and sleep or eat more sweets. Mrs. Weasley was relaxing in her arm chair with a small sherry and Percy had his homework out while Marino, Fred and George were listening to stories from Bill.
Paris and Oliver decided they'd like a little wander around, so Paris could show Oliver around her home village.
Wrapped in scarves and hats, they set out wandering down the little pathway that led from The Burrow to the main part of the village.
They passed Cedric's house and waved through the window before Mrs. Diggory opened the door and gave them a mince pie each to be going on with even though their woolly gloves made it difficult to eat.
The snow was falling densely and Paris had never loved her village more even though it was really quite cold. Before Paris really realized, she'd walked to her old house and they were standing at her garden gate.
"Is this your old house?" Oliver asked, moving his scarf from his mouth so he could speak.
"Yep," Paris replied, looking up at the dark, empty windows. Her parents hadn't sold it, they just left so the house remained empty. It was still the same old house though, mostly filled with memories of her childhood with Fred and George.
"Are you going in?" Oliver asked, unlatching the gate ready. Paris hesitated. She didn't really want to, but then, why not?
"Come on then," Paris replied, walking through and taking out her wand. She unlocked the front door and went in. Straight away, a million and one memories came flooding back to her, the stairs where she'd fallen down and broke her arm, the hallway where she always played with her Barbie's, the smell of the paint Arrietty used to use in the study, the oily smell of her father when he'd go in the kitchen to wash his hands after mending his car.
"Cool," Oliver said, looking around at everything. "Muggles live very strangely." He was looking at a plug socket near the stairs then at an old phone on the hall table.
"It's so weird," Paris said, looking around in the kitchen. There were quite a few things left behind, silly things like a kettle and some washing up liquid. It was like it was frozen in time.
"So this house just sits here? Unused?" Oliver asked, touching the kitchen table lightly. Paris nodded and looked out of the kitchen window into the back garden. It looked different, covered in snow and over-grown. And the pond was gone, where she used to keep tadpoles until Fred got a handful and chased Arrietty up the street with them, which in turn led to the banning of tadpoles and Fred.
"We could move in here. It's still under the family name and it looks like they won't be back for it," Oliver said thoughtfully.
Paris turned to him, open mouthed.
"Move in, here?" She repeated. "My old house? But you'd be so far away from your family!"
"I can Apparate can't I? Anyway, it's too good of a chance to pass up. It's a free house basically, no-one will care if you move into your own house again, will they? And it's nice and spacey and well there's been kids grow up here so it's kid friendly. It's close to The Burrow too so we won't be alone," Oliver added. He had clearly been thinking about this for a while.
"It's got three bedrooms. And the garden's quite big when it's tidy," Paris said without thinking. Was she seriously considering moving in here?
"It'll be great Paris. We'll come in the summer and sort it all out, do the garden nicely. I'm sure Fred and George'll help us. We can decorate and make it really nice," Oliver said happily. Paris shook her head in bewilderment.
"What about money?" She asked, looking at him.
"We'll figure it out, anyway, let's be getting back. You look frozen," Oliver said suddenly, his Quidditch voice shining through.
"OK," Paris sighed and left her old house, which could become her new house if Oliver had his way.
When the pair got back to The Burrow, they found everyone reading the same article in the Daily Prophet Christmas Special. Mrs. Weasley only got it because Gilderoy Lockhart was writing a Christmas column and he had kindly dotted pictures of himself around his page.
"What's everyone looking at?" Paris asked, unwrapping her scarf from her neck and shaking snow from her hair.
"Bloody you! You're on the front page!" Fred replied, snatching the paper from his mother and thrusting it under Paris' nose.
"Me?" Paris replied, taking the paper before Fred shoved it down her throat. She held out the paper and smoothed so she could read it. There was a large picture of her and Oliver next to a headline entitled 'Gemini Revealed!'
Paris moved it so Oliver could read. The photo looked like it had been taken when they were waiting for something because they were standing still, laughing at something out of the picture with Paris standing in front of Oliver who had his arms around his waist. Paris watched herself laugh, look away, tuck her hair behind her ear and listen to Oliver again and again.
The article itself was very abrupt, describing what The Gemini were, how it had been spoke of for centuries and plenty of information on what good students Paris and Oliver were etc.
"When did they take that picture?" Oliver asked when he'd finished.
"Looks like when you were waiting for The Knight Bus with Fred and George," Marino said, squinting at the page. "Why isn't there a picture of me? I'm the best friend!"
"Everyone will know now! Practically everyone gets the Christmas special delivered," George offered unhelpfully.
Paris and Oliver exchanged looks. She could just imagine everyone's faces when they saw the front page this morning.
"Well, they were going to find out sooner or later," Oliver shrugged, putting his arm around Paris and giving her shoulders a squeeze.
"Hi Charlie," Paris said quietly. Charlie jumped and whipped his head around so fast he hurt his neck.
"Paris! What are you doing out here?" Charlie asked, rubbing the back of his neck. Charlie was sitting on the grass in the back garden, alone.
"I couldn't sleep," Paris said earnestly. She sat down next to Charlie and shivered. It was a very cold night.
"Where's Wood?" Charlie asked, not looking at Paris, instead looking at the grass.
"Asleep. He's tired and been worrying about tomorrow," Paris sighed.
"Meeting the parents tomorrow. Nice," Charlie replied dully.
"What's wrong with you?" Paris asked. Why was Charlie acting all moody?
"You! I'm...I don't know! This whole pregnant thing is a little too much to handle right now ok?" Charlie snapped back. Paris furrowed her brow but said nothing.
"I haven't seen you for so long Charlie. I couldn't wait any longer," She almost whispered finally.
"This entire prophecy thing, it's nothing to do with me. It never was, it never will be. It's you and Oliver now," Charlie said sadly, ripping up chunks of grass.
"I know," Paris sighed again. Of course she knew, she'd been thinking this over for the past three months.
"I just always assumed it would be me and you. What I get for assuming I suppose," Charlie whispered.
"It would never have been me and you Charlie. Don't blame yourself, all this was meant to be. It's why you left, so I'd be open to Oliver. That's why he spent his life chasing Quaffles instead of girls, so he'd be open to me. That's why we never...never...because it wasn't yours," Paris uttered. No one truly knew their past except themselves and Paris wasn't willing to let prying ears find out.
Charlie was quiet for a long time and it was getting darker and colder.
"I just want your happiness. Oliver can make you happier than I ever will," He said finally.
Paris laid her head on his shoulder and shut her eyes. "I still love you Charlie. I'll always love you."
Charlie responded by pointing to the sky and making up names for the star constellations, just like he used to do when he and Paris used to sneak out of Hogwarts all those years ago.
It was Paris and Percy's job to make the Prefects decorate the Great Hall and most of the corridors but Fred, George and Peeves took it upon themselves to wreak as much havoc as humanly or ghostly possible.
The Quidditch season had been halted until after the holidays, so Oliver found himself with very little to do except worry the life out of Madam Hooch about formations and procedures. He had also wrecked his little model of the Quidditch pitch by forcing the tiny bewitched model players do impossible moves. They had resigned due to exhaustion.
Paris was the first out of she and Oliver to get a reply from her letter. Mrs. Weasley's letter contained soothing words that set Paris' mind at ease. The hardest part was almost over.
Oliver's reply came a week later and was a very different story. His mother was shocked mainly and demanded that Oliver bring Paris over for Christmas holidays so she could meet the mother of her future grandson.
After about ten letters, Oliver and his mother had compromised that he would come home for Boxing Day as Mrs. Weasley had invited him to stay with them and Oliver jumped at the chance.
"So we'll be all together at Christmas then?" Marino said cheerfully as she and Paris trudged through the snowy streets of Hogsmeade to do their Christmas shopping.
"Yeah, it'll be lovely. Oh, I really do love Christmas!" Paris exclaimed as she grinned at a dressed up window which had a beautifully decorated Christmas tree displayed in it.
"I'm so glad I don't have to go home. Watching Sapphie and Opal open their piles and piles of presents is not something I relish," Marino said bitterly. She shuddered and wrapped her scarve tighter around her neck.
"Poor Rini," Paris teased, in a voice uncannily similar to her little sisters.
"Merlin it's cold! Come on, let's go in The Three Broomsticks and warm up, Oliver'll kill me if he knows I've made you walk more than a few steps without a break," Marino said, making a sharp right and dragging Paris with her. Paris apologized profusely to the group of elderly women Marino nearly trod on.
The girls found a small booth a sit in and even though it was packed with people all ordering hot mulled wine to warm them up, Marino managed to get served pretty quickly.
Paris and Marino sat, looking at all the different people milling around, sipping their hot Butterbeers.
"Seven weeks today isn't it?" Marino said, before taking a sip of her drink.
"Yep," Paris replied. "I still can't believe it, y'know."
"I know," Marino agreed. "Hey, did you want anything to eat? I forgot to ask."
"Oh no, I feel quite sick actually. I should really go to Madam Pomfry," Paris replied, holding up her hands in protest. "Joys of pregnancy I guess."
"Oh, sorry," Marino said, pulling a face. "You'll start craving things soon, stuff like coal and tree bark and all that. My cousin ate nothing but gooseberries for a week when she was preggers. Nasty."
Paris laughed and was about to take another sip of the warming liquid when a shadow loomed over the table. The unmistakable, big headed, broad shouldered shadow of Marcus Flint.
"Oh hi Marcus, I thought I could smell something nasty," Marino said coldly but smiling sarcastically.
"Steady on Marino, there were some long words there. Don't want to burn yourself out now, do you?" Marcus retorted with a sneer.
"What do you actually want?" Paris said impatiently, setting her glass down. "Because if you've just come over to insult my friend, you can go."
"You're not Head Girl of Hogsmeade, Knightley. I'd be polite if I were you but then I can't really expect much more from a -," Marcus replied but was cut off.
"From a what, Flint? Can't expect much more from a what exactly?" Oliver thundered. Paris and Marino looked up at him in shock.
Marcus faltered slightly but quickly regained his smirk.
"You should know by now Oliver," Marcus replied silkily. "You've heard her called it enough and not just by me. Not just by Slytherin's either."
Paris furrowed her brow as she looked between Marcus and Oliver. Oliver looked murderous.
"Ah well," Marcus said. "Best be off, places to go, Purebloods to see. See you soon Paris."
Marcus stalked off, pushing his way through the crowd of people, leaving Oliver, Paris and Marino staring after him.
"What a complete, total and utter...ah! There are no words to describe him!" Marino said angrily, banging her fist on the wooden table. Oliver sat down next to Paris and kissed her cheek.
"What're you doing here anyway?" Paris asked as Oliver pulled his woolly hat off his head and sending snow everywhere.
"Had something to get. Was he bothering you for long?" Oliver said shortly.
"Nothing we can't handle. You'll be pleased to hear I've looked after her well by the way," Marino said proudly, finishing her drink.
"Good. I missed you," Oliver said, turning to Paris.
"Aww, me too," She giggled. Marino rolled her eyes.
"Where's my good for nothing boyfriend then? Preferably buying me expensive things," Marino asked.
"Um, he's doing homework in the library. Or was when I left," Oliver replied, taking a sip from Paris' glass.
"Honest to Merlin, sometimes I just want to wring his skinny little neck. Doesn't he know it's two days to Christmas? And we're going home tonight!" Marino cried.
"He's got you something Marino, trust me," Paris said, smiling.
"Do you know what it is? Oh, tell me! You know I hate waiting!" Marino begged.
"You'll have to wait the two days," Paris said airily but she was just teasing.
"What have you got me then?" Oliver asked, trying to look in one of the many shopping bags at his feet.
"None of your business! You have to wait too!" Paris laughed, snatching the bags away. "Anyway, we better get back to school. I've got to help the twins pack their stuff, they always manage to forget something!"
"Honestly, you'd think they were six, not sixteen," Marino replied, standing up and collecting her bags. "Come on then, I'll go find Percy and find out if he has got me anything."
Later that evening when everyone was ready and packed, the extended Weasley group were ready to go home for the holiday's.
Fred had blown up his trunk as he'd forgotten he had three packets of Exploding Snap stuffed in the bottom and George wanted to say merry Christmas to every single Gryffindor.
Madam Pomfry had made Paris late by giving her various potions to take in case she couldn't see a Healer over the holidays and she insisted on explaining each and every one in detail.
Marino wanted to take a piece of Mistletoe to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and almost got there but Fred and George caught up with her and dragged her away again.
"Are we ready?" Paris said, who was thoroughly worn out. They were standing at the entrance to Hogsmeade, it looking extremely pretty, all lit up with fairy lights and twinkling Christmas trees.
"Yes," came the reply.
"Right, me and Oliver'll go first so we can just have a chat with mum and dad, Marino and Percy'll make sure Fred and George get on the Knight Bus alright then come when they've gone. I've said good-bye to everyone, has everyone posted their presents?" Paris said officially.
"Yes, come on Paris, just Apparate already, it's bloody freezing here!" Fred said impatiently. Paris pursed her lips.
"Alright, see you in a bit," She said and she and Oliver Apparated away to the Burrow.
Christmas Eve went by very fast indeed.
The twins spent most of the day pelting snowballs at anyone and everyone while Paris and Marino helped out in the kitchen with Mrs. Weasley, making cookies the Muggle way.
Charlie and Bill, the eldest Weasley's also came home on Christmas Eve which caused an uproar as no-one had seen them properly for ages. The twins were pestering Bill about the gruesome things in Egypt whilst Oliver was reunited with his hero, Charlie and spent the day discussing Quidditch with him and how well he was managing his team.
The day really kicked off when Charlie accidentally stretched up, showing everyone his new tattoo of a Chinese Fireball. It was on his left side, with it's tail swishing across Charlie's back and it's mouth breathing fire across his stomach.
"It's hideous Charlie!" Was all Mrs. Weasley could say and when she was out of ear shot, everyone admired it quietly.
The snow was falling thick and fast and the temperature dropped very low but inside the Burrow, it was warm and cozy.
Everyone was in high spirits later that evening, all joking and laughing with each other. Marino had even restrained herself from bickering with the twins and was enjoying a game of Exploding Snap with Percy, who had dragged himself away from his homework.
"It's so nice to be all together," Mrs. Weasley said who was sitting on Mr. Weasley's lap.
"Here, here!" Everyone chorused and raised whatever they were drinking.
"And to think, this time next year there'll be a baby in the family," Mrs. Weasley continued, her eyes bright with happiness. Paris and Oliver smiled sheepishly at one another.
"There might even be two," Bill teased, nudging Percy with his foot.
"Ha! Doubtful!" Marino replied just as her cards exploded everywhere.
"I think it's time for bed," Mrs. Weasley said, looking at her husband. "Don't you?"
"Yes dear. Come on, only one more sleep to go till Santa!" Mr. Weasley said to the twins like he used to when they were little.
Everyone slowly packed away whatever they were doing and made for their bedrooms, everyone saying good-night to one another.
"Night Charlie," Paris said and gave him a quick hug. He hadn't changed one single bit.
"Night Par, night Wood," Charlie replied as Paris took Oliver's hand and led him upstairs.
"We don't want to hear any funny noises from you. Or you either," George said turning from Paris and Oliver to Marino and Percy.
"He'll be lucky," Marino retorted and vanished into Percy's bedroom.
Paris shut her bedroom door behind her and flopped down on her bed. She felt so tired and according to Madam Pomfry, would for another couple of weeks.
Oliver came and sat next to her and rubbed her shoulders gently for her. Paris rested her head on Oliver's shoulder and felt like she could go to sleep there and then.
"Paris?" Oliver said in a funny voice.
"What?" Paris replied sleepily, lifting her head up again but barely able to keep her eyes open.
"I want to give you your Christmas present now, while we're alone," Oliver said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small, green leather box.
"Oliver? Is that what I think it is?" Paris said nervously, staring at the unmistakable box.
"Probably not but here, just open it," Oliver said, passing it to her.
Paris took it gratefully and eased the lid open slowly. Sure enough, inside was a ring.
"It's lovely Oliver but if it's not...then what is it?" Paris said, looking from the ring to Oliver.
"It's abit hard. It's not an engagement ring...more like a promise ring. I promise you that I will do everything to make you happy. I promise I will always be there for you and most of all I promise I will love you no matter what," Oliver said in the same strangled voice he had used when he told her he loved her at Halloween.
Paris was quiet for a minute then began to cry.
"Paris? What? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you," Oliver said quickly as Paris cried harder.
"It's not that!" Paris cried. "You said all that and got me a ring and all I got you was a new copy of Quidditch through the Ages!"
Oliver laughed. And laughed.
"That's alright, I don't mind. I need a new copy anyway," Oliver said when he'd finished laughing. Paris had finished crying by now.
"Is my face all splotchy?" She asked, her voice still choked slightly.
"Yeah. You look awful," Oliver replied but he was just teasing.
"Shut up," Paris said with a laugh and sniffed and wiped her eyes.
In five minutes they were both undressed and had got in bed.
"We haven't been like this since Halloween," Paris said coyly, pulling her duvet right up so it almost covered their faces.
"Yeah but look where that got us," Oliver replied, stroking Paris' face softly.
"Hmm," She replied sleepily, wrapping her arm around Oliver's waist.
"Do you want to get married one day?" Oliver asked quietly.
"Of course I do. I never imagined myself as someone's wife though. It sounds so grown up. I never thought you'd be my husband. Oh my Merlin! I'd be Mrs. Paris Wood, that's so weird!" Paris said.
"What if we got married in the summer? Then we'd be a proper little family, we could have it here or something," Oliver said.
"Really Oliver? You really want to get married?" Paris asked.
"I wouldn't ask if I didn't want to," Oliver said simply. Paris nodded in agreement.
"Paris Wood. Oliver and Paris Wood. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver and Paris Wood. And baby Wood," Paris said, going over all the possibilities.
"Baby Wood? Is that what he's going to be called?" Oliver said, confused.
"Well no. I don't know, I haven't thought of any names. I don't lay awake naming my unborn children," Paris replied.
"We should really think of a name," Oliver said, yawning.
"We'll do it later," Paris replied and they both fell asleep.
Paris was having a lovely dream when some jumped on her legs and woke her up.
"It's Christmas! Come on!" George was shouting, tearing the duvet off Paris and Oliver, the coldness instantly hitting them.
"Shove off," Oliver mumbled, rolling over so he was face down on his pillow.
"Oh, aren't you in the Christmas spirit? There are presents waiting to be opened and wrecked! Come on!" Fred yelled, pushing Paris out of bed.
It was the same every year. Fred and George were the first ones awake, demanding everyone else get up too. It was amazing that they were almost seventeen really.
Paris stretched and looked outside. Everywhere was snowy and beautiful as far as she could see. Paris could just see the top of her old house, all covered with snow and she sighed silently.
"Merry Christmas!" She yelled cheerfully, grabbing both twins around the neck and pulling them in for a cuddle even though they were much taller than she.
Fred and George allowed her to hug them tightly and they quickly gave her a kiss each on the cheek before running off to jump on Charlie. Oliver had made it out of bed and was yawning widely, stretching his arms up and making himself look very sexy indeed.
"Merry Christmas to you too," Paris giggled, when he'd finished stretching. He grinned at her shyly and pulled her into a cuddle. Paris laid her head on his bare chest and closed her eyes as Oliver breathed in the scent of her hair.
"Stop cuddling and come on!" Fred said impatiently as he poked his head through the door. Paris sighed again and followed him out as Oliver got dressed.
Fred and George had woken everyone in the house, Mrs. Weasley was preparing the Christmas lunch already in the kitchen and Mr. Weasley was peeling some potatoes for her the Muggle way. Everyone exchanged Christmas greetings and all sat down for some breakfast at the recently enlarged kitchen table.
When breakfast was over and everyone had eaten enough, the presents were opened. As there were so many people, there was a good deal of wrapping paper flying everywhere and presents getting mixed up. Owls were arriving with late presents here, there and everywhere and Nelly and Hermes took it upon themselves to act as the gracious host and hostess to the delivery Owls, offering them water and some toast.
Marino had given Paris a t-shirt with 'Mind the Bump' written across it, which she herself had found incredibly amusing and everyone got various items of clothing, sweets, books, jokes and toys.
Paris explained to Marino and Mrs. Weasley about the ring Oliver had given her for Christmas. Mrs. Weasley went teary eyed and had to excuse herself and pretend to be busy with the turkey when really she was wiping her eyes and Marino had a close inspection before giving Paris a hug and shooting daggers at poor Percy who thought he'd done well with the hat he'd given her.
"He is very good looking Paris," Mrs. Weasley giggled when she'd finished 'basting the turkey.' The three women turned and looked at Oliver who was trying to read the instructions on something George had received for Christmas after they'd blown it up twice and thought the instructions might be a good idea.
Oliver looked up and saw the girls turn away and giggle and pretend to look at the decorations in the kitchen. He smoothed his hair down self- consciously and went back to trying to figure out why a puzzle kept setting alight and blowing up.
After the excellent Christmas lunch, everyone went to relax in the living room and sleep or eat more sweets. Mrs. Weasley was relaxing in her arm chair with a small sherry and Percy had his homework out while Marino, Fred and George were listening to stories from Bill.
Paris and Oliver decided they'd like a little wander around, so Paris could show Oliver around her home village.
Wrapped in scarves and hats, they set out wandering down the little pathway that led from The Burrow to the main part of the village.
They passed Cedric's house and waved through the window before Mrs. Diggory opened the door and gave them a mince pie each to be going on with even though their woolly gloves made it difficult to eat.
The snow was falling densely and Paris had never loved her village more even though it was really quite cold. Before Paris really realized, she'd walked to her old house and they were standing at her garden gate.
"Is this your old house?" Oliver asked, moving his scarf from his mouth so he could speak.
"Yep," Paris replied, looking up at the dark, empty windows. Her parents hadn't sold it, they just left so the house remained empty. It was still the same old house though, mostly filled with memories of her childhood with Fred and George.
"Are you going in?" Oliver asked, unlatching the gate ready. Paris hesitated. She didn't really want to, but then, why not?
"Come on then," Paris replied, walking through and taking out her wand. She unlocked the front door and went in. Straight away, a million and one memories came flooding back to her, the stairs where she'd fallen down and broke her arm, the hallway where she always played with her Barbie's, the smell of the paint Arrietty used to use in the study, the oily smell of her father when he'd go in the kitchen to wash his hands after mending his car.
"Cool," Oliver said, looking around at everything. "Muggles live very strangely." He was looking at a plug socket near the stairs then at an old phone on the hall table.
"It's so weird," Paris said, looking around in the kitchen. There were quite a few things left behind, silly things like a kettle and some washing up liquid. It was like it was frozen in time.
"So this house just sits here? Unused?" Oliver asked, touching the kitchen table lightly. Paris nodded and looked out of the kitchen window into the back garden. It looked different, covered in snow and over-grown. And the pond was gone, where she used to keep tadpoles until Fred got a handful and chased Arrietty up the street with them, which in turn led to the banning of tadpoles and Fred.
"We could move in here. It's still under the family name and it looks like they won't be back for it," Oliver said thoughtfully.
Paris turned to him, open mouthed.
"Move in, here?" She repeated. "My old house? But you'd be so far away from your family!"
"I can Apparate can't I? Anyway, it's too good of a chance to pass up. It's a free house basically, no-one will care if you move into your own house again, will they? And it's nice and spacey and well there's been kids grow up here so it's kid friendly. It's close to The Burrow too so we won't be alone," Oliver added. He had clearly been thinking about this for a while.
"It's got three bedrooms. And the garden's quite big when it's tidy," Paris said without thinking. Was she seriously considering moving in here?
"It'll be great Paris. We'll come in the summer and sort it all out, do the garden nicely. I'm sure Fred and George'll help us. We can decorate and make it really nice," Oliver said happily. Paris shook her head in bewilderment.
"What about money?" She asked, looking at him.
"We'll figure it out, anyway, let's be getting back. You look frozen," Oliver said suddenly, his Quidditch voice shining through.
"OK," Paris sighed and left her old house, which could become her new house if Oliver had his way.
When the pair got back to The Burrow, they found everyone reading the same article in the Daily Prophet Christmas Special. Mrs. Weasley only got it because Gilderoy Lockhart was writing a Christmas column and he had kindly dotted pictures of himself around his page.
"What's everyone looking at?" Paris asked, unwrapping her scarf from her neck and shaking snow from her hair.
"Bloody you! You're on the front page!" Fred replied, snatching the paper from his mother and thrusting it under Paris' nose.
"Me?" Paris replied, taking the paper before Fred shoved it down her throat. She held out the paper and smoothed so she could read it. There was a large picture of her and Oliver next to a headline entitled 'Gemini Revealed!'
Paris moved it so Oliver could read. The photo looked like it had been taken when they were waiting for something because they were standing still, laughing at something out of the picture with Paris standing in front of Oliver who had his arms around his waist. Paris watched herself laugh, look away, tuck her hair behind her ear and listen to Oliver again and again.
The article itself was very abrupt, describing what The Gemini were, how it had been spoke of for centuries and plenty of information on what good students Paris and Oliver were etc.
"When did they take that picture?" Oliver asked when he'd finished.
"Looks like when you were waiting for The Knight Bus with Fred and George," Marino said, squinting at the page. "Why isn't there a picture of me? I'm the best friend!"
"Everyone will know now! Practically everyone gets the Christmas special delivered," George offered unhelpfully.
Paris and Oliver exchanged looks. She could just imagine everyone's faces when they saw the front page this morning.
"Well, they were going to find out sooner or later," Oliver shrugged, putting his arm around Paris and giving her shoulders a squeeze.
"Hi Charlie," Paris said quietly. Charlie jumped and whipped his head around so fast he hurt his neck.
"Paris! What are you doing out here?" Charlie asked, rubbing the back of his neck. Charlie was sitting on the grass in the back garden, alone.
"I couldn't sleep," Paris said earnestly. She sat down next to Charlie and shivered. It was a very cold night.
"Where's Wood?" Charlie asked, not looking at Paris, instead looking at the grass.
"Asleep. He's tired and been worrying about tomorrow," Paris sighed.
"Meeting the parents tomorrow. Nice," Charlie replied dully.
"What's wrong with you?" Paris asked. Why was Charlie acting all moody?
"You! I'm...I don't know! This whole pregnant thing is a little too much to handle right now ok?" Charlie snapped back. Paris furrowed her brow but said nothing.
"I haven't seen you for so long Charlie. I couldn't wait any longer," She almost whispered finally.
"This entire prophecy thing, it's nothing to do with me. It never was, it never will be. It's you and Oliver now," Charlie said sadly, ripping up chunks of grass.
"I know," Paris sighed again. Of course she knew, she'd been thinking this over for the past three months.
"I just always assumed it would be me and you. What I get for assuming I suppose," Charlie whispered.
"It would never have been me and you Charlie. Don't blame yourself, all this was meant to be. It's why you left, so I'd be open to Oliver. That's why he spent his life chasing Quaffles instead of girls, so he'd be open to me. That's why we never...never...because it wasn't yours," Paris uttered. No one truly knew their past except themselves and Paris wasn't willing to let prying ears find out.
Charlie was quiet for a long time and it was getting darker and colder.
"I just want your happiness. Oliver can make you happier than I ever will," He said finally.
Paris laid her head on his shoulder and shut her eyes. "I still love you Charlie. I'll always love you."
Charlie responded by pointing to the sky and making up names for the star constellations, just like he used to do when he and Paris used to sneak out of Hogwarts all those years ago.