Hello, darlings. This chapter is on the short side because I am on call this weekend and have already been out twice for a total of 5 hours. I wanted to get something out, so rather that stretch it out and risk not getting something posted- a shorter chapter instead. Enjoy.
Chapter 54 Holiday Fun
Christmas Eve at Flint Lodge proved tense. The week before Emse attempted to start planning the wedding. Alva behaved poorly, She disagreed with every opinion and mocked them openly in front of the shopkeepers, reducing her daughter to tears. The result had been the Flint siblings delivering an ultimatum: accept their choices in life, as she repeatedly said she wanted them to have, or be exiled from them. She resented being called on her behavior and began sulking. Merrick ignored her, annoying her further. They overruled her objections to Percy and Hermione's presence at the holiday. "I just want it to be family," she protested.
"As my wife, Hermione is family. And as Esme's nearly husband, so is Percy," Marcus told her. "Someday Malcolm and Cressida will bring people home. And we'll add grandchildren to the family. Grandchildren, you won't meet if you don't change your attitude."
Christmas Eve Hermione found herself briefly alone with her mother-in-law. "You must be loving this chain of events," Ava sneered.
"What events?" asked Hermione in puzzlement.
"My children turning on me."
"I had nothing to do with that thank you very much."
"But you're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Hermione shrugged, "Not really, while he agrees that your hypocrisy needs to stop, Marcus hates the idea of cutting you out of our lives. I get it. Your parents forced you into this marriage and you feel like your life sucked. Well, life isn't fair."
Alva interrupted, "Is this where you tell me you understand and offer sympathy so we can be best friends?"
"Hell no. This is where I tell you to get the fuck over yourself. You've had a disappointing, yet cushy life. You've been ignored, but still coddled. I could care less if you were in our lives. Our children won't hurt for love and attention. They won't need yours. But you need to ask yourself if you'll need theirs."
"Are you threatening me?" Alva blustered.
"Again, no. I'm telling you how it is. You insisted on no arranged marriages, then you insist your children chose wrong and try to drive romantic prospects away. You can't have it both ways, either they can know their own minds or they can't. Decide which it is. And some advice, demeaning your daughter will just drive her away. Perhaps getting to plan another wedding will spurn Molly Weasley into reconciling with her son." Alva huffed and stormed out of the room.
"That was simply cruel, little dove," Marcus chuckled as he entered the room.
"I'm tired of her playing the victim. She's not the only person who had a hard life. There is no excuse for her behavior. She needs to grow up."
"I don't disagree."
"And while I would not suggest Esme reach out to Molly for wedding help, Luna and I planned hers, and Narcissa and Andromeda helped with ours. Help is only a request away."
"I will remind her of that. Cress has been trying to help as she can, but she's never planned one." He kissed her forehead. "You can be so sweet when you want to be."
"Yes, I can. I like your sisters. And they seem to like me. I am wonderful to the people I like."
"Adrian would disagree."
"Adrian needs someone to keep him in line. If he didn't want me to boss him and tease him, he would act differently. And someday he will stop playing with the models and marry a girl that treats him the same way. He likes it."
"So long as he knows he can't have you."
"Don't be absurd. Why would I trade you in for him?"
"Exactly," he kissed her again. "Father sent me to let you know dinner should be ready in a few minutes."
"Let's go eat." She took his hand.
Alva joined the family at the table. Her behavior was much subdued. When Marcus asked Percy about his family, the redhead only mentioned the twins, Charlie, his father, and Bill's family. He did smile at Esme, "Fleur mentioned how much she enjoyed meeting you at the wedding. She'd love to get together."
"I think I would like that," she dimpled at him. Alva paled.
"Have you considered what kind of wedding you want, Esme?" asked Hermione, hoping to rub salt in the wound.
"I liked the look of Thorfinn's wedding," Esme avoided mentioning her soon-to-be sister-in-law. "But I don't want to do all the work, you know?"
"You want the simple look without having to go to the huge effort that it is. That can be arranged."
"You think?" Esme asked eagerly.
"I suggest finding a venue first, then tailor everything else around it."
Cressida grinned, "Oh, good idea. We should bring Hermione with us venue hunting." She turned back to her sister-in-law, "Are you available?"
"I make my own hours, so I almost always can be. Let me know." She resisted mentioning how available her aunts were to avoid twisting the screw too far. Alva looked miserable enough as it was. They spent the remainder of the meal discussing the pros and cons of destination weddings. Cressida mentioned Italy, while Esme preferred Greek beaches. "I always thought a mountain chalet in the snow would be beautiful," Hermione admitted.
Much later that night, Hermione rolled over in bed to face her husband," As I own both an Italian and Greek beach property, how do you think Esme would take it if I offered it, knowing I can do the same for your sister later?"
"How do you feel about letting my family take over for a week?" he countered.
"I'm not sure," she admitted in a quiet voice, "for numerous reasons."
"Wait and see if they find something she likes closer to home, that you don't own, first."
"Good idea."
"Well, my wife is scathingly brilliant, some of it was bound to rub off."
"Seems possible," she giggled.
"Thank you," he leaned over and kissed her.
"For what?"
"For even considering offering your properties to my sisters."
"Yeah, well, Black Island is off limits."
"Fair enough. Still, I know some of why you would have trouble."
"I know, you're welcome." She snuggled into her pillow. "We should get some sleep. Father Christmas won't come."
"Okay, weirdo."
"I'm practicing for the twins."
"Go to sleep, Hermione."
Maisie or Varl piled their presents for each other and the ones delivered under the tree. "Do you want to open them now, or when we get back from Potter's?" Marcus asked.
"Six of one, half a dozen of the other," she replied lazily. At his confusion, "It means they are even, it doesn't matter either way."
"Let's do it now, that way if we run late at Potter's we have more time this afternoon."
"Good call," she praised. Most of the gifts were from family and were the generic, yet thoughtful, kind. Marcus admitted for one of her gifts he researched muggle gifts.
"Instead of an anniversary gift, I want to note our Christmases. So, gold earrings for the first one, and a garnet teardrop necklace for the second one," he explained after she opened them.
"These are exquisite. Thank you," she hugged him tightly. She pulled a small box out of a nearby cabinet. "My dad collected model cars. Mum bought him one every year. The wizarding world doesn't have an equivalent, but I made you something." She handed him his present.
He ripped off the paper. "This looks like an Oakshaft '79," he said as he studied the model broomstick."
"It is. I randomly picked one and transfigured it. It has a permanency charm on it, so it doesn't turn back."
He hugged her in thanks, "So amazing. I love it."
"You're welcome." She glanced at the clock, "We should get going."
"Agreed."
Angry baby cries greeted them as they exited the floo. A frantic Harry handed her a screaming infant and left to get the other. "Happy Christmas to you, too." She cuddled and began soothing the festively dressed little girl. "Has Daddy lost his sense of restraint this morning?" she loosened the collar of the dress. Meredith stopped screaming. "Is that better?" The infant regarded her with red-rimmed eyes. "Yes, Aunt Hermione's here, sweetheart." Marcus smiled at how natural she seemed with children.
Harry returned with James, having followed her lead, and loosened his tiny bow tie. "They let me take about six shoots before they lost their minds."
"That's how they tell you something is wrong. Why didn't just call Lolly or Kreacher?" she asked.
Harry looked sheepish, "I don't want to bother them constantly. I want to take care of them, too."
"Oh, Harry," she sighed. "Ready to open presents for them.
"I am," answered Marcus, "to the tree!" The three adults settled on the floor in front of the brightly lit tree, Marcus taking Meredith from Hermione. "Let Uncle Marcus show you how this is done, princess. Don't want you picking up Aunt Hermione's bad habits."
She glared at her husband, "You are so lucky you are holding that baby."
He smiled smugly, "I know."
"You won't be forever," she threatened.
"Sure, sure, but that's later," he waved her towards the presents. "Pressies now, pain later."
Harry rolled his eyes and groaned, "Please leave your kinky sex life at home. This gathering is general audiences only."
Both children seemed to enjoy the soft mats Hermione got them for laying on the floor. "In a few months it will give them something to focus on and reach for, but right now they use it for tummy time to encourage lifting their heads." She beamed with pride like the twins were the first infants in history to be working on this age appropriate milestone.
"Is all of this in those books you bought me?" asked Harry.
"Of course. Where do you think I learned it?" she shrugged.
"What are you doing this evening, Potter?" Marcus asked to avoid the unease of falling into old patterns might bring.
Harry laughed, "Relax, Flint. Books are where Hermione finds information. I don't expect her to do it for me. Though, I appreciate what you're trying to do. Notice, she isn't telling me what to do, she's giving me the same sources she used. But, to answer your question, I am going to Shell Cottage
for dinner. They were all going to the Burrow this morning to see Ron and their mum."
"So, spending this evening with Arthur?" Hermione surmised.
"Yep. They keep apologizing, and I remind them most of them have been the family I never had."
"How different life would be if Arthur had put his foot down after Dumbledore died," Hermione mused sadly. "And taught his children long-term magical manipulation is not a means to an end."
Marcus wrapped his arms around her, "Nope, none of that on Christmas. Their failures were our gains. I quite like you here with me, thank you very much." He kissed the top of her head.
"I like being here," she told him. She looked at Harry. "Give the Weasleys my love, well the ones that deserve it anyway. And tell Esme to owl me."
"You think she'll be there?" asked Harry.
"She's engaged to Percy. She wants to get to know his family. Charlie even came back to meet her properly." Hermione laughed, "Despite constant reassurance, she's a nervous wreck."
Marcus laughed, "That makes sense then. Christmas Eve, I asked her what was wrong and she bit my head off. Something about everyone loving you."
"I promise to assure her plenty of people hate me. I have enemies galore." Their laughter startled James, who had been dozing in Harry's arms. He quickly soothed him. "We'll get out of your hair. Happy Christmas, Potters."
Harry waved James's little fist, "Happy Christmas, Flints."
They flooed home. Varl reported he had dinner well in hand and was prepped for Boxing Day as well. "I suppose all we need to do is get dressed in three hours," Hermione told Marcus.
"Hmmm, perfect time for that raincheck." He began nibbling up her neck.
"You cashed that in already."
He smiled against her skin, "Still a good idea."
She squirmed against him, "It is."
Two and half hours later she magically dried her hair, twisting it up on her head. She put the finishing touches on her makeup and jewelry. Maisie assured her everything was ready. She had shooed Marcus downstairs so she could finish getting dressed. He kept trying to hide her knickers or remove them.
Lord Voldemort accompanied Bellatrix even though Tonks and Lupins were expected. "If we are to be one nation, we cannot keep avoiding one another," he told her. She had no answer, so remained silent and shrugged.
A small dominance dance began when they went to sit down for dinner. Hermione solved it by vanishing the chair at the ends. "There no head, no foot. Sit." As an afterthought, she created a highchair for Teddy at one end and sat down next to it. Remus sat across from her next to Teddy. The rest of the family sat at the table. Varl serving the first course at Hermione's signal. They discuss the Potter twins and Esme's upcoming nuptials through the first two courses.
During the main course of roasted goose, Voldemort addressed Remus," How goes the pack rehabilitation, Mr. Lupin?"
"Uh, slowly is the best description, I think." The Dark Lord gestured for him to continue. "Many of them were children when infected. The only life they know is Greyback's perverted pack life." He paused, "The other packs are helping. Some have also made mention of inquiring if their children can be sent to Hogwarts as foreign students."
"You attended without incident. And without the secrecy shrouding it no one will be lured into danger," responded Voldemort. "The Werewolf protection act is sending British werewolves, foreign ones should not be too much of an issue, I should think."
"The children should be at the werewolf reserve on the full moon, not the Forbidden Forest," remarked Lucius.
"I agree," said Remus," that is the safest place for them and the other students."
Penny turned to Hermione, "Jacoby's parents send their thanks for the reading recommendations, they said they helped immensely."
"I'm meeting with them next week, but I think that will help them understand why they can never truly understand his new world fully. But it might help them stay a part of his life from the edges."
"Looking forward to tomorrow?" asked Bellatrix.
Penny shrugged, "Mum thinks they won some victory. That you're coming around to their way of thinking. She's started in on me hosting an anniversary party for Miles and Emily." She rolled her eyes.
"Surely the wedding wiped out any savings?" laughed Lucius.
"They sold the apothecaries to the locals, and managed to come out ahead."
Lucius frowned, "A shame that." He looked at his niece, "As we're on the subject of business, Hermione, would you tell the Weasley twins to contact me about their Wonder Witch line? I feel it has the potential to be more."
"Will do."
The family exchanged a few presents. Hermione gave Teddy a few educational toys, showing him how to play with them. Marcus watched her again with a wistful smile playing across his lips. "Does she know how much you want kids?" Remus asked quietly.
"No, partly because I never realized it until recently," answered Marcus, "but also because we agreed to let it happen. No trying, no preventing, no pressure that way. Also, no one triggers Bellatrix by asking about it."
"Good call that," commended Remus.
"We thought so. We both like my parts intact."