Chapter Forty Four
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As a member of the newly founded Order of the Phoenix,
You are cordially invited to celebrate Christmastime
at the Weasley's home this holiday season.
Friday, December 20th
7pm
We hope to see you there. Please RSVP by owl.
----
"Hurry up, Nymphadora! You're going to make me late." Sirius bellowed up the stairs to his little cousin.
"I really appreciate this, Sirius." Andromeda Tonks told him. "I'd take her myself, but Ted is having some trouble with those gnomes again..."
"Not a problem, Aunt Andy." Sirius patted her shoulder as she sat in the arm chair. "I love spending time with Nymphadora!" he said loudly.
"Don't call me that!" came a little voice from upstairs.
"Honestly, I've been so busy with my new job and the Order, I never have any time with you guys any more." Sirius said regretfully.
"I know, you should come over for dinner sometime soon. Ted misses you, too. He's a man, all alone with two females, no one to talk about quidditch with... too much estrogen isn't good for a man," Andromeda chuckled.
"Indeed," Sirius smiled.
"And tell Dumbledore I'm sorry I couldn't come. He should understand how much I'd love to come and join this great organization, but with Ted and everything..."
"He'll understand, Andy, don't worry."
"Okay, I'm ready, Sirius."
They both turned to see a four year-old girl at the bottom of the stairs. She wore sparkling red robes and dark red hair, emphasizing her hazel-green eyes. Her childish smile was enchanting and she looked adorable.
"Aw, look at my baby girl. Going out to a business party, lookin' so pretty..." Andromeda gushed.
"Oh, stop it, Momma." the little girl said.
"Looking good, Nymphadora," Sirius grinned.
"Sirius, if you call me that again, I'm gonna kick you in the shins."
"Oh, be nice, baby." Andromeda smiled. "And promise me you'll behave?"
"I will if he does." she glared at Sirius.
"Well, you heard her, Sirius. You both need to behave." Andromeda said, poking him in the side.
"All right, I get it." he chuckled, taking the little girl by the hand and leading her to the fireplace.
"You ready, Tonks?"
She smiled at this. "Ready."
----
"Sirius, over here!" James and Lily were over standing by Molly and Arthur beside the food table, and others were chatting, eating and visiting throughout the house. When Sirius stepped out of the fireplace, he led his little cousin to Lily and James, smiling to greet all the familiar faces.
"Hey everybody." Sirius said, shaking James' hand firmly. "Place looks great, Arthur."
"That would be my wife's doing," he smiled broadly.
"Oh, hush, Arthur." Molly said, and the plump, red haired lady blushed.
"Sirius, who's your friend?" Lily inquired with a smile.
Sirius grinned. "This beautiful little girl is my cousin, Nymphadora Tonks."
And with that, she pulled away from him with indignation, kicked him hard in the shin and ran up the stairs.
"What was that all about, Sirius?" James chuckled along with everyone else.
"Oh, she's a little touchy about her name, is all." Sirius grumbled with a smile as he rubbed his tender shin.
"A little?" Lily smiled.
"She doesn't like her first name and she prefers that everyone know her as her last name and... I forgot?" Sirius said, everyone knowing that he hadn't forgotten. "Do you think I should go after her?"
"Oh, I'm sure she's fine." Molly told them. "Both Bill and Charlie are up there... Oh Arthur, maybe you should go up there and make sure they're behaving."
"Don't bother, Molly." Sirius said. "She'll feel right at home with those two trouble makers. She'll give them a run for their money, no doubt."
"I believe it," Arthur chuckled.
"But in the meantime," Sirius muttered as he stood. "There is a beautiful black haired witch sitting all alone over there. I can't have that, now can I?" He winked at James.
"Go for it, Padfoot." James smiled encouragingly.
"Poor girl," Molly said, shaking her head as Sirius walked away.
James chuckled. "Which one? The black haired witch, or Nymphadora Tonks?"
----
A strapping young Weasley rounded the corner of the hallway and paused. The six year-old red head name Charlie was surprised. He hadn't seen any other kids his age here, only all the old adults in the Phoenix club. Bill had been told to stay in his room, because of the ruckus he caused last time. His mum, Mrs. Weasley, was letting baby Percy run free, because he was a 'well-behaved child.' So Charlie was left by himself, trying to find a way to entertain himself.
But then he saw her, a pretty little girl with the same flaming red hair color as Charlie was peeking into Bill's room, where he could hear him snoring.
"Hello, there." Charlie said as he walked up the stairs.
She whirled around suddenly and glared at him. "You scared me. Don't do that!" she whispered.
"I'm sorry," Charlie apologized simply. "Didn't mean to. What's your name?"
She blushed, but firmly said, "Tonks."
"Tonks? What kind of a name is that?"
"My last one," she admitted.
"Well, what's your first name?"
"I don't want to tell you." the little girl said defiantly.
"Why not?"
"I don't like it."
"Oh, come on. I promise I won't laugh."
She contemplated this for a moment, then crossed her little arms across her chest. "Nymphadora."
"Wow." Charlie said with large eyes. "That's cool."
"Thanks," she muttered embarrassedly.
"I like your hair, too. It's pretty. Bright and red, just like mine."
She blushed again, but stepped forward. "My hair changes colors, wanna see?"
"Yeah..." Charlie said in stunned amazement. She closed her eyes, and twisted her face slightly, and Charlie watched as her long red locks slowly became green.
"Wicked." Charlie breathed, then shook his head. "So, Tonks," Charlie said pointedly and she smiled. "I've got some Bertie Bott's downstairs, you want some?"
"Sure!" Tonks eyes perked up and she looked excited about spending some time with another kid her age.
She began following him downstairs, but she tripped on her ever-clumsy feet, nearly falling the long way to the bottom floor. But Charlie caught her quickly in his arms.
"You okay?" he asked as he stood her on her feet.
"Yeah," she said flushing completely again.
Then he took her hand with a smile, and walked her the rest of the way downstairs.
----
"Good evening, Milady," Sirius said, plastering a charming grin on his face.
She turned and immediately, Sirius was smitten. She was gorgeous. Dark almond shaped eyes, full lips, small nose and olive complexion. She was not tall and not short, though buxom but slender. A perfect woman, Sirius thought.
"Evening, good sir," she said with a smile. "What can I do for you?"
"But no, milady. The question is what can I do for you? What is a beautiful damsel like yourself doing all alone?"
She giggled. "Awaiting a knight so bold as to rescue me from my loneliness." She said dramatically.
"Well, fear no more, fair maiden. For I am here to rescue you; your bold, charming and extremely handsome Prince Charming,"
"Mighty arrogant, aren't we?" she smirked.
"No, I like to see it as good confidence, high self esteem." He smiled back at her. "Now, how about I buy you a drink?"
"First off," she began, "No matter how bold, charming and handsome you may be, you apparently aren't very observant or you would have seen I already have a drink, and that here, they are free. And furthermore, you obviously hit the pubs more often then not, and have used the 'Allow me to buy you a drink, dear maiden' line on more than just me."
Sirius was almost shocked to a silence. "Well said, milady. Beautiful, perceptive and quick witted. That's an astounding combination."
"I thank you, good sir, for the entertainment you've provided me this evening." she said before downing the last of her drink, "But I think I've had enough for one night."
"And the woman knows how to limit her liquor as well." Sirius said approvingly. "You are something else, you know that?"
"So I've been told." she said, standing from her seat.
"Wait, milady!" Sirius stood, taking her hand gently in his own. "Could I ask at least the name of the woman I saved from damsel I saved from the clutches of solitude?"
She grinned, then relented. "Hestia Jones."
"Beautiful," Sirius breathed, "Just like I expected." Then he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly, never taking her eyes from her gaze.
"What about you?" Hestia said, blushing to her roots. "Can I have the name of my rescuer?"
"Forgive me, milady." Sirius said, bowing dramatically. "I am your humble servant, Sirius Black."
"Ah, Sir Sirius Black. Does that mean you have a dark soul?" she said teasingly.
"There's only one way to find out, darlin'." Sirius said with a mischievous grin.
"Well, Sir Sirius, how about you grab your drink and we discuss this out on the balcony?" she recommended with a smile.
"That's the best thing I've heard all night, Milady Jones." Sirius said. Then he extended his arm and escorted her outside.
----
"Where's Sirius?" James inquired as he, Lily, Alice and Frank all sat around the large roaring fire, sipping on various drinks such as hot chocolate, egg nog and hot apple cider.
"I think he stepped outside with Hestia," Alice said with a smile.
"Hestia?" Lily asked.
"Yes, that pretty dark haired witch." Frank said.
"Do you know her?" James said.
"Dumbledore introduced us earlier. She's just as old as us, graduated from Beauxbatons in May." Alice told them.
"Really?" Lily said, obviously impressed.
"Yup. She's Italian, a classic beauty."
"Well, no wonder Sirius was taken with her." James chuckled.
"Where's the little girl that he brought? Was Tonks her name?" Lily asked.
"Her preferred name, yes," James said. "And I think I saw her running around with that little Weasley boy."
"Oh, there they are." Alice said, pointing across the room.
There was a large Christmas tree, simply decorated, but still beautiful in the middle of the living room. There sat little Tonks and Charlie, taking turns with the Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean box, chewing and laughing at each other's funny faces.
"Aw, aren't they cute?" Lily said.
"Well, they're about to get a little bit cuter." James said, throwing a wink at Frank.
"James," Lily said in a warning voice, but it was too late.
"Ay, Charlie! You've got a girl under the mistletoe. You know what that calls for?" James shouted, and the house grew silent.
James watched merrily as Charlie and Tonks both looked up in horror. There it was in all its glory, a little sprig of mistletoe.
They both scooted about a meter away from each other, the box of candy forgotten and spilling all over the floor. They stared at each other in question, wondering if they should just flee the scene, or give into the adults pressure.
"Oh, come on, Charlie. A little peck on the cheek never hurt anyone." Frank called out.
Poor Charlie Weasley, his face was as red as his hair, and he stood shuffling his feet, as if preparing to run. Tonks, who was also flushing madly, stood and crossed her arms across her chest. Sighing dramatically, Charlie leaned over and placed a quick kiss on her cheek.
Many adults cheered and clapped as the two children picked up their candies and made way to leave the room of embarrassment.
Charlie, however, suddenly reached out and tugged on one of Tonks forest green locks playfully. She turned to face him, then grinned wickedly. They took off running and more adults laughed softly, including Arthur and Molly who were watching nearby.
"Aw, that was adorable." Alice sighed.
"You wanna see cute?" James smiled, taking hold of Lily's hand.
"James, what are you doing?" she said, rolling her eyes in artificial annoyance.
"You'll see." James chuckled.
A moment later, Lily and James were standing beneath the mistletoe, an expression of mock innocence on James' face.
"Would you look at that?" James said, pronouncing each word like a shy child. "Me and Lily are under the mistletoe. I reckon that means I have to kiss her."
"You're hopeless." Lily laughed as he leaned in.
"Yup. Hopelessly in love with you." he murmured, an in that next instant, he kissed her.
Lily knew it had to be quick and decent for everyone to see... but, oh, how she wanted to wrap herself up in his arms and never leave. His kiss was sweet, it tasted like chocolate, and she placed a hand on his cheek to force herself away.
"Merry Christmas, James." she whispered against his lips.
"Merry Christmas, Lily flower."
"Okay, move over, love birds." Frank said, pushing them gently and holding Alice's hand. "Let's show 'em how it's done."
Then standing beneath the mistletoe, Frank dipped Alice, kissing her thoroughly, with no regard for the onlookers. After a few hoots and cheers, Frank pulled her up again, both laughing quietly. And just as Lily and James stopped clapping and just as she thought they were going to come back to sit down, they didn't.
"Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention, please?" Frank said, suddenly. The music stopped, the talking ceased, and all eyes were on Frank.
"What's going on?" James whispered.
"Oh, my, gosh," Lily whispered, seeing the anxiety mixed with hope in Alice's eyes. "He's going to do it."
"As many of you know, I've been seeing Miss Alice Johnson for quite some time now. She's an amazing young woman, and I'm a lucky man to have her by my side. She's beautiful strong, sweet, kind and I find myself falling more in love with her everyday." Many audible sighs were heard from the women, and Lily wiped her own wet cheeks as Alice watched Frank with tears of joy in her eyes.
"I've come to the conclusion," Frank continued as he took Alice's hand, "that I need her sweet spirit in my life everyday. I've found that I can't live a day without seeing her smiling face, without her love."
Then he pulled a small box out of his robes. "So with the blessing of both my parents and her own..."
Lily, and probably every other woman in the room, held her breath as she watched Frank bend on one knee, Alice gazing at him with large shining eyes.
"Nancy Alice Johnson, will you marry me?" Frank smiled up at her ever so humbly, holding up a simple diamond engagement ring.
Men cheered, women screamed, and Lily cried. She watched with blurry vision as Alice nodded, trying to tell Frank yes, but too overcome with emotion to speak. She laughed through her tears as Frank slid the ring on her finger, then took her in his arms and kissed her firmly.
Lily and James made their way through the crowd over to the newly-engaged couple. James slapped Frank on the back in congratulations, but Lily embraced Alice in the warmest of hugs from a best friend.
----
"There you are," Lily said, walking out onto the balcony to stand by James. The party would soon end now. Sirius had gotten Hestia's address for owling and taken Tonks home after she fell asleep on he stairs, which was predictable, considering she chased Charlie down and 'let him have it' for tugging on her hair. Frank was still talking to some other gentlemen in the den and Alice was helping Molly clean up in the kitchen.
"Hey," James said with a smile, putting n arm around her waist and kissing her forehead.
"What are you doing out here all by your lonesome?" Lily asked.
"Just thinking."
"About?"
"Well," he chuckled and took a deep breath, "I was thinking about jewelry."
"Really?" Lily said, her pulse racing.
"A ring, actually. A very important kind of ring. With a little diamond on it, belonging on a woman's left hand..." James gently took hold of her left hand and intertwined her fingers with his.
Lily was holding her breath, and her heart was pounding so loud, she was sure he could hear it. She was now nervous and jittery; she didn't know what to say. They had always joked about marriage, but now that it was such a close reality for Frank and Alice, it was a little close to home. Such a big step, such a huge decision... it would change her life forever. Not to mention the prophesy...
No, Lily. she told herself, forcing herself not to think about it. James knows the risk of loving me... and he wants to marry me... It was almost too good to be true, too much like a wonderful dream, a fairy tale. It felt so perfectly right. When she though of waking up every morning in his arms, as his wife, the mother of his children, she couldn't think of anything that would make her happier.
"So what do you think?"
James voice shook her from her thoughts and she smiled. Poor guy, she thought. He was probably waiting for me to say something the whole time.
Lily turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Well, you know that I love jewelry," The apprehension in his face eased some, but to fully squelch any other worries, she placed a quick loving kiss on his lips. "And I love you."
When James sighed, and relief covered his face, she smiled and said, "So I think that sounds absolutely perfect."
----
A/N: Haha! Here's some good 'ol fluff for all you hardcore romancers like me. Hope you like it, let me know by REVIEWING!!
Sorry about the delay. I guess that was having some issues, and then I left to go camping on Thanksgiving. I'm also trying to work on getting my other new stories posted. So just to keep you on the edge of your seats... lol!
Not much else to say. I love you guys! Happy Holidays! -huggles-
