Hey, I'm back. Sorry I always take so long to update, my life is extremely hectic. Anyway, here's the next chapter. It's a short fic, so sadly there's only a few more chapters. Thanks for all the reviews!
Chapter 3
The next morning marked Christmas Eve. Hermione woke up at 8:00 AM to find Ron lying next to her. She looked out the window and smiled, seeing that it was snowing. It was chilly in their room, so Hermione snuggled up next to Ron, burying herself in his warmth. Ron smiled in his sleep and subconsciously, snuggled up to Hermione.
Hermione smiled at this, kissed him on the cheek, and fell back into a light, comfortable sleep.
Harry awoke, wishing Ginny was lying next to him. Harry shivered, reaching for the covers, but knew he would not be able to sleep any longer. It was already 8:15 AM and some people were bound to be up. So Harry grabbed a sweatshirt, pulled it over his head, put on some pants, and headed out of his room, a book in his hand. He headed to the empty family room and sat down in a comfy armchair by the fire.
He sat, engrossed in the book for nearly an hour and a half, when Ron walked in. He waved at Harry and sat across from him, in another chair.
Harry nodded, "Hey Ron."
"Hey mate. How long have you been down here?"
"Since eight."
"Why so early?" Ron asked, brows furrowed.
"Couldn't sleep," Harry said shortly.
Ron quickly ended the subject, realizing why he was being so short about why he was up. It was because Harry had a nightmare about the final battle, last year. When Harry defeated Voldemort, once and for all. Though it may have been some time ago, the memories still haunted Harry, and he had nightmares about it on occasion. It was a scary time, during the final battle. A scary time for everyone. It almost killed Harry. Harry had lied in a coma at St. Mungo's for almost a month after. Harry might have outsmarted Voldemort, but the Killing Curse still harshly injured him, no scar to give again. But Harry was alright health-wise now. It was just the memories that haunted him occasionally.
Ron sighed and sat back in his chair, studying his friend. Harry looked alright from the outside, but Ron could never be to sure what was lurking on the inside of his best mate. Harry when Harry was feeling uncomfortable about something he'd put up a shield that blocked anyone from knowing his emotions. A tough outer shell, blocking anyone who tries to get inside him. But, sometimes, after a lot of talking, you could get through to him, and he would lower the shields. Now was one of those times.
"Harry, are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes," Harry answered, shortly.
Ron paused for a moment.
"Because I mean, you know you can talk to me if you want. Both you and I know it never helps when you shut yourself off from everyone."
It was Harry's turn to sigh. He knew that Ron meant well and that he was right, but that didn't make Harry want to talk about it any more. Ron knew very well what his problem was and Harry felt it was useless to discuss. Ron decided he must still have some work to do on Harry.
Harry nodded. "I know, Ron. I just don't want to talk about it right now, okay?"
Ron nodded and they both lapsed back into silence. About twenty minutes later, Ron exited momentarily to grab a book of his own. He was reading a muggle book series, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He would occasionally begin laughing uncontrollably, just picturing the way this JRR Tolkien person was portraying elves. Whenever this happened, Harry would roll his eyes, explain to Ron that Tolkien had no idea that elves actually existed and that he was actually a very well respected writer, and return to his book.
By 10:30 everyone was up and about, getting ready for the day ahead. They were having a small Christmas Party that night, with a few select guests. Dumbledore, Hagrid, Kingsley, McGonaggle, Remus and a few other people were invited—besides everyone already staying at the house for Christmas, of course. Harry was very happy about this. He hadn't seen Hagrid in a while because he was not present at the last Order meeting.
The afternoon passed quickly, people hanging mistletoe, adding decorations to the tree, and baking in the kitchen. Tonks tried to help out at first, but eventually sat defeated in the corner of the family room, after trying every possible thing there was to help. She was just too clumsy. Tonks sighed, thinking she would never be good enough for this family. Molly seemed to think that she would never be helpful in this family. And this is what worried Tonks. In this family. It seemed as though she wouldn't be accepted well into the family if she were to marry Charlie. Of course, Molly would greet her happily, but she's have to. She is Charlie's mother, and if Charlie is happy, then she is happy. Well…supposedly. But Tonks still suspected that it wouldn't be all rainbows and butterflies with hearts and flowers welcoming her into the family. It would be tough, but she'd have to make an effort. It wasn't the brothers that bothered her, but mostly Mrs. Weasley. It just seemed to her like Molly would never accept Tonks. And this scared her very badly. Because she loved Charlie deeply and Tonks knew that he loved his family. She knew that if he had to choose, he'd choose his family.
She didn't know why she was letting this get to her. It wasn't like Tonks to care about this type of thing, but she supposed it was just different now because she was in love with Charlie. Who knows? Maybe she was being too skeptical and reading between lines that were never there in the first place, but it made her a bit nervous. She sighed, once more, and Charlie plopped down on the arm of the chair next to her.
"Hey sweetie. You look sad, what's up?"
Tonks remained quiet for a moment, debating about what to tell him.
"It's…nothing."
Charlie sighed, "Please? What's wrong, sweetie?"
"Well…I-I…you see…the thing is that…"
"What?"
"I'm getting really upset right now and depressed because I think you're mother hates me."
"What! Mum doesn't hate you! Why would you think that?"
Tonks sank back in her chair.
"Because I can't do anything to help. She'll never accept me, will she?" she muttered, just perceptible enough for Charlie to hear.
"But, sweetie, mum loves you. She may get a bit frustrated, granted, but that's just the way she is. But she still loves you. I can promise you that. I mean, sweetie, this is Molly Weasley we're talking about. She's always getting exasperated with everyone. She raised seven children! It's just natural for her. But don't worry, she loves you very much." Charlie kissed her on the forehead. "But if you still think there's nothing you can to help out do then why don't you come with me to let me prove you wrong." He smiled sweetly at her and grabbed her hand. She grudgingly obliged.
He took her into Ginny's room.
"Okay, here's our first stop. I know, this is going to sound stupid, but Ginny is going crazy over what to wear tomorrow. She just can't decide. I know that she doesn't know about Harry's proposal, but I think she may have some plans of her own. So, I know how amazing you are at pulling looks together, considering you are a beautiful woman—and a metamorphagus, constantly changing her appearance—and so I wanted you to pick out her outfit. And you can give her hair and make-up tips—you know…girly stuff."
Tonks laughed at her boyfriend. "Okay, cool. I can definitely help her with that." And so the pair set to work.
Fleur stirred the cake mix, using her wand to guide the spoon. She had been helping Molly in the kitchen all day. But it was actually a bit of a disaster in her area. Not to her fault, though. She was trying to teach Bill how to cook. It was quite a scary and almost unattainable task, but he was making drastic improvements.
Bill was standing next to her, attempting to grade a bit of cheese, but, somehow, the task was challenging for him. Fleur laughed to herself and grabbed the cheese grader from him, redemonstrating how to use it.
"Like this," she said as she demonstrated.
"Oooh, I get it now," Bill replied.
"I'll be 'ight back. I have to get the cheese off of my 'ands now," she said, exiting the kitchen.
In the time she was gone, Bill somehow managed to spill the graded cheese into cake mix.
"Bill! 'Ow did you do that?"
"Um…I wanted cheesecake?"
Fleur laughed and repaired the damage with her wand.
Ginny climbed up the later, holding a bit of mistle toe. Harry was standing below, holding the latter, to ensure that it remained stable the whole time. She hung it carefully and began to head back down the latter. She slipped slightly and began to fall, but Harry caught her in is arms at the last moment, and then gently placed her on the ground.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, thanks."
Harry kissed her gently on the forehead and sighed. "I love Christmastime."
"Me too. It's so…romantic."
"Oh really?" he said slyly. "Just how romantic?"
"Oh, I don't know. I'll get back to you on that," she said, smirking.
Harry glared at her playfully. "So…what did you get everyone?"
"Oh, you'll see."
Harry sighed.
"Well…what did you get everyone?" Ginny asked.
"Oh, you'll see," said Harry, smirking.
Ginny stuck out her tongue playfully. "Fine!" she joked, pretending to be angry. Harry smiled and she kissed him sweetly and sighed happily. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too," Harry whispered. They shared a light, but meaningful, kiss on the lips quickly.
Hermione was hanging a Christmas wreath outside on the door of the burrow, shivering excessively. It was freezing outside, the snow falling rapidly. Hermione, of course, had forgotten her jacket outside. As she tried to fix the wreath, the door began to open. She stepped back to get out of the way. Ron exited the house and smiled at Hermione. He was wearing a coat. He noticed that Hermione was not.
"Hey sweetie," he greeted her, pulling her into a hug. She buried her head in his shoulder.
"Hey," Hermione whispered. She was still shivering.
"Mione, do you want my jacket?"
Hermione smiled inwardly and nodded. Ron took off his coat, helping it onto his fiancée.
"Thanks," she said quietly, smiling.
Ron helped her fix the wreath and then the two sat down in the bench in the front yard, sitting in a snuggly and comfortable position.
"Happy Christmas, Herm," Ron said, kissing her on the cheek.
"Happy Christmas, Ron," said Hermione, who turned around a moment later and kissed him deeply.
Everyone continued working busily for a few more hours, preparing for the eagerly-awaited party. By the time they were finished with the cooking and decorating, the house looked extravagant.
Outside the snow was falling gently, a look of serenity and peacefulness coming from it. It fell delicately to the ground, covering the house in a white coat. It was like a winter wonderland. Inside the house was styled with ornaments and decorations of every kind. Garland hung from the tree in long elegant, luminous strands. The ornaments, shining brightly, were positioned upon the tree with great care, hung in the all the perfect spots to give the tree a radiant look.
Inside the kitchen the delectable smells of the feast that awaited them filled the noses of every occupant of the house. Smells of roast, turkey, chicken….The appetizing smells of potatoes and gravy, sided with a tasty course of cranberries….The smells of steaming vegetables, positioned nicely on the table, awaiting the arrival of its feasters….The enticing smells of the desserts that would soon meet the mouths of many—desserts of every kind—pies, cakes, cobblers, tarts, and treacles of all kind.
Laughter and jubilance filled the house, excitement filling the hearts of all. Harry sat comfortably with Ginny in an armchair near the fire. Next to them sat Hagrid, rugged, but sweet as ever. He was chatting animatedly with the pair, a look of pure joy in his eyes. He hadn't seen Harry in ages, and was glad of the opportunity to talk to him again. Of course, Harry was happy too. But happiness was not the only thing in his Harry's eyes.
Harry's eyes were also filled with nervousness. Worry and anticipation. The nervousness and apprehension of what he would be doing tomorrow was drowning his thoughts and emotions. Sure, he was enjoying himself, but the nervousness and anticipation was killing him. Hagrid could see this, but did not understand.
"Harry, whatsamatter with you?" Hagrid asked.
"Oh," Harry began, glancing at Ginny, "Er—nothing."
Hagrid eyed him suspiciously, but said nothing.
Mrs. Weasley bustled about the kitchen, hurriedly setting out dishes for the feast that everyone would be enjoying within minutes. Mr. Weasley entered the room to help her. He walked briskly across the room, kissed her on the cheek, and took some of the dishes from her.
"Why thank you, Arthur," she said, blushing slightly.
"You know," he began, "I heard a rumor the other day that Harry was going to propose to Ginny…"
A gasp escaped Molly's mouth. "Really?" she asked excitedly.
"Oh yes, and I'm almost positive that it's a true rumor," he said slyly.
"How do you know?" he asked.
"Well…maybe because he asked my permission just earlier today."
Mrs. Weasley let out a quiet shriek and began bouncing up and down. She pulled her husband into a hug.
"Oh! My little baby is getting married!" she exclaimed quietly.
Ginny entered the room quickly. "Mum? What's all the commotion? I heard you scream…"
"Oh…" Molly said slowly, "I-I just dropped some plates…but its okay. I-I picked them back up…"
"Uh…okay…."
Ginny left the room, and Molly and Arthur let out synchronized sighs of relief.
Everyone soon sat down to dinner, eating the delectable food in front of them. Everyone chatted and caught up. Those who had not gotten the chance to talk to everyone earlier took this time to do so. Everyone enjoyed the scrumptious meal. It was a magnificent feast. There was roast, pies, cakes, chicken, many different cheeses, different breads, stuffing, and much more. It was entirely delicious.
After the magnificent feat was finished, everyone headed out to the family room. Those who were not going to be there the next day, decided it was a good time to exchange gifts with those they would not be seeing. Dumbledore and Harry decided to go first.
Dumbledore handed Harry a gift bag with tissue paper thrown in messily. Harry smirked slightly, and pulled out the tissue paper Dumbledore had thrown in so carelessly. Harry pulled out a large clear plastic bag. It was full of small lemon-shaped yellow things, which seemed to be coated lightly in some type of sugar. Harry looked at the label on the front of bag.
"Oy! Lemon Drops!" Harry exclaimed.
Dumbledore chuckled lightly. "Yes, I thought you might have heard of them, growing up with muggles and all."
"Don't remind me," Harry stated blandly. He quickly opened the bag and happily plopped a delectable lemon drop in his mouth.
"Want one?" Harry asked his former headmaster.
"Sure, why not?" Dumbledore said. He opened his mouth expectantly. Harry grabbed another lemon drop and threw it at him, aiming for Dumbledore's mouth. Dumbledore angled his head slightly and the lemon drop plopped right into his mouth. Harry and Dumbledore both smirked. The group just stared at them, at a loss of words.
"What in the world was that?" Ginny asked.
"What?" Harry said. "What do you expect? You didn't think we actually spent those private Occlumency lessons during school actually practicing Occlumency, did you? No, no, we spent our time doing something productive! Throwing lemon drops at one another!"
Everyone laughed, reminded of Harry's good sense of humor. Or…was he joking?
"Okay, my turn," Harry said, pulling out his gift for Dumbledore.
He handed it to the old man, who grabbed it willingly. He quickly opened the packaging, and removed it's contents slowly. He pulled out a large, thick pair of woolen socks.
Dumbledore was silent for a moment, then burst into hysterical laughter. Harry was quick to follow suit. Once again, the rest of the room, was left staring at them, as if they were mad.
"Aah, yes, my deepest desire," Dumbledore said, chuckling. He winked at Harry.
"Oh yes, well of course, what else from you?" Harry replied, also chuckling. He winked back.
The rest of the room was still staring at them, unable to find the words to express what they were thinking. But Ron, luckily, found them soon enough.
"Are you mad?" he asked, staring at the pair insanely.
"Of course not," Albus replied, "Just a bit quirky."
The pair fell back into hysterics of laughter, leaving the rest of the room shaking their heads in utter disbelief.
After a few minutes, once the laughter and craziness had died down a bit, others began exchanging gifts also. Hagrid got up and decided to give Harry his gift, so Harry pulled out his gift for Hagrid. The bushy-bearded man handed Harry a gift bag, with a bit better of a tissue paper job than with Dumbledore. Harry pulled out its contents. It was some of his treacle fudge—ugh—and a slab of Honeydukes chocolate. Harry was happy for the chocolate, and pretended to be happy about the fudge.
"Thanks Hagrid," Harry smiled.
Harry handed Hagrid his gift. Hagrid quickly opened the neatly wrapped package. It was a large package of umbrella patches—his umbrella had been looking quite shabby lately—and some Fizzing Whizbees.
Hagrid chuckled appreciatively at the umbrella patches, and thanked Harry for the gift. Ginny then walked up to the pair, handing Hagrid his gift from her.
She looked at Harry as Hagrid began opening the package. "I'll give you your gift tomorrow." She then took the liberty of sitting down on his lap.
Harry smiled, "Same goes to you."
"Oh!" Hagrid yelped. "I've wanted this book for ages! Thank yer, Ginny!"
He pulled her into a bone-crushing hug and smiled at her. Ginny returned the smile, and said "You're welcome."
The rest of the gift exchanging went on, mostly the same as the rest. The gifts were of various sizes, shapes, and origins.
Before the group knew it, it was nearly midnight and time for the guests to departure. They all said their good-byes and the people not staying at the house left. Before Harry and Ginny headed off to their separate rooms, they had their own private good-byes.
"Hey Harry, come here," said Ginny quietly. She pulled him into a hug and whispered in his ear, "I can't believe my winter break is almost over….You have no idea how much I've missed not being to see you everyday, and now I'm going to have to go through that again. I love you," she whispered, kissing him gently on the forehead.
"I love you too, and I've missed you so much, it's insane. I hate not seeing you everyday, I don't want your winter break to end!"
"Me neither." Ginny sighed, "Write my everyday?"
"Of course," Harry whispered. He kissed her softly on the lips. "Good night, love. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," she whispered.
