December - Christmas

My Christmas cheer was in full force this year, more so than I can ever remember. I could only think of one reason for that. Charlie.

Yes, the holidays were so much different when you had someone to share them with. Of course I would be sharing them with him and his entire family, but that was beside the point. All of the Weasley's would be staying over Christmas Eve through Boxing Day, myself included.

Charlie and I had been writing, as we had almost every day this entire year, and decided Christmas morning would be when we finally announce our relationship. He told me to leave the details to him, so I was trying not to worry about it too much. Still, there was a nervous excitement building in my chest.

Almost the entire family knew at this point, but there was a small worry in the back of my mind that Ron may lose his mind and ruin the day. As Charlie reminded me though, I was not in control of his actions. No one should live their life tiptoeing around a what a friend might think about your personal life. Because at the end of the day, that's what it is, personal. And my relationship with Ron is years gone. At this point we don't even have much of a friendship which is all the more reason to not hold myself back for fear of his opinion.

I had spent hours on my day off walking around Diagon Alley trying to think of just the right gift for Charlie. In the end, I found an extremely rare, first edition book on magical creatures with notations by the author. I was practically skipping out the door from work to go home and wrap it before packing for my stay at The Burrow.

My holiday time was taking a hit this year, but I took the 24th off all the way until January 2nd. I had a strong suspicion that I wouldn't be working there much longer anyways and wanted to use what holiday time I had.

Charlie had at least three days off. Really, I was hoping he'd be able to get more and come stay with me after Boxing Day, but I had learned to accept what I could.

The smile on my face was almost permanently etched as I finished packing everything into my beaded bag and headed for The Burrow.

Molly was the first to greet me. "Oh, how lovely! You work so hard dear girl. I'm so glad you're able to join us properly this year."

Her comment stung a bit, but she was right. Before Charlie and I connected this year, I had been married to my work. I missed quite a few events because of it and was often rushed from holidays to work part of a shift. This was the first year I had put my foot down and made it to things consistently since the war ended.

Obviously I knew the reason for that shift, but Molly's comment gave me something to think about. I wasn't necessarily unhappy before, but I certainly wasn't living to my full potential. Charlie changed that in me. I was putting myself before work and making time to take care of me and to make having a personal life my priority.

"I'm glad too, Molly. Which room should I put my things in?" With everyone staying and the addition of spouses and girlfriends, it was getting more difficult to arrange everyone.

She thought on that. "Perhaps I'll put you and Padma in Ginny's old room. Bill and Fleur are staying with Victoire in Ron's old room. Then Ron and Charlie can share. Yes, that will work. It means the twins will be sharing a room still, but I've enlarged their beds and we added another bed in Percy's room for Ginny and Harry."

Oof. I knew the Weasley family was close, but it was an odd thing for me to think about sharing a room as a married couple. Maybe things were different when you're married? Or maybe it was just two nights out of the year and they dealt with it to make their mother happy?

Yeah, probably the latter. I made my way up the stairs and tried not to think about the sleeping arrangements too hard. Of all the people to share with, I wasn't happy that I'd be with Padma and Charlie would be with Ron. This had potential for disaster written all over it.

However, there wasn't time to think about all the ways this could go wrong. I was too preoccupied by the strong arms that wrapped around my waist.

"I've missed you, love."

My frown turned into a massive smile as I turned around in Charlie's arms. His eyes were twinkling. "Well don't you look happy."

"I've got the most wonderful girl in the world in my arms right now. Why wouldn't I be?"

I giggled and reached up on toes to properly greet him. Nearly a year later, I still felt a spark as our lips touched and I shuddered in pleasure to think I seemed to fall harder for him every day.

"Dinner will be ready in five minutes!" Molly shouted up the stairs.

"Is everybody here already?"

Charlie nodded. "Just about. Ron and Padma will be late because she had to submit some last-minute article for the Prophet."

"Ugh, I don't know how she can write what she does. But if she enjoys it, I guess..."

I trailed off. I didn't need to tell Charlie. He knew my leftover hatred of The Daily Prophet from their awful coverage of the war and my even bigger hatred of gossip.

"Come on, we better get downstairs before mum comes looking."

I would have rather had some more alone time before being thrown into the chaos of a Weasley family Christmas, but that just wasn't in the cards tonight.

Ron and Padma arrived just as we were all sitting. Molly brought out a huge meal that was big enough to feed an army. Which, as I looked around the table, I realized that's exactly what we could be.

The tone of the meal was light and joyful. We were finally at a point where events like this were filled with constant happy chatter and less morose memories as we mourned those who were no longer at our table.

I felt a warmth radiate from within as I realized that this was it. This was what we had fought so hard for all those years ago. For the ability to share meals with the ones we love without fear.

Realizing I had teared up, I wiped as inconspicuously as possible at my eye. Charlie, who had snagged a spot next to me leaned over and whispered in my ear. "Everything all right love?"

I nodded. "I'm just really happy."

A smile that could melt the ice caps formed on his face. "Just wait until tomorrow."

Yes, tomorrow. We would finally be free from our secret. I really couldn't wait, but I still had no idea what he had planned. There wasn't time to dwell on that though, because Ginny caught my attention and I focused on our conversation.

Later, when we were all bursting from the meal, we sat in the sitting room drinking firewiskey laced hot chocolate. The hour was getting late and the group was just beginning to thin. I was trying not to think about having to converse one on one with Padma this evening before bed and instead focus on the conversations that were happening all around.

Charlie got up and stretched and my eyes, as they always did, followed the movement. "I'm finished here, can I take anyone's mugs?"

A few took him up on his offer, myself included. However, he was careful when he took my mug from me and I noticed I was left with a small bit of parchment in its place.

"Meet me in the sitting room at midnight. - xoxo"

A small thrill shot through me. I hadn't dated much during school, there was way too much going on to be focused on that, but Charlie's note had me feeling like a student sneaking out of the dormitories at night.

It was only ten, but we weren't as young as we used to be. By 11 the sitting room was cleared and I went upstairs on the pretense of going to bed with the last of the group.

I readied myself for bed including getting into some cozy, but still cute, pajamas. Padma, as expected, was chatty as she tried for sleep. So much so, that I wondered if she would even be asleep by midnight. I did my best to feign exhaustion so she would get the hint that I wasn't interested in conversation and finally, just before I needed to sneak out, I heard her snore.

Thankfully, I had a lot of practice sneaking out of this room over the years to meet Harry and Ron. I carefully avoided all the lose floorboards and tiptoed downstairs.

Charlie was already waiting and wasted no time wrapping himself around me. I inhaled deeply. His scent was so calming. He felt like home. This was such a special time of the year and there was no else I'd rather spend it with.

"I'm glad you could sneak away. I didn't know how difficult Padma would be."

I gave a soft snort. "I thought she'd never stop talking, but she finally drifted off. I suppose Ron was out as soon as he hit the pillow." Charlie gave a sound that confirmed my suspicions. "So, not that I'm not grateful to have some time alone, but I'm assuming there's a reason we're sneaking around?"

I could feel the happiness radiating off of him. "We're officially telling my family we're in love tomorrow."

The way he worded it caused my heart to soar. No, we aren't just dating. We're committed to each other and we're in love.

"Yes, we are. And just how do you plan to do that?"

I saw his confidence flicker a bit. Shy, unconfident Charlie wasn't something I was used to seeing and it was a little endearing.

"I do have a plan. I admit I'm a bit nervous and it could totally backfire in more ways than one, but I have hope that it won't."

My anxiety went up a bit at his words. "Care to share in this plan? Maybe I can help put your mind at ease."

He shook his head. I wasn't used to Charlie shutting me out like that. We've spent a year telling each other every detail of our lives.

"It's a bit complicated, but it will all make sense tomorrow. I know what I'm doing, I just hope you like it."

There was a little bit of frustration on my end. Why was he being so secretive? Seems to me that the best way to ensure that I will like it would be to clue me in on what he has planned. I breathed deeply in through my nose and out through my mouth. I needed to keep my faith in the man I loved. Besides, in just a few short hours, I'd be clued into his plan.

"I'm sure it will all turn out lovely. Now, will you sit with me for a bit? I'm tired, but it's officially Christmas and I'd really just like some time with you."

He agreed. We snuggled up onto the couch in front of the fire. Each of us had a book and we spent an hour just soaking up being able to be close before we finally went to bed.

With Victoire in the house, we were never destined to sleep late. Her excited squeals that Santa had come woke us all around 6:30. Ever so slowly, the adults tiredly made their way down the stairs.

Molly had a firm rule that there was no present opening until after our bellies were full. We all sat around the large table sipping coffee and downing pancakes.

Finally, we had all finished and made our way to gather around the tree. I was actually a bit nervous to give Charlie his gift. It felt so special and almost called out to me to buy for him, but I was nervous he'd be underwhelmed.

It took ages for the presents to be sorted. When there had been a smaller crowd, the kids took turns opening their gifts. But now as adults, the group had grown so large we would be here all day if we did that. I was seated between Charlie and Ginny, which had become quite normal since the beginning of the year, and we began unwrapping the gifts that had all been selected with great care.

That's one thing I loved about the Weasleys. Most of the children have grown up to be quite successful. Money was no longer an issue, but after growing up without much, the gifts were all still chosen with extreme thoughtfulness with no thought to grandeur.

The room was filled with sounds of tearing paper and squeals of delight mixed with shouts of thanks. It was quite the happy space, though my heart was racing as I noticed Charlie's pile getting smaller and smaller. Finally, he got to my gift last and carefully peeled back the paper. I had just finished opening my own gifts, which oddly didn't include anything from Charlie, so I was watching him closely to see if he liked it.

His eyes took in the gift as he picked it up with care and lovingly ran his hand down the cover. "This is, this, wow." He seemed to be at a loss for words. Finally, he cracked the cover and saw the handwritten notes and his eyes snapped to mine. "This is absolutely incredible and more perfect than you could have realized."

I smiled, happy that he enjoyed my gift, but I was also confused by his comment.

The chaos was dwindling as the gifts had all been opened and Charlie took this moment to get everyone's attention. He gave me a wink and I knew this was it. We were officially coming out to the Weasleys.

"If I could have everyone's attention, please." Slowly, the room quieted and all eyes turned on Charlie. I couldn't help but notice that he wiped his hands nervously on his pants. "I have a bit of an announcement to make. First though, I'd like to say how lovely it's been to be able to spend more time at home this year. Being away so long, I didn't realize how much I had missed all of this. Truly, this has been the best Christmas I can remember having in ages. Part of that has to do with a certain brown-haired beauty who has captured my heart."

Obviously, most of the room knew he was referring to me. There were a few soft "aw" sounds from a few of the women, gagging sounds from the twins, a look of confusion from Ron, and a gasp from Molly.

"Mione, stand up please."

I did so, noticing just how shaky my knees were. The center of attention was not my favorite place to be, but Charlie took my hands in his and continued the rest of his speech directed at me instead of his family. The sincerity in his eyes caused the rest of the room to fade away and it was as if we were the only two people in the room.

"Mione, almost exactly twelve months ago we agreed to be each other's date of convenience. That night my entire world shifted. I couldn't get you out of my head and I am so thankful for that because I had no choice but to write to you and get to know you better. Over the last year I have learned so much about you and, honestly, I'd love to spend every day of the rest of my life learning more. You're exactly what I didn't know I was looking for and you've made me happier than I could have ever dreamed of being. At first, I think we were both nervous about beginning a relationship." There was a disturbance from behind me, but it was subdued quickly. I was too caught up in the moment to turn around and see what had happened and Charlie continued on. "I'll admit, there was a lot to make us hesitant. Obviously the history you have with my family being a big part of that as well as our age gap and the long distance. But here we are a year later and I can't imagine my life without you."

Charlie let go of my left hand then and reached in his pocket as he bent down on one knee. It suddenly dawned on me exactly what was happening. All the secrecy wasn't intended because he didn't want to include me on the announcement, but rather because it was part of another one of his many surprises for me. Tears began to prick my eyes as he produced a little black box with the most beautiful antique ring I had ever seen.

"Hermione Granger, will you marry me?"

The tears were flowing freely now and I was too choked up to speak. Instead, I nodded as a massive grin spread across my face. He slipped the ring on my shaking hand before scooping me up and kissing me passionately.

It was several seconds before the noise of the cheers cut through my euphoria and I realized we weren't alone. We broke apart and I took in the happy faces as they all rushed to greet us. All except for Ron of course, who I now noticed had ended up tied to a chair at some point.

Molly pushed her way through to us. "I can't believe you guys kept this a secret for a year!" She looked around at the numerous guilty faces. "You all knew?"

She sounded like a cross between angry and astonished that we had managed to pull one over on her.

"I went to meet Hermione for lunch and was told she took a holiday. Went to check on her to make sure she was alright and found her, ahem, cuddled up on the couch with Charlie." Ginny supplied. My face heated at the memory.

"And being a werewolf has it's disadvantages I suppose. It was pretty hard for them to hide their attraction from me." Bill supplied.

George gestured to himself and Fred. "We caught Hermione in Charlie's room the morning after Harry and Ginny's wedding."

I buried my face in Charlie's shoulder. This was getting embarrassing.

"I didn't know until Bonfire Night. They were blocking the door sharing a moment when I went to get more wine." Percy sounded as uncomfortable as I felt.

Ron mumbled something and Harry pointed his wand at him to allow him to speak again.

"Well I had no bloody clue! This is ridiculous! You can't marry my ex-girlfriend!"

We had been worried about Ron's reaction, but Molly surprised us by being the one to come to our defense.

"Ronald Weasley, you barely had a date with this young woman and that was years ago. You seem perfectly happy with Padma and I will not let you interfere with the love these two have. Now, you can either accept it, or I'll let Harry put another lip lock curse on you."

Nothing like a scolding from Molly Weasley to make it feel like Christmas. Ron looked properly abashed, but said nothing else. I knew I'd have to talk to him at some point, but that time wasn't now.

I turned back to Charlie. "We're getting married!"

He nodded excitedly. "We are! Are you ready for your Christmas gift now?"

I looked down at my ring then held up my hand. "Isn't this enough? I really couldn't ask for a gift better than marrying you."

"Even if it meant being able to live together?" My eyes went wide. "I thought so. Hear me out. Newt Scamander is officially retiring. He has many animals that are getting old and can't handle living in his suitcase anymore. He's been working on building a permanent sanctuary in Scotland. I've been in talks with him the better part of the last six months and he would like to leave me in charge."

I was floored. If Charlie was in Scotland, we could easily floo back and forth. No more portkeys. We could have dinner together every night if we wanted to.

"There's more. Taking care of the animals is a lot of work. I could use a partner. Someone who has a firm knowledge of all creatures as well as healing. Of course, I understand if you'd rather stay at St. Mungos. It's still a great opportunity and we wouldn't have to be long distance anymore."

"Of course I'll join you!" I laughed and he looked at me quizzically as he tried to understand my quick answer. "I'm sorry, but you kept me in the dark about this. I trusted you had something up your sleeve, but I had made the decision that I was prepared to leave St. Mungos to be with you weeks ago. My resignation is written and ready to be sent."

"Does that mean you'll do it? You'll run the sanctuary with me?"

I nodded and he kissed me once again. When we broke apart Molly was fanning herself.

"Clearly we have a few things to celebrate!"

We were passed around from family member to family member accepting each ones embrace. My heart was filled with such joy, love and peace. What a perfect way to end the year.

Ned