Chapter Thirty-Six
Christmas Eve found the ever-growing family in the living room of the trunk, happily watching the boys decorate an enormous Christmas tree, (curtesy of an engorgement charm from Remus), and pile the presents high almost all around it. At the moment, there was more than twice as much tinsel in the air as last year, due to Harry and Neville, who had 'exploded' the tinsel on purpose as a prank. Both boys were currently rolling on the floor laughing hysterically as the adults tried frantically to rid themselves of the shiny stuff.
Remus couldn't help but chuckle at Sirius' teary expression "his first prank! I'm so proud!" he exclaimed, as the others looked on with amusement at his antics.
This caused Minerva to give a huge sigh and mutter something about early retirement,
This caused both Marauders to laugh harder as she sent them a mock stern glare, which only increased as she tried to rid herself of the tinsel by turning in to her cat form. The sight of a tinsel-clad tabby cat giving them the hardest glare ever seen caused everyone to burst into uncontrollable laughter and the slight growl they could hear from her only made the situation worse. When Minerva turned back, she sent the laughing group a disgruntled look.
"Sirius here could've told you that wouldn't work," said a laughing Remus, as he pulled out an album and showed them pictures of a sparkle-covered Padfoot from last year. This caused Minerva to quickly join in the laughter.
Sirius sent Remus a pouting look, "why did you take pictures of that?" he crossed his arms and mock-glared at them all, "it's not funny!" which only caused the group to laugh harder.
Minerva looked at him, "but it was funny when it's me covered in sparkles?"
Sirius shrugged, "yup!"
Minerva conjured a hat stand and animated it. It picked up two pillows from the couch and began smacking Sirius with them. The rest of the group began laughing again, which caused Sirius to start conjuring more pillows and banish them at everyone. That started an all-out pillow Battle Royale as feathers and laughter joined the tinsel that was floating through the air.
…..
Albus sat looking over the Great Hall at the few students who had stayed for the Christmas holidays. All of the students were laughing and talking with their friends, simply enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
He glanced sideways at the seat Minerva usually occupied, and wondered where she was. She had unexpectedly requested to leave the castle this holiday, saying something vague about 'visiting old friends.' Though Minerva had done this a few times in years past, she had rarely left the castle since her friend Dorea Potter had died, except for one time when young Harry Potter was born, and another for his first Christmas, but she hadn't left the school since the Potters had died that Halloween night and she'd seen him leave young Harry with the Dursleys.
Ah well, he thought as he drew a delicious looking lemon cake towards him and took a piece, let her have some fun, she does do a lot for Hogwarts. He smiled benevolently down at the students as he enjoyed his cake. Mmmmnnmm, he thought, almost as good as my lemon drops.
…
The room was covered in sparkly feathers. The sight of a sparkly, feather-covered Padfoot playfully chasing an equally sparkly feather covered tabby cat only made it worse. Just as they were beginning to catch their breath, Minerva turned and playfully swatted Padfoot on his backside. Padfoot yelped theatrically and ran behind Remus, causing laughter to erupt once again.
Once they had all caught their breath (again), the adults cleaned the room and they trooped into the kitchen for dinner. After a quick and delicious meal, the group settled back into the now clean living room for cocoa and biscuits. Grabbing a biscuit, Harry led Neville over to his Legos and started explaining how they worked. Soon both boys had their heads bent, whispering eagerly, happily engaged in a building project.
Leaning back in her chair, Minerva sipped her cocoa and sighed contentedly, watching the boys with the air of an indulgent grandmother.
Augusta looked over, "are you all right Min?" she asked.
'Min' waved her hand, "oh I'm fine. Happier than I've been in a long time. I'd given up on having this kind of holiday when Michael died. For a while I had James and Lily, and little Harry too of course, but-"
Both Augusta and Arabella patted her hands, "I understand. I always wanted children, but then Alex died…" Arabella said consolingly.
Minerva nodded, smiling gently as she returned the hand pat.
"No frowning!" exclaimed Sirius jovially, jarring the three women out of their musings, "it's Christmas! Besides," he gave them a wink, "you have us now. I learned a long time ago, 'Blood is always family, but family isn't always blood.'"
Minerva smiled teasingly, "and just where is all this new wisdom coming from, Mr. Black?" she winked at Remus, "and more importantly, where was it when you were in school?"
"Hey!" Sirius gave an exaggerated pout, "I grew up! We all do sometime."
Minerva and Augusta looked at each other with a quick grin, before slapping their hands to their cheeks and squealing "it's a miracle!" in unison before bursting into giggles once again.
Harry and Neville looked up, "can we go play in the yard? I want to show Neville about sledding."
Remus smiled, "all right, if Augusta says it's OK."
Neville looked to his Gran who smiled, "go on with your friend Neville. Only for a couple hours. Then it's baths and bed for both of you."
"Awwwwww," whined both boys together.
"The sooner you go to bed, the sooner it will be Christmas," said Sirius, ruffling both boys' hair, "now go play." He said, giving them a small playful shove towards the door.
"Coats!" called Augusta, but the boys had already disappeared.
Augusta sighed as Remus chuckled, "don't worry this happens a lot," he said, and called, "Dee!"
The elf popped in, "yes sir?" she asked.
Remus smiled again, "please bring the boys' coats to the back yard and make sure they put them on please."
"Yes sir! I bes making sure," said Dee as she popped away with the coats.
Minerva smiled, basking in the warmth and joy of her family.
A\N; I made up the names of Minerva's and Arabella's husbands. I don't remember JK Rowling giving them names. It won't have anything to do with the story, but if I'm wrong, please let me know. Thanks to everyone who reviewed, followed and favorited. You guys always make me smile!
Kiani Skyrider
