Chapter 5

Dinner was a most wondrous affair. The table magically stretched the length of the kitchen and was laden with food. Turkey, ham, roast beef, potatoes (at least 2 kinds), carrots, stuffing, rolls, Fred's hated green beans, and so much more. Glasses were filled with holiday spiced mead, eggnog and sparkling cider. Friends and family around the table toasted to good health and happiness before they dug in to the massive meal.

The meal lasted at least an hour, as the food was passed from person to person. Conversations happened next door and were yelled across the table. Jokes were told and laughter rang through the kitchen. Smiles filled the faces of all who were present and all the worries in the world forgotten. Even if only for this short time.

"Molly, that was an amazing dinner." Lupin said from across the table. Mrs. Weasley blushed.

"It wasn't just me. I had help." She replied looking around the table at the guests who had brought something to share and the kids who had helped.

"Don't be so modest Molly. You organized this whole thing." Arthur said, taking his wife's hand and placing a kiss gently on the back of it.

"It was really great, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said with a smile. He sat next to Ginny and they were holding hands under the table.

"Yeah mum! You and everyone out did yourselves." George said raising his almost empty glass to honor his mother with a toast. "To my mum and the other amazing cooks present."

"Here, here!" The rest of the table raised their glasses with George and toasted along. Mrs. Weasley blushed redder.

"Thank you everyone. Happy Christmas!" She replied as she pushed her chair back and stood up. "Well I think a bit of washing up is in order before we tuck in to dessert." She picked up her wand and gave it a flick. The plates began to stack in groups of 5 and float to the counter by the sink.

Harry dropped Ginny's hand and stood up. "Mrs. Weasley, why don't you go have a rest in the sitting room? You've been working all day and I think I remember hearing earlier that there was going to be a Celestina Warbeck special on soon." Harry suggested giving Ron and the twins a knowing glare.

Ron nodded and stood up. "Right mum. Let some of us handle this." He said grabbing an empty bowl of potatoes and a plate with a few carrots left. Fred and George popped up too and started grabbing empty dishes from the table. Bill, Ginny and Hermione stood up and joined in grabbing dishes from the table too.

"I vill 'elp also." Fleur said grabbing the platter of mostly devoured turkey. "Zat way I vill not 'ave to listen to zat 'orrible music."

Mrs. Weasley scowled slightly at her daughter in law but smiled greatly at her kids. Her eyes became a little wet as they whisked the dishes from the table and she dabbed at them with her cloth napkin. How full her heart was to be surrounded by all these wonderful people.

"Come friends, shall we retire to the sitting room to enjoy some Christmas music?" Mrs. Weasley offered with a smile. "I think these brilliant young people have the washing up well in hand." The remaining guests- Hagrid, Kingsley, Lupin, Tonks, Mrs. Longbottom, Mr. Lovegood and Mr. Weasley stood up and headed into the front sitting room with Mrs. Weasley to enjoy the tree, fire and music.

The rest of the younger generation began grabbing dirty dishes off the table and bringing them over to the table. Fred and George took up residence at the sink and began to magically wash the dishes while their girlfriends helped with the drying. Harry and Ginny began returning the cleaned dishes to the cupboards. Bill began magically cleaning the linens and Ron and Hermione helped fold them. Fleur began packaging up the leftovers and placing them in the large fridge. And once the table was clear of dirty dishes, Luna and Neville gave it a good scrub and put down a fresh holiday table cloth. They then began to place upon the table the various pies, treacle, puddings, tarts, and cookies that were for dessert. They were helped by Bill at the end who had magically heated up fresh spiced cider, hot chocolate, and coffee.

When everyone had finished, the kitchen looked spotless and the table looked amazingly festive again. Billy and Fleur put on cloaks and lit their wands to venture out for a snow filled walk away from the wailing sounds of Celestina. Fred and George and their respective girlfriends took up residence in front of the kitchen fire upon the worn and loved couch.

"Ugg…" Ron said as he stood next to Hermione and looked at the table. "I don't say this very often but I don't think I could eat another bite right now. I'm still stuffed." He put a hand on his stomach.

"I don't think anyone could right now." Hermione replied with a smile. "Why don't we ask Luna and Neville to join us in a game of Exploding Snaps. I see that Harry and Ginny have brought out the chess set." She said motioning toward her dark haired friend and Ron's sister who had sat down at one end of the table. Luna and Neville were standing over them watching.

"Brilliant idea." Ron replied heading over to a drawer in a side cupboard and pulling out a pack of cards.

Meanwhile, in the font sitting room, Mrs. Weasley's favorite singer crooned holiday favorites like "Flooing home for the holidays" and "Rocking around the Christmas Cauldron with you". The adults conversed quietly as Molly enjoyed her Celestina hour. Arthur and Xenophillius were deep in a discussion about muggle tools. Mrs. Longbottom sat near the wireless with Molly and they both sang quietly along. Hagrid sat in a reinforced chair near Kingsley and they discussed the ministry and some of their policies. Tonks and Lupin sat quietly on the couch, enjoying the sight of the brightly lit Christmas tree.

"It has been a good day." Tonks commented as she rubbed her pregnant belly. She reached for Remus's hand, wrapped it in hers and placed it on top of her swollen midsection. She didn't take her eyes from the tree.

"It has." He agreed giving her hand a squeeze. "You're not missing being with your parents much are you?"

Tonks shook her head. "I'm glad to be with you."

"Me too." Lupin murmured squeezing her hand again and leaning in to lightly kiss her on the top of her pink hair. They sat in a happy silence, enjoying the atmosphere of holiday music and decorations.

"This is Celestina Warbeck wishing you a happy Christmas. Thank you for joining us." Came from the wireless a while later.

"I just love her, don't you, Augusta?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she stood up to stretch.

Mrs. Longbottom nodded. "She is one powerful singer."

Mrs. Weasley turned to the others in the room. "Now that we have all had a little respite, is anyone interested in some dessert? We have a huge assortment of goodies." She asked, smiling.

"Aye! There is always room for pie." Hagrid replied standing up. The rest of the guests stood as well and began to wander toward the kitchen to see what tasty treats they could find.

Lupin and Tonks were the last to stand and head toward the kitchen as Remus had to help her up. They walked hand in hand slowly when suddenly Lupin stopped in the doorway, just by the stairs.

Tonks turned to him, a confused and concerned look on her face. "What is it Remus?" she asked, looking up.

Lupin smiled down at her. "I was told that this is where the mistletoe had been hung." He replied looking up. "Yup. There it is."

Tonks giggled. "So it is." She replied her lips curving in a smile.

Lupin leaned down then and gently placed his lips upon hers in a sweet and romantic kiss.

"Dora, I'm glad that I could spend the holiday with you this year." He whispered as they pulled apart. She looked up into his eyes and saw happiness and true love shining through.

"Me too Moony," she whispered back wrapping her arm up under his and enveloping him in an embrace. He hugged her tightly back, their soon to be born child, between them.

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More to come! :)