Harry gazed around the drawing room of Grimmauld Place with satisfaction. Though it was Sirius's house, Harry often took the lead when it came to gatherings, and as such he felt like it was his party.
The magically-expanded room was stuffed full. Kingsley and his wife sat near the fire with Professor McGonagall while his two young daughters played with the Hogwarts Express model train that circled the presents. Crookshanks crouched under Kingsley's chair, keenly watching the miniature broomsticks that flew around the tree.
Molly, Andromeda, Fleur, Remus, and both of Hermione's parents were in the kitchen cooking what would undoubtedly be a massive dinner. The Weasley men, minus Arthur and Percy, were absorbed in a platter of sweets and pastries, apparently unconcerned with leaving room for the proper meal.
Near the window stood Luna and Hermione, the latter with an increasingly agitated look on her face. Harry chuckled to himself. He knew Hermione was fond of Luna despite her more ludicrous beliefs, but she never ceased to be exasperated by her. Angelina, Katie, and Ginny were close by, chatting loudly with wine glasses in hand.
In the middle of the room, Tonks and Sirius were dancing, for unknown reasons, as it wasn't that type of party and no one else accompanied them. But music played and so they danced, watched and mocked by Ted and Malfoy. Harry never could think of him as 'Draco.' Arthur, Percy, and Percy's wife Audrey were somewhere in the crowd, for the room was filled with everyone from Dean to Oliver to Hagrid to Hestia.
Harry slowly made his way to Tonks as the song wound down, stopping to talk to this or that friend half a dozen times. By the time he reached her, she was seated in between her father and cousin, an arm around each of them.
"Did you come to claim my daughter, Harry?" Ted asked.
"Yes, somebody please take her," Malfoy drawled. "Anybody."
"At least someone wants me," she retorted, giving him a playful shove as she stood up. "I see you came alone."
"Malfoy's used to paying by the hour," Harry joined in, sliding his arms around her waist. "Reckon he couldn't find anyone willing to come for the entire evening."
"You know what? I don't have to take this abuse. I'm going to find more stimulating company, where the conversation occasionally strays above the level of fifteen-year-olds." Smiling sardonically, Draco moved into the crowd, and Harry took his seat, pulling Tonks with him, grateful to be off his feet for a moment.
"Are you having a good night, love?" she asked.
"Yes, and everyone else seems to be as well. Fred was having a particularly enjoyable time moving the mistletoe to wherever Luna happened to be standing. She, of course, walked away every time she noticed."
"Nargles," Tonks told her father casually.
"Of course," he agreed pleasantly before furrowing his brow in confusion. "What's –"
"Don't ask," Tonks and Harry said together.
"Have you seen Neville?" she asked him.
Harry shook his head. "No, he hasn't arrived yet."
"Well, I know he wanted to see his grandmother first, so perhaps they stopped there for a bit."
"They?" Harry repeated. "What do you mean 'they'?"
Tonks immediately adopted an innocent expression. "Haven't the slightest idea. Slip of the tongue."
"What do you know?" he demanded, much like his godfather that morning.
"I know nothing."
"Don't make me pry it out of you, Nymphadora."
"Don't call me Nymphadora, Harry." She scowled, then lifted her chin haughtily. "Go ahead. Give me your worst. I can take it like a woman. You should know that by now."
"Yes, I know that very well," Harry murmured, leaning in for a kiss. Ted cleared his throat, and both Harry and Tonks jumped. "Sorry, sir. Come on, Dora, you know you can't keep a secret to save your life."
"You know damn well that's not true," she muttered, a shadow crossing her face, referring to one of the darker periods of the war. A time Harry remembered very well, for it was when he realized he was in love with her.
"I know, I'm sorry," he said, immediately contrite.
"So Neville's the one who went on the exchange program to the states?" Ted asked after an uncomfortable silence.
Tonks brightened. "Yes, and I'm desperate to have him back. Not only was his replacement nowhere near Neville's skill level, but he had the most annoying habit of calling me 'darling.' As in, 'Y'all got any sweet tea 'round here, darlin'?' Like I wasn't his boss. Git. I wanted to 'darling' his arse all the way across the Atlantic."
"Well, he's gone now, and you're well rid of him," Harry said. "And on that note, I should go fulfill my duties as host and mingle. Come with?"
Tonks shook her head. "No, I'll stay here so Dad can keep me out of trouble. Go mingle."
"See you for dinner, then."
"Stay away from the Nargles!" she called at his retreating figure.
Waving his hand in acknowledgement, Harry strayed to the Shacklebolts, where he discussed making some changes to the Auror training schedule with Kingsley. Sometimes Harry still couldn't believe he was on a first-name basis with the Minister of Magic. When he noticed Percy heading their way with a very determined look, Harry made a hasty excuse and slipped back into the crowd. Approaching the front of the room, he overheard one of the twins say something to Sirius that caught his attention.
"So what did you need those canary creams so badly for? Should I be afraid to eat?"
"No, no, the food here is fine," Sirius assured them. "Tonks annoyed me this morning, so I needed to get her back and didn't have time to come up with anything more elaborate."
George grinned. "I thought she'd have cottoned on to you by now, Sirius."
Sirius looked guilty. "Well, to get her to eat the pastry I concealed them in, I offered them to Remus first. He wasn't too pleased later."
"Later?"
"That was the best part," Sirius said with a rather proud grin. "I first cast a variation of an immobilizing charm to make the canary cream time-delayed. A fuse, if you will. So neither turned into a bird right away."
"And that's how it went from bad to worse," Harry chimed in.
"I was going to say good to better," Sirius disagreed.
Harry fixed him with a look. "You would. See, Tonks wasn't transfigured until she was in the shower." He waited a beat before continuing. "With me."
The twins immediately burst into loud laughter, startling Hestia and Hermione, who were nearby. "You weren't ... ah, busy, were you?" Fred gasped through his guffaws.
"Do I look scarred for life?" Harry retorted.
All three stared at him before George leaned forward, speaking conspiratorially. "Mate, I think it's time you were told. There's an odd mark on your forehead. Very visible. Been there since you were a baby."
Harry held up his hands. "Right, right, I set myself up for that. But no, we were not ... busy, thank God. It was weird enough."
They shared a laugh before the twins converged on Sirius, asking about his modification to their product. Leaving them to their business, which would no doubt be tested on first themselves and then unsuspecting friends before hitting the shelves, Harry wandered around the room until he met Tonks and her mother at the doorway.
"We're nearly ready," Andromeda was saying. "I just needed to step away for a moment. It's a bit crowded down there."
"Do you need any help, Mum?" Tonks asked. "I can make something."
"Sweetheart, the only thing you can make are dinner reservations," Andromeda said with a chuckle. "Hello, Harry."
Harry laughed, stopping in between the two Tonks women. "She's got you there, Dora. Neville still not here?"
Andromeda shook her head while her daughter answered. "No, but Bill said they saw him at the Ministry, so I know he arrived. Reckon he just got caught up at his grandmother's."
Just then, Molly appeared behind Andromeda, drying her hands on a dish cloth. "Harry, the food is ready if you want to announce dinner."
Dinner proved to be barely controlled chaos. Bit by bit, all filed through the kitchen filling their plates. Both the dining room and kitchen tables were soon full, and the remnants occupied the drawing room, vying for seats and pulling up floor space. Kreacher and Dobby did their best to keep everyone supplied with second and third helpings, and by the time the plates were empty, Harry was sure even Ron couldn't eat another bite.
Harry sat on the floor of the drawing room in front of Tonks, who lounged in an armchair. "Uughh ..." she moaned, massaging her stomach. "I ate sooo much."
"Glutton," said Sirius from the sofa next to Remus.
"I'd think of a cutting and witty comeback, but I'm too full," Tonks replied sleepily. She regarded her empty wine glass. "Who do I have to shag to get a refill around here?"
On cue, Draco returned with a new bottle of wine. Harry glanced up at Tonks, raising his eyebrows.
"Well, this is going to make things a bit awkward," she said, ruffling his hair with a wink.
"How can we possibly be related?" asked Draco as he obligingly refilled her glass before sitting next to Ginny.
"You're just lucky that way," she told him.
Gradually the room filled up again. In a very relaxed, informal manner, Secret Santa presents were exchanged, ranging from touching to practical to funny. The house-elves made quick work of the wrapping paper, except for some bits of ribbon with which Kingsley's girls teased the cat.
Harry made his way around the room once more, thanking everyone for their attendance, and one by one guests began to leave, giving those who remained some breathing room. He eventually returned to Tonks, who was arguing with Sirius about her gift that he still withheld.
"Give it here, Sirius," she entreated. "Everyone else has theirs, and I'm dying to open it."
Sirius appeared to contemplate the possibility before shaking his head, holding the small bag out of her reach, though both knew she could simply make herself taller if she really wanted. "Tonks, do you really reckon you made the nice list this year?"
"Oh, I think I made both lists. You know, naughty and nice."
"Both?" Remus queried. "How can you make both?"
She winked at Harry with a rather wicked grin. "Well, I've been told that when I'm naughty, it's very, very nice."
"Well, ho, ho, ho," remarked Ginny drolly, her inflection leaving no doubt she wasn't referring to Santa Claus.
Everyone laughed. "I'll make you a deal," said Sirius. "Tell me what you and Harry were whispering about this morning, and I'll give you your present."
Harry raised his eyebrows in question at Tonks, and she nodded, eyes sparkling with excitement. With an equally eager grin, Harry stood, clearing his throat as he prepared to get the attention of all. Just as he opened his mouth, there was a distinct commotion at the front of the room. By the sound of it, their missing friend had returned.
With a smile, Harry grabbed Tonks's hand and pulled her along with him. Finally managing to slip in between Fred and Angelina, Harry came to a sudden stop, apparently just like everyone else, for there was a clear open space around the young man.
Yes, Neville had finally returned. But he wasn't alone. Holding his hand and smiling shyly was a petite blonde woman.
Unconcerned with the startled stares of the rest of the group, Tonks slipped out of Harry's grasp and moved forward to give Neville a tight hug. "Neville! It's about time, mate, I was getting ready to send out a search party." And then, to Harry's utmost surprise, she turned to Neville's companion and hugged her as well. "Sarah, right? How are you?"
"Good, thank you," the girl said, looking rather surprised at Tonks's welcome.
"You knew?" Harry blurted out. "You knew he was bringing someone home."
Tonks grinned smugly. "And you thought I couldn't keep a secret."
"Actually, she doesn't quite know the entire story," Neville spoke up for the first time. He put his arm around the woman's waist and pulled her closer. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Sarah. My wife."
If Harry hadn't been so astonished, he could have heard the proverbial pin drop. Neville, married? Neville, married unexpectedly? He glanced at Tonks, and the way her mouth hung open proved she hadn't known the extent of their relationship.
"We married a few weeks ago," Neville continued uncomfortably. "So, er, surprise?"
"You eloped?" Malfoy blurted out.
"I think it's brilliant," said Ginny warmly, stepping forward to hug both. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom."
Neville's wife (that was going to take some getting used to) beamed, the new name still clearly a thrill to hear. "Thank you. Neville has told me so much about you all, I feel like I know you already."
"Wish we could say the same," began Fred, who quelled under a glare from his mother.
Remus stepped forward, handing them both a glass of wine. "I think this deserves a toast." Harry nodded at Dobby, and in short order both house-elves made sure everyone had a glass.
Sarah was staring at Kreacher, her mouth slightly ajar. "Is this one of those elf things you told me about?" she asked Neville interestedly. "Do all wizards have them?"
Everyone glanced up, surprise the most prominent emotion once again. What an odd question to ask. She made it sound like wizards were a new, unfamiliar concept, which could only mean –
"Why, you're a Muggle!" Arthur declared excitedly, only to be quelled in a manner much like his son minutes earlier.
Harry shook his head to clear it. Neville Longbottom had eloped with an American Muggle. What had happened to the chubby, stuttering first-year with a penchant for forgetfulness? Noticing that Sarah was looking increasingly uncomfortable, Harry quickly raised his glass. "It's great, Neville. I'm so happy for you both. To Neville and Sarah Longbottom – welcome to the family!"
"To Neville and Sarah!" everyone cheered, lifting their glasses in salute before taking a sip, though Harry noticed Fleur didn't drink any.
"Thank you, everyone," Neville said, ducking his head. "It's great to be home and even better to bring Sarah with me."
The newlyweds were soon mobbed with hugs and exclamations of congratulations. Harry caught Tonks again, unsure if it would be right to divert some of the attention.
"I don't want to wait anymore," she whispered.
"Nor do I, but is it fair to Neville?" he whispered in return.
"I know, but we've been planning this since last night."
"Right. I really can't keep it any longer."
"What are you two whispering about?" Sirius demanded above the commotion. "Tonks, are you pregnant? Is that what you and Harry have been on about all day?"
Suddenly the attention wasn't on Neville anymore.
"Seeing as I've been drinking wine all evening, I certainly hope not," Tonks replied tartly, waving her glass in reminder.
"But since you brought it up," Harry began, seeing Tonks slip her left hand into her pocket. "Dora and I are getting married."
"Harry proposed last night!" Tonks exclaimed, beaming as she held up her hand, now adorned with a diamond ring on a very significant finger.
And now Harry and Tonks were the center of the mob. He had no idea who was shaking his hand or slapping him on the back or hugging him so hard he couldn't breathe, but from all the shouts in his ear, he gathered the general consensus was one of joy. He caught a glimpse of the smiling faces of Ted and Andi, who of course already knew, and the teary eyes of Molly as she managed to hug both him and Tonks at the same time. Ron, he noticed in puzzlement, looked rather out of sorts.
"STAG NIGHT!" roared Fred and George.
Harry glanced at Tonks, grinning. "No strippers?" she offered.
"No strippers."
She turned to Katie and Angelina. "HEN NIGHT!" they squealed.
Sirius was gripping Tonks' and Harry's shoulders so hard it hurt, a wide grin splitting his face. Harry caught her hand in his and squeezed, sharing a smile they reserved only for each other. He still found it hard to believe she was going to be his wife. Mrs. Dora Potter. It had a nice ring to it, he thought.
Bill cleared his throat. "Tonks may not be pregnant," he called above the rabble, and everyone quieted, sensing yet another announcement. "But Fleur is."
"About eight weeks, we believe," his wife said as they slid their arms around each other and grinned with pride.
This time the uproar was nearly deafening. Molly immediately burst into tears, crying something about "my baby!" into Bill's shoulder while Arthur looked completely gobsmacked, as if he'd never considered the idea. Tonks glanced at Harry with such a gleam in her purple eyes that he felt he might need to warn her not to get any ideas.
"Well, this is just such a wonderful Christmas present," Molly said when they quieted, wiping her eyes. "Babies and weddings ... I simply don't know if I could take any more."
The twins stepped forward, Katie and Angelina at their sides. "Well then, Mum, you might want to sit down," said George.
"No babies!" Angelina clarified hastily, for Molly had paled.
"No, of course not. It's just that Angelina and I –"
"– and Katie and I –"
"– have decided to move in together," finished Fred.
Everyone hesitated at this, looking at Molly, a traditionalist at heart, for her reaction, but they needn't have worried. Her smile and words were nothing but pleased. "That's wonderful, dears. I'm so happy you're making things more official."
Everyone else had just begun to congratulate the couples when Molly's voice was heard again.
"And I don't know why you were all so uncertain about my reaction," she continued wryly. "As if Arthur and I don't know each and every one of you have been shagging under our noses. That broom shed has seen more action than a tart in Soho."
Neville spit a mouthful of wine directly in the face of Percy, who was so stunned he simply let the red liquid drip off his face. Remus started coughing repeatedly until Malfoy thumped him on the back. Ron's face turned as red as his hair, and he determinedly looked away from Luna. Tonks (who had introduced Harry to the Weasley broom shed) burst into hysterical giggles before clapping her hand over her mouth.
Apparently Molly wasn't done. "I do have seven children, you know. Why, Arthur and I –"
"But since our flat is on the small side for even just the two of us," Fred interjected loudly. "We're moving out of there as well."
Harry was grateful for the quick change of subject, and by the looks of the others, he wasn't the only one. "So the flat above the shop will be empty?" Ron asked.
"No, little bro, we're switching every other night," George replied sarcastically, and Ron flushed.
"Hey, I might have need for that, if you don't mind," Charlie spoke up.
"What? Why would you need a flat in London?" Hermione asked quickly.
"Because I'm transferring to the reserve in Wales. I can easily appa-"
Whatever else Charlie was going to say was cut off as Hermione threw herself at him so hard he stumbled backward a few steps, kissing with an unabashed enthusiasm that Harry had rarely seen her display for anyone or anything except one of her causes, like SPEW. Clearly Charlie reciprocated, returning the kiss with such fervor Harry wondered if he realized anyone else was in the room.
At least half of the onlookers burst into catcalls and whistles, laughing. Molly and Arthur looked well pleased, and Harry agreed; they were a good match. Tonks could be heard above everyone else, claiming someone owed her ten galleons.
Finally they parted, breathless, and Hermione looked shocked to see over a dozen smiling faces watching her. "Er ... mistletoe," she murmured, blushing and trying to hide her face in Charlie's shoulder.
"But the mistletoe is across the room," Luna said innocently, pointing, and the laughter only increased.
Just then, Ginny caused a small disturbance, pushing her way through the crowd until she stood next to Malfoy. "Might as well get this over with," Harry heard her mutter before she wound her hands in Malfoy's blond hair and pulled him down for a kiss that, if Harry had to guess by the familiarity, was not their first.
And he thought the room was quiet when Neville made his announcement. He couldn't even hear breathing. All six of Ginny's brothers took a step toward the apparent couple, faces grim and ears reddening.
"What the bloody hell is this?" Ron demanded.
"Clearly, we're dating, Ronald," Ginny snapped acerbically.
"And how long has this been going on?" Bill said. His tone was neutral, but his face didn't look anything near delighted.
"About three months," Malfoy answered.
"Since you moved out." Sirius vocalized the realization Harry had just come to, grudging admiration showing in his voice. "Clever."
"I'd say sneaky," said Fred.
"Just like a Slytherin," added George.
Charlie narrowed his eyes. "Exactly how did this happen?"
"You know what they say about the broom shed," Tonks volunteered, a grin tugging at her mouth, and the Weasleys' glares deepened.
"Thank you for that, Nymphadora," Malfoy said dryly. "Always a help."
"I do my best," she replied cheekily. "But if you call me Nymphadora again I'll morph to look like you and hit on Stan Shunpike."
Ginny's face matched her brothers'. "This isn't up for discussion. I kept it a secret because I knew you would react like children, but I'm tired of it."
"I think it's wonderful." As one, all faces swiveled to Sarah as she spoke for the first time since Neville introduced her. "I mean, if they want you to know even if they are aware you might not approve, they must be serious." She flushed under the attention.
"Sarah's right," said Arthur, and everyone turned to him like they were watching a tennis match. "Ginny's an adult and can make her own decisions. As long as Mal-, as long as Draco makes her happy, we should all leave well enough alone."
"I can take care of myself," Ginny said, looking at each brother in turn. "You should all know that by now."
Luna piped in dreamily. "And if it helps, they're thinking clearly. No Wrackspurts in sight."
There was s very pregnant pause before the entire group burst into side-splitting laughter. Luna, Harry reflected, might appear to be in her own world, but sometimes she had remarkable timing. It was just the thing to ease the tension, and as the Weasleys backed down, clapping Draco on the shoulder or nodding in resigned approval, Harry discreetly got Dobby's attention, making sure full glasses were passed out again.
"It's been quite an evening, and I think it's time for another toast," he said, earning everyone's undivided attention. He held his wine glass up, and many more followed suit.
He gazed around the room. Draco and Ginny stood with their arms around each other. Charlie and Hermione were hand in hand, as were Neville and Sarah. Katie sat in George's lap on the sofa, while next to them Angelina perched on Fred's. Bill stood behind Fleur, slipping his arms around her waist. Ron sat on the arm of Luna's chair, one arm over her shoulders. Ted and Andi, Arthur and Molly, the Grangers, and others were gathered around the fringes of the room. And when Tonks slid under Harry's waiting arm, winding hers around his waist, he was perfectly happy.
"To the return of old friends and the welcoming of new. To surprises and new beginnings. To our ever expanding family and our always entertaining gatherings. Happy Christmas!"
"Happy Christmas!" everyone echoed, a happy smile on every face.
"Best. Christmas Eve. Ever," Tonks whispered into Harry's ear, kissing his cheek.
The night held one more surprise. Setting his glass on a table, Ron stood up, running a hand over his hair. Before anyone could say anything, he pulled a box out of his pocket and dropped to one knee, revealing a shiny ring.
"Luna, will you marry me?"