A/N: This chapter doesn't follow directly in the same timeline, but it does fall into the story line. It also follows the story Letters Between Them.

First Christmas

Ginny set her quill down and thought more on what to write. Being so far from Harry was tough, and what needed saying was even tougher. With a sigh, she took quill in hand and began to write.

'Harry

I just got another letter from Mum today. It was filled with swatches and ideas. It seems she's wanting to go forwards on the BIG party for our Vows. I keep telling her that it wasn't needed, but she still insists.

For our Betrothal, I only wanted family and a few friends, and we got the gala of the season. I don't want to go through that again. You say you want to take me on a big honeymoon, but we already did that last summer. Please- for my sake, will you consider Christmas? I don't want to spend my free weekends arguing with Mum about colors or venues. I just want to spend them with you. Please think about it.

Love you, Ginny'

She re-read the short letter, folded it into the envelope and headed for the owlery. Maybe the third time asking will be the charm.

OoOoOo

That evening, Harry stumbled through the Floo and collapsed on the nearest chair. It had been a grueling day filled with more tests on wizarding law and then stealth maneuvering. Ron decided to stay on the academy campus. He didn't have the energy to walk the half mile to the nearest apparation point or floo. Harry considered that idea, but he recognized that he was spoiled by his wonderful new bed. A good night sleep not surrounded by other trainees also will help the weariness.

Without asking, Kreature set a bowl of thick vegetable and beef soup in front of him and placed a small tray, containing a letter, beside his pumpkin juice. "Welcome home, Master. This came an hour ago." The elf backed out and went about his evening chores.

Upon opening, he scanned the two short paragraphs. He leaned the letter against the salt cellar and continued to re-read it while eating

"Kreature, could you bring me some things, I want to write a letter."

'Ginny,

I've fought and fought this idea, thinking you wanted the big thing, but trying to convince me you didn't. Sorry. I too want to make us more permanent. Honestly, with as little fuss as possible. Molly was pestering me last Sunday, about menu items. She likes her planning, doesn't she?

Can you find time to look into things? I'm at the academy for nearly 12 hours, six days most weeks. Christmas does sound nice. We were just informed that since Christmas is on Friday, we would get Thursday through Sunday off- No Saturday training.

How does that sound? It's not like our lives will change much, right? You already have all of me.

Hon, I'm beyond knackered right now and need to sleep.

Love You, Harry'.

OoOoOo

The final cracker was burst, Pies and apricot tarts were merely memories. People were getting restless and fidgeting as if to move to the sitting room, but they all became still when Bill and Fleur stood up.

"Well, I know we already gave out presents, but…" Bill looked over at his wife.

"We have one more gift to give." Fleur laid her hands on her belly.

"Our daughter is due in June." Bill finished, too excited to look smug, like he had practiced.

Molly jumped up and ran around the table and enveloped them both, before most of the others even comprehended what had been said. Soon, cheers, screams and hugs gave way to toasts. Concerned that they might step in on their joy, Harry whispered in Bills ear and was rewarded with a nod and a brief handshake.

But before Harry and Ginny could say anything, George and Angelina stood, "Sorry Bill, Fleur, but we also have some news. Angelina has agreed to put up with me and we're making our Vows in July."

Since everyone was still standing, the couple was surrounded with well-wishers.

It took nearly a half hour for the family to quiet down. The Weasley's were a boisterous clan, and never took news calmly. But calm they did as Molly started pushing everyone to the sitting room.

When all were settled on chairs, benches, the floor, Arthur stood, "Last night, I had a long talk with Harry and Ginny. They were making a certain request. With my new position at the ministry, I am now considered a Senior official. This makes me eligible to do what we will do just now. Harry, Ginny, please take each other by the right hand."

Harry and Ginny stood and faced each other. They grasped each other's right wrist. Arthur took a silver cord from his waistcoat pocket and wrapped it over them, tying them together.

Gasps were heard and Molly held her hand over her mouth to silence herself.

"Harry James Potter, will you now vow and consecrate your whole being to your Betrothed, Ginevra Molly Weasley, knowing the rights, responsibilities, blessings and consequences of this vow?"

Harry smiled at Ginny, knowing this was the easiest thing he had ever done, "I will."

Ginevra Molly Potter, will you now vow and consecrate your whole being to your Betrothed, Harry James Potter, knowing the rights, responsibilities, blessings and consequences of this vow?"

"I will."

Arthur raised his wand and whispered a secret charm. The silver cord glowed blue and soon faded away, as if never existing. The soul-mated couple were now forever bonded, never to be broken or torn asunder.

They turned to the family and there were smiles all around. Molly stood and slowly made her way through the overcrowded room.

"That's it, that simple?" Audrey asked in a quiet voice.

Percy moved his legs so Molly could get by, "That simple. They are already betrothed, this just makes it permanent."

"What…why?" Molly stammered while embracing her daughter.

"Mum, we already had the big party, we wanted something simple with just family." Ginny held her mother's hands, "Will you forgive us?"

"Of course, dear. But I thought you wanted…" Molly kissed her daughter's cheek.

George interrupted up loudly from the far corner of the small room, "Charlie, you're next." This was met with a lot of laughs and cheers.

"Been there, done that." Said Charlie wryly.

The room quieted down fast.

"With the teasing, that is." Charlie added, just quickly enough to cover his slip.

He was forgotten as all the big news of that day took over the conversations. But there were three others in the room that knew what he meant. And they were under a vow to never share.

A/N: Merry Christmas and Holiday Blessings on all of you, wherever you may be. Yes, there is a cliffhanger here, something we have never explored as of yet. Stay tuned, we may yet see if Charlie opens up.