Epilogue
"Hey, Daddy?" A little girl with brown eyes and shining, platinum curls smiled up at her father.
"Yes, my sweet?" Draco grinned down at his little girl.
"How does Father Christmas get around the whole world in one night?" Draco had to fight a chuckle at his daughter's serious expression. She looked so much like her mother. it took his breath away.
"Yeah, Daddy," Hermione nudged him playfully with her foot. "How does he do it?"
Chuckling softly, Draco scooped Cassiopeia up and placed her on his lap before trying to answer.
"Well," he told them both. "You know that Father Christmas has his reindeer." At this, they both nodded, Cassiopeia with wide eyes and Hermione with a smirk. "And he has his elves." Draco struggled for a moment, trying desperately to find an answer that would satisfy his girls.
Hermione scooted closer to her husband and daughter, allowing her head to come to rest against Draco's strong shoulder.
"But what really gives Father Christmas the ability to make it all over in one night is magic," Draco continued while pulling his little girl closer. "And not just special magic, but normal everyday magic, too."
"Like love?" Cassiopeia grinned at her mummy, remembering their talk about magic.
"Exactly," Draco whispered into her fragrant curls. "The magic of love, joy and family are so strong during this time of year and it helps Father Christmas. It makes him happier and his reindeer stronger and his elves work more quickly. So when Christmas Eve comes and everyone is so excited and overjoyed to be with their families and sharing their love so openly…well, it gives him the extra boost of magic he needs."
"So because I love you and you love me and we both love Mummy, we're helping Father Christmas make it all over the world?" Cassiopeia asked with wonder sparkling in her beautiful doe eyes.
"Yes, baby. Yes, we are," Hermione whispered before kissing her husband's cheek. She couldn't love him more if she tried.
— Fin —
First and foremost, thank you, whoever you are reading this note. Thank you, for spending a few moments of your precious life reading my words. That is a gift I will treasure for all my days.
Secondly, all my love and thanks to my wonderful beta, LaBelladoneX. Your endless support and encouragement, kind words and loving care - it means more than I'll ever be able to put into words. You are blessing sent to us all by whatever powers that be. And I'll be forever thankful to them for granting us all such a kindness. You're wonderful and I love you. Thank you, Rachel.
Massive love and thanks to LadyKenz347 for the absolutely breathtaking banner she made for this little story. Your talent never fails to leave me speechless, sweets. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Toni. Your friendship is much like a ray of sunshine on a gloomy and depressing day. Much love, girl. And all my respect.
And that's it. I really do hope you've enjoyed this short and (hopefully) sweet read. If you have a moment, please leave a review and let me know what you thought of it? Nothing fans the flame of my muse more than the words of my readers cheering me on - in whatever endeavour I choose to explore. You're all amazing and I adore you. Thank you, all of you, once again.
Always.
xx - otterly