Happy Saturday, my darlings. The new job is good so far, just lots of really boring training videos telling me things I already know. And we are all set for graduation tomorrow. But enough about me. Legal disclaimer-I own nothing and do not get paid for any of this. Enjoy.
Chapter 29 Boxing Day
Boxing Day felt wrong. No grilled sandwiches, no movie marathon, nothing that reminded her of her childhood. She dressed the part in her new jersey and jeans, but that was it. She moped until Marcus, Graham, and Peregrine popped in. "Nice jersey," complimented Graham.
"You couldn't spring for a new one?" Peregrine questioned Marcus.
"I could, but there is something extra sexy about seeing a Gryffindor in Slytherin colors. Like you corrupted them or something."
"You're right," remarked Graham, "now I need one for Luna."
"She's a Ravenclaw," pointed out Hermione.
"But she looks so innocent," countered Graham.
"Yes, but her innocence is only skin deep."
"So's yours."
"And?" she arched an eyebrow.
"Nothing, just making an observation."
She looked at the other two, "Did you lot want something?"
Peregrine plopped down next to her, "We're bored."
"Am I suppose to entertain you?"
"Nah, we're just collecting people so we can be bored together," he grinned and bumped against her shoulder playfully. "Are you bored?"
"Not so much bored as homesick. This is my first Christmas in a different life. I miss my old customs."
Marcus grinned, "We can help with that. We round up a few more people, or not. You get what you need to celebrate Boxing Day, we pop over to your other house. We help you spend the day your way." His smile faltered. "That is if you want to."
She considered the suggestion. She could collect the odds and ends she needed for food. They left the rec room set up. And she could hex anyone who decided to wander about the house uninvited. "You know what? Let's do it. Um, no more than fifteen total. We can meet back here in an hour. I have to tweak the wards and get the food together."
He kissed her forehead. "We are on it." The boys hurried to the floo.
The wards took her a few minutes. Gathering the ingredients took longer. Varl took her intention of cooking for others as a personal insult. He ran about trying to punish himself until Hermione agreed to show him how to cook the food she wanted to serve. Maisie came to help. Both were interested in the idea of apple, grape, and orange juice. Hermione grumbled under her breath about emotionally manipulative house elves as she went to meet the others.
At Lestranges Hall, Luna, Vanessa, and Alexandria compare notes on the window seat. Draco, Theo, and Blaise sat chatting with Daphne and Astoria Greengrass. Adrian, Cassius, and Marcus say on the couch. "We're just waiting for Boles."
"Wait no longer, we're here. Brought Jenevieve along." His fourteen-year-old sister waved from his side. Astoria perked up seeing the other younger girl.
Hermione addressed the crowd, "So, ground rules: please do not touch anything you do not 100% know how it works. None of it is dangerous if properly used. Please do not wander about the house. I have not removed items of extreme personal value. Some of the movies are old and made for children, but they are beloved classics, spare me the commentary on how cheap and poor quality they look."
Draco raised his hand, "None of us have seen anything like this before."
"Except for me," interrupted Luna.
"Except for Lovegood," continued Draco, "who wouldn't dream of hurting your feelings. Point is, we have no frame of reference for any of this."
"Point taken. Thank you, Draco." Looking straight at Luna, she continued, "Keep your damn hormones in your pants. Parkinson and Higgs's display was enough for one lifetime. Last, if you have questions, ask them. About the movies, the house, the food. Nothing will hurt you, but some of it will seem strange. Varl demanded to cook for us, so he'll be preparing the food. The movies revolve around Christmas, so Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, will feature heavily. In all cinema and television shows Santa is presented as real, even if people express doubts, the audience is shown he is real. Be prepared."
Hermione conducted a quick tour of the ground floor. She demonstrated light switches and the fancy button flush handle Eleanor thought so elegant. They ended up in the kitchen. "My family would have an easy lunch of fancy sandwiches and crisps. We would eat while watching movies. Your choice is a croque monsiuers, or croque madames."
"So, I'll ask, what?" Adrian said, making everyone laugh.
"I was getting there. They are grilled sandwiches made of ham, and Gruyere cheese, and seasoned with salt and pepper. If you add a fried egg to the top you have the madame. We also have your choice of two types of crisps. There is apple, grape, and orange juice to drink."
"No pumpkin juice?" questioned Blaise.
"Nope, this is my thing, so my preferences."
"You don't like pumpkin juice?" Daphne inquired.
"Try to juice and ask me again."
"The other girl sipped apple juice, "Question withdrawn."
Ladened with plates, Hermione led the group to the rec room. She claimed her spot and then put her favorites into the multi-disk DVD player. "First up, Rankin and Bass 'A Year Without A Santa Claus'" She snuggled under a throw with Marcus. When the same girl sang "Blue Christmas" she couldn't help from shed a few tears. Marcus squeezed her leg and rubbed small circles on her thigh.
The disc changer automatically loaded the next movie, another Rankin Bass, "This one is called, 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.'" Quietly she sang along with the playful Miser Brothers.
The purebloods asked respectful questions, wanting to create a better frame of reference, or understanding when confused by the characters or their actions. At the end of the movie, Hermione halted the player. "Anyone hungry?"
"Have you explained pizza to Varl yet?" asked Marcus.
"No," she said slowly, considering the options. "But we could order delivery. I can get him one to study."
"Supreme?" he asked eagerly.
"Of course, I'm getting supreme, don't be silly."
Curious, most of them followed her to the kitchen. They exchanged curious looks when she consulted a large book before picking up an upright remote. She pushed some buttons and then listened to the box against her ear. Seconds later she started talking like someone could hear her. "Is that like the telephone in the movie?" Jenevieve asked her brother. Hermione nodded without halting her order.
"I know no one likes coming back here. I will meet the diver at the playing fields. Yeah, the spot everyone waits at. Yep, the house at the way way back." She paused, "Do you want a card over the phone or check when you deliver?" She listened, "Honestly? Check, please. Thank you." She pushed another button and replaced the box. "Okay, the pizzas will be in 45 minutes. I'll have to go down and meet the driver because of the charms on the house."
"Why does your telephone look different?"
"Decades of technological advancement. Things are compact and more efficient."
"Blaise looked around, "How are you getting the pizza? You can't apparate or use a broom."
"I'll drive."
"Drive? Like an automobile?"
"Yes, in an automobile. And before you even ask- yes, I can drive. I have my license and everything."
"I want a ride!" he pumped his fist in the air. Chimes of "me, too" followed. Hermione shook her head and grabbed her keys. She spent the wait time driving up and down the half mile drive with excited purebloods bouncing on the seats like small children. Finally, she announced, "Okay, I have to go meet the delivery driver."
"Everybody out?" asked Theo.
She nodded, "Everybody out." They made reluctant sounds. "Wait, Marcus and Adrian stay. I'm going to need help. Everyone else, Luna's in charge." She turned Malcolm's Range Rover around and headed down to the road. She pulled into the lot for Highgate playing fields. "Now, we wait."
Seven minutes later a small white Fiat whipped onto Courtenay Ave and next to Hermione. A teenager jumped out and began pulling out cardboard boxes and plastic bags filled with soda bottles. Hermione handed him a check with a hefty tip added. "Thanks, dude. Awesome." He helped Adrian stack the boxes next to him in the backseat. Hermione returned to her house at a more sedate pace.
In the kitchen, she directed Varl to sort and stack the boxes by type. She asked Maisie to fill glasses with ice. "Your attention, please. Pizza is a bread crust topped with marinara sauce, cheese, and other toppings. It is eaten with your hands. The beverages are called soda or muggle soft drinks. This stack is cheese only, this one is pepperoni, this one is sausage, and the last is called supreme. It has pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, and onions. Dig in." She took a plate and selected her food and drink.
Back in the rec room, she announced, "You guys have been great. So, as a reward, the next movie is my dad's favorite. Ask questions as we go. This one isn't animated, so it has real people acting. And they use technology. A lot."
After the opening sequence, Luna asked, "How is Die Hard a Christmas movie?"
"It takes place at Christmas," Hermione replied dryly. The males in the group loved it, the females enjoyed it but with less enthusiasm. Hermione had to promise future movie nights with films for everyone to avoid fights, especially after Luna explained chick flicks. As afternoon gave way to evening the guests began leaving. Eventually, only Hermione and Marcus remained.
They stood watching Graham and Luna walking hand in hand to the apparation point Hermione created. He rested his hands on her hips. "Any plans tonight?"
"No, why?"
"I plan on ravishing you in your childhood bedroom while you wear my school team jersey."
"I did wonder if you were as affected by the sight as you seemed to be by the idea."
"Indeed, but I couldn't drag you away from your guests, Ades would have never forgiven me for making you a bad host, especially your first solo event."
"My first time hosting anything." The thought and associated emotions hit her all at once. "My first time ever." she choked back the sob. She twisted in his arms, burying her face in his chest to muffle the sounds. "And my parents missed it."
"Sh," he soothed, holding her tightly. "From what you've told me they seem like the kind of people who would be proud of the new life you've built for yourself. Not the kind you would want you to wallow in what might have been. They would be happy you found a family, one you helped heal."
"I know, but standing here without them, it all comes crashing down."
"I get it. But now, before you decide it is time to claim the house for yourself and redecorate, invite me up to your room and let's defile your childhood bed."
She wiped the tears from her cheeks. "I have no idea why that sounds as hot as it does."
"Forbidden act," he told her matter of fact.
"I suppose so." She opened the door to her lilac colored bookworm's paradise. "What to see my room, maybe stay awhile."
"You know it." He took told of her hips and began walking her back towards the bed, snogging her the entire way.
Maisie delivered a note to Hermione the next morning, inviting her to lunch with Luna. Intrigued by the invite she arrived early and had the pleasure of watching her best friend and her boyfriend arrive together holding hands. Luna said something and Graham responded by kissing her forehead. She made her way towards them as Graham's closest friends arrived. Luna lunged forward, hugging Hermione tightly. "Hello to you, too, Luna."
The blonde released her, "Sorry, I'm just super excited."
"I can see that. Do you want to get a table first, or just blurt it all out here?"
The second one! Graham proposed last night!" She held up her left hand to show Hermione her engagement ring. The pale yellow diamond twinkled from its nest of rose gold petals. Vines formed the band.
"That is dazzling, Luna." complimented Hermione.
"Now we can go get a table and discuss everything else," Luna beamed at them. "I needed to get that out."
Seated at the table, Luna confessed their intentions of a more traditional ceremony. It would be a small personal ceremony like her parents and grandparents had. The next ritual night would be Imbolc in February. Graham patted Luna's hand, "All Mum and Dad asked is that they get to hold a reception for us the following weekend."
Adrian laughed, "How did you get your mum to agree to that?"
"Lu reminded her those rites usually produce grandchildren faster. And she's willing to let Mum plan everything for the reception, even her clothes. She gets to play Mother of the Groom and the Bride."
Marcus's eyes lit up at the idea of a hassle free wedding, "Say."
"No," Hermione stated firmly. When he started to protest, she continued. "Fine, but you have to tell Narcissa her chance to play Mother of the Bride is off the table. Then tell Rodolphus that you want to get married outside, at sunrise, skyclad."
His face fell, "Forgot that part."
"We aren't completely naked the whole time, and guests are welcome to stay clothed, or not. Only the bride, groom, and our attendants will undress." Luna reminded him. "Mione, will you help me make our robes?"
"As long as you don't expect me to start at square one, yes. I am not spinning thread and then weaving cloth on a loom."
"No, I'm not making the cloth, I'll buy prepared material."
"Then I'm in."
Adrian smirked at Marcus, "We're all going to see your girl naked."
He shrugged, "And? If you touch the Lestrange brothers will destroy you for me."
Cassius looked nervously at Graham, "Who are you choosing as your attendant?"
"My brother jumped at the chance to be mine. Not sure why. I would think keeping his clothes on would be in his best interests."
While the boys poked fun at the absent Arthur Montague, Luna quietly addressed Hermione. "You don't think I'm too young? To get married?"
"Do you think you're too young?" Hermione turned the question around. "Yes, muggles marry later in life on the whole, but some get married young. For me, it is a matter of being prepared for everything marriage brings."
"Between the Quibbler and Quidditch, we'll be financially set. And our families would help with children when we both needed to work. The rest is learning to live with other people."
"Have you discussed where you want to live?"
"On our own at first, then possible with Daddy. He'll be alone. And Graham's family doesn't have room for both sons to stay at home with their family. But nothing set in stone."
"Sounds like you've thought this through. Follow your own path, Lu, only you know if you're ready."
"I always thought I would marry young, like my mom."
"There you go."
"Thanks, Hermione."
Escorting Hermione home, Marcus took her hand as they strolled through Diagon Alley. "Have you ever considered what kind of wedding you want?" he asked casually.
"Not really. Though I agree with Luna, we should live on our own for a while."
"Agreed. Also, if possible we should never live with my family."
"Yes," she agreed. "Happily for us, I have a house, and am currently the only heir to Lestrange Hall."
"Well, that's settled."
"And you make good money at your job, and I am set, so that's settled," she swung her arm playfully.
"It is. And we know we want more than one child, but less than a quidditch team."
"Also settled. Aren't we just breezing through this?"
He took a deep breath, hoping this next thing didn't upset her. "I asked Rodolphus for his blessing at Christmas."
She nodded, "I see. I assume he gave it since you're still standing here."
"He did after I assured him that I understood it will be a question, one you can refuse if that is what you want." He squeezed her hand. "I haven't gone ring shopping or anything." He smiled at her nervously.
"I'm okay with this," she assured him. "We're moving at our own pace. And having these conversations are part of that. It keeps us on the same page. And now Uncle Bas and I can have some fun with Roddy. Lots of hand gestures and rings on all the other fingers to get attention." She laughed.
"You two have fun with that."
"Oh, we will."
A/N Yes, I know this not the engagement some of you are waiting for. Patience is a virtue, dig deep, hang in there.