(A/N: I couldn't possibly not pot a chapter today in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts. So - I offer a chapter on reconciliation and healing, no matter how long it takes or how hard it is. And please keep those reviews and notes coming. They are definitely encouraging when I hit a block. Take care...carrytheotter)

83: Season of Giving

Hermione couldn't believe Christmas was only a week away. The fall seemed to have been a blur between the miscarriage and then getting back into the swing of working again. This was only the second week she had been working full time hours again, as Ron had basically begged her to start back only part time for the first few weeks. She hadn't been able to get back to her magical studies at Hogwarts yet, but intended to start again in January. McGonagall had been kind enough to send her a reading list to keep working on in lieu of tutorials, and Hermione had enjoyed reading them throughout the fall when she was building her strength and stamina back.

Glancing at her wrist she saw her charm bracelet and felt a bittersweet pang in her heart. It had been their first morning back home after their weekend at Shell Cottage when Ron noticed the new charm. She fingered the tiny heart covered in ancient runes. She'd been so thrilled when she looked up their meaning to discover it translated to mean "Always Loved, Never Forgotten."

Ron had been so tender about it saying, "When I learned it would add charms for important parts of your life, I guess I thought they would all be happy ones."

She'd replied, "Every child is a blessing. And I am glad there will be a way to remember Rory like this. Rory's life wasn't the sad part. Rory's death was the sad part."

"You're amazing," Ron had said earnestly. "I am so lucky to have you. And so are our children. All three of them." He'd embraced her tightly, and she recalled leaning into his chest and leaving a tear stain on his shirt.

They had been doing so much better since then – both of them. They were both working full time hours again, and while it made life busy, it also kept them engaged and interested in the world. They were enjoying Hugo and his last year at home, and spending a lot of time with their newly acquired family of Mrs. Carrington, Melissa Rupesmith and her Gran. But more than that, she and Ron had done a better job of communicating with each other again. It is such a simple concept, Hermione mused, but now seeing what a difference it could make, it was like its own type of magic. They'd also been really good about not going two weeks or more without making sure they had a date night set aside for just the two of them. Sometimes it was as simple as Hugo going to supper with Melissa after art class while Ron and Hermione had some time alone. But, keeping it as a priority had been helping a lot.

She felt herself blush as she thought of how they were still finding their way back to the physical aspect of their relationship too. It had been harder than she thought as she was nervous on so many levels. Ron had been extremely patient with her as she continued to work through her anxiety. She was scared of sex hurting; she was scared Ron wouldn't see her as desirable after her surgery; she was nervous of getting pregnant again; and she was also nervous she wouldn't be able to achieve climax as easily after the surgery. But, Ron had been amazing as they just took their time and built things back up. And, while they hadn't actually had sex yet, they'd had several heated snogging sessions in the past few weeks. What was amazing was that she had noticed that they now seemed to be more attuned to each other's needs and felt more comfortable saying what they each wanted and needed. She was sure that they would be able to have sex soon. If it wasn't for the craziness of the upcoming holidays it would probably be even sooner.

Now they were getting ready for Christmas. Rose would be home Wednesday afternoon, and then the Christmas show at Hugo's school was Thursday night. They'd all helped Melissa with the decorations for the auditorium, and Hugo was feeling personally responsible for ensuring everyone in school had the chance to make Christmas cards for all of the residents at the care home. They planned to deliver those on Friday morning and celebrate brunch with their new extended family there. But Friday night was the big event that they were all focused on - nervous about, but focused on.

She had been shocked when Ron told her what he wanted to do. While she thought it was a perfect way to say thank you to Draco and truly demonstrate that he was willing to make an effort, she was amazed at his willingness to try it. Ron and Draco would never be able to have a clean slate. But she hoped that they would be able to have a second act, so to speak. The plan was to have the Malfoys and the Potters for dinner that Friday. What they hadn't told them, however, is that Ron was going to offer to take Draco to Shell Cottage to visit Dobby's grave if he wanted to go. They'd debated whether or not to tell them ahead of time. In the end, they decided to play it by ear and not mention it beforehand. Ron had called Draco up a few weeks before and invited him to come for dinner as a way to say thank you and to let Rose, Scorp and Al get to have their families spend time together over the holidays. Hermione had called Astoria later to be sure they understood how casual the get-together was going to be. They didn't want the Malfoys to expect a formal dining room and a multiple course meal. It wouldn't be pizza standing in the kitchen, but it would be extremely informal by Malfoy standards. Astoria thanked her for the invitation and the clarification and assured Hermione that between the wives they could help their husbands try to have a fresh beginning.

Ginny and Harry had been even more surprised when they'd told them their plan and invited them to dinner. Ginny declared she wouldn't miss it for the world, and when George had caught wind of it, he'd offered to apply glamour charms to himself to appear like a house elf and serve dinner just so he could watch the fireworks. They had most assuredly declined his offer. But Hermione had heard from Fleur that George was running a betting pool on how long after Draco arrived Ron would last before losing his shite. Apparently, the general consensus was under an hour. Fleur tried to encourage Hermione by saying she had put two galleons in the pool and thought Ron could absolutely make it to at least two hours. Somehow that didn't provide Hermione the comfort she was seeking.

Friday arrived much faster than Ron was prepared for. Between Rose coming home and the holiday performance at Hugo's school, the past few days had been a blur. And while two of his three jobs were off for the holiday, the last few days before Christmas were certainly "all hands on deck" at the shop. It didn't matter if you swept floors or drove strategy, but the week before Christmas you worked the cash register and replenished stock. He had explained to George he really wanted to be off by 3 that afternoon to get dinner ready and to get his head on straight before the ferret came to dinner. But then Christmas chaos had intervened and he instead found himself helping a woman pick out seven (seven!) pygmy puffs for her nieces while using every free moment to restock the aisles with the Wheezes best sellers.

He was heading for the door but made the rookie mistake of not taking off his garish robes. Unfortunately he ran straight into a desperate wizard from the ministry who simply handed him a bag of galleons and said "I have no idea what to get. I have four boys ages 7 to 14. Can you figure out what I need and wrap it up? I still have to go find their mother and my mother something and somehow be at my in-laws by half past six tonight. I'll be back in thirty minutes. Thanks!" Sighing, he turned back into the shop, quickly pulling together four gift bags of an assortment of their most popular gags for kids of those ages.

Hermione had spent the day at home with the kids. They'd done last minute Christmas shopping in the morning and then spent the rest of the day getting ready for their party. She had wracked her brain to come up with something fun, casual and kid-friendly that would be festive enough for a party. When she'd pitched her idea of a Fiesta Night with tacos, queso and all kinds of Mexican food to the family there might as well have been crickets chirping back in the silence. But she had been persistent and had at least gotten the kids on board her plan. And part of her thought Ron was so nervous about this little dinner party that there was no idea he thought would work. So she decided she was going with it anyway. She'd ended up having to chase around London for a few of the ingredients, but by Friday afternoon she had everything she needed.

The kids had pitched in and spent the afternoon slicing onions and peppers, shredding cheese, laying out the buffet and setting the table. While she knew Ginny and Molly could have managed it all with a wand, she was still more comfortable cooking the muggle way for most things. With all the prep work done, she dashed up to shower and change before starting in on the cooking. Yet, when she came downstairs at 5 and realized Ron still wasn't home, she began to get worried. She knew it would be a busy day at the store, but there was still a tiny part of her worrying Ron would freak out at the last minute and ditch the whole thing. And since they had their guests arriving at 6, she put Hugo on the case.

"Hugo!" she called.

"Yeah, Mum?"

"I am officially going to head to the kitchen and start cooking. But if Ron hasn't shown up in the next fifteen minutes, I want you to floo over to the shop and drag him out by his red hair. Got it?"

"Absolutely," he grinned mischievously.

"Can I go too?" piped in Rose.

"No, my dear. I need you here in case anyone shows up early. As much as I enjoy Scorp and his family, this is going to be much, much smoother with you here to help."

"OK," Rose said. "You do know how much I appreciate this, right?"

"Yes, darling. I do. But please tell your dad that later tonight. It will mean a lot from you as this isn't easy for him."

"I know. And I will."

"Good. Now, let's go whip up some queso and guacamole, and you can figure out what music you want on."

Hugo dutifully watched the clock, and as soon as the clock had hit 5:15, he grinned and headed into the floo to find Ron. Stepping through the floo in the flat above the shop that Teddy still hadn't moved into, he quickly headed down the stairs. From the rear office hallway of the shop he took in the craziness that was the Wheezes just before Christmas. George had come up with some sort of charmed firework display that counted down the shopping hours left before Christmas. Hugo grinned as he recalled Ron mentioning that George had planned to add more panic-filled surprises as shoppers pushed their luck to the last minute. The shop was crowded enough that he couldn't actually see Ron from where he stood, so he waded out into the crowd to see if he could spot him. As he made his way past worried mums arguing over the last boxes of different coveted items he spotted a red head in garish orange robes.

Weaving his way past a few more stressed out shoppers he grabbed the orange robes and announced loudly, "Mum says I am to drag you home by your red hair!" But he was rather surprised when George turned around laughing at him.

"Trust me, Hugo. I would do anything to be a fly on the wall at your house tonight. But I am rather confident I am not who Hermione had in mind for you to pick up at the shop."

Hugo started giggling, "No, I guess she wouldn't be too happy about that. Have you seen Dad?"

"Poor bloke. He's tried to escape a couple of times and got stopped at the door each time. Last I saw him he was behind the cash register."

"Are you going to be ok if I take him home? It seems pretty crazy in here."

"Thanks for your concern, noble Hugo. But Verity is here helping, and believe it or not Percy is coming to help out in a few minutes."

"I didn't know Percy had ever been here before. Hard to picture."

"Well, that is true. But, when we are this close to Christmas, sometimes you need someone with Percy's….let's say his unique skill set – to bring a little orderly structure to a place like this filled with panicking procrastinators."

"Yeah?"

"Well, yeah," said George. But then with a bit of a wicked grin he added, "And my fireworks are set to move into their full panic mode at 7pm tonight. Perce'll go ape shite."

"Wicked!" grinned Hugo.

"Blimey, you sound just like Ron. Alright – good luck hauling him out by his red hair, and I cannot wait to hear about your night. See you at Christmas!"

"Cheers, George."

With that Hugo meandered through more patrons snapping up the remaining boxes on the shelves and finally got to the counter. There he saw Ron patiently working the register next to Verity and cranking through the line.

"Dad!"

"Hugo! Hey there, little man. What are you doing here?"

"Mum says I have to drag you out of here by your red hair and bring you home."

"OK. In a minute. I ended up getting stuck here longer than expected, but they're not coming 'til 6 right?"

"Right," said Hugo hesitantly. "But you do know it's half past five right?"

"WHAT?" yelped Ron. "I thought it was half four, not half five. Shite. Hermione's gonna kill me."

"Yup," laughed Hugo.

"SIR! My package! You were wrapping it," announced a rude customer at the front of the line.

"Yeah, yeah. Right. Uh, Hugo – get this fine wizard our finest gift bag."

Hugo nodded, shoved the boxes in an orange bag, throwing some exploding confetti on top and handed it to the obnoxious customer with a grin, "Have a very Wheezy Christmas!"

"Oh Merlin," exclaimed Ron as he peeled off his orange robes and shoved them under the counter next to Verity. "Best of luck, Ver. I'll be back in the morning. But if I plan to still be married by Christmas, I have got to go!"

"No worries, Ron. Good luck tonight. Thanks for staying late!"

With a nod, he snagged Hugo's hand and they made their way back through the melee and up to the quiet flat above.

"Thank heaven you got me when you did. Let's go. I still have to get cleaned up."

"Yeah you do," laughed Hugo. "I don't think that orange confetti is really the look you are going for with Mr. Malfoy."

"What?" said Ron as he ran his hand through his hair. "Shite….."

Hermione saw her husband step out of the fireplace covered in soot and confetti. He started to apologize when she said, "No need to explain, just get cleaned up quick. They'll be here in less than 30 minutes."

"You're amazing," he said as he dashed up the stairs taking two steps at a time.

"I know I am, dear," she called after him.

Despite the bumpy rush before the party, by 6 o'clock the four of them were ready. Hermione had begged Ginny to be there at 5:45 as it would be easier if the Potters were there when the Malfoys arrived. While not there at 5:45, Ginny and Al came through the floo before 6 saying they had left the other three to figure things out on their own. Hermione mouthed a great big, "THANK YOU" to her sister in law as they heard the pop of apparition outside followed by the sound of their doorbell. Rose raced to let them in as Ron froze momentarily in the kitchen and closed his eyes.

Hermione snuck up next to him and whispered, "You are doing the right thing tonight. It's going to be ok. We're all here for you. And if you need a break just let me know and I will cover for you."

He leaned his forehead to hers sighing, "Thank you." She hugged him tightly and then gave him a tender, knowing kiss before going to greet their guests. He took a deep breath, releasing it slowly and headed into the living room.

Rose got to him first. "Dad, I know you know Mr. Malfoy from school, but I don't know if you've met Mrs. Malfoy."

"Hello," he said extending his hand. "Ron Weasley. Glad to finally meet Scorp's mum."

"I'm Astoria," she said with a genuine smile. "Scorpius has been so lucky to find friends as wonderful as Rose and Al."

"Come in, come in," Hermione said as she ushered Astoria and Ginny into the kitchen. "Let's get everyone a drink."

Rose, Al and Scorp followed close behind leaving Ron, Hugo and Draco standing awkwardly in the living room. But, just as the silence was becoming uncomfortable the fireplace lit up and Lily Potter came through followed closely by her brother James.

"Hi, Hugo," Lily beamed.

"Hi to you both. Should we go get some pumpkin juice?" Hugo said, and then quickly hightailed it out of the living room.

Ron looked at the fireplace, willing Harry to come through and save him from this uncomfortable moment. But it wasn't to be.

"Hope Harry didn't get off at the wrong gate," Ron joked stiffly. "He did that once just before second year, and I haven't let him forget it."

"I guess that's the blessing of old friends. They are there to remind you things you'd rather forget at the most inopportune moments."

"Yeah," muttered Ron. "You know Malfoy, I never in a million years could have pictured me inviting your family to have dinner with mine."

Draco went to speak but Ron cut him off.

"No, let me say this, ok? I, well – we have hard history. And I admire the hell out of you for trying to make right old wrongs. I wasn't ready or able to put the past behind me when we met for breakfast last Christmas. But, our kids have taught me a lot. And then - shite – if you hadn't done what you did I would have lost the most precious thing in my life. So, thank you will never be enough." With that he held out his hand to shake the hand of his former enemy.

Draco, clearly touched, nodded emotionally and shook Ron's hand with a smile. "Thanks, Weasley."

"Thank you, Malfoy." Ron was patting Draco on the back when Harry finally stepped through the floo.

"Well, I must have stepped out in an alternate universe as I know that is a site I never thought I'd see," laughed Harry.

"Hi Potter," Draco nodded.

"Just giving credit where credit is due," acknowledged Ron.

"Well, clearly all things are possible then. Think my wife will forgive me being late?"

"Not a chance," laughed Ron, and the three men headed to the kitchen after their families.

After loosening everyone up with a drink or two and introducing all present to her guilty indulgence of chips, queso, salsa and guacamole, Hermione felt like the party had shaken its awkward start. While it was clear that Astoria Malfoy was not used to parties where people stood around the kitchen chatting, she didn't seem completely uncomfortable. Ginny had done a great job bringing her into the conversation, and Rose was clearly trying to keep the kids around the adults to help make it easier on everyone. When Hermione needed help laying out all of the food for the taco buffet, everyone was quick to assist. She explained the "build your own" approach and pointed out the different hard and soft shells, the chicken and beef filling and all of the various toppings and then set them all loose to tuck in.

Everyone finally settled into their seats around the expanded kitchen table. Hermione surveyed the happy chatter, but really relaxed once she was able to catch Ron's eye across the room and he gave her a contented smile. No longer concerned about Ron, Hermione settled in to an enjoyable conversation with Astoria about the various magical charities she was involved with. The rest of the table seemed embroiled in a lively conversation about quidditch when Harry noticed Ron looking quiet.

"You ok, mate?" Harry asked him in a whisper.

"Yeah, yeah," Ron said as he snapped out of his daze. "Honestly, I was just thinking about what Fi would have said if someone had told them this particular group would be gathered in their kitchen with not even a wand drawn."

Harry smiled. "She wouldn't have believed it for a minute," he laughed.

Once the kids had their fill of tacos, the six of them headed off to play in the other room while the adults kept talking in the kitchen. Hermione and Ron were at the sink rinsing some dishes when she gave him a knowing look.

"I know. I know. I'm going to. I promise. Gonna hit the loo and then talk to him. You'll cover for our absence?"

"Well, of course I will," she laughed. "But I think we are safely passed the point where anyone would be worried you were taking him outside to beat him up or something."

"Ahh, I revel in your confidence in me," he teased as he ducked out of the room.

He came back from the loo and took a moment to watch the kids in the other room. It really was utterly remarkable that this particular group of kids were such amazing friends. He was still watching them when he noticed Draco had walked up beside him and was admiring the scene as well.

"Could you have pictured anything like what we're looking at when we were kids?"

"Not in a million years," Ron admitted. "I still never cease to be amazed by it."

"I know what you mean."

"Actually, um, can I show you something? I promise – no bad agenda up my sleeve. But I'd like to apparate us somewhere for a moment. Could you trust me to do that?" Ron asked, not actually certain of what the answer would be.

Draco looked at him, taken aback but intrigued. "Yeah, Weasley. I can trust you to do that," he said holding Ron's stare in his own.

"Ok, then. Grab your jacket, alright? You'll need it outside."

Draco nodded again and soon met Ron at the front door. Ron took his arm, turned on the spot, and the next thing Draco knew he was being blown by a strong ocean wind, salt and sand in the air causing him to squint to protect his eyes.

Trying to get his balance on the sand dune, Draco asked, "Where are we?"

"At a cottage my family has outside Tinworth," Ron said. "My brother Bill and his wife lived here just after they were married, which was during the war. After that night at Malfoy Manor with your, uh, fucked up aunt, this is where Dobby took us to escape. And, where he died and was buried."

Draco looked up in a shocked stare.

"I know you mentioned you wanted to visit his grave. So, well – it's over here."

Ron walked up the familiar path to the simple headstone Harry had carved all those decades ago. Draco followed him wide-eyed and rather stunned as they went over the small dune to the clearing where the elf was buried. Ron simply gestured his hand towards the headstone where an old sock was held down with a stone.

"I'm going to give you some privacy. I'll be on the porch of the house whenever you're ready. Take your time. There is no need to rush," Ron said quietly before he turned to walk to the cottage.

Ron sat in one of the old rocking chairs on the porch, grateful he'd thrown on a jumper before they left as it really was quite cold. But it was incredibly clear, and he was amazed at the magnitude of stars he could see out over the black ocean. As soon as he had seen Malfoy's glassy eyes and shocked expression, he knew he'd done the right thing bringing him here. He still wasn't ready to call him a friend, he mused, but he was ready to not think of him as an enemy any longer. Eventually he saw Draco moving silently towards him along the sandy path, and Ron rose from the rocking chair to greet him. His old enemy stood before him quietly, looking at his shoes and finally cleared his throat nervously.

"I can't tell you how much it means to me to have been able to come here. You've given me an incredible gift, Weasley. Thank you."

"Dobby gave me the gift of life. And you gave me the gift of my wife's life. The least I could do is let you honor him," Ron said earnestly. Then with a chuckle he said, "Come on. Let's head back before Harry or the kids think we're dueling in the back yard or something."

Draco chuckled, but gripped Ron's arm that had been offered, and the two apparated away. As they landed behind the shed, they both kicked the sand off of their shoes before they went back in.

"Thanks again, Weasley," Draco nodded as he dusted the sand off of his shoes.

"Anytime. Seriously, if you need to return, just let me know and I will take you," Ron said as he kicked his sandy boots against the step. Draco nodded at him, and the two headed inside.

As he entered, Hermione caught Ron's eye with a questioning look. Ron just smiled at her softly and nodded. She briefly touched her hand to her heart and beamed at him before turning back to respond to something Harry had said. As he watched her, basking in the look of love and pride she had given him, seeing her framed by glow of her curls reflecting the soft lantern light, her kind eyes creasing in the corners as her smile grew larger, he realized he had yet another perfect memory to fuel his patronus for years to come.

After the dinner Friday, Ron was emotionally exhausted and would have loved nothing more than to pull the covers up over his head and stay in bed until lunch time. But with the last two shopping days before Christmas starting the next morning, he was badly needed at the shop. He wasn't surprised that Hermione was up before him, but he was pleasantly surprised to find that she had cooked a full breakfast for him as he came down the stairs.

"Wow, what's all this?"

"I know you probably won't get much a lunch break, so I wanted to be sure you had more than tea and toast in your stomach before you headed to the store. And, well, I figured you needed a little bit of a nice start after last night."

"Well, you didn't have to do that. But, I am very glad you did," he said as he tucked into his fry up, mouth full of sausages. "And last night wasn't so bad, you know? I think the anticipation of it was worse than the actual time they were here. What do you think?"

Hermione shook her head. "I think that for Christmas I am really hoping we can go maybe 24 hours straight without you or Hugo talking with your mouths full."

"Ha, ha," he scoffed.

"But, yes – I think last night went really well. Though, you were practically asleep by the time I got out of the shower last night so I didn't get to hear how the trip to Shell Cottage went."

Ron shrugged as he swallowed dramatically before talking. "See, no food!"

Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "Very impressive."

"But the trip to the cottage was fine, I suppose. We didn't really talk much. We landed there and I explained where we were and why we were there, and then I left him at the graveside on his own and told him to find me on the porch when he was ready. Figured he needed to do that privately. And we didn't really talk on the way back other than him saying thanks and me telling him I would take him any time he wanted to go back."

"You make it sound so nonchalant. But this is Draco Malfoy we're talking about. And you took him to see where Dobby is buried because that is where he died after rescuing you from Draco's house. So – it is rather a big deal, don't you think?"

"Well, yes, when you put it that way it is. But I think for me the biggest leap was about inviting him to our home. Once we got past that, then I was just strapped in for the ride for the rest I suppose. And, Shell Cottage will remain a safe place for me. It's not like I adjusted the wards to let him in anytime he wants."

"Astoria did look a little nervous when she realized you two had disappeared, but I let her know where you had gone and she seemed truly touched. It was an incredibly good thing you did, Ron."

"Twenty years ago, Dobby saved my life that night. Then this year, Draco saved your life, and in turn saved mine all over. Taking him there was the right thing to do. I'll never be able to thank him properly, just as I can never thank Dobby. But, I think, or at least I hope, that Dobby would appreciate how I handled it. And, I can now admit that Malfoy has turned out to be a rather decent bloke. At least way more decent than I could ever have imagined."

"Are you saying you two could be friends?"

"Well, don't get too barmy. It is him and me you're talking about. But, I think I could at least not consider him an enemy."

"That's huge, Ron," she said kissing his cheek.

"I know," Ron admitted. "But, as much as I would love to have you think of clever ways to – uh – reward my newfound maturity," he laughed as he wagged his eyebrows. "I have to head to the shop to help all of the last minute shoppers of wizarding Britain."

She laughed. "Well. I guess I'll have to reward that maturity another time, then. But, for today, shall I send one of the kids over with some sandwiches for you at lunch?"

"That would be brilliant," he said as he kissed her cheek and headed for the floo.

Around one that afternoon, Ron found himself restocking the pygmy puffs for the third time that day. He had come up with a prepackaging idea that paired a pygmy puff with several other items like a magical cage, a small brush and a few other items all in a gift bag so last minute shoppers could "grab and go," like he'd seen at some of the muggle stores he visited. It was a smashing success, and he already had to assemble thirty more bags that morning and it looked like they would need at least another fifty. So, he had cleared off his desk and created a small assembly line where he could add everything into the bag and then use magic to do a fancy bow on top.

"Wow, Dad, you did all of these fancy bows?" Rose asked as she walked into his office with a lunch from home.

"Hey there, sweetheart," he said. "Hmm, lunch. Brilliant! And, no. I am all thumbs when I try to tie a bow on my own. BUT, my mum showed me a genius spell so now I can do it with no thumbs at all. See?" With that he flicked his wand and Rose watched, impressed, as the fancy tartan ribbon wove itself into a spectacular bow on the top of the pygmy puff package.

"Very cool. I can't wait until I can do magic away from school," she sighed.

"Well, until then, you can help me with these the old fashioned way," suggested Ron. "Here, you add in the items, and then I can add the bow."

"Really?" she squealed, rather excited.

He nodded and they were soon making quick work of the assembly line. When they finished, Ron had her help him carry everything out to the floor and set them up on the display, and then they retreated to his office to visit while he ate his quick lunch.

"I didn't really get to thank you for last night," she said as he bit into his sandwich.

He smiled. "Well, I appreciate that. But it wasn't really for you, you know. I really wanted to do something to express my gratitude to Scorp's dad for how he helped your mum when she got sick. A thank you note seemed way to miniscule. Frankly, so did last night – but it was the best I could come up with."

"Well, I think it was great. And I know Scorp does, and he said his parents were really touched too. Apparently not many people have been able to look past his mistakes from before and during the war. And, it seems pretty nuts to me, but the two people who should have the most reason not to give him a second chance seem to be the ones leading the way."

Ron took another bite of his sandwich and thought a moment before replying, "But, isn't that kinda always how it is? Not just in the magical world, but everywhere? People wait for a role model, good or bad, to give them an idea of how to behave or what to do. Not the best side of humanity, I suppose. But, if people see me as a role model then I damn well better be a good one."

"Don't you get tired of it? Of having people watch everything you do?"

Ron shrugged. "I never had it as bad as Harry. Just is the life I have, I guess. There are good things and annoying things about it, but it just is. No use wishing it was different. I believe my wise daughter has reminded me of exactly that idea many a time."

"Oh, you must have meant brilliant and wise daughter then," she teased.

"Brilliant, wise, beautiful, hilarious, kind, talented, cheeky...take your pick," he said with a wink.

"Well, why choose one when they all fit," she laughed. "But, seriously, do you need more help here? If not I promised to help with the baking at home."

"Nah, I'm all set. I'll be home for dinner. But if you don't see me, send someone back to drag me out like Hugo did yesterday as it can get a little hairy right before Christmas!"

"I promise," she said as she hugged him and headed home.

For Christmas Eve this year they decided to more or less do a repeat of the prior year's festivities, but this year, at Hugo's suggestion, they decided to have the celebration at their own home instead of at Hermione's old place. Ron was initially worried about how Rose would react, but apparently she and Hugo had worked out all the details prior to informing the parents and Rose seemed perfectly happy with the arrangements on the condition they would all have a giant slumber party Christmas Eve night as they had done the prior year. Hermione and Ron shrugged and decide to roll with it.

Christmas Eve morning started with the four of them decorating the tree. They picked a new location where it wouldn't stir up as many memories for Hugo, and one where they could forge their own happier memories. Ron was delighted to see that Hermione had picked up more ornaments across the year that helped mark some of the special occasions. There was a surf board from Hawaii, a small tent to commemorate their family camping trip, one given to her by the last refugee family she had helped and somehow she had found one that had a picture of the care home on it where Mrs. Carrington lived. Ron just loved how she continued to turn their tree into a living family scrapbook. He hoped she would feel the same when he gave her the ornament he had gotten for her. After the kids had gone off to the kitchen to get some biscuits, he held her back from following and handed her the small bag.

"What's this?" she asked, earnestly surprised.

"Just wanted to give it to you in private in case you weren't ready to share it," he shrugged.

She gave him a curious look, reached into the bag and pulled out an ornament. It was a small hand carved wooden ornament that had been finished with a red stain highlighting the cherry wood grain. It was a baby angel with RRW October 2018 engraved into the wood on its back.

Ron studied her face as it went from curious to understanding to shocked to touched to grief to love all in the span of a few seconds. Her eyes had gotten large as she understood what it was, and then softened in memory and crinkled as she tried not to cry.

"It's beautiful, no, perfect," she sniffed as she let herself collapse into his open arms and be engulfed in his hug.

"I didn't want to upset you," he said still questioning if giving it to her had been the right decision. "I just wanted a way to include our Rory in our family's Christmas."

"I love it," she said. "Rory Rune will always be a part of our family, and will always have a place in our celebration. Thank you. Really – it's perfect." With that she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him tenderly. Then she handed the ornament to him. "Will you place it high on the tree? So that our little angel can watch over all of the family festivities?"

"Yeah. Absolutely," he said quietly.

And with that he reached and placed it on a bough in the center of the tree almost at the very top as she kept her arms wrapped around his waist.

"And, well, ever since we went to Shell Cottage, I have been trying to think of some way to honor Rory Rune other than just the headstone we did. What if we – and by we, of course I mean you figure out the logistics through the foundation. But what if we set up a Rory Rune fund at Hogwarts? We'd leave the last name off of course, but we could set it up to fund some students who need the help for tuition, or maybe to pay for new robes and supplies and such – maybe even a good broom every now and then. I remember that was always so tough for us at Hogwarts with used robes, old books and even a rubbish wand. And while I would have hated the idea of accepting charity, seems like we could figure out how to do it in a way that made it feel like a prize they won or something. Seems like with Rune meaning secret and all it could be perfect as this is a secret way to help kids who just need a little extra boost or step up to be on a level playing field. So, what-"

Hermione had simply stared at Ron as he explained his idea, and before he could fully finish she crushed her lips to his. When she finally pulled back all she said was, "I love it. And I love you. And it's perfect." With that he kissed her again, and they only pulled back when the kids yelled from the kitchen.

Christmas Eve was marked once again by Hugo and Jean leading them all in a moment of remembrance. But this time instead of just the five Creeveys, they broadened it to include the chance to remember anyone each person wanted. Ron hadn't realized it, but Hugo and Jean had reached out to George that spring for some help.

They wanted to create something that would start out looking like a candle that you could light to remember a loved one. And then after a few minutes, it would change into some sort of fun thing that helped remember the lost loved one. George had declared it "wickedly brilliant," and promised to not only develop them, but then if it worked to produce them on a larger scale and ensure Hugo and Jean received a portion of all future proceeds. After many failed attempts and many revisions, they ended up with a small candle in jar, you lit it with your wand. Then you would think of a happy memory of the loved one, touch your wand to your temple as you envisioned the memory, and then touch it back to the candle and it would transform into a small token that represented the memory. Once again, Hugo and Jean kicked everyone into the kitchen so they could arrange their event. Giving that neither of them had a wand, they prepared everything else first. They had an entire box of the small candle jars and lay them all out on the buffet table in the living room. They covered the table in a festive table cloth with sparkling red and green confetti, and deemed it complete. Hugo waited while Jean ushered the rest of the family back into the living room.

"OK," he said in an excited voice. "We have been so excited to share this surprise with you. Grandma Jean and I have worked with George for almost the whole year figuring this out!"

"You've been working with George?" said Ron as Hermione shared his shocked expression.

"Yes we have," said Jean proudly. "Now, listen up as Hugo explains what this is all about because I am so giddy I am hardly containing myself."

"Well, by all means, carry on then," smiled Michael.

"Thank you," said Hugo proudly. "Now, we have many, many of these candles here today. And each of you can use as many as you want as there are more in a box if we need them. Now, they only work with a wand, so Mum and Dad you will have to help each of us since the three of us don't have them and Rose can't use hers away from Hogwarts."

"Ok, no problem," Ron assured with Hermione nodding beside her.

"So, I am going to demonstrate how it works so you can all see it and then we'll take turns with Ron and Hermione helping."

"Ok, Dad, come stand by me here. Great, ok now you light the candle the regular way with your wand but be sure to touch the glass with the tip when you are done." And they all waited while Ron did as instructed.

"Perfect, now I am going to think of a lost loved one. And I am going to think of a really happy memory. So I am going to think of my Gran and a time when she and I baked cookies together and she let me eat all of the raw dough and we danced in the kitchen and it was an amazing day. Then Ron says this phrase here on the paper as he touches the wand to my temple and says 'recordatus amor gaudentis lumine' and then he'll touch the wand back to the jar holding the candle and you can see what happens."

Ron looked him and said, "Now?"

Hugo nodded and Ron recited the incantation, touched the wand to Hugo's temple and back to the jar. Then the candle suddenly transformed into a small figurine of a cookie in a blast of confetti. The family gasped in a glee, all thrilled and shocked by the show.

"That's amazing!" yelped Ron. "How on earth did you get that to work?"

"I told you. We worked with George all year trying to figure it out," said Jean. "He said it works like one of those memory bowl watching things. What were they called? Pausives?"

"A Pensieve?"

"Yes, yes. A pensieve – that's what it's called," added Hugo. "It sort of views the memory you give it and instead of re-living it the charm hones in on a key picture from it and becomes that thing. Cool, huh?"

"Bloody brilliant," muttered Ron.

"And," Jean added, "George said he did something to ensure that the charm only activated if there was a positive feeling around the memory - if the memory was wrapped in any sense of fear or hatred, it would not work. He wanted to be sure it is only to bring joy in remembrance, so sadness and no cruelty."

"That is just wonderful!" cried Hermione. "But now we all want turns!"

"Well let's go!" said Jean.

Soon they were all having their chance to remember someone they had lost and focus on a happy memory. With bursts of confetti, the candles transformed into different trinkets. There were token fishing rods, sweet wrappers, shopping bags, a black dog, socks, brooms and wine glasses all over the table as they each remembered not only the Creeveys, but others they had lost. Ron was also able to enjoy memories of Fred, Sirius, Dobby and others. And he and Hermione both shared the same happy memory of their lost Rory Rune with tokens of a book of names. Ron struggled to come up with a happy memory he could use to remember Mad Eye Moody, as all of his memories of him were more serious. But eventually he was able to imagine how proud Mad Eye must have been when he repeated Constant Vigilence so often that it had actually saved his arse a few times, and with that his candle became a small auror badge token, which brought a smile to Ron's eyes. Rose used the same approach to imagine how her birth parents must be proud of her and had tokens of books and a hair brush.

"Wow!" Hugo said. "I bet George doesn't even know it can work like that. He'll flip out. Can't wait to tell him tomorrow at The Burrow!"

"I hope you have a bunch of boxes of these as everyone is going to have a lot of people to remember," Ron said.

"Oh, we do. George has a whole giant shipment hidden in the old flat above the shop under some hiding charms. We'll all have plenty tomorrow."

"This was so fun," Rose said beaming. "I love happy memories. So much better than only sadness."

"Absolutely. Helps us all focus on what was important, not just how much we miss them all. And we all know that's what they would want us to do," Jean added.

"Thanks, Mum. Thanks, Hugo. Once again – you two amaze us!" Hermione said.

As Ron fell asleep that night in their magically expanded bed surrounded by his wife and kids, he just kept alternating between reminding himself that this was all real and thanking the universe for the happiness he had found in life.

As he'd learned to expect from the prior year, by midday on Christmas he was already tired. Between being up late the night before filling stockings and up before dawn with the kids, he was yawning as he got dressed to head to The Burrow for the rest of the day.

Hermione chuckled at him as she pulled her hair into a pony tail, "Time to rally, Ron. There are still hours to go before we sleep."

"Oh, I'll be alright. Just need to grab some tea I think."

"Ok. Buck up, buttercup," she said with a wink as she gave his rear end a pinch as she headed back downstairs.

Surprised by her actions, he laughed, definitely feeling more awake. "You still play dirty, Hermione," he called after her.

"Don't you forget it," she called back up the stairs laughing.

When he stepped through the floo into the living room of his childhood home, he was greeted with the familiar cacophony of smells, sights and sounds of a Weasley Christmas. His wife and children had already been absorbed into the melee, so he hung up his cloak and then placed all of the packages they had brought under the tree before grabbing a butterbeer. He finally located Harry, George and Bill on the back porch, which they had covered with a warming charm.

"There he is!" said George.

"You know you're late when you are so long after the Potters that Harry is already on his second drink," scoffed Bill.

"Come on," protested Harry. "We aren't that bad."

"Yeah, ya are," laughed Ron. "But – we're finally here. Just ran late at home with her parents. I tried to get them to come to dinner here, but they said they were too tired and wanted to head home."

"They are so nice. But I can imagine all of this is a bit overwhelming for them at times. Hell, it's overwhelming to each of us at times," admitted Bill.

"Speaking of nice and overwhelming," Ron said as he took a swig of his drink. "George – that candle thing that you came up with is absolutely brilliant. Incredible."

"So, all worked as hoped, huh?" grinned George. Ron nodded. "I tell you, that son and mother in law combination you have is pretty lethal."

"Care to fill us in?" said Harry.

Ron told Harry and Bill all about the candles and how amazing it had been the prior evening as they each took time to celebrate the happy memories of the loved ones they had lost, and they were in awe.

"It was Hugo and Jean who came up with the idea. I just figured out the charms. And yes, I have 5 cases here tonight so people can enjoy them after dinner. And yes, I have about a zillion we can sell at the shop. I promised Hugo and Jean they would split the proceeds with me as it was all their idea."

"George, you don't have to do that," said Ron.

"'Course I do. I'd do it if they weren't family. Why wouldn't I do it because I happen to see them at family gatherings?"

"Ok," said Ron, arms up conceding defeat. "So, have you tried them?"

A huge smile breaking out on his face he beamed, "Abso-fucking-lutely. Never had so much fun testing a product on myself. I got to spend time working just reliving great memories of things Freddie and me did. Jean's brilliant, you know? Sounds like she and Mrs. Creevey were extremely close, but listening to her talk about all the little ways she's figured out how to keep her memory alive, both in her own life and in Hugo's – well, it was pretty fantastic. Gave me some good ideas outside of the candles too."

"That's great, George. And, yeah, I agree. She has an amazing way of making what I thought would be hard or painful be a fun, easy and natural thing to keep Dennis and Fi – and all of them really, alive in our lives. Last Christmas I was bloody petrified of what she and Hugo were going to do. I had visions of him sobbing and starting the bad nightmares all over again. But then she had us doing shots of milk and toasting with stilton cheese and posing for funny pictures all as ways to remember the good things. She should have been a counselor or something. Seems so wasted on teeth."

They all laughed at this declaration and were eager to try out the candles themselves.

"So, did any of you royally screw up on the presents for your lovely wives?" asked George.

"Why? Did you?" asked Ron.

"Well, it may not have been my most stellar performance as a gift giving husband. But it wasn't too awful. How about you lot?"

Harry cringed. "Yeah, Gin and I had agreed to skip buying each other gifts this year. Unfortunately…."

"No! You believed it!" laughed Bill, with his brothers laughing alongside.

"Right," nodded Harry. "How was I supposed to know she understood that to mean we were supposed to be all creative and come up with some homemade, heartfelt thing?"

Bill smacked him upside the back of his head as the others laughed.

"Alright, if you're so great what did you lot do?"

"Well, Hermione and me agreed to something similar – no buying stuff for the sake of stuff. But at least I was not a git and understood she just wanted something more meaningful. So, I talked to this wizard I had met up in York years ago when I was working a case – he's this brilliant wood worker. Makes furniture and what not, but does all of these amazing carvings in a mix of muggle and magical methods. Anyway, I had him make a baby angel ornament with a small engraving on the back for our one we lost."

"I am not sure if I should say something loving about the baby or be in awe of you for clearly winning the sensitive husband of the century award," said Bill earnestly.

Ron laughed, "Well I wouldn't go quite that far. But, it seemed right and she seemed to really appreciate it."

"I bet she felt like a schmuck when she gave you a card or something," laughed George.

"Sorry to disappoint," Ron smiled. "She's pretty brilliant, you know. She had these two wonderful pictures done from our wedding. One of the two of us with our vows around it, and one of us with the kids with the adoption vows on it. I already hung them in our room. They're really lovely."

"Well shite," laughed George. "Apparently we all need to come be mentored in your brilliant sensitive gift giving crap."

"Don't lump me in that lot," laughed Bill. "We were smarter than to eliminate gift giving and put all of that extra pressure on ourselves. Trust me, boys. Jewelry solves so many problems."

"Really?" countered George. "Fleur may be part veela, but she seems to run a tight ship. Doesn't seem the type to let some earbobs distract her from your many flaws."

"It was really good jewelry," laughed Bill.