AN: Okay, the votes are up…and I must confess that when I first plotted the last scene I kind of thought about Molly or Arthur finding them. Molly first, but then she might blow a fuse or two. Arthur seemed more fitting, then I got the votes. It seems Percy came out ahead, although if anyone sent PM's I never got them…something is definitely wrong with the alert function. Oops! I wrote this note a few days ago…most have come flooding sporadically through the last couple of days.

BTW: I appreciate all the faithful and new reviews to this story! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

Christmas Morning Arrives…

It was early in the morning. Too early, some might say, especially for Christmas. Except for early risers, such as Molly, Charlie, Arthur and Percy Weasley. The other children had once been early risers on Christmas…but not since they were each children. However, it was this Christmas that found one of its early risers in Percy.

It was 5:00am when Percy woke up and decided to pad downstairs for a cup of coffee. He smiled as he donned his robe, thinking of his latest assignment from the Ministry. He had no idea how enchanting the lovely Ms. Granger would actually be. He had read her file and thought she might turn out worse than Penelope Clearwater, his girlfriend from Hogwarts.

Breaking Penelope's heart had been a thrill, as had the last young woman hopeful to have a lasting relationship with the young Ministry official who was eagerly climbing his way up his own carefully orchestrated career ladder.

Percy frowned at the site his eyes found at the bottom of the stairs. There, all cuddled up on the couch, lay Hermione and Ron in each other's arms. He thought of doing something to startle them awake, but that was more Charlie or Bill's thing. His mother might have started yelling or something, his father would be more likely to let them in peace.

The twins would have been less merciful, and Ginny…well, he honestly didn't know his sister well enough to guess her actions. Or Harry's. He decided to go his father's route, but savedthe details in his mind for later. This bit of news might come in handy in some other way. And saying nothing might work in his favor, trying to get to know the girl without anyone becoming the wiser.

Percy padded on back to his room and decided to have another look at Hermione's file.

About an hour later Hermione felt herself stirring from sleep. She smiled as she felt Ron's arms around her. Last night had been…breathtaking, the girl thought to herself. Suddenly she remembered where they were, and that it was indeed Christmas morning. She nudged Ron.

Ron felt himself being poked in the ribs from the most wonderful dream ever. He was with Hermione. He had kissed her last night, on Christmas Eve. He woke up to find his head laying next to Hermione's. He smiled. It wasn't a dream! Then suddenly, "Shite! Mum!"

Hermione giggled. "No, I'm most definitely not your mum."

Ron's face turned red. "No, but she's likely to be up soon. What time is it?"

Hermione looked at the clock over the mantle. "Just after six. Happy Christmas."

Ron smiled to her in a goofy way that sent her heart racing. "Morning." He then remembered his manners. Or rather, he remembered the Weasley charm. He placed his lips softly on Hermione's.

"Ahem." Someone said.

Hermione and Ron bolted upright. "Dad! I can explain!" Ron said too quickly. He noticed Hermione frown in amusement.

Arthur Weasley's face was just as red as his son's. "No worries. I, er, I'm just going to start breakfast. Your mum is still rather tired from yesterday, so I told her not to worry."

"We can help you, Mr. Weasley." Hermione offered, trying her best to remain calm. Yet she was absolutely petrified (no pun intended). Her first night as a guest and, well, she wasn't sure what to make of her predicament.

"That might be nice, but I think it would be for the best if you two went upstairs. To your own rooms, that is."

Hermione blushed.

"Tell you what," Mr. Weasley continued, trying to make the girl still feel welcomed in his families home. "If you two want to go freshen up, then perhaps I could use a little help."

Hermione smiled in gratitude. She pulled on Ron's arm to follow her, as Ron was still frozen in his seat.

"Come on, Ron. You can shower first and then when we're both done we can come back down to help your father."

Ron nodded, then followed the girl upstairs, but not before taking her hand.

Arthur smiled at the two. He would tell Molly of the events later, when no one else was around. He knew that, after wanting to hex her son, she would be delighted.

At the top of the stairs, Ron leaned in for another kiss. "You can have the shower first, Mione." He said, not realizing the nickname he had just given her.

Hermione smiled, then leaned in for another kiss. "No, you go first. That way you can be the one to explain anything to your dad." She said lightheartedly, then she opened the door to Ginny's room and disappeared inside.

Ron's mind…and heart…were racing. He'd never had such a glorious morning. Despite the fact that the sun was hardly up didn't keep him from seeing blue skies with birds chirping all about.

"Where were you?" A voice called to Ron once he'd made his way into his room for fresh clothes for after his shower.

"Hmm? Uh, nowhere." He said with guilt and a red face.

Harry smiled at his friend as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. While his dreams had been about his best mate's sister, his mind now thought of another couple. "Sooo…were you with…"

"Shut it, Harry." Ron said, this time with a smile. "I'm off to shower. Dad wants help down in the kitchen. And don't even think of claiming the shower after me. There's already a line."

Harry smirked, guessing what Ron meant by the statement. The answer was only confirmed when Ron threw his pajama top at him.

A while later Harry joined Mr. Weasley, Ron, and Hermione, who were all busy getting various foods ready for Christmas breakfast.

"When are presents?" He asked jokingly, even though he already knew the answer. However, Hermione didn't know the Weasley customs. She turned to Arthur, who was flipping pancakes. She was minding the bacon, while Ron was finishing off the potatoes.

"Just after breakfast, Harry." Arthur replied.

Just then Percy decided to make his entrance. "Morning, all." He looked around. "Where's mum?" He asked his father.

"Told her to sleep in." Arthur replied.

Percy turned his attention to Hermione. "Morning Ron, Hermione." He drawled out the last name, hoping to sound attentive.

Hermione blushed, but hoped Ron didn't mistake her displeasure for something else. Ron was red-faced, but instead turned to glare at his brother.

"Morning, everyone!" Charlie said making his entrance, Bill and the twins followed.

"You're all up? What about Ginny, Harry, and Fleur?" Arthur asked.

"Fighting for the shower." The twins both replied, chuckling. No one but Charlie knew they'd hexed the water to run both cold and hot, alternating every minute. But then, neither knew that Molly was already up and set a counter-spell. As mother to the two mischievous twins, she had the right to do so since their birth. She set it after the first scream, which came from Fleur.

After breakfast came the presents. Hermione had surprised everyone by buying a present on behalf of all the Weasley clan – a TV/DVD combo along with several trilogy sets: Star Wars, both trilogies; Lord of the Rings; and the Godfather set (an: tribute to Tas, writer of the best triad relationship story).

She also gave separate presents to Ron, Harry, and Ginny. Ron received an autographed poster from the Chudley Cannons, his favorite team, along with tickets to their next match. She also gave tickets to Harry and Ginny, explaining that she had a ticket for herself.

To Harry she gave a set of books on the Hogwarts founders, and to Ginny she gave a collection of music CD's along with a CD portable player. Ginny herself gave Hermione a pair of charmed earrings. They changed color to match – or offset - any outfit the owner was wearing with them.

Hermione herself was elated to open a package from the Weasley parents: A new sweater. But not just any sweater, a homemade sweater with her initial on it. It was a mustardish gold color, her intial in a bold maroon. Along with a matching set of mittens and a scarf. Tears were in her eyes as she went to hug the Weasley matriarch and patriarch, while Ron sat feeling guilty that he hadn't time to get her anything. Then suddenly he remembered…he had bought something! He had meant to give it to her after break, if she was speaking with him by that time. He raced upstairs, everyone's eyes upon him, to retrieve the gift.

Harry turned to his friend and smiled. "I got you something, but sent it off to your parents."

Hermione laughed. "I got it, and brought the gift with me." She waved her wand, and the wrapped package floated over to her. She set about opening, and was stunned to see a collection of framed photos of her time since coming to Hogwarts. "Harry! It's lovely!" She went over to hug him just as Ron came down the stairs.

Ron cleared his throat, and suddenly all eyes were on him and the small package he held in his hand. Hermione shyly took the package from his hands and opened it. Inside a small box she found a lovely gold charm bracelet. The one charm had the emblem of a lion on it, much like the seal of Gryffindor. But the lion's eye sparkled with a small diamond. She gasped as she held it up, and much to the amusement of everyone else save Percy (who glared), asked Ron to help put it on. Even the twins were at a loss for words, which was just as well as no one wanted to break the spell Ron and Hermione seemed to be under.

After Christmas presents were exchanged, Ron, Harry, Hermione and Ginny all went for a walk outside. Harry held onto Ginny's hand, as Ron did the same to Hermione. Words didn't need to be spoken, as fate was indeed admiring her work.

"Hermione," Ron asked as Ginny and Harry threw snowballs at each other. He was currently sitting against the same tree Hermione sat against just yesterday, this time with her leaning against him.

"yes?" She answered dreamily.

"Will…will you…willyoubemygirl?"

Hermione smiled and kissed him on the nose. "Yes, Ron. I am now your girl."

Ron sighed in relief. This truly was the best Christmas ever.

Percy scowled at the site he saw outside. The twins took it upon themselves to finally annoy their brother.

"Well, Percival," George started.

"Do tell what is on your mind." Fred finished.

Percy groaned. He was not prepared for them. He scolded himself. This is what you get for not being around them for too long…you forget how they are!

"Now this had better not be about our youngest siblings." Fred continued.

"Or you're likely to wake up to something rather unpleasant."

George finished. Meddlesome as they were, the twins had decided to give the younger couples a break. Wouldn't their own girlfriends be proud! Besides, Percy was much better game than Ginny or Ron combined! The two snickered then went upstairs to plot how they could get their brother…and figure out what he was up to!

"It might take time," Fred said once they were out of earshot, in their own room that was held with a silencing charm.

"Yes, Percy clearly had an ulterior motive for coming here. What are chances it has to do with the lovely Ms. Granger?"

Fred scoffed. "He clearly fancies her himself, but no doubt the ministry knew of her visit to the Burrow."

"Dad likely had to clear it with someone, given the times we face…"

"So, agreed then?"

"Agreed. We'll make sure Percy leaves without whatever he hopes to gain here."

A day or so later…

The four Hogwarts students were in the Weasley's den doing their holiday homework.

"This is rubbish." Ron groaned as he slammed close his Transfigurations book.

"Ron, you know you need to finish the next two chapters before you can start on your paper."

"Easy for you…you only have to pick a bloody animal to transform into." Ron was speaking about Hermione's advanced project, where she was supposed to finally transform at her next presentation.

"Ron, how many times do I have to tell you? I have to write another essay on the animal I've chosen…that I think I will transform into…I don't know if it will be the animal I transform into, I could be wrong."

"Like that's bloody likely." Ron snorted.

"Language!"

Harry laughed at the two of them. Things seemed to be going easier with the two of them, even if they still bickered. Like married folk, Harry thought to himself. He laughed out loud at the thought, which earned him a glare from both Hermione and Ron.

Ginny, hoping to break the tension, decided to change the subject. "So Hermione, I hope you're parents weren't too disappointed that you didn't join them for Christmas, or New Years Eve in a few days."

"No, they went off to my aunt's. Believe me, I am not sad I'm missing that." Hermione scoffed.

Ginny, suddenly interested in the "dirty details" closed her own book for Potions and inched closer to Hermione. "Ooh! Do tell!" She said as the twins joined them, noticing that all eyes were focused on Hermione.

"What are we about find out?" Fred said.

"How horrid ickle Ronniekins is at snogging, we hope?" George said snidely.

Fred made a fish mouth, and the others, except two red-faces belonging to Hermione and Ron all laughed.

"Seriously, Hermione, do tell!" George added. "What secrets are you about to divulge?"

"Whatever Hermione is missing by not going with her parents." Harry said now facing Hermione.

Hermione winced as all eyes were suddenly on her. At least they have seemingly forgotten about teasing Ron, she thought. "Not much, really," She explained. "My parents went to join my family at my aunt's home in Northern France." With that much said the twins snickered and made some snide remark about the French and Fleur. Something about too many snobbish Veelas, and how they all seemed to be teases.

"At least I am not having to put up with my two cousins, Brittney and Skylar." With this said, the twins wiggled their brows. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Quite the snobs, they are. The two both attend a private muggle school here in England. "Simmerville, I believe."

Harry's curiosity was piqued. "Isn't that near Smeltings?"

"Yes, it is." Hermone answered. "It's Smelting's sister school. Why?" (an: I don't know if Smeltings is a boys school or not, so I just made it one).

"My cousin, Dudley, goes there." Harry groaned.

"Dudley Dursley, right?" Hermione asked. Ron suddenly frowned.

"You've heard of him?" Harry asked.

"You've told me about him, Harry."

Harry frowned at this, then covered. "Oh, right." He knew of course he hadn't, but had in fact mentioned the Dursley's in his letters to Hermione. Ron was suspicious, of course, but said nothing.

Hermione went on to tell more about her bothersome cousins; how they always made fun of her bookish ways and how she apparently attended a school so unknown that it likely wasn't worth going to.

What Hermione didn't know was that at that very moment some Deatheaters had found…

To be continued

Once again, I had to break a chapter into two parts.

Next chapter: Snape's Maddening Task and a peak at the Granger's holiday in France