Chapter Five
Thanks for reading. Still not mine – JK's!
"Hermione!" A chorus of her voices greeted Hermione the moment she stepped into the Burrow's living room. The room was crowded. Hermione immediately noticed Harry and Ron sitting on the smaller of the two couches. Teddy – Harry's five-year-old godson – was curled up between them. Fred and Angelina were on the other of the Weasley's high-backed, paisley couches. Both were holding an infant. Hermione knew the two babies were Ethan and Sophie: the couple's newborn twins. Much like the rest of the house, the living room was covered in Christmas decorations, the most noteworthy being the impressively tall, evergreen tree that stood in one corner. The ceiling of the Weasley's living room was already high, but the tree was even taller. The top portion had to be folded over in order to allow the tree to fit into the room, leaving no space for a star at the top. It was covered in lights, various ordainments, shiny, coloured balls, and several strands of sparkling beads. The tree was far from perfect – the left side stuck out significantly further than the right and the trunk was noticeably crooked – but Hermione thought it was spectacular.
Harry was the first on his feet and at Hermione's side. He quickly enveloped her in an affectionate hug. Someone – Hermione assumed it must have been Ginny – had found an emerald green sweater for Harry that perfectly matched the colour of his eyes as they shone through his trademark, circular glasses.
"It's so lovely to see you," Harry told her as he did every time they were together.
"You too, Harry," Hermione smiled. Her dear friend never failed to lift her spirits, even when they didn't necessarily require a boost. Hermione turned to her other oldest friend, Ron, who was hovering beside Harry. Ron was already wearing a brand-new Weasley sweater, one in a deep blue. The pair embraced lightheartedly. Hermione was always impressed by the way the two of them had been able to date for awhile and then break up amicably and still remain friends without any of the awkwardness one might expect from such an arrangement. Oft times it seemed to Hermione that the person who was most unsettled by her and Ron's breakup was Mrs. Weasley, rather than the two parties most directly involved.
"Nice seeing you, Mione," Ron commented, letting go of her after their hug.
"I'm so glad I'm here…" Hermione said to her two friends. "It would be rubbish to spend Christmas with anyone else." The statement was true: anytime she and Harry and Ron were all together was a special occasion in itself, even without the added bonus of the holidays.
"Granger!" A shout from across the room caught Hermione's attention. She looked up and saw Fred waving at her from the other side of the room.
"Oh Fred!" Hermione exclaimed, excited to see him; she never saw enough of Fred. Since Angelina had given birth to the twins, she had yet to see the couple or the children. Hermione rushed over to the couch, glad to finally become acquainted with the newest additions to the extended Weasley clan. Angelina shuffled a cushion over, making room on the long couch for Hermione.
"Would you like a chance to hold him, Mione?" Fred asked kindly. Hermione nodded and carefully accepted baby Ethan from Fred. Sitting rigidly, Hermione secured a tight grasp of the tiny infant; she wasn't very accustomed to having a baby in her arms and nervously thought about all the ways she might end up dropping or hurting him. Fortunately, the newborn was quiet and still and didn't fight against Hermione's grasp. Both he and his sister were wrapped in identical bright orange, fleece blankets that were embroidered with their initials in a deep magenta. The newest Weasleys bore a strong resemblance to their mother; both shared Angelina's dark, curly hair, dark complexion, and deep brown eyes. There was also something about the twins that Hermione thought was distinctively Fred. She couldn't exactly pin point it, but, looking at Ethan, she was certain that she saw a likeliness of his father in the infant's smile. Hermione thought she could look at the tiny baby for hours. She marveled at his fine eyelashes, his little, adorable balled up fists, and the way spit bubbled around his mouth when he giggled. She had never been around someone so young and new to the world; the experience left her momentarily speechless.
"He's amazing you guys," Hermione admired, having eventually found her voice. Her statement induced a broad smile from the obviously overjoyed Angelina who was tenderly holding her newborn daughter.
"We think he's pretty great….both are pretty fantastic," Fred was the one who responded to her comment. There was an unmistakable trace of pride in his voice for his young children. He leaned over and ruffled Ethan's curly hair, cooing gently at the giggling baby. Fred had changed since Hermione had seen him last, likely as a result of having subsequently become a father. He looked older; for the first time ever, Hermione looked at him and saw an adult. His stomach had grown a bit portly and he had acquired slight bags under his eyes, probably, Hermione figured, from late nights up with Sophie and Ethan. He still wore the mischievous shimmer in his eyes that Hermione had come to expect in both of the older set of Wealsey twins. The keen sense of humor he always had still existed, as evidenced by the ridiculous Christmas sweater he was sporting. The bright red, knit sweater was covered in rows of holiday images, all in the same shade of deep green. Hermione easily picked out snowmen, toy soldiers, reindeer, elves and chubby Saint Nicks.
"Er, that's quite a lovely outfit you have on Fred," Hermione teasingly complimented with a cheeky smile.
"Oh, you like this, eh," Fred grinned, standing up to twirl in order to show off his sweater before finishing by striking an impressive poise. "Georgie and I worked very hard on these,"
"Oi, what's that? Did I just hear my lovely name?" George strutted into the living room the very moment his twin had mentioned him. He strode over and stood next to Fred, adopting a similar poise to his twin's. Hermione didn't try to hide her laughter. George was wearing an identical sweater to Fred's, except that his had a green background while the Christmas figurines were in scarlet. In the back of her mind, Hermione ruefully considered that the outfit was a significant letdown from his previous look. She quickly shook off such inappropriate thoughts. Looking at Fred and George standing next to each other, Hermione realized that for the first time ever she didn't hesitate when trying to tell them apart. Fred's hair was quite a bit shorter than George's and George was more slender than his brother through the waist but larger in the shoulders. Also, George had a laid-back roguishness to him that Fred lacked now that he was a father. As a result, George looked several years younger than Fred, even though Hermione knew that they were mere minutes apart.
"Oh hey George," Hermione said, trying to sound casual, intentionally not mentioning their earlier encounter.
"Good seeing you again, Granger," George said cheekily.
"Hermione was just admiring our sweaters, dear brother," Fred chuckled, patting his twin on the shoulder.
"Well of course she was," George smiled.
"They are brilliant," Fred finished his brother's thought.
"And they suit us so well."
"We must look incredibly handsome."
"How could she not admire us?" George waggled his eyebrows suggestively and flashed an over-exaggerated wink in the direction of Hermione, who held baby Ethan a bit tighter and felt horrified as to what incident George might actually be referencing.
"And we worked ever so hard on them."
"Very hard indeed,"
"Oh, you made those, ah….lovely….things on your own?" Hermione asked incredulously, remembering how difficult a task she had found knitting to be when she had tried to make a collection of caps to give to house elves.
"We sure did," Fred grinned.
"We're remarkably talented, Mione," added George with another wink.
"Well…I'd never know…they look professional," Hermione giggled, finding enjoyment in teasing the original Weasley twins. "So how does it feel to now be everyone's second favourite set of Weasley twins?" She laughed and nodded towards Ethan who was resting contently in her arms.
"It's more difficult knowing that we are now no longer the best looking Weasley twins," George returned Hermione's jovial tone and her laughter. He stared down fondly at his brand new niece and nephew.
"Ok, time to come to dad," Fred, too soon for Hermione's liking, took Ethan from her and sat down next to Angelina. George claimed the other end of the couch. He lounged against the arm of the couch, next to Hermione, with his long legs stretched out in front of him, taking up more than his share of the space. The couch was almost large enough to accommodate all four adults and the two infants comfortably. Hermione's thigh, admittedly, was pressed rather tightly next to George's, but it didn't particularly bother her. Glancing up, she noticed that Ginny had joined the room while she had been fawning over the new Weasley twins. The petite red head was sitting in the midst of Harry, Ron, and Teddy on the other couch.
"So has everyone decided whether they're coming to my New Year's Party?" George asked loudly, addressing the entire room.
"You mean the party that you decided only this morning that you would be hosting?" Fred asked teasingly, explaining why everyone merely looked confused in response to George's question.
"The very one, my dear brother."
"What's this about a party, George," Ginny implored from across the room. The red-head had an excited smile on her face. Her love of fun was only one of the many things she had in common with her two older brothers.
"Well, I needed an excuse to have a bunch of people over to my new flat" – George replied to his beloved younger sister – "And I figured what better time than New Year's Eve to fill my place with friends, family and champagne. You better come. You'll get to meet my new Quidditch teammates."
"Hmm…I don't know about that then. I think that fraternizing with the enemy is out of the question." Ginny joked, indicating that she and George had already discussed the fact that they would be playing for rival teams.
"No, you have to be there, Gin. I'm insisting on it…it would be rubbish without you, my dear."
"Alright, George….Harry and I'll make an appearance." Ginny smiled. Hermione knew that there was never any doubt that Ginny would be at George's party. She and her brother were too close to let something like playing for opposing Quidditch teams come between them.
"And you, Mione," George turned to the young woman on his left. "You'll be coming right. Matty will be expecting you to show up and bring that blonde friend of yours." Hermione rolled her eyes, intentionally ignoring the quizzical looks of the others who were obviously unaware of hers and George's encounter at the Leaky Cauldron.
"Holly Landry?" – Hermione asked even though she knew full well to whom George referred.
"Yah…Holly…that's the one…I think that Matty took a real shine to her…. So tell her he's a good bloke, even if at times he can be a bit of a git. It's obviously important to me that my fellow Beater is happy." George responded. Hermione shook her head, not sure she understood his explanation, unaware of the intricacies of the relationships that existed between Quidditch positions.
"Er, well I'll see what I can do" – Hermione offered – "I'll suppose I'll show up to this party of yours. I don't know about Hol though. I wouldn't be surprised if she already had plans…"
"Brilliant. Well, as long as you're there," George grinned, playfully nudging Hermione in the side with his elbow.
Hermione didn't know how to respond to his overly friendly comment. She was aware that George had a bit of a reputation for being a flirt, but hadn't ever personally experienced that side of him. She opened her mouth to mutter something about how she was looking forward to his party, but was interrupted when Mr. Weasley wandered into the room at the exact moment to instruct everyone to move to the dining room for Mrs. Weasley's meal.
-o-O-o-
Hermione eagerly followed the rest of her friends into the dining room, excited for the feast that Mrs. Weasley had prepared. She slid into an empty chair between Ginny and Ron: the spot she generally claimed for meals with the Weasleys. The rest of the Weasley family was already gathered around the table; it was one of the largest crowds that Hermione had even been a part of around the long, wooden table. Bill, Fleur, and their three young daughters – Victoire, Dominique, and Charlotte – were at one end of the table. Next to them, Percy and his wife, Audrey, were seated with their son Peter in between them. Even Charlie had made it into town for the holidays. He and Bill were talking animatedly about something; Hermione couldn't tell as they were down the other end of the table from her. Both sets of Weasley twins and Angelina were positioned directly across from Hermione, Ginny, Ron, and Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had taken the head and the foot of the long table, as was normal for Weasley family dinners.
Mrs. Weasley was standing, her wand held in the air, as she directed the Christmas feast into the kitchen. Pots of potatoes, a boat of gravy, dishes of vegetables, the most massive turkey Hermione had ever seen, and other impressive items floated past Hermione. As the dishes settled on the table, Hermione realized how excited she was for the meal. Molly's food smelt mouthwateringly delicious and looked just as appetizing.
"Thank you everyone for coming," Mrs. Weasley announced once all the dishes found spots on the table. "It's such a joyous occasion to spend Christmas with everyone. It's been too long since we've all been together as a family." Molly said with a strain to her voice as she smiled at George and then at Charlie – the two of her sons who had most recently been unable to attend holiday meals. Hermione's eyes gleamed fondly for the older women; having Mrs. Weasley in her life was so important to the brunette and she had learned to especially cherish their relationship during the time it had been strained. "Well…I guess it's time to dig in," Molly chuckled and sat down. Platters, dishes, and serving spoons flew, literally, as everyone piled their plates with Mrs. Weasley's delightful feast.
"This looks incredible Mrs. Weasley,"
"Amazing work, Mum,"
"Pass the Yorkshire puddings,"
"Anyone need potatoes?"
"This is brilliant!"
The Weasley's dining room was alive with the noises of chatter, laughter, and clanging dishes. Hermione turned to Ron and Harry and Ginny: eagerly talking with them, catching up on what they had been doing, and sharing jokes over their meals. Often the twins and Angelina would join in their conversation. Soon, they were chatting energetically, laughing loudly, and eating more food than necessary. Hermione soon lost herself in the deliciousness of the meal and the delightfulness of her conversation with those nearest to her.
-o-O-o-
After dinner, Hermione lounged contentedly in the living room with the younger Weasleys. Her stomach was filled with Mrs. Weasley's delicious meal and her mind was overwhelmed with happiness. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were still in the kitchen and Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, and their families had already left. Charlie had to leave early the next morning for Romania and the others had young children who were already past their bedtimes. Harry had just returned from taking Teddy upstairs to sleep in Ron's old room. He joined Hermione on the smaller couch; they sat on either end while Ginny lay across them horizontally, her head in Hermione's lap and her legs draped over Harry's. Ron and George were both half-sitting, half-lying on the other. The coloured lights on the tree flashed sporadically. Although she felt sleepy, Hermione didn't want to leave the coziness of the Burrow for her own bed at her flat. She had exchanged her green sweater for a brand-new violet Weasley jumper that Mrs. Weasley had given her after dinner. It wasn't the first Weasley jumper that Hermione had ever received, but everyone one she was given delighted her. Nothing quite made her feel like part of the family as having the giant 'W' emblazoned across her chest. Looking around the room, Hermione speculated how odd she and her friends would have looked to an outsider: all were clad in various colours of the family sweater.
"That was lovely as always…" Hermione said to no one in particular. She rested her head against the arm of the couch and gently caressed Ginny's silky hair which had long ago escaped its braids.
"Mum's meals are always something else" – George murmured from the other side of the room, rubbing his stomach appreciatively. "They're the one thing I missed while I was off in Egypt. While other than you Ginny, obviously," He said with a smile and cast a teasing glance at Ron. Beside him, Ron groaned sluggishly, either not aware or not offended by George's joke. Sprawled out on the couch, Ron looked about ready to doze off.
"You'll be able to cook like that one day, right Gin," Harry said to his girlfriend's back.
"Hmph" – Ginny muttered, most of her voice obscured by Hermione's lap – "Unlikely. More like you'll be able to cook like that one day." Harry chuckled lazily at the girl's remark and so did Hermione. It was nice for her to simply relax and do nothing, surrounded by some of her favourite people. The young witches and wizards continued to rest and occasionally chat. All lacked the energy to actually engage in lively conversation. The silence hardly bothered Hermione. She felt more satisfied than she had for some time, partially from the food and the holiday, but mostly from the company.
After they had been lounging around for some time, Ginny eventually pushed herself up to a seated position.
"Er…time for me to go to bed. I can't keep my eyes open any longer." Ginny admitted. Hermione sighed and stretched her arms above her head.
"Yah, I ought to get back to my flat," She added, not pleased to leave the warmth of the Weasley home for her flat which she was sure would be frustratingly chilly.
"No, you can stay here, Mione," Ginny said groggily, leaning her head on Hermione's shoulder. "We have more than enough room."
"Really? Hmm…I might do that," Hermione contemplated. It had been a number of years since she had slept over at the Burrow. Ginny got up off the couch to leave and the rest followed suit. Hermione sluggishly wandered after Ginny to the room they used to occupy together. Procuring an old pair of flannel pants and an oversized tee shirt from her friend, Hermione climbed into her old bed. The bed felt comfortingly familiar and she was tired; soon she was asleep.
Author's note: I hope everyone likes the names I picked out for the new Weasley twins. I went through several before I decided on those particular ones, but I thought they were quite lovely and suitably British.