Christmas with the Woods
Daisy yawned as she hit the alarm and sat up, stretching. She looked over, noticing the other side of the bed was empty. Frowning she looked around the room, listening closely to see if Wills was nearby. She didn't hear the shower going or his normal shuffling in the closet, meaning he must be downstairs.
"Wills?" she called out.
"Down here packing up the presents!" he shouted. Daisy yanked the comforter off and walked over to the railing, leaning against it as she watched Wills crouched next to the tree, pulling presents out, then shrinking them down so they could all fit in one bag. With presents for the whole family, it was quite a lot to carry.
"What are you doing up? We don't have to leave for a couple hours," she said. It was ridiculously early, but like every year, Daisy was needed to help with the cooking, so she told her mother that she and Wills would be there around 9 a.m. With Aleka and Alekos back at the country house for the holiday, all the spare rooms were filled, so everyone was coming over rather than staying there.
It felt different, Daisy had to admit to herself. She had always enjoyed going back home for a few days for Christmas - her brothers snoring from their rooms and Lucy staying over Christmas Day night. All them up until the late hours drinking while her aunts and uncles were in the downstairs living room, reminiscing.
But things were changing. Lucy was married now. Even the triplets wouldn't be staying over. They would all return to their various homes at the end of the night. Though Remus was insisting that they continue tradition by getting drunk in the third floor sitting room after the day's festivities. Daisy supposed she and Wills could always take her old room for the night, but something told her that her father would not like that.
Maybe after the Prostatis had gone back and things were normal again, they could go back to their old tradition of staying with her parents - all of them. Even though they would all be bringing their significant others.
"I couldn't sleep so I decided to get up and start getting things ready," he said. Daisy chuckled as she made her way over to the stairs.
"Worried Dad'll try to jinx you again?" she asked. Wills stopped packing and looked over at her, gulping.
"Slightly," he admitted. "You don't think he would with all the family there, would he?"
"I doubt Mum would let him, and there will be plenty of people there to block him if he tries," Daisy said with a sigh as she stopped a couple feet away from him, her hands on her hips.
"I know… but doesn't stop me from worrying," Wills said. "You didn't see him fuming the last day of practice when he overheard me asking the triplets what time we should be there." Daisy just rolled her eyes and then walked over and kissed him on the head.
"You'll be fine," she said.
"And it's my first Woods' Christmas. I've been dreaming of this day," he said, a goofy grin spreading across his face. Daisy just chuckled and started to walk away, but Wills reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her back towards him. "Come on, I want you to open your presents before we go over." He ducked under the tree again and came back with two packages.
"Two?" she asked, her eyebrows raised.
"Well… it is our first Christmas together and all," he said, his cheeks turning red. Daisy bent down and reached under the tree. She pulled out a large, flat box and then another smaller one.
"Great minds think alike," she said, smiling. The two walked over to the sofa, exchanging the boxes. Wills' excitement got the better of him and he had the paper ripped off the large one before Daisy had even removed the ribbon from her first present. His eyes widened as he took in the large photo that was expertly framed.
"It's amazing, Pix," he said, holding it up. It was a candid shot that the photographer at Lucy and Ryan's wedding had gotten. The two of them were standing on the edge of the dancefloor - no one else around - with the sunset painting the sky and the garden blooming behind them. Daisy was looking up at Wills, as he gazed down at her, both smiling as a breeze blew Daisy's skirt around her. He had caught it at just the right moment as Wills bent down and gently brushed her lips with his.
"You said you wanted to fill the walls with photos. Thought this would be a good start," she said. Wills looked around the room and then stood, trailing wrapping paper behind him. He walked over to a large open spot on one side of the TV and fireplace, pulling his wand out of the pocket of his pajama pants. He muttered a few charms and watching as the photo attached itself to the wall.
"Perfect," he said, stepping back to admire it. He looked over at the other blank spot on the other side of the TV. "Figure our wedding photo would go nicely there." Daisy felt herself blush and she looked down, suddenly keen on getting her first present open. "But only after you're 25," he added quickly. Daisy chuckled and shook her head.
"I think it's a good idea," she said, glancing up at him. He grinned and walked back over, settling on the sofa next to her.
"Oh… open this one first," he said, picking up a heavy package and handing it to her. Daisy shrugged and started working on the wrapping paper. Her eyes widened as the paper fell to the floor. It was a medium-sized leather book with "Daisy & Wills" written in gold script. She ran her fingers over the cover and then opened it. The first page was a photo of her when she was 15 at the Puddlemere picnic, seated on Wills' shoulders with her arms thrown in the air in victory after they had won the match. Off to the side, she could see her Uncle George laughing as her father was starting towards the two, his face red. She chuckled, remembering that he had run over shouting for Wills to put her down - she couldn't win the House Cup with a broken leg.
She turned the page, slowly making her way through the book, and saw photo after photo of the two of them throughout the years. The picnics. Her in her dad's old jersey shouting and jumping after the team had won the finals, Wills' arm around her shoulder. Wills swinging her around in her Gryffindor uniform after they had won the cup - photos from all four of them. Another of Wills trying to balance while standing on his broom on the pitch behind the country house, Daisy doubled over in laughter as Ashley kicked it, nearly knocking him off. The two of them in their quidditch uniforms, making goofy faces shortly after she made first string with the Arrows. Dancing at all the quidditch balls. One of him in his Puddlemere practice kit, his back to the camera as he proudly showed off the 'I love Pix' displayed on the back. The final page with photos had two - one of the two of them kissing on the pitch after the Arrows won the finals and another from the summer ball, Daisy in Wills' arms as he kissed her, both holding their awards. Behind it were many more blank pages.
"Figured we can fill those up over the years," he said softly. Daisy looked over at him, tears pricking at her eyes.
"It's beautiful, Wills," she said, leaning over to kiss him. "I should bring this. Mum'll love it. How did you think of this?" He blushed slightly.
"Well… like you said, I hope to fill the walls with photos. Figured we could fill some books too," he said. Daisy shook her head and looked back to the book, running her fingers over the photos.
"This is amazing," she said.
"Open the other one," he urged. She put the book aside and reached for the other package, which was lighter. She quickly ripped the paper off until she was staring at a velvet box. It was too big to be a ring box, but she still couldn't help that her heart started pounding. She opened it, seeing a small pair of diamond earring with a matching necklace that was dainty and not too overdone. "Louis said you had a gold dress for the ball, so figured I'd get you something to match. You didn't seem to have a lot of jewelry anyway."
Daisy laughed softly, thinking this was the type of gift she had come to expect from Wills. Expensive jewelry. But still, it was beautiful and thoughtful. She leaned over and kissed him again.
"Thank you, Wills. Now, open your other one," she said. Wills made quick work of it, and opened the box, finding a leather band inside with his name on it. It was exactly like the ones the triplets wore - a gift from their Uncle George in order to tell them apart when they were younger. They, in turn, had gifted their father with the same band years ago. It had become a joke that all the men in the Wood family had to wear them. Wills eyes lit up as he pulled it out and slid it on.
"I'm officially a Wood," he said, grinning.
"Just… don't say that around Dad," she said, kissing his cheek before she stood and started for the stairs. "Come on. We're going to be late."
Wills stood in the living room of the Woods flat, grinning. It was noisy, people were everywhere, and he was loving it. It was every bit as wonderful as he had imagined.
"Okay, this is not fair. I was overwhelmed my first Wood Christmas. He looks like he's loving it," John griped.
"You're forgetting that I've been dreaming of this day for years. Even before Pix, all I've wanted was to spend a family holiday with the Woods," Wills replied. "And I've had about 12 years of getting used to them, so this is really nothing all that new."
Lucy looked over, seeing Oliver glaring at Wills from across the room where he was standing with Marcus and Percy.
"Yep, there it is. It's officially a gathering with Wills. Uncle Oliver is glaring," she said, smiling as Ryan kissed her cheek.
"At least your dad isn't glaring at me," he said.
"How come you two don't spend Christmas with Kelly's family?" John asked.
"We spent Christmas Eve with them and have plans to go back over tomorrow for Boxing Day," Lucy said.
"And here Mum was worried once everyone started getting married, the gatherings would get smaller," Daisy said as she walked up, holding a mug of eggnog out to Wills.
"Suspect they'll only get bigger," Jamie said. "Might need to find a bigger place."
"Perhaps that ballroom of yours that you're planning would work," Lucy said, grinning at Daisy. Her eyes widened as Wills looked down at her.
"What ballroom?" he asked.
"Nothing," Daisy said quickly. Her brothers chuckled next to her.
"Have you been making plans about the building, Pix?" Wills asked slowly, starting to grin.
"I've done no such thing," she snapped. "Ah, Lily. I need to talk to her about… quidditch… things." She then stomped off and interrupted a conversation Lily seemed to be having with Rose.
"She's been planning things for the building," he said again, slightly in awe.
"I'd wipe that look off your face. Dad seems ready to come jinx you," Remus said, laughing. Wills looked over, eyes wide as Oliver Wood continued to scowl. Wills cleared his throat.
"So, where are those lovely ladies of yours?" he asked, looking at Remus and Alan.
"Laura and Bridge'll come over later for the quidditch tourney and dinner," Alan said lightly. "Spending the morning and lunch with their own families."
"Already working out how to split the holidays, eh?" Wills said brightly.
"What about you?" Remus asked. Wills glanced over and pointed at his mother and father, who were talking to Gran and Grandad Wood.
"Figured it easier to just combine," he said with a pleased look. "'Sides, Mum was happy not to cook this year. She's been in helping the others in the kitchen, though."
"But what about your brother and his wife?" Lucy asked.
"Spending the morning with her family and coming over here later," he said. "Got it all sorted." Lucy just shook her head and smiled.
"Already settled into the family," she said, glancing down at the leather band on his wrist.
"Honestly, I'd take Wood for my name instead of the other way around if your father would let me," he said before taking a drink, looking over at the triplets.
"He probably would," Alan said with a chuckle. "Granted I don't think he's got anything to worry about in terms of the family name continuing between us three." He glanced over at Jamie and Lila, grinning as the blush spread across his brother's face.
"Not yet," he sputtered.
"Good to have you here, Wills," James said, walking up with a grin. Behind him, his cousin Hugo stood with a look of awe on his face. Even though having professional quidditch players around was nothing new, it was still something that made the younger cousins a bit star-struck. "Have you met our cousin Hugo?"
"Don't believe I have. Bryan Wills," he said, holding his hand out. Hugo took it and eagerly shook it.
"Bloody brilliant that play you did against Pride of Portee last week," Hugo said, grinning.
"Puddlemere fan, are you?" Wills asked.
"Of course!" he shouted.
"Thought you liked the Cannons," Ron said, walking up behind his son with a frown on his face.
"I do, but I you can't help but support Puddlemere," Hugo said, looking at his father. "And the Arrows." Kelly and John chuckled.
"Just because your cousins are on the teams doesn't mean you have to like them," Ron grumbled slightly.
"Don't you have a collection of Puddlemere and Arrows shirts for matches?" Alan asked, smiling. Ron looked over at him.
"I… But it's… Cannons will always be my favorite," he said stubbornly.
"Don't worry, Uncle Ron. We forgive you for maintaining your support of the Cannons over Puddlemere," Remus said lightly. "They need all the support they can get."
"They're doing better this season," Ron replied.
"Not by much," Alan muttered, causing Wills to chuckle.
"Didn't one of you get an offer from them?" Ron asked.
"Jamie," Remus and Alan said automatically.
"Did you even consider it?" Ron asked, turning to face him.
"Ehm… well… not really. Sorry, Uncle Ron, but even though it was first string, the offer just wasn't as good as the Arrows," he said. "Or even what the Falcons were offering and that was reserves."
"And he was going to transfer to Puddlemere eventually anyway," Remus continued.
"And seriously, Dad. Cannons? Why would he choose the Cannons over the Arrows?" Hugo said, his tone and expression making it clear that he thought the idea mad.
"They weren't doing so well at the time," Ron said, not wanting to lose the argument.
"They were still decent. Finished at least in the top 10 for the previous 10 seasons. A few of those were in the top 5," Hugo rationalized. Ron stared at his son a moment before opening his mouth to say something, but he was cut off by Hermione calling him over.
"We'll finish this later," he muttered before walking off.
"He really likes the Cannons," John said with a chuckle. Hugo turned back to face the group.
"Honestly, the man's mental," he said, feeling a bit emboldened by standing with the quidditch players.
"Nah, he's not so bad. It's good to stay loyal. I'd take a true fan any day over a fair weather fan," Wills said.
"Says the man whose team makes it to the final nearly every year," John replied. Wills just shrugged in response.
"How old were you when you first learned the Dionysus Dive?" Hugo asked. Wills grinned.
"I was in Hogwarts, actually..." he then launched into an intricate explanation of quidditch tactics and moves - and how to do them - which Hugo seemed to be listening to intently, even though he didn't completely understand everything the chaser was saying and couldn't play to save his life. Daisy glanced over, frowning slightly.
"Merlin, do not tell me he's talking quidditch with Hugo," she said, rolling her eyes. "He'll never stop once he gets started." Lily chuckled.
"I think Hugo's half in love with him," she said, glancing over at the two and then back at Daisy. "So, Wills is enjoying his first family Christmas?"
"Got up before me this morning because he was so damn giddy about it," Daisy said with a huff. "And we had to be here at 9 a.m."
"Uncle Oliver doesn't look too pleased," Lily said, a devious glint in her eye.
"When does he ever look pleased with Wills around," Daisy replied with a sigh. She looked over at Rose. "See what you've got to look forward to." Rose paled slightly.
"Dad doesn't hate Scorpio," she said suddenly. "It's nothing like Uncle Oliver." Lily giggled.
"I heard how well the flat idea went over," she said. Rose frowned at her.
"That's just because he thinks I'm too young. He's not against it entirely - just wants us to wait until we're a bit older," she said, sticking her nose up slightly. Lily glanced over at Daisy.
"Good luck with it," Daisy said. Rose shook her head and sighed.
"Who am I kidding? Dad hates Scorpio. Always has. It's been an uphill battle ever since we started dating," she said, glancing over at her parents.
"I'm sure he doesn't hate him," Daisy said. "Even my dad doesn't hate Wills. Just a bit… annoyed by him."
"Oh, yes Uncle Ron does," Lily said, still giggling.
"Seriously, Lily. Not helping," Daisy scolded. The teen just rolled her eyes. She then looked over at Rose.
"Chin up, Rosie. Worst case, you two can just run off and elope in a terribly romantic fashion," she said airily, smiling as Rose began blushing.
"Lily!" she hissed looking around.
"Like you haven't already thought about it," Lily said. Daisy laughed softly. "Ah… here comes Albus. I'm off." She quickly turned and ducked through the crowded living room to the other side, where she slid up to Uncle George.
"Rose, Daisy," he said, nodding to them. Daisy smiled as she turned to him. She hadn't been as close to Albus, Rose and Hugo, to be honest. She and Lily always had quidditch to bond over - not to mention their summer training. Besides the fact that they were all either in fourth or second year when she left Hogwarts, Albus had been off in Slytherin.
"How's things at the potions institute?" she asked.
"Good, actually. Been working on developing a few new ones of my own," he said, smiling slightly. "Been picking your mum's brain actually."
"She's a good resource, that's for sure," Daisy replied. "Always sent her owls when I was having trouble with my own homework."
"Spent some time with her over the summer, actually. Helping in her workshop here and such," he said.
"Thought Aunt Iris only did joke potions," Rose said, furrowing her brow.
"Not always. She spends a fair amount of time working on things with practical applications," Albus said. "She's actually been corresponding with Prof. Longbottom a lot. He's developing a few hybrid plants with her." Daisy's eyebrows shot up. She hadn't known about that. Perhaps she should take a few minutes to talk to her mother.
"Everyone! Lunch is ready!" the woman in question said as she stepped into the living room. "Please find a seat."
The upstairs sitting room was more teeming that usual that night, with Laura and Bridget joining in. Daisy looked around, wondering just how they managed to fit everyone in. She was sprawled on the floor next to Wills, James and Freddie while the triplets were on one sofa and Teddy, Victoire and Kelly were on the other. Lucy was perched on the arm next to Kelly while Laura was seated on Remus' lap and Lila and Bridget had settled on the arms of that sofa. Christos and Roxanne had someone managed to fit in one of the armchairs while Dominique and Molly and pulled out chairs from Daisy and one of the triplets' rooms. Aleka and Alekos had taken off already, saying they wanted to get a head start on the next leg of their investigation.
But the conversation had thankfully steered away from the ongoing investigation, instead the group was rolling in laughter as they went over lunch, the annual quidditch tourney and the family.
"I thought Harry was going to blow a gasket when you beat him again, Pix," Remus said, wiping tears from his eyes.
"You'd think he'd expect it by now," Daisy said calmly. "Still don't understand why he keeps trying to pull off my tricks."
"Dad just doesn't want to admit that he's getting old," James said. "He'll insist on playing quidditch until the day he dies."
"Which could be this summer during the annual quidditch picnic, if he keeps attempting to follow Pix," Teddy said with a chuckle.
"And then Ginny will have my head," Daisy replied. "She was livid when he tried to do that back flip. I'm actually glad he nearly fell before he could attempt it, otherwise she'd have my head on a pike if he hurt himself."
"Seems your dad's still got it, though," Freddie said. "How does he do it? Barely let anything through all tourney."
"He still works out every day," Daisy said. "And still does drills. He's got those enchanted quaffles that fly at him on their own."
"The dedication of the man," Wills said in awe, causing Daisy to frown at him.
"He's not here so you can stop kissing his arse," Alan said, laughing.
"I do not suck up to Coach," Wills said indignantly.
"So that uber expensive trip to the Alps for him and Mum that you got… that wasn't sucking up?" Jamie asked, an eyebrow raised.
"Just wanted to make a good impression on my first Christmas," he said. Daisy snorted.
"An expensive week-long trip? Really?" she said.
"What was I supposed to get them? The man owns every quidditch-related object on earth. And I couldn't very well get him a tie or a sweater," Wills said.
"You could have gone with something a bit more practical," Daisy countered.
"I thought a ski trip was practical. I get my parents one for Christmas every year," Wills replied.
"We don't even give our parents gifts like that for Christmas," Remus said.
"No, you wait until the last minute and then send me out to get it," Laura said, rolling her eyes. "Good thing I know your mum's record collection by heart."
"Wait, so that's who's been buying your gifts to Mum and Dad?" Alan asked, sitting up and looking at Remus. "Here I thought you actually learned how to shop." He glanced at Bridget.
"Don't even think about it, Alan. I'm not taking on buying your parents' Christmas gifts," she said with a laugh.
"Jamie and I shop together," Lila said, smiling at him. "But he's not so bad on his own."
"I had to send Wills out with a list this year," Daisy said. "Granted he didn't really pay attention to my list…"
"Just wanted to spice it up!" Wills exclaimed.
"Dad did not need that fancy game system that even I couldn't figure out," Daisy declared.
"Could have given it to us," Remus muttered.
"Face it, Wills. Uncle Oliver is never going to accept you - no matter how much money you spend on his Christmas gifts," James said.
"He will accept me!" Wills shouted, causing the entire room to burst into laughter again. "Just need to figure out how…"
"Could always lend you a hand," Freddie said, grinning.
"No. You'll sabotage him by playing a prank on Uncle Oliver," Roxanne shouted.
"Are the holidays always so hectic?" Tessa asked, looking around. "And is it customary to slip something into someone's drink during lunch?"
"No, that's just something James, Freddie, Alan and Remus like to do," Dominique said with a half smile.
"I had nothin' to do with it this year," Alan said.
"I did," Remus said, grinning.
"I did not appreciate being turned green for an hour," Wills said, frowning at him.
"That was Freddie," Remus said. Wills turned the frown to the young man.
"Someone had to initiate you," he said, chuckling.
"Did Kingfisher get initiated?" Wills asked.
"No, I did not," John said, grinning. "But then again, I haven't been saying since the dawn of time that I would marry Daisy."
"Do not tell me Coach put you up to this," Wills said.
"He may have… encouraged us," James said, grinning. Daisy rolled her eyes as she jumped to her feet.
"Pix! Come on!" Remus shouted. But she disappeared before anyone could say anything, appearing in the middle of the living room.
"DAD! DID YOU TELL JAMES AND FREDDIE TO PRANK WILLS!" she shouted. All the aunts and uncles stopped what they were doing and stared at her then looked at Oliver.
"I did no such thing," he declared, frowning.
"James just said you encouraged them!" Daisy replied.
"They may have mentioned they were planning something… and I may have chuckled… and commented it would be funny…" Oliver said, shifting in his chair. Daisy's eyes flashed red as she started for her father.
"Daisy! I will handle this," Iris said sternly, stepping in front of her daughter.
"Mum, but he-"
"I. Will. Handle. It," Iris said. Daisy glared at her father one more time and then disappeared.
"I didn't know you had it in you, Woodsie," George said with a laugh.
"Really, Oliver," Iris said, turning to scowl at him. "He's going to be our son-in-law someday."
"I know, but you have to admit it was funny," he said.
"Don't you think encouraging James and Freddie to prank him is going a bit far?" Bill asked with a chuckle.
"It's not like the triplets haven't gotten him before," Oliver said. "Daisy was even in on it once."
"What was this?" George asked, perking up. Oliver couldn't help but smile.
"Got it on video," he said.
"Oliver, you are not pulling that out again," Iris said, rolling her eyes.
"Oh yes he is," George said. Oliver waved his wand, turning on the TV. He quickly loaded up the video and had it playing, everyone glued to the screen. Even though she appeared annoyed, even Iris had to chuckle.
"That is brilliant," George said with the video finished. "I wish I had been there in person. He seriously thought the triplets were going to wallop him."
"I thought you liked Wills," Charlie said.
"Oh, I do. But I love a good prank," George replied.
"You've no idea how many times I've had to stop him from pranking folks at the store," Angelina said.
"I don't prank customers," George replied. "I just wanted to do a little something to that blasted snoop, Mrs. Waddles."
"She's not a snoop," Iris said, giggling. "She's on the neighborhood watch."
"She only started that thing after Fred and I started the shop. I thought surely she'd of croaked during the war, but no… soon as Iris and I re-open the store, she reappears, saying she's starting it up again," George said.
"George!" Angelina and Iris said at the same time.
"What? She's older than Methuselah!" George replied. "And she scares off customers."
"She does not," Iris said.
"Does too! Have you seen her lately?" George exclaimed. "Came shuffling in the other day ranting about bangs and pranks endangering the neighborhood. Ran out five customers!"
"She's just a lonely old woman with nothing to do with her days," Angelina said, shaking her head.
"Well, I'd rather she spent her time not trying to ruin my business. Ever since Iris reinforced my work room, she doesn't have a damn thing to worry about. The neighborhood isn't in any danger from me," George grumbled.
"Not to mention with all the aurors hanging about," Iris said. "They caught someone trying to shoplift from the store next door the other day. Dare say that part of the Alley has never been safer."
"I'll be glad when we're rid of them," George said. Angelina glared at him. "I mean… for the family."
"Sure, that's what you meant," she said, chuckling. Iris laughed softly as they quickly moved on to teasing George on other topics, carefully sprinting away from why the aurors were stationed outside the shop.
"I didn't encourage them," Oliver said softly, getting Iris' attention. "I swear." Iris chuckled.
"Just don't do it again," she said, looking at him with a playful frown.
"Scouts honor," he said, causing her to chuckle again.
"Really, Oliver," she said, shaking her head.
"Truly, Red. As entertaining as it is, I promise to have no role in anymore pranks against Wills," he said. She kissed him.
"Better not."
I wrote two chapters today (currently working on the third), so thought it fitting to post two chapters. Probably won't post this often again until I get it all finished, but I think I only have about five chapters and the epilogue to finish. So might be soon.
Regardless, I was eager to post the Christmas chapter, partly because Wills at his first Woods' Christmas and partly because I have interactions with Lily, Rose, Hugo and Albus, who have been largely missing due to the fact they are a bit younger than everyone else. Honestly, I'm thinking I want to write something with Lily as the main character, just because I feel like she's got that same fire as Daisy. Granted, I see her as more an instigator than Daisy. Could be fun diving into that, especially considering she's the only daughter of "The Chosen One."
Then again, I've also thought a oneshot or short about Rose and Scorpio could be interesting, considering it could bring Iris and Draco together and there's potential there. She's said she's over it, but then again, she's never had to interact with any of the Malfoys... And they still don't know that she's the girl that Lucius brought into the house as a servant... Decisions, decisions...
Anyway, thanks for reading, following and reviewing!
