Though they were cautious the little family was excited. Originally they planned to make the trip in September but held off. They decided to spend Christmas in France. Draco had plenty of photos and news about his half sister. Andromeda was meant to be in France for some work as well. Tom was surprised to be invited even if reminded Moody and Andromeda knew about him. Even Moody agreed. He was Tom not Voldemort and once again it was Remus who extended the invitation. There would be a few surprises not in gift form under the tree. A few people had known they were alive like Xeno and Lee from the start. But a few others along the way. The Blacks had a manor in France and they would all be comfortable there.

It felt odd being back in Europe even if not the UK. It was the second Christmas since the war. They had just started to feel like a family last Christmas and settling in. Harry had been so nervous to give them his art and didn't know about Tom. And Lucius was still a concern. A lot had changed since then.

Andromeda was beaming when she saw the boys "Oh I have missed you. Your new home seems to suit you."

Draco kissed her cheek "I know it has been rough since Tonks died. But I am certain my little sister keeps you on your toes."

Ted who came in with the baby answered "She has been a welcome addition."

Draco took his six month old sister into his arms "Muggle baby clothes? I see you have already began."

Andromeda laughed "Your mom always envied me. I mean wizarding baby clothes back then may as well have been robes."

Andromeda and Narcissa could never officially be close but kept in contact. Narcissa had seen he sister as a life line in those years. She had never loved Lucius but she had believed him to be a spy. It was when she found out he was a double agent and only playing both sides to save his skin she had spied on him. In the end she had been killed for it. She knew the risk though and it was why she had sworn Severus to protect her son. The sisters had hoped when the war was over they and their kids could be a proper family. Now Narcissa and Tonks were gone. But little Cissy Tonks would be a woman her two name sakes would be proud of.

As Draco was bonding with his sister Harry and the twins' surprises had come. Lee wasn't a surprise as he promised to try but Oliver and the true shock Charlie were the major surprise. It turned out Oliver left the United and had been playing in Romania where he met Charlie. They were dating for over a year.

Charlie hugged the twins. He had been in Romania since the end of the war and little contact. Bill had mentioned the twins "Happy he was right."

Oliver looked at them and Harry "It took a lot but we finally convinced Andromeda to tell us."

Charlie turned to Harry "You don't think you were left out?"

Harry smiled "Oliver and the Tonks were enough for me. It's nice to see you too."

A voice came from behind "Well if we knew you would feel that way we may never have come."

Harry found Luna and her dad. He of course had tons of letters from her and he knew there was a chance she could come. But it wasn't she who spoke up. Neville and his grandmother had come in with her. Neville and Augusta were loyal to Harry to a fault but he was shocked to see him. Neville was so happy to come. School was so different without Harry. Ron free from prison had come back to school for their senior year.

Christmas was turning out to be far more special. The twins had Lee and Oliver as well as Charlie. Draco got to know his sister. Remus and Severus were happy to see the adults. And Harry had all of them plus Neville and Luna. The ministry when they were both with him was one of the last things before he was caught.

Luna smiled when she got to see some of Harry's art "You know you could be in the quibbler. I will need some art to go with my story next summer."

Harry realized what she was saying "You are coming to Australia?"

Luna nodded "We have always wanted to and with circulation more then quadrupled since the war we can afford it."

Neville may even come. He would be working for them in the summer before apprenticing with Madam Sprout. They were happy to hear he got accepted to the arts college. They knew who Tom was and he was the only part they were wary about. But even Augusta was good during the stay.

Charlie looked at the twins "With us here and Bill in Canada Christmas must be a bit odd at the Burrow."


Molly and Arthur had a subdued Christmas with Percy and the younger two. They had invited Charlie but were not surprised he opted to remain home. He had not had a falling out but he preferred his freedom. Bill had been home last year and Charlie since it had been the first since the war. Even if Bill wasn't in exile they cut off all contact with him. The fact he set up his own brother and had him in prison was too much.

Far away in Canada Bill and Hermione were alone. They had bought a cute little three bedroom house near the library. They could have afforded much more but decided to save most from the town house sale. Hermione sold her jewels and as well as work they had vaults but wanted security. They planned on kids down the line.

Bill smiled as he watched Hermione transfigure another ornament for the small tree "I wish I could help."

Hermione kissed him "You can eat less and string more of the popcorn."

Bill laughed "At least I can do this and hang the ones we bought."

Being a muggle was a harder adjustment then he thought. Bill could never own a wand again. But Hermione was helping. He liked his job as a teller for the bank up the road. And he was even learning to cook. And Hermione was quite content at the library. She was taking some courses for her equivalency exam and would consider college. It was another reason they put most of the town house money into savings and not a bigger place.

They had chosen to live off they pay alone. They had bought the basic furniture and Hermione was decorating bit by bit each month. They had spent little on Christmas decor. They chose to focus more on a few gifts and dinner. Other then a few colleagues or neighbours here they expected no others.

Bill surprised her with a small silver box "Open."

Hermione was surprised "We have to be next door for dinner soon."

Bill made her take it "I know its nothing compared to the jewels you sold from Lucius."

Hermione was cut off from a comment it didn't matter when she found a simple platinum and diamond ring "Bill?"

He knelt "I was a fool to come up with the plan for Lucius and near lost you. I would live in a box if I had you. You are my life. Marry me."

Hermione was speechless so she nodded and he slipped the ring on. Their invite to they friend's next door for a Christmas party went forgotten for now. Bill had another gift or two for her but had known now was right for the ring. She was happy to show it off to their neighbours later. They had made some new friends on the block. Sam and Carol and their two sons were the first to welcome them really.

Christmas morning Hermione had one more surprise. This time it wasn't directly from Bill but he helped. It had come from her parents and contained a few special items she had as a child. She also found a double frame with two baby photos. Her mum was in both. One was her and she realized the other was the baby.

She touched the photo "I am happy Andromeda not only sent a photo but let my mum see her. I know mum always wanted grandkids."

Author note: only a chapter or two left. I am hoping for a good idea for a new story.