Prompt: (object) tinsel
A Tree For All Seasons
Marlene picked half-heartedly at the tinsel left on the tree. Sirius knew that she hated taking down all the holiday decorations. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she always seemed a bit sad for a few days once everything was packed up for the year.
"You know," he said, "I think I remember you telling me last year that Muggles who have artificial trees sometimes keep them up all year round and just decorate them for different holidays and seasons."
Marlene paused in her task, looking over at him curiously. "I think I remember you saying that was a silly idea," she replied.
Sirius shrugged. "That was our first Christmas together. I didn't realize then how unhappy it makes you feel to tear everything down after Christmas is over."
"I get over it after a few days. It's not like I mope around for weeks on end." She spoke casually, but Sirius could see the glimmer of hope in her eyes. So she does want to do it, he thought. I suppose it wouldn't so bad.
"Besides," she continued, "that means we'd have to get a tree. And I'd still want a real one at Christmas." She turned back to the tree and started picking tinsel off again, apparently assuming that was the end of it.
"So?" Sirius's words stopped her and she turned to face him. "That just means you can have two trees to decorate at Christmas. I don't see how that would be so bad."
Marlene looked at him hopefully. "Are you really going to let me do this?" She smiled when he nodded his agreement and rewarded him with a kiss. "You're the best, you know that?"
"I just want you to be happy." Marlene spent the rest of the afternoon packing decorations away, a smile on her face. Sirius couldn't help but smile as well, knowing that he'd allowed something normally so sad for her to be something better.