Disclaimer: Still J.K. Rowling's birthday. She still owns the Harry Potter series.

When it had been determined that there was really nothing to be except wait and hope that the children were resourceful and could get home themselves the tension reached near breaking point. Many times one of the adults suggested something, before realizing that it wouldn't work and the room lapsed into silence again. Harry had been determined to stay awake all night. He should've known that wouldn't work. Just like when Victoire was born, the Boy Who Lived Twice was no match for the Sand Man. He finally dozed off around a quarter to 5, because Hermione's scream at 5 in the morning was what woke him. Everyone immediately jumped to their feet. Hermione was already on top of Hugo, Lily, and Lucy, crying hysterically. Harry saw Teddy being crushed to death by a weeping Andromeda. The others had grabbed whatever child they could get a hold of and were gripping them as tightly as they would Snarguluff pods.

"Daddy," Lily shrieked pulling out of Aunt Hermione's embrace. He had already fallen to his knees and was hugging her. "What's that?" Lily noticed something soft in Harry's hand. Her eyes lit up. "Lambkinz! You found him!" Harry had in fact been sitting upon the unfortunate sheep, but his throat was too constricted to speak, so he merely hugged Lily tighter.

"Don't you ever do that to me again," Ginny mumbled in to James' hair. James did not attempt to fend her off this time. Angelina screamed in terror. Everyone looked up.

"Albus! Merlin's Beard," Mrs. Weasley cried. Harry stared unbelievingly at his former headmaster.

"Where deed you come from?" Fleur's voice was incredulous and thick from crying.

"Your children have gone on a rather adventurous Christmas Holiday. Not to worry," Albus assured an aghast Percy, "all memories have been modified. It is a thrilling tale that I'm sure they will enjoy recounting, but I must be getting back, and I believe I require Hermione's help." Hermione looked up sharply. She'd never been on a first name basis with Professor Dumbledore. He gestured toward the Time Turner and Hermione nodded, immediately understand what he required of her.

"Lily? May I have that locket back please?" Lily couldn't tear the necklace off fast enough. She ran from her father and frantically stuffed it into her aunt's hands.

"Take it! I never want to time travel again!" the others laughed.

Hermione nodded. "Professor, would you care to accompany me outside?"

"Wait," Harry was blocking the door "just wait a minute. Our children just-"

"Harry," Hermione interrupted, "Professor Dumbledore is not supposed to be here. None of this was supposed to happen. I have to take him back now."

"But-"

"Harry, you remember me telling you? Awful things have happened to people who meddle with time. It was my mistake bringing this time turner for Christmas. I was dangerous and illegal. I'm starting to think that the reason it took the Unspeakables so long to show it to me was that they knew how incredibly dangerous it was, and were smart enough to keep it out of the wrong hands. Please let us go."

"But wait. Just another moment." Harry looked up again into the piercing blue eyes of Albus Percival Wolfrick Brian Dumbeldore. "Professor, thank you. God, thank you for everything, and I'm sorry." Dumbledore smiled sadly.

"Harry, let us not dwell on the past. You and I have our respective futures to look forward to, and it seems to me that I am the one who should be thanking you." Behind Harry Mrs. Weasley hiccupped. Harry nodded.

"Well then, let's go. Mrs. Weasley if you'd be so kind." Hermione smiled in surprise and she pushed the door open for the aging man. As they were stepping out, it started to snow and Albus gave a low chuckle. Turning to face Harry and his family in the doorway, "Happy Christmas" and as snow swirled around them, he and Hermione disappeared, back to yesteryear.

A/N: I can't decide if I should end it there, or write another chapter. Thoughts, please.