Here is Ch. 12! I hope it's good and sorry for the delay. But Europe was amazing and I will probably incorporate the scenery I saw and some of my experiences into the story later on. As always, review, read, and enjoy!

Ch. 12: Merry Christmas

"Ouch!" Ron exclaimed jerking away from the Burrow's Christmas tree. "One of those blasted fairies just pinched me!" This response was followed by a soft, bell-like giggle emulating from the tree.

Harry and others snickered at Ron's plight. The fairies lighting the Weasley's Christmas tree were especially feisty this year (much to the annoyance of Neville and now Ron).

"Oh stop it Ronald!" Mrs. Weasley scolded as she gathered the remaining trash from the party. "Those pixies belonged to your Great-Grandmother Ginerva Weasley, and it would do you good to show them some respect!"

"Yeah Ronnekins" Bill added in. "One mustn't be a grench on Christmas." "Yeah" Ginny added in chuckling. "Or else Dad might tell us about that Muggle story again."

These responses changed the red on Ron's face from anger to humiliation which brought even more laughter (even to Hermione, who discreetly hid her smile from her fuming boyfriend). Despite his best mate's embarrassment, Harry relished in the scene of the Weasleys. He had been away from his home for far too long, and had missed these small moments more than he realized.

Harry had been on his 'vacation' for three days now, but this was the first time he had seen all of his friends at once. The last couple days Harry had spent scavenging for suitable gifts for his friends with the help of baby Teddy. Harry's gift to the Tonk's was a weeklong break from the care of Teddy (which they first were disapproving of, but after receiving their postcard from Belgium that morning Harry believed they were past that). It was too bad for Harry to take care of Teddy either.

It was easy to predict what he wanted since instead of constant crying, he merely turned a different color to tell Harry what he wanted. That, and Mrs. Weasley delighted in caring for Teddy. He contributed it to her motherly attitude and the fact all of her kids were now grown up. So despite it not being needed, Harry allowed her to spoil him.

Tonight more than ever Harry appreciated it. He was able to converse with all of his dearly missed companions at the party without worrying if Teddy needed anything.

To his relief the Christmas party was strictly friends only, and special wards were put into place to keep prying reporters at bay. Still it seemed to Harry almost a hundred people crammed around the Burrow; what Harry didn't expect was the sheer amount of 'friends' the Weasleys had.

Though Harry did get to meet with Kingsley and other new Ministry officials because of this rule, and he was quite pleased to be refreshed in the current state of Magical Britain.

He wasn't one for politics (which was mostly what was said), but from that Harry gathered that reconstruction was taking place throughout the country, and that prejudice was at an all time low.

"The only real problem we have faced." Kingsley said. "Is that the Goblins have been withholding some of the Ministry's funds through 'contracts' and 'traditions that have been in place for hundreds of years'. If they don't comply soon we may face a shortage in funding."

Harry felt guilty he couldn't help the Ministry with their Goblin relations. They still held a pretty large grudge towards him for breaking into one of their most secure vaults, stealing their dragon, and all but destroying the entrance hallway and priceless goblin artifacts. He had figured this out when he had with drawled money from his account. Not only did he receive dirty looks, but he also had some nasty language directed to him in goblin (which he only knew from Abe's gift).

Along with Ministry officials, he also got to converse with most of the Hogwarts professors, including Hagrid, McGonagall, Flitwick, and Pomfrey (which was the weirdest for him since he only ever saw her when an injury was involved). They all were happy to see him and were eager to hear about his studies in Egypt, especially McGonagall. While surprise didn't show in her eyes, they certainly gave off pride after hearing about his new found strength and powers.

Though out of all of the guest, Harry was most pleased to talk with his closest friends; they too shared his delight in being united once more. It had been months since the six had been together at once. Unfortunately, the large crowd and loud music had prevented them from sharing not much more than pleasantries.

But not now, the party had finished, and now the only people who remained were the Weasley's, Neville, Luna, and Hermione; his family.

Harry was interrupted from his thoughts when a hand moved in front of his face. "Harry? Earth to Harry?"

He jerked from the interruption and then saw Ginny standing over him, and the other inhabitants of the Burrow looking at him. Confused, Harry quite wittily said, "What?"

Ginny rolled her eyes and said, "Didn't you hear what I said? We're going to hand out our gifts now since this will be the last time all of us can be together again."

Harry's lips formed an 'O' shape and he quickly fumbled towards the kitchen where he left the gifts mentally scolding himself. I can't doze off like that. What if that had been an enemy? This thought unnerved Harry. Had the war affected him so much that now he was just as paranoid as Moody? He hoped not.

Grabbing his bag of presents, Harry jogged quickly back into the room to see his friends already opening presents.

Overall Harry thought he picked out good gifts to his friends based on the time limit he did it in, and they all seemed thoroughly pleased with their gifts. In return the things he received were equally nice.

Bill, Charlie, George and Ginny all chipped in and got him a top of the line wand holster that provided quick release, was disillusioned, and summoned back the wand if it was lost during combat. Neville bought him a pair of dragon-hide gloves for riding brooms and handling "the nastier plants and animals". Luna gave him a lifetime free subscription to The Quibbler. Mrs. Weasley gave him yet another sweater, and Ron gave him a set of what he called 'Ron Calls'; the other Weasley's, Neville, and Luna received these too and when questioned he explained,

"I know I haven't been around as much as I would've liked these past few months. When it came to get you all gifts, I thought to myself, 'what better gift to my friends than, well me'. So I asked Kingsley the number of vacation/sick days I got for the year and split up that time into equal slots for all of you. Whenever you want to see me, just rip up a card and I'll be there."

Despite the initial presentation showed lack of creativity, Harry thought Ron really did put effort into their gifts (albeit not much) and he like the others showed their confused appreciation. Only Ron would give such a gift, Harry mused. Guess that's what makes it special.

Hermione's gift to him was an old and dusty book; it was so dirty Harry had to blow on it to be able to see the cover. Once he read it he started a fit of laughter. The book was Of Might and Grace: The True Interpretation of Dragons. He knew why Hermione had gotten him this.

*Flashback*

Harry and Hermione were walking along the Black Lake. Harry used the port-key affect on his dad's ring to surprise Hermione with a visit since both had been too busy the week before. Though he was slightly disappointed when he didn't appear in front of Hermione, but in her Head Girl quarters in front of her bathroom vanity. She no longer wore the ring.

Once Hermione saw Harry, she immediately dropped what she was doing (saying she was already done with next weeks homework anyway) happy to spend time with her best friend.

On their walk their talks ranged from anything to everything. Topics included the ever-famous Madam Pince and Filch's relationship, their school memories both the mundane and suspenseful, and their schoolwork.

When a lull formed in the conversation, Harry asked seemingly out of the blue, "Why don't you like riding a broom, Hermione?"

The question caught her off-guard, mostly since she didn't know the answer herself. "Because I'm afraid of heights; I've always been."

"That's what I always thought." Harry said kicking a pebble near his feet. "But I realized that you rode Buckbeak, a Thestral twice, and a bloody dragon, so why not a broomstick?"

"Those situations were different" Hermione insisted shaking her head causing some of her untamed hair to hit harry across the cheek. "All of them were necessary to do the right thing and help others, which may I point out were more often than not for you. Riding a broomstick isn't necessary."

"But do you think after doing all of those things that your fear would be gone by now?" Harry asked. "At least you don't need to worry about a broom incinerating you."

The silence continued as Harry's question remained in the air, but instead of countering it, Hermione asked her own. "Why do you dislike dragons?"

Harry gave a dry chuckle and answered, "Because whenever I meet an adult one, they try to kill me."

"Yes but your broom has also almost killed you and given you loads of injuries. And the dragons you encountered only did what was right. The Hungarian Horntail was only guarding its children from someone trying to take them away. And the one at the one at Gringotts was only responding the way it was tortures and molded to do so. None of them knew any better. Dragons face the same prejudice other magical creatures do."

After a small period of contemplation Harry conceded, "You have a point 'Mione, but I still can't wrap my head around it. And besides, you never answered my question; Why don't you like riding a broom? The feeling you get from being alone in the sky with nothing but the clouds is-indescribable-and I don't want you to miss out on that."

Harry could see Hermione's face twitched from indecision and a raging battle forming inside her mind. To avoid a malfunction from her, Harry quickly said, "How about this. If you promise to try flying on a broom, I'll give dragons another chance."

He could still see apprehension in Hermione's eyes and added, "Of Course you could get help from me and Ron. And I suppose Victor." This seemed to convince Hermione enough to put a shaky hand forward and say with as much confidence as she could muster, "Deal."

The very next day Hermione woke up to see a Nimbus 2001 by her bedside, along with Lily's ring.

That had been two weeks ago, and she fulfilled their promise. "Blimey Hermione! Where did you find this book?" Charlie asked, his mouth opened in shock."Only 15 original copies exist in the world, and including this one I've now seen 2 of them; this is a fine gift, Harry" he finished by patting Harry on the back (but it felt more like a punch to him).

"Krum's mother is best-friends with the son of the author who gave her a copy of one. When I visited him a week ago for a FLYING LESSON I saw it in his library; I told him I wanted to give it to Harry, and almost immediately he agreed. After he magically copied the manuscript into a new book to replace the original. His mother didn't seem to mid; in fact I think she liked the newer one much better since Victor made it."

The answer satisfied the dragon loving Weasley, but not Harry. "Why is this book so valuable?"

Before Hermione could give her usual lecture or Charlie could prove his worth, Bill surprisingly answered for him. "It's because it was publish at a time where dragons were being hunted for their hides. They would sell for millions in the Wizard Black Market, but it was a risky business. To avoid as much casualties as possible, the illegal groups would go after the hatchlings and weak.

The trade became so large that soon the Dragons were on the verge of extinction; some species were already extinct. Then a Danish wizard, Roran Neilson, observed the behavior of dragons hidden in his animagus form of; he published his findings, but they were criticized at first. Only 15 copies were saved from immediate destruction. But slowly, the general wizarding population began to accept his premise, and thus Dragon Reserves were created to further study them, and Dragon hide trade was incinerated; pun intended."

Charlie gave a incredulous look to Bill in wonder (as did most of the other Weasleys) causing him to laugh and say, "What! Unlike some I pay attention to Ole Charlie's ramblings." He was rewarded with a kiss from his beaming wife.

"Yes-well" Harry coughed out bringing everyone's attention back to him. "Thank you, Hermione. It's a truly brilliant gift, and I promise to hole my end of the bargain." Everyone else was curious as to what exactly the deal was, but the grinning Harry and the smug Hermione wouldn't budge.

Even though majority of the guest had left when the group exchanged gifts, it still took a very long time to go through all of them. After all, 12 guests and each one giving a gift to the other meant roughly 144 presents had to be opened (at least that is what Harry estimated using his meager muggle math abilities to pass the time). So you can imagine many people were more relieved than upset when only two presents remained; both of which for Hermione.

Stifling a yawn, Hermione unwrapped a small, pink parcel from Ron. Hermione didn't know what to expect Ron to get her. Perhaps some jewelry, or a book from Flourish&Botts. To her anything would be an improvement from his usual Honeyduke's Chocolate. Not that she disliked that gift; she just wanted something different to signify that they were actually a couple.

To her disappointment, she was met with no such gift. Inside the frilly paper was yet another set of 'Ron Calls'. Hermione was good at hiding her true feelings though, and to everyone but Harry, it seemed that Hermione truly was happy with the present (even going as far as to kiss her boyfriend in front of everyone; something she was usually uncomfortable with).

Setting the cards aside, Hermione put her full attention on the last remaining gift, Harry's. The outside unlike Ron's was quick uninteresting. It was wrapped in thick, rough, brown paper that reminded her of muggle post deliveries and made it look like it was put together at the last minute. Trying to not let the exterior persuade her of the quality of the gift, Hermione unwrapped the gift.

Once she peeled away the paper enough to see what it was, Hermione let out a gasp and dropped the item to the ground (this caused some of the residences to point their wands at it defensively in reflex).

"Harry.." Hermione managed to gasp out in between deep breaths. "How did you get these!?"

If Harry was honest with himself, he would have to say finding Hermione's gift was the hardest. After their near kiss experience, Harry realized much of how he felt about Hermione would be judged by his gift. If he got something so magnificent, it could send the wrong message. Even getting something relatively nice for her would shadow Ron's in comparison (Harry unfortunately knew his friend lacked in that department). So that left Harry to get Hermione either a really crappy present, or something nice that only highlighted their friendship.

Harry visited Hogwarts just before it closed for the holidays and sought out Dennis Creevey, Colin's younger brother. The fifth year student was a still a bit depressed over his brother's death, but regained a spark in his eyes upon seeing Harry.

Dennis repeatedly spook about his admiration and appreciation for Harry (showing no blame towards him for Colin's death) and asked if he could do anything for him. This is what Harry was hoping for, and told him his request. His idea surprised Dennis a bit, but nevertheless he agreed. "Colin would want you to have them anyway" he stated a bit solemnly.

The package arrived late Christmas Eve (ironically enough it was delivered by the milk man Mr. Creevey who wished to meet Harry in person) at Grimmauld Place after Harry revealed the location to Dennis. But this meant Harry had to spend several hours piecing together the present through the night into morning.

That and a screaming baby left Harry with few hours of sleep, and minimal time to wrap the gift. But after Hermione saw it she forgot completely about the less than satisfactory wrapping.

Hermione looked down to see the newest edition of Hogwarts: A History, which hadn't even hit the market yet (Harry had to provide an exclusive interview with the publishers to get it but he would never admit this to Hermione). But unlike the normally plain exterior, this book was covered with developed muggle photos.

They ranged from awkward shots of Harry to the Golden Trio walking down the Hallway. From the D.A. to a Quidditch Game. Any and every possible moment where a photo could have been taken was utilized around the cover.

The group upon seeing the gift was NOT harmful slowly lowered the wands, and Harry took a brief moment to explain the book. "I met with Dennis Creevey and asked him if he would be willing to part with some of Colin's muggle photos of us and Hogwarts. Then I got the book knowing you would want it 'Mione and decided to cover it with them so your two favorite things in the world would be there; Your friends and books."

Recovering from her excitement induced shock, Hermione flew from her spot and engulfed Harry in a huge hug repeatedly saying into his ear, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" To Harry this was the best gift of all.

The pair were oblivious to the smirk and chuckles of most everyone else, but also Ron's look of envy.

Somehow the final gift seemed to bring a new glee to the atmosphere and an almost after-party broke out. The friends and family again chatted amiably glasses full of eggnog, pumpkin juice, or fire whiskey as someone (presumably George) set off small Christmas themed fireworks.

Harry was being entertained by a rather aggressive reindeer firework display chasing a wandless Neville when George soundlessly slid next to him. This resulted in Harry jumping and pointing his wand in prank-defense mode towards Geroge (which only seemed to improve his jolly mood).

Harry noticed this and asked, "You seem to be in a much better mood." It was true, for the entire evening really George had seemed to be more of himself since Fred's death. George, still smiling, nodded his head saying, "Yes well you'll have to thank old Freddy for that! I was cleaning out the backroom of WWW, something I never have done before, when I was suddenly hit with a defective wart bomb.

I looked up to see a laughing Fred Portrait! I couldn't believe my eyes! Apparently during the war Fred created a portrait of the both of us just in case, in his own words, 'one of us was blown up by old snake-face'. I must have been there for hours Harry talking to him. It's not the same of course, but it is certainly much better than I could've hoped for."

Harry was shocked by what George had told him. It was brilliant on Fred's part to think of that in the case one of them died. And after seeing Geroge in his withdrawn state for months, he couldn't be any happier.

"But anyway," George continued waving it off. "That's not why I wanted to talk to you. You're not going to want to miss this!" he discreetly pointed to Neville (who was still being pursued by the reindeer).

Harry turned in time to see the fireworks diminish in a burst of flames right behind Neville, forcing him to do almost a leap to avoid the sparks. He ran straight into the Ginny spilling her drink, which only increased Neville's embarrassment; Ginny laughed it off and used a spell to clean off the rouge pumpkin juice.

Suddenly out of nowhere, a small plant grew above the pair that seemed to glow a bright silver and quieted the other conversations. The plant was no other than a mistletoe.

The two (but mostly Neville) grew a deep shade of red, and the fairies in the tree began to giggle again. Neville began to fumble away from Ginny mumbling things like, "Sorry, you don't need to kiss me." But before he could, Ginny grabbed him by the shoulders and brought her lips to his.

The kiss seemed to last a few seconds (in which only silence ensued) but once it ended, the room burst out into applause (and Harry didn't miss a sulky Ron handing over some knuts to a happy Charlie) . Some of the bolder Weasley's even came up and patted the pair on the back saying, "It's about time!" and, "Nice one Neville!" These comments had Ginny ready to hex her annoying brothers, but flew over Neville's head. A smile was plastered to his face the entire night.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

It was about two o'clock in the morning before it seemed everyone had crashed in the Weasley's living room. Bill and Fleur were asleep cuddling on the couch (next to a drooling Ron and Charlie). Ginny and a still smiling Neville also were sleeping with the other in a conjured love seat, and the rest were sprawled here a there.

Everyone was out except Hermione who was up reading her special copy of Hogwarts: A History with her lighted wand and Harry who was woken up a while ago with the light and was contently relaxing on the floor.

This was certainly the happiest Christmas Harry had, but he wasn't sure if it was his favorite. Sure his others were either in the presence of the Dursley's, Voldemort and his death eaters, or somewhere in between, he did have a handful of good memories with those. His father's invisibility cloak, the Weasley sweaters, Sirius, but most importantly his parents' graves. Somehow this Christmas was too-normal- if that ever could be applied to him.

It was a strange feeling; one Harry hoped he'd get used to. No, as crazy as it sounds, Harry decided he enjoyed last years Christmas the most. Despite his near death with Nagini as Bathilda Bagshot and losing his wand, he just kept thinking back to the feeling he had looking at the graves of his parents next to Hermione; the feeling of her hand in his, and her beautifully conjured reef. It was something he couldn't fully understand or explain, but somehow just being surrounded by the people who cared for him the most brought a feeling over him he never felt before, which confused, annoyed, and saddened him greatly.

Groaning in confused annoyance, Harry rolled onto his side and opened his eyes. He jumped back in surprise when he looked straight into Luna's eyes. After a few moments examining the rest of her, Harry was relieved to find she was indeed asleep. Even in sleep she keeps her dreamy expression.

Harry's movements seemed to alert Hermione, who extinguished her wand and closed her wand. With one look at Harry, she crouched down next to her best friend and seemed to examine him for a moment as she would a book (Harry let her do this, too tired to protest).

"I know what you're thinking, Harry." she finally whispered to him after a while. "I'm thinking it too." When Harry made no move to respond she continued. "Last year most of the time we were cold, hungry, and without a plan; definitely not a happy experience. But that night was the first time in a while we did have a plan, and while it didn't work and we lost your wand, it was the first time we both had hope in a while. Your parents did that, Harry. That was their gift to you.

It's still there, too." Harry still did not respond, but Hermione knew he wouldn't. Their experiences in the tent were things they had not been able to come into terms with yet, and now was no different.

Hermione let out a soft yawn and wordlessly cuddled up next to Harry, something they had did a number of times in the tent, and a sign of comfort for the both of them.

As soon as Hermione had settled her chin on Harry's shoulder, Harry said in only a faint whisper, "Merry Christmas, Hermione."

"Merry Christmas Harry"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Okay well you all saw ONE of the final pairings form, but their are still a few to go. I know people like to ship Luna and Neville together, but I feel like Ginny and Neville did have more chemistry in the books, and I'm honoring J.K. Rowling's belief in that they would not be a couple.

This chapter was overall a bit gushy, but it was needed, the next two chapters I believe will have their fair share of action as I draw a close to Harry's time with Abe.

I added the flashback about the dragon and broom almost last minute as I have an idea how I will treat the two. It won't be a mind boggling plot twist or anything like that, but it will be important.

Because to me the Dragons in HP were the most underappreciated magical creature since they were the only ones after the war that opinions didn't change greatly for. I'm going to make them decent. Anyway, loves and kisses. Au Revoir!