Merry Christmas Everyone
Part 1
Summary: Christmas has arrived. On Christmas Eve, Ginny joins the Potters for their Christmas celebration. On Christmas, the Potters head to the Burrow for Christmas with the Weasleys. Gifts are given, food is eaten, and fun is had by all. Will Ginny like what Harry gave her for Christmas? Will Harry like what Ginny got him?
AN: Part 2 will be Christmas with the Weasleys.
James woke up to an empty bed the morning of Christmas Eve. He reached over, feeling Lily's side of the bed. It was cold. She had been up for a while. Glancing at the clock, he noted the time. It was 9 o'clock. Lily was up at six, if not earlier, to start cooking. He could smell the roast turkey and stuffing balls. It smelled like Christmas.
Sitting up, he stretched, yawning as he turned to get out of bed. He slipped on his slippers and headed to the bathroom.
"James?"
"I'm up," He called.
Leaving the bathroom, he found his wife had come upstairs. She was dressed in an old jumper and joggers. Her hair was in a ponytail. She was wearing the apron her mother had given her as a housewarming present when she and James moved into the house in Godric's Hollow.
"Good morning. Merry Christmas Eve," He said.
"Merry Christmas Eve," she murmured. "I made breakfast for you and Harry. It's ready. I thought I would let you boys sleep in."
"Do I need to wake up, Harry?"
"He's already up. He's been up for about an hour."
James followed his wife downstairs to the kitchen. Harry was at the counter, pouring himself a cup of tea.
"Good morning, son," He greeted.
"Morning, Dad."
"Did you sleep any last night?" James asked.
"I did." Harry pulled out the orange juice from the refrigerator. "What time is everyone coming over? I told Ginny 4 o'clock." He got a glass out of the cupboard and poured himself some juice.
"That is when Sirius and Hestia are getting here. Remus will be here at about five," James added.
"Order business?" Harry guessed.
"Yes," Lily confirmed.
James chuckled as he poured his coffee. "I still can't believe Sirius and Hestia are together."
"But are you surprised?" Lily asked as she checked the turkey in the oven.
"I thought after Marlene, Sirius would never find another woman." James took his plate of eggs, sausage, and toast to the table. He summoned the cup of tea and coffee as Harry carried his plate and glass of orange juice.
Lily checked on the stuffing, adding a little more sage. "I can't believe Hestia agreed to go on the first date with him. Now they're a couple."
Harry raised his hand. "Can someone clue me in on what's going on? Are Sirius and Hestia dating? When did that happen?"
"They've been together since," James trailed off.
"September. They went on a date the weekend we went back to Hogwarts."
"And that's when they got together?"
James nodded. "It was the second date the following weekend. After the first one, Sirius and I made Hestia a communication mirror like the ones we have. Like the one I made for you to give to Ginny."
Harry nodded, motioning for him to continue. James smirked.
"Go on," Harry said. "I feel like I'm listening to Ginny tell me the latest gossip in her friend group."
"We finished it on Sunday, and he gave it to her on Monday."
"He called her that evening. And every evening that week," Lily added. "Finally, she demanded to know what his intentions are."
"He asked her on a date again. This time, they talked and decided to give dating a shot." James snorted. "They've been together since."
"I figured something happened. He seems like he's happy," Harry commented.
James smiled. "Like someone else I know." He looked pointed at his son. Harry ignored his gaze, blushing, and pushed around the eggs on his plate.
"Minerva noticed it too." Lily checked the turkey again. "She smiled. Brighter than I ever remember her smiling when he told her. Well, until you and Ginny together."
James turned to his son. "Speaking of Ginny, how did yesterday go?"
Ginny came over yesterday to watch movies. One of her assignments over Christmas was to watch a Christmas movie for Muggle Studies and write about it.
"Which movie did she do her assignment on?" Lily inquired.
Harry waited until he swallowed the bite of sausage before he replied. "A Christmas Carol. She asked me if there were anything factual I would know she could add to her paper. I told her it's based on a book."
"What did she think of How The Grinch Stole Christmas?" James asked.
"She thought it was interesting. The Grinch steals all of the Whos' Christmas presents and decorations only to have a change of heart and return everything."
Lily smiled as she listened to Harry talk about his and Ginny's movie day yesterday. She had peeked in on them once. Ginny had snuggled close to Harry during the second movie. Lily remembered when she saw her with her head on Harry's shoulder. She had slipped out of the family room before they noticed she was there.
"She's going to write about it too. There was no limit on how many movies to watch and write a paper about."
James added jam to his toast. He noticed how much Harry glowed when he talked about Ginny. The smile never left his face.
"Are all of your presents wrapped?" Lily asked.
"Yeah, I'm bringing down the ones we're giving out tonight. I'm saving a couple of Ginny's for the Burrow tomorrow."
"Are you giving her the stocking tonight?"
"That's one of the presents for tonight."
"Can you bring down ours for us?" Lily asked. "Actually, before you do that, when you're finished with breakfast, wait before you go upstairs."
"Okay," Harry replied slowly.
He looked at James. He shrugged. When he met eyes with Lily from across the table, he winked.
Harry finished breakfast not long after. He took his plate to the sink and rinsed out his glass. He returned to the table for his cup, drinking the last of the tea in his cup. Lily picked up the cup to take it to the sink.
"I got it," She said. Placing it sink, she flicked her wand for the dishes to start washing themselves. "Okay, Dad and I decided to give you one of your Christmas presents early. I didn't know he had bought it until I got home." She looked pointedly at James. "This is something that will keep the three of you occupied."
Harry knew who the three of you were. Sirius, of course, was included. There wasn't an occasion when Lily cooked that Sirius tried to sample Lily's cooking. Easter, Lily had banned him from the kitchen while she was cooking. Harry's birthday, Lily had banished him outside with James. When Lily started cooking in her quarters on Fridays, she dared Sirius to show up before the set time. And to pass the rug that divided the kitchen and sitting room.
James led Harry and Lily into the family. There were pocket doors to the family room. They rarely used them. Lily only used it when she wanted to close off the family room. When Harry was little, Lily kept it closed to hide the mess.
"I didn't notice the doors were closed," Harry commented.
"Well, we put your present in the family. We didn't want you to see it before time, Mr. Observant."
Harry noticed more than what people gave him credit for. Regardless, he was fairly easy to surprise. He was always observant.
James pushed open the doors, opening the family room.
"Merry Christmas, son," He said.
Harry noticed it first. "You didn't."
James had bought him a PlayStation. Harry hadn't even mentioned he had wanted it.
"I did. The Nintendo is still plugged in. I upgraded the surge protector to one with more outlets. You can use it. I picked a couple of games. We can go after Christmas for a couple more. What do you think?"
James was met with Harry throwing himself at him. He was nearly knocked off his feet.
"Be careful," Lily cautioned. "I don't want to spend Christmas at St. Mungo's A&E."
"Thanks, Dad," Harry said.
"You're welcome."
James smiled, feeling like he had pulled off the best surprise. When Lily suggested they give Harry the PlayStation today, he agreed. It would give Harry something to do while they waited for dinner. It also would keep Sirius occupied. He had gone to Woolworths for Harry's new Walkman. While in the shop, he stumbled upon the PlayStation display. Making an impulsive decision, he picked up a PlayStation console. He added extra controllers and picked a few games.
Lily wasn't pleased at first, but when James mentioned they could give it to Harry as a Christmas Eve gift, she changed her mind. It would also keep Sirius out of the kitchen, especially since racing games were what James had purchased.
He had bought Air Combat, Battle Area Toshinden, Destruction Derby, and Cyberspeed. He had only told Lily and Sirius he was buying Harry the PlayStation. Lily found a game called Hi-Octane. Sirius got Wipeout and Ridge Racer and bought a third controller.
"If Ron, Neville, and Harry want to do a three-player game, they can."
Lily leaned against the door frame, watching her boys as James showed Harry how to turn on the PlayStation. She couldn't help but smile as James opened one of the new games. Harry put it in. They watched as the screen came on with Sony PlayStation's title screen.
Lily would have to get used to the sound of the PlayStation coming on.
James watched Harry play one of the fighting games for a minute before leaving the family room.
"You did good, Mr. Potter," Lily commented, leaning against the door.
James leaned in, kissing her cheek.
"Thank you. I think this is going to be great Christmas."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Harry played for over an hour before he turned off the PlayStation and headed to the kitchen. Lily was busy cooking, using her wand to direct peeling potatoes and carrots. She checked on the turkey again, basting it.
"How's it looking?" Harry asked, opening the refrigerator. He got out a can of Coke.
"It looks good. Can you hand me the milk while you're there?"
"Sure, Mum."
Harry opened the refrigerator, got out the milk, and handed it to Lily.
"Thank you, Sweetheart." She poured some into a cup and added it to the gravy.
"Are Ginny and I eating in the dining room or the kitchen?"
"The dining room. Remus is going to take the extra chair. Can you take it from the hall to the dining room?"
"I already did that," James said, walking into the kitchen. "What else do you need me to do?"
"I set up the dining room yesterday. I washed the plates, glasses, and Grandmother Evan's gravy boat." She paused. Her grandmother's gravy boat was one of the few things she had left from her childhood home. Her mum had given it to her when she and James were married and with the family china. She had them displayed in a case in the dining room. James's family's china was what they used for holidays.
"Lily?"
"I'm alright, James."
Lily always had a moment during the holidays, especially Christmas, she remembered she had no living family. Well, except for her sister. They didn't talk. If Iris Evans saw her daughters now, she would roll over in her grave. But it wasn't Lily's fault. She tried.
She felt someone hug her. She returned it, pressing a kiss to the side of her son's head.
"I'm alright, Sweetheart."
Harry left James and Lily in the kitchen, heading to the family room. He took a drink of Coke, sitting down to see what was on the television. James had picked up a Radio Times during a food shop a few weeks ago. He flicked through it before he settled on what was on the television. It was the Keeping Up Appearances 1994 Christmas Special.
"Is that the Christmas Special from last year?" James asked.
"Yeah," Harry replied.
On the television, the character Richard limps up the drive.
"Try to look dignified, dear. Let suffering become you!" Hyacinth, the main character, says.
Richard then says. "If suffering doesn't become me, I don't know who it becomes."
James roared with laughter.
"Poor Richard, he does suffer," Lily chimed in from the kitchen.
"If I lived with a woman like Hyacinth." James chuckled. "I would be suffering."
Lily walked into the family room, sitting on the couch to watch the show. She didn't have anything at the moment she needed to do.
They sat on the couch, watching last year's Keeping up with Appearances Christmas Special. No one mentioned that tomorrow night's Christmas special would be the last.
During an advert break, Lily checked the food on the stove and the turkey. She basted the turkey and checked the stuffing. It was almost ready for her to turn into stuffing balls. When she came back, she brought James a drink and herself a cup of tea.
After the show went off, Lily returned to the kitchen. James headed upstairs to collect the presents from him and Lily to put under the tree. Harry went to get ready for the day.
Upon entering his room, he heard Lily call up to him.
"We're not dressing up this year. Jeans and a jumper would be just fine."
"Okay, Mum," Harry called back. "Thank Merlin," he whispered.
He had left the door ajar, allowing him to hear the Christmas music Lily was playing downstairs in the kitchen.
After he got dressed, he gathered the presents he needed to take downstairs. The presents for Remus, Sirius, Hestia, and Ginny were sitting in the corner of his room or in his armchair. James and Lily's presents were tucked away in the closet. They would come down after everyone had gone home.
"Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you going to the Burrow to help Ginny bring her things over?" James asked, peeking into his room.
"I can."
He reached for his communication mirror to call Ron. He smiled when he realized he was giving Ginny a mirror tonight. Then he could call her directly.
"Ron," He called.
Ron's face appeared a second later. "Hey, mate. What's up?"
"Merry Christmas to you, too. I need you to tell Ginny I'll be over later to help her get her things over here."
A voice said, "I heard that." Then Ginny's face appeared. Ron had turned the mirror towards her.
"Hiya," She greeted.
"Hi there."
"I'll be ready about three. Is that too early?"
"Tell her no. It's fine," James said from the doorway.
"It's fine. I'll be over at three."
"Mum is sending over some biscuits. You would be doing us a favor by taking some."
"Molly still baking?" James asked.
"Yes. I made some myself."
James had left to take the presents downstairs. Harry asked, "What kind did you make?"
"Biscoff, Shortbread, and Chocolate fingers."
Harry swallowed. "Are you bringing some here?"
"I got three tins of them."
"There might be none left when you go home. Shortbread is Dad and Sirius's favorite biscuit. I've seen them duel over the last one."
"Did I hear something about shortbread?" James asked.
"Molly and Ginny made some. She's bringing some over."
"I look forward to it."
When James left, Harry snorted. "At least Remus isn't here to hear that you're bringing chocolate fingers. Those are Remus's favorites. Mum's are the Bischoff."
"And yours?" Ginny asked.
"The chocolate fingers. If there's one left, Remus and I break it in half. We don't duel over the last one."
James peeked his head into Harry's room. "I heard that."
"He's not wrong," Lily called from the bottom of the stairs.
When James was gone, Harry looked down at the mirror.
"Are you sure you want to come and spend Christmas Eve with my crazy family?"
"Have you met mine?" Ginny asked, ignoring Ron's 'Hey!'
"I have. I'll see you later."
"Alright. I love you."
"I love you," Harry said, ignoring Ron, Fred, and George's kissing noises.
"OI! Give me the mirror, Ginny." Ron grabbed the mirror. "Hey, real quick."
Harry heard him say hold this to someone. Then he saw a full view of Ron dressed in the clothes Harry had helped him pick out for Christmas with Hermione's family.
"What do you think?" Ron asked.
The green jumper and jeans was an excellent choice. Harry, Seamus, and Dean had told him he had made the right choice. He had paired the outfit with his boots.
"Looks good. Want another option?" Harry guessed.
"Please. I want to make a good impression on Hermione's grandparents. I haven't met them yet."
Harry nodded before yelling, "Mum!"
Lily stepped into Harry's room, dressing her dressing gown.
"Ron wants your option on his outfit."
Lily took the mirror, knowing why Ron wanted her thoughts. Harry had described what Ron had picked. It suited him well.
"You look handsome, Ron. Hermione's family will love you. I know Hugh and Jane are fond of you."
"So Hermione tells me."
"Have a good time. Tell us about it tomorrow?"
"I will."
Lily handed the mirror back to Harry and returned to her bedroom.
"I told you," Harry said.
"I know. Well, if you see me tomorrow, it means I survived."
"Ron, you're going to have Christmas with Hermione's family. Not going to get kissed by a dementor."
"I know."
"Good luck. If you're back at the Burrow when I take Ginny home, you can tell me about it. Which one are you giving her tonight, the necklace or the earrings?"
"The earrings. The necklace is with the family tomorrow. Are you saving one of Ginny's for tomorrow? I know she's saving one yours for here."
"Yeah, I am."
"Alright, see you later, mate."
"See you later."
Harry sighed once he got off the mirrors with Ron. He was looking forward to giving Ginny her gifts. And a little nervous.
He just hoped that she liked everything he got her. All he wanted was to make this Christmas special. Their first Christmas as a couple.
Hopefully, everything will go smoothly.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ginny had just come downstairs when the floo flared. She looked into the sitting room as Harry tumbled out of the fireplace. George caught him before he fell on his face.
"Are you ever going to get the hang of flooing?"
"Maybe. I prefer it to apparating."
Molly had the same charms on the fireplace that Lily had. It vanished the soot from anyone who flooed over. It was the best way to handle the mess.
"Ginny's almost ready," George said.
"I'm ready," she called. "Mum, Harry's here."
Molly peeked her head into the sitting room. She approached Harry, arms open for a hug.
"Harry, how are you, dear?"
"I'm good, Molly."
"Good. Tell Lily I don't need the tins back." Harry knew there was no use telling his mother that. She would wash them when they were done with them and send them back to the Burrow.
"I will."
"My bags by the fireplace," Ginny said. She was dressed in a grey-colored jumper and jeans with black flat boots. Her hair was half up and half down, curled. She stepped into the sitting room, meeting Harry at the door.
"Hi," She greeted.
"Hi," He returned. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, let me get my handbag." She collected her bag from the kitchen. Harry held open her coat for her to put on.
"Thank you," She murmured. "I'll see you later, Mum. I'll come and say good night when I get home."
"Alright. No rush, dear," Molly assured her. "Have a good time."
"I will."
She walked into the sitting room, nodding to Fred and George.
"Behave," She ordered.
"You behave," Fred retorted. "Harry, it was good seeing you."
"You too, Fred. George."
He picked up the bag with presents while Ginny took the bag with biscuits and cookie tins.
Ginny flooed over first. Once she was gone, Harry flooed back home.
James was waiting for them when they arrived.
"Hello, Ginny," James greeted. "We're happy to have you join us for our family Christmas."
"Thanks for having me," Ginny murmured. "This is cookies and biscuits." Lowering her voice, she added, "Shortbread is on the top."
"How did you know they were my favorite?" James asked quietly.
"A little birdy told me," She replied, glancing back at Harry.
Ginny took out the tin with the shortbread handing them to James. Then she made her way to the kitchen. Harry followed her, only heading on into the family room.
Lily was at the stove when Ginny walked in. Hestia was sitting on a stool, sipping a glass of Diet Coke.
"Hello," Ginny greeted as she walked in.
"Hello, Ginny. Harry's warned me Molly was sending biscuits."
"She sent cookies too."
Lily wiped her hands before opening her arms for a hug. "She still upset?"
Ginny nodded, walking into Lily's arms. It might be odd to show such affection with your boyfriend's parents, especially with his mother. But Ginny didn't think so. She had known James and Lily for years. She confided things with Lily that she never said to Molly.
When they broke away, Harry walked into the kitchen.
"Have you two met?" He asked, motioning between Ginny and Hestia.
"I think we might have. Would you introduce us?" Hestia asked.
Harry knew why she had asked.
"Hestia, this is my girlfriend, Ginny. Ginny, this is my godmother, Hestia."
Hestia opened her arms. "I'm a hugger, not a shaker."
"I think you would get along just fine with my Mum," Ginny said as she hugged her.
"Sirius Black! Take one step into my kitchen, and it will be the last thing you do," Lily warned.
"I'll go and keep him and Dad company," Harry said. He headed to the family room while Ginny stayed in the kitchen.
"When did you two get together?"
"October," Ginny replied. "October 14th."
"Is he good to you?"
"Very."
Hestia nodded. "If you ever have any problems, just let me know."
When Ginny excused herself to go to the bathroom, Lily whispered, "Minerva told me when she sees Harry and Ginny, it's like she's seeing James and me."
Hestia nodded. "I can see that."
Ginny stepped out of the bathroom to find Harry waiting for her.
"We didn't get to greet each other properly, did we?"
Harry glanced towards the kitchen and family room.
"Let's hurry up before Sirius shows up." Without warning, he leaned in and kissed her lips softly. She sighed happily.
"That's better. If we didn't have an audience earlier, meaning my brothers, we could have greeted each other then."
"Dinner's ready!" Lily called.
Harry slipped into the bathroom to wash his hands. Then he led Ginny into the dining room.
"Ginny's beside you, Harry," Lily murmured.
Harry pulled out Ginny's chair for her. When she sat down, he helped her scoot it in. Sirius and James followed, helping Hestia and Lily with their chairs.
Remus sat down in the extra chair between Sirius and James's places.
"How are you, Remus?" Ginny asked. She was still getting used to calling him that.
"I'm good."
The table was soon full of food that Lily had cooked. James sighed as he took in the feast before them.
"Lily Flower, everything looks so good," He complimented.
"Thank you, dear."
James sighed, happily looking around the table. Then he picked up the carving knife and stood up.
"Welcome everyone to our Potter Family Christmas."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
"I am going to explode," Sirius groaned.
Remus sighed. "I'm stuffed."
"I can't keep my eyes open. What is it in turkey that makes you want to sleep?" James asked.
"I don't know. Lily, you did a fantastic job on that turkey," Sirius commented.
"Thank you," Lily called from the kitchen. "Can I get you men some coffee?"
"No," the three men chorused. James looked around. "Where's Harry and Ginny?"
"Down here, Dad," Harry said from the floor. Ginny was sitting next to him. His arm was around her.
"Dinner was good, Lily," Ginny commented.
"Thank you."
Hestia and Lily walked into the kitchen, carrying plates and platters to the sink.
"We'll deal with this later. Let's go and sit with the others."
"Everything was so good, Lily."
"Glad you enjoyed it."
Harry and Ginny had opted to eat dessert in the family room. This way, they could talk. The bonus was this allowed everyone to discuss the last Order meeting. There were details of it James had told Harry, one thing he kept from him only because James wanted to know more before telling his son.
"When are we going to open presents?"
"Soon, Sirius," James replied.
Conversation shifted to talking about the Aurors' Christmas party. Lily had baked biscuits, cookies, and her famous chocolate cake for the occasion. Three Auror's wives asked her for the recipe for her shortbread biscuits. Ruby, James's secretary, told Lily the whole department witnessed a James and Sirius duel.
It was all over the last Shortbread biscuit. Sirius won when he reminded James, "You sleep with the woman who bakes them."
"So, Hestia, what do you do?" Ginny asked when there was a pause in conversation.
"I'm an estate agent. I sell houses and flats in the wizarding world. I also work in the Muggle world."
"That sounds like something my dad would be interested in," Ginny commented. "He's interested to do with anything about Muggles."
"Ron had warned Hermione about that when she and her parents met Arthur," Harry added. "Hermione only met Molly when we came home after our first year. Luckily, Jane and Hugh are friendly. They entertained all questions Arthur had about their job. They're dentists."
Hestia nodded. "Are those people who work on teeth?" She asked. She had family members who were Muggles and knew a lot about the Muggle World.
Lily nodded. "Speaking of."
"You told me," Harry said. "Is it still Dr. Lyons?"
Lily shook her head. "He retired. We're seeing a Dr. Myers now."
"Man or woman?" James asked.
"Man. Jane and Hugh aren't taking new patients, or I would have scheduled with them."
"Do you schedule Harry's appointments around breaks?" Hestia asked.
"Yes, I don't think Harry likes it thought."
"Not really," Harry admitted.
"How did your report go?" James asked Ginny. "Harry said which movies you picked to write about."
"It was easy. I wrote it all here since I had the movie box to refer to for the summary about the movie. Then I wrote my thoughts about it. I think Professor Burbage will like my paper."
"She seems to be really nice," Lily said.
"She is," Ginny confirmed.
"Did you have a good time?" Sirius asked.
"We did. We had leftover pizza for lunch. Harry made popcorn and introduced me to some Muggle candy. I wouldn't mind doing that again before we return to school."
"You can," Lily replied. "Maybe you can watch some Disney movies."
"That sounds like fun." Ginny glanced at her boyfriend.
"When would you want to come over for that?"
"Let me check with Mum, see what the plans are. I'll get back to you."
"Okay."
Remus, Sirius, and James shared a look. "She's got him wrapped around her finger," Sirius whispered.
"Remind you of anyone, Padfoot?" Remus asked, looking at James.
"You know, Moony, he does."
"Are we ready to start opening presents?" James asked.
"I am!" Sirius exclaimed, causing Remus to jump.
"Are you sure you are 36?"
"I am."
Ginny leaned over and whispered in Harry's ear, "Are they always like this?"
Harry nodded. "Welcome to my world."
"Harry, would you start handing out the presents?" Lily asked.
"Sure, who should I start with?" He asked.
While Lily and Hestia were cooking, Harry sorted the presents into piles for each person. Ginny helped him. She couldn't help but notice how big her pile was.
"Not all of that is from you, is it?" She pointed to her pile.
"I think Mum might have got you a few things," Harry said.
"Start with Sirius," Lily decided.
"Actually, start with Ginny," Sirius suggested.
Harry walked over to the pile of Ginny's presents. He picked up the pile of presents, bringing them to her.
He went back to the tree, dragging a large stocking towards Ginny.
"Harry James, what did you do?"
"Okay, I might have gone overboard with your gifts."
"Might have," Ginny repeated. "Did you save any for tomorrow?"
"One," Harry admitted.
James helped Harry hand out the rest of the presents. He took Harry's pile to where he was sitting beside Ginny. Putting them into piles for each person helped when it was time to hand them out.
Ginny noticed that her and Harry's pile of presents was the biggest. Everyone else had a few.
"Was there a limit?" She wondered. Harry didn't mention one. But when she looked over her presents, she realized the bulk of hers was from Harry. Looking at Harry's pile, she noticed the same thing. The majority of his presents were from her.
Harry came over, sitting down beside her. Everyone else had started to open their presents.
"Which one should I open first?" She asked her boyfriend.
"Whichever one you want."
Ginny reached for a wrapped box, noticing how big it was. What did Harry get her that it needed to be in this big box?
She unwrapped the paper, piling it in front of her. Then slowly, she opened the box. Inside was a fluffy dressing gown. She pulled it out as Lily awed.
"Do you like it?" Harry asked.
"It's so soft," Ginny said, running her hands over it.
"That looks like it would be so warm," Hestia commented.
"I love it, thank you."
"You're welcome."
Harry went next. He picked up a wrapped box wrapped in Snitch wrapping paper.
"Where did you find that paper, Ginny?" Lily asked.
"Quality Quidditch Supplies. They had the whole set. Mum bought it for the boys' presents. I snagged this for Harry's."
"I'll need to stop in after Christmas and see if they have any left for next year," Lily noted.
Harry pulled off the wrapping paper and opened the box.
"What did you get?" James inquired.
Harry held the Puddlemere United Seeker's biography.
"How did you know I wanted this?"
"Someone might have mentioned it." Ginny glanced at Lily. "Notice something?"
Harry looked at the book, then opened it.
"It's signed!"
"I thought you would like a signed copy. I take it you like it."
"I do. Thanks, Gin."
Ginny picked up the next present, noticing it, too, was from Harry. She unwrapped the box. This one was smaller than the previous box. Opening it, she awed at the cute teddy bear slippers.
"These are cute."
"Hermione helped me compile a list of ideas for you. Slippers were on the list. I thought you would like them."
"I do. Thank you."
Harry ignored the fact everyone else had stopped to watch them. He picked up the next box, noticing how light it was. Pilling off the wrapping paper, Harry added it to the pile of wrapping paper. Opening the box, he found a framed photo of Ginny. She was smiling at whoever was taking the picture, her eyes shaded by her hand.
"Did Colin take this?" Harry asked.
"He did."
Harry made a mental note to send Colin some chocolate.
"I thought you could put it on your bedside table."
"That is where it's going, Gin. Thanks. Remind me to thank Colin for this," he requested.
She picked up the next present, noticing it was from Harry. The weight was a little heavier than the previous two. Opening the box, she realized why. It was a book.
"I wanted this. I told Hermione I was going to get this. It's the second one in the series I'm reading."
"I might have peeked in it," Harry admitted. "There are parts I'm looking forward to seeing Ron, Fred, and George's reactions to."
"Oh, really."
Harry picked up the next present from Ginny, noticing how heavy it felt.
"Is this a book?" He asked.
"Sort of."
Harry unwrapped the box, opening it. Inside was the scrapbook Ginny had started.
"It's not finished," Ginny said. "Colin helped me with a few pictures for it. I added some notes beside a few."
Harry opened it to the first page. There were a couple of pictures of him during a Defense Club meeting. One was standing behind Ginny, guiding her through wand movement.
"I was thinking we could work on this together," She suggested.
"I would like that. I can add my own pictures." Like the ones his mother had taken during the holidays. "Did Colin help you with this, too?"
Ginny nodded. Harry made a mental note to change chocolate to the chocolate basket.
"I'm going to do the stocking next. Is that okay?" She asked.
"Of course," Harry replied.
Ginny pulled the stocking to her. Reaching in, she started pulling out stuff. There were tights, hair ties, and clips. There were different kinds of candy, both Muggle and Wizarding.
"What all did you buy?" James asked.
She pulled out a Bath set, Body Polisher to use with the bath set, lip balm, and Face Mask.
"How much stuff is here?" She asked, pulling out a hair brush. "I needed a new one."
She pulled out toe socks. "What are these?"
"There toe socks. It's like a glove for your feet," Harry explained. "I thought you would like them."
"I do. I think some of the girls have these."
Reaching into the stocking, she pulled out a shower cap and headband. Finally, the thing was a decorative box.
"You're spoiling me," Ginny said.
"You deserve to be," Harry retorted. "Everything I bought for your stocking is things you need. Hermione suggested a few things. Kendall even suggested a few things."
"What did Kendall suggest?" Ginny asked.
"Something for you to keep your hair things in. That's what the decorative box is for."
"I will definitely use it for that. Thank you."
The last present from Ginny to Harry was the Seeker gloves and the broom servicing kit. Harry's jaw dropped when he opened them.
"Ginny, these are the ones that Puddlemere's Seeker uses!"
"I know."
"Thank you, Gin."
"You're welcome."
Ginny reached for the last of Harry's presents for her. She noticed the shape of the box looked familiar.
James watched from the couch as Ginny unwrapped the perfume.
"Harry, you didn't. How did you get this?"
"I bought it when Dad and I went shopping. Kendall told Ron to tell me you were almost out of it."
"Was this when Remus canceled class, and you left early to go home?"
Harry nodded.
"And I just got Kendall some candy and quills."
After everyone had opened presents, James got a rubbish bag. Everyone started to throw away the wrapping paper and ribbon. The bows could be reused next year.
"Harry, what all did you get?" Lily asked.
Harry had moved his stuff to the couch to get it out of the way. She had seen what Ginny had gotten Harry. They had watched the teens exchange presents before opening their own. Remus and Sirius had gone in together and got Harry a collection of Defense books.
"I saw him read them in the room of requirement," Sirius began. "I wrote down the title of each book I saw him read or look over. Then I took the list to the bookshop in Hogsmeade. The kind woman behind the desk helped me find a few of them. I then went to Flourish and Blotts with Remus. We found the rest and decided to go together on them."
"Thanks, Sirius." He walked over to his godfather. Harry pulled both him and Remus into a hug. "Thanks, Remus."
"You're welcome."
"We thought you might like to have them."
"And thanks for the games, Sirius."
"You're welcome."
Hestia, with assistance from Lily, found a dragon hide leather jacket for Harry. Lily remembered Harry had outgrown his old one.
When Harry opened it, he tried it on before Lily suggested he do so.
"Thank you for the jumper, Lily," Ginny said. "And the earrings."
"You're welcome."
Harry helped her pack her presents in her back before she helped him take his presents up to his room. They were coming right back since Ginny wanted a go at the PlayStation.
He sat down his pile on the desk. Ginny sat down hers on his bed.
Harry took the framed picture of her, putting it on his nightstand.
"I don't know how your brother will feel having your picture in the dorm."
"Do you care?" Ginny asked.
"No."
Ginny turned to head towards the door when Harry grabbed her hand.
"What?"
"Well, there's one more present for you."
Ginny's eyes widened. "Harry," she breathed. "You bought me enough."
"Well, I didn't buy this." He handed her a small box tied with ribbon. Ginny untied the ribbon and opened the box.
"Is this what I think it is?" She asked.
"It is. Dad made it. He's already charmed it, and it's ready to go."
Ginny picked up the mirror, setting the box down. "All I do is call your name?"
Harry nodded.
"Where's yours?"
Harry held it up. "Right here."
Looking into the mirror, she called, "Harry."
Like a pebble in the water, the image rippled until the ceiling of Harry's bedroom came into view. She saw Harry turn the mirror in his hand. When she looked down at the mirror, she saw Harry's face.
"This is brilliant," She said.
"We can talk to each other whenever we want."
"Whenever we want?"
Harry leaned in, kissing her lips. "I've talked to Ron before well after midnight. Molly never knew."
"And you never got caught?"
"No."
Ginny leaned in, returning the kiss Harry had given her. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Merry Christmas, Harry."
"Merry Christmas, Ginny."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Like the night before, Harry couldn't fall asleep. This time he wasn't nervous about whether or not Ginny liked her gifts. He was relieved that every present he had given Ginny so far, she loved them. She especially loved the mirror.
She had called him when she got ready for bed. They laid and talked for over two hours. No one knew they were up so late.
"I think this is my favorite present from you," She said.
"There's still one more I haven't given you. You might like it more."
"Yeah, but can I call you on it like I can this?"
"No, you can't," Harry admitted.
Harry had taken Ginny home around eleven. Arthur and Molly hadn't gone to bed yet when they flooed into the sitting room. To their credit, they made small talk with Harry before heading to the kitchen.
Once her parents were out of sight, she pulled Harry in for a kiss.
"I had a great time," She said.
"Me too."
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, we'll be here around four."
This time, Harry leaned in and kissed her. "I love you," he murmured.
"I love you."
He flooed home to find James and Lily cleaning the kitchen. They waved him off to do what he wanted. Harry went upstairs, showered, and got ready for bed. He came back downstairs to spend time with James and Lily before they headed to bed.
It was close to midnight before the Potters went to bed. He wasn't in bed very long before Ginny called. They talked for almost an hour.
It was close to two now, and Harry still hadn't went to sleep.
Sighing, he turned over, looking at the new picture of Ginny sitting on his nightstand. How did he get so lucky?
He looked at her picture, smiling as he thought of how their next Christmas gathering will go. He had two more presents for her. Harry just hoped she liked them.
Lily had gotten up to check she had turned off the oven and stove in the kitchen. As she returned to her room, she stopped. Then she turned, heading towards Harry's room.
Standing in the doorway, she watched her son sleep. She quietly walked into the room, approaching the bed. She tucked the quilt around him, pushed the hair away from his eyes, and kissed his forehead.
"Good night, Sweetheart. I love you."
Then she quietly left the room, leaving the door ajar. As she walked back to her bedroom, she thought about the Christmas Eve they had. She was glad they decided to invite Ginny to join them. She had just over won over Harry, but James, Sirius, and Hestia adored her.
She was rather fond of Ginny herself.
They celebrated their first Christmas Eve together tonight. She couldn't help but smile when she remembered the picture she had taken of the two of them in front of the tree. That was definitely going into the album. Lily remembered what Hestia said when Harry left to help Ginny home.
"He seems happy."
"I don't think the smile has ever left his face," Sirius commented.
"He's definitely happy. They both are."
"I just hope they last," James said.
Little did they know this would be the first of many Christmases Ginny would celebrate with their family.