25th December

I tiptoed, even though I didn't need to down the stairs towards the darkened living room, where I sat expectantly on the windowsill. It was pitch black outside apart from the odd star revealed through the dark snow-filled clouds. The Burrow was pleasantly warm, and leaning against the window brought a coolness which kept me awake.

"Oh, you're here." George opened the door to the sitting room and smiled, opening his arms, welcoming my tight embrace, "I didn't hear you."

I laughed, "You know I have this ability to not be heard."

"I was listening out for you and I thought you might have fallen asleep."

"On you? Never." I kissed him tenderly, "Happy anniversary, sweetheart."

He kissed me back, "Happy anniversary, honey."

We'd gotten so used to calling each other by the pet names we hated over the last year, that it now just seemed natural, normal, expected. George sat down on the windowsill and I joined him, leaning my head on his shoulder. I placed my hand on his thigh and gave a gentle squeeze.

"Okay, so I know this is really cheesy."

"I love cheesy." He grinned.

I sniggered as I reached into my dressing gown pocket, "So you know the way you're all cute and romantic and I'm…" I scrunched up my nose and breathed in, "well… me."

George raised an eyebrow.

I lifted out a small bag from my pocket, opened the drawstring and tipped it up into my hand, "I thought I'd get you a wee something to wear to remember me by."

"That kind of looks like a big something."

I smiled, "It's a Celtic ring and the design on it means infinity. It's my reminder to you that I'm yours, forever, so long as you'll have me." I handed it over to him, "I just thought -"

"I love it." He said, slipping it onto his thumb, "I love you."

"I love you more."

"Don't start that war!" George tickled me and I giggled uncontrollably, the two of us landing on the floor in a heap, heaving to get air back into our lungs, "We'll never get any sleep!"

I rested my head on his chest, lying in a 'T' I said, "And you know the two of us need our beauty sleep."

"Can I give you your gift?" he asked, "Which, may I add, is very disappointing next to your gift on the impressiveness scale. But I think you'll like it nonetheless." he took out a photo album from behind the sofa, and handed it to me. It was jammed pack with pictures of us suck onto the pages with a sticking charm, the album was majority from our holiday together in St Tropez, "You see why I borrowed your camera?"

I quickly realised why… There were the odd pictures taken when I didn't realise and some of the twins together around the shop, "I love it." I said, cuddling into him, flicking through the photographs, "This means a lot."

"As does my ring." He held me close, and kissed the top of my head, "I'll wear it every day."

I proudly sported my new navy woolly cardigan with a ginger 'K' on the top right, not unlike those American Letterman jackets, downstairs, "I love it Molly, thank you!" I beamed at her, wrapping my arms around her, holding her tight, "Merry Christmas!" I kissed her cheek.

"Thank you for my earrings!" she smiled, showing them off to me, "Now tell me, did you choose Fred and George's gifts?"

I shook my head, "No, they've surprisingly good taste!"

Molly whispered in my ear, "That is thanks to you, my dear." She then hugged a very unsuspecting Harry, showing off the midnight-blue witch's hat which glittered with little star-shaped diamonds and a spectacular golden necklace, "Fred and George gave them to me! Aren't they beautiful?"

"Well, we find we appreciate you more and more, Mum, now we're washing our own socks," George waved an airy hand, before winking at me.

"Anything you need me to do?" I asked.

Molly placed a hand on my shoulder, "No, dear, everyone's here now, so let's all take a seat." With a flick of her wand, everything was in place and we began to serve ourselves. It was a tight fit around the table, but honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. We had turkey, ham, creamed potatoes, roasties, carrots, turnip, parsnips, brussel sprouts, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings and lashings of rich gravy.

"Parsnips, Remus?" George handed them across the table.

"Harry, you've got a maggot in your hair," said a cheerful Ginny who was sitting beside me. She reached over the table to pick it out.

Fleur looked disgusted, and she shuddered, "'Ow 'orrible."

"Yes, isn't it?" Ron said, "Gravy, Fleur?"

In his eagerness to help her, he knocked the gravy boat flying; Bill waved his wand and the gravy soared up in the air and returned meekly to the boat. Ginny and I shared a knowing smirk.

"You are as bad as zat Tonks," Fleur said to Ron, when she'd finished kissing Bill in thanks, "She is always -"

I felt myself tense up. George placed his hand on mine.

"I invited dear Tonks to come along today," Molly set down the carrots with unnecessary force, glaring at Fleur, "But she wouldn't come. Have you spoken to her lately, Remus?"

Oh no. This won't end well.

"No, I haven't been in contact with anybody very much," Remus replied.

"I've sent her three letters… I haven't heard from her in about six weeks." I said loud enough for everyone to hear.

Remus added, "But Tonks has got her own family to go to, hasn't she?"

"Hmmmm," Molly stared at him, "Maybe. I got the impression she was planning to spend Christmas alone, actually."

"Alone?" my voice was suddenly very high and I had a lump at the back of my throat. Molly gave Remus an annoyed look, that only a few people at the table would understand. Fleur was feeding Bill turkey off her fork and I looked to George for comfort.

His eyes searched mine. He was about to say something when Harry said, "Tonks' Patronus has changed its form. Snape said so, anyway. I didn't know that could happen. Why would your Patronus change?"

My eyes fell upon Remus, who chewed his turkey very slowly and swallowed before answering, "Sometimes… a great shock… an emotional upheaval…"

I felt myself shiver at the thought of everything she has been through. Remus daren't even look in my direction or even back two seats to Molly.

"It looked big and it had four legs," Harry said, "Hey – it couldn't be -?"

"Arthur!" Molly suddenly rose from her chair, her hand pressed over her chest as she stared out the kitchen window, "Arthur – it's Percy!"

"What?"

Arthur looked around. Soon everyone was looking out the window. Ginny and I craned our necks, for there, sure enough, was Percy Weasley striding across the snowy yard, his horn-rimmed glasses glinting in the sunlight. He was not, however, alone.

"Arthur, he's – he's with the Minister!"

It was the man I had met less than a week ago, with the wild mane of hair and a limp. I hadn't realised he had a cane before. I think I was in shock more than anything. But now, as the back door opened and Percy walked in, there was a very painful silence.

"Merry Christmas, Mother." Percy said rather stiffly.

"Oh, Percy!" Molly wrapped her arms around her son.

I turned to George, the two of us with the same questions in mind. The Minister for Magic paused in the doorway, leaning on his walking stick, smiling as he observed the scene, "You must forgive this intrusion," he said as Molly looked at him, wiping her eyes, "Percy and I were in the vicinity – working, you know – and he couldn't resist dropping in and seeing you all."

This couldn't have been less apparent on Percy's face. He showed no interest in greeting the rest of the family. If I had to guess, the minister himself was the one who wanted to come here. He even had the decency to learn Molly's name to address her, claiming that he didn't want to intrude, that it was Percy who wanted to see her so badly. Percy stood, poker straight and awkward. It was as though the last piece of the puzzle clicked into place as I slowly turned to Harry.

"Oh, Perce!" Molly blubbered, offering the minister her seat and a plate of dinner.

"… we've only looked in for five minutes, so I'll have a stroll around the yard while you catch up with Percy. No, no, I assure you, I don't want to butt in! Well, if anybody cared to show me your charming garden…" here it comes, "ah, that young man's finished, why doesn't he take a stroll with me?"

Bingo.

The atmosphere around the table changed perceptibly. Everyone looked between Scrimgeour and Harry. Harry had to have been the furthest person away from the door. Ginny, George and Fleur were finished, too. This was a set up. My question was: why does Scrimgeour want to speak to Harry alone?

"Yeah, all right." Harry said into the silence.

"It's fine," he said quietly as he passed Remus, who had half risen from his chair, "Fine." He added, as Arthur opened his mouth to speak.

"Wonderful!" said Scrimgeour, standing back to allow Harry out the door first, "We'll just take a turn around the garden and then Percy and I'll be off. Carry on, everyone."

I had my hand on my wand, had made myself invisible and was out the door after the two before George or Ginny realised I was gone.

Scrimgeour was watching Harry as they walked side by side. I didn't think he was going to do anything bad, but I was ready to react at a moment's notice.

"I've wanted to meet you for a very long time," Scrimgeour said eventually, "Did you know that?"

"No," said a very modest Harry.

"Oh yes, for a very long time. But Dumbledore has been very protective of you. Natural, of course, natural after what you've been through… especially what happened at the Ministry." When Harry didn't say anything, he continued, "I have been waiting for an occasion to talk to you ever since I gained office, but Dumbledore has – well – Dumbledore has – understandably – prevented this."

Talk about beating about the bush.

Harry still remained silent. Good lad. So Scrimgeour went on, "The rumours that have flown around! Well, of course, we both know how these stories get distorted… all of the whispers of a prophesy… of you being the 'Chosen One'… I assume that Dumbledore has discussed these matters with you?"

This time the Minister waited for his answer. The two of them stopping in their tracks, watching a naughty looking little gnome pop out from under a rhododendron, "Yeah, we've discussed it." Harry finally said.

"Have you, have you…" said Scrimgeour, who was still looking at Harry out of the corner of his, "And what has Dumbledore told you, Harry?"

"Sorry, but that's between us," said Harry pleasantly.

"Oh, of course, if it's a question of confidences, I wouldn't want you to divulge… no, no… and in any case, does it really matter whether you are the Chosen One or not?"

Harry appeared to mull over his thoughts for a while before responding, "I don't really know what you mean, Minister."

"Well, of course, to you it will matter enormously," Scrimgeour laughed, "But to the wizarding community at large … it's all perception, isn't it? It's what people believe that's important."

Harry said nothing. The gnome under the rhododendron was now digging for worms.

"People believe you are the Chosen One, you see. They think you are quite the hero – which of course you are, Harry, chosen or not! How many times have you faced He Who Must Not Be Named now? Well, anyway," he pressed on, no longer expecting a reply from Harry, "the point is, you are a symbol of hope for many, Harry. The idea that there is somebody out there who might be able, who might even be destined, to destroy He Who Must Not Be Named – well, naturally, it gives people a lift. And I can't help but feel that, once you realise this, you might consider it, well, almost a duty, to stand alongside the Ministry, and give everyone a boost."

Harry and Scrimgeour watched as the gnome pulled out a worm and began chewing heartily on it, "Funny little chaps, aren't they? But what do you say, Harry?"

"I don't understand what you want," said Harry slowly, "Stand alongside the Ministry… what does that mean?"

"Oh, well, nothing at all onerous, I assure you. If you were to be seen popping in and out of the Ministry from time to time, for instance, that would give the right impression. And of course, while you were there, you would have ample opportunity to speak to Gawain Robards, my successor as Head of the Auror Office. Dolores Umbridge had told me that you cherish an ambition to become an Auror. Well, that could be arranged very easily…"

WHAT? THE? ACTUAL?

"So basically," Harry spoke slowly and clearly, "you'd like me to give the impression that I'm working for the Ministry?"

Scrimgeour looked relieved, "It would give everyone a lift to think you were more involved, Harry. The 'Chosen One', you know… it's all about giving people hope, the feeling that exciting things are happening."

Exciting things? What is this man on?

"But if I keep running in and out of the Ministry," Harry spoke ever-so-politely, "won't that seem as though I approve of what the Ministry's up to?"

Boom. Harry 1:0 Scrimgeour.

"Well… well, yes, that's partly why we'd like -"

"No, I don't think that'll work," Harry said pleasantly as I let out an 'eep' of excitement, not that either of them could hear me, "You see, I don't like some of the things the Ministry's doing. Locking up Stan Shunpike for instance."

"I would not expect you to understand. These are dangerous times, and certain measures need to be taken. You are sixteen years old -"

Harry was now showing visible signs of his annoyance, "Dumbledore's a lot older than sixteen and he thinks Stan shouldn't be in Azkaban, either. You're making Stan a scapegoat, just like you want to make me a mascot."

"I see." Scrimgeour wasn't even attempting to sugar coat his voice now, "You prefer – like your hero Dumbledore – to disassociate yourself from the Ministry?"

"I don't want to be used."

"Some would say it's your duty to be used by the Ministry!"

Harry really was losing his cool now, and rightly so, I'd have bitten the man's ear off long before now, "Yeah, and others would say it's your duty to check people really are Death Eaters before you chuck them in prison. You're doing what Barty Crouch did. You never get it right, you people, do you? Either we've got Fudge pretending everything's lovely whilst people get murdered right under his nose, or we've got you, chucking the wrong people into jail and trying to pretend you've got the Chosen One working for you!"

"So you're not the Chosen One?"

Harry gave a bitter laugh, "I thought you said it didn't matter either way? Not to you anyway."

"I shouldn't have said that. It was tactless -"

"No, it was honest. One of the only honest things you've said to me. You don't care whether I live or die, but you do care that I help you convince everyone you're winning the war against Voldemort. I haven't forgotten Minister…" Harry raised his right fist. There, shining on the back of his hand, were the scars left by Dolores Umbridge, where Harry was forced to carve 'I must not tell lies' into his own flesh, "I don't remember you rushing to my defence when I was trying to tell everyone Voldemort was back. The Ministry wasn't so keen to be pals last year."

All manners had now gone out the window, "What is Dumbledore up to? Where does he go when he is absent from Hogwarts?"

"No idea."

"And you wouldn't tell me if you knew, would you?"

"No, I wouldn't."

"Well then, I shall have to see whether I can't find out by other means."

Harry was now indifferent, "You can try, but you seem cleverer than Fudge, so I'd have thought you'd have learned from his mistakes. He tried interfering at Hogwarts. You might have noticed that he's not minister any more, but Dumbledore's still Headmaster." Harry lowered his voice, just as I would when I'm really annoyed, "I'd leave Dumbledore alone, if I were you."

There was a stony silence.

"Well, it is clear to me that he has done a very good job on you. Dumbledore's man through and through, aren't you, Potter?" Scrimgeour said coldly.

"Yeah, I am." Harry said, "Glad we straightened that out."

Harry then turned his back on the Minister and I took that as my cue to get back into the Burrow pretty darn quick. I appeared back in my seat at the table and lifted George's glass to drink from, almost making both him and Ginny have cardiac incidents. Harry opened the door and stepped in, followed by Scrimgeour. I saw this as my perfect opportunity.

"Oh hello Minister, twice in one week? You must be keen." I raised a furtive eyebrow, placing a hand in my hair in a very innocent but confident way, "I've already told you we're not interested in jobs at the Ministry until we've at least finished at Hogwarts, sir."

Harry's eyes locked onto me and I had to resist the temptation to smile at him.

I continued to regard the Minister for Magic with respect, not that he deserved it, "You take care now. Merry Christmas." I said sweetly and waved. I watched from the door as the two men walked away, "What a f*cking b*st*rd."

"I know." Harry said, "I assume you heard everything?"

"First we had 'I didn't see anything' Fudge and now we've got 'we want people to see you' Scrimgeour." I scowled, "I don't think so. I don't like him one single bit. Good job making it difficult for him, Harry." I smirked, hugging him tight I whispered, "I imagine your mum and dad would be so proud right now."

Harry smiled at me, taking his seat back down at the table, "Dessert?"

"Look, George..." I whispered to him as the whole family was sitting in the living room. Harry and Ron were playing wizard's chess, Ginny and Fred were having a very intense round of exploding snap and Bill and Fleur were mightily trying to put me off food for the rest of my life.

"You want to visit Tonks."

I pursed my lips, "I just need to know she's okay and she's not alone and -"

"I know it's been bothering you for a while now." George said, playing with the ring on his thumb, "You get all agitated when you've something on your mind."

I sighed, "I know it's Christmas and it's our day and -"

He laughed, "It's fine. I just want to see you happy, you know that, right?" he kissed my forehead, "Right, up you get, go get ready."

"You." I kissed him, "Are." I kissed him again, "The." And again, "Best." I kissed his hand as I was half was out the door. I ran up the stairs to Ginny's room where I put on my new boots, which took an absolute age to lace up properly and I grabbed my woolly coat, because it started to snow once again.

I opened the door to the living room slowly, sticking my leg through the door, showing off the beauties that were my new sleek brown combat boots, "You ready?"

"What was that?" George questioned.

"Kit-Kat embracing her individuality." Ginny backed me up, "Send Tonks my love. Invite her over for a cup of tea and a catch up, later."

"I will, but I don't think she'll come." I held out my hand for George to take.

Ginny stood, "Why not, though?"

I took a second to think about what I was going to say before stating, "It's like what Remus said, she's had an emotional upheaval, a great shock… something like that." I let out a sigh before looking to George, "Let's go!"

Molly interrupted, "Now, remember son, you're meeting Kathryn's Aunt and Uncle. Make a good impression."

I reached up and caressed George's cheek, "I don't doubt that he will."

"May we come in?" I smiled, "I come bearing gifts?"

"Tell us something only we would know."

I continued to smile, "First time we met I brought cupcakes." I then made the bags in my hands disappear, "And I'm an invisibilia like your father."

Andromeda gave me a sly smile, "I didn't doubt you for a second. Come here!" she wrapped her arms around me and held me tight, "And this must be George?"

"Pleasure to meet you!" George held out is hand to shake, but Andromeda pulled him in for a tight hug as well. Ted hugged me and shook George's hand as the door was shut behind us and he took our coats.

"Come in, come in, sit down!" Andromeda, ushered the two of us into their living room, "How is Christmas with the Weasleys?" she looked to George.

George sat back and relaxed himself, "Everyone is doing good. Have you had a good day?"

"Could be better," Andromeda said, cups of tea now landing in our laps, "Christmas cake?"

"Not for me," I politely declined.

George nodded, "I'll have some. Did you make this? It's delicious."

"Yes, I did." Andromeda said, "Is anyone else staying with you?"

I knew exactly what she was getting at, but George answered before I had the chance, "Harry Potter and Remus Lupin are staying with us. Do you know Remus?"

I cleared my throat, signalling to Ted and Andromeda that George wasn't in the know about the whole situation with Remus, "Of course they know Remus, honey, he's a member of the Order, too. He and Tonks have been working together on missions."

"Oh, yeah." George said sheepishly.

"Speaking of T… is she working?" I asked.

Ted sighed, "She hasn't made it out of bed yet, sweetie." He said, "I don't know what we're going to do with her…"

"I don't know how much more space we can give her," Andromeda said, "she wants to be alone, but I'm afraid she might do something stupid. I don't know if Remus is really worth all these tears."

George looked at me perplexed. I could see the cogs turning. He then gasped, "So this isn't about Sirius? This is – she – you? Merlin's beard! It all makes sense now. She's in love with Remus. That's why you've had a go at him! That's why you said that Tonks wouldn't come for tea, that's why Mum -"

"Yes dear." I said, "But you can't tell anyone – yes – even Fred. She made me swear not to tell anyone, even you."

"Why don't you go talk to her? She'll probably listen to you." Ted suggested.

Andromeda nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, that'll give us the perfect opportunity to get to know this man of yours."

I sniggered, rising to my feet saying, "Good luck, George!" as I walked towards Tonks' bedroom. I gently tapped on the door before letting myself in, "Hey T!"

She groaned, "I'm not in the mood for visitors, today."

"Visitors?" I scoffed, "And here's me thinking I was your little sister, family, your bestie." My tone was light and positive, "I was going to show you my new boots, but I suppose you can have a look at them later." I plonked myself on the edge of her bed and took them off before climbing into the bed beside her, "Scooch over, Mrs."

Tonks turned over in her bed from the wall to face me, as I laid down, looking at her. Her eyes were red and puffy, her hair, by the look of it hadn't been washed in a few days and her skin looked grey and lifeless. Fresh tears appeared in her eyes and I grabbed a tissue and wiped them for her.

"I'm sorry…" her voice was high and heart-breaking, "I just can't -"

"You know that I of all people understand." I gently moved a piece of hair behind her ear and spoke very calmly, "Talk to me." After a period of silence, I said, "I won't tell anyone what you say if you don't want me to."

"It hurts – it hurts so bad…" she turned and stared at the ceiling through tear-stained eyes, "and he doesn't even know."

I wiped her tears, "Of course he knows."

"How do you know?"

"D'you think Molly and I are letting him get away with it?" I told her, "He's lost weight, too. I think he feels as lost as you do."

Her chin wobbled, "Really?"

I nodded, "Yeah, but we're looking after him. I'll have a chat with him later, about you, about everything."

"Is he still good to you?" she asked, "Does he -?"

"Don't fret." I said, "Here – I've just remembered – Did you get anything out of the ordinary this morning?"

Her eyebrows furrowed, she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, "What are you talking about? All my presents are still under the tree in the living room."

I pursed my lips, trying not to smile, "I met this guy… George will be absolutely ripping that I did this for you and not him, but you know, the things you do for your girls. If they've done what I requested, that is, you might have the best present in the whole wide world from your favourite gal in the whole wide world under that tree."

She sat up, "Who did you meet?"

"Oh, I think that requires a shower and some clean clothes." I sat up on the side of her bed, praying that there was actually a gift under the tree, "I'll get you a cup of coffee."

Tonks scanned me for a moment, her gaze reserved, unsure. I moved my tongue along my upper teeth before biting my bottom lip, giving her a smirk and a cheeky raise of the eyebrows. "Okay. You've got my attention."

"Excellent." I took her by the hands and hauled her up onto her feet, guiding her into the bathroom, listening in for the flush of the toilet and the start of the shower before heading back to the living room, with my fingers crossed.

"You didn't?"

I glanced from Ted to Andromeda to George and took a deep breath, "Please tell me you got an interesting present this morning you don't know who it's from?"

"You mean this one, sweetie?"

I let out a high pitched squeal and punched the air, approaching George, I leant down and kissed him.

"Woah, what was that for?"

"Just reminding you, that even though I may have met other men and let them down gently, that you are and will always be my number one."

"YOU DIDN'T?"

I nodded, "If that's what I think it is."

"She's going to love it."

"What? What is it?" Andromeda questioned.

"Oh, you'll just have to wait and see." I beamed at them, turning around, swinging my hips in excitement as I went into the kitchen and made a cup of coffee and a turkey and stuffing sandwich for Tonks, "You lot getting acquainted?" I asked as I returned to the living room.

Ted smiled, "As acquainted as you are with my home."

I set down the food on a coffee table at the side of the room, knowing how clumsy Tonks is and how much I didn't fancy hot liquid flying everywhere. I took George's hand in mine and squeezed tight.

"I didn't realise how much of a likeness there is between you and Andromeda." George commented, "Striking similarities."

I raised my eyebrows, "You know he's calling you 'hot' right?"

Andromeda laughed, "I'm flattered."

"If I look half as good as you in thirty years, I'll be one lucky gal." I remarked, "Is that a new dress?" I leaned over and felt the fabric which was a lot softer than I imagined, "Oooh, I bet it's so comfortable?"

"It is," she smiled, looking up at the door as Tonks walked in, her eyes tired but she was dressed and that appeared to both her parents to be a relief in itself, "it's good to see you, darling."

"I made you some food." I indicated to the table, moving over for her to take a seat beside me. I tapped the sofa, flicking my wand, bringing the table closer to her, "Sorry I didn't bake a chocolate cake for you to devour, I know that's our favourite sport."

She smiled, biting down on the sandwich. I gave George the eyes, telling him to start a conversation, "Did you find that picture of Katy and Tonks, Ted?"

Ted fumbled with the album in his hands, "Ah, yes." he stood to hand over the picture of Tonks and me from my fake birthday party. The two of us were dressed to the nines in our little black dresses.

"Remember this night, Katy?" George joked.

I glared at him, "You know I don't." I elbowed Tonks gently, "I remember certain details about the morning after. Like you waking up on my side of the bed, with Lee and George lying in Merlin knows what shape beside you."

"And you waking up in Fred's arms?" she responded, laughing, "I have a picture somewhere."

"I don't ever need to see that." I giggled, "I don't think I've ever been so sick."

George sniggered, "The two of you were both letting your hair down -"

"And Fred!" Tonks giggled, "That song, what was it?"

"I'm too sexy." George answered and the two of them shared an inside joke, of which I was none the wiser. I caught a smile shared between husband and wife as I was mocked by my boyfriend and best friend simultaneously. I took it. I was a good sport.

But as soon as Tonks finished her coffee, I stood and retrieved the present that had the simple inscription 'Tonks' written on the front, and threw it into her lap, "Merry Christmas." I looked to her parents, "If you lot have a camera, now would be the time to get it out."

Ted summoned the camera and had it poised as Tonks gazed at me in nervous excitement.

"Go on!" I egged her on, taking a seat on the floor in front of her, smoothing down the creases forming on my dress under the knitted cardigan.

She beamed at me as she ripped the brown paper open to reveal a black t-shirt. Unsure, she looked at me and I nodded for her to continue, clasping my hands in front of my lips as though praying, in anticipation. T then lifted out a letter and opened it.

Tonks,
I met your best friend during a party a few nights back.
Taken, not just by her beauty, but by her rockin' personality.
I asked her for a dance and she charmed the pants off me, left me wanting more.
I did promise her that I'd send a little something to you, in thanks for a few minutes of her time.
Kathryn speaks very highly of you, she's a gem.
Take care and Merry Christmas,
Myron Wagtail.
P.s bet you don't have this particular t-shirt in your collection.

"OH. MY. MERLINS! BEARD! KATHRYN!" she squealed, lifting out the t-shirt, "This is a one-of-a-kind!" she jumped out of the seat, throwing her arms around me, "This is a dream, right?"

I couldn't help but smile, "No, this is reality."

"You're amazing, you know that?"

"It was my absolute pleasure."

"I don't mean to interrupt this delightful display of affection, but…" George handed Tonks a second envelope, "This fell out when you opened the t-shirt up."

Excitement coursed through her body as she carefully opened the envelope, "Wowcher." She showed me the contents.

"Oh no he didn't."

"YES HE DID!" she kissed me on both cheeks with great enthusiasm, "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" she let out an excited scream, "BACKSTAGE TICKETS!" she wrapped her arms around me again, pulling me up to my feet, she jumped up and down, "You'll come with me?"

I held her face in my hands, "You bet I will."

"Now, do you want all the gossip as you open the rest of your presents?" I swapped seats with her, taking the sofa beside George as she sat in front of the tree, "You'll never guess who visited the Burrow this afternoon?"

"Who?"

"The Minister for Magic."

Tonks stopped unwrapping for a second, "Really? What did he want?"

I leaned back on the sofa and crossed my legs, "Come on, take a guess."

"Harry?" she questioned, "What does he want from Harry?"

I scoffed, "What doesn't he want? He wants Harry to be seen to be working for the Ministry to take down Voldemort. Scrimgeour doesn't even care if Harry is the Chosen One or not."

Ted questioned, "And is he? Harry? The Chosen One?"

I turned to face him, "Would it make you feel better if he was?"

"I see your point."

"Harry told him that he won't be doing anything of the sort and I bade the man farewell." I said, "Harry's already had enough trouble with the Ministry, and where were they last year when Harry was telling everyone that Voldemort was back? They just stuck their heads in the sand." I took a deep breath, "I'm behind him on that. There's only a handful of people in that place we can trust – thanks for warning Dumbledore about -"

Tonks nodded, "Just doing my job. What's the situation with Bellatrix? I haven't had the chance to reply -"

She was referring to the many letters I had sent her over the last number of weeks. I saw them on her desk, the written and re-written replies that were never completed and sent. "I'm getting used to the death threats, the demands and her overwhelming disappointment in me. She's probably fanaticising right now about all the ways she could murder me. I kind of blew her off about spending Christmas with her." I flicked my hair out of my face, "No thanks, hun. I told her I'd prefer to be alone in a hotel room with a few cartons of ice-cream."

Andromeda sniggered, "You'd better watch how many of those buttons you press."

"It's alright, I gave her some information about a week ago, my slate will be wiped clean." I said, "And if it's not, well, at least I've had a little bit of fun."

"It's not like you to make light of people trying to kill you, Katy," George said sarcastically, before adding, "I've got a supply of your hair just in case."

Andromeda leaned forwards, "What am I missing?"

"Polyjuice Potion." I smirked.

George smirked, "We'll all take some Polyjuice Potion and haunt Bellatrix, you know, an army of Katy – how terrifying!"

I elbowed him playfully, "It's my in-the-event-that-I-die request. Wreak havoc."

"Shall we get some photographic evidence now?" Ted asked, smiling widely, "Number one and number two on Bellatrix's hit list? The unstoppable duo?"

"Why the question?"

Ted guffawed, "Apologies. The unstoppable duo." He raised his arms, as though inviting us to take centre-stage.

Tonks took my hands, pulling me up, encouraging me to smile for the camera, the two of us looking all sweet and happy, giggling to ourselves. After that photo was taken Tonks suggested, "Power stance." We stood back to back, gazing seriously at the camera, like we were dangerous, before Tonks lost it completely and landed on the floor in hysterics. Ted then stood above and encouraged the two of us to smile up at him, and then Tonks wrapped her arms around me and he got another picture.

"You two are mad." George laughed, "You definitely bring out the best in each other."

"You two are so alike," Andromeda told us, emotion heavy in her voice, "in more ways than you'll ever comprehend. You're right George, they do bring out the best in each other, they make the other see herself in a better light. The change in Kathryn from the first time we met, it's astonishing."

I laid down on the floor, posing, "Well, a lot has happened in the last number of months. I've learnt to let go. I've allowed myself to be 'me', to be free, to live life the way I want to and not the way people have told me to act. Essentially, I've done a fair bit of growing up."

"You sure have." George smiled.

"I'll be right back!" Tonks left the room and escaped towards the back of the house.

Andromeda got up and hugged me tight, "Thank you for coming."

"It's been my absolute pleasure."

"Both of us." George nodded, "It's been great getting to know Katy's family."

"You see," Andromeda began, talking quickly, "whenever she was younger, she used to suffer with body dysmorphia, she didn't know what she looked like, who she was meant to be, when she could look like anybody." She told us, "But you have shown her that it's okay for our Dora to be herself."

I smiled, "That's cause, to me, she's perfect just as she is. Goofiness, bossiness, weirdness, all of it."

"Your personalities are similar, too," Ted said, "You know what to do to make her smile, to get her out of her -"

The door opened and Tonks bounded, in knocking over the little table, and replacing it again, "Do you know what would make your outfit even better?" Tonks questioned, handing me over a present, "It's half of your present. The other half -"

"It's at the bottom of my bed," I smiled, "I left some things to be opened later on. Thanks for this." I nodded to the present.

"Don't thank me until you've opened it!" said excitedly.

"Oh. My. Goodness." I let out a high pitched 'eeeep!' before beaming, "Stripy tights! Multi-coloured, black and white, navy and pink and like a bumblebee, no… my inner 'Puff. I love them!"

George took a pair off me and smiled, "It's definitely the little things in life that make you smile the brightest. Reckon they'd suit me?" he measured them up to his leg.

"Please." I said, "I'll send you all photos."

"I love your boots, by the way." Tonks nodded her head in the direction of her bedroom, "I see George is trying to embrace your individuality." She sent him a smile, "Good job."

George then gave me a look, before tapping his watch, "We'd best get back home, mum said we'd be having tea around now."

The two of us stood and Tonks ran to get my boots which again, took a pure age to get on, then I remembered I could use magic, "Do you think I might be able to take one or two of those photos?" I asked, placing a hand on Ted's I spoke directly to him, "I'll give one to Remus, show him what he's missing."

Ted nodded and gave me the first photo we took, the one where Tonks was smiling, "You both look beautiful in that one, but I think it really shows Dora as I remember her before all this." He then handed me the one with us lying on the floor, looking up at the camera, Tonks wrapping her arms around me, "That one shows how much she loves you. Thank you for making my baby girl happy."

I wrapped my arms around him, "Thank you for inviting me into your life. Merry Christmas!"

I then turned to Andromeda who appeared so happy she could cry, so she pulled me into a tight squeeze before saying, "Come back any time! Both of you!"

"Come here you." I opened my arms, beckoning Tonks closer to me, "Look after yourself. Write to me. Remember to have at least one silent dance party every day. And most importantly, remember that I love you." I kissed her forehead as we pulled away from our hug, "OH!" I pointed a finger in the air, "I expect a very attractive picture of you in Myron's t-shirt in the owl post." I winked.

I took George's hand and we walked out the door towards the main road. Waving, the two of us turned on the spot and arrived back at the Burrow, "They are amazing people. Thanks for introducing me to them."

"It was my pleasure." I linked arms with him as we trudged through the snow towards the back door, "We've been together for two years, it was the perfect opportunity to show you to the side of my family that won't murder you."

He laughed as we walked in through the door, "I George Weasley come in peace with my beautiful girlfriend Kathryn Pink, otherwise known as Katy, on return from our visit from the Tonks family household."

"Come on in, you two." Molly hugged us individually, taking our coats, showing us the selection of cold meats, breads, cheeses, fruit and other leftovers on the table, "Help yourselves, we're all in the living room." She disappeared.

I reached up and cupped George's face in my hands and kissed him, "I've been dying to do that all day." I said as he lifted me up onto the countertop, my legs wrapped around his middle, I pulled him in closer. The two of us shared a few heated minutes, alone together, our tongues becoming well reacquainted, our hands exploring the other's body, before the living room door opened and Fred walked out.

"Don't let me stop you." he stalked off up the stairs, after winking.

George and I shared a glance and burst out laughing.

An hour later, after we were stuffed like the turkey had been. George had eaten three turkey sandwiches and wasn't showing any signs of bloat, but I felt like a beached whale after eaten one and some fruit. Funny, the differences between the male and female bodies. Well, it's not funny at all… An argument for another day, I think.

The six of us 'under twenties' sat on the floor around the coffee table, playing a very competitive game of one of Fred and George's new inventions called 'Dabble'. The game was gifted to Ron by Fred, George and me, because I point blank refused to buy him a gift just from me. There are many ways to play the game – the aim is to be the fastest to spot identical symbols between two cards, name it out loud and win the card, place it or get rid of it, depending on the rules of the mini-game. Each player is dealt cards; each card has a number of symbols on it, for example, a broom, a snitch, a quill, a cauldron, a wand, a dragon, a unicorn and a witch's hat. The first round requires the players to match all their cards with the one in the middle, the person who has none left in the end wins. It is similar to the idea of Jack-Change-It. The second round is where every player deals a card and you take it if you can correctly identify matching symbols between two of the cards on the table, kind of like the muggle game 'snap'. The third round is where we got really competitive – the six of us each set down one card upside down, and all at the same time put it right-way-up and have to get rid of their card to someone else by matching a symbol on their card with someone else in the group, by slapping their hand on the card they're referring to.

We played for hours, even after Ron stormed off, having the five of us gang up on him in the third mini-game. At times we got very loud, sometimes we slapped each other's hands and Ginny threw her cards in the air when she lost mini-game two a few times in a row. A hot chocolate was the perfect way to restore nerves and rejuvenate before more intense gaming.

"I don't know about you lot, but I'm beat." Fred said, stretching and yawning, "I think I'm going to call it a night."

George kissed me, "Me too."

And so everyone else seemed to follow suit after that. I saw this as my perfect opportunity.

"Remus, can I talk to you for a sec?"

He gritted his teeth, "Please don't tell me off."

I shook my head, "I'm not going to. I'm not going to tell you what to do or anything like that, I just want to talk to you and tell you the facts and some of my thoughts."

He reluctantly tapped the sofa beside him.

"So you know I went to visit the Tonks family. Her parents are really worried about her and honestly, so am I and I have been for months now, but there hasn't been anything I can do when I'm stuck in Hogwarts and she won't reply to my letters."

"Kathryn -"

"I just need to talk, okay?" I said rather forcefully, I had this real need to get it off my chest, "Ted said she hadn't made it out of bed when we arrived. I got the impression that this was happening a lot. She was crying and it broke my heart to see her like that. I chatted to her and convinced her to get up and shower and join us in the living room. George soon put a smile on her face when he was telling Ted and Andromeda about my birthday party where I don't remember very much. Something about Fred and the song 'I'm too sexy'?"

Remus smiled.

"During Slughorn's party, I met Myron Wagtail and he asked what he could do to get a dance with me, so I named my price, I asked him to send something to Tonks for Christmas, as I hadn't gotten her anything yet. I told him she's their number one fan, she taught me all I know about the Weird Sisters blah blah – I didn't think he'd do it, but I always had a teeny bit of hope. Lo and behold there was a package including a letter, a one-of-a-kind t-shirt and concert tickets."

"Wow." He said, impressed.

"I haven't seen her so happy in such a long time." I said truthfully, "She opened her presents and for a little while she was back to her normal self. She was smiling, laughing, acting the eejit and having fun. She misses you. You know her feelings for you as well as I do, but I think, amongst all this and what has happened, she misses you being there, you know? She's not going to give up – the women in our family are really stubborn. But either way, I just wanted to give you this." I handed him over the picture of Tonks looking gorgeous, smiling at the camera, with me posing beside her.

Remus' eyes fell upon Tonks. His thumb stroked over her face before he caught himself on. I stroked his shoulder with my hand before leaving him alone to his thoughts, "G'night."