Chapter 44: A Christmas with Family
The day after visiting Mr. Weasley in the hospital was the day Harry, the Grangers, and all the members of his new family were set to depart for the Delacours' home in France. Harry could barely contain his excitement. He had always known that Christmas meant more than just a mountain of presents for Dudley and smelly old socks—or worse—for himself, but he was finally going to discover what that something was. Spending Christmases at Hogwarts had been a vast improvement over the Dursleys, filled with warmth and friends, but he had never experienced the holiday with a loving family. He couldn't remember looking forward to anything more.
"Harry, are you ready?" Hermione's voice broke into his thoughts as she entered his room, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Just about," Harry replied, hastily stuffing the last of his belongings into his bag. "I can't believe we're going to France for Christmas!"
"Me neither," Hermione said, her face lighting up. "It's going to be amazing. Mum and Dad are so excited to see the Delacours' chateau. And Fleur has been telling me about all the wonderful Christmas traditions they have."
"Yeah, and it's a short Floo trip from the Ambassador's Manor," Harry noted, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide his enthusiasm. "Beats sitting on a plane or driving all day."
As they headed down to breakfast, the house was filled with the infectious sounds of laughter and cheerful conversation. The table was laden with food, and everyone was in high spirits. Harry could tell that the others were just as eager for the holiday as he was, albeit for different reasons.
"I imagine the Delacours are looking forward to some time away from the tensions here in Britain," Hermione's mother, Mrs. Granger, said as she poured herself some tea. "It's been quite the year, hasn't it?"
"Indeed," her husband agreed, patting her hand. "It will be nice to relax in a peaceful environment."
Harry glanced at them, appreciating their calm demeanor. The Grangers seemed blissfully unaware of the full extent of the troubles plaguing the British Wizarding world. He wasn't sure how much Hermione had shared with them, but it was clear they had been shielded from the worst of it. He suspected they were just happy to spend time with their daughter, whom they saw so rarely.
As the conversation flowed around him, Harry found himself thinking about the Delacours' sacrifices. Jean-Sebastian and Apolline had left the safety of France to support him in England, despite the risks. Their support was not just a matter of politics; it was personal. Apolline and her daughters, being part-Veela, were likely targets for bigots and Voldemort's followers. The thought of them falling into the hands of Death Eaters sent a shiver down his spine.
"Everything okay, Harry?" Jean-Sebastian's voice brought him back to the present. The Delacour patriarch was watching him with a kind, understanding smile.
Harry nodded. "Just thinking about how grateful I am to all of you. It means a lot that you're doing this."
Jean-Sebastian placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "We are honored to have you with us, Harry. You are part of our family now. Family stands together."
"Absolutely," Fleur chimed in, her voice full of warmth. "We are all looking forward to showing you our home and our traditions. It will be a Christmas to remember."
The rest of the morning flew by in a flurry of final preparations. Soon, they were all gathered around the fireplace, ready for the Floo journey. One by one, they stepped into the green flames, calling out their destination. Harry's heart raced with anticipation as he took his turn, feeling the familiar whoosh and swirl of the Floo Network.
Moments later, he stumbled out into a grand, warmly lit hall. The Chateau Delacour was even more magnificent than he had imagined, with its high ceilings, elegant decor, and the faint smell of pine and baked goods wafting through the air.
"Welcome to Chateau Delacour!" Apolline greeted them with open arms, her smile radiant. "We are so happy to have you all here."
Harry's excitement grew as he looked around, taking in the festive decorations and the cozy atmosphere. This was what he had always dreamed of—a real family Christmas, filled with love, warmth, and joy. For the first time in his life, he felt truly at home.
Harry left the lively breakfast table, his mind buzzing with excitement and determination. Yes, he felt immense gratitude towards his new guardians, but now was not the time for worry or dwelling on potential dangers. This was a time for celebration, surrounded by friends and family. If it ever came to it, Harry was prepared to risk everything to protect them—that much was certain. With that resolve in mind, he pushed aside any lingering concerns and focused on the joyous holiday ahead.
As he made his way back to his room to gather his belongings, Harry couldn't contain the grin that spread across his face. His heart felt light, his spirits soaring with anticipation. He knew he probably looked a bit foolish with his beaming smile, but he didn't care one bit.
"Someone's looking rather excited," Mrs. Granger remarked with a chuckle as Harry entered the room where the Floo connection awaited.
Harry returned her smile warmly. "I've been counting down the days to this since summer!"
Elizabeth Granger laughed softly at his enthusiasm. Hermione's parents were truly wonderful people, and from the moment they arrived, they had made every effort to make him feel at home. Insisting on being called by their first names rather than any formal titles, they quickly made Harry feel like part of the family. With the Delacours also preferring informality, Harry had seamlessly adapted to this new familial dynamic.
As Harry finished gathering his bags, he felt a surge of gratitude for the warm welcome he had received from both sets of parents. It was moments like these that reminded him how lucky he was to have such caring people in his life. With a final glance around the room, Harry took a deep breath, ready to embark on this exciting holiday adventure with his newfound family by his side.
Much like her daughter, Elizabeth Granger was studious and smart, often seen with a book settled comfortably in her hands. She clearly passed on more than just intellectual curiosity to Hermione; her physical appearance also bore a striking resemblance to her daughter's. While Hermione's hair was a mass of long, wavy curls, Elizabeth's was shorter, styled in a sleek, straight wave that framed the back of her neck.
William Granger, on the other hand, could appear quite intimidating at first glance. Towering over Harry at nearly six feet, two inches tall, his imposing stature was offset by his jovial demeanor. Any sense of intimidation vanished the moment he spoke, his voice warm and cheerful. In many ways, William reminded Harry of the Weasley twins, though his humor was far less mischievous. While the twins' pranks often bordered on the chaotic, William's jokes were light-hearted and benign, bringing laughter without the accompanying chaos.
Another thing that had taken Harry by surprise was the age of Hermione's parents. Elizabeth, with her youthful appearance, didn't look a day over thirty. Though he had assumed she was older, he was astonished to learn that his guess was nearly accurate. Elizabeth was only 34, and William was 35. When Harry had inquired about their story, Hermione explained that they had been childhood sweethearts, marrying immediately after high school despite their families' initial disapproval.
"They intended to wait until they finished dental school before starting a family," Hermione had shared one evening, her eyes reflecting the fondness she held for her parents' story. "But I came along sooner than expected. They managed to complete their schooling and build a successful dental practice while raising me."
Elizabeth had once summed it up perfectly, "How could we regret having such a wonderful daughter?"
With his bags packed and ready, Harry returned to the room where the Floo connection awaited, feeling a surge of appreciation for the Grangers and the Delacours. They had welcomed him with open arms, making him feel like part of their family. It was a feeling he cherished deeply, especially during the holiday season.
As he stood with Hermione and her parents, ready to embark on their journey to Chateau Delacour, he couldn't help but feel a profound sense of joy. The anticipation of the upcoming festivities and the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones made his heart swell. This Christmas promised to be unlike any he had ever experienced—a true celebration with family and friends.
"Ready, Harry?" William asked, clapping a hand on his shoulder, his grin infectious.
"More than ready," Harry replied, his excitement evident.
With one last look around, Harry stepped into the green flames, calling out their destination. The familiar sensation of the Floo Network engulfed him, and moments later, he stumbled out into the grand hall of Chateau Delacour. The sight took his breath away. The chateau was magnificent, adorned with festive decorations, and the air was filled with the comforting scents of pine and baked goods.
"Welcome to Chateau Delacour!" Apolline greeted them warmly, her smile radiant. "We are so happy to have you all here."
Harry's excitement grew as he took in his surroundings. This was it—his first Christmas with a loving family, filled with warmth, joy, and the promise of wonderful memories to come. For the first time in his life, he felt truly at home.
"Well, Harry," William Granger's voice broke into Harry's thoughts, "have you given any more thought to going golfing in France?"
Harry had quickly learned that William was an absolute golfing fanatic, much to the amused indulgence of Hermione and Elizabeth. While they found his passion endearing, neither shared his enthusiasm for the sport, a sentiment Harry could relate to, even before Elizabeth spoke.
"Now, William, I'm not sure Harry considers walking around chasing a little white ball to be a lot of fun," Elizabeth said with a laugh, echoing a well-worn joke.
"Maybe you should let the boy answer," William replied good-naturedly. "He might turn out to be an enthusiast like me."
"Heaven forbid!" Elizabeth retorted, shaking her head in mock horror.
William snickered, then raised an eyebrow at Harry. Harry returned his gaze with a smile. "I'm not sure I'll be any good, but I'll be happy to go along with you."
"Don't leave me out," Jean-Sebastian said as he entered the room, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "It's been a long time since I've had a good game of golf."
Harry was surprised to learn that Jean-Sebastian had played golf before. He explained that growing up with several Muggleborn friends had exposed him to various Muggle activities, including golf. The Delacours prided themselves on being knowledgeable about the Muggle world, so it made sense in retrospect.
"And maybe we can get Sirius to go with us too," Jean-Sebastian continued with a wink at Harry. "I'm sure we'd all have a laugh seeing him play a round of golf."
Harry chuckled at the thought, imagining the antics Sirius might get up to on a golf course. It was easy to picture Sirius causing a scene, perhaps accidentally revealing the Wizarding world to unsuspecting Muggle golfers.
"Dad, are you bothering Harry about golfing again?" Hermione demanded as she stepped into the room, Fleur and Gabrielle trailing behind her.
"Not bothering, just suggesting," William said innocently, his eyes twinkling.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Dad, not everyone shares your obsession with golf."
"Oh, but you should have seen him!" William replied with a grin. "Harry here might just have the makings of a golfer."
Harry laughed. "Well, I'll give it a try. Just don't expect too much."
Fleur smiled warmly at Harry. "Golfing in France could be quite enjoyable, Harry. The countryside is beautiful, and it's a lovely way to spend an afternoon."
Gabrielle nodded enthusiastically. "And we can always have fun together, even if golf isn't your favorite thing."
As the conversation continued, the room filled with the warm, jovial atmosphere that Harry had come to associate with being part of this extended family. The anticipation for the holiday ahead made every moment feel even more special. It wasn't just the idea of celebrating Christmas in France that excited him; it was the sense of belonging, of being surrounded by people who cared about him.
"Well, it sounds like we have our plans," William said, clapping Harry on the back. "And don't worry, Harry. We'll make sure you have a great time, even if it involves chasing a little white ball around."
Harry smiled, feeling a deep sense of contentment. This Christmas was shaping up to be one he would never forget, filled with laughter, love, and new experiences. As they prepared to leave for Chateau Delacour, he felt an overwhelming gratitude for the friends and family who had embraced him so fully. This was more than a holiday—it was the start of a new chapter in his life, one filled with hope and happiness.
"Maybe you should let Harry decide if I'm bothering him," William replied jovially. "The boy doesn't appear distressed to me."
Hermione and Elizabeth exchanged a knowing look, both smiling as Harry quietly said, "I really don't mind. I think it will be lots of fun."
Harry hung his head, trying to hide the almost overwhelming feeling of gratitude and belonging that washed over him. The room was filled with people who cared for him, a stark contrast to his years with the Dursleys. This attention and camaraderie from father figures were something he had never experienced before, and it warmed his heart. He could tell that everyone else in the room understood his past, which made him feel a bit self-conscious, but he also knew they did not judge him for it.
An arm draped around his shoulders, and he looked up to see Hermione giving him a reassuring smile. "It's okay if you want to go, Harry. But feel free to tell Dad off if he annoys you about it."
"You know, Harry," William interjected with a twinkle in his eye, "if I didn't already know you were betrothed to the lovely Miss Delacour, I'd be thinking I needed to give you the talk about the perils of dating my daughter, given how she's hanging off you."
"Father!" Hermione exclaimed, her face turning bright red. William only smirked, turning his attention to his wife, who was rolling her eyes with a smile.
Feeling intensely embarrassed, Harry went to great lengths to avoid meeting anyone else's eyes. It wasn't so much William's words but the realization that the man was unaware of how complicated such a relationship might be. The idea of Hermione wanting a relationship with him was something Harry tried not to dwell on, but he couldn't help wondering what William's reaction would be if it ever happened. He doubted it would be as jovial.
"Well then, shall we go now?" Jean-Sebastian suggested, his gaze meeting Harry's with a knowing look. Sensing Jean-Sebastian understood his awkwardness, Harry felt a bit more at ease and quickly agreed.
Setting his bag down with the other luggage to be transported to France by house-elves, Harry moved toward the Floo. Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the green flames, calling out their destination.
The familiar sensation of being spun around in the Floo Network engulfed him. Moments later, he stumbled out into a grand, warmly lit hall. The Chateau Delacour was even more magnificent than he had imagined, with high ceilings, elegant decor, and the faint smell of pine and baked goods wafting through the air.
"Welcome to Chateau Delacour!" Apolline greeted them warmly, her smile radiant. "We are so happy to have you all here."
Harry's heart swelled with excitement and gratitude. This was it—his first real Christmas with a loving family. The decorations, the warmth, and the genuine happiness in everyone's faces made him feel more at home than he ever had before.
As they settled in, Harry could hear William's voice behind him, already discussing potential golf courses in the area with Jean-Sebastian. Despite his initial hesitations, Harry found himself looking forward to the experience. It wasn't just about golf; it was about spending time with people who had become family to him. This holiday promised to be filled with laughter, love, and memories he would cherish forever.
Grateful for the lessons he had received on navigating the Floo properly, Harry managed to keep his feet on the other side. Stepping out, he was immediately greeted by Sirius, who was waiting for him with a wide smile.
"Welcome to France, Harry!" Sirius exclaimed, pulling him into a hearty embrace and delivering enthusiastic slaps on the back.
Harry couldn't help but be taken aback by the transformation in his godfather's appearance and demeanor. Gone was the emaciated, wild-eyed man he had been upon his escape from prison. Even the haunted look he had worn during his trial seemed to have disappeared. Sirius now stood tall and proud, his hair full and rich, his skin tanned, and his eyes gleaming with contentment and peace. It was clear that his time in recovery had done wonders, and Harry felt a surge of joy at seeing his godfather so healthy and happy.
"I'm glad to be here, Sirius," Harry said quietly, feeling overwhelmed by the emotions coursing through him.
As they exchanged greetings, more people arrived through the Floo, and Hermione squealed with delight as she darted forward to greet Sirius.
"Ah, Hermione, good to see you too," Sirius said with a grin as the excited witch stepped back. "Have you been keeping Harry out of trouble?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "As if I could possibly manage to keep him out of trouble."
The gathered group erupted in laughter, and Harry playfully smacked Hermione on the shoulder. "I seem to remember someone else being neck-deep in my so-called 'adventures,'" he teased.
"It's not polite to point that out, Harry," Hermione retorted in a stage whisper, prompting another round of laughter from the group, who had all now arrived.
"It's good to have you here," Sirius said, addressing everyone. "And well done with that nasty piece of work, Umbridge. Getting her out of the castle must have made things much easier."
"You have no idea," Harry acknowledged. "I've got a lot to tell you."
"As do I," Sirius replied with a smirk, piquing Harry's curiosity.
Harry was about to ask more when Apolline interrupted, "Perhaps we should save the catching up for after we've all settled in."
There was a general murmur of agreement, and the group made their way from the study where the Floo was situated to their respective rooms. Harry, familiar with his accommodations from his previous stay, quickly stowed his things, which the efficient house-elves had already placed in his room. He then made his way to the large living area the family used when in residence.
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