Chapter 32

Christmas

Saturday, 21 December 1996

Especially after their last visit from Ginny, the Twins were happy to lend their flat to Ginny and Trisha to transform into Crimson Witch again. This time Ginny did most of the work and Trisha simply polished a few highlights. Harry bid his time in the shop. George was quick to point out the love potion display was gone. Harry was willing to be the bigger man and let it all pass by, especially at the holiday, but did agree with Ginny's opinion on that product. He was more interested in the Twins account of the Howling here at Diagon Alley. Living there the Twins had been the lookout people and from that started working Aster Kennedy, Susan's contact from House Bones. As vital and important a place as the Alley was, Kennedy was keeping House Guards on patrols in tandem with the Aurors. The first week after the Howling proved tense, but Fred and George, being 'people' people were able to smooth relations and both groups calmed to neutrality, and by now could even be seen as friendly to each other.

Shortly thereafter, Crimson came down stairs, more radiant than ever. Harry smiled, because he loved Ginny getting these opportunities to be front and center of attention, and because she looked absolutely brilliant. A flame red vest with gold trim accents. Underneath a sleeveless black leather cloak with red flame accents at the ends. Black denim jeans with knee high boots with minimal heal also with red and gold flame accents. She still had her shiftweave gloves and on her face was a positively wicked grin

Her brothers felt similarly, but couldn't express it properly. "There's no bloody way you're my kid sister." Fred denied shaking his head.

"Correct," Crimson smiled, "because I'm not a kid anymore Fred. I've got a good job, my apparition license, my first N.E.W.T., and I've been fighting on the front lines. I would think we've reached the point where we can drop the 'kid'."

George looked over at Harry, "Six months with you, and all this happens?"

"I love the idea you think I could stop or change Ginny in any way. That's so cute." Harry laughed. "Escort for the walk, m'lady?" he said to Crimson. Harry extended his arm out. He was wearing his black commando sweater with Ministry pin, and as usual his wand in his holster. After what happened before he wanted to look as official as possible and Tonks had said to keep his pin and link on him.

"Love to." Crimson replied as she accepted his arm.

"Oi, where the hell do ya think ya going dressed like that?" Fred asked.

"To work." Crimson replied as they headed out the door.

"Cheeky devils, both of them." Fred muttered, but with a smile.

George leaned over the counter. "Imagine what they'll be like after a year."

It was a surreal experience for Harry and Crimson walking down the Alley. His Name is Riddle posters adorning most walls and windows. With the Bones and auror security the war was felt here more than at Hogwarts. Harry soon realized that likely was because at Hogwarts and Hogsmeade they were the security there. Still as they passed the patrons and shopkeeps would look up, and as recognizable as they were, would smile. Of course, the couple would smile, wave, and nod in return.

Her expression was perfectly confident and happy, but from the tenseness in her muscles that Harry could feel, he picked up on her nerves. "How are you doing, babe?"

She took a deep breath. "It's not just posters now. It's real motivation and hope in a real war that we're really fighting. I'm seeing real emotion in real people's eyes. It's hitting is all."

"Keep doing what you're doing, because you are doing fine." he encouraged, with a kiss to the back of her hand.

"Has this happened to you?"

"Smaller scales, but yes." he nodded.

"When?"

Harry smiled. "That was my point of view just before the last battle here, the Battle of the Burrow, and that first D.A. meeting. Hell, even some of that for the Second and Third tasks of the Triwizard. I will say you are prettier than me, so you do it better." He winked and grinned.

"How do you handle it so well? The hopes of so many focused on you?"

Harry smiled widely. "I'm flattered you think I do it well. I won't deny it can get a little suffocating." Harry looked over to her. His eyes shifted briefly from humor to honesty and seriousness. "I also won't deny sharing the load with you makes it far easier these last few months. If I haven't before, I do thank you for that… Crimson."

They came to a stop in front of Broomstix, where a line was already forming. She smiled. "Anything to help my Man Becoming."

Josh met them coming in and greeted them warmly. Crimson had agreed to at least start her Q and A solo. But Harry would walk security around the store. Then at some point there were certain there would be questions best suited to him.

Crimson took the stage with her usual wicked smile, still to legitimate applause and fanfare. "Thank all of you for coming today. Today's visit is very important to me as a little over three months ago we were here, and Riddle didn't like that. But we said no, we stood our ground. We won that day. And personally I feel we win any day we live our lives as we choose. For having the courage to stay open and have us back again, I want to give a great thank you to Broomstix." Crimson started the applause for the store owner who simply waved and nodded.

"As usual before any autographs I'll be happy to handle a few brief questions from those who were willing to come early."

Is it true you have started working with the Ministry?

"There's a war on, yes I'm working under the D.M.L.E."

While attending Hogwarts?

"Strange days create opportunities, yes half way through my Fifth year."

And you feel you are providing adequate security?

"Well first, I am certainly not working alone. I am part of a unique squadron. And as for our effectiveness, I would dare say the better source would be the locals of Hogsmeade where we've been assigned and patrolling for the last few weeks."

How often have you been deployed?

"I can confirm three separate missions since and not including the last battle here."

And you are still engaging from broomflight?

"Absolutely, I work best in the sky. Reign of Fire has proven highly reliable as we have been developing more battle broom techniques. We know we have the power and speed. Our focus the last few weeks has been using her maneuverability and training additional personnel."

Have you beat your own speed record yet?

"Not yet, but I'm trying. However, I love competition, so if anyone does I would love to know."

I can't help but notice you're alone today. Are you still working with Harry Potter?

"Now, now," Crimson smiled. "Just because I opt to have some space doesn't mean I'm alone." Crimson playfully cleared her throat. Then raised a finger and teased, "Security."

Harry had listened as she handled the crowd, again she got the essentials of talking about the broom. He wasn't surprised when someone asked about his absence, but had to smile when "Security" was called. He sighed. 'Time to work the crowd.'

Harry apparated from the edge of the wall he was at to the stage beside Crimson. "You called?" he smiled. The crowd laughed.

"So clearly, you two are working together."

"Correct, Crimson handles the aerial recon and tactics, I'm the ground pounder. " The audience laughed.

And still attending Hogwarts?

"Correct."

And still dating?

"Nice to see the Daily Profit represented." Harry said with a smile. The audience laughed even louder. "Yes, it will take a bit more than a war before I let her go."

What's your relationship with the Ministry?

"First, Let me be clear. I have no complaints. We have a commanding officer we respect and report to out of Hogwarts. We have been deployed when and where needed, which is all I can ask from my C.O. I do recognize we are all a year or two south of proper, but our skills have shown we can handle ourselves. We've saved lives. I let D.M.L.E. sort out the rest."

The rest of the autograph session went smoothly, much more like the first one in Hogsmeade than the last one here. Despite the war, Holiday shopping seemed to more or less be normal. Harry had long ago learned to greatly appreciate a visit to normalcy. Once they were done Harry happily escorted Crimson back to the Twins flat where she changed back into comfortable clothes, including jeans and a white jumper.

"Hello, Gin," Harry joked when she emerged.

"Disappointed not walking with Crimson?" she asked.

"Never, but I do have an honest question for you. Do you need to do any last minute shopping for me?"

"No, I got you taken care of like weeks ago. You for me?"

"Not weeks ago, as mine … well you'll see, but taken care of, yes. More to the point, then there is no spoiler for the two of us for any last minute shopping for anyone else. We're both here in the Alley and everything."

"Wow, yeah, that makes so much sense. I need to stop at Gringotts but sure." Ginny replied with a cute little absent minded smile.

She had a daydream like expression for several blocks till Harry finally asked. "You've been smiling ever since I suggested shopping. Are you going to clue me in sometime?"

Ginny shook her head and blushed, "It's silly."

"Good, I like being silly with you."

"Promise not to laugh?" she demanded.

"Promise." Harry said honestly.

"Okay, well, you've been around so you are aware that the Weasleys are on the opposite end of certain spectrums of House Potter." Harry nodded. "Well because of that, this will be my first Christmas I can really shop for people. Spoil them and stuff. I don't know-"

"You've never been here before, and it's nice." Harry offered.

"Yes!"

Harry pulled her in for a hug. "What's the silly part? You have had a good year. You would like to share that with the family. I say go for it, enjoy it. Just keep Bill happy and keep a few galleons in the box." Ginny laughed.

They made their way to the goblin bank and waited their turn in line. Ginny asked and got her recent monthly state which the goblin gave to her in an envelope and led her back to the deposit box area Harry followed along dutifully. It wasn't until the goblin left them alone she actually opened the envelope. "Merlin," she gasped. She started to tremble again and looked to Harry in joy and lept into a hug with her boyfriend.

"Good news, I take it?" he asked, holding her.

"It tripled while we were at school!"

"It's been three months, that makes sense babe, Happy Christmas. You deserve it."

After a withdrawal they started out shopping, Ginny wearing a smile from ear to ear. At Madam Malkins, Harry surprised Ginny by getting a pair of the nicest robes he could find with warming charms… in Slytherin colors. "Greengrass?" she asked.

"And her sister." He nodded to Ginny, then to "Do you gift wrap and deliver? Happy to pay extra."

"Certainly, sir."

"Excellent, please label the larger one to Daphne, and tuck this in please." Harry handed in one of the two way letter portfolios. "The other to Astoria. Both to be delivered to this address," Harry said as he wrote it down. Ginny smiled at the cleverness.

After Harry asked for help getting a bracelet for Luna. "Only if I go halves with you."

"That's fine. Just help me find something she would like, you can choose it, I want to charm something for her."

"Oh, you have my curiosity," she said. After a few moments looking she found a silver band with a hare on it. "Her patronus. So what charm are you going to put on it."

"While my homework hasn't found anything about crying lightning yet, I have found some other lightning spells. Going to charm that with one called shocking grasp. If another bastard can't remember how to treat her she can slap stun him even without a wand."

Ginny smiled in appreciation. "You're a good friend, Harry."

Further down the Alley, Harry picked up a wizard camera for Collin Creevey. Ginny complemented it with a featherlight charmed carrying case. They had it wrapped and delivered also. Considering some of the bunker work planned, Harry went simply with charmed backpacks for Neville and Susan, Then a new and fully stocked Healer's bag for Hannah, opting for the stores to do the wrapping and delivering too.

After a few last odds and ends they finally stopped by the joke shop to pick up Harry's trunk, with all of their trunks inside. In short order they flamed back to the Burrow, where Molly was working in the kitchen. In a state of expectation all day, she pounced and practically tackled the pair with an arm around each of them. "Welcome home!"

"Good to be here, Mum."

"Yeah, Molly, thanks. It's good to be home." Harry said, apparently with sincere honesty.

Molly exchanged a look with Ginny who just gave a smile and nod.

Harry didn't notice, "I'm going to go get every one's trunk where it needs to be." Then realizing, he asked. "Hermione… Twins old room or … ?"

"No, at least not till after Christmas. Didn't think you would mind bunking with her again? Where are her parents this time?"

"Of course not, Mum. Harry, I forgot, where are the Grangers?"

Harry had to stop and think. "France, I think. They're working on opening another location there."

"Well…" Molly continued. "Come Christmas eve, if she stays with you, Ginny, the Twins have their room, Tonks and Fleur can have Percy's, Bill can stay with Ron, and Remus can be in Bills."

Harry grinned at Ginny. "This is why I bought myself my trunk room."

Ginny snickered.

"Yes, Harry, I know, and I will even admit it's convenient. But you were welcome even without it."

"Again, I am happy to offer Grimmauld. It has like 8 bedrooms, Bill and Fleur already live there. Floos and apparating do exist."

"Harry you're a dear, but especially after the Howling, I would like all my family under my roof for Christmas Eve. Consider that my Christmas gift."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, Molly."

Ginny sighed. "If Tonks and Fleur are in Percy's room, one assumes no Percy?"

Molly exhaled deeply, almost mournfully. "I would call it a Christmas miracle if he were at the table, but no I wouldn't put money on that."

He was about to leave to unpack until she caught him with a snap of her fingers. Molly said as she sat a bowl of potatoes in front of him. "Trunks later, peel now."

Harry took a seat, "Ahh, it's good to be home."

That finally broke Ginny and she let out a full laugh, bringing herself to Molly's attention. Molly rewarded that by giving her the carrots. Ginny sat and began working then looked over to Harry who returned the smiling expression. The power of mischief was too strong. While they worked Ginny started singing, but within a few notes, Harry joined in.

'Be it ever so humble …. There is no… place… like… home."

Molly fought a smile for a moment, but having both of them back for the holiday outweighed everything. "I am glad you're both back."

After the veg was ready, and a welcomed peck to Ginny's cheek, Harry finally did leave to put their trunks away, Leaving mother and daughter alone. Molly smiled warmly. "You and Harry seem to be doing quite well."

Ginny's body tensed, this was getting dangerously close to topics she did not want to discuss. "We're doing fine. Thank you." Ginny put as much tone into the final two words as she dared to express her desire for this conversation to not happen, without crossing the line of offending her mum. Because in all honesty, Molly was a good mum.

"Do you and I need to have a conversation?" Molly asked.

'Gods,' Ginny swore in her head. Mum was driving this straight to it. "Honestly, no, Mum, I swear."

"Ginevra, we can have this talk now in private, or over Christmas dinner."

It wasn't a bluff. While the holiday dinner was a stretch, Ginny had remembered being around the table when all manner of dating topics came up because her brothers had been stupid about one thing or another.

Ginny took a breath and put both hands on the table. "How blunt do you want this?"

Molly crossed her arms and leaned against the sink. "Where do you think you get your sledgehammer approach from?" she smiled.

Ginny shook her head and signed. "Harry and I are honestly good. There is literally no worries about anyone being a granny anytime soon, largely because I'm not ready. And to Harry's credit he has been a perfect gentleman about it. Truth be known much of our time together has been us dealing and unpacking a lot of our baggage from what we've gone through. It is not all romance novel stuff. Good enough?"

Molly came around the table and warmly hugged and kissed the top and Ginny's head, then returned back to work for supper. "More than. I'm happy for both of you."

It felt too easy. "That's it? Three and a half months away and a three minute conversation is enough to relax you?"

Molly smiled warmly. "Ginny, darling, I'm not worried about you two. But you're both my children. I simply care. And until you give me reason to believe otherwise I will continue to trust and believe you. So that means a fine young man is still courting, protecting, respecting and loving my daughter. And the two of you are helping and caring for each other. Where is the part I am supposed to be upset about?"

Relief washed over Ginny. "Thank you, Mum."

"You're welcome dear. And don't worry, I fully intend to run Ron through the same conversation. "

"Merlin, Mum, I don't want to know!" Ginny squirmed.

Molly smiled, "I do."

About an hour later Hermione and Ron walked in from outside. Molly attacked them with hugs as well.

"Hi, Mum."

"Why didn't you use the floo?" Molly asked as she embraced.

"'Cause that would have been like a twenty minute walk to Grimmauld at the closest. We can apparate now, remember?"

"And where's your jacket?"

Ron rolled his eyes. "Mum, I don't get cold any more. Ice mage, remember?"

"Still, I don't want you to catch your death out there. Humor me around home, please."

"Yes, Mum," Ron relented. Hermione stifled a laugh through the entire exchange.

"Thank you for having me … again… Mrs. Weasley." Hermione laughed as they embraced.

Molly held her shoulders. "Hermione, I think you have had enough meals at my table and nights under my roof, 'Molly' will do just fine.

"I'll… work on it." she replied sheepishly.

Molly smiled, "Try. Now the others are either in the living room or Harry's. Ginny wanted to work on decorations. Why don't you lend a hand?"

The teens nodded and headed off. Then Molly caught him. "Not you Ron, why don't you help me mash potatoes." Hermione wasn't an idiot, so she continued on into the living room which was empty, but the lid to Harry's room was open.

"Anyone in?" she called down.

"Yep," both of them replied. "C'mon in."

"Thanks you too. Ginny, your Mum clearly wanted a word with Ron."

Ginny shivered as she sat on the end of Harry's bed looping the paper strips Harry was cutting as he sat at the head of his bed. The paper chain was already down to the floor. "For the love of Merlin, close that door, I do not want to hear it."

Hermione did as she was told as she came down the stairs. "Did Ron get in trouble or something?" she asked.

Ginny started cackling. "You tell us!"

Confused, Hermione turned to look at Harry.

Harry grinned. "Apparently, since neither of us broke up with our Weasleys, Molly 'cares' and is curious about how both of our couples are doing."

Hermione shrugged. "Fine, why?" She grabbed a bean bag chair and started to help with the paper chain creation.

"'Fine' will not be sufficient." Ginny said, looking intently at her.

"What? No!" Hermione said in disbelief. "She's not going to ask about… I mean we haven't … but she's actually asking?"

Ginny nodded. "Happy Holiday everyone."

It was then that Ron lifted the door. In a very uneasy voice, he asked "Everyone down there?"

"C'mon in," they welcomed.

Ron staggered in, and closed the lid behind him, his face as red as his hair. He grabbed the other beanbag and sat next to Hermione. "What the bloody hell was that?!" Hermione nodded and rubbed Ron's back, she even let the 'bloody' go by.

"That was Mum, 'caring'." Ginny replied.

"She got you too?"

"Oh yeah."

Hermione tried to point out. "She's a mum with her kids away at a boarding school for ten months out of the year. I suppose I can see her point…"

"I'm still putting this out there."Harry said, "Grimmauld exists. There are eight bedrooms."

"Harry, you were there." Ginny said brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Mum's got her heart set on the Burrow bursting come Christmas."

"I know, I know."

"Well, look at it this way." Hermione said, straightening up her back. "Mrs. Weasley has already asked the most embarrassing question possible. So the worst is behind us."

Finally having the opportunity to talk, Harry and Ginny caught the others up about their eavesdropping the night before.

"You actually think Malfoy has a mission to kill Dumbledore? Dumbledore?!" Hermione said in disbelief.

Harry raised a hand. "Remember, I've dealt with the Professor more directly in the last few months than you have. He's not in peak health. Maybe Riddle knows, maybe not. But the fact of the matter is Dumbledore is one of the main players that keep Riddle from directly advancing the war."

"But, he hasn't even graduated yet and the Death Eaters take him in?"

"D.M.L.E. drafted us." Ginny reminded.

"But that's because Harry trained us…oh gods!" Hermione finally put pieces together. "Do you think Snape has been training Draco for the war?"

"I think that's a reasonable deduction." Harry nodded. "He's clearly no fan of the Auror Training. At first, I thought he just didn't like there was a Defense class he wasn't controlling. Now, well as he said he's been acting. It would make sense he's upset at us and what we do. So yes, I think Draco is getting private lessons. And I get a feeling they are more beneficial than what Dumbledore is giving me."

"So we've already talked to Tonks. What else can we do?" Ginny asked.

"We watch. I wrote basic instructions for the two way letter to hers, I'm hoping Daphne will respond back and be easier to communicate what happens in the Slytherin dorm."

"I have a free period or two." Ron volunteered. "I can take a shift watching him on the Marauder's map."

"Thanks," Harry said. "About the map." Harry reached over and grabbed his father's spellbook. He flipped to the Homonculous Charm, and passed it to Hermione. "I would appreciate your assistance. I want to make a second."

Hermione read over the incantation. "The spell work doesn't seem too complicated. There is a fair bit of scry work involved. Yes, especially when compared to some of what we've done." She looked back at Harry. "I'm not sure why we need a second."

Harry smiled. "Mosty, I would like to know if we can do it. Create maps of other places if we need. It would do well for security for the other houses. But as for a second of Hogwarts, the original served us three well. But now the Marauders have grown. Especially with the links," he nodded in appreciation to Gin. "It would be easy for us to be two separate teams. It seems logical to prepare one for each."

They all had to nod at the logic of the idea, but finally, Ginny spoke up. "Harry, we've got a good two weeks off. Is there any chance we could take a couple days?" She picked up the multi-colored paper chain. "Have a holiday?"

Harry looked to his friends who all smiled and nodded in agreement. "Sorry, you're right. Happy Holiday everyone."

Tuesday, 24 December 1996

They were all listening to a Christmas broadcast by Molly's favorite singer, Celestina Warbeck, whose voice was warbling out of the large wooden wireless set. Under cover of a particularly jazzy number called "A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love," Fred and George started a game of Exploding Snap with Ron and Hermione. Ginny was leaned up against Harry on the couch, thumbing through his book on Occlumency. Harry, Bill, and Fleur were enjoying drinks catching up with Remus and Tonks sitting across from them.

Oh, come and stir my cauldron,

And if you do it right,

I'll boil you up some hot strong love

To keep you warm tonight.

"We danced to this when we were eighteen!" said Molly, wiping her eyes on her knitting. "Do you remember, Arthur?"

"Mphf?" said Arthur, whose head had been nodding over the satsuma he was peeling. "Oh yes . . . marvelous tune . . ." Then actually thinking back and remembering, looking over the house full of family and friends, a bit of the youths spirit came to mind and a twinkle came to his eye. He put the fruit down and walked over to his wife. "Up you come, Molly."

"Arthur," Molly said in mild protest.

"It's the holidays. I insist on a dance."

"The children are here." Molly noted with a nod to the teens.

"Then they'll see a happily married couple." Arthurs smiled, determined and undaunted. "Up you come, love."

Finally Molly relented and let herself have a moment of public silliness. As Arthur hummed along and danced with his wife in the middle of the floor. The side conversations in the room came to a stop out of respect for the pair.

Oh, my poor heart, where has it gone?

It's left me for a spell . . .

It was a rare heart warming image of the heads of the family, taking a moment for themselves. Everyone looked up with smiles of admiration and joy. The scattered couples seemed to take a cue shared kisses. The Twins raised their butter beers and toasted. "Happy Christmas everyone."

. . and now you've torn it quite apart

I'll thank you to give back my heart!

Celestina ended her song on a very long, high-pitched note and loud applause issued out of the wireless, which the family joined in with enthusiastically applauding the parents.

Before Harry laid down for the night he checked his two way letter, and Daphne had replied: 'Decent fellow?'

Harry sat down at his desk to reply and gave it a moment.

"You seem like a decent lady."

"You bought two new Slytherin robes, just to deliver this to me?"

"Would you prefer I gave it to you in the middle of the Welcome Feast?"

"No. I will compliment your cleverness. 'A' likes her robe quite well. I explained it was most likely the continuation of you being a decent fellow."

"True enough. I suggest we keep things simple. I'll check this book shortly after lights out each night. If you have news you wish to share, we have the means and now a standing appointment."

"Agreed…. Are you sure the Sorting Hat got you right?"

25 December 1996 - Christmas

Harry awoke Christmas morning he knew one item that waited for him so he just put on trousers and a tshirt in anticipation for the annual sweater. However he wanted to get one thing out of the way. "Dobby, Kreacher." he called. Two elves quickly popped into the room in front of him.

"Master Harry Potter sir!" Dobby quickly welcomed with a hug.

"Young Master." Kreacher grumbled as he nodded.

"Happy Christmas you two," Harry welcomed with a smile.

"Oh it does be Christamas today! Dobby will get right on to the din-"

Harry put his hand out. "No stop. No meal. Molly is taking care of that today, bless her. I called because before I get caught up in the holiday…. " Harry reached into his wizard pack. He handed each of them a silver pocket watch engraved with 'Appreciation of Service to House Potter.' "Thank you, both."

Dobby immediately took the watch and pressed it close to his heart and hugged it. "Oh Thanks you, Master!"

Kreacher held it and looked unsure. "You give this to Kreacher?"

"Yes." Harry answered kindly.

"Master Black never gave gifts to elves before."

"I'm not Master Black. I'm Master Potter. I am different."

Kreacher closed his hand around the watch and nodded. "Kreacher begging to see."

Harry smiled. "Try to take it easy today. I'll likely be at Grimmauld in the next few days. Happy Christmas you two." Then the elves nodded in understanding and popped away.

He walked up and out of his room to the living room, already filled with people. Ginny quickly welcomed him back to the land of the living.

"You could have woke me, you know. It wouldn't have been your first time." he smiled.

She pecked his cheek and hugged him good morning. "For once you were sleeping in. I asked them to leave you be. Happy Christmas."

Harry grabbed a hot chocolate and looked out the window to the snow covered landscape and took a breath of a much more peaceful scene than the battle almost six months ago.

Quickly they gathered around in the living room. Harry's sweater had a large Golden Snitch worked onto the front, hand-knitted by Molly. He automatically put it on with a smile. Harry quickly gave framed photos for the Slughorn Christmas Party to Arthur and Molly. Both agreed that the ladies were lovely and the lads barely deserved them.

"I'm your own son!" Ron cried.

"I stand by my statement." Molly smiled looking again at the photo smiling. The family laughed.

Harry found the Twins provided a large box of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes products. He could tell Hermione had gotten him a book just by the shape and weight. But when he opened it he was surprised by the leather cover and the embossed lettering. 'Tactical Magic and Spellwork of Harry Potter'

"You're becoming quite the battle mage Harry, you need to start collecting and writing these things down, please." Hermione said.

Ginny gave him a playful elbow. "I agree," she smiled.

Next from Ron was a tactical belt including his own cop book and pen. "You're already well on your way to being an auror and you have an appreciation of the muggle stuff. I thought it would work well for you."

Tonks smiled. "I like it, Ron. Harry with my blessings, please."

"Again, master of practicality. Thanks mate." Harry nodded with a smile.

Ginny rose, "Before you open your next, Can I slip in?" Harry nodded. "Nimbus has been good to me this year so I wanted to pass it along." Ginny grabbed a stack of wrapped packages. "Mum does sweaters, I went with coats. I think I got your sizes right. I charmed them with waterproofing and warming charms."

The crowd gave a round of 'ah's' and 'thank you." She saved Harry's for last. "Your's is unique. When we were at Godric's Hollow, I found this. It just felt right, so I cleaned it up and charmed it up the same."

Curious to say the least, he opened it and saw it was a corduroy bomber jacket.

Remus was the one surprised for a moment, then smiled and cleared his throat, "Harry, unless I miss my guess, that… that was your father's. Well done, Ginny." The family shared his sentiment.

Harry couldn't stop his smile if he tried. "This is absolutely brilliant, thank you." Which he followed up with a hug and chaste kiss.

"Oh and Ron," Ginny remembered the redhead left out. "Since you don't even get cold anymore, I got you this, though I don't know why you are interested in it."

Ron unwrapped it and found a collapsible bow that would fit into his quiver. "Oh, that's perfect Ginny." He said testing the opening and closing. "This reminds me, Fred, George, I want to talk to you this break about a project."

The Twins looked at each other and shrugged. "Sure."

Ginny came to the Twins with a letter in hand. "I need this back. But since you actually listened to me and … saw my point of view, I did want to show that I do want the best for you two as well."

Dear Mr. Whitehorn,

Thank you again for the opportunity you have afforded me this last year. You and your company's support continue to be greatly appreciated. I truly look forward to our mutual success in the next year.

To that success, I would like to recommend the next Weasley Warrior you should meet, Fred and George Weasley. They were the creative minds creating the diversionary dragon that allowed us to fight so well at the Battle of the Burrow. Additionally they were our second containment front at the Battle of Diagon Alley.

Fred and George are two of the most clever individuals I think you will ever meet. Like you, they have the entrepreneurial spirit, and opened their own business in Diagon Alley, Weasley Wizard Wheezes from which they design and market unique inventions. One in particular I think Nimbus brooms would be wise to look heavily into. These Weasleys have created a stable charm they call a Feather Fall, that safely protects any individual falling more than a few feet and slows their descent safely to the ground unharmed. I have assisted with much test work and can vouch for the quality of their spell work. Between quidditch players, recreational flyers, and battle broom pilots, I am certain you can see the coming potential.

I will leave your progression with this matter in your expert hands.

Respectfully,

Ginny 'Crimson Witch' Weasley

For once Fred was speechless. George smiled and said, "I think what our brother is trying to say is thank you, Ginny. Thank you very much." Fred nodded.

Ron continued with a pair of combat boots. From the Twins, so he looked at them and was not surprised. Fred shook his head clear and said, "Yes, we charmed them."

George continued, "With you now being some fancy smancy ice mage, we figured we would keep you from falling on your arse."

Fred followed up. "Click the heels together and they will activate a spider climb charm. If it is good enough to climb walls, you should be able to stay upright on any ice you create."

"That's awesome, thanks guys."

Ron opened up a one liter metal canteen from Harry. "You're a water wizard, it makes sense for you to keep some of your ammo available." Ron nodded in agreement.

Ron moved on to a rather large box from Hermione. "I know it's not going to compare to the equipment at school, but I thought you should have your own telescope. " She said. "And this one won't give you a blackeye." She exchanged smiles with the Twins.

From Harry, Hermione received a snitch that the re-charmed to simply hover and shine light downward. "I am well aware how late into the night you study. Don't tell me you stop at lights out."

"Congratulations Harry," she laughed, "I now own a piece of quidditch equipment, because of you."

Ron gave her a lovely snowflake pendant. Ginny added fire red ruby earrings.

Ginny opened a large bottle of Sleekeazy's from Hermione. "You bounce between your Crimson curls and straight Ginny hair so much, I want to make sure everything stays great and healthy for you."

From Ron, Ginny received a pair of compact binoculars similar to Harry's. "You're quickly becoming our eyes in the skies… figured they would do well for you up there."

Ginny saved Harry's gift for last. She opened the box and inside was a note 'Ask me privately about charms.' As subtle as she could she palmed the note and found a beautiful silver locket oval with the House Potter crest on it. "Harry… you couldn't have bought this…

"I know a few blokes good at making things." he said with a nod to the Twins who both nodded. Bill and Fluer smiled very warmly too.

Ginny quickly curled up on Harry's lap and hovered the locket in front of them. "Smile," she practically ordered, making the rest snicker and giggle. Harry already was. With a flick of her wand the image of them was locked into one side. It floated back to Ginny's hand who gave it to Harry. "Help a girl out?"

He smiled as he gently latched it behind her neck. "No second picture?"

Ginny smirked. "I know what I want it to be, but I'll just have to wait to see it. Don't worry."

When it seemed the majority of the gifts had been passed, Arthur rose to claim the floor for a moment. "There is a final gift your mother and I would like to put forth." He looked lovingly to his wife, then his family. "Now some of you elders may call this unfair, but we've discussed it, and feel it's only proper considering all angles. The night of the Howling, every… single… one of us was out there. Fighting the war. Defending what was right. Molly and I, have not missed the irony that our youngest three, oh hell with it, four, Hermione too, are actually enlisted in the active Aurors. Well, if you can be drafted and deployed, it doesn't feel right to further restrict you with curfews any longer. Consider it lifted."

The four teens' eyes all shot open and exchanged looks of surprise.

"Furthermore," Arthur continued, "Harry, when you first moved in permanently, I fully admit I encouraged you to start building your own life. And I have been very pleased with what I've seen. Your idea of remodeling Grimmauld now so it's ready when you graduate, is logical, elegant, and brilliant. I would be a fool to say you shouldn't visit or stay in your own house. Especially as Bill and Fleur are living there anyway, consider Grimmauld an extension of the Burrow."

Harry's mouth dropped open in surprise. This was beyond all imagination.

"Two conditions," Arthur said. "We are your parents, and Hermione, yes, we're adopting you too… Ninth." The family laughed as the teens smiled. "Technically, you four are still in school, keep your grades up. Second, we're still family and still care, and there is a war on. We would ask if you are later than normal or not staying here send us a flame. I think that is a small price for a compromise. Deal?"

The youths wholeheartedly agreed and rose to hug Molly and Arthur.

As things started to wind down, Tonks smiled. "I think I will slip in here now. As she stood up. Come here, Harry."

"What did I do?" he asked.

Tonks didn't miss the opportunity. Snapping instantly back to her Sergeant personality, she ordered Harry, "Cadet Potter, Attention!" The surrounding family all smiled and giggled, as Harry followed his orders and fell in in front of his C.O. "New uniform," she said, handing a package to Harry. After getting a confirming nod, he opened it, finding a black commando sweater like he had been wearing, but folded for the shoulders to be seen, and on each was a single stripe chevron looking like a closed book.

Recognizing them, he looked up to Tonks in desperation. "Please, no, not in front-"

Tonks smiled as wide as a cat about to pounce. "Oh, absolutely, in front of everyone. Now stand tall and take it like an auror."

Tonk waited for him to fall back into stance. "Cadet Potter, In recognition for your consistent excellent spellwork and your continued demonstration of leadership, your dedication to your team in training, in the field, and even off the clock, it is my pleasure and honor to hereby promote you to Cadet First Class. May Merlin have mercy on your soul, and congratulations." She offered a hand and shook with Harry as the family all gave full applause. Molly had to wipe away tears. Ginny was elated, and quickly kissed him as soon as he sat down. That of course brought on the jeers from her brothers, to which both of them waved away, creating more laughter.

George asked for clarification. "So does that make Harry an auror now?"

Tonks clarified, "No, but if we were running through the normal 3 year course, that would be completion of First year. Realistically, Harry, you are probably beyond that, but one step at a time."

Everybody was wearing new sweaters when they all sat down for Christmas lunch, Fleur was surprised to see Molly had actually made hers in the pale blue of her former school uniform with the Beauxbatons crest on the front. Molly herself was sporting a brand-new midnight blue witch's hat glittering with what looked like tiny starlike diamonds, and a spectacular golden necklace from Fred and George. "They are beautiful boys, thank you."

"Well, we find we appreciate you more and more, Mum, now we're washing our own socks," said George, waving an airy hand.

"There are worse things in life," said Fleur, with a little smile.

As everything was being passed around, Tonks's special skills kicked in, knocking the gravy boat flying. Mercifully, Bill waved his wand and the gravy soared up in the air and returned meekly to the boat.

"Thank you," she said with a flash of red in her cheeks.

"Good reflexes," Remus said with a grin and comforting pat to Tonks's hand.

"No problem at all." Bill smiled. "Comes in handy with the job. At least before Harry got me behind a desk."

"Tell me you don't like the pay increase." Harry grinned.

"Oh he does," Fleur said with a knowing smile and a kiss.

"I was happy to see you come today Tonks, how is Andromeda?" said Molly, setting down the carrots.

"Well once I decided Harry was due for promotion, I couldn't resist the opportunity to do it today. I figured you all deserved the opportunity to see." She gave a cheeky smile to the promoted cadet. "Remus and I will be over there tomorrow."

Suddenly Molly rose from her chair; ""Arthur!" she said with her hand pressed over her heart as she stared out of the kitchen window. "Arthur, it's Percy!"

"What?"

Molly looked around. Everybody looked quickly at the window; Ginny stood up for a better look. 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!"

And sure enough, the man Harry had seen in the Daily Prophet was following along in Percy's wake, limping slightly, his mane of graying hair and his black cloak flecked with snow. Before any of them could say anything, before Arthur and Molly could do more than exchange stunned looks, the back door opened and there stood Percy.

There was a moment's painful silence. Then Percy said rather stiffly, "Merry Christmas, Mother."

"Oh, Percy!" said Molly, and she threw herself into his arms.

Rufus Scrimgeour paused in the doorway, leaning on his walking stick and smiling as he observed this affecting scene. Tonks immediately stool to full attention. Harry followed suit. Ginny followed him. Ron and Hermione, clearly not wanting to, but did so as well just slower.

"You must forgive this intrusion," Scrimgeour said, when Molly looked around at him, beaming and wiping her eyes. He soon recognized the auror and four cadets standing. "Oh, as you were. You're on holiday. Percy and I were in the vicinity — working, you know — and he couldn't resist dropping in and seeing you all."

The five of them cautiously sat down.

Percy however, showed no sign of wanting to greet any of the rest of the family. He stood, poker-straight and awkward-looking, and stared over everybody else's heads. Arthur, Bill, Fred, and George were all observing him, stony-faced.

"Please, come in, sit down, Minister!" fluttered Molly, straightening her hat. "Have a little purkey, or some tooding. . . . I mean —"

"No, no, my dear Molly," said Scrimgeour. Harry guessed that he had checked her name with Percy before they entered the house.

"I don't want to intrude, wouldn't be here at all if Percy hadn't wanted to see you all so badly. . . ."

"Oh, Perce!" said Molly tearfully, reaching up to kiss him.

". . . 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 . . .

"Certainly, sir!" Tonks replied standing.

"Oh again, Sergeant, you are on holiday. Enjoy it. Ah, that young man's finished, why doesn't he take a stroll with me?"

The atmosphere around the table changed perceptibly. Everybody looked from Scrimgeour to Harry. Nobody seemed to find Scrimgeour's pretense that he did not know Harry's name convincing, or find it natural that he should be chosen to accompany the Minister around the garden when Ginny, Fleur, and George also had clean plates.

Copying Tonk's example, Harry rose saying, "Certainly, sir." He wasn't fooled; for all Scrimgeour's talk that they had just been in the area, that Percy wanted to look up his family, this must be the real reason that they had come, so that Scrimgeour could speak to Harry alone.

"It's fine," he whispered to Ginny on his left and Ron on his right, "My honor," he added, winking to Arthur when he opened his mouth to speak.

"Wonderful!" said Scrimgeour, standing back to let Harry pass through the door ahead of him. "We'll just take a turn around the garden, and Percy and I'll be off. Carry on, everyone!"

Harry walked across the yard toward the Weasleys' overgrown, snow-covered garden, Scrimgeour limping slightly at his side. He had, Harry knew, been Head of the Auror office; he looked tough and battle-scarred, very different from portly Fudge in his bowler hat.

"Charming," said Scrimgeour, stopping at the garden fence and looking out over the snowy lawn and the indistinguishable plants. "Absolutely charming."

"Yes sir, it is." Harry agreed honestly. He could tell that Scrimgeour was watching him.

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

"No," said Harry truthfully.

"Oh yes, for a very long time. But Dumbledore has been very protective of you," said Scrimgeour. "Natural, of course, natural, after what you've been through. . . . Especially what happened at the Ministry . . ."

"The Professor's protection of me… had reasons. But much of that is in transition."

"Shortly after I gained office, I was quite surprised with the proposal from Captain Moody, to adopt your — collection of students, to train, and use them in the field."

"Yet you approved it." Harry observed.

"Oh I had too." Scrimgeour said nodding his head

"With respect, sir, you are the Minister of Magic, one would think there is very little you 'have to' do."

"Well…the rumors that have flown around!" said Scrimgeour. "Of course, we both know how these stories get distorted . . . all these whispers of a prophecy . . . of you being 'the Chosen One'. . ."

They were getting near it now, Harry thought, the reason Scrimgeour was here. ". . . I assume that Dumbledore has discussed these matters with you?"

Harry deliberated, wondering whether he ought to lie or not. Finally, he decided on the truth. "I assure you sir, I know who I am."

"Do you . . ." said Scrimgeour. Harry could see, out of the corner of his eye, Scrimgeour squinting at him, so he pretended to be very interested in a gnome that had just poked its head out from underneath a frozen rhododendron. "And what has Dumbledore told you, Harry?"

Harry couldn't resist a smile. "Not as much as you would think. But my ears are open to what you would like to say, sir." said Harry. He kept his voice as pleasant as he could.

Scrimgeour's tone, too, was light and friendly as he said, "Oh, of course, if it's a question of confidences, I wouldn't want to divulge . . . no, no . . . and in any case, does it really matter whether you are 'the Chosen One' or not?" Harry had to mull that one over for a few seconds before responding.

"I don't really know what you mean, Minister."

"Well, of course, to you it will matter enormously," said Scrimgeour with a laugh. "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. He thought he saw, dimly, where they were heading, but he was not going to help Scrimgeour get there.

"People believe you are 'the Chosen One,' you see," said Scrimgeour. "They think you 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?

"His name …. is Riddle." Harry said coldly, even bluntly. "One of the things that the Professor did tell me is 'Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.' Now he said to call him Voldemort, but even that is not accurate. He's not a lord. He is a man. His name is Riddle."

"You truly believe that, don't you?" Scrimgeour said, clearly studying Harry.

"Yes sir, I do. I choose not to live in fear. Which if I may say is exactly the example and the message we both need to be telling people."

"Master Potter, you have opened not just one but two unexpected doors. At a time when our nation needs stability and predictability."

"May one ask how I have surprised you, sir?"

"Well, you have now put me in the position of explaining why I have a squadron of students making news coming at multiple engagements wearing Ministry pins."

Harry was about to say they were following orders, but then he stopped in realization. "You didn't think we would be any good." He couldn't stop his grin. "When you approved the Auror Combat Training, you assumed we would progress at standard speeds and none of us would be in the field or in the news for 2-3 years. You underestimated our skill and Sergeant Tonk's training. So now you have a weapon you never planned to use."

"You really are as clever as your Sergeant makes out to be, aren't you?"

"She taught me well. As have others at Hogwarts. Fine school you have there, sir." Harry smiled.

Scrimgeour was silent, again silently watching Harry.

Without the Minister continuing the conversation, Harry did. "What was the second door I opened, sir?"

"Your Aligned Houses."

"My aligned houses, sir?" Harry asked.

Scrimgeour raised a pointed finger to Harry. "Don't you dare play coy with me, boy."

Harry set his jaw and returned the gaze to the Minister he was receiving. "Don't call me 'boy' if you want my help, sir. You want to speak man to man, fine. Yes, I have coordinated several houses to grant security in areas where it seems to be lacking."

"That's the Ministry's job, Potter."

"I'm helping. I was advised the Ministry's resources were insufficient for the task."

"The Ministry is never insufficient."

Harry crossed his arms and looked at the Minister.

Seeming to surrender an inch, Scrimgeour backtracked."Alright, the Ministry should never be insufficient."

"The Aligned Houses only occurred because some of them offered assistance and they were actually denied. I picked up what someone in your administration tossed aside. I'm helping. I'm protecting people. Since when is that a problem?"

Scrimgeour took a long hard look past Harry and back to the Burrow. Harry didn't know what to make out of that, but he didn't like it. "Master Potter, Your approach is archaic. People should have faith in their government."

"People should be able to feel safe, sir."

"These are dangerous times, Harry, and certain measures need to be taken. When one has the hopes of so many on their shoulders, the weight can be unbearable. When they find themselves lacking… the costs can be beyond measure… or even beyond bearing."

"Is that why you locked up Stan Shunpike, for instance, or any of the other false leads?"

Scrimgeour did not speak for a moment but his expression hardened instantly. "I would not expect you to understand," he said, and he was not as successful at keeping anger out of his voice as Harry had been. You are sixteen years old—"

"And I am leading a team fighting the actual enemy, sir. How many have we brought in or ended compared to your political tactics? Why are you playing games with people's lives?"

He walked away a few steps and kept his back to Harry as he continued. "Master Potter, things are not always what they first seem; you are a symbol of hope for many. The idea that there is somebody out there who might be able, who might even be destined, to destroy He-Who…Riddle— well that is the stuff of legend."

"That's why I have help." Harry fought to stay calm. "That's why I listen to and am grateful for Sergeant Tonks. That's why I am networking with the House Lords to supplement security. I am not your enemy, sir."

Scrimgeour sighed deeply. "And I am not yours… but I don't know if I can call you 'allie' either."

"I'm doing everything I can for this damn war, sir. What more do you want?"

Scrimgeour looked deeply into Harry's eyes, seeming to try to take a measure of the man. "Master Potter, the winds of change are blowing Master Potter. They are going to fan the flames of this war even hotter. Be careful where you stand."

"Understood… sir." Harry turned his back on the Minister of Magic and strode back toward the house.

"No… no I don't think you do Harry… but you will."

Soon Percy was left standing in the house surrounded by family he truly hadn't spoken to in years. The expressions on his siblings ranged from angry at the worst to dubious at best, with the notable exception of Molly.

"Percy, dear, why don't you sit down? You must be hungry."

He raised a hand in protest. "No need Mother, I have no intention of imposing."

"Yea," Fred explained in sarcasm "The great Junior Assistant Weasley would never actually want to share a meal with us common folk."

"Fred Weasley!" Molly snapped. "It is Christmas and all my children are welcome." Molly said again with a sincere expression to the estranged one.

Percy stood, adjusted his tie and cleared his throat. "I will admit I may have made statements that I… have come to regret." he said looking more at the turkey than anyone else. I was frustrated in both the resistance to reason I encountered especially when juxtaposed to the ease of acceptance of what seemed to be outlandish claims from Harry."

"He was right." Ginny pointed out with more vitriol than she intended.

"But no one knew that. He portkeyed back from somewhere crying about an attack from someone dead for over a decade with no evidence-

"He was assaulted!" Ginny replied.

"He brought back Cedric's body!" Ron yelled.

"Harry spent months sounding the alarm before anyone really believed him. " Hermione said coldly.

"Thank you for that," said Percy curtly, "yes, I remember he spent months running the public into a panic. Reasonable minds…"

"Percy!" Bill cut in with a pointed finger, "I'll have you know I, we ALL, have been working with Harry quite closely this last year. He's one of the most reasonable and grounded men I've encountered."

Ron reminded, "Your judgment of character is not the best, Perce. You sent me a letter warning me about Harry, and to spy on him for Umbridge!"

"Your loyalty is quite commendable," said Percy, adjusting his glasses impatiently, "I expected that from you Ron, but he's not family-"

"PERCY!" came a rare but loud roar from the head of the table as Arthur's fist came down to the wood so hard the silverware rattled. "Enough! That's where I draw the line! Had you been in touch with your mother or I, or any of your siblings we would have been happy to let you know he is! Fully adopted in any way that matters. Guardianship from Hogwarts and everything. Now, I don't expect you to be best friends with him or anyone at the table. You've made quite the bed for yourself. But I still am your father and you will be respectful to the company I have invited to my house."

Percy stood rigid and adjusted his glasses uncomfortablely, absorbing the rare tongue lashing from his father. "So, I see I have been completely replaced, then."

"No." Harry said standing directly behind him, having entered while Arthur was yelling. Percy snapped around to find the dark haired wizard behind him. Harry's expression was stoic. He was no stranger to uncomfortable situations. Harry held Percy's gaze until Percy was the one to break it and find his feet. Then Harry started walking around the table to his seat. "They actually called me the Eighth Weasley, not the Third. And I rather think part of the reason Molly has been slow to offer your old room is so it will be ready at a moment's notice when you realize it's not bad here and decide to come back to your senses."

A quick look to the matriarch showed that Harry's observation wasn't too far off the mark.

As Harry took his seat, more subsciously and reflexively than anything, Harry kindly rubbed Ginny's back then took her open hand that had been resting on the table. Percy raised an eyebrow at the display.

"Yes, Percy," Ginny said, annoyed. "Six months, come New Year's. It's no secret. Everyone knows and is happy. Hell, it's with their blessing." Ginny continued as she waved her free hand at her parents. "Again, more things you would know if you just showed up for supper, or even bloody wrote, occasionally."

Percy clenched his jaw in frustration as he tightened the belt around his coat. "My apologies for imposing on clearly a family affair." Abruptly, he turned and unceremoniously turned around and walked outside letting the door slam shut.

Molly wasn't a fool or a child. She knew the odds of Percy here at all on Christmas were next to impossible, but when he appeared where others had smelled something foul, the mother in her had dared to dream. Nothing as grand as her lost boy reuniting with the family, Molly had hoped for at least Christmas dinner and Christmas Day could have been had. With the dream dashed against the slamming door, she couldn't help but let the tears fall.

Watching Mum cry is what triggered it. He had no clue where it came from but such a fundamental wrongness to it just made him feel hot and angry. Rage roared from his heart and demanded justice for the insult. He didn't even think so much as he reacted. Dropping his fork onto his plate, the ting on the plate drew everyone's attention away from the slamming door to him as he rose and stormed out the same door.

Percy's height was half legs and he had made some distance walking out past the property line to the apparation point, but Percy was just walking and easy enough to catch. As ran up to him he grabbed Percy's shoulder from behind and pulled him backwards.

"What the hell is wrong with you?! Get your arse back in there!"

Percy wasn't surprised he was being accosted. Frankly with the tempers he knew his siblings had, he was surprised it didn't happen more often. So when he heard the footsteps chasing him down he assumed it would be Ginny, Ron, or maybe Fred. He didn't expect Harry being the one shoving him back to the Burrow. "Potter?"

"Good, your eyes work." Harry growled as he pointed back to the house. "Maybe you'll take notice you made Mum cry you idiot!"

"I think you will find I am not as taken by grand and noble gestures as the rest of them."

"Grand gesture?" Harry repeated, insulted. "You think that's all this is. You arrogant moron! This is Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day and you still have a family who actually cares if you are still breathing. Where the hell else are you going? Sit alone in your damn flat?"

Percy winced slightly when Harry properly guessed his plans for the day. "I would think my plans would be my own business, Potter."

"It becomes my business when you walk into our home and make Mum cry! Now you take the stick out of your arse, you get a god damn plate of food she cooked for us all, and you act civil for one meal out of one day in god damn year!"" Harry yelled, shoving Percy's chest with both hands backwards.

Momentarily, Percy lost balance but he steadied himself and stayed up right. While catching himself he looked back to see the family outside watching the altercation. "Don't push me, Potter!" Percy growled, pushing Harry back also.

"Dad?" Ginny said in concern back at the house.

"Arthur?" Molly echoed.

Arthur stood in the center watching both the men in the snow, eyeing both of them carefully. "All of you had rows with each other at one time or another. I wondered when it would be Harry's turn. Frankly, Percy's been due for quite some time now."

"You don't understand, Potter."

"That is fucking true! I will never understand why you throw this away for some … coin?"

"I work for the Ministry!" Percy defended drawing his wand.

Tonks reflexively took a step forward until Arthur put a hand on her shoulder. "This isn't the first time Harry's stared down a wand. Let them be."

"If Percy casts…" the auror growled.

"Let… them… be." Arthur said in a strange tone of comfort and confidence.

"I don't care! I just stared down the Minister! I've faced Riddle! You think you got something to scare me, Perce!" Harry stood his ground with lightning in his eyes, and teeth bared.

Percy hesitated, Harry's word's seeming to remind him who exactly he was pointing a wand at.

Harry didn't hesitate. He was seething and continued on. "For most of my life do you have any idea what I would have given to have what you seem pleased to throw away? People who actually care about you. People who give damn you are still breathing. Can you imagine what a damn miracle I considered it when I started getting invited here? Then I win the jackpot this summer moving in? How dumb are you to throw that away? For what, a job? Galleons? I know the difference… You're choosing the losing option!"

Percy was silent, his wand started trembling in his hand.

Harry walked forward unafraid and determined until Percy's wand pressed directly against his chest. "Either take the shot, or shut up and have dinner. Food is getting cold and Mum's waiting."

Harry could see some tears well up in Percy's eyes, but could see he was controlling them. "One meal," Percy said through gritted teeth.

"One meal," Harry nodded, lightning fading.

"Today only."

"Today only." Harry agreed.

"Christmas."

"Christmas."

"For Mum."

"Get the hell inside, Mum's waiting." Harry agreed.

Percy finally holstered his wand and walked back into the house to the surprise of everyone and Molly overwhelmed with tears, her gaze bouncing between the two of them. Tonks gave Harry a wink as Remus nodded approvingly and walked her back inside with an arm around her back. The rest of the family follow except the youngest Weasley.

Ginny quickly leapt up and wrapped around Harry's neck, crying. Harry looked closely and could swear it looked like happy tears. "Do you even know what you did?" She sniffled into his ear.

"Got pissed off at one of your brothers finally?"

Ginny pulled back to look Harry in the eyes. "No, no one cares about that. Harry, you called her 'Mum'... several times."

That was when his words, and even the depth of his actions actually hit him. "Oh… oh, wow. Gin, I'm sor-"

"Don't you dare apologize!" Ginny cut him off, smiling and squeezing him again. "It's just you actually opening up still. That's my Christmas right there. I guarantee you just made Mum's Christmas. In fact, I don't know which she'll like better. Percy for dinner, you calling her "Mum'".

After they both got their composure back Ginny led them back to the table where Bill was sharing a few stories from work.

Arthur smiled very brightly. "Excellent, now that all my children are here, let's eat."

—-

Also in IRL News: I am happy to announce after seven months and 60 chapters, I've found a beta reader. By appreciation goes out to Mara, I will try to get better for you. Now she's working her way from from Chapter 1 so everyone give her some time. But we are continuing to try to improve here.