Authors' note: BIG scene here with LOADS of characters---Weasleys, Potters, and Malfoys, oh my! Please let us know what you think by leaving a review. It only takes a couple of seconds to do so and we and all the writers on this site appreciate the feedback.
Ashley and Katie had travelled home for the Christmas holiday and while Katie missed Hogwarts and her friends there, she did enjoy not having any homework or reading to do.
Tonight, they were at their grandparents' home for Christmas dinner. The Weasleys, Longbottoms and Potters were all there, too. Katie squealed when she saw Caroline by the Christmas tree.
"Katie!" Caroline exclaimed running toward her best friend.
Katie hugged her tightly. "I missed you!"
"I missed you too!" Caroline smiled at her.
"I have SO much to tell you," Katie said. "Hogwarts is so, so, SO amazing!"
"I'm really sorry that you were sorted into Slytherin," Caroline said.
"I love it," Katie said. "Everything bad that's said about Slytherin is a total lie."
Caroline raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yes," Katie said. "I have to tell you about the Yule Ball."
"The dance?" Caroline asked.
"I got to go," Katie revealed.
"But I thought you had to be a fourth year to go?" Caroline asked.
"Not if you get asked." Katie said.
Caroline's eyes grew large. "An older boy asked you?"
"Jemima got him to ask me," Katie confessed.
Ashley heard her sister and rolled her eyes. She still couldn't believe what Katie had been a part of.
"I can't believe you got to go to a dance," Caroline was impressed. "Will you tell me all about it?"
"Absolutely," Katie said leading her over to the sofa. "He's a fourth year named Micah. Jemima let me borrow some of her old dress robes and they were amazing, Caroline."
"That's so, so cool," Caroline said. "Ashley, did you get to go?"
Ashley shook her head. "No. I'm just a third year."
Katie straightened up proudly. "Well it was so much fun. I can't wait to go again."
Ashley folded her arms. "After what your little friends did to poor Erin...how can you say something like that?"
"It's none of your business, Ashley." Katie said in a superior tone much like Jemima's.
"Who is Erin?" Caroline asked confused.
When Katie didn't answer, Ashley took the liberty. "Erin is a rarity in Slytherin---an actual nice girl. Katie's new friend Jemima didn't like that the boy she fancied liked Erin more. So, they decide to humiliate the poor girl at the Yule Ball."
"What did they do?" Caroline was intrigued.
"They stole her diary and read it aloud during the ball," Ashley said. "This poor girl had written about her father losing his job, about how she felt inside and Jemima and her little minions didn't care."
Caroline's jaw dropped and Katie at least had the grace to turn red.
"How could they do something like that?" Caroline asked.
"She had it coming," Katie defended Jemima. "She stole Tristan from her."
"Tristan was never hers to begin with, Katie!" Ashley pointed out. "No matter what happened, Jemima should never have done that. How would you feel if someone stole your diary and read it aloud for the entire world to hear?"
Katie shrugged. "I don't have a diary."
"That's not the point," Ashley began.
"Ashley's right," Caroline said. "That's a terrible thing to do to someone."
Katie stared at Caroline wordlessly.
"You're just lucky I didn't tell Mum and Dad what part you played in it," Ashley said to her sister.
"I didn't do anything," Katie said loftily. "And you can't prove that I did."
"Sometimes when you don't say anything to stop it, you're just as guilty," Ashley said. "I'm going to go and see if Saffy and the baby are here."
Caroline just looked at Katie for another moment after Ashley walked away. "You guys really did that?"
"So Jemima could get Tristan," Katie said.
"What did he do?" Caroline asked.
Katie smiled. "What we wanted."
Caroline didn't like the look on her best friend's face. "Oh..."
"You know," Katie said. "Maybe... maybe you should start pushing yourself to try and get in Slytherin when you come to Hogwarts."
"Everyone in my family's always been in Gryffindor," Caroline said.
"Yeah but you don't have to be," Katie said. "We could have so much fun."
"Maybe," Caroline said uncertainly.
"Just think about it," Katie told her.
Ashley went upstairs to find her aunt. Uncle Ron had told her that Maddie and Saffron were upstairs with Kiera and Ellie. Ashley couldn't wait to meet her two new cousins and to tell Saffy and Maddie her good news.
Ashley hurried into the sitting room. "Hi Aunt Saffy!" she exclaimed.
Maddie and Saffron turned. "Hiya, Ashley!" Saffron exclaimed, giving her niece a hug.
Ashley grinned. "Are these my two new cousins I've been so excited to meet?"
Maddie laughed. "This is them. Ashley Malfoy, this is Gwyn."
"She's beautiful," Ashley breathed as the little blonde infant gazed up at her.
"Thank you," Maddie said smiling at her. "She and Ellie here were just having a nice chat."
Ashley looked at the other infant. "I can't believe they were born so close together."
Saffron laughed. "We planned it that way. Didn't we, Maddie?"
"One would think so," Maddie grinned.
"Would you like to hold Ellie?" Saffron offered.
"I'd LOVE to!" Ashley exclaimed.
Saffron gingerly handed Ellie to Ashley.
"Hi there," Ashley said softly. "I can't wait to draw you..."
Ellie looked up at her.
Ashley smiled at the infant. "You are so, so sweet."
"So," Maddie asked as she put Gwyn in her bouncy seat. "How's school?"
"It's good," Ashley said.
"How are Brit and Zander?" Saffron asked.
"They're good," Ashley said. "They're going skiing."
"That sounds like fun," Maddie said thoughtfully.
"They're taking Celia and Evan," Ashley said.
Saffron put her hand on her niece's shoulder. "You okay with that?"
"Yes," Ashley said. "Zander and I are just friends."
"What's this news your Dad was telling me that you had?" Saffron asked. "It's killed me not knowing."
Ashley grinned. "Well... I was going to tell everyone at dinner..."
"I suppose I can wait until then," Saffron said. "Speaking of which, Dad's not letting anyone in the kitchen for some reason and I've barely seen Mum."
"I have to say, whatever he's cooking in there smells amazing," Maddie admitted.
"I know," Saffron agreed. "I'm starving."
Ashley passed Ellie back to Saffron. "Can I hold Gwyn?"
"Absolutely," Maddie replied. As she reached down to pick Gwyn up from her bouncy seat, she had a vision. Her face took on that faraway look and Ashley and Saffron exchanged looks.
"What is it?" Saffron asked her sister in law.
Maddie had seen something about Ashley, but she didn't want to say anything.
"It's nothing," she said. "I'll... I'll go put it in a Pensieve later."
Maddie smiled reassuringly at Ashley as she handed Gwyn to Ashley. She now knew what Ashley's news must be and she didn't want to spoil the surprise.
"She's so cute," Ashley gushed. "I really can't wait to draw the two of them."
"You'll have plenty of opportunity," Maddie told her. "With your nice long break from school."
Ashley nodded. "And no homework."
Ethan walked into the room. "Ladies and Saffy...."
Saffron made a face at him.
"Dinner's ready," Ethan said.
"Finally," Saffron said. "I'm starving."
Ethan grinned at his niece. "Hiya, Ash."
"Hi Uncle Ethan," Ashley said. "Gwyn is gorgeous!"
"She is, isn't she?" Ethan asked making a goofy face at his daughter.
Ashley handed the baby to him. "What did Grandpa make for dinner?"
"I have no clue," Ethan said. "He didn't say."
"Well let's go," Saffron said impatiently.
Ashley followed them downstairs and laughed when she saw everyone standing outside the dining room. Ron folded his arms. "I've never heard of someone putting a ward on a dining room of all places. I thought dinner was ready..."
"I thought so too," Saffron frowned.
In the kitchen, Hermione was just putting the finishing touches on the potatoes. "Harry, I've never been this nervous. I've never cooked for this many people before..."
"And it smells delicious," Harry assured her. "I'm sure everyone will love it. You worked hard on this."
"With your help," Hermione said taking off her apron.
Harry grinned at her. "I'm proud of you."
Hermione beamed at him. "Really?"
"Absolutely," Harry gave her a kiss. "Let's bring in the masses."
Hermione took a deep breath and nodded.
"I can't believe I had to put a ward on the door," Harry said. "Ron kept trying to come in."
Hermione laughed as she set the bowl of potatoes on the table. "You know how he is."
"Only too well," Harry muttered an incantation and immediately the door swung open.
"It's about bloody time," Ron said leading the way into the dining room with Emma.
"We are hungry!" Emma announced.
Ron chose his seat and Emma sat down beside him. "We are always hungry, aren't we, Em?"
"Yes we are," Emma nodded, reaching for her knife and fork.
"Dad, you really went all out," Julie said admiringly. "Everything looks great."
Harry hid his smile. "Everyone take your seat," he said.
Everyone sat down and Ron and Emma whispered to each other about what they were going to try first.
"I want some of that," Emma pointed to the turkey.
"Me too," Ron agreed. "And look at those rolls...they're almost as big as you, Emma."
"I want two," Emma said.
Adam looked at his big sister. "Me too!"
"After me," Emma told him.
Allison looked at Emma. "Emma, you can both have rolls at the same time. Remember, what I said to you earlier?"
Emma pursed her little lips. "Yes."
Everyone started loading their plates and Hermione shared a smile with Harry.
"I am so hungry," Saffron said.
"You'll be able to eat more since RJ's not here," Andrew said handing his fiancée the basket of dinner rolls.
"I miss RJ," Adam said.
Jon patted his son's back. "He's spending the day with Audrey and her family, buddy. But he'll be around tomorrow morning for presents."
"Okay," Adam nodded.
"Everyone," Julie said looking at Ashley. "Ashley has something she'd like to share with you."
Ashley blushed. "Um... I've known this for a few weeks but I wanted everyone to be together when I told you all."
"What's going on, love?" Hermione asked her granddaughter.
"My art teacher sent in some of my work to La Sorbonne and they're interested in me coming there after Hogwarts," Ashley revealed.
Saffron beamed at her niece. "Ashley Beth! That's fantastic!"
Ashley grinned and blushed again. "I'm so excited."
"We're so proud of you!" Harry exclaimed, raising his glass. "Congratulations, Ashley!"
"Congratulations, Ashley," everyone echoed, also lifting their glasses.
"And," Julie said, not wanting Katie to feel left out. "Katie did really well her first semester at school. She had top marks in Charms."
"That's wonderful too!" Hermione smiled at her granddaughter. "We're so proud of you, Katie."
Katie grinned. "Thanks, Grandma. I worked really hard."
"I'm sure you both did," Hermione nodded.
"We're proud of both of our girls," Nick said winking at Katie and Ashley.
Ashley beamed proudly and sat back down.
"How are things at the pub, Josh?" Luna asked.
"We're doing great," Josh shared a grin with his brother.
"They're finally behaving like big boys," Lizzy said nudging her husband.
"Business has been really good as of late," Jon said. "Especially with Allie's menu."
"Mummy's food," Adam said before taking a bite of his roll.
"It's his favourite place to eat," Jon said.
"This might be my new favourite," Ron said after taking a bite of his turkey. "This is fantastic!"
Harry looked around and saw everyone eating ravenously. "Well I have a bit of a surprise to tell you about the food."
"There's more of it?" Ron asked with a grin.
"That," Harry replied. "And I wasn't the cook."
Lavender looked up. "Ooooh, you were saying you knew of a new chef. Did they do this?"
"That's right," Harry said, gesturing to Hermione, who turned red.
"Well, don't leave us in suspense," Lavender said. "Who made this food?"
"Hermione did," Harry gestured again.
Ron choked on his drink. "Yeah, right. Hermione can't even make toast."
"That's really nice, Ron," Harry said. "Really though."
"I've been taking a cooking class since August," Hermione said. "And with Harry's help today, I made all this."
"This is some of the best food I've ever eaten," Ron declared. "There's no way on earth you could have made this, Hermione."
"Ronald," Luna said. "That's not a nice thing to say at all!"
"Mum," Saffron said grinning at her. "You really made this?"
"I did," Hermione said. "From scratch."
Ethan looked at his father. "She really did all this?"
"She sure did," Harry nodded. "Worked hard since about six this morning."
"Harry helped me with some of it--" Hermione began.
"I only helped a little," Harry interjected. "This was all her."
"Mum that's fantastic," Saffron said. "I can't believe it!"
Hermione grinned. "Thanks, sweetheart."
"This means I'm the only one who can't cook," Julie said jokingly. "Odd one out."
"I've been taking this class since August," Hermione told them again. "I've really taken to it. It's been so much fun."
"How often did you go?" Luna asked.
"Every Monday," Hermione said. "It was really great because it's a Muggle class and no one recognized me."
"How lovely for you," Luna smiled at her. "And you must have learned so much. This dinner is wonderful."
"Thank you," Hermione said. She looked over at Ron who seemed absolutely gob smacked.
"You really made all this?" he asked in disbelief.
Hermione nodded. "Yes."
"Wow..." Ron said.
"Now, you'll have to find something else to tease me about," Hermione boasted.
"Is there anything else?" Ron asked.
Hermione laughed. "You still have me being afraid to fly."
"I'll never let that one go," Ron said with a grin.
"And the wonky feint thing..." Hermione said.
All the Quidditch fans at the table groaned simultaneously, making Emma and Adam laugh.
"Mum, you'll never get that right," Saffron said shaking her head.
"Probably not," Hermione said sheepishly.
"But she can cook," Harry said putting his arm around his wife. "Finally!"
"Jules, on your weekends home you can come by and I'll show you what I was taught," Hermione told her oldest daughter.
Julie smiled. "I'd like that."
"So would I," Nick agreed.
"Nicholas!" Julie exclaimed.
"Well, since Greta's going to leave us to travel with her sister someone's going to have to feed me," Nick said.
"Greta's leaving?" Saffron asked.
Ashley nodded. "She told us today. She's going to travel with her sister."
"But she was going to baby-sit," Saffron said in dismay.
"She's not going away forever," Nick reassured her. "She'll still be around. When she and her sister come back, she's going to buy a little house. You'll be able to see her anytime you want."
"Oh," Saffron relaxed.
"Where's she going to travel to?" Ethan asked.
'We aren't sure," Nick said.
"She's always wanted to do that," Ethan recalled. "Travel."
"She's got her chance now," Nick nodded.
"I'm happy that she gets to do that and that she'll still be around," Saffron said thoughtfully. "I can't imagine being without her."
"She definitely wants to baby sit for Ellie," Nick told her.
Saffron smiled. "I want that, too."
"Who's going to watch Sophie if you have to go on tour Daddy?" Katie asked.
"We would be happy to watch Sophie for you," Hermione said. "Besides, Harry's having Puddles withdrawal."
"Not really," Harry joked. "But we'll watch her if need be."
"Dad, you know you love Puddles," Saffron said.
"I love that he's gone," Harry responded.
Saffron shook her head. "Daddy..."
"I'm kidding," Harry said. "He's not a bad dog."
"He's the best," Saffron said.
"Maxi's the best," Emma argued.
"Sophie's the best," Katie chimed in.
"You lot never met Paddington," Luna said. "He was the best dog."
"Paddy was great," Jon agreed. "Joshie's real wife..."
Josh glared at him. "Shut it, Jon."
Allison laughed. "I'll never forget that day."
"The first wedding," Caroline said with a grin.
"The very first," Jon agreed. "Little did I know..."
"Little did any of us know," Cho said.
"Where was I?" Adam asked.
Cho grinned at her grandson. "You were not there, buddy. But, you'd come along eventually."
"Em there?" Adam asked.
Jon shook his head. "No, and neither was Caroline."
"Why?" Adam asked.
"Because we were just kids back then," Allison said.
"Like me?" Adam was curious.
"Just like you, but you are a lot cuter," Allison said pinching his nose.
Adam grinned at his mother.
At the other end of the table, Darla was not eating, just moving her food around on her plate. Today was very hard since her son was in New York with Hans and his family. Thankfully, she'd have him with her tomorrow morning at the Burrow.
"I'm sure he's fine," Drew reassured her sister.
"I just miss him," Darla said. "This is the first time I've been away from him."
"I know," Drew said. "And I know this isn't easy."
Darla shook her head. "Nothing is easy anymore."
"You have us," Drew said. "You can lean on us, you know."
"I know," Darla said gratefully. "I just can't wait for Hans to drop him back off tonight."
"His first Christmas at the Burrow," Drew grinned.
"First of many," Darla nodded.
"Drew said Liam was joining us tomorrow," Brian said.
Darla coloured slightly. "Well... he had no other plans, so..."
"It will be nice to have him there," Drew said. "What is it Nana's always saying? The more the merrier..."
"Right," Darla said softly.
"It's going to be a great day," Drew said.
"Of course it is," Maddie said to her sisters.
"It always is," Darla agreed.
Maddie looked over to check on Gwyn. "I imagine the babies will have fun looking at one another."
"Chloe's already volunteered to open their presents for them," Brian said.
Darla smiled. "She's more than welcome to help Rafe with his."
"Yay," Chloe said clapping her hands together. "I love opening presents."
"We know that," Drew teased. "You already tried opening the ones at home."
Chloe pouted. "Mummy!"
"We caught you baby," Brian said to his daughter
"Saf used to do the same thing," Ethan recalled. "She thought she was being so sneaky."
"I was better than you," Saffron said.
Ethan chuckled. "Saf, no one was better than me. I always knew where Mum and Dad hid the presents. You didn't."
Saffron made a face at him. "You set me up that one time."
"I can't help it if you were gullible," Ethan said innocently.
"I was four!" Saffron exclaimed.
"What did he make you do, Aunt Saffy?" Katie asked.
"He told me our presents were hidden in a closet, and told me that one of them was the dog I'd been asking for," Saffron said. "And right as I'm digging through everything, he tells our parents what 'I' was up to."
"I didn't tell them exactly," Ethan said.
"Yes you did," Saffron said. "And you got in trouble when I told Mum and Dad you said I was getting a puppy."
"What did you do to them, Grandpa?" Ashley asked.
"I don't even remember that," Harry said, amused. "We probably grounded him or something."
"About the only time you ever did," Saffron said. "Mister Perfect that he was."
"Sure, Saf." Ethan grinned at her.
"Saffy, he was punished just as much as we were," Julie said. "You just don't remember a lot of them."
"Especially at school," Ethan said.
Maddie grinned at him. "How could this innocent little face ever get into trouble?"
"Who knows?" Ethan asked. "I sure didn't understand it."
"The better question would be if you ever got into trouble, Maddie," Cho said. "What with that look of yours."
"Never," Maddie said angelically.
"Maddie just kept to herself," Drew said thoughtfully.
"Except when Dolly was tearing things apart." Josh said.
"She only did that a couple of times," Maddie pointed out.
"I'll never forget the shirt," Ron said.
"Daddy, Dolly didn't mean to do that," Maddie said.
"I know, Maddie." Ron said.
"Speaking of never getting into trouble," Drew said.
"All she had to do was flash that look and nothing was wrong," Darla said.
"That's not true," Maddie protested.
"Yes it was," Jon said. "Why do you think we tried to pin so much stuff on you when we were kids?"
"It wasn't my fault that your room was always a mess," Maddie told him.
"That wasn't it so much as when something got broken," Josh said.
"And you tried to pin it on your poor, sweet, defenceless little sister?" Maddie asked him, shaking her head.
"Sure," Josh said. "Because it never mattered if they thought you did it."
"We didn't just single you out, Mad Dog," Jon said. "We framed RJ, too."
"A lot more than you," Josh told her.
"Kiera and Gwyn will not be like that," Maddie said.
"Not likely," Luna assured her.
"Come on," Jon said. "It's only natural. That's what brothers and sisters do."
"Very true," Ethan agreed.
"Not that I'm finished with this course, but what have you made for dessert?" Ron asked.
"Chocolate cake, blueberry muffins and rice pudding," Hermione said. "Thought I'd stick with one tried and true."
"Yummy," Kiera said waving a hand at her grandmother.
Hermione laughed. "Someone's eager for a bit of everything, I'm sure."
Kiera grinned. "Buh, Gamma."
"I'll give you a piece of muffin to take to Blue," Hermione promised her granddaughter.
"Thanks, Hermione," Maddie said. "He'd love that."
"Of course," Hermione rose to go get the dessert.
"I'll help you, Mum," Julie said.
"Thanks, love." Hermione said.
Julie followed her mother into the kitchen. "I can't believe you actually did all this, Mum. It was amazing."
"I wanted to surprise you all," Hermione said.
"I'd say you did," Julie said.
"Your father did help," Hermione said. "But I wanted to do most of it."
"I'm so proud of you," Julie said.
"Thanks, love." Hermione hugged her daughter. "And I meant what I said about coming over on weekends. If I can learn this, you can too."
"I'd love that," Julie said smiling at her.
"Good," Hermione said as she waved her wand at the coffee pot.
Julie laughed. "The look on Uncle Ron's face..."
"It was rather classic," Hermione agreed.
"You need to put that memory in your pensieve," Julie said with a grin.
"Perhaps I should," Hermione agreed. "To relive over, and over and over..."
Julie laughed. "So, what did you get Dad for Christmas?"
Hermione turned red. "Um... I made him a special dinner..."
Julie held up a hand. "I'm thinking that I don't want to know anymore?"
"Probably not," Hermione said.
"Well, I'm going to go ahead and let you in on a secret," Julie said. "As a present to you and Saffy and me, of course, I've booked us a day of rest, relaxation and beauty at the spa."
"Oh Julie, that will be lovely," Hermione said.
Julie smiled. "I think if anyone needs a day of pampering, it's us."
"I love that idea," Hermione said. "I'm looking forward to it."
Saffron walked into the kitchen. "Looking forward to what?"
"Oh nothing," Julie said.
Saffron put her hands on her hips. "You know how I hate not knowing things..."
"You'll find out tomorrow," Julie teased.
Saffron hit her sister on the arm. "Do you need any help?"
"I think we've got it," Hermione said, levitating a few trays into the air.
"The natives were getting restless," Saffron said. "And Dad and Ron are talking about having a dance contest downstairs in the ballroom."
"Oh goodness," Hermione said. "Let's get Ron some food so he doesn't do anything foolish."
"Good idea," Saffron said.
"Okay," Hermione said as the three of them went back into the dining room. "Dessert."
"Thank you," Ron said rubbing his hands together.
Emma imitated him. "Cake, please!"
"Since you are so cute," Saffron said taking a plate off of the tray. "I think that can be arranged, Ariel."
Emma grinned happily. "I can't wait to see Prince Eric!"
"She means Gabriel," Caroline explained.
Emma blushed. "Sissy!"
"It's true," Caroline grinned at her.
Lavender smiled at the little girl. "He'll be here tomorrow, sweetheart. He wanted to spend Christmas Eve with his grandparents."
"Oh," Emma nodded.
"Emma's in lurve," Caroline teased.
"I am not," Emma said as she blushed.
"He's looking forward to seeing you too," Seamus told Emma, who beamed at him. "He said he had a special Christmas present for you."
"He does?" Emma brightened. "Really?"
"Absolutely," Seamus grinned at her.
"Now I really can't wait for tomorrow," Emma said happily.
Allison put her arm around her daughter. "Even more than seeing what Santa brought you, baby?"
"Well I can't wait for that too," Emma admitted.
Saffron sat back down beside Andrew. "I know how she feels, you know? I used to feel that way about Ethan's best mate, Justin."
"I forgot about that," Ethan said.
"You were so cute," Julie recalled.
"He was always good about it." Saffron said.
"Just like Andrew was about Ashley," Katie blurted out.
"Katie!" Ashley hissed.
Katie rolled her eyes. "Ash, everyone knew!"
Ashley turned scarlet red. "You didn't have to blab and remind everyone."
"It's okay," Hermione reassured her oldest granddaughter. "Everyone's had crushes and everyone's had someone that likes to tease you about it. Right, Lavender?"
Lavender sighed. "Hermione, that boy was such a weirdo. I can't believe you ever thought he was cute. You deserved to be teased about him."
"He wasn't that bad," Hermione answered. "Unlike half the blokes you were in love with at school."
"Vincent, Yves, Pascal, Matthieu, Pierre, Marcel and Rene were all wonderful," Lavender said defensively. "Not like that toad you fancied."
"Pascal?" Harry asked. "You fancied some guy named Pascal? Did he fancy other blokes?"
"Shut it, you!" Lavender said. "I'm sure Cho could give me some stories about you and your storied dating history."
"Let's not bring that up," Cho said hastily.
Hermione kicked Harry under the table. "Remember what you promised me?" she whispered to him.
"I'm trying," Harry said.
Hermione smiled at him. "I can't wait to tell all my friends in my class how well this went."
"I am so proud of you," Harry rubbed her back.
"Thank you," Hermione said.
Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek. "You'll get the rest of my Christmas gift to you later." he whispered.
Hermione blushed. "Harry..."
He grinned mischievously at her.
"I can't wait," Hermione said squeezing his hand.
"Mum this cake is great," Ethan said. "Excellent meal, all around."
"Thanks, Ethan," Hermione said. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Kiera enjoyed it too," Ethan said, looking at his oldest daughter. "Didn't you, sweetheart?"
Kiera patted her stomach. "Yummy, yummy to tummy."
"Now she sounds like her mum," Ethan joked.
Kiera grinned. "Dad-dy."
"Want a little more, baby?" he asked.
Kiera nodded. "Cake."
"Just a little more," Ethan cut a small piece.
"Me too, Daddy," Noah said looking at Josh. "Please?"
"All right," Josh said. "Only a little for you too."
Casey looked over at Emma. "No waste, Em!"
"That's right," Emma nodded. "Specially cake!"
Ron looked at his grandchildren. "This is a proud moment for me. I've taught you lot well."
Emma giggled. "Because food is good."
"Don't eat too much," Harry warned Ron. "Hermione and I are going to wipe the floor with you and Luna."
"I am not dancing tonight," Hermione informed him.
"Chicken," Ron said.
"Ronald, grow up," Hermione said.
"If you don't think you still have it," Ron said shrugging.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. "Harry and I can out dance you any day."
"Care to put your money where your mouth is?" Ron asked.
"Come on Mum," Saffron said. "I'd love to see you all dance."
"Okay," Hermione relented.
Harry grinned. "We'll show them we're not out of practise."
"Twenty galleons says my mum and dad wipe the floor with yours," Jon said to Ethan.
"You're on," Ethan replied.
"I'm in," Saffron said.
"Me too?" Aidan asked.
"Sure, buddy," Ethan said. "Who do you think is going to win? Your grandpa and grandma or my mum and dad?"
Aidan looked pensive for a moment then pointed to Luna.
Luna smiled. "That's my boy."
"Loyal till the end," Ethan grinned at him.
Everyone made their way down to the ballroom. Seamus walked over to the sound system. It brought back memories since he used to deejay sometimes at Hillsdale. Emma scurried to the middle of the dance floor and starting doing an impromptu routine.
Jon laughed. "Get down with your bad self, Em."
Adam toddled out to join his sister. "Em!"
"Come on Adam!" Emma took his little hands.
Adam laughed as Emma spun him around.
Caroline grinned at her brother and sister as they giggled together.
Katie smiled at her best friend. "They're so cute, aren't they?"
"Yeah they are," Caroline nodded.
"I missed them," Katie said wistfully. "I feel like I missed a lot."
"There's always stuff going on here," Caroline said.
"We're going to have to catch up," Katie said smiling at her. "And we have to go ice skating and shopping, of course."
Caroline smiled back. This was the Katie she liked best.
"Sure," Caroline agreed. "Mia thinks she's going to get some gift slips, so maybe our parents will let us go shopping on our own."
"You know if she doesn't get into Hogwarts, you'll still have me," Katie told her.
"I think she will," Caroline said. "The other day, she got mad and said she made her dresser drawers fly open."
"Oh," Katie said. "How nice."
"I haven't done anything magical yet," Caroline said wistfully. "Maybe I won't go."
"Caroline Weasley, you are going to Hogwarts," Katie told her. "There's no way you wouldn't go. When you get there, we're going to rule the school."
Caroline smiled. "But I'll probably be in Gryffindor."
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Katie grinned, grabbing her arm. "Come on. Let's dance!"
Caroline laughed. "Katie!"
Katie and Caroline danced beside Adam and the other children. The adults were content to stand back and watch for the moment.
"Don't get too comfortable," Ron said to Hermione.
"I was going to say the same to you," Hermione said.
"I remember you used to fall flat on your face," Harry said.
"I taught him everything he knows," Luna said resting her head on Ron's shoulder.
"No one was as good a teacher as Harry," Hermione said.
"I'm surprised the two of you ever got anything done with how much time you spent on your backs," Ron joked.
"Gross," Saffron complained.
Harry laughed. "Okay. Okay...let's get this over with. What are we dancing? Mambo? Tango? Rumba?"
Hermione whispered something in his ear.
"You want to do that?" Harry asked.
"If we still have the music," Hermione answered.
"I think we do," Harry grinned making his way over to Seamus at the stereo.
Ron looked at Luna. "Um...what do we want to do, then?"
"Whatever you'd like," Luna looked at him.
"I was never that good at the rumba," Ron recalled.
"Cha-Cha?" Luna asked.
Ron grinned. "That's a good one."
"Perfect," Luna said.
"Okay then," Saffron said reaching into her pocket for a coin. "Uncle Ron, call it. Heads or tails. Winner goes first."
Ron watched her toss it up. "Heads."
Saffron caught the coin in her palm. "Heads it is. Uncle Ron and Aunt Luna dance first."
"That's all right," Harry called. "Save the best for last."
"Shake it, Gamma!" Chloe clapped her hands.
Luna laughed. "I'll try, sweetheart."
"Chloe, where on earth did you learn that?" Drew asked her daughter.
"From Em," Chloe said.
Emma grinned. "I teach everyone!"
"You sure do," Jon picked her up.
Emma put her arms around him and everyone cleared the floor except for Ron and Luna. Ron nodded at Seamus and a moment later, music filled the room.
"One two," Luna counted as they began to move.
It had been quite awhile since Ron had danced in front of a crowd like this and for a few moments it showed. But, before long, he and Luna had found their groove and expertly moved across the dance floor.
"Be ready to hand over those Galleons," Jon said to Ethan.
"They're not bad," Ethan grinned.
"They're pretty good, Harry," Hermione whispered. "What if we mess up on our dance?"
Harry squeezed her hand. "It's going to be fine, Hermione."
"I know I'll never forget learning that dance," Hermione said softly.
Harry gave her a kiss.
"It's a shame I can't fit into that dress anymore," Hermione commented.
Harry put his arms around her. "You're just as beautiful now as you were the day I first saw you."
Hermione smiled at him. "You sure are smooth, Potter. And I love you for it."
"I love you, too," Harry said.
Luna and Ron finished their dance to a thundering round of applause. Ron picked his wife up and spun her around.
"Top that," he said, looking over at Harry and Hermione.
"You two were brilliant," Hermione said to Luna.
"Thank you Hermione," Luna said, her eyes sparkling. "It's been so long since we've done that."
"Good job, mate," Harry said clapping Ron on the back.
"You mean that?" Ron asked.
Harry nodded. "I do."
"Thanks," Ron said with a genuine grin.
Harry looked at his wife. "May I have this dance?"
"Always," Hermione took his hand. Harry signalled to Seamus and a familiar tango tune wafted through the air.
Lavender nudged Saffron. "This is the dance they did at Hillsdale."
"I thought this music sounded familiar," Seamus nodded.
Saffron grinned as she watched her parents dance. Her mother's eyes were shining.
"They met doing this you know," Saffron told Andrew as she cuddled Ellie to her.
"At that resort, right?" Andrew asked.
"Right," Saffron said. "I've never been there, you know."
"Technically, you have," Ethan reminded her.
"Well yes, but not that I can remember," Saffron said.
Ethan nudged her. "That's where you came into being, Brat."
Saffron made a face at him.
The crowd gasped as Harry lifted Hermione as if she weighed nothing.
Hermione laughed as Harry set her down then dipped her backwards.
Julie clapped enthusiastically for her parents. She had been watching them dance together since she was a little girl.
"I think we have a winner," Ron said.
"I think so too," Luna said giving him a hug. "But, it's not really about winning. It's about having fun and I think we always have fun, right?"
"We sure do Loony," Ron grinned at her.
Luna gave him a kiss.
"Guess I owe you 20 Galleons," Jon said to Ethan.
Ethan grinned. "Pay up, Weasley."
"Ethan come on," Saffron said. "Ron and Luna were just as good as Mum and Dad. I say it's a draw."
"I do too," Maddie said.
"I guess," Ethan replied.
"It's a draw," Maddie said to Jon.
"I want to dance again," Emma squirmed.
"You do, eh?" Jon asked. "Well, come on then, Em. Let's show them how it's done."
Emma squealed in delight as Jon whirled her around.
Casey looked up at Josh. "Me, too? Daddy?"
"Anything for you," Josh told his daughter.
Casey beamed at him as he picked her up and carried her onto the dance floor.
Ethan looked at Kiera. "How about you? Would you like to dance?"
"Daddy?" Kiera asked.
Ethan grinned. "What do you say, Kiera?"
Kiera lifted her little arms towards him.
Ethan picked her up. "Hey, Mads? Do you think I should show her our little cha-cha?"
"I'm sure she'd love that," Maddie said, patting Gwyn's back gently.
"Okay," Ethan said to Kiera. "Put your arm out like this..."
Kiera looked at him quizzically.
"Like this," Ethan said extending his right arm. "Do just like Daddy."
Kiera still didn't seem to understand so Ethan lifted it for her.
"Okay," Ethan said. "Now, I'm going to dance you across the room and we say 'cha-cha-cha'!"
Kiera giggled.
"Can you say that?" Ethan asked her.
"Cha?" Kiera asked.
Ethan nodded. "That's it!"
"Cha," Kiera said again.
Ethan grinned at her. "Okay...here we go..."
Maddie watched with a grin as Ethan spun their daughter around in his arms.
"Cha!" Kiera exclaimed happily.
"That's it, baby," Ethan encouraged.
"Cha!" Kiera exclaimed again as Ethan spun her back toward Maddie and Gwyn.
"Very good," Maddie cheered them on.
Darla was watching her family and starting to have a good time when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Lizzy. "Darla, Hans is upstairs with Rafe."
"Oh!" her eyes brightened. "Thanks Lizzy!"
Darla excused herself and hurried upstairs, eager to see her son.
She hurried into the sitting room. "Rafe!"
"Happy Christmas," Hans said to her.
"Thanks," Darla said, reaching for Rafe. "You too... I hope you had a good time in New York."
Hans nodded. "Mum and Dad were there. They sent their love."
"I miss seeing them," Darla admitted.
"This little guy missed you," Hans said.
"I missed him too," Darla cuddled him closely.
"How are things here?" Hans asked. "Lizzy said everyone was downstairs in the ballroom?"
"Yeah my parents had a dance off against Harry and Hermione," Darla said.
Hans smiled. "Did they win?"
"They called it a draw," Darla said as Rafe opened his eyes and looked up at her.
"Hi," Darla whispered. "I missed you so much."
"Thanks for letting me take him," Hans told her.
"He's your son too," Darla said looking at him.
Hans nodded. "Well... I guess I should get back."
"That's a nice jumper," Darla commented. "Is it new?"
Hans didn't respond for a few moments.
"What?" Darla asked.
"A friend gave it to me for Christmas," Hans replied looking down.
"A friend?" Darla asked.
"Just someone I've started seeing," Hans said.
Darla felt like she'd been punched in the stomach. "I see."
"It's still early days," Hans said. "And she's really great. Rafe just loved Sadie."
Darla stared at him speechlessly.
"I should have told you before," Hans said. "Look, she's not a model. She's a makeup artist, actually...."
"I don't really want to hear about it," Darla said.
Hans nodded. "I should go."
"Right," Darla said. "Have a nice Christmas."
"You too," Hans said, leaning over and kissing his son's cheek. "Happy Christmas, Rafe."
Rafe sent him a toothless smile.
Hans smiled back at him before looking up to meet Darla's gaze. "Happy Christmas, Darla."
"You too," she managed.
Hans saw himself out and Darla stood there, motionless for a moment. He was seeing someone? They'd only been separated a short time...
"That was quick," she said quietly, looking down at her son.
Rafe just looked up at her.
"Come on," she said. "Let's go have fun with loads of people who love us."
She forced a smile on her face as she carried him downstairs to the ballroom. "Rafey!" Chloe squealed when she spotted him.
Darla had to smile for real as Chloe eagerly bounded over to see her cousin.
"Rafey, Santa will be here soon!" Chloe told him excitedly.
"I'm sure he's very excited," Darla said.
"Everything okay?" Drew asked her sister.
Darla shrugged. "Not really."
Drew frowned. "Dar."
"He's seeing someone else," Darla told her sister. "Already."
Drew gaped at her. "Um, Chloe---why don't you go upstairs with your Grandpa and get a muffin?"
"I want to dance," Chloe protested.
"I'm sure your Grandpa would love to dance with you," Drew said. "I bet he'll even spin you around really fast like he did with Casey."
"Kay," Chloe ran towards Ron.
Darla told Drew about what had happened upstairs. "Apparently her name's Sadie. He said she was a makeup artist."
"Dar, I'm sorry," Drew said contritely. "He's a jerk."
Darla shook her head. "No---I mean, we are separated."
"But it hasn't been that long," Drew protested.
Darla hugged Rafe to her. "I thought that, too, but still---I have no claim to him not anymore."
Drew looked at her remorsefully. "You'll be okay, Dar."
Darla nodded. "I know."
"You've got all of us," Drew said. "And I'll always be here for you. No matter what."
"Have I told you lately how great you are?" Darla asked.
"No," Drew grinned at her. "But it's okay."
Darla laughed. "Would you like to hold your nephew?"
"Always," Drew replied.
"He's had a big day," Darla said as Drew took Rafe from her.
"Yes he has," Drew kissed her nephew's forehead. "But at least he's back where he belongs."
Darla grinned. "Yes, he is and tomorrow, he gets to open his presents and he'll be surrounded by all of his family and Liam, too."
"Of course," Drew said. "Liam is good for him."
Darla wondered how Liam's visit with his family was going.
She hoped it was going well. She knew how hesitant he'd been to go back.
"Would you excuse me for a moment?" Darla asked. "I just want to make a quick call."
"I'll keep an eye on Rafe for you," Drew promised.
"Thanks," Darla said gratefully. She stepped away from the noise and pulled out her phone. She dialled Liam's mobile and thought it would go straight to his voicemail.
"Hallo?" he answered, his voice a bit short.
"Liam?" Darla asked.
"Hi Darla," he said.
"Happy Christmas," Darla told him.
"You too," he said quietly.
"How are things?" Darla asked. "I--I didn't mean to interrupt---"
"You didn't interrupt a thing," Liam said flatly.
"What happened?" Darla asked him. "Things didn't go so well with your family?"
"That's the understatement of the century," Liam replied.
"That bad?" Darla asked.
"Me dad showed up drunk," Liam said. "And stayed that way all day. My brother didn't come at all..."
"Oh, Liam," Darla said sympathetically. "I'm so sorry."
"I shouldn't have expected anything else," Liam said.
"Where are you now?" Darla asked him.
"Home," he answered.
"Alone?" Darla asked.
"Yes," he said.
"Do you still want to join us tomorrow at the Burrow?" Darla asked him.
"I'll be there tomorrow," Liam promised. "Tonight I'd just like to be by myself."
"I can understand that," Darla said. "I'm---I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow."
She could hear him smile. "I'm looking forward to it as well."
"Be prepared to eat your weight in food," Darla said. "You know my Nana is going to feed you until you're ready to burst."
"That'll be great," he said honestly.
Darla smiled. "So we'll meet at my house tomorrow around eight?"
"That sounds good to me," Liam said. "Thanks Darla."
"It's my pleasure," Darla said. "Good night, Liam."
"Night," he said. "See you tomorrow."
"Night," Darla said before ending the call.
She went and rejoined her family but didn't say anything about Liam's family troubles. She was certain he didn't' want everyone to know.
Ron was now holding Rafe and was making goofy faces at him causing the baby to laugh.
Darla had to smile at her father and her son.
"He's an easy laugh," Ron said.
"He loves you," Darla said.
"He's my boy," Ron said laughing as Rafe put his little fist up in the air.
Darla stroked his soft little cheek. "Mine too..."
"His first Christmas," Ron said smiling at his daughter.
"I'm so glad he's back with me," Darla carefully took her son into her arms.
"And your grandmother is really looking forward to it," Ron said. "You know she has knitted his first Weasley jumper."
"She didn't have to do that," Darla said.
"Try telling her that," Ron grinned.
"Rafe!" Chloe said. "Look!" she spun around.
Darla turned with the baby so he could see what Chloe was doing.
"Great job!" Ron clapped for his granddaughter.
Chloe beamed. "Wanna see my flip?"
"Your flip?" Darla asked.
Chloe nodded and put her hands on the floor turning herself over. "Ta-da!" Chloe exclaimed.
"Wow," Darla said. "That's wonderful, Chloe!"
"Did you see, Grandpa?" Chloe asked.
"I did," Ron said. "Excellent!"
Chloe did a couple of more and then let out a yawn.
"I think that's our cue," Drew said. "It's getting late."
"And Santa's coming!" Chloe said happily.
"Yes he is," Brian said picking up his daughter.
"Night, night Rafe," Chloe looked over at her cousin.
"Good night," Darla said lifting her son's hand to wave at Chloe. "We'll see you tomorrow morning!"
"With Healer Liam?" Chloe asked.
Darla smiled. "He'll be there, Chloe. And you can just call him Liam."
Chloe giggled. "Okay, night!"
Darla smiled as Drew, Brian and Chloe left.
"You sure you don't want to stay over with us tonight?" Ron asked Darla.
"We'll be okay," Darla cuddled Rafe closely.
"At least let me see you home," Ron told her. "I want to make sure you're nice and settled."
"That sounds nice," Darla said. "Thanks Dad."
"Thank you for not putting up a fuss," Ron said. "I know that you can take care of yourself, but it makes me feel useful every now and then when you humour me."
"We know you do it because you care," Darla said.
"I'll just get your things together and meet you two upstairs," Ron said.
"We'll be just a minute," Darla promised.
Ron nodded. "Take your time."
Darla carried Rafe over to Luna. "Mum- we're going home. We'll see you in the morning."
"Oh," Luna said leaning over and kissing her grandson's cheek. "Okay, love."
"His first Christmas," Darla said.
Luna smiled. "We'll make it special for him."
"Thanks," Darla said. "Be home around seven."
Luna gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek. "It will be special for you, too, Darla. I know it will."
"I hope so," Darla said.
"Happy Christmas," Luna said.
Darla bade Maddie and the rest of her family goodbye then headed home with Ron in tow.
"You sure I can't convince you to come home with us?" Ron asked, not liking the idea of his daughter all alone.
"We're okay, Dad." Darla said. "But I suppose if you really want us there..."
Ron chuckled. "It would be just like old times, except I don't think you'll be jumping on the bed in the morning to wake me and your mum up so you can open presents."
"Drew did that!" Darla laughed. "That wasn't me, Dad."
"Sure it was," Ron said affectionately.
"It was," Darla said. "She was the ringleader, remember?"
"Of course," Ron said with a straight face as Darla began to gather a bag of Rafe's things together.
"Alright," Darla laughed. "I might have been responsible for a few things..."
"A few?" Ron asked.
"More than my fair share," Darla admitted. She put a now-sleeping Rafe in his carrier.
"I've got him," Ron said.
"Thanks," Darla said gratefully. "Um---hang on just a second." She took out her mobile and quickly sent a text message to Liam to let him know she'd be at her parents' house and to meet her there tomorrow.
"All set?" Ron asked.
"Absolutely," Darla replied.
Darla followed her father out and was glad to go to her parents' house. It beat being alone on Christmas Eve.
Darla was going to stay in her old room and her mother had set up a crib for Rafe. After the three of them watched Rafe for a few moments, they went downstairs and wrapped some presents.
"Chloe's made out like a bandit," Darla said.
Luna laughed. "She made a list for us."
"She's too much," Darla said. "I can't wait for Christmas when Rafe is a little older."
"He'll grow up way too fast," Luna said thoughtfully. "You lot did."
"Seems like yesterday we were running around here without a care in the world," Darla said wistfully.
Luna smiled. "I feel that way most of the time, too."
"Hans is seeing someone," Darla admitted.
Luna's smile faltered. "What?"
"He told me today when he dropped Rafe off," Darla said, trying not to show how much this upset her.
"Oh, sweetheart," Luna said squeezing her daughter's hand. "I'm so sorry."
"I could strangle that bloke," Ron grumbled.
"I have no right to be upset," Darla said.
"You were married to him," Luna reasoned. "It's normal you'd feel this way, Darla."
"I just didn't think I'd be so easily replaced," Darla said quietly.
"You can't be replaced," Ron told her. "He's the one who didn't realise what he had."
"Thanks Dad," Darla said.
"You're going to get through this," Luna said determinedly.
"I have Rafe," Darla said. "That's all that matters to me."
Luna smiled. "He's a wonderful little boy, Darla. He loves you so much."
Darla had to smile. "He's everything to me."
"Just as you and your brothers and sisters are everything to us," Ron said.
Darla leaned back against the edge of the sofa as she finished taping the paper over a box. "I guess this just wasn't the Christmas I was expecting," she said.
Ron bit back the comment he wanted to make about Hans.
"I'm just going to try and put it out of my mind, for tomorrow at least," Darla said.
"We'll be there for you," Luna promised.
"Thanks," Darla said gratefully.
"I think we're all set here," Luna said. "I think it's time for bed. Right, Ronald?"
"I'm pretty tired," he nodded.
"All that dancing," Darla said getting up and walking over to her father. She hugged him tightly.
Ron patted her back. "We love you, sweetheart."
"I love you too," Darla said softly. "And I'm really glad that you asked us to stay here tonight."
"I didn't feel right with you home all alone," Ron said. "Now you get to wake up and have breakfast with us."
Darla grinned. "Thanks, Daddy."
Darla headed back up and peeked over the top of the crib at her son.
She smiled down at him. "Tomorrow's a big day."
Rafe puckered his little lips in his sleep.
Darla climbed into her old twin bed and sighed. She wouldn't think about Hans and this new girlfriend of his.
Instead, her thoughts strayed to Liam. She felt terrible that his Christmas with his family had gone so wrong.
She would do everything she could tomorrow to ensure that he had a good time.
He'd become a very good friend to her in the past few months. Even though now he wasn't her healer anymore, they still found reasons to hang out with each other.
She didn't know what she would have done without him.
Darla closed her eyes and sighed. Rafe murmured in his sleep and she waited to see if he was going to wake up.
When he didn't, Darla closed her own eyes and drifted off to sleep.