A/N: This one isn't much folks, just a little Christmas fluff. And as disgustingly romantic as the gifts are, they'll be important in the future, especially the rose. Sorry it's been so long in coming, but I've been a busy man lately. I have to ask you all to just ignore my live journal, I barely have time to update the story and I thought you'd appreciate a chapter more than an update over there. Also, as soon as I put this up, I'll go and answer some of the reviews from the last chapters. To my readers, thanks a lot for sticking with this story, we're nearly halfway through this novel, though we're a long from the end of the sequel, the end of the end. Thanks!
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CHAPTER TWENTY: HAPPY CHRISTMAS
~~~~~December 23rd, 1996. Grimmauld Place.~~~~~
Harry was smiling as he walked towards the kitchen of Grimmauld place. He'd just received another letter from Hermione. Before parting ways they'd promised to wait as long as possible before writing. Harry had broken first and sent a letter as soon as he'd gotten back to Grimmauld, and since then there'd been many flights back and forth for Hedwig; the owl was not happy.
Once inside the kitchen, Harry was so wrapped up in his thoughts of Hermione that he didn't even notice Lupin sitting at the table nursing a cup of tea, simply watching him. Harry had made his own cup of tea and sat down across from Lupin when he suddenly saw the older man.
"Remus, I didn't even realize you were there."
"I noticed that. Another letter from Hermione?"
Harry smiled, "Yeah." He dreamily told Remus.
Lupin chuckled, "My, you are your fathers son, Harry." Harry smiled up at him and Lupin went on. "James got so wrapped up in Lily when they first got together that he would have lost his head if it weren't screwed on. That enrapture never went away either, their whole time together he was like that."
"Was my Mum wrapped up in him too?"
"Oh, she was crazy about him, that's for sure. But like Hermione, she was able to focus on things."
"I never thought I'd miss her this much, it almost physically hurts not being able to touch her whenever I want."
Remus sat there with a smile, nodding his head, "I know what it's like to be in love, Harry. Will Hermione and her parents be joining us after Christmas?"
"Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you. They'll be here two days after Christmas, her and her parents."
"Do you think you can wait that long?" Remus laughed.
Harry shook his head, "No, but I'll have to. When will the Weasleys be here?"
"The day before that."
"Will we be able to do some shopping soon? I haven't got everyone gifts yet."
Remus thought for a moment before saying, "We'll go tomorrow, you, Tonks and I. We'll go to Diagon Alley, I have to get a few things myself."
"Good then. I'm going to bed, Remus, goodnight."
"Goodnight, Harry. Sleep well."
Harry made his way back upstairs to his bedroom. After kicking off his shoes he threw himself down on his bed and reached over to his bedside table, grabbing the stack of letters from Hermione. He'd read and re-read the letters many times since their arrival, but he couldn't help himself from reading them over again before he went to sleep. He figured if she couldn't be here to help with his nightmares, he'd let her words calm him as much as possible.
Hermione was enjoying the time she was spending with her family. Her parents had closed their practice for the Christmas holidays and therefore had been doing many things together. She'd told her mother of the new relationship between herself and Harry and her mother was very happy about it.
She's over the moon about us, she thinks the absolute world of you, but we've both decided to give it a little time before telling Daddy, so he's completely oblivious to it all. Hermione wrote. He thinks I'm this happy because I'm back here with them.
Harry was glad that Hermiones mother was alright with them being together. There weren't many people who knew about them, but all those who did were happy for them, so that was a good start.
After reading the latest letter, the one he'd recieved that night, he extingished all of the light in the room and tried to get some sleep.
~~~~~December 25th, 1996. Grimmauld Place.~~~~~
Remus woke Harry gently on Christmas morning with a smile. He handed the young man his glasses saying, "Happy Christmas, Harry."
Harry smiled sleepily and sat up, "Happy Christmas, Remus."
"Sleep well?"
Harry pulled himself out of the bed and called back as he wandered toward his bathroom, "Not well, but it wasn't bad either."
"Well, breakfast is ready when you are, Harry."
Harry quickly washed and changed then headed downstairs. Remus and Tonks were laughing over their tea as Harry entered. Harry knew that they were an item, as much as they tried to hide it. It was the beginning of a new and unusual relationship.
The fact that it was Christmas day put a very cheerful mood through Grimmauld Place, but Harry was aching for Hermione. It would have been a much better day if she were here to share it with him.
He tried to keep her out of his mind for the most part and simply enjoy the small gathering of three around the far too big Christmas tree. But Hermione was brought full force back to his mind when Remus handed him the gift from her.
It was long and heavy. Very carefully Harry peeled back the wrapping to find a beautifully dark polished rectangular wooden box, a bit over a metre long. His name was inscribed on a peice of shiny metal that sat in the centre of the top, Harry James Potter.
Harry ran his hand along the top, it was so smooth. With an air of excitement Harry undid the latches on the side and lifted the lid back. There was a sheet of purple velvet covering whatever his gift was, but that didn't immediately catch his eye. What caught his eye was the plaque on the inside of the lid.
Harry, my hero,
May this help you fight and win
The battles that you face.
You'll never be far from my thoughts,
Nor my heart.
All my love,
Hermione.
The dedication brought tears to Harrys eyes and a grin to his face. He still couldn't believe she really did love him. As if he feared it might tear, Harry very gently lifted back the sheet of velvet. There, held in it's own velvet cocoon was the most beautiful weapon he'd ever seen in his life.
A bastard sword that was exactly his size gleamed back at him. The pure steel was magnificent and flawless. And his own name was encrusted down part of the blade in strong, bold letters. The hilt was a sight of its own. The guard was of the same metal as the blade and had runes carved along it, he'd have to ask Hermione the translation. The grip was wrapped in black leather. And the pommel was a lions head with rubies for eyes, the Gryffindor lion.
Harry didn't know what to say or do. He simply stared at the sword in absolute wonder. It was truly one of the most beautiful sights he'd ever seen.
"Remarkable." He heard Remus whisper from over his shoulder.
Harry looked back at him, startled. He'd completely forgotten his surrounding for a moment there. "It's beautiful isn't it?"
"That it is, Harry." When Harry went back to gawking at the blade, Remus laughed and said, "Well don't just stare at it all day, son, take it out and see how it feels."
Harry put the box down and lifted the sword from its home with ease. The grip felt good to hold onto and the blade swung naturally in his hands. The sword had truly been made for him.
"Lucky I chose my gift wisely then." A foreign voice sounded from behind them. "Merry Christmas to all."
Harry looked over at Brodsky with a grin, "Happy Christmas, Professor."
"I managed to get some information out of Miss Weasley before the holidays began and therefore was able to obtain a gift that was suitable."
He passed a long package to Harry. "Professor, you needn't of." Harry protested.
"Nonsense, Harry. After all the gruelling work I've been putting you through, it was the least I could do."
"But I didn't get you anything, Sir."
Brodsky laughed, "I had hoped you wouldn't. Christmas is about giving, not receiving, Harry. I'd prefer
you use the small fortune you hold to do some good. How about you donate a little to charity and we'll call it
even?"
Harry grinned, "I think that's a brilliant idea, Professor."
"Now open your gift. I must see if you like it."
Harry did as he was told. Inside the plain brown wrapping he found something made out of the same black leather that was wrapped around the grip of his sword. It was a sheath. Harry couldn't help but grin.
"It goes on your back." Brodsky explained. "Those of us in charge of your training felt it best that your weapons be concealed at all times. With the sword on your back it can easily be covered with a cloak."
"I think you'll find the new cloaks Tonks and I had made for you will cover it perfectly." Remus chimed in with a smile.
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Miles away Hermione was opening her gift from Harry. They had both gone all out now that they'd discovered their true feelings for each other. Hermione had gotten Ginny to ask Brodsky if he knew of a fine swordmaker and he'd provided a name that could be found in Hogsmeade.
She'd managed to get away from Harry one weekend and gone to see the man. He'd agreed happily to make the fine blade for Harry Potter. She'd specified what she wanted and he had come through with a magnificent weapon.
Hedwig had arrived this morning with a note and a heavily wrapped parcel. The note had simply read, Happy Christmas, my love. Wish we could be together, but know that I'm thinking of you, Harry.
Unwrapping many layers of protective wrapping Hermione found a cylinder, one side wood, one side glass. Inside of it swirled a single red rose. It much reminded her of the Beauty and the Beast tales her mother had told her.
It was the single most beautiful flower she'd ever seen in her life. So transfixed she was on the rose itself that she completely ignored the plaque at the bottom for a full five minutes as she watched the flower swirl slowly in its containment. Tears were in her eyes as she read the small poem at the bottom.
This flower stands as a symbol of my love
Forever in bloom, much like my feelings for you
And neither my love, nor this rose shall welt
As for all eternity I shall love you true
"Oh, Harry." She cried, her smile getting bigger, but wishing he were with her so she could hug him.
She was glad Hedwig was still there as she wrote a small note telling him how much she loved the gift and him and sent the snowy owl back to her master.
~~~~~December 26th, 1996.~~~~~
The arrival of the entire Weasley clan brought the quiet serenity of Grimmauld Place to an end and filled it with a jovial family spirit. Harry was happy to see Ron and knew now was the time to tell him about the prophecy.
So after his friend had settled in he took him into his bedroom and cast locking and silencing charms. Ron was immediately curious.
"What's goin' on, mate?"
Harry sighed and sat down on a couch. "There's something I've gotta' tell you mate and it isn't good news."
Harry once more went through the story of the prophecy; how the one smashed wasn't the only copy, how Dumbledore had heard it, and what it contained. Ron sat in silence for a long while after he'd finished.
The fire-haired boy looked up at his friend, "Bugger." He breathed. "That's what all the trainings for then? That's why You-Know-Who wants you dead?" Harry nodded. "Bloody hell, mate, I'm sorry."
"Don't be, Ron." Harry smiled in appreciation.
"Yeah, well, this is all bloody insane."
Harry laughed a little, "You don't have to tell me that mate."
Rons face took on a determined look, "Right then, we'll just keep training and pray that we can pull this off when the time comes."
"You don't have to Ron."
Ron laughed, "Bloody hell, Harry, haven't Herms and I proved to you yet that we'll be by your side no matter what? We'd walk through fire for you Harry, we're not about to stop now when you really bloody need us."
"That's the same thing Hermione said." Harry smiled.
"You told her already then?" Rons tone was a little different now.
Wanting to deflect unwanted questions Harry answered, "She knew something was up and you know what she's like."
That seemed enough for Ron since he laughed, "Sure do."
"I'm glad you're okay with this, Ron. As much as I don't want you guys involved in all of this, I really do need your support. I mean, all those encounters I've had I wouldn't of made it through without you and Hermione. Sometimes I don't know why you fools trust me."
"You're our friend, Harry, what more reason do we need. You gonna' tell the others?"
"I suppose I should, shouldn't I?"
"They have a right to know what they fought for that night. They have a right to know why we're so strongly behind you in this." Ron explained.
"I know, I just hate to worry them."
"They won't be worried, Harry." Ron said. "Ginny has probably already figured it out, Nevilles willing to back you up no matter what, and I don't think there's much that would worry Luna. Actually I have a feeling Hogwarts could crumble down around Luna and she wouldn't be worried."
Harry laughed, "Good point. So tell me, what's with this Ravenclaw girl?"
Ron grinned, "Her names Lana. She's a year younger than me and pretty good-lookin'. She's smart too, not Hermione smart, but smart....maybe Ginny smart. Oh, and she's crazy about me."
Harry laughed at the big head Ron had developed since girls started fawning over him. "So are you going out or what?"
"Not yet. But I'll probably ask her out once we get back to school. Take her to Hogsmeade or something."
Harry was hoping they were going out. It would be much easier to tell Ron about he and Hermione if he had a girlfriend to take his mind off it. Still he had a sinking feeling that no matter who Ron was dating or what was happening at the time, breaking their 'happy' news to Ron was going to be a total disaster.
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