Thanksgiving
On the day of Thanksgiving, a knot of anxiety began to form in Aurora’s stomach. She had yet to meet Oliver’s mother because she lived in Scotland, but hearing how much influence Mrs. Weasley had on Oliver made meeting her just as nerve-wracking. She wanted to make a good impression on the whole Weasley family, but especially on Mrs. Weasley.
Even though Fred and George had made it very clear that they weren’t expecting anyone to bring anything to their Thanksgiving feast, Aurora was determined not to be left out. She knew her friends would likely bring something to contribute to the celebration, and she didn’t want to be the only one who arrived empty-handed.
Aurora had always been known more for her brain than her culinary skills, so she sought out Oliver’s help. She approached him one evening, her eyes sparkling with determination. “Oliver, I know you keep saying we don’t have to bring anything, but I really want to contribute. I’m sure everyone else will be bringing something, and I don’t want to be the only one who shows up empty-handed.”
Oliver, who had been preparing dinner, looked at her with a mixture of amusement and concern. “Aurora, you know you don’t have to—”
“I know, I know,” Aurora interrupted, “but I just can’t shake the feeling that I should bring something. Please, Oliver? I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”
With a resigned chuckle, Oliver agreed. “Alright, alright. What do you need help with?”
Aurora’s face lit up with a grateful smile. “Just a few simple things. Maybe some rolls and a dessert? I’m not great at this, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
As they worked together in the kitchen, Aurora and Oliver laughed over flour-covered countertops and the occasional culinary mishap. Oliver patiently guided her through the process, showing her how to knead dough and measure ingredients. Despite the minor mess and her occasional clumsiness, the atmosphere was warm and filled with camaraderie.
Aurora appreciated every moment of the process, knowing it was as much about the effort and shared experience as it was about the end result. By the time they were finished, they had a modest assortment of homemade rolls and a pie ready to be packed up and taken to the feast.
“See?” Oliver said, giving her a reassuring smile as they looked at their work. “It wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Aurora beamed at him. “I love you, Oli. Thank you.”
Oliver had been insistent that they arrive early for Thanksgiving, his excitement practically bouncing off the walls. “I’m really looking forward to this,” he said, practically vibrating with anticipation. “I can’t wait to introduce you to Mrs. Weasley. This will be the first time I can introduce you as my girlfriend.”
Aurora, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, nodded in agreement. She understood the significance of the day not just for her but for Oliver, too. They had decided to share their relationship with the Weasleys because they trusted them completely and knew they’d be supportive.
Oliver’s enthusiasm was infectious. “Not that I want to brag,” he said with a mischievous grin, “but I really want to brag. Mrs. Weasley never liked Penelope. She used to say that Penelope ‘stole my fire.’ I’m hoping she’ll be thrilled to meet you.”
Aurora laughed softly. “Well, I hope she likes me better than Penelope.”
Oliver reached over and squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Oh, she will. Everyone will; besides, you’ve already made a great impression with the feast you’re bringing. Mrs. Weasley will be thrilled to see how much you care about this.”
As they approached the Weasley’s home, the sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the cozy, welcoming house. The aroma of roast turkey and seasonal spices wafted through the air, making Aurora’s stomach rumble with anticipation.
Oliver, ever the bundle of energy, practically pulled Aurora inside, guiding her through the house that was obviously familiar to him. Mrs. Weasley was bustling around the kitchen, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the oven and the excitement of the day.
“Mrs. Weasley!” Oliver called out as he entered the bustling kitchen.
Molly Weasley clearly excited herself, turned, and let out a delighted squeal when she saw Oliver. She rushed over and pulled him into a tight hug. Despite Oliver’s towering height, the hug was warm and comforting, and he visibly relaxed into it. “What have I told you? Call me Molly,” she said, her voice muffled slightly against his shoulder.
As the hug broke, Aurora felt her nerves heighten. She was about to meet someone who, for Oliver, was clearly very important.
“I've brought you some extra hands. She's not very good in the kitchen, but she’s eager to help.” Oliver motioned to Aurora.
She felt her stomach drop.
My dear, don’t worry about the cooking. When I first met Oliver, he couldn’t even boil water,” she said, motioning at Oliver. “You must be Aurora. I’ve heard so much about you.” She extended her arms for a hug, but Aurora’s hands were occupied with the dishes she’d brought. Noticing this, Oliver swiftly took the bags from her.
Aurora managed a nervous laugh, feeling a bit more at ease with Molly’s genuine kindness. “Thank you. I really appreciate the warm welcome.”
Oliver handed the food to Molly, who beamed at the offerings. “Molly, Aurora brought you a few things,” he said, trying to ease Aurora’s tension.
Molly’s smile grew even wider as she looked at the food. “Oh, sweetheart, you didn’t have to, but thank you so much. I’ll put it right in the middle of the table so everyone can enjoy it.” Her genuine gratitude made Aurora feel a warm glow inside, easing her nerves even more.
As Molly bustled around to find a spot for the dishes, Aurora took a deep breath, feeling grateful for the warmth and acceptance she was already receiving.
Molly Weasley bustled into the kitchen, her arms filled with fresh vegetables and a large mixing bowl. She had a warm, motherly smile on her face that immediately put Aurora at ease.
“Aurora, I hear that you really stole our poor boy's heart,” Molly said, her eyes twinkling with genuine warmth as she set the bowl down on the counter.
Before Aurora could respond, Oliver, unable to contain his enthusiasm, chimed in with a wide grin. “She really did,” he said, his voice full of affection as he slid an arm around Aurora’s shoulders and pulled her close. “Aurora’s been absolutely amazing. I couldn’t be happier.”
Aurora felt her cheeks warm at the compliment, her heart fluttering as she leaned into Oliver’s embrace. She caught Molly’s approving glance and felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over her.
Molly waved a hand dismissively, her eyes softening with a touch of motherly affection. “Oh, don’t mention it. I’ve always hoped Oliver would find someone who truly appreciates him for who he is. Truth be told, I never really liked Penelope very much. I always felt she didn’t quite understand him and always wanted him to be someone else”
Aurora looked at Molly with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. “I appreciate you saying that. Oliver has been nothing but wonderful to me.”
Molly’s eyes twinkled with warmth. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. Oliver deserves someone who brings out the best in him, and from what I can see, you’re exactly that person.”
Oliver ushered Aurora into the living room, where she could feel some comfort in familiar faces. Fred, George, and Ginny sat in a few of the many chairs around the living room. Oliver brought them to a couch in the middle to take a seat.
“Where is Harry, Gin?” Oliver asked as if the question was obvious,
“Oh, my dad has him in the garage, playing with all types of muggle things, I'm sure.” The ginger witch rolled her eyes and then, with a big smirk, eyed Aurora. “ Alluring Mystery witch, I presume?” she handed out a hand for Aurora to shake. “Ginny”
“Aurora,” she took her hand and shook it. She quickly realized she, too, had the twins since humor.
“Ignore her, Aurora. She didn't have the best influence growing up,” Oliver teased. Both the twins put their hands on their chests in fake hurt motions.
“I mean no harm at all, Aurora. I understand the Prophet's unrelenting stalking as well as anyone else. That's what happens when you date the ‘chosen one’.” She smiled sweetly at Aurora.
All of Aurora’s friends arrived at the exact same time, clearly having coordinated their arrival to create a lively, bustling atmosphere. As expected, each of them had something in their hands, adding to the festive chaos. Fred and George immediately got up from their seats to welcome them in.
Fred went off to find their mother, likely to give her a heads-up about the arrival of the guests, while George made his way over to Gianna, who was holding a rather large dish.
Gianna’s nerves were palpable; her hands were slightly trembling as she clutched the dish tightly. George, ever the comforting presence, was clearly doing his best to put her at ease with a reassuring smile and light-hearted chatter.
Just as George reached Gianna, Molly Weasley burst into the room, her presence instantly brightening the atmosphere. She moved with practiced efficiency, her eyes scanning the room and settling on her children and their friends. Her warm, welcoming demeanor put everyone at ease as she made her way over to the new arrivals.
“Welcome, welcome!” Molly’s voice rang out cheerfully. “It’s so wonderful to have you all here. I’m so glad you could make it.”
As Molly greeted each guest with her characteristic warmth, she offered to take the dishes and invited them to settle in. Aurora watched with a mixture of relief and appreciation, feeling more at ease with each passing moment as she saw how effortlessly Molly made everyone feel welcome.
Pansy took the seat next to Aurora, and surprisingly, Fred relinquished his chair to Blaise, saying he should sit next to Pansy. Aurora couldn’t help but notice the subtle shift in dynamics. She was curious about where Fred and Pansy stood after their shared kiss, but she was willing to see how things would unfold. Blaise, grateful for the gesture, settled into the seat with a nod of thanks.
George and Gianna, meanwhile, chose a cozy loveseat near the fireplace. Gianna was still clearly nervous, but George held her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. The affectionate display made Gianna blush deeply, and she quickly lowered her gaze to her shoes, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Theodore and Draco took two of the remaining chairs scattered about the room, adding their presence to the lively mix of guests. The room began to buzz with gentle conversation and laughter as everyone settled in.
As the evening progressed, Harry and Mr. Weasley re-entered the living room, looking somewhat surprised by the number of people now present. Harry made his way over to sit on the arm of the chair Ginny was in, giving her a friendly squeeze.
“Molly, have you seen the full house we’ve got out here?” Mr. Weasley called out to Molly, who was busy in the kitchen but now stood in the living room, surveying the scene with a fond smile.
Molly, always in motion, quickly joined them with a bright smile. “Isn't it lovely, dear?” she said, wrapping an arm around her husband. Her eyes sparkled with the joy of hosting such a lively gathering.
Once everyone was situated, Molly began guiding the guests into the kitchen where the Thanksgiving feast awaited. The aroma of roasting turkey, savory stuffing, and freshly baked pies filled the air, making everyone’s stomachs rumble with anticipation. She directed the guests to the long table, which was adorned with beautiful autumn decorations that added a festive touch to the evening.
Fred, still brimming with his characteristic energy, helped Pansy find a spot for her dish, giving her a playful wink. “Don’t worry, I’m sure whatever you’ve brought will be a hit,” he said, his tone a mix of lighthearted teasing and genuine assurance.
George determined not to be left out of the fun, assisted Gianna with her large contribution. He flashed her an encouraging smile and said, “We’ll make sure this Thanksgiving is one to remember,” his voice filled with excitement and confidence.
As the guests settled in and began to enjoy the meal, the room filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery and cheerful conversation. Aurora sat quietly, savoring the delicious food, while the boys, Ginny, and Gianna launched into a lively discussion about Quidditch. Aurora couldn't help but notice Pansy roll her eyes at Fred, who was enthusiastically gesticulating as he spoke, his hands occasionally coming dangerously close to her face. Pansy, looking exasperated, grabbed his arm and gently but firmly lowered it to the table.
“You don’t understand it from a player’s point of view,” Oliver said, his tone carrying a hint of playful defensiveness.
“Oh, Oliver, shut up. You’ve been a player for what? Five minutes now?” Fred retorted, snatching one of the rolls Aurora had made and tossing it towards Oliver. The roll sailed through the air before Oliver deftly caught it, placing it on his plate with a satisfied grin. Pansy gave Fred another eye roll, clearly unimpressed.
Oliver, unfazed by Fred's playful jab, turned to Aurora with a warm smile and placed a comforting hand on her leg under the table. Aurora looked back at him, appreciating the gesture and the connection they shared amidst the lively chaos.
“Four minutes and thirty-seven seconds, to be exact, Fred,” George chimed in, adding his own contribution to the banter with a smirk.
Gianna’s voice cut through the Quidditch debate with a note of exasperation. “All three of you are ridiculous. Rules aren’t there just for the fun of it; they’re there to keep everyone safe.”
George’s gaze softened as he looked at Gianna, clearly captivated by her conviction. “Perhaps Gianna is right,” he said, his voice carrying a note of admiration.
“Fred? Is this where we throw a roll at George for being an idiot?” Theodore teased, leaning back in his chair with a smirk.
“Yes, it is,” Fred confirmed with a playful nod, reaching for a roll with an exaggerated motion.
Ginny chimed in, her tone light but teasing. “You’re so lovesick over here, George, you can’t even see the facts.”
George looked at her with a mix of surprise and amusement. “Oh, really? I suppose that makes me blind then.”
Harry, always ready to join in the banter, added, “Yeah, you don’t see me and Ginny just agreeing with everything the other says.”
Ginny smirked at Harry, her eyes twinkling with affection. “No, you agree with me because I’m right, not because you love me.”
“Exactly,” Harry said with a grin, his arm casually draped over Ginny’s chair.
Fred leaned over the table, his eyes glinting with mischief. “What about you, Draco? Give us your opinion.”
Draco, who had been quietly observing the lively discussion, raised an eyebrow and replied, “I’m not exactly sure. I would have to do more research before forming an opinion.”
Fred’s grin widened at Draco’s response. “Theodore, the roll,” he said, motioning theatrically for Theodore to throw a roll at Draco.
Theodore, with a chuckle, picked up a roll and, with a playful flick of his wrist, sent it sailing through the air toward Draco. The roll arced through the room, only to be intercepted by Draco’s swift reflexes. He caught it effortlessly, looking at the roll with an amused smirk.
“Nice try, Fred,” Draco said, holding up the roll. “But you’ll need to do better than that to change my mind.”
The group erupted in laughter, with Pansy shaking her head in mock disapproval. “Honestly, you all are hopeless. All you lot do is play Quidditch and talk about Quidditch,” she said, her voice tinged with amusement.
Fred, ever the one to rise to the occasion, placed his arm around Pansy’s shoulder as if it was something he had done a million times before. “Oh, Pansy, is there something else you would prefer to discuss?” he asked, his tone playful and teasing.
Pansy rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Well, since you ask, how about we talk about something a bit more… sophisticated? Maybe art or literature?”
“Art and literature?” Fred echoed, feigning shock. “And here I thought all you ever talked about was fashion and the latest gossip!”
Pansy raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter. “You might be surprised, Fred. I have interests beyond the latest trends and who’s dating whom.”
Oliver, who had been listening with amusement, leaned in and added, “I’m sure Pansy could teach us a thing or two about art and literature. She’s always had a sharp mind and a keen eye for detail.”
Gianna, still sitting close to George, nodded in agreement. “I’d be interested to hear more about what Pansy has to say. It’s nice to mix things up a bit.”
Fred grinned, playfully squeezing Pansy’s shoulder. “Alright, Pansy, you’ve got our attention. Enlighten us. What’s the latest in the world of highbrow culture?”
Pansy, clearly pleased with the shift in conversation, leaned back with a confident smile. “Well, if you must know, I’ve recently been reading about the evolution of modern art and its impact on contemporary society. It’s fascinating how art reflects and influ-”
“Theo now!” Fred shouted, interrupting her mid-sentence. Theodore, caught off guard by the sudden command, threw a roll with a mischievous grin. Pansy, engrossed in her explanation, was too absorbed to notice the approaching roll.
The roll sailed through the air, and Pansy’s eyes widened as she realized what was about to happen. Just as the roll was about to hit her in the face, Fred caught it with a swift, practiced motion.
Pansy’s face had annoyance plastered all over it. “You didn’t think I was going to let this hit you, did you now, my love?” he said, his tone a mix of playful and genuine affection.
Aurora, sitting nearby, caught Oliver’s gaze for a brief moment. She noticed the subtle difference in how Fred addressed Pansy. The use of “my love” instead of just “love” seemed to carry a deeper, more intimate meaning, and it wasn’t lost on her. The look exchanged between them conveyed a silent understanding that spoke volumes.
The conversation quickly picked up again, shifting to lighter topics as the group began to relax more. Fred, still holding the roll, dramatically waved it around as if it were a trophy. “See, I’m not just about Quidditch! I’ve got skills in roll-catching, too,” he said with a grin.
Pansy rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “Yes, Fred, we all see your impressive talent,” she said, her tone teasing but affectionate.
The rest of the group chimed in with laughter and playful banter. Ginny and Harry began discussing their latest adventures while George and Gianna talked animatedly about their recent date. Aurora listened, her attention alternating between the lively conversation and Oliver, who was contentedly holding her hand under the table.
As the evening wore on, Molly began clearing away the dinner plates and setting out dessert. The kitchen is filled with the delightful scents of pumpkin pie, apple tart, and pecan pie, adding a final touch of indulgence to the festive atmosphere. Molly and Arthur made their rounds, ensuring everyone had a dessert they liked.
Aurora chuckled, shaking her head as she reminisced. “I should have known better than to bring rolls. Amateur move. I should have expected they'd turn into weapons.”
Ginny laughed, nodding in agreement. “Really, it’s any easily throwable object that’s off the table, but rolls are miles better than that time Fred threw an apple at my head.”
Fred, ever the defender of his actions, interjected with a grin, “That’s a little unfair, Gin. I did say 'heads up'!”
Ginny raised an eyebrow, her tone playful but firm. “You said 'heads up' only after it hit me!”
Harry, joining in with a chuckle, added, “At least a roll would be soft. An apple’s got some serious impact.”
Theodore, who had made himself very comfortable among everyone, chimed in with a mischievous grin. “So what I’m hearing is just stick to softer projectiles from now on,” he said, gesturing towards the banana cream pie sitting temptingly on the table. His comment brought a smirk to Fred’s face.
“Let’s really not give him any ideas, Theo,” Pansy interjected, her tone laced with playful exasperation. “Because if I had to guess, it’s going to be me who ends up with the pie thrown at them, not you.”
Everyone erupted into laughter at Pansy’s comment, imagining the scene. Fred, clearly entertained by the idea, pretended to consider it seriously before shaking his head with a chuckle. “Oh, Pansy, only because you’d be the most fun target.” he winked at her
Ginny, joining in on the banter, added with a grin, “Pansy, I’m just glad Fred found someone else to target. I had him for the first 23 years of my life; he’s all yours now.”
Fred chuckled, mock bowing. “Consider it a privilege, Pansy. Not everyone gets to see a master at work”
George and Gianna had slipped into a quiet conversation, their focus so intense that it was as if they were the only two people on Earth. They exchanged glances and soft smiles, their words hushed and tender. To the others, it seemed like the rest of the room had faded away, leaving just the two of them in their own little bubble of intimacy.
Aurora nudged Oliver playfully. “Why don’t you ever look at me like that?” she said, nodding toward the couple.
Oliver raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile forming on his lips. “I do, I just don’t make it that obvious.” He leaned closer, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “But if you’re up for a staring contest, I can give it a go right now.”
Aurora laughed softly, her cheeks flushing with warmth. “Oh, you’re on. Let’s see if you can make me lose my focus.”
Oliver’s expression softened as he turned his full attention to her, his gaze steady and sincere. The playful challenge turned into a moment of genuine connection as he looked at her with a mixture of affection and admiration. Aurora felt her heart flutter under the intensity of his gaze, the world around them seeming to melt away as they shared this private, unspoken communication.
“See?” Oliver said, breaking the silence with a gentle smile. “I can do it when it counts.”
Aurora’s eyes sparkled with happiness as she reached out to hold his hand, their fingers intertwining. “I’d say you’ve definitely won this round,” she replied, her voice soft and filled with warmth.
Aurora’s attention shifted briefly to the rest of the room. Fred was animatedly gesturing as he regaled the group with one of his infamous stories, Ginny laughing heartily beside him. Pansy and Theodore were engaged in a light-hearted debate, their playful bickering adding to the festive atmosphere.
Returning her focus to Oliver, Aurora noticed the way his eyes softened when he looked at her. His look conveyed a sense of deep affection and admiration, one that spoke volumes without needing words. She felt her heart swell with warmth.
“You know,” Oliver said softly, breaking the comfortable silence, “I’m really glad we’re here together. With everyone we care about.”
Aurora squeezed his hand gently. “Me too. This feels perfect.”
Fred, with his usual flair for the dramatic, had just finished a particularly wild rendition of his clue, involving exaggerated gestures and a few impressive somersaults. Ginny, ever the quick thinker, had managed to guess it correctly almost immediately, much to the chagrin of Oliver's team.
"You two are cheating," Oliver said, his voice tinged with frustration as he threw his hands up in mock surrender. His competitive side was clearly showing, and he glanced at Ginny with a mixture of disbelief and admiration. “There’s no way you got that so quickly without some kind of inside knowledge.”
Ginny, her cheeks flushed from laughter, waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, please, Oliver. It’s all about the context. Besides, you’re just mad because your team is losing.”
Fred chimed in, grinning widely. “Yeah, mate, maybe if you actually paid attention instead of plotting your next big move, you’d do better. It’s just a game!”
George, who had been laughing at the commotion, patted Oliver on the back. “Don’t worry, Oliver. You’ll get them next round. Maybe if you stop trying so hard to outsmart everyone, you might actually win a round or two.”
Aurora, watching the friendly banter unfold, leaned closer to Oliver and whispered, “Don’t let them get to you. It’s all in good fun. Besides, I’m here for you, even if you’re losing.”
Oliver gave her a quick, grateful smile and then turned his attention back to the game. His mood lightened as he caught Pansy and Fred engaged in a playful argument over their next clue, and he couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
Pansy, who had been quietly observing the scene, leaned over to Aurora. “You know, this is actually quite nice. It’s not often I get to just relax and have fun with everyone like this.”
Aurora smiled warmly. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. It’s moments like these that make everything worth it, don’t you think?”
Pansy nodded in agreement, her eyes softening. “Absolutely. It’s been a great evening.”
The game finally wound down as everyone grew a little tired from all the excitement. Fred, ever the showman, made a grand announcement. “Alright, everyone! Charades have come to an end. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate the wonderful company and the amazing food.”
Everyone gathered around the table once more, chatting and reminiscing about the evening's highlights. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie, which made the holiday season special.
As the night drew to a close, Oliver and Aurora shared a quiet moment together. They stood by the window, looking out at the twinkling lights of the neighborhood.