The Cannons

The group had agreed to celebrate at Pansy’s house, knowing she would undoubtedly host a memorable evening. Pansy’s reputation as a meticulous and extravagant host meant that even though they had decided on Secret Santa this year due to the size of their group, Aurora was certain Pansy would still have gifts for everyone.

Aurora was buzzing with excitement about her own contribution to the festivities. She had drawn Oliver’s name for Secret Santa, which only fueled her enthusiasm. She had spent weeks plotting the perfect gift, combining humor and sentimentality in a way that she hoped would make Oliver laugh and touch his heart.

The first part of her gift was a playful jab at Oliver’s role with the Chudley Cannons. She had managed to get her hands on the Christmas edition of Chudley Cannons Monthly, a magazine with a cover featuring a hilariously large photo of Oliver shirtless in Santa pants, suspenders, and a Santa hat. Aurora had told Oliver she wouldn’t display the picture in their home, but she hadn’t promised not to buy it. The magazine was a cheeky reminder of his Quidditch fame and would definitely bring a smile to his face.

The second part of her gift was more personal and heartfelt. Aurora had bought Oliver a new pair of Quidditch gloves, which she had customized with an O and an A embroidered inside a heart. This thoughtful touch was meant to symbolize their relationship, with the gloves serving as a practical yet romantic gesture. She had also included a note inside the glove box, echoing the sweet messages they used to write each other when they first started dating. It was a blend of nostalgia and affection, a way to celebrate their journey together.
Aurora’s excitement about the gift was evident in the way she almost caved to the urge to give it to Oliver early. She had purchased the gifts while Oliver was busy with his rigorous practice schedule, which had kept him occupied. The move-in process had also been a challenge, as Aurora worried she might accidentally reveal the gift. She had managed to keep her secret intact, stashing the presents away safely without Oliver suspecting a thing.

The day of the party was filled with a bubbling excitement for Aurora. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Oliver’s face when he opened the gifts she had carefully chosen for him. It was their first Christmas together, and she was thrilled to be celebrating it with him.

As she was lost in her thoughts about the upcoming festivities, Oliver’s voice pulled her back to the present. “Honey, are you ready? It’s going on 7,” he said, offering his hand to help her off the couch.

“Oh yeah, let me just grab my present for Secret Santa,” Aurora replied, standing up. “It’s just in the bedroom.”

With a joyful heart, she headed to the bedroom, excited about the moment when Oliver would unwrap her carefully selected gifts. She had hidden his presents under their bed, concealing them from view with the comforter’s edges.

As she reached under the bed to retrieve her gift, her hand brushed against another package. Surprised, she pulled it out and saw that it wasn’t her own.

“Hey, did you hide a present under here, too?” she chuckled, grabbing the present and going to read the tag. “Did you need it for—" She stopped reading mid-sentence. The tag on the present said, “To Oli, Love Penny.” Her heart dropped instantly.

He had been keeping a present from Penelope, and he had clearly been hiding it. The paper was clean and beautiful, with a gorgeous ribbon tied into a bow. In the center of the bow was a ring.

Aurora was angry now. The ring was unmistakable—an elegant piece that Aurora recognized as a symbol of commitment. The fact that it was attached to a gift from Penelope left her feeling betrayed and hurt. She couldn’t understand why Oliver would keep such a significant item, especially when it was linked to his past relationship.

Oliver walked into the bedroom Quickly, his eyes locking with Aurora’s. She stood by the bed, holding the wrapped gift with an expression of raw hurt and anger.

“Aurora, let me explain,” Oliver said, his voice trembling slightly as he reached out to her, his hands open in a gesture of peace.

Aurora’s eyes blazed with emotion as she threw the gift onto the bed, the sound of it hitting the covers echoing in the room. “Yes, Oliver, please explain,” she demanded, her voice rising in both frustration and pain. “Explain to me why there is a gift from Penelope, your ex-fiancée, with your engagement ring on it! Explain to me why you hid it inside our home! You obviously didn’t want me to find it. So, Oliver, explain to me why you didn’t want me to find it!”

Oliver flinched at the sharpness in her voice. Aurora could tell that saying that it was hidden in their home hurt Oliver. She knew how much it meant to him that this was their home. She didn't intend to hurt him, but it was too late.

“Aurora, it’s not what you think,” Oliver began, his voice earnest but strained. He took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. “The gift was something I was going to deal with later. It’s from Penelope, but it’s nothing to me.”

Aurora’s eyes were filled with tears, her anger mixing with confusion. “So you were just going to keep it hidden, never telling me about it?”

Oliver continued, his voice softening, but his eyes were pleading. “I was planning to get rid of it. I thought it would be easier if I just dealt with it on my own. I didn’t want to bring it up or worry you.”

Aurora’s face was flushed with anger and hurt, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Oliver, why did you keep it in our home, in our bedroom!” Her voice broke, the weight of her emotions pouring out. “If you still have unresolved feelings for her, I understand that—she was a significant part of your life, you spent years together. But to keep her engagement ring under the place where we sleep...”

She looked at the gift on the bed, the ring’s sparkle now a painful reminder of everything she felt was being overshadowed. Her voice grew louder, trembling with raw emotion. “It feels like a betrayal, like you’re holding onto a piece of your past in the most intimate space we share. How am I supposed to trust that you’re fully committed to us when I see something so symbolic of your past relationship right here?”

Oliver’s eyes filled with tears, the weight of her words hitting him with the force of a hammer. He took a step closer, his hands outstretched in a desperate attempt to bridge the gap between them.

“Aurora, I’m so sorry. I don’t have feelings for her. I just thought I could deal with it on my own, I didn’t realize how deeply it would hurt you. I didn’t want to drag you into the mess of my past. ”

Aurora’s gaze remained fixed on the ring, her heart aching with the realization of what it represented. “Keeping something like that in our bedroom, where we share our lives, feels like a violation of what we’re building together.”

Aurora took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. “I need time to process this, Oliver. I love you, but I need to understand how we can move past this. I need to feel like I’m not just a placeholder until you’re ready to let go of what’s behind us.” She looked at him with a mix of vulnerability and determination.

Oliver’s eyes were now filled with tears, his face flushed with regret. “Aurora,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper as he sank to his knees, his hands gripping her waist. “Please don’t say what you’re saying. I can’t bear the thought of losing you. I know I made a mistake, but I’m committed to you. Please believe that.”

Aurora looked down at him, her heart aching at the sight of his despair. The sincerity in his eyes was undeniable, but so was the pain she felt.

Oliver’s grip on her waist tightened, his tears spilling over. “I can’t lose you, Aurora, I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’ll clear out anything from my past that might make you feel insecure. Just please, don’t let this be the end for us.”

Aurora’s expression softened slightly, though the hurt was still evident. “I need to know that I’m not just filling a void until you’re ready to fully let go of your past.”

“You’re not,” Oliver said urgently, his voice trembling with raw emotion. “I built you a library so you would move in with me. I cook every night for you—I’ve never cooked for anyone else. I would scream your name off of towers, I would show you off to everyone, Merlin, I would marry you right now if you would only let me. You are my future.”

His words, though earnest, were heavy with the weight of his promise. Aurora could see the depth of his feelings, but the sting of uncertainty still lingered. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

Oliver’s eyes blazed with determination. “The present means nothing to me.” Without another word, he lifted his wand, his hand shaking slightly with the intensity of his emotions. “Incendio.”

The present on the bed quickly caught fire, flames licking at the edges of the beautifully wrapped paper. Aurora’s eyes widened in horror as she watched the fire spread, the ribbon curling and blackening.

“Oliver, are you crazy? You’re going to set the house on fire!” Aurora shouted and, put out the fire with her own spell, but the fire was hard to get rid of because of the emotion behind Oliver’s spell.

The fire hissed and sputtered, leaving behind a charred mess of what had once been a carefully wrapped gift. Smoke began to fill the room, adding to the chaos.

Oliver watched with a mix of desperation and regret. “Yes, Aurora, you make me go crazy. I can’t even fathom my life without you, and you’re worried that I’m not committed.”

The once beautiful wrapping paper was now a charred mess, and the scent of burnt paper and fabric filled the air. She turned to Oliver, her eyes still brimming with tears, her voice barely a whisper. “Oliver, this isn’t how you show commitment. Burning something is not going to fix what’s broken between us.”

Oliver’s shoulders sagged, the weight of his actions and words crashing down on him. “I’m sorry, Aurora. I thought it would show you how much I’m willing to let go of the past. I just don’t want you to think I’m still holding on.”

Aurora took a deep breath, her heart aching as she watched Oliver’s remorseful expression. She tried to regain her composure, her mind still reeling from the sight of the burned gift and the sense of betrayal it carried. “I know, Oliver,” she said softly, though the words were laced with hurt. Until she had found the gift, she had believed Oliver was completely committed to her, and she had desperately wanted to believe him.

Oliver’s eyes were pleading, desperate to make amends. “I’ll get new bedding, actually, I’ll replace the whole bed. I don’t want you to have to sleep in a bed that’s been tainted by the past.” He paused, his face set with a look of determination. “If you want, I’ll get us a whole new house. I just want to make things right. I don’t want you to feel like you’re living with reminders of what’s been left behind.”

Aurora looked at him, her heart softening slightly at his earnest words, even as tears still welled in her eyes. The sight of Oliver, so vulnerable and regretful, made her feel a pang of hope amidst the pain. “I like the house,” she said with a small, bittersweet laugh, trying to find a glimmer of humor amidst the heartache. “It’s our home.”

Oliver’s face softened with relief, though his eyes remained wet with unshed tears. “Then we’ll keep it,” he said softly, his voice trembling with the weight of his emotions.

Aurora took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm inside her. The sense of betrayal was still fresh, but she needed to hear the reassurance she had been searching for. “Just look me in the eyes and promise me, Oliver,” she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “Promise me that you’re committed to us and our relationship. Promise me that you’re not holding on to anything from the past and that you’re truly ready to build a future together.”

Oliver looked directly into her eyes, his expression earnest and intense. “Aurora,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “I promise you. I’m committed to us. I’m committed to our future. I’ve never wanted anything more than to be with you, to make a life with you. The past is behind me, and I’m ready to move forward with you, every step of the way.”

Aurora searched his gaze for any trace of doubt, but all she saw was sincerity and love. The pain of the moment was still present, but Oliver’s heartfelt promise began to mend some of the cracks in her trust. “Okay,” she said softly.

Aurora’s words hung in the air, tinged with both urgency and a desire for normalcy. “We really have to go to Pansy’s house now,” she said, her voice a mix of exhaustion and resolve. The weight of their argument had drained her, but the need to maintain their commitment to their friends and the Christmas celebration was a pressing reality.

Oliver looked at her, his face etched with a combination of sorrow and determination. He reached out, pulling her into an embrace that was both firm and tender. His arms wrapped around her with a desperate intensity, as if holding her tightly could somehow anchor their relationship in the midst of the storm they had just weathered. The embrace was more than just physical; it was a promise of his unwavering commitment, a silent vow that he would do everything in his power to mend what had been broken.

Aurora felt the heat of his body against hers, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat calming the turbulent emotions inside her. She clung to him, seeking comfort in the solidity of his presence. “Oliver,” she murmured, her voice muffled against his chest. “I’m still hurting, but I want to be there for our friends. We need to move forward, for us and for them.”

Oliver’s grip tightened slightly as if to say that he would never let go. “I know, Aurora,” he whispered, his breath warm against her hair. “I’m sorry for everything. I’ll make it up to you, I promise. Let’s go to Pansy’s house and try to enjoy the evening. We need this, and I need to show you that I’m fully committed to making things right.”

They slowly pulled apart, their eyes meeting with a mixture of resolve and lingering vulnerability. Oliver’s face was still marked by the aftermath of their confrontation, but there was a renewed determination in his gaze. Aurora managed a small, reassuring smile, despite the lingering ache in her heart.

When they finally arrived at Pansy’s, the warm glow from inside the house was a stark contrast to the tension that still lingered between them. The door creaked open, and they were met with the sound of laughter and festive chatter from the party already in full swing. The cheerful scene made their lateness feel even more pronounced.

Aurora stepped in first, a sheepish look on her face as she immediately began to apologize. “I’m so sorry we’re late,” she said, her voice a bit breathless from the emotional whirlwind and the hurried walk up the steps. “I really hope we didn’t halt any of the festivities.” She glanced around the room, taking in the sight of her friends mid-conversation, drinks in hand, clearly having a good time without them.

Pansy, dressed in a glittering holiday ensemble, waved her hand dismissively, a playful smile on her face. “Oh, please! We’re just getting started. You’re not missing much other than Fred trying to juggle ornaments and Draco losing miserably at wizarding charades.” She laughed, casting a teasing look toward the corner where Draco sat, clearly sulking over his defeat.

Aurora gave a weak laugh, the tension between her and Oliver still thick in the air despite the casual atmosphere. Fred immediately popped up, drink in hand, with a grin plastered across his face. “Finally! We thought you two were too busy snogging to show up,” he quipped, nudging Oliver with a knowing smirk.

Oliver forced a smile, though his grip on Aurora’s hand tightened, reminding her of the emotional weight they had carried with them into the evening. “Sorry, mate. You know how it is,” he said, his voice light but lacking its usual carefree tone.

George appeared with a mischievous grin of his own. “No worries, but you did miss Fred trying to serenade Pansy under the mistletoe. Quite the show.”
Aurora forced herself to relax, trying to settle into the party’s jovial energy. She exchanged quick glances with Oliver, knowing they needed to put on a brave face for the evening but still feeling the shadow of their earlier confrontation looming over them.

“Alright,” Aurora said, mustering a more genuine smile as she glanced around at her friends. “We’re here now. Let’s make it a night to remember.”

Pansy clapped her hands together, her eyes twinkling as she motioned for Aurora and Oliver to join the group. “That’s the spirit! Drinks are over there, presents under the tree, and charades are mandatory,” she teased, her grin wide as she shot them a wink.

As Aurora and Oliver moved deeper into the room, Aurora couldn’t help but feel a bit lighter with the buzz of excitement around them. But every now and then, her thoughts drifted back to their earlier argument. She could still feel the weight of Oliver’s earlier words, his promises, and the burnt gift. She forced herself to smile, reminding herself they were here now and needed to enjoy the evening with their friends.

Oliver’s hand never left hers as they weaved through the room, grabbing drinks from the kitchen and making their way back to the living room where the group was gathering for their Secret Santa exchange. His grip was firm, as if he was afraid she might slip away if he let go.

Aurora glanced up at him. “Are you okay?” she whispered, sensing his unease despite the casual façade he was putting on for everyone else.

He met her eyes, the same vulnerability from earlier still present. “I’m fine,” he said softly, though his voice was thick with emotion. “Just… thank you for staying.”

Aurora’s heart clenched at his words, but before she could respond, Fred’s voice boomed from across the room. “Alright, Secret Santa time! Gather round, everyone!” He waved a small wrapped package in the air, his grin wide as ever.

Pansy smirked, her arm hooked through Blaise’s, as she took a seat on the couch. “We’ll go in order of who arrived on time… oh wait.” She shot a mockingly serious glance at Aurora and Oliver, the playful jab lightening the mood in the room.

Aurora laughed, grateful for Pansy’s humor. “Alright, alright, we’re here now,” she said, taking a seat on the floor by the Christmas tree. “Let’s see who got what.”

Blaise was the first to dive into the pile of gifts. He leaned forward, his long fingers grabbing a neatly wrapped package. The impeccable wrapping, with sharp corners and perfectly placed tape, instantly screamed Draco’s handiwork. As Blaise peeled back the sleek black paper, his brow lifted at the sight of a sophisticated black leather-bound journal. Gold embossing on the cover glimmered under the twinkling lights, and Blaise flipped through the pages with a smirk.

“I suppose this is for me to write down all the ways you’ve irritated me this year?” Blaise quipped, his eyes gleaming mischievously as he glanced over at Draco.

Draco, seated comfortably on the sofa, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “Consider it a way to keep track of your countless complaints,” he replied smoothly. “Though it’s charmed to erase itself every month, so your whining won’t clutter the pages for long.”

Everyone erupted in laughter, knowing Blaise’s sharp wit and Draco’s usual dry humor. Blaise gave a mock-salute with the journal, offering a knowing nod. “I’ll use it wisely,” he teased, sliding the journal into his lap.

Next up was Gianna, who plucked a small, sparkling package from the pile. The glittering wrap gave away its owner immediately. “Definitely Pansy,” she mused as she tore through the shimmering paper. Inside was a pair of delicate, enchanted earrings that shimmered and shifted in the light.

“They change color with your mood,” Pansy explained with a satisfied grin. “Thought they’d be perfect for the endless board meetings you always complain about. Now everyone will know exactly how you feel.”

Gianna’s face lit up as she held the earrings to her ears, her smile bright and genuine. “You’re a lifesaver, Pansy. I’ll be sure to wear them at the next meeting. They’ll know just how bored I am.”

Pansy winked. “That’s the plan.”

When it was Oliver’s turn, he leaned down to pick up his gift from under the tree, his face softening when he saw Aurora’s eyes locked onto him, watching intently. He peeled back the wrapping with care, and as soon as he saw the cover of the magazine, a grin tugged at the corners of his lips.

The room erupted into uncontrollable laughter.

“Oh, this is brilliant,” Fred howled, nearly doubling over with amusement. “I’m framing that for you, mate.”

Oliver shook his head in mock disbelief, holding up the Christmas edition of Chudley Cannons Monthly featuring none other than himself, shirtless in a pair of Santa pants, suspenders, and a Santa hat. His eyes flicked over to Aurora, who was smirking at him.

“You did this?” Oliver asked, shaking his head but with affection in his tone.

“Of course I did,” she teased, her earlier sadness melting away. “I thought you’d like a little reminder of your modeling days.”

Oliver chuckled, his eyes softening as he looked at her, the tension between them easing. “You’re impossible,” he muttered, his voice thick with affection as he leaned over and kissed her temple.

“And there’s more,” Aurora added, nudging him playfully to keep going.

With a grin, Oliver continued unwrapping and revealed a pair of custom Quidditch gloves, perfectly crafted with intricate stitching. Inside the wristbands, their initials, “O” and “A,” were embroidered within a heart. His breath caught in his throat as he traced his fingers over the soft fabric.

“Aurora,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “This is… thank you.”

Pansy sighed dramatically from the couch, her hands clasped to her chest. “Well, if that isn’t the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen,” she teased, though the genuine affection in her eyes was clear as she glanced between Aurora and Oliver.

Oliver pulled Aurora closer, resting his forehead against hers, their earlier tension replaced by a warmth that filled the room. As their friends teased and laughed, Aurora felt lighter, reassured that they would be okay, no matter what came next.

It was Pansy’s turn next. She carefully unwrapped a sleek, ornate bag and pulled out an elaborately bound book. The cover was adorned with gilded edges, and the title glimmered faintly under the fairy lights: a limited-edition copy of a poetry book.

Her eyebrows arched as she flipped through the beautifully crafted pages. “Blaise,” she said, eyeing him. “I knew this was you.”

Blaise smirked lazily. “Only the best for you, Pans.”

Fred was practically bouncing with excitement as he pulled his own gift from the pile, his eyes darting between the box and Gianna, who sat with a barely-contained grin. He tore it open with fervor and pulled out a pair of sleek, noise-canceling headphones.

“What is this?” Fred looked utterly confused.

“They’re noise-canceling headphones,” Gianna giggled. “They’re more from me and George. You’ll thank me later.”

Aurora gasped, covering her mouth, catching the playful undertone in Gianna’s voice.

Fred blinked and then gaped at her. “So for my Christmas gift, my brother gets to have sex?” he exclaimed, incredulous, as laughter exploded around the room.

“There’s more,” Gianna giggled, urging him to keep opening.

As Fred peeled away more wrapping paper, he found a limited-edition Chudley Cannons jersey signed by all the players. His eyes widened in awe. “This is bloody amazing!” he exclaimed, proudly waving it around.

George, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, handed Draco a sleek, polished box. Draco’s curiosity was piqued as he unwrapped it to reveal a stunning glass wizarding chess board. The board shimmered with enchantments, making the chess pieces move on their own with a fluid, almost hypnotic grace.

“This is incredible,” Draco said, clearly impressed. “You know how much I love a good game of chess. This is going to look fantastic in my study.”

George grinned. “Glad you like it. I figured it might come in handy for when you’re plotting your next big business deal.”

As Draco thanked George, Theodore’s turn came up. He eagerly tore into his gift from Fred, revealing an assortment of fine cigars nestled in a luxurious leather case. Alongside the cigars was a set of exquisitely crafted firewhiskey glasses, each engraved with intricate patterns that caught the light beautifully.

“Fred, you’ve outdone yourself,” Theodore said, holding up the glasses. “These are perfect. Now I just need the firewhiskey to go with them.”

Fred chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to stock up the next time we’re out. Enjoy!”

The room buzzed with laughter and chatter as George took his turn. To everyone’s surprise, Oliver had picked out a gift for him. George unwrapped it to find a coffee mug emblazoned with a picture of Oliver in his infamous shirtless Santa costume from the Christmas edition of Chudley Cannons Monthly. The mug featured a humorous caption reading, "Santa's Favorite Player."

“Oh, this is priceless!” George roared, holding it up for everyone to see. “I’m never drinking from anything else.”

Finally, it was Aurora’s turn. She reached for her gift from Theodore, carefully unwrapping it to reveal a beautifully illustrated cookbook. The pages were filled with vibrant images and detailed recipes, making her eyes light up with excitement. Alongside the cookbook was a Chudley Cannons apron, adorned with Oliver’s number and a playful slogan that read, “Cooking with the Cannons.”

“For your new domestic life” Theofore smiled.

Aurora’s heart warmed at the thoughtful gift. “This is amazing,” she said, holding up the apron with a smile. “I can’t wait to use the apron; the cookbook looks like it will have some fantastic recipes.”

“Now you can be just like me,” Oliver teased, leaning over to kiss her cheek.

As the gift exchange wound down, the room was filled with a comfortable buzz of chatter and laughter. The atmosphere had lightened significantly, and the earlier tension seemed like a distant memory.

Fred and George were in the middle of a playful debate over which of Fred's new gifts would be the most useful, while Gianna tried on her new earrings, watching the colors change with her moods in amusement. Draco was examining his new glass chessboard with Theodore, discussing the intricacies of wizarding chess strategies, and Pansy was flipping through her poetry book, occasionally glancing up to see if anyone else was as captivated as she was.

Oliver and Aurora found themselves drawn to the warmth of the fireplace, where they stood side by side, occasionally glancing at their friends with fond smiles. Oliver’s arm was around Aurora’s shoulders, and she leaned into him, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

Aurora glanced at him, her eyes reflecting the dancing flames. “I think tonight went really well. Thank you for being patient with me.”

Oliver squeezed her gently, his voice low. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. You mean everything to me, Aurora.”

She looked up at him, her eyes soft and filled with love. “I know. And seeing everyone’s gifts, it’s just a reminder of how lucky we are to have such amazing friends.”

Oliver nodded in agreement, his gaze shifting to Fred and George, who were now arguing over the best way to celebrate the new year. “They’re a great bunch, aren’t they?”

“They really are,” Aurora said, her smile widening.

As the night went on, the group settled into various activities. Fred and George set up a board game in one corner, and Gianna joined in with an enthusiastic spirit. Pansy and Theodore engaged in a lively conversation about the latest trends in magical literature while Draco and Oliver started a competitive round of chess on the new board.

Aurora and Oliver found a quiet moment amidst the chaos, sitting on the sofa with their drinks. The room was filled with the joyful noise of their friends, and despite the trials they had faced, it was clear that they were surrounded by love and support.

Oliver looked at Aurora with a tender smile. “I’m really glad we made it tonight. It feels like a fresh start, doesn’t it?”

Aurora’s eyes sparkled with happiness. “It does. And it’s perfect.”

Back in the living room, Fred had successfully convinced George to join him in a round of karaoke, with Gianna and Theodore eagerly participating as the impromptu audience. The room echoed with a mix of off-key singing and laughter, adding a touch of playful chaos to the night.

Draco, watching the antics with a bemused expression, shook his head. “I swear, these two are like a never-ending entertainment source.”

Oliver, who had taken a break from chess, joined Draco on the sofa, his arm draped around Aurora’s shoulders. “It’s part of the charm, isn’t it? Our group wouldn’t be the same without their shenanigans.”

Aurora leaned into Oliver, feeling a deep sense of contentment. “You’re right. They make everything more fun.”

As the night wore on, the group settled into a more relaxed atmosphere, gathering around the fireplace. The earlier excitement gave way to a cozy, intimate setting. They shared stories, reminisced about the year’s highlights, and made plans for the future.

Fred, having finally gotten the microphone, launched into a dramatic rendition of a popular holiday song. Everyone joined in, singing along with varying degrees of enthusiasm and talent. The room was filled with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of being surrounded by loved ones.