Not Like Any Christmas
As Harry and Charlie packed up their belongings in their cottage, the anticipation of returning home to the Burrow filled the air with excitement. They folded their clothes neatly, stowed away their magical artifacts, and made sure they hadn't forgotten anything essential for their journey. Amidst the flurry of activity, Alexandru's voice echoed from outside their door.
"Harry, Charlie, wait a moment," Alexandru called out, his tone carrying a sense of urgency. Harry exchanged a puzzled glance with Charlie before opening the door to find Alexandru waiting for them.
"Chief, is everything alright?" Harry asked, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Everything's fine, Harry. I just wanted to invite you both to join us for a feast in the canteen before you leave," Alexandru explained, a warm smile on his face. "Consider it a send-off celebration." Harry and Charlie exchanged a delighted look, their fatigue momentarily forgotten in the excitement of the invitation.
"We'd love to, Chief," Charlie replied, his voice filled with gratitude.
"Excellent. We'll be waiting for you in the canteen," Alexandru said before turning to make his way down the path. As Harry and Charlie entered the bustling canteen, the aroma of roasted turkey and freshly baked pies wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of cheerful conversation and laughter. The room was decorated with twinkling fairy lights and colorful streamers, lending it a festive atmosphere that filled Harry's heart with warmth. They joined their colleagues at a long wooden table, where platters of delicious food were laid out before them. Harry and Charlie eagerly piled their plates high with roast vegetables, mashed potatoes, and all manner of savory dishes, their appetites sharpened by the aroma of the feast. As they ate, Harry felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He looked around at the faces of his friends and colleagues, grateful for their camaraderie and support. Beside him, Charlie flashed him a smile, his eyes shining with happiness. After the feast, Harry and Charlie made their way to the hatchling infirmary to bid farewell to the little dragons before they left. The hatchlings chirped and cooed excitedly as Harry and Charlie approached, their tiny wings fluttering in anticipation.
"We'll miss you, little ones," Harry murmured, his voice soft with affection as he reached out to stroke the nearest hatchling's scales. Charlie nodded in agreement, a fond smile on his face as he watched the hatchlings play. Once they had said their goodbyes, Harry and Charlie made their way back to their cottage to gather their belongings. Despite the weariness that tugged at his limbs, Harry felt a sense of contentment settle over him as he prepared to return home to the Burrow with Charlie by his side. As they made their way out of the reserve, Harry couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving behind the friends and memories they had made during their time in Romania. But he took comfort in the knowledge that they would carry those memories with them wherever they went, a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and love. They approached the Apparition point, Charlie turned to Harry with a thoughtful expression.
"Do you think Katrin and the others are heading home as well?" Charlie asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I'm not sure," Harry replied, shaking his head. "Let's go ask them." They made their way to Katrin's cottage, where they found her packing up her belongings with the help of her two little brothers. Katrin greeted them with a warm smile as they entered, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
"Hey, Harry, Charlie," Katrin said, her voice bright with enthusiasm. "We're heading home to Bulgaria for Christmas. Mom has all sorts of activities planned for us."
"Sounds exciting," Charlie remarked, his interest piqued. "What kind of activities?" Katrin launched into a detailed explanation of their upcoming holiday plans, her eyes shining with excitement as she described the traditional Bulgarian feasts, the festive decorations, and the lively dances that awaited them.
"It sounds like a wonderful celebration," Harry said, his heart warmed by Katrin's enthusiasm.
"It will be," Katrin replied, her smile widening. "And we'd love for you both to join us if you can." Harry and Charlie exchanged a glance, their hearts swelling with gratitude at the invitation.
"We'd be honored," Harry said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Thank you, Katrin." With their plans for Christmas settled, Harry and Charlie bid farewell to Katrin and her family, their hearts brimming with anticipation for the holiday festivities that awaited them. As they made their way back to the Apparition point, Harry felt a sense of excitement building within him. Harry and Charlie apparated to the Burrow, the familiar sight of the quaint, ramshackle house nestled amidst rolling hills greeted them. The air was crisp with the promise of winter, and the ground was dusted with a light layer of snow, giving the landscape a magical glow. Linking hands, Harry and Charlie made their way up the hill towards the Burrow, their footsteps leaving faint impressions in the snow-covered ground. As they approached the house, they heard the sound of laughter echoing through the crisp winter air, followed by the distinct sound of scuffling and rustling. Curious, Harry and Charlie quickened their pace, rounding the corner of the house to find Ron, Ginny, George, and Bill engaged in a lively game of gnome-catching. The siblings were chasing after a mischievous gnome, its long, gangly limbs flailing as it darted in and out of the bushes, narrowly evading capture.
"Oi, watch it!" Ron shouted, his voice filled with laughter as he stumbled over a tree root, narrowly avoiding a collision with the ground. Ginny giggled as she lunged forward, her arms outstretched in a clumsy attempt to catch the gnome.
"Almost had it that time!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. George and Bill joined in the chase, their laughter mingling with the sounds of their siblings as they darted through the snow-covered garden, their breath visible in the frosty air. Harry and Charlie watched with amusement as the scene unfolded before them, their hearts filled with warmth at the sight of the Weasley siblings enjoying each other's company.
"Looks like they're having fun," Charlie remarked, a fond smile playing on his lips as he watched the chaos unfold. Harry nodded in agreement, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.
"They always find a way to keep things interesting, don't they?" They drew closer to the group, Ron caught sight of them and waved them over with a grin.
"Harry! Charlie! You're back!" Ron called out, his face flushed with excitement.
"Hey, Ron," Harry replied, returning the grin as he approached. "What's going on here?"
"We're trying to catch this little rascal for the top of the Christmas tree," Ron explained, gesturing towards the gnome, which was now perched precariously on a nearby fence post, its beady eyes darting around in search of an escape route.
"Looks like you've got your hands full," Charlie remarked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Just a bit," George quipped, joining them with a mischievous grin. "But it wouldn't be Christmas without a bit of chaos, now would it?" With a shared laugh, Harry and Charlie joined in the chase, their hearts light with joy as they embraced the spirit of the holiday season with their dear friends and family. With a collective effort, Harry, Charlie, and the Weasley siblings managed to corner the elusive gnome, using a well-aimed Petrificus Totalus spell to freeze it in place. With the gnome immobilized, Ron carefully plucked it from its perch and held it aloft triumphantly, a victorious grin spreading across his face.
"We did it!" Ron exclaimed, his voice filled with satisfaction as he held the gnome above his head like a trophy. The rest of the group cheered in celebration, their laughter mingling with the crisp winter air. As they made their way back to the house, the gnome securely in Ron's grasp, Molly emerged from the front door, a warm smile spreading across her face as she caught sight of the group.
"Well done, everyone!" Molly exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with pride. "And Harry, it's always a pleasure to have you here. Charlie seems to come home more frequently when you're around, and I must say, I'm quite happy about that." Harry's heart swelled with affection at Molly's words, a rush of warmth spreading through him. Without hesitation, he turned to Charlie, his gaze soft with adoration.
"Thank you for bringing me home," Charlie murmured, his voice filled with gratitude. Harry was leaning in, he pressed a tender kiss to Charlie's lips, his heart overflowing with love. Charlie's eyes widened in surprise at Harry's gesture, but he quickly melted into the kiss, returning it with equal tenderness. The rest of the group looked on with fond amusement, their hearts warmed by the display of affection. Ginny, sitting on the couch nearby, watched the scene unfold with a wistful expression. Her gaze lingered on Harry and Charlie, a pang of loneliness tugging at her heart. Despite the joy and laughter that surrounded her, she couldn't shake the feeling of longing for someone to share her life with. As Harry and Charlie broke apart, their cheeks flushed with warmth, Ginny offered them a small smile, her eyes tinged with sadness. She longed for the kind of love and companionship that they shared, but it seemed to elude her at every turn, except Andrei, who she disliked because of his fanatism. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the snow-covered landscape, the Weasley family gathered around the table for dinner. The air was filled with warmth and laughter as they shared stories and caught up on each other's lives. Charlie and Harry recounted the events of the past few weeks at the reserve, detailing their efforts to uncover the mysteries hidden within Matei's cottage. They spoke of their encounters with strange symbols and potions, and the unsettling feeling that something dark lurked beneath the surface. Hermione listened intently as Harry and Charlie spoke, her brow furrowed in thought. She had returned to Hogwarts after the defeat of Voldemort, eager to resume her studies and leave the horrors of the past behind. But the mysteries surrounding Aurelian Dragomir still haunted her, lingering like a shadow in the back of her mind.
"Have you found anything new about Aurelian?" Hermione asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. Harry and Charlie exchanged a glance, their expressions solemn.
"Not yet," Harry admitted, shaking his head. "But we're still searching. There's so much we don't know about him." Bill, who had been listening quietly to the conversation, spoke up from his place at the table.
"If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask," Bill offered, his voice earnest. "I've got some contacts in the wizarding world who might be able to lend a hand." Charlie nodded, his expression grateful.
"Thank you, Bill," Charlie said, his voice filled with sincerity. "That means a lot to us." As they continued their meal, the conversation turned to lighter topics. Ron interjected with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Speaking of love lives," Ron began, his voice teasing. "Ginny here has been spotted flirting with a Slytherin at school." Ginny's cheeks flushed crimson as all eyes turned to her, a mixture of surprise and amusement dancing in their gazes. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, a hint of defiance flickering in her eyes as she tried to deflect the attention.
"Oh, Ron, don't be ridiculous," Ginny protested, her tone dismissive. "It's nothing, really." But Ron wasn't so easily deterred, his curiosity piqued by the revelation.
"Come on, Gin," Ron pressed, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Who's the lucky bloke?" Ginny hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering uncertainly between her family members. Finally, she sighed, her resolve crumbling under the weight of their scrutiny.
"It's...Draco Malfoy," Ginny admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of pride. The reaction around the table was immediate and intense. Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his mouth falling open in astonishment. Hermione's eyes widened in disbelief, her hand flying to her mouth to stifle a gasp. Even Molly, who had been bustling around the kitchen, paused in her duties to stare at Ginny in shock.
"Draco Malfoy?" Ron exclaimed, his voice incredulous. "You've got to be kidding me!" But Ginny remained unfazed by her brother's disbelief, a stubborn glint in her eye.
"I know it's unexpected," Ginny admitted, her voice tinged with defiance. "But he's not the same person he used to be. He's changed." The conversation that followed was lively and animated, each member of the Weasley family offering their own perspective on Ginny's newfound romance. Despite their initial shock, they rallied around Ginny, offering their support and encouragement as she navigated the complexities of young love. Harry couldn't help but feel a mixture of surprise and concern. He exchanged a glance with Charlie, both of them silently processing the revelation. But as Ginny's older brother, Charlie knew he had to support her, no matter how unexpected or unconventional her choice might be.
"Congratulations, Gin," Harry said with a hint of sarcasm, patting her shoulder gently. "Who would've thought you'd end up with a Malfoy?" Ginny shot Harry a playful glare, her lips twitching with amusement despite her frustration at his teasing.
"Thanks, Harry," Ginny replied dryly, rolling her eyes. "Your enthusiasm is truly overwhelming." Charlie placed a reassuring hand on Ginny's shoulder, offering her a comforting smile.
"Hey, it's your life, Gin," Charlie said, his voice gentle but firm. "If Draco makes you happy, then that's all that matters." Ginny's expression softened at her brother's words, a sense of gratitude washing over her. "Thanks, Charlie," Ginny murmured, her voice tinged with emotion. "That means a lot." But beneath Ginny's facade of confidence, Harry could sense her lingering doubts and insecurities. He knew she was struggling to reconcile her feelings for Draco with the expectations and judgments of those around her.
"If Draco ever does anything to hurt you, Gin, you know I'll personally hex him into next week," Charlie said, his voice laced with determination. Ginny's eyes softened at his words, a flicker of gratitude shining in her gaze.
"I appreciate it" Ginny replied, her voice barely above a whisper. But as the weight of her emotions threatened to overwhelm her, Ginny's frustration bubbled to the surface, her voice tinged with frustration.
"You know, it's not easy being the youngest," Ginny admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "It feels like everyone's always looking out for me, but no one ever asks me what I want." Harry's heart ached at Ginny's words, realizing for the first time the pressure she must feel to live up to her family's expectations. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could speak, Ginny interrupted with a sheepish smile.
"I'm sorry," Ginny apologized, her voice tinged with regret. "I didn't mean to snap at you." Harry shook his head, reaching out to give Ginny's hand a reassuring squeeze.
"No, I'm sorry, Gin," Harry replied, his voice soft with sincerity. "I should have been more understanding. You're not just Ron's little sister—you're your own person, with your own thoughts and feelings. And whatever choices you make, we'll support you." Ginny's eyes softened at Harry's words, a sense of warmth and gratitude washing over her.
"Thanks, Harry," Ginny murmured, her voice filled with emotion. The night drew to a close and the family began to retire for the night, Harry felt a warm sense of contentment settle over him. The cozy glow of the fire cast flickering shadows across the room, the soft crackle of flames lulling him into a state of drowsy relaxation. With a tired but contented smile, Harry glanced around at his friends and family, feeling grateful for their love and support.
"Come on, love," Charlie murmured, gently lifting Harry into his arms as they prepared to head upstairs to their bedroom. Harry leaned into Charlie's embrace, feeling safe and cherished in his arms.
"Careful on the stairs!" Molly called after them, her voice filled with maternal concern. "We don't need any accidents tonight!" Charlie chuckled, his voice filled with amusement as he glanced back at his mother over his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Mum," Charlie replied, his tone lighthearted. "I won't drop the golden child of the family." Bill, Ron, and Arthur burst into laughter at Charlie's response, their voices mingling with Molly's amused chuckles.
"Golden child, indeed!" Arthur exclaimed, shaking his head in mock disbelief. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the playful banter, his heart swelling with love for his adopted family. With a fond smile, he pressed a tender kiss to Charlie's cheek, feeling grateful for the warmth and affection that surrounded him.
"Let's get you to bed, golden child," Charlie teased, his voice soft with affection as he carried Harry up the stairs to their bedroom. As they disappeared from view, the laughter of their family echoed through the house, a reminder of the love and joy that filled their home. And as Harry settled into bed beside Charlie, his heart full with love and gratitude, he knew that he was exactly where he belonged.