When Harry and Hermione got off the train, the Grangers were waiting for them and Harry felt a flush at seeing someone who loved him waiting for the train instead of his aunt and uncle. He paused for a moment and Hermione sensed his mood, reaching out to give his hand a squeeze. Neil and Jean stepped forward and Jean looked concerned at their sudden stop and the look on Harry's face.
"Harry, everything alright?"
"He's fine mum. Just a bit overwhelmed. Come love, let's go home."
Harry nodded and allowed his wife to guide him out of the station. He calmed on the ride home, and yes, it really did feel like he was going home for a change. Neil and Jean were eager for details about school and their other activities. Written letters just couldn't convey everything. They had been thrilled that Sirius was cleared and had invited him for dinner on Christmas Eve. The drive went quickly and soon they had arrived. Feeling wonderfully content, Harry followed Hermione upstairs to their room to start unpacking. The rest of the day was spent lazing around the house, enjoying not having anything that had to be done.
The following day was three days before Christmas and Hermione declared that it was time to go shopping. After a quick conference at the breakfast table, they decided to take the Land Rover and go to the mall first, but split up into pairs, men and women. After the mall, they would then visit Diagon Alley. With the plans decided, they quickly cleaned up and headed out for the day. Once they reached the mall, Neil and Harry went the opposite direction as Hermione and Jean. They stopped first at a large department store and Harry found a couple blouses he thought Hermione would like. It still felt strange wandering the women's department shopping for his wife. He eyed the lingerie department, but decided that wouldn't be a good idea with her father by his side. Neil noticed though and suppressed a chuckle as he left Harry and decided to go check out tools. Once he was on his own, Harry went and found a couple of new nightgowns since Hermione had mentioned that hers were getting a bit worn. Truthfully, Harry hadn't noticed since he was usually paying more attention to his wife than the gown she was wearing.
Once he finished shopping for Hermione, Harry was left trying to figure out something for Neil and Jean, as well as all of his friends. He went and found Neil in the tools department and took note of the special scroll saw he seemed enamored with. He decided to just ask Neil for an idea for Jean.
"Hi Neil. I think I'm done with clothing. Except that I don't know what to get Jean. I know she likes to cook. Is there a kitchen appliance she needs? Or maybe a book? I know Hermione got her love of books from her mum."
Neil laughed and shook his head as he placed an arm around Harry's shoulders.
"Harry, there are a few things you need to learn about being married. First, never give an appliance or household item as a personal present. If you list it as a house present and give your wife something else personal, that's fine. If you give her a vacuum or a new set of pans, she just thinks you only want her to cook and clean for you. As for my wife, books are always good, but I never bother. I have no idea what she has already or what she wants. She gets her own books whenever she feels like it. Clothes are always a good bet and I could give you her sizes. Or jewelry. That's always well received with most women."
Harry nodded and thanked Neil. He never thought about the issue with gifting appliances. Neil definitely saved him there. Still thinking about what to get Jean, they exited into the main mall. A short distance away, Harry was glancing in windows when he found his answer at a small jewelry store. It was a necklace with a rose gold heart with the word 'mum' done in scrollwork in white gold inside it, set on a delicate white gold chain. Leaving Neil behind, he went into the store and bought it immediately. Once Neil caught up and saw what Harry had chosen, he let out a low whistle.
"Well Harry, I think you picked well. Be prepared for a few tears though."
Harry nodded and proceeded on with his shopping. He still wasn't sure what to get all his friends. And how was he supposed to shop for Neil with the man at his side? As they approached the center of the mall, he noticed an unusual store that offered personalized gifts. One of the items in the window was intriguing. It was a personalized hologram, made from two photographs. It moved almost like a wizard photograph and Harry knew his friends would love it, but how long would it take? He decided to go in and ask about it. The salesman told Harry that if he paid a rush fee, he could have the holograms ready the following day, but he needed to get the pictures to them as soon as possible. Harry nodded and Neil saw that their plans for the day were changing. He called Jean on his mobile and explained that they needed to go back to the house. They arranged to meet in the center of the mall and Neil and Harry went to wait for their wives. As they stood by the central kiosk, an older woman with spiky grey hair approached them.
"Wotcher Harry."
"Tonks? What are you doing here?"
"Guarding you of course Harry. I have to say having you all split up makes it hard. Anyway, I heard you need to get back to the Grangers for something? I'm not supposed to do this, but I could apparate and bring you back if it will help."
"What? Of course it would help. Hold on, here comes Hermione and Jean."
Harry quickly explained to Hermione what he had found and what he wanted to do. She loved the idea and agreed to go with him and Tonks back to the house. They quickly explained to Neil and Jean what the plan was and the older couple decided they would do some of their own shopping in the meantime, agreeing to meet back at the central kiosk in an hour and a half. Harry and Hermione then made their way toward the mall bathrooms, which were located on a long, dingy corridor behind some shops. Tonks appeared and nodded briefly, seeing that they were alone. Grabbing them each by an arm, she apparated them to the Grangers' back yard.
"Alright you two, make it quick. I'll wait here."
Harry and Hermione ran upstairs and Harry immediately pulled out a small photo album. Hermione knew that Harry treasured the few pictures that he had of his parents, so she had encouraged him to take pictures on occasion with them and their friends over the past few months. They flipped through the book together as Harry explained that they needed two pictures that were similar, but slightly different that could be fused into the hologram. After a few minutes, Hermione grew excited as she stopped toward the end of the book and pulled out a picture of them and all their friends standing in the Room of Requirement after a dueling practice. She then flipped back and found a picture of all of them standing outside by the lake on a brilliant fall day. Harry would have never put the two pictures together, but then he realized that in both the pictures, everyone was amazingly standing in the same order with near similar stances.
"Perfect Hermione. Now, how do we stop them moving? And how do we explain the robes and wands?"
"A simple stasis spell will freeze the pictures. And you can tell the store that you're part of a role-playing club."
"Brilliant. As always. Have I told you how much I love you dear?"
Harry leaned in to kiss her and only stopped when Hermione pulled away, gasping.
"Harry, Tonks is waiting and we need to get back to the mall."
Harry sighed and nodded. Hermione took the pictures and cast the stasis spell before they met Tonks in the back garden. She disillusioned herself and apparated back to the hallway at the mall. Once she saw it was clear, she came back and grabbed Harry and Hermione. They popped into the deserted hallway and Tonks followed, disillusioned, as they returned to the store. Harry ordered a hologram for each of their friends, as well as the Grangers and the rest of their allies. Hermione was a bit shocked at the cost with the rush fee of 120 pounds each, but Harry didn't flinch. The salesman indicated that the work would be started immediately and ready for pickup the following afternoon.
Once they finished ordering the holograms, Harry next wanted to go and purchase Neil's gift. They made their way back to the department store and Hermione agreed with Harry's selection of the scroll saw. The only problem was that once they purchased it, Harry was left carrying a very large, heavy box through the mall that Neil would definitely notice when they met again. Hermione fixed the issue when she dragged him into another back hallway and promptly shrunk the box and slid it into a bag with some other purchases. With that done, they headed back to the center of the mall. On the way, they stopped at a French chocolate store that was handing out samples. As they both savored the delectable treat, Harry decided to add a small box of them to the other gifts. They went in and selected chocolate treats for all their friends. As Harry made the purchase, he slyly added in a larger box for his wife. With that, they finished their shopping at the mall and went to meet Neil and Jean, who were waiting for them when they arrived. Before they left the mall, they stopped at a retro diner for a lunch of burgers and fries.
After leaving the muggle mall, Jean drove them into London and parked near the Leaky as they made their way to Diagon Alley. Harry picked up a couple additional gifts, including a beautiful speckled peacock quill for Hermione. Meanwhile, his wife was down the street picking up a set of custom cufflinks and robe clasp that she had ordered with the help of Sirius a couple months before. The cufflinks and clasp featured the Potter crest and were detailed with several small rubies. When she saw the finished product, she was delighted. After a number of owls back and forth, she had been concerned that what she wanted may not have been conveyed correctly. Sirius had been by to provide the crest and look at a few details. He had assured her that everything was going well, but she had to see it for herself. As she finished her shopping, Harry was in a cart, zooming through the levels of Gringotts on the way to his vault. Once he arrived, he began to look through the jewelry and found an understated, but beautiful necklace made of linked gold and silver with small diamonds encrusted in each link. The length would bring it right to collarbone level and he knew it would look beautiful on Hermione. Gringotts was his last stop for the afternoon and, when he exited, he went to meet Hermione at Fortescue's for an ice cream before going home.
The following day was the 23rd and the Grangers declared that they were overdue to get the holiday decorations up. Neil had done the outside lights, but Jean insisted that they wait until school was out to do the any indoor decorating. In the morning, Harry and Neil hauled all the boxes out of the basement and the long process began. The first task was to assemble the ten foot artificial tree. Although she loved real trees, Jean's severe allergies wouldn't tolerate bringing one into the house. As Hermione, Neil and Jean started to open boxes, Harry stood back and watched, unsure of what to do. Jean turned to him with a puzzled look.
"Harry, come over here and help us. The tree is first, then we have the garlands for the stairs, stockings, my snowman collection and a few other items. Go ahead and start wherever you want."
Harry took a halting couple of steps forward, still unsure. Hermione felt what the problem was and turned to her husband.
"Love, come over here and help me start with the tree decorations. Dad will get the tree up and then we can start decorating it, lights first. Just follow me. Come on, it's fun."
Neil looked at them, puzzled about what was happening.
"Harry, haven't you celebrated Christmas before?"
"Um, yes. But I've never done any decorations."
"No tree, lights, anything?"
"Well, there were decorations, but I never did anything with them. My uncle would have me bring the boxes down from the attic and then send me back to my room after. My aunt didn't want me breaking anything. And we have lots of trees and decorations at school, but the professors and staff all take care of those."
Jean scowled and shook her head.
"Well then, this will be a special Christmas. We have way more than we probably should and an extra set of hands will be most welcome. Now, I just realized one more thing. We haven't got carols."
Jean went to the stereo and started playing an album of traditional carols in the background as Harry took Hermione's lead and started decorating. When they reached the top third of the tree, Neil was going to fetch a ladder, but Hermione shook her head as she pulled her wand and started levitating ornaments. Harry followed suit as the Grangers stepped back to watch the show. When the tree was done, it looked magnificent and Harry was beaming. The morning had gone by quickly, so they decided to get some lunch before spending the afternoon doing the rest of the decorations. By that point, Harry was much more comfortable and had started to take initiative with some of the decorating. When they finished in the late afternoon, the entire house looked spectacular. They were all tired, but it had been a good day. There was one last thing that they needed to do though and Jean agreed to take Harry to the mall to pick up the holograms. When he saw the end result, he was thrilled and knew that everyone would love them. Each featured the picture by the lake as the top image, but then a subtle tip of the picture would change it to the picture taken after dueling practice. Leaving it tipped halfway caused the two images to fuse. He happily packed up all of them and then he and Jean went back home. That night after dinner, everyone separated to different rooms to work on gift wrapping, with occasional switches back and forth as each person needed paper or ribbons that someone else had. It was nearly eleven once they finished and headed for bed.
The following day was Christmas Eve and they had both the Bones brunch and the dinner with Sirius planned. Harry also needed to get to the owl post and send off the gifts for all his friends. Hermione was up early before him and he groaned at her.
"Love, what time is it? Can't we sleep in? We don't have to be at brunch until ten."
"You can if you want dear, but I'm awake. I don't know, I'm just really energized. Why don't I see who our guard is and see if they can help me pop over to Diagon? I'll take the owl post for you so that's done."
"Sounds good love, thanks."
Harry's last word was muffled as he pressed his face back into the pillow and Hermione just smiled at him. He was so predictable sometimes. She made her way downstairs and talked to Jean briefly, who was aware of Hermione's plans. She then carefully hid all of the gifts that were due to be posted in her dad's office. She and Jean then spent an hour talking and drinking tea before Hermione decided to go wake Harry. Jean also went to fetch Neil from his office. Harry was downstairs shortly, still groggy as he reached for the tea. He spent a few minutes with the family and then he and Hermione went to get dressed for brunch at Bones castle.
Once they were attired in their dress robes, they said goodbye to the Grangers and stepped into the garage. They didn't even need to call when Tonks appeared.
"Wotcher you two. Amelia asked that I pop you over to her place this morning."
Harry hadn't realized that Tonks was going to be on duty again and suddenly had the thought that this was the perfect time. Hermione realized what he was thinking and let go of his hand to dart back inside. She returned a minute later and handed a wrapped box to Tonks.
"What? Why are you giving me a gift?"
"Because we want to. Happy Christmas Tonks. We know we have other guards, but you seem to be around the most and you're always helpful in getting us where we need to go. You'll be happy to know that we take apparition testing in a couple days. Anyway, it's just a small thank you for your help."
The normally stoic Auror didn't know what to say as she looked down and carefully unwrapped the box. She oohed when she saw the box of French chocolates. Harry was glad that she seemed happy with them.
"We weren't sure what to get you, but I've learned that most women seem to like chocolate. Especially good chocolate."
"I tell you Hermione, it's a good thing that the fates bound you two. Otherwise I'd be joining the line to take him."
Hermione chuckled as Tonks thanked them and carefully tucked the chocolates inside her robes. She then took them each by and arm and apparated them to Bones castle.
Castle was actually a bit of stretch for the large English manor house that greeted them. Still, it looked inviting with its informal English gardens spreading out across the front. Tonks said goodbye and Harry took his wife's hand as he led her up to the door. They had barely knocked when Susan opened the door and greeted them enthusiastically. She ushered them into the parlor, where Amelia came over to welcome them officially. There were already about thirty people in attendance, including Arthur, Molly and Sirius. Harry and Hermione began to mingle as they were introduced around the room to those they didn't know. Another dozen arrived after them and then a house elf popped in to announce that brunch was ready and lead them all to the formal dining room. The room was quite opulent with gilded frames accenting a number of wizard portraits and several ancient tapestries. The ceiling was dominated by an enormous gold and crystal chandelier. The long table could easily fit sixty, so it wasn't even crowded by the group in attendance. Harry couldn't believe that this was where Susan lived. Their friend was actually seated on his left, while Hermione was seated on his right, and she leaned in as she saw the look on Harry's face.
"Don't look so intimidated Harry. This is all just for show. Aunt Amelia and I only use this room a few times a year.'
Harry nodded and then his attention was drawn to the elaborate selection of dishes that appeared on the table. Elegant pastries sat next to a platter of roast beef, which sat next to a tureen of vichyssoise. He took a minute to look at everything before deciding where to start. Some of the French dishes were new to him, but Hermione gave him clues as they went along. All of the food was delicious and the conversation at the table was an interesting mix of business discussions and Ministry business. He answered questions as they were posed and interjected an occasional comment, but mainly just listened and absorbed what was happening around him. The meal lasted almost two hours before everyone was done and the table magically cleared. All of the guests returned to the parlor for drinks and further conversation before they gradually began to leave. Hermione took Harry by an arm and they went to say their goodbyes to their hostess, who flicked a couple dials on her watch to call for Tonks and let the Auror know they were ready to return. When they stepped outside, she was waiting and they were popped back to the Grangers around one in the afternoon.
While they had been gone, Jean and Neil had begun preparations for dinner and the house smelled amazing. Harry was quick to volunteer to help, but Jean dissuaded him.
"I know you want to help Harry, but can you please let us do this? You and Hermione need your time together. I know how busy you've been at school."
Harry was about to protest, but then Hermione came up behind him and wrapped him in a hug as she nuzzled his neck. His resolve melted and he just nodded as Hermione dragged him upstairs for some alone time. Several hours later, they decided it was time to get cleaned up before Sirius arrived. Their shower took a bit long, but both were feeling decidedly refreshed after and went to put on their festive finery. Harry wore black trousers with a deep green silk shirt that Hermione loved for the way it accented his eyes, while she wore a satin red dress that came to mid-thigh and had a couple swirls of white crystals going around it, making her look like candy. Harry drooled as he looked at her.
You look positively yummy dear. If Sirius wasn't coming over, I'd suggest we stay in our room.
Really love? Haven't you had enough of me after the past couple hours?
Never.
Hermione laughed and kissed him briefly, but then pushed him back as she led him down the stairs. The whole house smelled amazing and Harry wondered what Neil and Jean had been cooking. Then a knock sounded at the back patio door and they went to answer it. Harry was gobsmacked when he saw the entire Weasley clan waiting in the back yard. Hermione grinned and wrapped an arm around him.
"Surprise my love."
Harry turned and looked at her, shaking his head as he gave her a thorough kiss. He then remembered that all the Weasleys were waiting and welcomed them in. He was thrilled to see that even Bill and Charlie had made it, although Percy had not. Lately he had not been on speaking terms with his parents. Harry had never been overly friendly with the third Weasley son, but it still saddened him. Neil and Jean appeared and happily welcomed everyone to their home. As the boisterous clan was being ushered to the living room, another knock sounded from the back door. This time it was Neville with his grandmother. While Harry welcomed them, Sirius popped in, followed closely after by Remus. Next came Amelia and Susan. Finally, Luna arrived with a man wearing vivid magenta robes that could only be her father. All of his allies and friends were attendance. Obviously Hermione had been planning this for a while. After they welcomed Amelia and Susan, he pulled her to him and looked in her eyes.
"Thank you for this my love. I don't suppose you actually posted the owls this morning? And I also suppose that there is a large quantity of food in the kitchen that is the reason I have been banned?"
Hermione just smirked and kissed him before then taking his hand and joining all their guests in the living room. The Weasleys had brought several cases of butterbeer and Neil was offering his famous egg nog as everyone selected a drink and found seats. Arthur seemed distracted as he looked all around at the many muggle devices. Harry noticed that Molly was gripping his hand and thought that was the only reason why Arthur wasn't across the room inspecting the telly. Everyone was talking about their previous couple days and trying to get all their shopping done. Several people also mentioned that whatever was cooking smelled amazing, while others admired the elaborate decorations around the house. Every seat in the room was stuffed with people and a few were sitting on the floor, but everyone was in high spirits and comfortable. Harry looked around and couldn't believe his good fortune.
After about an hour, Neil returned from the kitchen and announced that dinner was ready. The Grangers' dining table normally sat twelve max, but Hermione had done a bit of transfiguration and stretched it out, pulling one end out of the dining room into the living room part way. She had layered several tablecloths and then decorated the entire length. Extra chairs were brought from around the house as all twenty of them crowded in. Neil and Jean had outdone themselves with an elaborate spread that included a large prime rib, two roasted ducks, a ham, and a dozen side dishes. Dessert was two trifles, three pies and the largest yule log that Harry had ever seen. Jean did admit that the yule log came from the bakery. By the end, even the Weasley boys were looking full. As everyone groaned, Molly insisted that she help with cleanup, as did Harry and Hermione. After a couple minutes though, Harry yielded to Molly's superior skills with household spells as the copious plates and serving dishes marched easily through a cycle of rinsing, washing and drying. The only thing left for them to do was the put away since Molly didn't know how the kitchen was organized. The entire process took fifteen minutes and left the Grangers astonished at the use of magic.
After the cleanup, everyone decided that they wanted to see the Christmas light display that Neil had told them about. There were no lights in the back where everyone had apparated to, so they all stepped out front to admire Neil's hard work. When they turned around, they also got a chance to look around at the rest of the neighborhood, which was particularly festive. Harry thought at one point that Arthur was going to have a seizure from the excitement, but then they all headed back inside.
Once everyone selected another round of drinks, the celebration moved to center around the large Christmas tree, which was piled with gifts. Harry noticed that the gifts for his friends that must have been hidden somewhere had now been added to the pile. The pile was quickly divided up and paper started flying as everyone started opening their packages. Hermione had made sure that the gifts for their friends were all opened at once since they were identical. When everyone saw the holograms, they were all incredibly amazed. Arthur kept flipping and turning his, trying to figure it out.
"So muggles do have moving pictures?"
"Well, not normally. These are called holograms. It's a special process that is more expensive than normal pictures and not used often."
That then brought up questions about how the holograms were created, which Harry gratefully yielded to Hermione, who was happy to give a brief lecture on the matter. As the commotion over the holograms died down, the other presents were opened and the chocolates also met with rave reviews. The only person that Harry hadn't anticipated shopping for was Luna's father. He had picked up a couple extra small boxes of chocolates that Xeno seemed quite fine with and Luna smiled at his thoughtfulness. Once his friends finished their gifts, Harry, Hermione and the Grangers all opened theirs from their friends. They all received a number of different candies from different friends. Harry also got a book on the history of Quidditch, while Hermione received several books, including one very old one on Druidic magic that came from the Black family library. She could tell it was quite rare and valuable, but Sirius insisted. The twins also gifted Harry with some samples of their early joke products, but knew better than to give any to Hermione. Instead, she received a selection of colored runic inks. As all the packages were opened and the debris was cleaned, Harry looked at all his friends and decided it was time to summon his courage and tell them what was in heart.
"Everyone, I appreciate every single gift and I'm thrilled that you all took this special evening to spend it with us. The most important gift you have each given me is your friendship. I went for many years not knowing the meaning of that word and I appreciate it even more now that I have it in abundance. Also, I'd like to thank my amazing wife for being so sneaky and setting this up. I need to thank Neil and Jean as well for doing all the cooking since I was obviously banned from witnessing the fact that they were cooking for a small army."
A couple people wiped tears and Hermione leaned over to give him a quick kiss. Jean couldn't take it anymore and came over to hug them both. The entire group stayed for a while longer, until the night finally had to wrap up and they all started to leave. As Luna and Xeno were preparing to go, Harry glanced at Hermione and she nodded. They had been talking about creating one more alliance since Luna was usually in their group anyway. With that in mind, Harry stepped over to talk to the head of House Lovegood.
"Xeno, before you go, I wanted to ask you something. I don't want to discuss business tonight, but I was wondering if you would mind meeting with me in a couple days?"
"Hmm, alright. How about Boxing Day? I have a Quibbler to send out in the morning. Perhaps afternoon. Say around three."
"That sounds good, thanks Xeno."
He nodded and they said their final goodbyes to the Lovegoods. Soon all the guests were gone and the house seemed unnaturally quiet. The two couples returned to the living room and collapsed, tired but happy after the long day. They talked for a bit longer, but then Harry noticed that Hermione was nodding off and decided it was time for bed.
Christmas morning dawned frigid but sunny as Harry awoke and smiled at the beauty next to him. His thoughts drifted to the previous night and his smile broadened. Voldemort may be back, but for a few idyllic days he was going to bask in the joy of the holiday and try to forget what awaited them. Soon Hermione stirred and smiled at him. They spent a few minutes like that and then donned robes to head downstairs. The tree was piled with gifts again and the Grangers were in the kitchen making tea. Jean saw that they were awake and hugged them each good morning.
"Happy Christmas dears. We'll have tea shortly. Now, do you want to eat first, or open presents?"
"PRESENTS!" was the unanimous reply from the young couple.
Jean laughed and nodded. Within a few minutes everyone had a cup of tea and went to circle the Christmas tree as they shared their family presents. Hermione opened a couple of her blouses first and was happy with the selections. Then she exclaimed over the peacock quill. Neil meanwhile had located the large box and looked like a small boy when he laid eyes on his new saw.
"How did you get this in here without me seeing?"
"Magic dad."
Jean chuckled and then opened her gift from Harry. As Neil had predicted, the tears started almost immediately. She insisted that Harry put it on her and he kissed her cheek once it was in place. Next, he opened the gift from Hermione with his cuff links and robe clasp. The pieces were exquisite workmanship and he marveled as he ran a finger over the crest.
"Love, how did you? This is custom work. It must have taken forever."
"About two months. I sent quite a few owls and Sirius helped with some of the arrangements."
Harry shook his head and kissed her. He then handed her one more box. When she saw the necklace, she gasped. It was extraordinarily beautiful and must have cost a fortune. She also insisted that Harry help her put it on. When she looked in a mirror, she shook her head.
"Oh my love, it's breathtaking, but you shouldn't spoil me so."
"Nonsense. You deserve it. Anyway, it came from the Potter vault. I thought it was time that you started to receive some of the family heirlooms."
Hermione reached to tuck herself into his arms, unable to hold back the tears. The fact that he hadn't actually spent money on it didn't matter. He had selected something precious from his family and given it to her. She was unable to put words to what she was feeling, although Harry felt it through their bond. Once she collected herself, they pulled apart and saw that Jean was sitting on Neil's lap, smiling at the both of them. The cleanup was done quickly and then they went to eat breakfast.
After breakfast, Neil could barely contain himself as he darted for the garage to setup his new saw. Harry went with him, grinning at how happy he was. Hermione and Jean decided to spend some mother-daughter time playing a few games of rummy. When their men finally emerged from the garage, additional games were brought out and the family spent the rest of the day playing. Dinner that night was a selection of leftovers from the previous night. Jean had been unsure about that, wanting to cook a special Christmas dinner. Her family assured her that they were quite happy with keeping the day simple. When the evening finally drew to a close, both couples parted to their separate bedrooms.
The following day Harry and Hermione spent the morning studying and then practiced for their apparition exam the following day. They ate a simple lunch of sandwiches with Neil and Jean before the older couple left to visit friends. Shortly before three, they were about to step outside and signal their Auror of the day when they heard a knock at the back door. When Hermione went to answer it, she was surprised to Xeno Lovegood waiting for them.
"Hello Hermione. Luna said that you might need help getting to the house. I'm here to take you side along if you wish."
"Excellent. Thanks Xeno. We were just figuring that out. We actually have our apparition exams tomorrow and then we won't have to keep asking for help."
"No problem, I don't mind."
Harry and Hermione each stepped to one side and Xeno took them each by an arm as he twisted and apparated them to the Lovegood home. The sight of the strange house was a bit boggling at first, but not unexpected given whose house it was. They started up a walk leading through a most unusual garden when Luna came running out the door to greet them. She brought them inside and immediately offered them gurdyroot tea. Unsure what it was, but also not wanting to insult their friend, they each accepted a cup of the strange, purplish tea. Upon sipping it, Harry had to use all his willpower to not gag. About all he could say for the tea was that it tasted better than polyjuice. Hermione had just reached for her own cup when she felt his disgust and decided to just pretend to sip it, silently thanking him for the warning. She then began talking to Luna about their holiday and then turned to Xeno to ask about the latest edition of the Quibbler. This was Xeno's favorite discussion topic and he soon began to talk animatedly, hardly letting anyone else get a word in. Harry and Hermione remained polite, nodding and making appropriate positive noises. Harry still had much he had to discuss, but Xeno seemed to be able to go on forever. Then Luna put a hand on her father's arm and he paused to look at her.
"Father. I know Harry and Hermione are being polite, but they really do have other business that they need to discuss with you."
"Of course my little moonflower. My apologies, let us discuss the business you came here about."
Hermione squeezed Harry's hand and he resigned himself to the long process of once again detailing what they faced. First though, he had to see if House Lovegood would be interested in an alliance.
"Mr. Lovegood, I come to you right now not as your friend Harry, but as Lord Potter of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. I face several great challenges in the near future and Lord Voldemort is seeking me personally. For this reason, I find it necessary to seek allies. The Most Ancient and Noble House of Black, as well as the Noble Houses of Longbottom and Bones and House Weasley have already allied with me in this cause. I cannot give more details to a non-ally, but I can assure you that what I face is most dangerous. Luna is a good friend and I believe has some suspicions, but we haven't informed her of everything yet. I would now like to offer you a formal alliance between my house and House Lovegood. If you agree, then I will give you more details. If you do not, I will understand and I hope that our friendship can continue."
Harry paused and was ready to give Xeno a chance to contemplate the offer, but he answered almost immediately.
"Ah well, it seems that Luna has been correct in her guess as to the reason for your requesting this meeting. I must say that I am quite pleased and will most happily ally House Lovegood with the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. The Lovegood family has always stood in the light."
"Excellent. Then, I, Harry James Potter do hereby offer a formal alliance between House Lovegood and the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. What say you?"
"I, Xenophius Xavarius Lovegood, do hereby happily accept an alliance between House Lovegood and the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. So mote it be."
The usual brief flash occurred as the alliance took hold and Luna began clapping. She then came over and hugged each of them. Seeing the serious look on Harry's face, she sat back down. Harry then began to give all the details on the prophecy and the horcruxes, including the one that was lodged in his scar. Luna normally didn't seem upset by anything, but even she seemed stunned at the news. Xeno took it all in and then stood up and started pacing. After a couple minutes, he turned back to the Potters.
"Thank you for entrusting us with this information Harry. I don't know what I can offer, but I do have some unusual books in the Lovegood library. Nothing dark, but perhaps something will at least give a clue. I'll begin a search immediately."
"And I will as well. And when we return to school, I can help Hermione in the school library."
"Thank you both. I wasn't anticipating you having resources to help. Anything would be an advantage right now."
They talked for a few more minutes and then Harry and Hermione got up to leave. Xeno apparated them back home and they decided to relax for a while after the difficult meeting.
The following day they had their apparition exam at two in the afternoon. Tonks had been notified and was waiting for them when they opened the garage. She greeted them with a smile and seemed excited for them.
"Alright you two, today's the day. Soon you can pop yourselves around. Not that I mind, but I know what it's like to have the freedom. By the way, the chocolates were most yummy. Notice the past tense."
Harry laughed, glad that the gift had been appreciated. Seconds later they arrived in the Ministry atrium and Tonks disappeared before they could thank her. They made their way down four floors to the testing department and immediately filled out their forms and paid the fees. They took their tests simultaneously and both passed easily. A little over an hour after Tonks had delivered them, they apparated themselves back home. They immediately went to deliver the good news to Neil and Jean, who declared a celebration was in order and made reservations at their favorite Indian restaurant.
The last few days of the holiday passed quickly for Harry and Hermione. They spent some time on defensive and mind magics studies, but also enjoyed the time with Neil and Jean, who ensured that the young couple took the time to enjoy their holiday. Soon it was January 3rd and they were heading back to King's Cross to catch the Hogwarts Express.