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Harry had been busy since they got to his home in Godric’s Hollow from Andromeda’s, trying to distract Teddy from time to time —which didn’t seem to be working— and he was now desperate, feeling guilty for not giving his godson the proper attention, but torn between cooking and making the preparations for so many people. The next time that Molly offered to help, he would gladly accept.
When the sound of apparition reached his ears, he let himself breathe with relief. He left the kitchen to meet Hermione but found her on her way to the living room, where Teddy had gotten himself occupied by taking out his toys and making his miniature broom players race.
“You came,” he heard himself say, seeing her approach him.
“You called,” she answered, hugging him in greeting.
At hearing his auntie’s voice, Teddy left his toys and ran to greet her, collapsing with the adults and embracing their legs, or as much as he could embrace with his little arms.
Both adults laughed at the child’s antics, Hermione picked him up and the three of them headed to the kitchen together, where the food was being prepared muggle style.
“I didn't know if you could make it,” said Harry, entering first and heading to the oven to check the casserole. “I thought you had to prepare for the Wizengamot session regarding the Centaur’s rights at Hogwarts.”
Hermione sighed, “I have to admit it’s been tough, but Penelope and I are working hard to help them return to the Forbidden Forest. It was as much their home as the castle was ours. And it’s time they get the option to return if they wish to do so. Still—,” She got closer to him, using her free hand, with a movement of her wrist she made a knife begin to chop the onions on the counter. “If you need me, I’ll be here. So, tell me, how can I help?”
Scratching his neck, he turned to look at her and asked if she could keep an eye on Teddy and maybe, to help decorating the yard so everybody could dine there. Hermione assented and squeezed his hand once, before heading to the yard with an eager Teddy on her arms.
“Mr. Lupin, what should we do first? Decorate the trees or clean the yard?” Inquired Hermione, leaving Teddy to stand on the ground and taking out her wand.
He thought carefully for a moment and then, jumping with excitement, he exclaimed: “Cleanin’! Cleanin’!”
She smiled and nodded, and with a movement of her wand, gardening tools —adult and child sized—, and plastic bags appeared out of nowhere. “Come on, Teddy. We got some work to do before our family arrives.” Teddy nodded and, taking his utensils and a small bag, went to the nearest tree to collect the fallen leaves. Hermione smiled at seeing him so eager to help, and began to pick up leaves herself, while the rest of the tools did the work thanks to magic.
Once Teddy finished, they set to decorate the yard. Picking Teddy up, Hermione placed his arm on top of hers and then she began to conjure Christmas lights.
While they decorated, Harry busied himself in the kitchen. Giving up trying to do everything the muggle way, he resorted to use magic to accelerate the process. He didn’t notice the hours pass until he heard the tap on the door, where Hermione stood holding hands with Teddy, who seemed to be very proud of himself.
“Would you like to see the great work Teddy and I did in the yard?” asked Hermione, her eyes bright, a small smile playing on her lips.
Teddy ran to take his hand and guided him in the direction of the yard. He was taken aback before they got outside. Snow was starting to fall and there were Christmas lights everywhere, the tables and tent set up and prepared to take the food outside, but what surprised him the most was the ice rink that stood in a corner of the yard, big enough for his guests and them to skate through.
“How did you…?” He asked, puzzled.
“Expansion charm. I thought it would be fun to try, what do you think?”
“It’s brilliant, Hermione. Everything looks great.” At that moment, he felt a small pull and looked down to see an expectant Teddy, hair colour changing fast. He got down in one knee, “Thank you, Teddy. You both did a great job.” To which the child grinned, his hair settling to a brilliant blue.
Hermione returned home to get ready, while Harry finished the food and desserts. By the time the guests arrived, both Teddy and Harry were ready and the food was outside.
“Oh Harry, this looks marvellous!” Exclaimed Molly, watching the scenery.
“Yeah mate, this looks great.” Remarked Ron, clapping him on the back. Luna hummed her agreement, tucked under his arm.
“It was my and auntie Mione’s idea!” Declared Teddy, proudly.
“Was it? Great job, Teddy!” Uttered Andromeda, lifting him and heading to take a seat. The twins were already murmuring in a corner of the table, their girlfriends talking among themselves but keeping an eye them.
Hermione arrived a few minutes later, having changed her work attire to a dress. The Weasley family and their partners, Andromeda and Teddy, and Headmistress McGonagall greeted her. Taking a seat, the Christmas Eve dinner began.
At Teddy’s insistence, they decided to try the ice rink once they finished eating. Hermione, with the help of Headmistress McGonagall, transfigured the footwear of the ones interested to try. Fred and George were the first to enter, conjuring snow balls to make each other fall. Ginny joined them, leaving Neville shaking his head.
Harry observed his family have fun with a fond smile. Mrs. Weasley had brought her wireless radio and the women listened to Celestina Warbeck, while Mr. Weasley and Charlie talked about the latest dragon breeding.
Some time later, he noticed Hermione bringing a visible tired Teddy, his hair a soft lavender. Harry took him in his arms and went to put him to bed. When he came back, he was aware of the change of music, but he also noticed that some of the couples had left the ice rink and were now dancing on an improvised dance floor.
Hermione was getting some mulled wine, talking with Fleur while Bill and Victoire skated a bit more. He headed towards them. When Fleur noticed him approaching, she excused herself. Hermione looked in his direction and smiled at him.
“This went better than I imagined it would, all thanks to you.” Were Harry's first words when he reached her.
“It was a team effort, and my little assistant helped immensely.”
“That he did.” They laughed, “How did you get the idea of the ice rink? I wouldn’t have thought about it.”
She shrugged, “It was one of mom's favourite activities. We used to go to the Somerset House Ice Rink in London, we had a great time. So I thought it would be fun to try and see if they would like it.”
“I am sure they did.”
“How about you?”
“What do you mean?”
“I didn’t see you on the rink.”
“I wasn’t on the rink,” he admitted. “I don’t know how you do it, you make it seem so easy.”
“It’s called practice. Would you like to try?” The earnestness in her voice made him nod and they headed to the ice rink.
She transfigured his shoes and hers, and together they entered the rink. He had just stepped in when he slipped and fell on his bum. She giggled and helped him get up, but didn’t let go of his hands.
Slowly, tentatively, they skated together. She lead him around the rink, squeezing his hands to give him support. He stopped looking at the ice deciding to trust in her guidance and instead looked at her face, noticing the blush produced by the cold, even if she was wearing a coat. Her face was illuminated by the Christmas lights, the joy evident in her eyes.
Suddenly, fireworks were displayed on the sky. Three “w” letters followed by the phrase “we wish you a Merry Weasley Christmas”, along another series of festive shapes.
They looked at each other once the bells announced it was midnight.
“Merry Christmas, Harry.”
Holding her close, he answered: “Merry Christmas, Hermione”.