Nestled All Snug in Their Beds: A Lifetime of Christmas Memories
Title: Nestled All Snug in Their Beds: A Lifetime of Christmas Memories
Rating: PG-13 (suggestions of sexual encounters, some dark themes)
Word Count: 4,669
Summary: Ginny and Harry's Christmases together from a different viewpoint -- from their bedroom.
Nestled All Snug in Their Beds: A Lifetime of Christmas Memories
Carrick O’Rourke
Christmas Morning, 1998 - The Burrow
A thick blanket of frost covered the fields and trees surrounding The Burrow and hazy sunlight filtered through the fog-shrouded morning air and the window panes onto Harry Potter's bed. Ginny Weasley, still dressed in her Christmas-themed nightshirt and her long red hair flashing brilliantly even in the dim light, leaned forward and gently kissed Harry on the lips. He awoke with a start and stared into her brown eyes.
“Good morning Harry and Happy Christmas.”
Harry sat up and smiled. “Mmm, this is a Christmas wish come true. Well, almost. Your nightshirt is too long and not see-through enough.”
“Harry!” Ginny blushed and lightly hit his arm. The smile, however, gave her away and Harry simply pulled her closer so they could kiss.
“Sorry Ginny,” Harry laughed, “the thought of you in a sexy little nighty and lacy knickers . . .”
“Hey, you're the one wearing too much clothing,” Ginny broke in with a sly grin.
“What?” Harry responded with an astonished look as he pushed back the covers to reveal a bare chest and striped pajama bottoms. “I'm only wearing pajama bottoms.”
“Yeah, I know,” Ginny answered as she kissed his cheek and chin. “Way too much. Besides, I'm not daft. Like I'd wear see through lingerie when The Burrow is filled with my parents and brothers who would have to curse you into next year to save my honor.”
“Well,” Harry smirked, but wasn't able to finish because Ginny gasped and hit him again - this time a little harder.
“Harry Potter! Were you about to say what I think you were? I can't believe you're suggesting . . .” she launched herself at Harry who laughingly held her off with his hands. He then pushed her back, making her lay back on the bed with him on top.
“No, Ginny! Sweetheart, I was not going to say anything like that.”
Ginny, however, didn't look like she believed her boyfriend and Harry continued to try to explain himself as she struggled with him. “Really. It was more like wishful thinking on my part.”
“You better believe it you prat.” She continued to struggle with him as he held her pinned to the bed. “After a comment like that I don't know if I'm going to give you your Christmas present and you're going to be an old man before you take my . . .”
“Shh,” Harry didn't let Ginny finish as he kissed her quiet and then kissed her again for good measure. “I wouldn't say that about you. Happy Christmas. I have a present for . . .” Harry broke off with a startled sound as he glanced down and noticed that Ginny's night shirt had crept up during their short struggle and was plainly showing her white lacy knickers. He broke into a broad grin as Ginny's face turned beet red.
“No,” she muttered, “I don't want to explain why I'm wearing lacy knickers.”
“Okay, but they definitely look nice.” Both were breathing a little heavier and were acutely aware of each other’s bodies.
“Harry, we could . . .”
“No,” Harry cut her off decisively. “Not here, not now. Besides,” he smiled, “your family would really curse me into next year.”
Ginny laughed as Harry reluctantly climbed off of her. “They’d blast your bits so hard you probably wouldn’t ever be able to find them again - and that would be a shame.”
“You’re telling me.”
At that moment, the bedroom door flung open and Ron barged in with an eager expression. “Harry, mum wants everyone down for the Christmas breakfast in ten min . . .” His expression changed as he took in the scene before him of Harry, in pajama bottoms and bare-chested, standing next to the bed and Ginny lithely jumping up while straightening her night shirt. “What the hell have you two been doing?”
“Ron,” Hermione poked her bushy-brown-haired head into the doorway and gave her boyfriend a reproachful look. “I’m sure they weren’t doing anything wrong. Now shush, all you’re going to do is ruin the Christmas spirit.”
“But Ginny was climbing off his bed and . . .” He wasn’t able to finish because Hermione planted a big, long kiss on his lips, which seemed, as always, to leave him a bit speechless.
“Never mind, Ron,” she said softly, “you were going to take me down to the mistletoe and properly wish me a Happy Christmas.” Ron grinned and turned to leave. As he pulled Hermione out of view she shot the other two an expression that was combination quizzical and also “I saved your butts.”
Ginny mouthed, “Thanks.”
“Well,” Harry grinned, “this is a Christmas I won’t forget.”
Christmas Eve, 2000 - The Burrow
“What’s wrong, Harry?”
Ginny rolled off of Harry and plopped her head on the pillow with an exasperated expression.
“Ginny, the house is full of your family. I don’t want to offend you, but your bed isn’t very quiet. They’re going to know exactly what we’re doing.”
“You’re kidding. My bed doesn’t squeak any more than most of the beds in this house.”
“Yeah, I know,” Harry gave her a satisfied smirk.
“Harry, we’ve done it so many times in my old bed that I can’t even count.”
“Yeah, but it’s usually been when your family was gone.”
“Not always.”
“Well it hasn’t been when the whole family is here and George has probably put his extendable ears somewhere in here and he and the others are getting a good laugh out of all of this.” Harry had a strange look on his face while Ginny stared at him in amazement.
“You’re going a little barmy on me Harry. You’re a bit paranoid.”
“With good reason,” Harry grumbled. “Look at what George tried to do on our wedding night.”
Ginny laughed. “Oh, you’re so picked on. Would you like me to go upstairs and ask Ron and Hermione how they liked the prank you and George played on their wedding night?” Harry couldn’t help but laugh with Ginny.
“It was pretty good, wasn’t it?”
Ginny nodded in agreement as she started to kiss Harry’s ears, face and neck. “Just be happy they blamed George more than you.” She moved down to his chest and continued kissing him. “Now Potter, are you going to give me my Christmas Eve present or are you going to make me kick you out of my bed and room, sleep downstairs on the kitchen table and have a whole lot of explaining in the morning?”
“When you put it that way,” Harry said as he pulled Ginny on top of him. “If anyone says anything in the morning, I’m blaming you completely.”
“It’s a deal.”
Christmas Morning, 2001 - Godric’s Hollow
Hints of the morning sun peaked over the nearby mountains and painted the snow-covered trees, hedges and fields in hues of pink and orange. Wind-swept snowdrifts were piled sloppily against the Potter home in the quaint little village of Godric’s Hollow. Harry rolled over in bed and gently shook Ginny awake. “Happy Christmas, Ginny.”
“Harampy Quistmas,” Ginny mumbled sleepily as she stretched and tried to wipe the sleep from her eyes.
“I’ll take that as a Happy Christmas!” Harry smiled as he climbed out of bed. “We need to get dressed and get to The Burrow for your mum’s breakfast.”
“We could have stayed the night at The Burrow,” Ginny muttered as she pulled on a jumper and jeans and stumbled into the bathroom. Harry followed her into the bathroom.
“Yeah, but wasn’t it better sleeping in our own bed?”
Ginny stopped in the middle of brushing her teeth and stared at Harry by way of the mirror. “Harry, you do know George was joking last Christmas when he claimed to have put extendable ears into our bedroom?”
“Of course,” Harry hurriedly replied. “I knew that.” Ginny’s smirk hinted that she didn’t seem to completely believe him. Harry, however, didn’t seem to notice as he fished for something in the pocket of his dressing gown. He took out a small box and handed it to Ginny. “This is something special to celebrate our fifth Christmas spent together.”
Ginny looked at him in surprise. “Harry, we’ve spent more than five Christmases together.
He gave an embarrassed grin. “I know, it’s just that it was only five Christmases ago that . . .” Harry’s voice faltered and there was an awkward silence. Ginny gave a wry smile as she ended the sentence for him.
“That you regarded me as something more than just your best mate’s little sister.” Harry blushed with embarrassment and nodded. Ginny pulled him into her arms. “It’s okay, Harry. You were just a little dense and it took awhile.” Harry laughed and agreed with her as he watched her unwrap and open the small box. Inside was a gold necklace with an emerald. Ginny gave a little gasp of surprise and started to say she didn’t need it when Harry shushed her with a finger to her mouth and then put the necklace around her neck. She held the emerald up for a better look and smiled.
“It’s beautiful, Harry. The same color as your eyes.”
Christmas Morning, 2005 - Godric’s Hollow
The gently falling snow had almost covered the window panes of the Potter’s bedroom. Harry, his black hair messier than usual and wearing a dressing gown, came into the room. He was carrying two mugs of hot chocolate and crossed over to Ginny as she sat up in bed and yawned.
“Happy Christmas, Ginny,” he said quietly as he handed her one of the steaming mugs. “I put cinnamon in the way you like it.”
“Thanks.” She took a sip.
“Seems like you were up half the night nursing James.”
Ginny smiled. “No, it only seemed that way. He was also fussy and it took awhile to get him back to sleep. He finally went to sleep about 3:30.”
Harry sat down on the bed next to Ginny and put his arm around her. “Well, let’s enjoy the Christmas morning quiet. I have a feeling it’s going to be awhile before we have another quiet Christmas morning, like this.”
Christmas Eve, 2009 - Godric’s Hollow
Harry, already dressed in pajama bottoms, leaned against the bureau near the bedroom door. He had a slight smirk on his face as Ginny came in with a definite scowl. Harry grinned widely and said, “Oh, look, you have a mistletoe floating above you. I guess I need to kiss you.” He leaned down and kissed her lips.
She smiled faintly and then commented in a sarcastic voice. “Oh, what a surprise that I have a mistletoe above my head.” Harry started laughing as Ginny continued, “It was only there while I tried to cook dinner, get the children ready for bed, when I was in brushing my teeth, and now, as I’m getting into bed.”
“Yeah,” Harry grinned, “but think of how many times you’ve been kissed.”
Ginny raised an eyebrow. “You think that makes it all better?”
“Ah, come on, it isn’t that bad.”
“Talk for yourself, Harry. You don’t have a bloody mistletoe floating a couple of feet above your head - everywhere you go and whatever you do.”
Harry pulled Ginny into a hug and said soothingly, “George wanted his new product tried out. His ‘Follow Me Forever Mistletoe’ is going to be a big hit.”
Ginny pushed away from Harry and stared at him with a horrified expression. “Follow Me Forever? Oh hell!”
“Don’t worry,” Harry laughed as he pulled her back into the hug, “the charm will wear off tomorrow night.”
“Ooh,” Ginny muttered, “Tomorrow I am going to hex the hell out of George!”
Christmas Eve, 2015 - The Burrow
Harry felt the mattress of Ginny’s old bed, shook his head, pulled out his wand and did a softening charm. He thought a moment and then did a silencing charm. The room, dimly lit by several candles, revealed walls with faded paint and several old Holyhead Harpies and Weird Sisters posters. There was an air of a room seldom used. Harry went to the window and stared for a moment or two at the splattering of raindrops against the window panes. He had just finished undressing when Ginny came into the room.
“It’s wall to wall children in the sitting room. I doubt any of them are going to sleep tonight since they keep asking when Father Christmas is going to arrive with the presents.”
Harry grinned as he pulled on his pajamas, “If they don’t go to sleep, it’ll be hard for Father Christmas to deliver their presents . . . even with his trusty old invisibility cloak.”
“You’ll find a way,” Ginny answered as she changed into her night shirt. “Which reminds me, did you get the final gifts from Hermione?”
“No, they’re still up in Ron’s old room wrapping. And George and Angelina are in his room fixing something for tomorrow morning.” Ginny got a panicked look on her face.
“I hope there aren’t any explosions in the middle of the night like last Christmas. Angelina wasn’t happy and I thought mum might have kittens since it woke the children and caused havoc throughout the house.”
“ That was mild compared to Fleur’s reaction,” Harry grinned. “You don’t want to make a Veela angry; even if she is only part-Veela.” Harry paused, deep in thought. “Um, speaking of the children, where was Teddy sleeping?”
Ginny turned and fluffed her pillow, hiding a slight smirk. “Next to Victoire.”
Harry stared at her and then slowly spoke. “You know, I think Teddy likes Victoire.”
She turned back to Harry with a broad grin. “You think?”
“Well, it isn’t really that noticeable,” Harry responded a little defensively.
“You really don’t think so? Wow, I think you’re as thick as Ron when it comes to love and romance. No wonder it took you until sixth year to notice me.”
“Hey, that really hurts - right here.” He made an exaggerated show of an invisible dagger being shoved into his heart and then he gave her a wicked grin. “At least Teddy hasn’t sent Victoire a singing Valentine by some ugly . . .”
“You are never going to let me live that down are you?”
Harry grinned. “Are you kidding? It’s one of the few things I can kid you about.”
Ginny walked over to Harry, wrapped her arms around his waist and whispered seductively in his ear, “You keep this up and you won’t get your traditional Christmas Eve present.”
Christmas Eve, 2019 - Godric’s Hollow
The grandfather clock downstairs chimed midnight and Ginny sat cross-legged upstairs on her bed, still dressed in her jeans and jumper and looking depressed. Shortly after, the door to the bedroom opened and Harry came in grinning and carrying his invisibility cloak.
“I don’t know why I still use this to deliver the presents. It isn’t like the children still believe . . .” He stopped and looked at his wife with concern. “What is it, Ginny?”
Ginny looked up at him and forced a smile. “I’m fine, Harry.”
He walked quickly over to her and tilted her face up toward him with his hand. “No you’re not. You’ve been crying. What is it?”
Ginny shook her head and gave an embarrassed smile. “It’s silly really. I mean, she’s been gone all semester and I didn’t cry like this when we saw her off in September.”
Harry sat down next to Ginny and put his arm around her. “It’s okay, Ginny. She’s your baby. It’s understandable that you’ve missed her. But she’s here now, for two weeks.”
“I know. That’s what’s so silly about this. I didn’t cry like this when James came home for Christmas, nor did I cry like this for Albus. And I certainly love them as much as Lily.”
“I know you do.” Harry shifted uncomfortably and tried to pat her comfortingly. She turned and gave him a perturbed look. He got the message. He stopped patting her and slowly withdrew his arm from around her shoulder. She sighed.
“It’s okay, Harry. I don’t know why it hit me this way.” Ginny shifted on the bed and leaned into Harry. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she continued, “I was fine. Lily and I were laughing together as she told me about her roommates and some of the funny things they do and say. Then she told me about a boy in Ravenclaw that she has a crush on and . . .”
Harry sat up straighter. “Wait, wait. What was that about having a crush on a boy?”
Ginny laughed. “I’ll fill you in later.”
“Why not now? Or, was that what has upset you? I mean, I don’t blame you, she is too young and we’ll have . . .”
“No, silly!” Ginny laughed even harder. “Remember, I had a crush on a certain boy from the time I was ten. I’m not upset about her having a crush, I’m upset that . . .” Her voice trailed off and a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Harry waited a moment and then gently asked, “What is it?”
“I’m missing so much of her growing up. We’re missing a big part of our children’s lives.”
“But, they have to go away to Hogwarts if they want to become good wizards and witches. They have to . . .”
“I know, Harry. It’s just . . . I don’t know how my mum and dad did it, sending all seven of us to Hogwarts and having us gone so much and home for so little time and . . .” Her voice caught and then she continued, “missing so many important, life-changing events in their lives.”
“I know, Ginny. I understand. The kids are growing up so quickly and it’s been hard at times when . . . I didn’t understand as a kid because I didn’t have my parents . . .”
“I didn’t understand either, Harry,” Ginny cut in, “and I had my parents and my brothers. I don’t think anyone understands until they’re the parents and it’s their children.”
Christmas Eve, 2027 - Godric’s Hollow
Harry, his jet-black hair now lightly sprinkled with flakes of grey but as mussed as ever, sat on the side of the bed with his shirt off, jeans and shoes still on, and a pensive expression on his face. Ginny, wearing holiday flannel pajamas and a dressing gown, came into the bedroom and seemed surprised Harry wasn’t already in bed.
“Harry, it’s after midnight, why aren’t you in bed?”
“Um, I’m just thinking. What took you so long?”
Ginny smiled. “Oh, just a little bit of this and that. I put Ethan in James’ room since James and Elspeth are staying with her parents tonight.” Harry nodded and slowly continued undressing. Finally, he turned to Ginny.
“Do you think Lily and Ethan will be okay?”
Ginny glanced at him as she took her house coat off and got ready to get into bed. “Of course, I don’t think there’s any blast-ended scroots hiding under their beds.”
Harry scowled. “You know what I mean, Ginny. Do you think they’re going to try to sneak into each other’s bedroom and . . .” His voice trailed off but the meaning was there.
Ginny snorted. “Remember Harry, I sneaked into your room more than once when you stayed at The Burrow. We snogged but we didn’t do anything else.”
“That’s because we were afraid we’d get caught!”
“Maybe, but I’m sure they’ll be fine. Ethan Chambers is her fiancé after all.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s what makes me think they might . . .”
“Harry,” Ginny looked squarely into his eyes. “You and I were afraid to do anything and it was just my dad. You, on the other hand, are a professionally trained and highly effective Auror. You have years of experience seeing through any deception and sneaky activity, and are naturally suspicious. And,” she paused for effect and then continued triumphantly, “unlike my dad, you have an invisibility cloak!”
Harry visibly relaxed. “Yeah, you’re right. I guess I was worrying about nothing.” He climbed into bed next to Ginny, picked up his wand from the nightstand and, with a flick of the wand, extinguished the candles. He settled comfortably on his pillow and closed his eyes.
Ginny, already sounding very sleepy, agreed with Harry. “That’s right, you don’t need to worry about Lily and Ethan. They know you’ll be on the look out for any suspicious activity. I just reminded them of those facts when I escorted Lily back to her own bedroom. Sleep well dear.”
As the words sank in, Harry sat bolt upright in bed, his eyes wide open and starring unseeingly into the darkness.
Christmas Night, 2029 - Godric’s Hollow
Ginny still had a happy look on her face as she got ready for bed. “This has been such a fun day, Harry.”
“Yeah, and a busy day. I’m exhausted.”
“So am I.” Ginny wandered into the bathroom to brush her teeth as Harry finished getting ready for bed. She came back in bed and fell backward onto the bed where she lay looking up at the ceiling. First our place, then visiting Ron and Hermione, and then George and Angelina and then . . .”
“. . . and eating at every single place,” Harry cut in. “And if that wasn’t enough, then we had the big meal at your mum and dad’s. I don’t know if I can eat again for several days.”
“But the best part,” Ginny continued, ignoring Harry’s professions of misery, “was having little Maggie crawling through all of the wrapping paper . . .”
“Trying to eat the ribbons,” Harry chimed in with a grin.
“Now I know how mum felt when Victoire was born and then her first Christmas.” Ginny, dressed in pale blue pajamas, sat down on the bed and seemed entranced in some old memory. “And each grandchild after Victore. Mum never seems to tire of them . . . their first Christmas, their first Christmas after going away to Hogwarts. Their first Christmas after getting married . . .”
“Yeah,” Harry broke in, “and the great-grandchildren. She loves holding the great-grandchildren.” He had a wistful look on his face, as if imagining what it would have been like for his parents to see their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sensing that, Ginny took his hand and gently pulled him closer to her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head into his chest. “They’d be very proud of their grandchildren and their spouses; and of Maggie and the other great-grandchildren to come.”
Harry’s eyes, glistening with emotion, silently nodded in agreement.
Christmas Eve, 2042 - Godric’s Hollow
Harry, his hair noticeably grey, had just finished pulling on his pajamas when Ginny, dressed in a nightgown and dressing gown, came into the bedroom. She pulled a lock of reddish-grey hair out of her eyes and had a big smile on her face. “It’s wall to wall children down in the sitting room and they are really being noisy. Elspeth, Katie, and Lily have each been in to shush them. Even Albus came down to calm them down. I doubt any of them are going to sleep tonight since they keep asking when Father Christmas is going to arrive with the presents.”
Harry grinned as he pulled on his pajamas, “If they don’t go to sleep, it’ll be hard for Father Christmas to deliver their presents . . . even with his trusty old invisibility cloak.”
“You’ll find a way,” Ginny answered as she climbed into bed next to Harry. “Just be sure to wake up at midnight to take the presents down.”
“Mmm,” Harry mumbled sleepily, “if I don’t, it would be a Christmas our grandchildren would never forget.” He gave a small yelp and then chuckled as Ginny hit him.
Christmas Eve, 2045 - The Burrow
Harry, like so many times before, felt the mattress of Ginny’s old bed, shook his head, and pulled out his wand to do the usual softening charm. Ginny’s old bedroom appeared even older and the paint on the walls more faded. The old Holyhead Harpies and Weird Sisters posters were torn and barely still hanging up. Harry sat down on the bed and started to remove his shoes as Ginny came into the room.
He looked up. “Said goodnight to your mum?”
She nodded as she started to undress. “She’s doing okay. She had fun tonight.”
Harry nodded. “It was a full house.”
“There will be even more tomorrow.” Ginny sat next to Harry and took his hand in hers. “Thanks for staying here tonight. I know mum appreciates it. It gets kind of lonely now that dad is . . .”
Harry gently squeezed her hand. “You okay, Gin? It’s the first Christmas since your dad died and . . .”
“I’m actually doing fine.” Ginny gave Harry a smile. “That’s the way dad would have wanted it, and tomorrow we’re going to have a great Christmas - just for him.”
Christmas Morning, 2069 - Godric’s Hollow
Snow was gently falling outside the frosted windows and only a hint of light filtered in. Harry, his grey hair messier than usual, leaned over, brushed some of Ginny’s long silver hair away from her face and kissed her on the cheek. “Happy Christmas, Ginny.”
Ginny sat up, stretched and yawned. She turned, kissed Harry and stared into his face. The wrinkles around his eyes and on his forehead were noticeable but not too deep. “Happy Christmas. I love you.” She turned to climb out of bed. “Now, we have about two or three hours before the . . .”
“I know, I know,” Harry laughed, “the children and grandchildren arrive.”
Ginny turned back with a grin. “You forgot great-grandchildren.”
“Never.” Harry climbed out of bed and took Ginny in his arms. “But, before everyone arrives, I have a special present for you.” He then walked over and opened a dresser drawer and pulled out a small box.
Ginny looked at him questioningly and Harry walked back over. “This is an anniversary of sorts, Ginny. It’s our seventy-fifth Christmas together.”
Ginny smirked. “It’s too early for me to do math. Would that be seventy-fifth since you noticed I was a girl?”
“Oh, very funny. I’m not daft. I always knew you were a girl - the skirts and stockings gave it away.” He exaggerated a wince as Ginny gently slugged him in the arm and then continued with a smile. “It’s our seventy-fifth Christmas together. Our first Christmas together was my fourth year, your third year and we stayed at Hogwarts to attend the Yule Ball.”
“It was,” Ginny agreed. “Good memory.”
“Of course it’s good,” Harry grinned. He held out the small box. “Do you know what the traditional gift for a seventy-fifth anniversary is?”
“Well, for a wedding it’s a diamond, but it’s not our . . .”
“Exactly,” Harry cut in.
“But Harry,” Ginny said as she took the jewelry box, “I already have that emerald necklace you gave me and I love it.”
“I’m glad you like it because it’s the same necklace.”
“What?” Ginny said with surprise. She opened the box and pulled out the emerald necklace she had received so long ago. But now, there was a diamond on each side of the emerald. “It’s beautiful Harry. But why are there two diamonds? We’ve only been together seventy-five Christmases.”
Harry’s green eyes twinkled as he took Ginny in his arms. “The first diamond is for our first seventy-five Christmases and the second diamond is for our next seventy-five. I thought I would give it now on the slight chance we aren’t around by the next seventy-fifth anniversary.”
Ginny smiled. “Oh we’ll be together. Remember, we’re both Seekers. Wherever you go, I’ll be there too.”
Rating: PG-13 (suggestions of sexual encounters, some dark themes)
Word Count: 4,669
Summary: Ginny and Harry's Christmases together from a different viewpoint -- from their bedroom.
Nestled All Snug in Their Beds: A Lifetime of Christmas Memories
Carrick O’Rourke
Christmas Morning, 1998 - The Burrow
A thick blanket of frost covered the fields and trees surrounding The Burrow and hazy sunlight filtered through the fog-shrouded morning air and the window panes onto Harry Potter's bed. Ginny Weasley, still dressed in her Christmas-themed nightshirt and her long red hair flashing brilliantly even in the dim light, leaned forward and gently kissed Harry on the lips. He awoke with a start and stared into her brown eyes.
“Good morning Harry and Happy Christmas.”
Harry sat up and smiled. “Mmm, this is a Christmas wish come true. Well, almost. Your nightshirt is too long and not see-through enough.”
“Harry!” Ginny blushed and lightly hit his arm. The smile, however, gave her away and Harry simply pulled her closer so they could kiss.
“Sorry Ginny,” Harry laughed, “the thought of you in a sexy little nighty and lacy knickers . . .”
“Hey, you're the one wearing too much clothing,” Ginny broke in with a sly grin.
“What?” Harry responded with an astonished look as he pushed back the covers to reveal a bare chest and striped pajama bottoms. “I'm only wearing pajama bottoms.”
“Yeah, I know,” Ginny answered as she kissed his cheek and chin. “Way too much. Besides, I'm not daft. Like I'd wear see through lingerie when The Burrow is filled with my parents and brothers who would have to curse you into next year to save my honor.”
“Well,” Harry smirked, but wasn't able to finish because Ginny gasped and hit him again - this time a little harder.
“Harry Potter! Were you about to say what I think you were? I can't believe you're suggesting . . .” she launched herself at Harry who laughingly held her off with his hands. He then pushed her back, making her lay back on the bed with him on top.
“No, Ginny! Sweetheart, I was not going to say anything like that.”
Ginny, however, didn't look like she believed her boyfriend and Harry continued to try to explain himself as she struggled with him. “Really. It was more like wishful thinking on my part.”
“You better believe it you prat.” She continued to struggle with him as he held her pinned to the bed. “After a comment like that I don't know if I'm going to give you your Christmas present and you're going to be an old man before you take my . . .”
“Shh,” Harry didn't let Ginny finish as he kissed her quiet and then kissed her again for good measure. “I wouldn't say that about you. Happy Christmas. I have a present for . . .” Harry broke off with a startled sound as he glanced down and noticed that Ginny's night shirt had crept up during their short struggle and was plainly showing her white lacy knickers. He broke into a broad grin as Ginny's face turned beet red.
“No,” she muttered, “I don't want to explain why I'm wearing lacy knickers.”
“Okay, but they definitely look nice.” Both were breathing a little heavier and were acutely aware of each other’s bodies.
“Harry, we could . . .”
“No,” Harry cut her off decisively. “Not here, not now. Besides,” he smiled, “your family would really curse me into next year.”
Ginny laughed as Harry reluctantly climbed off of her. “They’d blast your bits so hard you probably wouldn’t ever be able to find them again - and that would be a shame.”
“You’re telling me.”
At that moment, the bedroom door flung open and Ron barged in with an eager expression. “Harry, mum wants everyone down for the Christmas breakfast in ten min . . .” His expression changed as he took in the scene before him of Harry, in pajama bottoms and bare-chested, standing next to the bed and Ginny lithely jumping up while straightening her night shirt. “What the hell have you two been doing?”
“Ron,” Hermione poked her bushy-brown-haired head into the doorway and gave her boyfriend a reproachful look. “I’m sure they weren’t doing anything wrong. Now shush, all you’re going to do is ruin the Christmas spirit.”
“But Ginny was climbing off his bed and . . .” He wasn’t able to finish because Hermione planted a big, long kiss on his lips, which seemed, as always, to leave him a bit speechless.
“Never mind, Ron,” she said softly, “you were going to take me down to the mistletoe and properly wish me a Happy Christmas.” Ron grinned and turned to leave. As he pulled Hermione out of view she shot the other two an expression that was combination quizzical and also “I saved your butts.”
Ginny mouthed, “Thanks.”
“Well,” Harry grinned, “this is a Christmas I won’t forget.”
Christmas Eve, 2000 - The Burrow
“What’s wrong, Harry?”
Ginny rolled off of Harry and plopped her head on the pillow with an exasperated expression.
“Ginny, the house is full of your family. I don’t want to offend you, but your bed isn’t very quiet. They’re going to know exactly what we’re doing.”
“You’re kidding. My bed doesn’t squeak any more than most of the beds in this house.”
“Yeah, I know,” Harry gave her a satisfied smirk.
“Harry, we’ve done it so many times in my old bed that I can’t even count.”
“Yeah, but it’s usually been when your family was gone.”
“Not always.”
“Well it hasn’t been when the whole family is here and George has probably put his extendable ears somewhere in here and he and the others are getting a good laugh out of all of this.” Harry had a strange look on his face while Ginny stared at him in amazement.
“You’re going a little barmy on me Harry. You’re a bit paranoid.”
“With good reason,” Harry grumbled. “Look at what George tried to do on our wedding night.”
Ginny laughed. “Oh, you’re so picked on. Would you like me to go upstairs and ask Ron and Hermione how they liked the prank you and George played on their wedding night?” Harry couldn’t help but laugh with Ginny.
“It was pretty good, wasn’t it?”
Ginny nodded in agreement as she started to kiss Harry’s ears, face and neck. “Just be happy they blamed George more than you.” She moved down to his chest and continued kissing him. “Now Potter, are you going to give me my Christmas Eve present or are you going to make me kick you out of my bed and room, sleep downstairs on the kitchen table and have a whole lot of explaining in the morning?”
“When you put it that way,” Harry said as he pulled Ginny on top of him. “If anyone says anything in the morning, I’m blaming you completely.”
“It’s a deal.”
Christmas Morning, 2001 - Godric’s Hollow
Hints of the morning sun peaked over the nearby mountains and painted the snow-covered trees, hedges and fields in hues of pink and orange. Wind-swept snowdrifts were piled sloppily against the Potter home in the quaint little village of Godric’s Hollow. Harry rolled over in bed and gently shook Ginny awake. “Happy Christmas, Ginny.”
“Harampy Quistmas,” Ginny mumbled sleepily as she stretched and tried to wipe the sleep from her eyes.
“I’ll take that as a Happy Christmas!” Harry smiled as he climbed out of bed. “We need to get dressed and get to The Burrow for your mum’s breakfast.”
“We could have stayed the night at The Burrow,” Ginny muttered as she pulled on a jumper and jeans and stumbled into the bathroom. Harry followed her into the bathroom.
“Yeah, but wasn’t it better sleeping in our own bed?”
Ginny stopped in the middle of brushing her teeth and stared at Harry by way of the mirror. “Harry, you do know George was joking last Christmas when he claimed to have put extendable ears into our bedroom?”
“Of course,” Harry hurriedly replied. “I knew that.” Ginny’s smirk hinted that she didn’t seem to completely believe him. Harry, however, didn’t seem to notice as he fished for something in the pocket of his dressing gown. He took out a small box and handed it to Ginny. “This is something special to celebrate our fifth Christmas spent together.”
Ginny looked at him in surprise. “Harry, we’ve spent more than five Christmases together.
He gave an embarrassed grin. “I know, it’s just that it was only five Christmases ago that . . .” Harry’s voice faltered and there was an awkward silence. Ginny gave a wry smile as she ended the sentence for him.
“That you regarded me as something more than just your best mate’s little sister.” Harry blushed with embarrassment and nodded. Ginny pulled him into her arms. “It’s okay, Harry. You were just a little dense and it took awhile.” Harry laughed and agreed with her as he watched her unwrap and open the small box. Inside was a gold necklace with an emerald. Ginny gave a little gasp of surprise and started to say she didn’t need it when Harry shushed her with a finger to her mouth and then put the necklace around her neck. She held the emerald up for a better look and smiled.
“It’s beautiful, Harry. The same color as your eyes.”
Christmas Morning, 2005 - Godric’s Hollow
The gently falling snow had almost covered the window panes of the Potter’s bedroom. Harry, his black hair messier than usual and wearing a dressing gown, came into the room. He was carrying two mugs of hot chocolate and crossed over to Ginny as she sat up in bed and yawned.
“Happy Christmas, Ginny,” he said quietly as he handed her one of the steaming mugs. “I put cinnamon in the way you like it.”
“Thanks.” She took a sip.
“Seems like you were up half the night nursing James.”
Ginny smiled. “No, it only seemed that way. He was also fussy and it took awhile to get him back to sleep. He finally went to sleep about 3:30.”
Harry sat down on the bed next to Ginny and put his arm around her. “Well, let’s enjoy the Christmas morning quiet. I have a feeling it’s going to be awhile before we have another quiet Christmas morning, like this.”
Christmas Eve, 2009 - Godric’s Hollow
Harry, already dressed in pajama bottoms, leaned against the bureau near the bedroom door. He had a slight smirk on his face as Ginny came in with a definite scowl. Harry grinned widely and said, “Oh, look, you have a mistletoe floating above you. I guess I need to kiss you.” He leaned down and kissed her lips.
She smiled faintly and then commented in a sarcastic voice. “Oh, what a surprise that I have a mistletoe above my head.” Harry started laughing as Ginny continued, “It was only there while I tried to cook dinner, get the children ready for bed, when I was in brushing my teeth, and now, as I’m getting into bed.”
“Yeah,” Harry grinned, “but think of how many times you’ve been kissed.”
Ginny raised an eyebrow. “You think that makes it all better?”
“Ah, come on, it isn’t that bad.”
“Talk for yourself, Harry. You don’t have a bloody mistletoe floating a couple of feet above your head - everywhere you go and whatever you do.”
Harry pulled Ginny into a hug and said soothingly, “George wanted his new product tried out. His ‘Follow Me Forever Mistletoe’ is going to be a big hit.”
Ginny pushed away from Harry and stared at him with a horrified expression. “Follow Me Forever? Oh hell!”
“Don’t worry,” Harry laughed as he pulled her back into the hug, “the charm will wear off tomorrow night.”
“Ooh,” Ginny muttered, “Tomorrow I am going to hex the hell out of George!”
Christmas Eve, 2015 - The Burrow
Harry felt the mattress of Ginny’s old bed, shook his head, pulled out his wand and did a softening charm. He thought a moment and then did a silencing charm. The room, dimly lit by several candles, revealed walls with faded paint and several old Holyhead Harpies and Weird Sisters posters. There was an air of a room seldom used. Harry went to the window and stared for a moment or two at the splattering of raindrops against the window panes. He had just finished undressing when Ginny came into the room.
“It’s wall to wall children in the sitting room. I doubt any of them are going to sleep tonight since they keep asking when Father Christmas is going to arrive with the presents.”
Harry grinned as he pulled on his pajamas, “If they don’t go to sleep, it’ll be hard for Father Christmas to deliver their presents . . . even with his trusty old invisibility cloak.”
“You’ll find a way,” Ginny answered as she changed into her night shirt. “Which reminds me, did you get the final gifts from Hermione?”
“No, they’re still up in Ron’s old room wrapping. And George and Angelina are in his room fixing something for tomorrow morning.” Ginny got a panicked look on her face.
“I hope there aren’t any explosions in the middle of the night like last Christmas. Angelina wasn’t happy and I thought mum might have kittens since it woke the children and caused havoc throughout the house.”
“ That was mild compared to Fleur’s reaction,” Harry grinned. “You don’t want to make a Veela angry; even if she is only part-Veela.” Harry paused, deep in thought. “Um, speaking of the children, where was Teddy sleeping?”
Ginny turned and fluffed her pillow, hiding a slight smirk. “Next to Victoire.”
Harry stared at her and then slowly spoke. “You know, I think Teddy likes Victoire.”
She turned back to Harry with a broad grin. “You think?”
“Well, it isn’t really that noticeable,” Harry responded a little defensively.
“You really don’t think so? Wow, I think you’re as thick as Ron when it comes to love and romance. No wonder it took you until sixth year to notice me.”
“Hey, that really hurts - right here.” He made an exaggerated show of an invisible dagger being shoved into his heart and then he gave her a wicked grin. “At least Teddy hasn’t sent Victoire a singing Valentine by some ugly . . .”
“You are never going to let me live that down are you?”
Harry grinned. “Are you kidding? It’s one of the few things I can kid you about.”
Ginny walked over to Harry, wrapped her arms around his waist and whispered seductively in his ear, “You keep this up and you won’t get your traditional Christmas Eve present.”
Christmas Eve, 2019 - Godric’s Hollow
The grandfather clock downstairs chimed midnight and Ginny sat cross-legged upstairs on her bed, still dressed in her jeans and jumper and looking depressed. Shortly after, the door to the bedroom opened and Harry came in grinning and carrying his invisibility cloak.
“I don’t know why I still use this to deliver the presents. It isn’t like the children still believe . . .” He stopped and looked at his wife with concern. “What is it, Ginny?”
Ginny looked up at him and forced a smile. “I’m fine, Harry.”
He walked quickly over to her and tilted her face up toward him with his hand. “No you’re not. You’ve been crying. What is it?”
Ginny shook her head and gave an embarrassed smile. “It’s silly really. I mean, she’s been gone all semester and I didn’t cry like this when we saw her off in September.”
Harry sat down next to Ginny and put his arm around her. “It’s okay, Ginny. She’s your baby. It’s understandable that you’ve missed her. But she’s here now, for two weeks.”
“I know. That’s what’s so silly about this. I didn’t cry like this when James came home for Christmas, nor did I cry like this for Albus. And I certainly love them as much as Lily.”
“I know you do.” Harry shifted uncomfortably and tried to pat her comfortingly. She turned and gave him a perturbed look. He got the message. He stopped patting her and slowly withdrew his arm from around her shoulder. She sighed.
“It’s okay, Harry. I don’t know why it hit me this way.” Ginny shifted on the bed and leaned into Harry. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she continued, “I was fine. Lily and I were laughing together as she told me about her roommates and some of the funny things they do and say. Then she told me about a boy in Ravenclaw that she has a crush on and . . .”
Harry sat up straighter. “Wait, wait. What was that about having a crush on a boy?”
Ginny laughed. “I’ll fill you in later.”
“Why not now? Or, was that what has upset you? I mean, I don’t blame you, she is too young and we’ll have . . .”
“No, silly!” Ginny laughed even harder. “Remember, I had a crush on a certain boy from the time I was ten. I’m not upset about her having a crush, I’m upset that . . .” Her voice trailed off and a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Harry waited a moment and then gently asked, “What is it?”
“I’m missing so much of her growing up. We’re missing a big part of our children’s lives.”
“But, they have to go away to Hogwarts if they want to become good wizards and witches. They have to . . .”
“I know, Harry. It’s just . . . I don’t know how my mum and dad did it, sending all seven of us to Hogwarts and having us gone so much and home for so little time and . . .” Her voice caught and then she continued, “missing so many important, life-changing events in their lives.”
“I know, Ginny. I understand. The kids are growing up so quickly and it’s been hard at times when . . . I didn’t understand as a kid because I didn’t have my parents . . .”
“I didn’t understand either, Harry,” Ginny cut in, “and I had my parents and my brothers. I don’t think anyone understands until they’re the parents and it’s their children.”
Christmas Eve, 2027 - Godric’s Hollow
Harry, his jet-black hair now lightly sprinkled with flakes of grey but as mussed as ever, sat on the side of the bed with his shirt off, jeans and shoes still on, and a pensive expression on his face. Ginny, wearing holiday flannel pajamas and a dressing gown, came into the bedroom and seemed surprised Harry wasn’t already in bed.
“Harry, it’s after midnight, why aren’t you in bed?”
“Um, I’m just thinking. What took you so long?”
Ginny smiled. “Oh, just a little bit of this and that. I put Ethan in James’ room since James and Elspeth are staying with her parents tonight.” Harry nodded and slowly continued undressing. Finally, he turned to Ginny.
“Do you think Lily and Ethan will be okay?”
Ginny glanced at him as she took her house coat off and got ready to get into bed. “Of course, I don’t think there’s any blast-ended scroots hiding under their beds.”
Harry scowled. “You know what I mean, Ginny. Do you think they’re going to try to sneak into each other’s bedroom and . . .” His voice trailed off but the meaning was there.
Ginny snorted. “Remember Harry, I sneaked into your room more than once when you stayed at The Burrow. We snogged but we didn’t do anything else.”
“That’s because we were afraid we’d get caught!”
“Maybe, but I’m sure they’ll be fine. Ethan Chambers is her fiancé after all.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s what makes me think they might . . .”
“Harry,” Ginny looked squarely into his eyes. “You and I were afraid to do anything and it was just my dad. You, on the other hand, are a professionally trained and highly effective Auror. You have years of experience seeing through any deception and sneaky activity, and are naturally suspicious. And,” she paused for effect and then continued triumphantly, “unlike my dad, you have an invisibility cloak!”
Harry visibly relaxed. “Yeah, you’re right. I guess I was worrying about nothing.” He climbed into bed next to Ginny, picked up his wand from the nightstand and, with a flick of the wand, extinguished the candles. He settled comfortably on his pillow and closed his eyes.
Ginny, already sounding very sleepy, agreed with Harry. “That’s right, you don’t need to worry about Lily and Ethan. They know you’ll be on the look out for any suspicious activity. I just reminded them of those facts when I escorted Lily back to her own bedroom. Sleep well dear.”
As the words sank in, Harry sat bolt upright in bed, his eyes wide open and starring unseeingly into the darkness.
Christmas Night, 2029 - Godric’s Hollow
Ginny still had a happy look on her face as she got ready for bed. “This has been such a fun day, Harry.”
“Yeah, and a busy day. I’m exhausted.”
“So am I.” Ginny wandered into the bathroom to brush her teeth as Harry finished getting ready for bed. She came back in bed and fell backward onto the bed where she lay looking up at the ceiling. First our place, then visiting Ron and Hermione, and then George and Angelina and then . . .”
“. . . and eating at every single place,” Harry cut in. “And if that wasn’t enough, then we had the big meal at your mum and dad’s. I don’t know if I can eat again for several days.”
“But the best part,” Ginny continued, ignoring Harry’s professions of misery, “was having little Maggie crawling through all of the wrapping paper . . .”
“Trying to eat the ribbons,” Harry chimed in with a grin.
“Now I know how mum felt when Victoire was born and then her first Christmas.” Ginny, dressed in pale blue pajamas, sat down on the bed and seemed entranced in some old memory. “And each grandchild after Victore. Mum never seems to tire of them . . . their first Christmas, their first Christmas after going away to Hogwarts. Their first Christmas after getting married . . .”
“Yeah,” Harry broke in, “and the great-grandchildren. She loves holding the great-grandchildren.” He had a wistful look on his face, as if imagining what it would have been like for his parents to see their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sensing that, Ginny took his hand and gently pulled him closer to her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head into his chest. “They’d be very proud of their grandchildren and their spouses; and of Maggie and the other great-grandchildren to come.”
Harry’s eyes, glistening with emotion, silently nodded in agreement.
Christmas Eve, 2042 - Godric’s Hollow
Harry, his hair noticeably grey, had just finished pulling on his pajamas when Ginny, dressed in a nightgown and dressing gown, came into the bedroom. She pulled a lock of reddish-grey hair out of her eyes and had a big smile on her face. “It’s wall to wall children down in the sitting room and they are really being noisy. Elspeth, Katie, and Lily have each been in to shush them. Even Albus came down to calm them down. I doubt any of them are going to sleep tonight since they keep asking when Father Christmas is going to arrive with the presents.”
Harry grinned as he pulled on his pajamas, “If they don’t go to sleep, it’ll be hard for Father Christmas to deliver their presents . . . even with his trusty old invisibility cloak.”
“You’ll find a way,” Ginny answered as she climbed into bed next to Harry. “Just be sure to wake up at midnight to take the presents down.”
“Mmm,” Harry mumbled sleepily, “if I don’t, it would be a Christmas our grandchildren would never forget.” He gave a small yelp and then chuckled as Ginny hit him.
Christmas Eve, 2045 - The Burrow
Harry, like so many times before, felt the mattress of Ginny’s old bed, shook his head, and pulled out his wand to do the usual softening charm. Ginny’s old bedroom appeared even older and the paint on the walls more faded. The old Holyhead Harpies and Weird Sisters posters were torn and barely still hanging up. Harry sat down on the bed and started to remove his shoes as Ginny came into the room.
He looked up. “Said goodnight to your mum?”
She nodded as she started to undress. “She’s doing okay. She had fun tonight.”
Harry nodded. “It was a full house.”
“There will be even more tomorrow.” Ginny sat next to Harry and took his hand in hers. “Thanks for staying here tonight. I know mum appreciates it. It gets kind of lonely now that dad is . . .”
Harry gently squeezed her hand. “You okay, Gin? It’s the first Christmas since your dad died and . . .”
“I’m actually doing fine.” Ginny gave Harry a smile. “That’s the way dad would have wanted it, and tomorrow we’re going to have a great Christmas - just for him.”
Christmas Morning, 2069 - Godric’s Hollow
Snow was gently falling outside the frosted windows and only a hint of light filtered in. Harry, his grey hair messier than usual, leaned over, brushed some of Ginny’s long silver hair away from her face and kissed her on the cheek. “Happy Christmas, Ginny.”
Ginny sat up, stretched and yawned. She turned, kissed Harry and stared into his face. The wrinkles around his eyes and on his forehead were noticeable but not too deep. “Happy Christmas. I love you.” She turned to climb out of bed. “Now, we have about two or three hours before the . . .”
“I know, I know,” Harry laughed, “the children and grandchildren arrive.”
Ginny turned back with a grin. “You forgot great-grandchildren.”
“Never.” Harry climbed out of bed and took Ginny in his arms. “But, before everyone arrives, I have a special present for you.” He then walked over and opened a dresser drawer and pulled out a small box.
Ginny looked at him questioningly and Harry walked back over. “This is an anniversary of sorts, Ginny. It’s our seventy-fifth Christmas together.”
Ginny smirked. “It’s too early for me to do math. Would that be seventy-fifth since you noticed I was a girl?”
“Oh, very funny. I’m not daft. I always knew you were a girl - the skirts and stockings gave it away.” He exaggerated a wince as Ginny gently slugged him in the arm and then continued with a smile. “It’s our seventy-fifth Christmas together. Our first Christmas together was my fourth year, your third year and we stayed at Hogwarts to attend the Yule Ball.”
“It was,” Ginny agreed. “Good memory.”
“Of course it’s good,” Harry grinned. He held out the small box. “Do you know what the traditional gift for a seventy-fifth anniversary is?”
“Well, for a wedding it’s a diamond, but it’s not our . . .”
“Exactly,” Harry cut in.
“But Harry,” Ginny said as she took the jewelry box, “I already have that emerald necklace you gave me and I love it.”
“I’m glad you like it because it’s the same necklace.”
“What?” Ginny said with surprise. She opened the box and pulled out the emerald necklace she had received so long ago. But now, there was a diamond on each side of the emerald. “It’s beautiful Harry. But why are there two diamonds? We’ve only been together seventy-five Christmases.”
Harry’s green eyes twinkled as he took Ginny in his arms. “The first diamond is for our first seventy-five Christmases and the second diamond is for our next seventy-five. I thought I would give it now on the slight chance we aren’t around by the next seventy-fifth anniversary.”
Ginny smiled. “Oh we’ll be together. Remember, we’re both Seekers. Wherever you go, I’ll be there too.”