Fic for the Community - Roses in December
To : The Community
Title : Roses in December
Author : stupidhero
Pairing : Harry/Ginny, James/Lily
Rating : PG
Word Count : 1,713
Summary : It's gonna be a Christmas to remember.
Author's Notes: This one’s for the community as my partner dropped out. See if you can find the The Vicar of Dibley reference. Enjoy!
God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.
- James M. Barrie
“God bless ye merry hippogriffs, let nothing you dismay…”
Ginny sang as she straightened the wreath on the front door of their flat. The pine needles fluttered to the floor as she turned it to the center.
She turned back into the living room and looked around, shutting the door behind her. A fire crackled merrily in the hearth as the snow floated down outside.
A tree sat in the corner, already a small pile of presents gathered underneath.
It was December 24. Harry and Ginny’s first Christmas as a married couple.
Ginny brushed the pine needles off her cream cashmere sweater. She entered the kitchen and eyed the counter. She had made stew for dinner. A tray of cheese and bread was neatly sitting next to a treacle tart. A bottle of wine was cooling in the refrigerator.
The wireless hummed in the background. Celina Warbeck warbled her latest holiday hit, as Ginny placed the last of the silverware on the table. A green and red tablecloth lay neatly on the dining table with Harry and Ginny’s wedding china.
“Ginny?”
Harry was home.
“In the dining area.”
Harry appeared into the doorway, loosening his tie.
“Long day, love?” she asked, leaning up to kiss him.
“Yeah, but I’m glad to be home,” he replied.
“Are you ready to eat?” asked Ginny, disappearing into the kitchen.
Harry sat at the table. “You bet.”
Ginny appeared with a tray with two bottles of Butterbeer, a pot of the stew, and a loaf of bread. She set them on the table and handed Harry a Butterbeer.
“How’s Ron?” said Ginny, once she had ladled stew into each of their bowls.
“He was anxious to get home as I was,” said Harry, after a mouthful of stew.
“I spoke to Hermione. She doesn’t suspect a thing.”
“The ring is beautiful. She’s going to love it."
Twenty minutes later, they cleared the table and Harry went into the sitting room and collapsed onto the couch, propping his feet up on the coffee table.
“Let’s open a present right now,” said Ginny, setting a tray with tea on the coffee table.
“What’s the rush?” said Harry.
“What are you afraid of?” teased Ginny.
“Nothing. It’s just the pressure. I’m not sure I can top last year.”
The year before on Christmas Eve, Harry had fixed dinner for them and at dessert, he pulled out a gorgeous emerald ring and proposed.
Ginny laughed. “I’m not expecting you to.”
Ginny waved her wand and the table with the Pensieve covered with a cloth floated in.
“What is this?” Harry asked.
“This, my love, is my Christmas present to you,” she said, smiling.
She pulled off the cloth.
“Um, Ginny. This is my Pensieve.”
“Yes.”
“You’re giving me something I already own?” said Harry.
“Really, Harry?” Ginny put her hands on hips.
Harry raised his hands in defense. “I’m just asking.”
“Your gift is in the Pensieve.”
Harry raised his eyebrows. “Well, that’s a new way to wrap a present.”
Ginny just shook her head.
“Close your eyes, Harry,” she whispered. “And keep them closed.”
“Ginny, what-”
“Don’t ask any questions. You’ll spoil the surprise.”
Harry felt his head enter the Pensieve. A few moments later, he felt himself land.
“Oomph!” He heard Ginny land next to him.
“Hello, Sirius!"
Harry felt his heart stop.
“Ginny?” he said weakly.
“Open your eyes,” she whispered.
A woman with long red hair kissed Sirius on the cheek as she cradled a bundle in one arm. He was young and less scruffy, but it was definitely Sirius Black.
“Happy Christmas, mate!” A man who looked a carbon copy of Harry entered the room and embraced his friend.
Harry felt his knees begin to weakened and reached out. Ginny grasped his hand and held on tightly.
Lily Potter sat down on the couch. Suddenly, the bundle let out a wail.
“Oh, Harry. You can’t be hungry again. You just ate an hour ago. If you keep this up, you’ll be as big as your father before you’re a year!”
Ginny giggled.
Lily pulled the blanket away and Ginny got a glimpse of Harry at four months.
“We are going to have adorable babies,” she murmured.
Harry tore his eyes away from his mother to look at his wife. “What?”
Ginny just shook her head as she took in the woman who gave her life for her son and in the process gave Ginny the chance to have a life with Harry.
Lily stood and walked over to the tree. She fingered a delicate glass angel. In gold, it read, “Harry’s first Christmas - 1980”.
“Let me take him, Lils,” said James, taking Harry from Lily.
“Thanks, love,” said Lily, smiling.
Harry walked over to her, his hand reaching out. Ginny watched, a sob trapped in her throat, as Harry tried to touch his mother. His hand slid right through her shoulder.
“Mum,” he said quietly. Ginny came up beside him and took his hand.
“I wonder if that ornament survived,” mused Ginny.
A moment later, James reappeared. “He’s asleep.”
“Seriously? Nothing from you, Sirius,” she said, pointing at their friend, who was grinning.
“Wasn’t going to say anything,” he said, putting his hands up.
“When’s Moony suppose to be here?” asked James.
“He said probably after 6. Let’s have some carols!” said Sirius, turning to the piano he was sitting at.
James came up behind Lily and wrapped his arms around Lily.
“I learned a new Muggle song!” Sirius began to play. “Grandma got run over by a reindeer-”
“Sirius!” cried Lily.
“How about a new twist on an old classic?”
Lily looked doubtfully at James.
Sirius began. “While shepherds watched their flock by night, all sitting on a bank, an angel, who was bored, came down and taught them how to-”
“That’s worst! Ok, your piano privileges have been revoked!”
“Well, what did you expect, Lily?” asked James, grinning.
Ginny watched Harry staring at them, an unreadable look on his face.
“They were so young, Ginny,” he said, studying his parents.
Lily threw her head back and huffed, resting her head on her husband’s shoulder.
The look on Harry’s face was so raw, Ginny knew it was time to go.
“Come on, Harry. Finish it another time. Let’s go,” said Ginny quietly.
She wrapped her arms around her husband and after a moment, they were in their living room.
They sat on the couch. Ginny took her wand and reheated the tea water.
Her eyes never left Harry as she fixed their tea. She handed a cup to Harry.
They sat in silence for what seemed like forever, before Harry spoke.
“How did you do it?”
“A few weeks ago, when I was at Grimmauld Place, I wanted to find the rest of that letter from your mum you told me about,” said Ginny. “I began looking through drawers and I found a box.”
She stood up and went to the tree. She picked up an ornate wooden box. She handed Harry the box. On it was an envelope that simply read, “For Harry”.
With trembling fingers, Harry opened the envelope.
3 February 1996
Dear Harry,
I hope someday you’ll get to read this. You’ll never know how much I regret that you never knew your mother and father. I am sorry I am sorry you missed out on the joy of knowing them. They loved you dearly. I hope these will help.
Love,
Sirius
15 April 1979 - Lily and James’ wedding
17 November 1979 - James told me you were on your way
31 July 1980 - Your birth (well, not the actual birth…sorry, Harry, but eck!)
25 December 1980 - Your first Christmas
12 March 1981 - Your first word (“Prongs”)
31 July 1981 - Your first birthday
19 September 1981 - The last time I saw your mum and dad
Harry opened the box. Inside were seven crystal phials. Each was marked with a date. There was an empty phial marked with the date 25 December 1980.
Ginny watched as Harry fingered the phials. He traced his birth date.
“If it weren’t for me, they’d be alive,” he said softly.
“No, Harry. No,” she said fiercely. So fiercely it caused Harry to look up swiftly.
“Don’t you dare,” she said, tears beginning to streak her face. “This wasn’t supposed to make you feel guilty.”
Ginny took the box and placing it aside, she grasped his hands. “Even if they hadn’t had you, they may still have died. Your mum and dad had stood up to Voldemort. They were members of the Order. They loved you so much, Harry. Don’t blame yourself. They wouldn’t want that. You can’t spend your life feeling guilty for something you had no control over. That wasn’t Sirius’ intent in giving these to you and it definitely wasn’t mine. I thought you’d like to see memories of your parents, Sirius, and probably Remus, that no one has told you about. I’m so glad they had you. I can’t imagine my life without you, Harry.”
Harry grabbed her tightly. “I miss them, Ginny. But how can I miss people I never knew?”
“It’s all right. You can miss them. Just don’t forget there are a lot of people who’d miss you if you weren’t here,” said Ginny.
Harry wiped his eyes and stood.
He went over to the tree and picked up a small box. He went back to the couch.
“Here,” he said, handing her the box.
Ginny looked at the box with a deep blue ribbon. She pulled the ribbon off and placed it next to her. Opening the box, she gasped.
It was a silver latticed pendant with a clear emerald in the center. She turned it over in her hand. On the back was engraved: My heart is ever at your service.
“Oh, Harry,” Ginny breathed. “It’s gorgeous. Here, put it on me.”
She handed it to Harry and pulled her hair over her shoulder. Harry fastened it and she flipped her hair back.
Standing, she went over to the mirror on the wall. She admired herself for a moment, before Harry appeared in the mirror behind her.
“I love you, Harry Potter,” she said, turning in his arms.
“I love you, Ginny Potter,” said Harry, lowering his lips to hers.
Title : Roses in December
Author : stupidhero
Pairing : Harry/Ginny, James/Lily
Rating : PG
Word Count : 1,713
Summary : It's gonna be a Christmas to remember.
Author's Notes: This one’s for the community as my partner dropped out. See if you can find the The Vicar of Dibley reference. Enjoy!
God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.
- James M. Barrie
“God bless ye merry hippogriffs, let nothing you dismay…”
Ginny sang as she straightened the wreath on the front door of their flat. The pine needles fluttered to the floor as she turned it to the center.
She turned back into the living room and looked around, shutting the door behind her. A fire crackled merrily in the hearth as the snow floated down outside.
A tree sat in the corner, already a small pile of presents gathered underneath.
It was December 24. Harry and Ginny’s first Christmas as a married couple.
Ginny brushed the pine needles off her cream cashmere sweater. She entered the kitchen and eyed the counter. She had made stew for dinner. A tray of cheese and bread was neatly sitting next to a treacle tart. A bottle of wine was cooling in the refrigerator.
The wireless hummed in the background. Celina Warbeck warbled her latest holiday hit, as Ginny placed the last of the silverware on the table. A green and red tablecloth lay neatly on the dining table with Harry and Ginny’s wedding china.
“Ginny?”
Harry was home.
“In the dining area.”
Harry appeared into the doorway, loosening his tie.
“Long day, love?” she asked, leaning up to kiss him.
“Yeah, but I’m glad to be home,” he replied.
“Are you ready to eat?” asked Ginny, disappearing into the kitchen.
Harry sat at the table. “You bet.”
Ginny appeared with a tray with two bottles of Butterbeer, a pot of the stew, and a loaf of bread. She set them on the table and handed Harry a Butterbeer.
“How’s Ron?” said Ginny, once she had ladled stew into each of their bowls.
“He was anxious to get home as I was,” said Harry, after a mouthful of stew.
“I spoke to Hermione. She doesn’t suspect a thing.”
“The ring is beautiful. She’s going to love it."
Twenty minutes later, they cleared the table and Harry went into the sitting room and collapsed onto the couch, propping his feet up on the coffee table.
“Let’s open a present right now,” said Ginny, setting a tray with tea on the coffee table.
“What’s the rush?” said Harry.
“What are you afraid of?” teased Ginny.
“Nothing. It’s just the pressure. I’m not sure I can top last year.”
The year before on Christmas Eve, Harry had fixed dinner for them and at dessert, he pulled out a gorgeous emerald ring and proposed.
Ginny laughed. “I’m not expecting you to.”
Ginny waved her wand and the table with the Pensieve covered with a cloth floated in.
“What is this?” Harry asked.
“This, my love, is my Christmas present to you,” she said, smiling.
She pulled off the cloth.
“Um, Ginny. This is my Pensieve.”
“Yes.”
“You’re giving me something I already own?” said Harry.
“Really, Harry?” Ginny put her hands on hips.
Harry raised his hands in defense. “I’m just asking.”
“Your gift is in the Pensieve.”
Harry raised his eyebrows. “Well, that’s a new way to wrap a present.”
Ginny just shook her head.
“Close your eyes, Harry,” she whispered. “And keep them closed.”
“Ginny, what-”
“Don’t ask any questions. You’ll spoil the surprise.”
Harry felt his head enter the Pensieve. A few moments later, he felt himself land.
“Oomph!” He heard Ginny land next to him.
“Hello, Sirius!"
Harry felt his heart stop.
“Ginny?” he said weakly.
“Open your eyes,” she whispered.
A woman with long red hair kissed Sirius on the cheek as she cradled a bundle in one arm. He was young and less scruffy, but it was definitely Sirius Black.
“Happy Christmas, mate!” A man who looked a carbon copy of Harry entered the room and embraced his friend.
Harry felt his knees begin to weakened and reached out. Ginny grasped his hand and held on tightly.
Lily Potter sat down on the couch. Suddenly, the bundle let out a wail.
“Oh, Harry. You can’t be hungry again. You just ate an hour ago. If you keep this up, you’ll be as big as your father before you’re a year!”
Ginny giggled.
Lily pulled the blanket away and Ginny got a glimpse of Harry at four months.
“We are going to have adorable babies,” she murmured.
Harry tore his eyes away from his mother to look at his wife. “What?”
Ginny just shook her head as she took in the woman who gave her life for her son and in the process gave Ginny the chance to have a life with Harry.
Lily stood and walked over to the tree. She fingered a delicate glass angel. In gold, it read, “Harry’s first Christmas - 1980”.
“Let me take him, Lils,” said James, taking Harry from Lily.
“Thanks, love,” said Lily, smiling.
Harry walked over to her, his hand reaching out. Ginny watched, a sob trapped in her throat, as Harry tried to touch his mother. His hand slid right through her shoulder.
“Mum,” he said quietly. Ginny came up beside him and took his hand.
“I wonder if that ornament survived,” mused Ginny.
A moment later, James reappeared. “He’s asleep.”
“Seriously? Nothing from you, Sirius,” she said, pointing at their friend, who was grinning.
“Wasn’t going to say anything,” he said, putting his hands up.
“When’s Moony suppose to be here?” asked James.
“He said probably after 6. Let’s have some carols!” said Sirius, turning to the piano he was sitting at.
James came up behind Lily and wrapped his arms around Lily.
“I learned a new Muggle song!” Sirius began to play. “Grandma got run over by a reindeer-”
“Sirius!” cried Lily.
“How about a new twist on an old classic?”
Lily looked doubtfully at James.
Sirius began. “While shepherds watched their flock by night, all sitting on a bank, an angel, who was bored, came down and taught them how to-”
“That’s worst! Ok, your piano privileges have been revoked!”
“Well, what did you expect, Lily?” asked James, grinning.
Ginny watched Harry staring at them, an unreadable look on his face.
“They were so young, Ginny,” he said, studying his parents.
Lily threw her head back and huffed, resting her head on her husband’s shoulder.
The look on Harry’s face was so raw, Ginny knew it was time to go.
“Come on, Harry. Finish it another time. Let’s go,” said Ginny quietly.
She wrapped her arms around her husband and after a moment, they were in their living room.
They sat on the couch. Ginny took her wand and reheated the tea water.
Her eyes never left Harry as she fixed their tea. She handed a cup to Harry.
They sat in silence for what seemed like forever, before Harry spoke.
“How did you do it?”
“A few weeks ago, when I was at Grimmauld Place, I wanted to find the rest of that letter from your mum you told me about,” said Ginny. “I began looking through drawers and I found a box.”
She stood up and went to the tree. She picked up an ornate wooden box. She handed Harry the box. On it was an envelope that simply read, “For Harry”.
With trembling fingers, Harry opened the envelope.
3 February 1996
Dear Harry,
I hope someday you’ll get to read this. You’ll never know how much I regret that you never knew your mother and father. I am sorry I am sorry you missed out on the joy of knowing them. They loved you dearly. I hope these will help.
Love,
Sirius
15 April 1979 - Lily and James’ wedding
17 November 1979 - James told me you were on your way
31 July 1980 - Your birth (well, not the actual birth…sorry, Harry, but eck!)
25 December 1980 - Your first Christmas
12 March 1981 - Your first word (“Prongs”)
31 July 1981 - Your first birthday
19 September 1981 - The last time I saw your mum and dad
Harry opened the box. Inside were seven crystal phials. Each was marked with a date. There was an empty phial marked with the date 25 December 1980.
Ginny watched as Harry fingered the phials. He traced his birth date.
“If it weren’t for me, they’d be alive,” he said softly.
“No, Harry. No,” she said fiercely. So fiercely it caused Harry to look up swiftly.
“Don’t you dare,” she said, tears beginning to streak her face. “This wasn’t supposed to make you feel guilty.”
Ginny took the box and placing it aside, she grasped his hands. “Even if they hadn’t had you, they may still have died. Your mum and dad had stood up to Voldemort. They were members of the Order. They loved you so much, Harry. Don’t blame yourself. They wouldn’t want that. You can’t spend your life feeling guilty for something you had no control over. That wasn’t Sirius’ intent in giving these to you and it definitely wasn’t mine. I thought you’d like to see memories of your parents, Sirius, and probably Remus, that no one has told you about. I’m so glad they had you. I can’t imagine my life without you, Harry.”
Harry grabbed her tightly. “I miss them, Ginny. But how can I miss people I never knew?”
“It’s all right. You can miss them. Just don’t forget there are a lot of people who’d miss you if you weren’t here,” said Ginny.
Harry wiped his eyes and stood.
He went over to the tree and picked up a small box. He went back to the couch.
“Here,” he said, handing her the box.
Ginny looked at the box with a deep blue ribbon. She pulled the ribbon off and placed it next to her. Opening the box, she gasped.
It was a silver latticed pendant with a clear emerald in the center. She turned it over in her hand. On the back was engraved: My heart is ever at your service.
“Oh, Harry,” Ginny breathed. “It’s gorgeous. Here, put it on me.”
She handed it to Harry and pulled her hair over her shoulder. Harry fastened it and she flipped her hair back.
Standing, she went over to the mirror on the wall. She admired herself for a moment, before Harry appeared in the mirror behind her.
“I love you, Harry Potter,” she said, turning in his arms.
“I love you, Ginny Potter,” said Harry, lowering his lips to hers.