A Magical Christmas

The shine of the silver watch on Harry’s wrist glinted in the light of the hallway as he stood outside the door. Faint music drifted from within.

“Daph? Are you ready?” Harry rapped on the door. “We are going to be late to your family’s!”

“Come in!” Daphne yelled from inside and Harry rolled his eyes, pushing the door open.

Daphne stood in front of a full-length mirror in a beautiful green, sleeveless dress. Her hair was in a bun, a few strands curling down her face.

“You look beautiful.”

Daphne beamed at him through the mirror. “You look quite handsome yourself, Mr. Potter.”

“You think?” Harry looked down. “Proper for your family’s gathering?”

“I picked it for you, honey.” Daphne turned, three earrings dangling in her hands. “Which one?”

Harry blinked. “The earrings?”

“No, which one of your three girlfriends?” Daphne scowled. “Of course the earrings!”

“Right,” Harry glanced at the three earrings, all different in shape, size, and design from the other. “How about the small, gold one? It will go nicely with the dress.”

Daphne looked at the earrings herself. “You like anything golden.” She muttered.

“Why do you think I chose you?” Harry stepped toward her, curling a strand of her hair between his fingers.

Daphne slapped his hand away. “You’ll ruin my hair.”

“You’ll still look beautiful.” Harry curled his arm around her waist, pecking her on the lips.

Heat crept up Daphne’s cheeks as she looked back into the mirror. “I’ll go with the blue one. It will bring out my eyes.”

“Your brilliant beautiful blue eyes.” Harry’s lips tugged into a grin.

Daphne gave a slight frown. “You’re not showering me with compliments just so I can hurry up with getting dressed, are you?”

“Of course not.” Harry replied quickly. “As a wise, brilliant, beautiful woman once said, perfection cannot be rushed.”

Daphne’s lips curled into a smile, her pearly white teeth shining between her red lips. “That’s correct.”

“Now, shall we get going?” Harry asked. “Your family awaits.”

Daphne turned to the mirror and hooked her earrings in. “I’m ready.”

‘Finally.’ Harry thought turning to the door.

“Are we going by apparition or by floo?”

“Apparition. Floo will get soot on our clothes.” Daphne’s heels clicked on the floor as she followed him down the stairs.

“Alright.” Harry said. “Time to meet the family.”

“Just my aunt, uncle, and sister, really.” Daphne’s lips tugged up. “Don’t worry, my aunt and uncle will love you. It is my sister you have to worry about.”

Harry hummed as Daphne took his arm in hers.

“Ready, honey?”

“If you are, princess,” Harry said and Daphne’s grip on his arm tightened, the world twisting around them.

They stepped onto a cobbled-stone path with a soft snap.

In front of them, a quaint house rose, its walls decorated with glowing Christmas lights. Thick layers of snow piled on either side of the cobbled-stone path, yet not a flake could be seen on the house or the path itself.

‘Probably magic.’ Harry glimpsed a Christmas tree through the ground-floor window as they walked toward the door.

Daphne pressed the doorbell and a deep musical chime rang from within the house.

“Coming!”

“That’s Aunt Thea,” Daphne whispered as the lock clicked and the door swung open.

A middle-aged lady stood at the door, her hair tied in a messy bun unlike Daphne’s.

“Daphne!” She pulled her into a hug. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Auntie.” Daphne hugged her back.

“And you must be Harry,” Daphne’s aunt broke the hug with Daphne and hugged Harry. “Merry Christmas, dear.”

“Merry Christmas to you too, Mrs. Greengrass.”

“Please, call me Dorothea or Thea.” She smiled. “And come in. Don’t stand out in the cold.”

She moved to the side, allowing them in.

The inside of the house was decorated with several photos of the Greengrass family. Some photos were still in their frames while some moved, waving at them as they entered.

‘Just like Privet Drive.’ Harry smothered the heat in his chest. ‘But Daphne and her sister are in these photos. And they look happy.’

“You have a beautiful family, Thea.” Harry said.

“It might soon be yours too, dear.” Dorothea grinned. “Daphne, lead Harry to the living room, I have some work in the kitchen.”

“Do you need help, auntie?”

“No, no. I got this. Go on.” She ushered them into the living room before running to the kitchen.

“I hope she didn’t get into too much trouble because I was coming,” Harry’s forehead creased.

“Nah, Christmas dinners are a big deal for Aunt Thea.” Daphne said. “Always the best part of Christmas.”

“Right,” Harry turned to look around the room.

A bunny sat on the couch reading the book with its glasses.

Harry blinked.

The bunny looked up from the book and raised a paw, waving at him.

“Daphne, is it me, or is that bunny waving at me?” Harry asked, watching the bunny give him a broad smile. “And reading a book and smiling?”

“Ah,” Daphne drawled. “Tori.”

The bunny leaped off the couch, transforming into a young woman who looked remarkably similar to Daphne. The glasses that she had been wearing remained on her face.

“Daffy!” The girl’s eyes shone with mirth. “You never write, you never call!”

“I saw you three days ago.” Daphne glared at her. “And don’t call me Daffy.”

Astoria turned to Harry. Little bunnies wearing Santa hats ran across her sweater as she skipped forward.

“And you must be Harry! Daphne’s told so much about you!” She thrust her hand forward and shook Harry’s hand vigorously. “Who would’ve thought that Daphne would end up dating the boy about whom—”

“ASTORIA!”

“—She read books as a kid?” Astoria giggled and jumped out of the way of a stinging hex. “You mis– OW!”

Astoria rubbed her arm where Daphne’s second stinging hex had found its mark.

“Daphne, you never told me you read Harry Potter’s fabulous adventure series.” Harry’s lips curled into a grin.

“You hate those books.” Daphne gave a sideway glare to Astoria who giggled uncontrollably. “You sued them.”

Harry turned to Daphne’s sister with a broad grin. “So tell me more about Daphne.”

“Oh, I can tell you sooo much!” Astoria tugged at his hand only for Harry to be pulled away by Daphne.

“You will leave my boyfriend alone.” Her eyes turned icy. “Or I will bury you into a snowman.”

A shudder ran down Astoria’s body.

“Sorry, Harry. When she gives the snowman threat, she’s being real.” Astoria said. “She has gone through with it.”

Daphne smiled smugly. “Now—”

The floo behind Astoria flared and a man stepped out, a bag in his hands.

“Uncle Rowan!” Astoria beamed. “See who’s here!”

“Merry Christmas, Daphne. Hello, Mr. Potter.” The man handed his bag to Astoria. “Get that to your aunt in the kitchen, won’t you?”

“Please, call me Harry, sir.” Harry said as Astoria hopped away toward the kitchen.

“Call me Rowan then.” The man grinned, shaking his hand firmly. “How’s it going with the Aurors? I read you got into a little skirmish in Knockturn Alley a few days back.”

“It was Mundungus Fletcher and his buddies.” Harry said. “They were selling contraband as usual and resisted when we went to arrest them.”

“That’s great.” Rowan smiled.

“I hear Cleansweep is releasing a new broom?” Harry asked.

“Yes. Oak wood handle, top speed of one-hundred-seventy miles an hour.” He said. “It is great for solo travel. Have you ever used a Cleansweep?”

“No, I have only used the Nimbus 2000 and the Firebolts.” Harry chewed his lip. “I was a seeker at Hogwarts.”

“Chang used a Cleansweep.” Daphne pointed out.

“I didn’t buy a single broom during Hogwarts. The Nimbus was gifted by Professor McGonagall while the Firebolt was a gift from my godfather.”

“They’re some great brooms.” Mr. Greengrass said. “Cleansweep is more of a family broom made for safety than speed.”

“That’s true.” Harry nodded. “Anti-fall enchantments and all of it.”

“I feel that somewhere you disapprove of our brooms,” he grinned.

“It is just that I have ridden a Firebolt.” Harry explained. “Cleansweeps aren’t just as fast, you know? Flying at two-hundred and fifty miles an hour is a different experience.”

“Harry!” Astoria bounced into the room. “Auntie is asking if any of you’d like some wine before dinner.”

“No, thanks.” Harry said.

“What are you talking about?” She prodded.

“Just brooms.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Boooring. Let’s talk about something interesting. Who did you date before Daphne?”

“Um… Ginny Weasley.” Harry shifted. “I am surprised you don’t know that.”

Daphne raised an eyebrow at her sister who seemed disappointed.

“Well, did you two get up to anything interesting recently?” Astoria changed the topic.

“Tori, don’t pester the poor boy with questions.” Dorothea entered the room, wiping her hands with a cloth. “Dinner’s ready, folks. After dinner, it is Christmas Carols and karaoke time.”

“YAY!” Astoria cheered, disappearing out of the door.

“I think we should enjoy the dinner first.” Mr. Greengrass declared. “You should have the privilege of tasting my wife’s wonderful cooking, Harry.”

Dorothea beamed at Rowan and they all moved into the dining room. Harry was immediately greeted by the delightful aroma of dinner. The table was already adorned with a variety of dishes, from chicken to ham and other delicacies.

“This smells wonderful, Thea,” Harry complimented.

“Thank you, Harry.” She beamed at him as they took their seats around the table. “We should dig in. And Rowan, indulge but in limit.”

“But, it is Christmas!” Rowan protested.

“Your health isn’t going to consider it.” Dorothea glared at her husband. “All sorts of nasty things came up in that health report.”

“Yes, Uncle Rowan.” Daphne chimed. “Those were some alarmingly horrendous results. They’ve improved since but you cannot slack off with the diet even if it is for Christmas.”

“Well, at least it isn’t grass soup.” Rowan muttered.

“What was that, dear?” Dorothea asked in a sweet voice that sent a tingle down Harry’s spine.

“Nothing, dear.” Rowan said. “Let’s begin the dinner, I’d say.”

“So, Harry, how did the two of you meet?” Dorothea asked as they served themselves. “I believe you were in the same year at Hogwarts.”

“We were,” Harry agreed. “But we didn’t talk a lot during our time there. We first met each other about three years ago, that too in her capacity as a healer.”

“She is a young witches and wizards ailment specialist.” Astoria’s forehead creased. “Why would you meet her?”

“I had to take my godson, Teddy, to St. Mungo’s.” Harry said. “He is a metamorphmagus. I showed him the movie Pinnochio and he wanted his nose like him for some reason. The problem was, he couldn’t get it to return to normal.”

Rowan blinked while Dorothea giggled.

“So, I had to take him to Saint Mungo’s.” Harry smiled fondly. “After that, there were a few incidents whenever I was around and Teddy always wanted to see healer Greengrass. They strangely all stopped when we started going out.”

“So he set you two up?” Astoria’s eyes gleamed like stars. “I need to meet him.”

“We need to keep those two away from each other.” Daphne mumbled. “If they two meet, we are dead.”

“Now, now, Daffy.” Astoria said. “If you two are getting married, we will be family. It is not nice to keep your sister away from family.”

Harry choked lightly.

“We, um, honestly haven’t thought so far.” Harry looked at Daphne who’s eyes dulled.

“Yeah, we haven’t.” She agreed, a tinge of disappointment coloring her voice.

‘Does she want me to—’ Harry felt a ball of lead drop in his stomach.

“That’s probably wise.” Thea said. “Marriage is a big decision. It shouldn’t be rushed.”

“But that doesn't mean you should wait either.” Rowan said. “I, for one, know that doing things when they feel right is the best way to do them.”

Dorothea and Rowan shared a smile.

Harry felt bands of steel tighten around his heart. His eyes flicked to Daphne who met his eyes before turning back to her plate and spearing her fork into her potatoes.

‘Does she want it too?’ Harry licked his lips. ‘And am I ready?’

“So, I am about to complete my mastery in Transfiguration!” Astoria’s voice pulled Harry out of his thoughts.

“That’s wonderful, Tori.” Daphne said. “How long?”

“Just till I complete a final project.” Astoria forked peas into her mouth. “Or make some groundbreaking discovery, you know?”

“So, what are you going to do?” Dorothea asked.

“I am not sure,” Astoria shrugged. “I can do a thesis on Animagus transformations. It is one of the more… common projects.”

“Why do you want to do something common?” Daphne frowned. “Do something that’s unique. Break some laws.”

“There are three fundamental principles of transfiguration which you cannot break.” Astoria rolled her eyes. “Transfigurations and conjurations are not permanent by themselves. You cannot conjure food or living things out of nothing. And you cannot conjure or transfigure noble metals. Except for those, most are theories that are not confirmed. So, I won’t be breaking any laws anytime soon. Maybe a discovery… What do you think I should do, Harry?”

“I never completed my seventh year, Astoria.” Harry frowned. “I am not sure what you can do. Being an animagus is an impressive achievement already.”

“Also, your project should be your own.” Dorothea said.

Astoria nodded contemplatively and quietly ate her dinner. The family made small talk as they ate, Harry occasionally stealing glances at Daphne.

As the dessert plates were cleared away, Dorothea rose from her seat. ”I will clear the kitchen and then we can sing the Christmas carols, dears.”

“I’ll help you, Auntie,” Daphne stood up.

“I’ll manage dear,” she said. “You enjoy today. Rowan, come on.”

Her husband stood up and joined her, helping her clear the table away.

“I’ll be outside.” Daphne said quietly, leaving the room.

Astoria turned to Harry, peering over the top of her wine glass.

“So,” Harry cleared his throat. “You seeing anyone, Astoria?”

“Just your dumb, oblivious head.” Astoria replied.

“Excuse me?” Harry blinked

“You heard me.” She stood up, looking outside the window. “You better not break her heart, Potter. You might have taken down you-know-who, but if you hurt my sister, I'll transfigure you into grass and chew you up myself”

‘She saw it too.’ Harry felt his heart drop. ‘Daphne wants me to propose.’

Harry walked outside through the backdoor. The air was crisp, snow gently drifting down from the night sky. The garden was covered in a white blanket of snow through which little steps trudged away from the house. Snow crunched under Harry’s boots as he followed the footsteps.

Daphne stood under a tree, looking at the houses across the street. She turned as Harry neared.

“Hey.” Harry shoved his hands in his pockets. “Beautiful night, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” a cloud of mist blew from Daphne’s lips. “Christmas.”

Harry cleared his throat, shifting on his feet. "I was just thinking about what Astoria said, you know? About marriage and all."

Daphne’s head snapped toward him.

“Harry, we don’t need to rush here.” She said. “We are both nearing the peak points in our professional lives. You as the Head of the Auror force and me as a senior healer at Saint Mungo’s.”

“I am not rushing.” Harry smiled. “We don’t need to get married right here, do we? We are already living together. We love each other a lot.”

“Yes.” Daphne agreed.

“But what if I were to say that I… want to propose?” Harry met her deep blue eyes. “Under this beautiful moonlight, in the snow and give you the greatest Christmas gift ever?”

“I’d say yes.” Daphne whispered. “But, if you’re doing this due to—”

“No, I am sure.” Harry smiled. “We should do it. We… should take this next step.”

“Do you even have a ring?” Daphne breathed.

Harry took a deep breath, removing the elder wand from his hand. Harry looked deep into her eyes, his wand moving in a circle. A small gold band materialized in the air, a blue sapphire shining at its head in the moonlight.

Daphne gasped as Harry caught the ring between his fingers and held it up.

“Is that real gold?” Daphne asked faintly. “You cannot conjure gold.”

“Honey, I’d do anything for you.” Harry bent down on a knee. “You are the best thing I’ve ever known in my life. Greater than any magic, better than any other person. I love you more than anything in this world. Daphne Isobella Greengrass, will you make me the happiest man and marry me?”

“Yes,” Daphne breathed. “Yes, I will.”

Harry slipped the ring onto her finger and a bright flash seared his eyes.

Astoria stood by the backdoor of the house, a camera clutched in her hand, and a broad grin on her face. Dorothea and Rowan stood behind her, mirroring her smile.

Daphne’s cheeks turned pink and Harry pulled her in for a kiss, amidst cheers and catcalls from the three.

Another flash lit up the garden.

“Tori!” Daphne protested.

Dorothea and Rowan brushed past Astoria and pulled the two into a hug.

“Welcome to the family, dear,” Dorothea whispered. “I am happy for you both.”

Another flash had them all turning to Astoria.

“Hey.” She smiled faintly. “We gotta capture this moment, you know?”

“That’s enough, Astoria.” Uncle Rowan said. “It was bad enough that you were watching them as a bunny.”

“Wait, you were?” Daphne glowered at Astoria.

“Maybe,” Astoria grinned. “But this calls for a family hug!”

“Yes, it does!” Dorothea pulled both of them into a tight hug.

“Wait for me!” Astoria screamed, running toward them and throwing her arms around the newly engaged couple. “WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!”

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AND… DONE! Hope you all liked the story.

First, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May this festive season bring prosperity and joy to your lives!

This is my Christmas-special fic. It can be treated as a stand-alone story or as a prequel to my other one-shot, Bundle of Bunnies which I had released for Halloween earlier this year.

A huge thank you to Mughil and Anax for betaing this story and to Dev S Black for helping me out with a part!

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Stay Happy! Stay Safe! Keep Smiling! Keep Reading!

HPfanfictioner66