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mini_fest2010-12-10 02:44 pm
mini_fest_mod) wrote in mini_fest2010-12-10 02:44 pm
Fic: Christmas Past
Title: Christmas Past
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
et_tu_lj
Rating: G
Characters: Narcissa/Lucius, Draco, James/Lily, Harry, Sirius, Frank/Alice, Neville, Gran, Algie
Prompt(s): Christmas 1980: I'd love to see snapshots of the various HP families at this time of year - particularly the Potters, Longbottoms, and Malfoy's celebrating their baby's first Christmases in the shadow of the looming war.
Warnings: Fluff.
Summary: Three families draw together in the cold of a Christmas night.
Word Count: 1767
Disclaimer: JKR owns HP, not me. If I did, there would be more Ravenclaws.
The air had dropped another 15 degrees since the last time she'd checked, and the sky darkened as the clouds closed in. The wind ripped across the grounds, but the skeletal trees had no more leaves to give this late in the year. Narcissa pulled the child close against her body, pillowing his head against her breast, but could not turn away from the barren view beyond the floor to ceiling windows.
She heard steps approach, echoing on the cold marble floor, but he said nothing. Lucius stood silent at her back, as still as the evergreen boughs decorating the mantle.
"What if we lose this war?" She spoke the thought in the barest of whispers, scarcely louder than the howl of the wind down the chimney. She felt his soft exhalation against her neck, felt the desolation behind his sigh as vividly as her own, and knew that he had heard.
His hand gripped her shoulder, almost painful, then he loosened his grip and turned her to him. Draco raised his fist, trapped between them, but found the familiar hardness of his father and settled back into sleep with a soft gurgle, a pinch of fine linen gripped between his small fingers. Lucius kissed her forehead, lips soft and warm against her skin. He lifted his other hand to smooth down her hair, then bowed his head to rest against hers.
"We'll find a way." Heads bowed, they formed a cocoon of protection around the small bundle, watching each small movement together. Draco's delicate lashes fluttered with his dreaming, small mouth opening and closing. Tiny fingers relaxed and let go, leaving a wrinkle of fabric that Lucius made no move to smooth away. He reached one hand down to touch the soft cheek, and Draco turned towards it, nuzzling into his father's warmth. With Lucius' other arm still wrapped around her waist, the three were one, intertwined forever. Narcissa felt the sting of salt in her eyes but stayed still.
"Whatever it takes." They stood together as outside, the wind died and the snow began to fall. "We'll keep him safe."
* * * * *
Sirius stoically endured the bitter cold, hunched into his coat in a dark corner of the alleyway, waiting. His grey eyes were ever watchful, from beneath the shadowed overhang. Blowing snow and slick sidewalks kept less desperate people inside, but the enemies he feared did not travel by foot. Even knowing this, Sirius did not budge until his tracks were covered over by fresh snow and the drifts had begun to build up around him.
Only then did he risk the side entrance, following the crooked hallway away from the public areas, deeper into the muggle inn, to the last room. Knocking quietly, he waited a moment with no response, then entered.
James stood with his wand raised, face pale in the dimness, Lily a ghostly shade behind him. Countersigns given, James lowered his wand and they recast the wards together.
Only then did James relax, his familiar grin returning slipping into its accustomed place. Sirius clapped him on the back, grinning like a fool, and then stepped back, letting the tension drain out of him.
"Did you have problems?"
Lily stepped from the shadowed corner of the room, Harry held securely in her arms. She had the faintest smudge under her eyes from too many sleepless nights, but when the baby reached up to touch the cascade of her hair, her face still reflected radiance.
"I'm fine. I was careful though, in case." He stepped closer to her, reaching down for the small child. "How's my godson?"
"Paa-paa." Harry laughed, reaching eagerly for him. "Pa pa paa." He got a hold of his coat, yanking on the fabric enthusiastically as he babbled.
"That's right, baby boy. Padfoot's here." Sirius lifted him up, spinning him around in a circle. Harry squealed with delight, spreading his fingers wide to feel the rush of air. Sirius spiraled him down into a hug, then joined Lily and James. He pulled Harry's present from his pocket and sat cross-legged in front of the fire, settling Harry between them to play with his new stuffed dog as they talked.
"Has there been any news?" James had lost weight since he'd seen them last, and there was no denying the fatigue in his eyes.
Sirius shook his head, scowling darkly. Harry mirrored the expression, looking up from his toy with pink lips pinched up in an expression that made him look like a disgruntled fish. Sirius snorted, and roughed up his hair until it poked up in every direction, making him look disturbingly like his father. "Nothing helpful. Still focused on you, but we don't know their plans."
James rubbed one hand across his forehead, pulling the skin tight. Lily put a hand on his back, and he leaned into her, closing his eyes and letting his hand fall back.
Sirius averted his eyes and focused on Harry instead. He scrunched up his nose and crossed his eyes. Harry tried to do the same, but couldn't manage the eyes, so they wiggled their noses at each other instead.
"We can't keep this up, mate." Sirius looked up, but the desperation in his friend's eyes made his chest tighten. "Harry needs more than this."
Silence fell over the three of them, broken only by the crackle of the fire and Harry's soft babbling.
"What about Fidelius?" His own voice startled him, but it was a chance. "Fidelius could give you a home, and they couldn't get to you."
Lily and James shared a look, and he could see there was a silent communication in it, not meant for him. He waited, eyes fixed on Harry. It would be their decision.
"It's too much, Sirius." Lily's voice was soft, but firm. "They'd be after you then."
"They're already after me. And it would keep you safe."
"I don't want you dead because of us." James' voice cracked, but neither of them acknowledged it.
"I can take care of myself." He bent suddenly, scooping up Harry, who let out a startled squawk. "You just take care of Harry."
They exchanged another one of those married looks, and Lily dipped her head slightly. "We'll think about it."
Sirius nodded, letting it go. For tonight, it was Christmas and they were together. Safe and warm, though the snow outside still fell steadily.
* * * * *
Flakes swirl around him in a chaotic blur, but it's only a moment before he's passed from carriage to threshold and warmth folds over him like a blanket. He grins at his favorite sister, and she shakes her head at him.
"Augusta." Scooping her up, he gives her a tight hug, swinging her around so her feet leave the ground. She scowls at him, but her face is flushed and a smile peeks out from behind her frown.
"Put me down, you fool." She bats him with her handbag, and he relents, laughing. She doesn't seem to notice the snow he's tracked inside. "The kids've been here half an hour."
He sheds his cloak, leaving it in a heap by the door. "I like the snow. Nothing like a freeze to make the house seem warmer."
Ignoring him, she shakes out the snow out of his coat and hangs it precisely before leading the way.
"Is that Uncle Algie?"
Frank's voice draws him in, the son he never had, and he steps forward. He closes the distance with a few eager steps, setting himself right in the middle of them. Alice is radiant, as beautiful as he's ever seen her, and Frank looks ready to split open with pride. When she offers the bundled child to him, he takes it reverently, pulling the blanket back to see the pudgy cheeks and soft lashes.
"He's beautiful." He cradles the child to him for a moment, inhaling the scent of baby powder and spilt milk. The baby's eyes are wide open, brilliant blue and absorbed, encompassing the whole world. "Our Neville." Neville giggles, childish voice high and sweet, and croons at him excitedly, a long string of nonsense syllables. Algie laughs and coos back, trading sounds in a long dialogue of delight before reluctantly handing the child back to his mother. He loses himself in a moment of perfect happiness as Enid arrives and the conversation flows around and through him. He's surrounded by laughter and warmth, and his eyes drift closed in lazy contentment.
A tapping sound underlies the voices though, and he opens his eyes to see a movement at the window. Ever the auror, Frank's already headed for the window, his wand drawn. Alice pulls the child closer, but keeps talking, her eyes watching Frank even as she keeps the others focused on her.
At a signal, she relaxes, putting Neville down among his toys, as Frank opens the shutter to admit a bedraggled looking owl. Augusta gasps at the sudden intrusion of cold air, but the window is sealed tight again before she can protest.
Neville lets out a tiny wail of distress, sensing the sudden change that's come over the room. Algie lifts him up into his lap, bouncing him up and down on his knee. Neville smiles at him, cherubic innocence, and he smiles back even as he strains to hear the whispered conversation at the window.
He can't make out the words, but Alice's hand clenches once at her side, and Frank's mouth is pulled tight with tension. When he turns to them with apology in his eyes, Algie is prepared.
"I'm sorry, everyone. I have to go." He doesn't say it, but they all know something's happened. He takes the time to get his hat and kiss Augusta on the cheek, but when he takes Alice in his arms for a quick kiss, they all know that this could be the day he doesn't come back. That any day could be the last.
In a moment Frank is gone, and Augusta bustles off to the kitchen under the pretext of stirring something, but not before he's seen her surreptitiously dab at her face with one sleeve. Alice takes Neville back, brushing trembling lips against his soft skin and pretends. He knows one day soon, she'll be called too, and by the look in her eyes she knows it too. This day is all they are guaranteed, and making a decision, he focuses on it. He sees the glow of Christmas lights and feels the warmth of the fire, instead of the howling of the wind at the door.
Author:
et_tu_ljRating: G
Characters: Narcissa/Lucius, Draco, James/Lily, Harry, Sirius, Frank/Alice, Neville, Gran, Algie
Prompt(s): Christmas 1980: I'd love to see snapshots of the various HP families at this time of year - particularly the Potters, Longbottoms, and Malfoy's celebrating their baby's first Christmases in the shadow of the looming war.
Warnings: Fluff.
Summary: Three families draw together in the cold of a Christmas night.
Word Count: 1767
Disclaimer: JKR owns HP, not me. If I did, there would be more Ravenclaws.
The air had dropped another 15 degrees since the last time she'd checked, and the sky darkened as the clouds closed in. The wind ripped across the grounds, but the skeletal trees had no more leaves to give this late in the year. Narcissa pulled the child close against her body, pillowing his head against her breast, but could not turn away from the barren view beyond the floor to ceiling windows.
She heard steps approach, echoing on the cold marble floor, but he said nothing. Lucius stood silent at her back, as still as the evergreen boughs decorating the mantle.
"What if we lose this war?" She spoke the thought in the barest of whispers, scarcely louder than the howl of the wind down the chimney. She felt his soft exhalation against her neck, felt the desolation behind his sigh as vividly as her own, and knew that he had heard.
His hand gripped her shoulder, almost painful, then he loosened his grip and turned her to him. Draco raised his fist, trapped between them, but found the familiar hardness of his father and settled back into sleep with a soft gurgle, a pinch of fine linen gripped between his small fingers. Lucius kissed her forehead, lips soft and warm against her skin. He lifted his other hand to smooth down her hair, then bowed his head to rest against hers.
"We'll find a way." Heads bowed, they formed a cocoon of protection around the small bundle, watching each small movement together. Draco's delicate lashes fluttered with his dreaming, small mouth opening and closing. Tiny fingers relaxed and let go, leaving a wrinkle of fabric that Lucius made no move to smooth away. He reached one hand down to touch the soft cheek, and Draco turned towards it, nuzzling into his father's warmth. With Lucius' other arm still wrapped around her waist, the three were one, intertwined forever. Narcissa felt the sting of salt in her eyes but stayed still.
"Whatever it takes." They stood together as outside, the wind died and the snow began to fall. "We'll keep him safe."
Sirius stoically endured the bitter cold, hunched into his coat in a dark corner of the alleyway, waiting. His grey eyes were ever watchful, from beneath the shadowed overhang. Blowing snow and slick sidewalks kept less desperate people inside, but the enemies he feared did not travel by foot. Even knowing this, Sirius did not budge until his tracks were covered over by fresh snow and the drifts had begun to build up around him.
Only then did he risk the side entrance, following the crooked hallway away from the public areas, deeper into the muggle inn, to the last room. Knocking quietly, he waited a moment with no response, then entered.
James stood with his wand raised, face pale in the dimness, Lily a ghostly shade behind him. Countersigns given, James lowered his wand and they recast the wards together.
Only then did James relax, his familiar grin returning slipping into its accustomed place. Sirius clapped him on the back, grinning like a fool, and then stepped back, letting the tension drain out of him.
"Did you have problems?"
Lily stepped from the shadowed corner of the room, Harry held securely in her arms. She had the faintest smudge under her eyes from too many sleepless nights, but when the baby reached up to touch the cascade of her hair, her face still reflected radiance.
"I'm fine. I was careful though, in case." He stepped closer to her, reaching down for the small child. "How's my godson?"
"Paa-paa." Harry laughed, reaching eagerly for him. "Pa pa paa." He got a hold of his coat, yanking on the fabric enthusiastically as he babbled.
"That's right, baby boy. Padfoot's here." Sirius lifted him up, spinning him around in a circle. Harry squealed with delight, spreading his fingers wide to feel the rush of air. Sirius spiraled him down into a hug, then joined Lily and James. He pulled Harry's present from his pocket and sat cross-legged in front of the fire, settling Harry between them to play with his new stuffed dog as they talked.
"Has there been any news?" James had lost weight since he'd seen them last, and there was no denying the fatigue in his eyes.
Sirius shook his head, scowling darkly. Harry mirrored the expression, looking up from his toy with pink lips pinched up in an expression that made him look like a disgruntled fish. Sirius snorted, and roughed up his hair until it poked up in every direction, making him look disturbingly like his father. "Nothing helpful. Still focused on you, but we don't know their plans."
James rubbed one hand across his forehead, pulling the skin tight. Lily put a hand on his back, and he leaned into her, closing his eyes and letting his hand fall back.
Sirius averted his eyes and focused on Harry instead. He scrunched up his nose and crossed his eyes. Harry tried to do the same, but couldn't manage the eyes, so they wiggled their noses at each other instead.
"We can't keep this up, mate." Sirius looked up, but the desperation in his friend's eyes made his chest tighten. "Harry needs more than this."
Silence fell over the three of them, broken only by the crackle of the fire and Harry's soft babbling.
"What about Fidelius?" His own voice startled him, but it was a chance. "Fidelius could give you a home, and they couldn't get to you."
Lily and James shared a look, and he could see there was a silent communication in it, not meant for him. He waited, eyes fixed on Harry. It would be their decision.
"It's too much, Sirius." Lily's voice was soft, but firm. "They'd be after you then."
"They're already after me. And it would keep you safe."
"I don't want you dead because of us." James' voice cracked, but neither of them acknowledged it.
"I can take care of myself." He bent suddenly, scooping up Harry, who let out a startled squawk. "You just take care of Harry."
They exchanged another one of those married looks, and Lily dipped her head slightly. "We'll think about it."
Sirius nodded, letting it go. For tonight, it was Christmas and they were together. Safe and warm, though the snow outside still fell steadily.
Flakes swirl around him in a chaotic blur, but it's only a moment before he's passed from carriage to threshold and warmth folds over him like a blanket. He grins at his favorite sister, and she shakes her head at him.
"Augusta." Scooping her up, he gives her a tight hug, swinging her around so her feet leave the ground. She scowls at him, but her face is flushed and a smile peeks out from behind her frown.
"Put me down, you fool." She bats him with her handbag, and he relents, laughing. She doesn't seem to notice the snow he's tracked inside. "The kids've been here half an hour."
He sheds his cloak, leaving it in a heap by the door. "I like the snow. Nothing like a freeze to make the house seem warmer."
Ignoring him, she shakes out the snow out of his coat and hangs it precisely before leading the way.
"Is that Uncle Algie?"
Frank's voice draws him in, the son he never had, and he steps forward. He closes the distance with a few eager steps, setting himself right in the middle of them. Alice is radiant, as beautiful as he's ever seen her, and Frank looks ready to split open with pride. When she offers the bundled child to him, he takes it reverently, pulling the blanket back to see the pudgy cheeks and soft lashes.
"He's beautiful." He cradles the child to him for a moment, inhaling the scent of baby powder and spilt milk. The baby's eyes are wide open, brilliant blue and absorbed, encompassing the whole world. "Our Neville." Neville giggles, childish voice high and sweet, and croons at him excitedly, a long string of nonsense syllables. Algie laughs and coos back, trading sounds in a long dialogue of delight before reluctantly handing the child back to his mother. He loses himself in a moment of perfect happiness as Enid arrives and the conversation flows around and through him. He's surrounded by laughter and warmth, and his eyes drift closed in lazy contentment.
A tapping sound underlies the voices though, and he opens his eyes to see a movement at the window. Ever the auror, Frank's already headed for the window, his wand drawn. Alice pulls the child closer, but keeps talking, her eyes watching Frank even as she keeps the others focused on her.
At a signal, she relaxes, putting Neville down among his toys, as Frank opens the shutter to admit a bedraggled looking owl. Augusta gasps at the sudden intrusion of cold air, but the window is sealed tight again before she can protest.
Neville lets out a tiny wail of distress, sensing the sudden change that's come over the room. Algie lifts him up into his lap, bouncing him up and down on his knee. Neville smiles at him, cherubic innocence, and he smiles back even as he strains to hear the whispered conversation at the window.
He can't make out the words, but Alice's hand clenches once at her side, and Frank's mouth is pulled tight with tension. When he turns to them with apology in his eyes, Algie is prepared.
"I'm sorry, everyone. I have to go." He doesn't say it, but they all know something's happened. He takes the time to get his hat and kiss Augusta on the cheek, but when he takes Alice in his arms for a quick kiss, they all know that this could be the day he doesn't come back. That any day could be the last.
In a moment Frank is gone, and Augusta bustles off to the kitchen under the pretext of stirring something, but not before he's seen her surreptitiously dab at her face with one sleeve. Alice takes Neville back, brushing trembling lips against his soft skin and pretends. He knows one day soon, she'll be called too, and by the look in her eyes she knows it too. This day is all they are guaranteed, and making a decision, he focuses on it. He sees the glow of Christmas lights and feels the warmth of the fire, instead of the howling of the wind at the door.
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Very nice weaving of future canon events with these possible looks at first Christmases.
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Thanks for reading!
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And you made the Malfoys look human. Also, the interaction with Sirius and Harry is brilliant. Wiggling their noses at each other. You do a great job alltogether with Sirius. The "married looks" Harry and Lily exchange, and Sirius reaction to them.
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