𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

032

THIRTY TWO

The Great Hall of Hogwarts had never looked more magnificent. Snow drifted lazily from the enchanted ceiling, twinkling in the warm candlelight of the floating chandeliers. Wreaths of holly and ivy hung on the walls, and towering Christmas trees, each adorned with sparkling ornaments and fairy lights, lined the hall. A crackling fire blazed in the hearth, filling the space with warmth and a sense of comfort.

For Victoria, this was her first Christmas away from Buckingham Palace. There were no elaborate banquets, no formal gatherings, and no intrusive paparazzi. It was simple, cozy, and filled with the people who truly mattered to her. And it was perfect.

The Gryffindor common room was bustling with holiday cheer. Fred and George were tossing enchanted snowballs at each other, much to the amusement of Victoria. Harry and Hermione were seated near the fire, wrapped in warm blankets and quietly chatting, while Ron was eyeing the pile of presents beneath the Christmas tree with barely contained excitement.

Victoria sat cross-legged on the rug in front of the fire, wearing a soft, festive red jumper with tiny golden snowflakes embroidered on it. Her long hair was braided loosely over her shoulder, and her face was lit with a serene smile. For the first time in months, she felt truly at peace.

"Alright, everyone!" Fred called out, clapping his hands together. "It's officially Christmas morning. Time to tear into these presents like hungry Hippogriffs!"

Ron wasted no time diving under the tree, pulling out packages and reading the labels. "Harry, this one's for you—from Mum. And Hermione, here's yours."

One by one, the gifts were handed out. Victoria's pile of presents grew steadily, and her heart swelled with gratitude as she unwrapped each thoughtful gift. 

From Hermione, she received a beautifully bound journal with her initials engraved in gold on the cover. "For all your thoughts and dreams," Hermione said with a shy smile.

"It's perfect," Victoria replied warmly, pulling Hermione into a tight hug. "Thank you."

"This is for when you miss Hogwarts' firey spirit in all those boring meetings." Harry spoke as he gifted her a small crystal figurine of a phoenix, enchanted to shimmer in the light and emit a soft, melodic hum.

"It's beautiful, Harry," she said, placing it carefully on the table beside her. "Thank you."

Ron's gift was a box of Honeydukes' finest chocolates for when she had to eat "caviar and macaroons with the queen" as Ron explained it.

Victoria laughed. "I'll cherish every single one, Ron. You know how much I love chocolate."

Fred and George, of course, gave her something entirely unexpected: a Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes prank kit, complete with enchanted fireworks, trick wands, and a pair of Extendable Ears. 

"To prank your dad with, of course," Fred said with a wink. "You'll need a bit of fun."

Victoria chuckled. "This is brilliant. I can't wait to use it."

She also got a beautiful bracelet from her Mother, one that Diana had been given by her mother when she was young and a large golden jumper with a maroon 'V' in the middle from Molly.

As the others continued exchanging gifts, George caught Victoria's eye and gave her a subtle nod. "Hey, Victoria," he said softly, "could I have a word? Just for a moment."

Curious, she rose to her feet and followed him out of the bustling common room and into the quiet hallway just outside. The flickering torchlight cast a warm glow over the stone walls, and for a moment, it was just the two of them.

George reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, neatly wrapped box. "I wanted to give you this... privately," he said, his voice uncharacteristically quiet. "It's not much, but—"

"George," she interrupted softly, her heart already swelling with anticipation. "You didn't have to..."

"I wanted to," he insisted, holding out the gift. "Go on. Open it."

With trembling hands, Victoria unwrapped the box, revealing a delicate silver locket. The front was intricately engraved with a floral design, and when she opened it, she found a tiny, moving photograph of her with George, Fred, and the rest of their friends from last Christmas at the Burrow. The locket was simple yet breathtakingly beautiful.

"Oh, George..." Her voice caught in her throat as she looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

George scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "I just thought... you might like to have something to remind you of us when you're, you know... being all royal and stuff."

Victoria didn't hesitate. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "I'll never take it off," she whispered. "Thank you, George. This means so much to me."

When she pulled back, she leaned up and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. George froze for a moment, his heart racing, before breaking into a wide, slightly goofy grin.

"Glad you like it," he murmured, his eyes shining with pride.

Inside the common room, Fred peeked around the corner and whispered loudly, "Oi, George! You alright out there, or did she hex you?"

George rolled his eyes, taking Victoria's hand and leading her back inside. "Relax, Fred. I'm alive."

They walked in and sat down. Harry started to chat to George. Meanwhile, Fred, ever the instigator, leaned over to Victoria and grinned. "So, Victoria... how's George's cheek? Warm, is it?"

Victoria laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Warmer than yours, Fred."

The room stilled in happiness, and for the rest of the morning, the Gryffindor common room was filled with joy, friendship, and the warmth of a Christmas they would all remember for years to come.