A Room With a View

Boxing Day

"Hermione! Severus! Happy Christmas!" Mohinder flung open the door to the Headmistress' quarters and beckoned them inside with a broad grin. "Min is opening a bottle of wine."

"Happy Christmas, Mohinder," Hermione replied with a smile and a kiss on his cheek. "Did you have a good morning?"

"We did! My first Christmas with Minerva. My first Christmas full stop, actually." He shot a fond glance over his shoulder at his wife as she levitated a tray and glasses onto the coffee table. "Can you stay for dinner?"

"Oh, thank you, but we can't," Severus replied. "We'll be visiting Hermione's parents this afternoon and will be staying through Boxing Day. After that, we're traveling to my estate until after the New Year. Though you should try some of these mince pies. They're Molly Weasley's, and they're very good." He set the plate on the table to share his bounty with his longtime friend and her new husband.

Minerva smiled as she poured wine for the younger couple and herself. "I'm glad that you're getting away for a bit, Severus. You've barely left the castle this semester, except to attend galas and events for the Ministry or the Malfoys. You both need a break." She paused to take an appreciative sip from her glass. "Though I'll admit, I'm terribly curious about your house, Severus. I've only ever seen Spinner's End."

"There's not much to report about the house at the moment, Min. It's mostly dust and Holland cloths. I do hope to open it up this summer, though. Perhaps you and Mohinder will pay me - us -" he corrected, glancing at Hermione, "a visit then."

"We'd be delighted," Mohinder said, sipping his sparkling water and placing his hand on his wife's knee.

Severus didn't miss the questioning look that Hermione sent him as she sipped her own drink. This was certainly the first time he'd mentioned spending time at Prince House over the summer hols. He hoped that Hermione didn't think him too high handed. he had plans for them and, if his luck held, they would be spending the summer together as an engaged pair and planning for their future together.

His ruminations were interrupted by the floo flaring to life and Arthur Weasley's voice coming through. "Minerva, are you there?" he shouted over the din - good God, was that Molly screeching in the background? - as his head and shoulders appeared in the fire.

Minerva scurried over to the hearth with a speed that belied her age. "Yes, Arthur. What is it? What is that racket?"

"Sorry. We're having a bit of a ruckus here today. Bad news from-" a crash and shouting sounded in the background "-from Ronald. He and Percy have gotten into it and Molly has just waded in. Is it true? About Percy and Severus?"

Severus rose and moved toward the floo to kneel next to Minerva. "You'll need to be more specific than that, if you please Arthur."

"Oh, Severus. I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were there." The older wizard glanced over his shoulder as more voices joined the fray and another crash echoed through the room. "Severus, did Percy attack you?"

He glanced at Minerva before nodding his head. "He did."

"Blimey. Right then. As deputy head of the Order, I'd like to request a meeting, Minerva."

The Headmistress sighed. "I'm not sure this is really Order business, Arthur."

"I'm going to contradict you there, Min. This is one member attacking another." He glanced at Severus. "I realize you've sorted this on your own, but I think the rest of the Order should really have a voice as well."

Minerva sighed again. "Very well, Arthur. Severus, can you and Hermione delay your trip for a day? I'm sorry to ask, but-"

"It's fine, Minerva," Hermione said from behind the kneeling duo. She tilted her head in acknowledgement of her almost father-in-law in greeting. "Hi, Arthur. Sorry about all that," she said, gesturing toward the floo as more shouts came through.