For the Ultimate Patronus Quest (Polar bear: Write about the first snow of the season) and the Character Boost Challenge (John Dawlish)

"Well, would you look at that," John says, lifting his hand.

Amelia watches as the white flurries swirl in the wind. She's always hated snow. It's so needless and inconvenient.

But John's lips curl into a smile, and his eyes glow with a childlike wonder. "First snow of the year," says, wrapping an arm around her. "First snow with you."

Amelia can't help but to return his smile, in spite of her dislike for the snow. John's happiness is so infectious. "Yes, and many more snowy days to come," she grumbles. "

"You're no fun, Milly," he says with a mock pout. "Haven't you ever built a snowman or had a snowball fight?"

"Of course. When I was a child."

He rolls his eyes and pokes out his tongue, catching a flake in his mouth. Amelia covers her mouth to muffle a giggle. "You're never too old for snow, Milly," he says.

"I'm too old for everything without my coffee," she says, sliding her hand into his. "You know I'm grumpy without it."

"Coffee," John agrees. "Then a snowball fight."

Amelia laughs, kissing his cheek. "You're impossible."

…

By the time they leave the cafe, a thin layer of snow has covered the ground. John's excitement only seems to grow.

"You're a grown man and an Auror," she reminds him, but John shrugs her off.

He stops, scooping up a handful of snow. "And you're my girlfriend," he counters. "Which means you put up with me."

She realizes what he's doing moments too late. "John, don't you dare!" she squeals, but it's too late. He dumps the snow unceremoniously over her head with a smirk.

Amelia gasps at the sudden cold, her teeth chattering. "Oh, you want to play?" she says, scooping up her own snow and slinging it at him.

John laughs, shaking it off. "Merlin's beard, Milly! I knew you had a little spark in you somewhere!" he teases before sending another clump of snow bursting against her chest.

Amelia laughs, and it feels strange. She's a grown woman, a respected Ministry official. And yet here she is, in the middle of a Muggle street, attacking her boyfriend with what little snow has fallen.

"Truce, truce," he calls before she can retaliate.

"Giving up already, John?" she teases. "I've never known you to back down from a challenge."

"There isn't enough snow yet. Let it build. Then I will destroy you at a snowball war."

"Destroy me?" Amelia echoes with a grin. "I doubt you could, my love."

"Wanna bet?"

Amelia raises her brows. "Loser of the snowball fight has to cook dinner tonight," she says.

"And wash the dishes. The Muggle way," John agrees. "And by the way, I like my steaks cooked to medium."

"It's a good thing you know your preferences since you'll be the one cooking tonight."

John presses a kiss to her lips, laughing. "I like this side of you, Milly. You're not all grouchy."

"Watch it. I will go grouchy again," she warns.

…

Amelia watches with a satisfied grin as John prepares dinner. She can still feel the cold in her bones, but somehow she doesn't mind.

"Why didn't you tell me you were a skilled snowball fighter?" he demands, pulling the bread out of the oven.

"You only asked if I've ever been in a snowball fight," she says. "If you'd asked for details, I would have told you that the Bones family holds the title of Ultimate Snowball Warriors."

"Remind me to never challenge you again," he grumbles.

"But it's snowing, and we have another day off together," she laughs. "How else will we pass the time?"

John brings the bread to the table. He pauses, kissing Amelia gently. "Oh, I'm sure we'll find a way to keep busy."