With 'Let it Snow' floating out of the radio, the Christmas lights on, and wrapping paper littering the floor it felt like Christmas. The room looked warm and cosy and welcoming, so to see the mousy haired woman in the easy chair looking as if she might burst into tears was a shock.
"Dromeda?" A blonde man walked into the lounge, his face softening as he saw his wife's expression. "Come on, stand up."
She allowed him to pull her up into his embrace, and she leant her head on his shoulder. He held her closely for several minutes, before starting to sway as another song began. "Stars shining bright above you, night breezes seem to whisper I love you." He wasn't a good singer, but he knew it would bring a smile to his wife's face. It did. A small, barely there specimen, but a smile nonetheless.
"It's the Winter Ball tonight," she murmured, as she let him turn her as they swayed. "I shouldn't miss it, but I do."
"It was part of your life for seventeen years," he reminded her. "You're allowed to miss it. I mean, you did give up riches and status to marry a humble apprentice healer." He kissed the top of her head, before spinning her.
She laughed as he pulled her back to him. "What can I say? I must have gone crazy."
"I like to think it was my rugged charm and devil may care smile," he said, a beam gracing his face.
"You're not a pirate." She burst into peals of laughter at his wounded expression. She ruffled his hair affectionately. "I was thinking maybe a knight?"
"Ah, my lady." He kissed her. "I think we should have our own winter ball. We'll invite Anna and Tom and Jenny and Sirius. Oh, and Luke." He paused, and his eyes lit up. "We could have a chocolate fountain!"
Andromeda giggled, then kissed him. "That's why I gave up riches and status," she told him. "Because no pureblood ever got excited about a chocolate fountain."