Chapter Text
Harry opened his eyes and carefully moved to free himself from Uma's tight grip. Usually, he would enjoy those wintry moments where she slept a few hours longer than he did. So, Harry could admire her, clinging to his body with no intention of letting go. And he was wanting it to be that way always. But this time he had a mission.
The night before had been Christmas Eve and they had celebrated at the castle. The entire crew had been there, feasting as if it were the last day that they could be alive. Uma had joined them, enjoying the celebration, letting herself go among the stories that each of the crew members had, and celebrating with them. Harry had been there, overseeing everything, playing the piano, and accepting whatever challenge he encountered. Seven, little captain, as the crew called him, had stayed with Harry the entire time, avoiding the crowds, and playing the piano with him. Uma had joined them on several occasions, but both Seven and Harry enjoyed seeing their goddess shining among all, being admired, and adored by every person who looked at her. Gil and Seven had played together at dinner because Seven hadn't had an appetite. Possibly because he had eaten his weight in gingerbread cookies. Audrey had visited them for a moment, commenting that Ben and his friends' celebration on the other side of the castle was too fancy for her and that she preferred the party that Uma and her crew were having. Which had made Gil lift her into the air and sit her on his arm, encouraging her to sing for everyone. Seven and Harry had played the piano for Audrey and she had shared with everyone one of the Christmas carols the fairies had taught her, about winter and hope. But the princess had to leave for a reunion with her family. And within minutes Ben slipped away from his own party to join them. Seven held him with them longer than necessary, making Ben entertain the entire crew with his roars and growls. Harry didn't even know that Ben could purr, but Seven managed to get him to admit it. To everyone's misfortune, a servant had to take the king away to host his own feast once again.
Around midnight they exchanged gifts. Uma read the dedications and Gil, along with Seven, gave the gifts. Harry was surprised to see that each member of the crew got a handmade gift from Seven and many of them wept with happiness. Some assuring that the future of the crew was in good hands. Seven wore his red jacket with seven hooks sewn into the back and his turquoise skirt with which he was amused by the way the leather straps rose when he moved. Gil got him a little captain's hat and Harry would never admit it, but he lost his voice when he saw the image of his son proudly carrying a piece of Uma and himself. Seven's narrow eyes relax when he laughed in delight at seeing his reflection in the mirror.
And in the end, Uma asked each of those present if she could use her siren song, they all quickly accepted it because it was one of their favorite things that they could enjoy since they lived in Auradon. Uma to her full potential. So she sang for them. Seven was able to see firsthand how her mother gently enchanted everyone, prey to her beautiful voice. Seven ran to her and hugged her tightly, drawn by her calm and serene spell. When Uma finished, a collective sigh escaped from each of them. And Seven let go of her, marveling at everything. Harry understood the feeling all too well.
That had been a memorable night. All celebration going down in a calm spell that easily made everyone go to rest. Seven remembered saying goodbye to everyone before going to his room.
And now, at Christmas, Harry sat on his bed and smiled when he looked out the window.
“Captain?”
Uma buried her face in the pillow.
“... if nothing is on fire, collapsing or sinking, I'm not interested.” She grunted, turning her back to him.
“It’s-”
“It's snowing!” Seven entered the room waving his hands quickly “It's snowing!”
That did make Uma get up. Just in time to avoid the kid who ran onto the bed and smashed his face against the glass behind the headboard.
A layer of snow covered absolutely everything. And little flakes kept falling. Harry looked at Uma with a confidential smile. And she rolled her eyes.
“Do you want to go out?” Uma asked “But you must-”
“Yes!” Seven held his hands together and ran to get off the mattress.
“You must put on warm clothes!” Uma repeated “Very warm!”
Two heads popped out of the door. Harry wasn't surprised to see Audrey and Gil there, so excited about Seven.
“We will take care of it.” The princess offered.
“Let him choose his clothes and he has to take care of leaving everything in order,” Uma warned.
“Boring.” Audrey rolled her eyes and with a regal pace, she led Gil behind Seven.
Harry heard his cell phone vibrate on the nightstand. He wasn’t surprised to read Ben's message.
“The king says that, and I quote, ‘It's snowing!’. And that he awaits us downstairs.” Harry bit back a yawn “Evie is with him.”
“I am surrounded by children,” Uma whispered, collapsing onto the bed for a second.
Harry smiled and leaned over her, raising his eyebrows.
“Not all.” He leaned more in her direction.
Uma cupped his chin, and her smile became much more dangerous. He shuddered, exactly like the first time he looked at her and was hopelessly drawn to her.
“Uma...”
She turned and sat on his hips.
“No, not all.” Uma leaned over him “Merry Christmas Harry Hook.” She gave him a short kiss before pulling away “Get up, let's show our kid how to win a snowball fight.”
Harry sighed, smiling.
“As you wish, Captain.”
A crew was a family. That he had learned from early childhood. But what Uma, Seven, Gil, and he had was much more perfect.