Work Text:
A Quiet Christmas Morning
by FaeOrabel
Hermione sat under their covered porch, rocking slowly in her favourite chair as she nursed her morning tea. The steam rose in soft tendrils above her mug as she blew on it. Wrapping the blanket tighter around her, she clenched her fist that was holding the ends.
Humming a familiar tune, the screen door pushed open behind her, slamming back in its place once the body was through it.
“Good morning, love,” Sam Uley said, leaning over her from behind to wrap his arms around her shoulders. “It’s a little cold out here, isn’t it?”
“I’m plenty warm, actually,” Hermione responded, smirking into her mug.
“Ah yes, the perks of a warming charm, yes?”
“Precisely,” she chuckled. “Not all of us can be wolves that run super hot, you know?”
“Did she just call us hot?” Another voice asked from behind the door before pushing it open as well and stepping out.
“I believe she did,” Sam said to Paul.
“Well, she’s right as always,” Paul whispered before leaning down to kiss her cheek and then resting his hips against the frame of the screened-in porch.
Hermione giggled, “And don’t you forget it.”
“Merry Christmas, my love,” Sam said and kissed the top of her head.
“Happy Christmas, you two.” She smiled up at Paul and then strained her neck to turn and face Sam, who took the opportunity to steal a little kiss from her. “I can’t believe it’s been over a year.”
The boys exchanged a look, nodding to one another.
“What?” Hermione asked. “What was that?”
“We wanted to know, love,” Sam started, but his words got caught in his throat.
“Are you still only here temporarily? We know your assignment was only for five years, and you’re technically almost on year three.” Paul helped him finish his thought.
Hermione hummed to herself softly, wondering how to answer that.
“We should do presents,” she decided finally.
“What? But Hermione—” Paul reached out to her as she stood and threw the blanket off of her.
“We—” Sam caught the door for her because she was moving with determination, but they followed closely behind.
Striding over to the Christmas tree in her quaint—but perfect—little home, Hermione set her mug on a coaster on the coffee table and grabbed the envelope she had put together weeks ago.
When she turned around with a quick spin, the boys stopped short, almost running into each other. She thrust the envelope into Sam’s hands since he was the closest to her.
“It’s for the both of you. I hope it’s not too… presumptuous of me,” Hermione said shyly.
They furrowed their brows at her but said nothing as Sam ripped the envelope open. She could see both of their pairs of eyes flitting across the pages as Sam turned them over and over. Paul caught on quicker, his shock not rooting him to the spot like Sam’s.
He pushed around the hulking Alpha and picked Hermione up, twirling her around and laughing. Hermione’s laughter joined his as he set her back down and pushed her up against the wall, lips landing roughly on hers. His hands trailed up and down her sides as he kissed her over and over again, his lips travelling all around her face.
Sam finally came to, deciding he wanted a turn. Paul moved aside graciously as Sam reached down and picked Hermione up. Wrapping her legs tightly around his waist, he pushed her back into the wall, devouring her for a hot moment. Hermione’s hands gripped the back of his neck as she held on and held him close to her.
“You’re staying permanently?” Sam whispered against her lips.
“Yes,” Hermione breathed. “If that’s alright with you two. I have some very… large reasons for wanting to remain in Forks. Plus, I’m a witch. I can always Floo to the Ministry when they need a report or a day in the office.”
“It’s absolutely fine with us. You bought this house?” Paul asked, looking around.
Granted, it probably felt smaller to her boys, but it was perfect for her. They already had so many memories here, including both of the times the boys imprinted on her—even if Paul’s was a much messier experience than Sam’s. Who knew punching someone in the face could cause a soul bond?
“I love this home,” Hermione defended.
“It’ll do for now,” Sam responded non-commitally.
“Now, time for our present,” Paul prompted.
They stepped back, Sam gently putting Hermione back on her feet. As one, they both got down on a knee, and Sam pulled out a ring that each of them held once it was opened.
“Would you—” Paul started.
“Hermione Granger—” Sam continued.
“Marry us?” They finished together.
Hermione clapped a hand over her gasp. She stared at them for a long moment, eyes darting between each of them and the ring.
Finally, she nodded her head vigorously, Sam and Paul taking a deep breath in.
The rest of the day was spent showering together—and celebrating their engagement—eating breakfast together—and then celebrating their engagement and sudden need to buy new china—and cuddling on the couch together—and celebrating their engagement.
It was the best Christmas yet.