Draco Malfoy stood in the Burrow's kitchen with a shocked expression on his face while his best friend, Blaise Zambini, sat dejectedly with his head in his hands groaning in frustration

Summary: After the war a new circle of friends is formed consisting of Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zambini, and Theodore Nott. With prejudices put aside friendships, respect, trust, and love is able to bloom. What happens when Draco and Hermione are destined to be together but someone is incapable of saying those three words while the other gives up and tries to move on? What happens when the perfect relationship between Harry and Ginny falls apart due to lost love and an outsider's help? What happens when a mother and father to be go through the worst pain imaginable? And what happens when death takes a toll unexpectantly. I promise you will find all of this out within this story as the chapters are revealed.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Harry Potter, just my imagination and Terrence.

XXX

I wanna see christmas through your eyes
I want everything to be the way it used to be
Back to being a child again thinking the world was mine
I wanna see christmas, christmas through your eyes

I see the rain, you see the rainbow hiding in the clouds
Never afraid to let your love show
Won't you show me how
Wanna learn how to believe again
Find the innocence in me again
Through your young heart
Help me find a way, help me try.

Christmas Through Your Eyes -Gloria Estefan

XXX

Draco Malfoy stood in the Burrow's kitchen with a shocked expression on his face while his best friend, Blaise Zambini, sat dejectedly with his head in his hands groaning in frustration.

"Forgive me, but I don't think I quite understood you," Draco managed to choke out.

"I love Ginny Weasley," Blaise repeated for the third time growing more and more aggravated as his teal colored eyes fell on his friend's grey ones.

Draco had no idea how he was supposed to react. It had been three years since the second war had ended. With the help of his Slytherin friends and his mother Draco was able to hand over information on his father to the order resulting in Lucius' imprisonment in Azkaban. Draco, a changed man at heart, was then able to focus on restoring his family's name by donating to charities and helping the effort to restore the damages at Hogwarts. When him and the rest of his seventh year class returned to Hogwarts to finish the rest of their education him and his friends were welcomed into a new group of friends. With houses banished and prejudices put aside Draco Malfoy and his pureblooded friends were welcomed in by the golden trio. Although it was awkward at first and at times rather tense everyone was able to see that not everyone was whom they assumed them to be. Since then on out, Christmas and other gatherings at the Burrow were typical for Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zambini, Theodore Nott, and Pansy Parkinson. But if someone would have told him about this 5 years ago he would seriously think that person was on crack. Now, however, he didn't think life could get any better. He had a supportive mother, loving friends, and hopefully the undivided attention of a certain brunette in the adjoining room.

Draco was brought to the present as he caught Blaise's expectant eyes. "Well, we all love Ginny," he said taking a seat next to the pale dreadlocked boy.

"You don't get it man," Blaise said shaking laughing at his own turmoil, "I am in love with Ginny. She is the girl of my dreams."

Draco nodded having known what he meant, "I knew you had a crush on her since what…the fifth year, but I didn't know your feelings went so deep."

"I know!" Blaise said animatedly scooting back his seat and rising to his feet with a grin on his face, "I just- we spend so much time together now- what with us being on the Quidditch team together…and she is so smart, beautiful, strong willed, and feisty. She is perfect, Draco. Ginny Weasley is the best thing that ever happened to me!"

"Shh!!" Draco said rising and placing a silencing charm on his friend to shut him up. "Look man, I am happy that you are in love but you can't go professing this to the world. She is with Harry. Think of what he'd do to you if he found out you had harbored romantic feelings for his girlfriend of 4 years."

Blaise gave a defeated look and sat back down while Draco removed the silencing charm. "I just…I know she feels the same way about me, and there is nothing we can do. It kills me that I know I can't have her, and it only makes me want her more," Blaise said softly.

"She told you this?"

"No, but you can see it in her eyes," he replied placing his head back in his hands, "And the chemistry is amazing."

Harry Potter turned away from his spot in the doorway not able to hear another word of Blaise's professed love for his girlfriend. He had been sent in from the others to collect the boys for presents when he over heard the two former Slytherin boys talking. He had nothing wrong with them and the other Slytherins that were now apart of his circle. He had been able to put aside his differences and accept them for who they were and not for whom their parents had brainwashed them to be. He walked quietly back to the living room distant from the noises that were surrounding him. He and Ginny her were in a four year relationship. They had gotten together right after the war. Harry loved her; he always had in a way and only took so long to be with her because he didn't want her to be in pain in case something happened to him negatively. They were perfect for each other, or at least they had been. With Ginny's new position on the Puddlemore United they hardly saw each other. Harry knew that the red head would never cheat on him, but was it possible that she had fallen out of love with him? And worse did he care? He loved Ginny, but maybe he wasn't indeed in love with her like Blaise claimed to be.

"Where are the boys?"

Harry looked up to see everyone staring up at him questioningly. He figured that his demeanor was not the best it should be. He felt weak to the core, numb in every aspect. Maybe Ginny did love Blaise. He had proposed to her on their third year anniversary, and while she claimed to be happy she declined his offer reasoning that she wasn't going to be home that much, and a family life would not be for awhile until she was able to actually settle down. Harry understood, but now questioned whether she had been truthfully honest.

Ginny was looking up at him worriedly. She was wearing her Quidditch sweats and her hair was up in a pony tail. She smiled at him as he made eye contact with her deep blue eyes. He knew why he had fallen in love with her. She was so down to earth, and although very strong willed she was the kindest hearted person he had ever had the grace of knowing. She turned her head to the side as Lavender Brown asked her a question. Lavender and Ron had been married for almost two years now, and were expecting their first child, Angelica. She was in her seventh month and was always seen glowing and caressing her swollen belly. Ron was sitting next to her, one arm draped around her shoulders and sipping on a glass of fire whiskey. He had grown up over the past years, now at the full height of six feet and five inches. Since his brother, Fred, passed away during the war he had been working with his other brother, George, at the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. He was discussing what only appeared to be Quidditch with the brown haired former Slytherin, Theodore Nott. Nott had been the easiest one to accept into their circle. He had never been one to make fun and threaten others in the halls. Really he was quite like Hermione in a way. He was always working and reading, discussing matters of politics and the latest news from the ministry…though every once in awhile he did indulge in a friendly Quidditch conversation.

"You okay, Harry?"

Harry glanced by the fire place where Hermione was sitting and smiled at the picture. She too had grown up. She was still short as can be standing at only five feet and two inches, but she made up for it in other departments. Instead of frizz everywhere, her hair sprung with soft tight ringlets that she always had pushed back by a head band; today's color, red and green to go along with the festivities. She had curves and was not afraid to show them like she was back in Hogwarts. She was wearing a cream colored lace dress that came down to her mid thigh, black heels, and a strand of pearls around her neck. She was glowing, she always was. She was a Healer in the children's ward at St. Mungos and was always filled with stories about what happened at work that day. Right now she was sipping on her champagne flute and rising from her seat on the ledge. She walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Harry replied his mind returning to the matter at hand with his girl friend, "Er- I need to use the bathroom. Get Draco and Bl-Blaise from the kitchen for me?"

Hermione nodded while she watched her friend hurry off upstairs. She figured there was something going on but decided not to press the issue. Harry always had his own way of handling his problems. And while bottling up them was not the healthiest manner she knew that he would not talk until he was ready. It would be an ongoing struggle to force him to tell her what was going on. Brooding Harry Potter. What was new? She told the others that she'd be right back and walked down through the hall and into the kitchen clearing her throat to acknowledge her presence.

"We are about to do presents," She stated wondering what they had been talking about. They both were hunched over and whispering seriously amongst each other. Blaise looked up at her first smiling at what he saw.

"Hermione you get prettier every day," He said charmingly getting up from his seat.

"Thank you, Blaise, but you already used that line when you first arrived," Hermione said smiling back at him.

"Ah…well I can't quit now," he said walking over and placing a chaste and friendly kiss on her cheek. "Has Pansy arrived yet?"

"No, she flooed saying that she should be over shortly however. Her excuse was that Fashion never sleeps…nor does it go on holidays," She replied watching him leave.

She was quite charmed by Blaise Zambini. It was quite safe to say that he was the play boy of the group. He always was with another girl every time she saw him, and was quite surprised that he had come to the Burrow stag for the holidays. He was not bad looking either. He was a pale boy, with dreadlocks that rested at his mid back. He was always wearing the latest fashion thanks to Pansy. He had refused to give up his dreads even though Pansy had told him that they looked trashy. So instead she told him that she would work with what he had and always came home with the latest trends from Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, and Gucci (the wizarding trends of course).

"You do look quite ravishing this evening, Hermione," Draco said causing her to blush slightly and look over at the blonde. Draco Malfoy was definitely a sight for sore eyes. He was a complete foot taller than her and had a very toned body. He didn't work, but instead spent his time working with charities and fund raisers. Why work when you have enough money to last you ten life times? He was an extremely different person than he was when they were all back in Hogwarts, before the second war took place, but she couldn't hold that against him. She could reason that he could have easily thought for himself instead of for his father and the other death eaters, but that was a death sentence waiting to happen. Harry, Ron, and she had been able to see that…Ron obviously holding more of a grudge, but it was quite refreshing to see his true personality as well as their other newly acquainted friends.

"And I am sure you'd love nothing more than to ravish me, right?" She replied as he walked closer to her and backed her against the wall.

"You know me too well, Mione," Draco purred with his ever famous smirk that always made Hermione's heart race when it was directed at her. He leaned his head lower as he slowly closed his eyes and Hermione placed a hand on his chest and pushed him back.

"And you obviously don't know me well enough to know that I am already spoken for," Hermione said regretfully.

"Oh come on, that muggle?" Draco said annoyingly. It was obvious that the Hermione and he still had feelings for one another. It had started at Lavender and Ron's wedding. Alcohol consumption was involved, but if Hermione was being truthful to herself she knew that that had nothing to do with what activities they had participated in together. And after that night everything was so clear for them. They spent all their time together and it was as if a new chapter in their lives was being written. It ended eventually, like all good things do but that didn't mean that their feelings for each other died out. They were never really official, just shacking together. They never talked about their feelings. They were never officially together. They kept this going for awhile until Hermione couldn't wait any longer for him to grow up and decided she had to move on. It was hard, and even though she was dating someone else that didn't mean she cared for Draco any less. In fact, she loved him with all her heart.

"I thought you were passed all those prejudices?" She asked with a quirked eyebrow and her arms folded arcos her chest.

Draco sighed, "I am. I am. You know I am." He had no idea why he didn't take her while she was his to take. He was frightened really, that she would see him in a different light. That she'd see him and think that he was not who she thought he was. He was scared that their past would get in the way of an actual committed relationship. It was his fault that she had given up on him and moved on. He knew this. But at the same time he couldn't not get angry and jealous every time she was seen with what's his face…Marcus? "I just don't think you are truly happy with Marcus," he said leaning closer to her again.

"It's Terrence, and I am quite happy thank-you-very-much," Hermione replied already fed up with Draco's accusations. "He is the perfect gentleman."

Draco laughed sarcastically. "The perfect gentleman? You mean when he ruined your birthday party and claimed he was merely working late hours?"

"He did not ruin my birthday, and he was indeed working late hours!" she huffed fed up with Draco at the moment. She recalled her twenty-first birthday where he promised that he'd make it out of the office early and instead didn't show up at all. She had her speculations. And sure she thought he was cheating on her, but how could she admit this to others? How could she admit that Draco was right? She had spent the entire night crying, ignoring everyone at the party.

He flushed his body onto her petite one and whispered in her ear, "Fine... but I bet he doesn't get your blood going like I do, huh?"

Hermione bit her lip and as much as it felt amazing to have him so close, she pushed him away and glared at him, "You disgust me."

"Fine. I see you are still in denial," Draco said rolling his eyes.

"And I see that you are still jealous," Hermione replied side stepping his embrace; "You had your chance and failed miserably at it. Now if you could just leave me be." And with that she walked back into the living room where everyone was greeting Pansy Parkinson's arrival.

Draco sighed as he leaned up against the wall watching Hermione leave the kitchen. He found it rather revolting to see her with someone rather than himself. He had no idea what love was, but he knew what he felt for Hermione was real and unwavering. If he knew what love was then maybe…just maybe he'd be able to figure out if that was really what he was feeling. And the worst about all of this was that he knew that Hermione was not over him to say the least. He could tell by the way she looked at him that she still had feelings just like Blaise could tell that Ginny liked him. He knew that she was bored with Marcus or whatever he called himself. He was dull and simple while Hermione deserved fun and adventurous... and all the qualities that Draco had to offer. He felt foolish for letting her slip out of his fingers. She had been waiting and he couldn't get the courage up to make things official because Draco didn't do official. Hermione wanted a family. She wanted a relationship that would last and progress. She wanted to be committed to one person for the rest of her life. Draco was completely and utterly scared of committed relationships...he was scared of relationships in general. But he wanted Hermione, and now it seemed as if he was a bit too late to continue wanting her.

"Malfoy!! Get in here and wish me a happy Christmas."

Draco groaned as he pushed himself off of the wall hearing Pansy's demands. Pansy Parkinson changed the least out of all the former Slytherins. Her prejudices were pushed aside but not her bitchiness and she was still the same gorgeous woman that she had been in Hogwarts. Draco rounded the corner and placed a smile as he took in her five feet eight inches. Her sleek black hair hung to the small of her back and her eyes shone brightly even though they were as dark as night. She was wearing a black pencil shirt with a billowing white blouse and black pumps. Pansy was always dressed professionally and it suited her well. He hugged his childhood friend tightly and caught Hermione's eye as she peered over her champagne flute. Although Pansy was breathtakingly gorgeous she was no Hermione Granger. Hermione was the epitome of perfection.

All head turned in the direction of the fireplace as the bell ran signaling someone coming through the floo network. After a few seconds of silence a figure was thrown into the Burrow covered in soot, landing with a thud as he made contact with the ground.

"Terence!" Hermione yelped as she fell to her nears by her boyfriend's side. Draco rolled his eyes and sneered down at the boys while the others looked around disinterested. Everyone knew that Hermione and Draco belonged together even though they did find in rather unfair that Draco was keeping her on the side lines all this time. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah," the sandy haired man said groaning a bit has he rubbed his bum. He shook his head and sighed, "I'll get used to it one of these days."

"Fat chance. Your a muggle...you aren't even supposed to be traveling like that," Draco muttered while Hermione shot him and annoyed glare. Huffing, Draco turned and went to fill his glass with fire whiskey.

As Hermione was helping Terrence to his feet Mrs. Weasley came down the steps hurriedly with worry on her face. "What was that? Is everything alright?" She looked about the room and smiled when she saw that everyone was present and safe. She frowned though noting that Harry was missing. "Where's Har-?"

"I'm right here, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said as he walked back into the room, a look on his face stating as though he just sold his soul to the devil.

"Oh good. Well you guys have fun, and nobody is leaving this house. It is not safe to apparate under the influence and we have plenty of rooms to spare. I will see you all in the AM," and with that Mrs. Weasley left the group and retired back up the stairs to her bedroom.

"Can we open presents already?!" Blaise whined earning a giggle from Ginny and a deathly glare from Harry.

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Spin that bottle
Play my game
Come on over here
'Cos I called your name

Shivers are runnin' right down my spin
You give me pleasure
There's no words to define
There's no need for confusion
Here's my solution
Let's do what we like
I've got the patience
Honey, if you've got the time

Spin The Bottle-Rachel Stevens

XXX

Presents took well over an hour as they were handed out, unwrapped, appreciated, tested, and thanked for. It was nearly one in the morning when the group all sat back content, and in a drunken bliss.

"Let's play a game of spin the bottle!" Pansy suggested.

There was a mixed reaction amongst the crowd.

"What about those that are involved?" Hermione asked placing her empty flute on the floor next to her.

"Oh come on, Mione. I think all of us are mature enough for this type of thing," Draco challeneged as he leaned closer to her.

"Yeah, babe. There is nothing wrong with it. i know you will always love me no matter whose lock you lip with tonight...I mean..." Terrence stopped giggling as his words were twisted in his mouth.

"I think it is a fun idea," Lavender chirped in, "You have fun Ronnikins, but I think I am going to go to bed. Angelica and I are growing rapidly tired."

Ron kissed his wife good night and turned back to his friends, "I'm in."

"So we all agree that we can be mature about this?" Ginny asked animatedly excited for the game about to be played. She glanced over at Blaise before she turned to her boyfriend. Harry saw her fleeting glance at Blaise but ignored it. Ignorance was bliss after all.

The nine friends nodded their head and formed a circle amongst themselves, Pansy giddily transfiguring a Quidditch magazine into a glass bottle. "Who goes first?"

"ME!" Ginny took the bottle and spun it, Blaise and Harry both watching it intently hoping it landed on them. It didn't however. It landed on Theodore Nott who smiled charmingly and leaned over to kiss the red head leaving both raven haired boys looking rejected. Theodore took the bottle and spun it...around and around and around. Pansy smirked when it landed on her and kissed him lightly before taking her own turn. It landed on Hermione. Both girls' smiles vanished and looked at each other. They sat there for a few seconds...

"Oh come on already and kiss!" Blaise belted nodding Hermione who was sitting next to him.

Hermione and Pansy leaned in and locked lips for a few seconds resulting in cheers from the crowd.

"Good god that was hot, Hermione," Terrence whispered though was loud enough for the others to hear.

While Hermione blushed Draco rolled his eyes. "Typical," He mumbled but loud enough for everyone to hear, "Mione it is your turn. Spin or I will spin for you."

Hermione frowned at him and spun the bottle rather roughly. Everyone's eyes locked on the bottle waiting for it to stop, Draco more intently than everyone else. He looked shocked when it landed on him. Hermione cleared her throat but did not advance ignoring the pushes coming from her boyfriend. Oh if only he knew. Draco looked at her hesitantly. He would totally understand if she didn't want to kiss him. Everyone around them were smiling with knowing glances. Finally, after what felt like hours Hermione's and Draco's lips met and while it only lasted shortly time seemed to stand still for the both of them. As soon as the fluttering in Hermione's stomach started going out of control she pulled away and sat back down confusion written on her face. Draco's held more reserve as he spun the bottle without a word.

It landed on Hermione.

Terrence laughed, "Get it over with."

Nobody else said a word as they hoped that this would be the turning point in their nonexistent relationship.

The pair's lips met once again this time lingering at the taste of each other's mouths. It took an awkward cough from Blaise to break them apart. He caught Hermione's eye and glanced over at Terrance. The boy had fallen asleep and was now leaning on the side of the couch. Hermione knew that she should probably take him up to bed, but she couldn't bring herself to it. She knew she still had feelings for Draco but she had thought them to merely be regret fr the past...waiting so long. She wasn't sure but she felt as if she were 19 again...the age where she got to know the true Malfoy, the Malfoy that had stolen her heart. Was it possible that after everything that happened- or rather didn't happen...he still had it? Yes, she knew he still did.

"Your spin, Hermione...unless you need to take him upstairs," Ginny said softly while the others were watching her expression quite carefully.

Making up her mind she turned back to the circle and spun the bottle once again, a gasp was heard when the bottle's nozzle stopped pointing directly at the shocked Draco Malfoy once again.

"You need to use tongue this time!" Ginny squealed. Ron, Harry, Blaise, Pansy, Theo, and Ginny watched as the two met half way in the circle and kissed for the third time that night...more passion evident as they hungrily sought out each other's tongues. No one made a move to stop them. While Terrence was a nice guy and rather cool for a muggle they knew that he never had Hermione's heart, nor did he deserve it. And by not waking him up and not stopping their kiss it was their way to play matchmaker and prove that everyone saw they were made for each other.

The kiss however did stop when Hermione's name was muttered by her unconscious sandy haired boyfriend.

I hope you all enjoyed it. Leave me reviews and suggestions. I pretty much know what's going to happen but I'd love to hear everyone's insight. And I am going to try to do a poll question after each chapter.

Who thinks Harry should confront Blaise about his feelings toward Ginny?

Love, Chelsea.