Disclaimer: I do not own Draco, Luna, Harry, Ron or any of the original characters or ideas in this amazing series. They are the property of J.K. Rowling and her subsidiaries, and are used here without permission.

This story is for entertainment purposes only, and will not be used for profit or financial gain in any way. I make no money from this, and would never want to.

I pray that in my usage of this incredible work for my own purposes, that I will always do Rowling and all the others who have put their time, talent and dedication into its well-deserved success, true honour and respect. Amen

Summary/Warning: This Chapter is quite short. Sorry about that, but it will be followed by a longer one soon. Also, you will note that Gabrielle and Fleur are the only females in their family (except their mother). This was taken directly from notes on the Cannon world. Gabrielle is Fleur's only sister, possibly why she is so important to her. Also, despite what was shown in the movies, Beaux Batons is not an all-girl's school and Durmstrang is not an all-boy's school. According to the books, both academies are co-educational institutions.

Chapter Seven: Holiday Happenings

They returned on the back of a Thestral, which Luna summoned with a spell: "Appero Incarnium Patrona." and Draco was rather unnerved when he could see the mournful creature. His realization was accompanied by a gentle squeeze of his hand, and a soft empathetic glance from Luna; and he remembered a piece in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; that Thestrals could only be seen by those who had seen death. Sadly, he realized that probably every student in Hogwarts, except maybe First Years, could probably see the Thestrals now.

They landed victoriously amidst a large crowd of friends and relatives swarming around them cheering and talking. Xenophilius Lovegood was there, with a few long scrutinizing glances in Draco's direction; as well as Draco's mother, who had evidently been told of his unplanned trip into the Ethereum, and was there to hug him and thank Luna and God and all the powers that be, that Draco was safe. Harry and Ron were on guard duty, but the identical wide grins that split their faces, told Draco that he was in for some serious teasing when they got back to headquarters. This might have been worrisome, but now, he really didn't care; in fact he was almost looking forward to it. He kept his arm around Luna's waist under the excuse that her journey through the Ethereum had been "somewhat tiring," and she let him, under the same.

Luna was the second one to return with her "objective." Gabrielle, whose "most precious thing" was her best friend Etoile DeLils, had returned first. Leonovich, whose "most precious things," were actually his nine-year old siblings; the twins Pavlova and Petoravich, returned last. However, the fact that he had two people to retrieve, granted him a bonus, so he tied with Luna for second place. His devotion to his two innocent relatives, softened many people's opinions towards him, and among the friends and family that swarmed around him, there were now a fair crowd of star-struck girls hoping to be his date for the Yule Ball.

Fleur, her parents and her brothers, were there to support Gabrielle. Mr. Delacoeur was a thin dapper gentleman, with a mustache and a perpetually surprised, and pleased expression on his kind, homely face. Mrs. Delacoeur was absolutely stunning, her ash-blonde hair piled elegantly on her head, a perfect figure, and a face that looked almost as young, as her oldest daughter's.

The Veela genes held true with the rest of the family too. All three boys were handsome. One appeared about two years older than Fleur, with his father's dark hair softened to a rich auburn. The second one was right between Fleur and Gabrielle in age; with pale skin, light freckles and short hair in a bright strawberry blonde. The third boy looked about thirteen, as blonde as his two sisters, and wearing the uniform of a Beaux Batons male student: pale gray and blue hounds-tooth patterned sweater vest and pale-gray tweed dress-slacks under a light blue robe. His tie appeared to be dark amber silk with a silver tie-pin; the head in the shape of an embossed shield that matched the patch on his robe.

There was also a handsome French Auror trainee present, Etoile's parents, her and Gabrielle's other best friend: Jean-Pierre Delmont; and all their fellow 7th years. Leonovich had only his mother, his headmaster, and his fellow 7th years to support him, but due to his new admirers, the crowd around him was fairly large as well.

The Christmas season was coming up fast. The Yule Ball would occur right before the Christmas holiday, and since the visiting students might not be able to return home easily, the beautiful château, which stood in the middle of a small alpine lake, on a large fertile island near the all-wizard town of Mystique De Lune; would serve as the Christmas home for all of them. The students' families; if they were able, were invited to come and spend the vacation with them. The Auror trainees, since they could apperate or fly at will, were divided into two shifts over the holidays, so that all of them could have a chance to be home for some of the holidays, at least. Also, they split the class in half as far as Christmas itself was concerned. One half would be home on Christmas Eve, the other half, at Christmas.

Because Ginny was stuck here, the Weasleys were coming to the school for Christmas, and had actually invited Draco's Aunt Andromeda and "Teddy," because Harry, who would be spending Christmas at the Weasleys', as a matter of course, was Theodore's Godfather. Hermione Granger had evidently just rediscovered her parents, who she had obliviated to protect them during the War, in Australia; and with their restored memories, they had wanted to really get to know their future In-Laws. As laws for Muggle relatives of Witches and Wizards were somewhat different from laws for regular Muggles, they had also been invited to spend Christmas with Hermione, in the company of the Weasleys. They would fly out to the nearest Muggle airport, and Hermione and Ron would meet them there and guide them to the proper apperation or floo-network site, to bring them here.

Of course, Fleur and Bill would be here, and Charlie was coming back from Romania to spend Christmas with his family. Xenophilius Lovegood and Luna had also been invited to the Weasley family celebration, and even Neville was popping by. He had recently become involved with Hannah Abbott, from their class, who was attending the same Magic University that he was. She was also the niece of Rosemerta Abbott from the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmead.

Evidently, the Abbott family had recently purchased the Leaky Cauldron from Tom Dorffler, who after the War, had decided that he wanted to retire somewhere peaceful. "Like Africa!" He was often heard joking. Hannah was studying business, so that she could eventually take over as proprietress for the well-beloved inn. Neville and his grandmother were spending Christmas with the large Abbott clan, but Neville and Hannah were going to stop by and visit their friends during the holiday, and possibly return to cheer Luna on, at the Final Task, since universities tended to let out earlier than regular schools.

Then, Draco had been utterly surprised when Ron and Harry had approached him and asked if he and his mother wanted to join them for the holidays as well!

"Mum and Dad figure that you and your Mum might enjoy a little company at Christmas, since you can't be with your Dad." Ron told him, very discreetly avoiding mentioning exactly why Draco's father wouldn't be celebrating with his family. "Besides, Mrs. Tonks and Teddy will be there, and we heard that she and your Mum were starting to get on."

Draco discussed the invitation with his mother via floo-communication, and she mentioned that Andromeda had heard about the Weasleys' invitation and was encouraging her to accept. Shortly afterwards, feeling as warm as if the shining embers of floo-communication had actually entered his heart and glowed there, and as shy as a 5-year old on his first day of class; Draco had graciously accepted for them both.

It was not the end of the good news. About two weeks before the ball, Draco got an excited Owl from his mother. The Ministry had decided that families would be allowed a one day visit and celebration with their imprisoned loved ones in Azkaban, for the holidays. It was set for the 22nd of December and a special extended hall, along the lines of a one-day "Room of Requirement," would be provided. The only thing that they would be allowed to bring would be more memories, which would be drawn out of their minds upon arrival and added to the memory globes of the prisoners, as continued inspiration. They would have to leave their wands outside, but they would be able to spend the entire day with their loved ones! There would be Christmas decorations and a special celebratory feast, music, dancing, and plenty of time to just be close and talk. Goyle actually made the trip to the Auror training camp, to excitedly tell Draco about everything as well. Draco found that he couldn't stop smiling. This was going to be a truly wonderful Christmas.

Thank you to my two latest guests for your extremely flattering and generous reviews. You cannot imagine how wonderful it is to open up your e-mail and get such lovely surprises. You make it all the more enjoyable to work on this story and I hope that you continue to read and enjoy it as well. Thank you so much. Love and gratitude to you all.

DoS