A/N: First of all, thank you for all of you who are reading and enjoying my story. I know it's been awhile since the last update but between stuff in my personal life and editing this time has been limited. I appreciate greatly all of the supportive reviews you guys send.
Chapter 9
Christmas in Malfoy manor was vastly different from her muggle family's traditions. Obviously, she expected that their tradition of watching Christmas movies all morning after opening gifts wouldn't be observed here. However, until Draco explained otherwise, she had anticipated it would be a family affair. It wasn't. In the mornings, the lord and lady preferred sleeping in so Draco had always opened his gifts alone on Christmas morning. Around noon the house congregated in the dining room for a large brunch before they once again went their separate ways to prepare for their annual Yule Ball.
Thanks to her friend's forewarning, Hermione wasn't surprised upon waking to see a stack of gifts beneath the window seat. What did give her pause was the fact that there were more wrapped boxes there than she had ever seen beneath a tree be it with her parents or at the burrow, and those were shared gifts. These were all for her. She smiled sadly knowing she would have to open them alone and ignored the pile to wrap herself in a fluffy robe and slippers.
The witch was startled by the knock that sounded on her bedroom door when she emerged from her bathroom. She opened the door leading to the hallways and was greeted by the sight of two wizards standing outside.
"Antonin, Draco," She gasped. "Forgive me but I was not expecting anybody this morning." In the week since she found out she was engaged to Antonin they had spent quite a bit of time getting to know one another. While she wouldn't say she was quite comfortable around him just yet she was beginning to see that he wasn't the man he first presented himself to be. She saw that he was truthful when he said he meant her no harm and that he wanted to make their relationship a friendly one.
"We know," Her betrothed's deep and accented voice replied as he smiled. "Draco thought you might appreciate the company and I agreed."
"Well, please come in. Happy Christmas to you both," Hermione replied wrapping her arms around each in turn. "I'll have Lanny bring us some blankets to sit on."
"Already done," Draco said. "She is sending up hot cocoa as well."
"You two really did have this all planned out didn't you," she commented as a pile of thick, fuzzy blankets and pillows appeared. Draco flicked his wand and spread out several of the warm quilts on the floor and arranged the pillows so they would be comfortable. Lanny appeared with the hot chocolate filled to the brim with marshmallows and peppermint.
"Lanny, would you please be so kind as to bring both my gifts and Antonin's here?" Draco inquired of the elf.
"Of course master Draco," Lanny replied and snapped her fingers. That was all it took for two stacks of presents to arrive in front of the wizards. Hermione grabbed a blanket and pulled it over her lap, it was huge and had more than enough space for another human beneath it. She saw Draco covered by his own throw and noticed that all the blankets were gone leaving her future husband without one. She lifted up the corner of the covers and beckoned for him to scoot closer to her so he could benefit from the warmth as well. He smiled gently at her.
"Merlin, I've never seen this many presents in my whole life," She stated in awe as Antonin levitated hers to be closer to her as well. "Why so much? I mean I'm only one person."
"Hermione, why do you think there are so many? First of all, you have presents from me and my family, then from your new friends at Hogwarts, your Gryffindor friends, even Potter and Weasley sent their tidings. Those had to be checked for anything dangerous to you or any of us before we could give them to you but they were all regular knick knacks," Draco informed her.
"Then there is my gift somewhere in there, and from your father and all of his followers of course," Antonin added.
"It's all just so much," Hermione sighed wistfully. "I don't even know where to begin."
"Start from the top and work your way down," Draco replied sarcastically.
"Why don't we each take turns opening one to keep it from being mass chaos in here," Antonin offered casually.
"Excellent idea," Hermione agreed readily. "Who should go first?"
"I am sure you are familiar with the saying ladies first," Draco laughed. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him but grabbed a box from her pile and carefully slid her finger under the wrapping to tear it neatly and reveal its contents.
It took almost an hour for them all to finish discovering what they had been given. Hermione smiled in contentment as she watched them open her gifts to them. For Draco she had supplied a leather bound journal, an eagle feather quill and emerald ink. She had the journal's twin and he could write in it when he needed a friend. She had given Antonin a large blank book which he could charmed locked to his magical signature. She hoped he would use it for recording his own charms. Before his incarceration, Antonin had worked as a curse breaker. Charms had been his favorited subject while at Hogwarts and he had a passion for creating his own. Of course, as a death eater his talents were often used for more sinister purposes and charms creations turned into the development of dark curses, his purple flames one among many. She had wanted to recognize his skill and provide a lighter meaning for him to rediscover his passion.
Hermione had received several books on the dark arts from several of her father's death eaters, hair accessories, and cosmetics, books on beauty charms and such from the girls in Slytherin house. The boys in Slytherin House gifted her a jeweled dagger and an honorary green and silver scarf. Narcissa had given her a certificate to a wizarding spa in France which they would use that summer, Draco a bracelet charmed to protect against jinxes and hexes. Antonin's present contained two items. The first her engagement ring seated in its velvet case. The other was one half of a set of two way mirrors, so that they could continue to develop their relationship when she returned to school. Neither of them believed for a moment that letters exchanged between the two would actually reach their intended recipient.
Her Gifts from her friends in Gryffindor house were both touching and familiar. As usual both Harry and Ron had bought a random book for her. Ginny has supplied a basket brimming full of Hermione's favorite candies and treats and the twins provided a box full of products from their shop. Neville had sent an enchanted rose and Mrs. Weasley had sewn her a crimson cloak with her first initial stitched in golden thread over her heart. It was beautiful and brought tears to her eyes because the Weasley matriarch had been insightful enough to realize that Hermione wouldn't be allowed to wear the standard sweater.
Hermione had one last box to open and then they would be done. Unwrapping it she found a long, narrow box which was empty when she opened it save for a brief note.
Daughter,
Come see me in my study before brunch. I will provide you with your gift then.
It looked to be a wand box and Hermione's eyes widened at the thought of having her wand returned to her. "Thank you for making this morning special," She said to the wizards sitting nearby. "It would have saddened me to spend it alone."
After reciprocating they left her on her own until they would meet at brunch. Hermione took her time and neatly picked up and folded the blankets sticking them in a pile at the foot of her bed. The pillows were moved nearby and the empty mugs of hot cocoa placed back on the tray so that it would be easier for Lanny and the other house elves to pick up. Turning her attention to her stacks of unwrapped presents she went about organizing them. All of the non-dark books, beauty products candy and her two way mirror went into her school trunk. Her spa certificate was tucked away in her nightstand drawer, the other books stacked in a corner in her wardrobe.
Happy with having her room back in order she was ready to face the rest of the day. She hesitated between choosing a bath or a shower and decided she had time to relax yet and the bath won out. Lilac scented bubble bath and bath salts were added to the hot water giving the air a sweet yet subtle fragrance. She was a prune by the time she emerged, skin wrinkled and water logged but her muscles completely free of tension.
A charmed towel took care of her skin in any case and body lotion smoothed out any leftover wrinkles. Hermione wanted to wear her hair down but her worst enemy was frizz. Instead of calling Lanny to fix it she was determined to figure it out for herself. She couldn't very well use the beauty charms in the book from Astoria and Daphne without her wand. With any luck that would be changing soon, but until then she had to make due with a hair brush and the jars of hair creams on her bathroom sink. After four different gels and a great deal of time brushing through her tangles her tresses were free of frizz but full of her natural chestnut brown curls. She grinned at her reflection pleased with the turnout her efforts rewarded her with.
A dash of mascara and liner to the bottom of each eyelid and a coat of peach lipstick and she was more than presentable. As she entered her bedroom she was greeted by Lanny banishing the piles of blankets and scattered wrapping paper strewn about. The elf threw her hands on her hips and gave the witch a once over and to Hermione's immense pleasure had no criticism.
"You did this yourself, Missy?" The elf asked pointing to Hermione's hair.
"I did after spending some time working on it," Hermione beamed.
"Lanny is impressed," the elf stated. "Lanny was coming to help Missy get ready but sees now that she is not needed."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that, Lanny," Hermione rushed. "I've never been to a Christmas brunch before. I've always spent all of Christmas day in my holiday pajamas. Would you help me choose a dress to fit the occasion?"
"Lanny will finds pretty robes for missy," the elf muttered appeased that Hermione was finding a use for her. As her personal elf while she stayed in the manor Lanny was supposed to work on getting her dressed as well as serving her needs. It pissed the little creature off when Hermione stubbornly did things for herself.
Taking one for the team, so to speak, Hermione watched as the elf disappeared inside the wardrobe on the hunt for the right outfit. When the elf emerged minutes later she was holding up two dresses, one a black lace, tea length, and vintage style the other a green, cotton blend, sleeveless garment with a matching traditional robes to wear over it.
While the latter was pretty it didn't appeal to Hermione so she shook her head and said, "I like the black one more, though do you think I could wear my new cloak to give it a pop of color?" Hermione pulled her gift from Molly Weasley off the hook and held it up. The elf paused a moment considering it.
"It's slightly casual because of the initial, missy, but the fabrics and length are acceptable. It should work fine, if you wear it unclasped and pair it with these. Hermione frowned when the elf pulled out a pair of black, four inch stiletto pumps. The price was high but she did really want to have something that reminded her of her friends and nurturing second family as she went through Christmas day without them around.
"Fine," She heaved a sigh. "Can you please charm those to not kill my feet?"
"I always do," Lanny said with a smirk. Hermione was not a fan of heels so the creature always gloated when she managed to manipulate the witch into wearing them. When the elf disapparated to give her privacy Hermione quickly stepped into the dress, stepped into the shoes and donned her Gryffindor cloak, leaving it unfastened and folded over the gold stitching to keep the dress from drowning in it. Glancing at her reflection in the mirror she wrinkled her nose at the heels but sighed and made her way downstairs to her father's study.
When she reached the door, she was shocked to see that Rowle was not standing beside it. There was nobody inside of it and the witch wasn't sure how she was going to get inside. She wasn't marked and for once in the entirety of knowing him, Hermione believed Rowle when he said that wards were keyed only to allow death eaters inside. She was not about to risk the shock, curse or whatever terrible fate awaited her by touching the door handle. Hoping for the best she tentatively raised her fist and rapped on the door. "Father," she called.
It took a moment but the door opened to emit her after a wave of Voldemort's wand. He didn't say anything as she sat down in the chair opposite his desk. She kept things civil and wished him a Happy Christmas which was not reciprocated. "I imagine you've gathered by the shape of box my note was in that you will be getting your wand returned to you," He spoke without any emotion.
"I would be lying if I said I hadn't hoped as much. However, I never presume to know what you're intentions are father," Hermione replied.
"Clever girl," he hissed. "Well worded answer, quite diplomatic. You are indeed having your wand returned to you. However there are some conditions." Hermione twisted the diamond ring adorning her finger as she fidgeted.
"I am sure that is reasonable as I'm sure I've not done overly much to prove myself trustworthy to you," she commented.
"You've proved yourself worthy enough," Voldemort stated. "However, I am no fool and still take precautions. The first stipulation is that you will wear this at all times." He slid a velvet jewelry box across the smooth top of his desk. Hermione lifted the lid and peered inside. It was a necklace with a silver chain and a single charm shaped as the dark mark. Hermione glanced up and met her Father's eyes.
"That charm has multiple uses. While it marks you as belonging to me it sets you above the rest of my followers who serve me. It also acts as a portkey allowing you to travel to Malfoy manor whenever you need to. It will heat up to alert you to when I require an audience with you. Finally, it works as means of implementing the second condition."
"What is the second condition?" Hermione asked as her wand was pulled from the pockets of his long, dark black robes and placed in front of her.
"Your use of the wand is monitored. It works much like the underage wizardry trace but records here when and how you use your wand. If you were to use it as a means of escaping or attacking anyone under my protection your wand will be confiscated immediately. If you use it appropriately you have nothing to worry about."
"Will the trace always remain on my wand?" The witch inquired.
"Until I deem it otherwise, yes. I trust you are intelligent enough not to try anything that would risk my ire with you."
"Of course Father. I accept your terms," she informed and closed her eyes briefly as she clasped the necklace around her neck. "Will this also permit me to cross through your wards when I have permission to?"
"Indeed it will. The days of needing Rowle to open the door for you have passed."
"Perfect," Hermione sighed. "I am glad to hear it. Thank you for returning my wand father."
"Don't disappoint me Hermione," he warned. "You may go, brunch should be beginning. I have other business to attend to and won't be eating."
"Okay," Hermione said. "I suppose I'll see you at the ball tonight then."
"Indeed you shall," was his only reply. Hermione left the room, walked down the dark corridor to the dining room. Narcissa was already seated at the table but everyone else had yet to arrive.
"Good morning my dear," Narcissa beamed at her rising to embrace Hermione. "Happy Christmas."
"Happy Christmas," Hermione repeated. "Thank you so much for your gift Narcissa. It sounds heavenly."
"No trouble dear, I look forward to any excuse to go to a spa retreat. Now I have the added benefit of bringing along my all but adopted daughter." Their conversation was cut short by the arrival of both Draco and Lucius who had no desire to hear the witches chattering on about spa dates.
"Here Darling," The long blond haired handed his wife a flute of mimosa. "May I offer you a glass as well Miss. Riddle?"
"Oh please call me Hermione Mr. Malfoy. Yes, I would love some," she responded. The elder Malfoy handed her a flute as well.
"I insist then that you refer to me as Lucius, Hermione. Let us dispense with the formalities. My wife thinks of you as the daughter she never had already and my son treats you as his kin. I might as well get on board."
"That is huge coming from you father," Draco muttered as he poured himself a glass of champagne sans the orange juice. She caught Narcissa's disapproving frown and his father's scowl.
"I don't know what you mean to suggest by the comment Draco," his mother stated. "You are not of age either so you will put the flute down right now." Her friend rolled his eyes in annoyance but didn't disobey her.
"I'll take it off your hands," remarked Antonin as he arrived. After a gulping half of the glass back he crossed over to her and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "You look lovely dorogoy."
Hermione took in his appearance as well. He had shortened his hair and trimmed down his beard. Dressed in traditional wizarding robes wizarding robes he was quite handsome. "Thank you," she blushed. "You clean up nicely yourself."
"Is this everyone?" Rowle asked after he flooed in and announced his season's greeting to all present.
"I believe we are still waiting on Bellatrix and Rodolphus, Thorfinn," Narcissa explained pleasantly. It was clear to Hermione and several others that the smile was forced. There was no love lost between the two siblings.
"We might be waiting awhile," Lucius remarked. "I passed by their door on my way down and neither of them seemed as though they were remotely close to being dressed."
"Well, I vote we don't wait for them and they can have whatever we leave them as leftovers," Rowle suggested. "I'm sure the will have worked up quite the appetite."
"Don't be crude Rowle," Hermione scolded. "I do agree that we shouldn't make the house elves work any harder to keep the food warm if we don't know when the others will arrive."
"I think you may be right," Narcissa agreed. "My sister isn't known for being on time unless she has been summoned by our lord. It doesn't make much sense to go hungry ourselves."
With her acknowledgment the large table became full of an elaborate spread of dishes for both breakfast and lunch. There were omelets, bacon, sausage, hash browns, pancakes flooded with maple syrup and butter, sandwiches, fruit and pasta salads, roasted vegetables, bite sized berry soufflés, as well as a variety of puddings and cakes. The bar held a selection of tea leaves and hot water, coffee, cream and sugar as well as the makings for mimosas and pumpkin juice. It reminded Hermione of what feasts at Hogwarts looked like.
"Well," Lucius commented as the last of the food appeared. "Bon appetite." Narcissa intercepted Hermione before Antonin could occupy the seat beside her.
"Do forgive me Antonin," the witch expressed, 'But I need to speak with our dear Hermione a moment."
"Of course," he replied politely though Hermione saw a hint of irritation cross his features. She placed her hand on his arm.
"I'll come sit by you in a moment," she told him with a small smile. He nodded at her and walked off to join Lucius, Thorfinn and Rabastan Lestrange.
"What are you planning on wearing to the ball tonight?"
"I fear I wasn't aware you hosted a Yule ball Narcissa," Hermione admitted. "I was prepared for the New Year's Eve gala but I confess I don't have anything suitable for tonight."
"I hadn't planned on holding a Yule Ball either my dear," Narcissa muttered. "It's not so much a ball but an annual gathering for the dark lord's followers. It has been many a year since we've had one."
"Oh," Hermione wondered aloud. "My father told me it was annual, so I thought it has always been hosted by you."
"Goodness, No!" The elder witch exclaimed. "It has been a tradition since Lucius's father graduated Hogwarts and has rotated between the heads of pureblood families ever since. However, after the end of the first war there was no need for them any longer."
"I see," Hermione stated. "My father's return and subsequent rise to power has brought a resurgence of the event."
"Exactly. Since this was sprung on you the other day I have taken the liberty to redesign an old dress of mine for you to wear."
"Thank you, that is very kind," the brunette responded. "I could have transfigured something in my wardrobe but I'm sure your designs would be better than my own." Hermione wasn't ungifted in the art of transfiguration but unlike her dorm mates in Gryffindor tower she never saw the need to bother with using it to change the color or cut of clothing. While she was sure she could manage to come up with something she recognized that she was no designer.
"You're welcome. I've had Lanny hang it in your closet. I've noticed that you and Antonin seem to be spending more time together."
"We're trying. I struggle with it for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact it's been arranged. However, we both agree that we want the relationship to be amicable. I well aware that wizarding bonds are unbreakable and if I'm going to have to spend the rest of my life with him…"
"I understand dear," Narcissa comforted. "Love can bloom out of friendship. My own marriage wasn't as warm as it is now in the beginning. You're taking the right steps in getting to know him before you tie the knot." Narcissa patted Hermione on the back and walked off to take the empty seat next to her husband.
Hermione rose to join her betrothed but was stopped when the wizard set a plate down in front of her. "I noticed Narcissa distracted you from making a plate, I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all Antonin," Hermione reassured. "I see you picked all my favorites." She gestured for him to take the place next to her.
"I've watched your preferences as meals so I'd have an idea of what you like," He explained with a shrug. "Are you alright kotenok? You looked upset when you were talking to Narcissa."
"I am well. We were discussing the party tonight," Hermione attempted to dismiss his worry. She failed.
"Talking about a party upsets you? I know that isn't all," he replied softly.
"I'm nervous about the event," Hermione explained. "It isn't what I thought it was going to be and I'm not looking forward to being a part of a revel for all of the death eaters."
"You most certainly will not be participating in any revels Hermione," Antonin barked. "I'll be by your side all night anyone who makes a rude comment or suggestive glance in your direction will answer to me. Now, what else is bothering you? Spit it out."
"You are too observant," Hermione pouted. "It's nothing Antonin really. We were just discussing our upcoming nuptials, nothing was shared that you don't already know. Narcissa reassured me that many arranged marriages can blossom into something more."
"I hope she's right," Antonin whispered. "I want her to be right."
"So do I," Hermione said. "I want our marriage to start with friendship and grow from there. I don't want to hate or fear you and bring that into our marriage."
"However, it isn't easy to overlook our differences," Antonin frowned. Hermione knew her words had hurt him even though she didn't mean for them to.
"I'm sorry, but yes. It isn't just you, it is everybody and everything here. Please be patient with me, I am trying to see you beneath the bias. I've already developed a fondness."
"Take as long as you need dorogoy," Antonin caressed her hand. "I regret that we couldn't have known each other much sooner and avoid this stage but things are as they are. I understand you need time." Hermione squeezed his hand in hers and held it on her lap. The couple spent the rest of brunch in a comfortable manner with Hermione telling him about Christmas with the Granger's.
