Hi everyone, I appreciate those of you reading. I hope you're still enjoying the little random one shots. It doesn't seem like this has a very large audience but that's fine as long as it's still being enjoyed by even a few. :)

Now this one was originally meant to be the epilogue to the Christmas Eve Beginnings one shot but it didn't feel right at the time. So feel to read this as a follow up to that story or as it's own standalone story. Please read and review. :)

Stolen

Draco sighed as he signed his name across the last document on his desk. He hated working on holidays but he'd needed the extra prep time to prepare for his next case in front of the Wizengamot after the New Year. He hadn't lost a case yet since he'd managed to get a position at the Wizarding law firm and he didn't want to start now.

After straightening his desk, he donned his coat and locked up for the evening. The streets were quiet in Diagon Alley as he made his way to the nearest apparation point. The only noise came from within the Leaky Caudron as a small group celebrated the holiday together.

He arrived at Malfoy Manor just past six and found his mother gathered by the fire in the main drawing room.

"Evening, Mother," he greeted as he leaned down to press a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Draco," she smiled and patted his cheek before he took a seat in the armchair opposite her. "I didn't think I'd see you until tomorrow for Christmas dinner."

He shrugged as he relaxed into the soft furniture, eyes trained on the fire crackling in front of them.

"Dear, you can't avoid this forever. You owe her this."

He glanced at his mother from the corner of his eyes and was pleased that she didn't appear as lonely as he feared she was. There was a slight tilt to her lips, a small smile, as she observed her son.

"I know," he finally nodded. "I haven't received an owl today so I suppose everything went alright after all."

Narcissa shook her head but continued to smile. "You work too much but I'm very proud of you, dear."

Draco nodded and knew she meant it. He tried so very hard to do the best he could. After a few more moments of quiet, he heaved himself up and reached to straighten his suit under his coat.

"Sure you're alright by yourself tonight?"

"Positive, Draco. Now go on," she smiled warmly. "I'll see you tomorrow."

He nodded and with a loud crack he was gone. He landed on the outskirts of the property and could smell the country fragrance of dying grass and dirt. His nose wrinkled a bit but he took a deep breath to regain his composure and began the trek towards the house.

The lights were on inside and he could hear the cheerful sounds of music and laughter, smells of food wafting in the area. The gravel crunched under his expensive dress shoes, so loud to his own ears that he nearly turned on heel and ran the other direction before anyone spotted him.

It was too late though when he finally got near the door. It opened quickly and Harry Potter stepped out, glass of eggnog in hand.

The bespectacled wizard eyed him closely before stepping forward and holding out his free hand.

"Malfoy, it's about time."

Draco eyed the man's hand for only a moment before he reached out to take it for a firm shake. "Sorry, trying to stay on top of things. My supervisor gave me the Monahan case that's going to trial after the holidays."

Harry nodded as he eyed him closely. "He's over it all if that's what you're worried about. No one's going to kick your ass in there. Particularly not tonight. Mrs. Weasley would have everyone's head."

The blonde nodded as the other man turned to return inside. He took a deep breath and followed him, shutting the door closely behind him.

The Burrow was alive with noise and chatter. Having only been here once before Draco wasn't sure what to expect but was relieved when those who spotted him only gave him a polite nod, not breaking away from their conversations.

"See," Harry nodded towards the crowded living room, "He's seeing someone now."

Draco spotted Ron Weasley seated on the old sofa next to a blonde witch he recognized as Lavender Brown. The couple seemed rather cozy next to each other as they traded little pecks and nauseating touches.

Pulling his focus away from them, he turned back to Harry. "Where is she?"

Harry tipped his head to his right. "In the kitchen with my wife, I believe. Something about making another batch of eggnog after George spiked the first one." He smirked and held his glass up. "Frankly, I quite like this batch."

Draco smirked in return and patted him on the shoulder as he passed by for the kitchen. The last time he'd been here, he left with a black eye and a bloody nose. He'd gotten a few good swings in on Weasley though so at least his pride wasn't too hurt.

Just as predicted, he found her gathered next to Ginny Potter as they fussed over a large punch bowl. He stopped to watch for a moment before he made his presence known. She'd worn the red dress tonight. His favorite. The one that left her shoulders bare and flared out at her hips, reminding him of that Christmas Eve dinner their last year at Hogwarts.

He cleared his throat after a moment and stepped into the doorway. "Sorry, I'm late."

Hermione whirled around at the sound of his voice and the smile she gave him nearly knocked the breath from his lungs. She left her friend's side to step up to him. She grasped his tie in both hands as she lifted herself on her toes to press a soft kiss to his lips.

"I told you everything would be fine," she breathed against his lips.

Both of them missed the smirk Ginny directed at them as she lifted the bowl of eggnog and exited the kitchen.

Draco shrugged, his hands finally coming around her waist to support her as she continued to lean against him.

"I stole you from Weasley just six months ago and married you only three months ago. I didn't exactly expect a warm welcome from anyone."

Hermione rolled her eyes and pressed one more kiss to his lips before she pulled back again. "You didn't steal me. We broke up a year ago and he was having trouble letting go."

He frowned at the memory of so many of her friends doubting her decision to be with him. It had taken some time and some convincing from Potter himself but they'd all come around it seemed.

"Still, sorry that it caused you so much trouble," he admitted.

She took his hand and led him from the kitchen. They stopped on the outskirts of the chatter in the main room and she squeezed his hand. "Stop apologizing, Draco. Everyone's happy now. That's all I've ever wanted."

He cracked a slight smile and squeezed back. "Sorry."

Brown eyes turned up to him, amusement dancing in them before she used her grip on his hand to wrap his arm around her slim shoulders. "Apology accepted. Now enough. It's Christmas Eve after all."