Christmas morning at the Burrow was subdued this year. It was hard to get into the Christmas mood without Fred. George was there in person, but not in spirit. Instead of an obnoxiously loud breakfast where the twins pranked everyone at least once, they ate quietly with minimal conversation.

Getting up to go into the sitting room to open presents, Hermione stopped George with a hand on his arm and let everyone pass. Harry nodded to her and closed the door, leaving them alone in the kitchen.

Turning to George, she opened her mouth to speak but was cut off when he said "Hey love, Happy Christmas. Beautiful day, huh?"

"Shut it George. I know today sucks for you. I just wanted to tell you- actually, there is nothing to say. Fred should be here and I hate that he isn't." Tears were pouring down her face as she looked at George. She couldn't imagine what he was going through today.

Her parents might not be with her, or know who she is anymore, but they were alive. George had lost half of his soul. How do you ever recover from that? Hermione never knew what strength was until she watched George, two months after Fred's funeral, walk back into their store and start working again. Trying to continue living the dream that they had created together.

"I hate it too, Mi. I can't even prank Ron today."

Wrapping her arms around his waist she pulled him in close to her. She felt his breath hitch and knew he was crying too. They stood holding each other, sharing their pain until his breathing returned to normal. Stepping back, she looked in his blotchy face.

"We are quite the pair George Weasley."

He grabbed her hand, squeezing it lightly, "Come on, sis. Let's get in there before mum comes out and tries to make us feel better by feeding us."

"Before we go in, thanks again for your help with the Malfoy's present. Lucius was actually nice to me for ten whole seconds after I gave it to them."

"I should be thanking you. I tweaked it and turned it into something for my 'adult' line. It's a top seller. Lucky for me, I only have to pay you twenty-five percent of the profits."


Arriving a little after ten in the morning on Boxing day, Draco was surprised Hermione was not in the library waiting for him. The house was silent and he wondered if she had stayed at the Burrow last night instead of coming home. Spotting her cloak on the cloak rack he figured she must be home and in her room.

Knocking softly, he slowly opened the door when he didn't receive a reply. His beautiful witch was still asleep, her honey colored hair a mess of curls over both pillows. Quietly stripping down to his boxers, he slipped into bed behind her, moving her soft curls out of the way. He slid his arm around her waist and lightly kissed her neck. The feel of her in his arms, and the sweet smell of her coconut shampoo, was intoxicating and his cock was swelling rapidly.

Nipping at her ear, he heard her whimper and push back into him. Moving his hand under her shirt, he slowly slid his hand up to rest between her breasts. I swear they are getting bigger everyday. "Time to wake up."

Instead of waking up, she gave the cutest little snort and wiggled deeper into the cradle of his hips. He gave an involuntary groan at the press of her perfect arse against his hardness. With his hand still on her chest he could feel her heartbeat start to quicken as her breathing became shallower. Glancing over her shoulder her saw her eyelids were fluttering. I wonder what she's dreaming out.

"Mmmmhh Draco… yes… love…"

Her hips were starting to rock as he listened to her panting out words. Holy fuck, she's having a sex dream! Without conscious thought, his hips started to move in rhythm with her's and the desire to flip her over and fuck her through the mattress until she was screaming his name was hard to overcome. Instead he slipped one hand under her neck, hiked her shirt up, and started playing with her nipple.

The answering moan from her had him quickly moving his other hand down her body to rest right above her pelvic bone. He sucked hard on her neck, wanting her to wake up so he could slip inside her.

"Hermione, my love. Wake up."

She grunted and placed her hand on his, trying to push it down to her wetness.

He resisted, "I'm not going to touch you until you wake up, Mi." Splaying his hand across her lower stomach he pushed her back into him and rocked into with increased pressure.

Leaning over her, he kissed the side of her mouth as he gave her nipple a hard tug. The gasp that escaped her quickly turned into a deep growl as her eyes met his.

"Touch me now?"

"With pleasure."

Moving back from her, he slipped his boxers off before rolling her on to her back. Pulling the covers off, he took in the sight of her as he removed her knickers. She never wore her glamour around him anymore, but he hadn't realized until now how different she looked compared to their first night together. Besides the fuller breasts, he could no longer count her ribs, and her stomach was less concave, even if her hip bones still stuck out. The biggest change had been her hair. It was no longer thin, well, thin for her, and dull, but full and shiny.

"See something you like?"

Blushing slightly at getting caught "just noticing how your body has changed in the last few months."

Her lips turned down and she reached for the blanket to cover herself.

Grabbing the blanket he smiled at her. "You are beautiful, my love. Please don't cover yourself."

"So you like the changes?"

"I love all of you." Pulling her lower lip out of her teeth. "But, I am am a fan of the bigger breasts."

"I love you too. My bigger breasts would like to be played with if you're done looking at them."

Using a knee to spread her thighs, he moved up her body to suck on one nipple, then the other. The mewling sounds coming from her were driving him crazy. If she kept it up, he was going to cum before he entered her like a fumbling fourth year.

"Draco," looking into her eyes, he could see her desire for him. "Please, I need you."

"You have me."

"I need you inside of me, I need to feel you."

Salazar, did she know what she did to him? Pulling her knees up, he pressed himself against her wetness before sinking into her. He held himself still for a moment and drank in the sensation of her heat wrapped around him. There was nothing in the world that was better than being buried in his witch.

Laying his body down on her's, he wrapped his arms under her shoulders to press them as close as possible. Keeping a steady pace, he leaned down, pressing their foreheads together. Her legs came up to wrap around him and as she tilted her hips, he felt himself sink deeper into her. He knew she was close; he could feel her pulsing around his cock.

"Come for me."

He continued to move inside her with an increased rate until he felt her go still and the pressure on his dick increased. Time seemed to slow as he took in the look on her face as she cried out in pleasure. He had never seen anything as beautiful as she was in that moment. His orgasm exploded out of him as he collapsed on her.


"So Draco, how did it turn out?"

Draco and Hermione had just returned to Grimmauld Place from having his Dark Mark covered when they ran into Harry in the kitchen. Harry had recommended a place near Kings Cross station that his cousin Dudley was working at according to Hermione. She had asked Harry to pick up the gift certificate while they were still at Hogwarts.

Removing his jacket Draco extended his left arm to Harry, "What do you think?"

"I like it, Draco. I thought you were going to completely cover the Mark though. I can still see it."

"I was going to, but I wanted to leave some of it showing as a reminder that I am not that person anymore. And what I had to overcome to be who I am now."

Draco had worked with his mum on Christmas day drawn up his tattoo. The light grey skull and snake were surrounded by two vibrant green palm leaves going in opposite directions. On top of the leaves were a mix of deep purple irises and blue pimpernel flowers. Written over the Mark in my mother's flowing calligraphy was 'Lux' in black.

"I know you uppity Pure-bloods like to talk in that plant language, so what does it mean?" The fact that Draco didn't want to smack the sarcastic grin off Harry's face was proof how far the two had come in their friendship.

"Lux is Latin for light, so that part is a little obvious- 'light over dark.' The palm leaves represent success, and they are green for 'rebirth.' Pimpernels are the blue flowers, they stand for 'change,' and blue is the color for peace. Irises are for 'wisdom' and while purple represents magic, I also chose it because it is the color of royalty."

"Still think your the Prince of Slytherin then?"

"I will always be the Prince of Slytherin Scarhear. Actually, I picked purple for Severus. He was a Prince on his mother's side,and he sacrificed more than I knew to keep me safe."

Hermione grabbed Draco's hand, "Don't you think Professor Snape would have loved that Harry?"

Draco was positive the look of incredulity on Harry's face matched his own. He was shaking his head as Harry tried to answer her.

"Mi, he died, he didn't get a personality transplant. He would probably smack Draco upside the head for being such a Hufflepuff."

"I'm going to have to agree with Harry, Hermione. He may have looked after me, but he still would have thought it was a Puff thing to do.


They returned to the Manor in the late afternoon of New Year's Eve. Narcissa and Harry were co-hosting a charity ball to raise money for the war orphans and pre-Hogwarts aged children that had been impacted by the last few years. The Ministry had programs in place to help them, but as someone who grew up an neglected and abused orphan due to the first war, Harry didn't think it was enough. The goal tonight was to raise enough to start an independent organization that would take over for the ministry, combining their budget with the funds raised independently.

When Hermione had asked Draco to go shopping with her for a gown a last month, he had explained that his mother had wanted to buy her dress, stating that because she never had a daughter she was excited to dress her. Hermione had sent her measurements to Narcissa and was excited to see what she had picked out for her.

The dress was stunning and Hermione could not wait to wear it. I was a sequined dress that was form fitting from her breasts to her mid thighs before slightly loosening so it draped to the floor and ended in a small train. The top of the dress was black but as the fit changed at her thighs, the sequins changed from black to a deep green. The straps of the dress started just outside of her collarbones and slightly scooped inwards until almost meeting a few inches below her breasts. The dress was open almost to her belly button with two strips of fabric a couple of inches apart holding the two sides together. The back of the dress was open to her waist, except two straps that matched the front.

Foregoing any jewelry except her diamond bracelet, now charmed to be black diamonds and emeralds, Hermione spelled her hair into long, lose, barrel curls. Thank Godric Narcissa gave me that book. She had decided on a dramatic smokey eye and subtle lipstick for her makeup. Unlike usual when she learned a new spell, it took her three tries to get the makeup to look how she wanted. She casually wondered if beauty spells would always be tricky for her.

Slipping into the dress, Hermione applied a few sticking charms to make sure everything stayed in place before looking up to see her reflection in the mirror. Circe's tits- when did my breasts get so big? I look like I am going to pop out of this dress. Before she could raise her wand to alter the dress, Narcissa entered her dressing room.

"Hermione, you look stunning. I think the seamstress must have made a mistake with your measurements as the top looks a little smaller than I remember, but I think it looks better this way."

"You don't think it's too much cleavage?" Looking down she added one more sticking charm, just in case.

"It is more than other woman might wear, but you look elegant." Walking back out of the room she turned around, "Now, did you find the spell for your heels? No point being in pain all night if we don't have to be."

With another flick of her wand, her four inch, red bottomed, black heels were as comfortable as her trainers and she was ready to go just as Draco knocked on her door.


The ballroom was stunning. Narcissa had decorated everything in shades of silver, slate, and black. Hermione and Draco made their way around the room talking to various guests and helping to get pledges for the charity before the dancing began. After hearing Draco growling at one lecherous old wizard with a large vault, Hermione sent him to make the rounds with his mother and linked arms with Harry. Unsurprising, the two war heroes were able to raise large sums of money fairly quickly.

Hearing the opening notes to the first dance, Hermione and Harry excused themselves from their current guests and made their way to the dance floor to meet Draco and Ginny. Being the hosts, it was their jobs to open the ball. They joined Lucius and Narcissa and Hermione was glad that Draco was such a skilled dancer; with so many eyes on her she was afraid she would make a mistake. He made her feel graceful.

"You look beautiful, Mi."

"Thank you. You don't look bad yourself Malfoy."

As the song came to a close, Draco leaned down and gave her a chaste kiss. Hermione heard and saw the flash of cameras and knew their relationship would be public knowledge tomorrow. No longer would people think they were "just friends" as they had been telling the press. Even though she liked to keep her life private, she was proud to be Draco's girlfriend and no longer cared who knew.


As they got closer to midnight, Hermione was coming back from the bathroom when she ran into Lucius on the edge of the dance floor.

"Hello Mr. Malfoy."

"Miss Granger."

"Narcissa did a lovely job with the ball tonight."

"She did. She has always been talented when it comes to parties."

A new song began and Hermione looked around for Draco.

"Miss Granger, may I have this dance?"

Hermione looked at Lucius before clearing the throat, "Of course."

She placed her hand in his as he led her onto the dance floor. She heard more than one person whisper as they walked by. The notorious Death Eater and the famous Muggleborn- what a sight we must make. Looking up she caught the eyes of Draco who was looking at her like he wasn't sure if he was happy his father was being nice, or if he needed to come rescue her. She smiled at him to let him know she was fine. As he placed his hand on her waist, she saw Narcissa who was beaming at her.

They danced in silence for a while until Lucius finally made a small noise in the back of his throat. "Miss Granger, I wanted to thank you again for your Christmas present. Narcissa and I were able to spend a few hours in Paris last night. It felt like we were there- the sights, sounds, smells, everything was exactly like the city."

"I am happy it worked so well. I was hoping it would make your last few months of confinement to the Manor easier to deal with."

"It really will. We both know how we feel about each other, so I am very touched that you would make such an effort with my gift."

"It was actually more for Narcissa. I figured you might be getting on her nerves if you couldn't 'leave' the Manor" He stared at her until she smiled to let him know she was teasing him.

"I had no idea you were so sarcastic Miss Granger. You remind me of Severus sometimes. He liked to rile me up."

"I am sure that sentence has him rolling in his grave, sir."

They continued dancing as another song started. Hermione could tell Lucius had something else on his mind and the longer they were silent, the more tense he became. He finally cleared his throat before looking down at her.

"There is something I would like to discuss with you. Would you be willing to join me in my study?"

Hermione had no idea what he wanted to talk to her about in private, but there was no way it was something good. He probably wanted to tell her the House Elves had packed up her things while they were dancing at to get out of the house. Better get it over with.

"Sure, lead the way."


Lucius study was exactly like she thought it would be, dark wood wainscoting with a rich emerald green above on the walls. Matching dark hardwood floors covered with a tapestry rug and rich brown leather sofa and chairs. His desk was large, in the same wood as the floor and wainscoting and was directly across from the large fireplace. It smelled of Lucius' spicy cologne, leather, and expensive cigars. The only picture in the room was a family portrait of Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco with a few hunting dogs. Draco looked to be around eight in the picture.

"Please have a seat Miss Granger."

Sitting on the couch, Hermione noticed Lucius looked nervous. Maybe he doesn't want to kick me out of his house.

"What did you want to discuss with me Mr. Malfoy?"

"Please, call me Lucius. You are a guest in my house and we need not be so formal in private."

Taken aback my this, Hermione nevertheless agreed. "Then please call me Hermione."

"Hermione, Draco showed me his tattoo today. I saw the picture he drew with Narcissa, but to be honest, I didn't think Muggles would be able to duplicate the work." Of course you didn't you bigoted fool. "I was very impressed. And I was wondering if…"

His voice trailed off and his eyes dropped to the floor. Wait, is he thinking about getting a muggle tattoo like Draco? A Muggle tattoo? Draco will never believe this.

"You were wondering if what, Lucius?"

"I was," clearing his throat he started again, "I was wondering if it would be possible…."

His voice trailed off again. Taking pity on him, Hermione asked in a calm voice, "Are you wondering if it is possible for you to get a Muggle tattoo to cover your Dark Mark as well Lucius?"

"I am sure you are aware that my beliefs have not changed very much Hermione. But this mark, it reminds me daily that I almost lost my family because I followed someone else. I would like to cover that mark with one of my own making- one that won't cause my family pain."

Hermione had tears in her eyes as she listed to him. Sure, he still thought he was better than her because of his 'pure-blood' but he wanted to do better by his family. She couldn't fault him for that. And maybe if he made enough small steps to become a better person, one day he could overcome that old way of thinking.

"I would be happy to take you to the tattoo parlor once you are released from house arrest Lucius."

"Do you think they would be able to cover my Azkaban tattoo as well?"

He pulled his hair to the side and for the first time she noticed his prison number tattooed on the side of his neck. It was relatively small but with his pale skin it stood out unless he wore his hair down.

"I will talk to Professor Flitwick. I am not sure if it has the same traits as the Dark Mark so I am not sure if it can be covered. As soon as I know, I will send you an owl if you would like."

"I would appreciate that. Now, let us get back to the ball before Mr. Potter thinks I have put you in the cellar."

"Lucius, did you just make a joke?"

"Possibly."


Returning to the ballroom they had minutes to spare before midnight. Luckily Hermione found Draco almost as soon as she walked in.

"Where did you and my father go?"

"To his study. He wanted to know about having his Dark Mark covered with a tattoo like you did."

"Wait, my father, Lucius Malfoy, wants a Muggle tattoo? Are you sure it was him and not someone polyjuiced as him?"

"I am sure it was him, Draco. You aren't the only one that wants to forget parts of your past."

Kissing her forehead, "Thank you for talking to him, my love."

Grabbing two glasses of champagne from a floating tray, they made their way over to the older Malfoy's, Harry, and Ginny to ring in the New Year. As the clock struck midnight and tolled, Draco pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply.

"Happy New Year Hermione."

"Happy New Year Draco."

Clinking glasses with the rest of their group, Hermione took a sip of her champagne and almost spit it back out. How does anyone drink this? It is foul. Tastes like rotten grapes and tonic water. She quickly vanished the rest of it so no one would notice she didn't drink any. Evidently the rest of them liked the flavor of bubbly rubbish.


The last of the guests had finally left around two in the morning. A few of them had over indulged and the Malfoy House Elves had needed to Apparate them home as they were too drunk to navigate the Floo Network.

Lucius wrapped his arm around Narcissa's waist and placed a kiss on the top of her head. Hermione had never seen show any affection towards his family before. It was like their talk had allowed him to loosen up around her.

"Narcissa," he squeezed her closer, "your ball was perfect. As always."

"Thank you Lucius." Leaning up she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Draco. Would you like a brandy in my study before we retire?"

Draco looked at his father, his eyes going slightly wide before looking at Hermione. She gave him a smile and a slight nod of her head letting him know that she wanted him to go with his father.

"Lead the way, Father."

Hermione and Narcissa stood in the Entrance Hall watching as the two men walked away. Hermione knew Draco was torn over the way he felt about his father. He loved him, but he was ashamed of his ideas about blood purity, and forcing his family into the service of Tom Riddle.

"It is nice to see them talking again."

Hermione turned to look at Narcissa and saw tears in her eyes. "It must be hard for you- seeing them not getting along."

"It is. Hopefully things are changing now."

They stood in silence for a few more minutes before Narcissa said she we going to retire for the night.

"Before you leave Narcissa, thank you again for the beautiful dress. I really love it."

"You're welcome dear. I didn't want you to feel out of place because you couldn't afford a gown for tonight."

Hermione looked at her confused. I thought she bought the dress for me because she always wanted a daughter to dress up. "Excuse me?"

"Well, I know you grew up Muggle and they don't have a lot of money so I didn't want to you have a dress that wasn't becoming of a lady on the arm of a Malfoy heir."

Are you kidding me? "I'm sorry. Are you implying that because I am Muggleborn I wouldn't be able to afford a gown for a charity ball?"

"It's nothing to be ashamed of Hermione. Now that you are dating Draco, I will be providing your gowns for events like this so you don't need to worry about it."

Closing her eyes, Hermione was fighting to control her temper. Deep breaths, Hermione, deep breaths. Draco won't like it if you hex his mother. "Narcissa, just because I 'grew up Muggle' does not mean I grew up poor. I might not come from old money like the Black's and Malfoy's, but my family was very well off. Both of my parents were Oral Surgeons and made plenty of mon- You know what, I don't need to explain this to you.

"I can afford my own gowns, and anything else I might want. I am not poor, regardless of my blood status."

"Hermione, I-"

"Narcissa, thank you for my dress and for having me in your home. I will be spending the rest of my holidays elsewhere. Please tell Draco not to contact me."

Hermione summoned her beaded bag, thanking Merlin she hadn't unpacked yet, before stepping into the Floo.

"Grimmauld Place!"


Stepping out of the fireplace, she walked in on Harry and Ginny naked on the library couch. Ginny screeched and tried to cover herself up. Not stopping, she walked out of the room towards the front door.

She yelled over her shoulder, "Harry, I am going to my safe house. Don't tell anyone where I am. Not even Draco."


*A/N:

You gotta love irrational hormonal moments.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for each Review on the last chapter. I am so glad you all loved Sox tormenting Lucius.