I've had some lovely reviews for this story, so thank you all, I really am glad you are enjoying it. As always my sincerest apologies for any errors in what ever form they might take.

I hope you like my take on Christmas in the Wizarding World (especially in August) ...

Much to Hermione's delight and if she was being honest, surprise, Christmas lunch at Malfoy Manor, did indeed consist of what she considered all the Muggle trimmings. A roast turkey, far too big for the three of them, and of course a pudding, set on fire having been coated in brandy. She was also amused to find crackers on the beautifully dressed table. They had however been a lot louder and decidedly more explosive than the ones which had graced the Granger household. Pulling the heavy paper with both Draco and Lucius, had resulted in the room being lit up with a variety of sparks, colours and bangs, more worthy of bonfire night than Christmas lunch. To her amusement their content was also very similar, a rather useless gift, a totally unfunny joke and in this case a wizard type hat, which was still, either far too small or just fell over your ears. It appeared that she and Draco got the former, whilst Lucius, who initially refused to even entertain the idea of putting the green paper creation anywhere near his head got the latter, it promptly slipped over his long sleek hair, almost totally obscuring his face.

Draco's mumbling of the fact, it was an improvement earning him a swift kick under the table from Hermione.

Watching father and son interact during the morning and subsequently over lunch, she couldn't help but notice the difference in both of them. Casting her mind back but a few short months, to when Draco had first returned to Hogwarts. He'd still been that spoilt brat she'd met all those years ago. The hateful child who had tormented her, the annoying teenager who had called her vile names and used his father's position to get what he wanted. Lucius had still been her nemesis, former Death Eater and follower of the Dark Lord, none of it was really so very long ago.

Even in the few days that they had been here, the difference was almost unbelievable. At times she had overstepped the mark with her outspokenness, with both father and son, but if this was the result, she really didn't care. Watching Draco, it was almost as if everything before had been a pretence, as if he were playing a part. He was expected to be afraid of Lucius Malfoy, it was the done thing to be bullied by his father, now after all this time he could just be his son, in the normal sense of the word. Lucius for his part, some twenty years late perhaps, was actually enjoying being a father, was enjoying his son and all that went with it. Hermione put her frivolous psychoanalysis to one side, allowing herself to simply enjoy the day, and quite astonishingly the company.

Back in the sitting room, Draco had promptly fallen asleep on one of the large couches in front of the blazing fire, he now snored softly as Hermione looked out of one of the large windows. The sleet from yesterday, had turned into snow, and for Christmas day Malfoy Manor had been blessed with a light dusting of snow. The scene was positively picturesque and Hermione contemplated a little walk around the grounds. She heard the door open, Lucius Malfoy had returned, he was dressed for outdoors, in a long thick cloak. He held Hermione's coat in his hand and smiled at his sleeping son.

"Another somewhat lesser known Malfoy Christmas tradition" He observed, gesturing Draco's prostrate form. "I knew it wouldn't take long. I took the liberty of asking your house elf to get your coat, your boots are in the hallway. I thought perhaps you might like to take a stroll with me?" He held out her coat.

A silly little rush of excitement coursed through Hermione's veins. She hadn't been alone with Lucius since the previous evening and thrilled at the prospect now.

"I would love to, I was just looking out of the window thinking how nice it would be to stretch my legs and enjoy some fresh air." She slipped into the coat he gallantly held up for her and belted it tightly, popping on the woollen gloves that she found in the pocket.

Her boots were, as he said, waiting for her in the hallway and she put them on. Lucius lead her through the kitchen and out of a back door, a blast of cold refreshing air greeted them and Hermione inhaled deeply, burying her hands in her pockets.

Lucius watched the action a disappointed look on his face and extended his arm to the young woman at his side. His blood warmed and he felt a boyish excitement invading his body as she took it and huddled against him. He'd lost count of the amount of times in the last few hours, he wanted to reach out and touch her soft skin, brush his lips to hers. He'd envied his son being able to take her in his arms and just hug her. He'd felt a vicious spark of jealousy, when she had kissed Draco on the cheek, thanking him for her present. Now he had her to himself.

"I thought we might walk down to the walled gardens, there is a nice view from there and if it isn't too cold we might sit for a while."

Hermione didn't speak, frightened that if she did she would break the glorious spell she seemed to be under, in reply, she simply gripped his arm tighter and let him lead the way, falling easily in step with his long measured stride.

As Lucius had said the gardens were not at the best in winter, they were however still beautifully maintained. And whilst there were no spectacular blooms or colours on display, even under the thin layer of snow, she could see, the topiary was masterful and the lawns and shrubs were beautifully manicured. She stopped to admire just one of several water features that adorned the gardens. Sculpted in the shape of a peacock, coloured water, spouted from its back in various places, giving the effect of its plumage, amidst the bright white snow, it was simply stunning.

"It's beautiful." She said turning to face Lucius.

The cold air had chilled his pale face, and made his cheeks a little pink. Instinctively she reached up touching a woollen finger to one.

"As are you." He replied, bending his head and capturing her lips with his. Her face was cold, he could feel it against his own, but her lips were warm and responded to him with a fiery passion that took his breath away. He pulled her closer to him, their layers of clothing preventing any intimate contact but he could feel her delicious shape against him, and his body still responded with an ardour as if they were naked.

Hermione's gloved hands wound their way around his neck and she pulled herself closer to him. His mouth felt so sensuous against hers, her tongue traced the seam of his cool lips, she felt them part and she slipped it into his warm mouth. It moved around slowly, feeling the little ridge of raised skin where she had nipped him the previous evening. Running it over his sharp teeth, tracing the soft palate and finally sliding erotically along his own.

He deepened the kiss, his hands moving down her spine, bringing her flush against him. Even through the layers of thick clothing they wore, there was no masking his arousal. She heard him moan against her mouth, his strong arms tightening around her. Passion and desire flowed through her. Suddenly he broke the kiss.

"Why weren't you in my bed when I woke up this morning?" He rasped in accusatory tone. His grey eyes burning bright with emotion.

Hermione pulled back slightly from him, her face searching his: "I was scared" She admittedly honestly, watching his face change in wonder.

"Of me?"

"In a way." Hermione struggled for the words she wanted. "I wasn't sure if you would want me…. I mean I didn't know how you would. Oh bugger…"

An indulgent smile lifted Lucius Malfoy's beautiful mouth, all Hermione wanted to do was kiss him.

"You didn't know if I would want to wake up and find you in my bed?" He finished for her.

"Yes" She whispered, a little afraid of his answer. "Just because, just because we ..…" Again words failed her.

"Had sex." He again finished for her.

"Yes, just because we had sex, didn't mean that you would want to find me in your bed when you woke up."

Lucius regarded her earnestly, how sweet that she would think such a thing, how naive and how very silly.

"You think, after what we shared last night, I wouldn't want you in my bed? Hermione, the first time we were together in your dormitory. I told you, had circumstances been different, I would have happily spent the night in that very small bed of yours. Had it not been for observing certain proprieties here, I would have just had you installed in my room. So another thing you will do well to remember whilst you are here," His menacing tone was shrouded in velvet. "I am more than happy to wake up next to you, in whosever bed that might be."

"And what about Draco." She asked tentatively.

"My son has his own bed, he can find his own fun."

Hermione couldn't repress her laughter. "That isn't exactly what I meant." She chided the dark wizard, whose arms she was still firmly encircled in.

"I know, but I like teasing you" His voice was soft and warm. "Draco is old enough to accept and understand certain things. But I do appreciate your concern for his feelings, which I respect and admire.

His words and admission sent a little rush of pleasure through Hermione. She snuggled into the warmth of his fur trimmed cloak, savouring the intoxicating scent of him.

"Do you still want to walk?" He asked against her hair.

"Yes, it lovely out here, and selfishly I get you all to myself."

Lucius tilted her face up to look at him, her brown eyes shining, and her pretty face rosy with cold. The thought of having her all to himself with no one else to consider, hmmm….

They continued to walk, enjoying the views, but the temperature began to drop considerably so they decided a sit in the walled garden would have to be saved for another day.

Lucius excused himself when they returned to the house, and Hermione went to see if Draco had roused himself. He was stretched drowsily on the same couch, looking like he had no intention of moving any time soon.

"Hey Granger, sorry I must have dozed off, I am not much of a host am I?"

Laughing, Hermione slid into one of the large armchairs, tucking her now bare feet under her.

"Well like you said, you father is an excellent host, the weather was better today so we went for that walk in the garden, they really are quite beautiful, even at this time of year."

Draco stretched lazily: "Urgh far too energetic for me."

"It was a good job I told Nemessia, you wouldn't be able to help her out then."

Lucius had re-joined them in the sitting room, he was holding a brandy and made himself comfortable in the seat opposite Hermione, who glanced from him to his son. She noticed the expression on Draco's face change, he looked as if he were about to spring from his reclining position, but obviously thought better of it, casually asking his father what he meant.

Crossing his long legs, Lucius brushed an imaginary something from his trousers. Hermione noticed that conspiratory look on his face and instinctively knew he had been up to something.

"Nemessia just floo called me, apparently you'd told her you have been giving Hermione flying lessons and how much you had enjoyed it. She has her niece and nephews with her for a few days and wondered if you might like to give them some lessons. I of course told her you had a guest staying with you and that usually you like to spend the holidays doing as little as possible."

Hermione cast a suspicious look at Lucius, his face gave nothing away as he took a long savouring sip of his brandy. Turning to Draco, Hermione could see he was about to combust, how was he going to dig himself out of this one. She was certain he would love to spend a day or so with Nemessia Fellows, with or without her niece and nephews. She could easily help him out…..end result, she got to spend a day or so alone with his father. She was now more certain than ever, Lucius was behind the sudden request for flying lessons.

"Draco, I know you really are a lazy git and just want to spend your entire holiday doing nothing, but speaking from personal experience, you are an excellent teacher."

She pulled her own conspiratory face at the younger Malfoy, hoping he would realise what she was trying to do. Surprisingly he blushed at her compliment, but clearly caught on to her plan.

"Yeah but I was looking forward to doing nothing, lying in bed, eating too much, drinking too much."

Lucius was keeping out of the exchange, he was well aware that Hermione knew he was up to something and why.

"Well I am sure that Ms Fellows niece and nephews are enjoying their holidays too and will not have you up at the crack of dawn. I also doubt she will starve you whilst you are there, and just think how envious they will all be of that shiny new broomstick of yours."

Hermione knew how to pander to Draco's ego and also how to elicit, the desired responses from him.

Draco thought for a moment and then it looked as if something had actually occurred to him: "Yes but what about you, I can't just leave you here with my father, that's not very nice."

"Charming Draco." Lucius effrontery was perfectly placed. "I managed to show Hermione around the garden this afternoon without offending her. I am sure that we could survive for a day or so. I don't think my company is too unpleasant, and if it were, this is a very large house."

"That's not what I meant." He almost glowered at his father, but thought better of it. "I meant it's not very nice inviting someone to your house and then buggering off and leaving them."

Hermione was well aware that Lucius knew exactly what Draco meant and he was just, how was it he put it, exploiting the situation.

"Draco don't be silly, you said it yourself, your father is an excellent host." Hermione noticed Lucius' eyebrow lift at her revelation. "I will not be offended in the slightest if you go, and it means I get some peace and quiet to spend in the library. Honestly its fine".

Out of Lucius' eye line, she winked at Draco.

"Well if you are sure and really don't mind, I guess it's OK. Father why don't you let Ms Fellows know I would be happy to help."

"I will go and let her know right away, I am sure she will be delighted." His eyes twinkled as they met Hermione's across the fire. He loved it when a plan came together so spectacularly well.

Draco almost sprang up once his father left the room.

"Are you sure you are ok with this Granger, I mean leaving you alone with my father, I know you two seem to be getting along alright, but I do feel guilty."

"Its fine Ferret honestly. I am not just saying so. As your father said it's a big house, we could easily avoid each other. And I could probably loose myself in the library for at least a week." She grinned at her clearly elated friend.

"Does Ms Fellows actually have any nieces and nephews, or is this just and elaborate booty call."

"A what?" Draco asked mystified at Hermione's expression.

"Sorry, Muggle expression, it means a call for sex, usually it's done by phone, not by floo."

Hermione was desperately trying not to laugh at Draco, sometimes he really could be very naïve. Even without the knowledge that his father was behind the sudden request, it probably hadn't even occurred to him that Nemessia Fellows could indeed be an only child, and was just looking for a ruse to get the young wizard alone and in a more favourable atmosphere to continue their liaison. A little bit like someone else she knew, Hermione mused.

The man himself returned moments later, telling them, his fellow governor was delighted that Draco could help her out, and what a darling boy he was to give up his holiday, his lie ins and to leave his friend.

"She said to be sure to tell you how much she appreciated it and that she would ensure you were well looked after."

Hermione didn't doubt for one minute the younger Malfoy would be very well looked after.

Lucius went on to say, that she was expecting him for lunch tomorrow and hoped that he would be able to stay for a day or so.

Hermione caught the gleeful and wicked look in his father's pale grey eyes, as he downed the remainder of his brandy. She was more convinced than ever that Nemessia Fellows was an only child, but found herself looking forward to the next day or so.

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