Lexi sighed in relief when the train had finally went past the Scottish Hills and started to make its way on flat ground. Daphne chuckled as she leaned back into Lexi. They were lucky to find an empty compartment on the train, but she assumed that anyone would give Lexi one if she demanded. She was just content relaxing in her girlfriend's arms as Lexi played with her hair.

"That glad to be getting away from school?"

Lexi smiled and placed a kiss on Daphne's head.

"You have no idea. I'm just so happy to be able to see my family as well. Writing letters only helps so much."

Daphne nodded, "I know what you mean. It's too bad I'm going to be all alone next year."

Lexi frowned, "that will be the only time I will wish to be in school."

"You mean you aren't sick of me yet?"

Lexi pulled a serious face and sighed, "maybe...I might need some time away."

Daphne leaned back with wide eyes. "Are you being serious?"

Lexi shrugged, but couldn't keep up the charade as she watched Daphne's shoulders droop. She then lifted her face and grinned.

Daphne narrowed her eyes, "ugh, don't do that!"

She smacked the older girl on the shoulder. Lexi laughed and pulled Daphne close laying a kiss on her lips. Daphne tried to pull away to pout, but Lexi was too persistent. She gave up and leaned back into Lexi's embrace and met her lips full on. They both moaned as the kiss deepened.

A sound at the door made their eyes shift to the opening of the compartment. There stood a blushing Hermione Granger with her mouth open in shock. Lexi looked at Hermione and then glanced down to Daphne. The blonde had her eyebrows raised in question.

"I...I..I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. There were no other compartments and I didn't realize why this one was empty until a mi..."

She didn't get a chance to finish as Lexi waved her hand and the door opened wider.

"Hermione stop...really it's okay. Come on in, we have plenty of room...right Daphne?"

Lexi looked back to her girlfriend to see what she would say. Daphne broke her stare from the brunette at the door to look back at Lexi. She grinned and nodded her head.

"Of course Miss Granger, please join us."

Hermione shifted a little, but when Lexi gave her a pointed look she decided to enter the compartment. The door closed as soon as she was through and Hermione sent Lexi a questioning look. Lexi smiled, her eyes following the brunette as she took the seat across from the couple.

"Thank you and please call me Hermione."

Daphne nodded and straightened herself so she wasn't leaning so much against Lexi. It seemed as though her pureblood training was kicking in.

"Very well Hermione. So what brings you to this end of the train?"

Hermione took a deep breath and glanced back at Lexi. The older witch had decided to remain quiet so far.

"I was going to sit with my friends, as usual, but they have both gotten a little annoying. Especially with Ron's new fascination with Lavender Brown."

Lexi snorted and Daphne elbowed her in the ribs. She gave Daphne a shocked look, but Daphne just remained starring straight ahead.

Hermione fought to contain the giggle which escaped at the look on Lexi's face.

Daphne shook her head, "I'm sorry you had to deal with that Hermione. You are more than welcome to stay in here with us for the remainder of the journey."

Hermione smiled, "thank you Daphne."

The rest of the train ride went well. Daphne and Hermione talked about their Charms Class as Lexi leaned back and observed. It was hard not to compare the two when they were so close together. She grinned at Hermione's enthusiasm with the way she compared the incendio charm with the new charm she created to make small balls of blue energy. It was quite brilliant and Daphne seemed just as interested.

Lexi closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift off. It didn't seem like too much later that she felt something shaking her shoulder. She sat up and blinked her eyes. The train was slowing down and she could see the outline of London. Daphne smiled and gave her a peck on the lips. Lexi stretched and glanced at the empty seat across from her.

"Did Hermione leave to get her things?"

"She did. She told me to tell you Happy Christmas and that she will see you at the end of the holiday."

Lexi hummed and began pulling off her robe. She hated wearing the thing longer than she needed to.

"I'm glad she was comfortable staying in here for the remainder of the trip. It is good for her to get away from the Weasley git."

Daphne chuckled, "I don't think she actually wants to get away from him."

Lexi narrowed her eyes, "what do you mean?"

"She is upset that Ron is giving Lavender Brown so much attention. I think she wants that attention for herself. I think she fancies Ron."

Lexi shook her head, "there is no way she wants to get with Weasley. Ugh, he is just awful."

Daphne smiled, "well you know what they say...sometimes opposites attract."

Lexi had escorted Daphne to her parents on the platform. She promised to owl them the date when they were expected at the manor. Daphne gave Lexi a small kiss much to her parents amusement.

As the family disapparated away, Lexi turned and frowned. She was still confused at what Daphne had implied. There was no way Hermione would date that pompous jerk...would she? Maybe she should speak to the younger witch to see if that was where her head was. That's right, as soon as she had the chance she would owl Hermione.

Confident in her decision once again, Lexi looked around before she too disapparated from the station.

When Lexi appeared in the long hallway at Malfoy Manor she took a deep breath. It had been 4 months since she first arrived and joined her extended family. So much had happened in such little time.

A small elf appeared in front of her and bowed.

"Rook is pleased to see Miss Lexi is back home. Mistress told Rook to put your things away and take you to her.

Lexi nodded handing her bag to the small elf. He clicked his fingers and both her bag and trunk disappeared.

"Thank you Rook. Who is your mistress?

"I belong to Mistress Bellatrix."

Lexi followed the small elf to the dinning room. Rook nodded to the door as Lexi opened it a crack. She walked into the room and realized she was joining a Death Eater meeting already in session. Yaxley had been giving a report, but stopped mid-sentence when Lexi walked into the room.

All eyes landed on her as Bellatrix hopped up from the chair and embraced the younger witch.

"I'm so happy you are home my dear."

Lexi smiled and returned the hug.

"You and me both."

A throat cleared and the two women jumped apart. Lexi looked back to see that all eyes were on them, including Voldemort's. She gave a wary look at Bellatrix before giving a small bow.

"My apologies my lord. I just arrived and was told to come straight in."

Voldemort gestured for her to join them at the table, taking the seat next to Bellatrix.

"No harm done. You have come at the most opportune time. Bellatrix has reported the cabinet has been mended. Are you confident in it's ability to give safe passage?"

Lexi nodded, "yes my lord. The vanishing cabinet will provide safe passage to those ready to enter the school. Best yet, Dumbledore still has no clue his school is now compromised."

Voldemort grinned. It was a scary sight to all those present. As wrong as it looked on his disfigured face, it also meant he was satisfied. Many relaxed at the table, pleased the young witch had succeeded. Please Voldemort would not be cursing them for any failures today.

The meeting finished with more reports on auror activity and progress in the ministry. Voldemort gave final orders before apparating away. As soon as he left, many jumped from the table to congratulate Lexi on the success of her mission and to welcome her home. Bellatrix sneered at them. True, she was pleased as well, but it was embarrassing the way they clung to anyone who made their lord happy for a mere second.

"Alright, that is enough. You can all be on your way now. Lexi is home for the holidays and it is a family affair until the New Years ball."

At Bellatrix's statement, they finished their goodbyes and quickly left the manor. It wouldn't do well to anger the dark witch. As the last pop sounded, Bellatrix sighed and once again moved over to embrace the young witch.

"I am truly happy you are here. Come, we must find Cissy. She will be upset to know you arrived and haven't said hello yet."

Lexi chuckled, "and who's fault was that?"

Bellatrix sighed and nodded, "true, when the Dark Lord calls a meeting, all stops. She will understand."

Lexi waited anxiously by the fire. It was five days before Christmas. Daphne and her family were due to come through the floo any moment. Through their exchanges, they decided to spend the first couple weeks at home and Christmas through New Years with each other. Both families readily agreed. Everyone was happy to do as both young witches wished, hoping they would be making some sort of announcement soon.

Bellatrix had sought Lexi out in the library only a few days after she arrived. It seemed as though pureblood families engagement announcements were essential to society. Lexi was worried it was too soon, they had only been official for a couple months. Bellatrix had scoffed and shook her head.

"Nonsense, everyone will be expecting it. It is usually announced at the New Years Ball. If you are sure about this girl you need to propose. With the war coming, it is important to secure our family ties. I'm not trying to pressure you, but it is expected. Think about it Lexi."

Bellatrix had pulled a box out of her pocket. Lexi took it and opened it. She gasped as she looked down at the ring. It was beautiful, silver band with green emeralds on the band. The top had a cluster of diamonds in a beautiful black and white design."

"It is a family heirloom. This ring is supposed to stay in the Black family. It is yours to do with as you please."

Lexi shook her head, "I..I..I don't know Bella. What if we are too young? What if she gets hurt because of what I'm involved in? I would never forgive myself."

Bellatrix gave Lexi a warm smile and curled her hand over the young witch's.

"We will never be certain of what is to come. Daphne knows the dangers, her whole family does. She is a pureblood and knows what is expected. Even though you were not raised in this society, she was. Use her knowledge to help guide you. I am confident she would be more than happy to help."

So there Lexi stood, one and a half weeks later. She knew what she wanted, but it didn't help the fear she had in her heart. The fear of the unknown and what would happen during this war. But worst of all, it was the fear of the feeling she had in her heart for someone else. It wasn't stronger, but it was just as nagging.

The fire roared and Lexi jumped, snapping quickly our of her thoughts. Blonde hair appeared and a figure emerged and jumped into her arms with an excited squeal. Lexi laughed as she hugged Daphne closer to her body. The blonde leaned back and kissed her firmly on the mouth.

They broke apart when they heard shuffling and the door to the parlor opening. Lexi looked and blushed when she realized that not only were the rest of Daphne's family looking on in amusement, but Bella had just entered with Narcissa as well.

Bellatrix smirked, "well that's one heck of a greeting if you ask me."

Daphne turned bright red and buried into Lexi's neck out of embarrassment.

Lexi gave her a quick kiss on the head and smiled.

"Enough Bella, you are just jealous not to get the same greeting."

Bellatrix laughed as well as everyone else in the room. Soon hugs and greetings were handed out. Elizabeth fawned over Lexi and Daphne rolled her eyes. Lexi gave her a knowing smile and allowed the Greengrass matriarch to continue. Draco had joined and took to entertaining Astoria.

Dinner was a joyous affair as everyone had a reason to celebrate this year. Most watched the young couple with rapt attention. Lexi had taken to pampering Daphne during meal times at school. She would always prepare her rolls or make sure she had juice. It was something that came naturally to both witches, so they didn't understand what everyone was looking at when Lexi began to pour the young blonde some wine after buttering her dinner roll.

Lexi stopped and looked at her girlfriend, unsure as to why all eyes were on them. Narcissa chuckled and Elizabeth looked like she wanted to jump up and hug the dark haired witch.

"Am I missing something?" Lexi inquired.

Everyone just shook their heads while smiling. Elizabeth took her napkin and dabbed the corner of her eye.

"You two are just so precious."

Daphne rolled her eyes as Astoria and Draco tried to stifle their giggles.