Chapter 20

New acquaintances

Cygnus was aboard the Hogwarts express. He sat in one of the compartments, with Draco, Blaize, Terence, and Adrian. They were on their way to King cross station, to go back home for the holidays. And while it should have been a joyous occasion, it was anything but. Cygnus had told all of them the night before that he won't be seeing them at the yule ball, because he was to spend Christmas at the Potters. Of course, Draco went on to get progressively angrier at the situation, and at him –like he had anything to do with it. And of course, Cygnus's already sour mood worsened, and it took no time for them to get into a fight. Which is why Cygnus, and Draco weren't speaking, and why everyone else remained quiet.

'What do you mean you're spending Christmas at the Potters?' Draco had practically bellowed, letting everyone in the common room know what was being discussed, MAKING Cygnus angry.

Personally, Cygnus wasn't too happy about spending Christmas at the Potters, and he would much rather stay at Hogwarts to study, seeing as he didn't want to go to the Malfoys either. He was never one for celebrating Christmas, Yule- whatever they wanted to call it. And that is because he never saw the point to the holiday. For the Malfoys it was an excuse to showcase their wealth by throwing a grand ball, and to spend tons of gold for one night. And for Cygnus –who didn't really care about parties, or formal settings- he grew up disliking the holiday. And how could he not? The way he saw it, it was just an excuse for Narcissa to dress them up, and keep them locked in their rooms unable to go outside or do anything –lest they mess up their clothes.

Of course his dislike for the holiday is not something everyone shared. He knew that most people enjoy Christmas, and that Ron, and Hermione were one of those people.

'Christmas is the best holiday there is mate! You get to eat so much food, and don't have to worry about school. What is there to hate about that?' Ron had told him.

Hermione had also, said something similar. 'Christmas is great. But my favourite holiday is New Year's Eve, because me, and my family go see the fireworks every year.'

After that piece of information Cygnus was actually surprised. He had no idea muggles had fireworks, and though he had never seen them, he knew without a doubt that they must hold no comparison to magical fireworks. After all, anything muggle made does not even come close to magic. At least that is what Cygnus thought, and for that reason he didn't want to know more about muggles, while Ron was curious, and asked to know more about filthy muggle inventions. He didn't understand Ron's interest in muggles, or why he was happy for Hermione that she was going back to the muggle world for Christmas. Personally, Cygnus wasn't happy at all. He actually felt sorry for Hermione, who had to spend Christmas with muggles, and in the muggle world, even though said muggles are her parents. As far as Cygnus saw it, muggles belong with muggles, and wizards and witches with their own kind- that it the natural way of things. Of course he didn't say this to Hermione, knowing that she wouldn't understand his reasoning. She wasn't born in the magical world after all, and wouldn't understand. So he wished her a Merry Christmas, albeit a little more strain than he did with everyone else.

But truthfully, he was bitter of the thought that everyone else was probably going to have a better Christmas than he was. Even Draco was –for some reason- looking forward to the ball, and enjoyed the fact that he was going back to Malfoy manor. Albeit, he was a less excited now that Cygnus wasn't going to be there with him for the first time ever.

"So what do you suppose the Potter's home looks like?" asked Adrian.

Cygnus jerked his head up from his book to look at Adrian, and realized that everyone had stopped what they were doing, and were now all looking at Cygnus expectantly. Well almost all of them. Draco appeared rather annoyed, and was practically glaring at Adrian for breaking the silence.

"I'm not sure." Cygnus intoed, sounding more irritated than he meant to. He really had no idea what to expect of the Potters, seeing as he knew very little about them. He did however, know that they aren't poor like the Weasleys, but he didn't know if they were middle class or upper class either.

"I bet that they live in a shack like the Weasleys. All blood traitors are alike, which is why I feel sorry for you Cyg. Your Christmas is really going to suck this year. But then again, you'll probably love every minute of it won't you?" Draco sniffed.

Once more the air of awkwardness returned, and Terence shifted around his seat, and overall looked like he rather be somewhere else. He -like everyone else knew- that being in the middle of a fight between Draco, and Cygnus is incredibly uncomfortable. And it seemed that this was going to be a bad one, as Cygnus practically fumed with supressed frustration, and anger.

"Go to hell Draco!" Cygnus hissed, and everyone practically held their breath. "I told you already. It isn't my choice to spend Christmas as the Potters. Nor do, or will I enjoy it. So stop being such a brat for once, and mind your own bloody business."

Draco looked at Cygnus wide eyes, and bewildered expression. He nor anyone else had expected him to burst, seeing as he was never one to lose his temper. In fact they had seen Flint annoy him horrible at the start of term, and Cygnus hadn't said anything. Which told them that Cygnus was clearly as frustrated with the situation –more so than the realized.

Cygnus shifted his eyes around the compartment, and huffed when he saw everyone's shocked faces. He hadn't meant to snap at Draco, and he was just as surprised as they were, but he could hardly control himself. The last few hours had been hell for him. Thinking about living with the Potters for the holidays, to having to meet new people, to having to have to spend time with people he didn't even know. So of course he was annoyed, frustrated and angry, and now even more so because Draco –instead of being a proper brother- was making things worse with his usual spoiled brat behaviour.

Few seconds of silence, and awkwardness passed through the compartment. No one dared to say anything, because no one wanted to anger Cygnus, or incite Draco into saying something he and everyone else will regret, so everyone remained silent and hoped that Draco would shut his mouth. They all knew that having to deal with Draco's anger was one thing, but having to deal with Cygnus also –now that was horrible.

Draco opened his mouth, and everyone looked at him as if imploring him to remain quiet, but of course Draco didn't. "Whatever. I bet we'll have a better Christmas without you there anyways." Draco mumbled softly, almost as if he didn't mean anyone else to hear that.

The first sound that followed after Draco said that, was a sigh from Blaize, as he shook his head and looked at the window trying to not be part of the conversation. The next sound that followed was more terrifying, as Cygnus took a deep breath, and everyone looked at Cygnus who was glaring daggers at Draco. It was a well-known fact in Slytherin, that no one liked to see Cygnus angry, because it reminded everyone of the duel he had with Flint, and nobody in their right mind wanted that anger geared towards them. So they all tried to looked everywhere but Cygnus, not wanting to gain his attention. While Draco kept staring at Cygnus head on.

"You're being childish you know that?" Cygnus growled.

"Well what if I am? The point is that you'll be spending Christmas at the Potters this year, and what's next? Sonner of later you'll be living with hem permanently!" Draco snapped.

Cygnus glaring eyes turned to ones of shock, as he looked at his brother pained expression. He had not expected Draco to say that, he had not expected him to feel that way. He thought that Draco was mad because he had to spend time with blood traitors, not because he was going to be away for Christmas and Draco will be alone for the first time ever. Realizing that he had read Draco wrong, Cygnus felt guilty that he had snapped at him.

Cygnus opened his mouth and closed it. He didn't know what to say, nor did he want everyone hearing him, if he apologized to him. So Cygnus kept his mouth closed, and looked down at his book, telling everyone that the conversation was over with.

Seeing his choice of action, Draco scoffed, but didn't say anything as he glared at the blizzard going on outside the train.

The ride remained as silent as a graveyard, and soon the lights went on as night time came. They were nearing King cross station, so in no time everyone changed to their regular robes –which for Cygnus, and Draco's case was so hilariously expensive and pristine, that it was far from regular clothes wizards wear. But to them it was normal, and it made Cygnus feel better, thinking that he may have to be with the Potters, but that didn't mean that he had to dress like them, or act like them. Deep down he will always be a Malfoy, and everyone should know that.

When the train came to screeching halt, Cygnus, and Draco were the first to stand up and make their way out the compartment, and into the hallway of the train before it got too crowded with students.

Both Cygnus and Draco, made their way through the hallway and out the train as quickly as possible, before anyone got in their way. When Draco exited the train, Cygnus grabbed his sleeve and pulled him to the side where no one could hear them¸ due to the engine of the train.

When Cygnus let go of Draco's sleeve he looked up at him bewildered, and disoriented.

"Look, I don't want to leave with an argument between us." Cygnus sighed.

"Sure." Draco scoffed, with irritation, and Cygnus clenched his teeth. He was trying really hard to leave on a positive note, and refused to let Draco get to him this time. So Cygnus took a deep breath.

"Draco, I'm serious here. I don't want to go to the Potters, and I won't magically turn into one of them by spending the holidays with them either." Cygnus explained, and Draco huffed.

"Look, I know it's annoying that I won't be at the yule ball, but there isn't anything I can do about that, so we both have to get over it, and accept the circumstances."

Draco continued to glare at him, and didn't seemed at all convinced by his words as he crossed his arms. Cygnus took another deep breath, before he lost his patience.

"Also, you should know that this is only temporarily, and a onetime thing. And believe me when I say that I won't let them turn me into one of them. So please get it through that thick skull of yours, that I won't be going anywhere, and that you still have to put up with me." Cygnus assured.

Draco seemed to light up a little after Cygnus words, as he uncrossed his arms and gave Cygnus an uncertain look. "But what if the Ministry forces you to stay with them? What will you do then? I mean, they forced father to let you go, what says they can't force you to stay with them?"

'That would be worse case scenario' Cygnus thought grimly, but didn't voice it to Draco. "I doubt they will, but if they did, that won't change anything. I won't ever be a Potter, and if they don't like that, that's too bad for them, because I won't change." Cygnus smirked. "And besides, I have you to smack me in the head if I show any signs of changing."

Draco's lips quirked up at that, and he sighed. "I suppose so. Still, the ball will be a drag without you."

Cygnus rolled his eyes, and sighed. "Guess you'll have to get by without me. I can only imagine the pandemonium, with you lose, and nobody to restrain you." Cygnus remarked sarcastically, and Draco's smile widened.

"Cygnus!" A familiar male voice called out, and Cygnus turned around.

James, and Lily and who he recognized as Leon, and Lucy, were making their way towards them. As he looked at them, Cygnus noticed that Leon was taller than last time he saw him, and so was Lucy. It had only been a few months, but it seems that was enough for them to grow at a surprisingly fast pace.

Cygnus sighed when James, and Lily waved enthusiastically, garnering the attention from countless others, who turned to look at the ever famous Potter family, as well as the boy who somehow evaded death. Murmurs quickly filled the station, as everyone stopped to look at him. In fact the only one that didn't seem at all intrigued, and looking at him in shock was Draco, who was glaring at the Potters, and whose foul mood had returned.

"I guess it's my time to leave now." Cygnus grunted. He didn't want to dawdle, and risk the Malfoys and the Potters meeting each other on the platform, and give everyone a true spectacle. No, he needed to leave before his family arrived and made everything more difficult.

Cygnus turned around to face Draco, who was still glaring at the Potters and clenching his teeth. "Gotta go before mom and dad get here. Don't want to cause a scene you know." Cygnus explained, as Draco tore his eyes away from the Potters. Both of them stood there, staring at each other for a while longer, unsure what to say or how to proceed. Cygnus knew he needed to say goodbye, but it felt so strange, that he didn't know how to go about it. He had never been away from Draco before, and if he did it was never long enough to require a goodbye. It felt odd that he won't be seeing his brother for two weeks.

Cygnus cleared his throat, and grabbed his bag which he had left on the floor, and placed it on his shoulder. "So I guess I'll see you in two weeks then?" Cygnus asked awkwardly, and unsure.

Draco nodded, and huffed his displeasure. "I guess so." Draco murmured, barely audible over the sound of the engine.

Cygnus wanted to say more, but he simply nodded, and turned around to leave his brother behind. But before he did he turned his head, and smirked. "I hope there'll be a manor to get back to when I go back." Cygnus smiled, getting a smirk from Draco.

"I can't promise anything" Draco answered back, and with that Cygnus turned around and made his way to the Potters, who were waiting for him, alongside the Weasleys, the Longbottoms, and who he guessed are Hermione's parents, seeing by the awful muggle clothes they were wearing.

'How can they allow muggles in here?' Cygnus thought bitterly, and with disgust.

When Cygnus was near the group, everyone soon stopped their conversations and they turned to look at him. With countless eyes set upon him, Cygnus felt a bit nervous –which was off for him- as he realized that he had everyone's attention, as well as the attention of a few others walking about the platform. It seems that everyone wanted gaze upon the boy who lived.

When Cygnus finally stopped in front of the group, he put his bag down, uncomfortable of the weight, and looked up at them. He didn't really know what to say, or how to behave. But he needed to say something, seeing as everyone was staring at him waiting for him to speak.

"-Er- hello? I was told I was to spend-"

Cygnus couldn't finish his sentence, because Lily lunged at him and wrapped him in her arms, and brought him into a fierce hug. Cygnus humph, and struggled to breath¸ thankfully the hug didn't last very long, and Lily let him go.

"It's so good to see you Cyg." She grinned.

"Hey there kiddo." James greeted with a wave, and a smile.

Cygnus looked at James, and gave him a fake smile and opened his mouth to greet him, but before he could say anything, someone came in between him and Lily, grabbed his hand, and shook it incredibly fast, shaking Cygnus body in the process.

"Finally we get to meet!" the person said, and Cygnus looked down at the boy. Leon Potter was standing in front of him, grinning up at him like a fool. "Names Leon. I'm your brother!" the boy declared, enthusiastically.

Cygnus looked at the smaller redhead with bewilderment. He had expected Leon to be skeptical of him, seeing as he had been less then welcoming when they first met at the gala. And sure James had told him that Leon couldn't wait to meet him, but he had always thought he was lying about that, as a way for him to feel welcomed by the whole family. It seems that he was wrong.

"Leon, give him some space will you? He just got here, and you already want to tear his arm off?" reprimanded James, with a chuckle.

Leon pouted at that, and he let go of Cygnus arms. "Sorry." He apologized softly.

Cygnus put his hand down, and clench and unclenched it to get blood circulating through it once more. "No worries, I was prepared. James did warn me that you would be excited to meet me." Cygnus smiled, and Leon smirked. "Names Cygnus by the way" Cygnus said.

"I know!" he said excitedly.

Cygnus wanted to sigh. Just by Leon's words, and behaviour, he already wanted to go back to the Malfoys. He couldn't imagine having to put up with a kid like Leon, with all that excitement bottles up inside him, he might burst. And he thought Draco was bad when he was younger, but this kid clearly takes the cake.

"Clam down Leon. Can't you see you're irritating him." A girl reprimanded.

Cygnus arched his brow, and looked down at the other redhead standing beside Leon. She was slightly taller than Leon, and like him and their dad, wore the same rounded glasses. Also, she and her brother had the same hazel eyes, just like James. And although, neither of them got Lily's green eyes, they both looked exactly like her, and less like their father, which shocked Cygnus. He –unlike his siblings- actually resembles James more, at least he thought he might have if he hadn't gone through the blood adoption ritual, which made him look more like a Black than a Potter. But by the small similarities he still had to James, he guessed that he must have at some point looked a lot like him.

"It's ok really." Cygnus reassured, and Lucy turned her hazel eyes away from Leon to look up at him.

"If you say so." Lucy smirked, and offered her hand to him, which he shook gently. "I'm Lucy." She said charmingly.

"Nice to meet you both." Cygnus said, and both twins smiled up at him, in a very identical manner.

"Told you they're a handful." James chuckled. "Anyways, I want you to meet a couple of friends of mine, so if you will." James gestured for him to come closer, and Cygnus stepped out of Leon's way to stand beside James, who put his hand on his shoulder, making Cygnus tense.

"Cygnus I like you to meet the Longbottoms. This is Frank, and this is Alice, and I'm sure you know Neville already." James, gestured to Frank and Alice, who were smiling down at him, while Neville was occupied with talking to Leon, and Lucy.

Cygnus had never met the older longbottoms, and he was shocked to see that they are taller than he thought. In fact Frank is probably a smidge taller than Lucius, which is saying a lot. Cygnus also, noticed that Neville resembled his father greatly.

"Nice to meet you Cygnus!" Frank said, offering his hand, which Cygnus took and shook firmly.

"Nice to meet you too sir, and mam." Cygnus said, looking at Alice, who smiled at him.

"Quite the respectable young wizard aren't you?" Alice chuckled. "It's nice to meet you Cygnus. Neville has told us a bit about you in his letters, but we hope to know more." She beamed.

Cygnus nodded a bit unsure. He was surprised that Neville said anything about him to his parents. It's not that he didn't get along with Neville, but he wasn't exactly friends with him either. They were more like quittance, and he did spend time with him, but only because Ron dragged him. In a way he supposed, that Neville is like Draco's friends. He only spoke to them, and became friends with them because Draco forced him to. But he wouldn't outright seek out Neville, or talk to him, so why had he told his parents about him?

Before he could think about that, a bushy barrier of hair got in Cygnus line of vision, snapping him out of his thoughts. Hermione now stood in front of him, giving him an excited smile.

"Mom, dad come here, let me present you to one of my friends!" she called excitedly, more than he had seen her outside of class shouting out answers to questions.

Cygnus looked away from Hermione, and looked at the tall man, and women who had the same bushy hair as Hermione. They had been talking to Ron, who looked a bit uncomfortable with being presented to Hermione's parents, and relieved now that he didn't have their attention on him.

"Mom, dad, this is Cygnus Malfoy. Cygnus these are my parents." Hermione gestured to the two muggles, and Cygnus had to stop himself from sneering at the two, as their eyes landed on his.

"Hello Cygnus, my name is William, and this is my wife, Emily." Mr. Granger gestured to his wife, who smiled down at him. "May I say, we are excited to finally meet you. We have heard great things about you young man, in fact my daughter won't stop writing about you and Ron!" William exclaimed.

Cygnus gave a Hermione a sideway glance, and saw that her cheek coloured exponentially, and Cygnus would be lying if he said that his ears didn't tinge a bit. He had no idea Hermione wrote so much about them to her parents. "Yes well, were good friends. I write a lot about my friends to my own parents." He said sternly, and offhandedly.

And just as he said those words, he couldn't help but grimace on the inside. Of course he was lying. There was no way he would write about his friends to the Malfoys. If Lucius and Narcissa knew that he had made friends with any of these people… well, they would surely lose it. That is why he wanted to leave the station before they arrived, so that they wouldn't find out about Hermione, and Ron. As well as preventing any fights that might breakout between James, and Lucius. Which is why he was getting antsy. How many more people did he have to meet before they finally choose to leave?

"Hey Cygnus, come meet my parents!" Ron called out, waving him to where he was standing by a group of redheads.

The Grangers all turned to look at Ron, and Hermione made sure to give him an annoyed look, but didn't say anything, as Cygnus stepped around the muggles, and gave them a simple curt nod, without even saying his goodbye or saying anything at them. Hermione's parents looked at him confused, and he knew he was going to get an earful from Hermione after that, but he couldn't force himself to socialize with muggles- that is one thing he couldn't and wouldn't do, not even for her.

When Cygnus was away from the Grangers, Ron practically shoved him towards his family, causing Cygnus to almost miss a step. "So this is my mom, and dad Cyg."

Cygnus looked up at the Weasley's seniors, and gave them a genuine smile. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs-"

"Call us Molly, and Arthur dear." Mrs. Weasley said with a smile, and Cygnus looked taken aback. He never called an unfamiliar witch or wizard by their first name, in fact no pureblood would ever do that, it was considered rude. For these reasons, he found it difficult to address them as simply Arthur, and Molly.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."

Molly, and Arthur smiled, and didn't correct him. "Nice to meet you too. Our boys have written a lot about you, and we hope that neither Fred nor George are giving you a hard time."

"Hey!" the twins cried put in unison.

"We'll have you know that Cygnus loves us!" George stated, walking to where his parents were standing.

"Sure he does." Murmured Ron.

"You see how selfish Ronnikins is mom? He won't even share his friend with us!" Fred exclaimed sarcastically.

"Now, now George. Stop teasing Ron." Molly reprimanded.

"It's Fred." Fred mumbled, and Cygnus grinned. It seems that even their own mother had a difficult time telling them apart.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but we really must be going." William Granger said, walking into the circle made up of redheads and Cygnus.

"It was nice meeting all of you, and we hope to see you again soon" Emily said cheerfully, while William, and Hermione nodded in unison.

"It's too bad we don't have more time to get to know each other. But you could come over to our home for Christmas, so we could talk more. We'll all be attending, and we would be happy to have you." Molly suggested.

The grangers looked at Molly surprised, and Hermione was practically jumping on her feet with excitement, and pulling her father's shirt; imploring him to accept. "Oh? Well, we would love to, but we have plans for Christmas." Mr. Granger lamented, and Hermione groaned. "Still, we appreciate your invitation, and we'll make sure to accept your invitation another year. If you'll have us of course."

Mrs. Weasley gave them a pained expression, but soon changed it to a smile. "Of course, of course we'll invite you next time."

Cygnus wanted to roll his eyes, and wanted to grimace. 'I hope I won't be forced to attend that party then.' He thought. He may have to spend Christmas away from the Malfoys, and with complete strangers, but spending it with muggles is a step too far.

Cygnus gave the Grangers a hateful glare. Muggles have no business with magical folks, they shouldn't attend their parties. They should stay with their own! Cygnus scoffed softly, when he saw Arthur and Molly practically hug the Grangers like old friends. Just then, Cygnus felt a set of eyes on him, and Cygnus turned his head to come face to face with an angry Hermione.

"What?' he asked innocently.

"You know what." She practically hissed from all her anger.

Cygnus eyes widen a little from her reaction, but before he could say anything, Hermione huffed and left with her parents without saying a word.

"What's her problem?" asked Ron, and Cygnus practically jumped on his spot. He had not heard Ron walk up to him.

"No idea." He lied, and Ron shrugged.

"Must be a Hermione thing then."

Cygnus nodded, not looking back at Ron as he kept looking at the spot Hermione vacated. Why couldn't his friends share the same views as him?

So now you know that Cygnus really dislikes muggles. I have dropped a few hints here and there about this, and I mean it must have been a no brainer, and to no shock to everyone. Cygnus may not have any prejudice against purebloods, muggle born, or blood traitors, or anything that has to do with magic, but he does have prejudice towards muggles. And how could he not? Seeing as to who raised him; some of their influence had to stick in.

So hope you liked this chapter, please review, and se you next chapter.