A/N- Such wonderful feedback from the last chapter. Thank you all for your kind words, y'all are some rockstar readers. This chapter won't be quite as dramatic as the last, but there will definetly be some tense moments. Hermione is coming face to face with Narcissa (again) after all. Anyways, enough for now, I'm gonna hurry and write so y'all can see what I'm talking about!

Disclaimer: I have a deal with the devil about gaining ownership of the Harry Potter series. I won't say what I have to do, but when JKR is no longer famous, y'all will know I got 'er done! Bhahaha, just kidding. But really...

Chapter 21

December 21, 1998

Hermione gave one last look around her room, making sure that she had everything she would need for the holidays packed in her trunk. Theo had threatened to call Jingle to pack his belongings, earning a laugh from everyone else and a hex from Hermione.

Hermione still wasn't sure how this break with Narcissa Malfoy was going to go. It had the potential for disaster written all over it. The Head Girl had promised herself that she would do her best to make the vacation drama-free, but she knew that if she was pushed, she would most certainly push back.

Draco had told her that since Nott Manor was her home, his mother would respect her rules and wishes while she was there, especially in regards to the elves. Hermione had been grateful for that, but she was also certain that Draco had written his mother right after that and told her to be on her best behavior.

As much as Hermione didn't want to spend her holiday with Narcissa Malfoy, she was now more than willing to do it for Theo and Draco. Truly, she had lucked out in the fact that they didn't really have any close friends in Slytherin or she would feel obligated to be friendly with them.

Theo had been ecstatic the day after Hermione's magical surge when she told him that she would spend the holiday with had explained that when growing up, Narcissa had been the only female role model in his life and he looked at her like his aunt, even called her as such. At his words, Hermione felt that familiar twinge on jealousy. Theo had grown up with people that cared about him. They may not have always been the most demonstrative, but there was no denying that they cared.

Hermione always hated herself for this streak of jealousy. She may not have been loved, she may have been merely tolerated, but Theo had grown up with no mother and an extremely bitter father. Her disappearance had affected his life in several negative ways, but he never seemed to hold it against her.

Harry and Ron, however, were a different story. Ron most definetly held her magical surge against her. Harry was quick to forgive, realizing that even though he wouldn't have been telling her anything new if he had told her she wasn't invited to the Burrow, he had just been flying under the radar with Molly and allowing the bad behavior without a word of disagreement. Hermione let her mind wander to the evening following "The Surge", as she was beginning to call it, as she did her final walk through of her rooms.

*Flashback*

Hermione sat between Draco and Theo, the former refusing to let her out of arm's reach. She felt bad for telling him that they were through dating the day before, she knew the depth to which he said he cared for her. It had seemed to make him realize that their relationship wasn't permanent and he had been extremely solicitous of her all day.

Out of nowhere, towards the end of the meal, a tawny owl swept down to land right in front her, Hermione immediately recognizing it as Artemis, Harry's new owl. Ginny watched with a knowing gaze as she released the parchment from the owl's leg. There were two pieces of parchment and Hermione could only guess that there was a letter from each of her friends. She unrolled the first one and found that it was from Harry.

'Mi,

I hope you're doing well after last night. You just fainted dead away and if Malfoy hadn't caught you, you might have cracked your head open.

I want to make clear that I was not aware you weren't invited to Christmas until after Ginny had already told you. I'm rarely home these days since Ron is always with Lavender and all Molly wants to do is coddle me. Bill is actually the one who wrote me and asked me about getting together one day at Shell Cottage so we could all see you since you wouldn't be there for Christmas.

Though I don't feel like I did you wrong in this particular instance, I have indeed been a shite friend. I should have thrown a fit when Molly didn't want to let you come back. I should have told her how horrible and childish it was for her to not invite you for the holidays. Myself, Ginny, and Ron should have had your back in both those instances, but we didn't, and for that I apologize.

I'm fairly certain that Ron just didn't want to ruin the "Ron is a Hero" thing he had going in the house by fighting with Molly. If it had been anyone other than Molly, he would have done anything possible to keep you away from Nott and Malfoy.

Ginny was excited that you were gone, at first, which is my fault. She always felt that she had to compete with you, that I loved you more (no, she never thought we cheated), so when you were finally gone, she had the spotlight. I do know, however, that she only lasted four days before she went begging Molly to let you come home. She's the only one of us that did.

As for my reasoning, I'm sure you can guess. You got a second chance at a family. When Molly received that letter telling her who you really were, I knew there would be problems. However, I didn't want to ruin any chance you had of actually building a relationship with your brother.

I know Ginny has said something to Molly several times about Christmas. As for Ron, I don't think he wants to deal with you and Lavender in the same place. I think that's why he is more than alright with you not attending Christmas.

Anyways, I told your brother and Malfoy I would do better by you, and I'm going to. I feel like I'm doing loads better than I was, but there is always room for improvement. I really need to close for now, class is getting ready to start.

Love,

Harry

Hermione's mind was taking in all the information Harry had provided in his letter. Firstly, what letter to Molly was he talking about and Ginny had been happy she didn't come to the Burrow? There was obviously more going on behind the scenes than she realized. All these questions needed answers, but after she read Ron's letter. Opening it, she could tell by his handwriting that he was angry.

Hermione,

I love you as a friend, I really do, but I can't continue to be the scapegoat for your anger problems. I understand you were kidnapped and lied to, you have every right to be angry, but turn that anger to the Notts, not me. I'm really tired of getting blamed for all your problems.

I know you're angry that my mum is shunning you, but you have to understand that she's old and doesn't have your forward muggle thinking. She didn't invite you to Christmas to protect Lavender. Everyone knows how much you hate her and nobody wants to see a repeat of sixth year. Jealousy doesn't look good on you, even now that you're freaking gorgeous.

I really need to go, I have class in ten minutes, but one last piece of advice. You need to work on your overall control. The Hermione I knew would never let her magic rule her. You've let those Slytherins piss you off and mess with your head. The tiniest fucking thing sets you off now. If you're constantly exploding like that, you'll never get a decent job.

Sincerely,

Ron

Hermione was torn between rage and hurt. How could Ron think those things of her? He had been admitting that he was wrong since she had first discovered her true identity. Had he been lying to her all those times he had apologized? If he thought she was just taking everything wrong in her life and blaming him, why was he even still wanting to be her friend?

This whole line of thought needed more thought and the dinner table wasn't the place for it. Promising herself that she wouldn't say anything to anyone about these letters, just for now, Hermione knew she would be getting to the bottom of the situation.

*End of Flashback*

Hermione had been waiting for Draco in the common room so when he finally emerged from his room, she gave him a smile. He pulled his trunk over to rest by hers, just waiting for the elves to deliver it downstairs.

Most students would be taking the Hogwarts' Express back to King's Cross to meet their families, but Hermione had refused. The last thing she wanted was to have more people staring at her, more people whispering. She would much rather just walk to the edge of the grounds with Theo and Draco and apparate into her own library.

All the students had already had breakfast early that morning, still allowing for the same departure time of eleven o'clock for the Hogwarts' Express. Ginny, along with Neville and Luna, would be taking the train. Ginny wasn't thrilled about it, but there wasn't much she could do. Bill would be at Hogwarts the rest of the day grading exams so she couldn't apparate with him.

Hermione had promised her friends that she would accompany them to the train and see them off. They had finalized their holiday plans to all meet at Shell Cottage on New Year's Eve so it would be a good week before she would see Ginny. She was used to not seeing Harry or Ron for that long, but she had become accustomed to seeing Ginny every day.

Hermione couldn't help but wonder if Ginny had really been happy about her not returning to the Burrow. Harry had said that she had always been jealous of Hermione. She wasn't entirely certain how the redhead could be jealous of her, but when she finally brought it up to Ginny, she would do her best not to lose her temper.

Draco held his arm out for her so she wound her hand in his arm properly, presenting themselves as a proper couple. As they made their way through the bustling corridors, Hermione couldn't help but wonder what Narcissa was going to say about her and Draco being together. Lucius was obviously pleased, but she had a feeling that Narcissa wouldn't like the idea of losing her only baby boy to the girl whom had been Britain's Most Famous Mudblood. Hermione expected either cool civility or fake sweetness. To be honest, Hermione was hoping for the cool civility.

Their friends were waiting in the Entrance Hall, Theo's arms tightly wrapped around Ginny's waist, holding her close to his chest. Neville and Luna were also embracing, but in a much more relaxed way. They were going home together and wouldn't be parting ways like Theo and Ginny. Not a word being spoke, the group of six began to make their way out the door so they could make the short ten minute walk to Hogsmeade.

The air was crisp, the soft breeze cool, but Hermione enjoyed it. The smell of winter always seemed fresher, seemed cleaner, than the smell of summer. She made sure to promise herself that she would spend some time outside on her break, not just hole up in the library.

The Hogwarts' Express came into view as they drew closer to Hogsmeade. Even though Hermione was slightly sentimental that she would wasn't going to be riding it to meet her parents or the Weasleys, she had absolutely no urge to climb on that train. Nosy children and later their parents would be in attendance, sending her dirty looks and silently passing judgement.

Theo loaded Ginny's trunk for her in the compartment of her choosing, Neville doing the same for himself and Luna. Hermione silently wondered how the no-nonsense Augusta Longbottom would react to the free thinking and openness that was innately Luna Lovegood. For Luna's sake, she hoped the older woman saw just how happy she made Neville and embrace her with open arms.

Hermione hugged Neville, Luna, and Ginny before they climbed on the train. Each of them promised to be at Shell Cottage on the thirty-first, making Hermione happy that her friends wanted to see her. Ginny and Theo held each other tight and pressed kiss after kiss to each other as they said their goodbyes. Hermione finally excused herself, unable to stomach the thought, let alone the picture of, her brother and best friend being extremely friendly.

Hermione, Draco, and Theo watched the train pull away from Hogsmeade station, all with soft smiles on their faces. It was Theo that ended the comfortable silence.

"Who in the fuck would have even thought Draco and I would be seeing Gryffindors off and actually missing them?" Hermione let loose a snort while Draco shot him an indignant glare.

"Speak for yourself, Fuckface. I've been counting down the hours till there were no more lions save the one in my arms." Hermione leaned over and patted his chest with a smile.

"We know you miss them, but don't worry, you can count on Theo and I to keep your secret." He rolled his eyes at her words before leaning down to nip her throat with his teeth. Hermione couldn't hold back a soft gasp which made Theo scrunch up his face in the most unattractive of ways.

"For the love of Salazar, can you two wait until we're home and I'm out of the room to do that? Gross." Draco began pulling Hermione towards the apparition point, their trunks shrunk and tucked neatly in his cloak pocket.

"We did less than you just did with your Duchess. Just remember, all's fair in love and war and all that rot." Hermione chuckled at the sight of Theo's face. Before their conversation could become anything more serious than the banter that it was, Hermione tugged on them both.

"Come on, I'm excited for home. I bet Tippy made brownie ice cream for us." Just like that, the argument forgotten and there was excited chatter about Tippy's cooking as they were pulled in the familiar tube of apparition.

-O-

Even though Hermione's apparition was flawless, he immediately reached out to steady her when they appeared in the library of Nott Manor. A huge smile was plastered on her face and he could only assume it was because they were in her favorite place in the world.

The trio hadn't even taken a step when three elves popped into existence right in front of them. Jingle hurried forward to gather their cloaks while Lola was taking their shrunken trunks from their pockets so she could deliver them to their rooms. Tippy did nothing but throw her arms around Hermione's knees.

"Tippy missed her Missy Lexi, hers is so happy hers Missy is home so Tippy can cooks for her again." Hermione let go of Draco so she could go to her knees and hug the little elf back.

"I missed you too, Tippy, as well as Lola and Jingle. I'm happy to be home with you and can't wait for your porridge in the morning." The little elf started dancing around with happiness in her eyes.

"Yes, yes, Tippy will makes her Mistress her bestest porridge ever. Tippy has already makes brownie ice cream for young Masters and Miss." Theo stepped forward and laid a soft hand on the elf's shoulder.

"Thank you, Tippy. If you made it, I know we'll love it." Forgetting that she used to fear Theo, Tippy threw herself at him and wrapped her arms around his knees. Draco couldn't help but chuckle at the uncomfortable look on his friend's face. Draco watched as Theo gingerly patted Tippy on the back before untangling himself from her embrace.

"Please help Jingle and Lola unpack our things, Tippy. Thank you." The elf nodded happily and with a snap of her fingers, she was gone. Before the three of them could decide what to do next, the door swung open to reveal Narcissa Malfoy looking absolutely perfect and at ease in her black taffeta gown. Hermione stiffened next to him as his mother started forward.

His mother's eyes caught Draco's arm around Hermione's waist and they blazed with an unknown emotion for only a moment before she smiled at the trio. Draco released Hermione so he could step forward and embrace his mother.

"Mother, I'm happy to see that you're well. I've missed you." Narcissa smiled at Draco and stood on her tiptoes to give him a light kiss on the cheek.

"I've missed you as well, Draco, you too Theo. Come and sit, tell me about school. Your letters don't ever say much." Hermione stepped back and towards the door. When she saw that he noticed, she gave him a quick smile.

"I'll be down in a little bit. I want to change clothes into something more comfortable and make sure Lola put everything where I like it." Draco could see she was telling the truth, but she was also leaving to give them time alone with his mother. He didn't want her to think that she needed to disappear every time his mother appeared. He vowed to speak to her before the day was done.

Theo and Draco both took seats across from Narcissa, Theo calling for Jingle to being them tea and firewhiskey. While Theo poured the hot liquid, mixing the whiskey in for himself and Draco, Narcissa gave him an odd look. Theo caught it and sighed.

"I love you, Aunt Cissa, you know I do, but you're going to have to be more polite to the elves. Hermione won't like it if you treat them as servants. To be honest, her kindness to them seems to work better. She has every elf in the Manor, including my personal elf, wrapped around her finger and willing to bring her the moon if she asked. Please promise you'll try. I want this to work." Draco saw his mother favor Theo was a small smile.

"I promise Theo. I want this to work as well. I know she doesn't like me and she has good reason. I can see that she cares for Draco so I want to be able to be at least civil with her." Draco couldn't help but chuckle.

"You know, you might find her a worthy opponent. When she spoke with Father, she put him in his place quicker than a snitch." Draco watched his mother's eyes widen.

"When did she see your father? Why would she see your father? What did he do when she 'put him in his place'?" Draco took a deep breath and began the story of her attacks and detailing how she had went to visit Theodore for answers and the guards had put them all together. His mother had outright laughed at Hermione and Lucius arguing back and forth and gave a smug smile when Draco told her that Lucius had admitted grudging respect for the Gryffindor.

"Lucius wasn't lying, Draco. For years, he lamented about her blood status. He wanted her on our side of the war, said she was smart enough to keep up with you, strong enough to help guide you and not just let you get your way. Your father wasn't always the most loving or affectionate of men, but he always wanted what was best for you. Even he was able to admit that it was the mudblood best friend of Harry Potter." Draco sneered at his mother even though her words were approving.

"Don't use that word anymore. Not only do I hate it, nobody deserves to be called that. Hermione has it carved in her arm from your psychotic sister. How would you want to explain to any grandchildren you may have why you say mudblood with such contempt and hate and they know that their mother has the same word scarred on her arm?" Draco glanced over at Theo to see if he was going to jump in and help him, but he remained silent. His mother nodded while dropping her eyes.

"You're right, Draco, I'm sorry. I'm grateful she is willing to overlook what our family has put her through so I can see you through the holidays. Don't think I'm not aware that you would tell me to bugger off if she wasn't doing this for you." Draco didn't confirm or deny her words. Instead, he changed the subject.

"Have you talked to Father recently? " She shook her head.

"No, he isn't allowed to write too often, you know that Draco. I visit when I can, but they don't like to let me in since I was privy to Inner Circle members and such. They're afraid I'll try to break them out." Draco gave her a sad smile before speaking.

"Well, you'll be happy to know that Father gave up all the information he had at Hermione's request. He became a snitch and the Minister has promised them time off their sentence if the information is good. Potter wrote Hermione and said that the information was definetly good and they were scouting out the locations they gave them. I don't know how much time we're talking about, but I figured you would want to hear the good news." His mother had a full-blown smile on her face now.

"They'll be treated fairly. I know there are many who complained that Kingsley Shacklebolt was made Minister, but he is a good man. A fair man. He would have treated your father better if he hadn't been so damned stubborn about keeping his secrets." Draco nodded. He knew that his father had spelled his own doom when he refuses to help the Ministry. Behind them, the door opened and Hermione stepped in with a cautious smile on her face.

"I just wanted to come retrieve a book. Then I'll leave you to your visit." Draco shook his head and held a hand out for her. She took his hand but seemed reluctant to do so. Instead, he grinned at her and pulled her down next to him on the couch.

"Join us, she won't bite, I promise." Draco knew that would piss her off and make her forget her nervousness. As predicted, she pinched the tender skin on his tricep until he winced.

"That isn't why I was going to leave. I was being polite and letting you all catch up without my making you uncomfortable." Narcissa Malfoy spoke next.

"You won't make us uncomfortable, not at all. I know I make you nervous, and I can only tell you how sorry I am for the treatment you received in my home. I would never expect you to come there and I would never expect you to spend time in my presence. I just want you to know that I don't hate you and I don't wish you dead. You obviously make my son happy, which in turn makes me happy. If you want to stay, please feel free. If not, I take no offense." Draco was impressed with his mother. She didn't apologize to anyone and she would never have done this if Hermione had still been a muggleborn. It was times like these that Draco thanked Merlin that she was Theo's sister. He would still want to be with her if she wasn't, but the fact that her blood was now pure made his life so much easier.

His mother kept the conversation going, questioning the lot of them about their classes and their friends. Theo told her all about dating Ginny and how Potter was now wanting her back. Narcissa had chuckled softly at his friend's predicament. Draco knew Hermione wanted to be angry about her laughter but knew she wouldn't be. Harry had done this to himself and there was no going back from it. Draco truly only thought that Potter stood another chance with Weaselette if Theo royally fucked up.

Several hours passed just chatting with his mother, discussing everything that had happened since the beginning of September. Hermione had just dozed off against his side, her hand in his, when his mother smiled at him.

"I'm happy for you, Draco. I know you've loved her for a long time. I really hope this works out for you." Draco favored his mother with a smile for her kind words. It was right after this that Theo leapt from his seat, wand in hand, eyes hard as steel. Narcissa remained quiet with watchful eyes while Draco looked on quizzically.

"Someone has come through the floo that isn't accepted by the wards." Draco was quick to shake Hermione awake.

"Stay here, Princess. There's someone we don't recognize coming through the floo. Mother, you stay with her." Hermione looked up at him with instantly alert eyes.

"No, I'm coming with you." Draco furrowed his brows for a moment, trying to decide the best approach. If he left her there and it was dangerous, she would burst out in true Gryffindor fashion and could end up hurt. If she went with him, Draco would have more control over the situation. He gestured for her to follow him.

"Alright, come with us, but stay behind me." She glared at him but listened, obviously not enjoying being told what to do.

The trio left the library on swift feet making their way for the main floor. Theo stood a good five feet from the fireplace when he lifted his wand and cast the spell to let their visitors through. Several people at once landed in the fireplace and Draco hadn't even been able to focus on who they were when Hermione stepped forward and threw herself at one of the intruders. Draco was thunderous until he heard her voice.

"Kingsley! What are you doing, trying to frighten the life out of us? You know Nott Manor has blood wards and there's no way for you to get through." Kingsley Shacklebolt. That meant that he was here with good news or with bad news. Draco watched as the Minister of Magic pressed several kisses to the top of his girlfriend's head. The aurors (or so Draco assumed) watched in disbelief as their Minister lavished a young girl with attention. Kingsley finally set her on the ground and wrapped an arm around her shoulders so he could guide her. Theo motioned for them to follow him back into the library.

Once the twins and Draco led the Minister and his three aurors into the library, Narcissa Malfoy stiffened slightly. Draco hated that she was uncomfortable, but he knew that she would probably want to be present for this news. Everyone made the introductions quick so when they were all finally seated, Kingsley was the first to speak.

"I have good news and bad news." Hermione sighed deeply and nodded, one hand wrapping around Draco's while her other was being held hostage by the Minister for Magic. As irritated as this kind of thing would have made Draco before, he found that he didn't really seem to mind the affection between the two of them now.

"I personally raided one of the safe houses that Theodore Nott Sr. and Lucius Malfoy told us about. Harry and Ron were both with me, as were these three higher ranking aurors. We found a hideout and it turned into quite the wandfight. We were able to capture several lower-ranking Death Eaters, but the brains of the operation were able to escape. Among those who escaped were Dolohov, Yaxley, Rowle, and Macnair. I think they're the brains behind these attacks on you." Hermione freed both her hands and ran her fingers through her hair.

"Do you know where they escaped to?" Kingsley gave her a sympathetic look.

"At this time, no. However, your father and Lucius have agreed to see us this evening and lend their opinions. I want you to know that since their information is obviously good, I've put in a request to the Wizengamot to reduce their sentences. If they continue to help us and provide useful information, I could see it getting reduced drastically. I know you aren't in the greatest place with your father, 'Mi, but he's doing this for you. I hope you're able to give him his due for turncoating to help you. I want you to have a father, not just me as a cheap replacement." Draco watched her eyes water at the Minister's words before she hugged him fiercely.

Draco could hear them whispering softly to each other, but he couldn't quite make out their words. Theo was completely relaxed as he leaned back in his chair playing the part of Lord of the Manor extremely aurors watched the pair, obvious discomfort on their features. His mother, however, was the one who surprised him.

Draco had fully expected his mother to find such outward displays of affection to be below her, but to his surprise, she had a soft smile on her face. Draco knew that shevwas lonely and wanted nothing more than for Lucius to be home. As angry as she was at him for dragging them into the dark aide of the war, for following a psychotic madman, she still loved him desperately and wanted him home.

When Kingsley and Hermione finally separated, he kissed her head once more before standing to leave.

"I have to head to Azkaban, 'Mi. Keep yourself safe and I'll let you know how this situation is going." She nodded and stood to walk him out, but he waved her off. With a parting wish for happy holidays, Kingsley and his aurors were gone.

Draco wasn't entirely sure that Hermione was alright after this recent revelation, but he wasn't going to make a big deal out of it in front of his mother. Instead, he attempted to draw her mind away from the information they had just learned.

"Princess, lets go eat some dinner. You know Tippy made brownie ice cream just for you." She gave him a grateful smile before she stood. Draco held out his arm to escort her to the dining room while Theo did the same for his mother.

The four of them made their way from the library to the dining room, where Draco was determined to keep her mind off serious matters for the rest of the evening.

A/N- Kind of a shitty ending, but there ya have it. I almost put more smut in this chapter, but wasn't quite sure where to work it in. Anyways, hope you all enjoy. Leave me your thoughts, I love them so! Next up is Christmas and a surprise visit from some main characters. Until next time...

Love,

A