A/N I know I just put it up but I realized I put up the unedited version. Sorry I hope I didn't mess anything up. Enjoy. Also sorry for being late.

Chapter 26

"Dinner is served," said one of the house elf, bowing as the table was set, then disappearing with a crack.

"Oh look at this big party," said Ms. Zabinestanding. "Well before we engorge ourselves in the feast I want to say that I'm very happy that I can be here with my son, family, friends, and to wish you all a merry Christmas."

Everyone clapped as Ms Zabine took her seat again, followed by a burst of sounds from the clanking of silverware, plates, glasses and dishes. Then, the slow accelerated murmur of individual conversation started. Hermione had found herself sitting beside Draco, her cheeks burned when she felt eyes on her. She looked at Draco but he was eating. He looked up at her and smiled. Hermione still felt the tingly feeling in her spine that someone was watching her.

Nicole stared holes into Hermione as she picked at her food. She stared in distaste as the absurd, so call couple smiled at each other. She turned to her side where an unfamiliar face sat; her dark red hair fell down on her shoulders. She was somewhat pretty, nothing compared to Nicole herself, thought Nicole as she looked at Ginny, who was talking to Harry. Nicole rolled her eyes, and then Ginny turned around and stared right back at Nicole.

"It's rude to stare at people," said Ginny giving up on ignoring Nicole any longer. "I'm sure you know that." Ginny turned back around after looking Nicole over.

Ginny rolled her eyes as she turned back to Harry. She had heard everything that girl had said about Hermione since she arrived and found it quite annoying. Harry placed a hand on her knee and she resumed their conversation.

Nicole raised her eye brow at Ginny's back, shocked that someone had spoken to her like that. Nicole frowned before tapping on Ginny's shoulder. At first Ginny shrugged her off then turned around then her taps turned into pokes.

"Yes," said Ginny in an impatient tone.

"My name's Nicole, and I'm sorry about staring at you I was just looking at the print on your dress I thought it was an ugly stain but it's just your taste in clothes," said Nicole smirking before putting the fork in her mouth. Ginny sneered at her before turning back to her food. She picked up her wineglass and took a sip from it. She went to put it down on the table 'accidentally' placing it on the edge of her plate. It fell off the table spilling red wine all over Nicole.

"Oops, I'm sorry," said Ginny picking up her glass and tuning towards Harry resuming their conversation with an unresponsive Harry.

Nicole gaped at her soaked dress. She was about to open her mouth when Pansy pulled her out of her seat.

"Calm down Nicole, here," said Pansy pulling out her wand and using a drying charm. Nicole looked at her cousin who avoided her gaze easily. Pansy stood up straight after she was finished and walked back to her seat. Nicole sat shortly after.

Hermione watched the scene from across the table. She hadn't noticed most of the guests. She knew that Blaise's mother was here, Pansy's parents, the Weasleys, but the girl who sat across from her was unidentified. Ginny seemed to hate her, while Pansy was avoiding her.

After dinner was dessert, Draco playfully talked to Hermione, picking at her food and making her laugh. Their relationship had started to slow down a little and go at a normal pace. He knew Nicole was glaring at Hermione and now him. He fought the feeling to tense up and continued to talk with Hermione, feeling slightly anxious.

"Well now that our sweet tooth have been satisfied with dessert, let us head to the living room for some conversation," said Mrs. Zabine standing up, her arms open, with a warm smile on her face. The sound of chairs being pushed back reverberated in the large dining area as everybody got up and followed Blaise and his mother to the living area.

In the room they found warm refreshments and plump cushions and couches ready to be used. Hermione was pulled over to a more secluded area by Draco; she turned red as he pulled her down on his lap as he sat on in a chair by the tall windows showing a beautiful crescent moon. Draco wrapped his arms around her waist and held her there tightly as she looked out at the crescent moon and snowy woodlands.

"Hermione I…" Draco paused; he wanted to tell her about Nicole. Draco thought Hermione was hot when she was angry but not when it was at him. He sighed and nuzzled her neck with his nose.

"Stealing her away before we can be introduced, how selfish Draco," said Nicole as she towered over Draco. Draco didn't look up, he simply ignored her.

"Is that how you treat your best friend," said Nicole taking a seat on the small chair space left, her left hand resting on his thigh. "Hi, I'm Nicole, its so nice to meet you." You stupid bitch thought Nicole. Hermione hesitantly smiled back half heartedly, not sure about this girl. She saw Ginny and Pansy sneering at her in the dining room.

"Hi, I'm Hermione." said Hermione "and I'm..."

"She's my girlfriend and if you don't mind I'm trying to talk to her," said Draco not wanting Nicole around, knowing exactly what she would do to ruin the moment.

"But, I haven't seen you in so long, Hermione please can I talk to him, just to catch up," Nicole said, playing the nice role with Hermione.

"Umm I... I don't mind, sure," said Hermione. Nicole wanted to roll her eyes as she thought, ' as if I need your permission'. "Pull up a chair," said Hermione as she removed Nicole's hand from Draco's inner thigh.

"Actually Hermione I'm going to need to talk to Nicole in private," said Draco sitting up and putting his feet back on the ground facing Nicole. He kissed Hermione's cheek affectionately and gave her a small smile.

Hermione looked puzzled. "Why what…"

Then Pansy came over and saved Draco by pulling Hermione off the couch. "When were you going to take a break from Draco and talk to us?" said Pansy throwing a warning look at Draco, making sure he got things straight. "Ginny put rum in the eggnog come have a taste, she already gave some to Harry. Draco, I'll bring you some."

Draco nodded and turned back to Nicole his face serious. "We need to talk."

A/N: I know it's been a while but I hope you like this chapter.