Disclaimer: I don't own it.

Hello my lovely readers and reviewers! I hope you are all enjoying the greatest Harry Potter month ever. I most certainly am, and that's why it's taken me so long to update. I've been so consumed by Harry's real story and not my own. But here I am! I hope you like this chapter and that it brings you a little laughter before the mourning of Deathly Hallows begins.

Oh another thing, Christmas is coming up and I have no idea about gifts. Message me with your ideas, I would really appreciate it!

Thank you to everyone who reviewed that last chapter...so thank you Airlady. This chapter is dedicated to you! Read, review, and enjoy!

Chapter 38 The Fury of Alessandro Bucellini

"Quills down now, the exam is over," Professor Flitwick announced from behind his podium.

Some students cheered, others began nervously rummaging through their bags to retrieve their charms book. The final exam for this semester had ended and now all the students were looking forward to night not spent on studying.

Isabella let out a sigh of relief as she began to pack her things. She never realized who hard going back to school really was and Draco, to her dismay, had been no help.

Everything just came naturally to him and he had barely spent any time in the last few days bent over a book.

But now the pressure of exams was off and Isabella's new dilemma occupied most of her thoughts.

They still had not decided where to spend Christmas and it was now down to the wire. They were set to leave Hogwarts in three days time and had to decide between two very different choices.

The mothers would well…act like their mothers of course, and it was inevitable that Mary would interrogate Isabella sometime during the break, which could prove to be rather painful for at least one of them.

Then there was her father.

Although Draco never admitted it, Isabella could sense his unease of meeting her father, which would explain why they still hadn't decided. Isabella couldn't blame him though, she wouldn't want to be the man his only daughter, only child, married without his knowledge or permission. Yes, Draco was anxious about that.

She watched now even as they made their way down to the great hall for lunch that he was a giant bundle of nerves. His back was as straight as he could possibly make it, and he held her hand slightly tighter than he had before.

Isabella shook her head to disguise her giggles.

They reached the hall behind the bustling crowds emerging from their final exams, all were ready for some Christmas time merriment.

Isabella saw Blaise wave them over and she quickened her pace to snag the empty seats he was trying to save. She reached him but before she could utter a single word, there was a melodic caw high above her.

Against the false sky, a phoenix, Dumbledore's phoenix, flew overhead. Most people stopped to witness the bird's rare flight. Then as suddenly as it appeared, it stood before Isabella as letter clutched tightly in its talons.

Isabella mutely accepted the parchment, to stunned to refuse. Once the sealed paper rested delicately in her hand, the bird flew towards the ceiling and out just as quickly as it had come.

Without hesitation, Isabella ripped the clumsy letter open…

Mrs. Malfoy,

If you could please join me in my office I would be greatly appreciative. Allow Mr. Malfoy to accompany you.

Albus Dumbledore

"What is it?" Draco asked cautiously over her shoulder.

The entire hall waited in silence for her answer.

"Dumbledore wants to see us," she said nonchalantly, "please save us some sandwiches would you Blaise?"

The Italian nodded and watched as Isabella hurriedly pulled Draco out of the great hall.

"What do you think this is about?" Draco asked worried.

He had one arm around Isabella's waist, the other lodged deeply into his pants pocket.

"I'm sure its nothing," Isabella reassured him, "he didn't say anything too ominous. And besides that, we haven't done anything wrong, unless a romantic dinner in the room of requirements is cause for expulsion."

He tried to laugh at her joke, but a private letter from Dumbledore meant nothing but bad news.

"I just hope to Merlin it's nothing bad. I don't want our first Christmas to be ruined."

They reached the statue and as Draco whispered the password it strung to life.

"Listen about Christmas Draco…" Isabella's quiet tone was cut off by the furious argument taking place in Dumbledore's office right now. The heavy wooden door was closed but they could hear every word.

Isabella recognized the voices immediately, and let out a heavy groan.

"This is just want I need," she mumbled under her breath as Draco listened intently to the fight.

"How dare you Mary?!? How dare you!" a male voice bellowed.

"How dare I?!? I was fully within my rights as her mother," an equally powerful female voice yelled back.

"Because yes Mary, you're a wonderful mother!"

"I did the best I could! I didn't see you trying to raise her from across the Atlantic ocean!"

"That's because you wouldn't let. I would have gladly taken full custody of Isabella if you had let me. But no, taking all of my money, my possessions, not to mention my reputation, but also my daughter!Brutta!"

"Merlin's balls," Draco said at last, "it's your…"

"My parents, yes. Oh, this is going to be a wonderful reunion. No wonder Dumbledore sent a letter with the phoenix. You better stay behind me Draco."

Isabella grasped his hand and with her free one pulled the door open.

The scene was one to behold.

Alessandro Bucellini and his ex wife Mary Devon stood flushed to one another, their red faces only inches apart. Each had their wands out, poised and ready to curse as their chests heaved to stop their raging hearts.

Narcissa Malfoy sat on the loveseat, adjacent to Dumbledore's desk. She was squished towards one side maybe in hope she would disappear. One well manicured hand was embedded in the couch's arm, the other holding a trembling tea cup.

And Professor Dumbledore, as calm as ever, sat behind his desk, an amused smirk on his face as he saw the young couple arrive.

"Ah Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, so glad you could join us."

All faces turned instantly towards them and Alessandro rushed forward, wand first, the killing curse on his lips.

"Papa, no!" Isabella cried as she became the human barrier between them.

"No Papa! No! Stop!" Isabella felt Draco cower behind her but his hand never left hers.

"Isabella…" her father warned her, only inches from her face. His dark brown eyes were blazing and Isabella knew better than to stand in the way of an angry Italian. But she had no choice.

"Stop it. You're being ridiculous."

"Step aside Isabella. Let's see how much of a man he is."

"I won't let you touch him," Isabella told him firmly, "he's my husband and you both will behave like gentlemen. Yes? Good, know give me a hug," she demanded with a wide smile.

Her father didn't wait long after her words and was quick to envelop her in his arms.

"I have missed you Papa."

"I've missed you too. But more about that later, introduce me to your husband," his heavily accented voice spat the last word as if it was the foulest word on earth.

"Papa, this is my husband Lord Draco Malfoy. Draco this is my father Alessandro Bucellini. Please excuse his horrible manners."

The two me tentatively exchanged a handshake but Alessandro pulled Draco's ear close to his lips.

Isabella saw Draco pale at her father's words, if that was possible. She sighed, glad that they hadn't hexed each other to death yet at least and she was glad, that was until she saw her mother's face.

It was murderous. Her cold eyes could and would kill anything that stepped in her path.

Isabella gulped and made her way towards her mother.

"Hello mother, happy holidays."

They exchanged the usual French side kisses but there was no affection between them.

"Narcissa," Isabella said with a little more pleasure, "it's wonderful to see you again."

Narcissa carefully set down her tea cup to accept Isabella's hug.

"You too dear, now sit and tell me how exams went."

"I would love to, but there is more pressing information. Draco," Isabella barked to break the glare match between the two males, "come tell you're mother hello."

He followed her command and kissed his mother's waiting checks.

"Now," Isabella announced, "I would like to know why you're all here."

Dumbledore was first to answer, "Signore Bucellini contacted my a few days ago wondering if you were in fact enrolled here at Hogwarts. He seemed quite distressed. I told him you were here per your marriage to Mr. Malfoy. He informed me he would be arriving this morning. It seems he also contacted your mother at the Malfoy Manor who decided to join him here today. You're the topic of quite an argument."

"Yes I am, aren't I? Thank you and I'm sorry if we've become an inconvenience."

"Nonsense dear. It reminds me of an American muggle show I quite enjoy. The Jerry Something show though you're family isn't quite as scandalous," he answered with his mysterious twinkle.

Isabella shook her head at his taste in bad television but couldn't hide a smile.

"So that just leaves one question, Papa, why are you here?"

He hadn't moved from his spot near the door.

"I was worried about you. I haven't heard from you in weeks and all my owls returned without answers. And when I asked your mother and she told me what she had done," Isabella heard her mother scoff in the background, "I had to come see you, see if I could fix this. Now tell me Issa, did you ever consent to this marriage?"

She nodded.

"Your mother didn't use any of her persuasive way to make you consent, did she?"

"I would never!" Mary screeched behind Isabella.

"No, Papa," she lied trying not to meet his knowing gaze.

"We could have this marriage annulled Issa if you really want to. There are a few wizards at the ministry in London that owe me some favors. It would be kept quiet and you could get on with your own life."

Isabella felt as though she couldn't breath, the air was much thinner here in her dreams. She never believed, oh she hoped, but never believed that could be an option. Her father wouldn't lie to her; if it would be done he would see it through.

But how would her mother retaliate to that? And Draco?

Isabella turned her eyes towards him. She saw his sad expression pleading for her to choose him. She couldn't break his heart like that, as much as she wanted to at this moment. Isabella also knew if she accepted her mother would surely kill Jason or even her. So she made me choice.

"I'm happy with Draco, Papa. He's my husband and he makes me happy."

Isabella walked to Draco, but he meet her half way and they took each other's hands in support.

"I know the situation was not ideal but we're happy together. I hope you respect that Papa."

Her father nodded solemnly and wondered when his baby girl grew up.

"Of course I'll respect your choice. I just wanted it to be your choice, not your mother's."

Isabella launched herself into his waiting arms and peppered his face with kisses.

"Ti amo Papa, ti amo."

"I love you too. Now tell me your plans for Christmas? Coming to the villa?" he asked hopeful.

"I was thinking," Draco interjected, "that we should spent the first half of the break at the Manor and the second half in Italy. Isabella tells me your family is all together then and I would love to meet them all."

"That's a wonderful idea Draco," Narcissa squealed, "I was hoping you'd both spend some time at home."

Mary said nothing but huffed in agreement.

"Great idea love," Isabella beamed, "okay with you Papa?"

He was hesitant but nodded slightly, "Yes I'll inform the family you both are coming then."

"If that's all," Mary whined, "I have some other things to attend too."

"I believe so," Dumbledore said as if he was concluding a meeting.

Narcissa and Mary said a hasty goodbye leaving only Isabella, Draco, and Alessandro.

"I should be getting back too," Alessandro announced, "thank you for your help Dumbledore."

"Ciao Papa, I'll write you when break starts."

"You better."

He acknowledged Draco's presence once more before leaving through the floo.

The office was much quieter now and the sounds of Dumbledore's numerous gadgets could be heard.

The head master quirked a smile at them as they left his office hand in hand.

The gargoyle slid back into place and they turned towards their rooms.

"Well," Isabella said aloud, "that turned out well."

Both dissolved into laughter together, ready for what may come this Christmas break.