A/N- I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate your level of support. The love you show my story is astounding. This chapter is purely fluff, except for Harry's POV. It's going to get the ball rolling to something that we all are going to hate seeing. Anyways, thanks to everyone out there reading, reviewing, following and favoriting this story. You guys are my heroes.
Disclaimer: I don't own a thing about this story. The original idea for Part One belongs to Hermione Lyra Malfoy-Riddle and the characters belong to J.K.R. We all bow before the queen. I haven't made any money off this story or any others especially since I struggle to find enough money to put fuel in my gas tank. Adulting suck, y'all.
Chapter 52
December 31, 1993
Harry had never celebrated a New Years with wizards before. Sure, he had been at Hogwarts and there had been a feast but he hadn't participated in anything that would make the day special.
At the Burrow, it was different. He was still unsure if they were actual traditions or if they were just something that the Weasleys did on their own. First, they had all been ordered to sleep in, stating that if they were going to be expected to stay up until midnight, they would need a little extra sleep. Once they were all up, Molly had insisted on the largest brunch Harry had ever seen before and it had all been delicious.
After eating, all the children had been ushered outside to entertain themselves, Percy included. He hadn't been the most pleased but wasn't surprised so Harry assumed that this was something that happened every year. All the Weasley children lamented the fact that Bill and Charlie weren't there this year so they weren't able to play the last quidditch game of the year as a family. After Ginny had gone in the wheedle her father, Arthur had even come out to play with them.
Once they were finished playing quidditch, Molly had ushered them inside and had them sit around the table for tea and biscuits. They were dismissed to the living room where the twins talked quietly in the corner, Percy read a book, and Harry, Ron, and Ginny played wizard's chess. After several games, Ron was still the undisputed champion of the family. According to the rest of the family, Bill was the only one that could give Ron a run for his money when it came to the game.
Dinner came next, a huge meal that put Hogwarts' meals to shame. Dobby seemed to be enjoying the holiday as much as Harry was and helped Molly with everything. He seemed to love working in the kitchen and Harry refused to pull him from something that he clearly enjoyed. They feasted as a family, Dobby even taking a seat at the table after Harry and Molly had insisted for almost ten minutes.
The family had played more games together after dinner; exploding snap was one of the favorites. The twins won every game and Ron accused them of cheating. Ginny had laughed at them and promised to get even, that she would expose their sneaky ways. It was homey and fun, making Harry feel as though he belonged. To say that it had been his best New Years ever would have been an understatement.
Arthur had told them that the residents of Ottery St. Catchpole, the nearby muggle town, had a firework show every year at just a few minutes before midnight. Since it would be the first fireworks show that Harry had ever seen before, he was more than excited to see it. Molly had poured everyone glasses of sparkling cider that they had splurged on. Harry instantly felt guilty, that he should contribute to the celebration somehow. However, Molly had seen his thought instantly and told him that they wouldn't allow him to pay for anything. The twins grumbled as they were handed their cider.
"Merlin, Mum, don't you think that Percy and us are old enough for just a little fire whiskey? We're not babies anymore." Molly put her hands on her hips and started to berate them loudly.
"No, you're not going to get fire whiskey. You're only fifth year students, not near old enough to be given liquor. Don't even think about sneaking any or I'll make sure to tan your hide good." The twins cowered for only a moment before laughing off her threat.
"We'll just wait until we're back at school, I bet we can get Mia to help us with the lucky potion and we can get a taste off of McLaggen." Arthur, normally quiet and laid-back, narrowed his eyes at his sons.
"You will not be getting any fire whiskey from anyone at school, don't think I won't be owling Minerva and having her check the dorms. You probably would have gotten away with it if you had kept your mouths shut." Harry couldn't help but wonder if he was giving the twins a clue to keep quiet so they could get their taste of liquor. From the look on Molly's face, it was clear that she would be doing everything in her power to make sure that they remained alcohol-free. However, before she commented on it, their words struck her.
"Who is Mia?" Fred grinned at his mother before answering.
"Mia is Draco's pet name for Hermione so we kind of picked it up. She doesn't seem to mind when it's her friends but boy does that girl get mad when other people use it. We watched her hex a sixth year Slytherin because he used the name Mia to ask her out on a date. We never thought about turning someone's mouth into a toilet but after watching her do it, we'll definitely be using that one." Molly narrowed her eyes at their words.
"It isn't proper for young women to do such things. Surely, she was taught better than that." Fred and George laughed while Ron and Ginny scowled.
"Mum, you would like Hermione. She's really nice and she doesn't think that she's better than anyone. She gets really annoyed that all the older boys ask to escort her everywhere. Draco always insists on being her chaperone even though he doesn't really count but it's better than sending her on her way on her own. It's clear that most of the boys only like her because she's a Black." Ron snapped at his brothers.
"Don't let them lie to you, Mum. Hermione Black is horrid, she thinks she's better than everyone because of her last name and her fortune. Not to mention, she threw Ginny up against the wall and slapped her at school." Ginny lowered her eyes quickly and before Harry knew it, the Weasley parents' eyes were flashing. Molly's voice was low as she spoke.
"What do you mean that she threw your sister up against the wall and slapped her?" It seemed as though Ron wasn't going to do the rest of cluing his parents in so George (at least, he thought it was George) broke the silence.
"Hermione was punished, Mum. She did it because Ginny threw something at her and it wasn't the first time. This was just the first time that Hermione finally fought back." Molly swung her gaze to meet her daughters. Harry was just confused because he had thought that the Weasleys had been told by the school.
"Were you throwing things at her?" Ginny looked hurt that she had to even be asked.
"No, Mum, I didn't throw anything at her. I know that the rest of the school hates her though." Arthur spoke for the first time.
"As much as I can't stand her father and uncle, even her cousin, I've heard nothing bad about the girl. Everyone at the ministry gushes about what a beautiful, polite, and intelligent young woman she is." Ron snickered.
"Yeah, she was all those things while she almost killed Lavender in February. There's a reason that the rest of the school doesn't like her. Her father and uncle have been teaching her and Malfoy their Death Eater ways." Harry finally spoke up.
"I'm not saying that Ginny did throw something at her and I'm not saying that what she did was right. However, the school has been terrible to her and I don't blame her for fighting back. She's taken more than I would have." Molly's eyes softened just a little bit.
"Regardless of how wonderful everyone thinks the girl is, I want you all to keep your distance from her. If she almost killed Lavender Brown, she's dangerous. I don't want anyone getting hurt because she mistakenly thinks that you're being mean to her." The twins gaped at her but Harry was unsure if it was because she had said something nice about a Black or because they had just been told to stay away from her. Fred (he thought?) narrowed his eyes at her.
"You're telling me that we have to stop talking to her just because she smacked Ginny for being a bully? That is unfair and we won't stand by it." Harry could only shake his head; did the twins not realize that their parents would only watch them closer after a comment like that? Molly's face turned red and she started to glare at them.
"You will do as I tell you and leave the girl alone. I have nothing against her personally except for what she did to Ginny. If she's dangerous enough to have almost killed a student, she's dangerous enough to hurt you. Do as you're told and keep your distance." The twins put a cowed look on their faces but Harry knew that they wouldn't be abandoning their Slytherin friend anytime soon.
"Yes, Mum." It was a chorus and Molly seemed appeased.
After they had dropped the subject well and truly, she started to usher them outside to watch the fireworks. Since they all had a glass of cider in their hands, Harry hated cider truth be told, but he kept it to keep his hands warm, they lined up along the fence of the garden. Harry was sandwiched in between Ron and Ginny, with everyone lining up on either side of them.
The fireworks were beautiful. Harry had never seen them before and it was truly a sight to behold. They started only ten minutes before the new year so it was no surprise when he heard Molly call out that there was only a minute remaining. Once the time had whittled down far enough, everyone began counting down aloud.
"Ten."
"Nine."
Harry smiled as he listened to everyone count. Ron had told him that the muggles always did the most amazing fireworks right at the stroke of midnight and he couldn't wait to see what they shot off that topped what he had already seen. The faces of the Weasleys were lit with excitement and happiness, something that he wished he could have felt every year before now.
"Three."
"Two."
"One."
The loudest firework that Harry had ever heard shot into the air and it exploded into a thousand different colored lights. It seemed to explode at least ten more times, giving them the same show. For the last one, the sparks turned into numbers, spelling out "1994" in the sky. Harry was just about to comment on how wonderful it was when he felt someone tug on his arm. He turned to see Ginny smiling brightly at him so he bent down, figuring that she had something to tell him.
Rather than a secret, Harry received his first ever kiss. Ginny fisted her hands in his hair and pulled him close, her lips pressing to his. They were cold and chapped, probably from all the time they had spent in the air playing quidditch. Harry wasn't sure what to do next and froze, his hands on her shoulders but unsure if he wanted to pull her closer or push her away. He felt a brazen lick to his lips and opened them in surprise. Before he could react, her tongue slipped into his mouth and sucked his into her mouth.
It was his first kiss and while he was thrilled that it had happened, he was mortified that she had done it in front of her parents. Harry finally pushed her away from him to see his best mate glaring at him but he seemed to be the only one who had noticed. Ginny licked her lips and grinned at him before turning her attention back to the sky. Ron punched him in the arm hard enough to bruise.
"What the fuck, mate!? That's my sister!" Harry glared at him while he rubbed his arm.
"I didn't kiss her, she kissed me! Merlin, she sucked my tongue right into her mouth." Ron looked faintly sick but leaned forward to glare at his sister. She just laughed at him so Ron turned his attention to Harry again.
"Don't even think about it, Potter." Harry held his hands up.
"I'm not thinking about anything." Ron relented a little.
"Good. She's only twelve, she doesn't need to be thinking about boys." Harry nodded and turned his attention back to the sky.
His prick was hard in his pants but not uncomfortably so. It would go away on its own in just a few minutes. While he hadn't been too thrilled about who his first kiss was with, he couldn't say that he had hated it. There was a small voice in the back of his mind that whispered that she wasn't Hermione, that she would never be as good as Hermione Black, but Harry did his best to ignore it. He had effectively driven her away for both their good. There was no way in hell that she would ever give him a chance, even if her father wasn't a traitor.
Harry blinked his eyes several times, trying to get the picture of kissing Hermione out of his mind. He caught Ginny watching him out of the corner of her eye and he wanted to groan. Sure, the kiss had been nice but now she wouldn't leave him alone for anything. It would prove to be a long year, that much he was certain of.
Honestly though, he had to get through the rest of the night before he worried about the rest of the year, especially with the hungry expression on Ginny's face.
-O-
Hermione surveyed herself in the mirror one last time before she turned to face her cousin. It was New Years Eve and there was the annual Malfoy Ball going on just down the stairs. This would be the first year that Hermione and Draco would be allowed to attend since before they hadn't been old enough. Most of their friends would also be in attendance, something that Hermione didn't find much comfort in. Since they would be out in society, Hermione would have to follow the rules of etiquette that her aunt and Madam Cambridge had taught her so long ago.
Draco was dressed quite dashingly in a set of robes colored charcoal grey. His hair was still slicked back, which Hermione still hated, but she had to admit that he looked handsome. Her uncle was dressed similarly while her father and Uncle Sev were going to go with the standard black robes. Her Aunt Cissy had helped her choose her dress robes and was quite thrilled to see her in them. Hermione had rolled her eyes once her aunt had left her, only showing her personal elf Sipsy how trivial she found such things.
Her robes were a striking burgundy, quite the statement for a Slytherin to wear. Hermione had been unsure if it would be appropriate since it was such a bold color and she was only fourteen but her aunt had assured her that it would be completely proper. Her father had gifted her with a diamond bracelet to wear along with her Malfoy family necklace and the Black family ring. The earrings hanging from her ears were ruby teardrops, sparkling through her curtain of ebony curls. Draco had been sure that her robes had been too tight, showing off too much of her figure, but his mother had assured him that she would never allow Hermione to wear something in public that wasn't entirely proper. Draco offered her his arm and she took it with a smile.
"May I escort you to the grand New Year's ball, Miss Black?" Hermione laughed and leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Of course, kind sir."
Draco led her out of her room and down the stairs towards the ball room. Her room, just like in Black Moor, was next to Draco's not that she ever used it. She always stayed with him in his room and much to his horror, she had left her slippers next to his bed for his friends to see this afternoon. He had complained for almost an hour but she had just laughed at him. When he had complained to Snitch, his elf, the elf has told him to hush and quit complaining, that it wasn't becoming for a young man to whine.
The elves were greeting everyone and showing them into the ball room. Since this was a Malfoy tradition, her aunt and uncle always entered together from the staircase that led from the top floor. Since it was their first time attending, they would enter behind the Lord and Lady of the house, Draco escorting her as was proper since neither one of them had dates. Neither one of them were old enough for dates anyways.
They found Uncle Luci and Aunt Cissy just outside the door that led to the stairs they would enter at. Her aunt pulled Draco away from her so she could hug him close and fuss over how grown up and handsome he looked. Since it was Draco and he was just a little conceited, he looked torn between being horrified at his mother's affections and pleased that he was netting so many compliments. Hermione was about to poke fun at him when her uncle bowed to her before extending his hand to her. Hermione took it in hers and curtsied to him.
"You look stunning, Miss Black, a true vision. Only my wife outshines you." Hermione wanted to giggle since her uncle was being so proper, something that he usually wasn't around her but she refrained since they would be playing their parts tonight.
"Thank you, Lord Malfoy, you are quite handsome yourself." He kissed her knuckles and then grinned at her.
"You haven't forgotten your lessons. Let's just hope that Draco does as well as you do." Hermione covered her mouth so her cousin wouldn't hear her giggle. It didn't work since he turned her way and glared at her while he tried to fend his mother off from fussing with his hair. Tippy appeared at the door and gave them all an anxious look.
"Is you readys? It being time for masters and mistresses to enters." Hermione took a deep breath and nodded. It was her first ball and as much as she told herself that she didn't care, she didn't want to make a fool of herself either. Uncle Luci bent down and kissed the top of her head and smiled.
"You'll be fine, my heart. You're ready and you look a vision. Draco won't lead you astray." Hermione went to her tip toes and kissed his cheek since she wouldn't be able to in front of the crowd.
"Draco and I will be fine, don't worry about us. However, I'd put money on me saving him from a faux pas, not the other way around." Draco pinched the back of her arm through her gown and laughed when she pulled her arm out of his grip.
"Dirty wanker." He laughed again and pulled her hand through his arm.
"Don't be like that, Miney. I had bruises for weeks after you woke up from being petrified and beat me up. One tiny bruise when you're being a hag is nothing." Her Uncle Luci sniffed imperiously at his son.
"Do behave, Draco. Assaulting the cousin that knows you better than you know yourself, who also happens to know more spells that you, just isn't a smart move." Now Hermione laughed but it was cut off by Tobby opening the door and gesturing for them to enter. Hermione watched as her aunt and uncle entered and started down the stairs. She could hear Tobby announcing them and Hermione couldn't help but think how pretentious the whole scene was.
"Happily announcing Lord and Lady Malfoy." Hermione noticed her aunt holding her head high and shoulders back, perfect posture if she had to judge. Once they were at the bottom of the stairs, everyone applauded loudly. As soon as it quieted, Tobby pulled Hermione and Draco through the door and gave them a shove.
"Proudly announcing for the first time, the heirs of House Malfoy, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Black." Hermione paused for a second, surprised at Tobby's words. Heir of House Malfoy? Draco was the heir, not herself. Draco didn't seem to catch the wording and led her down the stairs. Hermione emulated her aunt and held her head high, shoulders back, and back ramrod straight. Draco had a haughty look on his face that made her want to laugh since they had just been arguing.
Hermione caught sight of her father and Uncle Sev in the crowd and they were both beaming at her. Knowing that she couldn't grin at them like she normally would, she winked just a tiny bit and kept her façade in place. Her father burst out in laughter as the applause started.
Hermione knew that she was blushing by the time she made it to the bottom of the stairs. Her aunt and uncle gave them small smiles before they headed off into the crowd to mingle and socialize. Since Draco was her escort for the evening, Hermione allowed Draco to pull her through the crowd of people to where they were offering refreshments. Once they were alone, he grinned at her to where the crowd couldn't see him.
"That went well, I'd say." Hermione grinned back and nodded. After just a few drinks of her refreshment, she set it down at her cousin's insistence.
"Let's get this dance out of the way, that way you can dance with who you want and I can go ask Daphne." Hermione smirked at him.
"It's not obvious you're crushing on her at all. Just don't make it obvious to her." Draco reached up and tugged one of her curls hard.
"Don't be a hag, like I said earlier. It isn't fair to make me blush when my complexion shows everything, especially at a ball." Hermione felt a little chastened and nodded.
"Sorry, Drake." He nodded and waited until the song was a few bars in to lead her out on the dance floor.
It was a standard waltz and she and Draco danced it perfectly.
He held her the perfect distance away from himself, their posture was exact. Hermione would even admit to having fun during the dance even though she knew that Draco hated dancing. There were several flashes from a camera and Hermione had a bad feeling that it was from the Daily Prophet. She could only hope that they were photographing her aunt and uncle since they were the Lord and Lady of the ball.
Once the dance was over, Draco led Hermione back to the sidelines of the dance floor so he could find their friends. Pansy, Daphne, Theo, Blaise, and Greg were watching them with smirks on their faces. She couldn't help but wonder where Vince, Tracey, and Millie were but she wasn't going to brave the crowd to find them. Pansy and Daphne rushed her, both exclaiming over her dress robes. Draco smirked at her when he saw the look on her face and she vowed to get even.
After they had exclaimed over each other's robes for the appropriate amount of time, Pansy moved on to Draco's group, going on about how handsome her cousin looked. It was still quite clear that she wanted him but when Hermione wasn't around, she wasn't overt. Daphne watched them for a few moments before turning back to Hermione and smiling at her.
"Have you finished your homework yet? I got stuck on the Arithmancy assignment. I tried to ask Daddy for help but he was late to the Wizengamot so I had to ask my mother. She's terrible at it! Would you mind looking it over for me once we get back to school?" Hermione gave her a genuine smile and nodded.
They conversed for several minutes about their homework and what they had done on their break from school. Hermione had invited Daphne and Pansy to go riding with her several times but neither one ever took her up on the offer. For some reason, they were under the impression that the horses her father raised were large, stupid beasts that they would have to ride astride on. Hermione had went on to inform them that they were highly intelligent and she had been taught to ride both astride and sidesaddle. Still, neither one was interested but Hermione didn't mind. It was the one thing that her and her aunt shared together that nobody else cared for. Before they could change the subject, a throat cleared behind her. Hermione saw Draco narrow his eyes so she knew that it wasn't going to be anyone she wanted to see.
Miles Bletchley stood before her, looking quite debonair in his white dress robes, his blond hair pulled back in a queue. Hermione could admit that he was very handsome and most would consider him a catch. However, he wasn't interested in learning new things and she was nothing more than a good political move for the Bletchley family. He bowed before her and with a small sigh, she extended her hand so she could curtsy. After a brief kiss to her knuckles, he raised his eyes to hers. They were dancing merrily and Hermione was quite sure that it had to do with the fact that he had just come from the shadows of the ball room. Whoever he had been in there with had clearly pleased him.
"Would you care to dance, Miss Black?" Hermione knew that it would be exceedingly rude for her to turn him down so she gave him a small smile and nodded.
"I'd love to, Mr. Bletchley."
Miles pulled her out onto the floor and held her close, closer than was proper, but she didn't say anything. He was humming softly to the music and she could smell someone's perfume on him. There was fire whiskey on his breath and Hermione hoped that this would pass without a scene. The song was almost over when his hand sat on the top of her bum, clearly out of bounds since it wasn't proper for him to put his hands lower than her waist.
"Mr. Bletchley, please put your hands back on my waist. It isn't proper." Miles scoffed at her words.
"I could show you things, Hermione. I want to marry you, I'm sure your father would agree. I have a pedigree that goes back hundreds of years." She glared at him and started to pull away.
"I'm fourteen. This isn't proper. If you're so eager to show someone something, go find the girl you were just hiding away with. I'm sure she's quite put out that you left her to come dance with me." Miles' hands tightened around her and he gave her a lascivious smile.
"Now, love, don't be like that. You can't expect me to be celibate until we marry." Hermione couldn't hide the downturn of her lips at his words. She knew the distaste was clear in her expression.
"I don't expect anything from you, Mr. Bletchley, because I won't be marrying you. Surely you're smart enough to remember that my father won't be accepting any betrothal contracts unless I agree to them." Anger flitted across his features and he was just getting ready to open his mouth when she felt someone come up behind her. She turned slightly to see her father and Uncle Luci behind her, expressionless. Her father raised a single eyebrow at Miles.
"Is there a problem, sweetness?" Hermione bowed slightly to her father before she answered.
"No, Father, Miles was just going to go ask one of the Fawley sisters to dance." Her father looked to Miles and it was clear that her fellow student was intimidated. Her father glared at the boy before he spoke.
"Don't let me catch you harassing her, Mr. Bletchley. Run along and find another girl to dance with." He gave a quick nod and disappeared almost instantly. Uncle Luci searched her face.
"Did he harm you, princess?" Hermione shook her head and smiled, trying to keep the mood light so they wouldn't draw attention.
"No, his hands just went lower than was proper. That was what started our disagreement." Her father held out his hand and bowed to her.
"Dance with me, poppet." She grinned at him now and curtsied.
"Of course, Lord Black." Her father gave her a roguish grin and pulled her onto the floor.
They shared two dances before her Uncle Luci cut in and kept her occupied for another two dances. After he released her, Neville stepped in and danced with her, sharing stories of their holidays so far. The twins weren't there even though she had sent them an invitation but after her birthday party, she wasn't surprised.
There were numerous boys after Neville. Hermione couldn't keep them all straight and if the look on Pansy's face was anything to go by, she was the most popular girl on the floor. She wasn't sure how many boys had danced with her when her Uncle Sev finally stepped in and swept her into his arms for a single dance. Since he hadn't danced with anyone else, not even her aunt, she decided to take what she could get and be happy with it.
Finally, the last dance was called and Hermione waited for Draco to find her. Since he was her escort, he would open and close the ball with her. She had caught sight of him dancing with Pansy and Daphne both several times, even with Millie and Tracey after they had met up. Aunt Cissy had demanded that he dance with her and Draco, and the ever-dutiful son that he was, hadn't complained once. Her father had danced with almost every woman present, even the married ones. She knew that while he was a naturally charming person, all the women were hoping that he would someday make them Lady Black. According to her father, however, she would be Lady Black since he had no plans to marry any time soon.
Draco found her and bowed to her so she curtsied in turn. He pulled her in for the last waltz and filled her in on everyone that he had danced with. When he was finished, she told him about Miles and how her father and uncle had come to save her. Draco wanted to go after their classmate then but Hermione stopped him. It would only cause a scene and she was quite sure that their fathers had put the fear of Merlin in him. When the dance ended, Hermione could hear Tobby over the chatter around the room.
"The countdown begins now." Hermione didn't realize that the countdown to the new year would be announced. She listened as the Malfoy elf counted down from ten and when he reached zero, a loud bang went off and confetti exploded all over the ball room. Since nobody could see through the cloud of confetti, Draco pulled her close and hugged her.
"Happy New Year's, Miney." She kissed his cheek before she grinned back at him.
"Happy New Year's, Drake."
The cheering continued for another minute or so. Once it had quieted again, Hermione let Draco lead her to the staircase they had entered on. He escorted her back up, signaling the end of the ball. Her aunt and uncle followed them and after both pairs were out of sight, Tobby announced to the guests that they were grateful they had come and that the ball had ended. From the staircase, far out of sight from their guests, Hermione and Draco watched all the guests leave. Snitch finally appeared before them and spoke.
"All guestses is gone. Masters and mistresses made good party." Hermione grinned at Draco's personal elf.
"Thank you, Snitch." There were heavy footsteps on the steps and Hermione looked around the corner to see her Uncle Sev and father coming up the stairs. When he saw Hermione watching them, he grinned at her.
"Well, poppet, you and Draco were a success." Hermione grinned and nodded.
"I thought we did well." Aunt Cissy smiled at them and Hermione could see the pride shining in her eyes.
"You were both a success. I'm proud of you both. You did the Malfoy and Black families proud." Draco wrapped an arm around her shoulders and hugged her close.
"It was all Hermione. I'd be hopeless without her." She felt her cheeks color as she tried to pinch his side. He danced out of reach, laughing loudly. Her father held up his hands and sighed.
"You're going to make the Daily Prophet. The photographer that was there took pictures of the pair of you during the opening dance and then asked my permission to print it since my daughter was a minor. I told them that I wanted to preview the photo before they printed but if it was acceptable I'd allow it." Lucius nodded.
"I was asked permission as well. This will solidify our image as pureblood elite that is wanting to uphold the ideals of the Dark Lord." Hermione sighed. Everything always came back to the war, their efforts to stop it, and how their actions affected it. Uncle Sev seemed to realize that she was a little melancholy and pulled her into a hug.
"You were beautiful, love. Surpassed by none. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed yourself." His eyes twinkled in hidden amusement.
"I suppose Draco was alright." Draco let out an indignant squawk and narrowed his eyes at his godfather.
"Hermione is everyone's favorite. It isn't fair." Hermione could hear the petulant whine in his voice that always tipped her off that he was playing. Aunt Cissy stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, smothering him in kisses.
"You'll always be my favorite, Draco, you're my baby boy." He started to struggle to get away but when he couldn't escape her grip, he gave up and just endured. Hermione reached out and poked his side with a grin.
"I'm only the favorite because I'm so much better looking." He lunged for her but she was ready for him. Hermione lifted her robes and started to run from him, skirts in hand, hair streaming behind her. Draco laughed and gave chase, the adults laughing behind them. After two corridors, Hermione slowed just enough to let her cousin catch her. He swung her up in the air, spinning her in a circle, and she laughed. Draco set her down and hugged her from behind, the adults finding them laughing softly together.
Hermione wasn't going to complain. It had been one of the best New Year's Eves ever.
-O-
Sirius settled into the armchair in the library at Malfoy Manor. His daughter had convinced both himself and Severus to stay the night and return to their homes the next day. Since Severus stayed at the castle during the holidays, he wasn't going to complain. It was only during the summer holidays that he left and even then, he usually stayed at either Malfoy Manor or Black Moor. He complained that his own family manor was too big for just one man.
Lucius had taken Cissy to bed an hour before; she had agreed to have just one drink of fire whiskey with them for the holiday. It had resulted in her blatantly asking her husband to take her to bed and remind her that she was still a young woman. They had all chuckled at her, knowing full well that she would be mortified in the morning. However, Lucius didn't appear to be all that upset when he had escorted her to bed.
Severus had just retired; they had shared another couple drinks after the happy couple had went to bed. Mostly, they had discussed the ball and people they had seen and talked to. Sirius filled his friend in on what had happened between Hermione and Bletchley. It was a good thing that they had been paying enough attention to know that she was in trouble. They had both wanted to throttle Draco for not paying attention to her but Sirius had decided to let it go. His daughter was more than capable of taking care of herself usually and Draco had earned the right to have a little fun on his own without looking after his cousin. Besides, he was her father and he rarely had the opportunity to take care of her anymore.
Severus had promised him that he would watch after her when they went back to school to make sure that there wouldn't be any backlash after he and Lucius stepping in. Sirius had a feeling that the boy had been drunk; he could have sworn that he could smell fire whiskey on his breath but since he wasn't his child, it wasn't his place to say anything.
His mind turned to the meeting with Minerva on Christmas. Sirius knew that she had treated his daughter terribly a few times but in general had tried to make it up to her after Hermione had pointed out her actions. The last time, however, the incident in the Three Broomsticks, was unacceptable. Minerva had embarrassed her in public, to people that knew her and knew of her. She had apologized more than once and if it was good enough for Hermione, he supposed that it would be good enough for him.
What bothered him was Remus' treatment of his daughter. Sirius understood that his ex-lover was angry at him, that he had been hurt by Sirius' supposed betrayal, but it was out of line to take that anger out on his daughter. As much as Sirius loved Remus and missed him, Hermione was his daughter, his blood, and he owed her far more than he owed Remus. When the truth finally came out, there would have to be so many apologies from the man to his daughter before he would even consider forgiving him.
This train of thought led him to the next touchy topic for his daughter. Her argument with Harry had hurt her deeply, deeper than he thought that even he understood. Draco seemed to understand but he remained silent on the matter. If he didn't know any better, he would think that his daughter had had a crush on Harry and he had broken her heart. However, his daughter was nothing if not practical and he really didn't think that she would allow herself to like someone that didn't like her at all in return.
Sirius couldn't help but grin to himself. If Harry was anything like James had been, he would have the girls flocking to him before he made it to his fourth year. The Potter fortune was vast, the third wealthiest family in Britain. The Malfoy and Black fortunes were the only ones that were larger. Even with his half-blood status, he would be quite the catch in the wizarding world. There would be plenty of families that would happily shove their daughters in his face in hopes that they would marry. His fame for defeating the Dark Lord only added to his appeal.
Sirius wanted it all for him; he wanted him to play the field like James had. Yes, James had been in love with Lily from the first day he saw her but she had spurned him until they were seventh years. James had been far from celibate and he sometimes thought that that was part of the reason Lily had held him off for so long. She didn't like that he had experience while she had had little. He chuckled to himself when he remembered the night James had spent with two sixth year girls when he was only a fifth-year because they were both determined to be the next Lady Potter.
Sirius wanted all that for Harry; he wanted him to live life to the fullest, be young and have fun, do his best to forget that Voldemort would eventually come for him once he returned to his body. Eventually, after his wild oats were sown and he had had all the fun he wanted, he would find a good woman that would love him for who he was, not his money or name. Frankly, it was the same thing he wanted for himself. He was tired of being sought after for his money and title; for once, he wanted just one of the women he escorted or danced with to care about his life and daughter, not just how they could manipulate those things to get what they wanted.
With a sigh, Sirius threw the rest of his drink back and set the tumbler on the table next to him. It had been a long night; Hermione and Draco had retired almost three hours ago. He was proud of them; even though Draco was his cousin, he was his surrogate son. He had been there for every step of Draco's childhood and he had spent more than half of it under his roof and at his knee. He loved that he and Hermione were as close as they were; Draco loved her as much as Sirius did and would always do his best to keep her happy.
Sirius heaved himself to his feet and started for the door. He waved his wand, calling out a 'nox', and left the library for his room. He had a feeling that Hermione would wake him up early and it was already late enough. After all, the holidays were almost over and he needed to spend as much time with his daughter as he could. Six more months without her would be hell.
A/N- Alrighty, folks, another one finished. Nothing too crazy happening but Ginny totally laid the smack down on Harry. He seemed to enjoy it too. I was informed by my hubby that even if a man doesn't like someone, it is still possible for him to get turned on by them. Since I'm a woman, I have to bow to his expertise. If that's not the case, forgive me. Thanks to everyone out there for reading and reviewing, you guys are just awesome. Let me know what you think.
Next chapter, Hogsmeade trip and a little action.
Love,
Alicia
