A/N: This chapter is the first of a few surrounding the end of the year. I have never been able to time these this correctly and I figured some of you would be ticked if I held the following chapters until December. It's getting cold here now and the candles in my house are winter scented and the stores here already have Christmas decorations up. Nothing like rushing another year out the door. That is one of my pet peeves but the world is all about making people want things they don't have.
If any of the activities around what the family does at the solstice are in the least bit correct, it is a fluke. I did no research on what ancient witches and wizards did during that time of the year and how those traditions were passed down to their children.
Anyway...welcome to December in our little story...
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Immediately after finding open compartment Hermione sat next to Draco and across from Harry and Blaise as the Hogwarts Express prepared for the trip to London. The relief the trio felt was palpable. Crooks mewed as he exited his carrier and immediately jumped on Hermione's lap in a demand for her to run her fingers through his hair. The weeks since the attack had been stressful from multiple angles. The realization Hogwarts wasn't safe was almost too much for the young students. For Hermione, in the aftermath she realized this was not a fun mystery like a novel but real life with real consequences. She began to compartmentalize and withdraw. Her friends immediately noticed and drew her back to them. Draco started watching Hermione very closely from that point forward.
For everyone's mental and physical state, no other attacks occurred since Professor Messerly and Colin had been found. In the days after the attacks and stories of what happened filtered throughout the student body, the student did what they did best. Gossip. As most of the students were knowledgable about the school's founders, it didn't take long for someone to remember the story about Salazar Slytherin's parting gift and the chamber before realizing the beast was the Slytherin's creature. The professors reaction after the attacks had turned much more serious and students were limited in what they were free to do.
Student activities were limited and it impacted Hermione and her friend's daily activities. The use of the private room in the dungeon and ability to access many areas of the castle, both inside and out, were severely limited if not forbidden all together. The lack of physical activity removed one of Hermione's coping mechanisms and directed her extra energies on classwork. The library hours were limited and students were escorted from their common rooms (either the house rooms or the year ones) to the Great Hall for meals. They were also directed to walk in groups to and from their classes. For a couple of weeks quidditch practice had been cancelled and it was only after determining a way for the teams to arrive and depart together before they had been allowed to restart. It proved to be one of the few topics all students who played agreed on, quidditch must go on.
While Harry and Draco could fly off their frustrations, Hermione's options were limited. She could do her workout in the dorm, but the advantage of the private room was the quiet and comforting environment. In the dorm room, the other girls were there and while they weren't trying to distract Hermione on purpose, she found it impossible to feel relaxed.
Regulus still showed up every Saturday and help the second years study but there was a very noticeable change in their attitudes. He helped to break some of the tensions that had built over each week and provided everyone a chance to speak their minds before starting the week's review. It seemed to help Hermione as much as everyone else. By the time the tests finished, everyone was ready to leave, even if it would only be for a few weeks. The students packed nearly everything they owned, there was a distinct sense of worry about the future of Hogwarts.
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Lucius and Narcissa stood on the platform and watched as the red engine pulled into the station. It seemed every parent released a partial breath at the sight of the train and then again once their child made their way to them. All parents had been notified of what had happened soon after the Creevy family. It allowed the muggle family to see their son and have some answers before the Headmistress was overwhelmed with requests from the other parent. In the end, all patents had been allowed to visit the school to discuss options with their children. Every parent agreed to wait out the rest of the term but wanted the option to evaluate things once they were away from the school.
The Board of Regents, Headmistress and Ministry agreed and promised to work out some way for students who didn't return to complete their studies for the current year. Next year would be addressed over the summer. The majority of those thinking about leaving the school hoped to return the following year. But if the creature was still around they would likely explore other options.
When the four students who fell under the Malfoy's care stepped onto the platform, Narcissa let out a sob. She had visited just a week earlier, but to see them safe and whole was more than she could contain. "Come Cissy, let's get them home." All the parents surged toward their children and before long the station's platform was empty.
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Draco was immediately relaxed when he landed in the entryway of his home. He hadn't realized how anxious he was until that moment. His worry immediately turned to Hermione, as he knew she hadn't been handling the stresses well. He was looking at the witch closely when she sighed and turned toward her friend. She reached for Draco before opening her mouth. "Really Draco, I'm fine. Like you, I think I just need a few moments. I'm going to for a run."
Draco knew better than to try and ask her not to do anything. But it was Lucius who calmed his son. "That's fine Hermione, we strengthened the wards and Severus added the same ward and warning that has been placed at the school. If anything tries to cross the wards we will know. Just please stick to the circuit your dad set up. If we need to find you, it won't do any of us any good if you've gone off track." Seeing how reasonable the request had been, the young witch agreed and went to her room to change.
Draco let out a sigh and released Crooks. "You heard Dad, don't go too far afield. Hermione would be sick if you were injured. I'm sure the elves would appreciate your help with those gnomes. They burrow down in the winter and have children. The young ones are worse than the older ones." The cat looked to the light haired wizard and nodded. It had been about a month since he finished the snacks the elves had sent with his witch. A good de-gnoming would do a lot for his nerves and empty stomach. Crooks turned and made his way toward the backyard with a definite strut in his step. Chuckling Draco turned to his father. "Are we are ok to fly or are there new restrictions?" Lucius shook his head as the three boys took their bags to their rooms and changed into something that would keep them warm while in the air.
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When the young witch made her way back into the house she heard a scream of frustration and something hitting a wall. She pulled her wand and slowly made her way toward the source of the sounds. She ended up outside of the library and quietly pushed one of the doors open. What she found shocked her, everyone with the exception of the three boys, were in the room and pouring over books. Hermione sheathed her wand and picked up the book that had been apparently thrown against the door. She carefully looked over it to make sure there was no damage to the binding before placing it on the table.
It was only then that everyone realized she was even in the library. Jean jumped up and hugged her daughter tightly. Rich pulled both of them into his arms and held them close. It was the sound of sniffles that weren't coming from her parents that pulled Hermione from their hold. Seated just across the table was Narcissa who looked to be on the verge of a complete breakdown. Slowly the younger witch walked and was quickly enveloped by a second set of motherly arms. "If anything had happened to you." Narcissa couldn't continue as she rocked the girl.
Hermione realized the stress from everything at Hogwarts wasn't just at Hogwarts; every single parent had the same concerns. "I'm fine, I promise. With all of us here, we will figure something out. Let me get my notes and then I just need to know what books haven't been read yet." The apparent complete acceptance that something was wrong but it could be fixed broke some of the tension after breaking the hearts of the adults. The children should not have to deal with this.
Lucius pulled the girl into a hug and shook his head. "No, not today, let's just put this all behind us and enjoy the afternoon. I'll have Kitmu get the boys. We can have an early dinner and discuss your classes and tests. Tomorrow we will approach just what we could do." It seemed a break was what the emotionally distraught adults needed as well, so Hermione went to her room. After a nice hot shower and changing into some warm clothes, including a new pair of wool socks, Hermione made her way into the sitting room to find almost everyone present. The rest of their first day home was everything Hermione had hoped when she learned she'd be living in the Manor.
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The rest of the first week, Hermione's days were split between spending her mornings reading anything she could find about Hogwarts and magical creatures. Her afternoons were with Narcissa and Jean as they put the final plans into place for the annual New Year's Eve ball. With everything going on, Hermione had totally forgotten about the ball until Narcissa had her try on a few different dresses. All were beautiful but just one made her feel like a princess. The best part was when both her mother and Narcissa agreed without any arguments and the dress was sent for final adjustments. The seamstress promised to returned the gown in time for the ball. Not that Hermione realized it, but it was one less thing on her list of worries. She really did have enough other things on her plate.
During her mornings, she made copious notes on what little she could find about the beast and its preferred habitat. But nothing she found seemed to help give them any direction. Hermione picked up a book from the table and realized it wasn't a book, as much as it was a journal. The first pages of the journal were missing but it did't take long for her to figure out what the aged tome was. "Is this a journal from Salazar Slytherin?" The heads of all the adults whipped and Lucius saw what Hermione was holding.
"Yes, I hadn't wanted you to read that. It's disgusting." Lucius moved to take it from her hands but Hermione was much quicker and moved out of his grasp.
"No, I get that. I just ignore the blatant ignorant comments about how he valued people. They are just words that no one really believes anymore. But when you get past that vitriol and look at what he is saying; he is describing how he constructed the lair for his beast. We know the one opening, but the DMLE still haven't figured out the location for second, correct?" Lucius was more than a little impressed and surprisingly stunned with the witch's question. Hermione noticed his reaction, and smirked in a way that reminded the frozen blond of his son. "So, couldn't we take the descriptions and a map of Hogwarts showing the one entrance and at least figure out a general idea of where the end of his described chamber could be?"
Severus arrived at that moment and watched in amusement as the others saw how the young girl really could think of alternatives that were, as the muggles said, outside of the box. "Yes, Hermione, that is an excellent idea. I would prefer to not have to deal with those distributors much more than I already have. I think after Lucius regains his sense he will get with Amelia and they will start to work out possibilities. However, right now I would like you and the boys to come with me. We are meeting Professor Sprout and Mr. Longbottom at the greenhouses in the back. I have mandrakes that need to be repotted." With that pronouncement Severus swept Hermione out of the room. She was sent to change into something more appropriate for gardening and Kitmu was off to find the three boys.
After rounding up his charges, Severus herded them out the back door and down the path toward the Malfoy greenhouses. Draco noticed a new building and Severus nodded his head once. The professor and four children made their way to the newest and nicest greenhouse any of them had ever seen. Once in the building, they were met by Professor Sprout and Neville who were both dressed in older clothes that already had mud and dirt on them. Severus removed his robes and Draco let a little gasp fall from his lips. For the first time, in his entire life, Draco witnessed Severus in something other than robes, waistcoat, button down and trousers. It was only the chuckles from Professor Sprout that brought all the children from their shocked state.
"Yes, he does own something other than his all black outfits. But, now is not the time. We have quite a bit to do today and it starts with repotting these mandrakes." Professor Sprout pointed to a table where there were twelve smallish pots with plants growing tall in them. Looking around Hermione noticed another five benches with at least a dozen plant on each one. The plants on each bench varied by size and seemed to be sorted by age. Hermione tuned back to Professor Sprout as the woman began to lecture in earnest.
"Before we start, I will walk you through the process since we will all be wearing ear protections. These plants are loud when you pull them from the dirt and will knock you out for a good while since these are still rather immature plants. Mature plants are deadly if heard." The witch spent about twenty minutes discussing the process and pointed to the other tables that had varying stages of plant growth on them. Everyone placed their ear protection on and began the task of replanting.
A few hours later saw all the plants in their new pots. The younger plants would remain until the end of the holidays when the children would help in repotting them again before the plants would be brought to Hogwarts for the final maturation of the older plants. Professor Sprout would continue to propagate the plants as they matured. Once repotted the children were to themselves for a bit while Severus and Pomona looked at the oldest specimens. Neville, while standing with his friends, was more focused on his professors. He only relaxed when he saw both smile at a couple of the pots. These were moved to the best location in the greenhouse and marked. Without a doubt Neville knew those would be the plants used for his father's waking potion.
After seeing his professors, he looked at what they had done that day, while it wasn't much in some small way he was making sure his dad came home as soon as possible. After securing the greenhouse, Professor Sprout escorted the young wizard home. That evening, as Neville sat next to his comatose father, the boy explained how he helped with the mandrakes and it made him feel better. He spoke of how jealous Aggie was and how she wanted to start growing plants to help daddy as well. No one knew if the victims could hear those around them or not, but Neville would not take a chance. He spent every opportunity he had with his father and updating him on everything since his last visit.
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After Severus had taken the children to the greenhouse for an extended herbology lesson, the rest of the house began to look through every book in order to find any map of the old school. After two hours they were empty handed, more concerning was when they discovered the DMLE was also coming up short. It seemed any blueprints or drawings of the building had been destroyed at some point in the last twenty years. Amelia found only one reference to Hogwarts documents and that was the last time they were checked out. It seemed Albus Dumbledore had requested the items and they were never returned.
While everyone else was looking for a map, Jean began to read the descriptions in an effort to get some sort of dimension on the thing. It took her the rest of the day to come up with the basics. Once the children had been sent upstairs to get cleaned, the adults retired to the sitting room before dinner. Hermione's idea was a good one, but it seemed it would be more difficult to implement than expected. Severus had returned for dinner and the group discussed the procured mandrakes and how long the oldest specimens would take to fully mature.
After getting a good look at the plants that morning, Severus was relatively confident they would be ready by the middle of January. He noted the plants were having a bit of a celebration when he obtained them from the dealer. Once they were fully mature, Pomona would determine their strength and also take cuttings for future growth. The potion would take about two weeks to reach full effectiveness. There was a collective sigh of relief knowing those afflicted would be fine in a couple of months.
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As the winter solstice approached those in the home began to prepare for the time after, when the days would begin to grow longer and longer. The house was covered in greenery and the scent of pine, laurel and juniper filled all the rooms of the large home. Lucius took special care to ensure the incense burned fully before placing next portion. Draco followed and learned there were responsibilities for the head of the house during this time. The young wizard watched, learned and recanted the information to the other children in the house. They would eventually need to understand the responsibilities as they would be heads of their respective houses in the coming years.
But for the solstice itself, a traditional yule log would be burned to remind all of the return of the sun along with the light and warmth it provides. The family would gather at the hearth and watch as the light and heat was returned to their world. The next day the cooled ashes would be spread over the garden as the final act of sacrifice. The log's ashes provide nutrients to the garden and will promote the health and vitality for the coming year. In the olden days, the ashes were split between the fields and the family. Each would drink from a mixture of the ashes and oils to promote health and fertility. Lucius chuckled at the expressions and let the children know he had never had to drink the mixture. It seemed to have fallen out of style hundreds of years earlier, but the communal memory reminded all of their shared history.
Hermione noted the solemness of the event, even in the face of the larger celebration that would occur a few days later but said nothing. This was something she had never fully experienced and it was enthralling. She was also pleased no one was expecting her to drink ashes. That sounded horrible.
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By the time Christmas rolled around, the feeling at the Manor shifted from the stillness of the longest night of the year to happiness and joy. Christmas morning itself was just as great as the year before and for the first time since August the family seemed to be truly relaxed.
Narcissa had told the children they were not allowed downstairs until at least seven and then the day would be begin. Draco explained as children, he and Harry would burst into his parents room and drag them to the tree when it was still night. And by night, Lucius clarified it was typically no later than two in the morning. After the third year the seven am rule was instituted as were wards to ensure the boys weren't able to head down the steps themselves. As the family laughed Draco shrugged and admitted to liking presents. It didn't surprise anyone in the family.
On Christmas morning, Hermione found herself waking well before seven. She didn't want to upset Narcissa, so she spent over an hour getting ready for the day. By the time six rolled around, she was fully dressed and finished reading the book she brought from the library the day before. She also finished reviewing all her notes on the beast. She may have also looked forward in what she assumed they would be covering in their classes for the upcoming term and finished any work the professors had given them.
Even after all that, the clock was not her friend as it said it was only a quarter past six. Hermione sighed and lamented how long the next forty-five minutes would be. It was then she heard a timid knock on her door. Opening it she found the three boys fully dressed and wide awake. Apparently the only day of the year where they weren't groggy until after they ate was Christmas.
Draco smiled and reached his hand toward Hermione. "Come on, it's tradition for us to meet mum and dad at the steps. I'm not sure if they actually put the wards up this year but I know where the line used to be if they aren't." As quietly as they were able, the four made their way to the steps and settled themselves to wait for the rest of the house. They spoke quietly what the day would hold and the plans for Boxing Day. Hermione was quite excited to discover the Malfoys spent the day with Narcissa's sister and her family in France. She had never thought to spend just a day in a foreign country, but with magic it seemed almost anything was possible.
The boys were began discussing the latest news in the quidditch world, apparently the Bulgarians introduced their newest seeker and he was only a few years older than they were. Hermione reminded the boys they had to finish school and she wouldn't allow them to drop out just to play some sport. Harry was the only one to respond. "We know, it's just sorta a cool to know someone who isn't that much older has that level of skill. It's something I don't think any of us has really thought about."
Hermione nodded and commented how Draco would be running a multi-billion galleon company, Harry and Blaise both had multiple options based on things their houses owned. The boys acknowledged Hermione was right but they still thought it was cool someone so young could be a professional quidditch player. Their debate was halted when the sound of laughter floated down the hall. "I told you they'd be waiting even though you forgot the wards." Narcissa's expression was of pure happiness to see the group sitting on the floor. Rich and Jean approached from the other hall and also got a laugh out of the sight before them. "Come on then, the day is just beginning."
The first activity was eating a huge breakfast. The elves took great pride in everything they do, but this meal was always something just a bit more than the normal breakfast. Hermione truly believed it was better than anything she'd had at Hogwarts. Kitmu smiled behind her chair and figured he could let that comment drop next time he was in the kitchen. The elves would be beyond happy the young miss was so complimentary. After breakfast, the family arrived in the main room where the large tree was glowed brightly. While the magicals didn't celebrate Christmas for the religious connotations, as a group witches and wizards loved any reason to celebrate with presents. The winter solstice was a solemn affair, but this was just pure happiness and love. Hermione saw more presents under the tree than she thought she and her family had opened in their entire lives.
Hours later all the presents were unwrapped the family was going through their stacks again and again. All had been given something that showed just how loved they were. The gifts had been meaningful even in abundance. Everyone was spread out around the room and spent time pointing out new and interesting things they discovered to each other. It was into this scene Regulus emerged from the floo. "Happy Christmas!" The room burst into laughter.
Regulus was wearing what appeared to be a Santa costume but without the wig and included more green than just the traditional red. Over his shoulder was a large bag. "I've bought presents for everyone so let's get these out." Regulus took the next thirty minutes to hand out his gifts. When there was only one present left, Regulus turned to Harry. With a solemnity no one knew he possessed, Regulus settled himself next to young wizard. "Kreacher and I were cleaning up some of the rooms in the house and we finally got to Sirius's old room. He hasn't been in it since returning from his last year at Hogwarts. I know you don't have good memories of him or have really anything that speaks of your father in a positive light. I found these in his trunk. I'm not totally sure what they are." The box was handed over and Harry looked at it for a moment before tearing into it.
The first thing Harry saw was another wrapped present. With a questioning look, the older wizard just responded he liked to open gifts and it seemed like a good idea. There were a total of seven wrapped boxes that when opened held another wrapped box. By the time the final box was opened everyone was laughing. "That's the last one, I swear." Harry rolled his eyes and slowly opened the last gift. It contained two things, one was what Harry first thought was a blanket. It was the silkiest material the boy had ever seen. "There was a note from James on that telling Sirius to keep it safe and use it as he saw fit until he and your mum returned. I guess Sirius didn't realize it was in the trunk or I can't imagine him not using it." Regulus lifted the blanket from the box and threw it over Harry who immediately disappeared. Harry's head popped out the top and the room went silent. "It seems James Potter had an invisibility cloak and Sirius at least knew what it was. I've been looking at it and it hasn't seemed to deteriorate."
Hermione didn't understand the significance of the comment until she noticed the expressions on Lucius and Narcissa's faces. "Why is that important? And is an invisibility cloak just what the name sounds like?" Lucius stood and asked if he could see the item. As the material moved through his fingers he felt no hair or saw any damage.
"Invisibility cloaks are just what they sound like, they allow anything under the cloak to be effectively invisible. On a whole, these are quite rare but even more intriguing is the fact this cloak is at least twenty years old and shows no sign of failure. These are notoriously difficult to maintain in good condition since they tear easily or be damaged when hit with a spell. The charms used to make the cloak invisible fail. But that isn't the case with this one." Lucius continued to look at the cloak in awe.
"Well, while Lucius is focused on that one. Here open the second one." The second item was in an unwrapped box that was long and narrow but was probably a good four inches high. After removing the top of the box, Harry found a piece of parchment. He removed the parchment to find a welcome of sorts. Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers are proud to present THE MARAUDER'S MAP. When the parchment was opened it turned out to be a rather large piece of blank parchment.
Regulus got a good laugh off Harry's expression before continuing. "This was in the bottom of the truck and it took Kreacher a bit to determine what it was. At first we just thought it was some parchment but we happened to have it open when Lucius tried to step through the floo which I still had locked. He started to yell to open up and the parchment began to respond with some unsavory language." The family was again focused on Regulus as he took the parchment and muttered something to it. Suddenly the blank parchment lit up to reveal Hogwarts. "I would assume this was what they used to get around the school unhindered."
Narcissa who had moved behind Lucius to examine the cloak, had her attention taken by the map. "I had always wondered how they did that. I mean Minerva would have docked them a few points and Slughorn was useless, but the other professors weren't totally incompetent." The map only showed a few dots moving through the building and those were identified as aurors. The entire castle had emptied for the end of term holidays.
Draco and Harry looked to each other with something that could be called mischievousness; however, Hermione would come to know that look would mean the plans could only be deemed unholy. Hermione wasn't totally sure, but highly suspected the rest of her Hogwarts career would include the two presents Regulus should have kept at Grimmauld for a couple more years.
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After Regulus had finished handing out his gifts and opened his own, the elves had finished the feast they would eat for dinner. Again Hermione was amazed at just how good the food was. She asked Narcissa if there was a special spell or charm or something to make the roast beef melt in her mouth. "The elves spend weeks planning the meals for today and each year they outdo the prior year. I suspect with so many more people attending they took a bit of liberty and made more than is normally needed. But since the boys are growing, I would bet there won't be many leftovers." In stage whisper Narcissa continued. "Plus Regulus is always known to eat a lot since Kreacher isn't here telling him to not eat so much."
The family broke into laughter as Regulus popped other bit of food in his mouth and shrugged. After finishing the second amazing meal of the day, everyone reconvened in the large room with the tree and spent the entire night going through their presents trying to finding something new. When it was bed time the children were sagging and the adults were quite merry. The nog was a bit strong but after the first glass you didn't notice it anymore. As Regulus was trying to maneuver to the floo, Narcissa recommended her cousin spend the night. It was probably for the best, the wizard had just decided a lay down was a brilliant idea and was currently snoring on the rug.
With the help of the elves the adults made their way to their respective rooms while the children followed sleepily behind. Before going to sleep, Kitmu introduced the hangover potion to the Grangers. Both happily swallowed the bitter potion and were tucked into their bed. After ensuring everyone but Regulus was in their beds, the elves returned to the front and took a few photos before letting Kreacher know Regulus would be spending the night. When Kreacher arrived a little while later he sighed at the sight before him. With a snap the wizard was floated to the room the elves prepared for him. In order to teach the wizard, Kreacher decided he should not have a hangover potion. You only learn by experiencing consequences.
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Boxing Day came with a bright sun. The family rolled out of their beds a little more slowly than the day before. Hermione was the first to the table and found the food was laid out. A small elf Hermione recognized from the kitchen popped in. "Good Mornings Miss, pleases eat." The elf motioned to the table and nodded happily. "The familys be here eventually. This the one day theys sleep in. Master Regulus will be mad, Kreacher say no hangover potion." There was a litany of elfin giggles around the room.
Hermione stopped herself from reaching for one of the amazing looking waffles. "Are you sure Narcissa or Lucius won't mind? Aren't I supposed to wait for them?" Her questions were answered by the gruff voice of Lucius.
"No it's fine Hermione. Like Dilly said, Boxing Day is quite lax and we eat when we roll out of bed. Speaking of rolling out of bed, who made the nog last night. It was considerably stronger than last year." Dilly's eyes went wide and slowly raised her hand. Lucius cocked his head to the side and nodded. "Very well done Dilly. You get to make it next year, yes?" The little elf clapped happily and agreed. "What happened to Reg? I expected to find him still sleeping and probably drooling on my antique rug."
A louder pop was heard and Lucius winced at the sound as he turned toward it. Kreacher, in all his upset glory, stood in the doorway. "The elves set up a room for hims and I put him in the bed. No hangover potion for him. He need to learns." The ever irate elf left the room and Lucius slowly shook his head.
"Speaking of hangover potions, I took one last night but Dilly makes a mean nog. Would one of you get me another one and provide a second one for Narcissa, Rich and Jean? I suspect they will all need it as well. Hermione would you pass me the waffles and the powdered sugar, please." The man was handed a small vial and downed it one go. That was quickly followed by a sip of strong tea. "Much better. Thank you everyone."
Lucius and Hermione had a pleasant breakfast and were laughing over the previous night when the other adults finally made their appearance. Jean and Narcissa looked perfectly fine while Rich looked similar to Lucius. Not completely hung over but still struggling a bit. "Morning Dad, Mom, Narcissa, do you want some food?" Their eyes gazed across the table and all shook their heads before settling their chairs and sipping tea with some dry toast. Eventually Dilly couldn't handle those at the table not eating. She tapped Rich on the shoulder and asked him what he would eat. After the initial look of green left his face, he talked about how in college when the nights were a bit crazy a mother of one of his friend's would bring over a full English breakfast and it would instantly cure the ill feelings.
The little elf sighed and snapped her fingers. Hermione swore she heard Dilly mumbling about people just not asking for what they want. Dilly looked to Jean who said she would something in a little bit. Narcissa reached for the fruit and yogurt. The elf narrowed her eyes and Narcissa shook her head. Once the bacon and sausage had reached the table, Narcissa seemed a bit more like herself and promptly picked a couple rashers of bacon and a sausage link with another piece of toast. Jean took the same and the women began to discuss the day ahead. Rich filled his plate and happily dove in. The boys entered the room saying they smelled bacon. All three jumped to their chairs and filled their plates with a bit of everything except the yogurt and fruit.
The room went silent as everyone dug into their meals with vigor. Hermione even grabbed a second waffle and some bacon before the yelling began. "What do you mean you won't let me have the potion?" That was promptly followed by "DEAR MERLIN MAKE THE PAIN STOP." That outburst was followed by a thumping on the wall.
Harry looked up from his plate and with the most innocent look he could muster he asked if they thought Regulus was ok. The entire table started laughing knowing Regulus was far from ok. After wiping tears from his eyes, Lucius requested Usher invite Regulus to the dining room. If it was done in front of Kreacher everyone knew the elf would force the man into making an appearance.
"You have to be kidding me. Breakfast? Without a potion? Nope, not happening Krecher, try something else." There was a quiet mumble before Regulus let out a cry of frustration and the stomping of a very stroppy wizard was heard coming down the steps. "No Kreacher I don't want to hear it. I can act as petulant as I want. You are just being unfair." Hermione's giggles couldn't be contained and as soon as she started the entire table again burst into laughter. "If your elves were withholding the hangover potion from you, you wouldn't be laughing." The table laughed even more; however, once Regulus saw what was on the table he gingerly made his way to the open seat and began to fill his plate. While completely ignoring the elf who had changed from irate to ready to explode, Regulus asked one of the Malfoy elves for tea with ginger.
Even with the standoff between the two, the rest of the family didn't feel any stress or animosity between the pair. This was normal for them. Narcissa was the first to be able to speak without laughing. "Ok everyone finish up and let's get ready. The portkey is scheduled for eleven. Regulus, we are going to Andi and Ted's for the day, would you like to come? There is always enough room and food." The wizard thought about it before agreeing.
"Thanks Cissy, I'll just finish up and head home to change. I'm leaving Kreacher today. He just gets into fights with Andi's elves." The elf just continued to glare and if looks could kill, Hermione would already be the Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black.
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
A/N 2: Any ideas on how, who and when Harry figures out what Regulus's presents really are?