A/N: Hi everyone, here is the rest of the Yule holiday and the annual Malfoy Ball. Enjoy and happy November everyone.
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At quarter to eleven everyone was in the sitting room around a large vase, Lucius checked the clock before indicating everyone to grab a hold. At eleven on the dot, the vase began to glow and then they were in France. Not just France but a beautifully decorated home in the French countryside. Hermione looked around and saw a familiar looking witch but she couldn't place the her in the slightest. It was understandable really, the witch had a huge nose, spiky burgundy hair and pointy ears. After laughing, Draco began call out different animals while the witch's face changed and contorted into the requested animals. "Dora." The call came from the doorway and Hermione turned to see a man with light brown hair leaning into the frame. He appeared to be older than the witch but looked at the witch with an expression Hermione couldn't place either, but he seemed really happy.
"Fine Remus." The witch's face and hair returned to what Hermione assumed was normal, although she wasn't sure bubblegum pink was natural for anyone. Again the younger witch thought she had met the other witch before but she didn't know where or when. It wasn't like she knew a lot of witches really. Just those in the room and school. "Hi Aunt Cissy, Uncle Lucius and Draco, I hope the trip went well." When Lucius nodded, the witch turned to Harry. "Good to see you again Harry. Hope school is good." Harry nodded eagerly and whispered 'pig'. The witch looked over her shoulder and changed her nose into a snout and snorted a little. The kids broke into peels laughter and the man in the doorway just shook his head.
"Dora, how are you dear? It's been a bit since we've seen you. I think last spring you had mentioned the potential of getting another promotion." Narcissa was quick change the topic or the boys would spend the entire day thinking of different animals.
"It's going really well Aunt Cissy. I'm quite pleased and Luc, you remember my partner, has been promoted as well. He will be taking over the corps soon and there are rumors that in a few years he could maybe be minister. It's quite a thing to say I was his partner." There was a subtle throat clearing and Dora's face changed to an even lovelier expression, one Narcissa had never seen on her niece's face before. "Aunt Cissy, this is the man I was telling you about then, he's now my boyfriend. This is Remus." She turned to the man and waved him forward. "Remus this is mum's sister Narcissa and her husband, Lucius Malfoy."
Remus walked into the room and nodded to Lucius and Narcissa, before reaching to shake Lucius's hand. Regulus, who had been turned away from the rest still trying to come to terms with his hangover and arrival from the portkey, finally looked up and gasped.
"Lupin is that you?"
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After a bit of explanations and apologies, Remus Lupin detailed how he came to France after everything that had happened at Hogwarts. While the adults were fully aware of wizard's affiliation, the children were being entertained by Dora. She knew Remus needed to put his side of the story out, since it had never been heard and having four children watching would make it more difficult than it needed to be. After a bit of time, everyone come to some consensus and put it behind them, at least for the time being.
Andi and Ted had been waiting in the front room and as the group settled for a time they talked about the prior day. Regulus was watching Lupin and wondered which of the names on the scroll he was. There were four names on that mysterious map and at Hogwarts there were four friends. It wasn't a long stretch to assume Lupin would be ignorant of what had been placed in Sirius's trunk. He hadn't been seen in the short period between the end of term and when everything happened.
It took a bit of time before Regulus had an opportunity to discuss with the recently re-appeared marauder. A lull in the conversations had Remus offering to get drinks for everyone and Regulus jumped at the chance. Offering to help Remus carry everything back, Regulus followed the other wizard toward the bar set up in the next room. There was a bit of awkwardness initially but as the pair worked together, the air seemed to clear a touch.
"Remus, over the last few months I've been trying to get Grimmauld cleaned. Lots of old junk no one would really want. I figured I owed it to Hermione to have the place free of the old ghosts when she takes over. I don't know if she will live there, but it's her legacy now." Lupin cocked an eyebrow and was quickly filled in on Regulus offering the House of Black to the young witch sitting through the doorway. It seemed Remus had truly left his old life and country behind. Regulus understood and remembered the look of absolute horror on the then young wizard's face when he heard just what his friends had planned. Not wanting to dwell, Regulus continued on about what he was doing at Grimmauld. Confused on why Regulus was so insistent on explaining, Remus continued to listen in silence, but when Regulus appeared to get uncomfortable Remus realized the actual point of the conversation would seen be revealed.
"You see, I had been dreading it, but I finally got into Sirius's old room and found his Hogwarts trunk." Remus went still and watched the other wizard who was fidgeting. "There were two things in the trunk that apparently James Potter had added before they left Hogwarts that last time. One was a map and the other was cloak. Do you know anything about them?"
"Do you still have them?" The other wizard shook his head and looked into the room where Harry was completely visible. "You gave them to a twelve year old?" Regulus gave a little shrug. Sighing much like Narcissa did when the boys did something incredibly stupid, Remus picked up the tray and nodded toward the other one. "Come on, I have to explain to Harry what sort of mischief you've actually given him. Narcissa may avada you once she has a chance to really think about what I've told you all." Remus let out another weary sigh and began to hand out the drinks.
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Harry was more than a bit shocked, he had no idea the older wizard was a former friend of his father. When Draco asked the question about the attack on Severus, Remus paled. The older wizard was pleased his secret was still that but at the same time, he wanted to tell these children the whole truth. He looked around the room and found Narcissa resigned but nodding to him. Suddenly Dora was at his side holding his hand. "Come on let's sit down, I think this is going to take a bit." As everyone settled with their fresh drinks, Remus went into his history and just what role he had in that particular event.
Hermione was the first to find her voice after Remus finished his story. "You're a werewolf?" The man nodded and slumped into his chair. "How does that work?" The man looked to the girl who would soon lead one of the oldest families in Britain, what he saw wasn't a girl who was repulsed in the slightest but looked more intrigued. "I'm a muggleborn, I was raised to think magic and vampires and werewolves and fairies and name a hundred other things I've learned about in the last year were stories, not real. As I'm finding these things are real, I want to understand." Hermione looked a bit embarrassed but continued to watch the man to see if he was going to answer.
"Most of what you have heard from muggles is generally accurate. I say mostly since there are ways for those like me to not be an animal. There is a potion Dora brews for me. It's easier here in France as the regulations surrounding it are more relaxed than in Britain. It's a pity British werewolves are not provided the same opportunities as we have here."
Hermione found the comment interesting and made a note to look into how magical creatures and beings were treated at home. While Hermione was pondering the state of life for others, Remus continued his answer. "I take the potion the day of the full moon and it helps me to retain my human side. France has established a sanctuary for werewolves. We are given free rein over a large stretch of land and allowed to run for the night. I still turn into a wolf, but with the potion I know who I am and what I don't want to do. It's difficult for people to believe, so obviously it's something I don't publicize." The children understood and silently agreed to keep the secret.
The rest of the day was interesting, every so often one of the children would return their focus to Remus and ask questions about Harry's father or the things Regulus had found. In the end, they all knew the saying to open and close the map. Once Narcissa understood what information it could provide, she sent many dark glares at her cousin.
The story about the cloak was a bit more intriguing. When James had shown up with it at Hogwarts, he had explained it was something his father had given him but that it had been handed down for at least the two generations prior. James wasn't sure who the original owner was, but it was a legacy item for the Potter family. The magical adults in the room all had a speculative look in their eye. It was only an offhanded remark by Remus that brought the family up short. "I had assumed both of them had been lost. Dumbledore found out about the cloak near the end of seventh year and kept making comments about wanting to see it. James was very hesitant to use it after that. It's how those two lost the map. Filch caught them one night and took it. Supposedly they had gotten closed just in time. I can't explain how James got it back. Maybe he used the cloak one final time without Dumbledore knowing."
The question running through the minds of the adults was just why Dumbledore was so curious about the cloak and what hadn't James Potter told the old man.
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It took Hermione until after dinner before she knew why she recognized Dora. It was only when the other witch began speaking about her job it clicked. She sucked in a gasp of air looked at the witch with entirely new eyes. She and Draco were next to each other as he started to question her on what was wrong. That got the attention of everyone.
"It's nothing really, I just realized how I knew Dora. That's all." Hermione was embarrassed when she realized how she had become the center of attention. When her gaze landed on Dora, the older witch shrugged.
"I wondered if you knew. I saw it at first, the recognition but then nothing, so I let it drop. I figured with everything else that was going on today, it wasn't really important." Dora smiled brightly at the younger witch.
Hermione walked over to Dora and held out her hand. "Hi Dora, I'm Hermione. Thank you for all you did not only for me but also Ronald." The young witch stood there for a moment before Dora stood as well and pulled her into a hug.
Dora whispered into Hermione's ear. "You're very welcome, but you don't have to thank me, it's what all aurors should do. We take a vow to help others and children need the most protection. If you ever need me, I'll be there in an instant. Yes?" Hermione smiled in agreement and hugged the other witch. She didn't realize how she still carried a bit of guilt over what had happened during the first bit of her life as a witch.
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A few days after returning from their trip to France and the holiday festivities, everyone was stationed in the library. The boys were not the most excited but since a major snowstorm was blowing in, Narcissa nixed any flying until the skies were clear. So the boys reluctantly agreed to spend some time in the library. Hermione had continued her mother's drawing based on the journal and the discussions that had surrounded the chamber. It was an incredibly large area; she couldn't imagine where it could be and how the other founders hadn't noticed its creation. The amount of dirt removed was too much for her to calculate.
"Harry, the map Regulus gave you, do you have it on you?" No one had thought to use the map to try and locate the chamber. Hermione thought maybe it could tell them where the chamber was without having to plot anything. Or at least it gave them a basic outline of the school, which had been extremely difficult to find.
"No, it's upstairs, do you want it?" With an absent-minded nod from Hermione, Harry left for his room where he'd hidden the map and cloak in his trunk. He still wasn't sure what to do with the map but thought he would keep it with him, just in case. While Severus hadn't been with the family over the holidays, he was told of what Regulus had found before informing the professor the items were now in the possession of the children. The Potion Master agreed between the map and cloak, Sirius and James would have the ability move almost unseen at the school. It also explained how they were able to find him whenever they wanted. When Harry returned the map was handed to Hermione who opened it and began to look through the levels but found nothing lower than the dungeon.
Severus, knowing there were also a few hidden rooms in the school, stood next to Hermione and began to search for them with no results. It appeared the map only was able to show the rooms and tunnels the creators found. So it stood to reason they had never found the Chamber or any of the other rooms the founders had hidden. The wizard set the map down and walked toward the window. Wondering what would happen if the map knew of those locations. Would the rooms remain hidden on the map or would they appear?
Hermione gazed at the map and an idea struck. "Narcissa, is there any tissue paper or something that is really thin in the house? Something I can write on but is see through?" Thinking, Narcissa summoned a bit of paper and younger witch happily began to draw the lair design before placing it over the map. "Hm, Severus would you help me?" The man turned and saw the young witch twisting a sheet of paper in every which direction.
"Tell me what you are trying to do."
Hermione was quick began to explain. "I traced the most likely design of the chamber onto this piece of paper and shrunk it to match the scale of the map and am trying to figure out were it could be. We know the original entrance is in the bathroom, so it makes sense the chamber would have to go out from there in some direction."
"Very astute, let's see what you have here." Severus settled next to Hermione as they rotated the drawing and began to mark off areas. Once they had worked through the entire 360 degree circle there were only three places that looked even slightly viable. Two of them were more likely as they were hidden in the forest surrounding the school. The third location was under the dungeons and it appeared to stop at Black Lake. "I would like to say the forest is the most likely but Slytherin loved his dungeon and the thought of the beast protecting his students would appeal to him. I just don't know how easy or quick it would have been." Hermione looked back to the other two land locations.
"Sir, why would it have had to be quick? No one really knows how long Slytherin was working on the chamber to begin with and as for Dumbledore, he was at the school for a long time even before he became head master. I don't think either of their plans would have had any real time constraints. They could have spent years, if not decades working on it." Blaise was a quiet boy but as he became more comfortable in the Manor, he began to find his voice.
"No Blaise, you're correct with regard to both of them. Since so little is known about the founders, the actual construction of the school and the founder's hidden rooms will likely always be a mystery. On the other hand, if Albus was only focused on the chamber and had the information from the ministry at his disposal, I don't believe it wouldn't have taken him long to identify the probable locations. Speaking of that…"
Severus rotated the chamber drawing to the position under the dungeons and the ending in Black Lake. "Albus once told me he had agreements with the merpeople. I wonder if they helped or allowed him to make the opening." Lucius stood and pulled an old piece of parchment from one of the desks and transferred the map onto it. He was careful to not transfer any of the tunnels or passageways.
"We are going to have to give the Ministry something to evidence why we think what we do. I'm not handing that map over. Even if Harry doesn't take it, it could be very helpful in the future." After finishing up his copy and making sure nothing untoward showed, he tucked it into an old book and set the scene. "That was made by my father while he was at school. It was found in one of his old school books by chance and we just found it today. The descriptions for the chamber we found in one of the books provided by Sophie. And yes those dimensions were in it, I just wanted to find something to confirm what that book said since it was written many centuries later. Again, we don't mention Slytherin's journal. Agreed?"
After gaining everyone's agreement, Harry stored his map and the ancient journal was returned to its spot in the back corner of the library. Only after all was done did Lucius call the DMLE and make a request for Amelia Bones to visit.
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Amelia was less than pleased to discover Lucius Malfoy and his group had identified three potential locations for the much sought after second opening. But, she wasn't surprised. Albus Dumbledore had a lot of pull in the magical world but the Malfoy family had never fallen at his feet so it wasn't a shock the family library had documents Dumbledore couldn't access. It was a good thing since it appeared Dumbledore had systematically destroyed centuries of documents related to the school and Merlin knew what else.
After reviewing the proposed dimensions, she confirmed the drawing matched the what the book from Ilvermorny stated and would be a good representation of the actual chamber. The map of Hogwarts was very well done and she found it interesting Abraxas Malfoy had drawn it while at the school. Abraxas, who still loved to get involved with things when he could, quietly stepped into the large frame and listened to the small woman wax on about how interesting it was that he was interested in art. "May I ask Madam Bones, why you are questioning my son on my past times? I am a wizard of many interests and talents. I may be more remembered for my business acumen but my wife found my paintings to be calm and soothing and I do take exception to your insinuations." The gruff man stood and watched the witch as she actually backed up from the portrait that seemingly couldn't do anything more than speak.
"I do apologize Mr. Malfoy, it was just not something I had thought a wizard of your stature would pursue. I understand I was mistaken, and again, I apologize." The man in the painting just waved his hand and sat in a rather large chair. He was keen to keep watch on how the rest of the meeting proceeded. While Lucius didn't react to his father's entrance, he had noticed the man slipping into the frame through the mirror. It did; however, take quite a bit of control to not react when Abraxas made the claims about his paintings. Lucius was sure he heard his mother's tinkling laugh from the solarium.
Amelia made a copy of the map and Lucius was pleased she didn't attempt to take his original. The DMLE copy appeared to be a perfect copy of the purposefully imperfect copy Lucius had just created. But at the end of the day, the witch agreed with the three likely spots and would get the aurors to investigate as the holiday season was quickly winding down. She departed thereafter. Lucius locked the floo behind her and the room erupted in laughter.
"Grandfather, just because you are a wizard of many talents and interests, did you really paint for Grandmother?" The expression of the man in the painting changed from the stern look focused on the witch that questioned his son to a wide smile. He shrugged a bit before a dainty hand pushed him toward the side of the painting. Marguerite Malfoy stepped into the frame and wrapped her arm around her husband.
"Why Draco, are you accusing your grandfather of lying to the Head of the DMLE? Is that something the Malfoy family has ever done?" The family again started to laugh, as it was well known in previous generations the Malfoys had a fair bit of swing with the Ministry and the DMLE took any statement as the truth. "But to answer your question, your grandfather did dabble a bit with the arts. More with photography but those weren't pictures that had any calming effect on me."
Lucius groaned a bit. "Really Mother? Even after all these years, you still bring that up?" As Lucius's cheeks continued to redden the adults began to catch on to what was happening. Rich gave the portrait a thumbs up and winked. The painting returned the thumbs up movement with a quizzical look. "It's a muggle thing Father. It means good job or something like that. Rich you aren't helping. My parents are paintings and they are still as randy as when I was a child!" This the kids understood and their eyes went wide.
Narcissa shook her head and stood. "Ok Lucius that is enough. Children I think it's time for bed. We have the ball tomorrow and I don't want any of you to look haggard. Off off." As Narcissa motioned for the children to head toward their rooms, the rest of the adults also began pack up their books and notes for the night.
Once Lucius was the only living wizard in the room, he turned to his parents who were still wrapped around each other speaking quietly in the large gilded frame. "Do you want the lights on or off?" After a few unintelligible whispers and one too many giggles, the man shook his head. "Nox and you can deal with." As he closed the door he whispered "Good night you both, stay warm and I'll see you in the morning."
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New Year's Eve snuck up on Hermione, last year she was a ball of nerves over everything but this year she had too many other thoughts to have built herself up to the same level of anxiety. Narcissa noticed immediately while doing Hermione's hair. "I think I just haven't had the time to worry about it. Between my actual schoolwork, everything else going on at school and what we've been doing here, I haven't thought about it much. But I'll probably start to get worried soon." Narcissa gave the girl a quick kiss on the crown of her head before continuing the arduous task of taming the locks.
After a good hour, a bottle of hair tonic and a few well placed charms, Hermione's hair was perfect. The same jeweled hair pins were strategically placed in her hair and she was shuttled off to the chaise while Narcissa worked her literal magic on Jean's hair.
Hermione was a bit surprised but pleased to find their day was almost identical to the year prior. The young witch wondered about her dress and gazed to the wall where the dress bags hung. Hers was a little longer this year and probably reflected the fact that she had grown over the last year. Draco had been lamenting the fact he was now a shorter than Hermione. Lucius had quietly comforted his son, before informing him the Malfoy family had a tradition of suddenly going from one of the shortest to the tallest boy in the class seemingly overnight. The next morning Draco immediately checked his height against Hermione only to find she had put another eighth of an inch between them. He grumbled the entire morning. Luckily the slight difference in their heights didn't impact how well they danced.
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While Hermione was gazing at the dress bag; Kitmu had finally dragged the boys from their games and got them started on getting ready. Again, there were four boys getting ready at the Manor as Theo Nott had talked his parents into allowing him to arrive at the Manor early for the second year in a row.
Blaise found himself looking at the set of dress robes Narcissa had gotten for him. They were more refined and elegant than any robe he had ever worn. His eyes looked around the room, landing on the suit Amico had prepared for the evening and finally on a few items he hadn't seen in years.
When the children returned to Hogwarts at the beginning of the school year, Lucius worked to ensure the Zabini estate was secure and well managed. It was to his great relief to discover the estate was managed by a well known firm and men who happened to have been very close friends with Blaise's father. Lucius had found the individual in charge, Luca Rossi, to be quite easy to speak with and loved to tell stories about the Zabini family. After discussing family traditions, Lucius was surprised to find a few personal effects were set on the desk. It seemed the Zabini family had a tradition of presenting the eldest son a set of cuff links, tie tack and family crest when the boy reached school age. The tradition hadn't occurred for Blaise and Lucius found that to be a shame.
Luca explained how he would remain in charge of the estate until Blaise reached his age of majority. When Luca heard how well Blaise was adjusting to living with the Malfoy family, he sadly addressed the blond wizard seated across the desk. "As you know, I was childhood friends with Marco. Our families had been friends for generations so I witnessed these traditions as they happened with Marco. We would discuss how we would handle them with our sons. I know just how important this was to Marco and have been trying to find a way to ensure Blaise would understand the significance of the items he would have been presented with when he turned eleven."
Lucius looked to the man and understood more than he cared to admit. Luca continued now focused on the items instead of his memories. "The cufflinks and tie tack would only have been worn for important events but the crest would have been sown into this robes. For formal events, the crest would be on easily seen. Some of the family would have a large version embroidered on the back of the robe while others had a smaller version on the lapel or along the hem. For informal robes it would always be on the inside of the robe and over the heart to remind that family love comes first. I know this tradition is not valued in the same way but it has always been how the Zabini family identified themselves." Lucius, having found his own traditions weren't as important to other magical cultures, decided Blaise would not lose this part of his heritage.
"Would it be improper for me to provide these items in lieu of his father. I do not want him missing out on anything more than he already has." The lawyer smiled widely and began to explain what would have happened. When Lucius returned home and informed Narcissa on what he learned, she immediately requested two things. The first was the Zabini crest and the second was a copy of the dress robes Blaise's father wore. The witch knowing how important heritage was, agreed providing Blaise with simple things would mean more than the newest broom or any other item he could receive.
Once Kitmu had wrangled the boys in to get ready, Lucius met with Blaise and explained what had been found. Lucius set the cufflinks and tie tack on the table and explained what Luca had told him about the Zabini traditions. The cufflinks and tie tack would have been enough, they were his father's and looking at the small pieces a number of memories poured through Blaise's mind. The new robes with the Zabini crest brought the boy to tears. Lucius held the boy while reminding him he had a family and they were all there for him.
With new resolve, Blaise looked at the items again and instead of being sad he was now focused. He began to carefully dress knowing this would be the first time the Zabini heir would be taking the reins of his house. He would not let his father's memory down.
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After leaving Harry and Theo to their chess game, Draco started to get ready himself. This year he didn't have an option of muggle or traditional wizarding robes. Apparently Narcissa had asked Hermione if she had a preference and to his, and his mother's, shock, Hermione said she would quite like to see Draco in formal robes. It said something about her acclamation into their world. He was still a bit more comfortable in robes but had begun to find some enjoyment in his muggle clothes.
Draco took his time to ensure all the layers were laying perfectly and wouldn't wrinkle before pulling on his robe. It seemed Narcissa had a bit of fun with the robe, his lining was a beautiful emerald color. As he flipped the item around his shoulders, the lining fluttered into and out of his view. Pleased with his appearance, he gave his hair once final touch up before he went to meet his father and Rich.
Like Hermione, Draco was much more relaxed this year and met the older men with a calm nod. "How long do have to wait before Aster will be ready for us?" Lucius checked his watch and waved toward the end of the hall.
"Now will be fine, I sent the rest of the boys downstairs already. We should probably join them before they do something which your mother will find issue." The three laughed as they walked through the silent halls. Aster was waiting and looked to the three with a pleased expression. Draco wondered if Aster had ever found issue with something his father wore. Maybe he'd remember to ask later.
When Aster popped into the room, Draco found himself looking around the hallway. Last year he had been a bit too nervous to look too closely at his mother's domain. But this year was totally different. At least he thought it was until Hermione walked out. She was out first and Draco was taken by surprise; however, a slight throat clear from his father got him back on his game. Draco stepped forward and lifted Hermione's hand to his lips. "You look beautiful Hermione." Draco cleared his voice and dropped the rest to a whisper. "The dress is stunning and may just be my favorite color on you." The young witch blushed but was smiling widely.
"Thank you Draco, you look very handsome. I can't decide which suits you more now. I had thought what you wore last year couldn't be topped, but I'm thinking this look suits you just as well." While the children were quietly complimenting each other, Narcissa and Jean had each come out of the room. After stepping to their spouses for a quiet word, they turned to their children and were surprised to see them still in conversation.
Narcissa smiled happily at the pair before getting their attention. "Your father said the rest of the boys are already downstairs and I'm sure they are up to no good. Let's head down now to try and stop whatever plots they have formed." Laughing at how accurate the statement could be, the group made their way down the grand staircase and split apart. Lucius and Narcissa took their position at the doors and began to greet the guests while Rich and Jean moved off to wait for some of the others they knew to arrive. Hermione and Draco went directly into the ballroom and found their three friends settled at their assigned table.
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The time before dinner was dedicated to speaking with friends, acquaintances and those who wouldn't be put in either category but you could neither fail to invite nor kick out. Luckily until a child graduated they were not expected to participate in the dull conversations, and as such the group remained in their corner quietly laughing about everything. It was into this happy setting Fred and George Weasley made their entrance. The pair spoke, as only they could, to those assembled at the corner table.
"Good evening heirs and heiress to the most influential families, we, your humble former classmates, wish you the happiest of holidays and a pleasant new year." This year the pair had to decided to alternate each word instead of finishing the other's sentences.
Draco was somewhat surprised to see the pair accepted the invitation as they had been rumored to have been holed up in their shop in Diagon Alley. He stepped forward and shook both of their hands. "I'm pleased you were able to attend. I did confirm with mother your names were on the guest list." The red headed twins nodded to the blond boy and bowed to the brunette witch.
"It seems this Gryffindor acknowledges the color green and is extending the proverbial olive branch between our houses. Would you agree Mr. Malfoy?" Draco, for the first time, realized the color matched the lining of his robe perfectly. When they danced the colors would blend.
"I believe Hermione has already established her affinity for the color green and those associated with it." Before Hermione could respond the bell announcing dinner chimed and everyone moved toward their assigned tables.
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After a meal fit for a king, which if the magical world had royalty all those with a claim to the throne were present, the tables were cleared and the dance floor took center stage. Lucius and Narcissa started off the ball with the traditional wizard waltz. The pair looked effortless as they performed the intricate steps of the dance. Draco noticed Hermione's attention and how her feet were moving with his mother's own diamond encrusted heels. "We can practice over the summer, I've yet to master this one." Hermione nodded as she continued to watch the steps and lifts and spins.
"Yes please." The pair remained on the sidelines for two more songs until they were welcomed onto the floor by the elder Malfoys. "Here we go. Hope you are ready." Draco smiled with a bit of mischievousness before he pulled Hermione into his arms and the immediately they fell into step with the music.
The rest of the guests watched as the two couples spun around the floor in almost total sync. It didn't take long before others noticed the way Draco's robe matched Hermione's dress. It was a somewhat subtle act on Narcissa's part. The majority of those in attendance had been there the year before and noted the way the pair danced then. This year the dance was more complex and the pair were holding themselves a touch closer. It seemed the Malfoy family were making their claim on the young witch. There were very few who would even think about trying to get between the pair.
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As with the prior year, Hermione lost track of time as she danced. Most of her dances were with Draco but she and her father had a fair few dances throughout the evening. Hermione laughed when Harry ran over at the end of one dance with her father. He asked for the next dance and sent a wide smile to Hermione while she laughed at him.
"I thought you'd like a chance to dance with someone other than your dad and Draco. I'm not as smooth as them, but it's good to have options." The pair chuckled and joked for the entire dance before the song ended and Hermione found herself back in Draco's arms. Finding she was more comfortable dancing with Draco made her curious why, but she figured it had to be due to their practicing. Harry, Blaise and Theo each had a couple of dances but at the end of the night, Hermione and Draco finished the last dance together.
The witch smiled when Lucius announced the fireworks would be starting shortly. Everyone in the ballroom made their way to doors that lined the far wall and exited down a set of wide steps and onto the heated patio in order to get the best positions to view.
Draco led Hermione and their friends to a closed door and exited to a terrace that was only accessible through the door and was higher than the patio. Hermione noticed the Malfoys, Regulus and her parents were on a similar terrace on the other side of the patio. When the first firework lit the sky, Hermione moved a bit closer to Draco and set her head on his shoulder. Each remembered the year prior and as the adults began to countdown, Hermione made a decision.
As everyone began to cheer the new year, Hermione turned to Draco and gently pressed her lips to his. This year she grasped his robes slightly and pulled at him for a moment. Draco's arm wrapped gently around her waist and held her close. The pair again remained like that for a few seconds before they pulled apart. Hermione blushed at her bravery and turned to wish Daphne a happy new year and pulled gently away from Draco's arms.
The wizard had noticed Hermione's blush and wasn't going to push her. As he compared his two kisses, he found he enjoyed the second one a bit more since he knew what to expect and how their relationship wouldn't change. The memory of her lips on his from the prior year was pretty high on the list of his happiest memories and this one knocked it down a step. When Hermione stepped back after wishing everyone a happy new year, Draco slid her hand into his and squeezed gently. The witch was refusing to look at him but kept staring at their entwined fingers. "It's fine, we are good. I'm pleased you did it. I was trying to figure out how to get the prettiest witch in place to give me a new year's kiss."
"Thank you Draco." Hermione blushed again as the pair re-entered the ballroom and began their goodbyes to all their friends. The pair fell asleep replaying the kiss and both had pleasant dreams.
*MoT*MoT*MoT*
AN 2 - so I've been working on the last chapter or so and I'm pretty sure we it won't get any longer but I am not done with it. Silly muse keeps changing what to add now or save until a future year. Anyway, this is the halfway point and the total story should be finished by the end of the year.