Penny spent the next couple of days lurking in the library, soaking up the knowledge within it. Sometimes Narcissa would come find her and they would talk of various magic, careers, who was who in the magical world. Penny was quick to learn what her aunt viewed to be a successful person; someone with power, money and pure blood. Penny was rather cynical of this, but felt there was no point trying to argue with someone as set in their ways as her aunt. Her mother, she supposed sadly, would undoubtedly share these views. Neither she nor Narcissa ventured onto this topic, both perhaps feeling it was too sensitive a subject to approach yet. Other times Penny was left to amuse herself.

One morning Penny woke up hearing an annoying tap tap tap. Groggily she eyed the artwork on the wall confused. Blinking a few times she realised it was coming from the window. Removing herself from the cocoon of blankets she walked over to the window and pulled back the curtain. Hovering outside was a large tawny owl with its neatly trimmed talons rapping against the glass. Penny pulled open the window to let it in, gasping as the freezing air bit at her exposed skin. The owl gracefully flew a lap of the room, dropping a couple of packages on her bed and let two envelopes fall at Penny's feet before flying straight back out the open window. Now wide awake from the blast of cold air, Penny closed the window again shutting out the icy weather. She retrieved the envelopes from the floor and walked over to the bed.

Sitting down Penny recognised the writing on the first envelope as Ginny's. Tearing it open, Penny smiled as she began to read.

'Merry Christmas!

Hope you are surviving life at Snob Manor, maybe hit Draco in the face with a Bat-Bogey hex? I'm sure his mother wouldn't mind, it would probably improve his appearance after all. Anyway, one of the packages is an obligatory jumper from my Mum, so apologises if it is up to its usual hideous standard. The other is a little something from Hermione and me. Hope you like it.

See you soon, and if you come back to school talking like someone from 'Nature's Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy' I will have to beat you repeatedly with a bottle of Skele-Gro

Much love,

Ginny'

Penny chuckled as she imagined Ginny trying to carry out her threat under the nose of Madam Pomfrey. Opening the larger package Penny unfolded a somewhat lumpy jumper, made of darkish green wool. On the front was a large silver serpent in the shape of an 'S'. Though not the best quality Penny was nevertheless touched, as she couldn't imagine Mrs Weasley enjoying making reference to Penny's house. They were all exceedingly proud Gryffindors after all.

The second letter she immediately saw was Hermione's neat calligraphy. Smiling slightly Penny opened the letter and read.

'Merry Christmas Penny!

How is it going? I hear that Malfoy Manor has a vast library; I assume you are making the most of it? I suppose it must be quite educational to see how a more 'traditional' family live, although I don't imagine I shall be visiting any time soon! I am sure I shall survive. Besides, the Weasleys always put on a good show!

Anyway I hope you like the little gift, Ginny and I both have one each too. The instructions should be included.

Much love,

Hermione'

Penny's grin widened as she compared the two girls' letters, one suggesting she curse her newly found family, the other focussed purely on the 'educational' value of the situation. Picking up the smaller package, Penny could feel there must be a box inside. Pulling off the wrapping paper Penny indeed found a box within, with colourful patterns and writing on the top.

'Murdoch's Magical Friendship bracelets. Specially selected strands woven into bracelet to represent each friend. If worn by corresponding parties, simply pluck at the chosen friend's bracelet to let them know you are thinking of them! Warning: Excessive plucking may result in burns'

Penny stared blankly for a few seconds at the box, before reaching into it and pulling out two yarn thread bracelets. One was a scarlet red, light brown and purple with a handwritten label Ginny and the other was navy blue, scarlet red and gold with the handwritten label Hermione. Penny ran her fingers along them, a lightness in her chest, before tying them round her right wrist. She hesitated for a moment before plucking Hermione's band and then Ginny's. For a minute nothing happened, and then Penny gasped as she felt both her bracelets suddenly get very warm. Penny grinned widely down at the bracelets, happiness spreading through her. She'd never been given such a personal gift before. Her smile faded as she realised she hadn't remembered to get anything for them. She would have to change this, she thought to herself.

A while later, washed and dressed Penny made her way downstairs. On entering the kitchen she was surprised to see Lucius sat waiting, reading the Daily Prophet. She didn't believe she had ever seen him in the kitchen before. On seeing her enter Lucius smiled his cold smile and lowered his paper. Penny could see the mug shot of Sirius Black raging as usual on the front page.

'Good morning Persephone, and Merry Christmas to you.' Lucius said, Penny merely nodded in reply. 'Once you have eaten, we shall all be in the lounge.' Lucius continued, rising from his seat and leaving carrying his paper with him.

When Penny peered around the lounge door she was met with a scene that looked like it should be from the Victorian era, Lucius sat an armchair next to a roaring fire, Draco and Narcissa playing wizard chess on the floor in front of him. A large Christmas tree was in one corner, a large pile of presents underneath. Narcissa rose from the floor and crossed the room to Penny's side.

'Merry Christmas Penny' Narcissa said, an unusually warm smile on her lips and surprised by pulling the young girl into a gentle hug.

'Merry Christmas Narcissa' Penny replied, awkwardly trying to return the hug. Narcissa turned and flicked her wand at the pile of presents, which divided itself mainly between Penny and Draco.

'Penny, we are family and it is Christmas, you may call me Cissy' Narcissa responded before gesturing for Penny to join her and Draco. Penny watched as Narcissa narrowly beat Draco before Narcissa suggested Penny play him instead.

'Persephone always wins at chess' Draco whined. Looking surprised, Narcissa then played in Draco's place and Lucius even watched over his paper as Narcissa was quickly beaten by Penny. Glancing at him, Penny could see he was both intrigued and impressed. Narcissa on the other hand looked displeased.

'Enough games, let's open gifts' She said waving her hands towards the piles, Draco immediately picked up the nearest gift and began unwrapping it. Penny glanced at him before following his lead. Gingerly she pulled the nearest neatly wrapped long and thin package. Warily she unwrapped it, inwardly groaning as she guessed what it would be. As she predicted, a large expensive looking broomstick. Draco looked sulkily over from his pile, having unwrapped what looked like a large Sneak-o-scope. Penny glanced under her eyelashes to see her aunt's eyes upon her.

'Thank you' Penny said, trying and failing to hide the lack of enthusiasm in her voice. Narcissa raised a manicured eyebrow.

'You do not like flying?' She asked, shooting a look at Draco who shrugged defensively. Penny shook her head 'Your mother was a very skilled flyer'

'I am not my mother' Penny snapped before she could stop herself. Narcissa pursed her lips but didn't challenge the outburst.

'Indeed' Narcissa said 'Well I'm sure it will come in use at some point.' Penny quickly placed the broom to one side as she lifted the next present, a small box wrapped in a velvet cover with silver and green ribbon wrapped around it. Pulling gently on the ribbon, it came off and Penny pulled out a black leather box. Lifting the lid saw a golden pendant in the shape of 'M' on a fine gold chain. On the bottom of the inside of the box there was what looked like a coat of arms, the Malfoys, Penny assumed. It was made up of black, green and silver with a large 'M' in the middle of it. Returning her attention to the necklace, Penny lifted it delicately from the box to examine it.

'It's beautiful, thank you Narcissa...I mean...Cissy' Penny struggled to correct herself, looking at her aunt, who smiled.

'You don't even know what it is' Narcissa said, Penny frowned confused.

'It's a Boundary Key' Lucius said from his armchair. Narcissa and Penny both looked towards him as he went on. 'It allows you access to Malfoy Manor through the magical boundaries, whether by foot or if you attempt to Apparate whilst grasping it with your hand it will bring you here, similar to a Portkey. It's a rare and complicated piece of magic, however I happen to be very well connected' Lucius finished pompously. Penny looked back at the necklace, her sense of awe increased.

'So I could Apparate straight from Hogwarts to here?' Penny asked

'No, Hogwarts prevents any form of Apparition in and out of the castle; you would have to leave the grounds first.'

'Thank you' Penny said, this time genuinely blown away.

'You are family, and this is your home, should you choose it to be of course' Narcissa added quickly 'It seems only right to give you access even if for some reason Lucius and I are not here.'

Other presents included books, and upgraded school items as well as some wizarding games. Narcissa and Lucius exchanged a gift each. Lucius unwrapped a polished silver pocket watch, and Narcissa a bottle of perfume. Finally there was one book sized package which Penny placed on her crossed legs and quickly unwrapped. To her surprise it was instead a photo album with another family crest, this time with three ravens and a fist holding a sword. Underneath was written 'The most Noble and Ancient House of Black.' Penny's expression flickered as she tried to organise her feelings. Opening the album she looked at the first photo, it was of two young witches stood with their heads held high and their hands crossed neatly in front of themselves grasping their wands. The one on the right was obviously a younger Narcissa, her blonde hair laying neatly on her shoulders. On the left was a much darker female, her black eyes glared eerily out of the page.

'Mum...' Penny whispered quietly, raising the album and leaning down. She stared transfixed for a few moments before remembering the Malfoys, who were all watching her closely. Snapping the album shut sharply, Penny shook herself slightly. 'Thank you.' Penny said in a flat tone, void of emotion.

'We have spoken of a few different wizarding families over the last couple days, I thought you ought to be educated on your own ancestry' Narcissa explained her tone took on a great deal of dignity and pride as she continued 'We are both descended from a ancient pure blood line'

'But I am not a pure blood' Penny replied stiffly. Narcissa pursed her lips at the interruption. 'Voldemort was a half blood.' Penny was bemused as the Malfoys flinched. 'What? I think I should be allowed to say my father's name, not that it even is his real name. Tom Marvolo Riddle was a half blood.'

'What makes you say that?' Lucius inquired leaning forward in his armchair.

'I met him' Penny shrugged 'Or at least, his sixteen year old self. Somehow Ginny Weasley ended up with his diary' Penny saw Narcissa and Lucius share a look, and Penny sensed their unease. 'You are responsible?' Penny hissed angrily, coils of rage in her stomach as she subconsciously rose from the floor and slowly crossed the room.

'I do not know what you are talking about Persephone' Lucius replied coldly, rising from his seat to tower over the short witch.

'Do not lie to me'Penny growled fiercely, staring up at the blond man. 'You nearly got two of my best friends killed'

'I would like to see any proof you have' Lucius snarled back 'Besides, I don't see how one less blood traitor and Mudblood is a bad thing' Penny's eyes flashed at this, a few nearby items starting to shudder.

'You dare insult them when they are fair greater than you will ever be, you who feels the need to put yourselves above others based on your blood because you have nothing else to be proud of, you are scum, you pathetic fool'

Lucius NO!' Narcissa screamed.

WHACK. Penny felt the side of her face take the blow with such force she was knocked to the floor. Looking up enraged she saw Lucius towering above her, his fist still clenched. He looked slightly surprised at his actions and lowered his fist.

'Sorry Persephone I...' He began before stopping as the ground began to shake violently. Penny stared at his face transfixed by rage as the chess pieces on the board below began shooting round the room at speed. Suddenly the fire roared and erupted, engulfing Lucius in flames.

'Penny NO!' Narcissa screamed as Lucius began to howl in pain. Digging out her wand Narcissa yelled 'Aqua Eructo!' And a large jet of water sprouted from the tip of her wand, putting out the flames on Lucius, who reappeared, his clothes heavily singed and smoking, a large amount of his skin had taken a waxy appearance. He staggered backwards and landed with a thud in his armchair. Penny's red mist finally retreated as she took in the devastation before her. She looked at each of them in turn, all of them sharing a look of shock and fear. Her own fear spread through her veins, and spurned by adrenaline she stood and ran from the room, taking the staircase in a few short leaps, ran into her room, slamming and locking the door behind herself. She stumbled against it, sliding to the floor.

Rocking herself slightly, she buried her face into her knees and wept.