A/N My thanks to Kelly and Ariana for their comments. I proofed some of my later chapters, after Kelly's remark, and found some problems. I like to think I would have found them anyway, but it helps to have someone there to say, "Oh, by the way. . ."

Ariana does this as well, and I must admit I love it. I had this great idea that Sirius Black would be in a bad mood when he approached the Fat Lady, because of an annoying conversation he had just previously. I forgot to connect the two events. A clear case of Author Omniscience (per HLB). I knew what I was doing, and I figured that you did too. To quote Rocky, "That trick never works."

Thanks for reading and reviewing. - HiBob





Chapter 11: The Happy Holidays

"Malcolm," Draco called, as the young Gryffindor entered the Great Hall. As he came over, he asked, "Have you made your plans for the holidays?"

"Well, I'm going home," Malcolm said.

"Would you like company?" Draco asked. "My parents are thinking of taking a holiday, and I have a choice of being a third wheel, or visiting friends during the Christmas break."

"Why Me?" Malcolm asked.

"You're a smart lad," Draco said. "You should be able to figure it out. My other choices are Crabbe or Goyle. Whom would you pick?"

Malcolm smiled and said, "You do remember my brother, Reese? He'll be there as well."

Draco paled at the memories of the most obnoxious person he had ever met. "Let me talk to father. Maybe he hasn't finalized the arrangements, yet."

Draco ran out of the hall, almost knocking down Ginny Weasley. He was so flustered, he apologized without even thinking.

"Malcolm, What happened?" Ginny asked.

"Draco's folks are going on vacation, and they want him to stay with me for the holiday," Malcolm told her as they sat down. "He was all for it until I reminded him about Reese."

Ginny shuddered, remembering her brief encounter with Malcolm's brother. "I can't believe someone can be that obnoxious without even trying."

"He isn't really that bad," Malcolm said.

"Yes he is," said Dewey as he sat down and grabbed some food.

"Good morning, Dewey," Ginny said. "Are you going back with Malcolm?"

Dewey shot an angry look at Malcolm. "Do you have to come home? Can't you just mail your presents? It's bad enough I have to share a bedroom with Reese."

"Look, you little jerk," Malcolm snarled back, "you're not even supposed to be here. If Mom finds out, you won't get any presents. Besides, I'm bringing Draco, so if you cause any trouble . . ."

"I know," Dewey said, defeated, "You'll hunt me down and cut my throat."

Malcolm looked aghast. "Of course not, Dewey. I'd tell Mom all about you coming here."

[I don't believe what he said. Where does Dewey hear phrases like that?]

"Malcolm," Dewey said, smiling slyly, "What will you say when Mom asks you why you didn't tell her earlier?"

Malcolm picked up a piece of fruit to throw, when Ginny grabbed his hand. "What are you doing, Malcolm? He's only a seven-year-old boy." Ginny got up and walked over to Dewey. "Did he hurt you, Dewey?" she asked, as other students, female, began to give the boy attention.

"He always tries to scare me," Dewey said, breaking down and crying.

As Ginny hugged him and patted his back, the other girls made it a point to either compliment Dewey, or insult his brother. In one isolated moment, Dewey looked up at Malcolm, and gave him a smile that said, "I win." He went back to crying as the girls continued to comfort him. Malcolm, in disgust, got up and left.

[Don't Worry. When I get home, it's going to be only him and me, with Reese and Francis. In any fight in our house, we only have one rule: Go for the smallest target.]

"Malcolm," Neville Longbottom called as the young Gryffindor left the Great Hall. "I thought you might like to know. Gran has invited your family to our house for dinner, on Boxing Day. I thought you would like that?"

Malcolm looked surprised. "Your Grandmother does remember Reese, doesn't she?"

Neville looked on his young house mate with a condescending smile. "Malcolm, Gran is a witch. She will have no problem with Reese."

Malcolm nodded with respect. "What's Boxing Day, and when is it?"

Neville looked surprised. "I guess you Americans don't have that. It's the day after Christmas. Traditionally, you box up your old things and give them to someone who needs them."

"So, it has nothing to do with hitting people?"

[If that was the case, Reese would have a field day.]

"No, Malcolm. Why would you think that?. . . Reese? . . . I'll remind Gran not to mention the holiday."

"Neville," Malcolm called as the older boy turned to leave, "There's one other problem. The Malfoys have asked if Draco can stay with my family while they go away."

Neville changed colors from red to white to red, as numerous emotions played over his face. He finally settled on a light crimson, and said throatily, "That will be fine. We'll seat him at the end of the table, next to Reese." He then walked off as though he were a staggering drunk.

"Malcolm," Draco called out, as the young Gryffindor stood in the entrance of the Great Hall. "I couldn't do it. I'm trapped. Please tell me that Reese isn't that bad?"

"He is," Malcolm assured the Slytherin, "but remember, my parents will be there, as well as my brother, Francis. With you there as well, we outnumber him five to one."

As Draco sighed with relief, Malcolm added, "I should tell you, for Boxing Day we're going over to the Longbottoms for dinner."

"Just hex me to death, Malcolm. Please. This Christmas can't get any worse."

"Malcolm," Ginny called from behind, causing the young Gryffindor to jump out of his skin in the entrance of the Great Hall. "Dewey told me about how he is always afraid of you and your brothers, so I've sent an owl to my mum, and yours, asking if I could spend the holidays, instead of staying here. I promised Dewey he would have at least one happy Christmas."

"That's good, Ginny," Malcolm replied, "By the time the three of us come back, You'll want to help us kill him."

Ginny noticed Draco at that point, and Draco waved his hand and smiled. Her anger became confusion tinted with fear. "What do you mean, the three of us? Oh no. How could I forget so quickly?"

Malcolm said nothing but shrugged her shoulders. Ginny took a deep breath, and said, "I'm doing this for little Dewey, I'm doing this for little Dewey."

"I'd like to do a few things TO that little runt," Professor Snape said as he walked past.

Draco acted on the moment, and said graciously, "You can sit next to me, when we go to Neville's house for dinner."

"Maybe Professor Snape knows how to get owls to come back," Ginny said hopefully, "Maybe mum will say no. Maybe your mum will say no. Maybe I'll . . ."

"Have a pleasant holiday," Professor Dumbledore said, finishing Ginny's sentence. "If I may ask, what plans have the three of you made for the holidays?"

"I think we're making a suicide pact," Malcolm said with a smile, as Ginny and Draco nodded.

"I have always admired American humor," Dumbledore said. "And if I heard correctly, the three of you will be spending Christmas together. It makes my heart glad to see students from rival houses sharing good times with each other. Too often, students neglect to even say anything nice about someone who is not in their own house."

"How very true, Professor," Draco said, with an innocent smile, "I do believe Ginny was going to pay me a compliment, just as you appeared. Would you like to hear it?"

"Why, I would indeed," the headmaster said, with genuine surprise.

Ginny shot daggers through her eyes, and said, "All I was saying, Professor, was that Malfoy was kind of cute, for an insufferable git." The last word was almost spat out.

"Did you hear that, Professor?" Draco said, "she thinks I'm cute." Turning to Ginny, he said, "If you would ever like to go out together, I promise to be a perfect gentleman."

"And why would I ever want to go out with you?" Ginny asked with a snarl.

Draco grinned innocently, and said, "Perhaps you might wish to annoy your brother. I would be more than happy to help you in that task."

Ginny returned the grin, saying, "Draco, that is a very nice offer. I will have to keep you in mind."

"How marvelous," Dumbledore said, clapping his hands, "Two students working to find a common ground on which they can relate. All I ask is to be informed, so that I may watch the proceedings." Chuckling softly, he wished the students a happy holiday, and left.

[This is definitely going to be a strange Christmas, especially if these two are going to be nice to each other.]

"You'll have to excuse me, Malcolm," Ginny said, "It's a Hogsmeade weekend, and the twins are doing some shopping for me. I need to add a couple of presents to the list."

As the two boys watched her leave, Draco said, "I will have to go as well. I need to choose at least one gift very carefully."

Malcolm began walking back to the common room, when Neville stopped him. His eyes flew up as Malcolm told him about the new guest, and how she and Draco were being nice to each other. "It's true. Dumbledore was even there. Ginny told Draco that she thought he was cute. Then Draco asked her out on a date."

"I don't believe this," Neville said, "She didn't say Yes?"

"No, but then she didn't say No either. She said she would have to think about it, because of her brother."

"I'll. . . I'll have to talk to Gran again. I suppose it will not be a problem. We can always seat them together." Then Neville added hastily, "Whatever you do, don't tell Ron. He'll have a fit. He hates Malfoy. I mean, I hate Malfoy, and, until today, I thought you were the only Gryffindor who didn't hate him."

Malcolm couldn't help but smile to himself, as Neville walked away.

[I can feel it. This is going to be the best Christmas ever. I don't even care about the presents, anymore. I wish I could go directly to Boxing Day. I think I should tell Fred and George.]



The train pulled into Kings Cross Station, and the motley crew departed. Neville, with great relief, fled the scene, while the erstwhile trio waited for their ride. As they watched, a gray-haired man approached, introducing himself as David Winter, with the American Government. "I understand you are in for an interesting vacation," he said to the two English students. "Your ministry tells me that both of you are from wizarding families, and have not had much contact with muggles. I'm sure you are both excited."

"Can we just get this over with?" Draco asked, with annoyance.

"Certainly," Mr. Winter said in surprise, "I suppose train stations are very annoying."

"Look, Mister," Ginny said, "We're going to Malcolm's house for Christmas. We just want to get it over with."

Mr. Winter sputtered. This was not the happy trio of friends he expected to meet. He produced the portkey, and everyone grabbed hold. In seconds, the four of them were in a business office. "We'll drive you home from here. It would look rather strange if all of you suddenly appeared at Malcolm's home."

"I doubt that," Draco said, miserably.

"You don't know Malcolm's family, do you?" Ginny asked.

"Of course I do," Mr. Winter said, "That is why I'm making it a point to have someone drive you."

"He means someone else, Ginny," Malcolm said. " He really does know my family."

Draco laughed. "And does he know we're fellow inmates at the Hogwarts Academy for Emotional Dysfunctional Students."

"Your car is ready," David Winter said, smiling sincerely, "You can leave now."

The three students were escorted to the car. It was a novel experience for Draco, who spent most of the time playing with the power windows, mostly because it annoyed the driver.

"You three go to Hogwarts, I understand," the driver said. "I hear that's a prestigious institution."

Annoyed, Ginny said, "It's a medical institution. We're on parental release for the holidays."

"Medical?" The driver asked curiously.

"Mental Health wing," Malcolm said, following Ginny's lead. "They're going to see how we do on our own for a few days. It's going to be great. No medication."

"Oh, how nice," the driver said, as nervousness crept into his voice.

Draco lowered all four windows at once, asking, "does this bother you?"

"N-N-No," the driver said, carefully.

"I'm happy to hear that," Draco said, "the doctor tells me it's important to be happy."

Draco grinned broadly as the first beads of sweat appeared on the man's forehead.



"That driver was out of here like a shot. Malcolm, what did you do?" Lois asked.

"Mom, I've been away for over three months. What makes you think I did anything?"

"Malcolm. What Did You Do!"

"We told him that Hogwarts was a nuthouse."

"Are you crazy? Malcolm, why did you tell him a thing like that?"

[Wow. Mom hasn't lost her touch at all. I spilled the beans in less than three seconds.]

"OK, Malcolm, into the kitchen. You can show your friends what to do."



"No, Ginny," Malcolm said from a kneeling position, "You have to interlock your fingers, then you put your hands behind your head."

"It's hard keeping my back straight," Draco said.

"You get used to it after a couple of days," Malcolm said. "Just remember. Keep kneeling, back straight, hands behind the head."

"How long do we have to do this?" Ginny asked.

"We get bathroom breaks every two hours," Malcolm said.

"Welcome Home, Malcolm," Hal said as he walked in the back door. "And these are your friends?"

"Hi, Dad. This is Draco, and this is Ginny."

"Nice to meet you. And Ginny, don't lean your head against the wall. It's considered cheating."

"Reprieve," Lois shouted. "David called to say the driver was fine. And Malcolm, I promised David you would help his driver wash his car tomorrow. "

"But that's Christmas Eve," Malcolm complained.

"Then get an early start," Lois told him.

"Hi there," Reese said as he walked up to Ginny, "I understand, you're a friend of my brother. Are you a close friend."

"She's with me," Dewey called out.

"I can hit him for you," Reese told Ginny in his suavest voice.

"I already have a boyfriend," she said, snidely, reaching sideways to grab Malcolm's hand.

"I don't believe this," Reese said, turning to Draco, "I thought we could hang out together."

Ginny looked down to see she had grabbed Draco's hand by mistake, and that Malcolm was gone. Then she looked at Draco and saw an evil glint in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Reese," Draco said, "but three is a crowd."

"I don't know," Reese said, "you don't act like you go out together."

"Sorry, Reese," Ginny said, nervously, "but we do. We're very close."

Reese sensed the hesitation in Ginny's voice, the way a predator senses fear in his prey. "Prove you're his girlfriend," Reese dared. "I don't believe you."

Draco put his arm around her and whispered, "If you like, I'll let go, and you can deal with Reese on your own." When Ginny said nothing, Draco said to Reese, "Her brothers don't care for me, Reese. She's nervous about people finding out."

"I can understand," Reese said, "I know what my brothers would do if they found out about my girlfriend."

"Malcolm, Francis," Dewey called out, "Reese has a girlfriend."

Instantly, Dewey was sprinting through the house with Reese after him, leaving their two guests in the kitchen.

The two laughed, then turned to see Malcolm walk in the back door, with his brother, Francis.

"You can let go of me now," Ginny told Draco.



"My little brother's a wizard," Francis said , ruffling Malcolm's hair.

Malcolm laughed, saying, "It's a great place. Nothing is ever normal. Even the staircase move around. I get into trouble for the simplest things, but if I plan anything, I always seem to get away with it. It's like they do it deliberately."

"Malcolm, Who's the girl?"

"That's Ginny. She's the one who first told me I was a wizard. I make her nervous sometimes, but she's a good friend."

"She's not serious with anyone, is she?"

"She's only twelve, Francis. She likes me because I'm like a baby brother to her. As for Draco, she can't stand him. You'll like her though. Let me introduce you."

Going inside, they saw Draco and Ginny, arm in arm, laughing.

[I don't understand this. They hate each other.]