Disclaimer: (d[pic]s-kl[pic][pic]m[pic]r)

n. A repudiation or denial of responsibility or connection. Law. A renunciation of one's right or claim.

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CHAPTER FOURTY: Yuletide Tomfoolery Pt. 1

"This...just...er!" Hermione forced out, dropping her fork and crossing her arms. "Our first Christmas Eve and you have to serve a detention you don't deserve," she complained to Draco, who sat next to her at the head table in the great hall.

"It could be worse, love. At least I'll be back before Christmas," Draco said, trying to be optimistic. Hermione sighed and leaned back in her chair, dropping her head.

"I guess..." she sadly agreed. Draco leaned close to her and Hermione turned to him. He gave her a pleasantly passionate kiss, then sighed.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, but Hermione shook her head.

"It's not your fault," she whispered back. They shared another kiss.

"I have to go," he reminded her and Hermione nodded. Draco gave her one last quick kiss, then stood and left the great hall. Hermione watched him go with a crooked smile and Draco turned back before leaving the room. He waved in a childish way that caused Hermione to giggle and wave back.

She left the hall about ten minutes after Draco, seeking the company of Angelina. Unfortunately, he portrait friend was no where to be found, so Hermione sighed and headed for the common room. Mr. VanRosner and Narcissa sat together on their chair, reading a book Hermione recognized from her childhood Christmases.

"And out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter," Mr. VanRosner said to the little girl who was looking wide eyed at the picture book. Hermione smiled and strolled up to the couple, feeling a bit guilty for interrupting. "Oh, Miss Granger. Password?"

"Popcorn," she said with a smile and the man nodded.

"Happy Christmas," he said and opened the door. Hermione walked inside, then waited for the portrait to close behind her. She sat with her back against it and listened to the father tell his daughter the classic muggle fairytale.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Professor Dumbledore?" Draco said from the doorway of the headmaster's office.

"Come in, Mr. Malfoy," the old man called and Draco entered the room, two large bags in his hand.

"I have everything you've asked for, Sir," he said and Dumbledore looked up with a smile. Draco stepped forward and placed the bags on the professor's desk.

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy," the man said with a smile. Draco took a step back again and nodded.

"Of course, Sir." Dumbledore looked back to the papers on his desk and began to write again. Draco stood silent for a minute, a bit confused. "Sir?" he asked and once again Dumbledore looked up. "My detention?" The headmaster smiled.

"I believe Hogsmeade was enough punishment in itself today. You are dismissed," he said and Draco smiled gladly.

"Thank you, Sir. Happy Christmas," Draco said quickly and backed up toward the doors.

"Happy Christmas, Mr. Malfoy," the headmaster agreed before looking back down. Draco calmly slipped through the doors, then paused when outside.

"Yes!" he exclaimed, punching the air in excitement. He took off running down the hall, but slowed near the end of the corridor. "Oh, damn!" Draco exclaimed as he remembered the date, then took off toward the owlry.

* * * * * * * * * *

After mailing all his Christmas gifts and receiving some securitization from Hadrian about his last minute timing, Draco ran as fast as he could to the common room.

"Angelina!" he called as he ran down their hall, breathing a bit heavily. "Where's Hermione?" Angelina looked surprised and concerned.

"I don't know, Draco. Is something wrong?" she asked worriedly. Draco looked up and smiled, shaking his head.

"No, something's right," he said and Angelina smiled.

"I'm sorry, dear, but I've just returned myself. If I had to guess, I'd say she be in your common room," she said and Draco nodded.

"Yes, you're probably right. I have to go, thank you. Happy Christmas," Draco said, then started off down the hall.

"The same to you, dear!" Angelina called back. Draco walked quickly down the hall, but slowed as he heard someone speaking. **The man from our portrait, ** he thought as he placed the voice.

"...and to all a good night," the man said just as Draco came into view.

"Read it again, Daddy!" Narcissa pleaded, not noticing Draco. The man laughed.

"I've read it three times!" he said and the little girl stuck out her bottom lip. Draco smiled; that always worked when he used it. "Alright, once more," her father gave in and Draco laughed at the irony. "Hello there, Mr. Malfoy," he said in a way which suggested that he hadn't noticed the boy.

"That always works," he told the man with a smile and he nodded.

"Tell me about it. Password?" he said with a warm chuckle.

"Popcorn," Draco said and the little girl giggled. Her father smiled and opened the portrait.

"Eep!" came a voice from inside and Draco looked to the floor where Hermione lay, upside-down and on her back. He smiled amusedly as she waved guiltily at him.

"Mia, do I even want to know what you're doing?" Draco asked as he walked past her and turned around, holding out his hands to help her up. Hermione laughed and took his offered palms in hers, standing.

"I was listening to the story... but you just HAD to come and open the door," she joked, tracking her hands up to his shoulders. Draco smiled and she moved in closer with a seductive smile.

"I apologize. You can hear it again if you want; apparently Narcissa has perfected the alleged 'puppy dog face,'" he said and Hermione giggled.

"Oh really?" she asked and moved her lips closer to his.

"Mm," Draco said and kissed her.

"I don't think I need to hear it again," she said with a smirk and Draco matched it before their lips touched again.

"Hey, that's fine with me," he agreed and she laughed. Hermione moved in to kiss him again, but stopped midway.

"Wait, aren't you supposed to be in detention?" she asked with a skeptical eyebrow. Draco rolled his eyes, but smiled.

"Yes, Mia. I ditched Dumbledore. I said 'screw you, it's Christmas and I'm going home,' and left," he said and Hermione laughed at his sarcasm.

"I can see that happening," she said and broke away from him, walking into the common room.

"Actually," Draco started, following her. "He let me go early again; thought three hours in line at Honeyduke's was worse than portrait scrubbing," he told her and Hermione laughed.

"I can't say I disagree," she said and plopped down on one of their sofas. Draco came close and sat beside her.

"Tell me about it," he agreed and Hermione smiled. Draco turned toward the fire just as Crookshanks decided to pay a visit. The plump feline jumped onto Draco's lap as if he had done so a million times and Draco absently began to scratch the cat's neck. Hermione looked on with interest, smiling at the scene, but undoubtedly surprised.

"Ace, are you petting my cat?" she asked, sounding light and surprised. Draco turned to her, looking confused, then turned down to view his lap. Sure enough, her cat was curled up on his legs, purring lazily.

"Gah!" Draco yelped and tore his hands away, throwing himself back. Crookshanks opened his eyes and looked up at Draco, ignorant as to why the caress had ceased. Draco was looking more than a little scared and Crookshanks sneered, or as much as a cat can, and stood, switching to Hermione's lap. Hermione laughed at that and began to pet her cat, taking Draco's place.

"What was that?" she asked, laughing, as Draco relaxed. He shook his head, eyes on Crookshanks.

"I don't know, Mia. There's just something about that thing I don't trust," he said, swallowing dryly.

"You were fine until I said something," Hermione pointed out and Draco once again shook his head.

"It's been a long day; I wasn't thinking... I thought it was Atrolynn," he explained and Hermione raised an eyebrow. "MY cat," Draco said. "Hey, if you can have a snake, I can have a cat, alright?" he said in defense and Hermione held up one hand in surrender, the other continuing to pet her companion.

"Didn't say anything!" she said, pleading innocence.

"You were thinking about it." He smiled.

"Tell us more about this Atrolynn. Crookshanks seems interested," Hermione said, looking down. Indeed, Crookshanks was staring intently at Draco, as if he wished for him to continue. Draco looked hesitant, but began to speak anyway.

"SHE is entirely black, with the exception of a red tip on her tail, and is about half the size of you lug. I've kept her a secret from my father since my mother gave her to me last year, for becoming prefect. And as for you," he said, pointing at Crookshanks. "If you touch her, I will kill you," he threatened, but the cat lazily blinked, his face saying 'you've got to be kidding.' "What? Too good for her now, are you? How dare you be so arrogant? At least she doesn't eat raw rodents." Hermione laughed.

"And you said I was weird for talking to Crookshanks; you're fighting with him about dating another cat he's never even met before. And how do you know Atrolynn doesn't kill mice? I bet she does," Hermione said smiling and laughing, but Draco shook his head.

"She can't. No claws," he said, making a clawing motion with his hand. Hermione's mouth dropped slightly.

"You had her de-clawed? That's so barbaric!" she exclaimed and Draco nodded.

"Yes, but it was the least of three evils. When she went into heat the first time, Lynn was horrid. She tore apart all the furniture and hissed at anyone who came near her. I kept her in my room and magically repaired every thing she ruined, so we were alright until she got out and ended up giving Fristy one hell of a scratch. Mum said that if I wanted to keep her, I had to either have her de-clawed or spade, so I picked the one which wouldn't completely break her." Hermione nodded.

"Good choice," she agreed. "While we're at it, anything else I should know?" Draco looked at her for a moment, then moved close.

"Actually, yeah. You've got some pretty on your chin, just there," he said, pointing to a random spot on his chin. Hermione brought a hand to hers, attempting to rub it away, but then realized what he had said and smiled. Draco followed suit and kissed her.

The kiss gradually became deeper and Draco gently pushed Hermione back on the couch, forgetting the orange feline who was being squished between them. Crookshanks jumped to safety with a loud wail and the two broke apart to look at him. Hermione giggled and Draco turned back to her with a seductive smile. She stuck out her tongue and he pricked up both eyebrows. Giggling again, Hermione tilted her head up just enough to introduce another kiss.

"Let's turn in, shall we?" Hermione suggested, breaking away prematurely. Draco smiled and gave her one more kiss before getting up. Hermione smiled and stood from the couch, walking past Draco and toward the bathroom. He smiled after her, then sighed and turned back ahead. Crookshanks was sitting in the center of the rug, looking evilly at Draco, acting arrogant and superior. Draco sneered at the cat, which blinked slowly, as if bored.

"She likes me better than you," he scowled and Crookshanks blinked again, then casually stood and moved toward him. "Ah!" he gasped and fled to his room, closing the door behind him.

When Hermione emerged from the lavatory, she thought it a bit odd that Draco was not there and that his door was closed, but she shrugged it off as best she could. Approaching the door cautiously, she slowly opened it, peering inside. Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it. Draco was lying in bed, one hand behind his head, the other on his stomach and his eyes closed. She didn't think he was sleeping; it was only about nine o'clock, but it was obvious that he hadn't heard her.

Hermione slipped quietly into the room, leaving the door open a crack so as not to make noise. She tiptoed over to the bed, stopping at the bottom and looking up at him. It was obvious now that he wasn't sleeping; as she watched, Draco took a deep breath and stirred a little, tapping his fingers. Hermione silently giggled and decided just to wait until he noticed her, taking in the sights while she could.

Draco was wearing a plain black t-shirt and, surprisingly, dark green boxer shorts. Hermione smiled at this and continued to gaze over him, keeping her breathing shallow and silent.

"Catch an eyeful yet, Mia?" Draco asked suddenly, opening an eye and smirking. Hermione laughed and innocently shrugged a shoulder.

"Maybe in a minute," she responded, meeting his smirk. Draco shrugged a shoulder and closed his eyes again. Shaking her head with a smile, Hermione jumped at the bed, crawling up its length. Draco smiled at the less than gentle rocking the head girl was purposely creating. He opened his eyes again and waited for her lips, which came in mere seconds.

"Is that really necessary, love? I'm getting sea-sick," he teased and Hermione rocked the bed even more. Draco laughed and grabbed a hold of her harms, causing the rocking to cease. "Okay, okay," he said and kissed her again. Hermione calmed herself and settled down a bit, leaning into the connection.

"Everything alright?" she asked softly, sounding concerned. Draco looked confused, but nodded.

"Yes, why?" he asked and Hermione looked toward the doorway.

"The door was closed," she explained, then turned back to him. Draco smiled, placing a hand on her back.

"I was hiding from your cat; I think it's angry with me," he told her and Hermione smiled, then shook her head.

"I don't know about you, Ace," she said, sliding to the side so that she was next to her boyfriend and not on top of him.

"Haven't we had this conversation? I came out of it with the knowledge that you are a sadistic drunk whose parents enjoy taking pictures of naked children," he said and Hermione laughed.

"Hey! I'm not a drunk!" she insisted and he smiled.

"Notice she denies nothing else," he said, as if talking to himself. Hermione laughed again and Draco smiled, but didn't say anything. She sighed happily and remained quiet for a moment.

"You're wearing shorts, Ace," she said absently, tracing a finger across his thigh, running her pad along the edge of his boxers. Draco smiled but didn't comment. "Hm," Hermione said, then took her attention from her finger and brought it back to Draco's face. She smiled and gave him a quick kiss. "Goodnight," she said and slid down in bed, settling herself close to her boyfriend, head against his chest.

Draco sighed, a little disappointed that she wanted to go to sleep already. Thinking better of arguing, Draco kissed Hermione's head and let her rest. Instead of sleeping, Draco remained awake for a long time, just thinking. He wanted to surprise Hermione tomorrow; do something she wouldn't expect... which shouldn't be difficult because she wasn't expecting anything. Draco closed his eyes and tried to remember how he had ever thought of Seattle. That had been brilliant. **Why can't I think of something like that? Well, maybe not THAT extravagant, but something she'll like, like that, ** he thought, and continued thinking until he slipped into sleep, never noticing the door creep open a few inches.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Mia....Mia!" a scared voice called, waking Hermione from a dreamless sleep. She felt something poking her leg as she regained consciousness and she shifted. "Hermione!" Draco called again and this time she recognized his voice.

"Wha...?" she mumbled, trying hard to open her eyes.

"Mia! Help me!" he said, sounding almost desperate. Hermione opened her eyes and took a slightly deeper breath. Turning to Draco, she couldn't help but start laughing. "It's not funny! Help me before there's any more damage done!" Draco was lying on his back, a large ginger cat on his chest, looking to be in a temperament.

"Come on, Ace... he just wants to say Merry Christmas, don't you baby?" Hermione said and pulled the intruder into her lap.

"Yeah, well... he did leave some festive coloring behind," Draco said, sitting up and pull his shirt over his head, revealing an array of tiny red scratches. He looked down and gingerly touched one of the deeper cuts, wincing ever so slightly. Hermione was appalled. She turned back to her cat with an angry squint.

"Crookshanks! I am surprised at you! And to think I stood up for you... go, now, and just for that, I'm leaving mother's care package for you unopened. Go!" she huffed, angry at the cat for daring lay a paw on her Draco. Knowing he would get in more troubled if he stayed, Crookshanks quickly jumped from the bed and left their room. Hermione looked after him with a scowl, then turned to Draco with a sympathetic frown. "I'm sorry, Draco... I really didn't think he'd hurt you," she apologized, but Draco just shrugged.

"I'm alright," he said and slipped his shirt back on, then made a short laugh. "Atrolynn never left skid-marks," he said with a smile and Hermione matched it.

"Wonder why?" she said accusingly and Draco frowned.

"I told you, I didn't have a choice. Well, I DID have a choice, but..." he reminded her, but Hermione interrupted him.

"I know, Ace." She moved herself suddenly closer and attached her lips to his. Hermione laughed as she broke away. "I can't believe you woke me up because there was a cat sitting on you," she said and Draco smiled sheepishly. With another chuckle, Hermione began kissing him again, hard and demanding, deep and passionate.

"Hermione," Draco said in the midst, sounding almost as if he were trying to stop her, but continued to kiss back.

"Mm?" she responded, not wanting to stop for small talk.

"It's. Christmas," Draco managed between her kisses, but then she stopped and looked at him.

"So?" She asked, suspicious. Draco laughed.

"So?!" he said as if he couldn't believe her. "So, let's go open presents! Come on!" he said and kissed her while he crawled backward, Hermione leaning forward on her hands to keep their lips together. She laughed when they finally broke apart and Draco smiled, taking her hand and letting her get safely out of bed before bolting for the common room, dragging her behind him.

Draco finally let go and stepped toward Douglas, who was humming 'Silent Night'. It seemed the only thing the tree couldn't do was talk. Hermione laughed as she saw Draco's face light up.

"You're like a little kid," she told him as he said down amongst the various gifts. Draco looked up at her with a bright smile.

"So are you, you just refuse to show it." Hermione smiled and pondered this for a moment, but Draco was growing impatient. "Come ON Mia!" he begged and she laughed again, then settled herself on the floor beside him. They decided to exchange gifts first, and after a bit of searching through the pile that lay under their humming tree, each held a package from the other. "You first," Draco insisted, looking even more excited, if possible.

Hermione looked down at the delicately wrapped green box in her lap, then smiled as she began to open it. She pulled away the paper to reveal a familiar white box; the words 'Honeyduke's Chocolates," written on the lid. Hermione smiled sweetly, but couldn't help but to feel a bit disappointed; she had been expecting something a little more personal. She opened the box, expecting to see an assortment of no doubt delicious chocolates, but was surprised to find nothing edible in the package at all. Hermione looked to Draco with a wide grin. Inside was the gorgeous cinnamon-red dress she had tried on over a week ago in Hogsmeade.

Draco smiled as he saw her reaction and Hermione kissed his lips quickly before looking back down at her dress. Her brows were drawn together as she noticed something peculiar. There, nestled in the soft red fabric, was a tiny broom, no bigger than a stick of gum. She picked it up carefully and smiled confusedly at Draco.

"What's this?" she asked and Draco looked excited, wand already in hand. He held out his other to his girlfriend.

"May I?" he asked and she placed the broom in his hand. Pointing his want at it, Draco said a 'finite incantrum,' and the miniature began to grow. Soon it was the size of a normal flying broom, and Draco turned his eyes back to watch Hermione's reaction. She looked in awe. "I shrunk it so you wouldn't get suspicious," he explained and Hermione's mouth dropped. She looked over the new device, starting from the honey yellow bristles, down the cherry wood handle, and to the tip, which was engraved in yellow gold, the words 'Tempest III'. "American brand, made more for speed than height, although I've seen them go damn high," Draco continued and Hermione blinked, the excitement finally kicking in and causing her to let out a tiny squeal. She kissed Draco again, pulling away with a toothy grin.

"Draco, this is amazing! Thank you," she practically sung, taking the broom in her hands. He smiled, blushing ever so slightly. Hermione looked adoringly at him and remembered that there were other matters to attend to. She gently placed the broom beside her and pointed to the package in his lap. "Before you open that, you have to promise not to laugh," she warned and Draco looked a tad confused, but decided to comply.

"Um... okay," he said and Hermione smiled.

"Good. Go on, then," she urged and Draco tore off the wrappings and opened the box to find a leather-bound book and another tiny box. Thinking that a book is just a book, Draco picked up and opened the smaller box, which held a silver spade medallion. He looked up at her and smirked.

"Ace of spades? The death card? Are you trying to tell me something?" he asked and she giggled.

"No, spades are my favorite," she insisted and Draco kissed her.

"Thanks, love," he said, but Hermione shook her head.

"You're not done yet, Ace," she said, pointing to the book. Draco smiled and lifted it from the box, not noticing that Hermione seemed nervous.

Inside the black leather book were dozens of detailed drawings done entirely in ink. Each page held a different image, and none were moving, but each was beautiful and realistic. Most of the pictures were of Draco, Hermione or both together, but a few were of different things, such as Crookshanks, the teachers, and their portrait friends. The scenes of them together were done so accurately that only someone present could have drawn them. Draco, who had been looking wide eyed and slack jawed at the pictures, looked up to Hermione with an amazed expression.

"Did you do these, love?" he asked. Hermione grinned and nodded proudly.

"My signature is in each one," she said and pointed to the page the book was opened to. "See, it's here in this one," she said, and sure enough, in a picture of Draco on his broomstick in his Quidditch robes and Harry in his a bit farther away, was a tiny HG, nearly hidden in some hatching.

"They're wonderful, Mia," he said, inspecting the page closely. "What IS your middle name; out of curiosity."

"What? Oh, I don't have one. My mother wanted it to be Anne, but then my initials would spell HAG and she couldn't think of anything better so she just dropped it," Hermione said watching as Draco seriously analyzed each drawing. He smirked.

"If it was Anne and you married me, it would be HAM," he pointed out and Hermione laughed.

"With Ron it would be HAW," she said and Draco chuckled along.

"Krum? HAK!" They both were amused greatly by that and Hermione sighed.

"Wow, I'm going to have to thank Mum for that next time I see her," Hermione said and Draco nodded, looking at the book again.

"Hey Mia, who are these people. That's you, but who are they?" he asked, pointing to a picture of six children, three boys and three girls.

"Oh; my friends," she said, moving closer. "That's Thiz," she said, pointing to the girl beside her wearing a light colored skirt and tank top as well as flip flops. She had long dark hair, done up in pigtails. "Here's Gwen." A dark haired girl with dark, baggy clothes and a nose ring. "Sean." Spiked dark hair and street clothes, looking much like the boy beside him, who Hermione introduced as "Derek; they're brothers... and Tino." Light, semi-long hair and dark eyes, also wearing casual clothing. "I think we were maybe ten, eleven here? Long time ago. Hey, we can look at this later; there's some annual fudge from Mrs. Weasley calling my name," Hermione said with a smile and Draco nodded, carefully closing the book and placing it beside him. Hermione crawled under Douglas, on a mission for her immortal enemy.

* * * * * * * * * *

Draco and Hermione, along with the rest of the country, spent the morning opening their gifts. For Draco, this was an interesting experience. Usually, his mother would send him home-made cookies from the house elves and some money, Mrs. Whize would send knitted socks, and no one else cared enough to give him anything. The accumulation of gifts at his side this year was amazing.

Following Hermione's example, Draco opened the gift from Mrs. Weasley first. It was surprising how much this woman trusted Hermione's judgment, considering she must have gotten a heads up from each of her children about him. Draco too received some fudge, and a hand knitted green sweater with a "D" across the front in silver. Hermione's was also green, but a lighter spruce, and held a black H.

From Harry and Ron, Draco unwrapped a box of sixty two golden snitches; ironically the exact same thing he had sent them.

Mrs. Whize sent him socks and a picture of Lucifer, who looked handsome in a tiny black tuxedo and white corsage.

"Hey, guess what," Hermione said and Draco looked to her from his picture. She smiled. "Fristy and I are best friends," she said and Draco raised an eyebrow. Giggling, Hermione held up a half heart necklace with the word 'Best' engraved on it. Draco smiled.

"See? I knew she liked you. Everyone likes you," he said and gave her a quick kiss. Hermione placed the necklace back in its box and set it beside her in the pile of opened gifts. Draco watched her and smiled. "Some variety you've got there, Mia," he said, noting the large stack of books beside her.

"Oh, but I do," she said, picking up the first one. "The Big Book of Beauty Charms from Ginny," she said and set it down.

"Like you need them," Draco said, making Hermione smile as held up the next book.

"The Wonders of Modern Dentistry, Volume Seven, from my parents. I already have one through six; only books I own that I've never read," Draco laughed. "Well, this is interesting; The History of Beauxbatons from Harry... bet he thought that was funny. Quidditch for the Sideline Seeker from Ron and, finally something worth reading, A Shakespearian Trilogy from Thiz, includes Romeo and Juliet, Othello, and A Midsummer Night's Dream."

"I stand corrected," Draco laughed and Hermione shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm easy to buy for," she said, opening another gift. She smiled as she discovered its contents. "Look Ace; now we CAN play strip poker," she said, holding up a deck of playing cards. The backs were black with 'Hermione' written in fancy gold lettering. "All we need is two more players. Hm... can we find a pair of professors?" Draco looked scared.

"Uh... let's start with regular poker and work our way up," he nervously joked and Hermione nodded while she laughed.

"I think I'm done," she said, starting to wad up some wrapping paper. Draco nodded.

"Me too," he said, looking at his pile of gifts, most of which were thoroughly unexpected.

"Wait, what am I doing?" Hermione said, dropping the armful of wrapping paper on the ground. She took her wand from her robe pocket and gave it a flick, smiling as the mountain of wrapping paper was incinerated. "Looks like you've got one more, my dear."

"Hm?" said Draco, looking up from the picture book he had reopened. Hermione smiled and pointed at a red and white striped box which was still wrapped and nestled below their tree. "Oh," he said and closed the book again, placing it gently on the floor beside him. Draco moved closer and picked up the remaining package, smiling as he read its tag. "My mum," he said, pretty sure it wasn't a few galleons this year. With Lucius gone, he expected something outrageous from her, now that she was able to send it and not be beaten to an inch from death.

Inside the box was an untitled brown book, looking old and battered. Hermione looked on with curiosity as Draco opened the lid and a small, folded, piece of parchment slid out.

"Draco,

This book belonged to my father, who passed it on to me, as now I pass it on to you. Forgive me; this is the first Christmas I can afford to get you something worth while and I did not take advantage of it, but I will make it up to you. I promise. Happy Christmas.

Love, Mum"

Draco smiled at the note and tucked it deep into the book on a random page. This act caused him to notice something peculiar about the book; not only was it untitled, but it was also hand written. Curious, Draco flipped to the beginning and turned to the very first page. It read; The Wonders of Wand-less Magic by Richard VanRosner.

"My grandfather wrote this," Draco said to Hermione, who was looking at the book from the side.

"I thought there was no such thing as wand-less magic?" she said, reading the title.

"So did I, but I guess we were wrong. I can't believe Mum never told me... it certainly would have come in handy when I had that detention with Snape," Draco said, flipping to the next page, which was a short autobiography for the author and Hermione looked a little closer.

"Did you say that your grandfather wrote this? Richard VanRosner is your mother's father?" she asked, looking back at Draco.

"Yep," he agreed and suddenly everything fell into place for Hermione.

"Oh, it makes sense now," she said to herself, but Draco heard.

"What does?" he asked, looking curiously at her. Hermione bit her lip.

"If I tell you, you can't tell anyone... and I mean no one," she demanded and Draco nodded. Her threat only sparked his curiosity. Hermione took a breath. "I'm only telling you this because in your shoes, I would want to know. You know the man in our portrait?" she asked, pointing toward the door.

"Yeah..." Draco said, suspicious.

"I think he might be your grandfather." Draco's eyes widened. "Angelina referred to him as Mr. VanRosner, his daughter's name is Narcissa, and he told me not to tell you his name. I'm only assuming, but it all fits."

"Wow," was all Draco could say.

"But you can't tell him I told you; I promised that I wouldn't."

"I won't, love. You know, I never actually met him in real life. He died when mother was still fairly small... that painting must have been done within a year of his death," Draco said, a little surprised, but none worse for the wear.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said, but Draco shook his head.

"No, I'm alright... and I won't tell, but thanks for telling me. It's nice to know, really," he told her and Hermione smiled and nodded slightly. "Can we look at your book now?" he asked, changing the subject and picking up the indicated book.

"Sure, if you want to," she said, standing up. Draco stood as well and accompanied Hermione as she sat down on the Slytherin sofa.

A/N: Christmas time means laughter, toboggans in the snow, it's Christmas, it's Christmas, and wherever I go... It's Christmas....! Haha. It's pretty bad; two months after Christmas and I FINALLY get the Christmas chapter written and posted, lol... that's terrible. Anyway... what will the rest of this joyous holiday bring their way? Will Draco figure out a surprise for Hermione, or will they settle for hot chocolate and treacle fudge? And once again, will Snape do something scary (Like join in on this strip poker game they've been planning)? Haha...

Title: For once, no R+J, aren't you proud?! Yeah! Here's a quote though, for all the fans: Mercutio: Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance.

Romeo: Not I, believe me. You have dancing shoes with nimble soles; I have a soul of lead so stakes me to the ground I cannot move.

Mercutio: You are a lover. Borrow Cupid's wings and soar with them above the common bound. (Act 1, Scene 4)

Love this play so damn much.... learn something new each time I read it!

PRF (Personalized Reviewer Feedback for whoever asked, I can't remember):

Hasapi: Yeah, Ron just has a habit of showing up in places doesn't he?

BuffySummers168: I'm tricadecaphobic....aren't you? Haha. And yeah, now you know... pretty boring

Carla: My cousin's name is Jack and his birthday is Halloween... they didn't mean it to be like that, but they REALLY wanted to name the baby Jack... and he just happened to decide on then to show up, haha

Lirawen: Yeah, but most people are too lazy to do that... I try to point out little mistakes I see, like for instance a lot of people write messed up dialogue that would sound stupid if actually said, and if I read that I tell them... but no one really analyses the stories as meticulously as you do... and I never said I was trying to be a writer, really. I just write. That doesn't make me a writer, it makes me an author. I have no intention of EVER becoming a writer. This I just do for fun

Joebob1379: Wow... you really liked it didn't you? Haha, and no... that's not whats going to happen, but yeah... and the potion, I thought, was pretty good...hehe

Tom Felton's Babe: They already WENT to the burrow... they have to go somewhere else, but I'm not telling where!

Aindel: CANDY CANDY CANDY.... I would have eaten all the candy... or like, used a spell and duplicated it... actually, they probably have wards against that... but whatever... haha

Lily Rainwater: Haha, I said MOST, now ALL.... but that's okay, I luv yaz newayz! And thanx for the big worded compliments! 10 yr olds don't call me poised!

Sammi: yeah, theres some fun stuff like that comin up! I swearses

Purplerks: As anyone would, I recommend all Shakespearian plays, particularly a winter's tale, Romeo and Juliet, or Two Gentlemen of Verona... but a real book? Try Artemis Fowl... it's an easy read and really short, but it's awesome! Somewhat like Harry Potter, but not really... it's cool!

Erilyn Rose: It will ALL be explained in a couple chapters, promise

MoshiMoshiQueen: Thanx, fav lists make me happy! I will try to update at least one chappy this weekend! And maybe even a Guilly, if you're a fan! We'll see!

Little Witch: Thanx! Chocolate RULES!

Heather: Hm... I don't know, I thought they were spending too much time together... yeah, and Draco would probably kill snape, and I think he knows that, but that's Snape for ya.... Haha, and the mind reader sex thing was a good idea, lol... but yeah, I don't think Draco's like that... I mean, what if he's bad? (which there is no way in hell he would be) Draco seems pretty insecure about his sex life... look how much work it took to sleep with her the first time... and I don't know, I think that would freak me out... but hey, at least he'd know what I wanted, right?