Disclaimer: This is what's called the 'I should be doing my homework and not updating, so I don't have time to think of a witty disclaimer' disclaimer. You get it.

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CHAPTER FORTY THREE: Yuletide Tomfoolery Pt. 4

"So, Hermione- tell us about Draco," Mrs. Granger suggested as she tossed a salad. Hermione and Thisbe were sitting at the table, munching on chopped bits of carrots and celery.

"Yes, please do," Thisbe urged, slipping a slice of cucumber into her mouth.

"Well," Hermione began. "What do you want to know?"

"Well; how did you meet? What are his parents like? Common interests that you share, anything interesting that you've done," her mother listed and Hermione giggled.

"We met in first year, but were sworn enemies until fifth, then merely acquaintances until he became Head Boy and I Head Girl. We share a common room and bathroom, and our rooms are connected.

"As for his parents, his father was killed this summer, but he wasn't exactly a good person. Abusive to both Draco and his mother," Hermione said, looking toward the living room, where, through the doorway, she could see her boyfriend and father on the edge of their seats, watching the game. "His mother, Narcissa, is very nice. You'll meet her at graduation, Mum. I'll introduce you."

"Oh, the poor dear," Mrs. Granger said sympathetically and Hermione nodded. "Have you met his mother, Mione?"

"Yes. With Dumbledore's permission, he took me to Seattle for our first date."

"How romantic," Thisbe added dreamily and Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I already told you, Thiz, why are you so excited?" Hermione asked and Thisbe stared dreamily toward the ceiling.

"I know, but when you say it, it seems more real... oh! Let me see your ring?"

"Ring?" Hermione's mother said in horror as her daughter held out her hand to Thisbe.

"Just a promise ring, mother; nothing to get frazzled about. Isn't it beautiful?" Hermione assured her, moving her hand so the ring caught the light.

"Lovely," she said coldly, glaring at the ornament like Lucius would glare at a muggle.

"Right, well..." Hermione said, retracting her ring like Lucius would glare at a muggle. she could see her boyfriend and father on the edge ohand and balling it into a fist, which was then placed protectively against her heart. "After leaving the city, we went to visit Harry and Ron, then he took me home to meet his mother." She sighed blissfully. "It was wonderful... and he was so gentlemanly."

"More so than Zane?" This question came from Mrs. Granger, who was smiling at her salad and didn't notice her daughter flinch.

"Yes Mother. Zane was anything but a gentleman, and anything but gentle," she said in almost a whisper.

"You can't say that Zane isn't attractive, Mione," her mother pushed. Thisbe was looking sympathetic and sorry she couldn't be more helpful.

"Zane was very attractive, yes," she answered, not really lying. **Too bad it was only for bait.** "I'm going to go make sure Father hasn't turned Draco into a perpetual couch potato," she said and quickly slipped from the kitchen and into the living room.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hermione stood in the doorway to the living room, smiling at her boyfriend, who looked more excited than she had seen in a long time. He was seated on the edge of the couch, eyes glued on the TV as the miniature men played their game. She walked into the room and was nearly beside him before Draco even noticed her entrance.

"Hey, look, have you seen this?" he said, pointing toward the rugby game. Hermione giggled and sat own next to him.

"Yes, Draco. That would be called a television," she said smartly and Draco smirked at her.

"Yes, Mia. I know that," he said calmly, still looking at her. Hermione glanced at her father, who was in much the same state as Draco had been, and looked as if he hadn't even blinked since she came in. Declaring it safe, Hermione entwined her fingers with Draco's and leaned in to kiss him. No sooner had their lips touched, than a voice broke them apart.

"Oh, get a room already," this remark came from her father, who sounded serious, but then broke out in a smile and turned to them. Hermione smiled back.

"Lend me your credit card, Daddy?" she asked and Draco turned to her in surprise. Mr. Granger laughed.

"Of course, Pumpkin," he said, causing Draco to look to him with the same expression. Mr. Granger opened his arms to his daughter and she briefly squeezed Draco's hand before getting up and accepting the hug. "How've you been, Angel?" he asked when she pulled away, and knelt beside his chair.

"Fine, Daddy. And you?"

"I'm alright, but I'm afraid your mother has been a bit out of sorts lately," he said and craned his neck to look out the door and toward the kitchen.

"Yes, I noticed she was acting a bit strange. Do you think she's aright?" Hermione asked and Mr. Granger looked worried and unsure.

"I do hope so; she would tell me if something were wrong," he said, trying to convince himself. Hermione placed a hand on his knee.

"Of course she would," she reassured him and her father smiled.

Draco watched this exchange in something like awe. He and his father had never had a relationship even close to the one Hermione had with Mr. Granger. Although he was glad she didn't have to experience what he had, Draco couldn't helped but feel a little jealous. He smiled as Hermione stood, gave her father a peck on the cheek, and came back to sit next to him. She smiled widely.

"Like rugby, then, do you?" she asked and Draco smiled.

"Oh, yeah. It's nothing like Quidditch... except the 'lot's of people get hurt' thing," he said and Hermione nodded.

"My least favorite part," she said and Draco huffed.

"Yet you still want me to beat Harry to a bloody pulp, do you?" he asked smartly and Mr. Granger cut in.

"Turned your back on Harry, did you?" he asked playfully.

"No, Daddy, you don't understand. Draco is better than Harry, yet Slytherin hasn't won a game against us in years. I merely suggested that he go ahead and deflate Harry's big head a bit. No harm done," she explained and he laughed.

"Mione, you are such a traitor," her father said and Hermione groaned.

"Why does everyone seem to think that?" she wondered.

"Because all signs point to yes," Draco said and began naming off his fingers. "Your bathroom is green, you own a snake, you're dating the Slytherin Quidditch captain..."

"Since when are you captain?" she interrupted and Draco smiled.

"Since I'm the only seventh year left on the team," he explained and Hermione looked surprised.

"What about that guy with the gangly teeth?" she asked and he smirked.

"Flint? No, he's been gone for a year now. Anyway, back to your incrimination. You're dating the Slytherin Quidditch captain, you want me to beat Harry, and you sit on my couch. Traitor."

"What's wrong with me sitting on your couch? You sit on mine," she pointed out and Draco smiled.

"Yes, but I'm not the one under speculation here, am I?" he argued and Mr. Granger laughed. Both teens turned to him.

"You two argue like a married couple," he joked.

"This isn't arguing, Daddy. This is conversation," Hermione corrected him and he laughed.

"Of course it is," he said, but mockingly.

"No, it has to be. If this were a fight, I'd be talking to a door," Draco added and Mr. Granger laughed. Hermione glared at him with a smile.

"Lucky for you, I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that. Anyway, back to our - converSAtion," Hermione said, looking pointedly at her father. "You're just as much a traitor as me. Not only do you sit on my couch, but you're dating the head Gryffindor, non-pureblood at that," she said, but he interrupted.

"I'm head Slytherin," he pointed out. "Deatheather spawn at that." Hermione placed a hand on his knee.

"Yes dear, you're very special."

"That's not what I meant and you know it," he declared, but Hermione ignored him, earning a chuckle form Mr. Granger.

"You own a cat, which cancels out Monty," she continued and Draco smirked.

"Ah, but Atrolynn is a black cat, which is consistent with evil, which is consistent with Slytherin," he pointed out and she looked flustered.

"Well," she hesitated." You open doors for me; definitely not a Slytherin quality." Draco pondered this for a moment.

"Given. Continue," he agreed and Hermione bit her lip.

"And as for my bathroom... um... your hair? Yes, your hair! You, Ace, have golden hair, and, if I get you angry enough, your face will turn red. Gold and scarlet, you traitor," she said and smirked triumphantly, once again receiving coughing chortles from her father.

"That doesn't count, Hermione. That's genetics," he protested, but Hermione had anticipated this.

"Is it not also genetics that makes me like green?" she asked smartly.

"Alright, given, but you do realize that I have canceled out all of your accusations other than the fact that I open doors and my face turns red, yet you still have your snake, you approval on a Slytherin Quidditch victory, and then there's the fact that Gryffindors are supposed to be loyal, don't you? Slytherin is supposed to be cunning and sneaky. Therefore, you're more of a traitor than me," he finished and Hermione gave a curt nod.

"But you're still a traitor," she insisted and Draco nodded.

"Indeed," he agreed. "I must say, though; I enjoyed this conversation much more than the last one we had on this subject," Draco continued and Hermione quirked her eyebrow.

"And why is that?" she asked.

"A lot of reasons. 1) Your cat didn't attack me, 2) I didn't just get back from a seven hour detention with Snape, 3) It's not one o'clock in the morning, and the number one reason would have to be; you didn't call me Arnie," he said and they both laughed. Now it was Mr. Granger who lifted an eyebrow.

"Do I want to know?" he asked and Hermione giggled.

"Benedict Arnold, Daddy," she explained.

"Ah. And, may I ask, why did you have this detention in the first place, my boy?" Mr. Granger asked and Draco looked to Hermione for assistance.

"He didn't deserve it; Snape is just very moody. Draco stood up for me, but the language got a little out of hand," she said, sounding sympathetic and Draco blushed a bit.

"Yes, known to do that when angry," he admitted and Mr. Granger nodded.

"Aren't we all," he agreed. "So, are you staying for dinner, Mione? I'm sure your mother wouldn't mind." Hermione looked to Draco, but once again, he was no help. Then, she remembered.

"I'm afraid we can't stay that long, Daddy," she told him. "We should be leaving around four," she decided, looking at her watch, which read quarter after two. Mr. Granger looked a bit disappointed, but nodded in understanding. Hermione sighed and took Draco's hand. "Let's go back upstairs," she suggested, standing. Draco obediently nodded and stood beside her.

"Take Thisbe with you, Mina, or your mum'll have a fit," Mr. Granger warned.

"Yes, Daddy," she said and rolled her eyes, then led Draco from the room, stopping by the kitchen to call Thisbe before heading upstairs.

* * * * * * * * * *

This time, Hermione stopped at a door half way up the staircase and led her friends into a wide hallway aligned with five doors. Pointing all the way down the corridor, she explained each to her boyfriend.

"My parents' room, master bathroom, guest bedroom, my room, and way there is my closet, which is where we're going," she said, naming each door along the wall. Draco raised an eyebrow as she finished, but followed her anyway.

When Hermione opened the door to her closet, Draco couldn't help but be surprised. He had been expecting to see some sort of broom closet, as anyone would, but what he saw was more of a small study. Inside this room was a small desk, just big enough for the laptop computer which rested on it, various chairs and beanbags, and in the corner, a large green garner snake.

"Hello Monty," Hermione said as she stepped into the room, then giggled. "Seems Mum has been feeding you after all," she said and scratched a lump in the otherwise slim body. Monty hissed affectionately. "I thought she'd have forgotten."

"She did, I had to remind her." This comment came from Thisbe, who brushed past a gawking Draco and into the room, plopping down on one of the bean filled chairs.

"Oh, well... thanks, then," Hermione said as she slid herself into the chair facing her computer and booted it up.

"Hermione," Draco said as he came up behind her.

"Hm?" she was watching the screen in front of her light up and didn't sound very interested in conversation.

"Is there any particular reason why you don't want to stay for dinner?" he asked and Hermione tensed slightly. Draco took a step back and pulled a near-by chair closer. "Hey," he said softly when she didn't answer and Hermione blinked once, then smiled and gave a slight shrug.

"I just thought that with all the trouble Dobby's gone through to make dinner, it would be nice of us to be there," she explained, but Draco didn't seem convinced. Hermione ignored this, however, and drew her attention back to the monitor.

"Are you sure that's the only reason?" he asked quietly and Hermione began to nod, but changed it to a head shake. She placed a hand on his knee and looked up at him.

"I'll tell you later," she whispered, sounding rather troubled, and Draco nodded.

"Alright," he agreed and placed a small kiss near her ear. Hermione smiled weakly and began clicking away at her now functioning keyboard. "What are you doing, Mia?" he asked, partly out of curiosity and partly to change the subject. Hermione smiled genuinely now, glad for the release of tension.

"E-mail," she said simply and Draco pretended to understand again.

"Oh," he said, a little overenthusiastically. Hermione smirked.

"You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?"

"Nope," he stated and she giggled.

"Why does this sound familiar?" she asked happily as her fingers continued to click. Draco smiled.

"Because we had this exact dialogue this morning, except it was about Slimy- pear," he recalled and heard a laugh from the beanbag in the corner.

"You guys have the weirdest arguments I've ever heard," Thisbe said, shaking her head. Hermione scowled.

"Why does everyone always think we're fighting?" We're just talking," she insisted, giving Thisbe a glare and continuing to type. Draco gave the muggle girl a 'drop it' signal and she nodded seriously, but they both broke out in smiles soon after. Much to Draco's despair, his smirk was a little too flirtatious for Thisbe and she blushed at her magazine. At this response, Draco dropped his smirk as quickly as possible and turned to face the computer.

"So, how does this work exactly?" he asked. Oblivious to all going on around her, Hermione smiled.

"It's quite simple, really. I type a message like this, then, say I want to send this to Thiz, I type in her email address here, which is like a code that tells it where to go, then push send and it shows up on her computer. Kind of like an owl, but faster," she explained and Draco watched her as she spoke, marveling her happiness.

"And this is all done without magic?"

"As far as I know, yep. Same thing with the TV; no magic."

"If you think about it, it's almost sad that most wizards grow up not knowing muggle ways. A hundred years ago it made sense, but they've come so far, it's like a whole other world we're missing out on," he thought out loud, watching as Hermione's fingers flew quickly over the keys. She paused and looked to her Slytherin house guest.

"I've always thought that. It's amazing that no one wizard paid attention to muggle advancement. I mean, why can't we use pens for crying out loud? Although I do prefer to live in both; magic is very convenient," Hermione agreed with a smile, which Draco promptly kissed. "And," she continued, beginning to type again, "If I didn't know magic I wouldn't know Malfoy, so I guess I'm rather lucky, aren't I?" she smirked, turning back to face the computer screen.

"I believe I'm the lucky one in that situation, Mia," Draco said. Thisbe tried to keep it in, but she couldn't help herself and snickered. Both magic-folk turned to her with a rather annoyed expression.

"Sorry to ruin the moment," she sarcastically apologized. "Couldn't help it." Thisbe tried to look innocent and turned, once again, back to her magazine. Hermione turned back to Draco and rolled her eyes. He smirked and she kissed him, then went back to her typing.

A few minutes later, Hermione sighed and, with a click of her mouse, smiled.

"Okay, I'm done. Sorry about that, but I thought it'd be nice of me to e- mail the guys while I had a chance. I can't very well owl them," Hermione said, clicked a few more times, and the screen went black. Draco just smiled at her and she took his hand again. She was silent for a moment, then took a sharp breath. "Hey, I think we have a game to finish upstairs," she recalled with a smile and Draco matched it. Then, she turned to her friend. "Coming, Thiz?"

"No, Mione. I think I'll let you guys go on and stay here, waiting for your mother to come barbecue me," she said, with only mild sarcasm. Hermione waited a moment, then shrugged her shoulders.

"'Kay," she said, stood, and, taking both of his hands, pulled Draco up from his chair. Hermione left the closet, pulling her Slytherin behind her, without another word. Thisbe sighed and rolled her eyes, standing and following them.

* * * * * * * * * *

Because Draco was so naturally good at pool, after finishing the game between himself and Hermione (which he won), Draco played against both girls. When four o'clock approached, it was Hermione who spoke up.

"Draco, we should go," she said and both he and Thisbe looked up. Thisbe put on a pouting face.

"Oh, come on, Mione! Let me kick his pretty little arse first, then you can go," she begged, glaring superiorly at Draco. He crossed his arms.

"I believe I resent that. And besides, I'm up by two balls, there's no way you're going to win," Draco protested. Hermione and Thisbe gave each other one look and burst out laughing. Draco looked confused for a moment, but then realization dawned on him. "Oh, come on; I didn't mean it like that. I swear you women will be the death of me," he groaned. Still giggling, Hermione spoke up.

"That can be arranged," she threatened and Thisbe's hand flew up, making her look like Hermione had the first day of potions class.

"I volunteer!" she shrieked. More laughter followed before she spoke again. "Come on, Mione... let's just finish this game," Thisbe begged and Hermione's look changed from amusement to uneasiness.

"I don't know," she said, but the pleading look on Thisbe's face changed her mind. "Fine," she sighed. "Just this game."

"Yea!" Thisbe chimed. "I do believe it's your turn, Mr. Up-by-two-balls," she reminded him and Draco rolled his eyes.

"Har, har, har," he mumbled, along with some incoherent words which made the girls giggle, then took his shot. "Ha! I told you you would never win!" he boasted happily as the scuffed white ball knocked two of his in the left center pocket. "I OWN this game."

"Well, before you start monogramming it, note that you still need the eight ball to win, my dear," Hermione reminded him and Draco's sly smile dropped to a look of defeat.

"Oh, yeah. Nasty little bugger, isn't it?" he said sourly.

"Indeed," Thisbe agreed with an angelic smile. Within the next few turns, the inevitable happened; Draco won. He stood with an 'I-told-you-so' smirk and Hermione rolled her eyes at him.

"You're never going to let me live this down, are you?" He laughed.

"No, probably not," Draco said smartly, coming up next to her and easily encircling her with his arms.

"Alright, now we really have to go. Let's say goodbye to my parents first, though," she reminded him while leaning back into his embrace.

"Do you really have to go? No one knows you're here, you can stay longer, can't you?" Thisbe asked, but Hermione shook her head.

"No," she said, sounding a little cold, but regretful as well. Thisbe nodded in understanding and Hermione turned her head into Draco's chest for a brief moment while she untied his arms, then started out of the room without further explanation, pausing only at the door to pick up her coat and magik on her shoes. Draco turned questioningly to Thisbe, but she shook her head.

"She said she'd tell you later," she reminded him and Draco nodded, then followed Hermione's lead by magiking his shoes and picking up his coat. "Hey," Thisbe called to him before he could leave. "Do you think you could..." she held up her shoes and put on her pouty face. "I feel left out." Draco smirked.

"Yeah, sure," he said and magiked her shoes as well. Thisbe squealed.

"That is so wicked!" she shrieked and Draco shook his head.

"You are very easily amused," he commented as he let her skip past him and through the door.

"You were amused by E-mail," she pointed out and he nodded.

"True," agreed Draco and he descended the stairs behind his muggle friend.

"Mother, that's ridiculous!" Hermione was heard and Draco put his hand on Thisbe's shoulder to stop her from continuing. She looked back at him, surprised, but Draco put a finger to his lips, signaling to be quiet.

"Is it, Hermione? What other reason could there be?" Mrs. Granger argued.

"There could be a million reasons! Neither of them would do that to me! I can't believe I'm even having this argument with you!" Hermione yelled and Draco winced; he could tell she was angry.

"I'm right, Mione. I have a motherly feeling. It's better this way; you belong with Zane," her mother said, sounding like she was pleading Hermione to side with her.

"Mother, you have no idea what you're talking about," she said, sounding defeated.

"Yes I do, Hermione. That's why I've called him. He said he would be over as soon as possible."

"You WHAT!? No, you couldn't have! How could you do that without even asking me?" Hermione sounded near tears and Draco felt that it was time for him to play the knight in shining armor.

"Let me go first," he whispered to and slid past Thisbe and down the stairs. She shivered slightly as he brushed against her and Draco felt it, but pretended not to.

As he rounded the bottom of the stairs, Draco saw Hermione leaning back against the door, eyes closed and arms crossed. Mrs. Granger, however, was glaring at him, looking as if she loathed him more than soap scum.

"Where's Thisbe?" she asked, continuing to glare. Hermione looked up with surprise; she obviously had not heard him come down.

"She's putting on her shoes... is something wrong?" he asked, honestly clueless as to what was going on. Mrs. Granger huffed a laugh.

"Are you sure that's the only thing she's putting on?" she mumbled coldly and Hermione's eyes grew wide.

"Mother, that's enough!" she yelled and walked to Draco, who was looking surprised and lost. "I won't have you right out accusing him like that! It's unfair and illogical!"

"You don't know that, Hermione," she said, then pointed to Draco. "And you. Leave us be and go back to where you came from. I will not have you corrupting my daughter when she can be happy with someone of her own kind," she said fiercely. Hermione took Draco's hand, making it impossible for him to go anywhere without taking her with him.

"Stop it, Mother! I don't know what has gotten into you, but you're scaring me!" Hermione yelled, squeezing the hand of a confused and speechless Slytherin.

"Let go of him, Hermione. Zane will be here any minute and you will stay with him until the train takes you back to that wretched place. Then, I want you to stay away from that boy. You belong with Zane," Mrs. Granger commanded, but Hermione just glared.

"Draco, I think it's time for us to go now," she said quietly, but sounded determined.

"But..." he started, sounding confused. "She's your mother."

"You of all people should know that parents don't always know best. Please, just take me..." Hermione began, but was interrupted by a fierce knock at the door. She jumped and the person knocked again.

"Mione?" came a male voice from the other side. Thisbe, seeing Hermione cower into Draco from the bottom of the stairs, ran quickly and locked the door. "What the? I heard that, I know you're in there! Remember what happened the last time we played these games?" the voice called again and Hermione peeped in fear.

"We have to go, now. Please Draco... I can't stay here," Hermione pleaded, turning into and embracing Draco, who held her close as the world melted around them. "Please, I can't... not again... no, never again..." Hermione continued, unaware of the deserted town of Hogsmeade which had fabricated around her.

"It's okay, Hermione. They're gone, we're gone... you're alright, I'm here," Draco said, trying to calm her down. It seemed to be working; Hermione's breathing slowed and her grip relaxed, but she kept her arms around him. "See? It's okay. Calm down, love," he whispered, holding her close, knowing it was what she wanted.

"I'm sorry," she whispered with a teary sniff.

"Shh..." Draco whispered and began rocking her a bit back and forth.

"That wasn't supposed to happen... they weren't supposed to be there... HE definitely wasn't supposed to be there... I planned it so much differently..." Hermione said, her eyes still tightly closed and her arms around her lover. "I'm sorry, I should have told you..." Draco stayed silent now, just holding and rocking her, still attempting to figure out what had just happened.

Evidently, her father seemed to like him well enough and only asked the questions any concerned parent might. Thisbe definitely like him, but possibly in a not-so-good way. Then there was her mother. At first, Mrs. Granger seemed a lot like his mother or Mrs. Weasley, but then... she became an accusing, raving, over-protective, intimidating, psycho-bitch... which he had disobeyed. **Well, what was I supposed to do, leave her there with them? Alone? When she was so obviously terrified? I didn't have a choice, this was the right thing, she's safe now,** he told himself as he listened to her rapid breathing. **But she's safe with ME.**

"Your mother hates me," he told the girl in his arms and she choked on a laugh. "What did I do, anyway? Or what did she think I did?" Hermione shook her head.

"You don't want to know. I don't think she hates you, Draco, she doesn't even know you... she just wants me to be with a muggle. More specifically, Zane Kuwait," she said and shuddered. "I'm really sorry, Ace. I didn't think she'd act like THAT... I've never seen her that way..."

"Shh, Mia. But really, love... I took you. Your mother said to leave you alone and I kidnap you. Whatever trust she might have had in me is totally damned... but at least I got you out of there, right?" Hermione took a rather deep and quite shaky breath.

"Draco, you have no idea what would have happened if we had stayed. That was Zane, at the door. Now HE would have attacked you."

"Are you going to tell me exactly who this Zane guy is? Your reaction to him has me more than a little worried," Draco asked and Hermione looked up at him, lifting her head from his chest.

"Yeah, okay," she sniffed and reached a hand to wipe away the tears which weren't really there. Draco turned from the embrace a bit and moved his hand to the small of her back, gently pushing her toward the gates. "Well, this started as sort-of a you and Pansy situation, but it was blown way out of proportion. My parents and his were friends and we grew up together. He was a really great guy; the best big brother substitute a girl could have, but then, the summer after fifth year, his parents got a divorce. He was devastated and I felt sorry for him. I really did love him, platonically, and I still didn't want to see him hurting like that, so I comforted him. I was so stupid. I kept up the love charade for his sake, because I didn't know what he might do if I told him the truth.

"He wanted us to be together; to be as much in love as you can at fourteen, and my mother was ecstatic, so I played along. Zane is very unromantic, boring, and selfish. As his girlfriend, I was expected to dress accordingly, which is not the same as appropriately, and be a pretty piece of ass he could kiss and touch whenever he saw fit. I didn't really mind; all I had to do was shut up and look pretty, so it wasn't like I was miserable pretending to love him.

"I wasn't happy, but everyone else seemed to be, so I didn't complain. Then, his father moved to Germany. Zane was angry, and he took most of it out on me." Draco's eyes shot to her face at this comment and he stared at Hermione for a moment. "It's not what you think, really. It started with yelling, and it was always over stupid things, like if I forgot to wear lip gloss, but he would just yell and scream at me until someone stopped him. I got used to it after a while, and it got to the point where I could just ignore him. Big mistake.

"If I didn't fear him, he didn't get the satisfaction of scaring me, so he was unsuccessful in venting his anger. He figured if he couldn't scare me, he'd focus on hurting me." Draco squeezed her a little closer to him, as if trying to protect her from the past. "He didn't want to REALLY hurt me; it was more like Chinese water torture pain. It doesn't hurt much, but it messes with you mentally.

"Before he would just yell, but then he stared insulting me, calling me names, making me hate myself. When that became boring, he got a little more physical, but that too came in stages. He started doing all those torturing lover things that are wonderful if you're in love, which we weren't, and if you're gentle, which he most definitely wasn't. He would bite my lip when he kissed me, but hard enough to draw blood... pull my hair when he ran his fingers through it... and when he felt me up... 'ow' is the only word that comes to mind. He would frequently just slam me into walls and let his hands have their way with me, as ruthlessly as they saw fit. There was never any pleasure from my side. Never was there any real abuse, thank god. I mean sure, he'd backhanded me a few times. Okay, a lot... but my face was the only place he ever bruised. It wasn't like he beat the shit out of me," Hermione said, all in a slow and sad tone. Draco began to shake his head as she finished.

"No man, under any circumstances, should ever lay hand on a woman in anger," he told her sternly, his hand gripping her side in a caring way. Hermione nodded.

"I can't say I don't agree. God, it's been so long since I've even thought about this... Zane moved with his mother while I was away in sixth year. Somewhere in maybe Ireland, I think. I haven't seen him since and I've literally put him out of my mind. Until Thiz told me, I'd forgotten all about everything that had ever happened with him."

"Good riddance, abusive, white-trash, muggle," Draco grumbled fiercely, his teeth grinding a bit.

"Malfoy, I appreciate your help, but I honestly can't deal with you right now. I'm feeling kind of bad and I'd really like to talk to Draco, so, if you wouldn't mind, could you bring him out again, please?" Hermione asked and Draco looked shocked. She smiled and he chuckled.

"You make it sound like I'm schizophrenic," he said and Hermione nodded.

"I think you are," she told him. "There's Malfoy, who's big headed and sarcastic, has a bit of a temper, and is tragically romantic... then there's Draco, who is kind and caring and easy to talk to. Also romantic, but in a different way."

"So, who do you like better?" Draco asked with a smirk and Hermione leaned into him.

"I love you both," she assured him and Draco smiled.

"We love you, too," he said, generating a giggle from his girlfriend. "So, if I'm Draco and I'm Malfoy, who's Ace?" Draco asked, still wearing his smirk.

"You. Ace is an accumulation; the term given to the being that is Draco Malfoy, but not another personality," she said and Draco shook his head. He waited a moment, then smirked for the third time in ten minutes.

"Who did you fall in love with?" This question came in a genuinely curious tone.

"Draco," she said dreamily, then waited a moment before continuing. "Why do I feel the need to remind Malfoy that being jealous is absurd in this situation?"

"I'm not jealous," Draco said and Hermione smiled.

"Of course you're not; you're Draco," she told him and he laughed.

"I'm getting confused. It's not fair that I can't even tell which personality I'm using," he said and gave her a kiss on the temple as she began to giggle.

.

A/N: Whoa, creepy dudette right there... I'll tell you more about this dude in the next chapter, which also happens to be the final chapter of Christmas! Yeah! I got it done in only five! Woo hoo! Anyway; Will Zane seek out Hermione? Is her mother a mental case? What will happen when she goes back home (that's a LONG way away)? And, where the hell was her dad during this whole yelling thing? Find out; read on! Purple buttons rule! Click that one! You know the one.... yes! There! Goooood..... hehe.

PRF:

As many of you know, my computer died on Friday.

::Moment of silence::

Although, through the magic of my daddy, it's been revived.

::HALLELUJAH!!!::

But this means, because I really want to get this chappy out right now, I don't have time for PRFs. Sorry. Thanx for reviewing! I DID read the reviews, you know. I appreciate them.