Disclaimer: blah, blah blah, I don't own the characters… well, 'cept for Bree, and Laura, and Sam, and a couple other ppl.

A/N: Here you go. A slice of cake from me. I don't bake often, so the cake might taste burnt. Let me know Review!

Chapter VII: The Burrow

When Hermione awoke the next morning, she was alone in bed. She sighed, and stretched. "Sleep well?" Asked a highly amused voice. She yelped. "You scared me! Don't you ever do that again!"

"All right. I promise never to do it again until the next time." He kissed her nose, and she yanked him down beside her. "You've been a very bad boy. I think you need to be punished."

He chuckled. "I'm looking forward to it."

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"Well, there she is." Laura crowed. "Did you have a nice evening?" Hermione blushed. "Yes, it was lovely. Draco made me a lovely dinner. Then we talked about school. It was lovely…"

"Lovely? Is that the only word you know? Come on Mione; give us all the juicy details." Bree hit Laura with her rag. "Come on Laura leave her alone. So, Mione, give us all the juicy details."

Hermione laughed. "No, they're private."

"I knew it! You did sleep with him! Are you guys an item?"

"Well," said Hermione, feeling uncomfortable. "I suppose we are."

"The dress never fails." Said Laura, knowingly, and the three girls laughed.

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The next few weeks went quickly for Hermione. She received letters from her parents, Harry, and Ron, all begging her to come home for Christmas. A few weeks ago, she might have said 'yes', but now, she just couldn't envision leaving Draco.

"So, are you going home for Christmas?" It was December 22nd, and they were in his cabin in front of the fire.

"No," she replied. "I'm staying here, and spending my Christmas with you." She moved to kiss him, but he pulled away. "Mione…" he said slowly. "I'm going home for Christmas. I don't want to," he went on quickly, seeing her look of dismay, "but my father says there are things that he and I need to discuss. Things we need to do…" he left it at that.

She sighed, "Well, I guess I can write back and tell Mum and Dad I've changed my mind about coming home. I guess I'll call the airport in the morning to make arrangements."

"Don't bother." Draco replied. "The Ministry set up a Portkey. Apparently there are a lot of witches, and wizards wanting to get to England this holiday. One more person won't make a difference."

"All right." Hermione said. "When does it leave?"

"Ummm… in about eight hours."

"What?!" She shrieked. "I need to go home. I need to pack, and call Mum…" Draco kissed her, and she stopped. "Relax. It won't take you but ten minutes to pack. We have time." So saying, he lowered her back onto the rug.

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"See that wasn't so hard." Draco helped a wobbly-legged Hermione down the streets of London. "I hate Portkeys." She grumbled. "Where are we going?"

"Diagon Alley. You can floo home, or to the Burrow, and I can Apparate to Malfoy Manor. You did tell them you were coming?"

"I told Mum and Dad I'd be home on the 24th. That gives me a few days at the Burrow. Oh, no!" She gasped. "I forgot! All the boys are married now, well, except for Fred and Ron; and Bill and Charlie both have kids. There will probably be no room for me. Damn it!"

"Mione?" Hermione turned. An auburn haired young woman was just coming out of a nearby Pub. "Ginny!" She ran and gave her friend a hug. "How are you?"

"Oh, I'm well. I didn't know you were coming home."

"Yes, well, I thought I'd give everyone a nice surprise." Then, remembering Draco. "Oh Gin, you remember Draco Malfoy, from school?"

"How could I forget? Hello Ferret."

"Hello Weaselette. How are you and all of yours?"

"We're fine thank you." Ginny replied frostily. "How are your dad and all his friends? How's Lord V.?" Draco stiffened. "I wouldn't know. I haven't been home since the summer before seventh year. I've been in the States."

"Really? Fascinating." Ginny didn't sound fascinated. "Where are you staying Mione?"

"Well, I was kind of hoping to stay at the Burrow, but that was before I remembered George, and then Charlie and his two…"

"It's fine." Ginny interrupted. "There's plenty of room. Charlie and Sabe are with her parents, Percy and Penny are with hers, and George and Alicia are just going to floo in on Christmas Day."

"Well, if you're sure…" Hermione began.

"Positive." Hermione smiled. "All right then." She turned to Draco and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Owl me." She whispered.

"Uh-huh, and what was that all about?" Asked Ginny as Draco retreated. "Oh, nothing." Hermione replied. "We just got to talking. You know… about school and like that. He really isn't the git he used to be."

"Yeah, sure," Ginny snorted. "And the Pork's Jewish." She added using a phrase she'd heard at school. Hermione snickered. "The phrase is, 'and the Pope's Jewish.' Gods Gin…" she linked arms with her friend. "Let's go. I'm starving.

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"Mum… look who I found wandering around London." Hermione was dragged into the kitchen and was nearly flattened by the tide of people trying to hug her.

"Hermione dear!"

"Herms!"

"Hermione!"

"Mione!"

"Aunt Minnie!!!" This last exclamation came from Bill and Fleur's two-year-old daughter Marietta. Hermione picked the little girl up, while attempting to hug Ron, and shake hands with Fred. "What a surprise dear." Mrs. Weasley continued. "Why, Ron told us you were staying in Comerado for Christmas."

"Colorado." Hermione and Harry said at the same time. They grinned like idiots. "Yes, I was; but at the last minute I got homesick and, here I am."

"Well, you can stay for as long as you like dear. It will be a little cramped, but I'm sure Angelina and Ginny won't mind making room for you."

"Angelina?" Asked Hermione, as Ginny led her upstairs. "Yep." Ginny confirmed. "They got really serious this year. She's ready to give up Quidditch for him and everything. Isn't that the stupidest thing you've ever heard?"

"No," returned Angelina, who was standing at the head of the stairs. "I love your brother." When Ginny snorted, she continued, "I know he is sometimes a git. Sometimes." As the other two broke into hysterical laughter. "But he kind of grows on you after awhile, and besides, I love his hair."

"Whatever you say." Ginny said, still laughing. "I go more for guys with messy dark hair and glasses. What about you Mione?"

"Oh, I don't know." She blushed. "I guess I do have a thing for blondes." Ginny started laughing again, and Hermione smacked her arm. "It's not that funny Gin; now help me with my trunk."

A/N: There we go. Another chapter down. Sorry it took so long. Like I said before, I had the ending all figured out, and had to fill in the middle. Bear with me ;)