Important Note: Okay... I'm dumb .:blush:. This is winter break, remember... the pool party in the early chapters... yah x..x Umm.. it was a magical pool! .:coughs:. It um.. stays warm and pleasant year round? kay? work with me people .:blushes and sweatdrops:. Anywho yah! Winter Break... meaning X-mas.. and stuff.. This chapter is dedicated to all you fans of fluff ;)

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Chapter Twelve

Holiday Special

"Your 'lessons' are ridiculous," Draco muttered, washing the dishes for perhaps the first time in his life. Usagi tried not to giggle from her spot next to him, drying each dish as he shoved them rather angrily into her hands.

"C'mon, they're not that bad," she argued with a small smile. "Doing the dishes isn't such a bad thing... I mean, I'm not the biggest fan of cleaning," she admitted sheepishly, "but it gives Dobby and myself a little break."

Draco frowned slightly, shaking his head. "You fail to remember, this is what he lives to do. If not for this, he has no purpose in life." He paused, smirking softly. "We're doing him a favor."

Usagi rolled her eyes before sighing softly. "Well, you should be kind to him for doing his duty, rather than abusing his position and treating him badly."

Draco pressed his tongue lightly against the inside of his cheek, handing her another plate. "The point of being in power is exerting your superiority. It is important for those beneath you to know their place and know which lines not to cross."

Usagi looked contemplative for a moment. "But it's just as important to treat those 'beneath' you with respect and kindness."

Draco paused as he washed the last dish. "Why?" he asked simply.

Usagi tilted her head. "Huh?"

"Why do you view it as such an important thing?"

Usagi groaned with frustration. "How is it not an important thing?" Her shoulders heaved with the motion as she sighed once again.

Draco began to laugh softly, a pleasant sound to her ears. "Maybe you should give up on me," he suggested calmly. He couldn't help the slight relief as she shook her head fiercely, her eyes meeting his with a determined glare.

"No," she said firmly, drying the last dish he handed her and setting it down. "I have hope and faith. I truly believe you to be a good person."

Draco raised an eyebrow, his expression slightly amused. "That may not be the wisest of assumptions, Usa," he replied coolly, running his hands briskly under the steady stream of water from the faucet before turning it off. "Many would disagree with that opinion."

The determined blonde girl shrugged slightly. "Well, hope and trying are the first steps toward success."

"They are also the first steps toward failure," he countered smoothly, drying his hands.

"You're soo pessimistic," she muttered.

"No. I'm realistic; there is a difference."

Usagi sighed in defeat. They would often get into verbal battles, of which both faired rather well. They both represented the far ends of each perspective on many situations, so it was one extreme versus the other many of the times.

"So, am I... Will I be getting a lesson today?" she asked rather timidly.

Draco laughed again, quieting down upon seeing the embarrassed blush tint her cheeks as she lowered her eyes. "You're looking forward to them, hmm?" he asked lightly.

"No," she mumbled. "Was just wonder—"

"Because I truly look forward to giving them," he interrupted smoothly. "Honestly... it is a bit of a learning experience for us both."

She shivered slightly as he placed his hands against her waist, drawing her back against him. "Today's lesson," he murmured against her ear, "will be in hopes of getting you over a bit of your shyness."

Usagi cleared her throat, trying desperately not to tremble or appear too nervous. "And... h-how do you intend on trying to accomplish that?" she asked quietly, disapproving of the horrid shakiness in her voice.

Leaned against him, she was unable to see the languid smile that spread slowly upon his lips. "Hmm, ever the eager one today," he mused lightly, pressing a soft kiss to her ear before pulling away.

"You know," Usagi said suddenly, "I still haven't seen pretty much... all of your mansion."

Draco rose a pale eyebrow. "You have an interest in actually seeing more?" he inquired.

Usagi nodded rather enthusiastically. "Of course! I mean, how many opportunities such as this will I get?" she asked with a small smile.

He shrugged slightly. "Maybe more than you think," he replied coolly. Usagi's smile deepened as she grasped his hand, looking at him expectantly. He huffed a slight laugh as he led her out of the kitchen, though he laced his fingers loosely with hers as he walked up the first set of winding stairs. "This is primarily my mother's floor. This room is her personal bedroom," he gestured to the first closed floor, "for when my father is away on business, she prefers staying here. Or if they get into an argument of sorts." He led her down the wide hallway to the next room, pushing the door open. "This is the library," he continued, watching with a slight smile as her mouth gaped open.

"Wow,"she breathed out, looking at the many shelves of books. "It's almost as big as the one at Hogwarts!"

Draco rolled his eyes, grasping her hand and pulling her out of the room. "That's a bit of an exaggeration," he drawled mildly, proceeding to the next floor. "My father's floor, mainly. His study, his personal bedroom, his conference room..." He continued to the next floor, giving a brief tour of the many rooms. Twenty minutes later, they were proceeding back down to the main floor.

"Seems very easy to get lost," Usagi murmured with a sigh.

"It is," Draco replied, "which is why I would request you to not do any personal exploring."

Usagi smiled, nodding several times. "Of course... Thank you for the tour, Draco," she said politely.

He snickered softly, trying hard to hold back the snide remark that balanced insistently upon his tongue. "You're welcome," he said calmly, inclining his head. Usagi's smile widened as she threw her arms around his neck. A small smile hinted upon his lips as he reciprocated to the hug, pulling her body close against his. "Ready for your lesson?" he asked softly, running his fingers lightly against the hem of her shirt.

Usagi tensed as he soft fingers brushed slightly against the bare flesh of her waist. "O-okay," she murmured uncertainly.

Draco swore softly as the doorbell run, interrupting the two. "One moment," he whispered, pressing a small kiss to her forehead.

Usagi breathed out a long sigh. Hearing the door click open, she giggled at Draco's low groan of annoyance.

"I swear, Maxwell, you choose the worst moments to come," she heard Draco say with a sigh.

The braided teen grinned deviously as he entered the house. "That's not what the ladies say," Duo quipped in a teasing tone, his smile softening as he saw Usagi come over to them. "Hey beautiful," he greeted with a slight bow. "How's Draco-man treatin' ya?"

Usagi smiled shyly. "Better," she answered truthfully, glancing at Draco.

He smirked softly before turning his attention back to Duo. "So, do you have a reason for coming?"

Duo's eyebrows rose quite high. "Are you meaning to tell me you don't know what day today is?" he asked incredulously.

Draco frowned slightly. "Should I? The date is, what..? December 25th..." His eyes widened slightly as Usagi's mouth dropped open. "Bloody hell," he muttered.

Usagi could barely speak. "How could I forget about Christmas?" she exclaimed finally, smacking her forehead. "I mean the whole point of winter vacation is for this..." She let out a sad little sigh, offering a melancholy smile to the two. "Merry Christmas," she said softly.

Duo chuckled slightly, shaking his head. "Merry Christmas, babe," he replied warmly. "So, are you two gonna have some late-night celebrating?" he teased lightly, proceeding into the living room.

Usagi failed to realize the implications he was jesting. "Well we didn't even remember that it was Christmas.. I doubt we're going to be having a celebration."

Duo pouted slightly before brightening. "Well I mean hey! The three of us could easily turn this into a party..."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Want something to drink?" he asked.

Duo raised an eyebrow. "Woah... You never offer me such hospitalities! I see Usagi is having a positive effect on ya," he commented with approval. "An ice water will be juust fine."

Draco smirked as he went into the kitchen to get his guest a drink, leaving Usagi and Duo alone for a moment. Usagi chose to break the brief silence. "So how come you're not home celebrating Christmas with your family?" she asked curiously.

Duo smiled, though she caught the saddened reflection in his eyes. "No family to celebrate with, babe. Just me and my lonesome I'm afraid."

Usagi's eyes softened, sympathy and remorse glittering within their depths. "I'm truly sorry," she whispered, going over to hug him. He responded to the gentle embrace, feeling a calming warmth from her that he was passing fond of.

"No worries," he murmured quietly.

"Honestly... I leave you two alone for a minute and you're all over each other," Draco sneered, entering the room again. He had caught the conversation that took place, so he felt no real anger toward the situation.

Usagi pulled away with a small blush, smiling slightly. "Jealous, Draco?" she teased.

Duo gave him a playful grin. "Yeah... Jealous, Draco?" he repeated, raising his eyebrows.

Draco rolled his eyes. "You're both so childish," he muttered, handing Duo the glass of water. Duo snickered as he took a sip, inclining his head as a 'thank you'.

"I still can't believe I forgot about Christmas," Usagi mumbled with disbelief.

The charming smile of Duo eased her slight distress. "We can still have a perfectly good time... if Draco-man wishes for the additional company, that is."

"A little Christmas celebration with two beautiful males would be very nice," Usagi said with a playful smile.

Draco shrugged his shoulders slightly in compliance. "Why not?" he replied in a seemingly bored tone.

Duo grinned widely as he set his glass on the table, standing from his seat and pulling two small boxes out of his pocket. "A present for you, dearest Draco." He handed his long-time friend one of the boxes.

Draco raised an eyebrow as he undid the tie of the ribbon bow and opened the small box. He snickered softly then, pulling out one of the triangular, silver-wrapped candies. "Chocolate kisses," he mused lightly.

Usagi raised her eyebrows as Duo smirked. "Chocolate is one of Draco's weaknesses," he explained with a wide grin.

Draco rolled his eyes. "I have no weaknesses," he retorted, though he couldn't help the smile that hinted before he opened his mouth to slip the chocolate upon his tongue.

Usagi giggled softly. "Thanks Duo, I'll have to keep that one in mind," she said happily. Her giggle of mirth died down as she watched Draco roll the chocolate around slowly in his mouth, his lips worked in a slow motion. Duo watched as she watched him, feeling something strange stir deep within him.

Breaking out of his slight stupor, he smiled as he thrust the other box into her surprised hands. "Here," he said gently. "I know we don't know each other very well, but you left a good impression. Happy Christmass," he finished with a grin.

Usagi's eyes were slightly wide with surprise. "I don't have anything to give you in return," she mumbled, beginning to hand the box back.

The braided teen rolled his eyes, though his expression remained gentle. "Giving gifts isn't about doing it in hopes of getting something in return," he pointed out.

Usagi smiled almost shyly as she opened the box, her eyes widening happily. "Usagi!" she cried.

Draco rose an eyebrow, his eyes holding a bemused expression. "Well Maxwell.. you've finally become so inadequate that you've rendered a girl to saying her own name," he quipped sarcastically.

Duo laughed richly while Usagi blushed at the implication, shaking her head. She held up a small chocolate candy in the shape of a rabbit. "Usagi," she explained, "means 'bunny' in Japanese." She turned to Duo, her smile softening greatly. "Thank you very much, Duo," she murmured.

Duo waved his hand. "Not a prob at all," he replied smoothly. "So... let's get this party started!"

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Harry smiled somberly as he shuffled through the stack of letters. Never had he imagined a Christmas to be so lonely. He had received several gifts, which was always a pleasant happening. Hermione had sent him a new book regarding the myths and legends of Hogwarts; Ron sent him an assortment of candies, some he hadn't even heard of; and Ron's mother sent him a newly knitted sweater.

His heart sank deeply upon not receiving anything from Usagi... Not even a small letter wishing him a Happy Christmas, a small present... Nothing. Shaking his head to clear these troubled thoughts, he pulled out a small bit of parchment and began writing her a letter. Quickly, he crumpled it up and let out a frustrated sigh. Maybe there was a reason she didn't reply to his letter in the first place..

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The soft noise of three very different laughters mingling together was the surprising sound Dobby heard when walking by the living room. Glancing in cautiously, his eyes widened upon seeing his Master Draco laughing, smiling with happiness... his eyes drifted to the other male he didn't know very well, only as an associate of Master Draco... his expression held a similar quality of amusement, his eyes lit with a mirth Dobby was rather envious of. His gaze shifted over to the final person in the room... Miss Usagi. Her cheeks were flushed slightly as she laughed as well, though it looked out of an embarrassed amusement at the situation.

Dobby could only speculate what caused so much laughter... then again, he wasn't truly used to putting so much thought into a situation. He shook his head a little somberly, though a smile flitted across his lips. Seeing his Master Draco happy was such a rare sight. He was positive it was Usagi causing this changing effect upon him.

Dobby carefully slipped away, back to his private corner of a room, humming a small tune that held no melody.

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"So you're meaning to tell me," Duo got out between chuckles, "that you actually came to Snape's class with 10 minutes left and told him you didn't think you were too late to learn?"

Usagi blushed a little as she giggled. "I understood as much in the last ten minutes as I do in him rambling for 50 minutes," she defended. "...Which amounts to absolutely nothing."

Draco snickered softly. "Tut, tut, little bunny," he said, surprising her with the affectionate nickname. "Truly, you should work on raising your grades."

Usagi sighed sadly. "I try, I really do.. sort of.. But I just don't get it!"

Duo smiled warmly. "I could tutor you sometime, if you'd like."

Usagi's entire face brightened. "Hontou? Really?" She threw her arms around his neck, much to the jealous gaze of Draco. "Thank you thank you!" she cried. "No one has enough patience to tutor me," she mumbled out.

Duo chuckled slightly as he embraced the girl again, raising an eyebrow at the glare Draco shot to him. "Hmm, it's getting a little late.. I should probably head out," he said lightly, pulling away and standing up.

Usagi smiled gently. "It was very nice seeing you again Duo," she said happily. Duo grinned widely as he went to the door to leave, followed by Usagi and Draco to escort him.

He turned to Usagi, placing his hand upon her shoulder. "Twas a pleasure seeing you again, babe," he said gently, leaning down to kiss her.

Usagi caught Draco's none-too-pleased glance and carefully turned her head, feeling Duo's lips brush softly up her cheek. "Merry Christmas Duo," she said softly as he pulled away with a slightly saddened smile.

He bowed slightly to Draco, who inclined his head. "G'night you two... enjoy that celebrating," he teased before finally leaving.

Usagi let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of her neck slightly. She gave a quick glance to Draco, watching his expression shift slightly as her gaze fell upon him.

"So, why didn't you let him kiss you?" he asked rather bluntly.

Usagi blushed a little as she lowered her gaze. "Well... you don't do those kind of things with more than one person," she answered carefully. "You should only do things like that with one person that you truly care about."

Draco was pleased with her answer, though he would never outwardly admit it. "And, I'm that 'one person'?" Usagi rolled her eyes, her exasperated gaze giving him enough answer. He smirked slightly as he changed the topic. "So, is there anything you'd like for Christmas?"

Usagi tilted her head slightly. "Huh?"

"A present," he supplied patiently.

Usagi's eyes widened. "R-really?" She opened her mouth to speak before quickly closing it, shaking her head. "No... you can't ask for presents," she mumbled.

Draco scowled. "I'm offering you possibly anything you'd like and you turn it down? That's stupidity."

The younger girl chanced a glance at him, smiling timidly. "Anything?" she asked softly.

His heart sank slightly. She was going to ask to go back to Hogwarts, he was sure. Forget the teachings and mutual learning, forget all he had wished to learn from her... "Yes, within reason."

"I'd like to write a letter to Harry wishing him a Merry Christmas."

His head rose sharply as he heard her reply. "What?" he uttered rather slowly.

Usagi lowered her gaze. "Well I mean, you said anything..."

"If all you want to do is write a little letter to Potter by all means," he replied quickly, feeling an overwhelming happiness that he was determined to suppress. But... maybe she didn't understand the extent of his generous offer. Licking his lips slightly, he walked the short distance in front of her and grasped her chin. Her gaze met with his again suddenly, innocent curiosity clashing with darkened, unfamiliar happiness. "I meant anything, Usa," he said quietly. "If you want to go back—"

"I already told you what I wanted," she interrupted smoothly, pressing a small kiss to the corner of his mouth before slipping away. "Where could I get some parchment?"

"My room, the drawer next to the table," he answered, still rather dumbfounded. Usagi offered a sunny smile before skipping away.

Draco merely stood there a moment as he watched her retreat, breathing slowly to calm the unfamiliar stirring of feelings. Maybe... maybe there was a possibility of things working out. Perhaps she wouldn't give up on him. Perhaps when it came time to return to Hogwarts, they'd truly stir up a controversy...

Only time would tell such things, but he was rather eager to see what directions things moved in.

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Harry heard a soft hooting circle over head, watching as late-night owls offered forgotten Christmas presents to loved-ones and students. He smiled sadly at the soft laughter emanating from those who had received gifts, relieved they had not been forgotten about. A midnight black owl swept gracefully above the table he sat at, dropping off a letter in front of him before quickly gliding away.

Harry blinked several times from the bizarre behavior, before looking at the letter in front of him. His heart swelled with an undeniable happiness as he saw the neatly scrawled name of 'Usagi'. Without a moment's hesitation he tore open the letter quickly, reading its content with eager eyes:

Dear Harry,

Merry Christmas! Didn't think I forgot about you, did ya? Draco n' me hadn't even remembered it was Christmas! If it weren't for his friend stopping by to remind us, we probably wouldn't have remembered till the break was over! hehe. I hope your Christmas is going well and that things aren't getting too lonely... wish I could be there to celebrate with ya :) Things are going a lot better here, much better than I had anticipated... I'll see ya soon Harry... Merry Christmas!

Love,

Usagi-chan

A small frown hinted on Harry's lips at the mention of Draco and 'his friend'. What friend was she referring to? He couldn't help but question the sincerity of if things were truly going well for her there or not. He'd have to keep faith and hope things were alright. Only another week... and everything would be alright.

He smiled, much happier in thoughts. "Happy Christmas, Usagi," he murmured softly.

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"Thank you very much Draco," Usagi said happily, throwing her arms around his neck.

Draco smiled slightly as he hugged her back. 'And thank you for not leaving me, Usa,' he thought silently, pulling away. "Surely," he replied.

Usagi smiled a little timidly as she glanced at him. "Well, I got a present from you... is there anything you want for Christmas that I could give you?" she asked quietly.

"You already have," he murmured absently, pressing a brief kiss to her lips. Usagi was going to question what he meant, but all rational thoughts died down as he pulled her close against him, his mouth trailing pleasantly to her neck. "Stay with me tonight," he whispered softly.

Usagi felt herself nodding in compliance, her hands coming to rest upon his arms as he drew away slightly. She looked into his icy blue eyes, saw a calmed content that pleased her a great deal.

A small frown troubled across his lips for a moment. "I don't understand why you didn't choose to..." His words trailed off as she pressed a soft finger to his lips, silencing his words.

"Some things are hard to answer," she replied quietly. "And some things are just hard to figure out... I just know right now, I'm doing what I feel is right. Isn't that what you told me to do?"

Draco couldn't help the small smirk as he recalled his first lesson to her. "Do what you feel," he had told her. He turned her around, pulling her back against him as his arms came to encircle lightly around her waist. Resting his chin lightly against the crook of her neck, he closed his eyes briefly. "I think perhaps, Usa, this is one of the most enjoyable Christmas's I can recall," he mused.

Usagi smiled as she placed her hands gently upon his own clasped against her stomach. "I'm glad, Draco," she said truthfully. "I think more than kindness, you need to find the meaning of happiness as well."

She shivered as he pressed a feathery soft kiss to her ear. "I'm willing to learn whatever you wish to teach me, Usa. But I think I'm a rather quick learner. I think I'm already beginning to grasp this concept of... happiness."

Usagi sighed with content as she leaned against him. 'I think I am too, Draco-kun,' she thought peacefully.

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Awww. How cute, lol. Hmm, sorry to those of you who thought it was too fluffy .:sweatdrop:. The next chapter will be a little less... I dunno. I think there will be more 'plot' to the next chapter, however... If I can work up the will to write it out sometime soon, hehe.

Thanks a ton for the reviews, as always ;)

To: ABC Gurl, Dark Universe, Miko11, moonbeam21, Croola, Flame Ivy Moon, S. Nestor, Serenity Voldemort Riddle, Bambi Star, Not a Flame, liza, Kawaii Usa, fallen-anqel, Silver Moon Goddess1, Ivy Tearen, Goth-Punk-Princess, sailorveggie, Lucilia-chan, koldy, Draysa, TsukinoGoddess.. Thank you all so much!

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Next time on...Slave...

A new lesson, perhaps one of the most difficult for Draco to try and learn... The value of issuing an apology! He's hard-pressed to give in to this little lesson. Another "friend" stops over the mansion, but this time the circumstances aren't quite so amiable... The plot thickens as memories are slowly unlocked, emotions are gradually unfurled, and hearts are potentially weakened... Watch the drama intensify in next time's chapter, "Sordid Fears and Bitter Tears."