Authors note: I published both chapter 11 & 12 together because they pretty much go hand in hand. Also chapter 12 is one of my favorites so I really wanted you guys to read it! Keep the reviews coming…

-Eliza Snape

11: Christmas day pt. 1

Draco Malfoy woke up between with Fred Weasley's arm in his chest and George Weasley's Hair in his mouth. The sad part was Draco was use to waking up this way. He had been bed fellows with the twins since he had arrived at the burrow. The already crowed situation at the Weasley household was made worse when Fred announced that he would be bringing his fiancé Angelina Johnson home for Christmas. This caused Draco to have to give up his spot on the couch.

His stay at the burrow was not as bad as he expected. To his surprise no one much cared that he was here. It took Author, Ron's father a few days to be convinced that Draco was not like his dad. But after that he even started to treat Draco like a son. Molly needed no convincing and found it her duty to give Draco a hug at least 5 times a day. Once early on she had cornered Draco in the kitchen and locked him into a bear hug. After several minutes of trying to break free, Draco finally broke down and cried on the woman's shoulder for 30 minutes. To his surprise Molly never told anyone about their encounter, not ever her husband. He respected her for that. He had tried to show his appreciation to the family by showering them with money however Molly and Author would have none of it. Draco really didn't understand how anyone could be that wholesome.

Draco reached for his golden locks to twist around his hand (a nervous habit he had developed). Only to discover that there was no hair to twist. Draco had let Ginny Weasley give him a "Muggle buzz cut" After Author had commented on how much his hair made him look like his father.

"Ugggh it will take a bloody year to grow my hair back!" Draco said out loud to no one

At the sound of the noise Fred shifted and his hand accidentally moved from Draco's chest to a body part much lower. This caused Draco to jump up. He would be awake whether he wanted to or not.

Draco exited out of the room, and downstairs into the Weasley's little kitchen. It was about 5:20 am and he was sure he was the only one awake. Draco made his way into the living room, and studied the tacky tree that Molly Weasley had spent 7 days preparing. It was covered with every school ornament her seven children had ever made. Draco thought it was a horrible site, but in someway he wished he had that tree growing up. He took a seat in front of the rundown family couch, making sure not to wake up Angelina. He studied all the gifts under the tree, each Weasley and Angelina had a nice neat pile of gifts. Draco's breathed caught in his throat when he realized there was a pile for him to. He had gotton all the Weasley's something of course, it was the proper thing to do, however he hadn't expected them, to be so generous. He moved closer to his pile to see if maybe he was seeing things.

"Opening gifts with out us Malfoy." Ron said loudly behind Draco

Draco turned around to see a sleepy Ron grinning at him.

"No Weasable, I was just checking." Draco Trailed

"Checking what?" Ron said

"To see if they were really for me." Draco whispered

"Of course, you are our friend Malfoy." Ron said not leaving it up for debate

They stood there for a while in meaningful silence. Then Ron plopped down on the couch.

"OY!" Angelina cried out

"Oh sorry I forgot about you Angelina." Ron blushed "I'll go make us tea then Malfoy?" Ron said Nervously.

"Get me a cup too, since I'm awake now." Angelina smiled.

She brushed a braid out of her eye as she set up and removed the covers from her. She petted a seat near her, so Draco could sit down. Draco nodded nervously. He could now see her light brown bare shoulder. All she wore was a pear of boxers (Fred's presumably) and a yellow tank top. Draco thought she was lovely and the only thing stopping him from telling her so was Fred Weasley. Figured, he thought. He took his seat beside her and concentrated on the tree as oppose to the lovely girl beside him. They sat in silence until Ron came back. Ron emerged only a few minutes later.

"So what did you get her Weaslebe?" Draco smirked as he took his cup of tea

"Her who?" Ron said dumbly

"Hermione you git who else?" Angelina piped in

"Oh." Ron said "A book."

"A book." Angelina said disgusted

"Yes a book, Mione loves books. So what's wrong with that?" He said loudly

"I'm getting her a book Weasley. You can do better than that." Draco said grinning

"What? I don't bloody see what's wrong with getting her something she likes." Ron said

"Ronald, of course Hermione loves books. But did you ever think she likes other things too? She's a girl Ron, I'm sure she would like to be treated as such." Angelina pressed

"I know she's a girl! I just don't have a lot of money." He trailed off

Without another word Draco got up and made his way upstairs.

"What'd I say?" Ron said honestly

"Don't know mate." Angelina responded

Draco returned and took his seat on the couch. With out saying a word he threw a little black box over to Ron.

"What's this then?" Ron asked

"Your gift to Hermione." Draco said

Ron gave him a funny look, then opened the box. Inside it was a beautiful broach. It was a golden phoenix with blue sapphire for eyes. In its talons held a lamp of learning.

"Malfoy what's the idea." Rona said

"Give it to Granger. I was gonna give it to my mother, but…well you know." Draco replied

"Malfoy I can't afford to pay you for this." Ron pressed

"Did I ask for money idiot?" Draco snapped

"Well Hermione is gonna know I couldn't afford it. I can't give it to her." Ron said quietly

"Well if you are gonna let pride get in the way, then you are stupider then I thought." Draco laughed

"Draco is right Ron. Hermione will love it even more because she will know that you thought enough of her to swallow your pride and give it to her. It's so romantic." Angelina said teary eyed.

Ron was taking it all in. The broach was excellent and Hermione would cherish it. But was it worth taking handouts? Giving his two friends a meaningful look, Ron exited to his room to do more contemplating.

Hermione Granger collapsed on her king size bed in her hotel room. She had just did a mile run with her father in 2 ft of snow. Her dad was thrilled and said he would make the journey again in the evening. Hermione however vowed that she would never do that again. Christmas in Sweden was wonderful her parents spoiled her as usual. For Christmas she had received a first addition Mark Twain book. She also got her favorite gift of them all…money. With it came a promise that her mom would take her shopping first thing tomorrow morning. The only thing making Hermione a little sad was that she had a whole 2 days until she would be back in the burrow with her friends. She missed them all so much. Hermione was brought out of her thoughts when she heard knocking on her window.

A closer look revealed it wasn't knocking at all, but pecking. It was Hedwig, Harry's owl. Pig, Ron's owl was there too. She had already received Sweets from Remus and some sort of snapping journal from Hagrid, but these were the gift she was waiting on. Hermione opened the window to let the owls in.

"I'll think ill tend to you first Hedwig." She smiled as she relieved him of his burden and gave him a quick snack.

The first gift up was Eliza's. It was a Muggle make up kit. Attached to it was a note that read: "Not like you need this Hermione, cause you are already beautiful. But I thought it would be fun when we have our all girl sleepovers! But anyway I just wanna say thank you. I never had a girlfriend before, and now that I know you I don't need another one. You are the smartest sweetest girl I know, and you will always have a friend in me!- love Eliza"

Her first gift and Hermione already had tears in her eyes. She gave herself a moment and then started on Harry's gift. It was a book. But not just any book, it was a book on healing. Harry had actually listened when Hermione had said that she had made up her mind that she wanted to be a Healer once out of Hogwarts. "Hermione, I remembered you said you thought Healing would be a good career for you, and I agree. You sure do have the brains for it, but also you are gentle and caring enough too. Thanks for being my support all these years. I'm quite sure Ron and I both would have killed our selves if it wasn't for you miss Granger. You are the sister I never had and the friend I will always need, love ya- Harry"

Hermione never knew Harry could be so thoughtful. She had steady streams coming down her face now.

She then made her way over to Pig. She took the three gifts from him, and also gave him a snack for his trouble.

Mrs. Weasley had knitted her a sweater that was the ugliest shade of pink she had ever seen. Hermione just smiled and moved on to Draco's gift. It was and Encyclopedia.

"Well it's the thought that counts." She said out loud.

Hermione opened the encyclopedia and her mouth dropped. It was a Flamell Encyclopedia. This meant that it held every word ever created in every language ever spoken. Also it updated regularly so every time someone made up a word it was written in the book. "Granger, what better thing to give to a know it all then a book that knows it all. I found this in my fathers study, I'm sure he will have a fit when he realizes its gone. That's the added bonus I guess. Well just wanna tell you that you are all right, even if you are part Muggle. I'm glad you forgave me and I'm glad that you don't think I'm a total jerk. Hang on? Why am I thanking you? You should be thanking me, not to many girls can say that they are friends with a Malfoy-Draco

Hermione was stunned. If she had died right then it would have been the best day of her life.

She didn't know why but she was saving Ron's gift for last. It came in a small black box. Hermione had no idea what it could be. Hurriedly and clumsily she opened the tiny box. When she saw the beautiful broach she let out a loud scream. "Now you and I both know I can't afford this. I thought long and hard before I decided I wanted to give it to you. Draco bought it, and allowed me to give it to you. Mione, these are the things you deserve. And far be it for me to let pride get in the way and hold this from you. One day I hope I will be able to buy you these things, but for now this is what I had to do. I hope you aren't too mad with me or Draco, for once his heart was in a good place. Well the broach is beautiful but not as perfect as you. I love you Mione and can't wait till you are at the burrow with me! With all my love always-Ron"

Hermione must have reread that letter at least 20 times. How would she ever be able to thank Ron with out charging him and giving him a million kisses. Ron was more amazing than she thought. With that last thought Hermione bust out into full on sobs.

Christmas at Weasley town was too much for Draco. George was zooming through the house on his new battery operated broom. Angelina was nearly shagging Fred because of the gift he bought her (A Muggle Mercedes). Percy had gave every one 100 gallons, he snuck in an extra 200 for his younger sister. Draco grabbed Ron by the collar and persuaded him to go upstairs to open their gifts.

Draco went first opening Ron's gift first. It was a cross crudely handmade from copper and had a silver W in the middle of it. "Draco, I know this isn't the fancy stuff you are use to, but I thought you might like to have it. It's a Weasley cross. And even Harry doesn't have one. It's something that each Weasley child gets on their first Christmas. Seeing how Mom has taking a liking to you I thought they wouldn't mind if I gave you one. I guess what I'm trying to say is I think of you as a brother…an annoying bratty brother. But that's neither here nor there. Ok, that's all hope you like it- Ron"

Draco was in awe. Weasley thought of him as a brother. He was…what was this emotion he was feeling….touched? He looked up at Ron and just nodded respectfully. Next up was Granger. She had got him some Muggle cologne called "Obsession". "What do you get the wizard who has everything? Well you get him what you would like to see…or smell him in. I saw this in a Muggle Mall and when I smelled it I thought of you. I'm sure it will lure more unsuspecting girls to you Draco. (not like you need it). Nothing really to say except you are a witty charmer who I like much better as a friend than enemy. Your handsome and you know it, and as much as I hate that about you its quite sexy. Enjoy Malfoy-Granger"

Draco was actually blushing he could not wait to try it on. Granger thought he was sexy? Weasley better hurry up and make his move he thought to him self. Potter was next. He had gotton Draco a bewitched address book. Draco was glad, the one he had was running out of space. "This gift needs no explanation, so many girls so little space. I hope you put it to good use Malfoy, cause us good guys live though you. Glad I don't think of you as a ferret anymore. Well yes I do, just not an evil one. Just know that you have an ally for life and you can always count on me. Thanks for being honorable and just a good friend- Harry"

Next up was Eliza. Her gift was by far his favorite. It was an enchanted mirror. Every time you looked at it, it gave you a unique compliment. "Draco, my handsome lad I thought this was all you when I saw it. I'm sure you will get great use out of it. Really Draco what I want to say is thank you. Thank you for proving that a Slytherin can be honorable. Thank you for not letting me feel sorry for myself when I thought Harry didn't need me. Thank you for looking at me like I'm beautiful. Thank you for being a friend love. You mean more to me then I think you know. You are truly what every woman could wish to have, and I love you so much- Eliza"

Draco didn't speak for a while for fear his voice would crack. He had no idea he meant so much to Eliza, to all of them. Truthfully this was the first time Draco felt he truly belonged and no matter what happened after this, Draco always had his day.

Ron had meant to wait for Draco to finish but he couldn't. Before his friend was on his second gift Ron had started in on his. He opened up Draco's first. It was some Chocolate from Honey dukes, but it came with a certificate which stated that Ron had an unlimited supply of chocolate from the shop. He burst into a wide grin. "Thought this was perfect for you Weaselbe. Now maybe you won't eat your mom out of house and home. I suppose I should thank you for opening up your home to me, it's the first time I felt at home really. You are a good guy, and I can see why Potter puts up with you all this time. Glad I don't have to insult you anymore frankly I was running out. Hope to have many more Quidditch debates with you.-Malfoy"

Ron gave Draco a smile, and quickly moved on to Eliza's gift. I was a book on Muggle sports. Ron was confused, he didn't like books or Muggle sports. "Now Ron, before you toss the book in the corner, just read through it. I promise you will like it, Muggle sports aren't that bad you'll see. But moving on I just want to say thanks for being my brother and my protector. Your loving hugs have gotton me through more rough days then you know. I'm so lucky that you let me in you circle of people you care about. If you need anything let me know Ronald Weasley! I LOVE YOU-Eliza"

Ron was still skeptical about the book, but for Eliza he would try anything…once. Next he moved on to his best mate Harry. Harry too had elected for a book, but Ron was much happier about this one. It was a book dedicated to nothing but Quidditch Strategy. "Oy, mate I thought you could use this. Maybe now you will give poor Oliver a rest now. Ha. But anyway we are half way through another year and again I can't say I would have made it without you. You are my brother in every since of the word, and I am thankful for you everyday mate! Well here's to a new year of trouble-your best mate Harry"

Last was Hermione. Ron didn't know why but he was a little nervous about whatever it was. It came in a long skinny box, it looked like a broom case. But Ron knew it couldn't be that. Ron hungrily tore the wrapping off the gift. His mouth gave a high pitch yelp when he saw what it was. It was a broom! A brand new Firebolt 2004. Not the latest but surely the newest thing Ron had ever gotton. "Now Ron, Don't get mad at me. It really wasn't that expensive and its last years model so it's ok. Besides you really do deserve it Ron. You are way to talented to be riding on that old broom of yours, this one should elevate you even more. Besides it brings me joy to watch you play Quidditch, if it wasn't for you and Harry…and now Malfoy I guess, I would not enjoy that sport at all. You are my dearest friend Ron and I value your opinion and love. Thanks for always thinking of and about me-Love you more everyday-Mione"

Ron was taken aback. But he was far from mad at Hermione. It made him love her more. Without saying a word to Draco, Ron bolted downstairs and out into the yard to see just what his Firebolt could do!