Draco exited the Room of Requirement for the last time before the holidays. He had finished the repairs not a moment too soon. Today he would be leaving Hogwarts for Christmas break and he couldn't be more ready. Potter and Weasley had been too busy to notice his absences thanks to Hermione's false attempts on Dumbledore. He suspected there was more to it but he couldn't be sure. He hadn't had another encounter with Luna but he had run into Neville and Ginny. He knew they were Hermione's allies and he had gotten the Slytherins to ease up on them a little. Not so much to be obvious to others, but enough that the three teenagers noticed.
His luggage was already packed and sent home by the elves, so Draco made his way to the train station, careful not to slip this time. He had seen Potter laugh at him last time and didn't want to give the boy the satisfaction again. He was more composed this year but it had been difficult to remain that way. Weasley had been horrible this year and Draco wanted nothing more than to hex the fool. He had refrained, knowing it would only make him a target of the two. Draco sat in an empty compartment, resting his head against the wall and closing his eyes. The cold seeped through the walls of the train and it felt soothing. He couldn't wait to be back home with his family.
"Hello, Draco. Do you mind if I sit with you?" a whimsical voice asked.
"Go ahead, Luna, I don't mind. How are you?" Draco opened his eyes, tilting his head to look at the witch.
"I can't seem to find a pair of my shoes but other than that I'm fine. How are you?" Luna sat across from him, staring at the wall just above Draco's head but he didn't mind.
"Glad to be going home for the holidays. I could really use the break."
"I understand. You have a lot on your shoulders, it's only natural. I must say I was a bit surprised at the new Potions professor. He doesn't seem to be all there."
If Draco was unfazed he didn't show it, merely replying, "Indeed. I'm not sure how Potter managed to do so well this far."
"He has Snape's textbook. Dumbledore needs something from him."
"Who?"
"Professor Slughorn, of course."
Draco nodded, allowing them to fall into a comfortable silence. Luna was the only one of Hermione's allies at Hogwarts that could really talk to the Slytherin. No one questioned her because no one really understood her reasoning. If Ginny or Neville had been seen regularly talking to Draco, it would have aroused suspicion but Luna was unseemly and strange. Besides, she talked to almost anyone. Draco enjoyed her company, the unpredictable conversation. She challenged his train of thought in ways no one else did, constantly keeping him on his toes. The train ride passed quickly, the two students enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
"Will you tell Hermione we all say hello? We haven't been able to talk to her."
"Sure Luna. Have a happy Christmas. Stay safe," Draco said, watching as the blonde left the compartment. She hadn't been carrying any luggage so he figured it must be somewhere else. The train rolled to a stop and Draco rose, stepping off the train and onto the platform. Spotting his mother, he weaved through the crowd with a small smile. His father tapped Narcissa's arm, pointing him out to her. She smiled, briefly embracing him, but keeping it short because she didn't want to embarrass him. Narcissa held out her arm, waiting until Draco and Lucius's hands grabbed it. They Apparated to the Manor, to find Hermione and Bellatrix waiting for them in the foyer.
"Welcome home, Draco," Narcissa said as reoriented.
"It's nice to have you home, Draco," Hermione said, hugging the young wizard.
"It's wonderful to be home. I just wish it wasn't so short. Your friends say hello, Hermione."
"Not to worry. We just have to finish the plan." Bellatrix hugged her nephew, patting his shoulder.
"Speaking of, Hermione and I should get to work. We'll see you at dinner," Draco said, dragging Hermione to the drawing room. He paused in the doorway, catching sight of the dragon perched on the couch. He flinched as it flew toward them, chirping excitedly. It perched on Hermione's shoulder, examining him curiously.
"This is Kyndet. He's my familiar. Bellatrix's too. He won't hurt you," she said, scratching his head. Kyndet's golden eyes examined him as he reached out to touch the dragon's head. It was rough and scaly but not unpleasant to touch and warmer than he thought it would be. Kyndet chirped, pushing his head toward Draco.
"Hello Kyndet. Nice to meet you," Draco said nervously. He held his breath as the dragon pushed his nose against his cheek, feeling it twitch as he sniffed.
"He says it's nice to meet you, too."
"That's so cool," Draco whispered, relaxing as he grew more used to the dragon. They sat in front of the cabinet, Kyndet between them as they discussed ideas. The magic was stronger since there was no more physical damage to repair. They didn't know how much they would have to do before they could transport people but they certainly didn't want to mess up. They would need to take it slow so it was repaired properly.
"He is calling. Come on, it must be time for the meeting," Hermione said, holding her arm out for Draco. He took it, the sensation of Apparating overtaking them. They appeared in the dining room of Hermione's island home, taking seats at the table with the other followers. Bellatrix's hand sought Hermione's, fiddling with the ring on her finger. Hermione felt a surge of nervousness, remembering the conversation she had with Narcissa. She just needed to ask but it was terrifying, even when she knew Bellatrix would say yes.
"Welcome, all. Hermione, a progress update?" the Dark Lord spoke. He was less snake-like in appearance, more human looking than he had been. His skin wasn't as grey and see-through, either, it was more of a natural color and had gained opacity.
"Both of the Vanishing Cabinets have been physically restored. Draco and I will be working to make transporting people safe."
"Excellent. I have an announcement to make. It is critical that we gain control of the Ministry and Hogwarts simultaneously, which is why we will be attacking on two fronts. There are a number of people within the Ministry that are waiting for the order. Bellatrix and Hermione will be leading the attack on the school and Lucius will be leading the Ministry attack. When the cabinet is repaired, we will strike. Any questions?"
"My Lord, what of the Order?" Snape asked.
"Once Dumbledore is dead, they will be without leadership. Even if they rally against us, we will be victorious. Their numbers are too small at this point to be a threat."
"My Lord, where will you be during the attacks?"
"Once Dumbledore is out of the picture, I will initiate Potter in the final battle. A new age is almost upon us! We must prepare." The Dark Lord was met with cheers of agreement from his followers. The war had been hard on all of them, especially when they did not have the direction they did now. "If there is nothing more, you are dismissed," he said, watching as his followers began to disperse, "Hermione, please stay."
"My Lord?" she asked, returning to her seat. Bellatrix did not join them, understanding the unstated request for them to be alone.
"I was approached by an intriguing pair of twins while exploring the library at your castle. It seems they wish to help by developing new equipment. I wish for this to be a Christmas present for my Death Eaters, will you help them?"
"Of course, my Lord. I have almost discovered a way to re-bind your soul without killing Nagini."
"Wonderful!" the Dark Lord clapped his hands together, a smile on his face. It looked more natural now that his features had taken on a more human quality.
"Consider it my Christmas present to you, my Lord."
"Thank you, Hermione. You may go. Enjoy your time with your family before things truly begin."
"Thank you, my Lord. I would not have them without you." Hermione rose, turning on her heel and Apparating to the dining room to have dinner with her family. It was reminiscent of the first dinner she had ever shared with them. They talked, joked, and laughed, enjoying each other. Andromeda and Tonks had joined them, making the family completely whole for the first time.