A/N: I AM SO SORRY! Our teachers literally bombarded us with schoolwork! Homeworks here, projects there, and there's the Julius Caesar play. But finally, exams are over! We're free (for now) and so I finally found the time to finish this.

Anyway, you know the drill. I don't own anything aside from the children and a new character (guess who!). Forgive the mistakes I made. I won't hold you back any longer. READ AND THEN REVIEW!

Days passed by quickly, and before anyone knew it, December had arrived. The grounds were covered in snow and no one ever dared to leave their dormitories without at least their coats and scarves. In fact, the Infirmary had to double their production of Pepperup Potion to accommodate all the students who were down with colds and flu. However, the thought of the Holidays was enough to warm up the students' moods. There were just some students who seemed unenthused to go home for Christmas.

"Why does time have to fly so bloody fast?" Hades grumbled as he drank from his goblet one chilly morning. Tasting its content, he spewed it back out. "Why the bloody hell does this contain milk? Apollo, you need this, you're a growing boy."

Apollo stared right back at him. "I am already a grown boy, in case you failed to notice. Poseidon," placing the goblet into his hands, "you need this since you're the growing boy." Poseidon glowered at him, but took it nonetheless. Turning to Hades, Apollo asked, "That's the second time you've said 'bloody hell' today, and that's a record for you. What's with you today?"

"Don't you see? It's only weeks before the Holidays, and still we haven't done anything about our plan! This is a hopeless case, I'm afraid," he sighed.

"You give up easily, dear brother," Apollo said. "I've got it all figured out, and you are our key to make this work to our favor."

"How is he going to do that, exactly?" Artemis, who had just arrived, asked as she took her usual seat beside him.

"Well, I've been hanging out in the library for the past couple of weeks," At this, his siblings gaped at him, but he didn't seem to notice. "And I noticed that Professor Parkinson is always there. She looks like she's doing a research of some sort. She even went inside the Restricted Section a few times. I think she needs some help, and who better to do it than our resident model student?"

"Okay, that makes some sense, but how do we go about it?"

"Right, huddle in and I'll tell you the finer points of my plan."

"Hade," Elise started as they were walking to the library. "I noticed Apollo's been visiting the library. What's happened to him? Maybe he'd better have a lie-down."

"Really?" Hades asked innocently. "Maybe he's starting to find comfort in books."

"That'd only happen when I start seeing pigs fly," she snorted. Hades opened the door to the library and she entered. "Look, he's here again!"

True enough, he saw Apollo seated on a desk, seemingly engrossed with the book in his hands. Hades had to contain his smirk; he had to admit Apollo was a convincing actor.

Turning to Elise, he said, "Why don't you find us some seats? I need to talk to brother dearest." Elise nodded and walked away. He approached Apollo and tapped him at the back. Apollo casually turned his head to his direction.

"Took you long enough," Apollo said. "She's in Charms section. You know what to do?"

"Yeah. Wish me luck." With that, he turned to proceed to Charms section. He immediately began scanning books when he saw her. He walked closer, and closer, and closer, until…

BAM!

"Oh I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed, picking up the books now scattered on the floor. Phase One is now in full swing…

"I-It's alright," Professor Parkinson said. When she looked up to see who bumped into her, she added, "Mr. Malfoy, you seem to have developed the habit of your brother that is crashing into me."

"I'm really sorry, Professor. I was overly absorbed in my own world for a while there," Hades replied.

"Yes, so I noticed. Anyway, no harm done," Professor Parkinson said, taking the books from his arms. He didn't give it to her.

"Let me help you with these, Professor," he said. "I really insist."

Professor Parkinson eyed him skeptically, as if making out what his motive was. He gave her his most innocent smile. After a few moments, she nodded.

"Alright, then. If you really insist."

As they walked out of the library, they passed by where Apollo was seated. They shared a knowing look, then Apollo gestured to something behind him. Quirking an eyebrow, he turned to see Elise approaching him.

"What took you so long? Where are you going?"

"I'll be back in a jiffy. I just need to help Professor Parkinson with these," he said, motioning to the stack of books in his arms.

"Alright, then, but hurry. I still can't make out that bloody Potions essay."

Nodding, he turned to follow Professor Parkinson, who was waiting for him at the door. They proceeded along the corridor without a word and only the sounds of their footsteps could be heard. And now, for the million-galleon question…

"Professor," he suddenly said. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you going to do for the Holidays? Aside from checking papers, that is."

"To tell you the truth, I also don't know myself."

"Haven't you got any family to go to?"

"I suppose I could visit my brother," Hades noticed that her voice quavered when she mentioned her brother. Apparently, he had touched a nerve. "But aside from that, and checking papers, I think I'll be staying here for the rest of the vacation."

"I don't mean to sound forward, Professor, but there's an annual Christmas dinner at out house and I- well, I was wondering if you could join us for that evening."

"I don't- Does your father know about this?"

"Erm-well, he'll be alright with it, I suppose. But please, Professor, I can't bear the thought that you'd spend Christmas alone. Hasn't Professor Zabini mentioned it, the dinner?"

"He has, but I don't think I should go. Your father doesn't even know. And besides, it seems rude to intrude. It's a family affair, after all."

"Professor, I assure you, you are most welcome." They had already reached the office. He laid the papers on the desk carefully. "Father won't be too much of a problem. And it's not so much of a family thing. The Potters, Weasleys, Zabinis and some more family friends will be coming over; it's not intruding at all. So, will you come?"

She hesitated to answer for a minute. What if he was not alright with her coming? What is this boy playing at in the first place? But, then again, she was invited and she didn't have anything else to do. Why not give it a try?

"Alright then, Mr. Malfoy, I'll go. But promise me that you will inform your father as soon as possible. Do we have a deal?"

He nodded. "Thank you, Professor, you don't know how much this means to us," he said before bolting out the door with only one thought in mind: Phase One complete!

Apollo hummed a lively Christmas tune as he walked to the Great Hall for lunch. Now that Hades had done what he was supposed to, he was sure she'd agree to come. He knew he looked like a lunatic, smiling without any reason at all, but he didn't care. Now was the time to celebrate. Apollo Malfoy, you are one wise matchmaker, he thought smugly. Upon entering the Hall, he immediately went to the Slytherin table and sat on his usual seat beside Artemis.

"What is wrong with you guys?" he said when he saw his siblings' pensive expressions. "Come on, we should celebrate!"

"And what, pray tell, is the occasion? Has Lillian agreed to go out with you yet?" Poseidon asked.

Apollo rolled his eyes. "Phase One is already in motion, and I have every reason to believe that it, along with the rest of our plan, will be a major success."

"I'd like to hear you say that after you read this," Artemis said, motioning to the letter in her hand.

"What's this?"

"It's a letter from Dad. Go on, read it."

Apollo took out the letter from the envelope and began to read:

Dearest children,

I hope you're doing well, especially in your studies. I apologize for not writing to you for so long. I have been very busy with work, among other things. I promise I will make it up to you when you go home for the Holidays.

I will be waiting for you at Platform 9 ¾. I also have a surprise for you, so prepare yourselves (Just kidding. It's nothing grave. However, I am eagerly looking forward to tell it to you guys.).

Love always,

Dad

"So?" Apollo looked at his siblings. "I still say our plan will most definitely work."

"Don't you see? It-"

"Hey guys!"

Artemis was cut off by Hades, who had just arrived. Apollo diverted his attention to him, and so did the rest.

"Well? How'd it go?" Apollo asked.

"It was a success, of course. She promised she'd come to Christmas dinner."

"See, I told you. Things are working out to our advantage. No need to fret, really."

"Yes, well, my point is, something else might catch our dear father's attention on that day, or rather, someone," Artemis said. Hades looked mildly confused.

"Wait, wait," Hades interjected. "What are you talking about?"

Artemis snatched the letter from Apollo's hand and gave it to him. "Read," she said sternly. Hades' eyes swept through the letter, and when he was done, he bore the same contemplative expression his siblings had earlier.

"Oh, come on!" Apollo exclaimed. "You can't be pessimistic now. Not now that our plan is already underway."

"I'm just thinking, they may be right. I mean, with Father having a girlfriend and all, it might be a problem," Hades said.

"Exactly," Poseidon nodded. "Which is why we need to think of a back-up plan, just in case Plan A fails."

"Don't worry," Apollo said brightly. "It will work out. I'm sure of it."

"There's still the matter of telling Dad about her coming to the dinner," Hades said.

"What?"

"Professor Parkinson wants me to owl Dad informing him that I invited her."

"Mates, you're making a big deal out of nothing. We don't have to tell him." Artemis opened her mouth to argue, but he raised his hand to stop her. "Just trust me on this, alright?"

The foursome made their way through the throng of students in Platform 9 ¾. Finally, vacation is here. At least two weeks of no homework. This is the life. Craning their necks, they saw their father emerge from the barrier to King's Cross. They immediately went to greet him.

"Dad!"

"Thank Merlin I wouldn't have to look for you in this crowd," Draco said. "Come on, let's get out of this madness." With a wave of his wand, the children's trunks vanished. Placing his arms around Artemis and Poseidon, who were beside him, they walked to the fireplaces.

"Dad, where are we going?" Artemis asked.

"Do you remember the surprise I mentioned in the last letter I sent you? We're going there now," Draco replied, taking a pinch of Floo powder from his pocket. "We're going to Diagon Alley. Hades, Poseidon, you go first."

The two stepped into the fireplace, took a pinch of Floo powder, and shouted, "Diagon Alley!". They were gone in a burst of green flames. He looked at the remaining two and jerked his head, motioning them to follow suit. Apollo looked at him, eyebrow raised. He raised his eyebrow in return.

"What?"

"You're really excited about this 'surprise' of yours, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am. Now go in already."

"Alright then," Apollo replied, and stepping into the fireplace with Artemis, did the same thing the first two did. Draco also followed, and he was gone in a burst of green flames.

"So, Dad, where exactly are we going?" Hades asked as they walked along Diagon Alley.

"You'll see," Draco said with a smile. He led them to Florean Fortescue's where they usually ate. The children were surprised when he went past the parlor and entered the restaurant beside it. The children halted in their tracks and shared confused looks.

"The Four-Leaf Clover?" Poseidon said. "But we haven't eaten here for years!"

"Not since Mum died, I know," Artemis said sadly. "This was her favorite restaurant. But why would Father suddenly want to dine here?"

Apollo opened his mouth to say something, but he was cut off by Draco, who peered outside to check on them.

"What are you still doing there?" Draco asked. "Come on in, I know we're all anxious to grab a bite."

"Dad, are you sure about this?" Hades asked. "We haven't been in this place for years, and-"

"I'm sure. Now come on, I believe the food has been served."

The restaurant hadn't changed one bit, the children noticed. Aside from the new mahogany floorboards (it used to be oak), everything was how it was five years ago. They followed Draco to the private parlor they always used to occupy. They expected it to be empty, but instead someone already occupied it. A woman.

"Er, Dad… I think we're in the wrong room," Artemis muttered.

"No, we're not," Draco replied, closing the door behind them. The woman stood up and smiled at him. He smiled back. The children only exchanged looks which clearly said: What the hell is going on!

"Serena, these are Hades, Apollo, Artemis and Poseidon, my children," Draco introduced them, waving his hand to their direction as he said their names. He took a sharp breath before continuing.

"Children, this is Serena Knight, my fiancée."

A/N: CLIFFY! So, what do you think? REVIEWS PLEASE!