"If Christmas had a heart, then why did he make me love you? We bend each other to the extreme, then find a way to make our love true. How simple it would be, to just up and leave this Christmas Eve. But I guess I'm just another victim, of the epic atrocity, known as Christmas love."

Celesta Granger sang over the radio as I sat in my bathtub, letting the warm water relax my skin. Draco was still asleep and Lucan was coiled around my towel rack, watching me. His eyes were wide, as if concerned. I sighed, shrugging at him.

"It's not every day you find out the being in your wound is the only thing keeping you alive."

No it wasn't. I splashed the water around me, deciding to set a few things straight for myself. One, I would do more research to find out about Fără A umbla and Mademoiselle Laureen. I found this rubbish as hard to believe as Draco did, and I'd been reporting long enough to know fact from fiction. Two, I wasn't going to worry myself about it too much. I had Potter's posse, Dad (apparently), Draco and the blond haired albino kid on the lift that saved me from Forester all protecting me. And tritely, I had to make sure the relationship Draco and I had lasted long enough for the baby to be protected by.

I sighed, rubbing my face. He lied to me, and me him. This entire thing screamed 'Travis!' all over again and I had to find a way to ensure myself that I wasn't going to make that same mistake. Especially while I was knocked up and in a life and death scenario as of three months ago.

"You should still be sleeping." I looked up as Draco walked into my bathroom in his boxers, sitting next to me at the bath. "Merry Christmas."

"Sure." I snorted as he kissed my neck, making me sigh. Damn that bastard. "Draco, no more lies."

"Tori, I didn't mean to hurt you"- I cut him off, looking at him firmly.

"I mean any lies. They just cause messes. Tell me the truth, no matter what." Draco nodded, running a hand through my hair. His eyes pierced me with a silent emotion I couldn't read. "What?"

"I told your mother we would come to her Christmas ball tonight."

I moaned, throwing my head back. Merlin, I wouldn't be able to survive- I sighed as I Draco slid behind me in the bathtub, leaning my head on his chest. I looked up at him, my eyes pleading.

"I can show symptoms of leukemia if it'll get me out of this bloody thing, Draco. I'm begging you."

"Tori, it takes me a week to make up with my parents after a dispute, max. You and your family… you are going to figure it out if I have to take inventory of every dispute still taking place and have the opposing parties play Quidditch just to settle it." I snorted at the thought of Dad on a broom. With how much he smoked, he wouldn't last a bloody minute. Draco rubbed my stomach and kissed me, his voice husky. "I'm up for partner."

I looked at him, smiling sincerely. "Is celebration in order?"

"Yes, bedroom now." I laughed as he started kissing me, pulling me up with him.

A couple hours later, Lucan was crawling between my legs. I looked under the blanket and saw my serpent protector huddling against my flesh, sighing as Draco rolled his eyes.

"I think Lucan's being neglected. He looks freezing."

"Your flat is drafty."

I ignored the comment, also noticing how small he was. "Guerrero said he'd be twice the size he was in Mexico. I'll take him with us tonight and have your Dad look at him."

Before Draco could reply, there were three loud pops. Lucan jumped and hissed, almost biting me. I glared at Daphne, Blaise and Theo Nott as I pulled the snake out from under the blanket.

"You lot realize I have this right called privacy!"

"Not when you stand me up, Tori." The fair skinned, black haired bloke had aged some. He walked over and kissed my cheek, looking down at Lucan's quivering body. "You do realize del Viajero are supposed to be in a warm climate. This bloke must be freezing."

"Thanks Nott. You two can talk later." Draco snapped, glaring at the trio. "Can you three leave the room so we can get bloody dressed!"

"Fine mate, don't lose your knickers." Daphne laughed at Blaise's pun. He turned to Nott as they walked out of my room, his tone a cocky one. "I told you they shagged more than you and Daphne during seventh year."

They left the room and closed the door as I rose, pulling on a pair of pants and a Weird Sister shirt I've owned since my sixth year. Lucan crawled around my neck trying to get heat. Once Draco was dressed, we walked out to my living room to see that the trio had made themselves at home. Daphne was sipping Butter beer while Nott and Blaise had Fire Whiskey in hand. Damn the temptation.

"So how have you two been?" Nott asked once Draco and I had sat down. Daphne took Lucan from me and let him slid under her skirt. Our old friend looked at Daphne and laughed. "Ah, some things never change, Greengrass?"

"Lucan might as well be my nephew with how Tori treats him."

"And Draco's the distant parent who lets the thing stay around because Tori had his wand in her hand." Blaise shot, winking at me.

I rolled my eyes, looking at Nott. "How've you been?"

"Good, I'm working at the Department of International Magical Cooperation. Still single, though I'm dating a slag named Cindy. She's the only girl I've met that my Dad doesn't hate entirely." Nott drained his glass, looking at me. "I hear little Astoria has become a dying celebrity for the Prophet. You're a political columnist prodigy that likes to attack your bloke's law firm, eh?"

After a complete update of everyone's lives, Nott proposed we go to lunch.

"Tori's packing two extra passengers and needs fuel. My Ellen's husband works for the Ministry's International Species Department and he'll be there. I'm sure he could help you with Lucan." The bloke put his hand on my shoulder and tried to touch Lucan before the snake hissed. I glared at the snake as Nott pulled back quickly, shrugging. "Better than any dog I've seen."

Lumino wasn't so much of a club but more so a social corner designed for a younger, school going crowd that would be going to Sheridan's in twenty years. There were a lot of hipsters and media addicted kids arguing over the upcoming ministry elections in Singapore.

"Cassoway will not win!" A blue haired punker argued with a red head bloke as we walked in.

"Yeah she will! Look at what Tael has done to the system since he's been co-chair of their Department of Crime Intervention!"

"And to think I thought I would avoid work related things in London." Nott joked, winking at me as found a table.

"I see." Frank Baddock, Ellen's husband, told me an hour later as he examined Lucan. His Asian accent was distinct: Japanese. The snake wiggled in his hands, annoyed by his touch. The serpent gave me a pleading look that made my heart sink. "Chemical poisoning for sure. It is causing symptoms of hypothermia and probably a decrease in appetite. With this species, it will also cause abnormal paranoia. It has claimed you?"

"Yeah, and there are no harsh chemicals in my flat that I know of. What do I do?" I was now concerned.

Frank spoke evenly, pulling out parchment and a quill. "You need to get him into an environment you are sure is clean. Since he has claimed you, you need to stay with him or he'll be too paranoid over your safety to rest. You need to also feed him by hand, four times a day and use this potion. The ingredients are complex to the basic witch or wizard."

"Father can probably do it. We'll go see him before your mother's ball." Draco told me, looking at the snake with concern. I nodded, biting my lip. Somehow, Lucan was dying and I hadn't realized it. Talk about being a horrible parental figure. Merlin better help my child.

"So you are going tonight then?" Daphne shot, happy.

"Yeah, Draco's forcing me to." I told her as Ellen brought us food. I sipped my apple juice once it was handed to me, sighing as Daphne smirked at Draco. "What?"

"Oh, nothing. Say, why don't you stay with Andy and I while Lucan"-

"No." Draco and I stated in unison. Nott raised a brow to me. Blaise squirmed uncomfortably. Daphne looked hurt. "Daphne, it's just not time."

"I'm marrying him in two months, Tori. When will it be time?" She snapped, her tone dark. The table suddenly went silent. I pursed my lips, feeling Lucan tense. "I've stood up against everyone who stated you were bonkers for keeping the baby and you do this to me?"

"Daphne, that's not fair." I snapped. Did she really think my arguments with Andy were similar to the situation Draoc and I was in?

"Ladies," Nott began with discomfort. His feelings were ignored as my sister continued.

"Is it? Life's never fair for you Astoria. You always have to be on the opposite side of some controversy just to make yourself look special."

That bloody bitch. "Sod off, Daphne. I'm not taking this in public."

"Have you ever considered the reason why everyone is so angry with you is because you are-wrong?" I rose and began to leave. Draco followed suit, pulling out a couple of Galleons. Nott shook his head, mouthing 'My treat.' "You went awl at work and you were supposed to be fired. You got knocked up and our parents are supposed to be upset"-

"Daphne, shut up!" Draco snapped, his tone a hiss. The witch went silent at his words. "You want to fight, do it in private. I know your family is probably the most dysfunctional one in popular society right now, but please contain the details until you aren't embarrassing yourself in front of old friends! Nott, it was nice seeing you. Have a good day everyone."

My bloke grabbed my arm and led me towards the door. As we passed their table, I stopped to look at the blue haired girl.

"If Cassoway wins, it'll be barely. Evidence just came up that he may have been a part of the financial conspiracy three months ago."

"Thank you!" The red head bloke stated, looking at the girl mockingly as I walked away. "Who was that witch, anyway?" A green haired wizard sitting next to him whispered and he swore. "No way, Astoria-bloody-Greengrass backed me up…"

"At least you have some fans." Draco commented as we disapparited. We appeared in Diagon Alley and headed to get the things on the list. "What are you wearing to your mother's ball? We can get something"-

"Draco, since we're being honest and all, I need to make a confession." I glanced at him as I spoke, my adrenaline still rushing. I took a breath and spat it out, tearing my pride. "I know I'm as broke as a hag right now, but I hate it when you constantly offer to cover me financially. It makes me feel like an infidel."

He was silent for a few seconds before speaking again. "If you would have told me sooner, I would have stopped."

I shrugged, sighing as we passed an ice cream shop. That was easy. "Money is just a touchy issue for me."

Draco nodded, stopping. He looked down at me, holding my cheek. "It makes me feel better to know I can take care of you. Financially and emotionally… at least I think I am."

I kissed him, sighing. "Among other things."

"Good." He kissed me three more times before we walked to get Lucan's potion ingredients.

"Virus Vigoratus? I've made it before. It takes about three hours to brew." Lucius informed us, taking the recipe and scanning it. We had told him and Narcissa about Frank's analysis and they became worried. "I can start it now. I want you two to stay here until we get to the bottom of this."

I nodded, not exactly thrilled. Lucius had apologized to me for what had happen the previous night we spent at Malfoy Manor, but it was hard to except the fact he wanted to "give me a chance" after all the things both he and his wife had said. Lucius asked that I follow him with Lucan so he could look at him also. I paced behind the long haired wizard up the grand staircase and to his study.

"Have you been feeling ill?" When I shook my head, he sighed. "I don't like you two living in your neighborhood, Astoria. I'm sure Draco's offered to have you move in with him"-

"Wasn't his flat attacked a few weeks ago, Lucius?" The wizard silenced for a few minutes as he pulled vial's out.

"You could always find a new residence to start off as a new couple." Lucan squirmed as Lucius went to touch him, leaping as he hissed. The wizard jumped back just in time to miss his attack. The snake slid back to me and up my leg, becoming tight around my knee cap. "Are you sure it is wise to go to your mother's ball with him like this?"

My eyes sparkled. "You think I should skip it to watch him?"

"He'll probably attack someone if you take him or go senile without you here."

"Lucius, I bloody love you!" I hugged the man, feeling his body tense in annoyance. I didn't care. I kissed his cheek and felt him cringe, pulling back with a smile. "I'll leave you to your"-

"Please do." He hissed, his eyes bulging at me.

Draco ended up staying in with me that evening. We sat in his parent's guestroom in comfortable silence, relief rushing through me as I finally hit the last chapter of my book. Snow was falling gently against the window and I'm eating caramel candies constantly. Lucan's relaxed enough now to be asleep, especially after taking the Virus Vigoratus serum. Draco had made it his job to feed him in fear my snake would bite me, falling in and out of sleep.

Around midnight Draco woke up and looked at me, sighing. "Merry Christmas."

"You've told me." I looked over at him with a smile when I saw him pull something from his pocket. He handed me a registry that had been sent from a baby shop in Diagon Alley. "What's this?"

"Mother's been busy. Your mother, Daphne and Pansy's mother have all signed it too. By the way, they're hosting a baby shower in March. I know, but just accept it. Please?" I sighed, holding in my sour remarks. He ran a hand through my hair and sighed. "It annoys me that it's Christmas and I didn't get you a present."

"You're taking care of my children." Draco snorted as I looked over at Lucan by my side, his sleep comfortable. I finished my book and put it down, sliding next to the Malfoy. He put a hand on my stomach and kissed me, sighing. I laughed, running a hand down his chest and letting it linger on his belt buckle. We were in his parents' house, sure, but they would be gone for a few more hours.

I levitated Lucan so that he laid on the nightstand. When it was obvious he was cold, I climb over Draco and straddled him, my kisses hard. I started working on the buttons on his shirt, gasping when his hands went up my shirt and caressed my nipples.

"Tease." I accused, biting his lip. He moaned, balling the back of my night shirt up in his hands. I started feeling slightly drunk when he moved a hand to my hair to pull it. "Bloody hell…"

Six consecutive pops from down the hall made me jump. There was a yelling match going on, and the voices were distinct. I slid off Draco and listened as he sat up, buttoning his shirt up. Lucan awoke and slithered back onto my arm, crawling up my shirt.

"Mum, Dad, Daphne, Narcissa, Lucius and… Andy?" Draco and I looked at each other and rose, walking to the hallway.

"Amy, for the beard of Merlin, she's carrying our grandchild!" Narcissa snapped, glowering at Mum. "My son's child is at stake here! It's not like I'm clapping my hands with excitement that she's part of our lives in this way!"

"You both know we have been trying to open communication with Astoria and you go and do this?" Mum shot, her face red in anger.

"Despite your attempts, Amethyst, this is still my house!" Lucius shot, his voice hot. "I would like all of you to leave this instant!"

Andy and Daphne stood behind the scene, whispering words I couldn't understand. He had a camera around his neck, having obviously been reporting on Mum's Ball. He looked up and his green eyes caught mine, angry. He jerked his head outside and held up an open hand, telling me to meet him outside in five minutes. I bit my lip, nodding. Daphne looked up at me, her face sad. I knew now was the time to face my ex-employer on the issues we had. My sister's marriage depended on it.

I turned to see Draco descending from our spot to assist his parents. Dad caught my eyes and I turned quickly before he could stop me, walking back to the room. I closed the door, my emotions going crazy. Lucan tightened onto my arm and I took him off, putting him on the bed when I summoned my cloak.

"I can't take you outside. You'll die." I told him as he looked at me darkly. "I'll be back soon."

There was a knock on the door as I clasped my cloak.

"Astoria let me in." I ignored my father, deciding dealing with Andy was more important. "Astoria, please; let me in!"

I disapparated and appeared by Malfoy's old fountain, Andy already there. He was alone and blowing on his hands to keep warm. I walked to him, letting my hood fall down when I felt the wind was light. He turned when he heard me, his face pale and bags under his eyes.

"You should put a cloak on. It's freezing out here." Andy pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to me. It was a letter from Asher Washburn addressed to me. "What the hell… did you intercept my mail?"

"Daphne snagged it when she was at your house earlier today. I didn't need to open it to know you're two-timing me."

I shook my head. "Andy, the closest I've come to Washburn is that I spoke to his son at Flourish and Blotts a few days ago. I'm not interested in working for him."

"How stupid do I look, Astoria?" Andy shook his head, rolling his eyes. "You know what I think? I think Malfoy convinced you to drop us and work for a newspaper in Schwinger's pocket. I swear, I thought you weren't like your father"-

-"Draco had nothing to do with me leaving the Prophet! Hell, neither did I! You were the one who sacked me"-

-"You walked on me the day you were supposed to publish the Bembarskie report after fighting me all week! I can't hold different ethics toward you because you're my fiancées sister"-

Did he really think she was that stupid? "Andy, Gerard told me!"

Andy's face was red and he stopped speaking to look confused. "Told you what?"

"That day in the lounge, he told me the truth." I told him, feeling my stomach turn. Merlin help me. Andy still looked dumbfounded and I felt a rush of anger erupt in my esophagus. "He told me you loved me, you son-of-a-bitch!"

Andy's eyes widened in realization and shock. I bite my lip, feeling ten again. We stood facing each other, the silence colder than the weather could ever get. Then all of a sudden Andy when red and was laughing. It took me a few moments to realize how he was reacting. Now I was confused.

"Andy… what in the bloody"-

"Gerard is so…bad at….me! It's…." Andy gasped, sitting on the edge of the fountain as he laughed. "No wonder… he failed at the political column… You… me… love… tell me you- you thought I was seriously in love with you?"

"No Andy, I haven't talked to you for month because I wanted to go along with the bloody punch line!" Andy stared at me, realization hitting me. I rubbed my face as I began to cry, wanting to hit him. "Andy… what?"

"Oh Tori… this is my fault." Andy rose and grabbed my hand, leading me to sit down. He held my hand, sighing as he spoke. "Gerard was in my office that week you and I were at each others throats and I was venting to him. I told him that 'I would sack you if I didn't love you so much'. I said it meaning that I loved you like you were my little sister. He must have misunderstood me entirely."

"You mean… you're not in love with me, so you're in love with Daphne?"

"These hormones must be taking a toll on you." Andy nodded, pushing my hair out of my face as I cried. "Conceitedness and all. Tori, why would you think it was any other?"

"What happened last Christmas"-

-"bloody hell, woman… Tori, what happened between us last Christmas was entirely drunken stupor and need to feel good"-

"Then why do you avoid talking about it?" Andy looked me in the eye, sighing. "It makes it so much worse, Andy."

The Scottish man took a breath before speaking.

"Because I feel like it was my fault. I wasn't supposed to be drinking so much that night, Tori, Ministry regulations. I knew you were having issues because of the Cuban bastard and- I feel like I let you down, and that I've performed some sort of incest. And worse of all… it was great shagging, I know that much." Andy sighed, being his normal awkward self when it came to personal issues. "I love you sister so much Astoria that it kills me. My parents are at our place, making every comment they can about how high maintenance and spoiled she is, but I can't drop her. I just can't"-

"Sort of like how I can't leave Draco." Andy sighed, his green eyes hardening. "Andy… I'll be with him as long as it happens. I don't know why we fit like we do, but it's just happening. If we end up breaking up and sharing custody of the baby, Merlin be it. But for now… I care for him, and he me. Or else he wouldn't be trying so hard."

Andy relaxed, staring at the lanai of Malfoy Manner. "If he cheats on you like Travis or ever touches you in the wrong way, his parents will be hosting a funeral here. Understand?"

"If you ever break Daphne, or she you; I'll cover you with silver watches and stick Lucan on you."

"Deal." Andy smirked as he hugged, looking around. "It's cold. We should go inside."

"Okay." I nodded as we worse, arm in arm. The wizarding version of Bonnie and Clyde were back.