A/N: Not sure how I'm feeling about this story… oh well, guess we will see.

Draco sat on the edge of his double bed, rubbing the silent tears from his eyes. He hated everything right now, absolutely everything. He hated that despite how hard he was trying to ignore everything going on around him that there was a nagging feeling of loneliness. He hated that despite how hard he tried, he could not stop the few stray tears that leaked from his eyes when he found himself in his room. He hated the small room he was confined in when he wasn't in classes. He hated the itchy clothes that felt like burlap against his skin and didn't fit quite right. He hated Hermione Granger for getting herself captured and not being more careful when she knew, KNEW, the risks that she had associated with herself for being boy wonders friend and of lesser blood. And last but certainly not least, he hated that despite earlier notions about being home for Christmas, he really wished he was going somewhere, anywhere outside of the walls of the large castle that now seemed so claustrophobic.

The entire situation was mentally draining.

He picked up the letter he had received once again and felt a bubble of rage. It was bad enough that he had always felt more like a tool to his father rather than a son, but to know that a man that sired you would gladly give you up to a madman made him feel physically sick and while he knew he never stood a chance if it became a choice between Voldemort and himself, it was an insulting kick to the gut to see it in black and white, written and not longer just a thought.

He had received the letter a day ago during breakfast and seeing the familiar seal of his family crest set off warning bells in his head. Knowing better than to just open it, he gave it to Dumbledore to be checked before actually touching it with his fingers, choosing to wrap it in a napkin until deemed safe.

Once Dumbledore cleared it as safe, he opened it with weary fingers, wanting to know what it said, but not wanting to either. He knew his father, better than most, and he knew that anything could be written there. He scanned the missive, crunching the envelope in his fist before passing it to Dumbledore who read it with a sigh:

Dearest Draco,

I hope this letter finds you well. I cannot begin to tell you of the disappointment I feel that you have once again failed a task that would have put you in higher standing with our lord.

However, he understands that you are young and has told me that you would be welcome back into his ranks.

Come home for Christmas and we will have everything set to right.

Your father

LM

Did his father take him for an idiot? Draco shook his head knowing that he would have been killed the second he stepped foot at the manor and he was sure the letter was the main reason that he was feeling so… angry with everything.

He looked the letter over once more before throwing it away, he was tired of thinking about it and refused to keep something that made him feel so low.

He kicked off his shoes and laid back on the bed, it was Christmas Eve and he for one, was not feeling the Christmas spirit in the least.

HG/DM

Draco woke up the next morning and groaned. It was Christmas and he really wanted no part in it, not that he would anyways because he was alone, but he dreaded the cheerful atmosphere that was no doubt waiting for him beyond the walls of his room. But there was nothing for it because he knew that no matter how bad he wanted to stay in his room, he was starving and needed food.

He sat up and made for the bathroom when he caught a golden glitter out of the corner of his eye. Turning fully, he noticed a small pile of gifts and he was torn between wanting to open them and stomping them until they were unrecognizable.

He sat back down and just stared at the pile, deciding what option was best.

He didn't know how to feel about them. He knew that someone, probably Dumbledore, had felt bad for him and probably took the time to get him something, but did he want pity presents? And there looked to be around six gifts, surely Dumbledore wouldn't have gone that far. He probably convinced the other professors to get him something too.

He sighed; deciding that it was at least worth a look, if nothing else he could just toss them in the rubbish and be done with the whole situation.

He walked over to the small pile and sat down, noticing that upon closer inspection, at least three were from a single source due to the matching wrapping paper. He reached for the gift wrapped in red first. Looking at the small tag he learned it was from Gryffindor's head of house.

He was having trouble opening it, not because of how it was wrapped, but because it all seemed so surreal now. Had you told him that he would be receiving gifts from Gryffindor's, he would have sent you packing to St. Mungos. It was an odd, unspoken thing that just didn't happen, but then again, nothing was normal about his new situation.

Taking a deep breath, he slowly ripped the paper away from the small box and lifted the lid. He reached in and pulled out a stationary set, an expensive one by the looks of it, and while one time he would have frowned at the simple gift, he appreciated it more than he ever thought he would.

He reached for the green one next, knowing it was a book by the shape of it and almost had a heart attack when he saw it was from none other than Harry Potter. Merlin's balls this was turning out to be an odd day. He open the note first that simply stated 'Thank you and Happy Christmas' signed with the name Harry Potter.

The book was the most recent copy of Quidditch through the ages and again, as simple as it was, he found it meant something to him, like another step to rebuilding a new life. It was a possession now, something he lacked since leaving everything behind at Malfoy manor.

Setting that aside, he passed over the three matching gifts and went for the darker green package that had little golden snitches flying around, spelling out 'Happy Christmas.' He knew by the tag that it was from Dumbledore. It was heavy and wasn't really the gift you could hold up and shake. He ripped the paper and found it was a new cauldron which thrilled him because the schools extra cauldrons were shit and hardly acceptable to make a passing potion in.

He then reached over and grabbed the closest gift wrapped in gold paper. There was a small tag that simply read HG. He would have been an idiot to not know who those were from. He should have known that she would go above and beyond with more than one gift, bloody over achiever.

He ripped the paper and found a black leather book, a journal to be specific. He grimaced at first, journals were a girl thing, but he disregarded that thought and opened it to the first page where the little ribbon marker was. He wasn't surprised to see writing there and sat back to read the neat handwriting.

Malfoy,

I know this is an odd thing, receiving anything from me, but again I want to thank you for what you did and as glad as I am that you did it, I know it came at a great cost to you.

We are both trying to adjust to a new life and it's not been easy for me but I have found that writing down thoughts and feelings help a great deal in learning how to handle things. I hope the same holds true for you.

I have the matching journal to this set and, well, if you ever want to talk to me, all you have to do is tap the cover twice and I will get the message. The same stands for my journal. I really don't expect you to use that option but know the offer is there.

Sincerely

HG

He sighed, she was right, he couldn't imagine using that little perk, but still, a journal might help.

He reached for the second and found a new set of robes inside, not as high quality that he would have bought for himself, but far better than the scruffy ones he had been wearing that was donated to him through the school.

The third and final gift was by far the oddest wrapped. He knew it was probably the first one he should have opened, but he had to admit he wasn't ready for what was inside. The box was large, the largest of them all, and had holes cut out all over the box. Whatever was inside was alive.

He stood and walked over to the gift, not wanting to jostle it too much because he didn't want to hurt whatever was inside. He took a deep breath and carefully pulled the paper from the top and opened the box slowly.

Peering in, he noticed a set of small green eyes looking back at him. He reached inside and pulled out a small black kitten that was watching him with curiosity. He had never owned a cat before and wasn't sure what to think about the creature.

DM/HG

Hermione had woken up with a feeling of indifference. It was the first Christmas without her parents and it just didn't feel quite right. She knew it would take time to adjust, but the idea that she wasn't home with her parents unsettled her now that Christmas had actually arrived.

She got up from her bed and went straight for the bathroom, not quite ready to open the pile of gifts that waited for her under her small tree that she had transformed from a drawing.

It was odd, being alone during Christmas, but it was better for her this way, at least this year. She couldn't imagine having Christmas at the burrow, not that she didn't love the Weasleys, but she didn't want to bring everyone down the drain with her for what she knew was going to be an emotionally trying day nor did she want to look at many faces filled with pity. No, seclusion with the exception of meal time was what she needed, at least for today.

After washing her face, she walked slowly towards the gifts that were waiting. She sat down in front of the pile, crossed her legs, and reached for the first one.

The first was from Harry, a set of 5 books that were a complete series about a witch named Agatha and her journey to becoming a skilled witch. Agatha was a witch that just couldn't seem to do anything right, always mucking up spells or ruining potions. But she was an underdog and Harry knew Hermione was always routing for the underdog and was sure she would like the books.

The second gift was from Ron. It was a necklace with a small golden heart, outlined with tiny faux rubies. It was a beautiful necklace and she would wear it, but she knew that he was reading too much into their friendship and would need to discuss that particular situation with him. She just didn't feel that way with him no matter how bad she wished she did. Things would be so easy if she had.

The next gift was from Molly, a knitted sweater with a large 'H' sewn into the front. She smiled at it knowing that she would just add it to the collection.

Ginny sent her a basket filled with scented soaps and bath tonics. Normally she would have been reluctant to use such things, but things were different now and she knew that Ginny had searched high and low for scents that she knew she would use.

Her head of house sent her an advance book on transfiguration that she had been wanting for a while. It was expensive and as much as she wanted it, she couldn't imagine spending that much money on herself for a single book. She kind of felt guilty that someone else had done it for her.

And the last thing she reached for was a large envelope from Dumbledore. She had a feeling she knew what it was and if she was right, the gift would be bitter sweet.

She slowly tore the top of the envelope and reached inside with shaky fingers, grasping the single piece of paper inside and pulling it out.

She glanced at it and was happy and sad at the same time, she had been officially adopted by the Weasleys because she would not be of legal age until September 19th of the following year and with the war looming in the background, all minors needed an adult guardian. The Weasley's were more than happy to take her on and she was thankful but it didn't ease the ache that was forming heavier in her heart. She shouldn't have needed this, she had parents.

She stared at the document a little longer, running her fingers across the ink of Molly and Arthurs signatures. She was a Weasley by legal means now.

She slipped the paper back inside its envelope and sat back on her small couch as the tears started to fall. Life was just too hard sometimes and there were certain situations that a child should never have to go through and Christmas without parents was one of those things.

DM/HG

Draco had left his room to go eat breakfast. He had to admit that while he still had a million things running through his mind, he felt lighter somehow, like all was not lost. He never imagined that a few gifts would make him feel, well, happy, especially the small kitten that he was reluctant about at first.

After pulling the kitten out, he sat it down and just looked at it. He didn't have the foggiest of ideas of what to do with it. He watched as it walked around his room, exploring everything it could find before it jumped up on his bed and sat next to him, looking at him with curiosity.

He flinched a little when the kitten leaned forward and sniffed his arm before head butting him showing him affection. That simple act left him smiling and reaching out to pet the little fur ball.

When he finally reached the Great Hall, he noticed how few people had really stayed behind, maybe twenty including the staff. He scanned the small table, looking for Granger as he had questions about the kittens care, but she wasn't there.

"Did you open your gifts?" Dumbledore asked as he walked up behind the blond.

Draco nodded, "yes, they were a good surprise." He said honestly, "I wasn't expecting them."

"It's Christmas, Mr. Malfoy, everyone like to see a little something waiting for them when they wake up." He said with a smile.

Dumbledore scanned the table and also noticed Hermione wasn't there.

"Sir, Is Granger here still? Or did she leave? I have a few questions for her about a gift she gave me."

"She is here, in her room I would guess." He paused, "The kitten right?"

"Yes, I have no clue what to do with it." He answered, "Father never let me have any pets, not that I really had time for one, but I'm – I guess I'm actually clueless about it."

Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, she was a bit unsure about that one, came to me after she bought it to see if I thought it was a good idea." Dumbledore grinned, "She picked out a cute one, that's for sure."

Cute? Malfoys didn't do cute, but under the circumstance, he couldn't think of another word that suited the kitten.

"Might I suggest going to her room to talk with her? I'll send food up for the both of you."

Draco was hesitant about that. He didn't really know the girl and showing up to her room of all people seemed very awkward.

"Are you sure that is a good idea? We haven't exactly been the best of friends over the years."

Dumbledore clapped Draco on the shoulder, "Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Granger, like you, is having a hard time this Christmas. And considering the circumstance of what led both of you to your current situations, I would think conversation with someone who is experiencing close to the same thing would be welcome."

Draco thought about it for a few minutes and agreed, leaving the Great Hall for Grangers room.

HG/DM

Draco stood awkwardly outside of her room, lifting his hand to knock several times, before putting his hand back down.

Gods, this was one of the weirdest days ever. 'Come on, Draco, it's just Granger' he told himself over and over before he finally resigned himself and knocked at the door.

She didn't answer immediately and after a few minutes he began to walk away, but the small portrait that covered the center of the door began to talk.

"She's dressing, if you will give her another moment or so." The tiny pixie in the portrait stated.

Draco walked back over to the portrait, "I figured she didn't want to see anyone."

"It took you a bit of thought to knock." The pixie stated, "You aren't nervous are you?"

"Nervous, no, definitely not, just… uncertain."

The pixie nodded in understanding but didn't have time to reply back as the door swung open.

Draco looked up to see Granger, puffy eyed and dressed in a long flannel nightgown.

"I uh, I had some questions about the kitten." He stated dumbly, feeling even more uncomfortable now that he knew that she was crying.

Hermione nodded and stepped aside so that he could enter, "I was going to approach you at dinner with a few things for her actually."

"Her?" He asked as he stepped inside, "I thought it was male."

Hermione didn't answer right away and walked back to the couch after shutting the door behind him.

"It's not your average kitten, Malfoy, far from it." She stated in a calm voice, not bossy, not know it all, but normal.

"She is a full blood Kneazle." She added, "And a rare one at that."

Draco sat down in the chair opposite of her as she reached for a small box that was on the floor beside her.

"I wasn't sure you would want her, but when I saw her, I just felt she would be perfect for you. I actually hadn't planned on buying two kittens as they are quite expensive."

"Two?" Draco asked, sweet Merlin did one escape the package?

"I have her brother." She answered, pointing to her bed where another black kitten was sleeping, "I had a half Kneazle named crookshanks, but he disappeared after I was taken and well, he hasn't come to find me which means he is either dead or unable to."

Hermione stood and handed Draco the box before sitting back down.

"This box has your license, food, a few toys, and a litter box… I've charmed the litter box to self clean and destroy odors so you won't even know it's there. Keep the license safe as the ministry requires it for ownership."

"Why do I need a license for a cat?" he asked with a confused expression

"Not a cat, a full blood Kneazle." Seeing that this didn't clear it up, she sighed, "Kneazle's are special in many ways. They are very intelligent creatures and protective." She leaned back further into the couch, "Kneazle's have a special sense about them. They have an ability to know when a person is around that wants to cause harm to their owner. When they sense it, they become aggressive towards that person. They are independent and fiercely loyal to their owner. Your Kneazle can also lead you home if you are ever lost."

Draco understood now, his cat wasn't a normal cat, it was a magical creature and most magical creatures required a license.

"Why do you say she is rare?" He asked, now very curious about his new pet.

"Well, there are a few things actually. Firstly, her coloring, she is pure black where Kneazles usually have flecked, speckled, or spotted fur. The second thing is that out of a litter of six kittens, the two I bought not only have the rare coloring, but they were twins, the last two born and while not unusual for two kittens to be born the same color, they shared an umbilical cord which caused a few problems with the birth, but everyone turned out fine… most kittens with a shared umbilical cord don't make it." She added. "Also, for your earlier thought, I gave you the girl because, well, in my experience and from what I've read, the Kneazle thinks it owns you as much as you own it. A male will be more protective of a female owner whereas a female Kneazle is more protective of a male owner. I guess it's something to do with how they bond." She finished with a shrug.

Draco jumped a little when he felt something brush his leg. Looking down he saw his cats' twin, rubbing against his pant leg.

"He likes you." She said with a smile.

Draco scratched the cat behind the ear, "Well, I uh, I appreciate it, you know everything." He said tensely, still not entirely comfortable with the entire situation.

Hermione nodded, "Just take good care of her and she will take care of you." She said as she stood and went to her desk. She pulled out a quill and wrote down a few things quickly before walking back to him and handing him the paper.

"This has everything you need on it as far as how much to feed and what not. There is also the breeders address so that when you start to run low on supplies, just owl her what you need and she will send it straight away." Hermione hesitated for a few seconds before handing him another small piece of paper.

"This is your account with them. I opened it for you to get you started. Just include the underline number with your supply list and the money will be deducted from the account."

Draco frowned, how much did she spend on him? The gifts were a weird situation, but to take money?

"I can't accept that." He stated as he stood, "It's too much."

Hermione shook her head, "It's not for you, it's for her." She said in hopes that changing the direction of things would make him take it.

He still looked hesitant, but nodded as he showed the paper into his pocket. Truly the most bizarre Christmas of his life.