Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter universe, nor do I the characters, they belong to J.K Rowling. However, I do own the plot, because it was my idea

Summary: Hermione's now 24 years old and has a six-year old daughter named Leila Anastasia. Her father Ron abandoned them to run away with London's richest hooker, Madison Malfoy. What happens when a changed Draco tries to help a broken family because of his stupid cousin's mistake?

Chapter 4: Christmas Crisis

Hermione could still not get over the night she'd spent at the manor with Draco. Not only did she have sex with him, but she spent the entire night with him, sleeping in his arms. Having not been touched in what felt like ages, she couldn't believe how easy she lost herself within his embrace. She felt dirty having slept with someone within a year of her divorce, but then again, Ron had done the same? Hell, he' slept with someone else WHILE they were together.

The blaring whistle of a teapot pulled Hermione out of her daunting thoughts. She sighed and heaved herself up off the couch and made her way over to the kitchen. After fixing herself a nice, hot cup of tea, she sat herself down in the over-sized chair placed next to her fireplace. She took a few sips of the tea and then set the cup down onto the side table next to her, and stared into the fire.

No matter how hard she tried, she could not get over what had happened at the party out of her mind. She profusely denied that she truly enjoyed his touch. She tried to tell herself that she was just pathetic and flustered and that he'd taken advantage of her weakness, but her mind kept drifting back to his hands caressing her body. The taste of his lips, the feeling of his stomach underneath her fingertips, the silkiness of his silver blond hair, the hard thrusts of him deep inside of her as he held her on his waste, grasping the headboard for support.

Absentmindedly, Hermione's hand drifted up to her mouth, feeling the softness of her lips as she thought about his lips against hers. Because despite what she was telling herself, not only did she enjoy the kiss, she felt something in it. She didn't know what it was, it wasn't a feeling she was familiar with, but it was there.

A loud bashing noise against the window broke Hermione from her revere as she jumped, startled in her chair before looking up at the window to see an owl. Get a hold of yourself, Hermione! She mentally berated herself. This is nonsense. Everything that happened that night was a mistake! Dra- Malfoy manipulated you. Hermione could feel the lie heavy on her tongue as she tried to convince herself, but she would not give in to such absurdity.

Reaching the window, Hermione pushed open the glass and stepped aside to allow the owl in.

The Weasley's family owl came flying into the house, nearly breaking his neck as he landed. Chirping loudly for her to untie the letter from his foot, she took it from him and gave him a few owl treats before going to sit back down in front of the fire. She could tell by the writing on the envelope that it was from Ginny. Wondering what she had to say, she opened the letter immediately, and read:

Hermione,

You should know who I am, it's me, Ginny. I was wanting to ask you if you'd join us here at the Burrow on Christmas Day for a small family party we're having. Don't worry, Ron isn't going to be here. We sent him a letter a few days ago and he responded saying that he wouldn't be able to attend because the Malfoys were doing there. We'd like for you and Leila to come, it feels more like family when you all are here. Please let me know as soon as you get this, because Christmas is only four days away, and we have planning to do it for new years! I'll be waiting for your response.

Love, Ginny Potter

Sighing, she folded the letter and put it back into its envelope. Walking over to a small desk next to the front door, Hermione dipped a quill into an ink well and began scribbling down a response to Ginny.

Ginny,

Yes, I'll go. Though this is the last party I'm going to; they are starting to get to me.

Hermione Granger

"Mummy, is that Gran Weasley's owl?" Leila asked excitedly from behind Hermione, she nearly jumped at Leila's startling sudden appearance.

"Yes darling, we will be going over there in a couple of days for a New Year's party," she said as she tied the letter onto the owl's foot before it flew off, disappearing into the winter sky.

"Yay! I love going to gran and grumps, I miss them," Leila sighed.

"Aw, it's okay. We'll see them soon. How about you go get your shoes and sweater on, and we'll walk down to muggle London to try and find you a pretty dress for the party, how about that?" Hermione asked her with a smile.

She nodded excitedly and ran back into her room. Hermione just shook her head as she slipped on a white wool jacket over a long-sleeved red blouse and a pair of black corduroy pants. Walking into the bathroom, she looked at her reflection in the mirror and sighed. Her finger ran over the dark circles beneath both of her eyes.

The past couple of days, she'd hardly gotten any sleep. As soon as she drifted off to sleep, she began to dream of everything that happened with Draco that night. When things began to intensify in the dream, she would wake up flustered, unable to sleep. It had been so unexpected, yet Hermione had wanted more. She wanted him to hold her in his firm arms, and to kiss her exactly the way he had, and to make love to her more that night. However, that didn't happen.

Her fingers had gently began to caress her lips, once again, as she thought about that night, and mentally scolded herself. No, that is not right, Hermione. You've got to stop this! You know there isn't anyway something like that can happen again. You're a Granger, he's a Malfoy. You're a muggle and he's pure blood. No, absolutely not.

Hermione's mental scolding stopped when Leila came to the bathroom door, declaring that she was ready to go. Smearing a layer of gloss onto her lips, Hermione took her daughter's hand and walked out of their house. Locking the door behind her, they took off up the street to what she called muggle London.

It took them twenty minutes to get to the department stores because there was a lot of traffic. When finally came across a store that had children dresses hanging in one of the windows, Leila pointed to one that caught her eye and they went inside. They browsed around the store for over an hour before finding a black dress that Leila adored. After they found a pair of flats that matched, they paid for the items and finally left.

They took a walk until they were off of the streets of London and Hermione apparated them to Hogsmeade. "What are we doing here, mum?" Leila asked her curiously.

"I thought it'd be nice to get a bite to eat. I'm not really in the mood to cook unless you're ready to go home."

She shook her head. "No mum, I'd like to spend some time here. It's been a while since were here last; since the night you got drunk with Mr. Malfoy."

Hermione looked down at her, shocked. "Don't you ever speak of that, do you understand that? Never. That's something that isn't to be spoken of," she demanded.

"Sorry, mum. I was just stating the truth. You did get drunk with him and it was the last time that we'd been here.

They made their way down the snow-covered street to one of Hermione's favorite diners that had recently opened and found them a seat inside. Hermione ordered herself a cup of coffee and a Shepherd's Pie, while Leila ordered herself hot cocoa and a bowl of soup.

A few days passed and Christmas day finally arrived. Leila was beyond excited when she saw all of the presents underneath their Christmas tree. All of them were from Hermione except for one which was from the Minister, who had gifted her a bookshelf that was neatly packed with many wizarding world fantasies. The Potters and Weasleys had presents for her as well, but they'd chosen to let her open them at The Burrow after their brunch.

After Leila was done unwrapping all of her gifts, she pointed to a small box that was underneath the tree. "Mummy, that present has your name on it."

Puzzled, Hermione picked up the box and turned it around in her hand. Where had this come from? How could someone have gotten into her house and put this under the tree? She nervously tore off the wrapping paper to reveal a black, polished wood box covered in silver drawings of roses with vines. Once she opened the box, inside was a very old antique key. A ribbon was tied to the ring of the key, and she unraveled it.

"For when you need an escape. 52 Delaway Kerry, Ireland. – DM," read the ribbon. Hermione bit her lip, rolling her eyes, flustered with embarrassment. Did he really think that she would to wherever this was in Ireland just to sleep with him? Did he think she was that pathetic? She scoffed, closing the box and tossing it on top of the icebox in the kitchen. He'd lost his mind.

Two o'clock finally rolled around and Hermione had just finished her hair. She'd just straightened it and had pulled it up into a pretty bun, her bangs hanging in a curve on the side of her face. She wore a burgundy long-sleeved cocktail dress, the material made of soft fine silk. She called for Leila to put on her sweater and after she slipped on her heels, the two of them walked to the alley up the street and apparated to The Burrow.

As soon as they landed, Hermione could see that Ginny had gotten her hands on the place. Everything was decorated very nicely. Different colored streamers were wrapped around tree trunks and hanging magically in the air. Even in the winter air outside the aroma of the sweet treacle tart could be smelt. This was why Hermione loved coming to The Burrow. Not only was the company great, but the food was always amazing.

Leila's hand was squeezing Hermione's in excitement and just as she told her to go, Albus and Lily came out to get her and ran to the other side of the house. A moment later, Hermione was at the back door. Giving a quick knock, she walked inside out of the winter weather and declared her arrival. "I'm here," her voice called into the kitchen.

Hermione shut the door behind her and walked into the kitchen when no one had answered. Over 20 people were standing around talking over each other. At least eight of them were redheads, meaning the rest were either the boys' wives or friends of the family. Hermione immediately grabbed Ginny by the arm as she passed, catching Ginny by surprise.

"Hermione! I was starting to have doubts, I didn't think you were going to come. It's nice to see you again!" Ginny said happily, hugging Hermione tightly.

She smiled. "I always keep my word. This place is full, looks like the whole family is here," she said, looking around, trying to see who all she knew.

"Well, all my brothers are here, except Ron. Bill, Charlie, and George. Their wives and children are here also. Percy tended to stay away from family get together, but he was there then. Even though he was mostly on good terms with everyone, he didn't like being reminded of everything his stupidity had caused him to do. "Where's Leila? You brought her didn't you?" She asked.

"She's with Albus and Lily. Do you all need any help with anything?" She asked as she made her way into the crowded kitchen, getting pulled into hugs by all the Weasley brothers. She laughed after she managed to pry herself from George's embrace, and followed Ginny over to the stove.

"Hello, Mrs. Weasley. Can I help with anything?" She asked as Mrs. Weasley handed her and Ginny two casserole dishes each. "Will you please charm these to keep them warm and put them outside? The rest is already done. I'll have the others bring out everything else."

For the slightest split second, it felt like the old days to Hermione, only it was her and Ginny instead of Ron and Harry by her side. Giving a quiet sigh, she took the dishes outside and placed them onto a table. Someone had managed to make a canopy over the space they'd be using to have the party at, and had made a fire as well. For it being winter, it felt nice thanks to all the charms that were used.

"So Ron's not coming, right?" The words slipped off Hermione's tongue before even realizing it, and she blushed when Ginny turned to look at her.

"No, 'Mione he's not coming. There's a party going on at the Malfoy Manor, and he preferred to stay there," Ginny said, a slight hint of anger in her voice.

She sighed in relief. "Good. I mean, I know how bad you guys wish he was here, but, I can't be around him. Especially not after what happened at the manor."

"I understand. It just makes me mad that he doesn't have time for his family, you know? It's like he doesn't care about us anymore, and we are his real family!" She charmed the dishes she'd put onto the table, and just as they were sitting down, the others came out. Some carried plates and dishes of food while the others carried glasses and wine bottles. All the children followed behind the adults.

After everything had been situated and everyone had their seats, everyone began talking and making their plates, some sitting at tables while others decided to walk around and associate. Hermione sat with Harry, Ginny, George, and his wife Claire. Hermione was just about to start on her food when Mrs. Weasley jumped up, exclaiming she forgot some other dishes. "I'll help you, Mrs. Weasley," she said, getting up quickly as the witch was already passing her table.

"That's kind of you dear. It's only a few frozen desserts," she said to her, and Hermione followed behind. They got into the house, and as Hermione opened the freezer for the desserts Mrs. Weasley let out a happy scream.

"Ron!" She yelled, and Hermione's heart sank to the floor. He wasn't supposed to be there. Ginny had promised her that Ron said he wasn't going to come. But he was here, and so was his new wife. She pulled the dishes out of the freezer and turned to walk out the back way when his voice spoke up.

"Well look at what we have here, love," Ron snickered to Madison. "You'd think once something as filthy as a mudblood would understand when they're not wanted. Then again, I don't believe rubbish has the capability of hearing."

Hermione turned around to look at him, and there he stood next to Madison. She glowed like the most beautiful woman in the world. She wore a pale pink gown over her large baby bump, her hair shined silvery blond like Draco's. Ron stood beside her in a black tuxedo that looked almost as expensive as everything in The Burrow.

Madison giggled from beside him. "I do believe your right. So pathetic it is how she thinks everyone cares about her when she's not wanted by anyone at all. Her or that half breed she totes along with her."

The mentioning of her daughter brought Hermione to a breaking point. "If you dare mention a word about my daughter ever again, Azkaban or not, I'll kill you and the bastard you're carrying," she said so darkly that her eyes glowered black in hatred.

Not even a second before Hermione pulled back, she felt something brush fast against her leg and saw that it was Leila. The little girl had run straight into Ron. Her arms were around his waist tightly, a beautiful happy smile on her face. "Daddy!" Ron immediately pushed her away, dusting his pants as if he's gotten dirty. "I'm not your father, get your dirty hands off of me! I'd never been the father of something so contaminating and disgusting as you," he scolded coldly.

Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she watched her daughter back away from him in fear, her eyes full of tears. Hermione's body trembled in rage What caused him to become this way? "What happened to you, Ron?" She barely whispered.

Ron contorted his face into a sneer, "What happened, Mudblood," he sneered "is that I gained some of my sense back and realized that you're nothing but filth, along with that filthy daughter of yours." This is something that she could have expected from Draco, but never from Ron. What had happened to him?

Hermione's face was a mixture of horror and disgust. Finally making up her mind, she stepped towards Ron and slapped him so hard that she could have easily broken his jaw.

Mrs. Weasley came up from behind Hermione, grabbing her shoulder and turning her around to face her. The plump witch stared at her in anger.

Hermione was just about to say something whenever Madison spoke up. "You should be ashamed at how filthy and inconsiderate you are, treating people who used to be your family with such disrespect," she said in the same mocking tone as Ron had used earlier. "Mrs. Weasley, you should kick this trash out your house at once!"

"Hey! You watch your mouth, Malfoy," it was Harry who spoke up this time, Ginny at her side. "Hermione is more to this family than you'll ever be," he bellowed, pushing his spectacles back up his nose. It didn't matter how old he was, he still managed to wear them broken. "You should need to shut your mouth before someone shuts it for you."

Ron spoke in Madison's defense. "You lower your voice when talking to my wife, Harry. She's not talking to you, so you do not need to be yelling at her. Besides, she has a point. Hermione doesn't belong here, and she knows it. She just too pathetic to realize that you lot invite her over because you feel sorry for her!"

Everyone began to bicker, some siding with Ron and Madison, but most siding with Hermione. Just as things started getting louder, Madison spoke up louder than everyone else. "I really cannot see why someone would like such scum. Ron's already made it visible that he made a mistake, but my cousin trying to get in with a mudblood, now that's sickening."

"Your-wait. What did you say?" Ginny asked, everyone now had their eyes on Hermione.

Madison cackled, beaming at her husband's side. "Don't let her fool you. Ron and I caught her shagging my cousin, Draco the other night at the party. She took advantage of him while he was drunk, and shagged him until the morning," she exaggerated.

"Hermione, is this true?" Ginny asked, walking up beside her. "Why did you not tell me?"

Madison cackled. "Why would she tell anyone? Draco told us how disgusted he was to have found her in his bed that morning and kicked her out of the manor. It was such a disgraceful event that even Draco doesn't want anyone to know."

"You have no right to spread my business around. All you Malfoy's are just alike, your just brown-nosing bastards. I can't wait to see how your child comes out. I'll make sure to pity it," Hermione retorted, her cheek flaming red as she tried to get the focus off her.

"I want you away from my son, Hermione, this instant," Mrs. Weasley declared her face as red as her hair. "You have no right talking to him or his wife like that. You are part of this family just as much as they are, but I will not tolerate you treating him, her, or their child without respect. This isn't the house, nor the place, nor the time to act like a jealous ex-wife."

When Mrs. Weasley said this, Ron wore a proud mocking grin. Hermione didn't know what to say. Not only was hurt by Ron and Madison, but Mrs. Weasley had humiliated her horribly. "You sit here and defend him after what he said about your granddaughter? How can you be so cold-hearted?" she asked hotly.

"He should have never said those things about her, but he's my son Hermione and we treat no one different from another in this family. Everyone who's been apart of this family, especially you Hermione, should know that."

Hermione stared at Mrs. Weasley and everyone who had gathered into the house. She had one of the saddest expressions on her face. She looked so fragile that a touch of a finger could easily make her break into a thousand pieces. "I don't want any of you, to ever try and contact me again. Since it seems to cause such a problem that I'm the pathetic ex-wife in this picture, I do not want to be a part of this family anymore. Neither Leila nor I will ever be back here again." And with that, she grabbed her daughter's hand and she apparated them away.

"Mummy, what's going on? Why aren't we going to see Gran and Grump anymore? Why did Daddy say those things to me?" Leila cried once they landed near their flat, walking home

"Your father and gran have made it clear he doesn't want us around them, and so that's what we're going to do. I'm sorry he said those things to you, but you will never have to worry about that again. We're never going to be around any of them anymore, I'm sorry honey," Hermione choked back tears.

"This is the worst Christmas ever, I hate you, mum!" Leila screamed, slamming the door to her room once they were inside. Hermione walked over to a desk where blank pieces of parchment and ink wells sat, and she sat down and scribbled a quick message onto it, sobbing furiously.

Luna,

I need a major favor from you. I need you to sit with Leila, please. I'm begging you. There was just a blow-up with Ron and his family, and I need to get away. I don't want my daughter to see me like this. If you could please watch here for tonight, I'll give you twenty galleons. Please, I'm begging you.
Hermione Granger.

An hour or so later, Hermione received a letter from Luna stating that she'd be more than happy to watch Leila overnight and that payment wasn't necessary. She also received a letter from Ginny saying that everything at the party was a whole big misunderstanding and that they needed to talk, however, that letter ended up being tossed into the fireplace. She made it plain and clear to them that she wanted nothing to do with any of them anymore, and she was going to keep her word. She didn't even know if she would talk to Harry ever again, and that tore her apart.

Luna came forty minutes after Hermione had received the letter. While she'd been waiting, she'd gotten Leila ready to leave. Luna asked nothing about what happened to Hermione's relief. After kissing her daughter goodbye, and telling her again that she was sorry for what happened, she assured Luna that she'd be by to pick her up the next morning. Luna nodded, walking out the door with Leila.

A few minutes later, Hermione was walking down the street of Hogsmeade. The sky was now dark and snow fell slowly, polluting the street with more of the white slush that was already there. Some of the shops were lit, but most were closed for Christmas. She sighed in relief when she saw that The Three Broomsticks was still open.

Walking into the pub, Hermione was surprised to see that it was empty other than a few older wizards in the back drinking on large mugs of lager and playing a card game she didn't recognize. She walked over to the bar and took a seat. Madame Rosmerta turned around from cleaning shot glasses with a surprised look on her face.

"Hermione? I didn't expect to see you here tonight. Is everything okay? What can I get you?" She asked worriedly.

Hermione shook her head. "No need for explaining, you'll probably hear about everything in the Daily Prophet within the next couple days. I need six shots of Firewhiskey, please," she said, slamming a handful of sickles onto the counter to cover it.

Madame Rosmerta's eyes widened in shock at the request but served her anyway. Hermione took no time in drinking all the shots. Within fifteen minutes she ordered another round except for this time, she took them all and walked over to a booth in a dark corner of the pub. All she wanted was to feel the numbness that the whiskey could give her. All she wanted was to forget everything that had happened. She wanted to forget the fight and go on with her life with her daughter. Without having to worry about the Weasley's. Without Ron. Without Draco Malfoy.

"Well, well, I was just thinking about you. I didn't think I'd catch you here tonight," a voice came up beside her. His voice made her body heat up with so many different emotions. Hermione turned around to see Draco standing there in an emerald collared shirt - a few buttons were open and she could see his pale, toned chest and a pair of black slacks.

"You wouldn't have caught me here tonight if it wasn't for that whore you have for a cousin, and for the bullshit of a rumor that you told her, you pathetic arse" she snapped, throwing a shot glass hard at his chest. Her body shook, the palms of her hands sweating from all the alcohol she'd consumed. She was highly buzzed, a few more shots and she would have been indeed drunk.

"Woah, what the hell, Granger? What are you talking about?" he asked angrily, trying to wipe the firewhiskey from his shirt.

She jumped up from her booth, wobbling slightly at the alcohol rush. She took a few steps forward, which caused him to take a few steps back, and slapped him as hard as she could across the face. "IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!" She screamed. Everything! Since the day I saw you, all you have done is ruin my life more than it already is, and it's all your fault! She and Ron know everything about what happened at the party because of what you told them, and how disgusted you were of me having taken advantage of you while you were drunk! Really, Malfoy? Do you not have the balls to admit that you fucked a Mudblood?! Now by this time tomorrow, the whole fucking Wizarding World will know about what happened between us!"

She stormed out of The Three Broomsticks with two shots of firewhiskey in her hand, an aghast Draco at her heels. As soon as he caught up to her, Draco grabbed her by the wrist, pushing her hard against the secluded side of The Three Broomsticks where neither of them could be seen.

Hermione fought against him, but Draco didn't budge. He was stronger than her. Their faces were inches apart. "How is everything my fault? First of all, I didn't marry your ex-husband, it was my cousin. Second, what the hell are you talking about that I told them that what happened was a disgrace? I have not mentioned ANYTHING to ANYONE about what happened that night. And third, I have nothing to do with everything that's going on in your life. So quit trying to blame me for your fucked up life that I have nothing to do with!" He retorted.

Hermione growled in rage, pounding at his chest for him to move, but he kept his ground, pushing himself closer to her. "It is your fault! Everything! It's all your fault," her voice choked. "If it wasn't for you sleeping with me that night, if it wasn't for you, if it wasn't for your bloody family, I'd have my marriage and everything would be perfect!"

Draco barely listened to the words she was saying, his attention was on how she amazing she looked while she was angry. Her cheeks were flushed from anger, her eyes red with tears. The bun her hair had been up in was loose against her head, curls falling down her neck and against her face. The knee-length cocktail dress that she wore was pushed so far up her thighs from fighting with Draco that you could almost see her knickers. She stared at him with her blazing eyes after she'd finished yelling, and without thinking, he broke the space between them and kissed her fiercely.

Hermione in shock just stood there, but coming to her senses she pushed him away, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" she snapped. "You run your mouth telling your family that I took advantage of you while you were drunk, and now you want to kiss me? How thick are you?"

He stared at her, his eyes hazy and lust-filled. "I already told you, Gr-Hermione, that I never told anyone anything about what happened that night. For once in your life can you just shut up. I don't know what the hell I'm doing," he snapped at her with his teeth clench in a whisper. He pushed his lips back against hers. This time, Hermione didn't pull away.

All the anger, sadness, confusion, alcohol, and sexual frustration towards Draco built a heatwave inside her, and once his lips were on hers again it exploded, and there was no pulling away. Since the night of the party, she'd dreamt daily of him having his hands on her, and now it was happening again. She had never felt anything like this before.

She lost her hands in his hair, grasping fists full tightly into her hands, pulling him closer to her, allowing the kiss to deepen more than it already was. She could feel his waist pressing against hers, as she curled her bare leg around his, pulling him even closer. A soft moan escaped her as she felt the growing bulge against her waist, a trickle of sweat falling from the back of her neck causing her to shiver. The temperatures were below freezing, but she was burning up.

His lips broke from hers and he opened his eyes to stare at her for the shortest second before leaning down to her neck, biting hard at her skin and suckling against it. Another hot moan escaped her mouth, and Draco brought his lips up against her ear, his breath hot against it. "Hermione..." he whispered hotly. "Come with me."

Her eyes widened at what he said, but she shook her head. "No, no. Never, never again," she panted, pushing him away. "You already told your family about what happened. This," she gestured between the both of them," can never happen again." She said, leaning against the wall for support. The rush of alcohol and the weakness she felt between her legs was causing her to feel dizzy.

"I already told you I never said anything to them," he said frustrated. "For once. For once in your life, will you just forget about the consequences? Forget about everything that everyone expects of you. You can't tell me you don't feel the same way that I do, and that you don't want it to happen again."

His lips kissed against hers, and his hand slipped underneath her dress between her legs, rubbing her aroused clit, causing Hermione to cry out. "Forget about the world, forget about everyone else, and do what you want. I know your drunk, but I also know that you would feel the same if you weren't." He stared into her eyes, as he spoke once more. His hair cascaded into his face, his heart beating hard in his chest. "Come with me," he whispered.

Hermione stared at him. She stared at him hard, she knew he was serious. She could tell by the look in his eyes that everything was he'd said was true She wanted to let lo. "Okay," she whispered. And with that, she wrapped her arms around him and pressed her lips against his, as he apparated them to his room back at the manor.