A/N: Thank you all for your wonderful reviews, please keep them coming. This chapter has some of our favorite characters, and a happy surprise at the end.

Please check out my drabble and one-shot that I've recently posted.

Huge beta love, as always to gidgetmalfoy, you're the best.

Chapter 6

Hermione sighed, looking at the new bouquet that adorned her desk, a beautiful mixture of white gardenias and deep red roses, perfect for a week before Christmas. Draco and Ariana had dropped them off yesterday, before taking her to lunch.

It had been over two weeks since Draco and Hermione had officially become a couple, and Hermione had all but moved in with him and Ariana. They would spend every evening together, making dinner, and playing before bedtime. Draco would help Ariana get a bath, while Hermione took care of story time every night, delighting the little witch with fantastical tales of the Trio's time on the run, always sugar coated for a five year old.

Draco and Hermione would then spend a few hours in bed together, their bodies fitting perfectly, as the couple joined together, creating passion and fire. They hadn't spoken about the contraception charm since their day on the couch, and it was like some unspoken agreement that it was never used.

They would then cuddle under the blankets, talking and laughing, waiting for Ariana to wake up and join them. The little girl would crawl next to Hermione, who would cradle her close, while Draco covered them both with his arm, and the three would fall asleep. Draco would always wake up to Hermione's bushy hair in his face, suffocating him, while Hermione occasionally woke up with a foot or hand in her face.

Last week, Hermione had finally brought Crookshanks over, tired of flooing over twice a day to feed him. Aster had been delighted and mesmerized by the older cat. Crookshanks had quickly grown tired of the kittens desire to treat his tail as a toy. Hermione had also moved some of her clothes into Draco's closet. Much to his amusement, he would take delicious advantage of her stages of undress whenever possible.

Hermione continued to clear papers around her desk, getting ready to leave for the day. She had plans to go Christmas shopping and grab dinner with Narcissa the same evening.

"'Mione you have a minute?" Hermione looked up to see Ron standing in the door of her office.

"Of course, but I have to leave soon to meet Narcissa," Hermione explained, putting her heels back on.

"Well it was actually Emily's idea, but she wanted to invite Draco and Ariana for our Christmas Eve dinner."

The tradition of a Christmas Eve dinner had started the year Ron and Hermione had broken up. It had been 6 months since the Battle, and right before Christmas and Hermione was so nervous about seeing the Weasleys that she had suggested having a Christmas Eve dinner just the three of them. She had then spent that Christmas curled up at Grimmauld Place reading, but over the years she made it back to the Burrow for Christmas.

She now spent Christmas morning with her parents and Christmas dinner at the Burrow. She wasn't sure what this Christmas would hold.

A smile broke out over her face, "Oh Ron, that's so thoughtful, of course. I'll talk to him about it tonight."

Ron shoved his hands in his pockets, and looking down, his ears reddening, spoke softly, "Harry told me about Malfoy and his daughter at the park, and you've just been so happy the last few weeks. I guess we can give him a chance, and I'd like to know him better if he means that much to you. We just want you happy 'Mione."

Hermione looked at her ex thoughtfully before getting to her feet. She hugged him tightly and whispered, "Thank you so much Ron," pulling away from him, she continued, "He makes me so happy, and I know you all will like him."

"That's all we want," Ron paused, "Will you still go to the Burrow Christmas Day?"

"We hadn't really talked about Christmas day, but maybe," Hermione walked back to her desk, and grabbed her bag.

"Want me to walk you to the lobby?" Ron asked.

"Sure." Hermione closed the door to her office and locked it.

They talked about Emily and her pregnancy all the way to the fireplaces in the lobby. Hermione watched as Ron disappeared in the emerald flames, before turning on the spot and arriving in Diagon Alley.

Pulling her robes around her tighter, to fight the cold wind, she made her way down the alley towards the French Bistro she and Narcissa were due to meet at.

Seated at the table, Hermione waited on Narcissa, who showed up after only a few minutes.

"Hermione, dear you're here already," Narcissa said as she took off her robes and sat down. She had a beautiful deep red sweater and skirt set underneath. Hermione was glad she had dressed up a bit today.

"Oh, I left work a little early," Hermione paused, "I ordered you a glass of this, it's exquisite," she added, indicating the wine in front of her.

"Perfect. That was incredibly thoughtful," Narcissa smiled. "Thank you so much for meeting me for dinner, I need some help shopping for Ariana for Christmas."

"Oh of course," Hermione replied, a bit puzzled, "I figured you would have no problem shopping."

"Oh well shopping isn't a problem, but I wanted to get Ariana something really special, and you're the perfect woman for the job," Narcissa sipped on the wine that the waiter had just dropped off, "Oh this is exquisite."

"What is it you need help with?" Hermione inquired.

"She's just so in love with those Princesses, and I know it's a Muggle thing, so I was hoping you could take me to the store that sells them."

"You want to go to a Muggle shop?" Hermione asked, her voice full of surprise.

"Yes, if you know a place that sells them," the older witch continued, "Draco and I have discussed embracing the things she remembers from her birth family, the good things at least, and this seems to be something she enjoys immensely."

"Yes I know the place. We can go there after dinner, if you would like," Hermione added.

"That would be perfect," Narcissa paused, taking a quick sip before laying her hands on the table and looking right at Hermione. "Now tell me how the Wolfsbane Programme is going. Draco seems very optimistic about it."

They passed through dinner in jovial conversation; Narcissa seemed very interested in her work on the Werewolf project. They even discussed House Elf rights, to which Narcissa was very supportive, explaining that she loved her house elves and already paid them.

After they finished their meal, Hermione walked them through the Leaky Cauldron and into Muggle London. Narcissa was tense, but smiled pleasantly as they walked through London. Hermione had explained that the store was quite a few blocks away, but with the holiday shoppers it was unlikely they could apparate without notice. Narcissa had agreed to bundling up, and Hermione had helped her transfigure her robes into a more suitable Muggle coat.

They walked for ten minutes, Hermione thankful for the warming charm she had added to both of their coats, when they turned right into their destination. The place was full of busy Christmas shoppers and Narcissa stood in awe for a moment.

"It's so bright," Narcissa murmured, staying close to Hermione.

Hermione watched her closely as she took in the Disney store. Most Muggle establishments were bright and lively, a contrast to most magical shops that were lit by candlelight and were only open in the daytime.

"I see that one princess over there," Narcissa continued to whisper.

"Narcissa you need to speak up, it's hard to hear you," Hermione remarked.

The older witch, shook her head, collecting herself, before repeating, "I see that one princess, Cinderella, over there on that wall."

"Oh yeah, that's the dolls and such," Hermione explained, "But they also have dresses, books and other novelty items. What is it you wanted to get her?"

Narcissa turned to Hermione and smiled at her, "Everything."

OoOoOoO

Two hours later Narcissa and Hermione were laughing their way back into the Leaky Cauldron.

"I have never seen the attendants so flustered. They thought you were kidding when you said one of every princess dress, doll, book and figure set," Hermione giggled, reliving the moment.

Narcissa giggled as well, "She was so scared to ask if I wanted it gift wrapped, I was almost disappointed to tell them no."

"We would have closed the store down," Hermione smirked.

"Thank you for paying, I'll make sure Draco pays you back," Narcissa apologized.

"It's not a problem, I was so pleased to bear witness to this shopping adventure," Hermione giggled again, the store clerks faces flashing in her mind's eye.

They walked into the Leaky from Muggle London and Hermione quickly waved her wand over their clothing, turning it back into their familiar robes. Narcissa was also pulling out her wand, and quickly waved the bags away.

"Thank you again Hermione. Draco said we would do Christmas morning at his place, I hope to see you there," Narcissa added, as she leaned in for a quick hug.

"Oh yeah, Draco and I have to talk about Christmas still, but I'm sure I'll see you."

Narcissa walked towards the fire, and disappeared through the emerald flames. Hermione sighed before turning on the spot, and turning towards the library at Draco's home.

Glancing at the clock on the fireplace, she saw it was 10 until 9, and Draco would be just finishing Ariana's bath. She shrugged off her robes in the hallway, hanging them up on the hook. She kicked off her shoes, dropped her bag, and quickly ascended the stairs to Ariana's room. At the top of the stairs she could hear giggling from the little witch's bathroom.

Hermione stood in the doorway watching Ariana and Draco splash each other back and forth, and Draco with each splash that she got him with, would die dramatically, to the peals and delight of his daughter.

"Hermione!" Ariana squealed, when she caught sight of the older brunette.

"Hello darling," Hermione smiled, and quickly sat down on the toilet, "It seems papa is getting a bath too."

Draco chuckled, "She may be sitting in the water, but I assure you, I am more wet."

Hermione laughed as Draco quickly siphoned water from his clothes and the floor with his wand. After he was done, he leaned close to Hermione and gave her a small kiss, "How was dinner with mother?"

"Delightful, I can't wait to tell you about it," Hermione's smile widened.

Ariana splashed her hands in the water, "But I want to know too."

Hermione sunk down onto her knees next to Draco, up against the tub. She tapped Ariana lightly on the nose, "But it's a surprise beautiful, and I would not ever ruin a good surprise."

Ariana pushed her lower lip out, "Papa! Make her tell me!"

Draco chuckled, "I think it's time for little witches to get dry and hear a story before bed."

Ariana nodded earnestly, and stood up. Draco grabbed the towel from the rod and wrapped it tightly around a shivering little girl, and hauled her into his arms. Hermione vanished the water in the tub, and went to sit on the edge of Ariana's bed, while Draco dressed her.

Ariana climbed into the covers, completely dressed, hair brushed, a mere three minutes later, thanks to magic. Draco leaned over the bed, and kissed her on the forehead, "I need to go look over some paperwork for the office, sleep well. I love you my beautiful girl."

"Love you too, papa," Ariana's voice already heavy with sleep.

Hermione sat down on top of the covers, beside Ariana. She pulled out the The Secret Garden and began reading. Without fail, she didn't make it full chapter before Ariana would drift off to sleep.

Hermione got up quietly, and turning down the lamp on the table, made her way down to the library. Draco was sitting in one of the plush armchairs with a report in his hands.

"She asleep?" Draco asked, not looking up from his paperwork.

Hermione stood in front of him and nodded, before gently grabbing the report from him and setting it down. She carefully climbed into his lap, and nuzzled into his neck and his arms wrapped around her. "Enough work for the night," she whispered, settling comfortably against his chest.

"You're right, as always," he murmured as he kissed her nose lightly, "Smartest witch."

Hermione smiled, "Don't forget that."

"How could I?" Draco chuckled, running his hand up her back, "So how was dinner with Mother?"

Hermione sat up a little to look at him, "Delightful. We had a quick dinner, and then she wanted to go shopping for princess things for Ariana. I'm quite sure she bought the store out."

"I'm glad you both had fun, though I'm now worried about what to get my little witch. Who can compete with a whole store of princess things?"

"I don't think it's the quantity of the things that matter, as much as the quality," Hermione smiled, happy with her gift.

"See, smartest witch," Draco laughed and kissed her neck lightly.

"Ron stopped by the office tonight. Wanted to be sure to let me know you and Ariana are invited to our Christmas Eve dinner. He was really sweet," Hermione said, laying her head back on his shoulder.

"That was nice of him, maybe he's not a total tosser anymore," Draco paused, chuckling, "What do you normally do for Christmas?"

"Normally Christmas breakfast with my parents, then Christmas dinner at the Burrow. But I have you and Ariana now, so we can change anything. I'm sure the Weasleys will understand."

Draco looked thoughtful for a moment, while he ran his hand up and down her back. He sighed, "I would not be averse to spending Christmas dinner with them, as long as they don't mind a snake in their midst," Draco gave a half smile.

Hermione kissed him deeply, "You are less a snake now then a badger."

Draco pulled away from her, giving her a deadly stare, "You take that back witch," he moved his hands to her hips and began tickling her.

When she finally managed to extract herself from her lap, tears in her eyes, she bolted towards the bedroom.

Draco shagged her into submission, using his tongue to tease her until she finally conceded that he was not a bleeding Hufflepuff.

OoOoOoO

Christmas Eve started early for them, as it had for the last two mornings, with an excited five year old asking them again if it was Christmas day yet.

"Papa! It's Christmas today right?" Ariana asked, crawling over Hermione and nestling herself into the space between her papa and the brunette witch. She looked up at him with pleading blue eyes.

Kissing her lightly on the forehead, and sweeping his daughter's wayward curls out from her face he replied, "Darling Christmas is tomorrow. Today is Christmas Eve, and nana is taking you shopping today to pick up everything we need for brunch tomorrow. Remember Mr. and Mrs. Granger are coming?"

"Yes, papa, but do I have to behave around them, because they're muggles?"

Draco chuckled before Hermione answered, "No love, you get to act as you normally do. My mum and dad know about witches and wizards and magic. They're very excited to meet you." Hermione had been conversing with her parents since the very beginning of her relationship with Draco, and since meeting Hermione, her daily owls to them had talked about the bubbly little girl who had wedged her way between her and her boyfriend, just as she had wedged her way into Hermione's heart.

"Go get dressed darling, and I'll fix you some breakfast," Draco said hugging his daughter tightly before Ariana bounded out of bed and upstairs.

"I need to get going, I have some paperwork I need to turn in before they close the offices for the week," Hermione sat up and stood to get out of bed.

Draco's quick Quidditch reflexes brought her back down and he pinned her down to the bed, "Not so fast, witch. I need to properly thank you for that thing you did last night with your tongue," he said before capturing her lips. He applied gentle pressure, running his tongue along her lower lips, causing her to open her mouth, giving him access. His hand went to her chest, massaging her breast through his old quidditch t-shirt.

As he was lowering his hand towards her knickers he heard his daughter descending the stairs from her room, and rolled off of Hermione, who was flush and breathing heavy. Leaning down he whispered, "We'll finish this later."

Hermione stood back up and as she took a step towards the bathroom received a light spank on her arse.

OoOoOoO

"Hermione! Did I need to buy those tossers Christmas gifts?" Draco called from the family room, where he was putting the last of the presents under the tree.

Hermione chuckled, walking into the family room from the master where she had changed her clothes for dinner, "No, you purchased the newest firebolts for Harry, Ginny and Ron, and you bought Ron's wife, Emily a gift certificate for Madam Malkin's. Generous gifts from the three of us," Hermione smiled.

"What do you mean I bought them?" Draco asked, his eyebrow raised.

"Well when your mother and I were out for dinner, I mentioned needing to purchase gifts, and she helped me purchase them from your account," Hermione explained with her most stunning smile.

"Oh you cunning witch," Draco marveled, "If I wasn't so impressed by your obvious Slytherin moment, I might be a little upset."

"Just a little?"

Draco looked at her carefully, setting his hands on her hips, pulling her closer, "If I'm perfectly honest, I already consider what I have, equally yours, so please take whatever money you might need."

Hermione beamed, her smile widening before she kissed him, allowing him to deepen it.

Draco pulled away, "I guess you're not upset?"

"Why would I be upset?" Hermione asked.

"Independent witch like yourself, might be insulted that I would even think you couldn't afford things for yourself," he explained carefully.

"But you didn't assume that, and I had already used some of the money before you even told me," she explained, "We should probably get going. I also have gifts for all the kids."

Draco grabbed Ariana off the couch where she was reading, and they walked to the fireplace in the library. Hermione gave Draco the house name and allowed them to go first, and she followed after them with the gifts tucked into her bag.

As soon as she stepped out of the fire, she saw Draco had only moved a few inches from the fireplace, but hadn't moved towards the couch. The kitchen was currently empty, and Hermione sat her bag on the table, "Ron, Em?" she called out.

Emily came walking into the kitchen, her stomach only just beginning to show. "'Mione. Good you're here," she said wrapping Hermione tightly in a hug. "And this must be Draco and Ariana." Emily went to stand in front of Ariana, who hid her face in Draco's chest.

"It's a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Weasley," Draco stated politely, extending his hand.

The American shook her head, before hugging him and Ariana, "None of that, my name is Emily, or Em, but never Mrs. Weasley, that's my mother-in-law's name."

As they pulled apart, Draco had a small smile on his face, Hermione knew he was nervous how the evening would play out. While he had seen Harry a few times at the playground it had always been easy to talk about the kids or Quidditch, but he had said the most horrible things to the owner of the house he was currently standing in.

"'Mione!" Ron exclaimed walking into the kitchen, and coming to stand beside his wife. "Hiding all the gifts so we can't guess?"

"Always, you can't handle the temptation," she added playfully.

Ron turned from his best friend, to his childhood nemesis. He regarded the blonde carefully, before extending his hand, "Nice to see you Draco. I heard my sister has already properly warned you, I'll return the sentiments, but I assume you got the message," Ron explained, while Draco shook his hand, a light blush tinting his cheeks.

"And this is Ariana who currently is overcome with shyness," Draco chuckled, before tucking his finger under his daughter's chin, "Darling, I promise these people are friendly, though they might bite if you're mean."

"Draco!" Hermione admonished, before pulling Ariana from his arms and carrying her into the other room.

"Albus," Hermione called walking into the sitting room where James was currently playing with his dragons and Albus was sitting quietly reading a book, "Hello love." she quickly wrapped her free arm around her nephew and pulled him in close. "Ariana, love, why don't you play with James or Albus, I need to find Ginny."

She quickly deposited Ariana on the couch, and walked back to the kitchen, where Draco and Ron were sitting at the table each with butterbeers, discussing this year's Quidditch teams. Rolling her eyes, she looked at Emily, "Where are the Potters?"

"Up in our room, something about last minute wrapping. Can I come watch?"

"Sure." Hermione stated before heading up the stairs, followed by the pregnant witch. Hermione opened the door to their bedroom, "Ginny Weasley!"

"Bollocks!" Ginny said jumping, "I haven't been a bloody Weasley in years. What did I do?"

Harry backed away from his wife a few inches, while his best friend filled the space he was once in, "Did you threaten my boyfriend?"

"Well in truth he wasn't your boyfriend at the time," Ginny explained as Ron and Draco stood in the doorway, Ron with a smirk on his face, happy his hint dropping worked, and Draco looked properly embarrassed.

"That's beside the bloody point. What did you say?" Hermione hissed.

"That I would cut off his favorite appendage if he hurt you," Ginny muttered.

Hermione took a deep breath before hugging Ginny tightly, "I love you, you crazy, protective woman."

"Hey! The bloody woman threatens to cut off body parts and you hug her?" Draco shouted.

Hermione turned to look at her boyfriend, smiling, "Better her threaten you then the rest of the Weasleys. They might have done it with fists. Her threat of a bat-bogey hex is enough," the brunette winked.

All the adults chuckled, before each grabbing a gift from the bed, and heading back downstairs.

"Ok ladies, we need girl talk in the kitchen while we finish up dinner," Emily stated, after depositing her gift under the tree.

Ariana and James were currently playing dragons, Ariana having managed to make one of her dragons fly, much to the two children's delight.

"Wow! That's some impressive magic for a five year old!" Ron exclaimed, as he, Harry and Draco all sat down on the sofas to watch the kids.

Hermione followed Ginny into the kitchen, "Nice show there 'Mione."

"Thanks. So Em, what do you need help with?"

Emily was very much a younger Mrs. Weasley and sat them each with jobs, while she handled the stove and the more important parts of the meal. As Hermione and Ginny began peeling potatoes the redhead began her interrogation.

"So 'Mione, how's the relationship with Draco going? Bringing him over to Christmas Eve dinner seems like a big step?" the redhead asked.

Hermione sighed, she had expected this, and had warned Draco for similar questions, "Everything is really great. It's moving quickly, but Draco likes to remind me that we started backwards, normally a couple dates, falls in love and marries all before children, but we started bonding over a child, so we don't fit into a normal category," she smiled softly. "He actually is ok going to the Burrow tomorrow, too."

"Wow, that's a big step, spending time with all the Weasleys and spending time at your adoptive parent's home," Ginny admired the blonde's bravery.

"So where do you see everything going Hermione?" Emily asked from the oven.

"I think this is the one, I know that sounds like it's from a sappy, romance novel, especially considering this is the guy that tormented us as kids, and did some right evil things as a teenager, but after hearing what it was like for him, I can't really blame him, for taking the mark," Hermione explained.

"Oh?" Ginny inquired.

"Well, we all know his father was an arsehole. Lucius was cruel to Narcissa when she didn't give him any other children. He was cruel to Draco except when he was pleased with him, so he learned to be pleasing for his father. By the time his father was imprisoned, Voldemort had moved into their home, and threatened his mom and him unless he tried to kill Dumbledore," she paused, taking a deep breath. "He was sick for a week after taking the mark. Apparently it's not only painful, but it makes you physically weak. The arrogant, prick we knew in school, it was all a mask to hide the troubled home and high expectations his father put on him."

The women were quiet while they took in this information. "Bollocks, what a fucked up family," Ginny finally commented, "What's Narcissa like now?"

"Fiercely protective of her son and now granddaughter, but the most sincerely polite woman. Remember her at the Quidditch World Cup? Remember how she looked miserable, Draco told me that night Lucius and all of them had planned what happened to those Muggles and his mother had begged him not to go, to just have a good time, and the arsehole hit her. It was the only time that Draco knows of his father hitting her. She had glamoured her face, but she was miserable being near her husband."

"Fuck!" Ginny exclaimed, "I'm glad that tosser is dead, or I'd kill him myself."

"Yeah!" Emily added.

"So, Draco and Narcissa are extremely close, incredibly loyal to one another, and absolutely loathe any blood prejudices," Hermione continued explaining. "Narcissa and I went out to dinner and shopping the other day, she about bought out a muggle store for Ariana, and she had a great time doing it."

"I never thought I'd hear of Narcissa Malfoy shopping at a Muggle shop," the redhead's voice colored in surprise.

The girls sat in the quiet for a little bit before Emily asked, "So Hermione what's going on with your adoption, any news?"

"No. Susan and I have owled since the first meeting, I thanked her for making me go out to lunch with Draco, and she's very happy for us. She owled me last week to let me know that they were still searching for the perfect match, but she would keep me updated. At this point it's just a waiting game," Hermione explained.

"Mum wanted to know if we could throw you a shower, but I told her we had no idea the age of the child, so it didn't make much sense," the redhead added. "Done!" she exclaimed standing up, and handing the big bowl of peeled potatoes to Emily.

"Ok I'll get these boiling then everything will be ready to go," the American said, before joining Hermione and Ginny walking into the sitting room.

"You can NOT believe the Cannons are going to do well this year!" Draco yelled, at a very red faced Ron.

"I can too! They'll doing far better this year than they did last year," Ron bellowed back.

"Being 48th in the League up from 49th is still shite!" Draco sneered.

"Draco! Language!" Hermione chastised, sitting on his lap, as he wrapped an arm around her, but continued to stare at Ron.

"They have Witley this year, he's the best they've had in a decade," Ron explained.

"Witley would do a lot better on any other team, it's the rest of them that pull him down. He has great potential," Draco stated. "But Witley still sucks. Your sister has a better shot at going to the Quidditch World Cup."

"Maybe," Ginny said, winking at Draco.

"Whatever. The Cannons stand a chance," Ron grumbled.

"Of course they do dear," Emily said in a soothing voice, sitting down beside him.

"Harry how is work?" Hermione asked the raven-haired wizard from Draco's lap.

"It's ok, Ginny and I have actually been discussing me quitting," Harry stated looking guilty.

"What?!" Hermione and Ron both shouted.

"Well, I've thought a lot about it, and I just, I'm tired. I'm bloody tired of chasing and catching Dark Wizards, I think I'd rather teach. I think of Remus and even fake Alastor and how great they were, really made an impression on us. I think I'd like to help train the next generation of Aurors, but mostly just have a relaxed life," he paused, running his hair through his untidy hair. "I've already spoken to Minerva briefly and she's willing to make it easy on Gin and I because we have the boys. But we also have something else to consider." He looked at his wife, whose ears started turning red.

"Thanks tosser. Make me be the one to say it," the redhead grumbled. "We're pregnant." Ginny whispered.

"What?!" Ron shouted.

"That's fantastic!" Hermione exclaimed, jumping up, and almost hitting Draco in the balls, causing him to hold himself and mutter "Bloody witch". Hermione hugged Ginny hard who only half returned it. "Wait, what's wrong?" Hermione asked returning to her seat.

"Well we've discussed me stopping with the Harpies and maybe working for the Prophet doing reporting for their Quidditch division, I'd have the inside scoop and still be able to attend games," Ginny explained.

"Is that what you want?" Hermione asked, sitting back down beside Draco.

"It's been a great few years. Fantastic, but the boys are getting older and with training practices… The Harpies make concessions for my pregnancy but I'd love to just be home more. I still want to work, mind, but less."

"Oh Ginny, that'd be wonderful," Emily said, hugging her sister-in-law.

"If that's what you want to do that's great!" Hermione smiled, "That's a lot of change for you."

"No more than the two of you are going through." Ginny smirked.

OoOoOoO

Draco woke early, having set his wand to wake him up, 30 minutes before he knew Ariana would, even with the early mornings she'd been doing in anticipation for Christmas.

He carefully pulled his hand from around his brunette witch, and got out of the bed. He stood beside the bed, watching his daughter and his girlfriend, as they continued to sleep. Smiling he moved into the closet, and walked to his sock drawer, and removed the jewelry box he had buried in the back.

Walking back to the bed, he laid down gently beside Hermione, putting the ring under his pillow, and rubbing her arm as he whispered, "Hermione, wake up, beautiful." It took him about a minute before she opened her eyes and turned to look at him. He couldn't get over how beautiful she looked in his old Quidditch shirt.

"Turn over, I have an early Christmas present for you," Draco whispered, and waited as she carefully and quietly extracted herself from the sleeping five year old, and turned to look at him.

"Merry Christmas, love." Draco whispered, kissing her softly. "Sorry to wake you up early, but I need to tell you something."

Hermione nodded, suddenly nervous. She worried that he wasn't happy with her.

"Hermione Granger, in the last month I have gone from being the most lonely man in all of Britian to the happiest and most satisfied man. A lot of that is thanks to you, you and Ariana have healed me, made me the man I have always aspired to be. Hermione, we seem to be doing everything in reverse order, and I have no expectation that we need to move fast, but I would like to make you a promise. I'm in love with you, indescribably in love with you, and I want to be with you forever, so I want to give you this ring," he pulled the box from under the pillow. Opening it, he watched as her eyes widened. "This ring is a sign of my promise to love you, to always challenge you. and to be yours forever. We don't have to get married right away, but Hermione Granger, will you be my wife and complete our family?"

Hermione looked at him carefully, then looked at the ring, tears forming in her eyes. She began nodding, before saying, "Yes, a thousand times, yes."

Suddenly, Draco kissed her. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her closer to him.

"Papa?" Ariana asked sleepily.

Draco pulled away from Hermione, "Yes, love."

"Did she say yes papa?"

Draco let out a loud, booming laugh, "Yes she did."

"Yay!" Ariana crawled to Hermione, who still had tears in her eyes. "Hermione's going to be my momma!"

Hermione was crying and laughing at the same time, but sat up and hugged Ariana tightly. "I love you, Ariana, so much, and I love your papa, so very much."

To be continued...