Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter JkR does. I just like making her characters act completely unlike themselves for my own twisted story.

Chapter 15:

Christmas Eve


Christmas Eve was here. Draco had finally decided after having put Hermoine through what he did at the Manor, he could return the favor and be uncomfortable at the Burrow.

The were to arrive by Portkey at twelve noon and stay until after dinner at six. It was breakfast and Hermione again was seated with Draco at the Slytherin table.

"I wanted to thank you again for going with me today." Hermione said softly. "I know it will probably be uncomfortable for you."

"Nah. It's not a big deal. Besides after what you put up with the other day from my house. I feel I kinda owe it to ya." Draco tried to say it nonchalantly, but Hermoine saw through it.

She sighed. "I know that was more unfavorable for you then it was for me. I wish you would tell me more on your thoughts about it." He started to interrupt her but she held up a hand. "Wait! Let me finish. I was going to say that I know you will when you feel up to it."

He kind of nodded. And then didn't say anything.

As they sat in their companionable silence, an two owls came floating toward them. One was a beautiful chocolate colored owl, the other Hermione recognized as Ron's. The chocolate covered one, came to a stop directly across from Draco. Held its leg out, Draco took the attached letter, and then fed it some toast. It flitted off just as quickly. The owl delivering Hermione's was not a graceful and she ended up with a face and sweater full of milk. It landed directly in her cereal. He righted itself, held it leg out. Hermione took the letter, the owl jumped to the other side of the table, shook itself like a dog would and then flew off the way it had come. Draco cleaned her up with a short spell, she offered him thanks.

"It seems, someone from the burrow wants a chat." Hermione said. "Is that from your mother?"

Draco nodded, "Yes, I wonder what for. I already owled her and told her what I was doing."

"Well best get on with it." Was Hermione's reply.

Hermione's letter was from Harry.

Dear Hermoine,

I hope you still have every intention of coming to the Burrow today.

And the Weasleys' ask that if he would join you, to please bring Draco.

Ron said he has something he needs to tell you and I. He won't tell me

without you here. He's been acting off the past few days. So it must be

something important. Mrs. Weasley said to tell you to bring the gifts

for everyone. She isn't making us wait until Christmas morning. Said

we are all getting a bit old for that. Hears hoping you are still coming.

Love Your Friend,

Harry

P.S. Tell Malfoy I won't hex him if he comes.

Hermione finished reading her letter and had to laugh. Harry was silly sometimes. He seems in good spirits, which is great. She's seen Harry go through so much since they were eleven. Maybe this would turn out a good Christmas after all.

Then she turned to Draco. He looked upset.

"Draco, is something the matter?" She sounded truly concerned.

He just thrust his letter into her hand. And then stared at his breakfast.

My Dearest Draco,

I am hoping you are well, and enjoying the Eve of Christmas.

Please try to have a good time at the Burrow today. I've met

Molly Weasley before, and even though her family does not

have the financial means that ours does, doesn't make her any

less a wonderful witch. She is extremely kind hearted, and caring.

Do Not make a fool of yourself.

However, on another issue. Woodrow has asked if you and that

darling Hermione would meet with him again here at the Manor

on your next Holiday. I told him it would be up to you. I completely

understand if you decide not to. He is not the man he was 18 years ago.

Please try to enjoy the rest of your Holiday, and do send your mother

a letter before long. Missing you already.

Love Always,

Mum

N.C.

Hermione said nothing as she turned to Draco. He looked like he had recomposed himself.

"So what did you letter say?" He asked.

"Here you can read it for yourself. It's from Harry." She handed him her letter, as well as his own from his mother.

Draco quickly read through the letter, and she was glad she had let him. When he finished, he was laughing. "Promises not to hex me eh?" Continues laughing. Hermione joined him laughing before long.

"Well he is a powerful wizard, but I think that was more of a light teasing. I think he's trying to tell us, that he's willing to make an effort to be-friend you. It would make it alot easier on me if everyone got along." She said the last absently.

"So, I wonder what Weaselby's got to tell you. I heard Millicent and Theo talking a few weeks before holiday, and I guess he's been taken up so much of Pansy's time, she hasn't got any for her studies or friends. Maybe it has something to do with that. And I do remember them saying they couldn't quit shagging long enough to even eat."

It was like a light bulb went off inside Hermione. "Your right! I bet it does. And I do remember Ron leaving in the middle of quite a few meals, with nothing but a tug on the sleeve from her. It's the first I've ever seen Ron leave a meal without brutal force." And then Hermione started laughing again.

"Well we best go get ready. If we want to be at the Portkey on time." Draco was actually looking forward to it. If Ron's mother was anything like Draco thought, this should be interesting.

"Yes, your right. Meet you out there at quarter til?" She asked. He nodded. Stood. Kissed her lightly and then took off.


Quarter til Noon

Draco approached Hermoine, and she took in what he was wearing. Dark grey dress pants, black dress shoes and light blue dress shirt. This under his black woolen coat, very expensive, and matching hat and gloves. He looked very eloquent.

He in turn was doing the same to her. She had on a black skirt that came to just about mid thigh, black stockings, boots that came to her knees. He couldn't see her top yet because she was all buttoned up in her black coat. She was wearing the hat, scarf and gloves his mother had given her. She was wearing her hair in soft silky ringlets.

He reached out and tugged one when he got close enough. She swatted his hand away. "How would you like it if I tugged your hair Mr. Malfoy?" She said it teasingly.

He gave her a look of mock shock, and replied, "No one touches a Malfoy's hair." And then she did just that. It was smoothe and silky and soft. He let her. Then he got a look of pure, well, what would one call it? Um, desire maybe.

Hermione's breath slowed. He stepped closer, just as she was about to lean into him--

"Hello, are you two going to the Burrow as well?"

They both turned to see Luna. She was dressed quite absurd. But it was Luna so no one said anything. Instead of radish earrings, she had tree ornaments. And she looked like a tree in that dress. It was a horrible green, and it had little red, silver and gold balls hanging from it. She wore a coat over it, with no hat or gloves. Her stockings were bright red, and she was wearing gold boots.

When the recovered from the sight as well as being caught, "Well, um, yes Luna we are. I thought you had gone home?" This from Hermione.

"Well, Dad's off chasing those horrible Yuletide-hornswagglers. So I decided to stay here. I've been asked to come stay at the Burrow for the rest of the Holiday though. Isnt' that nice?" Luna had come up with yet another something or other no one had ever heard of.

"Yes, very nice. I'm sure you will enjoy yourself immensely. I usually do." Hermione responded.

Luna just nodded and smiled that lost look in her eyes.

"Shall we head on then?" This from Draco.

Their portkey was created for them by McGonagall. It was a wreath of holly, that usually sat at the bottom of the stairs in the Owlery. Each grabbed hold, and off they swirled.

Hermoine, Draco, and Luna then floated like they were walking on air down to the Burrow. Having gotten used to portkey passage, Hermione was quite good.

It was only then when they came to put their feet on the ground that Draco noticed Hermoine carrying a large bag. "What's that Hermoine?"

She looked around as if she didn't no what he was talking about. Then she noticed he was pointing to the bag in her hand. "Oh, its their gifts. Molly asked me to bring them."

"Well allow me my lady." And Draco took the bag from her, shifted it to the other hand that was indeed carrying a small bag already, and replaced her empty hand with his.

"Shall we?" They followed Luna up to the house.


Inside was pure chaos. Molly was shooing everyone out of the kitchen. Ron of course was trying to steal bits of ham and tarts here and there. "There is plenty for you to snack on in the living room Ronald. NOW GET OUT!"

When she turned to face the stove again, she noticed the three new comers. "Oh hello dears. Happy Christmas."

They all replied in turn the same Happy Christmas. And then Molly proceeded to take each young one into a great hug each of their own. Including the young Malfoy. This caught everyone who was still ingoring Molly's request to vacate her kitchen by surprise.

"Stop standing about. I can't get anything done with you boys in my kitchen. Move!" She turned back the the three. And said in a much different tone, "Please won't you all go into the living room. I'm just trying to get dinner up and going. We will be opening gifts in about an hour. Please, go make yourselves comfortable."

She was politely shooing them from her kitchen as well. Draco was still in shock about the hug he'd been ensconsed in just moments prior.

Hermoine grabbed Draco's hand and proceeded into the living room. "Hey Hermione, Luna. Young Malfoy, glad you could join us." This from Arthur. "What's that you've got there young man? Gifts, I suppose. Well best be putting them by the tree with the others."

Draco did as he was bid, and then turned to see Hermione being enveloped by hugs from everyone. She sure was a part of this family huh? Then he took a look at his surroundings. It was small. But not so small that everyone in the room couldn't sit down. Everyone looked happy and seemed to be enjoying themself. Draco was taken aback. So this is what a holiday is like around people not to stuck up their own ass to have fun?

Hermoine had removed her coat to reveal a green dress shirt made of fine silk that that seemed to wrap around her body and showed how much the girl wasn't a girl anymore. Draco couldn't remove his eyes. "May I have your coat to hang up Draco?" She was completely naive to the fact that Draco was gawking at her.

He handed her his coat and sat in a chair while she disappeared to put them up.

Ron and Harry were just going back to their game of wizard's chess, Luna pulling a seat up next to Harry when Pansy and Blaise arrived. This he only noticed because of the squeal let out by Pansy.

"Ronnie!" She went running over to him. He stood up and looked slightly embaressed when everyone was watching the public display of affection as she covered his face with kisses and rubbed her hands just about everywhere they could touch.

Introductions were being made. After everyone had settled down again. Hermione came to sit on the arm of the chair Draco had placed himself in, in the corner of the room.

"Are you okay?" She asked concerned.

He smiled to let her know he was. "Yes, just fine. More of a people watcher then a joiner. If you know what I mean."

She smiled, nodded and then did something unexpected. She ruffled his perfect locks of golden hair. He just laughed and swatted her hand away playfully. This exchange was not missed by anyone. But they seemed to not notice and if they did. Neither one cared.

Pansy of course couldn't miss the chance to tease them about it. "Draco, did you just let someone touch your hair?"

She was laughing.

"Well yes, Pansy I did. Seeing as how one day she and I will be married, I can hardly yell and holler about it now can I?" Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to him. He was the first to bring up that any of them should be getting married.

"What? Did I say something wrong? You all know it has to be done. I'm just making to most of it. Why fight, and bicker and argue if we don't have to. Although I hate to admit it. I do miss the squabbles we used to have. Your fetching when your mad love." Hermione was shocked. He had just admitted to all of her friends and two of his that he thought she was fetching, called her 'love', as well as the fact he had every intention of marrying her one day.

"Nothing's wrong with what you said Malfoy. Some of us are just a little surprised you were the one to mention it."

This from Ginny.

He just shrugged and went to playing with the sleeve of his shirt like it was not a big deal.

When the others in the room realized nothing more would be said they went back to what they were doing. Only Harry noticed the confident and albeit love-struck look on Hermoine's face. He hoped this worked out. He hated to see her heart get broke.


"Alright everyone! Time to open gifts!" Molly exclaimed from the doorway. "Arthur would you please get everyone seated and begin passing them out. There's atleast one for everyone."

Everyone sat down here and there. "No one is allowed to open their gifts the minute they get them. So George you and Fred keep hold of yourselves. I want everyone to have a gift in their hands first." Molly said as she seated herself in the chair Arthur had vacated to do her bidding.

Arthur began passing out gifts, and to much amazement. Everyone had several by the time he was finished.

"Now Arthur got me a new camara for Christmas this year. And I want pictures of everyone opening their gifts so we will go one at a time. Youngest first." This meant Ginny got to open hers. They went around the room opening them as Molly directed and she was snapping pictures the whole time.

Everyone was quite happy with what they got. Hermoine had recieved the usual jumper from Molly and Arthur. Only this year instead of being red or orange or something of the sort. It was Slytherin green, and had a big 'M' on the front. The same went for all the girls. They had the last initial of their mate on them, and were the color of their mates house. All the boys/men recieved a scarf made up of their mates house colors, and their initials were together at the ends. Draco's were D.M. on one end and H.G. on the other.

"I thought it appropriate with the law and all." Was all Molly said. Hermoine was quite happy with hers.

It seemed everyone was giving joint gifts this year. Ron and Pansy had gotten a book for Hermoine on The Healer's Beginning. She had been wanting this and knew that the only reason she had gotten it was because she'd mentioned it to Pansy absently one day. Harry and Luna had given her another book, Luna must of choosen it. Something about Hassle-mongers and How to avoid them. Harry had also given her a beautiful new book bag. He said to hold all her new books she would recieve. But Hermione knew it was just to make up for the crazy one Luna had made him give her. She'd recieved a few odds here and there, and of course the usual joke-shop gifts from Fred and George.

Draco had recieved three gifts, the scarf from The Weasleys, a new pocket wallet from Ron and Pansy. He knew Pansy had choosen it because of the quality. And from Harry he recieved a book on Potions, called The Potions Master. He'd been looking for this, and wondered where Harry had gotten it.

Hermione hadn't thought that Draco would get anyone here gifts but was wrong. He'd gotten the Mr and Mrs. Weasley an enchanted cooking pot. Molly was ever so grateful. "Now, I can make even bigger meals!" She would be needing it, with her family growing as it was. He'd gotten Harry a Golden Snitch with Gryffindor Seeker engraved, and a silver quaffle and broom for Ron that had Gryffindor Keeper engraved. Both boys were quite taken aback. Neither expected Malfoy to give them a gift. Let alone one so specially picked out.


Gifts having been opened and excitement of opening them died down to a simmer. The boys and Ginny were all getting ready to have a game of Quidditch. Hermoine and the girls were going to go watch for a while. Molly kept telling them she needed peace for her dinner to come out. You would think she would be used to the noise and chaos, but she kept rambling about the guests wouldn't come back if she didn't get the meal right. Molly prided herself on her cooking and would be crushed if no one enjoyed it.

"Can I have a word with Harry and Hermione first?" this from Ron.

Ginny piped up. "Sure, just don't be too long. Come on everyone. We can get into teams while they talk about their secret stuff." Ginny said this laughing. "Hey Malfoy. You coming? We need two seekers for the game to even out."

"Sure I don't see why not." Draco replied and with a last look at Hermoine, he followed them out.

Harry and Hermoine followed Ron up to his room. Ron sat on his bed, and Harry and Hermoine across from him on the bed Harry occupied when he stayed. Ron put a silencing charm and locked the door with his wand before he spoke. The other two looked at each other with a concerned look. It must be bad if Ron didn't want anyone to know.

"Ok, I'm just gonna get it out." Ron said. Then he mumbled what sounded like, "Antsy regant."

"Ron you'd think after all these years of figuring out what you say while eating we'd have understood that, but what?" Harry said.

Then he blurted out "Pansy's Pregnant."

Hermione gasp and Harry laughed.

"I don't see what's so funny mate." Ron said with displeasure.

"Ronald Weasley, didn't you two think to use contraceptive charms?" Hermione asked with pure disgust. Sounding much like Molly would.

Harry was still laughing. Hermione smacked him on the arm. "Harry, I really don't see what's so funny." She said.

He calmed himself. "You don't? I told him all that shagging would lead to no good. So when's the date?"

Ron looked to the floor, "Well she's about six weeks, so I dunno. I'm not a medi-witch."

Harry shook his head, "No you git. The wedding date."

Ron looked surprised, "What?"

Hermoine interjected. "You didn't honestly think you could get her up the duff and there be no reprecussions did you? And honestly Ronald, you do intend on marrying her right?"

"Well, I mean, yeah. But- "Ron just put his head in his hands, "Man I don't wanna get married."

"Well, mate. It's a little late for that. Best be getting around to it soon. Her dad will kill ya, if you don't."

Ron looked ill. "I know it. Suppose I'll ask her in a week or so."

Hermione rose, figuring the conversation was finished. But Harry spoke up. "Do you have a ring yet?"

Ron shook his head, no. "Well, I tell you what. We can go together this next week. I'll help you pick one out, and you can help me pick out Luna's."

Both Hermione and Ron looked up at this. "What?" Came from Ron.

"Well I see it this way. I really like her, no I take that back. I love her. She doesn't hero-worship me. She likes me for who I am. The quirkyness I can live with. She's really a wonderful person, and I can see my life with her."

Hermione ran and enveloped him in a large hug. "Oh Harry thats wonderful."

"Congrats mate." Ron said softly.

"Thanks." Harry replied. "Now lets go so I can kick Malfoy's ass in this game."

And he did. But not by much.


Dinner went well, and after it was over, everyone hugged and said goodbyes until next time or their return to Hogwarts.

Hermione was to go with Harry and Ron to help with finding the proper rings the following Tuesday.

Everything will be ok, Hermoine thought to herself as she and Draco portkeyed back.


That's it folks. I'll try to update again soon. Please review. Hugs. and happy reading!

xoxoxo

P.S. As for those of you whom didn't figure it out. I based Malfoy's biological father on Woody Harrelson. An American actor. Sorry for those of you who like him. It just came to me, and I went with it. For those who did figure it out, I give you respect.

What do you think of the way things are headed? Are they to OOC for the story? Am I headed in the right direction for you? Let me know. Any ideas on where you would like this story to go are much appreciated.