Christmas morning was a change for all. Severus and Remus had done all they could to make it festive. There were a few gifts from the UK from those who knew them to be alive. They had transfigured a tree into a Christmas tree and the boys made decorations as part of their lessons. They were in a muggle area so they couldn't fill the gardens with snow but they frosted the windows and used a spell to feel like it. Kreacher and Dobby had been making them Christmas treats for days and promised them a feast for dinner as well. The elves loved all four of the boys.

Harry was a bit nervous when it was his turn. He noticed all the others were store bought and only his frames were. He had felt bad when Tom said he was alone. As a thank you he sent a gift for him. He had framed the cage bird picture Tom first liked of his.

Harry finally gave them over "I'm sorry I know they're not really much."

Remus had opened his first "Harry this is beautiful."

Draco more then agreed "These are cool. You know we have needed something to personalize our home."

The others all agreed. Remus' was a charcoal of the three true marauders in form by a tree which Remus knew to be the Whomping willow. Draco's was the albino dragon Tom liked with a small snitch in a claw. It was a Norwegian ridge back and reminded them of first year. Severus' looked like an old gnarled tree with a serpent winding up. There were five small buds though showing new life. Severus knew it was an odd take on a family tree for their little family. Fred's was a more abstract piece which he realized was their fireworks and besides Draco's was the only one in color.

George looked down at his own. There was a lizard in the branches of a tree and he knew it to be chameleon. He could see off in the distance the outline of a house. He knew that it was the Burrow. He put down the picture and took Harry into his arms.

He knew as Harry did back they were the only ones who could really understand "Thank you."

Harry touched the pendant George got him "Just returning the favour."

Remus saw but for now he directed them back "We still have the gifts from home to see to."

Remus had been helping both of them heal. George may have been making an easier break as he had no confusion over his feelings but it was still hard. There were times even with his own twin George sometimes felt as he had to hide. He had become a bit of a chameleon of sorts though Harry was even more. The pendant George had given Harry looked like an odd twisted pod of ivory but was a cocoon. Harry was like the butterfly waiting.

Remus picked up a gift and shared a look with Severus when he saw who it was from. He was reluctant to give it to Harry but the boys had seen it. They didn't want Harry to know who the man was. He would be suspicious if they kept it from him.

Remus handed it over "Someone from art class?"

Harry was surprised "Yes. He helped me with your gifts. I sent him one as he said he was alone."

Fred was oblivious to the looks from the adults "Open it then."

Harry opened and found a beautiful portfolio within. He thought of the used one they found him in town. This was a far more expensive gift then he could expect. He felt some guilt but was reminded by Draco what the man said. If he was alone he had probably been relieved to have someone to shop for.

Harry felt uncomfortable and since the gifts were done he motioned outside "I thought we decided to teach the old men how to play cricket."

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Hermione sat brooding in her room. It was early January and she was dying to get out of these rooms. Even when Lucius was home was she rarely allowed out. Christmas had come and gone a few weeks ago. The only way she could tell were the two Christmas parties she was forced to attend. She hadn't seen her husband for over a week and he explained he had been away on vacation with his new lover.

Hermione noticed he was travelling more. He had been going when ever someone tipped him off. After four false tips on his son Hermione thought he'd give up. But he went each time instead of sending someone. She assumed after Bill he was a bit wary of trusting someone else.

Lucius walked into the room "I am leaving for a week."

Hermione who was dressing snarled at him "Haven't you heard of knocking?"

Lucius almost struck her but was reminded about the baby. He may have wanted a son but he wasn't about to hurt his child. He had standards after all. Besides it was what the whore wanted. He wasn't sure why as the baby saved her useless life.

Lucius pulled her in close "I am going south of the equator. I have had another tip about my former son. I will be gone at least a week."

Hermione tried to pull back "All high and mighty about not hurting this baby but out to kill your son?"

Lucius pushed her on the bed "Even if a girl that child is innocent. My former son must pay for the dishonour he has brought on my name."

Hermione sat back up and straightened her clothes. She thought him a fool and she had no problem telling him that. He disowned his son already and the world thought him dead. Lucius was a fool about to throw away his pardon just for silly revenge.

Lucius called from the door "I am not throwing it away. No one will ever find a body to pin a murder on me. You would be smart to remember that."