The Christmas Disaster

I had managed to wake up before everyone else, so when I snuck back into the dorm, no one was there to catch me. I started packing, and was finished in time to watch everyone scramble to get ready. It was fun. When we got on the train, I sat with Ron and Harry so we could discuss what Harry and I overheard. And I couldn't find Hermione, but I had a feeling she was doing everything in her power to avoid Ron.

"The Unbreakable Vow. You're sure that's what Snape said?" Ron said after we told him about the night before.

"Yeah. Why?" Harry said to him.

"Well, it's just, you can't break an Unbreakable Vow." I looked over at Harry.

"The Force is strong with this one." I said sarcastically, gesturing to Ron.

"Yeah, I think we've figured that out ourselves, funnily enough." Harry said.

"No, you don't understand—oh, bloody hell." Lavender had stopped by our door and started writing one of those breath messages on it. It said 'R + L' and was inside a cutsie little heart with an arrow going through it.

"I miss you!" She whispered, and then left.

"Lovely." I said.

"All she wants to do is snog! My lips are getting chapped, see?" And he started to lean toward us.

"We'll take your word for it." And then Hermione walked by, stopped when she saw Lavender's little note, and then sped away.

"So, what happens when you break an Unbreakable Vow?" Harry asked Ron. I wasn't sure I wanted to hear the answer, but Ron told us anyway.

"You die."

I left the compartment, hoping to find Hermione to make sure she was okay. Once again, I found myself pulled into an empty compartment by a random arm. But this time, it wasn't Blaise. It was Draco. I smiled, and hugged him. I didn't know how I was going to get through
this holiday without him.

"You know, last time this happened, I was pretty pleased with the results."

"What, you didn't get enough last night?" He said, mockingly.

"Of course I did. But a little more is always appreciated. What's up?"

"Well, I was going to wait to give you this until we got back, but I just couldn't wait. Plus, we aren't going to see each other for a couple weeks, so I wanted to say good bye."

"Give me what?" And he showed me a tiny, velvety little box. It was too big to be a ring box (Thank God) but it was obviously some other form of jewelry. And sure enough, when I opened it, I found a necklace. The necklace had a silver chain, and that the bottom was a little cluster of diamonds with a big sapphire attached to them. "Holy crap, Draco, this is beautiful. This must've cost a fortune." I said as I put it on. He helped me with the clasp as I held my hair.

"In my family, money doesn't really mean much anymore. My parents have all this money that they don't even use anymore, because they're too busy trying to please their masters. So I might as well use it on you, right?"

"Well, I sure as hell won't complain."

"I figured, if you wear this all the time, that way you'll always be wearing blue. And you should ALWAYS wear blue." He said. I kissed him, and then we left each other.

I looked for Hermione everywhere, and only found her when I reached the end of the train. She and Ginny were sitting in a compartment, by themselves, and Hermione looked like an emotional wreck.

"Oh, Hermione, I'm so sorry." I said as I came in.

"It's not your fault. You didn't do anything." She was trying to hold in her sobs now, but it wasn't working. I pulled her head onto my lap and started playing with her hair. "That feels good." I chuckled.

"My mum used to do this to me when I was sad, or had a bad dream. It's very soothing." I said. "Are you sure you won't come over for a few days? You know how amazing Molly's big dinners are."

"Thanks. But I'd rather not, you understand. I just can't be around him anymore. Besides, I want to see my parents. But maybe… you could send me some leftovers?" I laughed.

"You got it." And then we talked, bashed Ron a little bit. Okay, we bashed Ron a lot. Even Ginny. Actually, she was the best at it. After using a rather profane word for him, we both looked at her with amazement.

"Bloody hell, Ginny, he's your brother." I said to her.

"Yeah, well, he's an idiot. And I still love him, but he's hurt one of my best friends. Brother or not, that's not okay with me." And then we all laughed.

When the train stopped, and we made our way off the train, I was met by an amazing surprise. The guys were already off and waiting for us, and standing next to them were my two favorite big brothers. I screamed and ran to them.

"Fred! Georgie! I MISSED YOU!" I nearly knocked them both over at once, and was also joined by Ginny. "What the hell are you guys doing here?" I said once I was able to let go of them.

"Mum was busy cleaning, so we offered to come pick you guys up. Aren't you guys glad to see us?"

"Of course!" We all shouted together.

…

It was Christmas Eve, and Lupin and Tonks were over. I really wanted to sit and talk to them, but then Harry started getting on about Snape and all his conspiracy junk, and then Lupin started to get angry with him, so I left. I started playing games with Fred and George. It was way less depressing. We went outside so we had more room, which was a good idea because Molly had started to glare at us from the kitchen.

"So, Tal, how come you stopped writing?" Fred said with a pout.

"Yeah, don't you love us anymore?" George said, also pouting.

"Oh, get off. After that last letter you wrote me, Fred, which was absolutely no help at all, I decided to take things into my own hands. And things worked out just fine, thank you very much."

"Well, that's good. No more Malfoy problem?" Fred asked.

"Well, let's just say I wouldn't call it a problem anymore."

"Good!" yelled George, and enthusiastically threw an exploding snap on the ground, which almost made his jacket catch fire. This made us laugh. But then my head started hurting.

"Man, my head hurts right now." I said, and Fred and George looked at me with concern, like they were about to say something, but then they were interrupted by Molly.

"Kids, come say goodbye to Remus and Tonks!" So we made our way toward the house. But a movement in my peripheral stopped me, and I saw Malfoy hiding around the corner. I ran to him.

"What are you doing here? If anyone sees you-" I whispered, but he cut me off

"Never mind that. You guys have to get out of the house, immediately. Some Death Eaters are coming, and they're going to set everything on fire."

"What! Why?"

"Why do you think? They're evil! Just get everyone out, now. And stay safe. I have to go; if they catch me here they'll kill me. And you. Now go!" And he ran off into the tall grass field, where he must have apparated or something. I ran around to the front, but I was too late. Bellatrix was there, shouting, and she cast a huge circle of fire around the house.

"Oh God." I said. This was a new kind of nightmare. Suddenly Harry burst out the door, which made Bellatrix run into the field. He followed her, and we started to yell. And then Ginny appeared in her robe, and ran after him. I tried to follow them, but Fred grabbed ahold of my arms.

"No, you can't! It's too dangerous!" He said.

"But they might need help!" I shouted.

"We'll go!" Said Arthur, and he and Lupin and Tonks all chased after them.

A second later, none other than Fenrir Greyback apparated right where Bellatrix had. He started to turn to the field, but when he caught a drift of air, he sniffed it and turned. He looked straight at me.

"Siren." He said. How could he know that? Could he smell me? I backed into Fred as I tried to get away, because Greyback had started to walk towards me. But when he heard a shout from behind him, he changed his mind. "Another time, perhaps." And he left. If Fred hadn't been holding me up, I would've collapsed.

When we heard someone flying above, we looked up just in time for them to shoot flames at the house, which quickly went up in flames. The look of horror on everyone's faces was the worst part. This was their house. Our house. And we had to watch it burn to the ground.

"Come on, everyone, you can stay at our house." Tonks said, and Lupin nodded in agreement.

"Oh, you guys are so sweet. But we all won't fit in your house, Tonks." Said Molly, struggling to keep it together.

"Don't worry, mum. You and dad can go to their house; the rest can stay at our flat in Diagon Alley until they go back to school." Said Fred.

"That could work. But AFTER Christmas. You all are spending tomorrow at our house. You need to spend it as a family." Said Lupin, and we all left the burrow.

…

Dear Talia,

Are you okay? Is everyone okay? I wish I could have come and warned you sooner. Thankfully, I didn't get caught sneaking out to come to you. I can't be away long, so I'm afraid this letter will have to be short. I just needed to make sure you got everyone out alright. I'll see you at school.

Draco.

Oh, Draco. I can't believe he ever made me think he was evil. It must be torture for him, being trapped in that house, pretending he wants to be there. I sat in Fred and George's flat, the last day before the holiday ended. Christmas Day had actually gone okay. We were all still pretty upset about The Burrow, but everyone had made it a mission to have a good Christmas. Somehow, and to this day I can't figure out how, Molly had saved all the scarves and sweaters she knitted for us. That woman is a saint. Finally, I got around to writing Draco back.

Dear Draco,

Yes, everyone is just fine. We spent Christmas Day with Remus Lupin and his wife, Tonks, and now we're staying at Fred and George's flat until school starts again. I'm sure everyone would like to know you were concerned. Well, maybe. But, thank you.

I'm glad you didn't get into any trouble. I really miss you, and I can't wait to see you at school.

Talia.

"Hey Tal, were all going to go get something to eat! Hermione's gonna meet us there. Coming?" George shouted from somewhere in the flat.

"Yeah, just a sec!" I folded the envelope, put it in the envelope, and sealed it. In my somehow fancy yet messy handwriting, I wrote Draco Malfoy on it, and then remembered something. "Hey, Harry! Can I borrow Hedwig for something?" I yelled at him, wherever he was.

"Yeah, sure!" And I gave her the letter, and looked her straight in the eye.

"Now listen. If you tell Harry who this letter is to, I won't give you a treat when you get back. Got it?" She clicked her beak, so I took that as a confirmation. "Good." And she flew.

We went over to the Leaky Cauldron, and got some lunch. Fred and George weren't very good at making meals, so we went out most days at least once. The Leaky Cauldron was very good at giving you meals so big, it would practically count as two meals. I'd always loved their food.

"This is so good." I said. Hermione looked at me.

"You get the same thing every day."

"Because it's SO good!" And everyone laughed. Ginny was looking at me with a weird look in her eyes. "What?" I asked her, with food in my mouth.

"Talia, I think you should get a boyfriend. You seem lonely." I started choking on my food. Was this a joke? Did someone tell her? When I looked at Hermione, she looked amused, but shook her head as if to say she didn't tell a soul. Well, I think it was time to tell Ginny myself.

"Hey, Ginny, I'm all done. Do you wanna go shop? We can talk about this boyfriend thing."

"Sure!" And I looked Back at Hermione, and she looked very proud of me. The others just looked confused. Good.

When we were down the alley a bit, I stopped and turned to her.

"Listen, Ginny, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while now, but I just couldn't decide how, and then you and Dean broke up and I thought it wasn't the right time, and then what with our house burning…"

"Talia, you can tell me anything. ANYTHING. We're practically sisters. You know what, never mind. We ARE sisters. So spit it out already!"

"I… already have a boyfriend."

"No way! Who is it?" I let out a huge sigh. I didn't think I was ready to say it. But it had to be done.

"Draco Malfoy."

Hermione POV

We sat there, talking, but all I could think about was how Ginny was taking the news. It could go either way, really. But no matter what, I knew Talia was doing the right thing. She couldn't keep this to herself forever, and the sooner she told Ginny, the sooner she could get around to telling everyone else. What I was really nervous about was when Harry would find out. That would be bad.

I was just sipping some soup when I saw Talia back up right outside the window, with her hands up. She was talking frantically, trying to explain. And then Ginny came through, and she was positively furious. Uh oh. A few seconds later, Talia came back by the window, but this time she was running for her life, with Ginny chasing her. This made me swallow my soup the wrong way, and someone had to pat my back and give me some water.

"Hermione, what's the matter?" Said Harry. Once I got ahold of myself, I got up.

"Nothing, I just remembered that I was going to buy this new book while I was here and I TOTALLY forgot about it. I'm gonna go grab that, and then maybe I'll collect Talia and Ginny and meet you back at the flat. Sound good?" And I dashed outside, trying to spot where they were. I couldn't see them, but then I heard Ginny shout from a little alleyway and I followed her angry voice.

"Ginny, please, you have to listen-"

"Listen? LISTEN? How can I listen? You just told me that you're shagging Draco Malfoy! MALFOY! Have you just forgotten all the crap he's put us through the past five and a half years?"

"Of course not! It's not like I wanted this!" Talia was crying. I went over to her.

"Ginny, you have to hear her out. It's not what you think. Honestly." I said. This seemed to make Ginny even angrier.

"You KNEW about this? And you're OKAY with it?"

"Yes, I am. Because I took the time to listen to them. And I trust her. If you are a good friend-"

"Don't talk to me about being a 'good friend'! A GOOD friend wouldn't be hooking up with this horrible-" But Talia cut her off with a yell.

"I LOVE HIM, GINNY! Do you hear me? I love him." This made Ginny cool down a bit. She wasn't expecting that, I bet.

"You… love him?" She said, calmly.

"Yes. So, so much. I've never felt this way before. And I know he loves me back." She grabbed this beautiful, sapphire necklace that was around her neck. "He makes me happier than I've been since my sister died. He's the only one who makes my nightmares go away, besides Fred. I love him." She paused. "I… I told him. About me. My secret."

"What?" Ginny and I said together. I didn't know about this.

"Yeah. The night before break started, we spent the night together. And I felt so close to him… and we had this amazing talk, and this REALLY amazing sex, and I had to tell him. It was right. And I know I can trust him. He's different, Ginny, so much different than he used to be. I can see it. And I made him promise to leave you guys alone. And he wants Harry to win this war. More than anyone." There was silence, while Ginny processed everything Talia just said. Please, God, let her be okay with this. Finally, she spoke.

"I… do trust you, Tal. And I'm so sorry I burst out at you like that, you didn't deserve it."

"It's okay. I understand, really. You should have seen how Blaise took it at first."

"Blaise? Blaise Zabini? What does he have to do with everything?" Me and Tal looked at each other, knowing we had to tell her.

"Come on, we'll explain everything on the way back to the flat."

Talia POV

Once Ginny was all caught up, you wouldn't believe how relieved I felt. My two best friends, the ones I had longed to talk to about everything, were finally in the know. It was as if a million bricks were lifted off my shoulders. I could finally breathe again. When we were back in our temporary room, they were finally asking me all the questions normal girlfriends would ask.

"So, who's better in the sack? Blaise, or Malfoy?" Ginny asked.

"Malfoy. No contest."

"And what do you call him? I mean, for the last five years it's been 'Malfoy'. That seems like something it would be hard to overcome." Said Hermione.

"It was. And I called him Malfoy, at first. But when we said we loved each other, we became closer, somehow. And I just started calling him Draco." I said.

"You know, it makes sense that you were sleeping with Blaise. He's actually not that bad. Once, a few years ago, Malfoy called me the 'M' word, and Blaise totally thumped him on the head."

"I remember that! Boy, Malfoy really was a tosser back in the day, wasn't he?" I said, and we laughed.

"Yes. Yes he was." Said Ginny. She still seemed a little uneasy about the whole thing, but she was trying. And I loved her for that.

"You know, he really does love you. Lately, I mean before the holiday, I've been watching him in classes and stuff. And he always looks so unhappy. But when he looks at you, or your eyes meet, his whole face brightens. It's like you give him hope." Said Hermione. I blushed. "Who would've thought that you and Malfoy could become something so… amazing?"

"I know, right? And the thing is, in some ways, he's still the Malfoy we've always known. Snarky, sarcastic, and pretty resentful when it comes to some things. But he's nice. And he's really trying to be something other than his father."

"Whose father? Who are you guys talking about?" Ron said. He had apparently poked his head in the door, and had been listening for a few seconds.

"Ronald, what are you doing? Get out of here right now!" I yelled at him.

"Alright, alright! Fred just wanted me to tell you guys that we're leaving bright and early tomorrow, so you should get a good night's sleep!" And then he retreated, mumbling something about us being 'bloody lunatics'. Oh, Ronald and his vocabulary.

"Yeah, let's get to bed. I'm bushed." And we went to sleep