Disclaimer: I own nothing except my own characters.

Note: I love the wizardry world. I wish half the gifts I made up in this chapter were real...lol Happy reading!

Some Christmas, Some Presents

"Anyway," I said turning to Melinda who was spinning her coin. "So, why do we have coins? Why not Hermione and them?" I asked.

"Because they're not greatly affected like we are…" Melinda said though it sounded more like a suggestion. "Matt knows we're troubled stubborn people."

"Well now that you're safe shouldn't we write and tell him?" Draco piped him, as he tapped his wand against his coin and watch.

"No wait!" I said grabbing his wand from his hand. "Don't use that watch I mean, just wait a few hours." He shrugged before putting his wand aside.

"Anyway, you can use my owl or one of the spare ones" Draco said. Melinda gave me a look but I tried my best to ignore it.

"We need know more about The Fates."

"How are we supposed to find out? The book is still gone" he wasn't getting annoyed, which was still weird, he hadn't left, but he looked extremely uncomfortable.

"Well, maybe you can look through mum's library" Draco suggested. I started to laugh at Melinda's expression but then I felt like a fist hit my stomach.

"We'll just be more forceful about finding that book" I said.

"But we won't be back at school for a few days still" she said frowning again. I nodded in agreement, but at least we had most of this figured out.

Suddenly my body felt very tired, I looked over Melinda, she looked over tired, as did Draco, and he probably got a full night's sleep.

"Actually I woke up at 5 because I felt a weird sensation. Zes was going to give my mum the letter, but you know she'd hit him if he woke up that early. So I read it, told her what happened and then waited."

"The twins woke up at five too" I told Melinda, remembering how quick they were to my response.

"Someone is doing a hell of a job keeping us all connected" Melinda said as I nodded in agreement; all I could do now was nod.

Draco got up and went to the big black couch that occupied most of the center of the room. "Melinda, you and Tammie sleep in the bed." He tapped the couch with his wand and sprang into a twin sized bed. He climbed in. "Unless you want to open presents first?" I laughed before sliding off the bed. Melinda tapped her wand twice, one to remove the sheets, once to replace them with new ones. Draco grimaced at the purple sheets underneath his heavy black blanket. I gave him an apologetic smile before climbing into the bed. "We need to keep an eye out for Professor Madison, we know she wants something." He added. I nodded in agreement as I laid on the pillow, my thoughts slowly slipping as I listened to Draco mumble to himself as he drifted off to sleep.

I opened my eyes to see that both Melinda and Draco were still sleep, and that it was one in the afternoon. I lightly fell back on the pillow. I opened my eyes again, this time it was three in the afternoon and there was a light knocking sound. I automatically looked at the door but after a second I realized it was just Melinda tapping on the headboard. "Oh, you're awake" she said half happy, half groggy.

"You look like you could do with a few extra hours" I told her, looking at her messy hair and beaten expression.

"So do you" she said with a laugh. "Do you think we should open the presents here, I mean, you know, Weasley presents at the Malfoys?" she had dropped her voice low, even though from the looks of it Draco was still sound asleep. I shrugged and rolled over, and then sat up.

"They're just presents, the worst the Malfoys will do is criticize the gifts aloud" I joked looking around for my bag. It came in last night, with the rest of the stuff, but I wasn't sure where I had put it.

"Where the bathroom again?" Melinda asked who had hurried off the bed, as if just now remembering where she exactly she was.

"Um, pretty sure there's one down the hall to your right. I think we passed it when we first got in." I told her as I found the large pile of our things. I made a face, I certainly didn't remember bringing this much. Then again, only a handful of the pile was full of luggage of clothes, the rest were gifts. I winched, gifts from everyone I just left because of some stupid hags. I fought my way through the presents, pulling out Ginny's first.

"You should wait, or least open them with the rest of you presents, c'mon, I'll help you carry them." I wiped my nose at the sound of Draco's voice.

"Okay" I said quietly getting to my feet and grabbing the small bag of presents, along with Melinda's small bag.

We trudged our way down the main room, where the fireplace and tree were. I barely noticed the effects of the tree as I put the two bags down. "Tammie" Mrs. Malfoy had come from out of the kitchen, tea in hand; she was wrapped in a long black cloak. I never liked to admit how pretty I thought my aunt was, but there was a certain grace to her, arrogance mostly, but a hint of grace. I also really liked the single streak of white in her hair, toward the front, by her bangs.

"Merry Christmas" I said, though I know it sounded awkward.

"You too" she said walking over to Draco, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Oh yes, one more guest, right?" she asked her voice slow but alert. It took a minute before Draco nodded. Mr. Malfoy had come by then.

"How long are you two staying?" Mr. Malfoy asked, looking at me. I wanted to play stupid and asked who he meant, but he knew. He looked like an older version of Draco, his long hair the same blonde, his stance the same, rigid, air of importance but mostly annoying.

"Just until the term starts back up, which is soon!" I don't know why I was trying to bargain with my uncle, it would've worked better with my aunt.

"Why was she in your room last night Draco?" he was looking at Draco, as Draco looked at his mum. She looked more displeased than her husband.

"We were talking, all of us, Tammie was in there too" I nodded furiously. "Don't worry, she'll sleep in the guest room. I'll make sure of it" Draco said, looking from him mum to dad, trying to convince them.

"Fine, but the guest house on the east side, not the west" Mrs. Malfoy finally said taking her tea over to the couch. I tried to keep my face from twitching, the guest house on the east side was close to the master bedroom, their bedroom and neither Draco nor I were on the east side, both our rooms being on the west. "Tammie, are you going to have some tea?" I focused on Mrs. Malfoy's voice, just relax, they're not going to kill her. They just want to keep an eye on her. I thought to myself as I nodded. "Zes! Why have you not brought in the afternoon tea!" I deflated a bit. I forgot I couldn't go get my own tea. Zes ran in, carrying a silver tray, on it were four empty cups, a small tea kettle, and small cups for sugar and cream. He said it down and hurried back into the kitchen. "We're having company for dinner. I expect you will not fail to impress me by wearing something a little more appropriate. As will Hennings." I nodded as I absently helped myself into making a cup of hot tea.

A short while later Melinda was joining us, she approached slowly, I didn't blame her, I would've ran straight for the door if I were her. "Hennings, tea? Cheese? Biscuits?" Mrs. Malfoy was just being polite as she waved her hand over the tray of assorted treats Zes had brought out. Melinda knew she wasn't just being polite, no, Mrs. Malfoy was showing Melinda the way they—we—lived, the elegant and class to it, the expensiveness of it. She was trying to intimidate her. Melinda didn't even flinch as she smiled and reached for a piece of cheese. Good girl. I thought to myself with a smile.

"Well, I think we should get to the presents, unless, Tammie would you like to change?" Mrs. Malfoy asked. I shook my head. I couldn't let them all be along with Melinda. Mrs. Malfoy sighed and then turned toward the tree. "Tammie, would you like to go first?" she looked over me. No. I thought to myself.

"I'll go" Draco said standing up, taking quick steps to the tree. Melinda moved closer.

"Oh, just a moment," I said running over to my bag of presents. I pulled out Draco's present. I tossed the box into the tree, and it disappeared. I looked back at Melinda who looked completely confused now. I nodded to Mrs. Malfoy who nodded to Draco who went back over to the tree "I Draco Malfoy would like to receive my gifts." I had only taken part in this absurd ritual my third year. At the time it seemed childish, and fun, but now, it just seemed awkward. Maybe because of the mood.

"And who approves?" a voice asked, it was deep but jolly, he sounded amused. I couldn't help but smile as I watched Melinda's eyes get bigger.

"His mother" Mrs. Malfoy piped up.

"So what happens if no one speaks up?" Melinda whispered.

"Well, Draco said his mum used to tell him the presents get swallowed or burnt up, turned into ashes. But I think she just said that to scare him." I explained, though I doubted any part was an actual lie.

"Got me scared" she mumbled, as we watched a pile appear at Draco's feet, my gift on top. He smiled, he couldn't help it, no matter how lame he thought the game might be, it was just as fun, a tradition, one that seemed safe and didn't involve public humiliation toward other people.

"I don't have to open all of them right now, do I?" Draco complained. I didn't blame him, his pile was probably going to be the largest.

"Open what you want" Mrs. Malfoy said waving a hand at him, I wasn't sure if she even was paying attention.

"Wonderful" Draco mumbled sitting down in the chair next to the pile. He reached for my present first, quickly pulling off the paper. "Thanks Tam" he said with a true smile. Hopefully know he would understand why I wanted him to wait. It took him about five minutes to go open the ones he felt were most important, I was overjoyed he had considered my present before his parents's. His mum got him several new robes, sharper than the ones at school. I half wondered if they'd even let him wear them, but I already knew, Mrs. Malfoy didn't buy him anything to wear that he couldn't show off. She got him a jar of his favorite candies: licorice wands, and a little bottle that I assumed to be cologne.

His father got him a new broom (because his other one was looking too worn) , a winter kit for his broom—similar to the one I got Harry—but a different colored box, a wand stand for his room and several books about Potions. Draco's other gifts were an assortment of candies, clothes, shoes, kits, books, one of his younger relatives who was closer to our age got him an catalog. I couldn't read the title from where I sat but the picture was of a dazzling young witch in an interesting position on a broomstick. Draco's entire face went red as he mumbled and shoved the book completely out of sight with the other presents. I turned to look at Melinda who had raised her eyebrows to an impossible height. I cleared my throat to keep from laughing.

It was mine turn next, Mr. Malfoy accepted for me. I gave him a light smile as a heap of presents appeared at my feet. I had taken the seat Draco had sat in and was now unwrapping a beautifully made notebook. I examined it closely, it wasn't just a notebook, it was a diary. But it was beautiful, the cover a brilliant gold, that seemed to reflect colors as I tilted it. The pages looked odd, rough, tattered, but it was smooth to the touch. I also cried when I realized it was from Draco. I heard Mrs. Malfoy shift in her chair; this next gift had to be from her. I opened it, inside was another, hand-made—possibly by goblins—charm. It was a like a leaf but large, and silver. I turned it over in my hands, on the back read T.R.M. I twitched, trying to decide if I was more excited or insulted. I should be excited, this charm, these initials meant I was truly a Malfoy, or well, they truly accepted me. I turned it back over. It took me another moment to realize my picture was to go inside. At least on one side.

"The other side is for your husband. We've been making our own family tree in the study room; we've been in the process since Draco was ten. When you're either married, or, when you feel like it, you made add your leaves to the proper place." Mrs. Malfoy was trying her best to look completely unconcerned but I could tell this was the one thing she was proud of. Her family. I nodded, giving her the same light smile but she seemingly ignored it. Mr. Malfoy got me a mirror; oddly enough it was similar to one I got for Draco. My other Malfoy pile included similar gifts like Draco minus the awkward catalog.

Without shame I opened my other gifts, the ones from the Weasleys, Harry, Hermione and Melinda. Ginny, who must have read Mrs. Malfoy's mind got me two simple black dress robes, how she afforded them was beyond me. She also included a collection of hair potions and lotions and what I assumed to be special makeups. Bill and Charlie outdid themselves and got me an abnormally large jar of assorted candies; they mainly included Bertie Bott's beans. Surprisingly, the jar easily shrunk to a smaller, carry size with a mere tap of my finger. Percy got me a book titled "The Complete Guide to Animagi." While Hermione's book was titled "The Animagi and You." I wonder how much time they spent talking to Melinda. Ron got me several Quidditch Posters and despite any oblivion I thought he had he gave me a picture of our Gryffindor Quidditch Team in a Gryffindor themed frame.

Harry and Melinda got the most interesting gifts; Harry got me a Sneakoscope and a pair of Omnioculars while Melinda got me what I thought was a crystal ball, but turned out it was a picture frame, you'd take the picture, put the film in the ball—somehow—and the pictures would slowly develop and play in the ball at any random order a costumed order. It also had the opinion of creating different lightening. I was starting to feel guilty about shouting at Draco for getting me a camera for my birthday last summer. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sent out their yearly sweaters, this year mine was a deep blue, almost navy. I pulled it over my pajamas, excited about seeing the giant T on it. Mrs. Malfoy was gripping her tea cup so hard I could see her knuckles turning white; Mr. Malfoy looked like he couldn't move, it was hard not to laugh.

"Nice sweater" Melinda piped up.

"Of course I expect you—both of you—to wear something formal tonight." Mrs. Malfoy said still gripping her cup. I nodded as I sat back down and tore open George's present. I saw a tear hit the book before I could stop it. "It's the American Quidditch I saw in the store!" I exclaimed, skimming my hand over the cover. Melinda moved closer so she could take a better look. I quickly flipped through to show her the picture of the famous swimmer she liked. Like I expected she burst into laughter, commenting that she had to read it at some point.

"If you don't mind Hennings, I'd prefer if you'd open your gifts later, we do have guest coming soon" Mrs. Malfoy said, bringing Melinda's attention back from the book. Melinda nodded in agreement though she seemed to have her attention fully focused on the book. I passed it to her as I reached for the last present. Fred's. I was confused as I looked at what I thought to be a small bowl, a plain white shaped bowl. A part of me was disappointed.

"That's…what does it do?" Draco asked as we all stared at it. I shrugged, I had no idea. Before any of us could say anything the doorbell rang.

"Go get dressed!" Mrs. Malfoy hissed shooing us away, but stopped Melinda to hand her the present from Ginny; she probably assumed it had dress robes in them too. She was right, Melinda's were dark purple, almost black.

Half an hour later we were all elegantly talking in the large guest room dressed as if we were waiting to go out to a special evening event. One of the wives happened to see the makeup boxes and without questioning or asking she dragged Melinda and I to the guest bathroom and went to work. I started to look at my appearance when she finished but Zes had approached me, bowling over and over "Excuse me Misses but the door." I looked around, Mrs. Malfoy was laughing at a joke, Mr. Malfoy was casually sipping from his cup. I hiked up my robes and followed Zes to the door. "Hello, Welcome to the Malfoy Manor I—" I started.

"Evening" Fred said, his robes just as dark as mine, the coats trailing behind as he walked in. "Big house" he said casually, as if he was invited. I looked over at Mrs. Malfoy, she looked like she was going to faint. Mr. Malfoy's hand was gripped to his wand. No one else took much notice to Fred, some nodded at him, he returned each nod with complete composure. "Ah, full house for dinner, wonderful! This will certainly be mentioned in my Christmas article—Best Christmas Dinner—I can't wait!" a familiar looking man said patting Fred's shoulder as he led him into the kitchen. It was too late, he had to be here now, Mrs. and Mr. Malfoy knew that too, now they had insane forced grins plastered to their faces as they made spasmodic movements at Fred.

"Dinner!" Zes called from the kitchen archway.