I don't own Harry Potter!

Ok wow... I havent updated this story in forever! Like I said in my A/N I have different style of writing now then I did 10 years ago. I also don't really remember where exactly I was going with my storyline so somethings may not jive very well and I apologize in advance for that!

Reviews!

Halogirl240: The reason the letter says Lilly was killed by Voldemort was due to the fact that she knew they were in hiding and that if she wasn't able to retrieve her children or change the letters then that is what or who killed her.

Padfootette: About Blaise I think at the point I started writing this there was still some up and down over what gender Blaise was. But I did know about his mom I just decided I needed another male lol thanks for the input and the review! Hope you enjoy the new update!

The next couple of weeks around the castle were confusing to say the least. Word has spread that Nicole Snape had been married to Regulus Black yet here she was at Hogwarts and from the looks of it her relationship with Draco hadn't suffered at least not much. Sure they appeared to be less huggy and touchy but they were still together. Not the signs for one that was supposedly married while still dating.

The Slytherin and Gryffindor groups were meeting frequently they knew that they were going to have to step up their training if they had any hope of trying to beat Voldemort in the near future. With a new price on their father's head and it only being a matter of time before the Dark Lord found out about Regulus the young group knew they would need to move fast.

"Ugh! I am so sick of training!" Whined Nicole as she dropped into the couch that appear in the Room of Requirement as they finished their day

"I am to but this really will help when we get to our NEWTS next year!" Brightly pointed out Hermione

This statement was met not with verbal response but with pillows that suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Christmas is coming up." Smiled Lavender

"I know! I have so much shopping to complete!" Complained Pansy

Soon the room was transformed from a training area to common room with tea for everyone.

They continued to talk about their Christmas plans noticing that there was still two that hadnt contributed to their discussion.

"How about you two?" Asked Millicent

"I will be back at Malfoy Manor for the holidays." Said Draco with a sigh "Father has been told that it is time to bring me to a meeting."

"No!" Exclaimed the group except Nicole she knew he didn't want to go and she wasn't going to try to mollycoddle him about it

"How about you Nicole?" Asked Blaise

"The Dark Lord has requested Regulus and I to attend the holiday gathering that he is hosting. I wish I would have known about the bond before I gave my vow! Would have made things so much easier!" Complained Nicole something she noticed that she had been doing a lot more often.

"At least Draco will be there." Sadly smiled Hermione trying to find a positive

" Ya. I guess."

The rest of the night was spent swapping Christmas gift ideas and chatting among friends. Damien sat back and looked around he wished it could be like this all the time. And he knew that eventually it would. He just hoped it would be that way sooner rather than later.

Two Weeks Later is was time for Christmas.

Greg, Millicent, Pansy, Vincent, Blaise and Lavender were all going to be heading home to visit with their families they wished Draco and Nicole luck in their holiday endeavors before boarding the Hogwarts Express. Draco was going to be flooing home as per his father's instructions and Damien, Nicole and Hermione would be staying in the castle until the time that Nicole was required to floo to Black Manor to attend the holiday event with her "husband".

"Ok I'm making a rule!" Exclaimed Damien scaring both Hermione and Nicole from their thoughts

"Oh and what is that oh great one?" Laughed Nicole

"Until you absolutely have to leave for that stupid party I do not want to catch you lost in thought. I know that its horrible and I know that none of us want you to have to deal with it but you have to and we will make the best of out of it. Therefore the rest of this break we are going to have fun!" Smiled Damien as he thru a throw pillow at his sister

Acting outraged she took another pillow and "accidently" hit Hermione instead. After moment of silence there was all out war in Professor Snape's chambers. Nicole would later admit that not having to think about the upcoming holiday gathering was actually very refreshing.

Nicole slowly announced that she was needed to get ready and to meet Regulus at the appropriate place, Hermione and Damien gave her a quick hug before journeying on their own way. Damien turned to Hermione watching her as they walked together. Thankful that she always seemed to be by his side regardless of the crazy adventures and changes that he went thru.

"Thank you." He whispered

"For what?" Hermione asked

"For always being by my side." smiled Harry as he leaned in and gave her a soft kiss

"Always."

Nicole quickly dressed in the approved outfit, a royal blue evening gown with matching dress robes, her hair in a traditional style slipping into her shoes she walked towards the floo. With a burst of confidence she didn't know she had stated her destination and was on her way.

"Lady Black. A pleasure as always." Greeted Lucius from his place next to the entrance

"Thank you Lord Malfoy. Do I assume correctly that my husband is in side?" Asked Nicole some of her confidence fading

"You do. I believe he is with my wife and son. Please let me escort you."

The two entered the large ballroom and Nicole took note of all the faces there. She knew that they all only had one thing in common to her knowledge and that was that they supported the Dark Lord.

"Regulus I believe this belongs to you." Laughed Lucius trying to keep up appearances

"Aww my lovely wife. I was wondering when you would appear." Smiled Regulus as he refrained from smirking at his younger cousins reaction.

The rest of the night was spent socializing listening to them talk badly about the muggles and muggleborn in the world. Listening to each new distasteful act and comment made Nicole want to flee, but nothing more than when Voldemort appeared to wish his followers a "Happy Christmas" and announced a Christmas Raid.

Readers,

I am so sorry for the lack of update! I was planning on updating right away however my daughter broke her leg and it has been pure craziness in my household.

I am still not entirely sure where I am taking this story so please bare with me it may take a couple of chapters before I am back on the right path. Also I love reviews and suggestions! If you have an ideas or suggestions on where you would like to see this story go let me know! I would rather have help then leave this unfinished!

Thank you!

Jillyan