Chapter 21: The Annual Malfoy Christmas Party

Hermione nervously straightened her dress. Shopping with Tonks had been quite the adventure, but resulted in a dress that was Malfoy party appropriate. She wore a knee length red dress layered with a black lace over the top. The red fabric stopped above her chest, leaving the soft black lace to cover her shoulders. The dress was fitted to her waist, and then lightly flared out to her knees. Hermione was glad that Tonks had a good sense of fashion, if it had been her, she would have just worn a blouse with black slacks. Something she would have worn to work.

Her hair flowed in graceful waves, a very casual look, yet elegant against the dress. Tonks had even done Hermione's makeup. Her lips were a soft red, and her eyes left with neutral browns, as to not make her look too done up. She fixed her hair casually in the mirror before stepping away.

"Shyla, are you ready to go?" Hermione asked, stepping into Shyla's open doorway.

"Oh, Mum!" Shyla admired, "You look fantastic!"

Eva nodded, she was impressed at how well the woman before her cleaned up. "My dad will think so too."

Hermione eyed Eva carefully, "Um- thank you?" There wasn't a chance that the girls new about their secret. Shyla would have hounded her if there was. "Let's take the floo network. Eva, why don't you go first."

Shyla wore a black dress with capped sleeves that went a little past her knees. It was a simple cut, and had a silver sash around the waist. Her Grandma Granger had given it to her the prior Christmas, yet she had only recently grown into it. Her hair was down, and perfectly straightened. For some reason, Hermione thought it looked a lighter shade than it had been in the past. But, she ignored it, assuming it was just the lighting in the room.

Eva had on a light pink dress that resembled something a fairy would wear. Her hair was also left long, yet her hair was a bit longer than Shyla's. Eva had grown up with extravagant parties and gatherings. She looked natural in fancy clothing, and only looked mildly excited. Eva stepped into the fire place and casually said, "Malfoy Manor." She was engulfed in green flames, and then gone from sight.

"Go ahead, Shy." Hermione gestured. "I'll be right behind you."

Shyla turned to her mum and smiled, "Mum, you're nervous, I can tell. Eva said these parties are really rather casual, with just a bunch of Professor Malfoy's old classmates."

Hermione felt a lump in her throat. She hadn't thought of that. She swallowed her fear and smiled at Shyla. "I'm sure I'll be okay. Now, we don't want to keep Eva waiting."

Butterflies fluttered around her stomach once it was her turn to transport. But, before she could even think about canceling, she was standing in the Malfoy Manor, and climbing out of the fire place.

"Dinner's in thirty minutes!" Draco called after Shyla and Eva as they ran off to leave their parents alone. He turned to Hermione and smiled. "You look amazing."

Hermione blushed. She felt silly. "I am beginning to feel that I am overdressed." She noticed his own attire. Draco wore long sleeve grey button down shirt and black slacks. The top few of his shirt was unbuttoned, and the sleeves were rolled to his elbows, giving him a very casual look.

Draco smirked, "If anything, I'm under-dressed for my own party." He looked her over again, smiling.

She smiled back at him as he peaked around, making sure there were no unwanted onlookers. When satisfied that they were alone, he gently kissed Hermione, breathing in her scent. He sighed, "You smell amazing too."

Hermione laughed, "Now, where's this party of yours?"

Draco intertwined their fingers and led her to an over-sized sitting room. It felt so nice to be holding hands with him, that Hermione didn't even worry about other people seeing. "Look who's joined us!" Draco announced removing his hand from hers, and setting it on the small of her back.

"Bloody hell! It's Hermione Granger!" He was a tall man with dark skin who responded first. He had a short glass in his hand, with a honey colored liquid. A scotch, no doubt.

Hermione felt every urge to run, but instead, she walked up to the man confidently, "Hello, Zabini. You certainly haven't changed much."

What Blaise did next surprised Hermione. He wrapped his arms around her in a hug. Hermione stood awkwardly, hoping he would release.

"Ignore him, he's already had too much to drink." A bored female called from one of the couches in the room. "He'll sober up a little once dinner's served."

Draco casually released Hermione from Blaise's grasp and let his arm hang around Hermione's shoulder. "You remember Pansy, yeah?" He asked, pointing to the women before them.

Pansy smirked and patted the seat next to her, "Sit, Granger. We obviously must catch up." Her hair sat on her shoulders, and was lightly curled. Yet it was still black as a raven. Pansy had aged extremely well. But Hermione wasn't sure if it was natural or not.

Hermione accepted Pansy's invitation and sat, leaving Draco to attend to his other guests. "Pansy, you look amazing!" She said politely, making small talk.

Pansy rolled her eyes, "Come on, Granger, you and I both know why I invited you to sit with me."

Hermione eyed her, "We do, huh?"

"How did you get invited to Draco's Christmas party?" Pansy insisted. She was watching Draco as he stood at the bar in the corner, mixing drinks.

Hermione should have known she would be questioned thoroughly. "Well, my daughter happens to be in his house, and she and Eva have become rather good friends."

Pansy's eyes got wide, "Hermione Granger's daughter is a Slytherin?" She burst into laughter. "Tell me, was that the biggest shocker of a life time?"

Hermione held her breath momentarily, ignoring the snide in Pansy's voice. "Not really. I raised my daughter to be independent and a free thinker. The only house sorting that would have surprised me is her being placed into Hufflepuff. Not that there is anything wrong with being a Hufflepuff."

"Well, if she made it into Slytherin, you must have raised her well." Pansy scoffed. "I imagine we will be meeting her tonight?"

Hermione nodded, "Yes, she is with Eva right now. Now tell me, do you have any children of your own?"

Pansy smiled, it was a strange sight. "That's my husband, Joe." She said pointing to a thin man with short brown hair. "We have two children, Tony, he's six, and Olivia, she's only three. They're with their grandparents tonight."

Hermione smiled, "Three was a fun age. Shyla was curious about everything." It was strange talking to Pansy Parkinson, on Christmas Eve, about their children. Not something that could have ever been predicted. The women continued to catch up, even catching themselves laughing on occasion.

"Hey!" Draco called as his friend, Theodore Nott, entered the room. "Good to see you, Nott!" He embraced the woman beside Nott in a hug, "Ellie, so glad you came."

Nott stared into the room before turning back to Draco. "Drake, is that who I think it is?"

Draco smirked, "If you're thinking it's Granger, then you're correct."

"How? Why?" Nott stammered.

"Who?" Ellie asked, taking her fiance's hand in her own.

Nott nearly laughed, "Hermione Granger... Damn... She was in our year at Hogwarts. But the fact that she and Draco are on good enough terms to be seen in the same room, without killing each other? That's a bloody miracle that is."

Ellie smiled, "Well, you know what they say."

Nott looked at the woman beside him. She had long blonde hair, pulled back into a low ponytail. Her dress was long, and dark blue, making her look taller than she actually was. "What's that Ellie?"

"Just that opposites attract." Ellie had noticed the way Draco kept glancing at Hermione. She was very perceptive when it came to the way people interacted with each other.

Nott laughed, "Cute, but not a chance. Now tell us, why is she here?"

Draco chuckled softly. "Our daughters are friends, so I invited them both."

"Granger!" Nott called across the room, "You have a kid?!"

Hermione sighed and glanced at Pansy, "Nott?"

Pansy nodded and crossed the room with Hermione, so she could experience the conversation first hand.

"Hello, Nott." Hermione greeted, "And yes, I do have a daughter."

"Bloody hell, that's weird."

"What's so weird about it?" Hermione questioned, "Eva is the same age."

"Draco having a kid is still weird!" Nott justified.

Blaise and Joe had joined them at this point, not wanting to miss anything.

Draco patted his friend on the back and shrugged, "Yeah, and we never thought we'd see you settle down with a lovely, and polite woman. Let alone any woman." He playfully winked at Ellie. "Well, since we're all standing here, we should adjourn to the dining hall. Dinner will be served shortly."

"Will Talia be joining us, Draco?" Ellie asked, taking Draco's arm.

Hermione's stomach clenched in anticipation of the answer. Another factor she had forgotten to think of.

Draco shook his head. "Talia is spending the holidays with her sister in Venice."

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, even though Ellie seemed rather disappointed. "Won't Eva miss having her mum home for Christmas?"

Draco shrugged, "Not really." He glanced over at Hermione and instantly used her as a way to change the subject. "Hermione, this is Ellie, she is engaged to Nott."

Hermione was glad she wasn't eating, otherwise she surely would have choked. "I am actually impressed."

Ellie smiled, and continued to walk with Hermione to the dining hall. "When I was first introduced to this lot, three years ago, they were sure that I was either a prostitute, or clinically insane." She laughed, "But really, Ted is a wonderful man. He is kind, and loving."

Hermione stared at Ellie, "You're not joking are you?"

She shook her head, "But don't tell him I told you, it would ruin his reputation, so he says."

Hermione smiled, glad to see that Nott had matured and grown into a good person. "Your secret is safe with me."

Shyla and Eva had caught up with the adults in the dining hall. "Mum!" Shyla called, "You have to sit here." Pushing her mother to sit in the seat beside Draco.

Hermione stared at her daughter, "We have assigned seating, do we?"

Shyla sighed, desperately trying to make up a reason. "Well, I want to sit next to Eva. And if you sit elsewhere, Eva and I won't be able to sit together. So, yes."

As Hermione took her seat, Pansy spoke up. "So, this is your daughter?"

Hermione nodded, "This is Shyla."

"Look at those two!" Ellie pointed out, "Eva and Shyla could practically be sisters!"

"I don't see it." Pansy admitted.

"It's the subtle features." Ellie explained. "When I was growing up, my best friend and I looked so alike, people often confused us. It's such fun to see that in these two girls!"

Pansy still disagreed, "It's like a mini Granger, only with straight hair. And she's in Slytherin... That is still really weird."

"So what do you two like doing at Hogwarts?" Ellie asked sweetly.

Shyla started, as they received the appetizers from the house elves. "I'm on the Quidditch team, so that takes up most of my free time."

Blaise pitched in this time, "You're a first year, yeah? That is impressive. What position do you play?"

Shyla was enjoying the attention, "Seeker."

Nott glanced at Draco and scoffed, "You've gone soft, man. Letting first years on the Quidditch team."

Draco laughed, "I gave the okay for her to try out, but Shyla earned her way onto the team." He playfully tapped Hermione's foot with his under the table.

The appetizer consisted of a smooth cheese spread with pieces of french bread. Hermione complimented one of the house elves who was filling wine glasses, "This is delicious, thank you!"

"Typical, Granger." Pansy laughed. "Eva, what about you?"

"I love Hogwarts, and being a Slytherin." Eva said simply. "It's a lot of fun." She took a sip of the sparkling cider before her. While some of her friends were allowed to drink wine at Christmas, Draco had strict rules that kept her from doing the same.

"Draco, won't your mother be joining us?" Blaise asked, noticing that Narcissa wasn't joining them for dinner. "She always makes things liven up!"

Draco laughed, "I invited her to join us, but she decided she wanted a quiet evening with a book. She may join us for drinks later, though." He leaned over to Hermione and whispered, "In actuality, Blaise hits on everything that moves when he's been drinking, and finds it horrendously annoying."

Hermione stifled a laugh with her napkin.

Nott stared intently at Draco and Hermione, "Oi! It looks like you two are flirting over there. Care to share what's so funny with the rest of us?"

Draco ignored the comment of flirting and responded, "Just saying that Zabini flirts with everything after a few drinks."

Nott nodded, "Well, that's true."

Blaise looked offended. He sat next to Hermione and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Hey, there are some things I wouldn't flirt with. But this fine lady is not one of them. Because I would totally flirt with her!" He even actually giggled after that.

Pansy groaned and hid her face in her hand, "Blaise, we are not seventeen anymore."

Eva leaned over to Shyla, "Uncle Blaise gets so funny when he drinks. I don't know why the adults think he's annoying."

Blaise laughed, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have hit the year we turn thirty!"

Pansy groaned again, "Don't remind me!" She turned to Nott, "How does it feel? Being thirty, that is."

Nott just stared at her, "Like it did when I was twenty-nine. Besides, Parkinson, you're next."

Hermione cringed. She had hit the thirty mark three months prior. Tonks had insisted on having a small dinner with themselves, Remus, and Hermione's parents. It was rather uneventful, but a nice evening. She knew if Draco found out, he wouldn't let her hear the end of it.

And then Shyla spilled the beans. "Mum turned thirty in September."

Hermione shot Shyla a death glare from across the table.

Draco let out a laugh, "Granger! You hadn't told me!" He was now in full tease mode.

She sighed and rolled her eyes, "I didn't realize I had to inform you."

"Wait a moment, I just realized something. You were eighteen when you had Shyla!" Blaise shouted.

Hermione scoffed, "Oh look, he can actually do math after drinking. And here I thought that drinking lowered the intelligence of consumers."

The table of people laughed. It was a strange occurrence to enjoy a meal with several Slytherins. Before she knew it, they had enjoyed a nice rum glazed ham, with baked potatoes and vegetables. Followed by a delicious chocolate and pomegranate cake.

"Shall we have drinks in the parlour?" Draco asked, placing his napkin on the table.

Eva turned to Shyla, "That's our cue to leave. Dad, we'll be in my room." She grabbed Shyla's hand and led her from the dining hall. Just outside, the girls squealed with delight. "My dad was totally flirting with your mum!"

Shyla laughed, "I know! It must be working! And I know what to do next! When my mum comes to get me, I'm going to fake asleep, so she'll have to see him in the morning. Christmas morning makes my mum ridiculously happy."

Eva grinned, "Perfect! And if your mum drinks enough, my dad may even insist she stays the night. Good hospitality, you know?"

Back in the parlor, Draco poured a fire whiskey for himself, and a butterbeer for Hermione. He proceeded to hand her the drink, and then sit on the arm of the chair in which she sat.

"They look awfully cozy for being past enemies." Ellie pointed out to Pansy from across the room. "Has he said anything to you? About whether or not he and Talia are still together?"

Pansy shook her head, "Not recently. He and Joe went out for drinks one night last week. Joe said Draco was genuinely happy. Happier than he had been in a long time. Didn't say why, but I can assure you that it's not because of Granger."

"What makes you so sure?" Ellie challenged.

"Because it's Granger. She's a know-it-all." Pansy grumbled.

Blaise sat across from Hermione and set his drink on the coffee table between them. "So Granger, you have a kid. So perhaps Granger really isn't your last name anymore?"

Hermione took a long drink of her butterbeer before answering, "I never married, if that's what you're asking."

Blaise grinned, "So no one here will take offense if I unintentionally flirt with you. But it's okay, because you have gotten actually pretty in the past twelve or so years."

"I might take offense." Hermione scoffed. She felt Draco running his finger over the fabric that covered her shoulder. He was not being very secretive, but the two glasses of wine at dinner, plus the butterbeer made her less inclined to care.

"But see, you have enjoyed one of Malfoy's parties though. By the end of this night, I'm going to get you to dance with me." Blaise challenged. "But to start, I know Pansy will dance with me! Draco, put on some tunes!"

"I told you." Draco laughed in Hermione's ear. He removed his wand from his pant's leg, and flicked it at the radio beside the bar.

As typical of Christmas Eve, the songs playing were primarily of holiday influence. Hearing a none holiday song, This is the Night, made Hermione laugh at the memory of the Yule Ball their fourth year. "I still can't believe the Weird Sisters played at the Yule Ball."

Nott laughed, "Pansy completely fan-girled that night. She ignored Draco the entire night."

"Oh, get off it Nott." Pansy spat, "I was a fourth year!"

"Don't let her fool you," Joe chimed in. "She still has all of their albums. Autographed, mind you."

Hermione laughed, "I'm pretty sure we all fan-girled."

Blaise in his drunken state began to sing along as he pulled Pansy to dance. It was awful singing, yet the group ignored him.

"Hey!" A voice called, entering the room. "Sorry we're late!"

Draco turned and stood greeting his guests, "Pucey! Good to see you, and Oliver of course. Let me fix you both a drink."

Adrian Pucey laughed, "I need one after the dinner we just had. My grandmother met Oliver for the first time, and she did not take it well."

Hermione turned to see Oliver Wood standing before her, along with Adrian. "Oliver!" She leaped from her chair and embraced her house mate in a hug. "It's been so long, how are you?"

"Hermione Granger. What brings you to a Malfoy party?" Oliver shook his head in disbelief.

"Forget me! What about you? Here I have been surrounded by Slytherins all evening. Nobody told me you were coming." Hermione laughed, taking her old friend's hand.

Oliver smiled gently, "Adrian and I are dating. Over a year now."

Hermione smiled back at the man before her, "That's wonderful, I am so happy for you. And how is Puddlemere doing this season?"

"Really great! But forget Quidditch, I'd say there's a drink with my name on it. Excuse me, Hermione, we will catch up more shortly." Oliver excused himself as Draco brought Hermione another drink.

"Draco," Hermione cried out, "I've already had several drinks."

"Oh, don't quit the night on me now." Draco smirked, "I promise I won't let you get a hang over." His breath smelled of fire whiskey.

"Drake, mind if I light a smoke in here?" Nott asked holding up a pack of cigarettes.

Draco shrugged, "Just make sure you use a spell to dissipate the smoke."

Nott nodded, "You want one?"

Draco glanced at Hermione and shook his head, "Nah, I'm good."

Across the room, Ellie grinned at the glance Draco gave. "There, you saw that." She whispered to Pansy, "Now, tell me that wasn't a look of desire."

Pansy sighed, "I just wish he would tell us what was going on with him and Talia, they've been together a long time."

Ellie nearly laughed, "You obviously don't recall Draco's birthday last July." She lowered her voice even further, "Talia arrived drunk, and they argued the entire time, until she left early."

Pansy nodded, "I had forgotten about that. But do you honestly think Draco would bring a new girlfriend?"

Ellie shook her head, "I don't think they even know what they have. I bet I can get them to admit there's something, though."

"Okay, miss therapist," Pansy smirked, "How?"

Ellie called over to Draco, "Draco, be a dear and come here for a moment."

Draco left where he was sitting and raised an eyebrow at the blonde woman, "Can I get you ladies a new drink?"

Ellie ignored his question and began her own, "So, tell us, are you and Tali still together?"

Draco sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Honestly? On paper, yes. In actuality, no. But, until I can find a new care taker for my mother, I will continue to pay for Talia's living. Listen, this isn't common knowledge, and we haven't told Evangeline, so I'd appreciate it if this stayed quiet. And Ellie? No need to analyze this. I tell you because you're friends."

Pansy understood, she was surprised that Draco had married Talia in the first place. "Okay. But Draco?"

He turned back to her as he walked away.

"You look happy." Pansy finished.

Draco smiled at his childhood friend. "I am."

It wasn't long until it was after midnight, and guests began to retreat home. Hermione had fallen asleep on the couch after catching up joyously with her new, and old, friends. She had made plans to have lunch with Ellie the following week, and was considering an invitation to Nott's New Year's party.

"Thank you for a lovely time, Draco." Ellie said quietly, hugging the man before her. She had grown quite of the Malfoys over the past few years.

Draco shook hands with Nott. "Can't wait for New Years. I'll see you then."

The room was quiet, when he went to the sleeping Hermione. She looked so peaceful, but knew he couldn't leave her to sleep on a couch. He brushed a strand of her hair out of her face. Her skin was smooth to the touch. Hermione's eyes fluttered open at the touch, and she smiled.

Draco laughed, "Good morning, sleepy head."

"Did I fall asleep?" Hermione asked, embarrassed.

Draco leaned in and kissed Hermione, giving in to the desire to hold her close all night. In the midst of their kiss, Ellie's voice entered the room, "Sorry, I forgot... my- erm, my coat."

Draco pulled away from Hermione and stood. "Ellie..."

Ellie almost seemed excited, "I knew it!" She blurted. "I knew there was something between you two!"

"Elle," Draco tried again. "This can't get out, not even to Nott."

"I really hate putting you in this position, Ellie." Hermione sat up, trying to explain. "You understand right?"

Ellie nodded. "If Ted asks me, I can't lie. But otherwise, your secret is safe." She retrieved her coat and bid the two goodnight.

"Draco..." Hermione started.

"I know, but it's okay. It was just Ellie." Draco shrugged it off.

"This time." Hermione emphasized.

Draco let his forehead rest on her's, "Relax, Granger. I promise, it'll be okay." He kissed her gently. "I have a present for you."

"But, why?" Hermione asked, confusion etched her face.

Draco smirked, "Because it's Christmas."

Hermione laughed lightly, "I had too much to drink." She rubbed her head as Draco left her side.

He returned with a package wrapped in a silver paper. He almost looked excited for her to open it. "Happy Christmas, Granger." He handed her the package.

Hermione had held enough books in her days to know it was a book, but the mystery of which book teased her. She tore the paper and set it aside. It was a first edition copy of Hogwarts: A History. Her breath caught in her throat as she opened the book, verifying that it was in fact first edition. "Draco... I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this is." She smiled at him, and before she could stop herself, she kissed him passionately.

In between breaths, Draco laughed, "I should get you books more often."

A/N: Hooray! New chapter! I had an entire chapter written, decided I didn't like where it went or anything that happened in it... SO I rewrote the entire thing! I am much happier with the new chapter, and now I have a better idea what the next chapter will hold. Anyways, let me know what you thought!

DFTBA! ~PurplePygmypuff