*thanks to AristaNyx for being an awesome beta*
"Boys!" Narcissa yelled through the Manor.
Harry and Draco came running in from the back gardens, pushing each other and laughing.
"Yes?"
"Hermione is here. She's upstairs putting her things away. The party is tonight and I expect you two to be on your best behavior." She gave the two a stern look. "Now, I'm off to make sure everything is set with the baker and pick up a few things and I'll be back. Behave yourselves."
"Yes, Ma'am." They both replied.
Narcissa gave them both a swift kiss on the cheek and left. They raced each other up the staircase and to Hermione's room. Before they could knock, the door swung open.
"Come in you two."
The boys looked at each other and shrugged. "How'd you know it was us?" Harry asked.
"You sounded like a stampeed of Hippogriffs running down the hall. I swear, you two are troublesome." Hermione replied, a smirk on her face.
"Yes, well, we are teenage boys. What else are we to do? Skip here like little ballerinas?" Draco snarked back, jumping onto the bed and laying out.
"Don't sass me, Draco Malfoy." Hermione threw a pillow at him, hitting him directly in the face.
As she was putting her things away, she managed to have a conversation with them. "Have either of you looked into the Creature Inheritance we have?"
The boys shook their head.
"I didn't think so. Well, you two are lucky, you have until next year on your birthday to figure it out. I myself, don't." She gave them a pointed look.
"I know. Have you figured out a way to progress yours?" Harry asked, sitting in the armchair, trying to peak into her bag with the gifts.
"I have." She swatted his hand. "Grandfather Henry wrote about it in some old journals. I done some digging recently and found his old home, a cottage in the woods at the end of Granger Village. Turns out, his wife was Elven."
"Seriously? So it's been in your family bloodline for generations and no one knew?" Draco asked, sitting up on the bed.
Hermione nodded. "Yes. And the only reason is, I'm the only female born into the family since. It's only given to the female bloodline."
"That's amazing. How does it work? I mean, how does your Elven side just, you know, come out?" Harry asked.
"I've been studying up on everything. Between the book Draco showed me that day in Diagon Alley and the book that I found, I'd have to have something from the first Elven female of the Granger line, even if she married into the family. It's through her that the Inheritance passes."
"How do you get that? Isn't everything so old that it's been destroyed?" Harry asked.
Hermione smiled and shook her head. "No. While I was at the old cottage, I found a locket. I happened across it in the most odd way. It's like it called to me through the old rubble. I found it hidden behind a veil of hanging Ivy and Lilies." She reached into her shirt and pulled out the locket. It was a Sunflower with intricate carvings on the petals, set on a golden chain.
"Wow. How does it open?" Draco asked, scooting towards the end of the bed.
Hermione shrugged. "No idea, but I know it's Grandmother Ithena's. Her name is the only thing I can make out on the back."
"So how do you make your creature inheritance come about?" Harry inquired, holding the locket up closer to look at.
"Not sure on that, either. But I have wrote to Professor McGonagall and asked if when I start school if she could find a way to help me. I have to at least unlock something before my 14th birthday."
Before anyone could speak further, there was a knock on Hermione's door.
"Come in!"
Narcissa pushed the door open and smiled. "Hello, children. I come to let you know everything is set and ready. Guests will be arriving in a couple hours. I suggest you all shower and get ready. I want you boys downstairs in two hours, ready to greet the guests. After all, it is your party."
Harry and Draco groaned, but agreed anyway. They all parted ways and began getting ready.
Narcissa had bought the boys new suits and Hermione a beautiful dress to wear. The three met in the hallway between their rooms. Harry was dressed in black slacks and jacket, with an emerald green button down silk shirt, tailer made to fit him perfect. Draco, dressed similar but with a royal blue button down shirt. Hermione wore a knee length royal purple dress that had a straight neckline that went across her shoulders and chest, with a very short sleeve. It was satin underlay with a high/low front and back, lace design. She done her hair in soft curls with half of it up in a clip.
"Pick your jaws up, boys. You'll catch flies that way." Hermione said, shyly.
"You look beautiful 'Mione." Draco said, holding his arm out for her once he got his bearing back to him.
She gave him a sweet smile. "Thank you. You both look handsome."
"Thank you. Shall we?" Harry held his arm out for her to take as well.
Once down in the entrance hall, Narcissa beamed at the trio.
"Oh my!! You three look dashing! I'm so pleased the dress fits you, Hermione dear." She gave the girl a squeeze on the arm. "Now, Harry, you stand here, Draco, you here and Hermione will be standing with me at the staircase inviting the guests to the ballroom."
Draco stood where told and rolled his eyes. "I hate when she gets like this. So bossy and a perfectionist."
Harry snorted. "Be thankful, mate. She's doing this for us. Granted I never had anything like this, and wouldn't want a lot of this attention, but, can you honestly say that you'd want her the other way right now?" He raised an eyebrow at his blonde friend.
Draco watched his mother fidget over the elves and drinks and Hermione. He gave a small smirk of a smile. "No. She's happier this way. I'd take her like this any day, and future."
Suddenly, a whistle of a chime rang throughout the foyer, making the three teenagers jump.
"They're here! Guests are arriving! Boys, open the doors!" Narcissa waved her hands about. The boys did as they said and opened the grand doors to reveal non other than Lucius Malfoy.
"My heavens Narcissa! Why can I not Floo home? I had a jam up in the network because I couldn't get in!" Lucius was a little out of sorts with his robes askew and his hair a mess.
"Oh dear I'm so sorry! I forgot to owl you to inform you of that. I didn't want anyone sneaking in the Manor so I closed all Floo networks in and made it Apparation only. Forgive me, love." Narcissa fussed over her husband, straightening his robes and hair.
"It's quite alright, dear." He stood straighter and looked at the three young adults around them. "Hello, children. Hermione, nice to see you again. Harry, Draco."
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy. Lovely to see you as well." Hermione nodded.
"Hello, Lucius." "Hello, Father."
"Now, if you will excuse me, I'll go get ready for this party." Lucius gave his wife a kiss on the cheek and headed away.
Another chime signaled more arrivals in the front garden. The boys began greeting all their school mates and their parents for the next hour. Hermione greeted them as well and showed them to the ballroom and Narcissa entertained the adults. The last of the guests to arrive were the Weasley family.
"Oi! There they are!"
"The two knuckle heads themselves!"
"Hello, Fred. George."
"Where's the punch?" "Got a bit of a surprise in store for the drinks." The twins teased.
"Don't either of you dare. Don't think Mrs. Malfoy hasn't already thought of teenage tricksters messing with the food and drink." Hermione said, her tone more joking than serious when she spoke to the twins.
"Well if it isn't our favorite witch!" They beamed.
"Hey! I thought I was your favorite?" A shorter red head female said throwing herself between the brothers.
"You are, Ginerva." "But only at home." They all laughed.
"Fred, George, please behave yourselves tonight." Mrs. Weasley said as she walked up behind them.
"Hello Mrs. Weasley. So glad you could be here tonight." Draco said, taking her cloak and waving it away to the coat room.
"Hello, Draco. And Harry. My how much you look like your father." She patted his cheek. "Now, you children please behave tonight. I must go say hello to our hostess."
Molly walked away to where Narcissa stood. The boys said hello to Ginny, Percy and, reluctantly, Ron. Hermione stood beside Draco as they all talked.
"Well, let's go into the ballroom. There is food and drinks in there. Mother has a schedule for tonight. Better not deviate from it." Draco waved them all to the ballroom.
Harry and Draco mingled for a bit with everyone before they made their way to a quiet corner overlooking the party.
"I would have never thought that we would have muggleborns, half bloods and purebloods all in the same room at this house." Draco said, swirling his drink of Butterbeer in his hand.
Harry smirked. "It's amazing what a second chance can make, isn't it?"
"Hmm. I've noticed that the Weasley girl has been staring at you all night."
Harry looked over to the group to see her indeed staring in his direction. "I've come to the idea that maybe how we ended up together was she gave me a love potion before. I didn't really have that big of a crush on her until after Fred and George opened their shop and sold them. I did love her in a way, but not like that. Looking back, there's alot that I need to work out."
Before Draco could respond, a chiming sounded, alerting them to a guest. Harry motioned to Narcissa that he would get the door. She sent him a grateful smile. As he opened the door, he stopped in his tracks.
"Hello, Harry. Lovely to see you." Luna stood in the doorway, wearing a flowing emerald green dress that stopped at her calves with sparkling jewels flowing down the fabric. "Sorry I'm late."
"Oh, um, yeah. No it's fine. You, uh, look amazing, Luna." He stuttered, causing Luna to laugh. He held out his arm for her, her taking it as he shut the door.
"I have to say, Harry. You did figure out some of the past fairly quickly. At least you now know how to approach the future with her. If only we could push Draco into getting his future in order." Luna spoke softly.
"You mean with Hermione?" Luna nodded. "I thought so. I've been thinking about that, too. They don't know how perfect for each other they are."
"It'll happen eventually. Once she figures out how to unlock her Inheritance, things will fall into place." Luna said.
"Luna. Lovely to see you! You look absolutely amazing!" Hermione said, hugging the blonde girl.
"You look beautiful, Hermione." Luna said, hugging her back.
"Boys, Cissy needs the two of you. She wants to get going with the dinner and cake before gifts."
"Well, let's get going then. Shall we?" Draco held his arm out to her, which she gladly took.
Harry held his out to Luna. "Would you like to join us for dinner?"
"I would, thank you." She took his arm as he led them to their table.
Everyone enjoyed the meal and cake that Narcissa had prepared for them. After everyone was done, she had the boys go to their respective tables to open gifts. They recieved many things from clothes, to books and even charms to protect from Nargles. The last gift come from the Weasleys.
They both received a joke box from the twins, homemade treats and a sweater with their initial on it from Mrs. Weasley.
"I'm sorry its not much, dears." Mrs. Weasley said, her spirits a little down.
"Molly, they're lovely. The boys will have something to keep them warm this winter in the drafty halls of Hogwarts." Narcissa smiled, comforting the older woman.
"Yes, thank you very much Mrs. Weasley." Harry said, hugging her.
"Mum, I guarantee you they won't wear them. They'll throw them in the trash as soon as we leave. Why would they want to wear something from people who are lower than them?" Ron said.
"Ronald!"
"What? It's true. They only invited us so they could throw in our faces how filthy rich they are."
"Now that is enough young man. You will respect them in their home. I did not raise you to be this way." Molly scolded her youngest son.
"It's alright, Mrs. Weasley. We invited you here to enjoy the night with us and show you we are more than what our status is. I, for one, love my gift. It is drafty down in the dungeons so the sweater looks like this will keep me from freezing. And the treats, well, they will keep me from sneaking into the kitchen at night while home. So, I thank you, it is by far my favorite gift tonight. It's not fancy or expensive. It's thoughtful. What say you, Harry?" Draco said, turning to Harry.
"I say I agree. Thank you, Molly."
Molly smiled, tears in her eyes. "I'm glad you both like it. Now, I apologize for my son. We will be going. Happy birthday."
As she turned to leave, she grabbed Ron by the arm and drug him out of the room. Each of the other Weasley children bid them goodbye and followed.
"Well, that was interesting." Blaise come up behind them. "Can I ask you both, who was that fiery red head girl standing with them?"
Harry and Draco looked at each other. "Ginny Weasley. A year younger than us." Draco said.
"Really? Well then, I may just enjoy the next year at school. She seems like a firecracker. Spoke to her a time or two here tonight." Blaise responded.
"We'll introduce you two better. Believe me, she'll give you a run for your money, that one." Harry said.
The rest of the night everyone talked and laughed. When it was time to leave, Narcissa and the boys stood by the doors to bid them goodnight.
"Goodnight, Luna. Thank you for coming." Harry said as he gave her a hug.
Luna kissed his cheek and smiled. "Thank you for the lovely evening. I'll see you both at school."
Draco elbowed him in the side. "Earth to Harry."
Harry shook his head and looked at his friends. Both of them trying miserably to hid smiles from their faces.
"Alright, children. Time to settle in. I'll see you all in the morning at breakfast." Narcissa took Lucius arm and they went to their wing of the Manor.
As the three made their way upstairs to their rooms, they all stopped to say goodnight.
Hermione hugged them both, but kissed Draco on his cheek. "Goodnight."
This time it was Harry who elbowed Draco. Draco smirked and said goodnight then they went to their rooms.
A/N: Here it is my dears!!! so so sorry for keeping you all waiting!! life has been out if sorts lately and ive had this sitting in my folder forever waiting to be published. i hope noone has abandoned me yet! hopefully soon ill have another chappy out!