"Are you coming to visit this Christmas?" Hermione asked, shoving her books away from her impatiently.

Severus eyed her with amusement, "I don't think I've ever seen so frustrated with the book."

"I'm ready to not be here," she admitted quietly.

"My, my, my, Miss Black, I do believe you've been corrupted." he teased.

"Hush you!" she commanded, a flush darkening her cheeks, "Maybe I'm just excited to see what Uncle Tom's looked out for me."

"Oh of course, nothing at all to do with a certain blonde who I believe has booked numerous outings this holiday."

"Not at all," she lied.

"Liar!" he taunted, "Regulus was whining about it in the common room, apparently has commandeered your time for half the holidays."

"My brother exaggerates," Severus arched a brow at her, waiting patiently until she huffed, "Fine. I'm seeing him a few times. But some of them include everyone!"

Severus began to laugh, startling the people beside them. "Merlin Hermione," he grinned, "You've actually gone and fallen in love with Lucius bloody malfoy!"

"Be quiet," she muttered, willing the redness on her cheeks down.

"You have!" he crowed.

She narrowed her eyes at him, "Shall we discuss Cassie? Remind me what you're doing over the holidays…."

"Yes well, we won't be stupid enough to bind our contract in blood," he muttered.

She rolled her eyes, "You should, who else would put up with you, you sarky git?"

"What are you talking about, I'm a delight." he countered. They stared at each other for several minutes before they both began to laugh.

"Right," Hermione began decisively once they were calmer, "we've clearly hit hysterical, so for the love of magic let's do something."

"Such as?"

"I don't know!" she whined, "Something fun."

He rolled his eyes at her, "something a bit more concrete?"

"Can you swim?"

He blinked back at her in surprise. "I ah…yes? Why?"

"I know what to do!" she grinned, "Do you want to acquire Cassie? I'll see if Amy's free, maybe my brothers…."

"They are not a selling point Hermione!"

"Ah you don't hate them that much," she dismissed with an airy wave of her hand, "Come on! Trust me it'll be fun!"

"Very well you bloody relentless harpy. Go find who you are finding."

"Meet me on the 7th floor," she grinned, gathering up her things and all but running out the door.

"So what are we up to?" Amy grinned, bouncing on her toes.

"Come and see!" Hermione replied with an answering grin, ignoring Severus' long-suffering sigh as she threw open the door to the Room of Requirement.

Sirius' eyes went wide before he let out a whoop of glee, barreling into the room and jumping into the pool without removing his clothes.

Hermione sighed, "For the rest of you…" She was cut off when James' splash indicated he'd followed her twin. "There are swimming things over there…."

Remus snorted, "Did you expect anything else?"

"No," she sighed, "I really should have expected it."

"Of course you should have," Amelia muttered, "Now are we going to stare at the pool or are we going to join them?"

A slightly wicked smirk overtook Hermione's face, "Join them," she declared, grabbing the other witch's hand and dragging her into the pool while she screamed.

At the side, Severus sighed heavily, turning to Cassie, "Why are we friends with them?"

Cassie snorted, "Race you?" she taunted, tugging Remus forward, Severus scowling before bolting past them as Regulus sighed in defeat following suit.

"For the love of Merlin will you stop fidgeting!" Severus groused as he glared at Hermione across the carriage. Amelia stifled her laughter as Hermione stilled comically.

"It's adorable you utter grouch," she chided. "We both remember your nonsense with Cassie so be nice!"

"I never fidgeted like that," he replied with exaggerated dignity.

"No you had a complete breakdown every two minutes and tried to talk us into agreeing that she was better off without you," Hermione muttered with flushed cheeks.

Severs' eyes narrowed, "You're bitchy today," he noted.

"I've spent over five years learning from you." she smiled sweetly, making him snort.

"What has the delightful Lucius got planned over Christmas?" Amelia cut in before they could descend further into the argument.

"Um, theatre, ah..ice skating at some point. We've the obligatory balls at the Manor, the Selwyns and the Parkinsons. And he mentioned a surprise."

"Aww," Amelia cooed as Severus pulled a face. "Remus and I will be at the balls too, Mother's insisting."

"And Severus will be with us and therefore also there."

"Joy," he muttered.

"You love it really, "Hermione laughed.

"No I do not," he countered, "You are a relentless harpy and it is easier to agree."

"So it won't interest you at all to know that Cassie has persuaded her mother to agree to all three this year?"

Severus paused, his eyes narrowing. "I might be…intrigued by that idea."

Hermione hummed, nodding, "And of course, the fact that Mother and Bella are insisting on taking us shopping for it would, again, be of no interest. Especially as Bella is ready to pop and therefore living vorifically through us."

Severus' throat bobbed. "Perhaps I might be…inclined to be less…upset about my forced attendance."

"Bella's rather fond of lace under robes isn't she?" Susan mused

Hermione smirked before Severus could voice his displeasure at the turn the conversation had taken. "Oh yes, she's always said it's only proper. I imagine she'll insist."

Amelia hummed, trying not to laugh as Severus' eyes narrowed. "I dislike you both."

"You love us," they chorused, beaming at him until his lips twitched into a smile, signalling his defeat.

Hermione's eyes scanned the platform as she left the train. Beside her, she heard her younger brother groan, "Doesn't he have other things to be doing?"

"Reggie!" Hermione scolded, heading in Lucius' direction. She wrapped her arms around his waist with a sigh, feeling him drop a kiss onto the top of her head.

"Right then, that's enough of that," Sirius commanded, "Mother and father are waiting."

Hermione heard her mother cough to hide her laugh. "They have invited me to dinner this evening." Lucius offered blandly, his arms still wrapped around her.

In a move that almost made him want to laugh, Sirius swung to look at his parents' betrayal clear on his face.

"You are going to have to accept it sometime," his mother scolded, "perhaps use the holidays to get to know the wizard who will one day soon be your brother-in-law."

Sirius pouted. "The Shafiqs are coming to dinner this evening as well." his mother continued pointedly. "So you will behave."

"Yes Mother," he muttered mullishly as Walburga smiled at her youngest son.

"Good term, dear?"

"Yes," he muttered, his eyes still on his sister who was still leaning against Lucius, talking too quietly for him to hear.

"And you darling?"

"Yes Mother," Hermione agreed, finally letting Lucius go

"Good, well then, your father is at home and your Uncle Tom is demanding your presence shortly, so shall we go?"

Dinner was tense. Her brothers visibly bristled every time Lucius was the least bit courteous towards her. The Shafiqs, while polite, were clearly unsure of what they'd walked in on, Miriam most of all. None of it was helped by the fact that all of them were utterly blindsided by the presence of the Minister for Magic at the table.

"Now then my girl," Tom began over dessert, "I have a collection of rare and cursed items with your name on them in my office although I gather your calendar is rather fuller than normal this year?"

He glared briefly at Lucius. "Uncle Tom," Hermione chided, "I've still plenty of time. I'd advise you not to listen to my brothers, they are being patently absurd."

Arham Shafiq frowned, "You do not approve of your sister's match?"

Sirius squirmed slightly under the weight of the entire table's attention, before he caught his twin's eyes briefly, reading the clear warning in them. He sighed, "I'm not sure there is a wizard alive I'd approve of for my twin."

"Ah," Arham nodded with a smile, his face clearing. "I see." he turned to Lucius, "I wish you luck then, although if the young Miss Black is anything like my own daughter, she won't need her brothers to express her disapproval."

Lucius hummed, "Indeed she does not."

There were several amused expressions around the table, "I should hope not," Tom muttered "or all those years teaching her would be a waste." he pinned Hermione with a look, "Remember, there are hexes you can use that won't mar his pretty face."

"Of course, Uncle" Hermione dimpled as Lucius paled slightly.

Walburga sighed, "Do try not to kill him off with fright before the wedding dear, we've already begun planning."

"If she manages that then it's clearly an awful match," Regulus muttered. "We all know Hermione's terrifying."

With pursed lips, Walburga shooed them out, "Go and be absurd elsewhere. Sirius, the library or the second-floor sitting room." she looked pointedly at her children, "Do remain together, I'd hate to have to send Kreacher to chaperone while he's so busy"

"Of course mother," Sirius agreed, rising to offer Miriam his arm. "We wouldn't dream of interrupting Kreacher, would we sister?"

"Of course not," Hermione agreed with an eye roll as she accepted Lucius' arm with a smile.

Their mother shook their head exasperatedly, much to the amusement of Zoya Shafiq.

"Stay where we can see you Malfoy," Sirius called as he sat down beside Miriam on the sitting room sofa, yelping when his twin's stinging hex connected with his arm.

"Continue Sirius and Miss Shafiq will have to begin negotiations all over again," Hermione smiled sweetly, before trying to Miriam, "I apologise, it seems as if my twin has inherited the Black family madness. Perhaps cut your losses now?"

Miriam snorted, "I was led to understand that all he needs is a firm hand."

"Oh I think I'm going to like you," Hermione smirked, sitting on Lucius' lap, much to her brother's disapproval and his surprise.

Miriam watched with interest. "You push the boundaries rather boldly."

"Our contracts bound in blood, truly, what's the worst that's going to happen? We dare find out that we're actually compatible?"

The other witch nodded slowly, "I see your point. I just can't imagine ever being that…brave."

"My twin has no care for the rules," Sirius muttered.

"Like you do?" Hermione scoffed. "Don't let him fool you, he'll push the boundaries as surely as I do."

"Not yet," Siris muttered.

"No," she agreed softly, "not yet."

"And you?" Miriam asked, looking at Regulus.

"I have no one to push the boundaries with," he smirked.

"Yet," Hermione teased.

"How are you holding up with my sister's boldness?" Regulus swerved, eyeing Lucius.

"I find I rather like it," he mused, his arm tightening on her waist.

"Right answer," Hermione smiled down at him.

"Only safe answer," Sirius supplied before shouting "Oi!" when he realised Hermione had leant down and kissed him.

Miriam Shafiq looked torn between scandalised and amused. "Well. I think my life is about to get more interesting. Will you agree to meet with me, Miss Black? I think I could use your….unique perspective on handling a wizard."

Hermione's grin sent a shiver through her twin, "Call me Hermione. I think we're going to get on splendidly."

"Young Mistress' betrothed bes here."

"Ah, thank you Kreacher," Hermione smiled at the elf, "I'll be down shortly."

She returned to wrangling her hair into some semblance of neatness before giving up, and heading down the stairs, following the voices she heard coming from the sitting room.

They rose as she entered, Lucius' cheeks showing a hint of colour "You look stunning, Hermione," he smiled before bending to kiss her knuckles.

"You do Princess," Her father offered, with a slightly pained expression, "So grown up. Have fun tonight, Dobby, one of the Malfoy elves will be chaperoning and Luicus has agreed to have you home for eleven." he kissed her forehead, "Enjoy, Princess."

"Bye, Daddy."

"Shall we?" Lucius took her arm before twisting them out of sight.

"Oh look at it!" Hermione breathed, almost spinning as she tilted her face up to look at the decorations with something close to childlike wonder. There were icicles and floating orbs of light all above their head, casting a soft glow over the area. Trees lined the square in front of the theatre decorated with candles and tiny ice sculptures.

"They are rather impressive," Lucius agreed, watching her.

"I always forget how beautiful they are," she murmured, "I've come every year since I was tiny."

"I know," he agreed, "I hope your mother wasn't too upset at missing out."

Hermione gave a huff of laughter as she looked at him "Mother hates the ballet, she only took me because I loved it. As soon as Bella was old enough, she took me instead. Obviously this year she's not in any state to go anywhere."

"I wouldn't dare comment," he replied blandly, making her snort.

"Sensible choice."

"Shall we go in?" Lucis murmured, changing the subject to safer ground.

Hermione hummed her agreement, allowing him to lead her towards the theatre, with one last contented smile as she gazed up at the lights.

"Have you seen this one before?" he asked once they were seated inside a private box, Dobby behind them swinging his legs as his eyes darted around the theatre.

"Yes, but not for years. I adored Mr Tumnus as a child."

"I confess that I've never seen it, so you shall have to point him out."

Hermione grinned, "Have you seen any ballet?"

Lucius shifted in his seat, "I saw one in Paris when I was younger.."

"Is this where you confess to having hated it?"

"Well…hate is a strong word…."

"Oh my gods! You did! Lucius! What are we doing here?"

"Your mother said you loved it," he replied stiffly.

Hermione's face softened, as she lent over and kissed his cheek, "And I do, so thank you."

"You're welcome," he murmured, catching her hand, looking smugly pleased when she didn't protest it remaining wrapped in his.

He gave up watching the ballet about fifteen minutes in, not any more impressed than he had been the last time he had seen one and started watching Hermione's reactions. Those were far more entertaining. She gasped and laughed and at one point turned to him, her eyes shining, squeezing his hand tightly. He had no idea what she was excited about but the look on her face would stay with him for a long time. She was so open, the mask that every other female he'd ever met had was enthrallingly absent and he was utterly captivated.

She bounced to her feet once the ballet was over, clapping so hard her hands had to hurt, he joined her with slightly more controlled enthusiasm before wrapping her cloak around her shoulders.

"Thank you for tonight," she smiled, reaching to kiss his cheek again. "It was beautiful."

"You are welcome, " he replied, with a smile, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, wishing that Dobby wasn't watching quite as closely as he clearly was. The elf had the audacity to smirk as if he could tell what Lucius was thinking. Biting back a sigh, Lucius offered her arm.

"I imagine your father will be expecting you home."

Hermione laughed, "Daddy, Sirius, Reggie. I think the only one likely not to be waiting is Mother."

Giving a huff of laughter, Lucius guided her through the crowds, "We had better not keep them waiting then or I imagine I won't be allowed back."

With a slight eye roll, Hermione nodded her agreement, arriving back in her hallway, groaning at the sight of Sirius, Regulus and her father standing in the doorway.

"Told you," she muttered.

Lucius bit back a smile, bending over her knuckles, "Until next time Miss Black."

She inclined her head, "Thank you for the most enjoyable evening Master Malfoy."

"Lord Black."

"Lucius," Orion returned, "Thank you for returning my daughter in one piece."

With a nod of acknowledgement, Lucius disappeared into the floo.

"Stop smiling like that," Sirius grumbled, "It's unsettling."

"Oh hush!" Hermione chided, turning to head up the stairs. "Wait until it's you."

"I won't have that sappy look on my face," he muttered.

"We'll see."

"Merry Christmas, my girl!" Tom called sweeping her into a hug.

"Merry Christmas Uncle Tom." Hermione smiled, squeezing him back "We'd better hurry, Sirius is pouting, mother made us wait until you were here to open presents."

"That almost makes me want to go back to bed for an hour," he mused.

"Sirius would bribe Reggie to break your wards," she sighed, reading him through into the sitting room.

"As if I'd allow him to succeed," Tom scoffed as she opened the door to the sitting room.

"Finally!" Sirius shouted, dodging his mother's hand as she aimed for the back of his head.

"You always were impatient," Tom lamented, guiding Hermione into a seat beside her twin. "Very well I am here now, let the carnage commence!"

With a whoop, Sirius bounced in his seat as a pile of wrapped gifts appeared in front of each of them before he tore into them with relish.

Much more sedately, the rest of them followed suit. "A foe glass my girl?" Tom arched his brow. "What makes you think I don't already know my enemies?"

"Just in case," she shrugged, "You never know."

"Indeed you do not," he agreed, frowning at her next gift. "What in the name of Salazar's pet snake is this?"

Hermione snorted before clapping her hand over her mouth to contain a laugh at the affronted look on her godfather's face. Everyone, including Sirius, swivelled to look at him and the book he was brandishing. "Amare Lovegood's guide to finding love in your twilight years?" she gasped before fully giving in to her giggles, Sirius joined her seconds later everyone else still gaping at them before her mother's lips twitched and she let out an incredibly un-Walburga like giggle. At that, Orion and Regulus lost their composure and joined them.

"Run." Tom hissed menacingly.

Wisely heeding the threat in his voice, Hermione stumbled to her feet still laughing and attempted to escape his firing range.

"Do not break anything!" Walburga warned, still laughing as Hermione dodged both Tom and his wand.

"If I'd threatened to hex someone you'd have hexed me." Sirius groused half-heartedly, snorting when Hermione ran behind Orion, calling for him to save her with a breathless laugh.

"Not a chance Princess,'' Orion retorted, "I love you more than life but even I know you were baiting your godfather. This is your own doing."

"Ten Galleons says he reads before the new year when his curiosity gets the better of him," Regulus whispered.

"Twenty says he practises the techniques on unsuspecting Ministry employees to fluster them." Sirius returned.

"Forty says at least half of them take him seriously," Walburga offered, making her sons laugh before Kreacher appeared, his hands on his hips, forcibly separating Hermione and Tom.

"It is Christmas!" he informed them, sounding scandalised. "And the Master's guests bes here shortly!"

Both Hermione and Tom managed to look appropriately apologetic as they were sent back to their piles of presents, Hermione glowering when Tom's stinging jinx landed.

"Tell me," Tom began over dinner, "How is young Lucius behaving?"

"Bloody prat," Sirius muttered, making Narcissa choke on a laugh.

"You just don't like him showing you up." Hermione countered. "Miriam thought that he was delightful."

Tom smirked at Sirius' pout, "I'd forgotten you were meeting the witch, how did it go?"

"I wholeheartedly approve," Hermione smiled wickedly at her brother.

"We need to find someone else," Sirius declared.

"Nonsense," Walburga dismissed, "I happen to share your sister's thoughts. I found her charming."

"But…." Sirius whined, looking around the table for support finding none.

"Now we've that agreed, Lucius?" Tom prompted.

"He's been lovely. He hated the ballet but sat through it anyway and watching him navigate ice skating was hilarious. I have no idea what he was thinking given that he'd never done it before. His surprise was last night and it was…"

"Say lovely again and I'll hex you," Sirius warned.

"You should be taking notes, brother," Regulus teased. "If Lucius has managed to make our sister this starry-eyed then he's clearly doing something right."

"Not you too!"

Regulus shrugged, "I'm practical enough to want to remain unhexed."

"A wise choice," Walburga agreed. "Now, dear, when is Severus arriving?"

"Tomorrow around ten."

"How did his negotiations go?" Tom probed.

"Fine, they signed the contract anyway. Mrs Meddowes sent Daddy this amazing basket of foods that he's been hoarding as a thank you for his input."

Orion rolled his eyes, "It's not hoarding when it's your gift!"

"It is when you get the elves to ward it," Sirius replied dryly.

"You're here!"

"So I am," Severus returned with a wry smirk, accepting Hermione's hug with resigned tolerance.

"Come on!" she tugged at his hand, "You know where you're sleeping by now so drop your things and then we can do something! How was your Christmas?"

"Bearable," he muttered, "Mother was at least trying."

Hermione nodded wisely keeping her mouth shut. "It's done now," he dismissed. "Thank you for the ingredients. It was more than…."

"And I'll stop you there." she countered, "It wasn't, so say thank you then be quiet."

"Harpy." he muttered with no heat, following her up the stairs, "Have your brothers managed not to murder your betrothed?"

"Thankfully." Hermione agreed.

Severus sighed, "Go on, you're bursting to tell someone. Merlin knows I wish it was someone else but here we are."

"It was so pretty!" Hermione exclaimed, the words almost bursting from her.

"Merlin save me," Severus muttered, dropping his bag on the bed before sitting on it, gesturing her towards the chair. "What was pretty?"

"Oh! They have a little…well…little by Malfoy standards, summer house on the grounds near the lake at the Manor."

"So a six bedroomed house?" Severus muttered, grinning when she threw a cushion at him.

"Four," she muttered, a flush staining her cheeks, making him laugh so hard he was in tears.

"Merlin Mya, that wizard's family is unbelievable!"

"I know!" she whined. "He justified it as a summer house because it was made of wood. Like a four bedroomed log cabin on the grounds of your house was normal!"

"Oh gods," Severus gasped, clutching his sides "Stop! I'm begging you!"

She waited patiently until he had calmed down, wiping the tears from his face, he gestured grandly, "Continue."

Sticking out her tongue in a fit of childishness, Hermione took a breath before her excitement returned. "He had fairy lights!"

Severus looked momentarily taken aback. "What?"

"Oh! Oh, Severus! You should have seen it! It was all decked out in the best things about winter. Fairy lights and a giant fire and blankets and hot chocolate and he'd organised cosy pyjamas and slippers and had chosen an assortment of books and tiny little finger foods that I could eat while reading."

Severus blinked back at her. "And what was he doing while you were eating tiny food and reading?"

"Oh, he was sitting with me on the sofa with his own book and it was perfect."

Severus' jaw dropped as he watched his usually sensible friend turn into…well, a girl.

"It was perfect?" he repeated dumbly.

"Yes! We were all cuddled up under blankets and Dobby allowed it because he could see our hands on our books and….."

"Hermione?" he interrupted, sounding bewildered. "Did he potion you?"

"What?" she frowned.

"It's just…I…ah…you're gushing! You don't gush! And…and...I am not equipped to deal with this!"

Hermione stared at him for several minutes before she laughed. "Oh Merlin, Severus! He hasn't potioned me but perhaps I'll save the debrief for Cassie and Amy."

"Oh gods please!" he begged, as she gave him a fond smile.

"Thank you for attempting to listen to me. Even if you have no idea why it was lovely."

He seemed to slump in relief, making her want to laugh.

"Is Cassie meeting us here?" Sirius checked watching his twin arrange her hair.

"Yes she didn't want to go on her own, apparently the Selwyn ball was incredibly awkward until we all arrived, Pandora was meant to go with her to that one but she came down with that kneazle cold that's doing the round and hasn't gotten rid of her whiskers."

He hummed before blurting, "Do you think Reggie was flirting with Caradoc Dearborn at the Parkinsons?"

Hermione froze in the mirror, her head tilted as she tried to picture the Parkinson's ball. Slowly realisation filtered my overheard face. "Yes! That sneaky little snake!"

Sirius met her eyes in the mirror. "We're having a chat with him tonight, right?"

"Of course we are." Hermione agreed with a smirk that matched her twins.

"Hermione! Sirius! Are you ready?" Walburga's voice filtered up the stairs.

"We'd better go before she comes for us." Sirius stood, offering her his arm.

"Or worse, sends Kreacher. "

With a snort, Sirius led her out, "Well, we'd get down the stairs quicker with him."

"But far less gracefully."

"Speak for yourself, baby sister. I wasn't the one who landed on my bum."

She scowled but did not dare retaliate further as their mother came into view. "Oh good, you are ready!"

"Why are we doing this again?" Severus muttered too quietly for Walburga to hear.

Regulus turned a laugh into a cough as he leaned in closer, "Because the women in my family are terrifying and we want to wind up Lucius."

"Ah." he nodded sagely

"Sorry, sorry!" Cassie burst out of the floo frantically. "Why does Madam Lestrange insist on such complicated contraptions?"

Severus' jaw dropped as his eyes raked his girlfriend. With a look of amusement, Walburga pushed it up.

"You look stunning," Hermione smiled, hugging her friend.

"So do you! Lucius won't know what hit him."

"Lucius will be too busy playing host to pay attention to Hermione," Sirius objected.

"Lucis will ensure he is not," Cassie countered, making Walburga laugh.

"I imagine he will," she agreed looking at her daughter, "Do try to not wind up your brothers too much?"

"I'll try,'' Hermione offered dubiously; her mother rolled her eyes at her exasperatedly in response.

"Well with that lacklustre assurance, don't you have something to say, Severus?"

"Say?" Severus squeaked before he flushed, "I mean…ah… you look…"

"Utterly hopeless," Walburga sighed, before prompting, "Lovely, beautiful, stunning, breathtaking…."

There were several barks of laughter as Severus smiled wryly, "I am suddenly reminded where your daughter learned to be such a harpy."

Walbrgas's answering grin was sharklike, "Good, I'm glad the lessons took."

He snorted looking at Cassie, "You look stunning."

"Literally, apparently," Regulus muttered.

"And on that note," Orion inclined his head pointedly towards the floo, "Shall we go?"

"Oh thank god," Remus breathed at the sight of them.

Hermione and Sirius blinked back slowly, "Ah…problem mate?" Sirius checked.

"They keep asking about the wedding!"

"What wedding?"

"Mine!" he all but howled, several people turning to look at them.

Walbrga tutted as the rest of them held back laughter. "Now Remus, really! What did you expect? You've been with the young Miss Bones for how long?"

"Ah…months?" Remus hedged, not looking sure of his answer.

"Over ten of them if my calculations are correct."

"Ok," he agreed hesitantly.

"Well then," Walbrga nodded as if that explained everything. Remus sent a baffled, pleading look at Sirius who shrugged.

"Our world's barmy mate, you know that. Can't wait to marry us all off."

Remus stared back at him, "Right." he agreed weakly.

"I'm glad we got that cleared up," Walbrga smiled, "Now, shall we greet our hosts before Abraxas hexes Lucius for fidgeting?"

"I think we should stay here until he does," Regulus countered impishly, badly stifling a yelp when his sister sent a stinging jinx at his backside with a bland smile on her face.

"Must you Princess?" Orion sighed.

"I have no idea what you're talking about Father," she countered primly.

"Of course you don't," he muttered dryly. "Come along before we have any more distractions."

Hermione waited in the receiving line impatiently, Severus and Cassie laughing slightly at her. She ignored them, smiling when Lucius' eyes lit up at the sight of her. "Hermione."

"It's as if we're not here," Sirius muttered.

"Lucius." Hermione dimpled, ignoring her twin.

"Miss Black," Giselle redirected her attention, barely hiding her amusement.

Hermione flushed slightly, greeting the woman with a kiss on her cheeks as Lucius turned with resignation to acknowledge the rest of them.

"You appear to have my son infatuated," Abraxas teased as he reached for her next, "He'll be utterly useless now you know."

Orion gave a snort of amusement, "From what we witnessed when we arrived, I'm not sure he was much help before."

"No," Abraxas agreed drily, "He's been watching that floo since we took up station." he rolled his eyes, looking at his son. "Go," he sighed. "Merlin knows I cannot bear your restlessness any longer."

There were several laughs at Lucius' eagerness as he all but bolted to Hermione's side, offering an arm.

"That is quite possibly one of the most adorable things I've ever seen," Calista Greengrass murmured, greeting Giselle.

"He's utterly besotted," the other witch agreed. "I imagine the next year and a half until she finishes school is going to be torturous."

"Poor dear," Calista smirked, "He reminds me of my Gerald. He had to wait three years for me."

"I think even I'd have given in and agreed to the marriage before Newts if that was the case," Orion returned drily, "As much as I am glad they get along, I do wish they weren't quite so enthusiastic about it."

There was a swell of laughter that made the teenagers look questioningly at them before Walburga tugged her husband in the direction of her brother.

"You look stunning, Hermione," Lucus murmured into her ear.

"Not so close," Siris warned. "Aren't you meant to keep a certain distance?"

"You know, I think I might teach Miriam that delightful hex Uncle Tom was teaching me." Hermione voiced conversationally, her eyes on Lucius, not her twin.

"Which one would that be my girl?"

"Uncle Tom!" Hermione whirled around, hugging him tightly. "I'm sure you said you weren't coming tonight."

"I changed my mind," he shrugged. "Dance?"

Giving a huff of resigned laughter, Hermione nodded, "Of course."

Lucius pouted behind her, making Tom smirk as he led her away.

"Now," Hermione began, eyeing the wizard in front of them. He looked pleasingly nervous.

"We just wanted to have a chat." Sirius continued.

"Just a small one."

Caradoc Dearborn stared at the Black twins in defeat. "What do you want to know?"

"Your intentions," they replied in unison.

He groaned, "Why is no one allowed to just chat now?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Hermione counters, "Of course they are."

"But you weren't chatting, you were flirting."

"With our baby brother."

"He's still so young and innocent, you see," Sirius worked to keep a straight face, his brother's eyes meeting his in horror when he finally spotted them.

"So innocent." Hermione nodded her agreement.

"Must we do this?" Caradoc groaned piteously.

"Yes," they replied as one, watching with no little amusement as his head hit the wall behind him.

"Darlings, it is rude to upset our hosts' guests." Walburga chided, appearing behind them.

"We were just chatting Mother," Hermione countered with manufactured innocence.

"Of course you were. That's why your brother looks pained?"

They smiled back at her innocently making her snort before she turned a gimlet eye on the wizard currently trying to blend into the wall. "What precisely are your intentions towards my youngest son?"

Cardoc whimpered at the matching sinister smiles on all three Black's faces and wondered briefly whether he was brave enough to truly consider Regulus Black. "Can't we just be getting to know one another to see if we're compatible?"

"Of course, " Walbrga agreed, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "We allowed Hermione a few weeks."

"Weeks?" Caradoc squeaked.

"Merlin, you're not falling for this?" Severus demanded, moving to stand next to Hermione. "Your brother sent me in the hopes of curtailing whatever this is." he gestured carelessly as Caradoc's jaw dropped at his nerve. Severus pinned him with a look, enunciating clearly, "They are playing with you."

"Well," Hermione interjected, "Not entirely."

"He was flirting with Reggie!" Sirius protested.

Severus sighed exaggeratedly, "Miriam Shafiq is looking for you. Harpy, come and dance for Merlin's sake before he wets himself." he paused. "Madam Black…Lady Malfoy would no doubt be displeased to have to call an elf to clean it."

Caradoc flushed crimson with a muttered, "This is insane."

"All the Blacks are." Severus returned dryly. "You get used to them."

"Do you?" he checked.

"Yes," Remus agreed, appearing beside him. "I was also sent to rescue you," he explained at their questioning look. "Regulus is about to have kittens."

"He can consider it payback for his ridiculousness with Lucius." Hermione retorted.

"Yes I gather he'd made that connection already," Remus agreed. "He's decided he's going to be celibate and raise hippogriffs."

Even Caradoc looked amused at that pronouncement as Severus coaxed Hermione and Remus bravely asked Walbrga onto the dance floor.

"Was there a reason you had Mr Dearbon near to tears?" Lucius enquired lightly as he twirled Hermione around the dancefloor.

"Oh. He was flirting with Reggie at the Parkinsons. We were merely inquiring as to his intentions."

"Of course you were," he sighed, inclining his head, "You do not appear to have put him off."

"No,'' Hermione mused, "Which is interesting. I thought he'd run for the hills."

Lucius snorted "It would appear he's made of stronger stuff than you anticipated."

She hummed, dropping her head to his chest. "So it would seem."

Adjusting his hold, Lucius pulled her tighter, ignoring propriety much to the watching society matron's horror and his father's amusement.