Draco placed his hand on her waist and pulled her closer. "Do I have your permission to kiss you now?" He watched as she nodded with a small tilt of her head. Draco stroked her face with his hand before tilting her face up towards him and leaning forward. The kiss was soft and sweet and lasted three seconds, but to them, it felt as if an hour flew by.

As they parted, they both whispered, "Wow." Before giggling and kissing once more. Taking his hand in hers, Hermione pulled him out of the alcove and walked them into dinner. A dinner that was spent sending smiles across the room to each other. Thoughts of more kisses floating in both their heads.

A little update! Next chapter will be Christmas hols, Professor Snape's return, and a jump to the first Quidditch match of the year! Lil smut in this chapter.

Trigger Warning - Emotional/Mental Abuse

The train ride home for the Yule break was spent exchanging addresses and talking about their plans. Hermione was going to France to visit her paternal grandparents for the first week, but then promised to talk to her parents about making the Longbottom's New Year's party.

Holding hands and sneaking a peck here and there, Draco and Hermione were both anxious about being apart. Harry and Ron were playing Exploding Snap while Theo and Neville discussed the purpose of Christmas trees.

"So, you decorate the tree for some mythical being that doesn't actually exist? Father Christmas?" Theo asks.

Neville cannot believe that at eleven years old, Theo doesn't understand Christmas. "Are you having me on? You really don't know about Christmas?" Theo shrugged.

"I mean, of course I know of it, but my father never celebrates it. Mum died when I was two. I have never had a real holiday." Neville was flabbergasted. He had heard of Tiberius Nott and how horrible he was to his wife, but to not celebrate Christmas? It wasn't right.

"Maybe you can stay with us for Yule. Do you think your father would allow it? He knows Cissa. Maybe he'll say yes." Theo scoffed.

"If he is even home. I usually just stay home with the Elves. Pippin and Olive usually make me a nice dinner the day of. I could disappear and Tiberius wouldn't give two shits." Neville reached out and squeezed Theo's hand, making his heart beat faster and a blush appear on his cheeks.

"I know I'd love it if you could come. And D too, right D?" They looked to where Neville's stepbrother was cuddled up with his girlfriend. They both chuckled causing them to look up.

"Huh? What?" Draco asked.

They laughed again and repeated their plan. "Oh, yeah! Definitely! Mum and Frank won't mind. We'll ask at the station." Hermione got up to use the loo, leaving the guys alone for a bit.

"So, you guys are kissing now?" Harry asked as all the boys clamored for more information.

"Just a bit. She's amazing. We were taking things very slowly, but we can't fight how connected we are, ya know?" Draco smiled serenely. It made Harry anxious to see Luna. He wondered if she would want to kiss him. He didn't know if he was even ready for that. Harry did enjoy holding her hand though.

"Harry's next, right Harry? You and Luna can get caught under some mistletoe." Ron nudged him with his elbow playfully.

"I dunno. I'm not in any rush or anything." Harry shrugged, already feeling his face getting redder.

"Ah, mate. I'm just messing with you. No pressure. You guys will all come to brunch on Boxing Day, yeah? Mum says the more the merrier, so I want to see you there as well Nott." Theo grinned. He felt like he finally belonged. He didn't have a real family, so he decided he would make his friends his family.

Alice and Sirius were making their way onto the platform with the kids. They were excited to see their big brother. He'd been writing weekly to keep in touch, but it wasn't like seeing him face to face. "Rory! Stay next to James's carriage! Nox! Give me your hand!" Sirius spoke loud enough for his eldest daughter to hear, as she had decided to run in front of her parents. Alice just chuckled.

"Love, it's fine. We can clearly see them. They're just excited to see Nevy." Her husband picked up their other daughter, Nox. She was the spitting image of her father. Nox giggled as he placed her on his shoulders. "Ah, there's Lily and Sev!"

Lily turned at the sound of her name and saw Alice, Sirius and crew heading towards their brood. The twins were fast asleep in their carriage as Severus held Alexander and Violet stood with Luna who had been invited to surprise Harry.

"Where's Frank and Narcissa? I thought they would be here already." Sirius asked as he arrived next to Lily. She looked at him and smiled.

"They should be here soon. I know Willow had a cold, so they may just be running late." Just as she said it, the Longbottom family came rushing through the barrier.

"Willow is still a little sick, but Cissa wouldn't miss this. Merlin's beard. I thought we'd miss the train arriving, but looks like we are right on time." The sound of the Hogwarts Express arriving had everyone smiling and eager. They missed their children and were excited to see them finally.

"I see Draco! Frank! Look!" Narcissa said excitedly. Carina squealed. She had miss her brother like crazy.

It was lonely without him. He always brought her such comfort and peace. "Brother!"

Draco was holding hands with Hermione and heard his sister shouting. "Come on. You haven't met Carina yet. My younger sister. Hmm. Wonder where my mum is." He walked, his grip tightened on her hand. Carina ran to him and stopped short when she saw Hermione.

"Who are you?" She asked inquisitively before looking down and seeing them holding hands. "Oh! I know! Is this Hermoninny?" They both chuckled at the mispronunciation of her name.

"Her-my-knee, is how it's pronounced, Car. And yes, Carina? My girlfriend, Hermione Granger." Hermione shook the younger witch's hand.

"It's so nice to meet you. How old are you?" Hermione asked as they started to to walk to where everyone else was.

"I'm seven. That means I still have a while until I go to Hogwarts. But, you guys will all still be there, so I'll already know people." Draco smiled at her.

"Plus you have your friends from school, right?" Draco said as he nudged her. He noticed her frown and get quiet. "What? What is it?" She looked up and had tears in the corner of her eyes.

"I don't have many friends. I mean, I've got Vy, Ginny and Luna but Ginny and Luna will be at Hogwarts next year and the Vy the year after that. I'll be lonely and friendless in two years." She shrugged. Hermione looked over at Draco and smiled.

Taking Carina's hand in hers, she sympathised. "I'm a Muggleborn, did you know?" Carina shook her head 'no.' "My old school, I was the only one like me. Everyone thought I was weird and a freak. I had no friends. None. But then, a couple years ago, I made my first friend at an amusement park." Draco grinned and pulled her closer. "He became my best friend when we were reunited and now?" She hugged his side, "Now he is my boyfriend as well."

"My brother?" They both nodded and smiled at each other. "Wow! So you're saying if my best friend is a boy, he'll be my boyfriend someday?" Draco choked on a laugh.

"No. Definitely not. It could happen but what she really means is that, you'll meet more friends when you least expect it." Carina looked as if she was processing the information before she smiled back at them.

"I like you, Hermione. I'm glad you found each other." Carina skipped off to join their families. Draco stiffened a bit when he saw Mr. Granger looking at them holding hands.

"Your dad doesn't seem to like us holding hands, Granger. Look. I think he's trying to kill me with his mind." Hermione waved at her parents before tugging him towards them. Once they got closer, Draco greeted them. "Mister and Missus Granger. Draco Malfoy. Not sure if you remember me."

"Of course. How are you doing so far in school this year?" Her mother replied with a smile. Nudging her husband, Draco watched as the man stopped sneering and softened his eyes at the sight of his daughter's smiling face.

"Top male student and second to Hermione here. Don't think I've ever met a more intelligent and diligent classmate in my life." He smiled as he looked over at her blushing face.

"That's wonderful. I'm guessing that study group of yours is full of friends doing just as well, yeah? And what are your plans this holiday? Going anywhere fun?" Hermione's mother and him spoke for a bit until he noticed his own mother beckoning him over.

"I would love for you both to meet my mum and stepfather." They followed him and he smiled when he overheard Mr. Granger say how well mannered and intelligent he seemed to be.

"Ah, Draco. My son. Oh! And you must be our Hermione's parents. I cannot tell you how much we've heard about your lovely daughter. Draco is very smitten." Narcissa reached out and greeted them both. She turned toward Frank and the other children. "And this is my husband, Frank, and his son Neville. My daughter Carina and our daughter Willow. Say hello Carina."

Carina smiled brightly then curtsied. "Oh, aren't you just a dear!" Mrs. Granger held her hand over her heart as Carina preened over the attention.

"She sure is." Frank chuckled as he handed Willow to Draco's awaiting arms. "Ah, there we are. Good?" Draco nodded as he smiled down at his baby sister. Hermione coo'd over her tiny form.

The families talked in length about their holiday plans and the Granger's invited them over for brunch Christmas Eve. Draco locked eyes with Hermione as their parents got along famously. Yes. They were definitely going to become one, big, happy family one day.

Harry sighed as he looked out his window. He had just received word from Luna that her father wanted her to come with him on a trip to look for Moon Frogs. She did not want to go, but could not leave him alone. Not when he still mourned her mother's death. Flopping onto his bed with a groan, he heard a knock on his door.

"You okay?" Violet asked as she sat on the bed next to him. She seemed so much older now that he had not seen her in months.

"Luna has to go with her dad. He's going on a research trip to look for bloody Moon Frogs. I just wanted to see her." He whined. Now that he saw Draco and Hermione together and how close they are, he really wanted to see his own witch. "I miss her."

Violet frowned and watched the sadness in her brother's face. "I'll be right back."

Harry closed his eyes and sank into his soft mattress. About twenty minutes later, he heard someone walk in. "Hello, Harry." His eyes shot open to see the one person he had wanted to see more than anyone.

"Luna!" He jumped off his bed and rushed over to hug her. They both sighed in relief as they embraced. Harry turned his head and breathed in her scent. "Merlin, I've missed you." She tightened her hold on him.

"I've missed you too." Luna shook and Harry pulled away to look at her. Her eyes are swimming with tears.

"What is it? Are you hurt?"

"Oh, Harry! I've been so worried about you. I keep having these horrible nightmares about you being in danger. I can't lose you too. I wouldn't survive it." Luna hugged him once more. "Please be careful when you go back. They get worse every time."

Harry rubbed her back soothingly as they continued to embrace. "I am. I will be careful. I'll never leave you; not if I can help it. I love you." He whispered against her temple before kissing her head like he'd seen Sev do with his Mum.

"I love you too, Harry." Luna stared into his eyes as she returned his feelings. "I've gotta go back. Violet told dad that she wanted to give me my Christmas present before we left. She can be very persuasive." She hugged him tightly again. "Happy Christmas, Harry Potter."

"Happy Christmas. Luna Lovegood." He kissed her cheek then, causing her to blush. "Write to me when you get back. Stay safe." She backed away and blew him a kiss before disappearing back down the stairs.

Violet poked her head in his doorway a few minutes later. "Don't say I never get you anything good." She smirked.

"Thanks, Vy. I really needed that." He smiled. "You're a great sister."

"Yeah, yeah. You owe me." With a wink, she turned and left.

Theo sat in his big, empty manor. His father had just left after informing him that he had business to take care of in Bulgaria. He would not be returning for three weeks. Before he had left, he told his father he had been invited to stay with Draco and Narcissa. His father had sneered at that, mumbling about blood traitors, then waved him away before leaving through the Floo.

He sent an Owl to Draco informing him that he was, in fact, alone and would like very much to stay with the Malfoy-Longbottom family. Olive came in to bring him tea and a turkey club for lunch. "Thanks, Olive. Could you please pack my trunk. I will be staying with friends for the rest of the holiday."

"Yes, young master. Olive will do so right away. Eat." With a snap, Olive disapparated away. Theo enjoyed his lunch then heard his Floo go off.

"Theo! Yo, Nott! You there?" He got up and answered the Floo, not noticing the voice.

"Goyle?" Gregory Goyle's head floated in the fireplace.

"Your dad was just here. Him and my father are going somewhere for business or whatever. He said you're going to Draco's?" Theo confirmed this and Gregory smiled. "Awesome! I'm staying with Ron's family. Mum wanted to go visit her sister and we do not get along so she agreed to let me go to the Weasley's as long as my father doesn't find out. He says everyone will be at his house Boxing Day. I think we might be going to Harry's house a few times during break. Maybe we can all meet up?"

"Sounds great! I'm so excited to not be alone for once. You guys are truly the best friends I've had in my entire life." And he truly meant it.

"Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Oh! Aren't you handsome!" Molly Weasley hugged Gregory as he came through the Floo.

"Mum! You're going to scare him away!" Ron chuckled as he walked into the family room to greet his friend. "Goyle, great to see you mate!" Gregory looked around the sea of ginger hair and smiled. One by one, they all either introduced themselves or said hello.

"And this is our youngest, Ginevra. She'll be joining you all next year." Molly said as a young girl turned to greet him. He big, blue eyes widened at the tall, broad shoulders of the boy in front of her. He smiled down at her and thrust his hand out.

"Pleased to meet you, Ginevra." He said softly; taking her hand in his and shaking it.

"Gin, um, Ginny. Uh, y-you can call me Ginny." She felt herself blush as she met the rich chocolate brown colour of his eyes. Warmth. That's exactly what she felt.

"Ginny. I like that." He whispered, "much easier to say." And caused her to giggle. Ron came over to show Greg his room they'd be sharing. Ginny watched as he walked to the stairs, looking over his shoulder and smiling shyly at her in his retreat.

Ginny grinned as she walked to the kitchen to help her mother with dinner. "What a nice young man." Molly said as Ginny settled in next to her and began peeling potatoes. Ginny just smiled and nodded.

Dinner was served and it was delicious. Gregory had never had any siblings so seeing all of the Weasley kids and two loving parents laughing and enjoying each other's company, made him feel so much want. He wanted that kind of family life; not the cold, emptiness he felt in his own home. He felt so grateful to have met and become friends with Ron. Then he looked over to the young witch he had just met. His friend's younger sister. She was making her twin brothers laugh about something which made him smirk. Ron kicked his leg.

"Oi," he whispered, "quit staring at my sister." Greg rolled his eyes at his friend. "Not even here a day and already I'm annoyed at you." He said with a laugh so Greg knew he was in jest.

"Sorry, mate. Couldn't help myself. She's cute." He shrugged and Ron made a gagging noise.

"Gross."

Christmas Eve at Longbottom Manor was a lively affair. The Granger's arrived for Brunch at 10 o'clock where they were introduced to Frank's mother Augusta, Theo Nott, and the Black's; Sirius, Alice, Aurora, Nox and James.

Theo looked around and couldn't help but smile. He'd never been surrounded by so much love and happiness in his life. He was glad he had accepted the offer to stay with Draco and his family. "Hey." He startled a bit before looking to see Neville standing next to him.

"Hey yourself. Happy Christmas to you, Longbottom. Thanks for having me." Neville grinned at him and handed him a plate with a few biscuits on it. "Thanks."

"My mum makes the best biscuits this side of England. Thought I'd steal you a few before the vultures came." He nodded over to where Sirius, Remus and Harry were piling their dessert plates high.

Theo chuckled then elbowed Neville lightly, "Then I guess I should eat up then? You want one?" Neville nodded his head then reached out to grab one just as Theo did, they hands meeting. Theo felt his heart beat a little faster before looking up to see an equally discomposed Neville staring at him, his ears beat red. "Sorry. Um, here." Theo thrusted his plate into Neville's hand.

Neville sighed then thanked the Slytherin boy. They stood there in uncomfortable silence until Draco and Hermione called them over. Neville stayed back for a minute to compose himself. What were these strange feelings in the pit of his stomach? Why did it feels so nice to feel his friends skin against his?

Christmas Eve brunch lasted well past lunch. The children were having such a great time. Willow was the star of the show. She'd just recently started discovering how to clap. Apparently it was the cutest thing ever if Mrs. Granger's words were gospel.

Draco didn't mind. The parents were all getting along great and it gave him and Hermione more time to be together. She was going to her grandparents in France the day after Christmas and would not return until the day before they returned to Hogwarts.

The one thing getting in the way of their alone time was his own sister. She just would not leave them alone. He felt badly about getting annoyed at Carina. She did miss him while he was away at school, and he missed her as well, but he just wanted to spend time with his girlfriend.

"And then my teacher said I got the highest score on our grammar exam and then Geoffrey said that he thought I was the smartest girl in our year." Draco's big brother senses went off.

"Geoffrey? Who's Geoffrey?" He asked with a scowl. Hermione giggled.

Carina blushed. "Just a boy in my class."

"Hmm, better stay that way." He grumbled.

"Well, I think that's just wonderful, Carina. I just love to learn, don't you? I started a study group at Hogwarts and it's grown into two tables of our classmates." Carina beamed at that. "So far, I'm the top female student in our year."

"Is Draco the top male?" She asked. Draco groaned.

"No, that would be me." Theo strolled over and wrapped his arm around Hermione's shoulders. "We make a great team." Draco chuckled and shook his head at his friend.

"Theo Nott, you know how Draco gets when his possessions are touched without his permission." Sirius walked over smirking mischievously.

"Mr. Black, no disrespect, but I am no one's possession." Hermione said haughtily.

"Sirius, and my apologies Hermione. I was only jesting. Your parents sent me up to let you know they wanted to start driving home soon. Fifteen minutes, okay?" Hermione nodded then looked to where Draco sat with a frown on his face. Sirius left the room and Theo and Neville took Carina with them to go downstairs.

The two pre-teens rushed over to embrace. "I'm going to miss you." She murmured into his neck. Draco tightened his arms around her waist.

"Love you." He kissed her cheek. "Have a great time with your family in France. I'll see you at King's Cross." He hugged her once more and leaned his forehead against hers. He took her hand and just before they headed down the stairs, she pulled him to a stop. "Wha-?"

She kissed him on the lips then before whispering, "I love you, Draco. Happy Christmas."

The Yule break went by faster than Severus expected it to. Before he knew it he was packing his trunk to return to his teaching position at Hogwarts. Lily had given him a night to remember last night. The older kids stayed at The Burrow and the babies and Alexander stayed with Alice and Sirius. He smiled as he remembered.

"A kid-free home. What shall we do?" Her nails tickled a trail down his bare arm. Severus captured her hand and bright her back to his chest. Kissing down her neck, he purred into her ear.

"I can think of a few things." He lightly nipped her earlobe causing her core to quiver. "So sexy." A nibble on her neck, a tentative lick to taste her salty skin. "My wife." His hands gripped her breasts and he squeezed gently, opening his fingers to then pinch her hardening nipples between them. "My everything." She moaned as his left hand then traveled in between her thighs to cup her mound.

"Oh, Sev! Fuck! I need you!" She groaned, needy and wanting. She ground her ass against his rock hard cock. "Take me. Gods please! Just fuck me!" He loved it when she cussed. It made him even more mad for her. She squealed as he suddenly turned her and grasped her by her thighs to wrap her legs around him.

He apparated them to their bedroom and vanished their clothes wandlessly. "I'm going to fuck you so hard, you'll forget your own name." And he did.

"Hey, you ready?" He turned to see her. Eyes red and puffy. She'd been crying.

"Love, come here." He opened his arms and Lily rushed into them with a quiet sob. "Do you want me to Owl Dumbledore? I can go back in a few weeks instead." He kissed her temple and pushed her hair from her face. Kissing away her tears, he stroked her cheeks with his thumbs.

"No. I think it's just the hormones from birthing the twins. They're all out of whack. We'll be fine, my love. I swear it." She smiled sadly and it broke his heart. With one more kiss, to her forehead this time, they headed downstairs to get the children ready to leave.

"I'll be fine, Sirius. The full moon was last night. I understand that Remus needs a few days." Her husband has been profusely apologising for not being able to see Neville off back to Hogwarts. Remus was a little worse for wear after a hard night of transformation. The shortage on Wolfsbane was starting to scare them. The prices were surging and if the past two months were anything to go by, the shortage of aconite was causing a lot of trouble for those reliant on the slightly new potion; it had only been available for the past ten years.

"Give him my love. I'll take Rory and Nox with me to the shop to help you out though. Give us a kiss." Alice pulled him by his collar and kissed him softly. "Love you, my sweet angel." She nuzzled his jaw before stepping away to gather James. "See you tonight." She stepped into the playroom and saw their daughters playing together with a quidditch play set. "Girls! Be good for daddy. Mummy will see you tonight." Blowing them kisses and hearing 'Love you mummy!' from each girl, she smiled as she gathered her youngest child in her loving arms. "The Leaky Cauldron!"

"Theodore!" Theo flinched when his father's booming voice rang out as he made his was to the Floo to head to the train station. "Get in here now!" His face paled. 'What on earth could he want?' He entered his father's study and stood up straight and rigid.

"Yes, father?" His father motioned for him to sit. He stared at his son with a hardened look on his face.

"I hear you are top student at school. Next to a Mudblood. You be sure you overtake her by the end of the year or there'll be consequences, you hear me boy?" He stared gruffly with a sneer.

"I'll try my best, sir."

At this, his father turned almost purple with anger, "You beat that fucking Mudblood bitch or I'll beat you, do you understand!"

"Yes." Theo fought the wobble in his chin and was impressed with himself. Usually his father's threats made him a nervous wreck, but today? For the first time in his almost twelve years, Theodore Nott only felt disgust. How dare his father speak of his beautiful friend like that. "Is that all? I don't want to miss my train, sir." His father gave him a dismissive look and he got up and left.

He could not wait for the day he no longer needed that bastard.

"Greg!" He looked over and saw Ginny standing on the landing outside Ron's bedroom.

"Hey, you. Getting ready to head to school?" Ginny went back to primary school today as well as her brothers and Gregory heading back to Hogwarts.

"Yeah, dad's waiting at the Floo. I just wanted to say that it was really great meeting you and I hope you can come stay this summer with us." She blushed as she stepped forward. Greg stiffened. 'What was she doing?'

"Um, yeah. That would be cool. So, um. Bye then." He opened his arms and she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him quickly before stepping away.

Ginny's smile lit up her face, causing Gregory to smile back. "Kay, then. Brilliant! Have a great ride back! Bye!" She skipped down the stairs and disappeared around the corner. He stood there still smiling until Ron came out.

"Why you smiling? It's a bit unnerving mate." Ron asked with a laugh. Greg shrugged.

"I don't know. Had a great holiday, I guess. I'm not looking forward to classes resuming but I've got a sweet new sweater with my initials on it to keep me warm." Molly had knitted each of them a personalized sweater for Christmas. It was a sweet gesture.

"Ronald. Gregory. Mum says it's time to go." Percy said as he met them on their way down the stairs.

"Yes. What do you think we're doing walking downstairs, Perc." Ron rolled his eyes at his older brother.

"Well, I'm walking upstairs to get Fred and George. So, please move aside." He said in his normal snobby tone. Gregory pushed past him and Ron followed suit. "Rude."

"He is such a prat." Gregory grumbled to which Ron agreed.

Once on the platform, they met up with Harry. "Where are the lovebirds?" Ron asked as he shoveled a cinnamon bun in his mouth. Harry shrugged and looked around.

Gregory was the tallest so he had a better view and found Blaise and Theo talking to Neville and his dad and mum. "No sign of Draco or Hermione, but I see Longbottom, Blaise and Theo." Gregory pointed to where the three other wizards were talking.

Molly was talking to Fred and George while Percy was talking to a Ravenclaw girl named Penelope Clearwater. "Mum! We're going to head over to Nev and them." She waved Ron and Gregory off and continued her chastising of her twins.

By the look of things, Blaise could sense a bit of tension between Theo and Neville. Something must have happened during Yule break. "So, what's with you two?" Both grew tomato red. "Hmm. Alright then." Change of subject it is, thought Blaise. "Were the lovebirds kissing at midnight at New Years?"

"Wh-what!?!" Asked Theo, an incredulous look on his face.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Said Neville at the same time.

"Draco and Granger? Who else would I be talking about besides those two?" He chuckled. "Or did either of you find a bird to snog?" He smirked as he watched them both grow even more red.

"Oi!" They all looked over and saw Ronald and Gregory walking towards them. After greeting each other, they were joined by Harry then shortly after that Draco and Hermione walked over, hand in hand. Neville and Theo's eyes met over their friends; both slightly confused at their shared reaction. Both remembering midnight on New Years Eve.

Theo looked out across the back garden at Longbottom Manor. He felt a bit melancholy knowing that his time there was coming to an end. Tomorrow morning, he would need to return to Nott Manor. His father was returning tomorrow evening, so he would need to be there.

He had thoroughly enjoyed himself for the first time in a long time. Theo had never been around so much love and respect. Even Neville's mum and dad got along, even though they were divorced and remarried to other people.

Alice, Neville's mum, and her husband Sirius were both in and out of the home that Frank, Neville's dad, and his wife, Draco's mum Narcissa shared. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows though. Apparently, Augusta, Frank's mum and Neville's grandmother still had not forgiven Alice for leaving her son fir another man and had no qualms about telling her so.

But, all in all, the holiday stay with Draco and Neville's family had gone splendidly. "Hey," Theo startled then turned to see Neville standing inside the balcony doors. "You okay?" The boy's lopsided grin made Theo's stomach squirm.

"Yeah. Just wanted a moment." He sighed then turned back around to face the gardens once more. He felt Neville stand next to him, the heat coming off of him in waves. Theo turned his head to look over at him.

"You leaving tomorrow?" Theo nodded. "Guess I'll see you on the train then." Neville cleared his throat then spoke again, "I've really enjoyed having you here. I hope you weren't too bored." He gave a lighthearted chuckle.

Theo saw Neville's hand move closer to where his own on sat atop the concrete railing then watched as the boy's pinky moved to brush against Theo's own pinky. They both felt a spark of electricity the moment their skin touched. They could faintly hear the others inside counting down the seconds until midnight. '7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Year!' They embraced then, just as they began to part, Theo found his bravery and gave Neville a kiss upon his cold cheek. "Happy New Year, Longbottom." Neville smiled shyly.

"Happy New Year, Theo."

The first week back at school and away from Lily and the kids was made easier when Dumbledore came to him at the end of his final DADA class with his seventh year students. "Severus, I will need to you to take back over guarding the third floor corridor for the remainder of the school year. Professors Kettleburn and Flitwick finished setting up the charms." Looking up from his papers, he eyed the wizard cautiously.

"And why isn't Professor Quirrell being tasked with that?" He watched as Dumbledore moved closer. He wandlessly closed and muffled the door.

"I do not completely trust him. He's new and skittish and he seems a bit," he met Severus's eyes and smiled tightly, "off." He nodded in understanding. The young professor was indeed a very odd character. After he agreed, Dumbledore left. Yes, there certainly was something about the younger professor that just did not sit right with Severus. He'd need to keep an eye on him.

Draco woke from another nightmare starring his best friend and an evil entity. There were in a secret chamber, unknown to Draco. There was fire all around and Harry was trying to get away from the entity. Just when it grabbed ahold of Harry's arm, Draco woke in a cold sweat. The sun was just starting to shine through the window, so he got up. Today was Harry's first Quidditch match and all of their friends were going to watch.

Of course, since it was against Slytherin, Ron, Gregory and Blaise would be on their side supporting their House team. Harry's mum was coming with Violet and Luna to watch her son's first match as Seeker. Draco knew that Harry was eager to show off for Luna; although he really did not need to.

Once dressed, Draco and Theo met Hermione and headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. They wished Harry good luck before walking to the Quidditch stadium. Hermione waved when she saw Violet and Lily, Harry's sister and mother. Lily introduced Theo and Hermione to Luna. Theo instantly liked both girls and sat talking with them as Draco and Hermione spoke with Lily. Lily was just about to tell them about Alexander's new obsession with his toy broom when Severus arrived with Ron, Gregory and Blaise in tow.

"Are you guys sitting with us?" Severus asked the group of Ravenclaws.

"Oh, um, no. We told Neville that we'd sit with him. But, we should see you all after." Draco answered as he took Hermione's hand in his. Lily said her goodbyes before taking her husband's hand. They waved as their small group headed up their side of the stands.

Theo turned and waited for Draco and Hermione. "Oh, we'll be up in a second. There's Nev!" Draco waved up at his stepbrother, who then waved back enthusiastically. Theo nodded and rushed to meet his friend.

Hermione turned, "What was that all about?" Draco looked around then pushed aside a banner before pulling Hermione through with him.

"Just wanted a few moments alone with my girlfriend, is that a crime?" He said innocently before pulling her close and kissing her.

"Mmm, yes. Because I don't think we've had a proper snog since we returned from hols." Hermione smiled before leaning in for another kiss. Draco's hands roamed down to her derrière and she squeaked when he squeezed her cheeks.

"Sorry. Got carried away." He apologised with a blushing face. "I know. Nothing past kissing for a while. Just, I cannot help but want to touch you. I'm sorry." Hermione stepped away at a safer distance. Maybe he overstepped.

"Draco," she shook her head, "we are way to young for anything more than kissing, don't you think?" He shrugged even though he knew she was right. But, he just couldn't help himself. "I think we need to just go up and meet our friends now. Yeah?" He nodded in agreement but secretly thought that staying there with her was the better option. Taking her hand, they left under the stands. That's when they saw them.

"Well, look at this Crabbe. What were you two doing under there? Hmm?" Pansy, Daphne, Crabbe and a few other Slytherin students were smugly smiling at a flushed Draco and Hermione. "My dad said Muggle girls are light skirts, but I never believed it until now. Don't you think you're a little young to be lifting your skirts, Granger?" The pug-faced girl snickered followed by a chorus of laughter from the other Slytherins.

"Shut your mouth, Parkinson!" Hermione stepped closer to the girl, her fists clenched and ready to strike. Draco held her back.

"Remember, Love. They're not worth the energy." Draco soothed as he narrowed his eyes at the group of green and silver clad witches and wizards as Pansy smirked.

"Yes, you must save your energy for later, yeah? For when you open up for all the other guys chasing your skirt!" Daphne added with a snide tone.

"You pigs!" Hermione shot a spell that hit both girls and they shrieked. Suddenly everyone started laughing and pointing at the two witches as they ran away, both with little pig tails growing of their asses.

Crabbe ran after them, but the rest of the Slytherin wizards commended Hermione for her brilliant wand work. One of them shouting as they headed up toward the Slytherin section of the stands, "That was bloody fantastic, Granger!" Draco pulled her into a hug and laughed into her shoulder because it was. It really was.

"Something's up with Harry's broom!" Hagrid shouted from his seat beside Lily and Severus. Severus started to mumble counterjinxes to help control the uncontrollable broom hellbent on shaking his son off. Lily stood up in a fury, accidentally knocking into the person behind her and causing him to fall over.

"Sorry Professor! Sev! Save him!" Severus finally got control of the broom just as Harry spotted the Snitch! Cheers erupted in the stadium. When Severus looked, he saw Harry on the ground. Snitch in hand. He'd won! Lily kissed her husband and thanked him before they rushed down to congratulate their boy on his win.

The pitch was full of red, blue, and gold with a smattering of green. Harry was a bit sore from trying to stay mounted on his broom that was out to get him. "Mum! Dad!" He yelled as he saw them rushing towards him with Luna and Violet in tow. He hugged them all and got a kiss on the cheek from Luna, causing him to blush.

"That was bloody brilliant!" Ron yelled as he clapped Harry on his back after bear hugging his friend. After everyone congratulated Harry and the rest of the Gryffindor team, he took a few moments with his family and Luna. They one thing on all their minds? Why did someone hex Harry's broom? And why did Severus have a feeling this was just the beginning.

A/N: Hope having a long chapter makes up for the long wait!