"A surprise?!" Hermione was immediately suspicious. In a group of the Marauders, Malfoys and their offspring, a surprise could range anywhere from a pet owl (like the beautiful one Harry got) to an exploding box of spiders (also known as "The Incident" that resulted in groundings for James, Sirius, AND Lucius).

"Nothing bad, Kitten. Just grab Draco and Harry." Sirius said with a smirk on his face, making Hermione even more nervous what this entailed. The boys, as always were oblivious to the heightened danger of a Black surprise.

As they Apparated to 12 Grimmauld Place, they were immediately greeted with noise. That was the only way to describe the sudden onslaught of sounds, colors, and sights all around. Lupin and Narcissa immediately ran to envelop the trio in their arms. Lucius followed quickly afterwards, having been able to get away from the Ministry for the holidays. After a chorus of greetings and smiles all around, everyone sat down for tea, prepared by Fran.

Hermione was suspicious of the tea, waiting on edge for this so-called surprise, but after watching everyone else take a sip, she quickly drank her favorite Earl Grey.

"We have an announcement for you all!" The typically put-together Narcissa Malfoy was almost bouncing up and down in her chair with excitement. The kids all looked at her with widening eyes. "We will be hosting the Christmas Ball at Malfoy Manor this year and you are all able to attend!"

Immediately the boys started complaining, but Hermione's eyes flickered to her father, who was looking directly at the cup in his hands.

"Dad are you okay with this?" Sirius immediately looked up at the sound of his daughter's timid voice.

"Absolutely, Kitten! This is going to be very exciting!" At Hermione's unconvinced look, he added, "I'm just sad you're growing up so quickly."

James quickly elbowed him in the side. "Ah, simmer down old man. Let's not kill the mood before they even start thinking about it. You still have many years with Hermione, even if she does start dating a certain someone soon." Hermione and Draco flushed. Sirius glared as James started laughing.

"Anyways," Narcissa drew the attention back to the conversation at hand. "The Christmas Ball will bring together all of the best in the Wizarding World, so we will need all hands on deck. Lucius and Lily will be in charge of getting Draco and Harry dressed well. No, James, based on how your hair NEVER behaves, I'm not trusting you with your son's appearance." she responded to James's attempted interruption, him sitting back with crossed arms and a mock glare. "Sirius, Lupin, and James, you will help with invitations and setting up the ballroom for our guests. I'll take Hermione shopping. Dear, would you want to invite your friends to come with us?"

Hermione, nervous as she rarely would go shopping, nodded meekly. This was a brand new experience but she knew exactly who would be best to help her navigate it.

"Daphne Greengrass and Pansy Parkinson, ma'am." Narcissa nodded her approval.

"Perfect! After all of that is figured out, Lily and I will do decorations with the elves and we should be wonderful. Oh, I can't wait!" Lucius rolled his eyes with a smile at his wife's enthusiasm.

"Maybe you can organize the Ministry balls now too, darling. They're always such a bore." Lucius playfully teased his wife before kissing her cheek, much to the chagrin of James, Harry, Sirius, and Draco, who all looked sick.

"Now let's enjoy our time relaxing today, for we start planning and execution tomorrow for the best Christmas Ball ever!" Lily clapped her hands, calling for more tea (and some stronger drinks for the adults).

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

So I'm back. Realized if I wanted to finish this story, I actually need to write. Crazy how that works. I actually have a direction of this story now after some intense writer's block, so that's good too.

COUPLE NOTES:

Thank you to everyone who read, favorited, followed, reviewed - you all make my heart so happy! It's honestly for you all of it!

To the reviewer who said I didn't mention Lucius at all - you're totally right lol. I mention him that one chapter then he's MIA during the interactions. Hopefully this chapter integrates him back in naturally. Thank you so much for bringing that to my notice bc I wouldn't have otherwise!

I refer to Remus Lupin as Lupin bc that's just how I see him in my head, I can't see Remus lol. Also I know the Christmas Ball is cliche but this is a fluff peace for the goodness in the Wizarding World that can sometimes be overshadowed by Voldemort and the War.

I love you all so much. Thank you again!

~ SWW