A/N: And I'm back! So this is probably the least dramatic chapter of what's left. I figure since a lot is going to happen on Christmas day that it will probably take up two chapters, then one chapter for the wedding, one for the epilogue and we're done! That's right, only four chapters left. Possibly only three but I'm betting on four.

Also, only 60 more reviews until we reach 2,000. Let's hope that this chapter is the one! ;o)

Thanks again everyone for all of the support. I know I have quite a few faithful followers that have been with me since day one and I really appreciate it. Your kind words keep me writing.

I know many of you like when I give song recs so I'll try to make a few more before the story is over. Sorry I don't have any this time.

"Hugo, we need to get going," said Hermione, watching her son from his doorway as he ran around his room.

"Yeah, got it," said Hugo, zipping up his duffle bag.

"You have everything?" she asked.

"Yes."

"You have your suit, your cloak, shoes, toiletries, extra socks and underwear -"

" Yes , Mum! I know how to bloody pack."

"- all of your Christmas gifts."

Hugo froze. He looked at his smiling mother and grunted before running back to his closet, taking several wrapped and a few unwrapped gifts out and stuffing them into his duffel. The Undetectable Extension Charm did wonders for all family members.

He glanced at his mother. "Do you have -"

"Yes, I have extra wrapping paper, scissors, tape and ribbons. Now, let's get going. We don't want the Portkey to leave without us."

Hugo followed his mother out to the living room. Hermione picked up her bag, then she grabbed her son's hand and Apparated them to Lucius and Narcissa's doorstep. She knocked. A short while later, Draco answered.

"Cutting it a little close, aren't you?" he said, smirking as they walked inside.

"We're here. That's all that's important," said Hermione, linking her arm with Hugo's and guiding him further into the house. Narcissa was sitting on the sofa, staring down at the vase that would be their Portkey while her house-elf stood close, carrying all of her bags. Lucius was standing near her and holding his own bag in hand, most likely by the urging of Draco.

"Morning, Lucius. Narcissa." She walked over to them. "How are you feeling?" she asked Narcissa.

"Oh, just lovely," Narcissa said contemptuously.

"I will let the attitude slide this time since we're all anxious about this wedding," said Hermione, taking a seat next to her. She patted the extra cushion on the sofa and Hugo walked over, sinking down beside her.

There was another knock on the door. Draco, who hadn't moved, opened it. Theo walked in with Jaclyn, David and Edie, the latter carrying a large garment bag. Hermione's eyes lit up.

"Is that the wedding dress?" she asked.

Edie smiled and nodded.

"Is it finished? Can I see it?"

"It is," said Edie, "but Rose and I were never able to sync our schedules for a final fitting. I just need to make sure it all fits right."

She began to unzip the bag. Hermione stood up and helped her, squealing when she saw the finished product.

"Edie, it's perfect. You have a real talent."

Narcissa leaned forward and Hermione moved the dress so she could see. "I think it's even prettier than the one in the shop," said Narcissa.

Edie beamed at them. "Really?"

"Absolutely," said Hermione, beaming right back. She looked up at a clock and, noticing the time, zipped the garment bag back up. "Is Zabini not here yet?"

"He likes to make a grand entrance," said Draco.

Just then, the fireplace buzzed, signaling someone's arrival. There was a ' swoosh ' and someone stepped through. But it wasn't Blaise.

"Sorry," said Deacon, noticing everyone give him a look. "I told my dad Portkeys don't wait but you know how he is."

"Why yes, we do," said Theo with a laugh.

The fireplace buzzed again and Blaise arrived a moment later.

"And with one minute to spare," said Draco, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at his friend.

Blaise looked around the room. "And what's the problem? I'm not even the last one here. Where's Alex?"

"She's coming later," answered Draco.

Blaise pursed his brow. "Later. Why?"

Draco grunted and looked at Hermione. She bit her cheek and glanced at Blaise.

"What aren't you telling me?" he demanded.

"Well …" said Hermione. "With Colby no longer coming and his plate already paid for, Alex asked if she could bring a plus one and we said yes."

Blaise went stiff.

An alarm went off somewhere.

"Portkey time," said Draco, picking up the vase. "Everyone grab ahold."

The group began to crowd around, everyone touching their fingers to the vase. Deacon had to grab his father's hand and force him to hold on.

Within seconds they were all sucked away, the world spinning around them as something pulling on their abdomens transported them to the doors just outside of the Chateau de Fleurs Magiques. Deacon, Edie, David and Hugo all stumbled a little on their landing but, for the most part, it went fairly smoothly.

The first thing Hermione noticed upon arrival was the lack of snow around the château. She looked up at the clouds. Thick and gray, but it just looked like rain.

"I hope this isn't a problem," she said, motioning to the sky.

Draco walked up beside her. "I'm sure the sky is just waiting for Christmas."

She gave him a look.

"Well, being negative isn't going to make it snow any faster."

She thought and nodded. "You're right. It will snow on Christmas."

"So tell me more about this plus one ," said Blaise, coming up behind them.

Hermione and Draco looked at each other and rolled their eyes. They headed inside, Blaise nagging them the whole way.

Upon entry, Hermione took a moment to admire the castle since she had never been here before. The entire place was made of a sparkly gray stone, the foyer rising high with a breathtaking iron and crystal chandelier hanging from the domed ceiling, enchanted candles floating at various levels to create a dim and peaceful yellow light. There was a desk just in front of them between two dragon sculptures. Rose and Scorpius were there. He was checking them in while Rose paced around, biting her nails and looking panicked. She stopped and sucked in a breath when she saw her mother.

"There's no snow!" she shouted suddenly.

"Yes, I saw that," said Hermione, walking up to her. "But it's still two days until the wedding. That's plenty of time to start snowing."

"But -"

"Rose, why don't you finish checking in, find your room, and then have Edie give you your last fitting." Hermione brushed Rose's hair behind her shoulders. "That will take your mind off of this non-issue."

Rose moved her hair back in front of her shoulders. She looked at Edie and gulped. "Alright."

"So how does this place work?" asked Hermione. "Are we all in one cluster of an area or are we spread out?"

"Our entire party is in the West Wing of the château," said Scorpius. "But it's pretty large and we're still spread out. Rose and I have the only room on the fourth floor since it's the honeymoon suite. He paused. "Which I'm getting kicked out of tomorrow night."

"I don't want this wedding to have any bad luck," said Rose, chewing vigorously on her fingernails.

Scorpius walked away from the desk with their room key. "Who ees next?" asked the concierge.

"Edie, you go ahead so Rose knows which room to meet you in," instructed Hermione, pulling the girl to the front.

"Umm … okay," said Edie, looking nervously back at her parents. She leaned in and cleared her throat. "The reservation is under James Potter."

" What? " snapped Theo.

"Relax, Theo," said Jaclyn. "She sleeps over at his flat all the time."

"Yes but a flat is different than a hotel room . At least there he has a roommate."

"James doesn't have a roommate," Rose said absentmindedly. Then she froze, glancing sideways at a blushing Edie and gulping. "Uhh … Whoops."

" What? " Theo and Jaclyn snapped together this time.

"It's really not a big deal," said Edie. "We owled and made the extra reservation. We're paying for the room ourselves."

"Yes, because payment is the issue here," spat Theo.

"If she's sharing a room with her boyfriend then who am I sharing with?" asked David.

"You can have it to yourself," said Edie.

David's eyes began to light up.

" No ," Theo said firmly. "You are sharing with your sister."

Edie crossed her arms. "He is not! I'm nineteen and I worked extra hours at both of my jobs to split the cost of a room with my boyfriend ."

"Edie, no," said Jaclyn. "You worked hard for your money. Your father and I will take care of your room."

Theo's eyes bulged. "We'll what?"

"She's right, Theo. She's nineteen and if she wants to stay in a room with her boyfriend we can't stop her. And, being such an adult, I can't imagine she wants to live with her parents for much longer. She needs to save money." Jaclyn looked at Edie and smiled. "So she can afford her own place."

Edie's eyes bulged just like Theo's. " What ?"

"You have two jobs, Edie. Yet you have no savings even though you don't pay rent. It's just something for you to think about." Jaclyn smiled wider.

Edie blinked. "You're kicking me out?"

"No one said that," said Jaclyn. She walked up to the concierge. "Put the room for James Potter on the Notts bill, please."

"I'm in room 205," Edie told Rose a short time later. "We can do your fitting whenever you're ready." She looked at her mother and gave her a look. Jaclyn just continued smiling.

"Okay. I'll meet you there in thirty minutes," said Rose, eyeing the garment bag Edie was holding.

Scorpius took her hand and guided her away, waving at everyone as they headed down one of the corridors.

Draco stepped up to the desk next and began checking in his mother and father.

"A little tough love?" Hermione whispered to Jaclyn.

The other witch shrugged. "The mature nineteen-year-old has to grow up sometime. Theo and I both come from money but we decided early on that we did not want trust fund children. Edie and David will have to work for what they want."

Hermione looked over to where Edie had slumped down in a chair, glancing every few seconds towards the door while David poked at her. She was clearly waiting for James, and only seconds away from clobbering her little brother. Deacon put a hand on David's face and shoved him away, sitting on the arm of Edie's chair and leaning down to whisper something to her. She laughed.

Looking back at Jaclyn, Hermione could not help but ask, "Have you talked to Astoria? Since the article?"

Jaclyn's cheeks flushed. "Yes," she said.

"I told Draco to contact her but I think he forgets that just because you divorce someone doesn't mean they're out of your life. Especially if you have a child together."

Jaclyn nodded. "It's probably best that he hasn't contacted her."

"Why?" asked Hermione. "Is she that angry?"

Jaclyn pursed her lips and thought about this. "Well … yes. Yes, she is. But it's not the article, that's not how she found out about you two. She already knew. That's the problem."

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "She knew?"

"Yes."

"How?"

Jaclyn shrugged. "I don't know. Something about Malfoy Manor and a dead owl. She barely got anything out before she figured out that I knew and now she's not talking to me."

"Oh," said Hermione, her eyes widening. "I'm sorry. I -"

"Don't be," said Jaclyn. "She'll get over it and forgive me. But …" She glanced at Draco before leaning in. "You do realize he treats you very differently than he treated her, don't you?"

"Yes," said Hermione. "He realizes that, too."

Jaclyn glanced at him again and sighed. "Look, I've known Draco for a long time and I know he's not a bad guy, but he just kind of threw the divorce at her. They never discussed it, aside from how they were going to divide their assets, and I don't think she's ever going to move on properly until she gets that closure. He needs to talk to her, and I suggest you help push him to do that."

Hermione looked over at Draco. He had his parents' room key in hand but was busy trying to stable his mother, who refused to sit down, while his father held onto her. Hermione hurried over and took Draco's suitcase out of his hand.

"Draco, why don't you help your father take your mother to their room. I can check us in and meet you there after I drop off our things."

Draco looked at her. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'll be fine," she said, swinging both bags. "You go ahead."

He nodded. "Alright. They're in room 109."

Draco leaned down and gave her a small kiss. In that moment, the doors opened again and the clan of Potters entered the château, Lily immediately running off somewhere to explore. Hermione looked over, catching a glimpse of Ginny's flaring nostrils before she took her husband's hand and marched them towards the concierge.

Edie stood and smiled when she saw James. He went over and kissed her, keeping one eye on Deacon the entire time.

Noticing how weak his mother's legs were, Draco pushed his father aside and picked her up like he was carrying her over a threshold.

Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Oh, now you're just being dramatic, Draco," she complained as he carried her away, Lucius and their house-elf following closely behind them.

Hermione turned to the concierge. "A reservation under Draco Malfoy."

While the man looked up the room information, Hermione called Hugo over.

"Maybe you should offer to let David stay with you and Al since James is obviously not taking the third bed."

Hugo grunted. " Mum !"

"He's only thirteen and big castles like this can be scary at night," she said. "It's his call. Just ask."

He grunted again before turning and motioning to Albus. He whispered something to him, his cousin joining in his grunts before they finally went up to David.

"I thought you were against the use of enslaved house-elves."

Hermione looked over to see Ginny standing beside her. "I am," said Hermione. "But Narcissa is sick and she needs all the help she can get. I know when to pick my battles."

"The old Hermione wouldn't stand for something like that."

Hermione bit her cheek. "I wasn't aware there was a new Hermione."

"Well, the old Hermione used to go Christmas shopping with me every year, yet I didn't hear from her this one."

"I heard you were mad at me, Ginny, so I figured if you wanted to go then you would contact me, but you didn't." Hermione was handed the key to her room. "Also, a room for Hugo Weasley," she said to the concierge.

"I can't believe you're sharing a room with him while we're here," Ginny continued.

Hermione grunted. "We've been together for six months, more or less. Why wouldn't I share with him?"

"Out of respect for my brother. Or your daughter."

"Both of which are taking this better than you . What's the real issue here, Ginny?" she asked, turning to her.

Ginny didn't say anything, just moved her eyes down to the floor.

Hermione sighed. "Right."

The concierge handed her the key and she took it. "Ze staircase ees straight down zat corridor and on ze left," the man instructed.

She walked towards Hugo, who hurried to help her with the two bags and two keys in her hands. "Let's get you settled," she said. "So is David staying with you?"

"Yeah," said Hugo, not looking too happy about it.

"Al, David, do you want to come with us?"

"Yeah, I'll come," said Albus. "Saw some fit French girls out front. Maybe we can go check them out after." He winked at Hugo.

Hugo rolled his eyes. " Girlfriend , remember?"

"Yeah, but she's not going to be here till tomorrow evening. Just be my wingman until then. Come on, mate."

"I don't have a girlfriend," said David. "I can help."

Hugo and Albus both looked at him.

"Uh … right," said Albus. "Maybe one of them has a younger sister or something."

"What room are you guys in?" asked James.

Hugo showed them his key. 207.

"Right near us," said James, taking Edie's hand. "We better get over there before bridezilla beats us to it. That wouldn't end well."

They all laughed as Hermione led the way to the stairs. She branched off at the second floor, stopping at room 205 and pointing it out to Edie and James before continuing on to 207. Hugo put in the key and opened the door, immediately running ahead of Albus so that he could get the bed by the window. David didn't even bother. He just seemed happy to be rooming with the older boys.

"Check out the view!" Hugo shouted from the balcony. Albus tossed his stuff on the bed next to Hugo's and followed him out.

Hermione put her bag down for a moment and opened it, searching until she found the extra wrapping paper, ribbons, tape and scissors she had brought. She put it all down on the small desk in the room, then went to join her son on the balcony.

"Hugo, I left the wrapping paper for you," she said. "I need to get to my room."

"Alright," he said. "Need me to help you carry that extra bag?"

"No, I got it. You boys have fun. Just steer clear of the mini bar. Those things charge an arm and a leg. I packed some candy and butterbeer in your bag. And don't forget to dress nicely for the rehearsal and dinner tonight. The restaurant here is very fancy."

"Will do," he said with a smile. "Later, Mum."

Hermione smiled back and went back inside, grabbing Draco's bag that Hugo had tossed onto his bed with his own. She left the room and headed up to the third floor where her room was located.

When Hermione found her room, she was not surprised to find it was at least three times as large as the boys' room. Draco must have upgraded them behind her back. She smiled as she stepped in, putting their bags down and walking out to the balcony.

There were French doors, which she pulled open, immediately hit with a cool breeze. The room was just to the left of the entrance, looking over a red rose garden and all the way out to the mountains and beyond. Of course, the château was on one the highest peaks, only making the view more breathtaking. Some of the mountain tops in the distance were colored white, giving her slight hope that it would snow, hopefully that evening.

Hearing a familiar voice, Hermione looked down towards the entrance, her eyes widening a bit as she watched Astoria order around her house-elf, Wimsy, who was carrying bags and boxes that trailed up to at least three times his height. His head slightly sideways, he noticed Hermione standing there and attempted to wave.

Astoria looked up, her face tensing when she locked eyes with Hermione. With a cold grimace, she turned her head and marched into the château, Wimsy following closely behind.

As Hermione stared at where Astoria had been, she found herself wondering about what Jaclyn had said. Astoria knew about them before they had been exposed. She had come to Paul's funeral by how it sounded, only to leave when … what? She had seen Draco and Hermione kiss? She didn't remember that night completely but she assumed that they probably had, some time when the children weren't watching.

There was a knock at the door.

Hermione looked at it curiously before heading back inside, shutting and locking the balcony doors behind her. She reached the door and opened it.

"Oh. Andromeda, hello," she said, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.

"Hello. Are you alone?" asked Andromeda, peeking her head over Hermione's shoulder and taking a look inside.

"Yes. Did you want to come in?"

Andromeda nodded. "Alright."

Hermione stepped aside and Andromeda walked into the room, glancing around skeptically, like maybe she thought Hermione wasn't telling the truth about being alone.

Once she was satisfied, she turned back around and faced Hermione. "I'm sorry I haven't contacted you. I've been giving what you told me a lot of thought and I didn't want to speak with you until I was absolutely certain about my decision."

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Oh?"

"Yes, and I …" Andromeda closed her eyes. "I'm still not sure, but now here we are, in the same place celebrating the same event for the next few days and I don't really have much of a choice but to follow the decision my mind has been leading me towards."

Hermione gulped. "And?"

Andromeda opened her eyes, sighing as she looked at Hermione. "I'm not ready to forgive my sister. I understand she has precedence over me to be here, and I wouldn't have come at all, but I didn't want to miss Dora's first Christmas. But … if Narcissa wants me to leave then I will."

Hermione frowned and said, "I don't think she would want that." She sighed. "Are you positive there's no chance of you changing your mind?"

Andromeda shrugged. "Maybe. Before she's gone. But not now. Not yet."

Hermione nodded. "I was actually just on my way out to go to her room."

"Then I won't keep you," said Andromeda, heading back for the door.

When out of the room, Hermione let Andromeda get a few steps ahead of her, the two women exchanging a little wave before Andromeda disappeared down the stairs.

Hermione stayed there a moment and took a breath, knowing that she would now have to go and tell Narcissa that her sister wasn't ready to forgive her. She finally left when she realized if she didn't get down there soon then Draco was bound to come looking for her.

On the second floor, Hermione was not especially surprised to run across Lily, Dominique and Roxanne, roommates for the next few days, doing cartwheels down the corridor.

"Hi, Aunt Hermione!" shouted Lily as she landed back on her feet, her hair flying wildly in front of her eyes before she flipped it back in one fell swoop. "We're waiting for the bride and then we're going to watch her dress fitting! Are you going to watch with us?"

"I'll stop by in a little while," said Hermione, smiling at her nieces before heading down to the first floor. She walked down the corridor until she reached Narcissa and Lucius' room, raising her fist and knocking.

"I can't believe there's no snow," she heard a woman say down the corridor. "Have you talked to anyone?"

"I spoke with the owner. All the bloody prick said was that he couldn't control the weather."

She looked over to see Ron walking down the corridor with Astoria, Wimsy trailing behind them carrying far less than he had been earlier. Astoria stopped and turned. "Wimsy, please go and see if they need any assistance setting up for the rehearsal."

"Yes, Mistress." The house-elf looked around unsurely for a moment.

"Leave the bags."

Wimsy did as he was told, Disapparating shortly after.

"I swear, if there's no snow come Thursday there will be hell to pay." Astoria began picking up her things. Ron helped her. "You don't have to do that."

"I don't mind," he said.

The door opened. Ron and Astoria looked over just as two hands reached out and gripped Hermione's waist. She turned her head before Draco could make contact with her lips. Raising his eyebrows, he followed her gaze and noticed their two exes staring at them. With a quick turn on her heel, Astoria headed up the stairs, one bag in hand while Ron carried the other two for her. He gave a small wave, but no smile.

"Draco, you need to talk to her," said Hermione as soon as they were gone.

"About what?" he asked.

"Whatever she needs."

Without another word, Hermione walked into the room. The balcony door was open, and since she didn't see anyone she headed straight out there. Narcissa and Lucius were sitting together at a small, round table. Since they were on the first floor, they had their own private garden, complete with high walls overrun with daffodils, or narcissus.

"Oh, this is lovely," said Hermione, looking around. "Do all of the rooms down here have their own private garden?"

"No, the private gardens are actually very limited," answered Lucius, taking a cup of tea from the house-elf, who was serving them. He whispered a word of thanks when Draco gave him a sharp look from behind Hermione's shoulder.

"Is something wrong?" Narcissa asked Hermione almost immediately.

Hermione faked a smile. "No, of course not."

The other witch eyed her skeptically.

"The bride is about to have her last fitting if you would like to come up there with me, Narcissa," said Hermione.

Narcissa nodded. "Alright." She looked down at the house-elf. "Pandy, please take the tea up to …" She looked at Hermione. "Which room?"

"205."

"Yes, that one," finished Narcissa. "We will be up shortly."

Pandy nodded and Disapparated.

She stood, both her husband and her son rushing to her side. "It's fine. Hermione can help me."

Hermione stepped forward, letting Narcissa link her arm with hers and guiding her towards the door.

"What's really wrong?" Narcissa asked once they were alone in the corridor.

Hermione took a deep breath. "You asked me not to lie to you and I don't intend to. I spoke with your sister."

Narcissa glanced sideways at her. "And let me guess. Not good?"

Hermione sighed and said, "She's not ready yet. And she says she will leave here if you want her to."

"I would never ask her to do that."

"Yes, that's what I told her."

"She has a right to make her own decisions." As strong as Narcissa seemed, Hermione was not deaf to the hint of sadness in her voice. "There's still time," she said.

Hermione smiled and nodded. "Yes, there is."

Even though it was still two days until the wedding, since tomorrow was Christmas, Rose and Scorpius had decided to have their rehearsal the day they arrived. Everything went smoothly, besides the lack of snow.

Afterwards, the bridal party and family members had all attended the rehearsal dinner. Hermione had felt a little off when it came to deciding where to sit. Luckily, Harry had made it easier by insisting she and Draco sit next to him, which they did. But Ron was next to Ginny, who was, of course, on Harry's other side. Astoria was beside Ron, since she also seemed unsure of where she was supposed to sit until guided into a chair by one of their servers, and then the Weasleys all sort of trailed around back to Draco, who actually stared off longingly to the much smaller table his parents were sharing with Arthur and Molly Weasley. It appeared that they were actually having a very civil conversation. Since Molly had heard about Narcissa's illness she had become much friendlier.

After an extravagant meal and a few toasts, everyone stood and went their own way, most of the younger generation disappearing together to go and hang out in Rose and Scorpius' larger room.

Finally alone and able to breathe again, Hermione and Draco linked hands and walked towards the large sitting room near the front of the château where Blaise, Theo and Jaclyn were waiting for them.

"And here they are!" Blaise exclaimed as they entered, his cheeks a little rosy from the spiked eggnog he was drinking. "So tell us, how was it?"

"Oh, just lovely. I really enjoyed sitting across from my ex-wife while she watched us with those judgmental eyes of hers," said Draco, sitting down next to Theo on the sofa he was on and pulling Hermione down next to him. He put his arm around her. "This is going to be a fun couple of days."

"Is Astoria in her room?" asked Jaclyn.

Draco shrugged.

"I'm going to check. I got the number from the concierge earlier." She leaned in and gave Theo a kiss before standing and walking towards the West Wing.

A few moments later, a floating tray came by, offering Draco and Hermione a variety of refreshments. She took a hot pumpkin cider, and he started to go for a spiked eggnog before following suit. Ever since Colby's declaration that Draco was always drunk, he had actually made a bit of an effort not to drink so much. Only with dinner, and this wasn't dinner.

Hermione smiled as she watched him sip his cider and kissed his cheek. She was actually very happy that they were out in the open while here. Not having to hide and being able to just be close to him without having to worry about getting caught released quite a bit of tension in her stomach that she hadn't even been very aware was there before. She supposed bodies were known to adapt to pain.

The fire wiggled around as a huge gust of wind entered through the front door with some new guests. Noticing Blaise tense, Hermione and Draco looked over their shoulders, watching as Alexandra entered with Owen, both of them smiling as they held hands.

"Fucking prick," Blaise muttered under his breath.

"Blaise, let it go," ordered Draco.

Blaise looked at him and grunted. "Whatever. She's still fucking me so that means that piece of shit hasn't gotten any yet."

"Oh yeah, and a romantic getaway in a French castle at Christmas won't speed that up or anything," mocked Theo. He rolled his eyes. "You lost, mate. There's plenty of women on holiday here, just move on and be done with it."

Blaise sneered at him. He took a long, hard sip of his eggnog before Alexandra finally turned her head and caught his eye. She said something to Owen and left him at the concierge's desk before walking over to them.

"Well, aren't you all a sight. Looks like you're ready for the wedding to be over already."

"If only," said Draco, taking a sip of his cider.

"You should've told me you were bringing that tosser with you," spat Blaise, obviously a little drunk.

"Why?" asked Alexandra with a shrug.

"Because it's fucking rude."

"Maybe," she said with a small smile. "But you know what else is 'fucking' rude? Fooling around on me because you're convinced I'm fooling around on you without checking your facts first, showing up at a restaurant where you know I'm on a date with a woman all over you for the sole purpose of upsetting me, or how about not even asking me, the woman you claim you have feelings for, to be your date for this wedding, or at the bare minimum to share a room with you. I mean, fuck , Blaise. How much rudeness is a girl supposed to take?" With a final glower in his direction, Alexandra said, "I'll see you all later."

She turned and headed back to Owen, a livid Blaise watching her the entire time.

"You didn't even ask her to come with you?" asked Hermione.

Blaise grunted and said, "I thought it was assumed."

"Never assume, mate," said Draco, holding Hermione just a little bit tighter.

Blaise still had his angry eyes on Alexandra, watching as she headed towards the West Wing, Owen following behind her. And then …

His eyes widened. "Holy fuck."

They all looked at him.

"Did you see that?"

"I would guess since we're all facing the opposite direction as you that we didn't," said Theo.

Blaise stood and stared in the direction Alexandra and Owen had gone, slowly beginning to smile and, then, to laugh.

"What's wrong with him?" Hermione whispered to Draco.

"I need to take care of something," said Blaise, still laughing a little. "I'll see you shits in the morning."

He wandered off, the rest of them staring after him with curious expressions.

"Should we be worried?" asked Theo.

"No," answered Draco. "Can't imagine anything he thinks he saw just now will do him any good. Just let him be."

"I really hope he doesn't ruin Alex's holiday," said Hermione. "She needs this as much as any of us."

"The only person's holiday he's going to ruin is his own," said Draco.

He had to admit, he did feel slight sympathy for his friend. He did seem to genuinely like Alexandra, as misguided as his actions were. But it just didn't appear to be in the cards for them. Oh well. At least now they all knew that Blaise was capable of emotion. That was one step closer to leaving behind the miserable life he led.

Back in their room, Hermione gathered all of her presents together on the bed while Draco did the same. They had a fairly large pile, which she stuffed into her purse and readied to take downstairs.

"Would you mind going without me, love? I need to take care of something," said Draco, finally getting around to unpacking his suitcase.

"Sure," said Hermione, giving him a kiss before heading downstairs with her purse full of gifts.

Since their party was so large, the château had arranged a private room for them with a large Christmas tree that they would all get to enjoy in the morning. Hermione had already sent a memo to everyone's rooms reminding them to drop off their gifts.

She followed the directions the concierge had given her, happy to find herself in a large, dimly lit room with a twinkling Christmas tree right in front of her. The fireplace was going and the entire place smelled of pine, cinnamon and sugar cookies.

Hermione walked inside, at first not noticing the other person sitting on the sofa that was facing the tree. Not until they looked over their shoulder at her.

"Hello, Ginny," she said, pausing momentarily before continuing towards the tree.

"Hello," Ginny responded, watching as Hermione kneeled down, digging through her purse and placing the presents around the tree, doing what she could to make it all visually appealing.

"Most people just put gifts anywhere."

"I'm not most people," said Hermione, moving a few little gifts aside to put a larger one behind them.

"No, you're not." Ginny cast her eyes towards the rug. "Hermione, we need to talk."

Hermione took a breath and nodded. "Just let me finish this first. Then … we'll talk."

Ginny waited quietly while Hermione removed the rest of her presents and arranged them, taking an extra moment looking in her bag, even when she knew it was empty, to just breathe. When she knew she couldn't prolong this any longer, she closed her bag and stood, walking over to Ginny and taking a seat on the opposite end of the sofa.

They were both silent for a long moment.

"I don't know where to begin," Ginny finally said.

"How about why you're so angry with me," suggested Hermione.

Ginny glanced sideways at her. "You really have no idea?"

"I mean, I can guess. I divorced your brother and that's big."

Ginny scoffed. "Hermione, please, don't give me such little credit."

Hermione sighed and said, "Then what?"

Taking a breath, Ginny looked in the opposite direction of Hermione. "I found out you got a divorce through Ron, Hermione. I found out you had the papers written up all the way back in May from my dad, and I found out you've been dating Draco Malfoy for six months from a bloody gossip magazine," she said, the hurt evident in her voice. "Look, I know you see Harry as your best friend, but …" She gulped. "I've always seen you as mine, and it hurts that you didn't tell me any of this. Brother or not, you should've talked to me." She finally turned her head and looked at Hermione, the fire reflecting off of her glossy eyes. "Why didn't you talk to me?"

"I … don't know," Hermione admitted. "You just seemed so dead-set on getting Ron and me back together and I just … I knew it was never going to happen, and I didn't know how to tell you that. I didn't know how to tell anyone that." She paused. "Not even myself."

"Well, I'm sorry you felt like I was pushing you. I just want you to be happy. Both of you."

"I am happy," Hermione said almost nervously.

Ginny sighed and said, "Yeah, I can see that." She paused, her eyes traveling around the room before landing on her hands, which were in her lap. "Just because Ron's my brother doesn't mean I'm not still your friend. You can tell me things, Hermione. Like … how serious you are … about Draco."

"I don't know. Pretty serious," answered Hermione. "We've admitted that we love each other but -"

Ginny winced.

"You see, Ginny! That ! That right there! How am I supposed to talk to you when you react that way?"

"I'm sorry," said Ginny. "It's just weird to hear. Not just because of Ron, but because of who he is. A bully. A Death Eater -"

"Who he was ."

"- Your daughter's future father-in-law."

Hermione frowned and looked away. "I know," she said. "It was never supposed to be like this. We didn't mean for it to happen. I just … needed to forget for a while. About Ron. About everything. And Draco helped me do that. But, somewhere along the way, I fell for him. He's not the same person he once was, Ginny. He's sweet and kind and romantic and … such a smartass."

Ginny cracked a smile.

"But he is a better person. He works hard, he loves his son like no other, and he's here. He's been onboard with this wedding since day one. Doesn't that, in itself, say something about him?"

"I never said I thought he was bad," said Ginny. "Just … history, you know?"

Hermione nodded. "I do."

"So … he told you he loves you?"

She nodded again. "Yes."

"Do you think you're going to be together for a while?"

Hermione was silent for a moment, staring at the flames flickering in the fireplace and thinking about that moment with Draco in the snow …

"Hermione."

She snapped back into focus.

"What is it?" asked Ginny, looking at her with genuine concern.

"If I tell you something could you promise that it's just going to be between us?" asked Hermione, looking back at her friend. "I don't want anyone to know about this. Not even Harry."

"Of course," said Ginny with a nod. "I promise." She held out her pinky like she always did when they were younger.

Hermione smiled and linked it with her own. When she pulled her hand back, she stared back at the fire, took a breath and said, "He said he wants to marry me."

Ginny's eyes widened. "And what did you say?"

"I said I wasn't ready. And I'm not. For Merlin's sake, I haven't even been divorced a month yet. He really threw me for a loop when he said it, and we haven't talked about it since. But …" Hermione sighed. "… he wants more. And I don't know if I can give it to him."

"Well, not right this minute," said Ginny. "But, maybe, one day …" She closed her eyes and winced. "I'm sorry. I just … It's weird. Talking like this, realizing you're not my sister anymore." A tear dripped down her cheek.

Hermione reached over and took her hand. "Of course I am," she said. "You were my sister long before I married Ron, and you'll still be my sister long after. It was never our marriage that made us all family, it was the bond we've had since we were younger."

Ginny nodded and wiped her eyes. "You're right. I'm sorry." She suddenly laughed through her tears. "Oh Gods, could you really be the next Mrs. Malfoy?"

"No. Rose is," corrected Hermione. She smiled. "You know what we need?"

"What?"

"Gingerbread men. Like we used to always sneak from your mother's kitchen during the holidays."

"Where are we going to get those?" asked Ginny.

"In my room. I made some for tomorrow," said Hermione. "No one will know if we sneak a few." She winked.

Ginny laughed.

They both stood up, Ginny moving forward and giving Hermione a hug, holding onto her for a long moment before finally letting her go. Hermione smiled and took Ginny's hand, picking up her bag from the floor and happily leading the way back to her room.

When they got there, Hermione hurried over to her suitcase and began searching through it. "Just give me a second," she said.

While she was busy doing that, Ginny began looking around, noticing right away that this room was significantly larger than her own. It was then that she noticed the trail of rose petals leading into the washroom.

"Hermione."

"Just one more second," said Hermione, her head buried deep in her bag as she searched through everything. She swore she put all of the biscuits in the back right corner.

Smirking mischievously, Ginny turned towards the washroom. "I'm just going to use the loo really fast."

"Knock and make sure Draco's not in there, will you?"

"Door's open," said Ginny, biting her lip to hide her smile and slowly following the trail of petals.

The washroom was dimly lit, several enchanted candles floating in the air just above her head while soft music played. There was a bouquet of roses on the counter, along with a tray of champagne and chocolates. And there, in the center, was a large Jacuzzi tub, lit up with a circle of candles with the jets roaring. Draco was facing her, eyes closed as he leaned against the side.

"About time you got back," he said, smirking as his eyes opened. And then he saw who was standing there. His jaw dropped.

Ginny raised an eyebrow.

"Fucking hell!" he shouted, splashing around a bit to get out of focus.

Right then, Hermione walked into the washroom, her steps quickening as she noticed the rose petals. "Um, Ginny, I know the door was open but …" She stopped beside Ginny, her own jaw falling open when she saw Draco sitting there in the tub, his deep blush visible even though there was only candlelight. She burst out laughing.

"Is this funny?" asked Draco, turning his body away from them so as not to reveal himself. But the damage was already done. Even through the jets Ginny had still gotten a faint glimpse of what was down there, courtesy of a candle floating right above him.

"Not bad, Malfoy," she said with a smirk. "I mean, you're no Harry but -"

" Get . Out ."

Her smirk widened. "Aw, is Draco Malfoy shy?"

Hermione was still busy laughing.

"Well, forgive me for being under the impression that only my girlfriend should see me naked." Draco paused. "And what do you mean I'm no Harry ?"

Ginny chuckled and shrugged. She looked at Hermione, who was trying to control her giggles.

Hermione held out the plate she was holding and said, "Gingerbread man?" She started laughing again.

"Maybe just two for the road," said Ginny, taking two biscuits off of the plate. She was about to leave when she, once again, noticed the champagne set out on the counter, suddenly finding herself curious as to what was most likely a ridiculously expensive bottle of the drink tasted like. "Mind if I try this?" she asked, grabbing one of the glasses that was already filled and taking a sip before anyone could answer. She froze as the drink hit her taste buds, making a curious face and looking at Hermione. "What is this?"

"Sparkling Pumpkin Cider," answered Draco.

Ginny raised her eyebrows.

"We're trying to cut back on drinking," said Hermione.

"What she means is, I'm trying to cut back on drinking, since, apparently, I am often perceived as a heavy drinker. She has just been kind enough to humor me."

Hermione smiled and shrugged. "I like Sparkling Pumpkin Cider."

Ginny pursed her lips and put the glass down.

"If you want to taste the good stuff, don't worry. I've ordered plenty for the wedding," said Draco.

"Guess I'm just going to have to wait then." Ginny looked back at Draco and smirked. "Later, Malfoy."

She walked towards the exit. Hermione gave Draco a knowing smile before following Ginny out.

"Any particular reason you decided to follow those rose petals into the loo?" asked Hermione.

"Curiosity," answered Ginny.

"And?"

When Ginny reached the front door, she turned and smirked. "Not disappointed. Of course, now I have to go back to my room and tell Harry I saw Draco Malfoy naked. And that he really needs to start working on his abs. I would really like it if he looked like that waist to neck." She opened the door.

"Are you sure you need to leave? We can keep him in there soaking a bit longer and have a biscuit," said Hermione.

"No, that's alright. It looks like he has a pretty romantic evening planned for you. I wouldn't want to get in the way of that." Ginny paused. "But we will do something soon. Just the two of us."

Hermione nodded.

"Have a good night," said Ginny, leaning forward and hugging her. "I love you, Hermione." She stepped through the door. "And don't forget to remind Malfoy that we Weasleys wear our pj's while unwrapping presents Christmas morning."

"He brought some just for the occasion," said Hermione with a smile. "I love you, too, Ginny. Night."

With a small wave, Ginny shut the door.

Hermione stared at it for a moment, taking a deep breath before putting the plate she was holding down on the dresser and returning to the washroom.

"What? No ménage à trois? I thought the saying was 'when in Rome'? Or France." Draco raised his eyebrows suggestively.

"With the woman who's been sleeping with Harry for the past twenty-six years?" asked Hermione with a smirk.

Draco groaned. "Point taken. Now get your arse over here."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She leaned down and Draco moved across the tub, meeting her for a kiss. When she stood back up, she began removing her clothes slowly, grabbing a piece of chocolate somewhere in the middle of her show and eating it seductively. Draco happily sat back and watched.

Once Hermione was naked, she walked over to the tub. Draco stood up and grabbed her by the arse, carrying her into the water where he held her close and kissed her.

"So you made up with Mrs. Potter then?" he asked, grabbing his wand from the side of the tub and waving it to float the tray of sparkling cider and chocolate over to them.

"Yes, Ginny and I did. She was downstairs in the tree room waiting for me."

"We're not expected to go to dinner with her and her husband now, are we?" he asked, grabbing the glasses of sparkling cider and handing her one.

Hermione shrugged. "Maybe. Someday soon. Ginny and I can catch up while you and Harry talk Quidditch." She gave him a sly smirk before taking a sip of her cider.

"Think I'm going to have to pass on that," said Draco, taking a sip of his own cider.

Hermione leaned back against the tub and gave him a look.

Draco grunted. "Oh, fine. You can have your bloody way."

"I was hoping you would say that," she said while playfully kicking at him.

Draco grabbed her foot and put his glass down. After giving her big toe a kiss, her nose scrunching in disapproval, he began to massage the foot.

"Mmm … that feels good," said Hermione, putting her own glass down and closing her eyes. "I wasn't aware this was going to be a relaxing bath."

Just then, Draco tugged on her foot, pulling her a little closer while massaging her calf. She laughed. He pulled her closer still, giving her knee a rub, then her thigh. Soon, she was resting on his lap, one of his hands between her legs while he kissed her softly.

Hermione had her arms around his neck, enjoying the taste of his lips so much that she barely noticed when he lifted her up, positioning his cock so she slid right onto it as she came back down.

"Finally," he said breathily as she began to move on top of him. "Just you and me."

Draco put his hands on her cheeks and pushed her wet hair back, gazing into her heavily lidded eyes as the room became filled with the sounds of their lovemaking. Never before had he known that sex could be like this. Something beyond obtaining pleasure, a feeling deep within that could only be coming from his heart.

When Draco and Hermione both finished, they remained in the bath a while longer, her back pressed against his chest while her head rested on his shoulder. He had his arms wrapped around her, innocently at first but eventually he began to fondle her breasts. She laughed, reaching under the water and teasing him.

It wasn't long before he was inside of her again, lifting her out of the bath and carrying her into the bedroom, not once losing that connection. They collapsed onto the bed, Draco moving slowly as he realized he wanted to prolong this feeling as long as he could tonight. To be held by the woman the world now knew was his, and to listen as she moaned his name, her hands rubbing sensually against his back as he lifted her leg a little higher.

And then she pressed her lips against his ear, gently whispering, "I love you."

Draco paused for a moment and took this time to look at her. She had never told him those words during before. After, yes, but never like that. She gazed up at him, still breathing heavily as she reached up to stroke his cheek. He grabbed her hand and kissed it.

"I love you," he said.

Hermione smiled. "Then make me come already. Merlin!"

Draco laughed, releasing her hand and kissing her lips. He was more than happy to oblige. Tonight. Tomorrow night. The one after that. Now, more than ever, he was convinced that Hermione was the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with. The only one he thought about. The only one he wanted. Never in his life had he felt that way about someone before and, he had to admit, it felt pretty damn good.