"Are you ready?" Draco calls up the stairs, straightening his tie in the hall mirror.
"Yes," Hermione calls back, although he hears her open the wardrobe.
"I don't want to be late." He tells her.
"I'm coming." She shouts as she exits their bedroom and makes her way down the stairs, her heels in her hands until she reaches the bottom step where she sits down and fastens her shoes.
"I thought you were ready?" He asks, quirking an eyebrow at her as he pulls on his winter coat since they're going to David's tonight and to Hermione's grandparents for Christmas Day tomorrow and he doesn't think they'll appreciate his cloak.
"I thought you didn't want to go to your Mother's?" She questions him in return.
"I don't, but if I have to go, I'm not going to give her any reason to get upset and try to poison you again." He explains, taking Hermione's winter coat off the peg and holding it out for her to step into.
"Thank you," She presses a quick kiss to his cheek. "Do you have everything you need for the next couple of day?" She asks him.
"Of course, I'm an organised person." He tells her, opening the front door.
"We better get going then." She smiles, stepping out of the house and instantly wrapping her coat around herself at the cold winds blustering.
Draco locks their front door then casts a quick heating charm over them both as they walk towards the gate to the estate.
"Did you remember your mother's present?" Hermione asks as they turn the corner onto Beta Street.
"What did I say?" He smiles down at her.
"Okay, Mr Organised." She steps closer to his body for the warmth, and he wraps his arms closer around her waist.
"Merry Christmas!" Luna calls over to them as they're about to leave the estate.
"Merry Christmas, Luna. When did you get back?" Hermione hugs her friend.
"Last Wednesday night." Luna smiles. "It was a very productive trip, wasn't it, Blaise?" She turns to her husband.
"Oh, yes, I particularly enjoyed that forest I found you in and then spent two weeks trying to get out of." He sarcastically replies. "We did have some fun though." He nods back at Luna, taking her hand in his and kissing her knuckles, making her smile.
"I'm glad you decided to come meet father and I, although you did miss all the excitement we had during the first four weeks," Luna tells him.
"I didn't come for the excitement, I missed you." He admits as the four of them walk out of the estate's gates.
"Can we please catch up at the Manor, I don't want to be late?" Draco announces to the group.
Blaise exchanges a look with Hermione who just smiles with a soft shrug before taking Draco's hand.
"We're not going to be late." She assures him, squeezing his hand gently. "We're not due there until two o'clock. We have twenty minutes." She adds.
"I would prefer it if we were early visiting my Mother than late." Draco frowns.
Blaise nods in agreement. "You make an excellent point." He says, taking Luna's hand so they can disapparate to the gate of the Manor.
Draco and Hermione follow behind them.
"Can you remember that time we were an hour late back to the Manor and your Mother made us wait an hour before we could eat dinner?" Blaise chuckles as they set off down the Manor's garden path.
"Of course, I remember, it was last Christmas." Draco shakes his head at the memory.
"She made us sit at the dining table while she, my Mother and Al ate." Blaise continues. "And I was starving." He adds.
"It is important to be punctual." Luna presses a peck to his cheek.
Blaise stares back confounded. "You're always late." He states.
"Not always." She returns with a smile as they reach the front door of the manor.
Blaise opens his mouth to argue further, but Draco cuts him off by knocking sharply three times on the door. A few seconds later, Gharther opens the door staring widely at both Draco and Hermione.
"Mistress in library," Gharther tells them, opening the door wider for them to enter.
"Thank you, Gharther." Hermione smiles down at the house-elf, unable to dislike him for his part in her attempted poisoning. He had to follow Narcissa's orders.
Gharther looks down at his feet, looking upset as he shuts the front door and disappears.
Blaise leads Luna down the hallway towards the library where he knocks on the door before entering. Hermione follows Draco but stops a second to take a deep breath, remembering the first time she had been in the library with Narcissa after the ceremony. Draco seems to understand, taking her hand in his and giving it a reassuring pat before opening the door to the library.
"Merry Christmas, Mother." Draco smiles as they enter, finding his Mother stood in the centre of the rug, hands resting atop of Luna's stomach. "Mother, what are you doing?" Draco snaps, drawing their attention.
"The baby is very active this afternoon. Would you like to feel?" Luna offers, turning to face them.
Hermione takes her up on the offer, allowing Luna to place her hands upon her pregnant stomach. There isn't any movement for a few seconds until Luna starts humming a tune and, what she says is her baby's head, moves.
"Wow!" Hermione's eyes widen. "Draco, do want to feel this?" She asks him.
Draco takes a step back, shaking his head. "No, I don't think that's a good idea." He admits.
"It's fine, Draco. You can touch my wife's stomach." Blaise smirks at him.
"Now I really don't want to touch it." He grimaces.
"It?" Hermione questions him.
"The baby. It's so small inside there." He nods at Luna's stomach.
"That's enough," Narcissa announces. "Please, join me in the reception room." She gestures for them to follow her as she seemingly drifts out of the library, her feet hidden beneath a long, deep purple gown.
They follow her into a large reception room where she takes a seat on a dusty pink armchair. Luna and Hermione take the mint green loveseat, leaving the boys to perch on the arm of the armchair, which Narcissa doesn't look impressed by but she manages to hold her tongue.
"How have you been, Mother?" Draco asks, making conversation.
"Vey well, thank you, although I haven't seen my son in over three weeks." She mentions, tucking her long hair behind her shoulder. "How often do you see your Mother, Blaise?"
"Once or twice a fortnight whenever we're not travelling?" He answers, sending a wink to Draco when Narcissa turns to face her son.
"His Mother doesn't even live in the country." She sighs.
"December is a hectic month at Hogwarts," Draco explains.
"And yet it's been the Christmas holiday for over a week." She argues.
"I'm afraid that's my fault, Narcissa." Hermione addresses the woman for the first time. "My Aunt recently gave birth to twins, but they're three months premature. Draco and I have been supporting my family by looking after her other children." She explains, not mentioning that her Aunt is in prison.
Her mother-in-law stares at her intently for a long moment before offering a weak smile. "Congratulations to your Aunt," She says. "I hope they are well." She adds, her lip twitching as though it pains her to comment on the health of two baby muggles.
"Thank you, Narcissa." Hermione smiles back out of politeness.
"Speaking of babies, do you have anything to tell me?" She smiles knowingly between them both.
Draco takes Hermione's hand in his to calm her. "I'm afraid not, we've had no luck in that area." He tells her.
"These things can take time." Luna reassuringly pats Hermione's knee.
"Wisely said, Miss Lovegood." Narcissa nods, looking sympathetic.
"Mrs Zabini." Luna corrects her.
"Of course," Narcissa smiles at the young woman. "I'm sure you'll be blessed with a child soon enough." She returns her gaze to Hermione.
"Excuse me." Hermione stands up, leaving the reception room and heading up the stairs.
"Mother!" Draco sighs, glaring at her as he races out of the room, following his wife up the stairs and into his bedroom.
She throws her coat over the end of his bed.
"Why does she have to be like this?" Hermione shouts angrily.
"I know, she's insufferable." Draco agrees, reaching out to wrap his arms around her but she steps away.
"The way she's throwing it in our faces because she thinks we don't know what she tried to do." She sits on the edge of his bed.
"You didn't want to confront her about it." Draco reminds her.
"I know, she's your mother, she's the only family you have, and I want her to be a part of our children's life. I loved spending time with my grandparents as a child." She sighs, dropping her head into her hands.
"Hermione, I told you I didn't want to come here today, and you gave me the same excuse. That she's my only family. Who do you think you are to me? Who do you think your parent and cousins are to me?" He asks, sitting beside her. "They've welcomed me into the family so warmly and are so kind. I've never felt more loved than I do when I'm surrounded by you and your family. My mother is not someone I want to be around until she learns to be less self-centred and prejudiced towards you, your family and our friends." He admits.
Hermione smiles, taking his hand in hers and pressing her lips to the back. "My family love you too." She entwines their fingers. "Our family." She corrects herself, making him smile.
"I'm sorry about her." He sighs, resting his forehead against hers.
"Don't apologise. This is all her doing." Hermione tells him, closing her eyes.
Draco kisses the top of her head. "I'm still sorry that she's making you feel like this." He says.
"I love you, Draco. You are nothing like your mother." She tells him, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"Thank you, I love you too." He chuckles until she presses a kiss to his lips. "What are you doing?" He asks, curiously.
"We've been so busy this last week." She mutters, kneeling to throw her leg of Draco's and straddling his lap.
"Really, here?" He quirks his eyebrow, hands resting on her hips. "Now?"
Hermione smiles, "Please."
Draco tries to sigh in annoyance as he seemingly gives in, but his playful smile breaks through. Hermione giggles, leaning down to take his lips in hers, pressing her body close to his. He wraps his arm around her back, pulling her flush against his chest, their kiss deepening until he has to stop her.
"Wait, wait!" He pushes her back, but she only recedes a few inches away from his face.
"What's the matter?" She asks, slightly breathless.
"The door, one moment." He flicks his hand towards his bedroom door, muttering a locking charm that would give them time should his mother try to enter his room.
"Good thinking." She smiles, back on his lips before she finishes the compliment.
Draco chuckles softly against her mouth as he shuffles down the bed, pulling Hermione down on top of him. She smiles against his lips, running her fingers through his hair and pulling, making him gasp unexpectedly.
"Did you like that?" She asks, giving his hair another tug.
"A little," He smiles. "My follicles get more sensitive the longer my hair gets." He explains.
"Your follicles." Hermione nods then burst out laughing, resting her head on his shoulder. "Oh, Draco." She sighs.
"I don't approve of this teasing." He says, flipping them over, so he's on top.
"I apologise to both you and your follicles." She smiles.
Draco glares down at her for a second before kissing that smiles away. Their kiss turns passionate as Draco's hand makes its way up her back in an attempt to unzip Hermione's dress, but she pushes the arm away.
"No time." She breathes.
"No time?" He repeats in confusion.
"Dinner is in twenty minutes." She explains,
"Oh, yes, do you want to stop?" He asks, trying not to show the disappointment on his face.
"No," She says, keeping eye contact as she takes Draco's hand and moves it up her thigh.
"Oh, okay." He nods in understanding as she pushes his hand further and further beneath her dress.
Blaise and Luna stare awkwardly at each other for a moment after Draco and Hermione had stormed out of the reception room.
"Luna, I must show you Narcissa's greenhouse in the gardens, her flowers have the most beautiful scents," Blaise announces, standing up. "You don't mind, do you, Narcissa?" He asks, already holding his hand out to help his wife up out of the chair.
"Of course not," Narcissa stands. "Dinner is in twenty-five minutes, please be punctual." She smirks, walking out of the reception room towards the library.
Blaise takes his wife's hand, leading her down into the kitchens, where they chat with Mitty for a few minutes, before wrapping themselves up in their winter cloaks and stepping out into the garden. The greenhouse is a massive sight to behold, spanning seventy square meters.
Luna's eyes widen when they enter to find flowers of every season and every colour blooming in rows upon rows of flower beds. She drops her husband's hand to run her hand across velvety leaves, soft petals and scented herbs. She smells the palm of her hand and exhales with a sigh.
"This is beautiful." She turns to face Blaise with a grin.
"When we get our own house, once the baby is born, I'll build you a greenhouse however big you want it." He tells her, taking her hands in his again. "And we'll travel the globe, collecting samples from exotic plants in every country to plant in our home." He adds.
"That sounds perfect." She mutters, resting her head against his shoulder as they embrace.
They walk hand in hand up and down the rows of plants, stopping to admire particularly interesting flowers for fifteen minutes before heading back inside through the kitchen's back door.
Mitty quickly ushers them out into the hallway so she can plate up the dinner. On their way into the dining room, they meet Draco and Hermione walking down the stairs looking flustered. Blaise winks at Draco, as they carry on into the dining room as a group, earning a nudge back.
"Boys, please, who raised you?" Narcissa scolds them, stood at the head of the table. "Hermione, Draco, would you join me on my right, and Luna and Blaise on my left?" She gestures for the two couples to stand behind their chairs, either side of the table before they all sit down. "Gharther," Narcissa calls her house-elf into the dining room.
"Mistress." The house-elf bows as he materialises beside her.
"We are ready to be served." She tells him.
"Yes, Mistress." He replies, before disappearing.
"The manor is beautifully decorated, Narcissa." Luna compliments her.
"Thank you, Luna." She smiles at the girl before turning to face Hermione. "I apologise if I offended you earlier." She says.
It's obvious neither her son nor Hermione were expecting the apology by the looks of suspicious shock on their face, but Narcissa knows Hermione has a hold over her son and if the young woman wanted to, she could ruin her relationship with her son and she needs Draco.
"Thank you, Narcissa, that is... kind of you." She returns her smile, still looking confused.
"What were you too up to upstairs?" She asks, carefully watching the couple in front of her.
Draco exchanges a quick glance with a blushing Hermione before answering for them both.
"We were just relaxing. We've had a busy week." He explains.
Narcissa nods, letting the lie pass. "Will you be too busy to visit me before the start of the new term?" She asks.
"No, David and Hermione's grandparents have offered to help look after her cousins so we should have some free time between Christmas and the new year," Draco explains.
"Who is this David?" She asks.
"My uncle." Hermione answers.
Narcissa eyes widen slightly in excitement. "The one with the half-blood child?" She asks.
Hermione's eyes narrow. "How did you know about that?" She asks defensively.
"It's all over the Daily Prophet. Miss Gwenog Jones had an interview with them last week, and she announced that she allowed a Muggle to get her pregnant. Photographers have pictured you, Miss Jones and the child all over Diagon Alley on multiple occasions. I believe there was even one of you, Draco, with the child." Narcissa explains.
"She is an intelligent, funny and amazing child who has already read every book for first years despite only being seven years old. I am looking forward to being able to teach her when her time at Hogwarts comes." He states, glaring at her.
"It's sad to hear that this child has grown up not knowing anything of her mother's world. Although I am glad she is taking an interest in the magical world, she would be practically a mud- Muggleborn otherwise." She comments. "I've heard that they've allowed older Muggleborns to start Hogwarts this year, is that true?" She asks.
"Yes," Hermione smiles although her eyes are intense. "It seems unfair to deny these children an education in magic because Death Eaters were running the school or we were rebuilding the school the last two years." She flashes her a smirk.
Narcissa is saved from making an unsavoury comment by the house-elves serving them their Christmas dinner.
Mitty places both Hermione and Draco place in front of them, nodding at them both before pouring their wine and disappearing along with Gharther, who had placed Narcissa's plate in front of her. Mitty then returns with Blaise and Luna's plate before pouring Blaise a glass of wine and Luna a glass of pumpkin juice.
"Please, enjoy." She motions for them to eat.
Dinner is filled with small conversations as they enjoy their turkey meal and more wine or pumpkin juice. Afterwards, Narcissa is surprised to hear that they have brought presents for her, something she wasn't expecting, especially not from Hermione, despite her buying the younger woman one herself, as not to make it evident of her disliking of her son's wife.
Whilst the house-elves tidy the dining table, the five of them sit on a couple of couches in front of the fireplace and besides the giant Christmas tree that would be taken down as soon as Draco and Blaise leave along with their wives. Narcissa hates the mess the thing leaves behind.
Narcissa hands out a gift each to the four of them, watching as they all unwrap the tissue paper to reveal their gift.
Hermione stares at the pair of gloves that Narcissa had made especially for her.
"They may look thin, but they are very insulating." Narcissa comments.
"Thank you, Narcissa, they're lovely." She says sincerely, pulling on the gloves. "Oh, wow, they are very warm and cosy on the inside." She smiles, taking them off and setting them neatly on her lap.
Blaise finds himself unwrapping a plate of Mitty's famous mince pies. He takes a bite out of one, groaning in pleasure as the taste envelopes his tongue.
"You're welcome," Narcissa tells him. "Do you not want to open yours, Luna?" She asks.
"I prefer not to open Christmas presents until Christmas Day," Luna explains. "I'll send you a thank you card by owl tomorrow." She adds.
Narcissa smiles at the girls' holiday customs before turning to her son.
Draco glances at the titles of the three books Narcissa had gifted him. "You do know I have these already. You bought them for me in my seventh and eighth year." He states.
"Look at the inside cover." She nods at him.
He turns to the first page. "You got me somebody else's books." He frowns. "Someone with a serious identity issue. Who's this Half-blood Prince?" He asks.
Hermione gasps, taking the book out of his hand and flipping through the pages. "Oh my goodness, Narcissa, how did you come across these? I was under the impression he only had the sixth-year book." She says.
"Am I missing something?" Draco's question goes unanswered.
"I found them in my husband's office." She states.
"Lucius is the half-blood prince?" He asks.
Hermione grins. "No, it's Severus. Obviously, as your godfather, Severus trusted Lucius to look after his books." She explains.
"What's so special about these books?" Draco asks flicking through them. "He wrote in them." He states, looking closer at their ex-professor's handwriting.
"Come one, Professor Malfoy, what do his notes mean?" Hermione asks, making Draco smile as he reads.
"They're corrections. He improved all these potions!" He says in disbelief. "He really was a Potions Master. I've always known there was something wrong with the Draught of Concord, but I could never figure it out, and Severus did it in his-" He glances at the cover. "Fifth year!"
"I take you will find these useful," Narcissa says.
"Definitely, thank you, Mother." Draco smiles at her, sincerely for the first time in a while. "Here, Mother, your turn." He passes her a large thin square wrapped in a silver paper.
"Oh, thank you, Draco," She smiles, feeling a little excited as she gently unfolds the paper to reveal a record. She watches as the instruments on the front of the record move in time to a stave that's moving across the album. "I had been getting tiresome of my other records, thank you, son." She smiles, placing it to her side as Hermione passes her an oddly shaped present wrapped in lilac paper. Once unwrapped, she finds a parcel of fudge. "Oh, thank you, Hermione. This isn't from those Weasley boys, is it?" She asks.
Hermione laughs. "No, I don't approve of their pranking material, especially when the majority of their customers are our students." She says. "I made them myself." She adds.
"Well, aren't you talented." Narcissa smiles, placing the parcel with the record. "This has been a lovely day, wouldn't you agree?" She asks.
"Yes, it has." Hermione agrees with a nod, taking Draco's hand in hers.
"It has, Mother. We should have dinner again sometime soon." He suggests.
Narcissa smiles, "Of course."
"Unfortunately, we have to be leaving," Draco announces. "We promised David we would pick some drinks up on our way over." He explains.
"Yes, and the supermarkets are always very busy on Christmas Eve. It took my parents and I four hours to shop and pay for our shopping one year." Hermione tells her.
"We should head home for a nap. We have an eventful day planned tomorrow." Blaise also excuses himself and Luna.
"I'll let you all go then, thank you for coming." Narcissa stands up to hug her son goodbye, who returns the affection for once.
"You look very lovely today, Hermione," Narcissa comments with a small smile.
"As do you, Narcissa." She returns the smile before they both pull their coats on and leave.
As soon as the front door has shut, Narcissa calls Gharther.
"Mistress," He greets her with his usual low bow.
"Take all these decorations down." She tells him. "And do not disturb me, I'm going to my rooms." She adds as she begins to climb the staircase.
"Yes, Mistress." He says, clicking his fingers.
As she walks further up the stairs, the wreaths wrapped around the bannister disappear along with all the other decorations on the first floor, and she assumes the Manor. Once in her rooms, she lies down on her chaise longues, thinking over the events of the afternoon.
Draco and Hermione laugh as they walk down the path toward Malfoy Manor's gates with their friends.
"Do you think she bought it?" Draco asks.
"Probably not." Blaise smiles.
"I feel a little guilty, she was nice today," Hermione admits.
"Don't be, she's tried to poison you in the past, and she was rather rude at first." Draco reminds her.
"Yes, but these gloves are so comfortable." She sighs, pulling her coat further around her.
Draco laughs. "And my books are fascinating. It will change the way I teach the older years, but that doesn't mean I've forgiven her." He says.
"I haven't forgiven her." Hermione is quick to tell him, nearly tripping over a pebble.
Draco snickers. "Are you sure you want to visit Lucius in this state."
"It's dark." Hermione excuses her stumble.
"Of course," Draco nods in disbelief.
"It is five o'clock." She reminds him. "It's been dark since about four o'clock."
"You're really going to visit Lucius?" Blaise questions them.
"I'm not." Draco shakes his head.
"I am," She places her hands firmly on her hips as they exit the gate.
"You're slightly tipsy." Blaise points out.
"It is Christmas, and I want to visit him. It's been nearly a month, and it's Christmas." She tells him.
"You already used Christmas as an excuse," Draco tells her.
"It's Christmas, Draco." She stares at him sternly.
"Okay, come on. I think you drank more than me, let me disapparate us there." He takes Hermione's hand in his.
"Are you sure it's safe enough for you to disapparate?" Blaise asks. "We could take you back to the estate?" He offers.
"You're a lightweight, Blaise." Draco reminds him.
"I had one glass, an hour ago." He defends himself.
"No, we'll be fine. We'll catch up with you after Christmas." Draco promises, wrapping his free arm around his best friend in a half hug.
"Yes, have a good Christmas," Blaise tells them.
"You too, Blaise and Luna." Hermione smiles at them.
"Are you ready to go?" Draco asks.
"Okay, but no tricks." She points the finger at him warningly.
"I promise." He smiles, disapparating them to Azkaban.
As soon as they appear outside the gates of Azkaban, the high winds whip through the trees, sending their hair and coats flapping around them. The cold wraps around their body, sending shivers down their spines. Draco takes her hand, pulling her through the gate and up the winding path. With the wind working against them, it takes them longer than usual to reach the wooden door, which they rush into, slamming shut behind them.
"Oh my goodness," Hermione sighs in relief, leaning back against the door. "I bet I look a mess." She says, trying to smooth her hair down but to no avail.
Draco takes his wand out and taps her head, smoothing her hair before doing the same to himself. "There, all better." He smiles. "That wind has sobered me up." He states as they walk up the stairs towards the Head of Azkaban's office.
Hermione nods in agreement before tripping up a step. Draco places his hands on her waist in an attempt to catch her before she falls. They both burst out laughing sitting down on the stairs.
"Maybe not." Draco smiles.
"We need to calm down," Hermione whispers. "Or they won't let us in."
"They've probably already heard us." He says, just as the door at the top of the stairs opens revealing an official with his wand aimed at them.
He stands to attention upon seeing who they are. "Sir, Ma'am, Lumos," He pauses lighting his wand to cast a beam of light over them. "Why are you sitting on the stairs?" He frowns in confusion.
"You really should light these stairs," Draco stands up, helping Hermione to stand. "My wife tripped up them." He frowns at the official.
"I am very sorry, sir." He apologises, holding his hand out to help Hermione through the door. "Are you alright, Ma'am?" He asks.
"I'll be fine." She says, pulling the hem of her dress down in an attempt to hide her red knees from the fall.
"I'll inform the Head of your arrival." He bows slightly before rushing off to the Head's office.
"He's new." The official who was losing at Yahtzee during a previous visit tells them, writing something in a newspaper. "This place will break his enthusiasm by the end of the year."
"It's Christmas Eve." Hermione reminds him.
"I know." He glances over the newspaper at them, raising an eyebrow as he glances them up and down. "Off to a party?" He asks, looking back down at the newspaper.
"We've just been to a dinner party," Hermione answers as the new official leaves the Head's office.
"He said you may enter." He smiles, opening the Head's office door for them.
"Thank you." Hermione nods as she enters. "Hello Mr Ahmed, Merry Christmas." She smiles as the man rises to welcome them.
"I don't celebrate Christmas." Mr Ahmed smiles as he shakes their hands. "It's in the name, Christ-mas." He chuckles.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't think." Hermione apologises.
"It's okay, it happens." He smiles, gesturing them to sit down. "I'm assuming that with it being Christmas, you're here to see Mr Malfoy?" He asks.
"Yes, I am." Hermione nods. "It's been a while since my last visit and Christmas seems like the right time." She explains.
Mr Ahmed nods. "I don't think Mr Malfoy is aware that it's Christmas, it's difficult for our inmates to keep track of time in here." He explains.
Hermione nods in understanding. "Would it be okay for me to give him a present?" She asks.
"What? You bought Lucius a Christmas present?" Draco frowns.
"Yes, Draco, it's Christmas." She tells him.
"You need to stop using the holiday as an excuse." He sighs, crossing his arms.
"What is this gift, Ms Granger?" Mr Ahmed asks.
"It's just a new quill, some ink and a journal. I thought it would be helpful for his mind if he kept a journal of his thoughts. I'm planning on getting him one for every Christmas." She explains.
Mr Ahmed nods, "I think that is an acceptable gift. He is allowed to write on parchment, so I don't see why a journal should be any different." He tells her.
"Thank you, Mr Ahmed." Hermione smiles. "Can we go up now?" She asks.
"Yes, of course," He nods. "Just place your personal belongings in the locker." He reminds them.
"Are you coming up, Draco?" Hermione asks him.
"I trust Mr Ahmed more than the other two Heads, I think I'll stay down here with the officials." He states.
"Okay," Hermione smiles at the small steps he's taking in allowing her to visit Lucius on her own. "Can you look after my bag, then?" She asks.
"Of course," He takes the small handbag from her, placing it inside his pocket as they stand up and leave.
Hermione runs her hand down Draco's arm as she walks past, following Mr Ahmed. "I'll see you soon." She tells him.
Draco nods as she leaves, then glances down at the officials' table, where Yahtzee man is still reading his newspaper, but the new official is shuffling a set of cards, poorly. He watches the other man for a dull moment before sighing.
"Do you want me to shuffle for you?" He asks. "You're dropping half of them." He points out.
"Oh, yeah, would you like to play, Mr Malfoy?" The man asks, making Yahtzee man scoff.
"I have nothing better to do." He says, summoning a chair from the other side of the hallway and sits at their table as he shuffles the deck and deals them out.
Hermione rides the lift up to the fiftieth floor with Mr Ahmed, then follows him up the five flights of stairs, engaging in conversation until they reach the fifty-fifth floor.
"Mr Ahmed," The two officials, guarding Lucius' cell nod in greeting, ignoring Hermione completely.
"Wilson, Collins, open the cell, please." Mr Ahmed orders them.
"Yes, sir." The nod again, going through the procedure to open the door.
"Thank you," Hermione stares at them as they open the door.
Inside the cell, Lucius is nowhere to be found. She quickly scans the room wondering if he's hiding or has actually escaped when the bathroom door opens.
"Lucius!" Hermione shouts a little too loud.
Her father-in-law stops in his step over the threshold of the bathroom door, eyes wide and hand on his chest, taking deep breaths.
"Merry Christmas!" She greets him with a smile.
"What?" He glares at her as he walks past her to sit at his desk.
"Merry Christmas!" She repeats loudly.
"What has gotten into you?" He frowns at her.
"It's Christmas." She returns his frown.
"I heard." He mutters. "Are you drunk?" He asks.
"I may or may not be a little tipsy from dinner with your wife." She admits, perching on the edge of his desk as he stares at her.
"Ms Granger," Lucius sighs.
"Hey, Lucius," She stares at him warningly.
"Hermione," He starts again. "Do you really think you should be here if it really is Christmas?" He asks her.
"It's Christmas Eve," She tells him. "And how else would I give you your present?" She states.
Lucius' eyebrow rises in disbelief. "You brought me a present?" He asks.
"Of course, it's Christmas, and you're family." She answers. "I even got Narcissa a present." She adds.
Lucius closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. "I do wish you would refrain for discussing my wife." He admits, opening the top drawer of his desk.
"Why?" Hermione asks.
"I just don't wish to hear about her whilst I'm in here, unable to see her or hear from her." He tells her, placing parchment on the desk.
"Are you still burning letters?" She asks, nodding to the parchment.
"Not always," He says.
"Perfect." She smiles. "Merry Christmas." She says once again, holding out three wrapped up presents.
Lucius stares at them in her hands for a long moment. "What are they?" He asks.
"That's the point of the wrapping paper. It's a surprise you have to open." She places them on the desk, beside her.
Lucius picks up the long present, running his fingers up the tissue paper before carefully unravelling the present.
"A quill?" He holds it up to his face to inspect. "Phoenix feather?" He frowns, eyes looking back up at Hermione.
"It has calming qualities whilst in use." She explains.
Lucius nods, placing it to the side before picking up an obvious ink bottle-shaped present. He smiles knowingly as he unwraps the black ink.
"There's nothing fancy about the ink, sorry," Hermione admits.
Lucius places it beside the quill before going for the final present. "A book?" He guesses, unwrapping the object.
"It's a journal. I thought it would be quite useful for you to keep a journal again. It might help you to remember what day it is and keep you sane." She says, matter-of-factly.
Lucius nods, placing the journal back down. "I suppose a thank you is in order. I'm afraid I didn't get you anything." He tells her.
Hermione laughs, "I understand." She smiles. "Narcissa gave me some lovely gloves." She tells him, forgetting his earlier request not to mention her. "I wasn't expecting it, especially with her obvious hatred of me and her poisoning attempt." She confesses.
Lucius stares at her for a moment. "She attempted to poison you?" He asks.
"Did I not tell you about that?" Hermione frowns to herself. "Oh, I wasn't going to tell you." She says, avoiding eye-contact but when Lucius doesn't say anything else, she glances back up to find his face indifferent. "It was near the end of June. Draco had just testified against the Death Eater who killed Andromeda's husband. She invited him over to see his cousin Teddy, you know Andromeda's daughter and Remus Lupin's son. Then Draco suggested Andromeda join us at the Manor the next day for dinner with Narcissa. It seemed to go well, but Andromeda saw Narcissa pour a potion on my dinner, so she swapped the plate with her own. She got tested at St Mungo's, and it turns out Narcissa was trying to make me infertile." She explains in a long ramble.
Through the whole retelling of the story, Lucius watches Hermione as she waves her hands about engrossed in her own words.
"I suppose you condone her actions." Hermione sighs, climbing off the desk.
Lucius watches her walk towards the door, ready to leave, before stopping in the centre.
"Do you think you'll ever be able to get over the fact I'm a Muggleborn?" She asks, turning back to asks him.
Lucius stands up, not wanting to have his back to her, but doesn't make any move to step closer.
"How does Draco feel about you?" He asks.
Hermione smiles instantly, blushing slightly. "He loves me, and I love him." She admits.
"Do you know the purpose behind a pureblood wedding, Hermione?" He asks her.
"To keep magic between he the purest families." She rolls her eyes.
"In a way," He agrees. "The original purpose, centuries ago, was to ensure the conservation of magical intelligence. Pureblood families were under the belief that only purebloods can have the strongest knowledge of magic, with some exceptions." He sighs. "Then certain Muggleborns came along and proved us wrong. It is no secret that you are very apt at magic, constantly beating my own son to be top of the class." He says, trying not to compliment her too much. "With both yours and Draco's magical intelligence, your children are bound to be the brightest wizards or witches the world has seen in generations. I'm sure one day, I'll get over it." He tells her with a smirk.
"Thank you, Lucius." She tells him, throwing her arms around his neck in a quick hug, which he doesn't return out of confused shock. "I will come to see you again soon."
Lucius just nods with a small frown as he watches her flick the switch to open the door.
"Merry Christmas, Hermione." He says, just as she steps out of his cell.
The cell doors close quickly behind her, and she finds Mr Ahmed sat on the floor with a notebook and pen in his hand.
"I didn't expect you to be finished so soon." He admits, standing up.
"I just wanted to wish him a Merry Christmas and give him his presents." She explains. "We have other places to be tonight." She adds.
"I'll take you back down to my office." Mr Ahmed says, leading the way back to the lift and down to the ground floor.
When they reach Mr Ahmed's office, they find Draco and both the official laughing as they quickly slap cards on the table and steal each other's cards. Hermione and Mr Ahmed watch on for a few moments until the new official notices them watching and drops his cards to stand to attention.
"Mr Ahmed, sorry, we were just-" He tries to explain.
"It's fine, Madden, it's not as though we receive a lot of visitors." He smiles at the young man whose shoulders relax with a sigh. "Ms Granger, Mr Malfoy, I wish you both happy celebrations during this holiday time." He says.
"Thank you, Mr Ahmed." Hermione returns his smiles. "Are you ready to leave, Draco?" She asks.
"One moment." He sighs, taking his coin pouch out of his pocket and throwing ten galleons on the table. "I lost." He shrugs at Hermione's confusion.
"I'll pretend I didn't witness gambling in Azkaban." Mr Ahmed states, turning on his heel and returning to his office.
"I'll be winning it back next time," Draco tells the two officials as Hermione leads him towards the stairs that take them outside the prison.
"I'm glad you had fun." Hermione smiles, hugging herself closer to his body as the strong winds hit them once again.
"I lost five games. I'm glad you came back when you did or who knows how many games I would have lost." He grumbles, turning the collar of his coat up to protect his neck from the wind.
"Well, I had fun too." She squeezes his hand a little too hard out of excitement.
"I doubt that." He mutters.
"Lucius said he might approve of me as your wife." She admits.
Draco looks down at her frowning. "How drunk are you?" He asks.
"I'm pretty much sober, although I wouldn't trust myself to drive." She states. "He said something about the purpose of pureblood marriages being the passing on of magical intelligence, and it's no secret how apt us two are at magic. He also said our children will be the strongest wizards and witches in generations." She paraphrases what Lucius had said.
"That's something I agree with. Our children will be brighter than both of us combined, except perhaps in divination." He chuckles, remembering Hermione's incident in their third year.
"I can live with that." She laughs as they reach the gate.
"To David's house?" He asks, and Hermione nods, so he disapparates them to her Uncle's house.