[thirty one]

Although in different parts of the world, the big twelve hadn't looked forward to Christmas so much in such a long time. Viktor, who had been so graciously hosting the Greengrass family in his mansion at the Bulgarian country-side, was more than excited to let them all know that their families' introductions went well. Goyle, who had been MIA since the break, had sent an owl to all of them that the Bulstrode's were giving him his own room.

Theo, on the other hand, was excited for all the wrong reasons. His Veritaserum has finished its final stages and, by the looks of it, seems very strong and perfectly brewed. Celine was the one anxious for him, being the more responsible one between them. "You're sure about this?" Celine asked "They will be furious."

"It's for our own good." Theo nodded

Hermione had received word of his success through an owl just before she left her home. She was very happy for Theodore, but still couldn't quite shake the curiosity out of her system. All these weeks helping him brew it to perfection and he still hasn't explained to her his entire plan. Hermione sighed "Mum, dad, I'm leaving."

"Sweetheart, have you got the gifts?" Jean asked "All of them?"

"Draco will be happy to know you included him in your list." Hermione smiled at her parents "All the gifts are in my bag, mum. I'll be spending the rest of the week at the Weasley's."

"We'll see you for New Year's eve, my darling." Dan pressed a protective kiss on his daughter's temple "You take care, alright?"

"Of course, dad." Hermione smiled "I love you both! Be careful." she gave both her parents a kiss on their cheeks before leaving through the front gates. After she had returned their memories, Hermione made sure she placed every single protective charm she knew over their home. Anti-apparition wards were strong around their property, that's why she had to leave first before she could properly apparate. With one last glance behind her shoulder, Hermione ensured the protective spells around their house was intact and then swiftly disapparated for the Burrow before anybody else could see her.

Somewhere in the Malfoy Manor, Draco made sure to check his bag before leaving "I look appropriate, right?"

Blaise rolled his eyes for the nth time that morning, "Yes, Draco. Those jeans aren't much and that jumper is the perfect shade of white."

"Don't forget your coat, son." Pansy snickered, tossing him his wool coat "Be back before curfew!"

Draco threw a pillow at her "Alright, I'm leaving. I'll be back a little after midnight."

"That's when the party starts, anyway." Blaise shrugged

"Is Theodore still coming?" Draco asked "I know Goyle isn't. That bloody fool is wrapped around Millicent's little finger."

"He and Celine will leave as soon as dinner with her parents is over." Pansy answered "They'll probably get here around the same time you will."

"Perfect, then." Draco nodded in approval "Well, pray I don't get my head chopped off by the redheads."

Just like Hermione had done, Draco left the Malfoy Manor's grounds before disapparating. When he opened his eyes after the loud resonating crack, he found himself in a place he'd never thought he'd ever had to go to in his entire life, much less spend Christmas in. The Burrow was as peculiar as he imagined it to be and it was in the middle of a field covered with a blanket of snow. Draco nervously looked at its odd structure and silently prayed it'll keep hold until after dinner.

Afraid to enter on his own, he sent his patronus to find Hermione. Seconds later, she comes out of the house grinning from ear to ear.

She was only wearing a plaid skirt with a white shirt and thigh high boots. How she felt warm in those clothes, Draco will never understand. "Love, it's snowing and you're wearing that?" Draco frowned just as Hermione wrapped her arms around him tightly

"Molly keeps the house extra warm on snow days. I missed you." She grinned up at him "I'm really happy you're here."

Almost instantly, all traces of anxiety left Draco's system. All he could concentrate on were Hermione's rosy cheeks and happy eyes "I'm happy to be here." He genuinely said "Though, I'm not sure the family in that house feels the same."

Hermione laughed "I've prepped them and made sure all thoughts of murder have left their minds. Come, let me properly introduce you to my other family."

"I brought them gifts, if that helps." Draco said as he let Hermione drag him to the house

"You did?" Hermione asked, delighted

"I did. It would be impolite if I didn't." Draco said "I even have one for my cousin."

"Your cousin? Oh! Right, Teddy." Hermione laughed "He's hilariously too much like Harry, if you ask me."

"Oh no, seriously?" Draco groaned "Well, looks like my side of the family has to double up their efforts."

When they reached the front door, Hermione paused to give Draco a moment to breathe "Ready?" She asked with a wide smile

He shook his head in answer "You haven't given me my kiss yet. Two weeks, Granger and all I get is a hug?"

"Oh! Sorry, I was much too excited." Hermione giggled and reached up to peck him on the lips "For good luck." She smirked

"Granger!" Draco hissed as she pulled him through the door

"Hey everyone!! Someone's here!" Hermione announced gleefully

"About time, Malfoy. I thought you were going to pass on helping with the preparations." Ginny smirked

"Never." Draco said, his face unusually innocent

"Pretty sure he thought about it, though." Ron teased, but it was without malice. "Welcome, man. Never in my life did I expect a Malfoy to join us for Christmas but here we are."

"Ron, why don't you offer him a place to sit?" Molly Weasley ushered her son towards Draco

Draco's eyes widened in panic, unsure of how he was going to introduce himself to the Weasley matriarch "Molly, this is Draco." Hermione smiled "Draco, we're going to help Molly cook tonight's dinner."

Draco wasn't sure what to do or how to react, he merely gave a smile and a nod. "That was creepy." Harry commented, before offering him his seat "Here, take my seat while Molly gets ready to cook. I'll go check if Arthur and George need some help at the back."

"The back?" Draco asked curiously "We're not having dinner out in the cold, are we?"

Ginny laughed "Yes, because that's how we, Weasley's, do it." she said sarcastically

Draco rolled his eyes "I'd appreciate it if you didn't add to my anxiety, Weasley." he hissed

"You know I love messing with you." Ginny snickered "Excuse me while I find my other brothers."

"Why are we cooking this early?" Draco whispered to Hermione "Are we having dinner for lunch?"

Hermione laughed "Love, they have such a big family. We're feeding around fourteen grown people today."