[thirty eight]

When Draco and Narcissa finalized their plans for renovating the manor, they decided that it was best to keep the skeletal structure of the house. It was, after all, ancestral. Everything else, the walls, floors, doors, furniture, fixtures and halls, were to be replaced.

The reconstruction was well underway when they got there, forcing them to camp out in the pool house for the remaining two days of their winter break. Celine and Hermione were comparing notes and theories for the incoming term, while Draco played Quidditch with Pansy, Blaise and Theo outside. Narcissa was busy making sure everything was well in the house.

"I was thinking, we don't know where the stone is, right?" Celine said as she scanned Hermione's revisions

"Yes."

"Why don't we put extra wards around the common room? If Theo's right that his father's magic can't go through your protective enchantments, then it might do us well."

"See, that's what I don't understand. Is Theo's dad...someone we can trust?" Hermione frowned

Celine pursed her lips "Yes and no. I think it's best you talk to Theo about that yourself. The story isn't really for me to tell."

Hermione sighed as she glanced at the large windows to find their friends still enjoying the snow outside

"Well, you're about the wards anyway. We should get on with that as soon as we get back." Hermione nodded, silently deciding she was done reviewing Celine's work.

Their conversation ended upon the incessant tapping of an owl on the large window. "That must be mine." Hermione said and stood up, allowing the owl to enter and drop the letter on her hand.

Draco's smile fell as soon as he walked into the pool house and found Hermione reading another owl, no doubt from their unwanted visitor. He tried to play it cool, but Hermione knew him better and tossed the letter for him to read.

"Mernie? What kind of horrid name is he calling you?" Draco scoffed

"Mernie?" Theo echoed, laughing as he peeled open an orange "Ridiculous."

"It's a childhood nickname. Not all children can pronounce Hermione correctly." Hermione rolled her eyes in exasperation "You guys better play nice. He's a really good friend."

"Who you only recently found out to be a wizard." Pansy pointed out as she took the seat next to Celine "Some friend that is."

"Well, I, for one can't wait to mess with this guy. You said he's coming over for a meal tomorrow?" Blaise turned to Draco

"If it pleases my fiancée." Draco mumbled begrudgingly

"And it does, so yes, he is coming over tomorrow." Hermione grinned

"Ten galleons he's only coming over to sway you from your engagement. He probably has no one else to ask." Blaise smirked

"No. Actually, he isn't awful-looking. He's got a nice build and very good hair." Celine nodded in appreciation "I think he's got a lot of girls pining over him, but, after realizing that his childhood best friend's actually a war hero.... Well, let's just say he's just in it for the fame. Fifteen galleons." Celine smirked

"Nice build and very good hair." Theo made a face "Let's be clear here. The definition of a nice looking chap is me. That American is in no way near the definition of 'nice build'."

"And you three are the definition of Slytherins." Hermione rolled her eyes "He's just reaching out to catch up. We've only now found out that we're both wizards, and a war had only just finished. There's bound to be many stories to tell."

"You are too nice for your own good." Draco sighed and stood up, wanting to change into more comfortable clothes "You're supposed to be the brightest witch of our age, Granger."

"I am."

"Think again."

Draco disappeared into one of the two bedrooms of the pool house and dressed up. Hermione felt somehow annoyed at his antics.

"He's just jealous." Pansy assured her

"He's the one I agreed to marry. I don't understand what's to be jealous of." Hermione groaned

"Draco doesn't like sharing. You should know that by now, Herms." Theo chuckled as he comfortingly squeezed her shoulder

"As his best mate, I am already asking for forgiveness for anything he might do tomorrow." Blaise snickered "You can't expect that chap to come and for Draco to play that nice."

"That's exactly what I'm expecting."

"Oh, Hermione. He's still Draco Malfoy. Remember that." Celine laughed "Anyway, dinner's on Blaise and I. We'll have Italian for our main course and French for dessert."

Pansy took that as her chance to freshen up for dinner, like Draco had done. Theo, on the other hand, decided that now was a good time to take a nap. "Uh, no you don't." Hermione said, tugging at his arm with force

"Hey!"

"We're going for a walk. Go on, grab your coat."

"Hermione, it's freezing outside." Theo complained

"There's that beautiful thing, called magic, to keep us warm." Hermione insisted

"Fine." Theo muttered and stood up

"Celine, I'm taking your man out for a walk." Hermione called out just before she shut the door behind her

"Actually..." Theo trailed off as their feet hit the snow

"Hmm?"

"We still aren't together." Theo said sheepishly

"What?" Hermione asked, surprised "Why?"

"It's complicated." Theo shook his head "We've been best friends for the longest time that it almost feels like we actually are together, but we aren't.... It's just.. I don't know."

"Theo, Celine's a wonderful girl." Hermione sighed "I can see how much she cares for you. Please don't toy with her feelings."

"I know, Hermione." Theo said "It's just a matter of making it official, it's all. I know I love her."

"But?"

"I just..." he was at a loss for words as he looked down at her "Never you mind. It's my problem to handle. What made you ask me to go for a walk?"

"I, uh, wanted to talk to you about Goyle." Hermione averted her eyes from his intense gaze and continued walking across the snow-covered garden

"I told you guys, that was all I saw." Theo frowned, taking strides to catch up with her

"No, not about that." Hermione shook her head "I'm sure Harry got the Ministry on that issue today. I was just wondering... Aren't you curious about why we didn't choose Goyle to be a part of this little team?"

"What do you mean? You told us it was because you didn't trust Bulstrode." Theo's frown deepened "I took your word for it."

"Well, I lied." Hermione said frankly. She couldn't meet his eyes after she flat out admitted that "There's something you should know."