Christmas at Rosier Park

Chapter Three: Dinner with Friends?

Draco offered to help Hermione out, but she insisted he make himself at home. As Hermione finished up dinner and set the table Draco made himself busy looking around the living room.

Her mantle was draped in fresh garlands and covered in white candles and pictures. Some were magical some were muggle but they all held happy memories.

There was one from their Hogwarts days, Hermione had her arms wrapped around Harry and Ron, probably third year, before the world really turned upside down.

The next was Hermione with the Weasley matriarch Molly when she received her Masters of Charms and History a few years ago.

A series of wedding pictures followed, Hermione with Harry and Ginny, another with Ron and Luna then Neville and Susan.

The last on the self was her holding a newborn, the little one blinking up at a smiling Hermione.

She had a full and happy life, which Draco found himself longing for.

He was lost in his own musings when a knocking at the door sounded.

Hermione came scurrying around the corner and unlatched the door to reveal Neville and a very round Susan Longbottom nee Bones.

“Hello Mione!” they greeted and hugged.

“You look beautiful Susan,” Hermione complimented

“For a whale you mean,” Susan laughed rubbing her ever-growing stomach.

“Nonsense you are glowing,” Neville chided giving his wife a kiss on the temple.

“I don’t believe we have met,” Susan said when she saw the tall man standing behind the couch.

“Oh, Susan and Neville Longbottom, this is Moloch Rosier.”

“Rosier” Neville asked as he reached out to shake the other wizards hand.

“Yes, distant relation to the ones who wreaked havoc here.” He explained, internally cringing at the lie.

“Ah, so where are you originally from?”

“I have spent most of my life traveling, never really settled.” He explained.

Draco was saved when another knock came announcing the arrival of Ron, Luna and Gideon. Shortly after the floo sprang to life and out walked Harry and Ginny.

Greetings and introductions where made and everyone gathered around the table for dinner.

Draco was rather surprised at how easily they accepted him. He was also surprised to see Gideon at the table. There were never children present at dinner parties when he was growing up; in fact you had to be presented into society before you were allowed.

Gideon was happily perched on Hermione’s lap enjoying his pacifier while Hermione ate her mash potatoes.

He also realized he had never had a women cook for him, it was always elves who made his meals. Tonight was definitely a night of firsts.

“What school did you go to Moloch?” Ron asked after he swallowed a large bite of roast beef.

“The Merlin Academy in Calais.” He answered.

“You must have had professor Babineaux for herbology then. He was one of my professors for my Masters.” Neville commented.

“Yes, a very fine teacher, without him I never would have got the greenhouses at Rosier Park functioning again.”

“You keep a greenhouses?” Hermione asked her eyes shining

“Yes, I keep you cooped up in the attic, I shall have to take you on a tour of the grounds, they are really quite lovely.” He promised smiling.

Susan and Ginny exchanged a glance; there was something more there.

“So what Quidditch team do you support?” Ron asked moving the conversation along.

Some time later, Hermione deemed her first dinner of the Holiday season a success. Her company was gathered around her fireplace, tea and cakes in hand.

Moloch had insisted he help with the clean up and was currently putting away plates and cups.

“Thanks for your help.” Hermione thanked resting her hand on his forearm

“Thank you for inviting me, it has been so long since I really felt, festive.” He explained.

They stood looking at each other for a moment, each a bit lost in the person in front of them. Moloch reached out and moved a stray curl from her forehead and smiled before grabbing another plate of cakes and heading back out to the living room.

Hermione could have sworn she saw silver in his dark eyes. A color she only new one person to have- perhaps it was just genetics.

Once she reappeared to her company she was shocked to see Gideon’s focus on Moloch.
Moloch was sitting near the baby seat, gently rocking the babe.

Gideon’s large blueberry-like eyes were fixed on the older wizard.

“You can hold him if you like.” Luna offered as she too watched the exchange.

“Oh, I have never held a baby before.” He said

“First time for everything, there is nothing to it,” Harry promised “I never held a child before my godson Teddy and he was born when I was 17.”

Harry placed the little boy in Moloch’s strong arms who looked in awe at the tiny person he was holding.

Hermione could not help but feel joy, it is a beautiful thing to share family and love with others.

*******

Hermione arrived on time two days later to Rosier Park. Moloch had lifted the shielding and security charms to allow her to come and go as she pleased. She was touched by the trust he gave.

Hermione entered to find Moloch discussing something with Farren. Farren said something that made Moloch chuckle and the little elf looked very pleased before popping away.

When he saw her standing in the hall he made his way over. Hermione admired the way his tall graceful body moved beneath he perfectly cut trousers and jacket- then internally chided her-self for ogling a client_ even if they had grown rather close over the past week.

“Welcome as always Hermione,” he greeted taking her jacket and hanging it in the side closet.

“You seem to be in a jolly mood this morning.” She joked pulling her hair back in a clip and un-shrinking her work satchel

“Yeah, I do feel rather jolly.” Moloch said, knowing he had some goofy grin on his glamoured face.

“I am glad, tis the season for it!”

“Speaking of the season, I want to show you the winter greenhouse before I banish you back to the attic.” He joked as he took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm and leading her out through the sunroom and onto the lawns.

“That sounds lovely.” She stepped into stride with him.

As they made their way around the house proper, Hermione began to realize the potential for beauty this house had if it became a true home for Moloch.

They walked in though the large hedge gate on the lower lawn and into a true oasis.

Four large green houses welcomed the pair.

“Each one is made for a specific season, the second one on the left is the winter garden.”

“These are amazing Moloch.”

“Apparently these were designed by my great aunt.”

“What do you know of your family?” she asked

“Only that I am one of the very few surviving members, and the rest I learned from the elves.”

“You have no one.” She stated, rather sadly

“I have Farren, and now some friends, thanks to you.” He said, feeling honest for the first time. And with that he lead her into the greenhouse.

Hermione was in awe of the beauty that now surrounded her. Inside was a plethora of beautiful flowers. Poinsettias, lilies, snowbells, small evergreens in shapes and sizes, and some species she did not know off the top of her head.

“This is, utterly stunning.” Hermione eventually said.

“Just wait.” Moloch whispered close to her ear and suddenly the green house went dark, then tiny lights began to appear.

“Are those…?” Hermione started

“Feeorin, yes.” Moloch answered.

The small fae folk known to live in forest had made a home in the Rosier Park greenhouses and who was Draco to kick them out?

Small dancing balls of soft white light soon lit all the evergreens, and then the slight tickling of bells filled the air.

“What is that?” She asked, totally swept up in the magic happening. No matter how long she lived in the magical world, magic still had the ability to amaze her.

“The Feeorin really love the snowbells.” Moloch explained watching the joy on her face and feeling his own heart swell.

“Moloch, this is beyond beautiful, thank you for sharing this.” She reached out and squeezed his hand.

Draco squeezed back, wishing it was his true name she had thanked him with, but he would not give back that one moment for anything in the world.

~~
A/N:

Thanks to my reviewers, means a lot that you took the time
Hope everyone enjoyed this little chapter, starting to get into the spirit of the season!

~Cheers
Sarah Rae