That Old Silk Hat: A Christmas Challenge Fic

That Old Silk Hat: A Christmas Challenge Fic

Lady Blue Eyes


Disclainer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter universe, it all belongs to JKR and associated companies. No money is made from the writing of this story.

Challenge The holidays are upon us and what better way to celebrate then with some holiday romance and cheer!!! The challenge is simple.....The holidays must be involved in some way!! (Now how easy is that??) =) This story is obviously DM/HG but I am also posting it under LM/HG and Snapes_Goddess will be posting it under SS/HG.....so the pairing is really your choice! I look forward to reading your submissions!!! Merry Christmas All!!!!

Warning: OOCness abounds in this fic!! If you don't like it don't read it!!!!

~*Christmas Brunch: Malfoy Manor*~


Hermione arrived in the front parlor of Malfoy Manor via the Floo network shortly after eleven in the morning. She had already spent the early hours of Christmas morning at the Potter residence, surrounded by a horde of Weasleys and young children scrambling to open their gifts. It had made her nostalgic for the Christmases of her youth, and she felt a brief pang of envy. Her parents had finally taken that trip to Fiji they had always wanted so Hermione would not see them this Christmas. Draco had known she would not being going to Kent for the holidays and had insisted she join his family for Christmas brunch. She had graciously accepted, partly because the quiet of the manor would be much needed after the chaotic clamour to give and receive presents at the Potter's house. The other reason was more personal.

After the war, the Ministry had formed a Pureblood Rehabilitation Program, or PRP, for short. It was simply to help those Purebloods who were not convicted and sent to Azkaban meet with half-bloods and muggleborns, and learn the truth about the Muggle world. It was strictly voluntary and Harry and Ron had thought the Ministry daft for making it so. There was no way any Pureblood would step up and voluntarily learn about the people they despised. Therefore they were simply shocked when the Malfoy family had stepped forward, with a request that it be Hermione Granger that met with them. Ron had gone practically apoplectic, his thoughts tending to be that Lucius just wanted to get Hermione alone to finish the job. Harry, having been very much involved in the Malfoy's trial and probation, knew that Lucius was simply a man who learned his lessons too late and had tried explaining to Ron why Ron's opinion was wrong.

Hermione had been elated. She wanted for the program that she was spearheading to succeed and there was no better example to use then the Malfoy family. Ron practically begged her to stay away, Harry had asked her to proceed with caution, but in the end Hermione had dove in wholeheartedly, determined to win them over. She planned trips to Muggle stores for Narcissa, where she learned that the Lady of the Manor had a rather sharp wit and quick mind. She had arranged trips to amusement parks, movies, and more for Draco, who relished in the simple fun and enjoyment of them. In turn that had caused Hermione to enjoy him, and wish that their youth could have been spent differently. For Lucius she had arranged trips to museums, libraries, and various Muggle war memorials. At first he had been insulted, thinking that she had only wanted to shame him further. Hermione had been quick to explain that that had not been her intent, but rather she wanted to share with him the idea that Muggles and Wizards were not really so different after all.

The ensuing months had seen Hermione get ever closer to the Malfoys. The only glitch had been when Draco began dating Astoria Greengrass. She had disapproved of Draco's friendship, jealous because he seemed much more relaxed in the ex-Gryffindor's presence more than he was in hers. Astoria was further infuriated when Hermione was often included in Sunday brunch and other family functions where Lucius and Narcissa doted on her. It had culminated in a shouting match between Astoria and Draco on the front lawn of Malfoy Manor. Astoria had accused Draco of lusting after Hermione, and Draco had presented Astoria with graphic evidence of her torrid affair with Adrian Pucey. Both parties had went their separate ways, and Hermione and Draco had resumed their close friendship.

"Hermione, darling!" Narcissa walked gracefully across the front parlor to greet the petite witch. Her arms were open and Hermione walked into them. "Merry Christmas! Draco has been practically salivating over the amount of gifts under the tree but we told him that he had to wait for you."

Hermione laughed at the image of a grown-up Draco still acting as a child. She walked next to Narcissa as the older witch commented on the weather and the amount of snow they had received last night. They approached the doorway to the family parlor and Narcissa cleared her throat. Lucius and Draco had been reading The Daily Prophet and quickly set the paper aside to welcome Hermione. Narcissa led them all into the casual dining room where the house elves had outdone themselves with a buffet for the holiday.

Once the meal was complete they all adjoined to the family parlor for gifts. Hermione was in awe over the amount of gifts under the large tree, and was surprised so many of them were for her. It was apparently the Malfoy way of saying thank you and she decided not to fuss over it. She would indulge in this bit of spoiling.

Walking over to Narcissa she handed her a large gift basket wrapped so that the contents could not be seen. Narcissa slowly began to peel back the festive paper, then stopped when she could see what it was. "Oh, Hermione, how thoughtful! I haven't drawn in ages and all my art supplies have long since vanished. I don't recall mentioning it to you though, however did you guess?"

"Draco told me that you used to draw when he was little, and actually he showed me some of your artwork in the attic. You've a brilliant talent, Cissa, and you should get back to it." Narcissa placed the basket to the side and stood so that she could once again hug the young woman, who understood much more than she let on. "We've been blessed with your friendship. Thank you!"

Striding over to Lucius where he sat in an armchair by the fireplace she placed a square package on his lap. "Merry Christmas, Lucius," she said and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Normally, they were not so affectionate with each other, but the last few months had shown Lucius softening up under Hermione's tutelage, and she saw that his gruff exterior often covered the caring interior. Smiling, which was rare for him, he tore into the wrapping paper and stopped when he read the label on the box. Glancing up at Hermione, confusion was clear upon his face.

"What is a Playstation 3?" he questioned.

"It's a Muggle gaming system. You put a disc into it and you can play the game that is on the disc. Sort of like a moving picture you get to control." She explained and gestured towards the large flat screen TV the Malfoys had recently purchased once they realized what it did. Taking the box from Lucius, she walked over and began setting up the Playstation so that she could demonstrate it for him.

Draco was rather impatiently waiting his turn at having Hermione's attention all to himself. That had been happening a lot lately. Whether she was at her office overseeing other PRP staff and attendees, shopping with his mother, or spending time with the Potter and Weasley broods, Draco much preferred her all to himself. And if he were honest with himself he would admit that his feeling went far beyond the platonic kind. Of course the fact that he also wanted shag her senseless into the priceless oriental carpet he was currently staring at was another thing he longed to do. He wasn't sure when it had happened, but ever since Astoria had accused him of lusting after Hermione, Draco hound himself paying more attention to her. The curve of her throat, the smoothness of her skin the night she wore that backless gown to a ministry event, the arch of her feet when she curled up next to him in front of the fireplace to read. He wanted to strip her down and worship every inch of her.

He wanted to kiss her, taste her, know her, and then bury himself so deep inside of her that.....

"Draco!"

Shaken from his thoughts he turned his head to the far corner of the room and noticed Hermione waving him over. He smiled at her and stood, turning around with his back to her for a moment so that he could adjust the hard-on he was currently sporting before strolling over.

Lucius had levitated a couch in front of the television, and was currently involved in what appeared to be a muggle car chase. Narcissa was by his side, laughingly pointing out all the various people, cars and other items Lucius was crashing into.

"Draco, let's go build a snowman. Please? It was one of my favorite things to do as a kid." Hermione gave him a smile.

"But it's cold outside!" Draco much preferred the cozy warmth of the fireplace and a warm body next to his adn tried to think of a way to manuever her into doing what he wanted. His thoughts didn't get far, in fact they stuttered to a complete stop when she lightly bit her bottom lip and looked up at him with pleading brown eyes. He was a sucker for those eyes.

Hermione saw the moment he gave in. She squealed in delight and threw her arms around him and buried her face in his neck. He smelled good, she realized. She couldn't define it but it was masculine and drew her to him, causing her arms to tighten around him. His body was hard against hers, and Hermione was a bit shocked at how right it felt to be there.

They pulled apart slowly, both feeling somewhat awkward and more aware of the other than they had been before.

"Let's...ah, let's get our coats then, yeah?" Draco said. She nodded, but before they could walk out of the room Narcissa called out to them.

"Draco, there is a snowman kit in the foyer closet. It's been there since you were little. Why don't you pull it out so you and Hermione can decorate your snowman." She smiled at them then turned back to the television. "Lucius! Look out for that.....oh never mind," she concluded as the sounds of metal striking metal and windows cracking were heard.

Malfoy Gardens

"Tell me again why we couldn't do this with our wands?" Draco huffed as he placed the smallest of the three balls of snow he had had to roll, without magic, on top of the bottom two. This last one would serve as the snowman's head.

"It's more meaningful this way, knowing that its something we created with our own hands." There was a satisfied smile on Hermione's face. Draco snorted.

"I seem to recall that I was the only one actually doing the work."

"Well, maybe," she conceded, "but you wouldn't have known what to do without me." She smirked up at him as he walked over to stand next to her. His answering smile was small, but there was an emotion behind his eyes that made her catch her breath.

"You are right, I wouldn't have known what to without you." The meaning of his words was clear. Hermione thought she should say something but instead was caught up in his gaze. Eventually he cleared his throat and gestured to the box in her hands. "Let's decorate our snowman, shall we?"

Smiling they began to piece him together. Using her finger, Hermione traced a line where his mouth should be and inserted the pipe. Draco took out a large black button and placed it where the nose would go. For the eyes, they placed to round pieces of coal and there was a red scarf that they used to wind about his neck. Draco searched around and found some twigs that would work as arms. A black silk top hat was the last piece to go on and Draco handed it to Hermione so that she could do the honors.

Gently she placed the hat at a slight angle atop the snowman's head. Stepping back she grinned at Draco. "A handsome snowman, is he not?"

Chuckling, Draco reached for her gloved hand in his and together they began to trek through the snow towards the house.

"I am a rather handsome fellow am I not?" a voice called out. Draco and Hermione turned to find that the snowman was now dancing around animatedly. Glancing at each other they wondered what was going on. Draco took the lead as they headed back towards the snowman that had now sprouted feet and was merrily dancing a jig...well as much of a jig as man made of snow could.

"How did you...I mean neither of us cast a spell so...." Draco hesitated he wasn't quite sure what to ask of the snowman as he had never had an actual conversation with one. Hermione decided to jump in, the snowman seemed to be friendly and playful and so she acted accordingly.

Dropping into a curtsy, she smiled up at the snowman. "Good day, kind sir. My name is Hermione Granger, pray what is your business here?"

The snowman inclined his head and in regal voice he replied, "My name is Frosty, Miss Granger." However he soon dissolved into a fit of laughter and swept her up in magically developed snow arms. He began singing at the top of his lungs the muggle song that had given him his name. Hermione was startled at first but then began to sing and dance along. Draco frowned.

Of all things, a bloody snowman, now had his snowy hands all over the witch he wanted to make his own. Truly this was not the Christmas Draco had invisioned when he had invited Hermione over! Sighing he bent down to pick up the box that had held Frosty's belongings. Something pelted him in the backside, and he straightened immediately, wand drawn only to find Hermione and the snowman poking their heads out from behind a rather thick tree.

The snowman was grinning madly and Hermione was giggling into her hand. So they wanted to play did they? Never let it be said that Draco would pass up a challenge so blatantly offered. Diving behind a nearby row of bushes, Draco waved his wand over the snow and was rewarded with dozens of snowballs. Back and forth the snowballs were lobbed. Hermione ran from tree to tree, using Frosty to keep Draco occupied. Silenty she crept until she was just on the other side of the bush.

Patiently she waited for her moment. Then suddenly it came. Draco had stood up and was scanning the area, trying to find his opponents and was startled when Hermione popped up in front of him, mashing snow right in his face. Laughing, Hermione missed the hands reaching out for her and screamed as she was hauled over the bushes and unceremoniously plopped into a pile of snow.

Draco wiped the snow from his face and dropped down next to her. He tried his best to give her his evil glare but only succeeded in making her laugh harder.

"Dra...ha ha ha....Draco, it ha ha ha, looks as though you....ha ha are constipated...ha ha ha ha...when you make that face!" She managed to get out. Grabbing a fistful of snow Draco grinned unrepentently and began to sprinkle it over her face. Hermione scrunched up her nose and began to swipe at the snow, trying to toss some of it back in his direction.

They carried on laughing until Draco ran out of snow in his hand. The laughter quieted down and their eyes met and held. Slowly he leaned down giving her ample opportunity to pull away. She didn't. And so his lips came to rest firmly against hers, and a curiousl warmth flowed through them.

Draco slid his tongue out and ran it along the seam of her mouth, seeking entrance. She complied and the kiss deepened. Her arms came up to wrap around his neck and pull him down closer to her. Her body unconsciously reaching for the heat of his. Passion sparked between them and Draco moved so that one leg slid against her, causing a delicious friction between her thighs. Gasping they both broke apart.

Hermione began to nibble her bottom lip again. A look of worry crossing her face.

"What's wrong, love?" Draco asked.

"I don't want to ruin our friendship, Draco. It means a lot to me and I....I don't want to push you for anything you don't want." She explained, blushing lightly.

"Hermione, you'll always have my friendship. More importantly, you have my love. Always." Dipping his head he placed a chaste kiss upon her forehead and stood up. "Now let's find out where our friend Frosty has run off to." He held out a hand for her and Hermione let him pull her up.

Dusting herself off she reached for him before he could walk away. "Draco, I love you, too." Reaching up she placed her hands on either side of his face and kissed him softly on the lips. "Merry Christmas."

The two clasped hands and walked off to find where the mischievious snowman had gotten off too.

A Balcony Overlooking The Gardens

Narcissa Malfoy rested both of her elegant hands against the waist high balcony wall. A satisfied smirk, eerily similar to the one her son sported on most occasions rested upon her delicate face. Her plan had been executed flawlessly. She knew that Draco had had a crush on the muggleborn witch ever since they had entered their first year at Hogwarts. Over the years she had watched it develop, though he hid it under a mask of loathing. A mother always knows her son's needs.

When the war had finally ended and the ministry had created its Pureblood Rehabilitation Program, it had been Narcissa who had nudged her family towards Hermione. When Lucius had first balked at this, she had given him the 'look'. Bluntly she had told him that he had given up his chance to lead his family into the future when he had returned to Voldemort's service. She would now take over that roll, and for the sake of their son, Lucius would quietly endure.

When she noticed Draco getting closer to that silly bint, Astoria, it had been Narcissa who had included Hermione in all the family gatherings and Sunday dinners. It had caused Astoria to show her true colors.

And when Hermione had mentioned her parents being gone for this Christmas, it was Narcissa again, who planted the idea in Draco's head that perhaps the witch would like to spend the day with them.

But nothing, nothing was more perfect than her spellwork on that old silk hat. It had taken her a week to perfect and Lucius had almost caught her at it a time or two, but it remained her secret. A dancing, singing, animated snowman! The perfect way to finally bring her son and the witch she already considered a daughter together.

"Cissa!!" The blonde woman winced as she heard Lucius' yell. "I need you, the muggle police are on my tail and I can't shake them! How do I get to the bloody map? Where's Hermione? Hermione! This blasted game.....oh wait, I can pick up women? Cissa, dear you've got some competition!"

Narcissa shook with laughter. She hadn't seen the boyish side of Lucius in quite some time. Another thing she would be forever indebted to Hermione Granger for. But that was alright with her because finally, peace and joy and come to reside at Malfoy Manor.

Merry Christmas!!