Operation: Get Bob

Chapter 4 - December

(December 1, 7:42 a.m.)

Before we left the common room that morning, I informed Ron and Hermione that I probably wouldn't be spending a lot of time with them for the next two weeks as I was working on getting Malfoy back.

Ron laughed, "I'd love to get in on that, Harry. Need some help?

I just shook my head, "Naa...this one is all mine."

I headed to the Great Hall and over to the Slytherin table. Bob was sitting across from Malfoy, pointedly ignoring him as he tried to talk to her. I walked up the side of the table that he was sitting at and tapped Goyle on the shoulder. "Excuse me Greg, can you scoot down a bit."

I don't know if he was only half-awake or what, but I expected a bit more of a fuss made. But he scooted down the bench without a protest. "Thanks Greg, good morning Draco! Sleep well?"

An empty plate appeared in front of me and I began to scoop a plate of eggs and bacon onto it. Malfoy stared at me speechless. I looked at Bob and winked. "Good morning love." I reached across the table and took her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"What in bloody hell are you doing Potter?" I did my best to look surprised.

"What are you talking about Draco? I'm having breakfast." I took a bite of my bacon then looked at him again. "Oh, by the way Dray, in potions today I was hoping that you would partner with me. I could sure use the help with this one. Snape has been riding me pretty hard and I am just not getting it. Do you think you can help me out?"

"Get away from my table Potter!" He was turning red. I looked at Bob and she had tears in her eyes from suppressed laughter.

I leaned forward and looked on the other side of Malfoy. "Hey Vince, how are you this morning."

He looked surprised to be addressed. "Ahh...fine thanks."

If looks could kill, both Crabbe be and Goyle would have been dead. "What kind of protection are you two anyway? Why would you let him sit here?"

I looked at Goyle, "Is he always this cranky in the morning?"

Goyle looked at Malfoy. "Yeah, he is."

I started putting food on Malfoy's plate. "Well Draco, maybe you'll feel better if you eat something. Tea is hardly a fitting breakfast."

He was speechless and just looked at me with his mouth hanging open. "Who told you that you could call me by my given name, Potter? Roberta what do you know about this?"

I looked at her and winked again. She glared at him and took a bite of toast and pointedly refused to answer.

Draco rolled his eyes, "Bloody hell Roberta; why aren't you talking to me? Never mind I know why you aren't talking to me, but I was only thinking of you. You don't even know what a bad choice you have made in a boyfriend! You need to be protected from gits' like him."

She continued to shoot daggers at him and stubbornly kept her mouth shut.

Malfoy looked disgustedly at the plate that I had filled and pushed it away, got up and stormed from the room. I just shrugged and scooted closer to Crabbe.

"So Vince, how are your classes going?"

He looked at me a moment and shrugged then turned back to his plate. "Ok, I guess. Transfiguration is a bitch. McGonagall makes me nervous."

I laughed. "Ahh she's not that bad. She just knows her stuff and wants all of us to know it too."

"You would say that Potter, she's your head of house."

"Are you kidding me Vince? She is tougher on Griffindors than anyone; something about her house making a good showing. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't I help you with the class? Transfiguration is one of my strong points. If you need some help it would be my pleasure to give it you."

I thought Bob was going to choke on her pumpkin juice.

"You're invited too Greg. Do you need some help in transfiguration?" Before he could answer Pansy Parkinson chimed in. "I could use some help Potter. Can I come too?"

"Sure! In fact any of you who want too can come. Bob and I have a date tonight, but we can meet an hour before that. Say 7:00 tonight? I'll ask Professor McGonagall if we can use the classroom; how about you, Blaise?"

He was laughing. "I don't know what you are up to Potter, but ok, I'm in. Can Draco come too?"

"Of course."

I looked across the table and smiled, "Are you finished Bob? Do you want to go for a walk before class starts?"

She nodded trying hard not to laugh. We left the table together and I felt a table of people staring holes in my back.

When Bob and I got out in the corridor, she started laughing out loud. "Oh Harry, I thought Draco was going to explode right there. That was so funny that I'm not sure if I care if I loose the bet or not; the look on his face!" She shook her head, still giggling.

I put my fingers to her lips and looked around. "Shhh, the walls have ears. Besides, I didn't bring you out here to talk about your cousin."

Her eyes! Have I told you that I love her eyes? Her eyes started to twinkle, and I was lost...again. I pulled her closer and lowered my mouth to hers. Suddenly there was no one around us for a million miles. Nothing or no one mattered more than she did.

Then I heard giggles and whispers as students started moving past us heading to various classes. I looked at her again; "I just wanted to give you a proper 'good morning' before the long day ahead of us."

Then someone clapped me on the back; and with laughter in his voice, Ron said "C'mon mate, you don't want to be late for class; mornin' Roberta."

"Hullo Ron."

I gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "You coming Bob. Snape doesn't like it when we're late." Wit that, the three of us went to class.

(December 1, 8:53 a.m.)

I went to Professor Snape's office just before class started. I wanted to ensure that he would pair me up with Malfoy that day. I knocked on the doorjamb because the door was standing open. He looked at me and scowled. Not surprising really. We still were not on the best of terms, even after the defeat of Voldemort.

"Um...sir, may I speak with you for just a moment?"

"What is it Mr. Potter? Class starts in a moment."

"Yes sir, I know. I was wondering if I could make a request of you? Would you please pair me up with Draco Malfoy today?" He raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

"I don't know what you are up to Mr. Potter. I saw that little performance this morning at breakfast. Now you are asking me to team you up with someone that you have hated since first year."

"Can I be perfectly honest with you professor? You know that I have been dating Draco's cousin Roberta, right?"

He nodded and I continued.

"Well, if that relationship goes where I think it will, Draco and I will be family. I'm hoping to bury the hatchet and if not become friends, at least be able to be in the same room without killing each other. And I am serious about being paired up with Draco today. I really am not very good at potions in general and this one we are working on today is particularly difficult. Draco on the other hand is very adept."

"Roberta is as well Mr. Potter. Why not ask to be paired up with her?"

I laughed. "Because sir, I really want to get this right. If I were paired with Roberta, I would be distracted beyond repair. If it will help, I have already talked to Draco about it."

"I have a feeling that he was not very happy about that since he stormed out of the Great Hall this morning."

"I think that is because I was talking to Greg and Vince too." I turned to leave but remembered something. "Oh, and Professor, I have offered my help to the Slytherins in transfiguration. I told them we would meet tonight at 7:00 in the transfiguration classroom. I have yet to clear this with Professor McGonagall but I don't think that she will have a problem with it. If there is someone that you know needs a little extra help, I would be happy to include them."

Then I turned and walked into the classroom. I could feel Malfoy's eyes on me as I made my way to my seat. Professor Snape then entered the classroom and everyone quieted.

To my surprise and delight, Professor Snape did indeed pair me up with Malfoy. When I picked up my things and moved to his table, he glared at me. "What are you trying to prove Potter?"

"Only that I am in advanced potions, I'm having trouble with this particular one; you are very good and I would like your help. Besides we are practically family now."

Ok, so that last little dig probably wasn't necessary, but it was fun. "I tell you what Draco; I'll make it worth your while. I'll pay you for your help."

"You haven't got enough money, Potter."

"Ahh, c'mon Draco; be a buddy and help me out. Please?"

"Gaaaaak, I'm going to be ill, Potty. Get away from me."

I chanced a peek at Bob who was watching the proceedings. She was biting her lip to keep from laughing out loud. Ron and Hermione were snickering as well.

"Fine Potter; but you are doing the work and I will supervise."

"Thank you Draco. I really appreciate your help."

"And quit calling me Draco. You don't have my permission to get that familiar with me."

"C'mon Draco, it's going to be a bit awkward at holidays to be calling each other by last names. Besides, if I called you Malfoy, every one in the manner would come running."

"You are not coming to my home for holidays Potter! You got that?"

"Well, Lud might have something to say about that. After all it is his home now too and I'm sure he will want to see his daughter after we are married."

He mumbled something under his breath that I didn't hear. "I'm sorry Draco, I didn't understand you."

"I said that you need to add the dehydrated tadpoles now!"

(December 1, 12:00 noon)

The Great Hall was starting to fill with students in anticipation of the noon meal. I left Ron and Hermione and went to the head table and approach Professor McGonagall. When I explained what I needed, she looked at me through narrowed eyes.

"As honorable as your request is Mr. Potter, I have to wonder at your real motives. I do not relish my classroom being turned into a war zone."

"Professor, I understand your reluctance, but I promise that nothing bad will happen. All I want to do is help some people pass your class."

"Yes, but those people are Slytherins; Slytherins that you have not gotten on with since the moment that you walked through the castle doors." But she seemed to consider my request for a moment then nodded her head. "Alright Mr. Potter. We shall see how things go tonight. If it goes well then you may continue; however, if there is any trouble, you will have detention for a week! Am I quite clear?"

"Yes Professor and thank you. I will see to it that there is no trouble." Then I headed over to the Slytherin table and sat next to Bob. I took her hand and squeezed it then looked at Pansy. "Good news Pansy, Professor McGonagall has given her approval for the use of the classroom so it looks like we are on."

She looked at me and shook her head. "You really want to do this Potter? I think dating a Slytherin has gone to your head."

"Maybe you are right." I looked at Bob and put an arm around her. "Oh and Pansy, you can call me Harry; if you want to."

I looked up as Crabbe and Goyle sat down. "Hey Vince, Greg, we're on for transfiguration tonight; hi Blaise."

"Bloody hell, Potter; Can't I get any peace from you? Get away from my table." Malfoy said as he approached.

I laughed, "C'mon Draco, you sound like a broken record. Sit down and have some lunch." I dished up a plate for him and pushed it over.

"You have gone over the edge Potter! And quit dishing my food! Have you gone delusional enough to think that you are my mother?"

"Ah Draco, I just want you to know that I forgive you for that nasty joke you played on me a couple of weeks ago. Now eat up. The house elves have really outdone themselves today."

He looked imploringly at his cousin. "Roberta, please, make him go away. I'll do anything."

To her credit, Bob looked directly at Malfoy and didn't crack a smile.

I let out an over-exaggerated sigh; "I'm so sorry Draco, I've tried to talk to her, but she just won't budge. Give her time. Hey, are you coming to the transfiguration tutoring tonight? It's at 7:00 in the transfiguration classroom."

He sneered at me. "No! I'm not coming to the...have you gone completely barmy? Voldemort must have done something to you in that little duel you had, because you are not right in the head. Do none of you see how around the bend he is? Pansy, this is Potter, remember? Scarhead, mudblood lover; you hate him as much as I do!"

Pansy looked at me and I just shrugged and began to eat. "Really Draco, I think that it is time to grow up. There is nothing wrong with him. And he is helping us with transfig tonight. Lighten up for Merlin's sake."

"You've put her under the Imperious curse haven't you Potter." He looked like he was about to explode. "Crabbe, Goyle surely you two aren't being taken in." Then he rolled his eyes, "Look who I'm asking, dumb and dumber of the wizarding world."

Then something happened that I thought I would never see. Crabbe and Goyle actually stood up and glared at him. Goyle got in his face and sneered, "It's about time that you grew up Malfoy. I'm done taking stupid insults from you. If you want to leave this room in one piece, I suggest you shut your filthy mouth." He took him by the shoulder and pushed him to a sitting position and pushed the plate I had dished closer to him, "Now eat!"

Malfoy actually looked frightened.

I carefully kept my eyes on my plate trying to hide the smile that was near impossible to hide. Bob squeezed my knee and I looked up at her and it was all I could do to keep from ruining all my hard work by laughing out loud. I covered up the laugh with a cough and Blaise reached over and started pounding my back. "You all right Potter?"

All I could do was nod.

"Why didn't you just let him choke to death Zabini?"

"Cut it out Draco, he's alright."

I looked at Bob. "Ah Bob; would you like to have dinner at the Gryffindor table tonight?"

Malfoy's face brightened "Hallelujah! Yes Roberta, go. Maybe I'll be able to eat in peace!"

Bob leaned over and whispered in my ear. "I don't know how you can stand this Harry. He is such a giant git."

"Ahh Draco, she says that the whole world doesn't revolve around you and to go jump in the lake. Maybe the giant squid will enjoy your company."

He glared at me. I just shrugged my shoulders. "Hey, I didn't say it! I'm all for putting this little episode behind us. I just can't seem to convince her of that though. You have to admit that you caused quite a bit of trouble with your lie."

Everyone at the table watched him grab some bread and make a quick sandwich before he left the Great Hall.

(December 2, 6:37 a.m.)

"Harry, Harry! You wanted me to wake you early. C'mon Harry get up." Hermione was shaking me. I groaned and put the pillow over my head.

She leaned over and whispered, "More fun with Malfoy, Harry."

My eyes popped open and I grinned at her, "Oh yeah."

"What have you got in mind today, Harry?"

I turned over and sat up. "Just sit back and watch the fireworks Mione."

"I can't wait. I'm going to go get dressed"

I jumped up as soon as she left and ran to shower, shave and dress. Then I flew down to the Slytherin common room. I wanted to be the first person that Draco saw when he left his dorm for breakfast.

Bob and I had planned the night before that she would come down for breakfast later. I greeted the several Slytherins that left their common room. Then Malfoy came out, hoping to beat me to the Great Hall. No such luck you git!

When he saw me he rolled his eyes; "Merlin's balls Potter, don't you ever sleep? Get out of my sight."

"Ahh c'mon Draco, why don't you wait with me for Bob. The three of us can have breakfast together."

"I'd rather pluck my own eyes out, stomp on them and spread them on toast than have breakfast with you Potter. Do you get the message, or are you just to stupid to care?"

"Gosh Draco, all families have fallings out, but can't we get past this?"

"YOU ARE NOT MY FAMILY POTTER!"

Just as Draco started yelling, Pansy Parkinson left the common room. "Oh there you are Harry. Roberta asked me to tell you that she is going to be late and to go on; she'll catch up with you in the Great Hall."

"Thanks Pans. Hey, great job last night. Your crystal goblet was perfect."

She beamed at me, "Thanks Harry."

"I can't believe this," Draco moaned.

"Hey Pans, you want to have breakfast with Draco and me? We are just leaving."

"Sure." She threaded her arm through Draco's left arm.

So naturally I took his right. "Let's go Draco. You seem a little out of sorts this morning. Maybe some food will mellow you out."

Malfoy was so shocked that he allowed himself to be dragged along for about 45 seconds. "Wait a damn minute Potter. Quit touching me! I am not eating breakfast with you! I don't like you! You are not in my family yet, and with any luck you will never be in my family. I can only pray that Roberta comes to her senses."

I looked at Pansy. "Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning."

He then did something that is so unusual that it will probably never be seen by the human eye again. He put his hands in his hair and pulled. "AHHHHHHHHH. You know what, I'm not hungry! I'm not going to eat this morning! I think I'm going to be sick."

"Pansy, maybe we should take him to Madam Pomfrey."

Just then as if on cue, Snape arrived. "Mr. Potter, what's going on here?"

"Professor, Draco was just telling Pansy and me that that he was feeling sick. We were going to take him to see Madam Pomfrey.

Draco ran behind the professor. "Professor, please make it go away!"

I put on my best concerned look, "Oh great, now he is seeing things; I think this could be serious sir."

The professor only smirked. "Mr. Potter, you and Miss Parkinson go on, I'll see to Mr. Malfoy."

"What ever you say Professor; we'll see you later Draco." I looked at Pansy; "Gosh Pans, I hope it isn't catching."

True to his word, Draco didn't come into the Great Hall. Bob joined me about 15 minutes later and I told her what happened. We had a good laugh at Malfoy's expense.

(December 3, 2:15 p.m.)

"What in the bloody hell are you doing now Potter? Give me my broom!"

"Sure Draco. I just polished it for you. Pansy said that you didn't have to time to take care of your broom properly. So I thought I would do something nice. Here you go." I handed the broom and he looked at it suspiciously.

"What did you do Potter, jinx it?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Did you jinx my broom? Keep up Potter!"

"No, I did not jinx your broom Draco! Give me some credit, geez."

(December 4, 8:37 p.m.)

Bob and I had a date that night. A Draco Malfoy free night, finally! I needed it. Truth be told I was going just as nuts as he was. I hoped he would apologize soon.

"Ok Bob, there is only one ground rule tonight. We are not going to talk about your cousin. Ok?"

"Fine with me!" she huffed. "You are spending more time with him than you are with me."

"Well come here and let me make it up to you." I pulled her to me and just held her resting my cheek on her head. Then she tilted her head up so that she could look at me. I was lost. I lowered my head to kiss her.

"There you are Harry. I've been looking all over for you."

Malfoy! Both Bob and I turned to look at him in surprise. I looked at Bob then back at him. "Did you say anything to him?"

She shook her head. I sighed "Well, the game is on." I looked at him again. "Draco! Hey come here a minute." We were just talking about sneaking out of the castle and going into Hogsmead. Do you want to get a date and come with us?"

"Naa...Pans is busy tonight. I'll come though."

The ferret weaseled his way between Bob and me and put one arm through hers and one through mine. "Let's go."

I looked at Bob and she was trying hard not to laugh. I wasn't sure how he had found out my tactic, but I was just as sure that he had; fighting fire with fire so to speak. I closed my eyes, "Oh this is going to be a long two weeks." I mumbled.

"What was that Harry?"

"Can't wait, let's go!" We went to the statue of the one eyed witch.

Draco looked confused. "Why are we here, Pot...er Harry?"

"Watch and learn." I pointed my wand at the witch's hump and tapped it. "Dissendium!" and I watched Malfoy's eyes light up.

"Whoa! How long have you known about that, Harry?"

I looked at him with narrowed eyes; "This is our secret, right? I mean it's to your advantage to keep this to yourself."

"Oh, of course; wouldn't tell a soul."

I looked at him again and thought, yeah right you git.

The three of us made our way through the passage and into the cellar at Honeydukes. I had a sneaking hunch that I had just made a very big mistake and by the look on Bob's face, she was thinking the same thing.

We spent two hours exploring Hogsmead. Malfoy spent two hours trying to get Bob to talk to him. The whole thing was...what is the best word...I guess agonizing would fit. But it was obvious that someone had clued him in on what was going on and he was playing along. When I found out who that somebody was, they were dead meat!

Finally, we crawled back up through the witch's hump and stood back listening for any sign of Filch. When none came, the three of us made our way to the Slytherin common room. When we reached the entrance I turned to take Bob in my arms but Malfoy reached out and pulled her away "Come on Roberta, we will get detention if we're caught out at night. He tried to push her through the door but she frowned at him and pushed him out of the way. She came back to me.

"I don't know yet what game he is playing, but I'll be darned if I am going to let him come between us again." Then she kissed me. She ran her tongue across my lips and I opened my mouth to accept her offering. Again, there was no one but the two of us; that is until Malfoy put his ugly mug up close to us. "Someone is coming. We better go in Roberta."

Her arms remained around my neck and she looked deeply into my eyes. "I don't think I am going to go in just yet, Harry. Tell the git to go on unless he wants to see me shag you right here."

It was all I could do not to laugh. I watched Malfoy's eyes widen in surprise. "Ahh...Draco she said..."

Bob started pulling my shirt up and rubbing her hands up my chest. That was all it took. He literally ran for the entrance and disappeared through it.

She put her head against my chest and was shaking with laughter. "I'm sorry Harry. I shouldn't have done that, but..."

For some reason I was having a hard time breathing.

(December 5, 8:00 a.m.)

Now I was on a double mission. 1. Get the git to apologize. 2. Find out who clued the git in. The next morning, Bob met me at the portrait of the Fat Lady and we walked to the Great Hall together. Ron and Hermione were already at the table. And so was Malfoy! Ron was looking murderous, Hermione was chuckling and there was a five-foot radius of space around the intruding Slytherin. And the Griffindors were casting hateful glances at the seemingly ignorant boy.

I sighed and looked at Bob. "He's really pushing all my buttons you know!"

She pulled me out of the doorway before anyone saw me. "Harry, I think it was Snape. Pansy told me that Draco met with Snape last night, and then all of a sudden he is trying to turn the tables on us. I don't know for sure but it seems logical."

"But how would Snape know?" I wondered.

"He doesn't have to know the whole story to know that you are not sincere in your pursuit of Draco's friendship. He is a Slytherin after all, Harry. He probably just told him that you are trying to get under his skin."

"Then I'm going to have to step it up. He doesn't know what he has gotten himself into. Bob, be prepared for anything. I'm declaring war!"

(December 5, 8:15 a.m.)

We walked into the Great Hall all smiles and sat at the Griffindor table. Bob frowned at her cousin but didn't say a word. I on the other hand clapped him on the back. "Draco! Great to see you! Hey, you want to get some practice time in after classes tonight?"

"Sure Harry! And I have a question to ask you too." He leaned in and whispered in my ear. "Do you think I should ask Hermione out?"

I almost choked. Almost! I leaned over and looked at Hermione then back at Draco. "Sure Draco. Do you want me to put a good word in for you? Maybe we can all double. Hey have you ever been to a muggle movie? I think that would be fun."

"Sounds great, Harry! But how are we going to get somewhere where there is a muggle movie to see?"

I put on my best scheming look and peered around me to see who was listening. Then I whispered in his ear. "Don't worry. I have my ways! Hey Hermione..."

I saw him cringe and I smiled secretly at Bob. I got up and went to where Mione was sitting. "You love me don't you Mione?" I whispered.

She didn't look up from her book. "What do you need Harry."

"First I need you to look at me."

She did, but she looked at me calculatingly. "I know you are up to something, Harry. First tell me why it has to involve me?"

"Well, mainly because I don't think that Malfoy would appreciate me hooking him up with Ron." Her eyes got big and she started to stand but I pulled her back down. "C'mon Herm, you owe me."

She snuffed in humor, "How do you figure that."

I put on my best puppy dog face; "Because you love me!"

"You know I hate it when you do that." She looked over at Malfoy who was currently trying to get Bob to talk to him. "Tell me first what we are doing."

"We're going to a movie."

She looked at me like I had two heads; "How!"

"Mione, Shhhh!"

She lowered her voice when Draco looked up and gave her a brief, pained smile, "Ok Harry, how are we going to go to a movie? We would have to sneak out and...oh no, no, no, no, Harry, no way!"

I looked over at the git; Hey Draco, come over here a minute."

"Harry, don't you dare! Harry!"

"Thanks Mione, I owe you one."

"More like 101," she grumbled.

I stood up and smiled at her. "Hermione, Draco would like to talk to you." I leaned over to Draco, "excuse me, I'm going back over to Bob."

If looks could kill, I would have been dead ten times. Five from Hermione and five I am certain from Draco, but I ignored them and went to talk to Bob.

I took her hand and chuckled, "Score one for the boy who lived!"

"Harry, do you think that we can find some us time? I'm getting really tired of him you know."

"I know love, but it will be worth it."

"Just how will it be worth it to me, Harry? I'm the one who ends up being a slave girl, remember?"

I smiled. "Yeah, I remember."

She hit me! Can you believe it?

I put an arm around her waist. "C'mon, we better get to class."

We were almost out of the Great Hall when Draco caught up with us. "Well, she said she would go, Harry; so, when, where, and how?"

"I'll get back to you with that Draco."

"Well, don't you have Transfig right now Harry?"

I looked at him suspiciously "Yeah..."

He took Bob's arm. "Well, we have charms now. See you later Harry."

It would have been a slick move except that he forgot that Bob was nobody's pawn. She pushed him up against the wall and snarled at him. Then she came back to me and took my arm. "So are you going to walk me to class Harry?"

I shrugged at Draco. "Sorry mate, but she is still pretty upset with you. Maybe you can figure out how to make it up to her."

I left it at that and put my arm around her waist and started walking away. With an exaggerated sigh Draco followed.

(December 6, 6:42 p.m.)

Bob, Hermione and Malfoy were waiting for me at the one eyed witch's statue. I came running up. "I am sorry I'm late. Professor Dumbledore cornered me at the last minute." I pulled Bob into my arms and kissed her. "I missed you!"

Her smile was enough to brighten what was otherwise going to turn out to be a lousy night; "me too."

Draco cleared his throat. "Ahh...maybe we should get out of here before we get caught."

I was looking at Bob and barely acknowledged that he had spoken. Then Hermione hit my shoulder. "Harry!"

"Oh...oh yeah, let's go."

The four of us went through the witch's hump, into the passage to the cellar and out through Honey Dukes. We apparated to the nearest muggle town and caught a taxi to the movie theater.

I don't even remember the name of the movie we saw. What I do remember was Malfoy's reaction to said movie. Three of our foursome had grown up in the muggle world. Malfoy on the other hand...well, let's just say that it was comical. All right, I'll admit that it was kind of fun to watch someone who had never done anything like this before, even if it was Malfoy.

When we left the theater, I was genuinely surprised at Malfoy's enthusiasm about the movie. His eyes were twinkling. He was walking backwards in front of us as he expounded on the night's entertainment. Something by the way that I never thought I would ever see; excitement from Malfoy, who knew? He had Hermione and me laughing. Bob however, was trying very hard to maintain her indifference toward him.

Hermione, true to her modus operandi, inserted a bit of sanity into the party. "Harry, shouldn't we be getting back? We will be missed."

"Nope, the night's not done yet. I've got dinner reservations. Ahh...Draco, this is a muggle restaurant, no wands ok?"

"Oh sure thing, Harry."

Hermione looked worried, "Harry, really, I don't think we should."

"Relax Hermione. Look, here's a taxi."

The four of us got into the auto and I told the driver where to take us. Hermione was a nervous wreck. I gave my name to the Maitre d'. They sat us at a wonderful table near the dance floor. A band was playing some slow music and I saw my opportunity and grasped it.

"Bob, do you want to dance?"

She beamed at me, "Definitely!"

I pulled her out onto the floor and pulled her close. "You really are being a good sport about all of this, Bob."

"Yes, and you owe me, big time Harry Potter. I think you will owe Hermione too. She really wants to go back. Not that I blame her, he really is a prat."

"Oh, I should probably tell you; we have permission to be out. That's why I was late tonight. I was talking to Dumbledore and he said that after all I had been through, that I deserved a little fun; and to have some fun for him as well."

"Are you going to tell Hermione?"

"Are you kidding? Look at Malfoy. He's miserable. If Hermione was relaxed he might actually enjoy being here. "

"Slytherin, I knew it all along! You should have been in Slytherin. You are just as evil as Draco thinks you are."

"I know, but don't tell anyone. After all, I'm the boy that lived. I don't think that the wizarding world would be able to handle it."

"You're pretty full of yourself too."

"As is any good Slytherin. Now, kiss me."

"Gladly!"

(December 7, 10:15 a.m.)

Thanks to Dobby, I was able to sneak Bob out of the castle and spend the entire day hidden behind the rocks on the far side of the lake. Dobby had brought us a blanket, food and drink and showed us a secret way out of the castle that even the marauders map didn't have marked. It was a blessedly Draco Malfoy free day. I needed it, we needed it.

The next day was Monday and it would all start over again.

(December 8, 8:45 a.m.)

Bob came running up to me. "I am so sorry Harry. I over-slept."

"That's all right Bob, but I was getting worried about you. Draco said that he didn't think you were feeling well." I looked at the git.

"Someone changed the alarm time on my wizarding wireless." She looked at him too with a sneer.

"No harm done. I made you a sandwich. You can eat it on the way to class." We got up to leave so Malfoy made to follow us. The git put an arm around my shoulder. "Well Harry, let's go to class."

The three of us walked in silence toward the potions classroom. I was almost at my wits end with Malfoy. I was ready for desperate measures.

Double Potions was...well, there is just no other way to put it...hell!" I was paired up with Malfoy again and he was talking incessantly. What exactly he was talking about I didn't know. I was trying my best to block it out. Several times, Snape looked over in my direction as if as if trying to catch me not working.

Out of the side of my mouth I whispered over to my nemesis. "Draco, shut up! You are going to get us detention!"

But still, he kept on. I remember hearing something about playing a joke on Crabbe and Goyle.

Again I tried to get him to stop. "Draco! You are going to get us into trouble. Shut up!"

Once more Professor Snape looked in our direction and I appeared to be studiously cutting up my langtree root. When I dared chance a look in the direction of the potions master, he had gone back to reading from a stack of parchments sitting on his desk.

When I heard Draco say something about a three-headed water buffalo found in Afghanistan, I almost lost it. I passed a note to Bob that simply said 'Don't be surprised at anything that happens! He is driving me mad!"

Another half-hour went by and Malfoy still hadn't stopped talking. I would have done anything to get him just to be quiet for one minute. I'm serious, anything! So I kissed him. Right there in front of the whole class; right on the mouth! Gaaaak, I still get nauseous at the thought of it. At that moment, I knew that Voldemort was truly nothing. I had just kissed Malfoy, and THAT was a demonstration of the true meaning of Griffindor courage.

Predictably, he blew up. "WHAT THE FETCH WAS THAT POTTER!" He jumped back and began scrubbing at his mouth with the back of his hand.

I narrowed my eyes. "If you don't shut up I'll do it again."

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy in my office now!"

I threw the knife down that I had been using to work and it hit the desk with a loud clatter. As I walked pass Bob, she grabbed my hand, "He's just trying to get to you Harry, don't let him."

I squeezed her hand and smiled, then continued to the front of the room and to the left, and through the professor's door into his inner sanctum.

Then he spun on us in all of his opposing darkness. "Just what were you trying to prove out there Potter? Sexually assaulting another student is justification for expulsion. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Sexually assaulting? SEXUALLY? THAT WASN'T SEXUAL! IT WAS DESPARATION! He hasn't shut up for two hours now!" Suddenly, I remembered Bob's words to me as we came in here.

I closed my eyes and sighed, and briefly wondered if having Bob be a slave girl was really all that important. "Professor, it really isn't Draco's fault. I guess he hasn't had anyone to talk to in...years. Now that we are practically brothers, (out of the corner of my eye I saw Malfoy flinch) I guess it was just like...well...like a dam burst or something.

I put my arm around Malfoy's shoulder and felt him stiffen. "I'm really sorry mate. I guess I am just feeling a bit out of sorts today. I shouldn't have done that."

Draco shrugged away from my arm. "Too right, Pot...Harry!"

I looked at Professor Snape and tried to read what his eyes were saying. Was it amusement? Then I saw Malfoy rub his mouth on the back of his sleeve.

"Professor, if you are going to give out detention, then I would say again that none of this is Draco's fault. It is entirely mine."

This statement accomplished several things at the same time. First, it shocked Malfoy. He looked at me like a fish out of water. Second, I saw Professor Snape struggling, really struggling, to keep from laughing. And Third, I got the upper hand of the Malfoy/Potter stand off.

It took several moments before Snape felt confident enough to speak without laughing. But speak he did. "Well, Mr. Potter. Since I am not the victim here, I am handing the power of punishment to Mr. Malfoy. What do you think Mr. Malfoy? Does Mr. Potter deserve detention, loss of house points, both? What restitution do you require?

Inwardly I groaned. My fate rested with a guy that hated me. Hated, not disliked, not tolerated, pure unadulterated hate. Outwardly, I only looked at him trying hard to keep the fear from showing on my face. Snape was enjoying this way too much.

I realized in an instant what this meant, and understood the battle of emotions that was visible on his face. If Malfoy pronounced some sort of heinous punishment, he would have his revenge but then Bob would never talk to him again. If he didn't, he knew that this would continue and he wanted it over with as much as I did.

I smiled slightly. "Well, I'm all yours Draco. How can I make it up to you?"

Then he sighed and looked pained. "That's alright professor. I don't want to...punish Harry." He looked like he was going to be sick; literally sick. He had a ripe opportunity in his hands and he had decided to let it slide. And he was right, you know. He didn't want to punish me...he wanted to maim me. He wanted to hang me by my thumbs in the dungeons. He wanted to torture the life out of me. Taking away house points just didn't seem to be enough.

"Very well gentlemen, then I would ask that you return to your cauldron and refrain from any further interruptions of my class. Is that understood Mr. Potter?

I nodded, "yes sir."

"Mr. Malfoy?"

"Yes, professor."

He folded his arms and looked down his nose at us, "Good, now go!"

We both left the office and felt the stares of the entire class on us as we returned to the upper level of the classroom.

Malfoy was mad; really mad. He wasn't saying anything to me, but his actions told the whole story. He was slamming things around, mumbling to himself and looking at me with daggers.

I really did feel badly. Even I thought I had crossed the line. "Ahh...Malfoy, can I talk to you a minute?"

He looked at me for a long time. "No Potter, I don't think so."

"Ok, well in case you are interested, I really am sorry." I stared to pack up my things as the end of the class was emanate Bob was looking back at us with concern on her face. I mouthed to her that it was ok."

I was almost to the door but was called back by Professor Snape, "Mr. Potter, wait a moment please, Mr. Malfoy, you too. Since I know that you didn't have an opportunity to finish your potion I expect it on my desk before next class. I will leave it to the two of you to figure out when you will work on it since detention was not enforced."

I nodded. "Thank you Professor." I looked at Malfoy. "When ever you say, let me know." I started out the door but Malfoy called me back.

"Tonight, 8:00."

I nodded and continued out the door and met Bob in the corridor. Once I was out in the corridor I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. Bob caressed my arm. "I can't believe I did that Bob. I never wanted to humiliate him; I only wanted to make him stop talking."

"Well you did humiliate me Potter."

My eyes shot open and I looked into the angry gray eyes of Draco Malfoy. I pushed off the wall and looked at him. "I'm sorry Draco. This game has gotten way out of line."

"What game are you talking about Potter?"

I looked at Bob and she nodded slightly. "It was a bet Draco. I bet Bob that I could make you apologize to us.

"That is what all this was about? You wanted me to apologize? Saint Potter can't live unless Draco Malfoy lowers himself to his level? Well do you know what Potter, I am sorry. Sorry that it didn't work. I'm sorry that my cousin has such bad taste in boyfriends. I'm sorry that she came here and met you. And I'm damned sorry that your path ever crossed mine. Does that satisfy your little bet?"

Malfoy's cheek was reddening quickly and we both looked at Bob. "You have caused enough trouble 'Prince Draco'. " Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "You sit back and try to direct everyone and everything to your liking. You stop at nothing. You don't care about whom you hurt or who you trample under your designer boot heel. I'm sick to death of you AND your father. I'm sorry too Malfoy. I'm sorry that I ever laid eyes on you. And I am very sorry that we are related. You have been wallowing in your father's shadow for so long that you don't even know how to be human. You are evil Draco. Clear to the bone. I wash my hands of you. I lived for 17 years with no one but my father as family and was perfectly happy. I will do so again. You give the term human being and wizard a bad name. Come on Harry, let's go."

She grabbed my arm and turned her back on her stunned cousin.

"Wait, Roberta."

She called over her shoulder as we walked away from him. "Go away Malfoy. You are dead to me! Go haunt someone else!"

We were quiet until we left the dungeons and went to the Great Hall. "Harry, I am so sorry about all of that."

I looked at her and she had tears in her eyes.

I lifted her chin. "Hey, none of that was your fault, Bob." I wiped the tears that were sliding down her cheeks with my thumb then pulled her close.

"He's just so...so..."

"Forgotten," I finished for her. Then I smiled. "Hey, I can have Dobby fix us up a picnic hamper and we can go to the room of requirement and have dinner; just the two of us. What do you think?"

She smiled through her tears and nodded her head. "I think that that would be wonderful, Harry."

From that moment on, Draco Malfoy became a non-entity. When Bob was with the Slytherins, he would try to get her to talk to him, but she would just completely ignore him or look through him. When she was with me, she endeared herself to my house.

The transfiguration tutoring continued. Draco attempted to come to a couple of those meetings but I completely ignored him as well. Eventually he just stopped coming.

(December 15, 11:30 p.m.)

I wasn't happy. There was something nagging at me that kept eating away at the better feelings that I could muster. Bob was the same way. We had gone up to the astronomy tower to try and have a few minutes alone, just to talk, but both of our moods would douse any conversation that sparked. So we stood there looking out at the grounds over the parapets.

It was cold; which in a way was good. We didn't have to vie for a space among young lovers. We were quite alone, wrapped up in our winter cloaks and our thoughts.

When I looked at her she was shivering, so I opened my cloak and wrapped it around her and pulled her back against my chest. I didn't say a thing, but I did kiss the top of her head, then rested my cheek against her soft hair and closed my eyes.

(December 15, 11:52 p.m.)

I sighed deeply. "It's cold out here Bob. Do you want to go in?"

She shook her head. "No, it's beautiful out here Harry. Look how the snow is glittering on the ground. It looks like diamonds in the moonlight. It's peaceful. Troubles don't exist out here."

She snuggled back against me and I turned her in my arms and pulled her closer. "Bob, I want to tell you something."

"What Harry?"

I lifted her chin so that I could look into her eyes. "Bob, I love you. You are my whole life. I...just thought you should know."

She had tears in her eyes. "Oh Harry, I love you too."

I bent and kissed her, slowly and passionately.

"I thought I would find you two up here." Draco Malfoy stood in the door way. Bob's eyes flashed with anger, "of all the times for him to intrude!"

I looked at him. "What do you want, Malfoy?"

"I'm...I'm here to..." He closed his eyes and sighed, then tried again. "I...shouldn't have...gaaaa!" He paced for a moment then stood by the parapet and took a deep breath. "I'm...sorry, all right? Merlin that hurt! Do you two hear me? That was physically painful! And I don't think much of you forcing me to do that. By the way, if you tell anyone what just happened...that, disgusting thing, I'll hunt you down and make you pay."

I looked at my watch and whispered to Bob "11:59".

The following Saturday I was sleeping peacefully; mostly because it was 6:00 a.m., and I had been on a date with Bob until 1:00 a.m. I awoke to a room full of moaning roommates. I looked up from my pillow. "What's going on?"

Seamus answered me. "There's a bloody owl at the window."

I waited for someone to get up and let the bloody thing in. When no relief seemed to be forth coming I threw the warm blankets off and pulled the window open. To my surprise, the beautiful eagle owl, landed on my shoulder.

"Bloody Hell Harry, close the window."

"Sorry." I closed the window and removed the parchment from the strange owl. I scratched the owls head before I quickly opened the window again to let the owl leave.

I looked at the seal and was confused. It was an 'M' with snakes intertwining it. I crawled back into my bed and covered up. I then broke the seal and opened the letter.

Dear Harry,

I hope this letter finds you well.

It has come to my attention that your Christmas holidays are generally spent at Hogwarts or with the Weasley family. But this year, I would like to invite you to Malfoy manor. We spent a wonderful evening talking and getting to know each other, but we didn't have much of a chance to continue the next morning as we had planned.

I know that this is your last year at Hogwarts and that you may prefer to spend the hols with your friends, the Weasleys. Lives and priorities tend to change after school. You may well see this as a final chance to enjoy a carefree holiday before the trials of life take over.

I also know that spending the hols at Malfoy manner may not be your idea of a fun time. And with your history with my younger brother and his son I would certainly understand that you may not want to come. However I would enjoy spending more time with you and I know my daughter feels the same.

In any case son, think about the invitation and let me know. Send an owl when you decide.

Sincerely,

Ludwig Malfoy

I re-read the letter and sighed. Christmas Hols at Malfoy Manor. As much as I had tormented Draco with the thought, I really wasn't looking forward to being at Malfoy Manor for the hols. Well there was Bob. I hadn't said anything to her yet, but I had hoped that I could talk her into staying at Hogwarts.

I rolled the parchment up again and laid it on the bedside table, vowing to think about it latter. I pulled the covers up over my shoulders and settled back down to continue a long sleep.

The next thing I knew I felt a tickling around my face. I batted at the irritation and turned over; but it came back. Then there as a light kiss on my neck and a gentle, moist tug on my earlobe. I smiled and opened one eye.

"Good morning master."

I chuckled "I could get used to this." I wrapped my arms around Bob's waist and pulled her down next to me; "Good morning to you too." Then it hit me what she said. "Hey, what do you mean 'master'? What are you up too?"

"Well, you ordered breakfast in bed, fed to you by your personal slave girl, master. Your every wish is my command."

I sat up and she sat on the edge of my bed. "My every wish, hum? I don't know Bob, that could be dangerous;" I leered at her.

She smiled at me and I melted. "Let's start with breakfast, shall we?" She placed a napkin on my lap and then flicked her wand and lit several candles and soft music started playing. "I asked your friends what your favorite foods were and I talked to Dobby. This is what we came up with."

I looked at the tray and my eyes bulged; a pot of tea and some scones that looked like they were so fresh that they still had heat rising from them. Fresh strawberry preserves and clotted cream. She sat the tray over my lap.

She sliced open a scone and spread it generously with the preserves and topped it with the clotted cream. She stuck the first bite into my mouth and I closed my eyes and felt that I had died and gone to heaven. I scooted over in my bed and patted the spot next to me.

"Come here slave." I reached over and grabbed a scone and fixed it for her and fed it to her.

"Ummm...that's wonderful." Then she laid her head on my shoulder and fed me another bite, before fixing me a cup of tea with cream and sugar.

We spent a very pleasant hour in my room eating between kisses.

"So, that was a little piece of heaven; and I love you, you know!"

She smiled and got up and removed the tray. "I'm going down to the common room to wait for you Harry. I'll see you when you decide to get up. If you decide to get up!"

I watched the gentle sway of her hips as she left and sighed; then called after her, "hey, does this mean you aren't going to scrub my back?

She laughed lightly and gave me a saucy look just before firmly closing the door behind her.

I sat for a moment, staring at the closed portal then sighed. With a smile, I picked up a piece of parchment and quickly penned a response to her father.

Dear Lud,

Thank you for your invitation to join your family for the Christmas hols. I would love to be there with you.

I will get the details from Bob. I very much look forward to seeing you again.

As always,

Harry

I showered and dressed quickly then went to join Bob in my common room. She was surrounded by almost every guy in my house. I stood at the bottom of the stairs and laughed. "All right you chaps, let a man through."

They all looked up and started to disperse. As I came to her Seamus stopped me. "How did you get so lucky Harry?"

I looked at him and shook my head. "Seamus, I ask myself that same question everyday!"

I bent over the back of the sofa and kissed her. "You want to walk with me to the owlery? I have to send a letter to your father."

"Daddy? What are you sending?"

"I got a letter from him this morning inviting me to spend the Christmas hols with both of you. How could I say no?"

"Are you sure, Draco will be there, not to mention his father."

"Yes, I know. But, you are worth it. Both of you are! Bob, have I told you that I like your dad very much?"

"Only about a million times Harry. Well, let's go to the owlery."

We spent a very pleasant day doing anything that I wanted. We walked to Hogsmead and I took her to Quality Quidditch Supplies. When I walked in Mr. Johnson flew from behind the counter. Mr. Potter, Mr. Potter it is so good to see you. I was just about to send you an owl. Your order is in. Would you like to see it?"

I looked at Bob. "Would you like to see it, love? After all, it is yours."

"Mine? Harry, you didn't do...Harry, you didn't?"

"Yes Mr. Johnson, I think that the lady would very much like to see it."

The elderly man went into the back and brought out a Firebolt 2. He handed it to me in a glossy black case. I flipped the locks and pulled it out for her. It had a sleek black handle that was curved to fit the rider. There was a foot rest that retracted into the brush of the broom and each piece of the brush was trimmed to be aerodynamically compatible for the most speed. The name 'Firebolt 2' was emblazoned across the black of the handle in gold.

I looked at Mr. Johnson and smiled, "Thank you sir, this is perfect." I handed it to Bob.

She had tears in her eyes as she looked at it, then back at me. "Oh, Harry!" I watched her run her hand along the handle and smile. "You shouldn't have, Harry. I lost the bet!"

"I've had this ordered since the day after we made that silly bet, Bob." She looked up at me then threw her arms around my neck and covered my face with kisses.

I just laughed. "Now there's the reaction I wanted!" Mr. Johnson discretely left and went to wait on some customers that had come in.

"Do you want to try it out?"

"You don't mind?"

"Of course not, go for it. Besides, I would like to see what I will be up against."

She kissed me again and we headed out the door. Within moments she was in the air. As I watched her I knew two things. First that I was in real trouble; and second that my team was going to have me drawn and quartered.

After about ten minutes she landed. She was flush from the ride and her hair was a tangled mass. I wondered at the moment if she knew how beautiful she was and what she did to me.

She dismounted and ran over to me. "Harry, it is perfect. Just like you."

* * *

December 22 was the end of term and time for the hols to begin. I packed my things while Ron looked on. "Harry, mum is going to be disappointed you know."

"I know Ron. Spending the hols with Draco and Lucius is probably not going to be what I would term fun; but I love Bob and I love her dad. I want to spend as much time with her as I can and I want to get to know him better. If I have to march into hell to do it...so be it." I chuckled. "Oh, you do have the gifts for your family right?"

"Yes, I do."

I performed the spell to shrink my trunk and picked it up and put it in my robes. "I guess that's everything." I gave Ron a quick hug. "Kiss your mum for me. I'll see you and Mione when term starts again." I started out the portrait hole but stopped and turned around. "Speaking of Mione, Ron, when are you going to tell her that you love her?"

Ron blushed five shades darker. "Already have mate! Last night."

I came back to him and clapped him on the shoulder. "Congratulations Ron. What did she say?"

"Well, it's not so much what she said as what she did!"

I watched him blush even darker and smiled; "That's ok mate. I don't need all the details. Where is she anyway?"

"Her train left earlier. She is going to spend a few days with her folks then they are all coming to the Burrow. Maybe you and Bob can find some time to come and be with the family."

"Maybe we can, I'll owl you; Happy Christmas Ron!"

"Happy Christmas Harry!"

* * *

I met Bob and Malfoy in the entrance. "Sorry, I'm late. Are we ready to go?"

Draco mumbled something and I looked at him then at Bob. "Bob, let me have a moment with Draco alone all right?"

She nodded and left the two of us standing alone. "Malfoy, I know you don't want me in your home over the hols, and I can understand it. But, I am willing to put past animosity aside, at least for the time that I am there to make it more tolerable for you."

"The only thing that would make this more tolerable for me is if you were a million miles away from me, but since I have no choice in the matter, I guess I can call a truce." He stuck his hand out and I took it.

"Deal; Ahh...Malfoy or Draco."

He sighed; "Since we are going to end up related before long, I guess Draco."

"Draco it is." Bob came back then.

"Boys, we have to go or we will miss the train." She looked us both over. "No blood shed, that's a good sign."

Draco mumbled, "The hols are still young!"

We made our way to the Hogwarts express and spent the day with other holiday travelers until we arrived at platform 9 ¾. Actually the ride wasn't too bad. Draco even sat with us and consented to play some exploding snap to pass the time. But the next thing he did took me by surprise.

"Harry, I saw the firebolt 2 that you gave Bob. She's a butte."

I looked at Bob and smiled. "Yes she is." I agreed. Then I looked at her cousin. "Oh! You meant the broom! Yes, it is nice."

"You do know that you gave Slytherin the edge with that broom don't you?"

I looked at him seriously before I answered him. "No Draco, I gave the woman that I love a gift. The consequences of that gift have nothing to do with it."

Draco was quiet for a while then looked at me again. "You really do love her don't you?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Ummm." He only nodded.

"Have you ever been in love Draco?"

It was a long time before he answered. I was beginning to think that he wouldn't answer, when he started to talk. "I thought I was...once. But it wasn't like you two. I guess it was more...I guess...a physical attraction. There were no self-less acts on either of our parts. We never spent time just talking. You two seem to do that a lot." Then he smiled mischievously, "In fact, I bet you two haven't even...been together...have you?"

Bob blushed ten shades "Draco! That's enough."

He put on his most innocent look. "What?"

I just laughed and put my arm around her. "That is one thing that you will never hear about from my lips, Draco. I do NOT kiss and tell. Who was she then? Do we know her?"

"Naa...It was the summer of fourth year. Father took me to France with him on..." Then he stopped and looked at me calculating whether or not he should say anything.

I took his meaning and nodded. I quietly said "It's ok Draco. Voldemort is gone. It's over and in the past.

"It doesn't bother you to talk about it?"

I shrugged "Honestly? Sometimes, but that doesn't mean that I want to shut you out. If you want to talk about it, I'm all ears."

He sighed. "Ok, let's see. Father took me to France to introduce me to the finer things in life; according to him, you understand. But the finer things in life, in his opinion, were dark and full of evil. Voldemort's hand was in everything. Francois DeBonier; the French equivalent of my father.

His daughter, Louisa and I hit it off right away; mostly because we both feared our fathers but feared not having them more. Our relationship was frenzied. It lasted the month that we were there. I haven't seen her since. In fact, I rarely think of her.

We were all quiet for a while. Then he broke the silence. "Do you want a good laugh, Harry? There is someone that I fancy at Hogwarts. It will never happen, but I think about it day and night."

I laughed, "Pansy?"

He looked sick, "Heck no! Geez give me a little credit will you? Actually, it's someone in your house."

I sat up and looked at him in surprise. "A Gryffindor? You? Who is it?"

"Doesn't matter. Like I said, it will never happen."

"So, if it will never happen, what harm is there?"

"The harm is that if her brothers find out, I'm a dead man."

My eyes got as huge as plates; "Merlin's ears, it's Ginny!"

He looked at me, frightened now. "No! It's not. It's not the Weaslette."

I looked at him and smirked, "Yeah right, Draco. You know, Bob and I have proven that crossing house lines can be done quite easily. All you have to do is dance on your arch rivals table, walk around being a slave boy and poof, its love!"

Bob started laughing, "What Harry is trying to say so unsuccessfully is that if you want to find out if you could have a relationship with her, be willing to do anything for her. It worked for me." She patted my arm and put her head on my shoulder.

"I have an idea, Draco. Bob and I have been invited to the Burrow sometime during the hols. I'm positive that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would welcome you. Do you want to come with us? Ginny will be there."

He was quiet for a while; then answered, "I'll think about it."

* * *

We arrived at Kingscross station that evening and after gathering our belongings, went through the barrier and onto the platform. "What or who are we looking for, Draco?"

"Daddy!" I turned to watch Bob run to her father and hug him. I looked at Draco, "I guess that answers my question.

Draco and I followed and soon we were speeding toward Malfoy Manner in a Bentley. Talk about style. Lucius Malfoy might be a giant horse's arse, but he does have style.

Lud and I took the opportunity to get reacquainted and Bob had hold of my arm and held it close. Draco stared out the window and watched the passing scenery in silence.

Lud looked at his nephew. "Well, Draco how are you doing?"

He smiled. "I'm fine, sir, thank you for asking, sir."

"Come on Draco. Your father isn't here. I'm Uncle Lud."

"Alright...Uncle Lud., how are you sir...uhh...how are you?"

"I am wonderful, now that you three are here. Lucius can be a stuffed shirt at times."

He didn't say anything to Lud's comment, but he smiled. There was silence for a short time then Draco looked at his uncle, "Tell me Uncle Lud, how is my father?"

"The same as ever, Dray."

Draco sighed and looked at me. "Harry, you would be well advised to avoid contact with my father as much as possible. Since you killed Voldemort, he has been...difficult. The fact is...well let's just say that I wouldn't put anything past him."

Bob looked concerned. "You don't think that Uncle Lu could hurt Harry do you, daddy?"

"No Pumpkin, I wouldn't have invited him if I thought I was putting him in danger."

I shook my head. "Well, I think that this is going to prove to be a really interesting holiday." I sat in thought for a while then remembered something. "Oh, by the way Lud, Bob and I have been invited to the Burrow for an afternoon and we want to take Draco with us if he chooses to go. Will your plans be upset if we went on Christmas Eve?"

"No, that will be fine, Harry. We are having a dinner Christmas Day but Christmas Eve should be alright."

We pulled into a long drive and followed it for at least a kilometer before we came to a large wrought iron gate with the familiar "M" encircled by serpents. The driver flicked a wand in several intricate movements, and the gates opened allowing the Bentley to pass through unscathed.

I must have looked like a tourist as the Manor came into sight. I tried to take it all in at once without coming off as a complete git. Draco seemed to notice and smirked at me. "Geez Potter, close your mouth at least."

I looked at him and laughed. "Well in my defense, you haven't seen where I've lived for all of my life."

The car was met by a butler who opened the car door and allowed us to exit. Draco looked at the man and smiled. "Good to see you Winthrop. You are looking fit."

"As are you Master Draco. Welcome back Mistress Roberta."

"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Roberta, just Roberta?"

"Several more times at least, Mistress," the stoic man said with a very slight upturn of the corner of his mouth.

Draco pulled me forward. "Winthrop, this is Harry Potter."

"Aah, yes sir, the-boy-who-lived."

Draco laughed; "Yes Winthrop, the-boy-who-lived-to-be-the-bane-of-my-existence."

"Nice Draco!" I chuckled. I held my hand out to the gentleman's gentleman. "I am very pleased to meet you, Winthrop."

He shook my hand and the four of us continued into the entryway.

* * *

The house elves had prepared a late supper for us and we sat around the table and talked. I found myself amazed that even though the atmosphere was different, the actions of family were the same. Draco was actually relaxed. I had never seen this side of him and really rather enjoyed it.

We all tried to get Winthrop to sit with us; but he was having none of it.

When we broke up for the evening I turned around to see Draco hug Winthrop. I smiled. For some reason I was very happy to see that he had somebody. His father and mother certainly hadn't put in an appearance to welcome him home. Almost immediately, I began to get a very different picture of Draco Malfoy.

Influenced, no...a better word would be dominated; dominated by an evil father, a mother who I had no idea about, but loved by a butler, no wonder he acted the way he did all the time. The confusion was enough to throw anyone into overdrive.

I went to my room and quickly scratched out a letter to Mrs. Weasley asking her if we could come on Christmas Eve. I told her that I had invited Draco and hoped that that wasn't a problem.

I was currently pondering the possibility of penning a quick note to Ginny when a knock sounded at the door. I went and opened it and Bob was there. I put an arm around her waist and pulled her up against me. Without a word I kissed her.

She giggled when she pulled away, "What was that for Harry?"

I shrugged, "I figure that I should take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself."

"Well then..." She pulled me back into another kiss; a deep, searing kiss that left my knees weak."

I took a step back, "Whoa."

Her eyes were sparkled mischievously.

Ten or fifteen minutes later, I could barely breathe, "Bob..."

She continued to kiss my neck and nibble on my earlobe.

"Ahh...Bob."

"Hummmm?"

"We are in your home, with your father just down the hall. Don't you think..."

She cut me off; "No! I don't!"

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and sighed. Then I stepped away from her. "I do!" But it came out in a choked whisper not at all convincing to myself, let alone Bob."

She put her arms back around my neck. "You aren't frightened of me, are you Harry?"

"You bet your life! I'm scared to death of you; back off you Slytherin!" I laughed. "Besides I need to ask you a question."

She had a feral gleam in her eye, "Don't want to back off! Want to kiss you!"

"What are you going to do Bob, chase me around the desk. That's awfully cliché don't you think?" I was still backing away from her; but now it was all in fun.

"Cliché Harry? Maybe, but who cares? Kiss me!"

"Answer my question first."

She kept stalking me. "What question?"

"Do you think that I should write to Ginny and let her know that Draco may come and how he feels about her?"

She stopped suddenly, "You are joking, right?"

"No I'm not joking; at least I wasn't until you got that look on your face, and asked me if I was joking. Why, what's wrong with that?"

"Harry! Do you really want to hurt Draco, because if you do, that's a good way to do it? You have a fledgling friendship started with him. If you write a letter like that, he will never trust you again."

I sighed. "All right, no letter. But I do need to find out if he is going to come with us so that I tell Mrs. Weasley."

"Later! I answered your question. Now, you owe me."

I chuckled and backed away again. "You'll have to catch me first." I bolted from the room. Just as I cleared the door, I ran, smack, into Lucius Malfoy almost knocking him down.

"Oh! Mr. Malfoy! I....I'm sorry. Are you...ahh, all right?"

His glare was like ice. "Mr. Potter! I may have to endure your presence in my home but I do not have to allow you to turn it into a race track! I realize that you have been raised by muggles and are completely lacking in decorum; but do try to curtail your common tendencies for the remainder of your stay here."

"Roberta, I expect you to restrain the behavior of your plaything! I do not want it getting in my way, is that understood?"

Bob look like she was going to bust. She answered him but it came out choked, like she was holding the laughter in. "Yes, Uncle Lu."

With one last glare at me, he continued down the long hall and Bob and I watched him until he disappeared.

I laughed, "Plaything?"

"Do curtail your common tendencies Mr. Potter." Bob mocked. Then the feral twinkle in her eye was back. "Come here, plaything!"

Draco chose that moment to walk past with his nose in a book, munching an apple. He didn't even look up. Bob and I looked at each other, and then at him, and we each grabbed him by an arm and dragged him back into my rooms. "Hey! What...quit. Roberta...Potter! What are you doing?"

Once we got him back in my rooms, I looked at him. "I need to talk to you. I'm sending an owl to Mrs. Weasley, are you going to come?"

He acted disgusted, "Spending time at the Weasleys. I don't have a death wish you know."

"C'mon Draco! Look, if you listen to me, things will be fine. First, Bill and Charlie are cool. No doubt about it. Bill is a treasure hunter and curse breaker for Gringots. Charlie has been working with dragons in Romania for as long as I have known him. They will take your presence in stride. If they start teasing you, you're in. Percy is a giant git. Bigger than you are..."

"Nice Potter!"

I continued on as if he hadn't interrupted. "Nobody likes Percy, with the possible exception of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. So don't worry about him. Fred and George will try to trick you into eating one of their gag candies. It's up to you, but if you do, it might actually help, frankly I'm not sure if I would, but..." I smirked. Then there's Ron...well Ron has a temper as you know, but he is going to be so wrapped up in his new relationship with Hermione that he won't spend a lot of time tormenting you; and if he does, Hermione and I will step in.

And then there's Ginny..."

"I'm beginning to wish I had never told you about that!"

Bob and I laughed. "Ahh but you did, Draco. How about it? It will be just you here with your Uncle and your father. You'll be rattling around in this huge house, all alone!" I shook my head in mock regret.

Draco laughed, "You aren't very convincing, Potter. Let's see, I have the opportunity to have a relaxing, quiet, Potter-free day. Not to mention Weasley-free."

Bob put an arm around his waist, "and Ginny-free. Just think of the possibilities you will be passing up if you don't go."

He sighed, "Fine, I'll go, all right. I'm going to regret this! But Potter, you have to be here to buffer those idiots that will be coming Christmas afternoon."

"What idiots would that be, Draco?"

"Crabbe and Goyle to start with; and then there is Parkinson. She fancies herself in love with me." He gave an involuntary shudder.

"Vince and Greg really aren't that bad you know. I worked with them in transfig. Did you know that Vince likes to read? He's really into muggle mysteries right now, but he also likes science fiction. Greg has a real love for designing racing brooms. He has actually shown me some of his drawings. His ideas have some real potential.

Draco looked at me dumbstruck, "Really?"

"Yes really, and Pansy wants nothing more than to get married and have a family."

"That I knew!" He rolled his eyes. "She has her sights set on me. How did you find all this out Potter?"

"I talked to them, Draco, not at them."

"Ok, ok. I'm a git. I get it!"

"I didn't say that!"

"You just did a couple of minutes ago!" Then he sighed. "Do you live just to turn my existence upside down, Potter?"

I laughed, "Of course not Draco, but it's one of the fun side effects!"

* * *

I was looking forward to Christmas Eve at the Burrow. It was always loud and full of life. We arrived via the floo network around 11:00 a.m. I came first, then Bob, then after about a five minute wait, Draco arrived.

He was looking harassed and angry. Bob ran over and started helping him brush the soot off. "We were beginning to think that you had changed your mind, Draco, what kept you?"

"My father," he spat. "Do you know what Roberta, there are times when I feel that he has really gone around the bend! He told me that if I insisted on going that the least I could do was kill the Weasley's for the good of the cause. When I asked him what cause he was talking about he said 'well son, there is always a cause.'

"OH, Harry!" Mrs. Weasley ran over and took me up into a bear hug to end all. "It is so good to see you again." She smoothed my hair down and looked at me with eyes that could only belong to a mother.

"It's good to see you as well Mrs. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley, I think you know Draco don't you?"

Her eyes glowed. "Yes of course. I am so happy that you could come, Draco."

"Thank you for having me Mrs. Weasley."

"And Mrs. Weasley, this is Roberta Malfoy."

Mrs. Weasley beamed at Bob. "I've heard so much about you my dear. Welcome to our home, both of you. Come in, come in. The children are in the back trying to get a Quidditch game going."

Draco brightened, "Quidditch? Harry, I'll be right back. I'm going to get my broom."

Bob looked at me, "I'm going with him. Do you want yours?"

"Yeah, thanks." I looked at Mrs. Weasley "I'll wait here for them."

In a flash of bright green flame they were gone again.

"She is a very lovely girl Harry. And just in case you doubt it, she is very much in love with you."

I had to laugh, "But Mrs. Weasley, you just met her. How do you know that?"

"I can see it in her eyes, Harry. The way she looks at you...well, it is unmistakable." She quickly wiped her eyes with the bottom of her apron, "well, if we are going to have dinner, I better get back to the kitchen."

Within moments Bob and Draco had returned and we made our way through the kitchen and into the back yard. All seven Weasleys were in the air, and the three of us just watched until Hermione came running over. "Harry!" She gave me a big hug and hugged Bob as well. Then she looked at Draco and smiled. "It's good to see you, Malfoy."

"What, no hug for me too, Granger."

She laughed. "Sure." Then she hugged Draco as well. Which I think really shocked him; at least he looked shocked.

Then Ron landed and stormed over to our little group, "Malfoy! What are you doing...?"

But Hermione stepped between Ron and Draco, "Ron, Draco is Harry's guest. You will behave yourself! Do you hear me?" With a final glare over Hermione's shoulder, he grumbled and took to the air again.

Bill landed, closely followed by Charlie. "Hey you three, I see you brought your brooms. Good. Hi, you must be Draco Malfoy! I'm Charlie Weasley."

I took the opportunity to introduce Draco and Bob to the rest of the Weasley family. Then Bill rubbed his hands together. "Ok, the niceties are done. Now down to business. Since you three showed up we can have five on a team. I get Draco on my team. I've seen him fly. We'll kick your...team...all over the place."

It didn't take long before we were divided up and the game was on. It was Bill, me, Draco, Bob and Ginny vs. Charlie, Fred, George, Percy and Ron. Mr. Weasley was keeping score, happy that there was no longer an uneven number of players requiring him to play.

Bob caught the snitch; three times! It was really no surprise to those of us that knew her. The rest of the day was spent inside around the fire, laughing and telling jokes. I noticed how Draco had maneuvered himself so that he could sit next to Ginny. I looked at Bob and smiled.

Dinner was loud and fun; like most days that I have spent at the burrow. Fred and George kept everyone hopping. Draco was busily talking to Bill about curse breaking and was reaching for a sweet that Mrs. Weasley had set on the table.

Before anyone could stop him, he put one into his mouth and where Draco had been sitting was a large, impossibly yellow, Draco-shaped bird.

Fred and George were rolling on the floor laughing. I was trying hard not to snicker, Bob was laughing behind her hand trying, unsuccessfully, to make it sound like a cough, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were both mortified, Bill was laughing outright and Charlie was patting Draco on the back. "Well, welcome to our family Malfoy."

Percy just sat back, the only emotion showing on his face was disapproval. Herm was just shaking her head and Ron was looking like Draco had gotten what he deserved.

Ginny kept apologizing to him.

After five minutes, the bright yellow feathers began to fall to the floor and disappear. To Draco's credit, he took it all in stride; especially when Ginny started fussing over him and apologizing over and over again.

I heard him whisper to her, "Really Ginny, it's alright. I knew what I was doing."

As the night wore on, the party continued. We toasted marshmallows in the fire. We sang songs and we had a marvelous time. We were all listening to Mr. Weasley talk about capturing the wizard that had cursed the toilets in muggle London when Bob leaned over and whispered. "Harry, where is Draco and Ginny?" I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

It was late, very late when we returned to Malfoy Manner. Mr. Weasley had insisted that everyone get to open one gift since the three of us weren't going to be there the next day. Between you and me, I think that he was just excited about Christmas gifts.

When Mrs. Weasley laid a package in Draco's lap, I thought he was going to cry. He just looked up at her and thanked her profusely. When he opened one of Mrs. Weasley's patented 'Weasley Sweaters' I swear I saw tears in his eyes.

* * *

Christmas morning we all had a lie in. Say what you will about the Malfoys, but they certainly know how to buy comfortable beds. I was rolling over for about the fifth time that morning reveling in the feeling of sleeping on a cloud. The room was dark because the heavy curtains were pulled against the bright morning light, that was reflecting off the snow that fell the night before.

I felt a tickling around my neck and ear. Slowly I became more aware of my surroundings. I hid a smile and allowed Bob to try to get me to wake up. The tickling went away and I felt a weight sit next to me on the bed. Then the tickling was back. I jumped up and threw my arms around her waist.

"Gee Potter, I didn't know that you cared!"

My eyes flew open and I jumped out the other side of the bed. "Malfoy, what in Merlin's name do you think you are doing?" Then I heard Bob, Ludwig and Draco all laughing. Bob ran over to me still giggling.

"Good morning, sunshine! Did you sleep well?"

I scowled at Draco. "Right up until one minute ago." This only made him laugh harder.

Lud was laughing too. "We're sorry Harry! We all decided that if we didn't wake you up, that we would never be able to exchange gifts; Happy Christmas by the way."

"Happy Christmas," I grumbled.

"All right you lot, lets give the man time to wake up. Harry, we'll be in the sitting room."

Bob looked at her father. "I'll be right there daddy." He nodded and left with Draco.

She put her arms around my neck. "Good morning, Harry. I take it you slept well."

"I'm not talking to you!" I pouted.

She stuck her lower lip out and started talking baby talk. "Oh, I'm sorwy Harwy. Do you forgive me?"

I looked at her and tried hard not to laugh, "I don't know. Waking up with my arms around Draco isn't exactly a comforting feeling. In fact it's sort of creepy."

She giggled. "Can you think of a way that I can make it up to you, Harry?"

I finally put my arms around her waist. "I'm sure I'll think of something." I leaned in and just before I kissed her, smacked her on the bottom. She jumped back startled, and then her eyes narrowed.

"Oh, you are in trouble Potter."

I took another step or two back and laughed. "You deserved it and you know it!"

She started stalking me. I dove on the bed and rolled out the other side, "Stay back witch!"

She quickly came around the end of the bed and came at me. I think she was surprised by the fact that I didn't run from her. She ran right into my arms while I smirked at her. I place a quick kiss on her lips. "Your father is waiting for you. I'll be there shortly, unless of course you want me to wear my pajamas."

She gave me a kiss back then walked toward the door, "Wouldn't bother me any!" She wiggled her fingers in a farewell and closed the door behind her.

I dressed quickly and met Bob and her family in the sitting room. We were all seated around a huge Christmas tree, decorated with silver bows and balls. Lud rubbed his hands together. "Ok, I guess we are all here."

I looked at Draco, "Aren't your parents...?"

He shook his head quickly. "No!"

I nodded in understanding, "I'm sorry Draco. If I hadn't..."

But he cut me off. "No Harry. My parents never join me for gift exchanges. We generally just leave the gifts under the tree and we open them when we think of it."

I was speechless.

Ludwig stared at his nephew, "You are joking, Draco!"

"No Uncle Lud, I'm not. Can we not talk about this please?"

"Of course, ok then, let's see. Draco, this is to you from me."

"Thanks."

"Harry, this is for you." I smiled as I took the heavy package. "And this...is for my baby girl. Well, go on you lot. Open them up!" He laughed. Suddenly there was a fury of wrapping and ribbon being torn apart.

Bob ran over and hugged her dad. She was holding a wizarding wireless in her hand. Draco looked at his gift. It was an obsidian dragon about a foot tall holding a crystal ball. "Whoa! This is fantastic Uncle Lud. Thank you!"

"I saw you looking at it when we were in Diagon Alley before term started. I hoped you would like it."

"No, I love it." Draco's eyes were bright with excitement.

"How about you Harry?" I hadn't opened the box yet, I was having too much fun watching the others. I took the lid off the box and removed the tissue paper. It was a chessboard, but one like I had never seen before. It was made of dark cherry wood. The borders of the board were intricately carved in swirls. The board itself was inlaid with alternating dark and light wood with gold tooling separating each square; it was polished to a high sheen. I lifted the lid off the box to reveal the playing pieces. Each piece had been painstakingly carved. The white pieces were made of ivory and overlaid with the same carvings that graced the board's border. Each pawn had a gold orb at the top. The black pieces were actually made of obsidian, and had silver orbs. I looked at each piece in turn and was amazed at the intricate design.

I suddenly became aware that everyone in the room was looking at me. I looked at Lud. "Thank you so much. I've never seen its like. Maybe we can play later."

"I'd like that Harry."

I put the box down. "I've got something for you too." I handed him a box that he opened. It was a jade and silver desk set. The letter opener had a jade handle and a silver dragon wrapped around it. The green quill was tipped with silver so that it didn't have to be trimmed. There was also a matching jade and silver frame with a picture of Bob and me waving as the snow fell around us. It also included his trademark green sealing wax.

"This is very nice Harry! I especially like the picture. Thank you."

Bob handed him a box that contained a black sweater made from the fur of some very soft animal. He smiled and kissed her cheek. "I'll never be cold again. Thank you baby, I love it!"

Draco also handed him a box. It was a wooden box that held a very old book with the corners trimmed in gold. It was a book of obscure potions."

He looked at his nephew, "This is wonderful Draco. How did you know that I love potions?"

"Well, I wasn't sure, but I did know that you had spent a lot of time with Severus, so I assumed."

"You assumed right. Thank you."

There was a knock at the door and Winthrop entered. "Sirs and lady, dinner will be in one hour."

Lud stood. "Thank you Winthrop. Well, I guess we'll have to finish this later. You lot better go change."

"Reluctantly we left the room and went to ready ourselves for dinner.

* * *

Christmas dinner at Malfoy Manner was like nothing I had ever experienced before. As I saw my life stretching out in front of me, I could see many, many years of Malfoy fun ahead. I groaned. I have never been to a more stuffy, tight and unpleasant meal in my life.

We all sat around a huge table, decorated with only the best china, the finest silver and the purest crystal. The tablecloth was white, trimmed in gold. Silver and gold candles floated in the air casting multiple shadows at various angles. Truth be told, the room was beautiful. But that is where the beauty stopped. As the Malfoy family invited their guests the Crabes, Goyles and Parkinsons to sit, a house elf bustled around pouring wine in glasses.

I finally met Draco's mom. If by 'met' you mean that one of us was at the end of the mile long table and the other of us was seated as far away as possible. The meal was served and eaten in uncomfortable silence. I wanted to...no, longed to toss a forkful of salad at Vince, just to get some excitement going.

Bob seemed to know what I was thinking and smiled but shook her head slightly.

I leaned over and whispered in her ear, "You're no fun!" I whispered because to break the uneasy silence seemed almost...sacrilegious. After an hour...I swear to you it was an hour, the elves brought out the second course.

I leaned over and whispered to Draco "How many courses are there?"

"Seven, Eight including after dinner drinks and cigars. Thankfully we won't be permitted to attend that great ritual. After all this, we will go to my rooms and have our own party."

He was brought to attention by a subtle clearing of a throat. I watched him look down the table at his father who was frowning at the audacity of his son to have dared talk; especially after not killing the Weasleys as he had instructed.

Five hours, five excruciating hours! I was praying that someone would perform the cruciatus curse on me just to break the monotony.

Vince and Greg were falling asleep. Bob kept nudging them to keep them conscious. I was kept awake because of Bob too. She kept sneaking a hand over and squeezing my leg or rubbing my arm. Ok, so that part was pleasant.

Draco, because of years of conditioning seemed to be holding up better than any of the rest of us. Finally, Mr. Malfoy called and end to the dinner and excused us too our own celebrating. Then he stopped and called Draco back.

"What are you wearing, Draco?"

He was sporting the 'Weasley Sweater." He looked his father in the eyes and proudly pronounced "It's a Christmas gift father...from Roberta!"

Lucius raised an eyebrow at Roberta "I didn't know that you could knit!"

"Oh! Oh yes Uncle Lu. I made Harry's too!" But he only grunted and refused to look at me. I guess he thought that if he didn't look at me, he could pretend that I wasn't there. That was just fine with me.

Ludwig looked at his daughter suspiciously then smiled slightly. We watched all the adults retreat to Lucius' study then the rest of us went to Draco's rooms.

I collapsed into a chair. "I have never been to anything more painful than that dinner. And I have had the cruciatus curse put on me. Draco, you have been enduring this for sixteen years now. You are my god." I got down on my knees and paid obeisance to my former enemy while everyone else in the room burst out laughing.

Bob giggled. "Yes, oh great one, tell us how you have endured for so many years."

He only laughed. "I usually get through it by thinking about Quidditch, or girls or stabbing myself through the heart with a dagger. You know, you can stay down there Potter. I think I like you in that position."

"In your dreams ferret boy." We all laughed again.

Bob looked at him. "You really should have warned us you know, Draco."

"How do you warn someone about something like that? There are no words that are sufficient to describe Christmas dinner at Malfoy Manor. Usually there is a bit more conversation but...ah..."

Suddenly I understood and nodded and continued for him, "but because I was there he didn't want to give away any family secrets, right?"

Draco nodded, "yeah, sorry about that."

I chuckled, "I'm not! I would go a lifetime and not want to know what he is up too. I've had enough of all that after all."

When I looked at Draco though he looked troubled, "that's not always the wisest course to follow, especially where Lucius Malfoy is concerned. A better course of action may be to watch him like a hawk. I'm sure you've heard the muggle saying keep your friends close and your enemies closer. That is good advice to follow when dealing with my father.

I looked at him trying to decide if he was warning me about something. At that moment I made my mind up to talk to him as soon as we got some time alone. "Thank you Draco, I'll keep that in mind."

Then I rubbed my hands together. "All right, time for presents. I'll be right back." I left the room and came back a short time later carrying an armload of gifts. "Ok, let's see, this is for Vince and ah oh here you go Draco, and Greg and Pansy and this is for Bob.

I had gotten Vince the latest Agatha Christy novels. And I got Greg drawing tools and a sketchbook. Draco got a broomstick repair kit. For Pansy, I got a green sweater. But I couldn't wait until Bob opened hers.

I had had a bracelet specially made. It was silver and gold strands braided and twisted together with a clasp that on one side was a ruby and the other an emerald. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes then threw her arms around my neck. "I have never owned anything so exquisite Harry. Thank you."

I kissed her in a long deep kiss forgetting the other occupants of the room. A not so subtle clearing of a throat and a "hey Potter, people in the room here" brought us apart.

"Oh! Sorry about that. Ah...I tend to get carried away sometimes."

Draco rolled his eyes, "No, really?"

Bob's eyes were twinkling. "Ok Draco, why don't you tell us all how your 'date' went last night."

"What are you talking about? I didn't have a...oh! Well, no! I don't think I will." He waved his hands absently at us. "You two go on and do whatever you want."

Vince and Greg were soon in on the party, "C'mon Draco. Tell us."

"Yeah Dray."

He stood up "No, no, no, no, no! I'm not saying. Besides I have gifts too."

And so our party went. It wasn't long before Winthrop showed up with popcorn and biscuits and hot cider. For some reason, Draco passed on the plate of fudge. Bob and I laughed until we had tears in our eyes.

"C'mon Dray. Fred and George aren't here."

"I wouldn't put it past them to get those little time bombs smuggled in here just to get at me."

Bob explained about the dinner at the Weasley's and the plate of sweets that Draco had accidentally eaten from. By the time Bob had finished the story, we were all laughing uproariously again; even Draco. We were all eating and having a wonderful time, but as a result, we were also making a lot of noise.

Winthrop came back into the room and looked at Draco, "Master Draco, please remember to keep the noise down. You wouldn't want your father..."

"Yes, I get your point, Winthrop. Won't you come in and join us. There's plenty of food here."

"No thank you, Master Draco, good evening to you all." He bowed and left the room. Draco looked a little sad for an instant then the look was gone. He reached for a cup of hot cider and a sweet.

"I can never convince him to join me. I wish..." But he only sighed then took a bite of the candy. Again, a mass of bright yellow feathers with beautiful green plumage was sitting where Draco had been."

We were all laughing so hard that we almost couldn't breathe.

"I'm going to kill you Potter! It will be a painfully slow, torturous death that will bring you great agony and me tremendous pleasure."

We all looked up when the door creaked open again and Winthrop stuck his head in. "Master Draco you..." His eyes widened momentarily when he looked at his young charge. The corners of Winthrop's mouth quivered. It looked as if it was the hardest chore that he had ever done in his life to keep from laughing. He shook his head and quietly closed the door.

Draco looked at the door and started laughing too. "This was almost worth it to see him smile like that!" Then he looked at me. "Did you hear me Potter? I said almost worth it! I will get you back sooner or later. And it will be spectacular!"

I was laughing so hard that I had tears in my eyes and couldn't breathe. I nodded at him. "Bring it on Malfoy!"

Our party was cut short when Winthrop entered the room again. "Masters Crabbe and Goyle and Mistress Parkinson, your families are awaiting you in the foyer." The stoic man nodded toward his young charge, "Ah Master Draco, it is good to see that you are again yourself."

There was another round of laughter as they all picked up their gifts.

The three left the room but Draco turned to me, "Don't leave Harry, I want to talk to you, but I should go down and say my good-byes." I nodded, then he hurried from the room.

I turned to Bob and put an arm around her. "You know, this hasn't turned out to be an all bad experience after all."

Bob caressed my cheek. "Do you have any idea how exceptional you are, Harry Potter?"

"I'm not the exceptional one in this relationship, Bob. Why don't you come over here and sit down with me, and I will tell you exactly why."

"Later love. I think that Draco wants to talk to you in private. Besides, I still have to give you my gift. I'll meet you when you are finished, ok?"

I leaned in and kissed her. "Ok." I watched her as she walked out the door and silently thanked whatever entity it was that had allowed her to fall in love with me.

With a sigh I turned and began picking up wrappings and boxes; stacking plates and cups while waiting for Draco to return. Winthrop came in with a small house elf that hurriedly cleaned the remaining mess and with a snap was gone.

Winthrop didn't leave right away and stood there for a moment before he spoke, "Mr. Potter, if I may be so bold."

"Of course Winthrop, what is it?"

"I would like to tell you, that I am very happy that Master Draco has found that you can indeed, be a friend. I have told him so on many occasions. This friendship between the two of you, is just what he needed. If he went on for much longer the way he was, he would have followed down the path that his father is on, and I would have lost him forever; thank you sir."

"Please Winthrop, call me Harry. I'm uncomfortable with all this 'sir' business; and just so you know, I am glad that I am having a chance to get to know the real Draco. At school...well, it isn't always pleasant. I feel like I have missed out on having a good friend during these past years."

"Ah, but everything happens in its own time. Good evening sir."

"Good evening Winthrop." He closed the door and I sat in a chair and stared at the fire. Life was full of surprises. I had the opportunity to reflect over the last few days while I waited for my new friend. It wasn't long before Draco returned.

"I'm sorry Harry." He dropped into another chair and stared at the fire for a minute, then sighed, "Thank you."

I looked at him but he was still staring into the flames, "for what?"

He shrugged and I could tell that this conversation was difficult for him. "I never knew that Christmas hols could be...fun, I guess."

I laughed. "We did have fun didn't we? But, do you know how much I wanted to throw my peas at someone during dinner, just to get some action going?"

He laughed too. "I've considered the merits of that myself from time to time but the repercussions wouldn't be worth it." He was quiet again for a while then he looked at me, "thanks for the broomstick kit. I love it. I've got something for you too. I didn't want to give it to you in front of the others." He went to a drawer and pulled out a square white box with a red ribbon tied around it. "It's not much, but I hope you like it."

"You didn't need to..." I opened the box and my eyes almost fell out of my head. It was an old silver pocket watch. When I opened the watch there was a black disc where the face would normally be. I looked up at Draco puzzled.

"Ask it what time it is."

"Ok, what time is it." Immediately, red numbers appeared on the black face. 10:58 p.m.

"It also works if you just think the question, in case you are in a situation that noise would be dangerous."

I looked back at the watch, which had gone blank again, and silently asked it for the time. 10:59 p.m. showed on the face. "Draco, I don't know what to say. This is wonderful. Thank you."

He shrugged, "It's nothing, really. I just thought it might come in handy if you decide to become an auror."

I shook my head. "It's not nothing to me. Thank you again. How did you know that I was thinking about becoming an auror?"

He laughed, a genuine heartfelt laugh, "You are Harry-Sodding-Potter, what else would you do?"

I shrugged, "Dumbledore wants me to teach!"

"What a waste of good man power."

"I haven't decided yet. How about you, Draco? Do you have any ideas what you are going to do after you leave Hogwarts?"

He shrugged, "I know what my father wants...no, what he is demanding."

"I have a pretty good idea about what that would be. He does realize the Voldemort is dead doesn't he? I mean, he isn't expecting him to come back again, right?"

"My father is...is...around the bend, Harry. Yes, he expects Voldemort to come back, and he wants to be the only follower who had faith enough to believe it. He is expecting great glory to be bestowed on him. I also think...I believe that, well...I really don't know what I think about him. My mother worships the ground he walks on. She would do anything for him; and that scares me a little. I really don't know where I fit into all of this." He shook his head and began to pace.

Then he turned and looked at me, "Do you like the gift, Harry?"

I examined the watch a little closer. The case was engraved with a serpent wrapping itself around a tree.

"It will also warn you if you are in danger." My head snapped up, remembering the conversation we had earlier, and I looked at him but his expression was unreadable."

"This is the second time tonight you have tried to warn me about something. Am I in danger Draco?"

He ran a hand over a tabletop, pointedly not looking at me, and then sighed, "Not yet! That's all I can say."

"Is it all you can say because you don't know, or is it all you will say because you are being threatened?"

He paced the room still not looking at me and rubbed his temples. "I just don't know Harry. I thought I heard...something as I passed my parents room this morning before you got up." Then he repeated, "I just don't know."

"Can you at least tell me what direction danger will be coming from?"

"I think you are smart enough to figure that out. Keep the watch with you always. It will vibrate when danger is near you."

"I appreciate your warning, and the watch, and I will take it seriously. Thank you."

He only nodded then there was an uneasy silence between us for what seemed like an eternity.

"Well, Bob is waiting to give me my Christmas gift so I should go." I watched the familiar smirk cross his face. "Get your mind out of the gutter Malfoy!"

"Hey! I didn't say a word."

I laughed. "You didn't have to. Good night."

"Good night Harry."

I turned back before leaving the room, "Oh, how did it go with Ginny last night?"

He looked at me for a while, trying to decide if he wanted to tell me about it, then sighed. "Can you stay for a few minutes?"

"Sure!" I sat back down in the chair that I had vacated.

"I had the opportunity to talk to Ginny several times during the day you know."

When I nodded, he continued.

Then last night we took advantage of the fact that her family was otherwise occupied. We went outside while everyone was toasting the...," he scrunched up his face, thinking, then smiled, "oh yeah, the mallowmarshes."

I smiled but didn't say anything.

"We just walked and talked. I asked her if she would ever consider going out with me if I were to ask her. She looked at me strangely. I told her that if she didn't want too, that that was all right. But Harry, she smiled and said that she never thought that that day would come. And that she had wanted to ask me out but was afraid that I would make fun of her. Then I asked her what her brothers would do if they found out. And she made a disgusted noise and said 'who cares what they think.' Merlin Harry, I never thought it was possible. I thought I was doomed to just watch her from across a room. Life is funny sometimes, you know?"

"Yeah, I do." We were quiet for a moment, then I smiled, "So did you kiss her?"

He snorted at me, a very un-Malfoy like thing to do, I might add, "As if I'd tell you!"

"Oh, C'mon Draco you've come this far, let's hear the rest."

He looked at me and shook his head. "No! I'm not telling."

"I'll slip another canary cream into your oatmeal in the morning, and you can sit there and molt right in front of your father. Did you kiss her?"

He gritted his teeth in frustration. I know he thought that I would do exactly as I said.

"Yes, all right. Bloody prat! Go on, go see Roberta."

"Not so fast. Did you like it?"

"Potter, get out!"

"Answer the question, did you like it?"

"You really are a git, aren't you?"

"Did you like it?"

"I'm not answering you."

I started squawking like a chicken.

"Argh...yes, yes, yes, I liked it, ok? You know, blackmail isn't really your thing Gryffindor."

"No, that's the Slytherin side of me coming out. You gonna do it again?"

"OUT!"

He chased me out of the room with a fireplace poker as I left. Through the closed door I yelled, "I'll take that as a yes then." Then I walked down the hall to my room chuckling. It is so fun to get under his skin.

* * *

When I knocked on Roberta's door, she opened it and smiled at me. "Come in Harry." She grabbed my hand and led me to a chair and sat on my lap. She put her forehead against mine. "This day turned out to be ok, didn't it?"

I smiled at her. "Yeah, it did. But I kind of feel bad for Draco. I mean, do his parents even pay any attention to him at all?"

She sighed "I have only lived here since the beginning of last summer, but to tell you the truth I think he has had very little contact with them. I think Uncle Lu is...just not right in the head. I think that when you killed Voldemort, his world came crashing down. I think he snapped, and Draco is caught in the middle. He loves his folks but they won't let him near." She shook her head. "That's probably why he apologized to us at all. Other wise he is completely alone. Well, except for Winthrop, but he isn't at school."

Then she sighed. "But this conversation is getting depressing and we should save it for another time. Right now, I have something for you." She hopped off my lap and went to her wardrobe and pulled out a large gift box. She held it out to me but I pulled her back onto my lap before I took it.

"I like it when you sit with me." I opened the gift and lifted a carved wooden box out. The top was carved with both of our initials in swirls that ended in two entwined hearts.

"Open it Harry."

When I did, music began to play. I started to chuckle when I recognized the tune 'Somebody to Love'.

"It also has a hidden bottom to keep important things safe."

I kissed her neck, "I don't think that you would fit in there love! You are the most important thing to me. Hey, get up a minute." When she did, I lifted the lid of the box and the tinkling music filled the room. "Would you care to dance, Miss. Malfoy?"

Her smile brightened the room, "certainly Mr. Potter."

I pulled her close and I was lost in her presence. I very quickly became aware that she was my life; that there was nothing that she could ask of me that I wouldn't do. I pulled her even closer and buried my face in her hair. I whispered in her ear, "I love you doesn't seem sufficient because what I am feeling is so much more than that."

Then she pulled slightly away and looked up at me with tears in her eyes. I began to panic, "did I say something wrong?"

She smiled at me and buried her head on my chest. "Of course not silly, I'm just happy."

"Oh," I chuckled, "Well, in that case, you are getting my shirt wet!"

She laughed and poked me in the rib.

I made the mistake of jumping, and her eyes took on a devilish gleam. "Oh, so you are ticklish, huh?"

"Nope, not in the least."

"Liar!"

I will give her this, when she gets an idea in her head, she is relentless. I ended up having to pull her back to my chest and pin both of her arms at her side. Still she twisted in my grasp, but threw her arms around my neck. I kissed her like my very life depended on it. Slightly out of breath, I looked at her and whispered, "Bob, I can't do this. I have to leave before..."

We didn't hear the door open and only came apart at a gentle clearing of a throat, "Oh, Lud! I didn't hear you come in."

He laughed, "That's obvious Harry since I've been knocking on the door for several minutes now. Don't you two think that it is getting a little late?" He looked pointedly at me.

I looked at Bob. "I think, my love, that that is my cue to leave." I kissed her quickly. "Good night Bob, Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas Harry!"

I looked at her father. "Happy Christmas, Lud. By the way you still owe me a game of chess."

"Tomorrow?"

"It's a date." With one last look at Bob I left. Outside of the door I shook my head, leaned against the wall and closed my eyes in frustration, knowing that a cold shower was in my very near future. With a sigh, I tucked the music box under my arm and made my way back to my room.

The rest of the Christmas hols were a blur of activity. Bob, Draco and I made several trips back to the Burrow. I assumed that things were going well between Ginny and Draco because he always jumped at the chance to go back. But for some reason, he would never answer my questions about it, go figure!

Before long, the Hols were over and we returned to Hogwarts. Our compartment on the express was crowded to say the least. There was Bob and me, Ron and Hermione, Ginny and Draco, Vince, Greg, and Pansy, with several visits from Gryffindor and Slytherins alike.

I pulled out the chess set that Lud gave me for Christmas and challenged Ron to a game. Draco started out just giving me little hints now and then, but in utter frustration yelled, "Who taught how you to play chess Potter?"

I didn't take my eyes off the board, but answered, "Ron!"

"Oh, I see. He taught you just enough so that he could humiliate you every time you play. Does that about sum it up?"

"No, that's not it at all. I'm just not very good at strategy."

Draco screwed up his mouth and looked at me disbelieving. "You could have fooled me!" Then he looked at the board again, "No idiot! Take his knight with your queen!"

Then Ron glared at the Slytherin, "No coaching Malfoy!"

"Why not? The way he is going he will lose in five moves! Geez Weasel, if you are going to teach someone to play, the least you could do is teach 'em how to play well! Or are you afraid of a little real competition?"

"Bring it on Malfoy! I'll wipe the board with you!"

I started laughing, "Ron, I will gladly move aside if you would like to play Draco."

Draco pulled me out of my seat and took it. "No maybe about it, Potter. Set it up Weasley!"

So it went. Every time someone spoke they were shushed. If someone opened the compartment door they were kicked out. This went on all the way to Hogwarts. As the train pulled into Hogsmead station the game was declared a stalemate.

Ron looked up at Draco and stared at him for a while. "Maybe you aren't so bad Malfoy. We went the whole trip and didn't try to kill each other once."

"Only because we were otherwise occupied Weasley."

I jumped in "Ok guys, we have a good thing going here. Let's not muck it up with thought." Everyone laughed, then we all exited the train and returned to the school.