The Dragon, The Lion and The Serpent

Christmas Ball and Malfoy Manor

"Too short!" Hermione exclaimed, looking at the crimson dress before her.

The end of term had finally come and the Christmas Ball was happening the Friday night before the Christmas holidays began. Hermione had decided not to stay at Hogwarts this year, but go skiing with her parents to try and take her mind off things while she still could.

The weekend prior to the ball, Hermione had promised Ginny to go dress shopping with her at Hogsmeade, but so far, neither of the girls were having much luck.

"Ginny I'm tired! Can we call it a day?" Hermione whined.

"No we can't!" the younger girl retorted, dragging Hermione into another shop. "You're going to the Ball with my brother this year and I want you to look gorgeous!"

Hermione cringed at the thought of Ron. She had accepted his invitation as a friend, but seeing the grin on his face, she finally realised how deep his feelings were for her.

*****

(flashback)

Hermione smiled up to Ron as he walked into the Heads' common room. She was curled up in one of the sofas, reading through her essay when she spotted the fiery redhead.

"Hi!" he greeted her.

"Hello Ron. How are you doing?" she said sleepily. It was nearly midnight and she was glad Malfoy was nowhere to be seen.

"Good. I wanted to-" But he stopped short and sat down next to her hurriedly.

"Hermione," he started again, his ears going bright red, "will you go to the Ball with me?" he blurted out quickly.

She looked back at him surprised. Although a couple of boys had already asked her to go with them, she had politely refused. But now, she realised she had no choice. Everybody had to go to the Christmas Ball and besides, she was the one organising it! It was only in a couple of days now and she was running out of time to find a partner. Maybe she should go with Ron after all. He was her best friend and she had desperately wanted to go to the Yule Ball with him in fourth year.

"Of course I will," she finally answered brightly.

"Really?" Ron exclaimed incredulously, grinning madly. "Great, I'm so pleased you said yes!"

"Yeah, I'm glad too," Hermione said, looking back at her essay, but then suddenly felt his hand on hers.

Uh oh!

"I also wanted to say -" But he paused again and Hermione held her breath in as she realised what he was about to tell her.

But she was wrong.

"Thank you," he finished. He kissed her on the cheek and left, leaving her behind, bewildered.

Was she unintentionally leading him on? Sure, she had had a crush on him back in fourth year, but she had never thought of Ron as a boyfriend or anybody else for that matter except Dra -, no Mal -, actually nobody.

It wasn't like that Slytherin git was going to ask her to the Ball anyway. She was a Gryffindor after all, and everyone already knew that he was going with Abigail.

Hell, the whole school knew about them going together and couldn't stop talking about it. It was Hogwarts' biggest gossip at the moment; how Abby had dumped Zabini and was now Malfoy's date for the ball. Hermione, of course, took no notice of the rumours, but still wondered how Malfoy had managed to convince Abigail to go with him.

*****

"Found it!" Ginny squealed, holding out another dress from the rack.

"Ginny, for God's sake, I don't want -" But Hermione paused, speechless, as she looked at the gown and gawked.

"Oh Gin, it's absolutely perfect!" she managed to cry out.

A few days later, Hermione was looking at her reflection in the mirror and felt sudden panic bubble inside of her.

"I'm not going!" she cried out, over her shoulder.

"Oh Hermione, honestly! You look gorgeous! I didn't even think you, of all people, could look so good," Ginny retorted grinning.

Hermione glared back at her before contemplating the mirror once more. She was wearing a creamy white satin strappy dress, which flowed from her waist down, but modelled her upper part of her body quite nicely. The cleavage was a problem though, there was too much of it. How come she didn't notice it in the shop?

"Hermione, you're a witch," Ginny reminded her with a hint of exasperation in her voice. They had been getting ready for several hours now. "If you want a few adjustments, just use your wand."

Ginny stood behind her friend in a dark blue velvet dress, very much like Hermione's, but with sleeves. She was waiting impatiently for Hermione to finally come down to the common room, where Ron and Harry were waiting for them. Ginny had asked Harry out to the ball as friends and he had accepted after much persuasion. He seemed depressed yet again ever since he had found out about Abigail and Malfoy.

"Are you coming yet?" Ginny asked again impatiently. "I don't want to miss the start. Besides as Head Girl, you should have been there at least ten minutes ago!"

It was true, Hermione was late, but she had purposely delayed going to the Great Hall where the ball was held to avoid a certain blond Slytherin.

"Yes, I'll be down in a sec," she answered, using her wand to put her hair up in a stylish manner.

"You look - wow!" Ron muttered loudly, as Hermione finally joined him in the Gryffindor common room.

"Thanks," she answered smiling. In truth she was quite glad of her appearance. She didn't think she had it in her to look so sensual and glamorous, but it really all came down to the dress.

"Right, I'd better hurry for Head duties. I'll see you at the ball in a bit," she called out, walking hurriedly out through the Fat Lady's portrait.

Reaching the Great Hall, she stopped a few seconds to contemplate the magical decorations. Everything had been decorated with silver and white and the hall looked absolutely stunning. It was as if she was walking into a fairy tale world. She spotted McGonagall glaring at her from across the room and quickly started helping a couple of prefects arrange the buffet. She also noticed the wizard band getting ready in the corner for the dance.

The first couples started arriving and soon the hall was filling up within seconds. Only fourth years and above were allowed at the ball this year, the other students had already gone home or had stayed within their common rooms. Dumbledore suddenly appeared on the raised dais next to the band and Hermione, having finished her duties, turned around to listen to him just as he performed a 'Sonorus' spell. She didn't see a pair of steel grey eyes follow her every movement from across the hall.

She was quickly joined by Ron, Harry and Ginny as Dumbledore started a very long speech about Christmas and its values. She quickly tuned out, having heard it before and looked around the ballroom appreciating the other girls' dresses and received a few jealous glances from them in return and also a few winks from a couple of Ravenclaw guys, which caused her cheeks to turn red.

However, her ears suddenly picked up on the unexpected last words of Dumbledore's speech.

"And to start a new tradition this year, I now invite the Head Girl and Boy to open the ball with a dance. Enjoy your evening everyone."

The crowd of students and teachers cheered and applauded as Hermione looked back at Ron in horror. She had to dance with Malfoy in front of the whole school? Why hadn't the teachers warned her before?

The hall went dark and a spotlight suddenly burst on her. Hermione felt her cheeks go red as hundreds of eyes fell upon her. Smiling from embarrassment, she quickly made her way to the centre of the dance floor where Malfoy stood waiting for her. As most of the other boys he was wearing a Muggle tuxedo and Hermione felt she was going to swoon at the mere sight of him. He looked incredibly angelic and under the spotlight, his ivory skin seemed to gleam. His hair was perfectly combed back except for his bangs, which fell into his eyes, casting shadows upon them.

Like a true gentleman, Malfoy held out his hand and as soon as she took it, the music began. It was a waltz and Hermione was grateful she knew how to dance to it.

"Looking good Granger," Malfoy drawled in her ear as they danced around the hall, watched by everyone. He had no trouble dancing at all and Hermione noticed that his limping must have finally healed. "Almost seem like a pureblood."

Hermione decided to ignore the insult and smiled up at him instead. "You like the dress then?"

"Definitely," he answered, his eyes shining devilishly.

"You don't look too bad yourself," she admitted, as they waltzed around the dance floor.

At her words, the hand on her back slipped lower down to her waist. "I know. I'm a Malfoy," he stated with confidence.

The other couples finally joined in and Hermione felt herself drowned in a human sea.

"Didn't know you could dance," Malfoy continued to whisper in her ear.

Hermione laughed softly at his comment. She had learnt over the years by watching Muggle movies and practicing during New Year's Eve parties with her dad.

"You don't know much about me," she retorted teasingly.

"You're wrong," he breathed softly, "I know you still want me."

His words caused Hermione to abruptly stop dancing. Luckily, the song had also finished at that instant and Malfoy immediately left her side before she could answer him, disappearing through the crowd just as Ron appeared behind her.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked her, looking quite worried. "I can't believe they made you dance with that prick!"

She smiled warmly back at him and reassured him that she was fine, finally accepting to dance with him as her mind wandered elsewhere.

Several hours later, Hermione had left the dance floor after dancing with several Gryffindor boys and found herself seated at a table by herself still contemplating on Malfoy's words. What was wrong with him? Why did he keep rejecting her? They hadn't spoken to each other for several days and suddenly he was saying all these things. Why? What exactly was happening between them?

Is this what they call love?

But Hermione quickly dismissed the thought, preferring to confront the Slytherin instead of spending the rest of her evening trying to decipher his emotions. Reaching the Slytherin end of the Great Hall, she spotted Abigail for the first time. The Slytherin girl was dancing near the tables with Blaise and looked extremely bored.

She had gained back the weight she had lost over the past few months, although she still looked quite thin. Her dress was simply amazing and Hermione wouldn't have been surprised if Malfoy himself had picked it out for her. She wore a dark green satin dress, which had several layers to it. The top part was a corset whilst the rest of the gown flowed freely around the girl's legs. She looked stunning, but quite uncomfortable.

Hermione noticed a few guys trying to catch Abigail's eye, but they soon took the hint that she was with Blaise as he glared back at them. Abby seemed completely oblivious to them and instead her eyes suddenly focused on somebody else standing across the hall.

Following her line of sight, Hermione realised that she was staring at Harry, who was dancing with Ginny nearby. He seemed to be enjoying himself and as soon as he noticed Abigail's gaze, he dared to wink back at her. Hermione watched them from afar as the next dance started and Harry walked through the crowd towards Abigail, who discreetly left Blaise's side and cunningly side-stepped past several Slytherin guys, unnoticed.

But she did not manage to fool Malfoy, who immediately appeared behind her. As he realised who Abigail was planning to dance with next, he swiftly grabbed her arm and spun her round, away from the Boy Who Lived. Hermione stepped even closer to the Slytherins in order to hear their conversation as they began to dance to the music, both glaring angrily at each other.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked her dangerously.

Abigail looked anything but pleased to see him.

"Nothing," she answered loudly over the music.

"I hope so," Malfoy continued, leading her around the dance floor. "Remember Abby, Slytherins have no business with Gryffindors. Slytherins stick together."

"Whatever you say Malfoy. You know I'm only doing this because you said you'd help me with my father in return," she said coldly.

"We'll see about that when you stop making goo goo eyes at Potter!"

Abigail suddenly pushed him away in anger and stormed out of the Hall and outside into the gardens. Hermione followed her out with her eyes until she felt her hair stand on end as if she were being watched. A pair of fiercesome grey eyes had spotted her, eavesdropping.

Malfoy.

Neither of them noticed Harry follow Abigail out into the gardens as Hermione turned away and innocently picked up a drink from a nearby table, making her way over to the Gryffindor corner until she heard her name being called out.

Turning back around, Malfoy stood right behind her, looking very annoyed.

"Listening in on Slytherins, are you?" he asked coldly.

"No," she lied.

"Don't play dumb Hermione," he warned her. "Your curiosity has no limits."

Realising lying was no good, Hermione sighed deeply in return. "You can't control her, she's not your puppet," she told him bluntly.

His silver eyes instantly narrowed down at her. "That does not concern you in any way."

Oh Malfoy, if you only knew about Abigail and I, what would you say then?

"What do you want from her?" she finally dared to ask, sipping her drink nonchalantly.

"How did she ever accept to go to the ball with you?"

Her questions remained unanswered as Malfoy looked around him cautiously before pushing Hermione away from the crowd. He apparently didn't want anyone overhearing their own conversation.

"Why must you always make things so complicated?" he whispered loudly, holding onto her arm. Two deep pools of silver looked straight back at her and she felt something inside her shrink.

"I think you know why Draco," she breathed out.

Caught off guard, Malfoy seemed surprised before his expressionless mask returned and he gripped her arm harshly and led her outside into the gardens. None of the students seemed to notice the tension between them as they walked down the flower path hurriedly. The garden was beautifully decorated and dimly lit; perfect for couples that wanted a bit of intimacy, but all Hermione could think about was the cold winter wind, encircling her body and causing her skin to have goose-bumps.

She shivered at the cold but refused to go back inside without getting any answers. As soon as they were far enough away from the other students, she felt Malfoy let go of her. She turned around to face him, but he walked off straight past her, avoiding her gaze and refusing to even look at her.

Hermione had had enough, it was time she got those answers.

"What do you feel Draco?" she asked him, suddenly set and determined although he had turned his back on her.

"I don't feel anything," he answered on the beat, harshly.

Refusing to be brought down by the cold or his coldness, Hermione stepped closer to him.

"I think you do Draco. I think you're just scared of what it might be," she breathed out.

He suddenly turned to face her and smirked. "Wait - is this about love?" he laughed out. "Do you think that I love you?"

Watching him laugh at her hurt more than she had realised, but she knew it was nothing but pretence.

"I don't know, that's for you to figure out," she admitted calmly. "But as long as you hide from those feelings, you'll just keep rejecting me, only to lure me back and reject me again! And I can't take it anymore!"

Why she was saying all this, she wasn't sure anymore. But she was fed up of his games and it was time someone put a stop to it. Malfoy glared dangerously at her, but it only angered Hermione more than anything else.

"You're just too screwed up inside to realise what you even really feel Draco!" she shouted back at him. She could see him shaking with rage, but it didn't stop her. "You refuse to have any feelings and so you let yourself become someone you're not!"

"You're wrong!" he roared to her, meaning to leave, but she held him back.

"No matter what you say, love wandered inside of you! It was stronger than your own

will!"

Hermione's lower lip began to tremble from the cold, but she didn't care. It was now or never; if she couldn't get to him now, then there was no more hope left. Malfoy looked back at her speechless and his silence exasperated her. She let go of his arm and stepped away from him, laughing bitterly and throwing her own arms up in defeat.

"You know what, you're right!" she cried out angrily. "I do want you, but I'm not giving in this time!"

*****

"Hermione, are you okay?" Ginny asked, eyeing her drunken friend anxiously. "You've had an awful lot of Firewhiskey and let's face it, you hardly ever drink!"

Sitting in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione looked at the party around her. The prefects had organised an after-party in every house but it was obvious that Hermione was miles away from the Gryffindor one.

When she finally got to the party, after clearing up the hall, half the people in Gryffindor Tower were already drunk and Ron had even tried to kiss her, but she had pushed him away. He had then passed out on his bed and Hermione had curled up in a corner downing drink after drink.

It was pathetic really. Even she admitted to it, but she couldn't help herself.

Damn Malfoy! Why did he chose to become a stupid Death Eater anyway? Why does he has to torment me like this? And why does he have to be so damn gorgeous in that suit?

"Hey Hermione?" Ginny asked again, waving a hand in front of her friend. "Have you seen Harry?"

"No," she answered quietly, getting up to her feet. Her head began to spin incredibly fast and she held onto the wall for balance. Ginny went off to fetch her some water and then, they set off to the Heads' quarter, after finally spotting Harry among the Gryffindor boys.

*****

When Hermione entered her common room, she suddenly noticed how dark it was inside. She meant to sit down by the fire but realised Malfoy had beaten her to it. He was sitting quietly in an armchair, leaning forward towards the fire and with his hands over his head. He had taken his jacket off and with the light of the fire, Hermione could see his lean body through his white shirt.

He was incredibly handsome.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Draco Malfoy, sulking in front of the fire. How very touching!" she sneered as she kicked off her shoes and fell on the couch, facing his back.

Malfoy looked at her with narrowed eyes and got up from his seat.

"Are you drunk?" he asked coldly.

"Nooo!" she answered childishly, smiling to herself. "Ok maybe - whatever - I'm

heading off to bed in any case."

She got up swiftly, picking up her shoes, but Malfoy stood by her in a flash.

"Sit down," he ordered. "We need to talk."

"No we don't. I don't care about anything you have to say. I am fed up of talking to you: my enemy, in case you don't remember, a man without feelings!" she spat out, before turning around to leave.

"Hermione, I-"

"No!" she cut in. It wasn't fair; he couldn't just say her name like that anymore! He didn't love her after all! "Just leave me alone Malfoy. I can't take it anymore."

She walked back to her flight of stairs, but he quickly held her back.

"For God's sake, what the hell do you want?" she cried out angrily, turning back to face him.

"You."

Before she could answer him, he lifted her chin with his hand and kissed her. Hermione felt her mind go blank as she sensed his soft lips on hers and quickly dropped the shoes from her hand. It was as if Draco had lit her up from inside and she responded to him with passion. Granting him access to her mouth, his tongue explored it, softly massaging her own. She pulled him eagerly closer and in the end her back hit the stair railing, as the kiss became more lustful, making her moan with delight.

Hermione had been waiting for this all night; all year or maybe all her life.

His hands left her waist and made their way up her dress. He lifted her up and she instantly wrapped her legs around his waist. Without disconnecting the kiss, Draco made his way to Hermione's room where they both fell onto the bed.

Hermione laughed softly, the effects of alcohol still wearing off, although she was perfectly aware of what she was doing. Draco grinned at her, as his hair fell into his eyes and his soft grey eyes looked into hers.

He was gorgeous and tonight he was hers.

Draco's smile slowly faded to a frown. "I have to warn you Hermione," he whispered to her, his silver orbs gleaming in the moonlight. "I don't know where this will take us."

Hermione wrapped her arms around his shoulders and gave him a warm smile.

Whatever it was she was feeling now, she had tasted enough to know that she didn't want to stop. For a first time in a very long time, Hermione was happy and she wouldn't think about the consequences of her actions until tomorrow.

Draco started kissing her again, trailing down to her neck as Hermione lay back on her bed moaning in pleasure and inhaling his intoxicating scent. Her body was on fire and her mind in heaven as his hands continued to roam over her curves. Draco lay lightly on top of her, between her legs and she could feel he was getting excited too. Her dress had come right up to her hips and would soon come off altogether.

Hermione started to undress him as he kissed her fully on the mouth. First the bow tie, which already hung loosely around his neck, then she untucked his shirt, unbuttoning it as fast as she could. Nearly ripping it off, Hermione then proceeded to slide out of her dress and Draco unhooked her bra. She lay under him, half naked and suddenly felt shy, but he looked at her with the same lust and ardour in his eyes and soon started kissing her again, slowly making his way down to her breasts.

She was back in pure bliss as Draco's mouth sucked at her nipples while his hand roamed along her thighs.

"We'll need a contraceptive charm," he mumbled continuing to work his magic.

"I'm on the pill," Hermione almost moaned out.

He looked up at her confused, but she smiled back. "It's a Muggle thing, don't worry."

He fell back on her, kissing her frantically as he pulled off his black trousers and finally his boxers. Hermione finally shed her knickers off and shivered slightly.

"Are you cold?" he asked her softly.

She nodded and he pulled the covers over them. As he entered her, Hermione gasped grasping the sheets tighter in pain but it soon got better as she loosened up enjoying the pleasure he was giving her. She felt hot flashes all over and inside her and an incredible feeling started to grow in the pit of her stomach. She wanted more; she was craving for more.

Murmuring his name in his ear, she arched her back, holding onto his strong broad shoulders, both moaning with pleasure before falling back on the bed, sweating and breathing hard.

*****

Hermione woke up in the middle of the night with a start. Memories of the night slowly came back to her as she felt Draco's strong arms around her and she ...

Oh my God, what have I done?

She clung onto the satin sheets, wanting the intolerable feeling of guilt inside of her to disappear. Turning around, she looked out through the window, having forgotten to close the curtains and thought about what had just happened to her. Her very first time.

A single tear suddenly dropped from her cheek on to her sheets.

I can't believe I gave up my virginity to Draco Malfoy!

Feelings of shame and disgust crept in her mind, but as she looked down on the peaceful angel sleeping next to her, her heart melted and a smile appeared on her face. Whether she would admit it to herself or not, Hermione Granger had fallen for the Slytherin with angelic features and she had fallen deep.

Hermione woke up the next day feeling hung over and cold. The warmth of the arms holding her during the night had gone and as she rolled over confused, the bed was empty.

Draco was gone.

*******************

(Abigail's POV)

It was finally the Christmas holidays and Abigail felt happier than ever as she entered the Great Hall for breakfast. She sat by herself, away from the Slytherins. She was too lost in her thoughts about last night to notice Pansy sending her jealous glares or Blaise trying to catch her eye.

(flashback)

Abigail stormed out of the Great Hall to the gardens nearly stumbling on her ball gown.

To hell with Malfoy! What a pompous ass! She fumed silently as she stepped into Hogwarts gardens, avoiding the couples sitting on the benches.

Harry soon caught up with her and smiled amused as she continued ranting about the Slytherin Prince. He finally gave her his cloak as she began to shiver from the cold and held her in his arms, trying to keep her warm.

"You know, if someone saw us like this, we'd be in so much trouble," she began,

looking up into his gleaming green eyes.

They looked even more alive and powerful than ever and Abigail suddenly realised how close Harry was standing before her. He leaned in casually and she couldn't stop herself from smiling as she felt his body pressed against hers through the cloak.

"I don't care about the others," Harry whispered softly in her ear. "Do you?"

Abigail looked back at him surprised. It was the first time she had ever heard Harry speak with the same confidence and near arrogance as in fifth-year. She was even more surprised as he suddenly leaned in to kiss her. His warm soft lips seemed to melt against hers and deciding that she didn't care either about what the others could say, Abigail kissed him back.

*****

Sitting at the Slytherin table, Abigail realised Malfoy was missing, which seemed strange as he rarely missed any meals. She looked up at the Gryffindor table and spotted an empty space next to Ron and Harry. However, she forgot about Malfoy and Granger the moment she caught Harry's eye. He winked at her and then pointed discreetly to the main door. Abigail quickly understood that he wanted her to follow him.

Waiting for him to leave the hall, she got up and followed him out several minutes later into the main corridor, which was always empty during breakfast time. Looking around for Harry, she suddenly felt a hand grab her from behind and pull her back.

Spinning around, Abigail came face to face with the grinning Gryffindor.

"Hi!"

"Hey!" she greeted, kissing him lightly on the lips.

"I just wanted to say that I missed you," he said, dropping kisses down her neck.

Abigail giggled softly, but eventually pushed him back.

"I'm sorry Harry, but I need to find Malfoy before he leaves Hogwarts. I need to settle a few things with him," she said, taking his hand in her own.

Harry's face fell at her words. "Malfoy? What for?"

"I'm going to his house, or rather manor in a couple of days. My father is there and I need see to him," she answered trying to sound casual about it.

However, Harry's reaction wasn't quite the one she had expected. He dropped her hand and furrowed his brows, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"Harry, there's no need to be upset. I think my father is being held there against his will and Draco is going to help me get him out."

Oh no, did I just say Draco?

Abigail mentally kicked herself for saying his first name as she watched Harry try to control his rising anger.

"Well, if you need to settle things with - Draco, what are you waiting for then?" he said between clenched teeth, stepping aside.

"Harry, come on, you know it's not like that," Abigail tried to defend herself. "He finally agreed during our last lesson to help me with my dad and -"

But she abruptly fell silent as she realised her own mistake.

Harry's eyes narrowed at her words. "Lesson? You don't have any lessons in common with Malfoy."

Abigail took a deep breath, not too sure what to say next.

What the hell! I can't keep my deal with Malfoy from him forever.

"No, it's not what you think," she told him quietly. "I'm actually teaching Malfoy some magic."

She felt so guilty as she spoke that she could barely look at him. Harry paused as he battled with his mind about this new piece of information. Abigail thought she had made a mistake before, but now, this seemed far worse.

"You're teaching Malfoy your family secrets?" he demanded coldly, his green eyes narrowed at her.

Abigail panicked at the harsh sound of his voice. "I thought you knew," she lied, feeling her heart beat rapidly against her chest. "I thought I'd made it quite clear to you Harry. My family is neutral to this war, but I saved Ginny and killed a Death Eater and so in order to remain neutral, I have to help the other side by teaching Malfoy."

"And when were you planning on telling me this?" he suddenly shouted at her, his eyes wide in disbelief. "Does Dumbledore even know about this?"

"Snape does," Abigail breathed out, fearing another outburst.

"Great!" he yelled once more backing away from her. "This just keeps getting better

and better! Tell me Abby, with how many more of my enemies do you spend time with behind my back? No, don't tell me: you also meet up with Voldemort for tea every Tuesday!"

She deserved every ounce of his anger, but it still stung her badly and Harry wasn't finished yet.

"Do you realise that this could all get us killed!" he whispered furiously as students began to file out of the Great Hall. He was starting to frighten Abigail. She had never seen him so angry before.

"No I swear, no one is going to die!" she cried out, her face turning pale at his words.

"Oh of course!" Sarcasm seethed through his words as his bright green eyes glared down at her. "And last year; all those friends we used to know Abby, what do you think happened to them?"

He glared at her intently, a look of revolt on his face. His words had had the same effect on Abigail as a slap across the face and she merely stared back at him, speechless, and with tears glistening in her eyes.

"Harry, you're not being fair," she said quietly, looking up at his angry face. "I wouldn't help Malfoy if it was up to me, but I don't have any choice in this!"

"No, you're the one not playing fair, Abigail. How very Slytherin of you!" he said in disgust before walking away from her.

Abigail watched him disappear amongst the crowd in a daze until she felt hot tears fall on her cheeks.

*****

Barely an hour later, Abigail finally spotted Malfoy in the main hall, waiting by his school trunk.

"What happened?" he asked as he saw Abigail's red eyes.

"Nothing, nothing at all," she answered softly. "Are you leaving?"

"Yes, right now," he said, looking troubled. "I'll see you in a couple of days. We'll meet as planned. If you want to save your father, then everything HAS to go as planned. Do you understand?"

He looked at her sternly, but Abigail noticed something about him was wrong. Somehow, he didn't seem as cold anymore, but much more nervous. What was going on?

"Fine, I'll see you soon then," she told him as he enchanted his trunk and left the castle. She watched him disappear down the muddy path until he reached the Hogwarts entrance gates where Apparition was possible.

Watching him leave, Abigail secretly wished that she were Malfoy for a second - he was going home to his family for Christmas - her family, on the other hand, would never be the same again.

"Have you seen Dr - er, Malfoy?" a voice suddenly asked behind her.

Jumping back to reality, Abigail turned around to see a very anxious-looking Hermione, with wild bed hair and a tired expression on her face.

Looks like Granger's experiencing the delights of a hangover.

"He's just left," she told her, raising a curious eyebrow at her. "Hermione, I don't mean to be rude, but you look awful! Exactly how much did you drink last night?"

"Oh no, it's not the alcohol!" Hermione answered quickly, trying to smoothen down her hair. "I just - didn't sleep very well."

She seemed very odd and confused, but Abigail thought nothing of it. Before she could bid her goodbye, the Gryffindor girl suddenly grabbed her arm and led her aside, away from the other students.

"Abby, I have to tell you something," she whispered quietly to her. Her mind seemed to battle on whether or not she could reveal her secret and then, she remained silent for several seconds.

Abigail rolled her eyes. "Hermione, I don't have all day. What is it?"

The Head Girl quickly snapped out of her thoughts. "Oh, I - I just wanted you to know that - well - that - that -"

She paused avoiding Abigail's eyes.

What on earth is wrong with her?

"That time you saw Dumbledore, before you went to hospital, well it wasn't him!"

Hermione eventually blurted out.

Abigail blinked back at her. "What?"

"I talked to McGonagall after and we're sure about it. The man you and Harry saw that day you were brought to the hospital wing wasn't Albus Dumbledore," she explained more slowly.

"Merlin's beard!" Abigail breathed out quietly. "Who do you think it was?"

"I was going to ask you the same question," Hermione answered, shrugging her

shoulders. "But I do hope that he wasn't a Death Eater."

They stared at each other in silence, lost in their thoughts before Hermione finally spoke up.

"I need to go and get changed I think or otherwise I'm going to miss breakfast entirely. Happy Christmas Abigail, I hope you enjoy your holidays," she said politely, although her eyes were full of worry.

"And please be careful," she added as an afterthought. "Remember you're not all powerful and Death Eaters will surely come after you for saving Ginny."

Abigail was surprised at Hermione's sudden honesty but didn't let it show on her face and smirked instead. "And who said I wasn't all powerful like the Death Eaters?" she teased, laughing as she spoke. "I certainly showed them!"

Chocolate brown eyes filled with pity gazed back at her.

"Abby, you're just a sixteen-year-old witch."

Her deadpanned voice struck Abby like ice-cold water and instantly wiped the grin of the Slytherin girl's face. Turning her heels, Hermione quickly stepped back up the stairs, leaving a baffled Serpent behind.

*****

Abigail spent the next couple of days by herself at Hogwarts. Nearly all the students had gone back home for Christmas and the castle was oddly empty. She managed to return to St Mungo's to see her mother, whose condition had not improved since the previous visit. Abigail swore to thoroughly read the Serpent books once she was home again to find some sort of potion that could help her get better, although she already knew that there were none.

All day long she couldn't help thinking about Harry and the argument they had had. The Boy Who Lived surely hated her now. She tried not to think about it too much, but it bugged her day and night and she finally decided to write him a letter to say how sorry she was and ask for his forgiveness. It was the least she could do after all.

Finally, it was time to meet with Malfoy. Before noon, Abigail packed her bags and left the castle for Hogsmeade where she could safely Apparate to their rendez-vous point. It was a small Muggle town not far away from Malfoy Manor. Lucius wasn't supposed to be back from some sort of Ministry business until the following week and so Malfoy would pick her up from the Muggle town and help her rescue her father kept in the manor.

When Abigail Apparated to the small town, she quickly took off her black school cloak, revealing denim jeans, heels, a thick winter jacket and a shoulder bag where all her belongings had been shrunk in size to fit in. She walked down the town's high street, looking curiously around although she had been to the Muggle world several times. She sometimes preferred it to the magical one. Looking at the Christmas decorations in the shop windows, she smiled. It reminded her of home and it suddenly hit her how much she missed it.

Out of nowhere, Abigail slowly heard the sound of a roaring engine and screeching tires approaching behind her. She turned around and made a face as she saw a silver Lamborghini speeding down the street and abruptly halt in front of her.

Dear Merlin, you have got to be kidding me! And I thought he hated Muggles and everything that belonged to them!

The driver's black tainted window rolled down, revealing a devilish smirk.

"Hey Malfoy," Abigail greeted with sarcasm. "Did Daddy buy you a new car?"

He opened the door for her and she walked around the car to hop inside.

"Talking about Lucius, we have a problem," he told her quickly as he took his foot off the brakes and sped off down the road again. "He came back from his 'business' trip last night."

Putting her seatbelt on quickly and cringing in fear every time the car swerved round a corner, Abigail cast him a concerned look. "Ok, well I guess we'll just have to deal with him first."

"Remember, there's no 'we' in this! He mustn't know I'm helping you!" he cautioned her, turning left onto the motorway.

"Okay, okay!" Abigail cried out annoyed and she switched on the radio, which suddenly blasted out some latest Muggle song.

"Merlin, you actually listen to that stuff?" Malfoy exclaimed, looking at her in disgust.

"Hey! I'm not the one driving some Muggle means of transport!" Abigail cried back in disbelief.

He shrugged as they came to the gates of the Malfoy estate. They were enormous, bigger than anything Abigail had ever seen, and a large 'M' was engraved in the middle. It took them more than twenty minutes to actually cross Malfoy park and reach the house or rather mansion Abigail realised as she stepped out of the car.

"Wow," she exclaimed looking at Malfoy Manor in admiration. It wasn't the creepy and dark house she had pictured at all, although it did seem rather old. The snow-covered park around it was beautiful and Malfoy, stepping out of the car, smirked back at her.

"Like it?" he bragged before leading her to the large front door. It opened straight away before they even reached it and a tiny creature, a house elf, stood behind the large dark mahogany door looking frightened as anything.

"Oh, you have a house-elf!" Abigail said excitedly, smiling brightly. "My mum never allowed us to have one!"

Malfoy looked at her strangely before turning back to his elf. "Where's Father, Speck?" he bellowed at him.

"In his office," the petrified creature squeaked before rushing off into the house.

"Malfoy!" Abigail steamed, hitting him in the arm. "You frightened it!"

He shrugged before making his way into the house towards his father's study, literally dragging Abigail along with him as she couldn't help, but pause to admire each and every room.

"We have to be quick and surprise him before the house elves tell him that I'm back!" he reminded her before finally reaching another pair of large oak doors.

"Just walk in and stun him or something," Malfoy suggested to her.

"What? You're a Death Eater and that's the best plan you could come up with?"

Abigail exclaimed in a whisper, "I already have a plan anyway so stop worrying!"

She entered the large room and immediately saw Malfoy Sr., Voldemort's second in command with his back turned to her, ruffling through some papers.

"I already told you not to disturb me!" he barked loudly, making the mistake of keeping his back turned.

Abigail smiled at his stupidity as she pulled out her wand. "I think you can probably make an exception for me," she called out amused.

Spinning around furiously, Lucius took his wand out in a flash, but it whipped out of his hands and into Abigail's before he could use it.

"What are you doing here?" he growled at her.

"How rude! You're the one who invited me over for Christmas, remember?" she reminded him, stepping closer to him. "But in all honesty, it was only a matter of time before I eventually came to see my father."

She was only a few metres away from him now and held her wand dangerously pointed at him.

"Now if you don't mind Lucius, I'd like to see him without you being in my way. Stonificus!" she cursed at him.

Caught off guard, Lucius screeched out in pain as his body slowly changed from pale white flesh to pale grey granite. Within a few seconds, the study fell silent again as Lucius' body had completely transformed into a stone statue. Malfoy rushed in at the cry and stopped abruptly as he saw the statue of his father before him.

"How the hell did you do that?" he demanded, his eyes wide open with shock.

"I already taught you that spell," Abigail answered quickly, turning her heel on Lucius.

"You mean the 'Stonificus' spell can even be used on people?" he stated in disbelief as she walked past him and out of the study.

"Yes," she said with unease as she realised Malfoy's enthusiasm. "But it takes time and practice and it only worked for your father because the idiot let his guard down and didn't have a wand to defend himself."

Malfoy looked dumbstruck at his father and suddenly turned around, a frown on his face. "Can he hear us?"

"No," she answered impatiently, looking for a way back to the main entrance. "Can we find my father now?"