Luna arrived in the morning wearing a nice dark blue dress, but with her usual radish earrings via the floo network. She was carrying her school book bag, and leading a dark blue and white kneazle on a leash. Draco was with her, and they were holding hands, and laughing at private jokes between them as they handed off their coats to the house elves to be put away.
Luna noticed me first, "Hermione! Draco, honey, take Star in hand you know how she gets in a new place."
The kneazle cat blinked her golden eyes, and then meowed a pleasant greeting. I smiled, "Well, hello to you too. I almost expected a niffler from how your note sounded."
Draco grinned, "Believe me, she wanted to, but I talked her out of it at the last moment."
Luna socked him in the arm playfully. "Oh, hush, nifflers are very useful pets, honey. They can find lost things, and--"
"Destroy your house for shiny things," Draco cut her off, "And people get them just because they're cute. Just like you."
She kissed him, and he kissed her back. I cleared my throat, "Be that as it may, I think it's best if the house elves handle Star."
"No need. Dobby?"
Dobby appeared, and greeted me happily, "Oh! Dobby has heard how wonderful yous treat your house elves, Mistress Hermione, so Dobby thought he would work only for Master Draco if he lets Dobby wear what he wants, and he has! Dobby loves kneazle cats, oh yes, he does. It's a pity Master Lucius never had them in the Manor...Is that bad of Dobby to say, Master?"
Draco shook his head. "Nope. My dad can be a real stick in the mud. Will you take care of Star here?"
Dobby nodded his head excitedly, "Oh yes, yes..."
Smocky popped in, and Dobby trailed off noticing her. She rose an eyebrow at me, "Mistress, Smocky can take the pretty kneazle in hand if she will allow? Who is this house elf? He's appealing."
I forced myself not to laugh, "Smocky, this is Dobby. He used to work for the Malfoys, but now just works for Draco."
Smocky nodded. "Smocky sees. Welp, best come with Smocky, Dobby, as Smocky is the head housekeeper. Will Mistress be taking tea in the solarium as planned? The refreshments are already laid out with the usual silver set, and the potions."
"Yes, I think that will be good. Thank you, Smocky, and get Dobby settled in, won't you? You know the usual schedule," I ordered.
"Of course, Mistress, right away."
The two house elves disapparated with the kneazle and Luna caught my grin. "What's so funny?"
"Dobby might have to watch his front," I observed, "Smocky tends to have an eye for male attention."
Draco and Luna laughed, "Well, I am starved. I hope there's pudding," Luna put in. "Or at least good jelly for the crumpets."
"I think we might have pudding. I'll ask one of the house elves," I answered. "Anyway, let's go have our tea time, and see about the rest of the Christmas preparations."
"You really do sound like the lady of the Manor now," Draco stated, approvingly. "I like it..."
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We settled into the solarium, and made light conversation, and Luna did get her chocolate pudding as she asked for. The snow fell steadily outside, giving off that lovely Christmas card ambiance outside as it coated the nearby trees, and gave everything a frosted over appearance. I served the refreshments, as per etiquette, and we were halfway through our tea pot when it was announced that Malfoy senior arrived with Severus.
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Unexpectedly Expecting
FanficTimeline: Wizarding War 1997 After the murder of Albus Dumbledore on the astronomy tower occurs, Hogwarts is thrown into chaos. Harry chases after Professor Snape and his party, and Hermione follows, determined to stand by her best friend. However...