The Marriage Decree

Chapter 88: It's Christmas! (Part 2)

When they reach the front door, they find it already open with Sophie stood arms crossed with a frown on her face.

"HI Sophie, what's the matter?" Hermione asks, trying to enter the house but her cousin wouldn't move.

"You said you'd be here at six o'clock." She huffs.

"It's quarter past, we're not that late." Draco points out.

"I've been with Lauren and Craig all day. They're so childish." She tells them.

"They are children, like you, maybe you should be a little childish for the holidays," Draco suggests, earning himself a glare.

"Just because you're playing with games with Lauren and Craig, it doesn't mean you're childish too, it just means you're a great cousin. They're having a tough time with my Mum and Dad being at the hospital with the babies. We need to be extra nice to them, okay?" She reminds her.

"Okay," She sighs, stepping aside to let them in, slamming the door behind them.

"Merry Christmas, Sophie," Hermione tells her cousin handing her a small box.

"Hey, no gifts until tomorrow." David chides them, taking the box out of his daughter's hand.

"Dad," She whines.

"No, go put it under to tree." He tells her.

"It's from our friend Pansy, so it's probably magical," Hermione explains.

"Fine, put it under the tree in your room. You can open it away from everyone else tomorrow." He tells Sophie seriously.

"Thanks, Dad." She takes the box back.

"Do I have any other magic presents?" She asks, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Perhaps." Hermione smiles, summoning two other gifts for her cousin.

"Who are these from?" She asks, holding them in her arms.

"It's a surprise." Hermione says as Draco says, "Blaise and Percy."

"Draco!" Hermione stares at Draco, her hands on her hips, making Sophie laugh.

"Did they really get me something too?" She asks, trying to see the label on her presents

"Of course they did, they like you," Draco tells her with a smile.

"Hermione, Draco, do you want a cup of tea?" David calls from the kitchen.

"I'd love one," Hermione calls back.

"I think we need one," Draco adds quietly for Hermione who nods with a chuckle.

"Sophie, why don't we take your present upstairs to hide," Hermione suggests. "Is that where Athena is?" She asks.

"Yes, she's hiding from Lauren and Craig." Sophie grabs hold of her cousin's hand, pulling her up the stairs. Draco leaves them to it, going to help David in the kitchen.

"How are you, David?" Draco asks, leaning against the counter near the kettle.

"So tired." He sighs. "I'm glad I've only got one kid. I don't think I could manage with three permanently." He admits. "I don't know how Sarah and Chris are going to manage with four kids under the age of six." He adds, pouring boiling water into three cups.

"They won't be doing it alone. Hermione and I are more than happy to help." He says. "And you and their grandparents have been helping out." He adds.

"You two don't need to be spending your free time looking after your cousins," David tells him. "Especially since you'll be having your own child soon if this law of yours is anything to go by." He raises his eyebrow at Draco as he collects the milk from the fridge, pouring a splash into each cup.