They’d decided that since his probation required him to reside at Malfoy Manor for the holidays, Draco would discuss with his mother the truth of his relationship with Hermione– to the extent that the blood curse would allow him to share– and would then ask Hermione to join him for a few days in order to speak with Philippe Malfoy’s portrait. Beyond the bond, Hermione was curious as to the magical history that Philippe might be able to speak to and she couldn’t wait to ask him every question that had plagued her since she found out the cypress tree was a real place. 