Oh, new friends. There was Olivia, who reminded Hermione slightly of herself in the way that both of them were very focused on education. Olivia, however, was only twelve, and quite quirky and adorable. Then there was Bryce, who was always ready to help, even if it meant grouping up with a few Slytherins once in a while. He reminded Hermione a bit of a cross between Harry and Ron - tolerant, strong, and quiet, but very clumsy and also sometimes very stubborn. There was that girl in Ravenclaw... Alicia, that's right. She was a seventh year, very tall and thin like a model but also very awkward. She'd even made an acquaintance or two in Slytherin. This included, of course, Draco Malfoy.
But what was it about Malfoy lately, anyway? He'd been kind, and eager to help and, well, nice, Hermione almost couldn't believe she was still talking about the same guy that had bothered her for years. But then again, he wasn't the same snide little boy she'd met the first day at Hogwarts, was he? Even since then, he'd changed slightly, making less rude comments and less glares in the hallways. This year, she'd hardly heard a peep out of him, until this, of course. He'd been complimenting her all week, assisting in the behind the scenes work instead of just enjoying the fun. But what could be causing that? He'd asked her to sit with him at Dinner, he'd taken her for a walk around the grounds, and then surprised her with the sledding, and then that awkward moment after they'd crashed... it was an absolutely mental idea that she was having so much fun with Draco!
She rolled over onto her other side, hoping to maybe catch a few more minutes of sleep before she had to rush down and post the gift list in the room of requirement. She'd skipped breakfast again - something she might not mind getting accustomed to - just to spend more time sleeping. That's what break was supposed to be for, after all, and she hadn't gotten any work to do over the break. Finally realizing that she was not going to be able to drift off again, Hermione rose from bed, got ready, and headed to the room of requirement. There was a very long day ahead of her.
GIFT LIST - If anyone wishes to jot down a few items they might like for Christmas, they may feel free to write it beside their name here. Be sure to only records items within reason - around 2 galleons or 20 sickles. If you purchase, or definitely plan on purchasing, an item for someone on the list, please see Hermione or Draco, they will cast a spell on the list that will allow others to see that you've gotten it, but not the person who is asking for it. Happy Holidays! - HM
Hermione Granger - a pair of warm gloves and/or, a gift certificate to Honeydukes, cat treats, a new coat (size small), new slippers (size womens 6.5), a mug, or a new set of quills.
Satisfied with the post, Hermione settled in to read for the remaining four hours before lunch. The room was nearly full, Hermione could only name one or two hufflepuffs who hadn't visited the room, and yet she was not interrupted until nearly an hour later. The mad rush after people had discovered the list was a little more than Hermione could handle. She quickly put down her book and instructed everyone to form a line outside, so no one could hear what was going on. So much for no interruptions. One by one, students filed in, checked the list, and named things off for Hermione to charm off the paper. To her, everyone's requests were visible but her own, and the same was true for everyone else. Towards the beginning of the line, Draco stepped in, scratching his head. "Draco, alright. Be quick. What are you getting, and for whom?"
"Quick and to the point, Granger. I do like that. I'm getting Olivia her book, since she can't go into Hogsmeade at all being underage, and Avery is getting a sneakoscope..." As he moved his way from the bottom of the list up, Hermione's suspicions were confirmed - what he'd said at the first meeting about buying gifts for each of them was true. "And now your gift, 'Mione... you'll just have to step outside for a minute..." she did, and the others giggled at her. "Oh, hush... Draco's just crossing off whatever he plans on getting me."
Hermione expected that she might be ushered outside a few more times, but did not expect to be expelled nine times. When the line was finally done, Hermione went back inside to check the list. It had worked out perfectly, everything was crossed off everyone's lists. Well, she thought, I can't be too sure of my own, but I'm pretty sure I've gotten at least one or two things... One thing in particular that she noticed was that while Draco had planned on getting something for everyone, he asked nothing of everyone else, not even bothering to write down a list of a few things he might want.
Lunch was hurried, everyone who would be making the walk to Hogsmeade was discussing shopping, and snacks there, and presents. Draco sat next to Hermione and they went over the list of items they needed to get in town, as well as a few they only wanted. After everyone had gathered their things and met in the entrance hall, they were lead over to Hogsmeade for a long afternoon of fun.
"Alright Draco, where to first?" Hogsmeade looked amazing. There were lights and garland strung from every surface, enchanted candles floating and bobbing merrily among the shoppers and walkers, the entire village covered in a thick blanket of plush, sparkling snow. It was like something straight from a Christmas card, and everyone was in a good mood walking the main street.
"I think possibly Honeydukes... even if we don't have anything we have to get there, we could enjoy some sweets while we walk..." their arms linked (for warmth, she swore to herself), he lead them to Honeydukes. A strange thought hit Hermione on the way over, she and Draco had never really discussed doing all of the shopping together, or spending the entire afternoon together in Hogsmeade, it just happened...
He purchased over two pounds of candy for the both of them, carrying it in the hand of the arm linked with Hermione's. In town, they could really only get things for wrapping presents, and cocoa, and Christmas Crackers, but Draco also had plenty of shopping to do for the others. The first stop was Zonko's - not Hermione's favorite destination of the day, as she did not approve of most of the products within, but she grudgingly went inside with Draco, helping him pick up quite a few gifts for other students. She was shocked when they reached the counter and he paid for his things, he'd spent 25 galleons, 5 sickles, and 7 knuts in one shop alone! But, he was a Malfoy, money surely wasn't a huge deal to him. And he seemed so happy to buy things for everyone else...they went through Honeydukes, Draco bought almost 45 galleons worth of Honeyduke's certificates, they went through Dervish and Bange's, Scrivenshaft's, and Gladrag's, with Draco making her leave slightly before him in a few shops, and by the time they were finished getting gifts, it was near 5 o'clock. They only had gift wrapping things left, and then they'd have a short time to stop by for a butterbeer before heading back to the castle.
Loaded with bags, they also had to pick up gift wrap, ribbon, bows, and some tape and scissors. Now they were absolutely loaded, they couldn't even continue to link arms as they had before. Setting their packages in by the door in the Three Broomsticks, they sat down at a small booth in the corner. Madame Rosmerta walked around to get their order. "Two butterbeers, a little ginger in mine please." While they enjoyed their drinks, various students stopped by their booth to say hello and gawk at the large pile of packages by the door that Draco just had to point out to everyone. The pair chatted about their purchases and drank their butterbeers, excited to get back to the room and wrap presents but making use of every minute they had left in Hogsmeade.
"Full day, wasn't it?" Draco took a long sip.
"More than full... it was absolutely bursting. I'm exhausted already, and I have so much wrapping to do..."
He laughed. She could get so worked up over the simplest things, and it always made her cheeks flush just right...
'To hell with wondering, to hell with denial... I believe part of me feels... attracted to her. To Hermione Granger." He laughed again at his sudden realization. This could complicate things, yes it could.
"Of course, so much to do..." Taking a chance, he reached his hand across the table and took hers. Expecting her to pull away or make a comment, he took it as a good sign when she stayed quiet for a moment and did not take her hand back.
'Maybe...' she thought, 'maybe Draco is MUCH different than I thought... this is... strange, but nice. Very nice.' She took a chance and squeezed his hand slightly, he smiled and squeezed back. The afternoon finally came to a close, and on their way back to the castle, their arms were so full of packages that another chance at grabbing hands was impossible. But if they'd had a free hand each, you could bet that would all change...
After Dinner was over and everyone had gone back to their common rooms and dormitories, Hermione had an idea. She'd wrap her gifts now, when no one else was in there, and that way there was no way anyone would have any idea of what she might have gotten them. Grabbing her things and sneaking down to the room of requirement was no problem - Fred and George had shown her many of the secret passages before they'd left Hogwarts - and so she set off and began wrapping.
A nice scarf for Olivia, an extendable ear for Avery, a nice set of sugar quills for that particularly helpful Ravenclaw boy...
Hermione heard footsteps behind her.
"Down here to wrap gifts? I didn't peg you for the sneaking type."
She recognized the voice immediately.
"And I didn't peg you for the type to be sneaking into a cheery room at all."
"Point taken. Need any help?"
"I'd love some."
Draco set himself on the floor across from her and they set to work.
"I didn't get you anything, as you didn't write down a single thing."
"I did that on purpose... nobody needs to get me anything."
"Well, they probably don't need to, but don't you think somebody might have liked to have gotten you something?"
"Probably not. You know how I usually am, or used to be, or... whatever that is."
"Well, I know I would have liked to have gotten you at least a little something. You've really been great so far, Draco."
He smiled and reached for the tape.
"And I haven't been miserable with you either, 'Mione. There is one thing I want for Christmas I suppose, but... nah."
"What then?"
"Don't you worry about it. If it's meant to be, it will be... I just hope this room knows when it's time..." He looked to the ceiling, Hermione looked quickly at him in confusion and then fixed her eyes on the paper below her.
"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about, Draco."
"Oh, you might..." he threw the tape back to her, shocking her slightly. She looked up at him, reaching for the tape, and he smiled at her. Their hands brushed against each other. She absolutely melted. Even if she wasn't quite sure what was happening here, she was definitely sure that she liked it.
Another hour or so later, Hermione had wrapped all of her gifts. She used a space enlarging charm to ensure there was enough room under the tree for everyone's gifts, then stowed hers all to one side, neatly stacked and organized.
"Typical Hermione move..."
She stood up, looking Draco in the eyes. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Always neat. Organized. Precise. Never a hair out of place... well, maybe not your hair, but..."
She mock slapped him. "Draco Malfoy, I'll have you know that I can be quite... spontaneous at times. Quite a rule-breaker."
"I doubt that."
"I can! Do you not remember Dumbledore's Army last year? I started that. Me. I've used every secret passageway in Hogwarts but one. I've been out past curfew a total of forty three times in my years here. I've missed breakfast three times since break started. I've used magic outside school once. I've been off grounds, just last year, without permission. I've been into the Forbidden Forest, or snuck down to Hagrids with Ron and Harry, plenty of times. And I've stolen so many ingredients from Snape's potions cabinet it's ridiculous..." she stopped in front of him, sticking a finger to his chest before continuing again.
"And? I sense an 'and' there."
"And I've never once gotten in trouble, for any of it."
Come to think of it, he never had heard of Hermione Granger even getting so much as a detention. She'd always managed to slip right under the radar.
"Fine. Maybe a trouble-maker, but spontaneous... I bet it takes you hours to make any simple decision."
"Oh? And what makes you think that?" She had begun walking in circles around him while he stood just above a chair.
"You just took ten minutes debating whether to wrap Avery's gift in Gold or Red paper."
"That's completely different! I can be spontaneous, honestly!" She was beginning to get a bit annoyed with his accusations. Hermione Granger was NOT perfect, though she sometimes might strive to be. She could be spontaneous...
"Really? Give me one good example?"
She flicked her wand a few times and the mess began cleaning itself. Rolls settled themselves into a neat pile along with the decorations and tools.
"Well... there was that time... when... oh shut up!" she was in front of him now, and she took a moment to playfully slap him. She hit his abs, and got a feeling she couldn't shake when her hand hit solid muscle.
"You've never done a single spontaneous thing in your life, besides those adventures with Potter and Weasley! Face it, 'Mione... you're an over-planner. You're a list maker, and a schedule writer, and a slow, decisive, over-planner." He was mocking her now, and she couldn't help but smirk. He was probably right. However, continuing around him in circles, Hermione could think of a few things that might make Draco realize she could be spontaneous, like hexing him, or making the scissors chase him around the room, or changing some of their plans around - but that would just be more planning, and magic, and that didn't feel right...
"Well... I can be spontaneous." She took a few steps around until she was standing just inches from him. Toe to toe, she realized he was much taller than when he was simply standing beside her. She was only 5'3, and from here, he must be at least 6 feet tall. His eyes met hers, brown meeting blue, and she looked away, feeling her face flush.
"Prove it."
Those words seemed to ignite something in her. He had challenged her - Draco to Hermione! - to prove something of herself. Hermione would not take this, no sir. With a hard, blazing look in her eyes, she took the last step towards him, nearly knocking him backward into the chair. The smile fell off his face, a serious expression taking its place. For a moment, neither of them could breathe. And then, perfect timing, Draco tore his eyes from hers to glance upward to the ceiling. Mistletoe sprung forth, growing and curling quickly until it was just inches over his head. Satisfied that the room could hear his mental request, he turned his gaze back towards Hermione...
... who took the opportunity to snake her arms around his neck once more, this time for not so little as an innocent hug. Her fingers intertwined behind his neck and she pulled him closer still to her, their chests pressing against each other and knees knocking silently.
Craning her head upwards towards him and standing as high on tip-toe as she could, Draco still had to lower his head slightly to reach hers. An inch apart, they stopped. His hot breath hit her lips, her shaky breaths hit her own, and they were both immediately reminded of their sledding crash and the following position...
It was Hermione who, as dared to, closed the distance between them, brushing her lips lightly against his. He let out a shaky breath, quavering under her spell. This was not the Hermione Granger he'd known before, this girl was a vixen, an absolute minx, he could not get enough of her, he could not pull her close enough... But she did not allow him to think much more of it, as soon her lips were pressed against his own. This was not the dare Draco had given her, but she was damned if he didn't want it. His reaction showed that he did. He wrapped his arms still tighter around her waist, his hands trailing up her back, over her hips, and back up... Her lips parted slightly to grant his tongue entrance, and so he took the opportunity and followed as planned. Tongues swirling together, hearts beating against each other, it was some fabulous un-named symphony, some fantastic, unearthly music she wished she could listen to for the rest of time... She took her chance, pushing him slightly back so that he fell into the chair. Wasting no time, she climbed on top of him, it was easier at these heights, and the mistletoe took cue and stretched even farther, to still be just over their heads... his hands ran up her sides, one stopped there on her waist and the other trailed still farther up, slowly running up her ribcage, over her breasts and then up to cup her face. Her hands tangled in his hair, their tongues still perfectly entwined, hot breath escaping every time they pulled apart ever so slightly...
Minutes, or hours, or what may have been days later, they calmed down, trailing off to finish with one slow, delicious peck on the lips. Hermione moved so that she was sitting across his lap, and buried her face into his shoulder, arms still around his neck, smiling into him. Though she could not see, he was smiling as well.
"Right... spontaneous you are then, 'Mione... and... I don't even know... yeah."
"I've never known you to be at a loss for words, Draco."
"I've never known it of myself, either."
And moments later, the mistletoe retracted itself back into the ceiling, and two very flushed faced students rose from a quite comfortable chair.
"I'll walk you halfway."
He took her all the way up the stairs, stopping only when they had reached the top.
"I guess I'd better be going then... And I guess you win."
"I suppose I do. Goodnight, Draco."
"Goodnight, Hermione."
She turned around, but he could not let her be gone that quickly, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to him, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her into the hair, so she was taller than he was, and pressed his lips to hers once more. She blushed, he let her down, and she dashed off down the corridor, leaving him absolutely breathless.
That night, each of them lay in bed smiling, recounting the events of the past few days, particularly that night...
'Yes,' Hermione thought. 'This could turn out to be a very merry Christmas after all....'
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