Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Nothing is made from this.
A/N - just a quick one-shot based loosely on the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" (I don't own that, either). Rhythm doesn't follow the original poem exactly. To make it easier to understand, Hermione's in italics, and Draco's speech is underlined.
Twas the night before Christmas
And through the Heads' Dorm
The two were a-fighting
As it was their norm.
"I hate you, you ferret!" the Gryffindor screamed
"To see you in prison is what I've long dreamed!"
"You self-righteous swot!" Head Boy hollered out
"It's criminal that your kind is roaming about
Makes me want to die as you strut round the castle-"
"Hold still for two seconds, and I'll save you the hassle!"
The witch raised her wand, and the wizard shrank back
(He remembered what happened with her last attack)
Though a Muggleborn bitch and a pain in his ass,
It was easy to see why she's head of the class.
He was loath to admit it; twas against all he'd learned
But the magic was in her and the knowledge she'd earned.
Thanks to her, his belief had been turned on its head
Though he'd never admit it - he'd rather be dead
He stopped and he studied from her head to her toes
Took in the wild curls and the eyes like a doe's
Her delicate features and rosy pink lips
The swell at her chest and her gently curved hips
And then the truth hit him and made his head sore;
It was no longer in him to hate anymore.
"I can't do this. I'm done," And the blond turned away.
He was utterly stunned when a soft voice said, "Stay."
"I can't do this either, I'm tired of these fights.
But I have no idea how to put this to rights."
He sat on the couch and bade her perch near
She did and then pushed a soft lock 'hind her ear
"Do you really despise me?" Came his tremulous query
"I'm sick of the hate speech; it makes me quite weary."
She paused and she pondered, her eyes bright with tears,
"After all that you've done? I would say 'yes, for years.'"
"I should expect that; for I deserve naught
But I wish you'd remember it's what I was taught."
"It isn't my lack of conceptual comprehension,
But you're old enough now that it's time for dissention.
I've seen glimpses and flashes that there's good in you
However, your positive moments seem few.
I don't want to hate you, don't want you to die
But I'm sick of the tears and I've had my last cry."
Her fiery eyes pinned him, his head hung in shame
"I'm sorry for everything, I'll take the blame.
I don't really enjoy it when you're hurt or you cry...
If you'll give me a chance, I promise to try."
Long silent moments passed slow 'tween the pair
Then a tiny hand touched him; his brows shot to his hair.
"I'll make the same promise. We'll see how it goes."
He gave his agreement and then he arose
When he got to his room at the end of the flight
He turned with a smile and said "Granger? Good night."