Draco trailed behind Hermione as she weaved through the crowd under the Christmas lights of the London market. Potter was just up ahead with Ginny. A group of them were invited to Sirius Black's home, at Harry's request. So far it was turning out to be quite the holiday.
He wasn't sure when it had happened, when the sight of Hermione's long brown curls began enticing him. And her scent, oh Merlin, her scent was that of a fresh rainy morning mixed with eucalyptus and mint.
"Sorry" Draco retracted his hand that kept accidentally bumping into Hermione's.
The young wizard fought to stifle the desire to lock arms with her, but seeing all of his friends, -Harry/Ginny, Luna/Neville, Ron/Lavender, bloody hell, even Sirius with his fiancee, Ishani -it was getting harder to deny his own feelings.
"Come sit with me on the bench, I want to show you something" Hermione's hand briefly rested on Draco's shoulder before she led him to a wooden bench surrounded by trees that had millions of lights scattered all over. "Now, lean back and look up." Hermione's hair dangled and soon, Draco mimicked her actions. "It's beautiful."
"isn't it though?" It was as if they were staring into a reflection of the ground. It was a sight he'd not soon forget.
"Oh, enough of that." Hermione sat upright. "I could use a glass of wine."
"Ms. Granger, I had no idea you were so...edgy. Drinking wine?" he teased.
"It's a night of celebration! And besides, I've had my fair share of butter beer. You've just not been around to witness such badassery." she giggled.
"Touche."
"You know Draco, a year ago I would have never imagined you becoming a really great friend."
Draco's heart sort of sank. Friend?
"Yeah well, it's funny how things work out huh? Life is always changing. Who knows where we'll all be in a year from now." Draco was trying to be vague while searching those big brown eyes for any mutual feelings that even he himself didn't fully understand.
"Oi, you blokes ready to go? I'm freezing my nuts off out here! Sirius found the whiskey he was looking for. Bloody muggles and their alcohol." Ron tightened his coat around himself to keep warm.
"Honestly Ronald, do you even go to Hogwarts?" she laughed, standing up to walk past the redhead, leaving Draco to his own devices.
"What's that supposed to mean? What does she mean?" Draco pat him on the shoulder. "She means you could've cast a charm to warm yourself, mate."
"I knew that! I just didn't want to..to alarm the muggles. Magic and all that."
"Riiight."
Following his newly found friends into an ally where Sirius had stationed a port-key to 12 Grimmauld Place. "C'mon then, let's get back before Molly has my head on a platter for supper." Sirius winked, and they were off.