Merry Christmas
By: Elwyn
Hermione Granger pulled the covers up over her head trying unsuccessfully to drown out the giggles and laughter of the girls in the dorm. It was useless. She flung the covers down, and sitting up stretched her arms above her head lazily. It was only as she yawned and looked around did she realize what today was.
"Merry Christmas!" Lavender Brown called noticing that Hermione was finally awake. "Looks like Santa was extra nice to you this year." Hermione smiled back at the girl then looked down at the pile of gifts awaiting her at the foot of the bed. She had the usual ones from her parents, 'Clothes no doubt', and a couple from Harry and Ron, and even one from Mrs. Weasley. She guessed she had finally gotten over the Rita Skeeter articles.
There was one small package addressed to her without a name. Hermione undid the ribbon and carefully opened the box. Her breath caught as she stared down at the most beautiful bracelet she had ever seen. The diamonds and sapphires sparkled even in the dim light. A small card tucked in the bottom read simply: "Come to the Great Hall." Hermione slid the bracelet onto her arm with a smile. She dressed quickly, ignoring the pile of other presents and slipped from the room.
The halls were still empty, but she could hear the commotion of students coming from the other dorms as she made her way down the stairs. She pushed open the doors to the Great Hall and looked around. A rather large Christmas tree sparkled in the corner and a fire was burning in the huge fireplace next to it.
He was wearing dark shoes, and black trousers. A soft sweater accented his muscled back as he stood in front of the blaze. Hermione felt her lips part in surprise as he turned around. The red rose he held contrasted with the white of his sweater and the paleness of his skin. "I didn't think you would come if you knew it was me." He said holding the rose out to her. Hermione said nothing, but held the rose to her face, inhaling the beautiful scent. "You like the bracelet?" He asked, noticing it on her wrist. "The moment I saw it, I knew you had to have it."
He turned back to the fire, the red and orange flames reflecting in his gray eyes. "I don't think I could ever find the words to apologize for the way I've treated you over the years. All I can say is that I was wrong, and for that I am sorry. I hope one day you'll find it in your heart to forgive me." Hermione came up beside him and stared into the flames as well. "If you give me a chance, I can give you the world." He whispered.
"I don't want the world." Hermione said softly. She saw his face fall, the expression on his face particularly heartbreaking. She had been the one to find him, that night. Voldemort and his followers had somehow gained entry into Hogwarts. The battle raged, and lives had been lost. Lucius had been ordered to kill his son when Draco wouldn't join his ranks. With nothing else to do, Draco had been forced to kill his father to save his own life, but not before suffering under Cruciatus at his hands. It was Hermione who had helped him to the Hospital Wing. It was Hermione who had held him as he learned that his father had killed his mother before coming for him. It was Hermione who convinced the others that he had truly changed. It was Hermione for whom he had fallen in love.
"I don't want the world." Hermione repeated, "All I want is you."
Draco smiled, and pulled Hermione into his arms. "I love you Hermione." He whispered.
"I love you to, Draco." She smiled back, the tears in her eyes spilling out and trailing down her cheeks. "Merry Christmas." She smiled up at him until his lips met hers in the most tender of kisses.