Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, all belong to J.K. Rowling.
A/N: This story is in response to the Christmas 2002 Challenge posted on WIKTT. Here are my selections from the rules list:
-Hermione's in school.
-Winter ball.
-Someone plays Santa/Making Angels in the Snow.
-A snowball fight.
-Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.
-Stunning Revelation about Someone's Parentage.
-Someone gets an embarrassing gift, opened publicly/privately.
"You look ravishing tonight"
"This should be illegal"
"Don't stick/throw that in there"
"Do I look like a red-nosed reindeer to you?"
"Tell me, what do you REALLY want for Christmas?"
"There's something I'd like to tell you, but I'm afraid of what it might mean."
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!"
And here we go!
~*~*~
I am no ordinary woman. In fact, I am as far from ordinary as one could get. For you see, I am a witch. One year ago I graduated -- top in my class at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
I'll give you a little background information on me, starting with the fact that I am technically 19 years old. In my third year at Hogwarts, I was permitted use of a Time-Turner in able to participate in all the classes I had signed up for. A year in use gave me a year in life. Myself, my two best friends, Professor McGonnagal and Headmaster Dumbledore are the only beings who know this truth, and I'd like to keep it that way.
In fifth year I was made Gryffindor Prefect; thanks largely in part to my obsessive studying habit (which I still have, thank you very much). I was made Head Girl, as was predicted by many after my first year at school. I enjoyed learning new and interesting things every day; however, my favorite class was most definitely Potions (Even though Snape was a greasy-git a vast majority of the time).
You must be wondering how much I've changed since you last heard from me. It's been four years, yet nothing about my appearance has changed drastically. I've still the same mass of bushy brown hair that resembles a eagle's nest, my hazel eyes still shine with excitement, fear and curiosity. I've grown a few inches, but I was still the shortest girl in my year; though now my build is that of a maturing young woman, instead of a gangly pre-pubescent teenager.
Though I'm usually not a vain person, I do take some pride in my womanly curves and ample bosom. And I do have to give a plethora of thanks to Draco Malfoy for giving my the smile I always dreamed of, yet never thought possible until I came here.
But I digress. I am not here to tell you about every inch of my body...no, I am here to tell you my story.
It all began during the Christmas Holidays in my 7th and last year at Hogwarts. Classes had just let out and excited teens were scurrying to and fro; all in a hurry to get on the train and head home for a blissful 2 weeks free of learning.
That year Harry Potter and Ron Weasley were part of the throng of students jamming onto the crowded train. The two, who were - and still are - my best friends, had decided to spend the holidays with the rest of the Weasley family.
I chose to stay behind, and for one reason only: I wanted to work on my Graduation Project.
What is a Graduation Project, you inquire? Each 7th year was given a list of topics to chose from on our first day back, chose something from the list, and complete a comprehensive study and thorough analysis of whatever we had chosen -- due on the last day of classes before finals.
My topic was "The Theory and Practical Use of Complex Potions and their Involvement with the Immortal Arts." It was, by far, the most difficult topic on the list; and no one, save Snape, was surprised that I had jumped at the chance to study it.
Anyways, naturally my parents were disappointed at my decision; though they didn't dare pry me away from my studies. A good decision on their part.
When Harry and Ron came to say goodbye and bid me a Happy Christmas, they found me in the library...
~*~*~
"Somehow, we knew we'd find you here." The amused drawl floated across the room to where I sat, and, looking up, I saw Ron and Harry standing in the doorway to the library, trunks floating behind them.
"When in doubt, check the library." Harry chimed in, grinning madly. Rolling my eyes, I smiled and beckoned them over.
"I'm going to miss you two." I was a bit teary eyed at the prospect of having to spend my Christmas with no loved-ones near by. Ron only laughed, pulling me out of my chair and into a tight embrace.
"No you won't, you'll have that bushy head of your buried so far into a book, you won't even notice we're gone." He murmured into my ear, though I knew it was more for comfort than for taunt. Stepping back, he moved aside so that Harry could have his turn.
That's one thing I love about these two; we can have endearing moments such as this, and not step beyond the boundaries of the platonic relationship we strived for so long to achieve. We're all happy just being friends, and I'm quite relieved. I can't picture being with someone who feels more like a brother than a lover.
"Owl me often." I murmured, stepping back to survey the two teens. Both towered over me: Ron at an astonishing 6'5 and Harry at a respectable 5'11. Harry still had a mess of raven locks flying about his head and hiding his scar from view. Every few seconds he would push up the cylindrical rimmed glasses that were perched atop his nose, and grin goofily. Ron's trademark red Weasley hair was short and neat, giving off the knowledgeable aura I know he's hiding in that massive frame somewhere.
"Earth to Hermione!" Harry chuckled as I snapped out of my daze. Smiling apologetically, I stood on my tip toes and kissed them both on the cheeks, practically shoving them out the door so that they wouldn't miss the train.
Returning to the thick tome on ancient potions and their powers, I lost myself in my work.
Five hours later I was being, rather rudely, escorted out of the library by an extremely exhausted looking Ms. Pince. With the tome tucked safely under one arm, and my massive bag in the other, I slowly made my way back to Gryffindor tower.
"Miss Granger, classes may be out for the next two weeks, but that does not give you the right to roam the halls past curfew!" The sarcastic sneer resounded through the darkened corridor, causing me to freeze in my tracks; both from fear and anger.
Whipping around, I came face to face with my formidable Potion's master.
"Professor Snape." I nodded curtly, shifting the book in my arms so that it wouldn't fall. "With all due respect sir, I am Head Girl, and I have as much of a right to be out here as you do."
He moved so swiftly, it caught me by surprise and I dropped the ancient book to the floor. Pages rustled and some tore, yet I didn't bend to pick it up. Bending would have meant parts of my body coming into contact with his, for he was standing mere inches from my face.
"I suggest you do not respond to Professor with such cheek." He spat, black eyes glistening maliciously as he smirked rather evilly. "10 Points from Gryffindor."
He swept off just as quietly as he approached, leaving me, dumbfounded, in his wake.
"Bastard." I muttered to myself as I bent to pick up the damaged tome. Retreating quickly to the safe confines of Gryffindor Tower, I sat at one of the many desks and surveyed the damage inflicted on the book. Glad that there weren't many, I muttered a quick repairing spell and immersed myself, once more, into my work.
It was 3 am before I retreated to my dormitory.
~*~*~
Waking five hours later, I hurried through my morning routine and made my way for breakfast in the Great Hall.
"Happy Holidays, Miss Granger!" I heard someone call out happily from the Head table.
"Happy Holidays to you...Headmaster?!" I exclaimed, finally catching site of the loony old wizard. He was dressed, head to toe, as Santa Clause. He chuckled in response, letting out a hearty 'Ho Ho Ho!'. Grinning, I seated myself at the table and delved into the mound of scrambled eggs placed before me.
I was almost finished with my meal when I felt a timid tap on my shoulder. When I was turned, I was surprised to see Justin Finch-Fletchly smiling shyly at me.
"What can I do for you, Justin?" I inquired, sipping from my glass of pumpkin juice as I waited for his answer. Justin was Head Boy, so I assumed he was visiting me on business.
"Well, Hermione, uh-" He stuttered, blushing madly. "That is, a few of us were just wondering if you'd like to join us today..."
"Yeah!" Susan Bones popped up beside Justin, grinning from ear to ear. "We're going to ice skate on the Lake and have a snowball war and make snow angels and everything!"
"I don't think so..." I started, motioning to my stuffed bag beside me. " I have a lot of work to do on my project."
"Oh come off it, Hermione." Susan rolled her eyes, tugging at my robes excitedly. "You have 5 more months to finish that!"
"Hermione...please?" Justin pleaded, a sad look in his eyes. "We all need a break, and today would be perfect." Looking at the Head Boy and the other five people who had crowded around us, I couldn't help but give in.
"All right!" I sighed, though I was grinning on the inside. "Just give me a few minutes to run this bag to my dorm and change into warmer robes." The assembled group nodded, indicating that they had to do the same. It was agreed that we meet in the foyer in 10 minutes.
This was going to be an interesting day...
A/N: This story is in response to the Christmas 2002 Challenge posted on WIKTT. Here are my selections from the rules list:
-Hermione's in school.
-Winter ball.
-Someone plays Santa/Making Angels in the Snow.
-A snowball fight.
-Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.
-Stunning Revelation about Someone's Parentage.
-Someone gets an embarrassing gift, opened publicly/privately.
"You look ravishing tonight"
"This should be illegal"
"Don't stick/throw that in there"
"Do I look like a red-nosed reindeer to you?"
"Tell me, what do you REALLY want for Christmas?"
"There's something I'd like to tell you, but I'm afraid of what it might mean."
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!"
And here we go!
~*~*~
I am no ordinary woman. In fact, I am as far from ordinary as one could get. For you see, I am a witch. One year ago I graduated -- top in my class at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
I'll give you a little background information on me, starting with the fact that I am technically 19 years old. In my third year at Hogwarts, I was permitted use of a Time-Turner in able to participate in all the classes I had signed up for. A year in use gave me a year in life. Myself, my two best friends, Professor McGonnagal and Headmaster Dumbledore are the only beings who know this truth, and I'd like to keep it that way.
In fifth year I was made Gryffindor Prefect; thanks largely in part to my obsessive studying habit (which I still have, thank you very much). I was made Head Girl, as was predicted by many after my first year at school. I enjoyed learning new and interesting things every day; however, my favorite class was most definitely Potions (Even though Snape was a greasy-git a vast majority of the time).
You must be wondering how much I've changed since you last heard from me. It's been four years, yet nothing about my appearance has changed drastically. I've still the same mass of bushy brown hair that resembles a eagle's nest, my hazel eyes still shine with excitement, fear and curiosity. I've grown a few inches, but I was still the shortest girl in my year; though now my build is that of a maturing young woman, instead of a gangly pre-pubescent teenager.
Though I'm usually not a vain person, I do take some pride in my womanly curves and ample bosom. And I do have to give a plethora of thanks to Draco Malfoy for giving my the smile I always dreamed of, yet never thought possible until I came here.
But I digress. I am not here to tell you about every inch of my body...no, I am here to tell you my story.
It all began during the Christmas Holidays in my 7th and last year at Hogwarts. Classes had just let out and excited teens were scurrying to and fro; all in a hurry to get on the train and head home for a blissful 2 weeks free of learning.
That year Harry Potter and Ron Weasley were part of the throng of students jamming onto the crowded train. The two, who were - and still are - my best friends, had decided to spend the holidays with the rest of the Weasley family.
I chose to stay behind, and for one reason only: I wanted to work on my Graduation Project.
What is a Graduation Project, you inquire? Each 7th year was given a list of topics to chose from on our first day back, chose something from the list, and complete a comprehensive study and thorough analysis of whatever we had chosen -- due on the last day of classes before finals.
My topic was "The Theory and Practical Use of Complex Potions and their Involvement with the Immortal Arts." It was, by far, the most difficult topic on the list; and no one, save Snape, was surprised that I had jumped at the chance to study it.
Anyways, naturally my parents were disappointed at my decision; though they didn't dare pry me away from my studies. A good decision on their part.
When Harry and Ron came to say goodbye and bid me a Happy Christmas, they found me in the library...
~*~*~
"Somehow, we knew we'd find you here." The amused drawl floated across the room to where I sat, and, looking up, I saw Ron and Harry standing in the doorway to the library, trunks floating behind them.
"When in doubt, check the library." Harry chimed in, grinning madly. Rolling my eyes, I smiled and beckoned them over.
"I'm going to miss you two." I was a bit teary eyed at the prospect of having to spend my Christmas with no loved-ones near by. Ron only laughed, pulling me out of my chair and into a tight embrace.
"No you won't, you'll have that bushy head of your buried so far into a book, you won't even notice we're gone." He murmured into my ear, though I knew it was more for comfort than for taunt. Stepping back, he moved aside so that Harry could have his turn.
That's one thing I love about these two; we can have endearing moments such as this, and not step beyond the boundaries of the platonic relationship we strived for so long to achieve. We're all happy just being friends, and I'm quite relieved. I can't picture being with someone who feels more like a brother than a lover.
"Owl me often." I murmured, stepping back to survey the two teens. Both towered over me: Ron at an astonishing 6'5 and Harry at a respectable 5'11. Harry still had a mess of raven locks flying about his head and hiding his scar from view. Every few seconds he would push up the cylindrical rimmed glasses that were perched atop his nose, and grin goofily. Ron's trademark red Weasley hair was short and neat, giving off the knowledgeable aura I know he's hiding in that massive frame somewhere.
"Earth to Hermione!" Harry chuckled as I snapped out of my daze. Smiling apologetically, I stood on my tip toes and kissed them both on the cheeks, practically shoving them out the door so that they wouldn't miss the train.
Returning to the thick tome on ancient potions and their powers, I lost myself in my work.
Five hours later I was being, rather rudely, escorted out of the library by an extremely exhausted looking Ms. Pince. With the tome tucked safely under one arm, and my massive bag in the other, I slowly made my way back to Gryffindor tower.
"Miss Granger, classes may be out for the next two weeks, but that does not give you the right to roam the halls past curfew!" The sarcastic sneer resounded through the darkened corridor, causing me to freeze in my tracks; both from fear and anger.
Whipping around, I came face to face with my formidable Potion's master.
"Professor Snape." I nodded curtly, shifting the book in my arms so that it wouldn't fall. "With all due respect sir, I am Head Girl, and I have as much of a right to be out here as you do."
He moved so swiftly, it caught me by surprise and I dropped the ancient book to the floor. Pages rustled and some tore, yet I didn't bend to pick it up. Bending would have meant parts of my body coming into contact with his, for he was standing mere inches from my face.
"I suggest you do not respond to Professor with such cheek." He spat, black eyes glistening maliciously as he smirked rather evilly. "10 Points from Gryffindor."
He swept off just as quietly as he approached, leaving me, dumbfounded, in his wake.
"Bastard." I muttered to myself as I bent to pick up the damaged tome. Retreating quickly to the safe confines of Gryffindor Tower, I sat at one of the many desks and surveyed the damage inflicted on the book. Glad that there weren't many, I muttered a quick repairing spell and immersed myself, once more, into my work.
It was 3 am before I retreated to my dormitory.
~*~*~
Waking five hours later, I hurried through my morning routine and made my way for breakfast in the Great Hall.
"Happy Holidays, Miss Granger!" I heard someone call out happily from the Head table.
"Happy Holidays to you...Headmaster?!" I exclaimed, finally catching site of the loony old wizard. He was dressed, head to toe, as Santa Clause. He chuckled in response, letting out a hearty 'Ho Ho Ho!'. Grinning, I seated myself at the table and delved into the mound of scrambled eggs placed before me.
I was almost finished with my meal when I felt a timid tap on my shoulder. When I was turned, I was surprised to see Justin Finch-Fletchly smiling shyly at me.
"What can I do for you, Justin?" I inquired, sipping from my glass of pumpkin juice as I waited for his answer. Justin was Head Boy, so I assumed he was visiting me on business.
"Well, Hermione, uh-" He stuttered, blushing madly. "That is, a few of us were just wondering if you'd like to join us today..."
"Yeah!" Susan Bones popped up beside Justin, grinning from ear to ear. "We're going to ice skate on the Lake and have a snowball war and make snow angels and everything!"
"I don't think so..." I started, motioning to my stuffed bag beside me. " I have a lot of work to do on my project."
"Oh come off it, Hermione." Susan rolled her eyes, tugging at my robes excitedly. "You have 5 more months to finish that!"
"Hermione...please?" Justin pleaded, a sad look in his eyes. "We all need a break, and today would be perfect." Looking at the Head Boy and the other five people who had crowded around us, I couldn't help but give in.
"All right!" I sighed, though I was grinning on the inside. "Just give me a few minutes to run this bag to my dorm and change into warmer robes." The assembled group nodded, indicating that they had to do the same. It was agreed that we meet in the foyer in 10 minutes.
This was going to be an interesting day...