My entry for the Christmas Challenge 2010
Title: Fireplace Love
Song: Baby, It's Cold Outside
Pairing: Hermione/Draco
Rating: T
Summary: Draco and Hermione bond by the fire.
The fire crackled quietly, interrupted the silence with it's pleasant sound. The click of a spoon in a mug prevaded Draco's ears and then feet moving on wood. Hermione's hand, holding a steaming cup by the handle, blocked his line of sight. He looked up at her for a moment, her brown hair in fuzzy ringlets around her face, her gorgeous eyes shining down at him. He took the mug, wrapping his hands around it to warm up.
"Why were you out in the snow?" she asked finally, taking a seat on the couch next to him. "And in front of my house?" she added in a whisper. He took a long, slow sip, avoiding the answer to that as he let the heat flow through him for a moment.
His answer wasn't so simple. There were many reasons he was in front of her house on this night. His bravery was nonexistant as he thought of a way to approach her. It was just his luck that she came outside and spotted him standing there. He didn't know what to say to her. In the five years that they had been working together, he had grown feelings for the beautiful brown eyed girl. How could he tell her that though, when he knew she was seeing Weasley? No, he just couldn't make her choose like that. If he was being honest with himself, her simple flirting and playfulness in the workplace meant nothing in comparison with her feelings for Weasley. He didn't have a shot in hell.
"Hermione..." he started, setting the cup on the table and turning his torso to face her. She quirked in eyebrow in confusion when he took one of her cold hands in both of his. She didn't pull away, waiting for whatever was coming. "I came here tonight to see you. I wanted to tell you something, but I know it means nothing." he said, his voice dropping an octave with pain. He tried to hide it, looking anywhere but at those eyes.
She had captured his heart and soul with those eyes. The moment she looked at him with something other than anger and hate, he lost himself to her. There was no hope for him at that point. He never had the nerve to tell her, because he thought it was impossible. He wasn't so sure anymore.
"You can tell me anything, Draco." she assured him, covering his hands with both of hers. He watched this action, uncertain of how to do this. He had to be careful about him he worded this.
"I've loved you for a long time, Hermione..." he said, letting his voice trail off as he thought. She didn't move or speak, giving him time to collect himself. "I've never had the nerve to tell you. I know you're with Weasley -er, Ron, but... I need you to know." he stammered out finally, not sure how he was going to be recieved.
Warm lips met his cheek and he looked at her, stunned. She smiled at him, almost amused. "Draco," she started, scooting closer to him, "I left Ron a month ago. I've been waiting for you to tell me for ages." she said, a hint of irritation in her voice.
He stared at her blankly. "You're joking, right? This is just a really bad joke, right?" he asked, standing up and dropping her hands indignantly. She shot up off the couch, taking his face between her now warm hands and kissing him full on the mouth, leaving no room for confusion. He held her close, losing himself in something he had dreamed of for so long.
It didn't matter how terribly cold it was outside, or that her house was beginning to get a bit chill. It didn't matter that the fire was burning out. By the light of her Christmas tree, Draco Malfoy stared into Hermione Granger's eyes and felt warmth and love and he was happy.