The Burrow was lit up like a Christmas tree covered in canker. There was no organization to it, no order and it looked garish. Still, it always did and there was something about the place at Christmas that reminded Hermione of home. The cold wind reminded her that it was winter and she hastened to the door. As she approached, Molly threw it open and ushered her inside. Her arms surrounded her and she found herself embraced in a fierce, protective hug. "Happy Christmas Hermione," she boomed.

"And to you Molly." Hermione said from the smothering embrace of the woman's arms.

"The boys are in the kitchen, help yourself to punch." Molly released her from her hug and Hermione trotted off through the house. The sound of the punch was a welcome one, Molly's punch was famous after all and she was here to have fun.

"Hey Hermione!" Harry said as she stepped into the kitchen

"Alright?" She grinned as she helped herself to a large glass of punch. Ron turned around with a plate full of food already in his hand and she couldn't help roll her eyes.

"What?" he stammered with his mouth full of food.

"Don't let me stop you!" she said as she sampled the punch. It was a fine blend of fruit juice, red wine and spices. It flowed down her throat and pooled in her stomach with pleasant warmth. In fact, the canapé's looked delicious and she helped herself to one of them. "So what have you two been up to?" she asked. It had been a good month since she'd seen either of them due to work and they were long overdue a catch up.

"Can't really talk about it," Harry said as he sipped his own punch. Now that did sound more interesting that the usual drivel they came out with. When she raised a brow, Harry shook his head. "Seriously, it's a part of the training we're not meant to discuss."

"It's alright Harry," she said, "If it's that important you don't have to tell me." He scratched the back of his head and looked a touch relieved.

"Just know that it wasn't nice," Ron said after he swallowed whatever it was he had been chewing. "Come on, let's take this to the lounge and snag the decent seats before the old duffers take them all." Hermione laughed. Most of the Order were older than they were but they were certainly not 'duffers' as Ron had put it. Still, she followed the boys into the living room and snagged a comfortable looking chair in the corner. They chose the couch next to her and she turned to face them.

"So how's work?" Harry asked. Ron raised a brow and rolled his eyes at the mention of her job.

"I don't really want to talk about work Harry." Ron coughed and sputtered on the piece of chicken he was munching on and she chuckled.

"Alright; where's Hermione and what have you done with her?" Harry asked.

"I'm serious. I've two weeks off and I don't want to think about it at all."

"Bloody hell, you feeling alright?" Ron asked. She nodded.

"What's the point in working hard if you're not going to have a little fun at the same time?" she said. It struck her as a little hypocritical currently but she did intend to change that over the next couple of weeks. The two boys exchanged a glance before nodding. At that moment, the rest of the family arrived and a few of the Order members appeared. Then the socialising began in earnest.

Slowly, the Burrow filled with friends, family and even a few strangers. The buzz of the place, as well as the punch, had Hermione's head in a spin and she found herself enjoying the company for a change. After a deep conversation with Moody revolving around constant vigilance and attitudes towards dark wizards, she found herself in need of a break. Taking a deep breath, she fought through the crowds and collapsed into one of the vacant couches at the back of the room. The hum of conversation flowed around her and she smiled to herself.

"Enjoying the evening Ms Granger?"

She jumped and turned her head, her eyes fell on Severus Snape and she grinned a little widely, "Why, yes I am." Her response sounded lame, even to her and her ears began to warm. He regarded her with cool eyes and she resisted the urge to run away. Why he could still make her feel like a naughty little girl was beyond her, however, she forced herself to stay where she was and see if she could engage him in conversation. "Are you?"

He gave her a withering look that would have sent any number of Hogwarts students running for their dorms but all she could do was laugh. "What is funny Ms Granger?" he asked.

"Maybe you just need a bit more punch," she suggested.

"I assure you, lack of punch is not my problem."

She bit back another laugh, knowing it would ruffle the mercurial man's nature and nodded. "So, tell me what you've been doing these past few months," she knew small talk wasn't exactly his forte but she was damned if she was going to sit in tense silence with him.

"Really Granger?" he said. His raised brow spoke volumes but she refused to laugh again.

"Yes Snape, really," she replied, reverting to surnames just as he had. I'm genuinely interested in how you've been and what you've been doing for the past few months and would like you to tell me about it." As she spoke, she was surprised to find out that her words were true.

"Teaching."

"And how are you?"

"Well."

She surprised herself again when she laid her small hand on his forearm. She smiled when he didn't flinch away. "And what else have you been up to?"

"How do you know I've been doing anything else?" he said glancing down at her hand.

"I read your article in Potions Monthly," she said flatly. He rolled his eyes.

"How did I know that?" He held up his hand and shook his head, "Don't answer."

"Either way, I found the different uses of wormwood as a bonding agent fascinating and it would be a pleasure to discuss it with you sometime," she said. The look he gave her was dry and he shook his head. "I'll not accept no as an answer, I know the children have returned home from Hogwarts so you're free for the next two weeks!"

"And I can think of far more fun things to do than spend my time discussing articles with you Ms Granger," he retorted. She raised a brow at his waspishness and leaned her chin on her hand.

"Oh? And what exactly would that be?" He didn't answer, merely snorted. "It has recently come to my attention that I do not have enough fun so I was hoping you'd enlighten me on how to do so." She wasn't sure why she said what she did but the prospect of spending the majority of her Christmas with Snape suddenly seemed appealing. "Unless you don't know either, in which case, learning together could be a bonus."

"Granger, what are you babbling about?"

"Seriously, what are your plans for the next two weeks?"

He looked at her face with those hard black eyes of his and narrowed them slightly. "I have essays to grade, journals to write for and lessons to set up for next term, I do not have time to waste on your frivolities." She bit back the snigger that rose on her lips and nodded.

"That's alright," she said. She let a little bit of disappointment show in her voice as she spoke, "Though I suppose I'll see you at the Ministry Dance for New Year." He inclined his head slightly confirming her suspicions, "And I do need to visit Hogwarts to use the library as well." She caught the resigned look that crept onto his face for all of about a second before it was banished.

"Very well, you may as well find me if you're going to be insistent."

A triumphant smile erupted onto her face and she gave his bicep a gentle squeeze. "I'll look forward to it." He muttered something under his breath that sounded like a retort but he never spoke anything aloud. Ron and Harry then came waltzing over to her, their noise and chatter jerking her out of the intimate conversation she'd been having.

"Come on Hermione, Fred's got some new gizmo he's about to let off!" Ron said. The excitement in his voice was barely contained and she could feel Snape's eyes rolling. She let him tug her to her feet but before she allowed him to lead her off, she turned back a moment.

"I shall see you in a couple of days then?" He nodded, if not enthusiastically. Ron exchanged a glance with Harry before they led her off promising her a wondrous sight to be seen.