I do not own any of the characters, names and places. Random characters are in existent for story purpose.

Do enjoy

p/s Call-me-joy, thanks for your support. I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much. =)

….

Day passes just like the wind. Before you know it, it is Christmas eve. The mood for holiday season can be felt throughout the city. The rich and poor, both won't miss any chance to celebrate it. Christmas is here.

The pavement were full of people, either rushing for a last minute present, or running to their loves one. The snow is falling slowly. People is walking everywhere, yet everyone is feeling Christmas. The restaurant, café, shops is filled with people. The smell of snow mix with the smell of wet pavement, and you can hear people noises everytime the shop door swing open and a hint of delicious turkey, and probably a glint of hot coco sweet smell as well.

The smell of roasted turkey filled the room. Hermione and Alex is preparing the Christmas tree. They are both wearing matching red coloured sweater. The tree stands in the corner of the living room picturesque. The fire was burning smoothly to warmed the room from the cold winter. Alex look outside the window, it is snowing.

Ding Dong

"Mom, Aunt Luna is here!" Alex shouts while giving Luna a hugged.

Luna brought two big blue wrapped boxes. Alex help her across the room, placing the boxes under the Christmas tree. Luna will stay over until tomorrow. Harry and Ron promise to come before tomorrow evening to celebrate it with Hermione. The Granger were celebrating a small yet warm Christmas with her son and her closest friends. What more could she ask for? At least, that is what she had been trying to convince herself with. And it have been well.

From across other continent, somewhere in the Ottery St Catchpole, The Burrow was filled with people. Mrs Weasley voice can be heard from the distance. The table was filled with wonderful, surely mouth watering cooking of Mrs. Weasley.

George and Fred is busy annoying Percy much to Bill pleasure as well. Fleur and Ginny was helping in the kitchen. While Harry, Ron and Collins are talking and playing with little Ollivia. Lavender was preparing the table. will be home soon as he got some errands to do. The Christmas stand proudly in the living room besides the fire place. A couple of gnomes can be seen running around, probably finding a hole to hide from the cold. It sure is a merry Christmas here too.

In Wiltshire, England, the big Malfoy Manor was bright with night lights from the garden into the house. Lucius and Narcissa together with Draco and Pansy was celebrating Christmas together. Pansy parents were out to Paris, visiting the other side of the family. The Malfoy's gladly invited her over much to her pleased. It was cold outside. And it always are even in the house. But tonight, the four people of this small family felt warm by being together, talking, laughing and eating together. Yes, it is Christmas after all.

Right before midnight, when Narcissa and Lucius had already left, feeling exhausted and sleepy, Draco and Pansy is left alone. They both sit in front of the fire place. The fire burnt warmly, a few glint of ambers are jumping happily in the fire.

Draco look at Pansy who was concentrated in her books. The Swan Lake. She is a late night sleeper after all. Draco missed Hermione, very much. And the feelings never change even for a seconds. Even when he had already dated Pansy. But, the feeling he had is an unhealthy feeling. He need to move on. Even, if it's hard. Seeing Pansy who had support and understands him so much, make him slowly fall for her. Yet, Pansy was never able to give him out- of –this- world feeling he had with Hermione. However, she is a nice girl. And Draco like her for that.

"Pansy?" he speak, Pansy look at him.

"Let's get married", he whispered with a small smile.

….

It is January now. Draco rubbed his hand together and placed his palm to his cheek. It is still cold yet not too cold compare to the last two months. He tighten his grip on his jacket. People can be seen walking here and there, rushing to anywhere there meant to go. Draco looked up, the tall building make him flinched his eyes. It is The Empire State Building.

Buzz….

He shock a little and took out the muggle handphone out from his pocket. It was Pansy. Pansy insist in using muggle handphone in the muggle world. It is easier to communicate that way.

"Yes, I have finish meeting with the clients. I'll meet you there", he said over the phone.

They had been going out together for about four months now. It has been nice. Pansy is a nice girl. He didn't hate her. He like her enough to asked her to married him. Yet, he couldn't help to feel guilty towards her. He uses her to make him forget Hermione. He uses her as a tool to move on. He sure he will love her dearly someday. Yes, probably someday, he hope.

Draco had a meeting with his clients at New York today. His clients is a wizard that have been living in the muggle world for quite some times much to Draco surprised. The meeting is about a deal to built a hotel for wizard. Complete with access to Wizarding World all over the world. It is a big project. Being confident as he is, he agreed to take the risky deal. Hermione always says, there is a thin line between confident and simply just arrogant. He just smiled at her advice.

Why is he here anyway? Well, after a lot of begging, pleading and persuasion, Draco made his promised to Pansy. He had promised to spend a week vacationing here with her. She had been in love with muggle life style. Draco just agreed with her. Never fight with your woman. You never win anyway.

"Ugh, it's cold" Draco scowled making his way to Joe's to meet his girlfriends, p/s fiancée, Pansy.

….

It was 4.00 pm. Hermione packed her things and clear her tables with rush. Her phone rang.

"yes, mommy will be there… Of course I won't be late… I'll prepare you,… yes I promise" she said as she holding her phone with her right hand and her left hand grabbing her coat and her handbag. "Mommy, got to go now okay. I see you at home in 10 minutes".

Knock, knock.

"Are you busy?" said a young man.

Hermione place her phone back into her handbag. "Oh, Eric. What are you doing here?", she smallen her eyes in confusion.

"I just thought of meeting you", he said without a doubt. This man is very comfortable with himself.

"Oh, I am sorry Eric. I cannot bother you right now, I had to prepare Alex. He have a choir for charity concert at Central Park at 5 this evening", she said as she slit her soft curls to the back of her ear lobe.

"Oh really? Can I come?" he asked. His eyes look very big when he asked something so childishly.

Hermione drew her breath. This man just never give up. He is an ice hockey player for the New York Rangers. Being an athlete, he sure have a well built body and a very handsome face with a very mesmerizing, beautiful, light green eyes. His dark hair will make every woman fall over him. But, he chooses Hermione instead. Hermione and Alex went to his game last year. And Hermione couldn't believe, in that many crowd of people, he noticed her!

After the game at Madison Square Garden, he even asked Hermione out in front of everyone! He took the mic from the Vj and arrogantly asked her out.

"We win this game aren't we?" he spoke through the mic, making all the supporters wooooo in excitement. "My boss said I can do anything if I can bring this team to victory tonight", it seems he is the ace. He smiles proudly showing his white, straight teeth. He's a charmer, definitely.

"Well. I wanted to ask the beautiful woman there" he pointed at Hermione who was in shock and disbelief. Hermione even look around to see if he was pointing to someone else. With no one in views, she point at herself. "Yes, girl. You." He said, "may I ask you for a dinner tonight?" he asked.

Alex scowled in annoyance. He never likes the idea of any man hitting on his mom. But in that many people, Hermione couldn't say no so she agreed. And since then, he had been flirting and trying to steal her love, and got rejected every single time. Alex even got used to him already. But, no matter how hard Hermione rejected him, he never give up!

With a sigh, "Sure, meet you at Central Park at 5.00"

….

Draco entered the Joe's. It is not a crowded place at all. The day is slow. There were a group of young people in the center table, and a couple of people here and there. Chatting quietly. Pansy is across the room, waving at him.

"Where you've been?" Draco asked pulling the chair in front of Pansy.

"I've gone to White Corp a while ago. It was just a block away from here. I need to plan our engagement ceremony, since you throw it all to me", she smiles. "I go with Natalie, my relatives. You know Natalie right Draco? We go to her wedding last year",

"Yeah sure, that Natalie", Draco said convincing Pansy. But the only thing he remembered in the last year wedding was the blonde haired boy that able to attract his attention.

"Do you wanna go anywhere after this?" Draco asked.

"I want to do some shopping. You wanna come?"

"Huh, shopping? Hell no!" Draco exclaimed.

"I know it", Pansy rolled her eyes. "Hey, what theme did you want for our engagement ceremony?"

"I don't know, it's up to you I guess. Guys not really into this stuff", Draco shrugged. "Pansy, are sure you want to have a wedding in the muggle world?" Draco is not really fond of the idea.

"Yes, I am sure Draco. I wanted to try something new you know"

"Yeah, sure", never fight with woman, especially if wedding involve.

"Where do you want to go after this?"Pansy asked

"I probably just going to walk around. I'll meet you for dinner at our hotel lobby at 8",

"Okay, sure", she answered. She felt warm and fuzzy inside. It's just too good to be true. Draco Malfoy is choosing him as his girl.

…

"Uwoowowowow.. AAkkk!"

"Alexander Draco Granger, what are doing?" Hermione asked in confuse. He had been making those weird noise for half an hour now.

"Uhm, voice practice mom. Urgh, I am so nervous", Alex said slapping both his cheek slowly.

Alex is wearing a black, penguin mini tuxedo. He is performing along with all his friends, representing his kindergarden in The Charity Concert this evening. Central Park held Charity Concert every year. Usually, kindergarden kids and primary school kids are the one performing. Either choir, drama, musical, mini orchestra or anything. All kindergardens and primary school pupil entered. Alex kindergarden, with a great history of choir was voted to do the opening. Of course Alex would be nervous, sine he also had to do a solo part.

"Don't be. You'll be great", Hermione said while fixing her son tuxedo tenderly.

"Have you eaten?" she asked

"Yes, I have. Have you?" Alex asked running his small hand to his mother long, silky soft curly haired

"Of course", she lied, smiling at him. "Let's go, it's 4.30 already".

Alex open the door, followed by his mom who grabbed her coat , handbags, and Alex bag in hurry.

"Mom, car keys!"

"Oh, right".

…..

Hermione and Alex practically ran to the teachers in charge. The concert starts at 5.00 pm. After giving Alex to his teacher, Hermione called Alex before leaving.

"Come here dear", Hermione kneeled down to be as the same height as her son.

"I'll be watching you okay. Do your best. You'll be great. I promise", Hermione said softly patting his cheek.

"Thanks mom".

Hermione smile motherly assuring his son. Alex run back to his group. Hermione stood up, and walk in front of the stage. They were many chairs provided there. Many of them are occupied with parents, charity people, and many more. Hermione took her sit sixth row from the front.

"May I asked is this sit available?" asked a voice of a man.

"Eric.. yes sure. Come sit",

Eric took his seat besides Hermione comfortably. He smiles, somehow feeling content. On the other hand, Hermione is feeling a little awkward. Once in a while, she cleared her throat due to awkwardness. They are waiting for the concert to begun.

"Are you uncomfortable?" Eric asked.

"Uhm.. aaahh.. what? No... yes"

He chuckled. "If you uncomfortable, I can exchange a sit"

Hermione think for a while. Now, she is being rude. "No, please no. I am sorry. That was very rude of me".

"None taken. Just relax okay". He said warmly.

To be honest, Hermione didn't know why is it so hard for her to opened up to someone else. She is a loyal person. Yeah, that's right. Too loyal for her own good. Eric is a charming guy. Handsome and funny as well. Alex even get used to him as well and Eric love and accept Alex. Eric sure is stubborn, as he never give up on Hermione. It must be hard for a hot guy to resist many temptation from girls who practically throw themselves at him. Yet, he refuses all of them and tried to win her heart. A woman with a secret past and a son without a father.

She chuckled. She must be kind of attractive.

Eric look at her confuse, "are you okay?"

"Yes Eric. I am perfectly fine. I am just wondering why did you never give up on me, well I am just an ordinary woman who already had a son",

Eric smile at her question, "you just not an ordinary woman Hermione, you are more than that. You are a wonderful woman and a great mother. Everyone can see that. During the game, we got beaten to pulp by the opponents. I was in rage. But during all the commotion, I suddenly got my eye on you. You are sitting in the first row, looking concerned. Suddenly, I feel peace by just looking at this stranger woman, even from a far", he said looking straight in her eyes.

Hermione felt her heart stop. She blushed. She never blushed for a long time. He chuckled at her reaction.

"I know it is ridiculous, but it's the truth. Even now, when I see you even from a far, even when you just smile a little, I feel peace. And I like that", he said truthfully.

"Thank you".

Suddenly the curtains open. All the crowds goes silent. All eyes is on the stage. The opening is a choir, Alex choir. The crowds applause as the little ones entered, looking nervous and excited at the same time. When everything are settled,

Tap, tap, tap. The conductor tapped.

The sound of piano starts, the choir starts humming.

Some say love.. it is a river.. that drown the tendery..

Some say love.. it is a razor.. that leaves your soul to bleed

Some say love.. it is a hunger.. an endless it can be..

I say love..

It is a flower.. and you ..it's only seed.

Other instrument starts to play softly.

It's the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance

It's the dreams afraid of waking that never takes the chance

It's the one who won't be taken who cannot seems to care

And the soul

Afraid of dying that never learns to live

The instruments play louder, the drums entered.. and all the singer sang

When the night have been to lonely

And the roads have been too long

And you think that love is only

For the lucky and the strong

Alex step out, he sing solo. He looks straight at Hermione. It is for her. He sang for her, his mother.

Just remembered in the winter

For beneath the bitter snow

Lies the seed that with the sun love

In the spring become..

The rose….

The crowds applause. The choir is sincere. It came from the pure heart of a five year old childrens. Hermione closed her mouth with her right hand, she is crying. Alex is the greatest gift she could ever have. She is proud of him in every single seconds. And she vowed , she will live for her son now, her precious son.

….

Draco walked where his feet could take him. Suddenly, he heard a music starts playing, a sound of piano. He walks towards the sound of music. He gasped, there were hundreds of people there, some of them are sitting under the tree. There is a big stage, and there were little kids who was singing up there. Draco smile, he leaned against the nearby tree.

The choir can be heard throughout the Central Park. The choir is sing sincerely. Every heart can be touched by just hearing them. Even , Draco's. There is something that is so beautiful about it, something magical. Suddenly, a familiar boys step out and sing the most beautiful, sincere voice Draco have ever heard

Just remembered in the winter

For beneath the bitter snow

Lies the seed that with the sun love

In the spring become..

The rose….

The crowds applause. Draco applause, he is smiling truthfully. The moment the boy was singing, he felt a sudden rush of longing and missing. Hermione, his heart whispered in silence.

….

The choir finished at 7.00. The crowds start emptying their sit, leaving the park. Hermione waited for Alex behind the stage with Eric. Suddenly, a blonde boy appeared.

"Mom!" he run towards Hermione who was kneeling, opening her armed to her son.

"Oh, Alex!" she said. " I am so proud of you!"

"Did you see that mom? Did you? I sang it for you…"

Hermione smile, "Yes, I know. Thank you"

Eric witnessed the love in front of him. His heart grow bigger to the feeling he felt right now. He wanted to be apart of the family. Apart of a family and love he never felt.

"Uncle Eric!"Alex rushed towards him.

"Hey boy! You really done it there. So amazing!" he said throwing Alex up to the air gently. Alex giggled in excitement.

Hermione smile at the two boys. "Come you two, let's go home"

Draco waited until the concert end. He wanted to see the boy once again. He want to talk to him and buy him ice-cream. He just.. want to. He walked to the stage, maybe he'll meet the boy's parents as well. However, the thought of the boy parents make him jealous. The boy had a parent. A mother and a father… a father, a family, and he is not invited.

As he approached the back stage, he saw a tall dark haired man throwing the boy gently up in the air. The boy is giggling and smiling happily. He must be the boy father. Draco walk a step , his heart suddenly stop.

A brown haired woman is smiling happily looking at them. Draco could only see half of her face. But he know that figure, that face line anywhere.

Hermione?

He felt a mixture of emotion. Confused? Happy? Sad? Angry? Jealous?

The three people is laughing and smiling at each other picture perfect. They are like a family. Draco felt jealous. He wanted to shout her name. Run to her. Checking her face, is she really her?

Suddenly, they left. Draco who is still in shock, froze there. Unable to move.

Hermione.

Suddenly it hits him, he ran, chasing them. There is too much question and confusion for him now. But at least for now, he didn't care anything anymore. He just wants to look at her, and the boy.. that boy. Draco gritted his teeth.

They had already across the street. Draco saw the man opened the car door to the woman. Draco only was able to see her hair. The man is smiling and speaking something to her. Draco wanted to cross the street, but there is just too much car as people are rushing to go home. He then shouted " Hermione!".

They couldn't hear. The woman entered the car, but a seconds before she enter the car, Draco heart stop. Draco stops breathing. He saw her face. All of her face. That brown eyes, that small lips, that pointy noise, that gorgeous jaw line. She looks much matured. He was sure, it is her. He felt so helpless, he shouted, but the sound of people and car drowned his voice. He wanted to run to her but life is cruel, it just can't happen that easily.

Hermione entered the car, with another smile to Eric, she starts the engine and drove way to her apartment. Little that she knows, a blonde man across the street is frozen in shock, frustrated to the verge of insanity. He grabbed his hair in annoyance.

Her man, her real man was there.

…

Songs : Westlife, the Rose.

Xoxo OnetimeWriter