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Disclaimer: As much as I would like to, I do not own Harry Potter. Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling. And so does Draco Malfoy. Ms. Rowling, if you get tired of Draco, can I please have him? :D LOL

Draco pulled back, coughing. Barbary had used tongues on him! "What the fuck was that?" he croaked, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

Professor Heath shrugged. He looked around the room. Then he burst into laughter, clutching his sides.

Everybody had their mouths open. Hermione, whose mouth was open the widest, was blushing from head to toe.

"The… looks… on your faces," Professor Heath said in between breaths.

Everyone just stood there, blinking.

"What the hell was that for?" Draco growled. He needed to brush his teeth. Then he needed to brush them again and again and again and again…

"I wanted to see how you guys would react," Professor Heath said after catching up with his breath.

"But why the fuck does it have to be me?" Draco said, wiping his mouth with his sweater now. Why couldn't you have snogged Goyle, you git? he thought grudgingly.

Professor Heath shrugged. "I have a thing for blondes."

Lavender and Daphne piped up "I'm blonde" at the same time. Professor Heath laughed.

"Ladies, ladies," he drawled, leaning back on the wall. He ran his fingers through his hair, as if thinking hard. Lavender and Daphne squealed to themselves. "It wouldn't be that shocking, then, would it? You girls aren't in trousers, are you?" He laughed again.

This time, the girls laughed along. Goyle, who was too stupid to get anything, looked around before laughing along. Hermione had, at least, managed to close her mouth. She still stood there silently, however.

Draco walked over to her. "Let's get out of here," he muttered.

"Yeah, everyone, we should all call it a night," Professor Heath said. "I'm still a teacher, you know." He laughed again.

When he laughed, his eyes twinkled and dimples appeared on his cheeks. The girls swooned (except Hermione, of course). He made the girls go one by one, and then he led Goyle to the door (he was too drunk and stupid to find it). He looked at Draco and Hermione. "You two can get to the Heads' Quarters by yourselves, can't you? I'll leave you to yourselves." Then he winked at Draco.

Draco leaped back. "Did you see that, did you see that?" he asked Hermione, clutching his chest.

"Yes," Hermione said feebly. It was the first word she had uttered in five whole minutes.

* * *

For the next few weeks, Draco never failed to sit next to Hermione in all their DADA classes. He never recited in class, and he never volunteered to demonstrate spells and techniques (not that he did those often before). He also always got out of the room the second the class ended, pulling Hermione with him.

Hermione, who had recovered after the Slytherin-Gryffindor victory party, thought Draco was being ridiculous. She had convinced herself that Professor Heath was just being his crazy rock-star self. She tried to convince Draco, too, but Draco wouldn't hear of it. He was convinced that "Barbary was after his ass".

"Maybe you're just jealous, because he snogged me instead of you," Draco had said.

Hermione didn't talk to him for two days and he had to beg for forgiveness because she wouldn't sit with him in DADA.

But Draco's paranoia was the least of Hermione's worries. There was the Harry-Ginny-Blaise problem.

After the party, Blaise stopped talking to Ginny. Ginny stopped talking to Harry, and Harry became a poor, depressed thing.

Ginny cried to Hermione about it the day after the party. She said that in the beginning, she and Blaise had an agreement that she was to get over her feelings for Harry. When Harry had kissed her at the party, she had felt really confused, and Blaise had felt really betrayed. Ginny said that it was unfair of Harry to "throw her away one month and hanker after the next". This was why she ignored Harry. She was confused, torn, and angry.

Hermione didn't know what to tell her. She thought it really was unfair of Harry, but she couldn't help sympathize with Harry either. What Ginny didn't know was that Harry had come crying to Hermione, too. He said he realized that pursuing Luna was a mistake. He missed Ginny, and he wanted to have her back. He was so tired of going to Quidditch practice and seeing Ginny snog Blaise in the stands during breaks, and he didn't like it when they had their mid-air victory snog after the game either.

Hermione felt like imploding any day now. On top of Head duties, non-verbal dueling, non-verbal conjuring, advanced Potion-making, advanced Charm work, breeding dangerous plants, translating Rune books, and studying complex numbers, she had to protect Draco from Bad-ass Barbary and play Agony Aunt to Ginny and Harry.

* * *

December finally came. A blanket of snow covered the grounds, and the spirit of the Holidays filled the cold air. The Great hall was decorated with the giant Christmas trees again. Mistletoe bloomed in unexpected corners, and students had to be careful not to walk anywhere near Filch, Millicent Bulstrode, Crabbe, Goyle, or Eloise Midgen to avoid awkward situations.

Draco was horrified to find himself under the Mistletoe with Professor Heath one afternoon. He had gone for an innocent bathroom trip in the middle of Charms. When he came out of the bathroom, he bumped into Professor Heath, who was "on his way to grab some tea and cookies from the kitchen". He smirked and pointed at the ceiling. Draco was aghast to see mistletoe above their heads. "Tis the season to be jolly," Professor Heath said, then laughed. Draco yelled and ran off, Professor Heath's laughter still ringing in his ears.

Once news came out that Professor Heath would be spending Christmas at Hogwarts, the rate of people signing up to remain in the castle for break doubled (half the female population refused to go home). Draco told Hermione that he'd definitely be going home. However, due to the great number of students who would remain at Hogwarts, Dumbledore asked the Heads and some of the Prefects to stay in the castle, too.

Draco was livid. He strode to Dumbledore's office to complain.

"What is the problem, Mister Malfoy?" Professor Dumbledore said calmly as Draco marched into his office and slammed his butt onto the chair opposite his desk.

"I want to go home for Christmas," Draco said.

"I'm afraid that's not possible at the moment," Dumbledore said in a gentle tone. "You are greatly needed here at school. But arrangements have been made; your worries have been taken care of." Then Dumbledore dismissed him.

Draco wondered how on earth Dumbledore was going to "take care" of his greatest worry. Would he be locking Barbary in the staff room?

* * *

The last weekend of term was a Hogsmeade one. Hermione wondered if Draco would let her off bodyguard duty to go Christmas shopping with Ginny. She approached him at the bathroom on Friday night. He was sitting on the empty tub with his boxers on, reading his Arithmancy book. A towel was wrapped around his head, and it was smudged with sticky green pus. Hermione saw an empty bottle of Veela Solutions for Platinum Blonde Hair (for extreme shine and softness). She bit back a laugh.

"Draco?" she asked.

"Yeah?" he said, not looking up from his Arithmancy book.

"Will you require bodyguard duty in Hogsmeade?" she continued.

Draco finally looked up from his book. "Well, yes? When did I ever stop requiring bodyguard duty?" He smirked. "And when did you?"

Bodyguard duty was their term for snogging and fooling around… and protecting Draco from Professor Heath, of course.

"Alright, maybe we can do it in the afternoon," she said. She really wanted to go shopping with Ginny; she needed to buy gifts for everyone. "I wanted to go Christmas shopping with Ginny. Can we meet at the Hog's Head at lunch? Would that be okay?"

Draco was silent for a minute. He put down his book and stared at the empty bottle of hair conditioner in front of him. "Okay."

"Sweet," Hermione said, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek.

Draco turned his head and they ended up making out instead.

* * *

"Hermione, we're going Christmas shopping," Ginny said. "I don't remember asking you out on a date."

Hermione blushed. She was wearing a pale pink button-up coat, a woolen yellow dress underneath, brown tights, brown boots, brown gloves, a brown bonnet, and a thick yellow scarf. "Not you," she said. "Draco."

Ginny nodded knowingly. Then she looked away. "Harry asked me out for today," she said softly. Hermione looked at her. "But I refused."

Hermione put her arm around Ginny. "Don't think about him. We're here for some girl time."

Ginny shrugged. "I'm getting him a gift, though," she said, "And I'm giving Blaise one, too."

Hermione nodded. Ginny and Ron were both staying over for Christmas; Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were going to Romania to meet Charlie's fiancée. Harry, of course, was staying in the castle, too. Draco said Blaise would be staying; his mother was dating someone again, and he wasn't in the mood to meet a potential eight step-dad.

"Right, where do we start?" Ginny said.

They entered Honeydukes, where they both bought Ron some candy. He liked candy as a gift best; it made his stomach happy. Hermione bought Toothflossing Stringmints for her parents while Ginny bought 100 Ways to Bake a Cauldron Cake for her mum and a bottle of chocolate mead for her dad. They also bought Luna some Sugar Quills, which Ginny said Luna loved to bite on during Charms. Lastly, they got Neville baskets of assorted candy, but left out Chocolate Frogs; his toad Trevor had just died.

After leaving Honeydukes, they had no idea where to go next. Hermione didn't know what to give Draco, and Ginny didn't know what to give Harry and Blaise. They walked around for inspiration. Hermione saw a gorgeous sky blue dress for Ginny in Gladrags. She bought it when Ginny wasn't looking.

"Oh my!" Ginny exclaimed while looking at the Men's Section. There were Quidditch-inspired clothes; robes, jackets, scarves, socks, and even underwear.

Hermione grabbed a pack of boxers with Snitches in them. "Harry would love these, Ginny."

Ginny laughed. "I don't talk to him, and suddenly I give him underwear?" Then she saw a pack with Quaffles on them. "Blaise would love these…"

Hermione laughed. "Yeah, get him underwear," she said. "It sends out that you want him."

"Wait," Ginny said, the Snitch boxers in her left hand and the Quaffle boxers in her right. "I want them both?" She looked sad and confused.

"You don't need to choose one yet," Hermione said, grabbing the boxers from her. "Come on, let's pay for these."

Ginny sighed and followed her. "Wait," she said. Hermione turned around. "Aren't you getting Draco anything?"

Hermione bit her lip. "I still don't know what to get." She looked around the shop.

A sign that said "Customized Robes" caught her eye. There was a bell beside it. She picked it up and rang it.

"Coming!" a girl said from the back of the shop. She came running out a moment later, smiling. She was young, probably only a couple of years older than Hermione. On her waist was a measuring tape used as a belt, and on her pocket was a chipped wand. "Hey, I'm the owner's daughter. I'm working for some extra Galleons so I can go backpacking in Tibet and study Yetis. Anyway, call me Gigi." She shook Hermione and Ginny's hands. "What can I do for you?"

"Um," Hermione said. "I was wondering… Since you do customized robes… Well, maybe… you do customized underwear, too?" Then she blushed furiously.

Gigi nodded knowingly. "Gift for your boyfriend, huh?"

Hermione nodded, her cheeks pink. Ginny laughed. "Could you stitch a name on a pair of boxers?"

"What's his name?" Gigi said, getting her wand from her pocket.

* * *

Draco sat on the Hog's Head, tapping his foot. What's taking her so long? If we get late for my arrangements… He cupped his face with his fists.

He was very bored. Earlier, he had asked Blaise if he wanted to do some Christmas shopping with him. Blaise gave him a Look and said, "Have you been getting ideas from Granger? We aren't girls, you know." He agreed to at least go with Draco to the Hog's Head for a couple of drinks. Blaise had just left.

The door opened and Draco smiled. Thank goodness…

The smile was wiped off his face when he saw that it was Professor Heath. He was wearing a black fur coat and platform boots. He looked every bit like a gay stalked to Draco.

"Draco," Professor Heath said. "Fancy running into you here…"

Draco gulped. "I'm meeting Hermione here. She should be here any minute."

Professor Heath laughed. "Ah. I figured that." He sat down beside Draco and ordered a bottle of firewhiskey from the barman. "Still afraid of me, Draco?"

He leaned in and looked into Draco's eyes. Draco stiffened. He didn't dare blink.

"Boo!"

Draco fell back from his chair. Professor Heath laughed. He collected his bottle from the barman while Draco stumbled to get up.

"Well, I'm off now," Professor Heath said. He looked at Draco for a long time. "Look, knock it off. I've moved on."

Draco's eyes narrowed in confusion.

"I've found another blonde to get me through, so you're free to run into me anytime; I won't assault you," Professor Heath continued, laughing. "And it's a girl this time." He walked out of the shop without another word.

* * *

Hermione ran towards the Hog's Head. She and Ginny had parted ways at Gladrags. She was running late; she doubled her pace and continued to run…

BAM!

She bumped into a man wearing a hairy coat. She fell on the snow. Slowly, she looked up.

"Professor Heath! I'm so sorry."

Professor Heath smiled kindly at her. "Miss Granger! It's alright," he helped her up. "Draco's been waiting for you, he's in there," he said, pointing at the Hog's Head.

Hermione nodded. "I know," she said, panting. 'I'm late."

Professor Heath grinned. Dimples appeared on his cheeks, and his purple hair gleamed. His fur coat was rustled as a cold breeze passed by. Hermione almost had the urge to swoon. "Go on, he's waiting," he said. Hermione smiled at him before walking towards the pub. "Oh wait!"

Hermione turned around.

"I forgot to tell you… I'm having a Christmas party on Christmas Eve, at my office," Professor Heath said. "I'm inviting students… You and Draco are invited. Tell Miss Weasley, Mister Potter and Mister Zabini that they're invited, too." He grinned at Hermione. "I hope they can work things out. I don't want to miss anyone on my party."

Hermione grinned. "Thanks, sir," she said before turning around and entering the Hog's Head.

Draco was inside, sitting near the bar. He looked overjoyed to see her. He looked very cute in his thick gray Marc Jacobs coat, gray and white Nautica sweater, white Gap pants, Adidas white gloves, gray Gucci boots, and a gray and white Louis Vuitton beanie.

Your mother has the most impeccable taste in the world, Hermione couldn't help thinking.

"There you are!" Draco exclaimed. "You'll never guess---"

"If you mean Professor Heath," Hermione said, "I bumped into him outside." She decided to tell him about the party later on; he seemed to be rattled.

"Oh," Draco said. "Okay. Never mind him. What did you get me?"

Hermione blushed. "It's not ready yet."

Draco shrugged. "Alright," he said. He took her hand and led her out of the shop.

"Where are we going?" Hermione said.

"Close your eyes," Draco said. Hermione looked confused, but she closed them anyway. A second later, she felt like she was going into an extremely tight tube…

* * *

"Open your eyes," Draco said, smiling.

Hermione's eyes remained closed.

"Come on," Draco said. "Open them."

Hermione's eyes still didn't open.

"Granger," he said dangerously.

"Are we in Greece?" Hermione squeaked.

"What?" Draco said. Who had told her? He didn't tell anyone, not even Blaise.

"You told me before that you'd take me to Greece sometime," Hermione said. "I didn't know you'd take it seriously…"

"So you weren't expecting it?" Draco said. "You were surprised?"

"Yes," Hermione said, her eyes shut tight.

"Good," Draco said, smiling contentedly. "Open your eyes… come on." He touched Hermione's eyelids lightly with his forefinger.

"Fine," Hermione said. She opened her eyes.

They were standing on top of a rocky cliff overlooking the dark blue ocean. Below the cliff were rows and rows of pretty, white Mediterranean houses. The sky was light blue, and there were a few clouds here and there. The sun was overhead and shining quite brightly. It felt alright to take off their coats and gloves, and they did so.

Near their feet was a big red gingham picnic mat. There was a picnic basket containing salmon sandwiches, green grapes, red apples, watermelon slices, custard cakes, chocolate cupcakes, and a bottle of champagne in a corner.

Draco cleared his throat. "I helped the house elves make those," he said, pointing at the sandwiches. "What do you think?" He looked at Hermione.

He was horrified to find that there were tears in her eyes. "Don't you like it…?"

"I love it," Hermione said, and burst into tears.

Draco stepped forward, aghast. The scene looked familiar. He remembered her birthday; her friends had given her a cake and she had blubbered, too.

"Thank God you still look pretty when you cry," Draco said, cupping her face. Her eyelashes were wet. He kissed her tears away.

Hermione made a sound that was a cross between a sob and a laugh. She hugged Draco. "Thank you so much…"

Draco felt his cheeks grow hot. "Well, yeah… Psh… It was nothing, really…"

Hermione giggled. Then she released Draco and looked at him.

Draco looked back at her. She leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips.

"I love you."

* * *

Hermione froze.

Draco had told her that he loved her.

She looked up at him with wide eyes.

Draco's forehead creased. He looked a bit scared.

Hermione took a deep breath. "I love you, too."

Draco stood there, blinking. Then his face broke into a smile.

"You have no idea," Draco said, "How long I've waited to hear that…"

"Oh yeah?" Hermione said, smiling. "I should've said it sooner."

"Not that," Draco said. Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I mean, of course I want to hear that, I meant…" He suddenly felt discomfited. "Well… I meant… what I said. I haven't even admitted that to myself…"

Hermione tilted her head and grinned at him.

"Am I rambling?" Draco said, clearing his throat. His cheeks felt extremely hot.

"No, go on," Hermione said. "I love it. You look so cute."

"Ah," Draco said. "That I know…"

Hermione giggled. "Let's not get you started," she said. "Come on, then. Let's taste your culinary masterpiece."

* * *

They ate and snogged all afternoon. They decided to stay and watch the sun set; the time in Greece was two hours ahead the time in Britain. Since they wouldn't have a problem with Apparition anyway, there was nothing to lose.

After the extremely pretty sunset, and about four kisses ranging from sweet to rough and then wild, they packed the picnic basket and Disapparated.

When they got back to Hogsmeade, a few students were still doing some last-minute shopping. Hermione dashed to Gladrags and picked up Ginny and Draco's gifts. She dashed back out and Draco asked to see it. She refused. Draco threw a mild tantrum.

"I gave you your Christmas gift already, that's unfair!" he grumbled. "You saw it with your two eyes, didn't you?" He was referring to the trip to Greece.

"Alright!" she cried, her cheeks pink. She threw the parcel at him. He smiled like a little boy and opened it.

Inside was a pair of black boxers with the words Hermione Granger stitched on in green thread.

Draco could feel his pants getting tighter. He had to think of Barbary kissing him just to calm himself down.

"Merry Christmas," Hermione muttered, marching towards the castle. She sounded pretty angry. He ran after her and they walked to the castle together silently.

"I really like it," Draco murmured once they entered the gates.

Hermione sighed. "Alright," she said. "I just wanted you to open it at the right time."

Draco smiled. "Doesn't matter," he mumbled. "I really, really like it."

They were climbing up the stairs when a voice called them.

"Draco?" said a male voice. "Granger?"

It was Blaise.

"Why are you carrying a picnic basket?" he asked them.

"We had a picnic," Draco said.

"You had a picnic… in the snow?" Blaise said, smirking.

"Yes, Zabini, now move over, I'm tired," Draco said, elbowing him out of the way.

"I'd rather put off going back up if I were you," Blaise said.

Draco raised an eyebrow at him. "Yeah right. Come on Blaise, I really am tired."

"Don't say I didn't warn you," Blaise said. "I'm going to the dungeons. Bye, Granger."

He walked away.

Draco looked at Hermione. She shrugged. They continued to climb up to the fifth floor.

When they reached the portrait, the lady and the knight were out.

"Hello?" Draco said. He rapped at the painting loudly. "Come out, you two. I'm really, really tired!"

Hermione looked around. "They must be in here somewhere…"

Suddenly, the portrait door opened.

A tall, beautiful woman opened the door. She had long, light blonde hair that flowed to her waist. Her eyes were very pretty and very light blue. Her nose was long and perfect-looking. Her lips were curved and pink. Her cheekbones were high, and her skin was very pale, but glowing. She was dressed in a black long-sleeved, floor-length Yves Saint Laurent dress.

"MOTHER?"

:D :D :D

I meant to include Christmas in this chapter, but then doing so would make it too loooooong. I didn't want to give you a hard time. I'll just put it in the next one, I guess. :)