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Hermione POV
A couple days after Hermione and Severus' meeting, it was the start of Christmas break. She was sad that she wasn't able to go home this year, but her parents had decided to spend the holiday season in Paris. Hermione had loved it there when they had visited a few years ago and would have liked to go back. However, she would not be back in time for the start of term, so she had to stay at Hogwarts. Fortunately, there was a silver lining. Severus would be staying at the castle as well and the number of Hogwarts residents would be significantly smaller. Making it much easier to sneak visits with him without anyone becoming suspicious.
Before Harry and Ron left to go to the burrow, the trio exchanged gifts. Ron had once again offered her a place to stay at the burrow, but Hermione had to make her excuses. He asked why she couldn't come since she would not be going home. She claimed that she did not want to waste an opportunity to get in some extra studying. He rolled his eyes, but didn't question her further. Hermione had noticed the way Ron had been looking at her lately and the thought of being cooped up in his home for the entire break made her decidedly uncomfortable.
Harry had given Hermione a book about charms and a new journal with her name embossed in gold on the cover and on each page. Loving both gifts, she thanked him. Hermione had given each of them a quidditch book and a bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. Ron's gift, however, had only served to increase her discomfort with him. She had been weary when she unwrapped the long, black box, knowing what it must contain.
Hermione was stunned into silence when she opened it. Inside was a gold heart pendant with a ruby in the center. Hermione didn't want to hurt his feelings by refusing the gift, so she thanked him with a forced smile. Hermione tried to pretend she didn't see his forlorn expression when her thanks was less enthusiastic than when she thanked Harry. She couldn't risk making him think there was even the slightest chance of them getting together.
Sitting on her bed, Hermione put the rest of her gifts in front of her. She received a beautiful silver locket from her parents. One side contained a picture of her parents, while the other side had a picture of the three of them in front of the Eiffel Tower from their trip a few years ago. She smiled as she slipped the chain over her head. Molly Weasley had given her the customary knitted jumper. They weren't very fashionable, but they always made Hermione feel like part of the family. Vanishing the wrapping paper, she put her new items away. Getting up from the bed, she was ready to go. She was excited to pay Severus a visit and give him his gift.
Severus POV
Severus was in his sitting room in his private quarters. Sitting in front of a warm fire, as he sipped tea. Looking at his small pile of gifts, he sighed, putting down his cup. Some of the staff members still insisted on giving him Christmas gifts, even though he never returned the gesture. He received a set of silver stirring rods from Albus, who knew that regardless of his no longer teaching potions, he still liked to brew and research. He had received a bottle of Ogden's Firewhiskey. Poppy, who was like a mother to Severus, also insisted on gifting him every Christmas. This year she had given him a beautiful set of crystal vials to store his potions.
A few minutes after he had unwrapped the last of his gifts, Severus heard a knock on his classroom door. He knew it was Hermione and he smiled to himself as he walked to his classroom and opened the door. His smile got even bigger when he saw his witch on the other side of the door. He noticed she was wearing muggle clothing. Simple blue jeans and a red sweater with black trainers, but he thought she looked beautiful. He could tell she was surprised to see him out of his usual teaching robes. Instead opting for black jeans and a white, long sleeved shirt. Ushering her in, Severus closed the door.
"Merry Christmas, Severus" Hermione greeted, just above a whisper.
"Merry Christmas, Hermione" Severus replied softly.
"I have a gift for you" she said, pulling out a small package.
"I have something for you as well" said Severus. "Shall we go to my private quarters?" Severus saw her fidgeting nervously with her sleeve. Wanting to ease her mind, he continued. "Hermione, it's alright. I meant it when I said I wanted to wait. I know we are soul mates, but that does not mean we should rush into a physical relationship. I want us to really get to know each other before that happens." Looking visibly relieved, Hermione gave a small smile.
"Thank you, Severus, for understanding" Hermione said with a sad smile.
Severus then grabbed her hand and led her to his sitting room. He was glad when she didn't pull away. Offering her a seat on the sofa, Severus then prepared some tea and chocolate biscuits. A few minutes into their conversation, Hermione had clearly decided she couldn't wait any longer.
"Will you open your gift, Severus?" Hermione asked while holding out the square shaped package.
Severus smiled upon realizing she had wrapped it in shiny green paper with a silver ribbon. Taking the gift, he made quick work of unwrapping it. He couldn't hide his surprise when he saw what was inside.
"Hermione, this is beautiful. Thank you" he said sincerely. His long fingers grazing over the smooth, gold pocket watch.
Hermione smiled at his reaction. "Open it" she urged excitedly.
Smiling at her eagerness, Severus did as he was bid. He smiled wider as he found a magical picture of Hermione. Her image blowing him a kiss and smiling shyly. Severus could not stop the single tear that fell down his cheek as he read the inscription she had engraved on the opposite side:
Just as time is eternal, so is my love for you
"Severus, are you alright? Was it too much?" Hermione asked worriedly. Rushing to reassure her that his reaction was not a negative one, Severus squeezed her hand lightly.
"Not at all, Hermione. I can honestly say this is the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me. I love you so much."
"You're welcome, Severus" she smiled brilliantly.
"Time for your gift" Severus said as he got up to retrieve a small package from the shelf across the room. Handing it to her, he sat back down. "Well, go on then" he urged.
Giggling at his impatience, Hermione ripped the wrapping paper and found a black box. Smiling at Severus, she opened the box. Hermione gasped when she looked inside. She ran her fingers along the ruby and emerald bracelet, representing their two house colors. Two charms hung from the bracelet, a lion and a snake. She stared in awe at the meaningful gift.
"Severus, this is so beautiful. Thank you so much" Hermione said, tears swimming in her eyes.
Severus' heart swelled at her reaction to his gift. "You are more than welcome, Hermione. I am so pleased that you like it" he responded with a smile.
They talked until it was time for dinner, which they ate together, not bothering to leave Severus' quarters. All too soon, it was time for Hermione to go back to her dormitory. They had both been surprised to realize they had, quite literally, spent the entire day together. Talking about everything and nothing. Simply getting to know each other. Both falling harder than they ever thought possible.