Chapter 8. Mistletoe

December 25th, 1996

"So I came up with a list of potions I think I can intentionally brew incorrectly," Hermione said as she straddled a very naked Draco Malfoy. His arms were raised and tucked behind his head, making his muscular form tense. She, too, had nothing on except for Draco's button-up shirt. With a smirk on her face, she ground her hips slowly against his as she flicked her hair behind her shoulder. "Which one do you think would be best: draught of the living death, befuddlement draught, or dizziness draught?" Draco said nothing put simple groaned, his member hardening beneath her. "Naturally the first one we would brew by the book and it wouldn't be deadly at all," Hermione huffed remembering her first potion's lesson under Slughorn. "For the last two, if you were ever asked why you picked them, you could say that you wanted the death to appear natural, so they couldn't trace it back to anyone in particular."

"Mhmmph," Draco's hands travelled to Hermione's arse as she continued grinding against him. Hermione looked down at him, his eyes fluttered closed and a daze smiled on his lips. A giggle threatened to ruin his enjoyment when, in a swift movement, he lifted her from his form then lowered her back down, sliding his cock in her entrance. A gasp, followed by a moan fell from her lips and her head rolled back. Draco held her firm, grasping her buttocks and rocking her against his pelvis. Raising his hips, Draco began thrusting into her, sending jolts of pleasure up her spine. Moans turned to whimpers as she orgasmed for the third time that evening. He closed the gap between them and kissed her firmly, Hermione snaking her arms around his neck. "You were saying about the potions?"

"Hm? I was?" The witch mumbled in a daze, resting her forehead against his.

"Befuddlement draught," he reminded, running his hands through her hair and tugging gently.

"Right," she breathed, barely opening her eyes, relishing in the ecstasy. He kissed her again, drawing it out and struggling to break away.

"I think some sleep might be in order," Draco whispered against her mouth. Hermione leaned forward and nuzzled into his neck. He smelt of spices and sweat, but there was something fresh that lingered from his cologne.

"It's not nearly late enough for bed," she muttered into his skin, planting small kisses on his pale skin.

Draco scoffed as he cast a tempus charm. "It's nearly one in the morning, Granger." Hermione practically lept from his lap and stood above him in shock.

"They'll have figured out we're out of bed by now! What if they're looking for us?" The witch said, tossing Draco his shirt and pulling her jumper over her head.

"It's Christmas break, Granger, relax. Even if they did check, we're not first years anymore," Draco dismissed as he grabbed his pants and trousers, bulling them over his bare arse.

"We could get expelled if we were caught- fornicating on school grounds. Plus it's you and me and you've been sentenced to kill Dumbledore by a man who hates muggleborns." Hermione scampered to find her bra and pants, finally discovering them hanging from the back of a chair. She pulled on her pants, then her skirt, tucking her bra in the waistband.

"If we were expelled, I wouldn't have the access to magic to kill Dumbledore now would I?" Draco dreamt aloud. That was one way out of it, Hermione mused.

"Nor would you have the magic to protect yourself from being killed," the witch noted.

"And you couldn't live without me," Draco teased, walking up to her and capturing her arse in his hands. She moaned, despite herself.

"Oh shut up." A smirk pulled at her mouth and she playfully slapped his arm.

"We'll be okay, I promise." He bent forward and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Shall I walk you to your dorms?" Hermione wanted nothing more than to spend the night wrapped in his arms. She briefly wondered who would be notified if she spent the night in Draco's room, but surmised she'd rather not find out.

"I'll walk myself, wouldn't want to get caught," she conceded, even though she would have much rather stayed in his presence far longer.

"Snape's on rounds tonight, bet he wouldn't mind," Draco teased, once more gripping her arse. "He's in charge of making sure I'm safe anyway, wouldn't want to cause me any harm." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Me on the other hand," she finished for him.

"Insufferable know-it-all?" He guessed, reminding her of all the times Professor Snape had deemed her such a title.

"Shut it," she muttered in jest.

"We'll keep on research tomorrow, meet back here again?" Hermione nodded. Draco gave her one last squeeze before letting her go.

Stepping out of the doorway, Hermione cautiously looked both ways before darting down the hall. Just as she peered around the corner, she looked up to see Professor Snape sneering at her over his nose. Her heart leapt into her chest.

"Out of bed so late, Miss Granger?"

"I'm looking for my cat," Hermione lied quickly. "He's big and orange, fluffy half-kneazle. Have you seen him?" She could hear her blood pumping in her ears as she stared up at the looming Professor.

"Not an excuse Miss Granger," the Professor seemed to be looking past her as if he were waiting for someone to come out from the shadows. "What are you still doing here?" He returned to staring her down.

"Nothing, off I go," she said, almost skittering past him. Thankful she had been let go with not so much as a warning, she hurried back to her common room. To her delight, Crookshanks was sitting outside the entrance to the Gryffindor Rooms, purring away. "At least you can substantiate my lie," she grumbled as she bent down to pick up her feline.

-x-

Her eyes felt heavy and a yawn forced her mouth open as she adjusted to being awake. It felt far too early to be awake after such an eventful evening, but she flung her legs off her bed regardless. It was nice having a room all to herself. No one snoring loudly through the night or chittering in the morning. Except maybe Crookshanks who was known to snore when he got too comfortable. He had taken over Lavender's bed in her absence, something Hermione found comical given Lavender's dislike for cats. Something she and Ronald had in common. Perhaps the only thing. Aside from being airheads, she mused.

The witch brushed her teeth and tied back her mane of curls before deciding to spend the morning reading in the common room. When she got down there, however, the room had been taken over by a large Christmas tree with sparkling decorations and a mountain of presents. Her eyes wide, she remembered exactly what day it was.

Without another thought, Hermione rushed from the Gryffindor tower and down to the dungeons, skidding to a stop as Draco emerged from the Slytherin common room door. He was all done up in slacks and a white, freshly pressed shirt, with his perfectly shined shoes. He looked her up and down and laughed as she caught her breath.

"Happy Christmas, Malfoy," she said finally, swallowing hard and righting herself.

"Happy Christmas, Granger," he chuckled, strutting over to her with his signature smirk.

"I didn't even realise, it was- We could have celebrated last night when we were-"

"Oh, I think we celebrated plenty," he teased. Hermione looked around, suddenly very aware of how out in the open they were.

"Are you coming to breakfast?" She asked, still scanning for any sign of movement.

"I am yeah. You going in your pjs, Granger?" Hermione gasped as she looked down at her matching polka dot pink cotton top and bottoms. These weren't exactly her sexiest pair of pyjamas. She'd had them for years and the top was missing the bottom button. There was a tear in the side of the pants that she was always forgetting to sew back together. There was surely even a spell that could stitch it for her.

"After I noticed the tree, I ran to find you," she admitted.

Draco peered around then saddled up to her, planting a gentle kiss on her lips. "Didn't need mistletoe to do that," he smirked. She wanted to linger, the fold herself into his arms but the feeling of being watched pricked at the back of her neck.

"I'll see you at breakfast." Hermione then went back to the Gryffindor tower. She was tempted to look through the pile of presents, which she knew would be from her parents and grandparents. Perhaps even Harry and the Weasleys. But the thought of presents quickly reminded her that she had gotten nothing for Draco. Rooting through her things, she found a book of potions she had bought herself ages ago, but the same day she brought it home, Hermione's parents gave her the same book as a gift. She had never even cracked the spine of her and didn't want to snub a gift so she'd kept both.

Hermione summoned some wrapping paper and tied it up in a Christmas bow, tucking it under her pillow for later that afternoon.

-x-

After breakfast, Hermione retired to the common room and made it through the pile of gifts from her family. Mostly clothes, a music box that played her favourite song from childhood, and a bracelet from her mother. The Weasley's sent a scarf knitted in Gryffindor colours and a card signed by everyone but Ronald. Naturally, Harry got her a book, as he did every year, of advanced spells which she gleefully added to her collection.

Changing into a pair of jeans, a burgundy pullover, and some sneakers, Hermione started off to the Astronomy tower. Draco was waiting for her, even though she has arrived earlier than their regularly scheduled meeting time, and he had a small box in his hand. Hermione skipped over to him and held out her gift. "Happy Christmas," she beamed.

He smirked and shook his head. "Happy Christmas, Granger," he said, taking the well-wrapped present from her and handing her the box he was carrying. He waited. "Go on, you first."

Lifting the lid from the box, she pulled out an intricate silver chain, glittering in the light like snow. A chunky ring hung from the chain with a deep green emerald. The band was carved with twisting vines that looked almost snake-like. Hermione gasped as she held it up. "It's your family's ring," she whispered, trying to remember a time when he hadn't been wearing it on his index finger. A glance confirmed that this was not simply a replica. Thoughts rushed through her head on what exactly a ring on a necklace meant.

"My father gave one exactly like this to my mother when they were in school. According to my mother, it brings whoever wears it safety against all sorts of dangers in the magical world," he explained, taking it from her and helping her on with it. "My parents gave this one to me before I started at Hogwarts, supposedly for the same protection." Hermione snickered, remembering the time she'd punched him in the face or when he was attacked by the hippogriff or turned into a ferret. Not much protection there. "Yeah, maybe it hasn't done me much good."

"At least you haven't died, maybe that's what it's good for," the witch theorized.

"Well, now you won't die either." Hermione's heart skipped at his words. She took a moment before returning to face him.

"My gift doesn't offer any protection, but it'll make for-"

"A good read," he interrupted, holding the gift up to his ear and shaking it before tearing the paper. "Should have known the bookworm would give books for Christmas."

"I didn't exactly have time to go shopping. I'd forgotten all about Christmas," she offered, suddenly very insecure about her gift choice.

"It's not like I went shopping either," he joked, motioning to the ring. Stepping towards her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her flush against him. "Thank you, Granger," he muttered before leaning down and capturing her lips in a kiss. The witch felt a small spark in her chest then her body was filled with warmth. Stretching up, she deepened the kiss and tugged gently at his hair.

A strange noise made them both look up to see mistletoe forming overhead. Smiling lips pressed together once more and they melted into each other's embrace.

-x-

December 31st, 1996

Hermione sat up on her forearms as she nearly cried out in ecstasy. Looking down to see the blond's perfectly quaffed hair buried between her legs. Draco's mouth was wrapped around her clit as he fingered her skillfully. Nearing climax she allowed herself to collapse back as she clamoured to grab on to something, anything, feeling the pleasure course through her body. Finally, one flick of the tongue sent her over the edge and she bucked her hips against him. He lingered, allowing her to savour her orgasm before climbing on top of her.

She kissed him hungrily, reaching down to guide his hips to her sex. His eyes locked on hers, he slid his cock in her entrance, sending a shockwave of pleasure through her. He was fast, thrusting into her to hit just the right spot repeatedly. One orgasm rolled into two and tears formed in her eyes. "Oh my gods," she moaned, digging her nails into his arms.

He bent down and nuzzled into her neck, nipping at the flesh. She held him up with the palm of her hands, supporting him as he fucked her. He rolled them over so she was on top. Hermione watched as his eyes glued to her breasts. Taking his hands from her hips, she brought them to her chest. He massaged the flesh, rolling her nipples between two fingers. Hermione let her head fall back as she rocking herself against him. Every so often her nub would brush against his pelvis and a gasp would escape her lips.

Once more he flipped them again, Draco once again on top. He rested his palms on either side of her head and she wrapped her legs around his hips. She pressed her palms against her cheeks, supporting herself for the optimal angle, even gripping them slightly as he would. Losing herself in the pleasure of it all she closed her eyes, willing herself to reach her peak once more.

Suddenly he stopped. "Draco," she breathed, trying to not whine as she felt her built-up tension begin to fade. Looking up, she saw panic bleeding from his expression. "What?" Bringing herself back to reality.

The wizard glanced down at his arm and noted the mark squirming on his forearm. Hermione reached out to touch it but he flinched back. "I have to go," he grumbled, pulling out of her and grabbing his trousers. His absence sent a shiver over her body as she reached for her jumper to cover herself up.

"It can't wait?" She asked, glancing down as he tucked himself into his slacks. Hermione knew full well the Dark Lord couldn't wait, but damn did she wish they could finish their New Years celebrations. He didn't even answer her as he dressed. In the silence, she too got dressed, but he stormed out before she could even pull her sweater over her head.

-x-

January 1st, 1997

Hermione had waited up almost three hours in the astronomy tower when her warming spells weren't enough to ward off the freezing night. Nuzzled in the Gryffindor common room, she looked out the window at the heavy snowfall. Would Draco come to find her when he returned? Would he be hurt? Would he come back at all? What exactly was it that the Dark Lord determined was so important that he pulled Draco away from Hogwarts. How frequently was he summoned?

The thoughts spun around in her mind. The persistent image of Draco bleeding out on the floor all along wouldn't leave the back of her mind. She was always one to think the worst, even though she knew that logically everything would be fine. Logically Draco's parents would be there and they wouldn't let anything happen to him. He was picked for a specific mission, they couldn't do it without him. He was the inside key to getting to Dumbledore.

Well, there is Theodore Knott, she mused, reminding herself that he was indeed replaceable. Tucking her legs into her chest, she buried her face in her knees and tried desperately to stop worrying over him. The fire crackling in the background eventually lulled her to sleep.

It was dark and incredibly cold. Wherever she was, she could see her breath in front of her as she got herself to her feet. Reaching out, she tried to find anything, a wall, the ground, a tree. She couldn't tell if she was inside or out, but the feeling of being watched crept up her neck. She pun around and a hand reached through the dark. Taking it, she was pulled into a room, lit with fire. A large dinner table stretched out in front of her with a looming figure at the end of it.

She turned to see whose hand she was holding and Draco stared back at her blankly. The air seemed to be pulled from her lungs as she tried to speak, screaming in silence at him to help her. Her ears drummed with a deafening sound that absorbed whatever whisper she could manage. Draco melted before her, morphing into a snake and coiling at her feet. She tried to run away but felt cemented to the floor.

"You are the reason he's dead," a voice called to her. The dark figure began gliding across the table to her, repeating the words. Still, she screamed with all her might but nothing came out. Frozen, he enveloped her, pulling her into darkness.

Waking with a start, Hermione nearly fell from her seat. The fire had died and the common room was pitch black. The witch reached for her wand and re-lighting the fire and investigating the surroundings. The Christmas tree had been taken down, and the regular common room was left. Plush seating and Quidditch memorabilia littered the walls. The portraits were all asleep, undisturbed by the dim lighting of the fire flickering.

It was nearing three o'clock in the morning. He must be back by now. The nightmare lingered but she pushed through her anxiety and left the common room to see if he was waiting for her at the tower.

Rounding the corner, Hermione once more almost slammed into Severus Snape. He glowered down at her. "Lost pet again, Miss Granger?" He sneered.

"Yeah, he's also going running about at night," she responded, her voice cracking. The Professor looked her up and down, and she quickly remembered she had never changed out of her clothes for the day. "Fell asleep reading," she fibbed even though he hadn't asked.

"Return to the Gryffindor tower, your feline will return to you in the morning I'm sure." Hermione peered over his shoulder, but the hall behind him was just as empty as the rest of the castle this early in the morning. Reluctantly, she turned around and returned to her rooms. After her nap, she had all the energy in the world to stare at the ceiling until morning.

-x-

Hermione read through nearly every book within reach before it was finally the time she would typically meet with Draco. Leaping from the bed, still in the same clothes from the night before, she went to the Astronomy Tower and waited. She'd gone to breakfast, but he wasn't there and she couldn't even fake eating with the knots in her stomach. Time seemed to ooze by without a glimpse of Draco. The worry that had been brewing in her stomach was becoming too hard to keep bottled.

After was seemed like hours but was barely thirty minutes, she stormed down to the dungeons and pounded on the door to the Slytherin common rooms. Repeatedly. The side of her fist stung more with every She continued until it finally flew open. Draco stood before her, dishevelled with a glare carved into his face. "Leave me alone," he snapped before slamming the door once more in her face.

Once the shock had worn off, she once more began slamming her fist against the wooden door. When he came back, once more opening the turn, her worry quickly turned to anger. "What?" He bit. Hermione centred herself.

"How did it go?" She asked calmly, digging her nails into her palms.

"It was positively splendid. How do you think it went?" He let go of the door and strode into the common room. The couches and chairs looked stiff and everything in the room seemed to have almost a green glow to it, including the fire. There were precisely lined bookshelves and all surfaces were devoid of clutter. Had it not been so dark and damp, Hermione would have almost preferred the Slytherin common rooms to her own.

Hermione scampered in after him, watching as he collapsed onto the couch opposite her. She wanted to sit next to him, curl up in his arms, but her defences were rising sharply. "Can you just tell me what happened? Why you're suddenly so hateful?"

"Not everything in this world is about you, Granger. Not everything in my life revolves around wanting to fuck you." His words stung. Hermione internally reasoned that he wasn't only cold because of his recent encounter with the dark lord and it had nothing to do with her. He had even told her as much. Though his tone felt personal.

"I just want to make sure you're okay, you mean a lot to me," she tried.

"I don't deserve to mean a lot to anyone and if you're too blind to see that, there's something medically wrong with you."

"You are worthy of love, Draco, I mean it." The words soured in her mouth when he shook his head. She had never seen him so furious.

"Or maybe you only like me to get back at your friends. You only fucked me in the first place because you were insecure that Weasle chose a pureblood witch over you. Now you're just holding on, trying to prove something. All this proves is that you're not the brightest bloody witch," he spat, standing from the couch and starting off towards the stairs leading down to the dormitories.

"That was hurtful, Draco," she said in a low tone but he seemed to hear it because he turned around.

"I hurt people, Granger. That's all I'm bloody good at. Get used to it or get out." She looked back at the entrance for just a moment and Draco turned to storm off once more.

"Just talk to me!" She pleaded, feeling the tears prick at her eyes. "Draco!" Hermione called after him, but he had disappeared down the stairs. "Fine! If that's what you think, I'm going!" She waited, hoping he would realize his mistake and come back. Hoping he would appear at the top of the stairs and apologize. But it was silent. So she left.

Thank you for your patience! I've set up a Twitter so I can post any updates on my writing. Handle: lifesawasteland It's been wild busy at work and I've just been a zombie when I get home so this chapter took a while to move through. It's not that I didn't have the inspiration, just that I was always exhausted! Hopefully this twist gets me energized again!