Mistletoes and Baubles
Summary: An extremely short and fleeting glimpse at how Harry and Hermione may have developed their relationship when spending a Christmas together, sheltered from the rest of the world around them.
December 20th, 1995
Harry had been strolling through the aged Hogwarts' passageways as usual, nonchalantly gazing forward as he did. He was grateful to be at Hogwarts for Christmas, anything was better than the supposed 'home' his relatives provided, yet he still felt the loneliness that he'd come to be so familiar with at this time of year. Earlier in the month he had solemnly waved goodbye to one of his best friends – Ron, who was of course at the Burrow, no doubt eagerly counting the days until the 25th , one of the few days he could gorge in a gluttonous paradise without prying, judgmental eyes. Sure, it probably sentenced the redhead to an early grave but Harry wasn't one to judge. The thought amused Harry before he returned his attention to his surroundings, acutely altering his path to begin sauntering to his dorm room.
Harry was comfortable in his solitude anyway, thrust onwards knowing his favourite faces would be back soon and content with his lonesome until then. Until he thought of Hermione, that was. He'd walked his bright best friend out the looming castle just yesterday, briefly sharing a hug so tender it might have been rehearsed. Hermione was reluctant to leave her 'Star Seeker' best friend, begging him to come with her only to be disappointed each time she tried to get him on board.
"My parents would love you! They already know who you are," Hermione would argue, persistent and relentless but also batting a goofy, genuine smile as she said so.
"That's lovely and all but I really don't plan to intrude on your family's social life, Hermione," Harry would rebut. It's not like he didn't want to be with Hermione, he just didn't want to do anything that might subtract from her time at home.
"You're not an intruder! Like I said, they all practically know all there is about you already..."
Hermione had chimed on and on but realised her pleas were falling on deaf ears and eventually surrendered her attack, leaving for home the same day. As Harry thought about it now, entering his dorm, he reviewed the scenario in his mind. Christmas with Hermione really would be pleasant, he truly adored her company and held her in the highest regard. Truth be told, he was pretty damn sure she was the only person in his life right now he really could depend on. Still, he'd be alright alone. What's one isolated Christmas for the 'Boy Who Lived'? For the Triwizard Champion and the hailed 'Chosen One'?
Well, apparently it's all too much.
Harry, in one swift and fluid motion, grabbed the nearest quill and parchment and raced to his desk.
'Dear Hermione...'
{A/N: Don't see this being very long. 5 chapters max. Aiming for a fluffy, sweet Harmony fic, nothing major. Oh yeah, first ever fic! So that's something. Feel free to correct the hell out of me or leave suggestions. Updating regularly, just publishing this so I feel motivated to continue.}
