Disclaimer: I in no way shape or form own any characters, real people or
places you may recognize in this story. However if I did I would be a very
rich woman.
Chapter 13
Christmas Presents
The day had finally arrived. She was going to prove to Draco once and for all, that she was willing to help him. She stood up and looked out her window. The sun was bright in the morning sky, snow falling on the frozen ground. At the end of her bed she saw all the gifts that she had received. She frowned. Usually she opened her gifts with Harry and Ron; but they were spending Christmas at the burrow. She, however, didn't dwell on it too much. She would see them this evening after all. She gathered together her gifts and made her way to the common room.
Draco was already there, sitting on the carpet, and staring at a pile of presents.
"You know Malfoy, the pile wont increase if you stare at it."
"Ha, Ha, Granger," he said. "If you must know I am not used to receiving so many gifts. I usually only get one from my mother."
"Well seems as if someone took pity on you this year."
"What do want anyway?" he asked.
"Well I always open my gifts with someone, also I know you may not like me; but no one should be alone on Christmas morning."
"I don't need your charity. Just open them and let's get this over with."
Hermione didn't need to be told twice, she tore in to her presents ripping the wrapping off with abandon. Ron and Harry had given her a three way best friend's necklace. She put it on immediately. From her parents she got some new clothes and a muggle camera. She opened every one of them until there was only one left. It had no name on it.
"Look at her," he thought. "She's so beautiful. Stop. She doesn't want you. She said it was too late. I will not let her see how much she hurt me."
Draco opened his gifts. He had received many from his mother; but the one he would cherish the most was a black leather journal, with his name inscribed in silver. There were two presents left, one was from Hermione. He looked over to her; but was too busy staring at the gift he had given her. He opened it and was shocked at the contents. It was a silver dagger almost identical to the one he had given to her. This one, however, had an emerald on the hilt and the jewels surrounding the handle were scarlet.
"What is the meaning of this," he asked her.
Hermione looked at him a smiled. "I saw that in Hogsmeade. I just knew that I had to but it for you. I knew you needed it."
"Open your gift Hermione."
Shocked that he had used her first name, she didn't argue. When she had finished opening it she started laughing.
"Here I thought I was getting you a one of a kind gift. I wanted you to have something special. It turns out that it has something to do with that sodding prophecy."
"I guess so Granger. Why did you want me to have something special?"
"Because Draco I care about you." She was careful not to tell him she loved him. She wanted to be able to show him. Trying to change the subject she told him to open his last gift.
When he removed it from the box Hermione gasped.
"Well it seems you already know what this is. Care to enlighten me?"
"It's an artifact once held by the Eriez Indians. It is some sort of pipe called Orenda. Harry and Ron were sent to acquire it this past summer. Dumbledore wanted it; because it predicts the future of the holder. That future is unchangeable. Whatever that person see will come to pass. But how did you get it. Dumbledore had it in his possession when he disappeared."
"Well seems we are about to find out." He waved a note thru the air. He opened it and began reading it to her.
Mr. Malfoy,
I am sure by now that you and Ms. Granger are wondering why I have sent you the Orenda. I want you to use it. Ms. Granger has the ingredients needed to activate the Orenda. The only thing I ask is that Ms. Granger is present during the ritual. I do not know if there are any side effects.
Albus Dumbledore
"Another piece to our puzzle," he said.
"Are you going to do it?"
He nodded. "I have to. I have to know if this is all worth it. If I really do make a difference."
"When?"
"After dinner tonight. Do you have everything you need?"
She did. Snape had sent the ingredients last night.
"Please don't tell anyone about this Malfoy. We don't know what your vision will be about. I don't want anyone getting their hopes up."
Later that day
Hermione had dressed carefully. She wanted to bolster her confidence and thought that this outfit would help.
"Mother are you coming?" Draco asked.
"Oh dear, I forgot. I can't walk thru the halls. I will just have to floo over there. I had promised Hermione she could walk with us. Be a dear and escort her."
"No."
"Draco Malfoy, I do not care if you like her or not. I have taught you good manners. It is only polite to escort her. Now go. I will meet you both there." Hiding a smile Narcissa flooed to the Franklins room.
Draco went to Hermione's door and pounded on it, yelling at her to get a move on.
Hermione took her time, not wanting to seem too eager. When she finally opened the door she took secret pleasure in the look that crossed his face. He wanted her. Draco didn't have time to hide his emotions. As soon as he saw her he was filled with lust. He recovered quickly; but knew that she had seen it. His suspicions were confirmed when she slid up next to him and brushed her lips across his cheek.
"Good evening Draco. You look very nice this evening. Shall we go?"
She took his arm and led the way out in to the hall. Once in the corridor she released him. Before he could think she was rejecting him again, she gave the same reason as his mother did. He accepted this and they walked thru the halls in silence. At the Franklins portrait, Hermione knocked. The portrait was opened by Ron.
"Happy Christmas, Mione."
"Happy Christmas, Ron." She gave him a hug.
"Are you going to let us in Weasel, or are you going to snog Granger in the hall all night."
"Sod off Malfoy. The only reason I am not hexing you into next week is because your mother saved my aunts life."
"Ronald Weasley, how dare you. There is no reason to act this way on Christmas. Now be quiet and lets us in before I hex you."
Ron sputtered and Draco raised an eyebrow at Hermione. When he went thru the portrait she turned to Ron. She mouthed thank you and he winked back at her.
When they entered the room, Molly ran up and hugged Hermione. Harry did the same and then whispered something in her ear. She giggled. Next was Ginny she hugged Hermione and then did the same to Draco.
"Happy Christmas Draco. I have a present for you."
He leaned over and whispered in the red heads ear. "I'm sorry little weaselette, but I don't steal from friends."
She chuckled and then waved someone over. "Happy Christmas Draco," a familiar voice said.
"Oh, thank Merlin. Happy Christmas, Blaise."
"Hey now Ginny there is no need to try and out do me. I have a present for you as well," said Harry smiling.
At this announcement someone came up from behind him and gave him a quick hug. He turned around and saw Pansy.
"What is going on here," he asked.
Everyone just looked over to Hermione. She just smiled. "I knew you wouldn't be comfortable this evening surrounded by my friends, so I invited Pansy and Blaise to join us."
Julianne clapped her hands and told everyone dinner was ready. She then waved and mounds of food appeared on the table.
"Julianne," Narcissa said. "Did you just use wand less magic?"
"Did I? Oh, I guess I did. You see I have gone sixteen years without using any magic. While I was trying to learn it all again, I was extremely focused, therefore I didn't need a wand."
Everyone sat down to a boisterous meal. Hermione had made sure that the only place for Draco to sit was next to her. The entire meal she 'accidentally' bumped into him, or let her hand graze over his as he passed various dishes to her. When she would laugh she would place her hand on his thigh squeezing lightly. By the end of the meal Draco was extremely frustrated. All he wanted to do was take Hermione back to his room and take his frustrations out on her body.
After dinner everyone gathered in the sitting room. Suddenly a house elf appeared with a letter. Julianne opened it. After reading it she looked at everyone gathered. She then said, "Ron and Aaron, I would like for you to go find Professors Snape, Lupin, and McGonagall and bring them back here. We are going to have a guest."
"Who?" Ron asked.
"Never you mind just go."
"Jeeze Aunt Julianne, are you sure you and mum aren't twins."
She laughed and then shooed them out of the room.
She then looked to Hermione, a question in her eyes. Hermione nodded and Julianne waved her hand. Then she nodded towards Pansy.
Draco and Hermione had been standing apart from everyone per Julianne's instructions.
Pansy spoke. "Hey Draco. You believe in tradition correct?"
"You know I do Pansy. Why?"
"Look up."
He did and groaned. He saw the mistletoe and then he saw everyone staring at them. He knew he wasn't going to get out of this one.
He leaned over to rush a kiss across her cheek; but she turned her head. He went to pull away; but she leaned into him. He had to wrap both arms around her to keep her from falling. She never broke contact and just kept leaning in. He finally gave into the sensations that were overcoming him using his tongue to open her mouth. She did and He deepened the kiss more.
They were so engrossed in each other that they didn't hear the gasps sound around the room. Finally they were separated when each felt a hand on their shoulders. Hermione was about to protest till she saw what everyone else was staring at. The professors had arrived; but the surprise was over by the entrance stood Professor Dumbledore.
"Albus," McGonagall said. "About time you returned. Now what is the meaning of all this."
"I wish I could say it was coincidence that you were all gathered here; but I must admit I orchestrated most of it,' Dumbledore said. "I needed you all here."
Blaise and Pansy made a move to leave; but Dumbledore stopped them. "Please stay, you need to be here as well."
Julianne spoke. "Let me put the children to bed and then we can begin."
As she was getting the children settled, Draco pulled Hermione aside. "What in the hell was that all about Granger?"
"Draco you asked me to teach you how to love, I am obliging you."
"You rejected me."
"No I didn't. If you had just waited a few more seconds you would have heard everything. I said it was too late I already loved you. I have one more lesson to teach you and then you will hopefully know what it means to love and be loved. After we are done here I will teach you.
When Julianne returned, Allen demanded to know what Dumbledore wanted.
"My friends I have gathered you all here; because the final battle is approaching. You all have an important part to play in this war. I have a plan to ensure victory but I need to know where your loyalties lie. Please do not answer me tonight. Think about it. I will expect your answer tomorrow. Now let the festivities continue."
Everyone was so engrossed in their own conversations that no one noticed when two of them snuck out of the room.
"Pansy," Harry said. "Can I ask you something?"
"You want to know where my loyalties lie?" he nodded. "Harry, Blaise Draco and I have been taught our whole lives that the Dark side is the only way. From the time we were toddlers we were groomed to be death eaters by our parent's sides. Our first year here at Hogwarts, we became close friends. As close as you Ron and Hermione. We soon realized that none of us wanted our lives mapped out for us. We made a pact. We would remain neutral until we had no choice; but to decide. Today is that day. I knew from the beginning that I could never choose evil. I knew it was in my destiny to choose the light. But if you want the real truth, none of that matters now. The one thing I believe in, the one thing I choose above all others is you." She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Almost the same exact conversation was going on across the room.
"Ginny," Blaise said. "There is no need to ask. The choice is clear." They sealed their conversation with a kiss.
In the heads room, Hermione dragged Draco over to the couch. "It is time for your final lesson." She began to unbutton his shirt, rubbing her hands across his chest when it was open. She slid it off his shoulder and then stood up. He watched as she took off her sweater and skirt. She stood there only in her underwear. "Are you willing to accept my final Christmas gift?" She reached out her hand.
Draco stood with lust in his eyes. He grasped her hand and led her to his bedroom.
Chapter 13
Christmas Presents
The day had finally arrived. She was going to prove to Draco once and for all, that she was willing to help him. She stood up and looked out her window. The sun was bright in the morning sky, snow falling on the frozen ground. At the end of her bed she saw all the gifts that she had received. She frowned. Usually she opened her gifts with Harry and Ron; but they were spending Christmas at the burrow. She, however, didn't dwell on it too much. She would see them this evening after all. She gathered together her gifts and made her way to the common room.
Draco was already there, sitting on the carpet, and staring at a pile of presents.
"You know Malfoy, the pile wont increase if you stare at it."
"Ha, Ha, Granger," he said. "If you must know I am not used to receiving so many gifts. I usually only get one from my mother."
"Well seems as if someone took pity on you this year."
"What do want anyway?" he asked.
"Well I always open my gifts with someone, also I know you may not like me; but no one should be alone on Christmas morning."
"I don't need your charity. Just open them and let's get this over with."
Hermione didn't need to be told twice, she tore in to her presents ripping the wrapping off with abandon. Ron and Harry had given her a three way best friend's necklace. She put it on immediately. From her parents she got some new clothes and a muggle camera. She opened every one of them until there was only one left. It had no name on it.
"Look at her," he thought. "She's so beautiful. Stop. She doesn't want you. She said it was too late. I will not let her see how much she hurt me."
Draco opened his gifts. He had received many from his mother; but the one he would cherish the most was a black leather journal, with his name inscribed in silver. There were two presents left, one was from Hermione. He looked over to her; but was too busy staring at the gift he had given her. He opened it and was shocked at the contents. It was a silver dagger almost identical to the one he had given to her. This one, however, had an emerald on the hilt and the jewels surrounding the handle were scarlet.
"What is the meaning of this," he asked her.
Hermione looked at him a smiled. "I saw that in Hogsmeade. I just knew that I had to but it for you. I knew you needed it."
"Open your gift Hermione."
Shocked that he had used her first name, she didn't argue. When she had finished opening it she started laughing.
"Here I thought I was getting you a one of a kind gift. I wanted you to have something special. It turns out that it has something to do with that sodding prophecy."
"I guess so Granger. Why did you want me to have something special?"
"Because Draco I care about you." She was careful not to tell him she loved him. She wanted to be able to show him. Trying to change the subject she told him to open his last gift.
When he removed it from the box Hermione gasped.
"Well it seems you already know what this is. Care to enlighten me?"
"It's an artifact once held by the Eriez Indians. It is some sort of pipe called Orenda. Harry and Ron were sent to acquire it this past summer. Dumbledore wanted it; because it predicts the future of the holder. That future is unchangeable. Whatever that person see will come to pass. But how did you get it. Dumbledore had it in his possession when he disappeared."
"Well seems we are about to find out." He waved a note thru the air. He opened it and began reading it to her.
Mr. Malfoy,
I am sure by now that you and Ms. Granger are wondering why I have sent you the Orenda. I want you to use it. Ms. Granger has the ingredients needed to activate the Orenda. The only thing I ask is that Ms. Granger is present during the ritual. I do not know if there are any side effects.
Albus Dumbledore
"Another piece to our puzzle," he said.
"Are you going to do it?"
He nodded. "I have to. I have to know if this is all worth it. If I really do make a difference."
"When?"
"After dinner tonight. Do you have everything you need?"
She did. Snape had sent the ingredients last night.
"Please don't tell anyone about this Malfoy. We don't know what your vision will be about. I don't want anyone getting their hopes up."
Later that day
Hermione had dressed carefully. She wanted to bolster her confidence and thought that this outfit would help.
"Mother are you coming?" Draco asked.
"Oh dear, I forgot. I can't walk thru the halls. I will just have to floo over there. I had promised Hermione she could walk with us. Be a dear and escort her."
"No."
"Draco Malfoy, I do not care if you like her or not. I have taught you good manners. It is only polite to escort her. Now go. I will meet you both there." Hiding a smile Narcissa flooed to the Franklins room.
Draco went to Hermione's door and pounded on it, yelling at her to get a move on.
Hermione took her time, not wanting to seem too eager. When she finally opened the door she took secret pleasure in the look that crossed his face. He wanted her. Draco didn't have time to hide his emotions. As soon as he saw her he was filled with lust. He recovered quickly; but knew that she had seen it. His suspicions were confirmed when she slid up next to him and brushed her lips across his cheek.
"Good evening Draco. You look very nice this evening. Shall we go?"
She took his arm and led the way out in to the hall. Once in the corridor she released him. Before he could think she was rejecting him again, she gave the same reason as his mother did. He accepted this and they walked thru the halls in silence. At the Franklins portrait, Hermione knocked. The portrait was opened by Ron.
"Happy Christmas, Mione."
"Happy Christmas, Ron." She gave him a hug.
"Are you going to let us in Weasel, or are you going to snog Granger in the hall all night."
"Sod off Malfoy. The only reason I am not hexing you into next week is because your mother saved my aunts life."
"Ronald Weasley, how dare you. There is no reason to act this way on Christmas. Now be quiet and lets us in before I hex you."
Ron sputtered and Draco raised an eyebrow at Hermione. When he went thru the portrait she turned to Ron. She mouthed thank you and he winked back at her.
When they entered the room, Molly ran up and hugged Hermione. Harry did the same and then whispered something in her ear. She giggled. Next was Ginny she hugged Hermione and then did the same to Draco.
"Happy Christmas Draco. I have a present for you."
He leaned over and whispered in the red heads ear. "I'm sorry little weaselette, but I don't steal from friends."
She chuckled and then waved someone over. "Happy Christmas Draco," a familiar voice said.
"Oh, thank Merlin. Happy Christmas, Blaise."
"Hey now Ginny there is no need to try and out do me. I have a present for you as well," said Harry smiling.
At this announcement someone came up from behind him and gave him a quick hug. He turned around and saw Pansy.
"What is going on here," he asked.
Everyone just looked over to Hermione. She just smiled. "I knew you wouldn't be comfortable this evening surrounded by my friends, so I invited Pansy and Blaise to join us."
Julianne clapped her hands and told everyone dinner was ready. She then waved and mounds of food appeared on the table.
"Julianne," Narcissa said. "Did you just use wand less magic?"
"Did I? Oh, I guess I did. You see I have gone sixteen years without using any magic. While I was trying to learn it all again, I was extremely focused, therefore I didn't need a wand."
Everyone sat down to a boisterous meal. Hermione had made sure that the only place for Draco to sit was next to her. The entire meal she 'accidentally' bumped into him, or let her hand graze over his as he passed various dishes to her. When she would laugh she would place her hand on his thigh squeezing lightly. By the end of the meal Draco was extremely frustrated. All he wanted to do was take Hermione back to his room and take his frustrations out on her body.
After dinner everyone gathered in the sitting room. Suddenly a house elf appeared with a letter. Julianne opened it. After reading it she looked at everyone gathered. She then said, "Ron and Aaron, I would like for you to go find Professors Snape, Lupin, and McGonagall and bring them back here. We are going to have a guest."
"Who?" Ron asked.
"Never you mind just go."
"Jeeze Aunt Julianne, are you sure you and mum aren't twins."
She laughed and then shooed them out of the room.
She then looked to Hermione, a question in her eyes. Hermione nodded and Julianne waved her hand. Then she nodded towards Pansy.
Draco and Hermione had been standing apart from everyone per Julianne's instructions.
Pansy spoke. "Hey Draco. You believe in tradition correct?"
"You know I do Pansy. Why?"
"Look up."
He did and groaned. He saw the mistletoe and then he saw everyone staring at them. He knew he wasn't going to get out of this one.
He leaned over to rush a kiss across her cheek; but she turned her head. He went to pull away; but she leaned into him. He had to wrap both arms around her to keep her from falling. She never broke contact and just kept leaning in. He finally gave into the sensations that were overcoming him using his tongue to open her mouth. She did and He deepened the kiss more.
They were so engrossed in each other that they didn't hear the gasps sound around the room. Finally they were separated when each felt a hand on their shoulders. Hermione was about to protest till she saw what everyone else was staring at. The professors had arrived; but the surprise was over by the entrance stood Professor Dumbledore.
"Albus," McGonagall said. "About time you returned. Now what is the meaning of all this."
"I wish I could say it was coincidence that you were all gathered here; but I must admit I orchestrated most of it,' Dumbledore said. "I needed you all here."
Blaise and Pansy made a move to leave; but Dumbledore stopped them. "Please stay, you need to be here as well."
Julianne spoke. "Let me put the children to bed and then we can begin."
As she was getting the children settled, Draco pulled Hermione aside. "What in the hell was that all about Granger?"
"Draco you asked me to teach you how to love, I am obliging you."
"You rejected me."
"No I didn't. If you had just waited a few more seconds you would have heard everything. I said it was too late I already loved you. I have one more lesson to teach you and then you will hopefully know what it means to love and be loved. After we are done here I will teach you.
When Julianne returned, Allen demanded to know what Dumbledore wanted.
"My friends I have gathered you all here; because the final battle is approaching. You all have an important part to play in this war. I have a plan to ensure victory but I need to know where your loyalties lie. Please do not answer me tonight. Think about it. I will expect your answer tomorrow. Now let the festivities continue."
Everyone was so engrossed in their own conversations that no one noticed when two of them snuck out of the room.
"Pansy," Harry said. "Can I ask you something?"
"You want to know where my loyalties lie?" he nodded. "Harry, Blaise Draco and I have been taught our whole lives that the Dark side is the only way. From the time we were toddlers we were groomed to be death eaters by our parent's sides. Our first year here at Hogwarts, we became close friends. As close as you Ron and Hermione. We soon realized that none of us wanted our lives mapped out for us. We made a pact. We would remain neutral until we had no choice; but to decide. Today is that day. I knew from the beginning that I could never choose evil. I knew it was in my destiny to choose the light. But if you want the real truth, none of that matters now. The one thing I believe in, the one thing I choose above all others is you." She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Almost the same exact conversation was going on across the room.
"Ginny," Blaise said. "There is no need to ask. The choice is clear." They sealed their conversation with a kiss.
In the heads room, Hermione dragged Draco over to the couch. "It is time for your final lesson." She began to unbutton his shirt, rubbing her hands across his chest when it was open. She slid it off his shoulder and then stood up. He watched as she took off her sweater and skirt. She stood there only in her underwear. "Are you willing to accept my final Christmas gift?" She reached out her hand.
Draco stood with lust in his eyes. He grasped her hand and led her to his bedroom.
