Chapter 17 ~ New Year, New Changes
"I was waiting for so long, for a miracle to come.
Everyone told me to be strong, hold on, and don't shed a tear.
Through the darkness and good times, I'd knew I'd make it through.
And the world thought I had it all, but I was waiting for you."
- "A New Day Has Come" by Celine Dion
"OY! Hermione! Look it - you've got presents!" a voice cried.
Hermione groaned and muttered that she hadn't gotten enough sleep but that apparently didn't seem to be enough, as she was soon being pummled with fluffy and squashy pillows.
"Come on Hermione!" another voice cried.
"All right, I'm up, I'm up," Hermione gave in as she opened her eyes.
She was immediately greeted by Harry and Ron, who were desperately trying to wake her up. "Get your presents and come down to the common room," Harry instructed her. "We're all going to open our presents there."
"Oh all right," Hermione nodded. "Just give me a few minutes."
Ron and Harry exited the room as Hermione tried to stifle a yawn. The rest of the girls who remained for the holidays were fast asleep and were unaware that they had a stack of presents at the end of their bed. Hermione looked excitedly at hers; many of them were small but some were very large. She got out of bed, ran a brush through her hair, and changed out of her pink pyjamas into some warm clothes. She whispered the levitating charm and the gifts rose into the air and followed her out of the dormitory and into the common room.
Once she reached it, she noticed that many of the Gryffindor who were staying behind were now walking back and forth between their dormitories, with large stacks of presents in their arms. Apparently they were trying to bring them to the common room so they could all celebrate together, but Hermione thought it was taking too long. "Why doesn't everybody just use the leviating charm to bring their presents to the common room?" she asked out loud. Everybody stopped what they were doing and turned towards Hermione.
"How do you do that?" Seamus Finnigan asked.
Hermione sighed and taught them the instructions for the levitating charm that she had performed on Oliver when he had fallen from his broomstick. Within a few minutes everyone was bringing their presents to the common room. Hermione found Harry and Ron squashed up near the fireplace.
"All right, all right," Ron said to the Gryffindors who had managed to wake up and bring their presents, waving his arms about like a chicken. "Now, I know it's a bit cramped."
"A bit?" someone remarked. "Ha!"
Ron sighed impatiently. "Yes, a bit, but let's just get through this and enjoy Christmas! Happy Christmas everyone!"
"Happy Christmas!" they all replied.
Ron turned to Hermione. "Happy Christmas Hermione!" he smiled. "Now, let's open 'em up!"
Hermione eagerly turned towards her presents, a wide smile across her face. She held up her first lumpy package, and with a small look at Harry and Ron, began to shred the wrapping paper to small pieces. It was a small sweater, in a light lavender, bearing the initials HG.
Ron looked at her. "Another sweater from my mum, huh?" Ron asked. "Guess I have one too!" He picked up an identicle package and shred it as well. Ron groaned. "Maroon again!"
Harry chuckled as he opened his, which was a dark green and had the initials HP. Ginny ran up to them with another sweater. "Hey, guys!" she cried, as she looked upon the sweaters. "Hermione, does your sweater stand for Hermione Granger or Head Girl?"
The three looked up at her, puzzled. "I never thought of that," Ron admitted.
"I really don't know," Hermione answered. "Probably Hermione Granger, though."
The four turned back to their presents. After fifteen minutes of shredding, tearing, ripping, splitting, and any other way possible of opening presents, Hermione had a large number of presents. She had received a brand- new quill with small rhinestones from her parents; she had gotten loads of sweets from Ron ('That you have to share so you won't become a pig!' Ron added as she opened it); a small diary from Harry, which he assured was in no way like Tom Riddle's diary; a small friendship bracelet from Ginny; and a small, carved, wooden brush from Hagrid.
She turned towards Ron, who was opening some gifts from Harry. The first one was a pair Chudley Cannons gloves, and the second was another Agrippa card. "Just in case you lose the first one," Harry laughed.
Hermione chuckled and looked back at her remaining gifts. Two were left; one was fairly big and the other was very, very small. Hermione decided she would open the small one first. She carefully took off the delicate wrapping paper to find a small box. She looked at Ron, Harry, and Ginny who were all far too concerned with their gifts, and then turned back to her small gift.
Very slowly she took the lid off to reveal a beautiful gold necklace. Hermione gazed at it, her eyes growing wider and wider. It had a gold chain and a small heart in the centre of it, which contained diamonds. She looked at the bottom of the tiny box, expecting a signature or card of some sort to notify her of the sender, but there was nothing.
Hermione delicatedly touched the necklace and took it out of the package. She held it carefully in her hand. Ginny came up to her.
"Ooh, Hermione who sent you that?" Ginny asked.
"I don't know," Hermione answered. "I was hoping maybe Ron and Harry would have an idea."
"It wasn't me," Ron told her. "I don't have the money."
"And, as much as I like you as a friend, I wouldn't go as far as to buy you a.is that pure gold?" Harry asked.
Hermione chuckled. "I suppose," she said awkwardly. She looked at the necklace, wondering who could've possibly sent it to her. At first glance it looked like a gift from Oliver, as she hadn't received any other gifts from him. But, as she decided that it was probably from him another suggestion came to mind. Draco Malfoy. Hermione almost laughed out loud at the thought. After all, Draco Malfoy despised her - even though his attitude had certainly changed throughout the past week or so.
"Well, come on put it on!" Ron urged her.
Hermione nodded, too shocked for words. The gold looked so radiant in the morning light, but as she put it on she felt strange, almost as if she was stealing it because she didn't know where it came from.
She eventually got the necklace on and glanced around at Harry, Ron, and Ginny for opinions. All the rest of the people in the common room had already left for breakfast.
Ginny gasped. "That's beautiful," she commented.
"Whoever gave you that sure had good taste," Ron complimented.
"Wow," Harry managed to say. "It looks really good on you, 'Mione."
Hermione was just about to say thanks when an odd slithering noise was heard.
"Not again," Harry muttered, looking at the walls around the common room. Hermione wondered if it could be coming from the dungeons again. The same silent voices were heard and it made Hermione shudder.
"WILL YOU KNOCK IT OFF WITH THE STUPID TALKING?!" Ron shouted at the top of his lungs. The three of them stared at Ron, surprised at his sudden outburst, but it seemed that the talking and slithering had stopped thanks to his yelling.
"I don't like the sound of that slithering," Ginny murmured uneasily. Harry put his arm over her shoulder in a friendly attempt.
"Don't worry Ginny," he told her. "Everything will be okay."
"Let's hope so," she said worriedly. There was an awkward silence as they all looked at each other.
Ron picked up another package, which was very light and had a note attached to the top. "'Dear Ron'," he read, "'I figured that you liked the Chudley Cannons, and I thought you might enjoy this gift. Send Harry my love, Cho.'" Ron looked at them, puzzled; then he tore open the package. His mouth widened as he looked down upon his gift. "An official Chudley Cannons jersey! With all the teams signatures on it!" Ron looked at Harry, amazed and bewildered. "I love Cho!" Ron cried.
Harry looked at Ron oddly. "Hey, she's my girlfriend!" Harry said, beginning to laugh.
"Yeah, I know mate!" Ron exclaimed, trying on the jersey. "Man, this is so great, and it fits perfectly too."
"Say, let's go to breakfast!" Ginny suggested excitedly as she sprung up. "I'm starving!" She ran towards the closed portrait of the Fat Lady, and with a motioning hand, gestured them to leave with her.
The rest of the group stood up and exited with him. Ron was wondering what would be for breakfast, Harry was wondering when he should start Quidditch practices again, Ginny was thinking about Harry's 'friendly' gesture of putting his arm over her shoulder, and Hermione was wondering who had sent her the gorgeous gold necklace.
She headed down to the Great Hall with the other three, dragging her feet slowly on the concrete floor. The candles were burning brightly, and the windows were full of a white blur. The ghosts were flying past singing Christmas carols, and the castle was still decorated as nicely as ever with tons of holly.
As she walked along the steps towards the Great Hall, wondering about the necklace, she slowly heard conversations from Harry, Ron, and Ginny.
"So, snow-fight with the Slytherins?" Ron asked.
"Definitely," Harry answered truimphantly. "We'll show them no mercy and we'll be the champions!"
"Calm down man, you're going to have a heart attack," Ginny chuckled.
Hermione smiled as they finally entered the Great Hall. Everyone was sitting at their own tables, since there was enough people from each house. Hermione was prepared to sit down at the Gryffindor table when half of the Gryffindors made their way to the Slytherin table, including Harry, Ron, and Ginny.
"What are you doing?" Hermione hissed at Ron, who was heading towards Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, who were talking with a few Slytherins.
"We're making plans for the snow-fight, are you blind?" Ron cried.
Hermione sighed as they began to negotiate.
"Whoever gets hit is knocked out," Dean Thomas informed the Slytherins. "They sit out.it ends up being the battle of the best."
"And who's 'the best'?" Draco Malfoy asked.
"Well the best person on the Gryffindor team and the.best person on the Slytherin team," Dean answered.
Draco chuckled. "Please, save yourself the aggravation."
The Gryffindors looked at him oddly, expecting him to continue. Instead, Draco turned around, chatting quietly with the rest of the Slytherins. Then, with a quick turn around he nodded and said, "Your on, Gryffindor sissies!"
"What did you say?" Ron growled.
"What, has something affected your hearing?" Draco snarled. Hermione looked at Draco oddly. He seemed to be back to his usual self yet again. "I said you're a bunch of sissies, and you'll do well to just go back to your table and contain yourselves until the fight."
"No, I'll do well to punch you in the face!" Ron said, prepared to tackle him. The rest of the Gryffindors held him back, since Professor McGonagull was watching nearby.
"Come on," Harry told him. "Your on, Malfoy. Be prepared to lose!"
Draco chuckled at the thought as the Gryffindors departed. Hermione stood there, stunned at Draco's sudden change of attitude. Not that she was particularly enjoying the new one either, in fact she was shocked at his sudden, nice behaviour - but at least it was better then his old, nasty self.
"Seems like your thinking about a lot, Granger," a voice hissed in her ear.
Hermione jumped and noticed Draco standing right beside her. "Oh, Malfoy," she muttered.
"So, are you joining in on this silly fight or not?" Draco asked.
"Um, I'm not sure," she answered.
"Well, if you are, I'll make sure that I go easy on you," he said in a tone that startled Hermione.
"Don't worry about me Malfoy," Hermione told him. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"Sure you are," Draco said. Hermione didn't know whether he was being serious or sarcastic. "Oh, by the way - that necklace looks good on you."
Hermione felt her face redden as she walked away. What was the matter with Draco? And what was the matter with her?
"Are you all right?" Ron asked as Hermione sat down. "It looks like you just ate a really hot pepper."
Hermione laughed and lifted her goblet. "Happy Christmas!" she cried, quickly swallowing the liquid in her goblet.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny looked strangely at her. "Are you okay?" Harry asked.
"Of course I am!" she said in a very high-pitched tone. "Don't be ridiculous Harry!"
"Uh, all right," Harry replied awkwardly. They began their breakfast as usual, with Hermione finally pushing the necklace out of her mind, even though it was still hung gracefully around her neck.
Dumbledore stood up from his place at the table, which was very unusual during breakfast. He cleared his throat and the Great Hall was instantly silent. "Now, as you may or may not know, a student was almost attacked yesterday," he announced. Hermione felt her face redden once again as everybody began to whisper. "That student is fine now, and no other attacks or incidents were reported last night or this morning, so were deciding that the intruder is indeed gone.for the time being. We ask you to be cautious and alert, but we also ask you to please enjoy the Christmas holidays as well. We shall have the usual Christmas feast this evening, and during that time you may go outside but please.be careful during your little 'snow-fights', and no magic shall be used." There was a small twinkle in his eye as he ended with a small, "Happy Christmas!" which everyone replied to.
Hermione was quite relieved that Dumbledore didn't mention her name, or else instead of the students resuming to their breakfast like they were now, they would probably be pestering her to tell them what happened, and she didn't know if she was prepared to do that.
"So 'Mione," Ron began through a large mouthful of pancakes, "are you going to join in on the holiday festivities?"
"Holiday festivities?" Hermione repeated in disbelief. "Your having a bloody snow-fight!"
"Those are the holiday festivities," Ron told her. "Honestly, I thought you knew this stuff."
Harry chuckled and took a sip of his goblet. Once he had swallowed it down he asked, "So, are you going to join in?"
Hermione shrugged. "I guess, but I hope it doesn't get too rough."
"It won't," Ron told her. He pushed back his plate and stood up. "Now, it's a fight to the death!"
"Manos a manos!" Harry added, standing up as well. "That means mans-to- mans!" Hermione and Ginny both burst out in hysterical laughter as they looked towards Harry and Ron.
"Oh come on now, your ruining it!" Ron exclaimed.
"Ruining what, exactly?" Hermione asked.
"The passion, the excitement, the urge!" Ron told them.
"The feeling, the desire," Harry continued. "The."
"Idiocy? The stupidity?" Ginny suggested.
"Yeah, exactly the - " Ron began. "WHAT?! NO! Argh, come on Harry, they don't understand." Harry and Ron began to walk out the Great Hall, chatting excitedly.
"Exactly, we don't understand why you're getting so excited over a snow fight!" Hermione called after them.
Ginny stood up and said, "Well, I'm off to watch - are you coming?"
Hermione just noticed Oliver walking into the Great Hall and said, "I'll catch you up Ginny."
"All right, see you 'Mione," Ginny said, departing from the Great Hall.
From Hermione's first glance at Oliver, her attention immediately turned towards the necklace. She knew that it was just a necklace, but she knew it must've cost at least twenty galleons, and she wanted to know who would spend so much money on her.
"Hey Hermione!" Oliver greeted, sitting down beside her as some of the other students left. "Happy Christmas!"
"Happy Christmas to you as well!" Hermione exclaimed.
"I take it that you like my present," Oliver whispered, as Seamus carefully overlooked them.
Hermione gulped. She didn't know exactly what he had sent her. Smiling weakly she said, "Yes, it's marvelous Oliver! I love it!"
"I'm glad that you do," Oliver grinned, taking a fork and digging it into some delicious bacon. "I like yours as well."
Hermione smiled, a little more strongly, remembering that she had given him a large book with Quidditch-like symbols imprinted on and in it, where he could put his 'tactics' for his team. "I'm glad that you do," Hermione repeated.
Seamus looked at them oddly. "You two," he said, in a tough, 'head boy' like tone. "Are you going to the snow fight?"
Oliver looked at her brightly. "Yes, Hermione, are we going to the snow fight?" he asked her.
"Well, I don't know," she said. "After all, you are a professor, you shouldn't be joining in on these things, should you?"
"I'm merely overlooking," he told her matter-of-factly. "I'm making sure that things don't get.out-of-hand."
Seamus nodded. "Well, you better hurry," he warned them. "It starts in ten minutes!" He set down his fork and knife and ran out of the Great Hall excitedly.
Oliver gazed at her, as though he was mesmerized. "I had a great time last night," he confessed. "It was awesome."
"Yeah, so did I," Hermione answered.
"That necklace looks great on you, by the way," Oliver complimented. "I'm glad I bought it for you."
Hermione sighed with relief as her dilemma was solved. "Yeah, thanks I love it!" she exclaimed.
"So, are we off to see the snow-ball fight?" he asked.
"I guess so, considering there's nothing better to do," she decided.
"Then off we shall go!" he cried, standing up very quickly. Hermione looked at him and laughed.
"Yeah, let's go!" she agreed, as they exited the Great Hall together.
As Hermione entered the school grounds, she was amazed at how much snow could be produced in one night. The entire place looked like a winter wonderland, and off in the distance, a few metres in distance from Hagrid's Hut, she could see the assembled Gryffindors and Slytherins.
"Scared, Potter?" Draco asked.
"You wish," Harry replied with determination.
"Now, here are the rules," Ron began, clearing his throat.
"Who cares 'bout the rules, Weasel?" Draco snarled. Hermione eyed him evilly as she and Oliver walked up to them.
"Well, it's necessary so we don't end up killing ourselves," Ron explained.
"Bloody hell Weasel," Draco hissed, "your turning into Granger."
"You shut up!" Oliver ordered. Draco looked at him.
"Or what?" Draco asked. "Are you going to give me detention? Oh no, you can't because it's the Christmas holidays. Give me a break!"
"I can and I will give you detention Mr Malfoy," Oliver said sternly, "If you disobey the rules and continue to be rude."
"Oh man, who put him here?" Draco inquired. He then glanced at Hermione. "You did, didn't you?"
"Draco why don't you shut your mouth for once?" Hermione snapped. Draco looked taken aback but Hermione continued. "Yesterday you were being fairly nice and then the next you're a complete jerk! What is the matter with you?"
"Ha! Yesterday!" Draco laughed. "That was a long time ago. I've changed.back into my real self, Granger. Now, get on with the rules Weasel, I wanna start this fight!"
Hermione looked at Draco. One day, she thought that he was actually human. He was being kind, and taking back all he had done in previous years, committing himself to the new Draco Malfoy. The next day, it seemed as though he had completely abandoned what he had said and was back as his own nasty self, except twice as bad. Hermione couldn't handle it. She turned around just as Ron began to explain the rules and headed up the castle.
"Where are you going Hermione?" Oliver called after her, as he raced slowly through the snow to catch up.
"I'm going in," she told him as she wrapped her scarf tightly around her neck.
"Why?" Oliver asked, continuing to run.
"I changed my mind," Hermione answered. And she had changed her mind about two things - one was that the snow-ball fight no longer interested her. The second was Draco Malfoy.
"Well, do you still want to hang out together?" Oliver questioned, as he finally caught up to Hermione, who was speed-walking through the snow.
"I don't know," she replied.
"What do you mean, you don't know?" Oliver asked. "I'm just wondering if."
"And I told you - I don't know!" Hermione exclaimed. "I'm confused right now all right? I can't think up of answers in two seconds!"
"And I never said you had to," Oliver said, stopping in front of Hermione which caused her to stop as well. "Look, are you feeling all right? As soon as we got to the snow-ball fight you acted.a little awkwardly."
"Was it that obvious?" Hermione asked quietly.
"Just a wee bit," Oliver said, running his fingers through her long, gentle hair. "I can't read minds, and I don't try to. That's why I'm asking."
"It's just," Hermione began, frantically searching for the right words,"It's just.yesterday Draco was actually being nice, you know? I thought he'd change. And he shocked me today by being even more nastier and mean than usual. I just didn't understand."
"Well, you know Slytherins like that," Oliver replied. "Once their mean and nasty, their always mean and nasty."
"That's not always the case," Hermione disagreed. "I mean, look at Snape. He used be really mean and nasty by being a Death Eater and now he's - "
"A Potions Master, who's really mean and nasty," Oliver chuckled. "I mean, I know some people can change, but I don't think Draco Malfoy is one of them."
"I suppose your right," Hermione said awkwardly.
"Listen," Oliver said, desperately trying to change the subject, "do you want to go to my office or something? Or the Great Hall? Or the library? I mean, it's Christmas. We should rejoice and be happy, not moan over some stupid Slytherin, right?"
Hermione smiled. "You're right, Oliver," she told him. Oliver grinned broadly. "Let's go in and have some fun!"
Hermione watched the snow-ball fight from Oliver's office window. The fight was still commencing, even though lunch had already come and gone. "They look exhausted," Hermione thought, as snow-ball after snow-ball flew through the air. It was down to five Gryffindors and four Slytherins - Harry, Ron, Dean, Seamus, and Colin were throwing snow-balls with all their might while Draco, Crabbe, Zabini, and Goyle were fighting nastily with large snow-balls.
Hermione turned towards the fire and put her hands over them in an attempt of warmth. "It's so much better watching it from inside," she told Oliver, who was filling out forms for the Quidditch World Cup. "It's freezing outside!"
"I'm surprised that they haven't all turned into icicles," Oliver laughed as he took a bite of a biscuit. He looked at Hermione, who had turned back towards the window with a small smile on her face. This was the way he wanted her - always content. And he'd try his damn hardest to keep her that way.
"So," Oliver continued, "are you having a Happy Christmas so far?"
"So far so good," she replied. "Some downfalls, but great presents!" she exclaimed, with another look at her gold necklace, which still hung around her neck. Oliver abandoned his chair at his desk and walked towards Hermione.
"I'm glad you are," Oliver said softly.
"So," Hermione mimicked, "are you having a Happy Christmas so far?"
"It's great," he replied. "Great presents, and a great girl. What more can a guy want?" He kissed her softly on the lips just as Draco Malfoy got hit with a large snow-ball outside, signalling the end of the fight. Hermione and Oliver stopped when they heard Ron, Harry, and the rest of the Gryffindors screaming that they had won. Draco looked miserable and spat out some snow as he lay on the frosty ground.
"Actually," Hermione said, "I've changed my mind again. I'm having a great Christmas too," and she kissed him again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The festivites for the Gryffindor's truimph went on into the night. The Slytherins didn't even come to dinner because of their embarrassment - it turned out that whoever lost had to do a nasty job.
"You'll find out soon enough," Harry told Hermione, as she urged him to tell her. "I'm keeping my lips sealed until then."
It wasn't until nine at night that the celebrations eventually ended, and although everyone was still very happy inside, they returned to their normal activities - for Harry and Ron it was Wizard's Chess, and for Hermione it was reading.
Hermione turned herself in to go to bed around midnight, right after Ron had done some Christmas Carols such as, "Jingle Bells, Draco Smells", and "Snape Got Run Over by a Reindeer."
Hermione went to bed much later than she had intended, thanks to Lavender and Parvati's gossip, but it was also because she had much to think about. And the main priority was Draco Malfoy. For a brief moment she thought that he was changing, but now she felt that she was wrong.
Hermione eventually fell asleep with small tears in her eyes, because it felt that Draco Malfoy was finally turning into somebody good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Christmas holidays continued throughout the week, with everyone celebrating joyfully. It had arrived on the eve of New Year's, and everyone was extremely excited, espcially Hermione.
The common room was decorated to its full extent. Ginny had put a spell on the fireplace so that, when the clock struck midnight, it would emit fireworks and silver and gold flames.
Hermione anxiously waited after dinner along with Harry and Ron and the fellow Gryffindors. Ron and Harry actually did something besides Wizard's Chess for once, and decided to talk to Hermione and Ginny for a while. They were getting fairly bored as midnight slowly came near, until Ginny came up with a brilliant idea. "Let's come up with our New Year resolutions!" she exclaimed.
"Why would we want to do that?" Ron asked. Harry elbowed him for his remark and Ron groaned loudly with pain.
"I think it's a great idea Ginny," Harry smiled. "We'll finally get rid of nasty habits - I only wish Malfoy could be one of them."
Hermione chuckled and they began. They were thinking and writing down on their pieces of parchment for around half-an-hour, and finally Hermione was satisfied with her results after much thinking:
1.) Only care for people who show that care in return (like Oliver)
2.) Do not think about Draco Malfoy
3.) Concentrate on studies while maintaning a good relationship with everyone
4.) Have a positive attitude towards everyone, but don't obsess with that positive attitude 5.) Eat less sweets
Hermione felt she had a good list afterwards.that is, until they had to share their lists with everyone.
"Well," Ginny began, "I only have one and it's to uh.express my feelings, and admit things. You know, not be so secret."
Hermione grinned. She knew that Ginny had a crush on Harry for the longest time, but Harry still looked deep in commitment with Cho.
Ron eyed Ginny carefully. "All right then," he said eventually. "Here are my resolutions. Number one - I'm not going to bet on my Agrippa card anymore." Harry, Hermione, and Ginny began to laugh uncontrollably. Ron glared at them and continued, "Number two - I'm not going to let Malfoy get to me. And finally number three - I'm going to try and collect all of the Famous Wizards and Witches cards available!"
"Well, it's not going to be difficult to keep those resolutions!" Harry chuckled. "All right, here are mine. Number one - try and see Cho as often as possible." He grinned at them and continued, "Number two - to care for all my dearest friends. Number three - to win the Quidditch cup!" Ron and Harry cheered, while Hermione and Ginny laughed.
It came to the part that Hermione was dreading. Her turn. They glanced at her and she giggled weakly. "Well," she began.
"Hey everybody!" Seamus suddenly cried as he stood on the arm of a lounging chair. "It's five minutes to midnight! Let's get everybody assembled around the fireplace and don't forget your magical streamers!"
Gratefully, Hermione shoved the piece of parchment with her resolutions into her pocket and went over to the chair where she had opened her presents.
"Are you excited, Hermione?" Ron asked Hermione as he handed her a magical streamer that gleamed with red and gold.
Hermione shrugged. "I guess so," she replied. "I mean, we're entering a new year, and we get to practically start our whole lives over and see if we can actually keep those wretched resolutions and."
"Are you excited Harry? 'Cause I'm excited!" Ron exclaimed. Hermione sighed. He wasn't even listening to her!
Hermione frantically glanced at her watch every so often, knowing that midnight was drawing itself nearer and nearer. Hermione glanced around the common room, which was full of exciting energy, and although she really wanted to be a part of the excitement, she didn't really feel up to it. She was really thinking about what she was explaining to Ron even though he wasn't really listening.
"All right everybody," Seamus announced. "We've got a minute and a half to go, so we'll begin the countdown soon!"
Everyone surrounded themselves around the ready-to-erupt fireplace. Hermione stood up from her chair, and as she did she felt something hidden underneath her chair. It was a lumpy package that said "To: Hermione". Just then, Hermione remembered that there were two packages left.the necklace, which was the one she chose to open first, and this one.
Hermione sat herself down once again as the rest of the Gryffindors began the countdown at sixty seconds. The numbers echoed at the back of her mind as she looked at the slightly lumpy package.
The last thirty seconds slowly ran through Hermione's mind as she carefully began to rip off the tape. She was interrupted by Ron, however, as he dragged her up and gestured her to count down with the rest of the Gryffindors.
She was quite grateful that he did as they hit the tens and began to count their way down. The sparks in the fire were over twenty inches high and were burning brightly. As the numbers chanted down, Hermione's excitement rose. Everyone cried "ZERO!" and the fireworks erupted gloriously in the fireplace. Everyone cheered loudly and waved their streamers into the air, with Hermione joining in.
It seemed to be a perfect night as the clock struck midnight. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all yelled "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" very loudly, but something even louder drowned out their cheers. A deafening, piercing scream was heard, echoing in the hallways of the Hogwarts castle, and all the festivities ended on a sudden sour note.
**************************************************************************** *******
A/N: Yes, I'm finally done! Sorry it took me so long, but I have my excuses, not that you need to hear them. I'm not really satisfied with this chapter, my heart didn't really feel the need to write too good for this chapter, but I promise that Chapter 18 will be better and it'll be up MUCH sooner than it took for this one. ONE month! I'd like to thank my faithful (*lol*) reviewers, you really help me with your kind words. I've got 107 reviews now, although most of them are thanks to b05-girl! It might not seem that much compared to other stories *narrows eyes at KAOS and her Quarantine* , but it still means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy this chapter even though I don't really, and I hope you continue to read! Individual thanks:
animegirl-mika - Thanks!
Loverina - Yep, I'm back! But for how long.? *lol* Just kidding!
Oliver Lover - Snape saving Hermione WAS supposed to make people surprised, so I guess it worked. I am continuing, don't you worry and I'm glad you like it!
KAOS - Thanks for the trunk. I have *much* use for it, trust me. Thanks for reviewing all my stories, I really appreciate it and uh.don't worry, your not that humorous. Well you are, but your not always humorous and you have that serious side which is good too. Anyways, thanks!
Veronica - Thank you SO incredibly much! That review really brought tears to my eyes. And it made me blush an awful lot. I didn't really intend to blow anyway away, so I'm very touched by your words. Sorry it took so long for me to update, but here you are! A brand new chapter and I hope you enjoy it more than I do!
Emmy - Oops! That pushing for another update didn't really work, and I do have my excuses. If you really want to hear them, contact me at my e-mail address which is.*lol* I'm just fooling around. But I'm glad you like it!
Mikia - Wow! Thanks!
BeBe PoO - 'More girl?' *lol* Don't worry, I'm adding more.slowly. I'm just taking my time!
kai kai - Don't worry, your English is fine. And don't worry, you got your wish.Hermione isn't going to end up with Draco.yet. *lol* Dun, dun, dun.
hunny - You know all my secrets, don't you? Well Draco WAS going to try and steal Hermione, but I suppose he changed his mind. Anyways, thanks!
Ali Lee - *Gulps* Sorry I didn't update as soon as you probably expected, but I'm back!
bo5-girl - Your probably the reason I have 107 reviews! You really gotta watch how many times you press the 'Submit Review' button. *lol* I'm just kidding. But thanks for your kinds words!
cinder - Thanks!
CHAPTER 18 (ahh, 18?) WILL BE UP SOON AND I PROMISE IT'LL BE LOADS BETTER THAN THIS CHAPTEE!
"I was waiting for so long, for a miracle to come.
Everyone told me to be strong, hold on, and don't shed a tear.
Through the darkness and good times, I'd knew I'd make it through.
And the world thought I had it all, but I was waiting for you."
- "A New Day Has Come" by Celine Dion
"OY! Hermione! Look it - you've got presents!" a voice cried.
Hermione groaned and muttered that she hadn't gotten enough sleep but that apparently didn't seem to be enough, as she was soon being pummled with fluffy and squashy pillows.
"Come on Hermione!" another voice cried.
"All right, I'm up, I'm up," Hermione gave in as she opened her eyes.
She was immediately greeted by Harry and Ron, who were desperately trying to wake her up. "Get your presents and come down to the common room," Harry instructed her. "We're all going to open our presents there."
"Oh all right," Hermione nodded. "Just give me a few minutes."
Ron and Harry exited the room as Hermione tried to stifle a yawn. The rest of the girls who remained for the holidays were fast asleep and were unaware that they had a stack of presents at the end of their bed. Hermione looked excitedly at hers; many of them were small but some were very large. She got out of bed, ran a brush through her hair, and changed out of her pink pyjamas into some warm clothes. She whispered the levitating charm and the gifts rose into the air and followed her out of the dormitory and into the common room.
Once she reached it, she noticed that many of the Gryffindor who were staying behind were now walking back and forth between their dormitories, with large stacks of presents in their arms. Apparently they were trying to bring them to the common room so they could all celebrate together, but Hermione thought it was taking too long. "Why doesn't everybody just use the leviating charm to bring their presents to the common room?" she asked out loud. Everybody stopped what they were doing and turned towards Hermione.
"How do you do that?" Seamus Finnigan asked.
Hermione sighed and taught them the instructions for the levitating charm that she had performed on Oliver when he had fallen from his broomstick. Within a few minutes everyone was bringing their presents to the common room. Hermione found Harry and Ron squashed up near the fireplace.
"All right, all right," Ron said to the Gryffindors who had managed to wake up and bring their presents, waving his arms about like a chicken. "Now, I know it's a bit cramped."
"A bit?" someone remarked. "Ha!"
Ron sighed impatiently. "Yes, a bit, but let's just get through this and enjoy Christmas! Happy Christmas everyone!"
"Happy Christmas!" they all replied.
Ron turned to Hermione. "Happy Christmas Hermione!" he smiled. "Now, let's open 'em up!"
Hermione eagerly turned towards her presents, a wide smile across her face. She held up her first lumpy package, and with a small look at Harry and Ron, began to shred the wrapping paper to small pieces. It was a small sweater, in a light lavender, bearing the initials HG.
Ron looked at her. "Another sweater from my mum, huh?" Ron asked. "Guess I have one too!" He picked up an identicle package and shred it as well. Ron groaned. "Maroon again!"
Harry chuckled as he opened his, which was a dark green and had the initials HP. Ginny ran up to them with another sweater. "Hey, guys!" she cried, as she looked upon the sweaters. "Hermione, does your sweater stand for Hermione Granger or Head Girl?"
The three looked up at her, puzzled. "I never thought of that," Ron admitted.
"I really don't know," Hermione answered. "Probably Hermione Granger, though."
The four turned back to their presents. After fifteen minutes of shredding, tearing, ripping, splitting, and any other way possible of opening presents, Hermione had a large number of presents. She had received a brand- new quill with small rhinestones from her parents; she had gotten loads of sweets from Ron ('That you have to share so you won't become a pig!' Ron added as she opened it); a small diary from Harry, which he assured was in no way like Tom Riddle's diary; a small friendship bracelet from Ginny; and a small, carved, wooden brush from Hagrid.
She turned towards Ron, who was opening some gifts from Harry. The first one was a pair Chudley Cannons gloves, and the second was another Agrippa card. "Just in case you lose the first one," Harry laughed.
Hermione chuckled and looked back at her remaining gifts. Two were left; one was fairly big and the other was very, very small. Hermione decided she would open the small one first. She carefully took off the delicate wrapping paper to find a small box. She looked at Ron, Harry, and Ginny who were all far too concerned with their gifts, and then turned back to her small gift.
Very slowly she took the lid off to reveal a beautiful gold necklace. Hermione gazed at it, her eyes growing wider and wider. It had a gold chain and a small heart in the centre of it, which contained diamonds. She looked at the bottom of the tiny box, expecting a signature or card of some sort to notify her of the sender, but there was nothing.
Hermione delicatedly touched the necklace and took it out of the package. She held it carefully in her hand. Ginny came up to her.
"Ooh, Hermione who sent you that?" Ginny asked.
"I don't know," Hermione answered. "I was hoping maybe Ron and Harry would have an idea."
"It wasn't me," Ron told her. "I don't have the money."
"And, as much as I like you as a friend, I wouldn't go as far as to buy you a.is that pure gold?" Harry asked.
Hermione chuckled. "I suppose," she said awkwardly. She looked at the necklace, wondering who could've possibly sent it to her. At first glance it looked like a gift from Oliver, as she hadn't received any other gifts from him. But, as she decided that it was probably from him another suggestion came to mind. Draco Malfoy. Hermione almost laughed out loud at the thought. After all, Draco Malfoy despised her - even though his attitude had certainly changed throughout the past week or so.
"Well, come on put it on!" Ron urged her.
Hermione nodded, too shocked for words. The gold looked so radiant in the morning light, but as she put it on she felt strange, almost as if she was stealing it because she didn't know where it came from.
She eventually got the necklace on and glanced around at Harry, Ron, and Ginny for opinions. All the rest of the people in the common room had already left for breakfast.
Ginny gasped. "That's beautiful," she commented.
"Whoever gave you that sure had good taste," Ron complimented.
"Wow," Harry managed to say. "It looks really good on you, 'Mione."
Hermione was just about to say thanks when an odd slithering noise was heard.
"Not again," Harry muttered, looking at the walls around the common room. Hermione wondered if it could be coming from the dungeons again. The same silent voices were heard and it made Hermione shudder.
"WILL YOU KNOCK IT OFF WITH THE STUPID TALKING?!" Ron shouted at the top of his lungs. The three of them stared at Ron, surprised at his sudden outburst, but it seemed that the talking and slithering had stopped thanks to his yelling.
"I don't like the sound of that slithering," Ginny murmured uneasily. Harry put his arm over her shoulder in a friendly attempt.
"Don't worry Ginny," he told her. "Everything will be okay."
"Let's hope so," she said worriedly. There was an awkward silence as they all looked at each other.
Ron picked up another package, which was very light and had a note attached to the top. "'Dear Ron'," he read, "'I figured that you liked the Chudley Cannons, and I thought you might enjoy this gift. Send Harry my love, Cho.'" Ron looked at them, puzzled; then he tore open the package. His mouth widened as he looked down upon his gift. "An official Chudley Cannons jersey! With all the teams signatures on it!" Ron looked at Harry, amazed and bewildered. "I love Cho!" Ron cried.
Harry looked at Ron oddly. "Hey, she's my girlfriend!" Harry said, beginning to laugh.
"Yeah, I know mate!" Ron exclaimed, trying on the jersey. "Man, this is so great, and it fits perfectly too."
"Say, let's go to breakfast!" Ginny suggested excitedly as she sprung up. "I'm starving!" She ran towards the closed portrait of the Fat Lady, and with a motioning hand, gestured them to leave with her.
The rest of the group stood up and exited with him. Ron was wondering what would be for breakfast, Harry was wondering when he should start Quidditch practices again, Ginny was thinking about Harry's 'friendly' gesture of putting his arm over her shoulder, and Hermione was wondering who had sent her the gorgeous gold necklace.
She headed down to the Great Hall with the other three, dragging her feet slowly on the concrete floor. The candles were burning brightly, and the windows were full of a white blur. The ghosts were flying past singing Christmas carols, and the castle was still decorated as nicely as ever with tons of holly.
As she walked along the steps towards the Great Hall, wondering about the necklace, she slowly heard conversations from Harry, Ron, and Ginny.
"So, snow-fight with the Slytherins?" Ron asked.
"Definitely," Harry answered truimphantly. "We'll show them no mercy and we'll be the champions!"
"Calm down man, you're going to have a heart attack," Ginny chuckled.
Hermione smiled as they finally entered the Great Hall. Everyone was sitting at their own tables, since there was enough people from each house. Hermione was prepared to sit down at the Gryffindor table when half of the Gryffindors made their way to the Slytherin table, including Harry, Ron, and Ginny.
"What are you doing?" Hermione hissed at Ron, who was heading towards Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, who were talking with a few Slytherins.
"We're making plans for the snow-fight, are you blind?" Ron cried.
Hermione sighed as they began to negotiate.
"Whoever gets hit is knocked out," Dean Thomas informed the Slytherins. "They sit out.it ends up being the battle of the best."
"And who's 'the best'?" Draco Malfoy asked.
"Well the best person on the Gryffindor team and the.best person on the Slytherin team," Dean answered.
Draco chuckled. "Please, save yourself the aggravation."
The Gryffindors looked at him oddly, expecting him to continue. Instead, Draco turned around, chatting quietly with the rest of the Slytherins. Then, with a quick turn around he nodded and said, "Your on, Gryffindor sissies!"
"What did you say?" Ron growled.
"What, has something affected your hearing?" Draco snarled. Hermione looked at Draco oddly. He seemed to be back to his usual self yet again. "I said you're a bunch of sissies, and you'll do well to just go back to your table and contain yourselves until the fight."
"No, I'll do well to punch you in the face!" Ron said, prepared to tackle him. The rest of the Gryffindors held him back, since Professor McGonagull was watching nearby.
"Come on," Harry told him. "Your on, Malfoy. Be prepared to lose!"
Draco chuckled at the thought as the Gryffindors departed. Hermione stood there, stunned at Draco's sudden change of attitude. Not that she was particularly enjoying the new one either, in fact she was shocked at his sudden, nice behaviour - but at least it was better then his old, nasty self.
"Seems like your thinking about a lot, Granger," a voice hissed in her ear.
Hermione jumped and noticed Draco standing right beside her. "Oh, Malfoy," she muttered.
"So, are you joining in on this silly fight or not?" Draco asked.
"Um, I'm not sure," she answered.
"Well, if you are, I'll make sure that I go easy on you," he said in a tone that startled Hermione.
"Don't worry about me Malfoy," Hermione told him. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"Sure you are," Draco said. Hermione didn't know whether he was being serious or sarcastic. "Oh, by the way - that necklace looks good on you."
Hermione felt her face redden as she walked away. What was the matter with Draco? And what was the matter with her?
"Are you all right?" Ron asked as Hermione sat down. "It looks like you just ate a really hot pepper."
Hermione laughed and lifted her goblet. "Happy Christmas!" she cried, quickly swallowing the liquid in her goblet.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny looked strangely at her. "Are you okay?" Harry asked.
"Of course I am!" she said in a very high-pitched tone. "Don't be ridiculous Harry!"
"Uh, all right," Harry replied awkwardly. They began their breakfast as usual, with Hermione finally pushing the necklace out of her mind, even though it was still hung gracefully around her neck.
Dumbledore stood up from his place at the table, which was very unusual during breakfast. He cleared his throat and the Great Hall was instantly silent. "Now, as you may or may not know, a student was almost attacked yesterday," he announced. Hermione felt her face redden once again as everybody began to whisper. "That student is fine now, and no other attacks or incidents were reported last night or this morning, so were deciding that the intruder is indeed gone.for the time being. We ask you to be cautious and alert, but we also ask you to please enjoy the Christmas holidays as well. We shall have the usual Christmas feast this evening, and during that time you may go outside but please.be careful during your little 'snow-fights', and no magic shall be used." There was a small twinkle in his eye as he ended with a small, "Happy Christmas!" which everyone replied to.
Hermione was quite relieved that Dumbledore didn't mention her name, or else instead of the students resuming to their breakfast like they were now, they would probably be pestering her to tell them what happened, and she didn't know if she was prepared to do that.
"So 'Mione," Ron began through a large mouthful of pancakes, "are you going to join in on the holiday festivities?"
"Holiday festivities?" Hermione repeated in disbelief. "Your having a bloody snow-fight!"
"Those are the holiday festivities," Ron told her. "Honestly, I thought you knew this stuff."
Harry chuckled and took a sip of his goblet. Once he had swallowed it down he asked, "So, are you going to join in?"
Hermione shrugged. "I guess, but I hope it doesn't get too rough."
"It won't," Ron told her. He pushed back his plate and stood up. "Now, it's a fight to the death!"
"Manos a manos!" Harry added, standing up as well. "That means mans-to- mans!" Hermione and Ginny both burst out in hysterical laughter as they looked towards Harry and Ron.
"Oh come on now, your ruining it!" Ron exclaimed.
"Ruining what, exactly?" Hermione asked.
"The passion, the excitement, the urge!" Ron told them.
"The feeling, the desire," Harry continued. "The."
"Idiocy? The stupidity?" Ginny suggested.
"Yeah, exactly the - " Ron began. "WHAT?! NO! Argh, come on Harry, they don't understand." Harry and Ron began to walk out the Great Hall, chatting excitedly.
"Exactly, we don't understand why you're getting so excited over a snow fight!" Hermione called after them.
Ginny stood up and said, "Well, I'm off to watch - are you coming?"
Hermione just noticed Oliver walking into the Great Hall and said, "I'll catch you up Ginny."
"All right, see you 'Mione," Ginny said, departing from the Great Hall.
From Hermione's first glance at Oliver, her attention immediately turned towards the necklace. She knew that it was just a necklace, but she knew it must've cost at least twenty galleons, and she wanted to know who would spend so much money on her.
"Hey Hermione!" Oliver greeted, sitting down beside her as some of the other students left. "Happy Christmas!"
"Happy Christmas to you as well!" Hermione exclaimed.
"I take it that you like my present," Oliver whispered, as Seamus carefully overlooked them.
Hermione gulped. She didn't know exactly what he had sent her. Smiling weakly she said, "Yes, it's marvelous Oliver! I love it!"
"I'm glad that you do," Oliver grinned, taking a fork and digging it into some delicious bacon. "I like yours as well."
Hermione smiled, a little more strongly, remembering that she had given him a large book with Quidditch-like symbols imprinted on and in it, where he could put his 'tactics' for his team. "I'm glad that you do," Hermione repeated.
Seamus looked at them oddly. "You two," he said, in a tough, 'head boy' like tone. "Are you going to the snow fight?"
Oliver looked at her brightly. "Yes, Hermione, are we going to the snow fight?" he asked her.
"Well, I don't know," she said. "After all, you are a professor, you shouldn't be joining in on these things, should you?"
"I'm merely overlooking," he told her matter-of-factly. "I'm making sure that things don't get.out-of-hand."
Seamus nodded. "Well, you better hurry," he warned them. "It starts in ten minutes!" He set down his fork and knife and ran out of the Great Hall excitedly.
Oliver gazed at her, as though he was mesmerized. "I had a great time last night," he confessed. "It was awesome."
"Yeah, so did I," Hermione answered.
"That necklace looks great on you, by the way," Oliver complimented. "I'm glad I bought it for you."
Hermione sighed with relief as her dilemma was solved. "Yeah, thanks I love it!" she exclaimed.
"So, are we off to see the snow-ball fight?" he asked.
"I guess so, considering there's nothing better to do," she decided.
"Then off we shall go!" he cried, standing up very quickly. Hermione looked at him and laughed.
"Yeah, let's go!" she agreed, as they exited the Great Hall together.
As Hermione entered the school grounds, she was amazed at how much snow could be produced in one night. The entire place looked like a winter wonderland, and off in the distance, a few metres in distance from Hagrid's Hut, she could see the assembled Gryffindors and Slytherins.
"Scared, Potter?" Draco asked.
"You wish," Harry replied with determination.
"Now, here are the rules," Ron began, clearing his throat.
"Who cares 'bout the rules, Weasel?" Draco snarled. Hermione eyed him evilly as she and Oliver walked up to them.
"Well, it's necessary so we don't end up killing ourselves," Ron explained.
"Bloody hell Weasel," Draco hissed, "your turning into Granger."
"You shut up!" Oliver ordered. Draco looked at him.
"Or what?" Draco asked. "Are you going to give me detention? Oh no, you can't because it's the Christmas holidays. Give me a break!"
"I can and I will give you detention Mr Malfoy," Oliver said sternly, "If you disobey the rules and continue to be rude."
"Oh man, who put him here?" Draco inquired. He then glanced at Hermione. "You did, didn't you?"
"Draco why don't you shut your mouth for once?" Hermione snapped. Draco looked taken aback but Hermione continued. "Yesterday you were being fairly nice and then the next you're a complete jerk! What is the matter with you?"
"Ha! Yesterday!" Draco laughed. "That was a long time ago. I've changed.back into my real self, Granger. Now, get on with the rules Weasel, I wanna start this fight!"
Hermione looked at Draco. One day, she thought that he was actually human. He was being kind, and taking back all he had done in previous years, committing himself to the new Draco Malfoy. The next day, it seemed as though he had completely abandoned what he had said and was back as his own nasty self, except twice as bad. Hermione couldn't handle it. She turned around just as Ron began to explain the rules and headed up the castle.
"Where are you going Hermione?" Oliver called after her, as he raced slowly through the snow to catch up.
"I'm going in," she told him as she wrapped her scarf tightly around her neck.
"Why?" Oliver asked, continuing to run.
"I changed my mind," Hermione answered. And she had changed her mind about two things - one was that the snow-ball fight no longer interested her. The second was Draco Malfoy.
"Well, do you still want to hang out together?" Oliver questioned, as he finally caught up to Hermione, who was speed-walking through the snow.
"I don't know," she replied.
"What do you mean, you don't know?" Oliver asked. "I'm just wondering if."
"And I told you - I don't know!" Hermione exclaimed. "I'm confused right now all right? I can't think up of answers in two seconds!"
"And I never said you had to," Oliver said, stopping in front of Hermione which caused her to stop as well. "Look, are you feeling all right? As soon as we got to the snow-ball fight you acted.a little awkwardly."
"Was it that obvious?" Hermione asked quietly.
"Just a wee bit," Oliver said, running his fingers through her long, gentle hair. "I can't read minds, and I don't try to. That's why I'm asking."
"It's just," Hermione began, frantically searching for the right words,"It's just.yesterday Draco was actually being nice, you know? I thought he'd change. And he shocked me today by being even more nastier and mean than usual. I just didn't understand."
"Well, you know Slytherins like that," Oliver replied. "Once their mean and nasty, their always mean and nasty."
"That's not always the case," Hermione disagreed. "I mean, look at Snape. He used be really mean and nasty by being a Death Eater and now he's - "
"A Potions Master, who's really mean and nasty," Oliver chuckled. "I mean, I know some people can change, but I don't think Draco Malfoy is one of them."
"I suppose your right," Hermione said awkwardly.
"Listen," Oliver said, desperately trying to change the subject, "do you want to go to my office or something? Or the Great Hall? Or the library? I mean, it's Christmas. We should rejoice and be happy, not moan over some stupid Slytherin, right?"
Hermione smiled. "You're right, Oliver," she told him. Oliver grinned broadly. "Let's go in and have some fun!"
Hermione watched the snow-ball fight from Oliver's office window. The fight was still commencing, even though lunch had already come and gone. "They look exhausted," Hermione thought, as snow-ball after snow-ball flew through the air. It was down to five Gryffindors and four Slytherins - Harry, Ron, Dean, Seamus, and Colin were throwing snow-balls with all their might while Draco, Crabbe, Zabini, and Goyle were fighting nastily with large snow-balls.
Hermione turned towards the fire and put her hands over them in an attempt of warmth. "It's so much better watching it from inside," she told Oliver, who was filling out forms for the Quidditch World Cup. "It's freezing outside!"
"I'm surprised that they haven't all turned into icicles," Oliver laughed as he took a bite of a biscuit. He looked at Hermione, who had turned back towards the window with a small smile on her face. This was the way he wanted her - always content. And he'd try his damn hardest to keep her that way.
"So," Oliver continued, "are you having a Happy Christmas so far?"
"So far so good," she replied. "Some downfalls, but great presents!" she exclaimed, with another look at her gold necklace, which still hung around her neck. Oliver abandoned his chair at his desk and walked towards Hermione.
"I'm glad you are," Oliver said softly.
"So," Hermione mimicked, "are you having a Happy Christmas so far?"
"It's great," he replied. "Great presents, and a great girl. What more can a guy want?" He kissed her softly on the lips just as Draco Malfoy got hit with a large snow-ball outside, signalling the end of the fight. Hermione and Oliver stopped when they heard Ron, Harry, and the rest of the Gryffindors screaming that they had won. Draco looked miserable and spat out some snow as he lay on the frosty ground.
"Actually," Hermione said, "I've changed my mind again. I'm having a great Christmas too," and she kissed him again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The festivites for the Gryffindor's truimph went on into the night. The Slytherins didn't even come to dinner because of their embarrassment - it turned out that whoever lost had to do a nasty job.
"You'll find out soon enough," Harry told Hermione, as she urged him to tell her. "I'm keeping my lips sealed until then."
It wasn't until nine at night that the celebrations eventually ended, and although everyone was still very happy inside, they returned to their normal activities - for Harry and Ron it was Wizard's Chess, and for Hermione it was reading.
Hermione turned herself in to go to bed around midnight, right after Ron had done some Christmas Carols such as, "Jingle Bells, Draco Smells", and "Snape Got Run Over by a Reindeer."
Hermione went to bed much later than she had intended, thanks to Lavender and Parvati's gossip, but it was also because she had much to think about. And the main priority was Draco Malfoy. For a brief moment she thought that he was changing, but now she felt that she was wrong.
Hermione eventually fell asleep with small tears in her eyes, because it felt that Draco Malfoy was finally turning into somebody good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Christmas holidays continued throughout the week, with everyone celebrating joyfully. It had arrived on the eve of New Year's, and everyone was extremely excited, espcially Hermione.
The common room was decorated to its full extent. Ginny had put a spell on the fireplace so that, when the clock struck midnight, it would emit fireworks and silver and gold flames.
Hermione anxiously waited after dinner along with Harry and Ron and the fellow Gryffindors. Ron and Harry actually did something besides Wizard's Chess for once, and decided to talk to Hermione and Ginny for a while. They were getting fairly bored as midnight slowly came near, until Ginny came up with a brilliant idea. "Let's come up with our New Year resolutions!" she exclaimed.
"Why would we want to do that?" Ron asked. Harry elbowed him for his remark and Ron groaned loudly with pain.
"I think it's a great idea Ginny," Harry smiled. "We'll finally get rid of nasty habits - I only wish Malfoy could be one of them."
Hermione chuckled and they began. They were thinking and writing down on their pieces of parchment for around half-an-hour, and finally Hermione was satisfied with her results after much thinking:
1.) Only care for people who show that care in return (like Oliver)
2.) Do not think about Draco Malfoy
3.) Concentrate on studies while maintaning a good relationship with everyone
4.) Have a positive attitude towards everyone, but don't obsess with that positive attitude 5.) Eat less sweets
Hermione felt she had a good list afterwards.that is, until they had to share their lists with everyone.
"Well," Ginny began, "I only have one and it's to uh.express my feelings, and admit things. You know, not be so secret."
Hermione grinned. She knew that Ginny had a crush on Harry for the longest time, but Harry still looked deep in commitment with Cho.
Ron eyed Ginny carefully. "All right then," he said eventually. "Here are my resolutions. Number one - I'm not going to bet on my Agrippa card anymore." Harry, Hermione, and Ginny began to laugh uncontrollably. Ron glared at them and continued, "Number two - I'm not going to let Malfoy get to me. And finally number three - I'm going to try and collect all of the Famous Wizards and Witches cards available!"
"Well, it's not going to be difficult to keep those resolutions!" Harry chuckled. "All right, here are mine. Number one - try and see Cho as often as possible." He grinned at them and continued, "Number two - to care for all my dearest friends. Number three - to win the Quidditch cup!" Ron and Harry cheered, while Hermione and Ginny laughed.
It came to the part that Hermione was dreading. Her turn. They glanced at her and she giggled weakly. "Well," she began.
"Hey everybody!" Seamus suddenly cried as he stood on the arm of a lounging chair. "It's five minutes to midnight! Let's get everybody assembled around the fireplace and don't forget your magical streamers!"
Gratefully, Hermione shoved the piece of parchment with her resolutions into her pocket and went over to the chair where she had opened her presents.
"Are you excited, Hermione?" Ron asked Hermione as he handed her a magical streamer that gleamed with red and gold.
Hermione shrugged. "I guess so," she replied. "I mean, we're entering a new year, and we get to practically start our whole lives over and see if we can actually keep those wretched resolutions and."
"Are you excited Harry? 'Cause I'm excited!" Ron exclaimed. Hermione sighed. He wasn't even listening to her!
Hermione frantically glanced at her watch every so often, knowing that midnight was drawing itself nearer and nearer. Hermione glanced around the common room, which was full of exciting energy, and although she really wanted to be a part of the excitement, she didn't really feel up to it. She was really thinking about what she was explaining to Ron even though he wasn't really listening.
"All right everybody," Seamus announced. "We've got a minute and a half to go, so we'll begin the countdown soon!"
Everyone surrounded themselves around the ready-to-erupt fireplace. Hermione stood up from her chair, and as she did she felt something hidden underneath her chair. It was a lumpy package that said "To: Hermione". Just then, Hermione remembered that there were two packages left.the necklace, which was the one she chose to open first, and this one.
Hermione sat herself down once again as the rest of the Gryffindors began the countdown at sixty seconds. The numbers echoed at the back of her mind as she looked at the slightly lumpy package.
The last thirty seconds slowly ran through Hermione's mind as she carefully began to rip off the tape. She was interrupted by Ron, however, as he dragged her up and gestured her to count down with the rest of the Gryffindors.
She was quite grateful that he did as they hit the tens and began to count their way down. The sparks in the fire were over twenty inches high and were burning brightly. As the numbers chanted down, Hermione's excitement rose. Everyone cried "ZERO!" and the fireworks erupted gloriously in the fireplace. Everyone cheered loudly and waved their streamers into the air, with Hermione joining in.
It seemed to be a perfect night as the clock struck midnight. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all yelled "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" very loudly, but something even louder drowned out their cheers. A deafening, piercing scream was heard, echoing in the hallways of the Hogwarts castle, and all the festivities ended on a sudden sour note.
**************************************************************************** *******
A/N: Yes, I'm finally done! Sorry it took me so long, but I have my excuses, not that you need to hear them. I'm not really satisfied with this chapter, my heart didn't really feel the need to write too good for this chapter, but I promise that Chapter 18 will be better and it'll be up MUCH sooner than it took for this one. ONE month! I'd like to thank my faithful (*lol*) reviewers, you really help me with your kind words. I've got 107 reviews now, although most of them are thanks to b05-girl! It might not seem that much compared to other stories *narrows eyes at KAOS and her Quarantine* , but it still means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy this chapter even though I don't really, and I hope you continue to read! Individual thanks:
animegirl-mika - Thanks!
Loverina - Yep, I'm back! But for how long.? *lol* Just kidding!
Oliver Lover - Snape saving Hermione WAS supposed to make people surprised, so I guess it worked. I am continuing, don't you worry and I'm glad you like it!
KAOS - Thanks for the trunk. I have *much* use for it, trust me. Thanks for reviewing all my stories, I really appreciate it and uh.don't worry, your not that humorous. Well you are, but your not always humorous and you have that serious side which is good too. Anyways, thanks!
Veronica - Thank you SO incredibly much! That review really brought tears to my eyes. And it made me blush an awful lot. I didn't really intend to blow anyway away, so I'm very touched by your words. Sorry it took so long for me to update, but here you are! A brand new chapter and I hope you enjoy it more than I do!
Emmy - Oops! That pushing for another update didn't really work, and I do have my excuses. If you really want to hear them, contact me at my e-mail address which is.*lol* I'm just fooling around. But I'm glad you like it!
Mikia - Wow! Thanks!
BeBe PoO - 'More girl?' *lol* Don't worry, I'm adding more.slowly. I'm just taking my time!
kai kai - Don't worry, your English is fine. And don't worry, you got your wish.Hermione isn't going to end up with Draco.yet. *lol* Dun, dun, dun.
hunny - You know all my secrets, don't you? Well Draco WAS going to try and steal Hermione, but I suppose he changed his mind. Anyways, thanks!
Ali Lee - *Gulps* Sorry I didn't update as soon as you probably expected, but I'm back!
bo5-girl - Your probably the reason I have 107 reviews! You really gotta watch how many times you press the 'Submit Review' button. *lol* I'm just kidding. But thanks for your kinds words!
cinder - Thanks!
CHAPTER 18 (ahh, 18?) WILL BE UP SOON AND I PROMISE IT'LL BE LOADS BETTER THAN THIS CHAPTEE!