Author's Note: Okay. This chapter took me a long long while to revise to get just right, since it's just a whole bunch of little scenes and I wanted nice clinchers and stuff, which I'm not all that good at. That and summer is just around the bend and I'm not much in a Christmas mood. Yeah, well, I'm going to post this now and then get straight to work on the next chapter. So I hope you enjoy it, because I'm relieved that it's done. In this chapter the whole sleeping-on-the-floor bit comes into play for some comic relief. And I want to say how extremely sorry I am for making you guys wait so long for an update and a rather awful one at that. Oh and a special thanks goes out to my good friend Meg who helped me get through some of the more tedious parts of this chapter.
Thanks: Super sycoh, xmaverickf14x, cafedesamis, Chillkroete, ungojos, Cinnamon (Aww, what a nice review! I actually thought of the whole plot last Christmas. I was just thinking about how different Christmas time is from normal day-to-day routines. And I thought that Christmas till New Years would be a very romantic time to fall in lurve. ), Miss.Hermione.G-Malfoy (Thanks for adding me to your favorite stories list, Amber), pretendingtobesane, babmidnight (Has Draco liked her in the past? I kindof leave it up to you, but in my imagination he was like in love with the idea of her. Hope you understand what I mean. Why did Draco carry Hermione? Her boots were in the car, the car was outside, outside there is snow, no shoes and snow isn't a good thing! Did that clear things up? That and me wanting to make an extra special fluffy moment for ya!), Lady Paine, sweet-77-thang, midnight solitaire (The Invasion of the Body Snatche—Oh, I mean her family visits this chapter. Christmas morning!), blackxrose (Thank you for adding meh. Yes, I believe they like each other pretty much the same. I just think Hermione just has a tad bit more reservations about it though. Draco knows what he wants.), canadian-chic1, Sacagawea, sakura angel90, CassandraTheEvil (Glad you could relate.), dracoandhermioneforever88, rupy (thank you, that was soo sweet ), Amanda (Thanks you so much for your review. I really appreciate that people do understand what I'm trying to get across.), DMTABF (I'm sorry that it is confusing. But then again I kind of want it to be. That's how Draco and Hermione feel. Confused. Yeah, they probably would know about Draco from her complaining, but this is my Fanfic and my take on things. In my perspective, I feel that Hermione wouldn't really tell her parents much about her magical life. They wouldn't understand. She feels torn. Wanting to tell them, but knowing they wouldn't understand. What muggle would know what a mudblood was anyway? And even if they did, I'm sure they wouldn't grasp the feeling from the slur as much as Hermione does. I don't really know how much else to explain it.), Radioactive Pixie (Let me just start off by saying how much your name rocks. And then thank you for adding meh to your favorites!), Edalene, Stefy, anonymous, HPLunatic, Sera, Gopher2806, and xscarsfromwithin.
Now I just wanted to say how excited I am, that I have more than 100 reviews!! Woo-hoo!
When Hermione woke up on Christmas morning the first thing she saw was Draco, who was sitting on the edge of her bed, finishing the last few buttons on his shirt. She grinned slightly, peeking over the covers so that only her pretty face visible. She watched him for a long moment, not wanting to get up. She wondered how long he had been awake before her, and when he was going to get her up, even though she already was.
She shrugged her shoulders slightly, sitting up a little. She wondered what time it was, but didn't feel like asking. A loud yawn emitted from her throat, causing Draco to look over, his trademark grin splayed across his handsome face.
"Happy Christmas." He greeted.
"Yes, Happy Christmas." She followed suit in a drowsy voice. "Hey, wait," She paused, her fuzzy mind (due to the early hour) finally coming into focus, "Christmas?"
He nodded and Hermione's eyes lit up. She threw the covers off and hopped out of bed with newfound energy. Then she grabbed some of her clothes out of her suitcase, running out into the hall, yelling back to him that she had to get ready, giddy excitement in her voice.
He quietly laughed to himself at her childish enthusiasm. He had certainly never come across anything like that in anyone he knew before. The sparkle in her eyes. The smile that shined through when she laughed. It was all a new experience for him. This would be a good Christmas, he told himself.
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The tree looked beautiful. They certainly did a good job decorating it last night. And now a plethora of gifts were tucked snugly beneath its branches. The four gathered around it, taking it all in.
Hermione's parents exchanged gifts first. Peter got some new golf clubs and Diane got a new wooden jewelry box. Then they opened the gifts from Hermione: the usual tie and perfume, but it had become some sort of odd tradition between them.
They all sat there, surrounded with various gifts, eating, talking, and sipping on cocoa. And after everyone thought the gifts were over Draco brought out his gift for Hermione. She knew right away something was off: the box was too small to be the books they had decided on.
Draco smiled as he placed the box in her hands. She gave him a curious look, but he didn't make any move to explain. So, she looked back down at the gift and quietly tore off the paper to reveal a palm sized navy blue velvet box. She opened it, catching a glimpse of the contents, and quickly closed it in disbelief.
With wide eyes, she quickly glanced over at Draco, who just smiled. She didn't quite meet her mothers' gaze, but Hermione knew what she was thinking, silently urging her to go on.
When she opened the hinged lid again it revealed a delicate silver chain and a dangling pendant with the largest emerald she had ever seen. She was rendered rather speechless. She looked over at her 'boyfriend', opening her mouth, but nothing came out, save a small almost inaudible squeak.
"Let's put it on you." Draco said quietly, saving her from having to think of anything to say. He carefully took the necklace from the velvet box and, and after she pulled her hair up and out of the way, he clasped it around her neck. When she turned back to look at him she received a smile.
"Draco…" She whispered, wanting so badly to kiss him.
"You don't have to say anything." She nodded slightly, biting her lower lip and wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. It was the most wonderful gift she had ever gotten in her entire life. She shut her eyes tightly, burying her face in his shoulder.
They were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing. Diane jumped up and hurried to the door. Hermione pulled back, but still held Draco's hand.
Hermione looked over at Draco giving him a worried smile, preparing herself for the onslaught of the family reunion. She could hear the door open and her mother fussing. Her father, still in the room, was hiding behind the newspaper grumbling something incoherently under his breath.
"Hermy!" She could hear an annoyingly sing-song voice call out. She smiled brightly, knowing exactly who it was. She got up, her hand leaving Draco's, as she ran into her cousin's embrace.
"Oh, Mar!" Hermione exclaimed, using the nickname that she had made up when they were children, "Haven't seen you in ages."
"Too true." Marilyn laughed, and then noticed Draco on the couch. She looked back at her cousin, giving her a knowing smile, "We definitely need to catch up." They both shared a quiet chuckle before they were interrupted by Marilyn's husband, Connor.
"Sorry, to break up this quaint little reunion, but your son just… well…" He motioned for his wife to look over into the living room.
"Oh my god, Jake, what are you doing?" Marilyn squealed as she ran over in that direction. Meanwhile Connor had given Hermione a brief hug and received a kiss on the cheek from her, when Draco had appeared at her side.
"Oh," She smiled, "Connor meet Draco Malfoy, my…"
"Boyfriend." Draco finished for her and shook Connor's hand. "Finally, a guy my age." They both laughed.
"Connor, will you come and help me…" Marilyn called from the other room, her voice sounding strained, "Oh no, Jakey, honey, don't do that, let go of it, please… Connor!"
A pained expression appeared upon Connor's face. "Terrible twos." He explained, shrugging his shoulders, before walking off to deal with another of his son's destructions.
Hermione chuckled lightly and looked over at Draco, giving him a small smile. She opened her mouth to say something when she heard another person call her name. She shut her eyes tightly and when she opened them she recieved a sympathetic smile from Draco. She narrowed her eyes slightly before walking off, wondering how she'd make it through the day.
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After dinner, Hermione stood in the doorway a dish in one hand and a towel in the other. Her cousin, Marilyn walked up and stood beside her, taking in the sight before them.
Draco was on his hands and knees, playing horsy with Hermione's 'nieces' and 'nephews'. Their laughter rang out while he tickled little Jakey's stomach. The boy giggled, trying to squirm out of the way of his large hand. Draco's platinum blonde hair was tousled from playing horsy with them all and his gray eyes sparkled with laughter while the boy's giggling continued. A pretty little girl clung to Draco's shoulders until they all got bored with the horsy game. So he settled down on the floor, letting the small girl crawl into his lap. They were all begging him to tell them a story. And tell them a story he did. He recounted a tale from his Hogwarts days (little did they know it was a true one). They listened intently, scooting closer when he got to a particularly exciting part.
Draco wasn't aware that Hermione was watching him with the children. He seemed at ease with the kids, not minding their loud voices or them pleading for him to play with them. Hermione smiled; she couldn't have pictured anything more perfect.
"Hermione, you've really found him this time," Marilyn said, breaking her out of her dreamy state, giving her a hug. "You're so lucky."
"Yeah," Hermione whispered, warm tears filling her eyes as she was once again reminded that none of it was real, "So lucky."
Marilyn watched her cousin, wondering what was wrong, but knowing enough about her not to ask. She nudged Hermione's arm with her elbow, causing her to blink rapidly and look over.
"Hey," Marilyn said softly, her voice comforting. And Hermione was pleased when she changed the subject, "Now that the kids have gotten off the toy and cookie high, we're all gonna watch a movie. You and Draco care to join us?"
Hermione hesitated, but then nodded her head, "But only if it's 'Miracle on 34th', okay?"
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The whole family gathered around the couch as Peter put in the movie. They were going to watch 'It's a Wonderful Life' first, then move on to Hermione's favorite Christmas movie, 'Miracle on 34th Street'.
Draco watched the screen with confusion, until Hermione explained what exactly a movie was, and the basics of how a television worked. He scoffed at it lightly, complaining at the muggle-quality in a whisper. Hermione threw him a smirk, which clearly said 'shut up if you know what's good for you'. Some things would never change, she thought to herself, but couldn't force the smile off her face.
With Draco snuggled next to her, she could never frown. It all felt rather perfect. The kids laying on the tummies, their small elbows propping up their awed faces at the sight of Santa Claus on the television screen. Hermione's Mom and Dad, sitting off to the side, just enjoying being surrounded with their family. Marilyn and Connor reveling in the few precious quiet moments they could share together.
The glow of the television lit up Hermione's already bright, smiling face, as she stole a glance at Draco. She brushed his ear with her lips, feeling him shiver slightly before whispering, "For muggle entertainment, you sure seem to be enjoying it."
She could see him smile, as much as he tried to hold it back. He glanced over, his nose brushing against hers, causing her to chuckle lightly. His gray eyes met hers, and he stared for a moment.
"Well, it's not exactly the movie that I'm enjoying." He said, matter of factly. One of Hermione's fine eyebrows shot up, surprise washing over her face, before it softened into a rather contented grin. She sighed lightly, leaning her head against his strong shoulder, getting lost in the movie.
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Hermione hung around after everyone had started to walk upstairs to go to bed. She looked out the window at the falling snow, her warm breath slightly fogging up the pane. She crossed her arms and turned around.
After Hermione looked at the tree, she gazed over at the mantel. Stockings were hung there. Her father's was first, then her mother's, then her's. And after her stocking was a new one, but it fit in with the others as if it had always belonged there.
She walked over, reaching out her hand to touch it. Her fingers brushed the letters that spelled out the name Draco.
She gave it one last look, feeling some tears welling up in her chocolate eyes before she turned away and started to head upstairs. She wiped her eyes and sniffled back some tears. Yes, she thought, she had been doing that a lot lately.
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After changing into her pajamas and finishing in the bathroom, she went into the bedroom. She slipped into bed, pulling the covers over her. She looked over the edge of the bed at Draco.
"Comfortable?" She grinned.
"Oh, yeah." He said sarcastically.
"Haven't heard that tone in a while." She noted, watching him shrug. "Well, G'night, Draco. Sweet dreams."
"Night." He said, rolling over and looking for a comfortable position, when there was a persistent knock at the door.
Hermione sat bolt upright in bed, calling out "One minute," in a strained squeak of a voice. She tossed a pleading look to Draco, hopped up and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him up and throwing him into the bed. Draco watched her disappear onto the floor, out of his view. Suddenly a pillow flew into the air, which he caught and stashed behind him. Hermione slid his blanket under the bed, before jumping back up.
She quickly looked everything over, making sure everything looked right. She went back throwing the covers over him more then went to the door, opening it a crack.
"Yeah?" She put on a false sleepy voice.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't wake you, did I?" It was Marilyn.
"No, no of course not," Hermione said, adding a yawn for effect, "Did you need something?"
"I was just going to ask if you had any extra p.j.'s. Can you believe I forgot them? Remember everything for everyone else but me." She gave Hermione a sheepish smile.
"Sure," Hermione replied, and went rummaging in her suitcase.
"Who's that, love?" Marilyn could hear Draco mumble, and she shifted her weight from her right foot to her left, peeking inside the room to sneak a glance inside.
"Just Mar. Go back to sleep." Hermione replied, and then walked back to the door, handing the sleepwear to her cousin with a heavy-eyed smile.
"Thanks again." Marilyn said with a knowing grin. "Nighty-night, you two."
Once the door shut, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, and then sat on the bed indian-style as Draco propped himself up on his elbow.
"Who's that, love?" She mimicked, making her voice as low as she could, playfully hitting him on the arm.
"What?" He asked frankly, "Too much?"
"No, not at all. Nice touch." She yawned while pulling the covers over her lap. Draco watched her and smiled, getting up, taking a pillow with him.
"Draco?" He heard her say timidly.
"Hmm?" He asked, starting to get situated on the floor.
"It must be awfully uncomfortable sleeping there."
"I'm alright." He lied through his teeth, watching her fiddle nervously with her hands.
"Well, I was thinking since it was Christmas and since Marilyn is one for barging in unexpectedly…" Before she could finish, Draco was in the bed beside her.
He scrunched the pillow and rested his head and took a deep breath, enjoying the soft mattress instead of the cold floor.
"You're sure?" He asked in mid-yawn. She nodded. She hadn't the heart to send him away, and though she probably wouldn't admit it, she was happy he was there. She stretched, cracking her back, before she buried herself beneath the covers.
Mumbling a partly incoherent 'goodnight', she snuggled down under the warm covers. She stared at the ceiling silently wishing that this night would never end. She wished that she could just lay beside him, and not have to worry about the morning.