Disclaimer: You know the drill, I don't own any of the HP gang, that would be J.K. Rowling, all I own is the plot and Scarlet.

Note: Almost finished with this story and working on two other ones. I am however stopping myself from starting another one, but more soon. I promise.

Chapter 24: Christmas

On the morning of Christmas Eve, the mansion was decorated from top to bottom. The halls were lined with tinsel and lights. Garland wrapped the banisters of all the stairs. It draped all of the pictures and the door facings. Mistletoe hung gracefully from the doors leading to the den, parlor, and library. In the den, a Christmas tree the reached to the top of the ceiling illuminated the room. Small, sliver fairies encircled the tree moving in a spiral motion up and down. Presents covered the floor beneath the tree. Boxes, small and large were stacked neatly. Christmas carols played softly all over the mansion.

Everything went as usual that day. They ate and wondered around the mansion. Hermione went to the library and chose a book, after about an hour. She went to her room, shut the door and locked it, not wanting to be disturbed. When it was getting dusky Hermione stopped reading and got dressed. She decided on a swoop neck white sweater, vintage colored jeans, and boots. She let her hair fall in loose waves down her back. She made her way downstairs. Everyone was opening presents tonight, because tomorrow Scarlet would not be home.

Scarlet paced the floor a little. She was early for a change. She even decided to wear something other than black, that's where the jeans and red ballerina style sweater came about. She was nervous, she hadn't bought presents since everything had happened with Sirius. Scarlet heard footsteps and knew everything was about to start.

Shreds of wrapping paper were strung all over the den, withing twenty minutes.

"Hermione, I have something else for you," Scarlet said leaving the room. She returned a few minutes later with a large box, which wasn't wrapped. She set it at Hermione's feet.

Hermione gasp when she peered into the box. "Is it really . . ." Scarlet nodded, smiling. Carefully, Hermione reached into the box and pulled out a black panther cub. It stretched and then curled up on her lap, licking her hand. "What's her name," Hermione asked?

"That's for you to decide," Scarlet said removing the box.

They played with Hermione's panther for a long time before she decided on a name. She decided on Aideen, meaning flames. Scarlet had even bought it a black collar with little diamond studs.

"Thank you," Hermione said, once everyone left.

"Do you really like her," Scarlet asked?

"Yes, of course I do."

"Well, I haven't bought presents in a while so, I kind of had to wing it."

"You did a great job, but can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

Hermione petted Aideen while she spoke. "How exactly did you get her? I mean, I've never seen a panther, let alone receive on for a present."

"I know someone who has them. They were believed to have special powers in ancient times."

"She's beautiful. I don't know how to thank you."

"You don't have to, but I'm sure you'll figure something out." She stood up, stretching. "I think I might actually go to bed at a decent hour tonight."

Hermione stood, too. "That sounds like a good idea." She hugged Scarlet. "Happy Christmas, Scarlet," and she ran up the steps.

Scarlet stood unable to move. Her eyes were filled with tears. How could she let herself get too attached to this to this girl, when at the end of the year, Hermione would be leaving, and for her, well, she knew what she was going to do once they won the war.

Hermione made a bed for Aideen at the head of her bed in the floor. She ran to the bathroom showered and then dried her hair. She put on a silk, silver robe. Candles were lit all around the room. The door to her balcony was open, and Draco stood in the center of the room staring at her.

"Happy Christmas," she whispered, slipping off her robe. It pooled around her feet.

Draco was in front of her, kidding her faster than she could think. Hermione fumbled with the buttons on his shirt, he shrugged it off once she got it unbuttoned. He scooped her up and carried her to the bed. He laid her gently on the covers, then he removed his pants and boxers.

"I love you, Hermione," he whispered kissing down her neck.

"I love you too, Draco," she whispered back.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

She nodded bitting her lip. He kissed her again to reassure her, and then he joined his body to hers.

Later that night Hermione slept, wrapped in Draco's arms. He laid awake, watching her sleep. He gently kissed her eyes trying not to wake here. He would have to leave soon, not that he wanted to. She stirred a little bit, and she smiled seeing he was still there.

"I almost forgot this, Sweetie," he said reaching her a black velvet box.

"You didn't have to get me anything, " she said kissing him on the cheek.

"I know, but I wanted to. Now open it."

Inside was a ring. It was two hearts entwined together. Diamond outlined one side and gold on the outer side.

"Draco, you really shouldn't have."

He slipped it on her finger. "It's kind of a promise ring." He kissed her. 'Hermione, I love you, I really do. I hope you know that."

"I do, Draco. I love you, too." She kissed him, as he pulled her under him. They made love again before Draco had to leave that morning.

Note: Thanks for all the reviews. I promise to try and update sooner than what I have been. Sorry, that the chapters are short, but I really do write a lot on notebook paper, but then when I type it it's really short, and I'm not one to keep going on and on about one thing. Keep reading and reviewing.

Much Love!