The next day, delicate snowflakes fell from the white sky. Hermione woke up still wrapped in the warmth of the Slytherin in her bed. They were no longer in the same position in which they had fallen asleep, but their legs were entwined. The first thought that crossed the brunette's mind was not the phantoms of the slightly less bloody nightmares she'd had again, but the fact that she would have to leave for the Burrow next Tuesday. She wouldn't be able to see him for a fortnight. She wouldn't be able to celebrate Christmas with him.

The memory of the black watch she'd bought herself without thinking popped into her head. Yes, it would make a perfect gift for him before they parted ways. She didn't expect anything from him. She just wanted to please him and give him something he seemed to appreciate. Silently pushing back the covers over her, she got out of bed.

"You know, you snore at times," Draco muttered, his head buried in the pillow.

She turned sharply, looking offended. "That's not true!"

The Slytherin turned onto his back and opened sleepy eyes at her. "That's okay, Granger," he smiled mischievously. "I haven't slept this well in a long time."

Hermione couldn't help but smile, and grabbed her clothes to go to the bathroom and shower. Draco watched her leave. He didn't wait before he got up as well. He decided not to think about the detention he had to do tonight. Cleaning the library tables and replacing books after closing, he'd been told. He went to the small kitchen. He had coffee to make. He would continue to spend as much time with her as he could before leaving her for a fortnight. Maybe by then he would find an idea to keep her close to him, or to see her at least once...

Two days ago, after Potions class, Blaise hadn't found Ginny. He'd thought that asking her ex-boyfriend or brother where she was might not be the brightest idea. So he'd looked for Luna. Even though she was a Ravenclaw, he was sure she would know where to find Ginny. And Luna was one of the only girls who was absolutely and purely nice to anyone.

When he'd finally bumped into Luna, it had been at dinner, but now he'd finally gotten a glimpse of Ginny. So he'd sat at his House table alone— because that Malfoy twat still wouldn't talk to him, and Pansy had decided to eat next to Millicent, but not without giving him some very charming, innuendo-filled looks. He kept his eyes fixed on the long red hair, wondering what he was going to say to her anyway. Ginny seemed to be deliberately not looking at him.

He had followed her with his eyes until she left the Great Hall with Neville. He had leapt to his feet, nearly spilling his cup, and followed them.

"Ginny!" he had called behind her.

She had turned, and raised her eyebrows, as if genuinely surprised to see him. Neville's face hadn't changed.

"Hello, Neville," he had greeted.

"Hello, B...Blaise, isn't it?"

"That's right." He had looked back at the redhead, who was looking at him without saying anything. He didn't know how to decipher her expression. "Can we talk for a moment?"

"I was going to study with Neville for our exams tomorrow."

"Oh!" Neville had blurted out. "I'll wait for you, Gin, don't worry. Take your time." He had left them without question.

Blaise had examined Ginny. "Maybe we can move to somewhere less... busy?"

"All right."

He had guided them to a slightly more deserted wing. He could hardly bear not to see the usual light shining in the redhead's blue eyes.

"I know you know what happened in the library," he had said. "I wanted to apologise."

She had shrugged. "You didn't mean to hurt anyone."

"I know," he'd sighed. "But I didn't think that—"

"You just… You shouldn't kiss people just to prove your point."

"You're right," he nodded. "But it worked..."

Ginny hadn't been able to hide her slightly sly smile. "Yes, it did..."

Blaise had also lit up when he saw her eyes sparkle. "Come on, Ginger, you and I saw this coming long before anyone else!"

Ginny didn't know how to hold a grudge against him anymore. He hadn't done anything to her personally anyway.

"Please, I couldn't bear it if you were angry with me," he had breathed with the shadow of a smile. He had taken a step towards her. She hadn't moved.

"I'm not," she replied. "We're not even... I am not entitled to anything from you and…"

"Not yet. I'll make it up to you, I promise. Maybe I could start by inviting you to the Ball with me." He'd held out his hand to hers, as if permission. Ginny had looked up at him, dazed, eyelids fluttering. Her lips slowly widened, and her whole face lit up.

"Who else would you go with, duh," she had retorted. And gently, delicately, she had slipped her hand into Blaise's. A wave of tenderness washed over the Slytherin.

On Thursday evening, December 17, after the library had closed, Madam Pince had confiscated Blaise and Draco's wands. They now began to replace all the chairs and tables, washing them with a bucket of soap and water. Each in their own corner of the library, they did not speak to each other for the first half hour. When they had finally finished cleaning all the surfaces, Madam Pince gathered them together and placed several boxes full of books in front of them.

"You see these numbers on the bottom of the volumes? Those are their placement codes, which determine which section they belong in, which bookshelf, which shelf and between which books. For the rest of your detention, you just have to put them all back."

She turned and walked back to her counter. The two Slytherins looked at each other and began to look through the boxes. Blaise let out a long sigh.

"Well, I suggest we start by sorting the books into their sections. Then we could carry them."

"Whatever," Draco grumbled.

Blaise rolled his eyes, reaching into a box and pulling out a pile. Draco followed suit.

"You know, you'll have to speak to me eventually," Blaise said.

"Well, I don't really feel like it."

"Come on, Draco... Don't be childish!"

Draco clenched his jaw. It was a good thing the library was closed and therefore deserted, because he could feel the anger rising in his throat, but he swallowed his temper as he glanced at Madame Pince.

"You know what you've done, Zab," he said calmly.

He placed the first book in a stack for the Dragon section, and the second in the stack for the Legal section.

Blaise pursed his lips. "Look, I'm sorry. I know what I did, but you also know why I did it. You can't blame me for wanting to give the Universe a hand."

"That's not what bothers me most."

"What is, then?"

"I don't like the idea that a man forced himself on her."

Blaise blinked. "It wasn't that bad, Draco."

Draco abruptly placed more books on top of the small piles that were getting higher. "She should be able to decide who she wants to kiss and who she doesn't."

"As long as it's you, right? Blaise smirked.

"Exactly."

A wicked grin crossed Draco's lips as well, which didn't escape Blaise's notice. The blond Slytherin had almost finished sorting all the books in his box. He thought with a touch of humour that Hermione would have been over the moon if she had received that detention. He couldn't wait to get back to her and soak in the warmth of her laughter and presence.

"Just so we're clear," Blaise said after a short while, "I like Granger. She's a good person. But I certainly don't like her the way you do. I'm not interested in brunettes…"

Draco laughed. "Any woman who wants to date you is going to have to be one hell of a troll."

"Or a pretty redhead."

Draco frowned, finally deciding to examine his friend. The latter returned his gaze, raising his eyebrows and smiling, lips tucked into his mouth, as if he had just confessed a secret.

"Are you talking about who I think you are?" Draco let out.

"Who else?"

"Ugh, for the love of Salazar!" Draco sighed. "Why does it always have to be the Weasleys?"

Blaise grabbed a large stack of books from between his arms and headed for the Dragon section. His friend joined in, stuffing his own stack into his arms. So Blaise was smitten with the Redhead? Why did that make sense in a strange way?

"She's absolutely charming!" Blaise exclaimed over his shoulder. "Her blue eyes, Merlin... And her hair that catches the light like flames."

"All right, Zab—"

"She's smart, and funny, and Merlin, she has beautiful hands. Have you ever seen her hands? She's got the build of a great future Quidditch player."

"Do I have to hear about it?"

They arrived at the Dragon section and put down their pile. Taking the books one at a time, they examined their code to determine their respective shelf.

"The number of times we've talked about Granger..." Blaise retorted, rolling his eyes.

Draco said nothing. Blaise looked at him sideways.

"Anyway, are we cool?"

"Yes, we're okay," Draco grumbled. "As long as you don't fucking kiss her again."

"I promise. But you know... you'll never be able to stop others from looking at her or getting close to her."

"Watch me."

"So I guess you guys are going to the Ball together."

"Yep."

"10 points for Slytherin!"

Draco couldn't hold back a sincere smile from his lips that had been so pursed.

The next day, when all the exams were over in the morning, Hermione was almost trotting back to her dorm with a weight off her shoulders. The afternoon was free for everyone. Everything had gone well, obviously, but she was glad that at last she wouldn't have to think about it anymore. All she had to prepare for now was the Ball, and her departure for the Burrow.

She was in her dormitory within minutes. Light on her feet, she walked to her room and pulled out the Halloween dress she hadn't worn. She hung it on top of her wardrobe to look at it in full and thought. Sky blue? Powder blue? Indigo? Azure? She drew her wand and tried on several colours.

Draco entered the flat a few minutes later. Hearing her muttering some spells, he entered his partner's room and looked at the dress.

"Is that what you're going to wear?"

Hermione lowered her wand and blinked, a little bemused. "Erm... yes. I'm just trying to change the colour."

The Slytherin stood still, hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on the boring, common piece of fabric. "This dress won't do," he said.

Hermione looked shocked, resting her attention on her dress. "Why? I like it!"

"It's definitely not worthy of you!"

The Lioness blushed. "What do you want me to do, then? It' s not so bad!"

Draco walked over and stopped right next to his partner, looking down at the dress. "Reduce the straps and cross them in the front, just above the torso. You absolutely have to keep your shoulders bare..."

"A neck holder?"

"Whatever it's called. And make it dark blue... it'll look great on you. Make it sparkle if you want."

"Dark blue, really?"

"I'm not forcing you to do anything, Granger. Just try it. Trust me." He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against his hip. "The most beautiful girl in the most beautiful dress. That's my rule." He kissed her temple.

They spent the next few nights huddled together, falling asleep listening to each other's calming breathing. They hadn't talked about leaving for the holidays, and it was probably for the best, they thought. Hermione wouldn't be alone, after all, and would be surrounded by her friends who could step in if anything happened. Narcissa and Ravona would be spending some time together over the Christmas holidays, so Draco was assured of seeing Blaise. If Potter, Freckles, and even Weasel could promise him that nothing would happen to Hermione, then maybe he would be able to let her go. Not without promising to exchange at least a letter or two to make sure everything was okay... But was that too much? Would she find him intrusive?

The day of the Ball, December 21st, finally arrived and Hermione was just finishing getting ready. On her dresser was an elegant bow tie. She had opted for a slightly different hairstyle from the Halloween Ball, but hair still up. It was more practical. Setting the last loose curls, she glanced at the reflection in the mirror on her bed, where a small box sat. There was no packaging, no ribbon, nothing. She had decided to give the watch to Draco, but didn't want it to seem too much like a gift. Even though it really was a gift.

She took one last look at her reflection, took the bow tie, closed her hand on the box and left the room. Her partner had not yet seen the final result of her dress. She wasn't as nervous as she had been at the Halloween Ball, but a certain feverishness knotted her stomach. Tonight, all eyes would see that she and Draco would be escorting each other all evening.

In their common room, Hermione didn't see the Slytherin waiting for her by the portrait, but instead he was in the small kitchen. Two tiny cups filled with a black, hot liquid lay on the table.

"Draco, what's that?"

Draco finally popped into sight and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her. "Fuck," he wheezed, running a hand through his hair.

The dress was unrecognizable. Deep blue like the night, it was tight at the bust and the straps criss-crossed just below the neck and rolled up behind the nape of the neck, revealing a slight, very sober cleavage. Her bare shoulders showed proudly, as if daring him to resist them. Just below her bosom, the dress became lighter and floated to the floor, covered with subtle flakes that shone like stars on a night blanket. It had that princely, powerful look that mythical goddesses from all worlds wore.

Dry-mouthed, blinking several times, Draco was devouring her with his eyes. He couldn't help but move closer to her, as if magnetized, and lifted her chin with his finger.

"You... you're out of this world..." he stammered.

Hermione's cheeks flushed and she tucked a loose lock of hair behind her ear. She looked away, an unwavering smile on her face, before looking back at him. On tiptoe, the brunette gave him a quick kiss.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I... Here. I made you this."

She handed him the bow tie, which was the same colour as her dress. She noticed his grey eyes warming up. He held it in his palm and admired the detail of the work she had done. She placed the box on the table, took the bow in her hands and tied it around his neck.

"You are very handsome tonight," she complimented him.

He was wearing the same outfit from the Halloween Ball, but had made some magical modifications himself, such as the more refined cut of his jacket, and the shape of the buttons. His hair was neatly combed, with blonde locks curling to one side. He was freshly shaven and gave off a masculine scent that Hermione couldn't resist. The bow tie completed his ensemble.

"And now you look perfect," she smiled, finishing adjusting the bow. She put her hands on her hips, admiring the result. Finally, she looked at the table. "And these?" she asked.

"Those are double espressos!"

The Lioness widened her eyes. "But, Draco, I can't—"

"It'll get us through the evening, including the clean-up afterwards. You remember the clean-up, don't you? The contract—"

"I know the contract."

"And do you remember what we talked about?"

She nodded and pulled her dress up to her thigh, revealing her bare leg where her wand hung in a thin velcro sheath. Draco slid his hand up her bare thigh just before she released her dress.

"Merlin, that was sexy," he growled in her ear, sending a jolt of shivers down the Gryffindor's spine.

"Don't worry," she said quietly. "I'll have it with me at all times."

"It's just in case…"

"I know. Just in case," she repeated.

He caught her lips the next moment, triggering a wave of excitement in her that nibbled pleasantly at the hollow of her lower abdomen. Holding her face firmly in his hands, Draco savored the motion of their tongues and the delicacy of her lips, deepening the kiss ever more. His breath quickened. How on earth would he ever learn to let go of this mouth that called to him like some oasis in a desert? He felt her smile and she pulled back slightly, her eyes eager. She knew how to keep an immense control over this brewing chaos of desires and impulses.

"I have..." she began. "I have something else for you."

She took the box back and handed it to him, gulping. This time the nervousness was real and as palpable as a gust of wind that had just messed up her thoughts. Draco examined the box between his fingers, curious.

"It's not really a Christmas present, because it's too early anyway, but I found it and there's something about it that attracted me, I don't know what. I didn't buy it thinking I was going to give it to you, but you seemed so intrigued by Samuel's watch that I thought, why not, maybe you'll want to wear it. But…"

The Slytherin had opened the box, silent, and was watching the black watch in front of his eyes very carefully, with a straight face. Hermione frowned and continued, losing her confidence with each passing second.

"You... you don't have to wear it if you don't like it and besides, just because I gave you something doesn't mean you have to do the same, that's not why I'm doing this. Oh... well, maybe it was too soon, I didn't want to seem too pushy, I guess I should have waited…."

She made a move to take the watch back from his fingers, but he ducked sharply, eyebrows raised. "Are you a watch thief?" he said, his hand holding the watch out of his partner's reach.

"No, but it wasn't a good idea, I don't know what came over me from—"

"Hermione."

"What?"

"It's very nice, very distinguished. I didn't know you were so thoughtful."

Hermione froze and looked at him with wide eyes. "Really? You like it?"

"I'm no liar."

"You don't have to wear it if you don't feel comfortable... I know it's a Muggle item and that…"

"Hermione. Stop."

The brunette fell silent and bowed her head. Draco tried to intercept her gaze, amazed by this gesture, this gift that he had not expected at all. He had nothing for her... Why the hell hadn't he thought of that?

He stroked her cheek. "Thank you," he whispered.

He slipped the watch onto his wrist. "Now, how about those espressos?"

The Gryffindor sighed but agreed. They each took a mini cup and swallowed the hot, strong liquid in one gulp. Hermione grinned and shook her head as if to clear the extremely bitter taste from her mouth.

"I guess I'm really awake now!" she said. "Wow, I can feel it kick in already."

The Great Hall was glorious. Snowflakes of all sizes were falling from the ceiling, and northern lights were dancing in the darkness of the enchanted sky. A huge silver Christmas tree stood in the centre of the hall, decorated with a thousand and one lights. Along the walls, majestic ice sculptures towered over the guests, delicate and impressive at the same time. Outside, small snowy paths had been laid out around the castle to allow guests to enjoy the fresh air under the glow of magic lanterns hanging from the trees.

The Prefects who had planned this Ball opened the first dance. Hermione couldn't help but think back to her first dance with Draco. It seemed like an eternity had passed for them since then. Soon the other pairs of Prefects joined the first ones on the dance floor, followed by Draco and Hermione. Gazing into each other's eyes, they danced, smiling broadly and with happy hearts. Enjoying these last moments before they parted for a fortnight.

They twirled, hand in hand, like two shooting stars shining a little brighter every second. For the first time in far, far too long, Draco didn't care at all how others might perceive him now, hand in hand with a Muggle-born. Even better, he was swollen with pride at the realisation that he was standing with the only witch who could make him smile like that. The way she looked was a hell of a bonus.

When the dance was over, he leaned towards the Lioness' ear. "I have something to offer you too," he whispered.

Hermione looked up at him. "Oh, you don't have to—"

"I don't have it with me. I'll give it to you after the Ball."

The Gryffindor nodded and the dance ended. Another one started immediately, but Hermione glanced at Ginny near the doors of the Great Hall. She looked lovely in her powder blue satin dress. Hermione excused herself to her partner and slipped between the guests to check on her friend.

"Still no sign of Blaise?" she asked.

Ginny shook her head and crossed her arms. Her face couldn't hide her obvious disappointment. "I don't get it," she muttered.

"Maybe he's having trouble tying his shoes or putting on his jacket. It's only a fifteen-minute delay. I'm sure he'll turn up soon with an apology."

"Yeah, probably…."

Hermione took her hand, hoping to cheer her up. "Come dance with us! You'll think of something else."

"I'm not dancing with you and Draco..."

The brunette rolled her eyes. "We're not alone! Look! Harry, Ron, Neville, Luna, Parvati and Hannah are all here!"

"Okay, okay..." sighed Ginny, letting herself be led to the centre of the dance floor.

They joined the others and Draco immediately grabbed Hermione's other hand to pull her to him. Ginny was surrounded by friends, and soon a smile sprang to her lips. After a few minutes, the redhead was moving energetically, head light and hair flying around her. Hermione danced carefree, enjoying the closeness of her partner as he twirled her away from him before drawing her back into his arms. He had dropped his jacket somewhere. After several minutes, or maybe it was an hour, Hermione, cheeks red, stopped to catch her breath.

"Do you need a refreshment?" Draco asked in her ear over the music.

"That would be nice!"

Draco kissed her hand, but no one noticed. "Go and sit down. I'll fetch you a drink."

Hermione thanked him and left the dance floor. Replacing a few strands in her hair, she dropped into a chair, close to an ice sculpture of a hippogriff. Almost all the guests were on the dance floor, except for a few scattered here and there near the tables and chairs. Crossing one leg over the other, she watched her friends dance and her face lit up. It was truly a beautiful evening.

After a short while, a figure walked briskly into the Great Hall, seemingly looking for someone. She came running towards Hermione. It was Pansy. The Gryffindor clenched her jaw and sat up straight in her seat. The Slytherin had a panicked expression on her face and her breath was coming in fast, her cheeks and shoulders reddened as if she'd just spent a while outside without a coat. No one was paying them any attention.

"Granger!" she exclaimed when she reached her.

Hermione frowned. "What is it, Parkinson?"

Pansy was panting, her eyes glistening with tears that didn't spill. She took hold of Hermione's wrist. "Come on, quick!" she breathed. "Hurry up!"

Hermione pulled away abruptly.

"Granger, this is not the time!" begged Pansy. "It's Blaise... He... He's outside, something's wrong. He's asking for you."

Hermione's heart dropped heavily like a stone. She jumped to her feet and let Pansy pull her out of the Great Hall.

"What happened?" asked Hermione, feeling the worry rising. "Is he alright?"

"I—I don't know! I found him wandering around the school grounds! I think something's happened to him."

"Oh my God..." the Gryffindor muttered. "No, no, no…"

She hurried along, as fast as her heels would allow, and rushed out the door. Pulling up her dress, she drew her wand. The cold air sent shivers down her body, but she didn't care. The full moon shed a white light on all the snow that covered the ground. Small specks of light were visible everywhere, but there was no sign of life.

Hermione stepped forward. "Where is he?" she exclaimed. "Pansy!"

Pansy held back a sob in her throat and pointed towards the greenhouses, not far from the Forbidden Forest. "When I was walking, that's where I saw him... Hurry!"

Hermione dashed in that direction. If something had happened to Blaise, she would never forgive herself. Why hadn't she cared more about him being late? It didn't seem like him. She cast an enchantment to keep her feet dry and sped off towards the greenhouses. Out of breath, she arrived at the greenhouses and looked around.

"Pansy?" she said breathlessly. "Pansy, where is he?"

The Gryffindor looked around but the Slytherin girl had disappeared. Around her, darkness fought against the moon's diaphanous glow on the snow. Condensation swirled out of her mouth. She raised her wand.

"Pansy?"

No answer. Moments later, a figure appeared behind the greenhouse wall and Hermione found herself face to face with Blaise. She could hardly make out his expression, but she heaved a sigh of relief. He was wearing a dashing evening suit, as stylish as a lord.

"Blaise! Oh my God, you scared me. What's the matter?"

Blaise approached, looking nonchalant, his hands in his pockets. Instinctively, the brunette's fingers tightened on her wand.

"Are you...bewitched?" Hermione asked suspiciously, feeling her hand tremble.

"No, Mia," he said. "I'm not." His voice was firm, steady, but something about it made Hermione doubt it. His tone was different.

"Why aren't you inside with the others?" she asked.

The Slytherin finished walking forward and stood right in front of her. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this moment," he breathed.

Hermione opened her mouth, crippled by a terrible feeling that had just crashed down on her.

"Today is the 21st of December," he continued. "You know what that means."

The Lioness could not speak.

"It's winter solstice. I told you your time would come."

"Is it better to out-monster the monster or to be quietly devoured?"

Friedrich Nietzsche

oOoOoOoOo

Hello my lovelies, just want to tell you that I might upload Chapter 27 later than Friday. I have to work some things on it. Sorry to leave you on this terrible cliffhanger... I hope you liked it and thank you SO MUCH for reading it. Let me know what you think!

Axiomea