Disclaimer:- I neither earn nor own anything from this story except my plot. Harry Potter and his world are the intellectual property of JK Rowling and her associates.

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A/N:- Thank you to LadyWinterlight, for her beta work on this chapter, and to everyone for their reviews and alerts, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

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Chapter Five – Unexpected Christmas Surprises

Christmas day dawned cold and clear. Hermione snuggled down under the covers until she couldn't stand the suspense any longer. She had decided not to open any of her presents until Christmas morning, and she now grabbed the small box that Draco had given her tearing the wrapping eagerly.

She excitedly opened the box and gasped as she saw a delicate charm bracelet. She lifted it in her fingers and examined the single charm that was hanging from the chain. It was a book, he'd brought her a charm bracelet with a book charm on it. It was the most perfect present she'd ever received, and a single tear slid from her eye. She wiped it away, refusing to give in to grief over her situation again, and she carefully secured the lovely bracelet around her wrist and turned to her other presents after watching it hanging against her skin in the morning light for a time.

Harry and Ginny had given her a gift voucher for Flourish and Blotts, and the packet she'd received the day before from Molly contained a jumper, a whole fruit cake, some fudge, and a new woolly hat. The jumper was plain this year, and in some ways Hermione missed that it did not have some cheerfully constructed letter or picture emblazoned on it, but in another way she was happy that Molly had realised that they'd all grown up.

She got back into bed and curled up to think; her mind went back to taking Draco for coffee after his parent's trials and Harry's words that day that she'd always have them. She'd hoped that it had meant she'd have both of them. She was used to Ron saying things he didn't mean, but he'd never been as oblivious and cruel as he was currently being.

What Hermione did not know was that Molly's words had filtered through her son's mind last night. Then this morning when Ron discovered Hermione had bought him a thoughtful gift he'd become very introspective. Finally, he got dressed and came back down for breakfast, and he was seriously thinking of flooing to Hogwarts. However, after breakfast George started the traditional perpetual Christmas Day Quidditch game and Ron forgot about his resolve to go and see Hermione.

She's a big girl, he told himself, and he grabbed his broom shouting, "Keeper!" as he started out the door.

As much as they loved Quidditch, however, Harry and Ginny declined. "We'll play later, when we get back," Ginny said.

Ron stopped dead in the doorway and turned. "Why, where are you going?" he wanted to know.

"We feel bad that 'Mione's all alone on Christmas, and we're going to try and convince her to come for lunch," Harry said.

"Yeah, maybe you should come with us," Ginny told him.

Ron looked after George, Angelina, Bill and Charlie and he thought for a minute. "Nah, she'll keep. How long will you be? We'll be two short now." And just like that Ron's resolve to do the right thing crumbled.

Ginny's hands arrived on her hips. "Seriously, Ron. That's all you're concerned about?"

"It's Christmas Quidditch, Gin. That's the best game of the year, yeah?"

Harry and Ginny turned away without answering.

"He doesn't deserve her," Ginny huffed, as they walked towards the apparition boundary.

"Yes, as much as I hate to admit it, I think you're right," Harry sighed. They walked in silence for some distance, but then Harry inhaled.

Ginny glanced at him, expecting him to speak, but he shook his head, his brow furrowed. Then he took another breath. "You know, as much as Ron's my best mate, he does seem to have taken up with Lavender again… and I've walked in on him shagging more than her this last term."

Ginny sneered. "Charming," she muttered, but then asked, "Quidditch groupies?"

"On the whole… but Lavender seems to be a regular."

"How many times have you walked in on him?" Ginny demanded, stopping and turning to look at him.

Harry shrugged. "Fairly regularly actually. He just looks irritated at being caught, closes the curtains, puts up a silencing charm and keeps going."

"Now that's disgusting," Ginny replied, her face scrunched up in a look of distaste.

"It's Ron," Harry shrugged. "He fancies himself a bit of a stud."

"In his dreams," Ginny stated, placing her arms around Harry as they made it to the apparition point.

Harry chuckled and apparated them away.

xox

Once back to bed, Hermione had dozed off again, unaware that her friends were on their way to visit her.

She was roused from her nap by loud knocking on her door and, blinking, she rose and grabbed her dressing gown. To her surprise, when she opened the door there stood Harry and Ginny, and they looked very determined.

Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"Get dressed," Ginny said without pleasantries. "We don't care what a prat Ron's being, we want you to come to lunch."

"Yeah," Harry echoed. "You shouldn't be alone on Christmas."

"Hello to you too," she said. "But I told Mrs Weasley yesterday…"

Ginny cut her off. "Mum understands what's going on now she's talked to you, but we want you to come."

"Ron's starting to realise that he'd been a real dick," Harry put in.

Her eyebrows shot up. "Is he?" she replied sarcastically, folding her arms across her chest.

"Oh, come on, 'Mione. It's Christmas, we should all be together," Harry added.

"You've already said that," Hermione informed him helpfully.

"Will you come? Please," Ginny pleaded.

She looked at them for what seemed like an eternity, but finally she nodded. "Okay, but I have some work to do this morning, and somewhere else to go after lunch." She watched them smile and nod at each of her statements, and she added, "And I'm definitely not staying over."

"Well, come on then," Harry encouraged.

"Hang on, I haven't showered or dressed yet, and I haven't had breakfast, or done the work I need to do. I'll be there by one, okay?"

"Promise?" Ginny said excitedly, very happy that they'd managed to change Hermione's mind.

"Promise, now hadn't you two better get back to the after breakfast Quidditch match?" she asked, finally smiling.

They had the grace to look sheepish, but surged forward and hugged her. "You know, you're a great friend," Harry told her.

"Yeah," Ginny agreed.

xox

On the whole, Hermione had been pleased that she'd gone to The Burrow for Christmas lunch, but when everyone had bundled outside and disappeared for the post-lunch Christmas Quidditch match, she'd taken her leave.

She was now walking up the path through the cemetery towards her brother's grave as she thought about lunch. Ron had been distant, and both Molly and Ginny had seemed incredibly miffed with him. Then Ron and Harry had got into a fight in the lounge room just after she'd arrived, and in fact, she'd heard a lot of whispered arguments going on.

Hermione had watched it all, wondering if her presence was the cause. Don't they think I have eyes? I can see that he wants nothing to do with me. She sighed and shifted the bunch of roses she was carrying to her other arm as she turned the final corner that led to Henry's grave. And didn't he think I'd notice that Lavender is back on his arm again?

Sighing, she shook the snow from her hair and hat as she stopped at the grave. The weather was starting to close in, but she had to spare the time for this ritual. She cleaned the plot, laid her flowers up against the headstone, and then she stood there. There was nothing left to say, she'd said it all before, but it was moments like this that she felt most alone.

Mist started to swirl around her and it became frigidly cold, but then she heard footsteps crunching on the gravel path. She vaguely remembered seeing someone further down the path as she'd approached. She really hadn't taken that much notice, and it was only now that she registered that she was alone in a frosty graveyard, and it was getting dark. It made her uneasy, and she instinctively went for her wand. Old habits die hard, especially after her experiences at Godrick's Hollow during the war.

However, she was brought up short as Draco Malfoy appeared out of the mist.

"Hermione?" he said.

"Draco?"

Then they said together, "What are you doing here?"

But then Draco answered his own question with a glance at the name on the grave. "Oh, this is your brother's grave," and he removed the hood of his cloak and bowed his head in deference to Henry.

Hermione was charmed, but she smiled at him. "Only you would come to a Muggle graveyard dressed as a wizard, Draco."

He smirked. "Well, it was a wizard I was paying my respects to. A half-blood wizard."

She gasped. "Professor Snape is here?"

"In a way, he's down there beside his mother."

"Oh, that's right, you called him uncle the other day. Were you related?"

"He was my godfather."

Hermione tried to see through the mist, but was unable to. "Oh, but what do you mean 'in a way'?"

Draco glanced back down where he'd just come from. "It's an empty coffin," and he shrugged. "There was no body, but Mother… well, Mother was very upset and I didn't want to upset her further, so I arranged a funeral with an empty coffin, and it seemed to give her some consolation."

"I see," Hermione said, but just as she said it she sneezed. "Pardon me."

Draco swung his cloak off and quickly placed it around her shoulders. "I think it's time to get you out of the cold," he told her.

She almost swooned as his cloak settled around her shoulders and his scent invaded her senses; she compensated for her moment of flustered brain fade by talking. "Yes, it is very cold this afternoon, isn't it? I was going to go to Sabitini's for a coffee. Thank you," she babbled, indicating the cloak.

He remained as cool as a cucumber and chuckled softly. "That sounds like a great idea. May I escort you?"

"Sure," she said, smiling. "I'd like that very much."

But then his brow furrowed. "Will they be open this late, and on Christmas Day?"

Hermione smiled. "They're open seven days a week until nine, and even on Christmas Day; it's an amazing place, so welcoming and warm."

"Then how do we get there?"

"Umm, I know a quiet place to apparate to… I could side-along you."

He smiled. "I'd like that."

Hermione took a step towards him and tentatively placed her arm through his as he presented it to her. Concentrate, Granger, she told herself, or you'll splinch us both. Destination, determination, deliberation, she chanted in her head, even though she'd apparated many people side-along—and in many more stressful situations—before today. She concentrated and turned and they landed in Whitehall, and in one piece she was happy to note. She exhaled the breath she had been holding and turned her face to him smiling.

"Do I make you nervous, Hermione?" he asked.

"M-Maybe a little bit," she replied, her lip slipping between her teeth.

He wished that she hadn't started chewing on her lip because he had the urge to kiss her and pull the abused flesh from between her teeth with his lips. "You shouldn't be nervous, you've known me for years."

"True, but until recently we've fought more than we've been friends."

He smiled. "Yes, the war really screwed us up, didn't it?"

"Mmm," Hermione commented as they started walking in the same direction they had the day they'd first had coffee.

Neither of them noticed that they were still walking arm in arm, and it was only when they arrived a Sabatini's that Hermione said, "Oh, I guess you want your arm… and your cloak back."

"You'll need the cloak for your cold walk up to Hogwarts. Give it to me another time," and a quick discreet wand movement changed it into an overcoat, which he started buttoning for her.

"Oh… Oh, thank you. That's very kind," and she blushed, allowing him to button the coat.

"I find that I like being kind to you, Hermione," he replied. "What would you like?" he asked as they entered the little shop, which as Hermione had predicted was open on Christmas Day.

Draco was glad of it because it meant he could spend more time with Hermione, and he came back from his thoughts now as she started telling him what she wanted.

He nodded and smiled, and as he went to the counter to order, he decided that he would have the same. Mr Sabatini was not here today, and being so late in the afternoon they were the only patrons, but they sat with their coffee and started talking.

"I had a visit from Harry and Ginny this morning," she said, taking a sip from her cup.

"I thought you might. I talked to them the day we left Hogwarts."

"You did?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, they were worried about you."

"It's nice to know that I'm thought of by so many people. I had afternoon tea with Mrs Weasley yesterday, and she asked me to lunch for today, but I thought that it would be too odd." Then she smiled as she took another sip of her coffee. "However, when Harry and Ginny took the time to turn up this morning and bully me into going to lunch, I decided to give in." She took a deep breath. "Although, he didn't seem happy I was there," and her brow darkened.

"No, I don't suppose he would be, would he?" and he shook his head, and without thinking Draco's hand scooted forward and covered hers. He realised quickly what he'd done, but he had to fight with himself to move it, and he sighed. "So what are you going to do?"

Hermione shrugged, stung when he removed his hand. "Nothing. It doesn't really change anything." She played with the spoon that had put the sugar in her coffee. "I guess in the long run I will live in sainted spinsterhood and have several fat moggies that rule my house," she said, trying to sound casual, but even she thought her voice had taken on a bitterness that was bred by nobody wanting you, and she cleared her throat.

"You're too young to resign yourself to that fate," Draco told her, but then realised that he was on very shaky ground and changed the subject. "Well, as long as you don't just accept Weaslby back without question. He doesn't have a good record in the loyalty department."

She sighed. "No, he doesn't, but how do you know that?"

He smiled and said, "Hermione, we may not have always been on the same side, but I have eyes and ears."

"Was it that obvious?"

"Yes, and you'd do well to keep him guessing until you're certain that he is offering true friendship." It stung him to even say that much, he did not want Ronald Weasley anywhere near Hermione, but he was trying to be practical.

"Oh yes, definitely. I'm not certain that I'll ever accept him back into my life with open arms."

"Good decision," Draco replied.

They continued to talk, lost in a little bubble that only contained them, and they failed to notice that the staff had cleaned up around them and that the last remaining member was now turning out the lights and generally getting ready to leave.

A cleared throat alerted them to what was happening, and when they looked around they both gasped realising exactly how dark it was outside, and Hermione started apologising profusely.

"Oh my, we're so sorry to have kept you waiting," she gasped to the one remaining employee.

"Yes, our apologies," Draco added, assisting Hermione back into her coat as they prepared to leave.

They hurried out of the shop, but Hermione stopped short. "Gosh, look at that snow," she said. The snow was falling heavily and already starting to bank up on the pavement, and she wondered how she was going to get back to Hogwarts.

Draco seemed to understand her quandary, and he rose to the occasion. "Allow me to assist you," he said.

They pulled their coats tight and quickly walked back to their apparition point, and this time Draco pulled her tightly against him—no simple offering of his arm—and he apparated her away. They landed inside the entranceway of what looked like a Victorian townhouse. "There, now you can Floo back to Hogwarts," he said, indicating a large fireplace with his free hand, since his other arm was still pulling her possessively against him.

They stood looking at one another, but finally Hermione looked away nervously. "T-Thank you for a lovely interlude, Draco," she said, stepping back against the pressure of his arm, even though it was the last thing she wanted to do.

"My pleasure," he replied. He wanted more than anything to kiss her, hell he wanted to do more than that, but he understood her resolve. He knew that if he admitted how he felt it would only lead to ruin for his family and heartache for Hermione, but he couldn't help but ask, "Or you could allow me to offer you the hospitality of my townhouse for the night."

Hermione closed her eyes momentarily, and then swallowed. The idea tickled at her brain like the true temptation that it was. She wanted to, oh how she wanted to, but she cleared her throat. "I think we both know that would not be a good idea, Draco," she stated.

He felt her pushing against his grip on her, and for once in his life he did the right thing and he let her go. It hurt him deeply, but he did it. "Of course, you are correct," he managed through his fake smile, and he watched her call her head of house, and then Floo away.

When she'd gone, he walked briskly to his drinks cabinet and poured himself a large firewhisky. He sank down onto the lounge by the fire, the grip of his knuckles white on the crystal tumbler. Then he downed the drink without a second thought and got up to pour himself another one, just as large.

He downed that too, but this time he could not settle. "It hurts," he muttered. "It hurts so bloody much," and he threw the tumbler into the fire. It smashed on the grate and he sank back down onto the lounge. "Why can I never have what I want," he said to no one in particular.

However, that was when he thought of his poor mother, freezing out in the middle of the North Sea, and he straightened a little. He was doing this for her, he owed her so much, she had suffered enough. With that thought he gathered his dignity up around him like a cloak and he wandered towards the stairs towards his bedroom.

When he'd left Andromeda's to come here before term had started, he was very certain this was where his mother would want to come once he finally managed to secure her release. She'd never want to set foot in the manor again, and he intended that she never would. He had always loved the times he and his mother had spent in this house when she'd brought him to town, and he knew that she would be safe here. Yes, he was marrying the shrew for his mother's sake, and he had to keep remembering that. Life had never been simple, but he could do this for his mum.

Meanwhile Hermione was now back in her bed, and even more convinced than ever that she could not do this. How could she work with Draco for the rest of the year without losing her mind? Every time she was near him her brain clouded over and all she wanted to do was grab him and snog him senseless. Something had to give.

xox

Hermione lay low for the remainder of the Christmas holidays, and to her surprise, when everyone returned Ron greeted her as he used to, before she'd left. There was no sign of his distant attitude to be seen.

"Hey, 'Mione. Did you have a good holiday?" he asked, sitting next to her at the start of term feast.

"Umm… I guess so," Hermione replied, shocked by this turn of events, and looking around to see where Lavender was. She couldn't see her, and she managed to ask in return, "D-Did you?"

Of course, this resulted in him reciting all his Quidditch matches from the holidays, but for some reason that was familiar and she didn't care. It was nice to have him acting like a human being again. Mind you, she was not going to just accept him, and when she made it back to her common room that night, Draco was waiting.

"What's Weaslby up to?" he asked, his arms folded across his chest.

"Hello, Draco," Hermione said, waving.

"Oh yeah, hello, Hermione," he said, giving her one of his handsome half smiles. "What's Weaslby up to?" he repeated.

Hermione's stomach did mad little somersaults at his sexy little smile, and she tried not to misconstrue his interest in what was going on. Of course, that was near impossible, because she knew he was asking because he cared about her, and he sounded as jealous as hell. "I'm not sure what he's up to, but it was nice to have him back to old Ron for a bit. Just let's see what happens."

Draco nodded. "Okay," and he flopped down into one of the chairs by the fire. "What did you do for the rest of the holidays?"

Hermione smiled slightly and sat opposite him. "More study, and I read ahead. The weather wasn't much good for anything else. You?"

"Pretty much the same. By the way, I forgot to thank you for the lovely set of crystal phials you gave me for Christmas, thank you," and his eyes flicked to her wrist and the delicate chain with the book charm on it.

Hermione smiled. "You are entirely welcome, and thank you for this," she said, holding up her hand. "It's really beautiful."

"I'm pleased you like it," he said. "I wanted to get you something that I thought was truly you."

She smiled. "Well you certainly did that," but then her eyes skittered away as his gaze became intensely focused on her.

They sat there for some minutes not focusing on one another before Pansy and Blaise let themselves in, and Hermione took the opportunity to wish them all a good night.

"Well, it's been a really long day, I'm off to bed. Good night guys," she said.

She heard their replies as she closed the door of her room. She leaned up against the door and willed herself not to cry. This was going to be one hundred times more difficult than last term had been.