Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Les Mis. I don't make money from this fic. Don't sue me.
Also: Spoilersfor Les Mis will be present in this chapter. If you haven't seen it you'll still be able to understand the story, you'll just have some spoilers.
Also Also: I earn my 'M' rating in this chapter with a little itty bit of almost-smut. More will likely ensue in later chapters.
December 9, 2000 London, England - Diagon Alley
Draco and Hermione were browsing the shelves of a secondhand bookstore, obviously not for lack of money, but rather because they shared a love for old books. Draco watched Hermione get lost in the leather covers, a smile playing at his lips. They'd decided to get some of their Christmas shopping done, and had come to the shop looking for something for Theo. Draco knew Hermione could browse the shelves for hours, though, and as such he fully anticipated her leaving the store with at least a couple books for herself.
Hermione had called Draco over to look at a potential gift and so Draco found himself with a hand round her waist, his chin leaning on her shoulder as she flipped through the large tome. He scanned the pages carefully, getting absorbed in the material a bit too much, as he didn't hear the bell above the door signaling someone entering the little shop. Outside of Hogwarts students, the little bookshop didn't have a lot of business normally, most people preferring to get their books new. Draco and Hermione had been the only people in the shop other than the cashier, who recognized Hermione from her many visits and had gone to work in the back, telling them to ring the bell on the desk should they need him.
Hermione, however, raised her head at the voices that came from the door.
"Why are we here again?"
"I told you, I have to find something good for Hermione for Christmas. You know this is her favorite store. You know, you didn't have to tag along, Ron." Two men turned the corner into the aisle that Draco and Hermione occupied and they stopped dead. Draco moved away from Hermione, turning towards the men, but kept a hand on her waist as Hermione looked over the two. Draco nodded at the men, making eye contact with Harry. He was determined to keep the meeting civil, as Harry was still Hermione's friend. Draco let his gaze rake over Ron, who only had eyes for Hermione. Draco felt a pang of guilt at the look on his face. He realized Ron had loved Hermione, and was probably still in love with her. Ron glanced at Draco, not with malice but with envy as he saw the hand Draco still had around her waist, then returned his attention to Hermione.
"Hermione." Ron said her name like a sigh. "You look good. Happier." Hermione smiled sadly at Ron.
"Thanks, Ron. I'm sleeping better. We've more help in the office now, so it's a bit less taxing." She explained. "How's the shop?"
"It's going well. Lots of overtime recently, preparing for Christmas Hols you know. And George keeps trying to set me up with customers. I think I have a bit more class than that." Ron said easily.
"I'd hope so, considering your demographic." Hermione chuckled.
"Exactly! Nearly all the girls are mothers or still in Hogwarts. Told George off when he abandoned me to a gaggle of them in the love potion section." Ron shuddered. Hermione laughed at that, and Ron smiled slightly.
"I miss this, Ron. Being friends. You were one of my best friends all through school, I just don't think we worked well as a couple." Hermione told him.
"I think I understand what you mean." Ron said. "Harry and Ginny were talking to me about everything a few weeks ago, and I understand why we didn't work. I just want you to know I'm sorry for everything." Ron said sincerely. He turned to Draco.
"And I heard from Harry that you patched her up after the accident. Thank you for that. I know it may not mean much, but I- don't hate you." Ron said, seemingly with some difficulty. Draco nodded, genuinely impressed.
"Well now that we've cleared the air," Harry said, clearing his throat uncomfortably, " Hermione, will you be round for Christmas? We're doing ours at Grimmauld on Christmas eve and it just wouldn't feel right if you weren't there. Malfoy would be welcome, too, since you're together." Draco smirked at that. They weren't technically an item, at least, they hadn't spoken about it, but the sentiment was still a nice one. Hermione grinned.
"Sure, Harry. We may be over later than normal, I think we were going to do our gift exchange with Theo that night, but we'll be there." Hermione said, looking to Draco for confirmation.
"Wouldn't miss it. She considers you lot family, so I figured I'd have to suffer through at least one gathering." Draco joked.
"Hope you like loud noises and potentially burnt stuffing. Ginny hasn't quite gotten down the concept of cooking." Ron retorted.
"If there's a chance of the stuffing being burnt, I'd rather just cook it myself." Draco said, in mock horror. The two men stared at him in disbelief.
"He's actually a great cook." Hermione backed, "Made us chicken marsala better than a restaurant."
"So what you're saying is that you'll be bringing the stuffing?" Harry chuckled. Hermione giggled.
"Sure, Harry. I'll even whip up a treacle tart, just for you." She beamed at him.
"You're the best, 'Mione. Now I need just one favor." Harry said. She arched her brows at him.
"I need you to leave so I can find you a present." She laughed outright and hugged both men before taking the book still in her hand, which she'd decided was a perfect book for Theo, to the register. Draco shook hands with both Ron and Harry before making sure Hermione was out of earshot.
"Back wall, third shelf from the right. Aristotle or Isaac Newton." He whispered. Harry nodded once, fully understanding. Harry clapped Draco on the back as he took his leave, returning to Hermione's side. She gave him a look but didn't press the matter.
"What do you say we head to the Leaky and grab a bite?" Draco asked, taking the bag from the cashier and offering Hermione his arm as they left the store. Draco smiled when he saw Harry heading towards the back of the store through the window.
"Sure, I'm nearly done shopping for the day, anyway." Hermione said.
The couple strolled toward the pub happily, chatting away about the presents they'd yet to buy and their plans for the holidays.
December 10, 2000 London, England -Hermione's Flat
"I still can't believe you don't use a real tree." Draco told Hermione as he hung another silver ornament on the tree. They'd decided to decorate her Christmas tree that day, since she hadn't done so yet and was feeling particularly festive. They'd done up her store-bought tree with black and silver ornaments and black ribbons which elegantly twisted lengthwise down the tree.
"My parents and I used to chop our own tree, we'd make a day of it. But they're a lot of work, and I really don't have the time to sweep the floor every day when the needles fall off." Hermione explained. Draco nodded. Real trees did get quite messy. He remembered the house elves of Hogwarts sweeping under the massive tree nearly every evening. Hermione hung her last ornament and stood back to admire their handy work.
"One last part. Would you do the honors of placing the star, Mr. Malfoy?" She grinned, picking up the silver star and handing it to Draco.
"Why, certainly, Ms. Granger. It would be my pleasure." Draco crooned. Hermione giggled and watched Draco easily lifted the star and placed it atop the tree. Hermione moved toward him, slipping her hand into his. He turned toward her, his other hand cupping her face gently as he gazed down into her eyes. He watched the light dance in her eyes, brushing a stray hair from her face.
"What exactly is this we're doing?" Hermione frowned up at him slightly.
"Falling in love." Draco responded smoothly.
"You make it sound so simple." She said, examining his face.
"When I was young, my parents took me to the theatre quite a bit, as much a display of wealth as a means of entertainment. One of my favorite shows was Les Miserables. It had everything a young boy could want: action, romance, adventure. But one line, in the last song of the show, stuck with me to this day. 'Remember the truth that once was spoken: to love another person is to see the face of God.' And I think I finally understand what that means." Draco told her.
"I always thought it was silly how fast Marius fell for Cosette." Hermione said, her eyes lighting in recognition. Draco shrugged.
"If she was half as beautiful, intelligent, and funny as you, I don't blame the man."
"Are you saying I'm the Cosette to your Marius, Draco? Because, you know, everyone else dies in that musical." Hermione said, an eyebrow raised.
"Not everyone. The Thenardiers lived." Draco protested. Hermione laughed at that.
"Yes, because that's so much better." She rolled her eyes, turning and plopping down on the couch. Draco joined her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
"Seriously, though, Hermione." Draco said, looking her over. "What are we? Potter assumed we were together yesterday, but we haven't talked about it at all."
"I really like the idea of being with you. I was just always too worried about the repercussions with Harry and the Weasleys." Hermione admitted, not meeting his eye. Draco smirked.
"So what about now, after the run in with them yesterday?" He asked, trying to get her to look at him.
"I-" Hermione blushed. "All you have to do is ask." She said finally, her face red. She curled into herself, looking very self-conscious.
"Would you be my girlfriend, Hermione?" Draco whispered in her ear. She bit her bottom lip through a grin, her brown eyes shooting up to his grey.
"I thought you'd never ask." She agreed, kissing him. Draco was shocked at first; this was the first time she had initiated the kiss. But he soon responded, meeting her enthusiasm equally. When their lips finally parted, Draco grinned at her playfully.
"You know, as much as I loved that, it wasn't really an answer." He said.
"Yes, Draco. I'd love to be your girlfriend." Hermione rolled her eyes as him.
"Well, if you're going to be snarky about it," Draco said, mock upset and doing his best to hide a smile. He made to stand, but Hermione grabbed the front of his shirt and held him in place.
"Oh shut up and kiss me." She pulled him back into a heated kiss, his hand settling on her waist comfortably. Draco revelled in her scent, taste, and proximity. He groaned as she deepened the kiss, running her tongue along bottom lip, begging for entry. He obliged, turning his body more towards her before she suddenly pulled away, standing up.
"What are you-" Draco asked, looking up at her before she smiled shyly and straddled him, her hands resting on his chest. Draco's eyes went wide, his hands automatically moving to her waist as she kissed him again, her arms wrapping around his neck. This new angle drove Draco wild, causing his pulse to race. He ran his hands up and down Hermione's back, even slipping a hand under her blouse to draw patterns on the skin there.
The kiss changed a bit when she felt his hand on her skin. It still held heat, a passion that Draco adored, but she slowed down, as though savoring him. Draco took the lead, breaking from the kiss to catch his breath before trailing tiny, fluttering kisses all along her jawline and down her neck. Hermione arched her back and Draco smiled against her skin. He loved knowing he had such a positive reaction. He looked up at her, seeing the heat he'd felt in their kiss echoed in her eyes. He kissed her forehead, rubbing her back gently.
"I think that's as far as we should go for now, little girl." Draco said, his voice gravelly. Hermione pouted a bit, but Draco continued. "I want our first time to be really special. Not on your couch in the heat of a moment." He murmured against her collarbone. Hermione nodded, understanding.
"Draco, would you stay with me tonight?" She asked suddenly. "I slept so much better that night at Theo's. I think it would help." Draco smiled at her.
"Of course. But we'll just be sleeping." Draco said, giving her a look.
"Well, I love cuddling with you anyway. I'll take what I can get." She hopped up, giving him one last peck on the lips before wandering into the kitchen to find something to snack on. Draco watched her go, shaking his head and grinning to himself. She was something else.