Chapter 6: The Unavoidable
True to his word, Draco Malfoy didn't go to The Hiraeth the week after the incident. Hermione couldn't help but feel bad. It was never her intention for anyone to get hurt, but it can't be helped.
However, she wasn't going to let her thoughts about Draco and Ms. Amelia dampen her mood. It was only a few days before Christmas, after all.
Luna had been pestering her to join them on Christmas Eve. Hermione decline the offer the first time, but if there was anyone who was persistent, it was Luna.
"Please celebrate Christmas Eve with me and Blaise. We'll wear Christmas sweaters and drink hot chocolate and have tons of fun."
"I said I'll think about it."
"No," Luna said in a singsong voice. "I think I'm winning. The last time, you said you're not going. But now you say you'll think about it."
Hermione could only rolled her eyes.
"Come one, you love Christmas!" Luna exclaimed. Then she added in a soft whisper, "Especially wizarding Christmas, right? At our house, we have magical decorations. Not like the ones you have here."
Hermione loved Christmas, and it showed through her bookshop's décor. Although, Luna was right – Hermione longed to put up décor like the ones they have at Hogwarts, but in Brighton, it simply won't do.
"I'll think about it, Luna," Hermione said for finality.
Luna wrapped her arms around her friend. "I'll see you there!"
.
Hermione bought her friends presents three weeks into the holiday. She didn't want to be bothered by the Christmas rush.
So what was she doing in a clothing shop early on the 24th?
She was eyeing a beautiful emerald scarf with gold trimmings. There was no use denying it: she wanted to buy it for Malfoy.
Really, it was no big deal. Her circle has become so small in just a few years. Buying gifts for the people in her life hardly made a dent on her savings, so maybe this was why she's contemplating getting Malfoy something for Christmas.
Right?
With a sigh, Hermione picked up the scarf and asked for assistance from the staff.
.
She could just give the presents on Christmas morning. There's no need to go to Luna and Blaise' home. She's content spend the Eve inside her home, snuggling with Crookshanks while she read a book.
But they're all so wrapped nicely, she thought.
Which is why you don't need to see them tear it open on Christmas Eve.
Hermione weighed the pros and cons of going to her friends' house for hours.
Finally deciding that there's nothing better to do than mope by herself, she got up and went to find the most hideous Christmas sweater she had – one that Luna would appreciate most.
.
The floo's roar announced her arrival.
Luna emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. "Just put the presents under the tree," she said.
"At least act surprised for my pride," Hermione grumbled. She set the presents down where Luna told her to and went to help her friend prepare dinner.
"Where's Blaise?"
"Oh, he went out."
"Uhm," Hermione started, biting her lip. "I brought Malfoy a present. I'm thinking you or Blaise could just give it to him. It's just my way of trying to make up for what happened at the bookshop."
She didn't miss the sly smile on Luna's face. "You can give it to him yourself."
"What –"
"He's on his way here with Blaise!"
Author's notes: Thank you for your patience, I appreciate it so much. It's been a hectic month for me, and I'm finally getting into the groove of writing again. Let me know your thoughts!