Disclaimer: See the first story…

Characters: Hermione Granger and Cormac McLaggen.

Song: "Christmas in Killarney" by Bing Cosby.

Word prompt: "Um... would you not?"

"Mistletoe"

Hermione huffed a lock of hair away from her face. Why did she have to put up with Cormac McLaggen? Shouldn't he have finished his schooling ages ago? Apparently not. He was back to try to finish his finial year Hogwarts for the third time. A rarity, but he had agreed to repeat the year instead of sitting for his N.E. . She couldn't really judge since she had accepted the same opportunity that was granted to all that had been misplaced or refused their seventh-year due to the war.

Although, her decision to return to Hogwarts had caused a rift between her and, her now ex-boyfriend, Ron. The last few weeks of summer had been filled with nasty rows about her wish to finish her education and his flat refusal to come back. That had been the main reason she had to break things off with him. It had hurt her to do it. She still had deep feelings for Ron, but she wanted and needed to sit for her N.E.W.T.s and a diploma to get where she wanted in the Ministry. She didn't want to be an Auror like Ron, Harry or even Neville.

"Granger! Slow down will you. I have something to ask you." Cormac called out behind her.

"Speak of the devil," she muttered under her breathe. She contemplated picking up her pace but decided against it. After all, he did fight for the Light and had even helped in the rebuilding efforts afterwards. She could slow down, just a little, and hear him out.

"Christmas is only a month away, and I was wondering if you could do me the honor of going to Slughorn's annual Christmas party?" He must have seen her frown for he added quickly, "I promise that I will be on my best behavior, and that I won't just talk about my accomplishments like last time. No blarney. Honest."

Hermione had to fight to keep her grin from spreading when he crossed his heart. She knew she shouldn't say yes, and she knew that she shouldn't encourage him at all; but his pleading eyes reminded her of a lost puppy. She found to her dismay that she couldn't say no to him.

"Alright, yes I'll go with you."

His shout of excitement didn't surprise her, but what he did next did. He kneeled before her and exclaimed proudly that, "it'll be like Christmas in Killarney. You won't be disappointed Hermione. I swear it on old St. Nick's honor."

"Um...would you not do that?" She hissed as she pulled him back up to his feet. "People are watching."

His sly grin and wink was his only reply before he left her alone in the corridor. What had she gotten herself into, this time? She would just have to make sure that all the mistletoe sprigs in Scotland were destroyed before the Christmas Party.

Fini

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A/N: ...And now we know the rest of the story behind the great Mistletoe disappearance...

What? You don't believe me?

Okay. Okay, all kidding aside. I hadn't planned on writing Cormac and Hermione, but I just keep picturing him during the song. And, well, this happened.

Written for the iPod Shuffle Challenge.